We're back for the ninth pick of the 2014 Niners Nation Community Mock Draft. You can see previous picks below in the draft table. You can also follow the mock draft board through this story stream.
With the ninth pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, jmart7 and the Buffalo Bills select Eric Ebron, tight end, North Carolina. Some of the alternates he considered included Louisville safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert, and Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan.
Here are his thoughts on the pick:
The Bills are about 2 years away from making a deep playoff run and challenging the Patriots for the AFC East division crown. They have quietly been adding pieces to a team that is on the upswing. What they still need is more weapons for young quarterback EJ Manuel to work with. I was hoping Mike Evans would drop to this spot, but Ebron is the next best thing for this offense to really get rolling. Having been compared to Vernon Davis, Ebron will give the team yet another young puzzle piece to build this offense around. My next choice would have been Clinton Dix to help fill the void left by Jairus Byrd signing with the saints. Gilbert is a star in the making and hard to pass on. Lewan would help strengthen an offensive line which would be considered the weakest part of this bills offense. But overall, I think the future is bright for this franchise.
Trevor Woods: The Bills offense has the chance to become a potent one with a young and deep receiving corps and a top-tier running back in C.J. Spiller. Their defense is actually pretty good too and there is no reason they can't finish at least second in the AFC East next season, and Eric Ebronwill help the Bills get better. The Bills offense is a lot like that of the Saints, they run a lot of spread formations with the occasional power formation and singleback set mixed in between. Ebron could be used in a variety of ways, just as Jimmy Graham is. He does have a case of the drops every now and then but his talent is undeniable and he is hands down the best tight end in this draft class. A wise move by the Bills at pick number nine.
Nick Chiamardas: Ebron is perhaps the most difficult prospect to slot in any mock. He could go as high as seven to Tampa Bay or he could slide down to 19 to Jets or maybe further. The unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism has some comparing Ebron to the 49ers' Vernon Davis. While slower, Ebron, like pre-draft Davis, is still figuring out how to use his size and speed to win one one one matchups. The Bills are committed to developing last year's first round QB E.J. Manuel and adding a Ebron will give him a security blanket capable turning routine passing plays into big yardage plays.
Round 1
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wiseguy545 |
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina [Full Story] |
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El Shorts | Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn [Full Story] |
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9er4life22 | Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville [Full Story] |
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Boss Clifford | Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson [Full Story] |
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Mark Balliet | Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M [Full Story] |
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CheekeeMunkee | Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo [Full Story] |
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TopFlightSecurity | Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M [Full Story] |
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Hoopers Judge | Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida [Full Story] |
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jmart7 | Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina [Full Story] |
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germinator | |
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49feelinfine | |
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superk0725 | |
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El Shorts | |
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BryKno | |
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SigepPT49er | |
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Mira Loma Maulers | |
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JMichael39 | |
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Desert Dog Runner | |
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albert.55 | |
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MidnightSpecial | |
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Rowingdave | |
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MisterEclectic | |
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Rowingdave | |
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BearAKA | |
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CraigRED&GOLD | |
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Boss Clifford | |
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Roy_from_Israel | |
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49ersCusefan | |
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timmyg24 |
