2 of 11

1. Houston Texans: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Bridgewater
Getty Images

This one is simple. The Texans need a new quarterback moving forward, and, believe it or not, Bridgewater is the best gunslinger of the 2014 class. He’s a polished product with solid athleticism, good poise and a tremendous understanding of the game. Unless the Texans absolutely fall in love with Clowney at some point in the pre-draft process, Bridgewater will be the new quarterback in Houston.

3 of 11

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via WAS through STL): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Clowney
Getty Images

The Rams pull another massive deal, this time suckering the Buccaneers into giving them a king’s ransom for the No. 2 pick. With that pick, the Buccaneers land arguably the best player in the 2014 class. Clowney has the natural talent and physical tools to be an elite defensive end. As long as they can get him to give 100% at all times and keep him healthy, he’ll upgrade their pass rush like they were hoping Da’Quan Bowers would.

4 of 11

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

Bortles
Getty Images

With the draft still three months away, the Jaguars have already made it clear they plan on taking a quarterback with the No. 3 pick. With Bridgewater off the board, they go with their next best option in Bortles. An athletic, well-build quarterback with all of the raw potential to be a star, the former Golden Knight appears ready to take the NFL by storm. He’d be a welcomed addition over Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne, and brings a bit of hometown heroism to the mix as well.

5 of 11

4. Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Manziel
Getty Images

The way their last few seasons have gone, the Browns could use a serious boost in talent. After watching Brandon Weeden fail and Brian Hoyer fall to injury when he finally appeared to be flourishing, Cleveland fans need someone to put their hope in. That’s where Manziel fits in. The former Aggie is a proven playmaker with some of the best improvisational skills we’ve ever seen. His decision making and durability are clear concerns moving forward, but the Browns can’t ignore the star power and excitement that drafting Manziel would bring to the franchise.

6 of 11

5. Arizona Cardinals (via OAK): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Robinson
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals are tired of mediocrity at the left tackle spot. Instead of hoping that a legitimate blindside blocker falls to them at No. 20, they trade up with the Oakland Raiders to snag arguably the best left tackle prospect in recent history. The Cardinals made a trade with the Raiders last offseason to bring Carson Palmer in, so they’re no strangers to dealing with Reggie McKenzie. By trading up to get Robinson, they put an elite blocker in place to keep Palmer upright and give themselves a better change of capitalizing on their talented roster in 2014.

7 of 11

6. Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

Mack
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Moving forward, the Falcons can’t settle for mediocrity when it comes to their pass rush. They struggled to get to opposing passers in 2013, and that needs to change this upcoming season. One way to fix that is by drafting Mack, a disruptive outside linebacker who uses athleticism and explosiveness to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. Despite his lack of elite competition, Mack dominated at Buffalo and should have no problem making the adjustment at the next level. The Falcons would be wise to take Mack at No. 6.

8 of 11

7. Detroit Lions (via TB through STL): Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Watkins
Getty Images

After what we saw this season, it’s clear the Lions can’t continue to let Calvin Johnson be their only true receiving threat. Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles are both quality receivers, but are constantly hurt and can’t be relied on. To make sure they lock down one of the top offensive weapons of the 2014 class, they trade up with the Rams to snag Watkins. As we saw in the final game of his college career, he’s capable of taking games over and will take some of the pressure off of Johnson’s shoulders. It doesn’t seem like a huge need, but Watkins makes too much sense for the Lions.

9 of 11

8. Minnesota Vikings: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Dennard
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

As badly as the Vikings need a quarterback, it’s hard for me to imagine Derek Carr going at No. 8. So they wait. After putting together the second-worst pass defense in the NFL last season, Minnesota needs some seriously upgrades. Chris Cook is unlikely to re-signed, so bringing aboard a top talent like Dennard makes sense. He’s a big, physical cornerback who plays the run well and has the speed to stick with any receivers. Teamed with Xavier Rhodes, Dennard could help the Vikings field one of the best young cornerback duos in the NFL.

10 of 11

9. Buffalo Bills: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Matthews
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the 2013 campaign, the Bills struggled to keep their quarterbacks clean. If they want E.J. Manuel to develop into a franchise passer, they must do a better job of protecting him moving forward. With Cordy Glenn on the left side, they could plug Matthews in on the right side, taking the place of Erik Pears. With Glenn and Matthews as the bookends of their offensive line, they’d boast arguably one of the top tackle duos in the league while also offering Manuel some extra insurance.

11 of 11

10. St. Louis Rams (via DET): C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

Mosley
Getty Images

After a poor showing from JoLunn Dunbar in 2013, the Rams are ready to move forward with someone else at strong side linebacker. While it’s not their biggest area of need, the Rams have plenty of picks to address other concerns after two trade downs. Mosley is a Top 10 talent who has the leadership and discipline to be a defensive cornerstone in the NFL, and would combine with James Laurinaitis and the Rams’ defensive line to form an outstanding core of young players.

Gil Alcaraz IV is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.


Related Gil Alcaraz

Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
2014 NFL Draft: Post-Combine Top 50 Big Board
Getty Images
2014 NFL Draft: Full First-Round Mock, Post-Combine Edition
Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
2014 NFL Draft: 5 Underrated Prospects With First-Round Talent
Getty Images
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Full First Round With Trades

Related Mock Drafts

Cleveland Browns
2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Who Do Cleveland Browns Select With 4th Overall Pick?
Jacksonville Jaguars
2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Who Do Jacksonville Jaguars Select With 3rd Overall Pick?
Louis Nix III
2014 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers’ Seven-Round Mock 1.0
St. Louis Rams
2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Who Do St. Louis Rams Take With 2nd Overall Pick?

Related NFL Draft

Brian Spurlock-USA Today Sports
Chicago Bears Fans, You Might Like Caraun Reid
Johnny Manziel
Philadelphia Eagles Rumors: Team Meets With Johnny Manziel
Getty Images
Green Bay Packers Must Draft FS or SS in 1st Round
Michael Ivins-US Presswire
Connecticut’s Yawin Smallwoood Perfect Fit for Chicago Bears

Around the Web

ZergNet