NFL Mock Draft 2014: Round 2
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Free Agency is underway, but for many the draft takes precedence year-round. This round 2 mock was assembled by a collaborative effort from James Ferguson, Sebastian Cosentino and Adam Ganeles. Latest first round projections and analysis can be found here.
*Most prospect destinations were selected PRIOR to the opening of free agency*
33. Houston Texans — Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG UCLA
James’ Take: Su’a-Filo possessed a desire to excel from a young age as he earned Eagle Scout honors. The most NFL ready linemen from a stout UCLA offensive line, he is older than most because he took part in a two-year Mormon mission before finishing college. His work ethic and intelligence aside, the 6’3 305 lb. Morris Trophy winner put up 25 reps and ran a 5.04 40 time at the combine. Those are great numbers for a guy who gives you so much in other intangible areas. He is a super sleeper if he makes it this far.
34. Washington Redskins — Marcus Roberson, CB Florida
Sebastian’s Take: Marcus Roberson is one of the best corners in this draft, even if he is not getting all the attention for his skills. Teams do their due diligence when it comes to scouting, so there is a real possibility that he is not even available here. But if he is, the Redskins should swoop on him. They had one of the worst defenses in the league last year, and adding a playmaker like Roberson would go a long way in stemming the tide.
35. Cleveland Browns — Carlos Hyde, RB Ohio St.
James’ Take: After trading Trent Richardson to the Colts, Cleveland’s running game was inept. If it wasn’t for TE Jordan Cameron and WR Josh Gordon putting up unbelievable numbers, the Browns could be selecting at the very top of the draft. If they could add both a QB and a RB in the first two rounds they could make an explosive comeback in a weak AFC. Hyde is a north/south runner who profiles closer to a plodder. However, he has shown enough versatility to be considered one of the top running backs in this year’s class.
36. Oakland Raiders — Davante Adams, WR Fresno St.
Sebastian’s Take: With Oakland taking the most polished passer in the first round in Teddy Bridgewater, they will need to go out and get him a #1 receiver to throw to; Davante Adams fits the bill perfectly. He racked up huge numbers playing in Fresno State’s spread system. The Oakland receiving corps is underrated- Denarius Moore, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes are all solid players — but it is lacking that big play threat, something that Adams could easily develop into.
37. Atlanta Falcons — Scott Crichton, DE Oregon St.
Adam’s Take: While his explosiveness doesn’t pop off the screen (4.84 forty time), Crichton makes plays in the backfield with remarkable frequency. He sits near the top of Pac 12 all-time rankings in three years’ work: 10 forced fumbles (2nd), 51 tackles for loss (3rd) and 22 sacks (12th). The Falcons sacked the quarterback just 32 times in 2013 and have a gaping hole at LDE.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Gabe Jackson, OG Mississippi St.
James’ Take: A four-year starter in the SEC, Jackson is a beast at the point of attack — driving tackles off the line with brute strength. He churned out 30 reps of 225 at the combine, and plays more powerfully behind solid fundamentals. The Bucs just released veteran Davin Joseph, making G a must address position on a rebuilding line.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars — Jimmy Garoppolo, QB Eastern Illinois
Adam’s Take: Will new Jaguars GM David Caldwell go back to the well…? Like Blaine Gabbert, Jimmy G is the product of a shotgun based, spread offense; but that’s where the comp ends. Garoppolo is a quick decision maker with innate pocket awareness/mobility. Zach Mettenberger is also an option in this spot, but Jacksonville needs a quarterback to bring credibility back to the franchise.
40. Minnesota Vikings — Trent Murphy, DE Stanford
Sebastian’s Take: Minnesota is going to be badly missing Jared Allen when he leaves for free-agency next season (or retires). Here they pick a player who has been everywhere in terms of mock drafts — Stanford’s Trent Murphy. Murphy was spectacular last year for the Cardinals, racking up 15 sacks. In a perfect world, he fills the shoes left by Allen.