Sac's 1/22 Mock (Official Underclassman Draft)

[Saccopoo]

1. Carolina Panthers
- A.J. Green, WR; Georgia
- Green is the most talented player in the draft and is considered the best wideout prospect since Calvin Johnson. The guy is a phenom and would give the Panthers a legit weapon downrange, especially as Steve Smith is aging. Fairley is tempting, but Panthers should be able to get a quality DT in the second round, such as local boy Marvin Austin.

2. Denver Broncos
- Nick Fairley, DT; Auburn
- Denver needs immediate help in the defensive front four and Fairley had a monster 2010 season capped by a fantastic performance in the national championship game.

3. Buffalo Bills
- Jake Locker, QB; Washington
- Locker might have been the first quarterback taken last year, but for whatever reason, he’s now being devalued. I don’t buy it. The guy has elite level measurables and should put up ridiculous numbers during the Combine and at his Pro Day workout. Bills fans aren’t satisfied with Fitz at QB and they’ve spent a lot of recent #1 picks on the defensive side of the ball.

4. Cincinnati Bengals
- Da’Quan Bowers, DE; Clemson
- Bowers, the former #1 overall HS prospect, finally lived up to the hype in 2010 posting 15.5 sacks and 25 TFL. A physical freak in the Peppers mold, it will be interesting to see if just one solid year nets him a top five pick. I don’t think the Bengals can afford to pass on him as their pass rush was anemic.

5. Arizona Cardinals
- Robert Quinn, OLB/DE; North Carolina
- Haggans and Porter are in the mid-30’s and Arizona only had 26 sacks total last season. Quinn, while sitting out the 2010 season due to receiving improper benefits, has been endorsed by UNC for the upcoming draft. Was considered one of the top players prior to his ineligibility.

6. Cleveland Browns
- Marcell Dareus, DT; Alabama
- The Browns defensive line was in shambles from injury and lack of depth in 2010. Dareus has the size, athleticism and versatility to play any of the defensive line spots in a 3-4 and would give the Browns a huge boost talent wise.

7. San Francisco 49’ers
- Pat Peterson, CB; LSU
- The Niners hit the lottery here as Peterson falls into their laps. Not only do they need an upgrade at cornerback, Peterson is considered to be one of the best CB prospects in a long, long time.

8. Tennessee Titans
- Cam Newton, QB; Auburn
- To the surprise of some, quarterback Vince Young was shown the door this off-season. Lucky for the Titans, a substantially more talented guy is now for the taking in Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. Newton has a much better arm and is much faster than Young. The offense is set up for a guy like Newton and head coach Jeff Fisher will love Newton’s competitiveness and desire to win.

9. Dallas Cowboys
- Mark Ingram, RB; Alabama
- Barber has fallen out of favor/use, and Jones’ YPC dropped to a pedestrian 4.3 in 2010. Ingram reminds some of former Cowboy great Emmitt Smith for his vision and patience and ability to hit holes at the correct moment. He’s very instinctive and would take off a lot of pressure from Romo.

10. Washington Redskins
- Blaine Gabbert, QB; Missouri
- Gabbert has jumped up as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2010 draft due to his prototype size and big arm. The Redskins desperately need a QB and Gabbert fits what Shanahan likes in a signal caller.

11. Houston Texans
- Von Miller, OLB; Texas A&M
- Miller, the 2010 Butkus Award winner, is the best pass rusher in this draft and would fill a big need on the Texans roster as they move to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Wade Phillips.

12. Minnesota Vikings
- Julio Jones, WR; Alabama
- With most of the quarterbacks off the board, the Vikings look to bolster a passing game that ranked 26th in the league and draft phenom Jones. Jones is a huge target with insane athletic abilities. His numbers weren’t huge in Alamaba’s run oriented offensive scheme, but all the measurables and intangibles are there to give Minnesota their true #1 WR that they have lacked in recent years.

13. Detroit Lions
- Mike Pouncey, OG; Florida
- The Lions may have the worst guards in the history of the league. Their quarterbacks suffered injury after injury as defensive tackles and linebackers blew through the middle of the line. They need to bolster a weak run game and Pouncey is the best lineman in this draft, even if he’s a pure guard. Huge, athletic and powerful, Pouncey would be mana from heaven for a talent starved interior offensive line.

14. St. Louis Rams
- Prince Amukamara, CB; Nebraska
- With Jones off the board, the Rams go with BPA and Amukamara is the guy. It also fills a large talent void at the cornerback position.

15. Miami Dolphins
- Stephen Paea, DT; Oregon State
- Paul Solial is a free agent and if he doesn’t re-sign with Miami, they’ll have a huge need at the nose tackle position. Paea is a beast that can really plug the run.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Ryan Kerrigan, DE; Purdue
- Absolute monster 2010 season as he destroyed offensive lines on his way to first team AA and conference defensive POY.

17. New England Patriots
- Akeem Ayers, OLB; UCLA
- Ayers fits the 3-4 OLB mold to a “T” especially in the Patriots system.

18. San Diego Chargers
- Justin Houston, OLB; Georgia
- Merriman is basically an afterthought and English hasn’t developed. Houston has the size and athleticism you want in a 3-4 rush backer, a position the Chargers need.

19. New York Giants
- Gabe Carimi, OT; Wisconsin
- The Giants need tackle help, and Carimi played extremely well down the stretch for the Badgers. He’s athletic, but experienced in smash mouth football. He’ll fit the Giants scheme well.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Brandon Harris, CB; Miami
- Ronde Barber may or may not be back next season. Even if he’s on the roster, he’ll be 36 and there isn’t much else behind him.

21. Kansas City Chiefs
- Anthony Costanzo, OT; Boston College
- The Chiefs need offensive line help. Their tackles aren’t very good, and that’s being generous. Costanzo has started since his freshman year in BC’s pro style offense. Lots of room for growth on his frame, and has very good skills.

22. Indianapolis Colts
- Tyron Smith, OT; USC
- The Colts need to find a blind side protector immediately. Smith has very good skill set and is moving up in a lot of evaluations.

23. Philadelphia Eagles
- Derek Sherrod, OT; Mississippi State
- The Eagles gave up a ton of sacks in 2010 and need to shore up the o-line. Sherrod is a mauler that fits the Andy Reid offensive lineman mold.

24. New Orleans Saints
- Adrian Clayborn, DE; Iowa
- Clayborn had a less effective season in 2010 and it drops him a bit. Saints are happy to have him fall as it gives depth and talent to a defensive line that needs to improve it’s pass rush.

25. Seattle Seahawks
- Marvin Austin, DT; North Carolina
- Seattle must upgrade the defensive tackle position. Austin, like fellow Tar Heel Robert Quinn, was suspended from play for the 2010 season for accepting gifts. He’s been a terror at the Shrine Bowl practices and looks to have put in a lot of work during this past year. Thick and strong.

26. Baltimore Ravens
- Stephen Wisniewski, C; Penn State
- Matt Birk will be 35 next season. A replacement needs to be groomed sooner rather than later. Wisniewski is a tough guy who’ll fit in nicely at Baltimore.

27. Atlanta Falcons
- Greg Jones, LB; Michigan State
- Jones is the top 4-3 linebacker in the draft and has the ability to play any of the positions. Mike Peterson is 35 years old. Jones would give the Falcons a trio of talented, young linebackers.

28. New England Patriots
- Jimmy Smith, CB; Colorado
- The Pats ranked 30th in passing yards given up in 2010 and need to bolster that area. Smith is incredibly talented and has a passion for the game. Fits the mold of what the Pats typically look for in a player,

29. Green Bay Packers
- J.J. Watt, DE/DT; Wisconsin
- While the Packers could use upgrades/depth at the running back spot and wide receiver, Watt is too good a prospect at the 3-4 defensive end position to pass on at this point – a spot where Green Bay is thin without significant talent.

30. New York Jets
- Cameron Heyward, DE/DT; Ohio State
- Ellis and Pryce are in their mid-30’s, Gholston is a bust and will be released. DeVito is tough but lacks athleticism. Heyward would be a solid pick for the Jets here in the late first round.

31. Chicago Bears
- Nate Solder, OT; Colorado
- Bears need offensive tackles. Solder is incredibly athletic and even though he’s 6’8”, 310 lbs., has a lot of room on his frame to add weight. Strong and smart with an exceptional work ethic.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers
- DeMarcus Love, OT; Arkansas
- Can play either guard or tackle position. Was a four year starter for the Razorbacks at RG, RT and LT. A nasty mauler type lineman.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by Coogs

This to the whole darn post! Our inability to run on 3rd/4th and short is the absolute biggest weakness of this team IMO. We have several other weaknesses that need to be addressed, but this one... first and foremost... has to be taken care of.

It cost the Jets yesterday.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

It cost the Jets yesterday.

Yes it did. And even though we led the NFL in rushing, it really cost us as well. I find it kind of ironic that we led the NFL in rushing, but could not run it for 1 yard to save our life.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by Coogs

Yes it did. And even though we led the NFL in rushing, it really cost us as well. I find it kind of ironic that we led the NFL in rushing, but could not run it for 1 yard to save our life.

That's why I wouldn't completely flip out if KC used the 21st pick on an OL. It's not ideal, but if you get someone who can consistently move the pile, it would be great.

[philfree]

Originally Posted by Coogs

Yes it did. And even though we led the NFL in rushing, it really cost us as well. I find it kind of ironic that we led the NFL in rushing, but could not run it for 1 yard to save our life.

It's because Charles is such a playmaker. He made our line look better then it is. We could draft Pouncey and have him work at both C and G. If he can become our C then great. If he can't and he's a G then great. I bet he could really learn alot from Waters, Weigman and Lilja.


PhilFree

[suds79]

Originally Posted by Coogs

This to the whole darn post! Our inability to run on 3rd/4th and short is the absolute biggest weakness of this team IMO. We have several other weaknesses that need to be addressed, but this one... first and foremost... has to be taken care of.

Agreed with the inability to run on short yardage. Just my thoughts.

1st - Our power back in Thomas Jones is well beyond his better years. Get a young bigger back, and the problem would be largely solved.

2nd - I wonder if we will always have this problem. Todd & Scott apparently like lean players and this drives me crazy sometimes.

Passed on Cody twice last year. I'm sure weight was an issue. But before I go off on a tangent there, look at our O-line. Where's the beef?

LT Albert - 6'5 316 (convinced Branden to slim down)
LG Waters - 6'3 320
C Wiegmann - 6'2 285 (who we know is weak at the point of attack)
RG Lilja - 6'2 290
RT Richardson - 6'6 319 (used to weigh much more than this in college) again asked to slim down)

Now lets compare to Pittsburgh. A team that just ran all over the Jets.

LT - 318 lbs
LG - 344 lbs
C - 304
RG - 325 lbs
RT - 338 lbs

Pretty big difference. Just sayin. Something to think about.

Oh yes before I forget. Jon Asamoah who will end up replacing Waters someday. 6'4 305. Getting even smaller.

[Chiefnj2]

Too bad this year is a bad year for centers.

IMHO, Gabe Carimi will make an excellent RT. But, there is probably better value at 21 (Greg Jones or Houston at LB).

[gonefishin53]

The Chiefs have some problems with balance on offense which makes it possible for good defenses to make the Chiefs offense look poor. They can't run the ball between the tackles very well and they don't have a second perimeter receiving threat to balance Bowe. With next years schedule, a more balanced offense will be needed to avoid slipping back to 6-10.

IMO, Wiegmann was only signed for 1 yr. because Pioli/Haley plan to sign Arizona FA OC Lyle Sendlien as he has familiarity with Haley's offense and led Haley's OL in the SB. Asomoah needs to win the RG spot to get the interior OL at least to a minimal level of "push the pile" physicality.

Getting a decent pro WR like Lee Evans (Bills), Ben Obomanu (Seahawks), James Jones (Packers), or Mike Sims-Walker (Jaguars) in FA, along with a more physical interior OL, would go a long way towards making opposing defenses respect the Chief's ability to attack the entire field on every play.

I don't think Pitt WR Jon Baldwin is quick enough to get separation against nfl corners. But if he can carry 235 lbs. without losing speed or quickness, he could be a safety and linebackers nightmare as a Shannon Sharpe type TE/H-back/slot receiver as long as he's willing to block like Sharpe did. Don't know if that would appeal to Pioli/Haley at #21.

[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

It cost the Jets yesterday.

Not running with Shonn Greene was the first mistake.

[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Too bad this year is a bad year for centers.

IMHO, Gabe Carimi will make an excellent RT. But, there is probably better value at 21 (Greg Jones or Houston at LB).

If we had to go right tackle, Carimi is the guy I like.

[the Talking Can]

Originally Posted by gonefishin53

The Chiefs have some problems with balance on offense which makes it possible for good defenses to make the Chiefs offense look poor. They can't run the ball between the tackles very well and they don't have a second perimeter receiving threat to balance Bowe. With next years schedule, a more balanced offense will be needed to avoid slipping back to 6-10.

IMO, Wiegmann was only signed for 1 yr. because Pioli/Haley plan to sign Arizona FA OC Lyle Sendlien as he has familiarity with Haley's offense and led Haley's OL in the SB. Asomoah needs to win the RG spot to get the interior OL at least to a minimal level of "push the pile" physicality.

Getting a decent pro WR like Lee Evans (Bills), Ben Obomanu (Seahawks), James Jones (Packers), or Mike Sims-Walker (Jaguars) in FA, along with a more physical interior OL, would go a long way towards making opposing defenses respect the Chief's ability to attack the entire field on every play.

I don't think Pitt WR Jon Baldwin is quick enough to get separation against nfl corners. But if he can carry 235 lbs. without losing speed or quickness, he could be a safety and linebackers nightmare as a Shannon Sharpe type TE/H-back/slot receiver as long as he's willing to block like Sharpe did. Don't know if that would appeal to Pioli/Haley at #21.

welcome to the planet

nice post, and interesting take on Sendlein...

[the Talking Can]

i'm just not going to freak out this year if we take an OL at 21...we do need a RT and Center, and i think one could be FA and one draft...

we need help at LB badly too and still need a ****ing NT (which is crazy going into year 3), if we had only taken Raji instead of Jackson we'd have a lot more flexibility (imagine dorsey next to raji...ugh)...we could pick up a FA WR and then go best OL/WR/LB in rounds 1 and 2

sucks we still have so many needs

[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

welcome to the planet

nice post, and interesting take on Sendlein...

He has brought Sendlein up before, and it really makes sense. The only thing I could see that could hold things up on that is that Sendlein is a native of the Phoenix area.

[Bewbies]

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

i'm just not going to freak out this year if we take an OL at 21...we do need a RT and Center, and i think one could be FA and one draft...

we need help at LB badly too and still need a ****ing NT (which is crazy going into year 3), if we had only taken Raji instead of Jackson we'd have a lot more flexibility (imagine dorsey next to raji...ugh)...we could pick up a FA WR and then go best OL/WR/LB in rounds 1 and 2

sucks we still have so many needs

This is pretty much spot on for me too--even spent a few minutes today talking about how we should have taken Raji.

I still hope we get WR, NT or LB help in the 1st, but if nothing is there nothing is there. Heck, I sort of hope we pull at Pats move and trade back a few spots and pick up a 1st rounder next year.

[gonefishin53]

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

He has brought Sendlein up before, and it really makes sense. The only thing I could see that could hold things up on that is that Sendlein is a native of the Phoenix area.

A lot depends on Fitz. Until Fitz re-signs, the future of the franchise and Sendlein, should he stay, isn't pretty. Sendlein might take a decent offer from KC rather than deal with the drama in Arizona.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Like I said, Tom Brady would be dead behind this line. They'd have to pick Manning up with a shovel.

I'd love to have a great quarterback. However, after signing Cassel to a long term, big money deal, I'm not really optimistic about them picking another guy in the first round anytime soon.

As such, if they could possibly upgrade a position in which they don't really have any vested interest in (and none of our offensive lineman are inked to huge, new contracts), and that position is a position of importance, I think that they could and should do it.

We can all sit around and wish that they would draft that mythical "franchise quarterback," but you can crap in one hand and wish in the other and see which one fills up faster.

The same thing can be said to you.

You can crap in one hand wish in the other, cause it doesn't appear the Chiefs are going to be drafting anyone to replace Albert.

I'd also be surprised to see them do it on the other side.