NFL Mock Draft: Can Jake Locker Improve His Draft Stock in the Holiday Bowl?
NFL Mock Drafts are bound to change with the bowl season now well underway.
We did a mock draft back on December 13. You can view it here: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Where Will the Heisman Finalists Go?
And since the NFL standings have changed around a bit, we'll have to adjust.
Here is an updated mock draft, explaining why a player moved up or down and/or why a team may have altered their selection.
No. 32: New England Patriots, Jeremy Beal, LB, Oklahoma
1 of 32
Earlier Pick: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin, DE
Why They Changed: The lack of linebacker depth in New England was made even more obvious when Brandon Spikes was suspended earlier this year.
And if Texas A & M's Von Miller wows scouts in the Cotton Bowl and/or at the combine, he probably won't be available earlier in the round when the Patriots use their pick from Oakland.
Why Beal: Beal and the Sooners defense should have an outstanding day in the Fiesta Bowl, against a pretty mediocre UCONN offense. Compared to what they've seen in the Big XII (Oklahoma State, Missouri, Nebraska, etc) the Huskies should be a pretty light opponent. Beal could have a huge day.
No. 31: Atlanta Falcons, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
2 of 32
Earlier Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
Why They Changed: The Falcons will still try and add some depth at the defensive end, regardless of how they finish up their season. In that division, with Drew Brees and the Saints, and the Bucs blossoming on offense, they'll need all the pass rushers they can get.
Why Heyward: Teams will get an extra look at Heyward when the Buckeyes take on one of the nation's top passing teams, Arkansas, in the Sugar Bowl. Heyward will have a chance to make some big plays considering the Razorbacks will probably throw the ball 50 times.
No. 30: Pittsburgh Steelers, Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
3 of 32
Earlier Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Why They Changed: Drafting a rookie tackle probably won't help out the Steelers right away. Spending a top pick on a rookie might not be the direction Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin go in. And with Troy Polamalu suffering another fairly significant leg injury, they might want to beef up the middle of their secondary.
Ryan Clark will be 32 next year and the Ryan Munday and Will Allen are a major drop-off as Polamalu replacements.
Why Moore: The junior is physically gifted enough to be able to transition over from free to strong safety in the NFL. Moore is one of the best ball hawks in the nation and if he falls near the end of the round, the Steelers would be wise to snatch him up.
And don't discount the team trading up to get them: the last time they moved up in the first round to take a Pac-10 safety, Polamalu, it worked out pretty well.
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No. 29: Chicago Bears, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
4 of 32
Earlier Pick: Sherrod
Why Sherrod: The Bears still need to shore up their offensive line, even if they take their two-seed all the way to the Super Bowl. Chicago has still given up more sacks (50) than any other team in the NFL, including the dead last Carolina Panthers.
Sherrod has the skills to step right in and compete for a starting spot at training camp, and against a terrible Michigan defense in the Gator Bowl, he and the Bulldogs will have a field day.
No. 28: Indianapolis Colts, Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
5 of 32
Earlier Pick: Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
Why They Changed: For one, the Colts are in line for a home playoff game (something that seemed unlikely three weeks ago), and if they get into the postseason, they are likely to make some noise.
Therefore, they're picking a lot later than we thought. Furthermore, maybe the Colts need to start preparing for permanently without Bob Sanders. The former Defensive Player of the Year has only played in eight games since 2007.
Why Williams: A tough and physical safety, he will come up and play the run effectively, something that is crucial in a division that has Arian Foster, Chris Johnson, and Maurice Jones Drew. And although a running back might be the popular choice here, the Colts have taken backs late in the first round twice (Joseph Addai, Donald Brown) in the past five years with mediocre results.
No. 27: Philadelphia Eagles, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
6 of 32
Earlier Pick: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Why They Changed: If Andy Reid and the Eagles are so concerned about the extra hits Michael Vick endured this season, then they should do something about it and improve their lackluster offensive line.
Even with the incredible skills of Vick, the Philadelphia line has surrendered 44 sacks, tied for third worst in the NFL. Putting Carimi opposite Jason Peters would put Winston Justice out of a job, but would be an upgrade.
Why Carimi: The Badgers might have the best running game in the nation and it all starts with Carimi. He can drive block to open up more lanes for LeSean McCoy and Vick, and protect Vick's blind side if he plays at the right tackle spot.
No. 26: Baltimore Ravens, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
7 of 32
Earlier Pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
Why They Changed: Todd Heap has been a major part of the Ravens offensive strategy for a decade: he has 464 catches and 43 touchdowns. But Heap is finishing his 10th season in the NFL, and has been plagued by a hamstring this year. They have received nice production from Ed Dickson in Heap's absence, but, that doesn't mean he is the heir apparent.
Why Rudolph: Rudolph is reportedly showing interest in foregoing his senior year, despite the injury that cost him most of 2010. But as long as he is 100% recovered from his hamstring injury by the spring, his size and speed will entice all the scouts at the combine.
No. 25: Seattle Seahawks, Jake Locker, QB, Washington
8 of 32
Earlier Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Why They Changed: Someone has to win the NFC West, and because they are at home, the Seahawks probably have the inside track in the "winner take all showdown" Sunday night. That would give Pete Carroll's team a home playoff game as well, so don't discount them reaching the NFC Divisional round.
If that happens, they'll fall to near the back part of the first round, and give them the opportunity to upgrade at quarterback.
Why Locker: The stars, Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Ryan Mallett will definitely be gone, but because it's not a mid-round pick, they can get away with "reaching" on Locker. He is still very talented, despite the comparatively down season in 2010.
Pete Carroll would feel comfortable working with a former Steve Sarkisian quarterback. And a decent effort against a tough Nebraska defense in the Holiday Bowl would be enough to keep Locker from slipping to the second round.
No. 24: Kansas City Chiefs, Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
9 of 32
Earlier Pick: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
Why They Changed: The Chiefs front seven is very young and very good. There probably isn't a need to upgrade there, at least not with a first round pick. Jenkins would give them the shutdown corner that helps improve upon a 20th ranked pass defense.
Why Jenkins: In a division (and conference) that continues to pass more and more, a player like Jenkins, who has ample experience against future pros like A.J. Green and Julio Jones, would make Kansas City's secondary much more formidable.
No. 23: New Orleans Saints, Ras-I Dowlings, CB, Virginia
10 of 32
Earlier Pick: Dowling
Why Dowling: The Saints defense continues to get better every week, but they can always use another corner.
When you blitz as much as Gregg Williams does, that will leave corners in a lot of man-coverage. A player like Dowling is big and skilled enough to survive, even as a rookie.
No. 22: New York Jets, Rodney Hudson, G, Florida State
11 of 32
Earlier Pick: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
Why They Changed: The Jets have very few holes in their personal: they've got potential pro bowlers at every spot. Except perhaps guard. They don't really need to improve much in the secondary, especially if Jim Leonhard returns to 100%.
Why Hudson: Hudson is arguably the top guard in the draft, but because there is a wealth of skill position talent in the front half of the draft, he'll slip. The Outland Trophy finalist will fit in nicely with the Jets.
No. 21: Green Bay Packers, Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
12 of 32
Earlier Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Why They Changed: The Packers will still be searching for a running back in April, even if Ryan Grant is back to full strength. Now it's just a question of whether or not they want to draft a player (Heisman Trophy or not) who was set back a bit as a senior with injuries. For a team that went through injury nightmare in 2011, they might want to look elsewhere.
Why Thomas: Thomas runs with a similar style to Grant so both men could be interchangeable. And against Syracuse in the New York-based New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Thomas can secure himself a first round spot.
No. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt
13 of 32
Earlier Pick: Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
Why They Changed: The Bucs have foudn their running back in LeGarrette Blount. Now it's time to ifve Josh Freeman another receiving weapon to complement Mike Williams.
Why Him: Tampa Bay would love to have one of the SEC star receivers, Julio Jones or A.J. Green, but they just won't be available this late in the draft. Regardless, Baldwin's speed and great hands will make the pick worthwhile.
No. 19: New York Giants, Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
14 of 32
Earlier Pick: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
Why They Changed: What the Giants need more than anything is a cure for their turnover woes. But because they cannot draft that in April, they'll take the next best things a talented tackle. Kareem McKenzie could be the person who the Giants look to replace this offseason.
Why Barksdale: LSU's offense got better and better as the season wore on and contributions from Barksdale was a main reason why. He is proficient at both run blocking and pass protection and faced plenty of exceptional defensive ends while in the SEC.
No. 18: Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen Bailey, OLB/DE, Miami
15 of 32
Earlier Pick: Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
Why They Changed: The Jaguars were unable to get much pressure on opposing quarterbacks down the stretch run this year: they collected just two sacks total in their two crushing losses the past two weeks, to Indianapolis and Washington.
If they want to overthrow the Colts in 2011 (like they had hoped to do in 2010) they'll need to get to Peyton Manning more often. Right now they're tied for 28th in the NFL.
Why Bailey: Bailey can contribute sufficiently in stopping the run, but he'll also provide ample pass rushing skills either as an outside linebacker or 3-4 end.
No. 17: San Diego Chargers, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
16 of 32
Earlier Pick: Blackmon
Why Blackmon: If Dez Bryant was any indication, the Oklahoma State receivers translate well into the NFL. Blackmon was probably the best wide receiver in the nation outside of the SEC and when paired with Phillip Rivers he could make the San Diego offense tops in the NFL.
No. 16: Miami Dolphins, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
17 of 32
Earlier Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Why They Changed: They may already have one Heisman Trophy running back, and a former SEC star, but neither Ricky Williams nor Ronnie Brown was terribly productive in 2010. (Then again, no one on the Dolphins offense really was either).
But it's easier to squeeze in another back then start all over at the quarterback position by replacing Chad Henne. Furthermore, the Dolphins defense, especially the front seven was pretty solid this year.
Why Him: For one, Ingram's dad used to be a Miami Dolphin, but more importantly, he has a nice blend of speed and power. Assuming he comes out after this years Capitol One Bowl, there should be plenty of people interested despite his injury plagued 2010.
No. 15: Tennessee Titans, Ryan Kerrigan, OLB/DE, Purdue
18 of 32
Earlier Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Why They Changed: There's a good chance that a complete overhaul is headed to Tennessee, and spending a high pick on a wide receiver might not make much sense for this team. Even if Jeff Fisher remains, he might want to start getting "back to basics" by improving the front seven. The Titans are 27th in the NFL in total defense.
Why Kerrigan: The Purdue star is a sure-tackler, something that any coaching staff would love. Similarly, he has a real knack for forcing fumbles, something any coaching staff would also love.
No. 14: New England Patriots (From Oakland), Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
19 of 32
Earlier Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Why They Changed: Miller is probably going to be gone at this spot, and because the Patriots willl grab another linebacker later in the first round, they can afford to provide Vince Wilfork some help up front.
Why Dareus: The Crimson Tide run defense was been amongst the best in the nation in 2010 and Dareus is a main reason why. His skills will translate well to the NFL despite just one year as a starter. And because he played for Nick Saban, he'll appeal to Bill Belichick.
No. 13: St. Louis Rams, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
20 of 32
Earlier Pick: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt
Why They Changed: If the Rams don't win the NFC West on Sunday, they'll fall a few spots further than they thought. In his rookie season Sam Bradford did a remarkable job considering he didn't have many receiving options, especially after Mark Clayton went do. A wide receiver has to be a top priority for them this offeseason.
Why Green: Depending on preference, Green might be a slightly better NFL prospect than fellow SEC star Julio Jones. Green is an outstanding route runner and will translate well to the pro game.
No. 12: Washington Redskins, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
21 of 32
Earlier Pick: Mallett
Why Him: No one in Washington will be fooled by a few decent performances by Rex Grossman, especially Mike Shanahan. Although Andrew Luck reminds Shanahan of John Elway more, there are similarities between Mallett and Elway as well. He has a big arm, can move around, and is a tremendous leader.
No. 11: Minnesota Vikings, Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
22 of 32
Earlier Pick: Nevis
Why Him: The Vikings are still going to have to look into replacing 38-year-old Pat Williams along the middle of that defensive line. And since Leslie Frazier (who prides himself on stopping the run) has to be an early favorite to take over full time as head coach in 2011, he would appreciate a player like Nevis. Besides, he already looks good in gold and purple.
No. 10: Houston Texans, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
23 of 32
Earlier Pick: Prince Amukamara
Why They Changed: Whether or not they fire Gary Kubiak, Texans are going to have to upgrade their secondary. They are currently the worst pass defense in the NFL and in a division with Peyton Manning, they'll need to improve if they have any chance of toppling the Colts and finally reaching the playoffs.
Why Peterson: As more and more team's pour over film this spring, Amukamara might end up becoming the top defensive back selected: the Big XII features a slight edge over the SEC in overall passing offense so he'll seem to be the better quarterback. Nevertheless, if Amukamara is No. 1, then Peterson is 1A.
No. 9: Detroit Lions, Adrian Clayborne, DE, Iowa
24 of 32
Earlier Pick: Nate Solder, Colorado, OT
Why They Changed: On second thought, selecting a rookie tackle (no matter how promising) might not be the best way to ensure the safety of Matthew Stafford. Going out and acquiring someone already established via trade or free agency would be wise.
And since they are pretty stacked at skill position, the prospects of pairing Ndamukong Suh with an outstanding young defensive end might be too great.
Why Clayborne: The local fans are very familiar with Clayborne: it was his Hawkeye team that ruined Michigan State's hopes of an undefeated dream season in 2010. Clayborne makes big plays and beside Suh, they could be an unstoppable duo.
No. 8: Carolina Panthers (From San Francisco) Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
25 of 32
Earlier Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, North Carolina
Why They Changed: The Panthers have the top spot in this year's draft, but they might not be interested in a quarterback, since Jimmy Clausen seemed to grow up a bit in the last two months.
And knowing how much of a mess Carolina was in 2010, they are far from one player away from being a contender in the increasingly tough NFC South. They probably want a defensive lineman anyway (like Bowers), getting a third or fourth round pick and saving a lot of money is a smart move.
Why Quinn: After missing most of 2010, Quinn will probably need some extra time to develop. Fortunately, in Carolina he'll get time to develop under what expects to be a whole new coaching staff.
No. 7: Buffalo Bills, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
26 of 32
Earlier Pick: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Why They Changed: A decent finish by the Bills will keep them from having one of the top picks and they won't have a chance to take the only quarterback they really would want. Furthermore, Ryan Fitzpatrick has really started to show promise and adding a star wide receiver would make him look even better. Chan Gailey would love to design plays for a player of his skill set.
Why Jones: Again, right now, it's probably a toss up between Jones and A.J. Green, but considering how few opportunities Jones had (and how much he did with those scant chances), he seems to be the premier receiver.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns, Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
27 of 32
Earlier Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Why They Changed: The Browns offense improved a great deal in 2010, with the emergence of Peyton Hillis and Colt McCoy well ahead of schedule. And since they already have two young options in Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie.
Adding a third probably doesn't make sense. With the Steelers and Ravens both featuring great pass rushes, the Browns will look to copy that blueprint.
Why Bowers: Although bringing down quarterbacks is probably his speciality, Bowers side-to-side agility will come in handy against the two excellent young runners (Rashard Mendenhall and Ray Rice) in the AFC North.
No. 5: Dallas Cowboys, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
28 of 32
Earlier Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Why They Changed: Much like the Julio Jones-A.J. Green toss up, there isn't much difference right now regarding Peterson and Amukamara. The Cowboys need help in the secondary. The Giants and Eagles have tremendous passing attacks and they'll need to revamp in 2011 if they want to get back in the NFC East race.
Why Him: Amukamara played in the Big XII where Missouri, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and (at least before 2010) Texas, all had remarkable passing games. As a senior with loads of experience that should give him the tie-breaker over Peterson.
No. 4: Arizona Cardinals, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
29 of 32
Earlier Pick: Newton
Why Him: As we get further and further away from the NCAA allegations, and closer and closer to the combine/private workouts, Newton's stock will continue to rise. And because there aren't any questions about his passing abilities (like there were with Vince Young or Tim Tebow) it's going to be hard for a team desperate for a quarterback to pass on him. Especially with Larry Fitzgerald trade rumors beginning.
No. 3: Denver Broncos, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
30 of 32
Earlier Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Why They Changed: Maybe Tim Tebow can be a starting NFL quarterback. At least that's the question people in Denver have to be asking. Kyle Orton proved there are good receiving option on the roster already and a healthy Knowshon Moreno can be a very fine feature back. Giving Tebow and that offense a rock-solid right tackle would give him every opportunity to prove the Josh McDaniels era wasn't a total failure.
Why Him: Solder is enormous and quick. He has very good athleticism and will only continue to get stronger. If a tackle is their target, the Broncos cannot do any better.
No. 2: Cincinnati Bengals, Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
31 of 32
Earlier Pick: Fairley
Why Him: If Marvin Lewis does stay and the Bengals chose to not go with any of the sexy offensive pick, bringing in the star defender on a (potential) national champion team will still infuse new life into the organization. Fairley is a powerful, quick, intuitive, and a sure tackler.
No. 1: San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina), Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
32 of 32
Earlier Pick: Adrian Clayborne, DE, Iowa
Why They Changed: Firing Mike Singletary opened the door for a dream scenario in which the 49ers entice Jim Harbaugh to leave Palo Alto by trading up to number one to guarantee the drafting of Andrew Luck. Alex Smith has had six years to produce and he hasn't.
The 49ers do have a nice corps of young players (Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis) so they should be able to survive dealing away a few of their 2011 draft selections.
Why Luck: Probably the most polished, NFL-ready passer to come to the NFL since Carson Palmer, Luck might be able to step in right away and do for San Francisco what Sam Bradford did for the Rams.
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