Fansided Local & NFL Sites 2014 NFL Mock Draft (Picks 1 – 23)
Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Taylor Lewan (77) during the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
#19 Miami Dolphins Select Taylor Lewan, Michigan, Offensive Tackle – The Miami Dolphins select Taylor Lewan with the 19th pick. Lewan fills a huge need for the Dolphins on their depleted offensive line. Let’s face it, everyone knows how thin the Dolphins are on the offensive line, and the only two tackles on the roster at the end of the Dolphins’ disappointing season, Tyson Clabo and Bryant McKinnie, could both be replaced. The Dolphins are looking for a cornerstone offensive lineman to help anchor a line that already includes one Pro Bowler in Mike Pouncey at center. In drafting another tackle from the University of Michigan, Dolphins fans hope Lewan can be as good as Jake Long was before him.
Selection Made By The Baltimore Wire for the Dolphins: See their detailed report here.
#20 Arizona Cardinals Select Calvin Pryor, Louisville, Safety –
The Arizona Cardinals selects Calvin Pryor, safety, Louisville with the 20th overall pick. Pryor represents great value in the mid-first round as he surges up draft boards in the pre-draft process, and fills a serious team need at the position. With Yeremiah Bell unlikely to be resigned, and Tyrann Mathieu to be moved to slot corner, Pryor will assume the starting role alongside Rashad Johnson and sure-up the main area of weakness on the teams elite-level defense. I did consider an offensive tackle at this position, despite the unappealing value. Taylor Lewan was the leading player, but he was snagged by the Dolphins immediately before my selection. Tennessee’s Antonio Richardson and Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio were also considered. Tight end is another position of relative need, but Eric Ebron, the leading prospect, was selected earlier in the draft. Jace Amaro and Austin Seferian-Jenkins available, but I felt making sure the secondary no longer had any weak-links, especially against the tight end, was a priority. This position is not very deep in the draft, whereas tight end and offensive tackle could see a number of good prospects available in Day 2.
Selection Made By Raising Zona: See their detailed write up on the Pryor selection here.