Well draft geeks, tomorrow I leave to cover perhaps one my favorite events of the year: the NFL Scouting Combine.
So rather than a big board this Monday that would just change by next week anyway, I figure let's make this a fun send-off and get mock-tacular! No? How about getting mocky with it? Still no, eh? Alright, well I tried.
Just one round, no trades. Nothing spectacular. Just a pure unadulterated first round.
I know I'll end up getting beef for almost every one of the selections on here, but I welcome the criticism. Any questions or comments about the mock draft, or questions regarding this week's combine can all be e-mailed to me at JoeB@wgr550.com.
Onward!
1) Detroit Lions - OT Andre Smith, Alabama - Unless there's an elaborate scheme to fake out the rest of the draft that's picking after them, I'm going to trust the new head coach Jim Schwartz about fixing the trenches first. The top ranked tackle in this class can come in and make an immediate impact. Those thinking Matthew Stafford? Drew Stanton hasn't gotten a fair shake yet, I think he'll have this year to see if he can grab hold of the team.
2) St. Louis Rams - OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest - With Alex Barron primed to take over at left tackle, I think the right tackle spot can wait until the second round. First round pick after first round pick is invested in to defense for the Rams, and they've done well the past two seasons in drafting high character guys like Adam Carriker and Chris Long. I think they continue along that trend and address a very serious position of need at OLB.
3) Kansas Cty Chiefs - QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia - I'll preface this with saying that I don't think Stafford is a top ten pick. But bringing in an offensive coordinator as the new head coach is going to mean he wants to start fresh at the quarterback position with his guy. With all due respect to Tyler Thigpen and his unexpected barely above-average year, I think Todd Haley comes in and starts fresh.
4) Seattle Seahawks - DT B.J. Raji, Boston College - I'm sure most are thinking wide receiver here, but a wideout can't stop their deficiencies in rush defense. Raji is the rapid mover so far, and this is the peak of where he'll end up. If the 'Hawks don't re-sign Rocky Bernard, Raji has the ability to step in right away and contribute.
5) Cleveland Browns - CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State - Something tells me they regret giving up Leigh Bodden as part of the Shaun Rogers deal. Although Rogers has been a nice fit, their pass defense has struggled mightily as a result. So here's the quick fix: Take the most NFL ready cornerback in the draft, who just so happens to have attended college in more or less their backyard. No brainer.
6) Cincinnati Bengals - OT Michael Oher, Mississippi - Step one of how to fix the Bengals, build from the ground up. Well in this case, the ground is a solid offensive line. I've seen Oher go as high as second overall and as low as 27th overall in various "expert" mock drafts, but there's no doubt in my mind he's the second best offensive tackle in the class.
7) Oakland Raiders - WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech - A pick made in heaven, don't you think? The team that loves speed and flash gets the biggest name in the draft. If we go by that logic, Raiders fans should very well buy their Tim Tebow jerseys early. The Raiders do need help at receiver, too. it's not just a flash pick.
8) Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia - I think it's almost a guarantee that the Jaguars spend their first round pick on an offensive tackle, but the debate of who the third best in the class is, well, is not. I think Jason Smith and his potential have closed the gap, but Eugene Monroe has been rock steady for so long. The Jaguars aren't in a "potential" mode, they're in a "let's get back on the horse and go after a title," which is why I think they opt for the less risky Monroe.
9) Green Bay Packers - OT Jason Smith, Baylor - Yes that's right, four offensive linemen in the top ten. They're that good this year. However, this pick is a result of B.J. Raji not being on the board to fill their biggest area of need. A case could be made for Vontae Davis here, but in the end, I think they go with Smith, who has a very high ceiling in terms of growth at the professional level.
10) San Francisco 49ers - DE/OLB Everette Brown, Florida State - When there's a new head coach, or in this case, a coach taking control of his first draft, I look immediately to the personality and tendencies of that coach to what the team does with its first round pick. Many would think Mark Sanchez would be the pick here, but I don't think that's Mike Singletary's style. He'll preach defense and getting after the quarterback, and that's why I think Everette Brown would be a perfect selection as an outside linebacker in a 3-4.
11) Buffalo Bills - DE Brian Orakpo, Texas - We all know this, but let me state the obvious. The Bills' pass rush last season was atrocious. Many times Ryan Denney was the best defensive end on the field for Buffalo, and that's not saying much at all. The other areas of need in my mind for the Bills are as follows (in no specific order): TE, LB, S, C, OG, HB. Running back was just added to that list today.
12) Denver Broncos - ILB Rey Maualuga, USC - I'm sure they'll be a slight temptation to bring in a running back here, but I think Josh McDaniels is an incredibly intelligent guy and can see (like everyone in the universe) that Denver's defense needs some serious help. Defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, safety. How about all of the above? So with this pick, after missing out on Raji and the top two defensive ends, I have them going with the always dependable Rey Maualuga.
13) Washington Redskins - DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech - Reach pick. The Redskins are caught between a rock and a hard place. They have two huge needs at DE and OT. The top echelon of both those positions are gone. Now what do they do? I'm predicting that Johnson is going to test extremely well at this week's combine, and quite possibly have Daniel Snyder fall in love with his potential. I considered Tyson Jackson for this pick as well, but in the end I think the Redskins go for someone that could potentially be a game-breaker. However, Johnson also has the potential to be a big flop all the same.
14) New Orleans Saints - CB Vontae Davis, Illinois - A big win for the Saints. They stay put at 14 and get one of the best players in the draft at their biggest area of need. Tracy Porter's season was cut short last year because of injury, forcing Jason David to be exposed on a weekly basis yet again. Now with Davis in the fold, David can go back to being an above-average nickel back.
15) Houston Texans - DE/OLB Aaron Maybin, Penn State - With the Texans shifting back in to the 3-4 scheme, Maybin's experience at defensive end in college is a huge plus. He's a little underweight to play defensive end in the NFL, but if he puts on a good 10 pounds, he could have a bright future as a DE/OLB hybrid in the 3-4. But I think he knows his criticisms, and I have a hunch he's going to weigh in around the 250-255 mark this week. He's listed at 236 as of today.
16) San Diego Chargers - DE Tyson Jackson, LSU - Is LaDainian Tomlinson finished? I'm not convinced. And I don't think the Chargers are, either. So rather than investing a lot of money in to an unproven running back, go with a solid defensive end that can play that role in the 3-4 defensive scheme. Jackson's a perfect fit here for San Diego, and if he's still on the board I expect no delay in the Chargers' decision.
17) New York Jets - WR Percy Harvin, Florida - An interesting decision here for the Jets. I think they need the most help at defensive end, but there's a considerably large drop-off after Michael Johnson. So with the mindset of "Who can we take that will make the biggest impact this season?" I think the Jets' staff will opt for the incredibly talented and undervalued Percy Harvin. There were times this season Harvin would be the only Gator player able to attain positive yardage. The best part about him, he's got maybe the strongest legs for a ball carrier in the draft, picking up three to four extra yards every play.
18) Chicago Bears - WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri - Everyone needs to lay off the Bears' drafting a quarterback early this season. Kyle Orton was surprisingly effective this past season, and has earned the right to have the team under his command for another year. Now that we have that established, the best way to help him succeed even more? Get him more reliable targets to throw to. Maclin could end up being the steal of the draft here. Just imagine this, Hester and Maclin back deep to return kick-offs. Who the heck do you kick to in that situation?
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Mark Sanchez, USC - And the Sanchez slide comes to an end. The Buccaneers are going to give Luke McCown this season to get things done, but why not bring in someone with a big upside to compete for the spot? McCown's contract is only a two-year deal, so it's not like Tampa Bay is committed to him. I think this is best case scenario for both the Buccs and Sanchez. They could opt for a defensive tackle or cornerback, however.
20) Detroit Lions (from DAL) - DT Peria Jerry, Mississippi - Continuing with the build from the trenches theme in Detroit, they get the second best defensive tackle in the draft here. Jerry's a perfect fit for the Lions.
21) Philadelphia Eagles - TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State - L.J. Smith is a free agent and I don't think the Eagles will extend him a contract offer. So then the tight end position becomes a glaring need, and the 21st pick is just around the area for Pettigrew to get drafted. He's not the best tight end prospect that's come out, but he's consistent. For a playoff team, consistency is golden.
22) Minnesota Vikings - WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina - It's cut and dry. Bernard Berrian is not a number one wide receiver. Hakeem Nicks has everything the professional game is looking for in a number one wideout. Now the only question, will the Vikings get a quarterback to actually utilize some one as talented as Nicks?
23) New England Patriots - CB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest - Short on stature but that's about it. I thought cornerback was a need going in to last year's draft, but I think that's multiplied this season. Lewis Sanders is not the answer as a starter. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if Smith were 5'11" or 6'0", he'd be a top ten draft pick. Just a tremendously natural talent.
24) Atlanta Falcons - DT Fili Moala, USC - Some may call this a reach, but I love Moala's tenacity on every single down. Grady Jackson's a free agent and unlikely to return, paving way for the Falcons to address the defensive tackle position. Moala's a very nice fit for their 4-3 scheme.
25) Miami Dolphins - CB D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt - The Dolphins had an incredible turn-around year, but what flew under the radar was the fact that they are awful against the pass. They ranked 25th in that category, allowing 227.8 passing yards per game. D.J. Moore is underrated at this point, but is a solid cover corner that will fit well in Tony Sparano's defense.
26) Baltimore Ravens - DE/OLB Larry English, Northern Illinois - Even with the release of Chris McAlister, I don't think will be able to sign all of Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott. So with that being said, I think they draft an outside linebacker with rushing capabilities, making Larry English an intriguing prospect. English amassed 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks during his senior season as a defensive end. But at 6'3" 255 lbs,, some wonder whether he can play that position in the NFL. Personally I think he can make the jump. But it won't matter in Baltimore.
27) Indianapolis Colts - MLB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State - A drop to some, but I look at Laurinaitis the same way I did with Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor. A good linebacker in a great college defensive system that surrounded them with talent. Indianapolis can bring Laurinaitis in to the fold and either sit him for a season, or convert him to outside linebacker, filling the void of free agent to be Freddy Keiaho.
28) Philadelphia Eagles (from CAR) - HB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia - The first running back is finally off the board. Although I suspect a team will trade up near the middle of the first round just to make sure they get either Moreno or Wells. But for now, without trades, I have both of them dropping to the latter of the first round. Moreno would be a great fit for Philadelphia. As good as he is, Brian Westbrook is injured quite a bit. And with Correll Buckhalter becoming a free agent and Lorenzo Booker not doing much of anything, it makes Moreno a great complimentary running back. A great value pick here.
29) New York Giants - OT Eben Britton, Arizona - The Giants could go a couple of ways with this pick. With the loss of Plaxico Burress (or so we think), wideout could be an option. A defensive tackle, strong side linebacker or safety could also be looked at. But in the end I have the Giants selecting an offensive tackle that will take over in one or two seasons. Kareem McKenzie has some injury concerns, and I think Britton is a great value pick that can bring them security on the offensive line. I also believe the Giants will address the linebacker need in free agency. But that's just a hunch.
30) Tennessee Titans - WR Derrick Williams, Penn State - Wanted. Targets to throw to in Tennessee. Kerry Collins and/or Vince Young, meet run-after-catch extraordinaire Derrick Williams.
31) Arizona Cardinals - HB Chris Wells, Ohio State - An easy pick here for the Cardinals. With Edgerrin James resigned to leaving, that thrusts Tim Hightower in to the lime light. That wouldn't excite me very much if I were a Cardinals fan. Sure, Hightower's an incredibly hard-runner, but he only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. He's nothing more than a compliment back. Wells, on the other hand, is a feature back when healthy. I think Arizona jumps to the podium if he's there.
32) Pittsburgh Steelers - OT William Beatty, Connecticut - I know it was part of Big Ben's Super Bowl speech saying "Hey offensive line, who's laughing now?" I can only assume that was to the media criticism of the offensive line constantly allowing pressure to get to Roethlisberger. But here's the deal, Ben, you were sacked a whopping 49 times last season. Plus all of Willie Colon, Max Starks, Trai Essex and Marvel Smith are free agents. I'd tend to think offensive tackle is the way to go here.
That's mock draft number one. Again, any questions about the combine and the players that will workout there, e-mail me at JoeB@wgr550.com
To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 1 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 2 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; tournament; WGR; Jeremy White; Golf; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 3 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 4 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 5 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 6 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 7 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 8 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala;
E-Mail Story
Print Story
