McShay Who? Nudge in-house Draft Guru C-Nut thinks Detroit should pick Eugene Monroe with the first pick.Here is my first Mock Draft. Obviously this mock will change multiple times prior to the real NFL Draft depending on how the prospects perform at the combine, college pro days, and the signing of Free Agents. In this mock, I refrain from making trades and I also have the QB’s slipping due to teams outside of the top 3 not needing a QB. However, I highly doubt that both of the QB’s will fall out of the top 5, let alone the top 10. But due to team needs that’s exactly how this mock shakes out. So without further delay, here is my first mock draft………..
1- Detroit- Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
Here’s the short and sweet version, Detroit Sucks! Not only were they one of the worst teams in NFL history last year, but they have no impact players on their roster (outside of Calvin Johnson). This pick goes against most experts picks of Stafford here at #1 overall. The Lions want out of this pick so bad, but nobody wants to trade up for it. So, look for the Lions to draft the Best LT available and sign a veteran stop gap QB for this season. There is a deeper crop of QB coming out next year anyway and you never know, if Mark Sanchez slips out of the top 10 and Detroit rates him high enough look for them to trade up from #20 and snag him.
2- St. Louis- Andre Smith, OT Alabama
The team has a new defensive minded coach. However, any good coach knows that the game is won in the trenches. Look for Spagnoulo to pick the big mauler out of Bama to sure up his O Line and grab players for his defense with later picks. (If Crabtree runs in the 4.4 forty range at the combine, this pick will be sought after by teams looking to trade up to get him)
3- Kansas City- Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
This is just a hunch feeling here, but look for new coach Haley, the former Arizona Cardinals OC, to draft the #1 rated prospect available to pair with Dwayne Bowe. This coach made a name for himself in the desert with Fitz and Boldin, why wouldn’t he try to recreate that magic in Arrowhead. (Look for KC to trade Larry Johnson on Draft Day. Maybe to Arizona for Boldin)
4- Seattle- B.J. Raji, DT Boston College
The Hawks said their prayers and took their vitamins just like the Hulk told them to do, however they pick just one spot too late in this mock. Pick #4 is too high to draft Maclin and the Hawks ponder the thought of drafting Stafford, to groom behind Hasselback, but play it safe and draft the rising DT out of B.C. (Could also pick OT)
5- Cleveland- Aaron Curry, OLB Wake Forrest
I think terrorist have infected the water at the Patriots football facilities with a rare weight gaining virus. Look at the coaches that have come from Belichek’s staff for proof (Belichek, Weiss, Crennel, and now Mangini). Look for Man-genius today, Man-goneious tomorrow to add some playmakers to the Browns lack luster defense.
6- Cincinnati- Jason Smith, OT Baylor
Ok, it’s still too early for Maclin, however Cincinnati will be in dire need of a WR once T.J. Houshyourmama leaves via free agency and he is the next best WR available. In this mock no QB has been drafted yet, so come draft day this spot would be where a team like S.F. or Buffalo would be using a lot of their free night and weekend minutes phoning Cincinnati for a chance to move up and grab a QB. Cincinnati still lands the O Line help they desperately need. (Carson Palmer does a back flip and Cincinnatians’ hate you Taylor Mays)
1- Detroit- Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
Here’s the short and sweet version, Detroit Sucks! Not only were they one of the worst teams in NFL history last year, but they have no impact players on their roster (outside of Calvin Johnson). This pick goes against most experts picks of Stafford here at #1 overall. The Lions want out of this pick so bad, but nobody wants to trade up for it. So, look for the Lions to draft the Best LT available and sign a veteran stop gap QB for this season. There is a deeper crop of QB coming out next year anyway and you never know, if Mark Sanchez slips out of the top 10 and Detroit rates him high enough look for them to trade up from #20 and snag him.
2- St. Louis- Andre Smith, OT Alabama
The team has a new defensive minded coach. However, any good coach knows that the game is won in the trenches. Look for Spagnoulo to pick the big mauler out of Bama to sure up his O Line and grab players for his defense with later picks. (If Crabtree runs in the 4.4 forty range at the combine, this pick will be sought after by teams looking to trade up to get him)
3- Kansas City- Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
This is just a hunch feeling here, but look for new coach Haley, the former Arizona Cardinals OC, to draft the #1 rated prospect available to pair with Dwayne Bowe. This coach made a name for himself in the desert with Fitz and Boldin, why wouldn’t he try to recreate that magic in Arrowhead. (Look for KC to trade Larry Johnson on Draft Day. Maybe to Arizona for Boldin)
4- Seattle- B.J. Raji, DT Boston College
The Hawks said their prayers and took their vitamins just like the Hulk told them to do, however they pick just one spot too late in this mock. Pick #4 is too high to draft Maclin and the Hawks ponder the thought of drafting Stafford, to groom behind Hasselback, but play it safe and draft the rising DT out of B.C. (Could also pick OT)
5- Cleveland- Aaron Curry, OLB Wake Forrest
I think terrorist have infected the water at the Patriots football facilities with a rare weight gaining virus. Look at the coaches that have come from Belichek’s staff for proof (Belichek, Weiss, Crennel, and now Mangini). Look for Man-genius today, Man-goneious tomorrow to add some playmakers to the Browns lack luster defense.
6- Cincinnati- Jason Smith, OT Baylor
Ok, it’s still too early for Maclin, however Cincinnati will be in dire need of a WR once T.J. Houshyourmama leaves via free agency and he is the next best WR available. In this mock no QB has been drafted yet, so come draft day this spot would be where a team like S.F. or Buffalo would be using a lot of their free night and weekend minutes phoning Cincinnati for a chance to move up and grab a QB. Cincinnati still lands the O Line help they desperately need. (Carson Palmer does a back flip and Cincinnatians’ hate you Taylor Mays)
7- Oakland- Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
The Raiders are on the long road to nowhere, lead by a new coach Tom Cable and a bumbling idiot of an owner Al Davis. The new Coach will want to have some input on this pick, but we all know that will not be the case here. Al Davis chooses who ever runs the fastest out of Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis and Jeremy Maclin.
8- Jacksonville- Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
The Jags recently released free agent busts Jerry Porter (WR) and Drayton Florence (CB) as well as 11 year vet Fred Taylor (RB). It’s too early in the Draft to pick the next available WR, Percy Harvin, and no team wants to log jam the amount of $$ it will cost the #8 pick to pick RB Knowshon Moreno, to split time with Maurice Jones-Drew. So I have the Jags picking the over rated Jenkins over the better prospect Vontae Davis.
9- Green Bay- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn State
The Packers will be switching to a 3-4 defense with new DC Dom Capers. They will need to pick up a space eating NT either via free agency or at some point in the draft. They could also look at getting younger at the CB position with Davis. However, I went with Maybin here to give them that 3-4 rush linebacker. Dom Capers will have flash backs to his days in Carolina, as the head coach of the Panthers, with the unstoppable Kevin Greene rushing the passer.
10- San Francisco- Mathew Stafford, QB Georgia
In all likelihood Stafford will be long gone by now. However, he is available in this mock and Mike Singletary wastes no time in acquiring his Franchise QB for the future.
11- Buffalo- Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
It seems like yesterday that Buffalo used a top 15 pick on a RB. However with the recent arrest of Marshawn Lynch for Gun Possession charges, the RB position becomes an immediate need for the Bills. This is Lynch’s second run in with the Law Dogs, after he was arrested last year for leaving the scene of an accident with a pedestrian. Look for the NFL to suspend Lynch and for the team to possibly cut ties with their former 1st rd pick.
12- Denver- Rey Maualuga, LB USC
The Broncos run defense is pathetic. Their Linebackers outside of OLB D.J. Williams can’t tackle. Maualuga will be the band aid to cover the massive hole in the middle of the Broncos Defense.
13- Washington- Michael Oher, OT Mississippi
If it was up to team owner Daniel Snyder, Chad Johnson would have been a Redskin last year and Cincinnati would have been picking in this spot and for Washington again in 2010. It’s too bad that the Bungles are too poorly run to have cut ties with Johnson. So, due to Snyder being allergic to draft picks and enchanted by veterans the Skins only have 2 picks through rd 4 (Rd1 and Rd 3 picks). Look for the skins to provide depth and a future starter for their aging Offensive Tackles.
14- New Orleans- Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
The Raiders are on the long road to nowhere, lead by a new coach Tom Cable and a bumbling idiot of an owner Al Davis. The new Coach will want to have some input on this pick, but we all know that will not be the case here. Al Davis chooses who ever runs the fastest out of Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis and Jeremy Maclin.
8- Jacksonville- Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
The Jags recently released free agent busts Jerry Porter (WR) and Drayton Florence (CB) as well as 11 year vet Fred Taylor (RB). It’s too early in the Draft to pick the next available WR, Percy Harvin, and no team wants to log jam the amount of $$ it will cost the #8 pick to pick RB Knowshon Moreno, to split time with Maurice Jones-Drew. So I have the Jags picking the over rated Jenkins over the better prospect Vontae Davis.
9- Green Bay- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn State
The Packers will be switching to a 3-4 defense with new DC Dom Capers. They will need to pick up a space eating NT either via free agency or at some point in the draft. They could also look at getting younger at the CB position with Davis. However, I went with Maybin here to give them that 3-4 rush linebacker. Dom Capers will have flash backs to his days in Carolina, as the head coach of the Panthers, with the unstoppable Kevin Greene rushing the passer.
10- San Francisco- Mathew Stafford, QB Georgia
In all likelihood Stafford will be long gone by now. However, he is available in this mock and Mike Singletary wastes no time in acquiring his Franchise QB for the future.
11- Buffalo- Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
It seems like yesterday that Buffalo used a top 15 pick on a RB. However with the recent arrest of Marshawn Lynch for Gun Possession charges, the RB position becomes an immediate need for the Bills. This is Lynch’s second run in with the Law Dogs, after he was arrested last year for leaving the scene of an accident with a pedestrian. Look for the NFL to suspend Lynch and for the team to possibly cut ties with their former 1st rd pick.
12- Denver- Rey Maualuga, LB USC
The Broncos run defense is pathetic. Their Linebackers outside of OLB D.J. Williams can’t tackle. Maualuga will be the band aid to cover the massive hole in the middle of the Broncos Defense.
13- Washington- Michael Oher, OT Mississippi
If it was up to team owner Daniel Snyder, Chad Johnson would have been a Redskin last year and Cincinnati would have been picking in this spot and for Washington again in 2010. It’s too bad that the Bungles are too poorly run to have cut ties with Johnson. So, due to Snyder being allergic to draft picks and enchanted by veterans the Skins only have 2 picks through rd 4 (Rd1 and Rd 3 picks). Look for the skins to provide depth and a future starter for their aging Offensive Tackles.
14- New Orleans- Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
For years the Saints have been overpaying below average cornerbacks for their meager defense and it has shown. The Saints get a steal here if Davis lives up to his potential.
15- Houston- Mark Sanchez, QB USC
The Texans traded the farm a few years ago to pry Matt Schaub away from the Falcons. Since then, Schaub has not lived up to his contract and hasn’t been healthy. In a low risk, high reward pick here I have Houston picking Sanchez. Sanchez being picked outside the top 10 wouldn’t cost the Texans an arm and a leg contractually. Hopefully this either lights a fire under Schaub’s ass or helps ship it out of town.
16- San Diego- Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
With Darren Sproles becoming a free agent and hints that Charger GM A.J. Smith might cut LT, running back becomes a priority for the Bolts. Wells is a big bodied back with speed who would fit nicely platooning with either of the previously mentioned backs. He shouldn’t break down sharing the load.
17- NY Jets- William Moore, S Missouri
This pick is the hardest to peg down. The Jets need upgrades at QB, WR, CB, S, DE, and RB (depth). However no one left in the draft at this point is a guaranteed “step right on the field and play” type player. Also, there are a lot of rumors of Ravens players defecting from Baltimore to join ex DC Rex Ryan over in the Garden State. Moore would make a nice tandem with Kerry Rhodes, even though he had a bad senior bowl and his stock is falling.
18- Chicago- Brian Orakpo, DE Texas
Orakpo is an over rated pass rusher that is a little inconsistent. The Bears upgrade their D Line with a young pass rushing end, that most mocks have being drafted in the top 15.
19- Tampa Bay- Lesean McCoy, RB Pittsburgh
Tampa thought they were locking down the RB position for the foreseeable future when the drafted Cadillac Williams a few years ago. However, since an outstanding Rookie season, the wheels have fallen off. Williams tore knee ligaments 2 years ago and again tore ligaments in the opposite knee at the end of this past season. With Williams probably in an ambulance out of town, why not take a shot at McCoy. He could very well turn out to be the best back in this draft.
20- Detroit- Everette Brown, DE Florida State
With their first pick they solidified the O Line. Now with their second pick of RD 1 they sure up the D Line with a good edge rusher in Brown. (if Sanchez/Stafford makes it out of the top 10, look for Detroit to package this pick in a trade up for him).
21- Philadelphia- Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
L.J “Hands of Stone” Smith will have his one way ticket out of town. Pettigrew is the pass catching TE that Smith should have been.
22- Minnesota- Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
Minnesota is hurt the most by McCoy, Bradford, and Tebow heading back to school. They will not even catch a whiff of the top 2 QB’s. Josh Freeman makes sense here, although Coach Childress doesn’t have much time left in the Big Minn if he doesn’t start winning soon. Freeman is a project that Childress will probably not be around to see if he blossoms. (CB D.J. Moore or Alphonso Smith possibility here too)
23- New England- Brian Cushing, LB USC
Cushing is too good for the Pats to pass up. He showed good versatility at USC lining up at multiple positions. The Pats linebackers, besides Jerod Mayo, are up there in age and Cushing could play inside or outside in the 3-4 defense.
24- Atlanta- Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
Hotlanta used a DT by committee scheme last year and DT is their biggest need heading into the off season. Unfortunately, I think Jerry is over rated and his stats were a product of playing next to a great DE in college.
25- Miami- Larry English, DE/OLB Northern Illinois
Bill Parcells drafts defense like its going out of style. Also, Joey Porter is about 400 years old. Outside Linebacker or Corner is probably their biggest need, but if I’m Parcells, I look to Bring back the Sunshine State’s own Percy Harvin to pair with Teddy Ginn. Please, someone tell me how you cover that speed?
26- Baltimore- Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
This pick like the Jets pick is shrouded with mystery. You wont know until the dust of free agency settles what the Ravens needs are. They already cut CB McCalister and could potentially lose Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs. If they lose 1 or more LB’s look for Laurinaitis here.
27- Indianapolis- Percy Harvin, WR Florida
The Colts biggest need the past 2 years has been DT. However, the 2 big DT are off the board and the Colts could always reach for DT Senderrick Marks. However, they also might make Marvin Harrison a cap casualty. Anthony Gonzalez could move over to the 2 receiver, leaving Harvin to play the slot.
28- Philadelphia- Eben Britton, OT Arizona
Andy Reid can’t resist taking at least one offensive lineman in the first round. Nuff Said!
29- NY Giants- James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
The GMEN need to upgrade their line backing core due to Antonio Pierce getting up their in age and their OLB’s aren’t too impressive. Also look for a CB if a LB is not available, with the GMEN possible shifting Terrell Thomas to Safety.
30- Tennessee- D.J. Moore, CB Vanderbilt
The Titans should draft Hakeem Nicks here, but for some reason without fail they never spend a 1st round pick on a WR. They instead turn to the defense to upgrade another position of need and select the next available CB.
31- Arizona- Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
With the top RB off the board the Cards turn to the WR position. Anquan Boldin wants out of the Desert and the addition of Nicks could help accommodate that.
32- Pittsburgh- Alex Mack, C California
The Super Bowl Champs draft the best interior lineman available to help keep Big Ben on his feet.
15- Houston- Mark Sanchez, QB USC
The Texans traded the farm a few years ago to pry Matt Schaub away from the Falcons. Since then, Schaub has not lived up to his contract and hasn’t been healthy. In a low risk, high reward pick here I have Houston picking Sanchez. Sanchez being picked outside the top 10 wouldn’t cost the Texans an arm and a leg contractually. Hopefully this either lights a fire under Schaub’s ass or helps ship it out of town.
16- San Diego- Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
With Darren Sproles becoming a free agent and hints that Charger GM A.J. Smith might cut LT, running back becomes a priority for the Bolts. Wells is a big bodied back with speed who would fit nicely platooning with either of the previously mentioned backs. He shouldn’t break down sharing the load.
17- NY Jets- William Moore, S Missouri
This pick is the hardest to peg down. The Jets need upgrades at QB, WR, CB, S, DE, and RB (depth). However no one left in the draft at this point is a guaranteed “step right on the field and play” type player. Also, there are a lot of rumors of Ravens players defecting from Baltimore to join ex DC Rex Ryan over in the Garden State. Moore would make a nice tandem with Kerry Rhodes, even though he had a bad senior bowl and his stock is falling.
18- Chicago- Brian Orakpo, DE Texas
Orakpo is an over rated pass rusher that is a little inconsistent. The Bears upgrade their D Line with a young pass rushing end, that most mocks have being drafted in the top 15.
19- Tampa Bay- Lesean McCoy, RB Pittsburgh
Tampa thought they were locking down the RB position for the foreseeable future when the drafted Cadillac Williams a few years ago. However, since an outstanding Rookie season, the wheels have fallen off. Williams tore knee ligaments 2 years ago and again tore ligaments in the opposite knee at the end of this past season. With Williams probably in an ambulance out of town, why not take a shot at McCoy. He could very well turn out to be the best back in this draft.
20- Detroit- Everette Brown, DE Florida State
With their first pick they solidified the O Line. Now with their second pick of RD 1 they sure up the D Line with a good edge rusher in Brown. (if Sanchez/Stafford makes it out of the top 10, look for Detroit to package this pick in a trade up for him).
21- Philadelphia- Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
L.J “Hands of Stone” Smith will have his one way ticket out of town. Pettigrew is the pass catching TE that Smith should have been.
22- Minnesota- Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
Minnesota is hurt the most by McCoy, Bradford, and Tebow heading back to school. They will not even catch a whiff of the top 2 QB’s. Josh Freeman makes sense here, although Coach Childress doesn’t have much time left in the Big Minn if he doesn’t start winning soon. Freeman is a project that Childress will probably not be around to see if he blossoms. (CB D.J. Moore or Alphonso Smith possibility here too)
23- New England- Brian Cushing, LB USC
Cushing is too good for the Pats to pass up. He showed good versatility at USC lining up at multiple positions. The Pats linebackers, besides Jerod Mayo, are up there in age and Cushing could play inside or outside in the 3-4 defense.
24- Atlanta- Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
Hotlanta used a DT by committee scheme last year and DT is their biggest need heading into the off season. Unfortunately, I think Jerry is over rated and his stats were a product of playing next to a great DE in college.
25- Miami- Larry English, DE/OLB Northern Illinois
Bill Parcells drafts defense like its going out of style. Also, Joey Porter is about 400 years old. Outside Linebacker or Corner is probably their biggest need, but if I’m Parcells, I look to Bring back the Sunshine State’s own Percy Harvin to pair with Teddy Ginn. Please, someone tell me how you cover that speed?
26- Baltimore- Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
This pick like the Jets pick is shrouded with mystery. You wont know until the dust of free agency settles what the Ravens needs are. They already cut CB McCalister and could potentially lose Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs. If they lose 1 or more LB’s look for Laurinaitis here.
27- Indianapolis- Percy Harvin, WR Florida
The Colts biggest need the past 2 years has been DT. However, the 2 big DT are off the board and the Colts could always reach for DT Senderrick Marks. However, they also might make Marvin Harrison a cap casualty. Anthony Gonzalez could move over to the 2 receiver, leaving Harvin to play the slot.
28- Philadelphia- Eben Britton, OT Arizona
Andy Reid can’t resist taking at least one offensive lineman in the first round. Nuff Said!
29- NY Giants- James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
The GMEN need to upgrade their line backing core due to Antonio Pierce getting up their in age and their OLB’s aren’t too impressive. Also look for a CB if a LB is not available, with the GMEN possible shifting Terrell Thomas to Safety.
30- Tennessee- D.J. Moore, CB Vanderbilt
The Titans should draft Hakeem Nicks here, but for some reason without fail they never spend a 1st round pick on a WR. They instead turn to the defense to upgrade another position of need and select the next available CB.
31- Arizona- Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
With the top RB off the board the Cards turn to the WR position. Anquan Boldin wants out of the Desert and the addition of Nicks could help accommodate that.
32- Pittsburgh- Alex Mack, C California
The Super Bowl Champs draft the best interior lineman available to help keep Big Ben on his feet.
