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I guess I'll post my mock draft. I used the NFL.com league standings in reverse for the order since I was too lazy to look up an official order.
Noticable underclassmen not declaring:
Andrew Luck QB Stanford
Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame
Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame
1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley DT Auburn
Even if Luck had declared, I probably would have gone this route if I ran the draft room in Carolina. This team has to allow Jimmy Clausen to mature and grow into an NFL starting quarterback. With no offensive linemen worth taking this early in the draft, the team needs to address their weak defensive front. Fairley burst out of nowhere to become the premiere defensive lineman in the country after dominating the NFL farm system known as the SEC. He has a ridiculously quick inside step and strong use of his hands to get through the line with ease.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson CB LSU
Defensively, the Broncos were a mess this year ranking near the bottom in every defensive category. Patrick Peterson is probably the best defensive player in the entire draft and fills a major position of need for Denver, especially with Champ Bailey getting older. Peterson will be able to use his exceptional shut down coverage abilities and learn from one of the game's best in recent years.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green WR Georgia
Face it. Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are simply not the players they used to be. Owens likely won't be back with the Bengals in 2011 and the rest of the WR corps looks ill-prepared to step into a starting role. Adding a playmaking WR like Green on the outside should allow Ochocinco to excel in his natural role as the #2 WR, giving Carson Palmer, or whoever is under center in 2011, a much more dynamic passing offense.
4. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn OLB North Carolina
I'll be honest, I'm a lot higher on Quinn than most people are. Even without playing a single snap in 2010 I feel Quinn is the premiere 3-4 OLB prospect in the draft, showing a game similar to Demarcus Ware. The Bills had one of the most pitiful transitions to the 3-4 defense I've seen in recent years with little personnel capable of playing in the scheme. There was no bigger proof of that than at OLB where the team struggled to rotate Chris Kelsay, Aaron Maybin, Arthur Moats, and Shawne Merriman(who never actually played a down). Quinn gives them an explosive athlete on the outside who can get after the quarterback and drop back in coverage if neccesary. If Quinn performs as well as I expect at the Combine, look for other people to start ranking him this highly as well.
5. Cleveland Browns- Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
The Browns passed on getting their #1 WR of the future in 2009 when they chose not to draft Michael Crabtree at number five overall. Two years later they find themselves in the exact same position and this time they'd be wise not to let history repeat itself. Blackmon is a true #1 WR with the ability to make plays anywhere on the field and should help Colt McCoy continue to grow as an NFL quarterback.
6. Arizona Cardinals- Cam Newton QB Auburn
The Cardinals were a mess on offense this year ranking in the bottom two in both passing and rushing. How do you fix that? By drafting a dynamic athlete like Cam Newton to play quarterback. While I don't think he's ready to step in right away like Sam Bradford or Matt Ryan, allowing Newton to sit for a year behind a free agent QB like Donovan McNabb could pay huge dividends for this struggling franchise in the future.
7. Washington Redskins- Jake Locker QB Washington
Honestly, this is probably too high in the draft for Jake Locker to be selected but I feel he is a perfect fit for the Shanahan offense. His game reminds me of Jake Plummer so much that it's scary. His ability to make plays with his feet will be key in the ZBS and his arm strength is more than adequate enough to find recievers.
8. Tennessee Titans- Prince Amuakamara CB Nebraska
The Titans biggest need in this draft may just be quarterback but with Newton and Locker gone, I can't imagine the Titans will reach for Blaine Gabbert or Ryan Mallett, especially considering they might not be a perfect fit for their offense. With that said, the Titans play in one of the more pass heavy divisions in all of football and Courtland Finnegan showed that he may be better suited off as a nickel corner or safety. Amuakamara is the top senior CB in the draft with excellent size and cover skills that should immediately make an impact.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Ingram RB Alabama
The 49ers have a few options on offense come draft day however I feel the best player available for them at this point is Mark Ingram. He's a fast and powerful runner that should provide an instant upgrade in the running game. With Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook struggling to stay on the field, it can't hurt to bring in a talented workhorse back like Ingram.
10. Minnesota Vikings- Julio Jones WR Alabama
Quarterback is the sexy pick here for the Vikings but I feel like the coaching staff has enough faith in Joe Webb to let him run with the offense a bit before making a change. With that being said, he's going to need a legitimate threat on the outside. Julio Jones is a big physical receiver who will allow Percy Harvin to operate out of the slot where he'll be more effective.
11. Houston Texans- Janoris Jenkins CB Florida
The Texans have been awful in pass defense for years now and have ignored it despite playing against solid passing attacks in the AFC South. Jenkins is a solid shut down corner with a history of big plays in the SEC. He should provide an immediate upgrade to the Houston secondary.
12. Detroit Lions- DeQuan Bowers DE Clemson
A huge steal for the Lions who further solidify their defensive line with one of the top pass rushers in the draft. Playing along Ndamakong Suh, Bowers will be able to roam free in the opposing backfield and do what he does best.
13. Dallas Cowboys- Marcel Dareus DE Alabama
Dallas chooses the best available defensive player left on the board and solidifies their 3-4 defensive line. Dareus is strong and athletic and should provide an immediate boost to the Cowboys defense.
14. St Louis Rams- Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma
The Rams need to surround Sam Bradford with playmakers at wide receiver. Who better than one of his favorite targets in college, Ryan Broyles. Broyles is a solid route runner with a knack for making big plays. His experience with Bradford should result in a quick payoff.
15. Miami Dolphins- Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
The Dolphins went through several quarterbacks in 2010 and none of them proved to be very effective. By drafting Mallett, the Dolphins gain a project QB with a ton of potential. As long as they don't rush him into the starting lineup, I feel the decision could pay off.
16. New England Patriots(from Oakland)- Aaron Williams CB Texas
If there was any weakness at all for the Patriots in 2010 it was their pass defense that ranked 30th in the league. Williams is the next CB to come from the excellent pedigree of Texas defensive backs. He has solid size and cover skills.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars- Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
Jacksonville really can't afford to pass up on drafting a quarterback again. This team is heading nowhere by continuing to play David Garrard under center and they have no other options currently on the roster. Gabbert is a tall strong armed quarterback with the ability to make most, if not all the NFL throws. He may need a little work adjusting to playing under center but his footwork is better than that of Ryan Mallett.
18. San Diego Chargers- Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State
The Chargers were a bit of a fluke in 2010. They consitently ranked among the league's leaders in both offense and defense yet still managed to miss the playoffs. Sherrod is somewhat of a best available player pick who also has the ability to contribute right away at right tackle. He's a big strong blocker who has succeeded at the highest level of play in college football.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
Tampa Bay really needs a player who can get after the quarterback and Kerrigan does it better than just about anybody in the draft. He has a relentless motor and has excellent use of his hands in order to get through the offensive line.
20. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
A big playmaking OLB who not only fills a need for the Giants defense but also happens to be the best player available on the board. There aren't too many holes on this team to address.
21. Seattle Seahawks- Jordan Todman RB UConn
Todman is a compact runner who has put up solid numbers in college. The Seahawks had one of the worst running games in all of football in 2010. Not really a tough choice in my opinion.
22. Philadelphia Eagles- Greg Jones MLB Michigan State
Jones has been one of the nation's best linebackers for years now. He's a tackling machine who always seems to be around the ballcarrier. He should be an upgrade for the Eagles defense.
23. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
The Chiefs really need someone to create pressure off the edge. Von Miller struggled a bit to start the 2010 season but really came on strong in the second half to win the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker. Miller is no longer considered a one dimensional treat as a pass rusher.
24. Indianapolis Colts- Nate Solder OT Colorado
The Colts have had a touch of bad luck at the left tackle position over the past few years with the sudden retirement of Tarik Glenn and the bust of Tony Ugoh. Nate Solder is a tall athletic left tackle who excels in pass protection and has the agility to make blocks at the second level in the running game.
25. Green Bay Packers- Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
Local product who is among the nation's best blockers. Real physical blocker who can play either tackle spot. Should help fix a lackluster running game in Green Bay.
26. New York Jets- Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
The Jets really need to upgrade their defensive line and Clayborn is an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end. Being able to take him here is a huge steal for the Jets.
27. New Orleans Saints- Drake Nevis DT LSU
The Saints need to strengthen their defensive line and do so by drafting local product Drake Nevis. Nevis has excellent strength and quickness but needs to add some bulk.
28. Chicago Bears- Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
Castonzo is a solid left tackle prospect with long arms and solid technique. He's a little on the thin side but should be able to add weight to his frame without sacrificing too much agility.
29. Pittsburgh Steelers- JJ Watt DE Wisconsin
The Steelers are in the position where they can go with the best player available. That player happens to be JJ Watt who will be an excellent fit in their 3-4 defense as a defensive end. With Aaron Smith struggling to stay healthy, depth is always welcome.
30. Baltimore Ravens- Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
The Ravens have some holes in their secondary that need to be addressed. Jimmy Smith is a tall corner with solid cover skills who should be able to help out on defense right away.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Mike Pouncey OL Florida
The Falcons could use some depth along the interior of their offensive line. Puncey has displayed the ability to play a variety of positions along the offensive line with relative success at the highest level of competion.
32. New England Patriots- Cameron Jordan DE California
Experienced 3-4 defensive end who should help improve an already solid defensive line. Really a luxury pick here and a steal this late in the draft.
Noticable underclassmen not declaring:
Andrew Luck QB Stanford
Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame
Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame
1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley DT Auburn
Even if Luck had declared, I probably would have gone this route if I ran the draft room in Carolina. This team has to allow Jimmy Clausen to mature and grow into an NFL starting quarterback. With no offensive linemen worth taking this early in the draft, the team needs to address their weak defensive front. Fairley burst out of nowhere to become the premiere defensive lineman in the country after dominating the NFL farm system known as the SEC. He has a ridiculously quick inside step and strong use of his hands to get through the line with ease.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson CB LSU
Defensively, the Broncos were a mess this year ranking near the bottom in every defensive category. Patrick Peterson is probably the best defensive player in the entire draft and fills a major position of need for Denver, especially with Champ Bailey getting older. Peterson will be able to use his exceptional shut down coverage abilities and learn from one of the game's best in recent years.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green WR Georgia
Face it. Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are simply not the players they used to be. Owens likely won't be back with the Bengals in 2011 and the rest of the WR corps looks ill-prepared to step into a starting role. Adding a playmaking WR like Green on the outside should allow Ochocinco to excel in his natural role as the #2 WR, giving Carson Palmer, or whoever is under center in 2011, a much more dynamic passing offense.
4. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn OLB North Carolina
I'll be honest, I'm a lot higher on Quinn than most people are. Even without playing a single snap in 2010 I feel Quinn is the premiere 3-4 OLB prospect in the draft, showing a game similar to Demarcus Ware. The Bills had one of the most pitiful transitions to the 3-4 defense I've seen in recent years with little personnel capable of playing in the scheme. There was no bigger proof of that than at OLB where the team struggled to rotate Chris Kelsay, Aaron Maybin, Arthur Moats, and Shawne Merriman(who never actually played a down). Quinn gives them an explosive athlete on the outside who can get after the quarterback and drop back in coverage if neccesary. If Quinn performs as well as I expect at the Combine, look for other people to start ranking him this highly as well.
5. Cleveland Browns- Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
The Browns passed on getting their #1 WR of the future in 2009 when they chose not to draft Michael Crabtree at number five overall. Two years later they find themselves in the exact same position and this time they'd be wise not to let history repeat itself. Blackmon is a true #1 WR with the ability to make plays anywhere on the field and should help Colt McCoy continue to grow as an NFL quarterback.
6. Arizona Cardinals- Cam Newton QB Auburn
The Cardinals were a mess on offense this year ranking in the bottom two in both passing and rushing. How do you fix that? By drafting a dynamic athlete like Cam Newton to play quarterback. While I don't think he's ready to step in right away like Sam Bradford or Matt Ryan, allowing Newton to sit for a year behind a free agent QB like Donovan McNabb could pay huge dividends for this struggling franchise in the future.
7. Washington Redskins- Jake Locker QB Washington
Honestly, this is probably too high in the draft for Jake Locker to be selected but I feel he is a perfect fit for the Shanahan offense. His game reminds me of Jake Plummer so much that it's scary. His ability to make plays with his feet will be key in the ZBS and his arm strength is more than adequate enough to find recievers.
8. Tennessee Titans- Prince Amuakamara CB Nebraska
The Titans biggest need in this draft may just be quarterback but with Newton and Locker gone, I can't imagine the Titans will reach for Blaine Gabbert or Ryan Mallett, especially considering they might not be a perfect fit for their offense. With that said, the Titans play in one of the more pass heavy divisions in all of football and Courtland Finnegan showed that he may be better suited off as a nickel corner or safety. Amuakamara is the top senior CB in the draft with excellent size and cover skills that should immediately make an impact.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Ingram RB Alabama
The 49ers have a few options on offense come draft day however I feel the best player available for them at this point is Mark Ingram. He's a fast and powerful runner that should provide an instant upgrade in the running game. With Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook struggling to stay on the field, it can't hurt to bring in a talented workhorse back like Ingram.
10. Minnesota Vikings- Julio Jones WR Alabama
Quarterback is the sexy pick here for the Vikings but I feel like the coaching staff has enough faith in Joe Webb to let him run with the offense a bit before making a change. With that being said, he's going to need a legitimate threat on the outside. Julio Jones is a big physical receiver who will allow Percy Harvin to operate out of the slot where he'll be more effective.
11. Houston Texans- Janoris Jenkins CB Florida
The Texans have been awful in pass defense for years now and have ignored it despite playing against solid passing attacks in the AFC South. Jenkins is a solid shut down corner with a history of big plays in the SEC. He should provide an immediate upgrade to the Houston secondary.
12. Detroit Lions- DeQuan Bowers DE Clemson
A huge steal for the Lions who further solidify their defensive line with one of the top pass rushers in the draft. Playing along Ndamakong Suh, Bowers will be able to roam free in the opposing backfield and do what he does best.
13. Dallas Cowboys- Marcel Dareus DE Alabama
Dallas chooses the best available defensive player left on the board and solidifies their 3-4 defensive line. Dareus is strong and athletic and should provide an immediate boost to the Cowboys defense.
14. St Louis Rams- Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma
The Rams need to surround Sam Bradford with playmakers at wide receiver. Who better than one of his favorite targets in college, Ryan Broyles. Broyles is a solid route runner with a knack for making big plays. His experience with Bradford should result in a quick payoff.
15. Miami Dolphins- Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
The Dolphins went through several quarterbacks in 2010 and none of them proved to be very effective. By drafting Mallett, the Dolphins gain a project QB with a ton of potential. As long as they don't rush him into the starting lineup, I feel the decision could pay off.
16. New England Patriots(from Oakland)- Aaron Williams CB Texas
If there was any weakness at all for the Patriots in 2010 it was their pass defense that ranked 30th in the league. Williams is the next CB to come from the excellent pedigree of Texas defensive backs. He has solid size and cover skills.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars- Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
Jacksonville really can't afford to pass up on drafting a quarterback again. This team is heading nowhere by continuing to play David Garrard under center and they have no other options currently on the roster. Gabbert is a tall strong armed quarterback with the ability to make most, if not all the NFL throws. He may need a little work adjusting to playing under center but his footwork is better than that of Ryan Mallett.
18. San Diego Chargers- Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State
The Chargers were a bit of a fluke in 2010. They consitently ranked among the league's leaders in both offense and defense yet still managed to miss the playoffs. Sherrod is somewhat of a best available player pick who also has the ability to contribute right away at right tackle. He's a big strong blocker who has succeeded at the highest level of play in college football.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
Tampa Bay really needs a player who can get after the quarterback and Kerrigan does it better than just about anybody in the draft. He has a relentless motor and has excellent use of his hands in order to get through the offensive line.
20. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
A big playmaking OLB who not only fills a need for the Giants defense but also happens to be the best player available on the board. There aren't too many holes on this team to address.
21. Seattle Seahawks- Jordan Todman RB UConn
Todman is a compact runner who has put up solid numbers in college. The Seahawks had one of the worst running games in all of football in 2010. Not really a tough choice in my opinion.
22. Philadelphia Eagles- Greg Jones MLB Michigan State
Jones has been one of the nation's best linebackers for years now. He's a tackling machine who always seems to be around the ballcarrier. He should be an upgrade for the Eagles defense.
23. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
The Chiefs really need someone to create pressure off the edge. Von Miller struggled a bit to start the 2010 season but really came on strong in the second half to win the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker. Miller is no longer considered a one dimensional treat as a pass rusher.
24. Indianapolis Colts- Nate Solder OT Colorado
The Colts have had a touch of bad luck at the left tackle position over the past few years with the sudden retirement of Tarik Glenn and the bust of Tony Ugoh. Nate Solder is a tall athletic left tackle who excels in pass protection and has the agility to make blocks at the second level in the running game.
25. Green Bay Packers- Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
Local product who is among the nation's best blockers. Real physical blocker who can play either tackle spot. Should help fix a lackluster running game in Green Bay.
26. New York Jets- Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
The Jets really need to upgrade their defensive line and Clayborn is an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end. Being able to take him here is a huge steal for the Jets.
27. New Orleans Saints- Drake Nevis DT LSU
The Saints need to strengthen their defensive line and do so by drafting local product Drake Nevis. Nevis has excellent strength and quickness but needs to add some bulk.
28. Chicago Bears- Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
Castonzo is a solid left tackle prospect with long arms and solid technique. He's a little on the thin side but should be able to add weight to his frame without sacrificing too much agility.
29. Pittsburgh Steelers- JJ Watt DE Wisconsin
The Steelers are in the position where they can go with the best player available. That player happens to be JJ Watt who will be an excellent fit in their 3-4 defense as a defensive end. With Aaron Smith struggling to stay healthy, depth is always welcome.
30. Baltimore Ravens- Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
The Ravens have some holes in their secondary that need to be addressed. Jimmy Smith is a tall corner with solid cover skills who should be able to help out on defense right away.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Mike Pouncey OL Florida
The Falcons could use some depth along the interior of their offensive line. Puncey has displayed the ability to play a variety of positions along the offensive line with relative success at the highest level of competion.
32. New England Patriots- Cameron Jordan DE California
Experienced 3-4 defensive end who should help improve an already solid defensive line. Really a luxury pick here and a steal this late in the draft.
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