Commish pre-Combine 2 round Mock Draft

1. Houston Texans – Jadeveon Clowney – DE – South CarolinaCommish’s Comments: While the Texans are in need of a quarterback, passing on Clowney might be too difficult to do. It is true that this draft does not possess an “Andrew Luck” type player, so the Texans and new coach Bill O’Brien might be better off taking the draft’s most talented player and targeting a quarterback at the top of round 2.2. St. Louis Rams (via WAS) – Sammy Watkins – WR – ClemsonCommish’s Comments: Recent reports by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports have shown that the Rams have “absolutely no intention” of signing Sam Bradford to a long-term contract. Bradford, with two years left on his hefty rookie contract, has a lot to prove both in health and wins to remain with the Rams for the foreseeable future. Some will start to predict a quarterback to the Rams with this pick, but if the Rams are still locked in with Bradford, why not give him more weapons. Offensive tackle is a distinct possibility, but a receiving corps of Sammy Watkins, this draft’s most explosive playmaker, and Tavon Austin would give Bradford the necessary tools to have a high-flying offense.3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Teddy Bridgewater – QB – LouisvilleCommish’s Comments: While I believe Jaguars coach Gus Bradley would love to grab a pass rusher like Clowney or Khalil Mack, passing on a quarterback would send Jaguars fans into hysteria. Teddy Bridgewater had been the overwhelming top choice at quarterback for a majority of the 2013 season. Bridgewater’s accuracy, athleticism, and leadership will be a great addition to a Jaguars team that found ways to win a couple games with Chad Henne last year. I’m not convinced the Jaguars are equipped or want to deal with the potential distractions and coverage Johnny Manziel would bring.4. Cleveland Browns – Johnny Manziel – QB – Texas A&M Commish’s Comments: It has been a long time since the Browns have had a team that could truly compete for a playoff birth. The Browns have a lot of the pieces in place, but their quarterback play has been awful. Manziel has his limitations and concerns, but Manziel possesses that special attribute of always finding a way to make a special play when his team needs it most. Manziel’s play from the pocket is also very underrated. As for off-field distractions, the positive here is that Manziel comes from a wealthy family, so new money will not overwhelm him like it would other players.5. Oakland Raiders – Khalil Mack – DE/OLB – BuffaloCommish’s Comments: If I’m the Raiders, I’m looking at how the Seahawks defense handled Peyton Manning in the super bowl and try to mimic that on my team. The AFC West consists of two of the more stationary quarterbacks in the NFL in Manning and Phillip Rivers. Mack is a relentless pass rusher that can play linebacker or put his hand in the dirt. He plays with excellent leverage which allows him to power his way back to the quarterback. Raiders coach Dennis Allen could use Khalil Mack in a very similar way to how he used Von Miller while the Broncos defensive coordinator in 2011 when Miller made the Pro Bowl and was the AFC’s defensive player of the year.6. Atlanta Falcons – Jake Matthews – OT – Texas A&MCommish’s Comments: The Falcons are desperate to bolster both sides of their line of scrimmage. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff has a pattern of drafting proven players from bigger colleges in the 1st round of drafts since he took over the Falcons in 2008. While some may consider Auburn’s Greg Robinson the most physically gifted offensive tackle in this draft, it’s hard to argue against Matthews track record at Texas A&M and his bloodlines. Matthews is the safest and best pick the Falcons could have other than Clowney.7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Greg Robinson – OT – AuburnCommish’s Comments: Over the past five years, the Buccaneers invested just one 5th round selection in 2009 on an offensive lineman when they drafted Illinois OT Xavier Fulton. Last season, the Bucs offensive line was one of the bigger disappointments on a very disappointing team. Davin Joseph did not return from injury the way most wanted him to. Carl Nicks has had continued problems with his toe that has included MRSA. Donald Penn will be 31 years old with a contract that pays him at least $6.5m each of the next two years. Robinson would be a nice start to the Bucs revamping their offensive line. He is a dominating force up front that was leaned upon numerous times during the national title game against Florida State. Robinson can drive defensive lineman off the ball in the run game, has quick feet and is nimble in pass protection, and has the athleticism to get outside on screen passes to deliver the clutch block for a big play. I’m one of the people that feels the Bucs should try and upgrade at quarterback if the opportunity is there. If both Bridgewater and Manziel are off the board at this point, a selection of Robinson might not be the sexiest pick, but it would be the right pick.8. Minnesota Vikings – Blake Bortles – QB – UCFCommish’s Comments: It seems like every year we’re discussing if the Vikings are going to find their quarterback to complete their team. With new offensive coordinator Norv Turner taking over, I think Blake Bortles would be a great fit for that style of offense. Bortles has prototypical size, athleticism, and touch on his passes. The Vikings will continue to be a run-first offense with Adrian Peterson, but Bortles would give them a quarterback to lean on when the pressure mounts.9. Buffalo Bills – Eric Ebron – TE – North CarolinaCommish’s Comments: I’m a big believer in young quarterbacks having a reliable tight end to take some of the added pressure off of them. The Bills invested a 1st round pick in EJ Manuel a year ago, and right or wrong, he will be their quarterback moving forward. The best thing the Bills can do for their young signal caller now is to surround him with as many weapons as possible. I think the Bills could go wide receiver or tight end here and neither would be wrong. Ebron is a pass receiving tight end who can stretch the middle of the field and become a mismatch for opposing defenses.10. Detroit Lions – Mike Evans – WR – Texas A&MCommish’s Comments: The Lions could go in a few different directions here, but they need to find a player that will finally get them over the hump and into the postseason. While they might need some more help in their secondary, adding a secondary big target like Mike Evans opposite of Calvin Johnson became very attractive to me. Evans was Johnny Manziel’s go-to receiver at Texas A&M and possesses a lot of the same characteristics as Bucs WR Vincent Jackson.11. Tennessee Titans – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – S – AlabamaCommish’s Comments: Clinton-Dix reminds me a lot of Mark Barron from a couple years ago. Having a safety that can match up with physically and run with the tight ends in the NFL these days is extremely valuable. The Titans could look towards a defensive end like Anthony Barr or Kony Ealy here, but the top safety in the draft might be too attractive to pass on.12. New York Giants – CJ Mosley – LB – AlabamaCommish’s Comments: The Giants finally addressed their linebacker corps last season when they traded for Jon Beason, but he is a free agent now. The Giants still need a leader at linebacker to bring their defense together. Mosley proved in 2013 that he could be a 3-down linebacker and he was also the undisputed leader of the Alabama defense. With Justin Tuck’s likely departure in free agency, a defensive end like Barr or Ealy could be in the discussion as well.13. St. Louis Rams – Taylor Lewan – OT – MichiganCommish’s Comments: After passing on an offensive tackle early to get Sammy Watkins, the Rams jump on Taylor Lewan with this pick. With Jake Long coming back from a torn ACL and MCL in week 16 of the 2013 season and Rodger Saffold a free agent, the Rams need to address their offensive line this off-season. While Lewan might not be an elite pass blocker, he is very talented and very physical. Lewan fits the mold of what Jeff Fisher has typically had at offensive tackle during his head coaching career.14. Chicago Bears – Timmy Jernigan – DT – FSUCommish’s Comments: The Bears need some help along their defensive line. With a possible release of Julius Peppers and Henry Melton heading to free agency, the Bears could be in position to take the best available defensive lineman. Jernigan has gotten some rave reviews early in this draft process and might be good fit for what the Bears are looking to do on defense under Mel Tucker. Jernigan is your classic under-tackle with a quick first step and getting penetration into opposing offensive backfields. Do not discount a cornerback here for the Bears either especially if Justin Gilbert and Darquese Dennard are both available.15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Justin Gilbert – CB – Oklahoma St.Commish’s Comments: The Steelers have invested a lot of high draft picks to their front 7 on defense or their offensive line the past 5 years. While the Steelers could use another offensive tackle, it might be time to address an aging secondary that could potentially consist of two cap casualties this off-season in Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor. Gilbert is a big corner with good speed and the ability to play the ball in the air.16. Dallas Cowboys – Anthony Barr – DE/OLB – UCLACommish’s Comments: Barr has been a player who has been regularly placed in the top 10 of this draft, but his film from 2013 does not match that of a top 10 selection. I did not see an overly physical or strong player coming off the edge. Barr has a lot of natural talent and had much better film in 2012 than he did in 2013. If he does slip this far, it might only be to his benefit to play for Rod Marinelli. Marinelli will no doubt get the most out of Barr and turn that potential into a great player.17. Baltimore Ravens – Kelvin Benjamin – WR – FSUCommish’s Comments: It was evident that Joe Flacco was uncomfortable in 2013 without Anquan Boldin and his tight end, Dennis Pitta, going down with an injury. Torrey Smith is a deep threat, but has yet to develop into a go-to receiver when the offense needs a big catch on 3rd down. Benjamin is a huge receiver who made big play after big play for FSU in 2013. Benjamin might not possess elite speed, but much like Alshon Jeffrey with the Bears, where Benjamin might lack in elite speed, he makes up for in length.18. New York Jets – Jace Amaro – TE – Texas TechCommish’s Comments: The Jets are in a similar situation to the Buffalo Bils. They need to put more weapons around their young quarterback. With Evans, Benjamin, and Ebron off the board, the Jets go for the next big tight end in Amaro. Amaro may not be dominant in blocking, but he is a big bodied tight end that can line up in the slot and beat a corner with his quickness. Amaro is an instant mismatch for a defense.19. Miami Dolphins – Zack Martin – OT – Notre DameCommish’s Comments: Let’s face it, the Dolphins have needs at every offensive line position. Martin was very impressive at the senior bowl and does not have any character concerns that we know about yet. Martin could project to tackle in the pros, but might be better off at guard where he has pro bowl potential.20. Arizona Cardinals – Cyrus Kouandjio – OT – AlabamaCommish’s Comments: The Cardinals traded away disappointing Levi Brown last year and still have a big need at offensive tackle. With an immobile quarterback like Carson Palmer, it is very important to have an offensive line to protect him. Kouandjio has the big body and long arms you look for in an offensive tackle, but he is not an elite pass blocker. I’m not sure Kouandjio will be a pro bowl player, but I can see him starting in the NFL for 10 years.21. Green Bay Packers – Ra’Shede Hageman – DT – MinnesotaCommish’s Comments: Defensive tackle BJ Raji is likely gone in free agency this off-season as the Packers look to get more athletic with their defensive line. Hageman is a player I expect to be very impressive at the combine as he displays his unique athleticism with his massive frame at 6’6” and 310 lbs.22. Philadelphia Eagles – Calvin Pryor – S – LouisvilleCommish’s Comments: The Eagles must address their secondary this off-season. Pryor could compete with Clinton-Dix to be the 1st safety off the board. Pryor is another big safety (6’2” 208 lbs) that can play centerfield and deliver big hits. Pryor is probably better suited to play closer to the line of scrimmage to help out in run support and match up with tight ends.23. Kansas City Chiefs – Marquis Lee – WR – USCCommish’s Comments: The Chiefs defense seems to be in good shape despite their performance in the postseason. Andy Reid would love to upgrade his receiving corps with more players that fit his scheme. Lee is a big time playmaker with a ton of speed and athleticism. Lee’s an immediate upgrade for the Chiefs on offense.24. Cincinnati Bengals – Kony Ealy – DE – MissouriCommish’s Comments: Michael Johnson will be allowed to test free agency and will most likely leave the Bengals this off-season. The Bengals have invested a lot of draft picks into their offense over recent years, so it makes sense to address a hole on defense. Ealy has a nice blend of speed and power off the edge. I could see Ealy as a 10 year starter with pro bowl potential.25. San Diego Chargers – Darqueze Dennard - CB - Michigan St.Commish’s Comments: Speed is Dennard’s biggest question, but for the corner-needy Chargers, Dennard would be a steal at this point. Dennard is a physical corner that gets in the face of receivers. It’s difficult to explain by writing, but when you watch Dennard, he just looks different than the other players on the field. He looks like an NFL player. If Dennard runs well at the combine, he could go much higher than this.26. Cleveland Browns (via IND) – David Yankey – OG – StanfordCommish’s Comments: If the Browns are going to have Johnny Manziel at quarterback, they better have an offensive line that can protect for him. Yankey left Stanford a year early after already receiving his degree. With Joe Thomas at left tackle and the possible resigning of Alex Mack, the Browns would be slowly building the NFL’s best offensive line in front of Manziel.27. New Orleans Saints – Dee Ford – DE – AuburnCommish’s Comments: The Saints could be in the market for an upgrade at offensive line, but getting a pass rusher like Dee Ford would be ideal for Rob Ryan’s defense. The Saints lacked an edge rusher in 2013, so Ford could fill that void. The more I watch of Ford, the more I like him.28. Carolina Panthers – Odell Beckham Jr. – WR – LSUCommish’s Comments: I feel every year I’m talking about the Panthers needing a receiver opposite of Steve Smith. Beckham Jr. has great speed and the ability to reach top speed quickly. He has very good hands and can make the tough catch in coverage. The Panthers might also think about an offensive lineman or cornerback here as well.29. New England Patriots – Bradley Roby – CB – Ohio St.Commish’s Comments: Do not underestimate the relationship between Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer. Belichick drafted numerous Florida Gators while Urban was with Florida. Roby is as athletic as cornerbacks will come this year. He had a slightly down year in 2013 when some scouts thought he was coasting at the end of the year with an eye on the NFL. If the Patriots allow Aqib Talib to walk in free agency, cornerback will be a need for the team.30. San Francisco 49ers – Louis Nix – DT – Notre DameCommish’s Comments: Year after year the 49ers get tremendous value with their large amount of picks. Nix would be amazing value for the 49ers if he fell to this pick. Nix would be a great fit in the 49ers defense with his frame (6’3” 340 lbs), but also his athleticism and ability to move that big frame. Nix would be an upgrade over Glenn Dorsey, who did very well for the 49ers in 2013.31. Denver Broncos – Morgan Moses – OT - VirginiaCommish’s Comments: The Seattle Seahawks exploited the Broncos offensive line in the super bowl. The Broncos will get left tackle Ryan Clady back from injury, but they might also look to bolster their right tackle spot with a player who can play either tackle spot. Moses helped his stock tremendously at the senior bowl.32. Seattle Seahawks – Stephon Tuitt – DE – Notre DameCommish’s Comments: All you can do is shake your head as the rich get richer. With Michael Bennett likely leaving in free agency, The Seahawks could end up with an ideal replacement. Tuitt can play defensive end, but like Bennett, can slide down to defensive tackle and become a penetrating pass rusher from that spot as well.Round 2:33. Houston Texans – Zach Mettenberger – QB – LSUCommish’s Comments: After grabbing Clowney with the 1st pick, Bill O’Brien gets his QB at the top of round 2. Mettenberger is a pocket passer coming off an ACL injury, but his arm talent will be very attractive to the QB-hungry coach. O’Brien has typically had pocket passers over the last 7 years of his career, so Mettenberger could be an ideal fit.34. Washington Redskins – Lamarcus Joyner – CB/S – FSUCommish’s Comments: Without a 1st round pick and a new head coach, the Redskins need a playmaker that can come in and help them win games. Joyner was a leader for Florida State’s defense and always around the ball. He’d be a big boost to the back end of the Redskins defense.35. Cleveland Browns – Carlos Hyde – RB – Ohio St.Commish’s Comments: The Browns have their QB and a big boost to their offensive line from the 1st round. New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will want a running back who has good vision and power through a hole.36. Oakland Raiders – Derek Carr – QB – Fresno St.Commish’s Comments: The Raiders keep Carr close to home and give him an opportunity to start immediately. Carr has a quick release and displays very good leadership.37. Atlanta Falcons – Trent Murphy – DE – StanfordCommish’s Comments: Thomas Dimitroff goes after another proven player from a big university. Murphy could become a leader for the Falcons defense and gives them a big boost along their defensive line.38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brandin Cooks – WR – Oregon St.Commish’s Comments: While some Bucs fans might have been disappointed after missing out on Sammy Watkins in the 1st round of my mock, Cooks might be the next best thing. Don’t let Cooks small stature (5’10” 186 lbs) fool you, he plays much bigger on the field. Cooks can play inside as a slot receiver or stretch the field from the outside. If the Bucs are looking to get “speed in space,” Cooks would be the ideal pick in round 2.39. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kyle Van Noy – DE/OLB – BYUCommish’s Comments: Head coach Gus Bradley gets his pass rusher after maybe having his hand forced in round 1. Van Noy is a good fit for the “joker” position as a pass rushing linebacker.40. Minnesota Vikings – Chris Borland – LB – WisconsinCommish’s Comments: The recent release of Erin Henderson has opened up a slot at middle linebacker. Borland is slightly undersized (5’11” 246 lbs), but was very impressive at the senior bowl and drew comparisons to Zach Thomas. Borland would be a good leader for new coach Mike Zimmer to grow with on defense.41. Buffalo Bills – Ryan Shazier – LB – Ohio St.Commish’s Comments: Kiko Alonzo proved to be a great pick for the Bills last year, but this pick might be just as good. The rangy Shazier has very good closing speed and would be a nice fit next to Alonzo in Buffalo’s defense.42. Tennessee Titans – Ka’Deem Carey – RB – ArizonaCommish’s Comments: The Titans are likely to release Chris Johnson this off-season giving them a hole at running back. Carey might be the best all-around back in this draft with his ability to run between the tackles and bust off long runs.43. New York Giants – Aaron Donald – DT – PittsburghCommish’s Comments: Defensive tackle isn’t a huge need for the Giants, but Donald is a value pick here. Donald is slightly undersized, but plays with relentlessness. If Linval Joseph leaves in free agency, Donald might be an outstanding pick here.44. St. Louis Rams – Jimmie Ward – SS – Northern IllinoisCommish’s Comments: Look out for Jimmie Ward. Quietly, Ward has people buzzing behind the scenes. Ward is fun to watch. He has closing speed, tackles well, and lays big clean hits.45. Detroit Lions – Jason Verrett – CB – TCUCommish’s Comments: The Lions still need to help their secondary. Verrett always seems to be around the ball. Paired with Darius Slay, the Lions will hope their secondary woes might be coming to an end.46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Xavier Su’a-Filo – OG – UCLACommish’s Comments: Value pick here for the Steelers. Su’a-Filo might end up with 1st round value, but in a deep draft, the Steelers might benefit here.47. Dallas Cowboys – Cyril Richardson – OG – BaylorCommish’s Comments: The massive Richardson struggled in pass protection in the film I saw. However, he is still a massive individual who can dominate in the run game. He has the size of former Cowboys guard Larry Allen.48. Baltimore Ravens – Travis Swanson – C – ArkansasCommish’s Comments: The Ravens never really recovered from Matt Birk’s retirement last year. Swanson could be this year’s top center and a nice grab for the Ravens at a position of need in round 2.49. New York Jets - Jordan Matthews – WR – VanderbiltCommish’s Comments: The Jets continue to put weapons around Geno Smith. Matthews is a big receiver with soft hands. Matthews probably won’t blow you away with his speed or athleticism, but he is a reliable target for a quarterback.50. Miami Dolphins – Gabe Jackson – OG – Mississippi St.Commish’s Comments: The Dolphins need offensive linemen and Jackson is the next best one available. Enough said.51. Chicago Bears – Marcus Roberson – CB – FloridaCommish’s Comments: Charles Tillman might be leaving in free agency, and even if he returns, the Bears need some talented youth in their secondary.52. Arizona Cardinals – Telvin Smith – OLB – FSUCommish’s Comments: The NFC West is full of teams looking for pass rushers off the edge. Smith is a little undersized, but the Cardinals might like him as a situational pass rusher.53. Green Bay Packers – Austin Seferian-Jenkins – TE – WashingtonCommish’s Comments: Jermichael Finley is likely gone in free agency and Aaron Rodgers likes to use his tight ends. Seferian-Jenkins is a nice balanced tight end who can make big plays in the pass game.54. Philadelphia Eagles – Allen Robinson – WR – Penn St.Commish’s Comments: Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin are both free agents and Desean Jackson is complaining about his contract. Allen Robinson has been mentioned as a potential 1st round pick with his blend of size and speed.55. Cincinnati Bengals – Kyle Fuller – CB – Virginia TechCommish’s Comments: Fuller is a long corner who seems very fluid on the field. The Bengals need some more youth in their secondary.56. San Francisco 49ers (via KC) – Louchiez Purifoy – CB – FloridaCommish’s Comments: Purifoy had also been mentioned as a 1st round pick. The 49ers have some questions with Carlos Rogers and Eric Wright. Purifoy might be a young corner who can develop in the 49ers defense.57. San Diego Chargers – Dominique Easley – DE – FloridaCommish’s Comments: The Chargers get a little more athletic with their defensive line here.58. New Orleans Saints – Davonte Adams – WR – Fresno St.Commish’s Comments: Robert Meachem is a free agent. If Adams is available at this point in round 2, he would provide just another big weapon for Drew Brees.59. Indianapolis Colts – Jarvis Landry – WR – LSUCommish’s Comments: Once Reggie Wayne went down with an injury last year, we saw Andrew Luck still have success with a lot of receivers most people had never heard of. Landry is a very good route runner with very good hands.60. Carolina Panthers – Tre Mason – RB – AuburnCommish’s Comments: Yes, the Panthers have DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, but Williams is getting older and Stewart can’t stay healthy. Mason got better and better as 2013 went on and broke huge plays in the national title game.61. San Francisco 49ers – Trevor Reilly – DE/OLB – UtahCommish’s Comments: Reilly might be a freak physically. He’s 6’5” and 255 lbs, but is so fluid in coverage. He also has the ability to put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer. If Navarro Bowman is out for part of 2014, the 49ers might look for another pass rusher to help on defense.62. New England Patriots – Troy Niklas – TE – Notre DameCommish’s Comments: Niklas has drawn some comparisons to Rob Gronkowski. Why not have the Patriots snag him then, especially since they love to run 2-tight end sets and their other tight end is in jail.63. Denver Broncos – Scott Crichton – DE – Oregon St.Commish’s Comments: The Broncos lost Dumerville to free agency last year and Von Miller to injury. You can never have enough pass rushers.64. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Coleman – WR – RutgersCommish’s Comments: Pete Carroll wanted a big receiver and there isn’t any taller receiver in this draft. http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2014/02/17/the-commishs-mock-draft-i-pre-combine-nfl-draft-tampa-bay-buccaneers-bucs-houston-texans-rams-jaguars-browns-raiders-falcons-vikings-bills-lions-titans-giants-bears-steelers-cowboys-ravens-jets-do/