Wait for WR until the 3rd round

[Bummie]

1st - great board. Just found this place (also the first time I really looked )...hopefully this can sustain me until the draft.

 

I've been coming up with mocks much like everyone else, but recently nailed down one I really like, but would drop the priority on a WR this year to the 3rd round, with higher priority in later years if he doesn't produce. I didn't see a thread strictly for mocks anywhere so I'm gonna throw this here. What do you all think?

 

1(04): Mack, OLB - I'm hoping this guy is there at 4. Mingo didn't impress last year butI can see Pettine flipping his switch. He's still developing, and if he makes an improvement over the next couple years I think he'll have his side locked down. Kruger isn't getting any younger, and Mack is the type of player that could give us a solid 1-2 punch with Mingo on the other side.

 

1(26): Garoppolo or better, QB - Someone will be there at 26 and I don't think the number 4 pick is worthy of any of these QBs. I'd rather miss on all the top 5 and sell out next year for our guy than to reach this year and set other positions back.

 

1(31): Shazier, ILB - Give up a 4th rounder and 5th/6th rounder move up a couple spots and trade with the Broncos. Could nearly complete a linebacker corps of very young tallent. Would look to replace Dansby in a couple years. I would be down with Christian Jones later in the draft. I think there's a huge ceiling on that guy, but he'll never match Shazier's speed, and that's going to be huge in coverage.

 

3(07): Donte Moncrief, WR - 6'2'', 4.40 40-yard time...continues to improve his game, especially those ball hawking skills, and can take the top off the D. His speed with Gordon and Hawking/Benjamin would be nuts. I'd take this guy here all day. Projected as a solid no. 2 receiver with no. 1 potential. Drafting for ceiling versus those who have already hit theres.

 

3(19): Antonio Richardson, OT: Injury concerns but would provide a solid RT prospect.

 

4(04): Traded to the Broncos

 

4(27): Charles Simms, RB: About any running back.

 

5(05): Traded to the Broncos

 

6(04): Donte Johnson, CB/FS: Athletic, 6'2'', 4.45 40. Played safety and corner his last year. Very good potential to see a starting role in 2015. Bring him in to compete with both Gipson and Skrine. As much as I would like to see him as a shut down corner (doubt he would ever be) I would rather see him as our free safety. Above average speed AND height at that position. He would do wonders in preventing the deep ball.

 

7(03): A QB...

 

 

The other version of this has Verrett at 2(03) with no trade up, Christian Jones in the 4th, Dakota Dozier in the 4th, David Fales in the 5th, and De'Anthony Thomas in the 7th. I just don't see any corners availble in the 2nd round being shut down corners. Lots of zone prospects in this years draft.

[Flyin J]

1st - great board. Just found this place (also the first time I really look )...hopefully this can sustain me until the draft.

 

I've been coming up with mocks much like everyone else, but recently nailed down one I really like, but would drop the priority on a WR this year to the 3rd round, with higher priority in later years if he doesn't produce. I didn't see a thread strictly for mocks anywhere so I'm gonna throw this here. Wha do you all think?

 

1(04): Mack, OLB - I'm hoping this guy is there at 4. Mingo didn't impress last year butI can see Pettine flipping his switch. He's still developing, and if he makes an improvement over the next couple years I think he'll have his side locked down. Kruger isn't getting any younger, and Mack is the type of player that could give us a solid 1-2 punch with Mingo on the other side.

 

I really dont see us taking either of the OLB's. IMO thats our deepest position. Look for a T, WR, or trade down to 6 or 7.

1(26): Garoppolo or better, QB - Someone will be there at 26 and I don't think the number 4 pick is worthy of any of these QBs. I'd rather miss on all the top 5 and sell out next year for our guy than to reach this year and set other positions back.

 

26 is definitely where I see us going QB, but only if one of the top 4 are available here. Too early for Garropollo imo. I also think a trade up from here is pissible if our favorite QB slips.

1(31): Shazier, ILB - Give up a 4th rounder and 5th/6th rounder move up a couple spots and trade with the Broncos. Could nearly complete a linebacker corps of very young tallent. Would look to replace Dansby in a couple years. I would be down with Christian Jones later in the draft. I think there's a huge ceiling on that guy, but he'll never match Shazier's speed, and that's going to be huge in coverage.

 

I dont see Shazier as a great LB in a 3-4. I love Jordan Tripp in the third round, I think our second rounder is a perfect spot for a CB, and we should have our choice of 3-4 deserving prospects.

3(07): Donte Moncrief, WR - 6'2'', 4.40 40-yard time...continues to improve his game, especially those ball hawking skills, and can take the top off the D. His speed with Gordon and Hawking/Benjamin would be nuts. I'd take this guy here all day. Projected as a solid no. 2 receiver with no. 1 potential. Drafting for ceiling versus those who have already hit theres.

 

3(19): Antonio Richardson, OT: Injury concerns but would provide a solid RT prospect.

 

4(04): Traded to the Broncos

 

4(27): Charles Simms, RB: About any running back.

 

I like this guy though.

5(05): Traded to the Broncos

 

6(04): Donte Johnson, CB/FS: Athletic, 6'2'', 4.45 40. Played safety and corner his last year. Very good potential to see a starting role in 2015. Bring him in to compete with both Gipson and Skrine. As much as I would like to see him as a shut down corner (doubt he would ever be) I would rather see him as our free safety. Above average speed AND height at that position. He would do wonders in preventing the deep ball.

 

7(03): A QB...

 

 

The other version of this has Verrett at 2(03) with no trade down, Christian Jones in the 4th, Dakota Dozier in the 4th, David Fales in the 5th, and De'Anthony Thomas in the 7th. I just don't see any corners availble in the 2nd round being shut down corners. Lots of zone prospects in this years draft.

 

[The Gipper]

3 first round picks? That would be nice....but totally not plausible.

[Flyin J]

3 first round picks? That would be nice....but totally not plausible.

I think its very plausible we end up with 3 of the first 26.

[miktoxic]

I think its very plausible we end up with 3 of the first 26.

why draft both mack and shazier though?

[Tiott]

I love Dontae Johnson too

[miktoxic]

if we wait until the 6th round to address CB i'll fucking throw a beer through my window.

[Flyin J]

why draft both mack and shazier though?

I already said I wouldnt draft Shazier and that I doubt we pick a OLB at 4. Mack is still a possibility because he can play everywhere. My bet is we trade down if Mack or Clowney is available.

[miktoxic]

I already said I wouldnt draft Shazier and that I doubt we pick a OLB at 4. Mack is still a possibility because he can play everywhere. My bet is we trade down if Mack or Clowney is available.

no i was talking to the OP.

 

all these different mocks from different sites, with different scenarios is all just crazy.

 

when it happens, it happens.

[Tim Couch Pulls Out]

I think its very plausible we end up with 3 of the first 26.

I'd love to know why or how.

[Flyin J]

How much realistically, do you think it would cost to move from 35 to 22 or so? Our extra third and fourth would probably do it....

[Flyin J]

I'd love to know why or how.

cant say why, depends on who theyre targeting. Just saying it could happen, easily.

[Tim Couch Pulls Out]

cant say why, depends on who theyre targeting. Just saying it could happen, easily.

I do not think "easily" means what you think it means.

[Flyin J]

Depends on how youre using it. All im saying is that its far from impossible. Improbable, maybe....

[Tim Couch Pulls Out]

Depends on how youre using it. All im saying is that its far from impossible. Improbable, maybe....

It's certainly possible, just unlikely. Thanks to Dan Snyder, the going price of first round picks is through the roof.

[Bummie]

On my phone so quoting all posts im responding to is a no go. For the first 3 rounders...the Pats are a team, for example, who love to trade down. Its something you expect every year. From 35 to 29 would likely cost our 3rd, maybe our 5th. Theres a point system for picks. Look one up if you havent seen one. Pretty interesting. Walterfootball has one thats easy to read. Low first rounders and high second rounders are not far off in value.

 

I saw one of you mention mocks, hows theres a ton of them...its true, and none matter, but I like looking at all 7 rounds worth of prospects and debating picks for each. Rather than a thread dedicated to one player or position, I like a full team approach. A mock brings that out.

 

Why take Mack and Shazier? Mack is obvious...the most sacks by a single player last year was 5.5 - pretty sad. Shazier is a transition pick. I want him beside Dansby. He ran a 4.36 40 at his pro day, has a 42in vertical, is good in coverage and can tackle. The only knock on him is size. You can build size once you're paid to train year around. You cant, though, teach the speed that he has. Even without size, I start him beside Dansby. In 2 years with size and experience in our scheme, he could be a top 5 ILB. Heck, I would downgrade the QB pick to pick 35 to land Mack and Shazier with no trade up.

[Bummie]

And after all that, ive changed my approach a bit. I want Gilber to start across from Haden. I think the improvement on D from 2 solid corners would be greater than the improvement from adding Mack at OLB. Plus, you're more likely to find an solid OLB in future drafts than to find a corner who can play press man. Like this draft...all I see after Gilbert are zone CBs that you hope can transition to a solid man CB. Plus, Gilbers 6ft, height we need.

 

So, would you pass on Watkins and Mack to trade down (if its there) to 8 or 10 and grab Gilbert, then Shazier at 26 (for above explanation), QB at 35, then Hyde or a WR with the second 2nd round pick (trade up in 2nd if needed to land our guy)?

[hoorta]

How much realistically, do you think it would cost to move from 35 to 22 or so? Our extra third and fourth would probably do it....

 

 

Brady Quinn = our second, and next year's first. That's what it cost to move up that high. That was a dumb trade. OTOH, realistically, it's our second, top third and next years second. Still interested?

[Rooster Dick]

Typical browns board thread... a draft that doesn't consist of any STUD player. All will be duds. Imagine that.

[Flyin J]

It's certainly possible, just unlikely. Thanks to Dan Snyder, the going price of first round picks is through the roof.

not really, word is, everyone wants to trade down this year. And the price of the #22 pick would be nothing compared to the #2 pick and the highly rated RG3. There was a bidding war for that pick, which is why the price skyrocketed.

[Flyin J]

 

 

Brady Quinn = our second, and next year's first. That's what it cost to move up that high. That was a dumb trade. OTOH, realistically, it's our second, top third and next years second. Still interested?

that was a dumb trade...our second, top third and next years third.

[The Gipper]

why draft both mack and shazier though?

Possibly because ILB is our weakest position? Quality run stuffers and TE/slot receiver coverage is our biggest need.

It would not break my heart to see them do this honestly.

[The Gipper]

How much realistically, do you think it would cost to move from 35 to 22 or so? Our extra third and fourth would probably do it....

OK, well, gopher it Browns.

[The Gipper]

Typical browns board thread... a draft that doesn't consist of any STUD player. All will be duds. Imagine that.

Well, most analysts say that Clowney is the biggest stud to come around on defense in years.....but beyond him perhaps you are right there are no 100+ grade studs, but most say this is a deep draft in overall talent.

So, it may not be a good year for that one power stud....but it may be a good year to pick a number of quality players.

[Bummie]

Typical browns board thread... a draft that doesn't consist of any STUD player. All will be duds. Imagine that.

I see your opinion, but see no reasoning for the basis. Typical response from a fan who chimes in to feel involved. Imagine that.

[Bummie]

I know the offense is the center of attention, but I see that as more of a quarterback issue than anything else. We need a right tackle and wide receiver as well. The draft is loaded with offensive talent. You can find starters in the 2nd and 3rd that would have went much higher in previous years. Defense is a different story when it comes to our needs. I'm huge on Christian Jones, I think he has great potential for a 3rd or 4th rounder, when do you stop drafting guys in those rounds that you know you'll look to replace in a couple of years? He would get worked in coverage, as most of the ILB would in the mid to late rounds of this draft, expecially considering the high speed, passing league the NFL has become.

 

I read that the Texans and Rams are working to trade down and have found few showing serious interest. I've also read that because of this, the Browns pick at 4 is becoming a hot pick for those looking to trade up. Teams are waiting to see how things fall, and a guy like Watkins or Mack could very well be the guys that pull in trade offers at 4. Getting Gilbert at 8 or 10 with an extra second rounder would be sick. As much as I want a QB in the first, I get the feeling Winston and/or Mariota (as Farmer has suggested) are higher on our list. Build the foundation and get our QB when he's there. Taking a guy at 4, 26 or even 35 is a waste if he's not the guy.

[Remarker]

Typical browns board thread... a draft that doesn't consist of any STUD player. All will be duds. Imagine that.

Well, the Browns have a secret weapon now. (Shh, don't tell anyone but it's Pettine and his crew).

[Bummie]

My favorite part about debating our draft strategy (knowing I have no say in any of it, but liking football too much to just sit quietly and wait for the draft) is listening to the case made for a QB, WR, and OT in the draft. The usual reasoning is that, heck, the defense was good last year, and they will be better with no improvement if we can just keep the offense on the field longer. For this, I have to agree. But, I look at it like this...

 

Take 2 teams from 2013, the Broncos and Seahawks.

Manning had 5,477 passing yards, 55:10 TD:INT ratio (5.5:1), a 68.3 completion percentage, and was sacked 18 times while averaging 342 yards per game.

Wilson had 3,357 passing yards, 26:9 TD:INT ratio (2.8:1), a 63.1 completion percentage, and was sacked 44 times while averaging 210 yards per game.

 

Broncos Defense: Allowed 356.0 yards per game (254.4 passing / 101.6 rushing) and 24.9 points per game, while racking up 41 sacks and 17 interceptions.

Seahawks Defense: Allowed 273.6 yards per game (172.0 passing / 101.6 rushing) and 14.4 points per game, while racking up 44 sacks and 28 interceptions.

 

You have a great quarterback (Manning) that took an average defense and an otherwise average or below team and took them to the super bowl. You have an average quarterback (Wilson - say I'm wrong, show me the facts) that was carried by a great defense and a team that would likely still be great with another average or above quarterback, and took them to the super bowl...and won it. Now switch those quarterbacks; Wilson to Denver and Manning to Seattle. You have an average Denver team who may have not even made the playoffs and a Seattle team who I imagine would destroy...everything.

 

My point - there's no Manning in this draft at QB. There's no can't miss guy. There is though, a couple Russell Wilson's, Alex Smith's, and maybe an Andy Dalton or two. So why would we go out and spend a high pick (first or second round) on a guy out of "need" when we have a draft full of game managers and no more than MAYBE 1 emerging game changer? Our defense is fairly solid. We're missing just a few pieces. We had no standout sack artists, but we did rack up 41. We allowed 10 more rushing yards per game than Seattle, which isn't horrible, but we did allow 50 more passing yards and 11 more points per game, which is. Yeah, we're better than most, but that's not really gonna cut it unless we get THE quarterback.

 

- - - - - DEFENSE - - - - -

 

D Line: Leave as is. Maybe look at additions in late rounds.

 

OLB: Mingo is young (23). Sheard is young (24). For me, I like adding Mack and wouldn't be disappointed if we did, but I also like waiting to see what Pettine can do with these guys first. Drafted in the 1st an 2nd round, respectively, they both were highly sought at one time. I'd like to see how they do this year.

 

ILB: We brought in Dansby to start. I'll leave it at that. Robertson is a different story. There's an obvious weakness here that needs fixed. This is why I push Shazier at 26. The only knock on the guy is his size. For comparison, Robertson is 6'1'', 234lb after 3 years as a pro; Shazier is 6'1'', 237lb coming out of college, who is better in coverage, makes tackles, and has a faster 40 time by .3 seconds, a higher vertical by 7.5 inches. This pick screams at me. It screams day one starter, day one defensive improvement.

 

CB: Haden is solid. Enough said. We badly need someone across from him. With Pettine, we don't need a zone corner...we don't want a zone corner. This is from NFL.com's draft profile on Skrine (http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/buster-skrine?id=2495343): "Plays disciplined in zone coverage." Awesome, if we were the Bucs. We're not, and as you look at the CB class this year you see one trend, that 90-95% of these guys are made for the zone. That's why we need Justin Gilbert. This is from his NFL.com draft profile (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/justin-gilbert?id=2543473): "A big, fast, athletic, man-cover corner capable of locking down receivers." THAT, is exactly what we need.

 

SS/FS: Whitner has the spot on lock. Gipson, however, does not. He's improved and I think can get it done this year, but could use some competition. I wouldn't take anyone early for this, and we shouldn't have to. One of the most underrated FS prospects can be had in the 4th or later, mostly because he's viewed as a corner. Dontae Johnson - 6'2'', 200lb, 4.45 40, 38.5 vert (http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/dontae-johnson?id=2543739). Played 7 games as a FS his final year. Has the speed to help corners who get burnt and the size and vert to assist on jump balls. I'd take him all day as a mid to late round pick.

 

Takeaway: We need a CB and ILB with a high pick and FS with a mid to late rounder.

 

- - - - - OFFENSE - - - - -

 

O Line: Obvious need here. Thomas is set at LT, and between young Pinkston and Gilkey, and Greco, Schwartz and McQuistan, we will be able to fill the LG and RG position. The need is a RT. Schwarts and McQuistan can assist here, but we badly need a new prospect in the mix. I can see a guy as early as the second and no lower than the third filling this role. To be real, I would like Greg Robinson, but we have more need than O Line in the first round. Morgan Moses and Joe Bitonio are guys I would look for in the 2nd, and Antonio Richardson is a guy I'd look at in the 3rd. All guys who could bring improvement to the line.

 

WR/TE: Gordon, Hawkins, and Cameron are locked in, with Benjamin and either Little or Burleson providing them rest. We need someone to start day one over Little, and I have the suspicion that the considered signing of Burleson indicates that this may be a position that falls to the 3rd round in this years draft, not because Burleson's our solution, but because we don't plan to sign a guy like Watkins or Evans. I think he's a patch for a year or two to see if our 3rd rounder works out and to sustain us until 2015-2016 where we grab a WR in the 1st or 2nd if not. I explained in the opening post of this thread; I am high on Donte Moncrief. He's 6'2'', 221lb, runs a 4.40 40, and has a 39.5in vertical. Per NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/donte-moncrief?id=2543614): He's a "Big, physically gifted “X” receiver with deep speed, “above-the-rim” potential and playmaking ability. Has a ceiling as a No. 1 or No. 2 in a vertical passing offense, and his best football is in front him." If the WR class thins before we get close to our first 3rd round pick, give up a 4th rounder and move up for this guy. We have 10 picks. I'd rather walk with 5-7 quality guys with a potential to start this or next year than to get 10, most of which will never see the field.

 

RB: Between Tate and the supporting cast, we should be okay. Grab a guy in the 3rd round or later and see what happens. I like Simms and think he'll be there at our second 3rd round pick, but would take any player better or the BPA at the position when we decide to pull the trigger.

 

QB: Hoyer will likely start for us this season. I said it above, no need to restate in depth. I don't see "the guy" this year. I'll be happy if they rock the draft at the positions of need mentioned above and pick up depth at the position in hopes to land a solid backup and possibly win the lottery with an unexpected talent.

 

Takeaway: We need a QB, WR, OT, and RB, with many options as to which rounds to take these guys in.

 

- - - - - EDITED MOCK - - - - -

 

Push hard to trade down so someone can grab Mack, Watkins or a QB. For this scenario, I'm going with the Lions at 10 and they take Watkins to be Megatron's successor.

 

1(10) From Lions: Justin Gilbert, CB

1(26): Ryan Shazier, ILB

2(03): Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

2(13) From Lions: Morgan Moses or Joe Bitonio, OT

3(07): Donte Moncrief, WR

3(19): Antonio Richardson, OT

4(06): Charles Simms, RB

4(27): Dakota Dozier, G

5(05): Jared Abbrederis, WR

6(04): Dontae Johnson, CB/FS

7(03): Keith Wenning or James Franklin, QB

[miktoxic]

most mocks i've seen have the lions wanting gilbert....i mean when's the last time they had a decent secondary?

 

i think we'd have to trade with the vikes to get gilbert. my thinking is they would want one of the top 3 QBs, although i've seen some of these guys falling as low as 10.

 

i like the idea of trading down, but sometimes you have to take your pick where slotted.

 

believe me i like this edited mock a lot better than the original but still am iffy if we can make a deal with a trade down. in fact i think someone might trade up ahead of us. most people have the rams taking an OL, but recently i've seen them wanting watkins. and talk about a team needing multiple picks of need. i think if they trade down they still get their top rated OL with a WR ahead of us.

 

i'd pick evans (even though casserly said this is the deepest WR class in 15 years) trade up to get gilbert. that's my dream scenario. that leaves us having to get OL QB RB in later rounds with like 3 less picks.

[Tim Couch Pulls Out]

My favorite part about debating our draft strategy (knowing I have no say in any of it, but liking football too much to just sit quietly and wait for the draft) is listening to the case made for a QB, WR, and OT in the draft. The usual reasoning is that, heck, the defense was good last year, and they will be better with no improvement if we can just keep the offense on the field longer. For this, I have to agree. But, I look at it like this...

 

Take 2 teams from 2013, the Broncos and Seahawks.

Manning had 5,477 passing yards, 55:10 TD:INT ratio (5.5:1), a 68.3 completion percentage, and was sacked 18 times while averaging 342 yards per game.

Wilson had 3,357 passing yards, 26:9 TD:INT ratio (2.8:1), a 63.1 completion percentage, and was sacked 44 times while averaging 210 yards per game.

 

Broncos Defense: Allowed 356.0 yards per game (254.4 passing / 101.6 rushing) and 24.9 points per game, while racking up 41 sacks and 17 interceptions.

Seahawks Defense: Allowed 273.6 yards per game (172.0 passing / 101.6 rushing) and 14.4 points per game, while racking up 44 sacks and 28 interceptions.

 

You have a great quarterback (Manning) that took an average defense and an otherwise average or below team and took them to the super bowl. You have an average quarterback (Wilson - say I'm wrong, show me the facts) that was carried by a great defense and a team that would likely still be great with another average or above quarterback, and took them to the super bowl...and won it. Now switch those quarterbacks; Wilson to Denver and Manning to Seattle. You have an average Denver team who may have not even made the playoffs and a Seattle team who I imagine would destroy...everything.

 

My point - there's no Manning in this draft at QB. There's no can't miss guy. There is though, a couple Russell Wilson's, Alex Smith's, and maybe an Andy Dalton or two. So why would we go out and spend a high pick (first or second round) on a guy out of "need" when we have a draft full of game managers and no more than MAYBE 1 emerging game changer? Our defense is fairly solid. We're missing just a few pieces. We had no standout sack artists, but we did rack up 41. We allowed 10 more rushing yards per game than Seattle, which isn't horrible, but we did allow 50 more passing yards and 11 more points per game, which is. Yeah, we're better than most, but that's not really gonna cut it unless we get THE quarterback.

 

- - - - - DEFENSE - - - - -

 

D Line: Leave as is. Maybe look at additions in late rounds.

 

OLB: Mingo is young (23). Sheard is young (24). For me, I like adding Mack and wouldn't be disappointed if we did, but I also like waiting to see what Pettine can do with these guys first. Drafted in the 1st an 2nd round, respectively, they both were highly sought at one time. I'd like to see how they do this year.

 

ILB: We brought in Dansby to start. I'll leave it at that. Robertson is a different story. There's an obvious weakness here that needs fixed. This is why I push Shazier at 26. The only knock on the guy is his size. For comparison, Robertson is 6'1'', 234lb after 3 years as a pro; Shazier is 6'1'', 237lb coming out of college, who is better in coverage, makes tackles, and has a faster 40 time by .3 seconds, a higher vertical by 7.5 inches. This pick screams at me. It screams day one starter, day one defensive improvement.

 

CB: Haden is solid. Enough said. We badly need someone across from him. With Pettine, we don't need a zone corner...we don't want a zone corner. This is from NFL.com's draft profile on Skrine (http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/buster-skrine?id=2495343): "Plays disciplined in zone coverage." Awesome, if we were the Bucs. We're not, and as you look at the CB class this year you see one trend, that 90-95% of these guys are made for the zone. That's why we need Justin Gilbert. This is from his NFL.com draft profile (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/justin-gilbert?id=2543473): "A big, fast, athletic, man-cover corner capable of locking down receivers." THAT, is exactly what we need.

 

SS/FS: Whitner has the spot on lock. Gipson, however, does not. He's improved and I think can get it done this year, but could use some competition. I wouldn't take anyone early for this, and we shouldn't have to. One of the most underrated FS prospects can be had in the 4th or later, mostly because he's viewed as a corner. Dontae Johnson - 6'2'', 200lb, 4.45 40, 38.5 vert (http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/dontae-johnson?id=2543739). Played 7 games as a FS his final year. Has the speed to help corners who get burnt and the size and vert to assist on jump balls. I'd take him all day as a mid to late round pick.

 

Takeaway: We need a CB and ILB with a high pick and FS with a mid to late rounder.

 

- - - - - OFFENSE - - - - -

 

O Line: Obvious need here. Thomas is set at LT, and between young Pinkston and Gilkey, and Greco, Schwartz and McQuistan, we will be able to fill the LG and RG position. The need is a RT. Schwarts and McQuistan can assist here, but we badly need a new prospect in the mix. I can see a guy as early as the second and no lower than the third filling this role. To be real, I would like Greg Robinson, but we have more need than O Line in the first round. Morgan Moses and Joe Bitonio are guys I would look for in the 2nd, and Antonio Richardson is a guy I'd look at in the 3rd. All guys who could bring improvement to the line.

 

WR/TE: Gordon, Hawkins, and Cameron are locked in, with Benjamin and either Little or Burleson providing them rest. We need someone to start day one over Little, and I have the suspicion that the considered signing of Burleson indicates that this may be a position that falls to the 3rd round in this years draft, not because Burleson's our solution, but because we don't plan to sign a guy like Watkins or Evans. I think he's a patch for a year or two to see if our 3rd rounder works out and to sustain us until 2015-2016 where we grab a WR in the 1st or 2nd if not. I explained in the opening post of this thread; I am high on Donte Moncrief. He's 6'2'', 221lb, runs a 4.40 40, and has a 39.5in vertical. Per NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/donte-moncrief?id=2543614): He's a "Big, physically gifted X receiver with deep speed, above-the-rim potential and playmaking ability. Has a ceiling as a No. 1 or No. 2 in a vertical passing offense, and his best football is in front him." If the WR class thins before we get close to our first 3rd round pick, give up a 4th rounder and move up for this guy. We have 10 picks. I'd rather walk with 5-7 quality guys with a potential to start this or next year than to get 10, most of which will never see the field.

 

RB: Between Tate and the supporting cast, we should be okay. Grab a guy in the 3rd round or later and see what happens. I like Simms and think he'll be there at our second 3rd round pick, but would take any player better or the BPA at the position when we decide to pull the trigger.

 

QB: Hoyer will likely start for us this season. I said it above, no need to restate in depth. I don't see "the guy" this year. I'll be happy if they rock the draft at the positions of need mentioned above and pick up depth at the position in hopes to land a solid backup and possibly win the lottery with an unexpected talent.

 

Takeaway: We need a QB, WR, OT, and RB, with many options as to which rounds to take these guys in.

 

- - - - - EDITED MOCK - - - - -

 

Push hard to trade down so someone can grab Mack, Watkins or a QB. For this scenario, I'm going with the Lions at 10 and they take Watkins to be Megatron's successor.

 

1(10) From Lions: Justin Gilbert, CB

1(26): Ryan Shazier, ILB

2(03): Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

2(13) From Lions: Morgan Moses or Joe Bitonio, OT

3(07): Donte Moncrief, WR

3(19): Antonio Richardson, OT

4(06): Charles Simms, RB

4(27): Dakota Dozier, G

5(05): Jared Abbrederis, WR

6(04): Dontae Johnson, CB/FS

7(03): Keith Wenning or James Franklin, QB

Your reasoning is fine, except for the fact that we literally know nothing about how these quarterbacks will perform in the NFL. Your "evaluation" of the draft class, claiming there's nothing more than any game managers is funny, considering as NFL scouts feel different.

 

From NFL.com, the very same website you've been using for your scouting profiles:

 

Bortles

"Big, athletic, ascending quarterback with enough arm talent and intangibles to develop into a franchise starter. Is not yet a finished product and scouts' opinions vary on his ceiling, but elements of Bortles skill set compare to some of the best in the game today, and his best football is ahead of him."

 

Bridgewater

"Compensates for a lack of elite arm talent and prototype measureables with the intangibles and football intelligence that could elevate the other 52 players around him. Instinctive passer with the laser-beam determination to become a Pro Bowl-caliber passer in the right system."

 

There's no Peyton Manning, sure. But there could be a Tom Brady. There probably will be an Aaron Rodgers. There probably will be a Dan Marino.

 

The excuse "there's no sure fire can't miss prospect" is played out and terribly misguided. You can never hit a home run if you're too chickenshit to take the bat off your shoulders.

 

There's holes that we have, and your assessment of needs is apt, but nearly all of them can be filled with quality prospects with picks after our #4.

 

You cite Seattle as an example so, in keeping with that theme, I will to. Keep in mind, this is from memory:

 

Seattle has one 1st round pick in their secondary and one in their front seven. They also have one second round pick in their linebacking corps.

 

The Browns have two 1st round picks in their secondary and one in their front seven. The rest of their linebackers are second round picks.

 

Seattle didn't just build a stellar defense by spending a bunch of high picks, they utilized the talents of the players they had. Same goes for Mike Pettine. If Pettine has a player with a certain skill, you can be sure it will be used plenty.

 

 

 

Further, saying Wilson is an average quarterback who was carried by his defense is awfully silly, considering as he took a 7-9 team to 11-5 in one year and then to a Super Bowl victory the next year and the only defensive players from the Super Bowl not on the roster in 2011 were Bruce Irvin and Bobby Wagner.

 

Just because a QB doesn't throw for 3,500 yards and 40 TD's doesn't mean he's an average quarterback, but that's an argument for a different day.