NFP Three Round Mock Draft

FROM WES BUNTING:

As the NFL Draft draws closer, the National Football Post will continue to increase our coverage. Here’s our first three-round mock draft of the season breaking down more potential scenarios that could play out on draft weekend.

Round One

1. Detriot Lions: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

All indications point toward the Lions bypassing a quarterback with the first overall pick and opting for a left tackle. Smith is a former tight end who possesses the feet and athleticism to be a mainstay for the Lions over the next decade.

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

The Lions have holes on both sides of the ball, but for the Rams’ offense to become a threat, they’ll need to upgrade the talent on their offensive line. Monroe is a physically gifted tackle with smooth feet and excellent body control for the position. He should be able to step in and immediately improve the Rams up front.

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

The Chiefs lack any real playmakers on the defensive side, and Curry adds an instant physical presence to the linebacker position. He’s a do-it-all athlete with a rare blend of size and athleticism. He should contribute from day one. 

4. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

The Seahawks have picked in the back end of the draft over the past five years and find themselves in a unique situation this year with a top-five pick. Expect them to look long and hard at a franchise quarterback who can be groomed as Matt Hasselbeck’s eventual replacement. Sanchez possesses an ideal skill set for the Seahawks west coast attack and is a better fit than QB Matthew Stafford.

5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Browns need to add another pass rusher to their defense in order to create more pressure off the edge. Orakpo is a gifted athlete with an impressive skill set and rare workout numbers.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

The Bengals need to improve the overall talent on their offensive line, and Smith is as gifted as any lineman in the draft. He comes with some baggage, but his physical talents still warrant a top-10 pick.

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

The Raiders have been one of the league’s worst run defenses the past five years, so a hefty run defender like Raji makes a lot of sense. He has the power to eat up run lanes inside and would instantly upgrade the Raiders’ D-line.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Quarterback is an option here, but with Crabtree still on the board, I expect the Jaguars to again try and upgrade their wide receiving corps. He’s one of the draft’s top talents and appears destined to become one of the league’s top wideouts. He gives the Jaguars a No. 1 threat at receiver that they’ve been searching years for.

9. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

The Packers need to add someone to their front seven with this pick, and I think Maybin makes the most sense. He is arguably the draft’s top pass rusher and does a great job firing off the snap and attacking upfield. He’s been soaring up draft boards of late and should become the impact pass rusher the Packers need in their new 3-4 scheme.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

The 49ers are in need of a WR, OT and OLB, but with a talent like Stafford still on the board, he becomes too good to pass up. Stafford has the kind of physical skill set GMs crave and gives San Francisco its much-needed quarterback of the future.

11. Buffalo Bills: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Ayers has been flying up draft boards in recent weeks and could end up in the top 10. However, he’s a great fit for the Bills at No. 11 as his power at the point of attack and ability to rush the edge should have an instant impact on defense.

12. Denver Broncos: Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State

Brown is an explosive edge rusher who might be a bit undersized to play as a down 4-3 DE. However, he’s an ideal fit in the Broncos’ 3-4 scheme and should be able to use his burst and athleticism to terrorize quarterbacks off the edge.

13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

The Redskins need to find an offensive lineman at pick 13 and add some much-needed youth to their O-line. Oher possesses all the physical tools to play left tackle at the next level, although his technique and instincts could force him to right tackle.

14. New Orleans Saints: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

The Saints need to add a big, physical runner their offense in order to become more productive on third down. Wells is one of this year’s most physical runners and has the vision and footwork to become an every down back.

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

The Texans need help throughout their secondary, and Jenkins has the versatility to fill a variety of roles. He possesses good footwork and a smooth transition but might lack the speed to play corner in the NFL. Worst-case scenario, he fills a void at safety for the Texans and adds some needed ball skills to the Houston secondary.

16. San Diego Chargers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

With the loss of DE Igor Olshansky to free agency (and the Cowboys), the Chargers could be in the market for some additional defensive linemen. Jackson is an ideal fit in the Chargers’ 3-4 defense and gives San Diego some depth at defensive end.

17. New York Jets: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

Matthews is the kind of instinctive, versatile defender head coach Rex Ryan loves to have on his defense. He has the ability to line up at either inside or outside linebacker and should make an impact wherever he plays.

18. Chicago Bears: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Bears need to add more talent to their offensive and defensive lines, but a playmaker on offense is still a top priority. Maclin has not run as well as expected this postseason, but his explosion is obvious on tape, and he would give the Bears some big-play capability on offense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

The Buccaneers need to find a quarterback the franchise can build around for the future. Freeman has the tools needed to become a star, but he needs time to develop.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

The Lions opted for a left tackle with their first pick but need to significantly add more talent to the defensive side of the ball. Maualuga is an aggressive, downhill linebacker who would be able to come in and make an immediate impact inside.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut

With question marks still at the left tackle position in Philly, an athletic lineman like Beatty makes a lot of sense. He still needs to add more power to his frame, but he has the length and footwork to handle the speed of the left side.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

Minnesota has question marks on the right side of its offensive line and needs to find a right tackle to upgrade that position. Britton is a bit short-armed for the left side, but he plays with great technique and base strength and should find a home at RT.

23. New England Patriots: Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati

Barwin has been flying up draft boards lately and just seems to have that competitive, workmanlike quality the Patriots love. He would be an ideal 3-4 OLB who would add some much-needed athleticism to the Pats’ linebacker group.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Smith, CB/FS, Utah

Smith is one of the most physically impressive corners to come along in years and has the size and fluidity to play corner or free safety. He does a great job in press coverage and would add a lot of versatility to the Falcons’ secondary.

25. Miami Dolphins: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

A lot of questions have surfaced about Cushing in recent weeks. However, he’s a tough, instinctive player who has the ability to play inside and outside in the Dolphins’ 3-4 defense.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Even with the addition of CB Domonique Foxworth, the Ravens still need to add a more physical presence to the cornerback position. Davis is one of the draft’s most athletic cornerbacks but is considered a boom or bust pick.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Jerry is an explosive, quick-twitch lineman who has the ability to fire off the ball and consistently penetrate the backfield. He’s an ideal fit for the Colts’ one-gap scheme and should make an instant impact.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

The Eagles need to find a tight end who can handle defensive ends on the edge. Pettigrew is a receiving/blocking option who would instantly upgrade the position in Philadelphia.

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

The Giants need to find a receiver at some point, and the physicality and size of Nicks makes him an attractive option at the end of round one. He’s a polished route runner who does a nice job changing speeds and using his size to separate. He would be a nice target for QB Eli Manning to hit over the middle.

30.Tennessee Titans: Jarron Gilbert, DT/DE, San Jose State

The Titans need to find a replacement for DT Albert Haynesworth, and Gilbert has the frame and explosion to develop into a good interior lineman. He possesses an impressive first step, long arms and makes a living in opponents’ backfields.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Moreno is considered one of the draft’s top talents, however, running backs always seem to fall on draft day. He’s a good fit in the Cardinals’ spread offense and should help in not just the run game but also as a receiver.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California

The Steelers need to add youth to their defensive line, but with Gilbert off the board, expect them to address their D-line in later rounds. Mack is the draft’s top center prospect and has the ability to play anywhere on the interior. He would be an instant upgrade inside.

Round Two

33. Detroit: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

A talented pass rusher with a rare skill set.

34. New England (from Kansas City): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

An intelligent defender who adds some needed youth to the Patriots at inside linebacker.

35. St. Louis: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

A big play wideout who has the ability to replace WR Torry Holt down the line.

36. Cleveland: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

Adds some much needed talent and playmaking skills to the Browns’ secondary

37. Seattle: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

A massive right tackle prospect who fills a big void.

38. Cincinnati: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Gives the Bengals a legitimate threat at the running back position.

39. Jacksonville: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

A talented interior lineman who has the ability to cause havoc inside.

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

The kind of explosive, vertical threat the Raiders crave.

41. Green Bay: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

Gives the Packers some much needed depth and talent at nose tackle.

42. Buffalo: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma

Should be able to come in and fill the void left by OG Derrick Dockery.

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

The kind of quick-twitch pass rusher the Niners’ defense is lacking.

44. Miami (from Washington): Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

A big, physical wideout who knows how to move the chains and work the middle of the field.

45. N.Y. Giants (from New Orleans): Max Unger, OL, Oregon

Adds some depth and versatility to the Giants’ offensive line.

46. Houston: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa

Gives the Texans a nice complement to RB Steve Slaton in the run game.

47. New England (from San Diego): Eric Wood, C, Louisville

A tough, blue-collar lineman who has the versatility to play center or guard.

48. Denver: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

Smith is one of the draft’s most fluid corners and should instantly upgrade the Denver secondary.

49. Chicago: Herman Johnson, OT/OG, LSU

A big, physical mauler who has the versatility to play guard or right tackle.

50. Cleveland (from Tampa Bay): LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

Adds a much-needed big-play threat to the Browns’ run game.

51. Dallas: Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan

Has the range and athleticism to be a big help in the Cowboys’ secondary.

52. N.Y. Jets: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

A polished wideout who should step in and contribute from day one.

53. Philadelphia: William Moore, S, Missouri

A physically gifted safety who could be the replacement for S Brian Dawkins.

54. Minnesota: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

A fluid corner whose draft stock was hurt by his poor 40 times.

55. Atlanta: Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE, Richmond

A small-school defensive lineman who has the burst and length to generate pressure off the edge.

56. Miami: Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State

A tall, long-armed corner with good closing speed and ball skills.

57. Baltimore: Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma

A polished route runner with good hands and presence over the middle.

SCOUT DM
Mar 30, 2009
11:21 AM

I don't think I can be over stated how bad the Packers need to draft for their 3-4 scheme. Landing TWO 3-4 OLB like this would be great, plus a NT like Brace would give us plenty of depth at the two most important positions in a 3-4 defense.
Love the Mock! Hope it plays out like this!

Ted PAY ATTENTION!

shannon J
Mar 30, 2009
11:39 AM

Worng on Chase Coffman. I would bet cash coffman will be more productive than pettigrew on recptions, 3rd down receptions and touchdowns. Kid has amazing leaps and great no terrific hands. at 6'6 throw it up. Calling it here and Now HALL OF FAME PLAYER!!!!!!!

Roger
Mar 30, 2009
11:42 AM

Rams probably don't even have Percy Harvin on their draft board due to character concerns and are loaded with OLBs. They need MLBs.

Scott M.
Mar 30, 2009
11:51 AM

Wes - dang it all! You started off so good and then things just sort of go to heck and a handbasket. Can't argue the first 8 but there is no way in heck that GB is taking a dedicated pass rusher at #9 - they have four guys already competing for one opening, two of which are veterans making good money and one is the only guy TT has EVER traded UP in a draft to go after.

Sintim and Shawn Nelson dropping to the third? You're kidding, right?

Richter
Mar 30, 2009
11:58 AM

Aside from Barwin, I think I'd be physically ill if that was the Patriots' draft. Laurinaitis at 34? He won't be able to take on NFL blocking, he already tried to run around every block in college, he'll have to play WILB because he's too small, which forces Mayo to SILB, where he won't get as many chances to make plays... no, just no. Wood is a solid player, but it's too high for him with several better players still on the board. Follow that up with Chung, a solid guy but one who's likely to be unspectacular and lacking coverage skills, which the Patriots have increasingly demanded out of their safeties. If the board shakes out this way, they'd have a shot at Alphonso Smith (perhaps the ideal Patriots corner prospect), Delmas or Moore at 47, and a superior offensive lineman to Wood at 58, such as Jamon Meredith, who the privately worked out recently. Casey is okay, but it would signal the end of either Watson or Thomas' tenure with the team, which I find unlikely, and then the worst pick of all, "Macho" Harris. A guy who can't play at the NFL level in anything but a zone scheme, had a horrendous combine where he couldn't catch anything, and doesn't fit the Patriots draft profile for corners whatsoever. While I like this mock as a whole, the Patriots picks are just hideous. I really, really hope this mock doesn't even flirt with coming to pass on April 25th.

KRD
Mar 30, 2009
12:12 PM

Wes, great percenption on most picks but please, please, please get over the 49ers drafting a QB in round 1. If you know Singletary and you know the huge headaches and heartaches he and the whole management team got with the Alex Smith situation you'd know they will not draft a QB in round 1. Later maybe. He wants to have a tough, the ball squad and he will draft a pass rusher or RT in round 1. I don't care if Peyton Manning was available at the 10th pick they would not draft him.

Jeff
Mar 30, 2009
12:14 PM

Wow, great mock draft. I can't find a lot of issues without nitpicking. But I do question Cincinnati taking Andre Smith -- haven't they learned that no matter how much talent the guy has, it's not worth it to take someone with off-field issues?

Roy Hobbs
Mar 30, 2009
12:20 PM

Dumb question, but don't the Steelers have the 96th pick?

Roy Hobbs
Mar 30, 2009
12:31 PM

My mistake. Need more coffee

Finnegans Wake
Mar 30, 2009
12:35 PM

Dumb question, but don’t the Steelers have the 96th pick?

Yes. And Wes has us taking Jairus Byrd, CB. Would love to get Byrd in R3, BTW.

Richter
Mar 30, 2009
12:39 PM

"I have a hard time imagining NE or Minnesota, for starters, holding Smith’s size against him. Minnesota has living proof that size can be overcome in Winfield, and Belichick has drafted many diminutive CB’s is his day, and Smith is a player."

Bingo. I cannot envision a scenario where the Patriots pass up on Smith in that position with the board being the way it is. Height is no factor if the corner has good hips, is fluid and can run, all of which describe Smith. Not to mention his great hands and instincts, and knack for the big play.

Drew T.
Mar 30, 2009
12:41 PM

If Raji isn't available at 12, I don't see Denver passing on Jenkins. They have a glut of potential rush LB's already on board and at least 3 DT's that can arguably play the 5 technique, and while they've made some FA moves in the secondary, they project 3 starting DB's over 30. Obviously Alphonso Smith would be a steal in the second round, but is it really realistic that he would fall that far? I have a hard time imagining NE or Minnesota, for starters, holding Smith's size against him. Minnesota has living proof that size can be overcome in Winfield, and Belichick has drafted many diminutive CB's is his day, and Smith is a player.

I also wouldn't count out Moreno or Lauranitias as Denver's first pick.

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