2014 NFL Mock Draft: Prospect Each Team Should Select with 1st-Round Pick

The NFL draft is an amazing process.

It is equally important to each franchise, no matter the outcome of the previous season, and they all have the same question in mind on draft day: How can we improve our team in the best possible way?

The draft is the cornerstone for each team to build now and for the future. Selecting the right prospect in the first round could be the difference between turning around a failing franchise and setting the team back for a few more years.

We've all seen both scenarios play out.

This year features a plethora of talent at multiple positions atop each team's big board. Each franchise has its eyes on certain prospects and position groups to best fill its needs going forward.

The draft is a fluid process, and plenty of changes will take place before May 8 rolls around. For now, let's take a look at how the first round could play out if it were to happen immediately.

1. Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle firmly believes the Texans will select a quarterback with the first overall pick. He's probably right.

Houston came into the 2013 season with high hopes but wound up in the cellar of the NFL. Why? Quarterback play. Matt Schaub and Case Keenum couldn't deliver, and the Texans don't want to go through that again.

Bortles is a sound signal-caller with all the right intangibles to flourish in the NFL. He's been refining his technique, and it showed during his stellar pro day. He'll be the Texans' choice here.

2. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

With the Texans selecting Bortles, St. Louis' pick becomes simple. The Rams will select the best player on the board in Clowney. Yes, the Rams have two great defensive ends right now, but adding another will give the team a new, versatile wrinkle that will keep opposing quarterbacks severely off-balance.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Now that Clowney is off the board, the Jaguars have one decision to make: which quarterback to select. Bridgewater may be the most NFL-ready signal-caller in this year's draft. His mechanics are sound, and he has a high level of intelligence. Don't let his lackluster pro day scare you away. He's still capable of becoming an elite talent.

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

Manziel will be the next quarterback to get the nod. He's been impressing everyone with his new, mature attitude. He helped himself further by delivering a nearly flawless pro day. The Browns are in dire need of a quarterback, and Manziel fits the bill perfectly.

5. Oakland Raiders: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

How could the Raiders pass up Watkins here? The most dynamic wide receiver in the draft, he will make an instant impact in Oakland and quickly become the team's top target. If Matt Schaub and Matt McGloin are to have any success this season, they'll need a wide receiver they can count on.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

It may seem strange to see the Falcons pass up some talented offensive tackles here. But if Mack drops to No. 6, that's exactly what they will do. Atlanta was one of the worst pass-rushing teams in 2013, and grabbing an elite edge-rusher would do wonders for a transitioning defense.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

After trading Mike Williams, the Buccaneers could look at a playmaker here; however, if Mike Glennon can't get him the ball, what's the use? Robinson is an absolute stud and figures to be a 12-year starter in the NFL. That kind of player simply doesn't come around very often.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Now that Mike Zimmer has taken the reins in Minnesota, expect to see some drastic changes on the defensive side of the ball. Those changes will begin with selecting Barr at eighth overall. A versatile and speedy rusher off the edge, Barr's versatility will make him an immediate starter in multiple packages.

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

This just seems like a logical fit. The Bills are lacking offensive firepower, and the team needs to develop EJ Manuel in a hurry. Giving their young signal-caller a big, quarterback-friendly target would be a huge step in the right direction.

10. Detroit Lions: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

Help on the back end of the Lions defense is still very much needed, and Clinton-Dix is just the guy for the job. His ability to play center field, get good jumps on the ball, contribute against the run and cover in the slot will see him go 10th overall.

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

Tennessee sure lucked out here. Matthews fell out of the top 10, and the Titans were there to catch him. Sure, the team picked up Michael Oher in free agency, but is he really the answer? Matthews will be a stud in the NFL and simply can't be passed up at this point in the draft.

12. New York Giants: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Luckily for the Giants, Tennessee has enough young playmakers at wide receiver to pass on Evans at No. 11. The Giants aren't quite in the same boat. With Victor Cruz looking to be the team's only reliable target heading into the season, Evans becomes the logical choice here.

13. St. Louis Rams: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Well, Evans didn't drop this far, but Lee is a great consolation prize for the Rams. This team needs a healthy complement to Tavon Austin, and Lee demands enough attention from defenders to be that guy. There's no telling what Kenny Britt may or may not do in a new town, so here's some insurance.

14. Chicago Bears: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

To say the Bears were bad against the run last season is a huge understatement. The interior of this team's defensive line needs to get better in a hurry. Donald is a force on the inside and can plug up running lanes with the best of them. He'll also benefit as a pass-rusher lined up next to Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Pittsburgh's secondary is getting a bit long in the tooth. An injection of youth is needed, and the Steelers can rectify that by landing the draft's top cornerback prospect. Dennard flourishes in man coverage on an island. He will start immediately and bring additional physicality and athleticism to Pittsburgh's defense.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

The Cowboys were one of the worst teams against the pass in the NFL last season. They have talent at cornerback, but further development is needed. Pryor is a physical safety who has great ball skills and can play center field. His presence will give the Cowboys' young cornerbacks time to grow into reliable starters.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Baltimore has two very talented cornerbacks on its roster right now; however, additional youth, depth and athleticism will go a long way. Gilbert is a quick corner who shadows receivers well and can undercut routes with his speed and timing. This trio will be a nightmare for all of the AFC North's quarterbacks.

18. New York Jets: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

The Jets are in a division that features some talented quarterbacks. Additional pressure and underneath coverage is necessary here. Ealy displays a great amount of versatility, as he is able to put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end and stand up as an outside linebacker. He'll make an immediate impact as a pass-rusher and in coverage against opposing running backs and tight ends.

19. Miami Dolphins: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Miami gets its guy here, as Lewan falls to No. 19 overall. Ryan Tannehill showed significant improvement over the 2013 season, and if he is to continue his growth, improved protection is necessary. Lewan is one of the most athletic tackles in this year's draft and a mauler in the trenches. His presence will be felt immediately in Miami.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

The Cardinals should be doing backflips right now. Carr falling to them at No. 20 overall is a perfect scenario. This is a team that's on the verge of becoming a powerhouse. Carson Palmer played well last season; however, his time will be up within the next year or so. Grooming the big-armed Carr as his heir apparent will keep the Cardinals alive and kicking once Palmer is gone.

21. Green Bay Packers: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

The Packers linebacker corps was a mess last season. Injuries and lackluster performances plagued the defense all year. What Green Bay needs now is an athletic, stout interior presence who can help lead their defense alongside A.J. Hawk. Mosley is the perfect guy for the job.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

DeSean Jackson is gone. Jeremy Maclin continues to be prone to injury. Riley Cooper is best suited as a No. 2. It sure sounds like the Eagles are in the market for another wide receiver. Beckham is a game-altering prospect who can stretch the field and create yards after the catch. That's a skill set the Eagles could use right now.

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

Alex Smith needs more weapons. It's a simple statement, but it rings true. Remember how much Smith loved to target Vernon Davis while in San Francisco? Well, say hello to Jace Amaro. A similar type of tight end, the large, athletic Amaro will give the Chiefs offensive a much-needed boost.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

Terence Newman and Adam Jones are now in their 30s. Dre Kirkpatrick showed flashes last season but remains highly unproven. Leon Hall is a fantastic corner but a severe injury liability. The Bengals need another cornerback, and they'll get one here. The speedy Verrett is athletic and shifty and has great ball skills. He'll be able to contribute outside or in the slot.

25. San Diego Chargers: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame

The Chargers offense made a dramatic turnaround last season, and the team was awarded with a trip to the playoffs. If it is going to continue to build on that, help along the offensive line is necessary. Martin may be the most versatile lineman in the draft due to his ability to play tackle and both guard positions.

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

Cleveland was eyeballing DeSean Jackson after his release from Philadelphia. As it turns out, the Browns missed out. Luckily, Jackson's rookie clone is in this year's draft. Cooks is a smallish receiver and a game-changer. He can burn cornerbacks with his great speed and will be a stellar complement to Josh Gordon.

27. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

The Saints need to resupply Drew Brees with weapons. Marques Colston is getting up there in years, and Kenny Stills is still getting his feet wet in the NFL. Bringing in Benjamin would give the speedy Stills a long-term complement and provide an heir apparent for the chain-moving Colston.

28. Carolina Panthers: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

Carolina is in desperate need of a wide receiver, but it doesn't have many options at the position. Instead, the team will fill another need, as cornerback is just about as thin as wide receiver for this team. The Panthers brought in Antoine Cason on a one-year deal but don't have many other options behind him. Roby showed great flashes in college and should be a long-term answer in Carolina's secondary.

29. New England Patriots: Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame

What do you do when you have trouble stopping the run? You bring in the biggest gap-filling defensive tackle you can find. This year, that honor goes to Nix. Athletic for his size, Nix can close down running lanes but also be a factor collapsing the pocket for pass-rushers. Bill Belichick will love moving him around the defensive front.

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

To keep the 49ers defensive front intact and dominant for years to come, they'll give a long look at Hageman here. He will be a versatile chess piece for this team with the ability to play defensive tackle and defense end. Pairing him with Tank Carradine in the long run will be absolutely fierce.

31. Denver Broncos: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

The Broncos have been revamping their defense over the offseason, and that will continue during the draft. Selecting Shazier here gives the team a stout presence on the outside. He is a natural leader and could prove to be the glue that holds this unit together for years.

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

The rich just keep getting richer. Seattle already has one of the deepest rosters in the league. The Seahawks have very few needs, but one need just happens to be at offensive guard. It only makes sense that Su'a-Filo, the best prospect at that position, happens to fall to them at No. 32 overall.