Well I have been working on this for about 2 weeks now, researching as much as possible and listening to every inside source I could find. Looking at numerous mock drafts from other sites and other people, I was able to get an idea of where people think these players will be going. This is my Pre-Combine draft, as I have yet to watch how these guys will showcase their raw talent. You can click on any of the players I have being taken here and it will give you a great summary about what each one of them brings to the sport. The site I used to host my Mock Draft is www.fftoolbox.com, which offers every one a chance to create their own mock draft as well as looking at other numerous ones that people like myself have done. Check it out. Once the combine has passed and everyone, including myself, has gotten a new perspective on many of these young men, I will most likely update this draft. So, discuss, debate, disagree, agree, that is what it is here for. We got plenty of time to figure out who our future stars will be in Baltimore.
1 - DET: Stafford, Matthew - QB - Georgia
As many positions that this team has that need to be filled asap, the only way, in my mind, to start over after an 0-16 season is to start with the QB. Good pick here for the Lions and this should give them the ability to spread their offense more with the accuracy that Matt has. He will be a good QB to build with their freak they have at WR, Calvin Johnson.
As many positions that this team has that need to be filled asap, the only way, in my mind, to start over after an 0-16 season is to start with the QB. Good pick here for the Lions and this should give them the ability to spread their offense more with the accuracy that Matt has. He will be a good QB to build with their freak they have at WR, Calvin Johnson.
2 - STL: Smith, Andre - OL - Alabama
They went D-Line last year. It is time to start building the O-Line to utilize the talent that RB Stephen Jackson possesses. Smith is a great run blocker, probably the best in this class, but his skills against the pass rush is a question for a very "Pass Happy" team.
They went D-Line last year. It is time to start building the O-Line to utilize the talent that RB Stephen Jackson possesses. Smith is a great run blocker, probably the best in this class, but his skills against the pass rush is a question for a very "Pass Happy" team.
3 - KC: Curry, Aaron - OLB - Wake Forest
I would really like to see Curry play along side the very underrated LB, Derrick Johnson. With Glenn Dorsey up front, he will be able to eat up some blockers to let Curry use his great pass rush and speed to get to the QB. Also is an above average cover guy. Curry is my best defensive athlete in this year's draft.
I would really like to see Curry play along side the very underrated LB, Derrick Johnson. With Glenn Dorsey up front, he will be able to eat up some blockers to let Curry use his great pass rush and speed to get to the QB. Also is an above average cover guy. Curry is my best defensive athlete in this year's draft.
4 - SEA: Crabtree, Michael - WR - Texas Tech
When is the last time Seatle saw an explosive wide out? Steve Largent? When you have one of the smartest QB's in the league in Hasselback, this is only going to add explosion to the rainy city. O-Line could be a possibility here to.
When is the last time Seatle saw an explosive wide out? Steve Largent? When you have one of the smartest QB's in the league in Hasselback, this is only going to add explosion to the rainy city. O-Line could be a possibility here to.
5 - CLE: Brown, Everette - DE - Florida State
Huge defensive end. Nearly 6'5" and 250+ with insane speed and strength. This guy has all the tools to become an elite pass rusher, especially when playing beside Shaun Rodgers and having an aging Willie McGintist on the down fall of his career. As much as Cleveland needs CB help, it is too early to take one here and pass on an athlete like Brown.
Huge defensive end. Nearly 6'5" and 250+ with insane speed and strength. This guy has all the tools to become an elite pass rusher, especially when playing beside Shaun Rodgers and having an aging Willie McGintist on the down fall of his career. As much as Cleveland needs CB help, it is too early to take one here and pass on an athlete like Brown.
6 - CIN: Monroe, Eugene - OL - Virginia
A lot of weaknesses on both sides of the ball, but everything starts with the O-Line. This is a pass happy team that was not too happy last year with how they threw the ball. With Carson Palmer coming back from his 2nd season ending injury, it is about time to start getting this guy the protection he needs.
A lot of weaknesses on both sides of the ball, but everything starts with the O-Line. This is a pass happy team that was not too happy last year with how they threw the ball. With Carson Palmer coming back from his 2nd season ending injury, it is about time to start getting this guy the protection he needs.
7 - OAK: Oher, Michael - OL - Mississippi
As much as the grimreaper, Al Davis, would love to get his hands on Crabtree, I think they address their other offensive problems. With a very powerful arm at QB and one of the future stars of this league, McFadden, at running back, this team needs to start building their O-Line. Jeremy Maclin might also be a possibility if he tears up the combine.
As much as the grimreaper, Al Davis, would love to get his hands on Crabtree, I think they address their other offensive problems. With a very powerful arm at QB and one of the future stars of this league, McFadden, at running back, this team needs to start building their O-Line. Jeremy Maclin might also be a possibility if he tears up the combine.
8 - JAX: Raji, B.J. - DT - Boston College
Raji destroyed at the Senior Bowl and soared up the charts. If he can have a good weight room workout at the combine, Raji should be a top 10 pick. They got their edge rusher in Harvey, now the Jags need someone for the interior to play beside Henderson. As much as O-Line is needed here, it is tough to pass up on a guy like this.
Raji destroyed at the Senior Bowl and soared up the charts. If he can have a good weight room workout at the combine, Raji should be a top 10 pick. They got their edge rusher in Harvey, now the Jags need someone for the interior to play beside Henderson. As much as O-Line is needed here, it is tough to pass up on a guy like this.
9 - GB: Jenkins, Malcolm - CB - Ohio State
Charles Woodson and Al Harris are 2 of the best in the league, but they are also one of the oldest tandems in the league. I think it is time to start developing a new stud CB to take the place of one of these guys in the next few years and Jenkins is the best CB in this draft.
Charles Woodson and Al Harris are 2 of the best in the league, but they are also one of the oldest tandems in the league. I think it is time to start developing a new stud CB to take the place of one of these guys in the next few years and Jenkins is the best CB in this draft.
10 - SF: Smith, Jason - OL - Baylor
Even though Coach Singletary has yet to find his starting QB and Mark Sanchez may be a consideration here, I think the Niners will look to start eating up the clock with the run and you will need great blocking for Frank Gore. Smith is a very well rounded athlete, as he came into Baylor as a Tight End. Smith can contribute right away to a rebuilding franchise, but he needs to stay healthy as a left knee injury has been a concern for a while now.
Even though Coach Singletary has yet to find his starting QB and Mark Sanchez may be a consideration here, I think the Niners will look to start eating up the clock with the run and you will need great blocking for Frank Gore. Smith is a very well rounded athlete, as he came into Baylor as a Tight End. Smith can contribute right away to a rebuilding franchise, but he needs to stay healthy as a left knee injury has been a concern for a while now.
11 - BUF: Maybin, Aaron - DE - Penn State
He is not the fastest, he is not the biggest, but he is the best combination of the 2 in this draft. The Bills addressed the Corner position last year, and what a great pick they got with McKeldin. I think they look improve their defense again and give LB Paul Posluszney a fellow Penn State guy.
He is not the fastest, he is not the biggest, but he is the best combination of the 2 in this draft. The Bills addressed the Corner position last year, and what a great pick they got with McKeldin. I think they look improve their defense again and give LB Paul Posluszney a fellow Penn State guy.
12 - DEN: Maualuga, Rey - ILB - USC
The defense was one of the worst in the league this year and it looks that the Broncos really need another guy to play next to their other stud LB, DJ Williams. Look for Denver to add some back up for the newly acquired Def. Coor. Mike Nolan.
The defense was one of the worst in the league this year and it looks that the Broncos really need another guy to play next to their other stud LB, DJ Williams. Look for Denver to add some back up for the newly acquired Def. Coor. Mike Nolan.
13 - WAS: Johnson, Michael - DE - Georgia Tech
One of the smallest and weakest D-Lines in the league resides in the nation's capital. Johnson brings what Zorn and crew need, and that is pressure on the QB to let their above average CB's make some plays off that pressure.
One of the smallest and weakest D-Lines in the league resides in the nation's capital. Johnson brings what Zorn and crew need, and that is pressure on the QB to let their above average CB's make some plays off that pressure.
14 - NO: Davis, Vontae - CB - Illinois
Linebacker is a huge need, but Davis is too good to pass up at this point. With Mike McKenzie starting to slow down, bringing in more depth at CB is a must. Their offense can destroy you with the pass, but their defense loses it for them because of the pass.
Linebacker is a huge need, but Davis is too good to pass up at this point. With Mike McKenzie starting to slow down, bringing in more depth at CB is a must. Their offense can destroy you with the pass, but their defense loses it for them because of the pass.
15 - HOU: Orakpo, Brian - DE - Texas
The Texans take a hometown boy here. He arrived at Texas as an undersized end, but by the end of this season, the 6'4" 260 pound DE was benching 500 and has increased his speed greatly. First team All-American who recorded 10.5 sacks last season.
The Texans take a hometown boy here. He arrived at Texas as an undersized end, but by the end of this season, the 6'4" 260 pound DE was benching 500 and has increased his speed greatly. First team All-American who recorded 10.5 sacks last season.
16 - SD: Wells, Chris - RB - Ohio State
They have their speedster, cut back, all around amazing RB with Tomlinson. With Sproles likely testing Free Agency when the time comes, Beanie Wells would create a very strong and unique 1-2 punch.
They have their speedster, cut back, all around amazing RB with Tomlinson. With Sproles likely testing Free Agency when the time comes, Beanie Wells would create a very strong and unique 1-2 punch.
17 - NYJ: Freeman, Josh - QB - Kansas St.
Yes, you are seeing correctly. No more Favre, no more Mangini, and our guy, Rex Ryan, taking some of that Baltimore swagger and mentality over to the Jets. Rex already knows what a big guy like Joe Flacco has done at QB for the Ravens, so taking the 6'6" 250 pound 3 year starter here might be a wise choice. Is Kellen Clemons the answer? Probably not. Will he get a shot? Yes, but if Freeman can come into the combine and tear it up much like Flacco did, look for Rex to start over at QB.
Yes, you are seeing correctly. No more Favre, no more Mangini, and our guy, Rex Ryan, taking some of that Baltimore swagger and mentality over to the Jets. Rex already knows what a big guy like Joe Flacco has done at QB for the Ravens, so taking the 6'6" 250 pound 3 year starter here might be a wise choice. Is Kellen Clemons the answer? Probably not. Will he get a shot? Yes, but if Freeman can come into the combine and tear it up much like Flacco did, look for Rex to start over at QB.
18 - CHI: Maclin, Jeremy - WR - Missouri
If Maclin shows up at the combine like he is supposed to and for some reason drops this far, it would be stupid for the Bears to now take this guy. Fast, swift, and agile. If only they could figure out which QB is going to throw to him.
If Maclin shows up at the combine like he is supposed to and for some reason drops this far, it would be stupid for the Bears to now take this guy. Fast, swift, and agile. If only they could figure out which QB is going to throw to him.
19 - TB: Nicks, Hakeem - WR - North Carolina
If the Bucs can retain their deep threat, Antonio Bryant, and Nicks has a good showing at the combine, I think we see him go here. Might be the best possession WR int he draft because of his great hands. Is likely to catch any ball that comes his way and has a lot of room to expand his abilities. Only problem is, who is going to get the ball to him? Heyward-Bey a very good possibility here as well.
If the Bucs can retain their deep threat, Antonio Bryant, and Nicks has a good showing at the combine, I think we see him go here. Might be the best possession WR int he draft because of his great hands. Is likely to catch any ball that comes his way and has a lot of room to expand his abilities. Only problem is, who is going to get the ball to him? Heyward-Bey a very good possibility here as well.
20 - DET: Moore, William - FS - Missouri
The best Safety in this draft, hands down. In 2007, Moore intercepted a NCAA Season high 8 passes. Big guy to, 6'1" 230, and is NFL ready. Not afraid what so ever with his frame to deliver the hits needed, but is also no slouch in defending the pass. Detroit, start your draft with your future QB, then move on the other side and start building that defense back up please.
The best Safety in this draft, hands down. In 2007, Moore intercepted a NCAA Season high 8 passes. Big guy to, 6'1" 230, and is NFL ready. Not afraid what so ever with his frame to deliver the hits needed, but is also no slouch in defending the pass. Detroit, start your draft with your future QB, then move on the other side and start building that defense back up please.
21 - PHI: Moreno, Knowshon - RB - Georgia
Westbrook will be 30 next season, which does not mean that he cannot still be a top back in this league, but I think we are not going to be seeing the Westbrook we are used to anymore. Injuries have hit the man hard as well. That brings in Moreno, who I feel is the best all around back with his speed and strength for his 5'11" 207 frame. He burst onto the scene and came out with amazing numbers. Great vision and can run a 4.4 most likely. Great time to let him learn from Westbrook.
Westbrook will be 30 next season, which does not mean that he cannot still be a top back in this league, but I think we are not going to be seeing the Westbrook we are used to anymore. Injuries have hit the man hard as well. That brings in Moreno, who I feel is the best all around back with his speed and strength for his 5'11" 207 frame. He burst onto the scene and came out with amazing numbers. Great vision and can run a 4.4 most likely. Great time to let him learn from Westbrook.
22 - MIN: Mack, Alex - OL - California
With Matt Birk likely leaving, they are going to need to replace such a presence quickly. The Vikings have questions at right tackle as well, but most of the higher talent at tackle is gone. Mack can come in right away and start blocking for the best back in the league. I would not be surprised at a QB here either.
With Matt Birk likely leaving, they are going to need to replace such a presence quickly. The Vikings have questions at right tackle as well, but most of the higher talent at tackle is gone. Mack can come in right away and start blocking for the best back in the league. I would not be surprised at a QB here either.
23 - NE: Cushing, Brian - OLB - USC
Really like this guy right here. Blue collar, knows how to work, and takes on any task in front of him. Could be the most versatile LB in this draft, as Cushing has played Safety and Def. End in the past. NE still needs to get younger at LB and pairing a player like Cushing with defensive rookie of the year, Jerod Mayo, could be a deadly combination for many years.
Really like this guy right here. Blue collar, knows how to work, and takes on any task in front of him. Could be the most versatile LB in this draft, as Cushing has played Safety and Def. End in the past. NE still needs to get younger at LB and pairing a player like Cushing with defensive rookie of the year, Jerod Mayo, could be a deadly combination for many years.
24 - ATL: Pettigrew, Brandon - TE - Oklahoma St.
Matt Ryan is one hell of a QB and has some very good, young, Receivers to work with for many years to come. But TE is something they need help on. Giving Ryan another weapon could produce one of the most uncoverable offenses for years to come. With Ryan's accuracy, Pettigrew would be a perfect dump off guy. DT is a need as well, so look out for Sen'Derrick Marks here from Auburn.
Matt Ryan is one hell of a QB and has some very good, young, Receivers to work with for many years to come. But TE is something they need help on. Giving Ryan another weapon could produce one of the most uncoverable offenses for years to come. With Ryan's accuracy, Pettigrew would be a perfect dump off guy. DT is a need as well, so look out for Sen'Derrick Marks here from Auburn.
25 - MIA: Laurinaitis, James - ILB - Ohio State
Miami is definitely in need of some defensive stand outs. I think they are pretty much set at D-Line with Merling and the freak Joey Porter. So LB is the next upgrade. Laurinaitis is coming off back to back 100 tackles seasons and has above average sideline to sideline speed. Winner of the Nagurski and Butkus awards as well as Bedinark trophy.
Miami is definitely in need of some defensive stand outs. I think they are pretty much set at D-Line with Merling and the freak Joey Porter. So LB is the next upgrade. Laurinaitis is coming off back to back 100 tackles seasons and has above average sideline to sideline speed. Winner of the Nagurski and Butkus awards as well as Bedinark trophy.
26 - BAL: Heyward-Bey, Darrius - WR - Maryland
Yes, I did it. Once Ozzie gets a look at the speed, the size, and the upside of DHB, he will be convinced. Now, there is a chance DHB is not here, but I am going to pray. Yes, yes, yes CB is a huge need, but I do not think the talent left here is 1st round worthy. With how we breed defensive stars, we can find good talent later on in the first day. GO TERPS!
Yes, I did it. Once Ozzie gets a look at the speed, the size, and the upside of DHB, he will be convinced. Now, there is a chance DHB is not here, but I am going to pray. Yes, yes, yes CB is a huge need, but I do not think the talent left here is 1st round worthy. With how we breed defensive stars, we can find good talent later on in the first day. GO TERPS!
27 - IND: Marks, Sen'Derrick - DT - Auburn
If he is not taken by ATL or Houston, I think the Colts will be upgrading the smallest D-Line in the league and one of the leagues worse rush defenses. Ok, Marks is 6'1" and only weighs in at 295, so hopefully he can add some much needed bulk to be able to play in the interior. However, for his size, he is a freakish athlete. Marks could very well run a 4.9, 40 yard dash at the combine. Marks adds to an already very athletic D-Line and would compliment the abilities of Freeney and Mathis greatly
If he is not taken by ATL or Houston, I think the Colts will be upgrading the smallest D-Line in the league and one of the leagues worse rush defenses. Ok, Marks is 6'1" and only weighs in at 295, so hopefully he can add some much needed bulk to be able to play in the interior. However, for his size, he is a freakish athlete. Marks could very well run a 4.9, 40 yard dash at the combine. Marks adds to an already very athletic D-Line and would compliment the abilities of Freeney and Mathis greatly
28 - PHI: Johnson, Rashad - FS - Alabama
From Carolina. Having an extra 1st round pick here is huge for the Eagles. It seems that they are only a few pieces away from being one of the contenders year after year just like the past. Arizona was able to expose the middle of the field on them in the NFC championship, so Safety might be a need here. Johnson is a great athlete and in his first full season, had 94 tackles and 6 INTS. No better way then to breed another Safety learning from B-Dawk.
From Carolina. Having an extra 1st round pick here is huge for the Eagles. It seems that they are only a few pieces away from being one of the contenders year after year just like the past. Arizona was able to expose the middle of the field on them in the NFC championship, so Safety might be a need here. Johnson is a great athlete and in his first full season, had 94 tackles and 6 INTS. No better way then to breed another Safety learning from B-Dawk.
29 - NYG: Harvin, Percy - WR - Florida
Ok, Plax returns to NYG. Toomer leaves. Hixon will most likely not live up to the hype and Steve Smith is a solid possession WR with not blazing speed. They lose Derrick Ward to Free Agency, and maybe you throw in Harvin, the WR/RB guy?? Could be the explosion that Eli certainly needs in his life.
Ok, Plax returns to NYG. Toomer leaves. Hixon will most likely not live up to the hype and Steve Smith is a solid possession WR with not blazing speed. They lose Derrick Ward to Free Agency, and maybe you throw in Harvin, the WR/RB guy?? Could be the explosion that Eli certainly needs in his life.
30 - TEN: Unger, Max - OL - Oregon
With an aging Kevin Mawae, it is smart to get a guy who can take his place, which was evident in the AFC divisional game. Even though Unger is listed as a Tackle, he would play much better at Center in the NFL and has played there in the past. WR is also a HUGE need here.
With an aging Kevin Mawae, it is smart to get a guy who can take his place, which was evident in the AFC divisional game. Even though Unger is listed as a Tackle, he would play much better at Center in the NFL and has played there in the past. WR is also a HUGE need here.
31 - ARI: McCoy, LeSean - RB - Pittsburgh
The running game improved in the playoffs, that is for sure. But 32nd in the league the whole 17 weeks of the season, no good at all. As much as we all love Edge, the man is going to need to stop soon. One of the BETTER backs the NFL has ever seen and it would be great for him to teach a guy like McCoy how to play like Edge did back in the day. He is not afraid to run between the Tackles and gets to his top speed very quickly. Pairing him with a very versatile Tim Hightower sounds right.
The running game improved in the playoffs, that is for sure. But 32nd in the league the whole 17 weeks of the season, no good at all. As much as we all love Edge, the man is going to need to stop soon. One of the BETTER backs the NFL has ever seen and it would be great for him to teach a guy like McCoy how to play like Edge did back in the day. He is not afraid to run between the Tackles and gets to his top speed very quickly. Pairing him with a very versatile Tim Hightower sounds right.
32 - PIT: Robinson, Duke - OL - Oklahoma
Well, we get to the Superbowl Champs. It was clearly evident that Pitt is still missing Faneca and cannot keep Ben on his feet at times. Their running game seemed to lose some of its "Pop" that it has shown in the pass and their best runner at times looked to be Big Ben. Pitt needs to start figuring out how to keep Ben in the pocket or else teams will figure out his ballerina moves. Parker and Mendenhall are 2 great backs and would thrive off of good blocking.
Well, we get to the Superbowl Champs. It was clearly evident that Pitt is still missing Faneca and cannot keep Ben on his feet at times. Their running game seemed to lose some of its "Pop" that it has shown in the pass and their best runner at times looked to be Big Ben. Pitt needs to start figuring out how to keep Ben in the pocket or else teams will figure out his ballerina moves. Parker and Mendenhall are 2 great backs and would thrive off of good blocking.