Mel Kiper's Mock Draft Update April 9th

[papazoid]

It's almost been a month since Todd McShay and I released our dual mock drafts , and a lot has changed. We've seen most of the pro days for draft-eligible players that enable them to showcase their abilities in a comfortable environment, and we've gotten the results from some of the private workouts that some of the top players have to go through for teams.

 

Below is a look at how I see the first four rounds shaking out at this point in the predraft process.

 

 

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16)

 

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia: Stafford is worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick, thanks to his overall skill set.

 

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

 

Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The OT spot is strong at the top with Smith, a former tight end who is supremely athletic and exactly what you want in a left tackle: someone you can count on to protect the blind side of your quarterback.

 

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)

 

Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: He's a complete OLB with great character and work ethic, which is why it was no surprise when he nailed his combine workout.

 

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12)

 

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: Monroe is just a shade below Jason Smith in my opinion, but is a legit top-five pick.

 

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

 

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The stress fracture in his left foot shouldn't affect his draft status. He's a big-time player who should have a Larry Fitzgerald-type career in the NFL.

 

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)

 

Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: Smith has to manage his weight in order to remain on the left side. If he doesn't, he's a mauler at right tackle who could really assist the running game and do the job at that spot in pass protection. Hopefully, he'll maximize his skills in the NFL by paying more attention to detail. If he doesn't, you're looking at a major bust.

 

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11)

 

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin will have to adjust to an NFL offense, but I really like his big-play capability and the fact that he's much more explosive with the pads on than his 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine would lead you to believe.

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

 

Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: I view Orakpo as a 4-3 end with the ability to also play on his feet in a 3-4 as an attacking outside linebacker. He is super-athletic and incredibly strong, but there is concern about his durability.

 

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10)

 

B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Raji is the top defensive tackle in this draft.

 

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9)

 

Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State: Maybin is another combo-type who is explosive out of the blocks and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback.

 

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9)

 

Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: Ayers enjoyed a solid season in the SEC and then was one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week. He ran the 40 in 4.80 at the combine, though, which could give some teams pause.

 

12. Denver Broncos (8-8)

 

Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU: Jackson would be ideal in a 3-4, thanks to his ability to shift inside in passing situations.

 

13. Washington Redskins (8-8)

 

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: Sanchez definitely is one of the top five to eight players available in this draft, and getting him here would be a bit of a steal, because had he returned to USC for his senior season, he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick.

 

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8)

 

Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: Wells is a nice fit for the Saints after they let running back Deuce McAllister go in the offseason. He could be a perfect complement to Reggie Bush.

 

15. Houston Texans (8-8)

 

Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Cushing's ability to fit both inside and outside is the reason I've always viewed him as a surefire first-rounder.

 

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

 

Rey Maualuga, LB, USC: Maualuga is capable of becoming a quality "Mike" linebacker in the NFL, but needs to use his hands better to ward off blocks and must be more consistent from week to week.

[DrDawkinstein]

i understand this is very VERY far fetched, but i only say it because im sick of watching year after year, as the player we want most gets picked right in front of us, but...

 

i would almost want to trade Peters to philly for a 1st and 3rd, and then trade our #11 and Philly's pick to move up to #7 and get the Dlineman WE want.

[San Jose Bills Fan]

Hopefully this link works for all of you.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/ins...tory?id=4054695

[TheBuffaloBills]

Wow, Everette Brown not in the top 16 is something I haven't seen yet.

[1billsfan]

i understand this is very VERY far fetched, but i only say it because im sick of watching year after year, as the player we want most gets picked right in front of us, but...

 

i would almost want to trade Peters to philly for a 1st and 3rd, and then trade our #11 and Philly's pick to move up to #7 and get the Dlineman WE want.

 

 

Who's the defensive player that we'd be willing to give up an extra first round pick for?

 

This team would have a huge hole at LT, and holes at center, guard, TE and OLB. I just don't see a defensive player worthy of giving up two firsts at the expense of getting our QB killed. I think we're fine we're sitting at that #11 spot. The Bills should just cut Kelsay and use that money to make up the difference of Peters' asking price for what's going to be a crossroads season for the head coach and QB. No more excuses!!

[HurlyBurly51]

i understand this is very VERY far fetched, but i only say it because im sick of watching year after year, as the player we want most gets picked right in front of us, but...

 

i would almost want to trade Peters to philly for a 1st and 3rd, and then trade our #11 and Philly's pick to move up to #7 and get the Dlineman WE want.

 

Just say NO to Maybin.

[Leonidas]

For those of you that don't have ESPN Insider:

 

 

17. New York Jets (9-7)

 

 

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Heyward-Bey's awesome size-speed ratio should win out here and give the Jets the kind of receiver they need to open up the passing game.

 

 

 

18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (8-8)

 

Everette Brown, DE, Florida State: Brown could make an immediate impact in the Broncos' defense because of his strong skill set.

 

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

 

Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: Freeman is an interesting prospect because he throws a great ball and has imposing size at nearly 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. However, his inconsistent play puts him in the boom-or-bust category.

 

 

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) (0-16)

 

Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi: Oher is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He's loaded with talent and can dominate the defense he's working against, but he also seems to have lapses in concentration when he struggles to keep his opponents at bay.

 

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)

 

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: There isn't anything remotely close to the talent and depth at running back available in the draft last year, but Moreno is a good fit for the Eagles at this spot.

 

 

 

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

 

Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Britt has a ton of talent and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

 

 

 

23. New England Patriots (11-5)

 

Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut: Brown could end up being one of the more productive rookie backs in 2009 because of his all-around skills and tremendous character.

 

 

 

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

 

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Pettigrew remains the No. 1 tight end on the board and would be a help to young Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

 

 

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5)

 

Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State: Jenkins has all the qualities you look for, with the exception of top-flight recovery speed, which is an obvious concern. Even so, he's too good an overall performer to pass up in the middle of the first round.

 

 

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

 

Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Davis is an impressive physical specimen, but he lacked consistency with the Illini, not always performing at the elite level you would expect from a player with his natural talent and ability. He'll be a gamble.

 

 

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)

 

Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi: Jerry is a very underrated prospect, and would be a good fit in the Indianapolis scheme.

 

 

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1)

 

Eben Britton, OT, Arizona: Britton could be a good fit for the Eagles' offensive line, although I would have liked to see him return for his senior year.

 

 

29. New York Giants (12-4)

 

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: Nicks won't wow you in a workout, but on game day he makes the tough catches and is the type of player who wants the ball thrown his way in clutch situations.

 

 

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3)

 

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Harvin reminds me of the Reggie Bush we now see with the Saints. You can utilize Harvin in a number of ways, and, like Bush, he's a scoreboard-changer. However, he also carries the same durability concerns as Bush.

 

 

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

 

Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois: English set the all-time sack record at Northern Illinois, and could be an impact player in Arizona.

 

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

 

Eric Wood, C, Louisville: Wood has been a player on the rise of late, and with his size and skills he could find himself a Steeler for a very long time.

 

 

Second round

33. Detroit Lions: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio St.

 

 

34. New England Patriots (from KC) : Connor Barwin, DE/LB, Cincinnati

 

 

35. St. Louis Rams: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

 

 

36. Cleveland Browns: Clay Matthews, LB, USC

 

 

37. Seattle Seahawks: William Moore, S, Missouri

 

 

38. Cincinnati Bengals: Alex Mack, C, California

 

 

39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St.

 

 

40. Oakland Raiders: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

 

 

41. Green Bay Packers: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut

 

 

42. Buffalo Bills: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

 

 

43. San Francisco 49ers: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

 

 

44. Miami Dolphins (from Washington): Jarron Gilbert, DL, San Jose St.

 

 

45. New York Giants (from New Orleans): Shawn Nelson, TE, So. Mississippi

 

 

46. Houston Texans: Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri

 

 

47. New England Patriots (from San Diego): Sean Smith, CB, Utah

 

 

48. Denver Broncos: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

 

 

49. Chicago Bears: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia

 

 

50. Cleveland Browns (from Tampa Bay): LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

 

 

51. Dallas Cowboys: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

 

 

52. New York Jets: Andre Brown, RB, North Carolina St.

 

 

53. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

 

 

54. Minnesota Vikings: Max Unger, C, Oregon

 

 

55. Atlanta Falcons: Sherrod Martin, DB, Troy

 

 

56. Miami Dolphins: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia

 

 

57. Baltimore Ravens: Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma

 

 

58. New England Patriots: Pat White, WR, West Virginia

 

 

59. Carolina Panthers: Roy Miller, DT, Texas

 

 

60. New York Giants: Kaluka Maiava, LB, USC

 

 

61. Indianapolis Colts: Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St.

 

 

62. Tennessee Titans: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

 

 

63. Arizona Cardinals: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa

 

 

64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon

Third round

 

 

65. Detroit: Patrick Chung, S, Oregon

 

 

66. St. Louis : Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond

 

 

67. Kansas City: Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon St.

 

 

68. Seattle : Donald Washington, CB, Ohio St.

 

 

69. Dallas (from Cleveland): Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly

 

 

70. Cincinnati: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah

 

 

71. Oakland: Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama

 

 

72. Jacksonville: Bradley Fletcher, CB, Iowa

 

 

73. Green Bay: Cody Brown, LB, Connecticut

 

 

74. San Francisco: Darcel McBath, S, Texas Tech

 

 

75. Buffalo: T.J. Lang, OL, Eastern Michigan

 

 

76. New York Jets (from New Orleans): Richard Quinn, TE, North Carolina

 

 

 

77. Houston Texans: Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon St.

 

 

78. San Diego: Jamon Meredith, OL, South Carolina

 

 

79. Denver: Asher Allen, CB, Georgia

 

 

80. Washington: Kyle Moore, DE, USC

 

 

81. Tampa Bay: Alex Magee , DT, Purdue

 

 

82. Detroit (from Dallas): Fili Moala, DT, USC

 

 

83. Green Bay (from New York Jets): Tony Fiammetta, FB, Syracuse

 

 

84. Denver (from Chicago): Louis Murphy, WR, Florida

 

 

85. Philadelphia: Deon Butler, WR, Penn St.

 

 

86. Minnesota: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma

 

 

87. Miami: Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia

 

 

88. Baltimore : Anthony Hill, TE, North Carolina St.

 

 

89. New England: Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida

 

 

90. Atlanta: Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama

 

 

91. New York Giants: Tyronne Green, OG, Auburn

 

 

92. Indianapolis : Jason Phillips, LB, TCU

 

 

93. Carolina: Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin

 

 

94. Tennessee: Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio St.

 

 

95. Arizona: Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri

 

 

96. Pittsburgh: Quinten Lawrence, WR, McNeese St.

 

 

97. New England (comp selection): Scott McKillop, LB, Pittsburgh

 

 

98. Cincinnati (comp selection): Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty

 

 

99. Chicago (comp selection): Chris Clemons, S, Clemson

 

 

100. New York Giants (comp selection): Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama

 

 

Fourth round

 

 

101. Dallas (from Detroit): Ladarius Webb, DB, Nicholls St.

 

 

102. Kansas City : Dannell Ellerbe, LB, Georgia

 

 

103. St. Louis: Johnny Knox, WR, Abilene Christian

 

 

104. Cleveland : Coye Francies, CB, San Jose St.

 

 

105. Seattle: James Davis, RB, Clemson

 

 

106. Cincinnati: Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU

 

 

107. Jacksonville: Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St.

 

 

108. Miami (from Oakland): Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina

 

 

109. Green Bay: Zack Follett, LB, California

 

 

110. Buffalo: Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson

 

 

111. San Francisco: Mike Goodson, RB, Texas A&M

 

 

112. Houston: David Veikune, DE, Hawaii

 

 

113. San Diego: Emanuel Cook, S, South Carolina

 

 

114. Denver: Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest

 

 

115. New York Jets (from Washington): Mitch King, DL, Iowa

 

 

116. New Orleans: Tyrone McKenzie, LB, South Florida

 

 

117. Dallas: Herman Johnson, OG, LSU

 

 

118. New Orleans (from N.Y. Jets): A.Q. Shipley, C, Penn St.

 

 

119. Chicago: Christopher Owens, CB, San Jose St.

 

 

120. Tampa Bay: Austin Collie, WR, BYU

 

 

121. Philadelphia: James Casey, TE, Rice

 

 

122. Houston (from Minnesota): Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona

 

 

123. Baltimore: Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU

 

 

124. New England: Dan Gay, OT, Baylor

 

 

125. Atlanta: Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington St.

 

 

126. Oakland (from Miami): Gerald Cadogan, OT, Penn St.

 

 

127. Indianapolis: Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan St.

 

 

128. Carolina : Mike Wallace, WR, Mississippi

 

 

129. New York Giants: Gregory Toler, CB, St. Paul's

 

 

130. Tennessee: Louis Vasquez, OG, Texas Tech

 

 

131. Arizona: Corvey Irvin, DT, Georgia

 

 

132. Pittsburgh: Sen'Derrick Marks, DL, Auburn

 

 

133. San Diego (comp selection): Ellis Lankster, CB, West Virginia

 

 

134. San Diego (comp selection): Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson

 

 

135. Tennessee (comp selection): Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan

 

 

136. Indianapolis (comp selection): Jonathan Casillas, LB, Wisconsin

[DrDawkinstein]

Who's the defensive player that we'd be willing to give up an extra first round pick for?

 

This team would have a huge hole at LT, and holes at center, guard, TE and OLB. I just don't see a defensive player worthy of giving up two firsts at the expense of getting our QB killed. I think we're fine we're sitting at that #11 spot. The Bills should just cut Kelsay and use that money to make up the difference of Peters' asking price for what's going to be a crossroads season for the head coach and QB. No more excuses!!

 

i dont know. like i said, its far fetched and that entire post was just a gut reaction mostly caused by the 49ers picking Willis right before us.

 

im not seriously considering what i posted. and i agree with your response. just throwing ideas around in the dead part of the offseason.

[DrDawkinstein]

Wow, Everette Brown not in the top 16 is something I haven't seen yet.

 

i hadnt even realized this, i just assumed i missed reading his name. interesting.

[BB-Gun]

I for one would not be happy about the picks the Bills made in this mock.

Robert Ayers? when Everette Brown is available.

 

name / 2008 sacks / 20 yd / 10 yds / 3-cone / shuttle / broad jump

Robert Ayers / 3 / 2.78 / 1.62 / 7.07 / 4.46 / 8'6"

Everette Brown / 13.5 / 2.68 / 1.59 / 7.55 / 4.53 / 9'9"

Aaron Maybin / 12 / 2.66 / 1.54 / 7.52 / 4.38 / 10'10"

Barwin Connor / 12 / 2.58 / 1.53 / 6.87 / 4.18 / 10'8"

Lawrence Sidbury / 11.5 / 2.63 / 1.53 / 7.46 / 4.43 / 10'00"

Brian Orokpo / 11.5 / 2.60 / 1.56 / 7.26 / 4.45 / 10'10"

Tyson Jackson / 4.5 / 2.79 / 1.68 / 7.64 / 4.80 / 8'6"

 

As you can see, Ayers has shown no sack ability is so far, and he is not fleet of foot. He is another Kelsay.

Jackson is even worse.

I love Orackpo, Maybin, Brown and Connor. If we pick other than DE in 1st, we can try to get Sidbury in the 2nd.

[nemhoff]

We can count on one thing with Mel...Whoever he says it is then it won't be him. So, take Ayers off your list.

[H2o]

13. Washington Redskins (8-8)

 

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: Sanchez definitely is one of the top five to eight players available in this draft, and getting him here would be a bit of a steal, because had he returned to USC for his senior season, he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick.

The great Mel Kiper must be forgetting about Sam Bradford who almost certainly will come out after next season and the most accurate QB in the nation Colt McCoy

[thewildrabbit]

OLB or DE, It is so difficult to project a player into a position they have never played because you simply don't know if they can make the transition to it. So everyone looking at DE's and projecting them into OLB's, can they drop back into coverage? Can they drop back into intricate schemes or into a zone coverage?

 

#1)Brian Orakpo- highest rated DE and can play either in 3-4 or 4-3, Mayock thinks he will be better at OLB because he wants to keep him away from hand to hand against 330 LB tackles and because the JR OT from OSU blocked him easily and he struggled with Brandon Pettigrew.

Charlie Casserly-thinks he is the best pass rusher in the draft and would use him on the right side as an OLB.

Charles Davis -thinks he should be a DE in a 4-3 scheme as a pure pass rusher.

 

#2)Robert Ayers 6'3'' 270 -Mayock says he is another Justin Tuck / Osi Umenyiora and thinks Tenn,Robert Ayers will be the best defensive player in this years draft in 3 years, He dominated Andre Smith when they played Alabama.Can play DE/ DT.

 

#3)Tyson Jackson6'5'' 290 DE, Mayock says he can play DE in either 3-4 or 4-3 or 4-3 DT and he will be gone by the 15th pick

 

#4)Everette Brown JR 6'4'' 250-On path to the draft Carlie Casserly called Evertte Brown a one trick pony and wouldn't even take the guy, doesn't play well against the run, doesn't shed well. Wouldn't project the guy as an OLB,as he is to stiff.Also, he played in a rotation at FSU and only played two out of every three series, and a one year starter

Charles Davis says he can be a DE and rush the passer if he gets the proper coaching.

 

#5) Conner Barwin 3rd rounder at DE or offense TE

 

 

After hearing what Mayock stated about Robert Ayers I feel like he is the safer pick at #11, IF the Bills go for a defensive player or Tyson Jackson to help with stopping the run, which the Bills have struggled with for years.

[thewildrabbit]

Wow, Everette Brown not in the top 16 is something I haven't seen yet.

After hearing this on NFL network "path to the draft", I'd think his stock is falling fast.

 

#4)Everette Brown JR 6'4'' 250-On path to the draft Carlie Casserly called Evertte Brown a one trick pony and wouldn't even take the guy, doesn't play well against the run, doesn't shed well. Wouldn't project the guy as an OLB,as he is to stiff.Also, he played in a rotation at FSU and only played two out of every three series, and a one year starter

Charles Davis says he can be a DE and rush the passer if he gets the proper coaching.