1. Carolina Panthers- Cam Newton QB Auburn
Carolina has a lot of need areas, and I don’t think taking Newton would be the right decision. They invested a second round pick (their first pick) on a QB last year, and they don’t have a second round pick this year, so this pick needs to count. They invested a lot in Clausen, and I don’t think they should give up on him so soon, especially when they have a lot of need areas. They need to take the best player available, and Cam Newton is not that guy. I do like Newton as a prospect though. He is maybe the best athlete I’ve ever seen on a football field, has a strong arm, and is pretty accurate. He has clean mechanics and a nice release, and the criticism of him playing in an overly simplistic offense is not true, and it’s being blown way out of proportion. His lack of experience, and the fact he probably won’t play right away concerns me, but that’s the only reason I would have second thoughts about drafting him.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson CB LSU
The Broncos were able to put points on the board last season, but their defense was abysmal, and it needs to be addressed early and often on draft day. I think Patrick Peterson is the best player in the draft, and he will add some youth to their aging secondary. Peterson has great size, elite speed, fluid hips, ball skills, and everything else you look for in a lock down corner. Marcell Dareus is the popular pick here in most mock drafts, with people rationalizing you need to build your team from the inside out, but I don’t believe that, especially since he’s not an impact pass rusher. I’m a big best player available person, and I think Peterson is that guy.
3. Buffalo Bills- Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
Von Miller is a perfect fit for the Bills, as the best player available matches up with a position of need for them. Miller wreaks havoc on opposing offenses with his speed, leverage, and pass rush moves, allowing him to be in the quarterback’s face all game. He is also competent in coverage, and he fits the Bills 3-4 defense perfectly, having played in it in college.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- A.J. Green WR Georgia
Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens appear on their way out the door, and that leaves the Bengals without a number one receiver. AJ Green can fill this void, possessing a skill set similar to the last receiver to go in the top 5, Calvin Johnson. Green has great size, hands, and leaping ability, and can stretch the defense vertically, and go across the middle. I don’t think he’s quite as strong as Johnson, but he should be a huge weapon for Carson Palmer, or whoever the Bengals’ quarterback is going forward.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Robert Quinn DE/OLB North Carolina
The Cardinals desperately need to improve the quarterback position, but supposedly they’re not very high on Blaine Gabbert. So, they’ll address their next biggest area of need, and take a pass rusher. Quinn is an explosive player, firing hard off the snap and blowing by offensive lineman on his way to sacking the quarterback. He has elite speed for the position, and should succeed as a stand up linebacker. He was suspended all of last year after being caught up in UNC’s mess with the NCAA, but scouts saw enough out of him as a sophomore to warrant taking him this high.
6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus DT Alabama
Cleveland is switching to a 4-3 defense, and they’ll need to bring in appropriate personnel for the new scheme, after running a 3-4 for a few years. A run stuffer in the middle will be needed, after Shaun Rodgers was released, and Dareus is widely considered the top run stuffer in this year’s draft. He is strong, can take on and fight double teams, and stuff ball carriers in the backfield. He played end in a 3-4 scheme in college, but he’s beat suited as a 1 technique in a 4-3.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
I read a report this week that described San Fransisco’s interest in Gabbert as “luke warm”, so I think they’ll pass on him and take a corner or pass rusher here, if they can’t trade back. Amukamara is a technician at the corner back position, and he has pretty good size and speed. I think Amukamara is being underrated by some (not Mel Kipper, but everyone else) because of one bad game against Justin Blackman, but that doesn’t bother me. It happens, and that player, in that scheme is near impossible to cover.
8. Tennessee Titans- Nick Fairley DT Auburn
Tennessee has lacked an interior presence on their defense since Albert Haynesworth left via free agency, but they’ll have the opportunity to take his “clone” in Fairley. Both players can be described as dirty, but they are both monsters, with the ability to constantly beat double teams, and make plays in the back field vs both the run and the pass. He doesn’t have great technique, but he is very quick, and can beat blockers off the ball.
9. St. Louis Rams (trade w/ Dallas)- Julio Jones WR Alabama
Sam Bradford had a solid rookie year, despite little help from his receivers, and the Rams will trade up to assure themselves off getting one of the two big time weapons in this year’s draft. Jones is a physical receiver, with great size and ability to go over the middle. He can run after the catch and has been described as a great blocker. He goes through some “stone hand” periods and can’t stretch the field like Green, but he would be a great pick up for the Rams. If they stay at 14 they’ll take Corey Liugert.
10. Washington Redskins- Jake Locker QB Washington
After missing out on Jones, the Skins will turn their attention to quarterback. Donovan McNabb is old and clearly does not get along with the coaching staff, so they’ll look to replace him. Locker is maddeningly inaccurate, and took some steps back as a senior, but he fits their scheme, as a strong arm, mobile QB who can throw the deep ball, and roll out of the pocket. I don’t like Locker in the first round, but others do, and he fits Washington’s scheme.
11. Houston Texans- Aldon Smith DE/OLB Missouri
Houston’s pass defense was arguably the worst in football last year, and having missed out on Amukamara, will take a pass rusher to go opposite Mario Williams in their new 3-4 scheme. Smith is a terrific speed rusher, and is a bit undersized, making him a great fit for a 3-4 scheme. Most scouts consider him to be a bit raw, but he has immense potential, and could have been a top 5 pick if he stayed an extra year in school.
12. Minnesota Vikings- Da’Quan Bowers DE Clemson
The Vikings defensive line is aging, and they shouldn’t pass on a player of Bowers caliber. It appears starter Ray Edwards will leave via free agency, so a pass rusher to go opposite Jarred Allen will be needed. Bowers was a top recruit coming out of high school, and he finally lived up to expectations this year, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Bowers is a very strong player and he can explode out of his stance. He has a long body, and he uses that to his advantage, playing well vs the run and the pass. He’s falling a bit on draft boards because of a knee injury.
13. Detroit Lions- Tyron Smith OT USC
Matthew Stafford hasn’t been able to stay on the field, and drafting a long term solution to protect him at the left tackle position is vital to their chances at competing in the future. Smith is a bit raw, but he has a ridiculously high ceiling. He has great length, and can move like no other offensive lineman. He is very strong, and can just throw defenders at times, and dominate as both as a pass blocker and run blocker, but he is inconsistent. He needs to improve his leverage, and some other things technique wise. He only played on the right side in college, but he has the skill set to be a franchise left tackle.
14. Dallas Cowboys (trade w/ St. Louis)- Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
After trading down, the Cowboys will address the right tackle position, after it was arguably their biggest weakness last season. Head Coach Jason Garrett is reportedly high on both Costonzo and Smith, and will take Costanzo with Smith off the board. Costanzo is a smart football player, with great technique and outstanding feet. He is very athletic with good size, and is a natural knee bender. He can mirror a defender, and is an outstanding pass blocker. He is a solid run blocker, but he will have to improve his lower body strength.
15. Miami Dolphins- Mike Pouncey C/G Florida
The Dolphins can go in a number of directions with this pick, but they’ll take a rock to anchor the middle of their offensive line. Pouncey is an intelligent player, with outstanding size and athleticism. While he is not as powerful as his twin brother, he can be a dominant center at the next level. He is technically sound, and is just as good of a pass blocker as he is a run blocker. He brings a nastiness to the game, and he can play other positions on the line if need be.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
The Jaguars have considered taking a quarterback the last few years, and I think this could be the year they finally take one. You won’t find anyone as low on Gabbert as I am; I don’t know why he’s considered a top5 pick. He was a mediocre college quarterback, has a mediocre tool set, and played in an offense that threw the ball horizontally instead of vertically. He is praised for his “intangibles”, but you cannot take a quarterback solely on intangibles.
17. New England Patriots (Oakland)- Cameron Jordan DE California
The Patriots need to improve their front 7 early in the draft, and Jordan would be a good fit for their system. Jordan is powerful and has great technique, but he doesn’t have the closing speed you look for in a typical defensive end. With this skill set, he is a perfect 5 technique. He played in a 3-4 in college, and can be a two gap player.
18. San Diego Chargers- JJ Watt DE Wisconsin
The Chargers seem intent on improving their front 7 early in the draft, and they would be happy to have Watt fall to them. Watt has a great motor, and is the ideal 5 technique. He is strong against the run, fights through double teams, and can use the bull rush to push the pocket, and get after the quarterback.
19. New York Giants- Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
The Giants are looking to draft an offensive lineman early, not so much for now, but for the future. I like Will Beatty’s potential as a left tackle and I think they’ll take a right tackle of the future here in Carimi. Carimi is the best run blocker in this year’s draft, dominating with his strength, leverage, and technique, consistently burying defenders into the ground. He keeps a good base and has a good punch pass protecting, but I think he’s limited to right tackle because he does not have elite athleticism. He has a bit of a mean streak too, which I love.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
After spending their top 2 picks on defensive tackles last year, the Buccaneers finished 30th in the NFL in sacks, and they need a premier pass rusher. Kerrigan uses his length and leverage to drive blockers back to get after the quarterback. He is not an elite athlete, and doesn’t have the speed that you look for, but he is a disruptive force, who often finds himself making plays in the backfield.
21. Kansas City Chiefs- Phil Taylor DT Baylor
The one thing all good 3-4 defenses have is a good nose tackle, and the Chiefs don’t have one right now. Taylor is big and strong, and stout against the run. He eats up space and can hold blockers up, which should make him a two gap player. He had a foot injury last year, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem, but his character (he was kicked out of Penn State) might be.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State
The Colts have not been able to find a franchise left tackle to protect Peyton Manning’s blind side since Tarik Glenn retired, and they think Sherrod might be able to fill that void. Sherrod is not a dominant run blocker, but he is a good fit for the Colts’ system, as he can seal the edge, and get good position on defenders. He has good length, knee bend, and athleticism, and that allows him to excel as a pass protector. The Colts probably have him rated higher than most teams.
23. Philadelphia Eagles- Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
The Eagles do not have a legitimate starting corner opposite Asante Samuel, and they’ll take a risk on Smith, who is very talented, but has some character concerns. Smith is a tall corner at 6’2’’ and he is at his best in press coverage, which is the main coverage the Eagles deploy. Under Andy Reid, the Eagles have had success picking up players with character concerns, so I expect them to have no qualms about taking a troubled player.
24. New Orleans Saints- Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
The Saints are looking to improve their defensive line, and they might have a steal on their hands here. Clayborn was considered a top 10 pick coming into the 2010 season, but his production fell off a ton, only recording 3.5 sacks, after recording 11.5 in 2009. He is strong, has a good punch, uses his hands well, and has the speed to close and sack the quarterback. He is able to utilizes his great leverage to defend against the run. He’s smart and a hard worker, and a bargain if he can return to his 2009 form.
25. Seattle Seahawks- Corey Liuget DT Illinois
Seattle doesn’t have a glaring weakness at defensive tackle, but Liuget is too much of a value to pass up. Liuget is quick and disruptive, and is strong against the run and the pass. He plays with good strength and leverage as well, allowing him to make plays in the backfield. Don’t rule out quarterback here though.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State
The Ravens aren’t a team that reaches for need, and they are rumored to be high on “Little Iron Head”, since they are always looking to improve their front 7. Heyward is a DE/DT tweener, but he should be a good 5 technique. He is strong and can hold blocks, and while he’s not an elite pass rusher, he could push the pocket, which is what you want your 5 techniques to do.
27. Atlanta Falcons- Torey Smith WR Maryland
Roddy White emerged as one of the best receivers in the game last season, and they’ll need someone opposite him that can hurt a defense if White is double teamed. Smith has great size, and can beat a defense vertically. He needs to work on his route running and needs to use his hands better while catching, but he is a hard worker and can improve.
28. New England Patriots- Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
The Patriots’ pass rush has lacked impact in recent years, and they need to grab a top pass rusher with one of their early picks. Ayers is pure speed rusher, who played in a 3-4 in college. He has some coverage skills, and is solid against the run as well. Scouts think he needs to improve his pass rushing repertoire, as he relies solely on his speed to get after the quarterback.
29. Chicago Bears- Muhammad Wilkerson DT Temple
The Bears need to address both their offensive and defensive lines in the draft. With Wilkerson, they’ll get a 3 technique that is strong against the run, and can get after the quarterback. He is very quick, and fits the mold of a defensive tackle in a Tampa 2 system. Wilkerson was a late riser, and Mel Kipper says he would have been a top 10 pick next year.
30. New York Jets- Brooks Reed DE/OLB Arizona
The Jets have had outstanding defenses under Rex Ryan, but they have some needs in their front 7, including a nose tackle and pass rusher. Reed is a speed rusher who is the ideal outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. He isn’t strong against the run, but he has a good motor and is effective in pursuit.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Aaron Williams CB Texas
Corner has long been the Steelers’ weakness on defense, and with Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden both set to become free agents, they’ll address the position in round one. Williams has great size for a corner, and he excels in zone coverage. He doesn’t have the speed to play man to man, but Pittsburgh is a predominantly zone team, and Williams’ ball skills and strong run support should intrigue the Steelers.
32. Green Bay Packers- Danny Watkins OT/G Baylor
The Packers are stacked, and they don’t have any glaring needs, so they’ll take a left tackle of the future who can contribute right away at guard. Watkins is very mobile and has good lateral movement, thanks to playing hockey most of his life. He doesn’t have the ideal height for a left tackle, but he has long arms and outstanding athletic ability. He is a bit raw, having only played football in college, but he has a lot of tools and could become a monster with more experience.
33. Patriots (CAR)- Ben Ijalana OT Villanova
Versatile lineman who dominated the FCS level.
34. Bills- Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame
Would be a first round pick if he didn’t get hurt last year.
35. Bengals- Christian Ponder QB Florida State
This is rumored to be their guy, fits well in their west coast offense.
36. Broncos- Stephen Paea DT Oregon State
After passing on Dareus, they’ll take a different run stuffer.
37. Browns- Jonathan Baldwin WR Pittsburgh
Big receiver who can be the #1 weapon for McCoy.
38. Cardinals- Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
Big armed QB to try to fix their black hole at the position.
39. Titans- Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada
Mobile and accurate, but lacks a big time arm.
40. Cowboys- Brandon Harris CB Miami FL
Fluid athlete who is a bit undersized, but he can cover.
41. Redskins- Mark Ingram RB Alabama
I think Ingram should go in the mid 1st, but it looks like he will fall to round 2. The Skins need a
RB after releasing Clinton Portis.
42. Texans- Rahim Moore S UCLA
Need to improve their terrible secondary.
43. Lions- Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia
Big CB who fits their cover 2 scheme well.
44. Vikings- Andy Dalton QB TCU
It’s Joe Webb and…nothing. They need a QB really bad. I’m not nearly as high on Dalton as others, but he is a good value here.
45. 49ers- Allen Bailey DE Miami FL
Fits the mold of a 5 technique.
46.Broncos (Miami)- Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina
Great athlete with a nose for the ball.
47. Rams- Marvin Austin DT North Carolina
Quick penetrator, could be a force inside.
48. Raiders- Chris Culliver CB South Carolina
I just looked at 40 times to figure this one out.
49. Jaguars- Randall Cobb WR Kentucky
Smart, sure handed, fantastic route runner.
50. Chargers- Marcus Gilbert OT Florida
Marcus McNeil could walk as a free agent, and I love Gilbert’s game.
51. Buccaneers- Ryan Williams RB Virginia Tech
Very good all around running back to compliment Blount.
52. Giants- Quan Sturdivant MLB North Carolina
Linebacker is their biggest need,
53. Colts- Stephen Wisniewski C/G Penn State
A bit undersized, but plays with great leverage and technique. Smart player, good bloodlines.
54. Eagles- Clint Boling OG Georgia
The Eagles want to improve their offensive line, and assuming Winston Justice will be healthy, it makes more sense for them to take a guard.
55. Chiefs- James Carpenter OT Alabama
Good run blocker should fill their void at right tackle.
56. Saints- Martez Wilson OLB Illinois
Athletic, underachiever to add youth to their line backing corps.
57. Seahawks- Ricky Stanzi QB Iowa
They need a young QB really bad.
58. Ravens- Greg Little WR North Carolina
Little is a receiver who can stretch the field vertically.
59. Falcons- Jordan Todman RB Connecticut
Todman is a home run hitter, adding a dimension their offense lacks.
60. Patriots- Mikel Leshore RB Illinois
Leshore is a big, powerful back, who can be an every down option for the Pats.
61. Chargers (Jets)- Leonard Hankerson WR Miami FL
Post season riser with some concerns about his hands.
62. Bears- Taden Doss WR Indiana
The Bears need a big receiver to complement their smaller, speed receivers.
63. Steelers- Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State
The Steelers need a small, quick back, to change the pace.
64. Packers- Christian Ballard DE Iowa
Ballard is a strong anchor, good fit as a 5 technique.
No comments:
Post a Comment