The Annual Offseason - ***It's never too early for a mock*** (1 Viewer)

[brewer]

Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Pouncey, OG - Florida

Would be too cool having the Pouncey's playing next to each other.

Mike has reportedly been rather abysmal thus far.

And he was never thought of being an equal physical talent as it was.

I think you are right about him headed to the Steelers (its been hinted at previously) but we are looking at round 3 or later.

Interesting. Haven't seen much of the Steelers this year. What are the other weaknesses they could be looking to fill? Other than Harrison's head, I mean.

They are going to need help in the secondary sometime soon. The defensive line is rapidly aging as well, and offensive line is definitely still an area that requires some attention. I think they are ok at WR, but you could argue that they will need a replacement for Hines soon as well. Backup RB if Dwyer doesn't pan out. Oh yah, and while they are fairly stacked at LB, they always seem to add one or two of those guys as well.Hope that helps

 

[lyon812]

If the Rams could get Green, I'd be in favor of that pick.

However, since they're better than anticipated, I'd be perfectly happy with what I perceive as a huge need: a dynamic, playmaking OLB. Lost in the well-deserved Bradford love is the defensive resurgence. They're getting good coverage from the DBs, consistent d-line pressure from Long and Hall, and finally have a DT that isn't a waste of space. But the non-Laurinaitis LBs leave something to be desired.

Much depends on how the WRs pan out over the next few months, but I could see them rolling with the same group of young receivers next year. After all, they've shown they can win with them. If there isn't an elite talent available, I think they'd wait and pick up a WR in Round 2 or later.

 

[chinawildman]

Not too wild about Ponder or Devlin, not familiar with Mallett, but I rather like Potts.Anyhow, if this team keeps sucking as they have, we may end up with a top 5 pick. It would be fantastic if Alex Smith's parting gift to this team was Luck.

It's sad to say, but this is pretty much how I feel right now too. My worst fear this season is that they make some kind of mini-run and finish 7-9 as usual. Just crappy enough to be playoff irrelevant, yet good enough to have no shot at landing one of the better QBs. An Andrew Luck/Jim Harbaugh pairing for next season would be awesome...

 

[cvnpoka]

Antwan Odom was a terrible resigning and they could really use some help at both QB and the defensive line.

well, tbf to the bungles, they couldnt really predict he would tear his achilles. he was playing very well prior.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

12/14 Update

Alternative picks in parenthesis.

1. Carolina - Andrew Luck, Stanford, QB

(None)

Maybe he brings his college coach with him?

2. Cincinnati - Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson, DE

(Ryan Mallett)

Defense didn't live up to billing this year (a lot of it due to injury, to be fair).

3. Denver - Patrick Peterson, LSU, CB

(A.J. Green)

Unlikely they re-sign Bailey.

4. Detroit - Prince Amukamara, Nebraska CB

(Anthony Castonzo)

Improving team, but their pass defense is atrocious.

5. Buffalo - Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, OT

(Mallett)

They might roll with Fitzpatrick after all - in which case they need to protect him.

6. Arizona - Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

(Robert Quinn)

Max Hall and John Skelton are not the answer and they're inferior talents compared to Mallett.

7. Dallas - Nick Fairley, Auburn, DT

(Nate Solder)

Defensive front seven is destined for some turnover.

8. San Francisco - Robert Quinn, North Carolina, DE

(A.J. Green/Cam Newton)

Sometimes you draft to make your strength stronger.

9. Tennessee - A.J. Green, Georgia, WR

(Jimmy Smith)

Maybe Britt can put it back together again, but the Moss experiment is over.

10. Washington - Von Miller, Texas A&M, OLB

(Jimmy Smith/Cam Newton)

Having Miller on one side and Orakpo on the other could pose big problems for the opposition.

11. Houston - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

(None)

Worst pass defense EVER needs to take BPA at the d-back position.

12. Minnesota - Cam Newton, Auburn, QB

(defensive line)

Increased likelihood with Childress gone and I think he'd be a good fit for this team given who is around him.

13. Cleveland - Leonard Hankerson, Miami (Fla.), WR

(Defensive line)

Oops.

14. New England (from Oakland) - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

(Ryan Williams)

Can never have too many good offensive linemen.

15. Seattle - Cameron Jordan, Cal, DE

(Ryan Williams)

Lack of talent available at areas of need, this would be a nice BPA pick.

16. San Diego - Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama

(Wide receiver)

Reloading along the defensive front seven.

17. Indianapolis - Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, RB

(Stephen Paea/Derek Sherrod)

Lack of running game has killed this team.

18. Miami - Mark Ingram, Alabama, RB

(Demarco Murray)

Both Brown and Ricky are on their literal last legs. And wouldn't this be appropriate?

19. Tampa Bay - Adrian Clayborn, Iowa DE

(Sherrod/Love)

Defense is still in flux.

20. Green Bay - DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, RB

21. St. Louis - Stephen Paea, Oregon State, DT

22. Kansas City - Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State, C

23. Jacksonville - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

24. New York Giants - Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

25. Chicago - Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State, OT

26. New York Jets - Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt, WR

27. Philadelphia - DeMarcus Love, Arkansas, OT

28. Baltimore - Julio Jones, Alabama, WR

29. New Orleans - Bruce Carter, North Carolina, OLB

30. Pittsburgh - Gabe Carimi , Wisconsin, OT

31. Atlanta - Davon House, New Mexico State, CB

32. New England - Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma, OLB

 

[Andy Dufresne]

My hope with these early mocks is to get homers to talk about their teams' needs and for guys that watch more college football to chime in on the rising/falling prospects and their chances of first round glory.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

I'd be happy with Kerrigan. DE is still a big need for the Jags.

You have Nick Fairley listed twice though.

 

[footballnerd]

we need secondary and QB badly

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'd be happy with Kerrigan. DE is still a big need for the Jags.

You have Nick Fairley listed twice though.

Ooops. Thanks. Put Hankerson in there for now. Rather than futz with the whole thing, consider it a place holder. They could look at guys like Baldwin, Julio Jones, Ryan Broyles, and Jerrel Jernigan at the position.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

we need secondary and QB badly

Obviously. But the corners aren't great this year.Would they take Newton if Luck and Mallett are gone? I don't know about that.

 

[pantherclub]

Is Locker not going in the first? I thought he was a lock for the top 10? He should go way before Newton. I honestly dont think Newton will add up to much as a NFL qb.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Is Locker not going in the first? I thought he was a lock for the top 10? He should go way before Newton. I honestly dont think Newton will add up to much as a NFL qb.

I don't think he will. He's been brutal this year.I think Newton will develop into a solid NFL starter. But I've been wrong on more than one QB lately.

 

[sho nuff]

I don't see GB taking a RB.

Not with the mess on the Oline.

Carimi here or Moffit later would be great.

Clifton does not have much left. They have Bulaga and maybe Lang will be better at RT with Bulaga at LT...if so they likely need a new LG as Colledge has never been great and Spitz was awful.

Time to scrap the zone blocking and bring in some beef and get a running game.

Id rather go OL and keep Grant, Jackson, Starks in the mix and draft an RB even in the 3rd or the 4th than take one in round 1.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

San Francisco needs a qb more than anything else. A speedy wr would be nice and the o-line could use a few tweaks. We badly need a cornerback. We need a new FS. Too many holes.

Of course Alex Smith was nominated for player of the week after his game against the Seahawks...and my biggest fear is he'll look really good for the next few weeks, causing SF to pass on qb yet again, until Alex Smith turns back into a pumpkin.

Of course there are numerous reports saying Jed York (owner) is livid with Singletary and unless SF makes the playoffs (and wins a game or two), the entire coaching staff is going to be dumped in favor of a proven commodity (there were reports they really wanted Holmgren before this season but kept Mike as he took the team on a solid run last year).

 

[Andy Dufresne]

San Francisco needs a qb more than anything else.

So do about 3/4 of the teams in the league. Unfortunately, there aren't many to go around.

 

[Choke]

and my biggest fear is he'll look really good for the next few weeks, causing SF to pass on qb yet again, until Alex Smith turns back into a pumpkin.

SPARKY!

 

[footballnerd]

we need secondary and QB badly

Obviously. But the corners aren't great this year.Would they take Newton if Luck and Mallett are gone? I don't know about that.

hoping Panthers stick with Clausen and go WR or something. then someone trickles down.

 

[massraider]

Man, I know it's not what you are doing this mock for, but if it played out that way, with Green joining the Titans 'passing game', Ryan Williams joining the crowded Colts backfield, and Ingram joining the Fins, that makes for an ugly top 3 in rookie drafts, that's for sure.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Man, I know it's not what you are doing this mock for, but if it played out that way, with Green joining the Titans 'passing game', Ryan Williams joining the crowded Colts backfield, and Ingram joining the Fins, that makes for an ugly top 3 in rookie drafts, that's for sure.

Not necessarily. The Colts backfield isn't that crowded except with guys that aren't very good. And there's a chance that neither Brown nor Williams will be back with the Dolphins.

 

[TLEF316]

I don't see any way the Jets don't go defense with their first pick.

They have absolutely nobody to rush the passer. Taylor leads the team in sacks and he'll almost certainly retire after this season. Ellis isn't getting any younger and the other 2 starting D linemen (Pouha and Devito) are nothing but space eaters. (fairly good space eaters, but space eaters none the less).

The Jets will need a receiver once they let Edwards walk, (holmes has played better and has a little less baggage). but i don't think its a first round priority. They'll probably use the franchise tag (if it still exists) on Cromartie if they can't sign him.

I haven't been following the college game enough to know who the late first round 3-4 DE or OLB prospects are, but the Jets will surely try to find someone worthy of a selection at that spot.

Is Baldwin really a better prospect than Julio Jones? I don't see too many Pitt games, but Jones has looked tremendous in the few times I've seen Bama play. Is Baldwin a better deep threat?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I don't see any way the Jets don't go defense with their first pick.They have absolutely nobody to rush the passer. Taylor leads the team in sacks and he'll almost certainly retire after this season. Ellis isn't getting any younger and the other 2 starting D linemen (Pouha and Devito) are nothing but space eaters. (fairly good space eaters, but space eaters none the less).The Jets will need a receiver once they let Edwards walk, (holmes has played better and has a little less baggage). but i don't think its a first round priority. They'll probably use the franchise tag (if it still exists) on Cromartie if they can't sign him.I haven't been following the college game enough to know who the late first round 3-4 DE or OLB prospects are, but the Jets will surely try to find someone worthy of a selection at that spot. Is Baldwin really a better prospect than Julio Jones? I don't see too many Pitt games, but Jones has looked tremendous in the few times I've seen Bama play. Is Baldwin a better deep threat?

I had intended for them to take an OLB. Must have lost track somehow. Jeremy Beal might be a good fit there.I don't know how the WR rankings will shake out. I haven't seen him much, but Julio Jones has looked average to me when I have watched him.

 

[massraider]

Is Baldwin really a better prospect than Julio Jones? I don't see too many Pitt games, but Jones has looked tremendous in the few times I've seen Bama play. Is Baldwin a better deep threat?

I think, after Green, there'll be some postseason shuffling. How they work out in Indy, see if Baldwin says any more dumb things, etc. Probably TBD on their rankings.

 

[pantherclub]

we need secondary and QB badly

Obviously. But the corners aren't great this year.Would they take Newton if Luck and Mallett are gone? I don't know about that.

hoping Panthers stick with Clausen and go WR or something. then someone trickles down.

zero percent chance this happens if the hold the #1 pick, esp with a new regime in town. They would want to build around Luck.

 

[Buckna]

-Britt was a 1st rounder last year and was looking great before his injury. Plus he's only had one game back since being injured. Seems like Moss was picked up only after Britt went down and because he looked like a gift that fell to them on the waiver wire at the time. I understand Britt has had some questions about work ethic, etc., but do the Titans really have a need at WR?

-The secondary in Houston is obviously atrocious so no argument there. However, Jacoby Jones & Owen Daniel's are FA's. I highly doubt Jones is back and OD may not be either with his injuries and all the TE's Hou has drafted the last few years. Walter is a good all around player but not a huge receiving threat. AJ turns 30 next year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Houston looking at WR's early in the draft.

 

[thehornet]

we need secondary and QB badly

Obviously. But the corners aren't great this year.Would they take Newton if Luck and Mallett are gone? I don't know about that.

hoping Panthers stick with Clausen and go WR or something. then someone trickles down.

zero percent chance this happens if the hold the #1 pick, esp with a new regime in town. They would want to build around Luck.

you said this earlier:"You are a fool if you think the Panthers will draft a QB. It will be a Dlineman or the WR from Georgia"you're making zero sense.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

San Francisco needs a qb more than anything else.

So do about 3/4 of the teams in the league. Unfortunately, there aren't many to go around.

Yeah, but SF should have an early enough draft pick to land a Newton. Though Quinn isn't a bad mock pick.

 

[pantherclub]

we need secondary and QB badly

Obviously. But the corners aren't great this year.Would they take Newton if Luck and Mallett are gone? I don't know about that.

hoping Panthers stick with Clausen and go WR or something. then someone trickles down.

zero percent chance this happens if the hold the #1 pick, esp with a new regime in town. They would want to build around Luck.

you said this earlier:"You are a fool if you think the Panthers will draft a QB. It will be a Dlineman or the WR from Georgia"you're making zero sense.

Thats before Clausen stunk to high heaven and the Panthers were not staring down a #1 pick. You would think that out of Moore, Clausen or Pike one would emerge as an everyday starter. I was wrong. I can accept that.

 

[thehornet]

Thats before Clausen stunk to high heaven and the Panthers were not staring down a #1 pick. You would think that out of Moore, Clausen or Pike one would emerge as an everyday starter. I was wrong. I can accept that.

they were going luck at 1 then too.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Nice job! Couple of thoughts...

- When all is said and done, and if Cincy picks #2 - they'll select Cam Newton.

- I don't think ARI will take a QB in Round 1. First off, they won't be in a position to grab either Luck or Newton. And secondly...Whisenhunt's experience with Leinart might make him skittish about attaching the Cardinals franchise to another 1st round QB risk...I think he goes after a QB in Round 2/3 (Ricky Stanzi maybe).

- If Baltimore gets Julio Jones that far down Round 1, I'd declare them the Round 1 winner. While you have Hankerson to the Browns, I think Julio would be the better option here.

As for the Falcons pick...I'd be suprised if they went CB here. Their starters are Dunta Robinson, who while underwhelming, is still heavily paid (6yrs; $58M last off-season), and Brent Grimes, who despite his size is playing at a Pro-Bowl level.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Good work! The Steelers priority list will ultimately depend on whether they resign RT Willie Colon and vet Flozell Adams returns. I think they like both so if LT Max Starks is healthy and Colon returns I would bet the Steelers priority is CB or DL. If Colon does not return then OT is priority #1. Certainly they could use an upgrade at right guard but unless there is an impact player (like Maurkice Pouncey) I'd bet they wait until later in the draft for a guard.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

YOu have a center going to KC which is definitely a position of need since Weigmann is old but do you usually see centers drafted in the first round? It doesn't seem that often. Other positions of need are WR, RT, ILB and an outside pass rush LB to bookend with Hali.

 

[Kirby]

Nice job! Couple of thoughts...- When all is said and done, and if Cincy picks #2 - they'll select Cam Newton.

I can't see his cheap ### spending that much on QBs... Brown will stick with Palmer until his contract is up.

 

[The_Man]

Baltimore has pretty much sworn off ever taking a WR in the first round. They've done all kinds of research that shows the bust percentage for first round picks is way higher at WR than any other position (QB is the only other one that comes close).

They definitely need help at CB and OT. Also, another thing they love to do when picking late in the first round is take the first player selected at his position - they feel like you always get a good player that way, and have done that in getting Ed Reed and Todd Heap in the first round (they've also done it when taking Pro Bowl FBs Ovie Mughelli and LeRon McClain in later rounds). So maybe they would take the first Center or Safety off the board, if he were available when they picked.

But they won't go WR - having Travis Taylor as one of his only two first round busts (hello, Kyle Boller), Ozzie won't go that route again.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

-Britt was a 1st rounder last year and was looking great before his injury. Plus he's only had one game back since being injured. Seems like Moss was picked up only after Britt went down and because he looked like a gift that fell to them on the waiver wire at the time. I understand Britt has had some questions about work ethic, etc., but do the Titans really have a need at WR?-The secondary in Houston is obviously atrocious so no argument there. However, Jacoby Jones & Owen Daniel's are FA's. I highly doubt Jones is back and OD may not be either with his injuries and all the TE's Hou has drafted the last few years. Walter is a good all around player but not a huge receiving threat. AJ turns 30 next year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Houston looking at WR's early in the draft.

I could definitely see them taking a WR at some point. But that defense is SO bad it has to be that side of the ball.

YOu have a center going to KC which is definitely a position of need since Weigmann is old but do you usually see centers drafted in the first round? It doesn't seem that often. Other positions of need are WR, RT, ILB and an outside pass rush LB to bookend with Hali.

It's been happening a bit lately. In 2010 the Steelers took Maurkice Pouncey and it made a big difference.In 2009, two centers went in the first - Alex Mack at #21 to Cleveland and Eric Wood at #28 to Philly. In 2006, the Jets took Mangold at #29.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Baltimore has pretty much sworn off ever taking a WR in the first round. They've done all kinds of research that shows the bust percentage for first round picks is way higher at WR than any other position (QB is the only other one that comes close).They definitely need help at CB and OT. Also, another thing they love to do when picking late in the first round is take the first player selected at his position - they feel like you always get a good player that way, and have done that in getting Ed Reed and Todd Heap in the first round (they've also done it when taking Pro Bowl FBs Ovie Mughelli and LeRon McClain in later rounds). So maybe they would take the first Center or Safety off the board, if he were available when they picked. But they won't go WR - having Travis Taylor as one of his only two first round busts (hello, Kyle Boller), Ozzie won't go that route again.

Solid reasoning and you're probably right. But they said the same thing about Andy Reid the year he took Jeremy Maclin.

 

[The_Man]

Another thing the Ravens love to do when picking late in the first round is take the first player selected at his position - they feel like you always get a good player that way, and have done that in getting Ed Reed and Todd Heap in the first round (they've also done it when taking Pro Bowl FBs Ovie Mughelli and LeRon McClain in later rounds). So maybe they would take the first Center or Safety off the board, if he were available when they picked.

do you usually see centers drafted in the first round? It doesn't seem that often.

It's been happening a bit lately. In 2010 the Steelers took Maurkice Pouncey and it made a big difference.

In 2009, two centers went in the first - Alex Mack at #21 to Cleveland and Eric Wood at #28 to Philly.

In 2006, the Jets took Mangold at #29.

More examples that you get a good player when you select the first player taken at a position. Last year, the Ravens' scouting guru made a comment like he'd rather have the best Tight End - Brandon Pettigrew - than the fifth best tackle - I think it was Eben Britton.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

More examples that you get a good player when you select the first player taken at a position. Last year, the Ravens' scouting guru made a comment like he'd rather have the best Tight End - Brandon Pettigrew - than the fifth best tackle - I think it was Eben Britton.

I think this line of reasoning makes a lot of sense. I think in the first, especially the top 5-7 where there's so much money involved, you take the best player you can (unless you already have a QB, then taking another may not make sense).

The best example of this I can think of off the top of my head is the year that the Cardinals took Levi Brown instead of Adrian Peterson because they needed a left tackle. Now I know that AP had question marks with his injuries at that time, but he was still an obviously better player than Brown (who spent his first few seasons at right tackle - not a position where you should spend your #5 overall pick).

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

Nice job! Couple of thoughts...- When all is said and done, and if Cincy picks #2 - they'll select Cam Newton.

I can't see his cheap ### spending that much on QBs... Brown will stick with Palmer until his contract is up.

Cam will probably sign for less considering he has a nice nest egg already

 

[brewer]

More examples that you get a good player when you select the first player taken at a position. Last year, the Ravens' scouting guru made a comment like he'd rather have the best Tight End - Brandon Pettigrew - than the fifth best tackle - I think it was Eben Britton.

I think this line of reasoning makes a lot of sense. I think in the first, especially the top 5-7 where there's so much money involved, you take the best player you can (unless you already have a QB, then taking another may not make sense).

The best example of this I can think of off the top of my head is the year that the Cardinals took Levi Brown instead of Adrian Peterson because they needed a left tackle. Now I know that AP had question marks with his injuries at that time, but he was still an obviously better player than Brown (who spent his first few seasons at right tackle - not a position where you should spend your #5 overall pick).

While I agree with all of this, you can certainly cherry pick an example to fit any theory. More to the point, this is obviously a very inexact science. Is the first running back taken going to be Adrian Peterson, Ronnie Brown or Curtis Enis? Is that top tackle going to be Jake Long or Robert Gallery? If you know that player X is going to be the best at his position, you would almost certainly take him over a player who ends up being the 5th best at his position. Unfortunately, there are only so many crystal balls to go around.

 

[shader]

As a Titans fan, I can't really say what direction we'll go in, but I don't think it will be WR.

I think the team really likes Britt, and I don't think WR is the problem anyway.

No chance they draft OT either, so I'd have to think that we'll be either picking a QB or going defense.

The defense needs some help, especially at linebacker.

Of course, much depends on the front office/coaching staff and what happens.

Since Luck isn't realistic, I'm torn, as I don't like Mallett at all, and have my concerns about Newton, and whether we'd even go down that road after Young.

 

[saintfool]

20. Green Bay - DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, RB

21. St. Louis - Stephen Paea, Oregon State, DT

22. Kansas City - Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State, C

23. Jacksonville - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

24. New York Giants - Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

25. Chicago - Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State, OT

26. New York Jets - Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt, WR

27. Philadelphia - DeMarcus Love, Arkansas, OT

28. Baltimore - Julio Jones, Alabama, WR

29. New Orleans - Bruce Carter, North Carolina, OLB

30. Pittsburgh - Gabe Carimi , Wisconsin, OT

31. Atlanta - Davon House, New Mexico State, CB

32. New England - Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma, OLB

this is an interesting pick to me. i know that mason is older than dirt but he's still playing well. housh and stallworth are playing on 1 year contracts now. there is no one behind them really. boldin hasn't made much of a spalsh the second half of the season. if this played out like this then jones could be fantasy gold, especially in dynasty formats.

 

[Bills Fan]

The Bills have to go defense, unless Luck somehow falls into their lap.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Bills have to go defense, unless Luck somehow falls into their lap.

I'm sure Maybin will blossom any time now...

 

[Abrantes]

The Bills have to go defense, unless Luck somehow falls into their lap.

I'm sure Maybin will blossom any time now...

That's just mean.Not sure where to begin with the Rams' needs. The team's outside linebackers are clearly the weakest spot on the roster, but I'd still take a top receiver or defensive help first, if the right player dropped far enough. They've gotten some surprising production from the DL at times, but Fred Robbins and James Hall aren't getting any younger, and a true playmaker is sorely needed, 'cause Chris Long can only do so much by himself. Other than that, another CB or a backup RB would be great, but I'm not sure how early the team would take them, unless the value was fantastic.Personally, a WR or DT/DE would be my choice for the first round, then an OLB. Just not sure if the right players will drop far enough.

 

[FUBAR]

9. Tennessee - A.J. Green, Georgia, WR

(Jimmy Smith)

Maybe Britt can put it back together again, but the Moss experiment is over.

10. Washington - Von Miller, Texas A&M, OLB

(Jimmy Smith/Cam Newton)

Having Miller on one side and Orakpo on the other could pose big problems for the opposition.

11. Houston - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

(None)

Worst pass defense EVER needs to take BPA at the d-back position.

12. Minnesota - Cam Newton, Auburn, QB

(defensive line)

Increased likelihood with Childress gone and I think he'd be a good fit for this team given who is around him.

I like Green a lot, but I'd rather see Miller. Maybe Smith or Newton instead.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

The Bills have to go defense, unless Luck somehow falls into their lap.

OT is also a glaring area of need.

 

[mcintyre1]

While I very much enjoy seeing Amukamara go that high in mocks, I'm not sure it will hold up in real life. I think he should really fall in the middle to later end of round 1, as he is still a project (only been playing corner for 2 years or so, before that he was a RB, then a WR). I also think he'll disappoint at the combine, likely running the mid to high 4.5's instead of 4.4's as many likely expect him to.

RE: Steelers pick, if Jared Crick declares for the draft, I would love to see the Steelers grab him at the end of the 1st. He's the prototypical 3-4 DE that the Steelers are looking for. Long and thick at a legit 6'6" and 285-290lbs, he's a bit leaner than you want at DT, but perfect for a 3-4 end. He's got above average athleticism for a guy that size, and is very strong (thought admittedly not as strong as Suh). I'd rate him as a faster, stronger Adam Carriker, who is playing really well in the Redskins' 3-4 after languishing as a DT in St. Louis for a couple years.

However, Crick is unlikely to declare this year, as his draft stock dipped a bit with the loss of Ndamukong Suh on his left. That said, all indications are that he will follow the Suh route and finish up at Nebraska, hoping to increase his stock in his senior year. Additionally, he's a native small-town Nebraskan, so he will take every chance he can get to earn a National Title with Nebraska.

 

[captain_amazing]

12/14 Update

Alternative picks in parenthesis.

14. New England (from Oakland) - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

(Ryan Williams)

Can never have too many good offensive linemen.

Matt Light won't be back to man LT, so with Volmer the likely candidate to take that spot, they will need someone for RT. They have some unknown OL commodities right now, of which one might be promoted to that spot, but if the Pats don't see that happening, I could see them drafting one in the 1st and not a RB in the 1st.

 

[cdwood]

I'd be happy with Kerrigan. DE is still a big need for the Jags.You have Nick Fairley listed twice though.

I don't think DE is as big a need as you might expect requiring them to spend their first round pick in that area. I think the Jags priority might be to get a QB or a position in the secondary, particularly if they're drafting in the bottom 3rd of the draft.Andy, what I'd like to hear from you is the reasoning behind Indy taking Ryan Williams at #17, leaving Miami to take Mark Ingram at #18. Is Ryan Williams a better fit to the Indy offence?

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

I'd be happy with Kerrigan. DE is still a big need for the Jags.You have Nick Fairley listed twice though.

I don't think DE is as big a need as you might expect requiring them to spend their first round pick in that area. I think the Jags priority might be to get a QB or a position in the secondary, particularly if they're drafting in the bottom 3rd of the draft.Andy, what I'd like to hear from you is the reasoning behind Indy taking Ryan Williams at #17, leaving Miami to take Mark Ingram at #18. Is Ryan Williams a better fit to the Indy offence?

No doubt that the secondary is the most major need, but Gene Smith has shown that he likes to build both lines. I'd be really happy with a CB or S, but I can easily see another DL with this pick. On the flip side, if someone in the secondary is chosen in round 1, I can see the same for the following rounds, as well. It appears that he likes to correct issues in bulk. As far as a QB, I agree that one should be selected to build for the near future. I definitely wouldn't have a problem if he goes this route.