2014 NFL Draft – First Round Live Blog

The wait is finally over, and teams/fans will get a look at the future of their franchise with the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

We’ll have the live blog going for those of you who can’t watch. We’ll give you all the must know information about the player, and break down how the pick works out for the team.

Don’t be afraid to use the comment section with your thoughts on tonight’s picks.

And here we go! The Houston Texans are on the Clock.

1. Houston Texans – Jadeveon Clowney (DE/OLB)  South Carolina- 6’6 249lbs 4.53 forty yard dash. One of the best defensive players in the country, he will without a doubt make an immediate impact on the Texans (2-14) defensive side of the ball.

1. St. Louis Rams – Greg Robinson (T) Auburn – 6’5 332lbs 4.92 Hands down one of the best offensive linemen in the draft. It’s a question of whether the Rams use Robinson on the inside or the outside of their line. Robinson looks to make an immediate impact in the run game and to help the St. Louis passing game.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Blake Bortles (QB) UCF – 6’4 229 lbs 4.93 Bortles will become the franchise quarterback in Jacksonville. Phenomenal pocket passer with a very strong arm. Having the worst rated scoring offense in the NFL, the Jaguars have made their move in upgrading their offense.

3. Buffalo Bills – (Trade via Cleveland) – Sammy Watkins (WR) Clemson – 6’1 205lbs 4.50 Buffalo looks to be all in with this trade up. Packing offensive talent around EJ Manuel. Watkins is the most dynamic player on offense in this years draft. He’ll make an immediate impact with Stevie Johnson, Robert Woods, and Marquise Goodwin.

4. Oakland Raiders – Khalil Mack (OLB) Buffalo – 6’2 251lbs 4.65 Mack has been rated as high as number 1. He’ll be used all over the defensive side of the Raiders defense. Arguably one of the best defensive players in the country. Solid pick by the Raiders at number 5.

5. Atlanta Falcons – Jake Matthews (T) Texas A&M – 6’5 304lbs Matthews is one of the best offensive linemen in the country. He’ll immediately help the run/pass game of the Falcons. May have the best NFL lineage in the leagues history. He’s a special player at Tackle.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Evans (WR) Texas A&M – 6’5 225lbs Evans is a huge pick up for the Bucs. At 6’5 he’ll make an immediate impact to help one of the worst offenses last season. He can catch the ball nearly anywhere and is a great route runner.

7. Cleveland Browns (via Minnesota) – Justin Gilbert (CB) Ok. State. – 6′ 200lbs 4.37 The Browns are looking to make an impact in the AFC North starting with the defense. Gilbert is one of the quickest and strongest defensive backs in the draft. He’ll get the starting spot next to Hayden on defense.

8. Minnesota Vikings (via Cleveland) – Anthony Barr (LB) UCLA – 6’5 255lbs Barr is one of the quickest line backers, with a ton of upside heading to Minnesota. He’ll help out immediately in the defense-strong NFC North

9. Detroit Lions – Eric Ebron (TE) North Carolina –  Ebron is a pass first tight end, with phenomenal run blocking abilities. A natural athlete, Ebron will help stretch the field with the offensive weapons up in Detroit.

10. Tennessee Titans – Taylor Lewan (T) Michigan – 6’7 309lbs Taylor will help protect the injury prone Jake Locker. Strong and naturally athletic, Lewan will immediately help the Titans run/pass game. 2-time all big ten, love this pick by the Titans to help fill the void on offensive line.

11. New york Giants – Odell Beckham Jr. (WR) LSU – 6′ 190lbs Beckham is one of the best route runners in the draft, with speed and hands that will fit in to help Eli out on the offensive side of the ball. Love this pick here for the men in blue.

12. St. Louis Rams – Aaron Donald (DT) Pitt. 6′ 285lbs. Donald is a beast of a human that has great hands. He’s so strong and will help out immediately in the strong NFC West. Love the first two picks by the Rams this draft.

13. Chicago Bears – Kyle Fuller (CB) Va Tech – 6′ 190lbs One of the most NFL-ready db’s in the draft the Bears made a solid selection. A good man and zone coverage db, quick with good hands. It’s hard not to like this pick

14. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ryan Shazier (LB) OSU – 6’1 237lbs He’s one of the quickest inside linebackers in this draft. He’ll be able to chase down the ball carrier and is strong enough to force fumbles. Great pick for the Steelers.

15. Dallas Cowboys – Zack Martin (T) Notre Dame – 6’4 308lbs Martin is so dynamic he can play any spot on the offensive line. Never missed a game at ND, he’ll help protect Romo and the running backs. Solid pick to avoid the johnny football drama.

16. Baltimore Ravens – CJ Mosley (LB) Alabama – 6’2 234 Solid linebacker quick enough to get into coverage, and strong enough to rush the qb. He’s been pro-ready for quite some time. He’ll help fill the void in the Ravens Linebacking core.

17. New York Jets – Calvin Pryor (S) Louisville – 5’11 207lbs. Plays fearless at safety, and is quick all around the field. Good hands and ability to tackle are his strengths. Solid safety, mediocre pick for the Jets.

18. Miami Dolphins – Ja’Wuan James (T) Tennessee – 6’6 311lbs James comes off the board before some other Tackles. He’s strong on the right side and can hold that side down. A little slower than the other tackles available. Fins like him and thats all that matters.

19. New Orleans Saints (via Arizona) – Brandin Cooks (WR) Oregon St. – 5’10 190lbs 4.33 He can fly, if you get him in space he’s a dangerous guy. He’s got solid hands, and is a good route runner. Solid help at a spot where the Saints needed it. It doesn’t hurt to have Drew Brees throw the ball.

20. Green Bay Packers – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S) Alabama – 6’1 210lbs An all around pro and best safety on the board, fills the much needed safety help void in the Packers defense. He’s great in coverage and misses few tackles, reads the eyes well. Great pick for the Cheese Heads.

21. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia) – Johnny Manziel (QB) Texas A&M – 5’11 210lbs. One of the best QB’s in the draft the former Heisman winner fills the vacant qb spot in the Cleveland Browns. Whether or not Johnny can withstand a Cleveland winter will be seen this winter. Solid pick by the Browns.

22. Kansas City Chiefs – Dee Ford (DE) Auburn – 6’2 252lbs He’s a quick disruptive guy off the end. He has great hand moves and is strong enough to get sacks. Only question is if he can stop the NFL run game. Overall great pick by the Chiefs.

23. Cincinnati Bengals – Darqueze Denard (DB) Mich St. – 5’11 200lbs He’s one of the best all around players in the draft. Good in zone and man coverage. Can make the play with a tackle or interception. Solid hands for a DB. Good pick by the Chiefs.

24. San Diego Chargers – Jason Verret (DB) TCU – 5’9 190lbs 4.38 He’s a quick corner, that can tackle and make the interception if needed. He can cover man and zone coverage. Quick enough to make the sack, Solid pick by the Chargers.

25. Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Smith (OLB) Louisville – 6’4 250lbs Quick enough linebacker that make the play against the run or the pass. Smith adds help to the #29 defense last year. Has a good field of vision, may have been drafted a little early, but good pick for Philadelphia.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Deone Bucannon (S) Wash. St. – 6’1 211lbs 4.49 An underrated Safety, who can make the tackles when necessary. Quick enough to sack on a blitz, and has the hands to catch the ball. Great field of vision, most may not know him, Good pick by the Cards.

27. Carolina Panthers – Kelvin Benjamin (WR) Florida St. –  6’5 240lbs 4.58 He can catch the ball anywhere on the field. He can stretch the field if necessary, has good hands and has a great field of vision. Solid pick for the Panthers.

28. New England Patriots – Dominique Easley (DT) Florida – 6’2 288 Coming off a torn ACL, Easley would’ve been a top 15 pick if he hadn’t been injured. A big guy that can help the aging Pats defense. A gifted player who can help if he stays healthy. Decent pick for the Pats.

29. San Francisco 49’ers – Jimmie Ward (S) NIU – 5’11 190lbs a quick safety with a great field of vision. He can make the play whether its a tackle or interception. An All-MAC 1st team player, he can help fill the void left by dante hitner.

30. Denver Broncos – Bradley Roby (CB) OSU – 5’11 195lbs 4.39 He’s a solid corner who can hit hard and make the play. Has great strength and all around talent. Lacks a good field of vision and susceptible to the big play. Tough hard-nosed corner, solid pick for the Broncos.

31. Minnesota Vikings (via Seattle Seahawks) – Teddy Bridgewater (QB) Louisville – 6’3 215lbs 4.79 A good QB that can make the pressure throw. Accurate passer with good arm strength. Lacks great mobility but can throw on the run. Good pocket Passer.