NFL mock draft: Version V

[Plax 4 Prez]

NFL mock draft: Version V

With the NFL in the middle of free agency, team needs are changing by the hour, which makes draft projections especially difficult at this time. Here is the National Football Post’s fifth mock draft of the season:

 

(Note: The New England Patriots have the 34th pick after trading Matt Cassel, and the Cleveland Browns will select 50th after trading Kellen Winslow.)

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

The Lions are coming off an 0-16 season and need to find a franchise quarterback to build around. Stafford is an intelligent player with all the physical tools to develop into a NFL-quality passer.

 

2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

The Rams already have started addressing their offensive line via free agency with the signing of G/C Jason Brown. Expect them to continue upgrading their O-line in the draft with a left tackle like Monroe.

 

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

With the trade for QB Matt Cassel, the Chiefs can now sit back and select the best player available. Curry should make an instant impact on the Kansas City defense.

 

4. Seattle Seahawks: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Texas Tech wideout Michael Crabtree is still a possibility, but with the Seahawks courting T.J. Houshmandzadeh, wide receiver may no longer be a need. Raji is the draft’s top interior defensive lineman and fills the void left by DT Rocky Bernard.

 

5. Cleveland Browns: Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State

Brown is an explosive, quick-twitch lineman who should fair well standing up as an outside linebacker and attacking off the edge. He’s the kind of pass rusher head coach Eric Mangini needs for his 3-4 defense.

 

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Bengals need to address their offensive line, but OT Anthony Collins played well at the end of last season and could bid for a starting job. The Bengals need to add a playmaker to their defensive line, and Orakpo is an ideal fit as a pass rusher in their 4-3 scheme.

 

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Raiders could go with OT Jason Smith, who would be an ideal fit in Tom Cable’s zone blocking scheme. But with a talent like Crabtree still on the board, he might be too tempting for the Raiders to pass up.

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Jaguars are one of the few teams in need of adding a starting-caliber left tackle. Smith has possibly the most upside of any lineman in the draft and possesses the athleticism to consistently reach the edge.

 

9. Green Bay Packers: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State

Obviously, Jenkins didn’t run as well as he hoped to at the combine, but he’s a tough, physical defensive back who has the versatility to line up anywhere in the secondary. With Brown, Orakpo and Raji all off the board, expect GM Ted Thompson to opt for Jenkins.

 

10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

The 49ers need to add some talent to the right side of their offensive line, and Oher has the size and power to make it work. I don’t think Oher has the type of instincts you want from a left tackle, but he should be a mainstay on the right side.

 

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

The Bills need to add a defensive end this who can reach the edge and attack upfield. Maybin has an impressive first step and will certainly add to the Bills’ sack total next season.

 

12. Denver Broncos: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan ideally would like to add a nose tackle or pass rusher at this stage in the draft. But with no one on the board, the Broncos will opt for Maualuga. He has the size and power to be a force inside and should grow into the type of leader the Broncos are searching for on defense.

 

13. Washington Redskins: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Smith’s stock has taken a hit the past couple weeks; however, we simply can’t see him falling past the tackle-starved Redskins at No. 13. He possesses impressive size and has the versatility to play on either side of the line.

 

14. New Orleans Saints: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Saints desperately need to improve at cornerback, and Davis offers as much upside as any defensive back in the class. He’s a bit raw but has the size, speed and ball skills to develop into a productive corner at the next level.

 

15. Houston Texans: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Just because the Texans signed DE Antonio Smith doesn’t mean a defensive lineman is out of the question here. Ayers is one of the top prospects in the draft and simply hasn’t received the kind of attention he deserves. Teams can never have too many pass rushers, and Ayers has the upside to make an impact.

 

16. San Diego Chargers: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

The LaDainian Tomlinson situation looks unsettled in San Diego, and even with the promise of Darren Sproles, the Chargers need to find a bigger back to complement him. Enter Chris Wells, who has the size, power and quickness to become a real factor at the next level.

 

17. New York Jets: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

The Jets aren’t convinced they have the answer at quarterback, and bringing in a talent like Sanchez could go a long way in determining the franchise’s future. He has the physical and mental tools you look for in a QB with the mindset to handle the tough New York media.

 

18. Chicago Bears: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

The Bears need an upgrade at offensive tackle, and Britton is the type of long, physical prospect the Bears crave. He has the versatility to play on either the right or left side and could form a strong duo with 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams.

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

With the news that the Buccaneers have an interest in Raiders running back Michael Bush, expect Tampa Bay to bypass the RB position in the first round and opt for a playmaking wideout. The Buccaneers need to add a vertical threat to their passing game, and Heyward-Bey fits the bill with his 4.3 speed.

 

20. Detroit Lions: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

The Lions need to improve the interior of their defensive line, and a talent like Jerry would go a long way. He possesses an explosive first step and makes a living in opponents’ backfield. He has a motor that runs non-stop and could become a real force on the Lions’ defense.

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut

Even with the signing of OT Stacy Andrews, the Eagles still need to find someone to man the left side of their offensive line if they want to keep Shawn Andrews at guard. Beatty is a gifted athlete with long arms and smooth footwork; he has the ability to become a mainstay at left tackle.

 

22. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Vikings traded for QB Sage Rosenfels on Friday and now have a legitimate threat for their passing game. Adding a talent like Maclin would allow the Vikings to create even more mismatches and become more explosive on offense.

 

23. New England Patriots: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

Even with Matthews’ more publicized teammate, Brian Cushing, still on the board, I expect the Pats to opt for Matthews. He’s a hard-working, intelligent kid who displays impressive athleticism for the position.

 

24. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Smith, DB, Utah

The Falcons need to add a tight end, but I expect them to opt for a pass-catching threat in the second round. Smith has the ability to make an instant impact at either safety or corner in the Falcons’ secondary.

 

25. Miami Dolphins: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

The Dolphins have more glaring needs, but with a talent like Cushing falling into their laps at No. 25, he seems too good to pass up.

 

26. Baltimore Ravens: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

With the Ravens losing ILB Bart Scott to free agency and the loss of Ray Lewis still a possibility, Baltimore may be praying that a talent like Laurinaitis falls to them on draft day. Laurinaitis is an instinctive defender who should be able to make an instant impact in the Ravens’ 3-4 defense.

 

27. Indianapolis Colts: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Harvin is still developing as a wide receiver, but his combination of speed and athleticism would make him downright deadly in the Colts’ passing offense. Indy will be in search of a wideout now that Marvin Harrison is gone; Harvin could thrive in the Colts’ offense.

 

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Pettigrew might be falling on some draft boards because of his lack of top-end speed. However, the Eagles are in desperate need of a tight end who can handle the point of attack vs. defensive ends on the outside.

 

29. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Nicks is a level-headed player who doesn’t draw much attention, but he gets the job done. He’s a great route runner and should create good chemistry with QB Eli Manning over the middle.

 

30. Tennessee Titans: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

Hood’s stock is at an all-time high after a strong Senior Bowl showing and a downright impressive Combine performance. The Titans are in need of an interior defensive lineman after the loss of Albert Haynesworth, and Hood has the ability to contribute from day one.

 

31. Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Running backs tend to slip on draft day, and the 4.57 40 time produced by Moreno at the Combine will likely force him to slip a bit more. But he’s one of the draft’s top 20 prospects and will be an ideal fit in the Cardinals’ spread attack.

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California

Even with the re-signing of guard Chris Kemoeatu, the Steelers still need to add more talent and depth to the interior of their offensive line. Mack is a tough lineman with the versatility to play center and guard. He’s a safe value at the end of round one.

 

Second Round

 

33. Detroit Lions: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

Head coach Jim Schwartz needs to add talent to the defensive line, and the paring of Jerry and Johnson is a good start.

 

34. New England Patriots: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

A tough cover guy who can play both man and zone.

 

35. St. Louis Rams: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

Smith is one of the draft’s more fluid corners and adds an instant upgrade to the Rams’ secondary.

 

36. Cleveland Browns: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

An ideal 5-technique defensive end for the Browns’ 3-4 defense.

 

37. Seattle Seahawks: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

McCoy adds some big-play potential to a run game that’s in desperate need of a difference-maker.

 

38. Cincinnati Bengals: Max Unger, C/T, Oregon

A great value as the Benglas need to upgrade the center position. Unger has the versatility to play tackle as well.

 

39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

Adds some much-needed girth next to DT John Henderson.

 

40. Oakland Raiders: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati

Barwin has been soaring up draft boards lately and will definitely help improve the Raiders’ pass rush next season.

 

41. Green Bay Packers: Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State

An intriguing 5-technique end who’s loaded with upside.

 

42. Buffalo Bills: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss

The type of vertical threat the Bills need at tight end.

 

43. San Francisco 49ers: Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois

Has the pass-rush ability to help the 49ers on third down.

 

44. Miami Dolphins: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

The Dolphins need to add more playmakers at wide receiver, and Britt has the potential to develop into a No. 1-type wideout.

 

45. New York Giants: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

An explosive TE prospect who can provide a vertical threat to the Giants’ tight end position.

 

46. Houston Texans: Asher Allen, CB, Georgia

A fluid corner with the body control and foot speed to make plays on the outside.

 

47. New England Patriots: Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon

A smart, instinctive defensive back who relies on his read-and-react ability to make plays.

 

48. Denver Broncos: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

The Broncos need to add talent to the corner position, and Butler fills a big void.

 

49. Chicago Bears: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

Has the arm and physical tools needed to be successful at Soldier Field.

 

50. Cleveland Browns: Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State

A tall, rangy corner with the ability to play press and disrupt the passing game.

 

51. Dallas Cowboys: William Moore, S, Missouri

Possesses a rare combination of size and speed, although injuries caused his play to drop off significantly as a senior.

 

52. New York Jets: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

The Jets missed out on Chris Kemoeatu but can add a big guard in the second round.

 

53. Philadelphia Eagles: Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan

With safeties Sean Considine and Brian Dawkins departing via free agency, a replacement needs to be added.

 

54. Minnesota Vikings: Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon

A big, physical corner who has ideal ball skills for the Cover-2 scheme.

 

55. Atlanta Falcons: James Casey, TE, Rice

The Falcons need to add a receiving tight end; Casey fits the bill.

 

56. Miami Dolphins: Eric Wood, C, Louisville

A tough, blue-collar center who instantly upgrades the interior of the Dolphins’ offensive line.

 

57. Baltimore Ravens: Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma

Should form a nice duo with former Sooner Mark Clayton.

 

58. New England Patriots: Fili Moala, DT/DE, USC

Has the length and power to develop into a 5-technique DE in the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme.

 

59. Carolina Panthers: David Veikune, DE, Hawaii

Who knows how the Julius Peppers situation will play out? The Panthers need to find some insurance.

 

60. New York Giants: Chip Vaughn, SS, Wake Forest

A tall, well-built safety with good range in the deep half.

 

61. Indianapolis Colts: Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn

A quick-twitch lineman who’s ideal for the Colts’ one-gap scheme.

 

62. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State

Has the potential to develop into the type of wideout the Titans need.

 

63. Arizona Cardinals: Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

A versatile athlete who knows how to rush the passer.

 

64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

A massive right-side prospect who knows how to get push in the run game.

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[ppodlesny]

so not only are they wasting a round 1 pick on a WR that has bad value at that spot...but then they back it up with a TE with the 1st pick of round 2? If they go WR it will be pick 1 of round 2 and best defensive player available in round 1. That's my take though.

[Plax 4 Prez]

so not only are they wasting a round 1 pick on a WR that has bad value at that spot...but then they back it up with a TE with the 1st pick of round 2? If they go WR it will be pick 1 of round 2 and best defensive player available in round 1. That's my take though.

 

Yeah, I laughed when I saw our 2nd pick was a TE. I honestly would like to get Hicks in the first, but in the 2nd I would like a safety or LB

[Lubeck]

Yeah, I laughed when I saw our 2nd pick was a TE. I honestly would like to get Hicks in the first, but in the 2nd I would like a safety or LB

 

I'd rather take BPA with 1st and KENNY BRITT with our NO second.

[Plax 4 Prez]

I'd rather take BPA with 1st and KENNY BRITT with our NO second.

What if Hicks is the best player available at that point or is there no chance of that happening?

My friend said this guy is the best WR in the draft"Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland". Do you guys think so?

[Mr. P]

no brian robiskie in the 2nd roudn for anyone?

 

 

 

unless im reading it wrong,

 

 

he probably wont even last til our 2nd 2nd rounder

 

 

and if we took nicks where we did and chung is available at 2a id be pissed if we didnt get him

[socalscholar]

I could see the first couple picks going like this

 

1. Nicks or Britt

2A. Patrick Chung

3. Marcus Freeman

[Mr. P]

I could see the first couple picks going like this

 

1. Nicks or Britt

2A. Patrick Chung

3. Marcus Freeman

 

 

i like freeman but i think with the boley pickup we wont grab him

 

 

hes sorta the same type of player as boley and we are in more need of a sam than a will at this point

 

 

im big on chung though

[Plax 4 Prez]

i like freeman but i think with the boley pickup we wont grab him

 

 

hes sorta the same type of player as boley and we are in more need of a sam than a will at this point

 

 

im big on chung though

lol, who is Chung?

[Mr. P]

lol, who is Chung?

 

very good strong safety out of oregon

 

 

 

projected early to mid 2nd round

[Bigblue25]

very good strong safety out of oregon

 

 

 

projected early to mid 2nd round

Chung is not the type of safety we need, hes not the ball hawking type he resembles Kenny Phillips too much he is strictly a in the box safety. i would rather get Sean Smith out of Utah maybe with our first rounder if we think Britt will be there in round 2, if Britt is not. A nice option in the later rounds would be Ramses Barden out of Cal Poly 6'6. Dream Draft for me is:

1.Sean Smith

2a.Kenny Britt

2b.Clint Sintim

then Ramses Barden say rounds 4 or 5.

[Lubeck]

i would rather get Sean Smith out of Utah maybe with our first rounder if we think Britt will be there in round 2, if Britt is not.

2a.Kenny Britt

 

:worshippy:

[socalscholar]

Chung is not the type of safety we need, hes not the ball hawking type he resembles Kenny Phillips too much he is strictly a in the box safety. i would rather get Sean Smith out of Utah maybe with our first rounder if we think Britt will be there in round 2, if Britt is not. A nice option in the later rounds would be Ramses Barden out of Cal Poly 6'6. Dream Draft for me is:

1.Sean Smith

2a.Kenny Britt

2b.Clint Sintim

then Ramses Barden say rounds 4 or 5.

 

There is no way the FO uses back to back number ones on the same position, especially S.

 

The defense is pretty much done for this off season, it is clear WR is the best value at the bottom of the 1st.

 

I still think the FO will move up and get hicks as he is their number target in the draft and is the one receiver that is ready to produce from day one.

 

Britt won't be there, he may not even be there by our pick in round one.

Robiskie may be there by 2a.

 

Ramses Barden is too much of a project and you can look how long it took Vincent Jackson to develop for an example.

 

 

[Plax 4 Prez]

There is no way the FO uses back to back number ones on the same position, especially S.

 

The defense is pretty much done for this off season, it is clear WR is the best value at the bottom of the 1st.

 

I still think the FO will move up and get hicks as he is their number target in the draft and is the one receiver that is ready to produce from day one.

 

Britt won't be there, he may not even be there by our pick in round one.

Robiskie may be there by 2a.

 

Ramses Barden is too much of a project and you can look how long it took Vincent Jackson to develop for an example.

We could get Nicks without trading up, but what do you think of this guy? Everyone here says he might be the best WR in the draft right now.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

With the news that the Buccaneers have an interest in Raiders running back Michael Bush, expect Tampa Bay to bypass the RB position in the first round and opt for a playmaking wideout. The Buccaneers need to add a vertical threat to their passing game, and Heyward-Bey fits the bill with his 4.3 speed.

[socalscholar]

We could get Nicks without trading up, but what do you think of this guy? Everyone here says he might be the best WR in the draft right now.

 

He would be the best example of best "risk/reward".

 

He could be the next Randy Moss in my opinion, but his college production does worry me and I am not convinced with him being a natural "hands" receiver.

 

That is the reason I feel Nicks would be best for the G-men.

 

He could come in day one and produce much like Boldin did in AZ.

 

I think Nicks would put up close to 1k receiving his first year in this offense.

[Plax 4 Prez]

He would be the best example of best "risk/reward".

 

He could be the next Randy Moss in my opinion, but his college production does worry me and I am not convinced with him being a natural "hands" receiver.

 

That is the reason I feel Nicks would be best for the G-men.

 

He could come in day one and produce much like Boldin did in AZ.

 

I think Nicks would put up close to 1k receiving his first year in this offense.

What about trading up for Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland? Is he NFL ready yet?

 

[socalscholar]

I would say no as I am not convinced about his hands, which make or break a guy, see Tim Carter.