2014 NFL Mock Draft: Expert Projections for Each First-Round Team

NFL free agency is upon us, and several teams will likely now shift their 2014 NFL draft focus to other areas following a flurry of big signings.

Some of the biggest names in free agency are already off the board, and this should drastically alter the landscape of the draft, even if it's still several weeks away. The draft was already a bit confusing before free agency picked up, as there really is no clear-cut favorite for the No. 1 overall pick.

Throw in the fact that a ton of teams need quarterbacks within the top-10 picks, and we will likely see some real talent going later on in the first round.

Here's what the entire first round of the 2014 NFL draft should look like.

1. Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

It appears as if Blake Bortles has taken over as the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick after a strong NFL combine, but there's still plenty of time for the opinions of the Houston Texans to change. For now, though, you can count on Bortles' name getting called first.

Matt Schaub will probably be cut—it's just a matter of when, reports Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com—and Case Keenum didn't show enough last season to impress most of the league. This leaves new head coach Bill O'Brien without a quarterback of the future to mentor.

Bortles will be that guy after draft day.

2. Atlanta Falcons (Trade with STL): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

There's no better match for Jadeveon Clowney than the Atlanta Falcons.

Clowney told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com that he even hopes that Atlanta trades up to get him: "I wish they could trade up for me, but I hope I don’t fall to No. 6. I like Atlanta—a lot. They’re pretty good. They’ve got some guys from South Carolina on the team, also. And it’s close to home." 

The Falcons should only have to part with an extra pick in the draft in order to pry the No. 2 selection away from the St. Louis Rams. If that pick comes within the top three or four rounds, then Atlanta should have no problem making this deal.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Teddy Bridgewater is the best pure passer in this class, but some concerns about his size and ceiling will ultimately prevent him from going No. 1 overall.

Jacksonville has been busy this offseason, re-signing Chad Henne and also trading Blaine Gabbert to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. Henne obviously isn't the answer for the future, so it goes without saying that Jacksonville will be taking a quarterback at No. 3.

That quarterback will be Bridgewater.

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

The Cleveland Browns are still searching for a franchise quarterback; Johnny Manziel wants to be that guy, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk:

"

If something happens, and it’s the Cleveland Browns, I’m going to pour my heart out for the Dawg Pound and try to win a Super Bowl for Cleveland. I don’t care if they’ve had 20 starting quarterbacks since 1999. I’m going to be the 21st and the guy that brought them the Super Bowl.

"

If nothing else, the young signal-caller is certainly motivated. The Browns are a great match for him because of how willing they are to take a chance on a quarterback that could drastically impact the franchise.

5. Oakland Raiders: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

The quarterback situation in Oakland is a little fuzzy, but the entire offense could really use a facelift. That's where wideout Sammy Watkins comes in.

Watkins is far and away the top receiver in the draft, and some will even argue that he's the top offensive talent. Whatever you call him, be sure to call him an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate as well.

If Oakland can sign a veteran quarterback like Michael Vick (entirely speculation), Watkins will shine and the team's offense will be much improved.

6. St. Louis Rams (Trade with ATL): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Sam Bradford will be under center for another season in St. Louis, and the Rams will need to do their best to keep him upright. It will be hard for him to reach his ceiling if he's constantly getting picked up off the ground.

Greg Robinson is the top offensive lineman in the draft, and his fantastic season at Auburn will make him a candidate to get selected very early. With this pick, the Rams are banking on the fact that several teams ahead of them will be drafting quarterbacks—which they likely will.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could presumably take a quarterback here, but I like what I saw from Mike Glennon last season. The Bucs also brought in Josh McCown via free agency, and head coach Lovie Smith has already stated that he'll be the starter, reports Gary Shelton of the Tampa Bay Times.

Even though Tampa Bay landed defensive end Michael Johnson on the first day of free agency, I expect them to continue to look to upgrade the pass-rushing unit on draft day.

Khalil Mack is perfectly capable of playing either outside linebacker or defensive end, and he'll be a stalwart in the team's pass rush for years to come.

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

The Minnesota Vikings re-signed quarterback Matt Cassel, but relying on him in 2014 is simply not a good idea. The same can be said about Christian Ponder, and that is why this team needs a fresh face under center.

That fresh face should be Derek Carr from Fresno State. He can launch the deep ball, use his arm strength to get the ball into tight windows and essentially make any pass that he'll be asked to complete.

Should he get drafted by Minnesota, Carr has the chance to lead the team right from the onset.

9. Buffalo Bills: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

It's time to put some weapons around EJ Manuel.

Stevie Johnson and Robert Woods are decent options at wide receiver, but a young quarterback's best friend is always a tight end that can make plays. That's where Eric Ebron comes in.

Ebron is a wide receiver in a tight end's body. He's fast, fluid and can make plays all over the field. It's those types of skills that will help Manuel to progress to the next level as an NFL starting quarterback.

10. Detroit Lions: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Matthew Stafford needs someone to throw to that's not named Calvin Johnson, and Todd McShay's latest mock draft has the Detroit Lions taking Mike Evans as well. McShay wrote (h/t the Detroit News):

"

I know that the idea of drafting a wide receiver in the first round brings back a lot of bad memories for Lions fans, but I really think that Detroit needs to add a guy who can take advantage of 1-on-1 coverage opposite Calvin Johnson and create big plays, and that's Evans.

"

Pairing a monster like Johnson with another big receiver like Evans will give Stafford two huge targets to throw to on third down and in the endzone. The team might have just signed Golden Tate on Wednesday, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, but bringing in Evans would still be a fantastic selection.

11. Tennessee Titans: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

The trade at the top really altered the way the top-10 selections played out. Seeing Jake Matthews available at No. 11 will come as a bit of a surprise to some, but it won't be because teams don't value his talent.

Tennessee's starting tackles, Michael Roos and David Stewart, are each entering the final year of their respective contract. Matthews would be able to replace one of said tackles in the future while also adding much-needed youth to the line.

12. New York Giants: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The New York Giants signed guard Geoff Schwartz on the first day of free agency, but that shouldn't prevent them from further strengthening an offensive line that was downright awful last season.

Taylor Lewan is an elite tackle that should still be on the board at No. 12. Following the draft, a Giants line led by Justin Pugh, Schwartz and Lewan could move up the league ranks.

Last season was proof that Eli Manning struggles if he doesn't have ample time in the pocket. He should find himself with a good amount of time next season if Lewan were to be selected.

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

Per Rapoport, the Rams had interest in Jairus Byrd before he signed with the New Orleans Saints, as reported by ESPN.com, and that should leave them looking for a safety on draft day. Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will be the best player at the position available.

He didn't have a great combine, but that shouldn't stop the Rams from pulling the trigger on him at No. 13. Clinton-Dix has the potential to be an impact player in the secondary.

14. Chicago Bears: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama

It's time for the Chicago Bears to begin looking for the heir apparent to Brian Urlacher. Finding a defensive staple like Urlacher is difficult, but if there's anybody in this class that can at least come close to becoming just that, it's C.J. Mosley.

Mosley was the leader of a staunch Alabama defense last season. He's a versatile linebacker, as he can drop into coverage, cover up opposing runners and get to the quarterback. This is one of those "can't miss" picks for Chicago.

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

The Pittsburgh Steelers really need to improve their secondary, and cornerback Justin Gilbert is one of the most talented players at the position this year. There are concerns regarding his instincts, but his length and high ceiling make him worth the gamble for Pittsburgh.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Pretty surprising news came out of Dallas on the first day of free agency:

With DeMarcus Ware gone, the Cowboys need to look to the draft to replace him on the depth chart. Antony Barr fits the bill as an outside linebacker and spot defensive end that can essentially fill the same role as Ware.

Expecting the same results that a potential Hall of Famer like Ware produced would be ludicrous, but Barr is talented enough to turn into a disruptive force on defense for Dallas.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

The Baltimore Ravens could easily grab a wide receiver with this pick, but sources told Eric Edholm of Yahoo! Sports this week that the Ravens could move quickly to sign Steve Smith if he is released by the Carolina Panthers.

Smith would satisfy the offense's need for a receiver, allowing the Ravens to turn to the defensive side of the ball on draft day. Aaron Donald is arguably the best pass-rusher in the draft. Baltimore is known for having tough guys play up front, and Donald fits the bill.

18. New York Jets: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

Geno Smith needs a weapon—really, any weapon.

The New York Jets are committed to Smith moving forward—at least, that's what it seems like. Smith started all 16 games last season and didn't enjoy much success, and not having strong receivers to throw to is partly to blame.

The team did bring aboard wideout Eric Decker on a five-year deal, reports ESPN.com, but they'll still need more firepower around their young quarterback.

Odell Beckham Jr. isn't Sammy Watkins, but he's a big receiver that will give Smith a threat in the vertical passing game. This is another one of those "can't miss" picks.

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

The Miami Dolphins offensive line made headlines last season, but not for very good reasons. The team has also traded Jonathan Martin to the 49ers this week, therefore creating an opening on the line.

Notre Dame's Zack Martin can step in and play either right tackle or right guard right out of training camp, and that's what the Dolphins need. Their line was statistically one of the worst in the NFL last season, and the team needs players that can come in and make an impact right away. Martin is one of those players.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame

Louis Nix is perhaps the top nose tackle in the draft.

The Arizona Cardinals run a 3-4 defensive scheme—along with several others—and Nix's size and ability to command double teams makes him the perfect gap-opener for a team like the Cardinals.

21. Green Bay Packers: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

The Green Bay Packers are really in need of help at safety, and Louisville's Calvin Pryor would help out immensely. 

The fact that he allegedly shrunk three inches at the NFL combine is cause for concern, especially if the Packers were hoping to land an enforcer in the secondary. Regardless, Pryor plays like a big safety and can make all the plays in the secondary.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Garry Jones/Associated Press

Cornerback Kyle Fuller would really help a Philadelphia Eagles defense that needs help at every level.

Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams are talented corners, but Fuller would give them another corner to match up with the strong offenses in the NFC East. Philly will have to be sure they can shut down Tony Romo, Robert Griffin III and Eli Manning if they want to repeat as division champs.

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Outside of Dwayne Bowe, the Kansas City Chiefs really don't have any other playmaking wideouts. That will change after the first round.

Marqise Lee burst onto the scene at USC as a freshman, and a down year last season shouldn't impact his draft status all that much. Alex Smith needs another dynamic receiver to throw to. Lee can create mismatches in the vertical passing game and add another facet to the Chiefs above-average offense.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

Replacing Michael Johnson, who signed with the Bucs, won't be an easy task, but luckily the Cincinnati Bengals will have the opportunity to do so with the No. 24 pick in the draft.

Kony Ealy is a fast pass-rusher that has the potential to put up 10-plus sacks per season in the future. The Bengals would be foolish to pass up on that talent.

25. San Diego Chargers: Dee Ford, DE/OLB, Auburn

The San Diego Chargers drafted Melvin Ingram just two years ago, but adding Dee Ford into the mix would help the team usher in a new era of pass-rushers.

Dwight Freeney and Jarrett Johnson are no longer long-terms answers for San Diego. The team will get from them what they can in the immediate future, but Ford and Ingram represent the real future for the team in terms of pass-rushers.

26. Cleveland Browns (via IND): Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State

The Cleveland Browns need a running back—desperately. Ben Tate and Maurice Jones-Drew are free-agent options that Cleveland can explore, but the team is better off going with Carlos Hyde out of Ohio State.

NFL analysts Bucky Brooks and Charles Davis think Hyde is a fit for the Browns at No. 26, as each has mocked Hyde in this spot in their most recent mock drafts. He's a three-down back with pass-catching ability, and Johnny Manziel will certainly make good use of him if both are selected by the Browns.

27. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech

The New Orleans Saints need help in the box, and Jeremiah Attaochu is a good fit for their 3-4 defense. He was forced to play in roles unaccustomed to him last season at Georgia Tech, but that shouldn't take away from his talent or perception heading into the draft.

28. Carolina Panthers: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Dave Tulis/Associated Press

Darqueze Dennard can step into his first NFL situation and start, and the Carolina Panthers might offer him that opportunity.

Captain Munnerlyn is a free agent, and the Washington Redskins have expressed interest in him, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post. If he doesn't return to Carolina, then the Panthers will need his replacement. Dennard is one of the most talented defensive players in the draft and can provide solid coverage in the secondary.

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

The New England Patriots love playmaking tight ends, and with Rob Gronkowski being an injury risk nearly every season, it would be a good idea to select Jace Amaro at No. 29.

The Patriots can work wonders with tight ends. New England is the ideal situation for Amaro, as he'll likely play early on. Plus, working with Tom Brady is never a bad option.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

With their defensive front seven being a strength, the San Francisco 49ers don't need to take Ra'Shede Hageman at No. 30. That being said, it would be wise if they did. He has the potential to be a force in the middle of the defensive line.

He's a big, strong rusher, though he does carry some character issues with him. The Niners can use him sparingly next season in hopes of turning him into more of a contributor in the future.

31. Denver Broncos: Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG/OT, UCLA

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

The Jaguars scooped up guard Zane Beadles from the Denver Broncos on the first day of free agency, therefore leaving a pretty good-sized hole on Denver's line.

Xavier Su'a-Filo is powerful, strong and holds well in his stance. He's capable of getting low and underneath pass-rushers, and he doesn't back down from a challenge. The Broncos would do well to grab him here.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

Alex Gallardo/Associated Press

With Golden Tate signing with the Detroit Lions, the Seahawks now need to replace his production.

Russell Wilson could use another weapon offensively, and Florida State's Kelvin Benjamin would be in a great situation in Seattle. This is a great match for both parties.

Follow me on Twitter to debate the picks: @kennydejohn