With the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race finally coming to an end and my bracket being totally busted in the Sweet 16, I have finally turned my attention to the NFL draft. Personally, I think it's a great year for talent, especially in the second round. As you will see here, teams looking to upgrade key positions should not have any trouble finding the talent they desire.
The strongest and deepest position this year is defensive end, and it is not really even close. In fact, I am predicting that as many as nine players listed as ends will get drafted in the first round, with another three or four going in the second. Defensive tackle should be second with possibly five of them being taken in the first 32 picks. So get 'em while they are hot!
Look for team updates and other mock drafts at the NFL Draft Dog.
First Round
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14): QB Cam Newton, 6'5" 248 lbs. Auburn - The Panthers probably will make this pick for the simple fact that Newton has the potential to be a big star and the organization needs somebody to help put butts in the seats. He is an intriguing story that could turn out to be a revolutionary player at the position.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12): CB Patrick Peterson, 6'1" 211 lbs. LSU - This guy is big, fast, and was one of the best athletes coming out of high school three years ago. Peterson should eventually take over for either the aging Champ Bailey or Brian Dawkins. Either way, many scouts think he is the best player in the entire draft and he should be a pro-bowl player. The Broncos can wait until later to address the front seven.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12): DT Marcell Dareus, 6'3" 306 lbs. Alabama - Dareus is a good defender that can clog running lanes and rush the passer up the middle. He is the type of active, versatile player that coaches love. The Bills ranked dead last in rushing D. You cannot expect to win many games if you cannot stop the run. This pick to me is a no-brainer if he's still on the board.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12): DE Da'Quan Bowers, 6'4" 280 lbs. Clemson - The Bengals could take Gabbert here to possibly fill the hole at quarterback. Bowers has the ability to be a star on defense though so I recommend they "settle" for him.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): OLB Von Miller, 6'3" 238 lbs. Texas A & M - After collecting 28 sacks over the last two seasons Miller will attempt to pump some life into the Cardinals D. He had his biggest games against the Aggies' toughest opponents in college.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): WR AJ Green, 6'4" 208 lbs. Georgia - Your number one receiver should catch at least 50 passes. The only player to do that for the Browns was TE Ben Watson. Green is long, lean, and scored nine TD's in 2010 despite missing four games. If the Browns leave NYC with either Green, Miller, or Dareus it will be a step in the right direction.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10): QB Blaine Gabbert, 6'4" 235 lbs. Missouri - It's probably time for Alex Smith to move on and I doubt the organization feels Troy Smith is the answer either. Gabbert is arguably the best QB prospect in the draft with his leadership abilities just as much as his throwing.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10): DT Nick Fairley, 6'3" 298 lbs. Auburn - I originally had Robert Quinn going here but Fairley's ability to manhandle opponents and make big plays at critical times makes him a perfect fit for the Titans. He reminds me of Warren Sapp, who wasn't any bigger when he came out either.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10): OT Tyron Smith, 6'5" 307 lbs. USC - Smith is a strong kid that is still improving his technique. He definitely has the tools to develop into a good left or right tackle in the NFL and the 'Boys need some help up front.
10. Washington Redskins: (6-10): DE Robert Quinn, 6'4" 260 lbs. - Amukamara would be a nice pick here too but the combination of Quinn and Brian Orakpo could wreak havoc on opposing QB's in much of the same way that those guys over in Pittsburgh do.
11. Houston Texans: CB Prince Amukamara, 6'0" 200 lbs. Nebraska - There weren't many other teams out there that could've used a player of Amukamara's talents more than the Texans did last season. He should be an instant upgrade at one of the corner spots.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10): DT Corey Liuget, 6'3" 300 lbs. Illinois - An active player that should help continue the Viking tradition of having outstanding players in the middle of their D-line. Liuget's presence should help ease the eventual loss of NT Pat Williams to retirement.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10): WR Julio Jones, 6'4" 208 lbs. Alabama - The Lions really want Amukamara but know they will probably have to move up in order to get him. I know I will get slammed for this pick by some fans but is there another prospect out there that is any better? The Rams, Ravens, Chiefs, or Bears might be willing to trade up for Jones but if they don't the Lions will get a player that will instantly upgrade the offense as a whole. He could challenge veteran Nate Burleson for the #2 spot and he should fit perfectly in the slot with his ability to run after the catch. A pass-protector is much needed as well but there are not any really worthy of being taken here.
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9): DE Adrian Clayborn, 6'3" 285 lbs. Iowa - Clayborn is a great prospect with a few health concerns. He could be a huge piece to the puzzle on defense for the Rams. However, the team would really like Julio Jones and may just move up to get him.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9): RB Mark Ingram, 5'9" 215 lbs. Alabama - The best player in college football in 2009 was also perhaps the best player in the 2010-11 bowl season as he completely tore open the Michigan State defense in the Citrus Bowl. Ronnie Brown (29) and Ricky Williams (33) both won't be around forever so this pick shouldn't surprise anybody. I believe an Ingram/Brown duo would be deadly.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8): DE J.J. Watt, 6'5" 290 lbs. Wisconsin - No team in the league has had worse luck with drafting ends in the first round. Watt could finally help solidify a perennial area of weakness on the defense with his all-out hustle and versatility.
17. New England Patriots (14-2/from Raiders): DE Muhammed Wilkerson, 6'4" 315 lbs. Temple - Looks the part of an end in the 3-4. Wilkerson can take on blockers and punish ball-carriers with his size and strength. Belichick loves these types of guys in the first round.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7): DE Cam Jordan, 6'4" 287 lbs. Cal - A versatile player who looks like a good fit at end in the 3-4 due to his strength and size. He also ran really well in pre-draft workouts so he will at least improve the overall speed of the Chargers' front line.
19. New York Giants (14-6): OT Nate Solder, 6'8" 315 lbs. - Eli Manning threw a lot of INT's in 2010. The team needs to do some things to help instill some confidence back in him. Solder might be the man for the job as he is a very intriguing left tackle prospect, capable of keeping defenders off Manning's back.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6): OT Anthony Castonzo, 6'7" 295 lbs. Boston College - A defensive end is a priority but it is no more important than protecting the rising star the team has in QB Josh Freeman. Castonzo was a four-year starter and can play either side of the line. He might be the most NFL-ready left tackle prospect in the draft.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-7): OT Gabe Carimi, 6'7" 314 lbs. Wisconsin - A mauler that can get after defenders and make them disappear once he locks on, Carimi will help make life easier for QB Matt Cassel and RB Jamal Charles.
22. Indianapolis Colts (10-7): G/C Mike Pouncey, 6'5" 311 lbs. Florida - With his skills he should be able to find a home somewhere in the interior of the Colt's starting line. His twin brother Maurkice made the pro-bowl as a rookie with the Steelers, which definitely helps Mike's cause.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-7): CB Jimmy Smith, 6'2" 211 lbs. Colorado - With the offense looking to be explosive with Vick at QB, the Eagles will work on improving their overall game on defense. Linebacker Akeem Ayers could be an option here as well.
24. New Orleans Saints (11-6): DE Aldon Smith, 6'4" 263 lbs. Missouri - Good measurables and a solid body of work on tape, Smith should work himself into the Saint's rotation early and eventually take over as a starter.
25. Seattle Seahawks (7-10): DE Ryan Kerrigan, 6'4" 264 lbs. Purdue - Led the nation in tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Kerrigan should help the 'Hawks pass-rush.
26. Baltimore Ravens (13-5): DE Cam Heyward, 6'5" 294 lbs. Ohio St - Might remind some fans of Trevor Pryce. You know it's a good draft when you can find talent like Heyward this late in the first round.
27. Atlanta Falcons (13-4): CB Aaron Williams, 6'0" 204 lbs. Texas - The idea here is to add a guy that can help slow down the Saints' and Packers' passing games.
28. New England Patriots (14-3): LB Akeem Ayers, 6'3" 254 lbs. UCLA - The Patriots need more talent on defense to help stop the run and/or rush the passer. Ayers should be able to fill one of those roles for them, perhaps both. He seems to have the makeup of a quality NFL linebacker.
29. Chicago Bears (12-6): DT Stephen Paea, 6'1" 303 lbs. Oregon St - A tremendous talent with great value here. Paea could become a star fairly quickly in Chi-town.
30. New York Jets (14-6): NT Phil Taylor, 6'3" 334 lbs. Baylor - A brawler in the middle with the ability to clog running lanes and push the pocket as long as he does not have to play every down.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-5): WR Randall Cobb, 5'10" 191 lbs. Kentucky - More big-play potential for the Steelers' offense.
32. Green Bay Packers (14-6): OG Danny Watkins, 6'3" 310 lbs. Baylor - The Packers will keep adding talent up front in order to keep Aaron Rodgers upright. Watkins should help improve a weak running game too.
Second Round
33. New England : RB Ryan Williams, 5'9" 212 lbs. Virginia Tech - A competitive guy that possesses a good all-around game. He could help toughen up the offense a little bit.
34. Buffalo: QB Jake Locker, 6'2" 231 lbs. Washington - Patience might pay off for the Bills who would like another option at QB in case Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't pan out.
35. Cincinnati: QB Ryan Mallet, 6'7" 253 lbs. Arkansas - The guy who just might be able to make everybody forget about Carson Palmer sooner rather than later. Mallet has the strongest arm in the draft.
36. Denver: LB Justin Houston, 6'3" 270 lbs. Georgia - The Broncos just might have a home for a man of Houston's abilities, which include being able to rush the passer.
37. Cleveland: DT Jurell Casey, 6'1" 300 lbs. USC - The Browns need bodies up front and Casey might have the skills to be a good run-stuffer for them.
38. Arizona: TE Kyle Rudolph, 6'6" 259 lbs. Notre Dame - More of a wide-out in tight end's body, Rudolph should be a nice addition to their receiving corps after missing out on the top four QB's in the draft.
39. Tennessee: WR Torrey Smith, 6'1" 204 lbs. Maryland - Should at least provide some big-plays from the slot and should help in the return game, if the league still has one.
40. Dallas: FS Rahim Moore, 6'0" 202 lbs. UCLA - Might help provide some big plays on defense.
41. Washington: QB Andy Dalton, 6'2" 215 lbs. TCU - If the 'Skins pass on a QB early Dalton would be worth the risk here. Give him time and he could develop into a steady signal-caller.
42. Houston: OL Derek Sherrod, 6'5" 321 lbs. Mississippi St - Sherrod is a nice OL prospect with at least average overall ability.
43. Minnesota: OL Benjamin Ijalana, 6'3" 317 lbs. Villanova - Versatile and steady player will find a spot somewhere on the Vikings' O-line.
44. Detroit: OG Orlando Franklin, 6'5" 316 lbs. Miami (FL) - Could be the answer the Lions have been looking for at left guard. He can also play tackle too.
45. San Francisco: CB Brandon Harris, 5'9" 191 lbs. Miami (FL) - Depth in the secondary is always a priority in the NFL so the '9ers can't go wrong here.
46. Denver: DL Allen Bailey, 6'3" 185 lbs. Miami (FL) - A "power" end that can probably play the "5" technique in Denver's 3-4 defense.
47. St Louis: WR Tandon Doss, 6'2" 201 lbs. Indiana - A nice target for QB Sam Bradford, Doss has nice hands and can make big plays.
48. Oakland: CB Curtis Brown, 5'11" 185 lbs. Texas - If Nnamdi Asomugha leaves as a free agent the Raiders will be looking hard to fill that void. Brown should at least improve their overall depth.
49. Jacksonville: WR Titus Young, 5'11" 175 lbs. Boise St - Can he take his game to the next level after tearing up the WAC for the last few years? He's not a burner but his run-after-the-catch skills are about as good as any other receiver in the draft.
50. San Diego: DE/OLB Brooks Reed, 6'3" 261 lbs. Arizona - Should provide more competition at a critical area for the Chargers.
51. Tampa Bay: Jabaal Sheard, 6'3" 264 lbs. Pitt - Not an elite pass-rusher but a decent all-around end prospect with the leverage to anchor against the run. He reminds some scouts of former Buc DE Greg Spires.
52. New York Giants: OL Marcus Cannon, 6'5" 358 lbs. TCU - Size does matter when run-blocking and Cannon has plenty of it. He is also surprisingly versatile and possesses quick feet for a man of his stature.
53. Indianapolis: DT Terrell McClain, 6'2" 297 lbs. South Florida - Another plugger in the middle of the D-line would really do the Colts some good. McClain has been an underrated player for the Bulls the last two years.
54. Philadelphia: OG Clint Boling, 6'4" 309 lbs. Georgia - Football smarts and good instincts make him a top-notch guard prospect. He just needs to spend a year or two in the weight room.
55. Kansas City: WR Jonathan Baldwin, 6'4" 228 lbs. Pitt - Long-strider can catch anything throw at him. He could be a decent complement to Dwayne Bowe.
56. New Orleans: RB Mikel Leshoure, 5'11" 227 lbs. Illinois - A secure ball-handler with enough power to make defenders pay and enough skills to be a good all-around back in the NFL.
57. Seattle: WR Greg Little, 6'3" 231 lbs. UNC - Extra large wide-out with the ability to make big plays. He and Mike Williams could develop into a red-zone nightmare for defenses.
58. Baltimore: ILB Martez Wilson, 6'4" 250 lbs. Illinois - Solid run-stuffer could eventually take over for Ray Lewis if he ever slows down and decides to retire.
59. Atlanta: DT Marvin Austin, 6'3" 300 lbs. UNC - Once thought to be a top ten talent, his stock has slipped due to concerns about his commitment to the game. At this point he is worth the risk based on natural abilities. He could end up being a steal.
60. New England: OG William Rackley, 6'5" 303 lbs. Lehigh - Belichik knows the value of keeping your O-line stocked with talent. Rackley has all the tools to develop into a solid starter.
61. San Diego: WR Leonard Hankerson, 6'2" 209 lbs. Miami (FL) - Improved his stock at the combine and could become a nice third or fourth option for the Chargers in the passing game.
62. Chicago: CB Ras-I Dowling, 6'1" 198 lbs. Virginia - A good zone corner that could find a role very quickly in the Bears' defensive schemes.
63. Pittsburgh: ILB Quan Sturdivant, 6'1" 240 lbs. UNC - Everybody knows how much the Steelers love to stockpile linebackers and Sturdivant could develop into a quality starter for them inside.
64. Green Bay: WR Jerrel Jernigan, 5'9" 185 lbs. Troy - People in Wisconsin will be like "who?", until they see him run with the ball in his hands. Jernigan may not be a starter but he could become a threat whenever he touches the field, especially from the slot or while returning punts.
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