This is my 2nd Mock Draft of the year, but my first since the College season has ended and a lot has changed. I tried to pack a lot of my thoughts into each pick. Like always, questions/comments are always welcome. There are only 10 days until the draft and a lot can change between now and then!
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
The inevitable.
2. Washington RedSkins (from STL): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor.
The inevitable.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC.
A lot of people believe this is the inevitable part III, however I disagree. I hear rumblings that since absolutely no one knows what Cleveland is doing, this is a hot-spot for trades. People have been calling about Kalil, Claiborne, Richardson and Tannehill. I would not be shocked at all if someone jumps Cleveland to get their guy, as they have no idea who's going to fall.
I feel like Cleveland spent all off-season trying to upgrade the QB position, and once they failed at that they should decide to upgrade their talent around the QB. With Peyton Hillis signing in KC they only have Montario Hardesty on the roster as any RB worth anything. I can't believe they'd be willing to pass up Trent Richardson here, however if they do I believe it's between Floyd and Tannehill.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU.
Tampa really loves being in the 5th position. They would love any of the big 5 prospects so they will sit here and take whatever one is left.
6. St. Louis Rams (from WAS): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State.
I'm hearing St. Louis LOVES Richardson (no surprise here, who doesn't?), and is trying to figure out if they have to move up. They've had preliminary talks with Minnesota about moving up to #3 to grab him. If they are unsuccessful then I think they will take Fletcher Cox over Michael Floyd or Justin Blackmon. Cox has the versatility that Fisher likes in his linemen.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame.
Blaine Gabbert was terrible last year, in fact I'm shocked that the Jaguars won any games at all last year. They have holes everywhere. This pick could go any number of ways: Floyd, Blackmon, Gilmore, Barron, DeCastro, Ingram, Upshaw, Kuechly. No one really knows what Jacksonville is going to do, but I think Floyd would give them someone next to Lee Evans who can make life on Gabbert a little easier. I have heard that they want to trade down and take Floyd, but I think Carolina would take him at #9.
Miami gets their QB at #8. Now I don't believe this will actually happen, I think someone is going to trade up to #6 (if Richardson is gone) or #7 (Jacksonville would love to trade back) to take Tannehill. I think Kansas City, Buffalo, and Cleveland (from #22) are all possibilities.
9. Carolina Panthers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina.
Stephon Gilmore has always been a personal favorite, but I'm hearing teams are coming around on him. Carolina would love a DL, a WR or CB. I believe Gilmore is the best value here.
10. Buffalo Bills: David Decastro, OG, Stanford.
After spending lots of money on bolstering the D-Line, Buffalo turns to the OLine to grab the 2nd best Olinemen in the draft. I think they would consider Blackmon here too.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Mark Barron, S, Alabama.
Teams are starting to realize how hard it is to get good safeties, the idea of putting Barron next to Eric Berry is too good to pass up. Barron and Berry can both cover and help in the run game. Everyone thinks that they are going Poe here, but I'm not sure if I believe it.
Probably the toughest pick to make, I know some people love Ingram, others love Coples and everyone else loves Upshaw. All 3 are available and yet I have the Seahawks passing on all of them, the reason? Kuechly is that good. He was recently #6 on Mayock's big board, he's #4 on mine (Luck, Richardson, RG3, Kuechly, Claiborne, Kalil for those of you interested). Besides Luck and Richardson, Kuechly is the most likely to be an All-Pro 8+ year pro bowler. I don't see how you can turn that down when there is a need at that position. Currently Seattle plans on starting Barrett Ruud at LB, Kuechly would be an enormous upgrade.
13. Arizona Cardinals: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State.
Justin Blackmon is an Anquan Boldin clone, but less physical. I think he will thrive next to Fitzgerald and with an accurate passer like Kolb.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis.
A little birdy told me Poe is #7 on Dallas's board. I think Rob Ryan is seeing the potential in what he could be and salivating.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama.
Philadelphia would love Kuechly to fall to them, but in this mock he doesn't. They take the rising Hightower who many think is the best LB prospect in this draft. He brings a pass-rushing element that Kuechly doesn't, but Kuechly does everything else better.
16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina.
Melvin Ingram is a victim of unfortunate Circumstances. He could go as early as #6 and I believe that this is his absolute floor. I can't imagine him falling any further than right here.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama.
This seems to be the obvious pick, yet Cinci seems to do the obvious almost every year.
18. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama.
Upshaw is a perfect fit as an OLB in SD's 3-4 defense. I liken him to Brian Orakpo, but I don't
19. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, T, Iowa.
I struggle to see why all these Iowa OT's get taken early. As you may or may not remember I was completely against Baluga in the first round, and I'm completely against Reiff in the first round as well. That being said, I believe the Bears will take another OL in the first that won't pan out like they hope (just like Crimini last year).
I also believe that this represents the floor for Coples, he's versatile and can play many positions on the DL. He has the highest ceiling out of any dlinemen in this draft, however inconsistency has made him fall.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech.
Cincinnati first addresses their CB need, and now they go find another threat across AJ Green. Stephen Hill needs to be refined, but with Dalton and Green, they are starting to build something dangerous.
22. Cleveland Browns (from ATL): Colby Fleener, TE, Stanford.
Everyone always hears that a TE is a QBs best friend. Well, Colt McCoy, meet your new best friend. Fleener can cause havoc in a West Coast based offense (as he came from one in Stanford).
23. Detroit Lions: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia.
Detroit has 2 really big needs going into this offseason, Secondary and Oline. I wouldn't be surprised if they took 5 players between those 2 areas. Boykin is the best non-Janoris Jenkins corner left. I believe Jenkins is a top 10 talent, but the way I heard he interviewed is that he "smoked himself stupid" and that he continued to play at Northern Alabama instead of going into the supplemental draft so he could continue to smoke weed. Sorry, this is supposed to be about Boykin. He's good. He plays the run very well and he's very physical for someone his size. He'll fit in nicely with Schwartz in Detroit.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT, Georgia.
Cordy Glenn projects to be a James Carpenter type who can play either guard or RT. I know Pittsburgh values that kind of versatility.
25. Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor.
Robert Griffin's go to receiver becomes Peyton Manning's new toy. He can line up in the slot and learn from the newly signed Brandon Stokley, or he can line up outside and use his speed to get open. The WR corps of Demaryius Thomas and not much else won't be sufficient for Peyton.
26. Houston Texans: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford.
Teams are DOWN on Jonathan Martin, I'm hearing he's projected between picks 30-50. However, at this point when stuff like that leaks, it usually means a certain team really likes him and hopes he falls to them. I believe Houston could benefit greatly from having Jonathan Martin and he's a perfect fit for a ZBS.
27. New England Patriots (from NO): Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma.
Jamell Fleming has it all on tape, however he struggled in school being suspended twice. However, as a regional scout once told me "we're not paying them to go to school". I think New England believes in the leadership that they have in place to take a chance on Fleming.
McClellin is a late riser who fits a 3-4 OLB perfectly. Green Bay needs someone to rush the passer on the edge opposite of Clay Matthews. I think Nick Perry could be the pick here, but he prefers to rush from the DE position.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois.
Baltimore lost 3 front 7 players this offseason, so I believe Mercilus will be a great pass rusher for them to plug and play right away I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens have Nick Perry rated high enough to take him here.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU.
San Francisco will probably take two WR's in the first 4 rounds to pair with Crabtree, Manningham and a decrepit Randy Moss. Randle is the best fit out of all the WRs available. They would love Wright or Hill, but Randle is deserving of a 1st round pick. Randle blocks exceptionally well for a WR which is a necessity for Jim Harbaugh.
31. New England Patriots: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU.
I hate projecting players to New England because they rarely every actually take them so I usually just project best player available. I think that's Michael Brockers who some believe has top 15 upside.
Doug Martin is loved by all in the scouting community. I have heard some having him as high as #12 prospect overall and going to the Jets or Bengals. I see a big running back who can truck and use his speed and agility. I think New York would love to have someone to replace Brandon Jacobs.
Round 2
33. St. Louis Rams: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
34. Indianapolis Colts: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
35. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Robinson CB Central Florida
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami FL
37. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
38. Jacksonville Jaguars: fndre Branch, DE, Clemson
39. St. Louis Rams (from WAS): Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
40. Miami Dolphins: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
41. Buffalo Bills: Bobby Massie, T, Ole Miss
42. Carolina Panthers: Devon Still, DT, Penn State
Seattle gets their edge rusher in Nick Perry who Cosell called the best passrushing 4-3 DE in the draft. Unfortunately when I see Perry I see more Vernon Gholston than anything. I have a late 3rd round grade on him, but I understand why others have him as a top 20 pick.
44. Kansas City Chiefs: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
45. Dallas Cowboys: Mychael Kendricks, LB, California
46. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Adams, T, Ohio State
47. New York Jets: Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
48. New England Patriots (from OAK): Kendall Reyes, DE, UConn
49. San Diego Chargers: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
50. Chicago Bears: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
51. Philadelphia Eagles (from ARI): Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall52. Tennessee Titans: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State
53. Cincinnati Bengals: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
54. Detroit Lions: Kelechi Osemele, G/T, Iowa State
55. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Polk, RB, Washington
56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alameda Ta'Amu, NT, Washington
57. Denver Broncos: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
58. Houston Texans: Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska
59. New Orleans Saints: Forefited
60. Green Bay Packers: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
61. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
62. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
63. New England Patriots: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
64. New York Giants: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Round 3
65. Indianapolis Colts: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
66. St. Louis Rams: Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State
67. Minnesota Vikings: Mitchell Schwartz, T, California
68. Cleveland Browns: AJ Jenkins, WR, Illinois
69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sean Spence, LB, Miami FL
70. Washington Redskins: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
71. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech.
72. Buffalo Bills: Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State
73. *Minnesota Vikings (from MIA): Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
74. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
75. Kansas City Chiefs: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Northern Alabama
Yes Seattle takes 3 straight defensive players, and Crick is another DE. However, he's a completely different DE than Perry. He's more than a pass rushing specialist, and Seattle needs more than 1 DE. Crick was thought of as a 1st round pick until his disappointing senior season and his injury. I think Seattle would gladly take Crick here and use the next couple picks on a RB, OL and QB.
77. Philadelphia Eagles: LaMichael James, Oregon
78. New York Jets: Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
79. Oakland Raiders -- used on Terrelle Pryor in Supplemental Draft
80. San Diego Chargers: Marvin Jones, WR, California
81. Miami Dolphins (from CHI): Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
82. Arizona Cardinals: Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
83. Dallas Cowboys: Jeff Allen, G/T, Illinois
84. Tennessee Titans: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
85. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Kaddu, LB, Oregon
86. Atlanta Falcons: Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida State
87. Detroit Lions: Brandon Washington, G, Miami FL
88. Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
89. Denver Broncos: Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State
90. Houston Texans: Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
91. New Orleans Saints: Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
92. Green Bay Packers: Derek Wolfe, DE, Cincinnati
93. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
94. San Francisco 49ers: Ben Jones, G, Georgia
95. New England Patriots: George Iloka, S, Boise State
96. New York Giants: Ladarius Green, TE, LA-Lafayette
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