2014 NFL Mock Draft: Early Projections for Entire First Round

Now that we're finally done with 2013, let's time warp ahead to the 2014 NFL draft.

Teams have already addressed needs for the upcoming season, so it's a much clearer picture on how to expect what will unfold this season.

Forecasting next April thereafter, however, is more difficult.

To that end, we break down another first round and it's eerily similar to 2013. Next year offers a bit broader positional range of talent, but it remains controlled by the offensive line and defensive front sevens.

Still, the marketable positions of quarterback, running back and receiver will be better represented next April. Who represents is what we find out ahead.

Note: Highlighted players in italics.

1. Oakland Raiders: Jadeveon Clowney, DE (South Carolina)

The pass-rushing ability of Jadeveon Clowney alone will significantly enhance Oakland's front seven. Combine that with the Raiders' dire need to improve at controlling the line and he'll impact from the get go.

2. New York Jets: Taylor Lewan, OT (Michigan)

The Jets have their quarterback of the future in Geno Smith. Now protecting the blind side becomes an immediate need. Fortunately, there's plenty of offensive tackle depth in 2014 and Taylor Lewan tops the position. Up next is finding a star ball-carrier, because Lewan is also a strong run-blocker.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater, QB (Louisville)

After taking Luke Joeckel in Round 1 of 2013, Jacksonville moves to the quarterback spot with Teddy Bridgewater. Possessing reliable decision-making skills, the Jaguars provide Bridgewater with explosive talent at receiver and running back to instantly produce.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Jake Matthews, OT (Texas A&M)

Even with the addition of Jonathan Cooper, Arizona has to continue addressing the offensive line.

Considering that the Cardinals allowed 58 sacks in 2012 and ranked last in rushing offense, fixing this will not occur after only one season. Presenting Cooper on the interior is perfect to get physical with the tough NFC West defenses, which will help set up the pass.

Electing for Jake Matthews out of Texas A&M simply emphasizes overall protection. Matthews has just as much NFL potential as Luke Joeckel and is arguably a better run-blocker. He's also a key reason why Johnny Manziel was able to win the Heisman Trophy last year.

Possessing the size, mobility and blocking awareness to shield quick rushers, Matthews can also get upfield nicely from the backside. As a result, the Cardinals find better balance and move with increased efficiency.

5. San Diego Chargers: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT (Alabama)

D.J. Fluker is a decent pass-blocker, but his forte is punishing defenders on the ground. So, the Chargers put Cyrus Kouandjio opposite Fluker to set the pocket's edges. Philip Rivers then gets more protection and San Diego establishes balance.

6. Buffalo Bills: Marqise Lee, WR (USC)

For Buffalo to field a high-powered attack Marqise Lee is required. The running game is stellar with C.J. Spiller, although complementing him with Lee's skills set helps the development of EJ Manuel. Lee's talent to knife zones and win against man coverage simply creates balance, yet adds much needed explosiveness.

7. Dallas Cowboys: Lamarcus Joyner, S (Florida State)

The tandem of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne will keep locking down in man coverage. Dallas has to get a safety with awareness skills, though, to capitalize accordingly. Lamarcus Joyner offers this talent, courtesy of dependable instincts to locate the rock and make plays.

8. Detroit Lions: Kareem Martin, DE (North Carolina)

The NFC North is only getting stronger, which means the Lions must improve their pass rush and run defense. Therefore, enter Kareem Martin, a defensive end that recorded 22.5 tackles for loss the past two years.

9. Carolina Panthers: Darqueze Dennard, CB (Michigan State)

Carolina will continue to disappoint without the stronger pass defense. So, that warrants the selection of Darqueze Dennard to come in and shield half the field. He'll already benefit from the sound front seven, which then allows Dennard more chances to generate turnovers.

10. New Orleans Saints: Kyle Van Noy, LB (BYU)

The Saints have to bolster their pass rush. BYU's Kyle Van Noy has a great knack for applying pressure and creating fumbles. Given the horrendous defense New Orleans fielded in 2012, it's going to take more than one season to flip it for the better. Getting Van Noy is just another step in the right direction.

11. Tennessee Titans: Jackson Jeffcoat, DE (Texas)

The AFC South is a run-oriented division and the Titans need to stuff better up front. Enter Jackson Jeffcoat to constrict the lanes and redirect ball-carriers into the teeth of Tennessee's defense. Factor his pass-rushing ability and Jeffcoat is a complete impact player.

12. Cleveland Browns: Jason Verrett, CB (TCU)

Continuing to field dynamic pass defenders is to Cleveland's advantage. The Browns have the front to fill lanes and get quarterback pressure, so drafting Jason Verrett adds talent and depth in the secondary. Cleveland then possesses more blanketed coverage, thus allowing the biltz to get increasingly aggressive.

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Johnny Manziel, QB (Texas A&M)

Matt Barkley was taken by Philadelphia in the 2013 draft, but his overall decision-making remains a concern. At the same time, Johnny Manziel is a better fit for Chip Kelly's philosophy. Supplying great mobility and accuracy, Manziel also brings better arm strength than at first glance.

14. New York Giants: Louis Nix, DT (Notre Dame)

The Giants made a nice selection in Texas A&M's Damontre Moore in the 2013 draft.

Keeping with the defensive line for 2014 and New York gets Louis Nix out of Notre Dame. Although his size is typical for a 3-4 nose tackle or defensive end, Nix has the athleticism to quickly impact in a 4-3 front.

Last fall he produced emphatically well by recording 50 tackles (7.5 for loss) and defending five passes. With Big Blue he'll easily collect some stats, because the presence of Moore, Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck will draw attention for quarterback pressure.

Plus, the Giants gave up 4.6 yards per rush in 2012 and don't have a choice but to improve in the trenches. Failing in this aspect will just prevent New York from winning at the immediate point of attack.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Street, WR (Pittsburgh)

The Steelers made a great pick to establish a more physical ground game with Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell. Because of his ability, Pittsburgh now features a more threatening play-action pass to attack downfield. In 2014, the Steelers provide Ben Roethlisberger with Devin Street, a receiver with great ups and reliability to capitalize after the run and inside the red zone.

16. Miami Dolphins: Gabe Jackson, G (Mississippi State)

The ground game with Daniel Thomas and Mike Gillislee has great potential in Miami. However, it gets amplified with Gabe Jackson to smash opposing front sevens. Factoring the Dolphins' improved passing game, and adding Jackson helps establish physical balance and ball control to win the possession battle.

17. Chicago Bears: Ryan Shazier, LB (Ohio State)

Ryan Shazier is a versatile linebacker capable of playing outside or inside. That said, he suits Chicago well for isolating in coverage at the intermediate level. D.J. Williams turns 31 years old this season, and with Jon Bostic possessing middle 'backer talent, Shazier will patrol the outside at a consistent rate.

18. St. Louis Rams: Ed Reynolds, S (Stanford) 

St. Louis needs a safety that will take advantage of every playmaking opportunity. Therefore, look no further than Ed Reynolds. Last season he returned six picks for 301 yards and three scores. In addition, he knows how to tackle and react well against the run.

19. Kansas City Chiefs: James Hurst, OT (North Carolina)

The Chiefs must continue adding excellent talent to the offensive line. James Hurst is a perfect candidate, because he knows how to pass protect consistently. The Tar Heels also featured an explosive ground game in 2012 and Hurst's contributions played a major role.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ben Gardner, DE (Stanford)

The Bucs won't sniff the postseason without a stronger pass rush. Ben Gardner offers this immediate aspect, because he racked up 24.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons. With the newfound secondary, Gardner's add is just another piece for Tampa Bay's defensive puzzle.

21. St. Louis Rams (via WAS): Ka’Deem Carey, RB (Arizona)

Right now the Rams remain uncertain at the running back position. Although Zac Stacy is a beast, he must still prove to get it done in pro football. Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey on the other hand, completely rolled through 2012 campaign and his dual-threat ability is appealing for St. Louis in 2014.

22. New England Patriots: Jordan Matthews, WR (Vanderbilt)

Providing Tom Brady with a big receiver to target off play action is an advantage for New England. Already presenting a punishing ground attack, putting Jordan Matthews on the outside stretches a defense to sustain consistent balance.

23. Baltimore Ravens: Greg Blair, LB (Cincinnati)

Despite getting a versatile linebacker in Arthur Brown from Kansas State, Baltimore needs another playmaker at the second level.

Here, Cincinnati linebacker Greg Blair enters the Ravens' defensive equation to solidify the future even more. He's coming off a 138-tackle season with eight defended passes and two forced fumbles.

Clearly his wherewithal in coverage is appealing, not to mention that will benefit from Baltimore's pass rush. For the Ravens to maintain their defensive identity, a 'backer such as Blair is an ideal prospect.

Regardless of what's needed, the guy will get it done. On first down he can fill lanes, close off from the backside and get lateral in coverage versus quicker passes. On the later downs, Blair's nose for the ball and occasional blitzing talent will complement the coverage.

Any way you slice it, Blair's entire repertoire suits perfectly with Brown in Baltimore's front seven.

24. Green Bay Packers: Morgan Breslin, DE (USC)

With defensive lineman Ryan Pickett turning 34 years old this season, Green Bay can continue replenishing up front in 2014. USC's Morgan Breslin has the instincts for pass rushing and will be a great complement to Clay Matthews and Nick Perry.

25. Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Murray, QB (Georgia)

Aaron Murray is a complete quarterback. He has experience in college football toughest conference, while also working nicely from under center. Minnesota backs him with an incredible rushing attack, as well as reliable receivers. Plus, Murray has solid mobility and better arm strength than given credit.

26. Cincinnati Bengals: Ty Zimmerman, S (Kansas State)

Cincinnati remains a playoff contender, but the pass defense must field a dependable coverage safety. Kansas State's Ty Zimmerman is a great selection, as evidence of 20 defended passes (10 picks) thus far in his college career.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Barr, LB (UCLA)

Providing a jolt to the pass rush will drastically inflate Indianapolis' Super Bowl odds. And by opting to take Anthony Barr, the Colts find a strong complement to Bjoern Werner in the front seven.

28. San Francisco 49ers: Daniel McCullers, DT (Tennessee)

Tennessee's Daniel McCullers measures at 6'8" and 360 pounds. San Francisco's defensive backbone is clogging running lanes, which makes McCullers a perfect fit. He'll plug multiple gaps and as a result, the 49ers' linebackers see cleaner paths to the ball-carrier.

29. Atlanta Falcons: Will Sutton, DE (Arizona State)

Atlanta won't reach the Super Bowl until it generates more quarterback pressure. Ironically, acting as a nightmare to quarterbacks is Will Sutton's forte. Coming off one impressive season in 2012, Sutton building consistency in 2013 only bodes well for instant NFL production.

30. Houston Texans: Brad Roby, CB (Ohio State)

Houston has made some nice upgrades to its pass defense since getting torched by Tom Brady (twice), Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck and Matthew Stafford last season.

By the same token, drafting Brady Roby from Ohio State in 2014 ensures the coverage's future.

For one, he defended 19 passes a year ago and accounted for 63 tackles. Second, he brings playmaking talent after taking an interception and fumble return for a score last season. Having picked off five passes in just two college campaigns, Roby is only beginning to develop impressive zone awareness and instincts.

His rookie year numbers will also get inflated, because of Ed Reed monitoring back deep and D.J. Swearinger to blanket in coverage. Include the Texans' dominant front seven and turnover opportunities will constantly occur.

31. Denver Broncos: Brian Blechen, S (Utah)

Denver has the offense to score at will. The defense is capable of suffocating the line of scrimmage, but enhancing the pass defense in Cover 3 is needed. This is where Utah's Brian Blechen comes in, because he brings strong field awareness and reactionary skills to the table.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Cody Hoffman, WR (BYU)

One minute area of need for Seattle lies in Russel Wilson's receiving corps. Measuring at 6'4" and 215 pounds, Cody Hoffman possesses the size and leaping ability to siphon through Cover 2 and 3. Ultimately, his production develops as an effective complement to the Seahawks' bruising ground game.