Feel free to print out this mock draft and use it to call Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski a moron — or a genius — on Sunday. It’s The Commish’s final mock draft. Great reading on this draft-day afternoon. Remember, The Commish is on WDAE-AM 620 tonight through the entire first round and expects to be the first to interview Mark Dominik and the newest Buccaneer, if the Bucs don’t trade the pick away.
Enjoy!
By JUSTIN PAWLOWSKI
1st Round
1. Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton – QB – Auburn
6’5’’ – 248 lbs – 4.59
Needs: CB, DT, DE, WR, QB
Commish’s Take: It’s looking more and more clear that Cam Newton will be the first pick in the draft. He has all the ability, and if he does reach his potential, the NFC would end up with the best collective group of starting quarterbacks in the NFL.
2. Broncos – Marcell Dareus – DT – Alabama
6’3’’ – 319 lbs – 4.92
Needs: DT, DE, CB, S, TE
Commish’s Take: Dareus is the top defensive tackle in the draft and the massive player John Fox likes in the middle of his defensive line. With a transition back to a 4-3 defense, it’s imperative that the Broncos find some defensive tackles since they currently only have 2 on their roster.
3. Buffalo Bills – Von Miller – OLB – Texas A&M
6’3’’ – 246 lbs – 4.49
Needs: DE, QB, WR, LB
Commish’s Take: I think the Bills would take Newton with this pick, but I think they’d pass on Gabbert. I don’t think Gabbert has the downfield accuracy to be successful in Chan Gailey’s offense. The Bills are desperate for help on the front 7 of their defense. Von Miller is the top hybrid linebacker in this draft and should make the Bills forget about Aaron Maybin.
4. Cincinnati Bengals – AJ Green – WR – Georgia
6’4’’ – 211 lbs – 4.50
Needs: WR, QB, DT
Commish’s Take: I’m of the belief that the Bengals aren’t sold on Gabbert and would rather get a quarterback at the top of round 2. Green is the top receiver in this draft and the top receiver to come out in a few years. He would immediately upgrade what was once a depleted receiving corps.
5 . Arizona Cardinals – Patrick Peterson – CB – LSU
6’0’’ – 219 lbs – 4.34
Needs: OLB, CB, OT, QB
Commish’s Take: There are a lot of rumors from every newspaper in Arizona that the Cardinals will be going defense in the 1st round. Well, with Gabbert off the board, there’s really no discussion. The big debate for the Cardinals is whether to draft a hybrid defensive end or maybe the best player in the draft. Peterson has been hyped as one of the best corners to come out in a long time. With Dominique Rogers-Cromartie on the other side, the Cardinals would be very tough to pass against.
6. Cleveland Browns – Julio Jones – WR – Alabama
6’3’’ – 220 lbs – 4.39
Needs: WR, DE, OLB, TE, NT
Commish’s Take: With defensive line being so deep in this draft, I think the Browns can wait to address their major need there and address their big need on the offensive side of the ball. Jones is a freak as a receiver and gives the Browns a true number 1 wide out.
7. San Francisco 49ers – Prince Amukamara – CB – Nebraska
6’0’’ – 206 lbs – 4.43
Needs: QB, DE, OLB, CB, S
Commish’s Take: It seems like the 49ers are pretty focused on Peterson, but if he isn’t available, would the 49ers draft Blaine Gabbert, a rush linebacker, or still get a corner. I think that they have pinpointed what they think is a major need on their team. Amukamara is a physical corner that can run with most wide outs. Nate Clements and Amukamara would be a very nice pair of corners.
8. Tennessee Titans – Blaine Gabbert – QB – Missouri
6’4’’ – 234 lbs – 4.62
Needs: DT, CB, QB, OG
Commish’s Take: Because of other teams hesitations, the Titans get their quarterback of the future. Gabbert has been touted as the most NFL-ready quarterback in this draft. With Vince Young gone, there is little doubt that the Titans will grab a quarterback in either of the first 2 rounds.
9. Dallas Cowboys – JJ Watt – DE – Wisconsin
6’5’’ – 290 lbs – 4.82
Needs: DE, OT, OG, CB, S
Commish’s Take: I thought a lot about this pick with the Cowboys having such a need along their offensive line. However, offensive tackle is deep this year, so I decided to have them go with an ideal fit as an end in their 3-4 defense. Watt has a huge frame and is a great athlete. He should be a major upgrade over Marcus Spears.
10. Washington Redskins – Ryan Mallett – QB – Arkansas
6’7’’ – 253 lbs – 5.50
Needs: QB, WR, DE, OLB
Commish’s Take: I know I’m in the minority here, but what fun is a mock draft if you don’t take some risks? I know that Mallett has some questionable character, but he is the best passer and probably the best overall quarterback in this draft. He can read defenses, has a strong arm, has accuracy to all parts of the field, and played in a pro-style offense at Arkansas. Kyle Shanahan, now the offensive coordinator with his dad in Washington, was the offensive coordinator in Houston when the Texans had a great offense with Matt Schaub as the quarterback. Mallett might not have much mobility, but neither does Schaub. It’s a wildcard, but I expect some crazy stuff to happen.
11. Houston Texans – Robert Quinn – DE – North Carolina
6’4’’ – 265 lbs – 4.70
Needs: OLB, DE, CB, WR
Commish’s Take: Quinn has some question marks like missing all of last season or a benign tumor on his brain, but if he falls to the Texans, I think they’d take him in a heartbeat. Quinn would move to outside linebacker in Wade Phillips 3-4 defense and be used the same way DeMarcus Ware was in Dallas.
12. Minnesota Vikings – Jake Locker – QB – Washington
6’2’’ – 231 lbs – 4.59
Needs: QB, DE, OT, OG
Commish’s Take: The Vikings are like the Redskins. They’re in no man’s land. If they pass on a quarterback in the first round, they have no guarantees that one will be available in round 2. Locker has great athleticism, mobility, and a great arm. He just doesn’t have any accuracy. It is possible that the Vikings might view Locker as a young Brett Favre, which would fit their new offense with Bill Musgrave very well.
13. Detroit Lions – Anthony Castonzo – OT – Boston College
6’7’’ – 311 lbs – 5.23
Needs: OT, CB, OLB, DE
Commish’s Take: The Lions have needs at right tackle and left tackle. Let’s also not forget how beat up their franchise quarterback has been. The Lions need to protect their investment. Castonzo has a ton of experience and projects very well to left tackle in the NFL.
14. St. Louis Rams – Nick Fairley – DT – Auburn
6’4’’ – 291 – 4.87
Needs: WR, TE, DE, DT
Commish’s Take: Once you get past the Titans, there just aren’t a lot of teams that need a defensive tackle until this pick. Fairley has some definite character issues that are also playing a factor. Everyone else’s mistake is the Rams gain. Fairley fits in very well with Steve Spagnuolo’s system and has the potential to thrive for a long time.
15. Miami Dolphins – Mike Pouncey – OG/OC – Florida
6’5’’ – 303 lbs – 5.28
Needs: RB, OT, NT, QB
Commish’s Take: Running back has been the popular choice here, but I think the Dolphins can get running backs later in this draft and in free agency. I think the Dolphins will try like hell to trade down and acquire extra draft picks. If they can’t trade back, they will probably look to Improve the interior of their offensive line. Pouncey could step in and play guard or center for the Dolphins and help open lanes for whoever is running the ball.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Aldon Smith – DE – Missouri
6’4’’ – 263 lbs – 4.78
Needs: DE, OLB, S, WR, OG
Commish’s Take: I know Jack Del Rio has been looking for defensive ends for a long time, but Aldon Smith might finally be his answer. Smith is skilled at getting to the quarterback and has been compared to DeMarcus Ware.
17. N. E. Patriots (via OAK) – Cameron Jordan – DE – Cal.
6’4’’ – 287 lbs – 4.78
Needs: DE, OLB, WR, RB, OL
Commish’s Take: For a team that was as good as the Patriots last year, they sure do have a lot of needs. Jordan is a very good fit at end in the Patriots 3-4 defense. Jordan has great character, a great work ethic, and very good bloodlines.
18. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Kerrigan – DE – Purdue
6’4’’ – 267 lbs – 4.71
Needs: LB, DE, RT, WR
Commish’s Take: Although I don’t think that Kerrigan is a good fit as an outside linebacker, the Chargers have spent a lot of time scouting him and it wouldn’t shock me if he was the pick here. The Chargers have major needs at multiple linebacker positions.
19. New York Giants – Tyron Smith – OT – USC
6’5’’ – 307 lbs – DNP
Needs: OT, MLB, OG
Commish’s Take: Smith starts to slip a little like Winston Justice did a few years back, but with a need at offensive tackle, the Giants gladly take him. I think that Smith might fall just because of him only being 20 years old and still having a learning curve for the NFL. I’m not sure he’ll be ready to step in and play right away.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson
6’3’’ – 280 lbs – DNP
Needs: DE, LB, CB, OT, OG
Commish’s Take: Boy, I was really torn with this pick. On one hand, I, along with many, have viewed Bowers as one of the top 5 players in this draft before his knee concerns. On the other hand, there are those knee concerns. I’m gonna roll the dice here just because Bowers potential is way too good to pass up here for a team that needs a defensive end. I think the Bucs will also strongly consider and offensive tackle or Mark Ingram, and both are more realistic picks than you might think. I do think that most of the other defensive ends like Ryan Kerrigan or Cameron Jordan would be selected over Bowers here, but they are all off the board.
21. Kansas City Chiefs – Phil Taylor – NT – Baylor
6’3’’ – 334 lbs – 5.20
Needs: OLB, NT, OT, WR, OG
Commish’s Take: A great 3-4 defense starts with a big and nasty nose tackle in the middle of the defensive line. The Chiefs have not had that. Taylor is big and mean, and could take the Chiefs defense to the next level.
22. Indianapolis Colts – Gabe Carimi – OT – Wisconsin
6’7’’ – 314 lbs – 5.27
Needs: OL, CB, LB
Commish’s Take: Bill Polian said that he regretted not taking an offensive tackle in last year’s draft. He’s not making that mistake again. The Colts have also stated that tey would like to get a more consistent run game. Carimi can help with both.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Jimmy Smith – CB – Colorado
6’2’’ – 211 lbs – 4.46
Needs: CB, OT, OG, OLB
Commish’s Take: Sure, character is a concern, but Smith’s skills are awesome. He is very good in press and man coverage. If he keeps himself out of trouble, Smith could be a star for the Eagles.
24. New Orleans Saints – Cameron Heyward – DE – Ohio St.
6’5’’ – 294 lbs – DNP
Needs: DE, OLB, DT
Commish’s Take: The last time the Saints drafted a Heyward with the 24th pick in the draft was in 1988 when they selected Craig “Ironhead” Heyward who just happens to be Cameron Heyward’s father. The Saints have a big need at the end position opposite of Will Smith. Heyward is a great fit for Gregg Williams blitz scheme as he is strong enough to play the run, rush the passer, and take on multiple blockers.
25. Seattle Seahawks – Adrian Clayborn – DE – Iowa
6’3’’ – 281 lbs – 4.81
Needs: QB, OG, DE, DT, CB
Commish’s Take: At first I thought the Seahawks might go with a quarterback, but now I’m starting to think they’ll try and trade down or grab a defensive player. Clayborn has his issues and red flags, but is still a good player.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Muhammad Wilkerson – DE – Temple
6’4’’ – 315 lbs – 4.96
Needs: CB, WR(speed), OC, S, DE
Commish’s Take: The Ravens need some insurance for Corey Redding who will become a free agent next year. Wilkerson might be a project, but he has a ton of potential. Wilkerson’s big frame and athleticism should be a nice fit with the Ravens defense.
27. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Rudolph – TE – Notre Dame
6’6’’ – 260 lbs – 4.80
Needs: DT, DE, WR, TE
Commish’s Take: I think defensive end is a real possibility, but with Tony Gonzalez already talking retirement, it makes sense to grab Rudolph here. Rudolph has received comparisons to Rob Gronkowski and Heath Miller. He should develop a nice chemistry with Matt Ryan.
28. New England Patriots – Akeem Ayers – OLB – UCLA
6’2’’ – 254 lbs – 4.80
Needs: see above
Commish’s Take: The Patriots need a rush off the edge. Ayers is a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense. He is big and shows good explosion. He is also a true linebacker, so there is no worry of his transitioning from end to a new position. He knows how to drop into coverage and how to play standing up.
29. Chicago Bears – Marvin Austin – DT – North Carolina
6’2’’ – 309 lbs – 4.90
Needs: OT, OG, WR, DT
Commish’s Take: I think Austin could be a sleeper in this draft even if he’s a first round selection. Austin could end up dominating in the NFL. Being suspended for the entire 2010 season will drop him, but he is still a beast and fills a big need for the Bears.
30. New York Jets – Brooks Reed – OLB – Arizona
6’2’’ – 263 lbs – 4.68
Needs: NT, DE, CB, WR
Commish’s Take: The Jets need a pass rusher, and at first I thought Justin Houston, but his positive drug test at the combine will drop him. I think Brooks Reed is a good player, but not great. He’ll be overdrafted, but is a good fit for the Jets defense.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Danny Watkins – OG – Baylor
6’3’’ – 310 lbs – 5.40
Needs: CB, OT, OG
Commish’s Take: With the other Pouncey off the board, the Steelers can still address their guard position. Watkins is one of the older players in this draft, 26, but is very physical and balanced as an offensive lineman.
32. Green Bay Packers – Derek Sherrod – OT – Miss. St.
6’5’’ – 321 lbs – 5.28
Needs: OT, DE, OLB
Commish’s Take: The Packers could use a defensive lineman or linebacker, but Sherrod would sure up their offensive tackle positions for a long time after drafting Bryan Bulaga last year. Sherrod is a better pass blocker than run blocker, but is very athletic and agile.
Round 2:
1 (33). N. E. Patriots (via CAR) – Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama
5’9’’ – 215 lbs – 4.62
Commish’s Take: Ingram slips to round 2, but is pounced on by the Patriots. Ingram is a good back, but slips because of a lack of needs for a running back and the fact he’s not that flashy.
2 (34). Buffalo Bills – Christian Ponder – QB – FSU
6’2’’ – 229 lbs – 4.65
Commish’s Take: Ponder’s an excellent fit for Chan Gailey’s offense. He should be a great leader for their young offense.
3 (35). Cincinnati Bengals – Andy Daulton – QB – TCU
6’2’’ – 215 lbs – 4.87
Commish’s Take: I think the Bengals might be targeting Ponder or Daulton. Both are good fits in Jay Gruden’s west coast offense.
4 (36). Denver Broncos – Aaron Williams – CB – Texas
6’0’’ – 204 lbs – 4.51
Commish’s Take: Williams can play corner or safety. The Broncos need both.
5 (37). Cleveland Browns – Corey Liuget – DT – Illinois
6’2’’ – 298 lbs – 4.99
Commish’s Take: With a transition to a 4-3 defense, the Browns need defensive lineman. Liuget can step right in and start for the Browns and is a better fit in a 4-3 defense.
6 (38). Arizona Cardinals – Justin Houston – DE – Georgia
6’3’’ – 270 lbs – 4.68
Commish’s Take: Houston will slip due to his positive drug test from the combine, but his athletic ability, size, and speed will be just too much for the pass-rush needy Cardinals to pass up.
7. (39). Tennessee Titans – Stephen Paea – DT – Oregon St.
6’1’’ – 303 lbs – DNP
Commish’s Take: The Titans are taking a different approach to their defensive line now. A powerful and strong monster like Paea should fit just fine.
8 (40). Dallas Cowboys – Nate Solder – OT – Colorado
6’8’’ – 307 lbs – 5.05
Commish’s Take: Solder slips just a bit, but the Cowboys capitalize. Solder could end up starting immediately with Doug Free scheduled for free agency.
9 (41). Washington Redskins – Greg Little – WR – North Carolina
6’3’’ – 231 lbs – 4.53
Commish’s Take: I think Little is a hell of a recever and will get drafted higher than most people think. The Redskins better watch out for bad character. I have them taking Ryan Mallett and Greg Little in the first two rounds.
10 (42). Houston Texans – Brandon Harris – CB – Miami
5’10’’ – 191 lbs – 4.51
Commish’s Take: After getting their pass rusher in the first round, the Texans must address their secondary. Harris is a better fit for zone, but can play some man coverage. His athletic ability should stand out to Wade Phillips.
11(43). Minnesota Vikings – Jabaal Sheard – DE – Pitt
6’3’’ – 264 lbs – 4.69
Commish’s Take: With Ray Edwards about to hit free agency, the Vikings need a defensive end. Sheard is a pass rushing specialist that is used to playing left DE at Pitt.
12 (44). Detroit Lions – Ras-I Dowling – CB – Virginia
6’1’’ – 198 lbs – 4.46
Commish’s Take: Other than offensive tackle, the Lions other glaring need is at cornerback. Dowling has a great blend of size and speed. He’s also a hell of a ball hawk.
13 (45). San Francisco 49ers – Colin Kaepernick – QB – Nevada
6’5’’ – 233 lbs – 4.53
Commish’s Take: The 49ers stay patient and still get the athletic Kaepernick to fall into their lap. Kaepernick is a project, but could pay off if the 49ers develop him slowly.
14 (46). Denver Broncos (via MIA) – Mikel Leshoure – RB – Illinois
6’0’’ – 227 lbs – 4.59
Commish’s Take: In Carolina, John Fox’s offense was at its best when DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart were paired together. A pairing of Knowshon Moreno and Leshoure would be very inticing.
15 (47). St. Louis Rams – Jonathon Baldwin – WR – Pitt.
6’4’’ – 228 lbs – 4.43
Commish’s Take: There might not be a team in the NFL with as desperate of a need for a wide receiver as the Rams. Baldwin is big and fast, but has some questionable character.
16 (48). Oakland Raiders – Martez Wilson – LB – Illinois
6’4’’ – 250 lbs – 4.49
Commish’s Take: What did Wilson run at the combine? What’s his size? Isn’t that enough for Al Davis?
17 (49). Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Foster – OLB – Washington
6’1’’ – 245 lbs – 4.75
Commish’s Take: Foster’s fiery leadership and versatility will be very attractive to Jack Del Rio.
18 (50). San Diego Chargers – James Carpenter – OT – Alabama
6’4’’ – 321 lbs – 5.28
Commish’s Take: With a need at right tackle, the Chargers get Carpenter as a great fit. Keep an eye on Carpenter’s stock possibly going up.
19 (51). Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Allen Bailey – DE – Miami
6’3’’ – 285 lbs – 4.77
Commish’s Take: This might be too obvious after what they did last year, but why not grab two defensive ends to pair with the two defensive tackles from last year. Bailey is raw, but has a ton of God-given ability.
20 (52). New York Giants – Bruce Carter – LB – North Carolina
6’2’’ – 241 lbs – DNP
Commish’s Take: Carter is a top 10 talent, but will drop due to a torn ACL. If the Giants are patient, Carter could be the steal of the draft.
21 (53). Indianapolis Colts – Rahim Moore – S – UCLA
6’0’’ – 202 lbs – 4.62
Commish’s Take: The Colts were finally forced to cut ties with Bob Sanders. Moore is the top safety in this class and has very good ball skills in coverage.
22 (54). Philadelphia Eagles – Benjamin Ijalana – OT – Villanova
6’4’’ – 317 lbs – DNP
Commish’s Take: The Eagles have needs at guard and tackle. Ijalana plays both positions. Ijalana is physical, but also very light on his feet.
23 (55). Kansas City Chiefs – Stefan Wisniewski – OC/OG – Penn St.
6’3’’ – 313 lbs – 5.35
Commish’s Take: The Chiefs must start addressing the rest of their offensive line. Wisniewski could be the next Chiefs center to start for 10 years.
24 (56). New Orleans Saints – Dontay Moch – OLB – Nevada
6’1’’ – 248 lbs – 4.44
Commish’s Take: I think Moch could be making his way back into the 2nd round. He’s a good fit at outside linebacker for the Saints with his fantastic ability in getting to the quarterback.
25 (57). Seattle Seahawks – Ryan Williams – RB – Va. Tech
5’9’’ – 212 lbs – 4.61
Commish’s Take: Williams might end up being the most talented back in this draft. If he stays healthy, he would be a great fit with his speed and excellent hands in the Seahawks new west- coast offense.
26 (58). Baltimore Ravens – Titus Young – WR – Boise St.
5’11’’ – 174 lbs – 4.53
Commish’s Take: The Ravens have a need for speed on offense. Young is a big time playmaker who will bring life to a lifeless offense.
27 (59). Atlanta Falcons – Jerrel Jernigan – WR – Troy
5’9’’ – 185 lbs – 4.46
Commish’s Take: The Falcons have been all over Jernigan’s jock this off-season. He’s the big play threat that Harry Douglas never was.
28 (60). New England Patriots – Randall Cobb – WR – Kentucky
5’10’ – 191 lbs – 4.46
Commish’s Take: Cobb’s ability to run good routes and ability to run after the catch would fit in nicely with the Patriots offense.
29 (61). San Diego Chargers (via NYJ) – Torrey Smith – WR – Maryland
5’11’’ – 174 lbs – 4.53
Commish’s Take: There are a lot of questions about the future of the receiver position for the Chargers. Smith brings a nice sized body and great speed to eventually replace Vincent Jackson.
30 (62). Chicago Bears – Leonard Hankerson – WR – Miami
6’2’’ – 209 lbs – 4.43
Commish’s Take: Hankerson is a solid receiver with a nice blend of size and speed. I think he might be a little underrated and could thrive in Mike Martz’s offense.
31 (63). Pittsburgh Steelers – Johnny Patrick – CB – Louisville
5’1’’ – 191 lbs – 5.55
Commish’s Take: Patrick is a physical corner who can play bump and man, while also being solid in zone coverage.
32 (64). Green Bay Packers – Christian Ballard – DE – Iowa
6’4’’ – 283 lbs – 4.80
Commish’s Take: Ballard will slip due to his positive drug test at the combine, but is a good replacement for the departing Cullen Jenkins.
Joe and NFL Draft guru Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski, of WDAE-AM 620, have hooked up with the good folks at Courtside Grille in Tampa (Westchase) for a draft party on Friday kicking off at 6 p.m, although The Commish says he’ll be there at 5:30 to talk football and start drinking beer. 
Adrian Clayborn passed his first Buccaneer interview with flying colors.
Now Joe must say up front here that he’s leaving room for the possibility that he just heard Raheem Morris incorrectly, but Raheem’s comment made Joe laugh and it’s likely Raheem really said it, so Joe’s going with it.
Call this Joe’s last word before the Round 1 of the draft.
Continuing to pound the drum today that his insider sources tell him the Bucs will cut Aqib Talib soon, Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud also sounded the alarm to Bucs fans that Barrett Ruud will be part of the Bucs’ future.
