Britpat's Mock 2009

[BritPat]

I might do a version 2 during the week, but this will do for now. Two rounder, no trades:


Round 1

1. Detroit Lions select Jason Smith - OT - Baylor.

I think the Lions follow what the Browns started the other year - get your Franchise LT before you take the Franchise QB. Not quite the same talent as Joe Thomas or Jake Long, but a legit top 3 pick and a tremendous building block for the future. The Lions will love him.

2. St Louis Rams select Eugene Monroe - OT - Virginia

With Orlando Pace now in Chicago, for me this is now a no brainer. The Rams will be hoping that the Lions have fallen in love with Stafford so that Jason Smith is still there, but Monroe is probably the best pass protector in the class and the most NFL ready. They have options certainly, but you have to protect the Franchise, whether that be Marc Bulger, or A.N.Other

3. Kansas City Chiefs select Aaron Curry - LB - Wake Forest

The safest pick in the draft kicks off the Pioli era in the mid-west. Curry is worthy of going first overall, and still could, but it's 21 years since a Linebacker was selected first overall, and I don't see it happening this year, even though he's got the talent. He'll be a team captain this time next year.

4. Seattle Seahawks select Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech

Yes the Seahawks signed TJ Houshmandzadeh, but they still have a big need on the outside with the age, injuries and lack of production affecting the rest of the receiving corps. If Monroe or Smith falls, they might go in that direction with the advancing years of Walter Jones, but this is where my money lies. Crabtree was insanely good in college, and should fit the WCO employed in Seattle.

5. Cleveland Browns select Brian Orakpo - DE - Texas

The Mangenius will be hoping that Curry is still around at this point, but Orakpo is the next best thing. The Browns were starved of a pass rush last year, producing only 17, and with Willie McGinest unlikely to return, they need new blood. Mangini will hope he has more success with Orakpo than he did Vernon Gholston.....

6. Cincinnatti Bengals select Andre Smith - OT - Alabama

I personally wouldn't take Smith in the top 20, after the shenanigans at the Combine and his less than impressive pro-day, I don't think he's worthy of the mega-bucks a top 10 pick will get. If there's one thing he's got though it's potential. By the bucket load. The Bengals have shed the bad boy tag somewhat over the last year, but I think Smith will represent too much of a good thing to pass up on.

7. Oakland Raiders select Michael Oher - OT - Ole Miss

A few months ago, he might have gone first overall, but has dropped down draft boards due to concern over mental capacity to make it at the next level. I think it's trash myself, the kid has worked his **** off to earn himself the right to go in the top 10. He's a great package, and with the Raiders desperately needing O-line help, he's a good fit. The steadily improving JaMarcus Russell will love him.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars select Mark Sanchez - QB- USC

Much like our own Mock Draft Game, I think if Stafford doesn't go first overall to Detroit, he could fall out of the top 10 largely due to team needs. The Jags may have David Garrard who has performed well, but he's not a QB who'll lift the team onto his shoulders and carry them when the D cant get a stop - and that's exactly what happened last year. The Jaguars are repotedly hot on Sanchez who fits their O, and I think they'll take about a nano-second to write his name and hand it to the commish on Draft Day.

9. Green Bay Packers select B.J. Raji - DT - Boston College

Another safe pick. The Pack are transitioning to a 3-4, and have few players that fit the system. Ryan Pickett could play NT, but Raji looks your archetypal NT and would represent excellent value at this spot and is simply too good to pass up.

10. San Francisco 49ers select Everette Brown - DE - Florida State

In a Mock Draft Game I was doing as the 49ers GM, I traded out of this spot even though I had Brown at the top of my board. I doubt the 9ers would do the same with the desperate need they have for a quality sack artist. Brown was exceptional last year, and will slot in nicely outside Patrick Willis. If a top tackle drops though, don't be surprised to see them pull the trigger.

11. Buffalo Bills select Aaron Maybin - DE - Penn State

There were options here, Robert Ayers being one, and ideally Everette Brown would fall, but I think Maybin will be difficult to let pass, even if he is still a tad raw. They need to give the aging Aaron Schobel some help.

12. Denver Broncos select Rey Maualuga - LB - USC

This might be a little high for him, but he fills a need. He's a fine fit for the 3-4, and Nolan will try to utilise him as he utilised Patrick Willis. They can't wait to see if he's still there at #18 and must take him here.

13. Washington Redskins select Matt Stafford - QB - Georgia

The first shock. I wouldn't have dreamed this up until last week, the Skins were seemingly very happy with Jason Campbell (who I'm a fan of) and I was all set to give them a LB here. Not now. Their entry into the Cutler sweepstakes was a fair old shock, and I just don't see Campbell having a future in DC. They could sit Stafford for a year, or they might even start him and let Campbell walk st some point, although ideally they'd get something in return.

14. New Orleans Saints select Malcom Jenkins - CB - Ohio

BPA and massive value here, plus the filling of a big need. As always the Saints suck on D, and need help. Lots of it. It's a problem though without that many picks. Ideally they will trade down and add to the measly four picks they have this year, but since I'm doing a non-trade mock, they'll have to go this route.

15. Houston Texans select Clay Matthews III - LB - USC

Jenkins would be an option here if he's on the board, but with him gone they add to a less than stellar LB corps. Matthews has ties with the Franchise already and adds a presence alongside rising star DeMeco Ryans.

16. San Diego Chargers select Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU

I know many Chargers fans aren't convinced about him, and you'll probably see this as a rather uninspiring pick, but he's the best 3-4 End in the class and fills a need now that Olshansky is in Dallas. If I'd have picked a running back for you, most of you would have flipped out, and there's no ILB worth the pick.

cont.....

 

[BritPat]

Ooops, screwed it up. Please ignore.

 

[BritPat]

cont.....

17. New York Jets select Jeremy Maclin - WR - Missouri

QB is a big consideration here, but it wouldn't surprise me if Ryan decided to give Clemens/Ratliff a year before deciding on the future. They desperately need help at receiver, and Maclin is the best out there at this point.

18. Denver Broncos select Robert Ayers - DE - Tennessee

Good value and need come together here. They could flip flop this pick with #12 and take a pass rusher there (if Raji is off the board that is), but they need an ILB, and with Maualuga not likely to last to this point, he goes early and they get the pass rusher here. Ayers was outstanding this year and is ready to step in at OLB straight away.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Peria Jerry - DT - Ole Miss

The Tampa 2 works on the front 4 getting pressure, which the Bucaneers struggled to do for much of the season despite Gaines Adams having an impressive sophomore year. They were pretty good against the run, but their DT's need upgrading. Peria Jerry is the ultimate Tampa 2 DT and fits like a glove.

20. Detroit Lions select James Laurinaitis - LB - Ohio

Not a huge fans of this cat, and think this is too high for him, but the Lions urgently need an MLB. I think Laurinaitis fits the 4-3 better than a 3-4, and this makes sense. They could go with a DE here though if Schwartz is trying to reproduce Titans North in the Motor City.

21. Philadelphia Eagles select William Beatty - OT - Connecticut

I'm not convinced the Eagles would take a running back in the first round, certainly not this early anyway, although they could do with one. In my opinion they'll be much more concerned with Winston Justice slated to protect McNabb's blind side in the coming season. Beatty might fit a ZBS scheme better, but he's the top OT on the board and will do a fine job. It's all about priorities.

22. Minnesota Vikings select Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois

There are unsubstantiated rumours that Davis was one of a number of players to fail a drug test at the Combine, however for now I'm calling BS on them. Value and need come together here. Although Antoine Winfield is doing a fine job, he'll be 32 come opening day and they need his replacement sooner rather than later. The Illinois standout would initially play the nickel and dime packages, but in time will take over Winfield's job.

23. New England Patriots select Connor Barwin - DE - Cincinatti

It had to be didn't it? He's everything they crave in a player, he's the perfect storm for them in so many ways, and that shows with the level of interest they've had in him. The pass rush was anaemic last year, the joint lowest it's ever been under Bill Belichick, and with Mike Vrabel now residing in Kansas City, Pierre Woods being nothing other than a ST's ace at this point, and old boy Tully Banta-Cain being little more than a JAG, the ROLB job is up for grabs. Last years third round pick Shawn Crable is also well in the mix at the position, but taking Brwin would give them real quality there, and maybe allow the Pats to eventually slide Adalius Thomas inside alongside DROTY Jerod Mayo.

24. Atlanta Falcons select Evander Hood - DT - Missouri

Linebacker might be an option here with Keith Brooking given the Spanish Archer a few weeks back, but Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff both cut their teeth with Franchises who regarded the trenches as the most important. Jamaal Anderson needs to remove the words 'potential bust' from people's thoughts about him, although John Abraham was a revelation in his specialised pass rushing role - but they need a Grady Jackson to give them help inside, and Hood fits the scheme.

25. Miami Dolphins select Sean Smith - CB - Utah

Last years surprise package continue to improve under the Parcells/Sporano partnership and add a very athletic and smart player to a secondary that allowed an average of 228 yards a game last year. With Gibril Wilson arriving from the back of beyond (AKA Oakland) to play alongside the under-rated (if aging) Yeremiah Bell at Safety, suddenly their secondary looks pretty good.

26. Baltimore Ravens select Clint Sintim - LB - Virginia

With Bart Scott now a J-E-T, and with only career special teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo and last year's third rounder Tavares Gooden on the roster, they could do with another option to play alongside Ray Lewis at ILB. Sintim is an experienced 3-4 guy from his days in Al Groh's system at Virginia, and would offer versatility at OLB even though many expect him to slide inside at the next level. Who better a teacher to play with if he does end up at ILB? They could go in one of several directions here though. WR being the most obvious.

27. Indianapolis Colts select Hakeem Nicks - WR - North Carolina

I ummed and arred with this pick in all honesty. They have a few needs, but WR probably tops the list with Marvin Harrison now jetisoned, and Anthony Gonzalez not being a true outside receiver and failing to live up to his potential thus far. They don't really tend to take big guys, so Nicks is right on the edge of their preferred measurables height-wise. All this guy does though is get open and catch TD's - which was Marvin Harrison's job for the last 12 years.

28. Philadelphia Eagles select Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia

I stated earlier that I'm not sure the Eagles take a RB in the first round, although they do have a need with Correll Buckhalter now a Bronco and Lorenzo Booker the only other true back up for Westbrook. Moreno is a top 10 talent and offers huge value here. If you want to see part of the reason why Matt Stafford was so successful - he's right here. More reliable than Beanie Wells, he could be the best back from this draft when people look back in a few years.

29. New York Giants select Kenny Britt - WR - Rutgers

With Gunshot Burress now someone elses problem, the Giants have a need for a quality receiver. They have plenty of speedsters, but no possession guy - Britt is the closest thing to Burress in the draft. Minus the obvious. They could go BPA here though having very very very few holes to fill.

30. Tennessee Titans select Darius Butler - CB - Connecticut

DT is an obvious option here after Big Albert decided to take some of Snyder's millions, but with them seemingly high on last year's second rounder Jason Jones, and the signing of Jovan Haye from the Buccs, they take the opportunity to add to an already impressive secondary. Nick Harper turns 35 in September and the time to find his successor is now.

31. Arizona Cardinals select Chris Wells - RB - Ohio

Although the Cards have picked up Jason Wright from the Browns, the RB situation has a lot of questions. Tim Hightower is the goal-line back and little else, whilst Edgerrin James with his substantial cap hit and lack or production recently will be 31 come opening day. Wells represents the future.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers select Phil Loadholt - OT - Oklahoma

Shambles. That is the only word that describes their O-line right now, especially with Marvel Smith gone to the 49ers. Loadholt is the type of massive road-grader they prefer, and they'll learn to run right often with him in the line up. He is HUGE.

 

[BritPat]

Damn reply thingy, hang on.....


ROUND TWO


33. Detroit Lions select Josh Freeman - QB - Kansas State

I've had five different names here, a couple of them twice. They have a need at DT, in the secondary, WR is a consideration - but I think Freeman makes a lot of sense here. He's been compared to Daunte Culpepper, and will get chance to sit behind him for a year or two before taking over the reins.

34. New England Patriots select Patrick Chung - S - Oregon

Rodney Harrison has set a date of July 1st for him to decide whether he comes back next season - the Pats can't wait that long to decide what to do with his spot. Brandon Meriweather looks a star in the making, whilst James Sanders is a solid if unspectacular player. They reupped him the other week, but Rodney's successor needs to be found, especially with little depth in the position. Chung straight away gives them an ST's ace, and in time will become the leader of the secondary.

35. St. Louis Rams select Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Maryland

The Rams desperately need an ILB, but with Maualuga and Laurinaitis off the board, there's no-one of value to be had here. DHB is a first round talent, and will add to a very anaemic receiving group.

36. Cleveland Browns select Louis Delmas - S - Western Michigan

Their secondary is pretty horrible right now, and need someone at FS to allow Brodney Poole to move back to SS where's he's best. Delmas could go in the top 25 in all honesty, he's got just about everything you want in a Safety. I actually had another name here originally which would have been a bit of a shock, but you never know with Mangini.

37. Seattle Seahawks select Victor Harris - CB - Virginia Tech

Safety is a possibility here, but they need a fine, all round CB. Harris is that guy. He'll provide good competition opposite Trufant.

38. Cincinnatti Bengals select Michael Johnson - DE - Georgia Tech

There are questions about Johnsons's attitude and aptitude, but there's no denying his talent. The Bengals had 17 sacks last year - pathetic. He'll provide a good bookend to Geathers.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars select - Percy Harvin - WR - Florida

Massive value here for a position they need to fill. Harvin has a first round grade on my board (in fact I had him penned for the Pats a few weeks back) and will bring an X-Factor to the Jags offense.

40. Oakland Raiders select - Brian Robiskie - WR - Ohio

The Raiders need a recognised, sure-handed receiver. Robiskie isn't eaxctly speedster that Al loves, but he's NFL-ready, has the bloodlines, and could start from Day 1.

41. Green Bay Packers select - Eben Britton - OT - Arizona

There are several possibilities here, the secondary is one, as is DE/OLB, but I think the advancing ages of Clifton and Tauscher (the latter of which is a FA and coming off knee surgery) means they take a player capable of playing swing for now but will end up as Rodgers' best friend.

42. Buffalo Bills select Brandon Pettigrew - TE - Oklahoma State

Pettigrew is another who has a first round grade on my board, but falls due to lack of need. The Bills have needed a pass catching TE for an eternity, and Pettigrew gives them that plus excellent blocking skills.

43. San Francisco 49ers select Jamon Meredith - OT - South Carolina

The signing of Marvel Smith from the Steelers gives them an option for RT, but his age and injury concerns must be an issue. Joe Staley is struggling at LT, but I have faith in him to come good. Meredith will be a good addition for the future as his bookend.

44. Miami Dolphins select Larry English - DE - Northern Illinois

They do have needs still, a possession receiver being one, and a NT being another, but English gives them a successor for Joey Porter in the long term, and competition for the spot opposite him in the short term.

45. New York Giants select Brian Cushing - LB - USC

The Giants get massive value here. As I stated earlier they have very few holes, RB might be a consideration here if they want to replace Derrick Ward, forexample, but they love their phsyical specimens in New York, and Cushing is all that and more. He'll make a terrific Sam 'backer outside Antonio Pierce.

46. Houston Texans select Max Unger - C - Oregon

Whilst I have Alex Mack penned as the best centre in the draft (and with a first round grade too), Unger fits the Texans ZBS perfectly. He could go higher than this.

47. New England Patriots select - Jarron Gilbert - DE - San Jose State

With both Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green coming into a contract year, and both hitting 30, the Pats need leverage and youth behind that monstrous front 3. Gilbert's athleticism is off the charts, and he was a force against both run and pass in college. His stock is still rising.

48. Denver Broncos select Ron Brace - DT - Boston College

The Broncos finally get their NT. This kid defines the term 'space eater', and although isn't as polished as his more illustrious partner, he'll have a fine career.

cont.....

 

[BritPat]

cont.....

49. Chicago Bears select Derrick Williams - WR - Penn State.

They have their Franchise QB, now they need someone for him to pass to. His stock had slipped slightly after a flu-affected Combine, but he shone at his pro-day.

50. Cleveland Browns select DJ Moore - CB - Vanderbilt

They're thin in the secondary, even with the signing of (the 32 year old) Corey Ivy. Moore is a fine zone coverage corner, and fits perfectly.

51. Dallas Cowboys select Pat White - QB - West Virginia

Jerry Jones has stated he wants to see the Cowboys try some Wildcat formations, and White would give them a player capable of exactly that. He blew scouts away at the Combine, although at his Pro Day he worked out only at QB. If he's willing to play multiple positions, he could be a huge steal.

52. Philadelphia Eagles select Shawn Nelson - TE - Southern Mississippi

It's hard to find a pick for a team with very few holes. They've sorted the OT position and RB position, and it's time to add a proper TE now that the perennially disappointing LJ Smith has left town.

53. New York Jets select Donald Brown - RB - Connecticut

They sorted the WR position, now it's time to add their future RB. Brown was sensational last year, and with Thomas Jones hitting the magic 30 mark, and Leon Washington unable to handle the load full time, he's a fine option here.

54. Minnesota Vikings select Alex Mack - C - California

Matt Birk was lured away in the off-season, leaving John Sullivan, last year's sixth round pick, as the only C on the roster. Mack is a first round talent in my eyes, and one of the very best to come out in recent years.

55. Atlanta Falcons select William Moore - S - Missouri

They added a DT earlier, and now add a Safety which is another desperate need. Moore's stock has dropped since the New Year, but he's still higly thought of and will add a physical presence in the defensive backfield.

56. Miami Dolphins select Juaquin Iglesias - WR - Oklahoma

With there being no outstanding NT's available, they add a WR. They would prefer a possession type here probably, but Iglesias is a guy who has done nothing but get open in his college career, especially last year where he was outstanding.

57. Baltimore Ravens select Louis Murphy - WR - Florida

The tenth receiver off the board, which has me slightly concerned, but nevertheless, Murphy has all the attributes you'd look for at the next level. Granted his production has never been high, but in that funky Florida system it was never going to be. His potential is off the charts though, and with the Ravens having filled their need at CB in Free Agency, and very few other holes, they can take a chance here.

58. New England Patriots select Troy Kropog - OT - Tulane

Matt Light is into his 30's, and Nick Kaczur is another solid if unspectacular Patriot. Behind them, the depth is extremely suspect with Wesley Britt and Ryan O'Callaghan struggling to stay fit, and Mark LeVoir being a JAG right now. Kropog fits the pats MO for Linemen, and would take over as the starting LT in a year or two.

59. Carolina Panthers select Fili Moala - DT - USC

Ideally they'll grab a pass rusher here to replace Julius Peppers, but DT is a big concern too. Lewis and Kemoeatu are good players, but are upgradeable, plus there's no depth. Moala will appeal to both 4-3 and 3-4 teams, but offers terrific value here as a player capable of playing both the 1 technique and 3 technique.

60. New York Giants select LeSean McCoy - RB - Pittsburgh

They finally replace Derrick Ward with a player who saw his stock fall due to a poor Pro-Day. Talent wise, he's borderline first round.

61. Indianapolis Colts select Sen'Derrick Marks - DT - Auburn

Peria Jerry is the prototype for them in the draft, and they might hope he falls to them in the first round, but here they get a player with the skills and talent to play their system.

62. Tennessee Titans select Paul Kruger - DE - Utah

Both KVB and The Freak are getting on now, and they need youth behind them. Kruger's play last year was tremendous.

63. Arizona Cardinals select Eric Wood - C - Louisville

Lyle 'botched snap' Sendlein is a back up at best. Wood has been a hugely dependable guy in College and will be a quality player for years to come.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers select Herman Johnson - OG - LSU

The Steelers would probably like a DE here, but there's no standout option, so they go O-line again. Johnson, if he can keep the weight off, is the type of massive road-grader they love, although he was too big for anyone at one point. CB is an option too.

_________________________________________________________

Okay, feel free to take the mick and abuse me.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Okay, feel free to take the mick and abuse me.

Nah. I would be quite happy with this haul.

Of course, the odds that the Pats will make zero first-day trades is essentially zero, but that's a minor complaint. [If you had trades, but still had the Pats sitting pretty, that would be cause for complaint.]

 

[gomezcat]

Interesting stuff. Agree re Stafford slipping. Apparently, the scouts really don't rate this crop of QBs and have been heard saying unrepeatable things about them.

Love the "Spanish Archer" gag in no.24. It took me a minute to get it!

 

[mayoclinic]

Nice effort, with detailed explanations.

I don't agree with it, on several fronts. My biggest quibble is that I see the QBs going high rather than low - possibly top 10 for all 3. I think Detroit is locked in on Stafford for #1, and that Sanchez will probably go #4 and not lower than #10. I think if Sanchez goes early Freeman could go as high as #10 to San Francisco, and not lower than TB at #19.

It's a very nice draft for the Pats. I would take Eric Wood over Troy Kropog at #58. I can't argue with the Patrick Chung pick (though I prefer Delmas), but I think 34 is high for him - Gilbert at 34 and Chung at 47 would make more sense. But I'd be quite content with that first day.

Again, nice effort.

 

[DW Toys]

cont.....

17. New York Jets select Jeremy Maclin - WR - Missouri

QB is a big consideration here, but it wouldn't surprise me if Ryan decided to give Clemens/Ratliff a year before deciding on the future. They desperately need help at receiver, and Maclin is the best out there at this point.

18. Denver Broncos select Robert Ayers - DE - Tennessee

Good value and need come together here. They could flip flop this pick with #12 and take a pass rusher there (if Raji is off the board that is), but they need an ILB, and with Maualuga not likely to last to this point, he goes early and they get the pass rusher here. Ayers was outstanding this year and is ready to step in at OLB straight away.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Peria Jerry - DT - Ole Miss

The Tampa 2 works on the front 4 getting pressure, which the Bucaneers struggled to do for much of the season despite Gaines Adams having an impressive sophomore year. They were pretty good against the run, but their DT's need upgrading. Peria Jerry is the ultimate Tampa 2 DT and fits like a glove.

20. Detroit Lions select James Laurinaitis - LB - Ohio

Not a huge fans of this cat, and think this is too high for him, but the Lions urgently need an MLB. I think Laurinaitis fits the 4-3 better than a 3-4, and this makes sense. They could go with a DE here though if Schwartz is trying to reproduce Titans North in the Motor City.

21. Philadelphia Eagles select William Beatty - OT - Connecticut

I'm not convinced the Eagles would take a running back in the first round, certainly not this early anyway, although they could do with one. In my opinion they'll be much more concerned with Winston Justice slated to protect McNabb's blind side in the coming season. Beatty might fit a ZBS scheme better, but he's the top OT on the board and will do a fine job. It's all about priorities.

22. Minnesota Vikings select Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois

There are unsubstantiated rumours that Davis was one of a number of players to fail a drug test at the Combine, however for now I'm calling BS on them. Value and need come together here. Although Antoine Winfield is doing a fine job, he'll be 32 come opening day and they need his replacement sooner rather than later. The Illinois standout would initially play the nickel and dime packages, but in time will take over Winfield's job.

23. New England Patriots select Connor Barwin - DE - Cincinatti

It had to be didn't it? He's everything they crave in a player, he's the perfect storm for them in so many ways, and that shows with the level of interest they've had in him. The pass rush was anaemic last year, the joint lowest it's ever been under Bill Belichick, and with Mike Vrabel now residing in Kansas City, Pierre Woods being nothing other than a ST's ace at this point, and old boy Tully Banta-Cain being little more than a JAG, the ROLB job is up for grabs. Last years third round pick Shawn Crable is also well in the mix at the position, but taking Brwin would give them real quality there, and maybe allow the Pats to eventually slide Adalius Thomas inside alongside DROTY Jerod Mayo.

24. Atlanta Falcons select Evander Hood - DT - Missouri

Linebacker might be an option here with Keith Brooking given the Spanish Archer a few weeks back, but Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff both cut their teeth with Franchises who regarded the trenches as the most important. Jamaal Anderson needs to remove the words 'potential bust' from people's thoughts about him, although John Abraham was a revelation in his specialised pass rushing role - but they need a Grady Jackson to give them help inside, and Hood fits the scheme.

25. Miami Dolphins select Sean Smith - CB - Utah

Last years surprise package continue to improve under the Parcells/Sporano partnership and add a very athletic and smart player to a secondary that allowed an average of 228 yards a game last year. With Gibril Wilson arriving from the back of beyond (AKA Oakland) to play alongside the under-rated (if aging) Yeremiah Bell at Safety, suddenly their secondary looks pretty good.

26. Baltimore Ravens select Clint Sintim - LB - Virginia

With Bart Scott now a J-E-T, and with only career special teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo and last year's third rounder Tavares Gooden on the roster, they could do with another option to play alongside Ray Lewis at ILB. Sintim is an experienced 3-4 guy from his days in Al Groh's system at Virginia, and would offer versatility at OLB even though many expect him to slide inside at the next level. Who better a teacher to play with if he does end up at ILB? They could go in one of several directions here though. WR being the most obvious.

27. Indianapolis Colts select Hakeem Nicks - WR - North Carolina

I ummed and arred with this pick in all honesty. They have a few needs, but WR probably tops the list with Marvin Harrison now jetisoned, and Anthony Gonzalez not being a true outside receiver and failing to live up to his potential thus far. They don't really tend to take big guys, so Nicks is right on the edge of their preferred measurables height-wise. All this guy does though is get open and catch TD's - which was Marvin Harrison's job for the last 12 years.

28. Philadelphia Eagles select Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia

I stated earlier that I'm not sure the Eagles take a RB in the first round, although they do have a need with Correll Buckhalter now a Bronco and Lorenzo Booker the only other true back up for Westbrook. Moreno is a top 10 talent and offers huge value here. If you want to see part of the reason why Matt Stafford was so successful - he's right here. More reliable than Beanie Wells, he could be the best back from this draft when people look back in a few years.

29. New York Giants select Kenny Britt - WR - Rutgers

With Gunshot Burress now someone elses problem, the Giants have a need for a quality receiver. They have plenty of speedsters, but no possession guy - Britt is the closest thing to Burress in the draft. Minus the obvious. They could go BPA here though having very very very few holes to fill.

30. Tennessee Titans select Darius Butler - CB - Connecticut

DT is an obvious option here after Big Albert decided to take some of Snyder's millions, but with them seemingly high on last year's second rounder Jason Jones, and the signing of Jovan Haye from the Buccs, they take the opportunity to add to an already impressive secondary. Nick Harper turns 35 in September and the time to find his successor is now.

31. Arizona Cardinals select Chris Wells - RB - Ohio

Although the Cards have picked up Jason Wright from the Browns, the RB situation has a lot of questions. Tim Hightower is the goal-line back and little else, whilst Edgerrin James with his substantial cap hit and lack or production recently will be 31 come opening day. Wells represents the future.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers select Phil Loadholt - OT - Oklahoma

Shambles. That is the only word that describes their O-line right now, especially with Marvel Smith gone to the 49ers. Loadholt is the type of massive road-grader they prefer, and they'll learn to run right often with him in the line up. He is HUGE.

Hard work and good job. Not all my choices but fair enough.
DW Toys

 

[mayoclinic]

This from Michael Lombardi today: "Josh Freeman of Kansas State is hot right now for a lot of teams. I had one personnel man tell me that he really believes Freeman will be a top-10 pick. Stafford, Mark Sanchez and Freeman might all be top-10 picks." I've been predicting that Freeman could go as high as #9 (with Green Bay trading down to a team like the Jets or Bucs that wants to jump ahead of San Francisco for him), and no lower than #19.

The National Football Post | Notes From Lombardi: Sunday Edition

 

[VJCPatriot]

I wouldn't be surprised if all 3 QBs taken this year turn out to be busts. Stafford/Sanchez/Freeman. But in a league desperate for QBs, it's no surprise that teams will still draft them early. I think KC got the best value of the crop of QBs available this year. And they didn't have to spend a 1st to do it either. Pioli shows why he's been receiving executive of the year awards and Detroit shows why it went 0-16.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Patrick Chung at 34 was a head scratcher. I could of easily seen him at 47 or perhaps 58.

 

[mgteich]

Pioli will be paying a lot more for his QB than the other teams. Obviously, Pioli could have signed free agents with much of hid usused cap money. Is it really the mark of a top executive not to spend the cap money on free agents, and to spend $14M for a QB for one year, and give up a #34 for the priviledge?

I wouldn't be surprised if all 3 QBs taken this year turn out to be busts. Stafford/Sanchez/Freeman. But in a league desperate for QBs, it's no surprise that teams will still draft them early. I think KC got the best value of the crop of QBs available this year. And they didn't have to spend a 1st to do it either. Pioli shows why he's been receiving executive of the year awards and Detroit shows why it went 0-16.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Very nice mock. I like several of the Pats pick.