The Official 8th Maxim 2014 NFL Mock Draft

The draft order will be as follows. The second round will be posted as we near the end of the first. You will have the same teams, but we will be missing Washington and Indianapolis in Round 1. Groves also has Washington and MaconVol has Indianapolis with picks starting in the second. Please use the other stickied thread for discussion and keep this to picks and write-ups only.


1. Houston Texans - tankervol - Jadaveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
2. St. Louis Rams - justingroves - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - utvol0427 - Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
4. Cleveland Browns - MaconVol - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
5. Oakland Raiders - IP - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
6. Atlanta Falcons - GahLee Anthony Barr, OLB/DE, UCLA
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - emainvol Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
8. Minnesota Vikings - woodshed Justin Gilbert, DB, Oklahoma St.
9. Buffalo Bills - emainvol Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
10. Detroit Lions - OrangeEmpire Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
11. Tennessee Titans - NYYVol Kony Ealy DE Missouri
12. New York Giants - woodshed Taylor Lewan OT Michigan
13. St. Louis Rams - justingroves Darqueze Dannard CB Michigan State
14. Chicago Bears - OrangeEmpire Timmy Jernigan DT Florida State
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - justingroves Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix Safety Alabama
16. Dallas Cowboys - GahLee Aaron Donald DT Pittsburgh
17. Baltimore Ravens - tankervol Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
18. New York Jets - NYYVol Marqise Lee, WR, USC
19. Miami Dolphins - utvol0427 Zach Martin, OL, Notre Dame
20. Arizona Cardinals - The Dooz Dee Ford, DE, Auburn

21. Green Bay Packers - MaconVol CJ Moseley LB Alabama
22. Philadelphia Eagles - volfanjo Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
23. Kansas City Chiefs - govols182 Odell Beckham Jr WR LSU
24. Cincinnati Bengals - NYYVol Jason Verrett, CB -TCU
25. San Diego Chargers - volfanjo
26. Cleveland Browns - MaconVol
27. New Orleans Saints - DickHuffman
28. Carolina Panthers - emainvol
29. New England Patriots - DickHuffman
30. San Francisco 49ers - The Dooz
31. Denver Broncos - IP
32. Seattle Seahawks - govols182

 

Pick #1 - Houston Texans

Team Needs: QB, OT, S, DT

The Houston Texans are again holding the #1 pick in the NFL Draft. They are no stranger to drafting at the top, as they have chosen #1 overall twice in team history. The organizations first ever draft choice, quarterback David Carr, was drafted #1 back in 2002. In 2006, the Houston Texans again held the #1 overall pick, and decided to surprise everyone and choose DE Mario Williams. This year, they will have to decide between the #1 player on everyone's big board (Clowney) or fill a huge need with one of the three top quarterbacks in this year's draft. Bill O'Brien has his work cut out for him in his first ever NFL Head Coaching position, and the difficult decisions begin in May.

The Pick:

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Although defensive end is not necessarily a need for the Houston Texans, Clowney's potential is too good to pass on. In Clowney, you are getting the best defensive player to come into the NFL in years. While the most glaring need for this team is QB, all of the top 3 have serious question marks on their NFL potential. When you draft #1, you can't afford to miss. And with Jadeveon Clowney, you can't miss.

 

Pick #2 - St Louis Rams

Team needs: OT, OG, CB, WR


The St Louis Rams have two first round picks for the 2nd consecutive year, thanks to the fleecing of the Washington Redskins. They selected Tavon Austin and Alec Ogletree in the first round last season. Ogletree looks to be a future star and Austin turned in some impressive games towards the end of the season. Fifth rounder Zac Stacy finished the season as the starting running back. They still need help at wide receiver, but I doubt they use two top 10 picks on receivers with a mediocre quarterback like Sam Bradford under center. Head coach Jeff Fisher believes in a powerful run game and a stout defense. They have a rising star in Robert Quinn and a steady veteran in Chris Long. This is a young team on the rise, unfortunately they play in the best division in professional football.

The Pick:

Jake Matthews Tackle TAMU

The offensive line lacks a sure fire right tackle. They signed Jake Long last year, he got hurt and guys from Montana State, Vandy and Indiana tried to fill in. It didn't work out too well. In Jake, they get a guy that can play from day one on the right side before eventually taking over for Long. Also, Fisher played with (at USC) and coached his father Bruce Matthews, an NFL Hall of Famer. Greg Robinson may have a higher ceiling, but Fisher knows what he's getting with a tackle with the last name of Matthews.

 

Pick #3 - Jacksonville Jaguars

Team needs: QB, DE/LB, OG, C


The lowly Jaguars are in a spot where they need help all over the field. Starting on offense, the most glaring hole is at quarter back, where Blaine Gabbert has proven to be a bust and Chad Henne is nothing more than a serviceable back-up. Many people also expect the Jaguars to lose MJD to free agency, leaving a hole at running back. They do have some talent at receiver in Ace Sanders, Cecil Shorts, and Justin Blackmon, but Blackmon is less than reliable after having a couple of issues with the league's substance abuse policy. On the offensive line, they used the second overall pick in last years draft to select a franchise tackle in Luke Joeckel, but have holes at both center and guard. On defense, they have a couple of decent players in Marks, Babin, and Posluszny, but lack a true playmaker on that side of the ball.

The Pick:

Khalil Mack, University of Buffalo

While many expect the Jaguars to take a quarterback with this pick, I don't feel that there are any quarterbacks in the draft worthy of a top three selection. Bridgewater, Manziel, and Bortles all have a high ceiling, but also have some big question marks. With this pick, Jacksonville is better served to take one of the best players available and attempt to find a quarterback in a later round. After posting 327 tackles, 75 TFLs, and 28.5 sacks in his four seasons at Buffalo and a strong showing at the combine, Mack has become a one of the most highly sought after defensive prospects in the draft. With the ability to line up at any of the three linebacker positions and to have a Von Miller like effect on passing downs, Mack gives Jacksonville the superstar that they need on the defensive side of the ball.

 

Pick #4- Cleveland Browns

Team needs- Everything but specifically QB, RB, OG

The Cleveland Browns are to the NFL what Kentucky football is to the SEC. An embarrassment. Perhaps only rivaling the Raiders in terms of crapshoot management over the last few seasons, the Browns are in the doghouse with their fans as they have been for years. The Browns have several things wrong in their organization, and it starts at the top, with Pilot Jimmy, who has about as much business owning an NFL team as Vince McMahon had starting the XFL.
Now, on to the team, I will be very surprised if this selection is anything other than a quarterback. The Browns are in desperate need for a RB as well, but you can get a good back at almost anytime in the draft, and I predict they will be very careful with their selection of a running back after the failed Trent Richardson experiment. Without doing research, I seriously cannot name you but like 3 players off of the Browns, so on to the pick.

The Pick:


With the 4th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns select Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

What better way to try and resurrect any hopes of playing winning football in Cleveland than drafting the guy who has given Nick Saban more gray hairs the last two seasons than anybody he has ever had to coach against. Johnny football's athleticism and arm strength is uncanny. It's the off the field measurables you worry about with him, as well as how well his game will translate to the NFL. For a team that desperately needs playmakers and national media attention, Johnny Manziel is the best choice to fit that mold. He might not like Cleveland, but if he lived in College Station, he can survive Cleveland.

 

Pick #5- Oakland Raiders

Team needs- QB, WR, OT, Defense of all kinds

The Raiders are right there with the Browns in Jaguars, in terms of being in a deep hole with no guaranteed route to navigate their way back into the sunlight. I don't need to recount the many, many bizarre personnel decisions that the franchise have made over the last decade. The story of bringing in Flynn at some cost only to get rid of him in favor of two longer projects at QB sort of tells it all. It doesn't help that the AFC West has become the toughest division in the conference, or that this year they must play the NFC West as well. If ever the Raiders are going to climb out of this, they have to stop gambling QB's in the first round and start building a solid team through the draft. Doing so will free up money to shore things up through free agency in the future. If they draft well, this will also have the happy side effect of there not being more holes in their roster than can be plugged as well. Their focus should be on quality, value picks that can become cornerstones of the future.

The Pick:


If I had the option, I would have traded this pick for a 2nd round and an additional later round pick. This is a deep draft, but at the Raiders' positions of need there are no clear front runners (now that Clowney is off the board).

That being said, with the 5th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders select Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn.

Robinson is one of the two elite offensive tackles in this draft, and is as close to a "sure thing" as there is after Clowney. Robinson consistently won the line of scrimmage against SEC competition, and has serious size that indicates this dominance will transfer to the league. He was also the second fastest lineman at the combine at 330 lbs, which shows you he is a freak athlete. Oakland's offensive line was inconsistent and plagued with depth issues last year. Robinson addresses that, and paves the way for having the security necessary to develop QB's there in the future. There is no sense in using another first round pick on a QB with "potential" without having a platform for him to succeed on.

But we all know the Raiders will really pick a QB.

 

Pick #6-Atlanta Falcons

Team Needs-Defense, RB, TE

The Atlanta Falcons suffered through a dismal 4-12 season in 2013 and the list of reasons are rather long. Julio Jones, their all-world WR suffered a season-ending injury after just 5 games. Roddy White, who had accumulated 6 consecutive season of 80+ catches and 1,000+ yards was hampered all year long by injuries and while he still had over 60 catches and 700+ yards, he never looked close to 100%. Then there is Steven Jackson, you know the guy they replaced Michael Turner with? He had an astounding season, averaging 3.5 yards a carry. All of this left Matt Ryan with little to no help, which exposed the OL and left Matt Ryan starring at the Georgia Dome ceiling more than he or Arthur Blank would care to ever see again. Defensively the Falcons allowed 443 points and over 2,000 yards rushing. Their best pass rusher is Osi Umenyiora, who is 32 years old. Asante Samuel's best days are behind him and there isn't much in the way of depth on the DL or the secondary. Help is needed just about everywhere.

The Pick:

Anthony Barr, OLB/DE, UCLA

At 6'4 250 lbs (and room to grow) he's got the size and the speed (4.66 40-yard dash) to make an immediate impact for a defensive line that struggled to get a constant rush at the opposing QB. Barr is new to the position having been a RB in high school. In just two years at the position he had 23.5 sacks and over 40 TFL. He still work to do as a run defender but he's stout enough to play either strong side DE and plenty quick enough to play stand-up OLB. Either way, he adds an instant spark to a rather lifeless group of defenders.

 

Pick #7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Team needs - DE, OT, TE

The Bucs had a tough season that could have been markedly better if not for some close losses and key injuries (Doug Martin). There is some talent on the team, but they could improve in multiple areas. A good edge rusher, a dominating tackle, and a franchise QB are things that could make anyone better. However, in a deep draft with the best pass rusher and two best tackles gone by pick 7, focusing on giving Mike Glennon all the tools to put up points in a potentially loaded offensive division may be the early focus. That is especially true considering the question marks surrounding the top QBs in 2014, with no immediate signal calling help likely to emerge this year

The Pick:

Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

If a new QB is not rolling into town, the guy in the role should at least be given a chance to prove his mettle. What better way to do that than to give him another weapon? Vincent Jackson and Sammy Watkins will give other defenses, who will also have to focus on stopping an emerging star in Martin, fits in trying to defend the pass. Watkins can do it all, with a great mix of size, speed, and route running ability. It is easy to look at the talent he possesses and imagine an instant game changer, much like another rookie phenom receiver in the NFC South. He may even help turn Mike Glennon into a serviceable NFL QB.

 

Pick # 8 Minnesota Vikings

Team needs - CB,DL,QB

The Pick:

Justin Gilbert,CB, Oklahoma St.

 

Pick #9 Buffalo Bills

Team Needs - TE, OT, ILB, DB (?)

The Bills looked like a team on the rise last year at times, and completely lost at others. Part of that can certainly be blamed on a continued awful QB situation, but EJ Manuel showed some flashes of brilliance despite being an obvious work in progress. They certainly need someone to play alongside the stellar Kiki Alonso and shore up an awful run defense, and the defensive backfield could take a step back from a decent season if Jairus Byrd doesn't to resign after the Bills refused to apply the franchise tag to Pro Bowl safety. Still, I get the feeling that the franchise is on the right track for the first time in a long time.

The Pick:

Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

What do some of the NFL's most successful teams have in common? Ultra-athletic playmakers at the tight end position. Ebron can be the next in a recent surge of star TEs. As offenses turn more toward the passing game, having a big, agile TE with the speed to get open and even rack up some big YAC numbers can be the last piece to turn a decent offense into an elite one. Further, if there is one thing ever young QB needs to find early success, it's a reliable TE to bail him out when other options are covered and catch balls over smaller defensive players in the end zone. Ebron can do all of this, and is a better blocker than most realize. Like many teams in this part of the draft, finding very good defensive players amongst the embarrassment of riches that is the 2014 draft pool seems a given. Finding talent like this at the TE position later in the draft that can plug instantly into a young offense isn't.

 

The Detroit Lions Pick #10

Positions that I will not draft in the first round include the following: Offensive tackle, kicker, punter, quarterback, running back and tight end.

The Lions have glaring needs at wide receiver corner and safety. Depending on what shakes out in free agency, could have starting spots open at tight end.

Before any one starts screaming Matt Millen, the most glaring need on the team may be help at the wide receiver position.

The Pick


The Detroit Lions select Mike Evans



No huge layout need, Evans is a weapon.

 

Pick #11- Tennessee Oiler-Titans- Kony Ealy- DE- Missouri

Team Needs- S, DE, QB, OT

The Titans have needs across the board, and the elephant in the room would have to be Jake Locker. Locker will be entering his 4th season in Nashville, yet has only played in 23 games. The jury is still out on Locker as to whether he can be the long-term signal caller for the Titans. With this in mind, a more talented QB class would possibly make it very enticing to go after a QB. However, there doesn’t seem to be a QB available that has separated himself above the pack. A selection of an unproven QB could end whatever is left of Locker’s psyche. It is in my belief that the most blaring weakness on this team is an elite pass rusher. With an ever changing league that has become Arena League 2.0 with the gun-slinging mentality, a defensive presence that can get to the QB is imperative. The Titans two best options would be Khalil Mack, and Anthony Barr. With Mack and Barr already selected, the Titans will have to decide on going with a more raw option at DE in Kony Ealy or leaning towards another need in a safety. Ha-Ha Clinton Dix and Calvin Pryor both could be options. Ultimately, the Titans will go with Ealy. At this time Ealy is a bit raw and more of a pass rusher than a defender. However at 6’4” and 273lbs, his athleticism will surely be a great start for the Titans coaching staff.

 

Pick # 12 New York Giants

Team needs : OL,CB, WR, DE

The Giants suffered through another losing season in 2013 with a 7-9 record. Much of the blame lies on the lackluster running game. It's no secret the Giants OL is agingand needs some youth. Eli Manning struggled last year and may need some new weapons at WR. New York may find a RB through free agency, most believe they will draft a RB in the later rounds.

The Pick: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Lewan is a mammoth of a man, standing 6'7" and weighing 308 pounds. He showed great promise handling J. Clowney in the bowl game. This pick is the shot in the arm this OL needs, as Lewan is expected to be a right tackle. He shined in the combine running a 4.87 40. If he improves his footwork and technique, he is projected to be a pro bowl tackle for many years.

 

Pick # 13 St Louis Rams

Team needs: OL CB OL

The Rams are basking in Daniel Snyder's stupidity. They've nabbed a franchise tackle and can get another immediate contributor.

The pick: Darqueze Dennard cb Michigan State

The Rams released a fiesty under sized over the hill corner in Cortland Finnegan. Dennard locked down half the field for Sparty in coverage and is a great run defender. Fisher loves physical corners and he gets arguably the best one available here

 

The Chicago Bears Pick #14

Team Needs-An entire overhaul on defense

No way around it, the Bears defense is on par with the Notre Dame defense of the 2000's. The groundskeepers at Soldier Field should take tips from the Notre Dame folks and level the grass off at an even 6.5 inches.

The formula for football is simple, control the line of scrimmage.



Timmy Jernigan DT Florida State



Of the available defensive tackles in the draft, Jernigan's skill set mixes the best with what the Bears want to do on defense.

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers #15

Team needs: Defensive Backs; wr; ol

The Steelers are an old football team. They need help in the secondary, where Polamalu is getting old and they do not have a reliable second corner. The ol stayed beat up last year and even at full strength they were not very good.

The pick: Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix

The Steelers get a great safety to pair with Polamalu. Ha-Ha was at times overshadowed at Alabama but the guy's a consistent play maker

 

Pick#16-Dallas Cowboys

Team Needs-Defense,Defense,Defense

Another year, another 8-8 record. Offensively the Cowboys have enough pieces to be a good team, the play-calling is too reliant on Tony Romo but the talent is there. Defensively Dallas is a mess. They need help at every position. None more vital than in the middle. Giving up over 6,600 yards and over 2,000 on the ground.

The Pick-Aaron Donald-DT-Pittsburgh

He's a bit undersized by today's standards but Donald was a one man wrecking crew while at Pittsburgh. Scouts love his burst off the ball. He also uses his lack of height to get great leverage. He's got to improve on his technique and get better at shedding the initial contact but he's the best available interior lineman left on the board and while Dallas is in need of help all over the field, their biggest need is at DT.

 

Pick #17 - Baltimore Ravens

Team Needs: OL, WR, TE

If the draft were to somehow play out with Bridgewater and Bortles still on the board, Baltimore would be a candidate to trade down. It's necessary for the Ravens to upgrade their offense. Ray Rice looks as if he's lost a step (and gained a few punches), tackles Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher both may not return, and Flacco could use more weapons on the outside. There are many directions they could go here, but one position in particular stands out.

The Pick:

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

I'll never understand why Baltimore gave Joe Flacco the contract that they did. However, if you are going to write that check, you need to protect your investment. As mentioned earlier, with both Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher potentially playing elsewhere next year, this team NEEDS to draft a replacement. While there have been some concerns about the knee of Kouandjio, Dr. James Andrews recently sent every NFL team about his true medical history, which according to Dr. Andrews, is normal wear and tear for an offensive lineman of his size. If he proves to be healthy, Kouandjio has the potential of a perennial Pro-Bowler.

 

Pickl #18 New York Jets

Team Needs: WR, TE, LB, QB

The skill positions are a blaring weakness for this franchise to this day. In fact, looking back on the last few years the only memories that come to mind are a butt fumble and a foot fetish. With an unproven young QB at the helm, it is imperative that the front office gets Geno Smith some help. The most important positions of need would be a playmaking WR or a TE that can stretch the field.

The Pick:

Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Marqise has the raw ability that is needed to be an NFL-caliber receiver. His route running ability has always been one of his strongest accolades. Although his intangibles may not be very eye popping at first glance, 6'0" 192 lbs 4.52 60 yard dash, he has been noted by many scouts to be a sure fire first round pick. He's also been called "fluid" as well as "the second best option at wide receiver" in this draft. The Jets can most assuredly hope that he can bring a much needed option to the table for Geno Smith.

 

Pick #19 - Miami Dolphins

Team needs: OL, DT, RB, DB


The Dolphins had another mediocre season in 2013 that was overshadowed by the Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito soap opera. With Martin moving on to San Francisco and Incognito beating up Ferraris, the Dolphins have an immediate need on the offensive line. With a young quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, shoring up the deficiencies on the offensive line will be a top priority.

The Pick:

Zack Martin, Notre Dame

Zack Martin, no relation to Jonathan Martin, is the logical choice for the Dolphins at this pick. Due to his smaller frame, most people expect Martin to play guard in the NFL, but with experience at tackle he could play outside as well. In the wake of the Martin/Incognito fiasco, Zack Martin is a safe pick for Miami that provides immediate help at a position of need.