Thursday, January 13, 2011
Mock Draft (1-13-2010)
10:43 AM | 
Posted by
Eric
1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Panthers lose out with Luck returning to Stanford. With no other QB's worth taking here they should take the best player on the board. Fairley dominated the National Championship Game and was unblockable all season.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Champ Bailey is getting old and likely will not be with the Broncos next season. Peterson is going to be a lock down CB in the NFL and in today's pro game CB's are becoming more and more valuable, especially elite ones like Peterson.
3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The Bills are trying to convert to a 3-4 and Quinn is an elite level pass rusher. Aaron Maybin is not a good fit for a 3-4 and the Bills have Tom Brady in their division so they need players that can get after the QB.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia
It's amazing that Carson Palmer played well with Chad and TO on the sideline. He played very well actually. That's because the WR's on the field actually ran the correct routes and they were where they were supposed to be. Jerome Simpson is finally looking good, other than the 2 fumbles against Baltimore. I'd like to see what Palmer can do when Chad and TO are gone and he can actually be a leader with young WR's that will listen to him.
Green was a man among boys in college, and that was in the SEC. Even when he missed those games due to suspension he came right in and dominated. He has an amazing skill set of size, speed, vertical leap, and ball skills. He has the ability to stretch the field, go up over defenders and get the ball, or run the short routes. His route running is very good already. Green is the best WR prospect since Calvin Johnson in my opinion and may be even better.
This pick would give the Bengals an arsenal of young weapons and set the offense up for the passing game for years to come. They already have a 1st round TE that looks like he's going to be a stud, a slot WR that is comparible to Wes Welker and had an excellent rookie season, and Simpson looks like he could be a very good number 2 WR. Bring in Green and you have that elite number 1 WR and Carson Palmer has a group of young weapons that will let lead them. And the Bengals could be a year and a couple of offensive lineman away from being better than the 2005 offense.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
Newton is going to be a top 5 pick one way or another. At least one team is going to fall in love with his skill set and his upside. For now I have Arizona taking him, but I think they may sign a veteran FA like McNabb. If not they need to take a QB or trade Fitzgerald, it'd be a waste to have such a talented WR with those below average QB's on that roster.
6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
The Browns need a playmaker at WR, but Holmgren has never taken a 1st round WR and I don't think he's going to start this year. Dareus is a safe pick, who will be a solid player and a good fit at DE in a 3-4.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
You need a good QB to win it all in the NFL, in most cases. But you can win another way and that is to have a dominant defense. The Niners already have a good D and are a couple secondary pieces away from being dominant. Amukamara is one of the two elite CB's in this draft class.
8. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Paea is a freak with how strong he is. He will command double teams and is the piece the Titans have been looking for since they lost Haynesworth on the interior of that D line.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Most draft experts would consider this a reach, but Dallas needs O line help and I think Carimi is a heck of a player, and is a pretty safe pick to be a solid RT for years to come. Romo got flattened this year and Jerry Jones knows you're not going to win the Super Bowl with your backup QB.
10. Washington Redskins- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Gabbert is flying up draft boards right now, especially with Luck announcing he's staying in school. McNabb is not going to be back in Washington, and Shanahan is going to want to bring in his own guy to play QB there.
11. Houston Texans- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Wade Phillips is the new D coordinator in Houston and that means a 3-4. Miller may be the best 3-4 OLB option in this draft class. He can rush the passer and cover very well. The Texans D was terrible last year and getting another pass rusher that can also cover will help a lot.
12. Minnesota Vikings- DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson
This would be an absolute steal for Minnesota and having Bowers across from Jared Allen would be deadly for opposing QB's. Minnesota will need a QB, but there is none worth the pick here so they go with the best player on the board.
13. Detoit Lions- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Solder is possibly the best pure LT in this draft class. If the Lions ever want to see what Stafford is capable of they need to find a way to keep him protected.
14. St. Louis Rams- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Sam Bradford played very well his rookie year, almost taking the Rams to the playoffs. They have some talented young WR's, but they are missing that number 1 WR. That's where Julio Jones comes in.
15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
The Dolphins want to run the ball down everyone's throat. I don't think Ronnie Brown will be back in Miami next year and Ricky Williams is pretty old. Ingram is the only back worthy of a 1st round pick and can carry an entire load of an NFL season.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
The Jags signed Kampman last off season and he blew out his knee. With Peyton Manning in your division you need as many good pass rushers as you can get.
17. New England Patriots- Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue (from Oakland)
The Pats are probably going to win the Super Bowl this year and it was supposed to be a re-building year. This pick from Oakland will give them a top notch pass rusher that they've been missing and turn their D from average to good.
18. San Diego Chargers- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
I don't know what SD is going to do with Vincent Jackson, but I do know they have an arrogant GM that will take a WR just to give himself leverage with Jackson. Then he may franchise him and make him sit another season.
19. New York Giants- Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Giants have been solid on the O line for years, but they are getting old there now and Eli Manning was not comfortable in the pocket this year. It showed up in interceptions. Smith could be a franchise LT within a year.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
I love what TB did in last years draft taking McCoy and Price, the two DT's, with their first two picks. This year they could take someone on the end of that line and be on the way to having a dominant D like the one they won the Super Bowl with.
21. Kansas City Chiefs- Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
The Chiefs were unable to get Bowe involved at all in thier playoff game, because he was the only threat the Ravens respected and was doubled the entire game. Getting another good WR could take KC's offense to the next level.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida
It's no secret the weakest link on the Colts is the interior O line. Pouncey is a big boy who can hold his own against huge NT's, can provide push in the run game, and can pass protect. When you have a Peyton Manning you keep your O line loaded with depth and he'll win you Super Bowls.
23. Philadelphia Eagles- DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
The Eagles gave up a ton of sacks this past season. That was with the elusive Mike Vick as their QB too. Look for them to bolster up the O line, especially RT.
24. New Orleans Saints- Cameron Heyward, DT/DE, Ohio State
The Saints D gave up 41 points to Seattle, that's rediculous. Heyward dominated the Sugar Bowl against a good Arkansas offensive line. He would be a good fit inside next to Sedric Ellis and those two would be tough to run on and would provide major pass rush.
25. Seattle Seahawks- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
The Seahawks let Brees pass for over 400, 4 TD's, but they still won. They won't be able to continue to do that though and need some cover CB's.
26. Green Bay Packers- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
When you have Aaron Rodgers it's never a bad idea to use a 1st round pick on an O lineman. That is their weakest spot even with using a 1st rounder on Bulaga last year.
27. New York Jets- Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
Jordan will be a perfect fit at DE in the Jets 3-4. They have struggled some up front this year on defense. Rex will look to fix that this off season, which should start after they get blown out by the Pats again this weekend.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Dowling has put up good tape over his entire college career, not just one year. Ozzie Newsome will like that and CB is the Ravens biggest need.
29. Chicago Bears- Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
This draft sets up perfect with lots of teams picking toward the bottom need O line help and tons of O lineman with grades that fit these slots. Cutler has gotten killed many times this year and the Bears need to get him some help up front.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Heath Miller's production has steadily gone down over the past few years. Rudolph is the top TE in this draft class that is weak at the position.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
This would be a steal for the Falcons, but you are seeing LB's fall further and further every year there is another draft. Ayers is probably the best pure 4-3 OLB in this draft class.
32. New England Patriots- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
To fit in the NE 3-4 Watt will have to put on about 10 lbs. That is not a big deal and Watt will be the best DE they've had since Richard Seymour.
2nd Round
33. New England Patriots- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (from Carolina)
It's almost not fair, the Pats basically have 3 first round picks, all in the bottom half of the 1st, which means they won't have to pay a ton of money for them either. This will basically give them two first round CB's with them taking McCourtey last season and with the other 2 defensive picks their D will be a dominating force to go along with their potent offense and make them Super Bowl favorites once again.
34. Buffalo Bills- Jake Locker, QB, Washington
I thought Fitzpatrick played well this past season and should be the starter heading into next year. Locker has all the physical tools to be a good NFL QB, but his confidence has taken a hit and he's going to need some development.
35. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
I'd like to build the lines, but if Moore is still here the Bengals need Safety help in the worst way. They can't stay healthy there and all their current Safeties are liabilities in coverage. Moore will give them that ball hawk that they've been missing for years. Hopefully they can pick up an interior O lineman in free agency and possibly a RT if Andre Smith isn't going to get his head out of his butt.
Having a Safety that can cover will give Zimmer alot more flexibility in his play calling and game planning. Look at teams like the Ravens and Steelers that have that elite Safety. Now I'm not saying Moore is going to be an Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu, but he'll definitely help this defense and could propel them back into the top 5.
36. Denver Broncos- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
The Broncos were terrible up front last season, now that John Fox is their new coach an emphasis will be put on stopping the run and Nevis will give them a force inside on that D line.
37. Cleveland Browns- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
The Browns are going to miss out if they don't take a 1st round WR and I don't think Holmgren will. He's won without them and is cocky enough to think he can do so again. With Micheal Floyd looking like he's going back to Notre Dame, Smith is the only WR left worth a pick this high, in my opinion.
38. Arizona Cardinals- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
After the Cards lost Dansby to Miami last off season, they were weak at the LB core and still haven't found a replacement. Houston has first round talent and would be a great value pick here at a position of huge need.
39. Tennessee Titans- Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova
The Titans need help all over the line and Ijalana can play OT or OG. He is a punishing run blocker who will fit in well in Tennessee who likes to run the ball with their all-pro RB.
40. Dallas Cowboys- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
The Cowboys need an upgrade at both CB spots really. Terrance Newman is getting old and their other CB (can't remember his name) gives inconsistent effort. I specifically remember him not even attempting a tackle on a national television game, he moved out of the way.
41. Washington Redskins- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
After the Albert Haynesworth fiasco, the Redskins are going to need a replacement at DT and Liuget is a great value pick at this spot.
42. Houston Texans- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
With Wade Phillips at D Coordinator and a 3-4 being installed the Texans are going to need a true NT. Taylor fits the bill at 350 lbs. Plus with their terrible Defense last year, I'd look for them to take a defensive player in atleast the first 3 rounds.
43. Minnesota Vikings- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
If Mallett is still on the board the Vikings would likely pull the trigger. I could see him falling this far after he was exposed in the Sugar Bowl for not being able to throw with pressure in the pocket. But he can still make any throw and this would work great for Minnesota getting Bowers at the 12th pick and then Mallett here.
44. Detroit Lions- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
With the Lions missing out on one of the two elite CB's in the 1st round, they can land one of the two outstanding Texas CB's in the 2nd.
45. San Francisco 49ers- Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma
I don't think Jim Harbaugh will reach on a QB here just to take one. He'll take one of the top players on the board and turn that defense into a dominant one. They used 2 first round picks on O lineman last year and the O line is in place there. Harbaugh will use Alex Smith for one year and then take his future QB next year, possibly trading up to get Andrew Luck.
46. Denver Broncos- Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Like I said John Fox will put a premium on defense, especially stopping the run. Hightower will be his man in the middle of that defense.
47. St. Louis Rams- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
The Rams have a solid D but are below average at both OLB spots. This is where you could start to see those suspended North Carolina defensive players start getting picked. They likely would've had a bunch of 1st round defensive players taken had they not been suspended.
48. Oakland Raiders- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Al Davis fires Tom Cable after the Raiders look to be on the right track. Now the new coach doesn't have a pick until almost the 50th pick, and Nmandi Asomough is a unrestricted FA. He's not going to return and the Raiders biggest need will be CB.
49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
Another of the talented NC players on defense. The Jags whiffed on Reggie Nelson and need players to defend the pass with the Colts and Texans in their division.
50. San Diego Chargers- Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
The Chargers need to upgrade and add depth on their defensive line. They had a good D this year, but also a cupcake schedule.
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech
Ronde Barber is on his last leg and CB's are at a premium and fly off the board, especially in today's pass happy NFL. Plus they have Drew Brees and Matt Ryan in their division.
52. New York Giants- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
Ahmad Bradshaw can't stay healthy and I don't know what will happen with Brandon Jacobs. I do know after all the interceptions this year Tom Coughlin is going to get back to running the ball, that's why I have them going O line then RB in rounds 1 and 2.
53. Indianapolis Colts- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Austin likely would've been taken alot earlier had he not gotten suspended by the NCAA. Anyway the Colts struggled stopping the run and this will give them a presence inside on the D line.
54. Philadelphia Eagles- Rodney Hudson, OC, Florida State
Andy Reid loves drafting O lineman early and often and hasn't done so in a few years. After all the sacks they gave up this year I think he'll get back to that. Hudson is a Center that has some athleticism which will help when trying to block for Vick, if he stays in Philly.
55. Kansas City Chiefs- Kelvin Sheppard, OLB, LSU
I think Sheppard can be developed into a good pass rusher in a 3-4 and he already has the cover skills. Other than Tamba Hali the Chiefs have no one to rush the QB.
56. New Orleans Saints- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Saints are good in the secondary except at SS, Malcom Jenkins has played well at FS and they have decent CB's.
57. Seattle Seahawks- Stefen Wisniewski, OC, Penn State
Pete Carroll likes to run the ball alot, but to do so he's going to need to upgrade the O line. Especially on the interior.
58. Green Bay Packers- Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
The Packers are going to be playing with the lead alot as long as they have Aaron Rodgers. In that case teams are going to be throwing on them and GB will need more CB depth.
59. San Diego Chargers- Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh (from Jets)
Since Shawn Merriman wasn't allowed to take steroids anymore the Chargers haven't had that top notch pass rusher. Larry English hasn't panned out either.
60. Baltimore Ravens- Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami
The Ravens didn't run the ball as well as they have in previous years. A lot of that is due to the fact they weren't getting the push up the middle they usually have in previous years.
61. Chicago Bears- Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma
With the pass rush the Bears have they should be getting alot more interceptions. Poor Safety play has hurt that somewhat.
62. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
The Steelers stick with the local college guy at a position they deprately need some depth. Basically they need players across their entire O line.
63. Atlanta Falcons- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
It's amazing the production Roddy White gets while being the only real receiving threat on that team. Hankerson is underrated in my book and could be one of those guys out of nowhere that becomes an elite WR, he has all the physical tools to do so.
64. New England Patriots- Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Another backup QB that Belicheck can develop and then trade off for a 1st or 2nd round pick.
3rd Round
65. Carolina Panthers- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina
The Panthers need a receiving threat other than Steve Smith, who's play has declined over the past couple years.
66. Cincinnati Bengals- Clint Boling, OG, Georgia
Could also go RB here, but if I was GM building the lines would be my top priority. I know I haven't taken a lineman in the first 2 rounds at all, but the way the draft fell I mocked them the best player on the board, both at positions of need that will be able to make an immediate impact.
Boling is a good pass protector and is a decent run blocker, who has room on his frame to add some bulk and make him an even better run blocker. Boling has excellent athleticism for his size.
Guard is a position that could be filled in free agency, but for now I have no clue what the Bengals are going to do this off season in free agency. I think they'll get Benson resigned, which will eliminate the need for a RB for now. Bobbie Williams probably has one more year left in him and the Bengals also have Reggie Stephens who can play OC or OG. Plus they have Mathis and Livings, but I think they need to be upgraded at the LG spot.
67
The Panthers lose out with Luck returning to Stanford. With no other QB's worth taking here they should take the best player on the board. Fairley dominated the National Championship Game and was unblockable all season.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Champ Bailey is getting old and likely will not be with the Broncos next season. Peterson is going to be a lock down CB in the NFL and in today's pro game CB's are becoming more and more valuable, especially elite ones like Peterson.
3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The Bills are trying to convert to a 3-4 and Quinn is an elite level pass rusher. Aaron Maybin is not a good fit for a 3-4 and the Bills have Tom Brady in their division so they need players that can get after the QB.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia
It's amazing that Carson Palmer played well with Chad and TO on the sideline. He played very well actually. That's because the WR's on the field actually ran the correct routes and they were where they were supposed to be. Jerome Simpson is finally looking good, other than the 2 fumbles against Baltimore. I'd like to see what Palmer can do when Chad and TO are gone and he can actually be a leader with young WR's that will listen to him.
Green was a man among boys in college, and that was in the SEC. Even when he missed those games due to suspension he came right in and dominated. He has an amazing skill set of size, speed, vertical leap, and ball skills. He has the ability to stretch the field, go up over defenders and get the ball, or run the short routes. His route running is very good already. Green is the best WR prospect since Calvin Johnson in my opinion and may be even better.
This pick would give the Bengals an arsenal of young weapons and set the offense up for the passing game for years to come. They already have a 1st round TE that looks like he's going to be a stud, a slot WR that is comparible to Wes Welker and had an excellent rookie season, and Simpson looks like he could be a very good number 2 WR. Bring in Green and you have that elite number 1 WR and Carson Palmer has a group of young weapons that will let lead them. And the Bengals could be a year and a couple of offensive lineman away from being better than the 2005 offense.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
Newton is going to be a top 5 pick one way or another. At least one team is going to fall in love with his skill set and his upside. For now I have Arizona taking him, but I think they may sign a veteran FA like McNabb. If not they need to take a QB or trade Fitzgerald, it'd be a waste to have such a talented WR with those below average QB's on that roster.
6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
The Browns need a playmaker at WR, but Holmgren has never taken a 1st round WR and I don't think he's going to start this year. Dareus is a safe pick, who will be a solid player and a good fit at DE in a 3-4.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
You need a good QB to win it all in the NFL, in most cases. But you can win another way and that is to have a dominant defense. The Niners already have a good D and are a couple secondary pieces away from being dominant. Amukamara is one of the two elite CB's in this draft class.
8. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Paea is a freak with how strong he is. He will command double teams and is the piece the Titans have been looking for since they lost Haynesworth on the interior of that D line.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Most draft experts would consider this a reach, but Dallas needs O line help and I think Carimi is a heck of a player, and is a pretty safe pick to be a solid RT for years to come. Romo got flattened this year and Jerry Jones knows you're not going to win the Super Bowl with your backup QB.
10. Washington Redskins- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Gabbert is flying up draft boards right now, especially with Luck announcing he's staying in school. McNabb is not going to be back in Washington, and Shanahan is going to want to bring in his own guy to play QB there.
11. Houston Texans- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Wade Phillips is the new D coordinator in Houston and that means a 3-4. Miller may be the best 3-4 OLB option in this draft class. He can rush the passer and cover very well. The Texans D was terrible last year and getting another pass rusher that can also cover will help a lot.
12. Minnesota Vikings- DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson
This would be an absolute steal for Minnesota and having Bowers across from Jared Allen would be deadly for opposing QB's. Minnesota will need a QB, but there is none worth the pick here so they go with the best player on the board.
13. Detoit Lions- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Solder is possibly the best pure LT in this draft class. If the Lions ever want to see what Stafford is capable of they need to find a way to keep him protected.
14. St. Louis Rams- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Sam Bradford played very well his rookie year, almost taking the Rams to the playoffs. They have some talented young WR's, but they are missing that number 1 WR. That's where Julio Jones comes in.
15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
The Dolphins want to run the ball down everyone's throat. I don't think Ronnie Brown will be back in Miami next year and Ricky Williams is pretty old. Ingram is the only back worthy of a 1st round pick and can carry an entire load of an NFL season.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
The Jags signed Kampman last off season and he blew out his knee. With Peyton Manning in your division you need as many good pass rushers as you can get.
17. New England Patriots- Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue (from Oakland)
The Pats are probably going to win the Super Bowl this year and it was supposed to be a re-building year. This pick from Oakland will give them a top notch pass rusher that they've been missing and turn their D from average to good.
18. San Diego Chargers- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
I don't know what SD is going to do with Vincent Jackson, but I do know they have an arrogant GM that will take a WR just to give himself leverage with Jackson. Then he may franchise him and make him sit another season.
19. New York Giants- Tyron Smith, OT, USC
The Giants have been solid on the O line for years, but they are getting old there now and Eli Manning was not comfortable in the pocket this year. It showed up in interceptions. Smith could be a franchise LT within a year.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
I love what TB did in last years draft taking McCoy and Price, the two DT's, with their first two picks. This year they could take someone on the end of that line and be on the way to having a dominant D like the one they won the Super Bowl with.
21. Kansas City Chiefs- Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
The Chiefs were unable to get Bowe involved at all in thier playoff game, because he was the only threat the Ravens respected and was doubled the entire game. Getting another good WR could take KC's offense to the next level.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida
It's no secret the weakest link on the Colts is the interior O line. Pouncey is a big boy who can hold his own against huge NT's, can provide push in the run game, and can pass protect. When you have a Peyton Manning you keep your O line loaded with depth and he'll win you Super Bowls.
23. Philadelphia Eagles- DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
The Eagles gave up a ton of sacks this past season. That was with the elusive Mike Vick as their QB too. Look for them to bolster up the O line, especially RT.
24. New Orleans Saints- Cameron Heyward, DT/DE, Ohio State
The Saints D gave up 41 points to Seattle, that's rediculous. Heyward dominated the Sugar Bowl against a good Arkansas offensive line. He would be a good fit inside next to Sedric Ellis and those two would be tough to run on and would provide major pass rush.
25. Seattle Seahawks- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
The Seahawks let Brees pass for over 400, 4 TD's, but they still won. They won't be able to continue to do that though and need some cover CB's.
26. Green Bay Packers- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
When you have Aaron Rodgers it's never a bad idea to use a 1st round pick on an O lineman. That is their weakest spot even with using a 1st rounder on Bulaga last year.
27. New York Jets- Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
Jordan will be a perfect fit at DE in the Jets 3-4. They have struggled some up front this year on defense. Rex will look to fix that this off season, which should start after they get blown out by the Pats again this weekend.
28. Baltimore Ravens- Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Dowling has put up good tape over his entire college career, not just one year. Ozzie Newsome will like that and CB is the Ravens biggest need.
29. Chicago Bears- Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
This draft sets up perfect with lots of teams picking toward the bottom need O line help and tons of O lineman with grades that fit these slots. Cutler has gotten killed many times this year and the Bears need to get him some help up front.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Heath Miller's production has steadily gone down over the past few years. Rudolph is the top TE in this draft class that is weak at the position.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
This would be a steal for the Falcons, but you are seeing LB's fall further and further every year there is another draft. Ayers is probably the best pure 4-3 OLB in this draft class.
32. New England Patriots- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
To fit in the NE 3-4 Watt will have to put on about 10 lbs. That is not a big deal and Watt will be the best DE they've had since Richard Seymour.
2nd Round
33. New England Patriots- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (from Carolina)
It's almost not fair, the Pats basically have 3 first round picks, all in the bottom half of the 1st, which means they won't have to pay a ton of money for them either. This will basically give them two first round CB's with them taking McCourtey last season and with the other 2 defensive picks their D will be a dominating force to go along with their potent offense and make them Super Bowl favorites once again.
34. Buffalo Bills- Jake Locker, QB, Washington
I thought Fitzpatrick played well this past season and should be the starter heading into next year. Locker has all the physical tools to be a good NFL QB, but his confidence has taken a hit and he's going to need some development.
35. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
I'd like to build the lines, but if Moore is still here the Bengals need Safety help in the worst way. They can't stay healthy there and all their current Safeties are liabilities in coverage. Moore will give them that ball hawk that they've been missing for years. Hopefully they can pick up an interior O lineman in free agency and possibly a RT if Andre Smith isn't going to get his head out of his butt.
Having a Safety that can cover will give Zimmer alot more flexibility in his play calling and game planning. Look at teams like the Ravens and Steelers that have that elite Safety. Now I'm not saying Moore is going to be an Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu, but he'll definitely help this defense and could propel them back into the top 5.
36. Denver Broncos- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
The Broncos were terrible up front last season, now that John Fox is their new coach an emphasis will be put on stopping the run and Nevis will give them a force inside on that D line.
37. Cleveland Browns- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
The Browns are going to miss out if they don't take a 1st round WR and I don't think Holmgren will. He's won without them and is cocky enough to think he can do so again. With Micheal Floyd looking like he's going back to Notre Dame, Smith is the only WR left worth a pick this high, in my opinion.
38. Arizona Cardinals- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
After the Cards lost Dansby to Miami last off season, they were weak at the LB core and still haven't found a replacement. Houston has first round talent and would be a great value pick here at a position of huge need.
39. Tennessee Titans- Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova
The Titans need help all over the line and Ijalana can play OT or OG. He is a punishing run blocker who will fit in well in Tennessee who likes to run the ball with their all-pro RB.
40. Dallas Cowboys- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
The Cowboys need an upgrade at both CB spots really. Terrance Newman is getting old and their other CB (can't remember his name) gives inconsistent effort. I specifically remember him not even attempting a tackle on a national television game, he moved out of the way.
41. Washington Redskins- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
After the Albert Haynesworth fiasco, the Redskins are going to need a replacement at DT and Liuget is a great value pick at this spot.
42. Houston Texans- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
With Wade Phillips at D Coordinator and a 3-4 being installed the Texans are going to need a true NT. Taylor fits the bill at 350 lbs. Plus with their terrible Defense last year, I'd look for them to take a defensive player in atleast the first 3 rounds.
43. Minnesota Vikings- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
If Mallett is still on the board the Vikings would likely pull the trigger. I could see him falling this far after he was exposed in the Sugar Bowl for not being able to throw with pressure in the pocket. But he can still make any throw and this would work great for Minnesota getting Bowers at the 12th pick and then Mallett here.
44. Detroit Lions- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
With the Lions missing out on one of the two elite CB's in the 1st round, they can land one of the two outstanding Texas CB's in the 2nd.
45. San Francisco 49ers- Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma
I don't think Jim Harbaugh will reach on a QB here just to take one. He'll take one of the top players on the board and turn that defense into a dominant one. They used 2 first round picks on O lineman last year and the O line is in place there. Harbaugh will use Alex Smith for one year and then take his future QB next year, possibly trading up to get Andrew Luck.
46. Denver Broncos- Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Like I said John Fox will put a premium on defense, especially stopping the run. Hightower will be his man in the middle of that defense.
47. St. Louis Rams- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
The Rams have a solid D but are below average at both OLB spots. This is where you could start to see those suspended North Carolina defensive players start getting picked. They likely would've had a bunch of 1st round defensive players taken had they not been suspended.
48. Oakland Raiders- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Al Davis fires Tom Cable after the Raiders look to be on the right track. Now the new coach doesn't have a pick until almost the 50th pick, and Nmandi Asomough is a unrestricted FA. He's not going to return and the Raiders biggest need will be CB.
49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
Another of the talented NC players on defense. The Jags whiffed on Reggie Nelson and need players to defend the pass with the Colts and Texans in their division.
50. San Diego Chargers- Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State
The Chargers need to upgrade and add depth on their defensive line. They had a good D this year, but also a cupcake schedule.
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech
Ronde Barber is on his last leg and CB's are at a premium and fly off the board, especially in today's pass happy NFL. Plus they have Drew Brees and Matt Ryan in their division.
52. New York Giants- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
Ahmad Bradshaw can't stay healthy and I don't know what will happen with Brandon Jacobs. I do know after all the interceptions this year Tom Coughlin is going to get back to running the ball, that's why I have them going O line then RB in rounds 1 and 2.
53. Indianapolis Colts- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Austin likely would've been taken alot earlier had he not gotten suspended by the NCAA. Anyway the Colts struggled stopping the run and this will give them a presence inside on the D line.
54. Philadelphia Eagles- Rodney Hudson, OC, Florida State
Andy Reid loves drafting O lineman early and often and hasn't done so in a few years. After all the sacks they gave up this year I think he'll get back to that. Hudson is a Center that has some athleticism which will help when trying to block for Vick, if he stays in Philly.
55. Kansas City Chiefs- Kelvin Sheppard, OLB, LSU
I think Sheppard can be developed into a good pass rusher in a 3-4 and he already has the cover skills. Other than Tamba Hali the Chiefs have no one to rush the QB.
56. New Orleans Saints- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Saints are good in the secondary except at SS, Malcom Jenkins has played well at FS and they have decent CB's.
57. Seattle Seahawks- Stefen Wisniewski, OC, Penn State
Pete Carroll likes to run the ball alot, but to do so he's going to need to upgrade the O line. Especially on the interior.
58. Green Bay Packers- Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
The Packers are going to be playing with the lead alot as long as they have Aaron Rodgers. In that case teams are going to be throwing on them and GB will need more CB depth.
59. San Diego Chargers- Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh (from Jets)
Since Shawn Merriman wasn't allowed to take steroids anymore the Chargers haven't had that top notch pass rusher. Larry English hasn't panned out either.
60. Baltimore Ravens- Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami
The Ravens didn't run the ball as well as they have in previous years. A lot of that is due to the fact they weren't getting the push up the middle they usually have in previous years.
61. Chicago Bears- Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma
With the pass rush the Bears have they should be getting alot more interceptions. Poor Safety play has hurt that somewhat.
62. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
The Steelers stick with the local college guy at a position they deprately need some depth. Basically they need players across their entire O line.
63. Atlanta Falcons- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
It's amazing the production Roddy White gets while being the only real receiving threat on that team. Hankerson is underrated in my book and could be one of those guys out of nowhere that becomes an elite WR, he has all the physical tools to do so.
64. New England Patriots- Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Another backup QB that Belicheck can develop and then trade off for a 1st or 2nd round pick.
3rd Round
65. Carolina Panthers- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina
The Panthers need a receiving threat other than Steve Smith, who's play has declined over the past couple years.
66. Cincinnati Bengals- Clint Boling, OG, Georgia
Could also go RB here, but if I was GM building the lines would be my top priority. I know I haven't taken a lineman in the first 2 rounds at all, but the way the draft fell I mocked them the best player on the board, both at positions of need that will be able to make an immediate impact.
Boling is a good pass protector and is a decent run blocker, who has room on his frame to add some bulk and make him an even better run blocker. Boling has excellent athleticism for his size.
Guard is a position that could be filled in free agency, but for now I have no clue what the Bengals are going to do this off season in free agency. I think they'll get Benson resigned, which will eliminate the need for a RB for now. Bobbie Williams probably has one more year left in him and the Bengals also have Reggie Stephens who can play OC or OG. Plus they have Mathis and Livings, but I think they need to be upgraded at the LG spot.
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