Mr. E's Every Day Mock (3/5-3/10)

I've been putting together a mock for a little while and it keeps changing, so I'm just going make a pick every day over the next week.

2010 was a year of developmental picks - each and every one of those moves was for the future of this team. 2011 has to be about RIGHT NOW.

FIRST ROUND

Pitt's Jabaal Sheard at 30 has been the focal point of multiple TGG mocks already. ...and even though, he's one of my highest rated OLB possibilities for the Jets, I'm gonna go in a different direction. I looked into guys like Illinois' Martez Wilson and Temple's Mo Wilkerson...I just kept coming back to this pick.

During the TGG three rounder a few weeks ago, I had an epiphany when I ended up getting a serious steal with the Colts' second rounder.

Now, I really hadn't spent much time researching this kid because of two reasons:

1. He was considered a top fifteen pick...then a freak injury happened at the Senior Bowl.

2. If you look at his measurables (height/weight), he doesn't fit our scheme.

I think #2 is bullshit, especially in a Rex Ryan defense. Baltimore's Kelly Gregg and Pittsburgh's Casey Hampton aren't tall, but they get some of the best leverage in the league - that's how you play nose tackle...strength and leverage.

You want a new nose tackle?

Gentlemen, I present you with the extremely overlooked and unexpected:

Stephen Paea, Nose Tackle, Oregon State, 6'1 303



While Stephen Paea definitely lacks "ideal" the ideal height you look for in a 3-4 lineman, he's one of the strongest players to enter the draft in quite some time. In fact, he's the strongest ever.

Paea commands double teams, never quits on a play, and dominates against the run...but my favorite thing about him is this: he gets incredibly leverage on almost every play.

Now, I did this write up before he annihilated the bench press at the combine, but I still feel like he could be available at 30.

The third round pick will be out tomorrow...

 

You don't need to be that big to play nose.

I think he can get up to 315 or 320 though.

 

I'll never understand certain fan's obsession with getting a gigantic nose tackle. Pouha did a fine job and he's at least 35 pounds lighter than Kris Jenkins.

Jenkins' weight played a huge role in all of his injuries.

 

I completely agree that he will command double teams and he has the strength to control the line. He also has the motor and ability to play tackle in four man fronts.

 

...depends on the player.

Drafting Phil Taylor in the first round would be a waste.

I do think nose tackles can be found later in the draft, but Paea is an impact player that can play in multiple fronts.

I'd love to find a pass rusher, but I feel like the elite players like Justin Houston and Aldon Smith will be gone.

Like I say all the damn time, Jabaal Sheard is one of my favorite prospects, but I feel like he's more of an early second round pick. If a lot of players are gone, I wouldn't mind seeing him selected at 30. Not having a second rounder might cause to reach a little bit for a player.

Martez Wilson and Akeem Ayers are two players that I thought about "drafting" - their versatility is very intriguing. However, Paea is versatile too - he can play in multiple fronts and his motor is exceptional.

 

After his performance at the combine, there's a definite possibility that he's gone before our pick.

I still feel like teams may wait to draft defensive tackles later.

 

It definitely is. That's why building a rotation is so important. I don't expect 300+ pounders to go all out on every single snap - occasionally you can find a big man that can play to the whistle on every snap.

My opinion on Clemson defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins kind of soured after doing some digging. He's got the ability to be a great run stuffer as a 3-4 DE, but he quits A LOT.

Behind Bowers, Jenkins was Clemson's second best lineman, and the Tigers' coaching staff would take him off the field for long periods of time because he'd wear down and take entire series off.

Jenkins would be a nice addition as a rotational end, but my gut tells me that's all he'll ever be.

 

I see very few weaknesses in Paea's game. He seems like a very coachable player with a lot of upside.

The second round will be stacked. I'd really like to see us trade back if certain players are gone - someone will be trying to get back into the first to get a wideout or maybe a QB.

 

I'd make that trade in an instant.

 

That's exactly why I decided to go this route.

I've got a couple rabbits left in my hat - I have a pass rusher or two that I'll include in this draft.