Here's your mock draft that was promised earlier this week. Modifications have been made due to new NFL combine results. Changed picks from the last draft have been starred.
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.
*6. Washington Redskins: Riley Reiff/OT, Iowa
This pick could go a number of different ways. I don’t actually think Richardson — who I had slotted in my previous mock — 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 as 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 third ranked quarterback Ryan Tannehill or fourth 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. If the Redskins decided to keep this pick, which I'm 75% sure they won’t, I could see them trying to protect one of the investments they will make at quarterback this off-season with the second best overall offensive lineman in the draft. Riley Reiff can immediately fill one spot on the right side of the line, but in all reality, this is the most confusing pick in the draft to predict.
Previous Pick: Trent Richardson/RB, Alabama
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: Melvin Ingram/DE/DT, South Carolina
Melvin Ingram is a tremendous talent that will 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 scheme, but his ability to get to the quarterback creates tremendous upside, launching him into the top 10. Just like what I stated above with the Jaguars, it creates a one-two sack partnership with Cameron Wake, who in my opinion is the only one on that Dolphins team with the ability to get the quarterback on a consistent basis.
Previous Pick: Riley Reiff/OT Iowa
I don’t even know where to begin when starting to talk about the flaws in Carolina's defense, but if I had to, it would be the interior of the defensive line. Dontari Poe is an absolute freak who is flying up the draft board. Even at 348 pounds, Poe ran a 4.87 in the 40. Is that even humanly possible? Not to mention he had 44 reps of 225 in the bench press; a mind-boggling combination of strength and speed for a run-stuffing defensive tackle. Great addition to this Panthers team, not to mention his strength reminds scouts of Haloti Ngata and physical attributes reminding scouts of Jason Pierre-Paul. Stretch at pick No. 9? I don’t think so.
Previous Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick/CB, Alabama
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: Trent Richardson/RB, AlabamaRiddled by key injuries, the Chiefs struggled this year. 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. Jamaal Charles is coming off a torn ACL, not to to mention his durability was in question even before the injury, Thomas Jones is gearing towards retirement and Dexter McCluster is a third down back at best. If Trent Richardson gets to pick No. 11, which is becoming more and more likely, I would chalk him up as a steal for the Chiefs, who need to get their offense going in a hurry.
Previous Pick: Johnathon Martin/OT, Stanford
*12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly/ILB, Boston CollegeJust 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. This pick solidifies an already solid defensive unit, while being able to express their quarterback need later on in the draft. 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 Seahawks defense, as Pete Carroll gets a high character guy with great work ethic who can step in right away.
Previous Pick: Michael Brockers/DT, Louisiana State University
*13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro/OG, Stanford
The Cardinals invested an immense amount in Kevin Kolb, and it’s time they try to protect that investment to see if he can bounce back from an abysmal year. The offensive line definitely has many holes in it, starting with the guard position. DeCastro has the tenacious attitude to pull this line back together to give Kolb some much-needed time in the pocket, to see if he can lead this team to the playoffs or if he turns out to be a bust. DeCastro is one of the best guards we have seen come out of the draft in years
Previous Pick: Luke Kuechly/ILB, Boston College
*14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron/SS, AlabamaThe main reason the Cowboys didn’t make the playoffs this year was because of poor secondary play. That was put on display against the Eagles and Giants during the end of the season, when Dallas had a strangle-hold on the NFC East and just collapsed. They need to take the best defensive back available at this pick. I flirted with the idea of Dre Kirkpatrick or Janoris Jenkins at this spot, but both have underlying problems that plummet them into the bottom half of the first round. Mark Barron is the most polished, ready to go defensive back that can step in right away and improve this horrendous secondary. He has excellent playmaking and instincts on the field, and that makes the most sense as the Cowboys have to take the best overall defensive back at this position. That is Mark Barron.
Previous Pick: David DeCastro/OG, Stanford.
*15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers/DT, Louisiana State University
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 off-season. The biggest flaw was the run defense; the Eagles couldn’t stop anyone on the ground until the end of the year. Although raw, the upside this kid offers is well worth the investment. I had Brockers sneaking into the top 10 before he showed up at the combine overweight and out of shape. He declared early into the draft and my thought is, if you are going to declare early, then you better show that you’re ready for the NFL. He clearly did not, which brings up a big question. As talented as he is, why did he declare if he was going to show up to the combine overweight and out of shape? I think his stock is going to continue to plummet like Vontaze Burfict from Arizona State, who was projected a first round pick in my last mock but due to showing up to the draft out of shape and overweight, he is now projected a lower pick. For now, his upside is still that of middle 1st round pick
Previous Pick: Dont'a Hightower/ILB, Alabama
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: Michael Floyd/WR, Notre Dame
The Chargers really need to address their defense, but with Vincent Jackson looking like he’s going to hit the free agent market, the Chargers need a WR. Michael Floyd has potential to be a number one receiver in the NFL with his combination of size, strength and overall speed. He impressed many scouts with his 4.40 in the 40. Phillip Rivers struggled this year when he didn’t have one of Jackson/Gates/Malcolm Floyd on the field. It’s important they get a young WR with potential in the draft to mesh with Phillip Rivers.
Previous Pick: Nick Perry/ DE/OLB, Southern California
*19. Chicago Bears: Johnathon Martin/OT, Stanford
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 pass-blocking guard like Johnathon Martin who protected potential first overall pick Andrew Luck at Stanford. Cutler has been injured the past two years; you have to keep him healthy. Cutler took a beating last year due to poor offensive line play. It is imperative to draft the best OT available at this pick, which is Johnathon Martin.
Previous Pick: Michael Floyd/WR, Notre Dame
*20. Tennessee Titans: Fletcher Cox/DT/DE, Mississippi State University
It is imperative that the Titans upgrade their pass rush. Their leader in sacks had only 7, which is unacceptable. Fletcher Cox is a diverse defender that can play DT and DE. This is perfect for the Titans, who could use an upgrade in both positions. They lose out on Melvin Ingram, who’s a similar diverse defender, but they pick up the second best option in Fletcher Cox.
Previous Pick: Melvin Ingram/DT/DE, South Carolina
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: Dre Kirkpatrick/CB, Alabama
The main problem for the high-scoring Lions this year was the defensive side of the ball... cough, secondary... The Lions secondary couldn’t stop anyone all year and that was put on display against the Saints in the first round of the playoffs. You don’t have to worry about scoring points when you have a quarterback that has an arm that can potentially throw for 5,000 yards every year. Dre Kirkpatrick was slotted at pick No. 9 in my last mock, but there are questions arising concerning his one-on-one coverage ability. He’s got the size and skill to be a steal at pick No. 23 for the Lions.
Previous Pick: Peter Konz/C, Wisconsin
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: Nick Perry/DE/OLB, USC
The Patriots have a huge need at the OLB and DE positions, 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 over the past decade. Nick Perry is the type of player Bill values out of his first round pick on the defensive side of the ball who strives in the 3-4 formation.
Previous Pick: Fletcher Cox/DT/DE, Mississippi State
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: Colby Fleener/TE, Stanford
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. I slotted Alshon Jeffrey here in my last mock, but concerns about his ability to gain separation from defensive backs with his big 230 pound frame drops him into the second round in my opinion. You guys are probably wondering, what is this kid thinking? They already have Vernon Davis. Yes, I know they already have Vernon Davis. What I am thinking is they implement the two tight end set just like the Patriots did — that worked out well for them, right? Colby Fleener is an excellent catching TE. He may not be able to block as well as most TE's, but Harbaugh isn’t implementing Fleener in a system where he has to block. His job is to do what Aaron Hernandez does. No one knows Colby Fleener’s talents more than recent Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. Perfect pick for the 49ers.
Previous Pick: Alshon Jeffrey/WR, South Carolina
*30. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz/C, Wisconsin
Baltimore gets an immediate hole filler; their number one need is a center. Konz is strong and has the ability to pull on the line. He can come in and have an immediate impact on the line.
Previous Pick: Vontaze Burfict/ILB, Arizona State
*31. New England Patriots: Mike Adams/OT, USC
My personal opinion is the Patriots will trade this pick down to someone looking to trade up and grab quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but if they keep the pick, the Patriots have Matt Light retiring and could secure that hole by selecting Mike Adams. Adams looked extremely good in the senior bowl, shutting down Quinton Coples all game long. He would be my choice if the Patriots decided to keep this pick, which I don’t think they will.
Previous Pick: Mark Barron/SS, Alabama
*32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen/TE, Clemson
The Giants usually pick best available, but if you look at their needs because of injuries, I would say they target Dwayne Allen — my best overall TE on the board. Colby Fleener from Stanford could be another possibility, but I think it’s a strong possibility the Giants go out and get Eli Manning a strong TE to throw to, to alleviate some pressure off of Nicks and Cruz.
Previous Pick: Mike Adams/OT, Southern California
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