1-Kansas City-Geno Smith-QB-West Virginia
*Say what you want, as long as the Chiefs have Branden Albert and Eric Winston, I can't see them spending the #1 pick on Luke Joeckel. They need a QB, Smith might be the best at the end of the draft process, and Reid knows you have to have a QB to be successful.
2-Jacksonville-Barkevious Mingo-OLB-LSU
*They have invested in a bunch of young players along the defensive line, are paying a good LT in Eugene Monroe, but still need to upgrade the pass defense. No player better than a Bruce Irvin type of player with a bit better size to improve Gus's new pass defense.
3-Oakland-Luke Joeckel-OT-Texas A&M
*Oakland gets the best player in the draft in Joeckel because it is too early for a QB. They could go defense, but I think they wait since it is a loaded defensive draft.
4-Philadelphia-Star Lotulelei-DT-Utah
*Rumors are Kelly might go with a 3-4 defense, and the one hole on the Eagles roster is really large, gap controlling DTs. Lotulelei gives them a guy to throw in the middle of their defense to protect their linebackers.
5-Detroit-Bjoern Werner-DE-Florida St.
*A bit more polished DE than Demontre Moore and less of a potential hybrid player. I see the Lions letting Cliff Avril go, saving the franchise money, and drafting a pass rusher to fill out their defensive line.
6-Cleveland-Jarvis Jones-LB-Georgia
*I think the Browns will see what they have in Weeden, like Gordon's potential at WR, and have a great offensive line. This means they look to improve a good defense, will most likely take the more experienced 3-4 OLB in the draft as they will be already working to convert Sheard and I doubt they want to try and convert Moore at the same time.
7-Arizona-Chance Warmack-OG-Alabama
*A ton of needs, but the line needs to become more physical if they want to have the threat of a running game in the NFC West. Warmack improves both pass blocking and run blocking, while allowing the Cardinals to move on from some bad contracts in the future.
8-Buffalo-Mike Glennon-QB-North Carolina St.
*Marrone got the best out of Ryan Nassib at Syracuse and I expect he will take his shot at getting the most out of Glennon who might have the best tools of any QB in the draft.
9-NY Jets-Damontre Moore-OLB-Texas A&M
*Rex Ryan wants to get more physical on both sides of the ball, and the team has been lacking a strong edge pass rusher. No QBs really make sense here, neither do RBs and it is a strong interior line class. Moore has some questions as he had his best year as a DE, but shows enough athleticism that the Jets try to make him fit.
10-Tennessee-Jonathan Cooper-OG-North Carolina
*The Titans really need to get more out of their offense, especially Chris Johnson. Cooper is a really good OG and could elevate their interior line to the same level as their tackles which are pretty good. They could use help on defense, but I can't see them taking a LB, and this is a very deep CB class despite lacking a true top CB.
11-San Diego-Eric Fisher-OT-Central Michigan
*The Chargers need to keep Rivers upright if they want to win, and Fisher is the LT they need to do so. This pick just makes too much sense.
12-Miami-Keenan Allen-WR-California
*Tannahill needs more weapons and Allen is the best weapon in the draft. This might change after free agency, but right now, Allen is the guy.
13-Tampa Bay-Sam Mongomery-DE-LSU
*Not a great draft to search for a rush DE in the middle rounds so the Bucs improve their pass defense by adding a pass rusher early and with the intention of using the draft's depth at CB later.
14-Carolina-Sheldon Richardson-DT-Missouri
*Carolina is terrible against the run and has a terrible interior pass rush. Richardson improves both of these and is a fiery competitor that the defense needs.
15-New Orleans-Jonathan Hankins-DT-Ohio St.
*A bunch of needs on defense for this team, but I think they see to compete with the NFC East and NFC West, they need to have a physical pressence in the middle of their defense. Hankins flashes dominance which is why he lasts until the mid 1st round, but the Saints will believe they can motivate him to do so more often.
16-St. Louis-Lane Johnson-OT-Oklahoma
*The Rams like Saffold at LT, but most people understand that he is better suited to be a RT in the NFL. Johnson has risen up the draft boards because of tremendous feet which is why the Rams are thrilled he is available. essentially improves two position on their offensive line with one pick.
17-Pittsburgh-Stepfan Taylor-RB-Stanford
*Maybe the first shocker of the draft, but it shouldn't be. Taylor showed at the Senior Bowl that he does EVERYTHING really well. For a team that will let Mendenhall go because of his struggles in pass protection and receiving, Taylor fills all of their needs. He can run with power, pass block, and provide a receiving option out of the backfield. A pretty solid fit.
18-Dallas-Dion Jordan -DE-Oregon
*Kiffen likes undersized edge rushers, and pairing Jordan with Ware at DE in Dallas' new cover 2 scheme is exactly what Jerry Jones can be sold on. Athletic edge rushers to get after Eli Manning and chase down RGIII are exactly what Dallas needs to win the division.
19-NY Giants-Ezekiel Ansah-DE-BYU
*The Giants love versatile defensive pass rushers they can rotate across their defensive front. Ansah fits this mold perfectly and can provide future relief from potential large contract deals with their current d-line players.
20-Chicago-Kyle Long-OT-Oregon
*Hard to figure the Bears can fire Lovie Smith due to an offense which failed because of the offensive line, and not address it early in this draft. Long might be a bit of a reach, but he is huge, physical and athletic enough to contribute at a high level. Cutler doesn't need a ton of help, but he does need some and Long can do that.
21-Minnesota-Alec Ogletree-ILB -Georgia
*Minnesota has several needs, but getting more athletic at the LB position has to be high on the list. They have invested time and money in their defensive line, there are a ton of WRs in this draft (and they drafted two last year), and their secondary filled out well with last years new additions. Upgrading the LB position is the next logical step to supporting Ponder and their offense.
22-Cincinatti-Kenny Vaccaro-FS-Texas
*A great S who can shore up their deep defense. They are deep at CB, strong along the defensive line, and their offense is pretty good. Vaccaro helps prevent big plays and is athletic enough to play man coverage when needed.
23-St Louis frm Washington-Jessie Williams-DT-Alabama
*Rob Ryan needs to be able to stop the run to compete in the NFC West. Williams is a tremendous NT who can combine with Langford/Long and the kid they drafted last year to formulate a really solid defensive line.
24-Indianapolis-Manti Te'o-ILB -Notre Dame
*Big, physical and athletic ILB who can help the Colts defense stop Arian Foster, MJD and Chris Johnson. He is a leader despite the girlfriend scandal, and I can't imagine Chuck Pagano not willing to give someone else a second chance. Young team and lockerroom that Te'o can move on with.
25-Seattle-Zack Ertz-TE-Stanford
*Russell Wilson got the most out of Zach Miller, and now I expect the Seahawks to give him a bit more to work with. Ertz can run, catch and block which is rare for college TEs and fits what the Seahawks want to do on offense.
26-Green Bay-John Jenkins-DT-Georgia
*Say what you want about Green Bay's defense, they lack up front other than Raji. Jenkins gives them another interior threat which can limit teams ability to double and triple team Matthews outside. Also helps against AP and Forte.
27-Houston-Dee Milliner-CB-Alabama
*Houston needs another CB opposite of Joseph and Milliner drops a bit in the draft due to not being a sure, shut down corner. However, he is still very talented and upgrades a very shaky unit on the Houston defense.
28-Denver-Eric Reid-FS-LSU
*We all saw R Moore against Baltimore and the play he missed. Reid's selection is in a way because of that play, but more because the Broncos need to get more atheltic in their secondary.
29-New England-Desmond Trufant-CB-Washington
*Physical CB who is smart, competes, and can tackle. He is a CB who allows the Pats to move McCourty to S full time.
30-Atlanta-Tyler Eifert-TE-Notre Dame
*Falcons try to replace Tony Gonzalez, and Eifert at least the stature to do it.
31-Baltimore-Kevin Minter-ILB-LSU
*This team needs to get cheaper on defense, and Minter is really talented. He isn't Ray Lewis, but he is a very good player.
32-San Francisco-Larry Warford-OG-Kentucky
*Not many needs on this team, but they did sign Leonard Davis for a reason last year and they have shown a willingness to draft linemen high. Warford is a power RG that is young, cheap and keeps this team near the top of the NFC.
*That is it. Rip to shreds if you want. Here is my Cardinals mock draft. I'm not going to project the AJ Jefferson pick or comp picks at this time.
1-Chance Warmack-OG-Alabama-6'3 320
*Arguable BPA and fills a huge need. Upgrades both running game and passing game.
2-Ryan Nassib-QB-Syracuse-6'2 228
*Arians type of QB that stands tall in the pocket, is confident, and seems cool under pressure.
3-Cornellius Carradine-DE-Florida St-6'4 265
*Coming off an injury, but still warrents a mid pick. Primarily a DE, but looks to be athletic enough to play in different fronts which the Cardinals are reporting they want to do.
4-Kenjon Barner-RB-Oregon-5'9 188
*Arians wants an explosive offense, has two physical RBs in Wells and Williams, and will need to fill the void left by LSH who I don't believe the Cardinals can afford to keep. Barner brings big plays to the running game which it has historically lacked, and doesn't require the high draft pick that would force him to play more than he is suited for.
5-Denard Robinson-WR-Michigan-5'11 197
*Another big time playmaker which Arians covets, but Robinson is a bit of a project. He is not a developed WR, but is a versatile player, can make big plays, and is elusive in the open field. A guy who seems willing to work hard in order to create a niche for himself with a NFL team.
6-Michael Williams-TE-Alabama-6'5 272
*Traditional #2 TE who will drop because of the better athletes that are drafted earlier at his position. Not flashy, but is a really good blocker, and is solid in the short/intermediate passing game. A younger, cheaper Jeff King who is a more natural blocker.
7-Greg Blair-ILB-Cincinnati-6'1 252
*Thumping, two down ILB to develop behind Paris Lenon and can play MLB in 4-3 sets. Solid last day pick who helps on special teams as well.
