2014 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

1. Houston Texans: DE Jadeveon Clowney: There has now been movement atop our mock draft: instead of having a quarterback being selected first overall, we believe the Houston Texans will take Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds, the fastest of any defensive lineman. Plus, alongside former Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt, the Texans could have the best pair of defensive ends in recent memory.

2. St. Louis Rams: OT Greg Robinson: Everyone seems to have offensive tackle Greg Robinson penciled into the second spot in the draft ever since his team made it's way to the National Championship. Scouts saw the holes he created for star running back Tre Mason at Auburn, and this skill set will certainly help in the NFL.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Blake Bortles: The Jacksonville Jaguars have not had an above average quarterback since their last playoff appearance in 2007 under David Garrard. The Jaguars passing game ranked 2nd to last in the league last season, and they are definitely going to be looking for a quarterback other than Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert.

4. Cleveland Browns: QB Johnny Manziel: The debate taking place among football fans throughout the country is who is the better quarterback: Johnny Football, or Blake Bortles. We believe Bortles will end up being taken ahead of Manziel, but it's not like the Browns will be getting a mediocre quarterback with Manziel. After a great combine and pro-day, it would not come as a surprise if Manziel was even taken first overall in the draft.

5. Oakland Raiders: WR Sammy Watkins: Sammy Watkins is the most talented player in the NFL Draft. His combination of speed, height, hands, and jumping abilities makes him the most lethal offensive weapon of this draft class. Also, it has been reported that the Oakland Raiders will not draft a quarterback in the first round, even though last year's quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, left the team.

6. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Khalil Mack: Even though Mack is coming from a college with absolutely no reputation for producing solid football players, Mack's draft stock has been soaring upwards. His 10 sacks, 100 tackles, as well as 2.5 sacks in the season opener against Ohio State attracted attention from NFL scouts, and his 40-yard dash time (4.65), broad jump distance (10'8"), vertical jump (40.0), and 20-yard shuttle time (4.18) all ranked within the top 5 among linebackers. Mack is the real deal.



7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Mike Evans: We believe that for the first time since 2011, two wide receivers will be taken within the top 10 picks of the draft: the last time it happened, AJ Green and Julio Jones were taken 4th and 6th overall, and both became Pro-Bowl wide receivers. Evans was Manziel's primary wide receiver last season at Texas A&M thanks to his size (6'5"), speed (4.53), and jumping ability (37.0 inch vertical). Evans is an incredible red-zone target, and the Buccaneers are looking to enhance their offensive unit.

8. Minnesota Vikings: QB Teddy Bridgewater: If I was the Houston Texans, I would spend my first overall pick on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater; however, for whatever reason, Bridgewater's stock has quickly fallen ever since he was the early favorite to be selected first overall at the beginning of the season. Bridgewater's arm strength, elusiveness, and ability to throw on the run would be a great way to take some pressure off of Adrian Peterson offensively.

9. Buffalo Bills: OT Jake Matthews: Even though Jake Matthews is projected to be taken ninth overall in this mock draft, it is possible that he is selected as high as the first overall pick. The Buffalo Bills are in need of young talent on the offensive line, seeing that they ranked 28th overall in sacks allowed last season.

10. Detroit Lions: CB Darqueze Dennard: It seems apparent that the Detroit Lions will draft a cornerback with the 10th overall pick, but there is a question of what cornerback will be selected by the Lions: Darqueze Dennard or Justin Gilbert? Gilbert may have recorded the fastest combine of any cornerback in this year's draft class, but Dennard served as one of Michigan State's key defensive leaders in their quest for a national title. 

2014 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Bowl Game Edition

1. Houston Texans: QB Teddy Bridgewater: Despite his many talents, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was not even in contention for the Heisman Trophy. But even though Bridgewater is coming from a weak football school, as well as the fact that his team was not involved in the BCS Championship discussion, NFL teams are eager to draft Bridgewater first overall. Bridgewater is absolutely incredible in the pocket, and his ability to throw on the run makes it difficult for defenses to contain him even when they bring the blitz.

2. St. Louis (via Washington): OT Jake Matthews: Jake Matthews, by far the best lineman in this year's draft, would be be a great new addition to the Rams' offensive line. With Jake Matthews on one side of the offensive line, and Jake Long on the other, the St Louis Rams might be able to have the most talented O-Line in the National Football League. Apart from improving the offensive line, St. Louis may be tempted to draft a quarterback with the second pick in the draft; however, assuming that Sam Bradford can return from his injury by the start of next season, the offensive line must be upgraded as soon as possible.

3. Oakland Raiders: DE Jadeveon Clowney: The Oakland Raiders' defensive line has definitely improved since last season, but it will be extremely difficult to pass on the highly talented defensive end out of South Carolina, Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney's skill set will earn him extroidanary numbers at the NFL combine, so his draft stock will sky rocket upwards despite his sub-par play in 2013.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Derek Carr: This quarterback out of Fresno State flew under the radar throughout the 2013 regular season, and by the end of the year, Carr led the entire nation in both passing yards (4,866) and passing touchdowns (48). Similarly to Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr is coming from a relatively small football school, Fresno State, which may hurt his draft stock slightly.

5. Atlanta Falcons: LB Anthony Barr: After losing to San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game in 2012, many injuries in 2013 caused the Falcons to go 4-10 as of Week 15. Atlanta's defense, ranking 29th in total yards allowed, needs help with both their run and pass defense, and an athletic linebacker/defensive end like Anthony Barr will surely benefit this struggling team.

6. Cleveland Browns: QB Blake Bortles: After Marcus Mariota announced to the football world that he would be staying at Oregon for his senior year, Blake Bortles has rocketed upwards in the draft boards. Bortles, standing at 6'3" and 240 pounds, has been compared to the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, where both of them are similar in size yet very athletic quarterbacks. It is time for Cleveland to give up on second year quarterback Brandon Weeden.

7. New York Giants: OLB Khalil Mack: Not many players from the University at Buffalo are drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, but Khalil Mack is an extraordinary talent. This season, Mack posted 100 tackles and 10.5 sacks, where 2.5 of those sacks came against Ohio State in the season opener. The New York Giants ranked 26th overall in defensive sacks, so Khalil Mack would be a great addition to this team.

8. Buffalo Bills: WR Samy Watkins: If the Buffalo Bills wish to build their offense around EJ Manuel, then a new wide receiver should be the first new addition in the offseason. Sammy Watkins from Clemson caught 83 passes for 1,237 yards and 10 scores in 2013, and he is clearly the best wide receiver in this year's draft. The Bills are still one or two years away from making the playoffs, and in order to turn around their game immediately, they must make a huge splash in free agency.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Johnny Manziel: There is no disputing that Johnny Manziel is an incredibly talented quarterbacks, but his lack of size and off the field troubles may cause several teams to pass. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team that will be willing to take the risk, hoping that Manziel can rescue their franchise.

10. Minnesota Vikings: CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu: As of Week 16, the Minnesota Vikings rank dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed with 294.4 yards per game. The Vikings were hoping that rookie cornerback Xavier Rhodes could fix the problem with their pass defense in 2012, but obviously, there was no improvement. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is one of the best defenders in this draft class, and hopefully, he can team up with Xavier Rhodes to form one of the best pass defenses in the league.

2014 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings- 1-10

Baseball may have just ended but that can only mean one thing, fantasy baseball season is just beginning! Below is our current rankings for the top 10 players. Make sure to check back for more rankings, advice and tips that will help you win your 2014 Fantasy Baseball league!

1. Miguel Cabrera
While in years past Cabrera has been a lock for the first pick, this year is different. Cabrera's numbers certainly make him worthy of the pick but it will be interesting to see how his injuries are addressed this off season. If he doesn't progress at a reasonable pace, Mike Trout will most likely slip into this spot.

2. Mike Trout
Trout is the definition of a 5 tool player. He also contributes in a major way in nearly every statistical category in fantasy baseball. In 2013 Trout finished 2nd on ESPN's player rater and the 2014 season might be the year in which he overtakes Cabrera.

3. Andrew McCutchen
After 1 and 2, things start to get tricky. In his MVP 2013 season, McCutchen hit .317 while hitting 21 homers with 27 SB, putting him 6th on ESPN's player rater. While other players are certainly worthy of the 3rd spot, we feel that McCutchen should improve upon his numbers in 2014, making him a solid choice for 3rd overall.

4. Clayton Kershaw
Every year people advise not to take pitchers in the first round and every year they are proven wrong. Kershaw is as good as it gets; he won 16 games in 2013, striking out 232 batters while maintaining a sub-2 ERA. Kershaw should put up similar numbers this season, making him a solid top-5 choice.

5. Paul Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt's breakout 2013 season was not a surprise for those who have followed his ascent. Goldschmidt has incredible power and he showed it off during 2013, smashing 36 home runs, most in the NL while driving in 125 RBI's, best in the MLB. His 300+ batting average and Gold-Glove caliber defense certainly don't hurt either. Goldschmidt makes a strong case for a top-5 pick.

6. Robinson Cano
It will be interesting how Cano's fantasy value is affected after he signs a new contract this weekend. If he remains a Yankee, expect to see similar numbers as he has put up in past years- 300+ batting average, 30 homers and 100 RBIs. If he signs with a new team, however, his stock could rise or decline slightly depending on the caliber of the lineup he will play with, the division he will play against and the park he is in. Either way, Cano is a surefire first round pick.

7. Carlos Gonzalez
Gonzalez poses the biggest risk in the 1st round for fantasy owners, yet he also has as much potential as any other player being taken in the 1st round. Injuries have plagued Cargo during his career but if he can finally finish a season without a trip to the DL, he has top-3 potential. Despite only playing 110 games in 2013, Cargo hit 26 homers along with 21 steals. In a full season, Cargo could be a true 40-40 threat with a high batting average and 100 RBIs. If you're looking for a high-risk high-reward player, Cargo is your guy.

8. Hanley Ramirez
Another high-risk high-reward player is Hanley Ramirez. Much like Carlos Gonzalez, Hanley has been plagued by injuries for his whole career, though he has proven that he has the talent to put up top-5 caliber numbers. In 2013, Hanley only played 86 games but if you project his numbers (.345 BA, 20 HR, 10 steals, 57 RBI) over a full season, you're looking at MVP caliber numbers at a valuable position. Though Ramirez might not be a good pick in the top 5, he has the ability to produce those kinds of numbers.

9. Troy Tulowitzki
Tulowitzki makes a good case for the title of best SS in the league. With an 162 game average during his career of .295/29/103, Tulowitzki clearly has first round talent. Despite this, he has only managed to put together 2 seasons of over 150 games. Anything above a late first round pick for Tulowitzki is too high.

10. Jacoby Ellsbury
Much like Robinson Cano, Ellsbury's value will depend on where he ends up after this offseason. Although it remains to be seen whether his 2011 campaign, in which he hit 32 home runs, was a fluke, Ellsbury has shown the signs of being a true 5 tool player. Should he end up in weak division with a solid lineup around him, Ellsbury could be in for a huge 2014 season.

Check back in over the next few days for our 11-20 rankings!