NFL Mid-Season Mock Draft

As the NFL season reaches the midway point, it's never too early for me, a Draftnik, to look ahead to the 2014 NFL Draft. So here is my projections based on the current NFL standings.
[Note: I did not put Notre Dame DE Tuitt on my mock as I believe he will return to school]

For all your NFL draft needs please check out "The Sports Narrative Draft Guide" in April of 2014

2014 NFL Mock Draft

 

1.       Jacksonville Jaguars: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

This seems like an absolute no-brainer. The Blaine Gabbert experiment is over and I fully expect Bridgewater to be the opening day starter in that stupid two-tone helmet.

2.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

With HC Greg Schiano likely out the door, a new coach almost always means a new QB. With several QBs available high in this draft class, I think Mariota’s skill set will make him #2 off the board.

3.       Minnesota Vikings: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Yes, I have QBs going 1,2,3. Have you seen the state of quarterbacking in the NFL this year? I think the Freeman experiment will fail and the Vikes will get a new signal-caller. My only hesitation here is that if Leslie Frazier stays in place, he could go for DE Barr to replace Jared Allen. But QBs always rise on draft night.

4.       New York Giants: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

The Giants address their woeful O-line in back to back 1^st rounds with Matthews. RT Justin Pugh looks outmatched on the outside and is a better fit at guard.  And the G-men generally avoid problem children, which is why I have Clowney slipping a bit. [Alternate Pick: DE Anthony Barr]

5.       St Louis Rams: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

The Jake Long signing has not panned out the way the Rams had hoped so they need another OT. Lewan will start at RT immediately and transition when his time comes.  [Alternate Pick: OT Jake Matthews]

6.       Atlanta Falcons: Anthony Barr, DE, UCLA

Who could have ever imagined the Falcons drafting high enough to take a guy many have as the #1 guy on the board? But I think Clowney or Carr could slide to 6 if Atlanta picks this high. [Alternate Pick: DE Jadeveon Clowney]

7.       Houston Texans: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

If the Texans finish this low, HC Gary Kubiak is likely fired. So, look for the new coach (maybe Kevin Sumlin?) to go get a face of the franchise. While his size and mechanics will draw serious questioning, I think the allure of the marketability of JFF in Houston is too much to pass up. If Kubiak does retain his job, the Texans would likely go for Taj Boyd or Mike Evans. [Alternate Pick: QB Taj Boyd]

8.       Pittsburgh Steelers: Cyrus Kouandijo, OT, Alabama

The Steelers are desperate for O-line help. If both Lewan and Matthews go early, the Steelers could take Nix or Watkins, but I think keeping Big Ben upright is their #1 priority. [Alternate Pick: Louis Nix III]

9.       Philadelphia Eagles: Taj Boyd, QB, Clemson

With Vick getting old, Foles seeming to be a bad fit and Matt Barkley looking like a wasted pick, Chip Kelly needs a trigger-man for his up-tempo offense. Boyd or Manziel fit the bill here, but don’t be surprised to see the Eagles try to jump up to get Mariota either. [Alternate Pick: Taj Boyd]

10.   Buffalo Bills: Jadaveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

This is where things get tricky for me. GM Buddy Nix was always great about sticking to his profile: Best player available, from the south and with plus speed or strength. And usually Nix would reveal his pick in an interview, but no one listens to Buffalo media. But Nix is taking a step back in the organization, so it’s tough to call. O-line and CB are big needs, but this pick could also be a WR or DE. I’m going to take the best player available. [Alternate Pick: DE Khalil Mack]

11.   St Louis Rams (from Washington): Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame

Though it may not be their biggest need, HC Jeff Fisher loves drafting D-linemen. Nix adds enough pass rush ability to make that Rams front 4 very imposing. [Alternate Pick: S Hasean Clinton-Dix]

12.   Cleveland Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

With all the top QBs gone, the Browns opt for the best player available and add a deep threat opposite Josh Gordon. I think the Browns also need help at RB, CB and will draft a QB too but can do that with later picks. Or they will trade up to land their QB if they fall in love with one. [Alternate Pick: QB Johnny Manziel]

13.   Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack, DE, Buffalo

Even with Al Davis gone, the Raiders continue to always draft the fastest or most athletic guy available. Given what I expect out of Mack at the Combine, that guy goes here. [Alternate Pick: DE Vic Beasley]

14.   Tennessee Titans: Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson

The Titans will likely spend most their available cap dollars trying to retain CB Verner. That means a few spots like safety and DE will be open. Got to fill holes with the draft.  [Alternate Pick: LB CJ Mosely]

15.   Miami Dolphins: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee

After a few picks that could go a couple of different ways, the Dolphins are one of the few easy teams to predict right now. Their biggest need is at LT and that is just what they’ll do. [Alternate Pick: OT Cameron Erving]

16.   Baltimore Ravens: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Another pick that seems fairly obvious, especially if you have watched any Ravens games this year. Joe Flacco desperately needs another option at receiver and Lee is the answer. [Alternate Pick: DE Dominique Easley]

17.   New York Jets: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Yet another need that fits perfectly with what is available. The Jets need a big time receiving threat to bail out young Geno and Evans has been bailing out some of JFF wild throws for the last 2 years. [Alternate Pick: TE Eric Ebron]

18.   Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Erving, OT Florida State

The Cards really need a QB, but taking one here is a reach. But it’s not like teams never reach for quarterbacks in the first round. But I see them reassuring their OT spot then looking QB in the 2^nd round. [Alternate Pick: QB Derek Carr]

19.   Chicago Bears: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

The Run on corners could begin with the Bears as both of their starters are free-agents next year. Usually teams only pay one. [Alternate Pick: DT Ra’Shede Hageman]

20.   Carolina Panthers: Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida

The Panthers also are looking for secondary help in the first round. Especially with all the big-time WRs of the board. [Alternate Pick: S Clinton-Dix]

21.   Dallas Cowboys: Tim Jernigan, DT, Florida State

With 32 year old Jason Hatcher a free agent, the Cowboys will need help at defensive tackle. Jernigan, if he comes out, would be a great fit. [Alternate Pick: DT Ra’Shede Hageman]

22.   San Diego Chargers: Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida

The Chargers keep the CB vibe going, trying to improve on their bottom 5 pass defense. [Alternate Pick: TE Eric Ebron]

23.   Detroit Lions: Hasean Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

The Lions replace oft-injured Louis Delmas with the safety from Alabama. Clinton-Dix is a ballhawk that will help that porous Lions secondary. [Alternate Pick: CJ Mosely]

24.   Cleveland Browns: CJ Mosely, LB, Alabama

I expect the Browns to address their need at CB in free agency and address their need at RB in the second round. Thus the Browns are open to take a play maker on defense and the best player left on the board. [Alternate Pick: RB D’Anthony Thomas]

25.   Green Bay Packers:  Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

The entire Packers D-line are free agents next year and it’s unlikely they retain them all. Hageman is a beast at times and could fill all 3 spots for the Pack. [Alternate Pick: TE Eric Ebron]

26.   New England Patriots: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

The Pats make it back to back TEs and get a guy who can be Aaron Hernandez without all the killing (allegedly). [Alternate Pick: DT Ra’Shede Hageman]

27.   Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

The aging Terrence Newman has served admirably in the Mike Zimmer defense, but Leon Hall’s injury makes CB a big need going into next season. [Alternate Pick: OLB Ryan Shazier]

28.   San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Lynch, OLB, South Florida

With their leading sack guy, Aldon Smith, in all kinds of legal trouble, look for the 49ers to sure up that spot with an explosive guy who could play both strong and weak side effectively. [Alternate Pick: CB Bradley Roby]

29.   New Orleans Saints:  Scott Crichton, OLB, Oregon State

Despite what Rob Ryan has been able to do with the blitz, the Saints still could use a certified pass rusher. Crichton could play on either side and bring solid pressure. [Alternate Pick: OLB Aaron Lynch]

30.   Denver Broncos:  Dominique Easley, DE, Florida

The Broncos add some size and skill to their front line, allowing Derrick Wolfe to slide inside and providing a nice pass rushing compliment to Vaughn Miller. [Alternate Pick: DT Anthony Johnson]

31.   Seattle Seahawks: Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor

If the Seahawks don’t win the Superbowl this year, you can probably look to the offensive line. This problem should be addressed next May. [Alternate Pick: OLB Ryan Shazier]

32.   Kansas City Chiefs: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

The Chiefs play very close to the vest on offense and suffocate you on defense. Matthews could give them more big-play ability and keep their fans from clinching quite so much. [Alternate Pick: G Cyril Richardson]

Best Time of the Year!

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As we enter the most glorious time on the sports calendar where all 4 major sports are going at once, there is absolutely no better place to be than with your friends Jeff, Dustin, Darren, Feltman and The Mick of The Sports Narrative Radio Show!!! On this episode:

- An in-depth and unique look at the Dallas Cowboys collapse in Detroit and the Dez Bryant fallout

- Game-by-game analysis of the rest of the NFL slate of games

- A breakdown of the World Series through 4 games and the crazy calls thus far

- A swim through the entire college football weekend including thoughts of the championship game

- News and notes from all over the world of sports!

We are bursting at the seams with sports, laughs and awesomeness! So join us LIVE Oct 28th from 8-9:30 CST or anytime after at www.thesportsnarrative.com

 

Week 8 Picks

The Sports Narrative Radio Show crew will each week be giving you all of our NFL picks against the spread. The person with the worst record at the end of the year OR if they finish behind both The Mick and Katie will be subjected to wearing a chosen costume at a January roadshow TBD. The costumes are as follows:

Jeff Bowers: dress as Ron Burgundy (with moustache!)

 

Dustin Copening: dress as a 70's basketball player (with nut-hugger shorts and red afro)

 

Jeff Feltman: dress in drag with blonde wig (not really a punishment?)

 

The Mick: dress in a full suit and pink tie

 

Katie: dress as Wonder Woman

 

Darren Boyd: Winner's pick (very, very risky)

 

 

Here's this week's picks. Good Luck!

 

Game	Katie	Darren	Feltman	The Mick	Dustin	Jeff
Carolina (-6) at Tampa Bay	Car	Car	Car	Car	Car	Car
San Francisco (-16.5) at Jacksonville	SF	SF	SF	SF	Jax	SF
Dallas at Detroit (-3)	Det	Dal	Det	Dal	Det	Det
NY Giants at Philadelphia (-5.5)	NYG	NYG	NYG	Phil	Phil	NYG
Cleveland at Kansas City (-7.5)	KC	KC	KC	KC	KC	KC
Buffalo at New Orleans (-12)	NO	NO	NO	NO	Buff	NO
Miami at New England (-6.5)	NE	Mia	Mia	NE	NE	Mia
NY Jets at Cincinnati (-6.5)	NYJ	NYJ	NYJ	NYJ	NYJ	NYJ
Pittsburgh (-2.5) at Oakland	Pitt	Pitt	Oak	Oak	Pitt	Oak
Washington at Denver (-12.5)	Den	Den	Wash	Den	Den	Den
Atlanta at Arizona (-2.5)	Atl	Atl	Atl	Ariz	Atl	Atl
Green Bay (-9) at Minnesota	GB	GB	GB	GB	GB	GB
Seattle (-10.5) at St Louis	Sea	Sea	Sea	Sea	Sea	Sea
Last Week	7-8	6-9	7-8	10-5	7-8	5-10
Overall	54-51-2	53-52-2	52-53-2	52-53-2	50-55-2	42-63-2

Dallas Cowboys Pre-Game Show: Week 8

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The Dallas Cowboys have a two game winning streak and there is a lot of talk about stacking wind together, and it's time to prove it this week in Detroit.

Dustin Copening, Darren Boyd and Jeff Bowers are here to reveal all of the intricacies of Sunday's matchup in Motown, but before they do they take a look at Dallas' impending trip to jolly old England.

Next, the guys discuss last week's road win in Philly. Was the win a result of a stellar defensive effort at the Linc, or was it the outcome of poor quarterback play from the Eagles? Dustin, Darren, and Jeff break it down.

In the "Coach's Slant" Jeff Bowers brings out his chalkboard live and in person, while Jason Garrett, Jim Schwartz and Jerry Jones wax poetic on a variety of factors in what is being billed as a shootout.

The Inside The Numbers segment takes a bit of a different twist this week, as after Bowers puts away his calculator, the guys put a new spin on the Dez vs. Megatron talk from earlier this week.

No one from the Sports Narrative crew picked the Cowboys to win in Week 7. Who has the guts to predict a Dallas upset? Not Mr. Bowers, right???

Finally, the gang peeks into each NFC East matchup, and other games that interest them, and hopefully you too.

Tune in, call in, and send your feedback to @dfwfanconnect, @sportsnarrative, and @DarrenBoyd13

Week 8 Stink Rankings

by Tim the Dis-Enchanter

[Editor's Note: Tim the Dis-Enchanter is a life long Buffalo Bills fan. In the late 90's, Tim had all of his blood replaced with venom so he could properly display his feelings. The result is the following]

The following may be found highly offensive. Do not consume the Stink Rankings if you are easily offended, have any sense of morality, are pregnant or may become pregnant. The views expressed below are that of a deeply bitter man and in no way reflect those of The Sports Narrative, any of its members or anyone with a conscience.

Side effects of viewing the Stink Rankings may include nausea, complete loss of bladder control, unfortunate but humorous flatulence and death. If any of these symptoms occur, immediately retweet this to all of your friends, co-workers and enemies. Misery loves company!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

 

Week Eight Stink Rankings

 

 

1.) Chiefs +2 – A class action lawsuit on behalf of Kansas City season ticket holders seeks to recover ticket costs for fans in two entire sections who cannot see the games around Andy Reid.

 

2.) Saints NC – The Saints have the equivalent of a second bye week Sunday as they face the Bills.    

 

3.) Seahawks +1  – Boring.

 

4.) Broncos -3 – Papa John’s restaurants in the Denver Metro area have a new pizza special called the “Manning”. Instead of a pizza, you get a picture of Peyton Manning’s ass on a platter.

 

 

5.) Bengals +1 – Week 8 is just about time for two Bengals players to be arrested on drug or assault charges.    

 

6.) Patriots -1 – Number of Super Bowl victories since “Spygate”: Zero. 

 

7.) Bears NC – Cu_tler was very irritable for an entire week before his groin injury. Seems like he’s injured every month. Cu_tler.  

 

8.) Colts +8 – After Monday night’s victory over the A-holishly arrogant Denver Douchebags, there was justice in the world for a fleeting moment.

 

]

9.) 69ers -1 – San Francisco should have all male cheerleaders. 

 

10.) Packers -1 – Aaron Rodgers is still a raging douchebag. He looks like the guy at the party who’s hitting on your girlfriend every time you step away for 10 minutes.

 

11.) Jets +4 – I really enjoyed the way Rex Ryan set the perfect trap for the cheaters. It was as if Rex Ryan was the woman impersonating a 14 year old online, Belichick was the predator who showed up at the house with condoms and a six-pack, and the referee was Chris Hansen. Busted asshole! - although you’re free to leave at anytime...

 

12.) Cowboys +1 – Tony Uh-oh. 

 

13.) Falcons -3 – Embarrassing.

 

14.) Redskins -3 – RG2-4

 

15.) Chargers -3 –The Dallas Cowboys of the AFC West. 

 

16.) Lions -2 – The worst team to watch. They should get a Bye season. 

 

 

17.) Cardinals +1 – Why don’t you change your name to something more intimidating like the Arizona “Scorpions”, or the Arizona “Immigration Policy Lunatics”?  

18.) Browns +1 – Cleveland’s new logo will be a pair of men’s briefs with a big @#$% streak down the middle. The Browns.  

 

19.) Ravens +1 – The team has been terrible without the services of one linebacker. I’m still digging that new look as a sportscaster with the fake glasses. So intellectual looking! He looks like the guy who comes along with the cart full of old books for the prisoners. Let’s face it, Ray should be slipping decades-old issues of Penthouse into books for his “homies” on the cell block.  

 

20.) Titans +1 –The NFL lost a cool guy and a founding father last week. RIP Bud. 

 

21.) Dolphins -4 – Good luck selling tickets after that unwatchable @#$%-fest you put on against the Bills last Sunday. Watching paint dry seemed like a f-ing Olympic sport compared to that garbage product the NFL puked onto the field. Both owners should be embarrassed.    

 

22.) Texans NC – I still remember that d-head Texans fans that ruined our time by screaming vulgarities for the entire game last year against the Bills. I hope the team’s dive has caused his marriage to implode – not that Texas recognizes those kinds of marriages.     

 

23.) Rams NC – I would rather run naked across 6 lanes of rush hour traffic that sit through a Rams game. 

 

24.) Bills NC – Both running backs are smashed up, the team is led by a practice squad quarterback, and the cornerbacks are the worst in the league. Looks like a long day in New Orleans this Sunday. 

 

 

25.) Panthers +3 – Did anyone else notice the NFL commercials advertising last night’s Panthers/Buccaneers game all week by saying “Thursday night – the Panthers are getting ready to make a run...” 

 

26.) Vikings -1 – Please sell this crap team to a relevant city.     

 

27.) Raiders NC – Who cares.  

 

28.) Eagles -2 – The guy you fired has his new team 7-0 and your new coach is 3-4 comma losers exclamation point.

 

29.) Steelers NC – Douchelessbagger.  

 

30.) Giants NC – Why do I get the feeling that Eli is Jealous of Peyton and is throwing games just so he… oh for @#$%’s sake – “Eli” – “Peyton”? Why does this sound like I’m discussing an episode of the Dukes of Hazzard.

 

31.) Buccaneers NC –Tampa should partner with the winless Jaguars. Each could fire half of their players in order to merge into one team with what’s left.  

                                       

32.) Jaguars NC – The new team could be called the Jackson Bay Jaguaneers.

 

Quality Talk of the Sports

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Listen LIVE October 24th from 8-9:30 PM central for the best 90 minutes of sports talk on the internet! Coming up on the show:

 

- Mr. Feltman leads a rousing discussion about last night's World Series tilt and about umpiring and instant replay in baseball

- Jeff looks ahead to the weekend in college football with discussions about the future of the NCAA and his plan to fix it

- Dustin explores the NFL games ahead and opines on the announcement of his Cowboys playing in London next year

- We take a look at the upcoming NBA season and give some preview and predictions
All that, great music, tons of laughs and so much more!

Call in and be a part of the action at (347) 308-8637

Follow us on the twitter: @sportsnarrative @dfwfanconnect and @thefeltman

And check out our website www.thesportsnarrative.com

 

Back From Vacation!

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After a few must-needed days away from reality, The Sports Narrative crew reunites for a special Tuesday night show and breakdown the weekend of sports action! In this episode:

- We explore the College Football scene with sanctions, BCS standings, upsets and everything else

- Reviewing every single NFL game from this weekend including a special look at the luckiness of the Jets and Cowboys

- A stop off at Mick's Pub so he can catch Jeff up on all the events outside the world of sports worth noting

- Previewing the World Series matchup and a look inside the hometow Texas Rangers and their front office news

- Finally news and notes including hockey, NBA preseason, soccer and more!

Call in and be a part at (347) 308-8637

Join us live October 22nd from 730-9PM central or anytime at www.thesportsnarrative.com or ITunes!

Dallas Cowboys Pre-Game Show Week 7

The Cowboys head into The Linc in an attempt to pick up their first road win of the year.

Dustin Copening and Darren Boyd get you ready for the noon kickoff this Sunday.

The guys begin with a recap of the Boys win against Washington on Sunday Night Football.

Jerry has done his usual thing this week by propping Romo up as the best 4th quarter QB in the NFL. Dustin and Darren attempt to defend or destroy Jerry's comments.

In the Coach's Slant, Bowers breaks out his chalkboard, as Jason Garrett and Chip Kelly discuss the Kiffin Defense's vulnerability against the Eagles' fast paced attack and how the Boys will counter Philly's offensive threat,

Can Dallas provide a balanced attack with Joseph Randle as the featured back? Dallas thinks so, and we hear from several players about the rookie's impact on the game and the hostile environment on the road.

Last week Boyd and Dustin picked the Cowboys to win, and Bowers picked Washington to knock off Dallas. Dustin and Darren were proved correct, but who is crazy enough to go with Dallas on the road in a hostile environment?

More importantly, will any other NFC East team pickup a win this weekend? Will Peyton Manning exact his revenge in Indy?

Tune in to find out!

Tune in, call in, and send your feedback to @dfwfanconnect, @sportsnarrative, and @DarrenBoyd13.

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