Sinrman
Footballguy
Have some time on my hands today, so I thought I'd throw a few things out there and see if they stick. As with many drafts, we may see a trade or two (or three) in the first round prior to or during draft day, so I may try and throw one or two in there... so without further adieu...
1st Round
1.01 St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford, QB, OAK
It just makes sense. The stars are aligned for the Rams to take a QB finally. As many have pointed out before, they passed on several QBs over the last few years and stuck with Bulger. Well, Bulger was finally let go, and most of the veteran QBs that were available (Delhomme, Anderson, etc.) have already signed with teams, so their choices are pretty darn limited. I think on an NFL Live a few weeks ago, one of the commentators made a prolific statement that makes total sense (can you believe that?). He said something along the lines of "The Rams last year were a team that scored some 10 points a game on average. If they were to draft one of the top defensive guys, they would still be a team that scored some 10 points a game. They HAVE to take a QB!" I agree. No choice. As much as they'd like to take Suh or McCoy, they cannot continue to flounder on offense. Steven Jackson isn't getting any younger and his talent is being wasted on a team that has absolutely no passing attack. The future starts now...
1.02 Detroit Lions -- Ndamukong Suh, DT, NEB
Obviously the other choice would be Okung, the top OT in the draft, but the Lions FINALLY have a defensive-minded coach who knows what he's doing. Having said before that he'd love to have a strong front line as he did in Tennessee, it only makes sense that he takes Suh or McCoy. I think between the two, Suh is a bit more talented and a better fit for the Lions, and is the smart choice. The Lions defense will have vastly improved in just one offseason after this pick (along with offseason signings/trades).
1.03 Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Gerald McCoy, DT, OAK
Part of me wanted to go Eric Berry here, and have him in the mold of a John Lynch, who is still a cult favorite in Tampa. But McCoy gives them some badly-needed push up the middle. Much like Detroit, the Bucs have many needs, and you can't solve them all in one pick, so they need to go with a safe pick here. Can't go wrong with McCoy.
1.04 Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung, OT, OKST
The first thing I thought of was that if they didn't have such a high 1st rounder, I could see them giving up their 1st for Brandon Marshall, now that they have McNabb. Perhaps they can work something else out for Marshall and still keep the 1.04 (like next year's 1st or something else)? Who knows? The Redskins need O-line help, and Okung is the best there is in the draft. He is a very safe pick and would help protect McNabb's backside. I also toyed with the idea of a team moving up to the 1.04 to take Okung (or even Berry), and the Redskins using extra picks to nab Marshall and maybe have some extra picks. It was just hard to envision who would give that what would be necessary to move up to this spot though, so I'm sticking with Okung to Washington.
1.05 Kansas City Chiefs -- Bryan Bulaga, OT, IA
I really wanted to go Berry here, as they need help on defense, too. But they have a young offense that needs help on the line and they want to protect their big investment (Cassel) and help open holes for Charles. Bulaga is a great choice here.
1.06 Seattle Seahawks -- Trent Williams, OT, OAK
Seattle didn't want to give up the 1.06 pick for Marshall, so they draft the third OT in a row to help anchor their line. Another safe pick...
1.07 Cleveland Browns -- Eric Berry, S, TEN
If da Bears had a 1st I could see them trading up to take Berry, but they don't. I think at this point, there will be some teams looking to move into this position to take Berry or some others still available, and Holmgren will listen. But in the end, I think they stand pat, pass on Clausen, and take Berry, the best safety in the draft since Polamalu.
1.08 Oakland Raiders -- Bruce Campbell, OT, MARY
Al Davis does not want to admit defeat on JaMarcus Russell, so they go another year in misery with him and a host of sub par QBs (Gradkowski, Frye, and maybe even JP Losman). The Raiders go with a safe pick and try to anchor their line some more in an effort to give the QB(s) more time to throw.
1.09 Buffalo Bills -- Jimmy Clausen, QB, ND
The Bills would rather go elsewhere with the pick, but they need to address QB badly. Their offense is floundering and they need to finally admit defeat and hit the reset button. In starting over, they start with what they believe to be a franchise QB. They have many needs, but this is a good place to start...
1.10 Jacksonville Jaguars -- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, SFLA
The Jags do not give into the pressure of blowing a first rounder on Tim Tebow, and go with another need. Pierre-Paul improved his draft stock at the combine in February, and is popular in Florida.
1.11 Denver Broncos -- Dez Bryant, WR, OKST
The Broncos draft Bryant as they are working a deal for the unhappy Marshall. The Broncos could fill other needs, but they would like to keep their offense fresh and scoring some more points.
1.12 Miami Dolphins -- Derrick Morgan, DE, GT
The Dolphins would like to have a good bookend D-lineman again with the departure of Taylor (AGAIN). Morgan is a beast, and would be a happy addition to the Dolphin line.
1.13 San Francisco 49ers -- Joe Haden, CB, FLA
The 49ers get a gift in Haden. With Dez Bryant being taken before them, they decide to go with another need and that is CB. Can't go wrong with Haden.
1.14 *** TRADE *** Denver Broncos (from Seattle for Brandon Marshall) -- Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, MICH
A big trade, yet not unexpected. Seattle had plans to try and get Marshall all along, but didn't want to give up their earlier pick for him. Denver is willing to wait and get the 1.14 pick for him, and use it to address another need.
1.15 New York Giants -- Rolando McClain, ILB, ALA
The Giants have a few holes to fill, but this one just makes sense. They get a workhorse for a linebacker who will help solidify the secondary for years to come.
1.16 Tennessee Titans -- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, TEX
The loss of Vanden Bosch is quickly forgotten when the Titans take the DE of the future. With this year's crop of WRs being very weak, they look to fill other holes.
1.17 San Francisco 49ers -- Taylor Mays, S, USC
The thought of Earl Thomas crossed my mind, but I believe San Fran will go with a West Coast guy they should be pretty familiar with who is a bit more seasoned (Senior) than Thomas (Sophomore). With their first two picks the 49ers have instantly transformed their lackluster defense and given Patrick Willis some help and made their defense one of the youngest and most fearsome in the league.
1.18 Pittsburgh Steelers -- Kyle Wilson, CB, BOST
I actually toyed with the idea of Tebow here, but I know the Steeler faithful would call for me head, so I thought better of it. Hey, SOMEONE has to pull the trigger on him, so why not a team that has a cloud hanging over their QB? Anywho, I decided to go with a big need of the Steelers, and that is CB. They nab the second best CB in the draft.
1.19 Atlanta Falcons -- Carlos Dunlap, DE, FLA
The Falcons were hoping one of the two DEs taken before (Kindle or Graham) would fall to them, but have to settle for a questionable Dunlap. They addressed a need at CB by bringing in Dunta Robinson, so they look elsewhere to plug holes. I would also look to the Falcons to possibly look towards bringing in a WR, as Michael Jenkins has been a huge disappointment since coming to Atlanta. They may hold off until the 2nd round or later however to fill that need...
1.20 Houston Texans -- CJ Spiller, RB, CLEM
I could see them taking more of a bruiser in Ryan Matthews, but Spiller is considered the top back in the draft and is quite dynamic. Spiller has fallen a little in my mock, and so Houston cannot ignore what is in front of them.
1.21 Cincinnati Bengals -- Earl Thomas, S, TEX
The Bengals look to improve on last year, a memorable season that saw them sweep all their divisional rivals (which is amazing in and of itself). They hoped for Mays, but will settle for Thomas here.
1.22 New England Patriots -- Dan Williams, DT, TEN
Given Belicheck's history, I could see him moving out of this pick, but can't peg who it would be to move here and what player they would desperately want, so I'm sticking with the Pats actually picking here. Most mocks I've seen have Odrick going here, but I'm going to say Williams.
1.23 Green Bay Packers -- Anthony Davis, OT, RUT
The Pack wish they had enough to move up into the top 10 to grab one of the top OTs, but they will settle for Davis who will help their very weak OL. Rodgers is spectacular with many weapons, but he needs help standing upright.
1.24 Philadelphia Eagles -- Sean Witherspoon, LB, MIZZOU
The Eagles use the first of their gazillion picks this year to grab a top LB. I could definitely see them packaging some of their later picks to move up further in the 2nd/3rd to help fill other holes on defense. They believe in Kolb, and they have a young, dynamic offense, so defense is where they need to focus nearly all their attention on. O-line probably could use help, too, so it wouldn't entirely surprise me if they go O-line here.
1.25 Baltimore Ravens -- Aaron Hernandez, TE, FLA
In a little bit of an upset, the Ravens go with Hernandez over Greshem. The injury concerns with Greshem have them leaning towards a rising star like Hernandez, who will give Flacco more weapons.
1.26 Arizona Cardinals -- Terrence Cody, DT, ALA
In another small upset, I see the Cardinals passing on Charles Brown (OT) and Brian Price (DT) and going with a beast like Cody. Despite the change at QB, and the loss of Boldin, their offense is still one of the top ones, so they need to further address defensive holes.
1.27 Dallas Cowboys -- Mike Iupati, G, IDA
I see the Cowboys continuing to try and get younger on the O-line, especially after the release of Flozell. Iupati is a safe pick, but I could also see them going with Maurkice Pouncey here.
1.28 San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Matthews, RB, FRST
The loss of LT and not having full faith that Sproles can be an every-down back means they need to pick up a back, and Matthews is a bruiser and one they have likely kept a close eye on for awhile now...
1.29 New York Jets -- Golden Tate, WR, ND
Many have Demaryius Thomas here, but I think he's overrated a good bit. Tate is more polished and I think one of the top two, if not THE top WR in the draft this year. The Jets are solid all the way through and poised to win NOW. Tate gives them another vertical threat along with Edwards and Cotchery. Sanchez will be one happy camper...
1.30 Minnesota Vikings -- Colt McCoy, QB, TEX
Yep, McCoy breaks into the 1st round. Barely, but he does. Favre comes back for one more year, tutors McCoy, and then hands the reigns over to him where Minnesota barely misses a beat. The drafting of McCoy means the Vikings will try and trade/release Tavaris Jackson.
1.31 Indianapolis Colts -- Jared Odrick, DT, PSU
The Colts could use help on defense in several places, and they address one need here. CB could also be a possibility, but the drop in talent is significant, and I think they wait a bit to address that spot.
1.32 New Orleans Saints -- Everson Griffin, DE, USC
The Saints don't have too many holes, but the defense could use a little help. They may be looking to get younger at certain positions, and the D-line is one place to start...
1st Round
1.01 St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford, QB, OAK
It just makes sense. The stars are aligned for the Rams to take a QB finally. As many have pointed out before, they passed on several QBs over the last few years and stuck with Bulger. Well, Bulger was finally let go, and most of the veteran QBs that were available (Delhomme, Anderson, etc.) have already signed with teams, so their choices are pretty darn limited. I think on an NFL Live a few weeks ago, one of the commentators made a prolific statement that makes total sense (can you believe that?). He said something along the lines of "The Rams last year were a team that scored some 10 points a game on average. If they were to draft one of the top defensive guys, they would still be a team that scored some 10 points a game. They HAVE to take a QB!" I agree. No choice. As much as they'd like to take Suh or McCoy, they cannot continue to flounder on offense. Steven Jackson isn't getting any younger and his talent is being wasted on a team that has absolutely no passing attack. The future starts now...
1.02 Detroit Lions -- Ndamukong Suh, DT, NEB
Obviously the other choice would be Okung, the top OT in the draft, but the Lions FINALLY have a defensive-minded coach who knows what he's doing. Having said before that he'd love to have a strong front line as he did in Tennessee, it only makes sense that he takes Suh or McCoy. I think between the two, Suh is a bit more talented and a better fit for the Lions, and is the smart choice. The Lions defense will have vastly improved in just one offseason after this pick (along with offseason signings/trades).
1.03 Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Gerald McCoy, DT, OAK
Part of me wanted to go Eric Berry here, and have him in the mold of a John Lynch, who is still a cult favorite in Tampa. But McCoy gives them some badly-needed push up the middle. Much like Detroit, the Bucs have many needs, and you can't solve them all in one pick, so they need to go with a safe pick here. Can't go wrong with McCoy.
1.04 Washington Redskins -- Russell Okung, OT, OKST
The first thing I thought of was that if they didn't have such a high 1st rounder, I could see them giving up their 1st for Brandon Marshall, now that they have McNabb. Perhaps they can work something else out for Marshall and still keep the 1.04 (like next year's 1st or something else)? Who knows? The Redskins need O-line help, and Okung is the best there is in the draft. He is a very safe pick and would help protect McNabb's backside. I also toyed with the idea of a team moving up to the 1.04 to take Okung (or even Berry), and the Redskins using extra picks to nab Marshall and maybe have some extra picks. It was just hard to envision who would give that what would be necessary to move up to this spot though, so I'm sticking with Okung to Washington.
1.05 Kansas City Chiefs -- Bryan Bulaga, OT, IA
I really wanted to go Berry here, as they need help on defense, too. But they have a young offense that needs help on the line and they want to protect their big investment (Cassel) and help open holes for Charles. Bulaga is a great choice here.
1.06 Seattle Seahawks -- Trent Williams, OT, OAK
Seattle didn't want to give up the 1.06 pick for Marshall, so they draft the third OT in a row to help anchor their line. Another safe pick...
1.07 Cleveland Browns -- Eric Berry, S, TEN
If da Bears had a 1st I could see them trading up to take Berry, but they don't. I think at this point, there will be some teams looking to move into this position to take Berry or some others still available, and Holmgren will listen. But in the end, I think they stand pat, pass on Clausen, and take Berry, the best safety in the draft since Polamalu.
1.08 Oakland Raiders -- Bruce Campbell, OT, MARY
Al Davis does not want to admit defeat on JaMarcus Russell, so they go another year in misery with him and a host of sub par QBs (Gradkowski, Frye, and maybe even JP Losman). The Raiders go with a safe pick and try to anchor their line some more in an effort to give the QB(s) more time to throw.
1.09 Buffalo Bills -- Jimmy Clausen, QB, ND
The Bills would rather go elsewhere with the pick, but they need to address QB badly. Their offense is floundering and they need to finally admit defeat and hit the reset button. In starting over, they start with what they believe to be a franchise QB. They have many needs, but this is a good place to start...
1.10 Jacksonville Jaguars -- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, SFLA
The Jags do not give into the pressure of blowing a first rounder on Tim Tebow, and go with another need. Pierre-Paul improved his draft stock at the combine in February, and is popular in Florida.
1.11 Denver Broncos -- Dez Bryant, WR, OKST
The Broncos draft Bryant as they are working a deal for the unhappy Marshall. The Broncos could fill other needs, but they would like to keep their offense fresh and scoring some more points.
1.12 Miami Dolphins -- Derrick Morgan, DE, GT
The Dolphins would like to have a good bookend D-lineman again with the departure of Taylor (AGAIN). Morgan is a beast, and would be a happy addition to the Dolphin line.
1.13 San Francisco 49ers -- Joe Haden, CB, FLA
The 49ers get a gift in Haden. With Dez Bryant being taken before them, they decide to go with another need and that is CB. Can't go wrong with Haden.
1.14 *** TRADE *** Denver Broncos (from Seattle for Brandon Marshall) -- Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, MICH
A big trade, yet not unexpected. Seattle had plans to try and get Marshall all along, but didn't want to give up their earlier pick for him. Denver is willing to wait and get the 1.14 pick for him, and use it to address another need.
1.15 New York Giants -- Rolando McClain, ILB, ALA
The Giants have a few holes to fill, but this one just makes sense. They get a workhorse for a linebacker who will help solidify the secondary for years to come.
1.16 Tennessee Titans -- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, TEX
The loss of Vanden Bosch is quickly forgotten when the Titans take the DE of the future. With this year's crop of WRs being very weak, they look to fill other holes.
1.17 San Francisco 49ers -- Taylor Mays, S, USC
The thought of Earl Thomas crossed my mind, but I believe San Fran will go with a West Coast guy they should be pretty familiar with who is a bit more seasoned (Senior) than Thomas (Sophomore). With their first two picks the 49ers have instantly transformed their lackluster defense and given Patrick Willis some help and made their defense one of the youngest and most fearsome in the league.
1.18 Pittsburgh Steelers -- Kyle Wilson, CB, BOST
I actually toyed with the idea of Tebow here, but I know the Steeler faithful would call for me head, so I thought better of it. Hey, SOMEONE has to pull the trigger on him, so why not a team that has a cloud hanging over their QB? Anywho, I decided to go with a big need of the Steelers, and that is CB. They nab the second best CB in the draft.
1.19 Atlanta Falcons -- Carlos Dunlap, DE, FLA
The Falcons were hoping one of the two DEs taken before (Kindle or Graham) would fall to them, but have to settle for a questionable Dunlap. They addressed a need at CB by bringing in Dunta Robinson, so they look elsewhere to plug holes. I would also look to the Falcons to possibly look towards bringing in a WR, as Michael Jenkins has been a huge disappointment since coming to Atlanta. They may hold off until the 2nd round or later however to fill that need...
1.20 Houston Texans -- CJ Spiller, RB, CLEM
I could see them taking more of a bruiser in Ryan Matthews, but Spiller is considered the top back in the draft and is quite dynamic. Spiller has fallen a little in my mock, and so Houston cannot ignore what is in front of them.
1.21 Cincinnati Bengals -- Earl Thomas, S, TEX
The Bengals look to improve on last year, a memorable season that saw them sweep all their divisional rivals (which is amazing in and of itself). They hoped for Mays, but will settle for Thomas here.
1.22 New England Patriots -- Dan Williams, DT, TEN
Given Belicheck's history, I could see him moving out of this pick, but can't peg who it would be to move here and what player they would desperately want, so I'm sticking with the Pats actually picking here. Most mocks I've seen have Odrick going here, but I'm going to say Williams.
1.23 Green Bay Packers -- Anthony Davis, OT, RUT
The Pack wish they had enough to move up into the top 10 to grab one of the top OTs, but they will settle for Davis who will help their very weak OL. Rodgers is spectacular with many weapons, but he needs help standing upright.
1.24 Philadelphia Eagles -- Sean Witherspoon, LB, MIZZOU
The Eagles use the first of their gazillion picks this year to grab a top LB. I could definitely see them packaging some of their later picks to move up further in the 2nd/3rd to help fill other holes on defense. They believe in Kolb, and they have a young, dynamic offense, so defense is where they need to focus nearly all their attention on. O-line probably could use help, too, so it wouldn't entirely surprise me if they go O-line here.
1.25 Baltimore Ravens -- Aaron Hernandez, TE, FLA
In a little bit of an upset, the Ravens go with Hernandez over Greshem. The injury concerns with Greshem have them leaning towards a rising star like Hernandez, who will give Flacco more weapons.
1.26 Arizona Cardinals -- Terrence Cody, DT, ALA
In another small upset, I see the Cardinals passing on Charles Brown (OT) and Brian Price (DT) and going with a beast like Cody. Despite the change at QB, and the loss of Boldin, their offense is still one of the top ones, so they need to further address defensive holes.
1.27 Dallas Cowboys -- Mike Iupati, G, IDA
I see the Cowboys continuing to try and get younger on the O-line, especially after the release of Flozell. Iupati is a safe pick, but I could also see them going with Maurkice Pouncey here.
1.28 San Diego Chargers -- Ryan Matthews, RB, FRST
The loss of LT and not having full faith that Sproles can be an every-down back means they need to pick up a back, and Matthews is a bruiser and one they have likely kept a close eye on for awhile now...
1.29 New York Jets -- Golden Tate, WR, ND
Many have Demaryius Thomas here, but I think he's overrated a good bit. Tate is more polished and I think one of the top two, if not THE top WR in the draft this year. The Jets are solid all the way through and poised to win NOW. Tate gives them another vertical threat along with Edwards and Cotchery. Sanchez will be one happy camper...
1.30 Minnesota Vikings -- Colt McCoy, QB, TEX
Yep, McCoy breaks into the 1st round. Barely, but he does. Favre comes back for one more year, tutors McCoy, and then hands the reigns over to him where Minnesota barely misses a beat. The drafting of McCoy means the Vikings will try and trade/release Tavaris Jackson.
1.31 Indianapolis Colts -- Jared Odrick, DT, PSU
The Colts could use help on defense in several places, and they address one need here. CB could also be a possibility, but the drop in talent is significant, and I think they wait a bit to address that spot.
1.32 New Orleans Saints -- Everson Griffin, DE, USC
The Saints don't have too many holes, but the defense could use a little help. They may be looking to get younger at certain positions, and the D-line is one place to start...
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