Will the Lions draft Stafford or will they select the best offensive tackle? How far will Andre Smith slide? Will Eagles get shot at Pettigrew? What positions will they address first?
What do you think of this Mock Draft by Randall Weida?
1. DET: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
The Lions could stand to upgrade their roster at almost every position, so they might as well start with the most important one. Matt Stafford may never be a Hall of Famer, but if they give him time to develop he could be a solid starter for the next decade. He has the potential to be at least as effective as Jay Cutler, who has similar arm strength and deceptive mobility.
The Lions could stand to upgrade their roster at almost every position, so they might as well start with the most important one. Matt Stafford may never be a Hall of Famer, but if they give him time to develop he could be a solid starter for the next decade. He has the potential to be at least as effective as Jay Cutler, who has similar arm strength and deceptive mobility.
2. STL: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Jason Smith is not as polished at this point as Eugene Monroe, but he has way more upside. Smith is a former tight end with quick feet and surprising upper body strength. If he proves he can start at left tackle right away, the Rams may be able to slide Orlando Pace to the right side if they don't trade him and improve both sides of the line.
Jason Smith is not as polished at this point as Eugene Monroe, but he has way more upside. Smith is a former tight end with quick feet and surprising upper body strength. If he proves he can start at left tackle right away, the Rams may be able to slide Orlando Pace to the right side if they don't trade him and improve both sides of the line.
3. KC: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
The 3-4 defense requires a sturdy nose tackle to work properly. Aaron Curry would be a good fit and a safer pick, but Raji fills an even bigger need. Glenn Dorsey isn't a good fit at nose tackle, but may be able to play one of the end spots. Raji is by far and away the best nose tackle prospect and the Matt Cassell trade takes them out of the running for Ron Brace in round 2. They'd better fill this hole in the roster while they still can.
The 3-4 defense requires a sturdy nose tackle to work properly. Aaron Curry would be a good fit and a safer pick, but Raji fills an even bigger need. Glenn Dorsey isn't a good fit at nose tackle, but may be able to play one of the end spots. Raji is by far and away the best nose tackle prospect and the Matt Cassell trade takes them out of the running for Ron Brace in round 2. They'd better fill this hole in the roster while they still can.
4. SEA: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Walter Jones is nearing the end of his career, so taking a left tackle makes a lot of sense for Seattle. They have bigger needs, but they would have to reach to fill many of them. Monroe gives them a solid pass blocker who will have a year or two to get stronger and prepare to run block in the NFL.
Walter Jones is nearing the end of his career, so taking a left tackle makes a lot of sense for Seattle. They have bigger needs, but they would have to reach to fill many of them. Monroe gives them a solid pass blocker who will have a year or two to get stronger and prepare to run block in the NFL.
5. CLE: Aaron Curry, OLB/ILB, Wake Forest
Cleveland needs help all over the defense, so taking the best defender available makes sense. Curry can step in and play next to D'Qwell Jackson on the inside. Curry not only fills a need for the Browns, but he's generally considered to be the safest pick in the draft.
Cleveland needs help all over the defense, so taking the best defender available makes sense. Curry can step in and play next to D'Qwell Jackson on the inside. Curry not only fills a need for the Browns, but he's generally considered to be the safest pick in the draft.
6. CIN: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
A lot of people think the Bengals need an offensive tackle here, but Anthony Collins may be the left tackle of the future if they give him the chance. If a good left tackle becomes available in round 2, the Bengals can move Collins to the right side. The Bengals need to continue focusing on their young, talented defense. Adding Brian Orakpo as a pass rusher would take a lot of pressure off the secondary.
A lot of people think the Bengals need an offensive tackle here, but Anthony Collins may be the left tackle of the future if they give him the chance. If a good left tackle becomes available in round 2, the Bengals can move Collins to the right side. The Bengals need to continue focusing on their young, talented defense. Adding Brian Orakpo as a pass rusher would take a lot of pressure off the secondary.
7. OAK: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
The Raiders get their wish, as Crabtree falls to them at number eight. JaMarcus Russell is going to need more weapons in the passing game if he's ever going to live up to his potential. Michael Crabtree is just another piece of what is becoming a very young and explosive offensive unit in Oakland.
The Raiders get their wish, as Crabtree falls to them at number eight. JaMarcus Russell is going to need more weapons in the passing game if he's ever going to live up to his potential. Michael Crabtree is just another piece of what is becoming a very young and explosive offensive unit in Oakland.
8. JAX: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
The Jaguars need a left tackle badly, so they should take a chance on Andre Smith. While he is sliding on many draft boards, he's a better fit in Jacksonville than most places. They feature a power rushing attack which will showcase Smith's mauling style of run blocking, and having a mobile quarterback like Garrard gives Smith a bigger margin of error while his pass blocking improves. The signing of Tra Thomas means Smith could start on the right side initially or have a year to learn from the bench. If nothing else, he can't be any worse than Khalif Barnes was last season.
The Jaguars need a left tackle badly, so they should take a chance on Andre Smith. While he is sliding on many draft boards, he's a better fit in Jacksonville than most places. They feature a power rushing attack which will showcase Smith's mauling style of run blocking, and having a mobile quarterback like Garrard gives Smith a bigger margin of error while his pass blocking improves. The signing of Tra Thomas means Smith could start on the right side initially or have a year to learn from the bench. If nothing else, he can't be any worse than Khalif Barnes was last season.
9. GB: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Packers are switching to the 3-4 defense this season, and adding Everette Brown would give them an explosive pass rusher across from Aaron Kampman. Brown would be the final piece of what could be a very solid linebacking unit for the new look Packers. They already have players to fit the defensive front, so concentrating on rounding this group out will help the defense succeed from the beginning.
The Packers are switching to the 3-4 defense this season, and adding Everette Brown would give them an explosive pass rusher across from Aaron Kampman. Brown would be the final piece of what could be a very solid linebacking unit for the new look Packers. They already have players to fit the defensive front, so concentrating on rounding this group out will help the defense succeed from the beginning.
10. SF: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Jeremy Maclin, Mark Sanchez, and Michael Oher were all options here, but Malcolm Jenkins should be able to make more of an immediate impact for the Niners. San Francisco needs help at both corner back and free safety, so regardless of which opposition Jenkins ends up playing he'll likely start there from opening day.
Jeremy Maclin, Mark Sanchez, and Michael Oher were all options here, but Malcolm Jenkins should be able to make more of an immediate impact for the Niners. San Francisco needs help at both corner back and free safety, so regardless of which opposition Jenkins ends up playing he'll likely start there from opening day.
11. BUF: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
With Aaron Maybin sliding on teams draft boards, choosing Brian Cushing isn't a bad option for Buffalo. Cushing could play the strong or weak side depending on how this unit shapes up in the preseason, but should be able to start right away. Cushing is also big enough he could play some defensive end on obvious pass rushing downs and cause problems for opposing offenses.
With Aaron Maybin sliding on teams draft boards, choosing Brian Cushing isn't a bad option for Buffalo. Cushing could play the strong or weak side depending on how this unit shapes up in the preseason, but should be able to start right away. Cushing is also big enough he could play some defensive end on obvious pass rushing downs and cause problems for opposing offenses.
12. DEN: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Denver is yet another team transitioning to the 3-4 defense. The difference between them and the others is they have the least amount of players on the roster who fit the system. Tyson Jackson is the best fit at 3-4 end in the entire draft, so this is a good place for the broncos to start things off.
Denver is yet another team transitioning to the 3-4 defense. The difference between them and the others is they have the least amount of players on the roster who fit the system. Tyson Jackson is the best fit at 3-4 end in the entire draft, so this is a good place for the broncos to start things off.
13. WAS: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
Washington will consider Michael Oher if he's available, but Aaron Maybin should be a good fit for them. The Redskins need help at linebacker and defensive end, and Maybin is an undersized pass rusher who may be able to play strong side linebacker if necessary. If nothing else, Maybin can fill Jason Taylor's role on passing downs until he develops into an every down player.
Washington will consider Michael Oher if he's available, but Aaron Maybin should be a good fit for them. The Redskins need help at linebacker and defensive end, and Maybin is an undersized pass rusher who may be able to play strong side linebacker if necessary. If nothing else, Maybin can fill Jason Taylor's role on passing downs until he develops into an every down player.
14. NO: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
New Orleans has done a nice job of strengthening their defense during the off season, and may not need as much help on that side of the ball as some people think. Adding Chris Wells would give them a power back to compliment Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. This would allow Bush to see more action as a return man and a slot receiver, while Thomas and Wells carry the rushing load.
New Orleans has done a nice job of strengthening their defense during the off season, and may not need as much help on that side of the ball as some people think. Adding Chris Wells would give them a power back to compliment Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. This would allow Bush to see more action as a return man and a slot receiver, while Thomas and Wells carry the rushing load.
15. HOU: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
If Houston is ever going to compete in the AFC South, they need to be able to slow down the Colts. Adding another defensive back can only help this cause. Vontae Davis has some work ethic issues, but should be able to play the nickel right away, and if he lives up to potential may be one of the best shut down corners in the league a few years from now.
If Houston is ever going to compete in the AFC South, they need to be able to slow down the Colts. Adding another defensive back can only help this cause. Vontae Davis has some work ethic issues, but should be able to play the nickel right away, and if he lives up to potential may be one of the best shut down corners in the league a few years from now.
16. SD: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Maualuga is the best player on the board right now who fills a need for this team. Finding a right tackle and a defensive end are also options, but getting a player the caliber of Rey Maualuga at the sixteenth pick is rare. He and a healthy Shawn Merriman could wreak havoc together for opposing offenses.
Maualuga is the best player on the board right now who fills a need for this team. Finding a right tackle and a defensive end are also options, but getting a player the caliber of Rey Maualuga at the sixteenth pick is rare. He and a healthy Shawn Merriman could wreak havoc together for opposing offenses.
17. NYJ: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Jets are in desperate need of help at wide receiver. Their defense is on the rise and will only get better under Rex Ryan, so it's a good time to take a chance. Maclin is not a polished route runner, and will be playing with an inexperienced quarterback, but has the talent to be a number one wide out in the NFL.
The Jets are in desperate need of help at wide receiver. Their defense is on the rise and will only get better under Rex Ryan, so it's a good time to take a chance. Maclin is not a polished route runner, and will be playing with an inexperienced quarterback, but has the talent to be a number one wide out in the NFL.
18. CHI: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois
Larry English has added a little bit of weight and appears to be ready to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense. He will fit nicely into the Bears' Cover 2 scheme. Their current roster of pass rushers is getting older and many of them will be free agents in the next two years, so adding a young end is a good idea.
Larry English has added a little bit of weight and appears to be ready to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense. He will fit nicely into the Bears' Cover 2 scheme. Their current roster of pass rushers is getting older and many of them will be free agents in the next two years, so adding a young end is a good idea.
19. TB: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
This seems to be a good fit for Sanchez, but Tampa will likely have to trade up to ensure they get him on draft day. Luke McCown is a solid pro, but he's not a long term solution at quarterback. This team has been dismantled this off season, so they might as well add the signal caller of the future too start the rebuilding process.
This seems to be a good fit for Sanchez, but Tampa will likely have to trade up to ensure they get him on draft day. Luke McCown is a solid pro, but he's not a long term solution at quarterback. This team has been dismantled this off season, so they might as well add the signal caller of the future too start the rebuilding process.
20. DET: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Michael Oher, like Michael Johnson, is only slipping out of the top ten because of inconsistency. Oher has the talent to be a starting left tackle in the NFL, and what better time to take a chance on a talented underachiever than after your team has finished 0-16.
Michael Oher, like Michael Johnson, is only slipping out of the top ten because of inconsistency. Oher has the talent to be a starting left tackle in the NFL, and what better time to take a chance on a talented underachiever than after your team has finished 0-16.
21. PHI: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
Philadelphia has several talented young receivers, but no one with the size to go get the ball in the red zone. Pettigrew gives them the blocking of having a third tackle on the field, while also serving as McNabb's possession receiver.
Philadelphia has several talented young receivers, but no one with the size to go get the ball in the red zone. Pettigrew gives them the blocking of having a third tackle on the field, while also serving as McNabb's possession receiver.
22. MIN: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Minnesota is a good team that can afford to take a chance here to get their quarterback of the future. Trading for Rossenfels will get them by for a year or two while Josh Freeman readies himself to be the starter. The Vikings may consider a receiver or defensive back, but these areas can be upgraded later in the draft.
Minnesota is a good team that can afford to take a chance here to get their quarterback of the future. Trading for Rossenfels will get them by for a year or two while Josh Freeman readies himself to be the starter. The Vikings may consider a receiver or defensive back, but these areas can be upgraded later in the draft.
23. NE: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
Clay Matthews and the New England Patriots seem like a perfect fit. Matthews is the type of smart, hard nosed player that Bellichik loves and should be able to play inside or out in the 3-4 defense. New England needs to continue to add youth to the linebacking corp. to keep it a strength of the team.
Clay Matthews and the New England Patriots seem like a perfect fit. Matthews is the type of smart, hard nosed player that Bellichik loves and should be able to play inside or out in the 3-4 defense. New England needs to continue to add youth to the linebacking corp. to keep it a strength of the team.
24. ATL: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
The Falcons have needed an heir apparent to Grady Jackson for a while. Peria Jerry is a different type of tackle, but brings a lot to the table. Jerry is an excellent pass rusher from the inside, and routinely collapses pockets on opposing quarterbacks. He is also much stouter against the run than his size would indicate.
The Falcons have needed an heir apparent to Grady Jackson for a while. Peria Jerry is a different type of tackle, but brings a lot to the table. Jerry is an excellent pass rusher from the inside, and routinely collapses pockets on opposing quarterbacks. He is also much stouter against the run than his size would indicate.
25. MIA: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Miami has several receivers who can stretch the field, but adding Hakeem Nicks gives them the possession receiver they've been lacking. Nicks has fantastic body control and catches every thing thrown at him. He will benefit right away from Chad Pennington's accuracy on the short and intermediate throws.
Miami has several receivers who can stretch the field, but adding Hakeem Nicks gives them the possession receiver they've been lacking. Nicks has fantastic body control and catches every thing thrown at him. He will benefit right away from Chad Pennington's accuracy on the short and intermediate throws.
26. BAL: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Heyward-Bey is the type of big downfield weapon Joe Flacco has been lacking. Mason and Heap can take care of moving the chains and Heyward-Bey will give Flacco a chance to uncork his cannon of an arm on some deep throws.
Heyward-Bey is the type of big downfield weapon Joe Flacco has been lacking. Mason and Heap can take care of moving the chains and Heyward-Bey will give Flacco a chance to uncork his cannon of an arm on some deep throws.
27. IND: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
This is an interesting pick for the Colts. Harvin is raw as a route runner, but with no defensive tackle worth taking here he's not a bad fit. Harvin is a big play threat who can upgrade the return game and even serve as a third down back if necessary. If he polishes his routes he could be a nice replacement for Marvin Harrison.
This is an interesting pick for the Colts. Harvin is raw as a route runner, but with no defensive tackle worth taking here he's not a bad fit. Harvin is a big play threat who can upgrade the return game and even serve as a third down back if necessary. If he polishes his routes he could be a nice replacement for Marvin Harrison.
28. PHI: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Andy Reid loves drafting linemen, and with Tra Thomas signing in Jacksonville, it's a smart move. Eben Britton should be able to provide valuable depth while he learns the scheme, and possibly take over the left tackle job in his second season.
Andy Reid loves drafting linemen, and with Tra Thomas signing in Jacksonville, it's a smart move. Eben Britton should be able to provide valuable depth while he learns the scheme, and possibly take over the left tackle job in his second season.
29. NYG: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
The Giants benefit from the lack of need at running back at the top of the draft. They are a solid team in most areas and can afford to take the best player available. Moreno will be an excellent third down back to go with Jacobs because he has good hands and is an outstanding blocker.
The Giants benefit from the lack of need at running back at the top of the draft. They are a solid team in most areas and can afford to take the best player available. Moreno will be an excellent third down back to go with Jacobs because he has good hands and is an outstanding blocker.
30. TEN: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Nick Harper's time with Tennessee is quickly coming to an end, and a replacement needs to be groomed before he's gone. Alphonso Smith is the best corner left on the board and should make a nice pair with Cortland Finnegan.
Nick Harper's time with Tennessee is quickly coming to an end, and a replacement needs to be groomed before he's gone. Alphonso Smith is the best corner left on the board and should make a nice pair with Cortland Finnegan.
31. ARI: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Arizona needs to upgrade their pass rush, and Michael Johnson is certainly capable of doing that. Johnson is inconsistent but may be the most talented pass rusher in the draft. If he can make the adjustment to the 3-4 rush linebacker spot his athleticism could make him an All Pro some day.
Arizona needs to upgrade their pass rush, and Michael Johnson is certainly capable of doing that. Johnson is inconsistent but may be the most talented pass rusher in the draft. If he can make the adjustment to the 3-4 rush linebacker spot his athleticism could make him an All Pro some day.
32. PIT: Alex Mack, C, California
Pittsburgh needs help to keep Ben Rothlisberger healthy. He was sacked a ton this year, and has a tendency to hold onto the ball longer than most QBs. At the Senior Bowl Alex Mack established himself as not only the best center in this draft class, but one of the best linemen period.
Pittsburgh needs help to keep Ben Rothlisberger healthy. He was sacked a ton this year, and has a tendency to hold onto the ball longer than most QBs. At the Senior Bowl Alex Mack established himself as not only the best center in this draft class, but one of the best linemen period.
