1. Cam Newton - QB - 6'5" - 248
Analysis: The pick is risky, and not until a month or so was Cam Newton even projected as a top 10 pick. However, if the Panthers plan on competing within the division against teams bearing the arms of Drew Brees, Matty Ice, and Josh Freeman, they will need a quarterback with more upside than the likes of Jimmy Clausen. Newton is worth the risk here.
2. Marcell Dareus - DT - 6'3" - 319
Analysis: The Broncos have made it public that they are not planning on making Tim Tebow the quarterback of the future, giving Blaine Gabbert some thought here. But, it's too high of a pick to use on Blaine Gabbert when the Broncos clearly have larger demands. Dareus will provide instant help for the league's worst defense that sacrificed the most points per game (29.4), and more yards against per game (390.8).
3. Von Miller - OLB - 6'3" - 246
4. Blaine Gabbert - QB - 6'4" - 234
Analysis: Chad Johnson/OchoCinco is still blowing Twitter up, and is said to be "too hurt" to return. Since the knee injury in 2006, Carson Palmer has looked very old and been extremely inconsistent. Now Carson is starting drama, looking to follow Chad out of Cincy. Don't expect the Bengals to take the risk of having Carson's younger brother Jordan Palmer take the reigns of the team. The Bengals draft Blaine Gabbert as the new face of the franchise, and enters an offensive situation filled by young talents Jermaine Gresham, Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley, and Jerome Simpson.
5. Patrick Peterson - CB - 6' - 219
Analysis: As well as I can picture Blaine Gabbert as a Cardinal, they get screwed out of a chance to turn the offense around for Larry Fitzgerald, who is steadily growing impatient. If the Cards don't trade down the draft board to later take QB Andy Dalton, or QB Ryan Mallett, Arizona addresses the defensive backfield. By selecting CB Patrick Peterson, whom many consider to be the most talented player in the draft, the Cardinals now have an excellent tandem with Peterson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
6. A.J. Green - WR - 6'4" - 211
Analysis: The Dog-Pound would really enjoy some pressure on the opposition's QB, but they would love for Colt McCoy to have a target to throw to. Peyton Hillis doesn't need to touch the ball over 300 times, and A.J. Green fills the void that Braylon Edwards left behind 2 years ago.
7. Andy Dalton - QB - 6'2" - 215
Analysis: This will absolutely be considered a reach, but Dalton is the most proven winner in the draft. The way I see it, the 49ers have a very good defense, and almost all the necessary pieces for a fully feared offense for any defensive coordinator. New Head Coach John Harbaugh is ready to guide Dalton, who has all the tools except red hair to be great, to a successful career. Frank Gore on the ground, Dalton throwing to Vernon Davis/Michael Crabtree, and a defense led by LB Patrick Willis. What's attractive about facing that team? Nothing. This is the pick for the 49ers if they are unable trade down to scoop up Dalton, the problem is that only draft picks can be traded draft day.
8. Robert Quinn - DE - 6'4" - 265
Analysis: The Titans haven't seemed to have that big pass rush presence ever since Jevon Kearse's departure. Despite knee concerns, Tennessee takes the best player on the board, DE Robert Quinn. With Kerry Collins being and old man, and Rusty Smith with no future past backup QB, both Jake Locker and Andy Dalton have skyrocketed up draft boards, leaving both as a reach, but a possibility here.
9. Tyron Smith - OT - 6'5" - 307
Analysis: Unless Jerry Jones would like to see his precious Tony Romo walking the sidelines again next season, he'll be sure to revamp the long overdue offensive line. The 2-year starting RT for USC still has room to grow, and the athleticism to become an excellent LT in the NFL. Blindside, check.
Analysis: Unless Jerry Jones would like to see his precious Tony Romo walking the sidelines again next season, he'll be sure to revamp the long overdue offensive line. The 2-year starting RT for USC still has room to grow, and the athleticism to become an excellent LT in the NFL. Blindside, check.
10. Prince Amukamara - CB - 6' - 206
Analysis: Julio Jones is the sexy pick here for Mike Shanahan, and it may end up being the pick in the end. But what's a team without defense? The 'Skins will pick Amukamara to help stabilize the poor defensive backfield with DeAngelo Hall. Nick Fairley is another possibility here, but the last thing Washington needs is another temperamental DT. I expect another very mediocre draft from a team having only 2 picks in the first 4 rounds.
11. Julio Jones - WR - 6'3" - 220
Analysis: After consistent inconsistency from Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter, it's evident that Andre Johnson needs a wingman at the number 2 receiver slot. While it is not the Texans' biggest need by any means, they are not prepared to take a chance on potential one-year wonder Nick Fairley at DT. Character issues don't help his cause. The Texans continue to possess one of the league's most potent offense's and will look to address the defense for the remainder of the draft/free agency. Jones is too good to pass up for the Texans.
12. Ryan Mallett - QB - 6'7" - 253
Analysis: A mutual interest has been shown between Donovan McNabb and the Vikings, leaving the Vikes with a big decision whether or not to draft their biggest need or not. It's way to risky to take the chance that they may or may not have a solid quarterback next season. Despite character and drug addiction questions, Ryan Mallett goes to the Vikings.
13. Akeem Ayers - OLB
Analysis: After a poor 40-yard dash showing at the NFL Combine, Akeem Ayers has turned into more of an inside linebacker. The Lions don't think so. With hopes that Ayers can improve his speed and instincts, Detroit selects this outside linebacker who can rush and play back in coverage, filling a gaping hole in the defense.
14. Nick Fairley - DT - 6'4" - 291
Analysis: Character issures aside, this is a perfect fit for the Rams and Fairley. St. Louis is lucky to find Fairley slipping this far, and won't ignore the athleticism they need up front that can add pressure on the quarterback and plug running gaps. Fairley could be the steal of the draft for the Rams.
15. Mark Ingram - RB - 5'9" - 215
Analysis: The Fins have a number of needs to fill, but there is no way they pass up the chance to find their future running back that can make an immediate impact, especially with aging running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams becoming free agents. Plus, if Miami does not draft Ingram, the Patriots will, and the last thing the Dolphins want to see is the inner-divison rival New England Patriots adding a running game to their repetoire.
16. Ryan Kerrigan - DE - 6'3" - 267
Analysis: Kerrigan is a guy who will probably be available at 16. His well documented work ethis, leadership skills, and statistics make Ryan Kerrigan a great fit, completing the defensive line reconstruction for the Jags.
17. Cameron Jordan - DE - 6'4" - 287
Analysis: Jordan will be a great selection for the New England Patriots here... if they don't trade the pick. If the Pats manage to keep their pick at 17, look for Bill Belichick to find his replacement for Richard Seymour. Da'Quan Bowers is tempting here, but why chose an injury riddled DE when there is a healthy DE that fits the Patriots system well?
18. J.J. Watt - DE - 6'5" - 290
Analysis: The Chargers add some Wattage with the addition of the standout Wisconsin DE. As a guy who can reach the quarterback from the inside or outside, Watt will provide an instant pass rush for the Chargers. Also, keep an eye open for Watt on special teams, he blocked 3 kicks in his last college season.
19. Anthony Castonzo - OT - 6'7" - 311
Analysis: The G-men need to bolster an offensive line that has been successful for years. The problem is that the Giants allowed the O-Line to get too old. In a draft class with very few excellent offensive line prospects, adding a tackle is a must as I find it hard to believe New York's veterans will remain healthy the entire year.
20. Da'Quan Bowers - DE - 6'3" - 280
Analysis: With a defense that has many holes, the Bucs will begin by selecting a DE, and if Da'Quan Bowers is still on the board at number 20, Tampa Bay will be the one's to select him. If the knee holds together, this pick can really prove to be vital to the Buccaneers for years to come.
21. Nate Solder - OT - 6'8" - 319
Analysis: Before QB Matt Cassel gets another target on offense, an upgrade at either of the offensive tackle positions is the priority. In a relatively weak class for offensive linemen, the Chiefs will grab one when they can. Just imagine the things that Jamaal Charles can do behind an even better line than he had last year.
22. Gabe Carimi - OT - 6'7" - 314Analysis: Time and time again Carimi proved himself among the best defensive ends in the Big-Ten againt numerous potential first-round picks. At pick number 22, the Colts get great value in Carimi, and begin a youth movement for the offensive line.
23. Jimmy Smith - CB - 6'2" - 211
Analysis: The Eagles have spent a lot of time investigating Smith's character and I'm convinced that they believe that Smith is too talented to let pass. The Eagles need cornerback help, but if Smith is gone, they will look at a right tackle or right guard. Smith will add some nice depth to Cornerback for Philly, and will be able to step in mid-way through the season if the inconsistent Dimitri Patterson struggles.
24. Adrian Clayborn - DE - 6'2" - 281
Analysis: The Saints would love if Anthony Castonzo slipped this far, but at this point he will likely be unavailable. New Orleans are finally able to upgrade their pass rush with Iowa standout Adrian Clayborn.
25. Jake Locker - QB - 6'3" - 231
Analysis: More and more Seattle's offense is looking bleak. There is a need for offensive linemen in Seattle, but the real question is, who will throw the ball? Whether the Seahawks lose Matt Hasselbeck to free agency or not, there is no quarterback of the future on the 'Hawks. Seattle selects local boy Jake Locker with the 25th pick in the draft, who may end up being the best quarterback in this draft class 5 years down the road.
26. Cameron Heyward - DE - 6'4" - 294
Analysis: Cameron Heyward was extremely productive for Ohio State, and will continue that trend in the NFL barring any injuries. Heyward is a versatile 6'5", 294 lbs with the ability to play any position on the defensive line. The Ravens love drafting monsters for their front seven, and they do it again here, adding yet another threat that can get to the quarterback.
27. Torrey Smith - WR - 6'1" - 204
Analysis: With Tony Gonzalez entering what is perhaps his final year of his career, Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph makes a lot of sense here. What they need first is a smart, hard-working, high character wide receiver to play opposite of Roddy White. They get all of the above with Torrey Smith. Look for the Falcons to target a TE such as D.J. Williams on day 2 of the draft. 28. Mike Pouncey
Analysis: Another value pick for the Patrs if Pouncey still is on the board. The Patriots must stabilize their aging offensive line. This may be the steal of the draft if Pouncey is still there at 28, if not, they may use this pick in a trade for more picks.
29. Jon Baldwin - WR - 6'4" - 228
Analysis: For as long as I can remember, the Bears have been thin at Wide Receiver. This year, Chicago finally addresses the issue and gives Jay Cutler tall option for jump balls near the red zone.
30. Aldon Smith - DE - 6'4" - 263
Analysis: The Jets were hoping to snag Jon Baldwin in the number 30 slot, but decides to address the need for a pass rush on defense. Between Rex Ryan's coaching and Smith's tools, he possesses the potential to become an elite pass-rusher in the NFL. This would be a great replacement for Jason Taylor and would help Jets fans forget they ever picked Vernon Gholston.
31. Derek Sherrod - OT - 6'5" - 321
Analysis: The Steelers are devastated to see the New England Patriots select Mike Pouncey, who Tomlin had hoped to reunite with his brother Maurkice Pouncey on the offensive line. Instead, Pittsburgh makes a very smart selection in Derek Sherrod to bolster the OT postion that needs help. Rashard Mendenhall will certainly appreciate it.
32. Justin Houston - OLB - 6'3" - 270
Analysis: With many hopeful draftees off the board already, the Pack fill a need at OLB with an undersized DE. Houston possesses explosive strength and speed, just what Green Bay is looking for at outside linebacker. If the Packers decide to go in a different direction with their first pick, keep an eye on Sam Acho out of Texas in the second round, a very good player that could fly under the radar.
I started this mock last night, and once I realized what I got myself into, it was too late to turn back. Thanks for checking out my first, and last NFL mock draft.
I started this mock last night, and once I realized what I got myself into, it was too late to turn back. Thanks for checking out my first, and last NFL mock draft.
