2014 NFL Draft Grades: NFC West

It's hard to imagine that back in 2010 the NFC West was the butt of jokes throughout the league for having a team with a losing record win the division. Not any more. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are the two best teams in the NFL, and Seattle capped off their 2013 season with a rout of Denver to win their first Super Bowl title. Arizona narrowly missed the playoffs and St. Louis has one of the most talented rosters in the league and all four teams only seem to get better. Arizona Cardinals: B- Best Pick: Deone Bucannon Late Round Sleeper: Logan Thomas The Cardinals added to a tough defense with the hard hitting Deone Bucannon in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and then picked up Kareem Martin to the defensive line rotation in Round 3. The offense got a boost with the selection of Troy Niklas, the big tight end in Round 2 and the small but speedy John Brown to play the slot receiver in Round 4. A late round sleeper pick could be Logan Thomas, who will have time to learn the pro game at quarterback and should eventually replace Carson Palmer at quarterback for Arizona. San Francisco 49ers: A Best Pick: Carlos Hyde Late Round Sleeper: Bruce Ellington The rich get richer, as San Francisco continues to make excellent picks in the NFL Draft. First Rounder Jimmie Ward will team with last years first pick Eric Reid to form one of the best safety tandems in the league. Carlos Hyde should eventually replace Frank Gore at running back, and will provide a great change of pace when sharing the ball carrying duties with Gore. Three third round picks add depth and are future plans for San Francisco, with Marcus Martin able to play guard or center, Chris Borland can spell NaVarro Bowman while the latte rehabs a knee injury, and Brandon Thomas is coming off his own ACL tear and and basically redshirt in 2014. A late round sleeper looks to be Bruce Ellington, who can add another target for Colin Kaepernick to develop the 49ers passing game. Seattle Seahawks: C Best Pick: Kevin Norwood Late Round Sleeper: Kevin Norwood The Seahawks roster is loaded with talent from top to bottom, and it looks like the current crop of draft picks will have a tough time finding playing time with the World Champions. Paul Richardson and Justin Britt flashed in spots last year, but both were seen as reaches as high as they were selected. Kevin Norwood might have the best chance to make an impact on the field in Seattle. St. Louis Rams: A Best Pick: Aaron Donald Late Round Sleeper: Maurice Alexander The Rams had two first round picks, courtesy of the trade with Washington in 2012. They had that pick at #2 and selected the powerful tackle Greg Robinson, and with their own pick in Round 1 the Rams added Aaron Donald at defensive tackle. Robinson will give Sam Bradford some much needed protection and the big tackle excels in the run game, where he will shine the most for St. Louis. Donald rounds out the best front 4 in the NFL, and will the youth up front the Rams will be a force on defense for years to come. The running game was upgraded with the selection of Tre Mason, and the secondary got help from LaMarcus Joyner, E.J. Gaines and late round sleeper Maurice Alexander. With a compensatory pick in Round 7, the Rams selected Michael Sam, the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC and the first openly gay player picked in the NFL Draft. Sam will have a tough time finding playing time with the Rams talented front 4 but he has a chance to shine on special teams and make his mark there for now.

2014 NFL Draft Grades: AFC West

The Denver Broncos rolled through the AFC on their way to the conference championship before falling hard against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning put up record numbers and the Broncos wanted to make sure he still has the weapons on offense to continue at his incredible pace. But the AFC West placed two other teams in the playoffs, as the Kansas City Chiefs completed a remarkable turnaround from 2-14 to 11-5, and the San Diego Chargers won their final four games to make the playoffs as the 6th seed. The Oakland Raiders finished in the cellar again but are looking to improve with the draft and having the 5th Overall selection. Denver Broncos: B Best Pick: Cody Latimer Late Round Sleeper: Corey Nelson Denver lost Eric Decker to the Jets in the offseason, but were able to find his replacement in Round 2 with the selection of Cody Latimer, the big receiver from Indiana who catches everything thrown his way. I'm sure Peyton Manning will find Latimer early and often in the upcoming season. First round pick Bradley Roby will move into a starting cornerback position, but he needs to rediscover his 2012 form if he is going to stay there. A late round sleeper pick could be Corey Nelson, who could get time on the field depending on the rehab of Von Miller and his ACL injury. Kansas City Chiefs: C+ Best Pick: De'Anthony Thomas Late Round Sleeper: Aaron Murray The Chiefs are looking to build on their success going into the second season under Andy Reid, but a need to find another playmaking wide receiver to compliment Dwayne Bowe wasn't to be found. First round pick Dee Ford will add to a dangerous pass rush, and third rounder Phillip Gaines adds depth to the secondary. De'Anthony Thomas will pick up the slack left by the departure of Dexter McCluster, and Aaron Murray could be a late round sleeper as the eventual replacement for Alex Smith. Oakland Raiders: A- Best Pick: Derek Carr Late Round Sleeper: Keith McGill It's not often when one of the best picks in the draft going #5 Overall isn't even the best pick for the team, but that happened to the Raiders. Khalil Mack looks like a sure fire hit as an outside linebacker, and second rounder Derek Carr looks to be the face of the franchise for years to come as the quarterback the Raiders have sought for a long time. Gabe Jackson was a steal in Round 3, and might start from the get-go for Oakland at guard. Keith McGill looks to be a late round sleeper at cornerback for a team that needs lots of help in the secondary. San Diego Chargers: A- Best Pick: Jason Verrett Late Round Sleeper: Ryan Carrethers San Diego got a late first round steal with Verrett, who would have been the first corner off the board if he were a little taller. But his speed and coverage skills are excellent, and he should be able to adapt to the pro game. Second Rounder Jeremiah Attachou is a raw talent, but he can be an outstanding pass rusher for the Chargers. Chris Watt is a tough, hard worker in the trenches and could move into the lineup at guard. A late round sleeper looks to be Ryan Carrethers, who could make his mark in the middle of the defensive line as a run stopper.

2014 NFL Draft Grades: NFC South

2013 proved once again that the NFC South is the most topsy-turvy division in football. The Atlanta Falcons went from the best record in the NFC in 2012 to last in the South with a 4-12 record. The Carolina Panthers overcame a 1-3 start to win the division and get a first round bye in the playoffs. The New Orleans Saints still have the best quarterback in the division with Drew Brees, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the biggest splashes in the off season during free agency. It looks like things are going to keep flipping around in the NFC South once again. Atlanta Falcons: B+ Best Pick: Jake Matthews Late Round Sleeper: DeVonta Freeman The Falcons needed to shore up the offensive line and give Matt Ryan more time to pass and open holes to run through, and they did just that with the selection of Jake Matthews at #6 Overall. Matthews is a polished product and will step in right away. Ra'Shede Hageman could do the same on defense after falling out of Round 1. With the best years of Steven Jackson behind him, the running game got a hot in the arm with the selection of late round sleeper pick DeVonta Freeman, who played in a three back rotation at Florida State but he can be the go to back for the Falcons. Carolina Panthers: B Best Pick: Kelvin Benjamin Late Round Sleeper: Tyler Gaffney The Panthers came out of nowhere to win the division in 2013, but there are major holes everywhere, especially on the offensive line and wide receiver. The pick of Kelvin Benjamin addresses the need at receiver. The offensive line got help in Round 3 with the pick of Trai Turner, but he will play guard and tackle is still a need. Second rounder Kony Ealy adds depth to the pass rush. A late round sleeper looks to be Tyler Gaffney, running back who could get touches if injuries crop up again in the backfield. New Orleans Saints: B Best Pick: Brandin Cooks Late Round Sleeper: Vinnie Sunseri The Saints traded up to #20 and got the speed receiver they wanted in Brandin Cooks, who should take advantage of the fast turf in the Superdome in the high powered New Orleans offense. The Saints are hoping that second round pick Stanley Jean-Baptiste can become the cover corner that his size and speed could lead him to be, but he needs time to develop his overall game at corner. A late round sleeper looks to be Vinnie Sunseri, a tough safety who could pair with last years first rounder Kenny Vaccaro to give New Orleans a top tandem in the defensive secondary. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+ Best Pick: Austin Sefarian-Jenkins Late Round Sleeper: Robert Herron The Buccaneers stood pat at #7 Overall and got the receiver they wanted in Mike Evans, then got the big tight end who will free up coverage in the middle with the selection of Sefarian-Jenkins in Round 2. Third Rounder Charles Sims will be able to share the load with Doug Martin and could eventually become a full-time back. A late round sleeper could be Robert Herron, a slot receiver who will benefit for all the attention given to Evans, Sefarian-Jenkins and Vincent Jackson.

2014 NFL Draft Grades: AFC South

The Indianapolis Colts ran away with the 2013 AFC South title, but the free fall of the Houston Texans from two time division champ to 14 game losing streak was painful to watch. The Texans got the prize of the 1st Overall Selection of the 2014 draft, and they grabbed the biggest prize on the board. Houston Texans: A Best Pick: Jadeveon Clowney Late Round Sleeper: Tom Savage Clowney is a supreme talent, and with everyone questioning his motivation I see him playing with a huge chip on his shoulder. At least until he signs his second contract. But the Texans hit all the high notes with their picks at the Top of the draft. Xavier Su'a-Filo will be an anchor on the interior of the offensive line. C.J. Fiedorowicz is a big target but he excels as a run blocker. One of the biggest steals of the draft was Louis Nix falling into the middle of the third round. Many thought the Texans would select a quarterback early, but getting Tom Savage on Day 3 could be their long term solution to a shaky quarterback problem. Indianapolis Colts: C Best Pick: Donte Moncrief Late Round Sleeper: Ulrick John The Colts did not have a first round pick, as theirs was traded to Cleveland for Trent Richardson. The success of this draft class will be tied in to how well Richardson performs for the Clots. They can only hope it will be better than last year. Jack Mewhort is a tough-minded offensive lineman who could move inside for the Colts. Donte Moncrief could be a long term replacement to Reggie Wayne. Late round sleeper Ulrick John could also find some playing time on the offensive line. Jacksonville Jaguars: A+ Best Pick: Blake Bortles Late Round Sleeper: Storm Johnson The Jaguars hit the jackpot in the 2014 NFL Draft. They got their franchise quarterback in Blake Bortles. They got two excellent receivers to replace Justin Blackmon when they selected Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson in Round 2. They beefed up the offensive line with the picks of Brandon Linder and Luke Bowanko. The secondary got two talented prospects in Aaron Colvin and Telvin Smith, and the defense got a pass rusher in Chris Smith. The Jaguars final pick in the draft was Bortles teammate at Central Florida, Storm Johnson. Johnson could get a lot of reps in the backfield with the departure of Maurice Jones-Drew. Tennessee Titans: B Best Pick: Bishop Sankey Late Round Sleeper: Zach Mettenberger The Titans stuck to their Best Player Available philosophy and selected Taylor Lewan in Round 1. The Titans offensive line is deep but Lewan is too talented to have sit on the sidelines, and pairing him up with last years first rounder Chance Warmack will go a long way to aiding the development of Jake Locker. Second round pick Sankey looks to replace Chris Johnson in the starting backfield. DaQuan Jones will add depth to the defensive line. Getting Mettenberger late in the draft could be a top sleeper pick if Locker continues to struggle.

2014 NFL Draft Grades: NFC North

The Green Bay Packers won the NFC North title in 2013, but an injury to Aaron Rodgers and a porous defense nearly cost them the playoffs. The Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions were cost the playoffs because their defenses had even more holes. And the 2012 division champ Minnesota Vikings followed poor play at the quarterback position to the bottom of the standings. All four teams were looking to fill in those holes going into the 2014 NFL Draft. Chicago Bears: B Best Pick: Kyle Fuller Late Round Sleeper: Brock Vereen The Bears picked Fuller in the first round to get younger and more physical, and they will accomplish just that. Their next two picks addressed a run defense that was less than stellar when the Bears selected Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton. ka'Deem Carey looks to give Matt Forte a break in the run game. A late round sleeper could be Vereen, who has the physical build to move into the secondary and make an impact for Chicago. Detroit Lions: B- Best Pick: Eric Ebron Late Round Sleeper: Caruan Reid Detroit had holes in the offensive line and the secondary to address, but passing up on the talented tight end Ebron was too big of a temptation. Ebron can clear out the middle of the field and is a match up nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Kyle Van Noy will add an extra dimension to the pass rush from the linebacker position. Third Round pick Travis Swanson could eventually move into the starting center position. Reid will add depth to the defensive line and could become a starter if the Lions eventually part ways with Ndamukong Suh. Green Bay Packers: B+ Best Pick: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix Late Round Sleeper: Jared Abbrederis The Packers addressed a glaring hole on defense with the selection of Clinton-Dix in Round 1 to play safety. Green Bay then selected another target for Rodgers with the pick of Davante Adams in Round 2. Khyri Thornton gives the defensive line depth and a tough player who will mix it up in the middle. While Adams can stretch the field, late round sleeper Abbrederis looks to be a sure handed slots receiver for the Green Bay offense. Minnesota Vikings: A+ Best Pick: Teddy Bridgewater Late Round Sleeper: David Yankey I've made my feelings known about Bridgewater, and I still feel he will be the best quarterback of this years draft class. He will get a chance to learn the offense while Matt Cassel holds the fort, but I believe that Bridgewater will be starting by the end of the upcoming season. Anthony Barr was selected #9 Overall, and I see the talented, physically gifted linebacker thriving in new Head Coach Mike Zimmer's defense much the same way that Vontaze Burfict has in Cincinnati for Zimmer there. Scott Cricthon was a first round talent that slipped to the third round, and he can add depth to the pass rush. A late round sleeper is more of a shocker that David Yankey lasted until Round 5. He was projected by many as a late first round-early second round pick, and along with undrafted offensive tackle Antonio Richardson, will beef up the Vikings defensive line for years.

2014 NFL Draft Grades: AFC North

The Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North in 2013, but were eliminated in a surprising home playoff loss to San Diego. It marks the first time in franchise history that the Bengals made the playoffs three years in a row, but with a roster as talented as theirs they are looking for more going into the 2014 season. Perhaps the biggest surprise was that Cincinnati was the only team from the AFC North to make the playoffs. Baltimore followed up their Super Bowl campaign with an 8-8 season, and Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the second year in a row with an 8-8 record as well. Cleveland brought in a new coach and GM and they were loaded with two first round picks for 2014. Baltimore: B+ Best Pick: C.J. Mosley Late Round Sleeper: John Urschel Baltimore looks to have found its heir apparent for Ray Lewis in first round pick C.J. Mosley, who many saw as a Top 10 talent. He is a tough, smart hard hitter who will start from Day 1. Tim Jernigan will give the Ravens depth in the defensive line in Round 2. As usual, the Ravens had a strong draft from top to bottom, getting players in later rounds like Lorenzo Taliaferro and Mike Campanaro who can contribute this year. A late round sleeper looks to be John Urschel, a guard who might find a place in the offensive line right away but who is also perhaps the smartest player in draft, after getting his Masters degree from Penn State and teaching math classes there while playing football for the Nittany Lions. Cincinnati: B+ Best Pick: Darqueze Dennard Late Round Sleeper: Russell Bodine The Bengals needed depth in the defensive secondary, and had one of the three best corners in the draft fall into their lap with Darqueze Dennard falling to #24. The Bengals found the bruising back to pair with Gio Bernard in Round 2 with the pick of Jeremy Hill, and also got the eventual replacement for Michael Johnson on defense with Will Clarke in Round 3. Cincinnati also had another potential future starter fall for them when they picked up A.J. McCarron in Round 5. A late round sleeper looks to be Russell Bodine, a center selected in Round 4 who can also play guard. Cleveland: B+ Best Pick: Johnny Manziel Late Round Sleeper: Terrence West The Browns traded down in Round 1, then traded back up to get Justin Gilbert, a cornerback who will team with Joe Haden to form potentially the best tandem in the NFL. Then they traded up with their second 1st Rounder and got the quarterback they wanted all along in Johnny Manziel, who will have a chance to start from Day 1 depending on the health of Brian Hoyer. The offensive line got a healthy dose of big and nasty with the pick of Joel Bitonio, who can play on the right side and open up holes for late round sleeper Terrence West, a bruising back from Towson who will split reps with newly acquired Ben Tate. Pittsburgh: A- Best Pick: Ryan Shazier Late Round Sleeper: Daniel McCullers The Steelers went for defense, and got tow potential starters in Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt. Dri Archer is a multi purpose speedster who will give defenses fits with his blazing speed. In need of a wide receiver, the Steelers picked up Martavis Bryant, who could start opposite Antonio Brown from Day 1. A late round sleeper could be Daniel McCullers, the massive nose tackle who can fill up the middle and free up defenders to make plays around him.

2014 NFL Draft Grades: NFC East

In 2013, Chip Kelly took his up tempo, high octane offense to the top of the standings in the NFC East, but in a tightly bunched division, a good draft can make a big difference as to who goes to the playoffs and who stays home. Dallas Cowboys: B Best Pick: Zack Martin Late Round Sleeper: Anthony Hitchens and Ahmad Dixon Dallas resisted the temptation of drafting Johnny Manziel and took the highly regarded and versatile offensive lineman in Zack Martin. Martin can slip into the left guard position between their last two top picks in Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick to form a solid offensive line to protect Tony Romo and open holes for DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys traded up to pick Demarcus Lawrence, who is expected to fill the hole left my Demarcus Ware as their top pass rusher. Hitchens and Dixon both have the opportunity to play for a defense that was one of the worst statistically in the NFL last year. New York Giants: B Best Pick: Weston Richburg Late Round Sleeper: Andre Williams The Giants could not overcome an 0-6 start and are looking to regain their footing at the top of the NFC East. 1st Round Pick Odell Beckham gives Eli Manning a new target and Beckham is an explosive kick returner. Richburg looks to anchor the offensive line for years to come. Third Rounder Jay Bromley looks to plug the middle on defense. Late Round Sleeper Williams looks to move into the backfield rotation and add depth to the running game. Philadelphia: C+ Best Pick: Jordan Matthews Late Round Sleepers: Ed Reynolds and jaylen Watkins The Eagles perhaps reached a bit in the first round for Marcus Smith, but Chip Kelly knows that you have to get to the quarterback in the NFL, and Smith can do just that. But they may have been able to get him later in the draft. Matthews, along with third round pick Josh Huff, look to fill the hole left by the departure of Desean Jackson. A late round sleeper looks to be Ed Reynolds at the safety position along with Jaylen Watkins at cornerback. The Eagles defense spends a lot of time on the field because the offense scores so quickly and both players could move into the rotation in the secondary. Washington: B Best Pick: Morgan Moses Late Round Sleeper: Lache Seastrunk The Redskins did not have a first round pick because of the trade for Robert Griffin III two years ago, and after trading down Washington was able to get a first round talent in DE/LB Trent Murphy. Murphy plays along the lines of Ryan Kerrigan and Brain Orakpo, and he is as tough minded pass rusher off the edge. Moses fall to their laps in Round 3 and he could move into the starting lineup on the right side of the offensive line. Seastrunk could be a late round sleeper pick as a change of pace back paired up with Alfred Morris, who can take a lot of pressure off Griffin and keep the franchise quarterback healthy.

2014 NFL Draft Grades: AFC East

Ever since 2001, teams in the AFC East, for the most part, have been looking up at the New England Patriots. As long as Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are with the patriots, everyone will be trying to catch up. Buffalo made the first big trade of the draft, and are pretty much going all in this year when they traded nest year's 1st Round pick along with an additional pick to move up and get Sammy Watkins. Along with their additional picks and offseason moves, Buffalo looks to make their move to the top of the AFC East. Buffalo: B+ Best Pick: Sammy Watkins Late Round Sleeper: Cyril Richardson Watkins is the playmaker the Bills desired and they made the big move to get him. Now last years first rounder, quarterback E.J. Manuel, has the big play weapon that can light the fire under the Bills offense. But the selection of tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and late round sleeper Cyril Richardson will give Manuel the protection he needs and open up running lanes for Fred Jackson and Bryce Brown. If Seantrel henderson can play up to his potential then the Bills will have a powerful o-line for years to come. Preston Brown is a tough inside linebacker who will help plug up the middle and stop the run. Miami: B Best Pick: Jarvis Landry Late Round Sleeper: Jordan Tripp Miami needed to rebuild their offensive line and may have reached to select Ja'wuan James at #19, but he is a solid right tackle that the the Dolphins can build around. Billy Turner is a mauler of an offensive lineman but is also a small school talent who will need to work his way into the line. Landry is a sure handed receiver that could become a go-to target for Ryan Tannehill. Tripp is an FCS star who will play like a BCS playmaker on defense. New England: B- Best Pick: Jimmy Garoppolo Late Round Sleeper: Bryan Stork The Patriots picked Dominique Easley in Round 1, and if the injury plagued defensive tackle can hold up physically then this pick will be a steal. But 2 ACL injuries in college makes one wonder if hen can withstand the rigors of the NFL trenches. Garoppolo is the latest heir apparent to Tom Brady, and now he may be the one who eventually replaces the future Hall of Famer. But the Patriots put a lot of draft pick eggs in one basket by selecting Stork, Cameron Fleming, and Jon Halapio to shore up the defensive line. New York Jets: B+ Best Pick: Jace Amaro Late Round Sleeper: Jeremiah George The Jets picked hard hitting safety Calvin Pryor in Round 1, and he looks to be the defensive enforcer in the middle of the field that Rex Ryan is looking for. Amaro gives Geno Smith a big target down the middle, and he should be targeted in play action with the free agent addition of Chris Johnson. Dexter McDougle should get plenty of action at corner now that he is healthy after a shoulder injury cost him most of last season. George can be a sleeper pick as an outside edge rusher in Ryan's 3-4 defense.

Swimming in the Deep End of the 2014 NFL Draft

Day 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft is in the books. For the longest time we have heard about how deep this draft is, and how many quality players are available. Rounds 2 and 3 tonight will show just how deep the draft is. Researching the mock drafts the past four months has provided a long list of players who at some time were seen as first round selections. If you take a look at the players still available, you could argue that they would make a pretty solid 1st Round of the draft. Offense: Derek Carr Allen Robinson Cody Latimer Davante Adams Jordan Matthews Marqise Lee Jarvis Landry Bruce Ellington Austin Seferian-Jenkins Jace Amaro Troy Niklas Cyrus Kouandjio Morgan Moses Joel Bitonio Antonio Richardson Cyril Richardson David Yankey Xavier Su'a-Filo Marcus Martin Weston Richburg Defense: Ra'Shede Hageman Tim Jernigan Louis Nix Kony Ealy Scott Crichton Stephon Tuitt Trent Murphy Demarcus Lawrence Kyle Van Noy Jeremiah Attaochu Lamarcus Joyner Stanley Jean-Baptiste That's just the players who had 1st Round Grades at one point. That doesn't even include the quarterbacks and runnning backs who were seen as a reach for Round 1: A.J. McCarron Zack Mettenberger Aaron Murray Jimmy Garroppolo Tajh Boyd Tom Savage David Fales Carlos Hyde Tre Mason Bishop Sankey Ka'Deem Carey Jeremy Hill That's 32 players not including the backs. The bright lights always shine on Day 1, but a draft is made with the quality players a team can pick up on Day 2 in the second and third rounds. A team on the rise can get the players to help them get over the hump. A good team can get the talent they need to get to the top. a team at the top can get the selections they need to stay there. Day 2 of the 2014 NFL Draft gets underway soon. I'm anxious to see who goes where and when. Let the picks start rolling in.

2014 NFL Draft 1st Round Mock Draft Scoring Recap

The first round of the 2014 NFL Draft is complete. I have totaled the points I scored on NFL.com in their Predict The Pick contest, and if I had stuck with my guns and kept Greg Robinson at #2 and Jake Matthews at #6 (as I had them placed before changing them 3 days ago), I would have picked up an additional 180 points. As it was, I wound up 50 points behind Matt Mayock and Todd McShay, and tied Mel Kiper. I had Blake Bortles and Khalil Mack going #3 and #5. I just had them backwards. And late in the draft I got C.J. Mosley and Jason Verrett correctly placed. Overall, I did very well. I just wish I had kept the two big tackles where they were. But I have to hand it to Mel Kiper. Of all the mock drafts I researched this year, Kiper was the ONLY one to have Ja'Wuan James going in the 1st Round. And Kiper hit the nail on the head and had him placed at Miami at the #19 Overall selection. Way to go, Mel.

TMG DraftZone Final 2014 Mock Draft

It's Draft Day. Finally. Now it is time to get the last mock drafts out there for all to see and for draftniks like myself to put out money where our keyboards are. I have Jadeveon Clowney going #1 Overall to Houston, and I have to laugh when I hear the big reason why the Texans will not pick him. He doesn't fit their 3-4 defensive scheme. Give me a break. When you have a player with that much talent, you change your scheme to fit Clowney. It's as simple as that, and I cannot believe that a Defensive Coordinator like Romeo Crennel can't change his ways find the best fit for Clowney on his defense. Can you imagine a Texans 4-3 defense, with Clowney on the right side and J.J. Watt on the left. Teams might be able to get away with double teaming just one, but I don't see that happening for long. So you have to put two blockers on the star pass rushers. A tight end on one, and a running back to get a chip block on the other. Do the math. How many receivers does that leave? Three. That's it. Houston would be able to bring a blitzer on every play and still have double coverage in the secondary. If I were a Texans fan, I'd take those odds every play. But I think back to two examples in the 80's that tell me the shortsighted would pass on Clowney now, and those with vision would take him and change their scheme to fit his abilities. In 1983, when the Miami Dolphins selected Dan marino, Paul Zimmerman was famously caught on the draft coverage making the comment 'Who is going to coach him?' Then Chris Berman came back with the correct response-Don Shula is a pretty good coach. Shula admitted later in making a mistake with Marino. The mistake was that he did not start him right away. Up until then, the Dolphins under Don Shula were what we now call a Ground and Pound team. Run the ball, then run it some more. In Marino's second season, the Dolphins threw the ball on 76% of their plays, and Marino set records for passing yards and touchdowns while leading Miami to the Super Bowl. Shula had the vision to change his scheme to fit his quarterback, and Miami enjoyed success for the next decade with a hall of Fame Quarterback leading the way. The next year, an example of shortsightedness came into play in the NBA. Everyone knows the story of Portland passing on Michael Jordan and selecting Sam Bowie. But before the draft, a conversation between Bob Knight and a member of the Blazers front office was recounted in John Feinstein's book A Season on the Brink. Knight was coaching the US Olympic Team, and Jordan was the star of the team. He was asked by a friend who worked for Portland about Jordan. Knight told him to take Jordan. The reply was 'we already have Clyde Drexler, and we need a center.' Knight told him 'Play Jordan at center. No one can stop him.' The rest of the story is what can happen when you draft to fit your scheme and pass on the once in a generation talent like Jadeveon Clowney. So here is the Final TMG DraftZone Mock Draft for 2014. I have these picked posted on NFL.com under the entry sycamore88. I'd like to see just how I am going to do against everyone else, but with this draft year you just never know. 1) Houston Jadeveon Clowney 2) St. Louis Jake Matthews 3) Jacksonville Khalil Mack 4) Cleveland Sammy Watkins 5) Oakland Blake Bortles 6) Atlanta Greg Robinson 7) Tampa Bay Mike Evans 8) Minnesota Johnny Manziel 9) Buffalo Eric Ebron 10) Detroit Darqueze Dennard 11) Tennessee Anthony Barr 12) NY Giants Taylor Lewan 13) St. Louis Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix 14) Chicago Aaron Donald 15) Pittsburgh Calvin Pryor 16) Dallas Tim Jernigan 17) Baltimore C.J. Mosley 18) NY Jets Marqise Lee 19) Miami Zack Martin 20) Arizona Ryan Shazier 21) Green Bay Justin Gilbert 22) Philadelphia Brandin Cooks 23) Kansas City Odell Beckham 24) Cincinnati Kyle Fuller 25) San Diego Jason Verrett 26) Cleveland Teddy Bridgewater 27) New Orleans Kony Ealy 28) Carolina Morgan Moses 29) New England Ra'Shade Hageman 30) San Francisco Bradley Roby 31) Denver Xavier Su'a-Filo 32) Seattle David Yankey I have St. Louis taking Jake Matthews at #2, but I could have very well put Greg Robinson there. And even though reports earlier in the week said the Raiders would not take Blake Bortles of Johnny Manziel at #5, I can still see them taking the big signal caller from Central Florida who can give them their version of Ben Roethlisberger. I see Minnesota taking Manziel at #8 because new head coach Mike Zimmer has seen first hand what an average, vanilla quarterback can do after watching Andy Dalton the last three seasons in Cincinnati. Don't forget that the Vikings are moving into a new stadium in a couple of seasons. Just think what a quarterback like Manziel can do to energize the fan base in Minnesota. It's four hours until the start of Round 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft. Let's get it's going. It has been a long draft season.

Twas The Night Before The NFL Draft

Twas The Night Before The NFL Draft And all around Radio City Music Hall The prospects began to gather Including Jadeveon Clowney and Johnny Football What many teams are looking for Is an offensive tackle to take There are plenty to choose from Including Cyrus, Greg, Taylor and Jake. Playmakers found on offense Must be more than looks The receivers are talented With Beckham, Benjamin, Lee and Cooks Teams are looking for hitters That can make the quarterback sack Attention will be paid To Anthony Barr, Ryan Shazier and Khalil Mack The big stoppers up front Have always been premium picks This year you have Aaron Donald Along with Tim Jernigan and Louis Nix. But at the top of the draft Fans will be on needles and pins To see if their team will select Mike Evans or Sammy Watkins. As always fans will want A quarterback who is ready Is it going to be Bortles, Carr, or a QB named Teddy. As the league passes it around The field more and more Corners like Gilbert, Dennard, Fuller and Verrett Will be picked to lower the score. Safeties are becoming stars Because teams are not taking a flier When they can find players as good As Ward, Clinton-Dix and Pryor. The big tight ends will be picked Throughout the draft we know With talents such as Eric Ebron And a pass catcher named Amaro. Tomorrow night the Commish Will start the show off right I wish the players all the best And to all a good night.

TMG DraftZone Final DSA Player Rankings 2014

The 2014 NFL Draft is tomorrow. Finally. The extra two weeks this year has made it feel like an extra two months. But the time has come for Commissioner Roger Goddell to step up to the podium at Radio City Music Hall and make the announcement that the Houston Texans are on the clock. Mock Drafters have had their say, and the final DSA Player Rankings show that there is not much change in who looks to go where. But one thing it is showing is that what may be termed 'The Safe Pick' is coming back in vogue for 2014. Last year, offensive lineman went with three of the first four picks, and six of the top 11. Now this year, Taylor Lewan looks to be the safest pick garnering the most interest at the top of the draft. Lewan moved up 6 spots in the DSA Rankings, going from 14 to 8 in the Final Rankings. Eric Ebron could be considered the safest pick of the skill players at the top of the draft, and he moved up four positions to #9. The quarterbacks at the top, Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles, fell 2 and 4 positions respectively as it is beginning to look like teams may take their top position prospects first, then trade back into the end of Round 1 to get the quarterback they want. But for the most part, there was very little movement in the Final DSA Player Rankings. The biggest riser was Kony Ealy, who moved up 8 positions to #20. But two rankings ago he was #21, so Ealy got back the positions he lost previously. Bradley Roby did the same thing, only in reverse. Roby fell seven spots to #28, which is where he was two rankings ago. Louis Nix fell seven spots to #30, which is far and away his lowest position in this years rankings. But the biggest overall fall was completed by Teddy Bridgewater. A horrendous pro day workout has led the one-time top quarterback prospect to fall from #2 in the first rankings, with a score of 3.00, to #3/3.40, then #11/11.40, and the fall was completed in the last two rankings at #17/17.70 and finally #22/24.40. Bridgewater is the leading candidate for the Stone Drop Award for 2014, but it could easily go to Manziel or Bortles, depending on which quarterback falls the furthest in the 2014 NFL Draft. But with the end of the 2014 Mock Draft Season now upon us, it is time to reveal the final TMG DraftZone DSA Player Rankings for 2014, with average score and position up or down from the previous rankings: 1) Jadeveon Clowney 1.20 0 2) Sammy Watkins 3.20 0 3) Greg Robinson 3.90 0 4) Khalil Mack 5.00 1 5) Jake Matthews 5.50 3 6) Johnny Manziel 6.80 -2 7) Mike Evans 7.40 0 8) Taylor Lewan 11.20 6 9) Eric Ebron 12.10 4 10) Blake Bortles 12.60 -4 11) Anthony Barr 12.90 0 12) Justin Gilbert 12.90 -3 13) Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix 13.10 -3 14) Aaron Donald 13.40 -2 15) Darqueze Dennard 16.40 0 16) Calvin Pryor 16.70 0 17) Zack Martin 17.00 1 18) Odell Beckham 18.40 2 19) C. J. Mosley 19.40 0 20) Kony Ealy 22.30 8 21) Brandin Cooks 22.80 1 22) Teddy Bridgewater 24.40 -5 23) Marqise Lee 24.80 2 24) Kyle Fuller 25.10 0 25) Ryan Shazier 25.90 1 26) Derek Carr 28.50 5 27) Tim Jernigan 28.60 0 28) Bradley Roby 28.70 -7 29) Ra'Shade Hageman 29.60 0 30) Louis Nix 29.90 -7 31) Dee Ford 30.10 2 32) Xavier Su'a-Filo 30.50 0 33) Jason Verrett 30.60 -3 34) Morgan Moses 32.00 1 35) Jimmie Ward 33.20 3 If you look at the previous DSA Player Rankings and the Final Rankings, you are going to see a lot of familiar names. 34 in fact. The only player to fall out of the DSA Rankings this time was Cyrus Kouandjio, who could easily go #28 to Carolina, a team in need of offensive line help. But draftniks see the top players being the ones that are most likely going in Round 1, and we will find out tomorrow night. I will be posting my Final Mock Draft right before the Round 1, and tonight I will have my annual Twas The Night Before The NFL Draft. It's been a long draft season, and like everyone else I am anxious to see The Commissh walk up the the podium. Let The 2014 NFL Draft Begin.