I'm Jack City, I'll be writing some NFL posts here for Chowdah. Here's
my first go-around at an NFL first round mock draft, with modifications to come as the
date draws closer. This is my first version of my draft with in-depth
analysis on who's projected where and why they're in those spots.
With an aging Peyton Manning, this pick becomes the most obvious in the draft as the Colts look for Peyton’s successor. The big question that arises is what the Colts do with Peyton, as it seemingly has become not feasible to keep both Luck and Manning. Look for the Colts to explore their options with dealing Peyton, which could be enticing to a team such as the Redskins, whose fans have grown restless due to the lack of production at the quarterback position. One thing needs to be said — they cannot go another year with Rex Grossman under center. It just can’t happen.
Trade alert. I think this trade makes lots of sense for the Rams to trade down to the No. 4 pick. They're trying to find weapons to put around franchise quarterback and former No. 1 pick Sam Bradford, and Justin Blackmon or Matt Kalil will still be available at that fourth pick. I believe that Robert Griffin’s stock will rise to the No. 2 spot, as skill positions such as a quarterback are valued highly in drafts. The Colt McCoy era ends in Cleveland, even though I am not sold on riding a quarterback off until he has the essential weapons around him, which McCoy never got. Thoughts go off in my head about Tim Couch, the last busted QB the Browns tried to draft high, but Griffin III seems to have a can’t miss arm and mobility — you saw what Cam Newton did this year with those same attributes. Those should translate over nicely in the NFL.
3. Vikings: Matt Kalil/OT, Southern California
The Vikings must protect their investment in Christian Ponder. Matt Kalil is the best offensive lineman to come out of the draft in years. He will be an instant upgrade on the left side of the line. Getting Christian Ponder time in the pocket will be crucial in his development as a quarterback.
It’s time for Jeff Fisher to surround Sam Bradford, their franchise quarterback, with some weapons, and that starts at wide receiver. It is apparent that Brandon Lloyd will be departing as he told the media wherever Josh McDaniels went is where he would be going, also. This wide receiving core is bottomless, as options after Lloyd include Danario Alexander and Brandon Gibson.... wait, who? It is imperative that Fisher takes Blackmon at this pick. We saw what he did in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, registering 8 catches for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. He looked like a man amongst boys in that game. He is mostly compared to Dez Bryant with a better sense for the game. It is imperative that Jeff Fisher drafts Blackmon to give Bradford a target, so he doesn’t turn out to be a bust of a first overall pick.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne/CB, Louisiana State University
The Buccaneers' number one problem on defense this year was secondary play. Morris Claiborne is the top rated cornerback in the draft, something the Buccaneers struggled with all season. Ronde Barber, 36 years of age, is nearing retirement. Starting opposite of him is Aqib Talib, who is allegedly connected to a March 21st shooting and facing a possible four-game suspension. Even worse, a jail sentence could play a big role in him being released shortly. We saw in the National Championship that Alabama wouldn’t even throw on Claiborne’s side of the field. He is absolute glue on coverage, registering six picks for total returns of 173 yards. This is a must-pick for the Buccaneers to patch up this horrendous secondary.
This pick could go a number of different ways. I don’t actually think Richardson will be picked by the Redskins, barring a trade. One direction this pick could go is the Redskins trading this pick to the Colts in exchange for Peyton Manning. Dan Snyder, the Redskins owner, was quoted in saying that they were going to pursue Manning thoroughly. The Colts' run game was subpar at best this year; Joseph Addai has had two mediocre years in a row following a strong rookie campaign. Another direction they could go would be to trade down the pick to a team like the Bengals, who have the picks necessary to complete a trade at pick No. 17 and No. 21. At these picks, the Redskins could land 3rd ranked quarterback Ryan Tannehill or 4th ranked quarterback Nick Foles. The Bengals' run game is in need, as Cedric Benson is under contract and backup Bernard Scott is marginal at best. This is an intriguing pick which could land in an immense amount of different ways.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples/DE, North Carolina
With Justin Blackmon off the board, the Jaguars can’t express their number one need. What they can do is target their second biggest need, which is obtaining a high-quality pass rusher. Quinton Coples is a quick and effective pass rusher who can step in immediately. Plugging in Coples next to Jeremy Mincey would create a concrete one-two sack partnership, which would be an excellent step in the right direction.
8. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff/OT, Iowa
I can just hear Dolphins fans grunts from here after reading this, but the truth is, Matt Moore didn’t play himself out of the starting quarterback role for next year when he had his chance. This being said, I believe the Dolphins will express their need at offensive line. There have been holes there all year. Riley Reiff can be implemented on the right side of the line and make an immediate impact, which is needed in order to give Matt Moore a fighting chance this year.
I don’t even know where to begin when starting to talk about the flaws in Carolina's defense, but if I had to do it, it would be the secondary. Cornerback was a big problem with the ailing Panthers defense this season. Chris Gamble was the only bright spot for them all season. Implement 6’3” Dre Kirkpatrick across from Chris Gamble and you might be able to slow down opponents enough to the point where the offense can carry the Panthers into a playoff spot.
10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw/OLB, Alabama
The Bills' biggest struggle this year was putting pressure on the quarterback. Upshaw is considered the best pass rushing defender in the draft, besides Quinton Coples. We saw Upshaw’s abilities first hand in the National Championship game — he was an absolute monster, registering 5.5 tackles and 1 sack, earning him defensive most valuable player of the game. The Bills just signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to a big time contract this year; it is time to protect that investment, by providing him with the proper defense to win games in a tough AFC East.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Johnathon Martin/OT, Stanford
Riddled by key injuries, the Chiefs struggled. Many would think quarterback in this spot, but there’s not much value in taking a quarterback, as the drop off in skill sets after Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III is gigantic, a full round difference in my opinion. The pick that makes the most sense in this situation is to take Johnathon Martin, who can protect Cassel and create holes for running back Jamaal Charles. Martin can step in right away, as he protected potential No. 1 pick Andrew Luck all year and was the main reason Luck had a great amount of time in the pocket all season.
12. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Brockers/DT, Louisiana State University
Just like the Chiefs, Seattle’s number one need in my opinion is at the quarterback position. Unfortunately for them, they fell out of the sweepstakes for Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. The value of the quarterbacks available at this pick is outweighed by the potential value of other positional players at this pick. Therefore, I think the Seahawks express their need for an inside tackler. Although raw, the upside this kid offers is well worth the investment. This picks solidifies an already solid defensive unit, while being able to express your quarterback need later on in the draft.
The Cardinals spent a ton of money last offseason trying to upgrade the linebacker core and their run defense was still atrocious. Linebacker Stewart Bradley, picked up last year by the Cardinals, was horrible all year long. Can you say bust? Luckily for the Cardinals, it seems that in this position they can land the best inside linebacker in the draft, Luke Kuechly. Kuechly is the best tackler in the nation, registering 191 total tackles this year, leading the nation. If you had any question about this kid’s athleticism, it was quickly reversed by his impressive combine workout, registering a 40 time of 4.58, among the best times of any linebacker in the draft. This pick will immensely help the Cardinals' struggling run defense, which plagued them all season long.
14. Dallas Cowboys: David Decastro/OG, Stanford
The Cowboys offensive line was miserable all year long. Phil Costa and Montrae Holland were just terrible. Decastro is the best guard in the draft and brings a tenacious presence to the field, something the Cowboys have been missing for a while. This should help Tony Romo get some more much-needed time in the pocket.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont’a Hightower/ILB, Alabama
The so called “dream team” wasn’t so dreamy, posting an 8-8 record. Unacceptable considering the talent they had on both sides of the ball, not to mention the amount of money they spent last offseason. The biggest flaw was the run defense; the Eagles couldn’t stop anyone on the ground until the end of the year. Hightower is very athletic and is the second best inside linebacker in the draft. Plugging him into inside linebacker should really stop some of the bleeding against the run.
16. New York Jets: Whitney Mercilus/DE/OLB, Illinois
The Jets under Rex Ryan have always been known for the tenacious blitz packages they send at you. This was the main reason they knocked out the Patriots last year in a big upset win for the Jets. Not this year though; they failed all year at getting pass pressure on the quarterback with their front seven. It was one of the main reasons, besides quarterback play, that the Jets failed to make the playoffs this year. Mercilus can really help create pressure on the quarterback by coming off the edge with his athletic ability like he did at Illinois, registering a nation-best 16 sacks. just what Rex Ryan needs to orchestrate blitz packages to get after quarterbacks like Tom Brady, who they see twice a year.
The Bengals have a history of drafting defensive backs in the first round (Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph) and there is need for a cornerback again. Janoris Jenkins has the skill set of a top-10 pick and if you don’t believe me, go on YouTube and search his domination of A.J Green when Jenkins was at Florida. Janoris has the skill set of a top-10 pick, but is constantly in trouble with the law via marijuana possession charges, which led to him getting kicked out of Florida. Therefore, the transfer to North Alabama was in order. Jenkins could step in right away and be a productive corner for the Bengals.
18. San Diego Chargers: Nick Perry/DE, Southern California
The Chargers received very minimal production out of their pass rush this year. Nick Perry is very athletic off the edge, he is extremely quick and has a keen sense for the ball, which makes him a threat to get to the ball carrier rapidly. The Chargers are in dire need of an athletic end that can create pressure to the quarterback and ball carriers, and this makes the most sense at the 18th pick.
19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd/WR, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler was on his way to a career year until he was injured. No one is more important to that Bears offense than Jay. We saw what happened to the offense following his injury: total disarray. It is time to reward Jay with a playmaking receiver like Michael Floyd. Floyd has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL with his combination of size, strength and overall speed and should be able to step in as a rookie and have a similar impact to Julio Jones in Atlanta. Imagine Cutler with a receiver like Julio Jones? Can you say Pro Bowl?
20. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram/DT, South Carolina
It is imperative that the Titans upgrade their pass rush. Their leader in sacks had only 7, an unacceptable number. Melvin Ingram is a tremendous talent that might see his stock rise into the top 10 after a strong senior bowl performance. His size (6'1") is a little concerning if you plug him into a 4-3 type of scheme, but his ability to get to the quarterback is worth the investment at pick No. 20.
The Bengals have a tremendous foundation to work from, with a good defense and a rising offense that includes talented young players like Andy Dalton and A.J Green. The only thing missing? A game-changing running back. Miller is a running back with game-breaking speed, registering a time of 4.40 in the 40-yard dash. With Cedric Benson becoming a free agent in March, it’s time to seek a running back for the future. Lamar Miller is the perfect solution.
22. Cleveland Browns: Kendall Wright/WR, Baylor
The Browns finally find their long-term solution at QB with pick No. 2, and now it’s time to surround him with some weapons. Who better than RGIII's teammate from Baylor, Kendall Wright? The Browns No. 1 receiver from last year was Greg Little. Are you kidding me? Kendall Wright can quickly get down field and gives RGIII a down-field threat to work with.
23. Detroit Lions: Peter Konz/C, Wisconsin
Peter Konz is the best center available in this year’s draft, and the Lions will be looking to express this need in the first round. Dominic Raiola is 33, and he's getting no younger. Perfect pick for the Lions, as they try to build off a season that saw them get into the playoffs for the first time in a long time.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn/OG, Georgia
The Steelers are in need of a guard to protect Ben Roethlisberger. They were rumored to be wanting to trade up for Mike Pouncey in last year’s draft, so it wouldn’t be unlikely to see them target this need at pick No. 24.
The Broncos would love to beef up that front 7 by adding the enormous Devon Still (6'5", 310 pounds). Implementing Still alongside Brodrick Bunkley will give offensive lines fits. The Broncos were decent at stopping the run last year, but it’s Still’s ability to get to the passer that appeals to the Broncos, who get top value with the best pick still on the board at No. 25.
26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill/WR, Georgia Tech
Many mocks have Alshon Jeffrey going at this spot, but concerns about speed lead me to think his stock will fall to the 5th rated WR in the draft. The Texans need a WR direly, as Andre Johnson has been riddled by injuries the past 2 years. Jacoby Jones is gearing towards a bust, and Kevin Walter is subpar at best as a 3rd option. Stephen Hill stood out as one of the best WRs at the combine, launching him into the first round in my opinion. An impressive 40 time in the 4.3 range, and his broad jump of 11 feet, one inch was just three inches away from the combine record. He showed he has a great set of hands in the pass-catching segment.
27. New England Patriots: Fletcher Cox/DE/DT, Mississippi State
The Patriots have a huge need at the DT and DE position, which was extremely evident in the second half of the Super Bowl against the Giants. Generating pressure on the quarterback was a problem all year for the Patriots. Bill Belichick loves versatile defenders who can play multiple positions, as Bill often implements diverse schemes from the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. That is one of the main reasons the Patriots have been so successful in the past decade. Fletcher Cox is the type of player Bill values out of his first round pick on the defensive side of the ball.
28. Green Bay Packers: Stephen Gilmore/CB, South Carolina
The Packers' secondary was abysmal this year. A stout defense a year ago morphed into a last ranked defense this year. One of the reasons the Packers were as successful as they were on defense in 2010 was their ability to create turnovers. This year, the turnover margin was not on their side. To help get the Packers back to the defense they were when they won the Super Bowl, they draft Stephen Gilmore, an athletic cornerback who can intercept the ball with the best of them.
29. San Fransico 49ers: Alshon Jeffrey/WR, South Carolina
The 49ers biggest need in this year’s draft is that of the WR position. It is imperative that the 49ers get Alex Smith some weapons to work with, as he showed signs of promise this season and throughout the playoffs. Alshon Jeffrey is a big WR who, coming into this year, was slotted as a lottery pick. But with questions of speed and a poor senior season, his stock has dropped to the 5th overall WR. A potential steal here for the 49ers, as his upside could potentially be that of a lottery pick in this draft.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Vontaze Burfict/ILB, Arizona State
Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome publicly came out and said that the Ravens were looking for a Ray Lewis successor in this year’s draft. Burfict has the attitude and anger that could mold him into a Ray Lewis type of player. Burfict, often criticized for his temper getting the best of him on and off the field, could be guided by Lewis and molded into an excellent linebacker on this Ravens squad.
The Patriots were killed by poor secondary play all year long. At one point, the Patriots were calling up practice squad players to play safety. Besides Patrick Chung, the Patriots are thin at safety and would love to grab Mark Barron at pick No. 31. Barron is by far the best safety in a thin safety draft this year. The Patriots could really beef up their safety core by adding Barron.
32. New York Giants: Mike Adams/OT, Ohio State
The Giants have been known to pick the best available player in the first round. Mike Adams is the best player available at this spot. He shined at the Senior Bowl, shutting down Quinton Coples all game long. Mike Adams can really improve this Giants offensive line in order to give two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning the time he needs in the pocket.
Stay tuned for Jack City's modified mock draft, Version 2.0, as the pre-draft festivities continue.
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