Atomic Punk
Footballguy
2011 NFL Mock Draft
I almost decided not to do one this year, but I just couldn't not put at least one version together. As always, I like to make this interesting, so I have thrown in a few trades. Some are possible, others maybe not so much. Anyway, here it is for your reading enjoyment.
1. Carolina Panthers – Marcell Dareus DT, Alabama
I have a hard time believing the Panthers will be able to get away from taking Newton, but for their sake I hope they do. Newton obviously has talent, but he just seems like Jamarcus Russell redux (one year starter, ego, raw talent, etc.). As a Raider fan who suffered through years with Russell at the helm, I’d hate to see any team’s fans have to suffer like we did, so the Panthers take the stud DT from Alabama to make up for the loss of Peppers.
2. Denver Broncos – Von Miller LB, Texas A&M
The Broncos must be a bit disappointed that Dareus is taken by the Panthers, but Miller is a fantastic consolation prize. With the move to the 4-3, the Broncos defense will be vastly improved with Miller teaming up with Dumervil to give them a pass rush they haven’t seen for some time.
3. Buffalo Bills – Patrick Peterson CB, LSU
This is where I can see some trade talk really start to heat up, but I cannot see any team having enough ammo to get into the top three, even though trading down may be the best thing for the Bills to do. The Bills may consider Newton or Gabbert, but I’m pretty certain Chan Gailey feels they can succeed with Fitzpatrick. Solidifying the back end of the defense with Peterson will hide their D-Line deficiencies to some extent.
4. Cincinnati Bengals – Cam Newton QB, Auburn
Carson Palmer is serious about retirement and the Bengals have never been shy about pulling the trigger on a QB in round 1. Hopefully this turns out better than it has in the past. With other teams clamoring for a QB, it wouldn’t be out of the question that the Bengals look for a dance partner and pick up additional picks in what is shaping up to be a draft deep in their other positions of need (WR, DL).
5. Arizona Cardinals – Robert Quinn DE/OLB, North Carolina
I was really torn with this pick, since the Cards need help at QB in the worst way. However, I do not believe they think Gabbert is the answer, so they pass on him and take Quinn, who the Cards project at OLB, where they are in dire need of some youth.
6. Cleveland Browns – A.J. Green WR, Georgia
They have a couple of 2nd round WRs, but they do not have a stud like Green in the mix. If they want their young QB McCoy to take a step forward, they will need to give him some weapons to work with. Green will be huge boost to the Browns offense.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Blaine Gabbert QB, Georgia
The 49ers hands are virtually tied here. If they go into another season with Alex Smith as their QB, the fans will revolt.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – Prince Amukamara CB, Nebraska
(To TEN - #23 and QB Kevin Kolb / To PHI - #8)
The Eagles are not shy about trading up and down the draft board to get “their” guy, so they pull the trigger and send Kolb packing along with the #23 to Tennessee. For the Titans, this is a great scenario. They get a solid move the chains field general to take the heat off of the running game, and move down the board a little to add another solid prospect. The Eagles are in need of CB help and needed to jump in front of the Texans and Cowboys to ensure they got Prince.
9. Dallas Cowboys – Cameron Jordan DE, California
Sure they need help on the offensive line, but it was their defense that really let them down last year. Dallas needs to just sit tight and grab a solid player that will contribute for the next decade. Jordan can do just that. It isn’t flashy, but this is an excellent and safe pick for the ‘Boys.
10. New England Patriots – J.J. Watt DE, Wisconsin
(To WAS - #17 and #60 / To NE - #10)
The Patriots don’t give up picks often, but I expect they will be doing a lot of wheeling and dealing again this year and should get more (or future) picks through additional trades. This gives the Skins a much needed additional pick and drops them down the first. The Pats get a player that perfectly fits their team and gets them in front of many other teams that are looking for DE help.
11. Houston Texans – Stephen Paea DT, Oregon St.
Here is the first real reach of the draft. He may not be the perfect fit for the nose in Wade Phillip’s 3-4 scheme, but he has similarities to Ratliff who saw great success with Phillips in Dallas.
12. Minnesota Vikings – Jake Locker QB, Washington
Where there is smoke, there is fire. I’ll bite. There has just been too much noise about Jake in Minnesota, who is desperate for a QB to rebuild around.
13. Detroit Lions – Tyron Smith OT, USC
Would they? Could they? Should they? I almost had the Lions taking Julio Jones, since he is slipping down the board, but thought better of it. The Lions need help on defense, but Smith is too good to pass up and there is little available at CB and LB that fit here.
14. St. Louis Rams – Julio Jones WR, Alabama
Jones being available here is a perfect match of BPA and need. The Rams have some talent at WR, but they need a true #1 that can mature along with Bradford.
15. Denver Broncos – Nick Fairley DT, Auburn
(To MIA - # 36 and #46 / To DEN - #15)
The Broncos package up their pair of 2nd round picks, returning Dolphins original 2nd, for a shot at Fairley who has dropped. The rebuilding of the Broncos defense is taking shape with Fairley and Miller. For the Fins, they pass on Ingram here, but the drop down puts them in a position to improve in multiple positions.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Adrian Clayborn DE, Iowa
The Jags have swung and missed at DE a few times in their brief history. They pass on more talented DE’s in Bowers and Smith and instead take the sure and steady Clayborn.
17. New Orleans – Da’Quan Bowers DE, Clemson
(To WAS - #24 and #72 / To NO - #17)
Quite a few teams are getting scared off by Bowers’ knee issues, but the Saints have the ammo with the additional 3rd round pick, as well as overall depth. Shanny and the Skins continue their march down the draft board, realizing that he needs a LOT of help.
18. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Kerrigan DE/OLB, Purdue
The Bolts defense has been getting a little soft the last few years and needs to add a solid playmaker. Kerrigan will likely play as an OLB in the 3-4 and will add some tough nosed play.
19. New York Giants – Mike Pouncey C/OG, Florida
Tough call here with Ingram still on the board, but the slide of the RB continues. The Giants have been keen evaluators and know that it all starts in the middle and cannot pass on Pouncey.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Aldon Smith DE, Missouri
The Bucs like their speed rushers. Despite being raw, Smith fits the Bucs DE mold really well. If he lives up to his potential, Smith could be a huge steal.
21. Kansas City Chiefs – Anthony Castonzo OT, Boston College
The Chiefs will continue to rely heavily on their running game and need improvement on their o-line to open up holes for Charles. Castonzo is a heady player who should be able to step right in to the starting lineup.
22. Indianapolis Colts – Mark Ingram RB, Alabama
Whoa, where did this pick come from? The Colts front office has to start realizing that they will not get back deep in the postseason without a more balanced attack. They need to extend Manning’s career by giving him a solid running attack.
23. Tennessee Titans – Corey Liuget DT, Illinois
(To PHI - #8 / To TEN Kevin Kolb and #23)
The Titans pick up their QB in Kolb and slide down to #23 in their trade with the Eagles. Liuget is not in the same mold as Haynesworth, but he will help fill the void that the Titans have been unable to fill since his departure.
24. Washington Redskins Gabe Carimi OT, Wisconsin
(To NO - #17 / To WAS - #24 and #72)
The Skins are willing to roll the dice for now and pass on reaching for one of the remaining QB’s. Instead they grab some depth at OT and start rebuilding in the trenches.
25. Seattle Seahawks – Muhammad Wilkerson DT, Temple
I keep thinking this will be a trade down, but I just can’t find any trade partners for the Hawks unless one of the Card or Bills tries to ensure they get “their guy” at QB. Wilkerson is a solid pick for Seattle, who needs depth at DT.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Jimmy Smith CB, Colorado
The Ravens always seem to find excellent value from whatever position they draft from and this year is no different. Smith has a big frame and will provide the Ravens with great depth.
27. Houston Texans – Brandon Harris CB, Miami (Fl.)
(To ATL - # 42 and #73 / To HOU - #27 and 5th)
Houston is desperate for CB help and is willing to pay the price of their 3rd to move up for Brandon Harris. He doesn’t play big or have the best hands, but he is solid in coverage and is a big step up for the Texans.
28. New England Patriots – Nate Solder OT, Colorado
If things fall this way, the Pats will run up to the podium to call Solder’s name. I suppose they will consider trading down, but I expect that is what they will do with Carolina’s 2nd.
29. Chicago Bears – Derek Sherrod OT, Mississippi St.
Things fall perfectly for the Pats, but not so for the Bears who were salivating at Solder dropping. They take the next best O-lineman in Sherrod.
30. New York Jets – Justin Houston OLB, Georgia
I almost had the Jets taking Leshoure here, but the Jets feel they are close and won’t make a luxury pick in the 1st. Houston on the other hand should help their defense return fairly quickly.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Danny Watkins OG, Baylor
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Steelers continue to build their front lines every year and every year they hit on another great pick.
32. Buffalo Bills – Andy Dalton QB, TCU
(To GB - #34 and #122 / To BUF - #32)
The Bills don’t trust the Pats to trade the next pick to another QB hungry team. The Bills need to ensure they don’t get leapfrogged by the Skins or Cards, so they make the deal with the Packers for Dalton for the expense of their 4th round pick.
33. New England Patriots – Brooks Reed OLB, Arizona
I could try and force a trade here with the Skins, but I can’t see Shanny dealing with Billichek, especially if he thinks his QB will still be there. Not many other teams have the ammo or the target for a trade here. Reed is nice fit for Pats.
34. Green Bay Packers – Cameron Heyward DE, Ohio St.
(To BUF - #32 / To GB - #34 and #122)
The Pack gets the man they were targeting and pick up an extra 4th from the Bills.
35. Cincinnati Bengals – Torrey Smith WR, Maryland
If it plays out this way the fantasy world will be asking was Newton/Smith the right call over Green/Ponder (or Mallett).
36. Miami Dolphins – Christian Ponder QB, Ohio St.
(To DEN - #15 / To MIA - # 36 and #46)
The Fins pick up their QB of the future (they hope) in the move down with the Broncos. Ponder may be able to challenge Henne right away.
37. Cleveland Browns – Allen Bailey DE, Miami (FL)
The Browns need to rebuild the front seven, so it is only a question of which position.
38. Arizona Cardinals – Ben Ijalana OT, Villanova
If the draft goes this direction, the Cards better hope they can find an old retread to throw Fitz the ball next year.
39. Tennessee Titans – Akeem Ayers OLB, UCLA
Akeem has slipped since the Combine, but he is good value and a good fit for the Titans.
40. Dallas Cowboys – Aaron Williams CB/S, Texas
Williams is a CB, but the Cowboys could use him at Safety.
41. Washington Redskins – Phil Taylor DT, Baylor
His injury issues are scaring a few teams away, but the Skins are desperate for an interior lineman to clog the middle of their 3-4.
42. Atlanta Falcons – Randall Cobb WR, Kentucky
(To HOU - #27 and 5th / To ATL - # 42 and #73)The Falcons get themselves a great young playmaker and pick up a 3rd in the process.
43. San Diego – Jon Baldwin WR, Pittsburgh
(To MIN - #50 and #82 / To SD - #43 and 106)
I originally had the Vikes taking Baldwin themselves, but I can see the Bolts moving up to get Rivers a future weapon to replace their departing wide receiving core.
44. Detroit Lions – Rodney Hudson OG, Florida State
Hudson is yet another piece in the re-tooling of the Lions offensive line, so they can start to keep Stafford upright.
45. San Francisco 49ers – Ras-I Dowling CB, Virginia
The 49ers lack depth at CB. Dowling should fit in very well playing the nickel before he eventually replaces Spencer permanently.
46. Denver Broncos – Mikel Leshoure RB, Illinois
(To DEN - #15 / To MIA - # 36 and #46)
Moreno is no slouch, but Buckhalter is past his prime. The value in Leshoure is too good to pass up in the mid second.
47. St. Louis Rams – Marcus Cannon OG, TCU
The Rams need help virtually everywhere. Like the Lions, they know they need to protect their investment in Bradford and spend a 2nd to bring in the behemoth OG from TCU.
48. Oakland Raiders – Ryan Mallett QB, Arkansas
Al Davis strikes again. With little depth behind Campbell, this makes some sense, but my fear is the second coming of Jeff George.
49. Jacksonville Jaguars – Rahim Moore S, UCLA
The Jags are a hard team to figure out, but their need at safety is without question.
50. Minnesota Vikings – Kyle Rudolph TE, Notre Dame
(To SD - #43 and 106 / To MIN - #50 and #82)
The Vikings need to get their new QB some weapons in the passing game, since their wide receiving corps has questionable depth.
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bruce Carter OLB, North Carolina
If Carter can return to pre-injury form, he may remind the TB faithful of Derrick Brooks.
52. New York Giants – Marvin Austin DT, North Carolina
The G-Men add to their defensive line nearly every year. Why should this year be any different?
53. Green Bay Packers – Ryan Williams RB, Virginia Tech
(To IND - #64 and #96 / To GB - #53)
The Packers have a boatload of picks and may not be as certain about Starks as some of us fantasy gurus are. Not the biggest price to pay to get your future stud RB. Especially when you have multiple 4ths.
54. Philadelphia Eagles – Jabaal Sheard DE, Pittsburgh
I’m not enamored with Sheard’s play, but he seems to fit the Eagles mold for quick DE’s.
55. Kansas City Chiefs – Titus Young WR, Boise State
The Chiefs need to get someone to play opposite Bowe, since Chambers isn’t cutting it.
56. New Orleans Saints – Stefan Wisniewski C, Penn State
The Saints continue to add to their front lines. The offensive line has taken some recent hits and needs more youth.
57. Seattle Seahawks – Colin Kaepernick QB, Nevada
Hasselbeck is nearing the end and nobody is sold on Whitehurst. The Skins get scooped.
58. Baltimore Ravens – Tandon Doss WR, Indiana
Doss has been rising up draft boards lately and the Ravens are in dire need of some young WRs.
59. Atlanta Falcons – Clint Boling OG, Georgia
Atlanta invests in their offensive line frequently and it has paid off. They will continue that trend here.
60. Washington Redskins – Leonard Hankerson WR, Miami
(To NE - #10 / To WAS - #17 and #60)
The Redskins get a weapon for … ??? … to pair with Moss. It looks as though the Skins lost out on a QB in the draft, but they have eyes for Vince Young anyway.
61. San Diego Chargers – Christian Ballard DT, Iowa
The Chargers will utilize Ballard as a 3-4 DE. I expect he would get into the rotation fairly early this season.
62. Chicago Bears – Drake Nevis DT, LSU
The Bears defense has withered some in recent years and is getting long in the tooth.
63. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jacquizz Rodgers RB, Oregon State
The Steelers seem to take a talented multi faceted player like Rodgers every year.
64. Indianapolis Colts – Marcus Gilbert OT, Florida
(To GB - #53 / To IND - #64 and #96)
The Colts still manage to find their tackle and pick up a late 3rd in the process.
I almost decided not to do one this year, but I just couldn't not put at least one version together. As always, I like to make this interesting, so I have thrown in a few trades. Some are possible, others maybe not so much. Anyway, here it is for your reading enjoyment.
1. Carolina Panthers – Marcell Dareus DT, Alabama
I have a hard time believing the Panthers will be able to get away from taking Newton, but for their sake I hope they do. Newton obviously has talent, but he just seems like Jamarcus Russell redux (one year starter, ego, raw talent, etc.). As a Raider fan who suffered through years with Russell at the helm, I’d hate to see any team’s fans have to suffer like we did, so the Panthers take the stud DT from Alabama to make up for the loss of Peppers.
2. Denver Broncos – Von Miller LB, Texas A&M
The Broncos must be a bit disappointed that Dareus is taken by the Panthers, but Miller is a fantastic consolation prize. With the move to the 4-3, the Broncos defense will be vastly improved with Miller teaming up with Dumervil to give them a pass rush they haven’t seen for some time.
3. Buffalo Bills – Patrick Peterson CB, LSU
This is where I can see some trade talk really start to heat up, but I cannot see any team having enough ammo to get into the top three, even though trading down may be the best thing for the Bills to do. The Bills may consider Newton or Gabbert, but I’m pretty certain Chan Gailey feels they can succeed with Fitzpatrick. Solidifying the back end of the defense with Peterson will hide their D-Line deficiencies to some extent.
4. Cincinnati Bengals – Cam Newton QB, Auburn
Carson Palmer is serious about retirement and the Bengals have never been shy about pulling the trigger on a QB in round 1. Hopefully this turns out better than it has in the past. With other teams clamoring for a QB, it wouldn’t be out of the question that the Bengals look for a dance partner and pick up additional picks in what is shaping up to be a draft deep in their other positions of need (WR, DL).
5. Arizona Cardinals – Robert Quinn DE/OLB, North Carolina
I was really torn with this pick, since the Cards need help at QB in the worst way. However, I do not believe they think Gabbert is the answer, so they pass on him and take Quinn, who the Cards project at OLB, where they are in dire need of some youth.
6. Cleveland Browns – A.J. Green WR, Georgia
They have a couple of 2nd round WRs, but they do not have a stud like Green in the mix. If they want their young QB McCoy to take a step forward, they will need to give him some weapons to work with. Green will be huge boost to the Browns offense.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Blaine Gabbert QB, Georgia
The 49ers hands are virtually tied here. If they go into another season with Alex Smith as their QB, the fans will revolt.
8. Philadelphia Eagles – Prince Amukamara CB, Nebraska
(To TEN - #23 and QB Kevin Kolb / To PHI - #8)
The Eagles are not shy about trading up and down the draft board to get “their” guy, so they pull the trigger and send Kolb packing along with the #23 to Tennessee. For the Titans, this is a great scenario. They get a solid move the chains field general to take the heat off of the running game, and move down the board a little to add another solid prospect. The Eagles are in need of CB help and needed to jump in front of the Texans and Cowboys to ensure they got Prince.
9. Dallas Cowboys – Cameron Jordan DE, California
Sure they need help on the offensive line, but it was their defense that really let them down last year. Dallas needs to just sit tight and grab a solid player that will contribute for the next decade. Jordan can do just that. It isn’t flashy, but this is an excellent and safe pick for the ‘Boys.
10. New England Patriots – J.J. Watt DE, Wisconsin
(To WAS - #17 and #60 / To NE - #10)
The Patriots don’t give up picks often, but I expect they will be doing a lot of wheeling and dealing again this year and should get more (or future) picks through additional trades. This gives the Skins a much needed additional pick and drops them down the first. The Pats get a player that perfectly fits their team and gets them in front of many other teams that are looking for DE help.
11. Houston Texans – Stephen Paea DT, Oregon St.
Here is the first real reach of the draft. He may not be the perfect fit for the nose in Wade Phillip’s 3-4 scheme, but he has similarities to Ratliff who saw great success with Phillips in Dallas.
12. Minnesota Vikings – Jake Locker QB, Washington
Where there is smoke, there is fire. I’ll bite. There has just been too much noise about Jake in Minnesota, who is desperate for a QB to rebuild around.
13. Detroit Lions – Tyron Smith OT, USC
Would they? Could they? Should they? I almost had the Lions taking Julio Jones, since he is slipping down the board, but thought better of it. The Lions need help on defense, but Smith is too good to pass up and there is little available at CB and LB that fit here.
14. St. Louis Rams – Julio Jones WR, Alabama
Jones being available here is a perfect match of BPA and need. The Rams have some talent at WR, but they need a true #1 that can mature along with Bradford.
15. Denver Broncos – Nick Fairley DT, Auburn
(To MIA - # 36 and #46 / To DEN - #15)
The Broncos package up their pair of 2nd round picks, returning Dolphins original 2nd, for a shot at Fairley who has dropped. The rebuilding of the Broncos defense is taking shape with Fairley and Miller. For the Fins, they pass on Ingram here, but the drop down puts them in a position to improve in multiple positions.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Adrian Clayborn DE, Iowa
The Jags have swung and missed at DE a few times in their brief history. They pass on more talented DE’s in Bowers and Smith and instead take the sure and steady Clayborn.
17. New Orleans – Da’Quan Bowers DE, Clemson
(To WAS - #24 and #72 / To NO - #17)
Quite a few teams are getting scared off by Bowers’ knee issues, but the Saints have the ammo with the additional 3rd round pick, as well as overall depth. Shanny and the Skins continue their march down the draft board, realizing that he needs a LOT of help.
18. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Kerrigan DE/OLB, Purdue
The Bolts defense has been getting a little soft the last few years and needs to add a solid playmaker. Kerrigan will likely play as an OLB in the 3-4 and will add some tough nosed play.
19. New York Giants – Mike Pouncey C/OG, Florida
Tough call here with Ingram still on the board, but the slide of the RB continues. The Giants have been keen evaluators and know that it all starts in the middle and cannot pass on Pouncey.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Aldon Smith DE, Missouri
The Bucs like their speed rushers. Despite being raw, Smith fits the Bucs DE mold really well. If he lives up to his potential, Smith could be a huge steal.
21. Kansas City Chiefs – Anthony Castonzo OT, Boston College
The Chiefs will continue to rely heavily on their running game and need improvement on their o-line to open up holes for Charles. Castonzo is a heady player who should be able to step right in to the starting lineup.
22. Indianapolis Colts – Mark Ingram RB, Alabama
Whoa, where did this pick come from? The Colts front office has to start realizing that they will not get back deep in the postseason without a more balanced attack. They need to extend Manning’s career by giving him a solid running attack.
23. Tennessee Titans – Corey Liuget DT, Illinois
(To PHI - #8 / To TEN Kevin Kolb and #23)
The Titans pick up their QB in Kolb and slide down to #23 in their trade with the Eagles. Liuget is not in the same mold as Haynesworth, but he will help fill the void that the Titans have been unable to fill since his departure.
24. Washington Redskins Gabe Carimi OT, Wisconsin
(To NO - #17 / To WAS - #24 and #72)
The Skins are willing to roll the dice for now and pass on reaching for one of the remaining QB’s. Instead they grab some depth at OT and start rebuilding in the trenches.
25. Seattle Seahawks – Muhammad Wilkerson DT, Temple
I keep thinking this will be a trade down, but I just can’t find any trade partners for the Hawks unless one of the Card or Bills tries to ensure they get “their guy” at QB. Wilkerson is a solid pick for Seattle, who needs depth at DT.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Jimmy Smith CB, Colorado
The Ravens always seem to find excellent value from whatever position they draft from and this year is no different. Smith has a big frame and will provide the Ravens with great depth.
27. Houston Texans – Brandon Harris CB, Miami (Fl.)
(To ATL - # 42 and #73 / To HOU - #27 and 5th)
Houston is desperate for CB help and is willing to pay the price of their 3rd to move up for Brandon Harris. He doesn’t play big or have the best hands, but he is solid in coverage and is a big step up for the Texans.
28. New England Patriots – Nate Solder OT, Colorado
If things fall this way, the Pats will run up to the podium to call Solder’s name. I suppose they will consider trading down, but I expect that is what they will do with Carolina’s 2nd.
29. Chicago Bears – Derek Sherrod OT, Mississippi St.
Things fall perfectly for the Pats, but not so for the Bears who were salivating at Solder dropping. They take the next best O-lineman in Sherrod.
30. New York Jets – Justin Houston OLB, Georgia
I almost had the Jets taking Leshoure here, but the Jets feel they are close and won’t make a luxury pick in the 1st. Houston on the other hand should help their defense return fairly quickly.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Danny Watkins OG, Baylor
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Steelers continue to build their front lines every year and every year they hit on another great pick.
32. Buffalo Bills – Andy Dalton QB, TCU
(To GB - #34 and #122 / To BUF - #32)
The Bills don’t trust the Pats to trade the next pick to another QB hungry team. The Bills need to ensure they don’t get leapfrogged by the Skins or Cards, so they make the deal with the Packers for Dalton for the expense of their 4th round pick.
33. New England Patriots – Brooks Reed OLB, Arizona
I could try and force a trade here with the Skins, but I can’t see Shanny dealing with Billichek, especially if he thinks his QB will still be there. Not many other teams have the ammo or the target for a trade here. Reed is nice fit for Pats.
34. Green Bay Packers – Cameron Heyward DE, Ohio St.
(To BUF - #32 / To GB - #34 and #122)
The Pack gets the man they were targeting and pick up an extra 4th from the Bills.
35. Cincinnati Bengals – Torrey Smith WR, Maryland
If it plays out this way the fantasy world will be asking was Newton/Smith the right call over Green/Ponder (or Mallett).
36. Miami Dolphins – Christian Ponder QB, Ohio St.
(To DEN - #15 / To MIA - # 36 and #46)
The Fins pick up their QB of the future (they hope) in the move down with the Broncos. Ponder may be able to challenge Henne right away.
37. Cleveland Browns – Allen Bailey DE, Miami (FL)
The Browns need to rebuild the front seven, so it is only a question of which position.
38. Arizona Cardinals – Ben Ijalana OT, Villanova
If the draft goes this direction, the Cards better hope they can find an old retread to throw Fitz the ball next year.
39. Tennessee Titans – Akeem Ayers OLB, UCLA
Akeem has slipped since the Combine, but he is good value and a good fit for the Titans.
40. Dallas Cowboys – Aaron Williams CB/S, Texas
Williams is a CB, but the Cowboys could use him at Safety.
41. Washington Redskins – Phil Taylor DT, Baylor
His injury issues are scaring a few teams away, but the Skins are desperate for an interior lineman to clog the middle of their 3-4.
42. Atlanta Falcons – Randall Cobb WR, Kentucky
(To HOU - #27 and 5th / To ATL - # 42 and #73)The Falcons get themselves a great young playmaker and pick up a 3rd in the process.
43. San Diego – Jon Baldwin WR, Pittsburgh
(To MIN - #50 and #82 / To SD - #43 and 106)
I originally had the Vikes taking Baldwin themselves, but I can see the Bolts moving up to get Rivers a future weapon to replace their departing wide receiving core.
44. Detroit Lions – Rodney Hudson OG, Florida State
Hudson is yet another piece in the re-tooling of the Lions offensive line, so they can start to keep Stafford upright.
45. San Francisco 49ers – Ras-I Dowling CB, Virginia
The 49ers lack depth at CB. Dowling should fit in very well playing the nickel before he eventually replaces Spencer permanently.
46. Denver Broncos – Mikel Leshoure RB, Illinois
(To DEN - #15 / To MIA - # 36 and #46)
Moreno is no slouch, but Buckhalter is past his prime. The value in Leshoure is too good to pass up in the mid second.
47. St. Louis Rams – Marcus Cannon OG, TCU
The Rams need help virtually everywhere. Like the Lions, they know they need to protect their investment in Bradford and spend a 2nd to bring in the behemoth OG from TCU.
48. Oakland Raiders – Ryan Mallett QB, Arkansas
Al Davis strikes again. With little depth behind Campbell, this makes some sense, but my fear is the second coming of Jeff George.
49. Jacksonville Jaguars – Rahim Moore S, UCLA
The Jags are a hard team to figure out, but their need at safety is without question.
50. Minnesota Vikings – Kyle Rudolph TE, Notre Dame
(To SD - #43 and 106 / To MIN - #50 and #82)
The Vikings need to get their new QB some weapons in the passing game, since their wide receiving corps has questionable depth.
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bruce Carter OLB, North Carolina
If Carter can return to pre-injury form, he may remind the TB faithful of Derrick Brooks.
52. New York Giants – Marvin Austin DT, North Carolina
The G-Men add to their defensive line nearly every year. Why should this year be any different?
53. Green Bay Packers – Ryan Williams RB, Virginia Tech
(To IND - #64 and #96 / To GB - #53)
The Packers have a boatload of picks and may not be as certain about Starks as some of us fantasy gurus are. Not the biggest price to pay to get your future stud RB. Especially when you have multiple 4ths.
54. Philadelphia Eagles – Jabaal Sheard DE, Pittsburgh
I’m not enamored with Sheard’s play, but he seems to fit the Eagles mold for quick DE’s.
55. Kansas City Chiefs – Titus Young WR, Boise State
The Chiefs need to get someone to play opposite Bowe, since Chambers isn’t cutting it.
56. New Orleans Saints – Stefan Wisniewski C, Penn State
The Saints continue to add to their front lines. The offensive line has taken some recent hits and needs more youth.
57. Seattle Seahawks – Colin Kaepernick QB, Nevada
Hasselbeck is nearing the end and nobody is sold on Whitehurst. The Skins get scooped.
58. Baltimore Ravens – Tandon Doss WR, Indiana
Doss has been rising up draft boards lately and the Ravens are in dire need of some young WRs.
59. Atlanta Falcons – Clint Boling OG, Georgia
Atlanta invests in their offensive line frequently and it has paid off. They will continue that trend here.
60. Washington Redskins – Leonard Hankerson WR, Miami
(To NE - #10 / To WAS - #17 and #60)
The Redskins get a weapon for … ??? … to pair with Moss. It looks as though the Skins lost out on a QB in the draft, but they have eyes for Vince Young anyway.
61. San Diego Chargers – Christian Ballard DT, Iowa
The Chargers will utilize Ballard as a 3-4 DE. I expect he would get into the rotation fairly early this season.
62. Chicago Bears – Drake Nevis DT, LSU
The Bears defense has withered some in recent years and is getting long in the tooth.
63. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jacquizz Rodgers RB, Oregon State
The Steelers seem to take a talented multi faceted player like Rodgers every year.
64. Indianapolis Colts – Marcus Gilbert OT, Florida
(To GB - #53 / To IND - #64 and #96)
The Colts still manage to find their tackle and pick up a late 3rd in the process.
? I wish.
