by The Horseman » May 02, '14, 6:47 pm
In this mock draft, I'd say the Falcons, Raiders, Ravens and Browns are leaving the happiest.
First, the Falcons got the guy it's pretty clear at this point that they covet. Since they got him without having to give anything up for him(which I imagine they have been preparing to say goodbye to several draft picks for), they are in one hell of a mood after round 1.
I love the Raiders getting Jake Matthews, as it helps their GM get past his absolutely boneheaded handling of the opening free agency period. They let a premiere left tackle walk away to Arizona for big bucks(which the Raiders had...in fact, NO other team had more cap space than the Raiders going into this), and in return signed a left tackle with known injury problems, whose contract was quickly voided when a physical showed that he was *gasp* INJURED!
Jake Matthews has an mean streak about him, that the Raiders will love. He fits the mold of what they want to do. While they certainly need much more on that offense, LT is no longer a need with Matthews, IMO.
The Ravens leave happy, since they end up with a premiere big framed wideout, whom many feel will realistically be going in the top 10. They end up getting Mike Evans at 17, and leave with all smiles.
Finally, the Browns leave happy. Not only are they leaving day 1 with the top LB in this draft(who is NFL ready right now), they end up getting a potential star wideout in their own right, and leave the 1st round knowing that wideout is going to pair with Josh Gordon, to form an explosive(and YOUNG!) wideout duo for years to come. Many may be surprised and/or disappointed that they did not leave the 1st round with a QB. I'd remind them that Brian Hoyer is returning from injury(he looked quite impressive before going down), and they still have an early 2nd round pick they could use on a QB.
As far as picks I don't like go, the #1 to me has to be Bridgewater to the Jags. I think there is enough coverage to show that Bridgewater is going to at least drop into the late 1st, where the Jags could have traded up to get him. Khalil Mack fits exactly what Gus Bradley is all about, when it comes to defensive intensity and attitude. Yes, he isn't on the offensive side of the ball, but here's the deal; if you draft the best player available instead of need, you always leave satisfied. Bridgewater is a huge enough gamble as it is, much less at pick #3.
I'm not sure I like Dennard to the Steelers at 15. He has a high motor, however he also has concerns about his small size. My thought is the Steelers should have gone with Aaron Donald, who has that blue collar mindset that teams love to have. The Eagles taking Kelvin Benjamin doesn't fit to me either, as I don't think Benjamin's work ethic concerns would give Chip Kelly a "warm & fuzzy" with their high intensity, fast paced offensive style.