Fansided Local & NFL Sites 2014 NFL Mock Draft (Picks 1 – 23)
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ha
#15 Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, Alabama, Safety – With the 15th pick in the FanSided mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Alabama junior safety Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix. As was discussed on this week’s Three Rivers, One Show podcast, the Steelers’ two starting safeties – Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark – are nearing the ends of their careers, so general manager Kevin Colbert should be looking to replenish the talent at that position. While the Steelers spent a fourth-round pick on fellow safety Shamarko Thomas last year, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t nab the playmaking Clinton-Dix if he’s available. Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix III, taken by Chicago at No. 14 in our mock draft, and Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan are intriguing alternatives on draft day, but ultimately Clinton-Dix bolsters the Steelers in a critical spot. He’d be a work-in-progress on the tackling side of things, but learning under former Pro Bowlers Polamalu and Clark should augment Ha Ha’s strong ball-tracking abilities.
Selection Made By City of Champions: Read more about the pick here
#16 Baltimore Ravens Select Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State, Wide Receiver – The Baltimore Ravens select Kelvin Benjamin with the 16th pick. Benjamin fills the need of a go-to wide receiver for Joe Flacco in the vein of the departed Anquan Boldin. He will compete with Marlon Brown for playing time, though will certainly be a primary option on the field from the outset. While the Ravens must address a number of problems on the offensive line and will do so through subsequent rounds or free agency, the opportunity to snag a big receiver like Benjamin is too much to pass up in the first round.
Selection Made By The Baltimore Wire: Read more about their selection here.