Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Eastern Illinois quarterback James Garoppolo (FL), Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron (L), Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (R), and Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (FR) look on during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr to the Tennessee Titans has become a favorite on many 2014 NFL mock drafts. The Titans need an edge-rush specialist in Ray Horton‘s new 3-4 hybrid defense. Barr figures as a perfect fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker role. Not only that, but Barr’s collegiate defensive coordinator, Lou Spanos, joined Ken Whisenhunt‘s staff as his linebacker coach.
Match made in Heaven, correct? Now the Titans need 10 other teams to pass on him. The catch: eight of those teams have strong reasons to draft any of the three following players: Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack and Barr. Then there’s the St. Louis Rams. While they don’t need a pass-rusher, having two picks in the top 13 gives them the flexibility to draft Clowney.
There’s a very strong chance that Barr doesn’t fall to No. 11. The Titans need some teams to put their quarterback and offensive line needs before their pass-rushing deficiencies. If Mack and Clowney are both drafted inside the top five, that still leaves four teams ahead of Tennessee who are potential suitors for Barr.
This mock draft takes a look at how the draft could unfold based on that realistic…and probable…scenario. You can find the Titans’ draft pick on Slide 12.