My First Round Mock

[black19]

1 Detroit - QB Matthew Stafford
Physically gifted and can make NFL throws but it's his indifference to going to Detroit that makes him the selection over Sanchez. Personally, I think Detroit should trade out and stock up on picks, problem is, the 1st pick may not have much value this year.

2 St Louis - OT Jason Smith
Great in pass protection and huge upside. This former tight end carries less baggage than Andre Smith and should provide some much needed talent on the STL OL.

3 Kansas City - LB Aaron Curry
QB is no longer a need in KC and they need help in the LB corps. Curry is one of the elite prospects and should make an imediate impact.

4 Seattle - DT BJ Raji
I'd think Seattle might consider going OT here but with Raji on the board here it will be hard to pass up. He has the ability to play in any scheme and would be a much needed addition on the front line for Seattle.

5 Cleveland - DE Everette Brown
Cleveland nabs arguably the best DE in the draft and definitely the best tweener. Brown's ability to reach the corner and get the to the QB will provide a boost to the Mangini D.

6 Cincinnati - WR Michael Crabtree
The premier receiver and player of the draft falls into the lap of Cincinnati. Would Cincy be better off addressing other needs? Yes. Do they? No. My gut tells me if Crabtree falls this far, there will most likely be some movement but I'm not predicting trades here.

7 Oakland - OT Eugene Monroe*
Al Davis has been very predictable over the past few years making the 'sexy' pick. Many would say Maclin should be written in pen here but I got Al Davis pullin a Kansas City shuffle and drafting for need here. Monroe is athletically gifted and should fit in on the left side.

8 Jacksonville - OT Andre Smith
Jacksonville has always had physical specimens on it's team and they draft one here. Smith has huge upside but comes with baggage.

9 Green Bay - DE/OLB Brian Orakapo
Orakpo has an impressive combo of burst and strength off the edge. His versatility is a plus.

10 San Francisco - QB Mark Sanchez
SF definitely has some QB issues (Shaun Hill & Alex Smith?) heading into this season and Sanchez should be a welcome addition. Aside from his physical tools, his intangibles make him attractive.

11 Buffalo - WR Jeremy Maclin
Buffalo needs some weapons on offense. With Orakapo off the board here, their decision is made easier. Maclin is a vertical threat and dangerous with the ball in his hands.

12 Denver - ILB Rey Maualuga
A plugger with power and pop. Maualuga should be the presence that Denver has been missing for some time in the middle. He's best attacking downhill and that's how he'll be used.

13 Washington - OT Michael Oher
Washington would be better served taking a DE but anyone else here would be either a bad fit or a reach. With Oher still on the board, this should be a no brainer. He needs to work on his consistency a bit but his upside will make him hard to pass on here.

14 New Orleans - CB Malcolm Jenkins
Jenkins is the draft's top corner prospect and he falls to the Saints at 14. His ability to play free safety makes him a wise selection for the Saints.

15 Houston - OLB Brian Cushing
Cushing is a hard working linebacker and he can play either 3-4 or 4-3. This may be one of the last pieces the Texans need in place on D.

16 San Diego - RB Knowshon Moreno
It's no secret LT is being devauled in San Diego and the Chargers may need to start looking to the future. Moreno's instinctive play and vision at the line of scrimmage will make him a solid back for the future in SD.

17 New York (J) - CB D.J. Moore
Although he's undersized, he's got great closing speed and can get after it. Alternatively, the Jets could go WR here but Harvin may not be what the Jets need and it's a bit early for a Heyward-Bey or Nicks.

18 Chicago - WR Percy Harvin
Harvin is athletically gifted and has great speed. Chicago loves having an X-factor and they grab another one with Harvin.

19 Tampa Bay - DT Peria Jerry
Jerry is as explosive as interior lineman come and he should be able to start annexing off some real estate in opponent's backfields immediately. Tampa may look hard at QB with Moreno and Harvin off the board but I think they'll settle on DT.

20 Detroit - CB Vontae Davis
He's got the prototypical skills of an elite NFL corner. Detroit will hope he can put it all together and take him at 20.

21 Philadelphia - RB Chris Wells
Wells is a big, physical runner. He should compliment Westbrook nicely with the departure of Buckhalter this off season. Wells will be out to answer those questions about his passion for the game.

22 Minnesota - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
He's got size and speed with a vertical burst to get down the field with the best of them. Minnesota has already spent some money on the WR position and could use help in the secondary but anyone available here might be a reach.

23 New England - DE/OLB Aaron Maybin
Maybin is a very productive pass rusher and could possibly be an OLB in a 3-4 scheme at the next level.

24 Atlanta - OLB Larry English
English is an impressive athlete off the edge. He's worked himself into the first round and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go higher.

25 Miami - ILB James Laurinaitis
He's a smart, technically sound middle backer who seems to find himself always involved.

26 Baltimore - CB Sean Smith
Smtih is a big, physical corner who will jam anyone. He's got great hands and may even be able to play a little free safety at the next level.

27 Indianapolis - DT Sen'Derrick Marks
Marks is an explosive tackle who knows how to shoot gaps and get up the field. The Colts could use a motor guy like him on the DL.

28 Philadelphia - TE Brandon Pettigrew
He's a big and built guy with the ability to find gaps in the pass game and he can handle his own in the run game.

29 New York (G) - WR Hakeem Nicks
Theres a bit of uncertainty with the Giants and their wide out situation and Nicks would be a great addition. He's as fluid as they come and can run great routes.

30 Tennessee - DE Michael Johnson
Someone is going to reach on Johnson in the first round and with the way this draft is falling, I like the Titans to do just that. Johnson's got the skills to be a top 5 guy but he'll have to prove he can produce.

31 Arizona - RB LeSean McCoy
I fully expect James to be gone by the time the season starts and with the departure of Arrington, the Cards suddenly find themselves thin at a position they drafted for last year. McCoy is a home run threat and should compliment Hightower well.

32 Pittsburgh - C Alex Mack
Mack will fit the running scheme in Pittsburgh well. He's got a punch and dig his feet in and battle against the rush.

*This was obviously posted prior to the Raiders signing Khalif Barnes, which means there will be no Kansas City shuffle, and the Raiders will most likely take Maclin. You win again Al Davis...

[cubuffsman78]

I don't believe Detroit will go QB with the first pick. I think Culpepper is definitely the starter this season and it's time to see what Drew Stanton can do.

Brian Orakpo is the draft's best DE and tweener. Brown has hurt his stock some.

Crabtree is in Cincy only if Chad is traded. They've got Chad and Coles now.

I think Buffalo and Washington jump all over Maybin. Those two teams need a pass rush more than just about anyone else in the league, along with Kansas City.

[Kevman21]

I have a hard time seeing Andre Smith being drafted by the Jaguars. A lot of people have him going there, but with all his off the field issues, he seems like the complete opposite player that the Jaguars are trying to bring in with Gene Smith. I guess if his issues are cleared up and they believe he is done with all his antics, then he could be their pick, but right now I don't think he would be good for the team, chemistry wise.

[black19]

Originally Posted by cubuffsman78 I don't believe Detroit will go QB with the first pick. I think Culpepper is definitely the starter this season and it's time to see what Drew Stanton can do. Brian Orakpo is the draft's best DE and tweener. Brown has hurt his stock some. Crabtree is in Cincy only if Chad is traded. They've got Chad and Coles now. I think Buffalo and Washington jump all over Maybin. Those two teams need a pass rush more than just about anyone else in the league, along with Kansas City.

I dont think Detroit should draft a QB (just like I dont think Oak should draft a WR) but I think chances are they will. Not many teams need a QB but if Sanchez and Stafford fall, some teams may want to take a shot (SF, NYJ, CHI, & TB) before the Lions get a chance with their second pick.

IMO, Orakapo (how is his name spelled???) and Brown are interchangeable as the best DE. I just happen to give Brown the benefit of the doubt here.

I don't know how I missed the Coles signing...which makes me want to rethink that choice. However, how interesting would that be for Palmer....or if they pass on Crabtree, how would be look in Silver & Black....

I've been having a hard time with the Redskins selection. They definitely need a DE, even now more than ever, but if they have Oher & Maybin staring at them in the face, which way do they go? Personally, Im a bit down on Maybin even though I'd prefer that the Skins draft defense early and often.

[cubuffsman78]

Many teams aren't going to give Brown a shot at DE because of his height. I think he can do it, but teams don't like what isn't prototypical when it comes to having a certain type of size at a given position.

Recent rumblings from Detroit media say the Lions are looking for another veteran to come in and be the backup for Culpepper, such as Rex Grossman or J.P. Losman. I really think they're looking for a veteran answer to plug in for now and want to build in other spots.

[Saint33]

DJ Moore is dropping. No way is he the 2nd corner off the board. And no Alphonso Smith in the 1st? I think Smith is the most impressive corner in the draft, although his height will drop him. The Vikings would pounce all over him if he's still there at 22, especially over DHB. DHB reminds me of Troy Williamson, and I doubt the Vikings make that mistake twice, plus he's very similar in skill set to Bernard Berrian. The Vikings will not take DHB, I can guarentee that.

Sen'Derrick Marks will not be a 1st round pick.

Maybin is much too low

[black19]

Well, looks like the Buffalo pick may change as well. I planned on only doing one mock this year, but it appears I didn't wait long enough. I'll probably do one more since I'll have to get in on the MDC anyway.

[cubuffsman78]

Originally Posted by black19 Well, looks like the Buffalo pick may change as well. I planned on only doing one mock this year, but it appears I didn't wait long enough. I'll probably do one more since I'll have to get in on the MDC anyway.

One can never do just one mock. Once you mock, you can't stop.