CHRIS BURKE'S MOCK DRAFT
ROUND 1
Scouts are calling this the deepest draft in NFL history—so SI's going deep too. Here are our 2014 projections, all the way through round 2
INSTANT STARTER
VALUE PICK
TRADE BAIT
STRETCH
OFF-FIELD RISK
SINKER
1 [INSTANT STARTER]
TEXANS
Jadeveon Clowney
DEFENSIVE END SOUTH CAROLINA
Rather than draft a QB out of desperation, Houston takes the top prospect. Clowney and J.J. Watt? Good luck, O-tackles.
2 [TRADE BAIT]
RAMS (from Redskins)
Jake Matthews
TACKLE TEXAS A&M
A move back makes sense if Clowney is off the board, but St. Louis might want the polished Matthews badly enough to stay put.
3 [INSTANT STARTER]
JAGUARS
Khalil Mack
OUTSIDE LB BUFFALO
Jacksonville joins Houston in passing on an early QB, here in favor of the explosive edge rusher Gus Bradley needs for his defense.
4 [OFF-FIELD RISK]
BROWNS
Johnny Manziel
QUARTERBACK TEXAS A&M
The ultimate boom-or-bust guy, he could be Cleveland's missing piece. He's definitely a good fit in new OC Kyle Shanahan's system.
5 [INSTANT STARTER]
RAIDERS
Sammy Watkins
WIDE RECEIVER CLEMSON
A legit No. 1 pass catcher to complement FA signee James Jones. Even if new QB Matt Schaub is shaky, Oakland will be far more dangerous.
6
FALCONS
Greg Robinson
TACKLE AUBURN
Atlanta may trade up to chase Clowney, Mack or Matthews, but staying here lands the Falcons a future Pro Bowler.
7 [INSTANT STARTER]
BUCCANEERS
Mike Evans
WIDE RECEIVER TEXAS A&M
Evans and Vincent Jackson can re-create the Brandon Marshall--Alshon Jeffery duo with which new QB Josh McCown thrived in 2013.
8
VIKINGS
Blake Bortles
QUARTERBACK CENTRAL FLORIDA
With Matt Cassel in place, Minnesota can take a QB in need of seasoning—and one who might wind up being the best of the bunch.
9 [OFF-FIELD RISK]
BILLS
Taylor Lewan
TACKLE MICHIGAN
His pending legal issues (assault)could pose a headache, but if everything works out, he would be an upgrade over Erik Pears.
10
LIONS
Anthony Barr
OUTSIDE LB UCLA
Receiver? Corner? Safety? Detroit needs them all—but Jim Caldwell lands a dynamic edge player in the mold of Denver's Von Miller.
11 [TRADE BAIT]
TITANS
Justin Gilbert
CORNERBACK OKLAHOMA STATE
Tennessee could dangle the rights to Aaron Donald before a few teams. If not, replacing Alterraun Verner is the right move.
12
GIANTS
Eric Ebron
TIGHT END NORTH CAROLINA
With the top three OTs off the board, New York addresses its depleted TE stockpile. Eli Manning ought to be pleased with the decision.
13 [INSTANT STARTER]
RAMS
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
FREE SAFETY ALABAMA
St. Louis's dominant pass rush creates opportunities for the secondary. In Clinton-Dix the team will be adding its playmaker.
14
BEARS
Aaron Donald
DEF. TACKLE PITTSBURGH
A perfect fit in Chicago. Donald's size (6'1", 285 lbs.) may drop him a couple of spots, but it did nothing to slow him down at Pitt.
15
STEELERS
Odell Beckham Jr.
WIDE RECEIVER LSU
Don't let the signings of Lance Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey fool you: Ben Roethlisberger needs help at WR. He finds it here.
16 [STRETCH]
COWBOYS
Ra'Shede Hageman
DEF. TACKLE MINNESOTA
His motor ran hot and cold for the Gophers. When he's on, though, few can disrupt the pocket like this 6'6" monster.
17 [TRADE BAIT]
RAVENS
Calvin Pryor
FREE SAFETY LOUISVILLE
With the OT board thinned, Baltimore could trade back. If not, it doubles down at safety, adding Pryor to 2013 first-rounder Matt Elam.
18 [INSTANT STARTER]
JETS
Darqueze Dennard
CORNERBACK MICHIGAN STATE
Rex Ryan loves his cornerbacks to play with a physical, aggressive style. No other 2014 prospect better fits that mold.
19 [SINKER]
DOLPHINS
Cyrus Kouandjio
TACKLE ALABAMA
The Kouandjio roller coaster seems to have climbed back up after a disastrous combine. Miami, in need of a RT, will not wait to pounce.
20 [VALUE PICK]
CARDINALS
C.J. Mosley
LINEBACKER ALABAMA
Arizona scores a steal: Mosley has top 10 potential. He's needed in the desert too, with Daryl Washington facing suspension.
21
PACKERS
Ryan Shazier
LINEBACKER OHIO STATE
It's a win-win for Green Bay if Mosley and Shazier each last to No. 20. The rangy Buckeye provides exactly what this D lacks.
22
EAGLES
Brandin Cooks
WIDE RECEIVER OREGON STATE
Cooks says he can play DeSean Jackson's game. He'll get a chance as Philly swaps in the rookie for its departed Pro Bowler.
23 [TRADE BAIT]
CHIEFS
Teddy Bridgewater
QUARTERBACK LOUISVILLE
Kansas City should have trade options if Bridgewater falls this far. And if not, then Alex Smith's contract is up after 2014.
24 [VALUE PICK]
BENGALS
Jason Verrett
CORNERBACK TCU
When all is said and done, Verrett may prove to be the standout corner of this class. Cincy's secondary could use a youth infusion.
25 [INSTANT STARTER]
CHARGERS
Louis Nix III
DEF. TACKLE NOTRE DAME
The limited options for teams seeking a starting nosetackle push San Diego toward this surprisingly nimble 330-pounder.
26
BROWNS (from Colts)
Kyle Fuller
CORNERBACK VIRGINIA TECH
With Manziel (No. 4) and Fuller, Cleveland checks off two major needs. Fuller can handle the No. 2 CB job opposite Joe Haden.
27 [SINKER]
SAINTS
Marqise Lee
WIDE RECEIVER USC
Once a surefire top 10 pick, Lee endured a shaky 2013. Having Drew Brees toss him passes will prevent any future funk.
28 [TRADE BAIT]
PANTHERS
Zack Martin
TACKLE NOTRE DAME
Carolina has myriad needs, mainly on O, so acquiring another pick or two would help. But Martin is a fine consolation prize.
29
PATRIOTS
Kony Ealy
DEFENSIVE END MISSOURI
After Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones, New England is short on impact pass rushers. The unpolished but talented Ealy eases the problem.
30 [TRADE BAIT]
49ERS
Bradley Roby
CORNERBACK OHIO STATE
San Francisco has the ammo for a leap up the board but may stay patient if it anticipates a talent like Roby being around at No. 30.
31 [INSTANT STARTER]
BRONCOS
Xavier Su'a-Filo
GUARD UCLA
The defending AFC champs shore up one of their few clear weak spots with the gold standard at his position in the 2014 class.
32
SEAHAWKS
Jace Amaro
TIGHT END TEXAS TECH
Another athletic, mismatch-creating weapon for Seattle's O, he'll thrive if Russell Wilson just gets the ball in his hands.
CHRIS BURKE'S MOCK DRAFT
ROUND 2
INSTANT STARTER
VALUE PICK
TRADE BAIT
STRETCH
OFF-FIELD RISK
SINKER
33 [STRETCH]
TEXANS
Zach Mettenberger
QUARTERBACK LSU
We don't buy the Tom Savage hype. Mettenberger is more developed and fits the drop-back-passer mold coach Bill O'Brien favors.
34
REDSKINS
Chris Borland
LINEBACKER WISCONSIN
Immeasurable instincts put him right in Washington's wheelhouse as the team hunts for London Fletcher's replacement.
35
BROWNS
Kelvin Benjamin
WIDE RECEIVER FLORIDA STATE
Another smart gamble by Cleveland brass. The 6'5" star-in-waiting could play the Mike Evans role on Manziel's deep balls.
36 [VALUE PICK]
RAIDERS
Derek Carr
QUARTERBACK FRESNO STATE
It very well may take a trade back into round 1 for Oakland to land Carr. But if he falls this far, he's too talented to pass on.
37 [TRADE BAIT]
FALCONS
Jeremiah Attaochu
DEF. END/OLB GEORGIA TECH
Atlanta may sacrifice this pick for a move up in round 1, but Attaochu is exactly the type of player needed for the Falcons' new 3--4 hybrid D.
38
BUCCANEERS
Dee Ford
DEFENSIVE END AUBURN
Signing FA Michael Johnson put Tampa in a good spot at DE; nabbing the guy who claims he's better than Clowney is icing on the cake.
39
JAGUARS
Jimmy Garoppolo
QUARTERBACK EASTERN ILLINOIS
Jacksonville adds a QB whom it likes—and by doing that in round 2, the Jags lessen the pressure to play him immediately.
40 [INSTANT STARTER]
VIKINGS
Kyle Van Noy
LINEBACKER BYU
Van Noy's all-around game off the edge will serve defensive-minded new Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer very well.
41 [SINKER]
BILLS
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
TIGHT END WASHINGTON
At one point considered the top TE in this class, he checks off another need for Buffalo, which hasn't had a 700-yard end since 1967.
42 [SINKER]
TITANS
Carlos Hyde
RUNNING BACK OHIO STATE
Hyde opened 2013 serving a three-game suspension for poor conduct. He's back on track and, more important, the most talented RB available.
43 [VALUE PICK]
GIANTS
Morgan Moses
TACKLE VIRGINIA
Odd, given the 24-pick gap here, but Moses and Cyrus Kouandjio might flip draft spots. Either could justify a round 1 pick.
44
RAMS
Cody Latimer
WIDE RECEIVER INDIANA
One of the fastest draft risers, Latimer adds to—and may pull away from—a crowded St. Louis receiving corps.
45
LIONS
Allen Robinson
WIDE RECEIVER PENN STATE
Add the reliable Robinson to Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, and Matthew Stafford will be out of excuses in the passing game.
46 [VALUE PICK]
STEELERS
Jimmie Ward
STRONG SAFETY NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Off-season foot surgery slowed Ward, pushing him into round 2. Pittsburgh has to start prepping for life after Troy Polamalu.
47 [OFF-FIELD RISK]
COWBOYS
Demarcus Lawrence
DEFENSIVE END BOISE STATE
He served three one-game suspensions in college, but Dallas needs a high-upside DE and tends to take these risks.
48 [SINKER]
RAVENS
Stephon Tuitt
DEF. END/TACKLE NOTRE DAME
Once thought to be a first-round lock, he slides to a team that will put him to good use: The Ravens lost DE Arthur Jones in free agency.
49 [VALUE PICK]
JETS
Joel Bitonio
GUARD/TACKLE NEVADA
He could be drafted as early as the bottom third of round 1, mainly because he could slot in just about anywhere on the O-line.
50
DOLPHINS
Deone Bucannon
STRONG SAFETY WASHINGTON ST.
Louis Delmas's injury history makes finding another reliable safety option a necessity. Bucannon plays with Delmas-like aggression.
51
BEARS
Bashaud Breeland
CORNERBACK CLEMSON
Neither Charles Tillman nor Tim Jennings is getting any younger, and Breeland could become something special at corner.
52 [STRETCH]
CARDINALS
Ja'Wuan James
TACKLE TENNESSEE
Many prefer James to Vols teammate Antonio Richardson. With Arizona's Jared Veldheer at LT, James can anchor on the right.
53
PACKERS
Troy Niklas
TIGHT END NOTRE DAME
He's more of an old-school blocking tight end than Ebron (No. 12) or Amaro (32). That's perfect for Green Bay and QB Aaron Rodgers.
54
EAGLES
Terrence Brooks
FREE SAFETY FLORIDA STATE
An intriguing prospect, Brooks has speed and athleticism that coach Chip Kelly will note as he eyes defensive reinforcements.
55
BENGALS
Scott Crichton
DEFENSIVE END OREGON STATE
Free agency thinned out Cincy's defensive end ranks. Crichton has round 1 upside and a motor that always runs hot.
56 [VALUE PICK]
49ERS (from chiefs)
Jordan Matthews
WIDE RECEIVER VANDERBILT
Proof that this draft is chock full of receiver talent: Matthews is on the board at No. 56 after an SEC-record 112-catch season.
57
CHARGERS
Marcus Roberson
CORNERBACK FLORIDA
San Diego's corners were among the NFL's worst in 2013. The overlooked but immensely talented Roberson would be a godsend.
58
SAINTS
Trent Murphy
DEF. END/OLB STANFORD
Not the fastest or strongest or biggest prospect out there, Murphy is still a QB-seeking force in the pass rush.
59 [VALUE PICK]
COLTS
Weston Richburg
CENTER COLORADO STATE
Expect to see a few centers roll off the board in rounds 2 through 4. Indy strikes first, landing its new starter at the position.
60
PANTHERS
Davante Adams
WIDE RECEIVER FRESNO STATE
Maybe not the true No. 1 receiver that Carolina desires. Still, Adams could stuff the stat sheet with Cam Newton targeting him.
61 [SINKER]
49ERS
Dominique Easley
DEF. END/TACKLE FLORIDA
Like San Francisco's '13 round 2 DE, Tank Carradine, Easley won't climb much higher than this due to rehab from a serious knee injury.
62 [TRADE BAIT]
PATRIOTS
Lamarcus Joyner
CORNERBACK FLORIDA STATE
Given New England's history, pretty much any Pats pick is trade bait—but it would be hard to move if Joyner remains on the board.
63
BRONCOS
Jarvis Landry
WIDE RECEIVER LSU
A luxury pick of the best player left. He would be a No. 2 WR elsewhere. In Denver, he's a 50-catch guy and Wes Welker insurance.
64 [INSTANT STARTER]
SEAHAWKS
Gabe Jackson
GUARD MISSISSIPPI STATE
Reminiscent of another recent SEC standout, Lions rookie Larry Warford, Jackson has what it takes to pave lanes for Marshawn Lynch.
PHOTO
SCOTT CUNNINGHAM FOR SI (CLOWNEY)
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MO KHURSHEED/TFV MEDIA/CSM (MATTHEWS)
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KEVIN HOFFMAN/USA TODAY SPORTS (MACK)
TWO PHOTOS
JOHN W. MCDONOUGH/SI (MANZIEL, EVANS)
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JC RIDLEY/CSM (WATKINS)
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JOHN GREEN/CSM (ROBINSON)
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TOM DIPACE (BORTLES)
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JAMIE RHODES/USA TODAY SPORTS (PRYOR)
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ZACH BOLINGER/ICON SMI (DENNARD)
TWO PHOTOS
AL TIELEMANS/SI (KOUANDJIO, BRIDGEWATER)
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BUTCH DILL/AP (MOSLEY)
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JAY LAPRETE/AP (SHAZIER)
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JAIME VALDEZ/USA TODAY SPORTS (COOKS)
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JIM COWSERT/AP (VERRETT)
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CARLOS OSORIO/AP (LEWAN)
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ICON SMI (BARR)
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SUE OGROCKI/AP (GILBERT)
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JEREMY MCKNIGHT/ICON SMI (EBRON)
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RYAN A. MILLER/ICON SMI (CLINTON-DIX)
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CHARLES LECLAIRE/USA TODAY SPORTS (DONALD)
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GREG NELSON FOR SI (BECKHAM)
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BRIAN EKART/ICON SMI (HAGEMAN)
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ROBIN ALAM/ICON SMI (NIX)
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LEE COLEMAN/ICON SMI (FULLER)
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JOHN W. MCDONOUGH/SI (LEE)
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JOE CAMPOREALE/USA TODAY SPORTS (MARTIN)
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KEVIN JAIRAJ/USA TODAY SPORTS (EALY)
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JAY LAPRETE/AP (ROBY)
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CHRISTOPHER TRIM/CSM (SU'A-FILO)
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JOHN WEAST/GETTY IMAGES (AMARO)
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BILL FRAKES/SI (METTENBERGER)
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JOHN FISHER/CSM (BORLAND)
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KEITH BIRMINGHAM/SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE/ZUMAPRESS.COM (BENJAMIN)
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CARY EDMONDSON/USA TODAY SPORTS (CARR)
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JEREMY BREVARD/USA TODAY SPORTS (ATTAOCHU)
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KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES (FORD)
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BRADLEY LEEB/USA TODAY SPORTS (GAROPPOLO)
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BOYD IVEY/ICON SMI (VAN NOY)
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ORLANDO RAMIREZ/ICON SMI (BITONIO)
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RIC TAPIA/ICON SMI (BUCANNON)
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DOUG BUFFINGTON/ICON SMI (BREELAND)
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WADE PAYNE/AP (JAMES)
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JOE RAYMOND/AP (NIKLAS)
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STEPHAN SAVOIA/AP (BROOKS)
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ERIC GAY/AP (CRICHTON)
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DON MCPEAK/USA TODAY SPORTS (MATTHEWS)
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GEORGE HOLLAND/CSM (SEFERIAN-JENKINS)
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MIKE EHRMANN/GETTY IMAGES (HYDE)
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ANDREW SHURTLEFF/ZUMAPRESS.COM (MOSES)
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MIKE DINOVO/USA TODAY SPORTS (LATIMER)
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RICH BARNES/USA TODAY SPORTS (ROBINSON)
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TODD ROSENBERG FOR SI (WARD)
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RIC TAPIA/ICON SMI (LAWRENCE)
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JOHN MERSITS/CSM (TUITT)
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KIM KLEMENT/USA TODAY SPORTS (ROBERSON)
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JEFF CHIU/AP (MURPHY)
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DEREK REGENSBURGER/CSM (RICHBURG)
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THEARON W. HENDERSON/GETTY IMAGES (ADAMS)
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TOM DIPACE (EASLEY)
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CHRIS KEANE FOR SI (JOYNER)
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BILL FRAKES/SI (LANDRY)
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MARK HUMPHREY/AP (JACKSON)