Mock Draft III

March 24th, 2011

Is this the second manbeast the Bucs snag in the 2011 draft?

It’s a manbeast of a mock draft, and it’s intelligent, focused and full of great insight.

Here’s draft guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski’s latest mock draft — 4,500 words for the draft lover in need of a fix. All part of the exclusive draft coverage on JoeBucsFan.com.

1st Round

1. Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton – QB – Auburn
6’5’’ – 248 lbs – 4.59
Needs: CB, DT, DE, WR, QB

Commish’s Take: Despite how great Blaine Gabbert’s scripted pro day was, I’m ok sticking with Newton for the 1st overall pick. The Panthers have been rumored to be choosing among eight prospects for the No.1 pick, but I think it will ultimately come down to Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Marcel Dareus, or trading down. Right now, the Panthers might be the most unpredictable team in this draft.

2. Denver Broncos – Marcell Dareus – DT – Alabama
6’3’’ – 319 lbs – 4.92
Needs: DT, DE, CB, S

Commish’s Take: Mike Mayock said that scouts “everywhere” would consider it an upset if the Broncos passed on Marcell Dareus. I would have to agree with that. First, the Broncos seem ok with their defensive ends. Also, John Fox tends to like bigger defensive tackles in the middle of his defense.

3. Buffalo Bills – Von Miller – OLB – Texas A&M
6’3’’ – 246 lbs – 4.49
Needs: DE, QB, WR, LB

Commish’s Take: Recent criticism of Aaron Maybin by head coach Chan Gailey might be foreshadowing what the Bills will do. I think quarterback and defensive end could also be under consideration, but Von Miller could be the terror off the edge that the Bills thought they had in Maybin.

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Julio Jones – WR – Alabama
6’3’’ – 220 lbs – 4.39
Needs: WR, QB, DT

Commish’s Take: Peter King has recently reported that the Bengals have Julio Jones rated higher on their board than AJ Green. This rumor has since been echoed by many others. The real question will be whether the Bengals take a receiver or a quarterback. I’m of the opinion that the quarterbacks in this draft have way more questions than the receivers. With the Bengals going to a Gruden-run west-coast offense, I think they could eye a Ponder, Kaepernick, or Andy Daulton in the 2nd round and get any of those QBs a receiver to throw to in the 1st.

5. Arizona Cardinals – Blaine Gabbert – QB – Missouri
6’4’’ – 234 lbs – 4.62
Needs: OLB, CB, OT, QB

Commish’s Take: I’ve never seen such an overreaction on Twitter than when Gabbert had his pro day. I think Gabbert is a good quarterback, but to say that his pro day was one of the best pro days ever and that he was a future elite QB because he threw to receivers without a defense is a little ridiculous. Gabbert was best at Missouri with a spread out offense and underneath passes. I see a lot of Missouri’s offense in Arizona’s offense. Downfield accuracy and handling the pressure of a defensive line are Gabbert’s two biggest weaknesses.

6. Cleveland Browns – AJ Green – WR – Georgia
6’4’’ – 211 lbs – 4.50
Needs: WR, DE, OLB, TE, NT

Commish’s Take: There have been a lot of rumblings of the Browns looking to a defensive lineman here because of their shift back to a 4-3 defense with defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. That said, how could two offensive-minded guys in Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur pass on a player many believe to be the top offensive player in the entire draft. Green can be an elite receiver very early in his career. As much as the Browns might need a defensive lineman, they could use a big time threat on offense as well.

7. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU
6’0’’ – 219 lbs – 4.34
Needs: QB, DE, OLB, CB, S

Commish’s Take: As much as I think Peterson should go before this pick, every time I write out mock draft, I always have him falling to the 49ers lap. I don’t think corners are quite as valuable as they once were in the NFL as they are only involved in about 12-15 plays max a game. The 49ers have a need at corner, so I just can’t see any way that Peterson would get past this pick.

8. Tennessee Titans – Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn
6’4’’ – 291 – 4.87
Needs: DT, CB, QB, OG

Commish’s Take: After grabbing Derrick Morgan last year, the Titans need to address their interior defensive line this year. Fairley is now being labeled as a boom-or-bust prospect. I definitely think Fairley is worth a shot if he falls to the Titans here. If Fairley becomes a “boom,” he could have a similar impact that Albert Haynesworth had on the Titans defense a few years back.

9. Dallas Cowboys – Tyron Smith – OT – USC
6’5’’ – 307 lbs – DNP
Needs: DE, OT, OG, CB, S

Commish’s Take: I thought real hard about a defensive player with this pick, but with Jason Garrett as the head coach and Jerry Jones wanting excitement, I figured the Cowboys would look to protect Tony Romo and give this offense a chance to explode. Smith is a top tackle in this draft and should be able to step in right away and improve the Cowboys poor offensive line.

10. Washington Redskins – Robert Quinn – DE – North Carolina
6’4’’ – 265 lbs – 4.70
Needs: QB, WR, DE, OLB

Commish’s Take: The popular pick for the Redskins has been either a receiver or a quarterback, but the thought of Robert Quinn and Brian Orakpo coming off opposite corners is pretty exciting. Quinn is an outstanding pass rusher and is an immediate upgrade over the departed Andre Carter. There have been reports that some teams are scared of a benign tumor on Quinn’s brain. If both top receivers are off the board, I do think this pick comes down to reaching on a QB or picking a defensive lineman.

11. Houston Texans – Prince Amukamara – CB – Nebraska
6’0’’ – 206 lbs – 4.43
Needs: OLB, DE, CB, WR

Commish’s Take: When I consider options for the Texans, I just continuously go back to how poor their pass defense was in 2010 and the decision becomes quite clear. Sure, a pass rusher would be great, but at this point, Quinn and Miller are gone and one of the top corners is still on the board. Amukamara should be able to step in and start opposite of Kareem Jackson for years to come.

12. Minnesota Vikings – Jake Locker – QB – Washington
6’2’’ – 231 lbs – 4.59
Needs: QB, DE, OT, OG

Commish’s Take: I’m starting to think the Vikings have dug themselves into a little bit of a desperate mess with the 12th pick. I think they are starved for a quarterback, and unless they trade up for Newton or Gabbert, they’ll probably be reaching with the 12th pick. I think the decision comes down to Locker or Mallett. Really, the question is a lack of accuracy vs. bad character. With character being so important in the NFL, I have the Vikings leaning to Locker right now. In the end, I think Mallett might be a better fit for what new Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave wants to do on offense.

13. Detroit Lions – Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson
6’3’’ – 280 lbs – DNP
Needs: OT, CB, OLB, DE

Commish’s Take: Defensive end isn’t a big need at all for the Lions, but if one of the top players in the draft falls to you with the 13th pick, you have to consider him. Rumors continue to swirl about Bowers’ knee and how he played through injury at the end of last year and was favoring the knee at time. I still point to Bowers’ pro day on April 1st as one of the most important pro days this year. A good and healthy pro day could vault Bowers back into the top 5. For now, I don’t think the Lions would mind putting Bowers on the same defensive line as Ndamukong Suh.

14 St. Louis Rams – Aldon Smith – DE – Missouri
6’4’’ – 263 lbs – 4.78
Needs: WR, TE, DE, DT

Commish’s Take: With the top 2 WRs off the board, I think the Rams will look to improve their defensive line. Corey Liuget or Muhammad Wilkerson make a lot of sense for the defensive tackle position. I have them taking Aldon Smith as a local product who really fits the type of defensive lineman Steve Spagnuolo seeks. If the receivers are gone, I do think this pick could come down to Aldon Smith at end vs. Muhammad Wilkerson inside.

15. Miami Dolphins – Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama
5’9’’ – 215 lbs – 4.62
Needs: RB, OT, NT, QB

Commish’s Take: I would’ve liked the idea of drafting an offensive tackle and moving Vernon Carey inside to guard, but the Dolphins have squashed that idea. Mike Pouncey could be a legitimate option to address the interior of the Dolphins offensive line, but with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams as free agents, the Dolphins might not be able to wait to address their need at running back. Ingram would bring fresh legs, a great work ethic, and leadership to the Dolphins offense. Remember, the Dolphins do not have a 2nd round pick in this year’s draft.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars – JJ Watt – DE – Wisconsin
6’5’’ – 290 lbs – 4.82
Needs: DE, OLB, S, WR, OG

Commish’s Take: I think that Jack Del Rio has fallen into a trap in the past of taking defensive ends with potential as pass rushers rather than just taking the solid player. I think JJ Watt could be very good in the NFL. He is big, strong, and very athletic. I think Watt is a good fit for anyone’s defense, and I’d probably be pretty surprised if he lasted this long, but you never know.

17. N. E. Patriots (via OAK) – Mike Pouncey – OG – Florida
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – 5.28
Needs: DE, OLB, WR, RB, OL

Commish’s Take: You can never discount the connection between Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer. The Patriots have taken a lot of Gators the past few years, what’s one more? The Patriots have needs along their offensive line and Pouncey could help them at guard or center. There aren’t many players right now with more hype than Mike Pouncey.

18. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Kerrigan – DE – Purdue
6’4’’ – 267 lbs – 4.71
Needs: LB, DE, RT, WR

Commish’s Take: Supposedly, the Chargers are in love with Ryan Kerrigan. AJ Smith, their general manager, has only gone to three pro days so far, and Kerrigan’s was one of them. The Chargers have big needs at the linebacker positions, and all signs point to Kerrigan coming in and playing outside linebacker in the Chargers 3-4 defense.

19. New York Giants – Anthony Castonzo – OT – Boston College
6’7’’ – 311 lbs – 5.23
Needs: OT, MLB, OG, DT

Commish’s Take: Tom Coughlin loves his boys from Boston College. Castonzo has tremendous potential as a left tackle in the NFL. He has outstanding body movement and technique. He needs to get his legs stronger, but his work ethic will never be a question, so I have no doubt he’ll improve that strength. The Giants have to find a way to protect Eli Manning.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cameron Jordan – DE – Cal.
6’4’’ – 287 lbs – 4.78
Needs: DE, LB, OT, OG, speed on offense

Commish’s Take: I think with the 20th pick, the Bucs are at a spot where they just need, and will probably get, one guy to fall to them. The way this mock draft fell out, Cameron Jordan ended up being that guy. What I like about Jordan is that he is big enough to play left defensive end and quick enough off the edge to play right end. The Bucs have always liked versatile defensive linemen and I think Jordan would be one of the ideal picks for the Bucs in this draft. The Bucs say that they aren’t locked into a defensive end, but it would be tough not to be in this draft and with how their ends played last year. With Quinn and Bowers slipping a bit, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bucs targeted one of those guys, and traded up to ensure they get him. Who knows, Jordan might be that target and he fell right into the Bucs lap in this mock draft.

21. Kansas City Chiefs – Phil Taylor – NT – Baylor
6’3’’ – 334 lbs – 5.20
Needs: OLB, NT, OT, WR, OG

Commish’s Take: The Chiefs have really done a good job of piecing together their team. I love the additions they have made through the draft the past couple years. I think one main need the Chiefs need to address is at nose tackle for their 3-4 defense. They need their Casey Hampton in the middle. Phil Taylor is a mammoth defensive tackle who is also very athletic for his size. I was surprised when people said his stock might fall because he’s mean. I don’t know about you, but I want my 6-3, 334-pound nose tackle to be the meanest player on any field.

22. Indianapolis Colts – Derek Sherrod – OT – Miss. St.
6’5’’ – 321 lbs – 5.21
Needs: OL, CB, LB

Commish’s Take: The Colts have admitted to regretting on passing on an offensive tackle in last year’s draft. I can’t see them making that same mistake twice. The Colts need to do a better job of protecting Peyton Manning and opening holes in the run game. I think Sherrod could come in and start at left tackle for the Colts right away. Sherrod is big and physical, and also equally good in run blocking as he is in pass protection.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Jimmy Smith – CB – Colorado
6’2’’ – 211 lbs – 4.46
Needs: CB, OT, OG, OLB

Commish’s Take: If we’re speaking of just talent, Jimmy Smith is a top 10 pick. Smith’s character will drop him a bit, but a team with a big need at corner like the Eagles will have to think long and hard about passing on him. Smith and Asante Samuel would give the Eagles a very nice pair of corners.

24. New Orleans Saints – Martez Wilson – LB – Illinois
6’4’’ – 250 lbs – 4.49
Needs: DE, OLB

Commish’s Take: Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams loves to blitz and attack with his linebackers. Martez Wilson might be at his best when asked to blitz. I think the first few rounds will be all about upgrading the defensive front-7 for the Saints. Wilson can play inside or outside linebacker for the Saints with Jonathon Vilma being able to do the same.

25. Seattle Seahawks – Christian Ponder – QB – FSU
6’2’’ – 229 lbs – 4.65
Needs: QB, OG, DE, DT, CB

Commish’s Take: The more I’ve thought about this pick for the Seahawks, the more I’ve realized that if they were to select a quarterback, the best fit would be Christian Ponder. Darrell Bevell has come in as the new offensive coordinator and is installing a west-coast style of offense. Even if Locker was available, I think the Seahawks might pass on the local product and turn towards Ponder. Ponder might be the best fit for a west-coast offense in this draft. He has above average arm strength and outstanding accuracy. He has command of the huddle, and should be able to step in right away and play for the Seahawks.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Justin Houston – DE – Georgia
6’3’’ – 270 lbs – 4.68
Needs: CB, WR(speed), OC, S

Commish’s Take: Sure, the Ravens don’t need a hybrid end/linebacker, but this is what makes the Ravens great. If anyone in this draft compares to Terrell Suggs, it’s Justin Houston. Sergio Kindle has been a problem since they drafted him last year, so why not move on with the big and athletic Houston instead. I think the corners, receivers, and safeties left here would all be reaches. Houston would just add another dynamic talent to the Ravens defense. The biggest concern with Houston is that he needs teachers to get the most out of his potential. I love the Ravens coaches, and what better coaches to have than Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs?

27. Atlanta Falcons – Muhammad Wilkerson – DE – Temple
6’4’’ – 315 lbs – 4.96
Needs: DT, DE, WR, TE

Commish’s Take: I still view Wilkerson as somewhat of a project, but he has been gaining some steam as of late. I think he might just be one of those names that will go a lot earlier than most people think. For now, I have the Falcons finally getting their big body in the middle. Head coach Mike Smith had his best defense in Jacksonville when he had Marcus Stroud and John Henderson in their primes in the middle of his defensive line. I think Wilkerson compares to those players and would really give the Falcons a presence in the middle of their defensive line.

28. New England Patriots – Akeem Ayers – OLB – UCLA
6’2’’ – 254 lbs – 4.80
Needs: see above

Commish’s Take: The Patriots need to find a better rush off the edge. Akeem Ayers isn’t the fastest linebacker in the draft, but he was extremely productive at UCLA and really fits the Patriots 3-4 defense. I think Ayers could be a really solid outside linebacker and leader in the NFL. This is a great value pick for the Patriots at the end of the 1st round after already getting Pouncey earlier.

29. Chicago Bears – Gabe Carimi – OT – Wisconsin
6’7’’ – 314 lbs – 5.27
Needs: OT, OG, WR, DT

Commish’s Take: Is there any worse secret than the Bears needing an offensive tackle? Hell, they need any offensive lineman. Another one of my favorites is Gabe Carimi. The way this draft played out has Carimi falling to the team that could probably use him most. Carimi could step in right away at left or right tackle and be an upgrade for the Bears. I think Carimi will have a very solid career and reminds me a lot of Jon Runyan.

30. New York Jets – Corey Liuget – DT – Illinois
6’2’’ – 298 lbs – 4.99
Needs: NT, DE, CB, WR

Commish’s Take: I think the Jets approach their 1st round pick by trying to address their front 7 on defense. With Phil Taylor and most of the hybrid linebackers gone, this is a good slot for the Jets to bring in Luiget as an end in their 3-4 defense. Rex Ryan was present at Illinois’ pro day and showed a lot of attention to Martez Wilson and Luiget.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Danny Watkins – OG – Baylor
6’3’’ – 310 lbs – 5.40
Needs: CB, OT, OG

Commish’s Take: After hoping to reunite the Pouncey brothers, the Steelers still need to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Danny Watkins is a great story. He was a firefighter who decided late to play football. He filled in for Jason Smith at left tackle after he was drafted and never lost his starting job. Watkins is 27, which might scare some teams off, but he is also ready to come in and contribute right away.

32. Green Bay Packers – Nate Solder – OT – Colorado
6’8’’ – 307 lbs – 5.05
Needs: OT, DE, OLB

Commish’s Take: Last year the Packers got Bryan Bulaga in the first round. With Nate Solder slipping, the Packers could have their two offensive tackles for the next 10 years in back to back drafts. Solder is a converted tight end who should be able to play right or left tackle in the NFL.

Round 2:
1 (33). N. E. Patriots (via CAR) – Mikel Leshoure – RB – Illinois
6’0’’ – 227 lbs – 4.59

Commish’s Take: Benjarvis Green-Ellis was nice last year, but the Patriots need a feature back. Leshoure can carry the ball 20-25 times a game. No more platoon.

2 (34). Buffalo Bills – Ryan Mallett – QB – Arkansas
6’7’’ – 253 lbs – 5.30

Commish’s Take: If the Bills pass ona quarterback in the 1st round, I like Mallett for them in the 2nd. Mallett’s strong arm can throw through the weather and there is nothing in Buffalo that can get him in trouble.

3 (35). Cincinnati Bengals – Colin Kaepernick – QB – Nevada
6’5’’ – 233 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take: Jay Gruden gets his quarterback. Gruden should love Kaepernick’s size and athletic ability. If Jay is anything like his brother, Kaepernick will be high on his list.

4 (36). Denver Broncos – Kyle Rudolph – TE – Notre Dame
6’6’’ – 259 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take: It seemed like John Fox could never find his tight end in Carolina. He addresses that need immediately with Rudolph. Rudolph is a big tight end with great receiving ability.

5 (37). Cleveland Browns – Adrian Clayborn – DE – Iowa
6’4’’ – 281 lbs – 4.83

Commish’s Take: There are a lot of question marks with Clayborn, but he is still a good player with a great work ethic and great leadership skills.

6 (38). Arizona Cardinals – Brooks Reed – OLB – Arizona
6’2’’ – 263 lbs – 4.68

Commish’s Take: Reed has gotten a lot of hype as of late, but I still have him in the 2nd round. The Cardinals miss out on Miller in the 1st round, but still get a threat off the edge here.

7 (39). Tennessee Titans – Andy Daulton – QB – TCU
6’2’’ – 215 lbs – 4.83

Commish’s Take: Daulton might not be the flashiest quarterback, but he could fit just what Mike Munchak wants to do. Daulton could be a very solid pick for a Titans team that needs a quarterback.

8 (40). Dallas Cowboys – Cameron Heyward – DE – Ohio St.
6’5’’ – 294 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take: Heyward has some injury concerns, but when healthy can be great. He is a perfect fit for a Cowboys defense that might lose Marcus Spears to free agency.

9 (41). Washington Redskins – Jonathon Baldwin – WR – Pitt.
6’4’’ – 228 lbs – 4.50

Commish’s Take: The Redskins miss out on all the top quarterbacks, but still get their big receiver. Baldwin becomes Mike Shanahan’s next Brandon Marshall.

10 (42). Houston Texans – Rahim Moore – S – UCLA
6’0’’ – 202 lbs – 4.62

Commish’s Take: The Texans finish off their secondary with the draft’s top safety. Moore has good instincts and is good in coverage.

11 (43). Minnesota Vikings – Marvin Austin – DT – North Carolina
6’2’’ – 309 lbs – 4.90

Commish’s Take: With Pat Williams on the way out, I think Austin could step right in and the Vikings might not skip a beat on defense.

12 (44). Detroit Lions – Benjamin Ijalana – OT – Villanova
6’4’’ – 317 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take: With a need at both tackle positions, Ijalana has a good opportunity to step in and play right away for the Lions.

13(45). San Francisco 49ers – Leonard Hankerson – WR – Miami
6’2’’ – 209 lbs – 4.43

Commish’s Take: After missing on the QBs, I think the 49ers would like to get a bigger receiver opposite of Michael Crabtree. Hankerson is big with speed.

14 (46). Denver Broncos (via MIA) – Aaron Williams – CB – Texas
6’0’’ – 204 lbs – 4.52

Commish’s Take: Williams has been mentioned as a corner and a safety. With the Broncos having a need for both positions, Williams would be a nice fit.

15 (47). St. Louis Rams – Torrey Smith – WR – Maryland
6’1’’ – 204 lbs – 4.43

Commish’s Take: The Rams get their receiver in the speedy Torrey Smith. Smith has all the qualities to progress into a true number one receiver.

16 (48). Oakland Raiders – Dontay Moch – LB – Nevada
6’1’’ – 248 lbs – 4.44

Commish’s Take: The Raiders have a need at outside linebacker, and let’s face it, they’d love an outside linebacker at 248 lbs who runs a 4.4 40-yard dash.

17 (49). Jacksonville Jaguars – Stefan Wisniewski – OC/OG – Penn St.
6’3’’ – 313 lbs – 5.35

Commish’s Take: The Jaguars could use a leader at the center position. Wisniewski has the skill set to step in and solidify the Jaguars interior offensive line.

18 (50). San Diego Chargers – Christian Ballard – DE – Iowa
6’4’’ – 283 lbs – 4.80

Commish’s Take: Ballard was unblockable at the senior bowl and a solid late 2nd round pick. Ballard is a good fit at end in a 3-4 defense.

19 (51). Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jabaal Sheard – DE – Pitt
6’3’’ – 264 lbs – 4.69

Commish’s Take: Following their lead from 2010, the Bucs go back-to-back defensive linemen again. A combination of Jordan and Sheard could be fun to watch. If they decide to grab another end later like Greg Romeus, the Bucs could look to address linebacker or get someone with speed for their offense. You’ll notice a run on speed receivers here to end the 2nd round.

20 52). New York Giants – Bruce Carter – LB – North Carolina
6’2’’ – 241 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take: Carter’s health is a big worry right now. Some say he might have to start his NFL career on the PUP list. When healthy, Carter is a top notch linebacker, but not many teams want damaged goods.

21 53). Indianapolis Colts – Brandon Harris – CB – Miami
5’9’’ – 191 lbs – 4.51

Commish’s Take: Harris is an excellent fit for a “Tampa 2” type defense. He is excellent in zone coverage and a very good tackler.

22 54). Philadelphia Eagles – Jason Pinkston – OT/OG – Pitt.
6’3’’ – 317 lbs – 5.47

Commish’s Take: You know Andy Reid is getting an offensive lineman, so why not someone close to home. Pinkston can play guard or tackle.

23 55). Kansas City Chiefs – Marcus Cannon – OT – TCU
6’5’’ – 358 lbs – 5.26

Commish’s Take: The Chiefs were one of the best teams running the football last year behind a patchwork offensive line. Cannon is a massive lineman that can play guard or tackle.

24 (56). New Orleans Saints – Stephen Paea – DT – Oregon St.
6’1’’ – 303 lbs – DNP

Commish’s Take: Paea was the strongest player at the combine and would pair up nice with Sedrick Ellis.

25 (57). Seattle Seahawks – Ryan Williams – RB – Va. Tech
5’9’’ – 212 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take: Williams is a special back that, when healthy, is as talented as any back in this draft. He should be an excellent fit for the Seahawks west coast offense.

26 (58). Baltimore Ravens – Titus Young – WR – Boise St.
5’11’’ – 174 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take: The Ravens patience pays off. Recent reports have Young slipping. The Ravens need speed on offense and Young has plenty of that.

27 (59). Atlanta Falcons – Jerrel Jernigan – WR – Troy
5’9’’ – 185 lbs – 4.46

Commish’s Take: Harry Douglas has been a disappointment so the Falcons need an answer. The Falcons have shown extra attention to Troy university, so Jernigan seems to be a natural target.

28 (60). New England Patriots – Randall Cobb – WR – Kentucky
5’10’’ – 191 lbs – 4.46

Commish’s Take: Cobb’s a good fit for the Patriots with his good route running, shiftiness, and speed.

29 (61). San Diego Chargers (via NYJ) – Jordan Cameron – TE – USC
6’5’’ – 254 lbs – 4.59

Commish’s Take: I think the Chargers need some insurance in case Antonio Gates gets injured again. Cameron is a receiving tight end in the Gates mold.

30 (62). Chicago Bears – Greg Little – WR – North Carolina
6’3’’ – 231 lbs – 4.53

Commish’s Take: Reports have Little dropping to the 4th round because of his attitude and character concerns, but he has a lot of talent. If teams saw what the Bucs got with Mike Williams in the 4th round last year, these teams might be more willing to take a chance earlier this year.

31 (63). Pittsburgh Steelers – Curtis Marsh – CB – Utah St.
6’0’’ – 197 lbs – 4.52

Commish’s Take: Curtis Marsh is a solid corner who could thrive in man coverage with the Steelers.

32 (64). Green Bay Packers – Drake Nevis – DT – LSU
6’1’’ – 294 lbs – 5.07

Commish’s Take: Justin Harrell never worked out and Cullin Jenkins is a free agent. Nevis is an underrated prospect that I think would be a very nice selection to close out the 2nd round.

15 Responses to “Mock Draft III”

  1. Weneeddefense Says:

    Well done.

    I like both of those picks for the Bucs. And I agree that Domain should go ahead and double up at DE this year much like DT last. It really is a win win… one should pan out and the other could very well become a good backup… or getting lucky, we could have both become pro bowlers.

    I wouldn’t mind a LB either.

  2. Capt. Troll killer Tim Says:

    If that is our first two picks, I’d be pretty happy. I think Jordan is a top 15 pick at this point. I agree with you about trading up. I think the Bucs are committed to getting a Franchise DE in this draft, and will trade up to around the 11th spot to do so. I think Quinn is a real possibility. Bowers not so much, but still a Tampa kinda guy.

  3. td32 Says:

    The lack of free agency prior to the draft hurts the Bucs. They could address their weakness at DE by going the FA route and go BPA in the draft. Without FA, their hand is being forced.

  4. Weneeddefense Says:

    Oh yeah, almost forgot, Justin Polowoski = Chris Pratt from Parks and Recreation

  5. Pete Dutcher Says:

    @td32
    Would not have happened anyway. Except for the rare occasions, the Bucs usually wait until after the draft to go after free agents. It’s only when they see a “must have” guy that they do it sooner. Faine was a good example.

    @Justin
    Is there anyway you can tell us what positions you think the Bucs will go after with each pick (thru entire draft)? I don’t expect you to predict who of course, but would be awesome to see your opinion on the positions.

  6. Jimmy Says:

    Would be very happy with Jordan & Sheard.

  7. Architek79 Says:

    I really like both of these picks because we are in a can’t lose position by getting two of the same position. This takes advantage of the strength of this draft and increases the percentage that we don’t inherit a bust 4 years from now.

  8. td32 Says:

    @Pete, while I understand your sentiment, my statement came from sources with the Bucs.

  9. jvato24 Says:

    Jabaal Sheard is rumored to be moving towards being a late first round/ early second round player .. I dont beleive he will be there in the late 2nd round.

    Also .. With Dominik coming under criticism about character flaws Im not so sure he jumps on a guy like Sheard who was arrested for fighting in public and throwing a guy through a store window after police tried to stop him. Barely similar to Blount last year.

    Also after Martez Wilson ran a fast 40 time and went from 2nd round player to 1st round player scouts have said his Pro-Day was absolutely terrible. Google it if you dont believe me .. I dont buy Wilson in the first round.

    Im sure Gruden and Allen would have been Giddy by his 40 time … This regime is not Gruden and Allen and Wilson sounds like a Sabby Piscitelli type of player to me .. Speed and looks with no football instincts

    Otherwise most of the draft could play out this way.

  10. Architek79 Says:

    I would like to see more film on Romeus and Sheard because if these guys are so beasty I would have heard more about them. Pitt is a well-known program.

  11. bucyea Says:

    Architek…you must not watch much college football. Romeus was a BEAST in 2009, single-handedly took over the game in Pitt’s bowl game that year.

  12. Apple Roof Cleaning Says:

    Good Job Justin, but Carolina may spoil things. They have no second round pick, and are rumored to be trading out of the number one slot. Don’t be so sure about Tampa taking a defensive end, especially with Pat Kirwan reporting Ruud will be gone this year. I see Tampa picking the best available defensive player or offensive lineman at our spot.

  13. Weneeddefense Says:

    Screw an offensive lineman.

  14. The White Tiger Says:

    So let me get this straight…we’re going to draft a 5 technique left end in the first round, and a questionable RDE in the 2nd…?

    Why would we rebuild the interior of the line with very quick one gap guys, and a classic undertackle…only to draft a cable car at RDE?

    We aren’t a 3-4 defense – so we don’t need a 5 technique. He may be quick, but he can’t turn the corner and he’s NOT an edge rusher – not a single evaluator thinks so – if you do you’ve bought the same hype that was being floated about the USC version of Mike Williams…

    Jabaal Sheard is NOT ready to start at DE, and he may never be a RDE anyway.

    If it’s not Justin Houston, Ryan Kerrigan, Adrian Clayborn or Aldon Smith…we’re not going to select a DE in the first round.

    I mean – you guys have GOT to start thinking this stuff through!?

  15. christopher Says:

    With spread offenses, et al…corners only play 15 plays a game(!?!?!?)?