2014 NFL Mock Draft: Decoding Quarterback Rumors

It’s March which means we are just a mere handful of weeks away from the 2014 NFL Draft. The draft is always half about strategy, and half about gambling by the league’s front offices. Who will reach? Who will take a chance? Who will stand true to their draft board?

We don’t have the answers to those questions but what we do have is a trickle of rumors coming out from the combine and among the media. There are three sides to every rumor- his side, her side, and the truth.

With that said, let’s try to debunk some of the actions and rumors teams are putting out there:

Cleveland Browns Don’t Interview Johnny Manziel

WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO THINK THIS MEANS: The Browns don’t see Johnny Manziel as a franchise quarterback and are going to draft elsewhere. Johnny Football is not on their radar.

WHAT THIS PROBABLY MEANS: They are highly interested in Johnny Manziel and are debating how many picks they are willing to lose in a trade-up to secure him. They have already leaked the news that new jerseys are coming. Change is coming in Cleveland.

The Oakland Raiders Leak Strong Interest in Derek Carr

WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO THINK THIS MEANS: The Raiders will draft Derek Carr with their top 10 pick and usher in a new era of Raiders football with him.

WHAT THIS PROBABLY MEANS: The Raiders want someone else (Sammy Watkins most likely.)

Jim Harbaugh is Highly Interested in Jimmy Garoppolo

WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO THINK THIS MEANS: Jim Harbaugh is going to leave the 49ers and take Jimmy Garoppolo with him. The Niners will draft Garoppolo then trade him to Harbaugh when he moves on.

WHAT THIS PROBABLY MEANS: Jim Harbaugh wants a new contract from the 49ers and will put every card on the table to pressure them into making that happen.