NFL Standings 2014: Updated Outlook and Top Draft Options for Worst Teams

The bottom feeders in the NFL should have already directed their focus to getting better in the offseason. With the current structure in the NFL and NBA draft, it makes all the sense in the world to tank. Some purists don't like it, but it's better to be horrible than to be mediocre.

There's less of a chance to turn things around from mediocrity. The system has pity and resources for teams that are horrible. 

Taking a look at the most updated NFL standings. With a league view, it's clear to see there's a handful of teams in the running for the top prize. 

NFL	W	L	T	PCT
Tampa Bay	2	12	0	.143
Oakland	2	12	0	.143
Jacksonville	2	12	0	.143
Tennessee	2	12	0	.143
Washington	3	11	0	.214
NY Jets	3	11	0	.214
Atlanta	5	9	0	.357
NY Giants	5	9	0	.357
Chicago	5	9	0	.357
Carolina	5	8	1	.393
St. Louis	6	8	0	.429
Minnesota	6	8	0	.429
New Orleans	6	8	0	.429
Cleveland	7	7	0	.500
Miami	7	7	0	.500
Houston	7	7	0	.500
San Francisco	7	7	0	.500
Buffalo	8	6	0	.571
San Diego	8	6	0	.571
Kansas City	8	6	0	.571
Philadelphia	9	5	0	.643
Baltimore	9	5	0	.643
Pittsburgh	9	5	0	.643
Cincinnati	9	4	1	.679
Green Bay	10	4	0	.714
Seattle	10	4	0	.714
Dallas	10	4	0	.714
Indianapolis	10	4	0	.714
Detroit	10	4	0	.714
Denver	11	3	0	.786
New England	11	3	0	.786
Arizona	11	3	0	.786

This is one of those years where the player selected No. 1 is going to be determined by the team that gets the first selection. There is no consensus top pick.

There are four 2-12 teams in the league. Here's who each should draft if it winds up with the first pick.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

The Bucs need an offensive identity. They also need a leader and a player who can be the face of their franchise. Beyond all those intangibles, Tampa needs a quarterback capable of getting the ball to Mike Evans for the next five to seven years.

Without question, there is no better fit for that role than Mariota in this draft. The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner's reputation as a leader precedes him. That was evident after reading some of the tweets congratulating him on his honor.

When Beverly Pruden, the brand manager for a large corporation like Kroger, is heaping praise your way, that's a pretty good sign for your endorsement career:

During the 2014 season, Mariota led the Oregon Ducks to a 12-1 record and into the inaugural College Football Playoff. In the process, Mariota threw 38 touchdown passes and only two interceptions.

Tennessee Titans: Mariota

There can be only one. Both the Titans and Bucs need a franchise quarterback. The first choice for both would likely be Mariota. The team that doesn't get the top pick is going to have to decide whether the Florida State Seminoles' Jameis Winston is worth the gamble.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Trade Down

After having drafted Blake Bortles last season, chances are Jacksonville won't be looking to tab Mariota. Offensive line is Jacksonville's biggest need. However, this draft is very weak when it comes to the big uglies. There simply isn't a player at that position worth taking No. 1 overall. 

The Jags could go the best-player-available route, but they could potentially plug multiple holes by trading down to a team hungry for Mariota.

Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Much like the Jags, the Raiders drafted their potential franchise quarterback in last year's draft. Derek Carr has had some ups and downs, but Oakland isn't likely ready to give up on him.

The Raiders could trade down as well, but grabbing a legitimate beast at wide receiver would make the most sense. Amari Cooper may well be the best pro prospect in the draft, and the Raiders desperately need a go-to receiver.

His ability to beat defenders deep, pick up yards after the catch and to make receptions in traffic adds up to great value. If Oakland gets the top pick, it should tab Cooper.