1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton QB, Auburn
-For the past 2 months I have been going with Blaine Gabbert at this spot. Now with all the reports and clips coming out, it appears Newton will be the choice. Newton has all the physical tools to be a superstar in this league. The questions remain though with Newton. Can he be a leader? Can he be an NFL QB and take snaps under center. I for one am skeptical, but if all goes well and Newton develops the Panthers will have a star in their hands
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
-John Fox will want a big defensive guy when he arrives in Denver Marcell Dareus is that guy .Dareus has really improved his stock since the Combine and is a lock for the No.2 pick. With Dareus the Broncos will get the presence they need on defense that will make defensive coordinators cringe in the future. Dareus is a great pick and will be a great defensive player in this league.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
-IF in some miracle Newton falls Buffalo will likely send in the quickest time ever for the NFL Draft. Newton is the guy they want and he always has been, but with Newton gone I expect Buffalo to take Von Miller. Von Miller can be the same type of player Clay Matthews is for the Green Bay Packers. Miller is a tremendous pass rusher who will be a force off the edge. He is also good in coverage but average and defending the rush. He will be an impact player his first year and could make the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
4.) Cincinnati Bengals: A.J Green, WR Georgia
-Another team that would love to get Cam Newton, but should focus more on getting weapons for a future QB. The best selection will be A.J Green an electrifying skilled WR who has drawn comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald. With the departure of Terrell Owens and possibly Chad OchoCinco the Bengals will need that true WR, and Green will provide that. A QB target is likely in Round 2 as they begin to rebuild their team.
5.) Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
-If Von Miller is gone, I think the Cardinals take the most talented player of the draft in Peterson. He can come in and be a great CB and also a talented return man. While they do have Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie they need someone else. Peterson can come in and have an immediate impact. I have seen a lot of people putting Blaine Gabbert here but with an established regime in Whisenhunt, taking a young QB is not a smart move. Besides Arizona will likely look to go after Kevin Kolb (Larry Fitzgerald’s desire) or Donovan McNabb
6.) Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn DE/OLB, North Carolina
-The Browns have several needs all across the board. If they get a chance to trade down they will, but assuming that doesn’t happen they will be looking to get a player who can translate to the 3-4. Quinn is a tireless worker who likely would be going in the Top 5 if not for his suspension all year. He has the talent you look for in an OLB, and could really help Cleveland make a smooth transition to being a better 3-4 defense. If Peterson falls he could be targeted because of their need at CB.
7.) San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
-The Niners have needs on the defensive side of the ball and would love to get Robert Quinn or Patrick Peterson. With both of those guys off the board I think Harbaugh gets his QB in Gabbert. In my opinion Gabbert is the most NFL ready QB in the draft. His accuracy issues were inflated because of frequent drops. Gabbert is a cleaner QB who is a proven leader and is a great learner. He will likely be the guy if Peterson and Quinn are off the board.
8.) Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
-Remember when Albert Haynesworth actually tried and made the Titans defense a tough matchup. My have things changed. Haynesworth is an overpaid couch potato and the Titans. The Titans may finally have their man in Nick Fairley a big DT who can be a force up the middle and has a lot of talent. After an unimpressive performance at the Combine his stock fell, but he got the boost he needed with an improved performance at his Pro Day. The Titans could target a wide receiver but with Green off the board, I think they hold off and take Fairley, despite his maturity issues.
9.) Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT USC
-Jerry Jones never takes an OL in the 1st round, EVER. Tyron Smith may be the first exception of the rule, but I don’t know if he will be the pick. Jerry could look to get a true shutdown corner in Amukamara who may not have the overall talent Peterson has, he does have better man to man coverage skills and can develop into a Darrele Revis type of CB. Smith is a talented player who can be penciled in as the Cowboys starting RT and get better as he gets more starts and develops
PREVIOUS pick: Prince Amukamara
10.) Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR Alabama
-The Redskins are such an unpredictable team. I have talked to several who think they may reach and take Jake Locker, I can’t see that happening. They could try and target Kolb (maybe this Philly QB will work) or they could try and find someone later. Whatever they decide to do, they will need to find someone for that QB to throw to. Julio Jones blew away at the Combine even with an injury. He is a good value at No.10 and could go as high as No.4. With the pick look for Washington to target a QB in the 2nd round
11.) Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
-The Texans defense is something you would see from a college team. They have 2 good players but the rest make the Panthers offense look like stars. They have need at the DL, OLB and CB. Unfortunately the top 2 OLB (Miller, Quinn) and CB’s (Peterson, Amukamara) are all gone. So Wade Phillips will have to take a DE. Jordan has really risen on draft boards and can serve as an impact guy for them to get pressure on the QB. It will only be a small piece but it will be an improvement and someone to pair with Mario Williams.
PREVIOUS pick: Cameron Jordan12.) Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Costonzo, OT Boston College
-It is the 2nd scenario the Vikings wanted while Cameron Jordan is off the board Costonzo is still available. After a strong Pro Day and combine his stock has only improved and he will be the Vikings new stud LT. He still is a bit underdeveloped but once he develops he will be a true blindside protector. Costonzo can move to LT and allow Bryant Mckinnie to move to the easier RT position. It is a move that will help the Vikings, help Adrian Peterson and give their future QB some good protection.
PREVIOUS pick: Tyron Smith, OT USC
13.) Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
-In a dream scenario for the Lions, Amukamara is available at No.13. The Lions have failed to find a CB in the draft or FA and now have their chance for a true shut down corner that is also skilled in man to man coverage. Going against Greg Jennings and Percy Harvin 2x in a season will give them a better chance to stop the pass.
PREVIOUS PICK: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
14.) St. Louis Rams: Cory Liuget, DT Illinois
-The Rams made the right pick taking Sam Bradford going from No.1 to No.14 is a big improvement, but they are still far away from being competitors outside of the NFC West. Reports are surfacing that Liuget is the guy they want, and who they are going to get. Liuget is a tough hardnosed player with a strong motor. Falls a little because of his height, but can be a good defensive lineman in the league and help make the Rams better on defense.
15.) Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, OG Florida
-The Dolphins are an interesting team to pick for they have several needs but many of those are not worth reaching for. I think they look to make their offensive line better and take the in-state Mike Pouncey. Pouncey can be a very good OG in the league. He has shown great leadership capabilities and can be a tough man in the trenches. He is a good value for Miami and can give Chad Henne some protection
16.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
-The Jaguars need help on the defensive side of the ball. They need someone who can get after the QB and create some pressure. Kerrigan is the perfect fit a tireless worker, who is great off the edge. His love for the game is unquestioned and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get better. He is a good pick now and will only get better later on.
17.) New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan, DE California
-The Patriots will be looking for OL and pass rushers in the draft. While Cameron Jordan may not be the best pass rusher he is a great DE and can play in any sytem. He has the ability to defend against the run, and get to the QB. At this spot he can go in and play right away for the Patriots and make this young defense better. If Mike Pouncey does fall to this spot, he could be the pick.
PREVIOUS pick: Da’quan Bowers, DE Clemson
18.) San Diego Chargers: J.J Watt, DE Wisconsin
The Chargers have needs at OT and DE. A.J Smith has a track record of not taking an OL in the 1st round, and I expect him to follow that. J.J Watt is a young DE who although is inexperienced has the tools to be great. If he develops he can be a great player off the edge with his speed and agility. He will definitely make the Chargers a legitimate defense again.
19.) New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
-After seeing Eli Manning gets hit so much, it is evident that the Giants need an OT. Gabe Carimi out of Wisconsin can be their immediate RT and in the future can move over to LT. He is an impact run blocker, and can help the Giants OL out in a big way. By drafting Carimi it also allows the Giants to move David Diehl over to the other tackle spot.
20.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Houston, OLB Houston
The Buccaneers were a big surprise last year. Their offense filled with young guys broke onto the scene and nearly led the team to the playoffs. Unfortunately they aren’t ready on defense yet. Having a big need at DE, Justin Houston is the perfect fit. He is an athletic player who can come around the corner and get to the QB or if needed cover the TE. He is a perfect fit for what Raheem Morris is building.
21.) Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
-The Chiefs have needs at OT, DT, and WR. All could be picked with their 1st pick. However I think Pioli is leaning towards taking a DT. With pieces in place like Brandon Flowers, Eric Berry and Tamba Hali, the chiefs are building a nice young defense that will be very good in a short amount of time. Taylor can be that big stuffer up the middle and attract some attention to let Hali get free and after the QB, despite his character concerns he is the right fit for their defense. Look for Kansas City to go WR in Round 2.
PREVIOUS pick: Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
22.) Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State
-Peyton Manning is getting old and the hits he is taking are not making him any younger. What once used to be a strong OL is now a big weakness. Sherrod is a big guy who can give Manning more time to find his open receivers, and will finally help the Colts rebound and probably add a year on Manning’s career
23.) Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
-It was evident in the playoffs that Philly needs big time help at OT and CB. With the Top 4 OT’s on the board I think Andy Reid will want to go with Jimmy Smith. Jimmy Smith has character issues coming into the draft, but so did Michael Oher. Philly will definitely do their homework but Smith is a NFL ready corner who could be paired with Asante to make a good combo. It is a good value pick for the Eagles even with the character concerns.
24.) New Orleans Saints: Da’quan Bowers, DE Clemson
-This is a great value over risk pick here for the Saints. Bowers has top 10 talent but knee issues and questions about his motor are red flags. At this spot though, it is the perfect spot for the Saints. If Bowers can stay healthy this is a guy who could be a menace to opposing QB’s. He has the quickness and moves to be a perennial Pro Bowler IF he stays healthy
PREVIOUS pick: Brooks Reed, DE Arizona
25.) Seattle Seahawks: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
-The Seahawks could take hometown favorite Jake Locker here, but he doesn’t fit their scheme. He isn’t the faster accurate QB they need in a West Coast offense and they could always get a QB in Round 2 or 3 to develop. Matt Hasselbeck is not the answer and he is old but improving the OL will help him now and protect the evident QB of the future. Solder is not ready to be a great starting OT right away but he has the talent to be the best one to come out of this class. He is a bit underdeveloped but is also a hard worker. He seems like a great fit for the Seahawks West Coast Offense
PREVIOUS pick: Mike Pouncey, OG/C Florida
26.) Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State
- From all reports it sounds like if Heyward is available at 26 Baltimore will not hesitate to take him. He appeared to be a Top 15 guy to start the season but fell because of inconsistency. He still has a lot of talent and would fill a big need for the Ravens. He can play DE and help them defending the run or rushing the pass. Another addition to this defense makes it even scarier.
27.) Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame
-I have seen mock drafts giving them Smith, Brooks Reed, Mike Pouncey, Mark Ingram and everything in between. I think they give Matt Ryan another weapon to play with. Tony Gonzalez said he may retire if the lockout continues, and that leaves the Falcons with only Roddy White who will get double teamed a lot next season. They need someone to replace Gonzalez and that man can be Rudolph a tall Te who has the size to be very good. Did not produce alot in college but give him a proven NFL QB and a great offense, and I believe that will make him better
PREVIOUS pick: Torrey Smith28*.) Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB Washington
-I can pretty much guarantee someone will trade up to this spot. As of right now I think Minnesota will be that team. Having just drafted another OT they now have the pieces to build a better offense. While Locker is not ready to play in the NFL signing a guy like Donovan Mcnabb to a 2 year contract then handing over the reins to Locker is an option. Locker is the QB Minnesota has been targeting and they might fear he will not fall to them in the 2nd round.
PREVIOUS pick: New England takes Nate Solder, OT Colorado
29.) Chicago Bears: Danny Watkins OG, Baylor
-With the best OT off the board the Bears will have to find interior help. The Bears struggled all year to prevent defenders from getting past the line and that cost Jay Cutler dearly. Getting a guy like Watkins who can give the Bears some protection against studs like B.J Raji, Kevin Williams, and Ndamukong Suh will be a big help for their QB. The Bears may look to trade down, but protecting their QB is more important.
PREVIOUS pick: Aaron Williams, CB/S Texas
30.) New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT/DE Temple
-Defense is the key for the Jets and why not add to it with more depth. Wilkerson can play both DE and DT which serves a big help. Shaun Ellis was big in the playoffs but at the age of 34 his career is winding down. Even if he is resigned his replacement will need to be found and Wilkerson can be that guy.
31.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB/S Texas
-With Chicago passing on Aaron Williams I think Pittsburgh takes him and is happy by improving their secondary. Williams is someone who can cover well and has good ball skills. He is very young but could shore up a weak secondary that could lose Ike Taylor in the offseason. It will help out an outstanding defense and could help lead them to another Super Bowl
PREVIOUS pick: Benjamin Ijalana, OG, Villanova
32.) Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers OLB, UCLA
-After winning the Super Bowl with 16 players on IR the Packers have no glaring needs with so many players returning. DE could be the pick but there are none worth reaching for at this point. Randall Cobb is another option especially since they need help in the return game and James Jones may leave. However I think they look to take an OLB to help take some pressure off Clay Matthews. While Ayers isn’t a great pass rusher or run defender he is very athletic. He is agile and has long arms and can also create turnovers. Having him learn from Clay Matthews could make him into a very good OLB and make the Green Bay Packers LB core a very scary group.
Round 2
33 New England Patriots: Bruce Carter
34 Bills: Andy Dalton
35 Bengals: Christian Ponder
36 Broncos: Marvin Austin
37 Browns: Adrian Clayborn
38 Cardinals: Brooks Reed
39 Titans: Ryan Mallet
40 Cowboys: Ras-I Dowling
41 Redskins: Colin Kaepernick
42 Texans: Stephen Paea
43 Patriots: Benjamin Ijalana
44 Lions: Randall Cobb
45 49ers: Dontay Moch
46 Broncos: Martez Wilson
47 Rams: Torrey Smith
48 Raiders: Stefen Wisniewski
49 Jaguars: Rahim Moore
50 Chargers: Jon Baldwin
\51 Buccaneers Allen Bailey
52 Giants: Mike Leshoure
53 Colts: Marcus Cannon
54 Eagles: Rodney Hudson
55 Chiefs: Jerrel Jerrigan
56 Saints: Quan Sturdivent
57 Seahawks: Will Rackley
58 Ravens: Titus Young
59 Falcons: Brandon Harris
60 Patriots: Sam Acho
61 Chargers: Curtis Brown
62 Bears: Davon House
63: Steelers James Carpenter
64 Packers: Christian Ballard
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