1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck - QB - Stanford
The Colts pretty much told Luck he's their guy to replace Peyton Manning.
2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis): Robert Griffin III - QB - Baylor
The Redskins did not trade three first round picks to move up into #2 for anything else but RGIII.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne - CB - LSU
Here's a twist, the Vikings have been linked to USC OT Matt Kalil for some time to protect Christian Ponder's blindside. But lately, there have been reports of Minnesota trading out of that pick or passing on Kalil altogether. Maybe Kalil, who went to USC, reminds the Vikings too much of Los Angeles where they are rumored to be heading if they don't get this stadium issue resolved. Head coach Leslie Frazier came out and said tackle isn't a difference maker and they need a difference maker. The Vikings need a cornerback and take the best in the draft in Morris Claiborne. The Vikings need a corner as they play in a division with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, Aaron Rodgers and his group of receivers, and even Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall twice a year.
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson - RB - Alabama
The Cleveland Browns need so much help on offense and really need a play maker and difference maker. They won't take Ryan Tannehill here, there are reports of possibly wide receiver Justin Blackmon for Colt McCoy. But it appears Blackmon is not worth taking here so they go the best running back and offensive player at this spot in Trent Richardson.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matt Kalil - OT - USC
The Bucs could trade out of this pick to someone who wants Matt Kalil as they really liked Trent Richardson and Morris Claiborne. They could also just sit here and take Kalil, the best left tackle in the draft, as they need a tackle.
6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington): Justin Blackmon - WR - Oklahoma State
The Rams have been linked to Richardson and Claiborne and both are off the board. There are reports that they want a defensive tackle, possibly Fletcher Cox. Even if Matt Kalil fell here it would be good for QB Sam Bradford, who was hit a ton last here and even missed 6 games because of injury. But the Rams take the best wide receiver in the draft in Justin Blackmon. This should give Bradford a number one receiver he's clearly lacked.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Stephon Gilmore - CB - South Carolina
The Jaguars could use a wide receiver for Blaine Gabbert, but Justin Blackmon is off the board even though Michael Floyd is on the board. But the Jags need a corner and really love Stephon Gilmore so he's the pick.
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill - QB - Texas A&M
This is a desperation pick perhaps but the Dolphins need a QB after whiffing on Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, and even Alex Smith in the offseason. The Dolphins like Tannehill a lot and unless someone trades up to get him or even Miami trades up, he'll be the pick here. The Dolphins have Matt Moore, who is decent but not a franchise guy. Moore can start for a year while Tannehill waits a year or so as he is not ready to start now. Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman recruited and coached Tannehill at Texas A&M.
9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox - DT - Mississippi State
The Panthers need a defensive tackle and take the best in the draft in Fletcher Cox. Some reports of Dontari Poe has climbed up the draft boards because of a great workout but seems to not the player Cox is.
10. Buffalo Bills: Mark Barron - S - Alabama
The Bills need a wide receiver, offensive tackle, and cornerback. Michael Floyd is on the board and would be a great number two opposite Steve Johnson. But the Bills don't seem to value him as he was not scheduled to workout with the Bills prior to the draft. Offensive tackle is a big point as they have worked out Cordy Glenn and Jonathan Martin. But GM Buddy Nix seemed to dismiss that notion of taking a tackle as they want a difference maker at 10 and that Chris Hairston can be a starter and there is a bunch of tackle depth in this draft. So it appears that the secondary is the option. The Bills seem to really love both cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Mark Barron. Gilmore has the slight edge otherwise its pretty even. Gilmore is off the board but he'd be the pick if he was on the board. So the Bills select Barron, who is a top-10 talent. As of today, I've been hearing an awful lot of Barron being the guy the Bills want.
11. Kansas City Chief: Luke Kuechly - LB - Boston College
12. Seattle Seahawks: Melvin Ingram - DE/OLB - South Carolina
13. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd - WR - Notre Dame
14. Dallas Cowboys: Dontari Poe - DT - Memphis
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinton Coples - DE - North Carolina
16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw - DE/OLB - Alabama
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland): David DeCastro - OG - Stanford
18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff - OT - Iowa
19. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Martin - OT - Stanford
20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus - DE/OLB - Illinois
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick - CB - Alabama
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons): Brandon Weeden - QB - Oklahoma State
23. Detroit Lions: Cordy Glenn - OT/OG - Georgia
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Zeitler - OG - Wisconsin
25. Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers - DT - LSU
26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill - WR - Georgia Tech
27. New England Patriots: Nick Perry - DE/OLB - USC
28. Green Bay Packers: Jerel Worthy - DT - Michigan State
29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower - LB - Alabama
30. San Francisco 49ers: Coby Fleener - TE - Stanford
31. New England Patriots: Shea McClellan - LB - Boise State
32. New York Giants: Mike Adams - OT - Ohio State
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
2012 NFL Mock Draft V 2.0
1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
No surprise, the Colts take the best player off the board first. They are clearly rebuilding as they cut ties with perhaps their greatest QB of all-time in Peyton Manning. Time to start all over as they had 13 great seasons and are hopefully looking for the same with Luck. Luck is considered by many to be the greatest QB prospect since the Colts took Manning in 1998. Lightning strikes twice here.
Other possible selections:
None
2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis) - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Redskins made a huge deal with St. Louis to move to the #2 spot to take the second best QB in the draft in Robert Griffin III. Griffin has a tremendous arm and has great mobility and he seems to be the guy that will fit Mike Shanahan's system. The Redskins are in such a desperate need of a quarterback that it made so much sense to trade up into the #2 spot.
Other possible selections:
None
3. Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Vikings have been talking up about trading out of this pick or passing on Matt Kalil altogether to generate interest in a big trade to move up into this spot. They need a lot of help and they hope they can get a sweet deal for this pick. The Vikings need a corner back so they could take Morris Claiborne, who they are targeting at #3. But they need a left tackle bad to protect their QB Christian Ponder and they take the best tackle in the draft in Kalil.
Other possible selections:
Morris Claiborne - They need a corner bad and he's the best in the draft.
Justin Blackmon - There has been reports that they like Justin Blackmon and Christian Ponder needs a big time weapon.
Trade - There have been reports that Minnesota wants to trade out of this pick considering teams could be interested in Ryan Tannehill.
4. Cleveland Browns - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Cleveland Browns are a mess. They failed to beat out the Washington Redskins to move to St. Louis' #2 spot in order to take Robert Griffin III. The Browns need so much help, especially on offense. There's a possibility that they could take Ryan Tannehill here as they have a 2nd 1st round pick at #22. There's also a possibility that they could take the best running back in the draft in Alabama's Trent Richardson, who is an explosive back that can catch out of the backfield. He would be a perfect fit for their West Coast Offense and would be a tremendous help to QB Colt McCoy. But it appears that the Browns are very interested in drafting Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon as their team president has publicly stated he'd take Blackmon 4th overall. McCoy desperately needs a wide receiver and Blackmon could be the best in this class. Some think Blackmon isn't worthy of this high of a pick because he isn't particularly too tall nor too fast. But he was explosive enough and very productive the last two years at Oklahoma State to win back-to-back Biletnikoff Awards as the top wide receiver in the nation. Blackmon can separate, get open, go over the middle, and make tough catches.
Other possible selections:
Ryan Tannehill - The Browns could go the quarterback route if they think he is the guy and Colt McCoy isn't.
Trent Richardson - The Browns could go the smart pick by taking the best player on the board at this spot as they need a running back and the Browns need as many offensive weapons as possible.
Morris Claiborne - The Browns could take the top corner off the board and along with 2010 1st round pick Joe Haden could form the best young CB tandem in the league. But I believe they go offense.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Tampa Bay had a very productive offseason with the signings of Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks, one of their best in sometime. Now they can add to that with a more than solid draft. They need a corner despite signing Eric Wright and re-signing veteran Ronde Barber, who they are moving to safety, and they are looking to unload the talented but very troubled Aqib Talib. They get the best corner in the draft in Morris Claiborne. Claiborne had a spectacular junior season after teammate Patrick Peterson moved to the NFL. Claiborne has great size and speed and can go against the best receivers in the league. Plus he can return kicks as well. The Bucs need as much help as they can in order to go against QBs such as Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton all in their division.
Other possible selections:
Trent Richardson - If Claiborne is off the board, the Bucs could go with Richardson, who is very explosive and can help out Josh Freeman. LeGarrette Blount is not a number one running back and new head coach Greg Schiano likes to run the ball.
6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
The Rams were the lowest scoring and lowest producing offense in the league last season. A lot of that is because of injuries to 2010 1st overall pick Sam Bradford, injuries and poor offensive line play, and a lack of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Bradford threw for only six touchdown passes as he only started 10 games because of injuries. Bradford needs weapons and help around him to help him succeed and that's what Jeff Fisher will do. With Justin Blackmon off the board, the Rams go Trent Richardson, a player they seem to have atop of their draft boards. Richardson has great speed and can catch the ball out of the backfield to give Bradford a legitimate offensive weapon. Plus running back Steven Jackson isn't getting any younger as well as those legs aren't really fresh as he has been overused during his 8-year run in St. Louis.
Other possible selections:
Justin Blackmon - If Richardson is off the board and Blackmon is, the Rams will take him.
Morris Claiborne - If both Richardson and Blackmon are off the board, the Rams will go best player available.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
With last year's first round pick QB Blaine Gabbert struggling mightily in his rookie season, new head coach Mike Mularkey, who is an offensive guy, should perhaps look at getting some talent around him. They did sign wide receivers Laurent Robinson from the Dallas Cowboys and veteran Lee Evans. Gabbert struggled badly last year as he was clearly not ready to start, but the Jags had no other choice but to throw him to the lions. He was dead last in QB Rating and yards per attempt and next-to-last in completion percentage among qualified leaders. Gabbert drew criticism as he also struggled in the pocket even without any pressure at times. In his defense, he had no one to throw to except for the league's leading rusher Maurice Jones-Drew. So wide receiver should be a target even though Justin Blackmon is off the board and Michael Floyd is available. The Jags could take a receiver in the 2nd round as there are some who are NFL ready. But the Jags covet the best defensive end prospect in the draft in South Carolina's Melvin Ingram. The team re-signed Jeremy Mincey and together with Ingram, the two would be a force to be reckoned with.
Other possible selections:
Justin Blackmon - If he is still on the board, the Jags will probably not pass him up.
Michael Floyd - He can be an option as they can use a big wideout for Blaine Gabbert.
Quinton Coples - I've seen him mocked here and is a very talented pass rusher. But Coples has some character and work ethic flaws that are seeing him drop to the mid-to-late first round.
8. Miami Dolphins - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Unless the Dolphins or some other team like Kanas City trades up to say #3, Miami takes its QB right in this spot at #8 in Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is considered to be the 3rd rated QB in this year's draft behind only Luck and Griffin. Miami has whiffed on getting a QB this offseason including Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, and even Alex Smith. They still have Matt Moore is a dependable starter, but not a long-term answer. Tannehill would need to sit at least a year and Moore is capable for starting now. Plus Miami's offensive coordinator is Mike Sherman, who recruited Tannehill to Texas A&M and was his head coach there all four years.
Other possible selections:
Melvin Ingram - If he is available and Tannehill isn't, he will be the pick because he and Cameron Wake would make a great pass rushing duo.
Riley Reiff - I've heard Joe Philibin has ties to the University of Iowa and likes Reiff. Reiff is most likely a right tackle in this league and pair him with Jake Long and you possibly have two great tackles.
Michael Floyd - The Dolphins need a big time wide receiver especially after they traded Brandon Marshall to the Bears.
9. Carolina Panthers - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
The Panthers need a lot of help on defense like a defensive tackle and cornerback. They also could use another wide receiver to start opposite Steve Smith, who signed a new three-year deal but will turn 33, and give Cam Newton another option to throw to. Michael Floyd is definitely an option, but Ron Rivera wants build a defense so he goes with defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Cox is without a doubt a top-10 pick and can start right away, giving the Panthers great value at #9.
Other possible selections:
Michael Floyd - Floyd gives Cam Newton a viable #2 wide receiver. But there are plenty of options in the second round as this is a pretty deep wide receiver draft in the first few rounds.
Dontari Poe - I've seen him here in several mock drafts at DT. He's very athletically gifted, but he will be a big reach at #9, so the better pick is Cox.
Stephon Gilmore - The Panthers desperately need a QB especially facing Drew Brees and Matt Ryan twice a year. Gilmore is steadily climbing the charts because of his size and speed.
10. Buffalo Bills - Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Bills have several needs; left tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback. Considering the Bills signed the biggest free agent not named Peyton Manning in defensive end Mario Williams along with defensive end Mark Anderson, you would think the Bills' first round pick should be on the offensive side. They need a left tackle to replace Demetress Bell, who the Bills did not re-sign. There have been links to the Bills taking either Riley Reiff or Stanford's Jonathan Martin. Neither guy seem to be a tackle worth taking at 10. The Bills have worked out Georgia's Cordy Glenn, who they seem to like a lot even though Glenn was a guard for his first three years before switching to left tackle last year. Glenn more than held his own at left tackle in the premier conference in college football, the SEC. Glenn has the size and ability to be a left tackle, but many feel he is more of a guard. If the Bills feel that way, he won't be the pick. The Bills need another wide receiver opposite Stevie Johnson as Donald Jones, David Nelson, and Naaman Roosevelt are no where close to being a #2. Marcus Easley has shown flashes of brilliance in training camp, but has yet to see the field for an NFL game after an injury and illness kept him from playing the last two years. Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is on the board and with his size and hands would compliment Johnson very well. But I don't think the Bills are interested as he was not scheduled to work out with the Bills and it seems when it comes to 1st and 2nd round picks that Buddy Nix drafts guys who worked out with the team. You can cross him and Reiff off the list. I think they are more highly on Justin Blackmon, if he were to fall. Plus this is a very deep wide receiver draft they can get in the 2nd or 3rd round such as LSU's Reuben Randle and Appalachian State's Brian Quick. Corner is such a huge need defensively as the Bills have Drayton Florence, who is not a shutdown corner and is getting up there in age, Leodis McKelvin, who has widely disappointed in 4 years despite his athleticism, veteran Terrence McGee, who has been plagued with injuries the past few years and is 31, and last year's draft picks Aaron Williams and Justin Rogers, who have shown flashes of brilliance as rookies but are inexperienced and raw. That's why I think the Bills will draft a corner at 10 in South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore has climbed the charts with his speed, his ability to keep up and defend against receivers, and his size. There's a possibility Gilmore might not even be here at 10, but he is on this board and the Bills take him. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick is a possibility as well.
Other possible selections:
Cordy Glenn - the Bills need a left tackle to protect Ryan Fitzpatrick as well as give him more time to be able to throw down the field for bigger plays.
Riley Reiff and Michael Floyd - Neither men worked out for the Bills and I really don't think Buddy Nix will take either unless he didn't need to see either man up close.
Dre Kirkpatrick - If Gilmore is off the board, then the Bills could very well take Kirkpatrick.
11. Kansas City Chiefs - David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
12. Seattle Seahawks - Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
13. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
14. Dallas Cowboys - Mark Barron, S, Alabama
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
16. New York Jets - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) - Cordy Glenn, OT/OG, Georgia
18. San Diego Chargers - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
19. Chicago Bears - Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
20. Tennessee Titans - Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) - Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
The Browns take Justin Blackmon and take the guy who threw to Blackmon the past two years in 28-year-old Brandon Weeden. That's right, he's 28-years-old (will be 29 during the season). He spent five seasons playing baseball before going to Oklahoma State to become their quarterback.
23. Detroit Lions - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
25. Denver Broncos - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
26. Houston Texans - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) - Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
28. Green Bay Packers - Nick Perry, DE, USC
29. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Conz, C, Wisconsin
30. San Francisco 49ers - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
31. New England Patriots - David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
32. New York Giants - Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
No surprise, the Colts take the best player off the board first. They are clearly rebuilding as they cut ties with perhaps their greatest QB of all-time in Peyton Manning. Time to start all over as they had 13 great seasons and are hopefully looking for the same with Luck. Luck is considered by many to be the greatest QB prospect since the Colts took Manning in 1998. Lightning strikes twice here.
Other possible selections:
None
2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis) - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Redskins made a huge deal with St. Louis to move to the #2 spot to take the second best QB in the draft in Robert Griffin III. Griffin has a tremendous arm and has great mobility and he seems to be the guy that will fit Mike Shanahan's system. The Redskins are in such a desperate need of a quarterback that it made so much sense to trade up into the #2 spot.
Other possible selections:
None
3. Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Vikings have been talking up about trading out of this pick or passing on Matt Kalil altogether to generate interest in a big trade to move up into this spot. They need a lot of help and they hope they can get a sweet deal for this pick. The Vikings need a corner back so they could take Morris Claiborne, who they are targeting at #3. But they need a left tackle bad to protect their QB Christian Ponder and they take the best tackle in the draft in Kalil.
Other possible selections:
Morris Claiborne - They need a corner bad and he's the best in the draft.
Justin Blackmon - There has been reports that they like Justin Blackmon and Christian Ponder needs a big time weapon.
Trade - There have been reports that Minnesota wants to trade out of this pick considering teams could be interested in Ryan Tannehill.
4. Cleveland Browns - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Cleveland Browns are a mess. They failed to beat out the Washington Redskins to move to St. Louis' #2 spot in order to take Robert Griffin III. The Browns need so much help, especially on offense. There's a possibility that they could take Ryan Tannehill here as they have a 2nd 1st round pick at #22. There's also a possibility that they could take the best running back in the draft in Alabama's Trent Richardson, who is an explosive back that can catch out of the backfield. He would be a perfect fit for their West Coast Offense and would be a tremendous help to QB Colt McCoy. But it appears that the Browns are very interested in drafting Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon as their team president has publicly stated he'd take Blackmon 4th overall. McCoy desperately needs a wide receiver and Blackmon could be the best in this class. Some think Blackmon isn't worthy of this high of a pick because he isn't particularly too tall nor too fast. But he was explosive enough and very productive the last two years at Oklahoma State to win back-to-back Biletnikoff Awards as the top wide receiver in the nation. Blackmon can separate, get open, go over the middle, and make tough catches.
Other possible selections:
Ryan Tannehill - The Browns could go the quarterback route if they think he is the guy and Colt McCoy isn't.
Trent Richardson - The Browns could go the smart pick by taking the best player on the board at this spot as they need a running back and the Browns need as many offensive weapons as possible.
Morris Claiborne - The Browns could take the top corner off the board and along with 2010 1st round pick Joe Haden could form the best young CB tandem in the league. But I believe they go offense.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Tampa Bay had a very productive offseason with the signings of Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks, one of their best in sometime. Now they can add to that with a more than solid draft. They need a corner despite signing Eric Wright and re-signing veteran Ronde Barber, who they are moving to safety, and they are looking to unload the talented but very troubled Aqib Talib. They get the best corner in the draft in Morris Claiborne. Claiborne had a spectacular junior season after teammate Patrick Peterson moved to the NFL. Claiborne has great size and speed and can go against the best receivers in the league. Plus he can return kicks as well. The Bucs need as much help as they can in order to go against QBs such as Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton all in their division.
Other possible selections:
Trent Richardson - If Claiborne is off the board, the Bucs could go with Richardson, who is very explosive and can help out Josh Freeman. LeGarrette Blount is not a number one running back and new head coach Greg Schiano likes to run the ball.
6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
The Rams were the lowest scoring and lowest producing offense in the league last season. A lot of that is because of injuries to 2010 1st overall pick Sam Bradford, injuries and poor offensive line play, and a lack of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Bradford threw for only six touchdown passes as he only started 10 games because of injuries. Bradford needs weapons and help around him to help him succeed and that's what Jeff Fisher will do. With Justin Blackmon off the board, the Rams go Trent Richardson, a player they seem to have atop of their draft boards. Richardson has great speed and can catch the ball out of the backfield to give Bradford a legitimate offensive weapon. Plus running back Steven Jackson isn't getting any younger as well as those legs aren't really fresh as he has been overused during his 8-year run in St. Louis.
Other possible selections:
Justin Blackmon - If Richardson is off the board and Blackmon is, the Rams will take him.
Morris Claiborne - If both Richardson and Blackmon are off the board, the Rams will go best player available.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
With last year's first round pick QB Blaine Gabbert struggling mightily in his rookie season, new head coach Mike Mularkey, who is an offensive guy, should perhaps look at getting some talent around him. They did sign wide receivers Laurent Robinson from the Dallas Cowboys and veteran Lee Evans. Gabbert struggled badly last year as he was clearly not ready to start, but the Jags had no other choice but to throw him to the lions. He was dead last in QB Rating and yards per attempt and next-to-last in completion percentage among qualified leaders. Gabbert drew criticism as he also struggled in the pocket even without any pressure at times. In his defense, he had no one to throw to except for the league's leading rusher Maurice Jones-Drew. So wide receiver should be a target even though Justin Blackmon is off the board and Michael Floyd is available. The Jags could take a receiver in the 2nd round as there are some who are NFL ready. But the Jags covet the best defensive end prospect in the draft in South Carolina's Melvin Ingram. The team re-signed Jeremy Mincey and together with Ingram, the two would be a force to be reckoned with.
Other possible selections:
Justin Blackmon - If he is still on the board, the Jags will probably not pass him up.
Michael Floyd - He can be an option as they can use a big wideout for Blaine Gabbert.
Quinton Coples - I've seen him mocked here and is a very talented pass rusher. But Coples has some character and work ethic flaws that are seeing him drop to the mid-to-late first round.
8. Miami Dolphins - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Unless the Dolphins or some other team like Kanas City trades up to say #3, Miami takes its QB right in this spot at #8 in Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is considered to be the 3rd rated QB in this year's draft behind only Luck and Griffin. Miami has whiffed on getting a QB this offseason including Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, and even Alex Smith. They still have Matt Moore is a dependable starter, but not a long-term answer. Tannehill would need to sit at least a year and Moore is capable for starting now. Plus Miami's offensive coordinator is Mike Sherman, who recruited Tannehill to Texas A&M and was his head coach there all four years.
Other possible selections:
Melvin Ingram - If he is available and Tannehill isn't, he will be the pick because he and Cameron Wake would make a great pass rushing duo.
Riley Reiff - I've heard Joe Philibin has ties to the University of Iowa and likes Reiff. Reiff is most likely a right tackle in this league and pair him with Jake Long and you possibly have two great tackles.
Michael Floyd - The Dolphins need a big time wide receiver especially after they traded Brandon Marshall to the Bears.
9. Carolina Panthers - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
The Panthers need a lot of help on defense like a defensive tackle and cornerback. They also could use another wide receiver to start opposite Steve Smith, who signed a new three-year deal but will turn 33, and give Cam Newton another option to throw to. Michael Floyd is definitely an option, but Ron Rivera wants build a defense so he goes with defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Cox is without a doubt a top-10 pick and can start right away, giving the Panthers great value at #9.
Other possible selections:
Michael Floyd - Floyd gives Cam Newton a viable #2 wide receiver. But there are plenty of options in the second round as this is a pretty deep wide receiver draft in the first few rounds.
Dontari Poe - I've seen him here in several mock drafts at DT. He's very athletically gifted, but he will be a big reach at #9, so the better pick is Cox.
Stephon Gilmore - The Panthers desperately need a QB especially facing Drew Brees and Matt Ryan twice a year. Gilmore is steadily climbing the charts because of his size and speed.
10. Buffalo Bills - Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Bills have several needs; left tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback. Considering the Bills signed the biggest free agent not named Peyton Manning in defensive end Mario Williams along with defensive end Mark Anderson, you would think the Bills' first round pick should be on the offensive side. They need a left tackle to replace Demetress Bell, who the Bills did not re-sign. There have been links to the Bills taking either Riley Reiff or Stanford's Jonathan Martin. Neither guy seem to be a tackle worth taking at 10. The Bills have worked out Georgia's Cordy Glenn, who they seem to like a lot even though Glenn was a guard for his first three years before switching to left tackle last year. Glenn more than held his own at left tackle in the premier conference in college football, the SEC. Glenn has the size and ability to be a left tackle, but many feel he is more of a guard. If the Bills feel that way, he won't be the pick. The Bills need another wide receiver opposite Stevie Johnson as Donald Jones, David Nelson, and Naaman Roosevelt are no where close to being a #2. Marcus Easley has shown flashes of brilliance in training camp, but has yet to see the field for an NFL game after an injury and illness kept him from playing the last two years. Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is on the board and with his size and hands would compliment Johnson very well. But I don't think the Bills are interested as he was not scheduled to work out with the Bills and it seems when it comes to 1st and 2nd round picks that Buddy Nix drafts guys who worked out with the team. You can cross him and Reiff off the list. I think they are more highly on Justin Blackmon, if he were to fall. Plus this is a very deep wide receiver draft they can get in the 2nd or 3rd round such as LSU's Reuben Randle and Appalachian State's Brian Quick. Corner is such a huge need defensively as the Bills have Drayton Florence, who is not a shutdown corner and is getting up there in age, Leodis McKelvin, who has widely disappointed in 4 years despite his athleticism, veteran Terrence McGee, who has been plagued with injuries the past few years and is 31, and last year's draft picks Aaron Williams and Justin Rogers, who have shown flashes of brilliance as rookies but are inexperienced and raw. That's why I think the Bills will draft a corner at 10 in South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore has climbed the charts with his speed, his ability to keep up and defend against receivers, and his size. There's a possibility Gilmore might not even be here at 10, but he is on this board and the Bills take him. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick is a possibility as well.
Other possible selections:
Cordy Glenn - the Bills need a left tackle to protect Ryan Fitzpatrick as well as give him more time to be able to throw down the field for bigger plays.
Riley Reiff and Michael Floyd - Neither men worked out for the Bills and I really don't think Buddy Nix will take either unless he didn't need to see either man up close.
Dre Kirkpatrick - If Gilmore is off the board, then the Bills could very well take Kirkpatrick.
11. Kansas City Chiefs - David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
12. Seattle Seahawks - Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
13. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
14. Dallas Cowboys - Mark Barron, S, Alabama
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
16. New York Jets - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) - Cordy Glenn, OT/OG, Georgia
18. San Diego Chargers - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
19. Chicago Bears - Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
20. Tennessee Titans - Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) - Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
The Browns take Justin Blackmon and take the guy who threw to Blackmon the past two years in 28-year-old Brandon Weeden. That's right, he's 28-years-old (will be 29 during the season). He spent five seasons playing baseball before going to Oklahoma State to become their quarterback.
23. Detroit Lions - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
25. Denver Broncos - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
26. Houston Texans - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) - Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
28. Green Bay Packers - Nick Perry, DE, USC
29. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Conz, C, Wisconsin
30. San Francisco 49ers - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
31. New England Patriots - David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
32. New York Giants - Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Quarterbacks Drafted in the First Round Since 2004
Generally there has been a myth that you should not take a quarterback high or in the first round because if you miss on it, it will set your franchise back for many years. That has been true because first round quarterbacks in years past was a little something of a crapshoot. Its been a 50-50 success-bust ratio, maybe 51-49. But since 2004 when the rules changed to make the game more in favor of quarterbacks, the success rate has jumped up exponentially. Between 2004 and 2010, there have been 19 quarterbacks taken in the first round. Out of those 19, 15 have been either elite or serviceable. 4 have been busts which translates to nearly 80% success rate, which means 4 out of every 5 quarterbacks taken in the first round are successes. Before that, it was about 50-50. 80% is outstanding when it comes to selecting the game's most important position. Success rates of quarterbacks drafted each round after shrinks significantly. Check out my last blog about QBs taken in the 2nd and 3rd round (http://buffalosportsbeat.blogspot.com/2012/04/quarterbacks-taken-in-2nd-and-3rd-round.html)
2004 was the first year they changed the rules which strictly enforced pass interference and defensive holding as well as introducing the new illegal contact rule, which prohibited a cornerback form making any contact with a wide receiver more than five yards down the field. These rules were set in place in favor of the quarterback to open up the passing game. Maybe some of the quarterbacks that were taken before 2004 who were busts might have been somewhat serviceable with the current rules in place. QBs aren't even allowed to be hit after they throw the football, which results in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty. This alters the defensive players to be as aggressive as they were before. Same with the corners and safeties, who used to be able to manhandle receivers all the way down the field until the pass was thrown their way. Now, you can't touch the receiver past five yards from the line of scrimmage, which results in more receivers being open. It makes so much sense to have a great QB. You can't win a Super Bowl without an elite, franchise quarterback. And you don't get that franchise quarterback nowadays without taking them in the first round, preferably in the top-10. The 2004 Quarterback class was the best since 1983 as it produced Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger were drafted in the first round.
Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers are all Super Bowl winning, elite, future Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Phillip Rivers, Jay Cutler, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and Matthew Stafford are all good to great and have made the playoffs and the Pro Bowl. Alex Smith, Jason Campbell, Vince Young, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow are all serviceable in this league. Smith was a bust until this past year when he got a great coach in Jim Harbaugh along with a great defense carried them to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Sanchez hasn't been great but let the Jets to the AFC Championship Game in his first two years. Young has a pretty good record as a starter (31-19) despite having some flaws in the passing game and an attitude problem. Tebow guided the Broncos to the playoffs and beat the Steelers in the first round. Freeman and Bradford both had some glimpses of success and failure. Everyone except for Freeman and Bradford led their teams to a playoff appearance at least once. Freeman was 10-6 two years ago. Campbell would have led the Raiders to the playoffs this year if he wasn't hurt.
The four busts are JP Losman, Matt Leinart, JaMarcus Russell, and Brad Quinn. All but Russell are still in the league as backups. Russell has been one of the biggest busts in NFL history, being released after just three seasons. Russell finished with a woeful 7-18 record, 52.1 completion percentage, a 18-to-23 TD-to-INT ratio, 6.0 yards per attempt, and a 65.2 rating. Russell, despite a very strong arm, was overweight, did not have the right mechanics, was slow, could not make many throws, and had a poor work ethic. Russell and Quinn were the only two QB first round picks in 2007. The 2007 QB draft class was one of the worst in recent memory. None of the QBs drafted that year remain with the team that drafted them or are out of the league altogether.
Since 2007, the first round QB picks have been pretty good. Even last year, 1st overall pick Cam Newton looks to be a great QB as he broke many rookie QB records, including most yards in a game by a rookie and most yards in a single season for a rookie. The other three first round QBs: Christian Ponder showed flashes of brilliance on a bad Minnesota Vikings team. Blaine Gabbert was awful in Jacksonville. Jake Locker only played a few games sitting behind Matt Hasselbeck in Tennessee, and he actually played quite well in the games he played in. This year's draft class will see Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III go 1-2. Ryan Tannehill is projected to go somewhere in the top-10, but is a bit of a project even though he has the talent because he was a wide receiver before being converted into a full-time QB in his junior year. 28-year-old Brandon Weeden could go late in the first round. With last year's rookie wage scale, it is very likely to see 4-5 QBs go in the first round because the demand for a franchise QB is very high. Teams don't have to worry about wasting $30-40 million on taking a chance on a guy anymore. QBs who were projected to go in the 2nd round now get drafted into the early-mid first round.
2004 was the first year they changed the rules which strictly enforced pass interference and defensive holding as well as introducing the new illegal contact rule, which prohibited a cornerback form making any contact with a wide receiver more than five yards down the field. These rules were set in place in favor of the quarterback to open up the passing game. Maybe some of the quarterbacks that were taken before 2004 who were busts might have been somewhat serviceable with the current rules in place. QBs aren't even allowed to be hit after they throw the football, which results in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty. This alters the defensive players to be as aggressive as they were before. Same with the corners and safeties, who used to be able to manhandle receivers all the way down the field until the pass was thrown their way. Now, you can't touch the receiver past five yards from the line of scrimmage, which results in more receivers being open. It makes so much sense to have a great QB. You can't win a Super Bowl without an elite, franchise quarterback. And you don't get that franchise quarterback nowadays without taking them in the first round, preferably in the top-10. The 2004 Quarterback class was the best since 1983 as it produced Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger were drafted in the first round.
Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers are all Super Bowl winning, elite, future Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Phillip Rivers, Jay Cutler, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and Matthew Stafford are all good to great and have made the playoffs and the Pro Bowl. Alex Smith, Jason Campbell, Vince Young, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow are all serviceable in this league. Smith was a bust until this past year when he got a great coach in Jim Harbaugh along with a great defense carried them to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Sanchez hasn't been great but let the Jets to the AFC Championship Game in his first two years. Young has a pretty good record as a starter (31-19) despite having some flaws in the passing game and an attitude problem. Tebow guided the Broncos to the playoffs and beat the Steelers in the first round. Freeman and Bradford both had some glimpses of success and failure. Everyone except for Freeman and Bradford led their teams to a playoff appearance at least once. Freeman was 10-6 two years ago. Campbell would have led the Raiders to the playoffs this year if he wasn't hurt.
The four busts are JP Losman, Matt Leinart, JaMarcus Russell, and Brad Quinn. All but Russell are still in the league as backups. Russell has been one of the biggest busts in NFL history, being released after just three seasons. Russell finished with a woeful 7-18 record, 52.1 completion percentage, a 18-to-23 TD-to-INT ratio, 6.0 yards per attempt, and a 65.2 rating. Russell, despite a very strong arm, was overweight, did not have the right mechanics, was slow, could not make many throws, and had a poor work ethic. Russell and Quinn were the only two QB first round picks in 2007. The 2007 QB draft class was one of the worst in recent memory. None of the QBs drafted that year remain with the team that drafted them or are out of the league altogether.
Since 2007, the first round QB picks have been pretty good. Even last year, 1st overall pick Cam Newton looks to be a great QB as he broke many rookie QB records, including most yards in a game by a rookie and most yards in a single season for a rookie. The other three first round QBs: Christian Ponder showed flashes of brilliance on a bad Minnesota Vikings team. Blaine Gabbert was awful in Jacksonville. Jake Locker only played a few games sitting behind Matt Hasselbeck in Tennessee, and he actually played quite well in the games he played in. This year's draft class will see Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III go 1-2. Ryan Tannehill is projected to go somewhere in the top-10, but is a bit of a project even though he has the talent because he was a wide receiver before being converted into a full-time QB in his junior year. 28-year-old Brandon Weeden could go late in the first round. With last year's rookie wage scale, it is very likely to see 4-5 QBs go in the first round because the demand for a franchise QB is very high. Teams don't have to worry about wasting $30-40 million on taking a chance on a guy anymore. QBs who were projected to go in the 2nd round now get drafted into the early-mid first round.
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