Chris and I are back with selections 13-16 of the 2014 Mock First Round Draft. Chris has the odd numbers and I have the even.
13. St. Louis Rams – Haha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
This Rams need help in their secondary and Dennard and the top two safeties are still on the board…. However I think their bigger need is at safety. TJ McDonald is more of an in the box defender, which is why Clinton-Dix is a better compliment than Calvin Pryor.
14. Chicago Bears – Timmy Jernigan, NT, Florida State
The Bears gave up a lot of yardage in the running game last year and Jernigan will help shore that up. Aaron Donald is a possibility here but I think his lack of height worries some. Jernigan is probably better suited to play nose in a 3-4, but Chicago is primarily a 4-3 team. That said, the Bears expect to use multiple fronts this season and Jernigan’s two-gap ability should come in handy. He has incredible strength and good feet and should compliment the additions on the outside of the D-line.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Let me start by saying I’m predicting the direction the Steelers would go. If I’m in the war room, I’m advocating Eric Ebron here. Dennard playing off-man and getting a lot of flags in the NFL still worries me, but I think that’s the direction the Steelers go. Dennard does fit the range here though. The best case scenario would be to drop down a few spots and see if Ebron or Dennard is still on the board. If not, Roby, Fuller, Beckham Jr, Hageman, Benjamin, etc. wouldn’t be a bad second option.
16. Dallas Cowboys – Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
With Anthony Barr off the board, the Cowboys decide to add to the secondary in this first round rather than address the pass rusher spot. Pryor is a big-time hitter and is willing to throw his body around. His attitude and swagger will be welcome in Big D by a fan base and defense that has lacked both. While he can sometimes get out of control, with proper coaching he should be a day one starter for the Cowboys.
1 comment
I’m with you on Ebron. I think they should take either Ebron or Mosley here. I think #15 is too high for any CB available in this draft. I like the kid Desir and would like to see them wait and try to get a guy like that. Cortez Allen style player. Has great size and high IQ from what I hear but is a bit slow. This is the type of guy that normally fits within a Lebeau defense.