clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NFL Mock Draft 2014: #MockMonday update from Mocking the Draft

The Phinsider's #MockMonday fun continues with a look at the latest projection from Mocking the Draft's Matthew Fairburn. This week, Fairburn predicted trades throughout his two round mock.

The Phinsider #MockMonday continues now with a look at Mocking the Draft's latest post. This week, Matthew Fairburn takes control of the mock draft, and he wasn't afraid to use that control. This week, trades are projected throughout the 2014 NFL Mock Draft.

The first of those trades happen immediately after the Houston Texans make quarterback Blake Bortles from UCF the first overall selection. The Atlanta Falcons jump up to the second overall pick, sending their first and third round picks, along with a second round choice next year, to the St. Louis Rams, in order to secure South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

The Jacksonville Jaguars then use the third pick to grab the second quarterback off the board, Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater. The Buffalo Bills then jump into the fourth slot, proving the Cleveland Browns with their first and third choices, as well as a third round pick in 2015, to select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson.

The Oakland Raiders round out the top five picks by adding Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack.

Jumping down to the Miami Dolphins, with the 19th overall selection, Fairburn continues what is seemingly a consensus pick for the club at this point. The Dolphins are obviously in need of offensive line help, and Fairburn projects Miami to select a player who is projected to be able to play both tackle or guard at the NFL level - Notre Dame's Zack Martin. Of the pick, Fairburn writes:

The Dolphins can't be picky about how they address their offensive line issues. A guard and a tackle would both be useful in Miami. Zack Martin can play either spot but would probably be best served at guard in the NFL.

Of note, in Fairburn's mock, tackle Taylor Lewan is still on the board when Miami selects. In fact, he slides all the way to the 27th pick with the New Orleans Saints. Even with his recent off the field issues, Lewan would have to be a consideration for the Dolphins in that spot.

Moving to the second round, the Dolphins again address the line scrimmage, except this time, it's on the defensive side of the ball. With the 50th overall pick, Miami grabs Notre Dame defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt, giving them a 1-2 selection of Golden Domers. Fairburn explains:

The interior of both lines have been an issue for the Miami Dolphins. Stephon Tuitt would be a nice upgrade at defensive tackle in Miami.

With the Dolphins having just re-signed Randy Starks and added Earl Mitchell, I would prefer they not look defensive tackle this early in the draft; though the impending free agency of Jared Odrick in 2015 and Starks again in 2016 could make this a smart choice. Looking at the way Fairburn's board fell, I would rather Miami either double down on offensive linemen, with North Dakota State's Billy Turner and Stanford guard David Yankey both being selected in the next 10 picks, just to end that need altogether, or grab someone like Mississippi wide receiver Donte Moncrief or Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson.

What are your thoughts on the selections? Let us know in the comments.