An Early Peek: NFL Draft Predictions for Non-Playoff Teams
While
12 teams prepare for the playoffs this weekend, there are 20 teams that
are looking toward next season and preparing for the NFL Draft and free
agency. Here are the top 20 picks for those teams who are home for the
holidays.1. Houston Texans - Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, LouisvilleAfter the performance he put on against Miami, there is no doubt if he comes out this season, Teddy will be the first overall pick.
2. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins) - Jake Matthews, Tackle, Texas A&MAlthough there is a chance thr Rams trade down with this pick for someone who wants Jadeveon Clowney, the choice of Matthews is a solid one for the Rams.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, South CarolinaThere will be a strong push by the fans to choose a quarterback here and build more on the future. The Jaguars also need defensive line help and the idea of Clowney at an end and the Jaguars maybe getting a quarterback in a later round of next season is possible.
4. Cleveland Browns - Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno StateThe Browns look a team lost in translation. Carr gives the fans a message that the management is serious about winning and turning the page. Carr is the best drop back passer in the draft.
5. Oakland Raiders - Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Texas A&MThis is a pick that makes no sense and all the sense in the world. Evans is a beast and an instant big target for the Raiders, who need help almost everywhere. But the biggest question unanswered is who will throw him the ball?
6. Atlanta Falcons - Anthony Barr, Defensive End, UCLAThe Falcons poor luck on the field pays off in the Draft. Barr may be the best pass rusher on the board and he can play on the line or standing up. He adds an instant burst to Mike Smith’s defense.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kalil Mack, Outside Linebacker, BuffaloThis pick has a lot to do with whoever is named the head coach. I think Mack is the best player on the board and could be a larger Derrick Brooks-type player. The Bucs have the makings of a talented defense, but a solid player is always welcome, no matter what position they play.
8. Minnesota Vikings - Blake Bortles, Quarterback, Central FloridaBortles had better be the answer. The Vikings did this same thing in the 2010 Draft and banked their future on Christian Ponder. Bortles is a much better passer and can take a hit in the pocket.
9. Buffalo Bills - Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, ClemsonThe Bills had their sights set on Mike Evans of Texas A&M, but are thrilled Watkins is there for the taking. If the Bills can solve their quarterback issues (injuries) this could a sleeper team to look at in the 2014 season.
10. Detroit Lions - CJ Mosely, Linebacker, AlabamaNot sure how a defense that looked young, electric and promising early in the season could have fallen off and allowed teams to dominate them and take them out of the playoffs. Hopefully Mosely will fulfill a need in the middle of the defense.
11. Tennessee Titans - Greg Robinson, Tackle, AuburnThere was a reason Tre Mason was unstoppable in the last two games of the season. Robinson was one of them. A huge rock to move out of position, he helps solidify a developing Titans offensive line.
12. New York Giants - Ryan Shazier, Linebacker, Ohio StateShazier is the kind of player built for the Giants and built for Tom Coughlin to teach. He has a style of play that will not stop and could be a player on the inside or the outside. Ohio State has a history of producing great linebackers. Shazier continues the trend.
13. St. Louis Rams - Louis Nix, Defensive Tackle, Notre DameNix is too good to pass up. After getting their player with Jake Matthews on the offensive line, the Rams and Jeff Fisher get their man on defense. Nix is a solid man to add to the defensive line rotation.
14. Chicago Bears - Darquez Dennard, Defensive Back, Michigan StateDennard is the best defensive back prospect coming out in this draft. The Bears draft the Michigan State product to combat the probable loss of Charles Tillman in free agency. Dennard’s speed will also be used on special teams for the Bears.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Safety, AlabamaOffensive line or secondary? Those two decisions have to be made. Clinton-Dix is a game changer and a solid tackler. I know it sounds crazy, but it is possible this team could be looking at a quarterback as well, should one fall to them.
16. Baltimore Ravens - Cameron Irving, Tackle, FSUThe Ravens have had issues on the offensive line. Even trading for Eugene Monroe could not help open holes for all world running back, Ray Rice. When all is said and done. Irving could be the best tackle taken in the draft.
17. Dallas Cowboys - Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&MIn the most shocking move of the draft, Jerry Jones makes a statement about his quarterback situation. Manziel creates a buzz in Dallas that it needs after missing the playoffs for the third straight year in the final game of the season. Does this spell the end of Tony Romo in Texas?
18. New York Jets - Marquis Lee, Wide Receiver, USCThe Jets need a tight end, but than that, they need offensive weapons. Lee gives Geno Smith a great target to look to all over the field. New York can look to solve their tight end issues in the second round.
19. Miami Dolphins - Cyrus Kouandijo, Tackle, Tackle, AlabamaKouandijo comes from the current NFL draft factor in Alabama. He is huge and could help bolster the offensive line that was unlike a Dolphins football team. Could the Dolphins also look at Andre Williams of Boston College?
20. Arizona Cardinals -Taylor Lewan, Tackle, MichiganThe thing I like about Arizona is they have built through the draft and free agency. The Cardinals selected Jonathan Cooper last season in the first round. This time, they get a solid tackle in Lewan - who was thought to be a to 10 pick earlier this season.
