Below is an updated 2014 NFL Mock draft. The draft order was pulled from an article put together by edraft’s Blake Meek. In this article, Meek looks at the developments throughout the preseason and predicts the potential draft order.

1. New York Jets- Marqise Lee, Wide Receiver, USC

It’s a stretch to say that Marqise Lee is worthy of the No. 1 overall pick, but he’s the one player who could have an immediate impact for the New York Jets. After investing in Geno Smith, the Jets need to make sure he’s surrounded by top-notch weapons.

Lee is a smooth route-runner who shows good leadership and a great motor. He isn’t afraid to go across the middle or play through contact.

Landing the No. 1 pick could provide the Jets with an opportunity for a trade. They don’t need Jadeveon Clowney after drafting Muhammad Wilkerson, Quinton Coples and Sheldon Richardson over the past three drafts.

2. Oakland Raiders- Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina

The Oakland Raiders have so many needs that they should head into the draft focusing on adding the best player available. Jadeveon Clowney is the top prospect in this draft and will have an immediate impact.

Teddy Bridgewater is also a possibility here, but it might not make sense to subject a young quarterback to the struggles ahead. I’m of the belief that teams should build from the inside out unless there’s a clear-cut franchise quarterback available. At this point, Bridgewater needs to show major improvement to reach that category.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Aaron Lynch, Defensive End, South Florida

Look for Aaron Lynch to quickly shoot up draft boards this year. Before sitting out a season due to transfer rules, Lynch showed elite athleticism and a knack for generating pressure on the quarterback.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are run by a defensive-minded head coach in Gus Bradley who would love a pass-rusher like Lynch. Adding someone like Lynch will help Bradley bring his defense one step closer to a dominate unit.

Teddy Bridgewater is again an option at this spot. However, this draft has several second-round prospects who could be a better fit. If you can’t tell, I’m not completely sold on Bridgewater.

4. Arizona Cardinals- Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, Michigan

Levi Brown has showed during the preseason that he’s still capable of providing solid play at the left tackle position. However, the Arizona Cardinals have issues at right tackle which could be solved by targeting a tackle early in the 2014 draft.

Taylor Lewan is an athletic, nasty and hard working football player. He knows how to use proper technique and angles to help keep the quarterback clean. Arizona could immediately insert him into the lineup at left tackle and shift Brown to the right side.

An offensive line featuring Lewan, Brown and Jonathan Cooper is the start of something special.

5. San Diego Chargers- Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M

D.J. Fluker was a nice pick for the San Diego Chargers this year, but he doesn’t solve the issues along the offensive line. San Diego still has major issues at left tackle which could be addressed during the 2014 draft.

Jake Matthews is a technically sound player who avoids wasted motion and routinely puts himself in proper position. His teammate Luke Joeckel got most of the attention last year, but looking at the tape Matthews was actually a more consistent performer.

6. Cleveland Browns- Colt Lyerla, Tight End, Oregon

Colt Lyerla is the type of special athlete who could quickly emerge as one of the top playmakers in the NFL. He’s a versatile player who has seen time at tight end, wide receiver, H-back and running back.

In the passing game, Lyerla not only stretches the field with his speed he also has a knack for finding open zones in the defense. He routinely snatches the ball at its highest point and provides the quarterback with an extremely reliable target.

Brandon Weeden showed enough this preseason that the Cleveland Browns might actually give him a longer look. With both Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner on the coaching staff the tight end position will always have a major role in the offense.

7. Buffalo Bills- Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson

The best way to help a young quarterback develop is to surround him with elite playmakers. Sammy Watkins possesses the size, quickness and hands to provide EJ Manuel with a dangerous weapon.

Watkins gets a lot of attention because of the big plays he produces, but the first thing I noticed about him was his great hands. He always plucks the ball away from his frame—even when he is in traffic or dealing with tight coverage.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville

At this point, it’s safe to say that Josh Freeman has shown us his full potential. This is an inconsistent quarterback who flashes elite talent but struggles to make the routine plays. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t develop as a team with such erratic play from the quarterback position.

Teddy Bridgewater is the top quarterback prospects in this draft. He has the physical tools, poise and solid mechanics evaluators look for in a quarterback. While he’s not a finished product, Bridgewater would offer a long-term upgrade over Freeman.

9. Miami Dolphins- Jason Verrett, Cornerback, TCU

Jason Verrett is a fluid mover who does a great job in both man and zone coverage. His value is increased because of his ball skills and ability to quickly recognize developing  plays. Verrett makes it difficult for an offense to complete even simple passes to his side of the field.

The Miami Dolphins need a playmaker like Verrett at the cornerback position. They’ve put together an impressive front seven, but lack top-notch talent on the outside. Verrett’s man-coverage skills will allow the Dolphins to get the best use of their pass-rushers.

10. Tennessee Titans- Daniel McCullers, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee

Daniel McCullers has as much upside as any player in this draft. He features a rare combination of size and quickness which helps him dominate the line of scrimmage. McCullers shouldn’t be seen as someone who just occupies space, as he has enough explosiveness to wreak havoc in the backfield.

If he can show more consistency with his pad level there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in the top-10 mix.

The Tennessee Titans’ defense showed during the preseason that they still have a lot of issues. A dominating force in the middle of the field would go a long way to fixing those problems.

11. Carolina Panthers- Ja’Wuan James, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee

Most evaluators have Ja’Wuan James’ teammate Antonio Richardson rated higher, but Richardson doesn’t have nearly the same potential as James. Some get too wrapped up on where a prospect lines up during his college career. In this case, James sees most of his action at right tackle but that doesn’t mean he can’t flip to the other side.

James possesses excellent size and is a fluid mover. He’s a natural bender who keeps his pads low and plays with balance. I absolutely love the nasty streak he displays in the run game.

After taking a closer look at James it’s easy to see that he has the potential to develop into an elite left tackle at the next level.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Anthony Barr, Outside Linebacker, UCLA

The Minnesota Vikings need to find a quarterback to come in and compete with Christian Ponder. However, this draft doesn’t have a clear-cut first-round prospect at that position other than Teddy Bridgewater.

Anthony Barr would represent an upgrade at the outside linebacker position for the Vikings. He’s an excellent athlete who uses his long arms to play the run and rush the passer. His versatility is something that will create some interesting mismatches.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers- Louis Nix, Defensive Line, Notre Dame

Louis Nix is a very unique player in that he more quickness than someone of his size should possess. That quickness also makes him a versatile defender who can both occupy space and wreak havoc in the backfield.

The Pittsburgh Steelers could use an upgrade at the nose tackle position—where a big hole remains after the loss of Casey Hampton. Nix isn’t the same type of player has Hampton, but Dick Lebeau is creative enough to make good use of Nix’s talent.

14. Philadelphia Eagles- Bradley Roby, Cornerback, Ohio State

Carey Williams and Bradley Fletcher are nice stop-gap solutions, but he Philadelphia Eagles need a long-term answer at the quarterback position. Bradley Fletcher has the potential to quickly develop into a shut-down corner.

His ability to play with balance helps him quickly break on the ball and stick with his man. Roby also shows good ball skills which makes him a threat to create turnovers.

15. Detroit Lions- CJ Mosley, Linebacker, Alabama

CJ Mosley is the type of versatile linebacker who could play either in the middle or outside. This is perfect for the Detroit Lions as they might have a need at both spots next year. Because of Detroit’s talented defensive line, Mosley could use his quickness to make plays from sideline to sideline.

16. New York Giants- Khalil Mack, Linebacker, Buffalo

Khalil Mack is already well known within the draft community, but look for his name to get more recognition as the draft gets closer. He’s a great athlete who plays with an non-stop motor and excellent instincts.

Buffalo uses Mack all over the field asking him to rush the passer, set the edge against the run and drop into coverage. The New York Giants could use someone like Mack as a replacement for Keith Rivers, Dan Connor or Spencer Paysinger.

They could even use him like they used Mathias Kiwanuka by using him as a pass-rusher from time to time.

17. St. Louis Rams- Ka’Deem Carey, Running Back, Arizona

Darryl Richardson’s accention from undrafted free agent to starting running back is an impressive story. He’s proven that he deserves a spot on the roster and in the offensive game plan. However, the St. Louis Rams would benefit from adding someone with more upside like Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey.

Carey comes with some off-field issues, but Jeff Fisher has never allowed that to influence his decisions. He showed this by drafting Janoris Jenkins and Alec Ogletree in the past two drafts.

Adding Carey would provide the Rams with an every-down back who possesses the burst to create big plays. He does a good job of keeping his pads low, running with balance and finishing each run moving the pile forward.

18. Kansas City Chiefs- Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tight End, Washington

The tight end position for the Kansas City Chiefs has been a bit of a black hole since they traded Tony Gonzalez. With Andy Reid now on board, look for the Chiefs to make an effort to upgrade that position.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a unique talent because of his size. He creates mismatch problems because he’s able to box out defenders and attack the ball at its highest point. Seferian-Jenkins also shows enough quickness to attack the seam.

However, some off-field issues could potentially derail his first-round hopes. He needs to show more maturity in order to maintain his draft position.

19. Chicago Bears- Calvin Barnett, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma State

The Chicago Bears have other needs, but this pick offers too much value. Calvin Barnett is a nasty and disruptive defensive tackle. He routinely works his way into the backfield creating issues for the offense.

Barnett also has the anchor to hold up against the run which pairs with his quick burst to make plays away from his frame.

Chicago defensive tackle situation is a little clouded with Henry Melton playing under the franchise tag and Stephen Paea struggling with injuries.

20. St. Louis Rams (via Wash)- Cyrus Kouandjio, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

After giving Jake Long a long-term deal, the St. Louis Rams need to turn their attention to addressing the right side of the line. Roger Saffold hasn’t been able to duplicate the success he found during his rookie year and is on the bubble at this point.

Cyrus Kouandjio is big-bodied tackle who uses his long arms to keep pass-rushers in check. Some evaluators have him ranked in their top-10, but I have concerns about his stiff movements. He may have issues keeping the quicker pass-rushers in the NFL at bay. This is why I project him more as a right tackle.

21. Baltimore Ravens- Antonio Richardson, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee

The Baltimore Ravens have finally realized that Michael Oher is not a left tackle. Their decision to move him to the right side and insert Bryant McKinnie into the starting lineup played a big role in the team’s Super Bowl run.

However, McKinnie is 33 years old and nearing the end of his career. Baltimore would be wise to target someone like Tennessee’s Antonio Richardson in next year’s draft. Richardson has his share of concerns, but he’s an excellent athlete who uses his quick feet to protect the passer.

He has the potential to make an immediate impact by helping keeping Joe Flacco upright.


22. Dallas Cowboys- George Uko, Defensive Tackle, USC

I still don’t understand why the Dallas Cowboys decided to adjust their defensive strategy. Moving to Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 attack has created several holes—especially along the defensive line. This defense requires a disruptive defensive tackle to man the three-technique spot.

The current roster doesn’t have a player capable of filling that role, so it makes sense that they address this position in next year’s draft. George Uko has shown the ability to penetrate the pocket and make plays in the backfield.
He features a good first step that helps him gain inside hand placement and control the blocker. Uko also has surprising suddenness that allows him to slip past the offensive line and generate pressure.

23. Indianapolis Colts- Tre Mason, Running Back, Auburn

Vick Ballard is a solid No. 2 running back and Ahmad Bradshaw serves as a stop-gap solution, but he Indianapolis Colts need to start thinking about the bigger picture. An explosive running back like Auburn’s Tre Mason would help take this offense to the next level.

Mason not only has the speed to break off long runs, he also runs with enough power to be effective between the tackles.

24. Green Bay Packers- Tre Jackson, Guard, Florida State

The Green Bay Packers have issues all along the offensive line, which isn’t a good thing when trying to keep their most valuable asset upright. An injury to Aaron Rodgers would be devastating for a team that considers itself in the Super Bowl hunt each season.

Florida State’s Tre Jackson is my top rated interior offensive lineman. He combines an explosive first step, long arms and natural power to deliver blocks. Jackson’s natural bend helps him anchor at the point of contact, while his fluid movements allow him to mirror the pass-rush.

25. Houston Texans- Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

Adding DeAndre Hopkins this past year was a good start, but the Houston Texans still have work to do in upgrading the wide receiver position. Texas A&M’s Mike Evans is a fast rising prospect who features a ton of upside.

Evans uses his size to box out defenders, attack the ball at its highest point and gain yards after the catch. He has a knack for properly timing his jumps in order to pull down passes in traffic. Adding Evans would give the Texans a long-term replacement for the aging Andre Johnson.

26. Atlanta Falcons- Chaz Sutton, Defensive End, South Carolina

Jadeveon Clowney gets all the attention along the South Carolina defensive front, but Chaz Sutton has a chance this year to make some noise. Sutton is an explosive athlete who always plays with 100% effort.

The issue facing Sutton is that he’s still very raw and needs to develop more pass-rush moves. However, he’d be a nice addition for the Atlanta Falcons who desperately need to add a young pass-rusher to the mix.

27. New England Patriots- Noel Grigsby, Wide Receiver, San Jose State

San Jose State’s Noel Grigsby is the type of savvy route-runner that would fit nicely with Tom Brady. He has a knack for finding openings in the defense while also possesses the quickness to make plays down the field.

Even with the nice preseason by undrafted free agent Kenbrell Thompkins, the New England Patriots have a need at the wide receiver position. Grigsby would offer them a precise route-runner and big-play threat.

28. New Orleans Saints- Adrian Hubbard, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

The New Orleans Saints need for a pass-rushing outside linebacker can be outlined by the trade for Parys Harrleson they made this week. They only made that trade because projected starter Will Smith suffered a season ending injury.

Harrleson is a nice stop-gap solution, but the Saints need a high-upside player like Alabama’s Adrian Hubbard. He features the athleticism and burst needed to consistently generate pressure off the edge.

Hubbard’s draft stock is very fluid right now. He doesn’t consistently play with a ton of effort which could drop his value in the eye’s of scouts.

29. Denver Broncos- Will Sutton, Defensive Tackle, Arizona State

The Denver Broncos need to continue the rebuilding process along the defensive line. Sylvester Williams was a great addition this past year and someone like Arizona State’s Will Sutton would be a great complement.

Sutton’s overall value is being questioned because of his lack of size and shorter arm length. However, he’s just a football player who shows an ability to make plays in the backfield. The combination of Williams and Sutton would create an excellent push in the middle of the field.

30. San Francisco 49ers- Charles Sawyer, Cornerback, Ole Miss

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the deeper teams in the NFL, but they could use some help at the cornerback position. Especially when it’s a potential difference maker like Charles Sawyer.  Adding Sawyer would allow the 49ers to part ways with aging vets like Carlos Rogers and Nnamdi Asomugha.

Sawyer is an explosive athlete with terrific instincts. He just has that un-teachable ability to read a quarterback and jump a route. Despite his aggressive play, Sawyer also does a good job avoiding giving up big plays.

31. Cincinnati Bengals- Craig Loston, Safety, LSU

It appears that the Taylor Mays experiment is close to coming to an end with the Cincinnati Bengals. Mays is to prone to making mistakes and allowing big plays. LSU’s Craig Loston would be an ideal fit at the strong safety position.

Loston does an excellent job supporting the run, in fact there are times when he looks like a linebacker filling the hole. However, he also has enough quickness and fluidity to hold up in coverage.

32. Seattle Seahawks- Xavier Su’a Filo, Guard, UCLA

After missing on James Carpenter and John Moffitt the Seattle Seahawks need to focus on bringing in help at the guard position. UCLA’s Xavier Su’a Filo is a powerful run blocker who’ll fit right in with the Seahawks.

He does a great job gaining inside hand placement and taking balanced steps as he drives the defender off the ball. Su’a Filo also shows the balance and foot speed to mirror against the pass rush.