Ide(a)s of March First Day Mock

[mayoclinic]

Now that we've pretty much rounded out the roster in FA, I thought I would try a day 1 mock. This is pretty much guesswork this early before the draft, as player evaluations are still very much in flux. I've added a few trades just to shake things up and stir some conversation - some different ones than those I've suggested earlier, just to add some spice.

First Round

1 Detroit Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. With Julian Peterson at SAM and Ernie Sims at WLB, there's no good fit for Aaron Curry. Detroit goes for the frachise LT and waits on QB.
2 St. Louis Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech.
3 Kansas City Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest. Pioli gets his cornerstone defensive player.
4 Seattle Eugene Monroe,
5 Cleveland Brian Orapko,
6 Cincinnati Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia.
7 Oakland Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. Al Davis goes for the WR with the amazing speed, but in a surprise it's DHB instead of Maclin.
8. Jacksonville Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi. Del Rio coached Oher in the Senior Bowl, and fills his biggest need here.
** Trade: Green Bay trades #10 to New England for #23, 58 and 89. For anyone who thinks this is unreasonable, last year Baltimore traded #8 to Jacksonvile for #26, 71, 89 and 124.
9. New England BJ Raji, DT, Boston College. With all the major holes filled, Belichick goes for broke and gets an impact player on the defensive line. Green Bay decides they want Malcolm Jenkins, and plan to move up to get him. I don't really think this will happen, but it's not impossible and I thought I would stir things up a bit. I would love the Pats to get Raji.
** Trade: San Francisco trades #10 to Detroit for #20 and #33. Lions overspend a bit to get their QB; you might have a 2nd day pick from SF to make the math work out.
10. Detroit Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. With Raji gone, SF goes for depth. Detroit moves up to get their QB.
** New Orleans trades #14 to Green Bay for #23 and 58. With no 2nd or 3rd round pick, New Orleans is eager to pick up a second rounder and hopefully get a top safety.
11. Buffalo Everett Brown, DE, Florida St. Buffalo desperately needs a pass-rushing DE and Brown is the best on the board.
12. Denver Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. Having missed out on Raji, Denver chooses between Jackson and Maualuga and goes for the 3-4 DE.
13. Washington Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. Washington gambles on Smith to fill their huge hole at right tackle.
14. Green Bay Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St. Green Bay gets their preferred target at a cheaper cost than #9, and picks up a third round pick to boot
15. Houston Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. Houston has made no secret about being interested in LB help. Clay Matthews, Vontae Davis and a RB are also options.
16. San Diego Knowshown Moreno, RB, Georgia. Tomlinson has restructured, but San Diego looks ahead and brings in his eventual successor, to share carries with him.
17. NY Jets Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri.
18. Chicago Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech. With their preferred WR off the board (Heyward-Bey), Chicago goes for DE with Johnson, who like DHB has amazing athletic ability. 19. Tampa Bay Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. TB gets a penetrating under-tackle in the Warren Sapp mold.
20. San Francisco Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn St. SF moves down 10 spots and still gets Aaron Maybin to play outside next to Willis.
21. Philadelphia Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St. Wells' fast 40 time bumps him back up draft boards. Philly gets a big back to complement .
22. Minnesota Vontae Davis, CB, Illnois. Minnesota gets the most athletic CB in the draft.
** Trade: New Orleans trades #23 and 58 to the New York Giants for #29 and 45. Having just missed on Vontae Davis, NO trades back to get a CB later, and moves up in the 2nd round.
23. NY Giants Hakeem Nicks, WR. With Crabtree, Heyward-Bey and Maclin off the board the Giants move up to fill their biggest hole and replace Plaxico Burress at WR.
24. Atlanta Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St. The Falcons gets a big target and excellent blocking TE for Matt Ryan.
25. Miami Clay Matthews, OLB, USC. Parcells gets his LB, choosing between 2 USC guys.
26. Baltimore Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC. With the loss of Bart Scott Baltimore jumps at Maualuga, to learn under and eventually replace Ray Lewis. Maualuga falls a bit on injury issues.
27. Indianapolis Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri. Indy wanted Nicks but lost out to the Giants. They settle for Hood to cover their biggest need at DT.
28. Philadelphia William Beatty, OT, Connecticut.
29. New Orleans Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut. Saints gets a smooth, athletic CB to strengthen their defense. Safety is next in the 2nd round.
30. Tennessee Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee. The Titans love lineman and take a local kid.
31. Arizona LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh. Arizona fills their biggest offensive hole with an RB to replace the Edge.
** Trade: Pittsburgh trades #32 to St. Louis for #35 plus #99. St. Louis gives up a high 4th in order to move up 3 spots for need.
32. St. Louis Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. St. Louis trades back into the 1st round to fill their big hole at OT. Pittsburgh and SF were threats to take Britton, so the Rams move up.

First Round

33. San Francisco Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St. SF wanted Gilbert but gets a 3-4 DE with spectacular upside to go alongside with Kentwan Balmer from last year.
34. New England Connor Barwin, DE/LB, Cincinnati. New England gets their long-term replacement for Mike Vrabel, with Ware-like athleticism.
35. Pittsburgh Alex Mack, OG/C. Pittsburgh gets an intelligent, powerful interior lineman.
36. Cleveland Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest. Mangini gets a ball hawk for his secondary.
37. Seattle Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut. The Hawks get their replacement for Shawn Alexander to go along with their future franchise QB.
38. Cincinnati James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St. Laurinaitis drops into the 2nd round and the Bengals jump to put him at MLB next to Keith Rivers. Max Unger could also go here.
** Trade: Jacksonville trades #39 and #104 to the New York Jets for #52 and #76. Jax just misses on Laurinaitis and moved back.
39. NY Jets Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas. The Jets trade up to snag the guy they hope will be their future franchise QB.
40. Oakland Philip Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma. Oakland gets a mammoth RT to shore up their OL.
41. Green Bay Ron Brace, DT, Boston College. Green Bay passes up on Raji but gets his teammate to be their 3-4 DT anchor.
42. Buffalo Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina. With Pettigrew gone, Buffalo gets the most athletic TE in the draft.
43. San Francisco Jamon Merredith, OT, South Carolina. SF gets a versatile offensive lineman to bookend along with Joe Staley. Wanted Ron Brace, but settles for an OL.
44. Miami Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah. Parcells gets a big, versatile guy who can play cornerback or safety.
45. New Orleans William Moore, S, Missouri. NO gets back into the 2nd round and picks up the big, athletic Moore to anchor their secondary along with Alphonso Smith.
** Trade: Houston trades #46 to Tennessee for #62 and #94.
46. Tennessee Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Harvin falls a bit on injury and size issues, and Tennessee moves up to get him.
47. New England Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan. The Pats are ecstatic that Delmas is still on the board at 47, and jump to get their version of Troy Polamalu.
48. Denver Patrick Chung, S, Oregon. Denver grabs the last remaining top safety prospect, all 4 going within a 5 pick range.
49. Chicago DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt. The Bears get an immediate upgrade at DB.
50. Cleveland Clint Sintim, DE/OLB, Virginia. Cleveland gets a versatile, solid 3-4 LB to pair with Brian Orapko, or possibly move inside.
51. Dallas Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St. The Boys get a big WR with experience and good hands to replace TO.
52. Jacksonville Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers. Del Rio hopes to have better luck with this big WR than with Reggie Williams and Matt Jones.
53. Philadelphia Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama. Smart young FS to hopefully grow into the shoes vacated by Brian Dawkins.
54. Minnesota Max Unger, OG/C, Oregon. Minnesota gets a versatile lineman to anchor their interior line and replace Matt Birk.
55. Atlanta Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois. Atlanta considered English at #24, and is thrilled when he is still available.
56. Miami James Casey, TE, Rice. Fins get an athletic, versatile H-back who can also line up at WR and help stretch the field.
57. Baltimore Coye Francies, CB, San Jose St. The Ravens love big CBs, and Francies has excellent hips and a tremendous shuttle time. Replaces Chris McAllister.
58. NY Giants Jarius Byrd, CB/S, Oregon. Giants get a FS to pair with Kenny Phillips.
59. Carolina Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn. Carolina goes for DL help immediately with their first pick.
60. NY Giants Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio St. LB is the Giant's biggest need left on the board.
61. Indianapolis Joaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma. The Colts get a big WR with experience and good hands.
62. Houston Shonn Green, RB, Iowa. Houston gets a big bruising RB.
63. Arizona Eric Wood, C, Louisville. Arizona fills their other big need on offense with a smart 4 year starter at center.
64. Pittsburgh Fili Moala, DE/DT, USC. Big athletic 3-4 DE.

The thing that was clearest doing this was how many top prospects there are in this draft. I never would have expected Percy Harvin to fall to #46 or Larry English to #55, but as I kept trying to fit players into holes others just kept popping up.

Have at it.

 

[mayoclinic]

Sorry, major brain fart missing correcting some of the top 5 choices. Here's the revised version. My apologies.

First Round

1 Detroit Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. With Julian Peterson at SAM and Ernie Sims at WLB, there's no good fit for Aaron Curry. Detroit goes for the frachise LT and waits on QB.
2 St. Louis Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech.
3 Kansas City Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest. Pioli gets his cornerstone defensive player.
4 Seattle Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. Seattle decides to go for their heir to Matt Hasselbeck over the heir to Walter Jones.
5 Cleveland Brian Orapko, DE/OLB, Texas. Mangini decides that Orapko is not Vernon Gholston and pulls the trigger a second time.
6 Cincinnati Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. Bengals go OT over DT.
7 Oakland Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. Al Davis goes for the WR with the amazing speed, but in a surprise it's DHB instead of Maclin.
8. Jacksonville Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi. Del Rio coached Oher in the Senior Bowl, and fills his biggest need here.
** Trade: Green Bay trades #10 to New England for #23, 58 and 89. For anyone who thinks this is unreasonable, last year Baltimore traded #8 to Jacksonvile for #26, 71, 89 and 124.
9. New England BJ Raji, DT, Boston College. With all the major holes filled, Belichick goes for broke and gets an impact player on the defensive line. Green Bay decides they want Malcolm Jenkins, and plan to move up to get him. I don't really think this will happen, but it's not impossible and I thought I would stir things up a bit. I would love the Pats to get Raji.
** Trade: San Francisco trades #10 to Detroit for #20 and #33. Lions overspend a bit to get their QB; you might have a 2nd day pick from SF to make the math work out.
10. Detroit Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. With Raji gone, SF goes for depth. Detroit moves up to get their QB.
11. Buffalo Everett Brown, DE, Florida St. Buffalo desperately needs a pass-rushing DE and Brown is the best on the board.
12. Denver Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. Having missed out on Raji, Denver chooses between Jackson and Maualuga and goes for the 3-4 DE.
13. Washington Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. Washington gambles on Smith to fill their huge hole at right tackle.
** Trade: New Orleans trades #14 to Green Bay for #23 and 58. With no 2nd or 3rd round pick, New Orleans is eager to pick up a second rounder and hopefully get a top safety.
14. Green Bay Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St. Green Bay gets their preferred target at a cheaper cost than #9, and picks up a third round pick to boot
15. Houston Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. Houston has made no secret about being interested in LB help. Clay Matthews, Vontae Davis and a RB are also options.
16. San Diego Knowshown Moreno, RB, Georgia. Tomlinson has restructured, but San Diego looks ahead and brings in his eventual successor, to share carries with him.
17. NY Jets Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri.
18. Chicago Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech. With their preferred WR off the board (Heyward-Bey), Chicago goes for DE with Johnson, who like DHB has amazing athletic ability. 19. Tampa Bay Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. TB gets a penetrating under-tackle in the Warren Sapp mold.
20. San Francisco Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn St. SF moves down 10 spots and still gets Aaron Maybin to play outside next to Willis.
21. Philadelphia Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St. Wells' fast 40 time bumps him back up draft boards. Philly gets a big back to complement .
22. Minnesota Vontae Davis, CB, Illnois. Minnesota gets the most athletic CB in the draft.
** Trade: New Orleans trades #23 and 58 to the New York Giants for #29 and 45. Having just missed on Vontae Davis, NO trades back to get a CB later, and moves up in the 2nd round.
23. NY Giants Hakeem Nicks, WR. With Crabtree, Heyward-Bey and Maclin off the board the Giants move up to fill their biggest hole and replace Plaxico Burress at WR.
24. Atlanta Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St. The Falcons gets a big target and excellent blocking TE for Matt Ryan.
25. Miami Clay Matthews, OLB, USC. Parcells gets his LB, choosing between 2 USC guys.
26. Baltimore Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC. With the loss of Bart Scott Baltimore jumps at Maualuga, to learn under and eventually replace Ray Lewis. Maualuga falls a bit on injury issues.
27. Indianapolis Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri. Indy wanted Nicks but lost out to the Giants. They settle for Hood to cover their biggest need at DT.
28. Philadelphia William Beatty, OT, Connecticut.
29. New Orleans Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut. Saints gets a smooth, athletic CB to strengthen their defense. Safety is next in the 2nd round.
30. Tennessee Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee. The Titans love lineman and take a local kid.
31. Arizona LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh. Arizona fills their biggest offensive hole with an RB to replace the Edge.
** Trade: Pittsburgh trades #32 to St. Louis for #35 plus #99. St. Louis gives up a high 4th in order to move up 3 spots for need.
32. St. Louis Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. St. Louis trades back into the 1st round to fill their big hole at OT. Pittsburgh and SF were threats to take Britton, so the Rams move up.

Second Round

33. San Francisco Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St. SF wanted Gilbert but gets a 3-4 DE with spectacular upside to go alongside with Kentwan Balmer from last year.
34. New England Connor Barwin, DE/LB, Cincinnati. New England gets their long-term replacement for Mike Vrabel, with Ware-like athleticism.
35. Pittsburgh Alex Mack, OG/C. Pittsburgh gets an intelligent, powerful interior lineman.
36. Cleveland Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest. Mangini gets a ball hawk for his secondary.
37. Seattle Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut. The Hawks get their replacement for Shawn Alexander to go along with their future franchise QB.
38. Cincinnati James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St. Laurinaitis drops into the 2nd round and the Bengals jump to put him at MLB next to Keith Rivers. Max Unger could also go here.
** Trade: Jacksonville trades #39 and #104 to the New York Jets for #52 and #76. Jax just misses on Laurinaitis and moved back.
39. NY Jets Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas. The Jets trade up to snag the guy they hope will be their future franchise QB.
40. Oakland Philip Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma. Oakland gets a mammoth RT to shore up their OL.
41. Green Bay Ron Brace, DT, Boston College. Green Bay passes up on Raji but gets his teammate to be their 3-4 DT anchor.
42. Buffalo Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina. With Pettigrew gone, Buffalo gets the most athletic TE in the draft.
43. San Francisco Jamon Merredith, OT, South Carolina. SF gets a versatile offensive lineman to bookend along with Joe Staley. Wanted Ron Brace, but settles for an OL.
44. Miami Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah. Parcells gets a big, versatile guy who can play cornerback or safety.
45. New Orleans William Moore, S, Missouri. NO gets back into the 2nd round and picks up the big, athletic Moore to anchor their secondary along with Alphonso Smith.
** Trade: Houston trades #46 to Tennessee for #62 and #94.
46. Tennessee Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. Harvin falls a bit on injury and size issues, and Tennessee moves up to get him.
47. New England Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan. The Pats are ecstatic that Delmas is still on the board at 47, and jump to get their version of Troy Polamalu.
48. Denver Patrick Chung, S, Oregon. Denver grabs the last remaining top safety prospect, all 4 going within a 5 pick range.
49. Chicago DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt. The Bears get an immediate upgrade at DB.
50. Cleveland Clint Sintim, DE/OLB, Virginia. Cleveland gets a versatile, solid 3-4 LB to pair with Brian Orapko, or possibly move inside.
51. Dallas Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St. The Boys get a big WR with experience and good hands to replace TO.
52. Jacksonville Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers. Del Rio hopes to have better luck with this big WR than with Reggie Williams and Matt Jones.
53. Philadelphia Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama. Smart young FS to hopefully grow into the shoes vacated by Brian Dawkins.
54. Minnesota Max Unger, OG/C, Oregon. Minnesota gets a versatile lineman to anchor their interior line and replace Matt Birk.
55. Atlanta Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois. Atlanta considered English at #24, and is thrilled when he is still available.
56. Miami James Casey, TE, Rice. Fins get an athletic, versatile H-back who can also line up at WR and help stretch the field.
57. Baltimore Coye Francies, CB, San Jose St. The Ravens love big CBs, and Francies has excellent hips and a tremendous shuttle time. Replaces Chris McAllister.
58. NY Giants Jarius Byrd, CB/S, Oregon. Giants get a FS to pair with Kenny Phillips.
59. Carolina Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn. Carolina goes for DL help immediately with their first pick.
60. NY Giants Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio St. LB is the Giant's biggest need left on the board.
61. Indianapolis Joaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma. The Colts get a big WR with experience and good hands.
62. Houston Shonn Green, RB, Iowa. Houston gets a big bruising RB.
63. Arizona Eric Wood, C, Louisville. Arizona fills their other big need on offense with a smart 4 year starter at center.
64. Pittsburgh Fili Moala, DE/DT, USC. Big athletic 3-4 DE.

Again, mea culpa.

 

[signbabybrady]

Raji, Delmas, and Barwin would be sick

 

[alvinnf]

I like your effort. You sort of manipulated things to fall your way, that's cool. I think they would rather have Rey M. than Raji. I could see them moving up near 12-15 realistically. They do however have the resources to get into the top ten. The only issue is that teams are'nt ussually willing to bail that many spots. If so they ussually expect extra compensation or someone like a QB high 2nd round prospect that they covet. This draft is slim on Qb's so I would'nt anticipate such a big move without the appearance of lopsided compensation.

 

[alvinnf]

I'll bet you, if all the teams in the nfl new for certain that Delmas was the next polamalou he would'nt get out of the top 5.

 

[signbabybrady]

I like your effort. You sort of manipulated things to fall your way, that's cool. I think they would rather have Rey M. than Raji. I could see them moving up near 12-15 realistically. They do however have the resources to get into the top ten. The only issue is that teams are'nt ussually willing to bail that many spots. If so they ussually expect extra compensation or someone like a QB high 2nd round prospect that they covet. This draft is slim on Qb's so I would'nt anticipate such a big move without the appearance of lopsided compensation.

It may be a little manipulated but the cool thing with most mock drafts and this one included is that it is so deep that there is so much talent to be had I see most and like at least 2 of the 4 picks in fisrt 2 rds. when we get on the clock it is going to be fun because we will all see so many names we covet.

 

[alvinnf]

It may be a little manipulated but the cool thing with most mock drafts and this one included is that it is so deep that there is so much talent to be had I see most and like at least 2 of the 4 picks in fisrt 2 rds. when we get on the clock it is going to be fun because we will all see so many names we covet.

You are so right.

 

[Metaphors]

Raji would be a priority target at #3 (KC), #5 (CLE), #9 (GB) and #12 (DEN). With GB converting to a 3-4, why would they trade out of #9 when a potentially elite 3-4 NT falls into their laps? Even if they wanted to trade out, why not go back to #12 since Denver would likely give up #79 to get Raji...and #12/#79 is a better deal than the #14/#89 you have them getting.

You probably had the Raji/Barwin/Delmas draft haul as a target. While possible to pull off, I'm not sure the Pats will be able to do it with all the suitors for Raji at the top of the draft.

 

[mayoclinic]

It may be a little manipulated but the cool thing with most mock drafts and this one included is that it is so deep that there is so much talent to be had I see most and like at least 2 of the 4 picks in fisrt 2 rds. when we get on the clock it is going to be fun because we will all see so many names we covet.

That was the fun thing. You're right, in some ways this was "manipulated", but there's just so many top players that they can't all go ahead of us, whether at 23, 34, 47 or even 58. Connor Barwin might not be there at 34, but maybe Clay Matthews or Robert Ayers would be. Louis Delmas might not be there at 47, but maybe Sean Smith or William Moore would be.

I tried to match my rough estimation of player's abilities and draft ranking with team needs. For example, Chicago at #18 has needs at WR, OL and DE. With Heyward-Bey and Maclin off the board by 17 I gave them a DE in Michael Johnson who I could envision rising up draft boards after his pro day workout. Robert Ayers could have been a possibility here as well, or even Aaron Maybin.

I mostly just tried to match team needs up with players, and things fell out. It could easily have gone otherwise.

 

[mayoclinic]

Raji would be a priority target at #3 (KC), #5 (CLE), #9 (GB) and #12 (DEN). With GB converting to a 3-4, why would they trade out of #9 when a potentially elite 3-4 NT falls into their laps? Even if they wanted to trade out, why not go back to #12 since Denver would likely give up #79 to get Raji...and #12/#79 is a better deal than the #14/#89 you have them getting.

You probably had the Raji/Barwin/Delmas draft haul as a target. While possible to pull off, I'm not sure the Pats will be able to do it with all the suitors for Raji at the top of the draft.

The main point of my mock was to throw some ideas up there and stir up discussion. The Raji trade-up was an idea which several people have knocked around. All I wanted to show was that based on Jacksonville's trade with Baltimore last year, we have the ammo to do it and still fill some holes in the second round.

If we somehow pulled of a trade-up like the Raji trade, then I would see OLB and S being primary targets in round 2. Barwin and Delmas are just my preferred players at those positions. Clint Sintim and Larry English were still available at 34, and Patrick Chung at 47. Again, there are too many good players to fit into all the slots, so some are going to fall. I could have given us Robert Ayers at 34, but if Tennessee goes DE in round 1 then I see Ayers being a much more likely target for them than Barwin or English.

Regarding the Raji trade, Raji could conceivably go 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 12 right now. #4 is probably no longer an option because of the Julian Peterson/Cory Redding trade. I think that KC will likely go with Curry over Raji at #3. Cleveland has bigger needs than DT, so I had them go that way, though Raji is an option. OL was Cincinnati and Jacksonville's biggest need, and with Monroe still available at #6 two OT's didn't seem unreasonable. I don't really think Al Davis will spend #7 on a big DT, but it's possible. That brought me up to #9.

Green Bay could easily pick Raji at #9, and may well do so. But they could also go in another direction. Dom Capers has a DB background, and with Walt Harris and Charles Woodson aging a CB/S has been listed as an option for them. Many mocks have had them taking Malcolm Jenkins over Raji. With Jenkins' poor 40 times, if Capers decided that Jenkins was his guy anyway then he could probably afford to trade down and still go after him. My scenario with GB trading down and then back up was modeled on the Jacksonville-Baltimore scenario from 2008, where Baltimore traded down to 26 from #8 and then back up to #18 to get Joe Flacco. Of course Denver could trade up as well, which might easily happen. Again, not saying that it's likely to happen, but I wanted to make a point and stir up some discussion, which obviously happened.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

With Jenkins' poor 40 times, if Capers decided that Jenkins was his guy anyway then he could probably afford to trade down and still go after him.QUOTE]

With the poor 40 time turned in by Jenkins, there are only a couple of defenses that he can play CB in and I do not think Capers defense is oneof those. I would hope GB looks at someone else at CB.

 

[mgteich]

Let's see. BTW, I would be most unhappy with your draft.

Let me list my top FIVE priorities

OLB help for 2009 and a future starter
SS backup for 2009 and perhaps a future starter
OG potential starter for 2010 and/or 2011 to replace Mankins or Neal
ILB at very least to replace Bruschi in 2010, perhaps reps in 2009
OT at very least someone to be a 2009 and 2010 competitor for reps and starting spot

========================================================
And what did you get us with for first five picks?

Raji the best NT in the draft, and an excellent top 10 stud.
He will be a fine backup for Wilfork, or do you having Raji play end?
He would likely be gone in any case. Perhaps you are planning to trade him.

Barwin a fine raw prospect, a fine pick for the future (which we need) and can afford this
year if we use the rest of our piscks well

Delmas a fine free safety
We could have waited for Johnson in the 3rd if we wanted a free safety.
Why not Chung or Moore or Vaughn?
============================================================

an alternative that I think meets our needs better

FIRST FIVE - Your alternative was Raji, Barwin and Delmas
23 English or Sintim
34 Barwin
47 Chung or Moore
58 Wood
89 McKillup,Ellerbe, Beckwith, Brinkly, McRath (use our 124 to move up if there is need)
==============
97 Murtha or one of the other backup OT's.
====================================

BOTTOM LINE
You would rather have a stud backup NT and a FS who will likely never play FS for us instead of a potential starters at OLB, SS, OG and ILB.

We both get future potential at OLB and OT (at 24 and 97).

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Let's see. BTW, I would be most unhappy with your draft.

Let me list my top FIVE priorities

OLB help for 2009 and a future starter
SS backup for 2009 and perhaps a future starter
OG potential starter for 2010 and/or 2011 to replace Mankins or Neal
ILB at very least to replace Bruschi in 2010, perhaps reps in 2009
OT at very least someone to be a 2009 and 2010 competitor for reps and starting spot

========================================================
And what did you get us with for first five picks?

Raji the best NT in the draft, and an excellent top 10 stud.
He will be a fine backup for Wilfork, or do you having Raji play end?
He would likely be gone in any case. Perhaps you are planning to trade him.

Barwin a fine raw prospect, a fine pick for the future (which we need) and can afford this
year if we use the rest of our piscks well

Delmas a fine free safety
We could have waited for Johnson in the 3rd if we wanted a free safety.
Why not Chung or Moore or Vaughn?
============================================================

an alternative that I think meets our needs better

FIRST FIVE - Your alternative was Raji, Barwin and Delmas
23 English or Sintim
34 Barwin
47 Chung or Moore
58 Wood
89 McKillup,Ellerbe, Beckwith, Brinkly, McRath (use our 124 to move up if there is need)
==============
97 Murtha or one of the other backup OT's.
====================================

BOTTOM LINE
You would rather have a stud backup NT and a FS who will likely never play FS for us instead of a potential starters at OLB, SS, OG and ILB.

We both get future potential at OLB and OT (at 24 and 97).

Quite picking specific players, it goes against your philosphy.

 

[mgteich]

I gave plenty of choices. I thought that I needed examples to make my point.

Quite picking specific players, it goes against your philosphy.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

This is the first mock that had everything......just like the real NFL draft and I loved it. It had trades, head scratchers and some great picks. I really enjoyed this one and loved the players we got.

Now to the draft and my thoughs.

I like the Raji trade as I really think BB will use the draft pick to either move up to get a guy he wants bad or put picks in the bank for 2010. With how FA has played out we have a pretty good roster right now even with LB as a need we could pull it together with the young guys (Guyton, Crable, Woods) to get the job done. BB could pile some of those picks to get a guy who will be a franchise player for him and the Patiots. While it may not be Raji it could be a player who is sliping from the top 10 maybe a top OT.

I think Det would target #14 or 16 to move up to get Sanchez a head of the JETS but that is me. I thought his was stupid for Baltimore to trade up to get Flaco at the position they did but it worked out pretty well for them so far. I have the Saints in our forum mock draft and know that they have very little picks after #14 so I totally see a trade down.

I really have a funny feeling that Everett Brown is definatly going to Buffalo even though I did not have it going that way in my mock. I will say it now that this is the only for sure pick I see happening other then Orakpo going to Clevleand. They are my only two locks so far I see this year IMO.

You did not get Beatty:banned: It is funny how things work out when you are making a mock. Trust me I love Beatty but if we were able to get Raji you would not here a peep out of me.

I like Seatle going RB with Brown as they went with vets last year and kept Morris running the ball and I have never been sold on Jones.

Mangini get Sintim at 50 that lucky A@@

As I said above I really enjoyed this as it has everything which most mocks do not have. I really can not argue many picks as I agree with you on many. I really hope BB does not trade up unless he gets great value if not then in 2010 I really would love getting a good first rounder to grab (Cody, Suh, McCoy at DT or Mays and Eric Berry at safety

 

[mayoclinic]

Let's see. BTW, I would be most unhappy with your draft.

Let me list my top FIVE priorities

OLB help for 2009 and a future starter
SS backup for 2009 and perhaps a future starter
OG potential starter for 2010 and/or 2011 to replace Mankins or Neal
ILB at very least to replace Bruschi in 2010, perhaps reps in 2009
OT at very least someone to be a 2009 and 2010 competitor for reps and starting spot

========================================================
And what did you get us with for first five picks?

Raji the best NT in the draft, and an excellent top 10 stud.
He will be a fine backup for Wilfork, or do you having Raji play end?
He would likely be gone in any case. Perhaps you are planning to trade him.

Barwin a fine raw prospect, a fine pick for the future (which we need) and can afford this
year if we use the rest of our piscks well

Delmas a fine free safety
We could have waited for Johnson in the 3rd if we wanted a free safety.
Why not Chung or Moore or Vaughn?
============================================================

an alternative that I think meets our needs better

FIRST FIVE - Your alternative was Raji, Barwin and Delmas
23 English or Sintim
34 Barwin
47 Chung or Moore
58 Wood
89 McKillup,Ellerbe, Beckwith, Brinkly, McRath (use our 124 to move up if there is need)
==============
97 Murtha or one of the other backup OT's.
====================================

BOTTOM LINE
You would rather have a stud backup NT and a FS who will likely never play FS for us instead of a potential starters at OLB, SS, OG and ILB.

We both get future potential at OLB and OT (at 24 and 97).

Mgteich, as always I value your input and insights. However, I think you've missed the point of my "ideas" of the Ides of March mock, which was mainly to shake things up a bit. For weeks I've been listed the same positional needs as you - OLB, ILB, S, and OL - and have suggested that our 4 first day picks be used in those areas. However, with the FO having done such a great job of plugging holes, many have suggested that BB and company can go in any direction in this draft. Patchick proposed this a couple of days ago in another thread:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...post-fa-reading-wild-swirling-tea-leaves.html

So rather than just repeat my preferred choices at OLB (Barwin), S (Delmas), ILB (Ayers) and OL (Beatty) which I have been echoing over and over for the past 2 weeks, I thought I would shake things up a bit and throw in some potential trades. I kept us getting an OLB and a S on the first day because those are the biggest remaining holes.

Regarding some of your comments on specific choices:

1. BJ Raji. I suggested 2 months ago that Raji would be the guy with the most potential impact on our team. See: http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/13/209694-bj-raji-hypothetical.html. Others have recently suggested that he could still be a target, so I decided to change directions from the "same old same old" and mix things up a bit. No, I don't see us trading him. I see BB getting plenty of value from him playing 2 DT sets, using him at end, spelling Wilfork, etc. I think that he could be a major disruptor, and could have more impact on our defense than any other player in the draft. In this "shake things up mock" I was trying to suggest that it's not impossible that BB may ignore some holes (given that they aren't glaring and likely won't start for 2009 anyway) and could go for an impact player like Raji. It wouldn't be out of character for him.

2. Connor Barwin. Substitute Sintim or English if you like, both were available in my mock. I prefer Barwin, and most of the board agrees with me. He's my #1 OLB candidate, and still has a realistic shot of lasting until #34. Robert Ayers would be my second choice, but as of right now Ayers is much more likely to go 1st round than Barwin, which is what my draft tried to reflect. I don't think Sintim is a 1st round value - he has limited athleticism and poor hips. I'd much rather get a true impact player like Raji than a lesser "need" player like English or Sintim. And we always have the option of moving AD inside to cover SILB, particularly if we pick up a FA pass rusher like Jason Taylor, which could still happen. BOR among others has suggested that SILB may be better addressed during day 2 of the draft anyway.

3. Louis Delmas. I don't see Delmas as a FS. I see him as a SS with FS range and ball skills. I've been saying this for weeks. Many draftniks have noted that Delmas can play both SS and FS, versatility which BB would value - Belichick talked at the combine about the safety position evolving away from a true SS/FS mix, and I think Delmas is exactly the kind of hybrid SS/FS that BB would love. His style reminds me more of Troy Polamalu and Bob Sanders (but with better coverage ability) than a true FS. With 5 lbs. of muscle he is the same weight as Sanders and Polamalu, and slightly taller, so I don't think his size is too small - he's the same height as Patrick Chung and about 10 lbs. lighter, which his frame could easily handle. If you prefer Chung or Moore that's your prerogative, but for me Delmas is our #1 safety prospect (including SS prospect). I don't think Vaughn is in the same league as Delmas as a prospect. Rashad Johnson is a true FS prospect, so I didn't consider him (though the Pats have looked at him and there have been some rumors that they like him).

The draft is very unpredictable, and there will be some "WTF" moves. No one anticipated Miami taking Ted Ginn at #9 in 2007 (though there were rumors that the Phins were in love with him) or GB taking Justin Harrell at #16 when most had him as a 2nd round pick. Absolutely no one anticipated Baltimore trading down to #26 and then back up to #18 to get Joe Flacco. So while some of my moves may seem a bit odd, they're not totally ludicrous. If Ted Thompson decides that Malcolm Jenkins is his guy (and CB is a need for GB) then he won't care about his 40 time.

I have no problems with us addressing needs the way you suggest (though I don't prefer some of your listed players). Personally, however, I'd be thrilled with this first day. There's always day 2 to address OL needs and an SILB, in case you've forgot.

 

[mayoclinic]

This is the first mock that had everything......just like the real NFL draft and I loved it. It had trades, head scratchers and some great picks. I really enjoyed this one and loved the players we got.

Now to the draft and my thoughs.

I like the Raji trade as I really think BB will use the draft pick to either move up to get a guy he wants bad or put picks in the bank for 2010. With how FA has played out we have a pretty good roster right now even with LB as a need we could pull it together with the young guys (Guyton, Crable, Woods) to get the job done. BB could pile some of those picks to get a guy who will be a franchise player for him and the Patiots. While it may not be Raji it could be a player who is sliping from the top 10 maybe a top OT.

I think Det would target #14 or 16 to move up to get Sanchez a head of the JETS but that is me. I thought his was stupid for Baltimore to trade up to get Flaco at the position they did but it worked out pretty well for them so far. I have the Saints in our forum mock draft and know that they have very little picks after #14 so I totally see a trade down.

I really have a funny feeling that Everett Brown is definatly going to Buffalo even though I did not have it going that way in my mock. I will say it now that this is the only for sure pick I see happening other then Orakpo going to Clevleand. They are my only two locks so far I see this year IMO.

You did not get Beatty:banned: It is funny how things work out when you are making a mock. Trust me I love Beatty but if we were able to get Raji you would not here a peep out of me.

I like Seatle going RB with Brown as they went with vets last year and kept Morris running the ball and I have never been sold on Jones.

Mangini get Sintim at 50 that lucky A@@

As I said above I really enjoyed this as it has everything which most mocks do not have. I really can not argue many picks as I agree with you on many. I really hope BB does not trade up unless he gets great value if not then in 2010 I really would love getting a good first rounder to grab (Cody, Suh, McCoy at DT or Mays and Eric Berry at safety

Thanks for the kudos. I liked your draft too.

I agree with a lot of your points. I love Beatty and if we pick at 23 I hope he's still there, but I think that moving up for Raji would easily make up for it for me. The way my draft played out, OT and DE would be our clear top needs for 2010. I would love to see Arthur Davis or Vince Oghobasse at DE next year, for example.

I tried to make the draft a bit "realistic" (whatever that means). Believe me, I didn't like Mangini getting Alphonso Smith and Clint Sintim in the 2nd round. Similarly, I think that the Jets will go after QB and WR in the draft given all of their attention on defense. They have been aggressive in the past (trading up for Dustin Keller last year), so I could see them being aggressive about pursuing Josh Freeman. They tend to fall in love with his kind of measurables. I see Seattle going offense in the draft, and with Housh as a FA I could see them going QB and RB in the first 2 rounds. The idea of Baltimore lucking into Maualuga and training him under Ray Lewis scares me a bit - Lewis, Maualuga and Suggs would be a terrific way to keep the Raven's LB corps tradition going. Etc. I tried to match team preferences to picks (e.g., Baltimore getting a big CB in Coye Francies in the 2nd, rather than going for a smurf CB like Alphonso Smith or DJ Moore in the 1st). I tried to make teams trade back when they just missed on a specific player (e.g., NO trading back from 23 when Vontae Davis went #22, Jax trading back from 39 when Laurinaitis went at #38. But it's all a crapshoot, and your (or anyone else's) guess is as good as mine.