Miklo
04-23-2009, 05:10 PM
Hey, here's my latest mock draft for the first round...feel free to do your own here if you like. After doing some reading, I feel like Aaron Curry might fall because nobody wants to pay a LB top 10 money, which is pretty sad because I think he's gonna be a good player. Anyways, here it is...
1. Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia - Why not? They need a QB, obviously. They're in the same situation as the Falcons last year. They need a guy that can be the face of the franchise. Other possible choices: Either of the top 2 OT's, Aaron Curry.
2. Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - Huge void they need to fill from the departure of Orlando Pace. I like Smith better than Monroe, but if the Rams like Monroe better, he could be the guy. Other possible choices: Crabtree, Curry.
3. Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - This one might be a bit of a reach to some, but the Patriots under Scott Pioli had a history of taking their guy, regardless of where he was projected to go. I don't see Curry as being as great a fit in a 3-4 as 4-3, and most teams wont want to spend a top-3 pick on a LB. Other possible choices: Curry, whichever OT is left, Crabtree.
4. Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - This was a hard choice for me. I think they should probably go with whichever of the top 2 OT's is left, but I don't know that that's how they want to go. If Sanchez doesn't get taken here, several teams will be calling with 5-9 trying to trade up to get him, so maybe it is beneficial for the Hawks to take him here and start taking calls for potential trades. Other possible choices: Whichever OT is left, Curry, Crabtree.
5. Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas - Defense is more important this draft to the Browns, especially garnering some sort of pass rush. I don't know that the trade between them and the Giants is actually going to happen anymore, so I think they're going to keep Edwards and address the D. Other possible choices: Crabtree, BJ Raji, Aaron Curry, Monroe.
6. Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - The Bengals are a mess, they lost their top OT in free agency, their top WR hates them, their starting QB is coming off another injury. I think their primary concern HAS to be protecting Palmer, and Monroe is the perfect guy for the job. Other possible choices: Crabtree, BJ Raji, Aaron Curry, Beanie Wells (stretch).
7. Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - The Raiders have needs at WR, OT, DT, DE, LB, and Safety. One can probably make the case for BJ Raji being the best pick here since the run defense is so poor, but I think part of the reason for that is because the defense never gets off the field; adding a playmaking WR, whom many consider to be the top prospect in the draft, should aid the offense in giving the defensive time to rest. Other possible choices: Andre Smith, BJ Raji, Curry, Heyward-Bey/Maclin (hope not).
8. Jaguars: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - The Jags need to protect Garrard. He spent most of last season on his back, and they also lost their top OT in Khalif Barnes. They should capitalize on a really good OT prospect falling to them here. Other possible choices: Maclin, Malcom Jenkins, BJ Raji.
9. Packers: BJ Raji, DT, Boston College – The Packers are converting to a 3-4, and need personnel who can fit that scheme. They need to get their hands on a NT and some pass-rushing OLB’s. Raji dropping to them at 9 is perfect, and fills a major need. Other possible choices: Andre Smith (if he falls), Aaron Maybin, Curry, Jenkins, Michael Oher.
10. 49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri – The 49ers need a playmaker on offense. Their WR corps is just as bad as ours, if not worse – their leading pass-catcher last season was Isaac Bruce, who’s going to be 37. Maclin would be a great fit for them, and could help in the return game. Other possible choices: Maybin, Jenkins, Oher.
11. Bills: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest – The Bills get the steal of the draft, picking up Curry at number 11. They could use another OLB to pair with Kawika Mitchell and Posluszny. Getting a LB here might be a bad idea, since they have a big need at OT since Peters left, but I don’t see Curry falling much further than this. Other possible choices: Oher, Brandon Pettigrew, Maybin.
12. Broncos: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn St. – The Broncos are also switching to a 3-4, and don’t have the right personnel right now. Maybin would provide them with an outside pass rusher. Other possible choices: Robert Ayers, Rey Maualuga.
13. Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – the Redskins are very happy they stayed at 13 and landed a very good OT prospect, although they might wish they could have made a play for Sanchez. Other possible choices: Ayers, Everette Brown, Brian Cushing, Josh Freeman.
14. Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State – The Saints never seemed to care about their defense much, but I think Vilma has changed things. They could use another back to pair with Bush, but I think Malcolm Jenkins is a better pick here. Other possible choices: Beanie Wells, Cushing, Maualuga.
15. Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC – The Texans could use an OLB, a DT, or a Safety. The only position worth taking this high, in my opinion, is OLB. Other possible choices: Ayers, Matthews, Beanie Wells, Peria Jerry.
16. Chargers: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee – They have a hole to fill due to the departure of Igor Olshanksy. Ayers isn’t gigantic, but he could be a solid 3-4 end. Many believe they’ll go runningback here, but I think DE is a bigger need. They also need another safety. Other possible choices: Wells, Knowshon Moreno, Aaron Maybin.
17. Jets: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland – The Jets need a playmaker at wideout to pair with Cotchery. They have a huge hole at QB as well, so they could very well take a shot at Freeman here. Other possible choices: Josh Freeman, Knowshon, Pettigrew.
18. Broncos: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC – Another LB for the Broncos, this time for the interior. Maualuga is a hard hitter and could really thrive as an interior LB in a 3-4. The Broncos have a chance to get a very dangerous LB core in this draft. Other possible choices: Peria Jerry, Everette Brown, Josh Freeman.
19. Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – The Bucs take Freeman here. Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich are not the QB’s of the future. They also have some needs on the defensive line and WR. Other possible choices: Jerry, Brown, Kenny Britt.
20. Lions: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona – The Lions still get a solid OT prospect here. He isn’t as good as the top 4 prospects, but Stafford + Britton is better than Smith/Monroe + Whatever QB is ranked 4th in the draft. Other possible choices: Brown, Jerry, James Laurinaitis.
21. Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Eagles are supposedly in love with Knowshon, and I actually like him better than Beanie Wells as well (although my favorite back in the draft is LeSean McCoy). The Eagles get a solid backup/change-of-pace for Westbrook here, and add a key weapon to McNabb’s arsenal. Other possible choices: Brown, Pettigrew, Britt.
22. Vikings: Vontae Davis, DB, Illinois – The Vikings probably wish Freeman had dropped, but they have other issues at DB, WR, LB. They might opt for a different DB since some questions have arisen about Davis’s character. Other possible choices: Britt, Beatty, Alex Mack, Clay Matthews.
23. Patriots: Darius Butler, DB, Connecticut – I’ve heard the Patriots really like Butler, and they could really use help in the defensive backfield. The defense as a whole is aging fast. Other possible choices: Matthews, Brown, Laurinaitis, Beatty.
24. Falcions: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – Trading for Tony Gonzalez frees up this pick for them. They have holes at DT and LB, as well as DB. Other possible choices: Matthews, Larry English.
25. Dolphins: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida – The Dolphins need help at corner, but I think they go with the local product here. Improving the pass rush will help the corners anyways. Other possible choices: English, Britt, Alphonso Smith, Matthews.
(cont'd in next post)
1. Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia - Why not? They need a QB, obviously. They're in the same situation as the Falcons last year. They need a guy that can be the face of the franchise. Other possible choices: Either of the top 2 OT's, Aaron Curry.
2. Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - Huge void they need to fill from the departure of Orlando Pace. I like Smith better than Monroe, but if the Rams like Monroe better, he could be the guy. Other possible choices: Crabtree, Curry.
3. Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - This one might be a bit of a reach to some, but the Patriots under Scott Pioli had a history of taking their guy, regardless of where he was projected to go. I don't see Curry as being as great a fit in a 3-4 as 4-3, and most teams wont want to spend a top-3 pick on a LB. Other possible choices: Curry, whichever OT is left, Crabtree.
4. Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - This was a hard choice for me. I think they should probably go with whichever of the top 2 OT's is left, but I don't know that that's how they want to go. If Sanchez doesn't get taken here, several teams will be calling with 5-9 trying to trade up to get him, so maybe it is beneficial for the Hawks to take him here and start taking calls for potential trades. Other possible choices: Whichever OT is left, Curry, Crabtree.
5. Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas - Defense is more important this draft to the Browns, especially garnering some sort of pass rush. I don't know that the trade between them and the Giants is actually going to happen anymore, so I think they're going to keep Edwards and address the D. Other possible choices: Crabtree, BJ Raji, Aaron Curry, Monroe.
6. Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - The Bengals are a mess, they lost their top OT in free agency, their top WR hates them, their starting QB is coming off another injury. I think their primary concern HAS to be protecting Palmer, and Monroe is the perfect guy for the job. Other possible choices: Crabtree, BJ Raji, Aaron Curry, Beanie Wells (stretch).
7. Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - The Raiders have needs at WR, OT, DT, DE, LB, and Safety. One can probably make the case for BJ Raji being the best pick here since the run defense is so poor, but I think part of the reason for that is because the defense never gets off the field; adding a playmaking WR, whom many consider to be the top prospect in the draft, should aid the offense in giving the defensive time to rest. Other possible choices: Andre Smith, BJ Raji, Curry, Heyward-Bey/Maclin (hope not).
8. Jaguars: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - The Jags need to protect Garrard. He spent most of last season on his back, and they also lost their top OT in Khalif Barnes. They should capitalize on a really good OT prospect falling to them here. Other possible choices: Maclin, Malcom Jenkins, BJ Raji.
9. Packers: BJ Raji, DT, Boston College – The Packers are converting to a 3-4, and need personnel who can fit that scheme. They need to get their hands on a NT and some pass-rushing OLB’s. Raji dropping to them at 9 is perfect, and fills a major need. Other possible choices: Andre Smith (if he falls), Aaron Maybin, Curry, Jenkins, Michael Oher.
10. 49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri – The 49ers need a playmaker on offense. Their WR corps is just as bad as ours, if not worse – their leading pass-catcher last season was Isaac Bruce, who’s going to be 37. Maclin would be a great fit for them, and could help in the return game. Other possible choices: Maybin, Jenkins, Oher.
11. Bills: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest – The Bills get the steal of the draft, picking up Curry at number 11. They could use another OLB to pair with Kawika Mitchell and Posluszny. Getting a LB here might be a bad idea, since they have a big need at OT since Peters left, but I don’t see Curry falling much further than this. Other possible choices: Oher, Brandon Pettigrew, Maybin.
12. Broncos: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn St. – The Broncos are also switching to a 3-4, and don’t have the right personnel right now. Maybin would provide them with an outside pass rusher. Other possible choices: Robert Ayers, Rey Maualuga.
13. Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – the Redskins are very happy they stayed at 13 and landed a very good OT prospect, although they might wish they could have made a play for Sanchez. Other possible choices: Ayers, Everette Brown, Brian Cushing, Josh Freeman.
14. Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State – The Saints never seemed to care about their defense much, but I think Vilma has changed things. They could use another back to pair with Bush, but I think Malcolm Jenkins is a better pick here. Other possible choices: Beanie Wells, Cushing, Maualuga.
15. Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC – The Texans could use an OLB, a DT, or a Safety. The only position worth taking this high, in my opinion, is OLB. Other possible choices: Ayers, Matthews, Beanie Wells, Peria Jerry.
16. Chargers: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee – They have a hole to fill due to the departure of Igor Olshanksy. Ayers isn’t gigantic, but he could be a solid 3-4 end. Many believe they’ll go runningback here, but I think DE is a bigger need. They also need another safety. Other possible choices: Wells, Knowshon Moreno, Aaron Maybin.
17. Jets: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland – The Jets need a playmaker at wideout to pair with Cotchery. They have a huge hole at QB as well, so they could very well take a shot at Freeman here. Other possible choices: Josh Freeman, Knowshon, Pettigrew.
18. Broncos: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC – Another LB for the Broncos, this time for the interior. Maualuga is a hard hitter and could really thrive as an interior LB in a 3-4. The Broncos have a chance to get a very dangerous LB core in this draft. Other possible choices: Peria Jerry, Everette Brown, Josh Freeman.
19. Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – The Bucs take Freeman here. Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich are not the QB’s of the future. They also have some needs on the defensive line and WR. Other possible choices: Jerry, Brown, Kenny Britt.
20. Lions: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona – The Lions still get a solid OT prospect here. He isn’t as good as the top 4 prospects, but Stafford + Britton is better than Smith/Monroe + Whatever QB is ranked 4th in the draft. Other possible choices: Brown, Jerry, James Laurinaitis.
21. Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Eagles are supposedly in love with Knowshon, and I actually like him better than Beanie Wells as well (although my favorite back in the draft is LeSean McCoy). The Eagles get a solid backup/change-of-pace for Westbrook here, and add a key weapon to McNabb’s arsenal. Other possible choices: Brown, Pettigrew, Britt.
22. Vikings: Vontae Davis, DB, Illinois – The Vikings probably wish Freeman had dropped, but they have other issues at DB, WR, LB. They might opt for a different DB since some questions have arisen about Davis’s character. Other possible choices: Britt, Beatty, Alex Mack, Clay Matthews.
23. Patriots: Darius Butler, DB, Connecticut – I’ve heard the Patriots really like Butler, and they could really use help in the defensive backfield. The defense as a whole is aging fast. Other possible choices: Matthews, Brown, Laurinaitis, Beatty.
24. Falcions: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – Trading for Tony Gonzalez frees up this pick for them. They have holes at DT and LB, as well as DB. Other possible choices: Matthews, Larry English.
25. Dolphins: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida – The Dolphins need help at corner, but I think they go with the local product here. Improving the pass rush will help the corners anyways. Other possible choices: English, Britt, Alphonso Smith, Matthews.
(cont'd in next post)