NFP Monday Mock Draft

FROM WES BUNTING:

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and each day brings new information about some of the nation’s top prospects. Here is the National Football Post’s sixth mock draft of the season.

1.     Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

The Lions could go in a number of directions, but to start the re-building process, expect Detroit to opt for a quarterback. Stafford possesses the physical tools needed to develop into a NFL-quality passer and gives the Lions someone to build around.

      2.     St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

With the release of OT Orlando Pace and WR Torry Holt, the Rams have two significant holes to fill. Look for St. Louis to start from the inside and opt for an offensive tackle like Monroe.

3.     Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

Curry is one of the draft’s true “elite” prospects and should come in and contribute right away in Kansas City. He’s still in the mix for the first overall pick, but even if he doesn’t go No. 1, I don’t expect him to fall past the Chiefs.

4.     Seattle Seahawks: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Seahawks are desperately trying to improve their defensive line, and with the trade for DT Cory Redding this weekend, I don’t think B.J. Raji is in Seattle’s draft plans any longer. However, a pass rusher like Orakpo, who can play opposite DE Patrick Kerney, seems like a natural fit.

5.     Cleveland Browns: Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State

Cleveland needs to add more weapons on the defensive side of the ball, and Brown has the pass rush ability to warrant the selection. He’s a bit undersized but should fair well as a 3-4 OLB.

6.     Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

Cincinnati needs to improve the talent along its offensive line, and Smith has the athleticism to come in and play from day one. This pick would give the Bengals some much-needed flexibility up front and help stabilize their O-line.

7.     Oakland Raiders: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

The Raiders have ranked in the bottom third in the league vs. the run the past five years and need to add more talent inside. Raji is a powerful, stout tackle who can consistently eat up blockers and push the pocket.

8.     Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

The Jaguars have little depth at the quarterback position, and Sanchez might be too good to pass up. He would be able to develop for a year or two in Jacksonville and get the reps needed to become a successful NFL quarterback.

9.     Green Bay Packers: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

If the Packers are unable to fill a void in their 3-4 defense at this pick, expect them to address their offensive line. Smith has been falling down some draft boards of late, but he’s one of the draft’s top talents and would come in and instantly upgrade the Packers’ offensive line.

10.  San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The 49ers lack a bona fide No. 1 wideout, and Crabtree has the ability to develop into one of the league’s best. Wide receivers always have a tendency to fall on draft day, but don’t expect Crabtree to drop past the Niners.

11.  Buffalo Bills: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Ayers is starting to build momentum and looks like he’s made his way up the top end of the draft. His ability to play the run and rush the passer makes him an ideal fit in Buffalo.

      12.  Denver Broncos: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

Maybin is a hybrid DE/OLB who might be the draft’s top pure pass rusher. He not only possesses a great first step on the outside but also showcases the instincts to consistently get off the snap count on time. He is the type of outside pass rusher the Broncos have been in search for.

13.  Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

The Redskins don’t have many options at this pick as they need to add more youth and talent to their offensive line. Oher is an exceptionally talented kid, however, his lack of instincts may force him to play on the right side.

14.  New Orleans Saints: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Saints need to add talent to the cornerback position and may opt for the talent and upside of Davis over FS/CB tweener Malcolm Jenkins. Davis is a boom or bust prospect, but he possesses the athletic ability to develop into a real shutdown corner.

15.  Houston Texans: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State

Jenkins’ stock has slipped of late because of his slower than expected 40 times at the Combine and his pro day. However, expect the secondary-starved Texans to pounce on Jenkins at pick No. 15 and use him in a variety of roles on defense.

16.  San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

With the re-signing of RB LaDainian Tomlinson, expect the Chargers to address their inside linebacker position. Maualuga is a fast flowing, downhill backer who would be an ideal fit in San Diego’s aggressive 3-4 defense.

17.  New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

The quarterback-starved Jets are running out of options at this stage and may opt for a rookie quarterback. Freeman possesses a rare skill set and, because of a weak quarterback class, will likely come off the board some time during the mid-first round.

18.  Chicago Bears: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

The Bears need to upgrade their offensive tackle position, and Britton has the ability to come in and start from day one. Britton is a technically savvy tackle with good power and base strength. My only concern is his lack of length, although he should get by playing on the right side.

19.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

Jerry is an explosive, penetrating tackle who would be an ideal fit in the Buccaneers’ one-gap scheme. He plays with a motor that runs non-stop and should be an instant upgrade inside.

20.  Detroit Lions: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut

The Lions will need to find a way to protect their new investment (Stafford), and Beatty is the last of the top offensive tackles still on the board. He’s a gifted athlete with long arms and should come in and start for the Lions immediately.

      21.  Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

Yes, this is completely against what Coach Andy Reid has done in the past, but with no offensive linemen worthy of the pick, it makes sense for the Eagles to land a bigger running back. Wells had an impressive showing at his pro day and could end up being the first back off the board.

22.  Minnesota Vikings: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The addition of QB Sage Rosenfels will help the Vikings’ pass game, but a complement to WR Bernard Berrian is still needed. Maclin is a big-time playmaker who has the ability to contribute outside, in the slot or on special teams.

23.  New England Patriots: Sean Smith, DB, Utah

Smith is a tall, fluid defensive back who can come in and fill a variety of roles in the Patriots’ secondary. He possesses rare footwork and balance for a man his size and has the athletic ability to become an impact player in New England.

24.  Atlanta Falcons: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

The Falcons need to find a pass rush threat opposite DE John Abraham, and Johnson certainly fits the bill. His stock is running hot right now after impressive performances at the Combine and his pro day. He still needs to develop physically but has the athletic ability to warrant a first-round pick.

25.  Miami Dolphins: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

I can’t see Bill Parcells drafting a wide receiver this early in the draft. Instead, expect him to opt for an eventual replacement for NT Jason Ferguson. Brace is a wide-bodied defender who eats up blockers and clogs the middle, the type of defender the Fins need inside.

26.  Baltimore Ravens: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

With the loss of ILB Bart Scott, the Ravens need to find a replacement inside. The jury is still out on Cushing regarding his position at the next level. However, the versatility of the Ravens’ defense should allow him to find a home at one of their linebacker positions.

27.  Indianapolis Colts: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Indianapolis will be in search of a wideout now that WR Marvin Harrison is gone. Harvin is a great value at the end of round one. He is still developing as a receiver, but he has the athletic ability to flourish in the Colts’ offense.

28.  Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Pettigrew is a physically imposing tight end who can help contribute in both the run and pass game. He lacks the vertical speed to get down the field but should be a good fit in the Eagles’ west coast offense.

29.  New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

The Giants’ most glaring need is at wide receiver, and even with WR Darrius Heyward-Bey still on the board, I think Nicks is a better fit. He’s a physical receiver who runs good routes and showcases strong hands. He’s the kind of talent who could thrive in the Giants pass game.

30.  Tennessee Titans: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

The Titans are in need of an interior defensive lineman after the loss of DT Albert Haynesworth, and Hood has the ability to contribute from day one. He’s a strong, stout defender with good interior pass rush ability and a nose for the football.

      31.  Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Moreno is one of the draft’s top 20 prospects and will be an ideal fit in the Cardinals’ spread attack. His lack of 40 speed may hurt him on draft day, but expect him to make a big impact in the NFL.

32.  Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California

The Steelers need to add more talent to the interior of their offensive line, and Mack is a tough lineman who can play either center or guard. He’s a safe value at the end of round one and should be able to contribute right away.

Second Round

33.  Detroit Lions: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

The inside linebacker the Lions desperately need.

34.  New England Patriots: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

An ideal outside linebacker in the Patriots’ 3-4 defense.

35.  St. Louis Rams: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

The Rams have enough vertical threats; now they need a guy to work the middle.

36.  Cleveland Browns: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

The Brown’s secondary needs repairs, and Smith is a good starting point.

37.  Seattle Seahawks: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

McCoy adds some much-needed explosion to the Seahawks’ run game.

38.  Cincinnati Bengals: Max Unger, C, Oregon

The Bengals don’t have a chance until they get their offensive line fixed.

39.  Jacksonville Jaguars: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

Moore fills the hole opposite Rashean Mathis.

40.  Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

The kind of explosive vertical threat the Raiders crave.

41.  Green Bay Packers: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati

A pass rushing tweener who should fill a void at OLB.

42.  Buffalo Bills: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss

The Bills need to add some playmakers to the TE position.

43.  San Francisco 49ers: Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois

The outside pass rusher the 49ers need.

44.  Miami Dolphins: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

A five-technique end who should fit in nicely in the Dolphins’ 3-4 defense.

45.  New York Giants: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

Butler adds some depth to the corner position with the upside to develop into a big-time starter.

46.  Houston Texans: Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Florida

One of the draft’s top pure 4-3 outside linebackers.

47.  New England Patriots: Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State

An intriguing 5-technique end who’s loaded with upside.

48.  Denver Broncos: Asher Allen, CB, Georgia

Adds some much-needed talent to the Denver secondary.

49.  Chicago Bears: Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE, Richmond

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