NFL Mock Draft 2014: Selections to Drastically Improve Every 1st-Round Team

Is it May 8 yet?

That seems to be a question we've all be asking ourselves as anticipation and excitement continue to build for the fast-approaching 2014 NFL draft.

With the free-agency period, the NFL Scouting Combine and many pro days now in the books, the majority of everyone's focus is on draft day.

As always, things will change between now and the draft as teams continue to heavily scrutinize all potential prospects. However, if the draft were to take place today, here's a look at how the entire first round could play out.

1. Houston Texans: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

It seems as though the Texans have been leaning toward taking a quarterback with the first selection. Which prospect they will eventually select remains a mystery. During the offseason, Manziel has refined his technique—which was evident during his nearly flawless pro day—and has shown a high level of maturity. That could be enough to secure him as this year's top overall selection.

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

Why would the Rams pass up Jadeveon Clowney? It's simple. The Rams have two strong tackles, but both have ongoing injury concerns. Robinson's durability has never been in question, and he will add some quality depth, insurance and versatility in the trenches to keep Sam Bradford clean.

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

One quarterback-needy team has to pull the trigger on Clowney. This year, it will be the Jaguars. He is a freak athlete and will be a huge disruption on their defensive front. Plenty of quality quarterbacks will be available in the early second round, and Jacksonville can grab its signal-caller then.

4. Cleveland Browns: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Remember how Bridgewater put up video game numbers at Louisville? Well, some folks seem to have forgotten after his subpar pro day. He is highly intelligent, accurate and NFL ready. The Browns will select him here, and Bridgewater will immediately prove his doubters wrong.

5. Oakland Raiders: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

Could the Raiders really pass up a quality signal-caller here? The team brought in Matt Schaub over the offseason to add competition for Matt McGloin, but Bortles has looked sharp lately, especially after a stellar pro day. Even if Bortles doesn't start right away, he'll have a great mentor in Schaub.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

The Falcons found it difficult to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks in 2013. That's not good, as they play in the same division as Drew Brees and Cam Newton. Mack is extremely versatile and can play along the line and at linebacker. He's a perfect fit for this hybrid defense.

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

Mike Evans has departed, and the Buccaneers need a viable complement to Vincent Jackson. Well, they won't have to look any further than the draft's seventh overall selection. Watkins is widely heralded as the draft's best receiver. He'll make an immediate impact and form a formidable duo with Jackson.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Mike Zimmer loves pass-rushers. That's no secret. After losing Jared Allen to free agency, he'll look to inject his front seven with some youth and athleticism. Barr is a speedster who has a nose for the quarterback. He will be a great rotational piece for Minnesota and will pick up right where Allen left off.

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

This could be a perfect match. The Bills need some improved production from quarterback EJ Manuel this year, and what better way to help him out than to give him a huge, athletic target? Ebron is a matchup nightmare who will stretch the seam and find plenty of work as a red-zone target.

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

After struggling a great deal on the back end of the defense, the Lions will look to shore up the safety position early in the draft. Clinton-Dix moves with fluidity and can cover a great deal of ground when playing center field. He's just what this team needs to quickly improve its secondary.

11. Tennessee Titans: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

Tennessee improved leaps and bounds on the defensive side of the ball last season. The Titans have a great core of young players in their front seven. Adding Donald gives the line plenty of versatility, as his combination of size and athleticism allows him to play both tackle and end.

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

New York finds itself severely lacking in the wide receiver department after losing some key players in free agency. Victor Cruz needs a complementary receiver in a big way, and Evans may be the best choice. Evans will flourish on the outside and take a ton of pressure off the speedy Cruz.

13. St. Louis Rams: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

Beckham is a great catch-and-go receiver, which makes him a perfect fit in the Rams offense. Tavon Austin looks to have a bright future in the slot, and with Beckham on the outside, Bradford will finally have the necessary weapons to excel.

14. Chicago Bears: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Jermon Bushrod currently resides at the left tackle position in Chicago; however, the Bears need additional help protecting Jay Cutler. Matthews is technically sound and projects to be a 12-year starter in the league. He'll start immediately and upgrade the line in a big way.

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

Pittsburgh is getting a bit long in the tooth in the secondary. An injection of youth is needed, and Dennard fits the bill perfectly. His stout coverage ability and physicality will be welcomed additions to Dick LeBeau's defense.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

If the Cowboys are going to end their postseason drought, their first order of business must be shoring up the secondary. Dallas was involved in multiple shootouts last season, and bringing in a versatile safety such as Pryor will ensure those occurrences are limited in 2014.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The Ravens need some additional protection for Joe Flacco. If the quarterback is to distribute the ball effectively to the likes of Steve Smith and Torrey Smith, an upgrade on the offensive line is needed. Lewan is highly athletic and very physical. He'll ensure Flacco has the necessary time to get the ball out of his hands.

18. New York Jets: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Now that Antonio Cromartie has departed, the Jets are in dire need of another cornerback. Gilbert is very quick, and he has great fluidity and good ball skills. He'll be able to step into the No. 1 role for this team during his rookie season.

19. Miami Dolphins: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

Cameron Wake has been a revelation for the Dolphins. What would make him even better? Adding a big presence in a rotation along the defensive line. Ealy can be that guy. His quickness off the snap and speed into the backfield will give Miami one of the NFL's elite pass rushes.

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

The Cardinals barely missed the playoffs in 2013. If they are to continue their surge, adding a great long-term fit at quarterback is necessary. Carr's huge arm would fit well in Arizona's vertical passing game, and he would benefit from learning under Carson Palmer during his rookie season.

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

Green Bay needs some stability in its linebacker corps. Last season, the Packers dealt with multiple injuries and movement along the front seven. Mosley has the durability required to be a long-term answer, and his speed and skill set allow him to play multiple positions.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Here's the Eagles' wide receiver situation in a nutshell. Jeremy Maclin is a constant injury concern. Riley Cooper is a decent No. 2. Options are few and far between thereafter. Cooks' speed and ability to create yards after the catch will bring some much-needed firepower to this offense in the wake of losing DeSean Jackson.

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

Andy Reid loves tight ends—he had a plethora of them while with Philadelphia. Alex Smith loves tight ends—his rapport with Vernon Davis was great in San Francisco. Selecting Amaro here makes too much sense. He's a huge, athletic target and will give Smith a much-needed additional offensive weapon.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

With Terence Newman and Adam Jones now in their 30s and Dre Kirkpatrick still highly unproven, Cincinnati needs some youth at cornerback. Verrett is fast and shifty, which gives him the ability to play outside and in the slot. He'll be a great rotational piece initially and will work his way into a starting role.

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

Mike McCoy revamped this team's offense last season. Philip Rivers finally looked back in top form, and Keenan Allen was absolutely dynamic. Now, it's time to protect Rivers more efficiently. Martin is extremely versatile and can play tackle or guard. He'll start immediately and make a huge impact.

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

The Browns brought in some help for Josh Gordon via free agency in the form of Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins. They could still use a long-term answer, though. Lee demands attention whenever he's on the field and will form a formidable duo with Gordon in the long run.

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

The Saints lost some offensive weapons via free agency this year, and now it's time for them to revamp that side of the ball. Benjamin is a big, chain-moving target and will be the heir apparent to Marques Colston as well as a great complement to the speedy Kenny Stills.

28. Carolina Panthers: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State

After losing Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn in the offseason, the Panthers need a wide receiver. Robinson had a great pro day and proved that his college tape was no fluke. He's physical and athletic and will fit perfectly in Cam Newton's offense.

29. New England Patriots: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to New England's defensive front. Hageman has the size to play tackle and the agility and speed to play end. He'll be a great chess piece for Bill Belichick to move around on the defensive line's rotation.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame

The cornerstone of the 49ers defense is the front seven. The team already has one of the most elite units in the NFL. To keep it that way, continuing to add young talent is necessary. Nix is a pure 3-4 defensive tackle and will serve nicely as the long-term answer on the interior of the 49ers defensive line.

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

Denver has made it very clear that it is looking to get more physical on the defensive side of the ball this season. Shazier will help the team reach its goal in a big way. He's a sure tackler and a natural leader. Rarely found out of position, he will give this defense some much-needed stability.

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

Seattle doesn't have many weaknesses. However, its biggest weakness is on the interior of the offensive line. The key for this team to continue its success is to protect Russell Wilson. Su'a-Filo is the top guard prospect in this year's draft and will start immediately.