Winners
New York Jets: Trading up for Mark Sanchez while only giving up a second rounder and some spare parts is a win in my book. He's got the perfect make-up to succeed in New York.
Baltimore: The Ravens traded up for Michael Oher and found first round talent late in the second round in Paul Kruger.
Philadelphia: The Eagles picked up two impact players in the draft (Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy) and another by trading a couple picks (Jason Peters). Well done.
Jacksonville: I love the fact that the Jaguars are addressing their glaring need on the offensive line. Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will allow David Garrard to prove his 2008 season was an anomaly.
UConn: Four first day picks? Well done, Randy Edsall.
Losers
Oakland: Is this even a debate? They reached for Darrius Heyward-Bay with the seventh overall pick and then stunned the masses by taking Michael Mitchell with the 40th pick. The moral of the story: never entrust your draft to an unstable, 80 year old man.
Tampa Bay: Not only did they reach for Josh Freeman, but they also traded up for him. This has major bust potential.
Cleveland: The Browns traded down from the fifth overall pick to 21 and failed to pick up a 2010 first rounder in the process. Then, they drafted two wide receivers. Worst of all, they did not make a move with either of their two quarterbacks. A very confusing day.
New England: Lots of movement but no meaningful action. The Patriots failed to grab a difference maker on either side of the ball despite being involved in about a dozen trades.
The U(niversity of Miami): No first round picks for the first time in 14 years? That'll get you a spot on this list.
Best Picks (non-Sanchez category)
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The 49ers get the top talent in the draft with the 10th pick. Makes sense to me.
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State (43rd by Carolina): Late first round talent scooped up in the middle of the second.
Sean Smith, CB, Utah (61st by Miami): An incredible value here. Smith will be a starter in the NFL for the next ten years.
Worst Picks (non-Raiders category)
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU (3rd by Kansas City): Jackson is a decent player, but he has very limited upside. That's not something you look for when picking third. Jackson wasn't even in my initial mock draft which shows just how far he's climbed in a few short months.
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama (6th by Cincinnati): Another day, another acquisition of a player with character issues.
Pat White, QB/WR, West Virginia (44th by Miami): I understand White will be a nice fit for the Wildcat but is that worth a precious early second rounder?
Showing posts with label Andre Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andre Smith. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Final Mock Draft - Top 40
Round One
1. Detroit: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - This seems like nothing more than a formality at this point. It's become apparent to everyone that the Lions want Stafford to be the face of their franchise.
2. St. Louis: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - Even before the departure of Orlando Pace, the Rams had glaring holes along the offensive line. It comes down to Smith and Eugene Monroe in this spot. Rumors out of the Gateway City lead many to believe the Baylor product will be the pick.
3. Kansas City: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - I've been promoting this idea for months. I really love the prospect of pairing Monroe with last year's first rounder Branden Albert. Matt Cassel feels better even though Tony Gonzalez won't be catching any of his passes this season.
4. Seattle: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - The hottest prospect in the draft, Sanchez figues to come off the board in this spot although it may not be the Seahwaks making this pick.
5. Cleveland: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College - New head coach Eric Mangini has been a proponent of building his teams through the offensive and defensive lines. Raji enamored himself with many talent evaluators this offseason despite the fact he failed to dominate the college game.
6. Cincinnati: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas - I might be asking too much for the Bengals to pass on players with character issues, but the team needs pass rushers and Orakpo did that better than any other player in this class.
7. Oakland: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - I know, I know. Al Davis loves speed. But, Crabtree is in a class by himself at the receiver position this year and as the number one overall prospect on my board, he would be a great value pick here. I like the idea of JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden and Crabtree on offense.
8. Jacksonville: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - By all accounts, Curry is a great player and an even better person. But, over the last 10 years, only two linebackers have gone in the top five (LaVar Arrington, A.J. Hawk) and neither has lived up to the billing. Linebacker is a position that can be filled with productive, solid, if unspectacular players. For those reasons, I think Curry will slip out of the top seven into the laps of the Jaguars.
9. Green Bay: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - Stories of Smith dropping out of the first round due to his "questionable" offseason behavior turn out to be bogus when teams realize just how talented he is. The Pack can use the youth infusion on the front line.
10. San Francisco: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi - Oher has been another hot name as the draft approaches and the 49ers can use help up front. Seems like a match to me.
11. Buffalo: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee - With the top four offensive linemen off the board, the Bills address their need for a pass rusher. Ayers, a mid-round prospect at best before the 2008 season, culminates the meteoric rise with a first round selection.
12. Denver: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - Scouts have dubbed Jackson a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense, and the Broncos will be making the conversion to that defense.
13. Washington: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State - If the 'Skins resist the urge to trade up for Sanchez, Maybin wouldn't be a terrible option.
14. New Orleans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC - The Saints only have one Day 1 pick and they will be spending it on a defensive player. Which one? Could be a defensive back (Malcolm Jenkins?). Or it could be the DE/LB hybrid Cushing.
15. Houston: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri - This would be a dream scenario for the Texans as they'd be able to pair Andre Johnson with the speedy Maclin.
16. San Diego: Larry English, LB, N. Illinois - Shawn Merriman Part Deux? The Chargers hope so. This could be a bit high so the Chargers might trade down, but I like this fit a lot.
17. New York Jets: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State - Please don't take Josh Freeman. Please don't take Josh Freeman. Please don't take Josh Freeman. Please don't take Josh Freeman. Pettigrew would be the blocking tight end allowing Dustin Keller to work his magic downfield.
18. Denver: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC - Another guy who has seen a meteoric rise in his stock since August. The Broncos will love his toughness (hat tip Jay Bilas).
19. Tampa Bay: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State - Ronde Barber isn't getting any younger and Jenkins will be a perfect fit in Raheem Morris' new scheme.
20. Detroit (from Dallas): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona - If you are going to guarantee a quarterback $40m over six years, Priority #1 becomes protecting that asset.
21. Philadelphia: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State - Can Wells be the Thunder to Brian Westbrook's Lightning? The Eagles hope so.
22. Minnesota: Darrius Herward-Bey, WR, Maryland - Bey's speed is too tempting to pass up at this point. Eventually, the Vikings will stumble upon a go-to receiver, right?
23. New England: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia - A bit of a surprise here but the Patriots have a number of picks and can afford to take a chance on a high upside player like Moreno. If this comes to fruition, you are looking at the early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
24. Atlanta: Sean Smith, CB, Utah - On Wednesday, I labeled Smith as the most underrated player in the draft. He also happens to be one of my favorites. His blend of size and speed is tantalizing and the Falcons can use help in the secondary.
25. Miami: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida - Another player on my underrated list, Harvin seems to have failed a Combine drug test which won't win him the admiration of Bill Parcells. However, the local product's skill set is perfectly suited for the Dolphins' offense.
26. Baltimore: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC - Another ReyRey in Baltimore?
27. Indianapolis: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi - A great value pick here. Perry has top 15 talent and best of all, he fits a need for the Colts.
28. Buffalo (from Philadelphia via Carolina): Alex Mack, C, California - A versatile lineman that will help offset the loss of Jason Peters. He's probably not skilled enough to play OT, but it's a start.
29. New York Giants: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State - Rush the passer. Rush the passer. Rush the passer.
30. Tennessee: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri - A natural replacement for Albert Haynesworth.
31. Arizona: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois - The Cardinals love speed as much as anyone in the league and Davis would be a nice complement to last year's first rounder Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie.
32: Pittsburgh: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest - Smith (the fourth of that surname in this round) is a bit undersized but has great ball skills. The defending Super Bowl champs have the luxury of being able to draft talent over need.
Eight More For Good Measure
33. Detroit: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State - The best player left on the board, Laurinaitis would help solidify a linebacking corps that struggled mightily last year. Then again, the whole team struggled mightily so taking the best player on the board regardless of position makes sense.
34. New England (from Kansas City): Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
35. St. Louis: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State - Every year, it seems like a quarterback falls farther than expected. I don't expect Freeman to last this deep in the draft but the teams directly above do not need a quarterback of the future. I'd put a 75% chance on a team trading up for him.
36. Cleveland: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
37. Seattle: Louis Delmas, S, W. Michigan
38. Cincinnati: Max Unger, C, Oregon
39. Jacksonville: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
40. Oakland: Eric Wood, C, Louisville
1. Detroit: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - This seems like nothing more than a formality at this point. It's become apparent to everyone that the Lions want Stafford to be the face of their franchise.
2. St. Louis: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - Even before the departure of Orlando Pace, the Rams had glaring holes along the offensive line. It comes down to Smith and Eugene Monroe in this spot. Rumors out of the Gateway City lead many to believe the Baylor product will be the pick.
3. Kansas City: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - I've been promoting this idea for months. I really love the prospect of pairing Monroe with last year's first rounder Branden Albert. Matt Cassel feels better even though Tony Gonzalez won't be catching any of his passes this season.
4. Seattle: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - The hottest prospect in the draft, Sanchez figues to come off the board in this spot although it may not be the Seahwaks making this pick.
5. Cleveland: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College - New head coach Eric Mangini has been a proponent of building his teams through the offensive and defensive lines. Raji enamored himself with many talent evaluators this offseason despite the fact he failed to dominate the college game.
6. Cincinnati: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas - I might be asking too much for the Bengals to pass on players with character issues, but the team needs pass rushers and Orakpo did that better than any other player in this class.
7. Oakland: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - I know, I know. Al Davis loves speed. But, Crabtree is in a class by himself at the receiver position this year and as the number one overall prospect on my board, he would be a great value pick here. I like the idea of JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden and Crabtree on offense.
8. Jacksonville: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - By all accounts, Curry is a great player and an even better person. But, over the last 10 years, only two linebackers have gone in the top five (LaVar Arrington, A.J. Hawk) and neither has lived up to the billing. Linebacker is a position that can be filled with productive, solid, if unspectacular players. For those reasons, I think Curry will slip out of the top seven into the laps of the Jaguars.
9. Green Bay: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - Stories of Smith dropping out of the first round due to his "questionable" offseason behavior turn out to be bogus when teams realize just how talented he is. The Pack can use the youth infusion on the front line.
10. San Francisco: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi - Oher has been another hot name as the draft approaches and the 49ers can use help up front. Seems like a match to me.
11. Buffalo: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee - With the top four offensive linemen off the board, the Bills address their need for a pass rusher. Ayers, a mid-round prospect at best before the 2008 season, culminates the meteoric rise with a first round selection.
12. Denver: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - Scouts have dubbed Jackson a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense, and the Broncos will be making the conversion to that defense.
13. Washington: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State - If the 'Skins resist the urge to trade up for Sanchez, Maybin wouldn't be a terrible option.
14. New Orleans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC - The Saints only have one Day 1 pick and they will be spending it on a defensive player. Which one? Could be a defensive back (Malcolm Jenkins?). Or it could be the DE/LB hybrid Cushing.
15. Houston: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri - This would be a dream scenario for the Texans as they'd be able to pair Andre Johnson with the speedy Maclin.
16. San Diego: Larry English, LB, N. Illinois - Shawn Merriman Part Deux? The Chargers hope so. This could be a bit high so the Chargers might trade down, but I like this fit a lot.
17. New York Jets: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State - Please don't take Josh Freeman. Please don't take Josh Freeman. Please don't take Josh Freeman. Please don't take Josh Freeman. Pettigrew would be the blocking tight end allowing Dustin Keller to work his magic downfield.
18. Denver: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC - Another guy who has seen a meteoric rise in his stock since August. The Broncos will love his toughness (hat tip Jay Bilas).
19. Tampa Bay: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State - Ronde Barber isn't getting any younger and Jenkins will be a perfect fit in Raheem Morris' new scheme.
20. Detroit (from Dallas): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona - If you are going to guarantee a quarterback $40m over six years, Priority #1 becomes protecting that asset.
21. Philadelphia: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State - Can Wells be the Thunder to Brian Westbrook's Lightning? The Eagles hope so.
22. Minnesota: Darrius Herward-Bey, WR, Maryland - Bey's speed is too tempting to pass up at this point. Eventually, the Vikings will stumble upon a go-to receiver, right?
23. New England: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia - A bit of a surprise here but the Patriots have a number of picks and can afford to take a chance on a high upside player like Moreno. If this comes to fruition, you are looking at the early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
24. Atlanta: Sean Smith, CB, Utah - On Wednesday, I labeled Smith as the most underrated player in the draft. He also happens to be one of my favorites. His blend of size and speed is tantalizing and the Falcons can use help in the secondary.
25. Miami: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida - Another player on my underrated list, Harvin seems to have failed a Combine drug test which won't win him the admiration of Bill Parcells. However, the local product's skill set is perfectly suited for the Dolphins' offense.
26. Baltimore: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC - Another ReyRey in Baltimore?
27. Indianapolis: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi - A great value pick here. Perry has top 15 talent and best of all, he fits a need for the Colts.
28. Buffalo (from Philadelphia via Carolina): Alex Mack, C, California - A versatile lineman that will help offset the loss of Jason Peters. He's probably not skilled enough to play OT, but it's a start.
29. New York Giants: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State - Rush the passer. Rush the passer. Rush the passer.
30. Tennessee: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri - A natural replacement for Albert Haynesworth.
31. Arizona: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois - The Cardinals love speed as much as anyone in the league and Davis would be a nice complement to last year's first rounder Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie.
32: Pittsburgh: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest - Smith (the fourth of that surname in this round) is a bit undersized but has great ball skills. The defending Super Bowl champs have the luxury of being able to draft talent over need.
Eight More For Good Measure
33. Detroit: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State - The best player left on the board, Laurinaitis would help solidify a linebacking corps that struggled mightily last year. Then again, the whole team struggled mightily so taking the best player on the board regardless of position makes sense.
34. New England (from Kansas City): Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
35. St. Louis: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State - Every year, it seems like a quarterback falls farther than expected. I don't expect Freeman to last this deep in the draft but the teams directly above do not need a quarterback of the future. I'd put a 75% chance on a team trading up for him.
36. Cleveland: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
37. Seattle: Louis Delmas, S, W. Michigan
38. Cincinnati: Max Unger, C, Oregon
39. Jacksonville: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
40. Oakland: Eric Wood, C, Louisville
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Mock Draft III - Top 10
For a little change of pace, I will compare my newest mock drafts to those of Mel Kiper and Todd McShay of ESPN as well as Michael Lombardi from The National Football Post. Commentary certainly appreciated.
1. Detroit
Kiper: Matthew Stafford
McShay: Stafford
Lombardi: Stafford
Banter: Matthew Stafford, Georgia, QB - Stafford established himself as the class of the position at the Combine. If the Lions choose to address this need with the first overall pick - and unless they trade for Jay Cutler, I think they will - Stafford will be their guy. With all the hoopla surrounding the NCAA Tournament, Stafford's Pro Day might go unnoticed to many. I'm pretty sure the Lions won't miss it.
2. St. Louis
Kiper: Jason Smith
McShay: J. Smith
Lombardi: Eugene Monroe
Banter: Jason Smith, Baylor, OT - Smith seems like the class of the deep OT class.
3. Kansas City
Kiper: Aaron Curry
McShay: Curry
Lombardi: Curry
Banter: Eugene Monroe, Virginia, OT - I love the storyline of Monroe and last year's first rounder from Virginia, Branden Albert, protecting Matt Cassel.
4. Seattle
Kiper: Monroe
McShay: B.J. Raji
Lombardi: Raji
Banter: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, LB - Curry dominated the Combine and is now considered by many to be the draft's top prospect. After Seattle's signing of WR T.J. Housyourdaddy and Michael Crabtree's imminent surgery, the two no longer look like the perfect match they were a few weeks back. The trade of LB Julian Peterson clears the way for Curry.
5. Cleveland
Kiper: Raji
McShay: Brian Orakpo
Lombardi: Orakpo
Banter: B.J. Raji, Boston College, DT - A great run-stuffer, but I still question why he never dominated in college like his skills indicate he would. Again, I do not think Raji is worthy of being a top five pick, but this is a mock draft and not what I would do.
6. Cincinnati
Kiper: Michael Crabtree
McShay: Monroe
Lombardi: J. Smith
Banter: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR - The Bengals replace Housyourdaddy with Crabtree. Not a bad deal for them although they have a lot more needs than just this.
7. Oakland
Kiper: Jeremy Maclin
McShay: Maclin
Lombardi: Andre Smith
Banter: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, WR - Al Davis has always been enamored with speed, and Maclin has plenty of it.
8. Jacksonville
Kiper: Matt Sanchez
McShay: Crabtree
Lombardi: Sanchez
Banter: Andre Smith, Alabama, OT - I realize Smith has not had a great few weeks, but his talent is undeniable, and he can slide into the right tackle position.
9. Green Bay
Kiper: Orakpo
McShay: Aaron Maybin
Lombardi: Maybin
Banter: Brian Orakpo, Texas, DE - If he can prove he's healthy at UT's Pro Day, Orakpo would help revamp a struggling defense at Lambeau.
10. San Francisco
Kiper: Maybin
McShay: A. Smith
Lombardi: Robert Ayers
Banter: Mark Sanchez, USC, QB - Can Sanchez be the QB of the future that Alex Smith never was? The 49ers sure hope so.
1. Detroit
Kiper: Matthew Stafford
McShay: Stafford
Lombardi: Stafford
Banter: Matthew Stafford, Georgia, QB - Stafford established himself as the class of the position at the Combine. If the Lions choose to address this need with the first overall pick - and unless they trade for Jay Cutler, I think they will - Stafford will be their guy. With all the hoopla surrounding the NCAA Tournament, Stafford's Pro Day might go unnoticed to many. I'm pretty sure the Lions won't miss it.
2. St. Louis
Kiper: Jason Smith
McShay: J. Smith
Lombardi: Eugene Monroe
Banter: Jason Smith, Baylor, OT - Smith seems like the class of the deep OT class.
3. Kansas City
Kiper: Aaron Curry
McShay: Curry
Lombardi: Curry
Banter: Eugene Monroe, Virginia, OT - I love the storyline of Monroe and last year's first rounder from Virginia, Branden Albert, protecting Matt Cassel.
4. Seattle
Kiper: Monroe
McShay: B.J. Raji
Lombardi: Raji
Banter: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, LB - Curry dominated the Combine and is now considered by many to be the draft's top prospect. After Seattle's signing of WR T.J. Housyourdaddy and Michael Crabtree's imminent surgery, the two no longer look like the perfect match they were a few weeks back. The trade of LB Julian Peterson clears the way for Curry.
5. Cleveland
Kiper: Raji
McShay: Brian Orakpo
Lombardi: Orakpo
Banter: B.J. Raji, Boston College, DT - A great run-stuffer, but I still question why he never dominated in college like his skills indicate he would. Again, I do not think Raji is worthy of being a top five pick, but this is a mock draft and not what I would do.
6. Cincinnati
Kiper: Michael Crabtree
McShay: Monroe
Lombardi: J. Smith
Banter: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR - The Bengals replace Housyourdaddy with Crabtree. Not a bad deal for them although they have a lot more needs than just this.
7. Oakland
Kiper: Jeremy Maclin
McShay: Maclin
Lombardi: Andre Smith
Banter: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, WR - Al Davis has always been enamored with speed, and Maclin has plenty of it.
8. Jacksonville
Kiper: Matt Sanchez
McShay: Crabtree
Lombardi: Sanchez
Banter: Andre Smith, Alabama, OT - I realize Smith has not had a great few weeks, but his talent is undeniable, and he can slide into the right tackle position.
9. Green Bay
Kiper: Orakpo
McShay: Aaron Maybin
Lombardi: Maybin
Banter: Brian Orakpo, Texas, DE - If he can prove he's healthy at UT's Pro Day, Orakpo would help revamp a struggling defense at Lambeau.
10. San Francisco
Kiper: Maybin
McShay: A. Smith
Lombardi: Robert Ayers
Banter: Mark Sanchez, USC, QB - Can Sanchez be the QB of the future that Alex Smith never was? The 49ers sure hope so.
Friday, January 30, 2009
NFL Mock Draft - 1st Round
Coming into the 2008 Draft, there were five players considered to be head and shoulders above the rest - Jake Long, Chris Long, Matt Ryan, Glenn Dorsey, and Darren McFadden. It was clear by about February 15th that these five would be selected in some order with the top five picks.
In this respect, this year's draft could not be more different. There are at least eight players that warrant consideration for this year's top pick. If there was ever a good year to finish 0-16, this was not it. The Lions have their work cut out for them. On the bright side, Matt Millen will not be in the War Room this year. We call that addition by subtraction.
As you'll see throughout the mock, this draft does have a number of similarities to last year's draft in other areas.
Note, this mock draft represents what I think will happen, not what I would do.
Round One
1. Detroit: Matthew Stafford, Georgia, QB - The Lions need a franchise quarterback to build around as it has become clear Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky are not capable. Although Stafford reminds me more of Jeff George than John Elway, he probably has the most upside of any quarterback in the draft. Personally, I think Mark Sanchez will be the better pro, but I cannot fault the Lions if they go in this direction. Rookie Head Coach Jim Schwartz needs to decide which guy to entrust with his future.
2. St. Louis: Andre Smith, Alabama, OT - I'm sure rookie Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo would love to add a defensive end to couple with last year's first rounder, Chris Long, but none warrants consideration this high in the draft. Smith can be a solid bookend for the next twelve years.
9. Green Bay: B.J. Raji, Boston College, DT - After trading DT Corey Williams in the offseason, the Packers struggled mightily defending the run. Raji dominated the Senior Bowl and has seen his stock soar in recent weeks.
10. San Francisco: Mark Sanchez, USC, QB - A dream scenario for the Niners, they would snatch Sanchez in about 0.00002 seconds if he slips this far. He's a California native who starred at USC and would be the long-term answer at the quarterback position.
13. Washington: Rey Maualuga, USC, LB - Owner Dan Snyder loves the big name, and London Fletcher can't play forever, can he?
14. New Orleans: Sean Smith, Utah, CB - Smith has great size, and the Saints figure to focus on the defensive secondary early and often on Draft Day. Smith had a great Sugar Bowl which was played in... (drum roll)... New Orleans.
15. Houston: Brian Orakpo, Texas, DE - The Texans would do back flips if the Texas product slid this far. He reminds me of Vernon Gholston (read: major bust possibilities), but he would be a great value here. Houston has taken a defensive lineman with three of their last four first round picks.
16. San Diego: Aaron Maybin, Penn State, DE/LB - The Chargers desperately missed DE / LB Shawne Merriman, and Maybin has a similar skill set.
26. Baltimore: Vontae Davis, Illinois, CB - ...with the next few picks...
27. Indianapolis: Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest, CB - ... but I have no idea what order it will happen.
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina): Chris Wells, Ohio State, RB - Wells would offer the bruising style to complement the home run hitting Brian Westbrook.
29. New York Giants: Clay Matthews, USC, LB - Pressure the QB.. Pressure the QB.. Pressure the QB...
Mock Notes
**I think the NFL should revisit the draft order creation process. Why should the Chargers, a team that made the playoffs, pick eight spots ahead of the Patriots?
**The Lions have three of the top 33 picks. If they can nab a defensive tackle like Sen'Derrick Marks at the top of round two along with Stafford and Smith in round one, the foundation upon which to build could be in place.
**Liberty RB Rashad Jennings tops the list of "Just Missed." I tried working him into the first round so it would be two years in a row that a player transferred from Pitt and got drafted in the first round (Joe Flacco), but it did not work out.
In this respect, this year's draft could not be more different. There are at least eight players that warrant consideration for this year's top pick. If there was ever a good year to finish 0-16, this was not it. The Lions have their work cut out for them. On the bright side, Matt Millen will not be in the War Room this year. We call that addition by subtraction.
As you'll see throughout the mock, this draft does have a number of similarities to last year's draft in other areas.
Note, this mock draft represents what I think will happen, not what I would do.
Round One
1. Detroit: Matthew Stafford, Georgia, QB - The Lions need a franchise quarterback to build around as it has become clear Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky are not capable. Although Stafford reminds me more of Jeff George than John Elway, he probably has the most upside of any quarterback in the draft. Personally, I think Mark Sanchez will be the better pro, but I cannot fault the Lions if they go in this direction. Rookie Head Coach Jim Schwartz needs to decide which guy to entrust with his future.
2. St. Louis: Andre Smith, Alabama, OT - I'm sure rookie Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo would love to add a defensive end to couple with last year's first rounder, Chris Long, but none warrants consideration this high in the draft. Smith can be a solid bookend for the next twelve years.
3. Kansas City: Eugene Monroe, Virginia, OT - Rookie GM Scott Pioli has long been a believer in solidifying the O and D-lines before all else. Monroe would fit in nicely next to the Chiefs' 2008 first rounder, his college teammate, Branden Albert.
4. Seattle: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR - For a team that has fallen victim to wide receiver plague for the last few years, Crabtree is the perfect remedy.5. Cleveland: Michael Jenkins, Ohio State, CB - Mangini believes in building his teams around defense (see NY Jets Offseason - 2008). Jenkins has shutdown corner skills and would be a nice place to start.
6. Cincinnati: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, LB - Curry and 2008 first rounder Keith Rivers would provide stability in the linebacking corps for years to come. Most importantly, there are no character issues with Curry.
7. Oakland: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, WR - The Raiders lack a deep threat in the passing game. Maclin can fill that void.
8. Jacksonville: Michael Oher, Ole Miss, OT - The Jags lost two starters on their offensive line in Week 1 and never recovered. Oher would be their best lineman from Day 1 and figures to be a fixture in the league for many years.9. Green Bay: B.J. Raji, Boston College, DT - After trading DT Corey Williams in the offseason, the Packers struggled mightily defending the run. Raji dominated the Senior Bowl and has seen his stock soar in recent weeks.
10. San Francisco: Mark Sanchez, USC, QB - A dream scenario for the Niners, they would snatch Sanchez in about 0.00002 seconds if he slips this far. He's a California native who starred at USC and would be the long-term answer at the quarterback position.
11. Buffalo: Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State, TE - Pettigrew is the most complete tight end in the class and would provide a nice target for emerging QB Trent Edwards.
12. Denver: Peria Jerry, Ole Miss, DT - The Broncos struggled to stop the run again last season. Stop me if you've heard this before.13. Washington: Rey Maualuga, USC, LB - Owner Dan Snyder loves the big name, and London Fletcher can't play forever, can he?
14. New Orleans: Sean Smith, Utah, CB - Smith has great size, and the Saints figure to focus on the defensive secondary early and often on Draft Day. Smith had a great Sugar Bowl which was played in... (drum roll)... New Orleans.
15. Houston: Brian Orakpo, Texas, DE - The Texans would do back flips if the Texas product slid this far. He reminds me of Vernon Gholston (read: major bust possibilities), but he would be a great value here. Houston has taken a defensive lineman with three of their last four first round picks.
16. San Diego: Aaron Maybin, Penn State, DE/LB - The Chargers desperately missed DE / LB Shawne Merriman, and Maybin has a similar skill set.
17. New York Jets: Brian Cushing, USC, LB - Rookie head coach Rex Ryan wants to develop the most physical team in football. Cushing would be a nice addition to a defense that faded down the stretch.
18. Chicago: Percy Harvin, Florida, WR - Matt Forte led the Bears in receptions last season (63). Taking that kind of pounding year in and year out will lead to a short career. Harvin, ever the brittle superstar, has Devin Hester-esque game changing ability.
19. Tampa Bay: Everette Brown, Florida State, DE - The Bucs would be another team that would be ecstatic if this exact draft scenario unfolded. Brown, a local product, would work with 2007 first rounder, Gaines Adams.
20. Detroit (from Dallas): Jason Smith, Baylor, OT - Smith has top 10 talent but could slip because of team needs. Matt Stafford won't have to wait long for a new best friend - 19 picks to be exact.
21. Philadelphia: Alex Mack, California, C - Jamaal Jackson struggled at times this season, and Mack is clearly the cream of a solid center crop.
22. Minnesota: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland, WR - No matter who is playing quarterback, the Vikes need someone to pair with Bernard Berrian to help take the focus off Adrian Peterson.
23. New England: Jame Laurinaitis, Ohio State, LB - Is he Andy Katzenmoyer reincarnate? I don't think so, but the similarities certainly exist.
24. Atlanta: Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi, TE - The Falcons figure to add some offensive weapons to help QB Matt Ryan to develop. Nelson offers something the team lacked this season, a pass catching threat at the tight end position.
25. Miami: D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt, CB - Cornerbacks figure to go off the board...26. Baltimore: Vontae Davis, Illinois, CB - ...with the next few picks...
27. Indianapolis: Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest, CB - ... but I have no idea what order it will happen.
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina): Chris Wells, Ohio State, RB - Wells would offer the bruising style to complement the home run hitting Brian Westbrook.
29. New York Giants: Clay Matthews, USC, LB - Pressure the QB.. Pressure the QB.. Pressure the QB...
30. Tennessee: Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina, WR - The defense was great. The running game was great. The passing game stunk. The Titans need to address this during the offseason.
31. Arizona: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia, RB - Moreno failed to live up to expectations this season and will slip further than he should. He could win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award if this scenario unfolds.
32. Pittsburgh: Max Unger, Oregon, C - The Steelers were solid across the board. I'm nitpicking, but the line could use some bolstering.Mock Notes
**I think the NFL should revisit the draft order creation process. Why should the Chargers, a team that made the playoffs, pick eight spots ahead of the Patriots?
**The Lions have three of the top 33 picks. If they can nab a defensive tackle like Sen'Derrick Marks at the top of round two along with Stafford and Smith in round one, the foundation upon which to build could be in place.
**The owners of the first five picks all have new head coaches. It will be interesting to see how much power each wields.
**LSU OG Herman Johnson weighed 15lbs, 14oz. at birth, a Louisiana state record. At the Senior Bowl, he stood 6"7' and weighed in at 382lbs. Let those numbers sink in for a second.**Liberty RB Rashad Jennings tops the list of "Just Missed." I tried working him into the first round so it would be two years in a row that a player transferred from Pitt and got drafted in the first round (Joe Flacco), but it did not work out.
**Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson did not make his way into the first round. He won't experience a Quentin Moses-esque (preseason top five overall; ended up being first pick of third round) fall from grace, but look out below.
**This will be the first time in 14 years that no member of the Miami Hurricanes will be picked in round one.
Monday, January 5, 2009
NFL Mock Draft (Part I)
One man's best guess four months before the draft:
1. Detroit: Sam Bradford*, QB, Oklahoma - Where do we begin? Coming off an 0-16 season, the Lions can go in pretty much any direction here. If I were running the team, I would trade down to accumulate more picks. However, it's too soon to forecast trades so my guess is that Detroit will go after the best quarterback in the draft.
2. St. Louis: Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama - On Marc Bulger's behalf, I beg the Rams to take the bookend from Alabama. On irony's behalf, I beg the Rams to take him. It has been rumored that Smith was suspended for his team's bowl game because of inappropriate contact with an agent. Remember, this accusation was also made against the second overall pick in 2006, Reggie Bush.
3. Kansas City: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas - After trading Jared Allen prior to the 2008 season, the Chiefs struggled to generate any consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Orakpo showed this season that he was the best defensive end in all of college football.
4. Seattle: Michael Crabtree*, WR, Texas Tech - Seattle has been looking for a solid, dependable wide receiver for years. Crabtree will be the best thing to happen to the city of Seattle since Kevin Durant was drafted by the Sonics. Hopefully, things turn out better for Seahawk fans.
5. Cleveland: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - The Browns' offense lacks consistency. The defense lacks almost everything. Curry, a playmaker, will help.
6. Cincinnati: Aaron Maybin*, DE, Penn State - Maybin was one of the most productive defensive linemen in the country. The Bengals can use the help.
7. Oakland: Jeremy Maclin*, WR, Missouri - Maclin, a player I discussed last week, is an explosive wideout who would provide a nice deep threat for JaMarcus Russell.
8. Jacksonville: Chris Wells*, RB, Ohio State - Wells would be a huge upgrade over Fred Taylor and in order to be dominant in the NFL, teams must have two backs. He would be the thunder to Maurice Jones Drew's lightning.
9. Green Bay: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State - The Packers pass defense really struggled last year, and Jenkins solidified himself as the top corner in the nation with a great season.
10. San Francisco: Matthew Stafford*, QB, Georgia - If Stafford lasts until the 10th overall pick, the 49ers can thank Tyler Thigpen. Had Thigpen continued to struggle running Kansas City's offense, Stafford would be gone seven picks before this spot. Personally, I think the comparisons to John Elway are way off base. He never dominated the college game the way Mark Richt had hoped.
* = Underclassman, has not declared for draft thus far.
This blog was created to form a medium of exchange where sports fans can share ideas, beliefs, and opinions. The creator has written for a number of websites and has appeared on ESPN Radio as an NFL Draft, MLB Trade Deadline and Fantasy Sports Analyst. He can be reached at mjs3131@hotmail.com
1. Detroit: Sam Bradford*, QB, Oklahoma - Where do we begin? Coming off an 0-16 season, the Lions can go in pretty much any direction here. If I were running the team, I would trade down to accumulate more picks. However, it's too soon to forecast trades so my guess is that Detroit will go after the best quarterback in the draft.
2. St. Louis: Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama - On Marc Bulger's behalf, I beg the Rams to take the bookend from Alabama. On irony's behalf, I beg the Rams to take him. It has been rumored that Smith was suspended for his team's bowl game because of inappropriate contact with an agent. Remember, this accusation was also made against the second overall pick in 2006, Reggie Bush.
3. Kansas City: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas - After trading Jared Allen prior to the 2008 season, the Chiefs struggled to generate any consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Orakpo showed this season that he was the best defensive end in all of college football.
4. Seattle: Michael Crabtree*, WR, Texas Tech - Seattle has been looking for a solid, dependable wide receiver for years. Crabtree will be the best thing to happen to the city of Seattle since Kevin Durant was drafted by the Sonics. Hopefully, things turn out better for Seahawk fans.
5. Cleveland: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - The Browns' offense lacks consistency. The defense lacks almost everything. Curry, a playmaker, will help.
6. Cincinnati: Aaron Maybin*, DE, Penn State - Maybin was one of the most productive defensive linemen in the country. The Bengals can use the help.
7. Oakland: Jeremy Maclin*, WR, Missouri - Maclin, a player I discussed last week, is an explosive wideout who would provide a nice deep threat for JaMarcus Russell.
8. Jacksonville: Chris Wells*, RB, Ohio State - Wells would be a huge upgrade over Fred Taylor and in order to be dominant in the NFL, teams must have two backs. He would be the thunder to Maurice Jones Drew's lightning.
9. Green Bay: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State - The Packers pass defense really struggled last year, and Jenkins solidified himself as the top corner in the nation with a great season.
10. San Francisco: Matthew Stafford*, QB, Georgia - If Stafford lasts until the 10th overall pick, the 49ers can thank Tyler Thigpen. Had Thigpen continued to struggle running Kansas City's offense, Stafford would be gone seven picks before this spot. Personally, I think the comparisons to John Elway are way off base. He never dominated the college game the way Mark Richt had hoped.
* = Underclassman, has not declared for draft thus far.
This blog was created to form a medium of exchange where sports fans can share ideas, beliefs, and opinions. The creator has written for a number of websites and has appeared on ESPN Radio as an NFL Draft, MLB Trade Deadline and Fantasy Sports Analyst. He can be reached at mjs3131@hotmail.com
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