NFL Mock Draft – Round 1
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9.) Bills – WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson (6’1, 200): In a tier by himself at the wide receiver position, Watkins can do it all and has the potential to be a true #1 WR. The Bills should be ecstatic to have him fall to the 9th slot, since they haven’t had a #1 WR since Eric Moulds.
10.) Lions – WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M (6’5, 225): Matthew Stafford had no reliable receiving options last year other than Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. Evans has great size, good hands, and adjusts very well to the ball. Evans should be able to take advantage of the single coverage match-ups he will see opposite Megatron and at worst will be an asset in the red zone.
11.) Titans – Anthony Barr, UCLA (6’4, 248): DT Jurrell Casey led a strong inside pass rush for the Titans (11 sacks), but they had no one generating pressure off the edge. Barr only played OLB for 2 seasons so he is a little raw, but so quick and explosive off the edge that he will rack up some sacks on athleticism alone. With some experience, Barr could be an elite pass rushing OLB.
12.) Giants – OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan (6’8, 302): He doesn’t have the upside of Robinson or Matthews, but he’s solid and polished enough that he should be ready to step in and start as a rookie.The Giants O-line was a mess last year.
13.) Rams – S HaHa Clinton Dix, Alabama (6’1, 209): The Rams’ safeties were almost as bad as the Bears last season and Dix is the best safety on the board.
14.) Bears – DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida St (6’2, 298): When motivated Jernigan was a beast inside for FSU. He has the tools to be an all-pro DT if he can maintain a consistent effort level.
15.) Steelers – DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame (6’3, 340): The Steelers need help on both sides of the line, but with the top OTs off the board, Nix is the next best lineman available. They could move current NT McLendon to DE to fill a hole there and make room for Nix who has a world of potential if he can stay healthy and keep his weight under control.
16.) Cowboys – LB CJ Mosley, Alabama (6’2, 234): With holes everywhere, plenty of salary cap cuts coming, and Jerry Jones calling the shots… this pick is a crap shoot. I’m going to give the Cowboys the best player still on the board that just so happens to meet a need for the Cowboys. Last season’s OLBs, Bruce Carter and DeVonte Holloman, had the worst combined grade (-22.8) from PFF of any OLB duo in the league and Mosley would be an immediate upgrade over either.