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Mooche
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1. Carolina (2-14) | A.J Green - Georgia - WR
This is really against the grain of most Mock Drafts lately. However, this guy is a freak and at the end of the discussion among the Carolina Panthers war room, I believe he will be just too much to pass up on. The Panthers are going to head into the season Steve Smith-less after his lack luster year, and essentially do not have a big time target to go and move forward with. A.J Green could be the next elite WR, and is truly one of the best talents at the position we have seen in years. The Panthers will look past Fairley on the attitude concerns, and snag an elite talent who is going to make plays for them on the offensive side of the football.
2. Denver (4-12) | Patrick Peterson - LSU - CB
Champ Bailey isn't coming back. We know that for sure. He is looking to sell his home in the Denver area, and the Broncos have stated they won't be bringing him back. This is an absolute atrocious defense, and we know this pick is going to come down to the defensive side of the ball, no questions asked. Patrick Peterson is the logical choice, it fills the void that is left big time at CB, and now the Broncos have a corner piece on that defense that will take away the opposition's top playmaker in a few years.
3. Buffalo (4-12) | Nick Fairley - Auburn - DT
Fairley finally hops off the board at three to the Bills. This is a value pick for the Bills, as Fairley slid by two teams and fell right into their laps. I really do believe the Bills have a liking for Von Miller, and Cam Newton, but this slide and positioning makes perfect sense for them to take the stud out of Auburn. He adds a big time presence in the middle of a defense that can use it, and in a very chaotic scheme he can be a difference maker.
4. Cincinnati (4-12) | Daquan Bowers - Clemson - DE
What the heck went wrong in Cincinnati this year? I am absolutely stunned that looking back on my pre-season prediction, there is no way I would even have them close to picking fourth in the 2011 NFL Draft. A big thing about the Bengals is that they love athletic players and selecting value at their spots. Plug in Bowers out of Clemson at the defensive end spot. The live play of Carlos Dunlap and the addition of an athletic freak in Bowers makes for a dynamite combo in a few seasons.
5. Arizona (5-11) | Von Miller - Texas A&M - OLB
Yes ladies and gentlemen, I do have Von Miller in the top five. Whisenhunt was seen talking to Von after the Senior Bowl exclusively, and I think they seriously love the upside in this kid coming off the edge. Porter is a dinosaur, and doesn't have the pass rushing prowess that he once had, so the Cardinals get a guy with a great attitude and football mind. Getting after the other team's quarterback makes a ton of sense in this spot, as I assume the Cardinals will fill the QB need with Kolb.
6. Cleveland (5-11) | Marcell Dareus - Alabama - DT
I really don't know the big leap from Fairley to Dareus that everyone is talking about. In the position of selections, the Browns would have no problem taking the monster out of Alabama. The re-transition back to the 4-3 defense may make them think about a pass rusher from the edge here, but they do have a need to address inside. Dareus may just be one of the most NFL ready defensive players coming out of this NFL Draft.
7. San Francisco (6-10) | Cam Newton - Auburn - QB
The first quarterback off the board is none other then Auburn's Cam Newton. The reality is that he is definitely further ahead mechanically from the likes of Tim Tebow, Vince Young, etc. and he is a proven big time winner. The 49ers can't feel confident going into this season with Alex Smith, and bringing in new blood with Jim Harbaugh why not select Newton? Harbaugh has proven in the past he is an excellent coach to work with gun-slingers to develop them, Cam Newton is next in line.
8. Tennessee (6-10) | Blaine Gabbert - Mizzou - QB
I absolutely cringe at this pick for the Titans, as this guy is a huge project and is definitely going to need some time to maximize his potential. However, the Titans need to bring a signal caller to get things changed around and move forward in a new direction. Gabbert has a nice quick release, and a pretty big arm, but his short passing background will fit well in the Tennessee offensive game as they'll utilize that strength I believe.
9. Dallas (6-10) | Nate Solder - Colorado - OT
The Cowboys really need to ensure the RT position, and they need to add some depth behind Doug Free at LT. The Cowboys are very notorious for taking players that they can feel can move between position, to position in case of injury in most cases. Solder is a very athletically talented player who can instantly help this offensive line, and with a little bit of polishing will be a solid player in the NFL.
10. Washington (6-10) | Robert Quinn - North Carolina - DE
The most sacks that somebody among the Redskins had besides Brian Orakpo, was 2.5. That's terrifying. The Redskins defense can use some help most certainly, and the stud out of North Carolina in Robert Quinn can do the trick. Personally, my favourite defensive end coming out this year, Quinn possesses a lot of pass rushing tools to be a force, and add in Brian Orakpo to the equation, that is instantly a deadly duo.
11. Houston (6-10) | Prince Amukamara - Nebraska - CB
The Houston Texans went out and tried to address the corner need last year with selecting Kareem Jackson in the first round. Kareem will need some more time to develop, but along side him, the Texans have to help out this secondary. Amukamara out of Nebraska seems like the best fit, as he would be one of the best players on the board left, and is for sure the best corner among the players left.
12. Minnesota (6-10) | Cameron Jordan - California - DE
This guy has been really not spoken about in the top ten range, until he absolutely blew up in the Senior Bowl practices. Dallas may look at the corner position, but this kid is truly a big time player. The Vikings need to add somebody alongside Jared Allen, and the scheme versatility of Jordan could help this aging Vikings' defense in a hurry.
13. Detroit (6-10) | Akeem Ayers - UCLA - OLB
The Lions added the DROTY of the year with selection number two last season in Ndamukong Suh. Why not keep adding help that defense? Akeem Ayers out of UCLA fills the spot of a weak side linebacker, who is athletic enough to drop into zones and do what will be asked out of him from the Lions. Ayers is more finesse, and needs to be more physical as a hole but this selection will help out that Detroit defense.
14. St. Louis (7-9) | Julio Jones - Alabama - WR
This is basically the pick everyone is calling in the Draft. For good reason. Sam Bradford went into situation, and chucked the lights out with a lot of mediocre wide-outs. Julio Jones has proven in the SEC he is a big time player, and he projects nicely to be a very good number one wide receiver in the NFL. Bradford finally gets his man given to him for the future in Julio this pick.
15. Miami (7-9) | Mark Ingram - Alabama - RB
Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both FAs. Depending on if they come back, or one of them does, the fact remains they are definitely carrying some wear and tear and getting up there in years. Mark Ingram is a nasty downhill runner, and he has proven that he can play on the big stage numerous times. Miami will wait until the later rounds to address the issue at the quarterback position.
16. Jacksonville (8-8) | Jimmy Smith - Colorado - CB
The Jaguars secondary really could use an upgrade after this past season. The safety position will probably be addressed in the FA market, or later in the draft, but Jacksonville could use another corner. Jimmy Smith is an excellent pairing along side Cox and is great in coverage. If Jimmy Smith could show on a consistent basis that he can be more physical, this pick will be another Gene Smith gem.
17. New England - from Oakland (8-8) | Tyron Smith - Southern California - OT
Tyron Smith is easily one of the biggest boom/bust type of talents at the offensive tackle position this year. The New England Patriots could certainly find ways to get him in games, and with the coaching they have displayed with project type of players for example in Vollmer, this could be a nasty player at the second level. New England will wait to address the pass rush need later in the Draft.
18. San Diego (9-7) | Adrian Clayborn - Iowa - DE
The Chargers had been seen talking to Clayborn and former Hawkeye Christian Ballard a lot at the Senior Bowl. This comes as no surprise. The Chargers need to address the defensive end position, and physically gifted Adrian Clayborn could do the trick. Clayborn is a freakish player, who has enough size and speed to get by at the next level, but must display better technique consistently.
19. New York Giants (10-6) | Anthony Costanzo - Boston College - OT
The New York Giants offensive line has been the key to their offensive success for the past few seasons. On the left side, David Diehl didn't play well by his standards at all and may be hitting the well. The talent out of Boston College, Castonzo has pretty solid technique and active feet, but he must show better control against the outside move from pass rushers.
20. Tampa Bay (10-6) | Ryan Kerrigan - Purdue - DE
This is a bit of a slide from where a lot of people are projecting Kerrigan to go, but the hype is getting a bit extensive. Tampa drafted Gerald McCoy and Brian Price in 2010, and they will pan out just fine in this league, but the pass rush department was still an issue for this team. Ryan Kerrigan is a very hard working, blue collar type of attitude that I believe Raheem Morris and the Bucs will fall in love with.
21. Kansas City* (10-6) | Phil Taylor - Baylor - DT
The Kansas City Chiefs really need to add another secure presence inside against the run. The Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round exposed this weakness, and adding a pure disruptor like Phil Taylor out of the Baylor is the answer to these problems. The character concerns and weight issues in the past are the main reason for his slide, but this pick is excellent value for the Chiefs.
22. Indianapolis* (10-6) | Derek Sherrod - Miss. State - OT
The Colts need to keep their man standing straight. Peyton was under fire, more then ever last year, as it was clear Charlie Johnson was decent, but not great at the left tackle spot. Sherrod is a very nice prospect who fits in the zone blocking scheme well of the Colts. He needs to fill out and a get a bit more stronger, but he should also help this team run the football better moving forward.
23. Philadelphia* (10-6) | Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin - OT
The Eagles will be watching the Colts pick closely, and I believe will make their selection of tackles based on it. Gabe Carimi or Derek Sherrod. In my scenario, it will be Carimi, and it won't be a very bad second choice at all. Carimi is a powerful guy, who is an absolutely mammoth in the running game. Gabe will be successful in blowing holes open for McCoy and Vick scrambling around.
24. New Orleans* (11-5) | J.J Watt - Wisconsin - DE
The Saints will be actively watching this high quality defensive end class, and at the twenty fourth spot will make their move with JJ Watt. The Saints need to get more pressure on the quarterback, and Watt will be just the upgrade they need. Watt isn't going to do anything mind blowing well, but he doesn't do anything bad, and he will be a very solid player for many years in the league.
25. Seattle* (7-9) | Corey Liuget - Illinois - DT
The Jake Locker talk in the first round is bogus. The real need is going to be inside on the defensive line when it appears Brandon Mebane will be out of Seattle. Liuget has a ton of value and upside at this spot, and will be a nice player for the Seahawks inside. He has enough strength and ability to anchor to hold up in both elements of the pro game, but he must show his technique and form all the time to be his absolute best going forward.
26. Baltimore* (12-4) | Brandon Harris - Miami - CB
The aging Baltimore defense could use another member in the secondary, and yeah, it's going to be another Miami Hurricane joining the Ravens. The Ravens secondary needs another big name alongside Webb, and Harris will be that guy. He's an excellent tackler and the Ravens love corners who can tackle the ball carrier effectively, and the only thing holding him back from being a higher pick is truly his size.
27. Atlanta* (13-3) | Titus Young - Boise State - WR
Matt Ryan needs a fresh, new target in Atlanta. Tony Gonzalez is very, very old and if he does retire, this makes the pick even more obvious. The Falcons have a clear cut number one in Roddy White, but they definitely use the explosive playmaking ability that Titus Young brings. He is a very undersized wide-out, but his ability to take the ball to the house and return the football is definitely nice.
28. New England* (14-2) | Aldon Smith - Mizzou - DE
New England needs to address the pass rush problem they have, and at pick twenty eight they do just that with Aldon Smith. Smith is easily the best pass rushing option avaliable here, but he definitely comes with question marks. I think Aldon has excellent speed and quickness of the edge, but he is certainly raw and hasn't shown he can be consistent in games, that is the reason for his slide. He would have benefitted from staying one more year in Missouri.
29. Chicago* (11-5) | Mike Pouncey - Florida - G/C
Jay Cutler toughness or not, the guy did guy at an alarming rate for sacks this season. The Bears have to look offensive line, offensive line, and offensive line at this selection. The offensive tackles remaining may be a bit of a reach, but going inside with a versatile player like Pouncey will help. Pouncey is nowhere along like his brother Maurkice was, but he can definitely be a nice starter for this Bears team.
30. New York Jets* (11-5) | Justin Houston - Georgia - OLB
The New York jets may have the best, or second best defense in the league, arguably. The thing that they lacked and will put them over the top is a threat of an edge presence. Calvin Pace has been lackluster to say the least, and Justin Houston will fix that problem. Rex Ryan will be licking his lips (or his wife's toes) at the fact he can get a strong, physical player like Houston with so much upside at this pick.
31. Pittsburgh* (12-4) | Cameron Heyward - Ohio State - DE
The Steelers need for a corner was evident after the Super Bowl. Very clear. However, the Steelers may want to wait to address the need by not reaching on Aaron Williams, since their NFC North Rival snagged Harris a few picks earlier. Cameron Heyward is the next best value selection for the Steelers on the defensive line at 3-4 DE. Heyward blew up with his bowl game performance and his excellent size, speed, strength could prove to be deadly with Ziggy as a duo.
32. Green Bay* (10-6) | Christian Ballard - Iowa - DE
The Packers did it! Are they going to be a dynasty? We'll find out I guess. The Packers now need to pay their guys, and Cullen Jenkins doesn't appear so happy. The Packers definitely would grab Heyward at this spot, but now they need a replacement and Christian Ballard is no slouch at the pick to cap off the first round. He may have gotten less respect playing alongside Clayborn then he deserved, but he is strong enough to hold his own against the running game in the NFL.
Phew!
Questions, concerns, comments? Thanks boys!
