This is the second Round 1 mock draft that Real Football Services is filing for newyorkjets.com. Tuesday: Round 2 Mock Draft.
1. Lions — Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Jim Schwartz saw his old team win with 36-year-old QB Kerry Collins and a shotgun-oriented running QB in Vince Young in Tennessee. He won't reach for the QB if he doesn't believe in him and if he doesn't believe he can get him signed before the draft. Smith has tremendous upside. He's smart, strong and athletic (think Ryan Clady) and is loaded with intangibles. He's a cornerstone guy whom Schwartz can build around. Previous Mock: Eugene Monroe.
2. Rams — Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Monroe is the most polished tackle in the draft and can step in right away. Like another former Cavalier, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, he's a little light in the pants for an ideal NFL LT, but he's a technician and a leader who gave up just one sack in 2008. Remember, he's the guy who kept former teammate and '08 first-rounder Branden Albert on the right side in college. This pick will allow the Rams to move Alex Barron back to RT. Previous Mock: Aaron Curry.
3. Chiefs — Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
The Chiefs had 10 sacks last season and they have no one on the roster to consistently pressure the passer. Orakpo made 60 plays behind the LOS in 46 career games for the Longhorns, and he's a versatile player who can line up as a down end or as a standup rusher at OLB until the Chiefs make a full transition to the 3-4.Previous Mock: Orakpo.
4. Seahawks — Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern Cal
In what might be the first surprise of the draft, Sanchez gets the call over Matthew Stafford in this mock. Sanchez has limited experience (just 16 college starts), but he threw 41 TDs against just 16 INTs as a Trojan. He's got a strong, accurate arm, as he showed at his recent pro day, and for his career completed over 60 percent of his passes. He's mobile and good on the bootleg stuff, making him a good fit for the Seahawks' West Coast-style passing attack. The real question is if the 'Hawks even make this pick at all. With both of the top QBs on the board at this point, teams could be scrambling to move up. Previous Mock: Stafford.
5. Browns — Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Like Kansas City, Cleveland struggled to get to the QB in 2008. Curry can be plugged in as an OLB in the Browns' 3-4 and give them a presence off the edge. While critics point to his 9½ career sacks, he also had 45½ tackles for loss. But more than his speed and ability to make plays behind the line, he is extremely athletic and versatile and can play a lot of roles in this defense.Previous Mock: Everette Brown.
6. Bengals — Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
Another team that couldn't get after the passer, Cincy had just 17 sacks last season. Brown's stock seems to have leveled off in recent weeks, but he is an explosive pass rusher who made nearly 70 plays behind the LOS at FSU. The Bengals could go for an OT, but with a chance to boost their biggest weakness, they go defense here and hope to pick up a player like William Beatty or Phil Loadholt in Round 2 or 3.Previous Mock: Jason Smith.
7. Raiders — Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Crabtree is coming off that foot surgery, but a look at the tape and the numbers he put up for the Red Raiders over just two seasons leaves a staggering impression. He recorded over 3,000 receiving yards and 41 TDs in just 25 games. He has good size and a great work ethic and is a fierce competitor. Certainly he fills an immediate need for a team that is looking at Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilenz as potential starters.Previous Mock: Crabtree.
8. Jaguars — Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
There are rumors that the Jags will go QB here. That may have been true when Matt Jones and Reggie Williams were still law-abiding citizens to some degree. But with both of them likely out of football and no longer with Jacksonville, only Dennis Northcutt and Troy Williamson remain. Neither is a bona fide starter right now, and even if Mike Walker emerges as an option, the Jags are still in dire need of another playmaking receiver. Maclin led the nation with over 200 yards per game in 2008 and had 33 scores in 28 career games. He's an explosive runner in the open field and brings added value as a dangerous return man as well.Previous Mock: Maclin.
9. Packers — Andre Smith, OT, Oklahoma
Smith is a dominant run blocker with long arms and tremendous upper-body strength. He is massive but shows tremendous quickness for a big man and regularly reaches his blocks at the second level. Though he's likely a right tackle in the NFL, at least to start, he does a good job in pass protection and can simply dominate at the line. If his head is right, he's a steal for Green Bay, which can't rely on Mark Tauscher coming back fully healthy from his knee injury. Smith could also eventually move to the left side to replace the 32-year-old Chad Clifton, who has had his own injury issues.Previous Mock: B.J. Raji.
10. 49ers — Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
So Stafford is the one who does the QB slide this year. While he has a very strong arm and played in and won some very big games at Georgia, there were two words we heard a scout use when referring to Stafford that scared us to death: "Browning Nagle." Still, he could likely compete with Alex Smith or Shaun Hill in San Fran, and in the run-first, ball-control offense that Mike Singletary is building, he could be brought along slowly.Previous Mock: Mark Sanchez.
11. Bills — B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
John McCargo, a former No. 1 pick, has been a huge disappointment. Spencer Johnson is a bit undersized, and Marcus Stroud, as well as he played in '08, is about to turn 30. Despite Raji's considerable size (6'1", 337), he is too short to play the nose in a 3-4. However, his quickness off the snap and rare athleticism for a man his size make him an ideal gap shooter in the Bills' scheme, while also giving Buffalo some size and bulk up front to defend the run. Previous Mock: Andre Smith.
12. Broncos — Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn State
If the Broncos are going to play a 3-4, they can't have enough LBs, and they could use a right-side pass rusher opposite Elvis Dumervil. Maybin has excellent quickness and good body control to rush the passer. He had 24½ sacks in 26 games in Happy Valley, though he started only 10. He's a bit undisciplined and may initially contribute only as a third-down pass rusher.Previous Mock: Brian Cushing.
13. Redskins — Brian Cushing, OLB, Southern California
Marcus Washington was cut, but there doesn't seem to be a viable starter to fill his spot other than Albert Fincher. He's not the answer, so the 'Skins take the best LB on the board at this point. Though Cushing has an injury history, he's extremely versatile and can play ILB, OLB, DE or safety as well as cover on special teams. He'll fill a lot of roles on this team.Previous Mock: Malcolm Jenkins.
14. Saints — Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
Moreno, the top back on the board, reminds scouts of Tiki Barber. He's an excellent edge runner who is a better inside runner than given credit for. He's also a valuable receiver out of the backfield. Reggie Bush is more receiver than runner, and Pierre Thomas is not built to be a feature back. At 217 pounds, Moreno is.Previous Mock: Chris "Beanie" Wells.
15. Texans — Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Amobi Okoye struggled last year. Was it a sophomore slump? Will he bounce back this year? Houston can't afford to wait to find out because fellow DT Travis Johnson has been a disappointment. The Texans allowed over 120 rushing yards per game last year and need a run stuffer in the middle who can protect their talented young linebacking corps.Previous Mock: Darrius Heyward-Bey.
16. Chargers — Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Same as last week. Jackson is a big, strong 3-4 end who fills an immediate need and should have a chance to contribute right away.Previous Mock: Jackson.
17. Jets — Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
With Laveranues Coles gone to Cincinnati, there is a starting spot to fill. The Jets have a better-than-solid possession receiver in Jerricho Cotchery, so they will be looking for a speed player with some size who can run on the perimeter and provide a scoring threat in the red zone. Britt is racing up team boards. He's 6'2", 218, with a 37" vertical, and he ran a 4.4 40 at the Scarlet Knights' pro day. He produced at a high level at Rutgers, too, with over 3,000 receiving yards in 34 games at nearly 17 yards per catch. Some people want K-State QB Josh Freeman in this spot, but what does adding a rookie to an already unsettled QB situation do? We wouldn't be surprised to see the Jets field a lot of offers for this pick. The two teams behind them are looking for a signalcaller. Previous Mock: Hakeem Nicks.
18. Broncos (from Chicago) — Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Given the events of the last week or so, the Broncos are very much in the hunt for a QB. Josh McDaniels has praised Kyle Orton publicly, but his lack of arm strength and accuracy on the deep ball will limit his production in McDaniels' scheme. We still think Chris Simms could be the guy, but he has durability issues. Freeman is big and tall with a gun for an arm and good running ability. He can be erratic at times, but that can be coached out of him. He's the last of the franchise QBs in this draft.Previous Mock: Michael Oher (Bears).
19. Buccaneers — Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
If the Bucs can't make a play for Freeman, who HC Raheem Morris coached at K-State, they will likely go defense. Gaines Adams made strides last season and is becoming a real threat as a pass rusher, but he will struggle to remain productive without help. The Bucs need to upgrade the LE position in order to create a pressure package from the front four that makes the Tampa-2 work. Ayers had just 9½ career sacks but he made 33 plays behind the LOS. He's not a natural fit to move to OLB, so the Bucs will ask him to put his hand on the ground and play forward.Previous Mock: Freeman.
20. Lions (from Dallas) — Rey Maualuga, ILB, Southern Cal
This pick makes Detroit's LB corps pretty impressive. The Lions now have Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims on the outside with Maualuga on the interior. He's a big 250-pounder who can tackle, which is how Jim Schwartz likes his 'backers. Maualuga plays extremely fast and can do everything from blitz to cover.Previous Mock: Maualuga.
21. Eagles — Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
Wells is a Larry Johnson type of runner. He's very physical, breaks tackles and gains yards after initial contact, as shown by his 5.7-yard average per carry in college. The Eagles need a strong interior runner to balance Brian Westbrook's strengths in space. Wells gives them a power runner in short-yardage and goal-line situations, something they have missed in recent seasons.Previous Mock: Moreno.
22. Vikings — Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
At first glance, there appears to be plenty of depth here. Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade, Sidney Rice, Aundrae Allison and the newly signed Glenn Holt are all capable receivers. But the Vikes' pursuit of TJ Houshmandzadeh this offseason shows they feel they still need another playmaker. Harvin is every bit of that and is gaining notice on most team boards. He's got 4.3 speed that more than makes up for his lack of size. With him and Berrian on the field together, the Vikes become a dangerous big-strike team.Previous Mock: Eben Britton.
23. Patriots — James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
Jerod Mayo is a star in the making, but Tedy Bruschi can't be relied on to be an every-down player for a full season at this point in his career. Bo Ruud and Gary Guyton are young players with promise, but Laurinaitis will step in and contribute right away. He's very good with his key-and-diagnose and has the athleticism to drop in coverage. He's a very safe pick because he fits the Patriots mold: smart, tough and physical.Previous Mock: Darius Butler.
24. Falcons — Clay Matthews, OLB, Southern Cal
Recently acquired Mike Peterson is 33 years old and has looked like a player in decline in recent seasons. He's penciled in as the starter on the strong side, but he may be better-suited to playing a versatile backup role. Coy Wire is the starter at Will after beating out Michael Boley last year, but Wire is a converted safety who may not be able to stand up to the pounding of a full season at LB. Matthews is smart, versatile and hard-working, he comes from a great football family, and he still has great upside and the ability to add size and bulk if necessary.Previous Mock: Peria Jerry.
25. Dolphins — Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Miami has some depth at the corners, but Will Allen and Jason Allen are listed as the starters, which won't serve the Dolphins well against the likes of Terrell Owens and Randy Moss. Jenkins would be a prototypical Parcells pick because of his size (6'0", 205) and speed (4.46). He's a physical press corner, and he's an ideal hybrid player who can line up at corner or safety, making him a value pick here in addition to addressing a need.Previous Mock: Vontae Davis.
26. Ravens — Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Derrick Mason is getting on in years, Todd Heap is not the threat he once was, and the Ravens are still waiting for Mark Clayton to emerge. Heyward-Bey has excellent size (6'1", 210), speed (4.2 on some watches) and big-play potential. He's also a high-character guy, and though he needs to work on his route running and limiting his drops, he has the straightline speed to take advantage of Joe Flacco's strong arm.Previous Mock: Harvin.
27. Colts — Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri
Darrell Reid is now in Denver after signing a new deal in free agency, and starting DTs Keyunta Dawson and Eric Foster barely tip the scales at 260 if they're lucky. The Colts need to add some size and bulk to the interior of the defense in an effort to improve their play against the run. Hood has put up some stellar workout numbers and had 38 plays behind the line at Mizzou. He's a 300-pounder with the strength and quickness to get in the backfield and disrupt plays.Previous Mock: Laurinaitis.
28. Eagles (from Carolina) — Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Tra Thomas signed with the Jaguars as a free agent and Jon Runyan, as much as he'd like to be back, has age and injury fighting against him. Right now Winston Justice or converted G Todd Herremans are slated to protect Donovan McNabb's blind side, and the Eagles can't be comfortable with that scenario. Oher is gifted athletically. He needs to add more bulk and strength to compete at the next level but is a capable run blocker and has good feet to adjust in pass pro. He can contribute on the right or left side for Philly.Previous Mock: Matthews.
29. Giants — Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Plaxico Burress is finally out of the picture. Domenik Hixon is 6'2" and took on a larger role last year when Plax was out of the lineup, but he faded down the stretch. Though the Giants have talked about Steve Smith, Mario Manningham or Sinorice Moss taking on more of a role on the perimeter, all may be better-suited to working inside the hashes at this point and the fact remains that the Giants has to replace Burress and Amani Toomer. Some scouts have called Nicks a faster version of Anquan Boldin. At 6'0", 212, he does a surprisingly good job of adjusting to the bad ball and gaining yards after the catch.Previous Mock: Donald Brown.
30. Titans — Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The Titans need depth in the secondary and someone who can contribute in sub packages. Smith is an instinctive player with excellent speed who actually plays faster than his 4.4 time. He had 21 interceptions and 40 pass breakups in 51 career college games, but he is also a big hitter who is willing in run support, which is important in the Tennessee scheme. He doesn't have ideal measurable (5'9", 193), but he was very impressive during Senior Bowl week, and to the doubters we say, "Watch the tape."Previous Mock: D.J. Moore.
31. Cardinals — Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois
Calais Campbell is a player on the come who can align as an end in 4-3 or 3-4 alignments, but Bert Berry and Travis LaBoy have missed extensive time due to injury in recent seasons. The Cards need another young player who can be a two-way end but has a knack for getting to the passer. English had 57 TFL and 31½ sacks in 49 college games and is a tackling machine. At 6'2", 255, he's got the measurables and the athleticism to stand up or play down in the Cards' hybrid scheme, and he's got great intangibles to boot.Previous Mock: Connor Barwin.
32. Steelers — Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Steelers seem excited about the prospect of keeping their O-line together, and in their defense, they did win a Super Bowl. But this was clearly the weak link on this Steelers team, and while they will talk about drafting for depth, it seems that if an opportunity arose early to select Britton, a Jon Runyan clone, they should do it. He's an ideal RT, which might allow Willie Colon to move inside to G, his natural position, or over to the left side to replace Max Starks, who was exposed with his struggles against top pass rushers.Previous Mock: Sean Smith.
