
OK, so we’ve got some results from the Combine to work with and have a week of Free Agency behind us. Here’s my updated mock based on the latest…
1. Miami Dolphins
Chris Long, DE Virginia
--Last Mock: Chris Long, DE Virginia
After an amazing Combine performance, I have to stick with Long as the first overall pick, baring a trade out of first from Miami of course. Long weighed in at a little over 270 pounds and was able to vertically jump 34", long jump 10'4" and run the 40 in 4.75. Everything he has shown on film was backed up and then some by how he performed at the Combine so he is still my pick for the Dolphins. Bill Parcells loves players with a football background and high motors. Long is relentless in his play and is the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long. It's a perfect fit if Miami can't trade out of first. It’s been rumored that Miami may take Matt Ryan, but I think the Dolphins will hold off on shelling out that kind of money on a guy who may not pan out. Long is as close to a sure thing as anyone in the draft.
2. St. Louis Rams
Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
--Last Mock: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
The Rams could go in three directions with this pick. I'm very tempted to place Jake Long in this spot, but I'm not due to the depth of Offensive Tackle talent that will be available in the early second round. I could also see choosing DE Vernon Gholston, who lit up the Combine and could play DE in a 4-3 scheme or OLB in a 3-4 scheme, which the Rams may switch to as that's the preferred defense of DC Jim Haslett. However, I'm sticking with Ellis in this position for several reasons. Bringing in a DT will allow the Rams to move last year's first round pick, Carriker back to his natural position of DE (he is big enough to play DE in the 3-4 or 4-3). Ellis gets the nod over Dorsey because he is more of a fit for a 3-4 defense so if Haslett does in fact want to switch, he gets a player that should do very well in either scheme. Since they have three options that would fit their team very well, they should do everything they can to trade down with a team like KC that would love to land Jake Long.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
--Last Mock: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
With all the off-field issues and bad Combine interviews that have surfaced in regards to McFadden, I think the Falcons take a step back and decide to play it safe with this pick. They signed FA Michael Turner to address their RB needs so they could avoid a player that would bring additional controversy to their franchise. They also resigned Chris Redman who will buy them a year or two so they can groom a future starting QB. Matt Ryan will be that QB. He has all the tools to be a good NFL QB, but where he seems to have separated himself from all the other QB options are in his intangibles. He is a great leader and is very intelligent. He also doesn't seem to get rattled which is one of the most important attributes you can have as a QB. No one knows if these traits will translates to the NFL, but I think the Falcons don't have a choice here. If Redman flounders or gets hurt, they need a QB in the wings that can step right in, and Ryan is the best bet to be able to handle that out of the QBs in this draft.
4. Oakland Raiders
Glenn Dorsey, DT L.S.U.
--Last Mock: Glenn Dorsey, DT L.S.U.
With the bizarre salary they tendered to DT Tommy Kelly (who is now the highest paid DT in NFL history), this pick becomes very unpredictable. I'd say they'd go with McFadden, but they resigned Fargas to a multi year deal and still have Michael Bell, who was considered a first round talent before a devastating injury dropped him to the 4th round in last years draft. They don't need Matt Ryan since they took Russell last year. There appear to be no WRs worthy of this pick either. Really, the only choices are Dorsey or DE Gholston. I think they go with Dorsey, who some consider as the best DT to come out in several years. The Raiders would have a lot of money at the DT position if this is how things turn out.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Jake Long, OT Michigan
--Last Mock: Jake Long, OT Michigan
This is the best scenario for both Chiefs fans and Jets fans. As I said, the Rams may select long and plug him in on the right side until the next Orlando Pace injury occurs; however, in this mock, Long is still available and the Chiefs won't hesitate to take him and begin rebuilding their once dominant OL. Since long is available, the Chiefs won't trade down with a team like the Pats that may try to jump the Jets for a shot at Vernon Gholston.
6. New York Jets
Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio St.
--Last Mock: Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio St.
As good as he did at the Combine, Gholston could be long gone at this point, but the Jets get lucky and get the guy they need the most. Gholston will quickly become the star and fan favorite of this defense much like recent Desk turned OLB DeMarcus Ware and Shawn Merriman have done for their respective teams. The Jets have done a tremendous Job bolstering their defense in the offseason and really only a few key pieces missing and this is the biggest one. Some people will put McFadden here, but the Giants showed you can't win a scoring contest with the Pats (week 17), but you can win with a pass rush (SB - thank you G-men). I think Gholston gets the nod for that reason.
7. New England Patriots
Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
--Last Mock: Keith Rivers, OLB USC
Before I begin with justifying this pick, I'll say this and be the first to put it out there. Do not be surprised if NE picks McFadden. Maroney split carries with Sammy Morris and was outperformed by him most of the season. He was also in Bellicheck's doghouse for a long time and has been injury prone. NE has shown they don't care about character concerns either and McFadden paired with Brady and Moss could make for a devastating offense. However, Maroney did pick his play up at the end of the season and I think NE decides to address more pressing needs. They lost their two best CBs from last year in Samuel and Gay and have not taken many measures in FA to fill those voids so I think they go after the CB rated #1 on the majority of boards. McKelvin is coming out of a smaller school, but has all the measurables and intangibles to be the best of this year’s crop. Teams will throw all day against the Pats to keep up with their attack so the Pats need good cover CBs.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Phillip Merling, DE Florida
Last Mock: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
If the Ravens are impressed enough with game film and his pro day workout, Brian Brohm may be there pick here, but I think they take the chance on him slipping into the second round. DE Trevor Price is getting long in the tooth and they really have no depth behind him. Merling has been compared favorably to Price and would make a great pick to use in a rotation if he doesn't win the job opposite Price outright. When Price is ready to retire, they'll have Merling to plug in and not miss a beat. They could go CB here since both of their CBs are getting age-impaired as well. However, this is a very deep CB class and they should be able to find very good talent in the early second round if they don't go QB and even if they do, there will still be some quality in the third.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Last Mock: Phillip Merling, DE Florida
How the mighty have fallen. McFadden seemed like a lock for a top 5 spot until reports surfaced about his litter of illegitimate children, his inability to stay out of scuffles, and his poor interviews at the combine…sounds like he'll fit right in with the Bengals.. Rudi Johnson has never been a favorite of the organization and he had a terrible year this year to boot. They tried adding his heir apparent a few years back with Chris Perry, but he proved to be so injury prone, they thought about using him as the villain in Unbreakable. Expect them to field offers for Rudi as soon as this pick is made. The only way McFadden doesn't go to the Bengals if he's still on the board at this point, is if they trade this pick to the Cowboys.
10. New Orleans Saints
Keith Rivers, OLB USC
Last Mock: Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
New Orleans grabbed one of the best CBs available in FA this year when they signed Randall Gay to play opposite of McKenzie so they no longer need to use a high draft pick on CB. They acquired a DE and LB as well, but they could still use another impact backer. Rivers is the unquestioned best LB in the draft and will make an immediate upgrade. Pairing him with Jonathan Vilma will help give the Saints a LBing corp. they haven't had in quite a while.
11. Buffalo Bills
Limas Sweed, WR Texas
Last Mock: Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma
Sweed has answered the questions that surrounded his injured wrist and has taken the spot as the #1 WR prospect this year. Sweed has been compared to Roy Williams with the exception of his size and speed. He's a little slower, but he's bigger at nearly 6'4" and 215 pounds. He's not exactly slow either clocking in at a respectable 4.52 in the 40. His biggest asset is his ability to make big plays when they matter most. The Bills need a clutch red zone thread and I think Sweed can fill that void. Last Mock's choice of Malcolm Kelly is still a very good possibility as well. It will depend on which on is higher on Buffalo's draft board.
12. Denver Broncos
Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.
Last Mock: Kenny Phillips, S Miami
Denver really would like Ellis or Dorsey to be available and as they showed when they obtained Cutler, they're not afraid to move up (maybe with a team like KC if one of those tackles are still on the board) so I could see that happening. However, since they're here at 12, I think they take the best OT left on the board. They lost their LT to retirement and they need to make sure Cutler stays upright. I still think Kenny Phillips is a possibility here, but they'll probably address Safety in the third round or later (DT in the second if Balmer is still there).
13. Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
Last Mock: Ryan Clady, OT Boise St.
Carolina managed to resign one of their OTs and franchised the other so they won't be choosing one in the first round. They have lost RB DeShaun Foster in FA and have a major hole at the RB position. They have never been the same since days when Stephen Davis was in his prime and I think they get back to basics and draft Stewart. Stewart is a big RB at 235lbs so he's perfect to play the Davis role. However, he is more than just a bruiser. Stewart did very well at the Combine and showed he has some speed to go along with that size as he ran a 4.48 in the 40. I think combining him with fellow first round pick DeAngelo Williams will provide a terrific ground game and allow Delhomme to control the game, rather than put it totally on his shoulders to win.
14. Chicago Bears
Brian Brohm, QB Louisville
Last Mock: Brian Brohm, QB Louisville
The QB situation is a mess in Chicago right now. They just traded their best QB away when they sent Brian Griese to Tampa Bay and are now left with Rex Grossman (1 year contract) and Kyle Orton (named starter). Really, Chicago's offense is such a mess, they could take an OT like Chris Williams or Otah if they're available, or they could take a WR like Malcolm Kelly since they let both their starters from last year walk. However, I think they take Brohm in an attempt to finally solidify the QB position. There's a lot of debate as to whether or not Brohm will be a good QB in the NFL. He has had a lot of success, but some fear he is a "system" QB. It really doesn't matter because the Bears really don't have much of a choice. Unless they sign a QB in FA like Culpepper and give him a try, I think they have to take Brohm and hope for the best. If they don't go QB, even though they need WRs, I think they take Williams or Otah to help repair their line and replace their starting RT they lost in the offseason.
15. Detroit Lions
Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
Last Mock: Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
Trading Dre Bly trade turned out to be a terrible decision and they have recently released CB Fernando Bryant so CB appears to be their top need. They may surprise a lot of people and take CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC), who I like better as a long term CB, but most boards have Jenkins higher for now so I'm going to assume the Lions are no exception. I believe Jenkins is more NFL ready and the Lions need an immediate starter and not a guy to play in a year or two. They could easily take an OT here, but they've focused on offense in the first round for the past several years and I think they address the O-line in rounds two and three.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
Last Mock: Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh
I have recently read where Arizona will move former first round pick Antrel Rolle over to Safety and the other CBs they have on the roster, Eric Green and Rod Hood are only decent at best so I think they'll use this pick on a Corner. This could be either Talib, Flowers, or DRC, but Talib has the highest grade on most boards. If they feel Edge is past his prime, you could see them take Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is the top overall back on some boards including Mike Mayock of NFL Network so he may be too tempting for a run-oriented coach to pass up.
17. Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Harvey, DE Florida
Last Mock: Derrick Harvey, DE Florida
In this mock, Phillip Merling is still available and could be picked instead of Harvey, as with a lot of the other picks; it will depend who the Vikings like better. I think they go with Harvey as he seems to be more the prototypical 4-3 DE where Merling is more of a tweener DT/DE who could play DE in the 4-3 or 3-4. They both are regarding highly for their relentlessness and high-motor style of play, but Harvey has been hyped as having a little more explosion off the line. That's what the Vikings need and that's what they go after with this pick. They've been going after FA DEs recently so they may want a proven commodity there. If that's the case, I think they'll draft Safety Kenny Phillips who also fills a major need.
18. Houston Texans
Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
Last Mock: Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
The Texans have big need at CB, but I just don't think they can pass up a RB that could possibly end up being the best of this class. Mendenhall is a workhorse, every-down RB. He has great measurables for an NFL RB as he comes in at 5'11", 225 and runs a 4.45 in the 40. He only carried the load for one season in college so he's a bit unproven, but that also means he has very little wear. He also has good hands and can contribute in the passing game. Best of all, he is a very capable blocker which is the one attribute that most rookies struggle with. Putting him in an offense with Schaub and Andre Johnson would be a great move in my opinion and it could really help them to take another step forward this year.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt
Last Mock: Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt
With the signing of Asante Samuel, CB is no longer a first round need so this pick will boil down to Safety Kenny Phillips or an OT like Chris Williams or Jeff Otah. I think they'll choose Williams who is a tackle they've been looking at very closely. The Eagles have made a habit of taking linemen in the early part of the draft and Williams is an incredible talent who will solidify a position that is aging rapidly. The Eagles do have Winston Justice; however, after he allowed Osi Umenyiora to rack up 6 sacks in one game, I have to wonder if they have lost confidence in him.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee St.
Last Mock: DeSean Jackson, WR California
The Bucs lost starting CB Brian Kelly to Free Agency and haven't made many moves to replace him so far in the offseason. I originally had DeSean Jackson here since he is such a tremendous playmaker, but he measured in at the Combine under 5'10" and a couple Happy Meals under 170lbs. I don't know if any NFL team is going to take a chance in the first round on a WR that small. So, they take the best CB on the board, and the one with the most upside in the entire draft. DRC, as he's called, is a little over 6'1" and was one of the fastest CBs at the Combine. He was also dominant in the Senior Bowl which is the point his stock really started going up. Opinions on him range from a mid second-rounder to a top 10 pick. It will be interesting to see where he finally ends up and if he can live up to the name Cromartie (his cousin is Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie of the Chargers)
21. Washington Redskins
Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma
Last Mock: Limas Sweed, WR Texas
I think the Skins will draft whichever either Sweed or Kelly. One will be taken by the Bills and the other will last until the Skins are on the clock. The choice for a big WR will come from the fact that they have a new, offensive minded HC and the targets Jason Campbell has are all less than 6' tall. Malcolm may have hurt his stock by not running the 40 in the Combine, but if he has a great pro day, he may not be here at this point. It is possible that they take Safety Kenny Phillips here, but I think that would be a little weird for the fans considering this is pick 21 (Taylor's number), Phillips would be used to replace Taylor and Phillips went to Miami (Taylor's school).
22. Dallas Cowboys
Kenny Phillips, S Miami (FL)
Last Mock: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee St.
I think this is a worst case scenario for the Cowboys. The top four CBs and top three RBs are off the board. Pick 22 is a little high to select any of the remaining CBs and RBs and Jerry Jones has stated he's not comfortable choosing a WR in the first. This may be a scenario that JJ has run through and which may push him to move up for McFadden instead of sticking here. The Cowboys may also try to trade this pick to a team like Atlanta who has two 2nd round picks. The value in the second would make this a good move for both teams. If all those players aren't there and they do not move up for McFadden or down for additional draft picks, I think they take Phillips. Roy Williams has regressed every year he's been a pro and the only reason he's still on the team is because of the cap hit they'd take by cutting him. Next year they'll be able to let him go and not be too impacted so they bring in his heir apparent in 2008. Phillips didn't have a great junior year, but there's no denying his coverage skills, range, and playmaking ability. Those are traits Dallas hasn't seen in a Safety since Darren Woodson retired.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh
Last Mock: Branden Albert, OG Virginia
Pittsburgh lost one of the best Guards in the game when Faneca left for "greener" pastures so drafting a guy like is still a very real possibility. However, it's not often you can pick in the 20's and land a mammoth tackle after surrendering 47 sacks the previous season so I think the Steelers jump at the chance to draft Jeff Otah. Otah measures in at 6'6" and nearly 340lbs. He's still a bit raw, but has a lot of upside. He has shown great mobility and strength and plays with an aggressive streak which is what you like to see from your OLmen. He does have some versatility as well so they may put him in at Guard to start his career until he gets use to the speed of the NFL.
24. Tennessee Titans
DeSean Jackson, WR California
Last Mock: Mario Manningham, WR Michigan
Former teammate Limas Sweed is long gone by the time the Titans pick, but they still want to bring in a weapon. They have Justin Gage who appears to develop good chemistry with Young as the season progressed and they brought in TE Alge Crumpler for a possession guy and red zone threat. So what they lack is a playmaker. Despite Jackson's small stature, he is one of the most explosive players in the entire draft. In his college career, over 20% of the plays he was in went for over 20 yards. He's been compared to Ted Ginn Jr (10th overall pick last year), but he's said to be a better return man and a more polished as a WR. The Titans need some explosive potential on offense and Jackson could be a nightmare matchup as a slot receiver. He just needs to prove to whatever team takes him that he can beat the jam at the line.
25. Seattle Seahawks
Branden Albert, OG Virginia
Last Mock: Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
The Seahawks ineffective running game can't be put on Shaun Alexander alone. I don't think it's a coincidence that it went downhill ever since they lost Steve Hutchinson. Also, their RG is turning 38 so there has to be some degradation in his play as well. With the top 3 RBs gone, the Seahawks must decide between a RB like Felix Jones or the best OLman left in the draft. Felix Jones ran a 4.47 in the 40 at the Combine, but that was supposed to be his strength and that looked very average compared to many other RBs. Since he didn't do enough to separate himself from the other RBs I think they'll choose Albert and take a RB in round two or three. Albert is a natural Guard who can play Tackle as well. He is far and away the best Guard in the draft and is good enough to be one of those rare Guards that are chosen in the top 20.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina
Last Mock: Calais Campbell, DE Miami
The Jags traded DT Marcus Stroud to the Bills and let Bobby McCray walk this offseason so they have a few holes to fill on the defensive line. There choices come down to Calais Campbell, Lawrence Jackson, and Kentwan Balmer. Campbell couldn't even break 5 seconds in the 40 so his stock is dropping and he'll go somewhere in the second round. Jackson, an alum of HC Jack Del Rio, may be the pick, but I think he lacks the explosiveness needed from a DE to crack round 1. I think the choice will be Balmer, who was a classic underachiever most of his college career, but came to life at the right time as he had a very good senior year. He's not the typical massive DT you're use to seeing in Jacksonville, but he's not a small guy weighing in at 308lbs.
27. San Diego Chargers
Reggie Smith, S/CB Oklahoma
Last Mock: Reggie Smith, S/CB Oklahoma
The Chargers let Marlon McCree go in the offseason so Safety is their #1 priority. Reggie Smith played both CB and Safety in college so he has very good cover skills for a Safety and is a good playmaker in the secondary. San Diego will team Smith with last year's 2nd round pick Eric Weddle to form one of the better, young, duos in the NFL. OL is also a possibility and they may pick Sam Baker in this spot, but the depth at OT is good and they may wait a round or two on that.
28. Dallas Cowboys
Tracy Porter, CB Indiana
Last Mock: Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
With Felix Jones performance, or lack thereof, in the Combine, I think Jerry Jones and the Cowboys will hold off on drafting a RB until round two or three. Instead, they do some additional work on their secondary by choosing Tracy Porter. Porter has been compared to Newman in a lot of way, except he plays a little softer in the run game, but has better hands to make the interception. Both Newman and Henry are getting up there in age and with the loss of Jacques Reeves in Free Agency, CB is a top need. They may also choose CB Brandon Flowers or Patrick Lee. All rate about the same, but I think Porter is the best fit and has the most upside.
29. San Francisco 49ers
Devin Thomas, WR Michigan St.
Last Mock: Devin Thomas, WR Michigan St.
Even with the addition of Isaac Bruce, the offense needs a WR that has the potential for stardom. Darrell Jackson had his worst year as a starter by far and although Battle looks like he can make some plays, he’s probably best suited as a #2 WR. Thomas has good size and appears to have everything teams look for in a #1 WR. He's a bit unproven and this may be considered a reach over guys like Mario Manningham, James Hardy and Early Doucet, but I think when your offense is as bad as the Niners were last year, you go for the playmakers. He'll also provide a lot of punch to the return game and any yardage this team can get will mean a lot.
30. Green Bay Packers
Dan Connor, OLB Penn St.
Last Mock: Dan Connor, OLB Penn St
They’d like a playmaking Safety, but the only two with a first round grade are gone. So, the choice boils down to CB or LB. With the age of Woodson and Harris, CB is needed and they could choose a guy like Porter or Lee. However, there’s very good depth at CB in the draft and not nearly as much at LB so I think they go with Connor. He will team with Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk to form one of the best LBing corps in the NFL.
31. New England Patriots
Sly Shutterman, CM, Film & Arts Academy
Last Mock: Oops, forgot to include them
One of the biggest needs on this team has to be a Camera Man that can be stealthy enough to video opponents without getting caught, and quick enough to get away before being discovered. In his Pro day workout, Shutterman performed very well in the Blending In and the Hiding in Shadows drills. He also ran an amazing 4.72 in the 40 (with camera in hand). This guy will definitely help rebuild this great franchise and restore their Super Bowl winning ways.
32. New York Giants
Patrick Lee, CB Auburn
Last Mock: Patrick Lee, CB Auburn
The Giants have been linked to both Asante Samuel and trading for D’Angelo Hall, but landed neither. They’re also talking with Brian Kelly so they obviously feel CB is a primary need so I think they take the best CB on the board, whether that’s Porter, Lee, Flowers, or someone they like better than any of them. Last year's first round selection, Aaron Ross, turned out to be a great addition for this defense and if they’re able to pair him with another good CB, this D will be an even bigger force than it was last year. If they sign a starting CB, they'll hope Green Bay drafts a CB so Connor falls to them. They still need a replacement for LB Kawika Mitchell.
There you go. Let's see what you guys have to say.
Comments
I thought NE lost their
I thought NE lost their first round pick (#31) from spygate?
Either Scotty is being
Either Scotty is being sarcastic or he didn't bother to read this mock closely....
NE will "use" it's #31 pick while the Giants are thinking about who to take. Shutterman won't be announced with the other first round picks, but he'll be signed to the team after the 30th pick and before the 32nd pick so it will give them (NE) the feeling that they still have a pick.
Fantastic Job Dave.. You
Fantastic Job Dave.. You like many have McFadden falling in the draft..Great Job
thanks
That maybe so Bro, but, IMO
That maybe so Bro, but, IMO someone will draft the camera guy before NE gets the chance to.
You're right though, I didn't read it close enough. What can I say, It was late and I was tired. My bad.
No worries, it's a long
No worries, it's a long article and we know how much you don't like to read.
As for the camera man being drafted before NE gets to him, you have an excellent point since other teams have seen NEs past success in employing one. However, being from a small school, he's projected as a late first day, early second day prospect so NE grabs him early to help them covertly maintain their elite status.
Job well done again. I
Job well done again. I have a feeling that the Raiders still might take McFadden...that's an "Al Davis" special. He likes those big-name college players. Other than that, I don't even have the slightest disagreement with any of your picks. Well done & well researched.
I TRULY hope Gholston is available at #6. I'll be really bummed if Long & Gholston go in the Top 5...
Be prepared to be bummed my
Be prepared to be bummed my friend. I did this mock before Gholston's pro day. He's going #2 overall to the Rams. This guy is 260-265lbs and did a 42" vertical leap at his pro day!!!! That's absolutely insane. He also ran the 40 in 4.60. The Rams will take him and use him like Dallas uses Ware. He'll be a down lineman in the 4-3 and an OLB in the 3-4. I think both Chris Long and Gholston will be long gone by the time Gang Green picks. If only your team didn't win that meaningless game at the end of the season, they may have had a much better shot at one of these guys...
I do agree that McFadden will probably go to Oakland and will have that in my next mock. He's done a good job of damage control and he's built too much like Bo Jackson for Al Davis to pass him up. Fargas will just be a great backup or maybe trade bait.
Dang...I really hope you are
Dang...I really hope you are wrong.
IF Long/Gholston go 1 & 2, then I really hope the Jets just trade down & get more picks. We don't need an OT or a DT after all of our free agent acquisitions. We also don't need McFadden. There is no need pick for the Jets of good value at #6 if those two go early.
Also -- don't discount the possibility of the Jets trading up to get Gholston or Long...they traded up last year to get Revis. I gotta believe we would covet one or the other...
I'm just hoping Gholston can still slip down to #6 based on other needs by the teams at # 2 - #5. I still say Atlanta goes Ryan, Oakland goes McFadden, and the Chiefs take the O-Tackle. I just hope the Rams need a DT a little more than a pass-rushing LB...I guess we'll see.
The Rams used a 3-4 at times
The Rams used a 3-4 at times last year and I think that was so Haslett could see who was fitting that system the best and how he could use his players. I think they migrate to using the 3-4 the majority of the time, and that's why in my newest mock, I'll be going with Gholston for them. Pass-rushing LB is the most important piece of a successful 3-4 and the Rams may not get a shot at a guy like this again. You can get a NT easier than a guy with Ghoston's unique abilities so I think they go with him.
Have no fear for your Jets though, they'll take the top CB in the draft, McKelvin, to pair with Revis. They'll have the best young CB duo in the NFL.
Another good CB would help,
Another good CB would help, no question. I still would be disappointed not getting a pass-rusher, though. To me, that is still our single biggest need. And, as you said, the NY Giants showed the blue print for beating the Pats -- get pressure on Brady.
I think the Rams need to go Defensive Tackle myself...
With the latest information
With the latest information on Jonathan Stewart toe injury does this throw your draft off?? I would think the Panthers would not want another injury prone RB
Agreed. They'd go with
Agreed. They'd go with Mendenhall over Stewart at this point. Mendenhall is probably the better of the two anyway, but Stewart has about 10 pounds on him and I thought he'd be a better compliment to Williams.