1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton – QB.
Mock drafts aren’t what you think teams should do, but what you think teams will do. With that said Newton is high risk/high reward but the Panthers need to find some sort of spark for the offense, right?
Other Possibilities: Marcel Dareus – DT, AJ Green – WR, Patrick Peterson – CB.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcel Dareus – DT.
It seems like the Broncos have been looking for D-Line help forever and with new head coach John Fox implementing the 4-3, Dareus would be a great fit on the interior line. If the reports are true that they are leaning towards Miller, they could be making a mistake.
Other Possibilities: Patrick Peterson – CB, Robert Quinn – DE/OLB.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller – OLB.
It’s tempting to give them a QB here but I truly believe they are content with Ryan Fitzpatrick (at least for another year). The Bills were dreadful against both the pass and the run and Miller, who excels at stopping both, would be an instant upgrade.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert – QB, Cam Newton – QB, Marcel Dareus – DT.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J Green – WR.
Just like the Bills, it is tempting to give them a QB, however with Owens likely gone and with OchoCinco’s production in decline, the Bengals need an impact WR for the QB to get the ball to, whomever that might be.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert – QB, Cam Newton – QB, Patrick Peterson – CB.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert – QB.
They would love for Von Miller to fall, and Patrick Peterson is defiantly an option, however with only Skelton and Hall as possibilities, the Cardinals cannot afford to pass up a potential franchise signal caller. Plus Gabbert has the backing of star wide out Larry Fitzgerald.
Other Possibilities: Patrick Peterson – CB, Von Miller – OLB.
6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn – DE/OLB.
WR is a position they are going to give a long hard look at, but with Green off the board Quinn gets the call here. The Browns need pass rush help and if Quinn played last year he would have been a top 3 pick.
Other Possibilities: Julio Jones – WR, Patrick Peterson – CB.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson – CB.
Peterson might be the best talent in this draft, so to have him fall to 7 is great value for a team with an aging secondary. QB is an option but I’m a strong believer that they can wait until the second round and target a guy like Christian Ponder, whom I believe is the best fit for them. If the Cardinals go Peterson, then Gabbert is the choice here.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert – QB, Prince Amukamara – CB.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley – DT.
Character concerns and questions about his work ethic are some of the reasons Fairley has taken a slight fall. Ever since Haynesworth left the Titans have struggled to find a replacement and Fairley can be a solid anchor in the middle of the D-Line.
Other Possibilities: Julio Jones – WR, Robert Quinn – DE/OLB.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith – OT.
Prince Amukamara could get a look, as well as JJ Watt, however with Mark Columbo leaving the Cowboys need to address the O-Line. Smith is a bit of a project, however there is no doubting his upside and athleticism and could help anchor the left side of the line for years.
Other Possibilities: JJ Watt – DE, Prince Amukamara – CB.
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones – WR.
There have been rumors of the Redskins trading up to secure a QB, however if they stay here Jones is to good of a talent to pass up. The Redskins have a gaping hole at WR and Jones, who tore up the combine would be a great vertical threat and add a much need weapon to the Skins offense.
Other Possibilities: Jake Locker – QB, Blaine Gabbert – QB, Robert Quinn – DE
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith – OLB.
The Texans secondary was terrible, but to spend 2 consecutive top-20 picks on cornerbacks might not be the best financial decision. With new D-Coordinator Wade Phillips implementing his 3-4, OLB suddenly becomes a huge pressing need.
Other Possibilities: Prince Amukamara – CB, Robert Quinn – DE.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker – QB.
With no real QB options on their roster, the Vikings take a little bit of a reach and go with Locker. A great athlete with a solid arm, Locker does need to improve his accuracy but there is no questioning his upside and could give the Vikings their franchise QB once he puts everything together.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Jordan – DE, Tyron Smith – OT
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara – CB.
Amukamara could go as high a 7 to the 49ers so the Lions get great value at pick 13. While he might not be the athlete that Peterson is, many believe is a better coverage corner and would give the Lions much needed secondary help.
Other Possibilities: Tyron Smith – OT, Da’Quan Bowers – DE, Aldon Smith – OT
14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget – DT.
I could see them trading up to try to get Julio Jones, but presuming they stay here they take Liuget, a fast rising DT can give the Rams a much needed upgrade on the interior D-Line.
Other Possibilities: Aldon Smith – OT, Julio Jones – WR.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey – OG.
Mark Ingram has been heavily mocked to the Dolphins for the whole offseason, however with lingering knee concerns the Dolphins grab the versatile Pouncey who can help at either the center or guard position.
Other Possibilities: Mark Ingram – RB, Trading down
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan – DE/OLB.
As has been the case for the past 3 drafts, you can make an argument for the Jaguars to take a QB. However, instead they continue to upgrade the front seven by taking Kerrigan, whose constant motor can upgrade what was a subpar pass rush for the Jags last season.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Jordan – DE, JJ Watt – DE
17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan – DE/OLB.
While Jordan might not be available by the time the Patriots are on the clock, he would be a perfect fit as an OLB in Belichicks 3-4 scheme and would form one of the best young line backing cores in the league.
Other Possibilities: JJ Watt – DE, Anthony Castonzo – OT
18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson – DT/DE.
The Chargers can very will move up to try to secure Cameron Jordan, but presuming they stay put Wilkerson’s athleticism and versatility would be the best fit and would upgrade an aging D-Line.
Other Possiblities: Cameron Jordan – DE, JJ Watt – DE
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo – OT
What was once a strong point, the Giants O-Line is in line for a much needed for an upgrade. At 19, the Giants get what many believe is the most polished O-Linemen in the draft in Castonzo, a guy who can step in and play from day 1.
Other Possibilities: Mike Pouncey – OG, Akeem Ayers – OLB.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: JJ Watt – DE.
For Watt to still be here the Bucs need the Cowboys, Jaguars, Patriots and Chargers to all pass him up (hey anything can happen). Watt might be the best 5 technique in this draft and will be a steal for the Buccaneers at 20.
Other Possibilities: Adrian Clayborn – DE, Justin Houston – OLB.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi – OT.
While DT and OLB might be more pressing needs, not one of those players offers the value that Carimi does at pick 21. This selection will let former 1st round pick Brandon Albert move back to the right side of the O-Line.
Other Possibilities: Phil Taylor – DT, Justin Houston – OLB.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder – OT.
With Peyton Manning now 35, now more then ever the Colts need to address the O-Line. Physically Solder is a monster, but is a bit of a project. Solder has the talent to eventually mover to the left side of the line and give Manning some much-needed protection.
Other Possibilities: Gabe Carimi – OT, Derek Sherrod – OT.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith – CB.
If it was not for the character concerns you could argue that Smith could be a top 15 pick. Andy Reid is known to give players a 2nd opportunity (see Michael Vick) so the character issues Smith has should not scare them off. This pick solves a huge need in the Eagles secondary.
Other Possibilities: Gabe Carimi – OT.
24. New Orleans Saints: Da’Quan Bowers – DE.
How the mighty have fallen. Once considered the number 1 pick, serious knee concerns and a terrible pro day have dropped Bowers stock heavily. Still at pick 24 this is great value for a team looking for a D-End. Plus the financial responsibility is not as steep for a team picking at the end of the first round.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Heyward – DE, Muhammad Wilkerson – DE/DT.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Marvin Austin – DT.
QB is the popular choice, however word out of Seattle is that they would prefer to trade down if anything. They still might give Dalton and Ponder a look but if they stay here Austin is a selection that is picking up steam. Despite missing all of last year, Austin would be a nice upgrade over Brendan Mebane on the interior line.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Smith – CB, Andy Dalton – QB, Jake Locker – QB.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward – DE.
Cornerback is another pressing need however the Ravens are said to really like Heyward and he would offer an upgrade over Corey Redding whose aging and is coming off of a subpar year.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Smith – CB, Derek Sherrod – OT.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn – DE.
This pick is going to be influenced by what happens with the Buccaneers at pick 20. If Watt does indeed fall this sets up the Falcons to take Clayborn who can help upgrade their pass rush. Something they were hoping former top 10 pick Jamal Anderson was going to do.
Other Possibilities: Kyle Rudolph – TE, Justin Houston – OLB, Brooks Reed – OLB.
28. New England Patriots: Derek Sherrod – OT.
There is every reason to believe that the Patriots are likely to move this pick to a team looking to trade up for a QB. Presuming that they stay put they need to address the O-Line. With Matt Light getting older and Logan Mankins unhappy, the OT spot becomes one of the Patriots bigger needs.
Other Possibilities: Trading Out, Mark Ingram – RB.
29. Chicago Bears: Benjamin Ijalana – OT.
If the Patriots decide to trade out, Sherrod will almost certainly be the pick here for the Bears. However with him off the board the Bears instead go with Ijalana. While it might be a bit of a reach, GM Jerry Angelo recently said their looking to get bigger on the O-Line and Ijalana fits that description perfectly.
Other Possibilities: Marvin Austin – DT, Derek Sherrod – OT.
30. New York Jets: Justin Houston – OLB.
Finding a pass rusher should be the main focus for the Jets at this pick. Houston has experience in the 3-4 and would be a great fit at OLB. While he’s a bit raw and has some red flags, he is a tremendous athlete and would able to learn from one of the great defensive minds in the game today.
Other Possibilities: Phil Taylor – DT, Brooks Reed – OLB, Akeem Ayers – OLB.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins – OT.
There has been some speculation recently that suggests that Mike Tomlin would like to trade up and select the brother of Maurkice Pouncey, Mike. If they stay put they still must address the line and Watkins, whose a bit older at age 26, would be a solid pick. Cornerback is also a pressing need.
Other Possibilities: Aaron Williams – CB, Brandon Williams – CB.
32. Green Bay Packers: Brooks Reed – OLB.
Reed has been quietly rising up draft boards, however I have him slotted here with the last pick of the first round. The Packers need an edge rusher opposite Clay Mathews and Reed would be a perfect fit. Having two outside linebackers with long flowing blonde hair, it’s a beautiful thing.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Heyward – DE, Akeem Ayers – OLB.
Mock drafts aren’t what you think teams should do, but what you think teams will do. With that said Newton is high risk/high reward but the Panthers need to find some sort of spark for the offense, right?
Other Possibilities: Marcel Dareus – DT, AJ Green – WR, Patrick Peterson – CB.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcel Dareus – DT.
It seems like the Broncos have been looking for D-Line help forever and with new head coach John Fox implementing the 4-3, Dareus would be a great fit on the interior line. If the reports are true that they are leaning towards Miller, they could be making a mistake.
Other Possibilities: Patrick Peterson – CB, Robert Quinn – DE/OLB.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller – OLB.
It’s tempting to give them a QB here but I truly believe they are content with Ryan Fitzpatrick (at least for another year). The Bills were dreadful against both the pass and the run and Miller, who excels at stopping both, would be an instant upgrade.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert – QB, Cam Newton – QB, Marcel Dareus – DT.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J Green – WR.
Just like the Bills, it is tempting to give them a QB, however with Owens likely gone and with OchoCinco’s production in decline, the Bengals need an impact WR for the QB to get the ball to, whomever that might be.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert – QB, Cam Newton – QB, Patrick Peterson – CB.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert – QB.
They would love for Von Miller to fall, and Patrick Peterson is defiantly an option, however with only Skelton and Hall as possibilities, the Cardinals cannot afford to pass up a potential franchise signal caller. Plus Gabbert has the backing of star wide out Larry Fitzgerald.
Other Possibilities: Patrick Peterson – CB, Von Miller – OLB.
6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn – DE/OLB.
WR is a position they are going to give a long hard look at, but with Green off the board Quinn gets the call here. The Browns need pass rush help and if Quinn played last year he would have been a top 3 pick.
Other Possibilities: Julio Jones – WR, Patrick Peterson – CB.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson – CB.
Peterson might be the best talent in this draft, so to have him fall to 7 is great value for a team with an aging secondary. QB is an option but I’m a strong believer that they can wait until the second round and target a guy like Christian Ponder, whom I believe is the best fit for them. If the Cardinals go Peterson, then Gabbert is the choice here.
Other Possibilities: Blaine Gabbert – QB, Prince Amukamara – CB.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley – DT.
Character concerns and questions about his work ethic are some of the reasons Fairley has taken a slight fall. Ever since Haynesworth left the Titans have struggled to find a replacement and Fairley can be a solid anchor in the middle of the D-Line.
Other Possibilities: Julio Jones – WR, Robert Quinn – DE/OLB.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith – OT.
Prince Amukamara could get a look, as well as JJ Watt, however with Mark Columbo leaving the Cowboys need to address the O-Line. Smith is a bit of a project, however there is no doubting his upside and athleticism and could help anchor the left side of the line for years.
Other Possibilities: JJ Watt – DE, Prince Amukamara – CB.
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones – WR.
There have been rumors of the Redskins trading up to secure a QB, however if they stay here Jones is to good of a talent to pass up. The Redskins have a gaping hole at WR and Jones, who tore up the combine would be a great vertical threat and add a much need weapon to the Skins offense.
Other Possibilities: Jake Locker – QB, Blaine Gabbert – QB, Robert Quinn – DE
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith – OLB.
The Texans secondary was terrible, but to spend 2 consecutive top-20 picks on cornerbacks might not be the best financial decision. With new D-Coordinator Wade Phillips implementing his 3-4, OLB suddenly becomes a huge pressing need.
Other Possibilities: Prince Amukamara – CB, Robert Quinn – DE.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker – QB.
With no real QB options on their roster, the Vikings take a little bit of a reach and go with Locker. A great athlete with a solid arm, Locker does need to improve his accuracy but there is no questioning his upside and could give the Vikings their franchise QB once he puts everything together.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Jordan – DE, Tyron Smith – OT
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara – CB.
Amukamara could go as high a 7 to the 49ers so the Lions get great value at pick 13. While he might not be the athlete that Peterson is, many believe is a better coverage corner and would give the Lions much needed secondary help.
Other Possibilities: Tyron Smith – OT, Da’Quan Bowers – DE, Aldon Smith – OT
14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget – DT.
I could see them trading up to try to get Julio Jones, but presuming they stay here they take Liuget, a fast rising DT can give the Rams a much needed upgrade on the interior D-Line.
Other Possibilities: Aldon Smith – OT, Julio Jones – WR.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey – OG.
Mark Ingram has been heavily mocked to the Dolphins for the whole offseason, however with lingering knee concerns the Dolphins grab the versatile Pouncey who can help at either the center or guard position.
Other Possibilities: Mark Ingram – RB, Trading down
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan – DE/OLB.
As has been the case for the past 3 drafts, you can make an argument for the Jaguars to take a QB. However, instead they continue to upgrade the front seven by taking Kerrigan, whose constant motor can upgrade what was a subpar pass rush for the Jags last season.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Jordan – DE, JJ Watt – DE
17. New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan – DE/OLB.
While Jordan might not be available by the time the Patriots are on the clock, he would be a perfect fit as an OLB in Belichicks 3-4 scheme and would form one of the best young line backing cores in the league.
Other Possibilities: JJ Watt – DE, Anthony Castonzo – OT
18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson – DT/DE.
The Chargers can very will move up to try to secure Cameron Jordan, but presuming they stay put Wilkerson’s athleticism and versatility would be the best fit and would upgrade an aging D-Line.
Other Possiblities: Cameron Jordan – DE, JJ Watt – DE
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo – OT
What was once a strong point, the Giants O-Line is in line for a much needed for an upgrade. At 19, the Giants get what many believe is the most polished O-Linemen in the draft in Castonzo, a guy who can step in and play from day 1.
Other Possibilities: Mike Pouncey – OG, Akeem Ayers – OLB.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: JJ Watt – DE.
For Watt to still be here the Bucs need the Cowboys, Jaguars, Patriots and Chargers to all pass him up (hey anything can happen). Watt might be the best 5 technique in this draft and will be a steal for the Buccaneers at 20.
Other Possibilities: Adrian Clayborn – DE, Justin Houston – OLB.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi – OT.
While DT and OLB might be more pressing needs, not one of those players offers the value that Carimi does at pick 21. This selection will let former 1st round pick Brandon Albert move back to the right side of the O-Line.
Other Possibilities: Phil Taylor – DT, Justin Houston – OLB.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder – OT.
With Peyton Manning now 35, now more then ever the Colts need to address the O-Line. Physically Solder is a monster, but is a bit of a project. Solder has the talent to eventually mover to the left side of the line and give Manning some much-needed protection.
Other Possibilities: Gabe Carimi – OT, Derek Sherrod – OT.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith – CB.
If it was not for the character concerns you could argue that Smith could be a top 15 pick. Andy Reid is known to give players a 2nd opportunity (see Michael Vick) so the character issues Smith has should not scare them off. This pick solves a huge need in the Eagles secondary.
Other Possibilities: Gabe Carimi – OT.
24. New Orleans Saints: Da’Quan Bowers – DE.
How the mighty have fallen. Once considered the number 1 pick, serious knee concerns and a terrible pro day have dropped Bowers stock heavily. Still at pick 24 this is great value for a team looking for a D-End. Plus the financial responsibility is not as steep for a team picking at the end of the first round.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Heyward – DE, Muhammad Wilkerson – DE/DT.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Marvin Austin – DT.
QB is the popular choice, however word out of Seattle is that they would prefer to trade down if anything. They still might give Dalton and Ponder a look but if they stay here Austin is a selection that is picking up steam. Despite missing all of last year, Austin would be a nice upgrade over Brendan Mebane on the interior line.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Smith – CB, Andy Dalton – QB, Jake Locker – QB.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward – DE.
Cornerback is another pressing need however the Ravens are said to really like Heyward and he would offer an upgrade over Corey Redding whose aging and is coming off of a subpar year.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Smith – CB, Derek Sherrod – OT.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn – DE.
This pick is going to be influenced by what happens with the Buccaneers at pick 20. If Watt does indeed fall this sets up the Falcons to take Clayborn who can help upgrade their pass rush. Something they were hoping former top 10 pick Jamal Anderson was going to do.
Other Possibilities: Kyle Rudolph – TE, Justin Houston – OLB, Brooks Reed – OLB.
28. New England Patriots: Derek Sherrod – OT.
There is every reason to believe that the Patriots are likely to move this pick to a team looking to trade up for a QB. Presuming that they stay put they need to address the O-Line. With Matt Light getting older and Logan Mankins unhappy, the OT spot becomes one of the Patriots bigger needs.
Other Possibilities: Trading Out, Mark Ingram – RB.
29. Chicago Bears: Benjamin Ijalana – OT.
If the Patriots decide to trade out, Sherrod will almost certainly be the pick here for the Bears. However with him off the board the Bears instead go with Ijalana. While it might be a bit of a reach, GM Jerry Angelo recently said their looking to get bigger on the O-Line and Ijalana fits that description perfectly.
Other Possibilities: Marvin Austin – DT, Derek Sherrod – OT.
30. New York Jets: Justin Houston – OLB.
Finding a pass rusher should be the main focus for the Jets at this pick. Houston has experience in the 3-4 and would be a great fit at OLB. While he’s a bit raw and has some red flags, he is a tremendous athlete and would able to learn from one of the great defensive minds in the game today.
Other Possibilities: Phil Taylor – DT, Brooks Reed – OLB, Akeem Ayers – OLB.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins – OT.
There has been some speculation recently that suggests that Mike Tomlin would like to trade up and select the brother of Maurkice Pouncey, Mike. If they stay put they still must address the line and Watkins, whose a bit older at age 26, would be a solid pick. Cornerback is also a pressing need.
Other Possibilities: Aaron Williams – CB, Brandon Williams – CB.
32. Green Bay Packers: Brooks Reed – OLB.
Reed has been quietly rising up draft boards, however I have him slotted here with the last pick of the first round. The Packers need an edge rusher opposite Clay Mathews and Reed would be a perfect fit. Having two outside linebackers with long flowing blonde hair, it’s a beautiful thing.
Other Possibilities: Cameron Heyward – DE, Akeem Ayers – OLB.
