Fansided Local & NFL Sites 2014 NFL Mock Draft (Picks 1 – 29)
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Central Florida Knights quarterback Blake Bortles celebrates after defeating the Baylor Bears during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Central Florida defeated Baylor 52-42. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars select Blake Bortles, Central Florida, Quarterback – With Teddy Bridgewater gone, the Jacksonville Jaguars have their choice between Bortles, Johnny Manziel, and Jadeveon Clowney. As tempting as a generational athlete like Clowney might be, the Jaguars need to find a quarterback, and I have a feeling that Bortles is going to be the guy for general manager David Caldwell. Bortles has ideal size for a QB and has been described as Andrew Luck “Lite” by some draft analysts. He would start immediately and serve as a massive upgrade to the Henne/Gabbert duo. Personally, I would have a hard time choosing between Bortles and Manziel due to such vastly different playing styles, but I think Bortles will take the lead in the Jacksonville front office.
Selection Made By Black and Teal. Check out their detailed write-up of the Bortles pick here.
#4 Cleveland Browns select Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M, Quarterback – With Bridgewater, Bortles and Watkins gone the Browns are left to look at Johnny Football, Jake Matthews and Jadeveon Clowney. Matthews would be a solid RT bookend to Joe Thomas, and possibly a replacement for him in the future while Clowney is a generational talent. Yet the Browns may not want to spend more resources on either lines and instead take the risky pick of Manziel. Manziel could battle with Brian Hoyer for the starting spot in 2014. If not he gets to sit and learn the pro game for a year.
Selection Made By Factory of Sadness: More details on the pick to come here on FoS.
#5 Oakland Raiders Select Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina, Defensive End –Clowney, the SEC’s career leader in sacks and tackles for a loss, is expected to come in and make an immediate impact on the Raiders’ defensive line. Clowney will give the Raiders a true star on their defense and provide a huge spark to their pass rush and run defense. The other players considered were Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr and UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr, but Clowney’s once-in-a-generation physical abilities make him the no-brainier selection for general manager Reggie McKenzie.
Selection Made By Golden Gate Sports: Check out their detailed write up on the Clowney selection at their site.