A new update to the mock now that we have some new players.
Actual- Version 2.0
1st: Winston Justice (USC)- Has everything you look for in a franchise LT: Speed, agility, power, field sense. Has character issues but hopefully Saban can rein him in. When his head's in the game and he's out of trouble, he'll be the franchise LT we've been looking for and can allow Carey to properly handle the RT spot. Was a pivotal part of one of college football's most explosive offense. Can easily bring up comparisons with Walter Jones. If he's not available, Jonathan Scott can also be considered. Don't be surprised if Leinart, Young, or Cutler could drop to this spot and be taken by the Fins even with Culpepper on the roster. Or if Ashworth or another decent veteran T is signed, this could be used for Antonio Cromartie.
3rd: Spencer Havner (UCLA)- A blue chip LB who can play in multiple positions and has the physical stats, size, strength, and speed you look for. He's a hard tough worker as well as a leader both in the community and on the field. Solid against both run and pass and is capable of nagging an Int or 2 alongside a sack. Good at getting past traffic at the line and always gets to the ball. A poor man's AJ Hawk. Only question mark is his injury history. But with time spent behind ZT, should be a solid starter in the future.
4th: Pat Watkins (Florida St):Could be a steal at S. A good leader and has range. Pretty good coverage skills and can still help the run. Has a lot of potential and physical skill and is a good playmaker, things our secondary sorely needs. He really needs to hit the weights. Is inconsistent at times but that can be corrected. An underachiever who has the skills and potential to be a top FS.
7th: Montavious Stanley (Louisville.)- Possible NT prospect. Has the size you look for at (6'2, 313 lbs). Can stuff the run but might not help out as much in pass defense. Could be a sleeper pick.
7th:Jason Hatcher (Grambling St.)- A sleeper DE along the lines of Jason Taylor. Played against weak competition but has ideal size (6'6, 285lbs). An intense player who's adept at getting to the passer. Combines physical intensity with speed.
7th: Skyler Green (LSU)- A pretty fast WR who can help the ST. Saban should know him since he's an LSU product. Best case scenario is he turns into a lesser version of Santana Moss.
Possible Unsigned FA's
Matt Lentz- G (Michigan)
Donovan Raiola- C (Wisconsin)
Eric Bassey- CB (Oklahoma)
Justin London-LB (UCLA)
Kwakou Robinson- NT (Virginia)
Fantasy draft (will require a lot of luck).
1st- Matt Leinart (USC)- If other NFL GM's start drinking out of Rick Spielman's glass, he's ours. Can function better when he’s got the weapons, which we have. We get our Tom Brady here.
2nd-Eric Winston (Miami)- Previous injury doesn’t bother anymore and we end up with two Miami U. bookend tackles starting for the Miami Dolphins OL.
3rd- Antonio Cromartie (Florida St.)– GM’s could start thinking he’s too injury-prone and raw. Fine by me.
4th- Spencer Havner (UCLA)- I’m a UCLA homer. So sue me.
7th- Gabe Watson (Michigan)- GM’s get repulsed by this DT’s previous benching during senior year, and Watson becomes the next Michigan product to drop (see Ernest Shazor)
7th- Cody Douglas (Tennessee)- Good G prospect who’s strong, good size, and can possibly play C
7th- Melvin Oliver (LSU) – Saban decides to give his former DE a shot.