2014 Expert NFL Mock Draft, AFC Team-Team Picks

By Vincent Frank on Monday, March 10th 2014
2014 Expert NFL Mock Draft, AFC Team-Team Picks

Over the weekend, eDraft came out with a three-round expert mock that was conducted by head editor Vincent Frank and NFL draft analyst Ryan Ratty. Here are the team-team picks and analysis from that mock draft. 

 

Denver Broncos

First Round, 31st Pick: Ryan Shazier, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State

After statiscally being the best offense in the history of the NFL, the Broncos were shut down on the grandest stage. To get back to where they want to be, the Broncos need to do some upgrading across the defense. They may not be able to re-signWesley Woodyard, so they should go after a linebacker early in the draft. Also, Shazier has the ability to play all over the place on a hybrid type of defense.

Second Round, 63rd Pick: Keith McGill, Cornerback, Utah

The Broncos saw how important it was to have tall and physical cornerbacks in the Super Bowl. Denver could emulate the Seahawks’ secondary by drafting a tall cornerback. McGill is the tallest one in the draft. He is raw, but he has drawn comparisons to Brandon Browner.

Third Round, 95th Pick: Kareem Martin, Defensive End, North Carolina

Martin has a long frame, but he is extremely raw. If a team can untap his potential, Martin will have a long future in the NFL. The Broncos could use another pass rusher to help out Von Miller, and Martin could be that player.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

First Round, 23rd Pick: Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver, Florida State

The need for a receiver opposite of Dwayne Bowe is clear. Alex Smith is an accurate quarterback who could put the ball up high for the Benjamin. In my opinion, there isn’t a receiver in this class that is better at bringing down jump-balls than Benjamin.

Third Round, 87th Pick: Coly Lyerla, Tight End, Oregon

To add another weapon on offense, the Chiefs should look to add a dynamic player like Lyerla. He impressed a ton of people at the NFL Scouting Combine, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see the troubled Oregon Duck to go in the third. 

 

San Diego Chargers

First Round, 25th Pick: Jason Verrett, Cornerback, Texas Christian

The Chargers need a cornerback who can shut down receivers. Verrett is small, but there is reasoning for him to go to San Diego. Verrett could cover Wes Welker all across the field in the AFC West. He has the athletic ability to be a playmaker in the NFL as well. Don’t count out small secondary players… look at what Tyrann Mathieu did last year for the Cardinals.

Second Round, 57th Pick: Scott Crichton, Defensive End, Oregon State

Crichton has been undervalued so far at the draft process. He has the ability to play in both fronts, and he has a good size/speed combination. Crichton will make an impact quick in the NFL.

Third Round, 89th Pick: Dakota Dozier, Offensive Guard, Furman

Dozier is a small-school prospect that has made a name for himself in the pre-draft process. The Chargers could use some improvements across their offensive line, and Dozier would be a good fit next to D.J. Fluker.

 

Oakland Raiders

First Round, Fifth Pick: Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson

The wide receiver situation in Oakland doesn’t look that good. Denarius Moore is a decent receiver, but he should definitely not be the first option in that offense. Raiders benefit greatly with Watkins falling to their pick.

Second Round, 36th Pick: Lamarcus Joyner, Defensive Back, Florida State

What a coup this would be for the Raiders. We have Joyner as a top-25 prospect on our big board. He compares very well toTyrann Mathieu who was amazing with the Arizona Cardinals as a rookie. Oakland could line him up in the slot and even have him take some snaps at free safety. A pure playmaker in every way. 

Third Round, 67th Pick: Zach Mettenberger, Quarterback, Louisiana State

After passing on a quarterback for two rounds, the Raiders finally take a quarterback in the third round. One anonymous general manager has said that Mettenberger is the best quarterback in the draft. He could have been a first round pick if it weren’t for his ACL injury at the end of the season.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

First Round, 24th Pick: C.J. Mosley, Linebacker, Alabama

We already know that the Bengals go value over need in the draft and it's worked out well for them over the past few seasons. In Mosely, they get both value and need. A top-10 player on our big board and an immediate starter, he'd be a monster lining up with Vontaze Burfict at linebacker in Cincinnati. 

Second Round, 55th Pick: Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver, Penn State

The Bengals need a receiver that could take pressure off of A.J. Green. Many thought it would be Mohammed Sanu to do that, but he was nowhere to be seen in 2013. Robinson had a good college career at Penn State. He is a decently-sized body who has good hands. The Bengals get a steal here.

Third Round, 88th Pick: Jackson Jeffcoat, Defensive End, Texas

Another pass-rush threat in Cincinnati's front seven, Jeffcoat will need to add some bulk to be considered a three-down 4-3 defensive end, but the upside is nearly unmatched outside of the first round

 

Baltimore Ravens

First Round, 17th Pick: Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

It’s pretty clear that Marlon Brown and Jacoby Jones aren’t a good fit opposite of Torrey Smith. Evans is a big-body who has a wide catch-radius. Flacco could use a player like Evans. He has potential to become an elite receiver in the NFL.

Second Round, 48th Pick: Bishop Sankey, Running Back, Washington

There is no telling whether Ray Rice will be back in a Ravens' uniform. Even if he does return, his days are limited in Baltimore. Bernard Pierce is a decent running back, but he's not going to be a star in the NFL. Sankey is our consensus No. 1 running back in the draft and it's really not that close. 

Third Round, 79th Pick: Cyrus Kouandjio, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

A month ago, many target Kouandjio to the Ravens in the middle of the first round. But after his woeful combine and his arthritic knee, the left tackle will see a long slide. Ozzie Newsome is a great general manager, and he would be willing to take a risk on this prospect.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

First Round, 15th Pick: Louis Nix III, Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame

Although he had a major knee surgery, Nix III is a good fit for the Steelers. He can take over along the interior of Pittsbugh's defensive line and help anchor a dominant run defense. In short, this is a combination of need and value here. 

Second Round, 46th Pick: Ed Reynolds, Safety, Stanford

A pure free safety at the next level, Reynold is going to be one of the best cover guys out of this draft three years from now. Pittsburgh can team him up with Shamarko Thomas to create a solid young tandem once Ryan Clark and Troy P. are done. 

 

Cleveland Browns

First Round, Fourth Pick: Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville

Finally, Cleveland spends a top-10 pick on the all-important quarterback position. If Blake Bortles goes No. 1, which we mocked here, there is no possible way that the Browns can pass up on the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the draft. Despite concerns about his frame, Teddy has franchise quarterback written all over him. 

First Round, 26th Pick: Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver, Oregon State

It's become a necessity for the Browns to build up their skill positions on offense. If they are able to add Cooks, one of the fastest risers in the draft, to a group that already included Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon, Bridgewater will have what he needs to be successful out of the gate

Second Round, 35th Pick: Kyle Van Noy, Linebacker, BYU

Kyle Van Noy is one of my favorite players in college football. He is an instinctive linebacker that could also cover tight ends across the middle. With the release of D’Qwell Jackson, the Browns could use a guy that has a ton of experience at reading plays.

Third Round, 71st Pick: Carlos Hyde, Running Back, Ohio State

He is not my favorite running back in this draft, but I believe the Ohio connection between the Browns and Hyde is too good to pass up on. He is a power back who would fit well next to Teddy Bridgewater. Hyde would also be an immediate starter in Cleveland.

Third Round, 83rd Pick: Trevor Reilly, Defensive End, Utah 

The Browns have to continue to add pieces to their defense. Reilly has nice measurables, and he shows the ability on tape to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. He is very raw, but Reilly has a chance to pan out at the next level.

 

Indianapolis Colts

Second Round, 59th Pick: Martavis Bryant, Wide Receiver, Clemson

Martavis Bryant is gaining draft stock at the right time. He is tall and quick. Not many focused on Bryant when watching Clemson’s offense last year as Sammy Watkins stole the show. But, Bryant has a future in the NFL if he is in the right system. With the Colts, Bryant could take some pressure off of T.Y. Hilton.

Third Round, 90th Pick: Michael Sam, Defensive End/Linebacker, Missouri

A tweener as I call him, Sam doesn't necessarily have a natural position. He's going to be a pass-rush specialist with both his hands up and his hands down at the next level. A perfect fit for Indy's hybrid 3-4 based defensive front. 

 

Tennessee Titans

First Round, 11th Pick: Kony Ealy, Defensive End, Missouri

Ealy is possibly the most raw prospect in this draft. He shows the ability to produce in the 4-3 scheme and in the 3-4 scheme. He has long arms, and he impressed some people with his fast cone drill. The Titans could use another pass rusher to help out Jurrell Casey, and Ealy could be that guy.

Second Round, 42nd Pick: Pierre Desir, Cornerback, Lindenwood

have flirted with mocking Desir in the first round. No matter the level of competition he went up in college, Desir is going to be an absolute stud at the next level. He has all the makings of a shutdown cornerback with elite ball skills and an uncanny technique that rivals any other defensive back in the draft. I wouldn't be surprised to see him playing at a Pro Bowl level early in his career. Even if the Titans are able to retain Alterraun Verner, unlikely, they need another starter-calibur corner. 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

First Round, Third Pick: Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina

Head coach Gus Bradley is a defensive guy, so I don’t see Jacksonville skipping the best defensive prospect in the past few years for a quarterback. Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Manziel could be an option here too, but Clowney could be too much to pass up on.

Second Round, 39th Pick: Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback, Eastern Illinois

After getting Clowney in the first, it is a must that the Jaguars draft a quarterback. There hasn’t been one quarterback that has moved up draft boards more than Garoppolo. Coming from Eastern Illinois, Garoppolo broke all of Tony Romo’s stats in college. He has the size that coaches love, and he has a pretty fast release as well.

Third Round, 70th Pick: Louchiez Purifoy, Cornerback, Florida

Purifoy was considered Florida's best defensive back prospect heading into the 2013 season. Much like a majority of Gator' players, he struggled a great deal. Still talented, he's taken a major fall down the draft board. Jacksonville keeps the enigmatic prospect in Florida and goes with upside over production in the third round. 

 

Houston Texans

First Round, First Pick: Blake Bortles, Quarterback, Central Florida

Rumor is that the Texans may be picking Clowney here, but I’m not buying into that smokescreen. The need for a cornerback is here, and the Texans should benefit with Bortles. He has a strong arm, and he will be well-groomed under Bill O’Brien.

Second Round, 33rd Pick: Morgan Moses, Offensive Tackle, Wes Virginia

After getting their quarterback, the Texans should look to draft an athletic tackle to patrol Bortles’ blindside. Moses is athletic as any, and Duane Brown is aging by the minute. The biggest problem here is that Moses could very well get picked late in the first round by a team that needs help across the offensive line.

Third Round, 65th Pick: Dominique Easley, Defensive Tackle, Florida

This pick is clearly based off best player avai;able. Easley is easily a top-15 talent, but he has had three ACL surgeries. If he can stay healthy, he will be in the Pro Bowl one day.

 

New England Patriots

First Round, 29th Pick: Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas Tech

After having the best tight end tandem in basically the history of the NFL, the Patriots lacked contributors at this position. Rob Gronkowski is great, but it seems like he is never healthy. Also, we all know what happened to Aaron Hernandez. Amaro could come in and start until Gronkowski comes back from his injuries. Amaro would give Tom Brady another weapon to work with.

Second Round, 62nd Pick: Stephon Tuitt, Defensive Line, Notre Dame

What a steal this would be. Tuitt can play both inside and outside in the Patriots' hybrid defensive scheme. He's more than a stuck in the mid a long the defensive line. Equally as good getting to the quarterback as stopping the run, this Golden Domer drops because of injury concerns. 

Third Round, 93rd Pick: Daniel McCullers, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee

Daniel McCullers would be a perfect fit for the Patriots. He has a mammoth size at 6’8” and 350 pounds. McCullers got by in college by using his weight to overpower offensive linemen. He needs to do a better job of using his hands. Also, McCullers could learn from a similar player in Vince Wilfork.

 

Miami Dolphins

First Round, 19th Pick: Zack Martin, Offensive Line, Notre Dame

With the news of Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, I have had Zack Martin mocked here in almost all of my drafts. The Notre Dame product has the rare ability to play guard or tackle. That skill will be of great use for the Dolphins.

Second Round, 50th Pick: Gabe Jackson, Guard, Mississippi State

After going tackle with Martin in the first round, we double down on the Dolphins' offensive line here. Neither Richie Incognito nor Jonathan Martin are going to be back in 2014. This means that the Dolphins are going to have to replace two of their better offensive linemen. Jackson is a massive presence along the interior of the offensive line and is a Day 1 starter. 

Third Round, 81st Pick: Paul Richardson, Wide Receiver, Colorado 

The clock is ticking on Ryan Tannehill. He needs another weapon other than Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline. Richardson has been lost in a deep receiver class, but he has potential to be a good player in the NFL.

 

New York Jets

First Round, 18th Pick: Odell Beckham Jr, Wide Receiver, LSU

couldn't care less that Geno Smith struggled big time as a rookie. Put any young quarterback into that situation and he won't be successful. Instead of attempting to replace Smith after just one season, the Jets need to give him the necessary weapons to make an impact. Beckham Jr. is a fast riser in the draftnik community and has untapped potential. 

Second Round, 49th Pick: Trent Murphy, Defensive End, Stanford

Trent Murphy is one of the most interesting players in this draft because he has been mocked in the first round and he has been mocked as low as the third round. He doesn’t have a natural position, but he has good experience from college in the PAC-12.

Third Round, 69th Pick: Jeremiah Attaochu, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech

Attaochu is another player that has been mocked in the early rounds. I think Attaochu will be a perfect fit in a 3-4 scheme. I have had him going to the Saints in multiple rounds, but the Jets could benefit greatly with Attaochu. He is the best defensive player available at this point, and we all know Rex Ryan loves his pass rushers.

Third Round, 80th Pick: Tre Mason, Running Back, Auburn

Mason is one of those player who splits the draftnik community. Some see tremendous upside, while others aren't floored with what they view on tape. I come somwhere in between. He has the field vision and cutback ability to be a solid starting running back. Though, Mason definitely lacks the power to go downhill. Could be a steal here for the running back needy Jets. 

 

Buffalo Bills

First Round, Ninth Pick: Eric Ebron, Tight End, North Carolina

Ebron is an intriguing player because he has a wide receiver skillset in a tight end’s body. The Bills need weapons, and they would get just that in Ebron. The North Carolina product would give quarterback E.J. Manuel another dimension to a young offense.

Second Round, 41st Pick: David Yankey, Guard, Stanford

The Bills could use some upgrades across the offensive line. It would be a nice fit for the Bills to draft Yankey as he is a Stanford product. Yankey could open up holes for C.J. Mosley and give time for Manuel in the passing game.

Third Round, 73rd Pick: Terrance Brooks, Safety, Florida State

After the news of Jairus Byrd, the Bills need a free safety. On one of the best defenses in college football, Brooks was a big-time player. He is a little small, but he is excellent in pass coverage. He is also one of the toughest players in this class.

 

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