1 - CAR: Fairley, Nick - DT - Auburn
The Panthers need an immediate impact player on either side of the ball this year. While offense would be preferable, this draft class is dominated by defense at the top. Nick Fairley has the biggest "wow" factor, similar to Gerald McCoy (3rd pick last year to TB).
The Panthers need an immediate impact player on either side of the ball this year. While offense would be preferable, this draft class is dominated by defense at the top. Nick Fairley has the biggest "wow" factor, similar to Gerald McCoy (3rd pick last year to TB).
2 - DEN: Miller, Von - OLB - Texas A&M
As Denver begins it's transition back to a 4-3 scheme, they will be moving a lot of their current players around. OLBs Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers will play RE and LE respectively, Justin Bannan moves inside and D.J. Williams is left by himself at LB. They play Williams at the weak side and start this can't miss, sure fire, starter with the no. 2 pick.
As Denver begins it's transition back to a 4-3 scheme, they will be moving a lot of their current players around. OLBs Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers will play RE and LE respectively, Justin Bannan moves inside and D.J. Williams is left by himself at LB. They play Williams at the weak side and start this can't miss, sure fire, starter with the no. 2 pick.
3 - BUF: Newton, Cam - QB - Auburn
It's a little high for my tastes, but it seems that Cam Newton is wowing scouts all over the NFL. The Bills have a number of other needs that are probably more urgent. Unfortunately tickets need sold and this guy has fans and owners salivating. He's big, he's strong, he's athletic. The offense will be interesting with this piece and C.J. Spiller. This draft is deep enough in the trenches that this franchise thinks it can wait a round on solidifying it's urgent needs.
It's a little high for my tastes, but it seems that Cam Newton is wowing scouts all over the NFL. The Bills have a number of other needs that are probably more urgent. Unfortunately tickets need sold and this guy has fans and owners salivating. He's big, he's strong, he's athletic. The offense will be interesting with this piece and C.J. Spiller. This draft is deep enough in the trenches that this franchise thinks it can wait a round on solidifying it's urgent needs.
4 - CIN: Green, A.J. - WR - Georgia
This is a last ditch effort to appease QB Carson Palmer. Green is the top talent at WR in this draft. It won't work, Palmer will still want out, but the current CBA situation won't allow him to be traded yet. I could also see defensive minded HC Marvin Lewis jump all over Da'Quan Bowers, who is surprisingly still available in this mock draft.
This is a last ditch effort to appease QB Carson Palmer. Green is the top talent at WR in this draft. It won't work, Palmer will still want out, but the current CBA situation won't allow him to be traded yet. I could also see defensive minded HC Marvin Lewis jump all over Da'Quan Bowers, who is surprisingly still available in this mock draft.
5 - ARI: Gabbert, Blaine - QB - Missouri
Buffalor reaches for Cam Newton at 3, and Arizona thanks it's lucky stars that the real top talent at QB is still available at 5. The defense needs a lot of help as well, but if they can't keep WR Larry Fitzgerald happy, he could book it in no time.
Buffalor reaches for Cam Newton at 3, and Arizona thanks it's lucky stars that the real top talent at QB is still available at 5. The defense needs a lot of help as well, but if they can't keep WR Larry Fitzgerald happy, he could book it in no time.
6 - CLE: Bowers, Da'Quan - DE - Clemson
The hiring of Dick Jauron at defensive coordinator moves the Browns to a 4-3 defense for the first time since returning to the league in 1999. Bowers is a fierce edge rusher who will immediately improve this defense all around. Matt Roth will likely be moved to LE leaving the Browns with a very respectable 3/4 of a defensive line.
The hiring of Dick Jauron at defensive coordinator moves the Browns to a 4-3 defense for the first time since returning to the league in 1999. Bowers is a fierce edge rusher who will immediately improve this defense all around. Matt Roth will likely be moved to LE leaving the Browns with a very respectable 3/4 of a defensive line.
7 - SF: Peterson, Patrick - CB - LSU
The top tier QBs are gone at 7 and it's hard to justify Mallett or Locker this early. New HC Jim Harbaugh looks to the other side of the ball with this pick. Patrick Peterson can play any position in the defensive back field. It's shocking that he's still available at seven and he can ease the transition from wildly overpaid Nate Clements to the future of the position.
The top tier QBs are gone at 7 and it's hard to justify Mallett or Locker this early. New HC Jim Harbaugh looks to the other side of the ball with this pick. Patrick Peterson can play any position in the defensive back field. It's shocking that he's still available at seven and he can ease the transition from wildly overpaid Nate Clements to the future of the position.
8 - TEN: Amukamara, Prince - CB - Nebraska
Tennessee finds itself in a similar perdicament as San Fran. At 8 you simply cannot justify taking Mallett or Locker. If this team does not trade down they look to improve a defensive secondary that was dominated by number of mediocre QBs last year. Amukamara is a the perfect compliment to Cortland Finnegan and will ultimately add depth having rookie standout Alterraun Verner and three year vet Captain Munnerlyn on passing downs.
Tennessee finds itself in a similar perdicament as San Fran. At 8 you simply cannot justify taking Mallett or Locker. If this team does not trade down they look to improve a defensive secondary that was dominated by number of mediocre QBs last year. Amukamara is a the perfect compliment to Cortland Finnegan and will ultimately add depth having rookie standout Alterraun Verner and three year vet Captain Munnerlyn on passing downs.
9 - DAL: Dareus, Marcell - DT - Alabama
Dallas upgrades at the 5 technique with this pick. Secondary is a huge need for this team but unfortunately the two best cornerbacks were drafted just ahead of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas upgrades at the 5 technique with this pick. Secondary is a huge need for this team but unfortunately the two best cornerbacks were drafted just ahead of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys
10 - WAS: Jones, Julio - WR - Alabama
With no Quarterbacks rated this high, Mike Shanahan goes after a weapon for whomever his QB may be. Jones is a legitimate number 1 guy on the outside that will ease this teams transition to a new signal caller.
With no Quarterbacks rated this high, Mike Shanahan goes after a weapon for whomever his QB may be. Jones is a legitimate number 1 guy on the outside that will ease this teams transition to a new signal caller.
11 - HOU: Paea, Stephen - DT - Oregon St.
Crazier things have happened. And the fact remains that the Texans will be playing a 3-4 next season. Paea gives them the size up the middle that will shore up the defensive line. Other needs include linebacks but Akeem Jordan doesn't fit the mold and its a bit too early to consider some other prospects.
Crazier things have happened. And the fact remains that the Texans will be playing a 3-4 next season. Paea gives them the size up the middle that will shore up the defensive line. Other needs include linebacks but Akeem Jordan doesn't fit the mold and its a bit too early to consider some other prospects.
12 - MIN: Quinn, Robert - DE - North Carolina
Quinn comes in to take the place of Ray Edwards, opposite Jared Allen. The team's biggest need will still be there in the second round, so new HC and former defensive lineman, Leslie Frazier makes this pick a reality.
Quinn comes in to take the place of Ray Edwards, opposite Jared Allen. The team's biggest need will still be there in the second round, so new HC and former defensive lineman, Leslie Frazier makes this pick a reality.
13 - DET: Solder, Nate - OT - Colorado
Expect Detroit to spend 2 of it's first 3 picks on the offensive line. Nate Solder is the best prospect available and the first off the board.
Expect Detroit to spend 2 of it's first 3 picks on the offensive line. Nate Solder is the best prospect available and the first off the board.
14 - STL: Smith, Torrey - WR - Maryland
A bit of a reach at 14 but it fills a need for this team. Smith is flying under the radar on a lot of draft boards. He is a two year producer who is versatile and physical. He makes a great return option and weapon for rookie sensation Sam Bradford. When all is said and done, fans will moan when his name is called but he will be your offensive rookie of the year in 2011.
A bit of a reach at 14 but it fills a need for this team. Smith is flying under the radar on a lot of draft boards. He is a two year producer who is versatile and physical. He makes a great return option and weapon for rookie sensation Sam Bradford. When all is said and done, fans will moan when his name is called but he will be your offensive rookie of the year in 2011.
15 - MIA: Ingram, Mark - RB - Alabama
Miami is fortunate that the teams ahead of it this season do not need a running back. They are in need of a ball carrier and a QB on offense. QB is weak at this point and Mark Ingram has won a Heisman trophy. This is a no brainer.
Miami is fortunate that the teams ahead of it this season do not need a running back. They are in need of a ball carrier and a QB on offense. QB is weak at this point and Mark Ingram has won a Heisman trophy. This is a no brainer.
16 - JAX: Kerrigan, Ryan - DE - Purdue
Kerrigan is going to rush the passer opposite of Aaron Kampman. That's kind of scary. Pressuring the QB will improve this defense across the board, and it might keep this team in contention for the playoffs. That, of course, would save HC Jack Del Rio's job.
Kerrigan is going to rush the passer opposite of Aaron Kampman. That's kind of scary. Pressuring the QB will improve this defense across the board, and it might keep this team in contention for the playoffs. That, of course, would save HC Jack Del Rio's job.
17 - NE: Ayers, Akeem - OLB - UCLA
A versatile guy who has no red flags in terms of character. Likewise he isn't flashy. Not the sexiest pick in the world, but that is what makes it a Bill Belichick pick.
A versatile guy who has no red flags in terms of character. Likewise he isn't flashy. Not the sexiest pick in the world, but that is what makes it a Bill Belichick pick.
18 - SD: Heyward, Cameron - DE - Ohio State
San Diego is looking for stability on the defensive line. Heyward will play the 5 technique and add to a defense that ranked first in ypg last season.
San Diego is looking for stability on the defensive line. Heyward will play the 5 technique and add to a defense that ranked first in ypg last season.
19 - NYG: Castonzo, Anthony - OT - Boston College
The Giants need help up front if they aim to improve their offense. The defensive secondary is also an area of need, but they'll likely look to protect prized QB Eli Manning.
The Giants need help up front if they aim to improve their offense. The defensive secondary is also an area of need, but they'll likely look to protect prized QB Eli Manning.
20 - TB: Clayborn, Adrian - DE - Iowa
This could also be Wisconsin's J.J. Watt. The point is this defense needs a pass rush. Any edge rusher would be a fair bet at this point.
This could also be Wisconsin's J.J. Watt. The point is this defense needs a pass rush. Any edge rusher would be a fair bet at this point.
21 - KC: Taylor, Phil - DT - Baylor
Kansas City continues to follow the Pioli//Belichick way by draft size up the middle. After years of first round picks on the d-line, this will finally put together a very yound and promising combination of Jackson,Taylor, Dorsey.
Kansas City continues to follow the Pioli//Belichick way by draft size up the middle. After years of first round picks on the d-line, this will finally put together a very yound and promising combination of Jackson,Taylor, Dorsey.
22 - IND: Carimi, Gabe - OT - Wisconsin
Indy looks to protect it's recently franchised QB, Peyton Manning. Carimi will do just that as well as maul in the running game. I know you're thinking "what running game?" Well this pick will make a running game that much more possible.
Indy looks to protect it's recently franchised QB, Peyton Manning. Carimi will do just that as well as maul in the running game. I know you're thinking "what running game?" Well this pick will make a running game that much more possible.
23 - PHI: Smith, Aldon - DE - Missouri
Philly looks to add more firepower on defense. The achilles heal of this team last season was ineffective defense that lead to DC Sean McDearmont getting axed. Last year's investment, Brandon Graham, alongside smith and Trent Cole will give this defense a frightening front four.
Philly looks to add more firepower on defense. The achilles heal of this team last season was ineffective defense that lead to DC Sean McDearmont getting axed. Last year's investment, Brandon Graham, alongside smith and Trent Cole will give this defense a frightening front four.
24 - NO: Smith, Jimmy - CB - Colorado
The Saints secondary was suspect last season after it's magical performance in 2009-2010 season. Smith adds depth at corner with starters Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter.
The Saints secondary was suspect last season after it's magical performance in 2009-2010 season. Smith adds depth at corner with starters Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter.
25 - SEA: Sherrod, Derek - OT - Mississippi St.
For the second staright season the Seahawks look to protect whomever their quarterback may be. The offensive line left this team a slow go on offense.
For the second staright season the Seahawks look to protect whomever their quarterback may be. The offensive line left this team a slow go on offense.
26 - BAL: Liuget, Corey - DT - Illinois
Baltimore does what Baltimore does best, drafts the front seven on defense. Recently franchised Haloti Ngata may not find a long term deal in his future and other d lineman are aging.
Baltimore does what Baltimore does best, drafts the front seven on defense. Recently franchised Haloti Ngata may not find a long term deal in his future and other d lineman are aging.
27 - ATL: Harris, Brandon - CB - Miami
Atlanta looks to improve it's already solid defense. The long and short of this pick is that Atlanta does not need a whole lot. If not a CB, I could see them taking RB Leshoure.
Atlanta looks to improve it's already solid defense. The long and short of this pick is that Atlanta does not need a whole lot. If not a CB, I could see them taking RB Leshoure.
28 - NE: Watt, J.J. - DE - Wisconsin
New England again takes an boring pick that once again will make this defense one of the best in the league.
New England again takes an boring pick that once again will make this defense one of the best in the league.
29 - CHI: Pouncey, Mike - OG - Florida
Chicago execs must be playing that NFC Championship game over and over in their mind. If Jay Cutler were present in the second half they may have pulled it out. They'll do anything in this off season to protect their future with Cutler.
Chicago execs must be playing that NFC Championship game over and over in their mind. If Jay Cutler were present in the second half they may have pulled it out. They'll do anything in this off season to protect their future with Cutler.
30 - NYJ: Baldwin, Jon - WR - Pittsburgh
Character problems? Not an issue in Rex Ryan's mind. Holmes and Braylon may not be back which means this franchise will need some to catch the ball from the Sanchise.
Character problems? Not an issue in Rex Ryan's mind. Holmes and Braylon may not be back which means this franchise will need some to catch the ball from the Sanchise.
31 - PIT: Smith, Tyron - OT - USC
Pittsburgh will not pass up a talent that has slipped this far in the draft. Offensive line depth is paramount the Steeler way and may have cost them their 7th Superbowl ring.
Pittsburgh will not pass up a talent that has slipped this far in the draft. Offensive line depth is paramount the Steeler way and may have cost them their 7th Superbowl ring.
32 - GB: Houston, Justin - DE - Georgia
Houston will be converted to a pass rushing OLB to play opposite Clay Matthews.
Houston will be converted to a pass rushing OLB to play opposite Clay Matthews.
What's the baseline?
I've been creating mocks for just under ten years and every one is more unpredictable than the last. I think I tackled needs first and foremost, with the exception of some QB needs which I think will be met in the second and third. A couple picks could easily flip but my big board by position is a little different than most mock enthusiasts. I hope you enjoy and would love any feedback as I will be updating my picks pending the combine and pro days.
sorry son, we're taking locker at #2. get your shit together, sportsgeek.
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