The First Stringers

The Scouting Combine is over, the 2014 Franchise Tags are set and Free Agency starts in just a FEW HOURS! The NFL is starting to pick up again (like it ever took a break) and all of the fans, players and executives are excited and preparing for 2014.

Pro Days have begun and the 2014 Draft is becoming clearer with every passing day. With that said here is an updated Mock Draft for the Post-Combine/ Pre-Free Agency period that we're in. I also threw in the a 2nd Round Mock, because I love you all so much.

Let's get started!

Pick 1: Houston Texans --QB Blake Bortles
(Previous Pick: DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina)
Pick Analysis: Like I said in my first Mock Draft, this pick was bound to come down between Blake Bortles and Texas A&M Quarterback, Johnny Manziel. Bortles did all he could to separate himself from the pack at the combine, and in my opinion, he did. Johnny's seems to have fallen a bit, and Louisville's Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's stock took a massive hit after he suddenly decided not to participate in the Combine.

Can Blake Bortles be the Franchise QB Houston has been looking for?

My Take: New Head Coach Bill O'Brien has the Quarterback he wants. Bortles is a big prototypical Quarterback at 6'5/232. He has great arm strength and fantastic accuracy. He plays hard and is the kind of leader you'd want on your football team. Where he suffers is in his mechanics. His release and footwork is subpar. He doesn't go through his progressions and often stares down receivers. I was really hoping he would have decided to stay in college for one more year so he could work out these problems.

If he is drafted by the Texans, which is almost a sure thing at this point, it's safe to assume he'll start day one. It's going to be hard to fix all of these issues under fire, but I have faith in Coach Bill O'Brien. Like I said before, it's almost a sure thing that Bortles will end up in this spot to Houston, but there is one scenario I see that could change that. The scenario involves a NFL Franchise Quarterback and a blockbuster trade that would greatly improve both teams involved. I'll touch more on that later in the piece. For now, on to pick 2!

Pick 2: St. Louis Rams (Washington) -- DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
(Previous Pick: OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M)
Pick Analysis: There's a lot of talk about Atlanta wanting to move up and grab Clowney here, and if they make a good enough offer, I expect St. Louis to take it. If the offer isn't what St. Louis wants, then I think they take Clowney and create the greatest pass rushing defense in the NFL. Pairing Clowney with Defensive-Ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn would turn this defense into an elite squad. It would make St. Louis a legit contender in the NFC West. I know that sounds ridiculous, but with a Defensive Line that deep, don't rule it out.

How much is Atlanta willing to give up for Clowney?

My Take: Like I've said multiple times, Clowney is going to need time to reach his potential. The best place to do that would be St. Louis. Quinn and Long could take the starting duties while Clowney just focuses on pass rushing and improving his game in situational packages. This Defensive Line would be insane with Clowney's addition to it, but it gets even better at pick #13.

Pick 3: Jacksonville Jaguars -- DE/LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo

(Previous Pick: QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville)

Pick Analysis: Buffalo's Khalil Mack has put on a clinic at the Combine and at his Pro Day. He did so well that it's even rumored that he's being considered by Houston as the #1 overall pick. If Houston didn't need a Quarterback, I'd say there's a good chance that happens. However, I do think he did earn a spot in the top 5. Coach Gus Bradley really wants to draft a pass rusher here, and Khalil Mack is the perfect man for him. Mack can play either Outside Linebacker or Weakside Defensive-End in a 4-3 base. He's extremely versatile and is one of the best, if not THE BEST, pass rusher in the draft. Expect the former Seattle Defensive Coordinator to create a Seattle-like team in Jacksonville built around speed and toughness on the defensive side of the ball.

Seattle's Super Bowl winning formula will attempted to be duplicated in Jacksonville.

My Take: I'm a huge fan of Khalil Mack, so much that he is ranked and the best player in the draft on my big board. Whichever team drafts him is going to get an instant playmaker on defense. I know Jacksonville wants a Quarterback, and with the recent resigning of Chad Henne, there is no need to reach for one here. Jacksonville's offense is going to be very much like Seattle's. Highly focused on the Running Game, Play-Action Passes, and High Efficiency throws. They can address Quarterback in a later roun.

Pick 4: Cleveland Browns -- OLB/DE Anthony Barr, UCLA

(Previous Pick: QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M)

Pick Analysis: The more I read about the Browns, the more I think they're taking defense here. Originally I had them taking "Johnny Football" but that was before General Manager, Ray Farmer, took over. It doesn't seem like Farmer really loves any of these early 1st Round Quarterbacks. Look for them to sit and wait at #26 to see if Derek Carr falls to them.

New General Manager Ray Farmer (Right) has a lot of work to do.

My Take: Barr is a perfect fit for new Head Coach Mike Pettine's 3-4 defensive system. Barr is a complete 3-4 Outside Linebacker that will add some serious pass rushing to a team that already has Jabaal Sheed and Paul Kruger. Pettine's defense are rooted in Rex Ryan's schemes, so pass rush will play a big role in his defense.

Pick 5: Oakland Raiders --QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

(Previous Pick: WR Sammy Watkings, Clemson)

Pick Analysis: This pick is up in the air right now. Head Coach Dennis Allen is on the hot seat, and he might, and should, choose to go with a veteran Quarterback here. Oakland's name has been rumored as landing spot for both Washington Quarterback Kirk Cousins, and Newly Free Agent Michael Vick. If Oakland fails to land either one of those Quarterbacks, then Johnny's name will be high on their list.

Johnny Football in Silver & Black?

My Take: Manziel is a rare football talent. The plays he makes are unbelievable, which makes many wonder why he isn't a surefire top 10 pick. Johnny, no doubt, is a great Quarterback, but he will need time to develop into an NFL style quarterback. Johnny has the necessary accuracy, mechanics and playmaking ability to be a big time NFL Quarterback. What he lacks is size and the ability to dissect defenses. Johnny's offense at A&M seemed built around Manziel's ability to improv. It seems like Johnny didn't have to go through all of his progressions in college, which isn't a luxury he'll get in most NFL offenses.

Pick 6: Atlanta Falcons -- OT Greg Robinson, Auburn

(Previous Pick: DE/OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA)

Pick Analysis: Like I said in my previous Mock Draft, Atlanta is in desperate need of a pass rusher. Unfortunately for them, 3 of the top 5 picks were pass rushers in this scenario. If they get stuck in a situation like this look for them to go Offensive Tackle. As of this moment, it looks like Atlanta likes Auburn's Greg Robinson, over Texas A&M's Jake Matthews.

Can Robinson prove me wrong and be an Elite Left Tackle?

My Take: Robinson has the ability to be the big bust in this draft. He was a late riser on draft boards and teams love him because of his size (6'5/332) and his strength. Where Robinson falters is in his mechanics. He fires off the ball slow, doesn't have good footwork, and is constantly off balance. If Robinson wants to be an elite Left Tackle, then he has a lot of work in front of him. I do, however, think he would be a solid Guard.

Pick 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville

(Previous Pick: QB Blake Bortles, UCF)

Pick Analysis: Tampa Bay is sitting pretty at pick #7. From what I can gather, Tampa's Bay's plan is simple. They'll take whichever Quarterback falls, whether it's Manziel, Bortles, or Bridgewater. If all three are gone, look for them to take either Khalil Mack, which is doubtful he falls this far, Offensive Tackle Jake Matthew or Greg Robinson. In this scenario Teddy Bridgewater falls to them, and they scoop him right up.

Can Bridgewater lead this team to the playoffs?

My Take: Bridgewater's stock fell hard after suddenly not wanting to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine. With him sitting out, it looks like both Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel will get picked before him.

As a player, Bridgewater is one of the more mechanically sound prospects in the draft. Where he falters, is in his accuracy. He tends to leave balls high, which is going to get his receivers killed. Like I said in my previous draft, I doubt Head Coach Lovie Smith will ask a lot of Teddy Bridgewater. Coach Smith did go to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman behind center.

Pick 8: Minnesota Vikings -- WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson

(Previous Pick: QB Derek Carr, Fresno State)

Pick Analysis: In my last Mock Draft I killed Minnesota for making, what I believe, is the same mistake twice. There are very few things I agree with ESPN's Todd McShay on, but his analysis of Fresno State's Quarterback Derek Carr is correct. He is not a NFL ready Quarterback, and I'm not sure he's anything more than a glorified backup.

In my new Mock Draft I have Minnesota taking Clemson's Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins. I know that they selected Cordarrelle Patterson last year in the first round, but Minnesota seems pretty interested in him. If he falls to #8, expect Minnesota to grab him.

Can Watkins be the playmaker Minnesota has been missing?

My Take: Sammy Watkins is a complete receiver. He can go deep, short, play inside or outside or anywhere you'd want him to play. He's quick, has great skill in open space, and makes fantastic plays on the ball. Adding him to Minnesota would create a very versatile dangerous receiving core.

Pick 9: Buffalo Bills -- OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

(Previous Pick: OT Greg Robinson, Auburn)

Pick Analysis: I'd be surprised if Buffalo didn't pick an Offensive Tackle with this pick. I believe either Matthews or Robinson will fall to them, either way they'll be happy.

Matthews could be the franchise Tackle in Buffalo for a very long time.

My Take: I love Jake Matthews! He's my highest rated Offensive Tackle by far. He's as close as an all-around Tackle as you can get in this draft. Drafting Matthews will allow Buffalo Quarterback EJ Manuel to sleep easier at night.

Pick 10: Detroit Lions -- WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M

(Previous Pick: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State)

Pick Analysis: Drafting Evans here would make him the third Texas A&M player drafted in 10 picks. Evans' draft stock has risen to top 10 status after the combine and with good reason.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford would be the happiest man on the planet if Detroit went this route in the Draft

My Take: Standing at 6'4 and weighing 231 pounds, Evans is by far the biggest Receiver in the big 3 (Evans, Watkins, Lee). Evans is a prototypical #1 Receiver. He consistently wins his 1-on-1 battles, out playing and jumping opposing Cornerbacks. Pairing him with the likes of Calvin Johnson, would create the greatest Receiving core in the league.

Pick 11: Tennessee Titans -- OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan

(Previous Pick: OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan)

Pick Analysis: Well, that's no fun. I drafted the same way in the first Mock Draft, so I'm not going to go into much detail here. David Stewart looks like he won't be back next season, so look for Tennessee to go Offensive Tackle here.

With only a few hours til Free Agency, will Tennessee cut David Stewart?

My Take: Lewan is a good prospect. He also has a footwork and balance issue like Robinson, but nowhere near as severe. He can be plugged in as an elite RT off the bat, and with some coaching he can become a great LT.

Pick 12: New York Giants -- CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

(Previous Pick: DE/OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo)

Pick Analysis: As a Giant fan, I hope that somehow Buffalo's Khalil Mack drops to my team, but he won't. The Giants need a lot of help, and I believe they'll take best available, which is Justin Gilbert.

Gilbert would instantly make the Giants a better team

My Take: Gilbert is a shutdown machine! Pairing him with Prince Amukamara and Antrel Rolle would create a devistating secondary. Gilbert won't get you many turnovers, but like a great basketball point guard, he'll come up with a lot of assisted interceptions.

Pick 13: St. Louis -- DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh

(Previous Pick: WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M)

Pick Analysis: The Rams just continue to bolster their pass rusher. Pittsburgh's Aaron Donal's stock has skyrocketed since the Senior Bowl, and is considered by many to be the best Defensive Tackle in the draft.

This picture pretty much says it all about this kid.

My Take: Donald isn't that great against the run, but he's on hell of a pass rusher. Like I mentioned earlier, adding Clowney to the mix would already make this defensive squad elite. If you also add Donald, then I don't know how opposing Quarterbacks survive against St. Louis.

Pick 14: Chicago Bears -- DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State

(Previous Pick: DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State)

Pick Analysis: It's looking more and more like Jernigan is a lock for Chicago.

Jernigan is going to have to step into some pretty big shoes if Chicago drafts him.

My Take: Timmy Jernigan is a little too slow off the ball for me, and he doesn't get really any pressure/penetration. He rarely get pushed around though, and will clog up holes. With good coaching he can be a hell of a threat in the middle.

Pick 15: Pittsburgh Steelers -- S Calvin Pryor, Louisville

(Previous Pick: NT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame)

Pick Analysis: When I first made this pick two weeks ago, I thought Pittsburgh was going to try and replace Polamalu, turns out I was wrong. Pittsburgh was able to extend and restructure his deal, which allows Pryor to step in here and replace Ryan Clark instead. As much as I like Ryan Clark, filling his shoes will be much easier than filling Troy's.

There is a scenario I found very interesting. The scenario involves a massive trade that involves a franchise player moving and Pittsburgh moving surprisingly up in the draft.

There have been rumors of Pittsburgh looking to deal aging franchise Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He has one year left on his deal, and it doesn't look like the Rooney's want to give him another big contract. Pittsburgh needs to act now and trade with a team like Houston, who only needs a Quarterback to be a contender. This is how I see the trade breaking down.

Could Big Ben be playing for someone else next year?

Houston receives Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh's 1st Round Pick (#15), 4th Round Pick, and a 2015 3rd Round Pick.

Pittsburgh receives Houston's 1st Round Pick (#1), 2nd Round Pick (#33) and a 2015 conditional pick (4th/5th round).

With this trade, everyone wins. Pittsburgh is a decorated franchise that knows you want to RELOAD, not REBUILD. With this trade they get younger without becoming irrelevant. They can draft their next franchise Quarterback and probably still be in contention for the AFC North in 2014.

Houston get' the Quarterback they need to be Super Bowl contenders, even if it's only short lived, it's worth it. Back to Calvin Pryor though.

My Take: Louisville's Calvin Pryor is one of the best pure Safety's in this draft, and will make an immediate impact for Pittsburgh. He makes huge plays, and is a force in the running game. Don't be surprised if he moves over to Strong Safety once Troy Polamalu retires.

Pick 16: Dallas Cowboys -- NT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame

(Previous Picks: S Calvin Pryor, Louisville)

Pick Analysis: It's no secret that Big D needs some serious help on defense, and especially in the middle of their defensive line. This position could very well be filled by former Chicago Bear DT Henry Melton today, but until then I have them taking Defensive Tackle.

Will DT Henry Melton be a Dallas Cowboy soon?

My Take: I've heard a lot of Cowboys fans say they don't want Nix because he's too big. To them I say, shut up, sit down, and be the good front runners you probably are, and let actual football minds educate you. Let me be very clear on something, SIZE DOES NOT MATTER*! (The asterisk is for the obvious. Size doesn't matter in most cases, unless you're REALLY undersized.) What matters is how you play. There are plenty of players that don't play their size. I'll just throw out 2 examples before I begin my Nix break down. Carolina's Steve Smith is under 6 feet, yet he is as productive and plays like he is Calvin Johnson. Batlimore's Haloti Ngata is the size of Vince Wilfork, yet he plays like he's Warren Sapp.

Nix is a big dude at 6'2/331. He uses his size to his advantage, but he has quick feet and has the ability to play anywhere on the interior defensive line. His biggest fault is his experience. There are a few plays here and there where he looks lost. With time and coaching he could be as dominant as Baltimore's Haloti Ngata.

Pick 17: Baltimore Ravens -- TE Eric Ebron, UNC

(Previous Pick: LB CJ Mosley, Alabama)

Pick Analysis: I haven't totally bought into this pick. Baltimore just payed Tight-End Dennis Pitta a lot of money. So it seems odd to me that so many people believe Baltimore is going to take Ebron here. The most likely scenario is that they're trying to hype this kid so a team needing a Tight-End will trade up with them. If he does fall here, the Jets will be the happiest people on the planet.

Ebron's stock is going through the roof!

My Take: I compared Ebron to Dallas Clark to one of my Jet-Fan friends, and I think that's the best comparison I can give him. He's a serious threat between the 20's but his size is going to limit him in the Red Zone. He's a new age Tight-End and is going to make any team's offense dangerous.

Pick 18: New York Jets -- WR Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

(Previous Pick: TE Eric Ebron, UNC)

Pick Analysis: I still think the Jets would rather take Ebron here, but his stock is starting to rise. If Ebron is gone, it looks like they'll take either LSU's Odell Beckham Jr or Oregon State's Brandin Cooks.

Will the Jets take Beckham or Cooks?

My Take: Both of those players I just mentioned are under 6 feet. I was really expecting the Jets to be targeting bigger receivers in the draft, but it looks like they are sticking to Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's Philadelphia concept of speed over size.

Beckham is a playmaker from the slot, and can be a match-up problem for any Nickel Corner. I'm not totally sure if he can play on the outside at this level.

Pick 19: Miami Dolphins -- OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame

(Previous Pick: OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame)

Pick Analysis: The only way this pick doesn't happen is if the Dolphin's grab an Offensive Tackle today. Right now it looks like former Chiefs Tackle Brandon Albert might be heading to Miami, but we have yet to see.

Can Zack Martin be the franchise LT Miami is looking for?

My Take: I love everything about Zack, except his strength. He is going to lose to stronger defensive lineman, but he has the footwork to be a great pass blocker. He is going to be an All-Pro tackle, but he's not unbeatable.

Pick 20: Arizona Cardinals --S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama

(Previous Pick: OT Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama)

Pick Analysis: Alabama's Kouandjio hurt himself in the draft terribly. He didn't preform well in any of the drills and there are questions regarding his health. With his stock falling, Arizona turns to the next player on their board.

Can Ha Ha create an elite secondary with Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Petereson?

My Take: Pairing Clinton-Dix with Corners Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson seems like a great idea, but it's not. I'm not a believer in the Alabama product. He lets up WAY too many big plays for a big time Safety. Too many of those and he'll be finding a new home.

Pick 21: Green Bay Packers --CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State

(Previous Pick: CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State)

Pick Analysis: Yes, they just signed Sam Shields, but they need more secondary help than that.

Is Dennard Green Bay's future franchise Corner?

My Take: Dennard is the kind of corner that puts Receivers on an island. He'll be a big piece to the resurrection of Green Bay's defense.

Pick 22: Philadelphia Eagles -- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State

(Previous Pick: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama)

Pick Analysis: The Eagles are saying they don't want to get rid of diva Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson, but if the reports are true that he wants more money, then they may have to drop him. He's already getting paid $12.75 million this year, how much more does he want? By drafting Benjamin, Jackson becomes expendable.

Has DeSean Jackson outstayed his welcome?

My Take: Benjamin reminds me of Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe. He has good size and comes up with big plays. His hands aren't the most reliable, but the good still outweigh the bad.

Pick 23: Kansas City Chiefs -- DE Kony Ealy, Missouri

(Previous Pick: WR Odell Beckham Jr., LSU)

Pick Analysis: You can never have too many pass rushers, especially when you play Peyton Manning twice a year.

Being mentored by those two would be insane!

My Take: Ealy doesn't use his damn hands, and it annoys the hell out of me. If you don't use your hands in the NFL you get blocked, pure and simple. Somehow, he was still a monster pass rusher in college while doing his best T-Rex impression. Putting him under Justin Houston and Tamba Hali might be exactly what this kid needs.

Pick 24: Cincinnati Bengals -- DE Dee Ford, Auburn

(Previous Pick: DE Kony Ealy, Missouri)

Pick Analysis: Like I've said in all of my posts, the Bengals do not have the talent on their roster to make up for the departure of Michael Johnson. This pick will be Defensive End if they don't pick up a great player in Free Agency.

He's some place nicer...well maybe just warmer.

My Take: Dee Ford is this years Senior Bowl breakout player. He created serious havoc for the Quarterbacks he faced and it went well noticed. Ford is a great overall Defensive-End, he can rush the passer and take on blocks to stop the run. He's a little small at 6'2/252, but he plays like he's 6'4/270. He's going to be a force at the next level.

Pick 25: San Diego Chargers -- OLB Kyle Van Noy, BYU

(Previous Pick: CB Marcus Roberson, Florida)

Pick Analysis: Like I mentioned with the Chiefs, you can never have enough pass rushers when you play Peyton Manning twice a year.

5'11, 5'10, whatever...this kid is scary!

My Take: Van Noy is an overlooked player in this year's draft. At 6'3/243, he's perfect size for a 3-4 Outside Linebacker. He's a fantastic pass rusher, and he uses his speed well in the run game.

Pick 26: Cleveland Browns (Indianapolis) -- QB Derek Carr, Fresno State

(Previous Pick: WR Marqise Lee, USC)

Pick Analysis: Cleveland is finally starting to make some good moves. With this move, it shows me that Cleveland has more faith Brian Hoyer than they're letting on. They aren't reaching for a Quarterback and if the Carr gets grabbed before this pick, they'll be fine.

Will he really be any better than Weeden?

My Take: Carr is going to be a project. He's not that accurate and his arm is nothing special. He is one of the more mechanically sound prospects in reference to his release and footwork. I'm not sold on his ability to breakdown defenses, which combined with his accuracy issues could make him a quick bust.

Pick 27: New Orleans Saints -- OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State

(OLB Telvin Smith, Florida State)

Pick Analysis: The Saints look like they're changing their identity. They're dropping a bunch of their players and could be focusing more on the running game like they did so successfully in the playoffs.

Can Shazier turn this defense from good to great?

My Take: If you're going to focus more on the run then you need to build your defense. Shazier is very fast and has great range, but that's all I like about him. I think he'd end up moving inside to play the Jack Linebacker position in a 3-4 set, but I'm not sure he's a first round talent.

Pick 28: Carolina Panthers -- WR Marqise Lee, USC

(Previous Pick: WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State)

Pick Analysis: Carolina is looking to ship off Wide Receiver Steve Smith, so drafting a Receiver here is a high priority.

The Panthers need to find someone to replace their aging superstar.

My Take: Luckily for them they get, in my opinion, the best Receiver in this draft. He can do anything you ask of him, and he's one tough son-of-a-b****. He'll play on one leg if he has too (which he's done).

Pick 29: New England Patriots -- TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech

(Previous Pick: DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota)

Pick Analysis: The New England Tight-End situation is the best example of how the NFL is a year-to-year league. Going into 2013, we thought New England had the greatest Tight-End core in the league, maybe top 5 ever. Now, they have nothing.

Feels so long ago.

My Take: Amaro isn't my favorite for New England. He's more of a blocking Tight-End between the 20's than a Receiver. He does very well in the Red Zone which is a plus, so he won't catch many passes, but what he does catch will be a touchdown.

Pick 30: San Francisco 49ers -- CB Jason Verrett, TCU

(Previous Pick: WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State)

Pick Analysis: With the recent release of Cornerback Carlos Rodgers, the 49ers suddenly need a corner.

Can San Frans defense get any better?

My Take: Jason Verrett is a fantastic corner. In a draft where man cover corners are so deep, he might be the best or second best available. He'll just add to the already dominant San Francisco defense.

Pick 31: Denver Broncos -- CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech

(Previous Pick: CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska)

Pick Analysis: There isn't any doubt where Denver will go with this pick as of right now. They need secondary help, and bad.

The unfamiliar site of Champ getting beat...a lot.

My Take: Fuller is a great Cornerback and could possibly even play Safety. He has the skill to be elite at either position. That kind of versatility is something Denver can't pass up.

Pick 32: Seattle Seahawks -- DE/DT Stephen Tuitt, Notre Dame
(Previous Pick: DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh)

Pick Analysis: Losing Defensive End Red Bryant is bigger than it seems. Bryant was a hybrid Defensive-End/Tackle. This allowed Seattle to go to a 4 Defensive-End look and not sacrifice too much in their interior line.

Red Bryant will be missed.

My Take: Tuitt reminds me a lot of Bryant. He's a bigger Defensive-End, he'd probably fit better in a 3-4 defense, but I think he would be a key component to Seattle's defense.

Round 2

Pick 1 (33): Houston Texans --DE Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota

Pick Analysis: He doesn't really use his size to his advantage (6'5/310) but he does rush the passer really well. Can be a serious threat along side JJ Watt.

Pick 2 (34): Washington Redskins -- WR Jake Matthews, Vanderbilt

Pick Analysis: Washington grabs a potential #1 Wide Receiver with their first pick. He'd add a new dimension to the Washington Redskins offense.

Pick 3 (35): Cleveland Browns -- ILB CJ Mosley, Alabama

Pick Analysis: There is alway one first round player that drops into the second round. CJ Mosley is going to be a great Inside Linebacker! If Cleveland gets him here, then they'd have the steal of the draft.

Pick 4 (36): Oakland Raiders -- WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon Sate

Pick Analysis: Oakland tries to get a Receiver for newly acquired Quarterback, Johnny Manziel here, but Cooks shouldn't be their guy. Cooks takes forever to get open and needs a lot of time to be a player in this league.

Pick 5 (37): Atlanta Falcons -- CB Marcus Roberson, Florida

Pick Analysis: Atlanta is in serious need of Cornerback help. Here they grab a first round talent in the second round.

Pick 6 (38): Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- OT Morgan Moses, Virginia

Pick Analysis: Tampa addresses their need for Offensive Lineman here, not sure if I'd go with Moses. His balance and footwork isn't good enough to be a Left Tackle, and his strength isn't good enough to be a Right Tackle. I'm not totally sure where to put him.

Pick 7 (39): Jacksonville Jaguars -- QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois

Pick Analysis: Jacksonville gets the most interesting Quarterback in the draft here. Garoppolo looks like he can be an elite Quarterback at the next level, but he played in the FCS. It's always a little nerve-racking taking a guy from a lower league. You don't know if he's good because of natural talent, or just because he was playing inferior talent.

Pick 8 (40): Minnesota Vikings -- QB Zach Mettenberger, LSU

Pick Analysis: Minnesota decides to wait til the second round to find their Quarterback, and they hit the jackpot. I love Mettenberger! He has all of the tools to be a great Quarterback, he just needs some talent around him, which is exactly what Sammy Watkins, Corradelle Patterson and Greg Jennings are.

Pick 9 (41): Buffalo Bills -- S Jimmy Ward, Northern Illinois

Pick Analysis: With Jarius Byrd probably not coming back, Safety becomes an issue. Lucky for them, they land on the best Safety in the draft in the second round.

Pick 10 (42): Tennessee Titans -- RB Tre Mason, Auburn

Pick Analysis: He takes a little too long to recognize his blocks and hit the hole, which is a serious problem. His redeeming factor is his speed and ability in open space, that alone should keep him on the roster until he learns to be a Runningback.

Pick 11 (43): New York Giants -- G David Yankey, Stanford

Pick Analysis: If Guards went in the first round, he'd be a top 10 pick. Fantastic pick up in the second round.

Pick 12 (44): St. Louis Rams -- OLB Chris Borland, Wisconsin

Pick Analysis: Well rounded Linebacker that does almost everything well. He plays hard and is a tough kid. He's a little short at 5'11, but he packs a punch.

Pick 13 (45): Detroit Lions -- CB/FS Bradley Roby, Ohio State

Pick Analysis: He seems more like a pure zone cover Corner. Might be better suited at Safety.

Pick 14 (46) : Pittsburgh Steelers -- WR Allen Robinson, Penn State

Pick Analysis: Pittsburgh gets their tall Receiver here (6'2), but I don't think he's a #1 Receiver. He doesn't use his height and size to his advantage and can get pressed by a physical corner.

Pick 15 (47): Baltimore Ravens -- G Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State

Pick Analysis: I see the potential in this kid to be great, but I think he has too many problems to overcome. He's not a good pass blocker, and he's only an average run blocker.

Pick 16 (48): Dallas Cowboys -- OLB Christian Jones, Florida State

Pick Analysis: He needs time to develop. He looks a little lost out there on some plays, but when he has it together he can be a serious threat.

Pick 17 (49): New York Jets -- G Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA

Pick Analysis: He's a fantastic run blocker, but only an average pass blocker. He gets confused by stunts easily. With good coaching though, he could be an All-Pro player. Can play Tackle if really needed too.

Pick 18 (50): Miami Dolphins -- DT Will Sutton, Arizona State

Pick Analysis: Not a fan of this kid. He ends up on his back too often to be playing in the NFL.

Pick 19 (51): Chicago Bears -- DT Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma State

Pick Analysis: Back to back Defensive Tackle selections here seems odd, but if they get a chance to draft this kid they should. He's the #1 Defensive Tackle on my big board and no one is talking about him, which makes me a genius or an idiot (it's genius).

Pick 20 (52): Arizona Cardinals -- S Ahmad Dixon, Baylor

Pick Analysis: Nothing about this kid I like. Will most likely be a bust.

Pick 21 (53): Green Bay Packers -- OLB Trent Murphy, Stanford

Pick Analysis: Green Bay is really big on this kid, but I'm not sure why. He gives you his all, but I don't see him being anything more than a solid starter.

Pick 22 (54): Philadelphia Eagles -- CB/S Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State

Pick Analysis: He'll be a playmaker no matter what position in the secondary you put him as.

Pick 23 (55): Cincinnati Bengals -- DT Ego Gerguson, LSU

Pick Analysis:Solid player, will come up with big plays here and there.

Pick 24 (56): San Francisco 49ers (Kansas City) -- OT Jack Mewhort, Ohio State

Pick Analysis: He gives up too often for me on film. He's a good run blocker, so he may move inside eventually.

Pick 25 (57): San Diego Chargers -- CB/S Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska

Pick Analysis: Not the best in coverage, should probably move to Safety.

Pick 26 (58): New Orleans Saints -- G Cyril Richardson, Baylor

Pick Analysis: All around great player, he's going to be a steal in this draft.

Pick 27 (59): Indianapolis Colts -- OLB Telvin Smith, Florida State

Pick Analysis: I'm not a huge fan of Smith. He doesn't shed blockers that well. He's much better at anticipating blockers and coverage, which makes me think he might be better suited at Strong Safety.

Pick 28 (60): Carolina Panthers -- OT Cyrus Koundjio, Alabama

Pick Analysis: Koundjio fell really far after a disappointing combine. If he plays like he did on film then Carolina will have a drafted a top 15 player with the 60th overall pick.

Pick 29 (61) : San Francisco 49ers -- WR Jarvis Landry, LSU

Pick Analysis: Another sure-handed Receiver for Kaepernick.

Pick 30 (62): New England Patriots -- TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington

Pick Analysis: Although this seems odd, just hear me out. Jenkins isn't a typical Tight-End. He can play tight, slot or outside, kind of like Aaron Hernandez. Seferian-Jenkins will make up for the lack of talent in the Receiving core.

Pick 31 (63): Denver Broncos -- S Deone Buccanuon, Washington State

Pick Analysis:This kid is a great Free Safety. He's awesome in coverage, both off man and zone. He'll make this Denver defense hard to throw deep against.

Pick 32 (64): Seattle Seahawks -- CB Bashaud Breeland, Clemson

Pick Analysis: He's a one trick pony, but his one trick is man coverage. I think Seattle will be able to deal with that.

Thanks everyone for reading! I'm going to take a break from this until Free Agency calms down. I hope everyone enjoys the next few weeks!

--Stopsky

The First Stringers

Monday, April 28, 2014

The Correlation Between Young Point Guards and a Good Team

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Two for the Money...Matt Stopsky's 2nd Mock Draft, Post Combine (Holy Hell it's 2 Rounds!!!)

Round 2