100 Days Away Mock (1/21)

OK, we're a little bit less than 100 days away from the draft, but it just sounded cool. I did this mock over the past few days, along with my rankings (to be found in the other thread). I went over this thing a few times, changing a pretty good amount each time, and just added the commentary so you all could see where I was coming from on some of the more tricky selections.

You'll notice there are a lot of instances where the rankings don't match up with the order the players are selected, just because some players just fit better in some situations.

Feel free to rip it with all the anger and fury that being a Jets fan can bring. I added the rest of the draft for the Jets, I wasn't totally sure on what they have/don't have, so I just went with the standard.

Without further ado. Thanks to WW for the order.

Round 1
1 Miami Dolphins- Glen Dorsey, DT LSU- Just the best option for the team besides a trade down. Not a ?build the franchise around? player obviously, but could be dominant.
2 St. Louis Rams- Chris Long, DE Virginia- Need to add something more to an aging line, he is about as polished a player as you?ll find. Will take Hall?s or Little?s job by Week one.
3 Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas- The true stud of the draft to a team in need of a playmaker. Fargas should be retained though as a backup.
4 Atlanta Falcons- Matt Ryan, QB Boston College- I?m not in love with any of the QBs available, and he?s really not a top 5 QB, but the franchise needs something to look forward to.
5 Kansas City Chiefs- Jake Long, OT Michigan- Perfect situation for a team that needs to overhaul it?s OL. Long is right behind only Joe Thomas when it comes to OL prospects for the past few years.
6 New York Jets- Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State- Duh. Need a playmaker on defense, and that?s all Gholston knows. Simply born to be a 34 pass rusher.
7 New England Patriots- Antoine Cason, CB Arizona- Likely going to lose Asante Samuel, so they need a top level corner, thank goodness for them they have a top ten pick to add one.
8 Baltimore Ravens- Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.- With Ryan gone it became a question of another QB or someone to protect him. They opt for Jonathan Ogden?s replacement in 2 years (and short term OG).
9 Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis, DT USC- Not as far behind Dorsey as some people seem to believe, Ellis has really matured his game since his early USC career. Cinci is desperate for DL help.
10 New Orleans Saints- Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida- Besides Mike McKenzie, the secondary played subpar last year. Getting Jenkins, who some think is the top CB, would be adding an instant starter.
11 Buffalo Bills- Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma- There?s some debate over who the top wideout is, I think it comes down to the teams? preferences. The Bills have enough smaller guys, Kelly will provide a big, dynamic target.
12 Denver Broncos- Kenny Phillips, S Miami- Almost went tackle here after Matt Lepsis? retirement, but the old BPA factor comes into play with Phillips, who?ll be John Lynch?s eventual replacement in more ways than one.
13 Carolina Panthers- Brian Brohm, QB Louisville- A whole cornucopia of options at Quarterback were available for the Panthers last year, and none of them got it done. It?s time to trash the system and start over.
14 Chicago Bears- Andre? Woodson, QB Kentucky- Read what I have right above, and just use it again here. Both the Panthers and Bears should have been in the playoffs, a QB play is a big reason why they weren?t.
15 Detroit Lions- Aqib Talib, CB Kansas- Since they lost Dre Bly, they were pretty much left with nothing in the secondary. Talib can change the whole attitude of the defensive backfield.
16 Arizona Cardinals- Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon- Cardinals taking a Running Back?? Craziness, I know. Edge is getting older, and by the time the line is rebuilt, he?ll be too old to take advantage. Stewart is BPA and the type of runner the Cards staff is used to.
17 Minnesota Vikings- Lawrence Jackson, DE USC- They have some solid players at Defensive End, but need an infusion of something. Jackson is no Kenechi Udeze, he should be the third star on that DL.
18 Houston Texans- Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois- The Texans have had one season of good play at the RB position. Mendenhall is a stud, flat out, and will complete Houston?s own impressive set of triplets.
19 Philadelphia Eagles- DeSean Jackson, WR California- Without many teams looking to grab wideouts early, the Eagles might luck into one of the most talented players in the class. Absolute worst case, Jackson is a top 5 return man.
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh- Luke Petigout is starting at Left Tackle for the Bucs. Yeah, that?s about all you need from that end, and Otah?s rising quickly. Good chance he won?t be here come April.
21 Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell, DE Miami- Andre Carter?s been playing well as he gained new life in Washington, but they still lack a dominant edge rusher. With Campbell, it?s one of the best young DL?s in the game.
22 Dallas Cowboys- Mario Manningham, WR Michigan- Terry Glenn is injury prone and just about done, and Patrick Crayton has to live down his big mouth. Manningham is a terrific compliment for Owens.
23 Pittsburgh Steelers- Dan Connor, LB Penn St.- Not sure whether Connor is a middle or outside LB, so stick him in as a 34 ILB. Connor may not start year one, but he could very easily with his talent.
24 Tennessee Titans- Limas Sweed, WR Texas- Sweed might not be the top wideout on the board, but the Titans rarely do what people think, they go for Young?s old favorite target.
25 Seattle Seahawks- Jammal Charles, RB Texas- You won?t see a lot of people with this pick, but Running Back is definitely something the Seahawks will be needing soon, and Charles has a chance to be a gamebreaker.
26 Jacksonville Jaguars- Derrick Harvey, DE Florida- Harvey would be best off in a 34 as an outside rusher, but the Jags need someone who specializes in passrushing, and that?s Harvey.
27 San Diego Chargers- Pat Sims, DT Auburn- Pat Sims is emerging as the top 34 line prospect in the draft, and the Chargers are looking to add some depth to that line. Sims is a big upgrade.
28 Dallas Cowboys- Brandon Flowers, CB Virginia Tech- The Cowboys need to do something to fix the defensive backfield. Flowers would be an excellent option opposite Newman, and allow Henry to take either Hamlin?s or Williams? job, giving the Cowboys an actual coverage safety.
29 San Francisco 49ers- James Hardy, WR Indiana- The Niners need a player to emerge as a true number one wideout, and the 6-6 Hardy could be that guy.
30 Green Bay Packers- Sam Baker, OT USC- The Packers have very few needs, so they have the ability to look for BPA. Both Clifton and Tauscher are still playing great football, but are past 30. Baker?s some pretty good insurance.
31 New York Giants- Curtis Lofton, LB Oklahoma- Lofton is a guy that can play any Linebacker position because of his intelligence and athleticism, he?ll be a great fit along with Antonio Pierce in that corps.


Round 2
1 Miami Dolphins- Keith Rivers, LB USC- Step two of Bill Parcell?s rebuilding of the Miami D. Soon to be leader of the Dolphins defensive unit.
2 St. Louis Rams- Roy Schuening, OG Oregon St.- The whole line needs help, but they opt for a starter inside.
3 Atlanta Falcons- Felix Jones, RB Arkansas- Dunn?s just about finished, and Norwood was disappointing in limited opportunities last year, Jones can be a playmaker to team with Ryan.
4 Kansas City Chiefs- Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy St.- Every player on the Chiefs might be over 30, McKelvin?s a quality corner to learn behind Law and Surtain.
5 New York Jets- Dre Moore, DT Maryland- The natural DT is a perfect fit to move over as an end in a 34. Finally the Jets are adding some players that fit their defensive philosophy.
6 Oakland Raiders- Quentin Groves, DE Auburn- Great passrushing talent, should be a lot higher after workouts and proving he?s healthy.
7 Baltimore Ravens- Joe Flacco, QB Delaware- This is one of those wait and see things. It?s going to happen, I know it, you know it, Flacco himself knows it.
8 San Francisco 49ers- Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College- Staley?s going to be good on the Left side, but Jonas Jennings is a waste.
9 Cincinnati Bengals- Ali Highsmith, LB LSU- The Bengals might be just as bad off at LB as they are on the line. Highsmith needs to add some weight, but is still an immediate starter.
10 New Orleans Saints- Erin Henderson, LB Maryland- A lot of questions when he came out, but he?s a versatile guy who will solidify the Saints LB corps.
11 Buffalo Bills- Reggie Smith, CB Oklahoma- Could play corner or safety at the next level, but better off at Corner so he can stay at his current size.
12 Denver Broncos- Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt- Will battle it out with Ryan Harris to replace Lepsis.
13 Carolina Panthers- Phillip Merling, DE Clemson- Rucker?s been done for 2 years now, youth is desperately needed on the line.
14 Chicago Bears- Kevin Smith, RB UCF- The 2nd team to go QB-RB in this draft, Benson didn?t get it done last year. Smith will at least provide a boost to the offense.
15 Detroit Lions- Brandon Albert, OG Virginia- Albert is strong enough to play inside, but big enough to be play tackle as well.
16 Minnesota Vikings- Early Doucet, WR LSU- A victim of lack of need, Doucet is much better than this spot would have you believe.

 

17 Atlanta Falcons- Barry Richardson, OT Clemson- Some say he’s better for the right side, but they Falcons take a chance on a blindside protector for their new QB.
18 Philadelphia Eagles- Patrick Chung, S Oregon- Physical safety played the rover spot for the Ducks, the perfect successor to Brian Dawkins.
19 Arizona Cardinals- Shawn Crable, LB Michigan- Plays a very similar game to Karlos Dansby, who’s on his way out.
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Earl Bennett, WR Vanderbilt- Same with Doucet, Bennett’s the last of the top level WRs to go.
21 Washington Redskins- Josh Barrett, S Arizona State- Big physical safety that would let Landry take over the Sean Taylor role.
22 Pittsburgh Steelers- Andrew Crummey, OG Maryland- Faneca’s gone, they’ll need a starter.
23 Tennessee Titans- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State- Michael Griffin’s proven to be quite the player after just one season, but they still need a compliment.
24 Seattle Seahawks- Fred Davis, TE USC- The Seahawks have needed a Tight End since Christian Fauria’s prime ended.
25 Cleveland Browns- Frank Okam, DT Texas- Okam could turn out to be a very effective 34 end, but will probably be used a variety of ways in Romeo Crennel’s defense.
26 Jacksonville Jaguars- Justin King, CB Penn State- Rashean Mathis has been struggling lately, but he’s still got the skill to recover. Taking a corner to develop like King would give the team some great insurance.
27 Miami Dolphins- Vince Hall, LB Virginia Tech- Stage three of the rebuilding, complete. A smart, rangy MLB for coach Parcells.
28 Indianapolis Colts- Steve Justice, OC Wake Forest- The Colts are going to need an interior lineman if Lilja leaves, and Jeff Saturday’s almost done, so the top Center on the board is a good fit.
29 Dallas Cowboys- Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia- The Cowboys need a speedy back to compliment Marion Barber, the perfect role for Slaton.
30 Green Bay Packers- Martellus Bennett, TE Texas A&M- Donald Lee and Bubba Franks do an admirable job, but Bennett’s upside is hard to ignore.
31 New York Giants- Quinton Demps, S UTEP- Maybe Quinton Demps can do what Will Demps couldn’t, stabilize that other half of the Giants secondary.
32 New England Patriots- Chris Johnson, RB East Carolina- Johnson gets the nod here over some other backs because he’s so versatile. Could play RB or WR in the NFL, like an ultimate Kevin Faulk.

Round 3
1 Miami Dolphins- John David Booty, QB USC- Adding a QB to the battle for a new staff.
2 St. Louis Rams- Tony Hills, OT Texas- Developmental OT behind Orlando Pace.
3 Kansas City Chiefs- Shannon Tevaga, OG UCLA- Big guard as the Chiefs continue to build the line.
4 New York Jets- Jordan Grimes, OG Purdue- Run Blocking, mauler type guard.
5 New England Patriots- Jonathan Goff, LB Vanderbilt- Bigger Linebacker can play the inside for the Pats.
6 Atlanta Falcons- Lavelle Hawkins, WR California- Late rising receiver could be a good second option for the Falcons.
7 San Francisco 49ers- Kendall Langford, DE Hampton- Ideal fit as a 34 End, could be a slick DT if the Niners change it up.
8 Buffalo Bills- Martin Rucker, TE Missouri- Need a threat in the middle of the field with their passing game.
9 Cincinnati Bengals- Craig Steltz, S LSU- Great year with the Tigers and could provide leadership in that secondary.
10 New Orleans Saints- Red Bryant, DT Texas A&M- High potential defensive lineman added to an aging line.
11 Buffalo Bills- Geno Hayes, LB Florida State- Fast, playmaking Linebacker would be a nice fit in a young LB corps.
12 Minnesota Vikings- Jonathan Hefney, DB Tennessee- Could be a corner or a safety, depending on how some of their other young players develop.
13 Carolina Panthers- Mario Urrutia, WR Louisville- Big target to go with his college QB.
14 Chicago Bears- Anthony Collins, OT Kansas- The Bears would like to move John Tait back to RT, this would help in time.
15 Detroit Lions- Ray Rice, RB Rutgers- The Lions have had trouble getting the most out of their RBs, Ray Rice would certainly end that problem.
16 Houston Texans- Jack Ikegwuonu, CB Wisconsin- Legal troubles drop him further than his talent would place him.
17 Philadelphia Eagles- Trae Williams, CB South Florida- Athletic compliment to Mike Jenkins would be able to develop behind Brown and Sheppard.
18 Arizona Cardinals- Dajuan Morgan, S NC State- Free Safety to go with one of the best SS’s in the game, Adrian Wilson.
19 Minnesota Vikings- Marcus Harrison, DT Arkansas- Pat Williams is bound to slow down sometime, Run D needs help no matter what.
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Zach Bowman, CB Nebraska- If he’s healthy from his injury, he’s a Top 20 talent.
21 Washington Redskins- Adarius Bowman, WR OK State- Tall, physical wideout to go with a host of smaller, speed guys.
22 Tennessee Titans- DeMario Pressley, DT NC State- Never reached his potential at NC State, but could be dangerous if they retain Haynesworth.
23 Seattle Seahawks- Heath Benedict, OT Newberry- Developmental OT behind Walter Jones (completing the trio with Pace, Ogden, and Jones).
24 Cleveland Browns- Wallace Gilberry, DE Alabama- Great option as a rush linebacker, Gilberry never quite hit his peak at Alabama.
25 Pittsburgh Steelers- Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina- A good fit as a 34 end, should be a solid rotation guy for a year or two until he starts.
27 Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Arrington, WR Michigan- Opt for yet another potential-laden wideout, almost took a Quarterback here.
28 Chicago Bears- Marcus Griffin, S Texas- Stepped up in a huge way his senior year, earning him a first day selection.
29 Dallas Cowboys- Eric Young, OG Tennessee- Could play any spot on the line.
30 Indianapolis Colts- Jerod Mayo, LB Tennessee- Speedy linebacker, still a little raw.
31 Green Bay Packers- Xavier Adibi, LB Virginia Tech- Never understood how he didn’t become one of the best LBs in the country, potential unlimited.
26 New York Giants- Ahtyba Rubin, DT Iowa State- A nose tackle to go even up when the Giants stick 3 DE’s on the line.
32 New England Patriots- Tom Zbikowski, S Notre Dame- Patriot type of guy, could be a special teams standout.


Jets Mock the Rest of the Way:
Round 4: Kirk Barton, OT Ohio State- Barton is a good prospect to develop at Right Tackle. Still, hopefully a FA is brought in.
Round 5: Josh Johnson, QB San Diego- I love his potential, great arm, proven in the pocket, and an incredible athlete as well. 113 TDs vs 15 picks in his SD career.
Round 6: Rodrick Johnson, ILB OK State- Had an off year as a senior, but worth a look in a 3-4.
Round 7: Maurice Purify, WR Nebraska- Tall, athletic wideout, never broke out like many people had expected.

 

Cason is the best cornerback in this draft, has been that way pretty much all season, and really has done nothing to make me think otherwise. I know that certain websites have dropped him for whatever reason (some after having him #1 all year), but based on what I saw of him this year, it'll be damn tough to knock him off that perch. His workouts will only solidify that position.

I'm not sure why there is "no way" that the Giants would take pass on Rivers there, especially when they take another very good in his place. My position on Balmer hasn't changed since the old rankings thread, when he shows me a reason to raise him up besides not being a disappointment his senior year, then I'll do so. I feel Charles is the 4th best Running Back in this class, and that's about where he'll end up once he shreds workouts.

The Packers have a few very skilled young defensive backs, in Traemon Williams, Will Blackmon, and even Charlie Peprah. They definitely have the luxury of BPA.

 

You know what, you're right. I mean, your argument against him was so eloquent, how could I ever contest it? Let's recap them, "He's a REACH" and "You're dumb". You're like a modern day Stephen Douglas.