Mock Draft – Picks 11 – 21
- Updated: April 26, 2014
Mike Evans is arguably the second best receiver in the 2014 NFL Draft. He is prototypical is his size and frame.
At the conclusion of the top 10, we will see two linebackers, three quarterbacks, two offensive linemen, one wide receiver, one cornerback and one extraordinarily gifted defensive end disappear from the boards. The middle of the first round can go in a lot of different directions. There is still plenty of talent available at both the defensive back and wide receiver positions and some excellent prospects that will seemingly fall into the laps of the teams who seek them the most. Here’s picks 11-21:
11. Tennessee Titans – Calvin Pryor, FS, (Louisville) – The Titans need to upgrade the personnel in their secondary, Calvin Pryor is just the man the Music City marauders are looking for. This ferocious safety is a perfect fit for a Titans searching for a hard hitting rover. This man knows how to hit. He will get plenty of chances in the pass-happy NFL.
12. New York Giants – C.J. Mosley, ILB, (Alabama) – The New York Giants are in the process of reconstructing a porous defense. Key free agent signings such as CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Walter Thurmond, DE Robert Ayers and the re-signings of MLB Jon Beason and DT Mike Patterson show that improving the defense is clearly the priority. Look for the Giants to scoop up this 6’2, 234-pound talent from Alabama to add more girth to their front seven. Mosley is a prototypical NFL inside linebacker who will fly to the football and have a successful career.
13. St. Louis Rams – Taylor Lewan, OT, (Michigan) – Look for the Rams to go right back and address their offensive line needs with yet another offensive tackle selection. Lewan is an excellent complement to Greg Robinson, and in the event the Rams do trade their coveted second overall pick, this will be a great option for the Rams to fall back on, while still addressing their needs.
14. Chicago Bears – Aaron Donald, DL, (Pittsburgh) – With a need to reinforce their defensive line, the Bears are searching for the next big thing to anchor their anemic defensive line. Aaron Donald fits this predicament like a glove. The fierce defensive lineman finds his draft stock rising meteorically, and for a team like the Bears with Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston anchoring the line, Donald will feel right at home.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Bradley Roby, CB, (Ohio State) – The first Buckeye taken in the draft will be none other than the prototype nickel back Bradley Roby. Roby can help share time with Antonio Brown at return specialist duties while adding depth to the Steel Curtain’s secondary. Roby is a great number three corner behind Ike Taylor and William Gay. As Taylor ages, Roby may work his way in to a number two position behind Gay, as many scouts speculate he is capable of.
16. Dallas Cowboys – Stephon Tuitt DE (Notre Dame) – Tuitt is a malevolent force on the field and the Cowboys would welcome Tuitt with open arms. The Cowboys have already tried to build a competitive defensive line, in the wake of Demarcus Ware’s departure. So far they have done well resigning Anthony Spencer and acquiring Jeremy Mincey and Henry Melton. Tuitt will be the missing piece to the puzzle for this Cowboys team that has reverted back to the 4-3.
17. Baltimore Ravens – Mike Evans, WR, (Texas A&M) – Mike Evans could arguably be the receiver in the draft. This can be attested to his imposing 6’5, 225-pound frame, and his ability to make athletic plays in crucial situations. After Sammy Watkins falls off the boards, expect this second-ranked receiver to come off the board next. Evans is an excellent addition and change of a pace to a Ravens receiving corps, in which the two projected starters are both under six feet tall.
18. New York Jets – Marqise Lee, WR, (USC) – While Brandin Cooks would be ideal for the New York Jets, or any team for that matter, they will not be able to pass on the Trojans’ Marqise Lee. Lee is an exemplary human being, as well as a gifted receiver. Lee could emerge as the potential No. 2 two starter in New York, aside newly-acquired Eric Decker. Building a talented unit around second-year quarterback Geno Smith, or veteran quarterback Michael Vick, has been crucial for the Jets’ front office.
19. Miami Dolphins – Carlos Hyde, RB, (Ohio State) – The first running back taken in the draft comes from none other than Ohio State University. The Buckeyes have had a staple of NFL rushing talent, and Carlos Hyde is another name that will remain circled on the long list. The combination of Knowshon Moreno and Carlos Hyde can be an intimidating prospect for future opponents. Both are physical, downhill and relentless runners, and Hyde would be a perfect handcuff to the Georgia Bulldog.
20. Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Shazier, LB, (Ohio State) – The third sBuckeye taken in the draft will be linebacker Ryan Shazier. The Cards are in need of a linebacker, and they will have an excellent corps consisting of Abraham, Shazier, Minter and Alexander. Look for Arizona to continue to improve on defense. This franchise has done an excellent job of flexing its muscles over the past few years defensively.
21. Green Bay Packers – Eric Ebron TE (UNC) – Ebron is an absolute freak of nature. Scouts have drooled over this prospect from North Carolina. Due to other team needs, Ebron will fall all the way to Green Bay despite his high ranking. Ebron has all the tools and intangibles to be a weapon in the Aaron Rodgers lead Green Bay offense who are searching for a reliable target due to Jermichael Finley’s injury problems.
STAY TUNED FOR PICKS 22-32, as the final first-round picks are revealed. What will become of Brandin Cooks or Odell Beckham? Stay tuned and find out!
Photo courtesy of Bleacherreport.com
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