Post Free Agency Mock

[ShutDown24]

With the splash moves of free agency behind us, I wanted to make my projections known heading into April. For those of you who have followed my mocks up to this point, thanks - it's not much fun hashing these out if no one reads them. I will post one more mock; my final predictions, a number of days before the event. It will consist of more rounds dependent on how many prospects I am able to watch between now and then.

Drawing some inspiration from Chidi29's Draft Hub, players who I have specifically evaluated will have a * next to their names.

(You can see my previous mock drafts here for reference
First Round: Updated 1-29-12
Two Rounds: Updated 2-05-12
Two Rounds: Updated 3-01-12)

R1P1: Indianapolis: *Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

R1P2: Washington D.C.: *Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor

R1P3: Minnesota: *Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

R1P4: Cleveland: *Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

R1P5: Tampa Bay: *Trent Richardson, TB, Alabama

R1P6: St. Louis: *Dontari Poe, 43DT, Memphis

R1P7: Jacksonville: *Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State

R1P8: Miami: *Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

R1P9: Carolina: *Quinton Coples, 43DE, North Carolina

R1P10: Buffalo: *Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

R1P11: Kansas City: *David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

R1P12: Seattle: *Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

R1P13: Arizona: *Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

R1P14: Dallas: *Fletcher Cox, 34DE, Mississippi State

R1P15: Philadelphia Eagles: *Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

R1P16: New York: *Melvin Ingram, 34OLB, South Carolina

R1P17: Cincinnati: *Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

R1P18: San Diego:*Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

R1P19: Chicago: *Johnathan Martin, OT, Stanford

R1P20: Tennessee: *Devon Still, 43DT, Penn State

R1P21: Cincinnati: *Michael Brockers, 43DT, Louisiana State

R1P22: Cleveland: *Courtney Upshaw, 43DE, Alabama

R1P23: Detroit: Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin

R1P24: Pittsburgh: *Dont'a Hightower, 34ILB, Alabama

R1P25: Denver: *Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss

R1P26: Houston: *Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

R1P27: Boston: *Whitney Mercilus, 43DE, Illinois

R1P28: Green Bay: Luke Kuechly, 34ILB, Boston College

R1P29: Baltimore: *Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

R1P30: San Francisco: Jerel Worthy, NT, Michigan State

R1P31: Boston: *Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

R1P32: World Champion New York Giants: *Zach Brown, 43OLB, North Carolina

R2P33: St. Louis: *Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

R2P34: Indianapolis: Nick Perry, 34OLB, Southern California

R2P35: Minnesota: *Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

R2P36: Tampa Bay: *Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

R2P37: Cleveland: *Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

R2P38: Jacksonville: Andre Branch, 43DE, Clemson

R2P39: St. Louis: *Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

R2P40: Carolina: *Bobby Wagner, 43OLB, Utah State

R2P41: Miami: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

R2P42: Buffalo: Vinny Curry, 43DE, Marshall

R2P43: Seattle: *Lavonte David, 43OLB, Nebraska

R2P44: Kansas City: *Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

R2P45: Dallas: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

R2P46: Philadelphia: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

R2P47: New York: David Wilson, TB, Virginia Tech

R2P48: Boston: *Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

R2P49: San Diego: *Ronnell Lewis, 34OLB, Oklahoma

R2P50: Chicago: *Kendall Reyes, 43DT, Connecticut

R2P51: Philadelphia: *Brandon Washington, OG, Miami

R2P52: Tennessee: Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State

R2P53: Cincinnati: Lamar Miller, TB, Miami

R2P54: Detroit: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

R2P55: Atlanta: Bruce Irvin, 43DE, West Virginia

R2P56: Pittsburgh: *Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama

R2P57: Denver: *Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

R2P58: Houston: *Alameda Ta'amu, NT, Washington

R2P59: New Orleans: Brandon Thompson, 43DT, Clemson

R2P60: Green Bay: LaMichael James, TB, Oregon

R2P61: Baltimore: *Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

R2P62: San Francisco: Jared Crick, 34DE, Nebraska

R2P63: Boston: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

R2P64: World Champion New York Giants: Cam Johnson, 43DE, Virginia

[Steeltreal]

I don't like it. I doubt that Hightower would be an 'instant' starter . Then Chapman over Ta'amu ? Neither of these two would get playing time this season, minimal if there's an injury.
Can we find a starting Left Guard in the 3rd? or your counting on Legursky...

[ShutDown24]

I don't like it. I doubt that Hightower would be an 'instant' starter . Then Chapman over Ta'amu ? Neither of these two would get playing time this season, minimal if there's an injury.
Can we find a starting Left Guard in the 3rd? or your counting on Legursky...

Thanks for reading

Why wouldn't Hightower get instant playing time?

And Chapman is a better player than Ta'amu. If you have a difference of opinion from what you have watched of both players, that's fine. But Chapman should be a pro bowler early in his career. He doesn't move, even when facing double teams. Almost every other defensive tackle on the board does. Chapman might be the best nose tackle prospect I've ever watched. I would take him in the first if his stock was any higher. Thankfully the league seems to be low on him. Getting him in round 2 would be a steal for a 34 team.

[SteelMember]

Good Job. Couple comments though.

As of late I have been milling over some things after our 24 (Who coincidentally I've updated to the incredibly popular Hightower pick ), so 2 things I see from your mock I might reconsider.

Denver... I think they are pretty good at Tackle. LT particularly with Clady. If I were going o-line here, I think they have a more pressing need for a RG. Not to say Massie couldn't handle it a la Cordy Glenn, but I think that slot may be too high for him. Mid to late 2nd, sure. Not 1st imo.

So I"m thinking your Houston pick, Kendall Wright to Denver (weapon for Manning), and in turn possibly Alshon Jeffery to Houston for a WR.
My initial thoughts for Houston here were Mark Barron. I still like that pick... for the Steelers too.

[GitNoLuv]

While it wouldn't surprise me to see the Browns go WR with the 4th pick...I think they'd be more inclined to go OT or OG with the 22. Then I can see them going with Weeden at 37.

Also, I doubt that Clairborne falls as far as 6. I don't see him getting past the Buccaneers who have Aqib Talib as a very troubled CB. If anyone is likely to slide, it's Trent Richardson. I can see him slipping outside of the Top 10 despite the talent because the NFL has severely devalued the HB position.

[ShutDown24]

Good Job. Couple comments though.

As of late I have been milling over some things after our 24 (Who coincidentally I've updated to the incredibly popular Hightower pick ), so 2 things I see from your mock I might reconsider.

Denver... I think they are pretty good at Tackle. LT particularly with Clady. If I were going o-line here, I think they have a more pressing need for a RG. Not to say Massie couldn't handle it a la Cordy Glenn, but I think that slot may be too high for him. Mid to late 2nd, sure. Not 1st imo.

So I"m thinking your Houston pick, Kendall Wright to Denver (weapon for Manning), and in turn possibly Alshon Jeffery to Houston for a WR.
My initial thoughts for Houston here were Mark Barron. I still like that pick... for the Steelers too.

Thanks for reading

Yeah I struggled with the Denver pick some. Maybe you're right. I originally thought Orlando Franklin could slide in to play guard with Massie taking over RT, but maybe they are just better off going in another direction. Franlkin would be ridiculously tall for a guard.

I could see Barron as a fit for the Texans but I think they need to find an answer at receiver opposite Johnson. Walter and Jones are nice pieces, but I think Wright would be a good fit here, if he's available.

[ShutDown24]

While it wouldn't surprise me to see the Browns go WR with the 4th pick...I think they'd be more inclined to go OT or OG with the 22. Then I can see them going with Weeden at 37.

Also, I doubt that Clairborne falls as far as 6. I don't see him getting past the Buccaneers who have Aqib Talib as a very troubled CB. If anyone is likely to slide, it's Trent Richardson. I can see him slipping outside of the Top 10 despite the talent because the NFL has severely devalued the HB position.

Good thoughts, thanks for reading

I'm with you on Richardson, but I just don't know that teams will be able to pass on him when all is said and done. I originally had him projected way lower, in the late teens.

Maybe Cleveland is a fit for Massie at 22. Upshaw paired with Sheard would be fantastic though.

I disagree that the Buccaneers is a home run fit for Claiborne. They just signed Eric Wright, have Barber returning and Talib, although troubled, is a starting corner. If I was the team I would select Claiborne, he's one of my favorite players in this class. But with the talent they already have at the position, I'm not certain the team feels that way. If they were going after Claiborne I'm not sure they would have given Wright such a huge deal.

[Steeltreal]

Thanks for reading

Why wouldn't Hightower get instant playing time?

And Chapman is a better player than Ta'amu. If you have a difference of opinion from what you have watched of both players, that's fine. But Chapman should be a pro bowler early in his career. He doesn't move, even when facing double teams. Almost every other defensive tackle on the board does. Chapman might be the best nose tackle prospect I've ever watched. I would take him in the first if his stock was any higher. Thankfully the league seems to be low on him. Getting him in round 2 would be a steal for a 34 team.

If Hightower is picked , Larry Foote should be a camp cut , only reason he should see playing time . The reason I believe he wont be a rookie starter is Stevenson Sylvester will be ahead of him on the depth chart.

Chapman vs Ta'amu comes down to if you like a true Zero technique who spends time watching from the sideline (Chapman). Or a 3-4 NT that can attack 2 gaps still command double teams and create negative plays (Ta'amu).

[ShutDown24]

If Hightower is picked , Larry Foote should be a camp cut , only reason he should see playing time . The reason I believe he wont be a rookie starter is Stevenson Sylvester will be ahead of him on the depth chart.

Chapman vs Ta'amu comes down to if you like a true Zero technique who spends time watching from the sideline (Chapman). Or a 3-4 NT that can attack 2 gaps still command double teams and create negative plays (Ta'amu).

Pass pressure skills are a plus at nose in the Steelers scheme. I do want that true zero technique on the team. It has worked out very well with Hampton. Sure, spending resources on a player who will only be on the field on first and (some) second downs is painful, but it's necessary if you want to maintain the scheme the Steelers have run for the past decade. I can appreciate Ta'amu's skills beyond holding the point of attack, but on passing downs the nose is coming out anyway. Hood, Keisel and especially Heyward should be on the line. I'd rather have Chapman, the prototypical nose tackle, than Ta'amu.

And I think Hightower is already a better player than Larry Foote right now. I don't see why starting Hightower would require Foote to be cut unless you need the cap space immediately. And Stevenson Sylvester is a special teams player. He may start out ahead of Hightower on the depth chart going into camp, but won't emerge so.

[Steeltreal]

And I think Hightower is already a better player than Larry Foote right now. I don't see why starting Hightower would require Foote to be cut unless you need the cap space immediately..

Larry Foote is horrible , I celebrated when he went to Detroit and cried when he came back.. hope someone will emerge in preseason maybe Morty Ivy just to cut him.

[ShutDown24]

Larry Foote is horrible , I celebrated when he went to Detroit and cried when he came back.. hope someone will emerge in preseason maybe Morty Ivy just to cut him.

Haha yeah, I'm not his biggest fan either. But if Ivy or McFadden don't step up, I think we're in for a rough time of it. Particularly if we don't draft a guy like Hightower.

[Texasteel]

Thanks for the hard work SD. I can tell you put a lot of thought into this, as always.

The only real questions I would have is Kuechly making it to GB, and Denver taking Massie. And did you have to have Zeitler go to the Pantywaists.

Hightower was my,"posible pick for next year" right after last years draft. Though my thoughts have moved more to the OL now, I still love the pick.

I have seen both Chapman and Ta'ama play and I think they are very similar players. Both looked to be quick off the line but loose the quickness after 3 steps. Both looked to be very strong, and able to stack up the running game in the middle of the line. Even though I think Chapman can handle a double team a little better, I think both would be a good NT pick for us. I do think Chapman is a better player, you know my only consern about him. By the way, after Chapman took a tumble in the rankings, he looks to by moving back up some. We may not get a shot at him in the 2nd.

[suitanim]

Foote is useful in the way Jerry Olsavsky was back in the day: Not flashy, role player who stayed at home and knew his role. He shouldn't be a starter, but he's a good run stuffer and he knows the assignments. I'd not cut him.

[ShutDown24]

Thanks for the hard work SD. I can tell you put a lot of thought into this, as always.

The only real questions I would have is Kuechly making it to GB, and Denver taking Massie. And did you have to have Zeitler go to the Pantywaists.

Hightower was my,"posible pick for next year" right after last years draft. Though my thoughts have moved more to the OL now, I still love the pick.

I have seen both Chapman and Ta'ama play and I think they are very similar players. Both looked to be quick off the line but loose the quickness after 3 steps. Both looked to be very strong, and able to stack up the running game in the middle of the line. Even though I think Chapman can handle a double team a little better, I think both would be a good NT pick for us. I do think Chapman is a better player, you know my only consern about him. By the way, after Chapman took a tumble in the rankings, he looks to by moving back up some. We may not get a shot at him in the 2nd.

Thanks Tex

I feel like Kuechly is overrated. I know, I know he's had amazing workouts and was a tackling machine at BC. And I havent specifically evaluted him, so my bias is somewhat unfair. But what BC games I did see I wasn't all that impressed. I don't know that he's a first round prospect in my book. Something just seems off. But my feelings don't matter, and as I've said in the past I really need to find a better fit for him. I wanted to send him to New York at pick 16 to replace useless Bart Scott but I think they need pass rush more than help in the middle. Kuechly has been somewhat of a thorn in my side this year. Maybe I need to go back and watch him play in a couple games. Perhaps that would give me a better understanding of where he fits.

My Massie to Denver pick is somewhat of a head-scratcher. As I told SteelMember, I think I had this idea that Franklin would pop inside to guard, but the more I think on it I think it would be Massie playing guard in this situation. Probably a bad pick, but I think Massie does go in round one. And Denver would be a good landing spot for him if it weren't for that meddling Orlando Franklin.

I really have come to the conclusion that Hightower, Chapman, Ta'amu and Cordy Glenn are the best fits in the first two rounds for the Steelers.

Hightower has Steelers written all over him to me. He can rush the passer, makes solid tackles, can drop into coverage well for his size, is a good character kid and seems very smart. I'm really locked in on Hightower to Pittsburgh right now.

Don't get my Chapman vs. Ta'amu argument wrong, from what I know of Ta'amu I think he'd be a great fit as well. But Chapman never moves backwards. It's so impressive watching him on a torn ACL taking on a double team and not letting them gain any ground whatsoever. He doesn't get much push on passing downs but once in a while he can bull over someone. Like Hightower, I'm pretty dead-set on us having him. The fact that you hear he is rising really concerns me. As I've said before, I believe he's worth a first round pick. I guess I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up nearly making it to the first round.

[GitNoLuv]

Good thoughts, thanks for reading

I'm with you on Richardson, but I just don't know that teams will be able to pass on him when all is said and done. I originally had him projected way lower, in the late teens.

Maybe Cleveland is a fit for Massie at 22. Upshaw paired with Sheard would be fantastic though.

I disagree that the Buccaneers is a home run fit for Claiborne. They just signed Eric Wright, have Barber returning and Talib, although troubled, is a starting corner. If I was the team I would select Claiborne, he's one of my favorite players in this class. But with the talent they already have at the position, I'm not certain the team feels that way. If they were going after Claiborne I'm not sure they would have given Wright such a huge deal.

Someone is likely to tag Richardson in the Top 10...but I hope it isn't the Browns. We have greater needs IMO. That being said, Eric Wright is serviceable but not spectacular...Barber is darn near garbage anymore and the Bucs are in serious trouble if Talib is out for any time. Besides...in today's NFL...you can never have enough good corners. Wright would be much better as a NB...and Barber is (at best) a serviceable dime back.

All in all, I love the write up. I don't know that anyone could do these without being nitpicked...and that's essentially what we are doing here.

[ShutDown24]

Someone is likely to tag Richardson in the Top 10...but I hope it isn't the Browns. We have greater needs IMO. That being said, Eric Wright is serviceable but not spectacular...Barber is darn near garbage anymore and the Bucs are in serious trouble if Talib is out for any time. Besides...in today's NFL...you can never have enough good corners. Wright would be much better as a NB...and Barber is (at best) a serviceable dime back.

All in all, I love the write up. I don't know that anyone could do these without being nitpicked...and that's essentially what we are doing here.

I agree about Tampa's defensive backfield, but that doesn't mean the team will. Like I said, I'd take Claiborne if I were them. I think they paid Eric Wright way too much.

Yeah, mock drafts are pretty hard to nail down without hearing a ton of criticism. And really, if criticism is what you're worried about when making projections you have no business posting a mock draft at all. I have my feelings on players and that's that. I'll take good points into consideration for future use, such as happened with Massie to Denver in this thread... But also, just because Steeltreal likes Ta'amu more than Chapman doesn't mean I'll be moving Ta'amu up and Chapman down next time. It's a balancing act between realizing when someone makes a good point but also standing by your original ideals. That's why I love putting my mocks on SteelersUniverse and other feedback mediums. Even if a lot of the comments are "nitpicking" it makes for a good discussion and airs out ideas that may not have come to the surface otherwise.

[ShutDown24]

I was able to watch Justin Blackmon and Alameda Ta'amu this morning.

Blackmon really impressed me with his blocking. I haven't really heard anyone mention this as a major strength of his game. But he really attacks defenders. His receiving abilities are pretty much on par with what the general consensus seems to be. I was a little disappointed with his hands but he is strong, will box-out defenders and isn't afraid to go over the middle. Basically, he's Anquan Boldin.

I was rather disappointed with Ta'amu. I thought he'd be a stronger pass rusher. His initial step is overrated and the penetration isn't there the way I thought it would be. He really has no moves beyond the bull rush. He's a very strong player most of the time but now and then his strength seems to disappear. Seems kind of streaky. He'll have three impressive series then one awful one. I'm not sure if this is from fatigue or technique or what, but it happens. A great prospect, but I expected a little more.

[ShutDown24]

Watched Trent Richardson, Dre Kirkpatrick and Juron Criner earlier today. Richardson was what I expected. Criner & Kirkpatrick exceeded my expectations. I think Kirkpatrick could play safety even more effectively than corner. And Criner looks like he could be a #1 to me.

[ShutDown24]

Watching Fletcher Cox today.

[ShutDown24]

Watching Fletcher Cox today.

Plays way too high. Is good against the run but his inability to get lower really hinders his pass rush. He has great awareness and could play any position on a 43 front as well as end in a 34. Needs to be coached on how to get to the quarterback quicker. Again, he plays so high that guards can just turn him any which way they want a lot of the time. He's a good prospect, but I expected a lot more.

[suitanim]

Someone is likely to tag Richardson in the Top 10...but I hope it isn't the Browns. We have greater needs IMO. That being said, Eric Wright is serviceable but not spectacular...Barber is darn near garbage anymore and the Bucs are in serious trouble if Talib is out for any time. Besides...in today's NFL...you can never have enough good corners. Wright would be much better as a NB...and Barber is (at best) a serviceable dime back.

All in all, I love the write up. I don't know that anyone could do these without being nitpicked...and that's essentially what we are doing here.

How could the Browns NOT pick Richardson? They have 1 1/2 RB's (and that's being generous). You have nothing at any skill position. Little is the best talent at WR, and he drops every third pass. You have some talent at TE, but not enough. And nothing at RB. On top of that, the Browns haven't done much in FA to address any of these things. You don't even have a great OL (which I would accept as a trade-off...great OL, mediocre skill positions). And, because of all this, you CANNOT know what you have at QB.

It's a huge mess.

[steelerdude15]

How could the Browns NOT pick Richardson? They have 1 1/2 RB's (and that's being generous). You have nothing at any skill position. Little is the best talent at WR, and he drops every third pass. You have some talent at TE, but not enough. And nothing at RB. On top of that, the Browns haven't done much in FA to address any of these things. You don't even have a great OL (which I would accept as a trade-off...great OL, mediocre skill positions). And, because of all this, you CANNOT know what you have at QB.

It's a huge mess.

Cribbs is a pretty dynamic player. He can do a lot for that team, if he's healthy.

[Steeltreal]

I think Kirkpatrick could play safety even more effectively than corner.

Other than a Top Guard being available at 24, if he were available Id take Kirkpatrick over Keuchly and Hightower.

[suitanim]

Cribbs is a pretty dynamic player. He can do a lot for that team, if he's healthy.

But he's not really a QB, not really a RB, and not really a WR.

[ShutDown24]

But he's not really a QB, not really a RB, and not really a WR.

I have to agree. Unless the team decides to commit Cribbs to one position I don't think he's ever going to be much more than a return man who is overrated when it comes to offensive snaps. Hell a couple years ago they wanted to move him to safety. If I were the Browns I would tell him to stack on some weight and get ready to play runningback, but that's just me. I don't think he's a receiver or a quarterback. I think if they were serious about moving him to defensive secondary he could perform there but if that were the case they need to stick him there and drop all of this other garbage. He's wasting his career away playing six different positions which really means he's learning none.

[ShutDown24]

I'll be watching Janoris Jenkins in a couple of hours.

(If anyone reading this had not yet noticed I'm using this thread as an evaluation journal)

[GBMelBlount]

If Hightower is picked , Larry Foote should be a camp cut , only reason he should see playing time . The reason I believe he wont be a rookie starter is Stevenson Sylvester will be ahead of him on the depth chart.

So draft Hightower and cut Foote because he stinks even though you feel Sylvester who is BELOW Foote on the depth chart would start the season?

....do you feel sylvester would be an upgrade over foote?

I am just curious. To me it may be worth it to keep foote IF WE CAN AFFORD HIM.

[suitanim]

Yes, we would need to keep Foote for depth, regardless. I'm not ready to relegate quality role players to the scrap heap just yet...

[Steeltreal]

So draft Hightower and cut Foote because he stinks even though you feel Sylvester who is BELOW Foote on the depth chart would start the season?

....do you feel sylvester would be an upgrade over foote?

I am just curious. To me it may be worth it to keep foote IF WE CAN AFFORD HIM.

My main knock on Foote is him being a liability in coverage. (Why Lebeau puts him in that position is anyones guess), his value is obviously as a run stuffer.

Anyone with speed and range that can tackle is an upgrade. You want a 31 yr old 10 season vet whos slow as molasses or a 23 yr young Linebacker who flashes ability to force fumbles mainly on special teams but can also be used to blitz from anywhere on the field, surely he could reach the ball before Larry Foote.

And as for who is ahead of who on the depth chart is just a guess at this point until preseason ends.

[ShutDown24]

Watched Zach Brown and Stephon Gilmore last night.

Brown impressed me, again.

Gilmore reminds me of a slower version of Ike.