My 1st Mock Draft (2 Rounds)

[montrose]

So here we go, my first mock draft – ever. It’s of the two round variety. In putting together my mock draft, I tried to take into account three factors that I don’t see other mock drafts address nearly enough. 1) Players shooting up the draft board – these are the guys that change an entire draft. 2) Runs on positions – mock drafters tend to focus too much on need when runs on positions often change selections. 3) Teams drafting tendencies – some teams like to reach for need, others to replace a veteran while some tend to go for splashy picks. I tried to use this philosophy along with my somewhat limited knowledge of these players (that has, however, increased tremendously as of late) while following my instincts based on previous drafts. I did not include any trades, which of course would change everything.

Round 1

1) Miami: Jake Long, OT, Michigan – I think they’re stuck at #1 and picking between the Longs, which ever comes cheaper will be the pick.

2) St. Louis: Chris Long, DE, Virginia – Long and Adam Carriker give the team two high motor DL to build around.

3) Atlanta: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU – They’ve addressed RB and I don’t think they like Ryan enough to take him here so they go BPA.

4) Oakland: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas – Vernon Gholston makes all the sense in the world here but Davis is going to go with the flashy pick.

5) Kansas City: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College – They’re not solid on Brodie Croyle, nor should they be. Knowing the rest of the division is loaded with young QB’s, Peterson elects to take Ryan and let another open competition ensue.

6) New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State – Eric Mangini is ecstatic to land this physical freak that can do a great deal in his 3-4 at OLB.

7) New England: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC – Conventional wisdom says they go CB to replace the losses of Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, however looking at the Patriots history, they value DL and OL too much to pass on Ellis.

8) Baltimore: Brenden Albert, G/OT, Virginia – Ozzie Newsome is a BPA kind of guy and is trying to rebuild the Ravens physical front. With Jared Gaither at LT, Albert at LG or RT and Ben Grubbs at RG; the team has a solid young foundation on the OL.

9) Cincinnati: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida – A player shooting up the draft charts, Miami is actually ready to open negotiations with him about being the #1 overall pick. Harvey can step in for the loss of Justin Smith.

10) New Orleans: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee – The draft’s fastest rising player would be an ideal fit for the Saints who have been in need of a franchise MLB for years.

11) Buffalo: Keith Rivers, LB, USC – Buffalo’s places a premium on LB’s and Rivers athleticism would be a great compliment to Paul Posluszny and Angelo Crowell.

12) Denver: DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal – And the Orange Mane sighs… With Mayo and Rivers gone, the Broncos go for a player who fits a need at WR while contributing immediately to a huge area of weakness over the past decade – the return game.

13) Carolina: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State – Jordan Gross only signed a one year deal and the team has had trouble protecting Jake Delhomme.

14) Chicago: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois – An OL makes sense the Bears love taking RB’s in round 1 and this local product would be a great fit in their scheme.

15) Detroit: Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State – The CB position was a huge weakness for them last year without Dre’ Bly, Rodgers-Cromartie should be starting by mid-season.

16) Arizona: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy – They could also go OL but need to shore up the CB spots from the mistake of taking Antrel Rolle.

17) Minnesota: Jeff Otah, OT, Utah – The Vikings have a history of loving big, mauling OL. Otah would improve their OL and give insurance if Bryant McKinney gets in trouble again.

18) Houston: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt – A perfect fit for the Alex Gibbs OL, Rick Smith knows Williams can sit behind Ephriam Salaam for a season before stepping in as the Texans LT for years to come.

19) Philadelphia: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State – Donovan McNabb is desperate for playmakers and Thomas fits the bill.

20) Tampa Bay: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma – The Bucs are another team in need of a WR and hope this Oklahoma wide out is more consistent than their current man, Michael Clayton.

21) Washington: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson – The Redskins need a DE and Merling is a great value at this spot.

22) Dallas: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas – The CB spot was a huge weakness for Dallas and Talib brings a playmaker to that spot. He has dropped because of character questions but if they’re looking at Pacman Jones, I don’t think they’d pass up on Talib.

23) Pittsburgh: Mike Jenkins, South Florida – The run on CB’s forces Pittsburgh to take a CB earlier than they’d like but the need to shore up a spot that’s been a weakness going back to their championship year.

24) Tennessee: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas – The Titans would love to give Vince Young a Texas WR and hope improving the talent at that spot gets Young playing better.

25) Seattle: Jonathan Stewart, Oregon – The local boy’s injury allows him to fall into Seattle’s lap, and I don’t think they’re sold on Julius Jones, TJ Duckett or Maurice Morris – nor should they be.

26) Jacksonville: Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC – The Jaguars are another team that puts great stock into the DL and Jackson is great value at this spot.

27) San Diego: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College – They need help at the OT position and Cherilus is the type of mauler that would fit well. Stewart doesn’t drop farther than this spot.

28) Dallas: Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina – One of the first major surprises of the draft, Johnson is rising up the charts as fast as his 40 time. Jerry Jones take Johnson over Felix Jones because Johnson better compliments Marion Barber III.

29) San Francisco: Dan Connor LB, Penn State – They’d love a WR but elect to shore up the middle of their defense for the next decade with Connor joining Patrick Willis.

30) Green Bay: Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech – Green Bay values CB’s highly and Charles Woodson and Al Harris aren’t getting any younger. Did you see the tail-whipping Plaxico Burress gave Harris?

31) New England: Forfeited for cheating

32) New York Giants: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami – This is a good spot to take a safety, which New York needs after losing Gabril Wilson.

Round 2

33) Miami: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina – Miami snags a 1st round talent and improves their DL after going OL with the 1st pick.

34) St. Louis: James Hardy, WR, Indiana – They need to replace Issac Bruce and Dante Hall won’t be returning kicks forever.

35) Atlanta: Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware – Flying up the draft boards to the #2 QB spot, Flacco could be starting by year’s end.

36) Kansas City: Pat Sims, DT, Auburn – The Chiefs have a love affair with 1st day DT’s that won’t end here.

37) New York Jets: Felix Jones, Arkansas – The Jets strong day continues as they land Jones, who should be a strong compliment to Thomas Jones.

38) Atlanta: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona – They have a need at CB with DeAngelo Hall’s departure.

39) Baltimore: Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn – A Ravens-type player who is a great value in round 2 and fits into their scheme very well.

40) San Francisco: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan – Dropped to round 2 because of character issues and could even drop further. The 49ers have a huge need at WR.

41) New Orleans: Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma – The Saints get their CB one round later than expected.

42) Buffalo: Fred Davis, TE, USC – The Bills need a player to challenge safeties and split the defense.

43) Denver: Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska – The Broncos grab an OT project with great size and athleticism.

44) Carolina: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami – Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker are facing the downsides of their careers and the Panthers highly value DL.

45) Chicago: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville – The Bears grab a QB in round 2 who can take over for Rex Grossman in 2009.

46) Detroit: Dre Moore, Maryland – The Lions hope this large DT can replace their previous, large 2nd round DT, Shaun Rodgers.

47) Cincinnati: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn – Marvin Lewis hopes Lee and Jonathan Joseph can solidify a very shaky CB spot.

48) Minnesota: Chad Henne, QB, Michigan – I don’t buy that they’re sold on Tavaris Jackson and Henne is a smart guy who can run Brad Childress’ scheme.

49) Atlanta: Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue – Keller gives the Falcons a replacement for Alge Crumpler and gives Flacco a safety valve.

50) Philadelphia: Justin King, CB, Penn State – The Eagles are expected to deal Lito Sheppard and they place a high value on the CB spot. King is a local kid who’s a great athlete.

51) Arizona: Sam Baker, OT, USC – With Baker, the Cardinals hope he and Levi Brown can give Matt Leinart the protection to take advantage of those great WR’s.

52) Washington: Early Doucett, WR, LSU – The Redskins have a need at WR and Doucett would be a nice value in round 2.

53) Tampa Bay: Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa – Ronde Barber can’t play forever and Godfrey is a fast rising player.

54) Pittsburgh: Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma – Their MLB’s are getting older and Lofton is a hard-hitting, Pittsburgh-type player.

55) Tennessee: Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame – The Titans love DL and Laws would be a good compliment to Albert Haynesworth.

56) Seattle: Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt – They need to replace DJ Hackett and Bennett would be a great fit in their system.

57) Green Bay: Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State – Johnson gives the Packers a safety to groom next to Atari Bigbi.

58) Miami: Cliff Avril, LB, Purdue – Avril is a tremendous athlete with good size who would work well in Miami’s 3-4 scheme across from Joey Porter.

59) Jacksonville: DaJuan Morgan, FS, NC State – Sammy Knight is getting older and Morgan could team with Reggie Nelson to form a strong safety core.

60) Indianapolis: Chilo Rachal, G, USC – The Colts favor interior OL as much as exterior and Rachal would bring solid depth and a future starter.

61) Green Bay: Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M – The Packers need to replace Corey Williams and hope Bryant and a developed Justin Harrell fortify the middle of their DL to protect Nick Barnett.

62) Dallas: Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida – Dallas needs a WR and Caldwell as the speed that Jerry Jones loves.

63) New England: Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State – Barrett and the recently signed Tank Williams gives the Pats some young insurance behind Rodney Harrison.

64) New York Giants: Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan – The Giants greatly value DE’s and with Michael Strahan on his way to retirement soon and Osi Umenyiora in a contract struggle, the G-Men bring in another DE and move Mathias Kiwanuka back to his natural spot.

[lex]

Were you aware that Carl Nicks was recently arrested and not allowed to participate in Nebraska's pro day? Last I checked he was slotted as a 3rd. But I also see that you dont have Anthony Collins going anywhere in the 2nd and thats actually where Ive seen him slotted. Maybe you can just switch Nicks with Collins...if you want. Ill even delete this post to destroy the evidence if you want.

And FWIW, Brandon Keith has been in trouble recently as well.

[ColoradoBuff]

A for effort......but that's about it.

[Beantown Bronco]

I might have to take a year off from football if that is how the Broncos' draft went down......at the very least, I'd be shopping for a new TV and remote, and probably cleaning puke off of the front of my shirt.

[oubronco]

That would be a very ****ty draft for denver

[cmhargrove]

I just threw up a little in my mouth... (no offense to your draft, I could see the Broncos FO realistically doing this).

I have bought in to the "Chris Johnson - 4.24 speed" completely and whole-heartedly. Give me Johnson over Desean Jackson any day. Better attitide, running skills, larger, can absorb contact, could be absolutely huge.

Desean Jackson may be a Dante Hall type, but Johnson looks more like a Hester or Cribbs type. I'll take the durable guy. And, he would add a potential superstar homerun threat we haven't had since Portis.

O-line or Ellis in the first, or trade out of the first. Not a trade down, trade out. Give me another team's high second and third - maybe Atlanta could use two firsts if Matt Ryan is still there at 12. Please no Desean in the first. Do you realize that he would want as much money as we are paying Cutler? Maybe even more?

[ohiobronco2]

Worst.......... Mock ............ever.

[Northman]

Yea, im not enamored with it at all. For starters, Buffalo's LB core is pretty good where it stands and they have deeper needs on the Dline, Wr, and the safety position. And after talking with some of their fans they also are concerned with CB even though McGee is pretty good. They want someone on the other side to compliment him. But LB is something they would go with later on for depth. Denver doesnt need to take Jackson as there are guys like Royal who can do the same stuff yet they can get later on. And why settle for an average OT when you have the opportunity to get a quality one at 12? Sorry man, i give you an A for effort but an F for substance.

[SoDak Bronco]

If this happens on Draft day i will be very disappointed. Honestly, you would be crazy to pass up Clady at 12, and if you want denver picking a wr, go with Earl Bennett at 43...You have the same positions selected, but much better talent at both slots..

[Triplelefthook]

denver won't do this

[Kaylore]

I feel bad pilling on, but I have to agree that for Denver that mock would suck royally.

[Inkana7]

If Clady's there and we don't take them... Bad things will happen to shanahan. Very bad things.

[lex]

~

[montrose]

Originally Posted by lex

Were you aware that Carl Nicks was recently arrested and not allowed to participate in Nebraska's pro day? Last I checked he was slotted as a 3rd. But I also see that you dont have Anthony Collins going anywhere in the 2nd and thats actually where Ive seen him slotted. Maybe you can just switch Nicks with Collins...if you want. Ill even delete this post to destroy the evidence if you want.

I wasn't aware of that at all. In fact, that would change my entire draft. I... am a moron.

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

I might have to take a year off from football if that is how the Broncos' draft went down......at the very least, I'd be shopping for a new TV and remote, and probably cleaning puke off of the front of my shirt.

Me too. I tried to go through this mock draft not as a Broncos fan but football fan. When I got to pick #12, Jackson was the guy I saw as the pick. As far as Nicks, that was based on many reports I read on him slotting him as a mid-2nd rounder who was a project but had great size and athleticism - it sounded like a Denver pick. I was unaware of his recent legal troubles which would obviously change a lot.

Originally Posted by oubronco

That would be a very ****ty draft for denver

I somewhat agree, although (according to my mock) I feel like that's somewhat circumstance from the picks made previously. With that, I can see how Jackson and Nicks aren't exciting. Again, I did this mock from a total NFL perspective.

Originally Posted by cmhargrove

I just threw up a little in my mouth... (no offense to your draft, I could see the Broncos FO realistically doing this).

Word.

Originally Posted by cmhargrove

I have bought in to the "Chris Johnson - 4.24 speed" completely and whole-heartedly. Give me Johnson over Desean Jackson any day. Better attitide, running skills, larger, can absorb contact, could be absolutely huge. Desean Jackson may be a Dante Hall type, but Johnson looks more like a Hester or Cribbs type. I'll take the durable guy. And, he would add a potential superstar homerun threat we haven't had since Portis.

I don't know much about Johnson other than he's one of the guys shooting up the draft boards. To #12 to a team that doesn't take RB's in the 1st? I'm not so sure. Per Jackson, I honestly believe if he's the pick - Shanahan would be taking him for his return skills more than as a WR. I think Shanny wants a return guy that bad.

Originally Posted by cmhargrove

O-line or Ellis in the first, or trade out of the first. Not a trade down, trade out. Give me another team's high second and third - maybe Atlanta could use two firsts if Matt Ryan is still there at 12.

I would LOVE to trade out of the 1st, even for less than market-value. But I don't think the supply will be there unless a guy like McFadden falls.

Originally Posted by cmhargrove

Please no Desean in the first. Do you realize that he would want as much money as we are paying Cutler? Maybe even more?

This was discussed on Sirius radio Wednesday. Although salaries and bonuses at 1st round picks are generally slotted in, QB's are on a different scale and earn much more than another player at that selection (see Brady Quinn for example). Jackson would probably be looking at little over $4 million a season (Marshawn Lynch got 5 years, $19 million at the same spot last year).

Originally Posted by ohiobronco2

Worst.......... Mock ............ever.

Who the Broncos got or my effort?

Originally Posted by Anubis

Yea, im not enamored with it at all. For starters, Buffalo's LB core is pretty good where it stands and they have deeper needs on the Dline, Wr, and the safety position. And after talking with some of their fans they also are concerned with CB even though McGee is pretty good. They want someone on the other side to compliment him. But LB is something they would go with later on for depth.

I thought this too until Wednesday was freakin' Buffalo Bills day on Sirius radio with tons of callers and their beat writer on. The Bills, like the Broncos, value the LB position extremely high and are said to have fallen in love with Rivers athleticism.

Originally Posted by Anubis

Denver doesnt need to take Jackson as there are guys like Royal who can do the same stuff yet they can get later on.

I agree, but I get the feeling Shanahan is dead set on improving his field position to the point where he'd take Jackson #12 if he truly believed he'll make that type of impact. If Jackson is the pick, you can thank Devin Hester for almost single-handedly beating us this year right in front of Shanahan.

Originally Posted by Anubis

And why settle for an average OT when you have the opportunity to get a quality one at 12?

Because the Broncos don't take OL in the 1st round. They've done it one time and it failed. This wasn't the "What the Broncos should do" Mock Draft. It was a mock draft based on what I think would happen given no trades and the rising players up the board. I agree with you and am on record that I WANT CHRIS WILLIAMS. But just because I want him, doesn't mean they're going to take him. In fact, both Williams and Clady could be on the board and I'd bet money (well maybe not money but I feel relatively certain) they pass on both.

Originally Posted by Anubis

Sorry man, i give you an A for effort but an F for substance.

Your opinion. No problems bro.

Originally Posted by SoDak Bronco

If this happens on Draft day i will be very disappointed. Honestly, you would be crazy to pass up Clady at 12

Mike Klis has already reported that the Broncos like Ryan Harris better than they do Clady. And as highly regarded as Clady is, he's not as good a fit for our scheme as Williams. Regardless, Shanahan doesn't take OL early and already feels like he has solid OT talent in Kuper, Harris and (ugh...) Pears. He'll likely take one, maybe even two, later in the draft - but Shanny's not missing out on the chance to bring in one of his valuable little skilled-position players at #12 for another OT when he thinks he has adequate ones. And looking back at the history of Shanahan (right, wrong or different), he'd rather have an adequate OL with talented skilled position players than vice versa. I don't agree with it one bit, but that's the way he rolls.

Originally Posted by SoDak Bronco

If you want denver picking a wr, go with Earl Bennett at 43...You have the same positions selected, but much better talent at both slots..

I agree with you. I'd love to go OT at #12 and WR at #43 with a guy like Bennett. That would be a GREAT start! But again this isn't the draft I want but rather the one I foresaw.

Originally Posted by Triplelefthook

denver won't do this

The Nicks thing obviously because I didn't know of his legal trouble. Jackson, don't be so sure. Shanny loves speed, loves skilled position players and has been itching for a return guy for some time (for those who don't remember, D-Will was drafted more for his return abilities than CB skills, he was a surprise at CB). Combine that with a questionable receiving corps and you've got the formula for a DeSean Jackson pick at #12.

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I feel bad pilling on, but I have to agree that for Denver that mock would suck royally.

Word. Looking back, if I knew what I now know about Nicks, I'd probably have Denver going for Dre Moore. A bit of reach but Shanny has historically reached in rounds 2-4 for need.

Originally Posted by Inkana7

If Clady's there and we don't take them... Bad things will happen to shanahan. Very bad things.

Like what? Him being fired? Ha. Shanny will put out an adequate OL that plays well at times against bad DL's, allowing for playaction and then against great pass-rushing teams crumbles in attempting to protect Jay, all in an effort to use his assets to stack up skilled position players. When we lose games because of a lack of pass-protection, he'll blame himself for not preparing the team well enough when in reality it's because he has inferior talent at the position (see the losses to Houston and San Diego last year).

[lex]

Originally Posted by montrose

I wasn't aware of that at all. In fact, that would change my entire draft. I... am a moron.

http://www.thejetsblog.com/?p=3646

There have definitely been worse offenses but like I said, last I checked his he had fallen to the 3rd from the 2nd.

[mattob14]

Originally Posted by lex

http://www.thejetsblog.com/?p=3646

There have definitely been worse offenses but like I said, last I checked his he had fallen to the 3rd from the 2nd.

Unless there's more to the story than what's been reported so far, I really don't mind the Nicks pick. He's huge, strong and athletic. If he can improve his technique and footwork, he could be a guy that dominates at RT. We could do a lot worse than him at #42.

[CBF1]

Now this is the kind of draft that would set the Orange Mane back 2 years.... Meltdown would be an instant classic.

[ohiobronco2]

Montrose, I'm not ripping on your entire draft, I just have problems with your Bronco selections. Though I will admit that I wouldn't be surprised if those were the picks come draft day. I think we need to address the O-line with our first pick and a member of the front 7 of the D with our 2nd pick. Frankly I'd like to go Clady/Albert/Williams at 12 and Moore/Laws/Sims at 42.

[Northman]

Originally Posted by ohiobronco2

Montrose, I'm not ripping on your entire draft, I just have problems with your Bronco selections. Though I will admit that I wouldn't be surprised if those were the picks come draft day. I think we need to address the O-line with our first pick and a member of the front 7 of the D with our 2nd pick. Frankly I'd like to go Clady/Albert/Williams at 12 and Moore/Laws/Sims at 42.

Yea, that is how he is doing his mock. He thinks that is the way Denver will go so you have to give him some leway. But, if it does go down like that it will be a very, very bad draft for us. Im praying that Montrose is not right come draft day.

[montrose]

Originally Posted by Anubis

Im praying that Montrose is not right come draft day.

So am I.

[socalorado]

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

I might have to take a year off from football if that is how the Broncos' draft went down......at the very least, I'd be shopping for a new TV and remote, and probably cleaning puke off of the front of my shirt.

Started reading the thread......was waiting for it, and there it is!
Yep i would throw the freaking remote at the wall, again!
( last time was the 2005 AFCCG)
Freaked out my GF, promised to never do that again, so far so good, but theres always a nightmare like this out there.....

[GridIronKing34]

If it makes you feel better, I'd be happy with that draft for Miami. We could put Jake Long at left tackle and bring Vernon Carey back to right tackle being he played better on the right side anyways. Balmer would be a good 3-4 DE opposite of Vonnie Holliday and we could use a speedy pass rusher in Cliff Avril (being I think we'll wind up trading Jason Taylor) at OLB. Now that just leaves Miami to select either Tracy Porter, CB out of Indiana or Martellus Bennett, TE out Texas A&M in the 3rd round.

Overall some surprising picks, but nice job. I know how much effort is takes to do these mock drafts.

[TheReverend]

I can't envision a scenario where both NE and NO pass on leodis mckelvin...

[elsid13]

great effort. I'm not enamored with Denver selection, but both are within the current FO possibility choice. I still wouldn't be surprised Denver select CB in the second.

[Dukes]

Originally Posted by mattob14

Unless there's more to the story than what's been reported so far, I really don't mind the Nicks pick. He's huge, strong and athletic. If he can improve his technique and footwork, he could be a guy that dominates at RT. We could do a lot worse than him at #42.

Except for the fact he's from Nebraska. That is the one college I don't want the Broncos selecting from.