2014 NFL Mock Draft: Perfect Fits for Entire 1st Round

The 2014 NFL draft is rapidly approaching. Pro days are the last major step in the predraft process, and they are currently ongoing for the next few weeks.

After the on-campus workouts, it will finally be time for scouts and general managers to finalize their big boards and get ready for the big event on May 8.

Let’s take a look at how the first round might shake out that Thursday evening, with an eye toward the teams that will select players who are projected to be a great fit for the organization.

1. Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

There is no shortage of opinion on whom the best quarterback in the 2014 draft class is, and NFL Films’ Greg Cosell just threw his two cents into the ring.  

According to Dan Parr of NFL.com, the longtime producer appeared on the Ross Tucker Podcast and heaped praise onto Bortles:

"

I would say he's more of finesse thrower than a true power thrower at this point, but I think there's a lot to work with, with Bortles. I think ultimately he's a pocket passer who can execute boot action. He can extend plays and he can run effectively if that's what you want to do. So, I think that he's someone I would look to as, given time, he could be a quality NFL starter.

"

Bortles is coming off an elite performance at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine, where he participated in the major drills and was the only top-tier quarterback to throw for scouts. Factor in his production at Central Florida and his elite size, and you might be looking at the next franchise signal-caller in the NFL.

The Texans could do much worse than select Bortles with the top pick, as he has tremendous upside and continues to set himself apart from the other quarterbacks in this class.

2. St. Louis Rams (via Washington): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn 

Robinson improved his stock during the predraft process and looks to be a legit No. 2 pick for the Rams. While Clowney would normally be a shoo-in here, St. Louis already possesses an elite pass rush and has other areas of concerns—such as protecting quarterback Sam Bradford—to address.

Don’t be surprised if the club entertains trade offers, however, as there is a lot of value to be had by moving back a few spots and collecting some additional picks in the process.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

The Jags may not have a franchise signal-caller, but if they aren’t in love with Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater, they'll have a chance to land a once-in-a-generation defensive talent with Clowney.

Dane Brugler of CBS Sports noted that Clowney’s ridiculous speed wasn't the only highlight of his workouts at the scouting combine:

He’s a major steal at No. 3, although the Jags might not be the ideal organization for a premier talent with work-ethic questions. It’ll be an interesting pairing if this actually happens on draft day and might just end up being the best selection in the entire first round.

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

Johnny Football is a home run pick for the Browns at No. 4. He represents a chance for this team to upgrade one of its worst, most inconsistent positions in 2013, as well as add a bona fide star for the fanbase to get excited about.

It’s worth noting that new head coach Mike Pettine and his staff did not interview the Aggies product during the combine, telling Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer (h/t CBS Sports): "We didn't speak to him at the combine. I didn't personally. He was not part of the formal interviews.''

However, he did not rule out Manziel as a target and says he will have plenty of time to become familiar with the former Heisman Trophy winner: "As we evaluate those positions, we'll make sure that whatever access or interaction we need with that player, we'll get that done.''

With a pro day on March 5 and private workouts and player visits available, Manziel should definitely hear from Cleveland sooner than later.

5. Oakland Raiders:  Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Watkins is a special talent and will immediately make whoever winds up under center in Oakland much better. He has top-tier speed, elite athleticism and the burning desire to beat his defender for a big play on every single down.

That type of attitude is something that the Raiders have been missing for years. They need a young star like Watkins, who has the potential to change this organization from the ground up.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M 

Matthews is the type of tackle who can come in after being drafted, win the starting job in training camp and not relinquish that position for the next decade-plus.

With star quarterback Matt Ryan under pressure and harried throughout the 2013 season, this pairing makes too much sense not to happen on draft day.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The Bucs have to give second-year signal-caller Mike Glennon a fair shake this season, which wouldn’t be possible without a solid tackle like Lewan protecting his blind side.

This combine standout has the elite athleticism and strength to immediately contribute at the next level, giving the Tampa Bay line a major boost and allowing Glennon more time to make his progressions and uncork an accurate throw.

8. Minnesota Vikings:  Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville  

The Vikings would love to add a potential franchise quarterback with the No. 8 pick in this draft, so Bridgewater will end his slide and come off the board no later than this selection.

The Louisville star didn’t do his stock any favors in Indianapolis, electing to sit out the 40-yard dash and throwing portions of the combine. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller also heard that the young man was “aloof” during interviews, and that may have scared off a few potential suitors:

Regardless, the young quarterback is still confident he’ll make a positive impact at the next level. He recently told Jim Corbett of USA Today that he’s the “best quarterback in this draft” and that he’ll be ready to throw to familiar receivers at his pro day on March 17:

"

I will throw at my pro day. The biggest thing was just me being a perfectionist, I just want everything to go right.

Whether I'm taking a five-step drop and the guy is not on top of his route or the times when I don't have that chemistry with the guys, I tend to look at it from a pro standpoint. You want to be with your guys to have that timing and that connection. So that was the biggest thing.

"

If Bridgewater is on point and hitting on all his throws, scouts will quickly forget about his lackluster combine.

9. Buffalo Bills: Khalil Mack, OLB/DE, Buffalo

Mack is a game-changer who is capable of doing everything at a high level. The Bulls product can get after the quarterback with a ferociousness that is rarely seen at any level, plus he can stuff the run and drop back in coverage with equal efficiency.

That is the type of defensive star the Bills need to overhaul their defense, plus he’s a hometown hero who will have local fans excited about the pick.

10. Detroit Lions: Anthony Barr, OLB/DE, UCLA

Barr would be a big upgrade to the Lions’ improving group of pass-rushers. He’s a sack machine that knows how to get into the backfield to disrupt the opposing team’s offensive attack—something that Detroit could stand to improve on this coming season.

While he may not be the secondary upgrade that the team truly needs, the Lions cannot afford to pass on this supreme talent with the No. 10 pick. Expect them to address the secondary with selections in the second round and on.

11. Tennessee Titans:  Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

The Titans need to get more playmakers on the field. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt is inheriting a squad with holes all over the roster, so it would be best to start developing game-breakers early on in his tenure.

Ebron is the kind of tight end that gives opposing defensive coordinators nightmares, as he has top-flight speed, elite hands and crazy athleticism to make him a threat all over the field and especially in the red zone.

12. New York Giants:  Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State 

Gilbert will not slip past the G-Men at No. 12, as the standout corner is arguably the best secondary player in this draft. Big Blue desperately needs to bolster that aspect of the defense, as it gave up far too many big plays in 2013.

While this team has other issues to address before it can return to the playoffs, namely the offensive line, Gilbert will be the pick if he’s still lingering around when the Giants are on the clock.

13. St. Louis Rams: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

The Rams receiving corps is talented, but it could be one of the league’s premier units with the addition of Evans.

The former Aggie has the immense size, strong hands and box-out ability that would complement some of their smaller, playmaking wideouts like Tavon Austin. At 6’5”, 233 pounds, Evans will make it tough for opposing defensive backs to slow him down.

14. Chicago Bears: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh 

Donald is dominating the predraft process, just like he dominated the competition during his senior season at Pitt. Miller called him one of his favorite prospects in the draft:

The undersized defensive tackle proved that his All-American outing in 2013 was no fluke, running a 4.65 40-yard dash and throwing up 225 on the bench an eye-popping 35 times.

Considering the Bears defense was the worst in the league at stopping the run and mediocre at limiting the pass, Donald is the perfect piece to add to the middle of the defensive line. He can plug up the running lanes while also being quick enough to get into the backfield and sack the signal-caller or make tackles for a loss.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

The Steelers secondary struggled to hold up its end of the bargain and was a reason for the defense's struggles to get off the field at times in 2013.

Pryor immediately helps change this by injecting some much-needed youth and athleticism into an aging group of safeties.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

The Cowboys defense was historically bad in 2013, so adding an elite defensive tackle to the teeth of the defense line is priority No. 1 come draft day.

Jernigan has the size to overwhelm blockers and clog any potential holes while also being surprisingly quick and agile enough to blow past his man to harass the quarterback on passing downs.

17. Baltimore Ravens: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama

The Ravens' tradition of boasting elite linebackers in the middle of their defense will continue if they make this selection and pass the torch to Mosley.

The Alabama product is the rare inside linebacker who is worth a first-round grade and pick, as he is a playmaker with a nose for sniffing out what the opposition is doing. He will be in on nearly every tackle and make sure that nothing gets past him when he’s on the field.

18. New York Jets: Marqise Lee, WR, USC 

The Jets are going to have another Mark Sanchez situation on their hands with Geno Smith if they don’t bring in some legit offensive stars for the signal-caller.

Lee is a great receiver with a knack for finding the end zone, which is exactly what Gang Green needs at this juncture. Expect this to be the first of many picks to bolster the Jets receiving corps in 2014.

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

The Dolphins must rebuild their offensive line after losing a number of key contributors during the 2013 season. It’s the top priority for this team during the draft and can be addressed in the first round by selecting Martin.

The Fighting Irish star is versatile enough to play just about anywhere on the line and will help keep young quarterback Ryan Tannehill upright and safe from feeling the pressure.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

Shazier is a unique linebacker with a versatile combination of skills that will make him an asset for this NFC West contender.

The Ohio State product's best skill is getting after the quarterback, which is something a team must do well in a division that boasts stars like Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson under center.

21. Green Bay Packers:  Louis Nix III, NT, Notre Dame

Nix is the type of defensive tackle who loves taking on multiple blockers and making sure no opposing running back gets past him. He’s also a disruptive force who can get after the quarterback on occasion, making him a dual-threat for the Packers.

Green Bay’s defense could use a jolt, and this Fighting Irish stud could provide the boost that will help the team get back into the playoffs after the 2014 season.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama 

Clinton-Dix is the prototypical safety product who can protect the end zone and not give up the big play while also providing help in man coverage and even surging up to support the run.

That type of versatility and talent at the safety spot would be a major boon to the defense that head coach Chip Kelly is trying to bring together to support his high-powered offense.

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

Amaro is a perfect tight end for the Chiefs as they are currently built. The supremely athletic, sure-handed Red Raider would provide a big target for quarterback Alex Smith to look for in the end zone and help him complete more passes that aren’t checkdowns to running back Jamaal Charles.

24. Cincinnati Bengals:  Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Dennard is a rangy corner who loves to play in man coverage and thrives on the challenge of shutting down the opposition’s top receiver.

The Bengals secondary is starting to show its age, so adding another premier corner in the first round would be a wise move for this elite defensive group.

25. San Diego Chargers: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

The Chargers' main weakness in 2013 was their inability to stop the pass. They need someone like Ealy to use his athleticism, speed and power to get after the quarterback and disrupt the timing of the opposing offense.

The Tigers product is an immense talent that might go much earlier on draft day, but he could also be the steal of the draft if he falls this far to the Bolts.

26. Cleveland Browns (via Indianapolis): Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State   

Cooks is an elite receiver who will give Johnny Manziel yet another weapon to work with in Cleveland. The undersized Beavers star would be the perfect complement to the taller Josh Gordon. As a result, the Browns would boast arguably the best tandem of young wideouts in the league.

27. New Orleans Saints: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame 

Tuitt is a tough defensive end who not only rushes the passer with great skill but also has the discipline and power to seal off the edge and bring down the runner.

The Saints defense made major strides in 2013 under coordinator Rob Ryan and should only get better with more firepower being added into the fold this offseason.

28. Carolina Panthers: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Matthews might be the replacement for Steve Smith in Carolina, as there is talk the veteran wideout may not be returning for the 2014 campaign.

According to ESPN’s David Newton, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera informed reporters in Indianapolis that Smith will be evaluated this offseason: "We're going through the process. We've got to see. He's a veteran guy that has played a lot of games for us. We'll see. I'm at the point where we're sitting here talking about something we don't know anything about."

That doesn’t sound promising, so the Panthers may need to bring in a receiver like Matthews, who is ready to contribute immediately, to help fill the void.

29. New England Patriots: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State 

The Pats were fortunate to battle to the AFC Championship Game in 2013, as their unheralded group of receivers rallied around superstar quarterback Tom Brady for an improbable run.

With Brady getting older and watching his window to win another championship closing, it’s time to go all in and add some elite talent at the wide receiver position.

Benjamin has the rare combination of size, leaping ability, hands and playmaking that New England hasn’t seen since Randy Moss left.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

Verrett isn’t the biggest corner in the draft, but he knows how to keep the ball away from his man and would be a great help to a strong team defense in San Francisco.

The TCU ball hawk will capitalize on poor throws that the 49ers pass rush creates, more than making up for the ground he gives against bigger wideouts.

31. Denver Broncos: Ra’shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Hageman is a steal at No. 31, giving the Broncos another big body who can plug up the run and get into the backfield to bring pressure.

The Broncos have another run left in them with Peyton Manning under center, so getting the defense up to speed and better than ever is a priority this offseason.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA

The Seahawks have the luxury of taking the best available talent here as Super Bowl winners with a loaded roster, so expect them to take a good look at Su’a-Filo.

This UCLA product dominated at the combine and will be capable of protecting the team’s superstar quarterback Russell Wilson for the foreseeable future.

Note: All combine results courtesy of NFL.com's results tracker.