You know we are getting close to draft day when we starting breaking out Thursday Morning Guest Mock Drafts. This is the first official Guest Mock of the year and the honor goes to first time DraftSeason contributor Tyler Rucker. Tyler wastes no time throwing a wrench in the top 10 picks with the Browns grabbing a receiver not named Watkins. Also on the defensive side of the ball we watch as 3 safeties come off the board in the first 32 picks…. soak in all the glory below and check back next week for our next Guest Mock.
By Tyler Rucker | @Tyler_rucker
*No trades predicted
1) Houston Texans – Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
As NFL fans, we should all be hoping the Texans take Jadeveon Clowney. Why you ask? Because being able to witness a Defensive Line featuring Clowney and JJ Watt would be an incredible experience to watch. Sadly I do not think that is the way Houston is leaning. Although I have Teddy Bridgewater as my #1 QB, even after his “mediocre” pro day, I think the Texans are quickly falling in love with Bortles. His size is very intriguing for a QB, and the dreaded “potential” word is thrown around a lot. Reports came out after Bortles’ pro day today that head coach Bill O’Brien thought the UCF star looked “Great,” just adding more fuel to the Bortles to Houston fire.
2) St. Louis Rams – Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
The Rams are sitting in a gold mine position here. On one hand they can stay and take the best player available. On the other, they are going to have plenty of suitors wanting to trade up to 2. Now I, as well as most of the Draft world, am expecting Atlanta to make a ridiculous offer to St. Louis to move up and take Clowney, but for right now let’s say that doesn’t happen. Robinson is an absolute monster, who has the early look of a potential pro bowler. He is a machine as a road blocker and blew up the combine. Look for St. Louis to take Robinson here unless they get an offer they cannot refuse. Wild card here…Sammy Watkins.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars – Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Jacksonville and Head Coach Gus Bradley have had a very sneaky good offseason so far especially in Free Agency. Bradley lured some of his former Seattle players away and has the defense shaping up in a nice way. What better way to put a stamp on that then giving a defensive guru one of the most exciting defensive players in the last decade. Clowney has all the tools but needs a coach that will get the most out of him. Bradley has the attitude and knowledge to make Clowney an immediate franchise player in Jacksonville.
4) Cleveland Browns – Mike Evans, WR, Texas A & M
Say hello to the Drafts first curveball. Yes I know that Bridgewater is still on the board and every mock draft in the world thinks he would be the obvious pick here but I’m not convinced Cleveland likes Teddy at all. In fact it was reported that the Browns did not even send anyone to watch his pro day. Now it has been reported as well that the Browns are in love with Derek Carr, and prefer him to Johnny Manziel. Now I don’t see the Browns taking Carr at 4, but they have multiple picks and also hold pick 26. If they think Carr or a Jimmy G will be available at 26, could you imagine giving your rookie QB a receiving core of Josh Gordon, Mike Evans, Andrew Hawkins, and Jordan Cameron with Ben Tate out of the backfield? Yeah it starts to sound good now doesn’t it?
5) Oakland Raiders – Teddy Bridgewater QB, Louisville
Bridgewater had an “average” pro day, which in the end is going to make one team very happy if he falls. This team for now is the Oakland Raiders. Bridgewater has phenomenal pocket presence and was one of the most accurate QB’s in college football this past season. With a QB like Teddy and a Free Agency that is starting to pick up in Oakland, if Reggie Mckenzie can have a good draft, this team should be a .500 team immediately, and in that division, that is impressive.
6) Atlanta Falcons – Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
Atlanta is an interesting position here. Yes, they need help on the offensive line. Yes, they did just have a great Free Agency on the defensive line. So they could go in multiple directions here. Mack could end up being the best player in this draft. He plays with an “I want to kill everyone on the field” attitude, which teams are in love with. Adding Mack to this defense would scare some teams in the NFC, and that Falcons defense will get better in a hurry.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
What an offseason for Tampa Bay. Free Agency has been attacked aggressively by Lovie Smith and Co. With the addition of Josh McCown I actually think that they are going to pass on QB here. But here is an interesting possibility…If Sammy Watkins falls, could they pass him up? I don’t think they could, pairing up Watkins and Vincent Jackson together creates some serious weapons. The other Wild Card here… Taylor Lewan.
8) Minnesota Vikings – Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
As much as the NFL world thinks the Vikings will pounce on a QB if one falls here, I could see Mike Zimmer throwing the world a curveball and taking a defensive player here regardless. But let’s just say Manziel falls into their laps. Here lies the dilemma, Manziel might not be a great fit for Norv Turners offense, but is the Manziel temptation too much? Pairing Johnny Football with Adrian Peterson, Cordarrelle Patterson and the other weapons on that offense is very tempting…
9) Buffalo Bills – Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
It’s hard not to love this pick for Buffalo. Ebron is a freak of nature “Vernon Davis like” TE who has electric speed and can stretch the field. He is big, physical and can help out any young developing quarter back that needs receiving help. “Oh Hi EJ Manuel didn’t see you there!”
10) Detroit Lions – Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
The Lions have plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball. The problem is they need to get more playmakers in their secondary. Gilbert brings just that as well as a homerun threat in the return game. Gilbert, after a rough junior season, returned for his senior year and dominated. He shows great ball skills and attacks the ball at its highest point. He needs to work on becoming more aggressive during the run, but this would be too good of a pick to pass up for Detroit.
11) Tennessee Titans – Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
The defensive makeover has begun in Tennessee as the Titans have looked to upgrade their defense in Free Agency. With new defensive guru Ray Horton, the Titans will most likely be turning to the 3-4 which means Horton will want plenty of weapons at the linebacker position. Barr is a very raw LB prospect, but was recruited to UCLA as a running back before switching to the defensive side of the ball. After running a mid- 4.4 at his pro day, Barr’s stock is finally on the rise again. Look for Tennessee to snatch up Barr if he falls to them.
12) New York Giants – Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A & M
The Giants need as much help on the offensive line as possible, just ask Eli Manning last year. While the Offensive Linemen this year are stacked in talent, I believe that some are going to fall. New York could hit gold here if Matthews falls to them. Matthews of course is an incredible NFL bloodline and this might be the best pick ever in Eli Manning’s opinion.
13) St Louis Rams – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
As the NFC West keeps getting better, the Rams keep adding talent and closing the gap. After addressing the offensive line at 2, I believe defense will be the focus here unless the Rams are in love with a certain receiver. Clinton-Dix, besides having one of the best names in the draft, is a naturally coverage safety that will fit in perfectly in St. Louis and add to that already impressive defense.
14) Chicago Bears – Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Last season the Bears did plenty on the offensive side of the ball, now the defense line needs some help. Aaron Donald has dominated the entire draft process and it’s been a pleasure to watch. He was exceptional at the senior bowl and followed that with a great combine and a reportedly “impressive” pro day. Look for a team with defensive line needs to give Donald a serious look.
15) Pittsburgh Steelers – Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan St
This pick just makes so much sense in so many ways. Dennard was one the nation’s best cornerbacks last season, playing in Michigan States famous “No Fly Zone” secondary. At 5”11, Dennard isn’t one of the fastest cornerbacks in this year’s draft, but he is the most physical. That should be music to Mike Tomlin’s ears.
16) Dallas Cowboys – Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
Down in Dallas it has been no secret that this team has not had a playmaker in this secondary in years. Calvin Pryor has been a hot name as of late, and this pick would be perfect for that defense. Compared to a bigger “Bob Sanders” Pryor hits like a freight train and is great against the run. His coverage skills still need some work, but this would be the right pick for a defense that badly needs some help.
17) Baltimore Ravens – Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame
After resigning Eugene Monroe this offseason, the Ravens lost Michael Oher in free agency and are looking for a replacement. Not only is Martin a great fit, but he also can play multiple positions on the offensive line. After having an outstanding Senior Bowl, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Baltimore pull the trigger here.
18) New York Jets – Marquise Lee, WR, USC
Reports have come out that the New York Jets staff has been watching the USC product very closely and it looks like there is some serious interest there. Lee would be a wise selection for Gang Green as it would pair him with Eric Decker and finally give some weapons for Geno Smith or whoever is going to be taking the snaps. Remember Michael Vick is visiting NY this week so that could fuel the WR selection here even more. Wild Card here…Jace Amaro TE Texas Tech
19) Miami Dolphins – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Miami “finally” landed LT Branden Albert this offseason, but the offensive line still needs plenty of help. Lewan falling here would be incredible for the Dolphins, and while it looks unlikely, I really see one or two top Linemen falling in this draft due to the amount of depth at each position. Being able to plug Lewan at RT would finally give the Dolphins two solid options on the O-Line and allow them to piece together the rest.
20) Arizona Cardinals – Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
It’s no secret that this defense has plenty of talent, and while many people think that the Cardinals would take someone like Derek Carr here and stash him, I’m not buying it. Sure it makes sense but Arizona may elect to take someone that can come in and contribute right away at 20 and look to add a young QB later in the draft. Fuller has plenty of talent and could step in and not be pressured to be a number one Corner in this defense. With players like Patrick Peterson and the Honey Badger in this secondary, adding more pieces will only help out the Red Birds.
21) Green Bay Packers – Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame
Sure bringing back B.J. Raji helps. Sure the Julius Pepper signing was nice on paper, but the Packers can still use more help. Getting Nix III at 21 would be great value, as the Packers would now have two big bodies up the middle. Nix has had his draft stock fall a bit due to injury concerns but this pick would be worth the risk for Green Bay.
22) Philadelphia Eagles – Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
After adding Malcolm Jenkins in free agency, the Eagles still need to look to find another safety in this draft class, and Jimmie Ward might be one of my favorites. The verdict has been all over the place when it comes to Wards draft position, but I believe if a team falls in love with him they could take him in the later part of the first round. Ward has playmaking ability and in my opinion, the looks of a potential Pro Bowler.
23) Kansas City Chiefs – Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon St
Cooks draft stock is starting to heat up at the perfect time. He has often been compared to a “more polished Tavon Austin” who was an early 1st round pick last year and came on late. Cooks shows explosiveness in his game as well as crisp route running. Not only that but he is dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’d fit in perfectly with Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles.
24) Cincinnati Bengals – Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Michael Johnson left Cincinnati via Free Agency for Tampa, so what should the Bengals do? Why not find his placement? Insert Kony Ealy, someone who confuses me daily while I watch his film. At times he looks like an absolute monster, who dominates with strength and power moves on the defensive line. Consistency could be a factor, but early into my film study it looks as if Ealy has raw potential. Scouts have come out and said Ealy reminds them of a “more powerful Aldon Smith.” That type of comparison makes you go back and watch his footage a second time.
25) San Diego Chargers – Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
San Diego is a team who I think is making some very sneaky-quiet-good moves in free agency. Resigning Donald Butler was an absolute must for this defense, and the first thing the Bolts should be looking to do in the first round is upgrade the secondary, especially the Cornerbacks. San Diego say hello to Jason Verrett. Although Verrett is not prototypical size (5”9) he plays big, and shows great ball skills. I like this pick here for San Diego a lot.
26) Cleveland Browns – Derek Carr, QB, Fresno St
If things pan out right for the Browns this would be a phenomenal 1st round for them. Evans at 4, and Carr here at 26 would give the Browns some SERIOUS weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Kyle Shanahan would be able to focus on developing Carr but what better place for a rookie quarterback to go to then an offense with weapons such as Mike Evans, Ben Tate, Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. Carr would be great value here.
27) New Orleans Saints – Ryan Shazier OLB, Ohio St
The Saints shocked the entire football world in Free Agency when they through a massive contract toward the talented young safety Jarius Byrd, forming one of the best Safety combinations in the league with Kenny Vaccaro. They could still use some more talent on the defensive side of the ball and Shazier would be a great pick here. Shazier is super athletic and reportedly had a great pro day at Ohio State the past week.
28) Carolina Panthers – Odell Beckham Jr, WR, LSU
I’ll keep this one short. The 6 current receivers on the Panthers roster have a combined 5 career receptions. They need help. Odell Beckham can flat out play.
29) New England Patriots – CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama
It seems every year the Patriots take someone that makes you go “how do they get someone good to fall to them every single year?” Well I expect that to happen again this year. CJ Mosley has all the talent in the world and was the leader of the talented Alabama defense; he would fit right in for New England and take over the spot left by Free Agent Brandon Spikes who recently just signed with Buffalo.
30) San Francisco 49ers – Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
Some people might think Matthews at 30 is too early but the common misconception is this… if playoff teams like someone enough and he is an early-to-mid 2nd round pick, why wait? The 49ers are also one of the teams I expect to trade up in the first round as they are stacked with picks yet again. Matthews, the cousin of 49er great Jerry Rice (look it up) is one of my favorite WR’s in this year’s draft class. He has the size (6’3) and speed (4.4 range) to be a great fit in S.F. Not to mention he has great hands and caught 112 balls this past season for 1,477 yards.
31) Denver Broncos – Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio St
Denver has had an incredible offseason, so good in which I am convinced John Elway is secretly printing money in Denver. While they filled some big needs on the defense side of the ball this Free Agency with the signing of TJ Ward and Aqib Talib, I still believe adding depth at certain positions should be their focus. Bradley Roby is a first round talent cornerback who shows great speed. He wouldn’t be forced to come in and be a number 1 corner in Denver and could be set up for a great future here.
32) Seattle Seahawks – Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
It’s hard every year to predict what the Championship caliber teams will do at the end of the 1st round because you simply don’t know who is going to fall. Seattle has had numerous amounts of players leave their team for Free Agency so I could see them drafting defense here as well, but right now I like the possible fit of Jace Amaro. The only thing that has been missing for Russell Wilson is a solid security blanket, I could see the Seahawks going after the best possible tight end on the board, or hoping a receiver like Kelvin Benjamin falls here
The post Thursday Morning Guest Mock Draft (3/20) | Tyler Rucker appeared first on DraftSeason.