Pre-Combine Mock to #18

[beerlover]

1. Miami - Chris Long DE, Virginia 6-4 275 You know Miami will try like hell to trade out of the top pick for starters their expensive & secondly like to address mutliple needs, yet is there a clear cut consensus #1 pick? I don't think so, you could make the arguement for three or four. therefore I'm going plain & simple with the highest rated player, don't know if they stay in a 3-4 defense or not but Long could play OLB or traditional 4-3 RDE.

2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey DT LSU 6-2 316 Need to get stronger up front & Dorsey will improve the interior D.

3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas 6-2 210 I really don't think he slides past unique opportunites & converting the Falcon offense to a spread attack with Vick returning @ QB & McFadden has his out would be interesting to watch. Not to mention RB is a high priority with Warrick Dunn facing retirement.

4, Oakland - Sedric Ellis, DT 6-1 308 USC Stays home & anchors the Raiders DL. excellent pocket push & motor will also help stop the run.

5. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT 6-7 315 Michigan Should address tackle with 1st pick, their choice but Jake seems ready to start as a rookie without a huge risk.

6. NY JETS - Ryan Clady, OT 6-6 316 Boise State I can see Jet fan now screaming their approval or not, anyway this is probably my biggest departure from the norm here because I just feel they have the chance to assemble/complete a really great offensive line unit. doesn't matter who is the QB if he can't execute, am I right? along with LT D'Brickashaw, C Nick Manglod, Clady would be an excellent fit on the right side.

7. New England - Vernon Gholston OLB 6-4 258 Ohio State Pats depend on a pass rush from the outside liebacker position, in the Superbowl it turned out to be a weakness. they want to stay agressive & will resign Aasante Sammuel so the play here is to upgrade their aging LB's.

8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan QB 6-5 224 BC slides here because of need more than anything, a very good prospect, size, technique & leadership but will need to grow into the position with the Ravens, if someone takes him sooner that is weighted too much on need, I think he struggles with athletic ability.

9. Cincinnati - Phillip Merling DE 6-5 272 Clemson ascending player who fills a position of need, has the size to play in a three point stance or standing up. this is a player who should really stand out @ his position in the combine.

10. New Orleans - Mike Jenkins CB 6-0 200 South Florida Good size, skill set & fills #1 need. will need to show up & produce @ the combine otherwise I would expect McKelvin to overtake him as the top cover corner.

11. Buffalo - Kentwan Balmer DT 6-5 308 North Carolina once again another ascending prospect who should really wow scouts/media @ the combine, very impressed watching him workout @ the Senior Bowl, has ideal hard to find natural NFL DT size who can easily add more weight to his frame. with the end slots covered this would really help solidify the Bills DL.

12. Denver - Chris Williams OT 6-6 320 Vanderbuilt ZBS quick, athletic tackle does not need long arms for the system fills void left by Matt Lepsis.

13. Carolina - Brian Brohm QB 6-3 227 Louisville Delhommes return is questionable, not going to mention the back-up, needless to say this is another need pick & Brohm has an NFL arm that has been groomed for the next level.

14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall RB 5-11 220 Illionois Benson is out, they already traded Thomas Jones so they need to address RB & I feel they get the best pure package here at a position of need.

15. Detroit - Jeff Otah OT 6-6 340 Pittsburgh Need is to solidfy the OL Otah can start right away @ RT or either guard position which should really help on a number of fronts.

16. Arizona - Kenny Phillips FS 6-2 208 Miami Should help strengthen secondary, starter from day one will help to be mentored to some degree by Hurricane alum Rolle.

17. Minnesota - Derrick Harvey DE 6-5 252 Florida Really sorry about Udeze (leukemia) James has not been outstanding for them either. when it comes to sack totals @ the end of the day Harvey has the style & speed to be at the top of his class.

18. Houston - Leodis McKelvin CB 5-11 190 Troy Excellent back peddle, abilty to read plays with make-up speed if beaten. better tackler than advertised, aggressive break on ball, very fluid no wasted motion, very agressive in run support.

[beerlover]

19. Philadelphia - Calais Campbell DE 6-7 280 Miami Address biggest need, thought it would be Merling but Cincy surprised everyone taking him early. Calasis could be a steal here & could play either end position.

20. Tampa Bay - DeSean Jackson 6-0 180 WR Cal Brings outside threat to stretch the field need to start grooming replacement for Galloway to go along with Clayton.

21. Washington - Keith Rivers 6-2 240 OLB USC BPA. projected him much earlier possibly to New England but after that teams seem focused on addressing needs so he falls to the Skins providing outside pass rush & adding athletic ability. would be a mistake to draft someone to replace Sean Taylor with 1st pick (big shoes to fill) dynamic Rivers gives them another playmaker.

22. Dallas - Malcolm Kelly 6-4 220 WR Oklahoma Big, athletic, playmaker to develop mext to Owens. too early to go RB with resigning Barber, alot of scouts think that Kelly is the top WR in this draft class.

23. Pittsburgh - Anthony Collins 6-6 310 OT Kansas I'm probably the first to put him in the 1st rd. but feel he is the next best tackle available. long term pick, typical Steelers tough player with attitude.

24. Tennessee - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 6-2 180 CB/FS Tennessee State With Jones returning DRC gives them a solid secondary both young & talented. I'm not sold on any WR at this point,there are several good free agents available like Bernard Berrian & the titans have the cap space to get things done there instead.

25. Seattle - Jonathan Stewart 5-10 235 RB Oregon Shaun Alexander is not getting any younger & aquiring a franchise RB late in the 1st rd. makes alot of sense while schooling JS to take over full time rushing duties.

26. Jacksonville - Dan Connor 6-3 233 MLB Penn State This is a Rio pick, like adding a coach (himself) on the field who will take on his personality. this represents great value here as well & should make the defense more difficult to move the football on than ever.

27. San Diego - Pat Sims 6-4 312 NT Auburn. would look great playing NT in a 3-4. not sure how healthy or how many more years Williams has but this brings in another long term foundation player to keep strong up front.

28. Dallas - Felix Jones 6-0 200 RB Arkansas Jones replacement, brings the speed to compliment Barbers power. Dallas adds two offensive playmakers to build for the future while improving Romos weapons to win a Super Bowl now.

29. San Franscisco - Sam Baker 6-5 308 OT USC thats right another tackle, hey they gave up a franchise high sack total (of course we know alot of that could be on the QB) but they are losing Larry Allen (retirement) Justin Smilely (free agent) & Jonas Jennings (potential cap casualty). Baker fills a definite need.

30. Green Bay - Aqib Talib 6-2 202 CB Kansas picking Talib over Cason because of his experience in cold weather, both very good cb prospects here. Talib also has the size & physical advantage to play in the cover 2.

31. New England - Forfeited spy-gate

32. NY GIANTS - Gosder Cherilus 6-7 315 OT BC the pressure is going to be on Manning as Super Bowl champions so he is going to need insurance more than anything & to do that both pass protection while mainting the ground attack will insure this happens.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

24. Tennessee - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 6-2 180 CB/FS Tennessee State With Jones returning DRC gives them a solid secondary both young & talented. I'm not sold on any WR at this point,there are several good free agents available like Bernard Berrian & the titans have the cap space to get things done there instead.

Do you really think PacMan will return to the Titans? Even if Goodell reinstates Jones (a big if), Tennessee would likely jettison him to a team that doesn't place a high priority on character. Fisher saw his defense succeed without Jones last season, he doesn't need the headaches.

Agree completely about the Titans looking at FA wideouts. Another to watch for is Javon Walker, if he's released by the Broncos.

[PapaL]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Do you really think PacMan will return to the Titans? Even if Goodell reinstates Jones (a big if), Tennessee would likely jettison him to a team that doesn't place a high priority on character.

Cincinnati or is it SINcinnati?

[TexansSeminole]

Your top 5 is exactly how I think things will go. I agree with all of the top 10 except for the Jets obviously and Cincinnati. I just don't think the Jets will go for another OL and I don't think the Bengals reach for Merling over a linebacker like Connor or Rivers.

[PHAROAH]

Originally Posted by beerlover

1. Miami - Chris Long DE, Virginia 6-4 275 You know Miami will try like hell to trade out of the top pick for starters their expensive & secondly like to address mutliple needs, yet is there a clear cut consensus #1 pick? I don't think so, you could make the arguement for three or four. therefore I'm going plain & simple with the highest rated player, don't know if they stay in a 3-4 defense or not but Long could play OLB or traditional 4-3 RDE.

2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey DT LSU 6-2 316 Need to get stronger up front & Dorsey will improve the interior D.

3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas 6-2 210 I really don't think he slides past unique opportunites & converting the Falcon offense to a spread attack with Vick returning @ QB & McFadden has his out would be interesting to watch. Not to mention RB is a high priority with Warrick Dunn facing retirement.

4, Oakland - Sedric Ellis, DT 6-1 308 USC Stays home & anchors the Raiders DL. excellent pocket push & motor will also help stop the run.

5. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT 6-7 315 Michigan Should address tackle with 1st pick, their choice but Jake seems ready to start as a rookie without a huge risk.

6. NY JETS - Ryan Clady, OT 6-6 316 Boise State I can see Jet fan now screaming their approval or not, anyway this is probably my biggest departure from the norm here because I just feel they have the chance to assemble/complete a really great offensive line unit. doesn't matter who is the QB if he can't execute, am I right? along with LT D'Brickashaw, C Nick Manglod, Clady would be an excellent fit on the right side.

7. New England - Vernon Gholston OLB 6-4 258 Ohio State Pats depend on a pass rush from the outside liebacker position, in the Superbowl it turned out to be a weakness. they want to stay agressive & will resign Aasante Sammuel so the play here is to upgrade their aging LB's.

8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan QB 6-5 224 BC slides here because of need more than anything, a very good prospect, size, technique & leadership but will need to grow into the position with the Ravens, if someone takes him sooner that is weighted too much on need, I think he struggles with athletic ability.

9. Cincinnati - Phillip Merling DE 6-5 272 Clemson ascending player who fills a position of need, has the size to play in a three point stance or standing up. this is a player who should really stand out @ his position in the combine.

10. New Orleans - Mike Jenkins CB 6-0 200 South Florida Good size, skill set & fills #1 need. will need to show up & produce @ the combine otherwise I would expect McKelvin to overtake him as the top cover corner.

11. Buffalo - Kentwan Balmer DT 6-5 308 North Carolina once again another ascending prospect who should really wow scouts/media @ the combine, very impressed watching him workout @ the Senior Bowl, has ideal hard to find natural NFL DT size who can easily add more weight to his frame. with the end slots covered this would really help solidify the Bills DL.

12. Denver - Chris Williams OT 6-6 320 Vanderbuilt ZBS quick, athletic tackle does not need long arms for the system fills void left by Matt Lepsis.

13. Carolina - Brian Brohm QB 6-3 227 Louisville Delhommes return is questionable, not going to mention the back-up, needless to say this is another need pick & Brohm has an NFL arm that has been groomed for the next level.

14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall RB 5-11 220 Illionois Benson is out, they already traded Thomas Jones so they need to address RB & I feel they get the best pure package here at a position of need.

15. Detroit - Jeff Otah OT 6-6 340 Pittsburgh Need is to solidfy the OL Otah can start right away @ RT or either guard position which should really help on a number of fronts.

16. Arizona - Kenny Phillips FS 6-2 208 Miami Should help strengthen secondary, starter from day one will help to be mentored to some degree by Hurricane alum Rolle.

17. Minnesota - Derrick Harvey DE 6-5 252 Florida Really sorry about Udeze (leukemia) James has not been outstanding for them either. when it comes to sack totals @ the end of the day Harvey has the style & speed to be at the top of his class.

18. Houston - Leodis McKelvin CB 5-11 190 Troy Excellent back peddle, abilty to read plays with make-up speed if beaten. better tackler than advertised, aggressive break on ball, very fluid no wasted motion, very agressive in run support.

I would be in heaven if we get Leodis McKelvin.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Do you really think PacMan will return to the Titans?

obviously I do. too much talent just to throw away at least right now with his stock @ all time lows. he should come to the realization the error in his ways. I realize Texans fans would'nt want this to happen cause it creates a more formidable enemy, but from Fishers veiwpoint this is something that needs/will get done. Corners are just to valueable.

regardless, if they do lose Pac-Man or Goodell does not reinstate him it would make filling this need even a higher prioity don't you think? I may be higher than most of the national mock draft sites in my personel evaluation of several players listed in this Mock Draft, Cromartie included, but he looks like something special to me, his wingspan alone is like dropping a huge fish net over coverages most QB's will have to learn to adjust too.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by TexansSeminole

Your top 5 is exactly how I think things will go. I agree with all of the top 10 except for the Jets obviously and Cincinnati. I just don't think the Jets will go for another OL and I don't think the Bengals reach for Merling over a linebacker like Connor or Rivers.

I agree with you. its a reach, one made because I want to be different another because I feel these players are ascending & make great fits for aforementioned teams. Cincinnati needs to improve its defense & Merling has made significant strides every season starting in 05 as Gaines Adams back-up then in 06 LDE oppossite Gaines which helped make him (Gains) such a high draft pick (because Phillip was holding down run support). this year his numbers increased dramatically, think he had something like 20 Qb hurries & 7 sacks along with 70-80 tackles. he has the size, speed & athletic ability to hold down DE for the Bengals as a rookie, has been compared to Justin Tuck so if the Bengals want to strengthen the defense its going to start up front.

I've been consistent with this as the Jets selection for months now, I see Clady as the missing link to becoming a dominant OL. this will help the QB & the RB's who have suffered while the rebuilding process has been going on.

thanks for your very astute feedback

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I realize Texans fans would'nt want this to happen cause it creates a more formidable enemy, but from Fishers veiwpoint this is something that needs/will get done. Corners are just to valueable.

Fisher's viewpoint? I haven't seen anything like that. The only thing I've heard from Fisher regarding Jones is "We are still currently having internal discussions regarding his status." That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for PacMan's return, considering that Fisher's opinion is the one that counts.

[Mr teX]

Originally Posted by beerlover

1. Miami - Chris Long DE, Virginia 6-4 275 You know Miami will try like hell to trade out of the top pick for starters their expensive & secondly like to address mutliple needs, yet is there a clear cut consensus #1 pick? I don't think so, you could make the arguement for three or four. therefore I'm going plain & simple with the highest rated player, don't know if they stay in a 3-4 defense or not but Long could play OLB or traditional 4-3 RDE.

2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey DT LSU 6-2 316 Need to get stronger up front & Dorsey will improve the interior D.

3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas 6-2 210 I really don't think he slides past unique opportunites & converting the Falcon offense to a spread attack with Vick returning @ QB & McFadden has his out would be interesting to watch. Not to mention RB is a high priority with Warrick Dunn facing retirement.

4, Oakland - Sedric Ellis, DT 6-1 308 USC Stays home & anchors the Raiders DL. excellent pocket push & motor will also help stop the run.

5. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT 6-7 315 Michigan Should address tackle with 1st pick, their choice but Jake seems ready to start as a rookie without a huge risk.

6. NY JETS - Ryan Clady, OT 6-6 316 Boise State I can see Jet fan now screaming their approval or not, anyway this is probably my biggest departure from the norm here because I just feel they have the chance to assemble/complete a really great offensive line unit. doesn't matter who is the QB if he can't execute, am I right? along with LT D'Brickashaw, C Nick Manglod, Clady would be an excellent fit on the right side.

7. New England - Vernon Gholston OLB 6-4 258 Ohio State Pats depend on a pass rush from the outside liebacker position, in the Superbowl it turned out to be a weakness. they want to stay agressive & will resign Aasante Sammuel so the play here is to upgrade their aging LB's.

Absolutely unfair, that kid is gonna be vicious in the league

8. Baltimore - Matt Ryan QB 6-5 224 BC slides here because of need more than anything, a very good prospect, size, technique & leadership but will need to grow into the position with the Ravens, if someone takes him sooner that is weighted too much on need, I think he struggles with athletic ability.

9. Cincinnati - Phillip Merling DE 6-5 272 Clemson ascending player who fills a position of need, has the size to play in a three point stance or standing up. this is a player who should really stand out @ his position in the combine.

10. New Orleans - Mike Jenkins CB 6-0 200 South Florida Good size, skill set & fills #1 need. will need to show up & produce @ the combine otherwise I would expect McKelvin to overtake him as the top cover corner.

11. Buffalo - Kentwan Balmer DT 6-5 308 North Carolina once again another ascending prospect who should really wow scouts/media @ the combine, very impressed watching him workout @ the Senior Bowl, has ideal hard to find natural NFL DT size who can easily add more weight to his frame. with the end slots covered this would really help solidify the Bills DL.

12. Denver - Chris Williams OT 6-6 320 Vanderbuilt ZBS quick, athletic tackle does not need long arms for the system fills void left by Matt Lepsis.

13. Carolina - Brian Brohm QB 6-3 227 Louisville Delhommes return is questionable, not going to mention the back-up, needless to say this is another need pick & Brohm has an NFL arm that has been groomed for the next level.

14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall RB 5-11 220 Illionois Benson is out, they already traded Thomas Jones so they need to address RB & I feel they get the best pure package here at a position of need.

More important than a QB at this point? I can't see Lovie & the Chi. fans putting up with Good Rex bad Rex another year.

15. Detroit - Jeff Otah OT 6-6 340 Pittsburgh Need is to solidfy the OL Otah can start right away @ RT or either guard position which should really help on a number of fronts.

16. Arizona - Kenny Phillips FS 6-2 208 Miami Should help strengthen secondary, starter from day one will help to be mentored to some degree by Hurricane alum Rolle.

17. Minnesota - Derrick Harvey DE 6-5 252 Florida Really sorry about Udeze (leukemia) James has not been outstanding for them either. when it comes to sack totals @ the end of the day Harvey has the style & speed to be at the top of his class.

18. Houston - Leodis McKelvin CB 5-11 190 Troy Excellent back peddle, abilty to read plays with make-up speed if beaten. better tackler than advertised, aggressive break on ball, very fluid no wasted motion, very agressive in run support.

Where's Joe Flaco? Espn seems to think he's going to make some team pull a "denver" this year. & I think brohm slides down 1 spot to Chi. Carolina will go defense i think while waiting to see what's going on with Delhomme, but will snatch someone up later in the draft & thru FA at the QB spot just in case.

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by Mr teX

More than 1 Qb will go in the top 18 b/c too many teams above us have questions at the Qb spot. Someone will pull a "denver" & slide up to get someone who shot up the draft board. ESPN's already hyping up Joe Flaco, in other words....................... WHO?

Don't think Rex will be in Chicago this year anyway. Don't be surprised if they take a stab at Todd Collins in the offseason and look for someone to groom.

What could make this year VERY interesting is what Cleveland does between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. One year wonder or QB star in making?

[bah007]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

What could make this year VERY interesting is what Cleveland does between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. One year wonder or QB star in making?

Cleveland will almost certainly give Anderson at least 6-8 games next year to prove that he isnt a fluke.

[tulexan]

Originally Posted by beerlover

3. Atlanta - Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas 6-2 210 I really don't think he slides past unique opportunites & converting the Falcon offense to a spread attack with Vick returning @ QB & McFadden has his out would be interesting to watch. Not to mention RB is a high priority with Warrick Dunn facing retirement.

Is this a joke? No way Vick comes back to the Falcons.

[badboy]

I'm starting to think the Texans may look at how well Bennett turned out in round four and decide to go with someone like Trae Williams in 4th. If we don't get a starter in FA, we could be going with a rookie and a sophomore at corner.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Mr teX

Where's Joe Flaco? Espn seems to think he's going to make some team pull a "denver" this year. & I think brohm slides down 1 spot to Chi. Carolina will go defense i think while waiting to see what's going on with Delhomme, but will snatch someone up later in the draft & thru FA at the QB spot just in case.

Originally Posted by tulexan

Is this a joke? No way Vick comes back to the Falcons.

I project the Atlanta Falcons to use one of their two 2nd rd picks on a QB this could be Flaco (who reminds me of Schaub with a stronger arm) or Chad Henne, Michigan as insurance in case Vic never laces up again in Atlanta.

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by tulexan

Is this a joke? No way Vick comes back to the Falcons.

Agree. It's going to be about two years i think before Vick is even considered for re-instatement. Best Vick can hope for is Rae Carruth Transferring prisons to catch for him and a coach willing to help him be a better pocket passer for the duration of his jail term.

Falcons would be stupid to pass on McFadden. They need a new face and someone that can bring excitement to the organization again. Get Shockley healthy again and maybe this offense doesn't look so bad going into next season.

[SuperTexan]

Damn, Beerlover. You love you some you.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

Don't think Rex will be in Chicago this year anyway. Don't be surprised if they take a stab at Todd Collins in the offseason and look for someone to groom.

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/New...?story_id=4375

[beerlover]

Cowboy fans don't worry about Jerry selling out the farm to move up for McFadden either- http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/478246.html

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by beerlover

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/New...?story_id=4375

Interesting. I guess the whole organization is reluctant to let Rex go. Not only that but want him in the mix for starting the spot. DO think they should give Kyle Orton Another shot.