Hello all you Finheaven National Football fans this is Peter "King" Kiper with my take on the upcoming draft. We've seen the next crop of FH-NFL stars show their stuff at the combine and their pro days. It's only a matter of time now, days even before the draft descends on us. I've come up with my yearly mock draft below. There are some interesting choices but with all the last minute movement in free agency I have managed to put together a list that will reflect what will happen come draft day this weekend.
Enjoy.
1. New England Patriots - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
- Looking to increase the firepower, New England has already stated it will be drafting the JR running back with the first overall pick. Considered a faster, less powerful Adrian Peterson of this years draft will give the Patriots a nice one-two punch out of the backfield. Though this could be a smoke screen to move back or to select Chris Long to help an aging defense.
2. Cleveland Browns - DE Chris Long, Virginia
- This could easily be Matt Ryan but the Browns are going for value and add it with Howie's son, giving the 3-4 defense a versitile DE/OLB, who can rush from the end or stand up and play some hard nose defense from the OLB position. With a second pick in the top 10, the Browns will play the same waiting game they did last year for their QB and hope Matt Ryan falls to them at 6th.
3. St Louis Rams - DT Glen Dorsey, LSU
- Matt Ryan is a consideration, and so is Jake Long but the Rams take Glen Dorsey to team with Adam Carriker to reform a new front four. The woreful Rams defense will get a major boost in the arm by allowing Carriker the chance to move inside and out from DE to DT.
4. Minnesota Vikings - QB Matt Ryan, BC
- There's no RBs that deserves to be taken this high after the Peterson trade James Stewart or Rashard Mendenhall will be digust in the board room, but ultimately the Vikings will draft their franchise QB after passing on Quinn last year and take Boston College's Matt Ryan, who is a big upgrade over Tarvarious Jackson, even though he played better as the season went on last year. Even with the addition of JP Losman the position is still shaky.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Jake Long, Michigan
- The Chiefs are in desperate need of some help on the offensive line, and they do just that with the addition of the top Offensive Lineman in the draft by adding Jake Long to anchor the rightside.
6. Cleveland Browns - QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
- Matt Ryan doesn't fall to them here, but they go QB anyways and select Brian Brohm. Predicted to go in the first round for a couple years now, Brohm had a down year but still has the intangibles to lead a team at the next level. He has nice accuracy and a decent arm, could prove to be as good or better than Matt Ryan.
7. Miami Dolphins - DE Phillip Merling, Clemson
- After trading away to key faces of the franchise, Miami had a decision to make inside linebacker or defense end. Since there isn't anyone worth reaching for at the LB position the Dolphins select Phillip Merling out of Clemson. Much more polished then his team mate Gaine Adams who went in the top 5 last year, and the top end not named Long will make an impact at the next level.
8. Atlanta Falcons - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
- They have an aging Warrick Dunn and not much else. Good size and bulk, with a bit of speed. He only carried the load for a year, but there isn't a lot of mileage on his legs. Not as good catching out the backfield as James Stewart but has more explosiveness.
9. Green Bay Packers - DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio state
- They did well with an Ohio State linebacker, so they dip into the well again for the next top rated defensive player in the draft. Cheeseheads everywhere are salivating at the thought of two Ohio State LBs on either side of Barnett. The best pure rusher will be able to gather sacks with Aaron Kampman garnering attention up front.
10. New Orleans Saints - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tenessee State
- They lost out on their bid for Asante Samuels, and have a solid CB group but the Saints will reach and add DRC and hope he pans out like his cousin. Great size and speed, could be the next great shutdown corner if his skills relate from Division II to the Pros.
11. Houston Texans - DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
- They have Okoye from last year, but Ellis can be moved to the end giving the Texans a tough defensive line with the likes of Mario Williams, Okoye and Ellis. A tough and smart end who can shed double teams, will show off his nonstop motor.
12. Denver Broncos - LB Keith Rivers, USC
- Back to back Trojans, and for the first time not at the Playboy mansion. The Broncos could use some help on defense and Keith Rivers adds speed and athleticism at the LB position that Mike Shanahan looks for. May be asked to move to DJ Williams position when Williams is tried out at MLB.
13. Carolina Panthers - OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
- The most athletic Tackle in the draft Clady will take over for Travelle Wharton who left via Free Agency. Even if he doesn't start Clady can spend a season learning the position and adding depth along the Offensive Line before inheriting the starting job at left tackle.
14. Seattle Seahawks - RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
- Ron Dayne and Maurice Morris are not true starters but suitable situation backs, and a liability. The Seahawks draft Jonathan Stewart out of Oregon who is a tough runner with strength and can catch out of the backfield. Nagging injuries could cause durablility concerns but he is the best RB available at this selection.
15. New York Giants - OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
- New York has basically kept their team in tact. However their offensive line could use more depth and Jeff Otah is still raw skillwise, allowing him to sit behind Diehl and McKenzie will give Otah the time he needs to learn and adjust to the next level. Can slide in at RT, but for now will be added depth. The Giants may also consider Derrick Harvey with the loss of Michael Strahan and the desire to move Kiwaniuka back to OLB.
16. Arizona Cardinals - WR DeSean Jackson, California
- After trading Larry Fitzgerald and losing Bryant Johnson the Cardinals will need a man opposite Boldin and quickly grab the fastest and most polished returner in the draft by taking DeSean Jackson. He will help stretch the field with his speed allowing Boldin to not be double teamed.
17. Cleveland Browns - DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
- Great size and can continue to bulk. Cleveland has a pressing need on the defensive line which was their weak link in the defense last year. They fix this problem by adding Balmer who is coming off a great year for UNC, his motor and desire is questionable but he is one of the most athletic defensive lineman in the draft.
18. Houston Texans - WR Limas Sweed, Texas
- Michael Clayton had a solid rookie year but hasn't come close to matching those lofty stats. Trading away Andre Johsnon has left a void at WR for a #2, or a WR that can eventually become #1 and Limas Sweed offers a combination of excellent size and speed. Good hands with his height will give corners in the league trouble.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
- Once again the Eagles are in need of a true #1 WR and are lucky that Malcom Kelly falls in their lap. Kelly could easily be the first WR taken in the draft, but his non-participation in the combine drops him a couple spots.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
- They added Gaine Adams last year but still need help with the pass rush and add one of the quickets and best pass rushers in the draft by nabbing this former Gator.
21. Washington Redskins - LB Dan Connor, Penn State
- The Redskins could use help on the offensive line but will take the best player available which happens to be the next great LB out of Penn State. Not as polished or athletic as Paul Poluszny, he is still an active LB with a high motor that will make a difference at the next level. The right player to succeed an aging London Fletcher.
22. Dallas Cowboys - DE Quentin Groves, Auburn
- They traded away Bobby Carpenter, so could use a replacement for him at OLB. Grove only played some at that position in his last year of college but is projected to be a 3-4 OLB at the next level. Most other positions of need can be filled with later picks.
23. Miami Dolphins - DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
- With their second pick the Dolphins are more than likely add help to their LB corp with Lawrence Jackson, who will learn from a former USC rush end turned outside linebacker in Willie McGinest.
24. Tennessee Titans - WR Mario Manningham Michigan
- Looking for their own #1 WR, the Titans think about drafting James Hardy but take Manningham due to his school and top level of competition he has faced. One of the faster WRs in the draft, has steady hands but his knock on him is his size. Will need to bulk up, but could be a bigger version of Steve Smith of the Panthers.
25. Chicago Bears - OG Branden Albert, Virginia
- They lose John Tait in free agency and look to stregthen their offensive line, but there isn't a tackle at this position to reach for so they take the top rated Guard who is big enough to be a tackle. The Bears may try Albert at tackle, but will more than likely use him as a road grater at the guard position.
26. Atlanta Falcons - S Kenny Phillips, Miami
- Lost out on resigning Von Hutchins but managed to get a servicable player in Butler during the offseason. However Kenny Phillips is too good to pass and could be the next great S out of the U. May not be as good as Sean Taylor or Ed Reed, but will be a solid pro who will be a nasty hitter.
27. San Diego Chargers - CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
- They lost Drayton Florence, but still have Antonio Cromartie. They look to add another big corner and take the Kansas product who has the same intangibles. He may not be as good a prospect as Cromartie but could be a solid #2.
28. Dallas Cowboys - RB Felix Jones, Arkansas
- Marion Barber is looking lonely in the backfield without Julius Jones, so the Cowboys get him a new backfield partner in Felix Jones. Not the Arkansas product they had hoped for but is a much better pass catcher than McFadden. He is shifty and offers a much better compliment to the bruising Barber.
29. Seattle Seahawks - WR James Hardy, Indiana
- Their WR crop is depleted and Javon Walker is an injury waiting to happen while Nate Burelson is a glorified return man who is better served as a #3. James Hardy has great speed for a 6'7 WR. He is too good of a prospect to pass up at the stage of the first round.
30. Minnesota Vikings - RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida
- Chestor Taylor is a solid, if unspectacular RB. He proved he can carry the load, but worked best with another WR in a two back system. The Vikings take the most NFL ready RB with Kevin Smith out of Central Florida. A hard runner who finds the holes, Smith offers a good combination of shiftiness and power.
31. New England Patriots (Forfeited)
32. New York Giants - DE Calais Campbell, Miami
- Losing someone of Strahan's caliber hurts, and the Giants go and draft Calais Campbell who offers tremendous size and great upside. The biggest DE, with strength to match, Campbell is a better fit in the 4-3 with help from his DTs than most other defensive schemes. The Giants could look to DB for help here with a plethora of options left at that position like Mike Jenkins.
Enjoy.
1. New England Patriots - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
- Looking to increase the firepower, New England has already stated it will be drafting the JR running back with the first overall pick. Considered a faster, less powerful Adrian Peterson of this years draft will give the Patriots a nice one-two punch out of the backfield. Though this could be a smoke screen to move back or to select Chris Long to help an aging defense.
2. Cleveland Browns - DE Chris Long, Virginia
- This could easily be Matt Ryan but the Browns are going for value and add it with Howie's son, giving the 3-4 defense a versitile DE/OLB, who can rush from the end or stand up and play some hard nose defense from the OLB position. With a second pick in the top 10, the Browns will play the same waiting game they did last year for their QB and hope Matt Ryan falls to them at 6th.
3. St Louis Rams - DT Glen Dorsey, LSU
- Matt Ryan is a consideration, and so is Jake Long but the Rams take Glen Dorsey to team with Adam Carriker to reform a new front four. The woreful Rams defense will get a major boost in the arm by allowing Carriker the chance to move inside and out from DE to DT.
4. Minnesota Vikings - QB Matt Ryan, BC
- There's no RBs that deserves to be taken this high after the Peterson trade James Stewart or Rashard Mendenhall will be digust in the board room, but ultimately the Vikings will draft their franchise QB after passing on Quinn last year and take Boston College's Matt Ryan, who is a big upgrade over Tarvarious Jackson, even though he played better as the season went on last year. Even with the addition of JP Losman the position is still shaky.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Jake Long, Michigan
- The Chiefs are in desperate need of some help on the offensive line, and they do just that with the addition of the top Offensive Lineman in the draft by adding Jake Long to anchor the rightside.
6. Cleveland Browns - QB Brian Brohm, Louisville
- Matt Ryan doesn't fall to them here, but they go QB anyways and select Brian Brohm. Predicted to go in the first round for a couple years now, Brohm had a down year but still has the intangibles to lead a team at the next level. He has nice accuracy and a decent arm, could prove to be as good or better than Matt Ryan.
7. Miami Dolphins - DE Phillip Merling, Clemson
- After trading away to key faces of the franchise, Miami had a decision to make inside linebacker or defense end. Since there isn't anyone worth reaching for at the LB position the Dolphins select Phillip Merling out of Clemson. Much more polished then his team mate Gaine Adams who went in the top 5 last year, and the top end not named Long will make an impact at the next level.
8. Atlanta Falcons - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
- They have an aging Warrick Dunn and not much else. Good size and bulk, with a bit of speed. He only carried the load for a year, but there isn't a lot of mileage on his legs. Not as good catching out the backfield as James Stewart but has more explosiveness.
9. Green Bay Packers - DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio state
- They did well with an Ohio State linebacker, so they dip into the well again for the next top rated defensive player in the draft. Cheeseheads everywhere are salivating at the thought of two Ohio State LBs on either side of Barnett. The best pure rusher will be able to gather sacks with Aaron Kampman garnering attention up front.
10. New Orleans Saints - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tenessee State
- They lost out on their bid for Asante Samuels, and have a solid CB group but the Saints will reach and add DRC and hope he pans out like his cousin. Great size and speed, could be the next great shutdown corner if his skills relate from Division II to the Pros.
11. Houston Texans - DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
- They have Okoye from last year, but Ellis can be moved to the end giving the Texans a tough defensive line with the likes of Mario Williams, Okoye and Ellis. A tough and smart end who can shed double teams, will show off his nonstop motor.
12. Denver Broncos - LB Keith Rivers, USC
- Back to back Trojans, and for the first time not at the Playboy mansion. The Broncos could use some help on defense and Keith Rivers adds speed and athleticism at the LB position that Mike Shanahan looks for. May be asked to move to DJ Williams position when Williams is tried out at MLB.
13. Carolina Panthers - OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
- The most athletic Tackle in the draft Clady will take over for Travelle Wharton who left via Free Agency. Even if he doesn't start Clady can spend a season learning the position and adding depth along the Offensive Line before inheriting the starting job at left tackle.
14. Seattle Seahawks - RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
- Ron Dayne and Maurice Morris are not true starters but suitable situation backs, and a liability. The Seahawks draft Jonathan Stewart out of Oregon who is a tough runner with strength and can catch out of the backfield. Nagging injuries could cause durablility concerns but he is the best RB available at this selection.
15. New York Giants - OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
- New York has basically kept their team in tact. However their offensive line could use more depth and Jeff Otah is still raw skillwise, allowing him to sit behind Diehl and McKenzie will give Otah the time he needs to learn and adjust to the next level. Can slide in at RT, but for now will be added depth. The Giants may also consider Derrick Harvey with the loss of Michael Strahan and the desire to move Kiwaniuka back to OLB.
16. Arizona Cardinals - WR DeSean Jackson, California
- After trading Larry Fitzgerald and losing Bryant Johnson the Cardinals will need a man opposite Boldin and quickly grab the fastest and most polished returner in the draft by taking DeSean Jackson. He will help stretch the field with his speed allowing Boldin to not be double teamed.
17. Cleveland Browns - DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
- Great size and can continue to bulk. Cleveland has a pressing need on the defensive line which was their weak link in the defense last year. They fix this problem by adding Balmer who is coming off a great year for UNC, his motor and desire is questionable but he is one of the most athletic defensive lineman in the draft.
18. Houston Texans - WR Limas Sweed, Texas
- Michael Clayton had a solid rookie year but hasn't come close to matching those lofty stats. Trading away Andre Johsnon has left a void at WR for a #2, or a WR that can eventually become #1 and Limas Sweed offers a combination of excellent size and speed. Good hands with his height will give corners in the league trouble.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
- Once again the Eagles are in need of a true #1 WR and are lucky that Malcom Kelly falls in their lap. Kelly could easily be the first WR taken in the draft, but his non-participation in the combine drops him a couple spots.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
- They added Gaine Adams last year but still need help with the pass rush and add one of the quickets and best pass rushers in the draft by nabbing this former Gator.
21. Washington Redskins - LB Dan Connor, Penn State
- The Redskins could use help on the offensive line but will take the best player available which happens to be the next great LB out of Penn State. Not as polished or athletic as Paul Poluszny, he is still an active LB with a high motor that will make a difference at the next level. The right player to succeed an aging London Fletcher.
22. Dallas Cowboys - DE Quentin Groves, Auburn
- They traded away Bobby Carpenter, so could use a replacement for him at OLB. Grove only played some at that position in his last year of college but is projected to be a 3-4 OLB at the next level. Most other positions of need can be filled with later picks.
23. Miami Dolphins - DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
- With their second pick the Dolphins are more than likely add help to their LB corp with Lawrence Jackson, who will learn from a former USC rush end turned outside linebacker in Willie McGinest.
24. Tennessee Titans - WR Mario Manningham Michigan
- Looking for their own #1 WR, the Titans think about drafting James Hardy but take Manningham due to his school and top level of competition he has faced. One of the faster WRs in the draft, has steady hands but his knock on him is his size. Will need to bulk up, but could be a bigger version of Steve Smith of the Panthers.
25. Chicago Bears - OG Branden Albert, Virginia
- They lose John Tait in free agency and look to stregthen their offensive line, but there isn't a tackle at this position to reach for so they take the top rated Guard who is big enough to be a tackle. The Bears may try Albert at tackle, but will more than likely use him as a road grater at the guard position.
26. Atlanta Falcons - S Kenny Phillips, Miami
- Lost out on resigning Von Hutchins but managed to get a servicable player in Butler during the offseason. However Kenny Phillips is too good to pass and could be the next great S out of the U. May not be as good as Sean Taylor or Ed Reed, but will be a solid pro who will be a nasty hitter.
27. San Diego Chargers - CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
- They lost Drayton Florence, but still have Antonio Cromartie. They look to add another big corner and take the Kansas product who has the same intangibles. He may not be as good a prospect as Cromartie but could be a solid #2.
28. Dallas Cowboys - RB Felix Jones, Arkansas
- Marion Barber is looking lonely in the backfield without Julius Jones, so the Cowboys get him a new backfield partner in Felix Jones. Not the Arkansas product they had hoped for but is a much better pass catcher than McFadden. He is shifty and offers a much better compliment to the bruising Barber.
29. Seattle Seahawks - WR James Hardy, Indiana
- Their WR crop is depleted and Javon Walker is an injury waiting to happen while Nate Burelson is a glorified return man who is better served as a #3. James Hardy has great speed for a 6'7 WR. He is too good of a prospect to pass up at the stage of the first round.
30. Minnesota Vikings - RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida
- Chestor Taylor is a solid, if unspectacular RB. He proved he can carry the load, but worked best with another WR in a two back system. The Vikings take the most NFL ready RB with Kevin Smith out of Central Florida. A hard runner who finds the holes, Smith offers a good combination of shiftiness and power.
31. New England Patriots (Forfeited)
32. New York Giants - DE Calais Campbell, Miami
- Losing someone of Strahan's caliber hurts, and the Giants go and draft Calais Campbell who offers tremendous size and great upside. The biggest DE, with strength to match, Campbell is a better fit in the 4-3 with help from his DTs than most other defensive schemes. The Giants could look to DB for help here with a plethora of options left at that position like Mike Jenkins.
