Final Mocking of a Mock.......

[TMC]

http://www.drafttek.com/round22008pt.php

Now, since Colbert has mentioned potentially trading down to acquire another 2nd, 3rd, 4th......and in this mock, it would probably be the best scenario.....that is what I will do. We dance with Atlanta, who has way too many picks, and get their #34 and #68 for the #23 pick. Now, I know Brohm goes to them at #34, but I really doubt that only 1 QB goes in the first round. There has been too many talking heads suggesting that someone will move up and they get their information from someone. So, here are your selections:

34-
53-
68-
88-
123-
156-
188-

Again, the rules. If you select someone, he has to be available at your selection. None of that, "I took Jake Long because I think he falls to #34, those other sites have him over-rated" crap.

Happy drafting.....yes, this may be my last mock draft thread this year........

[TMC]

34-Quintin Groves, OLB, Auburn-this was actually a tougher decision than I expected. I see Trevor Laws, Cliff Avril, and Jerod Mayo sitting there and I really struggled to decide which guy I felt was more talented. I went with Groves because of his athleticism and overall track record.

53-Red Bryant, DL, Texas A&M-while there are other guys available, I think that what Bryant does on the field is something that just overwhelms the other guys. When you think the A&M defense allowed over 200 yards a game rushing without him and under 80 with him, then he is a huge key to what they do. That interior run stopping is key to our defense and we have time to groom him with Casey still here.

68-Mike Pollack, C, Arizona State-I considered the two tackles but I really felt that we are going to sign Starks long-term, move Colon to guard, and if we shored up the center spot, then we will be looking for a LT next draft....I also feel that Pollack has a better shot at being a great center than either Nicks or Collins does at being a great tackle.

88-Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina-I feel that Johnson is a ton like Parker and while I do not really want a 2nd Parker (I would rather have a different type of back), I cannot pass on his potential at the end of the 3rd round.

123-DeMarrio Pressley, DE, NC State-he would play DE for us. Another hopeful in the 4th that could develop into some defensive end depth. I may consider trading down here and grabbing two picks later.

156-Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin-considered one of the better corners before blowing out his knee, I take a chance. We have enough good corners today that we can wait.

188-Adrian Arrington or Marcus Monk. I like them both here.

[Slaine]

#34 Jerod Mayo, LB
#53 Duane Brown, OT ( a bit early for him but a fine prospect)
#68 Kendall Langford, DE
#88 Shawn Crable OLB (though passing up Chris Johnson is very tough but we need to generate more pressure)
#123 Eric Young, OG/T
#156 Jack Ikegwuonu, CB (if he gets a clean slate on character issues)
#188 Corey Lynch, FS

I really wanted to take a RB but there was a huge run on them in the third and as we got down to the sixth you're left with guys like Chauncey Washington who is dumb as a rock and doesn't like blocking. That's not the sort of guy that you want to come in and compete for your backup RB position.

I'd be supremely happy with this draft.

[Thorndike]

34- Dan Connor ILB Penn St

*Best player on the board here. No way does he slip to the 34th pick though.

53- Chilo Rachal OG USC

*One of the top guards in the draft. Nice pick up here.

68- DaJuan Morgan FS NC State

*Again, I can't imagine him falling this far. Excellent value here.

88- Jerome Simpson WR Coastal Carolina

*If he's there, this is a no brainer. Slippery guy with great hands.

123- DeMario Pressley DT NC State

*Can't argue with this pick. I think he's a natural DE in our system.

156- Dennis Dixon QB Oregon

*This kid is an interesting athlete. Could be switched to WR or could be our future #2 QB.

188- Terrence Wheatley CB Colorado

*Really torn with this one. Wheatley, I think, has the most up side of several good players on the board here.

[FistfullofRings]

I'm always for trading down but you asked us to mock so... Didn't Atlanta just have recent major problems with a Louisville product?

[FistfullofRings]

#34 Jerod Mayo, LB
#88 Shawn Crable OLB

I don't think Mayo lasts unitl #34, I'm not sure he'll be there at 23.

I'll pass on Crable, too lanky, reminds me of Alonzo Jackson.

[Max Power]

The more I think about it the more I like the move down for an extra pick. Especially if there is quality there like that of Groves or Mayo. It's a no-brainer but we won't know for sure that there will be these bodies there then. Groves and Bryant as our first two picks would be just fine.

Getting away from the Bonus money of a round one pick makes business sense and is also helpful to the over all budget, leaving enough for a FA if needed down the line. I am all for it.

[BLITZ 43]

34- Avril DE/LB
53- Rachal OG
68- Nicks OT
88- Hills OT
123- Scandrick CB
156- Guion DT
188- Arrington WR

O&D Lines fixed as well as special teams. I like what I have read on Guion but have never seen him play and I think Arrington could develop into a good target for Ben.

[Sluzilla]

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="590"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap">Jerod Mayo</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">ILB</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Tennessee</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="590"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap">Jason Jones</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">DE</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Eastern Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="590"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap">Chris Johnson</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">East Carolina</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="590"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap">Mike McGlynn</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">OG</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Pittsburgh</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="590"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap">DeMario Pressley</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">DT</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">NC State</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="590"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap">Dennis Dixon</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">QB</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Oregon</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="590"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap">Pierre Garcon</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">WR</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Mt Union</td></tr></tbody></table>

[Sphinx9780]

I think we should take kirk barton in 4th, guy is a beast, beanie wells ran behind him at osu, and had a monster season and might win heismen this year. If barton is there in 4th no way should we pass him up.

[DaSwitz]

34- Quentin Groves OLB Auburn
53- Red Bryant DT Texas A&M
68- Mike Pollak OC Arizona St
88- Jeremy Zuttah OT Rutgers
123- Eric Young OG Tennessee
I might also go Mike Hart here. He's a tough runner who generally doesn't fumble (only had like 3 fumbles in College--2 coming in one game.)
156- Johnny Dingle DE West Virginia
188- Adrian Arrington WR Michigan

We still need help with a pass rush. I'm not sure I'd take Dingle at 156, but we need to be able to get pressure on the QB. Hopefully we've sured up our OL for next year. Maybe none of the OL picks contributes this year, but most of our OL is unsigned for next year. Giving the guys a year in the system helps us out a ton for next year.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

34-Groves
53-Rachal
68-Chris Johnson
88-Chevis Jackson
123-Pressley
156-Kirk Barton
188-Pedro Sosa

[Sluzilla]

i'm just saying...no way i take Bryant in the 2nd or Zuttah in the 3rd...

[TMC]

I would take Byrant in the 2nd and may take Zuttah in the 3rd, but would really like each a round lower. If the front office thinks Zuttah is the next great interior player, then a 3rd is a value. And, IMO, Bryant is the best run stopper in this draft.

[bigpoppatre]

34-Quintin Groves, OLB, Auburn-this was actually a tougher decision than I expected. I see Trevor Laws, Cliff Avril, and Jerod Mayo sitting there and I really struggled to decide which guy I felt was more talented. I went with Groves because of his athleticism and overall track record.

53-Red Bryant, DL, Texas A&M-while there are other guys available, I think that what Bryant does on the field is something that just overwhelms the other guys. When you think the A&M defense allowed over 200 yards a game rushing without him and under 80 with him, then he is a huge key to what they do. That interior run stopping is key to our defense and we have time to groom him with Casey still here.

68-Mike Pollack, C, Arizona State-I considered the two tackles but I really felt that we are going to sign Starks long-term, move Colon to guard, and if we shored up the center spot, then we will be looking for a LT next draft....I also feel that Pollack has a better shot at being a great center than either Nicks or Collins does at being a great tackle.

88-Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina-I feel that Johnson is a ton like Parker and while I do not really want a 2nd Parker (I would rather have a different type of back), I cannot pass on his potential at the end of the 3rd round.

123-DeMarrio Pressley, DE, NC State-he would play DE for us. Another hopeful in the 4th that could develop into some defensive end depth. I may consider trading down here and grabbing two picks later.

156-Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin-considered one of the better corners before blowing out his knee, I take a chance. We have enough good corners today that we can wait.

188-Adrian Arrington or Marcus Monk. I like them both here.

Replace Pollack with Nicks in round 3 (I just don't think Pollack has the size to play in the AFC north) and Pressley with Eric Young in the 4th and you got yourself the same draft as me. I would love it if we could get Groves, Bryant, Ikegwuono, Nicks, Young and Chris Johnson in the same draft. Chris Johnson is so fast that he makes Willie Parker look like he's running with ankle weights on! We'd be scary good with this draft.

[Mike64]

There are some massive nose tackles in the AFC North, thats for sure. But don't forget the fact that Jeff Hartings was an undersized center as well. I've read before how people didn't want a particular center because he was undersized. Hartings I believe was 6'3 and in the 295 lb range. Centers are not supposed to be massive lineman like tackles. Pollack's size should'nt hurt him.

[Pilz]

39: Jarod Mayo
53: Jordy Nelson
68: Ray Rice
88: Jeremy Zuttah
123: Demarrio Pressley
156: Jamie Silva
188: Chad Rinehart

[Tres Rios]

This variation kills me since I can't take Hardy or Sweed, but...


34- Cliff Avril - OLB

53- Chilo Rachal - OG

68- Kendall Langford - DE

88- Jeremy Zuttah - OT/OG

123- Orlando Scandrick - CB

156- DJ Hall - WR

188- Dominique Barber - FS

[kev4heels]

34-Quentin Groves(terror off the edge)
53-Chilo Rachal (future RG/LG)
68-Ray Rice(steal at this point)
88-Jerome Simpson(TONS of potential)
123-Frank Okam(depth)
156-Jack Ikegwuonu(another possible steal. if healthy, could be a starter)
188-Fernando Velasco(great depth and possible future C)

[Tres Rios]

All you Ikegwuonu people know he will not be playing one down this whole upcoming season, right?

[bigpoppatre]

All you Ikegwuonu people know he will not be playing one down this whole upcoming season, right?

Of course we do. If he was playing he'd be at least a 2nd rounder. The Raiders took Michael Bush last year under the same circumstances. Since when have any of our late round draft picks done anything? Might as well grab an injured potential starter.

[jacklambert5858]

I have to believe if Gosder Cherilus is available when we pick that he will be our selection. I can't see us trading down with Smith hurting and with Colon/Starks being below average, we have to take him. Historically a tackle this good is usually gone by the 15th pick of the draft, but because there is so many good OTs this draft and because most of our starters would be backups on other teams, you take the OT. Otherwise we will have to wait till we are 6-10 or 5-11 for an OT to grade this high and have him fall to our laps.

[pete]

34 - Sam Baker, OT (USC)
53 - Cliff Avril, OLB (Purdue)
68 - Jerome Simpson, WR (Coastal Carolina)
88 - Jeremy Zuttah, OL (Rutgers)
123 - Frank Okam, DT (Texas)
156 - Brian Johnston, DE (Gardner-Webb)
188 - Dominique Barber, S (Minnesota)

[Tres Rios]

Of course we do. If he was playing he'd be at least a 2nd rounder. The Raiders took Michael Bush last year under the same circumstances. Since when have any of our late round draft picks done anything? Might as well grab an injured potential starter.

A possible game changing RB is 10X a good CB.

I just don't see it as worth the money to pay someone to wear sweats all year and then hope the next year that royally fucked knee works properly and he can ball after a year and a half of nothing. Especially just for a CB.

[Superman]

Wtf has happened to Jonathan Hefney? He was a third rounder after the season finished. Did he get caught smoking crack with a tranny hooker?

[Tres Rios]

Last I read he was a 5th rounder but people weren't thrilled with his small size. Seems more of a punt returner and nickle back than starter.

[TMC]

Heffney is short and ran like he was stuck in mud. Not a good combination.

And, since when did runningbacks become a hotter commodity than CBs? Did anyone see what Clements and Samuel got paid? Are there ANY $10+M a season runningbacks?

There are 4 positions NFL teams value above any other, QB, LT, pass rushers, and corners.

[Tres Rios]

So you'd rather have Samuel than LT on your team? Ok.

[papa lazarou]

34. Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
53. Cliff Avril, OLB, Purdue
68. Jereome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina
88. Mike McGlynn, OG, Pittsburgh
123. Bryan Smith, OLB, McNeese State
156. Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner Webb
188. Chad Rinehart, OT, Northern Iowa

[TMC]

So you'd rather have Samuel than LT on your team? Ok.

What does what I want have to do with the fact that NFL teams value a corner more than they do a RB? Tomlinson signed the richest deal EVER for a RB in 2004, it was 8 years, $60M.

Hell, Tomlinson was a bargain compared to Samuels, who got a 6 year deal worth $57M and 1/3rd more in guarantees. Hell, in the same year Tomlinson signed his deal, Champ Bailey signed a 7 year, $63M deal with the Broncos after he was traded. Clements got 8 years, $80M.

So, whether I want LT or Samuel does not really matter because the people that write the checks think paying corners more is the way to go. There are a half dozen or so corners in the NFL with contracts larger than the highest paid runningback.

[Tres Rios]

Guess I just don't think the same as them. IMO the best a CB is going to do is shut down the other team's best WR. They will still have other options to throw to. The CB won't score (unless the rare INT for 6). But a RB can put a team on their shoulders and win games on his own - provided his line isn't a mess. I would gladly pay more for my RB.

[bigpoppatre]

The thing you have to realize is that a RB will seldom lose you a game. A bad play by a corner can cost you 7 points (remember Jason David against Reggie Wayne)? That is why all the top corners are off the board early. There are very few players capable of covering NFL caliber receivers one on one. There is very little difference between a 1st round RB and an un-drafted RB. Michael bush reminds me a lot of Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs was a 4th round pick as was Bush. I really think we should grab a RB in the draft this year, but I certainly hope we don't grab one in the 1st round. Sure I like Mendenhall and Stewart, but I would rather pass on RB early address other needs and grab a back like Forte',Charles, Johnson or Rice later.

[Tres Rios]

I'll shit if we pick a RB in Round 1.

[SteelerFan448]

34- Sam Baker, OT - I'm very tempted with Groves, Connor, and Mayo, but I take a guy who can sit a year and step in at LT after Smith's contract expires.
53- Cliff Avril, OLB - Like last year, I think this year's second round pick will be the stud of our draft. He can play in pass rush situations before taking over for Harrison after this season.
68- Mike Pollack, C - As with the first two picks, I grab a guy who can sit for a year and be ready to start next season.
88- Mike McGlynn, OG - McGlynn gives me a third rookie who will be expected to start on our OL within a year or two. This changes our line from an area of weakness to a strength.
123- Orlando Scandrick, CB - Huge potential at the corner position.
156- Brian Johnston, DE - Small school prospect to add DL depth.
188- Marcus Monk, WR - A lot of skills if he can develop.

[BillvinCowbert]

I just don't see it as worth the money to pay someone to wear sweats all year and then hope the next year that royally ed knee works properly and he can ball after a year and a half of nothing. Especially just for a CB.

Right, better to spend that signing bonus on a Garrett Stephenson, Omar Jacobs, or Charles Davis... luckily they get cut before you have to give them sweats.

[thatrain]

Almost every team in the NFL has a running back who could make a pro-bowl given the right opportunity. The same thing cannot be said about the cornerback position. There are tons of 'very good' running backs and there are an exceptional few great (LT) running backs, but the difference in performance between even the great backs and the average backs (I'm not even sure who to single out) is not huge.

There are few 'very good' corners to begin with, and there is a huge divide between your average corner and your Champ Baileys of the world in terms of production.

This is supply and demand folks. Who is more valuable depends on what you mean by 'value.' If we're talking about the difference in impact, then yes - a top flight corner is far more valuable than a top flight running back.

[ekeicher16]

34-Reggie Smith (versitile DB who could help all over the secondary)
53-Earl Bennett (underated Wr who brings toughness for when Ward is gone)
68-Carl Nicks (Big meathead that could develop)
88-Jeremy Zuttah (Can play all positions and could eventually replace hartwig)
123-DeMario Pressley (Fits well as 3-technique DL)
156-Stanford Keglar (Athletic LB out of good LB program)
188-Chauncey Washington (Good sized Rb to spell WP)

[rossi]

I like the Atlanta trade down partner.
That said here goes:
34 Groves.....Don't like him at 23 but 34 it's a go.
53 Porter......Top triangle corner who is a great returner. A need a year from now. Townsend to S.
68 Nicks.......Massive G/T who would have gone a round sooner if not for some background questions.
88 Barrett Arizona St's fastest player. Physical freak. Smith to get better or sit down.
123 Scandrick...He is fast,second fastest 40 for db's at the combine. Returner who next year will be someone we are lucky to have.
156 B.Johnson DE G.Webb...Small school dice roll. A physical player who can rush the passer on 3rd downs as a rookie. Could be a bust but could be very good. Never seen him play but he is a sleeper who can make a draft.
188 G Schwartz G/T Huge player who I thought would be a late 4th or 5th rounder so late 6 is worth it.
Just can't help but think he made a few holes for Stewart.
No reason to believe we won't sign a tall f/a wideout or two.
BIG TOUGH FAST PLAYERS.

[mightyguru]

34-Jerod Mayo ILB Tennessee
53-Duane Brown OT Virginia Tech
68-Mike Pollak OC Arizona St
88-Donnie Avery WR Houston
123-Orlando Scandrick CB Boise St
156-Brian Johnston DE Gardner-Webb
188-Keenan Burton WR Kentucky

[bradentonfan]

34. Mayo ILB TEN ILB is older and less depth than OLB
53. Red Bryant DE/NT just meant to be a Steeler
68. Carl Nicks OT huge athletic tackle who played in a pro-style O
88 Zuttah OL great versatility
123 Frank Okam DE tex big nasty
156 Kirk Barton OT
188 Curtis Johnson OLB..... also like Monk and Arrington here

[Slaine]

53 Porter, CB
88 Barrett, S
123 Scandrick, CB


Three DB's in our top 4 picks? Seems a little excessive don't you think?

[rossi]

Three DB's in our top 4 picks? Seems a little excessive don't you think?

Perhaps but thats for us all to evaluate. Just seemed to be at a few choices early a db was
the best player IMHO. Filling a few needs now and in '09.
Townsend is likely at or close to the end, McFadden is in his last year and Smith is not high on my list at S. That said perhaps we are ok now but a year down the road we would be prepared.
The other thing is we get value and we bring in some fast physical players. The corners are both very solid in the return game. A second area in which we could use some help.

[Slaine]

Fair enough - I was just interested in the thought process of how you got there really.

[Jer]

34- Sam Baker, T, USC (I watched two USC games and he stood out to me)
53- Trevor Laws, DL, ND (I hate ND, and their Defense Sucked over-all, but Trevor was solid)
68- Mike Pollak, Center, AZ State (Best Center in the draft, and we need one badly)
88- Tyvon Branch, CB, Conn (Big and Fast = Perfect)
123- Gary Gutton, OLB, GA Tech (Depth, Very Raw, Speed is incredible for Special teams)
156- Mario Uruttia, WR, Louisville (Here is Ben's Big WR)
188- Cory Lynch, S, App State (More depth and Special Teams player

[smithessmokin]

#34 quentin groves
#53 tracy porter
#68 chris johnson
#88 jeremy zuttah
#123 eric young
#156 brian johnston
#188 keenan burton

[360x]

34 - Jerod Mayo
53- Chilo Rachal
68- Mike Pollak
88- Chevis Jackson
123- Eric Young
156- Gary Guyton
188- Marcus Griffin

[Mike64]

Any chance we take Dexter Jackson from App State in a later round? Seems we have been lacking a game breaking returner for some time and personally, I think that it is time we get one.

[rossi]

Fair enough - I was just interested in the thought process of how you got there really.

I always value your opinion, that said what do you think about a move down like this?