Less than 24 hours away and I have finally completed my mock
draft. I’ve tinkering with this for about a week now, and the Jet’s acquisition
of the 13th overall pick threw a bit of a kink in the situation, but
here it is. Enjoy!
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| Andy Reid has the first overall pick and he only drafts players who weigh more than him in the first round. That only leaves a few players on his draft board. |
There is a good chance Eric Fisher goes here, but I am
siding with the more ready to start prospect, especially since the Chiefs are likely
to trade their current left tackle, Branden Albert. Andy Reid pretty much never
takes anything besides offensive and defensive lineman in the first round, so
that basically makes this pick a competition between Joeckel, Fisher, and
Sharrif Floyd.
2. Jacksonville:
DT Sharrif Floyd Florida
There is a lot of speculation that this pick will either be
used on Geno Smith or Dion Jordan. I will rule out Smith right away simply
because I do not think that they are ready to give up on Blaine Gabbert,
although they really should. Jordan is an extremely talented player, but I have
a hard time figuring out how he would fit in a 4-3 defense. I think he will end
up being mostly looked at as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Floyd on the other hand
is one of the most dominant interior lineman we have seen in the last few years.
The Jags lost Terrance Knighton to the Broncos, who has been a solid starter
for the last four seasons, so DT is a clear need for this team.
3. Oakland: CB
Dee Milliner Alabama
Did the Raiders sign both Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins in
free agency? Yes. Does that really solve their issues in their defensive
backfield? No. Porter and Jenkins are both marginal starters at best. The
Raiders will have to line up against Peyton Manning twice a year with his new
trio of dangerous receivers. This might be a bit of a reach for Milliner, but
the guy has size, speed, and incredible college productivity while playing for
Alabama, which is basically a NFL minor league team. With every team in the
league looking for a guy like this, I really don’t believe that he is too much
of a reach here, although the Raiders will push hard to get out of this pick.
4. Philadelphia:
OT Eric Fisher Central Michigan
The Eagles’ offensive line was atrocious last season. They
need upgrades at almost every position. With Chip Kelly’s high octane offensive
coming to town, he needs offensive lineman in great physically shape. Fisher is
the most athletic offensive lineman in this draft so this is all around a
perfect fit. Look for teams to try to trade up with the Raiders to grab Fisher
before the Eagles get him.
5. Detriot: DE
Ezekiel Ansah BYU
If this is how the draft falls, the Lions will look to get
out of this pick. They are praying that either Milliner or Fisher fall to them,
both of whom would fill huge needs for them. If they get stuck with this pick,
I see them taking the most intriguing edge rusher in this draft. Ansah has very
little football experience, but his potential is off the charts. In a draft
with so few clear all stars, Ansah will fly up the draft boards.
6. Cleveland: OLB/DE
Dion Jordan Oregon
This is the first team that I really think has a legitimate
chance of taking Geno Smith. However, they spent a first round pick last year
on the 40 year old rookie, Brandon Weeden, so they might look elsewhere to fix
a roster that is still full of holes. They might have paid Paul Kruger like a
blue chip player, but he is not. Jordan is and will give the Browns their best
pass rushing rotation since… ever?
7. Arizona: OT
Lane Johnson Oklahoma
The Cardinals have one of the worst offensive lines in the
NFL. There are going to take one of the top tackles or guards at this spot. I
have no doubt of that. Johnson gives them the most upside at the premiere left
tackle spot.
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| Could the Bills finally find their franchise quarterback in this year's draft? Probably not. |
Kevin Kolb is not a starter in the NFL. The Bills have been
looking for a quarterback ever since Jim Kelly retired in 1996. Smith might not
be Andrew Luck or RG3, or even Ryan Tannehill, but he is definitely worth the
risk at this spot.
TRADE:
9. NY Jets TO St.
Louis: WR Tavon Austin West Virginia
The Jets are dying to get out of this pick and if Austin is
still on the board, I believe the Rams will make a move to replace Danny
Amendola with the big play machine, Austin. I don’t like projecting trades, but
this one is too likely to happen to not have in here. The Vikings will try to
get this pick as well, but the Rams have the higher pick and will win out.
Austin’s size is concerning, but with the league continually adding safety
measures to protect offensive players, it becomes less of an issue. It also
doesn’t hurt that he is by far the most explosive offensive player in this
draft.
10. Tennessee: DT
Sheldon Richardson Missouri
Many still have the Titans going after one of the top two
guards in this draft, but with the huge deal they just gave to Andy Levitre, I
think they will look at the other side of the ball. Their defensive line is a
total mess and would not strike fear in many high school teams. Richardson may
be inconsistent, but he is the most athletic interior lineman in this draft and
would fill a huge need for the Titans who have not had a solid interior since
Albert Haynesworth departed.
11. San Diego: OG
Jonathan Cooper North Carolina
The Chargers are desperate at basically every position along
their offensive line. They were one of the worst in the league last year and
they lost guard Louis Vasquez to the rival Broncos. There is no way they can
fit this line in one season, but Cooper gives them possibly the best pass
blocking guard in the draft to try to help Phillip Rivers get his groove back.
Chance Warmack is most people’s top guard, but Cooper is a better fit for the
Chargers offense.
12. Miami: CB
Xavier Rhodes FSU
With all the players the Dolphins added in free agency, they
lost two huge contributors in CB Sean Smith and LT Jake Long. They have options
to replace Long, but they have nothing at cornerback right now. There is a very
good chance that Rhodes is long gone by this spot, but if he is here, he is a
no brainer and could very well be a significant upgrade over Smith.
13. NY Jets: OG
Chance Warmack Alabama
Warmack has been regarded by many as the best player in this
draft and would be a steal at this spot. While it is hard for me to believe
that a guard could have that type of impact, I think he would be a perfect fit
for Jets who lost two starting guards in free agency.
14. Carolina: DT
Star Lotulelel Utah
The Panthers have not had a legit starting caliber interior
lineman since they traded Kris Jenkins to the Jets. They really struggled
stopping the run last year and Lotulelel is a massive man who would immediately
be a huge upgrade for this team. There is still a chance that Lotulelel gets
taken in the top five, but medical concerns will drop him down on teams’ boards.
15. New Orleans: FS
Kenny Vaccaro Texas
The Cowboys made the mistake of not getting Rob Ryan
talented defensive backs in order for him to effectively run his defense. The
Saints won’t make the same mistake and give Ryan far and away the best safety
in this draft class.
16. St. Louis TO NY
Jets: DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo LSU
The Jets apparently love Mingo, which to me makes me
skeptical that they actually want to draft him. However, if they can trade down
and still land him, I think they bite at his potential. Rex Ryan has gotten
production out of slow and ineffective linebackers, so just think what he could
do with this kid. He has a high bust factor, but Ryan will get the most out of
him.
17. Pittsburgh:
OLB Jarvis Jones Georgia
Jones was once thought of as one of the best players in this
draft, but medical questions and a subpar pro day will drop him on a lot of
teams’ draft boards. This is the exact type of player the Steelers love. If the
University of Georgia can get production out of this guy, so can the Steelers.
18. Dallas: OT
D.J. Fluker Alabama
The Cowboys just made a huge investment in Tony Romo. They
have to protect him better and give him a stronger run game. Fluker will help
both Romo and DeMarco Murray be more consistent.
19. NY Giants: DE
Bjoern Werner Florida State
With the loss of Osi Umenyiora, the Giants are looking for
pass rush help. Justin Tuck has not been the same player the last two years
either, so this is an even bigger need than most think. Werner reminds me of
Ryan Kerrigan, who has been an absolute beast for the Redskins the last two
seasons. Datone Jones will get a long, hard look as well due to his versatility.
20. Chicago: ILB
Alec Ogletree Georgia
If Brian Urlacher does not return with the team, this will
be the biggest need for the Bears. Ogletree is hands down the best ILB in this
draft (sorry Manti Te’o) and could move to OLB if Urlacher returns. Ogletree,
Urlacher, and Lance Briggs would give the Bears’ the best trio of 4-3
linebackers in the league.
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| A.J Green and Andre Johnson might be at different stages in their careers, but both desperately need a complimentary receiver. Will they both get help in Round 1 tomorrow? |
I am not sure why I have yet to see a mock draft with the
Bengals taking a receiver in the first round, especially since it was so clear
in their playoff loss that when a team can take away A.J. Green, the offense is
entirely ineffectual. Patterson would be a slam dunk for this team, giving them
a true deep threat next to Green. Second year receiver Mohamed Sanu can take
his time to recover from his injury and then move into the slot when he is
ready. With Green, Patterson, Sanu, and tight end Jermaine Gresham, Andy Dalton
could take his game to the next level.
22. St. Louis: FS John Cyprien Florida International
The Rams defense made huge strides last season, but they
still lack a playmaking safety. While Cyprien may not be a household name, he
is the exact type of player Jeff Fisher looks for. He is a smart and physical
safety that could help the Rams take the next step on defense.
23. Minnesota: CB
Desmond Trufant Washington
The Vikings almost have to address the corner position in
the first round and really need to find two starters in this draft after losing
Antoine Winfield. Trufant has been flying up draft boards and could definitely
go higher than this. He has the potential to be a true shutdown corner, which
makes him exceptionally valuable.
24. Indianapolis:
DE Datone Jones UCLA
The Colts desperately need to get better upfront on defense
and Jones is the best run stuffing defensive end in this draft. He has the size
to play the position and has sneaky pass rushing ability.
25. Minnesota:
ILB Manti Te’o Notre Dame
This would fill a big need for the Vikings after losing
Jasper Brinkley in free agency. His old Norte Dame teammates Harrison Smith and
Kyle Rudolph would help welcome him into the Vikings’ locker room and help
gloss over the whole fake girlfriend issue.
26. Green Bay: OT
Menelik Watson Florida State
Aaron Rodgers got sacked more than any quarterback in the
league last year. That cannot happen again. The Packers will be looking for
offensive line and running back help, but with no one really standing out as a
first round talent at running back, the Packers take the best left tackle
prospect left on the board, who also is one of the top players left on the
board. They can address running back in the later rounds. A deep draft at
corner and safety will also allow them to hold out on filling that need as well.
27. Houston: WR
Robert Woods USC
Andre Johnson has been in need of a complimentary receiver
basically his entire career. The cupboard is barer than ever in Houston and
finding a starting receiver is a must for this team. Woods has great hands,
above average speed, and might be the most polished route runner in this draft.
Throw in his impact on special teams and you’ve got a guy who can score in many
different ways. He should end the streak of disappointing USC receivers and
become a solid option for Matt Schaub from day one.
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| Elvis Dumervil is still looking for that fax and the Broncos are still looking for some pass rushing help. |
Losing Elvis Dumervil to the Ravens might be one of the
biggest free agency blunders of all time. When was the last time you heard of a
team losing a star pass rusher due to a late fax? Carradine’s draft stock took
a big hit when he tore his ACL, but he has worked out well enough for teams to
move him back into the first round.
29. New England:
FS Matt Elam Florida
How many times will the Patriots’ pass defense fail them
before they make a strong push to upgrade their secondary? Bill Belichick loves
Florida players and Elam is one of those guys with a ton of upside who just
needs to play more disciplined. Sounds like a future Patriot to me.
30. Altanta: TE
Tyler Eifert Notre Dame
This guy could go way higher, getting a lot of comparisons
to Rob Gronkowski, but tight ends have a history of falling in the draft. He is
an all around tight end and having Tony Gonzalez gives Eifert a year to get up
to NFL speed before he is relied on as the man in Atlanta. This is a no brainer
if Eifert is still on the board at this point.
31. San Francisco:
FS Eric Reid LSU
The 49ers’ defensive backfield is their only real weakness
and their main priority should be finding a replacement for Dashon Goldson.
Goldson might have been the most underrated player on that defense and he
deserved the money he got from Tampa. Reid is by no means comparable to him,
but he has potential coming out his ears. The 49ers coaching staff is one of
the best in the league and they will get every ounce of talent out of Reid.
32. Baltimore: WR
Keenan Allen California
Allen screams young Anquan Boldin. Allen is a big, physical
receiver without elite speed, yet who has produced in college with some
terrible quarterback play. His 40 yard dash time really hurt his value, but I
cannot imagine a world in which this guy falls out of the first round. He very
well could end up being the most productive of any of these receivers, despite
not having elite athleticism. This is the type of guy you want on your football
team, and there is no way Ozzie Newsome lets him get past the Ravens at this
point.
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