2014 NFL Draft: 5 Potential Day 1 Surprises

The 2014 NFL draft is easily one of the most unpredictable in recent league history. With no clear No. 1 pick, consensus top quarterback or sure-fire franchise running backs, there are a ton of question marks here. Adding into the equation is the fact that it’s also the deepest class in at least a decade. 

Here are five potential Day 1 surprises.

1. Khalil Mack over Jedeveon Clowney at No. 1 Overall 

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The Houston Texans may have Clowney as their No. 1 overall player, but is he the best fit for their defense? There has been some talk that the Texans prefer to trade out of the top spot and select Mack later in the top 10. Remember, this is the very same franchise that shocked the world by going Mario Williams over Reggie Bush No. 1 overall back in the 2006 NFL draft.

Is Mack a better fit for the Texans 3-4 scheme? Potentially. However, it just seems ridiculous to consider him over Clowney with the first overall pick. After all, the idea of teaming Clowney up with J.J. Watt has to scare the collective jockstraps off opposing AFC South offenses.

2. Derek Carr as the First Quarterback off the Board 

I have been banging this drum for some time now. With all the questions surrounding Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater and Blake Bortles over the past couple weeks, the one constant has been Carr going in the first round. Is he the safest pick? That’s quite possible. If so, some team like the Cleveland Browns or Minnesota Vikings may decide to come calling.

Blessed with the strongest arm of any of the top-tier quarterbacks, Carr’s ability to fit the vertical passing game is key here. This makes him a fit for a ton of quarterback-needy teams, the Browns and Vikings included. I will remain consistent here. Expect Cleveland to seriously consider taking Carr as the first quarterback off the board at No. 4 overall.

3. San Francisco 49ers Trade out of Day 1

All the talk surrounding San Francisco has been about a potential trade up. While that’s still the likeliest scenario, there is something to be said about trading down and acquiring additional picks, both this year and in 2015. This is only magnified by the potential that one of the top-four quarterbacks will be on the board at 30. If so, expect one of the teams atop the second round to come calling late tonight. This makes the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and 49ers potential trade-down candidates.

4. New England Patriots Select Teddy Bridgewater 

Only New England, who has a Hall of Fame quarterback in Tom Brady, would seriously consider exhausting a first-round pick on another quarterback. This scenario would include Bridgewater falling to 29 and the Patriots finding a trade partner for former third-round pick Ryan Mallett. Is it likely? Of course not. With that said, I wouldn’t put anything past this organization.

5.  Johnny Manziel Falls out of Round 1

If Manziel falls out of the first round, I am pretty sure that we will start going by the geocentric model of philosophy. After all, the Earth will stop spinning. In any event, there is a decent possibility, by that I mean 10 percent chance, that Manziel finds himself without a NFL team when the first round of the draft concludes tonight. There are so many unknowns here. Teams are split on him. I know it takes only one team, but Manziel is definitely a polarizing figure.

Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA Today