Final Mock Draft

3 days and counting before the anticipated NFL Draft. This year has been a frustrating having to wait an extra 2 weeks, but it sure will be rewarding when Thursday arrives. Here is my final 1st Round mock draft:

1. Houston Texans - DE Jadaveon Clowney (South Carolina)
Clearly the most athletic at his position and arguably all positions in the 2014 NFL draft class. Not often do you see a 6'6" man child who runs with wide receiver speed. Houston could opt out and receive more picks, but at this point, you just take the best players available and address the needs with the middle round picks.

2. Buffalo Bills (from STL & WAS) - OT Jake Matthews (Texas A&M)
Last year the Bills surprised in the first round and selected EJ Manuel from Florida State. Manuel is a proven leader and has the intangibles to be a good quarterback, but has dealt with injuries the last couple years. It is time to bring extra protection on the line. Bills already have a strong left tackle in Cordy Glenn which was a steal in the 2nd round of 2012 NFL Draft. Adding Matthews to the right side where he has played most of his career would be a great fit for the Bills. Could have stayed at 9 and selected a wide receiver or Taylor Lewan, but Matthews has experience and NFL blood in him. Manuel has weapons on offense and the O-Line in front of him to get the protection he needs, and Bills may surprise a lot of teams this year. Solid pick.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - OLB Khalil Mack (Buffalo)
There have been a lot of rumors of Jacksonville taking a quarterback here at 3 with names such as Teddy Bridgewater and Johnny Manziel, but I don't think a quarterback is needed that soon for Jacksonville. Jacksonville is young and building and have the right guy at coach to get the players he wants. Coming over from Seattle a year ago, Gus Bradley has made some improvements on this defense. Still lack the pass rushing ability but they have established their secondary and linebacker core. To add some youth and athleticism to the team, Mack fits Bradley's style of defense. The offense could still use work and Chad Henne is an alright starter to get the job done, but they can address a quarterback and wide receiver in the 2nd and 3rd round. If Sammy Watkins is available at 3, Jaguars could bolt for his play-making ability, but Jaguars defense needs to take form first.

4. Cleveland Browns - WR Sammy Watkins (Clemson)
Arguably one of the most talented wide receivers since AJ Green and Julio Jones came into the league. Watkins possesses an elite set of hands and play-making ability with his agility and speed. Some character issues from college, but so did Josh Gordon who put up legendary numbers in 12 games last season with multiple quarterbacks at the helm. Installing Watkins into the offense with Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron already in Cleveland, gives the Browns the insurance on offense with guys able to get the first down and score some points. If Cleveland still experiences a quarterback issue, they won't have to worry because the receivers will help them out. Browns also have the 26th pick where they can draft a quarterback.

5. Oakland Raiders - DT Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh)
I think the Raiders will love to have Sammy Watkins fall to them at 5 if Browns decide to draft Johnny Manziel at 4. As great as it would be for the Raiders to have a play-maker fall to them, how about drafting a play-maker on defense and a guy who has already proved he can play from day 1, in Aaron Donald. 28.5 tackles for loss last season at 6'1". Donald is undersized, but then again so is Geno Atkins who has established himself as one of the best pass rushing defensive tackles since Warren Sapp. Donald is fierce and uses his hands well and know's how to get to the quarterback. Also for a defensive tackle, he put up a 40 time in the 4.6's. Raiders established their defense this offseason with an array of free agent signings. Reggie McKenzie wants to make this team better, draft Aaron Donald.

6. Atlanta Falcons - OT Greg Robinson (Auburn)
This is a pick where they would of liked to move up to get Jadaveon Clowney, but I think Houston will settle and take Clowney. Atlanta has a need at offensive line to protect Matt Ryan. Falcons dealt with a lot of injuries last season and they are a lot better than their record indicates. This pick is too high to take Kony Ealy from Missouri, so best offensive line prospect would be the next choice. Atlanta can establish a pass rushing pick in round 2 with players such as OLB Demarcus Lawrence from Boise State or DE/OLB Trent Murphy from Stanford. Falcons will take the safe pick who will help them get back into the playoffs.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR Mike Evans (Texas A&M)
Some argue he is the best wide receiver and has the most potential of any receiver in this class. Putting up big numbers in 2 years at Mike Evans, had the great college quarterback in Johnny Manziel at the helm to throw him the balls. Mike Evans reminds me of a slower Calvin Johnson. Has the height (6'5") and strength to go up for passes above the secondary. Evans also doesn't drop a lot of passes. Vincent Jackson can still produce, but bringing in Vincent Jackson 2.0 can help this young Tampa Bay team and offense.

8. Dallas Cowboys (From MIN) - QB Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M)
It makes me nervous that there hasn't been enough talk about the Cowboys moving up to get Johnny Manziel. Possibly could be a strategy by Jerry Jones, or maybe they just don't have that interest in Manziel. Jerry Jones isn't afraid to move up in the draft, as shown in recent years to get Dez Bryant and Morris Claiborne. Jerry Jones says he is going to win the Super Bowl every year, but also Jerry Jones is also good at selling and providing entertainment. He already possesses the most expensive sports venue out of all the major sports, and famous group of cheerleaders in the game. As much as anyone wants to win the Super Bowl and Jerry Jones has before, he has settled for 8-8 for quite some time. He needs players and coaches to advance, but I think he will take a big name that will draw in revenue for the team and the game. What better way to improve ratings and make money then bringing in Johnny Manziel. Romo is getting old and hurt each year. Time to move on Dallas and add some electricity.

9. St. Louis Rams (From BUF) - OT Zach Martin (Notre Dame) 
I have the Rams moving down to bolster their picks and add some more solid players to their team. Having trading the 2 pick couple years ago, helped add impact guys. Rams have established Sam Bradford as their future, and they need to protect him. Rams brought in All-Pro Jake Long to help that O-Line but he once again suffered an injury detrimental to his future as being that All-Pro. Martin has been rising up the boards and possesses some of the best offensive lineman techniques in this draft. A little undersized for tackle, he is strong and can hold his own. Also, Martin has the skill set to move over to guard where St. Louis needs help as well. Martin has been demanded by teams lately and Rams have that advantage at 9 to get him, as well as the picks later on in the draft obtained from Buffalo (in my mock prediction).

10. Detroit Lions - OT Taylor Lewan (Michigan)
I have Lewan slipping to 10 landing right in the hands of Detroit. I think it is too early for the Lions to draft a defensive player who can impact the secondary, but they should take the best player available. Lewan is a Michigan boy, and would be playing at home. Detroit's 2013 7th round pick La'Adrian Waddle proved he can play in this league last year, but not sure if he is good for long-term. Lewan is a prototypical left tackle so Detroit can move Riley Reiff back to right tackle where he naturally fits. Stafford needs the protection to throw it to his wide receivers. CB Darqueze Dennard makes sense here at 10 but there is a lot of corner depth in this draft where the Lions can look to add, or safety in the 2nd round.

11. San Francisco 49ers (From TEN) - CB Darqueze Dennard (Michigan State)
49ers make a splash to move up and get a corner they desperately need. Rumors lately have the 49ers making the big move to select Odell Beckham Jr (who I like a lot), but corner is more of a pressing need. Currently the starting corners are Tramaine Brock and Chris Culliver. Brock made an impact last season, but San Francisco lost Carlos Rogers. 49ers could have gone corner at 30 with Jason Verrett, or a Lamarcus Joyner in the 2nd round, but they are not your big corners that seem to be more a need in today's NFL. Dennard is physical and breaks up a lot of passes, and comes from a battle-tested Big 10. Big 10 is generally not an elite college football conference, but they sure know how to prepare their athletes for the NFL. I like Dennard going at 11 and the 49ers moving up to get him.

12. NY Giants - TE Eric Ebron (North Carolina)
This pick is difficult because the main 4 offensive linemen that would fit New York have already been taken. Giants could trade back here or take the best available player. Tight End weapon is a big need for the Giants, as well as offensive line and linebacker. Ebron is a receivers tight end and Vernon Davis 2.0 minus the blocking. Speed of a wide receiver, but plays tight end. Ebron needs to develop blocking skills which he can since he left college early, but the Giants could develop one of their other tight ends to block or sign a free agent. I like Ebron to be brought in to help Eli Manning.

13. St. Louis Rams - S Calvin Pryor (Louisville)
This is the regular Rams pick, where their no. 2 overall pick came from the Redskins in the RGIII trade. Rams have an already top 5 defensive front 7 in the league, and the NFC West is the toughest division in the game. Defense is a priority in the NFC West and Rams need to address their secondary. T.J. McDonald panned out, but they need address the opposite side of him and select Calvin Pryor. Pryor can deliver the nasty hit, but he also can cover ground in the secondary. Seahawks have a similar player in Earl Thomas who is arguably the best safety in the NFL today. Rams can address another wide receiver in the 2nd round, primarily a big target for Sam Bradford.

14. Chicago Bears - OLB Anthony Barr (UCLA)
No guy other than Teddy Bridgewater has had his stock drop than Anthony Barr. Rumored a top 5, to now being drafted as low as 30th in the draft. Barr has pure athleticism. Bears defense is looking to get young with talent for the future and Barr would be a safe pick. Mack and Barr have potential to be the top 2 outside linebackers in this draft. Bears can look at a corner in round 2 or a safety. Steal here.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State)
Some consider Gilbert to be the top corner in this draft ahead of Darqueze Dennard, Kylle Fuller, and Jason Verrett. Gilbert is a freak athlete who not only plays corner but has returner skills as well. Gilbert is able to cause turnovers, picking off 6 passes during last season. Steelers secondary is getting old, Ike Taylor is not the old Ike Taylor anymore. Fresh face, who fits the Steelers defense. If Dennard is not selected early, would be a great fit here as well.

16. Minnesota Vikings (From DAL) - QB Blake Bortles (Central Florida)
Minnesota finally gets the quarterback they need. New head coach is going to push for defensive players, since coming over from Cincinnati where he was a defensive coordinator. Vikings tend to make head-scratching picks, but the time is now for the Vikings to help this team. Matt Cassel is a solid insurance for backup if injury or inconsistency were to occur. Zimmer I think would push for C.J. Mosley linebacker from Alabama if they don't take Bortles with this pick. If they get Bortles, moving down boosted the number of picks they have.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (From BAL) - WR Brandin Cooks (Oregon State)
One of the more impressive wide receivers not just on the field but off the field. Sources have been saying they have been the most impressed with Cooks character of any of the wide receivers and potentially players in this draft. Cooks put up a monster junior year at Oregon State and won the top wide receiver award as well. Cooks has strong and consistent hands and it is quite tough for his size (Benched 225 lbs, 16 reps at combine, equivalent to Sammy Watkins). Cooks can be that number 2 receiver from day one and a solid slot receiver. I expect Cooks to have a similar role in the NFL as he did in college. To land at 17 is a steal for the Philadelphia Eagles who I think will trade up to get him. Chip Kelly is familiar with Brandin Cooks during Kelly's days at Oregon, and would be another weapon to add to an already superb offense. Not sure how he will do in blocking situations, but he won't be an issue in the passing game that is for sure.

18. New York Jets - WR Odell Beckham Jr (LSU)
The best all-purpose player in this draft. Beckham Jr can run the ball, catch difficult passes, and he can return kicks at an elite level. The complete package. Beckham Jr. provides a great work ethic as well. Jets have lacked in the receiving core the past couple years. Signing free agents in the offseason have bolstered the depth and drafting Beckham Jr. as the second wide receiver is essential for this improved Jets team. Gives Geno Smith or Michael Vick another target.

19. Miami Dolphins - OT Ja'Wuan James (Tennessee)
Don't have a whole lot of information on Ja'Wuan James, all I know is he has shot up draft boards lately. Only have heard his name linked to Miami, so odds are this is the guy they want. Was a productive starter at Tennessee, but not a lot of buzz on Tennessee this year. Could be a surprise here.

20. Arizona Cardinals - QB Derek Carr (Fresno State)
Carr's name has been tossed all over the draft, and his draft stock continually rises and drops. Carr had a great senior season at Fresno State, and possesses a strong arm and quick release. Carr fits a pro style offense and Arizona is a great fit. Bruce Arians is a great quarterback developer and revived Carson Palmer's career last year, and made an impact with one season as Andrew Luck's coordinator in Indianapolis. Carr doesn't do well under pressure, but Arians can work that out. Carr has the opportunity to benefit being under Palmer's wing for a year or two. Mettenberger would be a fit in Arizona in further rounds if Arizona doesn't decide to take Carr at 20.

21. Green Bay Packers - ILB C.J. Mosley (Alabama)
Arguably the best middle linebacker if not the best linebacker overall in this draft. Due to a lack of need for middle linebacker by other teams in the draft, Packers get a steal of Mosley falling to them. Mosley is a smart and a strong tackling middle linebacker playing under the great Alabama defenses the past four years. Mosley has the experience and leadership to help a team. Also can be a pass rusher needed in certain situations. Packers defense is aging and he boosts the future of their linebacking core. 21st is a long drop with a guy who's talent belongs in top 15.

22. Baltimore Ravens (From PHI) - S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama)
Ed Reed is no longer in Baltimore, who will most likely retire soon and be a HOF no doubt. Last season was a trial for the Ravens in their first season after the Super Bowl win. They missed a lot of players from their Super Bowl team and it clearly showed. Ravens have had last draft and this draft to get better. Ravens are best known for their defense and it is time to upgrade the secondary. He provides a day 1 impact when installed into a defense. Ravens could go offensive line to protect Flacco, but that can be addressed in 2nd round.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Marquise Lee (USC)
Arguably had one of the most disappointing seasons in college football this past season. Couldn't control his dropped passes, hampered with injuries, and change of coaches mid-season. His counterpart surpassed him last year as the go to guy. Last year was a trial for Lee and I am sure he is feeding off the mediocre year. Can't forget the sophomore season numbers he put up becoming an All-American as a result. I think we anticipated him to put up astronomical numbers this past season and clearly fell short. Can't write off Marquise Lee. Lee is easily one of the top 3 wide receivers in this draft and his stock is low right now. When healthy and on the field, Lee is one of the most dangerous players with the ball in his hand. He could go as high as the middle of the first round to the later half of the first. He may go on to be the best wide receiver of this class. Dwayne Bowe is the only wide receiver in Kansas City, and I think Kansas City adds a weapon for Alex Smith. Could be one of the steals of the first round and this draft. A blessing for Kansas City at 23.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - OLB Ryan Shazier (Ohio State)
Bengals had an exciting but disappointing end to their season getting rocked by San Diego in the first round of the playoffs. Bengals strength was their defense, and their defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator have both left the team to become head coaches. Clean slate of coaching on defense for the Bengals and I think addressing the defense is a great start for a new coordinator. Bengals do defense best and their linebackers need an upgrade. Shazier would be a great fit after a stellar career at Ohio State. Shazier has good defensive awareness and knows how to get to the quarterback with his speed and strength. One of Shazier's best abilities is his strong tackling. Plug him into the Bengals defense and they will become one of the most feared front 7's, especially with Geno Atkins returning this season. Shazier would be a nice fit at 24 to Cincinnati.

25. San Diego Chargers - DT Louis Nix III (Notre Dame)
Chargers finished strong in the 2013 season, and look to return in 2014. Chargers defense was hit by the injury bug to Dwight Freeney and Melvin Ingram and lacked a pass rush. Both are back healthy this year and the pass rush is now addressed. What the Chargers lack are corner and defensive tackle. For the 3-4, a strong nose tackle is needed, and Louis Nix III fits that mold. Kendall Reyes is a good defensive tackle but does not fill the void as a nose tackle. Louis Nix III is a large 310-320 pound defensive tackle, but can move quick and is agile for his size. Nix is a strong big body to plug the middle on runs, and occasionally get to the quarterback and make a sack. Nix is better than where he would be drafted at 25, but that is where the need for defensive tackle is needed other than Oakland at 5.

26. Cleveland Browns (From IND) - QB Teddy Bridgewater (Louisville) 
Bridgewater has seen his draft stock plummet all the way from the consensus number 1 overall to possibly slipping into Round 2 after a sub-par combine and pro day. In his pro day, he struggled to make the necessary throws. Bridgewater possesses small hands which could be an issue in the NFL, but he knows how to win and displays smart decision making. Character is not an issue either. Bridgewater could have been taken by the Browns at 4, but having him slide to 26th is a gift for the Browns. The quarterback carousel over the years should finally come to a halt with the addition of Bridgewater.

27. New Orleans Saints - WR Cody Latimer (Indiana)
Coming into the draft, there was discussions that Latimer's value listed him between Round's 4-5, today we are talking about him going as early as 22 to Philadelphia. What has caused this spike? Latimer has a strong frame (6'2" 215 lbs) who lifted the most reps in the combine for a wide receiver at 225 lbs (23 Reps). When going up for the ball, he uses his strong hands to bring in the ball and is good in one on one coverage. Latimer is explosive to get up for the ball. Latimer before the draft was injured as well and is finally healthy. I have Latimer listed as the 6th best wide receiver, but I truly feel that the sky is the limit for this Indiana wide receiver. Landing in a pass-happy offense in New Orleans, Brees will like his new target.

28. Carolina Panthers - OT Morgan Moses (Virginia)
Carolina has had a rough offseason with the loss of a lot of their offense. All-Pro Jordan Gross wrapped up the cleats and had decided to retire, Steve Smith was disgusted being released, Brandon LaFell left the Panthers for the Patriots, which has now left a gap and holes to fill. Panthers are still a young team, and need a solid foundation on the line. Carolina can't afford to trade up and lose picks to bolster their offensive line and the entire offense. I Like wide receiver as this pick, but Cam Newton needs protection first. Morgan Moses from Virginia is an experienced left tackle who can fit in nicely right into Carolina's offense. Joel Bitonio is another option from Nevada, but I think Carolina goes for Moses. Moses didn't have a flashy career at Virginia, but he was a consistent blocker and faced a battle-tested ACC. Moses has work ethic questions, but I feel he will transition well over to the NFL and put in the necessary work to help the Panthers. Carolina can address the wide receiver in the 2nd and 3rd round, since the wide receiver class is deep this year.

29. New England Patriots - DE Kony Ealy (Missouri)
Could be one of the most versatile defensive lineman in this draft class. Ealy has the talent to be an edge rusher, but he also can come from the middle and play defensive tackle as well too. Exactly what a Patriots player possesses, versatility. Ealy would be a good fit to New Orleans at 27, but the Patriots make the most sense and he fits that defense. Ealy should thrive learning from one of the game's best defensive tackles in Vince Wilfork, and play alongside one of the game's rising defensive ends, Chandler Jones.

30. Tennesse Titans (From SF) - CB Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech)
I could have put him Kyle Fuller at 25 to San Diego, but defensive tackle is more of a need in my opinion. Chargers could address corners in 2nd or 3rd rounds. Fuller is a top 3 corner talent in this draft class, but the need doesn't start until pick 30. Tennessee could have taken Dennard at 11, but by trading with San Francisco they can accumulate more draft picks and still get a solid cornerback at 30. Fuller was a disruptive corner at Virginia Tech and broke up a lot of plays. He is quick and strong for his size and can stay with most wide receivers. He brings athleticism to Tennessee to replace Alterraun Verner who bolted for Tampa Bay. Good start to strengthing the Titans defense and can address the offensive needs later in this draft.

31. Denver Broncos - CB Jason Verrett (TCU)
Verrett could be the Winfield of this generation. Undersized and recovering from a shoulder injury, Verrett packs a lot of punch with his undersized 5'9" frame. Looks are deceiving, but Verrett is a strong tackling corner, who also can get up for the pick. I think Verrett has been looked over by a lot of teams because of his size, but he can ball. I have him ranked the 3rd best corner in this draft, with Dennard and Fuller ahead of him. Broncos are in need of secondary help after the departure of Champ Bailey, and Chris Harris recovering from knee injury. Verrett's future is bright, and also is a nice addition to the upgraded secondary for the Broncos.

32. Seattle Seahawks - OT Cyrus Kouandjio (Alabama)
Teams have been concerned about Kouandjio's knees, but that shouldn't be a concern for the Seahawks. They like players who play with a chip on their shoulder. Kouandjio's draft stock has dropped after a poor combine, and injury concerns. Seattle is in it to win now and they will plug in whoever helps this team win. Kouandjio may not provide a player with a long career, but he does fit in now and ready to play for at least 5-6 years. Kouandjio is strong and has good hands for his size. Sliding him into the right tackle spot will boost this offensive line to hopefully propel them back into the Super Bowl and repeat. Based on offensive lineman ready to play now, other than Jake Matthews and Zach Martin, Cyrus Kouandjio is ready to contribute.