2014 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions and Projections For Texans, Rams, Jaguars, Browns, Vikings and Oakland Raiders

Jan 10, 2014 11:05 AM EST
Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater
Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the Russell Athletic Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium."

The NFL draft is still months away and with a number of young players declaring and senior workouts to look forward to, it's never too early to put together some predictions and projections for the event and the top teams in the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders have some decisions to make.

The top teams in the draft have a number of different directions that they could go and with a number of clubs needing new quarterbacks, many experts see things playing out that way. Teddy Bridgewater is considered to be the number one overall pick and names like Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr could also be first round draft picks, while  Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray or A.J. McCarron could also sneak into the top round, but are more likely to slip a bit. The running back class is deep but not top heavy and someone like Ka'Deem Carey could sneak into the top 32, but it's likely it will be the second round for RBs again, like Eddie Lacy, Le'Veon Bell and Giovani Bernard last year.

Manziel could end up being one of the picks in the top five along with Bridgewater and Blake Bortles is a name that is expected to move up draft boards as the date gets closer. Bortles had a great performance in the Fiesta Bowl against Baylor and he could be someone that jumps ahead of some bigger names. Carr is at an interesting spot, as he could be the third or fourth quarterback taken after passing for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, but if he gets past the top 10 teams, he could slip into the later rounds.

The Texans have a new head coach in Bill O'Brien and while he wants to start with a new quarterback, the team could end up trading out of the top spot and then take someone like Carr or Murray later in the draft. The team has said they would be willing to move the pick and if they do sit tight, it appears that Bridgewater would be the option. The team could surprise with someone like Jadeveon Clowney, but the way Bridgewater has been scouted and the way he has performed makes it look as if he is a lock for the top pick.

Jadeveon Clowney could be an option for the Rams, as they are in the second spot after making the trade with the Redskins two years ago and now they are in great position after going 7-9 last season. The team could trade out of that pick as well, but with the defense emerging and Sam Bradford coming back from an injury, Clowney or someone like Sammy Watkins could be the pick here as well.

All these teams have great options, here are some quick predictions.

1. Texans: Teddy Bridgewater

2. Rams (via Redskins): Jadeveon Clowney

3. Jaguars: Blake Bortles

4. Browns: Johnny Manziel

5. Raiders: Sammy Watkins

6. Falcons: Jake Matthews

7. Buccaneers: Greg Robinson

8. Vikings: Derek Carr

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