1st Round Mock Draft

[d_wag]

1) Dolphins - Jake Long (OT) - I think their interest is for real. Deal doesn't get done before the draft but he's still the pick.

 

2) Rams - Chris Long (DE) - They could go Dorsey or Gholston, but end up with the safest guy on the board.

 

3) Falcons - Glenn Dorsey (DT) - Don't cave to public pressure on Ryan and go with the stud to address a weak front 7.

 

4) Raiders - Vernon Gholston (DE) - You didn't think they really wanted McFadden, did ya? Guess that smoke worked.

 

5) Chiefs - Ryan Clady (OT) - Just like the #5 spot last year, the second OT comes off the board and it's earlier then expected. They really wanted Jake.

 

6) Jets - Leodis McKelvin (CB) - After failing to land Samuel they still get their CB.

 

7) Saints (trade with Pats) - Sedrick Ellis (DT) - Saints leapfrog the Bengals to land their DT. Pats slide down a few slots and save a few million.

 

8) Ravens - Matt Ryan (QB) - McNair's replacement falls to Ravs and starts from Week 3 on.

 

9) Bengals - Darren McFadden (RB) - The tumble comes to a stop. Of course they wanted defense here, but Rudi is aging and can't pass up the value.

 

10) Patriots (trade with Saints) - Branden Albert (OG) - Pats get the guy they wanted all along at a reduced price.

 

11) Bills - Limas Sweed (WR) - Despite offers to trade down, Bills take their boy and address their top need with their first pick just like last year. (Note - I hope I'm wrong and they either take Harvey or trade back).

 

12) Broncos - Chris Williams (OT) - They wanted DT but go with value and take a replacement for Lepis.

 

13) Panthers - Rashard Mendenhall (RB) - They need a OT and a DE but also need someone to pair with Foster. Mendenhall gives them the power back they've lacked since Davis left.

 

14) Bears - Jeff Otah (OT) - 5 OL in the first 14 picks? Just happens to be a big need for a lot of teams drafting early and it is the best position in the draft this year.

 

15) Lions - Derrick Harvey (DE) - Lions try to trade up to get Harvey but end up staying put and still landing their boy.

 

16) Cardinals - Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (CB) - Zona is tempted by RB Stewart but goes with a much needed CB.

 

17) Chiefs (trade with Vikings) - Phillip Merling (DE) - The Jared Allen trade gets done and Chiefs take his replacement.

 

18) Texans - Keith Rivers (LB) - Another team in desperate need of OT help, but all the top OT's have gone so go with the value in Rivers.

 

19) Eagles - Devin Thomas (WR) - They are going to get a WR either by using the pick or trading it. Not buying the trade up talk.

 

20) Bucs - DeSean Jackson (WR) - They're very tempted to go with CB Jenkins here, but Gruden loves his offense and they addressed defense with their 1st rounder last season.

 

21) Redskins - Malcolm Kelly (WR) - WR run continues. They wanted one of the other big receivers or Merling, but have to settle for Kelly. Could turn out to be a Moss-like steal - or a Rod Gardner-like bust.

 

22) Cowboys - Mike Jenkins (CB) - Need to add another offensive weapon but nickel is a need as well. If Pac Man trade goes down look for a slight reach with RB Jones or WR Manningham if WR Jackson is off the board.

 

23) Steelers - Gosder Cherilus (OT) - With Faneca gone and Smith entering last year of deal the Steelers re-fortify the OL.

 

24) Titans - James Hardy (WR) - No doubt this team needs another target for Young. With the defense in good shape they address the offense early and often.

 

25) Seahawks - Jonathan Stewart (RB) - With Alexander on the way out the Hawks can't pass up the big bruiser from the Northwest. Jones once again goes into the role of the 1B back. If Stew goes earlier the Hawks could go S or DT.

 

26) Jags - Calais Campbell (DE) - They are on the fence between Campbell and DT Balmer, but go with the edge rusher.

 

27) Falcons (trade with Chargers) - Brian Brohm (QB) - Armed with loads of picks the Falcons jump to get their QB of the future. Chargers need the picks and drop to the 2nd. If they stay put they love CB's.

 

28) Cowboys - Felix Jones (RB) - Jerry missed out on his boy from Arkansas but settles for his running mate in Felix. They really wanted a WR but wait till the 2nd to address that need.

 

29) 49'ers - Kentwan Balmer (DE) - After spending big on Justin Smith in free agency they continue to beef up a very weak DL.

 

30) Bills (trade with Packers) - Brandon Flowers (CB) - Bills and Packers both continue their trends from recent drafts and move up and down respectively. Flowers is the perfect fit for the Cover 2 and the Bills don't want to risk losing him. If the Packers stay at this spot you can expect CB Cason.

 

31) Sorry Pats! haha

 

32) Giants - Kenny Phillips (S) - G'men get their much needed replacement for Wilson.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Who rose - Clady, McKelvin, Sweed

Who fell - McFadden, Stewart, Phillips

Top of the 2nd picks - Mayo, Cason, Baker

 

Remaining Bills picks:

 

2) Traded

3) Martellus Bennett - TE

4) Traded

4) Ali Highsmith - OLB

5) Traded

6) Peyton Hillis - FB

7) Hilee Taylor - DE

7) Traded

7) Jamey Richard - OC

[ROCCEO]

As difficult as it is to make an accurate mock, this one is at least plausible. Also, I like the Saints trade-up, seems like they're not gonna stay put and NE always wants to trade down.

 

Also, I would not be at all surprised if we pick sweed, especially considering all of the lip service we've given Kelly since day 1 and now Thomas. Remember, its the quiet ones you gotta watch.