OK, so I have thrown together quick mocks here and there when trying to prove a point or responding to questions, so I finally decided to make my own actual mock. I've been working on this for awhile, and I'm finally satisfied with it. Feedback is welcome and encouraged :up:
This is based on our top priority needs being QB, OT, G, and S and our secondary/depth needs being WR, CB, C, TE, and a return specialist.
This was made using multiple mock and scouting sites as sources/references. Players may or may not be there at the positions I have them, but I have certain players in certain places because at SOME point or another the player was projected as being available at, or very close to, the position I have us taking him.
Top priority positions will be highlighted in red
Secondary/depth needs positions will be highlighted in orange
*Trade #9 and #71 overall to Washington for #6 overall.
*Round 1 (#6): Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame - I think Detroit goes Gaines Adams at either #2 or #4 (depending on if the rumored TB trade goes down), and Cleveland takes Adrian Peterson at #3 (MAYBE JaMarcus Russel if Oakland passes) and since Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Washington are set at QB we can move into #6 to take him. I feel we COULD get him at #9 since Atlanta doesn't need a QB and I'm not sure Minnesota would take him, but I don't trust the Vikings wouldn't take him if for nothing more than to try and get us to pay more for him, and I don't want to risk that. It's time this franchise invests in a franchise guy, and Quinn is it. His arm isn't as strong as Russell's, but it is by no means weak. I won't even comment on the not winning big games thing, because that is completely irrelevant IMO, as winning is a team effort, not one man. I think Quinn can make all the throws, and while he may not be the best he looks very good. May not be a HoF guy, but I see many Pro Bowls in his future. I love his work ethic, both in the weight room and film room, and he reminds me of a Tom Brady. I'm not saying he will win us 3 (or more) Super Bowls like Brady did the Pats, I'm just comparing their play, which is very cerebral and meticulous. Not to mention Brady ran the offense Tom does, and Weis said he can make all the throws Tom did, plus the kid has watched countless hours off footage of Tom Brady. I think he is very prepared, and projects as a successful QB and will fill our teams biggest need of the last 8 years (FINALLY).
Round 2 (#40): Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State - I think Gonzalez adds excellent depth to a position that had been wildly inconsistent, and lost it's biggest threat in Wes Welker. Gonzalez, like Welker, would make a great slot WR, as he runs excellent routes and catches pretty much everything, even the off-target stuff. Has adequate speed (4.44 40) to outrun defenders who play the angles, but prolly won't burn by anybody on downfield routes. He is also a hard worker (like Welker) and could develope into a good #2 WR if he carries that over into the NFL.
Round 2 (#60): Tenard Jackson, FS, Syracuse - "Strong and Violent tackler", and has the size and speed to stick with WRs downfield. Also has a great transition from his backpedal and excellent speed in closing in on the ball. Will give our secondary a great boost, especially with Jason Allen moving back to CB where he is more comfortable. I see this kid as being a future star, and while he may not be here at #60 (he can play CB too, in fact did in college and switched to S during the Senior Bowl), like I said before, this mock is based on a collection of mocks and the average positions of players, and I have seen this kid available in the late second and even early 3rd in some mocks, so he fits in the guidlines of my mock.
Round 4 (#108): H.B. Blades, ILB, Pitt - The defense isn't getting any younger and it's as good a time as any to start bringing in some fresh faces. The veteren guys (Thomas and Taylor) would be great mentors for any young guys at their positions (or period), and Blades seems to prject as a solid starter in the NFL. He has great instincts and is a good tackler. Presents the best value given the way I setup my "board" by averaging player's positions from MANY many mocks.
Round 6 (#181): Cameron Stephenson, OG, Rutgers - Loads of potential for this guy. An effective blocker against both the run and the pass. Said to be a tough player who can play through injuries, and is also very physical. Also versatile enough to play any line position, though G seems to be his best position. Is said to be very raw and will need some coaching because he was never allowed to master one position at Rutgers, but I think Houck is the man for the job.
Round 6 (#199): Johnnie Harline, TE, BYU - Could use some depth here, and I like this kid. Not sure why, I just like what I see, I think he has great potential but will need to put in some extra work to be a solid starter. Will need to work on his blocking at the next level. Had a productive college career. Said to have good hands and be a natural athlete who is very smart and has good body and ball control.
Round 7 (#219): Dane Uperesa, OT, Hawai'i - A hard worker, smart player, and a solid athlete with overall good technique. Said to be very tough. He excells in pass protection (we all know he had plenty of experience with it at Hawai'i, lol). Will need to improve his run blocking in the NFL, and again, could greatly benifit from Houck's coaching.
Round 7 (#225): Tim Mixon, CB, California - This kid is a playmaker. He breaks up a lot of passes and has great ball skills. Has great technique and is a smart player. I think he is a sleeper pick. He doesn't have a great 40 time for a CB (4.55) and had some knee problems in college, but I am willing to take the chance on him in the 7th.
Round 7 (#238): Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame - The rights to this kid with our last pick in round 7 present a much better value than anyone else that will be there at this pick (IMHO of course). Had he chosen football over baseball he would have been a late first rounder. If you look at the Brady Quinn highlight videos, this kid was on the receiving end of a majority of the most spectacular and impressive plays. He is an excellent natural athlete with great size to be a successful NFL WR. Great body control and excels at jump ball situations. Extremely tough kid who doesn't shy away from contact and will sacrafice a hit to make the play. He's a MAJOR red zone threat. He shows great awareness and concentration and adjusts well to off-target throws. Extremely hard and dedicated worker, with a very productive college career to show for it. Could be persueded to the NFL if we pick up Quinn, who is one of his best friends and, of course, the other half of his outstanding college play.
UDFA: Nate Ilaoa, RB, Hawai'i - Probably won't go undrafted, but a few mocks I've seen lately have him as doing just that, and if that is the case I hope we jump all over this kid. The kid is a MONSTER. He's 5-8, 245lbs. His 4.77 40 time may seem slow, but for a guy of his stature I think it's pretty good. This kid just runs through people. He had a pretty productive college career (impressive in a pass-heavy offense) and is just a natural runner with great balance, vision, and instincts. Teamed with Ronnie defenses would get no breaks, as both are physical runners. He would be a nice fit for goal line stuff, or even 3rd down/short yardage stuff should Ronnie need a breather. He also has excellent hands, which adds to his value as a 3rd down back.
UDFA: Marquice Cole, CB, Northwestern - I would like to sign this guy as a return specialist. If he made the team as a CB it would just be a plus, but as far as a return guy, I think he'll be great. He has excellent speed (4.33 40), and is quick and explosive and changes direction very fast. Excellent natural athlete. Scouting reports say "always a threat to take it the distance", and he has "big-time potential as a return man". Could be just the guy we need to Fill Welker's return specialist role, and we wouldn't have to sacrafice any starters to the role.
UDFA: CJ AH You, DE, Oklahoma - Again, may be drafted, but lately a few have him going undrafted (and many others have him in the late rounds, so he COULD always slip past people), and if that's the case, as will all UDFAs, it can't hurt to give em a shot. He was productive at Oklahoma, and is said to be a natural pass rusher with a knack for getting to the QB. He's excellent in pursuit and has a pretty good timed speed (4.70 40). Like I said, can't hurt to give him a shot.
UDFA: Kody Bliss, P, Auburn - With Donnie Jones going to St. Louis, we could use a punter. This guy never had a kick blocked in college (and look at all the tough teams he played) and has a very strong leg, he can also handle kickoffs. He is said to have a quick delivery and handle the ball well (no botched snaps), and again, has tons of experience against top competition in the SEC. The only real knocks on him seem to be that he is a thin guy (5-10, 179lbs) and he occasionally out-kicks his coverage, both can be fixed with a good training program and good coaching.
So there you have it, my take on this whole crazy thing that is the draft. I tried to fill needs with quality players. A few situations had m drafting BPA at the time over need, and others had me getting the BPA which also happened to be a need. I originally targeted Hawai'i OL Samson Satele in round 3, but in my revised mock I have us trading the pick to Washington to move up, but if we stay at 9 and still get Quinn, he would be my 3rd-round target.
Also, the projected trade is obviously depending on if Quinn slips past Cleveland or not. If He is gone in the top three, obviously that trade would be useless and the entire mock would go differently.
This is based on our top priority needs being QB, OT, G, and S and our secondary/depth needs being WR, CB, C, TE, and a return specialist.
This was made using multiple mock and scouting sites as sources/references. Players may or may not be there at the positions I have them, but I have certain players in certain places because at SOME point or another the player was projected as being available at, or very close to, the position I have us taking him.
Top priority positions will be highlighted in red
Secondary/depth needs positions will be highlighted in orange
*Trade #9 and #71 overall to Washington for #6 overall.
*Round 1 (#6): Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame - I think Detroit goes Gaines Adams at either #2 or #4 (depending on if the rumored TB trade goes down), and Cleveland takes Adrian Peterson at #3 (MAYBE JaMarcus Russel if Oakland passes) and since Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Washington are set at QB we can move into #6 to take him. I feel we COULD get him at #9 since Atlanta doesn't need a QB and I'm not sure Minnesota would take him, but I don't trust the Vikings wouldn't take him if for nothing more than to try and get us to pay more for him, and I don't want to risk that. It's time this franchise invests in a franchise guy, and Quinn is it. His arm isn't as strong as Russell's, but it is by no means weak. I won't even comment on the not winning big games thing, because that is completely irrelevant IMO, as winning is a team effort, not one man. I think Quinn can make all the throws, and while he may not be the best he looks very good. May not be a HoF guy, but I see many Pro Bowls in his future. I love his work ethic, both in the weight room and film room, and he reminds me of a Tom Brady. I'm not saying he will win us 3 (or more) Super Bowls like Brady did the Pats, I'm just comparing their play, which is very cerebral and meticulous. Not to mention Brady ran the offense Tom does, and Weis said he can make all the throws Tom did, plus the kid has watched countless hours off footage of Tom Brady. I think he is very prepared, and projects as a successful QB and will fill our teams biggest need of the last 8 years (FINALLY).
Round 2 (#40): Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State - I think Gonzalez adds excellent depth to a position that had been wildly inconsistent, and lost it's biggest threat in Wes Welker. Gonzalez, like Welker, would make a great slot WR, as he runs excellent routes and catches pretty much everything, even the off-target stuff. Has adequate speed (4.44 40) to outrun defenders who play the angles, but prolly won't burn by anybody on downfield routes. He is also a hard worker (like Welker) and could develope into a good #2 WR if he carries that over into the NFL.
Round 2 (#60): Tenard Jackson, FS, Syracuse - "Strong and Violent tackler", and has the size and speed to stick with WRs downfield. Also has a great transition from his backpedal and excellent speed in closing in on the ball. Will give our secondary a great boost, especially with Jason Allen moving back to CB where he is more comfortable. I see this kid as being a future star, and while he may not be here at #60 (he can play CB too, in fact did in college and switched to S during the Senior Bowl), like I said before, this mock is based on a collection of mocks and the average positions of players, and I have seen this kid available in the late second and even early 3rd in some mocks, so he fits in the guidlines of my mock.
Round 4 (#108): H.B. Blades, ILB, Pitt - The defense isn't getting any younger and it's as good a time as any to start bringing in some fresh faces. The veteren guys (Thomas and Taylor) would be great mentors for any young guys at their positions (or period), and Blades seems to prject as a solid starter in the NFL. He has great instincts and is a good tackler. Presents the best value given the way I setup my "board" by averaging player's positions from MANY many mocks.
Round 6 (#181): Cameron Stephenson, OG, Rutgers - Loads of potential for this guy. An effective blocker against both the run and the pass. Said to be a tough player who can play through injuries, and is also very physical. Also versatile enough to play any line position, though G seems to be his best position. Is said to be very raw and will need some coaching because he was never allowed to master one position at Rutgers, but I think Houck is the man for the job.
Round 6 (#199): Johnnie Harline, TE, BYU - Could use some depth here, and I like this kid. Not sure why, I just like what I see, I think he has great potential but will need to put in some extra work to be a solid starter. Will need to work on his blocking at the next level. Had a productive college career. Said to have good hands and be a natural athlete who is very smart and has good body and ball control.
Round 7 (#219): Dane Uperesa, OT, Hawai'i - A hard worker, smart player, and a solid athlete with overall good technique. Said to be very tough. He excells in pass protection (we all know he had plenty of experience with it at Hawai'i, lol). Will need to improve his run blocking in the NFL, and again, could greatly benifit from Houck's coaching.
Round 7 (#225): Tim Mixon, CB, California - This kid is a playmaker. He breaks up a lot of passes and has great ball skills. Has great technique and is a smart player. I think he is a sleeper pick. He doesn't have a great 40 time for a CB (4.55) and had some knee problems in college, but I am willing to take the chance on him in the 7th.
Round 7 (#238): Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame - The rights to this kid with our last pick in round 7 present a much better value than anyone else that will be there at this pick (IMHO of course). Had he chosen football over baseball he would have been a late first rounder. If you look at the Brady Quinn highlight videos, this kid was on the receiving end of a majority of the most spectacular and impressive plays. He is an excellent natural athlete with great size to be a successful NFL WR. Great body control and excels at jump ball situations. Extremely tough kid who doesn't shy away from contact and will sacrafice a hit to make the play. He's a MAJOR red zone threat. He shows great awareness and concentration and adjusts well to off-target throws. Extremely hard and dedicated worker, with a very productive college career to show for it. Could be persueded to the NFL if we pick up Quinn, who is one of his best friends and, of course, the other half of his outstanding college play.
UDFA: Nate Ilaoa, RB, Hawai'i - Probably won't go undrafted, but a few mocks I've seen lately have him as doing just that, and if that is the case I hope we jump all over this kid. The kid is a MONSTER. He's 5-8, 245lbs. His 4.77 40 time may seem slow, but for a guy of his stature I think it's pretty good. This kid just runs through people. He had a pretty productive college career (impressive in a pass-heavy offense) and is just a natural runner with great balance, vision, and instincts. Teamed with Ronnie defenses would get no breaks, as both are physical runners. He would be a nice fit for goal line stuff, or even 3rd down/short yardage stuff should Ronnie need a breather. He also has excellent hands, which adds to his value as a 3rd down back.
UDFA: Marquice Cole, CB, Northwestern - I would like to sign this guy as a return specialist. If he made the team as a CB it would just be a plus, but as far as a return guy, I think he'll be great. He has excellent speed (4.33 40), and is quick and explosive and changes direction very fast. Excellent natural athlete. Scouting reports say "always a threat to take it the distance", and he has "big-time potential as a return man". Could be just the guy we need to Fill Welker's return specialist role, and we wouldn't have to sacrafice any starters to the role.
UDFA: CJ AH You, DE, Oklahoma - Again, may be drafted, but lately a few have him going undrafted (and many others have him in the late rounds, so he COULD always slip past people), and if that's the case, as will all UDFAs, it can't hurt to give em a shot. He was productive at Oklahoma, and is said to be a natural pass rusher with a knack for getting to the QB. He's excellent in pursuit and has a pretty good timed speed (4.70 40). Like I said, can't hurt to give him a shot.
UDFA: Kody Bliss, P, Auburn - With Donnie Jones going to St. Louis, we could use a punter. This guy never had a kick blocked in college (and look at all the tough teams he played) and has a very strong leg, he can also handle kickoffs. He is said to have a quick delivery and handle the ball well (no botched snaps), and again, has tons of experience against top competition in the SEC. The only real knocks on him seem to be that he is a thin guy (5-10, 179lbs) and he occasionally out-kicks his coverage, both can be fixed with a good training program and good coaching.
So there you have it, my take on this whole crazy thing that is the draft. I tried to fill needs with quality players. A few situations had m drafting BPA at the time over need, and others had me getting the BPA which also happened to be a need. I originally targeted Hawai'i OL Samson Satele in round 3, but in my revised mock I have us trading the pick to Washington to move up, but if we stay at 9 and still get Quinn, he would be my 3rd-round target.
Also, the projected trade is obviously depending on if Quinn slips past Cleveland or not. If He is gone in the top three, obviously that trade would be useless and the entire mock would go differently.
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