Suprising mock from Sporting News (1 Viewer)

[Bracie Smathers]

Go to the link for the full first round, just posting the Sporting News top-ten from Russ Lande.

Caution, this mock has a few names in the top ten that haven't been mentioned this high so it might upset a few folks.

LINK Sporting News mock

Russ Lande's Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers—Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn

2. Denver Broncos—Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson

3. Buffalo Bills—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals—A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia

5. Arizona Cardinals—Blaine Gabbert*, QB, Missouri

6. Cleveland Browns—Robert Quinn*, OLB, North Carolina

7. San Francisco 49ers—Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pitt

8. Tennessee Titans—Corey Liuget*, DT, Illinois

9. Dallas Cowboys—Patrick Peterson*, CB, LSU

10. Washington Redskins—Jake Locker, QB, Washington

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I actually like Jabaal Sheard a heck of alot but I hadn't seen him rated this high in any draft. Truth be told, I am suprised that someone had the guts to put him in their top-ten so kudos to Russ for seeing the talent and ranking him higher than others. I can understand that this will be a shocking and controversial prediction and I like Jabaal but I'm not sure I would have the guts to rank him as high as Lande. Having said that I would take Peterson over Sheard.

Liuget has been mentioned before but it is harder for me to gauge DTs and I wouldn't rank him this high.

Locker is a guy I thought would go high in this draft before concerns about his accuracy arose but if those issues were brought on by overuse of his throwing arm from also playing baseball and it could be proven that was the cause and teams felt confident that going forward that issue was resolved, THEN I could buy him going ahead of, Cam Newton, Prince Akamukamara, and Julio Jones, but at this time and withoght any idea if he has accuracy issues that will continue into the NFL I wouldn't take a gamble on him that high in the draft.

Once again go to the link for the full first round mock.

 

[sho nuff]

Cant see Liuget going before Darius to the Titans and Julio not in the top 10 shocks me.

If any WR falls out of the top 10 IMO it will be Green.

 

[Poppa]

Williams the 1st RB off the board, and Ingram to the Packers...

 

[krsone21]

Something else interesting is that Ryan Williams comes off the board to Miami ahead of Mark Ingram. I personally really like Ryan Williams and like him more then some of the guys rated ahead of him.

 

[zadok]

Lande always does this - go off the beaten path - and I respect him a ton for it. MAkes me buy the SN Draft mag every year...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

There's NO WAY...

 

[Skeletore Eh]

As the owner of many top 5 draft picks this year, I love these destinations for the RB's

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Go to the link for the full first round, just posting the Sporting News top-ten from Russ Lande.

Caution, this mock has a few names in the top ten that haven't been mentioned this high so it might upset a few folks.

LINK Sporting News mock

Russ Lande's Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers—Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn

2. Denver Broncos—Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson

3. Buffalo Bills—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals—A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia

5. Arizona Cardinals—Blaine Gabbert*, QB, Missouri

6. Cleveland Browns—Robert Quinn*, OLB, North Carolina

7. San Francisco 49ers—Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pitt

8. Tennessee Titans—Corey Liuget*, DT, Illinois

9. Dallas Cowboys—Patrick Peterson*, CB, LSU

10. Washington Redskins—Jake Locker, QB, Washington

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I actually like Jabaal Sheard a heck of alot but I hadn't seen him rated this high in any draft. Truth be told, I am suprised that someone had the guts to put him in their top-ten so kudos to Russ for seeing the talent and ranking him higher than others. I can understand that this will be a shocking and controversial prediction and I like Jabaal but I'm not sure I would have the guts to rank him as high as Lande. Having said that I would take Peterson over Sheard.

Liuget has been mentioned before but it is harder for me to gauge DTs and I wouldn't rank him this high.

Locker is a guy I thought would go high in this draft before concerns about his accuracy arose but if those issues were brought on by overuse of his throwing arm from also playing baseball and it could be proven that was the cause and teams felt confident that going forward that issue was resolved, THEN I could buy him going ahead of, Cam Newton, Prince Akamukamara, and Julio Jones, but at this time and withoght any idea if he has accuracy issues that will continue into the NFL I wouldn't take a gamble on him that high in the draft.

Once again go to the link for the full first round mock.

HOLD THE PHONE.I may have posted an earlier version of Lande's mock by mistake.

Their are no date-stamps on any SP articles so it is confusing they have a number system instead.

The above mock is #

Story Milestone 45 of 85

NFL mock draft: Defensive players lead the pack

Russ Lande

Sporting News

SP also has a different mock by Lande numbered#

Story Milestone 48 of 85

NFL mock draft: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus moves up to No. 1

Russ Lande

Sporting News

Gere is the link to #48 of 85 stories but without a date stamp I am going by stories directly in back and in front of these mocks to try and determine which came first.

A story of Cam Newton's workout comes inbetween the two mocks so one came before Newton's Pro Day workout on March 2 and the other came after his workout and I can't tell which mock is most recent.

Here is the #48 article's mock, just posting the top-ten.

LINK to a differnt version of Lande's mock

-----------------------------------------------------------------

1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Although the Panthers consider taking an end, they have a much bigger need inside because they have young ends Everette Brown and Greg Hardy and could re-sign DE Charles Johnson. Nick Fairley is tempting, but questions about his maturity level contribute to Dareus’ rise to No. 1.

2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Denver has a lot of needs, but new coach John Fox remembers Julius Peppers’ impact on Carolina's defense and grabs Bowers, who has the talent to be as good a player as Peppers.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

The Bills struggled greatly to pressure the quarterback in 2010, and Miller gives them an explosive edge rusher who can be productive as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 and as an end in a 4-3.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco may not return to the Bengals. If their passing offense is going to produce, it will need a big-play receiver such as Green.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

After losing Kurt Warner to retirement, the Cardinals were terrible on offense last season. So they grab the strong-armed Gabbert, who has many of the necessary traits to become a very good NFL quarterback.

6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

With the Browns switching back to a 4-3 scheme, they need pass-rushing ends. Quinn is a very explosive, polished pass rusher who can start early in his career.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

The 49ers, who would like to add a pass rusher or a quarterback in the first round, fall in love with Peterson's athleticism and overlook his lack of consistent production.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

The Titans’ defense has not been the same since losing Albert Haynesworth—and the explosive, super-athletic Fairley gives them the interior force they desperately needs.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Cowboys need more playmakers in the secondary, and Prince gives them a tough, physical and athletic corner.

10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Despite concerns about Locker's accuracy, coach Mike Shanahan grabs the athletic, strong-armed QB with the belief he can solve his problems and turn him into a star.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I believe the above version is the most recent mock and it is more conventional however he still has Jabaal Sheard rated highly in what I think is his latest version, he has him just outside of the top-ten.

11. Houston Texans: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh

New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needs edge pass rushers, and Sheard has the tools to be an impact pass rusher who can help the Texans’ defense make the transition to the 3-4.

So my bad and go to what I think is Lande's latest version of his mock.

LINK to a differnt version of Lande's mock

 

[Hoosier16]

As the owner of many top 5 draft picks this year, I love these destinations for the RB's

I was just about to post the same thing. What would the top 5 in FF drafts look like with these landing spots? I'd have a tough time taking Green 1st.4. Cincinnati Bengals—A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia 14. St. Louis Rams—Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama15. Miami Dolphins—Ryan Williams*, RB, Virginia Tech28. New England Patriots—Mikel Leshoure*, RB, Illinois 32. Green Bay Packers—Mark Ingram*, RB, Alabama

 

[heidbrink]

14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Sam Bradford had a very good rookie season, but he needs some weapons to continue his development. Jones is an elite prospect.

Take that, Andy D!!!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama Sam Bradford had a very good rookie season, but he needs some weapons to continue his development. Jones is an elite prospect. Take that, Andy D!!!

 

[Spike]

Ingram as the third RB taken?

(Though I'm sure he'd then go 1.01 in every draft that wasn't PPR.)

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Lande's updated mock updated yesterday.

Three quarterbacks taken in the first ten picks provides food for fodder.

Lande gives a brief explanation of a few risers (Mallett, Liuget, Sherrod) and fallers (Solder, Fairely, Amukamara).

Just the top-ten, go to the link for the full first round.

LINK Lande's latest mock

Lande’s Mock Draft

1. Panthers—Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

2. Broncos—Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina

3. Bills—Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

4. Bengals—Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

5. Cardinals—Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

6. Browns—A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

7. 49ers—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

8. Titans—Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

9. Cowboys—Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

10. Redskins—Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

 

[Steed]

Mallett is not a Shanahan QB. Lande has Ryan Williams going to the Giants, some major FF fallout if that happens.

 

[Donnybrook]

I am not buying what Lande is selling. He seems to be all over the place. First, he says that in his opinion Mallet is a third round pick based on his on field performance. Then, he says based on his combine and pro day performance he will possibly go as high as 10. How about Peterson and Jones combine performances? Apparently they don't deserve a draft bump.

In his previous mock, Lande offers this: "Despite concerns about Locker's accuracy, coach Mike Shanahan grabs the athletic, strong-armed QB with the belief he can solve his problems and turn him into a star." An obvious Cutler reference. But it doesn't stop him from swapping in Mallet for Locker. Hmmm....Is Washington really that desperate for a QB?

 

[Blackjacks]

As the owner of many top 5 draft picks this year, I love these destinations for the RB's

I was just about to post the same thing. What would the top 5 in FF drafts look like with these landing spots? I'd have a tough time taking Green 1st.4. Cincinnati Bengals—A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia 14. St. Louis Rams—Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama15. Miami Dolphins—Ryan Williams*, RB, Virginia Tech28. New England Patriots—Mikel Leshoure*, RB, Illinois 32. Green Bay Packers—Mark Ingram*, RB, Alabama

In my league that ISN'T ppr I would rank them like thisIngramWilliamsJonesLeshoreGreen

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Go to the link for the full first round, just posting the Sporting News top-ten from Russ Lande.

Caution, this mock has a few names in the top ten that haven't been mentioned this high so it might upset a few folks.

LINK Sporting News mock

Russ Lande's Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers—Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn

2. Denver Broncos—Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson

3. Buffalo Bills—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals—A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia

5. Arizona Cardinals—Blaine Gabbert*, QB, Missouri

6. Cleveland Browns—Robert Quinn*, OLB, North Carolina

7. San Francisco 49ers—Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pitt

8. Tennessee Titans—Corey Liuget*, DT, Illinois

9. Dallas Cowboys—Patrick Peterson*, CB, LSU

10. Washington Redskins—Jake Locker, QB, Washington

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I actually like Jabaal Sheard a heck of alot but I hadn't seen him rated this high in any draft. Truth be told, I am suprised that someone had the guts to put him in their top-ten so kudos to Russ for seeing the talent and ranking him higher than others. I can understand that this will be a shocking and controversial prediction and I like Jabaal but I'm not sure I would have the guts to rank him as high as Lande. Having said that I would take Peterson over Sheard.

Liuget has been mentioned before but it is harder for me to gauge DTs and I wouldn't rank him this high.

Locker is a guy I thought would go high in this draft before concerns about his accuracy arose but if those issues were brought on by overuse of his throwing arm from also playing baseball and it could be proven that was the cause and teams felt confident that going forward that issue was resolved, THEN I could buy him going ahead of, Cam Newton, Prince Akamukamara, and Julio Jones, but at this time and withoght any idea if he has accuracy issues that will continue into the NFL I wouldn't take a gamble on him that high in the draft.

Once again go to the link for the full first round mock.

HOLD THE PHONE.I may have posted an earlier version of Lande's mock by mistake.

Their are no date-stamps on any SP articles so it is confusing they have a number system instead.

The above mock is #

Story Milestone 45 of 85

NFL mock draft: Defensive players lead the pack

Russ Lande

Sporting News

SP also has a different mock by Lande numbered#

Story Milestone 48 of 85

NFL mock draft: Alabama DT Marcell Dareus moves up to No. 1

Russ Lande

Sporting News

Gere is the link to #48 of 85 stories but without a date stamp I am going by stories directly in back and in front of these mocks to try and determine which came first.

A story of Cam Newton's workout comes inbetween the two mocks so one came before Newton's Pro Day workout on March 2 and the other came after his workout and I can't tell which mock is most recent.

Here is the #48 article's mock, just posting the top-ten.

LINK to a differnt version of Lande's mock

-----------------------------------------------------------------

1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Although the Panthers consider taking an end, they have a much bigger need inside because they have young ends Everette Brown and Greg Hardy and could re-sign DE Charles Johnson. Nick Fairley is tempting, but questions about his maturity level contribute to Dareus’ rise to No. 1.

2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Denver has a lot of needs, but new coach John Fox remembers Julius Peppers’ impact on Carolina's defense and grabs Bowers, who has the talent to be as good a player as Peppers.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

The Bills struggled greatly to pressure the quarterback in 2010, and Miller gives them an explosive edge rusher who can be productive as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 and as an end in a 4-3.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco may not return to the Bengals. If their passing offense is going to produce, it will need a big-play receiver such as Green.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

After losing Kurt Warner to retirement, the Cardinals were terrible on offense last season. So they grab the strong-armed Gabbert, who has many of the necessary traits to become a very good NFL quarterback.

6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

With the Browns switching back to a 4-3 scheme, they need pass-rushing ends. Quinn is a very explosive, polished pass rusher who can start early in his career.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

The 49ers, who would like to add a pass rusher or a quarterback in the first round, fall in love with Peterson's athleticism and overlook his lack of consistent production.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

The Titans’ defense has not been the same since losing Albert Haynesworth—and the explosive, super-athletic Fairley gives them the interior force they desperately needs.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Cowboys need more playmakers in the secondary, and Prince gives them a tough, physical and athletic corner.

10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Despite concerns about Locker's accuracy, coach Mike Shanahan grabs the athletic, strong-armed QB with the belief he can solve his problems and turn him into a star.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

I believe the above version is the most recent mock and it is more conventional however he still has Jabaal Sheard rated highly in what I think is his latest version, he has him just outside of the top-ten.

11. Houston Texans: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh

New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needs edge pass rushers, and Sheard has the tools to be an impact pass rusher who can help the Texans’ defense make the transition to the 3-4.

So my bad and go to what I think is Lande's latest version of his mock.

LINK to a differnt version of Lande's mock

Saw an update so here is the latest Lande top-ten mock.Go to the link for the full first round and video.

LINK Russ Lande mock draft

1. Carolina Panthers—Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama. Panthers GM Marty Hurney is sure to be tempted to take the ultimate gamble by picking Auburn QB Cam Newton, but in the end he should go with the much safer choice.

2. Denver Broncos—Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. Coach John Fox drafted and molded Julius Peppers in Carolina. Bowers was a dominant player for two college seasons and has tools to be just as special.

3. Buffalo Bills—Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri. Many people think the Bills want Newton, but that could just be a smokescreen to keep other teams from trading ahead of them to grab Gabbert.

4. Cincinnati Bengals—Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. It looks like the Bengals-Carson Palmer divorce will become final once the collective bargaining agreement is complete. Thus, the Bengals need a QB. Owner/GM Mike Brown has a long history of gambling on elite players with character problems.

5. Arizona Cardinals—Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina. The Cardinals must find an explosive edge pass rusher for their 3-4 scheme. Quinn has the talent to be an elite pass rusher if he plays with passion on every snap.

6. Cleveland Browns—Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU. After getting CB Joe Haden last year in the first round, the Browns should target Peterson to create a true strength on this team. Peterson, like Haden, is an elite athlete with room to improve.

7. San Francisco 49ers—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M. The 49ers must greatly improve their outside pass rush, and Miller fits as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. Do not believe those who compare him to Jets draft bust Vernon Gholston; they are nothing alike on film.

8. Tennessee Titans—Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn. Since Tennessee lost DT Albert Haynesworth after the 2008 season, its defense has not been the same. Fairley has the talent to be a special player who can impact games much like Haynesworth once did.

9. Dallas Cowboys—Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College. A big reason QB Tony Romo has been unable to carry Dallas deep into the playoffs is he often is running for his life. Castonzo could start at left tackle from Day 1.

10. Washington Redskins—Jake Locker, QB, Washington. Coach Mike Shanahan wants an athletic quarterback with a strong arm to develop. Locker shows those traits and tremendous intangibles.

 

[Donnybrook]

Wow. Chistian Ponder to Colts. Julio Jones falling to the Seahawks.

This is the last time I look at a Russ Lande mock for anything other than amusement.

 

[B Maverick]

Wow. Chistian Ponder to Colts. Julio Jones falling to the Seahawks.

This is the last time I look at a Russ Lande mock for anything other than amusement.

wow is right...22. Indianapolis Colts—Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State. Peyton Manning turns 35 on March 24, so the Colts must start thinking about finding his successor. Ponder has the size, athleticism, arm strength and intelligence to be an ideal developmental QB.

I know at some point you need to groom your successor (GB anyone?) but at 35 coming off one of his best statistical seasons, is this the year? And do you gamble on a guy in what many want to call a down year for QB prospects?

 

[krsone21]

Wow. Chistian Ponder to Colts. Julio Jones falling to the Seahawks.

This is the last time I look at a Russ Lande mock for anything other than amusement.

wow is right...22. Indianapolis Colts—Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State. Peyton Manning turns 35 on March 24, so the Colts must start thinking about finding his successor. Ponder has the size, athleticism, arm strength and intelligence to be an ideal developmental QB.

I know at some point you need to groom your successor (GB anyone?) but at 35 coming off one of his best statistical seasons, is this the year? And do you gamble on a guy in what many want to call a down year for QB prospects?

If they really like Ponder they should draft him. Then Ponder can learn from one of the best for the next 3-4 years. At that point I would think Manning will start to consider retiring.

 

[eakfootball]

Lande needs to stop doing mock drafts because he just makes a fool out of himself every year.

 

[moderated]

Lande needs to stop doing mock drafts because he just makes a fool out of himself every year.

He's definitely the worst high profile draft analyst I've ever seen, but he's making money acting the fool and being clueless so more power to him.

 

[simmonjm]

I personally think that Tryon Smith OT from USC is the first tackle off the board and goes to Cowboys. His grade is on par with Trent Williams and Jason Garret went to the USC pro day recently to watch him.

 

[eakfootball]

If he seriously thinks Marcell Dareus falls out of the top 10, and that the niners take JABAL SHEARD over Patrick Peterson he needs to get sober.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

If he seriously thinks Marcell Dareus falls out of the top 10, and that the niners take JABAL SHEARD over Patrick Peterson he needs to get sober.

Russ is getting creamed so I have to post his UPDATED mock from only three days ago to set the record straight.The problem with the sporting news stories is that they lack date/time stamps so their is no way to know when they were posted unless you go into the archives where they list Lande's stories by date.

Unfortunately people are responding to the first mock which was posted a long time ago.

Russ updated his mock on March 29 so three days ago this is his latest top-ten.

Go to the link for the full first round mock and a video.

Russ Lande mock from March 29

The first round

1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

2. Denver Broncos: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

8. Tennessee Titans: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

9. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

10. Washington Redskins: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Mallett at #10 to Washington is ridiculous. The rest is less ridiculous than the original mock posted, I'll give him that.

 

[J-Dawg]

Russ is just being different for the sake of being different. Not a fan of his at all. Yes, surprises will happen on draft day, but I doubt ones like Ponder to the Colts and Julio falling like a rock. Not gonna happen.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

Ingram as the third RB taken?

(Though I'm sure he'd then go 1.01 in every draft that wasn't PPR.)

Why?, he has great hands