Yesterday evening wrapped up the 2013 NFL Draft, and the Steelers did a pretty damn good job, in my opinion. I would give them an A because they got some good players that can contribute right away, even if just on special teams, and guys that can start down the road.
First Round, 17th Overall
Jarvis Jones - OLB/Georgia
Jarvis Jones was drafted as the replacement for the released (and recently signed by the Cincinnati Bengals) James Harrison. Jones should compete immediately with Jason Worilds to start at the right outside linebacker spot for the Steelers aggressive 3-4 defense.
Now following the pick, there was a lot of negative reaction on Twitter about the pick. People are saying that by taking Jones here, it wastes the second rounder that was used a few years ago on Worilds. That he never got a fair shake and now Jones is going to be pushed into the spot sooner rather than later to justify the first round pick.
Here's the thing: Worilds has not impressed the Steelers coaching staff or front office with his play since being drafted. In three years he has a total of 42 games played, 81 tackles, and 10 sacks. Yes he had 5 sacks last year, but they were against the following teams: Denver (1), Philadelphia (1), Tennessee (1), Cleveland (2). Four of the five were against teams that didn't make the playoffs, and those three teams all picked in the top 10 in the draft. And a sack against Peyton Manning doesn't mean much these days because he normally folds like a piece of paper to avoid a big hit. They've seen him in practice, in games, and watched all the video from both. They know what they have in Jason Worilds.
Worilds will get the chance to compete for a starting job in training camp. We had a bit of the same situation in 2007 when the Steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons. People didn't like the pick and felt that James Harrison wouldn't get a fair shot to win the OLB job. Harrison went on to become one of the best linebackers the Steelers have had, and Timmons moved to the inside where he has excelled. If Worilds looks like the better player in minicamps, OTA's, and training camp...then he will win the job. Rookies don't often start for the Steelers, they have to be special players to do so.
But if Jones shows to be the better option at OLB, he will start. If Worilds wins the job in training camp but isn't getting the job done in regular season games, Jones will get playing time. This team went 8-8 last year when the team expected to be in the playoffs. They will play the best players at their positions, regardless of draft status or time in the league.
This also serves as a heads up to LaMarr Woodley who had a down year last year. If Worilds proves he can play well, Woodley could become a cap casualty in a season or two if he doesn't regain his form. Some believe that part of the reason he was so good is because so much attention was paid to Harrison over the years, and once his play declined teams focused on Woodley. I think that's true, but only a little bit. I think injuries had more to do with Woodley's decline in play than anything. However, if we get a stud pass rusher across from him again, that should be a big help.
Second Round, 48th Overall
Le'Veon Bell, RB/Michigan State
Last season, the Steelers didn't have a feature back. They had a stable of backs who all had good qualities, but none had the complete package looked for in a feature back. Bell however, can step in from day one and be the feature back. Last season he ran 382 times for 1,793 yards averaging 4.7 YPC, and 12 touchdowns. In his Spartans career he totaled 671 yards for 3,308 yards averaging 5.1 YPC, and 33 touchdowns. He also caught 78 passes 542 yards and 1 TD in his college career.
Bell is 6'2" and 244 Lbs., so he has the size to take the beating that NFL defenses hand out. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and he's athletic. I don't expect him to go down easily and he's going to hit the holes hard, unlike a former Steelers first round pick at the same position.
Third Round, 79th Overall
Markus Wheaton, WR/Oregon State
Wheaton is a smallish receiver with some good speed delivering a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Combine. The Steelers lost speedster Mike Wallace in free agency, and they drafted Wheaton to help blow the top off of defenses. The Oregon State product was used on sweeps quite a few times in his college career. His production only went up every year, peaking last season with 91 receptions, 1,244 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
He won't win a starting job in his rookie season, but he's an insurance policy if Emmanuel Sanders leaves in free agency. Look for him to be the third or fourth receiver on this team, taking advantage of his speed in the slot.
Fourth Round, 111th Overall
Shamarko Thomas, S/Syracuse
Thomas is a heavy hitting safety who will probably play special teams mostly as a rookie, but could start if there's an injury to either Troy Polamalu or Ryan Clark, but he will probably be listed as the main backup the Polamalu on the depth chart. He may be a starter as soon as next year if Ryan Clark is not re-signed with his contract expires. Sitting behind two Pro Bowl safeties, one a future Hall of Famer, should do nothing but help him get better as he prepares for what should be mostly a career as a starter in the NFL.
Fourth Round, 115th Overall
Landry Jones, QB/Oklahoma
Landry Jones took over for first overall pick Sam Bradford in 2008 when he got injured, and had a good career for the Sooners throwing 30+ touchdowns twice. This is a pick for the future, as the Steelers need to get younger at quarterback and find a player they can groom as a solid #2 quarterback at worst, and at best the eventual successor to Ben Roethlisberger. Jones can be groomed to be that successor, but I will be happy with a solid immediate backup out of a fourth round pick.
Fifth Round, 150th Overall
Terry Hawthorne, CB/Illinois
Terry Hawthorne is a physical corner who can support the run, and has the speed to match up with the other team's top receiver. However, the injury bug got him a few times in college, so his durability is in question.
Maybe the heir to Ike Taylor? He reminds me of Ike Taylor somewhat, and being a fifth round pick he should play a lot on special teams. He'll be behind a few guys on the depth chart, but could become a very solid starter down the like like Ike Taylor himself was.
Sixth Round, 186th Overall
Justin Brown, WR/Oklahoma
I can't find much info on Brown, to be honest. I don't know much about him. However, at 6'3" and 213 Lbs. he's a bigger receiver who could become an asset in the redzone with his size. Look for the Steelers to develop him, as he could eventually become a third receiver.
Sixth Round, 206th Overall
Vince Williams, LB/Florida State
Williams looks to be an inside linebacker prospect for the Steelers, who have some need there with Sean Spence recovering from a bad knee injury in last year's preseason. Williams will add depth to the inside linebacker corps where there isn't a lot of experience behind Foote and fellow Florida State prospect Timmons. If Williams makes the team, I expect him to be almost strictly a special teams player.
Seventh Round, 223rd Overall
Nicholas Williams, DT/Samford
Williams is coming out of small Samford, where at his size I expect him to be a backup NT in the Steelers 3-4 defense. There isn't much behind Steve McLendon and nobody knows if Casey Hampton will eventually be resigned, especially after the contract just given to McLendon.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Steelers 7 Round Mock Draft
Thursday night is the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, one of the most exciting times in the offseason for the National Football League.
The Steelers biggest needs in this draft are: outside linebacker, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and quarterback.
SteelerS GM Kevin Colbert says that the Steelers are looking at this draft like they do any other draft. They don't expect any rookies to come in and make a huge impact right away. That doesn't mean it can't or won't happen, just that it isn't expected. And don't expect a trade up, Colbert isn't looking to do it.
So here it is, my seven-round Steelers mock draft!
1st round, 17th overall
Bjoern Werner, DE-OLB/Florida State - The Steelers cut former Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison this offseason after he refused to take a pay cut. I don't think that they are comfortable going into the season with Jason Worilds as their main option at rush outside linebacker. Werner is a player who can possibly start right away of Worilds is his main competition for the position. The only way Worilds can keep the starting job is to show what he has yet to show, an uncanny ability to get to the quarterback. If he's not getting it done, Werner will get a chance to play, much like LaMarr Woodley in his rookie season.
2nd Round, 16th pick, 48th overall
Justin Hunter, WR/Tennessee - The Steelers lost wide receiver Mike Wallace in free agency, and honestly I don't think they wanted him back. The Steelers have had luck with receivers outside of the first round in recent years with Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders. Hunter has blazing speed, running a 4.44 second 40-yard dash while considered still not 100% from a knee injury. If he's still available when the Steelers pick in the second round, expect them to take Hunter to bring even more speed to the offense.
3rd Round, 17th pick, 79th overall
Phillip Thomas, S/Fresno State - Troy Polamalu can't keep healthy for a full season and Ryan Clark is in his 30's and entering the final year of his contract. The Steelers need to get younger at the safety position and giving Thomas a year to sit behind and learn from two of the best in the league is a very good idea for the Steelers.
4th Round, 18th pick, 115h overall
A.J. Klein, ILB/Iowa State - The Steelers are in need for help and depth at inside linebacker. They resigned Larry Foote to a deal that is very cap friendly, but he's aging and many believe he's a borderline starter. Sean Spence suffered a horrible knee injury and may never be the same again, some believe he may never play again. Stevenson Sylvester has never really been given the chance to start, but if the Steelers felt he was the future at ILB next to Lawrence Timmons, they likely wouldn't have resigned Foote. Klein had a very productive career at Iowa State and would be an excellent pick here for the Steelers if available/
5th round, 17th pick, 150th overall
Zac Dysert, QB/Miami (OH) - In 2004, the Steelers selected a quarterback out of small MAC school Miami of Ohio, Ben Roethlisberger. He's won two Super Bowls and is considered by many to be a future Hall of Fame quarterback. Can lightning strike twice? The Steelers have the often injured Roethlisberger as the starter, as it should be. The Steelers don't have much behind him, so taking the accurate Dysert would make sense here to groom as the immediate backup and possibly the eventual replacement when Roethlisberger eventually retires.
6th Round, 18th pick, 186th overall
Johnny Adams, CB/Michigan State - The Steelers lost Keenan Lewis to the Saints in free agency. They could very well take Adams who is fast but needs to develop and see what they can get out of him. At worst, they have a guy who can play special teams
6th Round, 38th pick, 206th overall
Brandon Moore, DT/Texas - The Steelers need more depth on the defensive line. He could play nose tackle and backup Steve McLendon. The Steelers cut Ta'amu and it looks like they won't be resigning Casey Hampton. There's very little depth at this position and this will be McLendon's first chance to get significant playing time. Moore could also double as depth to the defensive end position.
7th round, 17th pick, 223rd overall
Onterio McCalebb, RB/Auburn - The Steelers still aren't quite sure what they have at running back. Dwyer, Redman, and Batch all have their qualities...and they all put the ball on the ground in a game against the Browns last season. Pittsburgh let former first round pick Rashard Mendenhall walk as a free agent and cut Chris Rainey after a domestic violence incident. McCalebb is a very fast but undersized back, much like Rainey. At worst, he brings depth to the kick and punt return units.
The Steelers biggest needs in this draft are: outside linebacker, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and quarterback.
SteelerS GM Kevin Colbert says that the Steelers are looking at this draft like they do any other draft. They don't expect any rookies to come in and make a huge impact right away. That doesn't mean it can't or won't happen, just that it isn't expected. And don't expect a trade up, Colbert isn't looking to do it.
So here it is, my seven-round Steelers mock draft!
1st round, 17th overall
Bjoern Werner, DE-OLB/Florida State - The Steelers cut former Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison this offseason after he refused to take a pay cut. I don't think that they are comfortable going into the season with Jason Worilds as their main option at rush outside linebacker. Werner is a player who can possibly start right away of Worilds is his main competition for the position. The only way Worilds can keep the starting job is to show what he has yet to show, an uncanny ability to get to the quarterback. If he's not getting it done, Werner will get a chance to play, much like LaMarr Woodley in his rookie season.
2nd Round, 16th pick, 48th overall
Justin Hunter, WR/Tennessee - The Steelers lost wide receiver Mike Wallace in free agency, and honestly I don't think they wanted him back. The Steelers have had luck with receivers outside of the first round in recent years with Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders. Hunter has blazing speed, running a 4.44 second 40-yard dash while considered still not 100% from a knee injury. If he's still available when the Steelers pick in the second round, expect them to take Hunter to bring even more speed to the offense.
3rd Round, 17th pick, 79th overall
Phillip Thomas, S/Fresno State - Troy Polamalu can't keep healthy for a full season and Ryan Clark is in his 30's and entering the final year of his contract. The Steelers need to get younger at the safety position and giving Thomas a year to sit behind and learn from two of the best in the league is a very good idea for the Steelers.
4th Round, 18th pick, 115h overall
A.J. Klein, ILB/Iowa State - The Steelers are in need for help and depth at inside linebacker. They resigned Larry Foote to a deal that is very cap friendly, but he's aging and many believe he's a borderline starter. Sean Spence suffered a horrible knee injury and may never be the same again, some believe he may never play again. Stevenson Sylvester has never really been given the chance to start, but if the Steelers felt he was the future at ILB next to Lawrence Timmons, they likely wouldn't have resigned Foote. Klein had a very productive career at Iowa State and would be an excellent pick here for the Steelers if available/
5th round, 17th pick, 150th overall
Zac Dysert, QB/Miami (OH) - In 2004, the Steelers selected a quarterback out of small MAC school Miami of Ohio, Ben Roethlisberger. He's won two Super Bowls and is considered by many to be a future Hall of Fame quarterback. Can lightning strike twice? The Steelers have the often injured Roethlisberger as the starter, as it should be. The Steelers don't have much behind him, so taking the accurate Dysert would make sense here to groom as the immediate backup and possibly the eventual replacement when Roethlisberger eventually retires.
6th Round, 18th pick, 186th overall
Johnny Adams, CB/Michigan State - The Steelers lost Keenan Lewis to the Saints in free agency. They could very well take Adams who is fast but needs to develop and see what they can get out of him. At worst, they have a guy who can play special teams
6th Round, 38th pick, 206th overall
Brandon Moore, DT/Texas - The Steelers need more depth on the defensive line. He could play nose tackle and backup Steve McLendon. The Steelers cut Ta'amu and it looks like they won't be resigning Casey Hampton. There's very little depth at this position and this will be McLendon's first chance to get significant playing time. Moore could also double as depth to the defensive end position.
7th round, 17th pick, 223rd overall
Onterio McCalebb, RB/Auburn - The Steelers still aren't quite sure what they have at running back. Dwyer, Redman, and Batch all have their qualities...and they all put the ball on the ground in a game against the Browns last season. Pittsburgh let former first round pick Rashard Mendenhall walk as a free agent and cut Chris Rainey after a domestic violence incident. McCalebb is a very fast but undersized back, much like Rainey. At worst, he brings depth to the kick and punt return units.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Mock Draft 2.0
The NFL Draft falls this upcoming Thursday, and this is my second mock draft. This will also be my final full first round mock draft, however there will be a full seven-round Steelers mock draft up by Wednesday evening.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT/Texas A&M
The Chiefs recently gave the Miami Dolphins permission to speak with left tackle Branden Albert, which could lead to a trade of the left tackle. Even if they keep Albert, the Chiefs would have at least one year with these two tackles book ending the offensive line, protected recently acquired quarterback Alex Smith. Albert will be a free agent again after the 2013-14 season, and could leave the team then…the Chiefs would then already have his replacement.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Luke Joeckel, OT/Texas A&M
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia
New head coach Gus Bradley worked under Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and recently told the NFL Network that one of the things he learned while in Seattle is to build the team on speed. Last year, he watched Seattle win games with a rookie quarterback who could throw the ball with accuracy and take off and run, making big plays. Smith was a very accurate quarterback at West Virginia, and he’s also a guy who can make plays with his feet. The Jaguars sent their entire front office (that’s no embellishment) to Smith’s Pro Day, so there is definitely interest. I think they pull the trigger, ending the Blaine Gabbert era in Jacksonville.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Dion Jordan, DE-OLB/Oregon
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DT/Florida
Oakland has a lot of needs. Over the offseason they voided the contract of Richard Seymour and cut Tommy Kelly. The two guys they signed aren’t star caliber players, and wouldn’t start on most teams. Floyd is probably the best pick for the Raiders at this selection. He fills a need in the middle of the defensive line, and he can help generate a pass rush up the middle. The Raiders had the second least amount of sacks last season. In a division with Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers, and Alex Smith…getting pressure on the quarterback is a must.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT/Florida
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher, OT/Central Michigan
The Eagles can go a few different ways with this pick. If Geno Smith is still there, I think they pull the trigger on him. But I have him going second overall to Jacksonville. They have a mobile quarterback in Michael Vick, but he’s also been plagued by injuries for his entire career. The Eagles offensive line is a steaming pile of garbage, and without a quarterback worthy of the pick (nor one who is a fit for the system), they choose to protect the quarterbacks the do have by taking the second best offensive tackle in the draft.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Erick Fisher, OT/Central Michigan
5. Detroit Lions: Dion Jordan, DE-OLB/Oregon
The Lions could also go a few ways depending on who’s still available. They need help in a few places, but I have them taking Jordon, the speedy pass rusher from Oregon. They lost Cliff Avril and cut Kyle Vanden Bosch over the offseason and needs to replenish their edge pass rush. Jordon is one of the fastest defensive linemen available in the draft, and could seriously help the Lions defense.
Draft 1.0 Pick: DeMarcus Milliner, CB/Alabama
6. Cleveland Browns: DeMarcus Milliner, CB/Alabama
Now there is a lot of speculation that the Browns are going to trade this pick, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see that happen. They don’t have a second round pick after using it in last year’s supplemental draft and rumors are they would like to recoup a pick in that round due to the holes on the team. However, I don’t predict trades so I have the Browns taking the Alabama product here. The Browns still have Joe Haden, but across from them they might be better with a ghost playing corner instead of what they currently have on the roster. They could use another pass rusher, but Milliner is a play maker and if they can rush the passer enough with what they have, a corner combo of Haden-Milliner would be the best in the division, and one of the best in the conference.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE-OLB/BYU
7. Arizona Cardinals: Lane Johnson, OT/Oklahoma
The Cardinals traded for Carson Palmer. While he isn’t the Palmer from 2005, he’s still got a cannon for an arm. However, he’s like a statue in the pocket and the Cardinals need to protect him if he’s going to deliver the ball downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Levi Brown has never been a Pro Bowler at left tackle, but he isn’t horrible. Johnson could play either tackle position, same with Brown. If the Cardinals are going to compete in a division with teams that are often scoring 30+ points a game, they need to be able to score too.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Lane Johnson, OT/Oklahoma
8. Buffalo Bills: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee
The Bills are going offense with this pick. I originally had them taking Geno Smith because the Bills have said that they want to get their franchise quarterback. They did sign Kevin Kolb, but he’s not going to break the Bills playoff drought. I don’t feel there is a quarterback worthy of this pick…but then again who thought that Blaine Gabbert or Christian Ponder as early as they went a couple of years ago? However, if they are smart, they go with Patterson to give Stevie Johnson someone to take some off the coverage heat off of him. Patterson works here because he’s fast, big, and strong. Johnson is a guy who can run fast down the field and catch bombs, Patterson can be more of a possession receiver who can also streak down the field.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia
9. New York Jets: Ezekiel Ansah, DE-OLB/BYU
The Jets have no pass rush. They have good corners, one of the best once once Revis is back on the field. There was a lot of talk about trading Revis and/or Cromartie, but I don’t see that happening now (but there could always be a draft day surprise). Creating a pass rush would take advantage of the talent they have at corner who could cause sacks with their coverage, only if they had a player who could get there. Ansah fits that, and would start right away in the Jets defense. It’s also reported that Rex Ryan loves Barkevious Mingo, so he could be the pick of Ansah is already off the board. But Ansah, in my opinion is the better player, so I have the Jets taking him.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Desmond Trufant, CB/Washington
10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama
I still have the Titans taking the Alabama interior lineman, because that’s one of the biggest needs on the team. Their head coach is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman and wants to run the football. Warmack would help getting Chris Johnson back on the map as one of the top running backs in the NFL by creating holes for the speedy back to blaze through.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama
11. San Diego Chargers: Barkevious Mingo, DE-OLB/LSU
San Diego is in a division with the following quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Alex Smith, and Matt Flynn. They haven’t had a sufficient pass rush since before Shawne Merriman was busted for taking PED’s. The Chargers want to be able to pressure the quarterback, and Mingo would help in that department.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Barkevious Mingo/ DE-OLB/LSU
12. Miami Dolphins: D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama
The Dolphins let Jake Long walk in free agency. Tannehill is a big armed quarterback with the speedy Mike Wallace to throw deep to, but he can’t do that from his backside. Fluker may never be as good as Long was, but he’s better than what they currently have on the roster. They spent a first round pick on a quarterback and big money on a deep threat receiver in the past couple of years, you have to protect that investment with a talented offensive tackle.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Rhodes, CB/Florida State
The second best cornerback in the draft, the Buccaneers take him because that’s a big need for them on defense. The Buccs traded former first round pick Talib Aquib, and they didn’t have a replacement for him as the #1 corner. Rhodes would become that corner, helping to stabilize the back end of the defense for a team that was once one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB/Florida State
14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah
There’s a good chance that the first name could ring true, Star Lotuelei could be a defensive star in the NFL. The Panthers need to plug up the middle, they were gashed in the run game last season, especially up the middle. He would not only stop the run, he would create a pass rush up the middle.
Mock 1.0: Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah
15. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones, DE-OLB/Georgia
With the Saints moving to a 3-4 defense that relies on pressure from the outside linebacker position, Jones would come in and be able to make an instant impact on that front, seeing how he was one of the top pass rushers in all of college football the past two seasons. It would help in a division filled with talented quarterbacks. Of course, this pick all depends on how the Saints medical staff and coaches feel about Jones’ medical condition.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jarvis Jones, DE-OLB/Georgia
16. St. Louis Rams: Eddie Lacey, RB/Alabama
The Rams lost their career leader in rushing yards, Steven Jackson, in the off-season. While they could go offensive line to help whoever ends up playing the position and protect Sam Bradford, I think they instead bring in Lacey who can take pressure off of Bradford by running hard up the middle. He’s replace a big weapon for their offense, giving the Rams a young back to rely on for those tough yards.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Cooper, OG/North Carolina
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bjoern Werner, DE-OLB/Florida State
In Mike Tomlin’s first draft as head coach of the Steelers, the team chose Lawrence Timmons out of Florida State to transition for DE to OLB. Instead, James Harrison took over that position and Timmons has excelled at inside linebacker. This year, I think the Steelers go the same route at the same school, only this time the Steelers don’t have a Harrison waiting in the wings to wreak havoc on NFL quarterbacks. With Harrison being cut (and looking more and more like he won’t be back in Pittsburgh, if in the NFL at all), the Steelers have a big need at outside linebacker. With the contract just given to Steve McClendon, I don’t think the Steelers are taking a nose tackle at this pick any longer. If they go defense (and I think they will), then Werner will be the pick with Jarvis Jones off the board.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Jenkins, NT/Georgia
18. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathon Cooper, OG/North Carolina
The Cowboys biggest need, in my opinion, is the offensive line. The Cowboys interior offensive line is worse than their tackles, so I am looking for Jerry Jones to take Cooper to replace one of the downgrades they put in at guard last year. Cooper would be able to start right away, open holes for Cowboys running backs, and help protect Tony Romo.
Mock 1.0 Pick: D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama
19: New York Giants: Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri
I originally had them taking Werner from Florida State, because they like getting pass rushing defensive ends, but I now have the Steelers taking him to convert to outside linebacker. I don’t feel there’s a DE that fits what they like at this pick, but I still have them going defensive line. Richardson is very athletic for his size and can shoot the gap to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Adding him to the defensive line would just make the Giants front seven that much better, giving them another piece to wreak havoc on offensive lines and quarterbacks.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Bjoern Werner, DE/Florida State
20. Chicago Bears: Menelik Watson, OT/Florida State
The Bears’ biggest need is still the offensive line. If they are going to win the division and go deep in the playoffs, they need to rely on the offense to score, not the defense. Jay Cutler is getting sacked a lot. Watson is a freak athlete who would play right tackle and is more than athletic enough to trap, pull, and get to the second level to block. Protecting Jay Cutler should be a top priority for the Bears if they want to keep the most talented quarterback Chicago has had in a very long time. Watson can also be a big help in opening up holes for Matt Forte and Michael Bush.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S/Texas
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenny Vaccaro, S/Texas
With the Bears taking a tackle, Vaccaro falls to the Bengals who waste little time in making this pick. The safety position has never been much of a strength for the Bengals, who have watched the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens with three Super Bowls with dynamic play from that position. Vaccaro would replace either Taylor Mays or Reggie Nelson, most likely Mays. If they go into the season with Mays and Nelson starting at safety, then they aren’t trying as hard as they should be to make the playoffs for a third straight season.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Matt Elam, S/Florida
22. St. Louis Rams: Alec Ogletree, LB/Georgia
The Rams need help at strong side linebacker, unable to find someone to produce at the position last season. Ogletree would join what is otherwise a rather strong linebacker corps to strengthen a defense in a division with some dynamic quarterbacks.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Alec Ogletree, LB/Georgia
23. Minnesota Vikings: Tavon Austin, WR/West Viginia
The Minnesota Vikings shocked everyone by making the playoffs last season, much so on the back of Adrian Peterson. However, quarterback Christian Ponder surprised many with the way he played for much of the season, showing a better grasp of the offense. However, the Vikings traded away Percy Harvin. While they signed Greg Jennings in free agency, they don’t really have that speed guy on the outside, so I have them taking the speedy Austin from West Virginia, who can beat coverage deep and use that speed to find the edge on WR sweeps.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Codarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee
24. Indianapolis Colts: Damontre Moore, DE-OLB/Texas A&M
The Colts let Dwight Freeney go this offseason, and in the 3-4 the pass rush comes from the outside linebackers. Moore could come in and replace the production of Freeney, if not better it.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Damontre Moore, DE-OLB/Texas A&M
25. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathon Hankins, DT/Ohio State
The Vikings replace Harvin two picks earlier, and now they use that pick to obtain help on the offensive line with Hankins, who can stop the run and create a pass rush from the interior of the defensive line. The Vikings need to upgrade this position, and this is the right time and player to do it with.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Hankins, DT/Ohio State
26. Green Bay Packers: Keenan Allen, WR/California
The Packers lose Greg Jennings, and they may be losing James Jones next offseason. Allen would be able to start or be the third receiver at worst this season. The Packers don’t run the ball much, and when they do they aren’t particularly good at it. So to keep the offense humming like it has been, Allen would have to be the pick here.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Menelik Watson, OT/Florida State
27. Houston Texans: Kevin Minter, ILB/LSU
The Texans need help at ILB, enter Kevin Minter who could hold down one of the two ILB positions right away. Brian Cushing may not be 100% coming off of his knee injury, and Darryl Sharpton isn’t the answer next to Cushing.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Kevin Minter, ILB/LSU
28. Denver Broncos: Sylvester Williams, DT/North Calolina
The Broncos still need help on the interior line, so they take the best defensive tackle available in North Carolina’s Williams. The Broncos had trouble keeping the lead against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs, so I am looking at some help on defense for this team. Williams can help stop the run, and he can also get to the quarterback from the inside of the line.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri
29. New England Patriots: Desmond Trufant, CB/Washington
The Patriots got carved up by Joe Flacco in the playoffs, and they need to upgrade their defense even more if they want to win another Super Bowl. Aqib Talib signed just a one-year deal and Alfonzo Dennard probably isn’t the answer across from him. Trufant has shown skill at one-on-one coverage and could be an asset for the Patriots defense for years to come.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Cyprien, S/Florida International
30. Atlanta Falcons: Tank Carradine, DE/Florida State
The Falcons two biggest needs are cornerback and defensive end. I don’t think there’s a corner available here who they would want to use a first round pick on, so they go with defensive end. If they can rush the passer, then they can take a corner in the second round and not have to worry about their corners needing to cover for long periods of time.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Alex Okafor, DE/Texas
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jonathon Cyprien, S/Florida International
The 49ers are pretty stacked, and were just one defensive stop away from being Super Bowl Champions earlier this year. Cyprien might be able to replace Craig Dahl, who has never really been more than a special teams player. Cyprien may be the rookie needed to make that stop next season and win their sixth Super Bowl title.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Sylvester Williams, DT/North Carolina
32. Baltimore Ravens: Manti Te’o, MLB/Notre Dame
The Ravens lost a lot of talent when free agency hit. They recoup some of that with this pick, taking Te’o to play inside linebacker alongside either Rolando McClain or Jameel McClain on the defensive side of the ball.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Manti Te’o, MLB/Notre Dame
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT/Texas A&M
The Chiefs recently gave the Miami Dolphins permission to speak with left tackle Branden Albert, which could lead to a trade of the left tackle. Even if they keep Albert, the Chiefs would have at least one year with these two tackles book ending the offensive line, protected recently acquired quarterback Alex Smith. Albert will be a free agent again after the 2013-14 season, and could leave the team then…the Chiefs would then already have his replacement.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Luke Joeckel, OT/Texas A&M
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia
New head coach Gus Bradley worked under Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and recently told the NFL Network that one of the things he learned while in Seattle is to build the team on speed. Last year, he watched Seattle win games with a rookie quarterback who could throw the ball with accuracy and take off and run, making big plays. Smith was a very accurate quarterback at West Virginia, and he’s also a guy who can make plays with his feet. The Jaguars sent their entire front office (that’s no embellishment) to Smith’s Pro Day, so there is definitely interest. I think they pull the trigger, ending the Blaine Gabbert era in Jacksonville.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Dion Jordan, DE-OLB/Oregon
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DT/Florida
Oakland has a lot of needs. Over the offseason they voided the contract of Richard Seymour and cut Tommy Kelly. The two guys they signed aren’t star caliber players, and wouldn’t start on most teams. Floyd is probably the best pick for the Raiders at this selection. He fills a need in the middle of the defensive line, and he can help generate a pass rush up the middle. The Raiders had the second least amount of sacks last season. In a division with Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers, and Alex Smith…getting pressure on the quarterback is a must.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT/Florida
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher, OT/Central Michigan
The Eagles can go a few different ways with this pick. If Geno Smith is still there, I think they pull the trigger on him. But I have him going second overall to Jacksonville. They have a mobile quarterback in Michael Vick, but he’s also been plagued by injuries for his entire career. The Eagles offensive line is a steaming pile of garbage, and without a quarterback worthy of the pick (nor one who is a fit for the system), they choose to protect the quarterbacks the do have by taking the second best offensive tackle in the draft.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Erick Fisher, OT/Central Michigan
5. Detroit Lions: Dion Jordan, DE-OLB/Oregon
The Lions could also go a few ways depending on who’s still available. They need help in a few places, but I have them taking Jordon, the speedy pass rusher from Oregon. They lost Cliff Avril and cut Kyle Vanden Bosch over the offseason and needs to replenish their edge pass rush. Jordon is one of the fastest defensive linemen available in the draft, and could seriously help the Lions defense.
Draft 1.0 Pick: DeMarcus Milliner, CB/Alabama
6. Cleveland Browns: DeMarcus Milliner, CB/Alabama
Now there is a lot of speculation that the Browns are going to trade this pick, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see that happen. They don’t have a second round pick after using it in last year’s supplemental draft and rumors are they would like to recoup a pick in that round due to the holes on the team. However, I don’t predict trades so I have the Browns taking the Alabama product here. The Browns still have Joe Haden, but across from them they might be better with a ghost playing corner instead of what they currently have on the roster. They could use another pass rusher, but Milliner is a play maker and if they can rush the passer enough with what they have, a corner combo of Haden-Milliner would be the best in the division, and one of the best in the conference.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE-OLB/BYU
7. Arizona Cardinals: Lane Johnson, OT/Oklahoma
The Cardinals traded for Carson Palmer. While he isn’t the Palmer from 2005, he’s still got a cannon for an arm. However, he’s like a statue in the pocket and the Cardinals need to protect him if he’s going to deliver the ball downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Levi Brown has never been a Pro Bowler at left tackle, but he isn’t horrible. Johnson could play either tackle position, same with Brown. If the Cardinals are going to compete in a division with teams that are often scoring 30+ points a game, they need to be able to score too.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Lane Johnson, OT/Oklahoma
8. Buffalo Bills: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee
The Bills are going offense with this pick. I originally had them taking Geno Smith because the Bills have said that they want to get their franchise quarterback. They did sign Kevin Kolb, but he’s not going to break the Bills playoff drought. I don’t feel there is a quarterback worthy of this pick…but then again who thought that Blaine Gabbert or Christian Ponder as early as they went a couple of years ago? However, if they are smart, they go with Patterson to give Stevie Johnson someone to take some off the coverage heat off of him. Patterson works here because he’s fast, big, and strong. Johnson is a guy who can run fast down the field and catch bombs, Patterson can be more of a possession receiver who can also streak down the field.
Draft 1.0 Pick: Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia
9. New York Jets: Ezekiel Ansah, DE-OLB/BYU
The Jets have no pass rush. They have good corners, one of the best once once Revis is back on the field. There was a lot of talk about trading Revis and/or Cromartie, but I don’t see that happening now (but there could always be a draft day surprise). Creating a pass rush would take advantage of the talent they have at corner who could cause sacks with their coverage, only if they had a player who could get there. Ansah fits that, and would start right away in the Jets defense. It’s also reported that Rex Ryan loves Barkevious Mingo, so he could be the pick of Ansah is already off the board. But Ansah, in my opinion is the better player, so I have the Jets taking him.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Desmond Trufant, CB/Washington
10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama
I still have the Titans taking the Alabama interior lineman, because that’s one of the biggest needs on the team. Their head coach is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman and wants to run the football. Warmack would help getting Chris Johnson back on the map as one of the top running backs in the NFL by creating holes for the speedy back to blaze through.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama
11. San Diego Chargers: Barkevious Mingo, DE-OLB/LSU
San Diego is in a division with the following quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Alex Smith, and Matt Flynn. They haven’t had a sufficient pass rush since before Shawne Merriman was busted for taking PED’s. The Chargers want to be able to pressure the quarterback, and Mingo would help in that department.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Barkevious Mingo/ DE-OLB/LSU
12. Miami Dolphins: D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama
The Dolphins let Jake Long walk in free agency. Tannehill is a big armed quarterback with the speedy Mike Wallace to throw deep to, but he can’t do that from his backside. Fluker may never be as good as Long was, but he’s better than what they currently have on the roster. They spent a first round pick on a quarterback and big money on a deep threat receiver in the past couple of years, you have to protect that investment with a talented offensive tackle.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Rhodes, CB/Florida State
The second best cornerback in the draft, the Buccaneers take him because that’s a big need for them on defense. The Buccs traded former first round pick Talib Aquib, and they didn’t have a replacement for him as the #1 corner. Rhodes would become that corner, helping to stabilize the back end of the defense for a team that was once one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB/Florida State
14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah
There’s a good chance that the first name could ring true, Star Lotuelei could be a defensive star in the NFL. The Panthers need to plug up the middle, they were gashed in the run game last season, especially up the middle. He would not only stop the run, he would create a pass rush up the middle.
Mock 1.0: Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah
15. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones, DE-OLB/Georgia
With the Saints moving to a 3-4 defense that relies on pressure from the outside linebacker position, Jones would come in and be able to make an instant impact on that front, seeing how he was one of the top pass rushers in all of college football the past two seasons. It would help in a division filled with talented quarterbacks. Of course, this pick all depends on how the Saints medical staff and coaches feel about Jones’ medical condition.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jarvis Jones, DE-OLB/Georgia
16. St. Louis Rams: Eddie Lacey, RB/Alabama
The Rams lost their career leader in rushing yards, Steven Jackson, in the off-season. While they could go offensive line to help whoever ends up playing the position and protect Sam Bradford, I think they instead bring in Lacey who can take pressure off of Bradford by running hard up the middle. He’s replace a big weapon for their offense, giving the Rams a young back to rely on for those tough yards.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Cooper, OG/North Carolina
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bjoern Werner, DE-OLB/Florida State
In Mike Tomlin’s first draft as head coach of the Steelers, the team chose Lawrence Timmons out of Florida State to transition for DE to OLB. Instead, James Harrison took over that position and Timmons has excelled at inside linebacker. This year, I think the Steelers go the same route at the same school, only this time the Steelers don’t have a Harrison waiting in the wings to wreak havoc on NFL quarterbacks. With Harrison being cut (and looking more and more like he won’t be back in Pittsburgh, if in the NFL at all), the Steelers have a big need at outside linebacker. With the contract just given to Steve McClendon, I don’t think the Steelers are taking a nose tackle at this pick any longer. If they go defense (and I think they will), then Werner will be the pick with Jarvis Jones off the board.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Jenkins, NT/Georgia
18. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathon Cooper, OG/North Carolina
The Cowboys biggest need, in my opinion, is the offensive line. The Cowboys interior offensive line is worse than their tackles, so I am looking for Jerry Jones to take Cooper to replace one of the downgrades they put in at guard last year. Cooper would be able to start right away, open holes for Cowboys running backs, and help protect Tony Romo.
Mock 1.0 Pick: D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama
19: New York Giants: Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri
I originally had them taking Werner from Florida State, because they like getting pass rushing defensive ends, but I now have the Steelers taking him to convert to outside linebacker. I don’t feel there’s a DE that fits what they like at this pick, but I still have them going defensive line. Richardson is very athletic for his size and can shoot the gap to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Adding him to the defensive line would just make the Giants front seven that much better, giving them another piece to wreak havoc on offensive lines and quarterbacks.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Bjoern Werner, DE/Florida State
20. Chicago Bears: Menelik Watson, OT/Florida State
The Bears’ biggest need is still the offensive line. If they are going to win the division and go deep in the playoffs, they need to rely on the offense to score, not the defense. Jay Cutler is getting sacked a lot. Watson is a freak athlete who would play right tackle and is more than athletic enough to trap, pull, and get to the second level to block. Protecting Jay Cutler should be a top priority for the Bears if they want to keep the most talented quarterback Chicago has had in a very long time. Watson can also be a big help in opening up holes for Matt Forte and Michael Bush.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S/Texas
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenny Vaccaro, S/Texas
With the Bears taking a tackle, Vaccaro falls to the Bengals who waste little time in making this pick. The safety position has never been much of a strength for the Bengals, who have watched the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens with three Super Bowls with dynamic play from that position. Vaccaro would replace either Taylor Mays or Reggie Nelson, most likely Mays. If they go into the season with Mays and Nelson starting at safety, then they aren’t trying as hard as they should be to make the playoffs for a third straight season.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Matt Elam, S/Florida
22. St. Louis Rams: Alec Ogletree, LB/Georgia
The Rams need help at strong side linebacker, unable to find someone to produce at the position last season. Ogletree would join what is otherwise a rather strong linebacker corps to strengthen a defense in a division with some dynamic quarterbacks.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Alec Ogletree, LB/Georgia
23. Minnesota Vikings: Tavon Austin, WR/West Viginia
The Minnesota Vikings shocked everyone by making the playoffs last season, much so on the back of Adrian Peterson. However, quarterback Christian Ponder surprised many with the way he played for much of the season, showing a better grasp of the offense. However, the Vikings traded away Percy Harvin. While they signed Greg Jennings in free agency, they don’t really have that speed guy on the outside, so I have them taking the speedy Austin from West Virginia, who can beat coverage deep and use that speed to find the edge on WR sweeps.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Codarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee
24. Indianapolis Colts: Damontre Moore, DE-OLB/Texas A&M
The Colts let Dwight Freeney go this offseason, and in the 3-4 the pass rush comes from the outside linebackers. Moore could come in and replace the production of Freeney, if not better it.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Damontre Moore, DE-OLB/Texas A&M
25. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathon Hankins, DT/Ohio State
The Vikings replace Harvin two picks earlier, and now they use that pick to obtain help on the offensive line with Hankins, who can stop the run and create a pass rush from the interior of the defensive line. The Vikings need to upgrade this position, and this is the right time and player to do it with.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Hankins, DT/Ohio State
26. Green Bay Packers: Keenan Allen, WR/California
The Packers lose Greg Jennings, and they may be losing James Jones next offseason. Allen would be able to start or be the third receiver at worst this season. The Packers don’t run the ball much, and when they do they aren’t particularly good at it. So to keep the offense humming like it has been, Allen would have to be the pick here.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Menelik Watson, OT/Florida State
27. Houston Texans: Kevin Minter, ILB/LSU
The Texans need help at ILB, enter Kevin Minter who could hold down one of the two ILB positions right away. Brian Cushing may not be 100% coming off of his knee injury, and Darryl Sharpton isn’t the answer next to Cushing.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Kevin Minter, ILB/LSU
28. Denver Broncos: Sylvester Williams, DT/North Calolina
The Broncos still need help on the interior line, so they take the best defensive tackle available in North Carolina’s Williams. The Broncos had trouble keeping the lead against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs, so I am looking at some help on defense for this team. Williams can help stop the run, and he can also get to the quarterback from the inside of the line.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri
29. New England Patriots: Desmond Trufant, CB/Washington
The Patriots got carved up by Joe Flacco in the playoffs, and they need to upgrade their defense even more if they want to win another Super Bowl. Aqib Talib signed just a one-year deal and Alfonzo Dennard probably isn’t the answer across from him. Trufant has shown skill at one-on-one coverage and could be an asset for the Patriots defense for years to come.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Jonathon Cyprien, S/Florida International
30. Atlanta Falcons: Tank Carradine, DE/Florida State
The Falcons two biggest needs are cornerback and defensive end. I don’t think there’s a corner available here who they would want to use a first round pick on, so they go with defensive end. If they can rush the passer, then they can take a corner in the second round and not have to worry about their corners needing to cover for long periods of time.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Alex Okafor, DE/Texas
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jonathon Cyprien, S/Florida International
The 49ers are pretty stacked, and were just one defensive stop away from being Super Bowl Champions earlier this year. Cyprien might be able to replace Craig Dahl, who has never really been more than a special teams player. Cyprien may be the rookie needed to make that stop next season and win their sixth Super Bowl title.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Sylvester Williams, DT/North Carolina
32. Baltimore Ravens: Manti Te’o, MLB/Notre Dame
The Ravens lost a lot of talent when free agency hit. They recoup some of that with this pick, taking Te’o to play inside linebacker alongside either Rolando McClain or Jameel McClain on the defensive side of the ball.
Mock 1.0 Pick: Manti Te’o, MLB/Notre Dame
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)