The wacky world of Mocking - 02/26/11 12:44 AM
It's hard to know how any draft will turn out in the end because there are 32 teams with no 2 draft boards being equal.
The following is as 'If' I were the GM for all teams
And why I would select whom for each team.
Note: The Draft will most likely look much different for the reasons listed above.
1. CAR -- DT, *Nick Fairley
--The Panthers have Charles Johnson who I'm sure they'll resign/franchise/tender. Greg Hardy was a 1st round pick and they think he could be ready to take the next step in his development. They also have Alex Brown. They have no talent at DT and Fairley can rush the passer from the 3 tech.
2. DEN -- DE, *DaQuan Bowers
--Denver will be moving to the 43 defense. If Bowers is taken #1, then I think Fairley would be their pick here. Fox might also prefer Quinn, but in my scenario I make the picks and I would go with Bowers. He and Dumervile would make for a nice set of bookends. Peterson might be an option here, but they resigned Champ Bailey.
3. BUF -- DL, *Marcell Dareus
--I think he fits their scheme and would fill a big need.
LB is another big need.
Von Miller is an tempting option or Robert Quinn might be an option, but that would be projecting him to the OLB, position, so the risk would be a contributing factor here at #3, I'll reluctantly pass on both.
I don't like to take LBers this high if there is an adjustment period with the responsibilities at the next level.
I think they will also pass on a QB here as I will.
I will concede that I am torn between Dareus and Peterson here, but referring to my basic draft philosophy and building my defense starting up front, Dareus gets the nod over Peterson, because given their needs Peterson would be a Luxury pick with the top 5 technique on the board.
4. CIN -- WR, *AJ Green
--With their proven QB threatening to retire and money that the will have to shell out to retain Joseph. Moving forward I think the best way to patch this tainted relationship would be to draft Green and cut all ties with the not so dynamic dual. They could go with DE Quinn or OLB Von Miller or even Peterson if they felt like he could move to Safety. Any of the above prospects would be an option for the Bengals here at #4, but they have already invested many high selections in their recent drafts on the defensive side. I do not see them drafting a QB this high.
5. ARI -- OLB, Von Miller
--I like Miller in either defense (43/34), Arizona has a good front 3, but they are very weak at the Lb position. They are a veteran team so I don't think drafting a rookie QB is the best rout for them to have a quick return to the playoffs.
6. CLE -- CB, *Patrick Peterson
--IF I have Peterson on the board he is my highest rated prospect on my board. He is however not a player who fills the biggest needs of the team this year, so this choice will need some debate before 'we' in the War Room come to a conclusion.
If Robert Quinn is available there will be some who will lobby for him.
I think Cameron Jordan is the top Senior prospect on the board, but overall he falls short of Patrick Peterson.
I have the final say and I am not drafting for 'this' year, but rather the future, so I am not passing on the best 'talent' available.
7. SF -- CB, Prince Amukamara
--He is my #2 ranked Senior prospect and also fills the biggest need.
I have a rookie first time head coach whom I don't want to merry his chance of success to a rookie QB, because I am not sold on any being a sure thing at the next level. Their situation is not as desperate as some others and will look to add a QB in later rounds.
8. TEN -- QB, *Cam Newton
--as a franchise the Titans need to move forward and I think Newton is in the mold of a Vince Young and is the type of talent they are looking for at the position.
He might not be the safest pick, but I think he is a good fit for the Titans.
Robert Quinn will also figure in here at DE if the QB they covet is off the board.
9. DAL -- DE, Cameron Jordan
--As I have already stated Cameron Jordan is my #1 ranked Senior prospect.
The need for 5 tech DE is secondary to the CB position, but the top 2 are already gone. Other options will be Robert Quinn projecting him to OLB, once again there is a risk associated here and DE fills a bigger need for their 34 scheme. Jordan is the safe pick here.
10. WAS -- QB, *Blaine Gabbert
--The Redskins have other more immediate needs at WR or LB, but I think this pick is one with the future stability of the team in mind.
I think he would be a better fit then would Newton in Washington. There will be someone who will probably lobby for Jake Locker here as well.
11. HOU -- OLB, Robert Quinn
--Moving to a new 34 defense will afford Quinn I think the time to develop with a developing scheme.
I don't mind gambling here with projecting Quinn to Lb at this point in the drafts first round, because of his potential.
12. MIN -- DE, Aldon Smith
--The Vikings have bigger needs, but with Ray Edwards and Brian Robinson being FA's and Everson Griffen as the only option across from the aging Jared Allen, so there is a need for a DE.
There will be debate in favor of selecting a LT and moving McKinney to RT. Tyron Smith and Nate Solder will also be considered here, but Aldon Smith I think will be more of an impact player for them in their scheme.
13. DET -- OT Nate Solder
--The Lions biggest needs are CB and LB, but OT is also high on their needs list.
Pass protection is a big concern for an otherwise fairly explosive offense.
I think that their franchise depends on keeping Matthew Stafford or whom ever healthy.
I think that starts with adding a LT here and moving Jeff Backus to RT.
Tyron Smith has I think a higher potential then does Solder, but he also has a lot of work to do in way of polishing his techniques for the position.
I think Solder although far from a finished product him self, but I think is more ready to start as a LT at the next level.
14. STL -- WR, *Julio Jones
-- Sam Bradford. And the Rams need a big play weapon at WR and Jones is the best available.
15. MIA -- RB, Mark Ingram
--Jake Locker (QB) will be in the discussion with this pick, but there is a need for fresh legs at the position and I think Ingram is the safer pick here.
16. JAC -- DE, Ryan Kerrigan
--Karrigan would fill a big need with Aaron Kampman recent injury (2 ACL's)history. JJ Watt would be an option here except I don't think he is best suited to their 43 scheme.
17. NE -- DT, *Cory Liuget
--Liuget is a Belichick type of prospect and offers more versatility to their scheme then will JJ Watt and I think is more physically gifted.
18. SD -- DE, *J.J. Watt
--He is the highest rated 5 tech on my board and would fill a big need.
Gabe Carimi will enter the discussion I think with this selection, but does not carry the highest rating.
19. NYG -- OT, *Tyron Smith
--Eli Manning is a different QB if you can keep him clean and he is the franchise.
The Giants have other needs like RB, LB and WR, but none of those things will matter if they can't protect Manning.
20. TB -- DE, Adrian Clayborn
--Clayborn would fill a big need here and I think will work well under Coach
Raheem Morris. TB has other needs like up grading their OL (RT and OG) and LB positions, so Gabe Carimi and Akeem Ayers might also be in the discussion with this selection, but they need to upgrade both DE positions.
21. KC -- LB, Akeem Ayers
-- I think the Chiefs can continue to build a strong defense with this selection. Ayers has position versatility in a 34 defense. He is not the most gifted pass rusher from the position, so there is room for improvement in his game. I think he will be a solid if not spectacular LB at the next level.
22. IND -- OT, Derek Sherrod
--He is not the most physical prospect, but he might be the most technically sound LT prospect in the draft. Besides Payton Manning and the Colts could really care less about a dominant running game, so just makes since with this selection. Anthony Costanzo might also be a candidate here, but I like
Sherrod a little more, because he has the better feet.
23. PHL -- OT, Gabe Carimi
--the Eagles desperately need to find an upgrade at RT. The could also use some help at CB, but Carimi rated higher then any CB at this point.
24. NO -- Stephen Paea
--This pick fills probably the biggest need for the Saints. The emergence of RB Chris Ivory makes this selection a little easier when left with the choice.
OLB/DE Justin Houston will also be in the discussion, but I don't feel he is the best fit for their scheme.
25. SEA -- QB, Jake Locker
--QB Matt Hasselbeck will be a FA at the end of the next season and I don't think Charley Whitehurst is a long term solution. This is a pick with the future at QB in mind and not just the up coming season.
26. BAL -- CB, *Brandon Harris
--CB is by far been the biggest weakness on the team of recent years. This year with 3 of the position becoming FA's makes even more since. Jimmy Smith and Aaron Williams I think fall just behind Harris, because they are both a little stiff hipped. They could also use another DE like Muhammed Wilkerson
27. ATL -- WR, *Torrey Smith
--TE Kyle Rudolph is not out of the realm of possibilities here as they will need to groom a replacement for Tony Gonzales. Matt Ryan needs weapons opposite from Roddy White.
28. NE -- OL, Danny Watkins
--Watkins might still be available at pick 33 their next selection, but with
both Pittsburgh and GB pick prior to their next selection there is no guarantee Watkins will be on the board I think this would be their safe play. OG is a bigger need for NE then is grooming a LT behind Matt light.
Logan Mankins was franchised and said he would not play if he is franchised again, but Stephen Neal is also declining. I think OLB Justin Houston would also be a good fit here and they still have the 33rd selection to draft a Pass rusher or WR perhaps.
29. NYJ -- DT, *Muhammed Wilkerson
--Wilkerson is the highest rated 5 tech on the board.
Even if the Jets retain Shaun Ellis he is still 34 years old.
30. CHI -- OT, Anthony Costanzo
--The Bears came pretty close to going to the supper bowl, but if they are going to take the next step, then they are going to have to do a better job at protecting the QB. Costanzo would allow Omiyale to move over to the RT where he is better suited.
31. PITT -- OL, *Mike Pouncey
-- With all of the Top OT's off the board up grading their RG position takes center stage.
Overall Mike is not as talented as his brother, but this pick makes better since then CB with this selection imo.
32. GB -- OLB *Justin Houston
--GB needs help at OG, but with Watkins and Pouncey off the board, they will look in a different direction.
Other options include CB's Jimmy Smith, Aaron Williams and WR Jon Baldwin. Houston could give GB a one two punch at OLB paired across from Clay Matthews III. Stefan Wisniewski would also be a good pick here as could Christian Ballard so even though this was the final pick it was no given as to who was the best player available.
*= underclass men
Okay, you've just saw mine now let's see your's.
How would your draft look and why?
Some pretty good talent will fall to the top of round two
Here's a look at 10 of the best I left to start the second round;
CB, Jimmy Smith
CB, *Aaron Williams
DE, Christian Ballard
ILB, *Martez Wilson
OL, Stefan Wisniewski
OL, Ben Ijalana
WR, Titus Young
WR, *Jon Baldwin
RB, Mikel Leshoure
TE, Kyle Rudolph
The following is as 'If' I were the GM for all teams
And why I would select whom for each team.
Note: The Draft will most likely look much different for the reasons listed above.
1. CAR -- DT, *Nick Fairley
--The Panthers have Charles Johnson who I'm sure they'll resign/franchise/tender. Greg Hardy was a 1st round pick and they think he could be ready to take the next step in his development. They also have Alex Brown. They have no talent at DT and Fairley can rush the passer from the 3 tech.
2. DEN -- DE, *DaQuan Bowers
--Denver will be moving to the 43 defense. If Bowers is taken #1, then I think Fairley would be their pick here. Fox might also prefer Quinn, but in my scenario I make the picks and I would go with Bowers. He and Dumervile would make for a nice set of bookends. Peterson might be an option here, but they resigned Champ Bailey.
3. BUF -- DL, *Marcell Dareus
--I think he fits their scheme and would fill a big need.
LB is another big need.
Von Miller is an tempting option or Robert Quinn might be an option, but that would be projecting him to the OLB, position, so the risk would be a contributing factor here at #3, I'll reluctantly pass on both.
I don't like to take LBers this high if there is an adjustment period with the responsibilities at the next level.
I think they will also pass on a QB here as I will.
I will concede that I am torn between Dareus and Peterson here, but referring to my basic draft philosophy and building my defense starting up front, Dareus gets the nod over Peterson, because given their needs Peterson would be a Luxury pick with the top 5 technique on the board.
4. CIN -- WR, *AJ Green
--With their proven QB threatening to retire and money that the will have to shell out to retain Joseph. Moving forward I think the best way to patch this tainted relationship would be to draft Green and cut all ties with the not so dynamic dual. They could go with DE Quinn or OLB Von Miller or even Peterson if they felt like he could move to Safety. Any of the above prospects would be an option for the Bengals here at #4, but they have already invested many high selections in their recent drafts on the defensive side. I do not see them drafting a QB this high.
5. ARI -- OLB, Von Miller
--I like Miller in either defense (43/34), Arizona has a good front 3, but they are very weak at the Lb position. They are a veteran team so I don't think drafting a rookie QB is the best rout for them to have a quick return to the playoffs.
6. CLE -- CB, *Patrick Peterson
--IF I have Peterson on the board he is my highest rated prospect on my board. He is however not a player who fills the biggest needs of the team this year, so this choice will need some debate before 'we' in the War Room come to a conclusion.
If Robert Quinn is available there will be some who will lobby for him.
I think Cameron Jordan is the top Senior prospect on the board, but overall he falls short of Patrick Peterson.
I have the final say and I am not drafting for 'this' year, but rather the future, so I am not passing on the best 'talent' available.
7. SF -- CB, Prince Amukamara
--He is my #2 ranked Senior prospect and also fills the biggest need.
I have a rookie first time head coach whom I don't want to merry his chance of success to a rookie QB, because I am not sold on any being a sure thing at the next level. Their situation is not as desperate as some others and will look to add a QB in later rounds.
8. TEN -- QB, *Cam Newton
--as a franchise the Titans need to move forward and I think Newton is in the mold of a Vince Young and is the type of talent they are looking for at the position.
He might not be the safest pick, but I think he is a good fit for the Titans.
Robert Quinn will also figure in here at DE if the QB they covet is off the board.
9. DAL -- DE, Cameron Jordan
--As I have already stated Cameron Jordan is my #1 ranked Senior prospect.
The need for 5 tech DE is secondary to the CB position, but the top 2 are already gone. Other options will be Robert Quinn projecting him to OLB, once again there is a risk associated here and DE fills a bigger need for their 34 scheme. Jordan is the safe pick here.
10. WAS -- QB, *Blaine Gabbert
--The Redskins have other more immediate needs at WR or LB, but I think this pick is one with the future stability of the team in mind.
I think he would be a better fit then would Newton in Washington. There will be someone who will probably lobby for Jake Locker here as well.
11. HOU -- OLB, Robert Quinn
--Moving to a new 34 defense will afford Quinn I think the time to develop with a developing scheme.
I don't mind gambling here with projecting Quinn to Lb at this point in the drafts first round, because of his potential.
12. MIN -- DE, Aldon Smith
--The Vikings have bigger needs, but with Ray Edwards and Brian Robinson being FA's and Everson Griffen as the only option across from the aging Jared Allen, so there is a need for a DE.
There will be debate in favor of selecting a LT and moving McKinney to RT. Tyron Smith and Nate Solder will also be considered here, but Aldon Smith I think will be more of an impact player for them in their scheme.
13. DET -- OT Nate Solder
--The Lions biggest needs are CB and LB, but OT is also high on their needs list.
Pass protection is a big concern for an otherwise fairly explosive offense.
I think that their franchise depends on keeping Matthew Stafford or whom ever healthy.
I think that starts with adding a LT here and moving Jeff Backus to RT.
Tyron Smith has I think a higher potential then does Solder, but he also has a lot of work to do in way of polishing his techniques for the position.
I think Solder although far from a finished product him self, but I think is more ready to start as a LT at the next level.
14. STL -- WR, *Julio Jones
-- Sam Bradford. And the Rams need a big play weapon at WR and Jones is the best available.
15. MIA -- RB, Mark Ingram
--Jake Locker (QB) will be in the discussion with this pick, but there is a need for fresh legs at the position and I think Ingram is the safer pick here.
16. JAC -- DE, Ryan Kerrigan
--Karrigan would fill a big need with Aaron Kampman recent injury (2 ACL's)history. JJ Watt would be an option here except I don't think he is best suited to their 43 scheme.
17. NE -- DT, *Cory Liuget
--Liuget is a Belichick type of prospect and offers more versatility to their scheme then will JJ Watt and I think is more physically gifted.
18. SD -- DE, *J.J. Watt
--He is the highest rated 5 tech on my board and would fill a big need.
Gabe Carimi will enter the discussion I think with this selection, but does not carry the highest rating.
19. NYG -- OT, *Tyron Smith
--Eli Manning is a different QB if you can keep him clean and he is the franchise.
The Giants have other needs like RB, LB and WR, but none of those things will matter if they can't protect Manning.
20. TB -- DE, Adrian Clayborn
--Clayborn would fill a big need here and I think will work well under Coach
Raheem Morris. TB has other needs like up grading their OL (RT and OG) and LB positions, so Gabe Carimi and Akeem Ayers might also be in the discussion with this selection, but they need to upgrade both DE positions.
21. KC -- LB, Akeem Ayers
-- I think the Chiefs can continue to build a strong defense with this selection. Ayers has position versatility in a 34 defense. He is not the most gifted pass rusher from the position, so there is room for improvement in his game. I think he will be a solid if not spectacular LB at the next level.
22. IND -- OT, Derek Sherrod
--He is not the most physical prospect, but he might be the most technically sound LT prospect in the draft. Besides Payton Manning and the Colts could really care less about a dominant running game, so just makes since with this selection. Anthony Costanzo might also be a candidate here, but I like
Sherrod a little more, because he has the better feet.
23. PHL -- OT, Gabe Carimi
--the Eagles desperately need to find an upgrade at RT. The could also use some help at CB, but Carimi rated higher then any CB at this point.
24. NO -- Stephen Paea
--This pick fills probably the biggest need for the Saints. The emergence of RB Chris Ivory makes this selection a little easier when left with the choice.
OLB/DE Justin Houston will also be in the discussion, but I don't feel he is the best fit for their scheme.
25. SEA -- QB, Jake Locker
--QB Matt Hasselbeck will be a FA at the end of the next season and I don't think Charley Whitehurst is a long term solution. This is a pick with the future at QB in mind and not just the up coming season.
26. BAL -- CB, *Brandon Harris
--CB is by far been the biggest weakness on the team of recent years. This year with 3 of the position becoming FA's makes even more since. Jimmy Smith and Aaron Williams I think fall just behind Harris, because they are both a little stiff hipped. They could also use another DE like Muhammed Wilkerson
27. ATL -- WR, *Torrey Smith
--TE Kyle Rudolph is not out of the realm of possibilities here as they will need to groom a replacement for Tony Gonzales. Matt Ryan needs weapons opposite from Roddy White.
28. NE -- OL, Danny Watkins
--Watkins might still be available at pick 33 their next selection, but with
both Pittsburgh and GB pick prior to their next selection there is no guarantee Watkins will be on the board I think this would be their safe play. OG is a bigger need for NE then is grooming a LT behind Matt light.
Logan Mankins was franchised and said he would not play if he is franchised again, but Stephen Neal is also declining. I think OLB Justin Houston would also be a good fit here and they still have the 33rd selection to draft a Pass rusher or WR perhaps.
29. NYJ -- DT, *Muhammed Wilkerson
--Wilkerson is the highest rated 5 tech on the board.
Even if the Jets retain Shaun Ellis he is still 34 years old.
30. CHI -- OT, Anthony Costanzo
--The Bears came pretty close to going to the supper bowl, but if they are going to take the next step, then they are going to have to do a better job at protecting the QB. Costanzo would allow Omiyale to move over to the RT where he is better suited.
31. PITT -- OL, *Mike Pouncey
-- With all of the Top OT's off the board up grading their RG position takes center stage.
Overall Mike is not as talented as his brother, but this pick makes better since then CB with this selection imo.
32. GB -- OLB *Justin Houston
--GB needs help at OG, but with Watkins and Pouncey off the board, they will look in a different direction.
Other options include CB's Jimmy Smith, Aaron Williams and WR Jon Baldwin. Houston could give GB a one two punch at OLB paired across from Clay Matthews III. Stefan Wisniewski would also be a good pick here as could Christian Ballard so even though this was the final pick it was no given as to who was the best player available.
*= underclass men
Okay, you've just saw mine now let's see your's.
How would your draft look and why?
Some pretty good talent will fall to the top of round two
Here's a look at 10 of the best I left to start the second round;
CB, Jimmy Smith
CB, *Aaron Williams
DE, Christian Ballard
ILB, *Martez Wilson
OL, Stefan Wisniewski
OL, Ben Ijalana
WR, Titus Young
WR, *Jon Baldwin
RB, Mikel Leshoure
TE, Kyle Rudolph