Posts Tagged ‘NFL Draft picks’

April 23rd, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The 2011 NFL Draft is just about upon us, and here at Cappers Info, we’ve got our first round Mock Draft available for scrutiny. Check out how we see the first round of the draft going!

1: Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton, QB, Auburn – The Heisman Trophy winner takes his trade to Carolina, where he’ll have a significantly tougher time making headway than he did with Auburn.

2: Denver Broncos – Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama – Denver badly needs some help on defense, and this is a good way to start. The success of Ndamukong Suh last year in Detroit makes this pick all that more sexy for the Broncos.

3: Buffalo Bills – Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri – Buffalo could do just about anything with this pick, but it really has to take a quarterback in the first round of the draft one of these years. Gabbert is a pro’s pro, and he should help right away under center for a team that hasn’t had much to cheer about at that position since Jim Kelly left town.

4: Cincinnati Bengals – AJ Green, WR, Georgia – A perfect fit that makes a ton of sense here for the Bengals. New OC Jay Gruden would love to have himself a big time wide receiver to throw the ball to, and that might help get Carson Palmer to come back to the ‘Natti. It’s not likely, but Green is still a great choice anyway, especially if both Gabbert and Newton are off the board.

5: Arizona Cardinals – Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – A dream scenario here for Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt. He could go with Patrick Peterson here, but instead, the prototypical outside linebacker in a 3-4 falls to him in this spot in Miller, a blazer off of the corner that can get to the quarterback.

6: Cleveland Browns – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – You can never have enough shut down corners at your disposal, and Peterson would be too good here for the Browns to pass up at No. 6. Peterson and Joe Haden would suddenly make up the best young tandem of corners that this league has seen in quite some time.

7: San Francisco 49ers – Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina – This would be a tough, tough spot for Head Coach Jim Harbaugh in his first draft. If this is how it were to play out, both the top corner and the top pass rusher on the board would be gone, as would the top two QB prospects. We have to assume that the Niners would try everything to get out of this spot at this point, because it’s probably too early to take Prince Amukamara. Instead, we’ll give the Niners the best player available in Quinn to help rush the passer.

8: Tennessee Titans – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn – The Titans take a very talented player with a troubled history in Fairley, which could be good… and it could turn out to be another Vince Young situation.

9: Dallas Cowboys – Tyron Smith, OT, USC – Jerry Jones takes his first ever offensive lineman in the first round in team history by taking Smith, who should do a better job of protecting Tony Romo than the OL in Big D did last year…

10: Washington Redskins – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – The SEC West takes half of the Top 10 in this draft when Jones comes off the board. Washington needs a wide receiver in a big time way, but if it were smart, it would try to trade down and stock pile some picks, as there is plenty available for this team to pick later on.

11: Houston Texans – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska – The only reason this pick is going to take so long to get to the podium is because it’s going to take some rep for the Texans at least 20 seconds to spell Amukamara. If this pick is available and Houston doesn’t go grab the former Husker, everyone in the War Room should be fired in an instant.

12: Minnesota Vikings – JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin – Probably a bit of a reach here for Minnesota, but with an aging defensive line and a lack of interest for Jake Locker, Watt makes for a decent pick in a lousy spot to be in.

13: Detroit Lions – Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri – The reformation of the Detroit defense continues with Smith, who could be a monster lined up on the same side of the line as Ndamukong Suh.

14: St. Louis Rams – Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – The run on defensive linemen continues here at No. 14, as Steve Spagnuolo collects a real stud out of Purdue that can be a double digit sack man.

15: Miami Dolphins – Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida – Pouncey becomes the first interior lineman off the board here at No. 15 in a position that Miami desperately needs to fill. It’ll do so with a local player from Gainesville that it hopes turns into the second coming of his brother, Maurkice Pouncey in Pittsburgh.

16: Jacksonville Jaguars – Jake Locker, QB, Washington – The Jags have had a history of terrible drafting, and this might be the pick that finally puts Head Coach Jack Del Rio in his grave. Jacksonville needs a quarterback, but Locker is clearly a project pick, not a guy you’re slotting in there right away.

17: New England Patriots – Justin Houston, LB, Georgia – Here, we just have a good fit for the Pats with Justin Houston. Sure, it’d be a reach of a pick here at No. 17, but Bill Belichick has never cared about draft value, just getting the right guys in the right spots in his lineup. Houston fills a big time void at OLB.

18: San Diego Chargers – Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal – This is the proper pick at this point for the Chargers, who need a replacement for the departed (and fallen off the face of the earth) Shawne Merriman.

19: New York Giants – Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College – The G-Men would be doing cartwheels to end up with Castonzo, one of the best exterior OL options on the board this year.

20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – The Bucs have totally revamped their defensive line over the course of the last two years in the draft, and this year, the task will be complete if they can snare Bowers or one of the other stud defensive ends in this draft.

21: Kansas City Chiefs – Game Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – There’s never anything wrong with drafting a Wisconsin offensive lineman. The big man for the Badgers will end up in a KC uniform if he’s still on the board at No. 21.

22: Indianapolis Colts – Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois – Yeah, the Colts would probably be better served not drafting an interior lineman here, but GM Bill Polian always drafts the best talent available. Liuget is certainly a Top 20 talent, and Indy would be thrilled to have him at No. 22.

23: Philadelphia Eagles – Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – The Eagles could be trading up for a corner at some point during the draft, but if they don’t, this is the man that they want. Smith is a perfect complement for Head Coach Andy Reid’s defense.

24: New Orleans Saints – Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple – Save for Will Smith, there isn’t anything on this defensive line that scares us for the Saints. Wilkerson would at least threaten to change that.

25: Seattle Seahawks – Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – Mallett has prototypical size for a quarterback, and he is just the type of man that Head Coach Pete Carroll built his teams around at USC. This is assuming, of course, that the team doesn’t have confidence in Charlie Whitehurst any longer after watching him stink it up for the most part last season, save for in that playoff game. It’s an ideal situation for Mallett to be in as a rookie, learning from Hasselbeck and Carroll.

26: Baltimore Ravens – Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State – And now we have three men named Cameron drafted in the first round with Heyward coming off the board to the Ravens. These big time athletic defenders are just what Baltimore is always looking for, and inevitably, Heyward would be able to step right in and help out a big time unit.

27: Atlanta Falcons – Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – We love the pick here for Head Coach Mike Smith to shore up another offensive line spot with Solder, a man who was a beast going against some of the best that the country had to offer in the Big XII last season.

28: New England Patriots – Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama – The rich just keep getting richer. Ingram is a Top 10 talent and is definitely the best back on the board, but his injury concerns are making teams shy away. If Ingram is the real deal, you can bet that New England won’t pass on him, especially with Belichick and one of his old assistants, Nick Saban in cahoots.

29: Chicago Bears – Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State – MSU is one of these programs that is growing in stature right now under Dan Mullen, and Sherrod could be a beast at offensive tackle for the Bears. Protection of Jay Cutler at least gives him a chance, though there might not be a chance for a man that has this bipolar of an arm.

30: New York Jets – Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA – Phil Taylor will be tempting here for the Jets, but Ayers is a pass rusher that is absolutely coveted by Head Coach Rex Ryan. Ryan loves these athletic players, and this is the perfect combination of speed and strength to add to the mix in the Big Apple.

31: Pittsburgh Steelers – Brandon Harris, DB, Miami – The Steelers really don’t have a lot of glaring weaknesses right now, but corner is probably one of them. Don’t be shocked if Pittsburgh tries to move up to get Mike Pouncey to slot in next to his brother, but it’s not all that often that we see the black and gold moving up, especially when they draft so well in the slots that they are in.

32: Green Bay Packers – Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona – With Heyward off the board, there isn’t much left for a 3-4 based team to go after. Reed is a nice alternative right now, though the possibility of a wide receiver is out there as well.

 
April 20th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

Cappers Info's 2010 NFL Draft coverage starts with our analysis of the AFC teams and what position each team needs to address and what they might do with their first pick in the draft this year.

Kansas City Chiefs: Barring any trades, the Chiefs are the first team to make a selection in the AFC this year at #4. Drafting an offensive lineman makes a lot of sense for Kansas City, as QB Matt Cassel was under constant harassment last year. It is also going to need to address a lot of defensive positions, so even though Eric Berry may be a decent option, Iowa T Bryan Bulaga makes the most sense.

Cleveland Browns: What don't the Browns need? If by chance Sam Bradford is still on the board, he seems to be the logical selection for a team that just doesn't have a quarterback right now. However, in the likelihood that he is gone, it's probably just going to be a case where this team takes the best player available. Tennessee S Eric Berry may be the best player in this draft period, and he'll be a great addition for Cleveland at #7.

Oakland Raiders: Does anyone in the Oakland War Room have any idea what Al Davis is thinking? Save perhaps a quarterback and a running back, the Raiders could do just about anything at Pick #8, as the team just has a million gaps in their lineup. If Oklahoma T Trent Williams is still available, expect to see him be in silver and black next year.

Buffalo Bills: Quarterback. That's where the Bills have to go at some point in this draft, but there's still a question if Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen is that man or not. There's a big need for an explosive playmaker on the offensive side of the ball as well. Buffalo is also certainly going offense with this pick, and we can see the Bills taking Clemson RB CJ Spiller with the #9 pick.

Jacksonville Jaguars: If the Jaguars trade down, don't be shocked if QB Tim Tebow is the pick for them considering that he is the local boy and a Jacksonville native. However, if they stay at #10, they're going to need to probably address the defense at some point for a team that only registered 14 sacks all year in 2009. Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan is a logical choice.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos need some major help on defense, but they also have glaring needs at offensive line and wide receiver. With WR Brandon Marshall now gone, this could be where Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant ultimately ends up in what could be a total slam dunk or a horrifying blunder by the Denver front office.

Miami Dolphins: Miami's wide receiver problem was addressed by picking up the aforementioned Marshall, so the Fins are probably going defense. Considering the 3-4 defensive scheme, if Alabama LB Rolando McClain fell this far, the Dolphins would be doing cartwheels.

Tennessee Titans: The Titans are going to have to fill a major hole at defensive end with DE Kyle Vanden Bosch leaving through free agency. Morgan may still be on the board this late, but if he isn't, South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul, who has been rocketing up draft boards could be the pick. Don't be shocked to see a linebacker go here as well, especially if McClain is still available.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have a huge need at offensive line for an aging group that did a miserable job of protecting QB Ben Roethlisberger last season. There are going to be plenty of options available here. In order, Pittsburgh would probably prefer Rutgers OT Anthony Davis, Idaho OT Mike Iupati, or Florida C Maurkice Pouncey.

Houston Texans: The Texans have made no bones about what they're aiming at in this year's draft. They need a running back and a defensive back of some kind. A reach for RB Ryan Mathews is possible, but if S Earl Thomas is there, he's going to be the pick. Houston already failed once by passing on a local Texas boy by not drafting LB Derrick Thomas (and instead going with Florida State DT Travis Johnson, who has never been heard from since), so it won't pass on a chance to grab a local star again.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals would be awfully upset at #21 if Houston grabbed Thomas one pick in front of them, but another Texas man would be a logical pick as well with LB Sergio Kindle. A wide receiver is also an option here, as WR Chad Ochocinco badly needs another friend in his receiving corps.

New England Patriots: Ever since Bill Parcells was calling the shots in New England, the Pats have gone with the "best player available" strategy. There really aren't any glaring holes on this team, but there are going to be plenty of value picks here. Bryant may still be on the board, but TE Jermaine Grisham is a better selection and can really stretch the middle of the field and open things up for WR Randy Moss on the outside.

Baltimore Ravens: Picking up WR Anquan Boldin from the Cardinals probably ended Baltimore's search for wide receivers, which opens the door for one of the most frightening defenses in the NFL to try to reload just a bit more. Penn State's DE Jared Odrick is another man that could step into the fold as a madman hybrid type of player that the Ravens just love. He could be the pick at #25.

San Diego Chargers: The Bolts have left themselves with some major holes to fill this season after getting rid of RB LaDainian Tomlinson and DB Antonio Cromartie. If Fresno State's RB Ryan Mathews is still on the board, he is a logical selection, as San Diego loves those smaller type of running backs that can zip through small holes.

New York Jets: If the Jets believe that there is any chance that DT Kris Jenkins might not be ready for the season, taking a nose tackle may be a wise option this late in the first round. Tennessee's Dan Williams is a perfect fit for this defense, though Alabama DT Terrance "Mount" Cody is also an option. If nothing else, Cody could rival HC Rex Ryan as the biggest man on the team bus.

Indianapolis Colts: Trying to figure out what the Colts are going to draft is always a difficult prospect. They really don't have any major glaring needs, it does seem as though the offensive line is where GM Bill Polian is going to want to go. The run on offensive linemen may be gone though. Still, USC OT Charles Brown seems like a logical fit.

 
April 20th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

Cappers Info's 2010 NFL Draft coverage continues with our analysis of the NFC teams and what position each team needs to address and what they might do with their first pick in the draft this year.

St. Louis Rams: The Rams still have to decide if they want to go with a defensive tackle or Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford with the #1 pick in the draft. Bradford is the far more logical option in spite of the fact that the team just traded former first round DT Adam Carricker. Look for the Oklahoma signal caller to be the man under center in St. Louis for the next decade.

Detroit Lions: There doesn't seem to be much doubt about the fact that the Lions are going with a defensive tackle in Round 1 of the draft. Even though most prefer the man that Tampa Bay is going to be looking at, expect yet another Sooner DT Gerald McCoy to be the selection. Left tackle is also a huge team need to protect last year's #1 overall pick QB Matthew Stafford.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: If the Lions really take McCoy, you'll see someone in pewter running up to the podium with the name "Ndamukong Suh" on a card. Many feel as though the Nebraska DT is the best player on the board in this draft, and the Bucs would love to have him. Tampa Bay will address needs at wide receiver and defensive back (specifically safety) as well in this draft.

Washington Redskins: QB Jimmy Clausen could be the pick for the Skins, as Donovan McNabb is most likely only a short term answer. However, knowing owner Daniel Snyder, he'll want Washington to take an immediate impact player. There's almost no doubt that one of the offensive linemen behemoths is going to be the pick here, so we'll look for Washington to go with Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have a pair of first round picks to work with this year, and if they're feeling frisky, they may try to package them to move up in the draft. However, landing any of the offensive tackles in the top end of the round should suit Seattle, and Oklahoma OT Trent Williams is a legitimate choice.

San Francisco 49ers: If Clausen slips this far, San Francisco is going to be thrilled to have him at #13. Regardless, the Niners are going to be looking for a playmaker, and if Clemson RB CJ Spiller isn't still on the board, Florida's DB Joe Haden makes a lot of sense as well. This is probably going to be a "best player available" type of situation. San Fran also picks at #17 as well.

New York Giants: Ideally, the Giants would land LB Rolando McClain from Alabama, but if he is already off of the board, they're probably going to have to go with a best player available feeling as well. Many are tabbing Rutgers OT Anthony Davis as the man here, but DE Jason Pierre Paul out of South Florida may be a possibility as well.

Atlanta Falcons: The cornerback problem for the Falcons was solved when DB Dunta Robinson was acquired via free agency. Atlanta would love to see either Pierre-Paul or Georgia Tech's DE Derrick Morgan fall to it as well, but if that doesn't happen, Michigan DE Brandon Graham seems to be the next best choice to be the bookend for John Abraham.

Green Bay Packers: It's going to be all about the defense for the Packers this year. They'd love to grab one of those in between type of LB/DEs, and TCU's Jerry Hughes fits that mold perfectly. He's the most logical selection at Pick #23.

Philadelphia Eagles: Whether it is a safety or a corner, it seems that defensive back is the biggest concern for HC Andy Reid and the Eagles. Texas S Earl Thomas makes sense, but Boise State DB Kyle Wilson is a solid athlete that will fit in well with a very physically gifted Philly squad.

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are a bit of a mess after a tumultuous offseason. They're going to need to address several defensive positions, but the offense isn't exactly solid as well. If Florida State's Patrick Robinson is still sitting there, Arizona may grab him as a big corner to go up against some of the strong passing games in the NFC West.

Dallas Cowboys: Glitz and glamour. That's what the Cowboys have always been about. Don't be overly shocked if this is where QB Tim Tebow comes off the board, but more logically speaking, safety is a big need. Jerry Jones would be happy to see USC's S Taylor Mays still sitting there for him at #27.

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings may elect to draft a quarterback for the future here in Texas QB Colt McCoy or Tebow, but we think that defensive tackle is going to be the better option for a team that is starting to get really old at that position. Alabama's Terrance Cody would be a "huge" acquisition for Minnesota at #30.

New Orleans Saints: Though a safety would be nice to replace Darren Sharper, outside linebacker is also a prime concern for the defending champs. Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon is a freakish athlete that can fly around the field, and he's just the type of player that HC Sean Payton's defense needs to invest in.

Chicago Bears: The Bears don't have a first round draft pick courtesy of the deal that brought QB Jay Cutler to town. Expect to see Chicago go after either an offensive linemen or possibly one of the several playmaking wide receivers to compliment Devin Hester.

Carolina Panthers: Carolina could really use a quarterback right now to replace QB Jake Delhomme. Though the Panthers don't have a first round pick, they may be in a position at #48 to snare Tim Tebow if he falls that far. If not, Colt McCoy could also be an option. A speed rusher to replace the departed DE Julius Peppers may also be in line.