Contrary to my previous, shotgun production of Mock Drafts, this time I waited a week before coming back to the board to assess where players had been released, who had signed where, and what players were climbing/falling on the draft boards.
A few names have fallen completely out of my first round, most noticeably Knowshon Moreno. But based on the team needs and the talent available, I think there could be just as much jockeying to get into the top third of the second round as there is to get into the top half of round one.
So, without any more buildup, here it is: Tab's Mock Draft 7.0.
1. Detroit Lions: Aaron Curry, LB
I still think they’ll take Curry as much because their new management doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude to put their names and jobs on the line for a quarterback, but also because Curry’s the best player in this draft.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT
They are in danger of losing Torry Holt because he’s asked out; they need to keep Marc Bulger off his back if anyone’s going to get the ball. Smith’s become the best tackle in this deep class.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Orakpo, DE
Stafford was a popular idea here until they traded for Matt Cassel. Their defense has regretted the trade of Jared Allen for too long; they’ll take a physical freak in Orakpo.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford, QB
Some people like Crabtree here, but in the wake of the deal they game Houshmandzadeh, they’ll look to their future, and groom a replacement for Matt Hasselbeck.
5. Cleveland Browns: Everette Brown, DE
They need a lot...but I think they’ll look to take a big body to play next to Shaun Rogers.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Crabtree, WR
They signed Laveranues Coles, but Crabtree’s the best talent on the board here. This might lead to Chad Johnson being traded and the Bengals finally taking steps to clean up their roster.
7. Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR
Here’s your enormous shocker in the draft. He’s got a big, physical body and blew away the 40 at the combine. Sound like someone Al Davis would like?
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rey Maualuga, LB
My initial thinking here was an OT, maybe Eugene Monroe; but then the Jags went out and signed Tra Thomas away from Philadelphia on Monday. Maualuga would step in to replace Mike Peterson inside, and he might get along better with Jack Del Rio.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Cushing, LB
They’re going to try to make a smooth transition to a 3-4 defense this year, so adding a stud OLB makes all the sense in the world. They’d be crazy to pass on Cushing here.
10. San Francisco 49ers: BJ Raji, DT
They have some good, young linebackers to run their 3-4, but coach Mike Singletary will still look to bulk up his defensive line. Raji at 10 would be a steal.
11. Buffalo Bills: Malcolm Jenkins, S/CB
Even with Jeremy Maclin on the board as a potential insurance policy for the eventual implosion of T.O., the Bills will try to fortify their secondary.
12. Denver Broncos: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB
They need help on defense. Maybin was, at one time, a top-ten projected pick in this draft. They’ve brought in three running backs and two safeties, so I’ll say they take a DE here.
13. Washington Redskins: Eugene Monroe, OT
In case you hadn’t heard, they’ve spent some money to fix up their defense this winter. Chris Samuels isn’t a youngster any more, so Monroe might be a step towards the future at tackle.
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