Jay Goldberg's Mock Draft

ROUND 1 change prior pick in this mock draft
PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	COMMENT
1	IND	Luck QB Stanford	There are no surprises here, and there will be no surprises at this spot in the NFL draft. Luck to the Colts is a given. So bye, bye Mr. New Orleans born guy, quarterbacked the Colts to the playoffs but your run is now dry ...
2	WAS	Griffin III QB Baylor	The Redskins' trade makes the intrigue at the two exceptional mock draft portal sites, Hail Redskins and DC Pro Sports disappear. Both sites are run by Redskins fans. The cost in draft picks was high, but I believe it will be worth it in the long run.
3	MIN	Kalil OT USC	There is a lot of buzz around Claiborne here, however, I believe it is just buzz. I still believe Kalil will be their selection here unless
4	CLE	Richardson RB Alabama	I had Richardson here early. Richardson now appears to be a consensus at this spot. He is a special back and, without coming away with Griffin III, assures the Browns of a young star on offense.
5	TB	Claiborne CB LSU	The Bucs signing Vincent Jackson cements my choice of Claiborne here. After his workout, I was tempted to go Blackmon here, however, now he will not be considered at this spot. The Bucs have a need at cornerback and Claiborne has the value to be drafted here.
6	STL	Blackmon WR Oklahoma State	With STL now picking at this spot, and Blackmon putting to rest fears of a 4.6 forty, I look for them to grab Blackmon if the draft unfolds as I have it.
7	JAC	Gilmour CB South Carolina	There has been a lot of buzz here regarding Gilmour, a player I believe has top 10 talent. Even though Ingram is still a possibility, I'm biting. There will be a good defensive end available for Jacksonville in round two. Last mock was DE/OLB Ingram
8	MIA	Tannehill QB Texas A&M	No Manning, no Flynn, very few free agents attracted to the mess that is the Ross-Ireland owner-GM tandem means the Dolphins have to get their QB in the draft. Even if they wait a year, this year demonstrates that players may stay away in free agency again next year. So the draft it is, and sooner is better than later. With Moore on hand the Dolphins will not have to force feed Tannehill.
9	CAR	Cox DT Mississippi St	I'm stubbornly moving of Reiff here, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is the pick. With potentially one more update after this, I might go back to him. The Panthers need help on their defensive line. With Ingram now available he could be the pick. However, I went with Cox since he can help against the run and has pass rushing skills. Last mock was OT Reiff
10	BUF	Reiff OT Iowa	My mock draft has now unfolded as Buffalo wanted it to. With Reiff available they grab the much needed offensive tackle. Last mock was WR Floyd
11	KC	Poe DT Memphis	The Chiefs can use a big-run-stuffer in the middle of their defense. Poe is a big man and a tremendous athlete for a kid his size.
12	SEA	DeCastro OG Stanford	The board is setting up nicely for Seattle. DeCastro, Coples, Ingram, and Kuechly all would make sense here. The signing of Jason Jones has me going off Coples and Ingram. That leaves DeCastro and Kuechly. The resigning of Hill and signing of Ruud leaves me projecting DeCastro here, even though I am in the minority on this projection. DeCastro is a replacement and potential upgrade over Gallery who signed with New England.
13	ARZ	Martin OT Stanford	Many will call this a reach, however, Arizona needs a tackle badly. So, if they belive in Martin, as I do, then it won't matter in the long run if they drafted him higher than his current value. A quick point about Tebow hype. The QB who best fit the mold of three so-so at best quarters and then turned it on in the fourth quarter and overtime to get wins last year was Skelton. I like this kid's upside. He wasn't suppose to hit the field in his first two years, they were suppose to be sit and learn years. He progressed nicely from year one to year two and I expect that trend to continue.
14	DAL	Barron SS Alabama	Even though Dallas signed Carr, I could still see them grabbing Gilmour here. Coples will also be tempting. However, for now, I'll stay put and have them draft strong safety Barron. They signed Pool, but he is best served as a backup.
15	PHI	Brockers DT LSU	Great trade for the Eagles in getting Ryans. I love the new Eagles linebacker corps now. Chaney will be fine at SAM, and I had a second round grade last year on Rolle who will develop into an excellent WILL for Philly. So now there is no room for Kuechly at this spot. Therefore, with Laws leaving in free agency I have the Eagles drafting Brockers to initially work into the rotation, and eventually taking over as a starter. Last mock was DT Cox
16	NYJ	Ingram OLB/DE South Carolina	The Jets could go in a number of different directions here. They could grab Floyd, or draft Ingram or Coples. However, when in doubt, I look for Ryan to go defense. Ingram is a slightly better fit for their 3-4 defense than Coples, so that is who I have the Jtes drafting. However, with Coples falling into their laps, they are happy to pull the trigger. Coples is a good fit to play the "Suggs" role (a linebacker who is really a defensive end) in this defense. Last mock was DE/OLB Coples
17	CIN	Floyd WR Notre Dame	This will be interesting. The Bengals have given every indication that they would go cornerback here, and another postiion with the 21st pick. However, with Floyd available, I anticipate them changing it up. Last mock was CB Gilmour
18	SD	Mercilus OLB/DE Illinois	Hmmm, does signing Robert Meachem mean the Chargers won't go receiver here? With their need for a pass rusher on defense, and with Mercilius, Coples, and Upshaw available, I say yes, even though Hill is a perfect fit for their system.
19	CHI	Coples DE/OLB North Carolina	While many draft analysts are predicting a receiver here, I'm going in a different direction. I think the Bears go receiver in free agency (UPDATE - They went trade instead getting Brandon Marshall). While I still believe that the Bears could continue building their offense line by drafting Glenn, with Coples available I have them drafting him to play opposite Peppers. Last mock was OG Glenn
20	TEN	Glenn OG/OT Georgia	With Glenn now available I have the Titans grabbing him instead of Kirkpatrick. Scott is an UFA and Harris was less than stellar last year. I keep looking for a spot for Kuechly who has fallen in my mock through no fault of his own after I had Seattle passing on him. This is a potential landing spot, but McCarthy played well in relief of Ruud last year. Last mock was CB Kirkpatrick
21	CIN	Kirkpatrick CB Alabama	Does the signing of Green-Ellis mean the Bengals have solved their need at running back? I think not, but they may think yes. The Bengals passing on the corner for Floyd at #17 works out a they get Kirkpatrick at #21. Last mock was DE/OLB Upshaw PRIOR PICKS: WR Floyd
22	CLE	Weeden QB Oklahoma ST	I am beginning to think this come down to whether or not the Browns think Weeden will be available for them in round two. They could pick a receiver here and trade back up into the late first round, but I don't include trades in my mock draft. Therefore, with excellent depth at receiver and a fall off after Weeden, I have the Browns grabbing Weeden here and looking for a receiver on day two. PRIOR PICKS: RB Richardson
23	DET	Martin RB Boise State	The Lions thought they had their running back situation solved with a Best-LeShoure tandem. Now LeShoure has seen his future go up in smoke, and Best cannot stay healthy. Martin won't disappoint. He can be the every down back and either Best or Leshoure can be the change-of-pace back.
24	PIT	Kuechly ILB Boston College	The Steelers are looking for a young inside linebacker to replace Farrior. Kuechly is drafted to be that player. This pick is an absolute steal for Pittsburgh, and my guess is, if Kuechly starts falling, a team such as Seattle could look to move back into round one to grab him much higher than this.
25	DEN	Worthy DT Michigan State	While a running back makes sense for me (and Coach John Fox - just remember his Stewart/Williams tandem in Carolina) with Bunkley moving on and Thomas an UFA, I have them taking one of the talented defensive tackles still on the board. Peyton will have to wait until later for some new toys. Last mock was DT Brockers
26	HOU	Hill WR Georgia Tech	Do Texans like Sharpton enough to pass on Hightower here as Ryans' replacement? With Hill available, I say yes. The Texans will look for linebacker help later and take Hill here.
27	NE	Perry DE USC	The Pats are licking their chops as they send up their card with Perry's name on it. They lost Anderson in free agency and Carter is an UFA and coming off injury.
28	GB	McClellin OLB/DE Boise State	Can Upshaw play OLB in a 3-4 defense? If the draft unfolds as I have it, this spot will answer that question. Will Upshaw's fall stop here, or will he be passed over by a player more suited to OLB in the Packers' 3-4 defense? I say Upshaw's slide continues as Green Bay selects the hogh-motor and athletic McClellin. Last mock was OLB/DE Branch
29	BAL	Konz C Wisconsin	This is where Konz becomes the future at center for the Ravens and can backup at guard and right tackle as well until he gets the starting job.
30	SF	Zeitler OG Wisconsin	The 49ers need a long term solution at right guard. Since the need is immediate I have them drafting Zeitler over Silatolu. Last mock was Worthy DT/DE
31	NE	Robinson CB Central Florida	I think the Pats like their cornerbacks better on paper than on the field right now. I look for them to move McCourty to safety full time next year. With Dowling unproven and coming off injury, and Arrington possibly best served as a nickel, Robinson who can fly and is very athletic, is drafted and grows into one of the top cornerbacks in the league. PRIOR PICKS: DE Perry
32	NYG	Wilson RB Virginia Tech	After signing Bennett the Giants can look tight end later in the draft. The Giants need a running back to pair with Bradshaw. Bradshaw used to be more of a game-breaker. Last year his longest run was 26 yards. Wilson offers a nice compliment who possess game-breaking speed.

ROUND 2 change prior pick in this mock draft
PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	COMMENT
33	STL	Reyes DT Connecticut	This is a good draft for defensive tackles and the Rams get a good one at the top of round two. Reyes is the choice over Still for now, but that may change. He will be paired with newly signed Langford, who played DE in Miami's 3-4 last year. PRIOR PICKS: WR Blackmon
34	IND	Fleener TE Stanford	While a receiver like Wright will be tempting, this draft is deep at receiver and the Colts can get a good one later in the draft. With no solid option at tight end, why not pair Luck with his college target who is clearly the best receiving tight end in this draft. PRIOR PICKS: QB Luck
35	MIN	Jeffery WR South Carolina	With no corner with good value at this spot, I expect the Vikings to go receiver here. With Harvin, an undersized receiver already on board, I look for MIN to go with a receiver with size at his spot. So Wright will continue to drop. Jeffrey ran well at his Pro Day and has Brandon-Lloyd-like ability to catch the ball. PRIOR PICKS: OT Kalil
36	TB	Miller RB Miami	The Bucs wanted Richardson in round one but I had the Browns selecting him right before they picked. The speedy Miller is an ideal back to pair with the bruiser Blount. PRIOR PICKS: CB Claiborne
37	CLE	Randle WR LSU	I had the Browns decision for their second pick in round one between Weeden and a receiver. I indicated a good receiver would be available when they picked in round two and I was right, Randle is a steal at this spot in the draft. Last mock was WR Wright PRIOR PICKS: RB Richardson, QB Weeden
38	JAC	Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama	While Jacksonville needs a receiver, they need a defensive end more. So Upshaw's slide stops with a team that will use him a lot his rookie year. Last mock was WR Randle PRIOR PICKS: CB Gilmour
39	STL	Jenkins CB North Alabama	Having already drafted two good players, the Rams are in a good spot to take a shot on the potential off-the-field troubled Jenkins. PRIOR PICKS: WR Blackmon, DT Reyes
40	CAR	Branch DE/OLB Clemson	The board sets up nicely for the Panthers here. They can grab WR Randle Still or DE Curry or Branch. For now, I have them going with the defensive end Branch. Last mock was DT Reyes PRIOR PICKS: DT Cox
41	BUF	Wright WR Baylor	With the Bills now grabbing Floyd in round one, I have them changing up to McClellin here. Much like Miller last year, most will have McClellin drafted to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, but he has the skills to play outside in 4-3 as well. Last mock was OLB/DE McClellin PRIOR PICKS: OT Reiff
42	MIA	Curry DE Marshall	I see this pick coming down to Curry or a wide receiver. There are still a lot of good receivers on the board and Miami can get one in round three. So Curry is the pick here to start opposite Waqke in Miami's new 4-3 defense. PRIOR PICKS: QB Tannehill
43	SEA	Hightower ILB Alabama	Ruud isn't a bad option at middle linebacker, but Hightower has the potential to be better. Hightower can start off as the Seahawks fourth linebacker before settling in as a starter. PRIOR PICKS: OG DeCastro
44	KC	Adams OT Ohio State	When the Chiefs drafted Albert I felt he would end up at guard, not left tackle. I still believe that is is best NFL position. Adams allows the Chiefs to move him to guard, as long as he doesn't allow his career to go up in smoke. PRIOR PICKS: DT Poe
45	DAL	Still DE/DE Penn State	The Cowboys are thrilled that Still is available. The Cowboys need an upgrade at defensive end. Still, a defensive tackle in college, has the skill set to kick outside to end in Dallas' 3-4 defense. PRIOR PICKS: SS Barron Last mock was OG Zeitler
46	PHI	Smith FS/SS Notre Dame	Smith is an ideal pick since he has the speed for free safety and the hitting ability for strong safety. If Jarrett comes through he can play free safety and move Coleman to nickel safety. If not, he can slide in next to Coleman (or Allen if he develops). PRIOR PICKS: DT Brockers
47	NYJ	Sanu WR Rutgers	With Burress not resigning, the Jets need a big receiver with reliable hands. Sanu fits that bill. PRIOR PICKS: DE/OLB Ingram
48	NE	Kendricks MLB California	Spikes is a tough kid but he doesn't have the speed to play middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Kendricks has the production, speed, quickness and athleticism to excel in the NFL. I love this pick for the Pats. PRIOR PICKS: DE Perry, CB Robinson
49	SD	James RB Oregon	The Chargers missed Sproles last year. James is drafted to be the change-of-pace back for Mathews. Like Sproles, James is a big-play waiting to happen. PRIOR PICKS: OLB Mercilus
50	CHI	Silatolu OG Midwestern St	While Givens is a favorite of mine in this draft, with the Bears now passing on a guard in round one in favor of Coples, I have them selecting Silatolu over the speedy receiver. Last mock was WR Givens PRIOR PICKS: DE Coples
51	PHI	Fleming CB Oklahoma	If Samuel is traded or cut, the Eagles will need a another corner. Fleming is a very underrated prospect in the draft. He has the speed to play outside and the quickness to cover slot receivers. He is one of my favorite undervalued players in the draft. PRIOR PICKS: DT Brockers, FS/SS Smith
52	TEN	Hosley CB Virginia Tech	David can push Witherspoon for the starting WILL and would give the Titans a solid, young linebacking corps. Last mock was OLB David PRIOR PICKS: OG/OT Glenn
53	CIN	Turbin RB Utah	Turbin has the power like Green-Ellis and is fast, not Scott-fast, but fast enough to make big plays. He will eventually be their workhorse running back. PRIOR PICKS: WR Floyd, CB Kirkpatrick
54	DET	Jones DE Syracuse	With Hosley off the board, I now have them going with Jones a player most have a higher grade on than me. With Vanden Bosch getting up in age and Avril potentially leaving in free agency next year if a long term contract cannot be negotiated, Jones makes sense here. Last mock was CB Hosley PRIOR PICKS: RB Martin
55	ATL	Egnew TE MIssouri	If the draft unfolds as I have it and both Allen and Charles are on the board, I will be curious to see if my preference for Egnew over those two will be vindicated as I have it projected here. The Falcons need to plan for Gonzalez' retirement.
56	PIT	Polk RB Wisconsin	The Steelers need a running back with Mendenhall likely to begin the year on the PUP. Redman did okay filling in but Polk is an underrated prospect who I project to be an upgrade on Redman. PRIOR PICKS: ILB Kuechly
57	DEN	Brooks OG Miami (OH)	While Coach Fox loves his running backs, I believe with Turbin and Polk off the board he will wait a round or two to select one. With Manning as the new starter it's a good idea to get offensive line depth and potential. Brooks is an interesting prospect who could develop into a special player. PRIOR PICKS: DT Worthy
58	HOU	Allen TE Clemson	With solid back-up TE Dreessen leaving in free agency, Allen becomes his replacement. Allen hurt himself at the Combine. However, while it doesn't appear he will be a difference-maker as a starter, he will be one of the best back-up TEs in the league; one who can also fill in as a solid starter if the starter gets injured. PRIOR PICKS: WR Hill
59	GB	Pead RB Cincinatti	With Grant not likely to be resigned, Starks yet to break out as I thought (mainly due to constant injury) and Green not a sure thing, I look for the Packers to grab Pead who will be the change-of-pace back to Starks, Green, or whoever PRIOR PICKS: OLB McClellin
60	BAL	Crick DE Nebraska	Crick has the size to play DE in the Ravens' 3-4 defense. With Redding moving on in free agency, the Ravens need depth at that position. PRIOR PICKS: OC Konz
61	SF	Johnson CB/FS Montana	While many like Johnson as a corner, I can't get Deon Sanders comments about him at the Combine out of my head. He said, in no uncertain terms, that Johnson had the movements skills of a safety, not a corner. However, he remains high on most draft analysts boards as a corner. I have him listed as the #3 safety in the draft. With San Fran he starts playing in the nickel and or dime defenses, and down the road he can become a starter at corner or free safety. PRIOR PICKS: OG Zeitler
62	NE	Wolfe DT Cincinnati	Silatolu is now off the board. So I now look for the Pats to draft a safety or defensive tackle. There is better value at defensive tackle so it's Wolfe over Thompson and Martin as a better fit for the the Pats' 4-3 defense. Last mock was OG Silatolu PRIOR PICKS: DE Perry, CB Robinson, ILB Kendricks
63	NYG	Givens WR Wake Forest	While Childs is an interesting project, Givens is already the real deal. He will be the Giants' third receiver. Givens is an underrated prospect. Last mock was WR Childs PRIOR PICKS: RB Wilson

ROUND 3 change prior pick in this mock draft
PICK	TEAM	PLAYER	COMMENT
64	IND	Ta'amu DT Washington	The Colts are switching to a 3-4 defense and need a big nose tackle for the middle of their defense. PRIOR PICKS: QB Luck, TE Fleener
65	STL	David OLB Nebraska	David is the top player on my board and immediately becomes the Rams best outside linebacker. PRIOR PICKS: WR Blackmon, DT Reyes, CB Jenkins
66	MIN	Hayward CB Vanderbilt	After taking the tackle over the corner in round one, the Vikings draft a corner in round three. PRIOR PICKS: OT Kalil, WR Jeffery
67	CLE	Massie OT Mississippi	After drafting a thrower, catcher and runner, they need a blocker; especially one who can play right tackle. PRIOR PICKS: RB Richardson, QB Weeden, WR Randle
68	TB	Wagner ILB/OLB Utah State	I thought Foster was a miscast as a middle linebacker coming out of the draft last year; Wagner will be a better fit. PRIOR PICKS: CB Claiborne, RB Miller
69	WAS	Robinson FS Michigan St	Robinson has a nose for the ball and worked out well. He is an underrated prospect. PRIOR PICKS: QB Griffin III
70	JAC	Jenkins WR Illinois	Jenkins will battle Lee Evans for the right to start opposite Robinson. Thomas moves to the slot. PRIOR PICKS: CB Gilmour, DE Upshaw
71	BUF	Cousins QB MIchigan St	A player others have rated more highly than I do; Cousins can backup Fitzpatrick and provide insurance in case he doesn't return to form. PRIOR PICKS: OT Reiff, WR Wright
72	MIA	Childs WR Arkansas	Childs has the potential to be a better player than jettisoned Brandon Marshall. PRIOR PICKS: QB Tannehill, DE Curry
73	MIA	Sanders OT Florida State	The Fins stay in state to get their next right tackle. PRIOR PICKS: QB Tannehill, DE Curry, WR Childs
74	KC	Winn DE/DT Boise State	Winn has the size and movement skills needed to play defensive end in the Chiefs' 3-4 defense. Some may be surprised because of the names on the roster, but they were not very good against the run. PRIOR PICKS: DT Poe, OT M Adams
75	SEA	Irvin West Virginia DE/OLB	Irvin is a pass rush specialist who will only play on passing downs. However, he can get after the quarterback and the Seahawks need to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. PRIOR PICKS: OG DeCastro, ILB Hightower
76	HOU	Brooks CB LSU	The Texans need depth behind Robinson and Jackson, as well as Jackson insurance. Brooks is a prospect on the rise. PRIOR PICKS: WR Hill, TE Allen
77	NYJ	Rainey RB/WR Florida	The Jets need game-breakers on offense and Rainey can provide big plays in both the running game and as a receiver. He can also help as a returner. PRIOR PICKS: DE/OLB Ingram, WR Sanu
78	SD	Martin DE/DT Michigan	Martin is a very strong kid who has the movement skills to play DE in the Chargers' 3-4 defense. PRIOR PICKS: OLB Mercilus, RB James
79	CHI	Jones WR California	Jones is a solid receiver who could push for significant playing time in his rookie year. PRIOR PICKS: DE Coples, OG Silatolu
80	ARZ	Allen OT/OG Arkansas	The Cardinals need more help than just Martin for their offensive line. He could pair with Martin to be a long time answer at right tackle for the Cards. Worst case Allen can slide into guard. PRIOR PICKS: OT Martin
81	DAL	Osemele OG/OT Iowa State	Osemele is a big kid with long arms and big hands who projects as a solid starting guard or right tackle in the NFL. PRIOR PICKS: SS Barron, DE/DT Still
82	TEN	Brown OLB North Carolina	Brown is a very fast linebacker who can challenge Witherspoon for the Titans' starting WILL. PRIOR PICKS: OG/OT Glenn, Hosley CB
83	CIN	Lewis OLB/DE Oklahoma	Lewis can come in and compete with Lawson for the starting SAM job. PRIOR PICKS: WR Floyd, CB Kirkpatrick, RB Turbin
84	ATL	Johnson DE/OLB Virginia	Johnson hasn't exploded as a pass rusher yet, but you get the feeling watching him that he has it in him to be a very good pass rusher, something the Falcons need. PRIOR PICKS: TE Egnew
85	DET	Bentley CB La Lafayette	Bentley is a little undersized, but has good speed and a nice skill set. PRIOR PICKS: RB Martin, DE Jones
86	PIT	Brewster OC/OG Ohio State	Brewster can play anywhere on the offensive line except left tackle. He represents a potential upgrade at guard for the Steelers. PRIOR PICKS: ILB Kuechly, RB Polk
87	DEN	Coleman QB Tenn-Chat	Many are slotting Osweiler as the developmental quarterback behind Manning. I see that player being Coleman who is a workaholic like Manning and will be patient sitting and learning. PRIOR PICKS: DT Worthy, OG Brooks
88	PHI	Pierce RB Temple	The Eagles stay local to draft their young, big back to complement McCoy and Lewis. PRIOR PICKS: DT Brockers, FS/SS Smith, CB Fleming
89	NO	Thompson DT Clemson	With no first or second round pick, I expect the Saints to grab the highest player on their board to get the best value possible. Thompson is the best value on my board and will be drafted even though they signed Bunkley.
90	GB	Osweiler QB Arizona State	With Flynn gone, it's time to groom their next backup quarterback. PRIOR PICKS: OLB McClellin, RB Pead
91	BAL	Massaquoi OLB/DE Troy	Massaquoi is an intriguing prospect as an outside linebacker for a 3-4. PRIOR PICKS: OC Konz, DE Crick
92	SF	Jackson DE/DT Tennessee	Jackson has the athleticism to play defensive end in a 3-4. He adds depth for the 49ers. PRIOR PICKS: OG Zeitler, CB/FS T Johnson
93	NE	Adams WR Arkansas	With Welker getting up in age and salary, Adams could be his replacement as soon as next year. PRIOR PICKS: DE Perry, CB Robinson, ILB Kendricks, DT Wolfe
94	NYG	Wade CB Arizona	With the injuries the Giants suffered at cornerback last year, I suspect they will bring in a corner in the draft they believe can help if needed in the upcoming season. PRIOR PICKS: RB Wilson, WR Givens
95	OAK	Hanna TE Oklahoma	This speed/measureable pick for the memory of Al Davis (as well as for the needs of the Raiders). After losing Miller in free agency, Oakland needs a tight end who can stretch the field; especially with the speed they have at wide receiver. Hanna is fast, quick, strong, and a great athlete. He has a tremendous upside as a play-making, pass-catching tight end.