2014 NFL MOCK DRAFT-1st ROUND

Courtesy of the National Football League - All Rights Reserved (c)

The 2014 National Football League Draft finally takes place this Thursday, May 8th starting at 8 PM EST followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, May 9th at 7 PM EST. The final day is Saturday, May 10th and covers rounds 4-7.  

In this mock draft, we take a clear look at the potential picks of each NFL team in Thursday's first round. For the last three months, NFL Fans have been inconveniently misled of their favorite team draft pick through multiple unrealistic mock drafts from various publicists of the mass sports media.

This mock draft isn't a prediction of what will happen Thursday night—even if some of the picks line up with what each NFL team might do. This first-round mock is the result of looking at each team's current roster and future needs, and matching those to find the player who best carries the traits needed for the team's scheme and coaches.

In addition, this mock draft will highlight teams that may influence the Steelers selection. 

NOTE: (*) indicate team selection influential in Steelers Selection 

So, who will be the first selection in the 2014 NFL Draft? 

With the #1 Overall Pick: HOUSTON TEXANS SELECT: 

 JADEVEON CLOWNEY, DE, South Carolina

Looking pass Clowney’s mediocre season with the South Carolina Gamecocks, he’s still regarded as the most talented player in this draft class, and I expect Houston to select him if they can’t trade out. 

Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Free Press 

Pick No.2- RAMS Select: 

                           GREG ROBINSON, OT, Auburn

The St. Louis Rams are more than likely to trade down this pick on draft day. With needs on the Offensive Line, at Wide receiver, Cornerback, and Free Safety, the Rams can go a number of directions here, but only one player at those areas of need is a value at pick No. 2. Robinson is arguably the best Offensive Lineman in the draft, can could serve has a safety net for injury prone QB, Sam Bradford.

Pick No. 3-JAGUARS Select:  

JohnnyManziel, QB, Texas A&M

 

Veteran QB, Chad Henne has been kept on as a short-term option and/or mentor to a young quarterback, the Jags can’t afford to miss out on a mobile difference maker like Johnny Football; they grab him now and worry about the other positions later on in the draft.

Pick No. 4- BROWNS SELECT:  

SAMMY WATKINS, WR, Clemson

The Browns are in need of a big playmaker that can complement  wideout Josh Gordon, Watkins gives you that plus kick and punt return skills.

Pick No. 5- RAIDERS Select: 

KHALIL MACK, LB, Buffalo

The Oakland Raiders appear to be in win-now mode after a second straight offseason of bringing in older vets like Lamarr Woodley, Justin Tuck, Matt Schaub, and Maurice Jones-Drew. Look for Raiders to add youth to that Veteran Defense, with arguably the best linebacker in this year’s draft class.  

Pick No. 6- FALCONS Select:  

JAKE MATTHEWS, OT, Texas A&M

Based on last season’s meltdown on the Offensive Line, the Falcons pick this royal gem from the great Matthews Family Tree.  This will help bring back the cool in Matty Ice, rekindle the Dynamic Duo at WR, and restore the charging Ram in Steven Jackson.

Pick 7-BUCCANEERS SELECT:  

MIKE EVANS, WR, Texas A&M

Reason: Vincent Jackson & Mike Evans, enough said!

Pick No. 8- VIKINGS SELECT:  

AARON DONALD, DT, Pittsburgh

They could take a QB here, but why? This team is in desperate need of an anchor on the Defensive Line, long gone from the days of Hall-of-Famer John Randle, and the duo of Kevin & Pat Williams, Aaron Donald is fast and tough enough to lead the Vikings front seven.

Pick No. 9- BILLS SELECT: 

ANTHONY BARR, OLB,UCLA

Last year’s Linebacker Rookie, Kiko Alonso shocked a lot of Bills fans with his outstanding production, with the addition of Brandon Spikes and this athletic Outside Pass Rusher; expect the Bills to give the Patriots a run for their money in the AFC EAST.  

*Pick 10- LIONS SELECT: 

JUSTIN GILBERT,CB, Oklahoma St.

One of the picks that may influence the Steelers selection, Justin Gilbert finally gives the Lions a potential Pro Bowl starting cornerback since Dre Bly. He maybe the best coverage Cornerback in the Draft, plus adding the fact he could be a major contributor on Special Teams as a Return threat; the Lions find great value here with Gilbert.   

*Pick No. 11- TITANS SELECT:  

DARQUEZE DENNARD, CB, Michigan St.

The other selection that may influence the Steelers selection, the Titans are in immediate need of a corner back opposite Jason McCourty.

Pick NO.12- GIANTS SELECT: 

TAYLOR LEWAN, OT, Michigan

Eli Manning threw a career worst 27 interceptions last season, due to a mediocre Offensive Line. Taylor Lewan is a physical Tackle that can help in protecting the 2-time Super Bowl Quarterback.  Zack Martin maybe an option here as well, but Lewan is the better athlete.

Pick No. 13- RAMS SELECT: 

HA HA CLINTON-DIX,FS, Alabama

The Rams add depth to improve their Offensive line with the second overall pick, now they add a quality Safety to help improve last season struggling secondary.

Pick No. 14- BEARS SELECT:  

CALVIN PRYOR,FS, Louisville

The Bears have improved their front seven with the addition of Jared Allen, now this 14^th overall pick Calvin Pryor adds youth, talent, and aggressiveness to this stellar secondary.  

Pick No.15-

STEELERS SELECT: KYLE FULLER, CB, VIRGINIA TECH

During yesterday’s press conference, GM Kevin Colbert said “Obviously we still could trade down. And with the depth of this draft that’s, I think, a real possibility. At least it’s an option that’s available to us.” Here I believe the Steelers could land Kyle Fuller with the 19^th overall pick, with the addition of extra picks mid-round of this 2014 Draft. With Justin Gilbert, and Darquese Dennard off the board, Steelers are faced with only option with Fulller, because he’s the only Cornerback worth taking in the top 20 picks. He fits the Steelers' system well as a physical player who plays zone and press well, with outstanding blitzing 

ability.

Pick No.16-COWBOYS Select: 

RYAN SHAZIER, OLB, Ohio St.

Few people would have thought one year ago that DeMarcus Ware wouldn't be in Dallas this season, but he's lining up at defensive end in Denver after a showdown over his contract. That leaves the Cowboys in a predicament to address that void in the 1^st Round of this year’s draft. Ryan Shazier is an explosive pass rusher, that would fit the Cowboy’s 3-4 Defensive scheme perfectly.   

Pick No. 17- RAVENS Select:  

ERIC EBRON, TE, UNC

With the top Safeties off the board here at 17, the Ravens will be forced to take the best available player on the draft board. Eric Ebron fills that void as a possession target since the absence of Anquan Boldin for Joe Flacco, plus pairing him with Dennis Pitta could be dangerous for us Steeler Fans.    

Pick No. 18- JETS Select: 

MARQISE LEE, WR,USC

Adding a speedy receiver is important for the Jets, and Lee fills a much needed void left my Santonio Holmes. Decker and Lee will be comfortable targets for the aging QB, Mike Vick.   

Pick No. 19- DOLPHINS Select: 

ZACK MARTIN, OT, Notre Dame

The Dolphins are in need of major improvements to their Offensive Line, and Zack Martin can play any position on the Offensive Line. Very flexible and smart pick for the Miami Dolphins.

Pick No. 20- CARDINALS Select:  

BRADLEY ROBY, CB, Ohio St.

Roby comes with some baggage, but he’s as physically gifted as any CB in the draft. The Cardinals will need a vibrant CB to pair with Patrick Peterson, and Roby is worth the risk for this secondary.

Pick No. 21- PACKERS Select:  

CJ MOSLEY, ILB, Alabama

Mosley is a top-10 talent, but in a draft this deep it's difficult to place him with a team higher up the board. With this selection, the Packers could find themselves with the best linebacker corp. in the National Football League.

Pick No. 22-EAGLES Select:

 ODELL BECKHAM JR, WR, LSU

It’s a coincidence the Eagles will land Odell Beckham a WR with big playmaker ability, with great return man capabilities, after releasing their best WR Desean Jackson whom was a big playmaker, with great return man capabilities.  

Pick No. 23-CHIEFS Select: 

Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

One of the biggest areas of need on the roster comes at wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe is very good, but Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins opposite him do little to frighten defenses. Cooks also comes with great return man skills, which makes him a favorite of Andy Reid.  

Pick No. 24- BENGALS Select: 

 DEE FORD, DE/OLB, Auburn  

High-motor college left defensive end perhaps suited for a rush linebacker role with the Bengals.

Pick No. 25- CHARGERS Select:  

JASON VERRETT, CB, TCU

The last of the CB’s worth selecting in the 1^st Round of this draft, the Chargers could option to address the struggling Defensive Line with Louis Nix or Kony Ealy here, but the need to upgrade the CB position is tough to ignore.

Pick No.26- BROWNS Select:

 BLAKE BORTLES, QB, Central Florida

Why would the Browns select a QB with the fourth overall pick in the first round, when a guy like Bortles will be here at 26^th overall? With the selection of Sammy Watkins and Blake Bortles in the first round, they finally have a successful draft day.  

Pick No. 27-SAINTS Select:  

KONY EALY, DE, Missouri

The Missouri right defensive end has the frame to play end or tackle and could do so in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He would give the Saints a pass rush at defensive end in his rookie season, but he has the potential to add 10-15 pounds and become a very athletic, quick 3-technique pass-rusher.

Pick No. 28-PANTHERS Select: 

KELVIN BENJAMIN, WR, Florida St.

An offseason of defections has left the Carolina Panthers with vacancies at many spots. The team has needs at both tackle spots, both starting wide receiver spots, both cornerback spots and both safety spots. While some positions may not be addressed in this draft, the Wide Receiver however, will be. Benjamin serves as a big target for Cam Newton in the Redzone, and could be a legit #1 WR for the Franchise.   

Pick No. 29- PATRIOTS Select:  

RA'SHEDE HAGEMAN, DT, Minnesota

NFL Scouting Combine Reports:  “Hageman is a big, athletic, finesse three-technique with intriguing dimensions and movement skills who fits best in an aggressive, one-gap scheme where he could fire into gaps.” -Sounds like a Bill Belichick Defensive Lineman to me!

Pick No. 30-49ERS Select: 

TIMMY JERNIGAN, NT, FLORIDA ST.

Country-strong run stopper that can pair with Justin Smith on the Niners Defensive Line. He has the ability to drop anchor inside an odd front and could develop into a solid, 3-4 movement nose tackle with the 49ers.

Pick No. 31-BRONCOS SELECT:  

XAVIER SU'A-FILO, OG, UCLA

Su’a-Filo has been on the rise since his outstanding Pro Day performance, and helps to secure protection for the great Peyton Manning for the 2014 NFL season.

Pick No. 32-SEAHAWKS Select: 

CYRUS KOUANDJIO, OT, ALABAMA

More depth on the Offensive Line for the Defending Super Champs, Cyrus Kouandjio has enough length and anchor strength to survive on the left side of Seahawks O-Line. 

2014 STEELERS DRAFT UPDATES: Big Board List, and Prospect Work-outs

Courtesy of Steelers.com

GOOD NEWS! The 2014 NFL Draft is only three days away, and the Steelers are set to continue making tough decisions during this pivotal offseason. Steelers Fans will finally have their moment of truth this Thursday, as the long awaited five month question “Who will be the Team Selections in Rounds 1-7?” will finally be answered. Thus far, the Steelers have taken steps to shore up weaknesses and infuse much-needed young talent in a defense that has aged and underperformed in the last two seasons.

Entering 2014 NFL draft, there aren't many glaring holes, but an important youth movement must continue. General Manager Kevin Colbert will have to keep collecting young impact players to re-establish the Steelers’ identity as one of the NFL’s most feared defenses. After back-to-back 8-8 seasons and a void of big defensive plays, the search goes on for upgrades everywhere. With the Steelers now at their final turn to select these 2014 Draft prospects, let’s take a quick look at the potential players the team personnel has evaluated through Pro Day visits, and pre-draft Steeler facility visits.

There are 30 non-local visits and workouts allowed, which does not include any individual workouts held away from the team's facility. The visits and workouts were:

Defensive Backs:

Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State (Visit); Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (Visit); Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State (Private workout); Calvin Pryor S, Louisville (Visit); Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State (Visit); Jason Verrett, CB, TCU (Visit); Brock Vereen, S, Minnesota (Visit); Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State (Visit); Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice (Visit); Shaquille Richardson, CB, Arizona (Visit)

Wide Receivers:

Odell Beckham, WR, LSU (Visit); Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson (Visit); Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss (Visit); Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State (Private workout); Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina (Visit)

Defensive Lineman:

Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh (Visit); Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota (Visit); Stephon Tuitt, DL, Notre Dame (Visit);  Scott Crichton, DL, Oregon State (Visit); Beau Allen, DT/NT, Wisconsin (Visit)

Linebackers:

Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA (Visit); Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State (Visit); Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA (Visit); Jackson Jeffcoat, DL/OLB, Texas (Visit); Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB, Boston College (Visit); Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State (Visit); Demarcus Lawrence, LB, Boise State (Visit)

Offensive Lineman:

Seantrel Henderson, OL, Miami (Visit); Wesley Johnson, OL, Vanderbilt (Private workout);

Running backs:

Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor (Visit); Andre Williams, RB, Boston College (Visit)

Tight Ends:  

Rob Blanchflower, TE, UMass (Visit)

In addition to this Blog, here’s a look at the 2014 Prospects the Steelers have spoken with since January of 

this year…..Click Here

Courtesy of BehindTheSteelCurtain.com 

Special Thanks to our friends at “Behindthesteelcurtain.com” SB Nation, they were also able to provide the full Big Board Draft list for the Pittsburgh Steelers……Click here