NFL Mock Draft 2014: Current Outlook for 1st 32 Picks

Every player uses the NFL Scouting Combine to show teams what he can do athletically, but this year's version did not do much to affect the upcoming NFL draft.

Unlike past years, where someone came out of nowhere to land in the first round thanks to an incredible workout, most eye-popping results came from those we already knew were fast, strong and athletic. 

Of course, there were still some players at the top of draft boards who continued to impress, helping their stock with every drill. This helped create some slight changes throughout the first round, so here is a look at where each player stands at this stage of the process.

1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

In reality, the Texans need a quarterback to build around to compete in the NFL. However, it is starting to seem as though Jadeveon Clowney is the likely option as a one-in-a-generation talent.

Robert Flores of ESPN notes that he can be used to counter another great player within the division:

After seeing the ridiculous numbers Clowney put up at the combine, it appears clear that the defensive end will be dominant in the NFL, especially alongside J.J. Watt. However, Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network compares his numbers to another highly touted prospect:

Courtney Brown was bigger, stronger and slightly faster when he became the No. 1 pick in the 2000 draft. Unfortunately, the Penn State product was out of the league in six years after totaling 19 sacks. The Texans will certainly hope this does not happen to them.

2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins): Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M 

No matter what happens with the first pick, the Rams would remain in good position to trade out of this spot. Someone will want either Clowney or one of the elite quarterbacks available and would be willing to give up plenty to complete a deal.

However, St. Louis still needs an offensive tackle to help protect Sam Bradford, and Jake Matthews is the most complete player at the position. He can step into a starting role from day one and remain there for years to come.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Every scout seems to have a different answer for which quarterback is the best in the class. The truth is that it completely depends on which team is the first to pull the trigger.

According to Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com, Ron Jaworski would not take Johnny Manziel in the first three rounds. However, the former Heisman Trophy winner would be a perfect fit for the Jaguars if available.

Manziel can create offense by himself, something that will be necessary at first in Jacksonville. He will make mistakes, but this will be a pressure-free environment in which to learn and get better.

4. Cleveland Browns: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

Some consider Blake Bortles to be the best quarterback in the class, and he certainly did not disappoint at the combine. While most other top options refused to throw, Bortles threw strong, accurate passes all day long to impress the teams in attendance.  

Cleveland has to grab a quarterback with one of its first two picks, but it should not wait if someone with the talent of Bortles is available at this stage. 

5. Oakland Raiders: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

The Raiders have a lot of needs, meaning that adding a quarterback might not necessarily be the best option. However, it would be hard to pass up a chance to draft one of the top three players, in this case Teddy Bridgewater.

Despite being a bit undersized, the Louisville quarterback has the passing ability and mobility that could make him a star at the next level. Oakland has been looking for a new face of the franchise for a long time, and Bridgewater would end that search.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

Most fans want Clowney to find his way to Atlanta, but that will not happen without a trade. However, Khalil Mack can make close to the impact on the defensive side of the ball.

The Buffalo star is an elite pass-rusher who can also drop back in coverage and play all three downs at the linebacker position. On a defense that struggled to stop anyone last season, the Falcons could use an impact player like this one.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Tampa Bay has other needs on both sides of the ball, but the possibility of Sammy Watkins alongside Vincent Jackson is a scary thought for opposing defenses.

While Rookie quarterback Mike Glennon played well in 2013, he still focused too much on Jackson. Watkins would give him a second elite option and make the Buccaneers offense something to fear next season.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

Derek Carr can be criticized for putting up his good numbers in a weaker conference, but he seems to be ready for the next level both physically and mentally.

The brother of former first-overall pick David Carr, the Fresno State star has learned a lot, telling Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated, "The number one thing my brother has taught me: You’re going to be praised a lot, you’re going to be criticized a lot. Ignore both because neither matter."

Carr was actually impressive at the combine and has displayed a strong arm with good accuracy in the past. Most importantly, he knows how to make quick decisions with the ball, something that will help him at the next level.

Minnesota does not want to reach for a pick the way it did with Christian Ponder, but a new quarterback is a necessity. This makes Carr a solid selection even this early in the draft.

9. Buffalo Bills: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Greg Robinson showed his explosiveness at the combine and could possibly find himself being the first offensive lineman selected in the draft. He certainly showcased plenty of ability at Auburn as an anchor of the nation's No. 1 rushing attack.

However, he has not proven much as a pass-blocker, which could slow his transition to the NFL. This will create a small slide to this spot, where the Bills can draft a future star at the position.

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

10. Detroit Lions: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

The Lions clearly need an upgrade at cornerback, especially with so many talented receivers in the division. At this point, the only question is which player is better between Justin Gilbert and Darqueze Dennard.

While Gilbert has the speed and overall athleticism, Dennard is better at coverage and can provide a more immediate impact. This should have the Lions leaning toward the local product out of Michigan State on draft day. 

11. Tennessee Titans: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Although Anthony Barr might end up being a one-trick pony in the NFL, he is really good at that one trick. The former running back has become a great pass-rusher, and he has the speed and athleticism to get to the quarterback with a great deal of consistency.

Tennessee had a solid defense last season, but it could be so much better with an elite pass rush. Barr could help complete the unit.

12. New York Giants: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

The Giants have made a habit of avoiding linebackers in the first round of the draft. However, all good (or dumb) things come to an end.

C.J. Mosley not only has the talent to cover sideline to sideline, but he has been the leader of arguably the best defense in college football over the past two years. He will make a huge difference in New York and could solidify the position for a decade.

13. St. Louis Rams: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

While everyone loves to drool about times in the 40-yard dash, straight-line speed is not all that matters in the NFL. It is much more important to show off practical speed and agility that will help you in games.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix did just that at the combine, according to Bleacher Report experts Matt Bowen and Matt Miller:

This type of fluidity allows him to cover a lot of ground in the defensive secondary, and he makes it almost impossible for quarterbacks to find space down the field.

Adding this safety will help solidify the Rams defense and put it on the level of the rest of the NFC West.

14. Chicago Bears: Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame

Although Louis Nix might not be the most agile player in the class, he does exactly what the Bears would ask him to do: clog the middle of the field. He can take on blockers and make it almost impossible to run up the middle.

Even excusing injuries from last season, the run defense in Chicago was awful. Nix can improve the defensive line and allow everyone else to make plays as expected.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Whether Ike Taylor remains in Pittsburgh or not, it is clear he is not the player he once was. The Steelers have to get younger in the secondary, and there might not be a better option than Gilbert.

The playmaker has the size and speed necessary to stick with any receiver and the return ability to score whenever he touches the football. Going to the Steelers would also give him the training necessary to become one of the top players in the league at his position. 

16. Dallas Cowboys: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

The Cowboys tried transitioning to a 4-3 this past season, but they did not have the personnel to get it done. Aaron Donald can help out a lot with his quickness and ability to penetrate into the backfield with ease.

Although he does not have prototypical size for a defensive tackle, Donald was one of the best players in college football last year at any position. His knack for blowing up plays will help turn around one of the worst units in the NFL.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Taylor Lewan showed off his athleticism with the fastest time in the 40-yard dash and longest broad jump among offensive linemen. He gets a great deal of explosiveness off the line, and it allows him to be a dominant force at tackle.

Adding a big-time receiver would be more exciting, but the Ravens need to protect their investment in Joe Flacco. They gave up the fourth-most sacks in the league this past season, and it hurt the entire offense. Lewan will change things in a hurry.

18. New York Jets: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Geno Smith struggled mightily in his first year in the league, but he really did not have much help offensively. The Jets need to give their quarterback a big target who can make plays down the field and simply give Smith an option down the field.

At 6'5" with long arms, Evans has a huge catch radius and often bailed out Manziel after bad throws. He can do the same with Smith next season.

19. Miami Dolphins: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame

A team that needs help at multiple positions on the offensive line should love to hear Mike Mayock's assessment of Zack Martin, via NFL Network:

Martin has the ability to play left tackle in the NFL, but chances are that he finds his way to guard, where he can be a dominant force. This would be just fine for the Dolphins, who lost both guard Richie Incognito and tackle Jonathan Martin in the middle of last season.

Young quarterback Ryan Tannehill made great strides in his second year in the league, but he suffered the most sacks in the league this past year. This really makes it hard to improve, and it is a great way to shorten a career.

Miami has to draft the best offensive lineman available, and Martin is exactly that at this point.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

Cyrus Kouandjio was once considered a top option for this spot, but he will drop on draft boards after a poor combine to go with failed physicals, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport:

This leaves an opening for Morgan Moses, who has done more than enough to justify a spot in the first round. The big man has been inconsistent throughout his career at Virginia, but he is as good as anyone in the country when he is on. This potential makes him a smart pick for a team that still needs help on the offensive line.

21. Green Bay Packers: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

If the Packers do not retain B.J. Raji, they need to draft someone to take his spot. Timmy Jernigan can be that person after helping Florida State to a national championship this last season. 

While the team could also use help in the secondary, defensive tackle could end up being a bigger need this offseason.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville

While the offense fared well in Chip Kelly's first year at the helm, the defense still needs a lot of work, especially in the secondary. As a result, the Eagles would love to see Calvin Pryor still available as an instant starter at safety.

The Louisville product is a hard-hitter in the middle of the defense, and he can help improve the entire unit going forward. 

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

Although Eric Ebron is not quite there yet, Jimmy Graham has shown what can happen when you combine elite speed, size and athleticism and put it into a tight end. Ebron has that potential, and he can provide his next team with game-changing ability. 

After Kansas City got by last year with a one-dimensional offense, it is about time Alex Smith is given another weapon in the passing attack. This could help the Chiefs stick with the Denver Broncos on the scoreboard, or at least come close.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri

The Bengals have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, but they can certainly find room for someone with the skill set of Kony Ealy. The pass-rusher can line up either at defensive end or linebacker and find a way to get to the quarterback.

On an already solid defense, Ealy can make a difference toward elite.

25. San Diego Chargers: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

After Dennard and Gilbert, there are questions as to who is the third-best cornerback in the draft. While Kyle Fuller looked good at times, Jason Verrett still has the all-around ability to make him worthy of a first-round selection.

No matter who is in this spot, the Chargers need to improve at the cornerback position if they plan on competing against Peyton Manning twice next year.

26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts): Marqise Lee, WR, USC

When drafting a quarterback in the first round, it is important to surround him with as much talent as possible. Considering the squad already has a solid offensive line, the team needs to continue giving him weapons.

Marqise Lee is one of the most dynamic players in the class, and he is a monster with the ball in his hands. Adding him to a receiving corps with Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron could create a formidable offense in Cleveland. 

27. New Orleans Saints: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

The combine is not only a time to stand out, but it is also a chance to quiet concerns. Ryan Shazier was thought of as too small to be an impact linebacker, but Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports notes that this is no longer an issue:

Shazier also had 25 reps on the bench press to quiet concerns about his strength. One thing that was never in doubt, though, was his athletic ability. The linebacker showed off with big-time numbers on the broad jump and three-cone drill before leading all participants with a vertical jump of 42 inches.

The Ohio State star is an explosive player who can cover a lot of ground on the defensive side of the ball, and he is versatile enough to rush the passer or drop back in coverage.

New Orleans improved dramatically on defense last year, but the unit can still use a stud like Shazier going forward. 

28. Carolina Panthers: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

Cam Newton had a strong season, but he needs better and bigger targets to throw to in order to keep improving.

Kelvin Benjamin can become a strong complement to Steve Smith thanks to his size and leaping ability. Considering the Florida State star totaled 15 touchdowns this past year, the Panthers can become unstoppable in the red zone.

29. New England Patriots: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

The Patriots added a few wide receivers in the 2013 draft, but the team was at its best when it had two tight ends on the field. Assuming Rob Gronkowski comes back healthy, it still needs another player to fill the role previously held by Aaron Hernandez.

Jace Amaro has the speed and catching ability that would make him a star with Tom Brady throwing him the ball with regularity. 

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

30. San Francisco 49ers: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU

While the 49ers have a pair of physical receivers in Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, they do not have anyone who can make plays in the slot or stretch the field. Odell Beckham has that ability and can give the team a dynamic weapon on the offensive end.

Although secondary help is required at some point, San Francisco needs an impact player who can possibly beat the Seattle Seahawks defense. 

31. Denver Broncos: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

After scoring the most points in NFL history this past season, it is clear that the Broncos need more help on defense. Stephon Tuitt is a versatile player who can start at either end or tackle and help defend both the pass and run at either spot.

On a unit that needs help at multiple spots, Tuitt's skill set could be very useful.

32. Seattle Seahawks: David Yankey, OG, Stanford

Considering how mobile Russell Wilson is in the pocket, it is amazing that only two quarterbacks were sacked more times last season than the second-year player. The Seahawks have to make sure they can protect him by upgrading the interior offensive line.

While David Yankey is more of a run-blocking specialist, he is solid on pass plays as well.

All combine information courtesy of NFL.com's result tracker.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.