2014 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
#13
The Rams must find a running mate in the secondary to pair with Janoris Jenkins. Oklahoma State CB Justin Gilbert has seen his stock rise and fall over the pre-draft process, but he is widely considered the top CB prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has the size (6’0″ 202 lbs.) and speed (4.37 40-yard dash) of an elite NFL CB, but some scouts question his mental toughness and intensity level. That’s a nice way of scouts saying they think he is soft. The Rams could look at some WRs with this pick, but after the addition of Kenny Britt it’s more likely they add offensive weapons in the 2nd round.
Rams Previous Mocks: LT Taylor Lewan
#14
This could be the biggest slam dunk in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Bears need younger bodies on the defense and Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald is one of the fastest rising prospects in the draft. He uses his small stature and incredible lower body strength to disrupt offensive lines and moved up on 32 draft boards after impressing scouts and coaches at the Senior Bowl. Donald’s rise has moved him ahead of Timmy Jernigan as the top DT in the draft and could be selected as early as the top-10. If so, the Bears should look to improve the depth of their secondary. Charles Tillman was brought back on a 1-year deal and could lose his starting spot after this year if the right rookie comes along.
Bears Previous Mocks: DT Timmy Jernigan
#15
The Steelers defense is currently a shade of its Super Bowl defense. The once feared pass rush of James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley has been replaced by Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones. The secondary still has Polamalu, but he is aging and struggles to stay healthy for an entire season. It’s important for DC Dick LeBeau to have playmakers in the secondary, especially when you face A.J. Green, Josh Gordon, and Torrey Smith twice a season. Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard was a leader of one of the more physical defenses in college football and has that grittiness that the Steelers look for in defenders.
Steelers Previous Mocks: FS Calvin Pryor & T/G Zack Martin
#16
The Cowboys love UCLA OLB Anthony Barr and after a trip to Dallas to talk with DC Rod Marinelli, Barr loves the idea of playing for them too. Marinelli plans to play Barr as a DE to utilize his pass rushing abilities and begin replacing the production lost when DeMarcus Ware was released for salary cap relief. In any other year, Anthony Barr would’ve been selected in the top-10, maybe even top-5 of the NFL Draft. With the pass rushing depth of Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack, Anthony Barr may slip right into the Cowboys lap.
Cowboys Previous Mocks: DT Timmy Jernigan & DT Aaron Donald
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