On the eve of the draft, we’re going to throw our hat out into the ring and put together a mock draft. You really shouldn’t put much stock in anyone’s mock draft. Generally speaking, if someone can predict 1/3 of the picks correctly, they’re a genius. It’s almost impossible to predict trades, but trades are part of the reality of the draft, so we’re going to include them in our mock.
Cam Newton (QB-Auburn)
Pressure to win right away is too much to pass on a quarterback. He might not be the best player in the draft, but Clausen didn’t have a good year last year.
Marcell Dareus (DT-Alabama)
Denver is switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and needs the personnel along the D-line. They were 31st in rush defense last season.
Von Miller (LB-Texas A&M)
Somewhat of a trendy pick now, but Buffalo needs playmakers that will put butts in the seats. Last year they took CJ Spiller for that reason. This year they get a playmaker on defense.
AJ Green (WR-Georgia)
Considered by many the best prospect in the draft, the Bengals take the guy they think is the best player on the board.
Patrick Peterson (CB-LSU)
For the 3rd consecutive year, the player considered the “best player in the draft” falls to #5. Arizona lucks out and gets the best player available.
Robert Quinn (DE-North Carolina)
The Browns need almost an entirely new front 7 as they switch to a 4-3 defense. Quinn gives them a pass rusher to build around.
Blaine Gabbert (QB-Missouri)
Jim Harbaugh cut his teeth at Stanford developing quarterbacks. He needs a franchise signal-caller to build around in San Francisco.
Jake Locker (QB-Washington)
A bit of a reach here, but with Vince Young on his way out of town, the Titans need a quarterback.
[TRADE: Dallas trades with New England]
Cameron Jordan (DE-California)
The Patriots still need playmakers in their front 7 and they’ve shown that they are willing to wheel and deal on draft day.
[TRADE: Washington trades with St Louis]
Julio Jones (WR-Alabama)
Sam Bradford finally gets a big-time target to throw to.
Prince Amukamara (CB-Nebraska)
Houston was dead last in the league in pass defense and need to improve their secondary.
Ryan Mallett (QB-Arkansas)
Under Ziggy Wilf, the Vikings have overlooked character issues and brought in guys based on talent. Mallett is a 1st round talent with a 7th round attitude.
Da’Quan Bowers (DE-Clemson)
In almost an ideal scenario for the Lions, a guy that was being discussed as a Top 5 prospect falls to them.
[Trade: St Louis trades with Washington]
Nick Fairley (DT-Auburn)
The Albert Haynesworth experiment failed, but the Redskins are also known for doing asinine things during the draft.
[TRADE: Miami trades with San Diego]
Aldon Smith (DE-Missouri)
A great scenario for San Diego, one of the few teams in the draft with a lot of ammo to trade up, they are able to fill the need vacated by Roid Rage Merriman.
JJ Watt (DE-Wisconsin)
For the 3rd time in 4 years, the Jags use their first round pick on a defensive lineman, which they need after finishing 31st in the league in sacks.
[Trade: New England trades with Dallas]
Tyron Smith (OT-USC)
An ideal scenario for the Cowboys. They trade down and still land the top tackle in the draft.
[TRADE: San Diego trades with Miami]
Mark Ingram (RB-Alabama)
An ideal situation for the Phins: they are able to trade down and get a 3rd round pick and still land Ingram. With both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams set to hit free agency, the Dolphins land the top RB in the draft.
[TRADE: New York trades with Pittsburgh]
Mike Pouncey (G-Florida)
Boom.
Jimmy Smith (CB-Colorado)
With Aqib Talib’s trouble with the law, signs are pointing to Tampa parting ways with Talib so they look for a corner in the draft.
Phil Taylor (NT-Baylor)
Scott Pioli has shown he doesn’t have a problem reaching for players that fit what the team needs. Taylor plugs the middle of their 3-4 defense.
Anthony Costanzo (OT-Boston College)
The Colts line has gone downhill in recent years, and finally they do something to protect Peyton.
Gabe Carimi (OT-Wisconsin)
The run on tackles happens in the early 20s of the draft and Philly gets some more protection for Mike Vick.
Ryan Kerrigan (DE-Purdue)
The Saints defense had a lot of troubles tackling last season, and this came to a head in their playoff loss to Seattle where Marshawn Lynch just ran over their whole defense. Kerrigan gives them depth along the D-line.
Corey Liuget (DT-Illinois)
Seattle was 21st in rush defense last year and Liuget gives them a player in the middle of the defense that could start right away.
Muhammad Wilkerson (DT-Temple)
The Ravens add another big body to their defensive front to pair with Haloti Ngata for a truly scary combo.
Jabaal Sheard (DE-Pittsburgh)
An ideal situation for the Falcons where they are able to land a pass rusher and get someone who has been a fast riser over the last few weeks.
Derek Sherrod (OT-Mississippi State)
The Patriots address their defensive front with Cameron Jordan early then grab Sherrod at the bottom of the first round.
Nate Solder (OT-Colorado)
Jay Cutler gets sacked way too much. Period.
Akeem Ayers (OLB-UCLA)
The Jets finally get the chance to add a pass rusher to make up for their miss on Vernon Gholston.
Danny Watkins (G-Baylor)
The Giants add another big body up front to help protect Eli.
Mason Foster (LB-Wisconsin)
The Packers add a tackling machine to the middle of their already dangerous defense.
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