The Sports World News NFL Mock Draft reaches version 8.0 as we dig into the last 6 days before the draft kicks off. This is part one covering teams 1-16.
1. TRADE Atlanta Falcons (via Texans): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Of course this is subject to change, but the Falcons are rumored to be looking to acquire the No. 1 overall pick. I expect the Texans to select Clowney and hold onto him to see how the rest of the draft unfolds before dealing him
2. St. Louis Rams (via Redskins): Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
The rumor is that the Rams are in love with Mack and I am finally ready to believe the rumor. Mack is an elite pass usher that makes one of the best crews in the NFL even better at hitting the quarterback.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Jaguars are rumored to be interested in Matthews and focusing on protecting whoever the future quarterback happens to be. I believe Matthews is the best tackle in the draft and would form a great tandem with last years No. 2 pick and former teammate Luke Joeckel
4. Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Internal struggles will cause the Browns to take a player that doesn't belong at No. 4, this week it happens to be Johnny Manziel. The Browns get the ultimate bang or bust player in Manziel that can either make the Browns the hot story of 2014 or have them looking for a quarterback again in 2016.
5. Oakland Raiders: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The Raiders get a huge steal in Watkins, who is the best offensive weapon in this draft. The Raiders are moving in the right direction for the first time in a long time and Watkins is the icing on the cake. The Raiders are building quite the offense with Matt Schaub and James Jones.
6. Houston Texans (via Falcons): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
The Texans have to protect the next quarterback of the team and the picks they obtain in the Falcon trade will make up for the the loss in talent at No. 6. The Texans have the insurance to the house now they need the signal caller.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Pairing Vincent Jackson with Evans will make the Buccaneer pass attack a formidable one for whoever is throwing the ball in 2014 and going forward. Evans will grow into his skill set as he gets tutored by a clone copy of himself in Jackson
8. Minnesota Vikings: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Bortles needs to be coached up some and shouldn't be given the reins until late into the 2014 season. Luckily thats exactly what the Vikings want to do with their quarterback of the future. Bortles will benefit from the learning process and will have a great arsenal of weapons when he does get on the field
9. Buffalo Bills: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
The Bills grab a great offensive weapon and a safety blanket for E.J. Manuel. Manuel look solid in his limited action of 2013, but giving him the pieces to succeed would go a long way to speeding up his development. Ebron could be the best receiver on the team as a tight end.
10. Detroit Lions: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
There are so many picks the Lions could make at No. 10, but in this scenario Detroit solidifies its sketchy secondary. Clinton-Dix has the potential to be the steal at No. 10, but he has the potential to be the bust of the draft as well. The pick is high risk, high reward for the Lions.
11. Tennessee Titans: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Donald has the chance to be a once in a decade talent if he finds the right scheme and why not put him on the 3-4 hybrid. Ray Horton will have a field day with Donald and the Titans can pair him with Jurrell Casey.
12. New York Giants: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Lewan is the third best of the top OTs, but he would step in immediately and start for the Giants. Lewan has off the field issues that will have to be addressed, but the Giants have a strong core of leadership.
13. St. Louis Rams: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
The Rams passed on Watkins just to select a wide receiver of lesser value that is jumping up the boards. Beckham is rumored to be pushing Evans as the drafts second best receiver and the Rams could be the team to take a chance.
14. Chicago Bears: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
The Bears need secondary help and Dennard fits what Chicago does better than the likes of Justin Gilbert. The Bears overhauled the whole defense this offseason and it continues in the draft, but this time the focus is the secondary.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Another team that needs secondary help, but the Steelers need more of a ball hawk than a tone setter at corner. Gilbert needs some coaching up, bit Pittsburgh is the best in the business when it comes to defensive coaching. Gilbert couldn't have gone to a better place for him.
16. Dallas Cowboys: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
The Cowboys are stuck in an interesting spot considering their needs. They need defensive line help and at No. 16 they could be running dry unless they want to reach. Pryor is one of the two safties who will go in the first round and strengthening Dallass secondary will take some pressure off the miserable defensive line.
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