With the biggest names in NFL free agency off the board it's now clearer than ever what teams will look to do in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft. Of course there's always the occasional surprise, and this years draft class is talented throughout, meaning teams have plenty of positions to pick from, and plenty of options to choose from. Here's a possible look at how the top five of the 2014 NFL Draft will look.
1. Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF
The Houston Texans had built a good team, so it comes as a surprise that this franchise struggled and are in the position they are, but with Matt Schaub gone, it's clear where they are looking to strengthen. There are other talented players at other positions available, but with many suggesting this is the 'year of the quarterback' it's clear the Texans must use this pick on a quarterback.
A few months ago many were suggesting they'd use their coveted pick to draft Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater, but as time's developed it seems more likely that they will look to draft Blake Bortles. He reaches the expectations that everybody has set for their "perfect quarterback". He's strong, quick and reliable, and he's the closest thing to a retro quarterback in this class. Bortles is able to lead his team from the depth of nothingness, and that's a quality the Texans will find impossible to turn down.
2. St. Louis Rams: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The St. Louis Rams have one of the most confusing picks in this years draft. They are without a doubt one of the most impressive, youthful teams, and they heavily believe in their quarterback and wide receiver combination in Sam Bradford and Tavon Austin. However, it's clear they need to improve if they re to challenge for a playoff place, but with the second pick and the praised talent primarily being quarterbacks and wide receivers, what can they do?
The Rams could look to add a particular need, but with so many skilful players available they will not want to miss out on a franchise changing player. Although they believe heavily in Bradford, they could still opt to draft a quarterback, but more than likely they will look to draft Sammy Watkins from Clemson, meaning they're giving Bradford two stunning targets in Austin and Watkins. This could be the pick that propels them in to playoff contention.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of improvement all over, so this draft really is a win-win situation for them. They cannot go wrong. Expect them to opt for the physical, dominant force that is Jadeveon Clowney. Without a doubt they could do with his pass rushing ability, and he looks set to be one of the more stable picks, even though less exciting than the picks their competitors will likely opt for.
4. Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
The Cleveland Browns have one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. Full of young, explosive talent, but many are suggesting the way they use their fourth-pick in this draft could be a vital part of how their future pans out. With many previous picks wasted, especially on quarterbacks, it may be hard for the Browns to turn down the talented, safe pick that is Sammy Watkins, if he's still on the board, but as he's likely to be nabbed by the Rams, the Browns would be foolish to avoid the talented pool of quarterbacks, meaning it's more of a question of Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Manziel. For various reasons, including the excitability factor, they should pick Manziel, as they'll finally have their very own franchise quarterback.
5. Oakland Raiders: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
There are plenty of options for the Raiders with this pick, but they will not be heavily invested in the quarterbacks they have on their roster. Hoping to improve, and to have a better season, the Raiders know this may be their last chance for several years to draft a franchise quarterback. If Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater are available, you can bet the Raiders draft them, and put them under the guidance of the newly acquired Matt Schaub. Bridgewater would be the perfect man for the job, and if Schaub's poor form continues, he'll be ready to step in instantly.
Many things can change between now and the draft itself, but at the moment it looks like these five teams would be hard pushed to draft elsewhere. Who would you pick for your team?
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