Turf Show Times: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Cal RB Jahvid Best Seriously Injured, Carted Off Field

NFL Draft watch: Late Dec. Mock Draft, Picks 1-11

Updated mock from the last mock (here), which was about a month ago.  I based that draft order on how I predicted the final two games of the season for every team and calculated strength of schedule based on those predictions.  Don't say I'm not working for you.  Also keep in mind my most recent O-linemen rankings (here) and MLB rankings (here).  Mel Kiper Jr.'s hair is officially on the clock...

Star-divide

1.) Detroit (0-16) - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Well, I predicted one record correctly.  It was probably the easiest to predict.  I still think it's obvious they need a QB.  It'll be between Bradford and Matthew Stafford (Georgia).  My prediction in the last mock of Oklahoma making it to and winning the BCS Championship is still a possibility, and if OU does win, I think the hype behind him after that game and the Heisman will motivate the Lions to pick him.  Good luck turning that ship around.

2.) St. Louis (2-14) - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Andre Smith made his case as the best tackle in the game as a junior.  He shows all the skills you want to see out of an OT.  6'4" is a great height for an OT because it will keep him low enough to the ground not to have his leverage taken out like you see with so many taller linemen.  And his 340 lbs. should be enough, you would hope.  If you're eager to see him in the Sugar Bowl, let me take a Linehan (my new slang for dropping a #2) on that idea.  ESPN is reporting here (with extra analysis here) that Alabama coach Nick Saban has suspended Smith from playing for "improper dealings" with an agent.  It sucks because I would have loved to get one last look at him in a high-profile matchup, but, alas, it is not to be.

3.) Kansas City (2-14) - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

With Larry Johnson on his way out of Kansas City, the Chiefs need a running back for next year.  The problem is that a top-tier back that can fill Larry's shoes doesn't exist in this year's draft (I'm not sold on Knowshon Moreno as a NFL beast).  After RB, they need another WR on the Chiefs besides Dwayne Bowe (who is Louisiana greatness).  With LJ leaving and Tony Gonzalez aging, KC is going to have to rely on an aerial attack for the near future, and the trio of Mark Bradley, Will Franklin and Devard Darling (great name) will not make it happen.  And with just 10 sacks (an NFL low), the Chiefs need a pass rush threat to replace recently departed Jared Allen

4.) Seattle (4-12) - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

I think this will be the first big trade of the draft.  Seattle is in horrible shape as a franchise.  They have way too many average position units (including the big three on offense, QB, WR, & RB).  I could see them taking Eugene Monroe (OT, Virginia), but they have depth at OT.  Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace aren't a duo that inspires optimism.  They need a complete overhaul of their offense.  Oh, how the mighty fall.

5.) Cleveland (4-12) - Aaron Curry, OLB/DE, Wake Forest

Nobody's stock has risen higher in recent weeks than Curry's.  An absolute pass rush machine, Curry has size, speed and durability having played in every game as a starter in the last three years.  His pass coverage is below-average, so I could see him transitioning a la DeMarcus Ware.  Cleveland needs youth here; Willie McGinest, Cleveland's OLB, and La'Roi Glover both played before football players wore shoulder pads.  They could trade down to fill some offensive needs since Jamal Lewis will be 30 in August, their line wasn't too effective despite Joe Thomas' great play, and the Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn ordeal is yet to yield a real answer.  How bad was it?  Cleveland scored a whopping total of 31 points in their final 6 games of the season.  Paging Mike Martz...

6.) Cincinnati (4-11-1) - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

I still think the Bengals have to snag Maclin here.  If not, we might see some interesting names at WR for Cincy next year.  (My pick for best WR name: the Browns' Syndric Steptoe.  Sounds like something out of one of them Harry Potter books).  They could go for a CB here as well, meaning either Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio St.) or Vontae Davis (Illinois).

7.) Oakland (5-11) - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.

Will the Raiders ever get a decent receiver again?  Not this year.  Nothing really available unnless they want to stretch for Florida's Percy Harvin.  Nnamdi Asomugha is as good as gone, and they'll need a top CB to replace him as he is arguably the best CB in the NFL.  Jenkins could lessen the blow of Aso's departure.  (another good name can be found on Oakland's D-line: Greyson Gunheim.  Sounds like a hero in an old western)

8.) Jacksonville (5-11) - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

What a disappointing year for the Jags.  Monroe gives them an immediate upgrade on the O-line, something the Jags desperately need.  They could also use a WR, but like Oakland, I doubt they'll stretch so far for Harvin.  Of course both could trade down...

9.) Green Bay Packers (6-10) - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.

Green Bay's below-average pass rush gets an injection of youth and speed with Maybin.  Linebacker U.'s best pass rusher in ages could be the next Dwight Freeney.  I can't wait to see how he does at the combine, especially in comparison to Everette Brown (Florida St.) and Brian Orakpo (Texas).

10.) San Francisco 49ers (7-9) - Everette Brown, DE, Florida St.

The 49ers won 7 games.  Amazing.  What are they going to do at QB?  Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan, and Alex Smith make for a dilemma of mediocrity.  Do they jump for Mark Sanchez?  I sure hope so.  If they can keep their sanity through this pick, though, I think they make it back-to-back defensive ends by selecting EB.  Notice how many teams need a WR?

11.) Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Robert Royal isn't cutting it for the Bills.  The former LSU pick doesn't get many looks from J.P. Losman or Trent Edwards.  They could bolster the O-line here as well with Michael Oher (Ole Miss), whose stock has dropped like the S&P 500, or Jason Smith (Baylor).

 

Will any of these be on point?  Probably.  Hurry up and discuss; only four months left!

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Turf Show Times

Official TST nicknames: Steven Jackson

May 2009 by 3k - 20 comments

2010 prospect watch - May 16th

May 2009 by 3k - 7 comments

Comments

Display:

I think 11

is high for a tight end. I also don’t think Crabtree will go quite that high. Of course, I don’t know anything. The Rams have so many needs, I hope they just draft the best player available (although not a running back). Just go get the highest guy on your board and figure out where he fits in later.

by Toddius on Dec 30, 2008 4:54 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

"That high?"

It’s damn near as high as you get, so it’s definitely possible. I would be very surprised if both KC and Seattle pass on him with such obvious need for a WR

Jay Zygmunt, now that you are going to fire yourself...have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

by 3k on Dec 30, 2008 5:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with you about Seattle's situation

My biggest frustration with this season, besides all the blowouts, was losing TWICE to that horrible team…if the Rams do nothing else in ’09, they have to finish ahead of Seattle.

by tbell61 on Dec 31, 2008 8:36 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

I see it as a near certainty

With the momentum we should have going into 2009 and the age that continues to pile up in Seattle, they will be the worst team in the division. I don’t see how we lose both again next year.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you are going to fire yourself...have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

by 3k on Dec 31, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Granted OL is a priority

and Andre is a beast – but I still think that QB needs to be a priority over the next two drafts. If Bradford and Stafford both come out and the and Det takes one of them then I truly think the Rams need to consider taking the other unless
A) They feel that there is a “better” get for them at QB next year.
B) They have another QB targeted that is high enough on Devaneys drafnik list that he feels is a good pick in Rd 2-4 and feels very strongly about ability to start in the NFL (seeings how any QB drafted will be behind Bulger for 09)
-or-
C) Both are out and someone really wants to trade up to get one of them and we can generate more picks to help build (Draft is very heavy with OL and LB with solid Secondary prospects as well).

Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!

by gorams77 on Jan 1, 2009 12:12 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

There are some deeper QBs in this draft

and of course there will be some options next year. I would still give Bulger another year before bringing in a kid for him to tutor.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you are going to fire yourself...have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

by 3k on Jan 1, 2009 12:38 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Then you are talking about

options A and B – which I’m cool with if the organization has a plan at QB past Bulger in 09. I just have this feeling that they are not concerned about QB because they feel Bulger is their man still….

Outfielders For Sale! This weeks special...GMJ - see Tony for details!

by gorams77 on Jan 1, 2009 10:00 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about St. Louis Rams.
Start posting about the Rams »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

St-louis-cardinals_small
The State of the Team

Recent FanPosts

Small
O-line grades
Ricky_prohel_small
Please thank Mike Karney and the offensive line for their job this season
Peter_small
Sent SJAX An "Honorable Tweet" + Shower Loofa
Dsc03827_small
A Link to the Jim Rome Radio Show
Images
The Draft
Images
Keys for success (with Boom Boom Pow help)
Saved_small
we here alot about the draft but...
Peter_small
Special Teams May Shine Today - Amendola
Ricky_prohel_small
If you really think about it, the Rams receivers aren't "that" bad
Small
Why our WRs are not Good

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Latest NFL Headlines from SB Nation

Blogging The Boys
Pickin' & Grinnin' Week Nine
Mile High Report
Scouting Terrence Cody
Battle Red Blog
Ryan Moats Will Start Against The Colts

Cover the web with Turf

Add a little Turf to your internet!

Become a fan of TST on Facebook.

Follow TST and talk more Rams on Twitter.


Managers

Turfshowtimes_small VanRam

Editors

Spags_victory_small 3k

Authors

340x_small kevinramsfan

Wildcat_small Tackle Box

Uncleface_small taiko

Small ram_rod

Dsc03827_small CoachConnors