2014 NFL Mock Draft – Trades

Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Central Florida Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) against the Baylor Bears during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Central Florida defeated Baylor 52-42. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With mock draft season in full swing, it’s only natural to start tinkering with possible trades. The new collective bargaining agreement structured the rookie pay scale in such a way that trades early in the first round are a lot more enticing, especially when quarterbacks are involved. The Jaguars are one of the teams in need of a quarterback but they find themselves in a precarious position with the third overall pick. The Houston Texans could select a quarterback at one and the St. Louis Rams are likely trying to trade out of the second pick with a team looking for a QB.

Erik Lambert recently played out a mock draft with trades and here’s how he has the top three selections going down.

"#1 – Cleveland Browns (from HOU) – Teddy Bridgewater – QB – LouisvilleTrade yield:  Texans get #4, #26 and CLE 2nd round pickThey have the means to move up and the need.  The Cleveland Browns might sit back and wait for a quarterback but they should be able to swing a deal with Houston for Teddy Bridgewater.  He’s the best in his class and more than capable of becoming a franchise guy given his physical and mental tools.#2 – Atlanta Falcons (from STL) – Jadeveon Clowney – DE – South CarolinaTrade yield:  Rams get #6, and ATL 2nd round picks in ’14 and ’15 and 5th round pickThey are never shy about going after players they want.  With St. Louis interested in moving down no certainty of Jadeveon Clowney getting back Jacksonville or Oakland, the Atlanta Falcons go get their badly needed pass rusher.  Clowney is a perfect fit for their defense and will become a monster in that loud Georgia Dome.#3 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Blake Bortles – QB – UCFWas he perfect in 2013?  No, but the upside is clearly evident with quarterback Blake Bortles.  He has the size, mobility and arm to do far more than just manage games.  He is strongly built and has a very good head on his shoulders, demonstrating a rare calm when the pressure ratchets up during important games."

Cleveland is giving up a lot to move up from 4 to 1 to grab Teddy Bridgewater, but I think Houston ultimately stays pat and picks their quarterback at number 1. Regardless, Teddy is probably not available for the Jaguars and they’re going to have to hope someone like the Falcons move up to 2 to grab Clowney. The Jaguars will have one of the top 3 QBs (Teddy, Bortles, and Johnny Manziel) to choose from but they probably won’t be able to get the top guy on their board without trading up.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89