The 2014 Mock draft Thread.

[mayoclinic]

My problem with OL is that, aside from Mankins, BB doesn't draft them before round 4 historically (and then there's only one that high). And even with Mankins I have a question. I've always understood that Mankins was drafted to play OG but I've read recently that he was drafted to play OT but stuck at OG because he played it so well. Can any confirm this?

In fact, BB has actually said that his philosophy is not to draft interior linemen early. The question is, with Dante no longer around to coach them up, does that philosophy change?

That's interesting, and not something I had heard. But while that might apply to guys like Marcus Martin and Weston Richburg, -though the need at center and a new OL coach could cause BB to view things differently - I'm not sure it applies to guys like Brandon Thomas and Joel Bitonio who have guard/tackle versatility, and are somewhat similar to Logan Mankins in terms of their overall projection and value.

 

[patchick]

Presumably, in that scenario, you try to trade back a bit and get Tripp in the early/mid 3rd round. Then you might be able to trade up from 93 and get one of your targeted linemen, though I think that one of the guys you list will be available at 93 (probably Swanson).

A trade back from round 2 does make a lot of sense.

Meanwhile, in the back of my head a little voice is whispering "Hageman at #29? You wish. He and Shazier will BOTH be long gone."

 

[manxman2601]

A trade back from round 2 does make a lot of sense.

Meanwhile, in the back of my head a little voice is whispering "Hageman at #29? You wish. He and Shazier will BOTH be long gone."

I think Hageman goes top 20. Taking Ogletree and Collins into consideration from last year, I'm not so sure Shazier will be.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Meanwhile, in the back of my head a little voice is whispering "Hageman at #29? You wish. He and Shazier will BOTH be long gone."

This is such a deep draft that there will be several players who seem like they won't be there but they will. We just have to hope they're at the correct position; which is why I'm hoping all the WR look really good and about 7 go in the top 28 which is possible. Not that some of the WR don't intrigue me but unless we're moving Amendola or giving up on Boyce very quickly we just won't have room.

In fact, BB has actually said that his philosophy is not to draft interior linemen early. The question is, with Dante no longer around to coach them up, does that philosophy change?

Unless there's a beast or a great value I don't expect to see a C or OG in the first two days. We had several developmental OG last year, Cave at Center and still have the option to either move Cannon to OG or re-sign Wendell; I'm not a Wendell fan but he's competent.

 

[dryheat44]

My problem with OL is that, aside from Mankins, BB doesn't draft them before round 4 historically (and then there's only one that high). And even with Mankins I have a question. I've always understood that Mankins was drafted to play OG but I've read recently that he was drafted to play OT but stuck at OG because he played it so well. Can any confirm this?

In fact, BB has actually said that his philosophy is not to draft interior linemen early. The question is, with Dante no longer around to coach them up, does that philosophy change?

BB doesn't draft OL before the 4th? Vollmer. Klemm. Light. Solder. Kaczur. I guess maybe you mean interior OL?

 

[manxman2601]

That's interesting, and not something I had heard. But while that might apply to guys like Marcus Martin and Weston Richburg, -though the need at center and a new OL coach could cause BB to view things differently - I'm not sure it applies to guys like Brandon Thomas and Joel Bitonio who have guard/tackle versatility, and are somewhat similar to Logan Mankins in terms of their overall projection and value.

I suspect that they would only be considered if we were looking to replace Mankins in the next couple of years or possibly Marcus Cannon as the prime backup OT. The second one is certainly possible. The three likeliest candidates I'm looking at right now are John Urschel, Charles Leno and Wesley Johnson who either fit, or come close to the criteria we discussed in the combine thread.

It is interesting that there has been NO movement with regards to the center position for the Pats. I wonder whether they're thinking about moving Connolly or whether they like someone like Braxton Cave. Cave was ranked quite highly last year until he performed poorly at the Senior Bowl.

 

[manxman2601]

BB doesn't draft OL before the 4th? Vollmer. Klemm. Light. Solder. Kaczur. I guess maybe you mean interior OL?

Yes, clearly I did.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

In fact, BB has actually said that his philosophy is not to draft interior linemen early.

BB doesn't draft OL before the 4th? Vollmer. Klemm. Light. Solder. Kaczur. I guess maybe you mean interior OL?

Looks like it's coffee time for you

 

[dryheat44]

...not to mention Vince Wilfork, who I won't erase from my roster until/unless it really happens.

Here's how it goes down for me:

At #29, I have a shot at Ra'Shede Hageman. Rare frame/athlete, solid versatility, a type of player you can't usually get this late. Can't pass him up. Then I get to round 2 and realize that I can't count on Jordan Tripp or Christian Jones lasting another full round. So I grimace and spend my 2nd on Tripp.

Now here I am at the end of the 3rd with glaring roster holes at #2 TE and starting center. Already gone: TEs Ebron, Seferian-Jenkins, Amaro, Niklas, Fiedorowicz; Cs Martin, Richburg, Swanson (plus OGs like Bitonio).

I don't like it, not one little bit.

This is why if Shazor's available, I think you bypass the DT in round one. If you're looking for a rare body type, guys like McCullors and D. Jones will be available later. But for me, I'll sign a vet or two and punt the position until next draft.

 

[patchick]

It is interesting that there has been NO movement with regards to the center position for the Pats. I wonder whether they're thinking about moving Connolly or whether they like someone like Braxton Cave. Cave was ranked quite highly last year until he performed poorly at the Senior Bowl.

Very interesting indeed, but the tea leaves are swirling too much to give me a reading on what it all means.

BTW, Cave's first name is spelled "Braxston." Nobody gets it right because our minds instinctively recoil at the thought.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

I don't read much into Center specifically as Connelly could move back there.

 

[manxman2601]

...not to mention Vince Wilfork, who I won't erase from my roster until/unless it really happens.

Here's how it goes down for me:

At #29, I have a shot at Ra'Shede Hageman. Rare frame/athlete, solid versatility, a type of player you can't usually get this late. Can't pass him up. Then I get to round 2 and realize that I can't count on Jordan Tripp or Christian Jones lasting another full round. So I grimace and spend my 2nd on Tripp.

Now here I am at the end of the 3rd with glaring roster holes at #2 TE and starting center. Already gone: TEs Ebron, Seferian-Jenkins, Amaro, Niklas, Fiedorowicz; Cs Martin, Richburg, Swanson (plus OGs like Bitonio).

I don't like it, not one little bit.

Trade back from the second for Fiedorowicz and trade up from the bottom of the third for Tripp.

 

[manxman2601]

Very interesting indeed, but the tea leaves are swirling too much to give me a reading on what it all means.

BTW, Cave's first name is spelled "Braxston." Nobody gets it right because our minds instinctively recoil at the thought.

I've been having the same problem trying to get Jimmie Ward's name right. It just looks wrong. But then we're in a world where Barkevious Mingo exists.

 

[BobDigital]

...not to mention Vince Wilfork, who I won't erase from my roster until/unless it really happens.

Here's how it goes down for me:

At #29, I have a shot at Ra'Shede Hageman. Rare frame/athlete, solid versatility, a type of player you can't usually get this late. Can't pass him up. Then I get to round 2 and realize that I can't count on Jordan Tripp or Christian Jones lasting another full round. So I grimace and spend my 2nd on Tripp.

Now here I am at the end of the 3rd with glaring roster holes at #2 TE and starting center. Already gone: TEs Ebron, Seferian-Jenkins, Amaro, Niklas, Fiedorowicz; Cs Martin, Richburg, Swanson (plus OGs like Bitonio).

I don't like it, not one little bit.

This is why I have been banging the table to trade next years draft into this one. Brady has maybe 4 years tops anyway. I don't think drafting a guy next year who will take another year to develop is the best way to get the most out of Brady's last years. Also the talent in this draft will be better than next years according to just about every expert.

I would be happy if we leave this draft with Hageman/Tuitt, ASJ, Tripp, Bitonio & Richburg even if it means we have no first rounder next year.

Small price to pay to get this level of talent now.

 

[Brady6]

This is my draft everyone mock…

Trades –
- Patriots trade #29 to the Jaguars for #39, #101, and #110
- Patriots trade #39 and #182 to the Panthers for #60, #92, #124, and #156
Selections –
- 60-Dominique Easley, DL (#57)
- 62-Kareem Martin, DL (#54)
- 92-Joel Bitonio, OL (#96)
- 93-C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE (#105)
- 101-Travis Swanson, OL (#98)
- 110-Jordan Tripp, LB (#116)
- 124-Andre Williams, RB (#129)
- 126-Brandon Coleman, WR (#147)
- 156-Justin Ellis, DL (#156)
- CP-Ronald Powell, LB (#157)
- 190-Colt Lyerla, TE (#213)
- 221-Larry Webster, DL (#255)

 

[patchick]

My latest, fwiw:

1. Ryan Shazier, LB
2. Joel Bitonio, OL
3. C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
4. James White, RB
6. Terrence Fede, DE
7. Zach Moore, DE
7. Gator Hoskins, HB

 

[mayoclinic]

My latest, fwiw:

1. Ryan Shazier, LB
2. Joel Bitonio, OL
3. C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
4. James White, RB
6. Terrence Fede, DE
7. Zach Moore, DE
7. Gator Hoskins, HB

Bitonio, Fede, Moore and Hoskins work for me. Love Shazier, but I'd still take Easley and then Jordan Tripp/Christian Jones in the 3rd.

 

[patchick]

Bitonio, Fede, Moore and Hoskins work for me. Love Shazier, but I'd still take Easley and then Jordan Tripp/Christian Jones in the 3rd.

I thought you might.

I get where you're coming from, but aside from the LB vs. DT choice I'd really like a Gronk backup AND a h-back, and IMO only the latter can be had in day 3.

 

[manxman2601]

My latest, fwiw:

1. Ryan Shazier, LB
2. Joel Bitonio, OL
3. C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
4. James White, RB
6. Terrence Fede, DE
7. Zach Moore, DE
7. Gator Hoskins, HB

I'd take that to the bank. Find room for Zach Kerr and I'd like it even more.

 

[mayoclinic]

I thought you might.

I get where you're coming from, but aside from the LB vs. DT choice I'd really like a Gronk backup AND a h-back, and IMO only the latter can be had in day 3.

That's why I keep squeezing a "Mallett trade" into my mocks. It allows me to address DT, OL, in line TE and LB on day 1-2, and then other needs (including DE and h-back/move TE) on day 3.

Whether via a trade back, a trade, or finding some hidden value, I keep trying to find a way to squeeze that one extra need in.