C3 Mock 2.0: Picks 9-16
/Due to popular demand we are putting out C3 Mock 2.0. This version takes into account the first full week of Free Agency and there has been some movement. Smokewagon is back making his picks along with me in the First Round. We each give insight as to why we think each one makes sense. And as usual, we look at some of these selections from a Panthers Fan point of view, but no matter who you are a fan of, take a look and let us know your thoughts. You can follow me on twitter at @PanthersDrafter and Smokewagon at @SamSslater96
Mel Mayock's Picks
The G-Men did sign the under-rated Terrance Newhouse as a Tackle but can’t pass on Peat. The Giants suffered with run-blocking and in protecting Eli in 2014 and adding the 6’7/312 lb. Peat to the RT spot would significantly help. Peat would go to RT and allow Pugh to kick inside to Guard where he’ll excel.
The Rams desperately need a WR that can make plays. Tavon Austin is not a #1 WR and Parker would immediately change the dynamics of this Offense. Parker is lanky, yet smooth, and fast (4.45 40). This is the right pick for a team desperately needing some juice on the Offensive side of the ball to go with new QB, Nick Foles.
The Vikings go with the BPA here as they look to turn up the heat on Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the NFC North QBs. I think they were hoping for one of the top 3 WRs but will now take the BPA in their mind and pick up a WR later in this deep draft.
The Browns ranked 9th in D last year but struggled rushing the Passer. Randy Gregory is a great value here at Pick #12 and the new Defensive Coordinator Jim O’Neil would be ecstatic to add this 6’5/235 lb playmaker into his arsenal.
The Saints Defense was a mess in 2014 and they could use help everywhere. Their biggest need is in pass coverage, but they did sign Brandon Browner in FA. And Shane Ray is too good to pass on. They struggled getting pressure on opposing QBs last year and a boost there will also help their CBs. And with the rumors of Junior Galette being traded, they need someone that can rush the passer. If there isn’t a trade this year, they are still in cap hell next year so Ray will make letting Galette go next year more palatable. Very good value pick.
The Panthers were the only team to rate lower than the Dolphins in pass-protection and the big and nasty La’el Collins gets the nod. The Dolphins have cut more WRs in the past week than inmates in prison and they were hoping Parker or Cooper would be here. And they signed Kenny Stills and Suh. They still need help on the Oline big time Collins is their guy.
With both Patrick Willis and Chris Borland (3rd Rd Pick a year ago) retiring unexpectedly, the 49ers have to turn their draft-eye to Linebacker. Kendricks is the best pure MLB in the draft, so he gets the nod. Having to use this pick on this unexpected need will set the 9ers back. Could have used another playmaker.
Houston has some options here and they need Offensive help. It appears that the Texans are going to a two-QB system between Mallet and newly signed Hoyer. In 2014, the weakest part of their Offense was the passing game and pass-blocking. Clemmings has the highest ceiling of any OT in the draft and makes a lot of sense here in the mid first round.
Smokewagon's Picks
The G-Men ddd excellent last year in selecting WR stud in Odell Beckham Jr, but at the same time their defense has been a shell of what it once was during those recent Super Bowl runs no to far long ago. They traded for Jon Beason to come in and be a leader on that side of the ball, but just like we saw in Carolina his body has given up on him and he is not the answer for the future. Eric Kendricks might very well be the best LB in this draft and could be the new face of that Giants defense that they are so very lacking now.
St. Louis has Greg Robinson going into his second year manning the LT spot. With RT Joseph Barksdale hitting free agency and former starting LT Jake Long being released, St.Louis is stuck with only one quality OT on the offensive line. This now makes this pick a no-brainer.
With Minnesota trading for Mike Wallace and third year man Charles Johnson emerging during the course of last season, this then allows Minnesota to replace one outgoing thoroughbred in Adrian Peterson with a much younger/less baggage version in Gurley III. The Minnesota rushing attack had an immediate drop off without Peterson’s services due to his off the field situation. Consequently the offense felt the loss of production from the position and had to put more pressure on a rookie QB in Teddy Bridgewater to carry the load.
Cleveland could go in so many directions at this pick especially with “Twitter Ray” calling the shots. The logical pick here would be to get a fresh start at WR and finally close the book on the troubled Josh Gordon. Cooper would be a day one starter and with his smooth route-running and ability to gain separation would be whatever QB Cleveland trots out on the fields best friend.
With the fire sale that has become the New Orleans Saints and the rebuild mode that is in full swing the next step to plan for is the days when Drew Brees is no longer under center for the Saints. The team has jettisoned Brees go to guy in Jimmy Graham to Seattle, his compliment WR Kenny Stills and looks to become a running team towards the future with acquiring center Max Unger from Seattle in the Graham trade and retaining RB Mark Ingram in free agency. So the days of the Saints offense as we know it looks to be nearing the end and the dawning of a new look Saints in the making.
Miami has been players in free agency with the signing of the biggest FA in Ndamukong Suh, signing TE Jordan Cameron, and trading for Kenny Stills. The team could go in a number of directions here, but the sensible one is to keep building the offensive line with the best player still on the board in Brandon Scherff. Scherff could come in and start at LG immediately and be in place to replace Branden Albert at LT if the need arises.
The 49ers lost both starting cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver to FA and replaced that duo in free agency with the likes of Chris Cook and Shareece Wright. Both were only given one year deals and this speaks volumes to the faith the organization has in those two signings. San Francisco will be looking for the future at the position in this years draft.
Houston could choose to go OL or RB at this point, but the team is letting go of their all-time leading receiver in Andre Johnson. Green Beckham is the most controversial player in this years draft with many questions to answer for his off the field problems, but the talent is undeniable. Houston is just the team that could handle this pick for the likes of leaders of a J.J. Watt in the locker room and in HC Bill O’Brien who has had to deal with things much harder (see PSU after Paterno/Sandusky) to help keep DGB on the straight and narrow.