Mock drafts are always a very entertaining way to look at the future of your team. This article is an early version of a 2014 mock draft. To develop this projected 2014 NFL draft order I used the most recent ESPN.com power rankings.

1. New York Jets- Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina

The New York Jets have plenty of needs on the offensive side of the ball, but they can’t pass up an elite talent like Jadeveon Clowney. His ability to put pressure on the quarterback is something that can consistently change the outcome of a game.

It’s also possible that the Jets look to trade this pick to a team targeting a quarterback. Because New York just drafted Geno Smith, they don’t have an immediate need at the quarterback spot. The Jets could turn this pick in to multiple assets which will help speed up the rebuilding process.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville

I personally have Teddy Bridgewater rated more as a mid-first round prospect, but quarterbacks typically get a boost because of the importance of the position. The Jacksonville Jaguars did a nice job this past year adding young talent. However, they still don’t have a quarterback on the roster capable of taking them to the next level.

Bridgewater is a smart, athletic and talented quarterback who possesses a ton of upside. He’d be a nice replacement for the disappointing Blaine Gabbert.

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

Sammy Watkins has everything an NFL team looks for in a potential No. 1 receiver. He possesses good size, an explosive first step and tremendous hands. The first thing I noticed about Watkins is that he always plucks the ball out of the air away from his body. His hands are so strong that he can haul in a pass even in tight coverage.

Watkins would be a great complement to Stevie Johnson and provide EJ Manuel another target to help his development.

4. Oakland Raiders- Marqise Lee, Wide Receiver, USC

The Oakland Raiders are in need of talent all across the roster, so they have the opportunity to focus on adding the best player available. Coming out of USC, Marqise Lee will be someone Oakland fans can quickly identify. He’s also a born playmaker who will immediately help on the offensive side of the ball.

Oakland has a need at the quarterback position, but it would be a stretch to take anyone other than Teddy Bridgewater this early in the draft. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Bridgewater is already off the board.

5. Cleveland Browns- Daniel McCullers, Defensive Line, Tennessee

The Cleveland Browns are another team who could look to add a quarterback somewhere in the 2014 draft, but they also miss out on Bridgewater in this mock. This gives them the opportunity to continue improving the defense by adding a dominating presence like Daniel McCullers.

McCullers is a massive defensive tackle who also flashes good quickness for his size. His combination of power and quickness makes it tough for any offensive lineman to handle him in one-on-one situations.

Working his way into the top-10 heavily depends on his development this season. McCullers needs to work on his stamina and overall technique. The key will be his commitment to keeping his pads low. Reports out of Tennessee are promising, as it appears McCullers has worked hard this offseason to shed some pounds.

6. Tennessee Titans- Aaron Lynch, Defensive End, South Florida

Aaron Lynch is a bit of a forgotten man because he sat out last year after transferring from Notre Dame to South Florida. However, he’s easily one of the top five most talented players available for this draft.

Lynch combines excellent length, an explosive first step and a non-stop motor to help him wreak havoc in the backfield. He’s someone who has the potential to dominate a game every time he takes the field.

The Tennessee Titans need someone like this to come in and replace the disappointing Kamerion Wimbley.

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

If the Arizona Cardinals can land someone as talented as Taylor Lewan this late in the top-10 it will be considered a steal. It also happens to fill one of the team’s most pressing needs. Arizona’s offensive line has been one of the worst units in the league when it comes to protecting the quarterback.

Lewan is an athletic and nasty offensive tackle who can protect the edge and open running lanes. Adding him to an offensive line that recently brought in Jonathan Cooper will convert the line from a weakness to a strength.

8. Philadelphia Eagles- Louis Nix, Defensive Line, Notre Dame

The Philadelphia Eagles did a good job plugging some holes this offseason on the defensive side of the ball. However, there’s a lot of work to be done as they still lack all the pieces to finish their transition to a 3-4 alignment.

Louis Nix has the size and anchor to fill the all-important nose tackle position. He does a good job holding at the point of attack, occupying blockers and disengaging to make plays away from his frame.

Nix also features excellent quickness off the ball that allows him to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

9. Detroit Lions- Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M

The Detroit Lions lost both of their starting offensive tackles from last year when Jeff Backus retired and Gosder Cherilus signed with the Indianapolis Colts. They are hoping that Riley Reiff can fill one of those holes, but it’s still to be determined if he’s a better fit on the right or left side.

Detroit just signed Matthew Stafford to a mega-deal and need to ensure he’s properly protected. Jake Matthews is someone they can bring into the mix and immediately insert into the starting lineup.

Matthews is one of the better prospects in this draft, but falls to No. 9 because the teams in the early part of the top-10 don’t have a need at left tackle.

10. San Diego Chargers- Colt Lyerla, Tight End, Oregon

Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers offense hasn’t been the same since injuries started to slow Antonio Gates. The Chargers could get a similar player if they add Colt Lyerla in next year’s draft. Actually, Lyerla is a more explosive version of Gates.

Rivers would have no problem falling in love with Lyerla, as he brings major play-making ability to the table. He’s quick enough to attack the seam, aware enough to find open holes in the defense and features top-notch hands.

11. Kansas City Chiefs- C.J. Mosley, Linebacker, Alabama

The Kansas City Chiefs are still searching for someone to come in and help Derrick Johnson man the inside linebacker spots. C.J. Mosley is an explosive athlete who possesses the ability to make plays sideline to sideline.

Adding Mosley to the mix would put the Chiefs one step closer to putting the finishing touches on what is quickly becoming a very strong defense.

12. Carolina Panthers- Jason Verrett, Cornerback, TCU

Jason Verrett is a top-10 talent who possesses great instincts and quickness. He excels at reading the quarterback, planting his feet and quickly closing on the ball. Verrett also plays with a good balance which allows him to stick with most receivers.

The knock on Verrett is that he lacks good size and bulk. However, his awareness helps him matchup against bigger receivers. He knows exactly when to get his head around in order to break up the pass.

Adding Verrett opposite Josh Norman would give the Carolina Panthers an excellent cornerback duo.

13. Dallas Cowboys- Will Sutton, Defensive Tackle, Arizona State

The Dallas Cowboys head into this season facing the challenge of adjusting to Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 defense. They might deal with some growing pains because they failed to properly address the all-important three-technique position.

Will Sutton’s explosive first step and knack for getting into the back field makes him a perfect fit to fill this need. He’s exactly the type of disruptive player Kiffin needs to effectively run his defense.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Antonio Richardson, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee

Antonio Richardson is a fluid athlete with the natural bend and the quick feet needed to play left tackle at the next level. He excels at quickly getting out of his stance and set into his kick slide. His balance allows him to change direction, mirror and adjust to a pass-rushers counter move.

Richardson gets the nod over Cyrus Kouandjio in this spot because he’s a more fluid athlete. He’ll allow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to slide Donald Penn to the right side and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the offensive line.

15. Miami Dolphins- Cyrus Kouandjio, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins did some patch work along the offensive line this offseason when they shifted Jonathan Martin to left tackle and signed Tyson Clabo. While Clabo is a good short-term answer, he isn’t some they should keep in their long-term plans.

Cyrus Kouandjio has the potential to player either left or right tackle at the next level. I have some concerns about his movement skills, as he plays a little stiff at times. However, his use of angles and ability to quickly gets into his kick slide will help him overcome those issues.

16. Minnesota Vikings- LSU Craig Loston, Safety, LSU

Harrison Smith proved to be one of the more underrated draft picks of 2013 when he stepped in and immediate improved the Minnesota Vikings defense. Smith’s strengths revolve around his instincts and ability to cover ground.

Craig Loston would be a nice complement, as he excels at playing close to the line of scrimmage and supporting the run. This addition could be the last piece needed to rebuild the Vikings’ secondary.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Stephon Tuitt, Defensive Line, Notre Dame

Stephon Tuitt is the perfect candidate to add some youth along the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line. At Notre Dame, he sees plenty of time playing the five-technique position which is what he’ll likely be asked to play in Pittsburgh.

Tuitt features good size, long arms and a strong anchor. He’s able to hold at the point of attack and use his short-area burst to make plays away from his frame. The Steelers will get a little more than a run stopper with Tuitt, as he also shows the ability to pressure the quarterback with his quickness.

18. St. Louis Rams- Tre Mason, Running Back, Auburn

Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead are solid running backs, but Auburn’s Tre Mason has a chance to be special. He reminds me of a more explosive version of Ray Rice. Mason is built with a low center of gravity, but has good bulk and thickness.

His best attribute is his overall quickness. He’s a quick-twitch athlete who can explode through the hole. Mason also has a second gear that allows him to outpace defensive angles and pick up big chunks of yardage.

19. New Orleans Saints- Anthony Barr, Outside Linebacker, UCLA

Anthony Barr is typically seen as a potential top-10 prospect by most evaluators. He has the overall athleticism to work his way into that range, but at this point he’s very raw. Barr needs to develop more pass-rush moves and trust his instincts a little more.

At this point in the draft, he represents great value for the New Orleans Saints who are in need of an edge rusher.

 

20. Chicago Bears- Bradley Roby, Cornerback, Ohio State

The Chicago Bears have Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings in place at the cornerback position this year. However, Tillman is already 32 years old and Jennings will be a free agent after the season. Adding a young cornerback like Bradley Roby would allow the Bears to get younger at the position.

Roby is a fringe top-10 talent who slips to this spot because of the different needs of the previous teams. He has a great feel for the cornerback position showing the ability to read a quarterback, quickly click and closing on the football and the ball skills to pull down interceptions.

21. New York Giants- Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tight End, Washington

The New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese sticks to his guns and aims to add the best player available when his team is on the clock. Austin Seferian-Jenkins fits that mold and has the potential to be a dominant tight end in the NFL.

He possesses excellent size that includes good bulk which he uses to box out defenders. Seferian-Jenkins also has enough quickness to attack the seam and outpace linebackers. His ability to create mismatches is something Eli Manning will love.

22. St. Louis Rams (from Wash)- Tre Boston, Safety, North Carolina

The St. Louis Rams have done a great job rebuilding their roster, but they still have a major need at the safety position. They are heading into this season with players like T.J. McDonald and Darian Stewart in the mix for the starting job.

North Carolina’s Tre Boston is an explosive athlete who plays an aggressive brand of football. He quickly reads his keys which allow him to gain good position. It also helps him attack the line of scrimmage in run support.

23. Cincinnati Bengals- Ka’Deem Carey, Running Back, Arizona

Ka’Deem Carey has some off-field issues he needs to clear up, but there’s little doubt that he’s a first-round talent. He has an explosive first step that allows him to press the line and pick up big chunks of yardage. Carey isn’t just a speed back, as he also shows the ability to lower his head and move the pile.

The Cincinnati Bengals did just draft Giovani Bernard this year, but Carey is a much more explosive player. In today’s NFL, most teams like to use two running backs to keep defenses off balance. Cincinnati also has shown a willingness to take on talented players with questionable backgrounds.

24. Houston Texans- Noel Grigsby, Wide Receiver, San Jose State

The addition of DeAndre Hopkins is just the first step in the Houston Texans’ process to rebuild their wide receiver corps. Hopkins and Andre Johnson are good duo, but this team still needs more playmakers.

San Jose State’s Noel Grigsby is flying under the radar not getting the attention he deserves. Grigsby is a polished receiver who runs crisp routes, creates separation and plucks the ball away from his frame. This is someone who’ll consistently give a quarterback an open and reliable target.

25. Indianapolis Colts- Ameer Abdullah, Running Back, Nebraska

Vick Ballard is a solid running back, but doesn’t have nearly the same big-play potential as Ameer Abdullah. The Indianapolis Colts would be wise to continue to surround Andrew Luck with a strong supporting cast. An effective ground attack has the potential to really help a young quarterback continue to develop.

Abdullah combines good quickness and power to pick up yards in a number of ways. He runs with a ton of balance making seamless cuts and quickly getting back up to full speed.

26. New England Patriots- Anthony Johnson, Defensive Tackle, LSU

The New England Patriots’ defensive tackle situation doesn’t appear to have a bright future. Both projected starters, Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly, over 31 years old and on the back end of their career. The only real intriguing young player is Canadian import Armond Armstead.

Anthony Johnson is a versatile defensive tackle who can both stuff the run and work his way into the backfield. However, his strength is his ability to provide run support. He excels at anchoring at the line, using his awareness to locate the ball and disengaging to make plays away from his frame.

27. Green Bay Packers- Adrian Hubbard, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

The Green Bay Packers selected Nick Perry last year with the hope that he’d help provide a pass rush opposite Clay Matthews. Perry’s rookie season was cut short due to injury, but he also wasn’t very production before the injury.

Adrian Hubbard is more explosive and a better natural pass-rusher than Perry. It would be a little repetitive, but it’s important for the Packers to draw some attention away from Matthews.

28. San Francisco 49ers- Louchiez Purifoy, Cornerback, Florida

The San Francisco 49ers made it to the Super Bowl last year despite having a hard time dealing with the talented Atlanta Falcons’ wide receivers. Atlanta still has a ton of talent and will be just one of the road blocks if the 49ers want to make a return trip to the Super Bowl.

Louchiez Purifoy is a bigger cornerback who is physical enough to stick with the bigger receivers like Julio Jones. The NFL has several other big-bodied wide receivers who create mismatch problems like Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Andre Johnson.

29. Baltimore Ravens- Jordan Matthews, Wide Receiver, Vanderbilt

The Baltimore Ravens’ loss of Anquan Boldin has been overlooked because most are focused on the loss of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. However, Boldin was a huge part of the Ravens’ Super Bowl run and will be missed.

He was the one receiver on the roster who did a good job working across the middle and making plays in traffic. Baltimore needs to find someone who has a knack for finding openings in the zone and not just attacking the deep part of the field.

Jordan Matthews is a heady player who has a good feel for reading defenses. He works all levels of the field and isn’t afraid to go across the middle. He doesn’t have the same size as Boldin, but he can help fill the void.

30. Atlanta Falcons- Chaz Sutton, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, South Carolina

Chaz Sutton is a very raw prospect, but possesses a tremendous amount of potential as a pass-rusher. He combines top-end quickness with a non-stop motor to work his way into the backfield. Sutton is such a good athlete that South Carolina has used him at defensive end, outside linebacker and even defensive tackle.

The Atlanta Falcons really need to bring in some players capable of generating a pass rush. Their free-agent signing of Osi Umenyiora is really just a short-term fix. Sutton has the potential to develop into a consistent threat off the edge.

31. Denver Broncos- Lamin Barrow, Linebacker, LSU

Lamin Barrow is a multi-talented linebacker who can play either inside or out. He’s a good athlete who plays with both balance and quickness. It’s the balance that makes Barrow a very good coverage linebacker.

Adding a linebacker like Barrow will help the Denver Broncos continue to use Von Miller as a pass-rusher. They also need to upgrade the overall talent at the position, as Joe Mays and Wesley Woodyard are just average players.

32. Seattle Seahawks-  Brandon Coleman, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Adding Percy Harvin over the offseason was a great move by the Seattle Seahawks. His big-play ability should really help Russell Wilson continue his development. However, Harvin doesn’t completely solve the question marks surrounding the Seahawks’ receiving corps.

Sidney Rice is a talented player, but continues to struggle with injuries. Rutgers’ Brandon Coleman would be a younger, cheaper and healthier replacement for Rice. Coleman features excellent size and has enough speed to stretch the field.

He’s the type of receiver who can make plays even when in tight coverage. Quarterbacks need players like this because there isn’t always a wide open target.