2014 NFL Mock Draft: Penn State Edition
This year’s crop of NFL Draft prospects is full of exciting players, including a few Penn Staters. This year, I’ve decided to put on my Mel Kiper hat and create my own mock draft.
Here’s where I anticipate these five Penn Staters will be selected this weekend:
WR Allen Robinson: 2nd Round (49th overall) to the New York Jets
A-Rob is easily the top Nittany Lion in the draft, and while he most likely won’t get selected on Day 1, he shouldn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called on Friday. The Jets have a glaring need at wide receiver, and an explosive playmaker like Robinson would be a perfect fit. His leaping ability and knack for the big catch would be the perfect complement for young QB Geno Smith. I don’t view Robinson’s “slower” 40-yard dash time (4.6 seconds) as a negative — anyone who’s seen him play knows that he plays faster than that. Robinson possesses incredible lateral quickness, and he has all of the tools to become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. He’ll be a steal for New York this late in the second round.
DT DaQuan Jones: 4th Round (108th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings
DaQuan Jones is a high motor, run-stuffing tackle with a lot of upside, and putting him on a line next to a guy like Sharrif Floyd would drastically improve Minnesota’s defensive front. As a rookie, Jones probably wouldn’t start right out of the gate, but he definitely has the potential to develop into a starter down the road. Because of Minnesota’s depth issues, this would be an ideal situation for him to develop quickly and play later in the season. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see Jones team up with Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges again?
OG John Urschel: 6th Round (186th overall) to the Tennessee Titans
This is an uncommon prediction for sure, but I think that a capable run-blocker like Urschel, paired with a dominant young guard like last year’s first-round pick Chance Warmack, could be a dream come true for the Titans. Adding a guy like Urschel would help open up running lanes for whoever totes the rock for Tennessee, as well as provide some additional protection for QB Jake Locker, who is entering the final year of his contract. Even if he doesn’t end up in Nashville, I believe that he will be a steal wherever he goes.
LB Glenn Carson: 7th Round (224th overall) to the Buffalo Bills
This pick makes perfect sense to me, as the Bills are desperate for depth at the linebacker position. Carson has flashed moments of brilliance during his time at Penn State, but also has many aspects of his game that need improvement. If he were able to practice and learn from starter Brandon Spikes, Buffalo would be an ideal landing spot for him.
S Stephen Obeng-Agyapong: Undrafted free agent to the Chicago Bears
Stephen Obeng-Agyapong will be one of those guys who hopes to hear his name called on day three, but will most likely go undrafted. This will allow him to choose the “best fit.” I believe that the team for him is Chicago, where there is a big need at the safety position. While rumor has it that the Bears love Louisville safety Calvin Pryor, there is always a need for depth. Learning in Chicago’s system would really benefit a player like Obeng-Agyapong. He is more of an in-the-box tackler, and would be a welcome addition to any special teams unit. I believe Obeng-Agyapong is talented enough to make a roster, and Chicago would be the best option.
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