NFL Mock Draft 2014: Full Predictions for Every 1st-Round Selection

The 2014 NFL draft's first round appears to have the talent to make an immediate impact on the league. The question is who is going to walk away the big winner?

The influx of high-quality talent coming from the college ranks has created more uncertainty than usual surrounding the entire first round. With the additional time for information (smoke screens and the honest truth alike) to leak out, it's to the point where there are few scenarios that would truly surprise in the first round. 

All of this makes this draft one of the most difficult to predict in recent memory. Throw in the fact that the new CBA allows teams to feel more comfortable trading and these predictions become even more combustible. 

What follows is a full list of predictions for each of the 32 picks in the first round, including alternate possibilities for each selection.

1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Everyone may want to talk about the importance of having a franchise quarterback in the NFL today, but it's just as vital to be able to get to the other team's signal-caller. The Texans already have the league's most feared defensive lineman in J.J. Watt, but there's not much behind him in the front seven. 

Adding Clowney would change that from Day 1. His elite athleticism and size makes him an immediate impact player who will help the Texans rebound from the horrible season that put the them in position to pick him. 

Alternate choices: Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles

2. St. Louis Rams: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

The Rams are actually in a perfect position to trade down once again and collect even more first-round selections. After acquiring three in the blockbuster Robert Griffin III trade with the Washington Redskins, this would be an impressive feat.

With a quarterback they appear to be committed to in Sam Bradford, they could be a top trade partner for those looking to swoop in and take their quarterback before Jacksonville gets on the clock. 

If the Rams choose to stay put at No. 2 they could bolster their offensive line with Greg Robinson. The 6'5", 332-pound mauler has rare athleticism and could be molded into a game-changing tackle that would give St. Louis the physical offensive line they would love to have under Jeff Fisher. 

Alternate choices: Jake Matthews, Sammy Watkins

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

This is where the draft really gets interesting. Johnny Manziel is easily the most divisive quarterback in the draft class thanks to his reckless style of play and personality. He could literally wind up being a top-three selection in the first round or fall completely out of the first and it wouldn't be shocking. 

However, if there's a team that would take the risk on him in the top five, it's the Jaguars. General manager Dave Caldwell already deemed Johnny Football as the most pro-ready quarterback in the draft, per Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union:

"

The majority of this class has a ways to go, Johnny [Manziel] would probably be the one guy you could plug in there sooner rather than later just because his style of play isn’t going to change much from Year 1 to Year 2.

"

Throw in the fact that head coach Gus Bradley comes from Seattle, where undersized Russell Wilson has been successful, and it's clear that Jacksonville may be the front office most likely to take the plunge on the playmaker from College Station. 

Alternate choices: Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Khalil Mack

4. Cleveland Browns: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo

Yes, the Browns haven't had a franchise quarterback since, well, never in the expansion era. But that doesn't guarantee they'll take one at No. 4. The powers that be in Cleveland brought in a defensive-minded coach in Mike Pettine and would do well to give him the tools to build the dominant defense he will look to install on the North Shore. 

Alternate choices: Teddy Bridgewater, Sammy Watkins, Jake Matthews

5. Oakland Raiders: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

The Oakland Raiders attempted to address their porous offensive line by signing Tampa Bay's Donald Penn in the offseason. However, a 31-year-old free agent shouldn't keep them from taking a possible franchise tackle. 

Matthews plays with excellent consistency and stands out as one of the safest picks in this year's class. That's great news for a franchise that can't afford to miss on many picks if they want to be relevant in the AFC West. 

Alternate choices: Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Blake Bortles

6. Atlanta Falcons: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Ideally, the Falcons would trade down in this scenario. But if that's not a plausible situation, the Falcons are in a great position to take the best player available. In this case, that's Watkins. 

The playmaking wide receiver doesn't fill a huge need in Atlanta, but would form a nearly uncoverable trio with Julio Jones and Roddy White. With White now at 32 years old, the Falcons would guarantee that Matt Ryan at least has a dynamic duo to work with for the foreseeable future. 

Alternate choices: Mike Evans, Aaron Donald, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix 

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

If it weren't for Mike Evans, Johnny Manziel might not even be in consideration for the first round. That's how much the 6'5" receiver meant for Manziel at Texas A&M. Paired with Vincent Jackson in Tampa, he could be that valuable for quarterback Mike Glennon. 

Alternate choices: Anthony Barr, Darqueze Dennard, Justin Gilbert

8. Minnesota Vikings: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Teddy Bridgewater's supposed tumble down draft boards has been baffling. His anticipation, accuracy and steady improvement over three years at Louisville all point to him being excellent. However, everywhere you turn there is a new report that another analyst doesn't like the Cardinal:

However, game tape should be the ultimate deciding factor on whether a quarterback is ready for the next level. And there's more than enough of that to convince the Vikings that Bridgewater can be the franchise quarterback that Christian Ponder hasn't been. 

Alternate choices: Blake Bortles, Anthony Barr, Aaron Donald

9. Buffalo Bills: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

The Buffalo Bills experienced two major losses on defense this offseason—defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and safety Jairus Byrd. Taking Ha Ha Clinton-Dix would go a long way in recovering from the loss of the former. 

Clinton-Dix is the ideal single-high safety. He can play center field and either make plays on the ball or deliver hits that will jar the ball loose and that's the kind of versatility that will allow him to play right away. 

Alternate choices: Eric Ebron, Odell Beckham

10. Detroit Lions: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU

There has been some speculation that the Lions might be in the market to trade up for Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins. That's a trade that might cost them more than they're really willing to pay, though. 

Beckham might not be very desirable to the average fan. He doesn't have the size of Kelvin Benjamin or the blazing speed of Brandin Cooks. What he does have is a set of great hands and the precise route running required to get open at the NFL level. 

With Calvin Johnson's ability to stretch the field with his blazing speed and cartoonish size, Beckham is the perfect possession receiver to work underneath of defenses and move the chains. 

Alternate choices: Darqueze Dennard, Justin Gilbert

11. Tennessee Titans: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

The Titans have reportedly declined to extend Jake Locker's contract into 2015, which means they aren't beholden to any quarterback moving forward. 

Fortunately for them in this scenario, one of the most promising passers falls to them at No. 11. Bortles isn't the most pro-ready, but his frame, at 6'5", 232 pounds, is ideal for the position and he has all the tools to become a top signal-caller. 

Alternate choices: Darqueze Dennard, Justin Gilbert, David Carr

12. New York Giants: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

While edge-rushers like Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack get all the headlines, Aaron Donald will likely strike just as much fear in the hearts of quarterbacks. The Pitt product registered 28.5 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks and has rare athleticism for a 3-technique. That type of disruptive force will be a welcome addition to a relatively punchless Giants defense. 

Alternate choices: C.J. Mosley, Anthony Barr, Eric Ebron

13. St. Louis Rams: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

With the offensive line addressed at No. 2, the Rams would be in a good position to address the defensive side of the ball. With the division rival Seahawks and 49ers already boasting excellent defensive backfields, the Rams could take a step toward evening the score with Pryor. 

Alternate choices: Eric Ebron, Brandin Cooks, Darqueze Dennard

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

The Chicago Bears have a long history of excellence at the middle linebacker position. Drafting C.J. Mosley at No. 14 would not only carry on that legacy, but give the Bears some bite again in the front seven. They gave up an embarrassing 5.3 yards per carry last season.

Alternate choices: Eric Ebron, Ra'Shede Hageman, Darqueze Dennard

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

The Steelers would absolutely love if the first round were to play like this. One of the team's biggest needs heading into the draft is at cornerback, and Darqueze Dennard is as good as they come in this draft class. 

Pittsburgh would be able to take the best player available while filling a legitimate need. That's the kind of pick that makes a general manager look like a genius. 

Alternate choices: Eric Ebron, Anthony Barr

16. Dallas Cowboys: Zack Martin, OT/OG, Notre Dame

If there's one thing that offensive line coaches value in a prospect, it's flexibility. With five starting slots to fill, the more a prospect can play, the better. That's what will make Martin a tempting choice for the Cowboys at No. 16. 

With the size and athleticism to play either guard or tackle he could start his career at guard before eventually taking over a tackle spot. 

Alternate choices: Xavier Su'a-Filo, Ra'Shede Hageman, Timmy Jernigan

17. Baltimore Ravens: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The Baltimore Ravens did a nice job of filling one of their tackle spots with a trade for Eugene Monroe last season. Now they could find their other bookend in the first round. Lewan is bound to slip a little on draft day due to misdemeanor assault charges, but his play on the field puts him with the better tackles in the class. 

Alternate choices: Eric Ebron, Morgan Moses, Ra'Shede Hageman

18. New York Jets: Eric Ebron, TE, UNC

The Jets went out and brought in Eric Decker to give Geno Smith or Michael Vick some weapons to work with in the offseason. But the offensive overhaul can't stop there. A weapon like Ebron would give the offense another explosive playmaker. 

With the ability to stretch the field vertically against linebackers and the size to outmuscle corners and safeties, Ebron is the prototypical athletic tight end that is becoming more prevalent in the league. 

Alternate choices: Brandin Cooks, Marqise Lee, Xavier Su'a-Filo

19. Miami Dolphins: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

The departures of Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin left the Dolphins offensive line in shambles last season. The makeshift offensive line gave up a league-leading 58 sacks. 

That's obviously an issue that will need to be addressed as soon as possible in South Beach, and Moses makes sense at No. 19. At 6'6" with an arm length of over 35", Moses has the length necessary to keep rushers at bay and the strength to pave the way on the ground. 

Alternate choices: Xavier Su'a-Filo, Ra'Shede Hageman, Justin Gilbert

20. Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

The Cardinals ranked among the top pass-rushing teams in the league last season. The problem is that 11.5 of their sacks came from 36-year-old John Abraham. 

Barr is an exciting prospect with an extremely high ceiling. The problem is that his repertoire of pass-rush moves is nearly nonexistent. Coming up alongside an experienced veteran like Abraham could be the perfect situation for the Bruin. 

Alternate choices: Derek Carr, Justin Gilbert, Bradley Roby

21. Green Bay Packers: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

The Packers once again enter the draft with serious needs along the defensive front. The offense is among the most powerful in the NFL, but the front seven was once again exposed as a shallow unit last season. That means that the Packers can essentially take the best defensive lineman or linebacker available. 

In this case, that's Hageman. He may be a bit raw, but at 6'6", 330 pounds he has the perfect size to be groomed into a force as a 5-technique in the 3-4. 

Alternate choices: Justin Gilbert, Bradley Roby, Ryan Shazier

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

The Eagles chose the right time to release their top receiver in DeSean Jackson. This draft is stocked with talent at receiver, and Brandin Cooks would be a tremendous fit for Chip Kelly's system. 

What the 5'10" receiver lacks in height he makes up for with blazing speed (4.33 40-yard dash) and toughness.

Alternate choices: Justin Gilbert, Bradley Roby, Jason Verrett

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

The Chiefs desperately need a wide receiver to help Alex Smith take the offense to the next level, but there's no way they can pass on a cornerback if this many are left on the board. Gilbert locked down some of the best receivers in the pass-happy Big 12 and the Chiefs would be happy to have him this late in the first. 

Alternate choices: Bradley Roby, Jason Verrett, Marqise Lee

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

And so begins a run on cornerbacks. With many teams in this range looking to add the specific pieces needed to contend, this could be a popular place for defensive backs. 

For the Bengals, that means taking local product Bradley Roby. His junior tape was highly disappointing compared to his sophomore season, but the potential is there for him to become a solid starter.

Alternate choices: Kyle Fuller, Jason Verrett

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

The Chargers have to deal with Peyton Manning twice a year and ranked 29th in pass defense last season. That's all the incentive a team needs to take a corner, and Kyle Fuller is the best available. 

Alternate choices: Jason Verrett, Ryan Shazier

26. Cleveland Browns: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

It wouldn't be surprising to see the Browns go with a quarterback at No. 4, but if the predraft hype surrounding their interest in Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr has any truth to it, they can wait until No. 26 and still get their man. 

Carr has some weaknesses that need to be addressed—his happy feet against pressure being chief among them—but he has the arm to make all the throws and isn't the boom-or-bust prospect that someone like Manziel is. 

Alternate choices: Jason Verrett, Marqise Lee, Cody Latimer

27. New Orleans Saints: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

There's something about this pairing that just seems right. Lee was an ultra-productive receiver at USC when Matt Barkley was at the helm, but struggled a bit with Cody Kessler and Max Wittek throwing him the ball. 

Quarterback play won't be an issue in New Orleans, though. Drew Brees will develop chemistry with the electric Lee and he should fit right in with their pass-happy attack. 

Alternate choices: Timmy Jernigan, Cody Latimer

28. Carolina Panthers: Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

There are few more apparent needs heading into the draft than Carolina's need for a wide receiver. That means it's highly likely they are taking the best available when it's their turn to pick. 

That's Cody Latimer here. The gritty Indiana product not only has the ability to provide Cam Newton with a consistent target, but can also be an effective blocker in the run game.

Alternate choices: Kelvin Benjamin, Davante Adams, Allen Robinson

29. New England Patriots: Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri

Bill Belichick just watched the Seattle Seahawks dismantle the AFC champion Denver Broncos with a strong pass rush and physical defense. It should be a surprise to no one if the Patriots follow their lead and start stocking up on pass-rushers.

Kony Ealy is too raw to be a full-time starter just yet, but his athleticism will allow him to be an immediate contributor in the pass-rushing department. 

Alternate choices: Louis Nix III, Jason Verrett, Allen Robinson

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

If teams drafted solely on skills instead of size, Verrett would likely be the top corner off the board. He overcomes his lack of size with strong ball skills and a willingness to press any receiver, regardless of size. 

Jim Harbaugh is sure to love that physicality and would love to add it to his defense as cornerback has become a position of need. 

Alternate choices: Jimmie Ward, Kelvin Benjamin

31. Denver Broncos: Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech

Much like the Patriots, the Broncos are another team close to winning a Super Bowl who watched Seattle's stable of pass-rushers dominate the postseason. This should encourage the Broncos to look at someone to put across from Von Miller and race to the quarterback. 

Alternate choices: Ryan Shazier, Kyle Van Noy 

32. Seattle Seahawks: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

The Seahawks got where they are today by focusing on building a strong base of linemen on both sides of the ball. That's a tradition that could continue with the final pick of the first round, as Jernigan would be the top prospect available and offer them flexibility as their young stars begin looking for those big-money contract extensions. 

Alternate choices: Stephon Tuitt, Louis Nix III

All height, weight and combine information courtesy of NFL.com.