Bowler's Mock 3.0

[bowler533]

1. Detroit Lions -- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

There are many ways to rebuild a 0-16. QB is a good place to start.


2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith, LT, Baylor

The release of Orlando Pace signals the need of a new LT to anchor the offensive line for Stephan Jackson and Marc Bulgar who can be a very effective passer.


3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

It's not common that non-pass rushing OLB's go this high, but Aaron Curry is a special talent. Kansas City was horrible against the run last year and Curry, teamed with D.Johnson would help the young defense regain it's confidence. I still won't count out Brian Orakpo here.


4. Seattle Seahawks – Eugene Monroe, LT, Virginia

Monroe would be a great young tackle to groom behind Walter Jones and Sean Locklear. Even if both stay healthy and play well, at least Monroe could be used at depth across the line to ensure a stable running game and the health of Matt Hasslebeck.


5. Cleveland Browns – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The unfortunate offseason of Donte Stallworth teamed with the drop problems and trade rumors of Braylon Edwards has created a need at WR. Don't forget that Kellen Winslow is no longer in Cleveland. The Browns need another option for who ever may be QB and Crabtree would help ease the coverage on Edwards and likely be an important part in the offense.


6. Cincinnati Bengals – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Cincinnati has one of the poorer offensive lines in the league. However, with Monroe and Smith likely to be off the board at this point, Orakpo is the option, and still a great selection. Cincinnati hasn't had consistant pressure on the QB since Justin Smith left. Orakpo should be able to help force turnovers to a young, but fairly talented secondary.


7. Oakland Raiders – BJ Raji, DT, Boston College

Al Davis does love the sexy pick, but the Raiders could not stop the run at all last year. Raji would be a great fit as a DT in the 4-3. Gerrard Warren is 36 as well, so a replacement to Warren is needed.


8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Offensive line is a need too, but with the release of Matt Jones, the Jaguars are left with little talent at WR. Though Mike Walker has talent, his ability to stay healthy is shaky. Maclin would probably be a Ted Ginn Jr. like project, but would be a great all around player. He could return kicks while learning to improve his route running.


9. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn State

Green Bay's move to a 3-4 commands players that are able to move well in space but yet move quickly off the end. It is unknown whether or not Aaron Kampman is able to do so as a 3-4 OLB. Maybin fills a need but is also good value at this pick.


10. San Francisco 49ers – Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Assuming the drug test results posted are fasle, as the NFL actually claimed today, Cushing is flying up my board. Cushing is arguably the 2nd best OLB on my board because he possess some ability to drop back into coverage, but also play as an OLB and blitz from the end. Even more so, he can line up on the line in situations and blitz. He has great versatility.


11. Buffalo Bills – Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

I could argue that Everette Brown should be taken around pick 20 as his stock has really gone down lately. However, the Bills are in need of a talented pass rusher. Brown though has poor coverage skills and would be a project as a 4-3 OLB.


12. Denver Broncos – Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State

There are several reasons why I like this pick. Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, and Rendaldo Hill are all 30, and Brian Dawkins is pushing 36. Malcolm Jenkins is the best player in the secondary in this draft. At the least he provides great depth as a ball-hawking safety, but could easily beat out Jack Williams and Josh Bell for the nickel spot. However, no other corner makes as much since here. Jenkins is the best fit of the corners in this draft.


13. Washington Redskins - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Ayers stock has sky-rocketed as of late. He is considered one of the best true 4-3 ends in the draft. Washington is in a great need of a pass rush too, as they ranked tied for dead last in the league in sacks.


14. New Oreleans Saints - Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

New Oreleans biggest need could be in the secondary. However, Darren Sharper has been signed and Tracy Porter is continuing to develop. An instant help would be upgraing the OLB position surrounding Vilma in the middle.


15. Houston Texans - Vonte Davis, CB, Illinois

Many Houston writers are predicting OLB in the draft. Unless Matthews falls here, the secondary needs to be addressed. Davis would help a team that was an average 17th agianst the pass.


16. San Diego Chargers - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

San Diego could really use help on the offensive line. A great run blocker like Andre Smith would help bloster the combination of L.T. and Sproles as well as Philip Rivers.


17. New York Jets - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Do I really expect Sanchez to fall to #17? No. I actually expect the Jets to trade up with anywhere from 9- 12 to take him there. Either way, I think the Jets end up with the USC product. Clemens could start for a year and try to prove to the organization what he is worth while letting Sanchez learn the pro system.


18. Denver Broncos (fr. Bears) - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

What Denver lacks the most is talent for the 3-4 on the defensive line. Ronald Fields, Marcus Thomas, Tim Crowder, and Kenny Peterson is a below average group. Only Thomas would be of any value at DE and that remains to be seen. Jackson would likely contribute right away and help stop the run, which Denver has failed to do for the past two seasons.


19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

I really like this projection for several reasons. Antonio Byrant had a great season last year but still would benefit from a young speedster on the team. Harvin could also help the running game and become a nice compliment to the combo of Derrick Ward and Graham. Harvin can play both RB abd WR and really provide some offense to who ever the QB may be. At this point, I still think Josh Freeman is way to high. I think Tampa could actually grab him with their second round pick.


20. Detroit Lions (fr. Cowboys) - Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

One thing Jim Schwartz likes is to dominate the defensive line. Acquiring a DT is needed to improve the league's worst run defense last year.


21. Philadelphia Eagles - Knowshawn Moreno, RB, Georgia

With Buckhatler leaving for Denver, depth and a replacement for Westbrook is needed. Moreno runs very similar to Westbrook and could also contribute to the short dump off passing game that Philly has used for several seasons.


22. Minnesota Vikins - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Theres one thing that Minnesota must do well every year and that is run the ball effectively. Oher could provide depth across the line and even spell McKinnie who played poorly at times last year.


23. New England Patriots - Ray Maualuga, MLB, USC

Ray would be a great fit in New England and be produce a great inside core of young linebackers with Jerrod Mayo.


24. Atlanta Falcons - Darius Butler, CB, UConn

The exit of Dominique Foxworth arguably means their best CB left. The current roster is filled with underachieving corners. Butler has shot up draft boards and is considered by many a true first rounder.


25. Miami Dolphins - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Miami desperately needs a big physical WR who can play the middle of the field, allowing for the speedy Ted Ginn Jr. to run deep. This would aslo free up Greg Camarillo to be the perfect slot WR.


26. Baltimore Ravens - James Laurenitis, MLB, Ohio State

A huge hole next to Ray Lewis was left when Bart Scott left via the Jets. Laurenitis would be a solid ILB beside Lewis, but also has the ability to play outside is certian packages.


27. Indianpolis Colts - Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State

Indy has been looking for a run stuffing DT for several years. Though Gilbert possess the ability to rush the passer as well, he would be a great fit on the inside of the line. He reportadly had a great workout for many scouts.


28. Philadelphia Eagles (fr. Panthers) - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

I have hard time projecting two offensive players to the Eagles, but with a weak safety class, Pettigrew would be a great addition with the 28th pick. LJ Smith did not resign and a pass catching TE would help McNabb.


29. New York Giants - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

Now that Plexi-glass has been cut, WR is an immediate need for the Giants. Dominik Hixon is nothing but a solid #3 and return man, Sinorice Moss has yet to prove he has the ability of his older brother, and the list of underachievers go on. Only Steve Smith seems to has developed. Robiskie would be a great possossion reciever and work the middle of the field quite effectively.


30. Tennessee Titans - Alex Mack, OL, California

Vince Mawae may only have one year left and OG Eugene Amano is still an inexperienced starter. Mack can play multiple postions but most likely take over for Mawae once he retires.


31. Arizona Cardinals - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

Edge doesn't seem to want to be back in Arizona. Plus, JJ Arrington has left via Denver. This basically leaves Tim Hightower. The Cardinals would be thrilled to see Wells fall this far and its very possible too.


32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

The exit of Bryant McFadden leaves a hole in the secondary. Smith would be a more then capable replacement.