In light of yesterday's news about Sam Shields, I wondered whether, if Talib proves to be too expensive, it might be worth attacking the DL in FA and other needs in the draft. This mock is merely a reflection of those ponderings. It also takes into account the rumours about Ryan Mallett and the Texans and I included a trade (in part borrowed from a Deus idea) as part of the mock.
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1. Talib proves to be too expensive and signs elsewhere. Edelman doesn’t return either.
2. Blount is re-signed. Wendell is re-signed. There’s a lot to be said for cohesion on the OL.
3. Sign Tyson Jackson - Ideal BB size for a 3-4 DE or DT. Isn’t a major threat to the QB, although he has 7 sacks the last two years, but is one of the best against the run - a significant weakness last year. Tommy Kelly, Armond Armstead and Chris Jones flesh out the remaining non NT interior DL positions and add pass rush.
4. Sign Corey Wootton - Again ideal BB size and length. Shouldn’t be too expensive but is an ideal backup DE and has had reps as an interior pass rusher too. Everson Griffen is another possibility for this spot.
5. Trade Ryan Mallett to the Houston Texans for a swap of second and third round picks and the swap the Texans 5th rounder for our first 6th.
#29 ***Trade***
Dallas trade #47, 78 for Patriots’ #29. Cowboys trade up for Dee Ford to compliment their selection of Timmy Jernigan in the first round.
#33 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
I have to believe that BB is a fan of Fullers’ aggressiveness and ability in the run game. He also has a great feel for where the ball is in the passing game. Can play CB on the outside, in the nickel or as a safety up on the line.
#47 (from Dallas) Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Made my feelings clear on what I think of Jimmie elsewhere and won’t re-hash it. suffice it to say, Fuller and Ward make for a stable long-term defensive backfield along with Dennard, McCourty, Harmon and Ryan.
#65 Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
Insurance and upside against further Gronk injuries, at the very least, Niklas is a tremendous inline blocker who can attack the seams and give us a greater red zone threat. Still prefer ASJ but fancied a change for this mock.
#78 (from Dallas) Joel Bitonio, OL, Nevada
Whether he helps at RG or OC in the short or long-term, Bitonio is Mankins-esque both in his combine measurables and in the way he plays. A really good BB fit.
#126 Jordan Tripp, OLB, Montana.
Was between him and Christian Jones. I really like the Urlacher comp for Tripp. He’s not there yet but some added bulk and NFL coaching on top of his outstanding athleticism could lead to some serious upside. Really getting on board with this pick.
#129 (from HOU) ***Trade***
Jacksonville trade #138 and #163 for our 129
#138 (From JAX) Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
A hail mary pass but one, that it it pays off at QB or TE would be an outstanding pick. His upside is the next Cam Newton, Gronk or Jimmy Graham athletically. Worth the risk.
#163 (From JAX) Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest
The next smurf on the production line. Edelman like numbers at his pro day and tremendous productivity at college.
#190 ***Trade***
SF has three consecutive picks immediately before our seventh rounder. We trade our remaining 6th rounder for those three picks.
COMP Tyler Starr, OLB, S Dakota
BB loves his 3-cones and Starr broke the record for best 3-cone for a prospect over 240lbs at the combine. This is a special team pickup predominantly.
#218 (From SF) Zach Kerr, DT, Delaware
Outstanding quickness for a NT, very good swim move and breaks down in space well. Kerr is underrated as far as I’m concerned and well worth developing as a future NT.
#219 (From SF) Ben Malena, RB, Texas A&M
Showcased 4.4 speed at his pro-day and we are reportedly shown significant interest. Looks to be an interesting Vereen backup.
#220 (From SF) Brock Vereen, S, Minnesota
Really does have the feel of a Patriots pick in terms of athleticism and role. Someone to threaten Tavon Wilson’s role as #4 safety.
#221 Kenny Guiton, QB, Ohio State.
Has the smarts, athleticism and arm to be a genuine potential NFL backup. He and Logan Thomas will battle it out in camp to be Brady’s primary backup. Guiton has the character and intelligence to be someone who sticks on the roster in some capacity.
UDFA Blake Annen, TE, Cincinnati
a TE that runs 4.4. worth bringing in to camp. We brought two in from the Bearcats last year so why not go their again this.
UDFA Albert Wilson, WR, Georgia State
Intriguing returner and Josh Boyce like receiver. This one's for you Sircole.
UDFA Joe Clancy, QB, Merrimanck
Another who has intriguing upside. Worth a spot in camp.
UDFA Terrence Fede, DE, Marist
Really intriguing little known pass rushing prospect. likely to end up with a draft able grade. Has draft able size (6-4, 278) and athleticism (7.02 3-cone). A name worth remembering.
Just a note. I tried for realism with the Jackson/Wootton signings. they aren't necessarily my first choices but they do seem like likely choices.
~ the Draft Pick Compensation for Free Agents, whether it's 2 1st Rounders, nothing at all, or something in between for, say, RFA's, is always negotiable: If Mack were franchised and thus nominally came with 2 1st Rounders as'is price tag, the Patriots and Browns could always come to an accommodation. 
