Mock III

[cubuffsman78]

I really have some different thoughts in this mock. I know a lot of you will disagree, but I don't mock so everyone agrees with it anyway. These are just some things I feel are definitely possible and wouldn't be surprised if it went down like this.

Anyway, criticism is welcome as always, but don't disagree with something if you don't plan on backing up your argument, which I know you guys are good at.

1. Detroit Lions
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Raji is the most dominant player at his given position not named Michael Crabtree. When focused, Raji is absolutely unblockable. Focus has been a problem in previous seasons, however, in his senior year, Raji didn’t disappoint and played inspired football. I think he’s put his past problems off the field behind him and looks primed to be a dominant DT much like Albert Haynesworth. In fact, I think Raji compares a lot like Haynesworth. I know not many, if anybody else, is projecting Raji as the top pick overall. It’s definitely not unfeasible. Neither QB currently grades out as a top pick. I personally believe the move to sign Daunte Culpepper to an extension is a sign that he’ll be the QB for this season, meaning they’ll pass on a QB with the top pick. There are also several questions about the top OTs in the draft. The safest picks in this draft are Raji and Aaron Curry. LBs just don’t go No. 1 overall. DTs rarely do, but I think this is a situation where one could.
Last mock: Mark Sanchez

2. St. Louis Rams
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith is still the top OT on my board, but it’s becoming debatable. An argument can be made for four different athletes at the position. I’m sticking with Andre for now due to his dominance during his senior season. It was easy to tell he was missed in Alabama’s bowl game loss to Utah. The Rams have been needing an OT for three seasons now. QB Marc Bulger has been preyed upon by opposing pass rushes and the entire offense is suffering because of it.
Last mock: Andre Smith

3. Kansas City Chiefs
Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
The argument will be the Chiefs will go Matt Stafford because he’s compared to John Elway and AFC West organizations idolize Elway, and with good reason. There’s been a regime change at KC, though, and Scott Pioli isn’t an AFC West mind. Also, Todd Haley will bring with him a system that’s as close to the spread offense as it gets in the NFL, other than what the Patriots run when Tom Brady is healthy. Sanchez is more in tune with a spread system than Stafford is. He’s also more educated in a pro-style offense as well. Forget about the big arm, Haley’s offense isn’t based on that as much as it is getting guys open quickly underneath. Sanchez’s arm isn’t too shabby, either. It’s not what Stafford employs, but it’s nothing to scoff at.
Last mock: Aaron Curry

4. Seattle Seahawks
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I’ve talked to a couple Seahawks’ fans and neither one cares for the Crabtree projection. Sorry guys, but it really makes sense. He’s the best player in this draft and a bargain at the fourth pick. It’s time Seattle gets a No. 1 WR as well, instead of employing a bunch of No. 2s and 3s pretending to be a No. 1. Seattle does have a lot of other needs, including on both sides of the trenches. At this point, Crabtree is the best value.
Last mock: Michael Oher

5. Cleveland Browns
Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Cleveland needs to look defense and can pick up the best defensive player in the draft with this pick. Curry has the ability to play either inside or outside at linebacker in Cleveland’s 3-4 scheme. His presence gives Cleveland another impact player at LB to play next to D’Qwell Jackson. He also might be the answer to helping Kam Wimbley getting freed up on the perimeter.
Last mock: Aaron Maybin

6. Cincinnati Bengals
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
I grade Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher very closely and just a shade beneath Andre Smith. It comes down to what a team wants as to which player they’ll take. Cincinnati is often a pass-first offense, well, at least it would like to be. Keeping Carson Palmer healthy is pivotal to the Bengals’ success. They couldn’t do that in 2008. Smith is the best LT prospect because of his quick feet and lateral movement, meaning he’s the best potential pass blocker out of the three guys being debated upon.
Last mock: Eugene Monroe

7. Oakland Raiders
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Why Monroe over Oher? Despite his awesome Senior Bowl, Monroe remains the better option as a LT in most teams minds. The Raiders got terrible production out of Robert Gallery and have to get things fixed in the trenches to allow recent draft picks Darren McFadden and JaMarcus Russell some time to operate. This isn’t the sexy pick Al Davis prefers, though, so don’t be surprised if it’s Jeremy Maclin or one of the top Des getting off the board here.
Last mock: Jeremy Maclin

8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
This is a fantastic fit. The Jags’ woes on the offensive line were well documented and was the biggest part of the letdown they suffered in 2008. Oher could step in and start from Day 1 in a heavy run scheme. The Jags like to move the ball downhill and Oher would be asked to run block before he had to protect the QB. There isn’t a better drive blocking OT in this draft.
Last mock: Malcolm Jenkins

9. Green Bay Packers
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Green Bay is switching to a 3-4 scheme and is in need of some pass rushers off the edge. There are three potential players with that capability available here in Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin and Everette Brown. However, none of them currently grade out as well as Jenkins. The Packers secondary is aging to say the least and an insurgence of youth would be a welcome addition. Jenkins also has the potential to see some time at free safety.
Last mock: Brian Orakpo

10. San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State
Maybin is the quickest player off the edge in this class. This is what makes him a better selection for the 49ers than Orakpo or Brown. The Niners need to generate some pass rush defensively to take some pressure off of a solid secondary. The thought here is QB, but Mike Singletary will have some influence over the selection and is a defensive mind, obviously. Stafford is worth the selection here, but I think the Niners will pass for now. This means Stafford will now go into a bit of a free fall.
Last mock: Matt Stafford

11. Buffalo Bills
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
There might not be a bigger need in Buffalo than defensive end. The Bills recorded just 24 sacks last season and no player had more than four. Aaron Schoebel was injured in 2008, but didn’t have a successful season in 2007 either. One of the biggest problems for Schoebel is a lack of a pass rushing threat throughout the rest of the defensive line. Orakpo is the most complete DE in this draft and was arguably the best defensive player in college football last season.
Last mock: James Laurinaitis

12. Denver Broncos
Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
Can somebody in Denver please stop the run? Maualuga can, if the Broncos draft him. He’s the elite ILB in this draft, although I personally don’t think James Laurinaitis is far behind him. Maualuga’s presence for Denver in the middle of the defense is a needed one and should allow D.J. Williams to once again shine at OLB.
Last mock: Rey Maualuga

13. Washington Redskins
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
For several seasons now, the Redskins have needed to bring in a top pass rusher. One falls to them here and some will argue, the best true pass rusher in the draft falls to them here. Washington posted just 24 sacks a season ago and were led by Andre Carter’s four. Carter can be a factor off the edge, but the lack of a threat anywhere else on the team is hindering him.
Last mock: Everette Brown

14. New Orleans Saints
D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
The Saints need playmakers on their defense capable of turning an offense’s mistakes into points. Moore is a threat to score every time he has the ball in his hands, not to mention, he’s an elite kick returner.
Last mock: D.J. Moore

15. Houston Texans
Brian Cushing, LB, USC
The Texans recently released Morlon Greenwood, leaving a hole at OLB for them to fill. Placing Cushing next to DeMeco Ryans and the surprising Zach Diles would give Houston of the most formidable LB trios in the league.
Last mock: Vontae Davis

16. San Diego Chargers
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Forget the RB idea here. Darren Sproles was franchised to solidify the depth of the position behind LT, who simply needs to get healthy this offseason. San Diego’s secondary was exposed with the decline from the pass rush due to the absence of Shawne Merriman. The Chargers spent a pick on the athletic Antonio Cromartie three years ago and can add a second great athlete in Davis this season.
Last mock: Knowshon Moreno

[cubuffsman78]

17. New York Jets
Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
This is another pick that won’t be projected by many. Is there any way Stafford falls out of the top 10? I think there is. He’s got the big arm and prototypical size. He’s also one of the most erratic QBs in n the nation. His decision-making, particularly in big games, is questionable. I think teams could look at Stafford’s struggles on film and decide to pass on him. At the same time, it takes just one team to fall in love with his big arm. The Jets are left reeling for a QB after the failure of the Brett Favre-experiment. I doubt it’d take long for the Jets to turn in the card to draft Stafford, or Sanchez, if either is available here.
Last mock: B.J. Raji

18. Chicago Bears
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
This is too low for Maclin. I know several are thinking this about Maclin and I actually agree. With the way this mock fell, this is where Maclin came up. It’s an incredible value for Chicago and arguably the steal of the first round if it occurs.
Last mock: Percy Harvin

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
In three mocks, I’ve had the Bucs taking a RB each time. First it was Moreno, then LeSean McCoy, but now we’re back to Moreno. The Bucs do have several solid RBs on the roster, but there are questions about each one of them. Earnest Graham is the most solid, but he’s coming off an injury and more of a power back. Warrick Dunn seems ageless, but it has to catch up with him at some point. Cadillac Williams is in his mid-20s, but his body is around 40. Moreno gives Tampa a more reliable option.
Last mock: LeSean McCoy

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas)
Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Britton is beginning to fall behind the top pack of OTs, but remains a solid option in the mid-first round. The NFL combine is very important for him. He can make up some ground with a solid performance. The Lions need to protect Culpepper, if they plan to pass on a QB this year. Actually, they need to start trying to protect whoever it is that ends up taking the snaps.
Last mock: Eben Britton

21. Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
L.J. Smith is a free agent and the Eagles have gone away from throwing to him the past few seasons. The offense desperately needs a possession type receiver and Pettigrew is the best option available to fill that void.
Last mock: Jason Smith

22. Minnesota Vikings
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The Vikings got their pass rusher in Jared Allen. Still, the pass defense suffered. Sounds like a need for another defensive back. Smith had a fantastic Senior Bowl and locked himself up as a first rounder.
Last mock: Eugene Monroe

23. New England Patriots
James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Laurinaitis is an All-Pro in this system with the ability to play outside or inside. The Patriots still need an insurgence of youth at both positions. Putting Laurinaitis next to Jerod Mayo inside would set up the heart and soul of this defense for years.
Last mock: Chris Wells

24. Atlanta Falcons
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Jerry could be a top 20 pick, but falls to the Falcons in this scenario, giving Atlanta a bit of a mini-steal. Atlanta is set up offensively and can now focus on improving defensively in this draft. Jerry can be dominant in the middle of a defensive line.
Last mock: Michael Oher

25. Miami Dolphins
Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Matthews is versatile and can play a variety of roles in Miami’s hybrid defense that utilizes the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. He’s a rush DE in the 4-3 and a rush OLB in a 3-4. He could also play OLB in a 4-3 – a position he’s familiar with at USC.
Last mock: Brian Cushing

26. Baltimore Ravens
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Harvin should go higher based on his athleticism, but receivers are falling in this mock scenario. The Ravens need a playmaker on offense and Harvin is capable of being one at multiple positions. How imaginative can coach John Harbaugh be?
Last mock: Clint Sintim

27. Indianapolis Colts
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
There was a huge drop off in production from the Colts’ running game in 2008. The big plays weren’t there at all. McCoy could given new life to the backfield with his ability to be a home run threat every time he touches the ball. He also makes Joseph Addai a stronger option.
Last mock: Peria Jerry

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina)
Running backs also drop in this mock scenario and it pays off for the Eagles. I have made my displeasure with Chris Wells well known over the past two months. I think he’s an uninspired athlete, who plays with little heart. Mysterious injuries should be a caution to anyone pursuing the talented back. The Eagles could use some help in the power run game. Don’t be surprised if they don’t go after a power back, though. Andy Reid simply doesn’t prefer power backs and a power run game starts up front anyway.
Last mock: William Moore

29. New York Giants
Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois
English screams New York Giants linebacker. He’s perfect for their scheme. He’s a transitioned defensive end capable of playing out of a three-point stance. His presence gives the Giants yet another solid pass rushing option.
Last mock: William Beatty

30. Tennessee Titans
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
No player helped his stock more with a bowl performance than Nicks. His stock should be firmly planted in the late first round for now. He might have the best hands in the draft. Maybe this is the season Tennessee gets a prime target for its QB, whoever it may be.
Last mock: Hakeem Nicks

31. Arizona Cardinals
Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
Edgerrin James is a potential hall of famer. He’s out the door, though, despite having a successful postseason. Greene can come in and be plugged in immediately into a package with Tim Hightower. If Kurt Warner doesn’t come back, don’t be surprised if Arizona becomes more run oriented.
Last mock: Donald Brown

32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Alex Mack, OL, Cal
Mack is the best interior OL in this draft. He could come in and play OG, making the loss of Alan Faneca hurt less next season. Eventually, he could return to his natural center position, regardless, he has All-Pro potential at any of the three interior spots.
Last mock: Max Unger

[cubuffsman78]

Second round
1 Lions Sean Smith CB Utah

2 Chiefs Robert Ayers DE Tennessee

3 Rams Evander Hood DT Missouri

4 Browns Donald Brown RB UConn

5 Seahawks William Beatty OT UConn

6 Bengals Clint Sintim LB Virginia

7 Jaguars Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland

8 Raiders Paul Kruger DE Utah

9 Packers Max Unger OC Oregon

10 Bills Jared Cook TE South Carolina

11 49ers Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma

12 Dolphins (WAS) Victor Harris CB Va. Tech

13 Giants (NO) Derrick Williams WR Penn State

14 Texans Michael Johnson DE Ga. Tech

15 Patriots (SD) Patrick Chung S Oregon

16 Broncos William Moore S Missouri

17 Bears Herman Johnson OG LSU

18 Buccanneers Tyrone McKenzie LB USF

19 Cowboys Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina

20 Jets Kenny Britt WR Rutgers

21 Eagles Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati

22 Vikings Chase Coffman TE Missouri

23 Falcons DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati

24 Dolphins Ron Brace DT Boston College

25 Ravens Fili Moala DT USC

26 Patriots Tyson Jackson DE LSU

27 Panthers Mitch King DE Iowa

28 Giants Darius Butler CB UConn

29 Colts Louis Murphy RB Florida

30 Titans Coye Francies CB San Jose State

31 Cardinals Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma

32 Steelers Jarron Gilbert DE San Jose State

Third round
1 Lions Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati

2 Rams Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma

3 Chiefs Kraig Urbik OG Wisconsin

4 Seahawks Louis Delmas S Western Michigan

5 Cowboys (CLE) Jairus Byrd CB Oregon

6 Bengals Jeremiah Johnson RB Oregon

7 Raiders Austin Collie WR BYU

8 Jaguars Kevin Barnes CB Maryland

9 Packers James Casey TE Rice

10 49ers Rashad Jennings RB Liberty

11 Bills Scott McKillop LB Pitt

12 Jets (NO) Emmanuel Cook S South Carolina

13 Texans Nate Davis QB Ball State

14 Chargers Tony Kropog OT Tulane

15 Broncos Antoine Caldwell OC Alabama

16 Redskins Zack Follett LB Cal

17 Buccanneers Rhett Bomar QB Sam Houston

18 Lions (DAL) Josh Freeman QB Kansas State

19 Packers (NYJ) Sen'Derrick Marks DT Auburn

20 Bears Marcus Freeman LB Ohio State

21 Eagles Jonathan Luigs OC Arkansas

22 Vikings Michael Hamlin S Clemson

23 Dolphins Feneki Tupou OT Oregon

24 Ravens Asher Allen CB Georgia

25 Patriots Andy Levitre OG Oregon State

26 Falcons Derek Peques S Mississippi State

27 Giants Brandon Gibson WR Washington State

28 Colts Cody Brown LB Uconn

29 Eagles David Veikune DE Hawaii

30 Titans Jason Phillips LB TCU

31 Cardinals Londen Fryar CB Western Michigan

32 Steelers Orion Harris LB Va. Tech

[bowler533]

I can't really disagree with much because you acknowledged all of your picks, espically the Maclin one.

So, in the 2nd and 3rd round I looked at the Broncos picks.

Moore I wouldn't mind, but honestly I still don't know much about him. He was projected as a 1st rounder earlier in the year but has really seen his stock drop. So if you could let me know more about Moore's playing style that would be greatly appreciated.


However, last year Denver took Kory Litenschieger or however you spell it. It was arguably the 2nd best center in the draft. Also, Casey Weigmann is returning and said he wanted to play at least 2 more years. However, if you protecing Caldwell as a OG then I agree with the selection. Just wanted to clarify your thoughts there. Then again, I still don't think Denver can go offensive line this early. That was our biggest strength last year and we can fairly good depth at the position.

The way I see it Denver goes defense, defense, defense (maybe RB) the first three rounds.

[bowler533]

I forgot to mention that I put English to the Giants in my first mock and I'm gald to see I have support.

Your dead on when you say he just seems like a Giants linebacker. He would be a great fit for that team.

[porky88]

Do you really believe Detroit takes Raji No. 1 overall?

When I make my mocks I project what I think the teams will end up doing. This seems like a reach for Detroit because recent history says otherwise and quite frankly Detroit has so many needs.

Raji probably won't go No. 1 overall. Should he? That's an argument that can be made, but I highly doubt he goes first overall and I guess that's my point.

I still don't see Oher in the top ten. You know by now, but I am moving him up. I think he can play LT, but I don't think he's in the elite class that some think. I am more intrigued though so we'll see. Something has to give

Why would Jenkins play FS when Nick Collins went to the Pro Bowl at that position this year? If he's drafted by GB, it's to be a corner in my opinion. Ted Thompson is hard to predict so corner could happen, but honestly it seems unlikely in my view. I think the team views Tramon Williams as a potential starter and they have nothing on their front seven and their offensive line is weak too.

Not a big one, but an observation. I don't know about GB going tight end in round three. Jermichael Finley was a third round pick last year.

SD has Quentin Jammer, Antonio Cromarite, and Antonie Cason. I think they're good at corner.

You and I agree on Stafford, but again do other teams? Jon Gruden was raving about Stafford on NFLN and I can just see other teams jumping on him. He's Jamarcus Russell. Teams should avoid him, but they probably won't in my opinion.

I think Tyson Jackson is too low. I know you think he's Calias Campbell, but Campbell was supposed to be a pass rusher in the same line as Julius Peppers I recall. Jackson is a run stopper. They're two different players in my opinion and I look for Jackson to be coveted by a 3-4 team in this draft.

Overall I think the best thing about the mock is that you have a lot of tackles going early because that could happen. I plan on working that in my next mock. Now I think three probably go top ten and not four, but none the less it should take shape with tackles going early.

[cubuffsman78]

Moore is very instinctive, but he's limited physically. He kind of reminds me of Roy Williams. In the right system, where he can play at the line of scrimmage, he can be effective. He'll have to be covered for on passing downs,though. Some teams are going to project him as a LB and I think he'd be a brilliant LB in a cover 2 defense.

[pep9993]

I don't like the B.J. Raji pick. I could see them trading down if they want a DT. Jerry Perria is just as good.

The Cowboys need to upgrade their special teams with good tacklers. So look for Dallas to grab the best S, CB, or ILB with their 2nd round pick.

I would pick WR Louis Murphy from Florida for Dallas. He would be a first round pick if Florida ran a prostyle offense.

Seattle needs a QB. If Stafford falls to them Crabtree will have to sit in the green room a little longer. Hasselback stinks they have gone as far as they can with him.

[cubuffsman78]

I think the Lions will be hard to project because they do have so many needs. This is a very similar situation to Houston. Honestly, the smartest thing Detroit could do is trade the first pick, but it seems like we say that about the team with the top pick every year.

I really believe Raji could be the top pick. My biggest argument for it is he's the second most dominant player at a given position behind Crabtree. I rate him as the third-best prospect in the draft behind Crabtree and Curry.

My personal view of the way to build a team is to start in the trenches and work out from there. Now, it's hard to project what Martin Mayhew may do as GM. We don't have any prior history with him.

I do know the Lions hired a defensive coach, though.

If Detroit doesn't go defense with the top pick, then I think it's going to be OT. I think they'll pass on both Stafford and Sanchez and go with Culpepper this season, then take a QB like I project in the third, if at all, and work him into the scheme.

This is a terrible draft for QBs, though, and next year's projects much better. Face it. With or without a QB, the Lions aren't going to be like the Falcons this year. They're going to be the favorite in the Sam Bradford sweepstakes next season.

I think it's possible the Lions pass on Raji. I think it's also possible they take him. There is precedence for taking DTs with the first pick overall. Plus, with as deep as this OL class is, just grab the best available with Pick 20. There should be a nice option available.

I think Collins could be just as effective at SS and give Jenkins some snaps at FS. Jenkins would be better than anything the Packers have backing up Woodson or Harris, including Williams. He's at least a nickel corner for now, which is pivotal in today's game. Eventually, he's the feature DB for the team.

Cromartie took a huge step back in his sophomore season. Jammer remains a problem with his mental lapses and is still flagged for pass interference more than one would care for. Cason is fine. I think Cromartie should be moved to FS and Weddle to SS. Davis would give the Bolts that option.

I don't see Jackson as a great run stopper. LSU's defense could be exposed in the run game at times. I remember watching the Tigers' games against Alabama and Arkansas, both LSU losses, and noticing how both ran the ball successfully at Jackson. He was better against Ga. Tech in the Tigers' bowl game, but I saw enough negative to make me seriously question Jackson.

[cubuffsman78]

Originally Posted by pep9993 I don't like the B.J. Raji pick. I could see them trading down if they want a DT. Jerry Perria is just as good. The Cowboys need to upgrade their special teams with good tacklers. So look for Dallas to grab the best S, CB, or ILB with their 2nd round pick. I would pick WR Louis Murphy from Florida for Dallas. He would be a first round pick if Florida ran a prostyle offense. Seattle needs a QB. If Stafford falls to them Crabtree will have to sit in the green room a little longer. Hasselback stinks they have gone as far as they can with him.

Please study player names and get them right for a change. Constantly getting them wrong makes your arguments seem so dense and uninformed.

Jerry is a good DT, but he's not on the level of Raji. Raji has elite size and rushes the passer better than any other interior lineman in this draft. He can line up at a variety of positions, ranging from a 1-tech to a 5-tech. Jerry doesn't have that type of versatility.

Why would Dallas take a WR, yet? Only if T.O. is cut will they go early on a WR. There is too much money invested in the position right now.

I agree. Dallas does need some upgrade on special teams, but the biggest fix for that is with coaching and putting a bigger emphasis on it, rather than personnel. Not to mention, teams don't draft guys who can just tackle on special teams in the first round. Those players better be able to produce at other positions. Late in the draft is when squads look for some guys who could help in that regard. The Cowboys also have a major need as far as depth on the OL goes and I grade that as much more important than finding a special teams tackler.

Your comment on Hasselbeck is pitiful. He had no WRs for most of the year and his protection was also shoddy. Not to mention, there was no run game. Let's add to it all that he was trying to play hurt. He's still a more than solid option at QB.