That’s right, I’m going straight into the second round. I’m even doing a third round, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get that.
33. Detroit Lions- Evander ‘Ziggy’ Hood, DT, Missouri
The Lions still don’t have a QB of the future, but there aren’t any more available in this draft that I feel will ever be starting material. Hood is a steal at this point, and it’s a gaping hole on this defense. He’s not quite as big as what Jim Schwartz usually likes in his DT’s, but they have Grady Jackson next to him to clog the run. Hood is extremely strong at the point of attack, and he’s an ideal fit as an active three technique that can impact the pass and run games. I thought for a bit about Robert Ayers, but he’s a bit too much of a one-year wonder for my tastes at this point.
34. New England Patriots- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Smith should be a first round pick, but I just couldn’t find the right spot for him. I don’t care if he’s 5’9”, he plays a lot bigger than this and he flat out makes plays. He had an unreal number of picks, and picks for a TD, in his college career. You don’t get your hands on that many balls at corner unless you are doing something right. He has great instincts, he’s a playmaker, and he’s physical enough to hold the jam long enough to let the Patriot’s pass rush get to the QB. Darius Butler would fit well here too, but I personally like Smith more. On the plus side, he can return punts and kicks as well. It’s not the biggest need for the Patriots, but they have the luxury of taking the best player available and that’s Smith.
35. St. Louis Rams- Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
I know, this version is panning out slightly like the first version did. But as GM of the Rams, I know my two biggest needs going in to the draft are OT and WR. I got my OT in the first, and I get my WR in the second. Robiskie is the perfect compliment to Donnie Avery, and he’s physical enough in the run game to help block in the run game. It’s a no brainer to me, even though Darius Butler was awful tempting.
36. Cleveland Browns- Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Butler, like Smith, is a first round caliber corner that will more than likely slip to this point in the draft and provide a great value for the Browns. Cleveland’s cupboard is pretty bare in the defensive backfield, so I think this pick is either the best CB available or one of the two top Safeties (Delmas or Patrick Chung). Butler is a smart player who is just what Eric Mangini is looking for in a DB.
37. Seattle Seahawks- Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
I really like Delmas a lot and think he has more value than where he’s going. Like Ron Brace, I would not be surprised to see Delmas as the other guy who really moves further up come draft day. The whole ‘best player available’ goes out the window when you have a position that doesn’t have much depth, and a player of Delmas’ caliber is sitting there ripe for the picking. The Seahawks need a free and strong safety, and Delmas is the best of either of those so SS can be addressed later.
38. Cincinnati Bengals- Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
After watching the combine, I really started to like Meredith even more than I already did. He’s well put together for a bigger lineman, and he’s very quick for his size as well. He’s the perfect fit for this offense as he has the ability to play RT or OG, and that kind of versatility is what this team seems to really like. You may all say they need a OC, but I know they have Dan Santucci there to take over at the hub. He’s someone to watch out for, and remember where you heard that first.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars- William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Even though I’m not the biggest fan of Beatty, he doesn’t have to start right now. Tra Thomas is there, and Beatty can be a solid back up at either of the tackle spots, and might even be able to swing inside to guard in a pinch if needed. This is a bit of a luxury pick in drafting for the future, but the future is closer than you think with Thomas as the starter.
40. Oakland Raiders- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Ayers has a bit of bust potential as he really didn’t have a consistently solid college career, but I’m hitching my horse to the fact that he’s a late bloomer. I think he’ll be a better pro than a college player, and the Raiders desperately need DL help. I’d say DT might be a bigger need, but the value isn’t there for me to reach. If I had put my black and silver velour track suit on and did my best Al Davis impression, probably pick Connor Barwin here since he’s faster. Since I’m no where near as old as Al, I make the right choice and go with Ayers. The Raiders don’t need another undersized DE since they already have Derrick Burgess in that role. This would have been a center if they hadn’t traded for Samson Satele the other day.
41. Green Bay Packers- Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati
Yes, Barwin would be making yet another position change to rush LB, but I am not passing on his potential. If the Packers really want to make a change to a 3-4, they need as many bodies they can get that fit this defense. Barwin is too small to play a down DE position, and I like him slightly better than Larry English, so that’s my pick here. A CB wouldn’t be a bad idea either, but I think a good pass rush would lead to success quicker than good coverage guys would.
42. Buffalo Bills- Max Unger, OC, Oregon
DE and OC were two of the three biggest needs for this team (with TE coming in a close third). A pass catching TE threat like Jared Cook of South Carolina was tempting, but value is there to be had in the next few rounds for this position, so I grab the center for the next ten years in Unger. He fits this team well as the other OL for Buffalo are athletic guys who can move well in space. Unger is polished and ready to start right away. At a position that doesn’t usually have a difference maker at it, Unger can be that type of player.
43. San Francisco- Sean Smith, CB, Utah
Smith is exactly what coach Singletary wants in a defender. Very big for his position, a physical guy who gets in people’s faces, and a playmaker that can lock down the bigger WR’s in the NFC West. I don’t buy the hype of people saying he will have to move to safety. People said that about Peanut Tillman, and he’s been a very good NFL cornerback. Smith has the potential to be even better than Tillman, and the 9ers need some help in the defensive backfield. At worst, he’s the nickel corner, but I seriously doubt Walt “water covers 75% of the Earth and Walt Harris covers the other 25%” Harris will end up being the starter over Smith by the time the season starts (and yes, for those that did not know. Walt Harris actually showed up to his first Bear’s minicamp as a rookie with a shirt that said the above quote. Unreal).
44. Miami Dolphins- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
I think Parcells is hoping and praying that either Britt or Smith falls here. Putting myself in his shoes, I have to agree and be happy with either player at this spot of the draft. CB and WR are big needs, and both those players fit well into what the Dolphins look for in a player. I’m still not sold completely on Britt as I think he body catches far too much, but he’s worth the gamble here for since I know I need a WR bad for my team.
45. New York Giants- Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon
The Jeremy Shockey trade looks great to me now that I know Chung was available. With James Butler leaving for the Rams in free agency, the Giants need some help at the safety position, even if it’s just for depth. I think Chung will beat out incumbent Michael Johnson and will be a big time play maker for this defense. Second year FS Kenny Phillips is a rangy centerfields type and Chung is the perfect physical compliment to him. Chung can do it all and he’s my favorite SS prospect in this draft. He can blitz, he tackles well, and he plays with an attitude that this Giants defense is now known for. Alex- If this works out this way for you, you should be ecstatic.
46. Houston Texans- Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
The only reason that Brown falls this far is if teams agree with my thought that effective RB’s can be had later in the draft, so you fill the other positions first. Brown is a really good running back prospect and he came out at the right time. He runs a lot bigger than his size indicates, and one less year of pounding on his legs will do him well. He’s not a blazer, but he has good short area burst and can get free and make long runs (evidenced by the fact that he had a 5.7 ypc average and over 2,000 yards rushing in total this past season). It’s a bit of a luxury with impressive rookie Steve Slaton already there, but depth at the position is non existent. I thought long and hard about William Moore here, but Brown was such a good value I could not pass him up.
47. New England Patriots- William Moore, SS, Missouri
From what I’ve read recently about Moore, apparently he played all season with a serious foot injury. I’m not sure if it’s the truth, or his attempt to cover up the fact that his Senior year was not anywhere near his Junior year as far as productivity, but it’s possible that this is the reason why there was such a stark contrast. Based on his Junior year tape and his physical ability, I’m more than happy to take him at #47 overall. The Patriots are really at the luxury point where they can take the best player available or take a player that they like a lot and don’t know if he’ll be available when they pick next. A TE like Jared Cook was hard to look past, and I wouldn’t disagree with that if he were the pick, but Moore presents great value at a position that is perilously thin for New England.
48. Denver Broncos- Fili Moala, DE, USC
I made a bit of a reach here, but I felt it was necessary. For what was left as value on the board right now, nothing was worth taking and overlooking the glaring need in front seven help for this team. A NT would have been ideal, but the ones that are left are not worth taking at this point. Moala puzzles me as he looks amazing at times and lost at others, but I personally believe his problems are more related to lapses I technique than anything. Moala is a good fit as a base 3-4 DE, and he can slide underneath as an undertackle in four man fronts. The Broncos were one of the leagues worst rushing defenses, so the addition of former USC teammates Maualuga and Moala will hopefully help alleviate some of those issues. A corner like DJ Moore would fit as well, but his 40 times scare me a touch, which was enough to pass on him for Moala instead.
49. Chicago Bears- Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Mississippi
Yes, McRath played ILB in a 3-4, so you may wonder why I take him for the Bears. McRath might have played ILB in college, but he’s better suited to the outside in the NFL. McRath is a 230lb LB with very good speed and quickness, and that will fit in perfectly for this defense. Hopefully he will end up as the starting SLB, but at worst he’s a versatile back up who can play any of the three LB positions for this team. This is a bit of a luxury pick with bigger needs and value being present at OC or CB, but I couldn’t pass one of my favorite players up. I think McRath is flying too far under the radar and is going to be an excellent NFL player. He just needs the right scheme to shine, and this is the defense for him.
50. Cleveland Browns- LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
Once again, the value of McCoy is shocking at this point in the draft. Even though I may not be a huge fan of his, he’s a versatile playmaker that is needed as a counterpunch to battering ram Jamal Lewis. McCoy might have the best hands of the RB’s available in this class, and he’s a shifty runner who can make a cut and run for long yards. I don’t think he’s ready to be a full time carries guy yet, but he won’t have to be in this situation. If not McCoy, then maybe Rashad Johnson of Alabama, but McCoy has more value than Johnson does overall.
51. Dallas Cowboys- Rashad Johnson, FS, Alabama
Yes, Ken Hamlin is technically the FS, but he can also move underneath and play SS as well. Johnson is strictly a centerfield type who will cover the back half of the field against the pass. I think a true SS type player would fit better, but that player isn’t available to fit the value of a second rounder A lot of places like ESPN keep saying CB, but I think that CB is a strength of this team. They have Terrance Newman and two impressive rookies from last year, Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins, so they don’t need another corner at this point. A big honking guard like Duke Robinson was very hard for me to pass up, but Johnson was technically a better value. If crazy ass Jerry Jones picked Robinson at this point, I’d be very pleasantly surprised.
52. New York Jets- Andre Brown, RB, North Carolina State
I really struggled with who I should pick here. On one hand, RT Phil Loadholt makes sense, but I just do not like him and I said I would pick these as if I were the GM and not how I thought they would go. A WR like Juaquin Iglesias of Oklahoma was very tempting as well, but I just kept going back to Brown. The Jets have Thomas Jones in place, but he’s no spring chicken. Leon Washington is a great returner and a situational back, so he should stay in that role. Brown is the heir apparent to Jones and provides a workhorse, between the tackles physical presence for this team. With a rookie QB in Sanchez, and subpar options at receiver, this team needs to effectively run the ball. Brown can do that for them.
53. Philadelphia Eagles- Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois
I seriously doubt English lasts this long as he has too much upside to still be on the board. The fact that’s he’s such a tweener player though is what definitely hurts him. The Eagles love undersized DE’s who can rush the passer. And they could also run some packages with him as a SLB who blitzes. The Eagles have a bit of a luxury here, and English is definitely that for this team. DJ Moore, Loadholt, Iglesias, and even Eric Wood were all considered here but English was too good of a value to pass up.
54. Minnesota Vikings- DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
I thought very hard about Loadholt since RT is a big need for this team, but I don’t know if he’s the answer. It’s surprising to see Moore available still as he has always looked very good on tape, but his poor 40 times must be taken into consideration. If people were concerned with Malcolm Jenkins running in the high 4.4’s to low 4.5’s, Moore’s low 4.6’s are a major concern. But he has fluid hips, he tackles well, and he’s physical enough to jam WR’s at the line and not have to worry about his lack of deep speed. Eric Wood is a bit of sleeper as well if the Vikes aren’t sold on John Sullivan as their replacement for Matt Birk.
55. Atlanta Flacons- Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon
A third Duck goes in the second round, but Byrd is the guy that no one is talking about. He’s and impressive man-to-man cover corner who plays a lot bigger than his size indicates. He has a nose for the ball, and he’s great at press man coverage. CB is a big need for this team, and Byrd is a very good fit as a player that I value a lot more than other might. A DE like Paul Kruger of Utah was hard to pass up, but I felt better about the depth at this position for later in the draft.
56. Miami Dolphins- Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
Al Groh is Bill Parcells former defensive coordinator and he is also the man who Bill put in charge of the Jets once he decided to leave there (even though Groh turned the job down to go coach Virginia). That means that Sintim has a leg up on the competition by going to a team where he’ll already be mostly familiar with the type of defense they run. As you all know, I’m not a huge fan of Sintim because I don’t think he’s good in coverage and he struggles to disengage against run blockers. Sintim won’t be asked to do a lot of this though, he’s going to be asked to spell Joey Porter in spots and help put heat on the QB. It’s a good fit for scheme and value, so I couldn’t pass this up.
57. Baltimore Ravens- Cody Brown, DE/OLB, Connecticut
The Ravens still have big need at CB, even with the signing of free agent Dominique Foxworth, but Brown is the type of player the Ravens pick when people least expect it. Brown is a lot like franchise OLB Terrell Suggs in that he’s a hybrid type of defender who can play with his hand on the ground or standing up. I expect Baltimore to lock up Suggs long term, but if they don’t, Brown could be his heir apparent. It’s almost a fact of the rich getting richer where the Ravens defense adds another athletic pass rusher that is versatile enough to play several roles.
58. New England Patriots- Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Once again the rich get richer. Cook is the type of receiving TE that you must account for with a safety as a LB will be too slow to cover him. He’s an ideal fit for this offense and I don’t care if he can’t block at all. He won’t need to, and the Patriots won’t ask him to either. He’ll help open up the perimeter for Randy Moss and the underneath for Wes Welker. Shonn Greene of Iowa was hard to pass due to his value, but Cook is a spectacular athlete that New England can’t afford to pass up here.
59. Carolina Panthers- Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Mississippi
A DT like Sen’Derrick Marks of Auburn would fit well, but the Panthers haven’t had a pass catching TE since the franchise first started (Wesley Walls). Nelson might be the receiving option this team has looked for to compliment Steve Smith. They could look for that WR partner for him, but Nelson is a match up nightmare that this team really needs in order to fully open up their offense.
60. New York Giants- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
It’s simply the best player available for the Giants. On my board, Eric Wood and Robinson are the two best player available, so I go with the guard who can provide that nastiness in the run blocking game that this OL needs. LT David Diehl is probably best fit inside at guard, but he’s shown me enough over the past two seasons at LT that he can fit well there if he has the right talent next to him on the inside. Robinson could potentially play immediately and help make Diehl that much more effective. I’m sure Brandon Jacobs will approve of this move as well.
61. Indianapolis Colts- Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Marks is an undersized DT who uses quickness to make his mark. I know the Colts could use a bigger run stuffing presence on the interior, but Marks would allow them to play to the personnel they have on hand and penetrate into the backfield to disrupt plays. A pass coverage OLB like Ohio State’s Marcus Freeman is an option as well, but Marks makes too much sense at a position that is lacking bodies.
62. Tennessee Titans- Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
If Ingram doesn’t blow his knee out before the season starts last year, he’d be right in the thick of things for being one of the top TE’s available in the draft. He looked great at the combine, and his Junior year tape is enough for me to be comfortable drafting him in the second round. The Titans have very few real needs, but depth at TE would be helpful. Alge Crumpler looked old last year, and Bo Scaife isn’t a great long term answer (even though he led the team in receptions and is currently franchise tagged). CB Victor Harris of Virginia Tech was hard to pass up, especially since he fits this defense so well, but Ingram is a talent I will not pass on here.
63. Arizona Cardinals- Eric Wood, OC, Louisville
There is the distinct possibility that Woods goes much higher than this, but I still have him available and I feel this is about the right value for him. The Cards desperately need help at the center position and Wood can come right in and start from day one. He’s the hard working, blue collar type of player that OL coach Russ Grimm will love.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State
Yes, he of youtube fame for jumping out of the shallow end of a pool and on to his feet goes to the Steelers as long term replacement for either Aaron Smith or Brent Kiesel. It’s possible Gilbert goes higher than this due to his athletic potential, but I think he has to play DE in a 3-4, this he’s in for a position change in the NFL. This couldn’t be a better fit for him or for Pittsburgh. They attack a major area of need with a player that has potential to one day be a difference maker as a down DE in a 3-4.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mock Draft V2.0
OK, after seeing how the first version turned out, I was a bit disappointed. As I mentioned prior to starting V1.0, I completed this based on how I thought teams would go and not necessarily if I am that GM using how I feel the player should be rated.
So for this version, it’s going to be different than most other mock drafts you’ll read. A big part of it is that I like some players better than other draft experts do, and I want to reflect that here. I don’t want to be influenced by popular opinion or what I may have read on some sports web site. This is strictly going off what I have evaluated these draft-eligible players at over the past few years worth of data. I’ll try to explain why I have made each pick as well, so you can understand why I have made the choices listed.
1. Detroit Lions- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Smith has the most upside right now of any of the current tackles. While I still wonder how good of a run blocker he will be, he put up over 30 reps on the bench at the combine, so he has the natural strength to move guys off the line. He’s got elite pass blocking technique, and he’s an immediate starter that shows return on your investment immediately. Jeff Backus can play LG, or if he beats out Gosder Cherilus at RT, the loser of that position battle can play inside at guard. I pass on Stafford because I’m not sure he’s the best QB in this draft. Sanchez is right there with him in my eyes, and I even like the upside of Josh Freeman more because of his height. Stafford and Sanchez are both 6’2” and that’s not ideal for an NFL QB. Too many questions on them all to make me risk this with the top pick. If the Lions hadn’t made the trade for Julian Peterson last week, I would have taken Aaron Curry without question. Now he’s a luxury, so you pass. Remember when everyone hated on the Texans for passing on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams? Whose laughing now, and believe me, the Lions will remember this and take who they feel is the most worthy player based on talent and overall value not solely on which position should always be drafted first.
2. St. Louis Rams- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Some may say this is forcing need over value, but the Rams have put themselves into a position where they absolutely have to go with the need over the value of a player like Curry. Monroe is close behind Smith because of his elite pass blocking skills as well. He will be an immediate starter and it should hopefully make this once terrible OL fairly strong now. Curry is the only other option I think of with this pick, but it’s once again too much of a luxury when there is such a big need at OT with a guy who’s value is close enough to warrant the pick.
3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
I think this is a home run for the Chiefs. To me, Curry is the best player in this draft regardless of position. So to get that kind of player with the third pick has to be a dream scenario for Scott Pioli. If the Chiefs do run a primary 3-4 front, Curry will most likely play one of the two ILB positions. But I think he’s flexible enough to slide into one of the rush OLB positions as well as he showed on film that he has the edge speed to get to the passer. He’s versatile enough to play any LB position in any defensive front, so you simply don’t pass on a player of his caliber when you have several big needs to fill. If this falls differently than I think Kansas City has to strongly consider BJ Raji to play the nose or Michael Crabtree as an additional offensive weapon.
4. Seattle Seahawks- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
The Seahawks would LOVE to see Curry fall, but I think they’d have to do something stupid like move up a spot or two to get him. I don’t think it’s worth wasting the pick, so I sit tight here and take who falls. Stafford isn’t a pressing need by any means, but Hasselbeck is not getting any younger, and I don’t think Seneca Wallace is your answer either. With a move away from the West Coast heavy offense under Holmgren, someone with an arm like Stafford is an ideal QB of the future. He can learn under a veteran for a year or two, and provide good insurance in case he goes down with an injury. Due to the weather conditions in Seattle, I think Stafford is a better fit skill wise, so that is why I take him here. A LT would be huge as well, but Walter Jones has at least another year in him, and I’m not taking the third best OT before the consensus best QB.
5. Cleveland Browns- Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas
I’m very concerned that this pick will change in the next version, as I have a sinking feeling that Shaun Rogers will be traded since he’s not showing up to mini-camp. If he does get traded, then BJ Raji is a necessity. But if they can smooth things over with him, this is a great pick for the Browns. Orakpo is an explosive player, and I really like him a lot. He has great technique, and he can really hold the point against the run for a smaller former down lineman. The Browns desperately need to upgrade their pass rush, and Orakpo can do this right away. I don’t think it will take him long to transition to playing with his hand off the ground either, and that’s what this team needs with the fifth overall pick. Yes, I would agree that help in the secondary is about as critical, but a bad secondary can look good with an elite pass rush. So you fix that first, then fix the back end of the defense.
6. Cincinnati Bengals- BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
There might be better overall rated prospects available at this point, like a Michael Crabtree, but I just don’t think the need fits the value at this point. There are still too many question marks there for me to make the move, so I go with the sure thing in Raji. Some will be quick to point out that the Bengals DT’s actually played decently last year, and it was the DE’s that stunk. As I said last time though, impact players on the inside make players on the outside look better. You don’t pass on a presence like Raji at this point. He’s not only a force against the run with his enormous size and strength, but he’s got the quickness to get off the ball and rush the pass too. It’s a critical piece, even if they now have a very good rotation of three to four DT’s. I like Everette Brown a lot, and I wouldn’t argue with Michael Oher here one bit either, but I just personally favor Raji more and that’s why I take the big DT.
7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I’m not Al Davis, so I don’t make stupid decisions based solely on a players timed speed. Crabtree is far too good to pass up, even without a recorded 40 time. He’s going to be a very good NFL WR, and the Raiders desperately need pass catching options for Jamarcus Russell’s development. It’s hard to believe that this scenario actually happened seeing as I would have bet my mortgage prior to the combine that Crabtree would have been gone in the top four picks. Oh how something like no 40 time changes things! It’s a great deal though for Oakland and Crabtree immediately becomes their #1 WR even if he’s not ready for it. They have no one at this position currently that is worth mentioning even.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
It’s a slight bit of a reach for me here, but I make it based on what I anticipate having available to me in the following rounds. Maclin is better than my options in the second round if I take someone like an Andre Smith, a Michael Oher, or a Malcolm Jenkins here. The Jags, like the Raiders, have absolutely no one to throw the ball to right now. After cutting Matt Jones after his recent parole slip up, the Jags have pretty much moved on from all of their failed first round attempts at a WR. But they can’t keep this in mind and let it affect their choice here. Maclin is explosive and can make plays, even if he still needs some refinement to be a complete WR. He’s an impact return man as well and Jacksonville could use a game changer in the special teams phase of the game. Many other mocks are picking Mark Sanchez, but I just don’t understand that. He’d look just as poor as David Gerrard seeing as there is no one to throw the ball to anyway, so why do you spend a valued draft pick like that on someone who will not make an immediate difference on your aging team?
9. Green Bay Packers- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
I’m not buying into the issue of the combine being such a catastrophe. Did he handle this in the wrong way? There is no doubt about it. Was it a pure indicator of his character? Absolutely not. My issues with Smith are the same I’ve had before, and that’s his consistency and work ethic. He tends to give up on blocks once he slips off, and I can’t stand that. Like I mentioned when I covered him in the player evaluations section, I really picked on him a lot this year because I thought at the beginning of the year that he was the best overall draft-eligible prospect. Those little things I picked on knocked him down, but it wasn’t enough for me to warrant dropping him out of the top 10 like a lot of other draft experts have. The Packers really need a RT prospect with size that can move the pile in the run game. Smith can do this for them, and he also has the upside of incredibly long arms. This means he can ride outside pass rushers past the QB without possessing elite foot speed, which is good enough for an upper echelon RT in the NFL. I do have my concerns about his effort, but I also think he’s learned his lesson from all that has happened. I think that he’s going to use this as motivation to really blow things up. If he shows he can hold up on the edge, it might be that the Packers can even move him over to LT once Chad Clifton retires. For now, he’s an instant starter at RT. A rush OLB like Aaron Maybin would be a good fit as well, but I don’t think he’s worth this high of a pick. Same goes for a corner like Malcolm Jenkins, although he does fit this defense well too.
10. San Francisco 49ers- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
I like Everette Brown more than Maybin, but I think he’s better fit as a down DE than a rush OLB. I am not a big fan of Maybin because I think he’s a one trick pony who is capitalizing on one good year, but this isn’t a bad fit for him either. I do not like him as a down DE, so he has to stand up and play rush OLB in a 3-4. He has a very quick first step and can get into the backfield very quickly to disrupt plays and rush the passer. He’ll need some help with covering him up in the run game, but he’s only going to be asked to do one thing: rush the QB. An OT like Michael Oher was VERY hard to pass on, but I think the 49ers would be better off drafting a RT like Jamon Meredith in the second round, who is more of a true RT. Oher can play RT, but I think he will ideally end up as a LT in the NFL. With either Maybin or Oher, the 49ers are more than likely to address these two positions in the first two rounds.
11. Buffalo Bills- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
I don’t know why so many people are down on Everette Brown, but I really like him. Yes, he’s not very good against the run, but that’s not what you draft him for. He’s an impact pass rushing defensive end, who will need to be covered up a bit in the run game. That’s exactly what is missing in the Bills defensive front seven. As a pass rusher, he’s as refined as some guys who are three years in to their NFL careers. He has primary and secondary pass rush moves and he knows how to get to the QB. He’ll play in a rotation with Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel which will keep him fresh and make him a more impactful player. With the recent rumors swirling about that the Bills may trade Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters to the Eagles for one of their first round choices, don’t be surprised to see Michael Oher as the pick here. He’d be a very good pick anyway considering the Bills could use some help at the RT position as well.
12. Denver Broncos- Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC
I don’t care what happened to Maualuga and his 40 time at the combine, he’s a difference making inside presence. With a move to the 3-4, this team desperately needs some beef on the inside to help stuff the run. I think the Broncos will still be lacking the big run stuffing NT presence that they really need, so it will be imperative that they have the type of ILB’s who can pop linemen in the hole and disrupt the running game. The Broncos basically are in the position that they can draft pretty much any position on defense and be happy. They have very few impact players on defense, and most of them are 4-3 based personnel, so they need bodies in a bad way. Maualuga is a throw back to the old days of big, menacing inside presences. He’s a tone setter, and I think it’s a great move for Denver. The next best option is a DE like Tyson Jackson, but it’s too early for me to take him.
13. Washington Redskins- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
This is the absolute bottom of where Oher goes if I am running a draft room. The Redskins have neglected their OL over the past few years and it’s starting to show. When both their OT’s went down with injuries, it completely ruined the moment they had early on. It also stopped the effectiveness of Clinton Portis and the running game. Oher can step right in as the replacement for Jon Jansen, who looks to have suffered long term affects from the numerous injuries he’s had over the past few seasons. Chris Samuels hasn’t looked any better to be honest, so Oher could eventually take over as the LT for this team in the future. It’s a big win for the Redskins, even though this is almost far too rational of a decision for Daniel Snyder and Vinny Cerato to make, but it’s supposed to be me making the pick so I go with Oher. You want a complete upset pick here? Don’t be surprised if Mark Sanchez’s name is called on draft day. Jason Campbell is in the final year of his rookie deal, and if the Skins liked him that much, he’d be signed to a long term contract already. In Jim Zorn’s timing based passing system, Sanchez would be an excellent fit, so it wouldn’t be a terrible idea.
14. New Orleans Saints- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
I think this is a steal for Cushing, who has the skills to be the complete package. He has great technique to shed blockers with his hands and stop the run, he’s strong and quick enough to be an effective blitzer off the corner, and he’s fast enough to cover TE’s. He’s just an extremely safe pick and I could see him go as high as #9 overall to the Packers. The Saints don’t have many holes to fill, and I think this comes down to Cushing, Malcolm Jenkins, and maybe one of the top two running backs (Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno). I’d even think very hard about grabbing another first round DT in Peria Jerry as well. That would be four first round DL, but it would also make their secondary look awfully good.
15. Houston Texans- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
I think I am in the minority that believes Malcolm Jenkins’ poor 40 time shouldn’t hurt him that much. I mean, it’s a couple hundredths of a second we are talking here, so I just don’t see why so many are knocking him that far down. I think he can still be a very effective starting corner in the NFL, and at worst, he’d make for an excellent FS. The Texans need help at both spots, so Jenkins is a great value here. Peria Jerry is a favorite of mine, but they need a massive run stuffing DT instead of the penetrating undertackle (since they already have this guy in Amobi Okoye). If Jenkins is gone and Cushing is still there, then I’d jump all over him at this spot and go value over the bigger need of DB.
16. San Diego Chargers- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
I’ve spoken at length about this with my crazy Chargers loving friend Jin-Ho. I think that AJ Smith has to be looking at three guys here: Maualuga, Oher, and Jackson. All three fit needs for this team, all three are the type of players that Smith loves to draft, and all three would start immediately. Maualuga would be pitched as the second coming of Junior Seau, and it fits for many reasons. I just don’t think he, nor Oher, will be available come the 16th pick overall. Jackson is a hell of a consolation prize though, as I think DE is their biggest need after letting Olshanksy walk to the Cowboys. Jackson is the prototype for a 3-4 DE, and he will instantly allow Merriman and Phillips a cleaner pathway into the backfield by holding up blockers at the line. Eben Britton would be in the conversation as well, but I just think that Jackson makes more sense from a value and need standpoint. RT prospects like Sebastian Volmer or Fenuki Tupou will be available in the third round for the Chargers.
17. New York Jets- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
I seriously doubt he falls this far, but we’ve seen more precipitous drops in the past with Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn, so it’s very likely this happens. I think the Jets will be in a tough spot choosing between Josh Freeman, who they are rumored to like a lot, and Sanchez. Since I’m the GM, I’m taking who I think is the more NFL ready QB in Sanchez. Freeman has the ideal physical frame and strong arm that is a big plus I the swirling winds of the Meadowlands, but Sanchez has the accuracy and leadership that I want in a franchise QB. The Jets have been aggressive in free agency, so they have very few holes to fill. If the QB’s have gone before this pick, then look for a WR like Percy Harvin or Darrius Heyward-Bey to be the pick as the Jets need help on the perimeter and in the slot.
18. Chicago Bears- Ebben Britton, OT, Arizona
Allowing John St. Clair to sign with the Browns was a big mistake by Angelo and the Bears. I will be the first person to admit that St. Clair is a nice back up, and not a guy you really want starting for your team, but he was worth paying to come back. Shoot, the Bears were paying Terrance Metcalf more than a million dollars a year to be the worst back up guard in football. St. Clair didn’t get a huge bank breaking deal by any means, but it seems to be the trend this off-season where the owners are handcuffing the GM from spending any money. I like Britton as a RT though, and he plays a lot like the now retired John Tait. The Tribune reported yesterday that Britton was one of the highest scorers on the Wonderlik test at the combine, which shows he’s smart enough to pick up the playbook quickly. Add to that the fact that Angelo and Lovie seem to always pick bright guys (take the two from Vanderbilt last season) and this pick seems like a gimme. It very well may be why Chicago is ignoring the current available free agent tackles like Kevin Schaeffer and Orlando Pace. He provides a book end tackle that can pair with Chris Williams to solve this OL for the next 10 years. It’s safer than the bigger need of WR, but it may be a bit of a reach considering Illinois’ Vontae Davis is still on the board as well and the Bears have been rumored to be interested in a corner. But I’m concerned with his consistency, so I go for need over value here. (NOTE: I completed this mock on Monday, but have not posted it until now. So this did not take into account that the Bears had signed Kevin Schaeffer.)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
New Bucs head coach Raheem Morris was a coach at Kansas State when Josh Freeman was a Freshman, so he knows him very well. Freeman is the rawest of the top QB prospects, but I like his physical attributes more than the other three. He reminds me a lot of Ben Roethlisberger with his size, arm, and ability to throw on the run. He’s going to take his lumps and it may be a rebuilding year or two for the Bucs, but it might just be best to throw him in to the fire and see what he can do. He has a strong OL in front of him, so that will be a big plus. The only other option for me here is Peria Jerry, but the QB is too valuable to pass up at this point in the draft. Plus it makes for a palatable contract at a normally expensive position.
20. Detroit Lions- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
This was a very hard decision to make between Peria Jerry and Davis, and two things helped push me to choose Davis. First, Jerry has had some issues staying healthy, so that factored in slightly. Secondly, new head coach Jim Schwartz likes big bodied DL who can hold down blockers at the line and Jerry is not this type of player. Cornerback is a huge need for the Lions as well, so the suddenly slipping Davis would qualify as a steal here. Davis does have his flaws as well, as he has not consistently played up to his talent level, but he’s physically gifted enough to be drafted at least five picks higher than this. The Lions would like to hope and pray that Josh Freeman falls to them with the choice of Jason Smith first, but it doesn’t happen in this scenario. If he is available at #18 though, look for the Lions to be calling the Bears about a trade up. Moving down two spots and getting Detroit’s top pick in the third round would be a great move for both teams as well, seeing as Detroit still has Dallas’ third rounder from the Roy Williams trade. Or even the latter selection would be enough for me to move as Britton would still be available here for the Bears to grab and that extra third round pick could net a starting caliber player.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
I think Andy Reid really wants one of the OT’s like Britton to fall to him with this pick, but I don’t see that happening. There is the possibility that they make a slight reach and go with Jamon Meredith of South Carolina, but I don’t think that’s the right value for now. Moreno is a very nice fit into this offense. He’s a tougher runner than his size indicates, and he has the hands to succeed as a pass catcher out of the backfield in an offense that uses the RB as a receiver a lot. Moreno might not hold up as an every down back, so this is a perfect situation. It’s insurance for an injury prone Brian Westbrook, and sharing the load will help extend his career. One of the top WR’s left like Heyward-Bey, Nicks, or Harvin would be a very good option as well but RB is a better value at this spot. Beanie wells or LeSean McCoy could very well go here too, it really just depends on which one the Eagles prefer. I have them all rated pretty much evenly, so I just went with the guy who I thought was the best fit for the system.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
I know some of you will immediately question this pick, but hear me out. This is a team that has no glaring need outside of a QB. And a rookie QB is not the answer either. So with that in mind, I take a strict best player available approach. But after thinking about this one for a bit, I realized that this makes more sense than I originally thought. I know Jerry is not quite the type of big DT that the Vikings currently have, but then again, Kevin Williams is the same type of player that Jerry is (just bigger). Outside of Pat and Kevin Williams, this is a thin position for the Vikings. And consider the fact that the positive drug test last year for both Williams’ (the whole StarCaps issue where they took them trying to cut weight) will be heard by a judge prior to the season. If it is upheld, they will both serve a four game suspension. So they will be in desperate need of help at the position if this does hold up. So Jerry would see significant time early, potentially. Even if the ruling is overturned and they aren’t suspended, Jerry will be effective as a third down pass rusher when Pat Williams and his 350+lbs are fork lifted to the sidelines.
23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
I think this is a huge no-brainer. I really like Matthews because he plays all-out on every down. He might not be the most talented athlete on the field, but he’ll outwork every on it. Matthews had a great combine though, and it very well could be that he moves higher than this based on his potential. I’m not too sure as I think his lack of experience in dropping into coverage almost commits him completely to playing in a 3-4. It’s a great move by the Patriots as Matthews will pick things up quickly and become a force for this team just like last year’s DROY Jarod Mayo. ILB might be a bigger need, but I like Matthews a lot more than Laurinaitis, so that’s the pick I go with.
24. Atlanta Falcons- Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
You may all be ready to sound the reach alert, but I don’t care. This team is sorely lacking the big, physical inside presence to occupy blockers and allow the undersized ends on this team rush the passer. I like Ziggy Hood a bit better as an overall DT prospect, but he’s too much like the players they already have at this position (like Jonathan Babineaux). Brace gives the Falcons a massive run stuffing presence on the interior that will clear room for everyone else to get after the passer. Plus I think that Atlanta showed last year in moving up for LT Sam Baker that they aren’t afraid to grab a player with a bit less value at a position of dire need. If not Brace, then I think a big corner like Darius Butler or even FS Louis Delmas are the choice here. Mark my words, Brace may very well be the hottest prospect come draft day that goes much higher than anticipated.
25. Miami Dolphins- James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
I was torn on whether I should draft Laurinaitis or Darrius Heyward-Bey, so I went with Laurinaitis, as he’s more NFL ready right now. Parcells likes to build his teams around a stout defense and they are hurting right now at ILB due to little depth and the always fragile Channing Crowder as one of the starters. Laurinaitis will be an immediate starter and I think he will succeed on a team like Miami. He’s not going to be asked to carry this team, and there is veteran leadership in place. They need a game breaking WR pretty badly, but I just think that this is a position they will go after in round two. If Brace were to fall, I would have picked him here because Jason Ferguson is all they have for NT. An OLB like Larry English is very tempting as well, but they did pick up developmental prospect Cameron Wake from the CFL this off-season to try and mold him at this spot.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
I think the Ravens have to be hoping and praying that local product DHB falls into their laps. The Ravens have very few needs, and they always draft well, but this is an absolute no brainer. This was a team who barely had three WR’s on the roster in total, so a warm body would be an upgrade for developing Joe Flacco. Heyward-Bey is much more than a warm body though and Flacco has the arm to get it to him on the deep ball. If I were Baltimore, I’d run him on fly routes non-stop to open up the underneath of the defense. It’s easy enough for him to run this route as a rookie, and he has the speed where you have to give the corner deep safety help. Alphonso Smith of Wake Forest would be a PERFECT fit for this defense, so he was very hard to pass over. But I just think the defense is in much better shape than this offense, so WR is the choice.
27. Indianapolis Colts- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
The rich get richer. Yes, my defense needs some serious help here, but I ignore need and go value instead. I actually got this down to a tough choice between Beanie Wells and Harvin, but Harvin has more potential to make a big impact. Harvin will be worked out of the slot, which is where I feel he is best fit, and he can use his blazing speed and quickness to create matchup problems for the defenses. Heck, if the defense can’t stop people, at least Peyton and the offense will have a chance to outscore everyone. Ziggy Hood would be a great fit at DT, but he does not hold the value that Harvin does at this point in the draft.
28. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
I’m not a huge fan of Pettigrew, but this was as good of a place to take him as any. I think Andy Reid really wants an OL here, but none of worth the reach. Pettigrew will help in the blocking game, and he’s the reliable short to intermediate receiver that the eagles thought they had with LJ Smith years ago (who is now with the Ravens). A FS like Louis Delmas would be a great pick as well, but I just like Pettigrew more for this spot.
29. New York Giants- Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
No, Nicks is not the deep threat burner that Plaxico Burress is, but he’s built like him physically. Nicks is tall and can out jump most DB’s, so he’s just the type of receiver the Giants need. I’m a big fan of Nicks and I think he’s going to be an excellent pro. I seriously doubt the Giants draft here though as they should be heavily involved in trade talks for a veteran like Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards. Either one of those guys provides a sure thing, bona fide NFL caliber starter, which you don’t know Hicks will be for sure. It’s safer, a bit more expensive in the long run considering the desire for a contract extension from both of them, but safer.
30. Tennessee Titans- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Johnson is the biggest enigma of this entire draft class. He has the combination of size, speed, and athleticism that you look for in a Pro Bowl caliber pass rusher but he’s not put it all together yet. He won’t be asked to do too much for the Titans, and he’ll get to learn from a guy who he resembles fairly closely in Javon Kearse. The Titans have a very good team right now that has youth, talent, and depth, so they can take the best player available and I think that’s Johnson in this case. A WR or a CB would be a bigger need, but they aren’t so glaring that they can’t be filled in the following rounds.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells, RB, Ohio State
After running a low 4.4 to high 4.3 40 time at his pro day, I don’t really envision Wells lasting this long. But since I was the GM of every team before this, I wouldn’t draft him until this spot. His injury history scares the hell out of me, and he runs fairly soft for such a big back. The rub of it all is that Wells is without a doubt the most physically gifted running back in this class. So he’s a bit like Johnson with the pick above where he could go much higher based on his potential, but his production to this point makes him safer down here. I think the Cardinals will take the best player available at either OC, OLB, CB, or RB. Wells just happens to be the best player available on my draft board, and it fits a need, so I go with him.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Alex Mack, OC, California
I feel like a hero being able to get Mack with the 32nd pick overall! I think he's an instant starter at either center or guard for this team, and he will fix the biggest weakness the Super Bowl champions had from last year. I think you plug him in at center and he joins the likes of Mike Webster and Dermonti Dawson as all time Steeler and NFL greats. Yes, that’s awfully good company to hold Mack in but I think he’s going to be a star in this league. I’m extremely confident in my evaluation of him, and I love what he can do on and off the field. The only other player I go for at this point is a CB like Alphonso Smith (who would fit well since he has return ability too) or Darius Butler.
So for this version, it’s going to be different than most other mock drafts you’ll read. A big part of it is that I like some players better than other draft experts do, and I want to reflect that here. I don’t want to be influenced by popular opinion or what I may have read on some sports web site. This is strictly going off what I have evaluated these draft-eligible players at over the past few years worth of data. I’ll try to explain why I have made each pick as well, so you can understand why I have made the choices listed.
1. Detroit Lions- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Smith has the most upside right now of any of the current tackles. While I still wonder how good of a run blocker he will be, he put up over 30 reps on the bench at the combine, so he has the natural strength to move guys off the line. He’s got elite pass blocking technique, and he’s an immediate starter that shows return on your investment immediately. Jeff Backus can play LG, or if he beats out Gosder Cherilus at RT, the loser of that position battle can play inside at guard. I pass on Stafford because I’m not sure he’s the best QB in this draft. Sanchez is right there with him in my eyes, and I even like the upside of Josh Freeman more because of his height. Stafford and Sanchez are both 6’2” and that’s not ideal for an NFL QB. Too many questions on them all to make me risk this with the top pick. If the Lions hadn’t made the trade for Julian Peterson last week, I would have taken Aaron Curry without question. Now he’s a luxury, so you pass. Remember when everyone hated on the Texans for passing on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams? Whose laughing now, and believe me, the Lions will remember this and take who they feel is the most worthy player based on talent and overall value not solely on which position should always be drafted first.
2. St. Louis Rams- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Some may say this is forcing need over value, but the Rams have put themselves into a position where they absolutely have to go with the need over the value of a player like Curry. Monroe is close behind Smith because of his elite pass blocking skills as well. He will be an immediate starter and it should hopefully make this once terrible OL fairly strong now. Curry is the only other option I think of with this pick, but it’s once again too much of a luxury when there is such a big need at OT with a guy who’s value is close enough to warrant the pick.
3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
I think this is a home run for the Chiefs. To me, Curry is the best player in this draft regardless of position. So to get that kind of player with the third pick has to be a dream scenario for Scott Pioli. If the Chiefs do run a primary 3-4 front, Curry will most likely play one of the two ILB positions. But I think he’s flexible enough to slide into one of the rush OLB positions as well as he showed on film that he has the edge speed to get to the passer. He’s versatile enough to play any LB position in any defensive front, so you simply don’t pass on a player of his caliber when you have several big needs to fill. If this falls differently than I think Kansas City has to strongly consider BJ Raji to play the nose or Michael Crabtree as an additional offensive weapon.
4. Seattle Seahawks- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
The Seahawks would LOVE to see Curry fall, but I think they’d have to do something stupid like move up a spot or two to get him. I don’t think it’s worth wasting the pick, so I sit tight here and take who falls. Stafford isn’t a pressing need by any means, but Hasselbeck is not getting any younger, and I don’t think Seneca Wallace is your answer either. With a move away from the West Coast heavy offense under Holmgren, someone with an arm like Stafford is an ideal QB of the future. He can learn under a veteran for a year or two, and provide good insurance in case he goes down with an injury. Due to the weather conditions in Seattle, I think Stafford is a better fit skill wise, so that is why I take him here. A LT would be huge as well, but Walter Jones has at least another year in him, and I’m not taking the third best OT before the consensus best QB.
5. Cleveland Browns- Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas
I’m very concerned that this pick will change in the next version, as I have a sinking feeling that Shaun Rogers will be traded since he’s not showing up to mini-camp. If he does get traded, then BJ Raji is a necessity. But if they can smooth things over with him, this is a great pick for the Browns. Orakpo is an explosive player, and I really like him a lot. He has great technique, and he can really hold the point against the run for a smaller former down lineman. The Browns desperately need to upgrade their pass rush, and Orakpo can do this right away. I don’t think it will take him long to transition to playing with his hand off the ground either, and that’s what this team needs with the fifth overall pick. Yes, I would agree that help in the secondary is about as critical, but a bad secondary can look good with an elite pass rush. So you fix that first, then fix the back end of the defense.
6. Cincinnati Bengals- BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
There might be better overall rated prospects available at this point, like a Michael Crabtree, but I just don’t think the need fits the value at this point. There are still too many question marks there for me to make the move, so I go with the sure thing in Raji. Some will be quick to point out that the Bengals DT’s actually played decently last year, and it was the DE’s that stunk. As I said last time though, impact players on the inside make players on the outside look better. You don’t pass on a presence like Raji at this point. He’s not only a force against the run with his enormous size and strength, but he’s got the quickness to get off the ball and rush the pass too. It’s a critical piece, even if they now have a very good rotation of three to four DT’s. I like Everette Brown a lot, and I wouldn’t argue with Michael Oher here one bit either, but I just personally favor Raji more and that’s why I take the big DT.
7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I’m not Al Davis, so I don’t make stupid decisions based solely on a players timed speed. Crabtree is far too good to pass up, even without a recorded 40 time. He’s going to be a very good NFL WR, and the Raiders desperately need pass catching options for Jamarcus Russell’s development. It’s hard to believe that this scenario actually happened seeing as I would have bet my mortgage prior to the combine that Crabtree would have been gone in the top four picks. Oh how something like no 40 time changes things! It’s a great deal though for Oakland and Crabtree immediately becomes their #1 WR even if he’s not ready for it. They have no one at this position currently that is worth mentioning even.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
It’s a slight bit of a reach for me here, but I make it based on what I anticipate having available to me in the following rounds. Maclin is better than my options in the second round if I take someone like an Andre Smith, a Michael Oher, or a Malcolm Jenkins here. The Jags, like the Raiders, have absolutely no one to throw the ball to right now. After cutting Matt Jones after his recent parole slip up, the Jags have pretty much moved on from all of their failed first round attempts at a WR. But they can’t keep this in mind and let it affect their choice here. Maclin is explosive and can make plays, even if he still needs some refinement to be a complete WR. He’s an impact return man as well and Jacksonville could use a game changer in the special teams phase of the game. Many other mocks are picking Mark Sanchez, but I just don’t understand that. He’d look just as poor as David Gerrard seeing as there is no one to throw the ball to anyway, so why do you spend a valued draft pick like that on someone who will not make an immediate difference on your aging team?
9. Green Bay Packers- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
I’m not buying into the issue of the combine being such a catastrophe. Did he handle this in the wrong way? There is no doubt about it. Was it a pure indicator of his character? Absolutely not. My issues with Smith are the same I’ve had before, and that’s his consistency and work ethic. He tends to give up on blocks once he slips off, and I can’t stand that. Like I mentioned when I covered him in the player evaluations section, I really picked on him a lot this year because I thought at the beginning of the year that he was the best overall draft-eligible prospect. Those little things I picked on knocked him down, but it wasn’t enough for me to warrant dropping him out of the top 10 like a lot of other draft experts have. The Packers really need a RT prospect with size that can move the pile in the run game. Smith can do this for them, and he also has the upside of incredibly long arms. This means he can ride outside pass rushers past the QB without possessing elite foot speed, which is good enough for an upper echelon RT in the NFL. I do have my concerns about his effort, but I also think he’s learned his lesson from all that has happened. I think that he’s going to use this as motivation to really blow things up. If he shows he can hold up on the edge, it might be that the Packers can even move him over to LT once Chad Clifton retires. For now, he’s an instant starter at RT. A rush OLB like Aaron Maybin would be a good fit as well, but I don’t think he’s worth this high of a pick. Same goes for a corner like Malcolm Jenkins, although he does fit this defense well too.
10. San Francisco 49ers- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
I like Everette Brown more than Maybin, but I think he’s better fit as a down DE than a rush OLB. I am not a big fan of Maybin because I think he’s a one trick pony who is capitalizing on one good year, but this isn’t a bad fit for him either. I do not like him as a down DE, so he has to stand up and play rush OLB in a 3-4. He has a very quick first step and can get into the backfield very quickly to disrupt plays and rush the passer. He’ll need some help with covering him up in the run game, but he’s only going to be asked to do one thing: rush the QB. An OT like Michael Oher was VERY hard to pass on, but I think the 49ers would be better off drafting a RT like Jamon Meredith in the second round, who is more of a true RT. Oher can play RT, but I think he will ideally end up as a LT in the NFL. With either Maybin or Oher, the 49ers are more than likely to address these two positions in the first two rounds.
11. Buffalo Bills- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
I don’t know why so many people are down on Everette Brown, but I really like him. Yes, he’s not very good against the run, but that’s not what you draft him for. He’s an impact pass rushing defensive end, who will need to be covered up a bit in the run game. That’s exactly what is missing in the Bills defensive front seven. As a pass rusher, he’s as refined as some guys who are three years in to their NFL careers. He has primary and secondary pass rush moves and he knows how to get to the QB. He’ll play in a rotation with Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel which will keep him fresh and make him a more impactful player. With the recent rumors swirling about that the Bills may trade Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters to the Eagles for one of their first round choices, don’t be surprised to see Michael Oher as the pick here. He’d be a very good pick anyway considering the Bills could use some help at the RT position as well.
12. Denver Broncos- Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC
I don’t care what happened to Maualuga and his 40 time at the combine, he’s a difference making inside presence. With a move to the 3-4, this team desperately needs some beef on the inside to help stuff the run. I think the Broncos will still be lacking the big run stuffing NT presence that they really need, so it will be imperative that they have the type of ILB’s who can pop linemen in the hole and disrupt the running game. The Broncos basically are in the position that they can draft pretty much any position on defense and be happy. They have very few impact players on defense, and most of them are 4-3 based personnel, so they need bodies in a bad way. Maualuga is a throw back to the old days of big, menacing inside presences. He’s a tone setter, and I think it’s a great move for Denver. The next best option is a DE like Tyson Jackson, but it’s too early for me to take him.
13. Washington Redskins- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
This is the absolute bottom of where Oher goes if I am running a draft room. The Redskins have neglected their OL over the past few years and it’s starting to show. When both their OT’s went down with injuries, it completely ruined the moment they had early on. It also stopped the effectiveness of Clinton Portis and the running game. Oher can step right in as the replacement for Jon Jansen, who looks to have suffered long term affects from the numerous injuries he’s had over the past few seasons. Chris Samuels hasn’t looked any better to be honest, so Oher could eventually take over as the LT for this team in the future. It’s a big win for the Redskins, even though this is almost far too rational of a decision for Daniel Snyder and Vinny Cerato to make, but it’s supposed to be me making the pick so I go with Oher. You want a complete upset pick here? Don’t be surprised if Mark Sanchez’s name is called on draft day. Jason Campbell is in the final year of his rookie deal, and if the Skins liked him that much, he’d be signed to a long term contract already. In Jim Zorn’s timing based passing system, Sanchez would be an excellent fit, so it wouldn’t be a terrible idea.
14. New Orleans Saints- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
I think this is a steal for Cushing, who has the skills to be the complete package. He has great technique to shed blockers with his hands and stop the run, he’s strong and quick enough to be an effective blitzer off the corner, and he’s fast enough to cover TE’s. He’s just an extremely safe pick and I could see him go as high as #9 overall to the Packers. The Saints don’t have many holes to fill, and I think this comes down to Cushing, Malcolm Jenkins, and maybe one of the top two running backs (Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno). I’d even think very hard about grabbing another first round DT in Peria Jerry as well. That would be four first round DL, but it would also make their secondary look awfully good.
15. Houston Texans- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
I think I am in the minority that believes Malcolm Jenkins’ poor 40 time shouldn’t hurt him that much. I mean, it’s a couple hundredths of a second we are talking here, so I just don’t see why so many are knocking him that far down. I think he can still be a very effective starting corner in the NFL, and at worst, he’d make for an excellent FS. The Texans need help at both spots, so Jenkins is a great value here. Peria Jerry is a favorite of mine, but they need a massive run stuffing DT instead of the penetrating undertackle (since they already have this guy in Amobi Okoye). If Jenkins is gone and Cushing is still there, then I’d jump all over him at this spot and go value over the bigger need of DB.
16. San Diego Chargers- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
I’ve spoken at length about this with my crazy Chargers loving friend Jin-Ho. I think that AJ Smith has to be looking at three guys here: Maualuga, Oher, and Jackson. All three fit needs for this team, all three are the type of players that Smith loves to draft, and all three would start immediately. Maualuga would be pitched as the second coming of Junior Seau, and it fits for many reasons. I just don’t think he, nor Oher, will be available come the 16th pick overall. Jackson is a hell of a consolation prize though, as I think DE is their biggest need after letting Olshanksy walk to the Cowboys. Jackson is the prototype for a 3-4 DE, and he will instantly allow Merriman and Phillips a cleaner pathway into the backfield by holding up blockers at the line. Eben Britton would be in the conversation as well, but I just think that Jackson makes more sense from a value and need standpoint. RT prospects like Sebastian Volmer or Fenuki Tupou will be available in the third round for the Chargers.
17. New York Jets- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
I seriously doubt he falls this far, but we’ve seen more precipitous drops in the past with Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn, so it’s very likely this happens. I think the Jets will be in a tough spot choosing between Josh Freeman, who they are rumored to like a lot, and Sanchez. Since I’m the GM, I’m taking who I think is the more NFL ready QB in Sanchez. Freeman has the ideal physical frame and strong arm that is a big plus I the swirling winds of the Meadowlands, but Sanchez has the accuracy and leadership that I want in a franchise QB. The Jets have been aggressive in free agency, so they have very few holes to fill. If the QB’s have gone before this pick, then look for a WR like Percy Harvin or Darrius Heyward-Bey to be the pick as the Jets need help on the perimeter and in the slot.
18. Chicago Bears- Ebben Britton, OT, Arizona
Allowing John St. Clair to sign with the Browns was a big mistake by Angelo and the Bears. I will be the first person to admit that St. Clair is a nice back up, and not a guy you really want starting for your team, but he was worth paying to come back. Shoot, the Bears were paying Terrance Metcalf more than a million dollars a year to be the worst back up guard in football. St. Clair didn’t get a huge bank breaking deal by any means, but it seems to be the trend this off-season where the owners are handcuffing the GM from spending any money. I like Britton as a RT though, and he plays a lot like the now retired John Tait. The Tribune reported yesterday that Britton was one of the highest scorers on the Wonderlik test at the combine, which shows he’s smart enough to pick up the playbook quickly. Add to that the fact that Angelo and Lovie seem to always pick bright guys (take the two from Vanderbilt last season) and this pick seems like a gimme. It very well may be why Chicago is ignoring the current available free agent tackles like Kevin Schaeffer and Orlando Pace. He provides a book end tackle that can pair with Chris Williams to solve this OL for the next 10 years. It’s safer than the bigger need of WR, but it may be a bit of a reach considering Illinois’ Vontae Davis is still on the board as well and the Bears have been rumored to be interested in a corner. But I’m concerned with his consistency, so I go for need over value here. (NOTE: I completed this mock on Monday, but have not posted it until now. So this did not take into account that the Bears had signed Kevin Schaeffer.)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
New Bucs head coach Raheem Morris was a coach at Kansas State when Josh Freeman was a Freshman, so he knows him very well. Freeman is the rawest of the top QB prospects, but I like his physical attributes more than the other three. He reminds me a lot of Ben Roethlisberger with his size, arm, and ability to throw on the run. He’s going to take his lumps and it may be a rebuilding year or two for the Bucs, but it might just be best to throw him in to the fire and see what he can do. He has a strong OL in front of him, so that will be a big plus. The only other option for me here is Peria Jerry, but the QB is too valuable to pass up at this point in the draft. Plus it makes for a palatable contract at a normally expensive position.
20. Detroit Lions- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
This was a very hard decision to make between Peria Jerry and Davis, and two things helped push me to choose Davis. First, Jerry has had some issues staying healthy, so that factored in slightly. Secondly, new head coach Jim Schwartz likes big bodied DL who can hold down blockers at the line and Jerry is not this type of player. Cornerback is a huge need for the Lions as well, so the suddenly slipping Davis would qualify as a steal here. Davis does have his flaws as well, as he has not consistently played up to his talent level, but he’s physically gifted enough to be drafted at least five picks higher than this. The Lions would like to hope and pray that Josh Freeman falls to them with the choice of Jason Smith first, but it doesn’t happen in this scenario. If he is available at #18 though, look for the Lions to be calling the Bears about a trade up. Moving down two spots and getting Detroit’s top pick in the third round would be a great move for both teams as well, seeing as Detroit still has Dallas’ third rounder from the Roy Williams trade. Or even the latter selection would be enough for me to move as Britton would still be available here for the Bears to grab and that extra third round pick could net a starting caliber player.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
I think Andy Reid really wants one of the OT’s like Britton to fall to him with this pick, but I don’t see that happening. There is the possibility that they make a slight reach and go with Jamon Meredith of South Carolina, but I don’t think that’s the right value for now. Moreno is a very nice fit into this offense. He’s a tougher runner than his size indicates, and he has the hands to succeed as a pass catcher out of the backfield in an offense that uses the RB as a receiver a lot. Moreno might not hold up as an every down back, so this is a perfect situation. It’s insurance for an injury prone Brian Westbrook, and sharing the load will help extend his career. One of the top WR’s left like Heyward-Bey, Nicks, or Harvin would be a very good option as well but RB is a better value at this spot. Beanie wells or LeSean McCoy could very well go here too, it really just depends on which one the Eagles prefer. I have them all rated pretty much evenly, so I just went with the guy who I thought was the best fit for the system.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
I know some of you will immediately question this pick, but hear me out. This is a team that has no glaring need outside of a QB. And a rookie QB is not the answer either. So with that in mind, I take a strict best player available approach. But after thinking about this one for a bit, I realized that this makes more sense than I originally thought. I know Jerry is not quite the type of big DT that the Vikings currently have, but then again, Kevin Williams is the same type of player that Jerry is (just bigger). Outside of Pat and Kevin Williams, this is a thin position for the Vikings. And consider the fact that the positive drug test last year for both Williams’ (the whole StarCaps issue where they took them trying to cut weight) will be heard by a judge prior to the season. If it is upheld, they will both serve a four game suspension. So they will be in desperate need of help at the position if this does hold up. So Jerry would see significant time early, potentially. Even if the ruling is overturned and they aren’t suspended, Jerry will be effective as a third down pass rusher when Pat Williams and his 350+lbs are fork lifted to the sidelines.
23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
I think this is a huge no-brainer. I really like Matthews because he plays all-out on every down. He might not be the most talented athlete on the field, but he’ll outwork every on it. Matthews had a great combine though, and it very well could be that he moves higher than this based on his potential. I’m not too sure as I think his lack of experience in dropping into coverage almost commits him completely to playing in a 3-4. It’s a great move by the Patriots as Matthews will pick things up quickly and become a force for this team just like last year’s DROY Jarod Mayo. ILB might be a bigger need, but I like Matthews a lot more than Laurinaitis, so that’s the pick I go with.
24. Atlanta Falcons- Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
You may all be ready to sound the reach alert, but I don’t care. This team is sorely lacking the big, physical inside presence to occupy blockers and allow the undersized ends on this team rush the passer. I like Ziggy Hood a bit better as an overall DT prospect, but he’s too much like the players they already have at this position (like Jonathan Babineaux). Brace gives the Falcons a massive run stuffing presence on the interior that will clear room for everyone else to get after the passer. Plus I think that Atlanta showed last year in moving up for LT Sam Baker that they aren’t afraid to grab a player with a bit less value at a position of dire need. If not Brace, then I think a big corner like Darius Butler or even FS Louis Delmas are the choice here. Mark my words, Brace may very well be the hottest prospect come draft day that goes much higher than anticipated.
25. Miami Dolphins- James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
I was torn on whether I should draft Laurinaitis or Darrius Heyward-Bey, so I went with Laurinaitis, as he’s more NFL ready right now. Parcells likes to build his teams around a stout defense and they are hurting right now at ILB due to little depth and the always fragile Channing Crowder as one of the starters. Laurinaitis will be an immediate starter and I think he will succeed on a team like Miami. He’s not going to be asked to carry this team, and there is veteran leadership in place. They need a game breaking WR pretty badly, but I just think that this is a position they will go after in round two. If Brace were to fall, I would have picked him here because Jason Ferguson is all they have for NT. An OLB like Larry English is very tempting as well, but they did pick up developmental prospect Cameron Wake from the CFL this off-season to try and mold him at this spot.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
I think the Ravens have to be hoping and praying that local product DHB falls into their laps. The Ravens have very few needs, and they always draft well, but this is an absolute no brainer. This was a team who barely had three WR’s on the roster in total, so a warm body would be an upgrade for developing Joe Flacco. Heyward-Bey is much more than a warm body though and Flacco has the arm to get it to him on the deep ball. If I were Baltimore, I’d run him on fly routes non-stop to open up the underneath of the defense. It’s easy enough for him to run this route as a rookie, and he has the speed where you have to give the corner deep safety help. Alphonso Smith of Wake Forest would be a PERFECT fit for this defense, so he was very hard to pass over. But I just think the defense is in much better shape than this offense, so WR is the choice.
27. Indianapolis Colts- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
The rich get richer. Yes, my defense needs some serious help here, but I ignore need and go value instead. I actually got this down to a tough choice between Beanie Wells and Harvin, but Harvin has more potential to make a big impact. Harvin will be worked out of the slot, which is where I feel he is best fit, and he can use his blazing speed and quickness to create matchup problems for the defenses. Heck, if the defense can’t stop people, at least Peyton and the offense will have a chance to outscore everyone. Ziggy Hood would be a great fit at DT, but he does not hold the value that Harvin does at this point in the draft.
28. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
I’m not a huge fan of Pettigrew, but this was as good of a place to take him as any. I think Andy Reid really wants an OL here, but none of worth the reach. Pettigrew will help in the blocking game, and he’s the reliable short to intermediate receiver that the eagles thought they had with LJ Smith years ago (who is now with the Ravens). A FS like Louis Delmas would be a great pick as well, but I just like Pettigrew more for this spot.
29. New York Giants- Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
No, Nicks is not the deep threat burner that Plaxico Burress is, but he’s built like him physically. Nicks is tall and can out jump most DB’s, so he’s just the type of receiver the Giants need. I’m a big fan of Nicks and I think he’s going to be an excellent pro. I seriously doubt the Giants draft here though as they should be heavily involved in trade talks for a veteran like Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards. Either one of those guys provides a sure thing, bona fide NFL caliber starter, which you don’t know Hicks will be for sure. It’s safer, a bit more expensive in the long run considering the desire for a contract extension from both of them, but safer.
30. Tennessee Titans- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Johnson is the biggest enigma of this entire draft class. He has the combination of size, speed, and athleticism that you look for in a Pro Bowl caliber pass rusher but he’s not put it all together yet. He won’t be asked to do too much for the Titans, and he’ll get to learn from a guy who he resembles fairly closely in Javon Kearse. The Titans have a very good team right now that has youth, talent, and depth, so they can take the best player available and I think that’s Johnson in this case. A WR or a CB would be a bigger need, but they aren’t so glaring that they can’t be filled in the following rounds.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells, RB, Ohio State
After running a low 4.4 to high 4.3 40 time at his pro day, I don’t really envision Wells lasting this long. But since I was the GM of every team before this, I wouldn’t draft him until this spot. His injury history scares the hell out of me, and he runs fairly soft for such a big back. The rub of it all is that Wells is without a doubt the most physically gifted running back in this class. So he’s a bit like Johnson with the pick above where he could go much higher based on his potential, but his production to this point makes him safer down here. I think the Cardinals will take the best player available at either OC, OLB, CB, or RB. Wells just happens to be the best player available on my draft board, and it fits a need, so I go with him.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Alex Mack, OC, California
I feel like a hero being able to get Mack with the 32nd pick overall! I think he's an instant starter at either center or guard for this team, and he will fix the biggest weakness the Super Bowl champions had from last year. I think you plug him in at center and he joins the likes of Mike Webster and Dermonti Dawson as all time Steeler and NFL greats. Yes, that’s awfully good company to hold Mack in but I think he’s going to be a star in this league. I’m extremely confident in my evaluation of him, and I love what he can do on and off the field. The only other player I go for at this point is a CB like Alphonso Smith (who would fit well since he has return ability too) or Darius Butler.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mock Draft 1.0- Second Round
Let’s get right into the second round!
33. Detroit Lions- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
DT and DE are big needs for this team, and Johnson has the physical tools of a mid first rounder. The problem is his motor is that of a third rounder. I just don’t see how anyone passes on him at this point though as the reward far outweighs the reward. In fact, I could easily see Johnson going as high as pick 18 to the Bears, where they will assume that Rod Marinelli can turn him into an elite pass rushing presence. In Detroit, Johnson will have as many chances as he can get to make an impact due to the simple lack of players at this position.
34. New England Patriots- Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
I have read an article on Butler from a source I really trust (former head of player personnel for the Jets) and he loves Butler. He stated that Butler has great football intelligence and knew defensive coverages and technique for things he didn’t even run in college. Having watched Butler over the past two years, what I’m impressed with is his physical style of play. He’s a bigger corner and he plays the man in front of him. He can jam at the line well and he can flip his hips and run with the receiver. Even with a few off-season veteran acquisitions by New England, I don’t think they will pass on a player like Butler. He fits the profile well of what the Patriots draft for.
35. St. Louis Rams- Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
I really like Robiskie, and I think he’s worthy of a first round grade. He’s just too polished of a product and he has such low bust potential that I think he’s going to surprise some people with how high he goes on draft day. If he is available here, it’s a home run for the Rams. He can immediately step into the starting line up as a younger version of the recently released Tory Holt. With speedster second year Donnie Avery on the other side, the Rams have an impressive young duo of wide receivers. If the OL holds up, the greatest show on turf v2 might be on its way.
36. Cleveland Browns- Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
The Browns are in desperate need of a running back, and Brown is a fantastic pick in the second round. He’s similar to Jamal Brown in that he’s a north/south runner who isn’t afraid to bang it up the middle. That’s where the comparisons end as he’s not nearly as big as Lewis, but he’s much faster. He will share carries with Lewis, but by the time the season rolls around, I wouldn’t be surprised if Brown is getting the majority of the carries with Lewis getting goal line touches. If Shaun Rogers is traded, then this pick is almost a lock for Ron Brace of Boston College.
37. Seattle Seahawks- Sean Smith, CB, Utah
I think this pick comes down to one of the top corners left (Smith or DJ Moore) or possibly nearby standout Patrick Chung of Oregon. I really like Smith’s versatility. He’s a very big corner at 6’3”, but he has the speed to stay at this position. He did play some free safety in college, and he could play this position as well. So in my book, you can’t miss with taking him here. If he can’t stick with receivers on the boundary, you move him over to FS where he can be an impact player at that position. With the bigger and more physical WRs in the NFC West (Larry Fitz, Boldin, Housh), Smith makes the most sense as a physical presence who can bang with those guys as well.
38. Cincinnati Bengals- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
Some crazy mock drafts have Pettigrew going as high as #11 to the Bills in the first round. I just don’t buy that whatsoever. I like Pettigrew because he’s a tough, throwback kind of TE. But you don’t spend first round picks on guys like this. It’s just reality that the NFL is ruled by speedy TE’s who can exploit defensive match-ups and not block, and Pettigrew is not this kind of player. But he fits very well in the Bengals offense, as he provides a physical presence that can help out an injury depleted OL with chip blocks and also provides a safety valve on the underneath routes for Carson Palmer. In fact, Pettigrew would be the best TE the Bengals have had in as long as I can remember.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars- William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
If this is me picking, I think this is too high for Beatty. But for a team like the Jaguars who have a veteran LT in place (recently signed Tra Thomas), Beatty makes sense as he’s a true LT. He needs work on his technique and time to develop, and he can be afforded this in this situation. He can learn from a veteran LT while getting used to the speed of the game, and he provides valuable depth at either RT or LT for his first two years. Once Tra Thomas retires or is cut, Beatty is ready to step in as your starting LT of the future. I personally like Jamon Meredith of South Carolina more, but he’s more of a RT or OG, which isn’t as big of a need. You’re drafting Beatty for his potential, not his ability to play right away. If not Beatty, than a DT like Ziggy Hood would fit very nicely in this DT rotation as well.
40. Oakland Raiders- Evander ‘Ziggy’ Hood, DT, Missouri
Yes, the Raiders could really use some help along the offensive line, but Hood is too good to pass up at this point in the draft. The Raiders desperately need help at DT and DE and Hood presents the best value for either position at this point in the draft. Hood is a quick, penetrating, disruptive interior player who I think is being undervalued right now. If I’m in need of DT help near the end of the first round, I’m not afraid to pull the trigger on Hood. He had an outstanding combine to go with a good season on tape, so I’m pretty confident in his ability to come right in and make an impact. The only problem with this is that it seems almost too logical of a pick for Al Davis to make. Knowing him, he’d do something crazy and draft a flashy TE like Jared Cook of South Carolina.
41. Green Bay Packers- Ron Brace, NT, Boston College
I think Brace is being over valued right now due to the position he plays. Brace is a true NT who can play in the 4-3, but would ideally fit in the 3-4. With the proliferation of 3-4 defenses, it’s not surprising to see his name popping up in the first round of many other mock drafts. But looking strictly at his value, I just don’t think he should be drafted higher than this. The Packers need to make sure they have the NT spot secured if they truly want to run a 3-4. Both their current ILB’s are smaller (Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk), so they need some beef over the center to take on blockers. Ryan Pickett is the proposed starter, but Brace is the future. If not Brace, then this has to be a 3-4 defensive prospect like Connor Barwin or Larry English. The Packers have to seriously consider spending their remaining draft picks on building the future of this proposed defense. If not, it’s going to be a long season for most Wisconsinites.
42. Buffalo Bills- Max Unger, OC, Oregon
I think the Bills would have to shout for joy if the draft fell to them this way. Unger is definitely behind Alex Mack as the best center in this draft, but he’s still a top notch, Pro Bowl caliber center. The Bills are in desperate need for some interior offensive line help, and Unger can be their starting center for the next ten years. I doubt he lasts this long, but if he does, this is an ideal fit.
43. San Francisco 49ers- Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati
In the first two rounds the 49ers have to go rush OLB and RT without question. It’s just a matter if they are happier with Oher and Barwin, or something like Everette Brown and Jamon Meredith. I think either makes sense, but to me, getting two Oher and Barwin is a great deal. Barwin still needs some time and coaching on how to play this position, as it will be his third in three years, but he’s just the type of guy to be able to pick things up quickly and excel. I really loved what I have seen of Barwin, when playing TE at the Senior Bowl at practices, to his reps as a DE. He is a high motor, quick, athletic guy who will not quit on a play. He’s going to definitely need work on his pass drops and how to play in coverage, but it’s worth sacrificing this for his ability to get after the passer. The only other player I could see fitting is Larry English. He’s a lot like Barwin, and I like English an awful lot as well, but I think Barwin is a better fit here.
44. Miami Dolphins- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
I’m a bit less sold on Britt than other people seem to be. I just have a problem with his lack of concentration at times, and the fact that he lets far too many balls get into his frame and he catches them with his body instead of his hands. Britt does have all of the physical tools though to be a very good WR in the NFL. With a solid coaching staff in place in Miami, Britt just may be the right compliment to former first rounder Ted Ginn Jr. I think Parcells and his crew are hoping and praying that Brian Robiskie falls to them here. If both Britt and Robiskie are off the board by this point, some youth at OLB like Larry English would fit perfectly.
45. New York Giants- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
I think this will be a tough decision between Patrick Chung and Moore or whatever other corner is available still. The Giants have the luxury to take the best player available regardless of position. They’ve filled their other pressing needs along the DL and at LB through free agency, and they re-signed Jacobs. So they have the freedom to grab the eventual replacement for Plax, some DB help, and some OL depth. Jamon Meredith would be hard to pass up as well, but Moore has first round cover skills with the 40 time of a second rounder.
46. Houston Texans- Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon
I think the Texans have to be jumping for joy that Chung is still available. Safety is one of their biggest needs, and I think Chung is the best SS (and second overall safety) in this draft, so getting him in the second round is a steal. A big run stuffing DT would be tempting, as would a center if Unger fell, but I don’t think the Texans pass on additional help in their secondary.
47. New England Patriots- Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
While I think Southern Mississippi’s Shawn Nelson might be a better overall TE prospect, Cook is an unreal athlete in the passing game. He blew the combine up and looked very good in the positional workouts. Yes, from what I saw of him on tape, he didn’t make a huge impact in the few games I saw. But he suffered from poor QB and not much else around him as far as offensive talent. What sticks out is that his average yards per catch was over 15, which is outstanding for a WR, let alone a TE. That fits well into the New England offense that loves its pass catching option. Ben Watson hasn’t panned out well so far, and I would classify Cook as a more explosive and faster version of Watson. Hopefully he pans out better for the Patriots than Watson did. LeSean McCoy could work here as well, but I’d see the Pats taking a RB later than this.
48. Denver Broncos- Fili Moala, DE/DT, USC
I do think this is a reach, but the Broncos are in desperate need of 3-4 DL. They have some ends who might be able to move to stand up rush OLB (like Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder, and Elvis Dumervil) so Larry English doesn’t make much sense if he were available. I would guess the Broncos will do what they can to make a run at Ron Brace as a NT is a dire need, but I don’t know if that’s going to be possible. Moala is a solid 3-4 DE prospect though, and it’s not a terrible reach. The best player left just may be RB LeSean McCoy, but I doubt the Broncos spend a second rounder on a RB after picking JJ Arrington and Corell Buckhalter in the off-season.
49. Chicago Bears- Jamon Meredith, OT/OG, South Carolina
As a selfish Bear’s fan, I hope this actually happens. Meredith would make an excellent book-end RT with last year’s first rounder Chris Williams. If for some reason they resign John St. Clair and want him to start for a veteran presence, then Meredith can push subpar starter Roberto Garza for playing time at RG. Anyone who even thinks about mentioning Alabama FS Rashad Johnson in this spot gets a one way ticket to roundhouse kick town. The Bears already have a SS that doesn’t know how to wrap up on tackles, so they don’t need a FS with the same dysfunction.
50. Cleveland Browns- Rashad Johnson, FS, Alabama
Yes, Larry English IS still available and would fit well here, but they already have two first round rush OLBs in Kameron Wimbley and now Brian Orakpo. While I’m not a big fan of Johnson because his lack of tackling skills, he still has four years of starting experience in the SEC. He’s a smart and instinctive player in coverage, which is what the Browns need. A WR would be an upgrade, but no one stands out other than potential Juaquin Iglesias, but that’s a reach. An ILB like Gerald McRath of Southern Miss would be a great pick as well, but I think depth and talent at the safety position is a bigger need with the value of Johnson at this point.
51. Dallas Cowboys- William Moore, SS, Missouri
The Cowboys need a long term replacement for Roy Williams the safety, and Moore is an excellent pick. I really like Moore last year, but he looked plain bad at times this year. I think that this is still a good value for Moore as he’s best fit stuffing the run and he’s a much better coverage safety than Williams ever was. Drafting Williams also allows the Cowboys to move Ken Hamlin to FS, which improves two positions at once. Most will think Dallas should go after a WR with the cutting of T.O., but I think there is enough talent in the stable to allow them to look elsewhere. If Moore isn’t the pick, then I could see them going after Oklahoma OG Duke Robinson to help solidify the left side of the line.
52. New York Jets- LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
I’m not a huge fan of McCoy, but he is a good running back that should have gone higher than this. But history has shown as of late that RB’s and WR’s can slip come draft day since a lot of teams feel they can get better value at this position later in the draft. There is no way the Jets pass on McCoy here, as a long term replacement for Thomas Jones needs too be identified in this draft. Yes, I liked Leon Washington before he was drafted, but even I admitted that he was never going to be an every down back. So if Jones is done after this season, you still have McCoy and Washington to split the carries (and you have insurance this year in case of injuries). The only other option I could see would be Oklahoma WR Juaquin Iglesias or OG Duke Robinson. New York has done a good job in the free agency of grabbing players that filled their biggest need areas. So it’s the luxury of drafting for need here, but getting a great value as well.
53. Philadelphia Eagles- Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Mississippi
If the first two rounds actually panned out this way for the Eagles, they would have to consider this a home run first day. Britton, Wells, and Nelson fits their three biggest needs with three of the upper echelon players at their position. Nelson is the ideal fit for this offense. He’s a phenomenal athlete that is great in the passing game, but has the ability to be a solid blocker. He’s got the size, speed, and body control you look for in an ideal prospect at this position and I think he’ll make a HUGE impact in this offense. That is if things magically go the right way and the picks just happen to work out for them. If Nelson isn’t available, one of the top three to four TE’s will be and I think that is definitely where the Eagles look to go here.
54. Minnesota Vikings- Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon
I hate the fact that the Vikings have very few needs overall as a team. What makes it all better is that they have no QB to speak of. Drafting Byrd does help fill a need, and I’m a big fan of Byrd. He’s very much like a young Antoine Winfield, who can help show him the ropes. He can gamble a bit on picks, but that’s acceptable to me as he comes down with a good number of them. He has very good ball skills, and he’s good at press man coverage. This is as good of a fit as Byrd could hope for, and the Vikings get a solid player for the value.
55. Atlanta Falcons- Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
I will preface this by saying that English should and will go much higher than this. When completing this mock draft though, it was hard to force him in to teams that I don’t think he fit well with. I do think English is a better fit at rush OLB in a 3-4, but the Falcons have had success last year with undersized DE’s like English. The Flacons pass rush was not good other than John Abraham, and I would liken English to a young Abraham. If it did shake down this way, I can’t say I’d disagree. It would fit English and allow him to spend his first year in the league playing a position he’s familiar with.
56. Miami Dolphins- Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
The Dolphins are going to have a tough choice between an OLB like Sintim and a top notch OC like Antoine Caldwell of Alabama or Eric Wood of Louisville. I think the choice is Sintim here due to Parcells’ ties to Virginia head coach Al Groh. And yes, I know Jeff Ireland is the GM, not Bill Parcells. But you have to be crazy to think Parcells isn’t heavily influencing the personnel decisions in their draft room. Sintim will be familiar with the type of defense the Dolphins run and he’ll bring youth and pass rush ability to the OLB position. He needs work on his coverage ability, but he’s not going to be asked to start right away. That means center can wait until the third round.
57. Baltimore Ravens- Antoine Caldwell, OC, Alabama
The Ravens could go in several directions, especially WR since it’s their biggest need still, but a value like Caldwell is hard to pass up. Some people like Eric Wood better, but I think Caldwell is a step above, and he’s bigger. He plays a lot like their previous center, Jason Brown, who left for the Rams in free agency. He can come right in and start at OC or OG, and it’s a good value. If not Caldwell, then maybe Robinson and they move Chris Chester into the lineup at starting center. Either way you slice it, it’s a good move for the Ravens.
58. New England Patriots- Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
The Patriots can choose between Glenn Coffee and Greene here, as both are your typical tough inside runner. I like Greene a bit better even though he doesn’t have the outside speed of Coffee. He is a better short yardage runner, and he still has good mileage left on his legs. He fits the mode well of what the Patriots look for in a RB. Tough, plays hard, good team player, loves the game. Plus his college head coach (Kurt Ferentz) is a former coaching colleague of big Bill, so it just lines up perfectly.
59. Carolina Panthers- Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
Even if Julius Peppers stays for this year, I doubt he stays long term, so the Panthers need to draft with an eye to the future. Kruger is a bit of a ‘tweener end/OLB, but I think he’s better fit as a down DE. Kruger has good pass rush ability, and he will fit nicely into this rotation in his first year. An upgrade at TE like Florida’s Cornelius Ingram, James Casey of Rice, or Chase Coffman of Missouri would be a great fit as well but Kruger is a better value.
60. New York Giants- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
The Giants don’t have many needs, and Robinson is the best OG in this draft. So when you have that luxury, you take advantage of it. Robinson doesn’t need to start right away, but I think he’s good enough that he will find his way on to the field. One of the top TE’s would be a good pick as well, but the guys that are left all have some injury concerns, so getting Robinson is a much better value.
61. Indianapolis Colts- Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Marks is not the bigger DT that the Colts have recently said they’d like to find, but he’s the best talent for this position as well. He present good value for the pick, and it’s a huge need for this team. I think when it’s all said and done the Colts will realize that the players they have in place fit well into a Cover-2 style, so the quicker but undersized Marks will fit right in. He’s a disruptive inside presence that should see several man up blocks due to their talented ends being doubled.
62. Tennessee Titans- Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
This is strictly based on value for the position. I like Coffman better, but I think Ingram may move up higher in the draft due to excellent workouts. Scouts can only go on last year’s tape as he was out all year with a knee injury, but he checked out OK at the combine and did very well overall there. Alge Crumpler wasn’t great last year, and this makes him expendable. The Titans love two-TE sets, so this makes good sense.
63. Arizona Cardinals- Lawrence Sidbury, OLB, Richmond
Sidbury needs some time to develop as an OLB after playing DE in college, but the Cardinals got a good one from Richmond last year in Tim Hightower. Sidbury is the kind of edge athlete this defense is missing for a pass rush presence, so this is a good fit all around.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers- Eric Wood, OC, Louisville
After missing out on Alex Mack in the first round, the Steelers get a very good fall back with Wood in the second round. He’s an instant upgrade over Justin Hartwig, and he’s the type of guy Steelers fans will love instantly. He’s a tough, hard nosed, run blocking, effort guy who brings it every time.
33. Detroit Lions- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
DT and DE are big needs for this team, and Johnson has the physical tools of a mid first rounder. The problem is his motor is that of a third rounder. I just don’t see how anyone passes on him at this point though as the reward far outweighs the reward. In fact, I could easily see Johnson going as high as pick 18 to the Bears, where they will assume that Rod Marinelli can turn him into an elite pass rushing presence. In Detroit, Johnson will have as many chances as he can get to make an impact due to the simple lack of players at this position.
34. New England Patriots- Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
I have read an article on Butler from a source I really trust (former head of player personnel for the Jets) and he loves Butler. He stated that Butler has great football intelligence and knew defensive coverages and technique for things he didn’t even run in college. Having watched Butler over the past two years, what I’m impressed with is his physical style of play. He’s a bigger corner and he plays the man in front of him. He can jam at the line well and he can flip his hips and run with the receiver. Even with a few off-season veteran acquisitions by New England, I don’t think they will pass on a player like Butler. He fits the profile well of what the Patriots draft for.
35. St. Louis Rams- Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
I really like Robiskie, and I think he’s worthy of a first round grade. He’s just too polished of a product and he has such low bust potential that I think he’s going to surprise some people with how high he goes on draft day. If he is available here, it’s a home run for the Rams. He can immediately step into the starting line up as a younger version of the recently released Tory Holt. With speedster second year Donnie Avery on the other side, the Rams have an impressive young duo of wide receivers. If the OL holds up, the greatest show on turf v2 might be on its way.
36. Cleveland Browns- Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
The Browns are in desperate need of a running back, and Brown is a fantastic pick in the second round. He’s similar to Jamal Brown in that he’s a north/south runner who isn’t afraid to bang it up the middle. That’s where the comparisons end as he’s not nearly as big as Lewis, but he’s much faster. He will share carries with Lewis, but by the time the season rolls around, I wouldn’t be surprised if Brown is getting the majority of the carries with Lewis getting goal line touches. If Shaun Rogers is traded, then this pick is almost a lock for Ron Brace of Boston College.
37. Seattle Seahawks- Sean Smith, CB, Utah
I think this pick comes down to one of the top corners left (Smith or DJ Moore) or possibly nearby standout Patrick Chung of Oregon. I really like Smith’s versatility. He’s a very big corner at 6’3”, but he has the speed to stay at this position. He did play some free safety in college, and he could play this position as well. So in my book, you can’t miss with taking him here. If he can’t stick with receivers on the boundary, you move him over to FS where he can be an impact player at that position. With the bigger and more physical WRs in the NFC West (Larry Fitz, Boldin, Housh), Smith makes the most sense as a physical presence who can bang with those guys as well.
38. Cincinnati Bengals- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
Some crazy mock drafts have Pettigrew going as high as #11 to the Bills in the first round. I just don’t buy that whatsoever. I like Pettigrew because he’s a tough, throwback kind of TE. But you don’t spend first round picks on guys like this. It’s just reality that the NFL is ruled by speedy TE’s who can exploit defensive match-ups and not block, and Pettigrew is not this kind of player. But he fits very well in the Bengals offense, as he provides a physical presence that can help out an injury depleted OL with chip blocks and also provides a safety valve on the underneath routes for Carson Palmer. In fact, Pettigrew would be the best TE the Bengals have had in as long as I can remember.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars- William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
If this is me picking, I think this is too high for Beatty. But for a team like the Jaguars who have a veteran LT in place (recently signed Tra Thomas), Beatty makes sense as he’s a true LT. He needs work on his technique and time to develop, and he can be afforded this in this situation. He can learn from a veteran LT while getting used to the speed of the game, and he provides valuable depth at either RT or LT for his first two years. Once Tra Thomas retires or is cut, Beatty is ready to step in as your starting LT of the future. I personally like Jamon Meredith of South Carolina more, but he’s more of a RT or OG, which isn’t as big of a need. You’re drafting Beatty for his potential, not his ability to play right away. If not Beatty, than a DT like Ziggy Hood would fit very nicely in this DT rotation as well.
40. Oakland Raiders- Evander ‘Ziggy’ Hood, DT, Missouri
Yes, the Raiders could really use some help along the offensive line, but Hood is too good to pass up at this point in the draft. The Raiders desperately need help at DT and DE and Hood presents the best value for either position at this point in the draft. Hood is a quick, penetrating, disruptive interior player who I think is being undervalued right now. If I’m in need of DT help near the end of the first round, I’m not afraid to pull the trigger on Hood. He had an outstanding combine to go with a good season on tape, so I’m pretty confident in his ability to come right in and make an impact. The only problem with this is that it seems almost too logical of a pick for Al Davis to make. Knowing him, he’d do something crazy and draft a flashy TE like Jared Cook of South Carolina.
41. Green Bay Packers- Ron Brace, NT, Boston College
I think Brace is being over valued right now due to the position he plays. Brace is a true NT who can play in the 4-3, but would ideally fit in the 3-4. With the proliferation of 3-4 defenses, it’s not surprising to see his name popping up in the first round of many other mock drafts. But looking strictly at his value, I just don’t think he should be drafted higher than this. The Packers need to make sure they have the NT spot secured if they truly want to run a 3-4. Both their current ILB’s are smaller (Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk), so they need some beef over the center to take on blockers. Ryan Pickett is the proposed starter, but Brace is the future. If not Brace, then this has to be a 3-4 defensive prospect like Connor Barwin or Larry English. The Packers have to seriously consider spending their remaining draft picks on building the future of this proposed defense. If not, it’s going to be a long season for most Wisconsinites.
42. Buffalo Bills- Max Unger, OC, Oregon
I think the Bills would have to shout for joy if the draft fell to them this way. Unger is definitely behind Alex Mack as the best center in this draft, but he’s still a top notch, Pro Bowl caliber center. The Bills are in desperate need for some interior offensive line help, and Unger can be their starting center for the next ten years. I doubt he lasts this long, but if he does, this is an ideal fit.
43. San Francisco 49ers- Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati
In the first two rounds the 49ers have to go rush OLB and RT without question. It’s just a matter if they are happier with Oher and Barwin, or something like Everette Brown and Jamon Meredith. I think either makes sense, but to me, getting two Oher and Barwin is a great deal. Barwin still needs some time and coaching on how to play this position, as it will be his third in three years, but he’s just the type of guy to be able to pick things up quickly and excel. I really loved what I have seen of Barwin, when playing TE at the Senior Bowl at practices, to his reps as a DE. He is a high motor, quick, athletic guy who will not quit on a play. He’s going to definitely need work on his pass drops and how to play in coverage, but it’s worth sacrificing this for his ability to get after the passer. The only other player I could see fitting is Larry English. He’s a lot like Barwin, and I like English an awful lot as well, but I think Barwin is a better fit here.
44. Miami Dolphins- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
I’m a bit less sold on Britt than other people seem to be. I just have a problem with his lack of concentration at times, and the fact that he lets far too many balls get into his frame and he catches them with his body instead of his hands. Britt does have all of the physical tools though to be a very good WR in the NFL. With a solid coaching staff in place in Miami, Britt just may be the right compliment to former first rounder Ted Ginn Jr. I think Parcells and his crew are hoping and praying that Brian Robiskie falls to them here. If both Britt and Robiskie are off the board by this point, some youth at OLB like Larry English would fit perfectly.
45. New York Giants- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
I think this will be a tough decision between Patrick Chung and Moore or whatever other corner is available still. The Giants have the luxury to take the best player available regardless of position. They’ve filled their other pressing needs along the DL and at LB through free agency, and they re-signed Jacobs. So they have the freedom to grab the eventual replacement for Plax, some DB help, and some OL depth. Jamon Meredith would be hard to pass up as well, but Moore has first round cover skills with the 40 time of a second rounder.
46. Houston Texans- Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon
I think the Texans have to be jumping for joy that Chung is still available. Safety is one of their biggest needs, and I think Chung is the best SS (and second overall safety) in this draft, so getting him in the second round is a steal. A big run stuffing DT would be tempting, as would a center if Unger fell, but I don’t think the Texans pass on additional help in their secondary.
47. New England Patriots- Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
While I think Southern Mississippi’s Shawn Nelson might be a better overall TE prospect, Cook is an unreal athlete in the passing game. He blew the combine up and looked very good in the positional workouts. Yes, from what I saw of him on tape, he didn’t make a huge impact in the few games I saw. But he suffered from poor QB and not much else around him as far as offensive talent. What sticks out is that his average yards per catch was over 15, which is outstanding for a WR, let alone a TE. That fits well into the New England offense that loves its pass catching option. Ben Watson hasn’t panned out well so far, and I would classify Cook as a more explosive and faster version of Watson. Hopefully he pans out better for the Patriots than Watson did. LeSean McCoy could work here as well, but I’d see the Pats taking a RB later than this.
48. Denver Broncos- Fili Moala, DE/DT, USC
I do think this is a reach, but the Broncos are in desperate need of 3-4 DL. They have some ends who might be able to move to stand up rush OLB (like Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder, and Elvis Dumervil) so Larry English doesn’t make much sense if he were available. I would guess the Broncos will do what they can to make a run at Ron Brace as a NT is a dire need, but I don’t know if that’s going to be possible. Moala is a solid 3-4 DE prospect though, and it’s not a terrible reach. The best player left just may be RB LeSean McCoy, but I doubt the Broncos spend a second rounder on a RB after picking JJ Arrington and Corell Buckhalter in the off-season.
49. Chicago Bears- Jamon Meredith, OT/OG, South Carolina
As a selfish Bear’s fan, I hope this actually happens. Meredith would make an excellent book-end RT with last year’s first rounder Chris Williams. If for some reason they resign John St. Clair and want him to start for a veteran presence, then Meredith can push subpar starter Roberto Garza for playing time at RG. Anyone who even thinks about mentioning Alabama FS Rashad Johnson in this spot gets a one way ticket to roundhouse kick town. The Bears already have a SS that doesn’t know how to wrap up on tackles, so they don’t need a FS with the same dysfunction.
50. Cleveland Browns- Rashad Johnson, FS, Alabama
Yes, Larry English IS still available and would fit well here, but they already have two first round rush OLBs in Kameron Wimbley and now Brian Orakpo. While I’m not a big fan of Johnson because his lack of tackling skills, he still has four years of starting experience in the SEC. He’s a smart and instinctive player in coverage, which is what the Browns need. A WR would be an upgrade, but no one stands out other than potential Juaquin Iglesias, but that’s a reach. An ILB like Gerald McRath of Southern Miss would be a great pick as well, but I think depth and talent at the safety position is a bigger need with the value of Johnson at this point.
51. Dallas Cowboys- William Moore, SS, Missouri
The Cowboys need a long term replacement for Roy Williams the safety, and Moore is an excellent pick. I really like Moore last year, but he looked plain bad at times this year. I think that this is still a good value for Moore as he’s best fit stuffing the run and he’s a much better coverage safety than Williams ever was. Drafting Williams also allows the Cowboys to move Ken Hamlin to FS, which improves two positions at once. Most will think Dallas should go after a WR with the cutting of T.O., but I think there is enough talent in the stable to allow them to look elsewhere. If Moore isn’t the pick, then I could see them going after Oklahoma OG Duke Robinson to help solidify the left side of the line.
52. New York Jets- LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
I’m not a huge fan of McCoy, but he is a good running back that should have gone higher than this. But history has shown as of late that RB’s and WR’s can slip come draft day since a lot of teams feel they can get better value at this position later in the draft. There is no way the Jets pass on McCoy here, as a long term replacement for Thomas Jones needs too be identified in this draft. Yes, I liked Leon Washington before he was drafted, but even I admitted that he was never going to be an every down back. So if Jones is done after this season, you still have McCoy and Washington to split the carries (and you have insurance this year in case of injuries). The only other option I could see would be Oklahoma WR Juaquin Iglesias or OG Duke Robinson. New York has done a good job in the free agency of grabbing players that filled their biggest need areas. So it’s the luxury of drafting for need here, but getting a great value as well.
53. Philadelphia Eagles- Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Mississippi
If the first two rounds actually panned out this way for the Eagles, they would have to consider this a home run first day. Britton, Wells, and Nelson fits their three biggest needs with three of the upper echelon players at their position. Nelson is the ideal fit for this offense. He’s a phenomenal athlete that is great in the passing game, but has the ability to be a solid blocker. He’s got the size, speed, and body control you look for in an ideal prospect at this position and I think he’ll make a HUGE impact in this offense. That is if things magically go the right way and the picks just happen to work out for them. If Nelson isn’t available, one of the top three to four TE’s will be and I think that is definitely where the Eagles look to go here.
54. Minnesota Vikings- Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon
I hate the fact that the Vikings have very few needs overall as a team. What makes it all better is that they have no QB to speak of. Drafting Byrd does help fill a need, and I’m a big fan of Byrd. He’s very much like a young Antoine Winfield, who can help show him the ropes. He can gamble a bit on picks, but that’s acceptable to me as he comes down with a good number of them. He has very good ball skills, and he’s good at press man coverage. This is as good of a fit as Byrd could hope for, and the Vikings get a solid player for the value.
55. Atlanta Falcons- Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
I will preface this by saying that English should and will go much higher than this. When completing this mock draft though, it was hard to force him in to teams that I don’t think he fit well with. I do think English is a better fit at rush OLB in a 3-4, but the Falcons have had success last year with undersized DE’s like English. The Flacons pass rush was not good other than John Abraham, and I would liken English to a young Abraham. If it did shake down this way, I can’t say I’d disagree. It would fit English and allow him to spend his first year in the league playing a position he’s familiar with.
56. Miami Dolphins- Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
The Dolphins are going to have a tough choice between an OLB like Sintim and a top notch OC like Antoine Caldwell of Alabama or Eric Wood of Louisville. I think the choice is Sintim here due to Parcells’ ties to Virginia head coach Al Groh. And yes, I know Jeff Ireland is the GM, not Bill Parcells. But you have to be crazy to think Parcells isn’t heavily influencing the personnel decisions in their draft room. Sintim will be familiar with the type of defense the Dolphins run and he’ll bring youth and pass rush ability to the OLB position. He needs work on his coverage ability, but he’s not going to be asked to start right away. That means center can wait until the third round.
57. Baltimore Ravens- Antoine Caldwell, OC, Alabama
The Ravens could go in several directions, especially WR since it’s their biggest need still, but a value like Caldwell is hard to pass up. Some people like Eric Wood better, but I think Caldwell is a step above, and he’s bigger. He plays a lot like their previous center, Jason Brown, who left for the Rams in free agency. He can come right in and start at OC or OG, and it’s a good value. If not Caldwell, then maybe Robinson and they move Chris Chester into the lineup at starting center. Either way you slice it, it’s a good move for the Ravens.
58. New England Patriots- Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
The Patriots can choose between Glenn Coffee and Greene here, as both are your typical tough inside runner. I like Greene a bit better even though he doesn’t have the outside speed of Coffee. He is a better short yardage runner, and he still has good mileage left on his legs. He fits the mode well of what the Patriots look for in a RB. Tough, plays hard, good team player, loves the game. Plus his college head coach (Kurt Ferentz) is a former coaching colleague of big Bill, so it just lines up perfectly.
59. Carolina Panthers- Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
Even if Julius Peppers stays for this year, I doubt he stays long term, so the Panthers need to draft with an eye to the future. Kruger is a bit of a ‘tweener end/OLB, but I think he’s better fit as a down DE. Kruger has good pass rush ability, and he will fit nicely into this rotation in his first year. An upgrade at TE like Florida’s Cornelius Ingram, James Casey of Rice, or Chase Coffman of Missouri would be a great fit as well but Kruger is a better value.
60. New York Giants- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
The Giants don’t have many needs, and Robinson is the best OG in this draft. So when you have that luxury, you take advantage of it. Robinson doesn’t need to start right away, but I think he’s good enough that he will find his way on to the field. One of the top TE’s would be a good pick as well, but the guys that are left all have some injury concerns, so getting Robinson is a much better value.
61. Indianapolis Colts- Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Marks is not the bigger DT that the Colts have recently said they’d like to find, but he’s the best talent for this position as well. He present good value for the pick, and it’s a huge need for this team. I think when it’s all said and done the Colts will realize that the players they have in place fit well into a Cover-2 style, so the quicker but undersized Marks will fit right in. He’s a disruptive inside presence that should see several man up blocks due to their talented ends being doubled.
62. Tennessee Titans- Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
This is strictly based on value for the position. I like Coffman better, but I think Ingram may move up higher in the draft due to excellent workouts. Scouts can only go on last year’s tape as he was out all year with a knee injury, but he checked out OK at the combine and did very well overall there. Alge Crumpler wasn’t great last year, and this makes him expendable. The Titans love two-TE sets, so this makes good sense.
63. Arizona Cardinals- Lawrence Sidbury, OLB, Richmond
Sidbury needs some time to develop as an OLB after playing DE in college, but the Cardinals got a good one from Richmond last year in Tim Hightower. Sidbury is the kind of edge athlete this defense is missing for a pass rush presence, so this is a good fit all around.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers- Eric Wood, OC, Louisville
After missing out on Alex Mack in the first round, the Steelers get a very good fall back with Wood in the second round. He’s an instant upgrade over Justin Hartwig, and he’s the type of guy Steelers fans will love instantly. He’s a tough, hard nosed, run blocking, effort guy who brings it every time.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Mock Draft 1.0- First Round
I’m going to forgo specific combine coverage since I’m so far behind. So here’s my first full mock draft with the first two rounds. I’ll keep updating this as more happens toward draft day itself. This current version accounts for all free agent signings and trades. In addition, for this version I will be doing this as I think the draft will fall out. In the next version, I may slant this more toward what I would specifically do if I was running each team. Enjoy version 1.0!
1. Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
I would have put Aaron Curry here prior to yesterday’s trade for Julian Peterson. I’m still not a big fan of Stafford, but I would get why they would take him here. Personally I put a contract number in front of Jason Smith, Curry, Stafford, and maybe even Raji. Whoever agrees to that number is the number one draft pick as all would fill a need. I don’t agree with the likes of Mel Kiper Jr who is saying you have to go with the QB even if he’s not the best overall player, but then in the next hand says you don’t force a pick based on need. If you don’t force a pick based on need, then you don’t force a pick based on ‘common draft history’. No further evidence is needed than Reggie Bush. Everyone panned the Texans for drafting Mario Williams first, but look who’s laughing now. That’s why I think Curry should be the pick as he’s the best overall player in this draft.
2. St. Louis Rams- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
After releasing Orlando Pace, I think it can’t be more evident that the Rams intend on taking an OL with this pick. Whether it’s Smith or Eugene Monroe, I don’t see how they go elsewhere with the second overall pick. Smith distanced himself from the other prospects in my eyes with a solid combine. He proved to be stronger in the upper body than the others, and has good arm length. I still question his run blocking, but he’s an instant LT. If the Lions do end up going the safe route and take Smith, it may lead to the Rams going with Curry. It wouldn’t be their biggest need, but it’s not worth forcing a pick on the second best player at a position when a better overall player is still there.
3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
I think the Chiefs have to be hoping and praying the draft falls this way. Curry is my favorite player in this draft and is as safe of a pick as you can get. He’s versatile enough to play in any defensive alignment, and if KC does switch to a 3-4, they need all the help they can get. If Curry is gone then I think the pick comes down to Raji, Crabtree, or Monroe.
4. Seattle Seahawks- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
This pick has really changed based on the free agent acquisition of TJ Houshmandzadeh, DT Colin Cole, and the trade for Corey Redding. I could still see Crabtree here as Housh is not young and they need depth at the position, but I think the Seahawks grab Walter Jones heir apparent in Monroe. He could play RT to begin with, and potentially even guard if needed. Then when Jones retires (which may be after this year), he takes over as the long term solution at LT. Raji would fit nicely here, but they have done enough now to address the DL. If the picks before this shake out differently, and Stafford slips somehow, I could see the Seahawks grabbing him up to eventually replace Hasselbeck. I could see this as a good fit as his arm strength would fit well in the cold and windy Northwest.
5. Cleveland Browns- Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
I struggle to fit the right pick in here. Orakpo is the best prospect as a rush linebacker this year, but good potential prospects would be available for the Browns in the second round as well. It’s definitely the biggest need for the Browns as they failed to reach 20 sacks as an entire team last year. Crabtree is the best value left on the board right now, but the questions surrounding his foot injury and no recorded 40 time is enough to push him a bit further down. Orakpo can come right in and contribute as a difference maker in the pass rush game. He’ll need some work moving backwards in pass coverage, but he’s a good enough athlete to learn quickly. If the rift between Pro Bowl NT Shaun Rogers and new coach Eric Mangini continues, I could see Raji being the pick here and Rogers being traded for an early second round pick.
6. Cincinnati Bengals- BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
I think this is the easiest pick to call if Raji falls. Marvin Lewis and his staff got to see Raji up close and personal as the coaches of the North squad at the Senior Bowl, and Raji really shined there. Raji is an instant inside presence that will upgrade this poor defense in the run and pass game. Some may argue that an outside pass rushing presence is what this defense needs more, but I will argue back that a solid inside presence instantly upgrades your outside pass rush. OT is a big need as well, but at this point it’s a bit of a reach for the third best OT overall instead of the best DT in the draft.
7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I have to think Al Davis is hoping and praying that the draft shakes out this way. Yes, I know, Crabtree is not the typical blazing speed type of receiver that Al Davis loves but he’s obviously the best pass catcher in this draft. After signing former Jaguar LT Kahlif Barnes, OL is not as big of a need for the Raiders. Jamarcus Russell needs more pass catching options surrounding him in order to continue development, and Crabtree is as good as it gets.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
I personally don’t think Maclin is worth this high of a pick, but it fits the MO of the Jags. They need a speedy outside presence that can stretch the field in the pass game and Maclin fits that well. A lot of mock drafts I have seen recently have the Jags grabbing Mark Sanchez, but I just don’t see that happening. While I like Sanchez a lot, the Jags already have an experienced starting QB in David Gerrard. Gerrard might not be the best QB in the NFL, but he’s proved good enough to take this team to the playoffs. What the Jags need to do more than anything is provide better pass protection for him and surround him with offensive weapons like Maclin. With the free agent acquisition of Tra Thomas at LT, I think it gives the Jags the luxury of going with the offensive playmaker here. Even if Maclin isn’t an immediate true game breaker as a receiver, he will be good enough to help this team and can change games in the return phase.
9. Green Bay Packers- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
The Packers need bodies to help them run their new 3-4 defense, but the OL can’t be ignored either. Mark Tauscher is a free agent and coming off a torn ACL, and LT Chad Clifton is coming off off-season surgery on both knees. Smith’s stock has taken a huge hit due to him leaving the combine without warning, but it doesn’t change the three years of game tape on him. Watching that shows me he can be a very good RT, with the potential to play LT or even move inside to OG if needed. Smith fills an immediate hole for the Packers, and they can still address the OLB position in the second round. If Smith isn’t the pick, then I could see the Packers going for the next best 3-4 OLBs (Aaron Maybin, Everette Brown, Brian Cushing), a 3-4 DE (Tyson Jackson), or CB (Malcolm Jenkins).
10. San Francisco 49ers- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
The 49ers have a variety of options here, but a RT is a big need for this team. With former first rounder Joe Staley on one side, and Oher on the other, the 49ers are set for the next 10 years. I really like Oher a lot, more so than other draft experts, so that’s why I have him going so high. If Smith were to slip to here, he may be the pick over Oher as he’s a more natural RT. Oher can play either LT or RT.
11. Buffalo Bills- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
The Bills are in serious need of pass rush help on the outside, and Brown is one of the best in this draft. He’s a bit undersized and I do feel he might fit better as a 3-4 OLB (say to the 49ers at pick ten), but I believe that Brown is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He has an already impressive arsenal of pass rush moves, with good speed to the outside as well. He struggles against the run though, but I don’t think he will begin as an every down end right away. He’ll play in a rotation and will improve this defense greatly. A corner like Malcolm Jenkins, an OLB like Brian Cushing, or an ILB like Rey Maualuga would fit well in this spot too.
12. Denver Broncos- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Yes, Jenkins ran a subpar 40 time at the combine. But to be honest, I think too many people are taking way too much stock in 3/100ths of a second. Jenkins is a solid cover corner, and if a team is truly worried about his long speed, he could be an impact FS. This Broncos team needs a good corner opposite Champ Bailey, and they could use a starting FS as well. So in all actuality, he fits either need for this team. I think Maualuga moves up to here with an improved performance at his pro day though as it’s a bigger need for this team. Having seen his performance at the combine though when he hurt his hamstring, I can’t put him this high without confirming his actual timed speed. So Jenkins gets the call instead. I have to say I am curious as to why new coach Josh McDaniels has handled the whole Jay Cutler issue. To me, it reeks of him trying to be like his former boss before he’s earned that right. If the Cutler issue continues to deteriorate, then I could see the Broncos trading Cutler away and potentially taking Mark Sanchez with this pick instead. I think that’s a stupid idea, but it may end up being the best option to end everything peacefully.
13. Washington Redskins- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
I think the Redskins really want either Oher or Smith to fall to them so they can upgrade at their very thin RT position. But neither is available in this mock and I think Cushing is the best fit for value vs. need. DE is definitely a big need for this team, but defensive coordinator Greg Blache likes bigger DE’s who hold the run more so than undersized speed rushers. So maybe Tyson Jackson of LSU goes here because he fits that profile, but I think Cushing is a better overall player. The Redskins can use Cushing to rush the passer if needed, and he’s physical enough to hold the edge and cover TE’s as well.
14. New Orleans Saints- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Running back is not a huge need for this team, but Moreno provides a good value at a position of secondary need. Pierre Thomas played well last year, but he was an undrafted free agent for a reason. Reggie Bush can’t stay healthy, and when he is healthy, he’s not an every down RB. Moreno is the best option at this position even with a subpar 40 time at the combine. He’s smaller than Wells, but he’s tougher and runs harder. Long time reader Jim McNamara is gonna kill me for this pick as I was just agreeing with him on Friday that RB’s and WR’s are a better value after the first round. Sorry Jimmy, but I couldn’t make this work without Moreno going this high.
15. Houston Texans- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The Texans filled their biggest need this off-season in free agency with the acquisition of DE Antonio Smith. While another first round DL like Peria Jerry could be he pick, I think that three first round DL is enough to stick with for now. Davis hasn’t produced as consistently as his talent would dictate, but he’s worth taking at pick 15 due to his upside. The Texans franchised Dunta Robinson, and picking Davis will allow them to seriously consider if they want to sign him long turn after this season or go with Davis as his replacement as the number one CB. The wildcard pick to me is Mark Sanchez. I would not be surprised one bit if the Texans do pick Sanchez even with what they’ve spent on Matt Schaub. Schaub has not been able to stay healthy, and Sanchez would give them the option of a future franchise QB who could be looked at as a reliable back up for now.
16. San Diego Chargers- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
If you read a lot of other mock drafts, you’ll probably see a lot of variance of where Jackson is being drafted. Here’s the thing with Jackson: He’s the perfect 3-4 DE, and with the proliferation of 3-4 defenses and teams switching to it, his stock has skyrocketed. My problem is that he’s done nothing to deserve that high draft status other than fitting well into that style of defense. To me, Jackson is a good fit from pick 15 downward in the draft. I don’t feel he’s worth a pick higher than this as he doesn’t have much potential as a pass rusher. He’s a strong side 3-4 DE who will stop the run and keep the lanes clear for the OLB’s to make an impact. With the Chargers opting to not re-sign Igor Olshansky, Jackson will step right in as an immediate starter. If Jackson is gone, then the Chargers will either hope one of the top four OT’s slides down, grab Rey Maualuga, or maybe look at a slot WR who can break things open like a Percy Harvin.
17. New York Jets- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
This is the ideal situation that the Jets will hope happens. Sanchez will be an immediate starter and their franchise QB. I’m just concerned that this will never happen, as QB’s are valuable enough that some team will move up to grab Sanchez near the top 10. But then again no one would have guessed that Aaron Rodgers or Brady Quinn would have slipped into the 20’s either. If Sanchez is gone, then an OLB like Aaron Maybin would fit as well.
18. Chicago Bears- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
I almost hate myself for putting this here, but it actually makes the most sense. The Bears desperately need help on the perimeter, and DHB is a speedy perimeter receiver. He’s more raw than a more reliable pick like Hakeem Nicks, but his upside is much higher and that is what the Bears will go for here. When making this pick, it came down to DHB, Arizona OT Ebon Britton, and DE Aaron Maybin. I’m not a huge fan of Maybin, so he’s out. I like the Britton pick a lot and would be very happy if that is where Chicago goes, but I think a quality RT could be had within the next three rounds. And yes Jimmy, they could get a WR later as well, but none with the potential of Heyward-Bey. The only thing I don’t like about Heyward-Bey right now is that he can let some balls get into his frame, but it’s minor and not enough to warrant not getting a potential home run threat for this offense. With DHB, Hester, and Olson you have three of the fastest receiving options which should open up running lanes for Forte. But the Bears could go completely out of left field and grab Peria Jerry surprise everyone. Or Josh Freeman wouldn’t be a bad pick either if Jerry Angelo really doesn’t like Kyle Orton as much as it seems.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Tampa Bay fired Jon Gruden for not developing a young QB, so a new coach and GM make the move with Freeman. Freeman might be the rawest of the top three QB prospects, but he’s also fits the profile of what you look for in an NFL QB. He’s tall, he’s big, and he has the arm to make any of the NFL throws. He’s going to need some time to develop, but he has potential to be a top NFL QB so the Bucs draft for the future and not the present. Someone like Jerry or Maybin would fit bigger needs, but QB is lacking right now as well so Freeman makes sense.
20. Detroit Lions- Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC
I think this pick comes down to either Peria Jerry or Maualuga, with Maualuga being the pick in the end. Even if he runs a subpar 40 at his pro day, he’s worth a top 20 pick. This fits well with the type of defenders new head coach Jim Schwartz likes in his front seven. Maualuga is a big run stopping inside presence that will team with Ernie Sims and Julian Peterson to form what is quickly becoming one of the better linebacking cores in the NFC.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Andy Reid likes linemen, and he needs another potential LT of the future after opting to allow Tra Thomas to move on in free agency. Maybin and Jerrry would fit as well, especially in this defense, but OL is a bigger need.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
The Vikings really don’t have many needs and will opt to take the best player available. The Vikes have some players opposite Jared Allen, but none have the potential that Maybin does. With two big DT’s on the inside, the undersized Maybin would fit well as a rotational pass rusher coming off the edge. It’s even possible that Maybin could play some OLB contribute there as well. A WR like Percy Harvin or Hakeem Nicks might fit as well, but I think this is a position they can address later in the draft.
23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
I think this is as big of a no brainer as you can get. Matthews is the perfect effort type player that Belichik loves. He will come right in and give them an upgrade as a pass rusher and is almost an exact younger copy of the traded Mike Vrabel. With BB’s ties to Urban Meyer and the University of Florida, I could see Percy Harvin going here. But defense rules and Matthews is a more reliable pick.
24. Atlanta Falcons- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
I’ve said this several times already but I really like Jerry’s potential as a difference making DT. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him go as high as pick 13, but due to team needs, I could see him falling this far as well. The Flacons have to be ecstatic to get a player of Jerry’s talent this late in the draft. Atlanta could use a bugger run stuffing presence at the position, but Jerry is a game changer as a penetrating DT.
25. Miami Dolphins- James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
I’ve never been a fan of Laurinaitis, but he’s still worth a lower firs round draft pick. The Dolphins could really use one of the remaining WR prospects, but in true Parcells fashion, Miami continues to build it’s defense. I could also see a combo defensive back like Sean Smith of Utah being considered strongly here as well as it fits Parcells draft style.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The Ravens will be in very good shape to take the best available CB or WR at this pick. In the end, the fact that WR’s can take a year or two to contribute and that the Ravens make no qualms about winning with defense, Smith makes the most sense. He’s perfect for this defense as he’s a ball hawk who plays full speed at all times. He’s a good tackler in the run game, and he can return kicks as well. It’s a great pick for the Ravens, but I wouldn’t argue if they went with Hakeem Nicks either.
27. Indianapolis Colts- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
WR isn’t the biggest need for this team, but the Colts will always build around Peyton Manning and this offense. Harvin fits well in the slot, and it allows Anthony Gonzales to move outside and replace Marvin Harrison. If Harvin is not the pick, then a DT like Ziggy Hood or DE Robert Ayers would make sense as well.
28. Philadelphia Eagles- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
I’m not a huge fan of Wells because of his injury history and soft running for a back his size. But when he’s on, he’s a bell cow type RB. He’d be a good fit opposite Bryan Westbrook as a punishing inside runner and the value is good for this position. Brandon Pettigrew or Louis Delmas would not surprise me here either, but I think Reid goes with a potential offensive weapon instead.
29. New York Giants- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
Nicks is one of my personal favorite receivers in this draft, and if he falls this far, he’s a bona fide steal. He’s a true perimeter receiver that just gets opens, has great hands, and makes plays. He’s not a true burner type receiver, but that doesn’t matter. He’s fast on film, and that’s all that matters to the Giants.
30. Tennessee Titans- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The Titans will sit back and just take the best player available, and I think that Ayers fits into this mold. He’s a bigger DE, which fits into the Titan’s defensive scheme well. This team is in desperate need of youth and depth at the DE position, and Ayers is a perfect fit for that.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Alex Mack, OC, California
I think at this point everyone who has read this blog knows I love Alex Mack. I think this is a no-brainer, and Mack is a steal at this point. A pass rushing OLB like Connor Barwin or Larry English would make sense too, but a player like Mack is someone you do not pass on. I don’t see anyone else going here as this just makes too much sense from value and need. A running back would be helpful, as would a blocking TE like Pettigrew, but none are as good of a value as Mack.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
The Steelers will be hoping that Mack falls to them, but it doesn’t happen in this scenario. Some may call this a luxury pick, but it’s a value pick in true Steelers fashion. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a solid true FS like Delmas for a while, and it makes the number one defense in the league that much stronger. It’s not very Steeler-like to reach for someone, but I could see them going for a potential future NT like BC’s Ron Brace or a DE Ziggy Hood.
1. Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
I would have put Aaron Curry here prior to yesterday’s trade for Julian Peterson. I’m still not a big fan of Stafford, but I would get why they would take him here. Personally I put a contract number in front of Jason Smith, Curry, Stafford, and maybe even Raji. Whoever agrees to that number is the number one draft pick as all would fill a need. I don’t agree with the likes of Mel Kiper Jr who is saying you have to go with the QB even if he’s not the best overall player, but then in the next hand says you don’t force a pick based on need. If you don’t force a pick based on need, then you don’t force a pick based on ‘common draft history’. No further evidence is needed than Reggie Bush. Everyone panned the Texans for drafting Mario Williams first, but look who’s laughing now. That’s why I think Curry should be the pick as he’s the best overall player in this draft.
2. St. Louis Rams- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
After releasing Orlando Pace, I think it can’t be more evident that the Rams intend on taking an OL with this pick. Whether it’s Smith or Eugene Monroe, I don’t see how they go elsewhere with the second overall pick. Smith distanced himself from the other prospects in my eyes with a solid combine. He proved to be stronger in the upper body than the others, and has good arm length. I still question his run blocking, but he’s an instant LT. If the Lions do end up going the safe route and take Smith, it may lead to the Rams going with Curry. It wouldn’t be their biggest need, but it’s not worth forcing a pick on the second best player at a position when a better overall player is still there.
3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
I think the Chiefs have to be hoping and praying the draft falls this way. Curry is my favorite player in this draft and is as safe of a pick as you can get. He’s versatile enough to play in any defensive alignment, and if KC does switch to a 3-4, they need all the help they can get. If Curry is gone then I think the pick comes down to Raji, Crabtree, or Monroe.
4. Seattle Seahawks- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
This pick has really changed based on the free agent acquisition of TJ Houshmandzadeh, DT Colin Cole, and the trade for Corey Redding. I could still see Crabtree here as Housh is not young and they need depth at the position, but I think the Seahawks grab Walter Jones heir apparent in Monroe. He could play RT to begin with, and potentially even guard if needed. Then when Jones retires (which may be after this year), he takes over as the long term solution at LT. Raji would fit nicely here, but they have done enough now to address the DL. If the picks before this shake out differently, and Stafford slips somehow, I could see the Seahawks grabbing him up to eventually replace Hasselbeck. I could see this as a good fit as his arm strength would fit well in the cold and windy Northwest.
5. Cleveland Browns- Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
I struggle to fit the right pick in here. Orakpo is the best prospect as a rush linebacker this year, but good potential prospects would be available for the Browns in the second round as well. It’s definitely the biggest need for the Browns as they failed to reach 20 sacks as an entire team last year. Crabtree is the best value left on the board right now, but the questions surrounding his foot injury and no recorded 40 time is enough to push him a bit further down. Orakpo can come right in and contribute as a difference maker in the pass rush game. He’ll need some work moving backwards in pass coverage, but he’s a good enough athlete to learn quickly. If the rift between Pro Bowl NT Shaun Rogers and new coach Eric Mangini continues, I could see Raji being the pick here and Rogers being traded for an early second round pick.
6. Cincinnati Bengals- BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
I think this is the easiest pick to call if Raji falls. Marvin Lewis and his staff got to see Raji up close and personal as the coaches of the North squad at the Senior Bowl, and Raji really shined there. Raji is an instant inside presence that will upgrade this poor defense in the run and pass game. Some may argue that an outside pass rushing presence is what this defense needs more, but I will argue back that a solid inside presence instantly upgrades your outside pass rush. OT is a big need as well, but at this point it’s a bit of a reach for the third best OT overall instead of the best DT in the draft.
7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I have to think Al Davis is hoping and praying that the draft shakes out this way. Yes, I know, Crabtree is not the typical blazing speed type of receiver that Al Davis loves but he’s obviously the best pass catcher in this draft. After signing former Jaguar LT Kahlif Barnes, OL is not as big of a need for the Raiders. Jamarcus Russell needs more pass catching options surrounding him in order to continue development, and Crabtree is as good as it gets.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
I personally don’t think Maclin is worth this high of a pick, but it fits the MO of the Jags. They need a speedy outside presence that can stretch the field in the pass game and Maclin fits that well. A lot of mock drafts I have seen recently have the Jags grabbing Mark Sanchez, but I just don’t see that happening. While I like Sanchez a lot, the Jags already have an experienced starting QB in David Gerrard. Gerrard might not be the best QB in the NFL, but he’s proved good enough to take this team to the playoffs. What the Jags need to do more than anything is provide better pass protection for him and surround him with offensive weapons like Maclin. With the free agent acquisition of Tra Thomas at LT, I think it gives the Jags the luxury of going with the offensive playmaker here. Even if Maclin isn’t an immediate true game breaker as a receiver, he will be good enough to help this team and can change games in the return phase.
9. Green Bay Packers- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
The Packers need bodies to help them run their new 3-4 defense, but the OL can’t be ignored either. Mark Tauscher is a free agent and coming off a torn ACL, and LT Chad Clifton is coming off off-season surgery on both knees. Smith’s stock has taken a huge hit due to him leaving the combine without warning, but it doesn’t change the three years of game tape on him. Watching that shows me he can be a very good RT, with the potential to play LT or even move inside to OG if needed. Smith fills an immediate hole for the Packers, and they can still address the OLB position in the second round. If Smith isn’t the pick, then I could see the Packers going for the next best 3-4 OLBs (Aaron Maybin, Everette Brown, Brian Cushing), a 3-4 DE (Tyson Jackson), or CB (Malcolm Jenkins).
10. San Francisco 49ers- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
The 49ers have a variety of options here, but a RT is a big need for this team. With former first rounder Joe Staley on one side, and Oher on the other, the 49ers are set for the next 10 years. I really like Oher a lot, more so than other draft experts, so that’s why I have him going so high. If Smith were to slip to here, he may be the pick over Oher as he’s a more natural RT. Oher can play either LT or RT.
11. Buffalo Bills- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
The Bills are in serious need of pass rush help on the outside, and Brown is one of the best in this draft. He’s a bit undersized and I do feel he might fit better as a 3-4 OLB (say to the 49ers at pick ten), but I believe that Brown is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He has an already impressive arsenal of pass rush moves, with good speed to the outside as well. He struggles against the run though, but I don’t think he will begin as an every down end right away. He’ll play in a rotation and will improve this defense greatly. A corner like Malcolm Jenkins, an OLB like Brian Cushing, or an ILB like Rey Maualuga would fit well in this spot too.
12. Denver Broncos- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Yes, Jenkins ran a subpar 40 time at the combine. But to be honest, I think too many people are taking way too much stock in 3/100ths of a second. Jenkins is a solid cover corner, and if a team is truly worried about his long speed, he could be an impact FS. This Broncos team needs a good corner opposite Champ Bailey, and they could use a starting FS as well. So in all actuality, he fits either need for this team. I think Maualuga moves up to here with an improved performance at his pro day though as it’s a bigger need for this team. Having seen his performance at the combine though when he hurt his hamstring, I can’t put him this high without confirming his actual timed speed. So Jenkins gets the call instead. I have to say I am curious as to why new coach Josh McDaniels has handled the whole Jay Cutler issue. To me, it reeks of him trying to be like his former boss before he’s earned that right. If the Cutler issue continues to deteriorate, then I could see the Broncos trading Cutler away and potentially taking Mark Sanchez with this pick instead. I think that’s a stupid idea, but it may end up being the best option to end everything peacefully.
13. Washington Redskins- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
I think the Redskins really want either Oher or Smith to fall to them so they can upgrade at their very thin RT position. But neither is available in this mock and I think Cushing is the best fit for value vs. need. DE is definitely a big need for this team, but defensive coordinator Greg Blache likes bigger DE’s who hold the run more so than undersized speed rushers. So maybe Tyson Jackson of LSU goes here because he fits that profile, but I think Cushing is a better overall player. The Redskins can use Cushing to rush the passer if needed, and he’s physical enough to hold the edge and cover TE’s as well.
14. New Orleans Saints- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Running back is not a huge need for this team, but Moreno provides a good value at a position of secondary need. Pierre Thomas played well last year, but he was an undrafted free agent for a reason. Reggie Bush can’t stay healthy, and when he is healthy, he’s not an every down RB. Moreno is the best option at this position even with a subpar 40 time at the combine. He’s smaller than Wells, but he’s tougher and runs harder. Long time reader Jim McNamara is gonna kill me for this pick as I was just agreeing with him on Friday that RB’s and WR’s are a better value after the first round. Sorry Jimmy, but I couldn’t make this work without Moreno going this high.
15. Houston Texans- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The Texans filled their biggest need this off-season in free agency with the acquisition of DE Antonio Smith. While another first round DL like Peria Jerry could be he pick, I think that three first round DL is enough to stick with for now. Davis hasn’t produced as consistently as his talent would dictate, but he’s worth taking at pick 15 due to his upside. The Texans franchised Dunta Robinson, and picking Davis will allow them to seriously consider if they want to sign him long turn after this season or go with Davis as his replacement as the number one CB. The wildcard pick to me is Mark Sanchez. I would not be surprised one bit if the Texans do pick Sanchez even with what they’ve spent on Matt Schaub. Schaub has not been able to stay healthy, and Sanchez would give them the option of a future franchise QB who could be looked at as a reliable back up for now.
16. San Diego Chargers- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
If you read a lot of other mock drafts, you’ll probably see a lot of variance of where Jackson is being drafted. Here’s the thing with Jackson: He’s the perfect 3-4 DE, and with the proliferation of 3-4 defenses and teams switching to it, his stock has skyrocketed. My problem is that he’s done nothing to deserve that high draft status other than fitting well into that style of defense. To me, Jackson is a good fit from pick 15 downward in the draft. I don’t feel he’s worth a pick higher than this as he doesn’t have much potential as a pass rusher. He’s a strong side 3-4 DE who will stop the run and keep the lanes clear for the OLB’s to make an impact. With the Chargers opting to not re-sign Igor Olshansky, Jackson will step right in as an immediate starter. If Jackson is gone, then the Chargers will either hope one of the top four OT’s slides down, grab Rey Maualuga, or maybe look at a slot WR who can break things open like a Percy Harvin.
17. New York Jets- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
This is the ideal situation that the Jets will hope happens. Sanchez will be an immediate starter and their franchise QB. I’m just concerned that this will never happen, as QB’s are valuable enough that some team will move up to grab Sanchez near the top 10. But then again no one would have guessed that Aaron Rodgers or Brady Quinn would have slipped into the 20’s either. If Sanchez is gone, then an OLB like Aaron Maybin would fit as well.
18. Chicago Bears- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
I almost hate myself for putting this here, but it actually makes the most sense. The Bears desperately need help on the perimeter, and DHB is a speedy perimeter receiver. He’s more raw than a more reliable pick like Hakeem Nicks, but his upside is much higher and that is what the Bears will go for here. When making this pick, it came down to DHB, Arizona OT Ebon Britton, and DE Aaron Maybin. I’m not a huge fan of Maybin, so he’s out. I like the Britton pick a lot and would be very happy if that is where Chicago goes, but I think a quality RT could be had within the next three rounds. And yes Jimmy, they could get a WR later as well, but none with the potential of Heyward-Bey. The only thing I don’t like about Heyward-Bey right now is that he can let some balls get into his frame, but it’s minor and not enough to warrant not getting a potential home run threat for this offense. With DHB, Hester, and Olson you have three of the fastest receiving options which should open up running lanes for Forte. But the Bears could go completely out of left field and grab Peria Jerry surprise everyone. Or Josh Freeman wouldn’t be a bad pick either if Jerry Angelo really doesn’t like Kyle Orton as much as it seems.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Tampa Bay fired Jon Gruden for not developing a young QB, so a new coach and GM make the move with Freeman. Freeman might be the rawest of the top three QB prospects, but he’s also fits the profile of what you look for in an NFL QB. He’s tall, he’s big, and he has the arm to make any of the NFL throws. He’s going to need some time to develop, but he has potential to be a top NFL QB so the Bucs draft for the future and not the present. Someone like Jerry or Maybin would fit bigger needs, but QB is lacking right now as well so Freeman makes sense.
20. Detroit Lions- Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC
I think this pick comes down to either Peria Jerry or Maualuga, with Maualuga being the pick in the end. Even if he runs a subpar 40 at his pro day, he’s worth a top 20 pick. This fits well with the type of defenders new head coach Jim Schwartz likes in his front seven. Maualuga is a big run stopping inside presence that will team with Ernie Sims and Julian Peterson to form what is quickly becoming one of the better linebacking cores in the NFC.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Andy Reid likes linemen, and he needs another potential LT of the future after opting to allow Tra Thomas to move on in free agency. Maybin and Jerrry would fit as well, especially in this defense, but OL is a bigger need.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
The Vikings really don’t have many needs and will opt to take the best player available. The Vikes have some players opposite Jared Allen, but none have the potential that Maybin does. With two big DT’s on the inside, the undersized Maybin would fit well as a rotational pass rusher coming off the edge. It’s even possible that Maybin could play some OLB contribute there as well. A WR like Percy Harvin or Hakeem Nicks might fit as well, but I think this is a position they can address later in the draft.
23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
I think this is as big of a no brainer as you can get. Matthews is the perfect effort type player that Belichik loves. He will come right in and give them an upgrade as a pass rusher and is almost an exact younger copy of the traded Mike Vrabel. With BB’s ties to Urban Meyer and the University of Florida, I could see Percy Harvin going here. But defense rules and Matthews is a more reliable pick.
24. Atlanta Falcons- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
I’ve said this several times already but I really like Jerry’s potential as a difference making DT. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him go as high as pick 13, but due to team needs, I could see him falling this far as well. The Flacons have to be ecstatic to get a player of Jerry’s talent this late in the draft. Atlanta could use a bugger run stuffing presence at the position, but Jerry is a game changer as a penetrating DT.
25. Miami Dolphins- James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
I’ve never been a fan of Laurinaitis, but he’s still worth a lower firs round draft pick. The Dolphins could really use one of the remaining WR prospects, but in true Parcells fashion, Miami continues to build it’s defense. I could also see a combo defensive back like Sean Smith of Utah being considered strongly here as well as it fits Parcells draft style.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The Ravens will be in very good shape to take the best available CB or WR at this pick. In the end, the fact that WR’s can take a year or two to contribute and that the Ravens make no qualms about winning with defense, Smith makes the most sense. He’s perfect for this defense as he’s a ball hawk who plays full speed at all times. He’s a good tackler in the run game, and he can return kicks as well. It’s a great pick for the Ravens, but I wouldn’t argue if they went with Hakeem Nicks either.
27. Indianapolis Colts- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
WR isn’t the biggest need for this team, but the Colts will always build around Peyton Manning and this offense. Harvin fits well in the slot, and it allows Anthony Gonzales to move outside and replace Marvin Harrison. If Harvin is not the pick, then a DT like Ziggy Hood or DE Robert Ayers would make sense as well.
28. Philadelphia Eagles- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
I’m not a huge fan of Wells because of his injury history and soft running for a back his size. But when he’s on, he’s a bell cow type RB. He’d be a good fit opposite Bryan Westbrook as a punishing inside runner and the value is good for this position. Brandon Pettigrew or Louis Delmas would not surprise me here either, but I think Reid goes with a potential offensive weapon instead.
29. New York Giants- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
Nicks is one of my personal favorite receivers in this draft, and if he falls this far, he’s a bona fide steal. He’s a true perimeter receiver that just gets opens, has great hands, and makes plays. He’s not a true burner type receiver, but that doesn’t matter. He’s fast on film, and that’s all that matters to the Giants.
30. Tennessee Titans- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The Titans will sit back and just take the best player available, and I think that Ayers fits into this mold. He’s a bigger DE, which fits into the Titan’s defensive scheme well. This team is in desperate need of youth and depth at the DE position, and Ayers is a perfect fit for that.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Alex Mack, OC, California
I think at this point everyone who has read this blog knows I love Alex Mack. I think this is a no-brainer, and Mack is a steal at this point. A pass rushing OLB like Connor Barwin or Larry English would make sense too, but a player like Mack is someone you do not pass on. I don’t see anyone else going here as this just makes too much sense from value and need. A running back would be helpful, as would a blocking TE like Pettigrew, but none are as good of a value as Mack.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
The Steelers will be hoping that Mack falls to them, but it doesn’t happen in this scenario. Some may call this a luxury pick, but it’s a value pick in true Steelers fashion. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a solid true FS like Delmas for a while, and it makes the number one defense in the league that much stronger. It’s not very Steeler-like to reach for someone, but I could see them going for a potential future NT like BC’s Ron Brace or a DE Ziggy Hood.
Senior Bowl
I’m far behind but I’m covering the Senior Bowl anyway as it did help prove some things to me on guys I was questioning.
Kevin Huber, P, Cincinnati- I know, the same punter again, but this guy is the truth. I think he goes as high as the 4th or 5th round, which is crazy for a punter. This guy is a potential special teams ace though.
Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon- I’ve always liked Chung a lot and I think he’s moved up to be my favorite safety prospect in this draft. He played some FS in this game and did well. He can cover, he can hit, he can tackle. I’d take him in the late first, but I think he’ll make it into the early second. I don’t think he makes it past Seattle in the second round at all.
Max Unger, OC, Oregon- He played some guard in this game and did not do well. He was a bit too finesse, which fits what I’ve seen. I still love him at center though, and think he has Pro Bowl potential at the position. But this game proved he has to stay at this position.
Fili Moala, DT/DE, USC- He’s very quick, but he gets washed so easily in the run game. I’m really not sure where he fits best. I think he may get overpowered at the point as a 3-4 DE, so he might have to play inside in a cover-2 that can exploit his quickness. He’s slipped at least until the third round in my opinion.
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee- Ayers used the Senior Bowl to earn himself an awful lot of money. He looks really good, and stood out against some of the game’s best. He has good outside quickness for a bigger DE, and he was able to overpower the smaller/athletic tackles with his bull rush. He’s a bit of a one-year wonder though, so I’m hesitant, but he could easily slip into the late first round now due to the lack of depth at 4-3 DE (which he is a true 4-3 DE).
Larry English, DE/OLB, NIU- In practice and in the game you see his speed once again. He will have to play 3-4 OLB, but I could see him coming off the board early in the second and learning on the job. He’ll struggle in coverage at first, but he’ll make his money rushing the passer.
Andre Brown, RB, NC State- Once again showed up. He was the best RB in this game, and his post-season performances so far have moved him way up in my rankings. I really like his style and I think he’ll be a steal no matter where he goes. He could move up into the second round, but I think he’s a great pick near the top of the third.
Rashad Jennings, FS, Alabama- I still don’t like him for the same reasons. He’s a very poor tackler, and that’s dangerous for a FS.
Eric Wood, OC, Louisville- Wood is growing on me slowly as I wasn’t a huge fan to start. He showed he can pull well and block the moving target at the second level. Where he struggles is lunging in pass protection, but that’s a bit easier to cover when playing with guards on each side. He should go sometime in the third round.
Mitch King, DT, Iowa- I really like King’s hustle, and he looked like the best defender in this game (even though he’s not). He’s got good pass rush skills as he’s undersized as a DT. To me, he’s an ideal 3-4 DE who can slide inside on four man fronts. I think he could go as high as the late second round to a team like the Steelers, who would be a perfect fit for King.
Scott McKillop, ILB, Pitt- McKillop is strictly a two-down run stuffing ILB, but he’s a VERY good inside presence. He’d fit really well on a team like the Dolphins who already have a more athletic inside linebacker who can cover, and McKillop can take on blockers and stuff the run. He’s not going to blow anyone away with athletic numbers, he’s just a good football player.
Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St- Bomar was the starting QB for Oklahoma prior to getting kicked out of school for accepting money from a booster for a job he didn’t work at. Bomar has the physical attributes, but he needs to work on the mental side of the game. He stares down his receiver too much, and when pressured, he loses his secondary reads. He’s probably a 5th rounder who will be a third stringer. Maybe in a few years, he becomes a good second option. I’m just not sure he’s starter material.
Derek Pegues, Mississippi St- He’s good against the run, and is a good SS prospect. He didn’t show much in the pass game though, so it’s hard to say where he’d fit.
Ashlee Palmer, OLB, Mississippi- Palmer stood out in this game and in the practice sessions. I’m a bit surprised I don’t remember much about him from the games I watched Ole Miss play in. He’s an ideal fit as a WLB in a cover-2. He looks a lot like Lance Briggs to me, and I’d love to see him as a 4th rounder in a Bears uniform.
Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia- His bad hips really keep coming through. I just don’t see him as a second round pick like so many other draft experts. He’s too much of a liability in the pass coverage game to draft him that high. And he’s not a good enough pass rusher to offset this.
Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU- He’s a true run blocking fullback. He’ll get drafted late by a team like the Ravens or someone who still uses a traditional FB.
Tony Fiametta, FB, Syracuse- Fiametta is more of the new breed of FB. He’s a lot like Le’ron McClain of Baltimore was this year. He’s an effective runner, lead blocker, and has good hands. He’s not as good of a lead blocker as Johnson, but he’s a better offensive weapon than him.
Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia- He’s a really tough runner, but he fumbled again! This guy really needs to work on securing the ball as he has fumbled in almost every game I’ve watched him play.
William Beatty, OT, Connecticut- I’m not as sold as everyone else. He has the frame and footwork to make an ideal LT, but his technique is not very good. He cocks his arms and keeps them by his waist instead of by his chest. This leads to him letting DE’s into his chest and he gets outside their framework then (framework being the square chest area between the shoulders from side to side, and from the neckline to the bottom of the chest). Someone may take him in the first, but he’s not ready to contribute, so I’d say mid to late second at best.
Pat White, QB, West Virginia- He had yet another good post-season game, but I still don’t think he’ll ever play QB at the NFL level. He’s too short and his technique goes out the window once he gets pressured. I don’t reach for him until the 4th at the earliest, and that’s as a wildcat QB and potential WR.
Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona- He looked impressive again and he’s going to make some team very happy in the third round. I don’t care if he is undersized, he gets open and makes plays.
Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St- I’m not sure about his skills as a WR, but I’m drafting him as a return man as early as the 4th.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, Oregon- He’s a tough runner and a very good pass catcher. I think he’s going to go late and be a very nice sleeper pick.
Alex Mack, OC, California- Unlike Unger, Mack showed he can play OG if needed as well and be very good at the position. Once again, he proved to me that he’s the best OC prospect I’ve seen in a long time. If he doesn’t go in the first round, it’s a shame. If he’s available at pick #32, the Steelers should be rejoicing.
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan- I think Delmas and Ayers are the two most likely surprise first round picks to come from this Senior Bowl. Too many people are overlooking how good Delmas is. He’s a great tackler in the run game, and he has good speed and instincts in the pass game. He’s an ideal FS, and right with Chung as the best overall safety prospects in this draft. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s a great football player. I wouldn’t even be shocked to see the Bears look very hard at Delmas at #18 overall. Some may call that a reach, but I wouldn’t.
Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC- I don’t care if he runs a 5.2 40 at the combine, I want him on my team. He’s a difference making inside presence in the run game, and sets the tone for a defense. He’s a lot like a Rey Lewis, but maybe not as polished in the pass game.
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC- He might go before Maualuga now because of his versatility. He can play in any defense and I think he can play any LB position. He could go as high as #9 to the Packers, and I doubt he makes it past the first 15 picks. He’s a very good well-rounded prospect.
Mike Wallace, WR, Ole Miss- I liken Wallace to a young Bernard Berrian. He’s a good deep threat with size. He could move into the late third to early fourth round range.
Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati- I really love Barwin’s potential. He could play either TE or 3-4 OLB in the NFL and be very good at either. His potential is at OLB though, and I think he doesn’t make it past the Patriots with the 34th pick in the draft. He’s an ideal fit for their defense, and he has the potential to be a difference maker with some coaching and experience.
Tyronne Green, OG, Auburn- Green looked very good in practice and really performed well in the game. I think he’s really moved himself up draft boards and might be the next best guard prospect behind Duke Robinson.
Kyle Moore, DE, USC- Moore is a bit too inconsistent, and that’s why his draft stock takes a hit. But he’s versatile and can fit into a 3-4 or 4-3 DE position due to this size. I think he’s better fit as a pass rushing DE in a 3-4, as he’s big enough to hold up in the run as well. But he’s still nothing more than a 5th rounder or so.
Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma- Loadholt fell even further in my eyes after practices and this game. He just has really poor technique, and he’s too slow to play OT. I wouldn’t draft him prior to the 5th round, and I will never expect him to be good at the NFL level.
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss- Jerry once again stood out in practice and games. He was almost unblockable with his great initial quickness and speed. I would take him anywhere between 10th and 15th overall, but due to the teams picking near there and their needs, I could see him slipping into the 20’s. He’ll be a great pick though and I think he’ll make an immediate impact.
BJ Raji, DT, Boston College- In practice, he WAS unblockable. He beat every interior OL with his power and then with his quickness. He’s a great overall prospect as he’s big enough to play a true NT in a 3-4, but quick enough to be a difference making DT in a 4-3. I don’t think he makes it out of the top five and he shouldn’t.
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St- I just don’t like him as much as everyone else does. He’s not that great of a blocker for his size, and he’s definitely not fast enough. I wouldn’t draft him in the first as you can get a better offensive weapon in the 2nd through 4th rounds.
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech- He looked HORRIBLE and it shows he’s not played under center. He’s just not a good QB and I wouldn’t draft him at all.
Kevin Huber, P, Cincinnati- I know, the same punter again, but this guy is the truth. I think he goes as high as the 4th or 5th round, which is crazy for a punter. This guy is a potential special teams ace though.
Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon- I’ve always liked Chung a lot and I think he’s moved up to be my favorite safety prospect in this draft. He played some FS in this game and did well. He can cover, he can hit, he can tackle. I’d take him in the late first, but I think he’ll make it into the early second. I don’t think he makes it past Seattle in the second round at all.
Max Unger, OC, Oregon- He played some guard in this game and did not do well. He was a bit too finesse, which fits what I’ve seen. I still love him at center though, and think he has Pro Bowl potential at the position. But this game proved he has to stay at this position.
Fili Moala, DT/DE, USC- He’s very quick, but he gets washed so easily in the run game. I’m really not sure where he fits best. I think he may get overpowered at the point as a 3-4 DE, so he might have to play inside in a cover-2 that can exploit his quickness. He’s slipped at least until the third round in my opinion.
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee- Ayers used the Senior Bowl to earn himself an awful lot of money. He looks really good, and stood out against some of the game’s best. He has good outside quickness for a bigger DE, and he was able to overpower the smaller/athletic tackles with his bull rush. He’s a bit of a one-year wonder though, so I’m hesitant, but he could easily slip into the late first round now due to the lack of depth at 4-3 DE (which he is a true 4-3 DE).
Larry English, DE/OLB, NIU- In practice and in the game you see his speed once again. He will have to play 3-4 OLB, but I could see him coming off the board early in the second and learning on the job. He’ll struggle in coverage at first, but he’ll make his money rushing the passer.
Andre Brown, RB, NC State- Once again showed up. He was the best RB in this game, and his post-season performances so far have moved him way up in my rankings. I really like his style and I think he’ll be a steal no matter where he goes. He could move up into the second round, but I think he’s a great pick near the top of the third.
Rashad Jennings, FS, Alabama- I still don’t like him for the same reasons. He’s a very poor tackler, and that’s dangerous for a FS.
Eric Wood, OC, Louisville- Wood is growing on me slowly as I wasn’t a huge fan to start. He showed he can pull well and block the moving target at the second level. Where he struggles is lunging in pass protection, but that’s a bit easier to cover when playing with guards on each side. He should go sometime in the third round.
Mitch King, DT, Iowa- I really like King’s hustle, and he looked like the best defender in this game (even though he’s not). He’s got good pass rush skills as he’s undersized as a DT. To me, he’s an ideal 3-4 DE who can slide inside on four man fronts. I think he could go as high as the late second round to a team like the Steelers, who would be a perfect fit for King.
Scott McKillop, ILB, Pitt- McKillop is strictly a two-down run stuffing ILB, but he’s a VERY good inside presence. He’d fit really well on a team like the Dolphins who already have a more athletic inside linebacker who can cover, and McKillop can take on blockers and stuff the run. He’s not going to blow anyone away with athletic numbers, he’s just a good football player.
Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St- Bomar was the starting QB for Oklahoma prior to getting kicked out of school for accepting money from a booster for a job he didn’t work at. Bomar has the physical attributes, but he needs to work on the mental side of the game. He stares down his receiver too much, and when pressured, he loses his secondary reads. He’s probably a 5th rounder who will be a third stringer. Maybe in a few years, he becomes a good second option. I’m just not sure he’s starter material.
Derek Pegues, Mississippi St- He’s good against the run, and is a good SS prospect. He didn’t show much in the pass game though, so it’s hard to say where he’d fit.
Ashlee Palmer, OLB, Mississippi- Palmer stood out in this game and in the practice sessions. I’m a bit surprised I don’t remember much about him from the games I watched Ole Miss play in. He’s an ideal fit as a WLB in a cover-2. He looks a lot like Lance Briggs to me, and I’d love to see him as a 4th rounder in a Bears uniform.
Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia- His bad hips really keep coming through. I just don’t see him as a second round pick like so many other draft experts. He’s too much of a liability in the pass coverage game to draft him that high. And he’s not a good enough pass rusher to offset this.
Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU- He’s a true run blocking fullback. He’ll get drafted late by a team like the Ravens or someone who still uses a traditional FB.
Tony Fiametta, FB, Syracuse- Fiametta is more of the new breed of FB. He’s a lot like Le’ron McClain of Baltimore was this year. He’s an effective runner, lead blocker, and has good hands. He’s not as good of a lead blocker as Johnson, but he’s a better offensive weapon than him.
Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia- He’s a really tough runner, but he fumbled again! This guy really needs to work on securing the ball as he has fumbled in almost every game I’ve watched him play.
William Beatty, OT, Connecticut- I’m not as sold as everyone else. He has the frame and footwork to make an ideal LT, but his technique is not very good. He cocks his arms and keeps them by his waist instead of by his chest. This leads to him letting DE’s into his chest and he gets outside their framework then (framework being the square chest area between the shoulders from side to side, and from the neckline to the bottom of the chest). Someone may take him in the first, but he’s not ready to contribute, so I’d say mid to late second at best.
Pat White, QB, West Virginia- He had yet another good post-season game, but I still don’t think he’ll ever play QB at the NFL level. He’s too short and his technique goes out the window once he gets pressured. I don’t reach for him until the 4th at the earliest, and that’s as a wildcat QB and potential WR.
Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona- He looked impressive again and he’s going to make some team very happy in the third round. I don’t care if he is undersized, he gets open and makes plays.
Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St- I’m not sure about his skills as a WR, but I’m drafting him as a return man as early as the 4th.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, Oregon- He’s a tough runner and a very good pass catcher. I think he’s going to go late and be a very nice sleeper pick.
Alex Mack, OC, California- Unlike Unger, Mack showed he can play OG if needed as well and be very good at the position. Once again, he proved to me that he’s the best OC prospect I’ve seen in a long time. If he doesn’t go in the first round, it’s a shame. If he’s available at pick #32, the Steelers should be rejoicing.
Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan- I think Delmas and Ayers are the two most likely surprise first round picks to come from this Senior Bowl. Too many people are overlooking how good Delmas is. He’s a great tackler in the run game, and he has good speed and instincts in the pass game. He’s an ideal FS, and right with Chung as the best overall safety prospects in this draft. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s a great football player. I wouldn’t even be shocked to see the Bears look very hard at Delmas at #18 overall. Some may call that a reach, but I wouldn’t.
Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC- I don’t care if he runs a 5.2 40 at the combine, I want him on my team. He’s a difference making inside presence in the run game, and sets the tone for a defense. He’s a lot like a Rey Lewis, but maybe not as polished in the pass game.
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC- He might go before Maualuga now because of his versatility. He can play in any defense and I think he can play any LB position. He could go as high as #9 to the Packers, and I doubt he makes it past the first 15 picks. He’s a very good well-rounded prospect.
Mike Wallace, WR, Ole Miss- I liken Wallace to a young Bernard Berrian. He’s a good deep threat with size. He could move into the late third to early fourth round range.
Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati- I really love Barwin’s potential. He could play either TE or 3-4 OLB in the NFL and be very good at either. His potential is at OLB though, and I think he doesn’t make it past the Patriots with the 34th pick in the draft. He’s an ideal fit for their defense, and he has the potential to be a difference maker with some coaching and experience.
Tyronne Green, OG, Auburn- Green looked very good in practice and really performed well in the game. I think he’s really moved himself up draft boards and might be the next best guard prospect behind Duke Robinson.
Kyle Moore, DE, USC- Moore is a bit too inconsistent, and that’s why his draft stock takes a hit. But he’s versatile and can fit into a 3-4 or 4-3 DE position due to this size. I think he’s better fit as a pass rushing DE in a 3-4, as he’s big enough to hold up in the run as well. But he’s still nothing more than a 5th rounder or so.
Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma- Loadholt fell even further in my eyes after practices and this game. He just has really poor technique, and he’s too slow to play OT. I wouldn’t draft him prior to the 5th round, and I will never expect him to be good at the NFL level.
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss- Jerry once again stood out in practice and games. He was almost unblockable with his great initial quickness and speed. I would take him anywhere between 10th and 15th overall, but due to the teams picking near there and their needs, I could see him slipping into the 20’s. He’ll be a great pick though and I think he’ll make an immediate impact.
BJ Raji, DT, Boston College- In practice, he WAS unblockable. He beat every interior OL with his power and then with his quickness. He’s a great overall prospect as he’s big enough to play a true NT in a 3-4, but quick enough to be a difference making DT in a 4-3. I don’t think he makes it out of the top five and he shouldn’t.
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St- I just don’t like him as much as everyone else does. He’s not that great of a blocker for his size, and he’s definitely not fast enough. I wouldn’t draft him in the first as you can get a better offensive weapon in the 2nd through 4th rounds.
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech- He looked HORRIBLE and it shows he’s not played under center. He’s just not a good QB and I wouldn’t draft him at all.
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