Gridiron Experts Mock Draft 2.0

1. QB- Sam Bradford, Oklahoma.

A future quarterback that can slowly learn and one day lead the Rams to many winning seasons. Grooming of a guy that can be the future for the Rams has more long-term value than drafting an instant starter like Suh. The Rams do need to find a “In the mean time” QB that can play and teach their huge investment. Trading for a player like Jason Campbell or Mike Vick could add a solid 8 game starter, before throwing the kid into the fire mid-season.

2. OT- Russell Okung, Oklahoma State.

The Lions drafted their future quarterback last year (M.Stafford), now they need to keep him healthy. Drafting Okung at 2 allows the offense to grow and gives their QB more time in the pocket.

3. DT- Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska.

Best player available. We think Suh should go first overall, but with the Rams QB problems and the Lions upgrading their defensive line through free agency, the Buc’s are laughing here at pick 3. Suh adds the motor, size, and youth that could fire up any front four. 

4. OT -Trent Williams, Oklahoma.

Age is taking its toll on the Redskins offensive line. The new strategy will be to get back to a running game and give McNabb time to throw the deep ball. Maybe the only key left to the Redskins bounce back season is a left tackle.

5. DT- Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma.

The Chiefs can’t invest in Thomas Jones and not think that an upgrade to the offensive line doesn’t need to happen. But, with McCoy slipping on our board the chiefs have to take the best player available. McCoy at 5 is a steal.

6. SS-Eric Berry, Tennessee.

Eric Berry is the top safety in this year’s draft class, and a white knight as far as the message boards and fan bases go around the NFL. People love this guy, and the Seahawks would be stupid to let him slip by.

7. WR- Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St.

While receivers are not always the safest first round selection, the Browns are in need of adding talent to this position. Bryant is a fairly safe here pick at 7 and would have very little competition heading into training camp. The future signal caller might be found in the later rounds of the draft or even next year for that matter. 

8. DE-Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech.

If the Oakland Raiders could just focus for one year, this team might get back on track. Instead of splurging on Heyward-Bey or Darren McFadden this team needs to address the glaring needs. We figure Derrick Morgan is too flashy of a player to be overlooked and has enough to impress the Raiders outside the box thinking. Morgan’s not an offensive tackle, which is what they need to draft, but his value here at 8 makes for a great pick-up.

9. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame.

In our opinion, the best value pick after offensive lineman is the quarterback position in a draft. The Bills need both, but Clausen has the added bonus of being tutored by Charlie Weis (ex-patriots Offensive Coordinator) a real added perk despite this rookies rumored ego. With the early run of O-line, grabbing Clausen at 9 would be better than reaching on a LT.

10.  DE- Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida.

It’s hard to believe the Jaguars are still looking for a pass rusher, but 14 total sacks is a stat that doesn’t lie. We like the South Florida connection here, as scouts will know just how lethal Jason Pierre-Paul can be in a hot environment.  Pierre-Paul fits the mold and will ruin opponents.

11. WR- Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech.

Demaryius Thomas has the size and speed to be a good replacement for Brandon Marshall. The Broncos have a few other needs that they might address here at 11, but if Thomas falls to them it would be hard to overlook his skills. For those who are concerned about his foot (which is rumored to be fine), the Broncos need to think long-term, not immediate future.

12. DT- Jared Odrick, Penn State.

The nose tackle is a critical part of the 3-4 defense and Jared Odrick would be a perfect 5 technique defensive tackle for the Dolphins to plug into their aging 3-4 defense. Sitting at 12 is a bizarre and difficult spot to select from, as players that best suit Miami seem to be at either the top or the bottom of this years draft. Of all the teams thus far, we would dub the Dolphins to be the first team to make a trade.

13. CB- Joe Haden, Florida.

Best player available. There’s not a huge need for a cornerback on the 49er’s squad but the overall wealth of having depth at that position is brilliant. Joe Haden isn’t tall nor does he have blazing speed, but his skill level and smarts make him an interesting underrated player.

14. RB- C.J. Spiller, Clemson.

Gridiron Experts really likes C.J. Spiller here at 14, The Seahawks do not have an all-round running back and need to stop trying to make a crowed backfield replace a star player. The selection of Spiller can add that missing spark to the Seahawks.

15.  LB-Rolando McClain, Alabama.

What was once a nightmare defensive unit for quarterbacks has now become a must fix off-season project.  The G-Men have an unfamiliar depth chart of unproven linebackers that need a huge upgrade. Last years’ 2nd round pick Clint Sintim struggled in a 4-3 defense, but the team has high hopes for him this season. If New York were to add McClain, we feel the Giants could respond fast despite having a young core of players.

16. NT Brian Price, UCLA.

Brian Price despite being a bit a reach here at 16 fits the mold well. The Titans have lost one of their strengths in the last two seasons and need to not over-think the value of this pick. With Odrick and of course Suh and McCoy off the board Price becomes the best 3 technique nose tackle that can help the Titans week one. Price has a powerful motivation to him after losing both his older brothers to the streets of Los Angles, he is a good character guy and wants to succeed.

17. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa.

The hiring of Jimmy Raye II as offensive coordinator is a strong hint that the 49er’s are going to get away from the fun and gun offense from last season. Bryan Bulaga at 17 would be a great addition to the O-line. The focus will no doubt be on the power running game, something that was once a 49er trademark with Frank Gore.  Bulaga is regarded as one of this years elite tackles, and he could start at either left or right guard for now.

18. OT- Anthony Davis, Rutgers.

Some may think receiver is a must-have now that S.Holmes has been driven out-of-town, but the O-Line is a concern. Anthony Davis has the Steelers type look to him and would be an excellent addition. Weight issues will be a problem that the team will have to keep an eye on, but as far as raw talent and strength goes, Davis is your guy.

19. ILB Sean Weatherspoon ,   Missouri

Without a doubt the Falcons biggest need is linebacker in this years draft. Curtis Lofton is a talented player but needs to be teamed up with a smart tough outside linebacker. We expect the Falcons to draft an inside guy and mix and match with their core of players until finding to right combination. Weatherspoon is an animal that would help the Falcons immediately

20. RB- Ryan Mathews, Fresno State.

Ryan Mathews has the skills and speed to be a perfect fit for the Texans. He will likely share the workload with Steve Slaton as a one-two punch that will give the Texans a much-needed boost in the backfield. Mathews is tough guy that can hit the hole hard helping on all short yardage and goal line situations.

21. TE-Rob Gronkowski, Arizona

This years tight end class comes in wearing band-aids from a season ago. Both Gronkowski and Gresham have nagging injuries from last year, making their value a huge question mark. Everything the Bengals need out of  the TE spot Gronkowski can provide: he is tall, with great hands, and an excellent blocker. Another high risk, high reward player, but worth the gamble.

22. CB- Kyle Wilson, Boise State.

The Patriots need a few things on defense, but none more than an upgrade at the corner position. Shawn Springs is an aging veteran while Darius Butler was forced to play earlier than many expected. Kyle Wilson fits better into the Patriots system than Joe Haden, who we had in our first mock draft.

23. OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland

Aaron Rodgers is becoming an elite NFL quarterback. However, his success thus far has been hindered on his inability to elude the pass rush. More time means more completions, and drafting Bruce Campbell will add huge size and keep the gunslinger safe. Campbell is 6’6″ and weighs in around the 330 lb mark; his value has had its ups and downs this last month, but we like him as a Packer.

24. SS- Taylor Mays, USC

Taylor Mays would bring size and speed to the Eagles blitz crazy defense which was lacking a number one safety last year. USC produces some quality defensive players and Mays is flying under the radar with all the talk of Earl Thomas and now even Nate Allen. The fact of the fact matter is; the Eagles love to blitz and Mays speed and size fit better on Philadelphia’s squad than a team needing a cover two deep safety.

25. CB- Patrick Robinson, Florida St..

Adding depth to the secondary would be a smart pick here for the Ravens. Patrick Robinson played four good years at Florida St. and faced some excellent talent. He’s a smart kid with huge upside. The Ravens need to groom a player to some day take over in a starting role, and Robinson has great skills in man coverage, something that was lacking last season.

26.OLB/DE Sergio Kindle, Texas

We have seen Kindle ranked as high as a top 15 player, but with a few questions about his character and tightness in his lateral movement,makes him a bit of a risk. Take away his off the field headaches, and you’re looking at an explosive monster LB with the toughness and awareness any team would love to have. Risk vs. reward, but the Cardinals should walk away happy.

27. Earl Thomas, Texas

The Cowboys would be ecstatic to find Earl Thomas waiting for them at 27. Some have this safety as high as a top ten pick, but we’re not buying into the pre-draft hype. While Thomas is an outstanding talent, we feel his measurements that compare to a small cornerback too small for a last resort at stopping the NFL’s bigger talent. With time, adding much-needed size Earl Thomas can become an elite talent, as for now we see him as a great investment toward the future.

28. RB- Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

Dwyer would add muscle to the Chargers backfield and compliment Darren Sproles immediately. Adding an interior power runner should keep defenses honest while giving San Diego an excellent smash mouth runner to replace what L. Tomlinson used to be able to do.

29. WR-Golden Tate, Notre Dame.

There are any number of receivers in this years draft class that can fit into the Jets style of offense, but none more easily than Golden Tate. This former Notre Dame receiver has excellent hands (maybe the best of this years WR group) and has amazing vertical leap, despite his average size. As a former high school running back, Tate has the grit to take a hit, and give one too. Should become a fan favorite, no matter where he goes. Remember S.Holmes is out the first 4 games, he has been an off the filed cancer and is not guaranteed to step in as the Jets starting receiver, drafting Tate makes sense.

30. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma.

The tight end position is a must-have in the westcoast offense. We see Gresham as a late round sleeper that is drafted as a pure “best player available” pick for the Vikings. Added talent for whoever is starting at quarterback and giving the run game another big body in the blocking game is a smart pick-up

31.  DE- Brandon Graham, Michigan.

The Colts need depth on the offensive line but aren’t going to reach on anyone based on need. Brandon Graham has slipped on our board, but not from pure talent. We feel that the lack of size will force Graham to be overlooked by many NFL clubs. At 6’1″ teams view this 4 year starter from Michigan as undersized, but the Colts have made stars out of smaller blitz happy defensive ends. This is a match made in heaven in our opinion, and we think even with a loaded squad at DE, the Colts will snag Graham up.

32. Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State

The Super Bowl Champs will look to replace LB Scott Fujita with the last pick in the first round. The Saints obviously have the luxury of picking the best player available with no glaring needs,  but if Sean Weatherspoon from Missouri is available the Saints could trade up. Thaddeus Gibson is a great value pick and could help the Saints out immediately