NFL Mock Draft Central

How might the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft shake out? A number of intriguing prospects could populate the draft board on the event's first day, and the debate starts right at the top with several prospects in contention to become the first player selected on May 8 at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Our analysts take a stab at projecting the first round.

» Live draft coverage begins Thursday, May 8 on NFL Network.

Mock Draft Round 1

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Matt Smith

Full Analysis

March 5, 2014
1. Jadeveon Clowney
  
  DE
  
  South Carolina
  
  Clowney's the best prospect in the draft. That's who you take with the first pick.
2. Greg Robinson
  
  OT
  
  Auburn
  
  Only helped to solidify his standing at the combine; an elite athlete with perfect measurables at the position.
3. Sammy Watkins
  
  WR
  
  Clemson
  
  Sure the draft is deep on recievers, but Watkins assured us that he's in a class by himself. The Jaguars can't miss on another first-rounder. With a high floor and a higher ceiling, he's safe while also still having that potential to be a superstar.
4. Khalil Mack
  
  OLB
  
  Buffalo
  
  Mike Pettine is a defensive guy and the Browns defense is close to being downright scary. He helped Rex Ryan get to two AFC Championship Games using a dominant D combined with a ball-control offense.
5. Johnny Manziel
  
  QB
  
  Texas A&M
  
  I don't buy the Derek Carr conversation. Sure they need a QB, but also some excitement around the worst team of the last 10 years.
6. Jake Matthews
  
  OT
  
  Texas A&M
  
  Both lines are in need of upgrades, and he's the best player on the board for either group.
7. Teddy Bridgewater
  
  QB
  
  Louisville
  
  Mike Glennon isn't their guy. Getting a player that could have made the case to be the No. 1 overall pick is how you want to launch a new era of Bucs football.
8. Blake Bortles
  
  QB
  
  Central Florida
  
  Big and strong; it might take him a year to get settled in, but they have time before that new stadium opens, and he's got big-time upside.
9. Anthony Barr
  
  OLB
  
  UCLA
  
  He's slipping for no reason other than Mack is rising. A big coup for the Bills to land what is a top-five talent.
10. Justin Gilbert
  
  CB
  
  Oklahoma St.
  
  Only helped solidify what we already knew pre-combine: He's the No. 1 player at the position, and there's a big gap before you get to No. 2.
11. C.J. Mosley
  
  ILB
  
  Alabama
  
  I like Akeem Ayers. I like Zach Brown. With Mosley, this unit is solidified with an anchor in the middle.
12. Taylor Lewan
  
  OT
  
  Michigan
  
  Just one piece of what needs to be a completely remade unit.
13. Mike Evans
  
  WR
  
  Texas A&M
  
  I love the idea of pairing Evans with Tavon Austin. Let's see what Sam Bradford's got to offer once and for all.
14. Timmy Jernigan
  
  NT
  
  Florida St.
  
  I'm just wondering if he'll still be around after that combine performance, and all the momentum he already had going into Indy.
15. Calvin Pryor
  
  FS
  
  Louisville
  
  They're in a serious cap conundrum. They'll need to fill some holes on that defense, and safety will be one.
16. Aaron Donald
  
  DT
  
  Pittsburgh
  
  They could roll the dice on Henry Melton coming off an ACL injury with a big-money offer in free agency, but drafting Donald makes a lot more sense.
17. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
  
  FS
  
  Alabama
  
  As bad as they need a wide receiver, it's a deep group and the Ravens can fill that need in later rounds. Clinton-Dix slipped because of a bad combine, but he'll be in good position come May.
18. Odell Beckham
  
  WR
  
  LSU
  
  Talk about a "wow" factor. Beckham looked great on tape and exceptional at the combine. He's got the perfect size/speed combo you want at the position.
19. Zack Martin
  
  OT
  
  Notre Dame
  
  Martin fills too big a need and is too good a player for the pick to be anything else.
20. Eric Ebron
  
  TE
  
  North Carolina
  
  I know they'll take a long look at offensive line and cornerback, but having Ebron slip this far is too good to pass up, and still fills a major need.
21. Ra'Shede Hageman
  
  DT
  
  Minnesota
  
  They tried with their first-round pick last year in Datone Jones, it didn't work out ... yet. They'll try again with a super freak of an athlete this time around.
22. Bradley Roby
  
  CB
  
  Ohio St.
  
  Bad 2013 tape caused him to be mentioned as a second-rounder. Great combine combined with great 2012 tape gets him back into the first round.
23. Brandin Cooks
  
  WR
  
  Oregon St.
  
  Solidified himself as a first-rounder at the combine. Need plus talent makes it a perfect fit.
24. Dee Ford
  
  DE
  
  Auburn
  
  Just screams Cincinnati Bengals, doesn't it? And with the "Defensive Whisperer" in Marvin Lewis, you know he'll be a force with which to be reckoned.
25. Darqueze Dennard
  
  CB
  
  Michigan St.
  
  Slips behind Roby post-combine, but still a great fit for the Chargers in that division.
26. Derek Carr
  
  QB
  
  Fresno St.
  
  I buy what they're selling. Take the big-time talent with the No. 4 overall pick, and use the gravy pick from the Colts to roll the dice on your QB of the future.
27. Kony Ealy
  
  DE
  
  Missouri
  
  Versatile player that fills a need and fits what they do on defense perfectly.
28. Marqise Lee
  
  WR
  
  USC
  
  Post-combine he's slipping. I thought he would put on a show. He looked fluid, and there's a lot to be excited about -- a big-time value at this spot.
29. Austin Seferian-Jenkins
  
  TE
  
  Washington
  
  Slips because of the medical at the combine. He's way too good to be on the board this late, and the Pats have a need.
30. Jason Verrett
  
  CB
  
  TCU
  
  Great tape at TCU combined with the show he put on at the combine make it a four-corner first round.
31. Jordan Matthews
  
  WR
  
  Vanderbilt
  
  I know they have needs on both lines, but there's too big a drop in the position groups by the time they pick. Eric Decker is gone, and Matthews looks "plug and play."
32. Kelvin Benjamin
  
  WR
  
  Florida St.
  
  Put him with Percy Harvin and the reliable Doug Baldwin, and watch him make plays. Russell Wilson needs that big red-zone target desperately.
Bucky Brooks

Full Analysis

March 4, 2014
1. Jadeveon Clowney
  
  DE
  
  South Carolina
  
  The athletic freak remains the choice for the Texans due to his disruptive potential as a pass rusher. With J.J. Watt on board to provide some veteran leadership, Clowney could quickly become the player most envisioned when watching him dominate the SEC as a youngster.
2. Jake Matthews
  
  OT
  
  Texas A&M
  
  Greg Robinson could be in play, but Fisher's intimate knowledge of the Matthews family could make the difference in this scenario. Matthews is a "plug and play" prospect with the skills to be a Pro Bowler early in his career.
3. Johnny Manziel
  
  QB
  
  Texas A&M
  
  Manziel isn't a Russell Wilson clone, but he could intrigue Gus Bradley with his athleticism and playmaking ability.
4. Sammy Watkins
  
  WR
  
  Clemson
  
  Ray Farmer has promised some curveball moves; this would certainly qualify with Teddy Bridgewater still on the board. However, Watkins would team with Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron to give the Browns an explosive aerial attack.
5. Greg Robinson
  
  OT
  
  Auburn
  
  Reggie McKenzie could reach for a quarterback or take a franchise-caliber offensive tackle to secure the offensive line for the next decade. Robinson is an athletic marvel with the nasty disposition needed to dominate on the edges.
6. Taylor Lewan
  
  OT
  
  Michigan
  
  Protecting Matt Ryan is Thomas Dimitroff's top priority after watching the Falcons surrender 44 sacks a season ago.
7. Anthony Barr
  
  OLB
  
  UCLA
  
  The argument could be waged that Buffalo LB Khalil Mack is a more polished product at this point, but Barr's length and athleticism make him a better fit as a SAM linebacker in Lovie Smith's defense.
8. Teddy Bridgewater
  
  QB
  
  Louisville
  
  The presence of Norv Turner at offensive coordinator leads the Vikings to take the most polished pocket passer in the draft. Bridgewater's experience in a pro-style, vertical passing game could help the Vikings hit the ground running in Mike Zimmer's first season.
9. Eric Ebron
  
  TE
  
  North Carolina
  
  The Bills desperately need a playmaker in the middle of the field to foster EJ Manuel's development. Ebron is the most athletic tight end in the draft, with the size and athleticism to make life easier for the Bills' franchise quarterback.
10. Justin Gilbert
  
  CB
  
  Oklahoma St.
  
  The Lions need a lockdown corner to stabilize a secondary that has struggled in recent years. Gilbert is a ball-hawking corner with size, speed and athleticism to match up with the big-bodied receivers dominating the NFC North.
11. Khalil Mack
  
  OLB
  
  Buffalo
  
  The Titans would be delighted to see Mack fall out of the top 10. The Buffalo standout would give new defensive coordinator Ray Horton a versatile playmaker to feature in his 3-4 scheme.
12. Mike Evans
  
  WR
  
  Texas A&M
  
  Adding Evans to the mix would give Eli Manning a big-bodied receiver to target in the red zone. With vivid memories of Plaxico Burress terrorizing NFC East opponents in his hey day, Jerry Reese could make a wild-card selection to help his quarterback get back on track.
13. Darqueze Dennard
  
  CB
  
  Michigan St.
  
  Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Rams need a No. 1 receiver, but Fisher's defensive background could lead him to take the top press corner in the draft to keep up with the elite defenses in the NFC West.
14. Timmy Jernigan
  
  NT
  
  Florida St.
  
  The Bears desperately need to rebuild their defense along the frontline. Jernigan is a high-motor defender with outstanding strength and athleticism.
15. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
  
  FS
  
  Alabama
  
  With Ryan Clark unlikely to return, the Steelers need to add a pure free safety to the lineup. Clinton-Dix is an instinctive playmaker with the speed and athleticism to eliminate the deep balls between the numbers.
16. Aaron Donald
  
  DT
  
  Pittsburgh
  
  Rod Marinelli will energize the Cowboys' defense with his forceful personality, but he needs a disruptive three-technique in place to make the Tampa 2 scheme work. Donald is a beast at the point of attack, with a non-stop motor and explosive first-step quickness.
17. Zack Martin
  
  OT
  
  Notre Dame
  
  Gary Kubiak's arrival as offensive coordinator will force the Ravens to tweak their blocking schemes to feature more zone-based concepts. Martin is a terrific position blocker capable of making contributions at offensive tackle or guard.
18. Marqise Lee
  
  WR
  
  USC
  
  Geno Smith will never reach his potential until the Jets surround him with a talented supporting cast on the outside. Lee is a dynamic receiver with all of the tools to develop into an explosive No. 1 receiver as a pro.
19. Louis Nix
  
  NT
  
  Notre Dame
  
  The Dolphins elected not to place the franchise tag on NT Paul Soliai, leaving a huge void in the middle of the defense. Nix is a disruptive force at the point of attack.
20. Blake Bortles
  
  QB
  
  Central Florida
  
  It would likely take a wild scenario for Bortles to be available at this stage of the draft, but the Cardinals need a young quarterback in place to succeed Carson Palmer in a year or so. Bortles is not only the right fit for Bruce Arians' system, but he undoubtedly would benefit from a year on the sidelines before being thrust into action.
21. Calvin Pryor
  
  FS
  
  Louisville
  
  The Packers' safeties were awful against the run and pass a season ago. Pryor addresses an obvious need, while giving the Packers a presence in the middle of the field that's been missing since Nick Collins roamed between the hashes.
22. Bradley Roby
  
  CB
  
  Ohio St.
  
  Roby is arguably the most gifted corner in the 2014 class. He is a natural No. 1 corner with the skills to match up with elite receivers.
23. Odell Beckham
  
  WR
  
  LSU
  
  The Chiefs need more speed and explosiveness on the perimeter. Beckham is a speed merchant with a polished overall game.
24. Dee Ford
  
  DE
  
  Auburn
  
  The potential loss of Michael Johnson could put the Bengals in the market for a pass rusher. Ford is an explosive edge player with the non-stop motor and burst to become a disruptive force off the corner.
25. Jason Verrett
  
  CB
  
  TCU
  
  Verrett might be the most complete corner in the draft. He is at his best locking down receivers in man coverage, but his willingness to thump runners on the edge makes him a likely starter from Day 1.
26. Carlos Hyde
  
  RB
  
  Ohio St.
  
  The Browns could certainly opt to take a quarterback at this point, but the presence of Brian Hoyer and a possible fascination with a small-school trigger man (Jimmy Garoppolo) could lead to another surprising pick. Hyde would give the Browns a rugged runner to lean on, while also allowing Ray Farmer to build up a supporting cast that's capable of carrying a young quarterback through his inevitable struggles.
27. Kony Ealy
  
  DE
  
  Missouri
  
  Rob Ryan needs more pass rushers in the stable to wreak havoc on opponents with his blitz-happy schemes. Ealy is raw, but his combination of speed and athleticism could make him a force as an edge player in an attack scheme.
28. Morgan Moses
  
  OT
  
  Virginia
  
  The retirement of Jordan Gross makes it imperative for the Panthers to solidify their offensive line. Cyrus Kouandjio could be a fit, but Moses is a superior athlete and better equipped to deal with elite pass rushers off the edge.
29. Ra'Shede Hageman
  
  DT
  
  Minnesota
  
  Bill Belichick would love to add beef to his defensive line. Hagemen is a big, athletic defender with the ability to play anywhere along the frontline.
30. Brandin Cooks
  
  WR
  
  Oregon St.
  
  Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin are a solid starting duo, but the 49ers need to add a speed receiver to the mix to open up the field for Colin Kaepernick. Cooks is a burner with tools to be an exceptional playmaker from the slot.
31. C.J. Mosley
  
  ILB
  
  Alabama
  
  John Fox would like to field a faster, more athletic defense in 2014. Mosley is an instinctive defender with the speed and quickness to roam as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker.
32. Xavier Su'a-Filo
  
  OG
  
  UCLA
  
  The Seahawks played musical chairs at left guard for most of the season. Su'a-Filo shores up the biggest need on the frontline, while adding some athleticism and nastiness to the unit.
Charles Davis

Full Analysis

February 27, 2014
1. Blake Bortles
  
  QB
  
  Central Florida
  
  Did everything at the combine to show that he's willing to stand up and be "The Guy."
2. Jadeveon Clowney
  
  DE
  
  South Carolina
  
  Another pass rusher for the Rams?! You can never have enough.
3. Johnny Manziel
  
  QB
  
  Texas A&M
  
  His style of play will be modified, yet nurtured and welcomed by the Jaguars' staff.
4. Teddy Bridgewater
  
  QB
  
  Louisville
  
  His pro day carries extra scrutiny now since he sat out the workout at the combine.
5. Sammy Watkins
  
  WR
  
  Clemson
  
  Seems like a perfect pick for the Raiders, doesn't he?
6. Greg Robinson
  
  OT
  
  Auburn
  
  He wowed us at the combine. New OL coach Mike Tice's smile will be huge.
7. Khalil Mack
  
  OLB
  
  Buffalo
  
  Athletic, and edgy ... just what new head coach Lovie Smith wants for his defense.
8. Anthony Barr
  
  OLB
  
  UCLA
  
  A versatile player for the Vikings to use as they try to disrupt Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford.
9. Mike Evans
  
  WR
  
  Texas A&M
  
  A big-time running mate for Stevie Johnson, as promised by head coach Doug Marrone.
10. Justin Gilbert
  
  CB
  
  Oklahoma St.
  
  Gets the nod over Darqueze Dennard of Michigan State.
11. C.J. Mosley
  
  ILB
  
  Alabama
  
  More than looked the part in field drills, and he looks even better on game tape.
12. Jake Matthews
  
  OT
  
  Texas A&M
  
  Talent that fills a need makes for a good draft pick. Eli Manning would approve.
13. Taylor Lewan
  
  OT
  
  Michigan
  
  Lots of talk about a WR here, but they can't afford to pass on O-line help. Lewan was terrific at the combine.
14. Timmy Jernigan
  
  NT
  
  Florida St.
  
  Extra bulk to help the Bears' dismal run defense. Aaron Donald of Pitt would be tempting here.
15. Darqueze Dennard
  
  CB
  
  Michigan St.
  
  Steelers seeking help throughout their defense. Dennard brings talent and toughness.
16. Zack Martin
  
  OT
  
  Notre Dame
  
  He was lost in the shuffle in Indy, but Martin is a really good player who can play guard and maybe center, too.
17. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
  
  FS
  
  Alabama
  
  Performed well at the combine. Rangy, center fielder who is better than advertised in man coverage.
18. Eric Ebron
  
  TE
  
  North Carolina
  
  His explosiveness was evident at the combine. The Jets and QB Geno Smith need him.
19. Cyrus Kouandjio
  
  OT
  
  Alabama
  
  Did not test as well in Indy as desired, but he's talented and would fill a crying need for the Dolphins.
20. Dee Ford
  
  DE
  
  Auburn
  
  Flies off the edge, and can work into the rotation similar to the way Aldon Smith did in San Francisco.
21. Calvin Pryor
  
  FS
  
  Louisville
  
  A hammer in the run game, and has good range vs. the pass.
22. Bradley Roby
  
  CB
  
  Ohio St.
  
  A strong finish to his season coupled with an impressive combine sends him to the NFC East champs.
23. Aaron Donald
  
  DT
  
  Pittsburgh
  
  What a season, Senior Bowl and combine for the former Pitt Panther. Now squarely in first-round discussion.
24. Kony Ealy
  
  DE
  
  Missouri
  
  Versatile, and the Bengals will never shy away from adding good defenders.
25. Louis Nix
  
  NT
  
  Notre Dame
  
  The Chargers continue to fortify their playoff team with the big nose tackle.
26. Carlos Hyde
  
  RB
  
  Ohio St.
  
  Browns need a runner to help their young QB acclimate, and Hyde eats carries.
27. Ra'Shede Hageman
  
  DT
  
  Minnesota
  
  This youngster showed his skills in Indy, and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will bring out the best in him.
28. Tre Mason
  
  RB
  
  Auburn
  
  Put on a very nice performance at the combine.
29. Jace Amaro
  
  TE
  
  Texas Tech
  
  A disappointing combine, but his game tape shows he can play. His pro day will be much better, I'm sure.
30. Odell Beckham
  
  WR
  
  LSU
  
  Dazzled in Indy, so much so that the 49ers might pass up the bigger body in Florida State WR Kelvin Benjamin.
31. Jason Verrett
  
  CB
  
  TCU
  
  Ran 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, had a vertical jump of 39 inches and had the best footwork of the cornerbacks in Indy. I am not worried about his size.
32. Brandin Cooks
  
  WR
  
  Oregon St.
  
  His 4.33 40-yard dash got everyone's attention. So did his good routes, and sure hands during field drills.
Daniel Jeremiah

Full Analysis

February 27, 2014
1. Jadeveon Clowney
  
  DE
  
  South Carolina
  
  Clowney's lack of production this season is a concern, but his combination of size and explosiveness will be too tough to pass up.
2. Greg Robinson
  
  OT
  
  Auburn
  
  Robinson will immediately upgrade the Rams' rushing attack and he has all of the tools to develop into an elite pass protector.
3. Khalil Mack
  
  OLB
  
  Buffalo
  
  The Jaguars pass on a quarterback here and elect to nab the best available pass rusher.
4. Sammy Watkins
  
  WR
  
  Clemson
  
  The Browns hold off on a quarterback and select the top playmaker in the draft.
5. Johnny Manziel
  
  QB
  
  Texas A&M
  
  Manziel will undergo a lot of media scrutiny, but there are a lot of teams very excited about his pro potential.
6. Jake Matthews
  
  OT
  
  Texas A&M
  
  The Falcons need to get much better up front and Matthews is a polished pass protector.
7. Blake Bortles
  
  QB
  
  Central Florida
  
  Mike Glennon played above expectations during his rookie campaign, but I'm not convinced he's the long-term solution at the position.
8. Teddy Bridgewater
  
  QB
  
  Louisville
  
  The Vikings need to upgrade the quarterback position and Bridgewater is capable of playing Day 1.
9. Mike Evans
  
  WR
  
  Texas A&M
  
  Evans put on a show in Indianapolis and his blend of size/speed would fit nicely in Doug Marrone's offense.
10. Justin Gilbert
  
  CB
  
  Oklahoma St.
  
  Gilbert's combine performance created a buzz in scouting circles and likely cemented his status as the top cover man in the draft.
11. Anthony Barr
  
  OLB
  
  UCLA
  
  Barr would be a nice fit in Ray Horton's defense.
12. Taylor Lewan
  
  OT
  
  Michigan
  
  Lewan is consistent on tape and he put together an outstanding combine workout.
13. Calvin Pryor
  
  FS
  
  Louisville
  
  Pryor is a very physical run defender and he has the athleticism to range off the hash and make a play on the ball.
14. Timmy Jernigan
  
  NT
  
  Florida St.
  
  The Bears have a desperate need at the safety position, but Jernigan is too good to pass up at this point in the draft.
15. C.J. Mosley
  
  ILB
  
  Alabama
  
  The Steelers defense needs help up the middle and Mosley is a ready-made pro.
16. Aaron Donald
  
  DT
  
  Pittsburgh
  
  Donald is gaining steam after a dominant season, Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine.
17. Eric Ebron
  
  TE
  
  North Carolina
  
  Ebron would flourish in Gary Kubiak's system.
18. Brandin Cooks
  
  WR
  
  Oregon St.
  
  The Jets need offensive playmakers and Cooks is an explosive weapon with outstanding college production.
19. Zack Martin
  
  OT
  
  Notre Dame
  
  Miami must address the offensive line during the offseason and Martin is one of the more consistent players in this draft class.
20. Bradley Roby
  
  CB
  
  Ohio St.
  
  Roby had a few rough outings this year, but his 2012 tape is outstanding and he had an impressive workout at the combine.
21. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
  
  FS
  
  Alabama
  
  The Packers are in a division with elite pass catchers and they need a rangy safety to plug into their defense.
22. Darqueze Dennard
  
  CB
  
  Michigan St.
  
  Dennard had an average combine workout, but he's very consistent on tape.
23. Odell Beckham
  
  WR
  
  LSU
  
  Beckham is very explosive and he's also one of the best returners in the draft.
24. Dee Ford
  
  DE
  
  Auburn
  
  The Bengals defense is loaded, but you can never have enough pass rushers.
25. Jason Verrett
  
  CB
  
  TCU
  
  Verrett had an outstanding combine performance, and he has the ability to play both outside and in the slot.
26. Derek Carr
  
  QB
  
  Fresno St.
  
  Carr has a very strong arm and his intangibles are off the charts.
27. Morgan Moses
  
  OT
  
  Virginia
  
  Moses didn't test very well at the combine, but his tape is solid and he has the size/skill set to develop into an upper echelon right tackle.
28. Marqise Lee
  
  WR
  
  USC
  
  Lee was measured smaller and timed slower than evaluators hoped. However, his tape is too good to ignore.
29. Ra'Shede Hageman
  
  DT
  
  Minnesota
  
  Hagemen was expected to put on a show at the combine and he didn't disappoint.
30. Louis Nix
  
  NT
  
  Notre Dame
  
  The 49ers need to add more depth along the defensive line and Nix has the ability to develop into a three-down player.
31. Kony Ealy
  
  DE
  
  Missouri
  
  Ealy ran slower than expected but he plays much faster on tape and his versatility is very appealing.
32. Kelvin Benjamin
  
  WR
  
  Florida St.
  
  Benjamin would be an outstanding red-zone target for Russell Wilson.

NFL Mock Draft Central

Mock Draft Round 1

Matt Smith

Bucky Brooks

Charles Davis

Daniel Jeremiah

2012 NFL Mock Draft

Predict The Pick

2012 NFL Mock Draft