By Erik Laurinovics, "The Rambling Gambler"
Contributions from:
Shaq, Editor-in-Chief
Oscar Suggs
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It's been a long, gloomy off-season so far, with nothing but talk of a lock out and fans left wondering if the 2012 season is in jeopardy. Without Free Agency and March OTAs, we haven't had much to discuss or look forward to, but the draft is now just around the corner! We here at The Football ERA decided to celebrate by putting together a mock draft. You'll get my analysis on every pick in the first round as well as some commentary from the brains behind The Football ERA, our Editor-in-Chief, Shaq.
We'll be posting this column in a series of three posts over the weekend and in the week leading up to the draft, with a post of the full draft on Wednesday, 4/27. Today, we're taking a look at picks 32-21. Check back on Sunday for 11-20 and Tuesday for 1-10. And again, we'll be having a repost of the mock draft in its entirety, 1-32, on Wednesday.
Lets get drafting!
32. Green Bay Packers – Cameron Jordan, DE
With Cullen Jenkins a free agent, the Packers need depth on the d-line. Cameron Jordan has been a prospect in flux, but there is concern about his pass-rushing ability after only producing 16.5 sacks in 32 college games. Nonetheless, he impressed at Senior Bowl practices and the combine and fits perfectly as a 3-4 defensive end. Mark Ingram may also be tempting, as the Packers backfield consists of Starks, Ryan Grant coming off an injury, and soon-to-be free agent Brandon Jackson.
SHAQ: Justin Houston, OLB out of Georgia.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Aaron Williams, CB
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| Aaron Williams, CB |
SHAQ: I have to agree that Pittsburgh is looking for defensive secondary help--so they nab Aaron Williams out of Texas.
30. New York Jets – Akeem Ayers, LB
Ayers was considered a sure bet to go in the top 20 until he turned in a poor performance at the combine. Consequently, he should be available when the Jets pick near the end of the round and they have a need at outside linebacker, opposite Calvin Pace. Ayers was extremely productive in college and that will likely keep him from falling out of the first round entirely. Phil Taylor, DT, would also be a good fit here as Kris Jenkins is no longer on the roster. The Jets are also in a good position to consider trading down here as well.
SHAQ: Jets go defense with Akeem Ayers out of UCLA.
29. Chicago Bears – Danny Watkins, G
The Bears led the league in sacks allowed in the 2010 season and can stand to improve at any position along the offensive line. Ideally they would like one of the tackles to fall here, but realistically they’ll probably end up getting Pouncey or Watkins. Considered by some to be the top guard in the draft, he would immediately step in and improve the Bears interior line. He also has the size and arm-length to attempt playing tackle.
SHAQ: Marvin Austin, DT out of North Carolina.
28. New England Patriots – Mike Pouncey
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| Mike Pouncey, G/C |
SHAQ: With Mark Ingram still sitting in Radio Hall waiting for his cell phone to buzz, the Patriots make the call.
27. Atlanta Falcons - Derek Sherrod, OT
The Falcons have three starting offensive lineman heading to free agency, so it’s almost a lock that they need to take the best offensive lineman available. Sherrod is the last remaining first round tackle prospect in my mock, though the Falcons may consider Guards Mike Pouncey or Danny Watkins, if available or if Sherrod is off the board.
SHAQ: With Adrian Clayborn still on the board, the Falcons pick up depth for their pass rushing corps.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Justin Houston, DE/LB
As much as the Ravens need a wide receiver, unless they trade up for Green or Jones, none of the remaining prospects are seen as a good value in this draft slot. Houston wouldn’t be needed immediately, but 30 year-old OLB Jarrett Johnson is entering the final year of his contract. Moreover, with Ray Lewis likely only playing another season or two at most, the Ravens will need a pass rushing linebacker in the near future. Houston has tremendous ability, posting combine numbers comparable to Von Miller and Robert Quinn. Questions have been raised about his motor and he’s been described as lackadaisical, but he produced in college and has the talent to produce in the pros.
SHAQ: Ravens opt to bolster their offensive line with Derek Sherrod.
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| Andy Dalton, QB |
25. Seattle Seahawks - Andy Dalton, QB
The Seahawks certainly seem to be on a hunt for a quarterback in the draft class, having met with Dalton, Mallet, Locker, and Kaepernick. Dalton is considered to be the most “NFL ready” and fits the west-coast offense. Hasselbeck will be 36 years old this season and has a hard enough time surviving behind Seattle’s offensive line as it is already. With no heir-apparent on the roster, they need to find one.
SHAQ: Everybody seems to have the Seahawks going quarterback to develop under an aging Matt Hasselbeck. I can’t see them passing on Andy Dalton.
24. New Orleans Saints – Brooks Reed, DE/LB
The Saints are expected to address defensive needs with this draft and continue to build depth. The addition of Shaun Rogers allows them to focus on adding a playmaker at end or linebacker. Brooks Reed is gaining momentum after posting combine numbers similar to those of Clay Matthews and the Saints could certainly use an explosive player at linebacker. With most of the top pass rushers gone at this point, the Saints are another team that could trade down.
SHAQ: Muhammed Wilkerson is taken by the Saints to get the immediate help they need on defense up front.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Corey Liuget, DT
The Eagles surely want to add talent to the secondary after giving up way too many big plays last season. Unfortunately, with Jimmy Smith off the board, none of the remaining defensive backs will be a good value here. Defensive tackle may not be considered a top need for the Eagles, but Liuget would be tough to pass up. With his stock rising throughout the off-season, he’s seen as the clear cut third defensive tackle off the board. His size (6’2”, 298) is best suited for the 4-3 and he would make an impact up front for the Eagles. I could also see the Eagles trading down here, as we could see several teams try to move back in to the first round to get one of the top remaining QB prospects.
SHAQ: Nate Solder makes Andy Reid happy as he solidifies his already explosive offense with a solid offensive lineman.
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| Gabe Carimi, OT |
22. Indianapolis Colts – Gabe Carimi
The offensive line can certainly use an infusion of talent and the Colts need to protect their aging franchise quarterback. While the Colts do have need on their interior defensive line, with Wilkerson off the board, it seems unlikely that they’ll reach for a defensive lineman here. Carimi is another highly touted tackle prospect coming off an excellent combine and has the athleticism and length to potentially play left tackle.
SHAQ: With Payton Manning begging for offensive line help, the Colts still make the right choice in drafting defensive tackle Corey Liuget.
21. Kansas City Chiefs – Muhammed Wilkerson
The chiefs could address several needs with this pick, but I think they’re going to get a lineman. The offensive line could use another tackle opposite Brandon Albert, but unless they really like one of the remaining prospects available, Wilkerson will be an immediate asset on the defensive line. With two defensive tackles likely two become free agents, Wilkerson can be a versatile player on the line. At 6’4”, 314 lbs, he could step in at DT if need be, or slide over to end should the Chiefs retain one of their existing tackles.
SHAQ: Gabe Carimi out of Wisconsin makes for a great addition to the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line.
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