Panthers - Cam Newton Broncos - Marcell Dareus Bills - Blaine Gabbert Bengals - A.J. Green Cardinals - Von Miller Browns - Julio Jones 49ers - Patrick Peterson Titans - Robert Quinn Cowboys - Tyron Smith Redskins - Ryan Mallett Texans - Prince Amukamara Vikings - Nick Fairley Lions - Jimmy Smith Rams - Cameron Jordan Dolphins - Mark Ingram And some random thoughts: 1. Conventional wisdom has Fairley still going in the Top 10, but I think the guys I have lined up are all worthy as well. I think teams have become more and more averse to character concerns as we seem so many bust over and over again. With this draft in particular, I think that will be an issue for Fairley. 2. I don't see the character concerns being an issue for Mallett. The position is too important, and he's probably the best passer in the draft. 3. I don't believe in engaging in trade speculation when making picks, but there are a number of trades I can see going down: a) We could like Mallett enough to move up to #9 and take him. There have been rumors Dallas has a deal in place to move down, and there have been further rumors that that deal is with us. Most have speculated it is contingent on Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton being available, but I would not be surprised if Ryan Mallett is the target. b) Speaking of Dallas, I wouldn't be surprised if Smith doesn't make it to them. With teams coveting LTs, someone could jump up to grab him. The Cardinals or Titans might be possible trade partners in such a scenario. 4. I think it's possible we could try to acquire a pick in the 2nd round (whether by trading down or trading our 2012 1st if we really like Ponder or Dalton. But I like the idea of just staying put and seeing what we have to choose from in the 3rd round. If one of the quarterbacks is there, great. If D.J. Williams or Jerrel Jernigan is there, even better in my opinion. If we can come out of the first three rounds with Ingram and Williams/Jernigan, then I think we've given Daboll and Henne a great chance to turn this offense around. I still think we will look to bring in competition for Henne, but I'm not sure if we would pay a steep price for Carson Palmer or Kevin Kolb. Instead, I could see us inquiring about Matt Flynn or even Brady Quinn who would at least have the advantage of having worked in Daboll's offense. I'm sure many would hate that, but this is why I've said for a while now that people should get used to the idea of Henne being our starter in 2011.
I just can't see Ingram at 15. Going by what Sparano said along with the fact that this HB class is extremely deep and will have starting caliber players around into the 4th round at least. I think the odds are the Dolphins move back. Maybe they take Ingram if they do indeed move back, but I just find it hard to believe they'd take him at 15. Not a bad mock though at all IMO. A little different than what we're seeing from the "experts", but I think it's entirely possible for many of those picks. I'm not sure I see the Bills taking Gabbert (although they certainly could) and if they don't I think he gets to 7 where I would love to see Miami look to move up for him. If the Bills do take Gabbert you can bet the Cardinals will be jumping for joy to be able to get Von Miller.
I still think you put far too much faith in coach speak. And, when you say "starting caliber players," that only means potential. You cannot expect a guy in the 3rd or 4th round to come in and start, to be a productive player, a good passblocker, etc . . . With Ingram, you can. If we had another adequate back on the roster at present, then I think your argument would carry more weight. But we don't. So we have to be a little more risk averse with how we address the position. To me, that spells Ingram. As far as the Bills, while it was great that Fitzpatrick actually allowed them to score TDs via passing and all, I don't think they can possibly see him as a franchise QB. In fact, I'm not even sure they can see him as a guy who is going to lead them to a winning season. He won't be the weak link, but with a pick this high and the chance to grab a true franchise guy, I just don't see how they can pass on the opportunity.
We'll have to agree to disagree on the coach speak thing. I just don't see a willingness to give a back the bulk of the carries with Sparano at the helm. Maybe Daboll can talk him out of this thinking. We'll see. In this draft I think you can expect some of these guys in the 3rd and 4th round to come in and at least split time with someone else right off the bat. That's how deep I feel this class is at that position. And while they may not currently have a starter at HB, it's by far the easiest position to find a starter at. I believe they'll double up on the position in the draft and probably sign a FA in what should be a deep and fairly talented pool as well. With the Bills, I don't completely disagree with your stance and that's why I think it's possible they take a QB. I just don't get the feeling they will. Gailey might be on a shorter leash than Sparano and a guy like Von Miller can instantly make your defense a force to be reckoned with. And I do believe Fitzpatrick can be a playoff QB in that system.
Good mock. I don't see the Dolphins investing in a 1st round QB given the current job security of Sparano / Ireland. I like the idea of trading down in the 1st round and addressing the interior OL (Danny Watkins, Pouncey, or Carimi at guard) and then addressing RB/TE in rounds 2/3. I also see Henne being the starter in 2011 - let's get him some better weapons to work with and see if he can't improve. What do you guys think about Daniel Thomas from Kansas St.? I kind of like him in that 3rd round area as a bigger back and then pick up one of the smaller backs with more elusiveness in the 4th/5th round area. I don't think either Ronnie or Ricky will be back and then they need at least 2 RBs out of this draft - I would then taking a flier on one in the 7th round as well.
