With the
regular season now over and most NFL fans with nothing to look forward to other
than the draft, it is time to see mocks popping up left and right. Too early
you say? Too bad this all some of us have to look forward to. Glad my Dolphins made the playoffs
after winning the last five. Awkward. Let’s get this started.
Houston
Texans
QB
Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
Needs:
RT, QB, FS
Analysis: Houston can shock everyone and take OT Jake Matthews here
with this pick, but they won't. Duane Brown is a good tackle and Derek Newton
while not amazing, will hold his own. The Texans need a QB....bad. Schaub is
not the answer, and why take an offensive lineman when this draft class with
have solid day one starters later in the draft. Secure your franchise QB and
move on from there.
Atlanta
Falcons (From St.Louis)
DE
Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
Needs:
OT, DE, TE
Analysis: Another
big time trade up for Head Coach Mike Smith. While they have needs in a good
amount of places they have a solid core on offense despite Tony Gonzalez
retiring and they need to focus on defense immediately. Atlanta allowed almost
380 yards a game and registered 32 sacks. Meanwhile rival Carolina's top two
sack leaders registered 26. What better way to help your pass rush and get the
edge rush back to the days of John Abraham with the selection of arguably the
best defensive lineman in the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB
Blake Bortles, Central Florida
Needs:
QB, OT, DL, WR
Analysis: Shahid
Khan the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC, two
absolutely terrible teams. Poor man, he really just wants to give the fans
something to cheer for! So who else do you bring in other than Johnny
Manziel?! Manziel has the chance to be a good NFL QB but he is not the
smart pick for the jags. Jacksonville as well as I and many others have hoped
on the Bortleswagon. Hopefully he gives Jacksonville something to cheer about
unlike their last drafted QB.
Cleveland
Browns
QB
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
Needs:
QB, OG, RB
Analysis: So
does Cleveland draft Manziel and trade him a year later? Hopefully not. He
would not be a good fit in Jacksonville but I love the thought of Manziel in
Cleveland. His ability to extend plays will give the Browns a backyard, fun
offense. He will have solid targets to go to in Jordan Cameron and the codeine
poppin Josh Gordon. Is the arrow finally pointing up for Cleveland?
Oakland
Raiders
WR
Sammy Watkins
Needs:
OL, WR, QB, CB
Analysis: The Raiders have so much cap space and pending free
agents, we don't really know which direction they are going to go. Reggie
McKenzie has done a good job so far cleaning up the mess left to him and I only
see improvements coming forward. That being said Oakland doesn’t feel
comfortable taking Carr here and they can wait on a top QB in rounds 2-4. Why
not select one of the best playmakers in the draft to add to the offense.
St.Louis
Rams
OT
Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
Needs:
WR, OL, S
Analysis: WOW.
St.Louis did it again; they gave up the 2nd overall pick (RG3) for Michael
Brockers, Janoris Jenkins, Isiah Pead, Rokevious Watkins, Alec Ogletree,
Stedman Bailey, and Zac Stacy. Some of those names were after another trade
back but, starters galore for the rams. Guess what folks...they did it again.
After securing a plethora of picks to further build this young team and then
with the sixth pick they are still able to land Jake Matthews. Matthews moves
to LT and slide Jake Long to RT. I don't care for Jeff Fisher but he is
stockpiling picks that look to be almost all like solid players. Bravo.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA
Needs: DE, OT, TE
Analysis: Solid
players all over the roster but they just can’t seem to win. I think a lot of
the blame can be put on the coaching. With Lovie Smith in town he may not be as
sold on Glennon as Coach Schiano was but I think Glennon gets another year and
Lovie builds that defense up more. They have solid DB’s and are well off up the
middle but one area they lacked was getting pressure on the QB. With Clowney
gone the Bucs take the next best pass rusher.
Minnesota Vikings
QB Derek Carr, Fresno State
Needs: QB, OG, CB, DE
Analysis: Jared
Allen is getting older, they aren’t really set at the cornerback position, and
their guards are shaky at best. But are the Vikings really going to put the
season in the hands of Ponder and Cassel. Highly unlikely and if that happens,
AP I am sorry. The Vikings do have some needs all around the ball but they need
a QB that can throw the ball around and actually prevent defenses from stacking
the box.
Buffalo Bills
OT Greg Robinson, Auburn
Needs: LB, DE, WR, OT
Analysis: Buffalo doesn’t really NEED
any of the above mentioned but they could always add on with what they
have. They could finally have a true number one WR with Mike Evans or get
another pass rusher to go along side Super Mario in the hometown product Khalil
Mack. But I see Buffalo taking a tackle here to flank the outside with Cordy
Glenn to protect their young signal caller. Hopefully EJ can stay healthy for
Bills fans sake.
Detroit Lions
CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
Needs: CB, WR, S,
Analysis: The lions are picking at the
perfect spot when it comes to value, and this pick can go several different
ways. I wanted to slot one of the big 3 WR’s here to take pressure of Calvin
but that defense needs a solid man coverage CB to give the fierce defensive
line an extra second to get to the opposing QB. Gilbert from OSU could also
come into play but I like Dennard better.
Tennessee Titans
LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo
Needs: DE, S, QB
Analysis: I think Jake Locker could be
a good game manager for Tennessee through the future the only problem is, he
has to be on the field to fulfill that role. The Titans can snag someone like
Tahj Boyd or AJ McCarron as a backup later in the draft. Right now they address their need at bolstering their
pass rush by selecting Khalil Mack to help them set the edge on defense.
New York Giants
LB CJ Mosley, Alabama
Needs: CB, LB, OG
Analysis: The Giants could take
Clinton-Dix to help Antrel Rolle back in the safety position but CJ Mosely will
help the Giants to strengthen that front 7. Mix Mosely in there with Beason,
JPP, and Tuck and things suddenly look better for the Giants on defense.
St.Louis Rams
WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M
Needs: WR, OL, S
Analysis: Mike Evans huge frame is perfect for the Rams. It gives the Rams that big
body at WR that the Rams and Sam Bradford need. Couple Evans with Austin, Cook,
and Stacy and the offense in St.Louis keeps looking better. Maybe Brian Quick
can finally come around and the other big WR down in the red zone as well.
Chicago Bears
S Ha’Sean Clinton Dix, Alabama
Needs: OG, DT, S
Analysis: General Manager Phil Emery is stunned that Clinton-Dix has fell into the
Bears lap and the Bears card is up to the podium as soon as Roger Goodell is
done reading the Rams selection. This fills a much needed hole for the Bears
who had to rely on Chris Conte and Major Wright this past season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
Needs: CB, OT, DT, S
Analysis: With Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor all on the decline and on
the plus side of 30, it will be nice if the Steelers could get some fresh young
legs in the Secondary. Offensive linemen are going to be able to be had
throughout the draft so this seems like an easy selection. Steelers add
arguably a top 3 corner in the draft and maybe the best man coverage CB.
Baltimore Ravens
WR Marquis Lee, USC
Needs: WR, OT, TE, CB
Analysis: Baltimore can possibly lose both Dennis Pitta and Michael Oher this year
to free agency but knowing Ozzie Smith he will bring back one of these two.
Odds are Pitta comes back and Newsome picks up a OT in round two (possibly
Lewan) leading to the selection of Lee out of USC. This will give Flacco some
actual targets and Torrey Smith will not have to shoulder the load and Rice may
actually run the ball for more than 3 YPC this season.
Dallas Cowboys
DT Louis Nix, Notre Dame
Needs: DE, S, LB, CB
Analysis: The Cowboys need serious help on defense. They were a franchise worst
this year and chances are Monte Kiffin will be packing his bags up soon. The
Cowboys don’t lack talent on defense, the problem is their players are
constantly banged up and at times look lost. They could use some depth at CB and
DE but I could see Jerry Jones shocking a few people with the selection of Nix
come May.
New York Jets
CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
Needs: OG, WR, CB
Analysis: Ifo may have slid down some draft boards, but he is still a top three CB
in this draft. Cromartie is getting old and if the Jets can hit on Ifo they can
pair him with Milliner to hold the secondary for years to come….or until one of
them gets really good and commands too much money.
Miami Dolphins
TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
Needs: OT, OG, LB, RB
Analysis: Is Jeff Ireland fired yet? If yes that means the Dolphins new GM has
signed Brandon Albert and Alex Mack, while moving Pouncey to LG. Offensive line
is no longer a huge issue. So Miami selects Ebron to add to Wallace, Hartline,
a healthy Gibson and Clay. Jeff Ireland is not here to trade down and reach on
the next 5 picks. Thank the lord, Buddha, Iron Sheik, whatever you fin fans
worship.
Arizona Cardinals
OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
Needs: OLB, OT, CB
Analysis: Bruce Arians has done a marvelous job coaching in Indianapolis and now
Arizona. Sadly his team did not make the playoffs despite their record. Arizona
could use another CB to play alongside Pat Pete, but I see them trying to shore
that offensive line up with Ogbuehi. Pairing him next to Cooper for the next
few years sounds promising.
Green Bay Packers
TE Jace Amaro
Needs: LB, TE, CB
Analysis: Does it seem like one or two Packers CB’s get hurt every year in the
playoffs? AJ Hawk isn’t what he used to be and Desmond Bishop is gone.
Jermichael Finley seems to keep getting hurt. Yet it does not matter because
Aaron Rodgers helps keep the Pack in it year in and year out. The selection of
Amaro helps give A-Rod the big target he loses every year Finley gets hurt.
Philadelphia Eagles
CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State
Needs: CB, S, LB
Analysis: Chip Kelly has everything he needs on offense. He has players that can
fly around the field and use their speed as a mismatch. Foles isn’t the
prototype QB Kelly usually has but Foles has excelled very well in the system.
On defense is where they could use some help. Adding someone of Bradley Roby’s
caliber would help start to turn around Philly’s defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
Needs: WR, TE, ILB
Analysis: After that post season collapse Andy Reid is probably going to try and
upgrade the middle of that defense a little of add another CB since it is a
passing league now. Yes, the defense could use another one or two pieces but
what about the O? The team overpaid for Bowe, which you have to do now a days.
Jamaal Charles is the beast that is Jamaal Charles and Anthony Fasano is a
serviceable TE. ASJ will work wonders with Alex Smith and give Smith some other
than JC to check down to.
Cincinnati Bengals
CB Marcus Roberson, Florida
Needs: S, CB, LB
Analysis: Defensive back seems to be a position Cincinnati should upgrade
immediately, not because they are bad but for various other reasons. Dre
Kirkpatrick has not become the CB so many thought he would be, Terrance Newman
and Pacman are not the youngest in the league and Leon Hall suffered a torn
Achilles. They could use some depth in this area.
San Diego Chargers
CB Jason Verrett, TCU
Needs: CB, OG, OLB
Analysis: Opponents this year have had their way against the Chargers defense, when
it comes to passing. The days of Jammer and Cromartie are gone. San Diego has
remained a challenging offense to go up against, but the defense has some holes
to fill. Verrett gets right up in the face of his opponents and is very
physical. He will fill in well in San Diego and help give the Chargers a
physical preference at CB.
Cleveland Browns
WR Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt
Needs: QB, OG, RB
Analysis: If you don’t know who Jordan Matthews is go look him up. He has been
getting some looks lately and his stock is steadily climbing. The Browns
already have snagged Manziel and now they bring in Matthews to pair with Josh
Gordon to give this offense the most explosiveness since the days of Jim Brown.
New Orleans Saints
OT Cyrus Kouandijo, Alabama
Needs: CB, OT, LB
Analysis: Kudos to Rob Ryan for drastically improving what was the league’s worst
defense just a year ago. That is a feat especially playing in the NFC. Now the
next task for the Saints is making sure that offensive line can hold back the
pass rush throughout the NFC South and the rest of the NFC. Protect your prize
possession of Drew Brees NOLA.
San Francisco 49ers
WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State
Needs: WR, CB, DL
Analysis: Boldin is in the final year of his contract and they could use some depth
behind Crabtree, especially if they do not bring Boldin back. What better ways
to do that other than bring in a big target like Boldin, in drafting Benjamin?
He would give Kaepernick another big target to look at and brings the
physicality Harbaugh loves.
New England Patriots
OG Cyril Richardson, Baylor
Needs: CB, OG, DL
Analysis: If the Cheaters sorry I mean Patriots plan on succeeding in the
closing years of Brady’s career they need to protect him. Facing the defensive
lines of Buffalo, the Jets and Miami a total of six times a year is rough.
Cyril has the nastiness and grit you like from an interior lineman.
Carolina Panthers
CB Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
Needs: WR, CB, OL
Analysis: Stop Panthers fans. I know you need a WR, don’t kill me. Be happy you
guys signed Hakeem Nicks in free agency and now you can address the CB
position. Grabbing Joyner is a big plus and while they may have reached a
little, Joyner has great instincts and will help that secondary drastically
improve.
Seattle Seahawks
DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
Needs: WR, OL, TE
Analysis: Do the Seahawks really need anything? Yes, but not a lot. Pete Carroll,
as annoying as he is, has acquired A LOT of talent up in the Northwest. They
may need to add another WR seeing as Tate may leave, Rice is very inconsistent and
they have some injured dude they traded a ton for that hasn’t played. Stack the
defense Seattle, which is what, wins championships. Just ask Trent Dilfer.
Denver Broncos
OT Antonio Richardson, Tennessee
Needs: DL, CB, OT
Analysis: Can Von Miller come back and help
that pass rush quickly? How much longer can Champ Bailey play? Both great
questions…BUT protecting your most valuable asset is the main priority. We will
see if Peyton can bring the Broncs to the Super Bowl and probably has another
two years left. Protect him at all costs because I don’t think Osweiler is the
answer.
