Fansided Local & NFL Sites 2014 NFL Mock Draft (Picks 1 – 31)
Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin (70) is awarded the game
#27 New Orleans Saints Select Zack Martin, Notre Dame, OT – The New Orleans Saints select Zack Martin with the 27th pick. Martin fills a need for the team’s offensive line, as the future of current Saints Tackle, Zach Strief, is uncertain. The Saints also have little depth at offensive tackle, as a former starter, Charles Brown, is also set to become a free agent. For these reasons, Martin’s immediate role with the team is uncertain, but would likely fit the bill for playing right tackle for the Saints. Other considerations for the Saints 27th pick included a 3-4 DE/OLB and cornerback.
Selection Made By Who Dat Dish: See their full write-up on Martin here on their site.
#28 Carolina Panther Select Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State – The Carolina Panthers select Allen Robinson with the 28th pick. Allen Robinson fills the need for a red zone target the Panthers have lacked all season. He is a big body with great lateral agility and leaping ability. He will compete with Brandon Lafell and Ted Ginn for playing time and should end up as the number 2 receiver opposite of Steve Smith. Other options for this pick would be Zack Martin, OT; Marquise Lee, WR; David Yankey, OG.
Selection Made By Cat Crave: See Their Detailed Write Up on the Robinson Selection Here on Their Site.
Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jace Amaro (22) after the Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
#29 New England Patriots Select Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas Tech – With the offseason loss of Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker departing for Denver, and Rob Gronkowski going down to injury once again, the Patriots offense was exposed as a group that lacked the weapons needed to win when it mattered the most. With New England’s window of opportunity closing, they must rebuild an arsenal of aerial targets around Tom Brady if they hope to once again reclaim the ever-elusive Vince Lombardi trophy. Amaro can certainly outrun opposing linebackers and is much too large in stature for defensive backs to effectively guard him. He’ll develop far more quickly with Brady throwing him the football as well. Though his blocking needs work as he spent limited time in the trenches at Texas Tech because they ran the spread offense. Eric Ebron from the University of North Carolina will likely be the first tight end selected, but Amaro should be available when the Patriots are on the clock.
Selection Made By Chowder and Champions: See here their full write up on this selection.
#30 San Francisco 49ers Select Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida, Cornerback – The San Francisco 49ers select Loucheiz Purifoy with the 30th pick. Purifoy will help to provide the Niners with some much needed secondary depth, as they will likely have only two starting caliber players on their depth chart come draft time. He would come in and compete with Darryl Morris and a combination of another draft pick or free agent to be a part of the Niners’ nickel package. Purifoy’s size, speed, strength, and play-making ability push him ahead of several other options at cornerback, such as his teammate Marcus Roberson and Jason Verret. Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews was also considered, but he lacks the ability to be a consistent deep threat to be considered a first round wide receiver.
Selection Made By Golden Gate Sports: See more coverage of the 49ers at their site here.