Now On The Clock: Picks 29-32

29. Chicago Bears: Marvin Austin. DT. North Carolina 
Austin has been flying up boards lately, and went from a potential late 2nd or 3rd round pick to probably sneaking his way into the end of the first round. After production from once stud defensive tackle Tommie Harris has significantly fallen the past couple seasons, the Bears decided to release him leaving a huge void in their D. If Austin can fill the shoes of what Harris once was, the Bears defense would get a huge boost. No one would be happier than perennial Pro-Bowler Julius Peppers, whose life would get a lot easier as Austin would take away a lot of attention and double teams up front.

30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward. DE. Ohio State 

Well, the Vernon Gholston experiment has come and gone and the Jets must finally look for another pass rushing DE to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In his first three seasons, Gholston accumulated a whopping 42 tackles and 0 sacks. Jets fans will be holding their breath with another Buckeye prospect and Heyward will have to produce almost immediately to gain support of the J-E-T-S faithful, before he's tabbed as the next "Vernon Gholston". 

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Sherrod. OT. Mississippi State 

This is somewhat of a slide for Sherrod and o-line is one of the few holes left on the Steelers roster. Maurkice Pouncey was a jackpot pick in last years draft, and Pouncey looks hold down the center position in Pittsburgh for years to come as well as being the anchor of the line. Aside from center, the rest of the line is pretty shaky and Sherrod has the ability to play both left or right tackle. 

32. Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers. OLB. UCLA 

In the year of the pass rusher, the Pack look to find another pass-rushing outside backer to compliment Pro Bowler Clay Matthews. Ayers was a flat out playmaker at UCLA and has been mocked anywhere from a top 15 pick to not even going in the first round. I think Akeem will end up being a steal at this point, especially going to a team with an established defense where he will be surrounded by talent. 

Now On The Clock: Picks 25-28

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker. QB. Washington
The Seahawks need a quarterback, now. Unless they plan on trading back up to get an early second round pick than this might be their only chance to get a real stud signal caller.

Charlie Whitehurst is a fine quarterback if your aiming to win 6-9 games a season, but he is far from a franchise QB. By drafting Locker here, they can give him a year to learn the playbook and work on his accuracy and give Whitehurst one more year at the helm. If you read my QB rankings you know I'm all about Ryan Mallet and it kills me to have Locker go before him, but from everything I'm hearing Seattle is much higher on Locker and even Andy Dalton over Mallet. Plus with Locker the legend lives on and the Hometown Hero sticks around a little longer to try to turnaround the state's pro-franchise just as he did with the University of Washington's football program in his college years.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Williams. CB. Texas 

The Ravens are typically one the best drafting teams in the league, however last year's decision to pass on a corner came back to haunt them. Fabian Washington, Chris Carr, and Josh Wilson are all set to be free agents this offseason and would simply be to big of a risk to not draft a top corner this year. Williams looks to follow the footsteps of former great Longhorn DBs Michael Huff and Quentin Jammer and move on to a make big moves in the NFL. 

The Ravens could also look for another big play receiver like Jon Baldwin or Titus Young to really stretch the field and give Flacco one more target, which could really put their offense over the top.  

27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph. TE. Notre Dame. 

I first saw this pick over at WalterFootball.com and I have been completely sold on it ever since. It makes absolutely perfect sense to me and should be the easiest decision for the Falcons War Room all draft weekend. There's about a 2% percent chance of anyone taking Rudolph before Hotlanta picks at 27, but hey you never know what will happen come Thursday night. Tony Gonzalez has seen his time come and go, and with Rudolph the Falcons will find a outstanding young replacement to learn from the great Gonzo in what will most likely be his final season. 

28. New England Patriots: Mark Ingram. RB. Alabama 

It's nuts to me that the undisputed top runner in this years class can slip almost all the way out of the first round, but he will fall no farther than 28. The Patriots consistently have one of the top drafts year in and year out, and with Ingram and JJ Watt as their potential first two picks this draft will be no different. Ingram never wowed anyone with flashy jukes or breakaway speed (the reason he doesn't get the hype he deserves) but Productivity is his middle name, and New England will not pass up on the chance to add a tough nosed runner to their already potent offense. 

Now On The Clock: Picks 21-24

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi. OT. Wisconsin 
Last year KC passed on tackle Russell Okung in the first round, and opted instead to take safety Eric Berry. A season later, and it looks like a pretty solid pick. However there troubles at tackle didn't fix themselves. Luckily with Carimi on the the board, the Chiefs are able to fulfill their need with the last premier tackle in this year's class. Carimi is a pro-typical NFL tackle and has the ability to come in and start from day one.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Brandon Harris. CB. Miami 

With all the top offensive linemen off the table at this point, Indy is forced to look away from Plan A (adding an o-linemen) and must address another team need. With Bob Sanders no longer returning to the squad the Colts secondary is in shambles. Jacob Lacey appears to be an adequate corner, but Kelvin Hayden is far from a starting corner on a championship caliber team. Harris is another playmaking defensive back from "The U", and would be an instant upgrade from Hayden. 

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith. CB. Colorado 

If it wasn't for looming "character issues" most scouts say that Jimmy Smith would be a top 15 pick. After starter Ellis Hobbs was forced to retire, corner has become the Eagles number one need. Andy Reid and Co. are apparently in love with Smith and if he is available it would really be a hug surprise and mistake to me if they passed on him. 

24. New Orleans Saints: Muhammad Wilkerson. DT/DE. Temple 

Yes, I know the Saints just signed Shaun Rogers. I don't care. You can never have too much talent up front, and Muhammad is arguable the best player still available at this point. Even with the addition of Big Shaun Rogers, the Saints d-line still needs help and Wilkerson is the most versatile linemen in this class with the ability to play inside and out at both tackle and end. 

Now On The Clock: Picks 17-20

17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt. DE. Wisconsin
The Pats have a ridiculous five picks in the first three rounds, so basically they can do whatever they want with this pick and still go after other needs with their next four selections. New England obtained this pick from the Raiders through the trade that sent top notch d-end Richard Seymour to Oakland. While I'm sure the Pats were hoping for a potential top 10 pick, Da Raiders unexpected successful 2010 season leaves NE with the 17th pick. Even though this pick is a little deeper than expected by nabbing Watt here, the Patriots can finally fill the hole that was left by Seymour.

18. San Diego Chargers: Anthony Castonzo. OT. Boston College 

With these last two picks we have begun to move from the bottom barrel and up-and-coming teams of the league, to the premier teams who might just be one piece away from making a deep post season run. The Chargers are one of those teams who seem to be on the brink of a championship almost every year, and with a few off season additions they could finally be there. Tackle has been a pressing issue for years in San Diego and Castonzo seems to be one of the most sure fire picks in the draft. 

19. New York Giants: Nate Solder. OT. Colorado 

This might be a painful one for the Giants war room as they guy they've been apparently really targeting in on, Castonzo, gets snatched just one pick in front of them. But no worries, there are still a couple of top tackles who measure up right next to Castonzo. On offense NY could choose to bolster their RB corps with Mark Ingram, but tackle seems to be more of a pressing issue and Solder is a rare specimen. He is a little thin, but his length and speed is something special on the o-line and the G-Men will end up very pleased with this pick in the long run. 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan. DE. Purdue 

If Kerrigan falls this far, don't blink on draft day or you might miss the Bucs make this selection. There are rumors of Tampa trying to trade up in the first to get a guy like Kerrigan, Watt, or Quinn, and if Kerrigan is still available this would be an absolute no brainer. Defensive end is the biggest need for Tampa, and Kerrigan is a top 15 talent in this years class. If Kerrigan is gone at this point, which would come as a surprise to no one, I would still expect this pick to be a DE with both Justin Houston and Cameron Heyward still likely on the board.   

Now On The Clock: Picks 13-16

13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara. CB. Nebraska 
Things could not possibly work out any better for the Detroit Lions. The Lions have been searching for a top notch number one corner for years, and Amukamara fits this mold to a tee. If Amukamara does fall into the 13th slot the Lions will waste no time making this no brainer selection, and finally filling one of the biggest holes on either side of the ball.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget. DT. Illinois 

If the Rams had their dream pick they would be able to take a top notch receiver to give Sam Bradford the solid go to guy which he needs so badly. Unfortunately for St. Louis, both Jones and Green are already off the board, and it's still way to early to reach for another WR like Hankerson (Miami), Baldwin (Pitt.) or Young (Boise). Liuget has got to be one the top players on the board left for the Rams and he would also fulfill a pressing team need upfront in the middle of their D. 

15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey. OG/C. Florida 

All of the hype around this pick is that Miami is leaning towards Alabama running back Mark Ingram. While Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are both free agents, I really can't see both of them leaving Miami. Why would they want too? They single handedly started the "wild-cat" craze throughout all of football, and both backs have seen great success when healthy. By drafting Pouncey the Phins can give Jake Long some much needed help and bulk up their o-line quite a bit. The only problem is that Pouncey may be available 5-10 picks deeper in the draft, and Miami should look to trade down, save themselves some cash, and get him as late as possible. 

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cameron Jordan. DE. California 

One of the Jags biggest need is a pass rushing end, and Jordan is probably the best player all around on the board at this point. Seems like a match made in heaven to me. Jordan is big, strong, and quick, and if you want to compete in the AFC South you have to get at QB's like Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub and apply as much pressure as possible. 

Now On The Clock: Picks 9-12

9. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Quinn. DE. North Carolina 
With a healthy Tony Romo, the Cowboys are far better than the ninth worst team in the NFL. And with such a high draft pick, and the way things are unfolding the Boys are sitting very pretty with the number nine pick in the draft. Defensive end is one of Dallas' top needs as Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen are all set to become free agents this year whenever/if-ever there is free agency this year. Quinn is an ablsolute monster, and the thought of him lining up opposite of DeMarcus Ware is scary. Other possible picks include OT Tyron Smith, or CB Prince Amukamara. 

10. Washington Redskins: Tyron Smith. OT. USC 

The Redskins have questions all over their offense, with pressing needs at both quarterback and running back. One thing that is no question, is that someone will have to block for whoever it is that ends up playing these key positions. The Skins are in desperate need of a QB, but with Gabbert and Newton already off the board, they are stuck in a tough place and it would be a shock to see them reach for the likes of a Jake Locker or Ryan Mallet this high in the first round. Smith now becomes both the safe pick and the smart pick, and will certainly help beef up their offensive line. 

11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith. OLB/DE. Missouri 

Smith is an absolutely perfect fit in the new 3-4 defense that Wade Phillips will be installing in Houston. With his elite pass rushing ability, and freakish length he would be a great walk up outside linebacker to go along with the young rising star Brian Cushing. If the Texans want to finally overcome the Colts as the cream of the crop in the AFC South they are going to find a way to lay the wood on Peyton Manning as often as possible. Amukamara is also a very popular pick here, but I really can't see the Texans going back to corner in the first round again after picking Kareem Jackson with the 20th pick last year.  

12. Minnesota Vikings: Da'Quan Bowers. DE. Clemson 

This pick is either going to make me look like a genius, or an idiot. Bowers was once considered a viable option for the number one overall pick, and it now appears to be a stretch to see him even going this high. Due to an abysmal performance at the combine, and an injury riddled knee that has captured the attention of scouts everywhere, Bowers is predicted by many to have slide all the way out of the first round. I see things differently. The guy still has loads of raw talent, and the tape doesn't lie. The Vikes number one need is DE and Bowers is flat out a better player than remaining prospects like J.J. Wyatt or Cameron Jordan. 

Now On The Clock: Picks 5-8

5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson. CB. LSU
 With the 5th overall pick the Cardinals get the best overall player in the draft.

It's crazy to see just how fast Arizona has fell since the departure of Kurt Warner. They seemingly overnight went from Super Bowl contender, to cellar dweller. From king to jester. From head chef to dishwasher. From... I could go all day but I think you get the point. And that point is that without a QB that once menacing offense is nothing. And without that offense the Cardinals are nothing. Peterson would be a huge step in changing that. Plus, where else would a wandering QB like Donny Mac, Carson "I will never put on a Bengal uniform again" Palmer, or Kevin Kolb, want to find themselves then surrounded by guys like Larry Fitzgerald, Beanie Wells, and Stevie Breaston?

The Cards need to take Peterson here while they have the chance, and try to lure in a big name QB or take a chance at one of the many sleeper QBs in rounds 2 or 3.

6. Cleveland Browns: Nick Fairley. DT. Auburn 

I've been really struggling with this pick because the Browns, like always, are God awful and need help at nearly every position. Fairley has been projected anywhere from first overall to about 12 or so in some mocks around the web, and no one can deny his raw talent. When a guy that mammoth can move around the way he can you always have something special. The Browns move to a 4-3 leaves them desperate for some D-linemen and Fairley would be a great way to start bulking up the front of that D. 

7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert. QB. Missouri 

Ah, the Jim Harbaugh era begins. Things last year in The Bay where not to pretty. And the quarterback carousel between the washed up Alex Smith and the once (and soon to be again) forgotten Troy Smith was not too fun to watch for Niner fans either. I've been reading quite a bit about how San Fransico doesn't want to go with a QB early, but I still just don't get why they wouldn't want to. They aren't going to reel in a big name in the offseason (whenever there is an offseason) and Gabbert has practically fallen into their laps at this point. If either Newton or Gabbert slips to pick 7 I think that if the Niners ever want to become relevant again they HAVE TO take a chance on a future franchise signal caller! 

8. Tennessee Titans: Julio Jones. WR. Alabama 

This pick may seem a little off the wall, but to me Jones is the best player in the draft at this point, and Julio could be exactly what the Titans were hoping/dreaming that they where going to get out of Randy Moss last season. But instead of the one or two years of productivity they were trying to squeeze out of Moss, they could get Jones for the next 10 seasons. With Kenny Britt and Nate Washington already at the wide out, this pick could give Tennessee an absolutely nasty receiving core. Add in Chris Johnson at running back and the Titans are one, very large, piece away from a devastating offense. That piece is of course QB, which is why I think in later rounds they need to take a guy like Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder and see where things go from there. 

Now On The Clock: Picks 1-4

From this point on I will be officially starting my mock draft by predicting four picks with each post, up until draft day. After painstaking research on each position group, I am finally ready to start speculating on how things will shape up in this year's draft!

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton. QB. Auburn
This is with out question one of the toughest drafts to predict in recent memory. Unlike in recent years, there is certainly no clear cut #1 pick and the Panthers could go a couple different ways with this pick. If you read my QB rankings you know I'm not too high on Newton, but my opinions on him clearly will make no difference on where he gets drafted. From everything I've been reading and hearing lately, Carolina is leaning towards Newton at this point which is a very logical pick for them. The Panthers will look to scrap the Jimmy Clausen after just one season, and hand the reigns over to Newton to lead the franchise out of the cellars and back to prominence. Newton's mobile style of play, will give Carolina's offense a whole new look, and it will be interesting to see if he starts immediately or if he will be eased into the starting lineup over time.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus. DT. Alabama 

It is very clear that the Broncos need help on the defensive side of the ball. A lot of help. One of the Broncos biggest needs in the draft is at D-line and Dareus will fit in perfectly in their 4-3 defense that new head coach John Fox is bringing back to Denver. Dareus is a very solid, low risk, pick here who would fill a big hole for the Broncos. I could also see them going for Auburn's DT Nick Fairley, and it will ultimately come down to who they have higher on their big board, whom I assume is Dareus. 

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller. OLB. Texas A&M 

The Bills biggest hole is at offensive tackle, but unfortunately there is no prospects at tackle this year that are worthy of the number three spot. On the bright side the Bills have a lot of holes, and Von Miller would take care of one of their next biggest holes (outside linebacker) very nicely. The Bills are shaky at QB and should take a hard look at Blaine Gabbert with this pick, but in the end I think Ryan Fitzpatrick did enough last season to warrant himself one more shot as starting signal caller for the Bills. Also look out for Patrick Peterson here as another valid option. 

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green. WR. Georgia 

I don't necessarily think this is the right move for the Bengals, but if I had to bet on someone right now to be there top pick it would have to be Green. Carson Palmer vowed to never take a snap as QB for the Bengals again, both TO and Ocho Cinco seem to be on there way out of town, and all is wrong in 'Nati. Here's what taking Green at this spot does to help turn things around. First off, it gives fans one the most exciting playmakers in this year's draft to gawk over. Secondly, and more importantly, it greatly increases the Bengals chances of luring in a free agent QB like Donovan McNabb, Vince Young, or Kevin Kolb. 

Safety Prospect Rankings

After about a month of blogging we have finally arrived at the final position group, the safeties. The term "save the best for last" would be an absolutely HORRIBLE fit for this situation. The safeties kind of suck this year, to be frank, but hey I'm going to cover them any way cause thats just what I do.

1. Aaron Williams, Texas 
Williams played mostly corner at Texas, but looks to shift over to safety in the NFL, a common move from college to the pros. Williams reminds me a lot of former Longhorn standout Michael Huff (who also played corner while at UT). Williams is a great tackler, and with his experience at corner under his belt, should be a great one on one cover at safety.

2. Rahim Moore, UCLA 
Moore opted out of staying at UCLA for his senior year, and instead choose to come out a after just three years for the draft. I feel like had he stayed one more year and had good production he would have been a lock for a top 15-20 pick, but at the moment he's looking to be a second round pick or maybe squeak in one of the last spots in the first round if he's lucky. Moore had an unbelievable sophomore year nabbing a NCAA best 10 interceptions, 49 tackles, and 7 pass breakups.


3. Quinton Carter, Oklahoma 
On the other side of the college football eligibility spectra we have Quinton Carter, who played at Oklahoma for 5 years after redshirting his sophomore year. Carter progressively got better each year and had 85+ tackles and 4 picks in both his junior and senior seasons.

4. Ahmad Black, Florida 
At 5'9 and 185 pounds, Black does not have the size that you'd look for in an ideal NFL safety, but fortunately for him, he does have the playmaking abilities to more than make up for his lack of size. During his time at Florida Black compiled 11 interceptions, and as a senior he was able to rack up 108 tackles. He started for the Gators for the past three years, so he knows all about matching up with top talent.


5. Tyler Sash, Iowa
Sash has just about perfect size for a safety and was able to really put together a nice resume during his 3 year starting stretch at Iowa. Sash had 13 picks as a Hawkeye, and proved to be a great tackler capable of delivering big hits on receivers brave enough to try to come over the middle. He has great instincts on the field and should go somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round.

Cornerback Prospect Rankings

Scouts are ogling over this years class of standout corners which is chalk full of shut down defenders. Expect these guys start flying of the board early and often...

1. Patrick Peterson, LSU 
Not just the top corner in the draft, but the best overall player. Hands down. Peterson is blessed with the size of a linebacker and the speed of a lightning bolt making him a jaw-dropping specimen. Aside from his skills locking down receivers, Peterson also will add a plus to any special teams unit with his dazzling kick/punt return capabilities. And since he's so awesome you get a video. Feast your eyes upon greatness...

2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska 
Amukamara was the consensus 1st Team All-American selection at corner opposite of Peterson this season, and he also has seen his draft stock soar over the past year or so. Prince has all the tools necessary to be a solid starting CB, and possesses the speed needed to stay with NFL wide outs.

3. Jimmy Smith, Colorodo 
At 6'2 Smith has about two inches on most corners, which obviously plays into his favor quite nicely. His height and length allow him to really get into receivers on the line and also make very nice plays on balls in the air.

4. Brandon Harris, Miami 
For a corner, Harris has average speed, average/below average height, and average build. However if you watch the guy play, you know he's more than just an average player. Harris is a natural, and has a really fluid backpedal and great instincts on the ball.


5. Johnny Patrick, Louisville 
Patrick could end up being the sleeper of the group, as he is a guy you generally don't hear a lot of talk about. Patrick started for 3.5 years at Louisville, and in his senior season picked off 5 balls, had 12 breakups, and was named a Big-East 1st Team player. Last July he ran into some trouble with the law, which could scare off some teams and cause him to fall a little.

Inside Linebacker Prospect Rankings

Not an overwhelming amount of talent in this group, but there is still a fair amount of guys who can play and should end up being solid players in the NFL. I don't expect any of these backers to turn into superstars, and if your team is looking for a centerpiece to build a defense around they might want to wait a year or look to free agency.

1. Martez Wilson, Illinois 
I can give you three simple reasons to explain why Wilson is the number one inside linebacker prospect. First, at 6 foot 3, and 250 pounds he's the biggest prospect. Second, with a 4.49 40 yard dash time he's the fastest prospect. Third, with 23 reps on the bench, he's the strongest of the elite prospects. I've never been great with math, but I know Big + Fast + Strong = Good Linebacker (Usually).

2. Greg Jones, Michigan State 
A lot of other blogs have Jones rated lower than I do, but after seeing him play for the past four years at MSU I'm convinced he will become a playmaker for some team in the near future. After starting all four years in East Lansing, Jones was able to cement his place in Spartan history as the third all time leading tackler.

3. Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina 
Yup, another member of the Tarheel defense finds his way onto the top of a position list. Sturdivant was the captain and leader of UNC last season, and was a very impressive four year starter. A negative on him is his recurring hamstring injuries, most recently causing him to miss seven games this past season.

4. Casey Matthews, Oregon 
Just like his brother, Clay (Pro-Bowl LB with the Packers), Matthews has been pretty underrated throughout his college career, and most experts see Casey going somewhere in the mid to late rounds. But something about his energizer bunny style tells me Casey might be able to have success in the NFL similar to his big bro. I'm pretty sure their secret power is their hair, so as long as he keeps that mane going he should be alright.


5. Kelvin Sheppard, LSU
Sheppard was able to rack up 100 plus tackles each of the past two seasons, and was named to the 1st Team All-SEC squad in 2010. He has the speed to play sideline to sideline, and also has the ability to play outside backer as well. At the very least, Sheppard will end up being a solid special teamer at the next level.