Now that the NFL season has concluded for all but 12 teams, it's time to look at what teams could do to improve come April.
1. 
Detroit Lions—Matthew Stafford; Quarterback, Georgia
Now that the Lions have officially completed the worst season in NFL history, it's time to look forward to the future. That began yesterday, with the firing of head coach Rod Marinelli. The next step would be to draft a franchise quarterback, and that is exactly what Stafford brings to the table.
2. 
St. Louis Rams—Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama
The Rams were abysmal offensively this past season, and there is no reason to justify selecting any other player than the most dominant tackle in the draft with this spot. St. Louis would love to have Stafford, but he will likely go to the Lions at No. 1. Left tackle is a major area of need since the departure of Orlando Pace.
3. 
Kansas City Chiefs—Brian Orakpo; Defensive End, Texas
Kansas City has lacked a pass rush this season, and Orakpo would be a great remedy for that problem. The star lineman out of Texas has my vote as the top senior prospect in this draft, and he would start immediately for the Chiefs.
4. 
Seattle Seahawks—Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech
Crabtree is the most dominant wide receiver at the college level, although his numbers may be a bit inflated due to the underachieving defenses and pass-heavy offenses displayed in the Big 12. Still, he is a great receiver with extremely reliable hands. I see him comparing most favorably to Andre Johnson.
5. 
Cleveland Browns—Malcolm Jenkins; Cornerback, Ohio State
Cleveland's achilles heel over the last year or so has been their awful secondary. While Sean Jones is a very promising safety, they have some major holes on the outside. Nothing like the reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner to ease that pain eh, Cleveland fans?
6. 
Cincinnati Bengals—Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Mississippi
The Bengals need to significantly improve their offense with this draft, as well as their defense. However, offensive line is an area that they are really lacking, and Levi Brown could be finished as a Bengal.
If they can get their hands on him, look for Michael Crabtree to be a Bengal possibly.
7. 
Oakland Raiders—Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois
Is it possible for the Raiders to select a player who can significantly improve their team?
32 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Isaac Barrow 6 months ago
Good one Sayre. I like my Ravens selections. Harris and Robiskie seem like good choices, while I'd much rather have Darrius Heyward-Bey.
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
Yeah he is going to be a hot commodity come April, especially with the lack of senior talent. The Wizard of Oz always drafts well, I expect nothing different this year.
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daniel cox 6 months ago
sayre, very nice job. i've never done anything like this--i don't proclaim to know enough to be able, but i'd imagine this takes a LOT of work. i think you did a good job.
a few comments:
i'd be surprised if michael johnson falls that far. if he does, green bay will have themselves an outstanding player.
the chargerrs picking up wells seems a little odd. but on the other hand, look what the panthers have done with two first round backs. i think sproles will be back in sd.
crabtree to johnson is a very good comparison. i'd be a little surprised if the texans go offense in the first round. the defense is improving and is perhaps one more playmaker away from being pretty good. i think the offense is just fine, except perhaps some help at o-line.
it's tough for me to say what the falcons will do. i've not seen enough of dimitroff's style to know what he likes to do, all i know is he does a good job. i'd expect dtackle, as you pick, or tight end with the first pick. they've got some safeties they're grooming that i think could be capable of stepping in when necessary. i'd also be surprised if they take a corner in the second round, unless they can get foxworth back.
i always love mock drafts, thanks for sharing yours wiith me sayre!
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
You are not alone in feeling that Johnson falling would be a surprise, but that is what the NFL draft is all about. No way Derrick Harvey should have been the eighth pick, but what do ya know? I think if Atlanta goes tight end, Pettigrew and Gresham are the main prizes at the position. I wanted to go defense with Houston, but the safeties available were really lacking, and Maclin could be too hard for them to pass on.
Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated!
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Adam Radochonski 6 months ago
I hate the Percy Harvin pick to Chicago. He's Devin Hester 2.0--literally. He's a terrible complement to our offense. If we were going to take a receiver at this point it would be Maclin, but he's gone, so we have to opt for the best pass rusher, which is Everrett Brown from Florida State.
Tim Tebow in the 2nd round??? REALLY!?
Terrible 2nd round pick. Corner is one of our deepest positions on the team--no way would we spend a 2nd rounder on one. I don't care how good this kid may be. At this point, we'd take a WR or S.
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
Save for the fact that Percy Harvin's natural position is WR, while Hester played defense his first two years of college. Harvin is a perfect fit for the Bears, he has great hands, agility, and I think you would be surprised. I'll bet not all Bear fans thought Matt Forte was a good pick either...
Cornerback is a major position in which the Bears don't lack number of personnel, but they do lack talent. Charles Tillman isn't what he was back in 2006, and even then he was just the product of a great pass rush. Vasher has been hurt, while I do really like Corey Graham. I see what you mean about a pass rusher, and you could also use a safety, I agree.
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Tanner Thoms 6 months ago
I agree with the Vikings picks. A right tackle is what the Vikings need because Ryan Cook is a failure. Juaquin Iglesias could be huge for the Vikings. It would give Sidney Rice a chance to move to the slot.
Shonn Greene to the Broncos. Didn't see that coming! haha
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
Thanks Tanner. I think the Vikes could push themselves into elite status if they can come away with a good draft. And yes, Shonn Greene will be a Denver Bronco!
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Henry Gula 6 months ago
I like this draft. If the Broncos could get a good safety from a good program like USC, it would immediately help the defense. I do think that the linebackers, with DJ, Woodyard, Boss coming back from injury, Webster, etc. the defense is ok. Champ will be back, but the safety were always a huge gaping weak spot (Barrett made it a bit better).
And haha I like Shonn Greene! He is your guy so that pick makes sense. I don't know anything about him besides the fact that he won the Doak Walker award. Could he help the running game?
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
Henry, I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVE Shonn Greene. YouTube him, read my articles about him, there is a great highlight reel out there of his. I love Taylor Mays out of USC at safety. I think he and Barrett could develop into a great duo on the backside.
I don't think LB should be a huge focus in the draft, as you pointed out. I really like Larsen, Williams, Woodyard, and Winborn in that area. They all have a nose for the ball carrier. Rounds three and four should focus on fat boys on defense, maybe another CB.
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Brad James 6 months ago
I like Shonn Greene too. My question is if all of our tailbacks are healthy, will we have room for him? Then again, if our tailbacks remain injury-ravaged he'd be nice to have around. GO BRONCOS!!!
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
I think he is better or would be better than any of our guys that we have around...He is so tough and with some grooming could be an All-Pro in this offense, although I'm not sure what offense will be run now!
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Andrew 6 months ago
Where might Sam Bradford be while almost all other drafts have him in the top five?
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
I decided that I wouldn't put him in this draft since he is leaning toward returning to Oklahoma according to some places, but you are correct, if he declares he will most likely be top five.
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Efrem Owens 6 months ago
Nice article. However, I would respectfully beg to differ on Harvin to the Bears with the 18th pick.
Here's why. They already have a proven "athlete" in Devin Hester. Two years ago, they drafted a player who didn't have a defined position. His name was Devin Hester. They have since tried him at DB, running back and now seem to be concentrating on making him a wide receiver.
Ah, but despite Hester not being a true cornerback, wide receiver or running back, he brought with him the greatest single year special teams performance in the history of the NFL. So great were his skills in this area that, arguably, he single handily took his team to the Super Bowl.
Enter Percy Harvin. The first question is what position does Harvin play? Running back, slot back, wide receiver? I say none of them because he, like Hester, didn't specialize in any of those positions during his collegiate career. Yeah I know he was listed as a wide receiver. But seriously is he really a wide receiver? I say no he's not. He didn't run wide receiver routes at UF; play against bump & run coverage, read defenses, etc.
What the Bears (or any team for that matter in today's NFL) can afford to do is to spend a high draft pick on a prospect/project without a true position. Especially when the Bears already a proven like player on their roster.
See Matt Jones as the latest and greatest example of my opinion.
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
I understand your gripe with the Harvin pick, although I think he is a better receiving prospect than you may think. I'll use Va. Tech and Eddie Royal as an example. He never had more than what, 600 receiving yards in a season, and now he is an absolute man-child in the pros. I think Harvin could have a similar impact with the Bears.
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Sean Crowe 6 months ago
I'll be psyched if the Patriots grab a cornerback with the 24th pick. And both of their second round picks. And both of their third round picks.
OK, I'll be OK with them grabbing a linebacker in there somewhere. Preferably an outside one.....
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
Haha, I see what you mean. I think the Pats will definitely go after a cornerback in round one, depending on the talent available.
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Hairy Bastard 6 months ago
Nnamdi Asomugha is not on his way out of Oakland! The Raiders will franchise him because he's one of the best corners in the league.
Oakland may still draft a CB. Al Davis loves his defensive backs.
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
If he is franchised I would expect nothing less than a holdout. They would also probably get optimal trade value for him, and would need to pull the trigger while they still can.
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Hairy Bastard 6 months ago
Good point but that scenario will not play out in Oakland. Al Davis will not let a all-pro CB leave. Look what he did with Charles Woodson.
Is there a limit to how many times a team can franchise a player?
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
You can do it twice, and after that the player is free to leave. I just don't know if anyone will be able to let Davis make that executive decision. They will end up getting one more year out of him, and absolutely nothing in return when he bolts for another squad. It just seems to make senes, somewhat like the Jared Allen trade a year ago.
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Mike Meadows 6 months ago
For the most part i think this is good i dont think the lions will draft stafford they will trade down a pick or 2 maybe 3 for even more picks or/and a quality vet. I cant possibly see beanie wells being the first RB off the board he had a junk year and will prove his lack of athletism in the combine isnt the chargers pick lower than the bucs, boys, jets, and bears cause they made the playoffs and the others didnt. Also i love how a denver fan gives the Broncos the best Player in the draft with Taylor Mays it will never happen he will go higher than that. Other than that nice mock good job
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
In regards to the Lions, I would like to know more about what you are thinking with the trade for a veteran. What kind of player are you seeing?
In regards to Beanie Wells, he is still going to be regarded as the best back in the draft, although I agree with you completely that he is not.
The draft order is determined by record, and strength of schedule. If the Chargers lose in the playoffs in the first round, they will pick where they are here. If they win, they will move down lower.
I have yet to see a list of rankings that says Taylor Mays is the best prospect in the draft, although I do believe he is the best safety. Like I said in my analysis, if he runs a really fast forty time, he could go higher. The Broncos got the best player in the draft at number 12 last year.
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Mike Meadows 6 months ago
Good point about last years pick lol and neither have i seen anything about taylor mays but after the combine when he runs a 4.35 or better your right and i m right you will see every1 talkin about how with his size and speed he is the best athlete and possibly the best player of any at any position. i dont really have anyone in particular for the lions but i dont see them taking joey harrington jr. this year they will go for something like a game manager like the titans did this year and try to get more picks by dropping only a few spots then maybe go for the number 2 or 3 QB in the draft and have him sit a year or 2. Also i believe that after the combine when beanie shows that he only has 4.5 or 4.6 speed his stock will drop majorly and wont be picked till late 1st round or 2nd round so i guess your right on mays i just think he will run a good 40 and be picked b4 the broncos get to pick thanks for the draft order info
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Kevin Trahan 6 months ago
No Shonn Greene in the first round? He's better, bigger, tougher, and stronger than Wells or Ringer, which is what NFL teams want. You better hope your right though. He could help out your Broncos emmensly. I like what you said about my Bears getting Harvin, but they'll probably be dumb again and just get a bunch of defensive players and linemen. The one defensive player we could use is a good safety to fill in for Mike Brown every time he gets hurt, but I doubt they'll do that. Get ready for some more horrible picks Bears fans.
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Sayre Bedinger 6 months ago
The reason I left Shonn out of the first round is purely due to the fact that I don't think he will run higher than a 4.5 forty yard dash. If he does, I would not at all be surprised if he went round one. He is the best running back in college football, and I hope he can fall to the Broncos in the second round.
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Silver Fox 6 months ago
Good work. In round 2 I hope my Carolina Panthers will draft a CB, to address a weakness.
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Reuben Cohen 6 months ago
A few points:
1. I also am amazed that everybody seems to have Crabtree falling that far. If he is still available for the Chiefs' pick, he will definitely be taken by them.
2. Silver, I disagree with you that CB is a weakness for the Panthers. In my opinion, Lucas and Gamble have both played very well lately.
3. I really see my Eagles taking a WR in the first round. If Heyward-Bey is available, then lock it in. Otherwise, I would love to see Rutgers WR Kenny Britt on our squad next year. I also disagree that TE is a top need. I do think that LJ Smith is long gone, but Celek has been playing quite well and Matt Schobel has proven to be at least a competent backup. Maybe a TE would constitute a good pick in a later round, but I wouldn't want to use a first rounder, as much as I love Gresham's talent.
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jeff bennetts 6 months ago
I'm not sure why you have the Redskins using the #13 overall on a position where they already have two stars in Landry and Horton. I expect them to trade down to pick up more help for their OL or LB positions.
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zach gothard 5 months ago
WHERE IS SHONN GREENE??????????????????? THere is no way Javon will go infront of him wow
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Ben Harris 5 months ago
I agree with your insight on the Eagles picks. I was thinking that they would try and trade up with one of their two first round picks and draft an offensive lineman like Eugene Monroe out of UVA. I definitely agree with the fact that they need a Tight End and Jermaine Gresham would be a great fit coming from Bob Stoops' system. And lastly, i was thinking that they would also possibly trade up, if they do not trade up earlier for an O-Line, for a Wide out like a Darius Heyward-Bey type receiver.
Nice Article though. Keep up the good work
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