Post Senior Bowl Mock

[Saint33]

2 rounds, short descriptions for round 1.

Round 1

1. DET - Matt Stafford, QB Georgia

Jim Schwartz said his first goal is to replace Bobby Layne. So that means it's Matt Stafford or Mark Sanchez. I'm not buying into Sanchez as the #1 pick, sorry, had Bradford come out, Sanchez wouldn't even be in this discussion. Stafford would have though.

2. STL - Michael Oher, OT Ole Miss.

I was an Oher skeptic before the Senior Bowl, but he proved that he should be in the discussion for the top OT. This will be an up and down battle between Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe and Oher up until draft day.

3. KC - Brian Orakpo, DE Texas

Or"sack"po seems to be dropping in most mocks for no apparent reason. The Chiefs need a pass rusher more than anything, and unlike everyone else, I haven't forgotten how good Orakpo really is.

4. SEA - Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech.

Sorry kc, no way does Seattle pass on Crabtree, even with Smith on the board. Crabtree is the best player in this draft.

5. CLE - Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest

Curry is the best defender in this draft, and Cleveland needs to go BDA (best defender available).

6. CIN - Andre Smith, OT Alabama

Cincinnati's offensive line was it's biggest problem in 08. Although they'll be a little hesitant to take yet another player with character concerns, Smith is just too good to pass up on here.

7. OAK - Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri

Maclin is very underrated right now, he's actually not as far behind Crabtree as most expect. Oakland's WRs are just as poor as their OTs.

8. JAC - Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia

The Jags don't trust Khalif Barnes as much as they once did, and depth on the o-line is a huge concern.

9. GB - Jason Smith, OT Baylor

The run on OTs continues. Smith is a perfect fit for GB

10. SF - Mark Sanchez, QB USC

The 49ers need to find a QB this off season, and even though I think 10 is a little high for Sanchez, I can't see the 9ers passing on him if he's available.

11. BUF - Everette Brown, DE Florida St.

I don't get the Brandon Pettigrew talks here. Why reach for a TE, when you can get a bigger need at a better value.

12. DEN - James Laurinaitis, ILB Ohio St.

LB is the weakest position on this team. DJ Williams can't keep doing it all himself. Rey Maualuga hurt himself a bit at the Senior Bowl, and Laurinaitis is a better fit anyways.

13. WAS - BJ Raji, DT Boston College

I'm not a Raji fan because he's got a bad work ethic and attitude, but when the kid wants to play, there aren't many that can stop him.

14. NO - Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio St.

I don't know how I keep having Jenkins fall to them, but again New Orleans is thrilled to grab Jenkins.

15. HOU - Vontae Davis, CB Illinois

Houston needs to go secondary early and often.

16. SD - Rey Maualuga, ILB USC

For some reason, it just seems Rey's got Charger written all over him. Can't you just see him and Merriman doing the lights out dance together?

17. NYJ - Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn St.

I know they drafted Vernon Gholston last year and have some decent money invested in Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas, but they still struggled at getting to the QB, and Maybin is the BPA at this point.

18. CHI - Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia

There isn't a WR worth this spot, and Chicago relied way too much on Matt Forte. Moreno could be a great situational back to spell Forte, so they can keep him fresh, and not wear out his career.

19. TB - Chris Wells, RB Ohio St.

The Bucs have a number of nice situation RBs on the roster right now, but Beanie Wells could be that every down guy they've been looking for.

20. DET (via DAL) - Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss.

Jerry helped himself with a big Senior Bowl performance. Believe it or not, but Detroit's Dline is actually worse than their Oline.

21. PHI - Michael Johnson, DE Georgia Tech

Phili has a good rotation of DEs right now, but it seems that Jim Johnson just never has enough.

22. MIN - DJ Moore, CB Vanderbilt

Antoine Winfield is a FA after this season. Moore can come in as a nickel back, and take Winfield's place opposite Cedric Griffin a year from now. He'll also add an instant boost to Minnesota's non existent kick return game.

23. NE - LeSean McCoy, RB Pitt

You can always count on Bill Belichick to find the hidden gems. McCoy just isn't getting as much attention as he deserves.

24. ATL - Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma St.

It's hard to imagine that a team that was such a wreck just year ago, has so few needs at this point. Pettigrew is great value at this point.

25. MIA - Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest

Alphonso Smith locked himself in the first round with a great performance at the SB.

26. BAL - Clint Sintim, LB Virginia

Sintim was disappointing all week long at the SB. But he's a good fit in Baltimore's defense, and they will need a versatile LB to replace who ever leaves this off season.

27. IND - Alex Mack, C Cal

Even though the Colts took Mike Pollack and Steve Justice last year, it doesn't mean they have their replacement for FA center Jeff Saturday. Pollack is being groomed at G to replace Jake Scott, so drafting Mack to compete with Justice for the vacancy likely left at center this season makes sense.

28. PHI (via CAR) - Eben Britton, OT Arizona

Both starting OT's will FA this year, and although Wintson Justice will probably man one tackle spot, the other side will likely be addressed through the draft.

29. NYG - Brian Cushing, OLB USC

Danny Clark should not be starting in the NFL at this point in his career. Cushing was up and down at the SB, so his value really didn't rise or fall.

30. TEN - Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina

Nicks is jumping up draft boards very quickly. Tennessee needs to address the WR position this year.

31. ARI - Larry English, DE/OLB Northern Illinois

English was my favorite player at the Senior Bowl this year. He's a legit 1st round prospect in my opinion. Arizona could use a talented pass rusher on the outside.

32. PIT - Max Unger, OL Oregon

Unger would be groomed at guard for the Steelers. I'm still a lil hesitant on Unger in the first, he didn't impress me much at the Senior Bowl, but he's versatile and the Steelers could use that.

[Saint33]

Round 2

33. DET - Sean Smith, CB/S Utah

34. KC - Percy Harvin, WR Florida

35. STL - Victor "Macho" Harris, CB Virginia Tech

36. CLE - Tyson Jackson, DE LSU

37. SEA - William Beatty, OT Connecticut

38. CIN - Evander Hood, DT Missouri

39. JAC - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT Auburn

40. OAK - Troy Kropog, OT Tulane

41. GB - Ron Brace, DT Boston College

42. BUF - Shawn Nelson, TE Southern Miss.

43. SF - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland

44. MIA (via WAS) - Duke Robinson, OG Oklahoma

45. NYG (via NO) - Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers

46. HOU - Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan

47. NE (via SD) - Tyrone McKenzie, LB USF

48. DEN - Fili Moala, DT USC

49. CHI - Paul Kruger, DE Utah

50. TB - Derrick Williams, WR Penn St.

51. DAL - Trevor Canfield, OG Cincinnati

52. PHI - Rashad Johnson, S Alabama

53. NYJ - Shonn Greene, RB Iowa

54. MIN - Josh Freeman, QB Kansas St.

55. ATL - Marcus Freeman, OLB Ohio St.

56. MIA - Dannell Ellerbe, ILB Georgia

57. BAL - Darius Butler, CB Connecticut

58. NE - Mike Mickens, CB Cincinnati

59. CAR - Jared Cook, TE South Carolina

60. NYG - Terrance Taylor, DT Michigan

61. IND - Robert Ayers, DL Tennessee

62. TEN - Connor Barwin, DE Cincinnati

63. ARI - Eric Wood, C Louisville

64. PIT - Patrick Chung, S Oregon

[cubuffsman78]

I'm one of the few is not going to argue the Oher pick. I think your debate on the three top OTs is right on. I do, however, do not consider Monroe in the discussion.

Four OTs in the first 10 picks? I don't know. There are needs for each team you have picking, but I personally don't see GB passing on a good pass rusher like Everette Brown or Aaron Maybin, who can give them a 3-4 OLB, which they really, really need.

Speaking of Maybin, too far of a drop right now. He's the elite pure 3-4 pass rusher in this draft.

Raji has been better about his work ethic and attitude. His coaches praised him for what he did his senior year. The past is there, but I'm thinking he's moved on.

Not a fan of the Moreno to Chicago projection. If they want to take the pressure off of Forte, then they should get some playmakers at other positions. They have none. Not even Devin Hester qualified as one this year.

I don't like Michael Johnson in the first round. I don't know that I ever will.

McCoy will get more hype following the combine. Have no fear.

Arizona doesn't run a 3-4 anymore. They went from a hybrid to a pure 4-3. I don't know that I like English in a 4-3. Although, it wouldn't surprise me if he could stick at OLB in the scheme.

Harvin not in the first is a mistake. He's being overlooked terribly. He'll be as fast or faster than Maclin. I think he's a top 20 pick.

I think you have Kropog too high. He's moved up boards, but I don't think he's early second round material. After Beatty, I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't another OT taken until the third round.

McKenzie doesn't fit a 3-4 scheme. He's a 4-3 OLB and nothing more.

Canfield's stock dropped because of measurements. I like how he plays, but he has very short arms which will scare teams off. I think Kraig Urbik is now the second OG in the draft and he's a better fit for the Dallas power blocking scheme. They like their linemen big in Big D. Which makes Herman Johnson a great possibility no matter how poor he played at the Senior Bowl.

Paul Kruger is perfect in Chicago. Love the pick. Just don't know that he'll last that long.

I think Ayers worked his way in the early second round. He's got some versatility and great array of pass rush moves.

I don't like Freeman in the second round. I don't like any QB in the second round for the matter. But if there was one, it'd be Bomar or Davis.

Terrence Taylor is a mid-round pick right now. His stock has been decimated.

[porky88]

I don't get the hype Michael Oher is getting from some sites because of the senior bowl. Oher's week was solid because he proved he could be a left tackle, but it wasn't mind blowing in my opinion. I thought Mike Mayock's scouting report on him was spot on and he showed footage of Oher looking great and then getting driven back by Clay Matthews.

Speaking of which, Clay Matthews is arguably a late first round pick after his solid week in Mobile. I didn't see him at all in the mock. I think probably early second.

Laurinaitis isn't a top 15 prospect in my opinion. He's a really solid football player and he's versatile, but I don't think he's in the same discussion as Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing. I see that becoming apparent come draft day.

I actually think Malcolm Jenkins could fall. I agree with that.

I think Aaron Maybin is treaky player to project if Green Bay and San Francisco pass on him and they could for the players you have projected. My guess is someone trades up for him, but you don't' project trades in your mocks and neither do I so I'm not really criticizing your projection. I'm just kind of speculating

Matt Forte is an every down back. Chicago using their first on Knowshon Moreno would be a huge waste. If they want to spell Forte then they could use a 3rd round pick on a back.

I think Brian Cushing was very undervalued by a lot of people and I can include myself in that. After seeing him this week, he's probably a top 20 pick.

I think Percy Harvin could easily fall to early second. I certainly don't think he's top 20 like Cubbs says. He has potential, but he's injury prone, and really a better fit in a college offense than a pro offense in my opinion.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is going to fly up draft boards after the combine in my opinion.

Good mock.

[kevmvp]

The Jets wont go RB in the second round. Not after the years that TJ and Leon had. Look for a WR there.

I would be very happy if the Jets stayed where they are and landed Maybin. I doubt he falls that far though.

[kc5950]

Nobody has to apologize to me for Crabtree, I'm supremely confident he won't be a Seahawk. I think people want him to be Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, just for symmetry sake. Regardless of that though, I don't think he's going to be a Seahawk, simply because of the team's front-office philosophy. They haven't taken a receiver in the first four rounds since Koren Robinson, and that was in 2001. If there is a team so intent on taking Crabtree, Tim Ruskell will trade down. I predict that team will be Jacksonville.

I think Josh Freeman will go in the 2nd round, and be the third QB taken. I even like him to the Vikings. I think he'll be a bad NFL QB, but I think you're correct.

I don't think the Raiders draft Maclin that early. They haven't taken a receiver in the first round since Tim Brown in 1988. Crabtree maybe, Maclin, I don't think so.

I think Cushing is the exact type of linebacker the Patriots are looking for to replace Bruschi, Seau, and perhaps eventually Adalius Thomas. I don't think he falls past them.

[mrdv1]

kc, dont doubt KC taking crabtree... I really don't see why they wouldn't. If they don't go qb that is. If thigpen is their guy, then y not A. give him another awesome, young target and B. select the best player in the draft (according to most). It is a secondary need for them because they dont have anyone good other than dwayne bowe, and he'd be the BPA. I mean look what Fitz is doing for AZ. When you have a shot at a guy like that, how can you pass on him? He changes games.

[Saint33]

cubbs:

I know Maybin is popular on this board, but I think people will shy away from him because of his size. He's purely an OLB in a 3-4 scheme which limits his possibilities. Cleveland is too high for him, and SF will almost certainly be taking a QB if one's available, which is very likely in my mind. So I think it's GB or he falls to the Jets. SD is the only 3-4 team in between them and they have their pass rushers set. As far as GB goes, Brown, Smith or Raji seem more likely in this scenario to me. I think o-line is what they need to address first, and with a great fit like Smith on the board I don't see them passing on him, but if they decide they need to make their personnel change from a 4-3 to a 3-4 is priority #1, then like I said, I'd think they'd go to Brown or Raji at that point. So I think the Maybin drop is a lot more likely than you'd imagine.

I knew the Moreno to Chicago pick wasn't going to be a popular one. When I hit Chicago, I really was pretty stumped. There are no WRs, OL or Safeties worth a pick that high, so they'd have to look past need at the pick. Moreno has pretty good value there, and with the 2 back system so dominant in this league, I thought having that aspect would at least take some pressure off Forte and the rest of them. I really couldn't think of a better option here.

Michael Johnson is falling pretty quickly on my board as well. Don't be surprised if he's out of the first round completely come next mock.

First I'll say that Arizona hasn't completely abandoned the 3-4 defense, I've seen it spratically used throughout these playoffs. But I think the switch back to using mainly a 4-3 defense was not by choice, I think they were forced to because of the personnel they currently have. They weren't getting enough production from the NT or OLB positions which are the most important positions in the 3-4 defense. I really think they would like to get back to using a more hybrid type scheme, so I think English would be a great fit for that.

I think Harvin is overrated. He's like Tim Tebow, he's a fantastic playmaker, but he doesn't really excel at any certain position in the mold of what's needed in a pro style offense. Used properly, and Harvin could be a fantastic playmaker, but he's not really a true WR, he's too raw, and hasn't shown that he can run tougher routes precisely. He's a great gadget player, but if I'm taking a first round player, I want to have a plan for him, and a position that he can stay on the field in and be an impact player in. I never really see Harvin being anything more than a situational playmaker.

I think if there isn't a draft day miracle where Sanchez somehow falls to Minnesota, the Vikings will be reaching for a QB in the second round. They did it a couple years ago for Tarvaris Jackson, and although that hasn't quite worked out, they can't be hesitant to do it again.

And as far as which QB that is, I think Freeman is the only one left in contention there. Bomar played incredibly poor all week, and I don't see him in the second at all anymore. And Davis is very raw, even though Freeman is too, but Davis has something that scares me, and I think will scare most coaches. He has a slight learning disability. I think that's going to really hurt his stock, especially since he's playing the most complicated position in sports. Freeman's starting to get a lot of hype, and I'm a fan of his as well. I've seen him go as high as the first round, which is crazy, but at 54 I think that's only a minor reach, and think Minnesota's has to take a chance, considering how QB is the only thing holding them back from being so good.

porky:

Oher did a fantastic job all week. I was very impressed with him. It may be a little early to start putting him ahead of Smith, but I did it more to make the point of how much he helped himself at the SB. Like I said, he did enough to deserve a debate for that spot, and I would not be surprised to see him come out of it on top in the end.

It seems you have a bit of a hard on for USC LBs You've been watching too much NFL Network. Rey hurt his draft stock at the SB, scouts were disappointed with the shape he was in and he really didn't get off to a good start in practices.

Brian Cushing looked great all week long in practice, but when game time came around, he really didn't preform well. It was probably just a bad day for him, but still, that has to be something you keep in mind when grading him. I don't think he's a top 20 pick, and certainly not better than Laurinaitis.

I considered Clay Matthews in the second round to Atlanta and NE, but I still don't think he's quite there, as far as a first day prospect goes.

Heyward-Bey will almost certainly gain some steam post combine. Scouts will fall in love with his measurables. I wouldn't take too much stock into them though, people say he wasn't used properly in Maryland's offense, I think there was a reason for that. I think he's more of an athlete than a football player, and he probably won't make it in the NFL.

[Saint33]

Originally Posted by mrdv1 kc, dont doubt KC taking crabtree... I really don't see why they wouldn't. If they don't go qb that is. If thigpen is their guy, then y not A. give him another awesome, young target and B. select the best player in the draft (according to most). It is a secondary need for them because they dont have anyone good other than dwayne bowe, and he'd be the BPA. I mean look what Fitz is doing for AZ. When you have a shot at a guy like that, how can you pass on him? He changes games.

That's a very real possibility, however, I just think there are just too many needs for KC, that they can worry about taking a WR in the second or third rounds. They were actually a very explosive offense once Thigpen took over.

Defense is a much bigger need, they had a NFL record low for sacks in the season. Trading away Jared Allen was probably the worst mistake any team made last season.

[kc5950]

Originally Posted by mrdv1 kc, dont doubt KC taking crabtree... I really don't see why they wouldn't. If they don't go qb that is. If thigpen is their guy, then y not A. give him another awesome, young target and B. select the best player in the draft (according to most). It is a secondary need for them because they dont have anyone good other than dwayne bowe, and he'd be the BPA. I mean look what Fitz is doing for AZ. When you have a shot at a guy like that, how can you pass on him? He changes games.

I don't doubt he'll go high. I think even St. Louis will flirt with the idea. I just will again state that he won't be a Seahawk.

I am not arguing about his talent anymore, I think comparing him to them irresponsible. I think he's got a considerably greater amount of question marks around him than either receiver had, and that for the sake of simplicity he's being called the next LF/CJ.

Like every season we think that the 2nd quarterback is "this year's Aaron Rodgers or Brady Quinn."

I have stated numerous times that I think that Crabtree will be a fine pro.

I think his stock, and not his talent is being overstated by people universally.

I would even say I'd like to see him in a Seahawks uniform, just not with the 4th pick.