NFL Mock Draft; If I were a GM...
My thoughts on the top 10 picks in May's NFL Draft. Who I would select, and why.
By Trevor McCue
If you're like me, you start Google searching NFL Mock Draft, right after theSuper Bowl NFL Championship game ends. Or this year, maybe halfway through 1st quarter of the game. Every year, I realize how pointless this is for countless reasons, but I'll name a few. There are so many factors that change the way we project players including the coaching/GM changes, Senior Bowl, the combine, pro-days, free agency, Mel Kiper's hair, but mainly the fact is that nobody has any idea what NFL teams are thinking truly. Seems to me it's the last month or so before we can really start seeing some of the pieces come together. Fact is, the damn things are entertaining and fun, so we enjoy it.
If you're like me, you start Google searching NFL Mock Draft, right after the
Predicting the NFL draft is impossible. Like, Warren Buffet should consider a $1 Billion Perfect First Round Challenge impossible. Again, we have no idea what NFL teams are truly thinking. Anything they actually put out in the media is likely a smoke screen, distraction, manipulation, or blatant lie. And as much weight as we put into pro-days and all the other stuff I mentioned, these guys are watching film, conducting interviews, doing research, making draft boards, and doing their own mock drafts dawn to dusk for months. They have their opinions already, and Mel Kiper isn't going to change them. So, I am going to publish my first mock draft. I've done quite a few myself just for fun, but I'm not even going to pretend I can predict what teams will do. This is my version of "If I were a GM...", which means some of these picks may have no chance of happening, some may happen, and there is no way I'm mocking trades because there is no way of guessing that. These are not predictions, just what I personally think is the most sense for each team, with some justification, logic, or maybe I just think the dude would look solid in that team's uniform.
And the Houston Texans are now on the clock...
1. Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney DE, South Carolina
Houston has been in this situation twice before. In 2002 they selected David Carr over Julius Peppers. In 2006 they chose Mario Williams over Vince Young. Get where I'm going? I think Houston can wait on a QB, and take a once in a generation type talent in Jadeveon Clowney. I've heard all the talk of work ethic, or lack of, and I've seen him play, and not play. He can do things athletically from the end position, that no one his size should be able to do. The only comparable I can think of, is Calvin Johnson, and no I don't think that's crazy. I can't pass up having him play opposite JJ Watt. Or maybe move Mercilus to DE, and let JD play OLB in Romeo Crennel's 3-4.
NOTES: I do have concerns about Clowney, but I think if he goes to a team in a decent situation with a chance to win, with some decent veterans already in place, he will be just fine, or even amazing. Houston is moving to a 3-4, and that may mean he won't fit, I don't know, but it's hard to pass on a talent like JD. Texans are a serious trade down candidate, and with Clowney and the high demand for QB's they may be able to make a killing.
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| Clowney V. Manziel |
2. St. Louis Rams - Jake Matthews OT, Texas A&M
I don't care if you still love RGIII. I think it's fair to declare the Rams the winner in that trade. That being said, Les Snead probably would like to hold an auction for this pick and take home another ransom. Again, no trades in my mock, also this is a freebie, also I'm not Les Snead. The offensive line needs attention, but Sam Bradford needs weapons. This is tough.
The Rams have given Sam Bradford every opportunity to become the man in STL, and this year will be his last chance. St. Louis is good, in a great division. A top 10 potential defense, and a budding run game with Zac Stacy, I need to keep Sam Bradford upright. Jake Long is coming back from an injury and brings uncertainty. Roger Safford failed his physical in Oakland, and returned to the Rams, but will likely move to guard. Jeff Fisher knows the Matthews blood line well, and Jake could easily play RT, or take over if Jake Long can't stay healthy. Either way, he can make an immediate impact.
NOTES: St. Louis might be getting greedy with trading down, or they are just trying to steal New England's strategy and hell it's working. The Rams are in awesome position with this freebie pick, whether they trade it or not. Jeff Fisher isn't high on taking OT early in the draft, and they may be able to target that position with their 13th pick. If the Rams do somehow stay at #2, I'd like to see them take Sammy Watkins. They have drafted quite a few WR's as of late, but again this pick is basically a freebie. Sammy Watkins...for free.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Khalil Mack OLB, Buffalo
I've been on the Mack Truck bandwagon since the Ohio State game. This play I have chosen is amazing, because the one prior should have been a sack, and he is outrunning one of the fastest freshman in the country. He played coverage, made zone reads and then left to pursue Braxton Miller. He was in blitz packages, and played multiple techniques. He also plays all out every play, and you can't question is work ethic. He has no red flags, and may just may, end up being better than Jadeveon Clowney.
NOTES: Jacksonville recognizes they have a lot of needs, and just taking a QB to take one isn't going to fix this team. They are also a serious trade candidate to gain picks in this very deep draft. That being said, if a QB they like is there, and they can't trade down, they may take him. There are a few elite guys in this draft who don't play quarterback, and that's who the Jags may target.
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| No comment necessary |
4. Cleveland Browns - Blake Bortles QB, Central Florida
Ok, I am now the temporary GM of the Cleveland Browns, which at this point should just be the title of the actual GM. I honestly think Jimmy Haslam's environment of job insecurity, is what kept coaches away this off season. They have a top 10 defense, that is only going to get better. The best WR in the league, not in Detroit, Josh Gordon. Jordan Cameron, may have been inconsistent last season, but he showed some serious flashes of being an elite TE.
I have a solid backup in Brian Hoyer, and a lot teams don't have that, but he's not the guy. None of the QB's are off the board so I can take whoever I like best, and I like Blake Bortles. This kind of fits into my criteria of, I just think a guy fits a team, will look good in the uniform, just feels right. He his a big, strong, canon armed quarterback who needs to be in the AFC North. Seriously, cold weather, those huge hands are going to be important. That got weird. I think he has the highest ceiling of all the top guys. I'm not in love with any of this year's QB's, but I may be in like with Blake Bortles. He makes sense for Cleveland, and I think they have a chance to be really good, really soon.
NOTES: If Cleveland wants, they could easily trade up with one of teams in front to get the guy the want. I have no idea who that guy is, but I can see how Manziel could fit into Shanahan's system. They could also be players in a trade for Kirk Cousins, but I think Washington is asking for way too much, and probably feel fine keeping him to play behind RGIII. They have the 26th pick in this draft as well from the Trent Richardson trade, so Cleveland could hit a home run this year. Or they could fail like the last time they had two picks in the first round by taking Richardson and Brandon Weeden. Both are no longer with the team.
5. Oakland Raiders - Sammy Watkins WR, Clemson
Expected to be a player heading into free agency with $50 million in cap space, the Raiders were surprisingly quiet, according to pundits. Rebuilding teams do not become winners via free agency however, and I think Oakland actually did pretty well. They have added veterans Justin Tuck, Lamarr Woodley, Matt Schaub, and Carlos Rogers. They added a couple tackles including Donald Penn. None of these guys may be what they once were, but they can change a culture, and heck you may catch lightning in a bottle. I think they have a chance to improve while adding some NFL staples to help lead the incoming rookies.
The Raiders could target a QB if their guy is still there at #5. They could still go after an OT after letting one of the best walk away. I however cannot pass on Sammy Watkins at this point. He fills a definite need, and is not only the best player available, he may the best in this draft. Speed, hands, and ups. He can run by and over corners, which is why he led the NCAA in YAC. He also, not just able, but really good on returns. Be honest, Watkins would look perfect in the silver and black.
NOTES: The Raiders are also a possible trade-up candidate depending on if they really want one of QB's in this draft. I think they could stay put, and maybe depending on how the draft falls out, get a decent pull and trade down. Otherwise, one of the top talents in this draft, or a QB will fall to them at #5. If Sammy Watkins is there however, I think it's a no-brainer and I really love the idea of Watkins in Oakland.
6. Atlanta Falcons - Eric Ebron TE, UNC
Atlanta should be in the conversation with Houston for most disappointing team from last season. The injury bug bit hard, taking out top receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White. Steven Jackson battled some as well, and never showed his old form with his new team. Tony Gonzalez came back for one last try at a Super Bowl, and in almost ironic finish, that seemed to fit his career, they fell hard. Like the amazing pro he is, he wanted nothing to do with trade rumors and played hard the rest of the season to cap off an amazing career.
Atlanta has a need for a pass rusher, offensive line, and now a tight end. If they stay put at six, they will likely have to watch Clowney and Mack go off the board. I could take one of the top two lineman here, but I don't think that he will be able to make an immediate impact on this team. Sam Baker is still a very good LT, and adding someone for the right side isn't going to make us a contender again. Matt Ryan is going to need a security blanket to replace Gonzalez and Eric Ebron, would be a perfect fit. He is fast, strong, and has soft hands. He can run block with the best blocking TE's, and is the best pass catcher in this draft. Ebron is a game changer at TE.
NOTES: Atlanta has made no secret of their crush on Jadeveon Clowney, and he has made no secret that ATL is his preferred destination. Houston, St. Louis, and Jacksonville all seem willing if not desperate to trade out of their top 3 pick. It may cost a lot, but Atlanta should be able to move up and get their guy much like they did for Julio Jones.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Greg Robinson OT, Auburn
Tampa made by far the best hire this off season bringing in Lovie Smith as their new head coach. I honestly can't think of a better fit. The Bucs were always known for their defense, which is already pretty damn good, and is going to become elite with Lovie at the controls. Add Michael Johnson to a front 7 including McCoy, Bowers, Foster, and one of my favorites from last season Lavonte David. Now add Alterraun Verner and Dashon Goldson into a secondary with Mark Barron, I can't explain how excited I am to see this team play. If I can tolerate those new hideous uniforms.
Tampa signed long time NFL journey man, and apparently new amazing quarterback Josh McCown. He's 34, and I'm not sure why 6 good games covers up his first 10 seasons. Either way, this new regime obviously doesn't think Mike Glennon is the guy, and Lovie took Rex Grossman to the Super Bowl so maybe McCown isn't a bad move. I'm going to beat the drum again, and say Tampa needs a QB, but I think they can take one in later rounds and stick with McCown for a couple seasons. An immediate need with the loss of Donald Penn, is LT and Greg Robinson at #7 is an absolute steal. He kind of came out of nowhere last season, just like his Auburn Tigers, but Robinson is everything you want in an offensive lineman. Very good at run block, he does need to improve in pass block, but being able to fill my biggest need, with an OL that could be #1 in most drafts, I will gladly do that.
NOTES: After trading away Mike Williams, it would be hard to imagine the Bucs passing on Mike Evans, or Sammy Watkins if he some how fell to them at #7. They may be high on a QB and take one here if he falls, or even try to trade up with some of the teams looking to move down.
8. Minnesota Vikings - Derek Carr QB, Fresno State
After a surprising run to the playoffs the previous season, on the back of Adrian Peterson, the Vikings once again fell to bottom tier of the NFL. It was painful to watch Leslie Frazier try and get quality quarterback play out of Christian Ponder. Matt Cassel actually showed some strides, but suffered with injuries. Minnesota even got desperate and signed Josh Freeman after he was released from Tampa. I've said it a few times that I wouldn't take one of the top QB's in this draft, but as the Vikings GM, and at the #8 pick, I am going to.
Only one quarterback has been taken so far, and I can choose from Bridgewater or Manziel. So why am I taking Derek Carr? Simple, because he is better. Carr is the most pro ready QB in this draft, and could be thrown into the fire right away, which is what Minnesota needs. AD is going to be the last great every down back to play into his 30's, but even he is running out of time. The Vikings need a QB that can win now, and Derek Carr is my guy. He is a solid drop back QB, who is very accurate and gets rid of the ball quick. His stats at Fresno are off the charts, and no one threw for more yards or TD's in the past two seasons in the NCAA than Carr. I honestly don't understand why this guy isn't being talked about more, other than the fact is older brother was a bust. Houston fans would probably have a panic attack at first, but I would consider him with the #1 pick. But, I am the Vikings GM, and I'm glad to take him at 8.
NOTES: I believe Minnesota agrees with me, and they are high on Derek Carr as well. There's a chance the "top 3" guys are gone already, making Carr a more obvious selection. If QB's start falling Minnesota could take advantage and trade back and still get Derek Carr. Or use this pick on defense, and move back into the first round to get Carr.
9. Buffalo Bills - Calvin Pryor S, Louisville
The Bills took the first quarterback in last years draft, EJ Manuel. Everyone is saying they should look to take another QB, and they aren't sold on Manuel. Don't get me wrong, I'm not either, but the guy was a rookie. Give him a second to develop, and keep focusing on building that defense. Built with previous draft picks Marcell Dareus and ROY Kiko Alonso and free agent signings like Mario Williams, and this year Manny Lawson and Brandon Spikes, they are good.
Buffalo lost Alterraun Verner to Tampa, and Jarius Byrd to the Saints via free agency. Which means we are going to have to look at the secondary. I considered taking a cornerback with this pick, but I believe Stephon Gilmore will take advantage of this opportunity, and breakout this season. I am also not sold on Gilbert or Dennard, and to be a top 10 pick at CB, you need to be an absolute stud. Speaking of absolute stud, as Bills GM I am going to take Calvin Pryor. I have him slotted above Dix, because I think he is better all around, and I have concerns for Alabama players as of late. I don't know if it's the Saban demands or what. Pryor is a heavy hitting safety, with plus speed. He always seems to find the ball, and would be a great centerfield style safety.
NOTES: Buffalo has been rumored as trade up candidate, even as much as talking to Houston about the #1 pick. The question is who are they targeting? I don't think it's a QB, and they could look at offensive line, but wouldn't need to pay the premium of moving up to #1. I think it's obviously Clowney, because he would be perfect at left end opposite Mario Williams. Add in Alonso, Dareus, and Williams, and Buffalo may have the best front 7 in the NFL. I'm not sure what the price would be to jump that high, or if the Bills would pay it, but it sure would be interesting. If they do stay put, I don't expect them to take Pryor.
10. Detroit Lions - Mike Evans WR, Texas A&M
Detroit has been a talented team on paper the past few seasons, and after a playoff berth the previous season was expected to make another push forward last year. Mistakes, bad penalties, and lack of discipline seemed to be the Lions downfall, and it cost Jim Schwartz his job. Jim Caldwell may be the polar opposite of Schwartz, and when he was the HC for the Colts they were in the top 5 for least penalized teams each season. So what do the Lions need to do to get over the top?
Detroit has their franchise QB, an improved offensive line, a good if not great running back tandem, and the best wide receiver in the game. Calvin Johnson is an absolute freak, and absolute nightmare for defenses. During the Matt Millen era, the Lions took wide receivers in three consecutive seasons, and failed on all three. Matt Stafford has the potential to be a great QB, especially with Megatron, but he needs another weapon. The Lions added YAC leader Golden Tate through free agency, but I think drafting Mike Evans would put Detroit over the top and into serious contender territory. Evans has it all with size, speed, hands, route running, and the ability to win jump balls. He isn't Calvin Johnson, but his game is very similar. With Evans and Megatron on the outside, Tate in the slot, Pettigrew at TE, and Bush/Bell in the backfield, defenses would be over matched. Mike Evans does not get enough credit for how good he made Johhny Football look, and he would make Stafford look really good. I can't imagine the kind of season Calvin Johnson would have, with Mike Evans and Golden Tate garnering some attention. This pick is a no-brainer.
NOTES: Even with the Tate signing, I think Detroit will still want to get one of the top receivers in this draft. A lot of mocks have them taking one of the corners with this pick, but again I am not very high on either, or taking a corner that high for that matter. Considering the Lions top targets Watkins, Evans, and Mack will likely be gone maybe they have no other choice. I am sure they would like to trade up, but I don't know if any of the teams at the picks they will need to get to, will want to drop down this far. The Lions war room is going to be very tense on draft day.
RECAP
I will say again, this is not a prediction mock and I do not expect draft day to shake out this way. There will likely be trades in the top 10, and possibly a trade no one saw coming. There are plenty of smoke screens, and teams keeping information secret. Truthfully, no one has any idea which way they are leaning. This is just what I would personally do, if I was in position to make the draft picks for these respective selections.
I am sure you noticed neither Johhny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater made it into my top 10. Bridgewater was long considered the top QB, and a "lock" to be the first selection. I watched him play a couple times, and watched quite a bit of tape while doing my research for this and I just don't see it. He doesn't have anything that screams out. I think he is a second round talent, and nothing more than a very solid backup. I think he is the most likely of the top tier QB's to fall come draft day, especially after is lackluster pro day.
I wouldn't draft Johnny Manziel in the top 10, first round, or second round. I wouldn't draft Johnny Manziel. He is without a doubt an exciting and fun to watch college quarterback, but since when has that translated to the NFL? He can't stand in the pocket and make throws. He's not fast enough to run around and get away from defenses in the NFL. His toss up throws, were only amazing after amazing catches made by Mike Evans. As far as his attitude, I am not going to try and pretend I know the kid or even begin to judge him. I just don't think he gets it, and fair or not he has created a side show and I wouldn't want that anywhere near my team.
He had a chance to be taken seriously as a QB and not a celebrity at his pro day, but instead he invited former presidents and had a DJ playing. A lot of people seemed blown away, because yes he is a very good athlete, and in fact I think he might be able to contribute as a RB/WR, but I don't think he can be a leader behind center. Vikings HC Mike Zimmer walked away with the same sentiments I have. All that aside, simple football facts are it just doesn't make sense. He is very similar to Michael Vick, except Vick has way more of an arm. I am blown away there haven't been more Tebow/Manziel comparisons, on the field only of course. He doesn't have the skill sets or size to play QB in the NFL, and especially stay healthy in the NFL. I don't wish bad on anyone, so I hope he proves me wrong, but I just think Manziel is going to be a train wreck, and the other comparison to Tebow is the obsession ESPN has with him. Johnny Football is going to make mistakes, and everyone is going to be all over him. I would not draft him, but some team will. Either way it's going to be an interesting ride.
All the talk leading up to the draft will be about the quarterbacks, because it is a quarterback league, but this draft has a lot of elite talent in it. Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack are phenomenal talents, and could have QB's on the run for years to come. Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews are top tier offensive lineman, and would be #1 picks in most drafts. Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans are stud receivers, and could become #1 wideouts on almost any team, or could become part of one of the best pairs in the league. Top to bottom, this may be the deepest draft in a long time. The top 10 picks are always the most fun to discuss, debate, and predict, but champions are built in the later rounds. On Saturday and Sunday, when the picks are just scrolling across the bottom without any conversation. Remember, 31 teams passed on Tom Brady five times.
Feel free to leave any comments, questions, debate starters, or insults below. Thank you for reading.
NOTES: The Raiders are also a possible trade-up candidate depending on if they really want one of QB's in this draft. I think they could stay put, and maybe depending on how the draft falls out, get a decent pull and trade down. Otherwise, one of the top talents in this draft, or a QB will fall to them at #5. If Sammy Watkins is there however, I think it's a no-brainer and I really love the idea of Watkins in Oakland.
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| He can literally do everything |
6. Atlanta Falcons - Eric Ebron TE, UNC
Atlanta should be in the conversation with Houston for most disappointing team from last season. The injury bug bit hard, taking out top receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White. Steven Jackson battled some as well, and never showed his old form with his new team. Tony Gonzalez came back for one last try at a Super Bowl, and in almost ironic finish, that seemed to fit his career, they fell hard. Like the amazing pro he is, he wanted nothing to do with trade rumors and played hard the rest of the season to cap off an amazing career.Atlanta has a need for a pass rusher, offensive line, and now a tight end. If they stay put at six, they will likely have to watch Clowney and Mack go off the board. I could take one of the top two lineman here, but I don't think that he will be able to make an immediate impact on this team. Sam Baker is still a very good LT, and adding someone for the right side isn't going to make us a contender again. Matt Ryan is going to need a security blanket to replace Gonzalez and Eric Ebron, would be a perfect fit. He is fast, strong, and has soft hands. He can run block with the best blocking TE's, and is the best pass catcher in this draft. Ebron is a game changer at TE.
NOTES: Atlanta has made no secret of their crush on Jadeveon Clowney, and he has made no secret that ATL is his preferred destination. Houston, St. Louis, and Jacksonville all seem willing if not desperate to trade out of their top 3 pick. It may cost a lot, but Atlanta should be able to move up and get their guy much like they did for Julio Jones.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Greg Robinson OT, Auburn
Tampa made by far the best hire this off season bringing in Lovie Smith as their new head coach. I honestly can't think of a better fit. The Bucs were always known for their defense, which is already pretty damn good, and is going to become elite with Lovie at the controls. Add Michael Johnson to a front 7 including McCoy, Bowers, Foster, and one of my favorites from last season Lavonte David. Now add Alterraun Verner and Dashon Goldson into a secondary with Mark Barron, I can't explain how excited I am to see this team play. If I can tolerate those new hideous uniforms.Tampa signed long time NFL journey man, and apparently new amazing quarterback Josh McCown. He's 34, and I'm not sure why 6 good games covers up his first 10 seasons. Either way, this new regime obviously doesn't think Mike Glennon is the guy, and Lovie took Rex Grossman to the Super Bowl so maybe McCown isn't a bad move. I'm going to beat the drum again, and say Tampa needs a QB, but I think they can take one in later rounds and stick with McCown for a couple seasons. An immediate need with the loss of Donald Penn, is LT and Greg Robinson at #7 is an absolute steal. He kind of came out of nowhere last season, just like his Auburn Tigers, but Robinson is everything you want in an offensive lineman. Very good at run block, he does need to improve in pass block, but being able to fill my biggest need, with an OL that could be #1 in most drafts, I will gladly do that.
NOTES: After trading away Mike Williams, it would be hard to imagine the Bucs passing on Mike Evans, or Sammy Watkins if he some how fell to them at #7. They may be high on a QB and take one here if he falls, or even try to trade up with some of the teams looking to move down.
8. Minnesota Vikings - Derek Carr QB, Fresno State
After a surprising run to the playoffs the previous season, on the back of Adrian Peterson, the Vikings once again fell to bottom tier of the NFL. It was painful to watch Leslie Frazier try and get quality quarterback play out of Christian Ponder. Matt Cassel actually showed some strides, but suffered with injuries. Minnesota even got desperate and signed Josh Freeman after he was released from Tampa. I've said it a few times that I wouldn't take one of the top QB's in this draft, but as the Vikings GM, and at the #8 pick, I am going to.Only one quarterback has been taken so far, and I can choose from Bridgewater or Manziel. So why am I taking Derek Carr? Simple, because he is better. Carr is the most pro ready QB in this draft, and could be thrown into the fire right away, which is what Minnesota needs. AD is going to be the last great every down back to play into his 30's, but even he is running out of time. The Vikings need a QB that can win now, and Derek Carr is my guy. He is a solid drop back QB, who is very accurate and gets rid of the ball quick. His stats at Fresno are off the charts, and no one threw for more yards or TD's in the past two seasons in the NCAA than Carr. I honestly don't understand why this guy isn't being talked about more, other than the fact is older brother was a bust. Houston fans would probably have a panic attack at first, but I would consider him with the #1 pick. But, I am the Vikings GM, and I'm glad to take him at 8.
NOTES: I believe Minnesota agrees with me, and they are high on Derek Carr as well. There's a chance the "top 3" guys are gone already, making Carr a more obvious selection. If QB's start falling Minnesota could take advantage and trade back and still get Derek Carr. Or use this pick on defense, and move back into the first round to get Carr.
9. Buffalo Bills - Calvin Pryor S, Louisville
The Bills took the first quarterback in last years draft, EJ Manuel. Everyone is saying they should look to take another QB, and they aren't sold on Manuel. Don't get me wrong, I'm not either, but the guy was a rookie. Give him a second to develop, and keep focusing on building that defense. Built with previous draft picks Marcell Dareus and ROY Kiko Alonso and free agent signings like Mario Williams, and this year Manny Lawson and Brandon Spikes, they are good.Buffalo lost Alterraun Verner to Tampa, and Jarius Byrd to the Saints via free agency. Which means we are going to have to look at the secondary. I considered taking a cornerback with this pick, but I believe Stephon Gilmore will take advantage of this opportunity, and breakout this season. I am also not sold on Gilbert or Dennard, and to be a top 10 pick at CB, you need to be an absolute stud. Speaking of absolute stud, as Bills GM I am going to take Calvin Pryor. I have him slotted above Dix, because I think he is better all around, and I have concerns for Alabama players as of late. I don't know if it's the Saban demands or what. Pryor is a heavy hitting safety, with plus speed. He always seems to find the ball, and would be a great centerfield style safety.
NOTES: Buffalo has been rumored as trade up candidate, even as much as talking to Houston about the #1 pick. The question is who are they targeting? I don't think it's a QB, and they could look at offensive line, but wouldn't need to pay the premium of moving up to #1. I think it's obviously Clowney, because he would be perfect at left end opposite Mario Williams. Add in Alonso, Dareus, and Williams, and Buffalo may have the best front 7 in the NFL. I'm not sure what the price would be to jump that high, or if the Bills would pay it, but it sure would be interesting. If they do stay put, I don't expect them to take Pryor.
10. Detroit Lions - Mike Evans WR, Texas A&M
Detroit has been a talented team on paper the past few seasons, and after a playoff berth the previous season was expected to make another push forward last year. Mistakes, bad penalties, and lack of discipline seemed to be the Lions downfall, and it cost Jim Schwartz his job. Jim Caldwell may be the polar opposite of Schwartz, and when he was the HC for the Colts they were in the top 5 for least penalized teams each season. So what do the Lions need to do to get over the top?Detroit has their franchise QB, an improved offensive line, a good if not great running back tandem, and the best wide receiver in the game. Calvin Johnson is an absolute freak, and absolute nightmare for defenses. During the Matt Millen era, the Lions took wide receivers in three consecutive seasons, and failed on all three. Matt Stafford has the potential to be a great QB, especially with Megatron, but he needs another weapon. The Lions added YAC leader Golden Tate through free agency, but I think drafting Mike Evans would put Detroit over the top and into serious contender territory. Evans has it all with size, speed, hands, route running, and the ability to win jump balls. He isn't Calvin Johnson, but his game is very similar. With Evans and Megatron on the outside, Tate in the slot, Pettigrew at TE, and Bush/Bell in the backfield, defenses would be over matched. Mike Evans does not get enough credit for how good he made Johhny Football look, and he would make Stafford look really good. I can't imagine the kind of season Calvin Johnson would have, with Mike Evans and Golden Tate garnering some attention. This pick is a no-brainer.
NOTES: Even with the Tate signing, I think Detroit will still want to get one of the top receivers in this draft. A lot of mocks have them taking one of the corners with this pick, but again I am not very high on either, or taking a corner that high for that matter. Considering the Lions top targets Watkins, Evans, and Mack will likely be gone maybe they have no other choice. I am sure they would like to trade up, but I don't know if any of the teams at the picks they will need to get to, will want to drop down this far. The Lions war room is going to be very tense on draft day.
RECAP
I will say again, this is not a prediction mock and I do not expect draft day to shake out this way. There will likely be trades in the top 10, and possibly a trade no one saw coming. There are plenty of smoke screens, and teams keeping information secret. Truthfully, no one has any idea which way they are leaning. This is just what I would personally do, if I was in position to make the draft picks for these respective selections.
I am sure you noticed neither Johhny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater made it into my top 10. Bridgewater was long considered the top QB, and a "lock" to be the first selection. I watched him play a couple times, and watched quite a bit of tape while doing my research for this and I just don't see it. He doesn't have anything that screams out. I think he is a second round talent, and nothing more than a very solid backup. I think he is the most likely of the top tier QB's to fall come draft day, especially after is lackluster pro day.
I wouldn't draft Johnny Manziel in the top 10, first round, or second round. I wouldn't draft Johnny Manziel. He is without a doubt an exciting and fun to watch college quarterback, but since when has that translated to the NFL? He can't stand in the pocket and make throws. He's not fast enough to run around and get away from defenses in the NFL. His toss up throws, were only amazing after amazing catches made by Mike Evans. As far as his attitude, I am not going to try and pretend I know the kid or even begin to judge him. I just don't think he gets it, and fair or not he has created a side show and I wouldn't want that anywhere near my team.
He had a chance to be taken seriously as a QB and not a celebrity at his pro day, but instead he invited former presidents and had a DJ playing. A lot of people seemed blown away, because yes he is a very good athlete, and in fact I think he might be able to contribute as a RB/WR, but I don't think he can be a leader behind center. Vikings HC Mike Zimmer walked away with the same sentiments I have. All that aside, simple football facts are it just doesn't make sense. He is very similar to Michael Vick, except Vick has way more of an arm. I am blown away there haven't been more Tebow/Manziel comparisons, on the field only of course. He doesn't have the skill sets or size to play QB in the NFL, and especially stay healthy in the NFL. I don't wish bad on anyone, so I hope he proves me wrong, but I just think Manziel is going to be a train wreck, and the other comparison to Tebow is the obsession ESPN has with him. Johnny Football is going to make mistakes, and everyone is going to be all over him. I would not draft him, but some team will. Either way it's going to be an interesting ride.
All the talk leading up to the draft will be about the quarterbacks, because it is a quarterback league, but this draft has a lot of elite talent in it. Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack are phenomenal talents, and could have QB's on the run for years to come. Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews are top tier offensive lineman, and would be #1 picks in most drafts. Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans are stud receivers, and could become #1 wideouts on almost any team, or could become part of one of the best pairs in the league. Top to bottom, this may be the deepest draft in a long time. The top 10 picks are always the most fun to discuss, debate, and predict, but champions are built in the later rounds. On Saturday and Sunday, when the picks are just scrolling across the bottom without any conversation. Remember, 31 teams passed on Tom Brady five times.
Feel free to leave any comments, questions, debate starters, or insults below. Thank you for reading.
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