As Promised, my NFL Mock Draft

Here is my foray into the mock draft world.  If I am wrong, so what? These things are unpredictable.  Also this is based on no trades happening.  I can’t predict the future.  And neither can you. 

1. Carolina (2-14) – Cam Newton QB Auburn

The Panthers won’t be able to resist.  Although this is a team with about 10 areas of need.

2. Denver (4-12) –  Marcel Dareus DE-DT Alabama

The Broncos need defense.  Also don’t be surprised to see a team come and get this pick for Blaine Gabbert.

3. Buffalo (4-12) -  Von Miller LB-DE Texas A&M

The Bills also have a ton of needs.  A Ton. 

4. Cincinnati (4-12)- A.J. Green WR Georgia

Who knows what the worst owner in the NFL is going to do?  Seriously. 

5. Arizona (5-11) – Blaine Gabbert QB Mizzou

The Cards need a QB.  In the worst way.  Don’t be surprised if a team moves up here to get Patrick Peterson of LSU.

6. Cleveland (5-11) - Julio Jones WR Alabama

The Browns need more playmakers on offens e.  And Julio is just a shade below AJ Green.

7. San Francisco (6-10)- Patrick Peterson CB LSU

In my opinion the BEST player in the draft.  Someone may trade up and get him.

8. Tennessee (6-10)- Nick Fairley DT Auburn

Scouts question his “want to” but he is a guy who can disrupt a game.

9. Dallas (6-10) – Tyron Smith OT USC

The Cowboys go OL here.  The biggest area of need.  Jerry is a bit of a wild card. 

10. Washington (6-10)-  Robert Quinn DE UNC

The Skins may reach for a QB here, but I am going to give Mike Shanahan the benefit of the doubt here.

11. Houston (6-10) – Aldon Smith DE-OLB Mizzou

Texans need defense.  Some experts have them moving up to get Peterson.  I don’t see that happening.

12. Minnesota (6-10)-  Andy Dalton QB TCU

This is my shocker pick here.  The Red Headed Stranger has been shooting up the boards.  No Favre means you need a QB.  Jake Locker could go here too.

13. Detroit (6-10) - Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

Bowers is falling due to injury concerns.  But when healthy, he is to quote Kanye West “a @#%$% MONSTER!”

14. St. Louis (7-9) - Corey Liguet DT Illinois

Saw this guy in the Texas Bowl.  He is dominant.  Great pick for the Rams should they make it.

15. Miami (7-9) – Mark Ingram RB Alabama

QB is a need here.  So is RB.  Could be Jake Locker as well.

16. Jacksonville (8-8) – Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue

Jack Del Rio has been trying to shore up the defensive front for years. 

17. New England - from Oakland (8-8) – J.J. Watt DE Wisconsin

Perfect 3-4 end.  Will flourish in Beantown.

18. San Diego (9-7) – Cameron Jordan DE Cal

Fits well in the defense there.  Can shore up a unit that wasn’t as good as it needed to be last year.

19. New York Giants (10-6) – Anthony Castanzo OT Boston College

       Not their biggest need, but a young tackle who you can build a line around.  Don’t be surprised if this pick gets traded.

20. Tampa Bay (10-6) – Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska

Aquib Talib’s legal troubles makes this an area of need for the Bucs.

21. Kansas City* (10-6) - Gabe Carimi T Wisconsin

The Chiefs continue to build the OL. 

22. Indianapolis* (10-6) – Nate Solder OT Colorado

Peyton Manning isn’t getting younger.  The Colts need a tackle to look after him.

23. Philadelphia* (10-6) – Mike Pouncey OG- Florida

You could see Danny Watkins of Baylor here.  But Pouncey may be ranked a touch higher on some boards.

24. New Orleans* (11-5)-  Adrian Clayborn DE  Iowa

The Saints biggest need is stopping the other guys right now.  Clayborn fits that mold.

25. Seattle* (7-9) – Jake Locker QB Washington

Perfect pick.  Perfect spot.  Perfect situation for Locker.

26. Baltimore* (12-4) – Jimmy Smith CB Colorado

This is if the Ravens ignore numerous off-field troubles.

27. Atlanta* (13-3) - Justin Houston DE/OLB Georgia

As evidenced by the beating they took in the playoffs, the Falcons must shore up their defense.

28. New England* (14-2) – Marvin Austin DT UNC

Bill Belichick is probably going to trade this pick.  Christian Ponder or Ryan Mallett could get drafted by a QB hungry team here.

29. Chicago* (11-5) - Derek Sherrod T Mississippi State

The Bears made a great run with a patchwork line.  That changes here. Sherrod has great feet and is never out of position.  That will help with a QB who likes to make it up as he goes, like Jay Cutler.

30. New York Jets* (11-5) – Phil Taylor NT Baylor

If you had asked me 2 years ago if this would happen, I would have said you were on meth.  Seriously.  His performance his junior year was terrible.  He improved last season, but I still think this is a reach.  But with his size and talent, Rex Ryan, Kris Jenkins and others to mold him, he has a HUGE upside. 

31. Pittsburgh* (12-4) – Aaron Williams CB Texas

Secondary and OL are the only 2 areas of immediate need for a stacked Steelers team. 

32. Green Bay* (10-6) Danny Watkins OG Baylor

As you all may know, we at ESPN Central Texas LOVE Danny Watkins.  I could see him going higher, but he is a great fit for the Pack.  They won the Super Bowl despite a ton of injuries, several along the O-Line.  Watkins is a junkyard dog out on the field and will not let you get to his QB without paying for it.  Aaron Rodgers will love him instantly.   

So there you have it.  My mock draft.  Email me at paul@1660espn.com.  You will be entered in the drawing to win 2 tickets to Schlitterbahn.  Include your name, address, and phone number in the email. 

It's Been a Long Time....

I'm back to the blogosphere!!!  Call it a month long writer's block, but after some time away I am lucid and ready to rock.  Here's my list for this week.  

1.  I actually took batting practice at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Saturday.  While I doubt Jon Daniels is working up a contract for me, I held my own.  It's quite an experience.  Great day all the way around.

2.  The Mavs better get with it.  The Blazers were the trendy pick to win this series.  And now we can all see why.  Portland plays great at home, and unless the mummy of Jason Kidd has his full powers, the Mavs don’t seem to have their best foot forward.  Memo to Dirk and the gang- WHEN YOU HAVE A 20 POINT LEAD, DON’T LET UP.

3.  The Spurs are in trouble too.  I guess you could say they are showing their age, but to me that is just an excuse for not playing well.  And it shows you how important a player Manu Ginobili is.  

4.  The NFL draft is this week.  Usually I have a good handle on who is going where and why.  But sans free agency, I really have no idea.  I’ll give you a mock draft on Thursday morning.  Promise.  I will not promise that it will be any kind of accurate.

5. The Red Sox are slowly putting it together.  Watch out.  I never had any doubts.  And by never, I mean constantly.  I still have doubts.  That’s my life.  But still, watch out.
6. I am  sorry to see that adult film star and Charlie Sheen “goddess” Bree Olson has ended her relationship with Sheen.  If those two crazy kids and another woman with Daddy issues can’t make it, what hope do the rest of us have?
7. It’s almost summer movie season.  My favorite time of the entertainment year.  Lots of big budget stuff coming out.  I could do without another Transformers movie.  I just don’t care anymore.
8. Steve Carrell’s last episode of The Office is on Thursday.  I am sad to see him go and I hope the show can carry on without him.  Will Ferrell has been good, but he’s not a full time guy for the show.  
9. Sports Show with Norm MacDonald is hilarious.  Classic Norm.  I have been a  fan of his for a long time, so make your own decision. Take a look for yourself.
10. Can we please get some rain in Central Texas?  I have forgotten what it even looks like.

That is all.

P.S.  Email me at paul@1660espn.com and be part of the weekly drawing for 2 Schilterbahn tickets!  I'll pick a winner towards the end of the week.  Just put Schilterbahn tickets in the subject line.

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