Taken from Dallas Cowboys board. ------------------------------------------------- http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=5&source=Mel-Kiper-Mock-Draft 1 Jadeveon Clowney Houston Texans (2-14) COLLEGE: South Carolina Class: Jr HT: 6-5 WT: 266 POS: DE Analysis: No change here from the last mock. I'll also say again that I believe the Texans are still evaluating multiple options for this pick and certainly would listen to offers, but in this scenario, I feel they will ultimately go with the best player available. I know people will question scheme fit, but guys like Clowney, and certainly J.J. Watt, really transcend scheme. You shift the gap assignments and alignments for guys like these, and you're still going to see major disruption. If you skip sack totals and focus on disruption, Clowney really wasn't a lesser player in 2013 than he was in 2012. 2 Greg Robinson St. Louis Rams (7-9) COLLEGE: Auburn HT: 6-5 WT: 332 POS: OT Analysis: This is also a spot at which I've noted before I'd consider going with Sammy Watkins. And the Rams should also keep the phone lines open here. But if they stay, I think Robinson fits a pretty good balance equation of major talent and major need. This is a player with the upside of an All-Pro tackle. There's still some development left here, particularly in the passing game, but Robinson is only a year removed from playing guard. Not only can St. Louis pass on a wide receiver here, it's a loaded draft at that position and they can pass it at No. 13, too, and still be fine. 3 Sammy Watkins Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) COLLEGE: Clemson Class: Jr HT: 6-0 WT: 211 POS: WR Analysis: First of all, the Jags will deserve absolutely no heat if they don't take a quarterback here. There's just not enough certainty at that position anywhere in the rookie class to make it imperative to get one at this point. Secondly, even if it seemed like less of a risk, I'm not sure the Jags would do it. I really think they will take the best player at what is probably at least a minor position of need, and I like the Watkins fit. Watkins gives them a dynamic talent, a player who really can help a quarterback, and, given the uncertain future of Justin Blackmon, the depth chart could use Watkins' size and speed combination. 4 Johnny Manziel Cleveland Browns (4-12) COLLEGE: Texas A&M Class: Soph HT: 5-11 WT: 207 POS: QB Analysis: Of course it's a risk, but the Browns are in a reasonable position to take a quarterback at this spot and still come out of this draft with impact regardless of what they get out of that quarterback early on. I've also noted before I don't think they need to draft Manziel with the assumption that he starts in Week 1. Brian Hoyer offers a reasonable bridge to a young starter. If Watkins is available here, I can see that as the pick, and I'm not sure Manziel is the No. 1 choice for the Browns at quarterback. But I'll bet on their belief in his ceiling here. 5 Khalil Mack Oakland Raiders (4-12) COLLEGE: Buffalo HT: 6-2 WT: 251 POS: OLB Analysis: I'm keeping Mack here from the most recent mock. The additions in free agency at a few spots -- namely at quarterback -- give the Raiders the chance to draft the best player available, and they certainly need an addition to the pass rush. The additions of veteran linemen in free agency don't really diminish that need, and as they look for early impact, Mack's usefulness as a three-down player helps. The Raiders should consider moving down and collecting additional pick assets, as they did last season when they made a first-night deal with Miami. 6 Taylor Lewan Atlanta Falcons (4-12) COLLEGE: Michigan HT: 6-7 WT: 309 POS: OT Analysis: There's been some buzz about Atlanta as a team capable of moving up to take Clowney, but the problem with that is while pass rush is a major need, it doesn't protect the single biggest asset this franchise has, which is Matt Ryan. Yeah, they need a pass-rusher, but tackle is also a major need for Atlanta. If you don't move up and opt to stay here, you still have a chance to take a player capable of going that high -- I really think Lewan could have challenged for No. 1 had he entered the draft last season. Match that level of value with obvious need and you could do a lot worse. Lewan can play. 7 Mike Evans Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) COLLEGE: Texas A&M Class: Soph HT: 6-4 WT: 231 POS: WR Analysis: I'd actually consider this another possible trade slot. When you consider how deep the draft is at wide receiver -- and the current shape of this roster -- I'm not sure the Bucs wouldn't listen here. If they stay put, I certainly like the Evans fit. Vincent Jackson is 31 years old and entering a season in which, without an addition at wide receiver, he could be facing a ton of attention from defense. And as I noted previously, if you're drafting the best player available at this slot, if you take Evans, you can do that, too. Evans isn't a burner, but he dominates with the ball in the air and is a brutal matchup whether in the SEC or in the NFC South. He can take pressure off Jackson and eventually take his spot. 8 Blake Bortles Minnesota Vikings (5-10-1) COLLEGE: UCF Class: Jr HT: 6-5 WT: 232 POS: QB Analysis: Obviously, the current tandem of Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder isn't the long-term answer. On the other hand, the presence of both provides a reasonable basis for drafting a quarterback, because there's no need to simply force-feed a rookie the starting role out of the gate. I think Bortles will benefit from some time in the system before he's forced to handle first-team reps. I'll say again that Bortles is a very good athlete with excellent pocket instincts and can benefit from his ability to create some yards with his legs, as we've seen from a few other young quarterbacks recently. 9 Jake Matthews Buffalo Bills (6-10) COLLEGE: Texas A&M HT: 6-5 WT: 308 POS: OT Analysis: No move here. I think Matthews is a good fit based on the need and certainly lines up based on value. He's arguably the best player available here at any position and makes the Bills better. You can draft Matthews and keep Cordy Glenn at left tackle because Matthews has handled both tackle positions effectively. He's a big plus in the run game and is going to upgrade the protection for E.J. Manuel, which is of the utmost importance. 10 Odell Beckham Jr. Detroit Lions (7-9) COLLEGE: LSU Class: Jr HT: 5-11 WT: 198 POS: WR Analysis: Last year, the Lions had the option of taking the top-rated cornerback in the draft, but passed on Dee Milliner. It's worked out so far, even though corner is a big need. This year, they could again have the option of taking a cornerback rated as the best one available ... but, again, they could pass. If their board looks at all like mine, I think both corner and safety (both needs) could be a slight reach here and (A) they really do need another receiver, and (B) Beckham could develop into a star here, even with Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate around. He's explosive with the ball in his hands, but you don't have to simply force easy catches, because he's a very good route-runner and will create space. 11 Darqueze Dennard Tennessee Titans (7-9) COLLEGE: Michigan State Class: Sr HT: 5-10 WT: 199 POS: CB Analysis: The loss of Alterraun Verner is a pretty significant one, and Tennessee is potentially looking at a scenario in which a young guy like Blidi Wreh-Wilson is asked to take on a major role in coverage this season. But that's a player who played in fewer than 100 snaps last season. In other words, they could really use the addition of an experienced, versatile defender who can hold up early and adjust quickly. That's always a concern at cornerback, but Dennard is the best bet on the board. 12 Aaron Donald New York Giants (7-9) COLLEGE: Pittsburgh HT: 6-0 WT: 285 POS: DT Analysis: I've had tight end Eric Ebron pegged here previously, but I think Donald's rise up many boards makes him a pretty good get at this point. The drop-off from Donald to the next defensive tackle in his mold is enough where I think he gets a little boost, and he also helps out at a pretty significant need spot for the Giants. I know many Giants fans want to see an offensive weapon here, but the depth chart along the defensive line could certainly use some youth and explosiveness. I think Ebron could fit -- as could a receiver -- but if Donald isn't taken here, he could be taken at any of the next four spots on the board.
13 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix St. Louis Rams (7-9) COLLEGE: Alabama Class: Jr HT: 6-1 WT: 208 POS: S Analysis: If Beckham is off the board here, you could see the attention turn to safety, at which the Rams have a pretty notable void. Clinton-Dix gives them some needed range and instincts in coverage and a possible pairing with T.J. McDonald, who showed flashes as a rookie in 2013 before a season-ending injury. Even with plenty of talent along the defensive line, I also think Donald could go here if available. An offensive tackle is also a possibility. Clinton-Dix isn't a big physical presence, but he's effective coming downhill and making tackles, and he's going to help in coverage. 14 Justin Gilbert Chicago Bears (8-8) COLLEGE: Oklahoma State Class: Sr HT: 6-0 WT: 202 POS: CB Analysis:Maybe the Bears won't get their first choice among some pretty big need options, but in Gilbert, they certainly check off one. I like Donald here if he's around, and I also think the Bears can't go wrong if they add a safety, as that's been a problem position going back beyond 2013. They have to add a corner, maybe two, and Gilbert gives them a special athlete who could learn the finer points of physical football from the position by practicing with Charles Tillman. Gilbert is also a weapon in the return game, which is worth noting now that Devin Hester is no longer around. 15 Zack Martin Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) COLLEGE: Notre Dame HT: 6-4 WT: 308 POS: OT Analysis: In my draft needs piece, I wrote, "Kelvin Beachum could be holding down the left tackle position, and, although Ramon Foster was pretty good last year at left guard, given the injuries the Steelers have dealt with up front the past couple of seasons, I could see an addition at tackle or guard to improve depth." Martin is up there with Joe Bitonio of Nevada for me as perhaps the most versatile offensive line talent in the draft, which is pretty useful for the Steelers. Pittsburgh could go cornerback here, but I don't like the value with the top two off the board. Receiver is also an option. 16 Calvin Pryor Dallas Cowboys (8-8) COLLEGE: Louisville Class: Jr HT: 5-11 WT: 207 POS: S Analysis: Depending on how you feel about the prospects of J.J. Wilcox, you could argue the Cowboys need not just one safety, but two. I know defensive line is a pretty big need here for Dallas, but it's a big leap to target either defensive tackle or an edge-rusher here. I actually think the Cowboys could consider moving down if they run into a scenario like this, but I'm not projecting trades, and Pryor, a likely immediate starter at a position of need, makes plenty of sense here. 17 Eric Ebron Baltimore Ravens (8-8) COLLEGE: North Carolina Class: Jr HT: 6-4 WT: 250 POS: TE Analysis: There are pretty legitimate questions about how "complete" a tight end Ebron is. Perhaps those even cause him to slide a few spots on some boards, but at this point, he becomes a great value, even if you're not drafting him to occasionally help the tackle collapse the edge in the run game. This guy is a difference-maker in the passing game, a long, fast matchup problem with the size to drag corners who try to pull him down after he makes the catch. The Ravens added Steve Smith, but they shouldn't be out of the game for another major target in the passing game. 18 Brandin Cooks New York Jets (8-8) COLLEGE: Oregon State Class: Jr HT: 5-9 WT: 189 POS: WR Analysis: I had Cooks slotted here previously and am not changing it on this update. He's an exceptional athlete, both quick and fast, with the ability to eat up space, then run past defenders and also outmaneuver them underneath. That makes him precisely the kind of matchup the Jets need to add to the passing game. If Mike Vick ends up starting, Cooks is the kind of option they would love to have because of his ability to create space. I know New York could go elsewhere here and count on the option of a good pass-catcher later on, but unless there's a cornerback they love at this spot, I like this fit. 19 C.J. Mosley Miami Dolphins (8-8) COLLEGE: Alabama Class: Sr HT: 6-2 WT: 234 POS: ILB Analysis: This pick is about how the board lines up. The offensive line options here are a reach for me; the pass-rusher is, too, as I don't see Anthony Barr as a great option at this spot; the top two cornerbacks will also be gone. Mosley is the best player available here, and it'll be hard to keep him off the field, given his ability to cover. If the Dolphins are looking to save money at this time next year, they'll be glad they have him. Even when it's not a round peg in a round hole from a need standpoint, any team can tell you drafting a player you know makes you better means something. 20 Derek Carr Arizona Cardinals (10-6) COLLEGE: Fresno State HT: 6-2 WT: 214 POS: QB Analysis: It's fair to say I've come around a little slower on Carr. In fact, just a week ago I spent more time going through his tape with Jon Gruden down in Tampa and saw some more positives than I had previously. While I still think this is a bit rich, it's not a bad speculative bet for a team that can make one here, given the makeup of the roster. The Cardinals have some needs, but not massive ones, and last year's first-rounder, Jonathan Cooper, will return from injury in 2014. There isn't a good No. 2 behind Carson Palmer, who will turn 35 during the 2014 season. It at least adds up. 21 Ryan Shazier Green Bay Packers (8-7-1) COLLEGE: Ohio State HT: 6-1 WT: 237 POS: OLB Analysis: The Packers get one of the more instinctive players in the draft, and they fill a void at linebacker next to A.J. Hawk with another Buckeye. Shazier is that modern linebacker who will play a little lighter but can shoot gaps upfield and also get through the trash and make plays sideline to sideline. He's also going to cover for you. I said before that if you watch Ohio State tape from the past two seasons, you'll see Shazier consistently playing faster than everyone else. 22 Kelvin Benjamin Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) COLLEGE: Florida State Class: Soph HT: 6-5 WT: 240 POS: WR Analysis: In the same way that Rex Ryan can probably take 11 guys off the street and figure out a way to have a league-average defense, you get the sense Chip Kelly could do the same on offense. While DeSean Jackson wasn't a player the Eagles' brass wanted around, defenses will be in better position to slow down Kelly's attack unless the Eagles can add another tool in the passing game. Benjamin is a bit of a project on the technical side, but he's a matchup nightmare from a physical standpoint and gives the Eagles something they really don't have at wide receiver. 23 Marqise Lee Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) COLLEGE: USC Class: Jr HT: 5-11 WT: 192 POS: WR Analysis: Given their needs and the depth in this draft, I could see the Chiefs moving down if they can add a pick or two. They don't have one in Round 2 thanks to (the success of) the Alex Smith trade. However, if they stay put, they could use a receiver who can help immediately -- K.C. really is a "win-now" team on the personnel side despite a huge leap in 2013 -- and Lee comes in as a possible steal, given his uneven junior season after he'd firmly established his value for evaluators. 24 Kony Ealy Cincinnati Bengals (11-5) COLLEGE: Missouri HT: 6-4 WT: 273 POS: DE Analysis: The Bengals have a pretty big need in the secondary, particularly at cornerback, at which they have Leon Hall, Adam Jones and Terence Newman all playing roles. None of them is young by NFL standards. They also lost Michael Johnson in free agency and could use an athletic defensive end who fits the system. The Bengals have done a good job developing defensive linemen, and perhaps Ealy is next in line. He's certainly an athlete with upside. 25 Anthony Barr San Diego Chargers (9-7) COLLEGE: UCLA Class: Sr HT: 6-4 WT: 255 POS: OLB Analysis: I was tempted to put Fuller here -- as that's a pretty big need and I think he can help them early -- but there's a certain point at which you see this level of productivity from a pass-rusher, consider your own need at that spot and have to take a guy like Barr, who needs some developmental work but got to the quarterback plenty, even while he was figuring it out on defense after a conversion from fullback. Cleaning up your ability to defend the pass doesn't just come through better personnel in the secondary. It can start up front. 26 Kyle Fuller Cleveland Browns (4-12) COLLEGE: Virginia Tech Class: Sr HT: 5-11 WT: 190 POS: CB Analysis: After doing this for over 35 years and trading notes with countless evaluators, I can tell you there's no magic formula for deciphering exactly which cornerbacks are going to make the transition to the NFL quickly and which will take some time. But I'd bet Fuller can play an important role earlier than most. The Browns could use it, too, because they need a player who can take on good receivers close to the level Joe Haden can. Fuller is a fit I like here and has to be in consideration if he's available. 27 Cody Latimer New Orleans Saints (11-5) COLLEGE: Indiana Class: Jr HT: 6-2 WT: 215 POS: WR 28 Morgan Moses Carolina Panthers (12-4) COLLEGE: Virginia HT: 6-6 WT: 314 POS: OT 29 Ra'Shede Hageman New England Patriots (12-4) COLLEGE: Minnesota HT: 6-5 WT: 310 POS: DT 30 Jordan Matthews San Francisco 49ers (12-4) COLLEGE: Vanderbilt HT: 6-3 WT: 212 POS: WR 31 Jason Verrett Denver Broncos (13-3) COLLEGE: TCU Class: Sr HT: 5-9 WT: 189 POS: CB 32 Stephon Tuitt Seattle Seahawks (13-3) COLLEGE: Notre Dame HT: 6-5 WT: 304 POS: DE
Another Kiper Mock. "Ooooh! I'm dying again!" (Can't even remember which Bugs Bunny cartoon that was from but it fits perfectly) Seriously, did whoever decided to move the draft back 3 weeks not realize that we were all going to be up to our necks in mock drafts by now?
Cool down Brad I only put it here for folks who didn't have ESPN insider and wanted to see how he graded players. Not a big fan of Mel Kiper either. Personally, I am waiting WW85's mock.
Cooks reminds me of that speedy little receiver (?) we just missed out on last draft (or was it the draft before?) It's all a fog
Cooks is actually far more physical than Tavon Austin, and far more aggressive with the ball in his hands. Last season was a very weak WR draft, the only reason Austin went so high.
Why do we need to waste a top 20 pick on a glorified slot receiver? Cook would be a terrible pick. So we would have two slot receivers with Kerley and Cook. Yikes Idzik should be throat punched if he make this pick. If his model for drafting and building a team is off his old team the Seahawks then does not match.
Tavon Austin is better and can be used in a variety of ways that Cook can't. He can return kicks and catch a screen pass and blow up a defense. He really came into his own late in the season
No he's not stop it, Cooks is a much more polished receiver then Austin and I don't even like Cooks as a first rounder. Austin is the definition of a gadget players, struggles off presses, relies on his quickness in routes instead of body/head fakes and can't catch if he knows he's about to be hit. Austin is a motion slot receiver who can catch out of the backfield and is great in special teams, congratulations that was a top 10 pick.
He maybe more polished but he is still a slot receiver. We have one already who just happens to be our top receiver last year. Cook will struggle to get separation and if you are drafting him to be our outside receiver our blocking from from that position will suffer. We have more pressing needs that taken someone that high to play the slot.
I want Lee or Amaro. If we get Lee at 18 then I hope ASJ slips to the 2nd round. If we take Amaro at 18 then either Matthews/Robinson or Lattimer in the 2nd.
So all offense in the first 2 rounds? What if Pace and Coples look like shit on the outside? Fuck outside run containment and pass rush its all about receivers right?
His mocks usually do become looney tunes.He's not a talent evaluator just an information gatherer.Still I respect him for being the face of the modern day draft. The one thing Mel knows it's draft value.He knows the big board 1-7 better than anyone. I wouldn't want him building my team & his opinions/predictions are often wrong..but he is great at what he does.
Yeah because that is how you win games. Are you expecting to pitch a shut out each game? The offense was horrible last year and to not finally address it would be a disgrace. It hasn't been address since Rex arrive and he took Sanchez. Rex and the Jets haven't taken an OLB in 5 years either. So I'm thinking he doesn't put much emphasis on that position. We also have Antwan Barnes coming back and he was playing pretty good before he went down with an injury. Yes it is time to address the offense you can find some defensive value in the 3,4,5,6 and 7th round.
