My Mock Draft 1.0

[CrashDavisSports]

22Keenan Allen *St. Louis Rams (from WAS) (7-8-1)
COLLEGE: CaliforniaAGE: 20HT: 6-3WT: 210POS: WR
Analysis: The Rams lock down some blocking help, then get a wide receiver who can help them immediately. That would be a productive first round. It's possible I've worried too much about how well Allen will run, because aside from what should just be a pedestrian 40 time, he can do everything else well. He has a prototypical build, long enough to be taller than most corners, but lean and strong enough where his burst is very good, and quickness out of breaks isn't a question. His hands are very strong, and dependable, and he works back to the ball. A one-time safety, he has game smarts and helps his QB. Sam Bradford will benefit from his presence.

PLAYER CARD
23Sylvester WilliamsMinnesota Vikings (10-6)
COLLEGE: North CarolinaAGE: 24HT: 6-3WT: 315POS: DT
Analysis: Wide receiver is also a big need, but the Vikings might not be able to pass on great value if the board breaks this way. And consider what they have on the defensive line -- namely, a few age questions. By Week 1, Kevin Williams will be 33, Jared Allen 31 and Brian Robison 30. Basically, regardless of where they choose to find impact on the defensive line, it can be a useful commodity, and soon. In Williams, they get a player mature enough to contribute immediately. He gets down the line well and is solid against the run, but his burst off the snap can wreck pockets.

PLAYER CARD
24Johnthan BanksIndianapolis Colts (11-5)
COLLEGE: Mississippi St.AGE: 23HT: 6-2WT: 188POS: CB
Analysis: The Colts are in a range where they might get some phone calls for potential trades. I can imagine teams drafting early in the second round moving here to get a QB in a decent value range. If Indy stays, the Colts can go a few different ways. If they really like an O-lineman here, I think that's a smart play because they simply have to do more to protect the future of the franchise. But we know the defense could use help in a few places, and the chance to take the second-best CB in the draft is something that could make sense here. Banks can start early and help this defense.

PLAYER CARD
25Johnathan Hankins *Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
COLLEGE: Ohio St.AGE: 21HT: 6-3WT: 335POS: DT
Analysis: Another good spot for someone to call and trade up. As for the pick, if Seattle wants a penetrator on the interior of the D-line, Hankins really isn't that guy. He doesn't have the burst to split gaps and create havoc behind the line of scrimmage. What he can do is occupy multiple blockers, help other rushers find space and better matchups and make the Seahawks more difficult to run against as he holds up blockers intent on getting a body in front of Seattle's tandem of great LBs in K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner. Hankins is an impact guy when his motor is running and will particularly make a run defense sturdier immediately.

PLAYER CARD
26Eddie Lacy *Green Bay Packers (11-5)
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 219POS: RB
Analysis: I'll go a little bit out on a limb here, but I think by the time the NFL combine is over Lacy may be at the top of a number of draft boards at running back. And for a franchise that has lacked dynamic play at the position for way too long, Lacy could fill a need, allowing them to do more than simply "show" the run, but to gain some legitimate value out of it. Lacy has really good vision, balance and more shiftiness than many saw because the Bama O-line was so good at clearing a clean path. He has power to push the pile in short-yardage situations, and people will find he's an underrated catcher of the football. He's no lock here, but I like the fit at this early stage.

PLAYER CARD
27Quinton PattonHouston Texans (12-4)
COLLEGE: Louisiana TechAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 198POS: WR
Analysis: Houston needs to find another weapon for Matt Schaub. Andre Johnson will be 32 this summer, and if he's out of the lineup, the drop-off is significant. If you're a fan that hasn't seen anything from Patton, roll the tape from his game against Texas A&M. All he did to the Aggies was 21 catches, 233 yards and 4 TD catches. Simply put, Patton was really, really hard to cover in 2012, and when he went to the Senior Bowl against some of the top competition in the draft, he didn't get any easier to cover. Love the way he release from pressure, can set defenders up and work the sides or the middle of the field, using long arms to snatch the ball away from his body. A rising player meets a good fit.

PLAYER CARD
28Kawann ShortDenver Broncos (13-3)
COLLEGE: PurdueAGE: 23HT: 6-3WT: 312POS: DT
Analysis: Right now Justin Bannan is listed atop the Denver depth chart at nose tackle, and Bannan is 33 with no guarantee of returning in 2013. Insert Short, who can use leverage and strength to eat up blockers, and also has a knack for using long arms to swat passes. The question with Short has been whether he can generate consistent impact play to play, but when he's at his best, he can really free up pass-rushers and linebackers. Denver could also give corner a look here, where a player like Xavier Rhodes could be available.

PLAYER CARD
29Matt Elam *New England Patriots (12-4)
COLLEGE: FloridaAGE: 21HT: 5-11WT: 203POS: S
Analysis: What you get from Elam is versatility at safety. He's adept at sitting back and playing center field, using his speed and instincts to make plays in the passing game. But when it's called for, Elam can surface at the line of scrimmage and even attack the backfield. He's not a big safety, but gains in quickness and range what he lacks in size, and he simply isn't shy about taking on bigger ball-carriers, or lining up hits. New England might have found some solutions at corner, but the Patriots could use another safety, and Bill Belichick will find Elam's versatility useful.

PLAYER CARD
30Tyler Eifert *Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 22HT: 6-6WT: 248POS: TE
Analysis: If all the begging pays off, and Tony Gonzalez does in fact return in 2013, the presence of Eifert would still be valuable. If Gonzalez is back, you add a player that can contribute immediately, who can be moved all over the formation and along with Julio Jones and Roddy White, cause matchup problems for defenses in multiple ways. If Gonzalez does come back, Eifert gets a year to learn from the master, and contribute plenty in the mean time. The Falcons do need help with the pass rush, but it would be hard to pass on Eifert at this spot with the presumption that Gonzalez is headed for retirement.

PLAYER CARD
31John JenkinsSan Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
COLLEGE: GeorgiaAGE: 23HT: 6-2WT: 358POS: DT
Analysis: The current construct of the Niners' roster really offers them a great chance to maximize value, and getting a player like Jenkins this far down the board would represent a lot of value. I also think San Francisco should be conscious of depth and age on the defensive line. We saw how diminished the pass rush was when Justin Smith wasn't healthy, and that's because Smith simply eats up blockers. Jenkins can do the same, though he's certainly no proxy for Smith. But at 359 pounds, he can really move.

PLAYER CARD
32Kevin Minter *Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
COLLEGE: LSUAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 244POS: LB
Analysis: Word is the Ravens will be down an interior linebacker next season, and they should be thrilled if Minter is still around at this point. In fact, I can see Minter climbing higher, and maybe occupying the spot where Te'o goes, pushing Te'o down into this range. Minter is instinctive, shoots gaps, can play sideline to sideline and is particularly hard for blockers to line up. He's a steady tackler, and a good quarterback for your defense. The Ravens need a new one, finally.

PLAYER CARD

Mel Kiper Jr.
Football analyst

Kiper doesn't have any QB's going in the 1st round? Are you freaking kidding me? He is basically saying, KC can grab the best OT in the draft at #1, and then draft the best QB in the nation in round 2? I don't think so.

 

[Tubbs1518]

Kiper doesn't have any QB's going in the 1st round? Are you freaking kidding me? He is basically saying, KC can grab the best OT in the draft at #1, and then draft the best QB in the nation in round 2? I don't think so.

Kiper is an idiot. There will be at least 2 maybe more QB's go in the first.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Kiper is an idiot. There will be at least 2 maybe more QB's go in the first.

I am guessing 3.

 

[vancelot23]

I could see as many as 4-5 if teams get desparate.

 

[Tubbs1518]

I could see as many as 4-5 if teams get desparate.

Oh absolutely.

These teams will at least consider taking a QB:

KC
Jax
Oak
Cle
Ari
Buf
NYJ

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Oh absolutely.

These teams will at least consider taking a QB:

KC
Jax
Oak
Cle
Ari
Buf
NYJ

I don't think Jax, Oakland, Cleveland will go after one. Palmer just got traded for a year ago, Jax and Cleveland drafted QB's in the first round within t he last two drafts.

KC and NY for sure. I am still not 100% sure the Jets do not try for Vick even with his dislike for wanting to go there.

 

[Tubbs1518]

There are rumors out there that Oakland will release Palmer if he doesn't take a big pay cut.

Cleveland has ALL new management and coaching, likely they may want their own QB. Not a 30 year old 2nd year player.

Jax reportedly likes Henne more than Gabbert, and he has been horrible 2 years in a row. I don't think they will take one but they will def consider it.

 

[Tubbs1518]

Also I'd say Vick ends up back on Philly next year at a vsstly reduced rate. Kelley's offense will be too much for him to pass up on.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Also I'd say Vick ends up back on Philly next year at a vsstly reduced rate. Kelley's offense will be too much for him to pass up on.

Possibility of that. But they seemed to really like the new kid they got. Not sure Philly will want him back the same as he may want to come back.

I agree, Cleveland and Jax QB stink, but not sure they will be willing to give up on their QB draft picks yet not even 3 years into their careers. Alex Smith blew until Harbaugh came to the team, so I imagine both those franchises may be willing to give their young QB's a chance under new management. I use the word "young" loosely in relation to Cleveland's QB.

 

[flamingrey]

There are rumors out there that Oakland will release Palmer if he doesn't take a big pay cut.

Cleveland has ALL new management and coaching, likely they may want their own QB. Not a 30 year old 2nd year player.

Jax reportedly likes Henne more than Gabbert, and he has been horrible 2 years in a row. I don't think they will take one but they will def consider it.

If watched the Carson thing semi-closely, and that isn't the case. It's pretty much written in stone he's going to restructure his contract for a final season.

I can't see Cleveland spending a high pick on a QB in a very weak QB class.

I also believe Jax will consider a QB, but doubt they take one.

A QB will definitely be taken somewhere in the first round, but not 4-5.

 

[Tubbs1518]

If watched the Carson thing semi-closely, and that isn't the case. It's pretty much written in stone he's going to restructure his contract for a final season.

I can't see Cleveland spending a high pick on a QB in a very weak QB class.

I also believe Jax will consider a QB, but doubt they take one.

A QB will definitely be taken somewhere in the first round, but not 4-5.

You think he is going to take that big of a pay cut to stay with a team that bad? I'm not so sure he will. I wouldn't if I was him. I'd try to go to a team with potential like Arizona or Buffalo.

2 years ago was a weak class too and the high picks went flying on QB's.

I think Jax might if Geno Smith falls to them or someone like Glennon lights the combine up.

I think 2-3 will go at the fewest.

 

[flamingrey]

He's not taking a pay cut. It's a restructure. Less pay now for more leverage in the future.

I could see 2-3. Not 4-5.

 

[Tubbs1518]

He's not taking a pay cut. It's a restructure. Less pay now for more leverage in the future.

I could see 2-3. Not 4-5.

Carson Palmer - Oakland Raiders - 2013 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com

La Canfora thinks he could be released in the next month. And it says he will have to take a big pay cut. Now that may be in the way of restructuring but he is taking a pay cut. I guarantee you that. And I highly doubt he is there more than 1 maybe 2 more years.

I could see 4-5 if a couple go in the top 10. Teams will be trying to trade back into the 1st to take a QB. If KC passes on QB at 1 then you know they are taking one in the 2nd. Teams will be trying to jump them to take who they want.

More realistically though I agree I see 2-3, but 4-5 isn't out of the realm of possibility.

 

[vancelot23]

Here is an updated list so safeties tweeted by Steve Palozzolo of PFF.

2013 Rankings and Scouting Reports | DraftBrowns.com

 

[Tubbs1518]

Here is an updated list so safeties tweeted by Steve Palozzolo of PFF.

2013 Rankings and Scouting Reports | DraftBrowns.com

Hey both of my guys are at the top!!!

 

[flamingrey]

Carson Palmer - Oakland Raiders - 2013 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com

La Canfora thinks he could be released in the next month. And it says he will have to take a big pay cut. Now that may be in the way of restructuring but he is taking a pay cut. I guarantee you that. And I highly doubt he is there more than 1 maybe 2 more years.

I could see 4-5 if a couple go in the top 10. Teams will be trying to trade back into the 1st to take a QB. If KC passes on QB at 1 then you know they are taking one in the 2nd. Teams will be trying to jump them to take who they want.

More realistically though I agree I see 2-3, but 4-5 isn't out of the realm of possibility.

"Unfortunately for the cap-strapped Raiders, releasing Palmer would give them minimal cap relief and leave them on the hook for a ton of dead money."

When you have no other QB on the roster, and you get minimum cap relief by cutting said player, what's the point in cutting him.

Carson has been getting ~4 million/year since joining the Raiders. Much lower than his base salary. Pay cut and restructuring are 2 entirely different things. Carson has been restructuring yearly. The team is still on the books for the contract, they're just pushing it off to further years, as opposed to signing a new contract for less money to let the team off the hook.

They'll restructure again this season, and then they'll have an even bigger cap hit next season. At that point, Carson will hold all the cards as it'll be the final year on the contract and for $15+ million. Either he'll demand a couple year extension to take that pay cut and give the team some relief or he'll demand a release. But if he really wants to give the team one more chance before becoming a FA, he might just actually take a pay cut. That would be next season, not this.

It's possible they cut him, but highly unlikely.

 

[cincygrad]

I don't think Palmer is getting cut. I think, as Rey points out, that they'll restructure some money and keep him as the starter. Dennis Allen needs to win games this season or he'll lose his job. He already played some of his cards this offseason by firing key assistants.... I highly doubt he's putting his coaching tenure on the line with Pryor or another unproven player.

I'm guessing they go with Palmer and hope for some success against a fairly weak schedule. San Diego and KC are rebuilding and they also get favorable home games against the Titans, Jags, and Eagles.

 

[Tubbs1518]

Possibility of that. But they seemed to really like the new kid they got. Not sure Philly will want him back the same as he may want to come back.

I agree, Cleveland and Jax QB stink, but not sure they will be willing to give up on their QB draft picks yet not even 3 years into their careers. Alex Smith blew until Harbaugh came to the team, so I imagine both those franchises may be willing to give their young QB's a chance under new management. I use the word "young" loosely in relation to Cleveland's QB.

Told you Vick would be back with Philly. I would be surprised if KC traded for Foles.

 

[flamingrey]

I would how much guaranteed money is on the contract.

Seems like one of those "win the starting job and we'll pay you $10 million, don't win it, and we're cutting you for a minimal loss."

 

[Tubbs1518]

It pretty much is.