With Free Agency slowing down and the big names finding new homes, or returning to previous ones I'd thought I'd take a quick look at what the draft at the end of the month will look like. Hit the lights and grab your pork rinds, here we go...
1. Green Bay Packers: AJ Green, WR Georgia
They've got the quarterback, but lost his number one target when they traded Jennings to the Patriots. There hasn't been a safer bet at WR since Calvin Johnson was taken by the Lions at number two. The Packers don't want to make a Raider-esque mistake and leave Cam Newton alone.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Newton, QB Auburn
It's a toss up between Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, but let's face it Cam has a lot of tools and abilities that Gabbert doesn't and if there's a team in need of a boost in ticket sales it is the Jaguars and Newton has his Florida connections to bring in the fans. Strong arm and athletic and an upgrade over the likes of Shaun Hill.
3. Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairely, DT Auburn
The Bills could go a number of ways with this pick. Are they happy with Ryan Fitzpatrick? For now they are because Blaine Gabbert is not worth the third overall pick. Instead they play it safe and pick Fairley who is a penetrating force at the DT position and has bee compared to Suh. Now he's just a notch below but that is still a solid endorsement.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Jonathan Joseph is gone and the Bengals have a spot open opposite Leon Hall. So why not take the best and ready cornerback in the draft? It's a no brainer unless they feel they can't get Carson to step on the field in the upcoming season.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, LB Texas A&M
I'd say they need a wide receiver because they traded a difference maker in Larry Fitzgerald who happened to catch over a thousand yards and six scores with guys like Max Hall throwing to him. What kind of bone head move is that by a general manager? They did replace him with Sidney Rice, who's only had one good season, and no healthy ones. Von Miller is there and is a tackling machine, a bit undersized but should provide solid play from the linebacker position.
6. Cleveland Browns: JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin
Here's a guy who's got a non stop motor and will keep going. Great size on him that lends him the ability to play end in a 3-4, but can rush and disrupt from the 4-3 as well. This one is almost as easy a fit as Joe Thomas was.
7. Oakland Raiders: DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB Miami
Speed. That's all you need to say about the Raiders. 4.28 is all you have to say about Van Dyke. Al Davis will over rule his GM and demand the fastest man at the combine is drafted here. It's Al's world and Oakland is just living in it.
8. Indianapolis Colts: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
The quarterback position has seemed to settle now, but what an offseason it's been for the Colts. They won the Manning sweepstakes but the franchise would have crumbled under that contract. So they went and got Hassleback for thirty million less. They need some help in the back of the field so here comes the next best corner. Probably as good as Patrick Peterson, Prince is a smooth athlete who looks like your next elite corner.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas
The Cowboys GM likes to party, so it's only fitting he drafts Ryan Mallett so he has someone on the team that he can hang with what they already have Tony Romo? Yeah he's dated Jessica Simpson and the like but really Ryan knows how to party, no comparison. Besides isn't it fitting that Romo is replaced by a slow statue-esque quarterback
like he replaced Drew Bledsoe. That my friends is the world coming full circle.
10. Seattle Seahawks: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
Seahawks need help all over, but how did it happen... Bowers slipped all the way to the bottom of the top ten and gives Seattle the feared Julius Peppers/Jared Allen/Dwight Freeney level disruptive rusher every team wants. Blame it on Oakland for their love of speed, and the Cowboys GM love of booze and the “other” speed.
Alright stay tuned for part two of my Mock Draft. I'll be picking out #11 to 22.
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