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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Big C’s Mock Draft Part III
Here are my Top 10 picks to round out my first mock draft. My final mock will come on Saturday for recent trade movement has already affected some of my earlier picks.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Aside from his questionable character issues the 49ers get a steal.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Bad pub has caused Raji’s stock to dip but he shouldn’t make it past Green Bay at No. 9.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Maclin had a superb showing in Indianapolis and his performance at the school’s pro day was said to be even better. He answered all the questions on whether or not he can play outside receiver. Maclin would have a consummate professional to learn from in receiver Torry Holt should he land in Jacksonville. Did I mention that Maclin is also a dangerous return-man?
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Crabtree would give quarterback JaMarcus Russell a legitimate weapon on the outside and help jumpstart the Raiders 32nd ranked passing offense.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
With J. Smith, Monroe and Orakpo off the board, I could see the Bengals addressing their need at running back with this selection. Wells is an impact player and is highly coveted by the team. He would make for a nice complement to starting running back Cedric Benson. What’s the knock on the Beanster? Durability? Yes. But not his will to perform and nor his will to succeed.
Offensive lineman Andre Smith could also be an option here, but there are still some reservations about him wigging-out at the combine for no apparent reason.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
The Cleveland defense finished the 2008 season tied for next to last in the NFL in sacks with 17, and the Browns will undoubtedly be looking to upgrade their pass-rush. The Browns have invested a lot of time in edge-rusher. The team held a private workout with Orakpo on March 18 and brought him in for a visit on April 14.
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
What good is Mark Sanchez or any other quarterback in the Seahawks lineup if he’s flat on his back? Simply put, the Seahawks must solidify their O-line.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Although Curry may be the top prospect in the draft, the Chiefs are considering trading out of the No. 3 spot to stockpile picks.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
The Rams will need to fill the void created by offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who will be serving up pancakes in Chicago this season.
1. Detroit Lions (0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
No-brainer! The Lions are in need of a franchise quarterback and I believe Stafford is the best prospect out there.
TweetBig C’s Mock Draft Part II
As promised, I am back with picks 21 thru 11 and may have a few surprises in the mix. A notable absence from my first round selections is Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin. I feel he is surrounded by a lot of hype and believe that he is a tad overrated. You will also find that some prospects have moved up the board while others are dropping like flies. Check back Friday for my Top 10 picks.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Running back Brian Westbrook will turn 30 years old before the season starts and boy would the team be elated to see Moreno still available. Moreno is almost identical to Westbrook in terms of talent. The best word to describe the runner is explosive. Moreno would be a steal at 21.
20. Detroit Lions (0-16): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Lions have apparently settled on quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick and now must provide protection for their franchise quarterback. Britton may not be the best offensive tackle in his class, but is one of the better pass-blockers among the group.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Jerry is a penetrating undersized defensive tackle much like former Buc Warren Sapp and should fit in well with the defense.
18. Denver Broncos (8-8): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
The Broncos are transitioning into a 3-4 defense and this hybrid pass-rusher would provide the defense with a speed rusher off the edge.
17. New York Jets (9-7): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Freeman’s stock is on the rise and the Jets have a definite need for quarterback after losing Brett Favre to retirement. However, running back is also and option here.
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Cushing is extremely versatile after having played defensive end, inside and middle linebacker for the Trojans. Crushing might be too good to pass up at 16 - if he’s available.
15. Houston Texans (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The Texans are seeking a serious pass-rush opposite Super Mario
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Saints have just four picks in this year’s draft and will have to make their first round selection count with an impact player. I feel Jenkins would be a steal at this point. Don’t rule out trading down for the Saints.
13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
I picked Jackson because he would be an adequate replacement for Jason Taylor who traded in his pads for Cuban heels and a rumba partner. Hopefully the only dancing Jackson will do is after sacking quarterbacks at FedEx Field.
12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
The inexperience of Sanchez will cause him to tumble and fall in the lap of the Broncos who will be looking for a replacement for former franchise quarterback Jay Cutler.
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Offensive tackle Jason Peters was dealt to Philadelphia and could be replaced in the lineup by Oher.
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