Many “mock” drafts have been put out there already but with this being such a big event in sports I will take a shot at it.
I will project the pick and give other possibilities to who the team could actually end up picking. When a player is used I won’t use him later on in other possibilities because I will consider him already taken.
For the sake of argument I will not factor in possible trades of draft picks that could happen on draft day.
So let’s give this a try why don’t we.
1. St. Louis Rams-Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma- Personally I hate this pick but it will be the pick unless Bradford holds out. Should not be made if the Rams want to succeed but a quarterback has been taken first overall seven of the last 10 drafts. Sam Bradford is a big name and has big potential but this would be the wrong pick. He is a system quarterback from the University of Oklahoma and now could be injury prone with that creaky shoulder that needed season ending surgery. Not great at his reads and lots of question marks here. Predicting a big bust here.
Then again, the Rams are in desperate need of a quarterback and a franchise corner stone. Bradford does have the potential and a big name. Bradford appears smaller on tape but actually has the prototypical frame for a QB, standing at 6-4 and weighing 235. The Rams will take ESPN’s Todd McShay’s top rated QB.
Other Possibility:
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska- Utterly dominate. You build a team in the trenches and he is possibly the best defensive tackle prospect in the past 25 years. Just watch the tape against Texas in the Big 12 Championship game.
2. Detroit Lions-Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State- Should be a no brainer even with Suh on the board. Jeff Backus would be good at guard but is atrocious at left tackle. The Lions have been praising Backus this offseason but I believe it is ridiculous. They need to protect their $72 million investment from last year’s draft in Matthew Stafford, who has his own shoulder injury now caused from his “Swiss cheese” line. Okung is the most complete LT in the draft and a franchise LT in the making and would make Stafford extremely happy.
Other Possibility:
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska- Jim Schwartz is a defensive head coach. He was Tennessee’s defensive coordinator for some time and had a dominate DT while he was there in Albert Haynesworth. Schwartz has praised Suh at workouts.
Or
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma- Some have him rated higher than Suh. McCoy has been compared to a young Warren Sapp. Quick off the ball but not as great against the run as Suh but may be better at rushing the passer.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska- Here is where fans and management rejoice. The top rated prospect by many respected draft guru’s such as Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN. The Tampa defense has strayed from the Tampa 2 that Monty Kiffin coordinated so well before he left to coach with his son in college. Suh would bolster the sagging defense line that has been in Tampa for the past few years.
Tampa’s defense still seems too old even with the integration of young studs Barrett Ruud, Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson. Suh has been compared to Reggie White by some. With that comparison it would not be a stretch to say that Suh could anchor the Bucs line for the next 10 to 15 years.
Other Possibility:
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma- As said before, a young Warren Sapp, the former Buccaneer great.
Or
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida- The Bucs traded away former top pick Gaines Adams (since deceased) for next to nothing. Their pass rush was pathetic but “JPP” would help out here.
4. Washington Redskins- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma- This pick is questionable and could be considered a reach by a few. The Redskins need line help and Trent Williams has been gaining steam after a good combine and pro-day. Williams had a poor senior year but was great the two seasons before. Watch out though, he could end up being a right tackle instead of that franchise tackle you want when you pick this high. If the ‘Skins hadn’t traded for Donovan McNabb I probably would have said Jimmy Clausen but now what would be the point?
His poor year could have been a fluke because it seemed like every Sooner star went down last year with some type of injury. Williams will just be one piece of the puzzle for the Redskins line that is probably the worst line in the NFL. He could anchor left tackle but the Skins will need to draft more line help if they expect to reach the playoffs with McNabb at the helm.
Other Possibilities:
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee- The first or second best prospect in the draft but safeties are not taken this high. Could be the pick if the Redskins want to take the best player available but otherwise a tackle will be the pick.
Or
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- What would be the point? Well grabbing a great young QB who played in a pro style system under Charlie Weiss would not be a bad pick. McNabb could teach the young Clausen the ropes like he did Kevin Kolb in Philly. Plus Mike Shanahan probably wants his prize QB, (see John Elway and Jay Cutler).
5. Kansas City Chiefs- Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa- Originally I had Anthony Davis here because I believe he is the superior talent but most mocks and talent evaluators have Bulaga here. A technician at his craft but not particularly strong in the passing game. Bulaga has a low ceiling that you really do not want when drafting a possible franchise left tackle. His shorter arms also are worrisome for his position where he may not be able to reach the quick DEs and LBs in the NFL. Should be considered a reach and probably will end up being moved to right tackle.
Branden Albert played well at the end of the year but may not be a franchise left tackle. This move could help the Chiefs in more moves than just one. By drafting Bulaga, Albert could move to left guard or right tackle while Brian Waters could move to center if need be. Protecting QB Matt Cassel is important to this young team’s success.
Other Possibilities:
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers- The far superior athlete but has some concerning character issues which have dropped his stock. He was once projected to go in the top five due to his obvious talent. He needs to keep his weight under control or else he could slide father down the boards.
Or
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee- The first or second best prospect in the draft but safeties are not taken this high. Could be the pick if the Chiefs want to take the best player available but otherwise a tackle will be the pick.
6. Seattle Seahawks-Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma- Probably not even a month ago people were saying McCoy and Suh would go one and two overall. There was no possible way that either would even reach the Redskins at four. McCoy will immediately step in and produce. McCoy is a dominate force that would now have to anchor the defensive line with the help of Lawrence Jackson in the wake of Patrick Kerney’s retirement.
The Warren Sapp comparison is a great fit. McCoy is off the ball like is in a sprinters stance. The better pass rusher between him and Suh but could use some work in the run stopping department. Seahawks will get a great player here.
Other Possibilities:
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee- Berry would be a great fit since Deon Grant was released. In the mold of Ed Reed, which if I was him I would be flattered to be compared to one of the greatest safeties of all time.
Or
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- Matt Hasselbeck is 34 years old and extremely injury prone since the ‘Hawks went to the Super Bowl. Clausen is for some reason being overlooked, cannot explain why but he will have better career than Bradford.
Or
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland- Yes many also have Bulaga here but I just don’t see it. If you look at the type of players that Carroll recruited at USC it was always the high potential guys. He rarely took the technician and low ceiling player. Campbell is a physical specimen and LOADS of potential. He is big, strong and with some coaching I believe he could dominate.
7. Cleveland Browns- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee- Berry is a great athlete and very well could be the next Ed Reed. With Brodney Pool leaving for the Jets it looks like a good place for Berry to go and make highlight reel plays for years to come. Mike Holmgren should be more than happy to get Berry playing centerfield like how he once had Darren Sharper in Green Bay. So the dog pound should be very happy with this pick.
Other Possibilities:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- Holmgren says he will not take a quarterback this early but this time of the year every GM is lying about what is their plan. Holmgren is an elite QB developer and Clausen fits a need. A year or even a couple weeks behind Jake Delhomme would certainly help out the youngest QB of the top QB prospects.
Or
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech- Reported that the Browns like Morgan better than Jason Pierre-Paul. Morgan would have to transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4 but many believe in the league that he could make the move smoothly.
Or
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State- By trading away Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow last year, the Browns have very few playmakers. Bryant is the best wideout in the draft and would help whoever will be the QB.
8. Oakland Raiders- Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland- The fun begins with the Raiders. Let’s get this straight, there are only three options for the Raiders at this point in this mock draft. Only three, period. This is the one that makes the most sense. The Raiders need a tackle and Al Davis gets his “great” player here. Davis loves big, fast and strong specimens, and Campbell is all three for his great size and valuable position.
Other Possibilities:
Taylor Mays, S, USC- Possibly the greatest physical specimen in this year’s draft. The 6-3 230 pound safety ran an unofficial 4.24 40 yard dash at the combine and roughly that at his pro day. His body and measurables are off the charts. Has questions about his lateral quickness and his ability to cover the deep pass. Then again, he was injured most of this past season with a knee ailment that could have prevented his lateral movements.
Or
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida- Is also a freak of nature. The dude is 6-6 and weighs 270. He ran a 4.64 40 at the combine and can do those gymnastic backflips over and over and over again. The video of it is on YouTube were he does 13 back flips in a row. I wonder how many times Al Davis has watched the video if he even knows what the internet is.
9. Buffalo Bills- Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee- The Bills are transitioning to the ever popular 3-4 defensive scheme. Even with trading for Marcus Stroud last offseason, a big nose tackle is a must for the scheme. Williams wasn’t even in the draft talk following three disappointing years at Tennessee but after a dominate senior season his stock has risen dramatically. The consensus third best defensive tackle prospect and the highest rated nose tackle prospect.
Other Possibilities:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- They need a lot but Clausen could be special. Other needs will force Clausen to slide some more.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State- Bryant is a potential star at a position where the Jags have drafted before but never struck gold. Bryant is better than a Reggie Williams or Matt Jones. David Garrard will thank management for finally giving him the number one receiver that the team has been attempting to get for years.
Like the past receiver selections of the Jags, Bryant has some of his own issues. Many teams reportedly have actually taken the stud from Oklahoma State off their boards entirely. That is utterly ridiculous. Bryant is a young immature kid who lied to NCAA officials about his time with former NFL diva Deion Sanders. Bryant has since hired a life skills coach and should have no further problems.
Other Possibilities:
Joe Haden, CB, Florida- Line him up across from Rashean Mathis and they could have the best cornerback tandem in the league with Haden eventually becoming the number one CB on the team.
Or
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- Sorry but David Garrard is getting old and really should not have been a Probowler last year.
11. Denver Broncos- Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama- Pair him up with DJ Williams and they would be the best inside backer duo this year. Especially with Andra Davis being released, he is a major consideration to the Broncos. With a McClain and Williams tandem up the middle, teams will be more reluctant to run their way.
Right now in the rebuilding stage of the Broncos, defense is the most important as side of the ball. The Broncos defense was impenetrable the first six weeks of the season, but after they went through the easiest part of their schedule they started to wear down. McClain adds a tough mentality and will be a major focal point for the retooling of the proud franchise.
Other Possibilities:
Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida- Flying up the draft boards. Center is a huge need for the Broncos and Pouncey is one of the best center prospects in 10 or so years.
12. Miami Dolphins- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida- This specimen could replace the aging and reportedly departing free agent Jason Taylor and already departed Joey Porter (he too was a nuisance to his team as well as an aging veteran). This pick is of obvious need with the departing two edge rushers and value. JPP could be Bill Parcells’ next big time pass rusher (see Lawrence Taylor, Demarcus Ware, etc.).
Pierre-Paul is completely raw for Parcells to mold (Yes I know Parcells is not even a coach but whoever believes that he doesn’t help head coach Tony Sparano is kidding themselves). He is big, fast, agile and powerful. A complete specimen that is perfectly moldable. JJP has only been playing football since his junior year in high school; from there he attended two years at community colleges and then a single year at USF so he is extremely raw. Perfect for Parcells, Sparano and co. who will develop him like no other.
Other Possibilities:
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech- Out jumped JPP in the vertical jump approximately 34” to 31 ½.” He may not be as athletic but isn’t a stiff. Could make the move to the 3-4 rushing OLB and I could just come down to who Parcells and Jeff Ireland prefer.
Or
Joe Haden, CB, Florida- With the two cornerbacks being drafted last year this is not a huge need but a safety sure would help. Drafting Haden would move Sean Smith to safety and shore up that secondary.
Or
Earl Thomas, S/CB, Texas- Yes he played safety at Texas but scouts say he could play corner or safety in the league. Either way he could fill that hole in the secondary for the ‘Fins.
13. San Francisco 49ers- Joe Haden, CB, Florida- The 49ers luck out again this year. Last year no one predicted that the highly coveted Michael Crabtree would somehow fall all the way to the 10th overall pick. Crabtree was not even the first WR taken last year; that title goes to the incredibly fast Darius Heyward-Bey who had no business going seventh overall to the Raiders (told you Al Davis loves his fast guys). This year San Francisco gets an ultra-talented prospect that should not be this low, again.
Haden had a poor 40 yard dash time at the combine but amazed at his pro day. Nate Clements, the $80 million man, has certainly disappointed in his time on the team but Haden would easily take over so Clements could move over to be the second. Haden could be a top 10 or 15 corner in the league right now he is so good. Terrific ball skills, instincts, he actually tackles for a DB, is big and strong for a corner, and certainly fast.
Other Possibilities:
Earl Thomas, S/CB, Texas- Would essentially do the same thing as Haden, but Haden won’t be there for the 49ers second first round pick and Thomas very well could be.
Or
CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson- Gore is entrenched as the starter but the kid from Clemson can do it all. He can run, catch, and return. Spiller could be a major consideration here especially because he could be gone in the next pick or two.
14. Seattle Seahawks- CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson- Julius Jones has been a joke since his rookie year and Justin Forsett doesn’t seem like a franchise back at his small size. CJ Spiller is a homerun waiting to happen anytime he touches the ball. Spiller is easily a top 10 talent but people don’t seem to respect him as a running back. Could be a Chris Johnson in waiting.
Spiller was the only college player to score in every game last year, and doing so in five different ways (punt return, kickoff return, reception, rush and throw a touchdown pass). Spiller will fit in perfectly with Pete Carroll’s offensive scheme. Watch for the Clemson senior standout to touch the ball in Seattle, A LOT.
Other Possibilities:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- I really like him here as the eventual successor to Matt Hasselbeck. Though it may sound ridiculous, I think Carroll could wait until Matt Barkley comes out from USC. Sounds crazy but who is really going to tell Carroll what to do after they pried the decorated coach from USC after he won several national championships? Oh wait. That’s right, absolutely no one.
Or
Charles Brown, OT, USC- Very solid left tackle could be the pick if Walter Jones finally announces his long awaited retirement after not playing for nearly two years. Carroll is familiar with him since he was his college coach. Left tackle is also a big need with one of the worst lines in the league.
15. New York Giants- Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech- There is a reported good/great chance that the Giants will trade veteran Osi Umenyiora after he was benched coming back from injury. He is starting to cause troubles in the locker room which is creating a headache for the front office.
Morgan is generally rated the highest DE prospect after declaring after his junior year at Georgia Tech. Morgan possesses great size, strength, skill, smarts and anything else you could want. He has displayed an excellent work ethic, high motor and is possibly the most complete DE in the draft. He will end up moving the talented Mathias Kiwanuka back to linebacker or even forcing a trade of the young vet.
Other Possibilities:
Everson Griffin, DE, USC- Looked like he could have played in the NFL even as a senior in High School. Starting to slip in some boards but a legit 4-3 DE prospect with nice speed, power and moves. A little bit of an underachiever at USC but with motivation he could be a monster.
Or
Earl Thomas, S, Texas- No one except the Giants know how severe Kenny Phillips’ injury really is. If they feel that Phillips is done for, was rumored that his knee injury could be career-threatening, Thomas is a viable option.
16. Tennessee Titans, Carlos Dunlap, DE/OLB, South Florida- The Titans love there their workout warriors. Last year was Kenny Britt (2009), Chris Johnson (2008), and way back in 2007, Michael Griffin was even considered to be a workout warrior. This year the Titans will take the Jevon Kearse clone. He is big, fast, agile and powerful. A complete specimen with some character concerns. Dunlap is 6-6 290 and will easily replace the overachieving high-motor of Kyle Vanden Bosch.
Before the SEC title game, Dunlap was found passed out at a street light. He was intoxicated, charged with a DUI and suspended for the SEC title game. He was allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl but the damage had been done. He is coming out after his junior season which is risky due to his now evident character issues and suspected poor work ethic. Regardless, Dunlap should have a chip on his shoulder and be a dominate force in the league early in his professional career.
Other Possibilities:
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers- Would say Kyle Wilson because he is seemingly the second best corner in the draft but McCourty ran a 4.34 40.
Or
Everson Griffin, DE, USC- Considered to be a workout warrior in his own right but nothing along the like to JPP.
17. San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers- I believe Davis is too talented to go this low. Davis was once projected as a top five pick but has dropped due to weight, work ethic, and some character issues. I believe Davis is suffering from what Andre Smith suffered from last year. Smith was projected as the top overall pick but had work ethic questions, his weight fluctuated, had an injury, and some small character questions. Smith did have a disappointing rookie season after he held out over the amount of money in his contract and promptly a week later broke his ankle.
Here again the Niners strike gold for the second time this drat and third time in the past two years. All the questions about Davis will allow San Francisco to steal a superior talent and continue to help former number one overall pick from 2005, Alex Smith. Davis will allow the 49ers to shift Joe Staley over to his more natural position of right tackle. The Rutgers product is the best pass protector in the draft and that seems like it will be more of a focus in the future. Davis could suffer the same fate but along with Smith will be a future franchise left tackle, pro bowler, and quite possibly an All-Pro.
Other Possibilities:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- With a new incoming GM and Mike Singletary never getting his choice of a franchise QB, Clausen could just as easily be the pick. Clausen is the most prepared QB in the draft and if put in the spread offense like the Niners have been talking about, Clausen would torch teams around the league.
Or
Taylor Mays, S, USC- If the Niners were to take Mays, start the Ronnie Lott comparisons. He is a big physical safety that will draw the comparison.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho- Yea the Steelers have issues all over the place right now especially at QB. 2 time winning Super Bowl Champ, Ben Roethlisberger, is possibly in line for a suspension due to conduct detrimental to the league. But even with this, Ben needs to be protected. Roethlisberger was sacked the most of any quarterback last season, though some of his own doing from his style of play. Iupati will help the Steelers return to their identity of a smash mouth, power running game that the Steelers have been famous for.
Iupati is extremely talented. He could end up playing any line position except center. The Idaho product is a massive young man (6-5, 331). Even if Iupati doesn’t become that franchise left tackle he could become an all-pro at either guard position or right tackle. He needs to work on his pass protection but will maul in the run game. Loads of potential for this young man. Quite possibly the third best offensive line prospect behind Okung and Davis in my opinion.
Other Possibilities:
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State- His stock is picking up steam and with good reason. The guy can play. Could fit in nicely at corner across from Ike Taylor.
Or
Maurkice Pouncey, OL, Florida- Great upside. Right guard needs addressing and he could handle it then go to center eventually.
19. Atlanta Falcons- Kyle Wilson, CB/ KR, Boise State- The Dunta Robinson signing was nice but he has had two major knee operations and has noticeably slowed, he was once a burner and now could be even moved to safety due to his dwindling speed. He could always heal fully and regain some speed but a corner opposite of him would be nice. Jimmy Williams is expected to return fully from knee surgery himself but may actually be best suited for a safety position now.
Wilson will lock up the number two corner for now and could even play the nickel is Williams returns healthy. Wilson could end up being Atlanta’s shutdown corner as soon as the end of the season. A pass rusher opposite of John Abraham would be nice but their secondary was torn up last year.
Other Possibilities:
Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan- A very popular pick for the Falcons but I do not see this amazing potential that everyone has been talking about. He is decently fast for an end but he is small in size, 6-1, and did not dominate all throughout college like other smaller ends/ rushing lbs like Elvis Dumervill or Dwight Freeney.
Or
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers- Not as skilled as Wilson but Thomas Dimitroff (Falcons GM) may like McCourty more.
20. Houston Texans- Earl Thomas, S/CB, Texas- The Texans have figured out that they need to stop the Colts passing attack, the loss of Robinson won’t help but Thomas is a major upgrade at safety or could even play corner. Will form a three headed monster on the Texans defense with Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans at every level of the defense.
Other Possibilities:
Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State- His strong showing at the combine proved to scouts that he is the real deal. Would instantly be an upgrade over any of Houston’s many backs.
Or
Brian Price, DT, UCLA- Would make the defensive line insane. A defensive line of Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, Brian Price and Antonio Smith would be a great way of helping out the depleted secondary.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Taylor Mays, S, USC- The Bengals sure do like their former Trojans: Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga, Frostee Rucker, Carson Palmer and crew. Mays is a big, fast, and strong safety that just lost out on millions by not entering the draft last year. A knee injury slowed him down his senior season but Marvin Lewis (former Ravens defensive coordinator) will use him like no other. Would be an instant upgrade over the similar but inferior Roy Williams.
Other Possibilities:
Brian Price, DT, UCLA: Tank Johnson is always a suspension waiting to happen. Price would be a good fit next to Domata Peko.
Or
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma- Another former all-american who lost a lot of money because he wanted to return to try to win a national championship. Blowing his knee out could affect his once unbelievable play but the Bengals desperately need a tight end with Chase Coffman seemingly busting on us right before our eyes on Hard Knocks last year.
22. New England Patriots- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma- Bill Belichick let Chris Baker and Ben Watson walk. This is where he gets the two departed rolled into one if his knee fully heals. Brady will love having Gresham run across the middle for him. Possible elite TE.
Other Possibilities:
Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State- Belichick could replace Richard Seymour right here. Odrick would be just another great piece in Belichick’s phase of getting younger with third year Jerod Mayo and Brandon Merriweather. Would be a nice piece on the D line alongside Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren.
Or
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas- Tully Banta-Cain had a nice year back with the Pats but Kindle would instantly upgrade New England’s pass rush since the trade of Mike Vrabel.
Or
Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU- See Kindle above.
23. Green Bay Packers- Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers- Al Harris is coming off a season-ending ACL tear. Harris is aging, 34, and NFL Defensive MVP Charles Woodson, 32, isn’t getting any younger himself. Neither can be said to be deteriorating in skills, especially Woodson with his Defensive MVP trophy but youth and depth needs to be addressed. .McCourty could start out as the Packers nickel back but could end up starting over Harris if he needs more time to heal.
Other Possibilities:
Charles Brown, OT, USC- Easily could have been the pick. The re-signing of Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton persuaded me to go with the corner even though either could end up being injured like always. Aaron Rodgers will demand a new left tackle this year or next year. Better make sure you protect possibly the best QB in the NFL.
Or
Nate Allen, S, South Florida- Atari Bigby is a nice safety but he seems to be pulling a Bob Sanders, as in he is hurt more than on the field.
24. Philadelphia Eagles- Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida- This is the type of pick that Andy Reid LOVES to make. Four of the last five first round picks that Philadelphia has had (no picks in first round in 2007 or 2008) have been picks for the trenches. Pouncey is considered to be possibly the best center prospect in the last 10 years. Reid could deploy Pouncey in the guard or center position and watch him rake in the pro-bowls.
Other Possibilities:
Nate Allen, S, South Florida- Safety could easily be upgraded for the Eagles.
25. Baltimore Ravens- Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State- Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan both went on to greener pasture. With this pick the Ravens will add depth and have the replacement of the future for Trevor Pryce.
Other Possibilities:
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech- They acquired Anquan Boldin earlier in the offseason to give Joe Flacco someone to throw to but he is not enough. Any number of wide receivers could be taken here.
Or
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida- Todd Heap is getting old and always seems to be listed on the injury list with some nagging pain. Hernandez isn’t in Gresham’s class in overall play but he may in fact be a superior receiver now that Gresham’s explosiveness comes into question now.
26. Arizona Cardinals-Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri- Karlos Dansby went to Miami and became the richest linebacker in league history. Well there goes the Cards best defensive leader and probably player. Weatherspoon has loads of potential and will be a great leader himself. The loss of Dansby hurts in the short term but the Mizzou senior could make Cards fans forget who that Dansby guy was in the future.
Other Possibilities:
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas- The Cards need to replace Chike Okeafor, Bertrand Berry and Clark Haggan who are all 33 or older. Kindle is bigger, stronger, and faster and could be more dominate than former Texas teammate Orakpo. Amazing how Kindle could slip to here or further after Orakpo was taken 13th overall. Would supplant the three vets from above and pair with recently acquired Joey Porter and give the Cards a potentially great pass rush.
Or
Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU- Again see Kindle above.
Or
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama- The Cards could definitely use an upgrade at their 3-4 nose tackle. Brian Robinson will be 36 and Gabe Watson has been a major disappointment. Mount Cody is a mammoth of a man and could just be what the doctor ordered. Cody was near 400 pounds at the end of the season but lost roughly 25 pounds by the time the combine rolled around. At the Alabama pro day, he had further slimmed down to roughly 354, further skyrocketing his draft stock.
27. Dallas Cowboys- Nate Allen, S, South Florida- With Ken Hamlin’s release this is an area of need. Allen is actually able to cover unlike some safety prospects and has been rated higher on some teams boards above Mays (Mr. I can’t cover but I can lay the hammer). Allen would rejoin former USF standout Mike Jenkins who has begun to take off as possibly the Cowboys best corner.
Other Possibilities:
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida- Has been slipping big time on almost everyone’s draft board due to his poor workouts. Looking at the tape though is a whole other story. Spikes could sit a year behind Keith Brooking like how the disappointing Bobby Carpenter has been behind Bradie James.
28. San Diego Chargers- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State- The Chargers did well with their last small school running back prospect (future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson who has since signed with the Jets) and Matthews could be the next big thing. Matthews is underrated by many but his measureables are impressive and displayed great skills running the ball. He is the best pure runner in this class of RB. Running back is a big need with only third down back and return specialist Darren Sproles the only back on the roster. Matthews will start from day one.
Other Possibilities:
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama- I believe this is San Diego’s target in the second round to replace the released Jamal Williams but if someone take Matthews before 28 then Cody could be the pick. San Diego has some of their own guys that could possibly plat NT but Cody is built for the position.
Or
Damian Williams, WR, USC- He too has been slipping down the board for some odd reason but Chargers GM AJ Smith likes his big, fast and tall receivers which Williams fits the bill to a tee.
29. New York Jets- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas- Would have picked WR Golden Tate from Notre Dame but the Jets robbed the Steelers of Santonio Holmes in a trade. The Jets this offseason had to get weapons for rookie QB standout Mark Sanchez and they have done that through trades and free agency. Now the Jets can focus on getting a pass rusher. Kindle will be a dominating piece on the already loaded Jets defense.
Other Possibilities:
Linval Joseph, NT, East Carolina- Could possibly be the next Haloti Ngata. Rex Ryan could use Joseph in the same manner. A nose tackle type that helps the actual nose tackle eat up space for the linebackers to dominate.
Or
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame- Holmes will be suspended for the first four games of the season and only has one year remaining on his contract, Braylon Edwards has a case of the dropsy’s, and Jerricho Cothcery is just solid. Tate has sure hands, great speed, good after the catch abilities, and has been finely coached at ND. Sanchez could use all the weapons he could get.
30. Minnesota Vikings- Brian Price, DT, UCLA- If Pat Williams actually retires like how he has been “threatening in the kindest way,” Price would be an excellent pick up. Price isn’t as big as Williams but he is more explosive and the Vikes already have Kevin Williams to pair him up with at DT.
Other Possibilities:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- This should be the pick regardless but the Vikes are in LOVE with Brett Favre and will not do anything to make the old vet mad. Clausen would benefit from sitting behind Favre for a year or even two if Favre continued to play his old games. Favre: “I’m retiring,” crying during a sad press conference; then “WAIT! I haven’t had enough, I just didn’t want to go to training camp.” No one seems to notice how good Favre is at helping young eventual replacements or trade bait; i.e. Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Rodgers. Clausen would be a great fit with the Vikes.
Or
Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama- Possibly a reach but Cedric Griffin blew out his knee and could take a while to get healthy if he even can fully recover. On top of it all, Antoine Winfield is definitely not getting any younger. With a deep solid draft class though, the secondary could be addressed later.
31. Indianapolis Colts- Charles Brown, OT, USC- The Colts could use a new franchise left tackle. Charlie Johnson did an ok job and Tony Ugoh was good for a season or so but not a franchise LT. Protecting Peyton Manning is the most important thing for the Colts and Brown is a great pick here. A potential franchise left tackle.
Other Possibilities:
Jahvid Best, RB, Cal- Speed, speed, and more speed. Best has amazing, well, speed and could be a nice compliment to last year’s pick in Donald Brown. Joseph Addai is a free agent after the season and Best would be a more than adequate replacement.
Or
Everson Griffin, DE, USC- Not the typical Colts DE but would still be a good fit.
32. New Orleans Saints- Everson Griffin DE, USC- Was a man among boys in high school and looked like he could play in the league even then. He was a monster then and now but was kind of a disappointment in college. He never quite lived up to the hype but is still a superior talent. The Alex Brown signing does not discourage this pick. Griffin was better in high school than Brown was even when he was in the league at the time.
Other Possibilities:
Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU- Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could have A LOT of fun with this young player.
NOTES:
-Jimmy Clausen will go in the first round plain and simple. He is way too talented and has too much potential. Someone will trade up to get him. Probably in the 20’s range but could go even to the Bills at nine. Clausen is my top rated QB in the draft but for some god awful reason, Bradford is actually rated higher by most. He will have a better career than Bradford and most likely go to a better team than Bradford.
-Don’t be surprised if Maurkice Pouncey goes as high as 11 to the Broncos after the trade of Brandon Marshall. McDaniels comes from New England were they love their O line prospects and center is a huge need for Denver. With all the wide receiver depth, the Broncos could even trade down and take a receiver later in say the second round. I could easily see Damian Williams from USC (2nd round) and a guy like Mike Williams from Syracuse (3rd or 4th round) go to Denver.
-Another side note on Pouncey. He is possibly the highest last minute riser this year. He was a projected late second round pick at first but now could go as soon as 11 as stated before.
-DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT count out someone trying to trade up to select either Colt McCoy OR Tim Tebow in the first round. Lots of speculation that any number of teams would like to trade up to get either QB.
-Rolando McClain could go as high as five to the Chiefs. More likely is Denver at 11, Miami at 12, even San Francisco taking him at 13 if Haden or Spiller are gone.
-If you didn’t notice I said Spiller could go before 13 to SF. Spiller is underappreciated but certainly a top 10 talent. Watch out for someone trading up to get him or simply picking him in the eight to 10 range.
-Brian Bulaga is a tricky pick. He is overrated by many. He could go as high as five to the Chiefs or as low as 23 to the Packers.
-Workout warrior Bruce Campbell will probably go higher than he should. His athleticism and measureable will force someone to reach on the big guy with loads of potential. A huge risk/reward type player. I have Campbell going eight to Oakland but he could possibly fall to the second round if they feel his tape is just to troubling.
-By Clayton Fawcette
