Mock Draft

(1) St. Louis Rams

The days of Marc Bulger are numbered, and the franchise needs to add young talent at quarterback if they are serious about winning any time soon. And considering how the Rams have already used top 5 picks on DE and OT, the only justifiable position to take this early is a quarterback.

The Rams have several options moving forward. The first is to sign a free agent quarterback and wait until next year to draft a QB. Their second option is to pick Sam Bradford (assuming he has a good workout). Their third and final option is to draft a QB later in the draft. But let’s get real, Keith Null and Kyle Boller cannot remain the team’s best options. The offense was simply too bad this season to tolerate another year scoring an average of 7 points per game.

Just like Giants QB Eli Manning, Bradford is blessed with superior leadership qualities, supreme accuracy and a quick release; three things that NFL teams covet out of their signal caller.

(B) Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

If Bradford’s medical check goes poorly, then the only logical move will be to pick the best player on their board, which is never a bad idea. The Rams certainly can use the talents of a dominant defensive lineman like a Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh. As I’ve written about before, McCoy reportedly will grade out higher according to NFL personnel, and his penetrating style of play should cater to what the Rams are trying to accomplish defensively. There is little doubt that he would help create a credible pass rush for a unit that surprisingly has difficulty doing this, even after using two top 15 picks on D-lineman in the last 3 years.

(2) Detroit Lions

Courtesy of Huskers.com

Detroit has needs at every level of offense and defense. But if I learned anything last year about how the Lions’ front office drafts, it is this: they draft purely on grade and will not reach based on need. If they have the chance to add perhaps the best player in this class, then it’s a done deal.

After seeing the Vikings’ Kevin Williams shred the Lions’ offensive line by blowing up plays in the backfield, it is conceivable that the Lions will be salivating at the ability to obtain such a similar talent in Suh. His unique blend of athleticism, strength, and technique will make him a fearsome force. He has the rare ability to be exceeding stout against the run while still generating a strong interior pass rush. But whatever way you put it, Suh is a gamer, who shines when the pads are on-exactly the type of player that Detroit has lacked for so long.

(B) Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
They sorely need to generate pressure from the interior of the defensive line, and there is no better way of doing this than acquiring a dominant pass rusher like Gerald McCoy.

(3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa will love to add either of the top two defensive tackles to help fix the league’s worst run defense. The interior of the defensive line has been incapable of getting pressure, and they have been unable to effectively hold their assigned gaps in the run game .

Selecting Gerald McCoy is perfect for Tampa because the pick would provide optimal value and it fills a big need.

(B) Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

If McCoy (or Suh) is gone, Tampa will have to make a tough decision. Will they snatch Dez Bryant- an elite weapon to help the passing game for Josh Freeman, or do they remain focused on creating pressure on the defensive front? Rushing the passer takes precedence, even though I believe Bryant is the better player.

Jason Pierre-Paul, although very raw, is tremendously athletic and offers as much upside as any other player in the draft. If he does well in interviews and works out the way teams expect, then he could be a serious top 5 possibility. Having played only one year of Division 1 football will convince some coach that he is a diamond in the rough.

(4) Washington Redskins

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With this pick, Washington should do everything within reason to address their woes at offensive tackle. Mike Shanahan prefers small, quick linemen for his zone blocking scheme, the type that can be found later in the draft. Not only does Shanahan need several starters on the line, but he sorely needs an anchor to captain the unit.

Offensive tackle is a great value here, so Washington should look at Russell Okung or Anthony Davis.

Selecting a player of Russell Okung’s caliber would go a long way in reinforcing what used to be the team’s greatest strength. His consistency in pass protection will allow him to stand out from his peers.

(B) Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

In the unlikely event that Jason Campbell returns to Washington, the Redskins would love to look into picking an offensive tackle as insurance for the oft-injured Chris Samuels. This season has been a nightmare for the ‘Skins offensive line. Having to fight through uncounted injuries, the line was never able to effectively gel.

(5) Kansas City Chiefs

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It seems like Kansas City has struggled to stabilize their offensive line for years. They took a step forward by adding Brandon Albert in 2007. But they need more talent protecting Matt Cassel.

I thought about putting Eric Berry here, but Scott Pioli is a huge believer in positional value because of salary implications. For that reason, I feel that safety is not going to be considered for anything but trade bait.

I loved Pro Football Weekly’s argument for Bulaga at this pick:

GM Scott Pioli needs to protect the investment he made in Matt Cassel and provide more time in the pocket for him to deliver. Pioli will have greater respect for a lineman well schooled by Kirk Ferentz, whom Pioli worked with in Cleveland.

(6) Seattle Seahawks

Seattle needs an offensive tackle in the worst possible way. Everybody accurately points out that Walter Jones is not a viable option any longer, and Matt Hasselbeck is getting plastered behind a makeshift line.

If Seattle has any desire to find their left tackle, then they have to pull the trigger with the their first pick or else it will be too late at #14.

Anthony Davis is considered the most talented tackle prospect, and would be the clear #1 at the position except that he is inconsistent on the field. Of all the tackle prospects available, Davis’ physical tools most closely resemble those of elite NFL tackles. Under a great motivator like Pete Carroll, Davis should blossom.

Pete Carroll knows the importance of generating a pass rush from his days at USC. Therefore, JPP could become the target for Seattle. However, I think that Seattle can get a decent DE with the 14th pick. But they will have no chance for an offensive tackle at that spot.

(7) Cleveland Browns

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As it turns out, Mike Holmgren has become the football guru for the Browns. If this happens, he is going to want to bring in a veteran QB, not unlike what happened when he took over in Seattle (picking up Matt Hasselbeck). Since this pick probably won’t be a QB, Cleveland is in dire need of a number 1 receiver, especially after dumping Braylon Edwards.

Dez Bryant is a big and physical receiver who has excellent ball skills, the requisite size (6′2, 217 lbs), and big play ability to warrant top 10 consideration. Adding a talented pass catcher will help take pressure off of the young and talented Jerome Harrison.

(B) Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Cleveland’s other prime option with this pick is to draft a shutdown cornerback like Florida’s Joe Haden. Last season, the Brown’s secondary was torched on a regular basis. And the team could sorely use another talent opposite Eric Wright.

(8) Oakland Raiders

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Raiders’ owner Al Davis is a sucker for speed and athleticism. But he is desperate to save the career of JaMarcus Russell. He has already spent top picks on impact skill players (RB and WR). The only offensive building block unacquired by Davis is a top quality offensive tackle.

Trent Willams is an experienced and versatile player with good feet. He is also a great run blocker.

(9) Buffalo Bills

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I just cannot envision the Bills going another season without OT help. But the top tackles are off the board. However, they are also desperate for a QB. So that is the direction they go.

In this case, there is no better quarterback available than Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen. He has the production (28 TD’s, 4 INT’s) and experience in a pro system that makes him very appealing. However, there are some concerns about his accuracy and character that may rub some teams the wrong way.

(10) Jacksonville Jaguars

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The Jaguars have struggled to generate a consistent pass rush in the pass-heavy AFC South. Last season, the team’s former 1st-round picks, Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey had a combined 2 sacks. In other words, they are desperate for help.

Of all the players available, Eric Berry and Jason Pierre-Paul are the two with greatest value. Since DE offers the better positional value, especially considering the depth of safety in this class.

Pierre-Paul is a local product from nearby South Florida, and Jacksonville not only needs help on the field but in selling tickets. Pierre-Paul will help that cause.