Been absolutely devouring off-season NFL free agency and draft coverage this year. Never played and have no experience scouting but I do know football, the NFL, relative value and a thing or two about personality and perception. With that, let’s take a look at...
RUFF'S 1st EVER MOCK DRAFT
(Picks 1-16)
1. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma Sooners
This franchise has just been terrible since releasing Kurt Warner; failures on the field, failues in FA, failures in the draft. Last year they did the right thing by not drafting a quarterback in the first round but now they have no choice (personally, I’d sign a vet or trade for one of Philly’s QBs then draft someone in round 2 or 3. But that’s me.) In any case I like Sam Bradford as an overall no. 1 a heckuvalot more than I liked Matt Stafford last year.
2. Detroit Lions
Ndamokung Suh, DT Nebraska Cornhuskers
Speaking of last year’s no. 1 overall, the Lions are still in need of O-Line help but their offense had no problem putting up points. The defense on the other hand was atrocious. Pairing a sure-shot DT like Suh with Corey Williams on the inside along with FA acquisition KVB on the outside is a great way to make a quick turnaround.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma Sooners
Bradford going first is an absolute boon for the Bucs as it guarantees them a top flight DT at 3. This pick and the last might flip if Jim Schwartz wants more of a 3-technique tackle but either way, both these teams are getting great players.
4. Washington Redskins
Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State Cowboys
This team had a decision to make at quarterback even before Mike Shanahan was named head coach. Now it’s even more of an issue because Shanny has never abided mediocrity at the quarterback position. I think Jason Campbell deserves one last shot but even if he’s not the guy, you HAVE to shore up an O-line that was suspect before the retirement of Chris Samuels.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Bulaga, OT Iowa Hawkeyes
Like all teams picking in the top 10, KC has a lot of holes to fill, particularly on defense. But first things first. You can’t win games without protecting your quarterback and running the ball.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma Sooners
Ditto.
7. Cleveland Browns
Eric Berry, S Tennessee Volunteers
Berry falling to Cleveland is another minor god-send. That secondary needs reinforcement and Eric can play anywhere in it. And let’s not forget that the AFC North will have them going up against Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace, Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, Ocho Cinco, not to mention conference games against the Colts, Pats, Chargers and Texans.
8. Oakland Raiders
Anthony Davis/Bruce Campbell OT Rutgers Scarlet Knights/Maryland Terrapins
The early (and somewhat justifiable) run on offensive tackles puts the Raiders in an interesting spot. They were probably gonna go OT anyway and many ‘experts’ have them reaching for Bruce Campbell after his monster showing at the combine but Anthony Davis also fits the Raiders’ bill. He's got their requisite character concerns but is still possessed of all the physical tools and positional skills needed to contribute right away.
(btw, I listed 2 possible picks because both are equally probable and it doesn't effect my mock either way because no one else is dumb enough to take Campbell in the 1st round.)
9. Buffalo Bills
Jimmy Claussen, QB Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Having the top 4 offensive tackles gone before they pick makes this an easy decision for the Bills. If for some reason the Raiders were to take Campbell at 8, leaving Davis still on the board, the Bills would probably take him here.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Earl Thomas, S Texas Longhorns
In spite of all the defensive ends they’ve drafted in the last few years, this team still desperately needs to establish a pass-rush. Signing Aaron Kampman allows the Jags to address their troubling secondary with this pick. As a Giants fan myself, this is the first player I’m actually sad to see go because I’m VERY high on Earl Thomas. Watched him play at Texas and watched him at the combine and the kid is just smooth like water out there.
Plus you can't go wrong with a football player named "Earl".
11. Denver Broncos
Dez Byrant, WR Oklahoma State Cowboys
This projection is major-league conjecture. The Broncos are shopping Brandon Marshall and will accept no less than 1st round value for him. This means they could potentially have 2 picks in the top 14. They could also just as easily get a veteran receiver in return for Marshall making this pick less of a necessity.
But if Marshal stays put this year, he DEFINITELY won’t be back for 2011 (assuming anyone will). And if he does get shipped before the draft, it will probably be for a late 1st round pick. In either case, Dez would be the move here. If not, the Broncos will probably go linebacker.
12. Miami Dolphins
Dan Williams, NT Tennessee Volunteers
Can’t play a 3-4 without a dominant nose tackle. Jason Ferguson is old, injured and suspended for half the season. Let’s move on.
13. San Francisco 49ers
Joe Haden, CB Florida Gators
I’m hearing talk of C.J. Spiller here. That sounds dumb. They've got Frank Gore and "2009's Fantasy Fan-Favorite Handcuff", Glen Coffee. Offensive tackle would fit into Coach Singletary’s football philosophy but there ain’t none left. Secondary is the other major concern. In a pass-happy league, getting the best cornerback in the draft at 13 is both righteous and proper.
14. Seattle Seahawks
Everson Griffin, DE USC Trojans
The Hawks addressed some of their holes on offense with the 6th pick and will have to upgrade the WR position elsewhere. Time to get a pass-rusher. Derrick Morgan might be rated higher but I gotta believe Pete Carroll is gonna grab the guy he recruited and coached out of high school.
15. The New York Football Giants
Rolando McClain, LB Alabama Crimson Tide
The Curious Case of Rolando McClain. The unquestioned leader of the Crimson Tide championship defense, McClain has all the instincts, discipline, intelligence and intangibles to be an impact inside linebacker in the NFL. He didn’t work out at the combine because of a supposed hammy and posted solid but not overly impressive numbers at his pro-day workout. But game tape don’t lie and Rolando’s got the goods. If he’s available at 15 the Giants execs will trip over themselves rushing to get that pick up to the table. Only the Broncos stand in their way.
16. Tennessee Titans
Derrick Morgan, DE Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
This team lost DT Albert Haynesworth in 09 and it showed. Now they’ve lost DE Kyle Vanden Bosch so it’s no secret they’re gonna dip into this deep pool of productive defensive ends. Morgan is an awesome pass-rusher and stands tall against the run. Great pick.
Picks 17-32: Don’t know. Don’t care. All those teams had solid years so fuckem!
