Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The Shiny New NFL Mock Draft 3.0

It is officially day three of the post NFL season -- an apocalyptic feeling -- we now live in a world  where we can no longer count down to Sunday's, turn to our fantasy football teams to avoid work, and pretend that being excited for Pitchers and Catchers reporting can really heal that hole in our hearts.

Yes, it's true, times are tough. If you're not a Hockey fan you may find yourself watching a NBA game and pretending to yourself that you actually care. It's ok we've all been there. 

To fill the void of no football until the combine in two weeks here's an adrenaline shot that is sure to have you running the 3,423,780 different draft scenarios your team could pull off in the first round; that is of course unless you're the Indianapolis Colts....

(Every player has been linked to an article, video, or bio...don't miss Justin Blackmon's Sport Science, Courtney Upshaw's hit or Vontaze Burfict's attitude)

1). Colts- Andrew Luck QB, Stanford- duh.

2). Rams- Justin Blackmon WR, OKST- even though I think a trade from Cleveland or Washington is probable; Blackmon might be too good to pass up. The Rams have one of the worst receiving corps and Bradford could use a big target, as Brandon Lloyd is most likely following Josh McDaniels to New England.

3). Vikings- Matt Kalil OT, USC-the best lineman in recent years falls right into the Vikings’ lap. His

4). Browns- Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor- if RG3 is available when Cleveland is on the clock, it’s a sure thing.

5) Bucs- Morris Claiborne CB, LSU- Ronde Barber might be retiring this offseason and Aqib Talib is probably going to jail for something he's done or will do.

6). Redskins- Riley Reiff OT, Iowa- who knows who will be the starting QB in Washington next season, but it would be in the best interest of the franchise to protect him at all costs. If the Skins miss out on RG3, a trade-down is possible.

7). Jaguars- Quinton Coples DE, UNC- the Jags had a very pleasant surprise with their defense last season, but someone other than Jeremy Mincey needs to get to the QB. Jacksonville could also trade this pick and target Michael Floyd.

Coples will be an instant starter in Jacksonville
8). Dolphins- Jonathan Martin OT, Stanford- Andrew Luck had great protection in Martin and he'll bring that to South Beach. Some scouts have said that his run blocking is superior to Kalil’s.

9). Panthers- Michael Brockers DT, LSU- an absolute freak DT who can plug up the run defense. Still very raw, but can get to the QB in a hurry.

10). Bills- Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama- they play in the AFC East so give them as many defensive weapons as possible. Upshaw is the best defensive prospect on the board.

11). Chiefs- Trent Richardson RB, Alabama- Jamal Charles might not be ready to go at the beginning of next season and Richardson is the top player available.

12). Seahawks- Devon Still DT, PSU- the Seahawks need to get to the QB and this huge DT could anchor a promising young defense.

13). Cardinals- Michael Floyd WR, ND- remember when it was Fitz and Boldin? Floyd would offer a speedy target that could free up Larry.

14). Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick CB, Alabama- the Cowboys are not ones to shy away from character issues and Kirkpatrick is a steal at 14.

15). Eagles- Luke Kuechly ILB, BC- Reid doesn't draft LBs in the first round but this kid averaged 15 tackles for Boston College. Immediate upgrade over...anyone.

16). Jets- Melvin Ingram DE, S. Carolina- the Jets’ defense was not as dominant as last season, and Rex will most likely try to bolster his defensive line. He’s short, but people said that about Elvis Dumervil.

17). Bengals- Lamar Miller RB, Miami- Cedric Benson may not be in Cinci next season, and even if he is the addition of Miller would make for a nice 1-2 punch. The redshirt sophomore is an animal, a home run threat who has some scouts saying is the best RB out of Miami since Frank Gore.

18). Chargers- David DeCastro G, Stanford- Andrew Luck’s success is in part due to his offensive lineman. Kris Dielman, a perennial Pro-Bowler, is considering retirement which makes San Diego’s need for a dominant guard even more pressing.

Jeffery would give Cutler and Chicago a true #1 target
19). Bears- Alshon Jeffrey WR, S.Carolina- Cutler was at his best when he had Marshall in Denver. He’s functioned with Knox, Bennett, and Hester, but a big, strong receiver would be an instant upgrade. Jeffrey’s speed has some scouts concerned, but we will see what he does at the combine. 

20). Titans- Peter Konz C, Wisconsin- best center in the draft and an immediate starter.

21). Bengals- Janoris Jenkins CB, N. Alabama- everyone knows the Bengals don’t care about players with off-the-field problems and Jenkins’ arrests allows him to fall. He’s top 10 talent who will be a great addition late in the first round. 

22). Browns- Kendall Wright WR, Baylor- if they get RG3, why not reunite him with his favorite college target?  Wright would allow Greg Little to become more of a #2 receiver, which is definitely where he should be. A dream scenario, but Cleveland need SOMETHING right?

23). Lions- Mark Barron SS, Alabama- they can't have enough defensive backs when they play Rodgers twice a year (and possibly Brees, Manning, and Ryan).

24). Steelers- Cordy Glenn G, Georgia- an aging offensive line is not a good thing, especially after the hits Ben has taken these last three seasons.

25). Broncos-Dwayne Allen TE, Clemson- Tebow needs a safety valve when he scrambles out of the pocket. Allen has drawn comparisons to Jermichael Finley and he would be a huge upgrade over Daniel Fells and Virgil Green. 

26). Texans- Mohammad Sanu WR, Rutgers- this may be a reach, but if Blackmon, Floyd, and Jeffrey are all gone then I could see Houston grabbing a big target to complement Andre.

27). Patriots- Fletcher Cox DT, Miss. St- The Pats need to revamp that once formidable defense, with Andre Carter and Mark Anderson 

28). Packers- Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB Illinois- sponge-like defense that could use a lot of plugs. Mercilus may have had the best season out of any defensive player in the draft, but could he be a one-hit wonder?
Burficit would be a fantastic fit in that Ravens D

29.) Ravens- Vontaze Burfict LB, Arizona State- hot-headed, ill-tempered, and, quite frankly, fucking psychotic on the field. He'll fall in the draft but not too many teams can offer a riled up rookie guidance and maturity like the Ravens. Are we looking at Ray Lewis' replacement? 

30). 49ers- Chase Minnifield CB, Virginia- San Francisco might not want to overpay Carlos Rogers and instead go young at cornerback. Minnifield had a very underrated year at UVA and could surprise a lot of people early on.

31). Patriots- Jerel Worthy DT, Michigan St- big, physical DT who can get to the QB as well as stop the run. Belicheck needs to keep adding to his defense.

32). Giants- Dont’a Hightower- ILB, Alabama- another ‘Bama defensive player that could make a huge difference for a team. Instand upgrade over Chase Blackburn.



Sean Youngberg and Chris Wood compiled this NFL Mock Draft. Both of these young studs were students at James Madison University where they hosted the top rated radio talk show, "So You Think You Know Sports?" The former drinking partners and wing men were forced apart by growing up, luckily for man kind they have once again joined forces to bring you (to the best of their abilities) these damn good Mock's. Look out for more NFL Mock Drafts and Sport Talk mailbags in upcoming weeks.




Do you think Chris Wood is the next Mel Kiper? Or do you find him to be a blathering nutcase? Either way send your questions, comments, and own analysis to Chris Wood at ChrisWood1313@gmail.com 





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