2014 NFL Mock Draft: Who Each 1st-Round Team Should Select to Instantly Improve

Mock drafts change daily at this point in the NFL offseason, as team executives are constantly setting up meetings with free agents and draft prospects that could alter the future of their respective franchises.

Free agency has really shaken up the draft over the past couple of weeks. Big names have changed teams, and needs have changed as a result.

In one of the deeper classes in recent memory, it's going to be really hard for teams to go wrong. There is a ton of talent in this draft—specifically, in the first round—and it really will be a matter of selecting based on fit for most teams.

The talent available goes past the top quarterbacks who receive all the hype. Here's how each team can instantly improve in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.

1. Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

There are several directions the Houston Texans could go with this pick, but taking Blake Bortles is the best option. New head coach Bill O'Brien needs a young quarterback to build with, and there's a lot of uncertainty surrounding Case Keenum.

Bortles has the arm strength and overall size to contend in the NFL. His pocket presence is great considering he wasn't a well-known prospect until this past season at UCF, and his ability to scramble while under pressure helps him extend plays.

After a strong combine, Bortles all about guaranteed himself the honor of going No. 1 overall.

2. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins): Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Like the Texans, the St. Louis Rams have multiple directions they could take with their first pick. Trading back a few slots could be an option, but then the team wouldn't be guaranteed the opportunity to draft the best wide receiver in the draft, Sammy Watkins.

Here's what Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com heard from a scout at the combine regarding Watkins:

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He’s the real deal -- explosive, physical, strong, gets off the line of scrimmage, makes you miss. … He’s not a big 6-5 type of guy but he plays plenty big and he gets separation easily. … He should be a dominant player in the league and has the makeup to be a No. 1 guy. … The thing I love most about him is how competitive he is; he has a lot of dog in him and it shows up on almost every snap.

"

Watkins and Tavon Austin would instantly form one of the fastest, most dynamic tandems in the NFL. How can you pass that up?

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Chad Henne is now the lone decent quarterback on the roster for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and after the failed Blaine Gabbert project, it's time for the team to take another crack at finding its franchise-changing signal-caller.

Teddy Bridgewater has the opportunity to be that guy. Sure, he's a little small, but that hasn't stopped passers such as Drew Brees and Russell Wilson. You can't put Bridgewater in that discussion just yet, but he has the chops to be a quality quarterback. Look for Jacksonville to finally get consistency at the position with this pick.

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

The Cleveland Browns have a decent offense shaping up. Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron and Ben Tate have the potential to be a lethal trio against opposing defenses.

All they need is someone to facilitate.

The Browns might be the perfect situation for Johnny Manziel. They're young and explosive, and Manziel likes to play an up-tempo game that allows him to air it out and use his legs. Like Bridgewater, Manziel will buck his new team's trend of the revolving door at quarterback.

5. Oakland Raiders: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Justin Tuck might be one of the newest Oakland Raiders, but the team would be hard-pressed to pass up Jadeveon Clowney at No. 5. Tuck won't be around forever, and Clowney is a talent who can be used extensively right out of the gate.

Bringing in some youth at the position is a smart move. As Andy Benoit of Sports Illustrated and The New York Times points out, the team actually got older with the Tuck signing:

Butch Dill/Associated Press

Clowney is as close to a can't-miss prospect as there is in this draft.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Greg Robinson, OL, Auburn

Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com is very, very high on Greg Robinson:

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The Falcons should prioritize drafting an offensive tackle such as Robinson if Clowney isn’t a legitimate option. Robinson’s makeup reminds me of D.J. Fluker, who looked like a man among boys during his combine appearance last year before being drafted by the San Diego Chargers. Fluker made an immediate impact as the Chargers' starting right tackle. 

"

With Clowney gone just a pick before, the Atlanta Falcons shouldn't be upset about the chance to grab Robinson. A trade with Oakland for the No. 5 pick is possible, but young linemen who can come in and dominate opposing pass-rushers are invaluable.

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

The Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints will continue to give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fits if they don't make more upgrades on defense. Selecting Khalil Mack at No. 7 would be another step in the right direction.

Mack is unique in that he offers good speed for his size (6'3", 247 pounds), and he'll wreak havoc coming off the edge in pass-rushing situations. He's a difference-maker on defense.

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

Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel are still on the roster for the Minnesota Vikings, but this team needs a new identity on offense. When new head coach Mike Zimmer brought Norv Turner aboard as the offensive coordinator, the first step toward that new identity was taken.

Taking Derek Carr at No. 8 would be the next logical step. While he may not start right away, Carr has a big arm that will eventually translate into NFL success. He lit up scoreboards at Fresno State and would be a smart pick for Minnesota.

9. Buffalo Bills: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Kiko Alonso and Mario Williams already comprise a strong linebacking corps, but there's always room for one more. Anthony Barr is a terror for opposing linemen. He has the speed and technique to blow past exterior linemen and get into the backfield.

The Buffalo Bills need a ton of help offensively, so taking Mike Adams would also make some sense. Passing up on Barr would be a big mistake, though, so they'd be smart to grab him at No. 9.

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

When the Detroit Lions locked up wide receiver Golden Tate, they took themselves out of the running for a wide receiver at No. 10. That will allow them to address the secondary.

Darqueze Dennard was a shutdown corner at Michigan State, and he proved his worth at the combine. The Lions could use a corner who can match up against opposing No. 1 wideouts in the near future, and Dennard can be their man. 

11. Tennessee Titans: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Colin Hackley/Associated Press

Jake Locker needs somebody to throw to.

Nate Washington and Kendall Wright are decent options, but Locker needs a big-play receiver who can blossom into a future No. 1. Mike Evans had a great career at Texas A&M playing with Johnny Manziel, and his skills over the top of defenses should translate well to the NFL.

The Tennessee Titans would benefit from grabbing a big receiver who can score and help Locker in his progression. This is a no-brainer for Tennessee.

12. New York Giants: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

Getting to the quarterback was never a huge issue for the New York Giants defensive line, but the loss of Justin Tuck leaves a big hole. Mathias Kiwanuka isn't really the ideal option, so the team will have to look to the draft.

Kony Ealy has the speed and strength to pulverize offensive linemen and the many great quarterbacks of the NFC. In particular, the NFC East will dread going against the Giants defense. Tony Romo, Nick Foles and Robert Griffin III are all capable of rolling out of the pocket, but they might want to reconsider doing so if it means staring down Ealy.

13. St. Louis Rams: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

The Rams got Rodger Saffold back from the Raiders after he failed his physical, but selecting another tackle here is the right move. Jake Matthews has serious potential.

Once considered a lock for the top 10, Matthews has fallen of late. You can attribute his fall to the blossoming of some other prospects, and the Rams will be happy to further bolster their offense because of it.

14. Chicago Bears: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

Uncharacteristically, the Chicago Bears defense wasn't great last season. As a result, there are multiple avenues for them to explore at No. 14.

Timmy Jernigan will be available here. As the best defensive tackle in the draft, Jernigan will give the Bears a great centerpiece to build around in the future. Chicago can address needs at linebacker and in the secondary later in this draft. Jernigan is simply too physical to pass up.

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

Improving on defense should be the No. 1 priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, losing Emmanuel Sanders will prove difficult to cope with, but Ben Roethlisberger is talented enough to turn middling receivers into competent ones.

Justin Gilbert is the top cornerback available at No. 15, and he'll be playing in a secondary that could use some help. When Troy Polamalu rushes in at the quarterback, the rest of the secondary will need to step up in coverage. Gilbert is great in one-on-one coverage, and that makes him a good fit in Pittsburgh.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

The Dallas Cowboys defense was laughable at times last season. Opposing quarterbacks lit them up for big yardage through the air with regularity.

To remedy the problem, look for Dallas to draft somebody who can put pressure on passers while in the pocket. Aaron Donald is shockingly athletic and has a motor that doesn't stop. If the quarterback is within reach, he'll grab him.

That's the type of guy Dallas needs to build its defense around.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

Previously in the market for a wide receiver, the Baltimore Ravens upgraded at the position when they signed Steve Smith.

Joe Flacco could still use a big-play tight end to throw to, however. As it turns out, he might be in luck. Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reports that top tight end Eric Ebron has scheduled a meeting with the Ravens. While teams frequently set up similar meetings at this time of the offseason, it's good to know the team is at least interested in Ebron.

Flacoo would benefit from having him in the mix.

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

Bringing in Eric Decker on offense was a start, but the New York Jets desperately need to give Geno Smith more help at wide receiver. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets that the team has interest in DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles:

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

If they can't nab Jackson, look for the Jets to go for Odell Beckham Jr. in the draft. He has great physical tools and is a very good pass-catcher. Jackson is obviously the proven talent, but Beckham is a good secondary option if the Jets miss out.

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

Controversy on the offensive line aside, the Miami Dolphins really need to revamp the position. Zack Martin from Notre Dame would be a great addition, and he would help keep Ryan Tannehill on his feet.

Martin can step in right out of training camp and fill a hole on the Dolphins line. And he wouldn't just be doing so as a placeholder. The position will be Martin's for a long time if he can hold his own against NFL defenders.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

As one of the best defenses against the run last season, the Arizona Cardinals don't need to go after a defensive tackle. Ra'Shede Hageman is an animal, though, and head coach Bruce Arians would love to have him in his system.

He wasn't particularly fast at the combine, but he showed his unbelievable strength by recording 32 reps on the 225-pound bench. This guy is a freak—the good kind the Cardinals will be thrilled to have.

21. Green Bay Packers: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

Improving at safety is still something the Green Bay Packers need to do before heading into training camp. They'll have the perfect opportunity to do so at No. 21.

Presumably, Green Bay will have the choice between Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Calvin Pryor. Clinton-Dix is the better fit here because he can cover the entire field and play better pass coverage. In a division that features big-play receivers such as Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, having someone in the secondary who can do just that is key.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville

Head coach Chip Kelly was on hand for Calvin Pryor's pro day at Louisville, and his intent with the No. 22 pick is clear: Improve the defense.

Philadelphia's pass defense was brutal last season. Playing against formidable NFC East quarterbacks, the defense will need to improve if the Eagles want to repeat as division champs. Pryor hits hard and has skyrocketed up draft boards recently. Kelly should take him at No. 22.

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

Marqise Lee was already considered one of the top wide receiver prospects prior to the combine, but his performance in front of scouts was strong. So strong, in fact, that he earned the praise of NFL analyst Gil Brandt:

Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs could use another weapon alongside Dwayne Bowe. He can't do it all by himself. Lee is a prolific deep threat with speed to burn and great hands to make catches in traffic.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

Terence Newman and Adam Jones won't be around forever, so it's time for the Cincinnati Bengals to consider the future of the cornerback position at No. 24. This team is just a few pieces away from a Super Bowl run, and Jason Verrett could aid in their pursuit.

He plays great coverage and will be available at No. 24—that is, unless he continues to shoot up draft boards.

25. San Diego Chargers: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

The San Diego Chargers need a defensive back, and Kyle Fuller will be available at No. 25. The Chargers and the Bengals could swap selections (meaning the Bengals take Fuller and the Chargers take Verrett), but San Diego will be getting some much-needed help in the secondary either way.

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

The Browns struck a deal with running back Ben Tate last week, but he brings question marks about health and durability along with him. That would explain the two-year deal worth $7 million.

Bringing in the best running back in the class would give the Browns a nice safety net. Carlos Hyde would join an up-and-coming offense with youth and weapons. It's the ideal situation for him.

27. New Orleans Saints: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

Injury concerns have seen C.J. Mosley drop on some draft boards, though he claims he has "no red flags," via Andrew Gribble of AL.com.

The New Orleans Saints would really benefit from Mosley slipping into the late picks of the first round. The Saints have established a tough identity on defense, and adding Jairus Byrd at safety helped even more. Adding a future captain on defense in Mosley would make the unit even more formidable.

28. Carolina Panthers: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

"Decimated" is the best word to describe the Carolina Panthers on offense. A flurry of moves (and non-moves) has resulted in Tiquan Underwood being the No. 1 receiver at this point in time.

Needless to say, taking a wide receiver at No. 28 is a must. The Panthers will have a few options, but Brandin Cooks is the best bet. Gil Brandt is extremely high on the young wideout:

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

The Panthers can't pass up this potential given their current situation.

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

Tight ends make the New England Patriots offense go. Rob Gronkowski is injured far too frequently to be relied upon as the sole contributor, so the No. 29 pick will likely be used on Jace Amaro from Texas Tech.

Amaro is exactly what the Patriots like to see in tight ends. He's athletic and fast and can make tacklers miss. He's basically a wide receiver in a tight end's body. Tom Brady will be more than pleased to have him at his disposal.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown are gone, so look for the San Francisco 49ers to go after Bradley Roby at No. 30.

Chris Cook was brought in on a one-year deal as a short-term fix, but Roby represents the future of the secondary for the Niners. Defense is always the top priority for the Niners, and Roby will help ensure that they'll be among the top units in the NFL in the future.

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

The AFC champions lost guard Zane Beadles to the Jaguars in free agency, and Peyton Manning will need someone new to protect him next season. Xavier Su'a Filo is a physical lineman with the strength to fend off pass-rushers and those trying to get into the backfield to stop the run.

Denver is a team with few holes after a busy offseason, so the team can afford to be a little picky in the draft.

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

The loss of Golden Tate won't be easy for the Seattle Seahawks to overcome, but selecting wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin with the final pick of the first round will help. 

Benjamin is a big receiver who will play well alongside Percy Harvin. He has the chance to step in and produce right away, as he'll more than likely occupy the same role Tate did in last season's run to the Super Bowl.