Early 2 Round Mock Draft W/ Explanations v2

[D J C]

My first mock, so may not be that great. Rushed some explanations so they might not make sense, and I might have some names wrong. May do a 2nd and/or 3rd round later. Criticism welcome.

Edit - Updated with 2nd round
Edit 2 - Updated Draft

1. Miami Dolphins
Chris Long, DE Virginia
Ideally Miami would like to trade down to get more picks, but it's unlikely considering not many teams are willing to pay the price. Long is a great start to the rebuilding process if Miami stays put. Long is what some call a Parcell's type of player too. He never takes a play off and is a smart player. He has the potential to become one of the top all around defensive ends in the league.

2. St. Louis Rams
Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB Ohio State
The Rams offense still has enough firepower to win when healthy. Bulger and Holt still have some good years left, and Stephen Jackson and Brian Lenord make a great backfield. Their defense needs some playmakers though. Gholston can be a difference maker on defense that the Rams could use. He can develop into a Shawn Merriman type of player for them. They'd love Long if the Dolphins passed on him, but Gholston will be a good pick for them if no one trades up to try to get McFadden.

3. Atlanta Falcons
Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Adrian Peterson has actually helped McFadden stock this year. Peterson has made the teams last year that passed on his regret their decisions already. Atlanta needs someone to bring in the fans again with adding excitement to the offense. Norwood and DMac can make a pretty good combo in a 2-back system until McFadden proves he's an every down back. Dunn is probably traded for a later draft pick as he doesn't really fit into the plans anymore.

4. Oakland Radiers
Jake Long, OT Michigan
The Radiers continue their rebuilding process and surround Jamarcus with a good line in front of him to give him protection. Giving Russel time will be important to his development as he can get used to sitting in the pocket and having time to read defenses. Long is the best offensive lineman to come out this year and can stat right away. He's not as good of a prospect as Joe Thomas was, but can he can have the same impact that Thomas had this season in Cleveland. Derek Anderson had a good year with plenty of time to throw with his line, Russell can get that next season in Oakland with a good line too.

5. Kansas City Cheifs
Ryan Clady, OT Boise State
What once a great line in Kansas City seems to be a distant memory. This is their biggest need and Clady is good value here. Clady is a great prospect who has good size and has rose through draft boards throughout the season. This position has to be filled and it's better to get a franchise tackle here in the draft instead of risking it in free agency. Dorsey is also a possiblity here if they go for BPA, but I think Clady will continue to rise and the need is great enough for the Cheifs for this to be the right pick

6. New York Jets
Glenn Dorsey, DT Louisiana State
The Jets get very lucky as they Dorsey slips and they can pick up the BPA and he actually fits a need. Dorsey is one of the best defensive tackles to come out in a while. He was dominant in college and has the potential to be dominant in the pros. He could become a defensive force like Haynesworth was this year blowing plays up in the backfield and getting to the quaterback. If he's here at #6, I dont see anyway the Jets can pass on him.

7. New England Patriots
James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
This is the most likely spot for someone to trade up too. The Patriots don't need anyone here and they probably woudn't even see significant time their first season if they did stay. The Pats will most likely trade down and get some future picks in a deal. If not, Laurinaitis is a good fit in the Pats defense and fills a need, if you can see the Patriots really have any needs. Bruschi and Seau are getting old and could retire, and Laurinitis could step right in and fill their void. He could be a force in this league with good coaching and development. As I said earlier though, more likely they fill needs through free agency and pick up future picks here.

8. Baltimore Ravens
Malcom Jenkins, CB Ohio State
Cornerback has become one of the Ravens top needs. McAllister is still a top CB in this league, but not much there after him. Samari is past his prime, and other projects haven't developed as they would of liked them too. Jenkins is a great player to bring in for this aging defense and can eventually become a shut down corner, especially with getting to learn from someone like McAllsiter. Quaterback is possible too here, but with Troy Smith playing good with the chances he's had they might want see if he develops first.

9. Cincinatti Bengals
Sedric Ellis, DT Southern California
The Bengals, like the Rams, still have a good enough offense to win. Palmer is one of the best young quaterbacks in the league. Chad Johnson and TJ are one of the best duos in the league, and they have a good backfield with Rudi, Watson, Perry and Irons. So they go for defense here, and get another DT that has dropped. On some scouts big boards, Ellis is actually ahead of Dorsey. I wouldn't go quite that far, but Ellis is pretty impressive. He brings a great combination of quickness and power. He's a hard worker and with great intangibles, some qualities that the Bengals need right now from their line and any player they bring in this offseason.

10. New Orleans Saints
Mike Jenkins, CB Southern Florida
Biggest need for the Saints and they get one of the top prospects at that position. Jenkins has potential to be a lock down corner, and if he becomes anything near that Saints fans will be estatic. Over the past two seasons, they've been watching Fred Thomas and then Jason David get burned and picked on all season. Now, Jenkins and McKenzie will give relief to the fans and bring the Saints back to the playoffs.

11. Buffalo Bills
Malcom Kelly, WR Oklahoma
After Lee Evans, all the Bills have is Parrish and Reed who are slot receivers at best. Kelly will likely be the first receiver taken in the draft and is the best compliment for Evans. He has very good hands and excells when he gets the ball in his hands. Evans, Kelly, and Parrish bring a good combination of speed and possession receivers.

12. Denver Broncos
Kenny Phillips, S Miami
The biggest need for the Broncos and they get lucky with the best safety in the draft still available. Phillips is another safety from Miami that can turn into a Pro Bowler, as little as that means now, in his first couple of years. Defensive tackle is another need but can be addressed in later rounds. Line backer is also a possiblity with some good prospects still available, but Phillips is too good to pass up.

13. Carolina Panthers
Calasis Campbell, DE Miami
The Panthers had a down year, and that was partially because of the defense being disappointing. Peppers had his worse year yet in his career, but with a pass rusher like Campbell opposite of him he might find some more managible situations to get to the quaterback. Calasis joins former teammate Jon Beason who was drafted in the 1st round last year to help give even more youth to this defense. Quaterback is also possible, but with the late performances by Matt Moore they may hold off for either another year of until later rounds/free agency.

14. Chicago Bears
Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
Some fans will argue that Orton can be their quaterback for years to come because all he has done is win when he plays. But Orton isn't a franchise quaterback. WIth the defense starting to decline this season, it's time for the Bears to build a real offense that is consistent. Ryan can be that franchise guy and make their team rely on their defense less. I like Jonathan Stewart here too, but I can't see Chicago giving up on Benson so early.

15. Detriot Lions
Dan Connor, LB Penn State
The Lions started off strong and looked like they'd prove Kitna right, but faded at the end of the season. Linebacker has become one of the top needs and picking up Connor here is good value. He can play at any linebacker position and has potential to be a defensive leader for this team. With Sims and Connor, the Lions linebacker core would be set for years.

16. Arizona Cardinals
Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy
The first proscect taken from a small school, watch for Leodis to move up as the draft gets closer. He'll impress more at the combine and can be the 3rd cornerback taken in the draft. He has good acceleration and speed, and is very athletic. Has good hands and can bring the ball to the house everytime he gets it, whether on defense or on kick returns. Will see his stock rise also because of his kick returning skills and his speed. Cardinals can use his playmaking ability at CB as Rolle isn't exactly turning out like they wanted him too.

17. Minnesota Vikings
Desean Jackson, WR California
Vikings need more targets for Tavaris, who will probably continue to start for atleast one more season. Jackson could be the possibly be the first WR taken in the draft with a strong 40 time, but slips to the mid-1st. His stock will be higher though just from the fact that he's a good KR, which is becoming more valuable to NFL teams.

18. Houston Texans
Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
Tackle is a big need here and Otah is a possiblity, but Stewart is too hard to pass up. With no playmakers on offense except for Andre Johnson, its time to add some more firepower. They've been focused on defense early in the draft the last couple of year and that has finally developed with the help of the emergences of Demarco Ryans and this season with Mario Williams. Has a great combination of strength and speed.

19. Philladelphia Eagles
Sam Baker, T Southern Calafornia
The Eagle have other needs in the secondary, but with Runyans age and the line not performing well in general, it's about time to address it. Great pass blocker and a potential franchise tackle, Baker has been an All American throughout his career at USC. Whether he's protecting McNabb or Kolb, he should be able to contribute soon.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns)
Rashard Mendenhall
The Cowboys have two picks in the 1st this year, and both can be luxury picks because they don't have many needs. With Julius Jones a free agent and looking like he's going to sign someone else, the Cowboys continue their 2-RB system and get Mendenhall here. Stewart will be fit even better than Jones and compliment Barber III better.

21. New York Giants
Antoine Cason, CB Arizona
The Giants top need is a cornerback opposite of Ross, and preferably one that is a playmaker. They get just that here in Cason. Should fit in and start immediatly to make a nice young secondary.

22. Washington Redskins
Keith Rivers, LB Southern California
The Redskins can get a steal here in Rivers. Has speed, instincts, and is also a big hitter. With his talent and insticts, he can develop into an All Pro linebacker.

23. Tampa Bay Bucaneers
Mario Manningham, WR Michigan
Galloway and Hilliard have been great this season, but there both ending the end of their careers. Clayton has fell well off since his rookie year. Manningham can come into a good situation where he can wait a little while before having to be the #1 guy. He's a playmaker at receiver, something the Bucs need after Galloway.

24. Seattle Seahawks
Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
With Shaun Alexander looking like he's nearing the end of his career, it's time to bring in another franchise runningback. Playing alongside McFadden, he still managed to rack up over 1,100 yards on an impressive 8.7 yards per carry.

25. Tennesse Titans
Limas Sweed, WR Texas
It's about time Vince gets some more help. He still doesn't have a true #1 receiver, and his old wide receiver might be good enough in the Pros to be just that. Sweed is a big target and has good awareness. Lacks some speed so he could slip some, but should be a 1st. If he's here, the Titans might be tempted to pick him up over another WR prospect because Young is familar with him.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeff Otah, T Pittsburgh
The Steelers need help on their offensive line, and Otah can come in and try to help right away. He's raw, but the Steelers get great value here and Otah can pan out to be a great starter for them for many years.

27. San Diego Chargers
Phil Loadholt, T Oklahoma
Chargers get great value while filling a need here. Loadholt might start right away but has potential to become a great starter to solidfy the offensive line with Hardwick and McNeil.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawarence Jackson, DE Southern California
Jacksonville has a good, agressive defense that Del Rio has built. They're missing a dominant pass rusher though. Jackson can be that guy that will put pressure on the quaterback and constantly knock him down.

29. Green Bay Packers
Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
With Woodson and Harris getting up there in age, it wouldnt hurt to bolster their secondary with some youth. Talib can be the starter eventually for the Packers with some time.

30. San Francisco 49ers (via Colts)
Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina
The 49ers could pick a WR here, but there's enough value in the 2nd round and later to wait. They get great value here in Balmer who is a top 15 prospect. Their D-Line was inconsistent all season and Balmer will be a nice piece to put beside Dre Moore.

31.Dallas Cowboys
James Hardy, WR Indiana
Hardy is a talented receiver with great size and great accelaration and good speed for his size, with a trouble past. Sound familar? Hardy is most comparable to Owens, and who better to play with and learn from then Owens himself. Hardy can sit back and learn for a year or two behind Owens, Glenn, and Crayton. He has the potential to develop into a poor man's TO and give the Cowboys a very solid receiving core of Owens, Crayton, and Hardy for many years.

32. New England Patriots
Forfeited

33. Miami Dolphins - Brian Brohm, QB Louisville

34. St. Louis Rams - Terrell Thomas, CB Southern California

35. New York Jets - Phillip Merling, DE Clemson

36. Atlanta Falcons - Andre Woodson, QB Kentucky

37. Oakland Raiders - Early Doucet, WR Louisiana State

38. Kansas City Chiefs - Derrick Harvey, DE Florida

39. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Flacco, QB Delaware

40. San Francisco 49ers - Adarius Bowman, WR Oklahoma State

41. Detroit Lions - Gosder Cherilius, T Boston College

42. Cincinnati Bengals - John Carlson, TE Notre Dame

43. New Orleans Saints - Ali Highsmith, LB Louisiana State

44. Buffalo Bills - Trae Williams, CB Southern Florida

45. Denver Broncos - Erin Henderson, LB Maryland

46. Carolina Panthers - Lavelle Hawkins, WR Cal

47. Chicago Bears - DJ Hall, WR Alabama

48. Philadelphia Eagles - Tavares Gooden, LB Miami

49. Arizona Cardinals - Beau Bell, LB UNLV

50. Minnesota Vikings - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee
State

51. Atlanta Falcons - Heath Benedict, OT Newberry

52. Cleveland Browns - Keenan Burton, WR Kentucky

53. Washington Redskins - Earl Bennett, WR Tennesse

54. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Colt Brennan, QB Hawaii

55. Tennessee Titans - Ezra Butler, LB Nevada

56. Seattle Seahawks - Andre Caldwell, WR Florida

57. Pittsburgh Steelers - DeMario Pressley, DE North Carolina State

58. New York Giants - Jordy Nelson, WR Kansas State

59. Miami Dolphins - DeJuan Tribble, CB Boston College

60. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tracy Porter, CB Indiana

61. Green Bay Packers - Fred Davis, TE Southern California

62. Indianapolis Colts - Tony Hills, Texas, OG

63. Dallas Cowboys - Xavier Adibi, LB Virginia Tech

64. New England Patriots - Matt Fort

[SportsWorld]

Falcons are not going to take Darren McFadden. They need a QB.

[Da Schwab]

I really don't see Gholston going that high, unless he has a stellar BCS Championship Game and an even better Combine.

I also don't think the Cowboys would take a RB in the 1st round, but I did like how you call Johnathan Stewart "Johanathan" in your explanation.

[sunshinekids99]

I think you end up seeing Matt Ryan in the top 10.

[SportsWorld]

You are also missing Andre Woodson. Woodson is not going to end up in the 2nd round and if he does he is the steal of the century.

[GYBE]

I really doubt the Bills would take Jackson. They already have a return specialist who's a weak wideout in Parrish, plenty of other needs to address.

And Zbikowski is a bad fit with the Cowboys. Just like Roy Williams, he's terrible in coverage and is really more of a big hitter.

Edit: I credit you putting time in to make the mock though, I know you'll only get criticisms, but those are really the only things to comment on in this type of thread. Nice work overall.

[D J C]

Updated with 2nd round. Did it quick so their may be a few guys that are too high/low and I might have forgot about a few.

I didn't forgot about Woodson. I do see him as a 1st round talent, but I just can't see where a team would draft him in the 1st. There's some teams early on, but I don't see him going in the top half of the 1st. The Bucs are a possibly, but they seem satisified with McCown as a back up right now and QB doesn't seem like a pressing issue with other needs. I think as he starts to slip towards the end of the 1st, a team like the Falcons will trade up to get him. His stock has been slipping from what is was early in the year, he's now projected by most to go later in the 1st if not slipping to the 2nd. I didnt even see this until after I made the mock, but Kiper has Woodson as the 5th best QB prospect right now.

For Matt Ryan, I agree that he could possibly go in the top 10. A few teams could use him. Atlanta, Baltimore, New York, and Kansas City. But I thought the same last year for Brady Quinn. If I was Atlanta, Id rather McFadden and Woodson over Ryan and Felix. Baltimore, New York, and Kansas City all have young QBs that they have recently drafted that still haven't had much of a chance to showcase what they can do. I think they go for needs over Ryan, because he's just not that elite QB that's a cant miss prospect.

Gholston has been rising steadily on draft boards. With Dorsey battling injuries this season, Gholston has closed the gap between the two. His versatility makes him more valuable too. I see an impressive bowl game and combine for him to solidfy his spot in the top 5.

I also don't think the Cowboys would take a RB in the 1st round, but I did like how you call Johnathan Stewart "Johanathan" in your explanation.

Haha Im too lazy to proof read. Im too lazy to even change it actually.

For the Bills picking Desean, I was going out on a limb on that one. I realized they had Parrish (from the U!) already and had recently signed him to an extension, but it never hurts to have Desean as a back-up KR/PR. They've reached before with picks like Whitner, so if they fall in love with someone like Jackson they could do it again. Im expecting a Ted Ginn Jr. like 40 time too so that should help his stock.

The Cowboys 2nd round pick, that was one I didnt really spend much time at all on. I just knew they could use a safety but didnt know much about the prospect except he's a 2nd-3rd round talent. He's gotta be better than Roy though

I think if someone like Stewart is available, they'll take him. Julius Jones will likely go to Miami to join back with Parcells and Ireland. They system they have has worked with Barber and Jones, and should work even better with Stewart.

[dms269]

I like McFadden going to Atlanta.

Atlanta does need a qb but I don't see any of the qb's actually being legit "game changers". If Atlanta does get the 3rd pick and passes on McFadden or Long for a qb, Blank will have a lot of explaining to do to the fans.

[studcrackers]

i like the cowboys draft pick though im sure they'd rather have a burner than a bruiser w/stewart.

there's no way jamaal charles will go higher than felix jones though, im a big charles fan but cant see him going before the 2nd round and he was more like a 3rd rounder. he probably made a mistake coming out early, that said i love his speed.

[lpsevier]

I would LOVE for Darren to end up in Atlanta.

[Jose7]

I hate both picks for the Jets. Dorsey is not a 3-4 NT, and RB is not what we need in round 2.

[D J C]

Updated again. Changed some picks because I forgot some prospects. Also moved some guys around.

And for NYJ picking Dorsey at 6, thats really just a value pick more than anything. I think they would trade down if Gholston doesn't fall to them. If Dorsey does fall at of the top 5, I think a few teams would be very tempted to trade up. I'll do my next mock with some trades.

[PR07]

The Colts won't take an offensive guard with their second round pick. They always get those in the later rounds of the draft.

[NoSkyy]

IMO: Bears won't take a QB no matter how bad you think Grossman is. Angelo says he wants Grossman back and there's a reason why Orton started the last three games. I don't think they'll take a QB, at least not in the first round with other pressing issues such as OT, Safety, WR, and even RB.

[J.Kim]

Titans wont take LB in the second round. If there's one group that the Titans are satisfied in, it's the LB group.

[Flaming Mo]

Updated again. Changed some picks because I forgot some prospects. Also moved some guys around.

And for NYJ picking Dorsey at 6, thats really just a value pick more than anything. I think they would trade down if Gholston doesn't fall to them. If Dorsey does fall at of the top 5, I think a few teams would be very tempted to trade up. I'll do my next mock with some trades.

A lot of work you put into it, nice job!

But Highsmith in round 2 is even a worse pick for the Jets, he is as far from being a 3-4 LB as I am from being a NFL pro...

[ReasonablySober]

Nice work. I think Talib may end up being an ideal pick for the Packers. Fred Davis isn't really a need with Lee recently signed to an extension, though I think it's a nice BPA type pick.

[Next Coming]

Good work friend. I disagree with some picks but that's a given.

FYI you have Ali Highsmith picked twice in the 2nd round.

[D J C]

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll prboably do my next one with trades around the deadline for early entries to declare

FYI you have Ali Highsmith picked twice in the 2nd round.

Damnit I always do that. Thanks. Changed it to Merling, who is a better pick for them anyways.

[deeney0]

I'd hope the Vikings don't go day 1 without taking a DE, which may be an even more pressing need than WR.