Mock Draft v 2.0
Here's round 2 of my mock draft and probably the last one. Honestly as it gets closer so many moves are made that change the complexion of the whole thing. I will release a 7 round mock just for the Cowboys right before the draft. Let's get on and look at some of the changes that were made.
1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma
The Rams can say what they want and do all the posturing in the world, but they know as well as I do, you don’t pass on a franchise Quarterback if you don’t have one. As much as they would like to make everyone believe they are taking a DT, they just aren’t. Bradford would be a good QB to take this team back to the “Greatest Show on Turf” offense they once featured. Bradford has some injury concern, but is the top QB in the draft with a great arm, decision making, and intangibles.
2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma
As much as I hate to see it, the hated Sooners could very well have the two top picks in this year’s draft. McCoy may be the very best player in the draft and people have known this about him since he came out of high school. At 6’4 295 lbs., McCoy is the better DT in this draft in my opinion. He’s incredibly athletic, and a destructive force on the front line. The Lions got their quarterback last year, and have a playmaker at Wide Receiver in Calvin Johnson. With no headline runners in this group, they are poised to take the top defensive player in the draft.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska
I know it flies in the face to take McCoy as my top DT, and trust me, I saw enough of “The boy named Suh” at the Big XII Championship Game at Cowboys stadium. Suh is a physical specimen just like McCoy, but the knock on him is he doesn’t always play as hard as he can. Suh gained popularity because of the national tv broadcast at the conference championship game. McCoy and Suh might be the two best players in this draft, and one thing I know is these two will go at these picks. The order is yet to be determined, but they will both go.
4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung – Offensive Tackle – Oklahoma State
Mike Shanahan is now in Washington and the offensive minded coach got his man when he traded for Donovan McNabb. The need the Redskins have failed to address the past few years is at Left Tackle, and Okung is the top rated guy at this position. Okung is a very physical blocker with great size and production. He was a rock on the left side of the line at Oklahoma State, and should be able to step in and compete right away now that Chris Samuels is no longer in the picture in DC.
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Bryan Bulaga – Offensive Tackle – Iowa
The Chiefs were one of the worst teams in the league when it came to sacks allowed, and they have a ton of money invested in QB Matt Cassell. Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe could make this a better offense, and Thomas Jones brings a veteran runner to the crew. The concern here is getting better along the line. Brendan Albert was taken a few years ago, but with the Chiefs still ailing Bryan Bulaga would be the answer here. . Bulaga is a very technical player coached by offensive line guru Kirk Ferentz. He’s a mauler with great feet and punch. He’s rising fast up boards right now and he’s only 21 years old.
6. Seattle Seahawks – Trent Williams – Offensive Tackles – Oklahoma
I’ve got Williams a lot higher on my board than a lot of people. Being here in Big XII country I’ve seen a lot of his games and he’s been a very solid tackle. He also tested very well at the combine. The Seahawks have had the gold standard of Offensive Tackle in Walter Jones for years, but need to start re-building their offense and I think it starts with a left Tackle. Quarterback and Wide Receiver are also a concern, but they have a chance to address those with a few picks in the first two rounds.
7. Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry – Safety – Tennessee
If the best defensive player in the draft isn’t one of the DT’s mentioned earlier, it may be The Vols’ Eric Berry. Berry has been a standout defensive playmaker since he arrived on the scene at Tennessee. The Browns have a lot of needs, but would have to reach to fill those needs at this point in the draft. One thing that needs an upgrade is the secondary and they have the chance to do that with a guy who could step into the secondary right away. Berry may be the safest pick in this year’s draft.
8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell – Offensive Tackle – Maryland
Oh those Oakland Raiders. You never quite know what they are going to do, but one thing is for sure. They love the workout warrior. Offensive Tackle is a need for them to address and Bruce Campbell was the best Offensive Tackle at the combine when it comes to testing. Campbell showed up and looked more like a Greek God than the oversized offensive Tackles we’ve been used to seeing. He ran a low 4.8 40 and did every drill to perfection. There are concerns about him when you actually put the game film on, but I wouldn’t put it past Al Davis to take Campbell here.
9. Buffalo Bills – Anthony Davis – Offensive Tackle – Rutgers.
I predict quite the run on offensive Tackles here as you can see. The Bills are enduring another coaching change and another attempt to rebuild the offense. The Bills offense actually does have some playmakers and they spent some picks building the interior line last year. The big need after getting rid of Pro Bowl Tackle Jason Peters is the blindside. Bills fans nation wide will tell you they need a Quarterback, but I’ll tell you it doesn’t matter if they have Peyton Manning, if they can’t block they can’t succeed. Davis is a bit underrated as a Tackle and I actually like him more than a few guys. He didn’t test terribly well at the combine but he’s had a great career at Rutgers and could be a very solid player in the NFL.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jimmy Clausen – Quarterback – Notre Dame
The Jaguars could go in a number of different directions but with a potential top 5 pick falling to them at a perceived need position I don’t think they would pass on Jimmy Clausen. Look for another team to try to trade up to this spot if they like Clausen, but since I’m not forecasting trades in this, I’ll stick with Clausen as the pick for the Jags. David Garrard has just been too inconsistent and this is the perfect spot to get a franchise Quarterback type of player. Clausen is a prototype of a Pro QB and could work in a pro style offense with MJD.
11. Denver Broncos (F/Chi) – Rolando McClain – Linebacker – Alabama
The Broncos could actually go in a number of directions this year. McClain was arguably the best player on one of the top defenses in the nation this year. He’s an intense leader who specializes in violence. McClain can play inside in the 3-4 and is the type of guy who could put up ridiculous numbers from day one.
12. Miami Dolphins – Jason Pierre-Paul – Defensive End/Linebacker – South Florida
Bill Parcells as you know from his time here will want to stock his team with personnel for his 3-4 defense. There is an actual need there with the loss of Joey Porter this offseason. The question here is whether the Dolphins like Pierre-Paul or Sergio Kindle better. Pierre-Paul has been a highly rated player for a few years and is a freak of nature that has some people comparing him to DeMarcus Ware. This could very well be a case of where Parcells was in Dallas deciding between Ware and Shawne Merriman. I think all things being pretty equal, they go with the hometown kid.
13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden – Cornerback – Florida
Last year the 49ers addressed their Wide Receiver position with the polarizing Michael Crabtree. There’s a need at Quarterback I think, but the Niners are willing to go with Alex Smith one more time and there are no Quarterbacks of value here. Mike Singletary made great strides with this team and will probably want someone for his defense. Joe Haden was thought to be a top 10 player, but performed terribly at the combine. He came back with a strong pro day and tested well. The Niners need some help in the defensive backfield and Haden would be a great pick to step right in.
14. Seattle Seahawks – Dez Bryant – Wide Receiver – Oklahoma State
Sorry Cowboys fans, I know you were hoping Dez might be there at 27, but I just think someone will grab him before then and the Seahawks, rebuilding on offense would be smart to do so. Last year the Seahawks grabbed TJ Houshmandzaddeh who didn’t do much, but could if he had a bona fide guy on the other side. Bryant lost half of his year to the NCAA after lying about his relationship with Deion Sanders. That said, I don’t think Bryant is a bad kid or character risk. He’s a big physical deep threat, with great hands, and the ability to help you out in the return game. Picking up a Left Tackle and a star wideout with the first two picks is a great way to get this offense back on its feet.
15. New York Giants – CJ Spiller – Running Back – Clemson
The Giants are actually in a place where they can take the vaunted Best Player Available approach. They could probably look at defense with a need on the D-Line and at Linebacker as well. Brandon Jacobs is a pretty good runner but is often banged up and in this day of the 2 back offense he needs a change of pace guy. Enter CJ Spiller. Spiller was spectacular at Clemson and a true game breaker. He has the ability to help out on returns and is a lot like Chris Johnson. Obviously he’s not as fast but who is? Spiller is probably also one of the most complete backs in this draft.
16. Tennessee Titans – Earl Thomas – Safety – Texas
The titans have historically loved them some Longhorns. 5 Longhorns are currently on the roster (Vince Young, Ahamard Hall, Michael Griffin, Bo Scaife, and Chris Simms) and Earl Thomas could be the 6th. The Titans have a need at a lot of spots on defense and would be thrilled to see Thomas fall here. I’ve raved about Thomas all year, and I think any hopes he would slide to Dallas are far fetched. Thomas was dominant at the combine and some scouts have him ranked over Eric Berry. Thomas presents the ability to play either corner or safety for The Jag’s defense, and will contribute right away on special teams. Say all you want about the Longhorns draft failures in Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and to some extent Vince Young (or so people think), but you can safely take a defensive back from The Horns and he will succeed. Just ask Aaron Ross, Quentin Jammer, Cedric Griffin, and Michael Griffin.
17. San Francisco 49ers (F/Car) – Mike Iupati – Offensive Guard – Idaho
The Niners really got a great deal when they allowed Carolina to trade up for Everette Brown last year. They got a good 1st round pick and Brown amounted to next to nothing last year. After going defense in their first pick San Fran could stand to go with an offensive lineman who could play on the interior or in some cases on the edge. Here’s a chance to plug that hole and take probably the best player available with the mountain mauler Mike Iupati. As I said in my preview, Iupati is a guy who is in trouble at Tackle but is a fantastic Guard. He’s a guy who when he locks on he moves you a long way and you usually end up on your back.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Maurkice Pouncey – Offensive Guard/Center – Florida
The Steelers had some real issues last year and most of that had to do with the offensive line. Losing Alan Faneca hurt more than anyone thought in the run and pass game. Here’s a chance to plug that hole and take probably the best player available with Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey can play center and either of the guard spots. Pouncey was a stalwart of the Gator offensive line and has drawn rave reviews from scouts, coaches, and players. He wont go higher because interior players aren’t valued as high as Tackles, but Pouncey is one of the best offensive linemen in the draft.
19. Atlanta Falcons – Derrick Morgan – Defensive End – Georgia Tech
Morgan was quite a pass rusher in college and in the age of the 3-4 tweener end Morgan fits in as the 4-3 end. He’s a great athlete that shows good burst off the edge and can help bolster a Falcons defense that needs some help getting after the Quarterback. The Falcons could also look at a defensive back here.
20. Houston Texans – Kyle Wilson – Cornerback – Boise State
The Texans could also look at a runner here, but have a pressing need at safety and corner. Wilson represents the best DB on the draft if they don’t want to go in the direction of Taylor Mays. Wilson is a fast corner who is surprisingly physical for his size. He will be hell on wheels as a special teamers and can step into the nickel package right away.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham – Tight End – Oklahoma
Last year the Bengals made a play to get Martellus Bennett from the Cowboys. With Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson on offense, and Cedric Benson running the ball the Bengals have some good tools on offense. An offense’s best friend can be a reliable Tight End option. Gresham missed this season due to a terrible knee injury, and that probably cost him a top 15 pick. Gresham has great size, speed, and hands. He’s a physical blocker in the run game and the kind of guy who can get deep down the seam and really stretch the middle of defenses.
22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham – Defensive End – Michigan
Brandon Graham is an incredibly underrated player. He’s one of those guys you forget about until The Patriots select him and then he wrecks the league. Graham single handedly destroyed the competition at the Senior bowl from a pass rushing perspective and has some great bulk. The Patriots have let some people slip away from them and need to re-stock. Graham would be the best way to go to do this.
23. Green Bay Packers – Sergio Kindle – Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – Texas
The Packers switched to a 3-4 last year and got great production out of rookie Clay Matthews. The big areas of need are at Offensive Line, Defensive Back, and Outside Linebacker. Sergio Kindle sliding here should allow them to replace the departed Aaron Kampman. Kindle, who was a blue chip recruit out of Woodrow Wilson in Dallas, Texas would be the guy here. Kindle who played linebacker at the beginning of his career in college and then switched to Defensive end last year presents the ability to play End in a 4-3 and the rush linebacker in a 3-4. Kindle is an amazing athlete coached by Will Muschamp his last two years and drew rave reviews for his work ethic and leadership.
24.Philadelphia Eagles – Taylor Mays – Safety – USC
Someone is going to take Taylor Mays and I think the Eagles will take a chance on putting him in their defensive backfield. Taylor Mays is probably the most interesting player in the draft. On one hand you have a guy who runs in the low 4.4’s, has an outstanding vertical and broad jump, and bench presses very well. He’s a physical freak at a 6’3 235 lbs. frame and has some real highlight reel hits in his career. On the other hand for a guy with those measurable he didn’t make many plays at USC. He’s got some stiff hips and really struggles with some instinctual things. It will be interesting to see where people take him, but I think the Texans might take a chance on him. His workout numbers say Ronnie Lott and his film says Roy Williams.
25. Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Robinson – Cornerback – Florida State
Patrick Robinson is the top player on my “Boom or Bust” board. He’s a great athlete with fantastic size, but he’s never been the most consistent player. Still, he’s a good prospect who might thrive in the right system. At 6’ 190 lbs, with excellent speed, Robinson is a good press corner but struggles with concentration and playing the run.
26. Arizona Cardinals – Devin McCourty – Cornerback – Rutgers
McCourty is another player who’s been rising up the boards lately. He’s a bit undersized at 5’10 190 but has great speed and instincts. He’s a good tackler, a leader, and a special teams big time player. He’d be the perfect guy to put on the other side of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. His size will cause him some problems with bigger receivers but as opposed to Robinson, McCourty is a bit of an over achiever.
27. Dallas Cowboys – Charles Brown – Offensive Tackle – USC
The Cowboys released long time tackle Flozell Adams and would need to take someone to replace him. Caveat: I reserve the right to change this if the Cowboys trade for Jared Gaither as is being reported. Charles Brown is really under the radar which seems weird coming from a program like USC. Still, he’s a well coached prospect who may not be a star, but could be solid.
28. San Diego Chargers – Dan Williams – Defensive Tackle – Tennessee
The Chargers defense has been solid in recent years thanks to the man in the middle Jamal Williams. Williams was a speed bump and the cornerstone of the 3-4 in San Diego. With him gone, why not go get another big Williams? Dan Williams is a very impressive kid. He’s one of my favorites in this draft and absolutely destroyed the senior bowl. Running back is also a need position but this is a fairly deep runner draft.
29. New York Jets – Jared Odrick – Defensive Tackle/Defensive End – Penn State
The Jets have already put together an amazing defense, but could stand to add some depth here. Originally Receiver was a need but the Jets acquired former superbowl MVP Santonio Holmes recently eliminating that. Odrick is a value depth pick here who would play outside at end in a 3-4. Rex Ryan has done a great job building this thing quickly and Odrick would only add another good player to a pretty salty defense.
30. Minnesota Vikings – Colt McCoy – Quarterback – Texas
Here’s my shocker pick of the draft. Colt is probably the guy who sneaks into the late first and that’s only because there are a lot of teams that may like him within the next 10 picks. The Vikings, regardless of if Favre returns or not need to take a guy they can put the future on. It’s weird for me as a Texas fan to say a Texas great and the all time college football game winner is probably just a good game manager at the next level, but that’s what I think. A lot of people compare him to Drew Brees, but Colt has nowhere near the arm Brees does. That said I think they could do a lot of the same things they do with Favre with Colt.
31. Indianapolis Colts – Golden Tate – Wide Receiver – Notre Dame
It’s really hard to figure what the Colts are going to do in any given year because they are so abstract in the way they draft. They could choose to address the offensive or defensive lines, but I think they may get a steal with Golden Tate. Reggie Wayne is a star, but Anthony Gonzales has just been ok and injured. Tate would add another weapon to the Colts offense and represent great value.
32. New Orleans Saints – Sean Weatherspoon – Outside Linebacker – Missouri
I went back and forth over this pick, but after losing former Cowboy Scott Fujita, Weatherspoon would be an upgrade at that position. Weatherspoon was a guy who leapt off the screen at you at Missouri. He’s got a non-stop motor, good speed, and is violent when he gets to the ball carrier. With more teams going to 3-4 the true 4-3 outside linebacker is undervalued. Weatherspoon would probably be the best of a true Will linebacker in the draft.
***2ND ROUND***
33. St. Louis Rams – Arrelious Benn – Wide Receiver – Illinois
Big physical receiver who could come in with Sam Bradford and help the offense immediately.
34. Detroit Lions – Kareem Jackson – Cornerback – Alabama
Underrated defensive back who was quite a player for the National Champion Crimson Tide. Could add depth to a thin Detroit secondary.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brandon Lafell – Wide Receiver – LSU
Dwayne Bowe clone, who could add to a lackluster Buccaneer receiving corps.
36. Kansas City Chiefs – Tyson Alualu – Defensive Tackle/Defensive End – California
Big bodied defensive lineman to step in and help a defense that wasn’t very good.
37. Philadelphia Eagles (F/WAS) – Darryl Washington – Outside Linebacker – TCU
Physical, fast, defensive playmaker at a big need spot for the Eagles.
38. – Demariyus Thomas – Wide Receiver – Georgia Tech
Calvin Johnson clone, big body with great speed and hands. Super playmaker.
39. Oakland Raiders – Brian Price – Defensive Tackle – UCLA
Big 3-4 defensive lineman who could be brought in for depth.
40. San Diego Chargers (F/ Seattle) – Ryan Matthews – Running Back – Fresno State
All around back with good power and speed to take over where LT left off.
41. Buffalo Bills – Everson Griffen – Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – USC
Speedy uber athlete pass rusher who can begin the Bills 3-4 defense.
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (F/Chi) – Chad Jones – Safety – LSU
Physical, fast safety who could start right away. 2 sport star who excelled at football and Baseball at LSU.
43. Miami Dolphins (F/ Was) - Terrence Cody – Defensive Tackle – Alabama
Mountain Nose guard who has conditioning problems but is a 3-4 prototype nose guard.
44. New England Patriots (F/Jax) – Tim Tebow – Quarterback – Florida
Value pick on the enigmatic Tebow, who could be a project QB and wildcat star.
45. Denver Broncos – Jerry Hughes – Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – TCU
Outside pass rusher for 3-4 after taking an inside backer in the first round.
46. New York Giants – Brandon Spikes – Inside Linebacker – Florida
Physical mike linebacker who could replace Antonio Pierce in the Giants defense.
47. New England Patriots (F/Ten) – Carlos Dunlap – Defensive End – Florida
Tremendous value pick who could play either end or outside linebacker. Tremendous versatility.
48. Carolina Panthers – Mardy Gilyard – Wide Receiver – Cincinnati
Speedy wide receiver and return guy who could pair up with Steve Smith.
49. San Francisco 49ers – Jhavid Best – California
Local product who is a speedy dynamic back to team with Frank Gore.
50. Kansas City Chiefs (F/ ATL) – Major Wright – Safety – Florida
A smart player who’s very experienced and was a solid safety for the Gators.
51. Houston Texans – Toby Gearhart – Running Back – Stanford
Big physical runner to pair with Steve Slaton and give the Texans a short yardage and goal line threat.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Corey Wooten – Defensive End – Northwestern
3-4 End to play the 5 technique in the Steelers defense.
53. New England Patriots – Aaron Hernandez – Tight End – Florida
Fantastic athlete who could add to the Patriots passing defense and give Tom Brady another reliable target.
54. Cincinnati Bengals – Nate Allen – Safety – South Florida
Athletic defensive back to bolster a weak Bengals secondary.
55. Philadelphia Eagles – Vladimir Ducasse – Offensive Guard/Tackle – Massachusetts
Tremendous upside player who is a bit of a project but could be a good guard or right tackle.
56. Green Bay Packers – Jason Fox – Offensive Tackle – Miami
4 year starter for the Canes who could give the Packers a future at tackle.
57. Baltimore Ravens – Rob Gronkowski – Tight End – Arizona
Sleeper Tight End who is very athletic and a bit of an H-back.
58. Arizona Cardinals – Eric Norwood – Outside Linebacker – South Carolina
Speedy, undersized outside linebacker who flat out brings it on the pass rush.
59. Dallas Cowboys – Morgan Burnett – Safety – Georgia Tech
Good, athletic safety prospect to compete with Alan Ball for the starting safety job.
60. Seattle Seahawks (F/San Diego) – Rodger Saffold – Offensive Guard – Indiana
Big physical guard who can help the Seahawks run and pass protection.
61. New York Jets – Dexter McCluster – Wide Receiver – Ole Miss
Jack of all trades Percy Harvin type player that Rex Ryan covets.
62. Minnesota Vikings – Jerome Murphy – Cornerback – South Florida
Athletic corner to study behind an aging Antoine Winfeld.
63. Indianapolis Colts – Lamarr Houston – Defensive Tackle – Texas
High motor, athletic guy who can play tackle and end and add versatility to the Colts d-line.
64. New Orleans Saints – Jared Veldheer – Offensive Tackle – Hillsdale
Gigantic tackle prospect who is one of the top sleeper prospects and can add to the Saints o-line.
Mock Draft V 2.0