Todd McShay Mock Draft: Solid Picks and Epic Fails from McShay's NFL Mock Draft

Todd McShay Mock Draft: Which Picks Look Good and Which Ones Need Some Work?

This is the busiest time of the year for ESPN's draft expert Todd McShay. The college season is over, but it is time to start projecting where the kids will be going in the NFL Draft come April.

McShay just released his third mock draft. Which picks look smart and which ones look like they need a little more thought put into them?

Out of 32 picks, it is tough to get every pick right, but hey, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.

Read on to see McShay's top eight solid picks and top eight epic failures.

Agree or disagree let us know what you think.  

8. Solid Pick: Ben Ijalana, OT, Vilanova No. 31 to Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Ijalana is considered the best FCS prospect in the NFL draft. He has the body size to play either tackle or guard, but I think he is more suited to play inside at the next level.

The Steelers are in desperate need of an upgrade on the offensive line, and Ijalana would be a nice addition for the Super Bowl runner-ups.

While the Steelers would likely hope for a more marquee guy at this spot, I think Ijalana could end up being the steal of the draft.

8. Epic Failure: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska No. 8 to Tennessee Titans

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Cornerback Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver T.J. Moe #28 of the Missouri Tigers during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln

I understand Prince Amukamara is one of the best cornerbacks available in this draft, but the Titans don't need a cornerback.

On one side, they have world-class agitator Cortland Finnegan, and on the other side, they have Alterraun Verner who had an outstanding rookie season. Where would Amukamara play?

The Titans could use a quarterback or a linebacker better than a corner.

7. Solid Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama No. 14 to St. Louis Rams

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty I

As we saw in Week 17, the Rams aren't going anywhere until they get a legitimate pass catcher for Sam Bradford to throw the ball to. Julio Jones would be the perfect fit for the Rams at 14.

Jones has prototypical NFL size and is a very polished receiver. He might not have the speed to burn teams deep, but he will be a quality NFL receiver.

I can only imagine how Bradford will progress if he actually has guys to throw the ball to instead of the pu pu platter he had in St. Louis this season.

7. Epic Failure: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina No. 12 Minnesota Vikings

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Thaddeus Lewis #9 of the Duke Blue Devils is sacked by Robert Quinn #42 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

I understand Robert Quinn is a physical freak at the defensive end position, but he missed the entire 2010 season, and I don't know how much of an impact he could make after a year off.

I also think the Vikings need a quarterback above everything else. While some people think this pick would be a stretch for Jake Locker, I don't. I think he would be great in Minnesota.

I also don't see defensive end as a really pressing need. I know there are some guys that could be on their way out via free agency; there are more pressing needs.

6. Solid Pick: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado No. 13 Detroit Lions

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns rushes against Nate Solder #78 the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

This draft doesn't have a real marquee offensive lineman worthy of a top-10 pick, but Nate Solder is generally considered as the best prospect available.

The Lions have been rebuilding for nearly a decade, and it seems like offensive line would be a very smart area to really spend a draft pick on.

No. 13 might be a little high for Solder, but I really think they could get some outstanding value with the Colorado prospect here.

6. Epic Failure: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado No. 11 Houston Texans

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Jeff Fuller #8 of the Texas A&M Aggies makes a reception against the defense of Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during NCAA college football action at Folsom Field on November 7, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado

Honestly, it's not that I don't think that Houston should try for a cornerback here after having one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL this season.

I just don't understand how Jimmy Smith has made such a big leap in such a short period of time.

Sure Smith could end up being a steal here, but if Prince Amukamara and Patrick Peterson are not available, I think they could find good value in the second round.

5. Solid Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn No. 10 Washington Redskins

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers runs down field against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan F

After seeing the struggles of Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell in recent years, I can understand the trepidation about making Cam Newton your franchise quarterback. However, I think Newton is cut from a different cloth.

It was impressive watching Newton carry a team on his back during the BCS National Championship against Oregon.

I think Newton could end up being the steal of the draft no matter where he is drafted. If the Redskins get him at 10, I think he could be the franchise quarterback they thought they were getting with Donovan McNabb.

5. Epic Failure: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin No. 9 Dallas Cowboys

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers defends a pass by quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansez

I don't understand the love affair surrounding J.J. Watt. He has a good but not great year for a very overrated Wisconsin team. That's right Wisconsin fans, I am calling out your team again.

Watt doesn't have elite speed for a defensive end, and he was taken out of the Rose Bowl by TCU's offensive line.

The Cowboys could use a defensive end here, but I think they have a more pressing need at cornerback, and I could see Prince Amukamara falling to them at nine.

4. Solid Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri No. 5 Arizona Cardinals

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers drops back to pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (P

Blaine Gabbert didn't have marquee numbers this year for Missouri, but he is about 6'5" and 240 pounds, and he will run a sub 4.7 40-yard dash at the combine.

Gabbert can also make all the throws needed to be a pro quarterback. He would be a huge upgrade over anything the Cardinals have on the roster currently.

I could see the Cardinals struggling even if they pick up Gabbert, but I think he is a smart pick here.

4. Epic Failure: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M No. 3 Buffalo Bills

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Jordan Jefferson #9 of the Louisiana State University Tigers throws under pressure from Von Miller #40 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by C

Von Miller is a stud outside linebacker, and he could end up being the first linebacker drafted in 2011, but I think third is ridiculous once you see who else is still available.

The Bills have quite a few needs to fill in this draft, but really, I don't understand how Todd McShay can justify taking Miller here.

Why wouldn't the Bills want Patrick Peterson? He is a once-in-a-generation type of player. He has the size and ball skills of a cornerback but the size of a safety. He needs to be the pick here.

3. Solid Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs fails to pull in this reception against Richard Samuel #22 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While I can understand why the Carolina Panthers wouldn't take A.J. Green as the No. 1 pick in this draft, I think the Georgia receiver is the best player in the draft.

He has unbelievable athleticism and outstanding hands. He will immediately be a top-five receiver once he enters the NFL from a physical mentality.

If he is available at four, I think the Bengals could be charged with theft.

3. Epic Failure: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky No. 26 Baltimore Ravens

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 13: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Commonwealth Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 38-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

I would consider myself a very knowledgeable college football fan, but prior to seeing Randall Cobb on Todd McShay's mock draft, I would have never considered him a first-round pick.

I think there are a number of receivers that could be better picks for the Ravens if they were looking to pick a receiver.

However, I think the Ravers have some other, more pressing needs. They could use this pick to get younger on defense, or they could grab an offensive lineman here.

2. Solid Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn No. 2 Denver Broncos

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers is congratulated by Daren Bates #25 on a sack against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, A

Nick Fairley showed in the BCS championship game that he is able to be a dominant force at times. He absolutely took over the game and was the reason Auburn was able to shut down the Ducks vaunted offensive attack.

The Broncos are in desperate need of an impact player on the defensive side of the ball, and Fairley would certainly fit that bill.

This draft really has some marquee guys in it, and I think Fairley would be a huge addition for Denver.

2. Epic Failure: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA No. 21 Kansas City Chiefs

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Linebacker Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins in the game with the Houston Cougars at the Rose Bowl on September 18, 2010 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 31-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

If anyone has seen Akeem Ayers at his best, they would understand the outrage with seeing him drop to here. Sure he is a little inconsistent, but he has had moments of absolute brilliance while playing for the Bruins.

I really don't see how he could be anything other than the second outside linebacker pick in the draft.

If the Chargers are looking to pick an outside linebacker, I don't see a situation where they don't pick Ayers at 18 if he is still available.

1. Solid Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson No. 1 Carolina Panthers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Da'Quan Bowers is a freakish athlete at defensive end. He has an NFL body, and he dominated this year in college. Sure, it took him some time to figure it out, but his productivity this year is really hard to argue with.

I think if he drops past No. 1, it could go down as one of the biggest mistakes in NFL draft history.

Sure, the Panthers have a bunch of other needs to fill, but Bowers is the type of talent you can't pass on.

1. Epic Failure: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU No. 7 San Francisco 49ers

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 25: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State Univeristy Tigers runs for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Ima

How in the world could Todd McShay justify dropping Patrick Peterson to seventh in this draft? Peterson could be right there with A.J. Green as the best players to come out of this draft.

Peterson is a true cornerback that runs a 4.4 40-yard dash, but he has the body of a safety at 6'1" and 222 pounds. He also has great ball skills and is a gifted return man.

Sure, teams could chose to address other needs, but I think Peterson is just too valuable to drop out of the top five, and I think he ultimately ends up with either the Broncos at two or the Bills at three.