There is less than an hour until Roger Goodell steps to the podium to start the NFL Draft and I know you have been waiting patiently for my final mock draft.
If you need to refresh your memory, click here for my first version and click here for my second version.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
This will be a major mistake. Newton has great athletic potential but his lack of experience in a professional style offense makes him too much of a gamble to be taken with the first overall pick.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Dareus played a major role in making 'Bama a national powerhouse again. The Broncos will be able to expect a decade of excellent play on the defensive line from this pick.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Playing against Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez four times a year, you can never put enough pressure on the passer. Miller is one of the players I would love to see the Patriots trade up to select.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are on the way out and selecting a premiere receiving talent like Green could be the only way to convince Carson Palmer to stay in the Queen City.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
The Cardinals need to replace Kurt Warner if they plan on keeping Larry Fitzgerald in the desert for the long term.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
If the Browns hope to develop Colt McCoy, they need to add a playmaking receiver.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Peterson is a potential shut down corner and a homerun threat as a returner. Great value at #7 for Jim Harbaugh in his first draft.
8. Tennessee Titans: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
I get the feeling that despite his dominant 2010 season, Nick Fairley could be the player who drops out of the Top 10. Liuget will jump Fairley to become the second defensive tackle off the board.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
Costanzo provides needed protection for Tony Romo.
10. Washington Redskins: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Redskins could use another pass rusher across from Brian Orakpo playing in a division against Michael Vick, Eli Manning, and Romo.
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The Texans have been on the cusp of the playoffs the last few years and adding another pass rusher to the defense could help them playing in January.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Whoever plays quarterback in Minnesota this year will need protection. Adding a player that will help open holes for Adrian Peterson helps too.
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
A year after striking gold with Ndamukong Suh, the Lions tap another Nebraska standout to build their defense.
14. St. Louis Rams: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
The Rams hope that Fairley gains a chip on his shoulder from dropping that turns him into Warren Sapp 2.0.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams facing free agency, the Dolphins get their running back of the future.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Watt represents great value for the Jaguars after a very good career for the Badgers.
17. New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
Logan Mankins has an uncertain future and Stephen Neal retired so Bill Belichick starts to rebuild the interior of his offensive line.
18. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Chargers hope Kerrigan can replace some of Shawne Merriman's production.
19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Carimi will be a perfect fit for Tom Coughlin's offense.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
A knee injury has dropped Bowers but his potential is too great for the Bucs to pass over.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Matt Cassel needs more protection.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
When Peyton Manning is your quarterback, investing in his protection is a high priority.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh
Injuries decimated the Eagles linebacking corps in 2010 and Sheard gives them a solid building block on the edge.
24. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
The Saints struggled to rush the passer in 2010 and it killed their chances to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Matt Hasselbeck is nearing the end and the 'Hawks need to find a new quarterback.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Ravens secondary was horrible in 2010 and the talented - but troubled - Smith helps to fix that issue.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
The Falcons get a very good young defensive end to add to one of the most talented young rosters in the NFL.
28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
The Patriots have never replaced Willie McGinest on the edge of Belichick's defense.
29. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Baldwin is a reach at the end of the 1st Round on Baldwin but he would give Jay Cutler a big target on the outside.
30. New York Jets: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Rex Ryan loves adding defensive players almost as much as he loves watching a good pedicure.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Championship teams build from the trenches and the Steelers have followed this plan for a decade.
32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
The champs add a solid young defensive lineman.
No comments:
Post a Comment