NFL Mock Draft: Will Ryan Mallett Plummet Out of the Top 20?
It's NFL mock draft time again!
We've had quite a bit of activity over the last month or so, with players rising and falling on the various big boards around the sports world. Of those players, none has suffered a more precipitous drop-off than Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett.
The massive, cannon-armed passer's stock started the season at an all-time high, as he looked to be the best of a fairly deep group of quarterbacks. But maturity issues, as well as a slow release and some accuracy concerns have seen Mallett's stock nosedive in the last month.
Will he still be a top 20 pick? Is he even first-round material at this point?
Let's get started and find out, shall we?
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
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Why He’s the Pick: Without Andrew Luck to cause them grief, this should be a no-brainer for Carolina. The unblockable Fairley fills a serious need for them, providing a boost to the run defense while also showing the ability to get into the backfield and rush the passer if needed.
What’s His Role: Wreak havoc in the backfield, and be the anchor of the defense.
Who Else: The world is Carolina's oyster with the first pick, and with needs at every position they could take anyone.
2. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
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Why He’s the Pick: The Broncos' secondary was just awful last season and Peterson is the best cornerback prospect in a generation. He's got the size, speed and cover skills to make an instant impact. Look for his talent to be too much for Denver to pass up.
What’s His Role: Give Denver's anemic secondary a big boost.
Who Else: The Broncos could use players at just about every defensive position, so someone like Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers is a very real possibility.
3. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Why He’s the Pick: Green is by far the best wideout in this year's draft, and the Bills could use someone to take the heat off of Steve Johnson. They could use a pass rusher like Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers, but he wouldn't work in the 3-4.
What’s His Role: Become the go-to wideout as soon as he gets to training camp and give the Bills a 1-2 punch they haven't had since the Jim Kelly-era.
Who Else: Bowers is a tempting choice, and the Bills could use a corner if Peterson's still on the board.
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4. Cincinnati Bengals: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why He’s the Pick: The Bengals are going to have a slew of needs coming into the draft, with so many key players hitting free agency. But one of their longest running issues is the lack of a pass rush.
Bowers, an athletic freak of nature who dominated opposing offensive lines, could pair with newly discovered sack-master Carlos Dunlap and give the Bengals defense some serious teeth.
What’s His Role: Get to the quarterback. If the Bengals take Bowers, look out; they'll be in the backfield on every play.
Who Else: If A.J. Green is here, he could be the Bengals' pick. If he's not, they could reach and take a quarterback to replace Carson Palmer, who's demanding a trade.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
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Why He’s the Pick: The Cardinals have needs across the board, but one of their biggest holes is the pass rush. Miller just so happens to be the best pass-rushing linebacker on the board and would be just the kind of hard-hitting player Arizona needs.
What’s His Role: Get into the backfield and cause trouble.
Who Else: The Cardinals could take a quarterback here, or go for the defensive line. But Miller fits their needs best.
6. Cleveland Browns: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why He’s the Pick: Dareus is a sublime talent capable of plugging big holes on the defensive line and getting to the quarterback. While the Browns' defense was solid last year, they overachieved talent-wise. Dareus would provide a major boost.
With A.J. Green gone, look for Cleveland to improve their front seven.
What’s His Role: Clog the middle and wreak havoc.
Who Else: The Browns could take a big-play wideout, reaching for someone like Julio Jones or Justin Blackmon here. Likewise, they could opt for Nebraska corner Prince Amukamara and pair him with Joe Haden to shut down opposing passing games.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Why He’s the Pick: The 49ers have plenty of needs coming into this year's draft, but one of the biggest concern areas is pass defense. With a lack of a suitable quarterback on the board, look for San Fran to take Amukamara. He's almost as good as Peterson at LSU and would be a major improvement over the Niners' current options.
What’s His Role: Become one of the Niners' defensive anchors and lock down the passing game.
Who Else: San Fran could go quarterback here, even if none fit well with Jim Harbaugh's west coast system. Defensive end is also a real possibility.
8. Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
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Why He’s the Pick: The first slight reach of the draft. The Titans need a new franchise quarterback with Vince Young on his way out the door, and Gabbert is the most NFL-ready option on the board.
He's got the kind of cannon arm that makes him perfect for Tennessee's wideouts, and, with a year of seasoning behind Kerry Collins, he could become a star.
What’s His Role: Back up Kerry Collins next season, then take over as franchise quarterback.
Who Else: If the Titans lose out on defensive end Jason Babin, who becomes a free agent, they could take North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn instead of Gabbert and pick up their quarterback later.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
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Why He’s the Pick: The Cowboys need help on the offensive line, but Jerry Jones has never taken an offensive lineman in the first round. Look for that trend to continue, as Dallas shores up their pass rush in a big way with Quinn, who can slip in across from DeMarcus Ware and cause all kinds of problems as a defensive end/rushing linebacker.
What’s His Role: Become another super-athletic pass rusher to partner with Ware.
Who Else: The Cowboys could take an offensive lineman like Colorado's Nate Solder, or someone like defensive end/outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan of Purdue.
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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Why He’s the Pick: And we have our first true shocker!
The Redskins need a quarterback in a big way, what with Donovan McNabb bombing this season. With Gabbert gone, look for Dan Snyder and Mike Shanahan to reach a bit on Locker, who looks like he's got some growing up to do. He's got the physical tools, but can Washington get him to realize his potential?
What’s His Role: Become the franchise quarterback.
Who Else: The Redskins could take someone like Alabama wideout Julio Jones, or get defensive help, where they need just about every position bolstered.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
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Why He’s the Pick: Smith is another one of those freakishly athletic defensive end/linebacker hybrids that this draft is so stacked with. The Texans need someone with his athleticism to pair with Mario Williams in the pass rush, and with none of the other players available fitting their needs, Smith's the guy.
What’s His Role: Stay healthy and get to the quarterback.
Who Else: The Texans could reach for a corner or safety here, or could take Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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Why He’s the Pick: The Vikings are going to be looking at a quarterback, according to coach Leslie Frazier, and with Locker and Gabbert gone, Mallett is the best of the rest.
He actually fits Minnesota's system well, with his big arm and size making him a great fit with wideouts Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. If his release gets quicker, he could be a star.
What’s His Role: Compete with Joe Webb to be the franchise quarterback next season.
Who Else: The Vikings could use a linebacker, so they could snag someone like UCLA's Akeem Ayers.
13. Detroit Lions: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
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Why He’s the Pick: The Lions have needs across their defense, but with a lack of corners here (most of the defensive backs left at this point are a serious reach), look for Detroit to take Ayers, a physical freak who might be one of the most talented outside linebackers in quite some time.
What’s His Role: Get after the quarterback, and cause trouble in the backfield, while anchoring the Lions' linebacking corps.
Who Else: The Lions could reach and take a corner like Brandon Harris out of Miami, or Aaron Williams out of Texas. A defensive end, like Ryan Kerrigan or Cameron Jordan is also a possibility.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why He’s the Pick: Right now, the Rams' wideout corps consists primarily of speedy, slot-type wideouts (and Mardy Gilyard). So, Jones, whose size and speed make him a logical go-to wideout candidate, makes perfect sense here.
What’s His Role: Jones would become the primary receiver in St. Louis, allowing the rest of the Rams' wideouts to zip around and cause trouble.
Who Else: The Rams could use some help at defensive tackle next season, so they could go there, if they decide Jones isn't worth it.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why He’s the Pick: The Dolphins have needs across the board offensively (except the offensive line) and while Cam Newton could be the pick, I see Miami going for a running back. Ingram is the best on the board, and will provide the offense with something they can depend on, something they didn't have last season.
What’s His Role: Become the starter immediately and give Miami a big, powerful runner.
Who Else: Cam Newton. If owner Stephen Ross and GM Jeff Ireland want to make a splash and take a risk, the Auburn quarterback is the way to do it.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/LB, Purdue
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Why He’s the Pick: The Jaguars managed a 9-7 record with one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season, so look for them to go for defense, instead of offense here.
They need serious help getting to the quarterback, and the versatile Boilermaker Ryan Kerrigan provides that. He was by far the best player on a mediocre Purdue team, but managed a strong senior season nonetheless.
What’s His Role: Get to Peyton Manning. Plain and simple.
Who Else: The Jags could go with a more traditional player, like Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.
17. New England Patriots (From Oakland): Cameron Jordan, DE/LB, Cal
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Why He’s the Pick: The Pats could deal this pick, but I feel like Jordan is too good to pass up. New England could use a pass rusher, and Jordan has looked unblockable this season. His stock is rising and the Patriots should take him here.
What’s His Role: Rush the passer. Plain and simple, right?
Who Else: If Kerrigan is still on the board, and Jordan isn't, the Pats could take him here. Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn is also a real possibility.
18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State
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Why He’s the Pick: Heyward is a big man with the athleticism to cause problems in opposing backfields. The Chargers could use a big boost on the defensive line and Heyward seems like a perfect fit for them here.
What’s His Role: Stabilize the defensive line and become one of the anchors of the defense.
Who Else: San Diego could look for a wideout, or a linebacker here, but Heyward looks like a great fit for them.
19. New York Giants: Nate Solder, OL, Colorado
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Why He’s the Pick: The Giants' offensive line has been in a constant state of flux in recent seasons, and they could use someone at left tackle capable of stopping the best pass rushers the NFL has.
Solder, with his size and athleticism, could be just the guy New York needs.
What’s His Role: Anchor the offensive line and provide a bit of stability at left tackle.
Who Else: A linebacker couldn't hurt here, but make no mistake; the Giants have to take an offensive lineman.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE/LB, Iowa
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Why He’s the Pick: Sure, Clayborn's character issues have overshadowed his skills a bit. But he's still a lock for a first-round pick, and Tampa Bay could use another pass rusher in their young defense.
Clayborn is one of the best in this year's draft, and with his skills paired with Gerald McCoy's, the Bucs would have quite the formidable defensive line.
What’s His Role: Get to Drew Brees and Matt Ryan and anchor the Bucs' defensive line with McCoy.
Who Else: The Bucs could go with a linebacker or a safety here, but with a dearth of worthy talent here, look for Tampa to go for Clayborn.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Justin Houston, DE/LB, Georgia
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Why He’s the Pick: The Chiefs could use another pass rusher to pair with breakout star Tamba Hali next season, and Houston racked up 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss this season. He's shooting up draft boards and given Kansas City's defensive needs, he'd be a logical choice.
What’s His Role: Wreak havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
Who Else: Kansas City could really use a wideout, so someone like Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon or Pitt's Jonathan Baldwin would make sense here too.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin
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Why He’s the Pick: I don't know if you've noticed, but the Colts' offensive line was pretty bad last season. Carimi might be the most talented offensive lineman in this draft, and represents a major upgrade over the current left tackle Charlie Johnson.
What’s His Role: Keep Peyton Manning's uniform clean and shiny.
Who Else: The Colts could opt for defense here, taking a defensive tackle, linebacker or safety. But, something tells me they'll be looking to keep the face of the franchise safe, so offensive line will be the pick.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Sherrod, OL, Mississippi State
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Why He’s the Pick: How bad is your offensive line when you give up 52 sacks and your quarterback is Michael Vick? Fortunately for the Eagles, Sherrod should still be available at this point in the draft and provides them with an immediate upgrade in both pass and run protection.
What’s His Role: Make sure Vick has time to make plays.
Who Else: If Sherrod's gone, the Eagles will still be looking at offensive line, so someone like USC's Tyron Smith could go here.
24. New Orleans Saints: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Why He’s the Pick: The Saints' defense was solid in 2010, but struggled getting to the passer. Watt fixes that almost immediately, while his size means he's capable of helping with stopping the run.
What’s His Role: Pair with linemate Will Smith to blitz the quarterback mercilessly.
Who Else: The Saints could use a linebacker, and a defensive tackle certainly couldn't hurt.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Cam Newton, QB, Seattle Seahawks
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Why He’s the Pick: The Seahawks need help across the board, so this pick may come as a bit of a shock to some.
But hear me out: Newton has the physical skills to be a star in the NFL. His accuracy could use work, as could his decision making. Who better to learn both of those skills under than a quarterback who made his career on those skills?
Plus, the Seahawks need a franchise quarterback, since Matt Hasselbeck (a free agent, should be re-signed by Seattle) is older than dirt.
What’s His Role: Back up Hasselbeck for a season or two, then take over the team.
Who Else: Seattle could go with a cornerback like Brandon Harris from Miami, or any other defensive position.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Florida)
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Why He’s the Pick: The Ravens corners routinely got burned in 2010-11, and they could use someone with the skills to close down opposing wideouts. While Harris has struggled at times this season, he's got the skills to be an NFL corner, something the Ravens lack right now.
What’s His Role: Become the shutdown corner for the Ravens. If it takes a year, so be it.
Who Else: The Ravens could snag a wideout here, or take a different corner, like Brandon Burton of Utah.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
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Why He’s the Pick: Atlanta needs a wideout to pair with Roddy White, and Baldwin would give Matt Ryan another big, rangy target to throw to. His stats dipped last season, but Baldwin has the skills to give Atlanta a devastating 1-2 punch.
What’s His Role: Fill the other side of the field, across from Roddy White, and make plays.
Who Else: The Falcons could use this pick to take a corner, or a linebacker here. Boise State's blazing wideout, Titus Young, is also a real possibility.
28. New England Patriots: Tyron Smith, OL, USC
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Why He’s the Pick: Tom Brady's quick release and Bill Belichick's quick slants hid the fact that the Pats' offensive line regressed this season.
We saw it come out against the Jets in the AFC divisional round, and with this pick, look for Bill Belichick to take the incredibly gifted Smith. He did a stellar job in pass protection at USC, and while he's a little small, he's fully capable of shutting down most defensive ends.
What’s His Role: Learn the system for a year, then take over for Stephen Neal or Logan Mankins.
Who Else: The Pats could go for a big wideout here, or try and find a third corner or linebacker.
29. Chicago Bears: Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College
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Why He’s the Pick: The Bears let Jay Cutler be hit more than any other quarterback in the NFL last season. I'd say their offensive line could use a boost, and Castonzo provides just that. He's one of the most skilled linemen in this year's draft and is a steal this late in the game.
What’s His Role: Keep Jay Cutler from getting concussed.
Who Else: The Bears need offensive line help more than anything else, although they could take a wideout here and we'd understand.
30. New York Jets: Muhammed Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple
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Why He’s the Pick: Don't let that game against New England fool you; the Jets' pass rush was subpar at best in 2010.
But, there is hope, in the form of Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson was excellent for the Owls this season, and he's one of the country's most adept lineman at getting into the backfield.
What’s His Role: Clog lanes, get to the quarterback generally be a nuisance.
Who Else: The Jets could go with a wideout, or Illinois defensive lineman Corey Liuget here.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
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Why He’s the Pick: Mike Pouncey, twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice, doesn't have the talent to be a first round pick on his own. But, he and Maurkice play so well together that it makes perfect sense for Pittsburgh to get the second half of the matching set. They need help on the offensive line, and Pouncey provides that.
What’s His Role: Play next to his brother and do that "Wonder Twin" thing they do so well.
Who Else: The Steelers' biggest needs are on the offensive line, and with the other Pouncey brother in the draft, it'd take a big shift for them not to take him.
32. Green Bay Packers: Corey Liuget, DE/DT, Illinois
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Why He’s the Pick: The Packers don't have a ton of areas where they can improve (other than staying healthy), but their pass rush dropped off when Clay Matthews was double teamed. By taking the hulking Liuget, the Pack increase their pass rush potency significantly, while not hurting their run defense in the process.
What’s His Role: Play on the line and draw blockers from Clay Matthews.
Who Else: The Pack could try and bolster their running back corps, or snag an offensive lineman, if a good one falls to them.
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