mgriff
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The draft is completed, I'd like to thank everyone who participated. I'm moving to PA from Alaska, so I'm not going to have the time to do a second round.
Irish Envy First Annual Mock Draft
Round One
1. Carolina Panthers - DT Nick Fairley (Auburn) - mick2 - I was torn between bowers and fairley for the panthers, i think bowers may go 1. i saw a lot more of fairley than bowers this past year tho. and fairley is huge and disruptive, if anything he'll take double/triple teams every down and really help out the linebackers and other dlinemen, and carolina has a few promising de's already.
2. Denver Broncos - CB Patrick Peterson (LSU) - WhoDeyIrish - The Broncos have many needs obviously drafting second but have decided to go with the best player in the draft and that is...Patrick Peterson - Shut down corner for the next several years and an extremely good punt returner. He's possibly the best corner to come into the NFL in the last several years. You line him up opposite Champ Bailey and that becomes a good tandem, although Champ is getting up there in age.
3. Buffalo Bills - DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama) - Mr. McGibblets - With the Bills being in the bottom 10 in pretty much every team defensive category, including last in rushing yards given up per game, I chose to go with a defensive player.
I had sort of a tough time choosing Dareus over Bowers (because I like D ends) but Marcell is 6'2"-6'3", 310 lbs and has the ability to play either the 3-4 or 4-3. He has the speed to shoot gaps and get up the field as a needed run stopper or a pass rushing threat. Buffalo currently runs a 3-4 and if/when Chan Gailey gets fired in 2-3 years, they will be able to transition him to a 4-3 if the new system so dictates. He also seems to have good character and an upbeat personality which could bring life and a spark to the defense.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Cam Newton (Auburn) - Irish Man3 - The fact that Carson Palmer would rather retire than play another football game as a Bengal forced my hand in this decision.
My reason for going with Cam Newton over other quarterbacks in the draft is based on raw talent and potential. The fact that no quarterback has come out of that system in Missouri and been successful, scared me away from Blaine Gabbert. I've never been all that high on Gabbert. Ryan Mallett may be the most physically ready for the NFL, but in my opinion he is not a good leader. Questions of drug use and accusations of him being a poor team mate took Mallett out of the equation for me.
Cam Newton seemed like a safe choice. He has been a winner at every level and I can't punish him for accusations that seem to be more circled around his father at this point. His upside made him a clear choice for the number four pick in the draft.
5. Arizona Cardinals - LB Von Miller (Texas A&M) - InKellyITrust - With the 5th pick overall, the AZ Cardinals select Von Miller. Obviously, they have a problem at the QB position but I don't see a "sure thing" QB on the board. The Cardinals recently released Joey Porter, Miller is a beast who will contribute immediately to a team that desperately needs a stronger pass rush. He ran a 4.46 40 at the combine along with a 37" vertical leap. He's already drawing comparisons to Demarcus Ware while being a high character kid as well.
6. Cleveland Browns - WR A.J. Green (Georgia) - A Pac - The Browns' biggest need right now is a defensive pass rusher. I could have easily gone with Da'Quan Bowers here, but Green is a special talent that does not come around every draft. The Browns have the worst wide receiving corps in football and Green will give Colt McCoy a much needed weapon. The Browns will certainly have to go defensive in the second and third rounds, but for right now they get their play maker on offense. His sure hands and good rout running ability will help with the transition to the West Coast Offense.
7. San Fransisco 49ers - DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson) - Sherm Sticky - I mean possibly the top prospect in the draft still available at number 7, how could I not pick him. ESPN has him ranked as the # 1 prospect. The 49ers need D-line, outside linebacker, corner and quarter back help. Von Miller was off the board. Prince Amukamara was on the board and I could have taken him, but Bowers upside and hos ability to get to the QB was to much to pass. Also, could have gone with Gabbert, but with Harbough we will give Alex Smith one more year. Possibly to keep the seat warm for next year with Luck! If AJ Green was still on the board I would have grabbed him to pair with Crabtree. Again though I think getting Bowers at #7 is the steal of this draft so far.
8. Tennessee Titans - QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri) - rikkitikki08 - Blaine Gabbert was just much to talented to pass on. The titans immediately fix the hole they had at quarterback with blaine being the most proven NFL ready quarterback to come out of this draft. He has arm strength and accuracy and has decent speed for outside the pocket.
9. Dallas Cowboys - CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska) - (Pundit Consensus) - Dallas needs help in the secondary, Prince Amukamara is still on the board at nine, you have to think that he's going here. I'll leave you with the analysis of Mel Kiper. I chose to use his because of his impeccable hair. "But because the mock draft can't account for draft board trades, if the draft played out this way with the picks ahead of them, the Cowboys could do a lot worse than to grab the best pure technician at the corner position. Amukamara should transition quickly, and Terence Newman isn't getting any younger."
10. Washington Redskins - WR Julio Jones (Alabama) - IrishLax - Julio is just too good to pass up at this pick with Amukamara off the board. Redskins have big needs at QB, RB, WR and DB if they don't resign Rogers (which they won't). With Gabbert, Newton, Peterson and Amukamara all taken now... it is simply common sense to grab a big play WR like AJ Green or Julio Jones... and AJ is gone. Julio has the ability to play from day 1 and give the Skins two big play threats in him and Armstrong. With a good deep ball thrower like Rex Grossman (can't believe I'm typing that...) the Redskins might actually have a very solid passing attack this year if the OL plays well enough.
A guy with Julio's skills is a pretty big steal at #10... but WRs often turn out to be busts so we'll have to wait and see what happens.
11. Houston Texans - CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado) - irishpat183 - I know, it's McShay's pick. But it fits. Defense, Defense, Defense. It would've been temptiing had Jones still been around, but now that he's gone,they can address WR in the next rounds. And with Pat Peterson and Prince off the board Smith is the next best CB available at a position that the Texans so desperately need help at (pass D was worst in the NFL). I would go safety here, but it's really not a strong year for the centerfielder. And my OLB pick (Akeem Ayers) has had an awful combine. Smith is big, 6'2 211, has experience (a senior, learning curve should be short) and a great cover corner. Should fit nicely in Wade's new system. Lord knows we have lots of holes on that defense, this is just a band aid.
I honestly think they trade up to steal Prince. But that's another story.
12. Minnesota Vikings - DE Cameron Jordan (Cal) - IrishinFL - With Ray Edwards gone, Minnesota will need a DE to start opposite of Jared Allen. More of a run stopper than a pass rusher, Jordan will anchor the left end while transferring to Minnesota's 4-3 base defense. Received All-American honorable mentions from Pro Football Weekly. Played in 50 of 51 possible games in his career at California. Jordan is a Viking legacy. His father, Steve Jordan, played for 13 seasons and made 6 pro bowls. Minnesota could go multiple routes because of their many needs. Expect them to trade down.
13. Detroit Lions - OT Anthony Castonza (Boston College) - Georgia Domer - they seem to have needs there with free agency looming and injuries! my thing is keep the gun slinger on his feet and see what he can do(Stafford)
A former prep tight end, Castonzo surprised many with his ability to earn the starting right tackle spot, protecting quarterback Matt Ryan, as a 260-pound true freshman in 2007.
Poorly suited for the right side against power defensive ends, Castonzo was moved to left tackle in 2008 and started every game in his final three seasons at Boston College, earning All-ACC honors after each of his final three seasons.
Castonzo's long frame, balance and quick feet in pass protection are certain to attract attention from scouts looking for the next great BC offensive linemen. Scouts would like to see him continue to get bigger and stronger at the point of attack. However, the gains he's made over the past three years are impressive and Castonzo's steady improvement his senior season could be enough to warrant a first-round selection
per some site
14. St. Louis Rams - DT Corey Liuget (Illinois) - irishpat183 - While we all know that the Rams need help BIG TIME at WR(which is why they HAVE to trade this pick to snag either Green or Jones), taking the next WR this early would be a huge stretch. Liuget is a monster in the trenches and would help up the middle day one. Crazy motor and chases down plays from behind. He would help out with depth, giving old Fred robbins a breather. Solid mid first round pick.
15. Miami Dolphins - OT Tyron Smith (USC) - mgriff - The Dolphins have a ton of holes to fill, most notably at the QB position. Ideally, I would like the Dolphins to trade down at this point, but I can't do that, so I have to choose between the best on the board, DE Quinn (NC), DE J.J. Watt (WIS), OT Tyron Smith (USC), OT Nate Solder (CU), and the pick everyone sees us going with, RB Mark Ingram (AL). Add in the sprinkling of QBs like Mallet and Ponder which the Dolphins so desperately need and I have quite a decision to make. I would use the best available philosophy but we just drafted Odrick last year to play DE in our 3-4 and Cameron Wake has become a terrific pass threat this year for us, so I'm shying away from that great DE talent. Mark Ingram is a good player, there is no doubt about that, but I don't think he is elite, and I don't think I would pick him at 15. He may turn out to be the next Emmit Smith and prove me wrong, but that remains to be seen. If it does happen, we can just add that the long list of Dolphin draft blunders. Instead, I'm staying on the offensive side of the ball...
With 15th pick, the Dolphins select OT Tyron Smith (USC). Call me crazy, but let me explain. I'm pretty sick of Henne getting destroyed from the right side because Vernon Carey and our other RTs can't block a speed rush, or stay healthy enough to matter. Two bookend tackles in Long and Smith on the outside, with Incognito, Berger, and Jerry on the interior should shore up our line and give us plenty of depth to get through the season with the backups, something that hasn't happened in recent memory. He's one of the highest ranked players still available, and gives us good value along with a position of need, at least in my estimation.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina) - WhoDeyIrish - With the 16th pick in the NFL the Jacksonville Jaguars select Robert Quinn DE from North Carolina. I know generally that the Jaguars select high character guys and JJ Watt or Ryan Kerrigan might be a better fit but the Jaguars didn't think a guy like this would slip to them, so they are putting character issues aside. Robert Quinn is possibly the best pass rusher in the draft having 11 sacks as a Sophomore and sat out a year because of a suspension. We have seen that a year off for players hasn't hurt draft stock (Bradford). Jacksonville might not opt for a player like Quinn but I believe he is a better pure pass rusher than Bowers and is probably the best pass rushing DE to come out in a long time. Watching him sophomore year I saw a man amongst boys, he still is only 20 years old. Kid is going to be special and the Jags looked the other way this time.
17. New England Patriots - OT Nate Solder (Colorado) - Me2SouthBend - With the 17th pick of the 2011 Draft, The New England Patriots select Nate Solder from the University of Colorado. Solder is one of the highest rated tackles in the draft and with the pending free aganecy of Matt Light, the ongoing disgruntlement of Logan Mankins and the recent retirement of Stephen Neal, the Pats need a new book end to pair with Sebastian Vollmer. The 6' 8" 319 lb. Solder accomplishes this. Solder is better at pass protection than run blocking and Tommy Franchise needs all the protection he can get. I will actually be shocked if Belicheck doesn't trade down a couple of times, but that isn't an option in this forum, so we'll start w some beef up front.
18. San Diego Chargers - DE Aldon Smith (Missouri) - WhoDeyIrish - Aldon is a ultra talented very raw defensive end hybrid OLB type of player. I think he is a very good fit in the the San Diego defense. Larry English has been a disappointment so far. I believe Aldon can be both the Rush OLB and a DE naturally, which is why I believe they went with Aldon over a couple other guys. They need upgrades at both positions which is why he is the pick. Seems to be an easy pick with a player of this caliber that fell this far.
19. New York Giants - RB Mark Ingram (Alabama) - Ironman8 - Was stuck in between 3 players for this pick, and had to choose between need and value in the 19th pick. The 3 top DE's available are of no need and no real value, so they can be ruled out. The 3 that I had to choose from are RB Mark Ingram, OT Gabe Carimi, and OLB Akeem Ayers. Carimi and Ayers represent good picks in a position of need for the Giants, while I believe Ingram to be the best player on the board while also playing a position that the Giants could use an influx of talent in. The Giants have always been good at developing talent on the offensive line from draft picks in later rounds, and have Beatty waiting in the wings to pick up the tackle slack, so the Carimi pick is out.
While Ayers would be the smart pick here, and probably one that the Giants will do if put in this position, I will go ahead and draft RB Mark Ingram from Alabama for the Giants at the 19th pick. Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent, and would have to be resigned at a significant pay raise in order to stay a Giant. While drafting Ingram would present a problem in that the 2 main backs would be more of the power variety, I think that is a decent problem to have for one year, and they could always use Ware for a 3rd down or change of pace back. Talents like Ingram are rare, and he is too much of a talent to pass up at this point, especially when Jacobs has recessed so much and Bradshaw is fumble-prone free agent. OLB or OT will have to be the target of the draft from this point forward, but I believe that with Boley on one side, we can plug the other with either a free agent or a later draft pick and not suffer too much considering the pass rushers and secondary we possess. I would much rather draft an extra, special talent at RB than never forgive myself for passing up on the next Emmitt Smith, especially with the rest of the Giants' defense being relatively stout.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) - FightingIrishLover7 - The Bucs need a force at pass rush. Ryan Kerrigan is the man. With a combination of speed at strength he'll be able to get the job done.
The Bucs have been showing promising signs on offense, and Kerrigan is the type of guy who can help show promises on the defense.
21. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin) - Legacy - Gabe Carimi would be my pick for the Chiefs. I'd love to take JJ Watts but need outweighs best player available. Will be out of town.
22. Indianapolis Colts - OG Mike Pouncey (Florida) - GoldenIsThyFame - Bill Polian has never drafted a OL in the first round while with the Colts, but frankly I am not Bill Polian. I am tired of seeing Mike Pollack or Jamie Richard or Jeff Linkenbach laying flat on their backs and Peyton having to run for his life. Pouncey has good size and can play both guard and center. Jeff Saturday will be gone in a few years so Pouncey seems like the perfect fit to take over. Now let's just hope he is as good as his twin brother.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Brandon Harris (Miami) - NDPhilly - I know, I know, I know. He got torched by Michael Floyd in the Sun Bowl but had a very good combine and the Eagles need a corner opposite Samuel. I think the Eagles trade Kevin Kolb to move up to get Prince Amukamara or Jimmy Smith. Another posibility would be a OT such as Gabe Carimi or Anthony Castonzo with the possible loss of Winston Justice
24. New Orleans Saints - DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin) - mgriff - Talk about a lucky break for the Saints. They need a DE, and Clayborn, as well as Watt have fallen all the way to the quarter of the draft. This is a no brainer, as DE is the post pressing need for the Saints right now. They get their pick of two quality ends still available, and with the decision falling to me, I'll take DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin). Watt is rated the best after Quinn and Bowers by ESPN and Mayock, the latter of which I put more stock in. Anyway, Watt seems to be better than other DEs already taken in my estimation, and is perfect for the Saints in this position.
25. Seattle Seahawks- QB Jake Locker (Washington) - OlympiaIrishFan - Ok, the Seahawks have so many holes. And most of them are on the offensive and defensive line. But, the guys that the Seahawks really want (In My opinion) have already been taken--Pouncey,Miller, and Kerrigan. I laso think they may have wanted USC's Smith or Harris the CB that got whoooped on by Michael Floyd. So, I hate to say it but I think with the lockout looming and the Free Agent and trade market gone the Seahawks will take Jake Locker. Right now they only have the 1 not so good QB on the roster----Whitehurst . Matt Hasselbeck is a Free Agent, and my guess he will be a Viking or Cardinal next year. And Pete Carroll has always like Jake, raved about him when he was at SC. So, I think the Hawks will take him if he is on the board.
Danny Watkins would be my darkhorse pick at the spot. The Hawks have had nothing but horrible left guard play since Hutch left. Tim Ruskell blew it on that one, just like he did on so many moves while he was the GM in Seattle (except the wonderful John Carlson).
But, still will Jake Locker at pick 25.
26. Baltimore Ravens - LB Justin Houston (Georgia) - Thought we had Mr. Lewis's replacement last year with sergio kindle but that dude might never see the field. Supposed to be good, but young. With Mr. Lewis and Suggs showing him the ropes hope he can learn early and quickly.
27. Atlanta Falcons - DE Adrian Clayborn (Iowa) - Kingbish01 - With the 27th pick the Atlanta Falcons select Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa. The Falcons desperately need help on defense as seen in the playoffs against Green Bay (I was there) Would love to get a safety here but this draft is not packed with a bunch of top flight safeties. With John Abrahams nearing the end of his career the Falcons take Clayborn and feel they got great value with the 27th pick. He is solid as both a pass rusher and run stopper and should provide an immediate impact. He is a decent athlete with good speed and the strength to hold up at the point of attack.
28. New England Patriots (2) - Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple) - Rhode Irish - Wilkerson is often listed as a DT, but he will play the 5 technique for the Patriots. The Patriots come into this draft with three major needs: OL help, front 7 toughness and an edge pass rusher. Having selected an OT at #17, this pick was going to be on the other side of the ball. With so many picks (6 in rounds 1-3), the Pats can afford to pass on need in favor of best available, but with Wilkerson they may be filling a need with the best available player. The Patriots pick again just five picks later (#33), so they can address another need at that time (possibly interior OL or edge pass rusher). His size and ability to eat up multiple blockers should fit into the Patriots scheme, which is set up to funnel everything back into the middle - to the waiting arms of Jerod Mayo. Wilkerson is the pick at #28.
29. Chicago Bears CB Aaron Williams (Texas) - GBdomer - The Bears need a lot of help. OL, WR, LB, DT. I believe they get one of there needs with Aaron Williams. Great upside, good ball skills, big corner. They need more bodys in the secondary to cover the likes of Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Percy Harvin. I also wouldn't mind seeing John Baldwin go here so Cutler has a big target to throw too. But i am going Aaron Williams, CB, Texas.
30. New York Jets S Raheem Moore (UCLA) - Irish Lax - Tricky pick for the Jets here. Definitely ignore offense until next round or later where you might look into grabbing a WR to replace Braylon Edwards. With 3 FA WRs.... it's just a very fluid situation.
On defense there are needs at every position except CB. So with that in mind, the New York Jets select Rahim Moore, Safety, UCLA. Arguably best available player and in a position of need. I think quality LBs can be drafted in later rounds, especially guys like Casey Matthews who should be somewhere near a late third/early fourth rounder.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers OG Danny Watkins (Baylor) - Kingbish01 - I really wanted to grab a CB with this pick, but I like the fact that Danny is a 27 year old rookie. Maurkice Pouncey would have been my first choice but Danny is a nice plan B. He also has a bit of a mean streak so I think he will fit in nice in the Burgh. We gotta keep our 100 Million dollar man upright and with this pick it will help!
32. Green Bay Packers OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA) - rtrn2glory - Several areas of need I see for the Packers (even though I'm a Bears fan), but I will do my duty as a GM to the best of my capabilities.
I see the pack needing to fill holes at OG, OLB (opposite Matthews), and a corner to replace the aging Chuck Woodson.
With that said I see it best to take the best player available at the above positions of need.
So, with the final pick of the 1st round the Green Bay Packers select Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA.
I've kept my mouth shut all the way down thinking there's no way he'd be available at this point in the draft. Perfect fit opposite Matthews in the 3-4. This would be scary if it were to be the case (Remember I'm a Bear's fan)
Irish Envy First Annual Mock Draft
Round One
1. Carolina Panthers - DT Nick Fairley (Auburn) - mick2 - I was torn between bowers and fairley for the panthers, i think bowers may go 1. i saw a lot more of fairley than bowers this past year tho. and fairley is huge and disruptive, if anything he'll take double/triple teams every down and really help out the linebackers and other dlinemen, and carolina has a few promising de's already.
2. Denver Broncos - CB Patrick Peterson (LSU) - WhoDeyIrish - The Broncos have many needs obviously drafting second but have decided to go with the best player in the draft and that is...Patrick Peterson - Shut down corner for the next several years and an extremely good punt returner. He's possibly the best corner to come into the NFL in the last several years. You line him up opposite Champ Bailey and that becomes a good tandem, although Champ is getting up there in age.
3. Buffalo Bills - DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama) - Mr. McGibblets - With the Bills being in the bottom 10 in pretty much every team defensive category, including last in rushing yards given up per game, I chose to go with a defensive player.
I had sort of a tough time choosing Dareus over Bowers (because I like D ends) but Marcell is 6'2"-6'3", 310 lbs and has the ability to play either the 3-4 or 4-3. He has the speed to shoot gaps and get up the field as a needed run stopper or a pass rushing threat. Buffalo currently runs a 3-4 and if/when Chan Gailey gets fired in 2-3 years, they will be able to transition him to a 4-3 if the new system so dictates. He also seems to have good character and an upbeat personality which could bring life and a spark to the defense.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Cam Newton (Auburn) - Irish Man3 - The fact that Carson Palmer would rather retire than play another football game as a Bengal forced my hand in this decision.
My reason for going with Cam Newton over other quarterbacks in the draft is based on raw talent and potential. The fact that no quarterback has come out of that system in Missouri and been successful, scared me away from Blaine Gabbert. I've never been all that high on Gabbert. Ryan Mallett may be the most physically ready for the NFL, but in my opinion he is not a good leader. Questions of drug use and accusations of him being a poor team mate took Mallett out of the equation for me.
Cam Newton seemed like a safe choice. He has been a winner at every level and I can't punish him for accusations that seem to be more circled around his father at this point. His upside made him a clear choice for the number four pick in the draft.
5. Arizona Cardinals - LB Von Miller (Texas A&M) - InKellyITrust - With the 5th pick overall, the AZ Cardinals select Von Miller. Obviously, they have a problem at the QB position but I don't see a "sure thing" QB on the board. The Cardinals recently released Joey Porter, Miller is a beast who will contribute immediately to a team that desperately needs a stronger pass rush. He ran a 4.46 40 at the combine along with a 37" vertical leap. He's already drawing comparisons to Demarcus Ware while being a high character kid as well.
6. Cleveland Browns - WR A.J. Green (Georgia) - A Pac - The Browns' biggest need right now is a defensive pass rusher. I could have easily gone with Da'Quan Bowers here, but Green is a special talent that does not come around every draft. The Browns have the worst wide receiving corps in football and Green will give Colt McCoy a much needed weapon. The Browns will certainly have to go defensive in the second and third rounds, but for right now they get their play maker on offense. His sure hands and good rout running ability will help with the transition to the West Coast Offense.
7. San Fransisco 49ers - DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson) - Sherm Sticky - I mean possibly the top prospect in the draft still available at number 7, how could I not pick him. ESPN has him ranked as the # 1 prospect. The 49ers need D-line, outside linebacker, corner and quarter back help. Von Miller was off the board. Prince Amukamara was on the board and I could have taken him, but Bowers upside and hos ability to get to the QB was to much to pass. Also, could have gone with Gabbert, but with Harbough we will give Alex Smith one more year. Possibly to keep the seat warm for next year with Luck! If AJ Green was still on the board I would have grabbed him to pair with Crabtree. Again though I think getting Bowers at #7 is the steal of this draft so far.
8. Tennessee Titans - QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri) - rikkitikki08 - Blaine Gabbert was just much to talented to pass on. The titans immediately fix the hole they had at quarterback with blaine being the most proven NFL ready quarterback to come out of this draft. He has arm strength and accuracy and has decent speed for outside the pocket.
9. Dallas Cowboys - CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska) - (Pundit Consensus) - Dallas needs help in the secondary, Prince Amukamara is still on the board at nine, you have to think that he's going here. I'll leave you with the analysis of Mel Kiper. I chose to use his because of his impeccable hair. "But because the mock draft can't account for draft board trades, if the draft played out this way with the picks ahead of them, the Cowboys could do a lot worse than to grab the best pure technician at the corner position. Amukamara should transition quickly, and Terence Newman isn't getting any younger."
10. Washington Redskins - WR Julio Jones (Alabama) - IrishLax - Julio is just too good to pass up at this pick with Amukamara off the board. Redskins have big needs at QB, RB, WR and DB if they don't resign Rogers (which they won't). With Gabbert, Newton, Peterson and Amukamara all taken now... it is simply common sense to grab a big play WR like AJ Green or Julio Jones... and AJ is gone. Julio has the ability to play from day 1 and give the Skins two big play threats in him and Armstrong. With a good deep ball thrower like Rex Grossman (can't believe I'm typing that...) the Redskins might actually have a very solid passing attack this year if the OL plays well enough.
A guy with Julio's skills is a pretty big steal at #10... but WRs often turn out to be busts so we'll have to wait and see what happens.
11. Houston Texans - CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado) - irishpat183 - I know, it's McShay's pick. But it fits. Defense, Defense, Defense. It would've been temptiing had Jones still been around, but now that he's gone,they can address WR in the next rounds. And with Pat Peterson and Prince off the board Smith is the next best CB available at a position that the Texans so desperately need help at (pass D was worst in the NFL). I would go safety here, but it's really not a strong year for the centerfielder. And my OLB pick (Akeem Ayers) has had an awful combine. Smith is big, 6'2 211, has experience (a senior, learning curve should be short) and a great cover corner. Should fit nicely in Wade's new system. Lord knows we have lots of holes on that defense, this is just a band aid.
I honestly think they trade up to steal Prince. But that's another story.
12. Minnesota Vikings - DE Cameron Jordan (Cal) - IrishinFL - With Ray Edwards gone, Minnesota will need a DE to start opposite of Jared Allen. More of a run stopper than a pass rusher, Jordan will anchor the left end while transferring to Minnesota's 4-3 base defense. Received All-American honorable mentions from Pro Football Weekly. Played in 50 of 51 possible games in his career at California. Jordan is a Viking legacy. His father, Steve Jordan, played for 13 seasons and made 6 pro bowls. Minnesota could go multiple routes because of their many needs. Expect them to trade down.
13. Detroit Lions - OT Anthony Castonza (Boston College) - Georgia Domer - they seem to have needs there with free agency looming and injuries! my thing is keep the gun slinger on his feet and see what he can do(Stafford)
A former prep tight end, Castonzo surprised many with his ability to earn the starting right tackle spot, protecting quarterback Matt Ryan, as a 260-pound true freshman in 2007.
Poorly suited for the right side against power defensive ends, Castonzo was moved to left tackle in 2008 and started every game in his final three seasons at Boston College, earning All-ACC honors after each of his final three seasons.
Castonzo's long frame, balance and quick feet in pass protection are certain to attract attention from scouts looking for the next great BC offensive linemen. Scouts would like to see him continue to get bigger and stronger at the point of attack. However, the gains he's made over the past three years are impressive and Castonzo's steady improvement his senior season could be enough to warrant a first-round selection
per some site
14. St. Louis Rams - DT Corey Liuget (Illinois) - irishpat183 - While we all know that the Rams need help BIG TIME at WR(which is why they HAVE to trade this pick to snag either Green or Jones), taking the next WR this early would be a huge stretch. Liuget is a monster in the trenches and would help up the middle day one. Crazy motor and chases down plays from behind. He would help out with depth, giving old Fred robbins a breather. Solid mid first round pick.
15. Miami Dolphins - OT Tyron Smith (USC) - mgriff - The Dolphins have a ton of holes to fill, most notably at the QB position. Ideally, I would like the Dolphins to trade down at this point, but I can't do that, so I have to choose between the best on the board, DE Quinn (NC), DE J.J. Watt (WIS), OT Tyron Smith (USC), OT Nate Solder (CU), and the pick everyone sees us going with, RB Mark Ingram (AL). Add in the sprinkling of QBs like Mallet and Ponder which the Dolphins so desperately need and I have quite a decision to make. I would use the best available philosophy but we just drafted Odrick last year to play DE in our 3-4 and Cameron Wake has become a terrific pass threat this year for us, so I'm shying away from that great DE talent. Mark Ingram is a good player, there is no doubt about that, but I don't think he is elite, and I don't think I would pick him at 15. He may turn out to be the next Emmit Smith and prove me wrong, but that remains to be seen. If it does happen, we can just add that the long list of Dolphin draft blunders. Instead, I'm staying on the offensive side of the ball...
With 15th pick, the Dolphins select OT Tyron Smith (USC). Call me crazy, but let me explain. I'm pretty sick of Henne getting destroyed from the right side because Vernon Carey and our other RTs can't block a speed rush, or stay healthy enough to matter. Two bookend tackles in Long and Smith on the outside, with Incognito, Berger, and Jerry on the interior should shore up our line and give us plenty of depth to get through the season with the backups, something that hasn't happened in recent memory. He's one of the highest ranked players still available, and gives us good value along with a position of need, at least in my estimation.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina) - WhoDeyIrish - With the 16th pick in the NFL the Jacksonville Jaguars select Robert Quinn DE from North Carolina. I know generally that the Jaguars select high character guys and JJ Watt or Ryan Kerrigan might be a better fit but the Jaguars didn't think a guy like this would slip to them, so they are putting character issues aside. Robert Quinn is possibly the best pass rusher in the draft having 11 sacks as a Sophomore and sat out a year because of a suspension. We have seen that a year off for players hasn't hurt draft stock (Bradford). Jacksonville might not opt for a player like Quinn but I believe he is a better pure pass rusher than Bowers and is probably the best pass rushing DE to come out in a long time. Watching him sophomore year I saw a man amongst boys, he still is only 20 years old. Kid is going to be special and the Jags looked the other way this time.
17. New England Patriots - OT Nate Solder (Colorado) - Me2SouthBend - With the 17th pick of the 2011 Draft, The New England Patriots select Nate Solder from the University of Colorado. Solder is one of the highest rated tackles in the draft and with the pending free aganecy of Matt Light, the ongoing disgruntlement of Logan Mankins and the recent retirement of Stephen Neal, the Pats need a new book end to pair with Sebastian Vollmer. The 6' 8" 319 lb. Solder accomplishes this. Solder is better at pass protection than run blocking and Tommy Franchise needs all the protection he can get. I will actually be shocked if Belicheck doesn't trade down a couple of times, but that isn't an option in this forum, so we'll start w some beef up front.
18. San Diego Chargers - DE Aldon Smith (Missouri) - WhoDeyIrish - Aldon is a ultra talented very raw defensive end hybrid OLB type of player. I think he is a very good fit in the the San Diego defense. Larry English has been a disappointment so far. I believe Aldon can be both the Rush OLB and a DE naturally, which is why I believe they went with Aldon over a couple other guys. They need upgrades at both positions which is why he is the pick. Seems to be an easy pick with a player of this caliber that fell this far.
19. New York Giants - RB Mark Ingram (Alabama) - Ironman8 - Was stuck in between 3 players for this pick, and had to choose between need and value in the 19th pick. The 3 top DE's available are of no need and no real value, so they can be ruled out. The 3 that I had to choose from are RB Mark Ingram, OT Gabe Carimi, and OLB Akeem Ayers. Carimi and Ayers represent good picks in a position of need for the Giants, while I believe Ingram to be the best player on the board while also playing a position that the Giants could use an influx of talent in. The Giants have always been good at developing talent on the offensive line from draft picks in later rounds, and have Beatty waiting in the wings to pick up the tackle slack, so the Carimi pick is out.
While Ayers would be the smart pick here, and probably one that the Giants will do if put in this position, I will go ahead and draft RB Mark Ingram from Alabama for the Giants at the 19th pick. Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent, and would have to be resigned at a significant pay raise in order to stay a Giant. While drafting Ingram would present a problem in that the 2 main backs would be more of the power variety, I think that is a decent problem to have for one year, and they could always use Ware for a 3rd down or change of pace back. Talents like Ingram are rare, and he is too much of a talent to pass up at this point, especially when Jacobs has recessed so much and Bradshaw is fumble-prone free agent. OLB or OT will have to be the target of the draft from this point forward, but I believe that with Boley on one side, we can plug the other with either a free agent or a later draft pick and not suffer too much considering the pass rushers and secondary we possess. I would much rather draft an extra, special talent at RB than never forgive myself for passing up on the next Emmitt Smith, especially with the rest of the Giants' defense being relatively stout.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) - FightingIrishLover7 - The Bucs need a force at pass rush. Ryan Kerrigan is the man. With a combination of speed at strength he'll be able to get the job done.
The Bucs have been showing promising signs on offense, and Kerrigan is the type of guy who can help show promises on the defense.
21. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin) - Legacy - Gabe Carimi would be my pick for the Chiefs. I'd love to take JJ Watts but need outweighs best player available. Will be out of town.
22. Indianapolis Colts - OG Mike Pouncey (Florida) - GoldenIsThyFame - Bill Polian has never drafted a OL in the first round while with the Colts, but frankly I am not Bill Polian. I am tired of seeing Mike Pollack or Jamie Richard or Jeff Linkenbach laying flat on their backs and Peyton having to run for his life. Pouncey has good size and can play both guard and center. Jeff Saturday will be gone in a few years so Pouncey seems like the perfect fit to take over. Now let's just hope he is as good as his twin brother.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Brandon Harris (Miami) - NDPhilly - I know, I know, I know. He got torched by Michael Floyd in the Sun Bowl but had a very good combine and the Eagles need a corner opposite Samuel. I think the Eagles trade Kevin Kolb to move up to get Prince Amukamara or Jimmy Smith. Another posibility would be a OT such as Gabe Carimi or Anthony Castonzo with the possible loss of Winston Justice
24. New Orleans Saints - DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin) - mgriff - Talk about a lucky break for the Saints. They need a DE, and Clayborn, as well as Watt have fallen all the way to the quarter of the draft. This is a no brainer, as DE is the post pressing need for the Saints right now. They get their pick of two quality ends still available, and with the decision falling to me, I'll take DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin). Watt is rated the best after Quinn and Bowers by ESPN and Mayock, the latter of which I put more stock in. Anyway, Watt seems to be better than other DEs already taken in my estimation, and is perfect for the Saints in this position.
25. Seattle Seahawks- QB Jake Locker (Washington) - OlympiaIrishFan - Ok, the Seahawks have so many holes. And most of them are on the offensive and defensive line. But, the guys that the Seahawks really want (In My opinion) have already been taken--Pouncey,Miller, and Kerrigan. I laso think they may have wanted USC's Smith or Harris the CB that got whoooped on by Michael Floyd. So, I hate to say it but I think with the lockout looming and the Free Agent and trade market gone the Seahawks will take Jake Locker. Right now they only have the 1 not so good QB on the roster----Whitehurst . Matt Hasselbeck is a Free Agent, and my guess he will be a Viking or Cardinal next year. And Pete Carroll has always like Jake, raved about him when he was at SC. So, I think the Hawks will take him if he is on the board.
Danny Watkins would be my darkhorse pick at the spot. The Hawks have had nothing but horrible left guard play since Hutch left. Tim Ruskell blew it on that one, just like he did on so many moves while he was the GM in Seattle (except the wonderful John Carlson).
But, still will Jake Locker at pick 25.
26. Baltimore Ravens - LB Justin Houston (Georgia) - Thought we had Mr. Lewis's replacement last year with sergio kindle but that dude might never see the field. Supposed to be good, but young. With Mr. Lewis and Suggs showing him the ropes hope he can learn early and quickly.
27. Atlanta Falcons - DE Adrian Clayborn (Iowa) - Kingbish01 - With the 27th pick the Atlanta Falcons select Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa. The Falcons desperately need help on defense as seen in the playoffs against Green Bay (I was there) Would love to get a safety here but this draft is not packed with a bunch of top flight safeties. With John Abrahams nearing the end of his career the Falcons take Clayborn and feel they got great value with the 27th pick. He is solid as both a pass rusher and run stopper and should provide an immediate impact. He is a decent athlete with good speed and the strength to hold up at the point of attack.
28. New England Patriots (2) - Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple) - Rhode Irish - Wilkerson is often listed as a DT, but he will play the 5 technique for the Patriots. The Patriots come into this draft with three major needs: OL help, front 7 toughness and an edge pass rusher. Having selected an OT at #17, this pick was going to be on the other side of the ball. With so many picks (6 in rounds 1-3), the Pats can afford to pass on need in favor of best available, but with Wilkerson they may be filling a need with the best available player. The Patriots pick again just five picks later (#33), so they can address another need at that time (possibly interior OL or edge pass rusher). His size and ability to eat up multiple blockers should fit into the Patriots scheme, which is set up to funnel everything back into the middle - to the waiting arms of Jerod Mayo. Wilkerson is the pick at #28.
29. Chicago Bears CB Aaron Williams (Texas) - GBdomer - The Bears need a lot of help. OL, WR, LB, DT. I believe they get one of there needs with Aaron Williams. Great upside, good ball skills, big corner. They need more bodys in the secondary to cover the likes of Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Percy Harvin. I also wouldn't mind seeing John Baldwin go here so Cutler has a big target to throw too. But i am going Aaron Williams, CB, Texas.
30. New York Jets S Raheem Moore (UCLA) - Irish Lax - Tricky pick for the Jets here. Definitely ignore offense until next round or later where you might look into grabbing a WR to replace Braylon Edwards. With 3 FA WRs.... it's just a very fluid situation.
On defense there are needs at every position except CB. So with that in mind, the New York Jets select Rahim Moore, Safety, UCLA. Arguably best available player and in a position of need. I think quality LBs can be drafted in later rounds, especially guys like Casey Matthews who should be somewhere near a late third/early fourth rounder.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers OG Danny Watkins (Baylor) - Kingbish01 - I really wanted to grab a CB with this pick, but I like the fact that Danny is a 27 year old rookie. Maurkice Pouncey would have been my first choice but Danny is a nice plan B. He also has a bit of a mean streak so I think he will fit in nice in the Burgh. We gotta keep our 100 Million dollar man upright and with this pick it will help!
32. Green Bay Packers OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA) - rtrn2glory - Several areas of need I see for the Packers (even though I'm a Bears fan), but I will do my duty as a GM to the best of my capabilities.
I see the pack needing to fill holes at OG, OLB (opposite Matthews), and a corner to replace the aging Chuck Woodson.
With that said I see it best to take the best player available at the above positions of need.
So, with the final pick of the 1st round the Green Bay Packers select Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA.
I've kept my mouth shut all the way down thinking there's no way he'd be available at this point in the draft. Perfect fit opposite Matthews in the 3-4. This would be scary if it were to be the case (Remember I'm a Bear's fan)
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I'll draft for the Fins when they come up.
