C3 Mock 3.0: Picks 9-16

Draft week is here, and C3’s Mock Draft 3.0 is here.  This version takes is our final version and is our predictions of what we think will happen and we are not allowing for any trades. 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 (@SamSslater96)

Andrus the Giant.  This guy’s body screams NFL-ready.  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.  Scherff may get the nod here, but man Peat is the right pick.  I think his nickname should be Andrus The Giant.

The Rams get possibly the most game-changing player in the draft.  White is 6’3/ 215 lbs. and runs a 4.35 40.  1,447 yards from 109 receptions in 2014.  And boy do the Rams need a WR.  New QB Nick Foles will be relieved that he is going to now have a big time target to throw to.  Actually, White is my favorite player in the draft.

If AP is traded before or during the draft, this pick could change to Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon.  However as it stands now the Vikings upgrade their Offensive Line with the best Offensive Lineman in the Draft.  Scherff is incredibly technically sound and will improve any Line in the League.  He is also very versatile.  At 6’5/ 319 lbs., he could play either Tackle spot as well as Guard.  I love this pick for anyone.

With Josh Gordon gone in a puff of smoke the Browns look to fill his shoes and they just may have done it.  Parker is an incredible athlete that will add juice to the Browns offense.  At 6’3 and 210 lbs and running a 4.45 40, the sk is the limit for this guy.

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.  That’s not enough.  So they get the best CB in the draft.  Match him with Browner and the Saints are set in their Defensive Backfield.  Waynes is 6’0 and 186 lbs.  And he ran a 4.31 at the Combine.  That is elite numbers and the Saints hit paydirt with this pick.

This guys has all the tools to be a dominant DT.  The Bleacher Report says it better than I can. You can check out why this pick makes sense here. 

I had Kendricks here last version, but McKinney is significantly bigger and has visited the team.  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.  McKinney 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.

The Texans need OL help and pass-protection is their most glaring weakness.  Though don’t be shocked if the Texans make a surprising QB pick here.  Maybe Hundley.  But the safest pick is going to be the OT with possibly the highest ceiling in the draft.

Snagging Cooper here as insurance against Victor Cruz never regaining his form after his gruesome injury last season where his knee was turned in vegetable medley and giving stud sensation OBJ a running mate across the formation from him would be a Giants type of draft day move, taking the so overused terminology BPA. It also allows Eli a tandem of WR’s to ride off into the sunset of his career with while chasing one more ring.

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. Scherff could come in right away and man the RT spot from day one of training camp and gives St. Louis a pair of bookends on the offensive line for the next decade.

ith 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. 

leveland 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. Parker 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 Saints could look to take the best OT still on the board at this spot in La’el Collins. Zach Strief is past the age 30 (31) as is pro bowl guard Jahari Evans (31). It would just be the next step in building for the future in taking a replacement that can play either of the two players mentioned above positions after this season while starting immediately over Armstead at RT for 2015.

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, so taking the best CB on the board in this draft to place across from pro bowler Brent Grimes is the sound pick in this spot. 

With the early unexpected retirement of all pro Patrick Willis and his supposed predecessor Chris Borland walking away from the game after just one season, this has left a gaping hole in the middle of the 49er defense. This pick is a no brainer at this point for San Fran with Kendricks the best MLB in this draft starring San Fran in the face here at the 15th pick, it would be hard to see the organization go in any other direction.

This is the perfect spot for Dave Gettleman and Co. to move up and take the LT of the future in Andrus Peat that has slid just enough at this point for Carolina to throw in their chips and move up to grab him. Besides the QB position, LT’s are at a premium in the NFL and do not kid yourself in not thinking this, for there are 32 GM’s that think differently when this position needs to be addressed. Peat can come in year one and be a “plug in play” offensive tackle and not be standing on the sidelines besides Riverboat Ron having to get a year of seasoning under his belt before he can contribute. Plus to summon my inner Dave Gettleman, “You can’t coach 6’7” 315 lbs.”