We're back for the 20th 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 20th pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, MidnightSpecial and the Arizona Cardinals select Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville. He also considered linebacker Ryan Shazier, defensive end Dee Ford, defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman, and quarterback Derek Carr. Here are his thoughts on the pick:
The Cardinals are a team with few absolute needs, but not enough depth and aging stars at key positions. Biggest needs are SS, R-Oline, OLB/ILB, QBofFuture, and DE.
O-Line - The Cardinals have addressed the left side of the offensive line, notably with the signing of Jared Veldheer at LT, but the right side of the line remains a question. The Cards would love to get their hands on Taylor Lewan or Zack Martin if they fall to 20, but there is good young competition at RG and RT, and the team could roll with what they've got.
Safety - Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL/LCL last December, return timeline is not yet set. There seems to be optimism in the ranks that Rashad Johnson and Tony Jefferson can make an at least serviceable starting safety tandem, but the team would love to put a top caliber SS next to healthy Mathieu.
Linebacker - Karlos Dansby is gone. ILB Daryl Washington is excellent, but may be facing a suspension his year of as much as 8 games. Kevin Minter is a promising (All-SEC first team) but untested 2nd year player, and Lorenzo Alexander, moved from OLB to ILB, is coming off of a Lisfranc injury. The team could find itself very thin at ILB, and wants OLB depth as well (John Abraham is 36). Ryan Shazier could bolster the ILB position and Dee Ford the OLB position.
Defensive Line - Docket, Campbell, and Williams make a formidable front 3 in Todd Bowles' 3-4, but there is insufficient depth behind them. For this reason Hageman would make sense as a rotational player and perhaps the 32 year old Dockett's future replacement.
QB - Derek Carr was considered as well, to sit behind the 34 year old Carson Palmer for a year, and grow his quarterbacking acumen. He has a strong arm and fast release, and could be a great fit in Bruce Arians Offense, pushing the ball downfield from the pocket.
Despite these considerations, Calvin Pryor represents the top value on the board at this time in positions of need. He is an explosive, physical player and a balanced safety with good ball skills. Todd Bowles was a former safety, and now he gets the top safety on my board to "throw some gas on the defense."
Trevor Woods: While Pryor is a fine choice, this pick is a tough one because of the Cardinals need at inside linebacker. Ryan Shazier would have gave the Cardinals a big boost at ILB, as they need depth at that position in a hurry. Not drafting an ILB isn't going to kill them here, but they will need to pick one up in round two if they draft Pryor. The Cards can survive without drafting Shazier, as Pryor is a bargain at pick twenty, he could have been off the board by now. I feel Pryor is the best safety in this years class.
Nick Chiamardas: I hate this pick. Not because I think the Cardinals could to better, but because I hate the idea of the 49ers facing Pryor twice a year for at least the next 4 years. My top safety in the class, Pryor appears to be the most complete safety available. He plays the run incredibly well and is very instinctual. He'll pair nicely with Tyrann Mathieu. Many think the Cardinals will look for a pass rusher with this pick and with Dee Ford, Kony Ealy, and Ryan Shazier still available, it wouldn't be crazy to see either end up in Arizona.
Round 1
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wiseguy545 |
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina [Full Story] |
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2. |
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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 | Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA [Full Story] |
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49feelinfine | Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State [Full Story] |
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superk0725 | Taylor Lewan, OL, Michigan [Full Story] |
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El Shorts | Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama [Full Story] |
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BryKno | Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh [Full Story] |
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SigepPT49er | C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama [Full Story] |
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Mira Loma Maulers | Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M [Full Story] |
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JMichael39 | Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State [Full Story] |
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Desert Dog Runner | Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State [Full Story] |
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albert.55 | Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame [Full Story] |
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20. |
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MidnightSpecial | Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville [Full Story] |
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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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dave.bocchino | |
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49ersCusefan | |
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Tre9er | |
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ak4niner | |
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timmyg24 |
