NFL Mock Draft – Round 1
25.) Chargers – CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan St (5’11, 188): He could go higher, but his lack of top-end speed will be exposed at the combine and teams still overvalue measurables. Dennard will have an adjustment period as he figures out how much of his physical coverage tactics will be allowed at the NFL level, but he should become a solid starting corner eventually.
26.) Browns – WR Allen Robinson, Penn St (6’3, 204): It’s amazing how good Josh Gordon was considering his sub-par QBs and the lack of a reliable #2 WR. The Browns need someone else who can at least catch the ball consistently and that happens to be Robinson’s strength. He has great size for the position and despite a lack of deep speed has enough acceleration and quicks to get open consistently. Robinson is an ideal possession receiver and could be a perfect compliment to Josh Gordon.
27.) Saints – OLB Dee Ford, Auburn (6’2, 243): A tweener, but Ford is one of the most explosive pass rushers in the draft. Saints DC Rob Ryan will find the right way to utilize Ford, turning him loose on opposing QBs while minimizing his coverage responsibilities.
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28.) Panthers – WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida St (6’5, 234): Has elite size/speed ratio to give the Panthers the deep threat they have lacked the last few seasons. Benjamin’s route-running and hands needs work, but potential is there for a down-field weapon.
29.) Patriots – TE Jace Amaro, Texas A&M (6’5, 260): Another draft breaks perfectly for the Pats as they get an ideal fit for the “move” TE position that is crucial to their offense.
30.) 49ers – CB Marcus Roberson, Florida (6’0, 184): Roberson has a good combination of size and speed and the potential to be a lock-down corner. Not great against the run, but with the 49ers dominant front 7, he won’t need to be.
31.) Broncos – DE Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame (6’6, 320): With Shaun Phillips a free agent and too expensive for the Broncos to retain, they need some help at DE. It might be the thinnest position in the draft, so the Broncos need to strike quick and take Tuitt in the first round. His stock slipped due to a disappointing 2013, but he has ideal size, strong pass rush moves, and as much upside as any DE in the draft outside of Clowney.
32.) Seahawks – WR Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (6’3, 205): Besides maybe Cleveland, I don’t think any group of receivers dropped more balls than the Seahawks. A full season of Percy Harvin will help and so will a big possession receiver like Matthews on the other side of the field. Matthews lacks elite speed, but is a sharp route-runner with good size and excellent hands.
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