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This is a first rough draft mock. My real mock will come in a few weeks:
1. Carolina Panthers : Da’Quan Bowers, Defensive End
Ron Rivera, the Panthers new head coach, is a former linebacker who appreciates athleticism and versatility. Bowers has both. Going defensive tackle here is possible, but it was apparent Carolina really missed the freshly departed Julius Peppers off the edge last year.
Some critics fear Bowers is a one-year wonder, while others think the light finally turned on. If this light is indeed on, the Pro Bowl will be a recurring event in his future.
2. Denver Broncos : Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle
Here is where the trading could start, yet no one really knows the direction John Elway is headed. John Fox, the Broncos new head coach, is a defensive expert. The current group of defensive tackles Denver has signed is pretty crummy, so Darius fills a big need.
Though Elway just signed Champ Bailey to remain the top cornerback, his being 33-years old is an obvious sign to look into the future. Patrick Peterson could go here, becoming the highest drafted cornerback in NFL history.
3. Buffalo Bills : Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle
Buffalo just released Marcus Stroud, clearing the way for Fairley. He showed excellent speed at the combine, so he could fit in the Bills 3-4 scheme, looking real good next to nose tackle Kyle Williams.
Wide receiver A.J. Green could get a good look because Lee Evans is 30-years old. If Patrick Peterson is there, he could go despite the Bills already having a deep group at this position.
4, Cincinnati Bengals : Cam Newton, Quarterback
Even if malcontent Carson Palmer stays another year, he is on his way out and has no pop left in his throwing arm. His leadership is obviously questionable, so the Bengals need to look in the future and not let the ghosts of Akili Smith and David Klingler haunt them.
Newton is worth the risk here, but the Bengals may go the safer route. They don’t need Peterson or Green, but could grab Fairley or Darius if they are sitting there.
5. Arizona Cardinals : Patrick Peterson, Cornerback
The Big Red gets a gift here, finding a lock-down defender to bookend Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. While Arizona needs a quarterback and pass rusher, they can fill those slots in the free agent pool. Donovan McNabb, who lives in Arizona, could be available since the Washington Redskins seem intent to keep him on the bench.
Some think Von Miller could go here, but critics think he may be another Aaron Maybin or Vern Gholston as that workout warrior whose measurables never add up on the gridiron.
6. Cleveland Browns : A.J. Green, Wide Receiver
Cleveland gets their man. Green will instantly be the top receiver on a group desperately needing an upgrade for quarterback Colt McCoy, or whoever they plug in.
Cleveland could look to bolster the defensive line with a Cam Jordan or J.J. Watt, but Green should be too tempting to not pass on.
7. San Francisco 49ers : Von Miller, Defensive End
The Niners need a force off the edge and Miller’s strength is rushing the passer. He had 26.5 sacks in his last two years in college, proving he can go get the ball.
Some think new head coach Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback, will look for a signal-caller here, but I could only see them grabbing Newton at this spot. They might grab Jordan here because he is a defensive end and Miller is more a combo DE/ OLB type.
8. Tennessee Titans : Blaine Gabbart, Quarterback
With Vince Young gone, the Titans need someone at quarterback besides Rusty Smith and the ancient Kerry Collins. This team could try to trade up for Newton as well.
Tennessee also needs help on defense, mainly at linebacker. But there are no linebackers worth grabbing this high.
9. Dallas Cowboys : Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End
Dallas needs help everywhere on defense. J.J. Watt is as solid defensive end who could start right away for them, Rahim Moore would be a big upgrade at free safety, and they desperately need inside linebackers.
Clayborn had 11 sacks as a junior, then spent his senior year being double-teamed. He is also solid against the run and has a frame that additional bulk is possible, He fills a huge need for Dallas.
10. Washington Redskins : Ryan Mallett, Quarterback
The Redskins are probably the only team that could threaten Miami in looking at halfback Mark Ingram. They’d love to get Newton to fall into their laps as well. A cornerback like Prince Amukamara or offensive tackle like Nate Soldier or Anthony Castonzo also would help immensely.
Getting Mallet gives the team the quarterback they need since it was already announced that Donovan McNabb’s days as a starting in D.C. are done. But who knows with head coach Mike Shanahan because Vince Young is out there available.
11. Houston Texans : Prince Amukamara, Cornerback
Houston needs the secondary upgraded immediately, and Amukamara would start as as soon as he was signed. The Texans should concentrate on defense this draft, and try to sign free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha at any price he demands.
A guy like linebacker Robert Quinn could get looked at here, but the issues at the Texans secondary is too great to overlook.
12. Minnesota Vikings : Cameron Jordan, Defensive End
He is the son of Vikings great Steve Jordan and will provide a good pass rushing bookend to Jared Allen. He had a great Senior Bowl and has OLB abilities as well.
Now that wide receiver Sydney Rice has announced his Vikings days are over, Julio Jones could get a look. Minnesota needs a quarterback, but it is doubtful they’d prefer the erratic Jake Locker over an available veteran. Minnesota also needs help on the offensive line, so they might choose to address this issue first.
13. Detroit Lions : Ryan Kerrigan, Linebacker
The 2010 Big-Ten Defensive Player of the Year is the kind of guy you want in a locker room of a team looking to change their losing culture. He is relentless and would fill in the spot emptied by the recently released Julian Peterson. Kerrigan is a good pass rusher who can play defensive end if needed.
Akeem Ayers could get a look here, as well as some blockers to try to get quarterback Matt Stafford to finally play an entire season. A cornerback like Brandon Harris would help too, since Lions general manager Martin Mayhew is a former NFL cornerback himself.
14. Saint Louis Rams : Julio Jones, Wide Receiver
Jones showed better speed than expected at the combine, yet has a history of injury problems. If healthy, he gives the Rams a much needed weapon in their passing attack.
The Rams need help at the defensive line as well. A guy like J.J. Watt might be intriguing to them, or a cornerback like Brandon Harris provides an upgrade. Yet getting their young quarterback more options might be the top priority in the first round.
15. Miami Dolphins : Mark Ingram Jr., Halfback
Ricky Williams, nearing 34-years old, once said that 2010 would be his last year in the NFL, and the oft-injured Ronnie Brown is not an every down type of back. Miami needs to look into the future considering the run game is their bread and butter on offense. Ingram is not a big back, but he could be the type of back to share carries with Brown.
Quarterback is a position some think needs an upgrade, and the Dolphins do need more blockers. Mike Pouncey would help them if he is tabbed here.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars : Rahim Moore, Free Safety
The Jaguars need help in their secondary, especially at safety since Reggie Nelson flamed out and ended up a bust. Linebacker could use more bodies, but the safety situation in Jacksonville is pretty ugly.
If they choose to look in other areas, linebacker and even defensive end could get looked at. Derrick Harvey and Aaron Kampman were terrible last year. Jack Del Rio saved his job as head coach last year, but he needs to upgrade the defense.
17. New England Patriots : Mike Pouncey, Guard
The Pats, who love to wheel and deal on draft day, have two first round draft picks that they might end up trading to move up…or even down. They also own the 33rd pick of the draft, so expect the unexpected with them.
New England is rumored to get ready to release veteran Nick Kazur and Logan Mankins is unhappy with his contract situation. Pouncey, who has center ability, can add depth and last a decade in the league with his abilities. If he plays half as well as his twin brother did with the Steelers last year, the Patriots win here.
18. San Diego Chargers : Akeem Ayers, Linebacker
A defensive end at nearby UCLA, Ayers will give the Bolts another pass rusher off the edge. When you are coming off a season with the top offense and defense, you are playing with house money in the draft.
Losing defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to Carolina will be a task for San Diego to overcome. Too bad they can’t draft a head coach, as the horrid Norv Turner somehow holds onto his job for another season.
19. New York Giants : Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle
A few years ago, I mocked James Laurinaitis to the Jints. They passed on him for Hakeem Nicks and are still searching for a middle linebacker. There are none here worth a first round pick, so adding depth to the offensive line is the next best move.
Soldier is huge. At 6’8″ 320, he can learn from Dave Diehl this year and end up protecting Eli Manning down to road. If they blow off the offensive line, the G-Men could look at outside linebackers like Robert Quinn, Aldon Smith, and Justin Houston. They could even think running back depth with Mikel LeShoure since Brandon Jacobs days appear numbered.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Aldon Smith, Defensive End
Last year saw the Bucs begin to build a special defensive line. Roy Miller, Gerald McCoy, and Brian Price all have bright futures, but a fourth piece here completes the task. Stylez G. White led the team with 4.5 sacks last year, so an improved pass rush is a must.
Smith is very raw, having just two years of college ball under his belt because of injuries. He is an athletic freak with long arms and a non-stop motor. The Bucs just hired NFL great Keith Millard to teach their kids how to get to the quarterback, so Smith has a chance to be part of something very special.
21. Kansas City Chiefs : Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle
Part of the reason for the Chiefs surprise dominance of the AFC West last year was the top rushing attack in the NFL. Journeyman Ryan O’Callaghan performed admirably at right tackle, but an upgrade is needed. Castonzo started 53 games in college and is 6’7″ 310. He could start right away and bookend Branden Albert for many seasons.
Kansas City might opt to look for a guy to learn from the ancient Mike Vrabel in 2011 at OLB. Guys like Robert Quinn and Justin Houston might get considered. Yet keeping the ground game strong gives the young Chiefs a better chance to duplicate last years success.
22. Indianapolis Colts : Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle
The Colts really need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball, so drafting any big body is the right move here. Carimi is 6’8″ 320 as well as very smart and tenacious. He could allow right tackle Ryan Diem to move back to guard and upgrade the line for their aging superstar quarterback Peyton Manning.
Indianapolis might look at the secondary too. Jimmy Smith and Brandon Harris are physical cornerbacks. Since the Colts run defense stinks, defensive tackles like Corey Liuget and Muhammed Wilkerson could help.
23. Philadelphia Eagles : Jimmy Smith, Cornerback
Smith is a big cornerback who plays a physical game. At 6’2″ 205, he is very strong and is excellent at jamming receivers. He is very smart and a hard worker willing to help in run support. Opponents were scared to throw his way in college.
The Eagles seem to yearly be looking for defensive tackle help for their smallish defensive line. Muhammed Wilkerson, who can play defensive end as well, is a local kid from Temple University shooting up draft boards with his 6’5″ 305 frame and upside. Corey Liuget will also get considered.
24. New Orleans Saints : Robert Quinn, Outside Linebacker
Quinn drops due to his 2010 suspension, which brings character issues into question, and a benign brain tumor in his past. He is explosive off the edge, but raw. If the Saints put him on the line, he will need bulk. He also needs to upgrade his pass coverage abilities.
Yet Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams loves to blitz and New Orleans needs to get much better off the edge. Quinn would give them the needed boost they desire and has the makings of a Pro Bowler written all over him.
25. Seattle Seahawks : Jake Locker, Quarterback
Locker has looked terrible since he left school to do skills events. His arm strength and accuracy have been putrid, to say the least. Yet there are those who love his drive and dedication. Seattle needs their quarterback of the future and head coach Pete Carroll knows Locker well.
Seattle might continue to upgrade the secondary or offensive line insteads. Versatile offensive tackle Derek Sherrod, who can play guard too, or cornerback Brandon Harris might get considered.
26. Baltimore Ravens : Brandon Harris, Cornerback
Harris loves to play and is willing to stick his nose in a pile. The Ravens need cornerback help, and he has the ability to win a starting job day one. He also gets to learn under former Miami Hurricanes and future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
The Ravens could look at Derek Sherrod. His versatility is intriguing and he has the ability to challenge Marshall Yanda for the starting job at right tackle. The Ravens may prefer Jimmy Smith over Harris. Aaron Williams should get consideration as well.
27. Atlanta Falcons : Aaron Williams, Cornerback
Atlanta found out in the playoffs last year that they did not have enough cornerbacks. Williams, coming out after his junior year, started for two years in college. His is a big kid who likes to hit and has good speed. He is good enough to help Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson right away.
The Falcons could consider adding offensive line depth here as well. Sherrod and the raw Tyron Smith might be considered. Luiget and Wilkerson could help the defensive trenches as well.
28. New England Patriots : J.J. Watt, Defensive End
Remember, we are pretending the Pats stand pat and just draft in order. Watt would be a good get for a team that could surely use an upgrade the defensive end. Watt is a big man with all five tools and propensity to hit opponents hard. He would provide a better option that Brandon Deadrick against the run.
New England could always look at wide receiver too. Torrey Smith is a home run hitter who also excels at returning kicks. Jonathan Baldwin, Reggie Cobb, Jerrel Jernigan, and Titus Young are all wide receivers with good upsides who shouldn’t last on the draft board too much longer.
29. New York Jets : Corey Liuget, Defensive Tackle
The Jets need help in the trenches on defense, so Liuget can help. He is big and strong, but could still use work on conditioning. Liuget has nose tackle ability and reminds many of Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft. The Jets could select the massive Phil Taylor instead.
The Jets could look at linebacker here too. Justin Houston would provide youthful depth for the Jets old outside linebackers. Especially since Vern Gholston has been a complete bust. If free safety Raheem Moore is on the board, he would help the Jets.
30. Chicago Bears : Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle
Now that the Bears have parted ways with Tommie Harris, getting another body would help. Liuget went to college at Illinois University, but he is off the board here. They may grab him if he is available. The versatile Wilkerson is also one to consider.
Yet Chicago also needs blockers. Tyron Smith will be considered. Smith is raw, but athletic. Sherrod is experienced and able to play all over the offensive line. He should help protect quarterback Jay Cutler’s knee.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers : Phil Taylor, Nose Tackle
At 6’4″ 340, Taylor is a huge man. He dropped 40 lbs last year and was excellent. He is violent and incredibly strong with surprising agility. He still needs work, but will serve as an apprentice to the aging Casey Hampton as a rookie.
Pittsburgh has major issues at offensive tackle, so they might take the very raw Smith to develop down the road. Hampton will soon be 34-years old and coming off the worst season of his career, as well as his most unproductive. Help is desperately needed.
32. Green Bay Packers : Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle
Green Bay needs to look ahead at offensive tackle. Veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher will be 35 and 34-years old respectively next year. Smith needs to bulk up and get stronger, as well as work on his hands technique, but spending a season on the bench learning from the pair of veterans will go a long way.
Smith’s future is at left tackle, which works out well for the Packers. Brian Balaga, the Packers first draft choice last year, was excellent for 12 games for the injured Tauscher, but some think right tackle is his best position down the road.
Christian Ponder
He has been schooled well, but is not as athletic as some were once led to believe.
Though he throws a decent short ball, going deep is an issue. He has a tendency to force passes and gets flustered easily.
He works hard and has leadership abilities, but Ponder has durability concerns. Gets compared often to Chad Pennington, so he could be a starter somewhere in his career.
While some see him an early selection in the second round, he could last into the third.
Ricky Stanzi
Scouts like Stanzi's experience, size, athleticism, toughness and maturity.
He also has an acceptable arm for the game today. What scares some is his decision making and deep ball.
Stanzi has the makings of a long-time backup in this league. He has leadership qualities and is a hard worker, so it isn't smart to count him out as a starter.
He could go as early as the second round, even ahead of Ryan Mallett, but it seems he is bound for the third round.
Colin Kaepernick
He is big, athletic and has a gun for an arm.
He has been shooting up some draft boards, passing Ryan Mallett on a few.
While experienced, he might have to learn another position because he has no history in a pro-set offense and is a project. Besides footwork, his long delivery will need work. This issues could drop him to the fourth round.
His size could make for an intriguing wide receiver prospect, but the team that does draft him will need to be patient no matter what position they put him at.
Andy Dalton
Dalton is very smart, a hard worker and has adequate bulk, arm strength and experience. He is a tough guy capable of placing the ball in the right spots.
He isn't very tall or terribly athletic, and he needs work on his mechanics as well. Some wonder how he will do in a pro-style set.
He has the makings of a solid backup, because he understands game management. He would work best in a West Coast system where the dink/dunk pass is king. A probable third or fourth round selection.
Pat Devlin
Devlin is trying to go the Joe Flacco route. Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback, earned his job as soon as he was drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft.
Devlin might go in the third round, but some think he is a fifth-rounder. He has the arm, but needs work on his accuracy, foot placement and is inexperienced. He needs a lot of work in the film room, and has a tendency to gamble.
Though it is possible he can start one day, he looks like an NFL backup right now.
Scott Tolzien
His strength is his accuracy and sound decision making. Tolzien does not have a big arm, but it is passable by the NFL standards of today.
Though he has decent mobility, Tolzien is not a great athlete. One thing he did often in college was win, losing just five times in 26 contests.
At 24 years old, he's older than most rookies. He needs to hit the weight room as well.
There is a chance he gets drafted as high as the sixth round, but it appears he will be, at best, a backup if he makes a team.
Taylor Potts
Destined to be drafted late, Potts has a strong arm and above average accuracy. He needs work on learning the pro-set, and his footwork needs refinement. Potts needs to get stronger.
He will get looked at late in the draft and is a project worth developing for a few years. It is possible he finds himself starting one day in the league, but he can be a serviceable reserve at the least.
Greg McElroy
He will not blow you away in physical measurables, but he balances his short comings there with supreme intellect and a winner's touch. He waited his turn in college, but started winning right away when called on.
He does not have a big arm, but he has great touch and accuracy. He will work as hard as he can to max out his potential, but there is a chance he goes undrafted.
His dad works for the Dallas Cowboys, ask the Garretts how that works, who are in the market for a youngster to eventually replace primary backup Jon Kitna. He might remind Jason Garrett of himself as a player.
Yet do not bet against this kid. He could make a roster and have an impact one day.
T.J. Yates
He is a good leader who had the benefit of being coached by men with NFL experience while in college. He makes good decisions and has good size.
Yates does not have a very strong arm, but he is accurate. Though he has durability concerns, he earned a starting job as a sophomore and has experience. His team's blocking wasn't always stout, so Yates learned early how to stand tall in a crumbling pocket with defenders in his face.
While he isn't a great athlete, he can be a sound backup for years and could get drafted as early as the fifth round.
Josh Portis
Portis has been in the college football system since 2005, went to Maryland University after transferring from Florida University.
After rarely throwing the ball for the Terps, used for his running ability, he left for California of Pennsylvania in 2009 and performed well.
He is the cousin of NFL running back Clinton Portis. He runs well, but is bereft with character issues.
A project who most likely will not get drafted and may have to make a team playing another position.
Others To Consider
Tyrod Taylor
He works very hard at his game and is a terrific leader with an excellent throwing arm.
Taylor is also mobile, able to make plays with both his arm and legs. Yet he is just 6'1", considered too short to play NFL quarterback. He needs major work on fundamentals and tends to lock onto his primary receiver, leaving Taylor often prone to mental errors.
He may get drafted in the last round, but a position switch appears likely.
Mitch Mustain
Mustain might get drafted late, despite sitting on the bench most of his collegiate career.
After going to Arkansas University as a highly touted player, he got off to a good start before clashing with the coaches and heading to USC.
He is not big, but his arm strength is above average and he showed promising skills as a freshman. Some scouts think he is the next Matt Cassell.
Chris Dieker
Missed five games in his senior year due to a broken collarbone. Three-year starter who showed improvement before his injury. He has good size, arm strength and experience, starting three years.
He tends to force passes, which led to him being benched at times. His footwork and release needs work and he is considered a project. Though it is doubtful that Dieker gets drafted, his combination of size and arm strength will warrant a tryout.
Jeff Van Camp
He is a good athlete but needs a ton of work on all of his mechanics. Most likely goes undrafted and gets invited to a training camp somewhere.
Nate Enderle
He started as a freshman and some scouts like his size as well.
He needs work on mechanics, but has shown the ability to stand tall in a collapsing pocket. He performed poorly at the combine, but was good at the East-West Shrine Game.
He was a victim of a ton of dropped passes in college so his numbers aren't a true indication. Enderle looks like he could be a solid reserve, yet perhaps more in the right system.
Jerrod Johnson
He has the size and is mobile. Needs work on his release and footwork, and appears to have a fragile ego. Will quit fast on a play and himself. Lost his starting job in his senior year.
Johnson will get a roster camp invite if undrafted. A project.
Ryan Colburn
Learned under guru Pat Hill. He has good leadership qualities but has been erratic with his accuracy. Didn't throw a lot of interceptions in college, but has questionable arm strength.
Would probably work best in a West Coast system. Probably will go undrafted and get invited to a camp.
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