NFL DR Mock 2.0

Posted: April 30, 2015 | Author: Dan Allen | Filed under: Mock Drafts | Leave a comment

It’s draft day, everybody! Rejoice!

NFL DR Mock 1.0

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Florida St. QB Jameis Winston

Winston has been the odds-on favorite to go first-overall for months now, and while some draftniks believe the Bucs could pull a fast one and surprise everybody by selecting Marcus Mariota, we’re confident Tampa Bay falls in line with popular opinion come draft day.

2. Cleveland Browns (trade): Oregon QB Marcus Mariota

With multiple first-round picks and the apparent flop of 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel, the Browns are in excellent position to jump up to the no. 2 pick and grab their franchise passer. Sacrificing no. 12 and no. 19 may hurt, but Cleveland has the talent to compete now and just needs a solid quarterback at the helm to make a playoff run.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: USC DE Leonard Williams

The Jaguars get to reap the benefit of Tennessee trading out of no. 2 by grabbing a dominant defensive lineman in Williams. Touted as the top defensive prospect by many, Williams has a deadly combination of strength and speed that will make both opposing tackles and interior lineman struggle. The versatile Williams could play a number of roles for the Jaguars in Gus Bradley’s ever-shifting defensive front.

4. New York Jets (trade): Florida OLB Dante Fowler

As the dominoes fall, the Jets are the next team to trade up in what could be a very fluid draft should a team jump up the board to grab Mariota, bumping the Raiders down to no. 6 with some future compensation. With an aging (and declining) duo of Calvin Pace and Jason Babin paired with underwhelming former first-round pick Quinton Coples at outside rusher, the Jets dearly need to upgrade and look forward at outside rusher. Fowler is a dynamic player that reminds scouts of Kahlil Mack and Von Miller, who can work on his raw abilities as he works into the rotation.

5. Washington Redskins: Clemson OLB Vic Beasley (Previously Nebraska OLB Randy Gregory)

By trading up to no. 4, the Jets effectively scoop up the player the Redskins have been coveting at no. 5 (Fowler). However, Fowler isn’t the only big name pass rusher in this year’s draft. While we had previously projected Randy Gregory as a top-five pick, his off-the-field issues have tanked his draft stock in recent weeks. One worry with Beasley is his size (246 lbs), which will present a problem if he can’t put on some weight and learn to attack offensive tackles rather than beating them with athleticism.

6. Oakland Raiders (trade): Alabama WR Amari Cooper

Cooper may not be the most flashy receiver in the draft, but he’s built solidly at 6’1″ 211 lbs and has plenty of speed to complement his size. A strong receiver not afraid to make blocks and with both the vertical ability and awareness to win jump balls, Cooper has all the pieces to be a true no. 1 in the NFL. The ghosts of Darrius Heyward-Bey very well may influence the Raiders in taking the surer bet in Cooper than speedster Kevin White.

7. Chicago Bears: West Virginia WR Kevin White

The Raiders’ loss is the Bears’ gain. The trade of Brandon Marshall to New York leaves a hole at receiver for a team that’s trying to turn it around quickly under veteran coach John Fox. White is a size/speed freak (6’3″, 4.35 40-yard dash) and has the both the ability to stretch the field and come down with contested passes, but showed a tendency to drop passes at West Virginia. Pairing Alshon Jeffrey and Martellus Bennett with White gives whoever is under center a shot at success.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Kentucky OLB Bud Dupree (Previously Clemson OLB Vic Beasley)

New head coach Dan Quinn has been connected to both Clemson’s Vic Beasley and Kentucky’s Bud Dupree in recent weeks, and it’s obvious why — Atlanta’s high-powered offense has to compensate for a lack of talent in the defensive front seven. While Atlanta misses out on Beasley in this situation, Dupree offers a potentially destructive pass-rusher with already good size for the position.

9. New York Giants: Iowa OG/OT Brandon Scherff

Scherff is a flexible selection that could play tackle or guard at the professional level, having played both on the left and right sides of the line at Iowa as a tackle. New York could plug Scherff in at right tackle and allow Justin Pugh to bump to left guard, or do the same with Scherff and keep Pugh at tackle. Either option drastically improves a weak offensive line.

10. St. Louis Rams: Louisville WR DeVante Parker

The Rams are another team well set on defense but in need of help on the offensive side of the ball. Parker gives the Rams another option for new starter Nick Foles. Parker would likely be a higher prospect in other draft classes, but the 2015 class is ripe with receivers. With excellent size (6’3″) and speed (4.45 40-yard dash), Parker combines exceptional athletic ability with an already developed ability to run routes — making him a sure bet for quick production.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Stanford OT Andrus Peat (Previously LSU OT La’el Collins)

Peat has beaten out the likes of LSU’s La’el Collins and Florida’s D.J. Humphries to be considered the draft’s best pure tackle. Grabbing Peat would allow the Vikings to bump recently re-signed Mike Harris into a swing tackle role and further give flexibility with left tackle Matt Kalil’s contract situation looming in 2016.

12. Tennessee Titans (trade): Michigan St. CB Trae Waynes

The addition of Brian Orakpo shored up a need at pass rusher, but Tennessee is still searching for a corner even after the addition of Perrish Cox in free agency. Waynes has a ton of upside and has been favorably compared to Kyle Fuller coming out of college. Waynes can afford to learn behind Jason McCourty and Cox until he can step in as a starter.

13. New Orleans Saints: Washington NT Danny Shelton

The Saints, who seem to be in a rebuilding mode, dearly need to upgrade on the aging Broderick Bunkley at nose tackle. Shelton would anchor the Saints’ defensive line for years to come in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s 3-4 scheme.

14. Miami Dolphins: Texas DT Malcolm Brown

While the Dolphins may have signed a big name in Ndamukong Suh, they still have a major hole at no. 2 tackle in their 4-3 defense. Brown offers a big body who can stuff the run and by all means seems to have a high ceiling. A high motor player, fighting throughout plays and making a concentrated effort to bat down passes, Brown’s lone hole is pass rushing. If he can develop technique for interior rushing, Brown will be quite the force for Miami.

15. San Francisco 49ers: Oregon DE Arik Armstead

San Francisco suffered some surprising losses this offseason, with Patrick Willis and Chris Borland both prematurely retiring. However, another huge loss was in the form of veteran defensive end Justin Smith to retirement. Armstead can step in immediately as a 3-4 end and take over for Smith. The 49ers have other options at linebacker and can afford to look there later in the draft.

16. Houston Texans: UCF WR Breshad Perriman (Previously Missouri OLB Shane Ray)

Andre Johnson’s departure for a more desirable situation in Indianapolis leaves a hole for the Texans that Cecil Shorts won’t quite fill (if he’s even healthy). Perriman has the size and speed combination to make him a star, but will need seasoning to reach his potential.

17. San Diego Chargers: Georgia RB Todd Gurley

Although Gurley comes with some injury concerns (November 2014 ACL tear), the Georgia product is about as legitimate of a running back prospect as you’ll get. He has an impressive build at 232 lbs but flashed quickness and a knack for finding the hole in college ball, and in the pass game is not only a capable pass catcher but also well versed in pass protection. Gurley is a high risk, high return prospect, but could be a superstar at the pro level.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Florida St. C Cameron Erving

Erving played all over the line at Florida St., but Kansas City’s true need is at center as of right now. With a mean streak and capable at both run and pass blocking, Erving would step in at center and could help out elsewhere in the future, giving the Chiefs flexibility with their offensive line. Erving may not be the sexy pick, but neither was Travis Frederick in 2013 — who now anchors Dallas’ line.

19. Tennessee Titans (trade): Missouri OLB Shane Ray (Previously Kentucky OLB Bud Dupree)

The Titans may have added Brian Orakpo in the offseason, but they’re not done improving the outside ‘backer position just yet. Veterans Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley offer a buffer for Tennessee while they coach up Ray, but ultimately both aging players have seen their best days already and Ray offers a solid (albeit risky) value in the late teens.

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Alabama SS Landon Collins

While Nate Allen departed in the Chip Kelly exodus this offseason, the Eagles failed to bring in any serious competition for the strong safety position to compensate. Collins would step in immediately as the starting strong safety opposite free safety Malcom Jenkins, easily surpassing unimpressive late round pick Earl Wolff and Jacksonville throw away Chris Prosinski.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Florida OT D.J. Humphries (Previously Stanford OT Andrus Peat)

Peat’s earlier selection shakes things up a bit. Cincinnati is well known for letting veteran tackles walk in free-agency, and starting blind side blocker Andrew Whitworth is entering the final year of his contract at 33-years-old. Humphries is already an accomplished blocker, but needs to work on run blocking and handling power rushers in his transition to the NFL — and the Bengals can afford to have him learn behind Whitworth and Andre Smith as a rookie.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson

It’s no surprise that many draftniks have the Steelers selecting a corner with the 22nd-overall pick when their pass defense was 27th in the league last season. Johnson is an excellent cover corner, with quickness and size for an ideal starter. He needs some work in tackling technique and will need to tone down the aggressiveness when going for picks instead of staying in coverage, but offers Pittsburgh a solid upgrade over B.W. Webb as a starter from day one.

23. Detroit Lions: Pittsburgh OT T.J. Clemmings (Previously Florida OT D.J. Humphries)

The Lions need help at tackle, and Clemmings offers a solid pass blocker to immediately jump in at right tackle. La’el Collins could also be a choice at this latter point of the first round if the Lions decide they can overlook his legal issues.

24. Arizona Cardinals: Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon

The Cardinals thought they might be getting a future starter in 2013 sixth-round pick Andre Ellington, but 2014 proved he’s little more than a backup with a measly 3.3 yards per carry. Gordon may carry the stigma of past Badgers runners (Montee Ball, James White) performing highly in college only to flop in the NFL, but he flashes speed that Ball doesn’t have and shows excellent balance as a runner. While he’ll need work in the passing game, Gordon offers a home run back if he can develop an eye for the hole.

25. Carolina Panthers: Miami OG/OT Ereck Flowers (Previously Pittsburgh OT T.J. Clemmings)

Flowers may need some work in his pass block technique, but it already a mauling run blocker with great size and strength. A mean streak and authoritative blocking could make Flowers a cornerstone to build a revamped offensive line around and offers an immediate upgrade for the Panthers, especially with the likes of Nate Chandler and Michael Oher projected to start at tackle for Carolina in 2015.

26. Baltimore Ravens: USC WR Nelson Agholor (Previously Arizona St. WR Jaelen Strong)

The departure of Torrey Smith in free agency and encroaching end to storied Steve Smith’s career means the Ravens dearly need a receiver for the present and future. Agholor may not be the flashy receiver that fans are looking for after Torrey Smith’s departure, but he is a solid route runner and dangerous after the catch. The USC product could also contribute early on as a returner.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Florida St. DT Eddie Goldman

With Josh Brent and Terrell McClain as the current starters in Dallas’ 4-3 defense, Goldman is a no-brainer to shore up the interior tackle position. Goldman’s versatility should keep him on the field for most packages, serving as a stout run stuffer and ability to drive interior lineman back into the pocket to disrupt quarterbacks.

28. Denver Broncos: Nebraska OLB Randy Gregory (Previously Miami OT Ereck Flowers)

The offensive line may be a major need for Denver, but head honcho John Elway does not have a history of drafting for need in his tenure with the Broncos. Gregory is a risky pick, both due to his identity as a project player and legal issues, but offers a high-ceiling replacement for DeMarcus Ware down the line, who can work on his technique behind the likes of Ware and Von Miller as a rookie.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Oklahoma NT Jordan Phillips

Phillips is a big body who would dearly help one of the worst defensive units in the NFL at the nose tackle position. GM Ryan Grigson would be hard pressed to pass up some a talented player to man the nose tackle position when Indy has failed to fill that need since moving to a 3-4 defense in 2012.

30. Green Bay Packers: Minnesota TE Maxx Williams

The one glaring hole in the Packers’ offense right now is at tight end, where sub-par starter Andrew Quarless sucked up snaps in 2014 and Richard Rodgers is more of a project player. Williams is a monster after the catch, jumping over and pinballing off of defenders, while a threat to come down with contested passes. While Williams could use some work as a blocker and a route runner, he could make an immediate impact if in tune with Aaron Rodgers.

31. New Orleans Saints: Miami WR Phillip Dorsett (Previously UCF WR Breshad Perriman)

The Saints defense suffered last season as a result of failing to give quarterback Drew Brees true receivers instead of gadget players. Jimmy Graham’s trade to Seattle only makes an offensive weapon more important. Dorsett is a big play receiver who could become an instant hit in Sean Payton’s offense.

32. New England Patriots: Connecticut CB Byron Jones

The Patriots could very well use some help at cornerback following the departures of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. There’s little bad to say about Jones, who has excellent size at 6’1″, anticipates routes and sticks with receivers. Jones does have some injury concerns, but his athleticism and team-centered attitude make him an excellent pick for a Patriots team needing a solution at corner.

How do we match up against the experts?

Stay tuned tonight for live coverage of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft!

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NFL DR Mock 3.0: Revis Shakes Things Up

Posted: April 25, 2013 | Author: Dan Allen | Filed under: Mock Drafts | Leave a comment

Anytime a top-15 pick changes hands leading up to the draft, there will be changes to the expectations for many prospects as a result — essentially a domino effect from the pick (13th-overall in this case) down towards the end of the round (and even the end of the draft as a result).

The Darrelle Revis trade holds up the same, with the Jets’ draft strategy dramatically changed due to the addition of Tampa Bay’s first-round pick.

So what has changed the most? Let’s jump right in.

NFL DR Mock 2.0 picks are listed below. As with last mock, I’ll be doing two rounds once again.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher

There have been interesting rumors that Kansas City may be looking at Eric Fisher to play right tackle (should they keep Branden Albert) because they believe that Fisher is a better right tackle than previous favorite Luke Joeckel. An Albert trade is looking less and less likely with the draft only hours away, and Fisher is a solid pick up to play either blind side or to anchor the right side, offering a long term solution that Branden Albert likely can’t if the Chiefs can’t get sign him long term.

There are rumors that Kansas City has looked at Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, but likely KC is simply doing their due diligence.

Previous pick: Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel

Latest reports have Joeckel and Fisher going in the top-two, and Jacksonville definitely can use a tackle — pass-rusher is a big need as well, but there’s plenty to go around in this year’s draft class. Cornerback is still a major concern (even after the addition of Cary Williams), but one that can be solved by taking a corner who falls from the first-round in this years’s deep draft class.

Previous pick: Oregon DE Dion Jordan

3. Oakland Raiders – Florida DT Sharrif Floyd

Floyd has been the clear pick for Oakland for weeks now. If he’s there at no. 3, the Raiders will take the versatile big man to shore up the defensive line. The defensive line needs a ton of help and Floyd would be the keystone of the revamping — especially as Oakland is looking to implement a hybrid defensive scheme.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson

The Eagles need to get a tackle to shore up the line, and Johnson’s stock has been on the rise for quite a while now. Much of Michael Vick’s struggles in 2012 stemmed from a lack of protection, and if Vick is to return to being an impact player he’ll need to stay healthy and he’ll need time to make plays — and the athletic Johnson fits the bill.

Previous pick: Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher

5. Detroit Lions – BYU DE Ezekiel Ansah

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Detroit is enamored with Ansah ever since coaching him at the Senior Bowl. It would be interesting if Schwartz ultimately decided to take Dion Jordan, as in this case he is still on the board at no. 5. Ansah may be a bit of a project, as he has very limited experience before latching on at Brigham Young, but the sky is the limit for the extremely athletic Ansah. With the loss of Cliff Avril and Kyle Vandenbosch this offseason, it’s a no-brainer to go for a pass-rusher to shore up Detroit’s biggest position of need.

6. Cleveland Browns – Oregon OLB Dion Jordan

The rumors that Geno Smith could be headed to Cleveland should not be believed. Yes, quarterback is a concern (and the new coaching staff has no ties to 2012 first-round pick Brandon Weeden), but the pass-rush needs some help — and with Jordan still available there’s a very good chance he won’t get past the Browns at sixth-overall. Jordan would step in as a starter, allowing Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard share snaps at the other standing rusher position in Cleveland’s new 3-4 defense.

Previous pick: Alabama CB Dee Milliner

7. Arizona Cardinals – LSU OLB Barkevious Mingo

The addition of Carson Palmer makes the selection of a quarterback less likely. Thus, the biggest needs are now offensive tackle and pass-rusher. With the recent fall of Jarvis Jones on draft boards, that leaves Mingo as the top pass-rusher available. Mingo would step in immediately as an upgrade over incumbent starter Sam Acho — who could step in and start at middle linebacker in Daryl Washington’s absence (four-game suspension).

I would look for Arizona to zero in on a strong-arm quarterback in the likes of Mike Glennon in the second-round.

8. Buffalo Bills – West Virginia QB Geno Smith

All Ryan Nassib links aside, I simply do not see Smith eluding the top-10 — or eluding the Bills should he be available at eighth-overall. Should the Bills truly want to skip on Smith, expect a team to trade up in front of New York to grab the top quarterback in the draft class. Smith would give Buffalo a franchise quarterback that’s been dearly needed for years, replacing free-agent acquisition Kevin Kolb at starter.

9. New York Jets – West Virginia WR Tavon Austin

With Mingo off the board, there is only one other pass-rusher with a possible top-10 grade: Jarvis Jones. However, a poor Pro Day has dramatically affected his stock to the point that he’s likely to fall out of the top-10 — instead of going pass-rusher the Jets can pick up the most explosive receiver in the draft in Austin. Rumors are New York is enamored with the rising star ever since posting a blazing 4.34 40-yard dash time. Forget losing Dustin Keller, Austin will offer a threat from the slot and displays upside similar to Percy Harvin.

Previous pick: Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones

10. Tennessee Titans – North Carolina OG Jonathan Cooper

The Titans don’t have many clear needs on offense, and thus Cooper makes sense. Most analysts agree that the Titans favor Cooper over fellow first-round projected guard Chance Warmack, as Cooper better fits Tennessee’s zone blocking system. While several teams in the latter part of the top-10 are known to be considering Cooper, it’s tough to believe a guard will be taken in single digits when no guard has been selected in the top-10 in over a decade.

Previous pick: Alabama OG Chance Warmack

11. San Diego Chargers – Alabama OG Chance Warmack

San Diego sorely needs help on the offensive line, and with three tackles off of the board it makes sense to go for a guard. With the loss of Louis Vazquez to the division-rival Broncos in free-agency, Warmack makes more sense than reaching for tackle D.J. Fluker. Protecting Phillip Rivers needs to be San Diego’s no. 1 priority, as they need to decide whether it’s a lack of weapons, a lack of protection, or an overall lack of production that plagues Rivers — Warmack aids protection against the interior rush and the Chargers can go out and get a tackle in free-agency rather than drafting one.

Previous pick: Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson

12. Miami Dolphins – Houston CB D.J. Hayden

The addition of Brent Grimes may have lessened some concerns about the cornerback position, but Grimes’ injury history leaves some concerns and there is the possibility he’ll only be a one-year rental. Hayden is favorable to Florida St. corner Xavier Rhodes and the earlier selection of Milliner takes the injury-questions of Alabama’s top corner something Miami can avoid. Tackle can be addressed later in the draft, and there’s still the possibility disgruntled Chiefs tackle Branden Albert could be on his way to Miami to man the blind side.

Previous pick: North Carolina OG Jonathan Cooper

13. New York Jets – Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones

As I said before, the Jets go for Jones at no. 13 to improve the pass-rush, an area that has been largely ignored in seasons past (no, Aaron Maybin and Calvin Pace were not legitimate solutions). Jones has been drawing comparisons to Terrell Suggs in past weeks following poor showing at his Pro Day. Many analysts, while acknowledging athletic limitations when compared to other pass-rusher prospects, claim that Jones is the most NFL-ready of the group and is set to produce at the professional level.

There are rumors that New York is targeting either Tavon Austin or Tyler Eifert with their second pick in the first round to add offensive weapons.

Previous pick: Buccaneers, West Virginia WR Tavon Austin

14. Carolina Panthers – Utah DT Star Lotulelei

Lotulelei has suffered from a fall on draft boards due to medical concerns surrounding his performance at the NFL Combine (which have since been cleared up). However, his stock hasn’t reached it’s previous high of top-5 — with some analysts even placing Lotulelei first-overall before the combine. While Missouri product Sheldon Richardson is a favored pick at 14th-overall, that is often because Lotulelei is already off the board in many mocks by this point. Lotuelei is athletic for his size and is better suited than Richardson for the Panthers’ defensive scheme.

15. New Orleans Saints – Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree

Moving to a 3-4 scheme won’t be easy for the Saints under new coordinator Rob Ryan, but with the top pass-rushers off the board it’s more likely they’ll look to improve on the interior of the ‘backer corps. Ogletree is unique from other linebackers in this draft in that he played safety in college as well as ‘backer, so he has better coverage chops than many other interior linebackers on the board. The Saints are a team to watch for potentially trading back in to the latter half of the first-round to pick up a pass-rusher like Datone Jones or Damontre Moore.

16. St. Louis Rams – Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins

Other than rumors of trashing his hotel room while at the NFL Combine, Hopkins has gotten very favorable coverage in the press as of recent weeks. Hopkins’ stock has increased to the point that he’s likely eclipsed Tennessee’s Cordarrelle Patterson as the favorite to come off the board following Tavon Austin. The Rams have been closely watching Hopkins since the combine, and comparisons to Roddy White preface thoughts from analysts that Hopkins could end up being the weapon Sam Bradford needs to succeed now that both Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson have departed in free-agency.

Previous pick: Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson

17. TRADE – Minnesota Vikings – Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson

With two picks in the first-round, Minnesota decides to trade up from 23rd-overall to no. 17, sacrificing multiple picks this year and next year (while keeping their second-round pick this year). Pittsburgh has few needs other than offensive line and pass-rusher, and while some draftniks have the Steelers jumping on Tyler Eifert, I’m of the mindset they’ll trade down in this situation to recoup some value rather than overdraft Eifert. For the Vikings, they decide to jump in front of Dallas to ensure they get a defensive tackle they like — in this case Sheldon Richardson. With an aging tackle group, Richardson offers an excellent addition for both the present and future.

Previous pick: Steelers, Florida St. OLB Bjoern Werner

18. Dallas Cowboys – North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams

With Richardson off the board, Dallas has no choice but to reach for Williams at 18th-overall if they’re going to try and beef up a defense that’s in the midst of a scheme adjustment to a 4-3 front after the departure of Rob Ryan. Williams will fit nicely into Monte Kiffin’s Tampa 2 scheme, as he’s athletic for this size and offers both a plus pass-rush and defends the run well. He’s got a high motor and is a good piece to build around on the defensive line, especially with undersized pass-rushers like Demarcus Ware at defensive end.

Previous pick: Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson

19. New York Giants – Washington CB Desmond Trufant

It’s no secret that the Giants need to beef up their defensive backfield. Corey Webster has clearly lost a step, Prince Amukamara has struggled to stay on the field thus far in his career, and anybody who counts Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross as quality starters should report to a psych ward immediately. Trufant offers a better option than Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes due to play style — Trufant is more balanced, rather than man-coverage based. Trufant should be able to start immediately (possibly pushing Webster from a starting role) and can not only play outside, but also cover the slot and even play safety in a pinch.

20. Chicago Bears – Kansas State LB Arthur Brown

While this may be a bit higher than many have Brown, the Bears need help at linebacker (that Manti Te’o simply cannot fix). D.J. Williams is better suited to play weak side ‘backer (where he had the most success in Denver), but is ticketed to play in the middle as of now. James Anderson (who’s playing on the weak side) is not an NFL-caliber starter. Lance Briggs is nearing retirement. With these factors combined, why not bring in a linebacker who could step in and start at the inside spot (letting Williams bounce outside) while offering flexibility to play multiple ‘backer positions?

Previous pick: Alabama OT D.J. Fluker

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Florida International S Jonathan Cyprien

Cyprien has been gradually climbing boards (and gaining favor among draftniks) over the past several weeks due to his football acumen and athleticism. The Bengals reportedly like Cyprien — and one can see why when scouts compare the FIU product to both Troy Polamalu due to his range and athleticism at safety and Ed Reed due to his ability to read quarterbacks — and dearly need to upgrade on incumbent Taylor Mays, who has proved to be a major liability in coverage since his addition in 2011.

Previous Pick: Florida S Matt Elam

22. St. Louis Rams – Texas S Kenny Vaccaro

To say the Rams are in need of a safety is an understatement — after the release of Quintin Mikell there is simply no talent at either safety position on the St. Louis roster. This is where Vaccaro comes in, as he’s versatile enough to play either safety position — thus allowing the Rams to look at many different options when considering who to pair with Vaccaro as their starting safeties. St. Louis would be thrilled to see Vaccaro still on the board at no. 22.

Previous Pick: FIU S Jonathan Cyprien

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert

This is a more appropriate spot for Eifert to go. While I’m not too sure why the Steelers seem so worried about Heath Miller’s recovery this offseason, I can see why they’d love to get a playmaker in Eifert. Another weapon for Big Ben to throw to, Eifert’s addition could have a positive effect in letting the team bring Miller back slowly and then form a lethal two-TE attack when he’s healthy enough to contribute — trying to make up for the loss of Mike Wallace in the process.

While the pass-rush is still a concern now that James Harrison is gone, the best on the board (Bjoern Werner, for example) are more suited to playing 4-3 end than 3-4 outside ‘backer.

Previous pick: Vikings, UCLA DE Datone Jones

24. Indianapolis Colts – Florida St. CB Xavier Rhodes

This one is an open-and-shut case. Indy’s pass defense was shredded by Joe Flacco in the wildcard matchup earlier this year, and frankly it was because the Colts’ corners are not starting caliber. Rhodes would step in immediately as a starter in their system, and is a steal this late in the round.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Tennesse WR Cordarrelle Patterson

It’s about time Patterson’s name was called. The electrifying Tennessee product can play every receiver position you ask of him, and he’ll play them all well. The departure of Percy Harvin means the receiver corps is hurting, even after the addition of Greg Jennings. Patterson is a clear upgrade over the likes of annual under-performer Jerome Simpson — and in the process hopefully help boost the development of struggling youngster Christian Ponder.

Previous pick: USC WR Robert Woods

26. Green Bay Packers – Florida St. OT Menelik Watson

The Packers may have wanted Eifert, but he’s already off the board at no. 26. So, another solution is the mauling Watson, as he could fix a problem at left tackle that the Packers have been unable to fix for several seasons. Watson is a monster tackle and that took up football relatively late in his career, but with some work he has the potential to be a franchise tackle. While Watson is old (he’s already 25-years-old), Green Bay won’t get a shot at him late in the second-round. It’s simply not plausible for Green Bay to jump for Eddie Lacy this early, and running back is a position of relative depth in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Previous pick: Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert

27. Houston Texans – Tennessee WR Justin Hunter

Hunter is an explosive receiver, one that Greg Cosell called the “most physically talented wide receiver” in the 2013 NFL Draft class. This is the type of receiver Houston needs to pair with the aging (but still elite-level) Andre Johnson if they’re going to sustain a combination of passing and running with Arian Foster. If any receiver is going to develop into your prototypical no. 1 target in this year’s draft class, Hunter is likely the best bet.

Previous pick: Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins

28. Denver Broncos – Florida St. DE Bjoern Werner

Faxgate may have come and go, but the Broncos will be hurting without Dumervil for seasons to come. At no. 28, the Broncos have a chance to try and plug that gap with a better pass-rusher in Werner than the current starter (Robert Ayers). Unlike last year, rumors out of Denver have John Elway confident that the team will use this pick rather than trade down, so it’s safe to say they’ll likely be picking rather than trading. The Broncos will need to look past Werner’s injury history, but his lack of strength does not worry the Broncos (who are used to having a poor run defender lined up at left end after Dumervil’s time in Denver).

Previous pick: Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore

29. New England Patriots – USC WR Robert Woods

Woods is one of the more polished receivers in the draft, and has gotten a boost from injury concerns revolving around California receiver Keenan Allen. The release of Brandon Lloyd has left a hole at receiver that cannot be replaced by Danny Amendola (who is himself attempting to replace Wes Welker), so getting one of the more NFL-ready receivers is a must to keep Tom Brady producing at an elite level (even the best quarterbacks can’t cut it with poor receivers).

Previous pick: Tennessee WR Justin Hunter

30. Atlanta Falcons – Oregon OG Kyle Long

Long is an intriguing prospect who’s been jumping up boards recently due to an ability to play both guard and tackle. The Oregon product of Long family fame (father Howie Long and brother of Chris Long) is extremely athletic for a lineman and has a room to grow as a player that many teams love in a draft prospect. The Falcons will have to overlook off-the-field problems if they’re going to select Long in the first-round.

Previous pick: Florida St. DE Cornellius Carradine

31. San Francisco 49ers – Southern Methodist DE Margus Hunt

The 49ers have made several additions to the defensive line this offseason, the biggest being Glenn Dorsey — who the San Francisco coaching staff plans to use at nose tackle in 2013. The fact of the matter is Justin Smith is getting up there in age and they need to find a replacement soon. Hunt has the ability to do this — and more. The Estonia native is strong and quick for his size, with an excellent build and skill set to play 3-4 end in the NFL.

Previous pick: Alabama DT Jesse Williams

32. Baltimore Ravens – Florida S Matt Elam

The Ravens are still in need of a safety after letting go of both Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard this offseason — even after signing ex-Raiders safety Michael Huff. Elam has the ability to do everything, and when combined with Huff would give the Ravens a lethal duo that could keep quarterbacks guessing all game long. Baltimore must upgrade on Christian Thompson and James Ihedigbo at some point in the draft, so why not in the first-round?

Previous pick: LSU ILB Kevin Minter

Second Round:

• (33) Jacksonville Jaguars: Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib
• (34) San Francisco 49ers: LSU S Eric Reid
• (35) Philadelphia Eagles: Florida St. QB E.J. Manuel
• (36) Detroit Lions: UCLA DE Datone Jones
• (37) Cincinnati Bengals: Alabama OT D.J. Fluker
• (38) Arizona Cardinals: North Carolina St. QB Mike Glennon
• Cleveland Browns: Exercised in 2012 Supplemental Draft (WR Josh Gordon)
• (39) New York Jets: Alabama CB Dee Milliner
• (40) Tennessee Titans: California WR Keenan Allen
• (41) Buffalo Bills: Syracuse OG Justin Pugh
• (42) Miami Dolphins: Mississippi St. CB Darius Slay
• (43) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Stanford TE Zach Ertz
• (44) Carolina Panthers: South Carolina S D.J. Swearinger
• New Orleans Saints: Forfeited in bounty investigation
• (45) San Diego Chargers: LSU ILB Kevin Minter
• (46) St. Louis Rams: Alabama RB Eddie Lacy
• (47) Dallas Cowboys: Wisconsin C Travis Frederick
• (48) Pittsburgh Steelers: Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore
• (49) New York Giants: Notre Dame ILB Manti Te’o
• (50) Chicago Bears: Cincinnati TE Travis Kelce
• (51) Washington Redskins: Mississippi St. Johnthan Banks
• (52) Minnesota Vikings: Boise St. CB Jamar Taylor
• (53) Cincinnati Bengals: Arkansas Pine-Bluff OT Terron Armstead
• (54) Miami Dolphins: Kent St. OG Brian Winters
• (55) Green Bay Packers: Georgia Southern S J.J. Wilcox
• (56) Seattle Seahawks: Alabama DT Jesse Williams
• (57) Houston Texans: Ohio St. DT Johnathan Hankins
• (58) Denver Broncos: Purdue DT Kawann Short
• (59) New England Patriots: Kentucky OG Larry Warford
• (60) Atlanta Falcons: Texas DE Alex Okafor
• (61) San Francisco 49ers: San Diego St. TE Gavin Escobar
• (62) Baltimore Ravens: Connecticut LB Sio Moore

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NFL DR Mocks with Sean Quarterman

Posted: April 25, 2013 | Author: seanquarterman | Filed under: Mock Drafts | Leave a comment

Preface from the editor: This is the first post from our new contributor Sean Quarterman, a sophomore quarterback at Millersville University. You can follow him at @SeanQuarterman on Twitter or read his blog Diamond Finder Scouting over on Blogger.

1. Kansas City: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan – Andy Reid loves linemen, and especially loves offensive linemen. Since they let Eric Winston go, this just make sense.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M – The Jags have not been impressed with Blaine Gabbert, but they will give him one more chance — and some protection.

3. Oakland Raiders: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah – The Raiders lose three starters on the D-Line over the offseason so they secure a need here.

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU – The Lions let Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch, two elite pass rushers, go in the offseason so they look to get one back in the draft.

6. Miami Dolphins (via trade from Cleveland) Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma – After Jake Long’s two-season decline the Dolphins let him walk in the offseason so they trade up to get his replacement.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama – The Cardinals like their tackles even if everyone else doesn’t, so they grab the Alabama standout to try and solidify their O-Line.

8. Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia – The Bills aren’t to sure about Geno Smith, so instead they give newly acquired Kevin Kolb a new weapon.

9. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU – The Jets traded Revis to the Bucs but like Kyle Wilson and think he can be a successful no. 2 corner in the NFL.

10. Tennessee Titans: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas – The Titans have shown a lot of interest in the Texas safety, so they draft him and pair him with Michael Griffin, another longhorn.

11. San Diego Chargers: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida – Chargers had no pass rush last year, and look to replace him after letting Shaun Phillips walk in free agency.

12. Cleveland Browns (via trade from Miami) Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – Cleveland traded down and still get the best corner in the draft.

13. New York Jets (via trade for Darrelle Revis from Bucs) Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina – Mark Sanchez might not be the greatest QB, but he always has pressure in his face.

14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri – The Panthers D-Line didn’t do that well last year so they get a guy that can rush the passer and stop the run, and it helps that Steve Smith told the front office to draft him.

15. New Orleans Saints: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State – Saints want a linebacker that can play in the 3-4 but Mingo is off the board and they are nervous with Jarvis Jones’ injury (even though he was cleared), so they get their new no. 1 corner.

16. St. Louis Rams: Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia – The Rams do not have anyone in their linebacker corps besides James Laurinaitis.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – They lost a mainstay in their defense this year in James Harrison after he didn’t want to sign a reduced contract, so they look for another rush OLB to put in their 3-4 defense.

18. Dallas Cowboys: DJ Fluker, OT/OG, Alabama – The Cowboys interior line has been atrocious for a couple years now so they finally try and solve that problem at no. 18.

19. New York Giants: DJ Hayden, CB, Houton – The Giants O-Line has been deteriorating for a couple years now, but there are not any of the top linemen left, so they shore up the corner position with arguably the best corner in the draft.

20. Green Bay Packers (via trade from Chicago) Matt Elam, S, Florida – After letting Charles Woodson walk in the offseason they trade up in front of the Bengals in order to draft the Florida playmaker.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Eric Reid, S, LSU – The Packers moved up to snatch Matt Elam from the Bengals so instead they get the 2nd best safety on the board.

22. St. Louis Rams: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee – The Rams lost Sam Bradford’s only weapon so they get him a new weapon at no. 22.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina – Kevin Williams is getting up there in age so they draft a guy that can both play opposite of him and be his replacement.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State – The Colts are looking for a pass rusher, and snatch Werner up after he falls all the way to no. 24.

25. Minnesota Vikings: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – With the pick they got from Seattle for Percy Harvin they get his replacement — and get Christian Ponder a new weapon.

26. Chicago Bears (via trade from Green Bay) Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame – The Bears have no other significant weapons for Jay Cutler besides Brandon Marshall, so they get  themselves a big receiving TE.

27. Houston Texans: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee – The top two receivers are off the board, and Keenan Allen tested positive for drugs, so the Texans get the Tennessee receiver, who some think is the best receiver in the draft.

28. Denver Broncos: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA – After losing Elvis Dumervil in faxgate, they get a DE that can rush as his replacement.

29. New England Patriots: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington – The Patriots have no one at corner besides Aqib Talib, simple as that.

30. Atlanta Falcons: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State – The Falcons didn’t re-sign Dunta Robinson or Brent Grimes in the offseason, so they get the corner from Boise to put on the other side of Asante Samuel.

31. San Fransico 49ers: Jonathan Cyprien, S, FIU – The 49ers lost their starting safety this year, and weren’t able to get Ed Reed in free agency.

32. Baltimore Ravens: Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas State – The Ravens lost a slew of linebackers over the off season, and the best ILB’s are off the board already — at the combine Harbaugh didn’t look to impressed with Manti Te’o, so they get a OLB instead.

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