Mar 21, 2012

MOCK DRAFT 3.0: Post Free Agency

Here is the third version of my mock draft. Or, at least the first half of it. In order to make it a little more interesting I tried to find good Youtube clips of all the players I have projected thus far. Unfortunately, some suck so I had to improvise with different clips. Because of that, however, this has taken me all fucking day to do so I'm going to try to post the second half either tonight or tomorrow whenever I find 3+ more hours to spend browsing the internet. As always, COMMENT. 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

Luck is a lock to go #1 overall, his combine performance rivaled that of Cam Newton last year and he is the best QB prospect since Peyton Manning in 1998.

I couldn't decide between these two Youtube links, so here are both of them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF9PFJI_t5I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4_w-puInqY&feature=related

Previous pick: Luck

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB BaylorGriffin is also a lock here after Washington's historic trade with St. Louis a few weeks ago. Some people say that 3 #1's and a #2 isn't too much for a franchise QB, and I say it depends. When you don't have much support around a young QB, trading away those picks can be detrimental to his development. I don't have a problem with the Browns not giving up that much for RG3. With that in mind, Mike Shanahan will be able to groom him as good as anyone in the NFL would be able to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcceo1UrXbc

Previous pick: Griffin

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT Southern CalMost people are calling this pick a lock as well, and it looks like it fits the billing. The Vikings need to protect Christian Ponder against the likes of Cliff Avril, Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers.

Not too many good videos of Matt Kalil on Youtube, so here's one of him in high school getting interviewed and with clips from practice pancaking kids literally half his size.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhf-Q5-i6Q

Previous pick: Kalil

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB AlabamaI originally had Ryan Tannehill at this spot, but I'm editing it for a few reasons. First of all, if the Browns pass on Richardson I could see him falling all the way to the Bengals at #17, and I can't see that happening in real life. Secondly, I think the Browns are high on Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State, and wouldn't be surprised if they try to pick him up at #37. However, I could also see Heckert trying to pick up a running back later on such as LaMichael James or Isaiah Pead, similar players to Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy. Thirdly, Heckert has a history of going after established, highly decorated players in the first round, and Tannehill's lack of experience doesn't fit that mold. I think Morris Claiborne is an option here, but so far all the Browns' moves have been defensive, so I see them focusing on the offensive side of the ball come April. Also, don't rule out the possibility of trading down. Lastly, I have no fucking idea what Heckert is going to try to do here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fMXHSl-tqg

Previous pick: Trade with Jacksonville (I'm not projecting trades in my mocks anymore)


5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB Louisiana StateAqib Talib is on death row, right? Ronde Barber is on his death bed, correct? Eric Wright isn't nearly as good as he likes to think he is. If you can't tell where I'm going here, the Bucs need corner help. Especially in a division with Drew Brees, Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Derek Anderson. Trent is a popular pick here, but I don't know if he'll be availible and while Legarrette Blount needs a compliment, I don't think his shortcomings in the passing game warrant a top-5 pick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUCkN_oyB5M

Previous pick: Claiborne




6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma StateSt. Louis needs some help on the offensive side of the ball, especially after losing Brandon Lloyd to New England via free agency. Blackmon has supposidly been high on St. Louis' board for a while now, and if he's here at #6 I would think that new GM Les Snead would take him to give Sam Bradford a new toy to work with and hopefully develop with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqiDndGkiaQ

Previous pick: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa


7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame
A lot of mocks have Michael Floyd going here, and I'm going along with it because I'm not sure on too many other of the Jags' options at this point. Floyd had an impressive Combine performance, and I don't think that Blackmon is necessarily the clear-cut, without-a-doubt #1 wideout in this draft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9liJMCLHjU

Previous pick: Trade with Cleveland


8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB Texas A&M

Miami desperately needs a QB unless they want David Garrard to take the reigns for them in 2012. New offensive coordinator Mike Sherman coached Tannehill at Texas A&M, and coach Joe Philbin did a nice job with both Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn up in Green Bay. Tannehill is a consensus top-10 or 12 prospect, so grabbing him at #8 isn't too much of a reach at all, especially considering the value of his position.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MwoWKvrLR4

Previous pick: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina

9. Carolina Panthers, Dontari Poe, DT Memphis
Poe dominated at the Combine, and while Carolina's offense is up-and-coming, the defense needs work. Poe can help solidify the front four, and with the return of John Beason in the linebacking corps next year, the D can be vastly improved.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOLfF2JXNAw

Previous pick: Poe





10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT IowaThe Bills upgraded their defense a shit-ton by bringing in Mario Williams, so I see them turning to the offensive side of the ball with their first pick. Their skill positions are pretty solid for the most part with Stevie Johnson, Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, and Ryan Fitzpatrick (assuming he doesn't shit the bed in the second half of the season again). They lost, or at least it appears they will lose Demetrius Bell in free agency, so Reiff can fill the void left on the offensive line.

No good Riley Reiff videos on Youtube. Get some Ricky!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wIm_41OIOM

Previous pick: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB Alabama

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Courtney Upshaw, OLB AlabamaThe Chiefs have a young Justin Houston on the other side of Tamba Hali right now in Romeo Crennel's 34 defense, but Upshaw is a great talent. The offensive line was beefed up with the signing of Eric Winston, and Peyton Hillis was brought in as insurance for Jamaal Charles. I think Scott Pioli and Crennel would love to see Dontari Poe here at #11, but in this case scenario, Upshaw provides a spark to an already solid Chiefs defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvMwSUM9fZI

Previous pick: Dave DeCastro, OG Stanford

12. Seattle Seahawks: David DeCastro, OG Stanford
Dave DeCastro is no ordinary interior lineman. He has been compared to the likes of Steve Hutchinson, and rightfully so. He has a nasty streak that I'm sure Pete Carrol is familiar with from his connections and time in the PAC-12. With Robert Gallery out, offensive line becomes a need for the Seahawks. The only question is if Seattle is going to use 3 out of 4 past first round picks on a lineman.

When in doubt, find high school highlights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yIUuQgNmg

Previous pick: Quinton Couples, DE UNC

13. Arizona Cardinals: Whitney Mercilus, OLB Illinois
Mercilus was the nation's leading pass-rusher last year as a 4-3 defensive end at Illinois. However, he lacks the ideal size to play the same position in the pros. The Cards need a pass-rush really bad, and could hope to convert Mercilus to an outside backer in their 3-4 defense.

No good Whitney Mercilus videos either? C'mon Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqpG7jEWJVc

Previous pick: Luke Kuechly, ILB Boston College


14. Dallas Cowboys: Fletcher Cox, DL Mississippi StateJust a hunch with this pick, but Rob Ryan loves adding to his defense. The Cowboys picked up Chris Carr and Brodney Pool in order to beef up their secondary, but their d-line is aging and Cox would provide an infusion of youth.

Leave it to Mississippi State to play a segragated game of beach volleyball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQBgR5Mqeeo&feature=related

Previous pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB Northern Alabama

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DT Louisiana State

Andy Reid likes grabbing defensive line help early in the draft, so I have him sticking with it here. I'm not sure if Brockers is high on the Eagles' board or not, but I've seen him all over the first round in other mocks. Because of that, I'm going to slap him right here, where I think the Eagles are going d-line anyways.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY_6vu1P5cI

Previous pick: Brockers

16. New York Jets: Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech

The Jets, aside from possibly the Redskins, like to make more headlines than anyone else in the NFL. Stephen Hill dominated the Combine, and after seeing Plaxico Burress probably walk, New York's front office will be looking for someone to replace him and hopefully make something of Mark Sanchize.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VHFeehT0Ro

Previous pick: Mark Barron, S Alabama


17. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina


Couples falls a bit in this edition of my mock draft. After losing Frostee Rucker, the Bengals could use another defensive end to pair with Carlos Dunlap. Yeah, they have Michael Johnson, who split reps with Rucker in 2011, but he was benched in favor of Rucker last year. Couples can provide much more of an impact than Johnson can in 2012. Also, he'd look good in a Bengals uniform getting shut down by Joe Thomas twice a year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXUwh3VwZiU

Previous pick: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama


18. San Diego Chargers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama


Quentin Jammer is getting up there and could benefit from a move to safety. Antoine Cason and Kirkpatrick could provide San Diego with a very solid pair of young corners. Of course, if AJ Smith had any idea what he was doing, he would draft a new head coach with this pick. But I digress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzXUEtd5k3M&feature=related

Previous pick: Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech


19. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, OG Georgia


I previously had the Bears taking Michael Floyd here, but I jumped him up a shit ton in this mock and since then the Bears have traded for Brandon Marshall. Glenn is a very good interior line prospect, though not on the level of DeCastro. Gabe Carimi and Glenn would give a nice foundation on the offensive line in Chicago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9qm8JROXWc

Previous pick: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame


20. Tennessee Titans: Janoris Jenkins, CB Northern Alabama


Cortland Finnegan left for St. Louis, and word is that Jenkins manned up to his off-field issues at the Combine. Tennessee brought in Kam Wimbley this week, so that alleviates some pressure to focus on the pass rush.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5_HtTQPWFg

Previous pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama


21. Cincinnati Bengals: Mark Barron, S Alabama


I can't believe that Chris Crocker has lasted in the NFL 10 years, let alone starting. Barron is a great value pick here, and can provide a nice compliment next to newly resigned Reggie Nelson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUPrI8sI63A

Previous pick: Alphonzo Dennard, CB Nebraska


22. Cleveland Browns: Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford


Martin was once thought of as a top-10 or so pick, and with the Browns' desperation on the right side of the line, they should be thrilled if he falls down here. I know receiver is a big need, but I think Heckert understands that the line comes first. I also honestly think Brandon Weeden is a possibility here as well, but I think that Heckert takes a gamble that he'll be there at #37.

Maybe the best clip on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fZCCAqoSwY

Previous pick: Kendall Wright, WR Baylor


23. Detroit Lions: Doug Martin, RB Boise State


The Lions picked up Javid Best a few years ago, but his career is in jeopardy after over 341 concussions. They also picked up Mikel Leshoure last Spring but he missed the entire year due to injury. I think Martin is a real possiblity here. The Lions couldn't run the ball for shit last year, and while they may have a huge need in the secondary, they don't tend to reach for players. Martin is one of the top players available in this scenario.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE1T5o420Vc&feature=related

Previous pick: Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford


24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Luke Kuechly, ILB Boston College


Kuechly probably won't fall this far after an impressive Combine performance, but if he does, Pittsburgh is waiting with a big hole at inside backer. James Farrior was just released and Kuechly is the consensus top inside linebacker in the draft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3ykWbu2Gl0

Previous pick: Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State


25. Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, WR Baylor


You think Peyton Manning would like this pick? Wright would be an excellent compliment to Demaryius Thomas and allowing Eric Decker to go where white receivers belong in the NFL--the slot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkBtsOuM300

Previous pick: Lamar Miller, RB Miami


26: Houston Texans: Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama


After trading away DeMeco Ryans this week, Hightower can step right into a familiar role inside of Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. Hightower excelled in Nick Saban's 34 defense at 'Bama and could do the same in the NFL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8vxcZU8-fg

Previous pick: Cordy Glenn, OL Georgia


27: New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina


Gilmore is good value here, Mike Mayock has him rated as his second-best corner in the draft. It's no secret that New England's defense could use some improvement, the question is which position group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq_7sE0jMzM

Previous pick: Whitney Marcilus, DE/OLB Illinois


28. Green Bay Packers: Devon Still, DL Penn State


Green Bay's defense was not very good last year, but it was masked by the fact that their offense put up points in bunches. I'm sure the Pack would love for one of these corners to fall down to them at #28, but it's not happening in this mock draft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2uZ-b0GgEQ

Previous pick: Fletcher Cox, DL Mississippi State


29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin 


Konz is a popular pick here since Matt Birk is slipping gradually into senility. Konz comes from a Wisconsin program with a decent reputation of solid offensive lineman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcIAKTvMl1Q

Previous pick: Konz


30. San Francisco 49ers: Coby Fleener, TE Stanford


Jim Harbaugh used two-tight end sets often at Stanford. Fleener would pair up nicely with Vernon Davis to get a Gronkowski/Hernandez type of combination like New England has.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyWRmSDDvxo

Previous pick: Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina


31. New England Patriots: Vinny Curry, OLB/DE Marshall


Curry is an intriguing prospect who has the versatility to play both down on the line and upright in Bill Belichick's 34 defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7KM3SddVuQ

Previous pick: Chase Minnifield, CB Virginia


32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE Clemson


Jake Ballard sucks still. Allen is a good traditional tight end that the Giants and Tom Coughlin look to utilize in their offense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5axTDv4oZxk

Previous pick: Allen

SECOND HALF OF THIS MOCK COMING EITHER TONIGHT OR TOMORROW...CHECK BACK HERE OR ON TWITTER FOR UPDATES

1 comment:

  1. Murdock7:16 PM

    wheres the second funkin half?!???!??!??!??

    ReplyDelete