Unless another trade happens before the draft, I decided to dust off the old "Coach GM" hat, and create a mock. 1 Round for everybody, 7 for the Fins. The picks are based a lot on what I'm hearing from around the league. Comments welcome.
1.St Louis Rams- Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma It's all but certain that Bradford will be the number 1 pick. The only question is will it be to the Rams or the Browns. Only knock on Bradford is his arm which in St. Louis's offense isn't a huge deal (now if Martz was still there, that's a different story).
2.Detroit Lions- Ndomnokong Suh DT, Nebraska Word is that the Lions are also looking heavily at Russell Okung. While getting somebody to protect Stafford is a high priority, the pick will be either Suh or McCoy. I think Suh gets the nod.
3.Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma Tampa has the easiest choice in the world; take whichever DT the Lions don't take. THe Bucs would prefer McCoy though cause he fits the Tampa 2 better than Suh.
4.Washington Redskins- Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma IMO Okung is a better prospect than Williams, but the OU tackle is a better fit for the zone blocking scheme.
5.Kansas City Chiefs- Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State Pioli doesn't like to take skill players this early, and While Brendan Albert did improve, the Chiefs would be best suited to take Okung and move Albert to guard or RT.
6.Seattle Seahawks- Eric Berry S, Tennessee Seattle has a lot of needs, and while they could go DE, or Spiller, they should be doing backflips at the thought of getting Berry.
7.Cleveland Browns- Jared Odrick DT/DE, Penn State The Browns are highly disappointed that Berry didn't fall to them. The Browns are still trying like mad to trade up and get Bradford at which point the Rams will draft Claussen here. If the Browns can't trade up, and Berry is gone, I think they bite the bullet and take the guy they've loved for so long; Jared Odrick. Odrick is the perfect DE for the 3-4 D.
8.Oakland Raiders- Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa Oakland has traded for 2 underachieving pass rushers (Kamerion Wimbley and Quinton Groves), but have addressed a need. OT is a must get, and while they may shy away from another Iowa OT, Bulaga would help sure up the running game.
9.Buffalo Bills-Dan Williams NT, Tennessee Buffalo would love to take an OT, but it's probably a little too early for either Bruce Campbell or Anthony Davis. Chan Gailey has also made it quite clear he wants a QB, but the Bills are not enamored with Claussen. With the Bills switching to a 3-4 they could use a NT. Marcus Stroud is getting older, and is not an indeal 3-4 NT anyways.
10.Jacksonville Jaguars- CJ Spiller RB, Clemson The Jags are a team that drafts strictly on their draft board, and also love a two back system. Reports are that if Spiller drops to here, he won't drop any further. DE is a possibility, but with signing Aaron Kampman it's not as urgent.
11.Denver Broncos-Rolando McClain ILB, Alabama The Broncos ILBs are still a tad small for the 3-4 making McClain an easy choice. Dez Bryant is also very appealing here, but word is Denver doesn't think he's a good fit.
12.Miami Dolphins- Derrick Morgan DE/OLB, Georgia Tech Rumors I'm hearing (which could just be smoke) state the pick will more than likely be either Morgan or Earl Thomas (unless Eric Berry falls here). A lot of teams are falling in love with Thomas so we may be able to trade down. If we do land Morgan, I doubt we will regret it.
13.San Francisco 49ers-Jimmy Claussen QB, Notre Dame Despite the fact Alex Smith played well, and the team signed David Carr, I'm hearing the 9ers would gladly draft Jimmy C if he fell to them. They loved Mark Sanchez last year too so there is probably fire to this smoke.
14.Seattle Seahawks-Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State Seattle wants a playmaking WR (thus their heavy pursuit of Brandon Marshall). While they'd love an OT, or CJ Spiller, they will gladly settle for Dez.
15.New York Giants- Jason Pierre-Paul DE, USF The Giants supposedly love a couple prospects; Rolando McClain, CJ Spiller, and JPP. The G-Men are actively trying to trade up, but if they can't it's said they will settle for whoever falls.
16.Tennessee Titans-Brandon Graham DE, Michigan After a late run, it looks like the Titans are set on offense. They do need some pass rushing though.
17.San Francisco 49ers- Joe Haden CB, Florida 9ers are shocked that Haden falls here. If he does, the 9ers will go home happy. Haden is still a very raw prospect, but probably the best in the draft.
18.Pittsburgh Steelers- Maurkice Pouncey C, Florida The Steelers could go CB, but they've been very vocal about their love for Pouncey. Pouncey could probably transition to guard for a year or two and allow the Steelers to finally bench Trai Essex or Willie Colon.
19.Atlanta Falcons- Jerry Hughes DE, TCU Falcons need another pass rusher, Hughes may be the best in the draft, even if he's a tad undersized.
20.Houston Texans- Earl Thomas S, Texas Houston covets Earl Thomas and Fresno RB Ryan Matthews. If Thomas falls to the Texans, they will take the former Longhorn. Whether he plays CB or S is the question.
21.Cincinatti Bengals- Taylor Mays S, USC Seems like a Bengals pick. The safeties really struggled late last year, and Mays would do good in Mike Zimmer's defense where he can freelance.
22.New England Patriots- Sergio Kindle OLB, Texas Pats need a pass rush, and Kindle (for all his weaknesses) can get to the QB.
23.Green Bay Packers- Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers The Packers' OL, for lack of a better word, sucked most of last year. TJ Lang looks like a good player in the future, but they need more help. Davis, talent wise, is a top 10 player, but everything else drops him down.
24.Philadelphia Eagles- Sean Weatherspoon LB, Mizzou The Eagles do covet Earl Thomas, but that may be a pipe dream for them. Despite trading for Ernie Simms (who has been awful the last few years in Detroit), the Eagles need to upgrade the LB corp, especially with Stewart Bradley being injury prone. Weatherspoon also fits like a glove in the Iggles' D.
25.Baltimore Ravens- Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State The Ravens' pass D really struggled this season, if Kyle Wilson falls to the Ratbirds it will be godsend to them. Wilson is arguably the best CB in the draft.
26.Arizona Cardinals- Everson Griffen OLB/DE, USC The Cardinals Karlos Dansby and Antrelle Rolle, but even with them, the team lacks a pass rush which is pivotal for a 3-4 D. Griffen has a lot potential, and gets to play in his home state.
27.Dallas Cowboys-Mike Iupati OG/OT, Idaho If the draft falls like this, it's a huge steal for the Cowboys. I actually forgot that Iupati was on the board. The Idaho Vandal can develop into a great all around player in Dallas.
28.San Diego Chargers- Ryan Matthews RB, Fresno State The Chargers are doing backflips right now if the local product falls to them. Matthews could go A LOT higher, but I don't project trades.
29.New York Jets- Corey Wooten DE, Northwestern On paper, the Jets don't have a lot of glaring holes. They could use more pass rushers, but I really don't think any are left worth taking. Wooten would be a higher rated prospec if not for his injury, but I think he'll make a decent 3-4 DE. Could go Carlos Dunlap, but I doubt the Jets go with another project after Vernon Gholston.
30.Minnesota Vikings- Kareem Jackson CB, Alabama For as good as the Viking's D has been, the secondary is a bit of a concern. Antoine Winfield is not getting any younger (or healthier), and Cedric Griffen is nothing huge to write home about.
31.Indianapolis Colts- Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland If Campbell goes to the Raiders like rumored, it's a huge reach. If he falls to the Colts, that's good value. Campbell has the athleticism the Colts love in their OTs, and could grow into a good run blocker.
32.New Orleans Saints- Daryl Washington LB, TCU The Champs' biggest need isn't even a question; LB. Scott Fujita is gone, and Scott Shanle isn't that great. Washington is a fast rising prospect this year.
Fins Draft:
1.Derrick Morgan DE/OLB, Georgia Tech See description above.
2.Traded for Brandon Marshall Trading 2 seconds for a 26 year old Pro Bowler? Yeah no complaints
3.Major Wright S, Florida Every year the staff falls in love with a player; in 08 it was Kendall Langford (and Shawn Murphy), last year it was Pat White, this year it sounds like that player might be Major Wright. Wright is actually better in coverage than most give him credit for. He may not be here, but from what I hear getting Wright may be a top priority for the draft.
4.Walter McFadden CB, Auburn With Will Allen getting older and coming off a serious injury, and losing Nate Jones, our CB depth is lacking right now. McFadden (Much like his older brother) is a very physical CB that is versatile.
5.Jeff Owens NT, Georgia We've shown this guy a lot of interest. Also, even if Solia turns into a good NT, he'll need some help.
6.Austin Spitler LB, Ohio State Another guy we really love, don't be shocked to see us take the guy,
7a.Antonio Brown WR, Central Michigan We're looking for a return specialist. Brown will be worth a look (and we've talked to him)
7b.Dexter Davis OLB/DE, Arizona State Another guy we've shown a lot of love. Could develop into something down the line.
7c.Clay Harbor TE Missouri State Decent small time prospect we could develop
1.St Louis Rams- Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma It's all but certain that Bradford will be the number 1 pick. The only question is will it be to the Rams or the Browns. Only knock on Bradford is his arm which in St. Louis's offense isn't a huge deal (now if Martz was still there, that's a different story).
2.Detroit Lions- Ndomnokong Suh DT, Nebraska Word is that the Lions are also looking heavily at Russell Okung. While getting somebody to protect Stafford is a high priority, the pick will be either Suh or McCoy. I think Suh gets the nod.
3.Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma Tampa has the easiest choice in the world; take whichever DT the Lions don't take. THe Bucs would prefer McCoy though cause he fits the Tampa 2 better than Suh.
4.Washington Redskins- Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma IMO Okung is a better prospect than Williams, but the OU tackle is a better fit for the zone blocking scheme.
5.Kansas City Chiefs- Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State Pioli doesn't like to take skill players this early, and While Brendan Albert did improve, the Chiefs would be best suited to take Okung and move Albert to guard or RT.
6.Seattle Seahawks- Eric Berry S, Tennessee Seattle has a lot of needs, and while they could go DE, or Spiller, they should be doing backflips at the thought of getting Berry.
7.Cleveland Browns- Jared Odrick DT/DE, Penn State The Browns are highly disappointed that Berry didn't fall to them. The Browns are still trying like mad to trade up and get Bradford at which point the Rams will draft Claussen here. If the Browns can't trade up, and Berry is gone, I think they bite the bullet and take the guy they've loved for so long; Jared Odrick. Odrick is the perfect DE for the 3-4 D.
8.Oakland Raiders- Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa Oakland has traded for 2 underachieving pass rushers (Kamerion Wimbley and Quinton Groves), but have addressed a need. OT is a must get, and while they may shy away from another Iowa OT, Bulaga would help sure up the running game.
9.Buffalo Bills-Dan Williams NT, Tennessee Buffalo would love to take an OT, but it's probably a little too early for either Bruce Campbell or Anthony Davis. Chan Gailey has also made it quite clear he wants a QB, but the Bills are not enamored with Claussen. With the Bills switching to a 3-4 they could use a NT. Marcus Stroud is getting older, and is not an indeal 3-4 NT anyways.
10.Jacksonville Jaguars- CJ Spiller RB, Clemson The Jags are a team that drafts strictly on their draft board, and also love a two back system. Reports are that if Spiller drops to here, he won't drop any further. DE is a possibility, but with signing Aaron Kampman it's not as urgent.
11.Denver Broncos-Rolando McClain ILB, Alabama The Broncos ILBs are still a tad small for the 3-4 making McClain an easy choice. Dez Bryant is also very appealing here, but word is Denver doesn't think he's a good fit.
12.Miami Dolphins- Derrick Morgan DE/OLB, Georgia Tech Rumors I'm hearing (which could just be smoke) state the pick will more than likely be either Morgan or Earl Thomas (unless Eric Berry falls here). A lot of teams are falling in love with Thomas so we may be able to trade down. If we do land Morgan, I doubt we will regret it.
13.San Francisco 49ers-Jimmy Claussen QB, Notre Dame Despite the fact Alex Smith played well, and the team signed David Carr, I'm hearing the 9ers would gladly draft Jimmy C if he fell to them. They loved Mark Sanchez last year too so there is probably fire to this smoke.
14.Seattle Seahawks-Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State Seattle wants a playmaking WR (thus their heavy pursuit of Brandon Marshall). While they'd love an OT, or CJ Spiller, they will gladly settle for Dez.
15.New York Giants- Jason Pierre-Paul DE, USF The Giants supposedly love a couple prospects; Rolando McClain, CJ Spiller, and JPP. The G-Men are actively trying to trade up, but if they can't it's said they will settle for whoever falls.
16.Tennessee Titans-Brandon Graham DE, Michigan After a late run, it looks like the Titans are set on offense. They do need some pass rushing though.
17.San Francisco 49ers- Joe Haden CB, Florida 9ers are shocked that Haden falls here. If he does, the 9ers will go home happy. Haden is still a very raw prospect, but probably the best in the draft.
18.Pittsburgh Steelers- Maurkice Pouncey C, Florida The Steelers could go CB, but they've been very vocal about their love for Pouncey. Pouncey could probably transition to guard for a year or two and allow the Steelers to finally bench Trai Essex or Willie Colon.
19.Atlanta Falcons- Jerry Hughes DE, TCU Falcons need another pass rusher, Hughes may be the best in the draft, even if he's a tad undersized.
20.Houston Texans- Earl Thomas S, Texas Houston covets Earl Thomas and Fresno RB Ryan Matthews. If Thomas falls to the Texans, they will take the former Longhorn. Whether he plays CB or S is the question.
21.Cincinatti Bengals- Taylor Mays S, USC Seems like a Bengals pick. The safeties really struggled late last year, and Mays would do good in Mike Zimmer's defense where he can freelance.
22.New England Patriots- Sergio Kindle OLB, Texas Pats need a pass rush, and Kindle (for all his weaknesses) can get to the QB.
23.Green Bay Packers- Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers The Packers' OL, for lack of a better word, sucked most of last year. TJ Lang looks like a good player in the future, but they need more help. Davis, talent wise, is a top 10 player, but everything else drops him down.
24.Philadelphia Eagles- Sean Weatherspoon LB, Mizzou The Eagles do covet Earl Thomas, but that may be a pipe dream for them. Despite trading for Ernie Simms (who has been awful the last few years in Detroit), the Eagles need to upgrade the LB corp, especially with Stewart Bradley being injury prone. Weatherspoon also fits like a glove in the Iggles' D.
25.Baltimore Ravens- Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State The Ravens' pass D really struggled this season, if Kyle Wilson falls to the Ratbirds it will be godsend to them. Wilson is arguably the best CB in the draft.
26.Arizona Cardinals- Everson Griffen OLB/DE, USC The Cardinals Karlos Dansby and Antrelle Rolle, but even with them, the team lacks a pass rush which is pivotal for a 3-4 D. Griffen has a lot potential, and gets to play in his home state.
27.Dallas Cowboys-Mike Iupati OG/OT, Idaho If the draft falls like this, it's a huge steal for the Cowboys. I actually forgot that Iupati was on the board. The Idaho Vandal can develop into a great all around player in Dallas.
28.San Diego Chargers- Ryan Matthews RB, Fresno State The Chargers are doing backflips right now if the local product falls to them. Matthews could go A LOT higher, but I don't project trades.
29.New York Jets- Corey Wooten DE, Northwestern On paper, the Jets don't have a lot of glaring holes. They could use more pass rushers, but I really don't think any are left worth taking. Wooten would be a higher rated prospec if not for his injury, but I think he'll make a decent 3-4 DE. Could go Carlos Dunlap, but I doubt the Jets go with another project after Vernon Gholston.
30.Minnesota Vikings- Kareem Jackson CB, Alabama For as good as the Viking's D has been, the secondary is a bit of a concern. Antoine Winfield is not getting any younger (or healthier), and Cedric Griffen is nothing huge to write home about.
31.Indianapolis Colts- Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland If Campbell goes to the Raiders like rumored, it's a huge reach. If he falls to the Colts, that's good value. Campbell has the athleticism the Colts love in their OTs, and could grow into a good run blocker.
32.New Orleans Saints- Daryl Washington LB, TCU The Champs' biggest need isn't even a question; LB. Scott Fujita is gone, and Scott Shanle isn't that great. Washington is a fast rising prospect this year.
Fins Draft:
1.Derrick Morgan DE/OLB, Georgia Tech See description above.
2.Traded for Brandon Marshall Trading 2 seconds for a 26 year old Pro Bowler? Yeah no complaints
3.Major Wright S, Florida Every year the staff falls in love with a player; in 08 it was Kendall Langford (and Shawn Murphy), last year it was Pat White, this year it sounds like that player might be Major Wright. Wright is actually better in coverage than most give him credit for. He may not be here, but from what I hear getting Wright may be a top priority for the draft.
4.Walter McFadden CB, Auburn With Will Allen getting older and coming off a serious injury, and losing Nate Jones, our CB depth is lacking right now. McFadden (Much like his older brother) is a very physical CB that is versatile.
5.Jeff Owens NT, Georgia We've shown this guy a lot of interest. Also, even if Solia turns into a good NT, he'll need some help.
6.Austin Spitler LB, Ohio State Another guy we really love, don't be shocked to see us take the guy,
7a.Antonio Brown WR, Central Michigan We're looking for a return specialist. Brown will be worth a look (and we've talked to him)
7b.Dexter Davis OLB/DE, Arizona State Another guy we've shown a lot of love. Could develop into something down the line.
7c.Clay Harbor TE Missouri State Decent small time prospect we could develop
