Mr. East’s better late than never Mock Draft

So it begins, another futile attempt.

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers
   Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama

It really doesn’t seem like the Panthers truly want to pick a QB this high. After some mind wrestling over the pick they may decide to play it safe and take the phenomenally talented Marcel Dareus which coincidentally addresses one of their most glaring needs.

1. Denver Broncos
   Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

John Fox and Brian Xanders love Von Miller, plain and simple. Many will be quick to point out that Miller is a mismatch for the defensive scheme, but that’s not entirely accurate. Miller himself had a his highest number of sacks in a season while playing in a 4-3 in 2009. Miller is a lot more versatile than people give him credit for and I think Fox and Xanders see that as well.

Von Miller has also been compared to Derrick Brooks, who coincidentally is who Brian Xanders backed up in college. Brian Xanders loves linebackers and John Fox loves game changing defensive players (I mean who doesn’t?), at this point I will be a bit surprised if Miller isn’t the guy, given then Broncos pick at second overall. Even if Cam Newton is taken first overall I think the Broncos will pass up on Marcel Dareus for Miller.

UPDATE: In his first mock ever, Mike Mayock agrees with this pick.

1. Buffalo Bills
   Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The Bills like flashy players and they also need a quarterback. Last year Ralph Wilson Jr. wanted to go out there and get more flashy players to make a difference, so they drafted C.J. Spiller at 9th overall even when they had Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, and it is speculated that they tried to grab Tim Tebow at the end of round one. Ryan Fitzpatrick may have played really well at times but the Bills will have to jump on their franchise quarterback soon.

1. Cincinnati Bengals
   A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

The Bengals are ousting their wide receiver divas and are now left with Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley to carry the corps. A.J. Green is an amazing prospect with a bit of a troubled background, this is a classic Bengals pick.

1. Arizona Cardinals
   Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Despite what Larry Fitzgerald has said, the Cardinals are in serious need of a new quarterback. Derek Anderson and John Skelton will not get them into the playoffs even with the division they’re in. I don’t think Blaine Gabbert is first round talent, but the Cardinals have had private workouts and dinners with Gabbert, so it’s safe to say they hold some interest in him.

1. Cleveland Browns
   Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Browns may not completely believe in Colt McCoy yet, but I don’t think they’re willing to spend the sixth overall pick on a quarterback either. Julio Jones has been completely phenomenal in all of his pre-draft events and has proven that his worthy of this selection.

1. San Fransisco 49’ers
   Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

San Fransisco is extremely weak at corner even with Nate Clemens who has his on and off moments now that he’s 31 and due over 7 million this season. It will be interesting to see what Jim Harbaugh does, it’s difficult to gauge what a coach that is new to the NFL will do (see Chan Gailey). If Patrick Peterson falls this low though you really can’t pass him up.

1. Tennessee Titans
   Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Jason Babin had a great year, but besides that single season he has been inconsistent and a mainly a rotational player. Marcell Dareus has the size to play on any technique in the 4-3 defense. Fairley is a great fit for the tenacious and very talented Titans defensive line.

1. Dallas Cowboys
   Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Cowboys have to got to start protecting their quarterback. The Cowboy defense has the potential to be very good, their running back situation is more than ideal, and Miles Austin and Jason Witten can hold down the receiving. However, the ball isn’t going anywhere if Tony Romo or whoever is playing can’t stand upright.

1. Washington Redskins
   Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Donovan McNabb is not the present and Rex Grossman is not the future. Mike Shanahan needs his young quarterback to shape, and Jake Locker fits that mold. There are so many similarities between Jake Locker and Jay Cutler it’s almost eerie sometimes.  Both of these mobile, strong armed, high school state champions went on to play for teams with lackluster football programs and never really bring them to any prominence.  I believe Mike Shanahan will pounce on landing his franchise guy.

1. Houston Texans
   Robert Quinn, DE, UNC

The Texans really need help everywhere on their defense. Lucky for them that the NCAA is the most hypocritical organization in all the land, therefore Robert Quinn has drop out of the top ten.

1. Minnesota Vikings
   Corey Liuget

The “Williams-Wall” is crumbling, and it must be fixed soon. Quarterback is a huge need in Minnesota but all they have to do is give Denver a 2nd or 3rd round pick and they’d be more than obliged to send over Kyle Orton.

1. Detroit Lions
   Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida

The Lions have scored really big in their past couple of drafts. Now if they could only keep their playmakers healthy behind a decent offensive line.

1. St. Louis Rams
   Aldon Smith, OLB/DE, Missouri

Aldon Smith really reminds me of a Justin Tuck kind of player and Steve Spagnoluo knows how to utilize those kind of players.

1. Miami Dolphins
   Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Dolphins aren’t necessarily weak at corner, but they play in a division where you can’t afford to be average in the secondary. If you have to face quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez in four games each year you better be ready to make their lives as difficult as possible. Prince Amukamara is the second best corner of this draft and a good value at this position.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
   Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Historically the Jaguars like to pick underrated, hard working, high motor players and Ryan Kerrigan is all three of these things.

1. New England Patriots
   Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California

The two biggest needs for the Patriots are defensive end and defensive tackle. Fortunately for New England Cam Jordan is versatile to fill both of these needs.

1. San Diego Chargers
   Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

The Chargers may have had the “number one” defense in the league last year, but the have some holes all around. With the departure of Shawne Merriman and Larry English not exactly panning out the Chargers need to fill the outside linebacker position.

1. New York Giants
   Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

The Chargers may have had the “number one” defense in the league last year, but the have some holes all around. With the departure of Shawne Merriman and Larry English not exactly panning out the Chargers need to fill the outside linebacker position.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
   J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Tampa Bay is a team that could be a real contender next year if they could get their pass rush going. J.J. Watt would pair really well next to last year’s top pick Gerald McCoy.

1. Kansas City Chiefs
   Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Scott Pioli is searching for his Vincent Wilfork and could possibly find him in Phil Taylor. The Kansas City defensive line could have some potential with a big guy like Taylor supplementing Tyson Jackson and Tamba Hali.

1. Indianapolis Colts
   Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Peyton Manning may be getting older but it isn’t slowing him down too much. However, supplying him with a quality offensive linemen may help things run smoother for the rest of his career. Nate Solder is a wrecking ball and should provide the coverage Manning seeks.

1. Philadelphia Eagles
   Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Ever since the Eagles lost both Tra Thomas and John Runyan they have been scrambling to cement a decent offensve line. Gabe Camiri and Jason Peters would provide a great line for Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy to operate out of.

1. New Orleans Saints
   Adrian Clayborn, DE/DT, Iowa

The Saints biggest need is their front seven and Adrian Clayborn is a great match for the Gregg Williams’ 4-3.

1. Seattle Seahawks
   Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple

The Seahawks are starting to spread thin on the defensive line and especially with Brandon Mebane going into free agency. Muhammad Wilkerson is extremely versatile and can fit into any defensive scheme he’s thrown into.

1. Baltimore Ravens
   Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Jimmy Smith may have some serious character issues but he will tempt teams with his serious cover skills. The Ravens are so desperate at corner that they just might gamble on Smith’s issues.

1. Atlanta Falcons
   Torrey Smith, WR, Mayland

The Falcons are looking to give Matt Ryan as many weapons as possible. Torrey Smith is not considered by everyone to be a first round pick, but the Falcons may reach on him here if they can’t trade up to get Julio Jones or A.J. Smith.

1. New England Patriots
   Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

“The Patriots would have beaten the Jets if they had a dominate wide receiver.” Well, will a dominate running back work as well? If Mark Ingram pans out the be the player everyone says he is then he will be very deadly teamed up with Tom Brady.

1. Chicago Bears
   Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Bears should take an offensive linemen but since Tommie Harris is gone they’ll feel the need to replace him immediately.

1. New York Jets
   Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Justin Houston is a freak of an athlete that has 3-4 experience, this is the kind of guy Rex Ryan likes.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
   Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Bryant McFadden had a pretty bad year, the Steelers could really use an upgrade at his position. Williams has great value here because he can play safety, corner, and special teams all very well.

1. Chicago Bears
   Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

The Packers need to focus on complimenting Clay Matthews on the other side of the field. Who better than another viking looking white boy?