With the 1st Pick in the 2014 Draft....Matt Stopsky selects...My Picks if I was General Manager

Thank you all who read my Mock Draft, I really appreciate all of the feed back. I received a lot of comments from fans who were upset with my picks, and let me say again, those aren't my picks! Those are just the most rumored picks for each individual team.

This piece, however, is full of ONLY my picks. None of these picks are coming from rumor mills or expect mock drafts. They are just the moves I WOULD make if I was General Manger of each team.

                                                                   Let's get started.

1) Houston Texans -- QB Blake Bortles, UCF

Like I mentioned in my previous post, new head coach Bill O'Brien wants Blake Bortles to be his starting quarterback. I don't think Bortles is the best choice for Houston, but as General Manager, it's not my call. As General Manager, I choose my coach, my coach then chooses his quarterback. Not choosing Bortles would start the Bill O'Brien era off on a bad note.

Bortles is a very raw talent. His arm strength and accuracy are all great. What scares me about this kid is his mechanics and intangibles. He is very raw and very young. He doesn't go through progressions all that well and can stare down receivers. His pocket presence is average, at best.

With all of that said, I have full faith in coach Bill O'Brien to coach this kid to his full potential. Bortles ceiling is quite high, the only question is, how long will it take to reach that potential. Houston's core nucleus of players are either in their primes or on the tail end of their primes. Waiting four years for Bortles to reach his potential might be longer than this team has to wait.


2) St. Louis Rams (Washington Redskins) -- DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina

If I'm St. Louis Rams, I'm watering at the mouth for a chance to take Clowney. He'd be put in a rotation with two of the best pass rushers in the league today. That will give coach Jeff Fisher time to teach Clowney how to be a professional defensive-end. This would be an ideal situation for both parties.


3) Jacksonville Jaguars -- QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

"Johnny Football" is my highest rated 1st round quarterback and Jacksonville would be lucky to grab him here at #3. Manziel would add excitement to a team that has been the laughing stock of the league (minus Cleveland of course) for some time now. Although I think Manziel trusts his impromptu style of offense too much, Jacksonville might actually need that. Jacksonville doesn't have a lot of talent on either side of the ball, so Johnny running around and creating plays will be a good thing. As the years go on, coach Gus Bradley can add pieces around Manziel and turn him more into an Aaron Rodgers/ Andrew Luck/ Alex Smith type quarterback (dissects defense first, runs when has to).


4) Cleveland Browns -- WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson

The first thing I'm doing if I'm new Cleveland General Manger Ray Farmer, is declaring my starting quarterback. That quarterback is going to be Brian Hoyer with either Jason Campbell or Brandon Weeden as his back up. Now that I have my quarterback setup, I need to build some pieces around him.  Right now, it's unsure if safety TJ Ward or center Alex Mack will be back. Cleveland does have about $56 million in cap space to play around with, so they could resign both. So for now, I'm taking WR Sammy Watkins. He is an elite prospect who could be a #1 receiver. Partner him up with Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron, and you have an elite receiving core.


5) Oakland Raiders -- DE/OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo

You really can't go wrong here. Oakland has so many needs that anyone you draft here will be an instant starter. Until Free Agency is over, I'm just putting this down as the best overall player on my board.

Khalil Mack is a versatile defensive threat. He can play any outside linebacker spot in any defensive front and he can also put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer at an elite level. He would be an instant impact on the Oakland Raider defense.


6) Atlanta Falcons -- MLB CJ Mosley, Alabama

Atlanta needs so much on defense that it's ridiculous. I thought about taking UCLA's Anthony Barr here, but I have him as RE in a 4-3 defense, which is currently being occupied by Osi Umenyiora. Mosley would be an instant starter. He has what it takes to be an All-Pro middle linebacker and will be the leader of that Atlanta defense.



7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

I am not giving Mike Glennon the keys to the car here. I think Teddy needs some time before he's an elite quarterback, but coach Lovie Smith doesn't rely heavily on his quarterback (he got to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman). All Tampa needs to be a playoff team is a competent quarterback and a better coach. In this scenario, they now have both.


8) Minnesota Vikings -- DE/OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA

No, I will not take a Derek Carr here. I will not reach for a quarterback now. Minnesota's defense needs an overhaul first, so they get the best available defensive player left.

Anthony Barr is going to add that missing pass rush that will be gone when Jared Allen signs somewhere else. Barr is undersized defensive end, but plays like he's 260 pounds. He plays the run well and has the strength to take on blocks. He is going to be an elite defensive end at the next level.


9) Buffalo Bills -- OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

Buffalo needs to protect QB EJ Manuel! Drafting Jake Matthews would be ideal for Buffalo. Matthews is a future elite offensive tackle and can be an anchor for this line. Buffalo was hit by the injury bug pretty bad last year. Having everyone back, plus adding Matthews, makes Buffalo a dangerous team.


10) Detroit Lions -- WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M

I would have loved to grab a defensive back here, but it would be a reach for any of them this early. I would try to trade down, or grab one in the next round. Instead I grab a wide receiver that would arguably give Detroit the best offense in the NFL.

Evans is a big body receiver that consistently wins 1-on-1 battles. He gets off the press well and makes huge plays. Pairing him up with Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush would make Matthew Stafford really happy. It's going to be hard for any defense in the NFL to stop this offense.


11) Tennessee Titans -- OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan

With either Michael Roos or David Stewart being a cap casualty, I need a offensive tackle. Taylor Lewan is a great tackle. I think he could start at RT and be elite right away, which doesn't hold well for Stewart. Lewan needs to work on his feetwork a bit, but he'll have time if Roos is still starting at LT for a bit.


12) New York Giants -- CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State

Dennard is corner that can put a receiver on an island and completely lock him down. Partnering him with Prince Amukamara would create a very strong corner tandem.


13) St. Louis Rams -- OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame

St. Louis needs another tackle with Rodger Saffold probably leaving in Free Agency. I love Martin, but his strength doesn't show on film. If he can just add that to his game, then he'd be a top tackle in the NFL.


14) Chicago Bears -- DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame

Chicago is in need of an interior defensive lineman, and Nix is the perfect guy to fill that opening. Nix is going to be a ridiculous presence in the middle of that line. He'll stuff up the middle and is a pretty good pass rushing threat. He'll anchor this line and bring Chicago's defense back to a respectable level.


15) Pittsburgh Steelers -- CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

Ike Taylor is getting old, and it's time to revamp this secondary. Gilbert was so good at shutting down receivers in college, that opposing quarterbacks rarely went to his side. When you do throw his way, he'll cause interceptions, even if he's not the one actually intercepting it. Pittsburgh is going to need this if they're facing AJ Green, Josh Gordon and Torrey Smith each, twice a year.

16) Dallas Cowboys -- WR Marqise Lee, USC

Dallas is in some serious cap trouble. One of the players who will be cut is Miles Austin, and that will leave an open spot at receiver. Lee is my top rated wide receiver and, along with Bryant, will be a scary receiving duo. Lee plays with a lot of heart, and he does everything that is asked of him. He's a player Dallas desperately needs in their locker-room.

17) Baltimore Ravens -- OT Greg Robinson, Auburn

The Ravens don't have a whole lot of cap room, and both Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher are free agents. With the cap room they have, they can only bring back one, if any. I don't like Greg Robinson, I think he has strength and that's it. His balance and footwork are terrible, which is going to be a serious problem when pass blocking. I think he could be a solid guard one day, but his chances of being a solid tackle are small. In this situation Robinson fell way down the chart, and if you're Baltimore, you have to take the chance. Maybe I'm wrong on Robinson and Baltimore gets a steal of a player. If I am correct though, they at least got a solid guard.


18) New York Jets -- TE Eric Ebron, UNC

The Jets need more weapons around Geno Smith. Ebron is a receiving tight-end that is a beast between the 20's. He is a little undersized for a tight-end but where he lacks in size he makes up for it in receiving ability. The only problem with Ebron is his efficiency in the Red Zone. Due to his lack of size, he won't be as efficient as a bigger tight-end.


19) Miami Dolphins -- OT Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama

The Dolphins are in serious need of offensive lineman. They're going to lose Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito due to that debacle this year. Its still yet to be seen if center Mike Pouncey will get any sort of suspension due to his involvement in the bullying scandal.

Cyrus Kouandjio is a little slow off of the ball, but that's it. He does everything else perfectly, and given sometime, he can be an elite offensive lineman. He could be the anchor Miami needs to rebuild their line. The big concern coming out of the combine is that his knee failed multiple physicals. If his knee doesn't improve this pick will change.


20) Arizona Cardinals -- S Calvin Pyror, Lousiville

I would have really loved to grab an offensive lineman here, but there aren't really any left. With only about $13 million available cap space, resigning Yeremiah Bell might be a low priority.  Calvin Pryor is a prototypical strong safety. At 6'2 208 pounds, he's perfect size. He plays the run very well and makes some good plays in the passing game. Pairing him up with free safety Tyrann Mathieu would create the best young safety due in the league.


21) Green Bay Packers -- DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State

Green Bay can go a lot of different directions with this pick. I thinking choosing Timmy Jernigan would be a wise choice here. He's one of the best players left on the board, and he can step in a be a starting 3-4 defensive end. Luckily, Green Bay has a little over $20 million in cap space, so they can fill a lot of holes in Free Agency.


22) Philadelphia Eagles -- S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama

Clinton-Dix is a player I'm not too high on. He gives up too many big plays for a safety and doing that too often in the NFL will get you benched. With Nate Allen possibly leaving, they will need someone to step in at the strong safety spot. Clinton-Dix isn't ideal, but maybe he'll prove me wrong.


23) Kansas City Chiefs -- WR Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

Beckham Jr reminds me a lot of Dexter McCluster. With McCluster probably leaving in Free Agency, Odell Beckham Jr would be a perfect replacement. He runs crisp routes, has good hands, and makes good plays in space.


24) Cincinnati Bengals -- DE Kony Ealy, Missouri

Defensive-end Michael Johnson is going to test the Free Agent market, and most likely will leave. This leaves a hole I don't think Cincy has the personnel to fill. My colleague Ricky, who knows his stuff about the Bengals, says they have the pieces to fill it but I just don't see it. Carlos Dunlap is going to continue to play at a high level, but there isn't anyone to play along side him. The aging outside linebacker James Harrison can't rush the passer like he used to, so even using him wouldn't make up for the production Michael Johnson put up.

I'm not a fan of Kony Ealy. He doesn't use his damn hands! If you don't us your hands as a pass rusher in the NFL you will get blocked. With all of that said, he does to have great natural pass rushing ability. If coached properly he could be a serious threat on the edge.


25) San Diego Chargers -- DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh

I would really love to grab a defensive back here, but drafting one here would be a reach. I would try to trade back, maybe get an early 2nd round pick and get a defensive back then. San Diego had a great push late last season, and their average defense played very well. If they want to contend with Denver and Kansas City consistently they're going to need to improve this defense.

Aaron Donald is a fantastic pass rusher, and will have an immediate impact as a 3-4 defensive end. He is lacking a bit against the run, but coach Mike McCoy is a good coach, he'll help him improve with that aspect of his game.


26) Cleveland Browns (Indianapolis) -- G Antonio Richardson, Tennessee

If Alex Mack leaves in Free Agency, which he probably will, Cleveland will have a huge hole to fill in the interior of it's offensive line. I know Richardson isn't a center, but solidifying the interior line with an elite guard prospect will make it easier to fill the center void.


27) New Orleans Saints -- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State

New Orleans is in some serious cap trouble. They have about $5 million to spare, but have Jimmy Graham unsigned. Wide receiver Lance Moore, who is now 30 might be a cap casualty. If that was to happen, I'd take Kelvin Benjamin here. Benjamin is a big receiver who makes impact plays and will be a good duo with Colston. His hands aren't consistent, which is a good way to get benched in the NFL. Luckily for him, he has Drew Brees under center, who can make anyone look like a great receiver.


28) Carolina Panthers -- WR Davante Adams, Fresno State

Carolina needs to start thinking about life after Steve Smith. Adams is a big body receiver who has good body control. I have yet to see if he can be a #1 receiver, but there aren't many better to learn under than Steve Smith.


29) New England Patriots -- TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech

The Patriots have a huge hole at tight-end. Amaro isn't my first choice at tight-end but he'll make an impact. He's not the fastest, and is more of a security blanket between the 20's. He thrives in the Red Zone and in the run game though, which makes him extremely valuable. Luckily for New England, Edelman seems like he can handle the receiving duties between the 20's, so having a purely Red Zone tight-end won't be that big of a deal.


30) San Francisco 49ers -- LB/S Telvin Smith, Florida State

I'd really like to see what coach Jim Harbaugh can do with this kid. Telvin Smith plays the run like a linebacker, but covers like a safety. He's a defensive weapon, and in the hands of a defensive coach like Harbaugh, he could be something special.


31) Denver Broncos -- CB Marcus Roberson, Florida

Denver needs cornerbacks, and badly. There are so many questions marks at this position, that if there first pick isn't a corner, I'll be upset. If it's my team I'm taking Marcus Roberson if he's available. He's my kind of corner, a 1-on-1 shutdown type player. He'd create a dangerous duo with Chris Harris.

32) Seattle Seahawks -- Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota

Seattle is going to have to make a lot of difficult choices this offseason, many of them along the defensive line. Drafting Hageman here makes up for some possibly lost players like Tony McDaniel and Red Bryant.

Thanks for reading and keep coming back to the blog!

Stopsky

With the 1st Pick of the 2014 NFL Draft the Houston Texans Select....Stopsky's First NFL Mock Draft

Good Evening NFL fans. Those are the  four words that NFL fans are waiting to hear in about 3 months. All of the games are in the books, we have crowned a champion. It's time to look towards the future.

It's still really early in the NFL offseason, hell we haven't even had a majority of the offseason cuts yet, so this NFL Mock Draft is bound to change in time. REMEMBER! The following is what seems most likely to happen as of right now, not what I would do if I was General Manager of the teams.
                                                                 
                                                                 Let's get started!

Pick 1: Houston Texans --DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina

Pick Analysis: This pick is almost guaranteed to change by the time the draft arrives. As of now it seems like there is a split-house in Houston. Reportedly new head coach Bill O'Brien wants to draft QB Blake Bortles, while Texans owner Bob McNair wants to draft Johnny Manziel. In this scenario I have them splitting the difference and taking the highest player on the board.

By the time the draft comes, one of these two will most likely be the #1 overall pick.

My Take: I hope Bob McNair can convince Bill O'Brien to draft Johnny Manziel. The Texans are an older team, and their playoff window for this veteran team is closing fast. Johnny is probably the most polished of the incoming quarterbacks, and he could be a solid role player in his first year in Houston. Blake Bortles is going to be a major project. Bortles looks like a great quarterback, but his mechanics are awful and he's a very raw player. I have faith in Bill O'Brien to coach him to his fullest, but by the time Bortles reaches his potential, this core group of players in Houston will be gone or too old.

On to Jadeveon! I don't like this pick at all! I don't believe the Texans have officially said it, but there's a 99% chance that they are running a base 3-4 defense next year. Their defensive coordinator is Romeo Crennel and their linebackers coach is Mike Vrabel. Both of these men made their living running and playing in the 3-4 front. Jadeveon is not even remotely ready to play 3-4 outside linebacker! There is no denying his high potential, but he doesn't look overly polished. It doesn't look like he has a full grasp of the game yet, which causes him to be out of place or easily blocked. Taking a kid who already doesn't understand everything, and try teaching him to play and start at outside linebacker is going to be impossible, especially with the ridiculous expectation he is going to carry. Brooks Reed and Whitney Mercilus didn't have the kind of season Houston fans wanted, so expect Jadeveon to be pushed into a starting rotation quick if he's picked, which will not be good.


Pick 2: St. Louis Rams (Washington) -- OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

Pick Analysis: I really think the Rams want Jadeveon to fall to them. What a great pick that would be! Having him learn under Chris Long and Robert Quinn, while being put in a low pressure rotation would be ideal for him. Unfortunately for him he was already taken in this scenario.

Clowney is going to be at the top of St. Louis' wishlist.

With Jake Long out with a torn ACL/MCL, we aren't sure if he'll return by the beginning of the 2014 season. By drafting Jake Matthews, they solidify the blindside of the offensive line. It also allows Jake Long to return on his own time instead of being rushed back. The combination of Jake Matthews and Jake Long would be a ridiculous tackle combo.

My Take: I love this pick! Some experts are throwing Greg Robinson's name around here, but Jake Matthews is built more like a prototypical LT, which makes me believe they'll take Matthews. From a scouting standpoint, Matthews is heads and shoulders above Robinson. Robinson's name rose quickly in the draft ranks, and for good reason. He is a huge kid (6'5 320) and he is powerful! He is seriously lacking balance and consistent footwork though. Those aren't two characteristics you want your LT to possess. When your team goes up against San Francisco and Seattle twice a year, you want a guy who can pass block.

Pick 3: Jacksonville Jaguars -- QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

Pick Analysis: Former Seattle defensive coordinator and current Jacksonville head coach, Gus Bradley, is going to do everything he can to emulate the Seahawks success. That starts with getting a guy behind center that can lead and be efficient. I think he bites here on Teddy Bridewater. Bridgewater is being listed as the top quarterback in this draft and Jacksonville NEEDS to get passed the Blaine Gabbert era.

Gus Bradley is going to do everything he can to be more like Seattle.

My Take: I like Teddy and if given time he can be an elite quarterback. My main problem with him is the things you can't see on a stat sheet. His accuracy isn't that great. Yes, he did complete 70% of his passes, but his short passes tend to float a little high, which is going to get his receivers killed! The kind of accuracy he showed in college won't fly in the NFL. Those high passes will end up as interceptions or blown out ACLs, which is not a good way to make friends with your new receiving core. His other problem is his ability to sense pocket pressure. There are times where he feels "phantom pressure" and rushes his throw. Then there are times he doesn't even notice it and gets killed. If there are any fans in the NFL who understand the importance of pocket presence, it's Jacksonville fans. Poor pocket presence is the downfall for Blaine Gabbert, a kid once seen as a top 10 pick.

Pick 4: Cleveland Browns -- QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

Pick Analysis: Cleveland needs to do something to raise moral! Drafting a high profile player like "Johnny Football" is exactly what you need to hype up a beaten-down fan-base.

Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam needs to do something quick to excite his disappointed fan-base.

My Take: Johnny is my favorite 1st round quarterback, but his career in Cleveland will be short if drafted by them. Cleveland is a mess right now and no amount of "I talked to Bill Parcells" articles will make me think twice about it. I really like Brian Hoyer and I hope new head coach Mike Pettine gives him a chance and drafts a different position here, but I'm not sure how much of a say he has. Sorry Cleveland, things are going to get worse before they get better.

Pick 5: Oakland Raiders -- WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Pick Analysis: Word is that Oakland wants either Bridewater or Manziel, but will settle for Clowney if they have to. Well, in this scenario they're all gone. This is Dennis Allen's last hoo-rah unless he can get something going. I doubt he's going to turn the keys to his coaching future to Matt McGloin or a quarterback in this draft not named Manziel or Bridgewater. Look for Oakland to make a trade for Washington backup QB Kirk Cousins. Dennis Allen is going to put the best team he can out there, and Kirk Cousins is the best available Quarterback in football right now.

Look for Washington QB Kirk Cousins to be wearing the Silver & Black next season.

With that said, Oakland is going to need to put some sort of talent around Cousins. Sammy Watkins is going to be that guy. He is the highest wide receiver on almost everyones board and he should make an immediate impact for Oakland. Don't be surprised though if they trade back to get a wide receiver like Mike Evans or Marqise Lee.

My Take: Watkins is an amazing wide receiver and he will greatly help Oakland's offense. I think Oakland will trade QB Terrelle Pryor and a mid-round pick to Washington for Cousins, because Cousins, is in no way, worth a 1st round pick. Hopefully the combination of Cousins, Watkins and whoever Oakland grabs in free agency is enough for them to put a winning team together.

Pick 6: Atlanta Falcons -- DE/OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA

Pick Analysis: Atlanta is in desperate need of a pass rush. This pick is going to come down to either Barr of Buffalo's Khalil Mack. For now, Barr has the bigger name, so he takes the spot just above Mack.

Can UCLA's Anthony Barr provide the pass rush Atlanta is looking for?

My Take: Barr is going to be in a good situation here. He'll be in a primary pass rushing rotation with Osi Umenyiora and Kroy Biermann which will allow him to focus on what he is best at, and that's rushing the passer. Don't let his size fool you though, he can also take on the run pretty well.

Pick 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- QB Blake Bortles, UCF

Pick Analysis: With a new coach comes a new quarterback. Mike Glennon did a good job when he took over for Josh Freeman, but Bortles' upside is so much greater than Glennon's. Lovie Smith will work wonders with that defense, and the offense is really only missing a solid quarterback.

New Head Coach Lovie Smith has some decisions to make at Quarterback

My Take: Like I said before, Bortles is going to be a project. The good news for Tampa fans is that Lovie Smith doesn't need an elite quarterback to win, he did go to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman.  I don't think Lovie Smith is going to ask Bortles to do too much as he develops, which is good news for the Central Florida star.

Pick 8: Minnesota Vikings -- QB Derek Carr, Fresno State

Pick Analysis: Minnesota really wants to find a quarterback and they've already given up on Christian Ponder. Derek Carr had a great Senior Bowl and is the next highest quarterback on most boards. It wouldn't surprise me if they trade back in the draft and take him later.

Is Derek Carr the answer at Quarterback for Minnesota?

My Take: Can this organization make the same mistake twice? My guess is yes. Let's see if I can remember a similar situation. Projected 2nd round quarterback does really well at the Senior Bowl and raises his draft stock tremendously. Wait, I know who it is! It's Christian Ponder.... C'mon Minnesota don't do it! Carr could eventually be a solid quarterback, but I think Ponder is better than him. If Minnesota drafts Derek Carr, I hope they trade Adrian Peterson so they don't waste his career any further.

Pick 9: Buffalo Bills -- OT Greg Robinson, Auburn

Pick Analysis: EJ Manuel is already showing issues with injuries, they need to keep him healthy! Drafting a tackle here makes a lot of sense, and I think they take the next highest tackle.

Robinson will be looked upon to protect injury-prone 2nd year Quarterback EJ Manuel.

My Take: Like I said previously, I believe Greg Robinson will get destroyed by elite pass rushers due to his inability to have consistent footwork and balance. Robinson does have great strength and will be able to take on powerful players, but any decent speed rusher can take him out, i.e. Chandler Jones, Calvin Pace, Cameron Wake. Sorry Buffalo, but it's going to be a rough few years if you draft Robinson.

Pick 10: Detroit Lions -- CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State

Pick Analysis: Detroit is almost certainly going to take a defensive back in the first round. The only questions are, which one and when? Look for Detroit to trade back and take whichever cornerback is available. 

Can Dennard help that weak Detroit secondary?

My Take: Darqueze Dennard is a fantastic corner, and if Detroit gets a chance to draft him they should! I don't think he has elite ball skills, but he has the ability to line up 1-on-1 with the best and take them on. He is a much needed piece for Detroit.

Pick 11: Tennessee Titans -- OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan 

Pick Analysis: It looks like either veteran Michael Roos or David Steward is going to get the axe due to cap cuts. With that said, Tennessee is going to need to find a cheap replacement due to their cap issues. Nothing will get you more value than the NFL draft. You get a great player for dirt cheap thanks to the new CBA. 

One of these two men will be cap casualties this offseason.

My Take: Lewan is a good prospect. He also has a footwork and balance issue like Robinson, but nowhere near as severe. He can be plugged in as an elite RT off the bat, and with some coaching he can become a great LT.

 

Pick 12: New York Giants -- DE/OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo

Pick Analysis: The Giants need so much help it's ridiculous! They need a RB, OT, C, DE, OLB, CB and S. I think the Giants go with the best player on the board here, and that player is the versatile Khalil Mack. With Jason Pierre-Paul's status for 2014 uncertain, the Giants need to add pass rushers, and there's no better in this draft than Mack.

Can Khalil Mack fill in for JPP while he recovers?

My Take: Mack can fill two needs for the Giants by himself. It looks like MLB Jon Beason will be resigned, which leaves only the SLB open. Williams and Paysinger will fight over the WLB spot and Khalil Mack can step right into the SLB spot. Then, on pass rushing downs, he can put his hand in the dirt and be a dangerous threat on the edge. This versatile player is exactly what the Giants need.

Pick 13: St. Louis -- WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M

Pick Analysis: This is going to be Sam Bradford's last chance to prove that he is worthy of being a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Rams are going to do everything in their power to make sure he succeeds. Adding Mike Evans to a very young, but talented skill group would give Bradford no excuses for not succeeding. 

This is going the be Sam Bradford's last chance to prove he can be a starting Quarterback.

My Take: Evans is a legitimate #1 WR. He has great height at 6'4 and consistently wins 1-on-1 battles. The team of him, Zac Stacy, and Tavon Austin will give Rams fans flashbacks to the greatest show on turf.

Pick 14: Chicago Bears -- DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State

Pick Analysis: With the likely circumstance that Henry Melton leaves in Free Agency, the Bears will need to fill the interior of their defensive line. Timmy Jernigan is the prototypical 4-3 DT and should be taken in this spot.

As the Bears learned last year, life is hard without Henry Melton.

My Take: Timmy Jernigan is a little too slow off the ball for me, and he doesn't get really any pressure/penetration. He rarely get pushed around though, and will clog up holes. With good coaching he can be a hell of a threat in the middle.

Pick 15: Pittsburgh Steelers -- NT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame

Pick Analysis: It looks like Pittsburgh is going to want to solidify their interior defensive line with this pick. Louis Nix III is the highest remaining interior defensive lineman.

Can Nix III be as dominant as a force as Baltimore's Haloti Ngata?

My Take: Although Louis Nix III looks like a pure NT, he is athletic enough to play anywhere on the interior line. This versatility will give Pittsburgh a lot of freedom where to play him. He is going to be a huge player in this new Pittsburgh Steeler defense.

Pick 16: Baltimore Ravens (Coin Toss) -- LB CJ Mosley, Alabama 

Pick Analysis: This pick is going to be decided by a coin toss between the Ravens and the Cowboys. In this scenario I have the Ravens winning, because I'm a Giants fan and suck it Dallas. The Ravens need to find an anchor at MLB. Luckily for them CJ Mosley dropped to #16 in this scenario. If that happens they'll pick him up in a heartbeat. 

The Ravens are still looking to replace this man.

My Take: CJ Mosley is going to be a solid ILB at the next level, and could possibly be an All-Pro one day. Don't think he'll be the next Ray Lewis though, sorry Baltimore.

Pick 17: Dallas Cowboys (Coin Toss) -- S Calvin Pyror, Louisville

Pick Analysis: Defense in Big D is terrible! I feel like Dallas would want a defensive tackle here, but due to Pittsburgh and Chicago's picks, they settle on safety. Many boards have Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as the top safety, but for one reason or another, I have a feeling Calvin Pryor would get picked over him if the team drafting was to Dallas.

Can Pryor strengthen that terrible Dallas defense?

My Take: Calvin looks like a prototypical strong safety. He is great against the run, and he's also decent in coverage. Dallas is in serious trouble when you add their terrible defense with their salary situation. I think Calvin Pryor would help, but big D is going to be bad for a little while even if he does reach All-Pro status.

Pick 18: New York Jets -- TE Eric Ebron, UNC

Pick Analysis: This pick could easily be a wide receiver, but if Ebron falls all the way to 18 I think the Jets will take him in a heartbeat. The Jets need offensive weapons, and Ebron is one of the best in this draft.

My Take: I love Ebron between the 20s. He's a little small at 6'4/230 and I think that's going to come into play in the redzone. The Jets are going to find out another way of scoring, because Ebron won't be the guy.

Pick 19: Miami Dolphins -- OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame

Pick Analysis: Miami is going to take a tackle here, it's just a matter of which one is available.

Can Zack Martin be the franchise LT Miami is looking for?

My Take: I love everything about Zack, except his strength. He is going to lose to stronger defensive lineman, but he has the footwork to be a great pass blocker. He is going to be an All-Pro tackle, but he's not unbeatable.

Pick 20: Arizona Cardinals -- OT Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama

Pick Analysis: Arizona's offensive line has been so bad for so long. Like Miami, they're just gonna take the next best tackle.

Arizona is finally building up its offensive line. Can Kouandjio & Cooper be the anchors of great o-line?

My Take: Kouandjio's speed off of the ball is a problem, but that's the only problem I have with him. Firing out off of the ball can be coached, and I think Bruce Arians will figure it out. Kouandjio with 2013 first round selection Jonathan Cooper could be the beginning of a great offensive line.

Pick 21: Green Bay Packers -- CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

Pick Analysis: Green Bay's defense has been lost for sometime now. I think they take the best defensive player, outside of OLB.

Gilbert can be that lockdown corner that Green Bay needs.

My Take: Justin Gilbert is a shut down corner. He rarely gets thrown at, and when he does it's dangerous. He won't be the one getting the interceptions if thrown his way, but he'll get an assist for them.

Pick 22: Philadelphia Eagles -- S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama

Pick Analysis: The Eagles offense is awesome, so now it's time to build their defense. Their front 7 is pretty set, so look for them to go after defensive back.

Is Clinton-Dix the future at Safety for Philly?

My Take: I'm not a fan of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. I think he gives up too many big plays in the pass game to be a starting safety in the league.

Pick 23: Kansas City Chiefs -- WR Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

Pick Analysis: I think the Chiefs really wanted to get an offensive lineman here, but there aren't really any left in this scenario. So that leaves Odell Beckham to replace the offense lost by Dexter McCluster and to be a compliment to Dwayne Bowe.

The Chiefs would have loved to replace him, but in this scenario, no one is left.

My Take: He reminds me a lot of McCluster. He's not big, but he's really fast. He runs good routes and take the top off the defense. He's more of an offensive weapon than anything else.

Pick 24: Cincinnati Bengals -- DE Kony Ealy, Missouri

Pick Analysis: It looks like they won't be getting Michael Johnson back in Free Agency. This leaves Cincy with a nice gap at DE. Luckily for them Kony Ealy is here to fix all of their problems.

With Michael Johnson pretty much gone, the Bengals need a DE.

My Take: Wait, did I say fix, I mean create more problems. Kony Ealy is going to be known as a great college pass rusher and terrible NFL one unless he can learn to use his DAMN HANDS! Do you know what you call a defensive lineman who uses only his shoulder and not his hands? Blocked. If coached properly, he has the ability to be a solid starter, but getting this far without using your hands, it's going to hard to undo that.

Pick 25: San Diego Chargers -- CB Marcus Roberson, Florida

Pick Analysis: San Diego is going to need to bolster it's secondary if it wants to fight with Denver over the AFC West.

San Diego needs to upgrade its secondary if they want to take out this guy.

My Take: Roberson is a great man cover corner. That's exacly what you're gonna want if you need to shutdown Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas. Add Roberson with a decent front 7 and Eric Weddle in San Diego and you can have a pretty good defense.

Pick 26: Cleveland Browns (Indianapolis) -- WR Marqise Lee, USC

Pick Analysis: Cleveland is a backwards run organization but even they know that a quarterback needs targets to succeed. Pairing Lee with Gordon would make a 1-2 punch Cleveland fans can get excited about.

Lee and Gordon could become the best young duo in the NFL.

My Take: Marqise Lee is my favorite wide receiver in this draft. He can do it all and he's tough. There is something to be said for players who are mentally tough. The Gordon-Lee combo could be an elite combination.

Pick 27: New Orleans Saints -- OLB Telvin Smith, Florida State

Pick Analysis: The Saints need a bunch of things, but 3-4 OLB is one of them.

Telvin Smith could be a versatile option for the Saints.

My Take: Not sure if I love the Telvin Smith pick. I actually like him more as a strong safety. I think he's good in coverage, and he's a solid open field tackler. Where he is lacking is block shedding and attacking the hole, which is something you need to be able to do if you're playing linebacker. If they move him to safety I think he could be the surprise of his draft.

Pick 28: Carolina Panthers -- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State

Pick Analysis: Carolina needs to find a receiver to eventually replace Steve Smith. Luckily this draft is pretty deep at receiver.

The Panthers need to find someone to replace their aging superstar.

My Take: Benjamin's a big receiver with good ball skills, but his hands are average. I don't think he's going to be able to win the contested 1-on-1 battles for jump balls. He also rounds his routes, which isn't good because he isn't that fast, so he can use any extra step he can on a corner.

Pick 29: New England Patriots -- DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota

Pick Analysis: This pick could easily be tight-end, but with Vince Wilfork coming back off injury, I think they address defensive line first.

The Patriots need someone to hold the fort down until this big guy gets back to form.

My Take: For a big guy, I expect Hageman to be more physically dominent, but he's not. He is a fantastic interior pass rusher and he shows flashes of greatness. If he can learn under Wilfork he can be great replacement.

Pick 30: San Francisco 49ers -- WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

Pick Analysis: The biggest question for the 49ers is, will they need to replace Anquan Boldin? If they can't resign him, look for this spot to be occupied by a wide receiver. Brandin Cooks is the next highest receiver on most board, so he gets my nod here.

Anquan Boldin is a player San Francisco needs to find a way to keep.

My Take: I'm not the biggest fan of Cooks. He has heart, but doesn't always make the best decisions. He runs good routes, but his ability in open space is diminished by his indecisiveness. Luckily they have Michael Crabtree and Jonathan Baldwin to play start until Cooks is ready.

Pick 31: Denver Broncos -- CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska

Pick Analysis: Denver has a ton of questions are corner. Will Chris Harris be back by the beginning of the season? Is DRC coming back? Is Champ's career over? With all of these questions, they will, without a doubt, draft corner here.

Is Stanley Jean-Baptiste the future of the Broncos secondary?

My Take: I like Stanley Jean-Baptiste, but just not at corner. I think he would be a solid safety. He's got good size at 6'2/215 and he plays against the run pretty well. His man cover skills are aren't that good, which makes me think that, if drafted, he'll get moved to safety eventually. The good thing is that Denver also needs help at safety.

Pick 32: Seattle Seahawks -- DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
 

Pick Analysis: With Red Bryant being a potential cap casualty and Michael Bennett probably leaving in Free Agency, Seattle needs more pass rushers. Donald had a great Senior Bowl and showed he can be a threat to rush from the inside. Look for Pete Carroll to improve the the Legion of Boom.

Pete Carroll adds another pass rusher here.

My Take: Aaron Donald is an awesome pass rusher, but he is lacking against the run. He is a great fit for a team like Seattle, though that is built around athleticism and rushing the quarterback. Watch for Donald to start as a rotational player and eventually grab the starting job.

Well, there you go, my first ever Mock Draft. Check back tomorrow to see how I WOULD draft if I were the General Mangers of these teams. Thank you all for reading.

--Stopsky