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NFL Draft Predictions – The Top 10 2014 Picks

Draft Prognostications!

The NFL Draft is nearly upon us…finally. With some extra time to prepare thanks to the May date players have been picked at like never before and now we have the moment of truth. Below are who I think the top 10 picks will be.

At this time there is rampant speculation about trades but this look is playing it straight and assuming teams make picks in the slots they have been given. There is always drama on Day One so let’s see how everything unfolds.

#1 Houston Texans – DE Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina)

I know there is a clamoring for Johnny Manziel there but it is just too much of a risk. Houston will play it saffe and go with the best athlete in the draft. Sure there are concerns about work ethic but teaming him up with J.J. Watts means that it should not be long before we seem some production. Hopefully he can have a longer period of production than Jevon Kearse.

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#2 St. Louis Rams – OT Greg Robinson (Auburn)

Robinson is a rare athletic talent for the offensive tackle position. Personally I would like to see them go with a QB and announce the end of the Sam Bradford era but I don’t think that is going to happen. Robinson might start on the right side but in time he will be an All-Pro left tackle so it is hardly a settle.

#3 Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Blake Bortles (Central Florida)

This franchise is desperate for a QB and the chance to get a prospect like this who is also already familiar to fans is a no-brainer to me. He has a great physical tool set so even though coach Gus Bradley is a defense first guy I think this is the play they have to make. Sure there is less pressure if you draft a QB later but sometimes you get what you pay for. Jacksonville is not going to go anywhere without a signal caller who can make a difference.

#4 Cleveland Browns – QB Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M)

The Browns are desperate at QB and picking Manziel would definitely energize the fan base. I love the kid’s compete level but I put the chances of him being a top flight QB at just 50/50. He just takes too many chances with the ball. With a new regime in place the Browns will take the ultimate chance with this pick.

#5 Oakland Raiders – WR Sammy Watkins (Clemson)

Making this pick might will put a smile on Al Davis’ face for sure as Watkins can fly. Given the pickup of Matt Schaub this offseason a QB this early seems unlikely so a pickup of the best weapon available seems like the smart play. Unlike some others with elite speed Watkins is a true football player and immediately becomes the go to guy in Oakland.
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#6 Atlanta Falcons – LB Kahlil Mack (Buffalo)

Depending on who you read this is way to low for Mack to go – not bad for a guy from UBuff.  This is all contingent on what Jax does a few picks earlier as I am pretty sure the Falcons go defense with this first pick and they desperately need someone who can put pressure on opposing passers. The best thing about Mack is that he can be more than just an edge rusher, that is why so many are so high on him.

#7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Mike Evans (Texas A&M)

I am not sure I agree with the Bucs grabbing Josh McCown but whether he or Mike Glennon starts, this pick will make them look good. Evans is no burner but he has awesome ball skills and knows how to use his big body to get open. Paired with Vincent Jackson they are going to be really tough to cover, similar to what Chicago did last year when McCown was very successful.

#8 Minnesota Vikings – DE/OLB Anthony Barr (UCLA)

Minnesota could go with a QB with their top pick but if Bortles is off the board they will find better value in later rounds. This pick seems a natural given they have lost their best pass rusher to rival Chicago. Their projected starting linebackers had a total of 3 sacks last season.  This just looks like a perfect fit for the Vikes.

#9 Buffalo Bills – TE Eric Ebron (North Carolina)

This is probably high for Ebron but there is no doubting the Bills could use a big time upgrade at the position. Ebron has the speed to be a real threat and is a good enough blocker too. If E.J. Manuel takes that next step we could be quickly talking about the Bills having the best offense in the AFC East.

#10 Detroit Lions – CB Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State)

There might be a clamor for the more local Darqueze Denard but I think the Lions have to go with the bigger (literally) playmaker in Gilbert. To win the NFC North you have to be able to defend the pass well and Gilbert immediately becomes their top cover man. I love his size and ability to not only cover but make plays. It is a no-brainer to take the top CB on everyone’s board.

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By The Wiesguy

The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.