Updated mock draft: 15th January

Give this man a big target

With Mike Zimmer being named Head Coach in Minnesota today, one vacancy remains.

The off-season is starting to take shape, with only the Browns yet to appoint a coach.

They’re waiting on Denver’s Adam Gase, although Josh McDaniels continues to be linked despite insisting he’s staying in New England.

Either way, they’re drafting a quarterback early.

With five of the top-10 switching coaches, it’s setting up to be an intriguing 2014 draft.

And it all begins with the decision made by Houston.

They’re faced with a really difficult choice. They’ll want to take a quarterback, but can they trust the three best options in this class?

Is Teddy Bridgewater ‘special’? He’ll need to convince teams he can be a dynamic leader as well as productive passer.

Johnny Manziel is the best playmaker in the draft, but has character issues that will put off some teams.

Blake Bortles looks the part physically, but is he another Blaine Gabbert?

The Texans know they can’t force this. They will have options at #33. There’s nothing wrong with playing the long game.

#1 Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)
Unless you truly believe in one of these quarterbacks, you’re better off taking the player with the best chance to be great.
#2 Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
If they don’t believe in Sam Bradford, draft Johnny Manziel. If they do believe in him, give him Sammy Watkins here.
#3 Anthony Barr (DE, UCLA)
Gus Bradley could use a great edge rusher. I have my doubts about Barr, but physically he has a ton of upside.
#4 Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M)
It’s starting to feel inevitable. They might have to move up to get their man.
#5 Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)
They can’t have another year of uncertainty at quarterback.
#6 Jake Matthews (T, Texas A&M)
The Falcons would probably rather get one of the top pass rushers, but tackle is their next biggest need.
#7 Greg Robinson (T, Auburn)
Fantastic prospect. Elite athletic qualities. Looks like a complete stud. He’s a better prospect than Matthews for me.
#8 Blake Bortles (QB, UCF)
If Mike Zimmer lands Norv Turner as offensive coordinator, Bortles is a great fit for that offense.
#9 Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M)
The more I watch Evans, the more convinced I am he’s a top ten pick and a true #1 receiver.
#10 Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
Just a really good, competitive football player. Would look great alongside Megatron.
#11 Cyrus Kouandjio (T, Alabama)
Kouandjio and Robinson are the top two tackles for me. If he lasts this long it’d be a steal.
#12 Khalil Mack (DE, Buffalo)
Might be set for a Bruce Irvin-style switch to linebacker. The Giants needs a spark on defense.
#13 Tyler Lewan (T, Michigan)
The depth at tackle allows them to go for a guy like Sammy Watkins if they stay at #2.
#14 Ra’Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota)
He will dominate at the Senior Bowl and secure a place in the top-20 next May.
#15 Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina)
Terrific athlete with the potential to be the next big time tight end.
#16 C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
He’s the type of player the Ravens draft. They consistently make smart, solid picks.
#17 Louis Nix (DT, Notre Dame)
He’s not dominated in 2013 and it’s a concern. Has he added too much bad weight?
#18 Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)
Great when it comes to YAC, he’s also an intelligent, grounded receiver with a big future.
#19 Antonio Richardson (T, Tennessee)
Massive tackle prospect who could easily land in the top-ten.
#20 Zack Martin (T, Notre Dame)
Everyone wants to convert him to guard. Why? He’s looked really good at tackle. Top-20 talent.
#21 Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech)
Green Bay’s defense stinks, but they know supporting Aaron Rodgers is the only way they’ll win another title.
#22 Brent Urban (DE, Virginia)
Chip Kelly likes defenders with length and speed. Underrated prospect.
#23 Calvin Pryor (S, Louisville)
They could use a partner for Eric Berry. I only looked at his tape this week, but it’s impressive.
#24 Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State)
It’s not a great class for cornerbacks, but Dennard looks like the best available.
#25 Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)
Had a productive season and turned a few heads in 2013.
#26 Odell Beckham Jr (WR, LSU)
Could provide a dynamic double threat with Josh Gordon.
#27 Xavier Su’a-Filo (G, UCLA)
Big upside prospect with his best years ahead. Can play tackle or guard.
#28 Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)
He’s the big bodied wide out Carolina currently lacks.
#29 Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, Washington)
Suddenly tight end is a need for the Patriots. That changed quickly. ASJ would be a great fit in this offense.
#30 Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State)
I still believe in Roby, even after a rough season. He can play.
#31 Brandon Coleman (WR, Rutgers)
Seattle needs a big target for Russell Wilson. Coleman fits the bill perfectly.
#32 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama)
They’ve finally moved on from that play against Baltimore last season, but the Broncos still need a safety.

83 Comments

  1. adog

    With a draft deep at the WR position, might this be a good opportunity to make a trade with say the Jags for Blackmon? I think everyone in the Jags organization would agree that a change of scenery would be beneficial for him. Are there any other big WR’s out there that makes sense for the Seahawks to trade for? The Jags could reason themselves that they can let Blackmon go and grab his replacement in the draft. I don’t think Blackmon fits the Jags rebuilding schedule. By the time, probably in 2015, they are competitive, Blackmon will be looking for a new contract. I think Blackmon, yes he has serious off field issues, and yes Pete Carroll has been willing to take a risk with these guys, I think Blackmon would be ideal with the Seahawks. I would throw the 32 for him tomorrow.

    • Hawkspur

      I’ve been thinking along the same lines this season, although I was originally hoping to be able to make Rice part of the deal. That isn’t happening now.

    • Rob Staton

      I’d stay away from Blackmon. Too many issues there. I want someone who wants to be on the field, not suspended.

      • adog

        The multitude of issues is why i think the Seahawks should pursue…or maybe peruse the idea. We could land an very elite athlete at the number 32 pick.

        • Rob Staton

          If he’s serving a career suspension he won’t be much use though.

          • Ralphy

            I love the Blackmon idea. He is a warrior. If you doubt that go watch the Fiesta Bowl highlights from 2012. He had that team on his shoulders. He has had some problems but I think the Hawks could help him. I don’t think it would take a first rounder.

            • Rob Staton

              In fairness though Ralphy, I’m not sure there’s a former Oklahoma State player you haven’t wanted on this team… 🙂

              Blackmon is a liability. Let’s draft someone not on the brink of a career ban.

              • Ed

                But if it is a late enough pick that the risk is worth it, then maybe it would be worth it to jump on it. Due to uncertainty he creates with his off the field issues, maybe he would not require a first round pick. Maybe we could get him with a later pick like we got Lynch.

                • Rob Staton

                  Perhaps, but Jacksonville will probably feel like they’re better off waiting out his rookie deal in that scenario. It’s not too expensive.

                  I was never a huge Blackmon fan going into that draft, his pro career makes me want him even less. The guy needs to get his priorities in order.

            • oz

              I wouldn’t touch Blackmon, period.

              • Ben2

                How many years does Blackmon even have on his rookie deal? No way would I pay this guy! I’d rather have a 1st rounder who is salary controlled and not 1 failed test away from a big time suspension.

                • Ralphy

                  Don’t forget that Lynch had been in quite a bit of trouble when we acquired him on the cheap.

                  • Rob Staton

                    Has Lynch ever received an indefinite suspension?

                    Absolutely not.

                    Blackmon is on a completely different level to Lynch when it comes to this kind of thing. Even the smallest error now and it’s likely a life ban.

                  • Ben2

                    And lynch cost us a 4th rounder. – I said no way to a 1st. At some point the risk reward metric balances the other way….and maybe for a 4 th rounder you do a deal. Not a 1st

              • Elijah

                He is definitely one transgression away from a serious ban. But if you can get him for a 6th or 7th round pick, do you take that risk? Our track record is good in later rounds, but the value of something proven could be worth it. I just wonder what his locker room presence is like – if he is a diva, a cancer, I don’t think you bring him in to a culture like ours.

                It’s something interesting to think about though.

  2. OakHarborHawk

    With the Shrine Game going on this weekend like to point out a player I’ve seen mentioned a few places that would be a steal in the later rounds for the Seahawks. LaTech’s Justin Ellis. He’s a stout massive nose tackle at 6’2″ and 350+ lbs. Mostly seen him project as a UDFA or 7th round pick.

    Would be great insurance in case we have to cut Mebane for cap space.

  3. Burner

    Kiper has Manziel going to the Texans #1 in his first mock released today. Thoughts?

    • Rob Staton

      It’s what I’d do in Houston if they decide to take a QB.

      • AlaskaHawk

        When will you project Manziel to Houston and Clowney or Watkins to the Seahawks??? 🙂

        It’s warm in Alaska and freezing in Detroit, so you know that sometimes hell does freeze over.

        • Rob Staton

          Next time 😉

  4. Hawkspur

    Re: Pryor. I know he’s not a like for like, but how important is it for the Seahawks to find a legitimate backup at safety? If Pryor or Dix is the BPA is the backup safety position enough of a need to justify a late 1st round pick? I ask because Earl Thomas going down is the 2nd worst thing that could happen to this team right now. I also realise that we’re not drafting Russell’s backup in the 1st, but if a safety could play nickel back too, then perhaps it wouldn’t be quite so ridiculous.

    • Rob Staton

      I’m not a big fan of this purely because I don’t want to draft a first round pick that hopefully never sees the field. Earl Thomas is unique, elite and at the top of his game right now. Trying to find anyone who can replace him as a spot starter will be impossible IMO.

    • cover-2

      If Pryor or Dix is the BPA when we pick I would want to trade down a few spots and get a player of position of need.

      With that being said if you have your heart set on getting a legit backup to Earl Thomas, there are a couple of prospects I like. Florida St DB’s Terrence Brooks and Lamarcus Joyner, both can play FS or CB. They are not 1st round prospects and they should be available somewhere between the 2nd and 4th rounds.

      • Attyla the Hawk

        The trade back scenario will be driven by guys we like on the board, not who we don’t need. Realistically, I can’t fathom a team wanting to trade up for a safety unless they are moving half a round or more. That could be further back than we want to move.

        Seattle, more than any other team, has shown that they really don’t regard conventional grade or BPA as we see it in the slightest. They very clearly target specific players and disregard all other BPA noise on draft day.

        I see where you’re going with that. And from a rosterbation, min/max perspective I would agree. But I think actual execution of trades makes that kind of fine maximization of value almost impossible to achieve.

        And it’s only value, if we move back and still get the guy we wanted in the first place. If we move back and lose (Kendricks in 2012) — then it can be disastrous. It didn’t for us but I would bet that was a calculated gamble where we were comfortable losing out on our plan A, because plan B was really close. Had we not graded them so similarly, we may not have pulled the trigger on that trade. Especially if we accept the rumor that we had Kuechly targeted at round 1 if he fell to 12.

        • cover-2

          I am a bit lazy when it comes to posting my thoughts and maybe I come off like I am a half hearted draftnik, but I have a very firm understanding the draft process, scouting, trades, draft history. Thanks anyway for trying to be helpful.

          With that being said, yeah Safeties are not one of the top-3 position of value (QB, LT, & DE) and teams are probably less likely to trade up to get a Safety. BUT, just last year the 49ers traded up in the 1st round to draft LSU safety Eric Ried. So its not unheard of.

          It is kind of common knowledge about the risk of trading down. If at #32 there are 5 players that you really like that have the same grade and you want one of the 5 players, then only trade down to a point to where one of the five will still be available. Now its up to the front office on how much they want to gamble on how far down they trade to where they think one those player may still be there.

      • oz

        A DE would be more of a priority than safety. Just sayin.

        • Ben2

          DE could be the “sleeper” pick with the #32 with Clemons going away….Pete’s a defensive minded guy…

          • Attyla the Hawk

            If you’re going to lay that claim, you need to frame it with possible picks.

            While I agree, it would be a possibility, there really is a dearth of DE talent this year. There isn’t anyone really graded anywhere near 25 through 45.

            Seattle doesn’t place a lot of stock in grades, but they aren’t stupid either. If they do think there is a DE they want, they’ll move down some.

            • Ben2

              I’m really trying to “lay a claim.” My thought process was: (1) Pete’s a defensive minded coach (2) we’re going to lose Clem (3) our FO seems to like to draft from a strength base approach – why not carry that philosophy over to the team and maintain the special strength of our team, which is our defense (4) with our secondary pressure = turnovers (ie the pass rush makes the secondary – where we have lots of resources invested- better) (5) it a passing league, so getting to the quarterback is a priority.

              As to specific names…I don’t watch much college football, I’m more of an nfl guy (and if I watched football on Saturday & Sunday my wife would probably leave me!). Do I don’t have a list of DE prospects that have stood out to me….I could regurgitate some of the names I see on other national draft/prospect sites but I figure most people know these guys and why throw out a name to get contradicted on when I can’t back it up with my OWN opinions from viewing film/clips/games or whatever. I didn’t think our FO would take Irvin (the only reason I knew the name was because Rob had been big on him the previous year). Also, the Bobby Wagner pick? I’m thinking look for a guy with a special athletic trait, about 6’3″ and 255-265 that other pundits might not have a first round grade on….that MIGHT be our guy.

              • Ben2

                * I’m really NOT trying….

  5. nick

    Hey Rob,
    i just spent some time looking at highlights of Benjamin vs. Coleman. I know highlights can be misleading, but in lieu of Pete and JC’s theory/style of looking at what players can do.
    It seems to me that Benjamin is a much more physical receiver than Coleman. Benjamin already knows how to highpoint the ball and catch in traffic. I feel like he will be able to hold the “redline” better than coleman and also catch in traffic in the redzone ala Boldin.
    Coleman to me looks much more like a deep threat. Someone who can run past his guy. Not very physical.
    Obviously they are both raw and will need some refining. Can you tell me why you prefer Coleman?
    Do you feel like either will be available when we pick?
    What do you dislike about Benjamin?

    All things being equal. My guess is that the Hawks FO would take the more physical guy.

    • Rob Staton

      I think highlights can be deceiving at times. The issue I have with Benjamin is when he’s at his best, he looks like a top ten pick. High points the ball. Big, fast, strong. Ideal size for a #1 receiver. Incredible potential.

      But in every game I’ve seen him play, there’s so many frustrating plays where he’s coasting along. For every great catch in the red zone, he’ll meander through a route, round it off, drop an absolute dolly of a catch or just not put the effort in.

      Is he a really competitive, win the red line receiver? For me — on current tape — he is not. He doesn’t dominate, and he should do. He has all the physical tools, he has a Heisman winner at quarterback and he’s playing on an unbeaten team that had an ultra vanilla schedule in 2013. The light could switch on in the NFL, but he scares the crap out of me with his effort. I really want to believe in him and would be excited with the pick if it happened, but there’s too much lousy tape to offset the great stuff.

      On Coleman, I think he’s been severely disadvantaged by the frankly atrocious offense/passing game at Rutgers. It’s completely destroyed his development. He’s rarely given a chance to do anything. It’s been a truly miserable two years of QB play for that programme. But there just aren’t many 6-6 guys at 220lbs who can run away from defenders like he can. For me, he shares similar potential to Josh Gordon as another rough diamond coming into the league. That excites me. And if he played for Florida State the last two years, I’m pretty confident he’d be a top-15 lock.

      • Turp

        Does Benjamin become an option of Coleman is gone by our pick, or if the Hawks trade down?

        • Rob Staton

          For me Benjamin will probably be a R1 pick, maybe go before Seattle picks. If he’s there when they’re on the clock he is a big time option.

      • oz

        Right on,Rob.

      • Attyla the Hawk

        The one real red flag that I see with Coleman, is that he’s really terrible at fighting his way back to the ball. His tape is replete with underthrown balls that he really makes minimal effort to work back for and generally if he does, he simply flails a hand meekly at the ball.

        Our receivers all share a common trait. They work for the ball. They attack it. Coleman rarely ever demonstrates this. And for all his size, which on paper should equal physical possession receiver — his lack of owning the ball in the air really deflates that physical advantage.

        I’ve said it before, receivers generally develop a great deal once they reach the NFL. Coleman is going to have a long road of development to be worthy of making our active roster. Not saying he can’t do it. But if we did take Coleman, I would expect him to have a similar impact that Jordan Hill has had for us this year. Inactive on most weeks.

        Benjamin and Coleman to me are kind of Christine Michael type picks. Guys who when they are drafted, won’t be good enough to crack the active roster. They’ll have to make huge strides in May and July to begin to be considered.

        I wouldn’t dismiss us cutting Rice, and if he’s not resigned for a lot — bringing him back at a new/reduced salary. It would depend on dollars and what we need his salary for. Rice is a much better big target receiver right now, and I’d rather doubt that either Benjamin or Coleman could be his equal before the 2014 season concludes.

        • Robert

          I disagree with the comparison between Christine Michael and Benjamin. I strongly believe he would be an immediate red zone factor. His height, long arms, great springs, high pointing ability and overall physicality combine to make him a red zone monster right out of the gate. I believe it is also likely that he could be an immediate key contributor on 3rd downs.

  6. Ralphy

    Does ASJ have the speed that the Patriots looked for in Gronk and Hernandez?

    • Rob Staton

      Possibly not, but I’m not sure they specifically just looked for speed. Gronk ran a 4.68. I think ASJ will run a 4.75.

  7. Darnell

    Rob, what do you think of M Bryant (Clemson)?

    I see a lot of upside there, I actually like him more than Benjamin.

    • Rob Staton

      I think he has some of the things you look for. Height, size. He made a couple of nice plays in the Bowl game for touchdowns. But I was never blown away by him in the season. I reserve the right to change my mind when he works out, but right now I’m thinking mid rounder.

      • oz

        3rd rounder. Maybe fourth.

      • DrewC

        I have been watching Bryant for the last 2 years and will scream til my lungs give out for the Hawks NOT to draft him. Yes he has some updside and potential, however, if you think Kelvin Benjamin was inconsistent, I don’t know what you’ll think of Bryant. He is so frustrating to watch. Every once in awhile he makes a great catch, can go up and get the ball and has some speed, but he drops the ball way too often. And the majority of his catches are with his body not hands.

        He should have stayed one more year at Clemson. He would have been the #1 receiver there next year with Watkins gone, but decided to leave early because he has a couple kids to feed and needs the pay check sooner rather than later.

        • Rob Staton

          Thanks for the info — interesting.

  8. Michael (CLT)

    Nice job, Rob. The only change I would make is Pittsburgh. A big WR or corner, even a NT would seem to be a priority and better value.

  9. House

    I think Coleman would fit well and would only improve from working with RW. He’s been dubbed as a team player and a positive influence in Rutgers’ locker room. Rice will be gone and I have a feeling that Tate or Baldwin will be as well.

    If we draft Coleman, we’d still have a very talented corps:
    Harvin
    Coleman
    Tate/Baldwin
    Kearse
    Lockett/Walters

    • House

      *Lockette

  10. Stuart

    Nice mock Rob. WR Allen Robinson is climbing. He was a player who was never on my radar but following your site has really educated me on him. How do you think he compares with Sidney Rice?

    Obviously Rice will be a cap casualty but I was just curious how Robinson compared to Rice.

    • Rob Staton

      Robinson reminds me of a taller Santonio Holmes, with better YAC ability. Really switched on guy too, clearly a team player and a leader at Penn State. Robinson is really growing on me.

    • MJ

      Robinson has some really nice tools, but man, he struggles to catch the ball cleanly. He always seems to have a slight bobble. And despite his size, he’s really unnatural going up for the ball. He’s really more of a LOS YAC guy.

      On the positive side, he really is a fast player, especially at 6’3″. And like Rob said, he definitely has his head on straight. Speed + size = immense upside. Great, great athlete.

      What a tough guy to figure out. So many tantalizing tools, but his weaknesses are things that I don’t think you can learn/teach. Being a natural hands catcher and high pointer just seem really innate. I think he’d struggle owning the Red Line as well.

      Personally, I wouldn’t touch him in R1 for the Seahawks. I think he’s redundant with Tate, despite obvious size differences. He certainly possesses the physical traits, but again, what Seattle needs is kind of really the opposite of what Robinson does. We really need a dominating, strong possession type who also has the ability to work deep/red line.

      Here’s a weird analogy, it’s like a baseball team needing a shortstop, but they draft a really good 2nd baseman instead, hoping he can play shortstop. You know he’s great at 2nd, but that doesn’t mean he will be a great shortstop. I think we may be looking at a square peg, round hole with Robinson.

      If we can’t get Benjamin or Coleman (I’m not a big fan of either), I’d rather go with Landry or Beckham, and target a really big body later on in the draft (Bryant, Hoffman, etc). I just firmly believe we wouldn’t maximize Robinson’s skill set and despite his talent, I don’t think he would alter the passing game that much, especially with Harvin/Tate in the fold.

    • Trudy Beekman

      After watching the 3 Draft Breakdown vids from this year, I gotta agree that Robinson should go before the Hawks pick, and he is much more than just a speedy YAC guy. 3rd best receiver in the draft IMO and I think has a legitimate shot to challenge Sammy Watkins for #2 with how polished he already is.

      Another guy that is massively underrated is Cody Latimer. Projected to go mid-rounds right now but looks like a 2nd round guy to me.

      http://draftbreakdown.com/video/cody-latimer-vs-bowling-green-2013/

      • MJ

        I have to respectfully disagree about part of this. Robinson is well below Watkins IMO. Watkins does everything better (speed, route running, big play ability, jump balls, hands). Just my opinion, but I can’t put both of those guys in the same sentence and that’s not meant to be a knock on Robinson. I just think Watkins is elite.

        I do agree that Robinson probably goes before the Hawks, which I am hoping for because I don’t think he’s a good fit on this roster.

        Good call on Latimer…he’s an intriguing mid round big body. Lots of options, for sure.

        • DrewC

          Agreed. Sammy Watkins is the total package. There isn’t another wide receiver in this draft that can do what he does. The only thing he lacks is the size, although he is 6’1″ and has enough weight to handle contact, especially since he definitely doesn’t shy away from it. This years draft for WRs is too exciting! So many options and you never know what PC/JS might do.

      • oz

        I like Latimer a lot.

    • Attyla the Hawk

      Robinson doesn’t compare well to Rice for me.

      Rice has amazing hands. He can make incredible catches away from his body. His catch radius is ridiculous.

      His footwork is superb. He has so many sideline catches where he is fully extended at speed, dragging his toes for receptions. Robinson doesn’t have those kinds of hands. He double catches a lot.

  11. Kenny Sloth

    What do you honestly thinkk of blake bortles. He seems like a ryan tannehill type to me.

    • Rob Staton

      There’s some good tape out there, and some very average tape.

    • Colin

      He needs some polishing for sure, but there’s plenty of intrigue to me. I think he’s more advanced than Tannehill in terms of his ability as a passer, but his footwork and mechanics can be sloppy.

      I think if he were to fall at all in round 1, AZ might go snag him. Bruce Arians LOVES big quarterbacks and he could groom Bortles for a year or two behind Palmer.

  12. Jeremy

    A couple thoughts here.

    It looks like all the head coaching jobs are being filled. Does it look like the Seahawks coaching staff will be intact for next year, or am I missing something here? If so, that would be huge.

    I was really hoping Kearse would fill in when Rice went out, so we wouldn’t be talking about a big WR come draft time. I totally agree, this is the biggest need. But I want to ask you this, if Rice comes back healthy (and at a restructured contract, which I believe is a possibility) where does the WR position rank in terms of need??

    • Rob Staton

      Cleveland will make a big push for Gase. It’s very surprising that Cincy have lost both coordinators and Seattle hasn’t lost any. Can’t believe a guy like Jim Caldwell is getting another crack.

    • oz

      I have seen a lot of opportunity’s for Kearse. He is very good at finding space, but Russell doesn’t get him the ball.

  13. oz

    Very good Mock Rob. Keep up the good work. Hope everything is well on the home-front.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks man.

  14. The Ancient Mariner

    Why do you have the Panthers picking after the Patriots? Since Carolina’s out and NE’s still in, doesn’t it have to be the other way around?

    • Rob Staton

      Yes my mistake. I’ve fixed it now.

  15. Cory

    Great mock Rob, I’m a big fan of your site. What would have the hawks do if the 9ers fall in love with Coleman and pick him right before us?

    • Rob Staton

      I would’ve had them drafting Jordan Matthews in this mock in that scenario.

  16. CHawk Talker Eric

    I dunno. I have a strong feeling that HOU will make Bridgewater the #1 pick. QB is their biggest need, as well as the single most important position on the team. Manziel may be a more tantalizing prospect, but Bridgewater fits O’Brian’s scheme better.

    Also, Bridgewater will test and interview extremely well. He’s successfully run a pro style offense (albeit against weaker competition), has a strong, accurate arm, decent mobility, good pocket presence and checks through his options well. He’s also mature.

    One or all of CLE, OAK or JAX will be hunting for a QB, and you can bet Bridgewater will be high on their lists. HOU cannot risk trading down and hoping their QB will still be there, especially considering anyone trading up will most likely be doing so to take a QB.

    I like the Rams taking Watkins. That would be a great pick if they’re committed to Bradford.

    • DrewC

      If I were Houston I would draft Clowney and then add a QB in the 2nd round like Aaron Murry and sign Josh McCown since the Bears decided to keep Cutler instead. Putting Clowney opposite of JJ Watt would be down right scary and McCown has shown enough that he can be more than a capable starter, much like an Alex Smith type of QB.

  17. Emperor_MA

    I like this mock quite a bit, Rob. I’m not a fan of Coleman but I really see a lot of good thought here and very plausible picks for almost every team.

    I have it on pretty good authority that Minnesota wants to move up to #2 for Manziel. If they aren’t able to and he is off the board, then they will target Carr.

    What do you think of that scenario?

    • Rob Staton

      Minnesota need to make a big move at QB. That would make total sense IMO. Although he isn’t a prototype Norv Turner quarterback. I could see them targeting Carr but I think that’s probably in round two. He isn’t a top ten pick IMO.

      • Emperor_MA

        Yeah, the source (close to ownership rather than the FO) said they’d move up to #2 for Manziel but if they are not able to make a deal to do so they would stay put and look for Carr. My guess is in round two, as well.

        • SunPathPaul

          Manziel and A. Peterson together? That could be dangerous… Add in C. Patterson and Greg Jennings, and poof! You may be a contender!

          • Ben2

            Minnesota’s defense is not very good.

  18. Stuart

    Minnesota would be wise to trade down in R-1 is Carr was their man. Depending who is on the board at the time, Minnesota could still draft Carr late in R-1 and pick up an extra R-2, probably a lot more than that depending on how far they drop.

    Perhaps a team like SF that has multiple 2nd and 3rd round picks would pull the trigger. It pisses me of that SF has multiple picks again this year.

    I do not see the Hawks moving up in any round. The first time ever with JS was last year in the 5th round for DB Thayler. I don’t know if that is spelled right because we never see his name. Next year hopefully we will see all the time.

    If anything JS will move down to acquire more picks. As history shows, JS has great success after R-1/2. The future of last years draft and UDFA is very promising. We are so fortunate with PC/JS.

  19. Anonymous

    Tharold Simon.

    • Ben2

      Thatold Simon is on the Byron Maxwell plan of improvement.

  20. SunPathPaul

    What a BUST Chris Harper was this year!

    Hope that we DO trade up, or get a Quality WR in the 1st Round… Mike Evans would Kill Here!

    • DrewC

      I think any red zone/jump ball receiver would kill here, especially since they would have a lot of 1 on 1 opportunities opposite of Harvin.

  21. MJ

    I’m not buying Brandon Coleman. I know they don’t have much of a passing game at Rutgers but the thing that sticks out to me is he doesn’t seem to play with much heart. I want a fierce WR who fights for the ball, high points, and goes beast mode after the catch. You don’t need to be 6’6 to do that. Golden Tate plays bigger than Coleman does.

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