Mitch Mock V. 3.0

[Mitch]

Greetings once again from snowy Wrentham, MA. Another snow day means another updated mock---one that I actually have been preparing for over a week, as last weekend I spent most of the time viewing tapes of the top prospects, particularly at OLB and QB.

1. CAR: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
2. DEN: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
3. BUF: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
4. CIN: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. MIN (from AZ---for the #12, #105, #135 and #173 picks): A.J. Green, WR Georgia
6. CLE: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7. SF: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
8. TEN: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
9. DAL: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
10. WAS: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
11. HOU: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
12. ARZ: Justin Houston, OLB/DE, 6-3, 260, Georgia. This is the player I want more than any other in this draft. When you watch him what jumps out at you is his explosive first step off the edge. It's like he is shot out of a cannon. No other edge rusher in this draft is as explosive off the edge---the only one who comes close is Von Miller---but, here's the catch---Houston has the strength to turn the corner, whereas Miller does not---Miller has to hope that he clears the OT, otherwise he gets steered far too wide of the pocket. If you watch the video of the Georgia/Georgia Tech game---what you see is not only Houston's great explosion on pass rushes (from both sides), but he takes over the game by scooping up a fumble and returning it for a TD and then sealing the deal with a game ending interception where he did a perfect job of reading the QB.

38. Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, 6-5, 300, Temple. Bye bye Alan Branch---we hardly knew ya. This kid plays big and has bounce to his game. He can rotate in at NT and DE and nickel DT (4 man rush). Combo player deluxe.

69. Jabaal Sheard, OLB/DE, 6-4, 260, Pittsburgh. The perfect compliment to Houston. Bullish rusher who is extremely strong in the upperbody and legs. Reminds me a little of LaMarr Woodley. Plays the left side. I envision O'Brien Schofield starting at LOLB, but Sheard rotating in as the LDE in the 4 man rush opposite Houston at RDE...and Dockett/Campbell/Wilkerson as rush DTs.

102. John Moffitt, G, 6-5, 323, Wisconsin. The young mauling guard---in the Alan Faneca mold---we all covet. Could contend for a starting job right away.

105. Charlie Gantt, TE, 6-5, 255, Michigan St. All-purpose TE who is strong at the point of attack and slippery up the seams---good hands.

133. Greg McElroy, QB, 6-2, 225, Alabama. This is the QB I want. I watched hours of tape on all the top prospects and I kept reverting back to McElroy because of his smarts, accuracy and grit.

135. Josh Bynes, SILB, 6-2, 240, Auburn. Under-rated middle man. Auburn's leading tackler for the last two years. Reminds me a little of another one-time Auburn Tiger, Takeo Spikes.

147. (Trade with Tampa Bay for WR Early Doucet) Vincent Brown, WR, 6-0, 182, San Diego St. A real sleeper who will become a camp favorite.

166. Owen Marecic, FB, 6-1, 243, Stanford. We need to start getting consistent production from the FB and this kid is the total package.

173. Tejay Johnson, FS, 6-1, 212, TCU. One of the most unheralded players on that undefeated TCU squad. This Horned Frog plays solid in all aspects of the position. The TCU 4-2-5 defense is essentially the Pro Nickel the Cardinals play on passing downs, thus Johnson will fit right in.

179. Lawrence Wilson, SS, 6-1, 222, Connecticut. Led CT in tackles at WOLB...is a tackling machine, who will need to convert to SS, where another Wilson can teach him the ropes.

2011 Roster:

QB (3): McNabb*, Skelton, McElroy

RB (4): Hightower, Wells, Tolbert*, Stephens-Howling

FB (1): Marecic

WR (5): Fitzgerald, Breaston, Roberts, Williams, Brown, V.

TE (3): Miller*, Dray, Gantt

OL (9): Trueblood*, Brown, Hadnot, Sendlein, Lutui, Keith, Bridges, Moffitt, Claxton.

NT (2): Williams, Alford*

DE (4): Dockett, Campbell, Wilkerson, Iwebema

ILB (4): Washington, Lenon, Walker, Bynes

OLB (5): Haggans/Porter (one goes, one stays, TBD), Schofield, Houston, Davis, Sheard

CB (5): Rodgers-Cromartie, Toler, Jefferson, Adams, McBride

S (5): Wilson, A., Rhodes, Johnson, R., Johnson, T., Wilson, L.

ST (3): Feely, Graham, Leach

PS (8): QB Max Hall, RB Smith, T/G Tom Pestock, TE Coby Fleener (UCFA-Stanford), WR Max Komar, DE Ronald Talley, LB Alex Wujciak (UCFA-Maryland), CB Marshay Green.

 

[football karma]

an article in the AZ Rep this morning handicapped who the Cards starting QB would be next year. McNabb came in last at 200-1.

when both Urban and Somers are saying quite emphatically-- "no McNabb" -- it means somebody of authority in the organization told them "No McNabb".

 

[Cards Czar]

Well if this trade goes down we just got screwed. Comon Mitch. Minny should give up # 12 and #43 and #136 them maybe its a fair trade.

MIN (from AZ---for the #12, #105, #135 and #173 picks): A.J. Green, WR Georgia

Arizona:
# 5 pick = 1700 pts

Min:
# 12 = 1200 pts
#105 = 84
#135 = 38.5
# 173 = 22.2
Total = 1344.7

 

[Mitch]

an article in the AZ Rep this morning handicapped who the Cards starting QB would be next year. McNabb came in last at 200-1.

when both Urban and Somers are saying quite emphatically-- "no McNabb" -- it means somebody of authority in the organization told them "No McNabb".

I don't believe it---remember, Somers and Urban had no inside scoop on the Leinart situation. Team officials do not typically give them any inside info. Purposely so.

 

[WarnerHOF]

I don't get it, why does Minny give up so many picks for a player that is basically a Sidney Rice clone and plays a position that is extremely low on their list of needs?

 

[Mitch]

Well if this trade goes down we just got screwed. Comon Mitch. Minny should give up # 12 and #43 and #136 them maybe its a fair trade.

MIN (from AZ---for the #12, #105, #135 and #173 picks): A.J. Green, WR Georgia

Arizona:
# 5 pick = 1700 pts

Min:
# 12 = 1200 pts
#105 = 84
#135 = 38.5
# 173 = 22.2
Total = 1344.7

I hear you, Czar. My reasoning was that the player I want (Houston) is a bit of a reach at #5...and if it would mean being able to select Houston at #12 and be in a position to add a TE in Gantt, a QB in McElroy and a FB in Marecic in addtion to being able to draft DT Wilkerson, OLB/DE Sheard, G Moffitt, LB Bynes, FS Johnson and SS Wilson, that it would be a boon.

The one player I could see the Vikings offer the #12 and 3 extra draft picks for is A.J. Green.

I would love to take Green, if he's there at #5...but that would mean desperately hoping Houston falls to #38 and that is not going to happen. He is going to rise up the boards very quickly.

 

[juza76]

i dont like..i dont think is good taking 2 olb in the first 3 round..and justin houston is a reach at 12th pick

 

[Mitch]

I don't get it, why does Minny give up so many picks for a player that is basically a Sidney Rice clone and plays a position that is extremely low on their list of needs?

Imagine this, WHOF: Rice and Green outside and Harvin and Shiancoe inside.

 

[juza76]

I don't get it, why does Minny give up so many picks for a player that is basically a Sidney Rice clone and plays a position that is extremely low on their list of needs?

yep right.i think they have a good wr corp..they have others need

 

[Mitch]

i dont like..i dont think is good taking 2 olb in the first 3 round..and justin houston is a reach at 12th pick

Wait and see, 76. By the time the boards are set, Houston may be Top 10 even. When you watch and compare him to the other pass rushers, the kid stands out. Go YouTube him and then YouTube Bowers, Quinn, Miller, Kerrigan, etc.

Honestly, I would not have any issue with taking him at #5. I think he's the best edge rusher in this draft. I did not think so before I watched the tapes, although when I saw him in his bowl game this year (before he declared), I was so impressed I went and watched more tapes of him.

 

[Reddog]

Nice Mitch. I think we can give away some points in the trade but not 356. Not sure the 5 pick is worth that much in this draft although with a Rookie salery cap maybe it would be an unprecidented value. Either way I like the move down and the pick. McNabb - no way in this offence but maybe we finally become a run first offence in which case we better find a RB that can carry us.

I would like to see a FA ILB and some depth at CB.

 

[juza76]

Wait and see, 76. By the time the boards are set, Houston may be Top 10 even. When you watch and compare him to the other pass rushers, the kid stands out. Go YouTube him and then YouTube Bowers, Quinn, Miller, Kerrigan, etc.

Honestly, I would not have any issue with taking him at #5. I think he's the best edge rusher in this draft. I did not think so before I watched the tapes, although when I saw him in his bowl game this year (before he declared), I was so impressed I went and watched more tapes of him.

honestly i would prefer aldon smith.i watched also justin houston.i dont think he has a great first step.i think drafting so early a defensive end that you want to convert in olb is risky(vernon golston)..i think the front office would take aj green without trading down if he is available

 

[joeshmo]

Houston does have some skill and he already comes in as 3-4 OLB trained having played in Georgia's 3-4 Defense in 2010 so he has that going for him as well.

I wouldnt be upset with him at 13 at all, But I would still take Aldon Smith with that spot, More athletic and a much higher ceiling IMO. Aldon is my #1 OLB prospect in the draft with Houston a very close second.

McNabb is also not an option. Somers and Urban tell their readers a lot of stuff without actually telling us. You have to of read them for a long time to catch on to their vailed clues. But when they come right out and say it, you take notice. Warner has also come right out and said it when he stated that he is not a good QB for out system. I will take what Urban, Somers, and the guy who knows the system word on it.

 

[desertdawg]

McNabb is also not an option. Somers and Urban tell their readers a lot of stuff without actually telling us. You have to of read them for a long time to catch on to their vailed clues. But when they come right out and say it, you take notice. Warner has also come right out and said it when he stated that he is not a good QB for out system. I will take what Urban, Somers, and the guy who knows the system word on it.

Are you thinking Orton and Bulger as the finalists?

 

[Cardiac]

Wait and see, 76. By the time the boards are set, Houston may be Top 10 even. When you watch and compare him to the other pass rushers, the kid stands out. Go YouTube him and then YouTube Bowers, Quinn, Miller, Kerrigan, etc.

Honestly, I would not have any issue with taking him at #5. I think he's the best edge rusher in this draft. I did not think so before I watched the tapes, although when I saw him in his bowl game this year (before he declared), I was so impressed I went and watched more tapes of him.

To your point I have already seen Houston in the top 20 in mocks now that he has declared. Houston also jumped off the screen when I watched his youtube tape.

While some are hung up on the trade value chart it has become antiquated. I actually don't think the Vikings will give up that many picks but it's not out of the the realm of possibility. I also don't know that they want AJ that badly.

If many of us believe that the TE position is a bit of an afterthought on this team then FB is even more so.

I would want the SILB position addressed sooner but not everything can fall into place with the several needs we have.

I know you believe that the FO feels that Levi is a good fit at LT (you may be right) but with the loss of Herm Johnson I think they will draft another OT at some point in the draft.

I'm not sure that the safety position needs all the help that you seem to but again it's not to far out there.

 

[joeshmo]

Are you thinking Orton and Bulger as the finalists?

I am going to sound like Urban here and it pisses off all of the people on Twitter he responds to. "I dont know, 4 more months for the team to still think about it." I think the team has an idea and both are on the radar, but I dont think they know for sure yet, and it makes it even harder with the CBA uncertianty.

 

[Mulli]

I am going to sound like Urban here and it pisses off all of the people on Twitter he responds to. "I dont know, 4 more months for the team to still think about it." I think the team has an idea and both are on the radar, but I dont think they know for sure yet, and it makes it even harder with the CBA uncertianty.

Orton didn't help himself with his performance against the Cardinals.

:fanningflames:

 

[desertdawg]

I am going to sound like Urban here and it pisses off all of the people on Twitter he responds to. "I dont know, 4 more months for the team to still think about it." I think the team has an idea and both are on the radar, but I dont think they know for sure yet, and it makes it even harder with the CBA uncertianty.

That is some weak coffee amigo.

 

[Mitch]

honestly i would prefer aldon smith.i watched also justin houston.i dont think he has a great first step.i think drafting so early a defensive end that you want to convert in olb is risky(vernon golston)..i think the front office would take aj green without trading down if he is available

Aldon Smith is explosive...no question...but, when you watch him on tape, he's a read and react guy...he has a hitch in his first step...which might be corrected. I rarely saw him explode off the ball...he did his exploding to the ball after he had stood up to see where the play was going. In the NFL he won't have as much time or leverege to do that.

When I watched Houston...his first step is amazing. Plus, he's been a stand up OLB...whereas Smith has been a hand down DE and DT. Again, Smith may adjust to the switch very well. Plus, having played with his hand down, he'd be ready to play as the RDE in the 4 man nickel rush.

You have to be impressed with Quinn as well.

If we come away with Houston, Smith or Quinn, I will be very happy.

 

[Seandonic]

Greetings once again from snowy Wrentham, MA. Another snow day means another updated mock---one that I actually have been preparing for over a week, as last weekend I spent most of the time viewing tapes of the top prospects, particularly at OLB and QB.

1. CAR: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
2. DEN: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
3. BUF: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
4. CIN: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. MIN (from AZ---for the #12, #105, #135 and #173 picks): A.J. Green, WR Georgia
6. CLE: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7. SF: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
8. TEN: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
9. DAL: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
10. WAS: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
11. HOU: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
12. ARZ: Justin Houston, OLB/DE, 6-3, 260, Georgia. This is the player I want more than any other in this draft. When you watch him what jumps out at you is his explosive first step off the edge. It's like he is shot out of a cannon. No other edge rusher in this draft is as explosive off the edge---the only one who comes close is Von Miller---but, here's the catch---Houston has the strength to turn the corner, whereas Miller does not---Miller has to hope that he clears the OT, otherwise he gets steered far too wide of the pocket. If you watch the video of the Georgia/Georgia Tech game---what you see is not only Houston's great explosion on pass rushes (from both sides), but he takes over the game by scooping up a fumble and returning it for a TD and then sealing the deal with a game ending interception where he did a perfect job of reading the QB.

38. Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, 6-5, 300, Temple. Bye bye Alan Branch---we hardly knew ya. This kid plays big and has bounce to his game. He can rotate in at NT and DE and nickel DT (4 man rush). Combo player deluxe.

69. Jabaal Sheard, OLB/DE, 6-4, 260, Pittsburgh. The perfect compliment to Houston. Bullish rusher who is extremely strong in the upperbody and legs. Reminds me a little of LaMarr Woodley. Plays the left side. I envision O'Brien Schofield starting at LOLB, but Sheard rotating in as the LDE in the 4 man rush opposite Houston at RDE...and Dockett/Campbell/Wilkerson as rush DTs.

102. John Moffitt, G, 6-5, 323, Wisconsin. The young mauling guard---in the Alan Faneca mold---we all covet. Could contend for a starting job right away.

105. Charlie Gantt, TE, 6-5, 255, Michigan St. All-purpose TE who is strong at the point of attack and slippery up the seams---good hands.

133. Greg McElroy, QB, 6-2, 225, Alabama. This is the QB I want. I watched hours of tape on all the top prospects and I kept reverting back to McElroy because of his smarts, accuracy and grit.

135. Josh Bynes, SILB, 6-2, 240, Auburn. Under-rated middle man. Auburn's leading tackler for the last two years. Reminds me a little of another one-time Auburn Tiger, Takeo Spikes.

147. (Trade with Tampa Bay for WR Early Doucet) Vincent Brown, WR, 6-0, 182, San Diego St. A real sleeper who will become a camp favorite.

166. Owen Marecic, FB, 6-1, 243, Stanford. We need to start getting consistent production from the FB and this kid is the total package.

173. Tejay Johnson, FS, 6-1, 212, TCU. One of the most unheralded players on that undefeated TCU squad. This Horned Frog plays solid in all aspects of the position. The TCU 4-2-5 defense is essentially the Pro Nickel the Cardinals play on passing downs, thus Johnson will fit right in.

179. Lawrence Wilson, SS, 6-1, 222, Connecticut. Led CT in tackles at WOLB...is a tackling machine, who will need to convert to SS, where another Wilson can teach him the ropes.

2011 Roster:

QB (3): McNabb*, Skelton, McElroy

RB (4): Hightower, Wells, Tolbert*, Stephens-Howling

FB (1): Marecic

WR (5): Fitzgerald, Breaston, Roberts, Williams, Brown, V.

TE (3): Miller*, Dray, Gantt

OL (9): Trueblood*, Brown, Hadnot, Sendlein, Lutui, Keith, Bridges, Moffitt, Claxton.

NT (2): Williams, Alford*

DE (4): Dockett, Campbell, Wilkerson, Iwebema

ILB (4): Washington, Lenon, Walker, Bynes

OLB (5): Haggans/Porter (one goes, one stays, TBD), Schofield, Houston, Davis, Sheard

CB (5): Rodgers-Cromartie, Toler, Jefferson, Adams, McBride

S (5): Wilson, A., Rhodes, Johnson, R., Johnson, T., Wilson, L.

ST (3): Feely, Graham, Leach

PS (8): QB Max Hall, RB Smith, T/G Tom Pestock, TE Coby Fleener (UCFA-Stanford), WR Max Komar, DE Ronald Talley, LB Alex Wujciak (UCFA-Maryland), CB Marshay Green.

I think the Cards should go QB in the first but if not I like Aldon Smith over Justin Houston. You could probably wait until the second round to get Houston unless he starts climbing up draft boards. He would still be a nice pick though.

I live in the heart of SEC country so I understand your liking Houston but I'm still confused as to why you like McElroy so much. All I've ever seen and heard from him has been mediocre at best.

I like your draft overall. It's very similar to one I've been working on. Some of the same players even (Moffit and Bynes).

Overall I like the guys you add to the team via draft and free-agency. I also hope that the winner of your Porter/Haggans battle is Haggans.

 

[binkar]

I believe Rice is a free agent this year. If he were to walk, or they fear he would walk, they could definitely target Green. Also, I wouldn't be disappointed at all if we took 2 pass rushers in the first 3 rounds. When is the last time we had an elite pass rusher? It's unbelievable the difference that can make on a defense.

 

[Mitch]

Houston does have some skill and he already comes in as 3-4 OLB trained having played in Georgia's 3-4 Defense in 2010 so he has that going for him as well.

I wouldnt be upset with him at 13 at all, But I would still take Aldon Smith with that spot, More athletic and a much higher ceiling IMO. Aldon is my #1 OLB prospect in the draft with Houston a very close second.

McNabb is also not an option. Somers and Urban tell their readers a lot of stuff without actually telling us. You have to of read them for a long time to catch on to their vailed clues. But when they come right out and say it, you take notice. Warner has also come right out and said it when he stated that he is not a good QB for out system. I will take what Urban, Somers, and the guy who knows the system word on it.

I had a very mixed reaction to the Warner interview...he wasn't exactly raving about Bulger. In fact, he said he wondered where Bulger's "head is right now." He did say that when Bulger's head is on straight that he was a real force...but that was over 5 years ago.

I just don't understand the interest in this guy.

In a post last week, I concluded that to be fit for Whiz the QB had to be (1) tough; (2) a Type A...which is why Leinart never had a legit shot with Whiz, because he's neither.

Bulger is neither. One of his own Rams' teammates last year said, he "has no presence at all on the field."

Watching him play the last few years, the teammate was absolutely right.

I would rather go into this season with Skelton as the starter---for two reasons:

1. If he succeeds and builds on his 2-2 record, we have our QBOP&F.

2. If he struggles, there's a kid named Andrew Luck to turn to.

The reason why I want McNabb is that I think it would send a clear message to the team and to the NFC West that the Cardinals aim to be back as the NFC West Champions.

If you were the Rams, Seahawks or 49ers, who would you worry about more, McNabb or Bulger?

Sure, McNabb is finding himself at a crossroads, having lost the job in Philly and now heading on his way out of DC. And yes, there are aspects of his game that he needs to improve---but, more than any other QB on the FA market, he's been to more Pro Bowls, won more divisions and NFC Championships---by far.

Signing McNabb would, imo, re-energize this team.

And I strongly believe that being with the Cardinals would re-energize McNabb.

The one player I would like to ask is Larry Fitzgerald. I cannot possibly imagine Fitz wanting Bulger over McNabb---not in a million years.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

There is a lot I agree with, actually I really can't see where I disagree with anything here.

Mitch, you and I are thinking a lot a like when it comes to the draft.

Especially McElroy, I am a big fan of McElroy, and think he could be a steal in this draft.

Picking a QB in round one would be a huge mistake for the Cardinals. The only QB's that should be picked in round 1, IMO, are players that are "ready out of the box" type players.

All the QB's projected to go in the first round, are players whom need time and to be groomed. At that point I would continue to work with Skelton if we are going to groom a QB for the future.

Sidenote: Tyler Thigpen is a FA this year.

 

[Mitch]

I think the Cards should go QB in the first but if not I like Aldon Smith over Justin Houston. You could probably wait until the second round to get Houston unless he starts climbing up draft boards. He would still be a nice pick though.

I live in the heart of SEC country so I understand your liking Houston but I'm still confused as to why you like McElroy so much. All I've ever seen and heard from him has been mediocre at best.

I like your draft overall. It's very similar to one I've been working on. Some of the same players even (Moffit and Bynes).

Overall I like the guys you add to the team via draft and free-agency. I also hope that the winner of your Porter/Haggans battle is Haggans.

1. QB at #5...this year's QB pool looks weak, doesn't it? In what other year would Blaine Gabbert be considered the #1 prospect?

This inflates his draft position...and the others'.

I am intrigued by Gabbert---but I am also very intrigued with the guy we alreast have in John Skelton.

We know the Cardinals are going to sign a veteran---who---in all likelihood, will be the starter for the next two years.

So...I would agree with you, Sean, about taking a QB at #5 if there was a player there you could take and start right away like the Rams did with Bradford.

2. I used a 5th round pick on McElroy because I think he fits the Whiz mold: tough and Type A. He doesn't have the strongest arm, but neither did Kurt Warner. McElroy won a National Championship---yes, surrounded by a stellar cast---but, really the Tide had been down when he arrived and they started winning when he and Saban took the reins. There was a time when McElroy had never lost a game, in high school and at Bama. Sometimes you bank on a winner and with just a 5th round pick, that's not too bad a risk, is it?

 

[kerouac9]

I'm pretty sure that Max Hall is practice squad ineligible because he was on the active roster for all 16 games this year. Which is a good thing, because he has no place on any roster, including those perhaps in the UFL.

Joe?

Also, until the CBA is signed, there's no signing undrafted college free agents. Should be an interesting few months for those kids, and very, very little likelihood that many will make rosters after an abbreviated training camp.