SFM Draft Thread - Round One

[Mainge]

Draft Order

1. Carolina Panthers - Marcell Dareus
2. Denver Broncos - Patrick Peterson
3. Buffalo Bills - Cam Newton
4. Cincinnati Bengals - Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals - Von Miller
6. Cleveland Browns - AJ Green
7. San Francisco 49ers - Robert Quinn
8. Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara
10. Washington Redskins - Jake Locker
11. Houston Texans - Aldon Smith
12. Minnesota Vikings - Ryan Mallet
13. Detroit Lions - JJ Watt
14. St. Louis Rams - Julio Jones
15. Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey
16. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ryan Kerrigan
17. New England Patriots - Cameron Jordan
18. San Diego Chargers - Muhammad Wilkerson
19. New York Giants - Aaron Williams
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - DaQuan Bowers
21. Kansas City Chiefs - Gabe Camrini
22. Indianapolis Colts - Nate Solder
23. Philadelphia Eagles - Jimmy Smith
24. New Orleans Saints - Cory Liuget
25. Seattle Seahawks - Tyron Smith
26. Baltimore Ravens - Derrick Sherrod
27. Atlanta Falcons - Adrian Clayborne
28. New England Patriots - Anthony Castonzo
29. Chicago Bears - Danny Watkins
30. New York Jets - Brooks Reed
31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Brandon Harris
32. Green Bay Packers -Todd

Only a few more spots so might as well start. Make your pick and post a few lines about why he's you chose him. Please keep discussion in the other thread.

Todd is on the clock.

[Todd]

1. http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nfl/logos/90x90/CAR.pngMarcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

The Panthers are strong in their front 7 with the exception of a standout tackle up the middle. Dareus had 20 solo tackles and 4 and a half sacks for a strong Crimson Tide defense last year. He can get out after the QB if necessary and is very good against the run.

[Fritz]

Seriously?!?

[Junior]

Who thought it was a good idea to let Todd pick first?

On Thursday, the Broncos will draft Marcell Dareus, but since Todd is an idiot the only two "sensible" picks here are Peterson and Von Miller. Considering Miller doesn't fit Fox's scheme, I'll take probably the best player in the draft:

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/231/506/23PatrickPeterson_display_image.jpg?1274312611

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

[dim]

With the 3rd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select...

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/football/ncaa/12/09/newton.case.rogers/cam-newton-agent.jpg

Cameron Newton, Quarterback, Auburn University.

And the Bills set their franchise back another decade.

[Junior]

Between him and Fitzpatrick, their average Wonderlic score is a solid 25.

[Todd]

Why is Junior calling me an idiot?

[Hugg]

With the 4th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

http://www.bleed-green.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Blaine-Gabbert-and-the-Missouri-Tigers1.jpg

[Mainge]

Yeah, I'm a fan of Todd's pick.

[Erick]

Who thought it was a good idea to let Todd pick first?

On Thursday, the Broncos will draft Marcell Dareus, but since Todd is an idiot the only two "sensible" picks here are Peterson and Von Miller. Considering Miller doesn't fit Fox's scheme, I'll take probably the best player in the draft:

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/231/506/23PatrickPeterson_display_image.jpg?1274312611

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

I don't see anything wrong with Dareus at #1.

[Mainge]

That's because there isn't.

[Todd]

I wonder who Junior would have taken at #1?

[Junior]

Normally when you do a mock draft you try to get your pick right. There's a 98% chance Cam is the #1 pick, and if it's not Cam it won't be a DT.

Maybe I misunderstood the point of this mock, though.

[Mainge]

We're the GM, we're picking who we want. And he's got as good of a chance as anyone not named Cam Newton

[Junior]

Yeah and I have as good of chance as anyone not named Derrick Rose to win the NBA MVP this year.

[Mainge]

You're seriously retarded. When did this happen? Why are you making me defend Todd?

[Branch]

Junior, if you thought this draft was just about picking who all the experts are saying the team actually will pick... why the fuck did you sign up?

Are you retarded or do you yearn to be a mouthpiece for some other retard?

[Ralph]

With the 5th pick the Arizona Cardinals select OLB Von Miller. They need LB's for that defense. Von Miller will push lol Joey Porter aside.

[CrimsonCane]

Hey Mainge, I'm not sure if those blank spots filled up yet (I'm not looking to join, I know too little about the NFL). But, it'd be interesting to use those spots as the "Expert" pick. Like make Kiper one and McShay the other unclaimed team. And, choose that analyst's "best on the board" or whoever they predicted that team will take.

[Branch]

I like that idea lots.

[DropkickAlex]

http://maizeandgoblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Cleveland-Browns-logo.gif

With the 6th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns Select, A.J. Green, Wide Receiver out of the University of Georiga.

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/files/2011/01/aj-green.jpg

Reasoning: Tom Heckert (The General Manager of the Cleveland Browns), is believed to have 2 players he wants at the 6th position and it is believed that if neither of the two are there he will trade down. I believe A.J. Green is one of these players with Patrick Peterson being the other. With young Colt McCoy under center we give him a deep threat with great hands in A.J. Green as we continue the transition into the West Coast Offense.

Reasoning it might not be the pick: Team President Mike Holmgren has never been known to draft Wide Receivers early in the draft, when he was with Seattle and neither has Tom Heckert when he was assistant General Manager in Philadelphia. Going defense here is a possibility as well considering the Browns are switching to a 4-3 defense and need help on D-Line.

Other Possible Candidates: Patrick Peterson CB, Marcel Dareus DL, Nick Fairley DT.

Rumors:

Browns are looking at only 2 prospects at the number 6 spot
Browns have been rumored to try to trade back into the first round and will offer their 2011 2nd and 2012 1st. Speculation is the 12-15 range.

[Todd]

The Panthers have taken a QB in the first round once in their what...17 years of existence? And have shyd away from people with personal baggage since Carruth. They drafted 2 QBs last year with Clausen and Pike(well, 3 if you include Amati Edwards but he switched positions).

Newton has started one year at the Div 1 level and played it in a spread offense. He is an incredibly risky guy to take #1 overall. This is a weak year for QBs.

Their D line is very good except at the tackle position. Their new coach is a Defense guy.

Now shut the fuck up you dumbass little bitch.

[Mcost002]

With Gabbert gone and taking Jack Locker this early would be dumb. San Francisco takes

Robert Quinn, 6-4/265
Defensive End
North Carolina

Harbaugh has proven he can develop a quarterbacks in his system, and their biggest needs are at CB and DE. Quinn is an average run stopper but and elite speed rusher and should help this defense early on.

Ideally San Fran would want to trade up or down from this spot. Moving up to grab Peterson in the top 3 or move down and take someone like Kaepernick in the later rounds. They could also reach on Prince Amukamara CB.

[Branch]

With Gabbert gone and taking Jake Locker this early would be dumb, with the 8th overall pick Tennessee selects

http://www.vikingsgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Nick-Fairley.jpg

Nick Fairley, 6-3/291
Defensive Tackle
Auburn

Tennessee's biggest need at the present time is on the defensive line, and while QB is a pressing issue as well with how the 2010 season ended for them, it would make no sense to take a guy like Locker this high. Tennessee's offensive staff is rumored to be very high on Andy Dalton out of TCU, but the defensive coaches are just as adamant about Fairley, and I think the defensive need is more pressing when you've got a guy like Chris Johnson in your backfield on offense. WR is also a point of concern as Britt's status is up in the air, but with Green off the board, again, the sensible pick is Fairley. I think he will be an impact player for them almost from the start.

[PitchingWinsGames]

I really like Fairley. Good pick for Tennessee, but screw Tennessee, I hope they take Locker >_>

[Bobbob1313]

Cowboys take Prince Amukamara!

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/9010912050118_Texas_v_Nebraska-420x280.jpg

There's some talk that they're shying away from Amukamara and leaning towards grabbing some help on the defensive line, in the person of J.J. Watt, or taking a tackle Tyron Smith to replace Columbo in the short term, but if I'm them, I take the 2nd best corner on the board to help shore up their 24th ranked passing defense from last year.

This team is really lacking in talent on the edges of the defense, and Amukamara looks like the type of guy who can shut an entire side of the field down. I'm happy he's fallen to me.

[FishFanInPA]

With the 10th pick in the SFM Draft, The Redskins select Jake Locker, QB from Washington

http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/JLocker.jpg

I really think in this situation, the Redskins are trading down and heading towards Andy Dalton. Washington has so many needs and could have taken Robert Quinn or AJ Green if available. Donovan McNabb won't be back next season and I like Jake Locker the most of any of the quarterbacks.

[Mainge]

With the 11th pick Houston takes:

http://ultimatenfldraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/aldon-smith2.jpg

DE/LB Aldon Smith

Wade Philips is in town and he's bringing the traditional 2-gap 3-4. Aldon Smith can be immediately penciled into the strong side as an OLB. He has very long arms, strong upper body, and can run the arch as well as anyone.
--------------------
With the 12th pick, Minnesota takes

http://phinphanatic.com/files/2011/04/Ryan_Mallett_8.jpg

QB Ryan Mallett

Mallett is probably the most NFL ready QB in the draft. He ran a very complicated offense at Arkansas and was responsible for it all, he changed protections, read hots, called blitzes, and made audibles as well or better than anyone in college football. Combine that with good accuracy, improving footwork, and a hose for an arm, and Mallett is the right choice for Minnesota.

[Fritz]

With the 13th pick the Detroit Lions take J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin:

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/628870/jj-watt.opow-74087-mid.jpg

High motor, gets to stay in Big 10 country, and pairing with Vanden Bosch and Suh should make his life that much easier along the line. As a pass rusher he should have a significant impact and help the poor pass coverage skills of the Lions secondary.

[MiamiHomer]

With the 14th pick the St. Louis Rams take Julio Jones WR, Alabama:

http://www.gcobb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/JulioJones2.jpg

Pretty much a no brainer here. Jones is a big target that will look real good next to Sam Bradford. Would be surprised if he is there for them Thursday. If he's gone by then I think they go DL in Kerrigan, Liuget or Jordan.

[Chewford]

With the 15th pick of the 2011 NFL draft the Miami Dolphins select Mike Pouncy, Guard, the University of Florida.

http://gridironfans.com/forums/attachments/latest-nfl-headlines/18533d1298731058-steelers-interview-draft-prospect-mike-pouncey-1_mike-pouncey.jpg

Pouncey is the safe choice, and the right one. Pouncey's a guy whose going to be a solid starter at a position of need for the team from Day 1 and will be for many years. Ingram would also fill a huge need here, but could really be hit or miss with his knee.

[Ralph]

With the 16th pick of the 2011 NFL draft the Jacksonville Jaguars select Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
https://a248.e.akamai.net/media.bigtennetwork.com//photo/2010/09/25/1_20100925161019_640_480.JPG

Jacksonville has struggled to get pressure on the QB and the talented high effort DE out of Purdue will start from day 1 and get himself a few sacks this year.

[Branch]

With the 17th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select

http://blog.dailycal.org/sports/files/2009/10/1028pointsshootreid.jpg

Cameron Jordan 6-4/283
Defensive End
University of California

The Patriots aren't expecting Jordan to fall to them in the actual draft, but if he does I expect they'll jump on him. The defensive line was a complete mess for them during the 2010 campaign, with a lot of injuries and plenty of guys rotating in and out. When a guy picked in the 7th round (Brandon Daedarick) is getting consistent playing time for you, and your best lineman is an NT, you know you need help at this position. The Patriots would be very happy to wind up with Jordan in the actual draft, just as I'm happy to grab him here. Jordan is exceptionally strong, has a variety of pass-rushing moves, and as a very good run defender, will help to shore up the Pats' run defense. Overall, he'll be keeping Wilfork from doing all the work in 2011, and that's just what the Pats want.

[MiamiHomer]

With the 18th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the San Diego Chargers select Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple

http://www.giantsgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/wilkerson_display_image.jpeg

San Diego probably holding out hope Cameron Jordan falls to them but that's unlikely so they go with the next best thing available for their defensive scheme and that's this big fella right here. He fills a big void for the Chargers with team letting some guys walk that weren't exactly productive.

[pdub858]

With the 19th pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the New York Giants select Aaron Williams. Safety from Texas.

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1035642/35558_oklahoma_texas_football.jpg

The Giants need help all over the place on defense. Williams is the best Safety in the draft. This gives them the option to move Antrel Rolle around and improve the secondary a lot.

[PitchingWinsGames]

I thought Aaron Williams was a CB... hmmph

[pdub858]

He's kind of a hybrid.

[Fritz]

With the 20th pick, the Bucs select, Da'Quan Bowers, DE from Clemson

http://rumorsandrants.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DaQuan-Bowers.jpg

Bowers had a precipitous fall from being the early favorite for #1 overall pick after Bowl season to a poor showing at the Combine. The Bucs will luck out and pick the guy and have Raheem Morris mold him into a superstar DE that the Bucs hoped the late Gaines Adams would've grown into. With a solid offense that is exceptionally young, the youngest team in football needs some help on the pass rush where it's top rusher recorded only 4.5 sacks last year. Pairing him with Gerald McCoy could lead to a great defensive line for years to come.

Also, CBs might be an option with the imminent departure of Aqib Talib.

[Mainge]

Bowers was going to originally be my pick for Houston until I realized they were going 3-4. Great pick.
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http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1000680/44932_nfl_draft_hyper_kiper_football.jpg

With the 21st pick of the draft, KC selects

http://www.ravensgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/GabeCarimi.jpg

OT Gabe Carimi

The Chiefs lose out on the top pass-rushers on this board. So, Carimi would be a fine option. He’d upgrade the offensive line. Suck on that McShay.

[pdub858]

~Wondering if we will be done before the real draft starts~

[Mainge]

I know DC is banged up but I can't get a hold of him. Not exactly sure what I should do.

[Ralph]

hasn't been on since Tuesday. So if you want go with CC's idea and use Mike Mayock and if DC gets mad blame it on me.

[Mainge]

Yeah I've called him twice and no answer.

http://www.nflgridirongab.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Mike-Mayock.jpg

With the 22nd pick, Indy selects

http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c1910342/media_center/images/rendered/blog/wysiwyg/Nate-Solder-1992.jpg

OT Nate Solder

The Colts have been looking for answers at left tackle for a long time. Solder needs more lower-body strength but has good feet and will take care of Peyton Manning’s blind side. At some point the Colts will have a Pro Bowl tackle in Solder.
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With the 23rd pick, Philly takes

http://www.giantsgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Jimmy-Smith-CB-Colorado-62-205.jpeg
CB Jimmy Smith.

The Eagles couldnt cover anyone outside of Asante Samuel. For a team that made it to the playoffs, they need help everywhere on D. I really wanted to take Taylor from Baylor but his medical concerns worry me. Smith's off the field issues are a problem but he's heading to a locker room that is stable enough to handle him
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http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/290265/toddmcshayballs_large.jpg

With the 24th pick, New Orleans selects:

http://nflsoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/corey-liuget-illinois1.jpg

DT Cory Liuget

The New Orleans Saints were very good defending the pass in 2010, but they had their issues against the rush (see Lynch, Marshawn). This had a lot to do with some weaknesses in their front seven, which is where the Saints will be focused when they're on the clock with the No. 24 pick on Thursday night.

[PitchingWinsGames]

http://www.prodraftcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Tyron_smith_2.jpg

Seattle's tricky at this point with Locker and the other bigger name QBs off the board. Ideally they'd trade down at this point and try to pick up a Dalton or Ponder in round 2. That said, they have needs at DL and OL as well. If they take this pick I think Tyron Smith makes sense. Bolstering the line to help the run will aid with developing whoever they draft, in addition to keeping Hasselbeck upright while they develop him.

[Chewford]

With the 26th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss. State.

http://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/derek-sherrod.jpg?w=420

The Ravens need an O lineman, a pass rusher, and wide receiver. Derek Sherrod is the best on the board among players in those positions.

[FishFanInPA]

And....we are 0 for 2.

[Todd]

Man, Junior is such an idiot.

[Chewford]

I'm like the only one who was right. :chew

[pdub858]

With the 27th pick (The pick we should have kept) in the 2011 NFL draft, The Atlanta Falcons select: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Simple... We need defense. This would be the first of at least 3 straight D picks. I might not even draft a WR in all 7 rounds.

[Branch]

With the 28th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select

http://www.nationalchamps.net/2009/sub/pics/small/bostoncollege_anthony_castonzo.jpg

Anthony Castonzo 6-7/308
Left Tackle
Boston College

Matt Light is aging fast and may not be a Pat much longer. Rather than trading out here, I would draft a replacement for him, and Castonzo is who I'd pick.

[Junior]

Man, Junior is such an idiot.
:marchmellow
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And if we're still doing this I'll take Derek Sherrod for the Bears.

[Mainge]

He's gone.

[MiamiHomer]

I think Junior just confirmed he's an idiot.

[Mainge]

As Junior claims that he's no idiot, he drafts a player who is already gone.

[Junior]

I have never claimed to not be an idiot.

Gimme the firefighter Danny Watkins.

[dim]

Jets take Brooks Reed

[PitchingWinsGames]

With the next-to-last pick, the Steelers genuinely need line presence, whether offensive or defensive. Due the the huge run on that area, though, they really can't make that move without a bit of a reach, so they need to turn to another area of need. It's no secret that Pittsburgh is adept at stopping the run, but in doing so they expose their pass defense. James Farrior is losing a step and was exposed, as were Steeler DBs.

So, because of this:

http://steelerstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gay-run-over.jpg

the Steelers would take Brandon Harris, CB from Miami

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/582/634/brandonHarris_display_image.jpg?1292972831

to play alongside Ike Taylor and preferably injure William Gay so he never has to see a football field again