Three Round Mock (1 Viewer)

[Sigmund Bloom]

Note: This is from FBG Andy Dufresne, not me.

Round 1

St. Louis - Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska 6-4 302

Assuming they get Michael Vick or someone else in FA/via trade to play QB. Otherwise I think they take Bradford.

Detroit - Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma 6-4 298

Fortunes are turning around for this moribund franchise. Zero turnover in the coaching staff, a great draft last year, getting what many consider the best player in the draft = hitch up the bandwagon!

Tampa Bay - Eric Berry FS Tennessee 5-11 203

Worst case scenario for the Bucs when the two top DTs go off the board. I think there's some credence to the talk of them trading up.

Washington - Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma 6-4 223

Shanahan won't be able to resist. He took Cutler when he had Plummer and he could take a QB even if he kind of likes Campbell.

Kansas City - Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State 6-5 302

Lots of ways they can go with this pick, but with Albert disappointing this should upgrade the entire offensive unit a bit.

Seattle - Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa 6-6 312

Who knows what Carroll's offense will look like, but one thing's for sure, their starting left tackle's not on the roster right now.

Cleveland - Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State 6-2 220

I know that Holmgren doesn't like to take WRs early, but that's only when he has at least one on the roster.

Oakland - Anthony Davis OT Rutgers 6-6 325

Far too sensible to happen. Or is it? Sounds like Davis is at least soliciting opinions. And an up and down player is just what the Raiders need.

Buffalo - Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame 6-2 223

I know Clausen isn't universally loved. But I saw a player that showed nearly constant improvement year after year and reminds me of Phillip Rivers in attitude - which to me is a good thing.

Jacksonville - Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech 6-4 272

The drafting of Harvey and Groves has thus far been an unexpected (to me) failure. Playing in the AFC South, they've got to get some sort of pass rush and Morgan is possibly the most complete DE in the draft.

Denver - Rolando McClain ILB Alabama 6-4 256

Miami - Brandon Graham DE Michigan 6-1 263

San Francisco - Bruce Campbell OT Maryland 6-7 310

Seattle - Everson Griffen DE Southern California 6-3 278

New York Giants - Trent Williams OT Oklahoma 6-5 318

Tennessee - Joe Haden CB Florida 5-11 190

San Francisco - C.J. Spiller RB Clemson 5-11 195

Pittsburgh - Mike Iupati OG Idaho 6-5 325

Atlanta - Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida 6-6 265

Houston - Dan Williams DT Tennessee 6-2 329

Cincinnati - Earl Thomas S Texas 5-10 195

New England - Jerry Hughes OLB TCU 6-2 257

Green Bay - Charles Brown OT Southern California 6-5 292

Philadelphia - Ricky Sapp OLB Clemson 6-4 248

Baltimore - Kyle Wilson CB Boise State 5-10 190

Arizona - Brandon Spikes ILB Florida 6-3 256

Dallas - Jared Odrick DT Penn State 6-5 301

San Diego - LeGarrette Blount RB Oregon 6-1 245

New York Jets - Sergio Kindle OLB Texas 6-4 255

Minnesota - Vladimir Ducasse OT Massachusetts 6-5 326

New Orleans - Sean Weatherspoon OLB Missouri 6-1 241

Indianapolis - Brian Price DT UCLA 6-2 300

Round 2

St. Louis - Kareem Jackson CB Alabama 6-0 193

Detroit - Taylor Mays FS Southern California 6-3 231

Tampa Bay - Corey Wootton DE Northwestern 6-6 280

Kansas City - Terrence Cody DT Alabama 6-4 370

Washington - Carlos Dunlap DE Florida 6-6 290

Cleveland - Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech 5-11 235

Oakland - Perrish Cox CB Oklahoma State 5-11 189

Seattle - Colt McCoy QB Texas 6-2 212

Buffalo - Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma 6-6 258

Tampa Bay - Patrick Robinson CB Florida State 5-11 190

Miami - Arrelious Benn WR Illinois 6-2 220

New England - Brandon LaFell WR LSU 6-3 206

Denver - Chad Jones SS LSU 6-3 230

New York Giants - Tyson Alualu DT California 6-2 291

New England - Aaron Hernandez TE Florida 6-2 250

Carolina - Golden Tate WR Notre Dame 5-11 195

San Francisco - Greg Hardy DE Mississippi 6-4 279

Kansas City - Anthony McCoy TE Southern California 6-5 249

Houston - Ryan Mathews RB Fresno State 5-11 220

Pittsburgh - Jason Fox OT Miami 6-6 314

New England - Jahvid Best RB California 5-10 195

Cincinnati - Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona 6-6 265

Philadelphia - Dominique Franks CB Oklahoma 6-0 192

Green Bay - Devin McCourty CB Rutgers 5-11 186

Baltimore - Damian Williams WR Southern California 6-1 195

Arizona - Syd'Quan Thompson CB California 5-09 182

Dallas - Myron Rolle S Florida St 6-2 218

San Diego - Cam Thomas DT North Carolina 6-4 331

New York Jets - Mardy Gilyard WR Cincinnati 6-0 179

Minnesota - Maurkice Pouncey C Florida 6-5 318

New Orleans - Nate Allen FS South Florida 6-1 205

Indianapolis - Morgan Burnett FS Georgia Tech 6-1 210

Round 3

St. Louis - Jon Asamoah OG Illinois 6-4 300

Detroit - Navorro Bowman OLB Penn State 6-1 232

Tampa Bay - Danario Alexander WR Missouri 6-5 215

Kansas City - Toby Gerhart RB Stanford 6-1 235

Oakland - Matt Tennant C Boston College 6-5 290

Philadelphia - Brandon Ghee CB Wake Forest 6-0 189

Cleveland - Koa Misi OLB Utah 6-3 244

Buffalo - Arthur Jones DT Syracuse 6-3 295

Miami - Jimmy Graham TE Miami 6-7 259

Jacksonville - Jerome Murphy CB South Florida 6-1 191

Chicago - Jason Worilds DE Virginia Tech 6-2 252

New York Giants - Daryl Washington ILB TCU 6-2 226

Tennessee - Mike Johnson OG Alabama 6-6 306

Carolina - Eric Norwood OLB South Carolina 6-1 246

San Francisco - Tony Pike QB Cincinnati 6-6 212

Denver - Donovan Warren CB Michigan 6-0 185

Houston - Jordan Shipley WR Texas 6-0 190

Pittsburgh - Amari Spievey CB Iowa 6-0 190

Atlanta - Javier Arenas CB Alabama 5-09 195

Cincinnati - Dexter McCluster WR Mississippi 5-08 165

Oakland - George Selvie DE South Florida 6-5 247

Green Bay - Rodger Saffold OT Indiana 6-5 312

Philadelphia - Joe McKnight RB Southern California 6-0 190

Baltimore - Alex Carrington DE Arkansas State 6-5 284

Arizona - Sean Lee ILB Penn State 6-2 236

Dallas - Riley Cooper WR Florida 6-4 214

San Diego - Austen Lane DE Murray State 6-6 267

Cleveland - T.J. Ward SS Oregon 5-10 199

Minnesota - Montario Hardesty RB Tennessee 6-0 215

New Orleans - Geno Atkins DT Georgia 6-2 286

Indianapolis - Lamarr Houston DT Texas 6-3 302

 

[Mr Anonymous]

A note to pass along to future mockers. And I say this to be helpful, not critical. Don't count on the Packers spending a first rounder on the 6th best OT on the board. If the draft unfolds in the manner above, the more likely pick at #23 would be a guy like Wilson, Odrick, or Mays. The Packers won't reach for need. Especially not on the O-Line. The Packers have needed to improve the O-Line since Ted Thompson arrived and he's never even considered using a first rounder there. The only way you see Green Bay come out of the 1st round with an O-Lineman is if they trade up a few spots to grab one of the top guys who has inexplicably fallen towards them or if one falls all the way to 23 and is too good to pass up ala Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers know going in that if they wanted to address OT via the draft they'd be staring at taking the 5th , 6th, or 7th best guy. They still have the option of bringing back Clifton and Tauscher and having Lang and a 2nd tier free agent to back them up as insurance policies.

That said, in the mock above I'd have them taking Kyle Wilson.

 

[r3t2]

Denver - Rolando McClain ILB Alabama 6-4 256Miami - Brandon Graham DE Michigan 6-1 263San Francisco - Bruce Campbell OT Maryland 6-7 310 Seattle - Everson Griffen DE Southern California 6-3 278New York Giants - Trent Williams OT Oklahoma 6-5 318Tennessee - Joe Haden CB Florida 5-11 190 San Francisco - C.J. Spiller RB Clemson 5-11 195Pittsburgh - Mike Iupati OG Idaho 6-5 325

i would be thrilled if the steelers get iupati because if you're fortunate enough to get a franchise qb you have to protect him and give him weapons. but would there be any temptation if you were colbert to go get haden if he fell this far?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Also just wanted to add props on the 3 round mock. I have a hard enough time trying to pin down the pick of my favorite team much less assess the needs and targets of all 32.

 

[Grimace59]

I like the mock but the biggest eye opener is Blount being the second RB taken by the Chargers in the 1st.

 

[identikit]

I like the mock but the biggest eye opener is Blount being the second RB taken by the Chargers in the 1st.

Yep...Very bold.Andy's mocks are always a good read.

 

[RUSF18]

I haven't been paying enough attention to where the majority of guys are being projected, so I'm not sure if this particular mock has guys higher/lower than they should be, or if there's just a lot of depth that I really like...

But if it ended up working out like this, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if these 2nd rounders collectively had better careers than the guys Andy has going in the 1st.

 

[Getinthemix]

Was Holmgren responsible for the drafting of Koren Robinson in Seattle? IIRC he was there, but cannot remember if he had "say" then.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Denver - Rolando McClain ILB Alabama 6-4 256Miami - Brandon Graham DE Michigan 6-1 263San Francisco - Bruce Campbell OT Maryland 6-7 310 Seattle - Everson Griffen DE Southern California 6-3 278New York Giants - Trent Williams OT Oklahoma 6-5 318Tennessee - Joe Haden CB Florida 5-11 190 San Francisco - C.J. Spiller RB Clemson 5-11 195Pittsburgh - Mike Iupati OG Idaho 6-5 325

i would be thrilled if the steelers get iupati because if you're fortunate enough to get a franchise qb you have to protect him and give him weapons. but would there be any temptation if you were colbert to go get haden if he fell this far?

I think Haden would almost be a lay-up for PIT at 18, but this isn't my mock.

 

[coolnerd]

I haven't been paying enough attention to where the majority of guys are being projected, so I'm not sure if this particular mock has guys higher/lower than they should be, or if there's just a lot of depth that I really like...But if it ended up working out like this, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if these 2nd rounders collectively had better careers than the guys Andy has going in the 1st.

Your analysis jives with what many people think. the draft is dep with solid prospects, but with limited wow players at the top.

 

[Honda]

Hey guys, Andy here. Just an FYI - I've shut down my AD username around here. Was spending too much time and "get busy livin'/dyin' and all that."

Having said that, I couldn't resist putting together mocks for this offseason.

As for the comments already made:

1. At one time I had the Steelers taking Haden. He may fall that far too.

2. Blount over Dwyer. Dwyer is a nice player, but the system he's in inflated his numbers a bit. If the Bolts need a starter, Blount has the ability to make an instant impact more than Dwyer.

3. Wasn't sure which way to go with the Packers. They could take a corner. They're probably also looking into taking an OLB, but I didn't think Sapp quite fit the mold.

4. I think this is going to be a fun draft. The second round is almost as talented as the first. Not much to offer to fantasy players though.

5. Wherever he gets drafted, Myron Rolle is my new favorite player in the league. I hope the Vikes take him.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Buffalo - Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame 6-2 223I know Clausen isn't universally loved. But I saw a player that showed nearly constant improvement year after year and reminds me of Phillip Rivers in attitude - which to me is a good thing.Buffalo - Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma 6-6 258Buffalo - Arthur Jones DT Syracuse 6-3 295

Loved reading this. You did a great job. Think you did awesome drafting for the Bills just one little problem. The Bills drafted S.Nelson last year and seemed to be a very capable TE when he was healthy. With all the needs the Bills have I don't really see them going with a TE in the 2nd (although I think he would be a steal there for them). If the Bills were to have this exact draft except maybe get a solid O-Lineman or a 3-4 LB then I would be very happy with it. I would much rather have Bradford in Buffalo but could see the Bills fans falling in love with Clausen and his Rivers-like attitude. And Aurthur Jones coming from Syracuse right down the road would be a very nice selection for them too and fill a HUGE hole the Bills need. We don't have one true NT on this team. A very important position when you consider our switch to the 3-4. I hope Jones would be ready to be effective from the start cause he should see plenty of action.

 

[jurb26]

I just can't see Wash going with a QB at 4 when they have better prospects at Tackle available and it is probably the position of greatest need on the team.

There is going to be almost no way Gresham falls to the 2nd round IMO. He will blow people away in the workouts and if you watch any film of this guy from 2 years ago you'll see a sure fire 1st rounder.

 

[bigern1000]

Having some devy interest in him, I would love Blount ending up in SD...

In reality, though, b/c this is the first mock where I've seen him going anytime before the 3rd, how realistic is that possibity of him going before Dwyer, no matter where the destination...?

 

[Dave Larkin]

Good picks for the Panthers. Golden Tate is a guy I took in the SP Mock Draft, so obviously I agree with that.

The pick of Eric Norwood in the 3rd is one I like from a talent point of view and he would fit in at the SLB position to replace Diggs for the future. I would have preferred a DT, but I like the Norwood pick.

 

[Boston]

Unless free agency dictates otherwise I can not fathom the Pats spending three picks in the second round on skill players...they need help in the worse way on defense and it wouldn't hurt them to add another O lineman as well (if they lose either Mankins or Neal or cut Light than they really could use help there).

 

[FUBAR]

5. Wherever he gets drafted, Myron Rolle is my new favorite player in the league. I hope the Vikes take him.

http://myronrolle.com/

 

[bigern1000]

5. Wherever he gets drafted, Myron Rolle is my new favorite player in the league. I hope the Vikes take him.

http://myronrolle.com/

Very nice piece on him on Outside the Lines this morning. Makes me really regret not taking an opportunity to study abroad in general while in college. If anything, that was a great-looking pub they were in during the interview...

 

[Bruno2]

I like the mock but the biggest eye opener is Blount being the second RB taken by the Chargers in the 1st.

Yep...Very bold.Andy's mocks are always a good read.

The cat's out of the bag, after his Senior Bowl performance. Blount is one of the Few RBs in this draft with the size to break tackles at the NFL level. He's a chains mover, a great fit for San Diego, I love the pick.

 

[kevjones22]

ALex Gibbs the Seahawks OL coach doesn't have a track record of having high picked linemen, I would say the second round at the earliest for Seattle to get that LT.

 

[EBF]

I will be shocked if Blount is a first round pick. He's not that talented and he has character concerns. 3rd-4th round IMO.

I don't see Demaryius Thomas on there anywhere. I'll be surprised if he falls out of the top 40.

 

[PranksterJD]

Did I miss the Colts winning the Super Bowl?

 

[Balco]

I will be shocked if Blount is a first round pick. He's not that talented and he has character concerns. 3rd-4th round IMO.

1st, guy has huge character concerns. Punching a player at the end of the game is bad enough, but then trying to fight the crowd? 2nd, I am just not impressed with his skills. Poor blocking, not a great receiver, and not shifty enough. These were my thoughts after the Boise State game:Rushing AbilityBlount looked extremely slow this game. He did not display explosiveness, lateral movement, vision, or cutting ability. For a back so big, he also dissapointed as a power back. He was tackled easily, and when he lowered his shoulder he still was not able to move defenders. He took all of his snaps out of the shotgun formation, often lining up 8 yards behind the line. He doesn't look comfortable running between the tackles, and is way to slow to be a factor on the outside.Receiving AbilityBlount was not asked to run complicated routes during this game. He either swung out to the right or left, or stood in the middle of the field. He did not look comfortable running out in space. Did not catch the ball with his hands. His pass catching is marginal.BlockingConsitently did not show any interest in pass blocking. He never attacked the line of scrimmage. For example, on Oregon's 29th offensive possession, Blount took 2 steps forward and then stayed in place, instead of attacking the oncoming defender., This allowed the defender to push Blount back into the pocket. When asked to make key blocks in pass protection, Blount showed no interest. On Oregon's 29th offensive play, a Boise defender came up the middle. Blount barely put a shoulder on him which resulted in a qb hurry, and an incomplete pass. Blount did not look to hit anyone on pass protection or help a lineman out. Poor blocker.

 

[Honda]

I just can't see Wash going with a QB at 4 when they have better prospects at Tackle available and it is probably the position of greatest need on the team.There is going to be almost no way Gresham falls to the 2nd round IMO. He will blow people away in the workouts and if you watch any film of this guy from 2 years ago you'll see a sure fire 1st rounder.

Tight ends have a tough enough time getting picked in the 1st without missing a season and recovering from a knee injury.

Unless free agency dictates otherwise I can not fathom the Pats spending three picks in the second round on skill players...they need help in the worse way on defense and it wouldn't hurt them to add another O lineman as well (if they lose either Mankins or Neal or cut Light than they really could use help there).

Their defense got the injury bug and isn't in as bad a shape as it seems, IMO. As far as drafting goes, sometimes you make your strengths stronger rather than just try to improve your weakneses.

Did I miss the Colts winning the Super Bowl?

I was working on this mock for a couple weeks and just never switched the final order. Another thing regarding Blount - he fits right in with the M.O. of the Chargers drafting philosophy lately a.k.a. the player out of nowhere. Cromartie was coming off a knee injury. McNeill had back issues. Taking Larry English when they had Merriman. Buster Davis?Blount seemed to rehab his character concerns a bit (not completely mind you, but enough IMO) to warrant a high selection. If he doesn't go in the 1st, I highly doubt he'd get by Detroit with their 2nd.

 

[Sinrman]

Don't know much about Novorro, but I would absolutely love for Detroit to get McCoy AND Mays.

 

[Bruno2]

I will be shocked if Blount is a first round pick. He's not that talented and he has character concerns. 3rd-4th round IMO.

1st, guy has huge character concerns. Punching a player at the end of the game is bad enough, but then trying to fight the crowd?

2nd, I am just not impressed with his skills. Poor blocking, not a great receiver, and not shifty enough.

These were my thoughts after the Boise State game:

Rushing Ability

Blount looked extremely slow this game. He did not display explosiveness, lateral movement, vision, or cutting ability. For a back so big, he also dissapointed as a power back. He was tackled easily, and when he lowered his shoulder he still was not able to move defenders. He took all of his snaps out of the shotgun formation, often lining up 8 yards behind the line. He doesn't look comfortable running between the tackles, and is way to slow to be a factor on the outside.

Receiving Ability

Blount was not asked to run complicated routes during this game. He either swung out to the right or left, or stood in the middle of the field. He did not look comfortable running out in space. Did not catch the ball with his hands. His pass catching is marginal.

Blocking

Consitently did not show any interest in pass blocking. He never attacked the line of scrimmage. For example, on Oregon's 29th offensive possession, Blount took 2 steps forward and then stayed in place, instead of attacking the oncoming defender., This allowed the defender to push Blount back into the pocket. When asked to make key blocks in pass protection, Blount showed no interest. On Oregon's 29th offensive play, a Boise defender came up the middle. Blount barely put a shoulder on him which resulted in a qb hurry, and an incomplete pass. Blount did not look to hit anyone on pass protection or help a lineman out. Poor blocker.

You're grading an RB after one horrible game? I guess I'll have to post his highlight video too LINKI'm not trying to be a homer, I've posted on these boards that I thought he took advantage of Oregon's spread offense to gain most of his yards. That being said I've seen Blount break many tackles in '08, I think you're assessment of him is way off. I don't know what happened against Boise St., they match up well against Oregon and had a good defense. The whole Oregon offense looked out of sync that night. You should be giving more credit to Boise St. for playing a great game and clearly frustrating Blount, (Which was evident after the game.) and knocking Blount less, but thats just my opinion. Blount may not be as shifty as the other top RBs in the class, but, other than Dwyer no one has the power and physicality of Blount. As for the character issues, knock him for that all you want, its well deserved, but from what I've read he's been doing and saying all the right things to clean up his image.

 

[Boston]

Unless free agency dictates otherwise I can not fathom the Pats spending three picks in the second round on skill players...they need help in the worse way on defense and it wouldn't hurt them to add another O lineman as well (if they lose either Mankins or Neal or cut Light than they really could use help there).

Their defense got the injury bug and isn't in as bad a shape as it seems, IMO. As far as drafting goes, sometimes you make your strengths stronger rather than just try to improve your weakneses.

I really disagree about injuries beign the D's problems. It's simply a question of talent. Their LB corps has Mayo and than a bunch of decent at best guys. Their secondary has some talent but it's far from a topnotch unit. On the line you have Wilfork and Warren and than some other solid but nothing special talent. This is a defensive unit that badly needs playmakers...right now they are devoid of that element. Their pass-rush is an incredible liability. Their top three defenders (Wilfork, Warren and Mayo) really aren't bid time playmakers. Whether it's thru the draft or free agency the Patriot D must be upgraded. If it isn't they have no chance of being a serious championship contender regardless of who they add to their offense.

 

[Donnybrook]

I just can't see Wash going with a QB at 4 when they have better prospects at Tackle available and it is probably the position of greatest need on the team.There is going to be almost no way Gresham falls to the 2nd round IMO. He will blow people away in the workouts and if you watch any film of this guy from 2 years ago you'll see a sure fire 1st rounder.

Tight ends have a tough enough time getting picked in the 1st without missing a season and recovering from a knee injury.

Unless free agency dictates otherwise I can not fathom the Pats spending three picks in the second round on skill players...they need help in the worse way on defense and it wouldn't hurt them to add another O lineman as well (if they lose either Mankins or Neal or cut Light than they really could use help there).

Their defense got the injury bug and isn't in as bad a shape as it seems, IMO. As far as drafting goes, sometimes you make your strengths stronger rather than just try to improve your weakneses.

Did I miss the Colts winning the Super Bowl?

I was working on this mock for a couple weeks and just never switched the final order. Another thing regarding Blount - he fits right in with the M.O. of the Chargers drafting philosophy lately a.k.a. the player out of nowhere. Cromartie was coming off a knee injury. McNeill had back issues. Taking Larry English when they had Merriman. Buster Davis?Blount seemed to rehab his character concerns a bit (not completely mind you, but enough IMO) to warrant a high selection. If he doesn't go in the 1st, I highly doubt he'd get by Detroit with their 2nd.

Tom Kowalski thinks that Detriot will want him only if he runs a good 40.

One, if Blount runs a good time in the 40 at the scouting combine (or his pro day), he's going to be selected in the top couple of rounds. If that happens, then the Lions would definitely take a look at him at the top of the second round - maybe even the third. However, reason No. 2 is that if Blount doesn't run a good 40, it's unlikely the Lions will take a look at him anywhere.

 

[Hooper31]

Was Holmgren responsible for the drafting of Koren Robinson in Seattle? IIRC he was there, but cannot remember if he had "say" then.

Yes. That was very much a Holmgren choice.

 

[rascal]

ugh....attention draft people.

The weakest link on the Broncos is their front lines (especially on defense). With probably the best DT group in a decade it would be insane for the Broncos to not address it.

Having said that, I fully expect them to do just what Andy had us doing. Picking players for our secondary.

 

[Honda]

Unless free agency dictates otherwise I can not fathom the Pats spending three picks in the second round on skill players...they need help in the worse way on defense and it wouldn't hurt them to add another O lineman as well (if they lose either Mankins or Neal or cut Light than they really could use help there).

Their defense got the injury bug and isn't in as bad a shape as it seems, IMO. As far as drafting goes, sometimes you make your strengths stronger rather than just try to improve your weakneses.

I really disagree about injuries beign the D's problems. It's simply a question of talent. Their LB corps has Mayo and than a bunch of decent at best guys. Their secondary has some talent but it's far from a topnotch unit. On the line you have Wilfork and Warren and than some other solid but nothing special talent. This is a defensive unit that badly needs playmakers...right now they are devoid of that element. Their pass-rush is an incredible liability. Their top three defenders (Wilfork, Warren and Mayo) really aren't bid time playmakers. Whether it's thru the draft or free agency the Patriot D must be upgraded. If it isn't they have no chance of being a serious championship contender regardless of who they add to their offense.

Well I did have them taking Hughes in the first.

 

[Honda]

ugh....attention draft people.The weakest link on the Broncos is their front lines (especially on defense). With probably the best DT group in a decade it would be insane for the Broncos to not address it.Having said that, I fully expect them to do just what Andy had us doing. Picking players for our secondary.

I had considered Dan Williams in the 1st.

 

[Balco]

I will be shocked if Blount is a first round pick. He's not that talented and he has character concerns. 3rd-4th round IMO.

:( 1st, guy has huge character concerns. Punching a player at the end of the game is bad enough, but then trying to fight the crowd?

2nd, I am just not impressed with his skills. Poor blocking, not a great receiver, and not shifty enough.

These were my thoughts after the Boise State game:

Rushing Ability

Blount looked extremely slow this game. He did not display explosiveness, lateral movement, vision, or cutting ability. For a back so big, he also dissapointed as a power back. He was tackled easily, and when he lowered his shoulder he still was not able to move defenders. He took all of his snaps out of the shotgun formation, often lining up 8 yards behind the line. He doesn't look comfortable running between the tackles, and is way to slow to be a factor on the outside.

Receiving Ability

Blount was not asked to run complicated routes during this game. He either swung out to the right or left, or stood in the middle of the field. He did not look comfortable running out in space. Did not catch the ball with his hands. His pass catching is marginal.

Blocking

Consitently did not show any interest in pass blocking. He never attacked the line of scrimmage. For example, on Oregon's 29th offensive possession, Blount took 2 steps forward and then stayed in place, instead of attacking the oncoming defender., This allowed the defender to push Blount back into the pocket. When asked to make key blocks in pass protection, Blount showed no interest. On Oregon's 29th offensive play, a Boise defender came up the middle. Blount barely put a shoulder on him which resulted in a qb hurry, and an incomplete pass. Blount did not look to hit anyone on pass protection or help a lineman out. Poor blocker.

You're grading an RB after one horrible game? I guess I'll have to post his highlight video too LINKI'm not trying to be a homer, I've posted on these boards that I thought he took advantage of Oregon's spread offense to gain most of his yards. That being said I've seen Blount break many tackles in '08, I think you're assessment of him is way off. I don't know what happened against Boise St., they match up well against Oregon and had a good defense. The whole Oregon offense looked out of sync that night. You should be giving more credit to Boise St. for playing a great game and clearly frustrating Blount, (Which was evident after the game.) and knocking Blount less, but thats just my opinion. Blount may not be as shifty as the other top RBs in the class, but, other than Dwyer no one has the power and physicality of Blount. As for the character issues, knock him for that all you want, its well deserved, but from what I've read he's been doing and saying all the right things to clean up his image.

I have watched Blount run in several games. Unfortunately, it takes about 3 hours for me to break down a game in detail like I did with his boise state game., so that is the only game with in depth analysis from me. Guy was a great college player, don't see him as a feature back in the pros.

 

[Boston]

Unless free agency dictates otherwise I can not fathom the Pats spending three picks in the second round on skill players...they need help in the worse way on defense and it wouldn't hurt them to add another O lineman as well (if they lose either Mankins or Neal or cut Light than they really could use help there).

Their defense got the injury bug and isn't in as bad a shape as it seems, IMO. As far as drafting goes, sometimes you make your strengths stronger rather than just try to improve your weakneses.

I really disagree about injuries beign the D's problems. It's simply a question of talent. Their LB corps has Mayo and than a bunch of decent at best guys. Their secondary has some talent but it's far from a topnotch unit. On the line you have Wilfork and Warren and than some other solid but nothing special talent. This is a defensive unit that badly needs playmakers...right now they are devoid of that element. Their pass-rush is an incredible liability. Their top three defenders (Wilfork, Warren and Mayo) really aren't bid time playmakers. Whether it's thru the draft or free agency the Patriot D must be upgraded. If it isn't they have no chance of being a serious championship contender regardless of who they add to their offense.

Well I did have them taking Hughes in the first.

...and I really like that pick since on paper that is by far their biggest need. Yet, after that they really need more help on D and probably need to reinforce the O-line. Brady has proven that with quality protection he can be productive even without big time WRs.As far as your picks it wouldn't bother me one bit if two were the TE and RB. Right now TE is a weak position for the Pats although it is yet to be seen how committed this offense is to having a TE be real involved in the passing game (I wish it were more). As far as RB is concerned they could really use a playmaker/home run threat there and I think Best could be that type of player. A RB who can potentially go the distance whenever he touches the ball would do wonders for this offense and give everyone else a little more breathing room. Right now their running game is too plodding and while it is productive it doesn't scare defenses. It's really the WR pick I can do without. As far as youngsters go Edelman looks like a keeper and Tate has a chance to be a contributor next year. With their complex offense I'd much rather address the WR position with a veteran or two with some kind of track record especially if Welker's going to be iffy for early in the year. So, remove the WR pick and add in another defender or O lineman and I'm right with you...

 

[EBF]

Blount may not be as shifty as the other top RBs in the class, but, other than Dwyer no one has the power and physicality of Blount. As for the character issues, knock him for that all you want, its well deserved, but from what I've read he's been doing and saying all the right things to clean up his image.

Toby Gerhart is a lot more powerful than Blount FWIW.Blount is simply not a first round talent. On talent alone he's MAYBE a late 2nd round pick. More likely a 3rd-4th rounder. Add in severe character concerns and there's no way he'll be a top 60 draft pick. There is zero chance of him going in the first round.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

If the Skins dont draft a olineman in the first 2 rds I will cry

 

[scrumptrulescent]

A note to pass along to future mockers. And I say this to be helpful, not critical. Don't count on the Packers spending a first rounder on the 6th best OT on the board. If the draft unfolds in the manner above, the more likely pick at #23 would be a guy like Wilson, Odrick, or Mays. The Packers won't reach for need. Especially not on the O-Line. The Packers have needed to improve the O-Line since Ted Thompson arrived and he's never even considered using a first rounder there. The only way you see Green Bay come out of the 1st round with an O-Lineman is if they trade up a few spots to grab one of the top guys who has inexplicably fallen towards them or if one falls all the way to 23 and is too good to pass up ala Aaron Rodgers.The Packers know going in that if they wanted to address OT via the draft they'd be staring at taking the 5th , 6th, or 7th best guy. They still have the option of bringing back Clifton and Tauscher and having Lang and a 2nd tier free agent to back them up as insurance policies.That said, in the mock above I'd have them taking Kyle Wilson.

I picked Brown for Green Bay in the board draft as well. I didn't like the pick much and considered Odrick myself there, but I hesitate to slot Brown 6th yet for the OT's. What if he shows up to the Combine weighing in at over 300 lbs? Then what happens? No one questions his athleticism and because of that he's mentioned as more of a lock at LT than RT. I didn't like making the pick and could easily see a move up or down by Thompson, but I'm not positive. Brown's stock could rise because the biggest knock on him I've read was his weight, or lack thereof.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

If the Lions grab McCoy (or Suh) and Mays, I'll be one happy dude.

 

[Bruno2]

I will be shocked if Blount is a first round pick. He's not that talented and he has character concerns. 3rd-4th round IMO.

1st, guy has huge character concerns. Punching a player at the end of the game is bad enough, but then trying to fight the crowd?

2nd, I am just not impressed with his skills. Poor blocking, not a great receiver, and not shifty enough.

These were my thoughts after the Boise State game:

Rushing Ability

Blount looked extremely slow this game. He did not display explosiveness, lateral movement, vision, or cutting ability. For a back so big, he also dissapointed as a power back. He was tackled easily, and when he lowered his shoulder he still was not able to move defenders. He took all of his snaps out of the shotgun formation, often lining up 8 yards behind the line. He doesn't look comfortable running between the tackles, and is way to slow to be a factor on the outside.

Receiving Ability

Blount was not asked to run complicated routes during this game. He either swung out to the right or left, or stood in the middle of the field. He did not look comfortable running out in space. Did not catch the ball with his hands. His pass catching is marginal.

Blocking

Consitently did not show any interest in pass blocking. He never attacked the line of scrimmage. For example, on Oregon's 29th offensive possession, Blount took 2 steps forward and then stayed in place, instead of attacking the oncoming defender., This allowed the defender to push Blount back into the pocket. When asked to make key blocks in pass protection, Blount showed no interest. On Oregon's 29th offensive play, a Boise defender came up the middle. Blount barely put a shoulder on him which resulted in a qb hurry, and an incomplete pass. Blount did not look to hit anyone on pass protection or help a lineman out. Poor blocker.

You're grading an RB after one horrible game? I guess I'll have to post his highlight video too LINKI'm not trying to be a homer, I've posted on these boards that I thought he took advantage of Oregon's spread offense to gain most of his yards. That being said I've seen Blount break many tackles in '08, I think you're assessment of him is way off. I don't know what happened against Boise St., they match up well against Oregon and had a good defense. The whole Oregon offense looked out of sync that night. You should be giving more credit to Boise St. for playing a great game and clearly frustrating Blount, (Which was evident after the game.) and knocking Blount less, but thats just my opinion. Blount may not be as shifty as the other top RBs in the class, but, other than Dwyer no one has the power and physicality of Blount. As for the character issues, knock him for that all you want, its well deserved, but from what I've read he's been doing and saying all the right things to clean up his image.

I have watched Blount run in several games. Unfortunately, it takes about 3 hours for me to break down a game in detail like I did with his boise state game., so that is the only game with in depth analysis from me. Guy was a great college player, don't see him as a feature back in the pros.

Fair enough, don't let the fact that you quite possibly picked Blount's worst game of his college career to break down sway your opinion too much. Just to clarify, I have my concerns with Blount as well, but I was really surprised with his performance in the Senior Bowl, I think he runs harder than people give him credit for. Its possible I may be overacting to his performance in one All-Star game, but I also think your analysis was too harsh as well, so he's probably somewhere in the middle. And like the OP said San Diego has been known to reach a bit at the end of the first round. And in my mind he seems like a good fit there if Tomlinson leaves.

 

[On The Rocks]

Buffalo - Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame 6-2 223I know Clausen isn't universally loved. But I saw a player that showed nearly constant improvement year after year and reminds me of Phillip Rivers in attitude - which to me is a good thing.Buffalo - Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma 6-6 258Buffalo - Arthur Jones DT Syracuse 6-3 295

Loved reading this. You did a great job. Think you did awesome drafting for the Bills just one little problem. The Bills drafted S.Nelson last year and seemed to be a very capable TE when he was healthy. With all the needs the Bills have I don't really see them going with a TE in the 2nd (although I think he would be a steal there for them). If the Bills were to have this exact draft except maybe get a solid O-Lineman or a 3-4 LB then I would be very happy with it. I would much rather have Bradford in Buffalo but could see the Bills fans falling in love with Clausen and his Rivers-like attitude. And Aurthur Jones coming from Syracuse right down the road would be a very nice selection for them too and fill a HUGE hole the Bills need. We don't have one true NT on this team. A very important position when you consider our switch to the 3-4. I hope Jones would be ready to be effective from the start cause he should see plenty of action.

I would be curious if Arthur Jones would plug in effectively as DE in the 3-4?

 

[Bruno2]

Blount may not be as shifty as the other top RBs in the class, but, other than Dwyer no one has the power and physicality of Blount. As for the character issues, knock him for that all you want, its well deserved, but from what I've read he's been doing and saying all the right things to clean up his image.

Toby Gerhart is a lot more powerful than Blount FWIW.Blount is simply not a first round talent. On talent alone he's MAYBE a late 2nd round pick. More likely a 3rd-4th rounder. Add in severe character concerns and there's no way he'll be a top 60 draft pick. There is zero chance of him going in the first round.

I forgot about Gerhart. He's another intruiging talent, I'll be rooting for him.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

So Dwyer is a product of the GT system but Blount isn't a product of a similar system at Oregon? Biggest difference in the two running games is we are under center and they run out of the shotgun. But both are spread offenses.

 

[CaGamblers]

I will be shocked if Blount is a first round pick. He's not that talented and he has character concerns. 3rd-4th round IMO.

1st, guy has huge character concerns. Punching a player at the end of the game is bad enough, but then trying to fight the crowd?

2nd, I am just not impressed with his skills. Poor blocking, not a great receiver, and not shifty enough.

These were my thoughts after the Boise State game:

Rushing Ability

Blount looked extremely slow this game. He did not display explosiveness, lateral movement, vision, or cutting ability. For a back so big, he also dissapointed as a power back. He was tackled easily, and when he lowered his shoulder he still was not able to move defenders. He took all of his snaps out of the shotgun formation, often lining up 8 yards behind the line. He doesn't look comfortable running between the tackles, and is way to slow to be a factor on the outside.

Receiving Ability

Blount was not asked to run complicated routes during this game. He either swung out to the right or left, or stood in the middle of the field. He did not look comfortable running out in space. Did not catch the ball with his hands. His pass catching is marginal.

Blocking

Consitently did not show any interest in pass blocking. He never attacked the line of scrimmage. For example, on Oregon's 29th offensive possession, Blount took 2 steps forward and then stayed in place, instead of attacking the oncoming defender., This allowed the defender to push Blount back into the pocket. When asked to make key blocks in pass protection, Blount showed no interest. On Oregon's 29th offensive play, a Boise defender came up the middle. Blount barely put a shoulder on him which resulted in a qb hurry, and an incomplete pass. Blount did not look to hit anyone on pass protection or help a lineman out. Poor blocker.

The Chargers drafting Blount in the first round is a joke over Ryan Mathews or J DwyerRyan Mathews vs Boise St.

CAR YDS AVG TD LG

R. Mathews 19 234 12.3 3 69

LeGarrette Blount vs Boise St. - 8 carries for -5 and 2 receptions for 13 yards plus a 2pt conversion

 

[Bruno2]

I will be shocked if Blount is a first round pick. He's not that talented and he has character concerns. 3rd-4th round IMO.

1st, guy has huge character concerns. Punching a player at the end of the game is bad enough, but then trying to fight the crowd?

2nd, I am just not impressed with his skills. Poor blocking, not a great receiver, and not shifty enough.

These were my thoughts after the Boise State game:

Rushing Ability

Blount looked extremely slow this game. He did not display explosiveness, lateral movement, vision, or cutting ability. For a back so big, he also dissapointed as a power back. He was tackled easily, and when he lowered his shoulder he still was not able to move defenders. He took all of his snaps out of the shotgun formation, often lining up 8 yards behind the line. He doesn't look comfortable running between the tackles, and is way to slow to be a factor on the outside.

Receiving Ability

Blount was not asked to run complicated routes during this game. He either swung out to the right or left, or stood in the middle of the field. He did not look comfortable running out in space. Did not catch the ball with his hands. His pass catching is marginal.

Blocking

Consitently did not show any interest in pass blocking. He never attacked the line of scrimmage. For example, on Oregon's 29th offensive possession, Blount took 2 steps forward and then stayed in place, instead of attacking the oncoming defender., This allowed the defender to push Blount back into the pocket. When asked to make key blocks in pass protection, Blount showed no interest. On Oregon's 29th offensive play, a Boise defender came up the middle. Blount barely put a shoulder on him which resulted in a qb hurry, and an incomplete pass. Blount did not look to hit anyone on pass protection or help a lineman out. Poor blocker.

The Chargers drafting Blount in the first round is a joke over Ryan Mathews or J DwyerRyan Mathews vs Boise St.

CAR YDS AVG TD LG

R. Mathews 19 234 12.3 3 69

LeGarrette Blount vs Boise St. - 8 carries for -5 and 2 receptions for 13 yards plus a 2pt conversion

OK....I agree Mathews SHOULD be drafted higher than Blount. Just like Crabtree should have been drafted before DHB last year, but we never know what's going to happen. Its possible that Mathews might even be gone by the time the Chargers pick as well.Why are you guys grading Blount on his worst performance? Spiller, Dwyer, Best, Mathews ever have bad games?

 

[Honda]

So Dwyer is a product of the GT system but Blount isn't a product of a similar system at Oregon? Biggest difference in the two running games is we are under center and they run out of the shotgun. But both are spread offenses.

Not exactly what I said. I think that Dwyer is a decent player in the Tashard Choice mold (a player that I like). I think Blount has more potential to be the instant starter the Chargers need than Dwyer does. There's not a huge gap talentwise.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

As a Steelers fan, I would be pretty ticked if they passed on Pouncey in round 2 for a guy who's a total finesse player with an irregular heartbeat and possibly with a brace still on his left knee. Regardless of whether they took Iupati in round one or not.

Taking both interior guys could quickly make the interior of that Steeler OL elite again. At worst, it'd be a sizable upgrade. Particularly for the running game. The Steelers just can not run the ball when other teams KNOW they're going to run it anymore, and haven't been able to for several years now. Those two guys running out there at C and RG would probably change that post-haste.

I actual think Pouncey's a better player than Iupati(and I'm an avowed Gator hater of the highest stripe....but I cannot deny the Pouncey twins are the goods). If the Steelers decided they wanted to go hard and heavy after offensive linemen, and have the chance to get both the Samoan kid and Pouncey if the draft broke that way, I hope they'd take it.

 

[Honda]

The Chargers drafting Blount in the first round is a joke over Ryan Mathews or J DwyerRyan Mathews vs Boise St. CAR YDS AVG TD LG R. Mathews 19 234 12.3 3 69 LeGarrette Blount vs Boise St. - 8 carries for -5 and 2 receptions for 13 yards plus a 2pt conversion

So are we going to compare ALL players by cherry picking one common opponent for each? I bet we'd get some surprising results.

 

[EBF]

So Dwyer is a product of the GT system but Blount isn't a product of a similar system at Oregon? Biggest difference in the two running games is we are under center and they run out of the shotgun. But both are spread offenses.

Not exactly what I said. I think that Dwyer is a decent player in the Tashard Choice mold (a player that I like).

Dwyer outweighs Choice by 10-20 pounds and is projected to go a couple rounds higher in the draft. They're really that similar as players. The only common thread is the color of their uniform.

I think Blount has more potential to be the instant starter the Chargers need than Dwyer does. There's not a huge gap talentwise.

Really? Blount wasn't even the best back on his own college team. Even after he returned from his suspension, he played second fiddle to LaMichael James and never carried the ball more than 9 times in a game last season. You think a guy with 159 career carries is going to be an "instant starter" in the NFL? Blount had a nice week at the Senior Bowl, after which most onlookers agreed that he had redeemed himself to the point of being a "draftable" prospect. That's a far cry from being a first round pick. Blount is projected as a 5th round pick by NFL Draft Scout. There is absolutely zero chance of him being picked in the first round. Nobody projects him anywhere near that range. He's an inexperienced two-down power back with no receiving skills and character concerns to boot. He's the type of project that someone will take a chance on in rounds 4-5 once the quality talent has been cleaned out, but he's not a first round pick. Mathews and Dwyer are the most likely candidates if San Diego goes RB in the late first. The only other guys who would make any sense are Anthony Dixon and Toby Gerhart, but it would take a serious surge for either of them to climb that high.

 

[Honda]

I knew the Blount thing would cause discussion.

 

[Tanner9919]

I like the mock but the biggest eye opener is Blount being the second RB taken by the Chargers in the 1st.

Yep...Very bold.Andy's mocks are always a good read.

The cat's out of the bag, after his Senior Bowl performance. Blount is one of the Few RBs in this draft with the size to break tackles at the NFL level. He's a chains mover, a great fit for San Diego, I love the pick.

Blount, in no way, fits the Chargers offense...when has Norv Turner ever had a RB who was that big or who can't catch?think Terry Allen, Emmitt, Stephen Davis, LT2, etc..I'd bet they're leaning more towards trading for DeAngelo Williams, or looking to draft a guy like Ryan Matthews ( prototypical RB size at 5-11, 220lbs but needs to work on his pass-catching skills) , or Jahvid Best ( but he might be a tad undersized at 195 lbs)..Blount is 245 lbs and we know that big fellas like that don't usually last long as starting RB's at the next level..