5.05.2014

Jace's 2014 NFL Mock Draft

Hope everyone is doing well. We're just a couple days away from the 2014 NFL Draft, so it's time for my annual mock draft! Feel free to critique and/or give your thoughts as well on how YOU think the draft will go. Happy MOCK DRAFT season!!!

Jace's 2014 NFL Mock Draft
1. Houston Texans - QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida
I don't see how they don't go quarterback here. I really don't. I think with Bortles build and accuracy, the Texans should take him and build their team around him. You don't win if you don't have a QB, and they obviously aren't going with Case Keenum. I think it's a dumb pick to go with CLOWNey.

2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) - WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson
Their offense needs help yet. Some people think they should go with an offensive lineman but I think they should go with the best player in this draft. Sammy Watkins, in my eyes, in the next elite wide out in the league. He'll have an immediate impact like Julio Jones, A.J. Green, etc. - they need a guy like this for Sam Bradford. Tavon Austin is a slot man, so Watkins easily will take the outside.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina *POTENTIAL BUST*

I have not hidden my feelings on this guys. I think he's self-centered, lazy, and extremely selfish. With that said, he's obviously going to be a top five pick because the media raves about him. Jacksonville could go quarterback here, but I think they take the over hyped CLOWNey, and snatch a QB by either trading back up into the 1st round, or using their 2nd round pick.

4. Cleveland Browns - QB Johhny Manziel, Texas A&M
I'm a fan of the Browns giving Brian Hoyer a shot at QB since he was hot before his injury, but I don't think that will happen. If anyone has seen the movie 'Draft Day' yet, I think the Browns will try to land a player to be the face of the franchise. What better than drafting the most popular man in the draft? I think Bortles and Manziel will be star QB's in the NFL. Even though Manziel is also a a spoiled brat, I think he'll get his head straight and give the Browns a legit answer.

5. Oakland Raiders - OT Greg Robinson, Auburn

With the addition of Matt Schaub and still having Matt McGloin, who I think they will try and groom this season again, I think they try and address that offensive line so the offense can get going. Possibly the could take WR Mike Evans, but looking at the depth chart, their biggest weakness is on the line.

6. Atlanta Falcons - OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
Matt Ryan got killed last year. It didn't help the team was plagued by injuries, but they need to protect their franchise quarterback. They were a powerhouse a year before, getting a tackle to shore up and help hopefully could get them back on track.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo
A lot of mocks have Mike Evans going here, seeing as they just gave away Mike Williams to Buffalo. There's always a pick where everyone was SURE the team was going to go this way, then they go another route. I think the Buccaneers will do this and with Lovie Smith at the helm, I think they go with Mack. He is in the mix for the #1 overall pick as well, so to land him here would be a steal for Tampa.

8. Minnesota Vikings - OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA
I think the Vikings learned their lesson by taking a QB not worthy of being picked this high (see Christian Ponder). With that said, if they don't trade down, I see them going defense. I think Audie Cole can be a legit MLB and with Chad Greenway on the outside, to get Barr here, they could have a GREAT starting linebacking core.

9. Buffalo Bills - OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
Their line is not good. Popular pick is tight end Eric Ebron but the Bills have stuck with Scott Chandler when I thought they'd try to get a TE before. Lewan is a strong B1G product and could develop into an elite tackle.

10. Detroit Lions - CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
What kills the Lions every year? The defensive backfield CAN NOT stop the pass. I think they'll finally address that and take the hot Dennard out of Michigan State (fan favorite).

11. Tennessee Titans - CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

The Titans should take Dennard or Gilbert here. I think they'll give QB Jake Locker one more year to show his worth, so they'll pass on a QB I'm thinking. Gilbert would be a huge asset.

12. New York Giants - WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M
*POTENTIAL BUST*
I'm not as high on Evans, which is why I have him out of the top ten picks. I think with the loss of Hakeem Nicks and not much for offensive play makers outside of Victor Cruz, they'll try their luck with Evans here and pair him with Cruz. Eli Manning's window is closing in a couple of years so to get another weapon from him I'm sure he'll greatly appreciate it.

13. St. Louis Rams - OG Zack Martin, Notre Dame
I had them taking Watkins with their first pick. Getting the best player in the draft and at a position of need is big. Now it's time to help protect and try and keep their QB healthy and draft a guy who can help do that.

14. Chicago Bears - DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh

Their offense is already good. Their defense held them back last year. If they don't go safety I think they go interior line and Donald is a beast. A guy that the Bears could REALLY use.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - ILB C.J. Mosley, Alabama

Options here for the Steelers. I could see them stealing Ebron since Heath Miller is getting up there, and I could see them going wide out as well since they've lost multiple the last couple of years (Wallace/Sanders). They need a middle linebacker...a young guy on defense for that matter. Mosley could be the next Pro Bowl Steeler linebacker.

16. Dallas Cowboys - S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
I wouldn't mind seeing them do what the rumors are saying and trading up for Manziel. At the same time, I like Tony Romo so I'd be split on that if it happened. Their defense has not been able to cover the pass for a decade. Getting a actual legit safety is huge. Jerry Jones loves his SEC guys.

17. Baltimore Ravens - DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
I know Ngata is one of the BEST interior lineman in the league. He's also having contract issues with Baltimore. I think Hageman would be a great choice to get younger at the position and let him take over for when Ngata leaves.

18. New York Jets - TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
The offense struggles. It has for years. They signed Eric Decker and REEAAALLLYYY could use Ebron to give Vick/Smith/WhoeverTheyHaveAtQBThatWeek another weapon. Ebron is the top tight end in the draft, and could obviously go earlier than 18th. I just think the other teams don't NEED him as bad.

19. Miami Dolphins - OT Morgan Moses, Virginia
SOOOOOO much has happened with that offensive line the last couple of seasons. Jake Long is gone...and we all know what happened last year. No explanation needed here.

20. Arizona Cardinals - OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State

I'm thinking they stick with Carson Palmer yet, but then again...maybe they'll reach on a young gun. I wouldn't though. I think they should add the linebacker from another B1G team.

21. Green Bay Packers - FS Calvin Pryor, Louisville
With Ebron gone, our biggest need is safety (in my eyes). Pryor is a steal here. Hopefully Thompson doesn't waste a pick on ANOTHER offensive lineman. WOULD LOVE if they blew us all away and reached on Chris Borland here. Homer love? Yes indeed.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
The offense is hot. Chip Kelly knows what he's doing. With the gangster DeSean Jackson gone, I guess they could go receiver here but their probably better off going defense. Jernigan fits a whole in their depth chart.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
*POTENTIAL BUST*
Dexter McCluster left. A.J. Jenkins is a bust. Donnie Avery is average. Odell Beckham, here's your chance.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State
I don't have much to say about the Bengals. If Dalton doesn't produce exceptionally this year, look for them to move on from him. They'll give the defense help by drafting the kid who played down the road.

25. San Diego Chargers - CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech

Name a corner back on their roster. That's what I thought.

26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts) - WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
Their defense is pretty good. I have them addressing their QB issue earlier (Manziel), now I have them trying to get another stud to put opposite of Josh Gordon. I think drafting Carlos Hyde here is too much of a reach. Now good running backs really in this class (elite running backs I should say).

27. New Orleans Saints - WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State
Could go defense here but their receivers are aging and not as fast. A new major weapon for Brees could make this offense elite once again.

28. Carolina Panthers - WR Allen Robinson, Penn State
They need receivers. More than just one. I think Robinson is the next to go. He's climbing up some mocks and he has the size I think the Panthers need.

29. New England Patriots - DT Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
Always looking to improve that defense. I don't think they'll draft another WR...at least in the 1st round here...

30. San Francisco 49ers - DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame
Not much they need to improve on really. Adding depth on that defensive line seems logically though after looking over their depth chart and roster.

31. Denver Broncos - OG Xavier Su'a-filo, UCLA
I thought about going wide receiver here, and possibly even MLB Chris Borland, but this is probably going to be too high for Borland to go. Could use some interior offensive line help. Protect Manning at all costs.

32. Seattle Seahawks - WR Marqise Lee, USC
*POTENTIAL BUST*
With the n00b Golden Tate leaving I think they snag the falling Marqise Lee. Lee is one of the top wide outs in the draft and produced well at USC, but also has been nagged with injuries. I'm sure Pete Carroll is all for giving the former Trojan a chance.


- I obviously didn't include trades. Just went straight up mock. Obviously there will be trades that throw the order off...WHICH MEANS IT WILL BE ENTERTAINING!!! "CAN'T WAIT" - Bart Scott

4.24.2013

Jace's 2013 NFL Mock Draft

Hello, Jace here. Below is my final 2013 NFL Mock Draft (baring any trades, etc.). Feel free to critique and or give your thoughts as well on how YOU think the draft will go. Happy MOCK DRAFT season!!!

1.    Kansas City (2-14) - OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
They need help. Their offense has been below average for so many years, it's time to sure it up with a franchise left tackle.

2.    Jacksonville (2-14) - DE Ezekiel Ansah, BYU
Could also go OT here as well, but I think their defense has held them back the most (that' just how bad the offense is as well). This pick makes sense the most to me.

3.    Oakland (4-12) - OT Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
A lot of mocks have the Raiders going with defense here, but what has killed them the most...OFFENSE, and offensive line to be exact. Get Darren McFadden rolling, give Matt Flynn some help upfront. They have no legit tackle on this team at all, take Fisher.

4.    Philadelphia (4-12) - DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida
I understand the Dion Jordan pick here, I do with his ties to Chip Kelly, but has anyone looked at their LB depth? It really isn't that bad. They need help in the middle and snag Floyd here from Gainesville. Taking QB Geno Smith here is dumb...BUST all over him. Steal QB E.J. Manuel in the 2nd round...

5.    Detroit (4-12) - CB Dee Milliner, Alabama
Lions get killed by the pass happy teams. They need help in the secondary, especially going against the likes of Green Bay and Chicago twice a year. This is an important pick. Make a smart one.

6.    Cleveland (5-11) - DE/OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon
*BUST POTENTIAL*
He may go before this but if he can fall here to Browns, I think they'll appreciate it. The offense is getting good, now it's time to get the defense there.

7.    Arizona (5-11) - OT Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
They'll be tempted to take a QB here as well, but just let it go. Ride Carson Palmer until next years draft, let Larry Fitz have a year of no QB drama and help that offense out. The QB's got KILLED last year because of the o-line...for the most part, heh.

8.    Buffalo (6-10) - QB Ryan Nassib, Syracuse
*BUST POTENTIAL*
If you think Kevin Kolb is your answer at QB, then prepare to be picking towards the top of the draft every year he's your starter. I think with the new coach's love for Nassib, they'll snag him up here early.

9.    New York Jets (6-10) - DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU
I think they'll be tempted just go grab Geno Smith here but it's dumb because you don't know what you got with the QB's in this class. Lost some guys on defense which wasn't that good anyways, so Rex Ryan gets another defensive hybrid guy.

10.    Tennessee (6-10) - TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
Their weakest point on their team is tight end. They could maybe go offensive line but that's not a huge problem at all.

11.    San Diego (7-9) - OG Johnathan Cooper, North Carolina
Chargers are hurting in MANY spots. This is a need, and sures up one of those positions.

12.    Miami (7-9) - G Chance Warmack, Alabama
Lost some good talent off of the offensive line. Could go tackle here as well, along with defensive secondary.

13.    New York Jets - from Tampa Bay* (7-9) - OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
They addressed defense before in my mock, and this time they go offensive line. Still shouldn't take a QB yet.

14.    Carolina (7-9) - DT Star Lotulelei, Utah
Offense is going alright...defense can sure up on the line and secondary. Star is a star in the making...;)

15.    New Orleans (7-9) - OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
Don't need much of anything on offense. Could use help on defense because there isn't much depth, especially at linebacker.

16.    St. Louis (7-8-1) - WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia
*BUST POTENTIAL* 
To be honest, I'm getting sick of these guys drafting wide outs. That don't mean they will stop. They'll try again with this potential bust.

17.    Pittsburgh (8-8) - RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
*BUST POTENTIAL*
For what's here in my mock, this is the best pick for the Steelers and makes sense seeing as their slim here. Look for Lacy to be an average NFL back, nothing special.

18.    Dallas (8-8) - DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri
They need help in the interior, also in the secondary so look for safety help as well.

19.    New York Giants (9-7) - S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
Secondary is weak. Could look for inside linebacker as well here.

20.    Chicago (10-6) - OT Justin Pugh, Syracuse
They signed D.J. Williams who can play middle linebacker. Their offensive line has killed them the last couple of years. Their defense has played good for the most part. Get another first rounder on that line and hopefully it will eventually pay off.

21.    Cincinnati* (10-6) - WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee
*BUST POTENTIAL* 
They have A.J. Green yes, but a bunch of n00bs after that. I think Patterson will be a NFL bust, but someones going to take him in the first round.

22.    St. Louis - from Washington* (10-6) - DT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina
Addressed offense first pick, it's time for that interior line with this pick.

23.    Minnesota* (10-6) - CB D.J. Hayden, Houston
It's either inside linebacker or cornerback here...unless someone trades with the Colts with the next pick, the Vikings could get two studs here.

24.    Indianapolis (11-5) - CB Xavier Rhodes, Florida State
Could get a steal here and they need help on defense to help sure up this young team.

25.    Minnesota - from Seattle* (11-5) - LB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
Steal. If all three of the corners are gone at pick #23 and Te'o is there yet too, they'll take him. In my mock though, Vikings get two huge picks.

26.    Green Bay (11-5) - RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin
*BUST POTENTIAL* 
Look, I know this is maybe 25% homer pick, but our biggest weakness has been running back and injuries. Many guys on defense will be back from injuries but I could see them drafting secondary. Don't be shocked if they also go tight end or wide receiver as well...I'm serious.

27.    Houston (12-4) - WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee
For once, will they get someone legit opposite side of Andre Johnson?

28.    Denver (13-3) - DE Bjoern Werner, Florida State
Dumervil left, they need help on the outside edge.

29.    New England (12-4) - CB Desmond Trufant, Washington

Lost in the playoffs through the air. Secondary has been hurting them. Look for safety help as well, possibly.

30.    Atlanta (13-3) - OG Kyle Long, Oregon
Help that offense more. Sure up that o-line, get the run game back.

31.    San Francisco (11-4-1) - FS Matt Elam, Florida
Looking to fill some empty shoes.

32.    Baltimore (10-6) - WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
Yeah, yeah, yeah. They lost Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. They've addressed some of those through free agency. If you look at their wide receivers...it's horrible. Hopkins is a steal.

- Someone will trade up for the quarterbacks, possibly multiple obviously. I didn’t include trades.

4.24.2012

Jace's 2012 NFL Mock Draft

Hello, Jace here. Below is my final 2012 NFL Mock Draft (baring any trades, etc.). Feel free to critique and or give your thoughts as well on how YOU think the draft will go. Happy MOCK DRAFT season!!!

1. Indianapolis – QB Andrew Luck, Stanford *BUST POTENTIAL*
No surprise. Still sad to see Peyton Manning leave town, but with Luck being as hyped as he is there’s no way that the Colts would’ve passed on him.

2. Washington – QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
No brainer. When ‘Sexy Rexy’ Grossman is your quarterback, you know you have problems. To be honest with you, there’s less than a handful of teams that I could see RG3 succeeding on and Washington just happen to be one of those teams. It’ll be nice to see the ‘Skins with a legit QB since light-years ago.

3. Minnesota – OT Matt Kalil, USC
I had the Vikings taking Kalil or wideout Justin Blackmon. Kalil is the smart pick obviously and after signing Jerome Simpson (another garbage WR the Vikings think will help their team) it’s clear that they either will take the USC tackle, or it seems they may even be trading this pick.

4. Cleveland – RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
Safe pick here, but they need help many places. They have no legit running back on this squad at all and debating Blackmon makes sense but they did just snag Greg Little last year and he’s shown some promise for his future.

5. Tampa Bay – CB Morris Clairborne, LSU
Could go defensive line here but the Buccaneers haven’t been having good luck there lately with picks. Ronde Barber will probably retire after the year and Clairborne may just be the best NFL ready prospect in the draft. Vikings could take him at #4 though too.

6. St. Louis – WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.
They need help on defense, especially at linebacker. Jeff Fisher kind of likes going with offensive playmakers though, and the best one available fills a big need as well. Blackmon can be a premier wide receiver in the NFC and Bradford could really use a solid #1 WR.

7. Jacksonville – OLB Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
I had them taking DE Quinton Couples before but after thinking about it I believe outside linebacker is a bigger weakness and landing the top ranked OLB will help sure up the Jaguar defense. Wouldn’t be surprised if they went o-line or d-backfield here too.

8. Miami – QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M  *BUST POTENTIAL*
If someone (or the Dolphins for that matter) doesn’t trade up for him before hand I think the Dolphins will take him here seeing how they missed out on the Manning and Matt Flynn sagas. I guess Donovan McNabb and Drew Bress (maybe :P) are still available…kidding. I think Tannehill will be a bust but it makes sense in Miami.

9. Carolina – DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St.
The Panthers could use a solid wideout, but with the success the offense still had last year I think it’s more reasonable to address the depleating defense.  With Ingram off the board I think they’ll address the d-tackle position. They’re pretty weak there and it’ll be between Cox and LSU’s Michael Brockers.

10. Buffalo – OT Riley Reiff, Iowa *BUST POTENTIAL*
They just lost their tackle to the Eagles and really have no one there. This has to be a no brainer to go after a tackle and Reiff is the best one available. Hopefully he doesn’t turn in to another Hawkeye alum, Robert Gallery.

11. Kansas City – Dontrai Poe, Memphis
A lot of mock’s have the Chiefs taking ILB Like Kuechly, and I can see that, however their defensive line can’t produce much of anything and to be honest I kind of the like the linebacker core there already. Poe is a big guy who can play the 3-4 nose and hopefully can help Kansas City out.

12. Seattle – ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
Seattle needs a star in the middle and boy do they lack talent in the middle. If Kuechly can fall to them I expect the Seahawks to snag this stud.

13. Arizona – WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame *BUST POTENTIAL*
There’s little in Arizona for Kevin Kolb to throw to. They need someone to complement Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd could be that guy. If they don’t go receiver look for them to address the offensive line.

14. Dallas – SS Mark Barron, Alabama
I had them going defensive line before but they've lost quite a bit on defense ranging from Terrance Newman, Bradie James, to an unsigned 'I give up deep balls' Gerald Sensabaugh. They need help especially in the secondary and Barron could be the next elite safety in the league and to be honest I could see him being a ‘star’ in Dallas.

15. Philadelphia – DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
The defense in Philly has lost its swag and needs someone to come in and help get it back. They may address the injury plagued offensive line, but I think they’ll go with Coples here.

16. New York (J) – DT Michael Brockers, LSU
I think Rex Ryan is done screwing around and wants to have the dominate defense every game. As much as I think they could go receiver here with some good ones available yet, I think they take the best 3-4 lineman available yet in Brockers.

17. Cincinnati – OG David DeCastro, Stanford
Steal here for the Bengals who need help on the offensive line. If DeCastro lasts this long he could make an immediate impact on the tiger line.

18. San Diego – OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia
I had them going defense before but a couple free agent signings later I think its best they address the offensive line and protect ‘crybaby’ Phillip Rivers. Glenn is the next best tackle available and could step in and start in his first season.

19. Chicago – OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
I think it’ll be between Martin and Wisconsin’s Peter Konz here. Offensive line play has been Chicago’s Achilles heel the last couple of years. Gabe Carimi, last year’s first round pick, is coming off injury so getting some help is very beneficiary for the ‘Da Bears.

20. Tennessee – CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
They need help at cornerback, even before Cortland Finnegan left for St. Louis. If Gilmore is gone by this point then they’ll still go CB I think.

21. Cincinnati – WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
Yes, I know they took A.J. Green last year, but they have nothing else to go alongside him. Jordan Shipley is coming off injury and is a great slot receiver. To get a great speed deep threat in Wright will make this offense extremely dangerous.

22. Cleveland – OLB Whitney Mercilus, Illinois *BUST POTENTIAL*
With addressing offense with their first pick, they need to get help on the defense. So many holes to fill for the Browns and Mercilus can help right away with the defense.

23. Detroit – CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
They need help at corner. If not there they need to help the inside of the offensive line.

24. Pittsburgh – ILB Dont’a Hightower, Alabama
Steelers need offensive line help but they need to get young and have depth at linebacker and Hightower can be a steal here.

25. Denver – DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan St.
I think this could be a spot where Stanford’s tight end Coby Fleener may go, but based off the Broncos free agent signings it seems defensive tackle is more of a need right now. Worthy was very productive for the Spartans and can help anchor that line.

26. Houston – DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
Could go wideout here but boy do they need some guys on defense. The offense did pretty good last year with a 3rd string QB, so adding Upshaw to that defense makes more sense to me.

27. New England – DE Nick Perry, USC
The Patriots defense has been horrible the last couple of seasons. Can you name a DE on their team? They need to address that right here.

28. Green Bay – OLB Shea McClellin, Boise St.
No one here that is worth taking at safety so I think they’ll add depth at linebacker. I think Thompson realistically will trade down, or shock us by taking tight end Fleener if he’s available to be honest with you.

29. Baltimore – C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
I could see them taking a defensive end here as well, but Matt Birk is filthy old and they could use help at guard and Konz could play both if needed. Good pick for the Ravens here.

30. San Francisco – DT Devon Still, Penn St. *BUST POTENTIAL*
Best value at a position where they could use upgrade.

31. New England – SS Harrison Smith, Notre Dame
Here’s another spot to help the defense out a bit. Smith is best ranked SS available, could be a steal for the Pats.

32. New York Giants - RB Doug Martin, Boise St.
A lot of people have Fleener going to the Giants if he were to be there, but they still have their TE’s from last year (when they won the Super Bowl) and signed Martellus Bennett from Dallas, so I think that position isn’t as big of a need a running back is seeing as Brandon Jacobs signed with 49ers.

4.21.2012

Welcome to Sport n00bs!

Welcome to Sport n00bs, a blog ran by Jace Bresina and hopefully some other contributors as well. We'll just be posting our own views and predictions from the world of sports. Enjoy and feel free to debate anything as well. :)