* Ye Official 2012 Mock Draft Thread!! *

[Blackluck]

Re Taking Martin:

If Martin is sitting there at 27 a number of teams will be falling over themselves for a trade. While I am personally never opposed to drafting O line - and agree 100% with your logic - I think the potential return in a trade would be too great to pass up.

Just left the ESPN message board (Thank God). Here is a mock draft......

#27 - Michael Brockers, DT
#31 - Vinny Curry, DE/OLB
#48 - Kelechi Osemele, OG
#93 - Trumaine Johnson, CB/FS
#112 (projected pick) - Jaye Howard, DT
#126 - Ron Brooks, CB

Very little chance Brockers falls to 27; while I can't see him falling past 20, Denver takes him at 25 if he does drop. I like the rest of your mock- but I'm also resigned to Belichick passing on this years OLB class (McClellin, Curry, Branch) as he has in the past (i.e. Reed, Barwin, et al. )

 

[bruschi_warrior]

Re Taking Martin:

If Martin is sitting there at 27 a number of teams will be falling over themselves for a trade. While I am personally never opposed to drafting O line - and agree 100% with your logic - I think the potential return in a trade would be too great to pass up.



Very little chance Brockers falls to 27; while I can't see him falling past 20, Denver takes him at 25 if he does drop. I like the rest of your mock- but I'm also resigned to Belichick passing on this years OLB class (McClellin, Curry, Branch) as he has in the past (i.e. Reed, Barwin, et al. )

If Dontari Poe slips into the mid-to-late teens then the chances of slipping increases. We'll see what happens.....

 

[Off The Grid]

Just left the ESPN message board (Thank God). Here is a mock draft......

#27 - Michael Brockers, DT



#31 - Vinny Curry, DE/OLB



#48 - Kelechi Osemele, OG



#93 - Trumaine Johnson, CB/FS



#112 (projected pick) - Jaye Howard, DT



#126 - Ron Brooks, CB




Brockers can play strong side 4-3 DE or 4-3 DT as well. He is strong enough to hold an edge at DE and if he plays inside, it could help free up Wilfork on the inside especially if you have a couple of edge rushers in passing situations.

Osemele is someone that I got to watch a lot of this year and the guy is someone that you could bring in and be a long term solution at guard. He also has a high motor. That and if there is one thing that I think the Pats would be making a mistake on is not taking guys in the SEC or the Big 12 for this draft class.

Those two conferences played at a high level this year. I don't know enough about Silatolu to make that kind of call.

I saw enough of Curry to know that the guy could be the next JPP but more polished coming out of college.

Defense and Grizzlies!! Beauty!! :rocker:

 

[State]

I wasn't sure where to put this, and I didn't want to start a new thread so I'll leave it here. One guy that has been of interest to me is OT Jonathan Martin from Stanford. At the end of the season he was a possible top 5 pick, and a month ago he was a top 12 pick. Now his stock is sliding and he may be available at the end of round 1 (although I personally don't think SD could let him get past them). I saw in another thread ATippett56 posted the idea that if Martin was on the board at 27, we could trade down with the Eagles. But what if we drafted Martin instead. It may seem silly after drafting Solder last year and having Vollmer on the roster, but I think its an idea that could have some merit. First, Vollmer is a free agent at the end of the year and after an All Pro year in 2010, he could be looking at quite a sizable contract. With the cap expected to remain relatively flat over the next few years, a large contract for Vollmer could make it difficult to re-sign some of our other guys in the near future. The bigger issue however is Vollmer's injury history. To put it bluntly, his back injury scares the crap out of me. We saw how limited he was on the field last year with it, and if it's something that could hinder him long term I don't think you could justify giving him a big long term deal.

Thats where Martin could come in. I personally have him rated higher than Vollmer and Solder coming out of college, and I think he has become one of the more underrated players in this draft. He is a natural LT,but with Solder on the roster he is probably better suited to RT here. He is a big, athletic and intelligent guy who should fit well into this system. The only knock on him seems to be a lack of elite core strength, but I think that is something that could be worked on. At the end of round 1 I think he is great value.

If we were to draft Martin, that could leave us with 2 options. If Light retires, we could keep Vollmer and he would likely start at RT. Martin would be the backup at both LT and RT, and could also likely fill in at OG. Then we decide whether it is worth keeping Vollmer long term at the end of the season. The other option is possibly flipping Vollmer to a team in need of OT help at the top of the 2nd round. The Rams, Browns, Dolphins, Bills and Cards could all be looking for help at OT, and a high 2nd for Vollmer would be good value for both teams. Martin steps in at RT and is a healthy, cheaper option for the next 4 years. He might not have as high a ceiling as Vollmer, but he is a fairly safe pick.

Now, I'm not saying I want to do this or I would do this, but I think it could be something to keep in mind. If the Pats are worried about Vollmer's back long term, a high pick on an OT could make sense.

I was thinking that it's very possible OT Jonathan Martin is the highest player available when we pick at #27. We should pick him.

Then what if Arizona calls us, offering us their third (17) and sixth this year (They don't have a second), and next year's first for him? I could see them panicking like that. They need offensive line help in a big way. Martin would be perfect for them

 

[ATippett56]

I was thinking that it's very possible OT Jonathan Martin is the highest player available when we pick at #27. We should pick him.

Jonathan Martin's Pro Day was unimpressive. Aside from Kalil and Reiff, this a very weak draft class for offensive left tackles. There are plenty of defensive players who fill a need that would be available with the #27 overall pick (Michael Brockers or Devon Still or Kendall Reyes or Dre Kirkpatrick or Stephon Gilmore).

 

[Wilfork#75]

A few notes before I start

- Like I said in the Brockers vs Hicks thread, I think the base defense will be a 4-3 Under instead of a base 3-4, which shifted not only the positions of need but also the types of players at those positions.

- Until its official I’m still going to assume Light is back. If he does retire I think OT is more of a Free Agency need than a draft need. Unless they are seriously concerned with Vollmers health in which case OT becomes a large need.

- To me the sweet spot of this draft seems to be the top of the 4th round. This draft looks to have decent depth and I think there will be some quality players available at the start of day 3. So maneuvering to get some picks at the top of the 4th where you have a night to re-evaluate the board is a priority to me.

- One of the issues I think the Pats had last season was too many pure special teamers that contributed very little on offense or defense. With the current kickoff rules, I am willing to sacrifice a little on special teams to improve the depth on defense.


Round 1 Mock
1. Ind- QB- Andrew Luck- Stanford
2. Wash- QB- RGIII- Baylor
3. Min- OT- Matt Kalil- USC
4. *Jax (from Cle)- WR- Justin Blackmon- Oklahoma State
5. TB- CB- Morris Claiborne- LSU
6. **Mia (from Stl)- QB- Ryan Tannehill- Texas A&M
7. *Cle (from Jax)- RB- Trent Richardson- Alabama
8. **Stl (from Mia)- DT- Fletcher Cox- Miss State
9. Car- LB- Luke Kuechly- BC
10. Buf- OT- Riley Reiff- Iowa
11. KC- OG- David DeCastro- Stanford
12. Sea- DE- Melvin Ingram- South Carolina
13. Ari- WR- Michael Floyd- ND
14. Dal- DT- Dontari Poe- Memphis
15. Phi- DT- Michael Brockers- LSU
16. NYJ- S- Mark Barron- Alabama
17. Cin- OL- Cordy Glenn- Georgia
18. SD- OT- Jonathan Martin- Stanford
19. Chi- DE- Quinton Coples- UNC
20. Tenn- C- Peter Konz- Wisconsin
21. Cin- CB- Dre Kirkpatrick- Alabama
22. Cle- WR- Kendall Wright- Baylor
23. Det- CB- Stephon Gilmore- South Carolina
24. Pit- LB- Dont’a Hightower- Alabama
25. Den- DT- Jerel Worthy- Michigan State
26. Hou- WR- Stephan Hill- Georgia Tech
27. NE- DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama
28. GB- DE/OLB- Shea McClellin- Boise State
29. Bal- DE/OLB- Whitney Mercilus- Illinois
30. SF- OG- Amini Silatolu- Midwestern State
31. ***Stl (from NE)- OT- Mike Adams- Ohio State
32. NYG- TE- Coby Fleener- Stanford

Trades
* Cle trades 1 (4) to Jacksonville for 1 (7) + 3 (70) + 5 (142)
** Stl trades 1 (6) to Mia for 1 (8) + 3 (72)
*** NE trades 1 (31) to Stl for 2 (39) + 4 (96)


Pats Draft

QB Brian Hoyer to Cle for 4 (100) + 4 (118)
It’s unlikely that Hoyer will be traded before the draft, but I would still look to move him. I am comfortable with Mallett as the backup and I think there will be a lot of competition for roster spots. If we can get decent value for Hoyer, save some cap space and keep an extra roster spot, I think it’s a good deal. Cleveland still makes the most sense to me, and this is the kind of deal that could come together between rounds 1 and 2 if the Browns don’t take a QB.

1 (27). DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama
Upshaw is the perfect fit for the elephant LBer role in the 4-3 U. This is a position that will often one-gap the weak side so they have to be a strong run defender to set the edge, but also be explosive enough to get after the QB. Upshaw has an explosive first step and is an elite run defender for a DE/OLB. He has the skill set, instincts, coaching and experience to thrive in this role and become a dominant player in the NFL.

1 (31). Trade to Stl for 2 (39) + 4 (96)
Stl already traded down twice in the 1st round, now they move up with their second 2nd rounder to get a new OT to protect Sam Bradford, while still keeping the 33rd pick. Pats move down and grap and extra 4th

2 (39). WR- Alshon Jeffery- South Carolina
Even with an impressive showing at his pro day, some people still doubt this kid. He is going to be a stud in the NFL and I am going to enjoy watching him for a long time (as long as he isn’t drafted by the Jets).

2 (48). CB-Janoris Jenkins- North Alabama / CB/S- Alfonzo Dennard- Nebraska
The talk lately is that Janoris Jenkins has fallen out of the 1st round based on character issues. If he is still on the board at 48 I think he is worth a shot because the talent is unquestionable. I think Urban Meyer would have a big say on whether or not Jenkins is on the Pats board. If he is not the pick, Dennard would be my choice as a FS conversion. He is tough, physical and a sure tackler that understands the game takes good angles to the ball. To me that screams out Safety and I think this kid could be a good one. If they are both off the board I would move down and take Trumaine Johnson from Montana.

2 (62) trade to Sea for 3 (75) + 4 (106)
Move down and keep adding picks

3 (75)- DL- Billy Winn- Boise State
To me, Billy Winn seems like a perfect fit for the big LDE spot in a 4-3 U. He has the size and strength to two-gap, but also the athleticism to play on the outside. He can also shift inside on passing downs and really get after the QB. Great combination of talent, value and versatility.

3 (93)- RB- Robert Turbin- Utah State
With the young guys already on the roster I’m not a huge fan of drafting another RB, but the one exception to that is Turbin. I love his combination of size, speed, athleticism and ball skills and I think he is going to be one hell of an NFL RB. I think he could form a great 1-2 combination with Ridley and he would also be a great 3rd down option that could split wide into the slot.

4 (96) trade to Buf for 4 (105) + 5 (144)

4 (100)- CB- Chase Minnifield- Virginia
Minnifield has quickly become one of the most underrated players in this draft simply because he didn’t run a great 40 time coming off an injury. He has the athleticism, he has the ball skills, but what he has which many guys in this draft don’t, is a deep understanding of the position. He understands angles and positioning, and knows the tricks of the trade. I think he is going to be a very good NFL CB and a lot of teams will regret passing on him. I still have a high 2nd round grade on the guy, so to get him in the early 4th is a steal to me.

4 (105)- WR- Ryan Broyles- Oklahoma
There isn’t much more to say about Broyles because everyone knows the story. Stick him on PUP/IR, give him time to develop and you might just find your future replacement for Welker.

4 (106)- DL- Kheeston Randall- Texas
Very talented run stuffing DL who will give you almost nothing as a pass rusher. But in the 4th round I think you have to be pretty happy with a really solid two down player. He can play the Big LDE and DT in the 4-3 U, as the 5-tech or any other position across the defensive front for different run stopping alignments. He should come in and be an upgrade over Ron Brace and Gerard Warren, and add some much needed depth to the DL.

4 (118)- DE/OLB- Jonathan Massaquoi- Troy
We all know the pass rush is an issue, so I think a mid round pass rush specialist could be a solid move. Massaquoi has enormous upside but is extremely raw and hasn’t faced top competition at Troy. He will only be a 1 down, sub package player as a rookie, but he could develop into another elite Troy pass rusher. Only time will tell.

4 (126)- LB- Emmanuel Acho- Texas
Depth and coverage in our LBing corp was poor last season so a guy like Acho could be of great use. Guyton is gone and anyone that can keep Tracy White off the field on defense sounds like a good idea to me. Acho is a good athlete and smart player that would add good depth to both the defense and special teams.

5 (144)- DB/ST- Justin Bethel- Presbyterian
Another guy that will get his start on special teams but could develop into a lot more. Bethel is the definition of a special teams ace, and if you hear him talk you can just see BB fall in love with the kid. But beyond that he has good upside as a DB. He has good athleticism and fantastic ball skills, as well as the ability to play both CB and FS. I think he is a guy that can come in and make the roster, and given time could develop into a solid contributor on defense.

Basic Roster
(2) QB- Brady, Mallett
(4) RB- Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead, Turbin
(4) TE/FB- Gronk, Hernandez, Fells, Fiametta
(5) WR- Welker, Lloyd, Jeffery, Branch, Ocho/Stallworth/Gonzalez/ (Broyles PUP/IR)
(4) OT- Light, Vollmer, Solder, Cannon/Hix
(3) OG- Mankins, Waters, Gallery/Thomas
(2) C- Connolly, Wendell/McDonald
Offense- 24

(6) DT- Wilfork, Love, Deaderick, Fanene, Winn/Randall/Pryor/Brace
(4) DE- Upshaw, Scott, Massaquoi, A. Carter
(5) LB- Mayo, Spikes, Ninkovich, Fletcher/Acho/Carpenter/White/Tarpanian
(9) DB- McCourty, Dowling, Arrington, Minnifield, Moore, Chung, Gregory, Jenkins/Dennard, Barrett/Cole/Bethel/
Defense- 24

K- Gost
P- Mesko
LS- Aiken
ST- Edelman, Slater

Total 53

 

[State]

The trend among among scouts is to assert that Cordy Glenn will be drafted before Riley Reiff. There's a higher ceiling there.

Otherwise, great job!

 

[ATippett56]

The trend among among scouts is to assert that Cordy Glenn will be drafted before Riley Reiff.

The Buffalo Bills currently do not have a competent left tackle on the roster. I don't envision any scenario where Glenn would be selected before the #10 overall pick.

 

[State]

Jonathan Martin's Pro Day was unimpressive. Aside from Kalil and Reiff, this a very weak draft class for offensive left tackles.

Wow, I'm surprised you said that. I don't agree.

Bobby Massie, for example, is zooming up into the first round.

This draft is deceptively strong with offensive linemen. I think we could see seven taken. And I have said I predict Georgia's Cordy Glenn gets taken before Iowa's Reiff.

And I think the two behemoths from Wisconsin go in the first. And DeCastro is just about my favorite player in this draft.

A lot of first round talent. Probably a big dropoff in the second, though.

 

[State]

1 (27). DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama
Upshaw is the perfect fit for the elephant LBer role in the 4-3 U. This is a position that will often one-gap the weak side so they have to be a strong run defender to set the edge, but also be explosive enough to get after the QB. Upshaw has an explosive first step and is an elite run defender for a DE/OLB. He has the skill set, instincts, coaching and experience to thrive in this role and become a dominant player in the NFL.

I used to be so high on him, too. But if other players are available, like Clemson's Andre Branch, I think the Patriots go in that direction.

I've read what Ochmed Jones has said about Upshaw's lack of flexibility, athleticism, and 279 pounds. We could end up drafting a bigger, slower Billy Wynn.

 

[ATippett56]

Wow, I'm surprised you said that. I don't agree.

Emphasis again on left offensive tackles.

Bobby Massie, for example, is zooming up into the first round.

Bobby Massie, Mississippi, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Massie elected to bypass his senior season to enter the draft. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder from Lynchburg, Va., played in every game the last three seasons, starting the last 29 at right tackle.

This draft is deceptively strong with offensive linemen. I think we could see seven taken. And I have said I predict Georgia's Cordy Glenn gets taken before Iowa's Reiff.

By which team?

 

[captain stone]

- One of the issues I think the Pats had last season was too many pure special teamers that contributed very little on offense or defense. With the current kickoff rules, I am willing to sacrifice a little on special teams to improve the depth on defense.

While I don't like many of your picks, I do like a lot of your trades;
and I absolutely love the statement above.
The error...era of 4+ ST-only "aces"(snicker) needs to end, immediately.

 

[Off The Grid]

A few notes before I start

- Like I said in the Brockers vs Hicks thread, I think the base defense will be a 4-3 Under instead of a base 3-4, which shifted not only the positions of need but also the types of players at those positions.

- Until its official I’m still going to assume Light is back. If he does retire I think OT is more of a Free Agency need than a draft need. Unless they are seriously concerned with Vollmers health in which case OT becomes a large need.

- To me the sweet spot of this draft seems to be the top of the 4th round. This draft looks to have decent depth and I think there will be some quality players available at the start of day 3. So maneuvering to get some picks at the top of the 4th where you have a night to re-evaluate the board is a priority to me.

- One of the issues I think the Pats had last season was too many pure special teamers that contributed very little on offense or defense. With the current kickoff rules, I am willing to sacrifice a little on special teams to improve the depth on defense.


Round 1 Mock
1. Ind- QB- Andrew Luck- Stanford
2. Wash- QB- RGIII- Baylor
3. Min- OT- Matt Kalil- USC
4. *Jax (from Cle)- WR- Justin Blackmon- Oklahoma State
5. TB- CB- Morris Claiborne- LSU
6. **Mia (from Stl)- QB- Ryan Tannehill- Texas A&M
7. *Cle (from Jax)- RB- Trent Richardson- Alabama
8. **Stl (from Mia)- DT- Fletcher Cox- Miss State
9. Car- LB- Luke Kuechly- BC
10. Buf- OT- Riley Reiff- Iowa
11. KC- OG- David DeCastro- Stanford
12. Sea- DE- Melvin Ingram- South Carolina
13. Ari- WR- Michael Floyd- ND
14. Dal- DT- Dontari Poe- Memphis
15. Phi- DT- Michael Brockers- LSU
16. NYJ- S- Mark Barron- Alabama
17. Cin- OL- Cordy Glenn- Georgia
18. SD- OT- Jonathan Martin- Stanford
19. Chi- DE- Quinton Coples- UNC
20. Tenn- C- Peter Konz- Wisconsin
21. Cin- CB- Dre Kirkpatrick- Alabama
22. Cle- WR- Kendall Wright- Baylor
23. Det- CB- Stephon Gilmore- South Carolina
24. Pit- LB- Dont’a Hightower- Alabama
25. Den- DT- Jerel Worthy- Michigan State
26. Hou- WR- Stephan Hill- Georgia Tech
27. NE- DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama
28. GB- DE/OLB- Shea McClellin- Boise State
29. Bal- DE/OLB- Whitney Mercilus- Illinois
30. SF- OG- Amini Silatolu- Midwestern State
31. ***Stl (from NE)- OT- Mike Adams- Ohio State
32. NYG- TE- Coby Fleener- Stanford

Trades
* Cle trades 1 (4) to Jacksonville for 1 (7) + 3 (70) + 5 (142)
** Stl trades 1 (6) to Mia for 1 (8) + 3 (72)
*** NE trades 1 (31) to Stl for 2 (39) + 4 (96)


Pats Draft

QB Brian Hoyer to Cle for 4 (100) + 4 (118)


It’s unlikely that Hoyer will be traded before the draft, but I would still look to move him. I am comfortable with Mallett as the backup and I think there will be a lot of competition for roster spots. If we can get decent value for Hoyer, save some cap space and keep an extra roster spot, I think it’s a good deal. Cleveland still makes the most sense to me, and this is the kind of deal that could come together between rounds 1 and 2 if the Browns don’t take a QB.

1 (27). DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama



Upshaw is the perfect fit for the elephant LBer role in the 4-3 U. This is a position that will often one-gap the weak side so they have to be a strong run defender to set the edge, but also be explosive enough to get after the QB. Upshaw has an explosive first step and is an elite run defender for a DE/OLB. He has the skill set, instincts, coaching and experience to thrive in this role and become a dominant player in the NFL.

1 (31). Trade to Stl for 2 (39) + 4 (96)

Stl already traded down twice in the 1st round, now they move up with their second 2nd rounder to get a new OT to protect Sam Bradford, while still keeping the 33rd pick. Pats move down and grap and extra 4th

2 (39). WR- Alshon Jeffery- South Carolina



Even with an impressive showing at his pro day, some people still doubt this kid. He is going to be a stud in the NFL and I am going to enjoy watching him for a long time (as long as he isn’t drafted by the Jets).

2 (48). CB-Janoris Jenkins- North Alabama / CB/S- Alfonzo Dennard- Nebraska



The talk lately is that Janoris Jenkins has fallen out of the 1st round based on character issues. If he is still on the board at 48 I think he is worth a shot because the talent is unquestionable. I think Urban Meyer would have a big say on whether or not Jenkins is on the Pats board. If he is not the pick, Dennard would be my choice as a FS conversion. He is tough, physical and a sure tackler that understands the game takes good angles to the ball. To me that screams out Safety and I think this kid could be a good one. If they are both off the board I would move down and take Trumaine Johnson from Montana.

2 (62) trade to Sea for 3 (75) + 4 (106)

Move down and keep adding picks

3 (75)- DL- Billy Winn- Boise State



To me, Billy Winn seems like a perfect fit for the big LDE spot in a 4-3 U. He has the size and strength to two-gap, but also the athleticism to play on the outside. He can also shift inside on passing downs and really get after the QB. Great combination of talent, value and versatility.

3 (93)- RB- Robert Turbin- Utah State



With the young guys already on the roster I’m not a huge fan of drafting another RB, but the one exception to that is Turbin. I love his combination of size, speed, athleticism and ball skills and I think he is going to be one hell of an NFL RB. I think he could form a great 1-2 combination with Ridley and he would also be a great 3rd down option that could split wide into the slot.

Oh, MAN!! :rocker:

There is NOBODY on this Board who's Mock MASTERPIECES are a greater pleasure to read!! :rocker:

Had to break this one in half...I'll crank out the second half in about 3 minutes or so...

 

[Off The Grid]

4 (96) trade to Buf for 4 (105) + 5 (144)

4 (100)- CB- Chase Minnifield- Virginia



Minnifield has quickly become one of the most underrated players in this draft simply because he didn’t run a great 40 time coming off an injury. He has the athleticism, he has the ball skills, but what he has which many guys in this draft don’t, is a deep understanding of the position. He understands angles and positioning, and knows the tricks of the trade. I think he is going to be a very good NFL CB and a lot of teams will regret passing on him. I still have a high 2nd round grade on the guy, so to get him in the early 4th is a steal to me.

4 (105)- WR- Ryan Broyles- Oklahoma



There isn’t much more to say about Broyles because everyone knows the story. Stick him on PUP/IR, give him time to develop and you might just find your future replacement for Welker.

4 (106)- DL- Kheeston Randall- Texas



Very talented run stuffing DL who will give you almost nothing as a pass rusher. But in the 4th round I think you have to be pretty happy with a really solid two down player. He can play the Big LDE and DT in the 4-3 U, as the 5-tech or any other position across the defensive front for different run stopping alignments. He should come in and be an upgrade over Ron Brace and Gerard Warren, and add some much needed depth to the DL.

4 (118)- DE/OLB- Jonathan Massaquoi- Troy



We all know the pass rush is an issue, so I think a mid round pass rush specialist could be a solid move. Massaquoi has enormous upside but is extremely raw and hasn’t faced top competition at Troy. He will only be a 1 down, sub package player as a rookie, but he could develop into another elite Troy pass rusher. Only time will tell.

4 (126)- LB- Emmanuel Acho- Texas



Depth and coverage in our LBing corp was poor last season so a guy like Acho could be of great use. Guyton is gone and anyone that can keep Tracy White off the field on defense sounds like a good idea to me. Acho is a good athlete and smart player that would add good depth to both the defense and special teams.

5 (144)- DB/ST- Justin Bethel- Presbyterian



Another guy that will get his start on special teams but could develop into a lot more. Bethel is the definition of a special teams ace, and if you hear him talk you can just see BB fall in love with the kid. But beyond that he has good upside as a DB. He has good athleticism and fantastic ball skills, as well as the ability to play both CB and FS. I think he is a guy that can come in and make the roster, and given time could develop into a solid contributor on defense.

Basic Roster
(2) QB- Brady, Mallett
(4) RB- Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead, Turbin
(4) TE/FB- Gronk, Hernandez, Fells, Fiametta
(5) WR- Welker, Lloyd, Jeffery, Branch, Ocho/Stallworth/Gonzalez/ (Broyles PUP/IR)
(4) OT- Light, Vollmer, Solder, Cannon/Hix
(3) OG- Mankins, Waters, Gallery/Thomas
(2) C- Connolly, Wendell/McDonald
Offense- 24

(6) DT- Wilfork, Love, Deaderick, Fanene, Winn/Randall/Pryor/Brace
(4) DE- Upshaw, Scott, Massaquoi, A. Carter
(5) LB- Mayo, Spikes, Ninkovich, Fletcher/Acho/Carpenter/White/Tarpanian
(9) DB- McCourty, Dowling, Arrington, Minnifield, Moore, Chung, Gregory, Jenkins/Dennard, Barrett/Cole/Bethel/
Defense- 24

K- Gost
P- Mesko
LS- Aiken
ST- Edelman, Slater

Total 53

Amazing work, as always, Brother Mayo!!

 

[Off The Grid]

- One of the issues I think the Pats had last season was too many pure special teamers that contributed very little on offense or defense. With the current kickoff rules, I am willing to sacrifice a little on special teams to improve the depth on defense.

I absolutely love the statement above.
The error...era of 4+ ST-only "aces"(snicker) needs to end, immediately.

AMEN, Brothers!! :rocker:

THIS is what I'm SAYING!!

I have NO patience for coughing up an entire Roster Spot ~ beyond the Necessary Evil of the last 3 ~ for guys who only do ONE THING...SCREW that, Gentlemen!!

ESPECIALLY with this new era of lame KickOffs, are you KIDDING me??

Special Teams is a Children of the Corn, deal, anyway!!

Let the rookies tear it up, and earn their wings by flying down field and killing people!! Keep it FRESH!! :rocker:

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

AMEN, Brothers!! :rocker:

THIS is what I'm SAYING!!

I have NO patience for coughing up an entire Roster Spot ~ beyond the Necessary Evil of the last 3 ~ for guys who only do ONE THING...SCREW that, Gentlemen!!

ESPECIALLY with this new era of lame KickOffs, are you KIDDING me??

Special Teams is a Children of the Corn, deal, anyway!!

Let the rookies tear it up, and earn their wings by flying down field and killing people!! Keep it FRESH!! :rocker:

Yeah but with our offense, we're going to be kicking off A LOT. Might be a good time to add a couple kickers in case Gostkowski's leg gets tired.

There might be a spot for Ochocinco on this team after all.

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Wilfork#75, why do you do this to me? The minute I fall in love with your binky Brandon Brooks, you post a mock without Brandon Brooks! (Face palm)

 

[doesntmatter1]

I was ready to get behind wilfork's mock except the trading of hoyer really kills it for me personally. I don't know why but i don't want hoyer to leave, like ever lol. I probably wouldn't even trade him for a first round pick if i was in charge. Yes, I know its weird.

 

[Off The Grid]

Yeah but with our offense, we're going to be kicking off A LOT. Might be a good time to add a couple kickers in case Gostkowski's leg gets tired.

There might be a spot for Ochocinco on this team after all.

FTW, Brother Knot!!

 

[Off The Grid]

- To me the sweet spot of this draft seems to be the top of the 4th round. This draft looks to have decent depth and I think there will be some quality players available at the start of day 3. So maneuvering to get some picks at the top of the 4th where you have a night to re-evaluate the board is a priority to me.

4 (100)- CB- Chase Minnifield- Virginia

Minnifield has quickly become one of the most underrated players in this draft simply because he didn’t run a great 40 time coming off an injury. He has the athleticism, he has the ball skills, but what he has which many guys in this draft don’t, is a deep understanding of the position. He understands angles and positioning, and knows the tricks of the trade. I think he is going to be a very good NFL CB and a lot of teams will regret passing on him. I still have a high 2nd round grade on the guy, so to get him in the early 4th is a steal to me.

4 (105)- WR- Ryan Broyles- Oklahoma

There isn’t much more to say about Broyles because everyone knows the story. Stick him on PUP/IR, give him time to develop and you might just find your future replacement for Welker.

4 (106)- DL- Kheeston Randall- Texas

Very talented run stuffing DL who will give you almost nothing as a pass rusher. But in the 4th round I think you have to be pretty happy with a really solid two down player. He can play the Big LDE and DT in the 4-3 U, as the 5-tech or any other position across the defensive front for different run stopping alignments. He should come in and be an upgrade over Ron Brace and Gerard Warren, and add some much needed depth to the DL.

4 (118)- DE/OLB- Jonathan Massaquoi- Troy

We all know the pass rush is an issue, so I think a mid round pass rush specialist could be a solid move. Massaquoi has enormous upside but is extremely raw and hasn’t faced top competition at Troy. He will only be a 1 down, sub package player as a rookie, but he could develop into another elite Troy pass rusher. Only time will tell.

4 (126)- LB- Emmanuel Acho- Texas

Depth and coverage in our LBing corp was poor last season so a guy like Acho could be of great use. Guyton is gone and anyone that can keep Tracy White off the field on defense sounds like a good idea to me. Acho is a good athlete and smart player that would add good depth to both the defense and special teams.

It's remarkable testimony to how refreshingly divergent our tastes are, Brother Wilfork, that you and I both see the top of the 4th as being absolutely festooned with terrific Mid Round Values...that we both load up with no less than five Prospects in that Round...and that not one of them are the same!!

For the record, though, I think that MinniField, Randall, Broyles, and Acho are all tremendous Picks.