Post Week 13 1 round mock draft

[descendency]

I was extremely tempted to put Tim Tebow #1 overall just to see what would happen (both in the draft and to this forum... it'd probably crash).

1. Cleveland Browns: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
This is a tough pick. If I were the Browns, I'd take a low value trade to get out of #1 overall to go to like 5th. They may not want Jimmy Clausen, my #1 overall pick if it is St Louis or Washington, because he comes from Charlie Weis led Notre Dame just like Brady Quinn. While they are drastically different quarterbacks, the idea will probably enter into their minds. They're not taking Suh because they don't need a DE. They're not taking McCoy because he doesn't fit their system. They are not taking Tebow becaus he is ultra raw (unlike Jake Locker who is only semi-ultra raw). They are not taking a right tackle with the #1 overall pick. No one will be insane enough to take Carlos Dunlap #1 overall. Eric Berry, no matter how good, is not going #1 overall. Safeties do NOT go #1 overall.

If Jimmy Clausen is not on their big board, this has to be Jake Locker.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NDamukong Suh, DL, Nebraska
Suh is a perfect fit for the new 43 defense that they will likely be playing next year. He would be a great fit at 34 DE if they decide to go that route.

3. St Louis Rams: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Like it or not, I'm going about 75% sure that Jimmy Clausen is signed before the draft day for about 50 million guaranteed and will be the #1 overall pick. He is the most NFL ready of the QBs. He has shown amazing things in Notre Dame in spite of his OL. Clausen is clearly a steal at this point in the draft for the Rams, who will likely not have the #1 overall pick.

4. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, 43 DT, Oklahoma
The Detroit Lions can't stop the run. They might want to protect Matthew Stafford, but their ineptitude on defense must take precendence. Gerald McCoy will be able to get into opposing teams back fields and force plays to go laterally. It's a start.

5. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Who is the most over-rated QB in the NFL? According to Daniel Snyder, it's Jason Campbell. This is a forgone conclusion between two QBs, Tebow and Bradford. You can tell me all you want about the running game, the OL, and everything else. It's Snyder and his hate for Campbell that will get Sam Bradford drafted here. Bradford was a #1 overall pick at the beginning of the season, so it's not like it's a reach.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: Russel Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Kansas City has more pressing needs than an OT, but the best players available are Eric Berry and Russel Okung. Since they're giving Matt Cassel 63 million, they might want to make sure he is actually throwing the ball.

7. Oakland Raiders: Carlos Dunlap, 43 DE, Florida
Don't rule out Taylor Mays here. However, With Richard Seymour slacking off at DE and a need at DT, they draft Carlos Dunlap who has measurables out every area. They will be able to play him outside and move seymour inside after they pay Seymour way too much.

8. Buffalo Bills: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Some fanbase will be very unhappy from draft day until Tebow succeeds or they will just be unhappy about this pick. Since Jim Kelly, Hall of Fame Bills QB and legend, has endorsed Tebow, I will move him here. Honestly, he's an ultra raw prospect with potential to be a great QB. He has many of the tools. He just needs to develop. He goes here because he's a winner. (3 national titles in 4 years... yea.)

9. San Fransisco 49ers from Carolina Panthers: Eric Berry, SS, Tennessee
A steal at this point, Eric Berry fits one of the 49ers best needs. With "Ed Reed level talent at SS", Berry will be a must pick for the 49ers.

10. Denver Broncos from Chicago Bears: Rolando McClain, 34 LB, Alabama
A versatile 34 LB with elite instincts, size, speed, and many other tools at LB. Josh McDaniels will want to improve the LB group or at least have a replacement for Andra Davis.

11. Seattle Seahawks: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
A ultra athletic OT for a team going to a ZBS.

12. New York Jets: Taylor Mays, 46 SS/OLB, USC
Their coach is Rex Ryan (Son of the inventor of the 46 defense). Their DB coach is Doug Plank (inspiration for the 46 defense). They will probably cut Vernon Gholston this off-season and resigning Bryan Thomas is questionable at this point. Calvin Pace hasn't looked stellar. The only player that has any chance to make this pick something else is Kerry Rhodes... who was benched last week.

Taylor Mays is a perfect fit at 46 SS/OLB hybrid, which is a major positive because that's about all.

13. San Fransisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
They need a RT or someone who can move Joe Staley back to RT.

14. Houston Texans: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Dunta Robinson's contract is coming to an end. No real #2 corner. Peyton Manning.

15. Tennessee Titans: Greg Hardy, 43 DE, Ole Miss
Kyle Vandenbosh is old and his contract is ending. It's time they upgrade the DE position.

16. Miami Dolphins: Terrence Cody, 34 NT, Alabama
Bill Parcells makes moves like this. He'll take a prospect because of extreme value. 34 NT market is about to go insane. They can't afford to continue to have mediocre production from the NT position. Terrence Cody is a borderline 3 down player, likely a 2 down player. He is an extremely big run stuffer.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jerry Hughes, 34 OLB, TCU
The best pure pass rusher in the draft. Jerry Hughes is explosive, has great technique, and has a wide array of pass rushing moves.

18. Atlanta Falcons: Travis Lewis, 43 OLB, Oklahoma
An OLB for a team that needs an upgrade. Travis lewis any lower would be a shame.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to upgrade that OL before Big Ben has a career ending concussion (from either the opposing defense or Hines Ward from Big Ben sitting out due to a concussion).

20. New York Giants: Brandon Spikes, 43 MLB, Florida
Antonio Peirce is slow and injured. Spikes is slow, but is still an upgrade. A DT has an outside shot at being the pick because Canty has underwhelmed.

21. Baltimore Ravens: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Dez Bryant is a need at this point. Derrick Mason could retire. No one else is a #1 on the team. Dez Bryant will give this offense a weapon they are seriously lacking.

22. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC
An athletic tackle for a ZBS team that needs it.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
A DE to play accross from Trent Cole.

24. Seattle Seahawks from Denver Broncos: Jahvid Best, RB, California
If Ryan Mallett declares, he will be the pick if available. Best is not my #1 RB, but is PERFECT for a ZBS because he is a 1 cut RB.

25. Arizona Cardinals: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Fills an OT need.

26. New England Patriots: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
This pick is frustrating. One week, you think it's obviously one player and the next you think it's another. The best player avaible doesn't fit any of the needs (Damian Williams). CJ Spiller is an option, but RB has never been a top priority in NE. Trevard Lindley and Donovan Warren are certainly options as the corners in NE are not playing up to expectations. Ultimately, if I am going to make a Bill Belichick type pick, it's going to be Mike Iupati. Iupati is the top prospect at guard and has good mauler run blocking style and good pass protection skills. He would be an immediate upgrade to Steven Neal. While some might laugh at NE drafting a right guard (or left guard if they want to move Logan Mankins over), this would give them some youth on an OL that needs youth. Vollmer, Iupati, Koppen, Mankins, Light would be a great OL to be behind in 2010 and could improve the all around feel to the offense.

Little known fact: The last 2 OLBs NE has drafted (Shawn Crable in 08, Tyrone McKenzie in 09) have a combined 3 NFL seasons under them... and 3 visits to the IR (3 torn ACLs). Zero downs played (all 3 IRs have happened in training camp). NE needs to do something to keep them healthy... because that's insane. This could be the last year for Shawn Crable if he gets another IR in training camp. (3 in a row = injury problems).

27. Dallas Cowboys: Cameron Heyward, 34 DE, Ohio State
Upgrade at 34 DE because no OT really merits being picked here.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Who is their TE?

29. San Diego Chargers: Dan Williams, 34 NT, Tennessee
Jamal Williams is old and hurt. His contract is coming up. This is a need and has extreme value due to the coming explosiion of the 34 NT market.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Morgan, 43 DE, Georgia Tech
Ray Edwards is only good because he's in a contract year. A replacement is a huge need. They might try to trade up to get Mallett if he declares.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Jason Fox, OT, Miami
They are awful at LT. If Peyton Manning didn't have elite pocket presence, quiick release, great mobility (within in the pocket... he runs like a 3-leg Giraffe), and outstanding footwork, he'd eat turf regularly.

32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Witherspoon, 43 OLB, Missouri
They need an OLB.

I wanted to add a 2nd round, but I realized I need to do some housekeeping on my resources before I attempt a second round.

[vikes_28]

mmm, no. I'd much rather have a Safety there.

[vidae]

Would still prefer Berry in the first. We can get quality OL with our two picks in the second. I think it'd be really hard passing a talent up like Berry for Okung.

[descendency]

Yea, Eric Berry is certainly a possibility for the Chiefs. With Bernard Pollard gone (why did they do that???), the Chiefs certainly have a need for a SS.

[phlysac]

9. San Fransisco 49ers from Carolina Panthers: Eric Berry, SS, Tennessee
A steal at this point, Eric Berry fits one of the 49ers best needs. With "Ed Reed level talent at SS", Berry will be a must pick for the 49ers.

13. San Fransisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
They need a RT or someone who can move Joe Staley back to RT.


Although unlikely, this is the single greatest mock I've ever seen :)

[JT Jag]

Solid Jaguars pick. Derrick Morgan and Everson Griffin would be two other guys I'd be happy with there.

[descendency]

Although unlikely, this is the single greatest mock I've ever seen :)

Let me say I don't think SF gets Berry on draft day unless they trade up. Here's why:

Cleveland: would have to trade down for it to make sense. Will likely target clausen, bradford, locker, or tebow (I know...) with that pick as the new regime will want their QB.

Tampa Bay: probably is locked on Suh.

St Louis: Same as cleveland. Trading down is more likely at this spot even.

Detroit: McCoy is the best pick for them. They need run stoppers and if your SS is your run stopper, your defense sucks.

Washington: Will take a QB.

Oakland: Depends on his 40 time.

Buffalo: Reasonable shot. This is the biggest worry...

Then you have teams that might trade up to get him. Oakland won't trade down but Washington might given that the only team that they have to worry about taking a QB is Buffalo and with every VY success, Tim Tebow will become a more and more attractive candidate.

However, trading up to 5th overall isn't cheap from 10th or later. (Unless it's eric mangini...)

Then you have Carolina's remaining schedule. Tampa, @NE, Minn, @NYG, NO. At best, 1 win. At worst, 0 wins. Oakland and washington play each other so that is potentially a free spot. If Buffalo wins a game (not unreasonable, that moves them up as well).

Cleveland plays Oakland and KC. So, Carolina's pick could reasonably be top 5.

I'd put the chances Eric Berry is wearing a 49ers uniform in 2010 at somewhere between 30 and 50%, if he declares which might not happen. If they want him. If they don't have him on their big board very high, then I would imagine he won't be.

[CC.SD]

Dan Williams eh...I suppose I could see that happening if it is determined to be the bolts biggest need and Cody is off the board. Good mock.

[vidae]

Yea, Eric Berry is certainly a possibility for the Chiefs. With Bernard Pollard gone (why did they do that???), the Chiefs certainly have a need for a SS.

He failed horribly on tackling sometimes and that's not acceptable, but Mike Brown has been just as bad. I liked Pollard but going for the big hit all the time was one of the big reasons he's not here. It could also have something to do with the fact that the new regime wanted to make sure everyone knew that no single person was safe. Kinda sucks to have it at the expense of Pollard, but eh.

We probably have the two worst starting safeties in the entire NFL. Page is hurt, so we're rolling with Jon McGraw (great special teams player and backup) and Mike Brown who is just terrible. Berry fills a gigantic need.

All that aside, I wouldn't HATE Okung, we just need that impact defensive player we've been lacking. We need an Ed Reed or a Polamalu. No idea if this kid will be that, but he's got the potential, so I'll take it.

[Pat Sims 90]

I like the Gresham Pick but if Derrick Morgan is there we have to take him he is a Top 15 Talent.

[Don Vito]

Solid Pats pick, we need some OL help and there is a big hole at RG. Derrick Morgan would be a nice pick too, we desperately need a talented young OLB. Tyrone McKenzie was an OLB at USF but he is going to play inside here; it sucks about his knee but between his potential and Guyton being a servicable player opposite Mayo, we should be OK at ILB early in this draft. An OLB would be nice though, really anyone that can put pressure on the QB.

[abaddon41_80]

If the 49ers somehow get Eric Berry, I am going to need new shorts.

[RWills]

Like the Pats pick, but Spiller would fit perfectly for the Pats and would love to see him eventually replace Faulk.

I see Spiller, Gresham or Iupati - all would fill big needs, they have 3 picks in round 2 with plenty of pass rushers available

[descendency]

Solid Pats pick, we need some OL help and there is a big hole at RG.

The hole isn't so much RG as it could be LG. Logan Mankins is a RFA at the end of the year. They will likely be forced to match an offer even if they tender him at the highest value. They might let him walk for a 1st and a 3rd. The Colts need a G for example.

However, if Iupati can play RG and Mankins LG or visa versa, then there would only be one major spot on the line that would need an upgrade sooner rather than later... center.

I'm not sure anyone other than Jerry Hughes, Von Miller, and a handful of other later round people can play OLB. Only Jerry Hughes is a 1st rounder in my opinion. I think some of the guys are in a Vernon Gholston range. (need to be a 43 DE and not a 34 OLB).

Spiller would be an exception candidate for this pick. I kind of hope they can sneak him in the second. Then maybe some OLB depth like Von Miller and finally Alex Carrington for DE depth or Austen Lane for DE/OLB depth (Lane is 265. 6'6" and has potential starter "potential")

[Abaddon]

8. Buffalo Bills: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Some fanbase will be very unhappy from draft day until Tebow succeeds or they will just be unhappy about this pick. Since Jim Kelly, Hall of Fame Bills QB and legend, has endorsed Tebow, I will move him here. Honestly, he's an ultra raw prospect with potential to be a great QB. He has many of the tools. He just needs to develop. He goes here because he's a winner. (3 national titles in 4 years... yea.)

You've got your cart and horse a little backwards there, me thinks.

[DiG]

bradford at 5 over okung is awful. big deal bradford was preseason #1 overall??? thats why we have seasons. people move up and down boards based on a season and bradfords season should have him pushed out of the top 10. he does not have the tangibles and upside of a top 5 pick and his injuries are a major concern. put him behind our oline and he wont last 4 games. id grade that pick as a D-

[phlysac]

Let me say I don't think SF gets Berry on draft day unless they trade up.

I completely agree and have kept his name out of any of my shuffling of 49er draft possibilities. I just appreciated what it looked like in that slightest of possibilities.

[redbills]

Tim Tebow, lol, no.

[Sniper]

Brandon Graham ZOMGZ YES!

[killxswitch]

Excellent pick for the Colts with good reasoning. The RT position is worse than LT, but Charlie Johnson is not a franchise LT. I'd like to see him move to RT and have a guy like Fox man the left side.

[FlyingElvis]

Solid Pats pick, we need some OL help and there is a big hole at RG. Derrick Morgan would be a nice pick too, we desperately need a talented young OLB. Tyrone McKenzie was an OLB at USF but he is going to play inside here; it sucks about his knee but between his potential and Guyton being a servicable player opposite Mayo, we should be OK at ILB early in this draft. An OLB would be nice though, really anyone that can put pressure on the QB.

I concur. It ain't sexy, but the most desperate needs at this point are DE/OLB (pass rush!) followed by RT, C and RG. Pretty much in that order, imo.

Solid analysis on NE.

[marshallb]

Very good Vikings pick, if Edwards leaves, if he stays, then DE isn't a need at all. S would also be looked at and like you said, if Mallett comes out, we'd probably be interested in him. Weatherspoon would be a good pick also.

[thebow305]

Perfect Phins pick!

[diesel]

I can't say that I hate the Heyward pick to Dallas. In fact, I kinda like it.

[descendency]

bradford at 5 over okung is awful. big deal bradford was preseason #1 overall??? thats why we have seasons. people move up and down boards based on a season and bradfords season should have him prushed out of the top 10. he does not have the tangibles and upside of a top 5 pick and his injuries are a major concern. put him behind our oline and he wont last 4 games. id grade that pick as a D-

I'll agree that the OL needs upgrading. Bradford's upside is similar to that of Jimmy Clausen, so I don't think that is a huge factor. His injury concern might push him out of the top 10, but I seriously doubt Daniel Snyder will sit back and let Washington keep Jason Campbell. Who else would play QB?

Honestly, if you like a QB, you will reach for them.

You've got your cart and horse a little backwards there, me thinks.

Yes, I am jumping the gun on that one. No, The draft is a after the national championship game. I hope Alabama, Texas, and maybe TCU fans don't miss-understand what I mean. I'm merely saying what would happen if he wins the 3rd national title. There are teams that will take him just because they thing they can take him, put him in a similar system, and win, especially if Vince Young can do it.

Tim Tebow, lol, no.

I don't disagree, but here's the crazy part. Someone in round 1 will be taking him. It's just a matter of figuring out where. This was just Buffalo's turn. I wrote up one with him going #1 overall, which is the least likely of all, and one going to the Vikings. Redskins, and Jaguars too. Lots of teams have been mocked Tebow. Honestly, it only shifts the draft 4 or so picks in my opinion.

If a team wants tebow, it will be with their #1 pick.

Tebow is mostly a victim of negative press. Once few people are critical, it tends to snowball. Tim Tebow is not the worst prospect to ever come out of college football like some people act like. As a propsect, he is raw. He has elite build (6'3" 240 with elite musculature), outstanding intangibles, solid arm strength. His throwing motion is awful. To what degree can it be less awful in the NFL could determine what level of zip he can put on throws.

His footwork is awful, but a lot of pro QBs do tremendous work on it during their "senior" (last) off-season.

He has a combined total of 4 snaps from center. So, there are issues.

If you are wondering if I was a GM, would I draft him in the top 10 if my team needed a QB? I would certainly think about it. The decision would be based on what my QB coach and OC thought.

[DiG]

I'll agree that the OL needs upgrading. Bradford's upside is similar to that of Jimmy Clausen, so I don't think that is a huge factor. His injury concern might push him out of the top 10, but I seriously doubt Daniel Snyder will sit back and let Washington keep Jason Campbell. Who else would play QB?

Honestly, if you like a QB, you will reach for them.



i think there is probably a less than 5% chance the skins will resign campbell. a lot will depend on if we go with a capped or uncapped year. in an uncapped season campbell becomes a rfa in which case i could see a swap trade with another team for a qb or he sticks around one more season. believe what you will but colt brennan will get a shot to start next year. they could have easily cut him this year instead of putting him on IR and paying his salary because they want him around. theres no way snyder lets colt get away from the skins to go somewhere else and play before he gets his chance in dc. there are a couple vet qbs i think the skins will try to bring in also. culpepper, bulger (if hes cut), pennington, tarvaris jackson, etc. im not saying that drafting a qb is out of the question. im just saying that we have too many other stronger needs to think that qb is the only position we would consider.