NFL Mock Draft – Round 1
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17.) Ravens – WR Marquis Lee, USC (6’0, 190): The Ravens missed Anquan Boldin last season as they had no reliable options across from deep threat Torrey Smith. Lee struggled in 2013 due to a combination of injuries and bad QB play, but was dominant in both 2011 (73, 1143, 11) and 2012 (118!, 1721, 14). Lee is a little smaller than teams would like for a classic #1, but he has all the tools to be one.
18.) Jets – TE Eric Ebron, UNC (6’4, 245): The Jets have the worst group of receivers in the league and they need to give QB Geno Smith some legitimate weapons if he is going to have any chance for success. Ebron has tight end size but the speed and acceleration of a wide receiver. His hands need to be more consistent, he made some highlight reel grabs, but also dropped some easy ones. Ebron has the talent to be a poor man’s Jimmy Graham, if Smith can get him the ball.
19.) Dolphins – OL Zach Martin, Notre Dame (6’4, 304): The Dolphins need as many O-lineman as they can get after a complete meltdown both on and off the field by their O-line. Martin had a great Senior Bowl, but might be a little small for tackle. If he has to move to guard, that fills a need for the Dolphins as well.
20.) Cardinals – OT Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama (6’6, 310): The Cardinals line was a little better last year, but they still need plenty of help protecting Carson Palmer who at this stage of his career is a statue in the pocket. Kouandjio is very mobile for his size and despite some inconsistent play last year, has the tools to be a dominant tackle down the road. Pairing Kouandjio with last year’s 1st round pick G Jonathon Cooper will give the Cards two potential studs to rebuild their line around.
21.) Packers – DT Ra’shede Hageman, Minnesota (6’6, 318): He wasn’t as productive as he should have been in college considering his elite strength and athleticism, but he is a converted TE and is still learning the nuances of the DT position. Hageman is a workout warrior and should put up impressive numbers at the combine which will secure his first round draft slot. The Packers have needs at every level on defense, but D-lineman with Hageman’s measurables don’t come around very often.
22.) Eagles – CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma St (6’0, 194): The Eagles secondary is a mess. They could go with a safety here as well, but shut-down corners are harder to find and Gilbert has that kind of potential. He will also be a weapon as a kick/punt returner. Good value this late in the draft.
23.) Chiefs – WR Odell Beckham, LSU (6’0, 187): The Chiefs need to give Alex Smith some weapons besides Charles and D-Bowe. Beckham is very elusive after the catch and should thrive in KC’s short passing game.
24.) Bengals – DE Kony Ealy, Missouri (6’5, 275): With no glaring needs on either side of the ball (depending on how you feel about Andy Dalton), the Bengals can take the best player on the board. Ealy happens to fill a need as well with last season’s starting DE Michael Johnson expected to leave via free agency.