My First and Last Mock of the 2014 Mock Draft Season

Most draft experts say this is one of the deepest draft classes in recent history. It seems as if that statement is used every year, but I digress. I am no draft expert. I’ve admittedly flip-flopped on several prospects and draft strategies. Anticipation is at an all-time high with only a few days until the 2014 NFL Draft. Conversely, patience is at an all-time low. With that being said, let’s jump right into my first ever mock draft. This mock draft does not forecast any potential trades.

Round 1, Pick 2: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

The key reason I chose Robinson over wide receiver Sammy Watkins is due to scheme. The Rams’ proved last year that they are far more effective as a ground and pound team instead of the attempted reincarnation of The Greatest Show on Turf that failed miserably in the early portion of the season. Robinson is a noted mauler in the run game. He also has history of playing guard. Both of those facts play directly into the Rams’ hands. I draft Robinson with the intention of starting him at left guard, with the potential to play either tackle spot in the future.

Round 1, Pick 13: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

I initially had Ha Ha Clinton-Dix here. I believe free safety is a dire need. An entertaining exchange with a member of TST prompted me to do some more homework, so I did just that. I will address that conversation, and the need at free safety later in this mock draft. Dennard has good size and strength for the position. He also fits what the St. Louis will do defensively. A predominately press-man corner with exceptional technique will shine in our scheme. With that being said, I would like to see more interceptions from him. Richard Sherman said it best. The top corners get picks because they bait quarterbacks into seeing something that’s not really there. I personally agree with that sentiment but I still believe Dennard could be a stud in our defense.

Round 2, Pick 12 (44): Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois

A spirited conversation with holtfan in the comment section of an article was instrumental in this pick. Holtfan told me that he liked Ward more than Clinton-Dix and Calvin Pryor. I told him I just didn’t think Ward was the right safety for us. I was aware of his stats and his ball-hawking ability. I just didn’t want him. I decided to reevaluate him without any prejudice or bias. My conclusion is that Ward was more than worthy of our second round selection. Let’s hope he stops climbing up draft boards. Stop talking about Ward, Bucky Brooks!!! By the way, I previously had Gabe Jackson, guard from Mississippi St at this pick.

Round 3, Pick 11 (75): Aaron Murray, QB, UGA

The basic logic behind this pick is to draft the best quarterback available. The 3rd round seems like a good spot to get a quarterback for both depth and a potential challenger for the starting role under center. I like Murray, although I would much rather have Jimmy Garoppolo. Unfortunately, I think Garoppolo will be long gone by this point. My original pick here was Pierre Desir, cornerback from Lindenwood. I changed it because we need a quarterback to challenge Bradford.

Round 4, Pick 10 (110) Shayne Skov, MLB, Stanford

I love this guy’s intensity and effort. His energy is infectious. Skov is very instinctive, which is an instrumental aspect of being a good middle linebacker. He shows decent sideline to sideline speed. Skov is a consistent tackler and a hell of a blitzer. We need depth at mike and I would love for Skov to fill that role. He has pass coverage limitations but I believe he can be coached up. My original pick here was Dri Archer, wide receiver/running back from Kent State. Unfortunately Archer is reportedly shooting up draft boards.

Round 5, Pick 13 (153) Chris Watt, OG, Norte Dame

Watt has been pegged as a 3rd-5th round pick. If he is still there, the Rams should sprint to the podium with his name on the card. He has very good run blocking skills and decent pass pro technique. Watt obviously won’t be a day one starter by any means, but we need depth and he should be a good piece to add to the roster. My original pick here was Brandon Coleman, wide receiver from Rutgers. Coleman’s projections are all over the board. Some have him as a day three selection while others have him going in the third round.

Round 6, Pick 12 (188) Shamar Stephen, DT, Connecticut

Shamar Stephen is an exceptional run stopper. He isn’t a premier pass rusher right now but I believe he could at least push the pocket for Chris Long and Robert Quinn.

Round 6, Pick 38 (214) Larry Webster, DE, Bloomsburg

Webster is a D-II product. He is extremely raw due to the fact that he only played two years of football. Even with limited football experience, Webster set a school record with 13.5 sacks in 2012. Webster is a speed rusher with decent strength. He definitely has room on his frame for some more muscle mass. Some scouts think he could be a stud at tight end, thanks to his extensive basketball history. There’s a lot of potential here.

Round 7, Pick 11 (226) Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley State

Janis is another D-II standout. He racked up 83 receptions for 1,572 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2013. He’s tall and fast. Janis will need to refine his route running and catching consistency but he is obviously very talented.

Round 7, Pick 26 (241) Travis Carrie, CB, Ohio

Carrie is a big and strong cornerback. He is built to play press-man coverage. Carrie displays solid instincts and tackles well.

Round 7, Pick 34 (249) Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis

Ballentine is a tall and rangy safety. He’s fast with major leaping ability. Ballentine also has experience covering slot receivers.

Round 7, Pick 35 (250) Luke Lucas, OT, Kansas St

Lucas is a developmental tackle. Lucas’ 6’8" frame leaves room for more muscle mass. It is more than likely that he will need to move to the right side in the NFL.