Bloom's Mock Draft 1.0 (Three Rounds) (1 Viewer)

[Sigmund Bloom]

Mock First with commentary

2nd round

Third Round

This year is a tough nut to crack. The combine might sort out some of the draft stock questions, but I dont know if it'll give us more insight into who the real players are in this class. I see two first round QBs with Freeman possibly getting in by doing his JaMarcus Russell imitation. Two, three RBs at most - McCoy could put up a staggering 40 at the combine. Three WRs for sure, with the trio of big underclassmen (DHB, Nicks, Britt) knocking on the door. Pettigrew is in, and I included Casey because I think he's at least Keller, if not more. Six offensive tackles will make it, I didn't include Will Beatty, and he's definitely possible. Only Alex Mack deserves consideration among the interior linemen imo. Peria Jerry and BJ Raji are on the rise and leading the DT class, but they might be only ones to crack the first. Tyson Jackson should get in the first as a 3-4 end, and Brown, Orakpo, and Maybin look like top 15 picks at worst, with Michael Johnson the enigma of the group. Maualuga and Laurinaitis will make it as ILBs, and Curry is almost a lock for the top 5-7. Cushing should sneak in the first among DE/OLB types, with Clay Matthews, Larry English, and Clint Sintim lurking even though they didn't make my first round (they'll make the second round coming out later this week). CB is almost as deep as OT, even though I only have three in the first, Vontae Davis is first round quality, I just left him out on character concerns, and Sean Smith could make it as a FS/CB Antrel Rolle type (some are also putting Malcolm Jenkins in that category). Darius Butler is also a corner I think a team could talk themselves into taking in the first. I don't think any of the safeties merit a first round grade.

Im sure Version 1.0 will be good for some laughs after the combine, and especially after the draft...

 

[bcr8f]

Green Bay - BJ Raji, DT

After watching him in the Senior Bowl I lost a lot of respect for him. I think they'll probably trade down.

Thanks for doing this though.

 

[PatrickT]

You're certainly not the first to do it, but I just can't see the Falcons going TE with all the defensive holes. I know he's not a deep threat, but Peelle showed he can be a decent outlet in the flats. You have Cushing going to NE right before us, but if they don't take him, I could see us going with Cushing, and of course, Laurinitis seems a decent fit as well.

I think I'd be disappointed with a TE, but, in any case where I disagree with Dimitroff, I'll assume I'm wrong at this point.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Green Bay - BJ Raji, DTAfter watching him in the Senior Bowl I lost a lot of respect for him. I think they'll probably trade down.Thanks for doing this though.

I seriously doubt they trade down with their 1st pick. Picks 1-10 are pretty close in talent this year..so far anyway, and the $ for pick nine is very tolerable for the risk/reward associated. My guess for the Packer wish list.1. Eugene Monroe2. Jason Smith3. Andre Smith4. Malcolm Jenkins5. Aaron Curry6. Everette Brown7. BJ Raji8. Michael Oher

 

[Sinrman]

As a Lions fan, I would be happy with Monroe. Has Smith lost some of his luster? He's considered by many to be a top 3 pick, and maybe the #1 or #2 overall. Either way, I would REALLY like to see them take Monroe or Smith, and NOT Stafford. I would be quite surprised to see Seattle pass on Crabtree, too. If he somehow falls past them though, I can definitely see Oakland taking him...

 

[Wu-banger]

Sig....

I cant see the Bucs grabbing Harvin over guys like Wells and Moreno...or even McCoy.

Harvin, to me is more of a luxury/complement player in an offense than the steady production that the Bucs need.

I like Harvins ability and feel he is more than a gimmick player but dont think he is the right fit for the Bucs defense / ball control MO that they need to get back to.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If that's what Pittsburgh is faced with (Mack, Jackson, Britton, et al off the board come #32) I won't be too upset with Meredith. I like him a bit more than Robinson and don't feel Unger is really a first round type of player. I don't want them touching Beatty at all.

Meredith playing RT and forcing Colon inside, where he belongs, would kill two birds with one stone. Not certain the Steelers would move Colon from tackle, since they could have/should have last season and didn't, but it needs to happen and Meredith would certainly help facilitate it.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

You're certainly not the first to do it, but I just can't see the Falcons going TE with all the defensive holes. I know he's not a deep threat, but Peelle showed he can be a decent outlet in the flats. You have Cushing going to NE right before us, but if they don't take him, I could see us going with Cushing, and of course, Laurinitis seems a decent fit as well.I think I'd be disappointed with a TE, but, in any case where I disagree with Dimitroff, I'll assume I'm wrong at this point.

I hear you, I just see Pettigrew as an overwhelming BPA at that point. Laurinaitis might work as a WLB, and maybe I should have considered Clay Matthews more if you think Cushing is a good fit because they are similar.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

As a Lions fan, I would be happy with Monroe. Has Smith lost some of his luster? He's considered by many to be a top 3 pick, and maybe the #1 or #2 overall. Either way, I would REALLY like to see them take Monroe or Smith, and NOT Stafford. I would be quite surprised to see Seattle pass on Crabtree, too. If he somehow falls past them though, I can definitely see Oakland taking him...

Which Smith? Jason or Andre? Right now it feels like Jason is rising, Andre falling, but the combine will bring that into focus.

 

[bcr8f]

Green Bay - BJ Raji, DTAfter watching him in the Senior Bowl I lost a lot of respect for him. I think they'll probably trade down.Thanks for doing this though.

I seriously doubt they trade down with their 1st pick. Picks 1-10 are pretty close in talent this year..so far anyway, and the $ for pick nine is very tolerable for the risk/reward associated. My guess for the Packer wish list.1. Eugene Monroe2. Jason Smith3. Andre Smith4. Malcolm Jenkins5. Aaron Curry6. Everette Brown7. BJ Raji8. Michael Oher

That's true(the money). If any of those are available I think Ted would pick one but in this mock most are gone. I'd love Jenkins, Curry, Monroe there. Whether he trades will probably depend on how these picks go.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Sig....I cant see the Bucs grabbing Harvin over guys like Wells and Moreno...or even McCoy.Harvin, to me is more of a luxury/complement player in an offense than the steady production that the Bucs need. I like Harvins ability and feel he is more than a gimmick player but dont think he is the right fit for the Bucs defense / ball control MO that they need to get back to.

I hear you, I just think they need a playmaker somewhere on offense. McCoy or Wells would work on that theory, but I actually think Graham is better than people give him credit for and he can be just fine for another year or two at least. They dont have a talent like Harvin on offense and he could be used in wildcat sets and designed plays to get the ball in his hands.

 

[PatrickT]

You're certainly not the first to do it, but I just can't see the Falcons going TE with all the defensive holes. I know he's not a deep threat, but Peelle showed he can be a decent outlet in the flats. You have Cushing going to NE right before us, but if they don't take him, I could see us going with Cushing, and of course, Laurinitis seems a decent fit as well.I think I'd be disappointed with a TE, but, in any case where I disagree with Dimitroff, I'll assume I'm wrong at this point.

I hear you, I just see Pettigrew as an overwhelming BPA at that point. Laurinaitis might work as a WLB, and maybe I should have considered Clay Matthews more if you think Cushing is a good fit because they are similar.

Well, I'll be the first to admit that my talent evaluation skills are nil, so I take a lot of what I hear from the "experts". I just know that there's a good chance that Boley and Brooking are not Falcons next year, and that Cushing and Laurinitis are top prospects at the OLB position. So don't put a lot of weight in my opinion there. I have seen several mocks with ATL taking Cushing, tho.

 

[djcolts]

I've accepted that the Colts won't be able to draft a DT in round 1 because the top 2 guys won't be there, and the rest of the DT class isn't round 1 material. But, if the Colts draft a TE in round 1 this year, the fans will be very, very angry - especially if they let Moreno slip by them.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

If that's what Pittsburgh is faced with (Mack, Jackson, Britton, et al off the board come #32) I won't be too upset with Meredith. I like him a bit more than Robinson and don't feel Unger is really a first round type of player. I don't want them touching Beatty at all.Meredith playing RT and forcing Colon inside, where he belongs, would kill two birds with one stone. Not certain the Steelers would move Colon from tackle, since they could have/should have last season and didn't, but it needs to happen and Meredith would certainly help facilitate it.

Agreed on Beatty. Hearing some stuff about him, and he looks like a finesse LT, not a good fit at all. I like Meredith as an RT and would rather see the Steelers take a guy who projects well as a RT and just keep freaking Starks at LT instead of taking someone with bigger warts who still projects at LT like Beatty or Loadholt. Im also not so high on Unger (Dallas Reynolds seems similar and he's available a LOT later), and Robinson wont help the biggest problem areas. There are some nice centers I like in the mid rounds like AQ Shipley, Antoine Caldwell, and even Alex Fletcher or Blake Schlueter as late rounders to help address center long term.Mack would be perfect, but I can see a late first round team falling for the guy because he's a blue chipper in most every way.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I've accepted that the Colts won't be able to draft a DT in round 1 because the top 2 guys won't be there, and the rest of the DT class isn't round 1 material. But, if the Colts draft a TE in round 1 this year, the fans will be very, very angry - especially if they let Moreno slip by them.

Moreno is a good call, I just have this feeling about Casey and the Colts, and I think Casey is first round quality. He's not a mere TE - he can play the slot, H-Back, short yardage QB... he can hold place kicks, he can even play some DE in a pinch. He's practically designed for the Indy offense since they often ask guys to rotate between the slot, inline TE, and H-back.

 

[djcolts]

I've accepted that the Colts won't be able to draft a DT in round 1 because the top 2 guys won't be there, and the rest of the DT class isn't round 1 material. But, if the Colts draft a TE in round 1 this year, the fans will be very, very angry - especially if they let Moreno slip by them.

Moreno is a good call, I just have this feeling about Casey and the Colts, and I think Casey is first round quality. He's not a mere TE - he can play the slot, H-Back, short yardage QB... he can hold place kicks, he can even play some DE in a pinch. He's practically designed for the Indy offense since they often ask guys to rotate between the slot, inline TE, and H-back.

I'm not saying I'd be upset (I figure Polian generally makes more good calls than bad). But, a lot of Colts fans would be - at least until he proves himself one way or another.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Loving the feedback - this is version 1.0, the one that always has the most slip through the cracks. I can see the top 10 and even top 5 sort out entirely different with just one change in the top three, so theres all kinds of room for variations.

 

[Buffaloes]

I like the Maualuga pick for Denver. I've seen too many with them going RB in the 1st. I think they can afford to wait at running back or any other offensive position until at least the 3rd round.

 

[LHUCKS]

Moreno to AZ is a slam dunk if he lasts that long...nice job here Sigmund.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

The Vikings' problem is at right tackle, not right guard. I just don't see it. Jonathan Sullivan will replace Birk nicely next year.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

First off, the site gets better and better all the time, bloom. Great stuff on there on the OTs and Texas vs. the Universe.

I haven't done a lot of player research yet (8 more days) but surprised not to see Vontae Davis in the first round. Did I miss some news on him? I think he may go top 10.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The Vikings' problem is at right tackle, not right guard. I just don't see it. Jonathan Sullivan will replace Birk nicely next year.

I see the issue as the whole right side, but Sullivan is a good argument against a guy who brings value as a G/C, not just a center. Meredith could be an option for them - I see corners mocked to Minnesota in the first a lot - what are your thoughts on that direction Plutos? Also Josh Freeman

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

First off, the site gets better and better all the time, bloom. Great stuff on there on the OTs and Texas vs. the Universe.I haven't done a lot of player research yet (8 more days) but surprised not to see Vontae Davis in the first round. Did I miss some news on him? I think he may go top 10.

no, and in fact the combine should be kind to a player like Davis, putting him in the top 15, if not top 10 picks. I've heard some chatter that some teams won't want to touch the guy with a ten foot pole because of personality issues, getting by solely on physical talent and subsequently getting benched for losing focus and freelancing. Ive also heard that Illinois and Zook were not sad to see him go. Davis, Beanie Wells, and Michael Johnson are the guys that some teams will have in the top 10 and others will remove completely from their boards...thanks for the kind words!

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Agreed on Beatty. Hearing some stuff about him, and he looks like a finesse LT, not a good fit at all. I like Meredith as an RT and would rather see the Steelers take a guy who projects well as a RT and just keep freaking Starks at LT instead of taking someone with bigger warts who still projects at LT like Beatty or Loadholt.

No way I want them going after "Coke Machine Feet" Phil either. At any point in the draft really(certainly early at least).As of today, I'm with you on taking a RT in the 1st vs a "reach" LT. As it stands, since they threw way too much money at him once already, it won't totally surprise me to see them throw more of it at Max Starks to "preserve continuity" or something ridiculous like that. I don't agree with it, but nor do I believe that the Steelers will; A)pay out enough to any available FA upgrade, or B)go into the draft with potentially NO left tackles with any experience under contract. I can't feature for a second they believe that Essex of Hills could start on the left side in '09, I expect Marvel Smith is going to retire, and I don't see them throwing the kind of money at Jordan Gross it would take to land him. That basically leaves them back to talking with Starks.I don't think Max is "starter quality" at LT. Certainly not one that deserves a large, long-term deal.....but I fear they may be forced. In a perfect world they could find a capable LT somehow(via FA, trade or the draft), move Colon inside to G(possibly eliminating the need to spend an early pick on an interior lineman) and then decide if they felt that Starks at RT was worth re-signing him for. Of course, that would then mean that Starks would have to be willing to sign for RT money. I can't see that happening anymore either. He's going to be able to hit the market with the ability to say "I was the starting LT for a SB champion. Oh, and by the way, I have another ring from a couple years ago, also as a starting tackle." On one hand, I can't feature any team's FO that has watched any kind of tape on Max thinking he's worth crazy money or that he's even really worth handing a starting LT job unchallenged.....but on the other hand we've seen teams do STUPID crap for guys who are coming off championships.Do you think there's any chance, given that they will likey have an extra pick in third and don't really have that many open spots on the roster, that Colbert will attempt to deal up to the 20 range land one of the "lesser" round one left tackles? Colbert has shown that he isn't afraid to trade up before. I'm not sure if I'm for/against the idea(probably against right now), but I am curious if they may at least consider it rather than dump a truckload of money onto a guy like Starks again.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I will only comment on the Eagles. Love the #21 pick, (its who I had them picking in the shark pool mock). However I think LeSean McCoy fits the Eagles offense much better then Wells.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I will only comment on the Eagles. Love the #21 pick, (its who I had them picking in the shark pool mock). However I think LeSean McCoy fits the Eagles offense much better then Wells.

I debated whether to give them "the heir to Westbrook" -McCoy or Moreno- or "the compliment" in Wells. I could see either one happening.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I will only comment on the Eagles. Love the #21 pick, (its who I had them picking in the shark pool mock). However I think LeSean McCoy fits the Eagles offense much better then Wells.

I debated whether to give them "the heir to Westbrook" -McCoy or Moreno- or "the compliment" in Wells. I could see either one happening.

Agreed. As an Eagles fan I would be thrilled with McCoy or Moreno, not so much Wells. Nice work, keep it up!

 

[saintfool]

Re: the Saints....

Do you have them taking a CB because you feel a LB would be a reach at 1.14? Safety seems like a definite reach at their slot.

I think we can all agree that the Saints need help defensively, especially in the back seven. However, CB isn't as dire a need when compared to LB or S. NO are very thin at LB, especially if they cannot re-sign Vilma (which will be their #1 priority). Bullocks - who was terrible, again - is UFA and expected to leave. That means they really only have Harper and Kaesviharn. I do think DC Williams will look for a veteran S rather than leave it to a rookie and, like said, S would be a reach at 1.14.

So that leaves LB and CB as realistic goals for 1.14, right? Well, consider the depth - albeit unimpressive - at CB with Porter, McKenzie, Young, Gay and even David when compared to their LB corps with Vilma, Shanle, Fujita and s/t'ers Mitchell and Dunbar.

If they re-sign Vilma, he's not coming back to move from MLB to OLB. He had a nice bounceback after playing out of position in NY. He's not keen to do that again.

I think a player like Cushing makes sense. He's an upgrade over Shanle, certainly, and gives the Saints some aggro-athleticism. They have missed that kind of player for a long, long time. He could fit well in that pressure defense that Williams is expected to install.

CB is the safe pick. LB won't be much of a reach but could be a real difference maker.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Re: the Saints....Do you have them taking a CB because you feel a LB would be a reach at 1.14? Safety seems like a definite reach at their slot.I think we can all agree that the Saints need help defensively, especially in the back seven. However, CB isn't as dire a need when compared to LB or S. NO are very thin at LB, especially if they cannot re-sign Vilma (which will be their #1 priority). Bullocks - who was terrible, again - is UFA and expected to leave. That means they really only have Harper and Kaesviharn. I do think DC Williams will look for a veteran S rather than leave it to a rookie and, like said, S would be a reach at 1.14.So that leaves LB and CB as realistic goals for 1.14, right? Well, consider the depth - albeit unimpressive - at CB with Porter, McKenzie, Young, Gay and even David when compared to their LB corps with Vilma, Shanle, Fujita and s/t'ers Mitchell and Dunbar. If they re-sign Vilma, he's not coming back to move from MLB to OLB. He had a nice bounceback after playing out of position in NY. He's not keen to do that again. I think a player like Cushing makes sense. He's an upgrade over Shanle, certainly, and gives the Saints some aggro-athleticism. They have missed that kind of player for a long, long time. He could fit well in that pressure defense that Williams is expected to install. CB is the safe pick. LB won't be much of a reach but could be a real difference maker.

nice analysis here, cant disagree with any of it. Some murmurs going around that teams might worried about Cushing's regimen of nutritional supplements...?

 

[TheFanatic]

I just can't see the Rams going QB in the first round. They have too many holes to fill and they want someone to compete with and motivate Bulger, not a guy who will get a monster signing bonus that will almost necessitate him getting played. Bulger is one of the few guys at Rams park every day. And for the first time in my life I have heard the guy sound excited about playing football.

Improving the line and going with a WC offense will give him all the confidence in the world as he dumps the ball off before getting crushed....

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Re: the Saints....Do you have them taking a CB because you feel a LB would be a reach at 1.14? Safety seems like a definite reach at their slot.I think we can all agree that the Saints need help defensively, especially in the back seven. However, CB isn't as dire a need when compared to LB or S. NO are very thin at LB, especially if they cannot re-sign Vilma (which will be their #1 priority). Bullocks - who was terrible, again - is UFA and expected to leave. That means they really only have Harper and Kaesviharn. I do think DC Williams will look for a veteran S rather than leave it to a rookie and, like said, S would be a reach at 1.14.So that leaves LB and CB as realistic goals for 1.14, right? Well, consider the depth - albeit unimpressive - at CB with Porter, McKenzie, Young, Gay and even David when compared to their LB corps with Vilma, Shanle, Fujita and s/t'ers Mitchell and Dunbar. If they re-sign Vilma, he's not coming back to move from MLB to OLB. He had a nice bounceback after playing out of position in NY. He's not keen to do that again. I think a player like Cushing makes sense. He's an upgrade over Shanle, certainly, and gives the Saints some aggro-athleticism. They have missed that kind of player for a long, long time. He could fit well in that pressure defense that Williams is expected to install. CB is the safe pick. LB won't be much of a reach but could be a real difference maker.

nice analysis here, cant disagree with any of it. Some murmurs going around that teams might worried about Cushing's regimen of nutritional supplements...?

Interesting news there. I always thought Cushing was USC's most consistent LB - he never seemed to be out of position, always ready to make a play. However, he did have injury trouble in college, so who knows if those murmurs might be related to that.Thanks for the mock - as a Bears fan, I think I would be okay with Sanchez falling to #18, but not 100% sold at this point. We'll see how the workouts go.

 

[saintfool]

Re: the Saints....Do you have them taking a CB because you feel a LB would be a reach at 1.14? Safety seems like a definite reach at their slot.I think we can all agree that the Saints need help defensively, especially in the back seven. However, CB isn't as dire a need when compared to LB or S. NO are very thin at LB, especially if they cannot re-sign Vilma (which will be their #1 priority). Bullocks - who was terrible, again - is UFA and expected to leave. That means they really only have Harper and Kaesviharn. I do think DC Williams will look for a veteran S rather than leave it to a rookie and, like said, S would be a reach at 1.14.So that leaves LB and CB as realistic goals for 1.14, right? Well, consider the depth - albeit unimpressive - at CB with Porter, McKenzie, Young, Gay and even David when compared to their LB corps with Vilma, Shanle, Fujita and s/t'ers Mitchell and Dunbar. If they re-sign Vilma, he's not coming back to move from MLB to OLB. He had a nice bounceback after playing out of position in NY. He's not keen to do that again. I think a player like Cushing makes sense. He's an upgrade over Shanle, certainly, and gives the Saints some aggro-athleticism. They have missed that kind of player for a long, long time. He could fit well in that pressure defense that Williams is expected to install. CB is the safe pick. LB won't be much of a reach but could be a real difference maker.

nice analysis here, cant disagree with any of it. Some murmurs going around that teams might worried about Cushing's regimen of nutritional supplements...?

thanks. interesting. I haven't heard anything to that effect. quickly googling, i found there is some discussion. if it's true then obviously it's a problem for almost any team. i'm not entirely sure i believe it considering Carroll's and USC's high profile.cushing is the only LB that fits in that 1.14 spot though. it would be pretty surprising if Vilma shifted to OLB but it's possible (especially if they were believers in JL or RM). CB, like I said, seems like the safe pick and it's not like they couldn't use it. McKenzie will be in the last year of his contract, I believe. If I had to guess, the starters next year would be Porter and Gay.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

The Vikings' problem is at right tackle, not right guard. I just don't see it. Jonathan Sullivan will replace Birk nicely next year.

I see the issue as the whole right side, but Sullivan is a good argument against a guy who brings value as a G/C, not just a center. Meredith could be an option for them - I see corners mocked to Minnesota in the first a lot - what are your thoughts on that direction Plutos? Also Josh Freeman

I don't think corner is a need, but Winfield isn't a young guy so they could go that way, but only if they have a high grade on someone. I really like the way Griffin played last season, although not every Viking fan feels the same way.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

I can see Jenkins going to the Browns at 5. But I have a suspicion that Rob Ryan will coax free agent Nnamdi Asomugha to the Browns so that they can address another need. I was hoping that need may be Aaron Curry or trading down a few spots if Crabtree is still there and taking Maualuga.

 

[Buffaloes]

I can see Jenkins going to the Browns at 5. But I have a suspicion that Rob Ryan will coax free agent Nnamdi Asomugha to the Browns so that they can address another need. I was hoping that need may be Aaron Curry or trading down a few spots if Crabtree is still there and taking Maualuga.

If Cleveland gets Asomugha, I doubt they will have a 1st rounder. I think Aso gets franchise tag again this year.

 

[GECKO]

.......

 

[moderated]

In this draft the way to see if someone knows what they are talking about is looking at how high they have the RB's going. It's a mediocre RB class and none should be in the top 15, and it's possible none will go in the 1st round, so kudos to Bloom for not putting this years RB's high.

 

[Domination]

I've accepted that the Colts won't be able to draft a DT in round 1 because the top 2 guys won't be there, and the rest of the DT class isn't round 1 material. But, if the Colts draft a TE in round 1 this year, the fans will be very, very angry - especially if they let Moreno slip by them.

Moreno is a good call, I just have this feeling about Casey and the Colts, and I think Casey is first round quality. He's not a mere TE - he can play the slot, H-Back, short yardage QB... he can hold place kicks, he can even play some DE in a pinch. He's practically designed for the Indy offense since they often ask guys to rotate between the slot, inline TE, and H-back.

While I agree with you rational, wouldn't that make Casey as a Dallas Clarke clone. Everything that you said they will do with Casey is what they already do with Clark. Indy really thinking RB in the 1st again?

 

[Irish]

I can see Jenkins going to the Browns at 5. But I have a suspicion that Rob Ryan will coax free agent Nnamdi Asomugha to the Browns so that they can address another need. I was hoping that need may be Aaron Curry or trading down a few spots if Crabtree is still there and taking Maualuga.

If Cleveland gets Asomugha, I doubt they will have a 1st rounder. I think Aso gets franchise tag again this year.

Asomugha is going nowhere.

 

[evilempire]

Nice mock, Bloom. Not just regurgitating the same guys as all the other mocks. Some real thought put into it.

That said ...

I have a real problem with Wells going at 28. I covered him on a weekly basis, and he is easily the best back in this draft. He's a three-down back ... people don't think he can catch the ball, but his lack of stats there are because Jim Tressel does not throw to running backs more than any glariing deficiency in his game. He's got speed (not a blazer, but enough to outrun people), has surprisingly good weight distribution in the hole and explosion to get through it, and just enough shiftiness to make people miss in the open field. Did I mention he has the best stiff-arm since Sweetness, too?

You're not wrong on the durability issues, and there are a few around Columbus who wonder just how driven he is. Teams aren't going to want to spend a high pick on a guy who may have issues with dedication. That said, I'd be shocked if he fell below 15. I know a lot of people are high on Jonathan Stewart, but I think Wells has as much ability and a chance to be a really special back in the NFL. The only guy I see being nearly as good is Shonn Greene from Iowa.

I do think Jenkins will go to the Browns or Bengals ... he's the safest pick among DBs this year. And Laurinaitis that late isn't bad ... I've seen him as low as the Giants. He runs well but lacks the instincts of an AJ Hawk. His senior year wasn't as bad as people think, however ... the OSU defensive line was simply able to make a few more plays. I think Laurinaitis will be solid but nothing great.

Again, nice job. I'll be looking forward to updated versions.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

I like the Bears taking Sanchez. I think the guy can be a solid starter for a long time if they give him at least 2 years with the clipboard.

 

[LHUCKS]

That said ...I have a real problem with Wells going at 28. I covered him on a weekly basis, and he is easily the best back in this draft.

This I agree with...Wells is a top flight back. If he slides to 28 that means a lot of teams missed the boat on him.

 

[Rovers]

Mr Bloom, please allow me to set the table here a bit for the Jets.

New defensive HC, new DC and Doug Plank as DB asst coach, the player on that Bears defense that the 46 was named for.

The Jets just cut David Barrett. Ty Law will not be back. Lowery got benched last year. What is left? Hank Poteat? You simply CAN NOT run the 46 without two solid man cover CB's. They are on an island in man coverage if the pressure of the 46 doesn't get to the QB. At least one safety if not both are up on the line. Revis is half the answer.

The other half has to come from FA (Bodden? No thanks) or from the draft. CB will be the first pick for the Jets. It almost HAS to be. If not, Ryan can't run his defense. It's really that simple. Jenkins will be gone. Von Davis is clearly the next best CB, but yes, he has attitude issues. Rex Ryan also has an attitude problem. He thinks he can coach ANY player.

Von Davis has the athletic ability to step in and start. Ryan thinks (I believe) he can fix the rest. In this new defense, across the the line to include the offense as well, this team has one GAPING hole in it. Even in a standard defesne, this team is SCREAMING for a CB. The Jets only have one CB as I type.

If Ryan goes other than CB (barring an FA signing first) in the first round after my head explodes, I will eat a sleeve off one of my Jets jersies. I may cut it up and put it on a pizza first, but I'll eat it alright.

 

[NorrisB]

That said ...I have a real problem with Wells going at 28. I covered him on a weekly basis, and he is easily the best back in this draft.

This I agree with...Wells is a top flight back. If he slides to 28 that means a lot of teams missed the boat on him.

Boy you're really trying to clean up your anti big 10 image. IMO, Wells is a late round first rounder IMO, he's injury prone, and doesnt use his size as well as he could. If Mendenhall slipped into the late half of the first he certainly will. He's been a big fish in a small pound and that will come back to bite him in the nfl.

 

[nerangers]

There were rumors last season that the Patriots were interested in ILB James Laurinaitis. Because of his Sr year, it looks like he could still be available in the late first round (some have him grading out to the second round). Do you think the Pats could still have interest there? They must have saw something they liked...

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Re: Cushing, I remember back early on in his career that there was lots of smoke about supplements on the Penn State boards. Now some of that is likely sour grapes, as he chose USC over PSU among others. But there was some decent evidence that he got big and ripped very, very quickly, with some pictures of before and after. It was enough to convince me, FWIW. But it doesn't mean the whole team is dirty or anything.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Mr Bloom, please allow me to set the table here a bit for the Jets. New defensive HC, new DC and Doug Plank as DB asst coach, the player on that Bears defense that the 46 was named for. The Jets just cut David Barrett. Ty Law will not be back. Lowery got benched last year. What is left? Hank Poteat? You simply CAN NOT run the 46 without two solid man cover CB's. They are on an island in man coverage if the pressure of the 46 doesn't get to the QB. At least one safety if not both are up on the line. Revis is half the answer. The other half has to come from FA (Bodden? No thanks) or from the draft. CB will be the first pick for the Jets. It almost HAS to be. If not, Ryan can't run his defense. It's really that simple. Jenkins will be gone. Von Davis is clearly the next best CB, but yes, he has attitude issues. Rex Ryan also has an attitude problem. He thinks he can coach ANY player. Von Davis has the athletic ability to step in and start. Ryan thinks (I believe) he can fix the rest. In this new defense, across the the line to include the offense as well, this team has one GAPING hole in it. Even in a standard defesne, this team is SCREAMING for a CB. The Jets only have one CB as I type. If Ryan goes other than CB (barring an FA signing first) in the first round after my head explodes, I will eat a sleeve off one of my Jets jersies. I may cut it up and put it on a pizza first, but I'll eat it alright. :X

Convincing as always, Rovers.They'll get a corner in the 2nd in this mock, but I'll definitely give Davis a long look next time around. It does make a lot of sense.

 

[djcolts]

I've accepted that the Colts won't be able to draft a DT in round 1 because the top 2 guys won't be there, and the rest of the DT class isn't round 1 material. But, if the Colts draft a TE in round 1 this year, the fans will be very, very angry - especially if they let Moreno slip by them.

Moreno is a good call, I just have this feeling about Casey and the Colts, and I think Casey is first round quality. He's not a mere TE - he can play the slot, H-Back, short yardage QB... he can hold place kicks, he can even play some DE in a pinch. He's practically designed for the Indy offense since they often ask guys to rotate between the slot, inline TE, and H-back.

While I agree with you rational, wouldn't that make Casey as a Dallas Clarke clone. Everything that you said they will do with Casey is what they already do with Clark. Indy really thinking RB in the 1st again?

The Colts need a DT more than anything else - but the 1st round DTs will be gone by the time the Colts pick. They could take a WR, OT, or CB, too (I don't think they'll take a 1st round LB, but I could be wrong - they just haven't since Rob Morris). RB in the 1st is a possibility because the running game was awful last year, and if their BPA is a RB, I don't think they'll hesitate to take him.

 

[CentralPA]

Nice Job Sigmund, most mock drafts i've seen are copies of each other but I like how you've mixed it up and have given very logical reasons why. I tend to think the Rams might go offensive line instead of QB but Stafford I think could end up being an upgrade over Bulger in the long run anyways. I'm an Eagles fan as well and I like the picks of Wells and Britton but I would think they'd try and grab Pettigrew if he was available at 21 since they really have no good blocking TEs and L.J. Smith is as good as gone, and then cross their fingers that Britton slips to 28.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Nice Job Sigmund, most mock drafts i've seen are copies of each other but I like how you've mixed it up and have given very logical reasons why. I tend to think the Rams might go offensive line instead of QB but Stafford I think could end up being an upgrade over Bulger in the long run anyways. I'm an Eagles fan as well and I like the picks of Wells and Britton but I would think they'd try and grab Pettigrew if he was available at 21 since they really have no good blocking TEs and L.J. Smith is as good as gone, and then cross there fingers that Britton slips to 28.

Im hearing that Britton might be overrated in the mock drafts and that first round might be too optimistic for him, so that's not a bad scenario to explore. Pettigrew does seem better than the 24th best prospect in this class.The top 4 is going to be very interesting because you can make a good case for the OTs, QBs, Crabtree, Curry, and even Everette Brown to any of the teams - we might have some good suspense right up until draft day.