FanPost

My Pissed Off Mock Draft

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I'm so sick of reading mock drafts and seeing either Sanchez or Stafford being taken at number 10. That being said, I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and try my own hand at a brief post-combine mock and invite others to post theirs as well. Yes, I copy-and-pasted this format from Don Banks' mock...it was easier than doing my own.

 

1

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OT

Jason Smith

Baylor

Sr.

6-5

305

Word on the street is that the new Lions Brass (same as the old brass?) wants to build their team from the trenches outward. I think this is an intelligent thing to do and right now it seems that Smith has a slight edge on Eugene Monroe.

2

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OT

Eugene Monroe

Virginia

Jr.

6-6

315

We all know that the Rams could pick just about anyone and make their roster better but if their last drafts have shown anything, the Rams aren’t afraid of taking the solid, lineman pick over the flashy skill position player (i.e. Christ Long over Matt Ryan). I think that Curry would be a high possibility here but with Pace nearing the end of his career and Alex Barron both underachieving and nearing FA, I’m betting on the next best OT.

3

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OLB

Aaron Curry

Wake Forest

Sr.

6-3

247

Scott Pioli's track record indicates that the Chiefs wont take a QB at this slot and I think they aren't ready to write off Tyler Thigpen just yet (as a Coastal Carolina product, I was happy seeing him get a shot in the Pros, I think he has a lot of tools and needs to be given time to develop them). Several writers seem to think that the Chiefs are enamored with Curry so he falls here.

4

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WR

Michael Crabtree

Texas Tech

So.

6-3

214

I don't believe that Crabtree's injury knocks him out of this slot either for a team that we all know was desperate for WR. Fortunately for the Seahawks (and not the niners) this pick falls under both the categories of need and best-player-available.

5

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NT

B.J. Raji

Boston College

Sr.

6-1

323

I think that the Browns either go LB or NT here and which it is won’t be determined until after pro days. So, right now I’m going to plug in the highest rated player at these positions, Raji.

6

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DE/LB

Brian Orakpo

Texas

Sr.

6-4

260

I see the Bungles either going defense or OT at this pick and with Andre “the dumb giant” Smith’s stock plummeting faster than wall street stockbrokers jumping from their windows, this means, at this point, the Bengals go with an OLB prospect. Both Orakpo and Everette Brown performed poorly at the combine but I see both rising again before draft day and the Bengals take a chance on the one with arguably more potential…true Bengals fashion.

7

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OT

Andre Smith

Alabama

Jr.

6-4

330

Can anyone predict what the Raiders will do? I can’t count the number of times that I’ve heard draftniks say that Al Davis loves speed. That being said, I could see workout warrior Vontae Davis’s name being called to team with Nmandi Asamougha. Davis…workout warrior…seem familiar? If Davis shows some restraint he could turn towards Jeremy Maclin or even Darrius Heyward-Bey who’s name is shooting up draft boards at speeds consistent with his 40 times. Therefore, I think the weirdest thing Davis could do here is placate a former OL coach by taking the previous-consensus best OT in Andre Davis. We all know that the Raiders overlook character in favor of talent and with Mario Henderson penciled in at LT for the time being and Smith now projecting to RT, I’m taking a chance on putting him here. Close second: Heyward-Bey.

8

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CB

Malcolm Jenkins

Ohio State

Sr.

6-1

201

The Jaguars are another team that could go in several different directions. Recent mocks have them taking a QB but I don’t believe that A) they’re ready to give up on Garrard just yet, especially after giving him a heft contract, and B) there is a QB worthy of this spot. With the Jags’ recent troubles at CB I see them picking Jenkins at this spot. Sure he ran slow, but he plays fast and just about everyone ran slow at the combine. Another option here would be Maclin, but I think that previous 1st round WR picks (Reggie Williams, Matt Jones), not to mention another disappointing former first round WR who is on the roster (Troy Williamson), scares them off. If they showed anything, the Lions showed that while it’s admirable to admit a mistake, sometimes you just have to try another position.

9

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OLB

Aaron Maybin

Penn State

So.

6-3½

250

The Pack are explicitly looking for another OLB to line-up across from Kampman in their new 3-4 D and right now, with Everette Brown slipping, Maybin is the next highest rated OLB. I can easily see this pick changing, if not the position as it is too early to pick a front-runner for OLB. Also, don’t be surprised to see the Packers go for an ILB if Maualuga or even Laurinaitis re-distinguish themselves.

10

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MLB

Ray Maualuga

USC

Sr.

6-2

260

And with the tenth pick in the 2009 draft the San Francisco 49ers select…(oh God, please be Hakeem Nicks, just wait, he’s gonna go up draft boards even higher)…I still can’t tell. I feel secure in thinking that the Niners really will take just about the best player in the draft regardless of position and at this point I feel it will be Ray Maualuga, Jeremy Maclin or Everette Brown. I, personally, love Maualuga, and hope he’s the pick here. I know we have Willis and Spikes should be re-signed but I think as the draft nears, the Niners will find themselves almost as much in love (maybe more, given Coach Sing’s statement about his first impressions) with RM as they were with Willis. Call it a hunch.

 

I know many of you may have stopped reading at this point but I shall continue.

 

11

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LB

Clay Matthews

USC

Sr.

6-3

240

Rumblings out the Bills nation have the herd looking at LBs but only a few of the top rated ones are left at this point and Everette Brown is seen as better suited to a 3-4. If the Niners take Brown instead of Maualuga then I say the Bills leap in RM. Brandon Pettigrew is an option here but I feel that the Bills have more pressing needs and that there are more impressive prospects. One name that’s come up is Alex Mack the center from Cal. This would be a rather large reach but remember when the Bills took Donte Whitner at number 8 when he was on no ones radar in that spot. All I’m saying is don’t count it out. That being said, I’m predicting another reach of sorts. Mathews came out hot at the combine and I think his stock will only rise. He’s from hall of fame stock and is a smart player who played at a good school and will be a great pro-linebacker.

12

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OLB

Everette Brown

FSU

Sr.

6-4

252

Finally, we find a place for Everette Brown to fall to – Mike Nolan’s new 3-4. Brown’s versatility fits Nolan’s love for experimentation and fluctuation in his defenses and I think his ability outstrips that of Brian Cushing or James Laurinaitis.

13

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LB

James Laurinaitis

Ohio State

Sr.

6-3

240

The Skins are another one of those teams who no one knows what they will really do. I think that the drafting of two high WRs in last year’s draft, despite their relative lack of production, precludes the drafting of Jeremy Maclin here. Vontae Davis in another possibility but the off-season has shown LB to be one the bigger holes that the Skins need to fill. That being said I can’t really distinguish between Laurinaitis or Cushing from the skins perspective so I’ll go to my own judgment and make JL the pick.

14

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CB

Vontae Davis

Illinois

Jr.

6-0

204

For years I’ve watched the Saints’ pass D break down over the course of the season and inevitably almost single-handedly destroy their season. The other option here would be a good complementary back for Reggie Bush but neither of the top two running backs in the draft really fit this mold, so the pick goes to Davis.

15

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DE

Tyson Jackson

LSU

Sr.

6-4

295

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know a whole lot about the Texans’ off-season draft plans but after a little research I settled on either offensive or defensive lines. That being said, I see no reason to depart from Don Banks’ original Texans selection, Jackson.  

16

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OT

Michael Oher

Ole Miss

Sr.

6-4

309

Banks had Moreno being taken in this slot which I find borderline ludicrous given that I still think (and I believe the Chargers still think) that LT has some left in the tank, plus they just franchised Sproles. The bolts have needs at ILB, RT, and to a lesser degree, WR. For me, that indicates that the pick would be between Brian Cushing, Eben Britton, and Michael Oher. Some scouts say Oher is slipping but I see him as a good fit for the Chargers RT opening where current incumbent Jeromey Clary gave up 6.5 sacks last season.

17

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WR

Jeremy Maclin

Missouri

So.

6-1

200

The Jets are another team with a lot of holes to fill. The surprise cutting of Laveranues Coles leaves an open hole at WR but the surprise (kidding) retirement of Brett Favre leaves an even bigger hole at QB. Nevertheless, the Jets, not sold on either QB, go with the safer option of Maclin.

18

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DT

Peria Jerry

Ole Miss

Sr.

6-2

300

The Bears, despite their commitment to Kyle Orton, could go QB here after seeing both top prospects fall to them. They could also use help on the OL but a defense that produced only 28 sacks last season is the top priority. I think the Bears are more confident in their pass-rushers than most people think and they therefore take Jerry as an athletic big-body in the middle who will distract blockers and create more one-on-one matchups.

19

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QB

Mathew Stafford

Georgia

Jr.

6-3

228

The Bucs, even without QB-happy Gruden at the helm, can’t pass up a former consensus # 1 pick and take Stafford. I don’t really care that they have a defensive minded coach; at this point the quality offensive players far outnumber those on the other side of the ball.

20

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QB

Mark Sanchez

USC

Jr.

6-3

225

Here the Lions are presented with a chance to take a franchise QB, far lower than they anticipated, much as the Browns found themselves with the opportunity to trade up for Brady Quinn. They have other holes as well, but none so glaring or potentially easily fixable as drafting Mark Sanchez. If the Lions are more sold on Stafford than Sanchez (which I’m not convinced they are) then if the Jets don’t draft him I can easily see them trading up to leapfrog the Bucs to grab him.

21

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OT

Eben Britton

Arizona

Jr.

6-6

309

With the departure of Jon Runyan and Andy Reid’s love for big men, I see the Eagles going OL here. Another possibility would be Alex Mack but I think the Eagles go for a bit of a sexier pick than a C.

22

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WR/RB

Percy Harvin

Florida

Jr.

5-11

195

At this point in the draft, it’s hard to predict anything very accurately, but I do think that Percy Harvin lasts this long and I do think that his addition could liven up an offense that desperately needs a playmaker to complement Adrian Peterson. Bernard Berrian is a decent enough deep-threat but doesn’t posses dynamic ability anywhere else but in straight lines. If the Vikes draft Harvin I’d be as excited about watching them as I was when Culpepper and Moss played for the Purple.

23

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RB

Donald Brown

UConn

Jr.

5-10

210

Don Banks seems to think that Fred Taylor is going to sign with the Pats but until that happens I see them taking a RB at this slot with their pick from all the RB prospects. Though I think that Moreno will be graded higher by most teams, I think that Donald Brown’s game complement’s the Pats O more and his mentality fits that of a Belichick player. Another option here would be Brandon Pettigrew but I think he grades out lower than the top three RB prospects. Brian Cushing could also be an option here.

24

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TE

Brandon Pettigrew

Oklahoma State

Sr.

6-6

260

The consensus here seems to be that Pettigrew would be a great complement for the Falcons and a tool for Matt Ryan’s development. He’s not an especially dynamic player but could provide a nice underneath option and blocker for Michael Turner. The dirty birds picked up their LT of the future in last year’s draft and drafting a WR has been iffy for them in the 1st round lately. I think that going defensive here wouldn’t be a bad move but they will be more focuses on continuing Ryan’s development than anything. Can I ask though, why did they ever let Alge Crumple walk?

25

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DE/LB

Larry English

Northern Illinois

Sr.

6-2

255

Bill Parcells has a history of going LB with 1st rounders and Larry English fits their mold perfectly. CB could be an option though.

26

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CB

Sean Smith

Utah

Jr.

6-3

214

I'm just playing a hunch here, but the Ravens are in the market for a cornerback to take over Chris McAlister's vacated slot, and Baltimore has always liked its pass defenders to have some size. Smith is taller than the likes of Vanderbilt's D.J. Moore, Connecticut's Darius Butler and Wake Forest's Alphonso Smith, so I'm going with him for now. This was Don Banks’s original comment and I actually agree completely with him. OT could be an option.

27

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WR

Terry Robiskie

Ohio State

Sr.

6-3

207

The colts could go with Brian Cushing to bolster their defense or a RB to help ease Addai’s burden (Rhodes isn’t losing effectiveness quickly). However, I think that losing Marvin Harrison will galvanize them to draft a WR. A lot of people are projecting Hakeem Nicks to this spot and I agree he’s a great prospect (have I mentioned I like him?), but I actually think that Terry Robiskie complements Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez better as a possession receiver. Plus he was Gonzales’ college teammate and I’m sure AG has been in the building advocating for his former teammate.

28

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WR

Hakeem Nicks

UNC

Jr.

6-2

210

I feel the Eagles will need to find a better receiver to complement DeSean Jackson and Nicks is it. Many people have him going to the Giants with the next pick and that makes it all the sweeter. Nicks and Jackson would be a fearsome combo for years to come.

29

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OLB

Brian Cushing

USC

Sr.

6-3

255

The Giants’ linebacking corps is aging and possibly nearing its end in NY. Brain Cushing should be a solid player for years to come and is the type of hard-working, no-nonsense player that Tom Coughlin covets.

30

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C

Alex Mack

California

Sr.

6-4

316

The titans are one of the more solid teams across the board in this year’s draft. That being said I think that their most obvious weak point is at WR. Rumors have it that the Titans front office, like the Raiders, are suckers for speed and with that in mind Darrius Heyward-Bey could fit the bill nicely here. That being said, I think that the Titan’s track record of not drafting high WRs holds out and they plan ahead to find Kevin Mawae’s eventual replacement in Alex Mack.

31

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RB

Knowshon Moreno

Georgia

Jr.

5-11

207

Stunned that Knowshon has fallen this far, the Cards pounce on the opportunity to add some competition to their backfield. CB could be an option or DL but RB was a position that received near-constant criticism last season and none of the backs on the roster seem to be the every-down answer.

32

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CB

D.J. Moore

Vanderbilt

Jr.

5-10

182

Ah, the luxury of the Super Bowl champion: drafting the best player available. Right now, all signs point to that player residing at the CB position which, incidentally, is also a slight position of need for the Steelers. Watch out for Alphonso Smith who I believe is rapidly climbing draft boards and could sneak into the first round.

 

Thanks for reading y’all, it’s now 12:34 EST and I’ve totally blown off prepping for a paper to spend the last 3 hours putting this together.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.