FanPost

NFL DRAFT 2014 "The First 13 Picks..."

The Draft could take shape this way...

1. Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Why: The Texans should take the #1 player in the draft. The dynamic duo of J.J. Watt and Clowney would strike fear into opposing passing offenses. Andrew Luck and the Colts would be reluctant to pass the pass the ball as much as they when Watt and Clowney are coming around the ends in endless pursuit.

Why Not: The Texans need a franchise QB to lead this team. The Matt Schaub era has closed and TJ Yates is only serviceable as a backup. Arian Foster needs a QB to balance the offense.

Alternative Option: "Blake Bortles, QB, UCF"

Key FA Addition: Matt Cassel, QB, Vikings

2. St. Louis Rams - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Why: As it has been said before: the Rams truly need a #1 WR. I personally love Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey moving into the future. But Brian Quick and Chris Givens don't cut it for me in terms of being the #1 guy. I want to keep them around in terms of depth and rotation depending the types of defenses we face, but Sammy Watkins is a supreme talent that doesn't come around often. And I consider him the #2 prospect right behind Jadeveon Clowney.

Why Not: The Rams already have 5 young receivers all under the age of 26. Les Snead already made a pitch earlier that he could be content with what they have at the wide out position. Plus, the Rams are more needy in the secondary and offensive line. The possibility of trading down is most likely scenario that Snead & Fisher can accumulate more picks to their already abundance.

Alternative Option: "Trade Down"

Key FA Addition: Alterraun Verner, CB, Titans

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

Why: Bortles proved that he was the best of the 3 quarterbacks in the NFL Combine. Jacksonville so desperate needs a franchise signal caller.

Why Not: Depending on how the top 2 picks unfold, Jacksonville could take Clowney if he slides or the Jacksonville front office could fall in love with Manziel.

Alternative Option: "Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M"

Key FA Addition: Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars

4. Cleveland Browns - Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

Why: Khalil Mack has now entered the Top 5 discussion because of his impressive combine. Pettine is a defensive guy, and therefore the Browns could bolster their defense with their top pick.

Why Not: Like, the Jaguars, the Browns need a franchise signal caller because Weeden sucks...The Browns already have a solid defense, so addressing the offensive side of the ball might become the priority despite Pettine's background.

Alternative Option: "Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville"

Key FA Addition: Jarius Byrd, S, Bills

5. Oakland Raiders - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Why: Manziel fits the Oakland Raiders style of play. See last year: Terrelle Pryor. Even though the Pryor experiment did not work, Manziel is a far better upgrade than Terrelle Pryor. Manziel would fit right in with the typical front office of Oakland - a speedy player that brings a lot of off-field attention.

Why Not: Oakland apparently liked Derek Carr more after the combine. They also liked and have been looking intensely at Khalil Mack. And besides, when has Oakland ever been predictable when it comes to the NFL Draft...

Alternative Option: "Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo"

Key FA Addition: Lamar Houston, DE, Oakland

6. Atlanta Falcons - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Why: The Falcons protection was their Achilles heal last year. Granted their were injuries across the front, but the question is if they are reliable moving forward due to injury concerns, age, talent, etc. Greg Robinson would be a huge addition to protect the franchise's centerpiece: Matt Ryan.

Why Not: The Falcons front office is known for wheelin' and dealin'. They have their interest in Jadeveon Clowney since he said he would embrace being a Falcon. Jake Matthews also could be favored over Robinson.

Alternative Option: "Trade Up"

Key FA Addition: Louis Delmas, S, Lions

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Why: Rumors have spread that Lovie Smith would like to build his team with a new franchise quarterback instead of using Matt Glennon. The Bucs feel like they could contend if they landed one of the top 3 quarterbacks this May.

Why Not: Offensive line needs to be addressed, and Bridgewater might not fall to #7.

Alternative Option: "Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn"

Key FA Addition: Devin Hester, WR/KR, Bears

8. Minnesota Vikings - "TRADE"

Why: If the Vikings land Michael Vick via Free Agency and all 3 top quarterbacks are off the board, then Minnesota may very well trade back to accumulate more picks while only moving back 4-7 spots back in the order. The Rams may elect to move up from the #13 spot to the #8 spot to land Jake Matthews.

Why Not: The Vikings need help. End of story.

Alternative Option: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

Key Addition: "Michael Vick, QB, Eagles"

9. Buffalo Bills - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Why: With Stevie Johnson aging and Sammy Watkins off the board, the Bills may take Evans since he has entered the Top 10 discussion.

Why Not: The Bills are pretty set at the receiving position and need more assistance on the offensive line.

Alternative Option: "Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M"

Key FA Addition: Mike Mitchell, S, Panthers

10. Detroit Lions - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Why: The Lions secondary is atrocious. Dennard will be a Day 1 starter that can help fix their yearly problems.

Why Not: The Lions have been known to do a number of different things come draft day. The only thing I don't see them doing is taking a defensive lineman...yet I could be wrong...

Alternative Option: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Key FA Addition: Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants

11. Tennessee Titans - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Why: The Titans could use protection up front to secure their quarterback.

Why Not: The Titans defense could use a drastic improvement.

Alternative Option: "C.J. Mosely, LB, Alabama"

Key FA Addition: Cortland Finnegan, CB, Rams

12. New York Giants - Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Why: Anthony Barr could help a defense that was trounced early and often last year.

Why Not: The Giants could use help on the offensive of the ball too. Offensive tackle or secondary are options.

Alternative Option: "HaHa Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama"

Key FA Addition: Kenny Britt, WR, Titans

13. St. Louis Rams - "TRADE"

Why: The Rams may want to move up via the Vikings to land their man (Jeff Fisher's man - Jake Matthews). The likelihood of Jake Matthews lasting until pick 13 is very risky. The Rams have the firepower to move. They should pull the trigger.

Why Not: Its a slim chance as of right now for the Rams to move up. The chances of the Rams landing Sammy Watkins and Jake Matthews (2 blue chip prospects) is even slimmer unfortunately.

Alternative Option: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

Key FA Addition: Jo-Lunn Dunbar, LB, Rams