Sports World News’ official mock draft starts today with the 2014 NFL Draft 48 days away in Radio City Music Hall. We will be updating the mock draft every Friday and will be in three parts. Part one will be 1-10, part two will be 11-20 and part three will be 21-32. Here is part one:
Sports World News NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Part Two
Sports World News NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Part Three
Mel Kiper Jr.'s Mock Draft 3.0 Analysis
1. Houston Texans: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo
I almost changed this pick to Bortles, but with the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick I think the Texans are leaning toward defense. Mack has been a workout warrior on top of his incredible senior season. He fits the 3-4 much better than Jadeveon Clowney and would serve the same purpose in the pass rush. Texans find their QB in round two in Jimmy Garoppolo.
2. St. Louis Rams (via Redskins): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
I fully expect the Rams to trade this pick, but we will cover those in version 3.0. Today the Rams select the best ranked tackle in the class in Robinson. The Rams are stuck with Sam Bradford for another season so they might as well keep him upright with this selection. Also helps the future QB of the Rams.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
This is a great spot for Clowney and head coach Gus Bradley gets the DE of his dreams. Now it will all be up to Clowney to make us believe the hype and become the next Reggie White. I see more Julius Peppers in his game. The Jaguars have done weirder things and will look for a QB in free agency and later in the draft.
4. Cleveland Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The Browns have purged the QB position and the fact that they have two first round picks will benefit them again. They grab the top playmaker in the draft in Watkins. The Browns wide receiver situation goes from terrible to one of the best in two seasons. If only they had someone who could throw the ball.
5. Oakland Raiders:Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
The Raiders take the first QB off the board and they land Bridgewater. Teddy fits what the Raiders are trying to do best out of the top choices and is a top their athlete which the Raiders love. This pick plus a great free agency shows that Oakland is on the right track to relevancy. NOTE: This was written before the Raiders trade for Matt Schaub. Updated next week!
6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Atlanta needs to improve it’s pass rush and if Mack or Clowney is available, that is the choice. However, they are not and they will miss out barring a trade into the Top 3. What Atlanta does get is an OT that will be amazing for 10 years on the blindside. Much like his father Bruce, Matthews will be the loyal centerpiece every team craves on the offensive line.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Lovie Smith hinted at drafting a QB even after signing Josh McCown and with the top one still on the board, he makes his move. Bortles is the prototypical QB and will find himself in a franchise improving quickly with established weapons on offense. Bortles also won't have to start immediately.
8. Minnesota Vikings: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Minnesota is the bridesmaid again with this selection. When the Vikings selected Christian Ponder years ago they only did because all the other top prospects were gone including their true target Jake Locker. Manziel lands in a spot with a team in transition with solid WRs and the RB is pretty good I guess.
9. Buffalo Bills: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Buffalo lands the third of the top three OTs. The top three guys this year are ranked higher than the top three OT last year, including the first two overall picks. That speaks to how much better this draft class is. Lewan will keep E.J. Manuel clean for years to come and will even outlive Manuels' stay in Buffalo.
10. Detroit Lions: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Lions find the No. 2 receiver they always wanted for Calvin Johnson. Matthew Stafford must be giddy with all the new weapons the Lions supplied him with. The Lions have the scariest pass attack in the league with Evans, Johnson, Golden Tate and Reggie Bush. Justin Gilbert could be here in the furute but for now its Evans.
How does your Top 10 unfold? Tell us @SportsWN
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