This is the pre-combine edition of mock draft. This one is two rounds and includes explanations. Take a minute to look at it and not just the Jets picks. Leave some comments, praises and criticisms so I can get some more input for when I do another one sometime after the combine/free agency. Thanks for reading.. ROUND 1 1) Detroit – Matt Stafford QB Georgia: You can almost think of the Lions as a rebuilding team at this point considering all the holes they’ll need to fill. But QB is a big one and Stafford is a guy a team could potentially build their franchise around. They could select an OT here and take a QB like Freeman or Nate Davis later on, but Stafford looks like he’s on another level. 2) St. Louis – Eugene Monroe OT Virginia: The Rams hit the jackpot with Orlando Pace in the top of the first round back in 1996, but a few years ago they picked up Alex Barron, who has struggled. It all starts up front and the Rams need an heir at LT or a starter at RT. Michael Crabtree is a very possible option here as well, but they can get a big-time receiver in the 2nd. OT prospects will go quickly in this draft. 3) Kansas City – Andre Smith OT Alabama: Here’s a guy you don’t see going to the Chiefs too often. But Tyler Thigpen was impressive with a mediocre surrounding team at best and showed the ability to be a starter. Aaron Curry is also an option and maybe even Michael Crabtree. But adding another big piece to the offensive line would benefit the entire offense. You build a team from the inside out and Kansas City needs some upgrades along the line. 4) Seattle – Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech: This was an easy pick. The team needs more talent at WR and Crabtree is undoubtedly the top WR prospect in this draft. This team needs some offensive fire power after a surprisingly bad season and Crabtree is just that. An OT such as Jason Smith would make sense here as well, but Crabtree is too good to pass up from a value and needs standpoint. 5) Cleveland – Aaron Curry ILB Wake Forest: Curry looks like the top LB prospect in this class. He looks like a great fit in Cleveland’s 3-4 and the team could use some help at ILB. Another name to consider is Everette Brown. And if he has a big combine, he might be the pick here. For now, it’s Curry, who’s the most complete LB in this draft. 6) Cincinnati – BJ Raji NT Boston College: This is another example of a team that needs to build its lines. OT is a question mark, but so is DT. Domata Peko will start at one spot, but they need another starter. Raji is not only a run-stuffer, but he also has the ability to get to the QB. His stock is rising and some may say this is too high for him, but given his abilities, I could even see him going higher. 7) Oakland – Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri: The Raiders have some potential at WR with late round selections, but they really need help badly. They also need help at OL, so Jason Smith should be an option and probably the pick. But you know who will find it hard to pass on Maclin, who has a nice size and should run impressively at the combine. Their first two picks should go OL-WR or vice versa. 8) Jacksonville – Malcolm Jenkins DB Ohio St: The Jaguars just released free agent bust CB Drayton Florence. Even before this they needed some help in the secondary. But now it has become an even greater need. Jenkins has almost everything you look for in a CB and could even play S. LT could be an issue, but Khalif Barnes had one bad year and will probably be given a chance to redeem himself next year. 9) Green Bay – Everette Brown OLB/DE Florida St: The Pack’ are going to a 3-4 next year and they’ll need some help at DE, OLB and ILB and possibly NT if Ryan Pickett is not the guy. This is where they get a top pass-rusher. Jason Smith is a decent value here and with two starting OTs over 32, he could be the pick. But OLB might be a bigger need and just as good of a value. Look for an OT soon though. 10) San Francisco – Mark Sanchez QB USC: What makes this pick so good is not only Sanchez is a local kid, but the 49ers have a good QB in Shaun Hill and he might even be good enough to warrant the 49ers to pass on Sanchez. But because Sanchez has only a year and a half of college playing experience, he will be able to be brought along slowly with Hill at QB. They would also love a WR like Maclin if he was here, an OL such as Jason Smith after giving up a league worst 55 sacks or maybe an OLB like Brian Orakpo to help out their dreadful pass-rush. Ultimately, Sanchez will pay off the most though. 11) Buffalo – Brian Orakpo DE Texas: This is another team that needs to improve its pass rush. Aaron Schobel missed a good portion of last season and the guys opposite him, Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney, aren’t big pass rush threats, but rather run-defenders more so. Unless the team really likes 3rd round pick in 2008 Chris Ellis, Orakpo should be the pick if he’s around. If not, look for them to upgrade their receiving core with TE Brandon Pettigrew or even another DT with Peria Jerry. 12) Denver – Rey Maualuga ILB USC: The Broncos are also going to a 3-4 next season. They will also need help at nearly every position in that front seven. But Maualuga is an ideal fit at ILB with his size, strength and intensity. There are no OLBs or NTs worth taking this high. And if it comes down to DE Tyson Jackson or Maualuga for their defense, the ladder makes more sense would have a greater impact. You could make a case for Chris Wells, but they would be better served to for defense here. 13) Washington – Jason Smith OT Baylor: Wow. This pick not only fills a major need, but Smith might also be the most highly rated player available. The former TE is a bit small, but he looks like a prototypical blind-side tackle the Redskins could use help at all five offensive line positions since their entire line is over 30 and many are well over 30. With Smith here, there is no other option unless they like Michael Oher more. 14) New Orleans – Vontae Davis CB Illinois: They’ve tried to fix this position, but it is still a concern. Mike McKenzie is 33 now and his best bet might be playing safety is he’s not cut. Tracy Porter looks like a good pick and Usama Young could start, but Davis could be better than both. It’s important to have at least three good corners these days and Davis would solve that problem. Don’t rule out a LB here either. And if Vilma doesn’t resign, it might have to be the pick here. 15) Houston – Clint Sintim LB Virginia: And the pick most likely to make you scratch your head so far comes here. The LB needy team just cut Morlon Greenwood and while DeMeco Ryans and Xavier Abidi are two starters, there’s another big hole on the strong side. Enter Clint Sintim, who projects inside or outside and looks like a better prospect than Laurinaitis or Cushing. With a good combine, this pass-rusher with great size will likely move further up draft boards. 16) San Diego – Tyson Jackson DL LSU: Free-agent to be DE Igor Olshansky had somewhat of a down year and may not be back. If he’s not, this becomes a big need. Jackson is a prototypical 3-4 DE and a run-stopper that is worth a pick this high despite what some say. RB Chris Wells could be an option here as well and even James Laurinaitis could be as well, but they would be better served to upgrade their DL.
17) New York Jets ? Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest: One of the draft?s smallest corners, Smith has everything you look for in a corner back minus the height (5-8). He has great instincts, tremendous speed and playmaking ability and is even a solid run-defender for his size. Dwight Lowery seemed to lose it midway through the season and his lack of ideal speed hurt him. I would be surprised to see them go with QB Josh Freeman here or a RB. This team needs defensive help first and foremost. And secondary is where it starts. 18) Chicago ? Michael Oher OT Mississippi: The Bears get their bookend tackle here after taking Chris Williams last year in the first. Oher could project to either side and would help rebuild this aging and mediocre OL. Other positions of interest here include WR and DE, but Oher is easily the best value and upgrading your offensive line is always a good idea. 19) Tampa Bay ? Peria Jerry DT Mississippi: This pick could go in a number of different ways. Any of the following positions could be addressed here without reaching greatly: QB ? RB ? WR ? TE- OT ? DE ? DT ? CB. But Jerry is the type of DT that Tampa Bay needs and is a great value. I considered Pettigrew, but you can get away with mediocre TE play, you would have trouble getting away with DT play inside. 20) Detroit ? Eben Britton OT Arizona: Detroit has needs at nearly every position, but OT is a big one. Jeff Backus has played poorly at LT and could use a position change. Britton could be the LT they need. Last year?s first round pick Gosder Cherilus looks like a RT at best and wasn?t all that impressive anyway. However, he will be one starter and Britton will likely protect Stafford?s blindside. If you?re going to bring in a young QB, it is vital that you are able to protect him adequately. Just ask David Carr. 21) Philadelphia ? Chris Wells RB Ohio St: How effective would Brian Westbrook be if he had a power back to run around 15 or so times per game and wear down defenses and keep him fresh? Maybe this is why he was so ineffective in the playoffs. He is nearing 30 and may be slowing down, but he can still be an extremely effective and versatile player. And by utilizing him less and mixing up the running attack with a big back, he will be far more effective. 22) Minnesota ? Alex Mack C California: After a long run of being one of the league?s top centers, Matt Birk?s play has fell off a bit and he is due for free agency. If the Vikings could land a top young center such as Mack, they would be in great shape. While Josh Freeman is a possibility here, I don?t believe he warrants this pick quite yet. Look out for a CB as well since depth at the very least could become an issue. But when all is said and done, their two biggest needs are C and QB. They get their next long-term center here. They drafted John Sullivan in the 6th round last year, but it?s unlikely he?s their center of the future, but if he is, the pick is Josh Freeman. 23) New England ? James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio St: The way I see it, this pick should either be a linebacker such as Brian Cushing or a running back such as Knowshon Moreno. They could also vie for secondary help. Their linebackers are old to say the least. They got Shawn Crable and Jerod Mayo last year. But next to Mayo inside is Tedy Bruschi, who is in his upper 30s. They need depth as well here. Laurinaitis could be a fit in the 3-4 and is a solid value here. 24) Atlanta ? Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St: This is a popular pick, but for good reasons. This team has no threat at TE. While Pettigrew isn?t doesn?t have 4.5 speed, he is a good pass catcher and a terrific blocker ? a complete TE. This is a nice value here as well. The Falcons would likely select a NT first if available, but none warrant this spot yet. A safety should also be considered, but Pettigrew is a better value then any safety on the board. 25) Miami ? Sean Smith DB Utah: The 6-3 214 Smith will get second looks from his size alone. He projects to either safety or corner, both areas of need for Miami. He is also projected to run well in workouts ? somewhere in the low 4.4s. His size, speed and tackling ability will intrigue many GMs. Don?t be surprised to see him go higher than this if tests well in the combine and other pre-draft workouts. 26) Baltimore ? DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt: This picks likely will come down to a CB or a WR, especially given the values of both positions here. But Chris McAllister has missed a lot of time due to injury and is over 30. Samari Rolle is in the same category and either of the two are candidates to be released. Behind him is Fabian Washington, who just didn?t play well in the playoffs and is an awful tackler. So CB out-edges WR here as the Ravens get a ball-hawking CB. If value is there, look for a WR next. 27) Indianapolis ? Percy Harvin WR Florida: This speedy, playmaking WR with injury concerns has the talent to go earlier, but might not because of injury woes and the unimpressive history of Florida WRs in the NFL. The Colts have seen Marvin Harrison?s play decline in recent seasons and he might be near the end. Harvin has some similarities to Harrison and his arrival should allow Anthony Gonzalez to remain in the slot. 28) Philadelphia ? William Beatty OT Connecticut: This team needs offensive line help. Jon Runyan and William Thomas are both nearing the end of their careers and might not be around too much longer. Also, guard Shawn Andrews has reportedly lost a lot of weight and has been battling a mental illness of some sort. This just creates more uncertainty here and solidifies this pick as an OL and not a potential heir at safety to Dawkins or as a WR. 29) New York Giants ? Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland: Even if Plaxico Burress manages to get back into the league next year, which I doubt, he is entering his 10th season and Amani Toomer probably won?t be back. The Giants could use a playmaker at WR and Heyward-Bey, who combines 4.4 speed and a 6-3 frame, could potentially be just that. I find it hard to believe the Giants would select a linebacker over a guy like this, especially since this is a bigger need and a better value. 30) Tennessee ? Hakeem Nicks WR UNC: Here?s a guy who is moving up draft boards. If he runs well enough, he will certainly be picked in the first round. The Titans need another threat at WR in the worst way. Justin Gage is a good possession receiver, but they don?t have too much beyond that. Look out for a C, DT, LB or CB here as well. But WR is a much more glaring need and Nicks could start from day one. 31) Arizona ? Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia: And coming in first with the shortest time to make their selection is the Cards? with Moreno who is a bargain this late. Edgerrin James had a nice postseason, but it looks as though he?s going to be cut. Tim Hightower was decent at times, but it looks like he?s not a full-time starter. The Cardinals would be even more dangerous if they could add a rushing attack, and Moreno is just that. Look out for an OLB here too as their pass rush needs a lot of help. 32) Pittsburgh ? Max Unger OL Oregon: This pick will likely be a player that plays along the lines. Unger is primarily a center, but he has been projected to each of the five positions along the offensive line. In addition to help at center, they could also use some at tackle and guard. But they could certainly do better than Justin Hartwig at center. Unger?s versatility will help him get picked here as well. Look out for a DE too as both starters are in their 30s and depth is an issue.
ROUND 2 33) Detroit – Brian Cushing LB USC: In addition to being a great value, the Lions have a hole at LB and Cushing could play inside or outside 34) Kansas City – Larry English DE Northern Illinois: The Kansas City’s sack total in 2008 was embarrassing. They need playmakers on the defensive line. 35) St. Louis – Kenny Britt WR Rutgers: A playmaker at WR opposite Donnie Avery would make life easier for Marc Bulger. Avery is the speed guy while Britt is the bigger complementary receiver. Perfect. 36) Cleveland – LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh: Jamal Lewis has slowed down drastically and the Browns could use a young RB. 37) Seattle – Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina: With Walter Jones’ career nearing the end, the Seahawks will need someone to play LT. 38) Cincinnati – Jonathan Luigs C Arkansas: The Bengals could use an upgrade at center and Luigs could even project to guard. 39) Jacksonville – Darry Beckwith ILB LSU: This might seem like a reach, but it won’t be if he runs well. Mike Peterson might be a cap casualty and in either case he’s in his thirties now and is injury prone. 40) Oakland – Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma: With their LT apparently in place with Mario Henderson, the Raiders could use a bookend tackle. This 6-8 340 tackle might remind some of Langston Walker from his size alone. 41) Green Bay – Troy Kropog OT Tulane: The draft’s most valuable commodity, offensive tackles, continues to come off the board fast. The Packers need long term solutions at both tackle spots. 42) Buffalo – Jared Cook TE South Carolina: Even though Robert Royal is an OK all around TE, the Bills could use another receiving threat and Cook has the speed of a WR. 43) San Francisco – Louis Delmas S Western Michigan: A terrific value here, Delmas is also fills a hole next to Michael Lewis at safety. 44) Miami – Ron Brace NT Boston College: The other DT next to BJ Raji is Brace, who is also a 3-4 NT prospect. Jason Ferguson is entering his 13th pro season next year and they need to think about a long term solution. An underrated prospect… 45) New York Giants – Clay Matthews LB USC: This class of LBs isn’t too deep with talent, but Matthews is versatile and moving up draft boards. He could help out all over the Giants’ linebacking core. 46) Houston – Rashad Johnson S Alabama: The Texans get some much needed safety help here. There are plenty of good ones on the board at this point. 47) New England – Andy Levitre OL Oregon St: This OL will help depth on the OL and might be the heir at RG, where Stephen Neal is well into his thirties. He could help at OT since he played there in college. 48) Denver – Shonn Greene RB Iowa: The Broncos need a RB in the worst way. They also need 3-4 players defensively, but Greene is a terrific value and could be the type of back that can carry the load. 49) Chicago – Derrick Williams WR Penn St: The Bears have troubles at WR. Granted they utilize TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen a lot, but they still need more talent there. Williams has the speed to make a difference. 50) Tampa Bay – Victor Harris DB Virginia Tech: This physical DB has the physicality needed to play CB on the Bucs’. He fits the scheme better than Phillip Buchanon and Ronde Barber is turning 34. 51) Dallas – Patrick Chung S Oregon: Roy Williams might be a cap casualty and Ken Hamlin had a down year. The Cowboys need a safety that doesn’t miss tackles and can also cover effectively. 52) Philadelphia – Chip Vaughn S Wake Forest: This physical defender should be their heir at safety to Brian Dawkins, unlike Quintin Demps. 53) New York Jets – Jarron Gilbert DE San Jose St: The Jets have a great starter in Shaun Ellis, but he’s now getting into his thirties and entering his 10th season. Kenyon Coleman is a good run defender, but they could use more guys in the rotation to avoid breaking down late in the season again. Gilbert is an ideal fit and is flying up draft boards. 54) Minnesota – Josh Freeman QB Kansas St: This big-armed QB still needs time to develop, but he has a lot of potential and is too valuable to pass up here. 55) Atlanta – Sen’Derrick Marks DT Auburn: The Falcons have a huge hole at DT and need at least one starter there. If Peria Jerry is around at #24, expect him to be the pick. 56) Miami – Pat White WR/QB West Virginia: The perfect gadget player to run their wildcat formations… White could also be functional as a WR as well, which is also a position of need. 57) Baltimore – Evander Hood DL Missouri: Trevor Pryce is in his mid-thirties and may be a cap casualty. They could stand to improve depth as well. Hood could be an ideal fit as a 3-4 DE. 58) New England – Jarius Byrd DB Oregon: The Patriots could to stand to add a couple players to their secondary at either CB or S. Byrd’s versatility will intrigue New England, which loves versatile defenders. 59) Carolina – Robert Ayers DE Tennessee: It looks like Julius Peppers is going to sign elsewhere this offseason. And even if he didn’t, the Panthers could still use more help opposite him. 60) New York Giants – Michael Hamlin S Clemson: This safety looks like a prototypical strong safety and would start opposite Kenny Phillips. 61) Indianapolis – Chris Baker DT Hampton: This athletic defensive tackle makes plays behind the line and racked up 16TFL and 8.5 sacks in 2008 in DIAA. This is just the kind of DT the Colts are looking for. 62) Tennessee – Darius Butler CB Connecticut: A wonder he fell this far, Butler would have been a great choice by the Titans in the first round. 63) Arizona – Connor Barwin OLB/DE Cincinnati: This former TE had a great senior season and plenty of potential. He looks like an ideal fit at OLB in the 3-4. 64) Pittsburgh – Sherrod Martin CB Troy: With Bryant McFadden possibly heading for free agency and Deshea Townshend getting well into his 30s, the Steelers need some help at CB and Martin is a hot prospect.
Obsession? This is a discussion board, and I've discussed/argues with others about how we should draft Josh Freeman. I know you don't like him, but you'd pass on him twice?
I thought about Freeman in the 2nd round, but I'm just not that sold on him. There's a few too many question marks to me right now. I actually have faith in Clemens with a great supporting cast. I'd also like to see us sign a free agent QB such as Byron Leftwich as well. I'm more of a Nate Davis fan then Josh Freeman..
I love Gilbert in the 2nd round, but in the 1st round given the options available I would really like to trade back. If that's not possible I think I'd prefer Sean Smith over Alphonso.
In most cases trading down and getting more picks sounds like the sweetest deal, but it's always hard to find someone willing to trade up. In the spot we are in at #17 in my scenario, there are a lot of intriguing options such as RBs Knowshon Moreno and Chris Wells, WRs Percy Harvin and Darius Heyward-Bey, LBs James Laurinaitis and Brian Cushing and CBs Alphonso Smith, Sean Smith and Darius Butler. With this kind of talent at #17 however, I wouldn't trade down unless we get a great offer.
The only way i could see us getting a corner round one when Jenkins and Davis are off the board is if we signed a ray lewis or bart scott and Leftwich. I think if it fell like that id rather have a percy harvin
Fair enough. But also read some scouting reports or see some highlight films of Alphonso Smith. He looks like someone that belongs in the first round. I believe he would be rated even higher if he wasn't just 5-8.
I'm in the same boat as you. Smith gives you a lot more flexibilty in your later rounds / free agency pickups. I'm not sure if he has the tools to be an every down #2 corner long term, but could be a good stop gap and easily moved to safty.
Another great draft but I have a few comments, especially since I can't participate in this year's 7 round mock. Obviously I'll start with the Jets first. There is, in my opinion, no way the Jets can pass on either Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno at RB or reach for a WR like DHB or Nicks. Heck, I'd even stretch it with a good combine for Raji's DT partner from Boston College in Brace. I think at our pick, the value is there for all of them. Jones had a great season but is on the wrong side of 30, and Leon isn't an every down back. Coles is losing a step, Cotchery isn't a #1 despite my adoration for him and Jenkins proved he's a great DT in the 3-4 but his back can't hold up an entire season. Going after an undersized (yet speedy) corner seems unlikely. I could see Rex Ryan going after the best defensive player available since he's of that mind-set. However, I just don't see a 5'8 corner being our #1 pick in a league where you need speed AND size in order to cut it in the secondary. I think Lowery will flourish under Ryan as well. So, unless you offer my explanation, I'm not sold. Also as for our 2nd Round pick, Jason Gilbert should be interesting but he's a project, not a starter. Another point or two... The Packers are in desperate need of a 3-4 DT and I think they're going to be willing to trade up to get Raji. He's a monster and they won't pass up the chance to get him. Also, they shouldn't go for an OT in Round 2, rather keep going after 3-4 guys that can define this team's defense for years to come. Instead I see them going for Clay Matthews in round 2. Then they have two key pieces to a 3-4 defense in place. Aaron Curry would be a great fit in Cleveland. If he lands there, Mangini will be lucky. I'm not sure if Jeremy Macklin is a top 10 pick. I think he's great and will have a long NFL career but not in the top ten... I think the Giants will have a hard decision to make if they have to choose between Nicks and DHB at the bottom of Round 1. I know plenty of Giants fans who want just 1 of the USC LBers in the first two rounds. Clay should be a good fit.... Denver going for Rey in 1 is good and they do need running backs but I don't know if they make it a priority in round 2. If I was GMing a team converting to a 3-4, I'd make it my business to stock up on 3-4 DTs, DEs and LBs early and often. Sure the offensive side needs some tweaks but shy of injury they have quite the stock pile of running backs. Hillis was certainly a pleasant surprise for them. Well, thats all I can piece together on my lunch break. I think if the Jets don't walk out of the first two rounds with an offensive weapon and a defensive monster, we did something wrong. Oh, and P.S. I'm getting tired of this Freeman crap. He's your next Akili Smith and we all know how that worked out. Granted he has more time in college starting and better size but he's a product of his system and nothing more.
JetsinPA, you have clearly done your homework. You can't argue too much with taking a corner in the first, but I do think we have more pressing needs. Tyson Jackson would be a great fit for this team, but you have him going the pick before. Any of the "round one" projected receivers would be a good pick. Harvin, Heyward-Bey, Nicks. I am a huge fan of Hakeem Nicks because he reminds me of Anquan Boldin. Also, Cushing or Laurinaitis would fulfill a big need, assuming that is not taken care of in free agency.
I really like Heyward-Bey but #17 is too early for him. I'm also surprised that Nicks reminds you of Anquan Boldin, because he has quite a bit more jiggle in his step than Boldin. He reminds me a lot more of someone who Jets fans would be a lot more familiar with than Boldin . . . Laveranues Coles. A young one, mind you, but if you see the toughness that he displays and the moves he makes after the catch, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Also, for the love of god why Laurinaitis? He moves through traffic pretty well but isn't a hard hitter or good at hitting and shedding. I can't see him as a 3-4 linebacker. Every time I see him play I get the over-rated chant stuck in my head. I mean, hey, he may toughen up and prove me wrong, but I said the same things about him last year and I'll continue saying the same things this year. Boo Laurinaitis.
If Oher falls to us and we pass, I quit life. You drafniks wanna bone up on your "told-ya-so's?" Read Lewis' "The Blind Side" and watch some tape of Ole Miss' offensive line. All defensive pressure shifts to the front side, because it's a waste of a man to rush Michael Oher.
