GTripp's Official Mock Draft Thread

[GTripp0012]

I'm opening my own thread for Mocks, most likely because I will be posting a bunch of mocks here and don't feel like flooding the Draft Central area of the site with multiple mock threads. With today's news that Samardzija won't be in the draft, it seems like a good place to begin.

Oakland Raiders-Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame-Anybody who thinks that Al Davis is already leaning toward Jamarcus Russell just doesn't know Al Davis. He's unpredictable. That said, hiring Steve Sarkisian as their head coach is leading this way with their pick. Sarkisian is a QB Coach by trade, and at USC he played Quinn twice and witnessed Quinn's near upset of the then #1 ranked Trojans in the infamous "Bush Push" classic. Certainly Sarkisian could only dream of the possibilities that could happen if he could coach Quinn.

Detroit Lions-Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin-If Matt Millen truely is learning on the job, then the reports that he's sniffing around Thomas are probably accurate. If he hasn't learned, expect him to nab the incredibly talented Calvin Johnson with this pick, as reciever is STILL a Lion weakness.

Tampa Bay Bucs-Calvin Johnson, WR, Ga. Tech-I don't think taking recievers in the top 10 is ever a good strategy, but what do I know? Jon Gruden took Michael Clayton in the first round in 2004, and got results from him as a Rookie. But with Clayton yet to duplicate the results from his rookie year, and Joey Galloway becoming less serviceable with every passing year, the need for Calvin Johnson is just great enough to the point where they can't pass on his talent, me predicts.

Cleveland Browns-JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU-Adrian Peterson could be an intriguing pick here, but the value of RBs in the NFL is declining steadily to the point where passing on Peterson becomes acceptable. Russell will be a better pro than Charlie Frye, which would justify the pick.

Arizona Cardinals-Reggie Nelson, S, Florida-At this point, this pick is far fetched to say the least. But the Cardnials have very few needs that aren't on the offensive line. With no linemen to speak of worthy of this pick, the Cardnials have to take the best player on their board. I don't see them taking a D-Lineman because they have gone there so often with adequate success recently. Darnell Dockett comes to mind. Nelson is a guy who I think will shoot up the board during workouts; a guy who reminds me a little of Michael Huff, a little of Sean Taylor, and might remind Coach Whisenhunt a little of that safety with the crazy hair.

Washington Redskins-Alan Branch, DT, Michigan-Given the choice of our highest rated end or highest rated tackle, I think Branch is the selection. Gaines Adams doesn't strike me as a guy made for Grilliams' system, espicially playing alongside already undersized Andre Carter. Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas is a possibility, who combines great pash rushing skills with run anchoring ability. But Branch is massive at 335 and can rish the passer as well as any DT on the board.

Minnesota Vikings-Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Houston Texans-Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Miami Dolphins-Lamar Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
Atlanta Falcons-Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
San Francisco 49ers-Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Buffalo Bills-Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
St. Louis Rams-Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Carolina Panthers-LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Pittsburgh Steelers-Darrell Revis, CB, Pitt
Green Bay Packers-Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Jacksonville Jaguars-Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
Cincinnati Bengals-Tank Tyler, DT, NC State
Tennessee Titans-Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Ohio State
New York Giants-Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
Denver Broncos-Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Dallas Cowboys-Michael Griffin, S, Texas
Kansas City Chiefs-Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State
New England Patriots (f/SEA)-Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida St.
New York Jets-Brian Leonard, FB, Rutgers
Philadelphia Eagles-Daymenion Hughes, CB, California
New Orleans Saints-Paul Pozluzny, OLB, Penn State
New England Patriots-Justin Blalock, G, Texas
Baltimore Ravens-Tony Ugoh, T, Arkansas
San Diego Chargers-Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Chicago Bears-Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn
Indianapolis Colts-Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss

Comment or change as you see fit. Just remember...it's early.

[dmek25]

looks pretty good for this early. i dont care who the skins take, as long as its on defense

[dblanch66]

Sarkasian turned that down.

[Big C]

Oakland Raiders- jamarcus russell

Detroit Lions- brady quinn

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- calvin johnson

Cleveland Browns- joe thomas

Arizona Cardinals- leon hall

Washington Redskins- alan branch

Minnesota Vikings- gaines adams

Houston Texans- adrian peterson

Miami Dolphins- jamaal anderson

Atlanta Falcons- reggie nelson

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by dblanch66

Sarkasian turned that down.

Indeed.

I still think Quinn will be the first pick. 60% sure (now thats confidence!). I think the Raiders eventual head coach will have a lot to do with the pick, but I just dont see Al Davis falling in love with JaMarcus Russell. He might, but this guy passed up a chance to trade for Culpepper, is said to be showing little interest in Byron Leftwich...I think he prefers the Aaron Brooks/Vince Young type of mobility.

With Davis, I think it comes down to either Quinn, or Calvin Johnson. If he's going to take QB, why would he not take the best prospect?

Ultimately, Russell would be a better pick than Calvin Johnson, but I just don't think he's going to be that enamored with JR after he works him out.

[charlielyons]

the skins will pick alan branch hopefully

[SmootSmack]

Find my Mock here: NFL Connection Mock Draft Version 1.0 at

[budw38]

Originally Posted by TAFKAS

Find my Mock here: NFL Connection Mock Draft Version 1.0 at

Nice mock Tarfkas ! Liked your thinking on GB taking TE, Miller and Tenn. taking Ginn ! Loved the Bengal getting arrested on draft day ,,,, to get used to it !! but why not having the cowboys pick getting high on crack ?

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

As much as I would love to have a guy like Branch, I think we need depth via more draft picks. So, I'd like to see us trade down to about the 20th pick for more picks and grab ILB Patrick Willis and a DT with a 2nd round pick (acquired via trade). If we do not trade down I see us taking Branch.

[staylor825]

I agree trade down, we need more picks

[Gmanc711]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

As much as I would love to have a guy like Branch, I think we need depth via more draft picks. So, I'd like to see us trade down to about the 20th pick for more picks and grab ILB Patrick Willis and a DT with a 2nd round pick (acquired via trade). If we do not trade down I see us taking Branch.

Absolutley. I mean I love Branch, Adams and Andersen (Especially Adams), but I dont view any of them as "Can't Miss" type guys. I really think we should trade down to 15ish, and pick up a few extra picks on day one. I would love if we could turn our 6th pick into the 15th with a few picks down the road. I wouldnt be shocked if we could get a second and a later round pick (with swapping firsts) with the way teams covent these draft picks, I really think trading down is somthing we need to at least look at. If the offer isnt there, then so be it, but if we get somthing good, trade.

[That Guy]

if we can trade down and get a DE/DT/MLB in the first and a DE/DT in the second (that are reasonably talented) i'd be cool with that. working a trade may be hard unless someone like calvin johnson is still on the board though.

I kinda doubt the cards go S, since they already got a playmaker there. what they really need is some O linemen that can actually block. i'd also be a little surprised if leonard went that early or if ginn goes after jarrett (though it's perfectly possible).

[Beemnseven]

Being able to trade down still seems like a big "if". Most teams wind up staying where they're at - other than Eli for Philip Rivers, there hasn't been a big trade in the top ten in a while.

There would have to be an irrational line of thinking (i.e. Ditka for Ricky Williams) on a certain player for our 'trade down' dreams to come true.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Being able to trade down still seems like a big "if". Most teams wind up staying where they're at - other than Eli for Philip Rivers, there hasn't been a big trade in the top ten in a while.

There would have to be an irrational line of thinking (i.e. Ditka for Ricky Williams) on a certain player for our 'trade down' dreams to come true.

I definately agree that trading down is still a big "if." I think, however, that there are enough big names that someone would be willing to trade up. Between QBs Russell and Quinn, RB Peterson, WR Johnson, OT Thomas, DT Branch there is a lot of talent at key positions.

Moreover, teams do (oftentimes unwisely) trade up into the top 10. In 2005, Minnesota traded into the #7 slot to get Troy Williamson. In 2004, Cleveland traded up to #6 to nab Winslow. In 2003, the Jets moved up to #4 to grab DT Robertson and the Saints traded up to #6 to get DT Sullivan. In 2002, Kansas City moved up to #6 to get DT Sims. In 2001, Atlanta moved up to #1 to get Vick, San Francisco moved up to #7 to select DE Carter, and Green Bay moved to #10 to get DE Jamal Reynolds. So, while trading into the top 10 isn't necessarily a frequent occurence, it's not rare either.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I definately agree that trading down is still a big "if." I think, however, that there are enough big names that someone would be willing to trade up. Between QBs Russell and Quinn, RB Peterson, WR Johnson, OT Thomas, DT Branch there is a lot of talent at key positions.

Moreover, teams do (oftentimes unwisely) trade up into the top 10. In 2005, Minnesota traded into the #7 slot to get Troy Williamson. In 2004, Cleveland traded up to #6 to nab Winslow. In 2003, the Jets moved up to #4 to grab DT Robertson and the Saints traded up to #6 to get DT Sullivan. In 2002, Kansas City moved up to #6 to get DT Sims. In 2001, Atlanta moved up to #1 to get Vick, San Francisco moved up to #7 to select DE Carter, and Green Bay moved to #10 to get DE Jamal Reynolds. So, while trading into the top 10 isn't necessarily a frequent occurence, it's not rare either.

I don't think a team should ever pass up a chance to trade down, barring a guy you want just slipped into your lap. At #6, it's hard to get a good value pick that satisfies a need, so I think if you have a trade offer on the table, you take it.

It's just difficult for a team to come up with enough value points to trade up into the top six. The price is very steep, and in many cases, its just foolish to do so. I'm guessing we will be stuck at six.