Monthly Archives: May 2014

David Wilson: I Just Can’t Quit You

Last night I had the pleasure of joining my old Co-host from Trick Plays, Micah James (The FFMagicman), on his new show on FFToolBox Radio.  I had a blast with my old running mate, but one discussion really stuck in my craw all night

.

                                                                               Discover Sports Internet Radio with FFToolbox on BlogTalkRadio

An audience member asked us to discuss the New York Giants’ roster and their fantasy prospects for 2014.  I gave my best assessment of what I think the Giants have to offer for fantasy football players, but when it came to discussing David Wilson I was really at a loss. In reality I am not expecting anything from Wilson in fantasy football this season.  I desperately hope I’m wrong and that he grows as a football player exponentially this summer, but the reality is there isn’t much time for him to heal physically (fused neck) and make up for all the short comings in his game. (Pass-blocking, fumbling, and timing as a runner) I have to admit that I was a huge supporter of David Wilson last off season.  His athleticism is the stuff that fantasy dreams are made of.

If the measurables weren’t enough to keep your interest then the news that his direct competition for touches in the Giants backfield last season, Andre Brown, breaking his leg in the preseason may have swayed you to reconsider.  These factors plus the fact that I was covering the Giants for BigBlueView.com and got to see David Wilson in person at the Giants’ training camp had me hook-line-and sinker. I watched as he exploded all over the field.  He was returning kicks, flying through the line of scrimmage on runs and making leaping one-handed grabs in the passing game. (yes Eli was a little inaccurate even in the preseason)  If I could have pawned my wife’s wedding ring to buy more shares in David Wilson I may have done it.

The big issue ended up being that I was too close to the situation.  I was right up in there, drinking the cool-aid and writing it for everyone to see.  If I had just taken a step back I may have not been so bullish on the situation. Here’s the reason why: The Giants’s offensive line in the preseason showed all the signs of an aging unit that could fall off the cliff at any moment.  Center David Baas had been riddled with injuries since he became a Giant.  Former-All-Pro Guard Chris Snee was playing on a hip that was operated on and compensating with the other one that was just as injured.  David Diehl was a warrior for the Giants in the late 2000’s, but his best games were clearly behind him and he was still going to be a big contributor.

The only true hope was a rookie tackle that had short arms and was more of a technician than a mauler when it came to the running game.  The depth behind the aging lineman was where the Giants really faltered.  They didn’t have anyone that could actually come in and get the job done.  They had instead tried to fill those roles with projects like James Brewer. Besides an offensive line that was showing signs of cracks the Giants had one of the worst blocking tight ends in the league, Brandon Myers, penciled in as their new starter.  The bulked up former work-out warrior Adrien Robinson was supposed to be the key blocker at the tight end position, but he ballooned up to over 285 pounds and injured his foot in the preseason.

The fumbles by David Wilson against the Dallas Cowboys in week 1 were actually a culmination of mistakes that he had continued to make in the preseason.  The pressure was on the young man and he really struggled with it.  In redraft leagues I panicked right away.  I was not buying low as some were in the first few weeks of the season.  Instead I was selling him for a sliding scale from Frank Gore to Ryan Matthews.  By the end you were lucky to get Mark Ingram for him. In dynasty leagues it was tough to become a seller.  His value had taken a dip, but his potential was just so high that actually pulling the trigger on a deal was difficult.

All of these bad memories had me file David Wilson away as a cautionary tale in the back of my mind, but then after talking to Micah that file was reopened. I had to look at David Wilson for the opportunity and the player that he is THIS season. Wilson suffered a fractured vertebra in his neck last season and had spinal fusion in the off-season.  The Giants were pretty tight-lipped about his recovery, but then around the NFL draft Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reece started saying that they believed Wilson would be cleared to play this season and that he was in fantastic shape. I teased a few of my friends on Twitter with tweets about Wilson being back, but they were all in jest.

I mean, the Giants had already moved on and signed their work-horse back in Rashad Jennings. The same Jennings that is 29 years old and has never rushed for over 750 yards in a season.  The same Rashad Jennings who’s career totals look like a down season for Adrien Peterson.  ( 1677 rushing yards and 13 TOTAL TDs) Well if Jennings isn’t the answer then it must be the running back the Giants drafted in the fourth round of this year’s NFL Draft.  Right?  Andre Williams is a gifted runner with some very surprising explosion numbers for a running back that is over 230 pounds, BUT he has smallish hands (9 Inches) and has never shown the ability to catch the football.  He really hasn’t shown the leg drive that would make him a short yardage back either, but he is a very good running back to add to a rotation. If Jennings can’t stay healthy, as he’s often showed in his career, then David Wilson is right back in the mix.  If he can somehow learn how to pass block to go with his pass catching skills then he could even slide right into Jennings role as lead back.  There’s a lot to get excited about and that’s why my former Co-host was so adamant that he will take a flier on Wilson late in some drafts because of the upside. So what else does David Wilson have going for him this year? First of all he’s back on the field.

Second, he has a brand new offensive line blocking for him. The Giants spent a lot of money in the off season getting quality bodies to either start of be key back ups.  They signed one of ProFootballFocus’s favorite offensive lineman in Geoff Schwartz from Kansas City.  They signed J.D. Walton and John Jerry to be key back ups on the interior of the offensive line.  They drafted the best Center available in the NFL Draft in Weston Richburg to potentially start and they signed Charles Brown to be a swing tackle. Third, he has a brand new offense.

Kevin Gilbride’s running game was built on slow developing running plays that really weren’t the best way to use David Wilson.  Ben McCadoo’s new West Coast Offense should be just what the doctor ordered.  Screens, Speed Draws, and quick fullback leads will get Wilson in open space quicker.  My excitement for the new offense is tempered by the fact that he has to learn a whole new blocking scheme with new responsibilities.  He will be learning this new offense all while coming back from a major injury. While he was clearly off my radar before last night he is back in my bag of late round darts at this point.

Even if he never becomes the fantasy star I thought he was destined for he can be a big contributor to a turn around for a Giants offense that was a fantasy wasteland last season.

Updated 8/4/2014:  David Wilson has been told by New York Giants team doctors that his career is over. After suffering a burner in practice the week before many people around the organization feared the worse when thinking of David Wilson’s football playing days.  Sure enough, the doctors confirmed that it was just too dangerous for Wilson to go back on the field.  Tom Coughlin told the media that the smile never left Wilson’s face, even when hearing the career ending news.  David Wilson’s quote put in perspective the fact that he still lived his dream, no matter how fleeting it was, and looks forward to dreaming a new dream and living that one as well.  While I am sad today as a Giants fan as a fantasy football owner who dreamed of his potential, most of me is just so happy that we get to see him walk away from the game instead of suffering another major injury on the field.

Episode 004: The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Episode 004 of The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Talking Fantasy Baseball with all your news, notes and Waiver Wire Additions

Featuring: Jonathan Vandersluis Owner/ Editor of TopTeamFantasy.com

Jonathan Vandersluis Owner/Managing Editor TopTeamFantasy.com

Jonathan Vandersluis
Owner/Managing Editor TopTeamFantasy.com

About My Guest:  Jonathan Vanderluis (@Jonathan_TFF on Twitter)

Jonathan has been playing fantasy sports for almost a decade, first football and then quickly to baseball and basketball too, and founded TopTeamFantasy.com in 2013. He has always been a numbers guy, so fantasy sports provided the perfect place for him to combine his analytical skills with his passion for sports. Jonathan makes Toronto, Canada his home, but loves to travel every chance he gets and explore new places. Follow Jonathan on Twitter@Jonathan_TTF, he’d be glad to answer any of your questions and help you win your fantasy league.

 

Episode Summary:  Jonathan and I go over all the big news in Fantasy Baseball as well look for ways to help your teams win this coming week.  We cover everything from what to do at first base with Prince Fielder out for the year to if selling high on Johnny Cueto is a good idea.

You can Download this episode as well as the previous three on Itunes and Stitcher Radio.

I would like to thank my guest Jonathan Vandersluis for taking time from his busy schedule to come on the podcast and would also like to thank C-Quel for providing the intro music as well as the outro beat.  You can Find all of C-Quel’s current music available here.

Episode 003: The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Episode 003 of The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Talking Fantasy Baseball for Monday 5/19 thru Sunday 5/25

Featuring Ian Riley (@Ian_Riley)of Rotoexperts.com

Fantasy Baseball Expert Ian Riley

Ian Riley of RotoExperts.com

About My Guest: Ian’s first exposure to the world of Fantasy sports came in the form of Strat-O-Matic baseball back in the summer of 1994 at the tender age of 17. That introduction has led to a love affair with both Fantasy Baseball and Football that is now rapidly approaching two decades. 
 
His writing career began in August of 2008 with OPENSports.com, where he was discovered by the one-and-only David Gonos. While there his work also appeared on FantasyLive.com and the Fantasy Football draft kit on FoxSports.com. 

Ian brought his talents to RotoExperts in March of 2011, where he writes his weekly OSR Report (Observations, Speculations and Revelations). He also regularly appears on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio with Scott Engel and Adam Ronis.

Episode Summary: Ian and I talk Fantasy Baseball for over an hour to get you prepared for the upcoming week.  The fact that Ian and I know each other so well really comes through on the episode even when we disagree on some players.  Make sure to listen all the way to the end when we discuss our top waiver wire adds for the week.

  • Intro
  • We get to know our guest a little and talk about how small a world it can be in Fantasy Sports
  • Fantasy Baseball News and Notes-Everything you need to know to be ready for the Fantasy Baseball week
  • Two Start Starting Pitchers-Potential Streamers and some you may want to avoid even if you picked them up.
  • Sell High Candidates-Who needs to be traded for the biggest haul…
  • Buy Low Targets
  • Waiver Wire Adds
  • Guys you need to drop in your leagues.

You can Download this episode as well as the previous two on Itunes and Stitcher Radio.

Once again I would like to thank my guest, Ian Riley of RotoExperts, for spending so much time with me on a Sunday evening as well as C-Quel or The Mighty Shiek as he’s known for the amazing Intro to The Fantasy Coach Podcast.

 

Episode 002: The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Episode 2 of The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Featuring: Shane P. Hallam of DraftTV.com

2014 NFL Draft Recap and Fantasy Football Outlook

About My Guest: 

Shane Hallam of DraftTV.com

Shane Hallam of DraftTV.com

 Shane has been analyzing the NFL Draft for a decade. He is currently President and Owner of www.DraftTV.com and previously was an NFL Draft Analyst for www.draftcountdown.com writing scouting reports and articles for the site since 2010.  He is also a member of the Football Writer’s Association of America and Fantasy Sports Writers Association.  He has attended the Senior Bowl in Mobile since 2011 and was the color commentator of the local radio broadcast in 2014. Be sure to follow him on twitter @ShanePHallam Summary:  Shane and I discuss the 2014 NFL draft and try and hit as many high lights (The Raiders?) and low lights as we can fit in a one hour show.  We discuss everything from teams changing their draft philosophy to which palyers you should target in Fantasy Football. Episode Breakdown:

  • Intro
  • We talk about which teams had the best drafts and which teams seemed to not have the best approach to this draft.
  • We discuss if some of the top NFL QB’s should be happy how their teams drafted.
  • We’ll discuss the running backs drafted and how they could change the way the touches are handed out where they landed.
  • We touch on a possible Seattle find that may slip under the radar in your fantasy drafts.
  • Addition by Omission: which players benefit from their teams not drafting competition for them.
  • We give our top 10 Rookie draft picks for Dynasty Fantasy Football Leagues and one sleeper we will be targeting late in drafts.

ITunes

One Important note is that the Original Intro music is provided by my good friend C-Quel or The Mighty Siek as he’s also known.  I can’t thank him enough for stepping into the studio and nailing an intro that will get everyone excited for the new podcast.

Fantasy Baseball: Waiver and Watch out List

Some of the hot names available on the Waiver Wire in a league near you:

Drew Pomeranz

  • Drew Pomeranz (Oakland A’s-SP) Pomeranz is the beneficiary of the Dan Straily demotion to Sacremento.  While Straily was a nice target late in drafts for his strikeout upside his tendency to give up the untimely home run finally caught up to him.  Keep an eye on Straily’s progress in Triple A as he could be called up before to long with Tommy Milone not lighting it up in the rotation.  Now onto Pomeranz.  Pomeranz was top prospect that just couldn’t break through to the big club in Cleveland and was eventually shipped to the Colorado Rockies in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal.  Pomeranz struggled in Colorado and eventually the Rockies decided to eat their losses and let Pomeranz go for the price of Brett Anderson from the Oakland A’s.  Pomeranz has been reinvigorated by the change of scenery and has been pitching well out of the A’s bullpen before getting a chance to blank the Mariners for 5 innings  in a spot start during a double header last week.  Pomeranz was a top 30 prospect before fizzling out in Colorado and could be a nice addition to your fantasy baseball rotation, especially in deep leagues, where injuries around the Major Leagues have fantasy managers scrambling.  I have tried to grab him in most formats where my league size is 12 and up.  I’m hoping we have another Jesse Chavez on our hands, but I’ll settle for what we expected from Straily.
  • Cody Allen (Cleveland Indians-RP) Allen was the first name at the top of the list as managers were scrambling to replace John Axford in their fantasy bullpens.  Well it seems Terry Francona isn’t looking for a long term replacement at closer and wants Axford to work his way back into the role.  I was high on Axford as a late round sleeper closer in the build up to fantasy drafts, but in the back of my head I had trouble getting over the fact that he couldn’t take the job back from Jim Henderson in Milwaukee last season.  Whether it’s trouble with his pitching mechanics or he’s tipping his pitches again, I really don’t know if he CAN get the job back if one of the other Cleveland relievers run away with it.  The problem is it’s going to be closer by committee in Cleveland for the time being and Allen isn’t the only one to lay claim to the closer’s role.  Bryan Shaw has been lights out as well this year and picked up a save in that role on Sunday in 9 pitches.  If I’m an Axford owner I’m hanging onto Axford and picking up either Allen or Shaw in the short term.  Personally in very deep leagues I snuck in sneaky cheap bids on Shaw and hope that he can run away with it.  If he doesn’t I’m sure one of the million players currently clogging up my DL will take the spot come June 1st.
  • Rafael Montero (New York Mets-SP) Montero was always going to be the first of the Mets triple A prospects to get a shot in the rotation because of arbitration entanglements, but Noah Syndergaard  struggled to start the season and Montero has kept up his strikeout stuff in the mean time.  Jenrry Mejia could be headed to the bullpen to make room for Montero in the Mets rotation and it could be a boon for your fantasy team.  Montero has a lot of the things I’m looking for when I need a prospect to save my fantasy rotation.  He is called up to a pitcher’s park and has a better than 9 K per 9 Innings ratio.  The Mets defense is the only drawback for me liking more, but I see Montero as a must grab in any league larger than 12 and of course for NL only leagues.
  • Chase Headley (San Diego padres-3B) headley struggled out of the gate this year just like most of the Padres offensive players and then was forced to the disabled list with a strained calf.  A ton of fantasy GMs jumped ship when Headley hit the DL as they saw that as the last straw.  Personally I am grabbing Headley where I can because he has all the ingredients to pay off.  He’s in a contract year, he is way off his career number (even if those are inflated by an outlier season) and he also holds that special value as the one that got away.  There is nothing like picking up someone’s cast off and having him light it up when he plays for your team.  I have seen it time and time again where the amateur fantasy owner can’t get over the fact that his castoff is lighting it up for someone else and ends up making a lopsided trade to get that player back on their squad.

Watch out!  These players could be playing themselves into a DL or minor league stint:

  • Mike Moustakas (Kansas City Royals-3B)  The struggles just won’t stop for this immensely talented pain in my butt.  In all seriousness I will gladly admit that I drank from the Moustakas has finally found it fountain this Spring Training and I was once again wrong.
  • Chris Archer (Tampa Bay Rays-SP)  Archer has struggled for a few outings now and his control is what worries me.  If it was just getting hit he clould make some adjustments, but his command has really become an issue.  In 10 league teams I would consider dropping him for a more solid option.
  • Clay Buchholtz (Boston Red Sox-SP)  Buchholtz has not looked like himself since spring training.  He is giving up hits in bunches and missing less and less bats as he struggles to get outs.  I actually uttered the words He’s Dead To Me on the Fantasy Black Book Show on Sirius XM this weekend and I think I should clarify that a little bit.  I’m holding on to him in the hopes that they put him on the DL to correct whatever the issue is that is going on with a guy that I thought could be a nice late round gamble.
  • Dan Uggla (Atlanta Braves-2B)  Uggla is going to be DFA before the year is through.  This was inevitable, but the Braves haven’t decided who is going to be the one to get the first shot as a full time replacement.  Tommmy La Stella could be coming up from the minors when he’s ready and could help teams in larger leagues that need some BA help and maybe even runs if he gets to hit in front of Freddie Freeman and Justin Upton.  Ramiro Pena is better a s a bench bat and glove and using him full time at 2B would hurt the Braves more than it would help.  Stear clear for now.

Situations to monitor:

  • Alex Fernandez is scheduled for an MRI in Los Angeles and just typing this has me shaking a little as I am not diversified enough when it comes to shares of Fernandez.
  • Alex Wood will be heading to the bullpen in Atlanta as Gavin Floyd will get a chance to stick in the rotation.  I am keeping Wood on my bench everywhere I have him because he will eventually be back in the rotation and has proved that he’s a fantasy asset as a starter.  The Braves can limit his innings by putting him in the bullpen now and continue to ride the resurgence of Aaron Harang. (while it lasts…….)

Funny Side note:

Carlos Carrasco (5.81 ERA) beat out both Aaron Harang (2.98 ERA) and Josh Tomlin(2.13 ERA) for the fifth starter job in Cleveland and this is just another example of Cleveland having absolutely no luck….

Episode 001: The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Episode 1 of The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Featuring Arif Hasan of VikingsTerritory.com

2014 NFL Mock Draft

My Guest: Arif Hasan of VikingsTerritory.comArif Hasan of Vikingsterritory.com

Summary:   I want to thank my guest Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL)for being such and engaging guest as we went for almost two hours talking about all the different scenarios that we could see in this year’s NFL draft.  The idea that the Chiefs could be in play for a QB was one of the highlights of the episode.

Items Discussed:

  • Who seemed to fall in the rankings in the lead up to the draft
  • Where the Quarterbacks might go
  • Which teams should address their needs even if they have to reach
  • Who do we think could be great values in the Second round

2014 NFL Mock Draft Round 2

2014 NFL Mock Draft Round 2

2014 NFL Mock Draft Round 2

Pick Overall Team-Player Picked-Position
1 33 Houston Texans- Teddy Bridgewater-QB
2 34 Washington Redskins-Antonio Richardson-RT
3 35 Cleveland Browns-Jason Verrett-CB-Slot CB
4 36 Oakland Raiders-Dominique Easley-DT
5 37 Atlanta Falcons-Ryan Shazier-WLB/ILB
6 38 Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Austin Seferian-Jenkins-TE
7 39 Jacksonville Jaguars-Joel Bitonio-RT
8 40 Minnesota Vikings-Louis Nix III-DT (too good to pass up here)
9 41 Buffalo Bills-Jace Amaro-TE
10 42 Tennessee Titans-Deone Bucannon-S
11 43 New York Giants-Kelvin Benjamin-WR (He fits what the Giants need-A big outside target)
12 44 St. Louis Rams-Jordan Matthews-WR
13 45 Detroit Lions-Antonio Richardson-RT
14 46 Pittsburgh Steelers-Cody Latimer-WR
15 47 Dallas Cowboys-Scott Crichton-DE
16 48 Baltimore Ravens-Demarcus Lawrence-OLB
17 49 New York Jets-Allen Robinson-WR
18 50 Miami Dolphins-Ja’Wuan James-OT
19 51 Chicago Bears-Daquan Jones-DT (Bears continue to beef up the D-Line with this pick
20 52 Arizona Cardinals-Jack Mewhort-RT (competition for Bobbie Massey)
21 53 Green Bay Packers-Weston Richburg-OC
22 54 Philadelphia Eagles-Jimmie Ward-S
23 55 Cincinnati Bengals-Trai Turner-OG
24 56 San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City) – Kyle Van Noy-OLB
25 57 San Diego Chargers-Marcus Martin-OC
26 58 New Orleans Saints-Jarvis Landry-WR
27 59 Indianapolis Colts-Stan Jean-Baptiste-CB
28 60 Carolina Panthers-Davante Adams-WR
29 61 San Francisco 49ers-Jackson Jeffcoat-DE
30 62 New England Patriots-Troy Niklas-TE
31 63 Denver Broncos-Lamarcus Joyner-CB/Slot-CB
32 64 Seattle Seahawks-Keith McGill-CB

NFL Mock Draft 2014

NFL Mock Draft 2014

NFL Draft

Well it’s time for me to throw my hat into the ring of NFL Draft prognosticators.  While there are many, many Draft analysts that I have my utmost respect for, I always like to put my thoughts on paper and see how it shakes out versus the pros when it comes time for the actual draft.  I am going to mock the first three rounds based on perceived needs and glaring situations where value would dictate the pick. (Value to me is where I rank the individual player)  I am not going to include trades and therefore some QB picks may look funny because they will more than likely go earlier because of some trade scenario.

Round 1
Pick Overall Team
1 1 Houston Texans

Jadeveon Clowney- I’ve been waiting to see Clowney be drafted first overall since he was in high school.  Truly a once in generation talent that can now team up with J.J. Watt to make one of the best defensive line tandems since Reggie White and Jerome Brown.

2 2 St. Louis Rams (from Washington)

Greg Robinson- I have a feeling St. Louis won’t stay here and make this pick, but if they do Robinson makes a lot of sense as he could play RT for a few years and then slide over to the left when he’s coached up at the NFL level.  Even if he completely bombs as an NFL tackle he would be unbelievable (like Larry Allen) at Guard.
3 3 Jacksonville Jaguars

Sammy Watkins-  I’m a big believer in Watkins talent and believe that he SHOULD be the pick here, but you never know what an NFL team is thinking.  They need to get more talented across their roster and look like they want to ground and pound by signing Toby Gerhart to take over at RB.  I think Robinson is a great fit here as well.
4 4 Cleveland Browns

Taylor Lewan- This pick is a tough one for me.  If they didn’t pick Mingo and invest in Kruger last year then Khalil Mack would be hands down the pick, but alas they have those two already.  Mitchell Schwartz has a long injury history (Back issues) and struggled early last year.  They could bump Schwartz down to guard and have two bookends at tackle in Thomas and Lewan that could rival any tackle tandem in the league.
5 5 Oakland Raiders

Khalil Mack- The Raiders need to take a young quarterback in this draft, but Reggie Mckenzie needs to protect his job and put a quality product on the field THIS year.  A young QB at this pick with this much talent on the board at other positions would be a job killer.
6 6 Atlanta Falcons

Jake Matthews- The Falcons would be extremely lucky to have Matthews fall to them here.  I do think there could be a scenario where the Rams trade back and take Matthews before this could take place.
7 7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Evans- Evans is going to be picked by this pick one way or another.  I can definitely see another team trading up to acquire this unique talent at this spot in the draft.  For me, this is the spot where the tier in this draft drops off.
8 8 Minnesota Vikings

Blake Bortles- My buddy Arif Hasan has to be happy about getting a new young arm to groom behind Matt Cassel. Hey if Bortles doesn’t work out you will at least get to see pictures of his girlfriend plastered all over the Twin Cities.
9 9 Buffalo Bills

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix-  This pick is tough.  With everyone who went off the board before this spot Clinton-Dix became the right pick here.  I felt it was too early for Ebron and any offensive lineman here would be a reach with Clinton-Dix on the board. Most teams need three capable safeties now a days and Clinton-Dix’s talent is top notch.
10 10 Detroit Lions

Darqueze Dennard- Dennard is my pick at corner for the Lions, but they could easily like Gilbert more.  I think he is ready to step in and play right away and the Lions do face the Packers and Bears a total of four times every year.
11 11 Tennessee Titans

C. J. Mosley- The Titans are going to a 3-4 and they will need all the athletic-playmaking linebackers that they can get their hands on.  Mosley is a little undersized, but should become a fan favorite for the Titans.  I also would have liked Anthony Barr here.
12 12 New York Giants

Zach Martin- The rebuilding of the Offensive-line is officially on for the G-Men.  Martin is a Pro Bowl guard fresh out of the box and a tough as nails smart Right Tackle if need be.  With Chris Snee’s hips being a question mark, Martin’s versatility will be paramount for the Giants.  I see no scenario where Mike Evans or Taylor Lewan make it to this pick.
13 13 St. Louis Rams

Aaron Donald-His talent changes plans here for the Rams.  You put him next to either of the Rams sack hunting defensive ends and an offensive line will have it’s hands full.  Make a strength stronger is what I would do if Donald was available here.
14 14 Chicago Bears

Timmy Jernigan- Why does it feel like I’m making this pick because I still wish Tommie Frazier was in Chicago?  Even if it’s because I see a little of the old healthy Frazier in Jernigan, it still doesn’t change the fact that the Bears need to keep adding talent to that defensive line that was gashed over and over again last season.
15 15 Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Gilbert- The Steelers need to get younger in the secondary and Gilbert is fast and has the ideal build to be a top corner in the NFL.  It’s not a sexy pick, but it’s a necessary pick.
16 16 Dallas Cowboys

Odell Beckham Jr.-  obviously this doesn’t fit an immediate need for the Cowboys, but I think this is where he will be picked.  Ideally the Cowboys would trade back from this spot if Donald, Jernigan, and Mosley were all off the board.
17 17 Baltimore Ravens

Morgan Moses- The Ravens offensive line was abysmal last season.  Michael Oher has since left in free agency and the Right Tackle spot is currently manned by Ricky Wagner who looked out classed when he played last season.  I think Yanda would be able to take the VERY talented Moses under his wing and make the right side of the Ravens line a strength.
18 18 New York Jets

Eric Ebron- I’m not in love with this pick for the Jets because I really like Jeff Cumberland, but they could make quite a tandem for whoever ends up taking the snaps under center.  Ebron is a big time talent, but the Jets could really use an upgrade at the wide receiver position so if Beckham slips he could be the pick.
19 19 Miami Dolphins

Kyle Fuller- Corner is not a glaring need for the Dolphins, but Fuller would be a very good value here.  Fuller has excellent closing speed in coverage and seemed to play the trail technique at a pro level while in college.  The Dolphins need a Right Tackle, but it would have been a reach here.
20 20 Arizona Cardinals

Derek Carr- The Cardinals took Ryan Lindley as a developmental quarterback a few years ago, but Carr gives them a quarterback that is used to having a defense tell him where to throw the ball and being able to put the ball where he wants it.  Carr is not a finished product and will do well to watch Palmer keep the chains moving with traffic all around him.
21 21 Green Bay Packers

Anthony Barr- It’s hard for me the believe that Anthony Barr would last this long in the draft, but in this scenario he does.  Barr is a little raw as far his pass rushing skills, but his athleticism and first step are top notch.  There would be many meetings at the QB for Barr and Matthews if this actually happened.
22 22 Philadelphia Eagles

Calvin Pryor- The Eagles are desperate for a safety falls right in their lap.  With Pryor manning the back of their defense the Eagles can be even more aggressive to try and get the ball back in the hands of their dynamic offense.

23 23 Kansas City Chiefs

Marqise Lee-  The Chiefs need a better compliment to Dwayne Bowe then Donnie Avery and they get it in Lee.  I think Lee will make a lot of fans in Kansas City with his personality and his skills.  Last year was tough on Lee, as he fell off from the previous year, but he has all the skills needed to be a star.
24 24 Cincinnati Bengals

Kony Ealy- The departure of Michael Johnson and the fact that Margus Hunt isn’t ready to be an NFL starter makes this the pick for the Bengals.
25 25 San Diego Chargers

Jeremiah Attaochu- The Chargers have a big need at Outside Linebacker and Attaochu is going to be a very good outside linebacker in the NFL.  He’s a little raw, but man when he locks on the ball carrier or quarterback he explodes.  I wouldn’t be surprised by a trade back here with a team trying to trade up to this spot to take a quarterback.
26 26 Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)

Johnny Manziel- In this scenario the Browns would be able to get Manziel 22 picks after most people have them taking him.  I doubt he makes it this far in the draft, because believe it or not, he IS really good at football.  He’s a ton of fun to watch and man would it be cool to watch him scramble around and then throw it down field for Greg little to drop it.  Just kidding.
27 27 New Orleans Saints

Dee Ford-  Call me crazy but Dee Ford playing Outside Linebacker in a Ryan defense seems pretty exciting.  Ford would bring a new dimension to this defense and could be key in getting the ball back in Drew Brees’ hands quicker.
28 28 Carolina Panthers

Brandin Cooks-  Carolina is weaponless when it comes to the wide receiver position.  Cooks immediately upgrades the talent level of the Panthers’ wide receiver corps and should be able to contribute right away either from the slot or the outside.
29 29 New England Patriots

Ra’Shede Hageman- Hageman is a beast and probably will go higher on draft day, but in this scenario he doesn’t become a great fit until this spot in the draft.  Hageman will make Chandler Jones that much better by taking up blockers and wreaking havoc.
30 30 San Francisco 49ers

Bradley Roby- Roby is a bit of a project at corner, but he has all the tools to be a great corner in the NFL.  He has the perfect build, great speed and leaping ability and yet Jared Abbrederis of Wisconsin made him look like fool this season.  His tape screams coach me up, but his workouts scream pick me.
31 31 Denver Broncos

Stephon Tuitt- Tuitt can play defensive end or defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos and would be a great pick down here.  With Derek Wolfe’s health being a concern I think the Broncos have to address the defensive line early in the draft.
32 32 Seattle Seahawks

Xavier Su’a-Filo- The Seahawks have the luxury of just tweaking an already stacked roster.  The glaring weakness last year was the right side of the offensive line and Su’a-Filo would be an upgrade over J.R. Sweezy.  He can even bump out to tackle and hold his own.
Round 2 will be posted May 2nd – feel free to make fun of the picks in the comment section below. Wow did I make a mistake with the first pass at this mock draft by leaving Aaron Donald off the board.

Go to Top