Eric Galko from Optimum Scouting and myself have done two previous mocks. Eric started off each of the first two drafts and selected the odd numbered picks. Today we switched things around, with Eric having the even numbers and me the odd. This strategy has made for interesting mocks as neither of us had any influence in the others picks. Enjoy this “mock” and the “real” draft this weekend.
I know, this is a surprise. Robinson has the traits to be an all-time great offensive tackle. Houston just doesn’t feel that Clowney can be trusted to play hard game after game.
The Rams would love to trade down here but if they can’t, they will select Clowney who has the talent to be a great one. Let’s hope they are right.
This was a tough choice for the Jags. They have a chance at either Mack or Watkins. With there being a chance Justin Blackmon may not be available, they decide to grab the big play receiver.
The Browns were hoping that Watkins fell to them, but selecting Matthews is a great backup plan. Matthews will start on the right side, and when Joe Thomas is done, he will move over to the left. In today’s NFL, clubs need two very good tackles.
Mack will be an impact player and give the Raiders a star defensive player for years to come. While they have a QB need, it’s too early in this draft to pull the trigger on one
The Falcons would like to move up and grab Matthews, but if they are not able to do that, they select Lewan. Lewan could have very easily been the top pick in the 2013 draft, so it’s not a consolation prize.
With all the moves the Bucs have had in free agency, they are in position to take the best player available. When they traded Mike Williams to Buffalo, that opened a need at the WR position. Being Tampa is a Lovie Smith coached team, don’t count out a defensive player at this pick.
New Head Coach Mike Zimmer looks at Donald as Geno Atkins II. Atkins became an All Pro under Zimmer, Donald should follow.
Word the last week is that many teams are interested in the versatile Martin who can play either the guard or tackle position. He’s a very durable performer who hasn’t missed a start in four years. One of the most technically sound players in the draft.
Beckham Jr. has become a hot player in the last two weeks. I may have gone with a corner in this slot, but Eric is very comfortable giving the Lions another home run threat. The Lions will be difficult to defend, that’s for sure.
The Titans lost Alterraun Verner in free agency. Gilbert is a more than capable replacement, as he is the top corner in this draft.
The G-Men would have loved to see Donald get to them, but that is not going to happen. Barr will be the replacement for Justin Tuck
With the top offensive linemen off the board, the Rams take a very solid corner who can come in and play right away.
The Bears have to get younger on defense. Their top three corners are all over 30. Fuller has size and is a physical run defender as well as an excellent cover guy. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is also a possibility in this slot.
Hageman is a big, 5-technique defensive tackle who fits in well with what the Steelers do on defense.
Many feel that Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel will not get by the Cowboys. That may be true, but they have a huge need at the safety position and Clinton-Dix is the best one in the draft.
The Ravens were not happy with their safety play last year. Pryor gives them a physical, downhill player who can player wither safety position. A very solid pick!
The feeling around the league is that the Jets would like Beckham or Cooks. With Beckham gone, the choice is easy. Cooks gives the Jets a DeSean Jackson type of receiver.
Many thought a few weeks ago that Martin was their man. Martin has been a hot commodity and he will be gone so the Dolphins take the big Virginia tackle.
Ebron was thought to be a top 15 guy for sure, but he has fallen back recently. Arizona will jump at the chance to take the big and athletic tight end.
When Shazier ran a 4.48 at 235 pounds, his stock jumped. Many feel he will get drafted in the teens. He has the skills to play in a 4-3 or 3-4 and is a big time playmaker.
Philly had to be hoping one of the top receivers fell to them. With that not happening, corner is also a primary need with Roby being the next best corner on the board. If they decide to go receiver, it could be a player like Marqise Lee from USC.
I really don’t think Manziel will be available this late in the round. Some team will trade up to grab him. That’s the problem with mock drafts. If KC did make this selection, Andy Reid would be thinking Manziel is Mike Vick with instincts.
If Verrett were two inches taller he would be the first corner selected. At 5096, there are clubs that will have him off his board. I don’t think the Bengals are one of them. Verrett is too talented a player.
Nix is the best nose tackle in this draft. He has the traits to occupy blockers and be a force versus the run. At this point of the first round, Nix is an excellent selection
Two months ago, Bridgewater was the odds on favorite to be the top pick in the draft. The problem is that was the media doing the talking, not the NFL. Bridgewater is one of Eric Galko’s favorite players and he makes this choice for the Browns. If it was me, I would select Derek Carr.
The Saints have a need for a pass rusher here. Ealy has value at this spot. A couple of other names to look at here would be Demarcus Lawrence of Boise State or Jeremiah Attaochu of Georgia Tech.
The Panthers have needs at receiver and offensive tackle. Lee seems to have better value here. A year ago, people thought he was a potential top 10 pick. If Carolina decides to go for a lineman, it could be someone like Joel Bitonio from Nevada or Antonio Richardson from Tennessee.
I would look for the Pats to trade down here for a team with a QB need. If they have to stay, Robinson is a good fit. He is a big physical receiver with speed. He ran a sub 4.5 at the Penn State pro day.
Eric makes a surprise choice here. The 49ers have a need at corner and receiver. Jean-Baptiste is a big press corner, similar to the players Seattle has had success with. While he didn’t run well at the combine, he ran in the 4.4's at his pro day.
The first question you will ask is how is Mosley available this late in the first round? The answer is, he has a questionable medical. There are teams who think that with his history, he won’t stand up to the physical play in a 20 game NFL season (including pre-preseason).
The world champs have a strong team with good depth. This is a case of best player available. Su’a-Filo has versatility in that he can play guard or tackle and may even be able to play center.
We will have a second round mock up Friday, well before the second round starts at 7:00 PM
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