The Sports World News NFL Mock Draft reaches version 9.0 as we dig into the last day before the draft kicks off. This is part one covering teams 1-16. This version will NOT include trades, but teams I believe will make a move will be marked.
*- Trade Possible
*1. Houston Texans: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
Going with my gut on the pick I have had since version 1.0. I think Mack’s skill set being ideal for the 3-4 makes the argument for itself and the Texans will shock the world on Thursday by passing on Clowney.
*2. St. Louis Rams (via Redskins): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
The Rams are hot on the trail of Johnny Manziel, but they could be using it to their advantage to force a last minute trade. The Rams have their options here and with the rise of Odell Beckham, they can afford to pass on Watkins. Robinson will keep whoever is playing quarterback upright.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
The Jaguars strike gold with the player of the decade in Clowney. Clowney’s 4-3 skill set will translate well to the Jaguars scheme and Gus Bradley is the happiest man in the world after three picks. The Jags have so many holes to fill, but Clowney is too good to pass on.
4. Cleveland Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The Browns are out of the Johnny Manziel sweepstakes according to Jay Glazer so they grab one of the best receiver prospects in recent memory. Whoever throws the ball for the Browns in 2014 will have two high profile receivers and a great tight end.
5. Oakland Raiders: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
The Raiders are partaking in an offensive renaissance and Evans is the last piece to the vision. Evans is a big physical receiver that is a perfect compliment to what Oakland has on the roster. The Raiders are moving in the right direction for the first time in a long time and Evans is the icing on the cake.
6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Falcons need to take a backseat to getting a pass rusher in favor of grabbing a guy who can keep their franchise quarterback upright. Matt Ryan will be thankful and the Falcons can focus pass rush the rest of the draft.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Johnny Football finds a home in Tampa, only after all the other players on the Buccaneers' board are gone. The Bucs talked of drafting a quarterback in this draft and Manziel is the first off the board in 2014.
8. Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
The Vikings are looking at quarterback at No. 40 overall, so at No. 8 they grab one of the draft's most underrated prospects. Donald would be in the conversation for No. 1 overall if he was two inches taller, but the Vikings luck out and grab a huge addition to the defensive line.
9. Buffalo Bills: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
The Bills grab a great offensive weapon and a safety blanket for EJ Manuel. Manuel looked solid in his limited action of 2013, but giving him the pieces to succeed would go a long way to speeding up his development. Ebron could be the best receiver on the team as a tight end.
10. Detroit Lions: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
There are so many picks the Lions could make at No. 10, but in this scenario Detroit solidifies its sketchy secondary. Clinton-Dix has the potential to be the steal at No. 10, but he has the potential to be the bust of the draft as well. The pick is high risk, high reward for the Lions.
*11. Tennessee Titans: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Barr may have his critics, but he is the perfect fit for the hybrid 3-4 the Titans are switching to. Barr could be a bust or he could be great, but the risk is certainly worth the reward. The Titans are also a prime candidate to move back in the draft.
12. New York Giants: Zack Martin, OT/G, Notre Dame
The Giants pass on Lewan to get a player that has made a late push into the top 15. Martin has the versatility the Giants would love to have and only pass on Lewan due to his off the field issues. The Giants take the best player on their board every year so this is a difficult pick.
*13. St. Louis Rams: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
The Rams passed on Watkins just to select a wide receiver of lesser value that is jumping up the boards. Beckham is rumored to be pushing Evans as the draft's second best receiver and the Rams could be the team to take a chance.
14. Chicago Bears: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Bears secure one of the hotter names in the last week of the draft in Fuller, who just so happens to fill a big need in the secondary as well. The Bears could go a variety of ways with this pick, but the upside of Fuller is a great fir in Chicago.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Another team that needs secondary help, but the Steelers need more of a ball hawk than a tone setter at corner. Gilbert needs some coaching up, but Pittsburgh is the best in the business when it comes to defensive coaching. Gilbert couldn't have gone to a better place for him.
16. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The Cowboys take a chance on the Michigan product even though they are in dire need of defensive line help. The Cowboys could certainly be interested in a quarterback, but to take one at No. 16 in their situation would be insanity.
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