At Performance Mock, we pride ourselves on in-depth player analysis before publishing our mock draft. This is our last update before the big day, enjoy!! You may be surprised with some of the picks, so feel free to leave your comments at the end. Remember, this is a 6 round mock draft. Each post is a new round, keep reading...
1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Gabbert is accurate and athletic. I’ve heard him called “a more accurate Drew Brees”. I don’t know about all that, but he is the highest graded QB on my board. Plus, Jimmy Clausen isn’t a winner. It was only his rookie season, but he looked completely lost out there. Furthermore, Carolina has a decent OL, good RBs, and WRs that can be upgraded but are serviceable. The Panthers would have won more than 2 games had they had a better option at QB, and I have no faith that Clausen will turn it around.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
The Broncos need to upgrade their defensive front, and John Fox knows the importance of a big, dominant DT. Dareus has all the tools and a heck of a work ethic to excel in this league, which is why I have him graded above Fairly. The addition of Dareus plus a healthy Dumervil will greatly improve a stagnant pass rush.
3. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Let’s review the Bills last few first round picks: Aaron Maybin & CJ Spiller. Maybin is known as the worst football player in the league and Spiller was unproductive as a rookie. The verdict is still out on Spiller, but the Bills cannot afford to miss on another first round pick. With this logic, how in the world is Cam Newton a solid pick for the Bills? Plus, Fitzpatrick is capable enough to not panic at the QB position. Peterson is an amazing, can’t miss prospect. The key to getting the Bills out of the NFL cellar is getting as many playmakers on defense as possible.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
The Bengals owners are stubborn and don’t want to trade Carson Palmer, but the threat of Palmer retiring is real and the Bengals cannot afford to take that chance. They will need to take a QB and Cam Newton is extremely gifted. Whether or not his gifts will translate to the NFL is debatable, but Cincinnati fans need something to get excited about. This is a risk worth taking.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
My guess is AZ goes after a veteran QB at some point. Both Newton and Gabbert are off the board so the Cards go defense. They get an absolute stud in Von Miller who can rush the passer and drop back into coverage. I expect big things for Von Miller.
6. Cleveland Browns: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
Colt McCoy impressed me with his ability last season. Lucky for Cleveland, they can move on from taking Delhomme in free agency. The Browns also discovered they have a run game in Peyton Hillis. All the Browns need now is a dynamic pass catcher and AJ Green more than fits the bill.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Before all you 49ers fans start freaking out, hear me out. There is no question that the ‘9ers need a QB, but Newton and Gabbert are gone. No other QBs are worth taking at this position. I am all but convinced they get either Kevin Kolb or Carson Palmer in a trade. Patrick Peterson and Von Miller are already off the board. Robert Quinn, Nick Fairly & Da’Quan Bowers are still available, but I’m not completely sold on them. Here’s what I think happens: San Francisco trades with either Jacksonville (16) or St. Louis (14) and takes Wilkerson in the first round. Both Jacksonville and St. Louis have a need to trade up so it fits perfectly. Not to mention, Wilkerson will turn heads in this league.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
At first I had the Titans taking Robert Quinn with their first pick, but that doesn’t really fit. The Titans have capable DEs. Their issues on the DL stem from deficiencies at the DT position. I have concerns with Fairly’s work ethic and overall attitude, but he has shown up in a big way throughout his final year at Auburn. He has all the skills to succeed in the NFL, it’s all a matter of will.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Don’t be surprised if Jerry Jones insists on taking a player like JJ Watt. In fact, it would fit quite nicely. However, DE/DT and CB can be addressed in rounds 2 and 3. OT is the bigger need anyway. Tony Romo needs more time in the pocket (he also needs to avoid breaking his collar bone). With a bit more time, he is as dangerous as any other QB in this league. I have Tyron Smith graded above all other OTs in this draft, so this pick is a no brainer to me.
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
In my February mock, I had Washington taking Aldon Smith to help Orakpo generate a pass rush. The reason stays the same, but the player changes now that I have Quinn available at #10. I have some reservations about Quinn, but even if he’s not a perennial pro-bowler, he’ll still be solid. Redskin nation goes crazy when the commissioner announces this pick.
11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
I love what Amukamara brings to the table as a Texan. If Houston wants to actually make the playoffs, they need to improve their secondary. They finished last in pass defense, which is especially bad news when you play Peyton Manning twice each season.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
The Vikings are going to take a QB early in this draft. The Vikings could take a higher graded player like Da’ Quan Bowers with this pick, but they risk missing out on drafting a QB they like. You may think taking Mallett this high is a reach, but the Vikings know teams like Miami, Washington, Buffalo, Cleveland, Seattle & Arizona may take a QB before the Vikings 2nd pick. The potential to trade down with San Diego or Jacksonville is there, but even if they don’t, I like Mallett here. Folks, Mallett may be a big, dumb animal, but he’s accurate and can make all the throws.
13. Detroit Lions: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
This is a tough one. The Lions love drafting the best player available, but DE is not a need the Lions should address, especially with their first pick. Matthew Stafford is going to be a pro bowler if he can stay healthy. Detroit needs to keep Stafford’s jersey clean and Solder is the next best option at OT.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Julio Jones’ stock has risen considerably since the combine which may cause St. Louis to trade up as high as pick 7 to get their man. If my mock is accurate, San Francisco will be looking to trade down. Either way, I still think Julio Jones fall to 14 and the Rams rejoice.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are both free agents. They have also slowed down quite a bit. Ingram is a tough runner. He runs with purpose and will get about 4 or 5 yards per carry. The Dolphins need to extend drives by getting into manageable third downs. Ingram brings consistency to an offense that certainly lacks in that department.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
If Jacksonville was willing to move up to take Derrick Harvey in the 2008 draft, they’ll sprint up to the podium with this pick. The Jags have been in need of a productive DE for some time now. Don’t be surprised if they trade up and take Bowers earlier than this.
17. New England Patriots: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Watt is a hard working, blue collar type player. He fits the Belichick mold perfectly. I expect Watt to make a difference in the run and pass defense for the Pats almost immediately.
18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
I love Aldon Smith as a prospect. I’m not convinced that he’ll dominate this league like some experts, but he does have a ton of upside. The Chargers will love his versatility and ability to get to the QB.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, BC
Some people have Castonzo as the highest graded OT in this draft. I’m a little worried about his technique though. He gets low by bending at the waist instead of using his knees. However, he is very athletic and uses his hands well, so I still give him a first round grade.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
The Bucs need more productive DEs, especially being in the NFC South with the likes of Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. However, their problems on defense last season stemmed from their inability to stop the run. Their pass rush was almost non-existent, but they still finished in the top 10 in pass defense. Jordan is 6’4” 283 lbs. which enables him to hold up well at the point of attack to defend the run, but he’s also an extremely gifted athlete who’s very capable of rushing the passer.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
This space-eating DT will fit nicely in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. I love what Phil Taylor is capable of doing. This may not be the Chiefs biggest need, but I can’t see them passing on a DT of this caliber. Much of this mock is based on performance; the name of this blog isn’t just a clever moniker.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
As far as interior linemen go, Pouncey is the cream of the crop in this draft. The Colts are going to address their OL needs early in this draft, so I expect either Pouncey or Carimi to get the nod.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
This pick shouldn’t surprise anyone either. The Eagles may go after a CB like Jimmy Smith or Brandon Harris here, but I doubt they do. The NFC East is declining, but their division rivals can still get after the QB (except for Washington). If the Eagles trade Kolb, they’ll need to be extra careful with Vick. Upgrading the OL is a must.
24. New Orleans Saints: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Once again, I like Paea a lot. His injury doesn’t deter me from thinking he’s a first round pick. Did you see what he did at the combine? What’s funny is Paea was highly regarded as a first round pick far before the combine, then the injury happened and he dropped down. It makes sense, but I don’t think you can pass on a dominant DT when you have a need for one.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
CB is not Seattle’s biggest need, but it’s still a need. I’m convinced that Jimmy Smith will be highly productive in the NFL. Plus, Seattle will have opportunities to upgrade their offensive line later in the draft.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Baltimore would have loved to have Jimmy Smith here, but Seattle plucked him just one pick earlier. Teams weren’t able to run on Baltimore, but they found success in the passing game. Suring up the corner spots with Brandon Harris would be a welcome addition.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
John Abraham isn’t getting any younger, so Atlanta will target a pass rusher early on. Not to mention, the Falcons are in a division with the dangerous Josh Freeman and Drew Brees. Generating a pass rush has never been as important for the Falcons success.
28. New England Patriots: Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
Improving the Pats defense to-do list: Get a dominant DE/DT – Check, Get a well-rounded OLB: Check. Bruce Carter is under rated. He’ll be ultra productive in the Pats defense. I honestly can't see any other player fitting better than Carter in this position.
29. Chicago Bears: Corey Luiget, DT, Illinois
This is one of my favorite DT prospects in the entire draft. I love his burst and play-making ability. Since Tommy Harris is gone, Corey Luiget should fill in nicely. The Bears can bolster their OL later over the next few rounds.
30. New York Jets: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
Houston is a gifted athlete, but needs to become adept in coverage to be a full time starter. However, his pass rush is outstanding. That alone earns him first round consideration. The Jets love drafting players like Houston, so I could definitely see this happening.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
The Steelers would love to upgrade their OL by adding a strong OT prospect like Sherrod. Currently, Maurkice Pouncey is the only blocker worth mentioning in Pittsburgh. Sherrod stands at 6’6” and over 300 lbs, but he moves his feet extremely well.
32. Green Bay Packers: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Just like in my February mock, I have GB taking Austin with the final pick in the first round. Jenkins and/or Jolly won’t be around next season, so taking a DT that fits the Pack’s defensive scheme makes perfect sense. Not to mention, Austin had one of the best combines of any prospect.
Continue to next post for round 2
