Mock Draft

Maxx Hotton
Round 1
1) Houston Texans- Khalil Mack OLB Buffalo
Ok hear my out, no one is really sold on these quarterbacks in the first round, and as
much as Bill Obrien needs a QB to groom, he needs to think long term and grab the
best player for his team. Which is not clowney, not yet at least. First, clowney is a 4-3
DE, not a 3-4 OLB (Texans run a 3-4), he has the potential to be a great OLB, but
potential gets a lot of coaches fired. Dont believe me? Watch his pro day, he looked
awkward in drills, and how stiff and tall he plays shows, this paired with the lack of
effort makes me want to pick Khalil Mack. Mack is the best football player in this
draft, his football technique and football skills (football skills are different than
athletic skills) are unheralded, he makes more plays at his natural position of OLB
than anyone in this draft, he plays like a bigger, stronger, and faster Robert Mathis. If
Im Houston, Ive seen enough of Mathis to want to grab Mack first overall.
2) St. Louis Rams-Greg Robinson OT Auburn
Honestly, I think the Rams will trade out, but no trades in our mocks for now so they
grab the best OT on the board in Greg Robinson. With Jake long recovering from
torn ACL and LCL in week 16, and only roger scaffold as a legitament starting tackle.
Watkins is also in play, but with the signing of Kenny Brit and progression of Tavon
Austin, Rams get an OL who can keep their QB upright.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars- Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M
The Jags get their QB of the future with Johnny football. Johnny Manziel has been
compared to by many analysts as a slightly taller and more physically gifted Russell
Wilson, guess where Coach Gus Bradley was defense coordinator in 2012, Seattle,
Wilsons rookie year. Gus Bradley will see enough of Wilson in Manziel and roll the
dice on the draft most polarizing player.
4) Cleveland Browns- Sammy Watkins WR Clemson
The Browns now create one of the most lethal receiving corps in the NFL by drafting
Watkins. The Browns seem to be in love with Derek Carr, whether or not that is a
ploy is yet to be proven, so until then, the browns hope that Derek Carr will be there
later in the draft and bolster their offense which struggled last season
5) Oakland Raiders-Blake Bortles QB, UCF
Very tempted to put Jadeveon Clowney here, but Raiders cant pass up on this on
Bortles. They need a QB, and no one really think Matt Pick 6 Schaub is the answer. I
feel that Bortles is the best long term QB in the draft, and Raiders may finally get the
QB they need since that guy Jamarcus Russell.
6) Atlanta Falcons-Jadeveon Clowney South Carolina
The whole state of Georgia throws a party when clowney name falls to them at 6. The
Falcons lack pass rush, and clowney has the ability to play any position they need
him to in their hybrid 4-3 defense. The falcons finally get a defense that can hold a
lead for five minutes.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Aaron Barr UCLA
The Bucs may have had one the best offseasons out of any team in the NFL, now they
get an electric playmaker to play along with Lavonte David, Michael Johnson, and
Gerald McCoy. Barr is a bit raw, but the strength of that defense will help his
transition from college to the NFL.
8) Minnesota Vikings- Terry Bridgewater QB Louisville
The Vikings claim they are, not in love with any of the early picks QBs, well I call
baloney, did you see the Vikings QBs last year? Terry Bridgewater had a bad pro day,
but so did Cam Newton, Bridgewater has fantastic progression and field choices. He
will be the tough and unquestioned leader in the Vikings leader that they need.
9) Buffalo Bills- Mike Evans WR Texas A&M
The Bills defense looks pretty good, but now the offense gets a much needed boosts.
Mike Evans is fast, not just for his size, hes just fast, and he has fantastic ball skills
that helped create the legend of Johnny Football. Now he will do the same for EJ
Manuel.
10) Detroit Lions- Justin Gilbert OSU
With the signing of Golden Tate, the Lions upgrade their secondary with the drafts
top CB. Gilbert can play in any system, against any player, on any play. He plays
great press coverage and has the speed to catch the fastest receivers and backs.
11) Tennessee Titans- CJ Mosely LB Alabama
The Titans missed out on the Dqwell Jackson and Daryl Smith sweepstake, and now
they need an ILB who can anchor their defense. CJ Mosley anchored The Crimson
Tide Defense, his fantastic football smarts and decision making, make up for his lack
of wait hes athletic too?... Need I say more? If Nick Saban trusts him running his
defense, so will Ken Whisenhut.
12) New York Giants- Eric Ebron TE UNC
Another team that won free agency, hate that phrase, but one of their more glaring
holes last season was TE. Brandon Myers brought the black hole of Oakland to New
York and gave Eli fits the whole season. Eric Ebron is easily the most electric TE in
the draft and he will give the Giants offense another weapon with Cruz and Randle.
13) St. Louis Rams- Ha Ha Clinton Dix S Alabama
The Rams secondary needs help, and anchoring it with the backbone of the Alabama
defense seems to be the best way to go. Dix has great range, ball skills, and tackling
skills to help the Rams solidify its already great defense.
14) Chicago Bears- Aaron Donald DT Pittsburg University
The Bears do need a CB, but their need at DT is much more glaring needs. Donald is
the heads and shoulders the best DT in the draft, he a force in the pass game and can
plug up the middle against the run. By signing Jared Allen and Lamar Houston,
Donalds addition would help the Bears reclaim their defense prowess of old.
15) Pittsburg Steelers- Calvin Pryor S Louisville
The Steelers lost Ryan Clark in FA and Troy Polamalu is on his last legs. Calvin Pryor
has the skills and play to be the next Earl Thomas, he flies around the field and is in
on every tackle. He plays great in coverage and can deliver a ball jarring hit when
needed. The Steelers get both an immediate and long term need with this pick.
16) Dallas Cowboys-Kony Ealy DE Missouri
How bout them Cowboys?! How about them? Their defense must have never gotten
on the bus to the games, it was atrocious, and to make matters worse, they had
negative cap room to play with this offseason.GET A REAL GM JERRY! So they
had to part ways with long time icon Demarcus Ware, and now they need a new DE,
as long with GM too, maybe bring back Jimmie Johnson too, just saying. Kony Ealy
is the lesser known mezzo DE but more talented and will play better on the NFL
stage.
17) Baltimore Ravens-Odell Beckham jr. WR LSU
They may have signed Steve Smith but the Ravens need help at WR, and Beckham is
the answer. He is a do it all receiver with fantastic hands. He can return punts, kicks,
catch touchdowns, and most likely chase down defenders as they run away with
Flaccos passes, ok that was mean, but still, Odell beckham will be that moves the
chain guy torry smith asks for, and an explosive weapon for that offense.
18) New York Jets- Brandid Cooks WR, Oregon St.
The fastest WR in the draft goes to the big city. The Jets, needing help at receiver,
signed Eric Decker for a multiyear deal, and now adding cooks give the Jets a stretch
the field game changer who can play slot and on the outside. This pick will give
whoever is behind center next season a new toy to play with.
19) Miami Dolphins- RaShede Hagerman DT Minnesota
With two great DEs, the dolphins need someone to help take the double teams off
them and let them terrorize Qbs for years to come. Hagerman is just that, his play is
as scary as his name is, he can scary athletic and will give the AFC East QBs
nightmares. Miami gets a much needed piece for their defense.
20) Arizona Cardinals-Dee Ford OLB/DE Auburn
The Cardinals could go a number of ways with this pick, but I think they will take a
best player available approach and grab Dee Ford. Dee Ford is the spitting image of
Robert Mathis, a tweener who just find a way to make great plays by maneuvering his
body around defenders, Coach Bruce Arians watch Mathis play in his one year stint
with the Colts and will be sure to take this prospect.
21) Green Bay Packers-Darqueze Dennard CB Michigan State
The Packers would be best off going safety here, but all the first round safeties are off
the board, so why not pair Sam Shields with a buddy? Dennard can play Sherman
like in press coverage and has the range to play zone as well. The Packers get
dynamic CB duo with this pick.
22) Philadelphia Eagles-Jason Verret CB TCU
The electrifying Chip Kelly offense now needs a defense to back it up. Secondary hurt
the Eagles the most last year and drafting a CB would be in their best interest. Jason
Verret is a player that plays taller than he really is, and has the wheels to go with it. A
press coverage monster than can keep up with new DC receiver Desean Jackson.
23) Kansas City Chiefs-Jace Amaro TE Texas tech
Raise your hand if you can even name the Chiefs TE this seasonthats what I
thought. The Chiefs could add a WR here too, but with the WR crop being much
deeper than the TE crop, it would be wise to grab the number two TE off the board.
Jace looks and play like Gronk, big, fast, and with fantastic strength. This pick give
Alex Smith someone to throw to over the middle.
24) Cincinnati Bengals-Jake Matthews OT Texas A&M
The tackle slide stops, the second best OT drops all the way to 24
th
. The Bengals lost a
number of OL in FA and grabbing Jake Matthews will help keep Andy Dalton upright
and give Giovanni Bernard holes to run through.
25) San Diego Chargers-Kyle Fuller CB Virginia Tech.
Who? Its the drafts best kept secret, Kyle Fuller played in the ACC practically all by
himself. He played great against top names like Sammy Watkins, Kelvin Benjamin,
and Martavius Bryant. Fuller is one of the many sleepers in this draft who will prove
himself to be a steal on draft day.
26) Cleveland Browns- Derek Carr QB Fresno St.
Hallelujah! The Browns finally get the QB who will give the city of Cleveland a
championship! Well, thats the plan anyways. Derek Carr is a gunslinger with
unbelievable numbers, he has great technique and is probably the most first day, pro
ready QB in the draft. The Browns get the guy they want and desperately need.
27) New Orleans-Kelvin Benjamin WR Florida St.
Why pick a big bodied receiver when you already have jimmy graham? Well why not?
Kelvin Benjamin is a match up nightmare, although he may be raw, but his ceiling is
through the roof. Just imagining having to game plan for Benjamin and Graham, I
cringe just thinking about it. Benjamin gives Brees some WR outside Coelston and
may help negotiating with Graham if he plays well in his rookie year.
28) Carolina Panthers- Taylor Lewan OT Michigan
The Panthers could go WR here, but their need at OL is just as dire as WR, and there
is better options at WR in the later rounds. Lewan, despite possible character issues,
is a great LT who played in the rough and tough Big Ten. He will give Cam Newton
some insurance this year.
29) New England-Louis Nix NT Notre Dame
You get Wilforks replacement and plug in in one pick. Nix, even though he is coming
off an injury himself, he plays just like Wilfork does in New England. He is a run
stuffing, double-team eating man in the middle who will let the OLB for Bellichick
run wild come next season
30) San Francisco 49ers- Marquis Lee WR USC
Lee doesnt have to move too far away to his next team. The 49ers need WR help and
the route specialist and electric playmaker Lee will give Kaepernick a lethal receiving
core for years to come.
31) Denver Broncos- Kyle Van Noy OLB BYU
The broncos, being all set on offense till Peyton retires, need to focus on defense long
term and short term if they want to succeed. After signing Demarcus Ware at OLB,
the Broncos still need an OLB to play along with Ware till Von Miller returns and to
succeed Ware in the future. Van Noy, unheard of playing with Ziggy Ansah, is a
fantastic natural OLB, he plays great in space, and has a noise for the ball, and he will
help the Broncos give one more run to the Super Bowl with Manning at the helm
32) Seattle Seahawks-Zack Martin OL Notre Dame
Hidden by Russell Wilson escaping skills is the need for an OL for the Seahawks.
After losing their RT in FA and needing an upgrade at G, Zack Martin can fill either
of those holes, he has played OT and OG. His versatility makes him a must pick for
the reigning super bowl champs. WR is also in play here.
Round 2
33) Houston Texans-Zach Mettenberger QB LSU
This pick is riding on how Zach looks at his pro day, but I feel that Bill OBrian will
get his quarter back who, if healthy, can be a day one starter. Before his injury,
Mettenberger was going to be a first round pick, he has the arm, played in a pro style
system of LSU, and makes great decision making.
34) Washington Redskins-Morgan Moses OT Virginia
The Redskins, after signing DeSean Jackson to a three year deal, need a serious
upgrade at tackle. If you want to keep RG3 healthy, you need to keep him upright,
and Morgan Moses does that. Morgan Moses can play LT and RT who excels in pass
coverage. This pick gives some stability to the porous OL
35) Cleveland Browns-Xavier Sua Filo OG UCLA
The browns can take a luxury pick here, already having a pro bowl LT and C, upgrade
at guard. Filo played in the successful UCLA offense, he will open up holes for ben
tate to run through, and help keep Carr upright.
36) Oakland Raiders-Cody Latimer WR Indiana
After the first 5 WRs, its a crapshoot, any of the second round WRs can go here,
raiders need firepower on offense for their new shiny QB. Cody Latimer exploded up
draft boards when he ran a blazing 4.44 seconds at 63. He has great hands and very
good route running, he seems to be the perfect package. Raiders get a WR to help
them forget about Darrius I have three names but none of them are hands Heyward
Bey.
37) Atlanta Falcons- David Yankey OG Stanford
Still giddy about getting Clowney, the Falcons now get to upgrade that horrific
offensive line. Yankey is a mauler at guard with quick feet to match, he will be very
helpful for keeping Matt Ryan upright.
38) Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Trent Murphy DE/OLB Stanford
Defense, defense, defense. Thats the name of the game for the Buccaneers. Murphy
can play a number of positions for the Buccaneers, and he will create a scary
defensive line if he plays the 4-3 DE role.
39) Jacksonville Jaguars-Carlos Hyde RB Ohio St.
The jags find a replacement for MJD and create a pretty good tandem with Toby
Gerhart. Carlos Hyde is a rolling ball of butcher knives, he runs through, around,
over, under, and more around defenders. He is probably the best back in this draft.
40) Minnesota Vikings-Jimme Ward S Northern Illinois
Minnesota, already drafting a CB last year, takes the third best Safety in the draft
here. Jimmie Ward, although slightly undersize, has fantastic range and hits hard.
He will be a great backstop for the new defense.
41) Buffalo Bills-Austin Seferian Jenkins TE Washington
The Bills get another weapon to give EJ Manuel. Jenkins is a big pass threat who can
create matchup nightmare. Pair him with Scott Chandler and Mike Evans and you
have a lethal combo that even Revis island cannot cover.
42) Tennessee Titans- Timmy Jernigan DT Florida St.
Titans upgrade their defense again with National Champion Jernigan. Jernigan will
most likely play the DT/DE position in the 3-4 defense, where he can wreak havoc
against AFC south QBs.
43) New York Giants-Daquan Jones DT Penn St.
After losing Linvall Joesephs in FA, the DT position in NY is thin, and drafting a run
stuffing nittany lions will help the Giants stay afloat in the competitive NFC East.
44) St. Louis Rams-Jordan Matthews WR Vanderbilt
The rams, passing on Watkins in the first round, they now pick up one of the most
underrated players in the draft. Matthews is the SEC all-time leading receiver in
catches, 100 yard receiving game, and broke the SEC record for receptions in a
season. Rams get an extremely hard working, big, and sure handed receiver to go on
the outside of Austin.
45) Detroit Lions-Lamarcus Joyner FS/CB Florida St.
The Lions, in need of a playmaker at safety, get the versatile Joyner. Joyner is very
much like Tryann Matthieu, a ball hawking, undersized playmaker who can play
nickel corner or free safety. Pair him with first round pick, Justin Gilbert, and Detroit
goes from a sorry secondary to a possibly elite one.
46) Pittsburg Steelers- Jerry Attaochu OLB Georgia tech.
Who? Attaochu is another name that gets lost in the shuffle of this deep draft, he is
an instant upgrade in Pittsburg and will help give Dick LeBeau a serious threat on the
outside.
47) Dallas Cowboys-Deone Bucannon S Washington St.
Dallas upgrade their sorry defense again, Deone is a great fit for their defense, and he
is a rangy safety who is big enough to cover the big TEs of the NFC East.
48) Baltimore Ravens- Cyrus Kouandjio OT Alabama
The ravens need a replacement at RT and the Alabama tackle can do that for you, and
can fill in for Monroe if he gets hurt. Cyrus is a fantastic run blocker and great in pass
protection which will help the Ravens return to the playoffs.
49) New York Jets-Pierre Desir Cb Lindenwood
Rex Ryan finally gets a CB. Even though Desir is raw and from a small school, he has
the build and ball skills to be a top CB in the league. The jets will pair him with Dee
Millner to give the Jets a great young CB combo.
50) Miami Dolphins-Marcus Martin OC/OG USC
With so many holes on the OL, Miami gets a versatile OL who will help lessen the
blow to their QB as they try to wrangle the division crown away from the Patriots.
51) Chicago Bears-Bradley Roby CB Ohio St.
The fall stops for former top CB Roby. The bears get a serious upgrade at corner.
Robys freefall will give Chicago a steal in the second round. The big 10 corner played
against top competition in the Big ten and will help the Bears stop the lethal WR
duos in the NFC North.
52) Arizona Cardinals- Jimmy Garoppolo QB E. Illinois
Bruce Arians get a QB with a big arm to groom for his vertical offense. The raw QB
has some ways to go in terms of decision making before he becomes a NFL ready QB,
but being behind Carson Palmer gives him time to work on his craft and learns from
one the best QB coaches in the NFL of Arians.
53) Green Bay Packers-Terrance Brooks Florida St.
The Packers once again upgrade their secondary with a true safety in Brooks. Brooks
is an Eric Weddle type safety, he is undersized, but has great football knowledge and
closing speed to make any play on the field.
54) Philadelphia Eagles-Allen Robinson WR Penn St.
The Eagles replace Desean Jackson with a completely different kind of wide out.
Allen Robinson is a human highlight reel, watch the catch at the end of the Michigan
vs. Penn st if you need proof. His ball skills are through the roof and his route
running is impeccable. He comes from a pro-style offense as the only significant
contributor, and because of a bad 40 time (4.7 range) he will fall into the second
round. Just a reminder, Boldin and Fitzgeralds both had similar 40 times.
55) Cincinnati Bengals- Bashaud Breeland CB Clemson
After multiple injuries to their secondary, the Bengals need to get younger and
deeper if they hope to finally get over the hump. Breeland played in the extremely
competitive ACC and preformed great against their top receivers. His instincts,
awareness, and route recognition lets him shut down even the best WRs.
56) San Francisco 49ers- Stanley Jean-Baptiste CB Nebraska
The 49ers have heard enough of Sherman over the years. So, if you cant beat him,
join him right? Sort of, standing 63 220 lbs., Baptise is a Sherman prototype, with
incredible ball skills and speed, like Sherman, this WR converted CB, also like
Sherman, has shown a knack for shutting down receivers in press coverage, while his
length and speed help him play zone coverage well also. Although he is a bit raw and
could improve on his fluidity and route recognition, the 49ers will take a chance into
developing the young CB into what could be the next elite corner in the NFL.
57) San Diego Chargers- Gabe Jackson OG Mississippi St.
The Chargers have serious need for young talent at guard, and pairing up Jackson
with last years first round RT pick DJ Fluker would be a fantastic move for the
powder blues. Jackson is the definition of raw power he can manhandle even the
biggest defenders, and he displays quick and nimble feet which will help him in pass
coverage. He is a huge upgrade for the Chargers OL.
58) New Orleans Saints-Vic Hampton CB South Carolina
The Saints somehow in all their cap mess, snagged top safety Jarius Byrd in FA. Now
Sean Payton will be able to create a lethal secondary with Vaccaro. The undersized
CB is extremely fluid, quick, and great ball skills. He excels at returning and play
recognition which would make him a useful key in rob Ryans defense.
59) Indianapolis Colts- Davante Adams WR Fresno St.
I had a really difficult time with this pick, as a diehard Colt fan I wished we couldve
landed a great safety here, but with all the top names on the board, GM Ryan Grigson
will look long term. The Colts may have added WR Hakeem Nicks in FA, but there is
no guarantee he comes back next year, and Reggie Wayne is coming off an ACL
injury as well. The Colts brought in Adams for a private workout and have workout
numerous other receivers, so they are interested in a WR. Davante Adams is a perfect
blend of speed and size and will be able to learn from very talent receivers to excel in
the NFL. Oh and not to mention he will have a guy named Andrew Luck throwing to
him.
60) Carolina Panthers-Jarvis Landry WR LSU
I think the Panthers believe that Cam Newton can catch his own passes. With Jericho
Cotchery as their number one receiver right now, the Panthers could use a young
infusion of talent at the WR. Jarvis Landry might drop down draft board after he
pulled his hamstring before the 40 yard dash at the combine, and this will help the
panthers. Landry is a physical sure handed receiver who can make the dangerous
catches across the middle and high possibly the best high pointing ability despite his
size at 60. He is a tenacious blocker and worker who will help the Panthers offense
excel next season.
61) San Francisco 49ers-Travis Swanson C Arkansas
With long timer Center Johnathan Goodwin leaving in FA, by the 49ers choice. San
Fran could go get a young center in the draft. Swanson may be the best pure center in
the draft, he calls great protection and is an anchor for any OL. He will help protect
Kaepernick for years to come.
62) New England Patriots-Martavis Bryant WR Clemson
The Patriots need receiving help, and at 64 215 lbs with a 4.4 40, Bryant is a scary
prospect. He is a bit raw and could use his size better, but I am not sure there are too
many people better at developing receivers than Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and
they will help Bryant reach his full potential while giving Brady his biggest receiver
since Randy Moss to throw to.
63) Denver Broncos- Chris Borland ILB Wisconsin
Chris Borland is a leader on the field, is a sure tackler, and has great instincts. His
play screams Kiko Alonso. His smarts make up for his lack of size, and he is a day one
starter who could transform a defense.
64) Seattle Seahawks- Donte Moncrief WR Ole Miss
The Seahawks made a mistake letting Golden Tate walk, he was Wilsons only
receiving threat and now they need someone to fill the void. Donte is another perfect
blend of size and speed, he does need to learn how to work the middle better, but he
can be Russells number one option from day one and will help Seattle in their quest
of a repeat.