Friday, December 31, 2010
Mock Draft (12-31-2010)
7:55 PM | 
Posted by
Eric
1. Carolina Panthers- Andrew Luck,QB,Stanford
The Panthers would be crazy not to take Luck here. He's got all the tools to be an elite NFL QB that can win you a Super Bowl. Yeah they have Clausen but they didn't take him until the 2nd round and don't have alot invested in him.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU
Champ Bailey is aging and his contract is up at the end of this season. Peterson may be the best defensive player in this draft and CB's are at a premium in the NFL these days.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green,WR,Georgia
Look at what Carson Palmer did without Chad and TO out there playing their own game last week vs. SD. The Bengals are going to keep Palmer and Chad and TO are going to be gone. This will leave them with a need for a legit WR 1 and Green is just that. He's the best WR prospect since Calvin Johnson and may even be better than him. He absolutely dominated the SEC with mediocre QB play. The guy is an absolute stud and I'm definitely on board with them taking him.
My philosophy is build the lines to be a consistent winner in the NFL, but I don't think you pass on a talent like this. The other option would be DaQuan Bowers but with the emergence of Dunlap and Micheal Johnson I like the Green pick better.
If you add Green with Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley, and Jermaine Gresham you have a lethal group of young WR's that will listen to Carson and let him lead them. If that happens you have the makings of an explosive offense. The defense isn't that far off and with Zimmer at the helm this team isn't far away from being a contender once again.
4. Buffalo Bills- Nick Fairley,DT/DE,Auburn
The Bills are making the transition to a 3-4 supposedly and Fairley would be a better fit at DE than Bowers. This also gives them the flexibility to play a 4-3 moving Fairley to DT.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas
It'd be a waste for Arizona to keep Larry Fitzgerald if they're not going to get a new QB in there. They may sign a veteran FA, but as of now they haven't so I have them taking Mallett here.
6. San Francisco 49ers- Cam Newton,QB,Auburn
There's going to be a new coach in SF and that usually means a new QB. With the mess they had at QB this year you would think there's definitely going to be a new signal caller in SF.
7. Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College
This is a bit of a reach, but Romo got flattened this year and the O line play has been mediocre in Dallas. Look for them to try to fix that early as you can't win the Super Bowl with your starting QB injured.
8. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska
There are 2 elite CB's in a draft class loaded at the position. The Texans are terrible against the pass and have Peyton Manning in their division. They may need to go secondary in the first 2 or 3 rounds.
9. Detroit Lions- DaQuan Bowers,DE,Clemson
If Detroit misses out on the top 2 CB's they could take Bowers here who would be an absolute steal and still help out against the pass. Having him and Suh would be a relentless pass rush.
10. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones,WR,Alabama
I'm almost glad the Browns finished ahead of us since neither made the playoffs. They need a playmaker on offense and AJ Green is head and shoulders above Julio Jones.
11. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker,QB,Washington
If Seattle wins this Sunday they make the playoffs, but then they miss out on homegrown Jake Locker who you know the fans in Seattle want. I think they lose to the Rams anyway and get Locker, who despite a down season, has all the tools to be a very good NFL QB.
12. Tennessee Titans- Brandon Harris,CB,Miami
The Titans need someone across from Finnegan, especially with Peyton Manning in thier division. Last year they took the pass rusher, this year they need to take the CB.
13. Washington Redskins- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State
The Haynesworth fiasco was rediculous this year. But that leaves them with a void inside and Paea although a bit undersized for a NT is a physical freak with how strong he is and will be able to hold up inside easily.
14. Minnesota Vikings- Marcell Dareus,DT/DE,Alabama
Dareus will be the best player on the board by far if he falls this far. The Williamses are getting old in Minnesota and Dareus could play DE across from Jared Allen until they move him inside to replace one of the Williams.
15. New England Patriots- Robert Quinn,DE/OLB,North Carolina (from Oakland)
The only reason Quinn falls this far is because he had to sit out this season due to NCAA violations. He could be an elite pass rusher, something the Pats are missing and will be scary good with.
16. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama
Ingram will likely be the only RB to go in the first round of this draft. Ronnie Brown is going to be gone in Miami next year and Ricky Williams is too old to carry the load.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars- Janoris Jenkins,CB,Florida
This pick makes to much sense for Jacksonville to make it. They are in a division with good passing teams and need a CB and this draft class is loaded at that position.
18. San Diego Chargers- Justin Blackmon,WR,Oklahoma State
I don't know what is going to happen with Vincent Jackson, the Chargers GM is an arrogant ass hole and may franchise him just for spite. And then draft Blackmon for leverage.
19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA
The Giants aren't very good at the LB position. They are old and mediocre and may need to take a couple LB's early on in this draft.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa
I love what the Bucs did last year taking DT's in the first two rounds. Fans in TB should be excited as the days of having a dominant D may be coming back. Especially if they get Clayborn to play on the end of that D line.
21. St. Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh
The Rams fans should be excited as well as Bradford looks to be the real deal, having a great rookie season with average WR's. They need to go get him a number 1 WR. Although Baldwin is having a down year, the QB play at Pitt was terrible and he has all the tools to be an elite WR. He's 6-5 and has good speed and hands.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin
The Colts biggest weakness is on the O line, mainly the interior. Carimi has the size to move into Guard or play RT. Either way when you have Peyton Manning you keep the O line loaded with talent and depth and he will win you Super Bowls. Carimi will also help with their pathetic running game.
23. Green Bay Packers- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado
The Packers still need help up front even after taking Bulaga last year. Solder is a prototypical LT with good athleticism.
24. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M
The Chiefs could use a pass rusher opposite of Hali. They have alot of young talent in KC and have a bright future. Miller is the best 3-4 OLB in this draft class outside of Quinn.
25. Philadelphia Eagles- Demarcus Love,OT,Arkansas
Andy Reid loves to draft O lineman early and that is a definite need for the Eagles. They have Vick and have still given up a ton of sacks. It's scary to think how good Vick would be with a good O line.
26. New York Jets- Cameron Jordan,DE/DT,California
The Jets are old up front and haven't been as dominant this year. Jordan would be a good fit at DE in the Jets 3-4.
27. New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan,DE,Purdue
The Saints could use another pass rusher across from Will Smith, especially since they play with the lead alot of the time. Plus Kerrigan is from Purdue where another player on their team is from who is pretty good.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Aaron Williams,CB,Texas
The Ravens always seem to luck out and the position that they need the most is the most loaded position in that draft class. The Ravens pass D has struggled this year Williams will be a big upgrade at CB.
29. Chicago Bears- Derek Sherrod,OT,Mississippi State
The Bears offensive line has been inconsistent in run blocking and they've been consistently bad at pass protecting. Cutler has been getting killed all year.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida
The Steelers line has been decimated by injury this year and wasn't that great to begin with. Look for them to add an interior lineman that is the brother of a current Steeler.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami
The Falcons haven't been very good at getting to the QB this year. Bailey will help with the pass rush and is a good run defender, a 3 down player.
32. New England Patriots- Brandon Burton,CB,Utah
The Pats know they are going to have a lead alot of the time and teams are going to have to throw the ball on them. This will give them a 1st round CB two years in a row and a lethal CB duo.
2nd Round
33. New England Patriots- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State (from Carolina)
This almost isn't fair, the Pats are going to get 3 first round caliber players this year after coming off a likely Super Bowl win. Heyward will give them that stud up front they've been missing since Seymour.
34. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore,FS,UCLA
The Bengals have been missing that dynamic Safety for a long time. Moore is the best Safety in this draft class and although he may not be an elite Ed Reed/Troy Polumalu he's going to be just a shade below and will be a major upgrade, especially against the pass. I still have the philosophy to build up front, but the way this draft is falling these picks make the most sense. Moore will give the Bengals stud corners the ability to be even more aggresive because he will have their back on the back end of routes.
This is what the defense has been missing and could boost the Bengals back to a top 5 D for 2011. If Palmer can continue to play how he played against SD with the younger WR's these first 2 picks could vault the Bengals back into the playoffs in 2011.
The Panthers would be crazy not to take Luck here. He's got all the tools to be an elite NFL QB that can win you a Super Bowl. Yeah they have Clausen but they didn't take him until the 2nd round and don't have alot invested in him.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU
Champ Bailey is aging and his contract is up at the end of this season. Peterson may be the best defensive player in this draft and CB's are at a premium in the NFL these days.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green,WR,Georgia
Look at what Carson Palmer did without Chad and TO out there playing their own game last week vs. SD. The Bengals are going to keep Palmer and Chad and TO are going to be gone. This will leave them with a need for a legit WR 1 and Green is just that. He's the best WR prospect since Calvin Johnson and may even be better than him. He absolutely dominated the SEC with mediocre QB play. The guy is an absolute stud and I'm definitely on board with them taking him.
My philosophy is build the lines to be a consistent winner in the NFL, but I don't think you pass on a talent like this. The other option would be DaQuan Bowers but with the emergence of Dunlap and Micheal Johnson I like the Green pick better.
If you add Green with Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley, and Jermaine Gresham you have a lethal group of young WR's that will listen to Carson and let him lead them. If that happens you have the makings of an explosive offense. The defense isn't that far off and with Zimmer at the helm this team isn't far away from being a contender once again.
4. Buffalo Bills- Nick Fairley,DT/DE,Auburn
The Bills are making the transition to a 3-4 supposedly and Fairley would be a better fit at DE than Bowers. This also gives them the flexibility to play a 4-3 moving Fairley to DT.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas
It'd be a waste for Arizona to keep Larry Fitzgerald if they're not going to get a new QB in there. They may sign a veteran FA, but as of now they haven't so I have them taking Mallett here.
6. San Francisco 49ers- Cam Newton,QB,Auburn
There's going to be a new coach in SF and that usually means a new QB. With the mess they had at QB this year you would think there's definitely going to be a new signal caller in SF.
7. Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College
This is a bit of a reach, but Romo got flattened this year and the O line play has been mediocre in Dallas. Look for them to try to fix that early as you can't win the Super Bowl with your starting QB injured.
8. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska
There are 2 elite CB's in a draft class loaded at the position. The Texans are terrible against the pass and have Peyton Manning in their division. They may need to go secondary in the first 2 or 3 rounds.
9. Detroit Lions- DaQuan Bowers,DE,Clemson
If Detroit misses out on the top 2 CB's they could take Bowers here who would be an absolute steal and still help out against the pass. Having him and Suh would be a relentless pass rush.
10. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones,WR,Alabama
I'm almost glad the Browns finished ahead of us since neither made the playoffs. They need a playmaker on offense and AJ Green is head and shoulders above Julio Jones.
11. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker,QB,Washington
If Seattle wins this Sunday they make the playoffs, but then they miss out on homegrown Jake Locker who you know the fans in Seattle want. I think they lose to the Rams anyway and get Locker, who despite a down season, has all the tools to be a very good NFL QB.
12. Tennessee Titans- Brandon Harris,CB,Miami
The Titans need someone across from Finnegan, especially with Peyton Manning in thier division. Last year they took the pass rusher, this year they need to take the CB.
13. Washington Redskins- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State
The Haynesworth fiasco was rediculous this year. But that leaves them with a void inside and Paea although a bit undersized for a NT is a physical freak with how strong he is and will be able to hold up inside easily.
14. Minnesota Vikings- Marcell Dareus,DT/DE,Alabama
Dareus will be the best player on the board by far if he falls this far. The Williamses are getting old in Minnesota and Dareus could play DE across from Jared Allen until they move him inside to replace one of the Williams.
15. New England Patriots- Robert Quinn,DE/OLB,North Carolina (from Oakland)
The only reason Quinn falls this far is because he had to sit out this season due to NCAA violations. He could be an elite pass rusher, something the Pats are missing and will be scary good with.
16. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama
Ingram will likely be the only RB to go in the first round of this draft. Ronnie Brown is going to be gone in Miami next year and Ricky Williams is too old to carry the load.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars- Janoris Jenkins,CB,Florida
This pick makes to much sense for Jacksonville to make it. They are in a division with good passing teams and need a CB and this draft class is loaded at that position.
18. San Diego Chargers- Justin Blackmon,WR,Oklahoma State
I don't know what is going to happen with Vincent Jackson, the Chargers GM is an arrogant ass hole and may franchise him just for spite. And then draft Blackmon for leverage.
19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA
The Giants aren't very good at the LB position. They are old and mediocre and may need to take a couple LB's early on in this draft.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa
I love what the Bucs did last year taking DT's in the first two rounds. Fans in TB should be excited as the days of having a dominant D may be coming back. Especially if they get Clayborn to play on the end of that D line.
21. St. Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh
The Rams fans should be excited as well as Bradford looks to be the real deal, having a great rookie season with average WR's. They need to go get him a number 1 WR. Although Baldwin is having a down year, the QB play at Pitt was terrible and he has all the tools to be an elite WR. He's 6-5 and has good speed and hands.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin
The Colts biggest weakness is on the O line, mainly the interior. Carimi has the size to move into Guard or play RT. Either way when you have Peyton Manning you keep the O line loaded with talent and depth and he will win you Super Bowls. Carimi will also help with their pathetic running game.
23. Green Bay Packers- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado
The Packers still need help up front even after taking Bulaga last year. Solder is a prototypical LT with good athleticism.
24. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M
The Chiefs could use a pass rusher opposite of Hali. They have alot of young talent in KC and have a bright future. Miller is the best 3-4 OLB in this draft class outside of Quinn.
25. Philadelphia Eagles- Demarcus Love,OT,Arkansas
Andy Reid loves to draft O lineman early and that is a definite need for the Eagles. They have Vick and have still given up a ton of sacks. It's scary to think how good Vick would be with a good O line.
26. New York Jets- Cameron Jordan,DE/DT,California
The Jets are old up front and haven't been as dominant this year. Jordan would be a good fit at DE in the Jets 3-4.
27. New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan,DE,Purdue
The Saints could use another pass rusher across from Will Smith, especially since they play with the lead alot of the time. Plus Kerrigan is from Purdue where another player on their team is from who is pretty good.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Aaron Williams,CB,Texas
The Ravens always seem to luck out and the position that they need the most is the most loaded position in that draft class. The Ravens pass D has struggled this year Williams will be a big upgrade at CB.
29. Chicago Bears- Derek Sherrod,OT,Mississippi State
The Bears offensive line has been inconsistent in run blocking and they've been consistently bad at pass protecting. Cutler has been getting killed all year.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida
The Steelers line has been decimated by injury this year and wasn't that great to begin with. Look for them to add an interior lineman that is the brother of a current Steeler.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami
The Falcons haven't been very good at getting to the QB this year. Bailey will help with the pass rush and is a good run defender, a 3 down player.
32. New England Patriots- Brandon Burton,CB,Utah
The Pats know they are going to have a lead alot of the time and teams are going to have to throw the ball on them. This will give them a 1st round CB two years in a row and a lethal CB duo.
2nd Round
33. New England Patriots- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State (from Carolina)
This almost isn't fair, the Pats are going to get 3 first round caliber players this year after coming off a likely Super Bowl win. Heyward will give them that stud up front they've been missing since Seymour.
34. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore,FS,UCLA
The Bengals have been missing that dynamic Safety for a long time. Moore is the best Safety in this draft class and although he may not be an elite Ed Reed/Troy Polumalu he's going to be just a shade below and will be a major upgrade, especially against the pass. I still have the philosophy to build up front, but the way this draft is falling these picks make the most sense. Moore will give the Bengals stud corners the ability to be even more aggresive because he will have their back on the back end of routes.
This is what the defense has been missing and could boost the Bengals back to a top 5 D for 2011. If Palmer can continue to play how he played against SD with the younger WR's these first 2 picks could vault the Bengals back into the playoffs in 2011.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Mock Draft (12-15-2010)
* different scenario from the last mock, includes a Palmer trade for a late 1st round pick. Some coach out there will be cocky enough to think he can fix Palmer into the all pro he used to be
1. Carolina Panthers- DaQuan Bower,DE,Clemson
The Panthers could decide to give Clausen a shot and see if he can develop. Even though he fell to the 2nd many thought he would be most NFL ready QB in last year's class. Bradford has proven he's way better, but Clausen really has no help around him. They lost Julius Peppers and need a pass rusher.
2. Cincinnati Bengals- Andrew Luck,QB,Stanford
If this happens the Bengals have to take Luck here. This would be like passing up on taking Peyton Manning. I really wish they had a shot to get Luck next year and build the line. But QB's rated this high are rare and the NFL is a QB driven league. If you want to win the Super Bowl you have to have the QB. Luck is only a Sophomore and has shown excellent leadership skills, something I thought Palmer always lacked. He has good size, is tough to bring down like Big Ben, and has great mobility for his size. Shows great decision making and intelligence. The arm strength and accuracy are both in the upper echelon of the NFL. Luck is the total package as a pocket passer, but has better mobility than most QB's in the NFL right now. His mobility includes moving inside the pocket as well as getting out of the pocket and running. As a franchise QB I don't want him taking off and running too often, but that mobility will help with a shaky Bengals O line for getting out of the pocket and making plays. With Brady and Manning both on the plus side of 30 I'd be willing to bet in 4 years or so he's the best QB in the NFL and will stay there for a long time. If they get a chance to draft him they have to take it, he could be the one to take us to the Super Bowl.
3. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU
Champ Bailey is getting old and isn't going to be back in Denver next year. Peterson may be the best defensive player in this draft and in today's NFL you have to have multiple cover guys.
4. Detroit Lions- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska
The Lions secondary has been terrible this year, there are two elite CB's in this draft class that is loaded at CB. If either are on the board I believe the Lions will take one of them.
5. Buffalo Bills- Nick Fairley,DT/DE,Auburn
The Bills were supposed to be switching to a 3-4, but don't quite have the personnel and Maybin their first round pick 2 years ago isn't a good fit at OLB, he's more of a 4-3 DE. They could decide to stay 4-3 and put Fairley at DT or he can play DE in a 3-4.
6. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas
If the Cards don't take a QB here they should let Fitzgerald go to another team. Fitz is arguably the best WR in the NFL, definitely top 3 and it would be a disservice to him to stick with the current QB's on the roster.
7. Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College
The Cowboys lost Romo this year due to horrible offensive line play. Jerry Jones isn't gonna let that happen again, he hates losing. There may be some temptation for him to take AJ Green here, but I think they have to fix that line.
8. San Francisco 49ers- Cam Newton,QB,Auburn
If Singletary is still there, he doesn't like any of their current QB's. If there's a new regime they usually like to get their own guy in at QB. Someone is going to jump on Newton in the top 10 and if SF is picking here it very well could be them.
9. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State
This guy is freakishly strong. The Titans still haven't found a replacement for Haynesworth, and Paea is going to be a force in the middle of a 4-3 D line.
10. Washington Redskins- AJ Green,WR,Georgia
The Redskins would be ecstatic if Green is still here. Everyone is saying he's the best prospect at WR since Calvin Johnson and I agree. He may be even better than Calvin is. The Redskins have zero playmakers on that offense, except for maybe Santana Moss and that's a stretch.
11. Houston Texans- Brandon Harris,CB,Miami
The Texans secondary has been awful. They have good pass rushers, if they could get any CB's that can stay with their man they'd be tough against the pass. They should take advantage of this loaded CB class.
12. Minnesota Vikings- Jake Locker,QB,Washington
Favre is going to be done after this year and they obviously aren't sold on Tavarris Jackson. Locker's stock has dropped, but his supporting cast is awful and it's going to come back up during all the workouts, this guy has all the tools to be a good NFL QB.
13. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones,WR,Alabama
The Browns need some playmakers on offense and Jones is a physical freak with his combo of size and speed. Holmgren usually doesn't take WR's in the 1st, but he's never had an offense that annemic. Dareus could also be the pick here.
14. New England Patriots- Marcell Dareus,DE/DT,Alabama (from Oakland)
I doubt Dareus will fall this far, but if he does NE will be happy and this would almost be unfair if they land him. This would be worth them giving up Seymour for this pick.
15. Seattle Seahawks- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama
You know they will hope Locker, the hometown guy, is still there. But since he isn't Pete Caroll loves having a stable of good RB's and right now his best is Marshawn Lynch. Ingram is the only RB worth using a 1st round pick on in this draft.
16. San Diego Chargers- Robert Quinn,DE/OLB,North Carolina
If Quinn didn't have to sit out the entire 2010 season he may have been a top 5 pick next year. That rules violation is going to cost him millions. Too bad SD can't draft an entire special teams unit, but Quinn can contribute there and to their pathetic pass rush.
17. Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin
The Colts O line has struggled this year and if you're the GM of a team with Peyton Manning at QB you should make sure he has a good O line with lots of depth. You give Manning a good line and he'll win you Super Bowls. Carimi can also run block very well and the Colts are terrible in that department. Carimi has the versatility to move inside to Guard if they want him to as that's the team's biggest weakness the interior offensive line.
18. Miami Dolphins- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M
Teams have had success throwing the ball on Miami this year. I don't know who's more to blame the secondary or the pass rush, but the best way to stop the pass is to pressure the QB and Miller is a perfect fit for their scheme.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa
I like what the Bucs did in last year's draft taking the two DT's in the first 2 rounds. Look for them to add some talent on the ends of that D line next year and Clayborn is an every down player equally as good against the run as the pass.
20. Green Bay Packers- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida
This may be a bit of a reach, but NFL GM's are realizing having that franchise Center is crucial to the success of an Offensive line. Rodgers has been brilliant the last 2 years despite being under pressure constantly. Imagine if he had a good O line. They are heading in the right direction after drafting Bulaga last year.
21. St. Louis Rams- Justin Blackmon,WR,Oklahoma State
Bradford looks like the real deal in St. Louis and their fans should be excited. He has a few talented young WR's, but he needs that legit number one WR and Blackmon will be just that.
22. Kansas City Chiefs- Janoris Jenkins,CB,Florida
I love what the Chiefs are doing, I wish the Bengals had their management team here in Cincy. They have an arsenal of young talent on both sides of the ball. They took Eric Berry last year and Pioli knows how important cover CB's are in today's NFL.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado (from Jacksonville for Carson Palmer)
If the Bengals land luck it's time to beef up the Offensive Line. Solder has unbelievable athleticism for a guy 6-8, 300 lbs. He is a natural LT, with great pass blocking ability to protect Luck's blindside. This will allow Whitworth to move back to Guard where he can be an all-pro. This pick instantly makes the left side of that line a major strength and Luck will be worry free about getting hit on his blindside for the most part. It sucks that Andre Smith is such a bust and you have to use a 1st round pick on an OT two years after taking one 6th overall, but that's the situation.
Solder is not a concern like Smith is. He is a very hard worker, who's intelligent, and will be a leader in the locker room in no time. He's an excellent student right now and will be a student of the game that's willing to put the work in. He has room to add some bulk to that frame, but I wouldn't add to much and take away from that speed he has. He has a great quick first step and you won't need to worry about him being beat by speed rushers. He can read and react better than any O Lineman in this draft class. His run blocking ability is also excellent and he's basically the total package at OT. His height is his only concern and that's why people having him going behind Costanzo and Carimi. If he goes before either then one of those 2 will be the pick and both are rated about the same. Any one of those 3 will be a good pick. Carimi is more built for the right side though. Anyway with him and Whit on that left side the line is on it's way to being good. You have Cook and Reggie Stephens to battle out for Center, I like Cook there and Stephens could learn to play Guard after Williams retires. The only concern left is RT. The Bengals currently have a high priced player there that isn't performing. Hopefully he gets his act together.
24. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA
The Giants biggest weakness is it's LB core. Their best player there is the old man Keith Bulluck. Unless they bring in some FA's they almost certainly have to go LB in the first round, they can't go into next year with their current LB's, especially with Vick in their division.
25. Chicago Bears- DeMarcus Love,OT,Arkansas
Really you could put Love almost right up there with the other 3 OT's. I put Love and Sherrod just a shade below. The Bears O line has been pathetic this year both in run blocking and pass protection. I'm suprised they've won as many games as they have, Cutler's been getting killed and Forte has been inconsistent due to having nowhere to run the ball.
26. New York Jets- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami
The Jets have been struggling on offense as of late, but they have a great line, good RB's, and a deep talented group of WR's. The QB stinks, but they're not gonna take another one. They haven't been as dominant on D, due to the pass rush. Bailey has the size to play DE in their 3-4 and can get penetration and disrupt from the DE spot.
27. Philadelphia Eagles- Derek Sherrod,OT,Mississippi State
The Eagles have Mike Vick at QB and still give up a ton of sacks. It's scary to think what could happen if they get a good line.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Aaron Williams,CB,Texas
The Ravens biggest need is CB and they luck out that the deepest position in this draft class is CB.
29. New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan,DE,Purdue
The Saints play with the lead alot of the time and could use a pass rusher opposite Will Smith. Kerrigan also happens to be from Purdue and I think there's another guy on their team from Purdue who happens to be pretty good.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Rudolph,TE,Notre Dame
Heath Miller is often injured and isn't giving the Steelers much production these days. Rudolph is the best TE in this draft and is a well rounded TE that can block, which will help them keep extra blockers in to keep Ben from getting killed all the time.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Travis Lewis,OLB,Oklahoma
This guy is a flat out playmaker. As good as the Falcons have been, teams have been able to run on them. Lewis is a tackling machine and will help stop the run.
32. New England Patriots- Brandon Burton,CB,Utah
It's unfair the best team in the NFL has 2 picks in the 1st round. That said they take another 1st round CB for the 2nd year in a row and now have a duo of 1st rounders on a team that always has the lead.
2nd Round
33. New England Patriots- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State
What's even more unfair is they have the first pick of the 2nd round, so they basically have 3 first round picks. If they take Heyward, they will have him,Dareus,and Vince Wilfork on the line of a 3-4. That's scary as all 3 can get after the QB's and they may be able to get pressure rushing just 3. Add to that 2 first round CB's and Mayweather in the secondary and that's a dominant defense. Plus all 3 on that line can defend the run and they become tough to run or throw on.
34. Cincinnati Bengals- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh
The guy has blazing speed and is 6-5. His production is down this year at Pitt which has his stock down a little, but his supporting cast and the QB play there has been terrible. Yeah the Bengals need Safety help real bad and Rahim Moore would be a good pick here as well, but with a new QB I want his confidence to be as high as I can get it and I'm building up that offense for him first. Chad and TO are gone, I don't want a rookie QB around those 2. Baldwin has all the tools and physical ability to be an elite number 1 WR in the NFL.
Baldwin is the big play threat the Bengals will need that has the ability to stretch the field and will be a good compliment to Shipley on the underneath routes and Gresham in that mid range. He has excellent ball skills, can go up and get the ball over defenders, and uses his size to box out defenders (think Antonio Gates as a WR). Needs some work on his route running, but so does Desean Jackson. He isn't quite as fast as Jackson, but is close and is 6-5 230 lbs. This guy has the work ethic to go with the great physical package as well and if this draft goes how it has on this mock the Bengals should be excited about how good the offense is about to become. If this played out like this and they could add a FA Right Tackle or fat boy Smith decides he wants to work you could look at an offense that could be top 5 for years to come and starting about 2 years from this draft.
1. Carolina Panthers- DaQuan Bower,DE,Clemson
The Panthers could decide to give Clausen a shot and see if he can develop. Even though he fell to the 2nd many thought he would be most NFL ready QB in last year's class. Bradford has proven he's way better, but Clausen really has no help around him. They lost Julius Peppers and need a pass rusher.
2. Cincinnati Bengals- Andrew Luck,QB,Stanford
If this happens the Bengals have to take Luck here. This would be like passing up on taking Peyton Manning. I really wish they had a shot to get Luck next year and build the line. But QB's rated this high are rare and the NFL is a QB driven league. If you want to win the Super Bowl you have to have the QB. Luck is only a Sophomore and has shown excellent leadership skills, something I thought Palmer always lacked. He has good size, is tough to bring down like Big Ben, and has great mobility for his size. Shows great decision making and intelligence. The arm strength and accuracy are both in the upper echelon of the NFL. Luck is the total package as a pocket passer, but has better mobility than most QB's in the NFL right now. His mobility includes moving inside the pocket as well as getting out of the pocket and running. As a franchise QB I don't want him taking off and running too often, but that mobility will help with a shaky Bengals O line for getting out of the pocket and making plays. With Brady and Manning both on the plus side of 30 I'd be willing to bet in 4 years or so he's the best QB in the NFL and will stay there for a long time. If they get a chance to draft him they have to take it, he could be the one to take us to the Super Bowl.
3. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU
Champ Bailey is getting old and isn't going to be back in Denver next year. Peterson may be the best defensive player in this draft and in today's NFL you have to have multiple cover guys.
4. Detroit Lions- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska
The Lions secondary has been terrible this year, there are two elite CB's in this draft class that is loaded at CB. If either are on the board I believe the Lions will take one of them.
5. Buffalo Bills- Nick Fairley,DT/DE,Auburn
The Bills were supposed to be switching to a 3-4, but don't quite have the personnel and Maybin their first round pick 2 years ago isn't a good fit at OLB, he's more of a 4-3 DE. They could decide to stay 4-3 and put Fairley at DT or he can play DE in a 3-4.
6. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas
If the Cards don't take a QB here they should let Fitzgerald go to another team. Fitz is arguably the best WR in the NFL, definitely top 3 and it would be a disservice to him to stick with the current QB's on the roster.
7. Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College
The Cowboys lost Romo this year due to horrible offensive line play. Jerry Jones isn't gonna let that happen again, he hates losing. There may be some temptation for him to take AJ Green here, but I think they have to fix that line.
8. San Francisco 49ers- Cam Newton,QB,Auburn
If Singletary is still there, he doesn't like any of their current QB's. If there's a new regime they usually like to get their own guy in at QB. Someone is going to jump on Newton in the top 10 and if SF is picking here it very well could be them.
9. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State
This guy is freakishly strong. The Titans still haven't found a replacement for Haynesworth, and Paea is going to be a force in the middle of a 4-3 D line.
10. Washington Redskins- AJ Green,WR,Georgia
The Redskins would be ecstatic if Green is still here. Everyone is saying he's the best prospect at WR since Calvin Johnson and I agree. He may be even better than Calvin is. The Redskins have zero playmakers on that offense, except for maybe Santana Moss and that's a stretch.
11. Houston Texans- Brandon Harris,CB,Miami
The Texans secondary has been awful. They have good pass rushers, if they could get any CB's that can stay with their man they'd be tough against the pass. They should take advantage of this loaded CB class.
12. Minnesota Vikings- Jake Locker,QB,Washington
Favre is going to be done after this year and they obviously aren't sold on Tavarris Jackson. Locker's stock has dropped, but his supporting cast is awful and it's going to come back up during all the workouts, this guy has all the tools to be a good NFL QB.
13. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones,WR,Alabama
The Browns need some playmakers on offense and Jones is a physical freak with his combo of size and speed. Holmgren usually doesn't take WR's in the 1st, but he's never had an offense that annemic. Dareus could also be the pick here.
14. New England Patriots- Marcell Dareus,DE/DT,Alabama (from Oakland)
I doubt Dareus will fall this far, but if he does NE will be happy and this would almost be unfair if they land him. This would be worth them giving up Seymour for this pick.
15. Seattle Seahawks- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama
You know they will hope Locker, the hometown guy, is still there. But since he isn't Pete Caroll loves having a stable of good RB's and right now his best is Marshawn Lynch. Ingram is the only RB worth using a 1st round pick on in this draft.
16. San Diego Chargers- Robert Quinn,DE/OLB,North Carolina
If Quinn didn't have to sit out the entire 2010 season he may have been a top 5 pick next year. That rules violation is going to cost him millions. Too bad SD can't draft an entire special teams unit, but Quinn can contribute there and to their pathetic pass rush.
17. Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin
The Colts O line has struggled this year and if you're the GM of a team with Peyton Manning at QB you should make sure he has a good O line with lots of depth. You give Manning a good line and he'll win you Super Bowls. Carimi can also run block very well and the Colts are terrible in that department. Carimi has the versatility to move inside to Guard if they want him to as that's the team's biggest weakness the interior offensive line.
18. Miami Dolphins- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M
Teams have had success throwing the ball on Miami this year. I don't know who's more to blame the secondary or the pass rush, but the best way to stop the pass is to pressure the QB and Miller is a perfect fit for their scheme.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa
I like what the Bucs did in last year's draft taking the two DT's in the first 2 rounds. Look for them to add some talent on the ends of that D line next year and Clayborn is an every down player equally as good against the run as the pass.
20. Green Bay Packers- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida
This may be a bit of a reach, but NFL GM's are realizing having that franchise Center is crucial to the success of an Offensive line. Rodgers has been brilliant the last 2 years despite being under pressure constantly. Imagine if he had a good O line. They are heading in the right direction after drafting Bulaga last year.
21. St. Louis Rams- Justin Blackmon,WR,Oklahoma State
Bradford looks like the real deal in St. Louis and their fans should be excited. He has a few talented young WR's, but he needs that legit number one WR and Blackmon will be just that.
22. Kansas City Chiefs- Janoris Jenkins,CB,Florida
I love what the Chiefs are doing, I wish the Bengals had their management team here in Cincy. They have an arsenal of young talent on both sides of the ball. They took Eric Berry last year and Pioli knows how important cover CB's are in today's NFL.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado (from Jacksonville for Carson Palmer)
If the Bengals land luck it's time to beef up the Offensive Line. Solder has unbelievable athleticism for a guy 6-8, 300 lbs. He is a natural LT, with great pass blocking ability to protect Luck's blindside. This will allow Whitworth to move back to Guard where he can be an all-pro. This pick instantly makes the left side of that line a major strength and Luck will be worry free about getting hit on his blindside for the most part. It sucks that Andre Smith is such a bust and you have to use a 1st round pick on an OT two years after taking one 6th overall, but that's the situation.
Solder is not a concern like Smith is. He is a very hard worker, who's intelligent, and will be a leader in the locker room in no time. He's an excellent student right now and will be a student of the game that's willing to put the work in. He has room to add some bulk to that frame, but I wouldn't add to much and take away from that speed he has. He has a great quick first step and you won't need to worry about him being beat by speed rushers. He can read and react better than any O Lineman in this draft class. His run blocking ability is also excellent and he's basically the total package at OT. His height is his only concern and that's why people having him going behind Costanzo and Carimi. If he goes before either then one of those 2 will be the pick and both are rated about the same. Any one of those 3 will be a good pick. Carimi is more built for the right side though. Anyway with him and Whit on that left side the line is on it's way to being good. You have Cook and Reggie Stephens to battle out for Center, I like Cook there and Stephens could learn to play Guard after Williams retires. The only concern left is RT. The Bengals currently have a high priced player there that isn't performing. Hopefully he gets his act together.
24. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA
The Giants biggest weakness is it's LB core. Their best player there is the old man Keith Bulluck. Unless they bring in some FA's they almost certainly have to go LB in the first round, they can't go into next year with their current LB's, especially with Vick in their division.
25. Chicago Bears- DeMarcus Love,OT,Arkansas
Really you could put Love almost right up there with the other 3 OT's. I put Love and Sherrod just a shade below. The Bears O line has been pathetic this year both in run blocking and pass protection. I'm suprised they've won as many games as they have, Cutler's been getting killed and Forte has been inconsistent due to having nowhere to run the ball.
26. New York Jets- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami
The Jets have been struggling on offense as of late, but they have a great line, good RB's, and a deep talented group of WR's. The QB stinks, but they're not gonna take another one. They haven't been as dominant on D, due to the pass rush. Bailey has the size to play DE in their 3-4 and can get penetration and disrupt from the DE spot.
27. Philadelphia Eagles- Derek Sherrod,OT,Mississippi State
The Eagles have Mike Vick at QB and still give up a ton of sacks. It's scary to think what could happen if they get a good line.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Aaron Williams,CB,Texas
The Ravens biggest need is CB and they luck out that the deepest position in this draft class is CB.
29. New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan,DE,Purdue
The Saints play with the lead alot of the time and could use a pass rusher opposite Will Smith. Kerrigan also happens to be from Purdue and I think there's another guy on their team from Purdue who happens to be pretty good.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Rudolph,TE,Notre Dame
Heath Miller is often injured and isn't giving the Steelers much production these days. Rudolph is the best TE in this draft and is a well rounded TE that can block, which will help them keep extra blockers in to keep Ben from getting killed all the time.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Travis Lewis,OLB,Oklahoma
This guy is a flat out playmaker. As good as the Falcons have been, teams have been able to run on them. Lewis is a tackling machine and will help stop the run.
32. New England Patriots- Brandon Burton,CB,Utah
It's unfair the best team in the NFL has 2 picks in the 1st round. That said they take another 1st round CB for the 2nd year in a row and now have a duo of 1st rounders on a team that always has the lead.
2nd Round
33. New England Patriots- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State
What's even more unfair is they have the first pick of the 2nd round, so they basically have 3 first round picks. If they take Heyward, they will have him,Dareus,and Vince Wilfork on the line of a 3-4. That's scary as all 3 can get after the QB's and they may be able to get pressure rushing just 3. Add to that 2 first round CB's and Mayweather in the secondary and that's a dominant defense. Plus all 3 on that line can defend the run and they become tough to run or throw on.
34. Cincinnati Bengals- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh
The guy has blazing speed and is 6-5. His production is down this year at Pitt which has his stock down a little, but his supporting cast and the QB play there has been terrible. Yeah the Bengals need Safety help real bad and Rahim Moore would be a good pick here as well, but with a new QB I want his confidence to be as high as I can get it and I'm building up that offense for him first. Chad and TO are gone, I don't want a rookie QB around those 2. Baldwin has all the tools and physical ability to be an elite number 1 WR in the NFL.
Baldwin is the big play threat the Bengals will need that has the ability to stretch the field and will be a good compliment to Shipley on the underneath routes and Gresham in that mid range. He has excellent ball skills, can go up and get the ball over defenders, and uses his size to box out defenders (think Antonio Gates as a WR). Needs some work on his route running, but so does Desean Jackson. He isn't quite as fast as Jackson, but is close and is 6-5 230 lbs. This guy has the work ethic to go with the great physical package as well and if this draft goes how it has on this mock the Bengals should be excited about how good the offense is about to become. If this played out like this and they could add a FA Right Tackle or fat boy Smith decides he wants to work you could look at an offense that could be top 5 for years to come and starting about 2 years from this draft.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Playing GM
It's a pipe dream for Cincinnati Bengals fans that Mike Brown hires a GM. He's stubborn and set in his ways and isn't going to change no matter how bad he is at his job. However in this article I'm going to pretend I'm hired as GM for the Bengals. If this was the case, I'd have a 4 year plan to build a team that is going to be a consistent winner on the field year in and year out, not go for the quick fix trying to put butts in the seats by winning one year and then losing the next 3, hoping that one year will sell tickets for the next three years. It would likely be a year or even two of sub .500 football, but after that a foundation would be built to keep the Bengals in the playoffs year after year. This is a summary of what this plan would be to make the Bengals a consistent winner.
What the Bengals fail to realize, that other teams that win do realize, is that football no matter what level, starts up front. The Bengals like to go after flashy named skill players that they think will add excitement and help them sell tickets and jerseys. The offensive line is below average right now and the D line is about the same, but does have some young talented pieces in place.
Starting with this upcoming offseason, it's time to blow this team up. I'd prefer to build the lines and supporting cast before bringing in that new rookie franchise QB, lets face it Palmer is a below average QB these days. But if you have a chance to draft Andrew Luck, I'd take it. That elite QB is very hard to find and I think he's going to be an elite QB. But for now I'm going to assume the Bengals don't get the top pick and get to draft Luck, so I'd keep Palmer for 2 more years, even though I know he's not going to take you to the promise land and go after that franchise QB next year. Anyway here's what my roster would look like after this offseason, but before the draft and free agency.
QB: Carson Palmer, Dan LeFevour
RB: Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard
If Benson wants to sign here cheap then I'll take him on a one year deal, but he's nothing special, and I believe a good line can make a decent RB look great.
WR: Jordan Shipley, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby
No More Chad or TO, I want team players and both of them are past their prime.
O Line: Andrew Whitworth, Kyle Cook, Bobbie Williams, Reggie Stephens, Evan Mathis, Andre Smith
The current line is not getting it done, the entire O line needs revamped and until I could get it built I'd bring in stop gap FA's on short deals. Andre Smith gets one more year to prove himself, which I doubt he does and he becomes a back up Guard until his contract is played out or he gets cut after next year.
D Line: Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Domata Peko, Micheal Johnson
This group is a good core of young talent. That being said they need more depth and that elite pass rusher that every team has to have. That'd be my first priority hopefully depending on how the draft fell. Also need another big fat run stuffer.
Linebackers: Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers, Dhani Jones, Brandon Johnson, Rodrick Muckelroy
This is a good group, I'd keep Dhani on cheap 1 year deal to prepare Rey for the move inside, and try to add a true strong side LB.
Corners: Jonathon Joseph, Leon Hall, Adam Jones, Brandon Ghee
Getting Joseph and Hall signed long term would be a top priority. If the D had any pass rush at all they'd be regulars at the pro bowl. In today's NFL you have to have numerous cover guys and lots of depth at this spot.
Safety: Roy Williams, Reggie Nelson, Chinedem Ndukwe, Chris Crocker
Just for the short term. I want Safeties that can cover as well as play the run. This upcoming draft is loaded at CB and I'd be looking for a bigger CB to convert to Safety around the 3rd round.
Obviously some FA's would need to be brought in to fill some spots for the 2011 season and the team would likely struggle, but you have to get rid of the dead wood. Draft stock is going to change big time between now and April, but based on how the players are being rated right now here's what I'd try to do in next year's draft.
1st Round: Da Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
This guy has been unblockable this year and this is exactly what the Bengals need a stud pass rusher. Defense wins Championships and to succeed on defense you need to be able to pressure the QB with how much teams are throwing the ball. Now if Luck is available I take him because I think he's going to be a top 5 QB for his career and then I go heavy on O line. But for now I'll assume he's gone and go after someone like Barkley in the following draft.
2nd Round: Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
I know it's another SEC OT, but this guy has excellent work ethic and is a highly rated OT that is a perfect fit at RT. I don't trust Andre Smith at all. Like I said you wanna win you have to be good up front and this is a start.
3rd Round: DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State
With TO and Chad gone their gonna need some WR's. I think Posey is going to make a great number 2 WR and with Shipley in the slot all they need is that number 1 WR which could be attained in free agency or thru the draft the following year or the year after. Remember this is a 4 year plan. The team will be competitive after 2 but built to win year after year after 4.
4th Round: Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
This draft class is loaded at CB and House has the size to play Safety. He runs in the low 4.4's forty yard dash and can tackle. Put a little weight on him and he has plenty of size for Safety. I want a defense that is very tough to throw on and has two huge run stuffers up front. Right now they have one in Peko.
5th Round: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
There's my 2nd run stuffer. At 350 plus pounds he's going to be tough to move in the interior. He's huge though and may need to lose a little, but he can give you 20-25 plays a game, particularly 1st down to stuff that run.
That's as far as I'm going to get into the draft as 6th and 7th rounders generally have a tough time making the team and it's hard to tell who'll still be there and I don't have enough info on the players that go in these rounds.
After that draft and picking up some stop gap FA's the team should have a decent base especially with the young talent the Bengals have acquired in the previous drafts. They have had some good drafts in 2009 and 2010 grabbing Rey Maualuga in the 2nd round and Jordan Shipley, Carlos Dunlap who is looking like he could be special, and Geno Atkins. Along with Jermaine Gresham, Brandon Ghee, and Micheal Johnson. They have scored big in the 2nd and 3rd rounds the last couple of drafts, if only they had taken Micheal Oher instead of Andre Smith.
The 2011 team probably won't be a playoff team if they followed this plan, but it should be competitive and the foundation should be there to set up a team that is on it's way to being a consistent winner. Following the 2011 season it's time to go after a franchise QB for the future and one that I have in mind would be Matt Barkley. I know it's another USC QB, but this guy has the arm, the accuracy, and the leadership intangibles to be a great QB in the NFL. It will likely take trading up in the 2012 draft to get him, but Carson Palmer has some value still and would land the Bengals a 1st rounder because some coach is cocky enough to think he will be getting the all-pro QB under his coaching. So that following year the Bengals will likely have a top 10 pick and can package it with a 2nd rounder and move up high enough to get Barkley and still have another 1st round pick from Carson Palmer. I think someone with a pick in the 20's like a Jacksonville or Tennessee would love to have Palmer so for this experiment we'll pretend they get the 20th pick.
The 2012 draft would look something like this for me based on how players are rated right now and who most think will be in that draft class.
1st Round: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
A Rocket Arm, way better mobility than Palmer, better intangibles and leadership skills. This is the QB of the future and the guy who's going to take us to the Lombardi Trophy. I'd bring in a veteran QB for him to sit behind for the first half of the season, then I'd turn the team over to him with my two good OT's in place and a top tier FA guard plus the Guard drafted the year before there's a top 5 O line in place for him as well and by the time he starts Demarcus Love has a year and a half in at RT, Whit at LT, 2 good Guards and either Kyle Cook or Reggie Stephens at Center with the loser of that competition another possible Guard. Shipley and Devier Posey at WR and Gresham at TE.
1st Round: Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
The pick acquired for Carson Palmer. This guy is a stud and those who've watched him play know this. He produces against the best of the best in the SEC with a QB who is mediocre. This is the number 1 WR of the future for the Bengals to go with our shiny new QB. With Jeffrey, Posey, Shipley in the slot, and Gresham at TE that's a lethal arsenal of weapons for Matt Barkley and with a good O line in place the offense should be a top 10 offense easily.
3rd Round: Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue
With the offense built it's time to build a defense that wins us a much deserved championship for the fans in Cincinnati who've suffered for far too long. This is another run stuffer at 310 lbs. With Peko and Phil Taylor we should have good depth in the middle of that D line to stuff the run. Add Geno Atkins to come in and provide pressure up the middle on passing downs. Plus Dunlap can move inside on obvious passing downs and the D line is shaping up. With Da Quan Bowers and Micheal Johnson coming off the edge the line should have no trouble getting pressure on the QB.
4th Round: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
After Benson's back on the 1 year deal his time is up and he's aging. I really like Bernard Scott's ability to make people miss, but we still need that bruising back for tough yards and Clay will give them that. I want the Bengals to be a team that uses multiple backs and the following year's draft a RB will be taken early in the draft. But I believe if the line is in place you don't have to have a 1st round RB, look at the NFL alot of the top backs weren't taken in the 1st round and multi back systems give u a better shot to keep players healthy.
5th Round: Thomas Claiborn, Guard, Boston College
Depth on the lines is key and I think Guards are undervalued in the NFL. Claiborn is a good all around OG that can pass protect as well as run block and I want as much competition at the position as possible. I want a big pocket for the QB to step up in and guys that can move interior D lineman, if you win the interior of the line of scrimmage you usually win the game.
If this scenario played out then this is what a good part of the Roster could look like heading into the 2012 season. There will also be some free agents, but right now we don't know who they'd be so the roster will look incomplete a little.
QB: Matt Barkley, Dan LeFevour, Veteran Free Agent
RB: Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, John Clay
WR: Alshon Jeffrey, Devier Posey, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby, possible Free Agent
TE: Jermaine Gresham, Chase Coffman, veteran blocking TE FA.
O Line: Andrew Whitworth, Demarcus Love, Kyle Cook, Reggie Stephens, Thomas Claiborn, Top Tier Veteran FA Guard, Middle Tier Veteran FA OT, possibly Mathis or Livings as a backup
D Line: Da Quan Bowers, Domata Peko, Phil Taylor, Carlos Dunlap, Micheal Johnson, Kawaan Short, Geno Atkins, 2 Veteran FA's tweeners that can play inside and outside.
LB: Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga, Rodrick Muckelroy, Dhani Jones, Brandon Johnson, Dan Skuta
CB: Jonathon Joseph, Leon Hall, Adam Jones, Brandon Ghee, Morgan Trent
Safety: Davon House, Reggie Nelson, Chinidem Ndukwe, Top Tier FA, and Ghee can play both FS and CB.
The Offense should be a top 10 offense easily the following year when Barkley is no longer a rookie. The line is in place for the most part if you can land one top tier Guard. The WR core is loaded with Jeffrey, Posey, and Shipley and Gresham should be an all pro TE by then. The following draft I'd try to land a top RB within the first 2 rounds depending on how the draft fell. The following draft my goal would be to get the RB, hopefully I can get a pro bowl safety via free agency, but if not I'm drafting one within the 1st 3 rounds. Either a Safety or a big CB to convert to Safety like a Micheal Jenkins for New Orleans. If I can get that Safety via free agency I can go RB, OG, and a D lineman in the first 3 rounds. Like I said all along I want lineman early and often in the drafts. Anyway if you can land that pro bowl type RB in the next draft you have an offense that's ready to make a Super Bowl run.
The Defense has alot of pieces in place right now. If the Bengals get Da Quan Bowers and he becomes that elite pass rusher they are on their way. I want depth and versatile D lineman and they have that with these hypothetical drafts. A line of Bowers, Peko, Hughes, and Dunlap on 1st down and running downs. On passing downs you have Bowers, Atkins, Dunlap, and Micheal Johnson, that should get you great pressure on the QB and if you have J Jo, Hall, and Adam Jones as your CB's alot of interceptions are going to be had. IF you can get Reggie Nelson to play up to his ability you may have the top defense in the NFL. IF NOT you have Davon House back there to play the pass and you need that top tier FA that can play both the run and the pass like a Landry from Washington.
This team is attainable and it's realistic the Bengals could have a team like this. If you notice it's not made up of many free agents at all and the free agents that are listed are mainly at Safety and Guard. That is two positions that are not the priciest in the NFL so you wouldn't have to break the bank in free agency. It all starts from building those lines though and to do that you have to draft lineman early and often on both sides of the ball. If a plan like this would be followed by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013 the team would be set up to make a Super Bowl run, but not only that it would be set up that the years following you would be drafting mainly for depth as long as you're not devistated by career ending injuries. That's how all the top teams in the NFL do it, they are drafting for depth for players to play a couple years from when they are drafted. If the team was set up like this the following years I'd get that Safety that can do anything in the 1st round and then it'd be lineman on both sides of the ball early and often from then out. The goal would be a O lineman and a D lineman in 2 of the first 3 rounds every year and then use the rest of the drafts to add depth to your defensive secondary, linebackers, and skill positions. If the line is there the rest will be alot more effective.
What the Bengals fail to realize, that other teams that win do realize, is that football no matter what level, starts up front. The Bengals like to go after flashy named skill players that they think will add excitement and help them sell tickets and jerseys. The offensive line is below average right now and the D line is about the same, but does have some young talented pieces in place.
Starting with this upcoming offseason, it's time to blow this team up. I'd prefer to build the lines and supporting cast before bringing in that new rookie franchise QB, lets face it Palmer is a below average QB these days. But if you have a chance to draft Andrew Luck, I'd take it. That elite QB is very hard to find and I think he's going to be an elite QB. But for now I'm going to assume the Bengals don't get the top pick and get to draft Luck, so I'd keep Palmer for 2 more years, even though I know he's not going to take you to the promise land and go after that franchise QB next year. Anyway here's what my roster would look like after this offseason, but before the draft and free agency.
QB: Carson Palmer, Dan LeFevour
RB: Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard
If Benson wants to sign here cheap then I'll take him on a one year deal, but he's nothing special, and I believe a good line can make a decent RB look great.
WR: Jordan Shipley, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby
No More Chad or TO, I want team players and both of them are past their prime.
O Line: Andrew Whitworth, Kyle Cook, Bobbie Williams, Reggie Stephens, Evan Mathis, Andre Smith
The current line is not getting it done, the entire O line needs revamped and until I could get it built I'd bring in stop gap FA's on short deals. Andre Smith gets one more year to prove himself, which I doubt he does and he becomes a back up Guard until his contract is played out or he gets cut after next year.
D Line: Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Domata Peko, Micheal Johnson
This group is a good core of young talent. That being said they need more depth and that elite pass rusher that every team has to have. That'd be my first priority hopefully depending on how the draft fell. Also need another big fat run stuffer.
Linebackers: Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers, Dhani Jones, Brandon Johnson, Rodrick Muckelroy
This is a good group, I'd keep Dhani on cheap 1 year deal to prepare Rey for the move inside, and try to add a true strong side LB.
Corners: Jonathon Joseph, Leon Hall, Adam Jones, Brandon Ghee
Getting Joseph and Hall signed long term would be a top priority. If the D had any pass rush at all they'd be regulars at the pro bowl. In today's NFL you have to have numerous cover guys and lots of depth at this spot.
Safety: Roy Williams, Reggie Nelson, Chinedem Ndukwe, Chris Crocker
Just for the short term. I want Safeties that can cover as well as play the run. This upcoming draft is loaded at CB and I'd be looking for a bigger CB to convert to Safety around the 3rd round.
Obviously some FA's would need to be brought in to fill some spots for the 2011 season and the team would likely struggle, but you have to get rid of the dead wood. Draft stock is going to change big time between now and April, but based on how the players are being rated right now here's what I'd try to do in next year's draft.
1st Round: Da Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
This guy has been unblockable this year and this is exactly what the Bengals need a stud pass rusher. Defense wins Championships and to succeed on defense you need to be able to pressure the QB with how much teams are throwing the ball. Now if Luck is available I take him because I think he's going to be a top 5 QB for his career and then I go heavy on O line. But for now I'll assume he's gone and go after someone like Barkley in the following draft.
2nd Round: Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
I know it's another SEC OT, but this guy has excellent work ethic and is a highly rated OT that is a perfect fit at RT. I don't trust Andre Smith at all. Like I said you wanna win you have to be good up front and this is a start.
3rd Round: DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State
With TO and Chad gone their gonna need some WR's. I think Posey is going to make a great number 2 WR and with Shipley in the slot all they need is that number 1 WR which could be attained in free agency or thru the draft the following year or the year after. Remember this is a 4 year plan. The team will be competitive after 2 but built to win year after year after 4.
4th Round: Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
This draft class is loaded at CB and House has the size to play Safety. He runs in the low 4.4's forty yard dash and can tackle. Put a little weight on him and he has plenty of size for Safety. I want a defense that is very tough to throw on and has two huge run stuffers up front. Right now they have one in Peko.
5th Round: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
There's my 2nd run stuffer. At 350 plus pounds he's going to be tough to move in the interior. He's huge though and may need to lose a little, but he can give you 20-25 plays a game, particularly 1st down to stuff that run.
That's as far as I'm going to get into the draft as 6th and 7th rounders generally have a tough time making the team and it's hard to tell who'll still be there and I don't have enough info on the players that go in these rounds.
After that draft and picking up some stop gap FA's the team should have a decent base especially with the young talent the Bengals have acquired in the previous drafts. They have had some good drafts in 2009 and 2010 grabbing Rey Maualuga in the 2nd round and Jordan Shipley, Carlos Dunlap who is looking like he could be special, and Geno Atkins. Along with Jermaine Gresham, Brandon Ghee, and Micheal Johnson. They have scored big in the 2nd and 3rd rounds the last couple of drafts, if only they had taken Micheal Oher instead of Andre Smith.
The 2011 team probably won't be a playoff team if they followed this plan, but it should be competitive and the foundation should be there to set up a team that is on it's way to being a consistent winner. Following the 2011 season it's time to go after a franchise QB for the future and one that I have in mind would be Matt Barkley. I know it's another USC QB, but this guy has the arm, the accuracy, and the leadership intangibles to be a great QB in the NFL. It will likely take trading up in the 2012 draft to get him, but Carson Palmer has some value still and would land the Bengals a 1st rounder because some coach is cocky enough to think he will be getting the all-pro QB under his coaching. So that following year the Bengals will likely have a top 10 pick and can package it with a 2nd rounder and move up high enough to get Barkley and still have another 1st round pick from Carson Palmer. I think someone with a pick in the 20's like a Jacksonville or Tennessee would love to have Palmer so for this experiment we'll pretend they get the 20th pick.
The 2012 draft would look something like this for me based on how players are rated right now and who most think will be in that draft class.
1st Round: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
A Rocket Arm, way better mobility than Palmer, better intangibles and leadership skills. This is the QB of the future and the guy who's going to take us to the Lombardi Trophy. I'd bring in a veteran QB for him to sit behind for the first half of the season, then I'd turn the team over to him with my two good OT's in place and a top tier FA guard plus the Guard drafted the year before there's a top 5 O line in place for him as well and by the time he starts Demarcus Love has a year and a half in at RT, Whit at LT, 2 good Guards and either Kyle Cook or Reggie Stephens at Center with the loser of that competition another possible Guard. Shipley and Devier Posey at WR and Gresham at TE.
1st Round: Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
The pick acquired for Carson Palmer. This guy is a stud and those who've watched him play know this. He produces against the best of the best in the SEC with a QB who is mediocre. This is the number 1 WR of the future for the Bengals to go with our shiny new QB. With Jeffrey, Posey, Shipley in the slot, and Gresham at TE that's a lethal arsenal of weapons for Matt Barkley and with a good O line in place the offense should be a top 10 offense easily.
3rd Round: Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue
With the offense built it's time to build a defense that wins us a much deserved championship for the fans in Cincinnati who've suffered for far too long. This is another run stuffer at 310 lbs. With Peko and Phil Taylor we should have good depth in the middle of that D line to stuff the run. Add Geno Atkins to come in and provide pressure up the middle on passing downs. Plus Dunlap can move inside on obvious passing downs and the D line is shaping up. With Da Quan Bowers and Micheal Johnson coming off the edge the line should have no trouble getting pressure on the QB.
4th Round: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
After Benson's back on the 1 year deal his time is up and he's aging. I really like Bernard Scott's ability to make people miss, but we still need that bruising back for tough yards and Clay will give them that. I want the Bengals to be a team that uses multiple backs and the following year's draft a RB will be taken early in the draft. But I believe if the line is in place you don't have to have a 1st round RB, look at the NFL alot of the top backs weren't taken in the 1st round and multi back systems give u a better shot to keep players healthy.
5th Round: Thomas Claiborn, Guard, Boston College
Depth on the lines is key and I think Guards are undervalued in the NFL. Claiborn is a good all around OG that can pass protect as well as run block and I want as much competition at the position as possible. I want a big pocket for the QB to step up in and guys that can move interior D lineman, if you win the interior of the line of scrimmage you usually win the game.
If this scenario played out then this is what a good part of the Roster could look like heading into the 2012 season. There will also be some free agents, but right now we don't know who they'd be so the roster will look incomplete a little.
QB: Matt Barkley, Dan LeFevour, Veteran Free Agent
RB: Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, John Clay
WR: Alshon Jeffrey, Devier Posey, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby, possible Free Agent
TE: Jermaine Gresham, Chase Coffman, veteran blocking TE FA.
O Line: Andrew Whitworth, Demarcus Love, Kyle Cook, Reggie Stephens, Thomas Claiborn, Top Tier Veteran FA Guard, Middle Tier Veteran FA OT, possibly Mathis or Livings as a backup
D Line: Da Quan Bowers, Domata Peko, Phil Taylor, Carlos Dunlap, Micheal Johnson, Kawaan Short, Geno Atkins, 2 Veteran FA's tweeners that can play inside and outside.
LB: Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga, Rodrick Muckelroy, Dhani Jones, Brandon Johnson, Dan Skuta
CB: Jonathon Joseph, Leon Hall, Adam Jones, Brandon Ghee, Morgan Trent
Safety: Davon House, Reggie Nelson, Chinidem Ndukwe, Top Tier FA, and Ghee can play both FS and CB.
The Offense should be a top 10 offense easily the following year when Barkley is no longer a rookie. The line is in place for the most part if you can land one top tier Guard. The WR core is loaded with Jeffrey, Posey, and Shipley and Gresham should be an all pro TE by then. The following draft I'd try to land a top RB within the first 2 rounds depending on how the draft fell. The following draft my goal would be to get the RB, hopefully I can get a pro bowl safety via free agency, but if not I'm drafting one within the 1st 3 rounds. Either a Safety or a big CB to convert to Safety like a Micheal Jenkins for New Orleans. If I can get that Safety via free agency I can go RB, OG, and a D lineman in the first 3 rounds. Like I said all along I want lineman early and often in the drafts. Anyway if you can land that pro bowl type RB in the next draft you have an offense that's ready to make a Super Bowl run.
The Defense has alot of pieces in place right now. If the Bengals get Da Quan Bowers and he becomes that elite pass rusher they are on their way. I want depth and versatile D lineman and they have that with these hypothetical drafts. A line of Bowers, Peko, Hughes, and Dunlap on 1st down and running downs. On passing downs you have Bowers, Atkins, Dunlap, and Micheal Johnson, that should get you great pressure on the QB and if you have J Jo, Hall, and Adam Jones as your CB's alot of interceptions are going to be had. IF you can get Reggie Nelson to play up to his ability you may have the top defense in the NFL. IF NOT you have Davon House back there to play the pass and you need that top tier FA that can play both the run and the pass like a Landry from Washington.
This team is attainable and it's realistic the Bengals could have a team like this. If you notice it's not made up of many free agents at all and the free agents that are listed are mainly at Safety and Guard. That is two positions that are not the priciest in the NFL so you wouldn't have to break the bank in free agency. It all starts from building those lines though and to do that you have to draft lineman early and often on both sides of the ball. If a plan like this would be followed by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013 the team would be set up to make a Super Bowl run, but not only that it would be set up that the years following you would be drafting mainly for depth as long as you're not devistated by career ending injuries. That's how all the top teams in the NFL do it, they are drafting for depth for players to play a couple years from when they are drafted. If the team was set up like this the following years I'd get that Safety that can do anything in the 1st round and then it'd be lineman on both sides of the ball early and often from then out. The goal would be a O lineman and a D lineman in 2 of the first 3 rounds every year and then use the rest of the drafts to add depth to your defensive secondary, linebackers, and skill positions. If the line is there the rest will be alot more effective.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Player Video/Highlights
Quarterbacks:
Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck #2
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Jake Locker
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Cam Newton
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Ryan Mallett
Runningbacks:
Mark Ingram
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Ryan Williams
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LaMicheal James
Wide Receivers:
AJ Green
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Julio Jones
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Justin Blackmon
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Jonathon Baldwin
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Micheal Floyd
Tight Ends:
Kyle Rudolph
Offensive Lineman:
Anthony Costanzo
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Gabe Carimi
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Derek Sherrod
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Nate Bolder
Defensive Lineman:
Da Quan Bowers
Da Quan Bowers #2
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Nick Fairley
Nick Fairley #2
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Marcell Dareus
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Stephen Paea
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Robert Quinn
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Ryan Kerrigan
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Allen Bailey
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Cameron Heyward
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Adrian Clayborn
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Cameron Jordan
Linebackers:
Von Miller
Von Miller #2
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Akeem Ayers
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Greg Jones
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Donta Hightower
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Travis Lewis
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Jeremy Beal
Cornerbacks:
Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson #2
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Prince Amukamara
Prince Amukamara #2
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Brandon Harris
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Janoris Jenkins
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Aaron Williams
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Brandon Burton
Safeties:
Rahim Moore
Rahim Moore #2
Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck #2
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Jake Locker
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Cam Newton
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Ryan Mallett
Runningbacks:
Mark Ingram
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Ryan Williams
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LaMicheal James
Wide Receivers:
AJ Green
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Julio Jones
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Justin Blackmon
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Jonathon Baldwin
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Micheal Floyd
Tight Ends:
Kyle Rudolph
Offensive Lineman:
Anthony Costanzo
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Gabe Carimi
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Derek Sherrod
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Nate Bolder
Defensive Lineman:
Da Quan Bowers
Da Quan Bowers #2
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Nick Fairley
Nick Fairley #2
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Marcell Dareus
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Stephen Paea
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Robert Quinn
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Ryan Kerrigan
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Allen Bailey
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Cameron Heyward
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Adrian Clayborn
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Cameron Jordan
Linebackers:
Von Miller
Von Miller #2
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Akeem Ayers
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Greg Jones
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Donta Hightower
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Travis Lewis
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Jeremy Beal
Cornerbacks:
Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson #2
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Prince Amukamara
Prince Amukamara #2
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Brandon Harris
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Janoris Jenkins
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Aaron Williams
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Brandon Burton
Safeties:
Rahim Moore
Rahim Moore #2
Mock Draft (12-3-2010)
* draft order based on my projected outcome
1. Carolina Panthers- Andrew Luck,QB,Stanford
The Panthers didn't take Clausen until the 2nd round and I don't think they're are totally sold on him being their QB of the future. Luck is a player that has a chance to be an elite QB in the NFL and you don't pass on that for a guy that you're not totally sold on.
2. Detroit Lions- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU
The Lions look like they have a bright future with a number of young up and coming stars. They are terrible in the secondary though and in the NFL you have to have multiple good cover guys, especially with GB in their division.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- Da Quan Bowers,DE,Clemson
If I'm GM of the Bengals I'm building the team from the lines. Teams that consistently win in the NFL are good up front on both sides of the ball. I don't know when the Bengals are going to get this, probably never, Mike Brown would rather take the big name skill guys because he thinks it'll sell tickets. If Luck is there I'm taking him because you don't pass on someone that has the ability to be elite like Brady and Manning, and I'm having him sit for a year or two to build a team around him so he has confidence right out of the gate.
That being said, Luck is gone and Bowers is the top player left on my big board and fills a huge need. You need to be able to get pressure on the QB and Bowers is a player that can single handily disrupt plays. With the Corners the Bengals currently have if they have an elite pass rusher they would be tough to throw on. Bowers has been unblockable this year and I believe will be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. The Bengals have had some good drafts the past couple years and have a good foundation of young core players. As bad as it's been this year, if they can build the lines they could have a good contending team year in and year out.
4. Buffalo Bills- Nick Fairley,DT,Auburn
The Bills aren't as bad as their record indicates and Fitzpatrick has played well. However they are terrible against the run and Fairley is the type of player who gets great penetration and will command double teams and can play DT or DE in the Bills 3-4 scheme.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas
The Cards play at QB has been horrible this year. When you have a WR like Fitzgerald you have to get a QB that can get him the ball.
6. Denver Broncos- Marcell Dareus,DE/DT,Alabama
The Broncos have been terrible on defense this year. This is one of the most athletically gifted players in the draft and I think is a perfect fit at DE in a 3-4 scheme and is a huge need for Denver.
7. Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College
After seeing Romo get hurt this year, I think Jerry Jones will do something to sure up that below average O line.
8. San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska
I thought the Niners would take a 1st round CB in this year's draft. They didn't and are still struggling there big time.
9. Minnesota Vikings- Jake Locker,QB,Washington
This is likely Favre's last year and the Vikings obviously aren't sold on Tavarris Jackson or they wouldn't have sent a plane and players to get Favre this year. This may be a reach but there is a premium on 1st round QB's and even though Locker has struggled he has the talent to be an upper echelon NFL QB.
10. Cleveland Browns- AJ Green,WR,Georgia
I doubt Green will fall this far because someone would trade up to get him if he did. He is an unbelievable talent and if the Browns land him here that would be a draft day steal.
11. Seattle Seahawks- Brandon Harris,CB,Miami
Everyone has thrown all over Seattle this year, they should look to land a CB in this draft pool loaded with 1st round talent a CB.
12. New England Patriots- Janoris Jenkins,CB,Florida (from Raiders)
I think Bellichek is happy with his core or WR's and will look to load up his secondary with another 1st round CB to play opposite of Devin McCourtey.
13. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones,WR,Alabama
The Redskins best playmaker on offense is Santana Moss and he's an average WR. Jones is a physical freak that will be tough to cover.
14. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State
The Titans still haven't found a replacement for Haynesworth and Paea is freakishly strong and will be a force at DT in a 4-3.
15. Houston Texans- Aaron Williams,CB,Texas
The Texans have been horrible in the secondary, Kareem Jackson hasn't played well in his rookie year. With the Colts in their division they need cover guys. Rahim Moore could be the pick here as well, but I think CB needs to be adressed first.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Robert Quinn,DE,North Carolina
The Jags brought in Aaron Kampman but he blew out his ACL. They need players that can get after the QB as they also have Peyton Manning in their division.
17. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama
I think this is Ronnie Brown's last year in Miami and Ricky Williams is old. The Phins are a run first team and need a workhorse RB. Ingram is the only RB in this draft class worthy of a 1st round pick.
18. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M
Miller would be a perfect fit in the KC 3-4. Pioli hasn't generally taken those pass rushing OLB's in the 1st round, but no one thought he would take a Safety with a top 5 pick either.
19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA
LB is by far the biggest weak spot on the Giants, their best LB is close to retirement and Ayers is the best fit and makes the most sense here.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Justin Blackmon,WR,Oklahoma State
The Bucs will hope Ingram is still available, but I don't think he will be. They need some playmakers on offense. Mike Williams was a good find and Arrelious Benn could develop into a good WR, but Blackmon could be a legit #1 WR for their young QB.
21. St Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh
Baldwin's stock has fallen, but it really isn't his fault. The QB play at Pitt this year has been awful. The Rams have a rising star at QB and need to get him a legit #1 WR. They have a good mix of young WR's but no legit number one.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin
The Colts have been devistated by injury this year about everywhere, but their biggest need is O line and when you have Peyton Manning you need to keep lineman stock piled. If you give him time he'll win you Super Bowls. Plus Carimi can be a road grader to help with that terrible running game and would be a perfect fit on the right side of that line as he's big enough to play Guard as well.
23. Chicago Bears- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado
O line is also the Bears biggest weakness. Cutler has been getting killed and Forte has been inconsistent with nowhere to run.
24. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Burton,CB,Utah
The Ravens always seem to luck out and their biggest need is a position that is loaded with talent that year in the draft.
25. San Diego Chargers- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa
Clayborn would be a good fit at DE and could help a Chargers D that has struggled to get to the QB.
26. Philadelphia Eagles- Derek Sherrod,OT,Mississippi State
The Eagles offense is loaded and if they get some top notch O lineman and have a lot of depth on that line they will be unstoppable with Vick and the speed they have at WR and RB.
27. Green Bay Packers- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida
The Packers have struggled to run the ball and need to upgrade their interior lineman with players that can run block as well as pass protect. Centers are undervalued in the NFL and we Bengals fans know that all to well, remember Giucheck.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Rahim Moore,FS,UCLA
I really hope the Steelers don't land Moore, but if he's available here they very well could. With their current FS being below average and old they'll look to get a good FS to play next to Polumalu.
29. New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan,DE,Purdue
This is the best player on the board and is a position the Saints could use help. They need another pass rusher.
30. New York Jets- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State
The Jets D has been good this year, but not as dominant against the run as last year. Heyward will be a perfect fit at DE in their 3-4 and is a dual threat that can create havoc against the pass as well.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami
The Falcons have gotten below average play from below average players at DE this year. Bailey will give them someone to get after the QB which they need with their biggest competition in their division being the Saints who throw the ball alot.
32. New England Patriots- Ryan Williams,RB,Virginia Tech
The Pats don't put a premium on RB's, but with this being their 2nd pick in the 1st round they make take a chance on a workhorse back.
*Bengals 2nd and 3rd round picks.
2nd Round- Demarcus Love,OT,Arkansas
I'm ready to give up on Andre Smith now. He's a fat,lazy,peice of crap and if I'm GM i'm cutting my losses and moving on from that unmotivated piece of shit. Like I said to win in the NFL you have to be good up front. Palmer is likely going to be gone soon and the Bengals need to get a solid O line before bringing in the next rookie QB. I'm happy with Whit at LT and Cook is ok I'd still like to upgrade Center, but Cook will do for now. Bobbie Williams is thatgetting old so I'd be looking at Guard early next year or in the free agent market for both Guard positions. Anyway love would be a perfect fit at RT he's big and a good run blocker, but not so huge and fat and slow that he can't pass block.
3rd Round- Deunta Williams, Safety, North Carolina
Obviously the play at Safety for the Bengals has been atrocious this year. If Williams is still available here he'd be an excellent pick. A 3rd rounder that could contribute right away and can support the run and play the pass.
* If I'm GM and my draft lands like this in the 1st 3 rounds I'd be pleased. It'd be a good compliment to the young players we already have in here. This would be part of my 3 year rebuilding plan. The following year I'd target a WR1 to replace Chad or TO a run stuffing DT to go with Peko and someone at OG in the first 3 rounds. Then the following year I'd go after my QB of the future, trading up if i needed to. To win Super Bowls you need to have a top 6 NFL QB. Unfortunately Mike Brown will never realize this so this is all a pipe dream.
1. Carolina Panthers- Andrew Luck,QB,Stanford
The Panthers didn't take Clausen until the 2nd round and I don't think they're are totally sold on him being their QB of the future. Luck is a player that has a chance to be an elite QB in the NFL and you don't pass on that for a guy that you're not totally sold on.
2. Detroit Lions- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU
The Lions look like they have a bright future with a number of young up and coming stars. They are terrible in the secondary though and in the NFL you have to have multiple good cover guys, especially with GB in their division.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- Da Quan Bowers,DE,Clemson
If I'm GM of the Bengals I'm building the team from the lines. Teams that consistently win in the NFL are good up front on both sides of the ball. I don't know when the Bengals are going to get this, probably never, Mike Brown would rather take the big name skill guys because he thinks it'll sell tickets. If Luck is there I'm taking him because you don't pass on someone that has the ability to be elite like Brady and Manning, and I'm having him sit for a year or two to build a team around him so he has confidence right out of the gate.
That being said, Luck is gone and Bowers is the top player left on my big board and fills a huge need. You need to be able to get pressure on the QB and Bowers is a player that can single handily disrupt plays. With the Corners the Bengals currently have if they have an elite pass rusher they would be tough to throw on. Bowers has been unblockable this year and I believe will be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. The Bengals have had some good drafts the past couple years and have a good foundation of young core players. As bad as it's been this year, if they can build the lines they could have a good contending team year in and year out.
4. Buffalo Bills- Nick Fairley,DT,Auburn
The Bills aren't as bad as their record indicates and Fitzpatrick has played well. However they are terrible against the run and Fairley is the type of player who gets great penetration and will command double teams and can play DT or DE in the Bills 3-4 scheme.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas
The Cards play at QB has been horrible this year. When you have a WR like Fitzgerald you have to get a QB that can get him the ball.
6. Denver Broncos- Marcell Dareus,DE/DT,Alabama
The Broncos have been terrible on defense this year. This is one of the most athletically gifted players in the draft and I think is a perfect fit at DE in a 3-4 scheme and is a huge need for Denver.
7. Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College
After seeing Romo get hurt this year, I think Jerry Jones will do something to sure up that below average O line.
8. San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska
I thought the Niners would take a 1st round CB in this year's draft. They didn't and are still struggling there big time.
9. Minnesota Vikings- Jake Locker,QB,Washington
This is likely Favre's last year and the Vikings obviously aren't sold on Tavarris Jackson or they wouldn't have sent a plane and players to get Favre this year. This may be a reach but there is a premium on 1st round QB's and even though Locker has struggled he has the talent to be an upper echelon NFL QB.
10. Cleveland Browns- AJ Green,WR,Georgia
I doubt Green will fall this far because someone would trade up to get him if he did. He is an unbelievable talent and if the Browns land him here that would be a draft day steal.
11. Seattle Seahawks- Brandon Harris,CB,Miami
Everyone has thrown all over Seattle this year, they should look to land a CB in this draft pool loaded with 1st round talent a CB.
12. New England Patriots- Janoris Jenkins,CB,Florida (from Raiders)
I think Bellichek is happy with his core or WR's and will look to load up his secondary with another 1st round CB to play opposite of Devin McCourtey.
13. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones,WR,Alabama
The Redskins best playmaker on offense is Santana Moss and he's an average WR. Jones is a physical freak that will be tough to cover.
14. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State
The Titans still haven't found a replacement for Haynesworth and Paea is freakishly strong and will be a force at DT in a 4-3.
15. Houston Texans- Aaron Williams,CB,Texas
The Texans have been horrible in the secondary, Kareem Jackson hasn't played well in his rookie year. With the Colts in their division they need cover guys. Rahim Moore could be the pick here as well, but I think CB needs to be adressed first.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Robert Quinn,DE,North Carolina
The Jags brought in Aaron Kampman but he blew out his ACL. They need players that can get after the QB as they also have Peyton Manning in their division.
17. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama
I think this is Ronnie Brown's last year in Miami and Ricky Williams is old. The Phins are a run first team and need a workhorse RB. Ingram is the only RB in this draft class worthy of a 1st round pick.
18. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M
Miller would be a perfect fit in the KC 3-4. Pioli hasn't generally taken those pass rushing OLB's in the 1st round, but no one thought he would take a Safety with a top 5 pick either.
19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA
LB is by far the biggest weak spot on the Giants, their best LB is close to retirement and Ayers is the best fit and makes the most sense here.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Justin Blackmon,WR,Oklahoma State
The Bucs will hope Ingram is still available, but I don't think he will be. They need some playmakers on offense. Mike Williams was a good find and Arrelious Benn could develop into a good WR, but Blackmon could be a legit #1 WR for their young QB.
21. St Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh
Baldwin's stock has fallen, but it really isn't his fault. The QB play at Pitt this year has been awful. The Rams have a rising star at QB and need to get him a legit #1 WR. They have a good mix of young WR's but no legit number one.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin
The Colts have been devistated by injury this year about everywhere, but their biggest need is O line and when you have Peyton Manning you need to keep lineman stock piled. If you give him time he'll win you Super Bowls. Plus Carimi can be a road grader to help with that terrible running game and would be a perfect fit on the right side of that line as he's big enough to play Guard as well.
23. Chicago Bears- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado
O line is also the Bears biggest weakness. Cutler has been getting killed and Forte has been inconsistent with nowhere to run.
24. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Burton,CB,Utah
The Ravens always seem to luck out and their biggest need is a position that is loaded with talent that year in the draft.
25. San Diego Chargers- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa
Clayborn would be a good fit at DE and could help a Chargers D that has struggled to get to the QB.
26. Philadelphia Eagles- Derek Sherrod,OT,Mississippi State
The Eagles offense is loaded and if they get some top notch O lineman and have a lot of depth on that line they will be unstoppable with Vick and the speed they have at WR and RB.
27. Green Bay Packers- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida
The Packers have struggled to run the ball and need to upgrade their interior lineman with players that can run block as well as pass protect. Centers are undervalued in the NFL and we Bengals fans know that all to well, remember Giucheck.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Rahim Moore,FS,UCLA
I really hope the Steelers don't land Moore, but if he's available here they very well could. With their current FS being below average and old they'll look to get a good FS to play next to Polumalu.
29. New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan,DE,Purdue
This is the best player on the board and is a position the Saints could use help. They need another pass rusher.
30. New York Jets- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State
The Jets D has been good this year, but not as dominant against the run as last year. Heyward will be a perfect fit at DE in their 3-4 and is a dual threat that can create havoc against the pass as well.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami
The Falcons have gotten below average play from below average players at DE this year. Bailey will give them someone to get after the QB which they need with their biggest competition in their division being the Saints who throw the ball alot.
32. New England Patriots- Ryan Williams,RB,Virginia Tech
The Pats don't put a premium on RB's, but with this being their 2nd pick in the 1st round they make take a chance on a workhorse back.
*Bengals 2nd and 3rd round picks.
2nd Round- Demarcus Love,OT,Arkansas
I'm ready to give up on Andre Smith now. He's a fat,lazy,peice of crap and if I'm GM i'm cutting my losses and moving on from that unmotivated piece of shit. Like I said to win in the NFL you have to be good up front. Palmer is likely going to be gone soon and the Bengals need to get a solid O line before bringing in the next rookie QB. I'm happy with Whit at LT and Cook is ok I'd still like to upgrade Center, but Cook will do for now. Bobbie Williams is thatgetting old so I'd be looking at Guard early next year or in the free agent market for both Guard positions. Anyway love would be a perfect fit at RT he's big and a good run blocker, but not so huge and fat and slow that he can't pass block.
3rd Round- Deunta Williams, Safety, North Carolina
Obviously the play at Safety for the Bengals has been atrocious this year. If Williams is still available here he'd be an excellent pick. A 3rd rounder that could contribute right away and can support the run and play the pass.
* If I'm GM and my draft lands like this in the 1st 3 rounds I'd be pleased. It'd be a good compliment to the young players we already have in here. This would be part of my 3 year rebuilding plan. The following year I'd target a WR1 to replace Chad or TO a run stuffing DT to go with Peko and someone at OG in the first 3 rounds. Then the following year I'd go after my QB of the future, trading up if i needed to. To win Super Bowls you need to have a top 6 NFL QB. Unfortunately Mike Brown will never realize this so this is all a pipe dream.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
2011 Big Board
- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
- DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson
- AJ Green, WR, Georgia
- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
- Marcell Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama
- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
- Cameron Jordan, DT/DE, California
- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
- Tyron Smith, OT, USC
- Cameron Heyward, DT/DE, Ohio State
- Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
- Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida
- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
- Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
- Mason Foster, OLB, Washington
- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College
- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
- Jake Locker,QB,Washington
- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
- Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma
- Titus Young, WR, Boise State
- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
- Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma
- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
- Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
- Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova
- Muhammad Wilkerson,DE,Temple
- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
- Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
- Ras I Dowling, CB, Virginia
- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
- Christian Ballard, DT/DE, Iowa
- Rodney Hudson, OC, Florida State
- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
- Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
- Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson
- John Moffitt, OG, Wisconsin
- Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
- Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
- Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
- Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina
- Robert Sands, SS, West Virginia
- Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
- Kendrick Burney, CB, North Carolina
- Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami
- Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State
- Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
- Randall Cobb, RB/WR, Kentucky
- Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
- Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech
- Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
- Demarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
- Stefen Wisniewski, OC, Penn State
- Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
- Kelvin Sheppard, OLB, LSU
- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina
- Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
- Clint Boling, OG, Georgia
- Sione Fua, DT, Stanford
- Jerell Jernigan, WR, Troy
- DeAndre McDaniel, SS, Clemson
- Marcus Cannon, OG, TCU
- Jordon Todman, RB, Connecticut
- Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame
- Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton
- Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
- Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin
- Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee
- Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
- Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College
- Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
- Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
- Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
- Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson
- Shane Vereen, RB, California
- Colin McCarthy, OLB, Miami
- Ahmad Black, SS, Florida
- Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
- Steve Schilling, OG, Michigan
- Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana
- Jerrell Powe, DT, Ole Miss
- Jaiquawn Jarrett, FS, Temple
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