A mock with moxie

[Hawgdriver]

I don't care if you're gentle or not, but I would appreciate feedback like "we/they don't need help at that position because..." or "so-and-so is a better WR because..."

Of course, "this is the most stupid mock I have ever seen" is ALWAYS welcome... ;)

1 Raiders JaMarcus Russell QB

The Raiders may be very tempted to choose Calvin Johnson as the #1 overall, but a new signal caller seems more likely. Russell has many of the elements that owner Al Davis prizes. There was recently a rumor of a Vick trade, but that has been completely silenced by the Atlanta FO. Trading for Vick would be salary cap suicide anyway.

2 Cardinals Joe Thomas OT

The Lions trade their #2 overall to the Cards. This move seems likely to me because the Lions have a long laundry list of needs. Although they may likely pick up Joe Thomas, deemed as the safest overall pick of the draft, and a position they badly need, they could do well to sell this to the Cardinals, who actually need him worse. Although the Cards pass protection picked up toward the end of the season, this is clearly one of the areas they should concentrate on the most. If they want to protect Leinart, they could do a lot worse. In return, the Lions get the Card's #7 pick and a combination of 2nd/3rd round picks divided over this year's draft and the next (or possible trades).

3 Bucs Gaines Adams DE


4 Browns Jamaal Anderson DE

The Bucs have a strong need for an improved pass rush, and they should look to Adams or Anderson for that need. The Browns badly need help on their offensive line, and may consider the #2 overall OT, Levi Brown, but they also need to improve their pass rush. The Browns #1 problem is clearly their offensive line, but one player alone won't fix it...so they may be best served by a mix of free agency and draft choices.


5 Detroit Levi Brown OT

The decision to pass on Thomas and pick up Brown may leave some readers puzzled. Considering that they also receive two additional first day picks and a long list of ailments explains why.

6 Redskins Alan Branch DT

The Redskins need a DE. But there is a pretty steep drop off between Anderson and Carriker. The Skins may well go with Carriker anyway. However, Branch is the best player available at this point, and will help a struggling Skins' run defense.

7 Vikings Calvin Johnson WR

The Vikings get lucky if the Raiders and the Bucs pass on Johnson.

8 Texans Adrian Peterson RB

This is a great break for the Texans. The former Palestine HS star moves back to Tejas.

9 Dolphins Darrelle Revis CB

The Fins have a few needs that could be addressed by this pick, but Revis is the best player among those available.

10 Falcons LaRon Landry S

A natural choice, although the Falcons may look at a WR.

11 SF Dameion Hughes CB

The 49ers need help on the corners, and the Berkeley kid has not escaped the notice of Nolan, a defensive minded coach. Ginn and Jarrett are also quite possible here.


12 Bills Leon Hall CB
13 Rams Adam Carriker DE

14 Panthers Brady Quinn QB

Panthers take out an insurance policy on Delhomme. The return or departure of Keyshawn Johnson may also affect this pick.

15 Steelers Paul Posluszny OLB

All of the sudden it looks like the Steelers have a bucket of needs. One of the most maligned groups this season has been the linebacking corp, and Posluszny is widely considered the best of the draft class.

16 Packers Reggie Nelson FS

The Packers are going to write off SS Manuel, opening the door for someone else. Although Nelson is a FS, he can play close to the line and is an outstanding athlete. Either he or Collins would have to make the move to SS, which is not the natural fit for either.

17 Jaguars Ted Ginn Jr. WR

Another WR in round 1 for the Jags? If Ginn drops this far, it's worth it. With is return ability, he brings more to the table.

18 Bengals Anthony Spencer DE

The Bengals could use this pick on the best defensive player available regardless of position, and that player would probably start.

19 Titans Dwayne Jarrett WR

20 Giants Marshawn Lynch RB

21 Broncos Amobi Okoye DT

22 Cowboys Aaron Ross CB

23 Chiefs Sidney Rice WR

24 Patriots Patrick Willis ILB

25 Jets Michael Bush RB

26 Eagles Charles Johnson DE

27 Saints Brandon Merriweather FS

28 Patriots Dwayne Bowe WR

29 Ravens Ben Grubbs OG

30 Chargers Brandon Siler ILB

31 Bears Zach Miller TE

32 Colts Lawrence Timmons ILB

[Alps]

Am I just missing something or do you not have Reggie Nelson going in the first round????

[Hawgdriver]

Am I just missing something or do you not have Reggie Nelson going in the first round????
Thanks, I can't believe I missed that. I knew I was forgetting someone. I'll correct that.

[GridironChamp]

Bucs are taking Johnson, and if Russel and Thomas are gone Lions will take Quin.

Okoye wont fall to 21, especially after his Senior BOwl and seeming most are predicting
a good Combine he wont do anything but raise.

[xX-Bronco-Xx]

Amobe Okoye going to 21!!!!?!?!??!!!?!?!? :eek:

[CinnaMunMun]

And isn't Carriker a little bit high?

Nice read though :D

[GridironChamp]

And i heard recently that if Lynch is threre Cincy will take him. ;)

[Hawgdriver]

Bucs are taking Johnson, and if Russel and Thomas are gone Lions will take Quin.

The Bucs may well take Johnson, who many consider the top player in the draft. However, the Bucs only had 25 sacks last season, and their line was the 3rd worst in that department in the leauge. I wouldn't be surprised if they go either way. With Galloway getting older and Clayton continuing to flounder, WR is not out of the question at all.

Quinn is a great QB prospect, but the Lions have too many issues with their lines. Kitna put up over 4000 yards, but was plagued by poor pass protection. However, many experts pick Quinn to go to the Lions, so who am I to argue?

Okoye wont fall to 21, especially after his Senior BOwl and seeming most are predicting a good Combine he wont do anything but raise.

Amobe Okoye going to 21!!!!?!?!??!!!?!?!?

Okoye may fall some because he was unable to generate much pressure in Senior Bowl practices, and his weight is a concern. Many scouts feel he is about 25 pounds too light right now. With his age and reliance on presumed 'potential' he carries a risk. However, he did have a good first quarter in the Senior bowl, so many teams may be willing to take that risk. However, since he's more of a NT than a 4-3 DT, it may not be the best fit for the Broncos or the Bengals.

And isn't Carriker a little bit high?

Yes, he is. However, besides Okoye, he represents the best talent available for an immediate need opposite Little.

[DancingHorsey]

Okoye may fall some because he was unable to generate much pressure in Senior Bowl practices, and his weight is a concern. Many scouts feel he is about 25 pounds too light right now. With his age and reliance on presumed 'potential' he carries a risk. However, he did have a good first quarter in the Senior bowl, so many teams may be willing to take that risk. However, since he's more of a NT than a 4-3 DT, it may not be the best fit for the Broncos or the Bengals.


Okoye is more of a NT than a 4-3 DT? I don't see that at all. He looks like straight up 4-3 DT to me.

[Cugel]

And i heard recently that if Lynch is threre Cincy will take him. ;)
That's the rumor, but how can that possibly be true? If true, then what on earth is Cincy doing, letting that inside info spread all over?

Whoever leaked that, if true, should be fired. You'll notice that those kind of leaks don't occur at Dove Valley.

That has to be some kind of mis-direction. About now GMs are more paranoid than a meth-addict. They don't want anyone to know what they're doing.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea to draft him, but to talk all over town about it?

[Cugel]

Okoye is more of a NT than a 4-3 DT? I don't see that at all. He looks like straight up 4-3 DT to me.
He actually has the versitility to play anywhere on the line, rather like Trevor Pryce did when he came to the Broncos.

That's another reason that he'll never in hell last until 21! My guess would be he'll go around #12 or #13 -- unless he has a great combine workout, in which case he could sneak into the top 10. On the other hand, if he disappoints at the combine, he could fall.

But, I don't expect that. :coffee:

[TU_HurricaneDB]

I don't care if you're gentle or not, but I would appreciate feedback like "we/they don't need help at that position because..." or "so-and-so is a better WR because..."

Of course, "this is the most stupid mock I have ever seen" is ALWAYS welcome... ;)

1 Raiders JaMarcus Russell QB
The Raiders may be very tempted to choose Calvin Johnson as the #1 overall, but a new signal caller seems more likely. Russell has many of the elements that owner Al Davis prizes. There was recently a rumor of a Vick trade, but that has been completely silenced by the Atlanta FO. Trading for Vick would be salary cap suicide anyway.
2 Cardinals Joe Thomas OT
The Lions trade their #2 overall to the Cards. This move seems likely to me because the Lions have a long laundry list of needs. Although they may likely pick up Joe Thomas, deemed as the safest overall pick of the draft, and a position they badly need, they could do well to sell this to the Cardinals, who actually need him worse. Although the Cards pass protection picked up toward the end of the season, this is clearly one of the areas they should concentrate on the most. If they want to protect Leinart, they could do a lot worse. In return, the Lions get the Card's #7 pick and a combination of 2nd/3rd round picks divided over this year's draft and the next (or possible trades).
3 Bucs Gaines Adams DE

4 Browns Jamaal Anderson DE
The Bucs have a strong need for an improved pass rush, and they should look to Adams or Anderson for that need. The Browns badly need help on their offensive line, and may consider the #2 overall OT, Levi Brown, but they also need to improve their pass rush. The Browns #1 problem is clearly their offensive line, but one player alone won't fix it...so they may be best served by a mix of free agency and draft choices.
5 Detroit Levi Brown OT
The decision to pass on Thomas and pick up Brown may leave some readers puzzled. Considering that they also receive two additional first day picks and a long list of ailments explains why.
6 Redskins Alan Branch DT
The Redskins need a DE. But there is a pretty steep drop off between Anderson and Carriker. The Skins may well go with Carriker anyway. However, Branch is the best player available at this point, and will help a struggling Skins' run defense.
7 Vikings Calvin Johnson WR
The Vikings get lucky if the Raiders and the Bucs pass on Johnson.
8 Texans Adrian Peterson RB
This is a great break for the Texans. The former Palestine HS star moves back to Tejas.
9 Dolphins Darrelle Revis CB
The Fins have a few needs that could be addressed by this pick, but Revis is the best player among those available.
10 Falcons LaRon Landry S
A natural choice, although the Falcons may look at a WR.
11 SF Dameion Hughes CB
The 49ers need help on the corners, and the Berkeley kid has not escaped the notice of Nolan, a defensive minded coach. Ginn and Jarrett are also quite possible here.
12 Bills Leon Hall CB
13 Rams Adam Carriker DE
14 Panthers Brady Quinn QB
Panthers take out an insurance policy on Delhomme. The return or departure of Keyshawn Johnson may also affect this pick.
15 Steelers Paul Posluszny OLB
All of the sudden it looks like the Steelers have a bucket of needs. One of the most maligned groups this season has been the linebacking corp, and Posluszny is widely considered the best of the draft class.
16 Packers Reggie Nelson FS
The Packers are going to write off SS Manuel, opening the door for someone else. Although Nelson is a FS, he can play close to the line and is an outstanding athlete. Either he or Collins would have to make the move to SS, which is not the natural fit for either.
17 Jaguars Ted Ginn Jr. WR
Another WR in round 1 for the Jags? If Ginn drops this far, it's worth it. With is return ability, he brings more to the table.
18 Bengals Anthony Spencer DE
The Bengals could use this pick on the best defensive player available regardless of position, and that player would probably start.
19 Titans Dwayne Jarrett WR
20 Giants Marshawn Lynch RB
21 Broncos Amobi Okoye DT
22 Cowboys Aaron Ross CB
23 Chiefs Sidney Rice WR
24 Patriots Patrick Willis ILB
25 Jets Michael Bush RB
26 Eagles Charles Johnson DE
27 Saints Brandon Merriweather FS
28 Patriots Dwayne Bowe WR
29 Ravens Ben Grubbs OG
30 Chargers Brandon Siler ILB
31 Bears Zach Miller TE
32 Colts Lawrence Timmons ILB


I like the trade between the Lions and Cardinals, it works out best for both teams but:

Levi Brown is not a top 5 talent he has been seen getting beat by speed rushers and from scouts I have spoken with they think he'll go somewhere around 11 to 23 range. Lions need a QB regardless of what else anyone hears Quinn just wont fall to 15.

Saints dont need a FS because of Bullocks and SS will be filled by 2nd yr man Roman Harper from Alabama, he hurt his knee but played extremely well when he was healthy.

Not sure if Bush has done enough to this point to be considered a 1st rd selection, he needs a great combine to get back into the 1st Rd.

I know you wanted answers as to why I dont like selections, well I getting tired of typing.

Wash needs a pass rush more than a run stopper, so Branch :nono:

Ross isn't a 1st rounder

Ginn and Jarrett wont fall that far and Hall WILL go before revis

of course this is all MO.

[MindField]

Okoye is probably a Top Ten selection now...

Right now, unless things change, I believe the Broncos need to trade down.

[DancingHorsey]

Okoye is probably a Top Ten selection now...

Right now, unless things change, I believe the Broncos need to trade down.

I've been thinking the same thing. I just don't see us getting anybody we really need at our spot, and I would love to see us go for more picks.

[BigBroncLove]

I've been thinking the same thing. I just don't see us getting anybody we really need at our spot, and I would love to see us go for more picks.

I'm not 100% sure. I think if the Steelers pass on Carriker, and the Jets don't trade up to get him, he could easily fall to us and would make an excellent grab at #21 IMO.

[DancingHorsey]

I'm not 100% sure. I think if the Steelers pass on Carriker, and the Jets don't trade up to get him, he could easily fall to us and would make an excellent grab at #21 IMO.

I'm not totally sold on Carriker. I don't really like 'tweeners that much.

[BigBroncLove]

I'm not totally sold on Carriker. I don't really like 'tweeners that much.

I can understand that, he projects better into a 3-4 anyhow. But for me, I really like the kid. You rarely see a DE with the speed and power that carriker does, and he was one of the few DE's to consistently challenge Levi Brown during Senior Bowl Practices.

I think he will be a quicker version of Jared Allen, perhaps even stronger. I like the idea of how he would do with Dumerville on the otherside :D.

[broncolee]

Okoye may fall some because he was unable to generate much pressure in Senior Bowl practices, and his weight is a concern. Many scouts feel he is about 25 pounds too light right now. With his age and reliance on presumed 'potential' he carries a risk. However, he did have a good first quarter in the Senior bowl, so many teams may be willing to take that risk. However, since he's more of a NT than a 4-3 DT, it may not be the best fit for the Broncos or the Bengals.

At 287lbs, he sounds more like a 4-3 DE than a DT. But even if he were still to play DT it appears he is more of a fit for 4-3 than 3-4. If he gets back up to 310lbs, he probably would still fit in a 4-3 scheme, if he's as good as people say he his. A lot of people seem to think Okoye will go early and won't be around at the #21 pick. I'm ok with that since I want to move up for Marshawn Lynch. But you never know. Scouts may see weaknesses in Okoye that make him drop to the #21 spot. If we're still there and can't get Lynch or a WR, I suppose I would be ok if we get Okoye. :salute:

[lord_helmet]

Some people have him falling, but I still think Tank Tyler will go in the 1st round and I wouldn't mind if he went 21st overall ;)

[lord_helmet]

At 287lbs, he sounds more like a 4-3 DE than a DT. But even if he were still to play DT it appears he is more of a fit for 4-3 than 3-4. If he gets back up to 310lbs, he probably would still fit in a 4-3 scheme, if he's as good as people say he his. A lot of people seem to think Okoye will go early and won't be around at the #21 pick. I'm ok with that since I want to move up for Marshawn Lynch. But you never know. Scouts may see weaknesses in Okoye that make him drop to the #21 spot. If we're still there and can't get Lynch or a WR, I suppose I would be ok if we get Okoye. :salute:

Okoye is 19 years old, case closed

[broncolee]

Okoye is 19 years old, case closed

Does that mean you're opposed to taking him in the 1st round or at all? Hey, maybe his stock falls because of his age and he is available at our pick. If he's as good as people are saying then we should take him if there aren't any RBs or WRs good enough to take at that spot. I'm not sure what you mean by case closed, though. :salute:

[Melo]

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER WILL BRADY QUINN FALL BELOW THE TOP TEN. Just thought id put that out there because i will go EMO before that happens. and if he did, Carolina wouldnt need him with Jake D. and Chris W. And levi is a top 15 pick, other wise its ight

[Fan in exile]

That's the rumor, but how can that possibly be true? If true, then what on earth is Cincy doing, letting that inside info spread all over?

Whoever leaked that, if true, should be fired. You'll notice that those kind of leaks don't occur at Dove Valley.

That has to be some kind of mis-direction. About now GMs are more paranoid than a meth-addict. They don't want anyone to know what they're doing.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea to draft him, but to talk all over town about it?

I seem to remember reading an article last year that said just the opposite. The point was that this is the time of year that teams tend to be a little loose but that by the combine they tighten up and by the draft they are just outright lying.

Does anyone else remember that article and where it was?

[lord_helmet]

Does that mean you're opposed to taking him in the 1st round or at all? Hey, maybe his stock falls because of his age and he is available at our pick. If he's as good as people are saying then we should take him if there aren't any RBs or WRs good enough to take at that spot. I'm not sure what you mean by case closed, though. :salute:

I meant that he can get bigger, no problem at all. His stock went up at the Senior Bowl and with a solid combine he's a top 10 pick. No way does he fall to us, very unrealistic IMO

[Hawgdriver]

Thanks guys for the excellent replies. Here is a summary of what I've learned:


Okoye is more valuable that I thought.
Okoye is not necessarily suited to be a 3-4 NT vs. a 4-3 DT
Quinn should go higher than 15
Saints don't need a FS
Bush may be a reach for the Ravens
Washington needs a DE so badly it would pass up other valuable options
Ross ain't no 1st round pick

I'm no expert, so I appreciate the feedback. I'll do my best to address these concerns.

Okoye...

I learned about Okoye on Frank Cooney's website. Frank Cooney is a popular draft expert.

As of 1/30, here was the word on the street about Okoye:

Most scouts consider Okoye a second-round prospect at this time. But his youth (19 years old) and high upside will cause him to move up the board as the draft approaches. (- Rob Rang)

Positives: Short, stocky frame with obvious potential for the nose guard position. Still a little soft in the middle, but thick legs and chest with room for additional growth. Good initial quickness off the snap. Can surprise his opponent and disrupt the play before it has a chance to begin. Ability to handle double-teams at the point of attack is one of his greatest attributes. Plays with good technique and impressive natural strength. Good pad level, use of hands and balance. Ability to make tackles in the backfield when the opportunity presents itself is his biggest improvement from his junior to senior seasons. Good motor and will pursue down the line in an effort to make the play. Good overall quickness and has surprising straight line speed. Intelligent, hard working and a team leader. Despite age, maturity is not a concern. Will enter the draft at only 19 and is only going to get bigger, stronger and faster.

Negatives: Lacks the bulk to fit as well in the classic 4-3 alignment preferred by most NFL teams as he would as nose guard in the 3-4. Plays the 3 technique at times for Louisville, but simply isn't the 6-4, 320-pounder 4-3 teams are looking for. Can struggle a bit when his initial burst is handled. Obvious upside, but isn't all the way there yet. Showed flashes early on, but took a year and half to begin earning starting time, and will be making a huge jump in competition from the Big East to the NFL. Still developing pass rush moves.

Quinn

Will the Lions take Quinn or is their public statement that they don't want a QB a bit of misdirection? I actually don't think they will take him, but they may draft him and trade him a la Eli Manning. That seems quite possible. Quinn falling to 15 is unrealistic w/ 6-7 teams that might possibly draft the #6 overall prospect--> someone would make a move for this guy.

Saints

What DO the Saints need?

Bush and Ravens

This was the classic square peg square hole theory in action. Bush is a 1-2 pre-combine...without his injury he may have been a solid 1st rounder. He's the right size to replace Lewis, but Billick had success in Minnesota with Robert Smith, who was a more nimble 210. However, Bush is the #3 back on many boards, and the Ravens need a RB above all.

Washington and a DE

If the Skins don't take Branch, do they take Carriker? Assume Anderson and Adams are off the board. I don't think they would pass on Branch in this case. But the Skins are a different breed when it comes to drafting.

Ross picked early?

Cowboys need a CB, so the choice isn't too illogical. Ross is a projected 1st rounder, the #4 CB overall on Rooney's website. He had a great showing at the Senior Bowl, and is also a dangerous punt returner.


Again, I appreciate the feedback...I think there is no better way of understanding the draft than making your own mock draft, so it's a heck of a learning experience for me. Thanks for the comments and I look forward to your mock drafts.

[BigBroncLove]

Saints

What DO the Saints need?

Well according to PFW (pro football weekly) the Saints have a couple of positions they will need to address in the offseason.

Apparently there is a need in NO to either restructure Joe Horns contract or to trade him or release him. Currently Horn is 35 years old and has a six year 42 million dollar contract. Since he has missed 9 games in the last two season and is currently not considered the #1 recieving option in New Orleans anymore (behind Colston and Bush surprisingly) the Saints are expected to restructure his contract or move him despite the big penalty that might ensue.

Then there's DE Will Smith. New Orleans wants to sign him back again after he had quite a season, but he's a RFA (restricted free agent) so if someone makes a big enough offer, Smith might be gone. I don't think it's a huge worry for NO though since they would recieve a first round pick since he will undoubtably be tendered with a first round pick if he is grabbed in RFA.

TE is also another possibility for the Saints (not in the 1st round IMO) as they have a real lack of talent or depth in the position. After that, I think any picks they make will be made to add depth to areas that have aging veterans.

[EMB123903]

I'd love to have Amobi Okoye drop to 21st but I dont see it happening at all, guys way to talented to drop that far, its a possibilitty though, alot of Teams dont like risking first round picks on a Defensive Tackle.

[EMB123903]

Im sorry and no offense but I think this mock draft is way way off.

[Hawgdriver]

Im sorry and no offense but I think this mock draft is way way off.
No offense taken, I appreciate your comments. I think it is different than some others out there, but I based it on credible sources. This is my first mock, so I can only get better. Before the combine, it's really not that accurate, so we'll see after the players at the combine run their drills.

If you do have the time, leave specific criticisms so we can learn from what you know. :)

[EMB123903]

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER WILL BRADY QUINN FALL BELOW THE TOP TEN. Just thought id put that out there because i will go EMO before that happens. and if he did, Carolina wouldnt need him with Jake D. and Chris W. And levi is a top 15 pick, other wise its ight


Panthers actually need a quarterback, Jake Delhomme has shown the world he isnt a legit qb in this league, Carolina taking quinn is a possibility.

[EMB123903]

No offense taken, I appreciate your comments. I think it is different than some others out there, but I based it on credible sources. This is my first mock, so I can only get better. Before the combine, it's really not that accurate, so we'll see after the players at the combine run their drills.

If you do have the time, leave specific criticisms so we can learn from what you know. :)


No doubt, pretty much every mock draft is gonna look wrong to others before the combine or pro days hit, just a matter of opinions, Calvin Johnson falling out of the top 5 is crazy though, Id love to see adrian peterson land with Kubiak, would be a great fit. And Im praying your right and Amobi Okoye drops to denver, that means we will have an Elite Talent @ DT, still very raw but also still very young, this guys going to be a beast!

[BigBroncLove]

Panthers actually need a quarterback, Jake Delhomme has shown the world he isnt a legit qb in this league, Carolina taking quinn is a possibility.

Delhomme was doing great all the way up until his injury, then the whole team took a nose dive. I doubt they are overly displeased with Delhomme, but no matter what happens they will be looking to add depth at QB somewhere in the draft.

[kratos_godofwar]

Saints do need CB. Seeing them get burned by the Bears and Eagles tells me that they need a CB opposite of Mike Mckenzie. They could also go LB if there is one there at their spot. The saints main weakness is their D, which can be fixed with a few young talent.

Great job with the Mock.

[The Lion]

I like the trade betwixt the Lions and Cardinals... but I would puke on my shoes if my Lions picked Levi Brown that high. The pick would be Jamaal Anderson... or Calvin Johnson... or Adrian Peterson... or anyone but Levi Brown.

The Lions have a lot of money tied up in the line (and still suck...). They just signed Jeff Backus to a franchise level deal last year. I don't see them tying up top 5 money in another LT... unless Joe Thomas grades out as a Pace/Ogden type. You just don't pass on that. But... Levi Brown is not that.