Fansided Local & NFL Sites 2014 NFL Mock Draft (Picks 1 – 25)
Dec 21, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
#8 Minnesota Vikings Select Derek Carr, Fresno State, Quarterback – The Vikings select Carr to try to find a long term franchise quarterback, something Christian Ponder failed to be. Carr has a strong arm which will benefit the Vikings as they prepare to move to an outdoor stadium. Carr didn’t have a great bowl game and needs some time to develop, meaning Ponder or Matt Cassel could stick around. Brett Smith, QB from Wyoming and Stephon Tuitt defensive end from Notre Dame are of interest to the Vikings as well.
Selection Made By Sporting Sota: Check out more from their site here.
#9 Buffalo Bills Select Mike Evans, Texas A&M, Wide Receiver – The Buffalo Bills select Mike Evans with the 9th pick. Evans fills a need for the Bills. He will compete with Stevie Johnson and Robert Woods for playing time out of the gate and challenge for the # 1 receiver job. Other possible picks are CJ Mosley, a LB from Alabama, or Marqise Lee, a WR from USC.Evans, a consensus All-American will be able to step in right away and help 2nd year QB E.J. Manuel with the passing game which ranked 28th in the league. The status of current Bills lead receiver, Stevie Johnson, is uncertain given his contract requirements. If the team and Johnson were to part ways, Evans would be able to easily step in and replace the mercurial talent.
Selection Made By Tip of the Tower: Check out their site for the full write up on the Evans selection.
#10 Detroit Lions Select Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State, Cornerback – The Detroit Lions select Darqueze Dennard with the 10th pick in the 2014 draft. Darqueze Dennard, the 2013 Jim Thorpe award winner, possesses the blend of intangibles and physical ability that will anchor the Lions at corner for years to come. Dennard has an excellent opportunity to start next season given the inconsistent play and injury history of veteran corner Chris Houston. The Lions also have a need at wide receiver, but the team has been searching for a shut-down corner since passing on Quinton Jammer in 2002. Dennard is presents the opportunity to finally get a gamer changer at the corner back position.
Selection Made by Detroit Jock City: Check out their site for full coverage of all things Detroit.