While we (Greg and Andrew) have commented separately on the upcoming NFL Draft, we haven’t combined forces to create our first official mock. So that’s what this is. The NFL season has ended (congrats to Seattle), the draft order is set, and we also now know who is staying in or leaving college football.
For this mock, Greg was randomly selected to draft #1 and then make every other odd numbered choice. Andrew gets the even numbered picks, starting at #2. Unlike most bloggers and analysts, we ARE including potential trades. We know they are going to happen on draft day, so we wanted to try and predict them in our mock now. Enjoy!
1. Houston Texans select: Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M)
The question I’d be asking myself if I had this pick is not who’s the best player in this draft, but who adds the most value to my team. The Texans QB situation is a mess. T.J. Yates led them to a playoff win two seasons ago, but Matt Schaub and Case Keenum combined to win 2 games for them this year. Yes, Jadaveon Clowney might be a better ‘football player’ than Johnny Manziel, but since I already have the best defensive end in football in J.J. Watt and have a glaring need at QB, I’m not going to spend the #1 overall pick on a second defensive end who has some questions about his motor. Manziel’s talent is undeniable and is similar to Russell Wilson, who just won the Super Bowl. From a marketing and sales perspective he is going to generate a lot of revenue and interest in a team that folded last season. Manziel makes the most sense here.
2. Atlanta Falcons (from St. Louis via Washington) select: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)
In this mock, I have Atlanta trading up for Clowney, giving St. Louis their sixth pick, along with other picks and a future pick. Atlanta needs a better pass rush, so Clowney will be far and away the top player on their board. I think he’s worth trading up for considering that’s their largest area of need and he’s the consensus best player in the draft. Remember, the Falcons aren’t afraid to pull the trigger on these deals as we saw just a few years ago with Julio Jones. And that’s paid off nicely. This would finally give Atlanta a centerpiece on defense.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)
If I’m the Jaguars I try to trade this pick because I really need a QB, but don’t want to draft one this high. In this scenario though, they are unable to do that. The question then becomes which QB do they draft. They need help in a lot of areas but a QB can mask many issues. If I were making this pick I’d draft Teddy Bridgewater. He’s safer than Blake Bortles and they already tried drafting one big armed white guy as a QB without success. Bridgewater has the quiet, steady demeanor that will help to stabilize this team. I draft him here.
4. Cleveland Browns select: Blake Bortles (QB, UCF)
I think Cleveland would ideally like one of the two QB’s already chosen, but Bortles has better size and will likely have better durability. He can make all the NFL throws, and Cleveland actually has pieces in place that will help him succeed… Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron emerged last year as legit targets, and Cleveland already has a steady defense that will only get better. I was also very impressed with Blake’s bowl performance, so I’d be giddy as a Browns fan, and they still have another first rounder later.
5. Oakland Raiders select: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
The Raiders found a running game last year with Rashad Jennings, and if the 3 QBs that are at the top of the board are gone like they are in this mock, then drafting a WR will make any QB they would play or draft later look better. Watkins has average size a 6’ and 205 lbs, but plays bigger and has speed that will translate to any level. In Clemson’s bowl game against Ohio State, Watkins was the best player on the field by far and would play more traditionally than Percy Harvin or Cordarrelle Patterson, but could be used in similar ways.
6. St. Louis Rams (from Atlanta) select: Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn)
The Rams claim they are sticking with Sam Bradford for the time being. That means they need to protect him, which they weren’t able to do in 2013. They need a tackle more than any other position. Robinson was terrific for Auburn last year, particularly in the running game. He got the nod over Jake Matthews here due to his size and extreme upside in comparison.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo)
There is no chance at all that Lovie Smith makes his first pick as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the offensive side of the ball. Lovie values defense and versatility. Anthony Barr might be more highly rated but he doesn’t really fit in with what Lovie has done scheme wise in the past. Mack is a great football player and will be a good addition to this defense though.
8. Minnesota Vikings select: C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
With the top 3 QB’s off the board, Minnesota needs to focus its attention on their defense. Mosley was incredibly disruptive on the football field at Alabama, and he’d be a nice fit as an outside linebacker for Minnesota. What I like about Mosley is that he has the ability to cover well and rush the QB on blitzes. His range is already at an NFL level.
9. Buffalo Bills select: Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)
In a dream scenario for Buffalo they get a LT to protect E.J. Manuel’s blind side here. Matthews is a little bit smaller than what he would need to be to play the position well, but his frame allows for him to add a little bit of bulk. He reminds me of a slightly more talented version of Anthony Castonzo coming out of college. Castonzo has struggled a little bit with speed rushers off of the edge, and I think Matthews will too, but he is a solid pick for the Bills and is used to playing with a mobile QB.
10. Detroit Lions select: Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
What the Lions have lacked for years is a second receiver to play opposite of Calvin Johnson. I like Lee as the second best receiver in the draft. He was highly productive in college due to his speed and playmaking ability. When Matt Barkley was playing his best, Lee was virtually unstoppable. He and Calvin would terrorize corners and would constantly be applying pressure on opponent’s safeties.
11. Tennessee Titans select: Anthony Barr (OLB, Buffalo)
Another dream scenario here as Barr falls this far. Tennessee has a couple of decent corners and really needs to be able to get a good pass rush going. Barr will be a solid fit. Whisenhunt might actually go offense here, but I think they have a few decent weapons there already. This pick is certainly dependent on whether or not they re-sign Jake Locker to be their QB.
12. New York Giants select: Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)
The pick here was between Lewan and Justin Gilbert (cornerback). While Gilbert would give the Giants’ secondary a sure boost, I believe the more pressing need was on the offensive line. The offense struggled as a whole last year, and I believe that was due to poor pass protection and few holes for the running backs. Lewan would help improve the line and would be versatile enough to play on the left side or the right.
13. St. Louis Rams select: Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)
Since the Rams have multiple picks, and spent a top 15 selection last season on a WR, I think they will go defense here. Cortland Finnegan has been playing opposite Janoris Jenkins for a couple years now and he is aging. Adding Gilbert will allow the aging Finnegan to move to the nickel corner position where he can be more effective using his physical style against smaller players and allow the Rams to have one of the better young CB combinations in the NFL with Jenkins and Gilbert.
14. Chicago Bears select: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama)
I’ll start by saying that this pick will be a defensive lineman if not dealt with in free agency (someone like Jernigan). But I’ve heard the Bears will re-sign multiple defensive linemen (many were injured in 2013), and they are also going to heavily pursue Michael Bennett from Seattle in free agency (his brother Martellus already plays in Chicago). So if the line is addressed, the other glaring weakness is safety. To be honest, Chicago safeties were absolutely pitiful in 2013 against both the pass and the run. Clinton-Dix is clearly the top safety in the draft and would be an upgrade over any remaining Bears player at this position. He would be a starter from Day 1, and could have an instant impact like Vaccaro did for the Saints this past season.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M)
The Steelers already have a solid WR corps in Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, and Markus Wheaton (whom they drafted last year), BUT Evans has a big body and will provide them with a different matchup than any other receiver they currently have on their roster. Other options would be Jace Amaro from Texas Tech or Eric Ebron from North Carolina. Those players are intriguing because Heath Miller is aging and they need a more receiving oriented TE to fill that role on the team.
16. Baltimore Ravens select: Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)
The Ravens’ offense has generally been about the running game. In 2013, it sputtered. While Ray Rice may be slowing down, I think the offensive line was a big part of the problem. Pass protection was off and on as well. Baltimore could choose here between Cyrus and Zack Martin, but I like Cyrus better due to his upside (Martin is a safer however). He could be an All-Pro if he puts it all together, so I wouldn’t pass that up.
17. Dallas Cowboys select: Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State)
The Cowboys need help on the defensive line. Actually, they need help in a lot of areas, but inside on the defensive line is a good place to start. Rod Marinelli is now the defensive coordinator and will still employ the 4-3 style, and one of the most important positions in that defense is the 3-technique, or under tackle. Jernigan is probably the best option either via free agency or draft at that position and will help their entire team get better right away.
18. New York Jets select: Eric Ebron (TE, UNC)
The Jets desperately need playmakers on offense, especially since they have a young QB they need to support. In this scenario, they would miss out on the top three WR’s, but taking the best tight end on the board would be a great idea. Ebron would give Geno a great target in the middle of the field, be someone who has reliable hands, and that could grow along with their QB.
19. Miami Dolphins select: Zack Martin (OT, Notre Dame)
Since the Dolphins lost both Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito this season, they need help on the offensive line. Martin has the tools to be the best offensive lineman in this draft and could play any of the 5 positions there at a high level.
20. Denver Broncos (from Arizona) select: Darqueze Dennard (CB, MSU)
Arizona would love help on the offensive line, but with the best options gone (after Martin was picked by Miami), I’m guessing they’d put this pick up for grabs. Denver would love to move up, and will do so by giving up their first rounder (31) and a pick later in the draft. Denver’s age, inconsistency, and lack of depth at cornerback showed throughout most of the year. So moving up for Dennard, the second best CB in the draft, would be a great move. Remember that Chris Harris got injured late this season, Champ Bailey will retire very soon, and D. Rodgers-Cromartie is a free agent. This pick would help an awful lot.
21. Green Bay Packers select: Louis Nix III (DT, Notre Dame)
With B.J. Raji going to free agency and the Packers having struggled against the run so much recently, Nix is a logical pick unless the Packers were to re-sign Raji. He also could be a massive steal at 21 overall.
22. Philadelphia Eagles select: Stephon Tuitt (DE, Notre Dame)
Philly makes it two in a row from Notre Dame by taking Tuitt. Defense is likely the focus for the Eagles, and along with secondary help, they need improvement on the defensive line. Tuitt would give them a pass rusher with great speed and potential. If they are unable to address WR adequately in free agency, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Chip Kelly take one here either.
23. Kansas City Chiefs select: Loucheiz Purifoy (CB, Florida)
The Chiefs just parted ways with CB Dunta Robinson this week after just one season, and they need a CB to compliment Brandon Flowers. Purifoy is not the bump and run corner that you would think they need, but he's physical enough and runs well enough to be a good player for this team. Another option would be Jace Amaro at TE.
24. Cincinnati Bengals select: Kony Ealy (DE, Missouri)
The Bengals have only a couple big needs, and defensive end is one of them. Ealy played in multiple positions along the defensive line at Missouri, and that will serve him well in the NFL. He’d bring solid pressure outside for Cincinnati, which is why he’d be attractive to them.
25. San Diego Chargers select: Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech)
Antonio Gates is aging and Amaro is the best pure pass catching TE in the draft this year. He could develop into what Jordan Cameron was for the Cleveland Browns this past season. Mike McCoy would love to have a weapon with Amaro's ability in his offense.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis) select: Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)
As I stated earlier at #4, Cleveland boasts a steady defense. The wise move is to surround Blake Bortles (whom they drafted with that 4th pick) with plenty of weapons. Gordon and Cameron are there already, but Benjamin could be a solid #2 WR, something they currently lack. Some say he is boom-or-bust, but I really like him. His size in particular stands out.
27. New Orleans Saints select: Vic Beasley (OLB, Clemson)
New Orleans’ defense improved significantly this past season. Rob Ryan’s 3-4 defense needs more playmakers though in order to continue to improve. Beasley is a great edge rusher and has the versatility to drop into coverage and would be a good addition to Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette in order to get more pressure on opposing QBs.
28. Carolina Panthers select: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, LSU)
Carolina had a phenomenal year this season, especially considering that Cam Newton didn’t have many weapons at WR to throw too. Steve Smith is old, Brandon Lafell isn’t that good, and Cam needs adequate playmakers to continue improving. If the offense can improve this year, they can win in the playoffs unlike in 2013.
29. Cleveland Browns (from New England) select: Carlos Hyde (RB, Ohio State)
New England, as they do most years, could be looking to trade down, particularly if the top two tight ends are off the board. Cleveland, with multiple 3rd rounders already, could look to then creep back in. The Browns had no running game to speak of last season, and even traded Trent Richardson because he was not effective. They need a power runner who is versatile to come in and be able to be an every down back. The fact that Hyde played from his college ball in Ohio and would draw fans to Cleveland from Columbus is a bonus aspect of this pick.
30. San Francisco 49ers select: Davante Adams (WR, Fresno State)
While Bolden, Crabtree, and Vernon make a decent trio of pass-catchers, San Francisco will still look to add another. This will be a guarantee if they fail to re-sign Bolden during the offseason. It’s a shame that Mario Manningham (acquired last year) didn’t work out, but Adams would definitely help Kaepernick succeed long term. Coach Harbaugh also loves guys who catch the ball well, and Adams does that.
31. Arizona Cardinals (from Denver) select: Ra’Shede Hagemon (DT, Minnesota)
The Cardinals got this pick by trading down via Denver. They already have a good defense, but Darnell Dockett is getting a little bit older and a little bit more expensive. Hagemon will fill a need in the interior of the defense and will fill a hole if the team is unable to or if it becomes cost prohibitive to hold onto Dockett. Hagemon has top end athletic ability and if he is coached up a little bit, which Arizona can do, then he will continue to get better and use his superior athletic ability to become a solid player for them.
32. Seattle Seahawks select: Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)
The Super Bowl Champs should look to improve their offense. Seattle could pick a wide receiver here depending on what happens with Golden Tate and Sidney Rice this offseason (probably should pick one regardless of those situations actually), but tackle is another area of need and Moses would be solid value at this stage. He has a big body, and could help protect Wilson in the passing game for years to come. If Seattle does go defense, Aaron Donald is a possibility.
So there is our first round mock. Next time, Andrew will take odds and Greg will take evens. The combine and pro-days are fast approaching, so this will only get more fun. Do you like what your team did here? Let us know in the comment section.
By: The Sports Guys
No comments:
Post a Comment