It’s almost time!

We’re convinced Marcus is going #2. Question is: to whom?

Ok, some big changes from our Mock 1.0.  Chief among them:  Marcus jumps up to number 2.  Yeah, yeah, he doesn’t fit Ken Whisenhunt’s system.  But the Draft is all about maximizing value.  And while you can’t really trust trade rumors prior to the Draft, we do believe that the Titans will trade out of this spot.  There are several rumored teams (Philly, Cleveland, San Diego) that want to move up.  Tennessee could stockpile picks and still have a mid-first round pick.  Ginger King’s prediction:  San Diego trades up and sends Philip Rivers to Tennessee.  It makes sense for many reasons.

An undersized DE or oversized LB?

The Giants switch lines this round, giving Spagnoulo some much needed muscle on the defensive line.  The Saints would love it if Shane Ray falls to them.  It’s looking more and more likely that the Texans will draft Todd Gurley.  Gurley needs to go to a team where he will not be expected to contribute a full load right away, given his knee injury.  Whatever teams takes him will likely have an aging running back on their roster and looking to start the transition.  This aptly describes the Texans, who could still rely on Arian Foster in the short term and let Gurley ease into the offense.

Puff, puff, give!!!

OL and WR will dominate the first round, and that will be more evident as we get into the second half of the first round.  San Diego, if it decides to hold on to this pick (and Philip Rivers) would do well to try and bolster the offensive line.   Character problems = No problems for the Cincinnati Bengals, as they take a chance on the supremely talented (yet supremely troubled) Dorial Green-Beckham.   Finally, Randy Gregory’s rapid descent should stop with the Cardinals.

After two years in a row with no RB taken in the first round, Melvin Gordon becomes the second back off the board.  An argument can be made that any of these teams at the end of the first round (except maybe Green Bay) could use him, and don’t be surprised if a team like the Colts trades with Baltimore (to get ahead of the Cowboys where he’s sure to get picked).  For this round, he doesn’t make it past the Panthers.  Not one to shy away from character issues, the Cowboys go with a huge boom or bust pick in Marcus Peters.  Peters is the best corner in the draft, but he’s a walking red flag, having been kicked off the Huskies team in November.  As if that’s concern for Jerrah.   Byron Jones and his ridiculous broad jump go to the Colts.  The U makes it back to the first round, with Philip Dorsett the newest weapon for Drew Brees.  And finally, the rich get richer as the Patriots end the first round with the multi-talented Devin Smith.

12’3″ broad jump = first round.