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- Jan 14, 2013
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Alright fellas, I am back with another mock. With FA having mainly run its course, we have a good idea where we'll be picking. You'll see plenty of familiar names in this mock. I'm starting to reach a point where I have zoned in on the guys I really want.
Trade
LA Rams trade Round 3 Pick #36
NY Giants trade Round 4 Pick #6 and Round 5 Pick #4
Rams move down a few spots to grab an extra pick. Giants lack a third, but they have two fourths and three fifths.
NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick #31 - Nasir Adderley S/CB Delaware
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dwOuc8K4ik
Analysis: It's hard to believe a player like Adderley will be available here, but this defensive class is stacked. On the negative side of the equation, Adderley is undersized at around 5'11"/6'0" 205 pounds and needs to be more disciplined against misdirection and fakes. On the positive side of the ledger, you have everything else. Adderley doesn't seem to recognize that he's undersized. He's fearless filling gaps and taking on blockers. He plays to the echo of the whistle and will mix it up with anybody. Frankly, I'd like to see him dial back some of the aggressiveness because he puts himself at risk of personal fouls in the NFL. In coverage, Adderley has phenomenal range and ball-skills. He also has CB/S versatility, which is great for us. We could use depth at both spots, and Wade loves to use a third safety in the nickel (see Marqui Christian last year). Adderley is also an outstanding tackler in space (and overall). He breaks quickly on the ball and will make plays on the football or lay out the target. Despite his size, Adderley is capable of lining up anywhere. You can put him in the box, you can put him as a single-high FS, you can put him in the slot or outside at CB, and you can have him play C-2 or quarters. He's just an excellent all-around safety. The two areas where he can improve are not biting on fakes/misdirection and taking better angles. His speed allows him to take overly aggressive angles against FCS competition, but that could burn him in the NFL. Regardless, I think he's very comparable to former Packers FS Nick Collins.
Round 3 Pick #31 - Kahale Warring TE San Diego State
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SJZM5x-y6g
Analysis: Warring played in SDSU's old school, run-first, pro-style smashmouth offense. He has a lot of experience working as an inline blocker with the technical prowess, functional strength, and size (6'6" 250) to be effective in that role in the NFL. As it stands now, he's a solid blocker who handles LBs and DBs with his polished technical skill, outstanding body control and feet, and strong understanding of positioning; DLs give him a bit more trouble one on one because of their superior power. Still, the kid can block effectively, but that's not what excites me about him. Warring is an incredibly impressive receiving TE. He's a smooth route runner with the quickness and change of direction skills of a big WR. His routes are very crisp, and he uses his size/strength to create additional separation at the break point. Warring also possesses strong mitts (although, he does drop some passes), outstanding body control, and the ability to climb the ladder and win in the air. I think a guy like this will excite McVay because he has the ability block inline and be a mismatch in the slot. Warring reminds me a lot of Zach Ertz coming out of college.
Round 4 Pick #6 - Christian Miller OLB Alabama
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IHZVsMI-uc
Analysis: Miller is player who is flying under the radar despite playing for Alabama. The reason for that is injuries. Miller didn't play much before this year due to injuries. If he had, I think we'd be talking about him in the late-first round. Miller is a versatile edge defender who looks comfortable dropping into coverage, rushing the passer, and setting the edge. He's technically sound in the run game and does an outstanding job of setting the edge and turning plays back inside. As a pass rusher, he's very dangerous. He has the flexibility to bend the corner and flatten, he uses a variety of pass rush moves (the long arm/stab move being his most effective) and flashes advanced pass rush plans, and he has a powerful punch that he lands with consistency. At 6'3" 245, Miller will need to add some bulk and get stronger for the NFL game. His injury history is concerning. And Miller is a tick slow off the snap too often for my taste. Still, Miller has all the tools as a pass rusher and can contribute both in run defense and coverage. You don't find too many guys in the fourth round you can say that about.
Round 4 Pick #31 - Nate Davis OL Charlotte
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTAbOiahLBA
Analysis: Davis started at RT this year, but he is a candidate to move inside in the NFL. At 6'3" 316 with 33" arms, Davis has solid length for a NFL guard, but not enough to remain at OT. I really like Davis for us because Kromer has made a career out of converting college OTs into quality NFL starting OGs. Davis should be another in that long line. He combines good feet with a great anchor and impressive overall power. Davis also is a finisher who possesses a nasty streak and plays through the whistle. As a run blocker, he has the power, athleticism, and natural leverage to thrive in our zone schemes. As a pass blocker, he has the feet, wide base, and strong anchor to play quite well inside. While Davis lacks a jolting punch, he does have quality punch timing and hand placement. All in all, I see Davis as a great developmental pick who will hopefully step in at OG after Whitworth retires.
Round 5 Pick #8 - Cortez Broughton DT Cincinnati
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY_kzrNN3aU
Analysis: I really like the potential Cortez Broughton brings to the table. As a senior, he posted 52 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. At 6'2" 290, Broughton is undersized, but he has an explosive first step, great natural leverage, and a nasty bull rush. He also uses his hands well for a guy his age, but I would like to see him develop better counters and a go-to move. As a run defender, he is very disruptive due to his get-off and ability to get skinny through gaps. He holds up better than expected against double teams for his size due to his leverage and strength, and he lined up all over the DL for Cincy. He did have a tendency to fatigue late in games, but I really like him as a rotational option on our DL. He could learn a lot from AD.
Round 5 Pick #31 - Easton Stick QB North Dakota State
Analysis: Easton Stick is my favorite of the non-first round QBs this year. My gut just tells me that kid is going to outplay his draft spot. First and foremost, Stick nails all of the intangibles. He's a winner who has a 49-3 career record and led his team to two national championships. He's a smart QB coming from a pro-style offense who ran the offense from the LOS and is fast through his progressions. He maneuvers the pocket well and is very elusive in the pocket; due to his sturdy frame, underrated strength, and impressive athleticism, he's very difficult to sack. Stick has a compact release which allows him to get the ball quick and the footwork for quick setups in the passing game. He's a patient passer who will let his routes develop, is comfortable hanging in the pocket, and is tough as nails when it comes to taking hits. When he's on, Stick shows plus accuracy to all levels and parts of the field. In addition to his passing ability, Stick is a great scrambler and athlete who is more mobile than former teammate Carson Wentz imo. The negatives on Stick is that he's a streaky passer and decision maker. He also has only a middling arm. He can generate plenty of zip when he's mechanically sound, but he is going to struggle with zip when forced to throw off platform and some of the most difficult throws that Goff can hit will be tough for him. He also can hold onto the ball too long. Regardless, I love this kid for our offense. He's smart, he moves through his progressions well, he's mobile, and he is comfortable in a run-first offense working from under center. Of course, the cherry on top of everything is that Stick has the best play-action fake in this Draft. I'd compare Stick to Rich Gannon, another small-school QB with impressive athleticism, an average arm, and a whole lot of moxie.
Round 6 Pick #31 - Elijah Holyfield HB Georgia
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI1uJO7u9kY
Analysis: The pre-draft process has not been good to Holyfield. Watching his film, I saw a third round pick. However, after Holyfield ran a 4.8 40 at the Combine, I had to go back and rewatch. I still saw the same player, but with his speed issues and the major questions about how much he'll contribute in the passing game, Holyfield has settled in as a late-Day 3 pick. Why do I like Holyfield? He's a thickly built runner at 5'10" 220 with incredible strength, contact balance, leg drive, and violence. Despite his lack of top-end speed, Holyfield has more than enough burst, great footwork, and very quick feet. He also possesses high-level instincts as a runner. He has great vision and displays the patience and technical skill to get the most out of what is blocked. In the passing game, Holyfield is a physical and powerful blocker. He needs to continue to improve on his blitz recognition, but if he can do that, he'll have no issues protecting the QB. However, there are legitimate questions regarding what he can contribute in the passing game. I watched a number of his games and only saw him catch a few passes. His hands seemed fine, but his routes and instincts were extremely raw. Ultimately, despite his terrible measurables at the Combine, I am willing to take a shot on Holyfield because I think he's a great pure football player. With him playing in the SEC, I feel his tape against teams like LSU, Alabama, and Auburn overcomes any concerns I had about him after his brutal Combine performance. He's an extremely powerful runner with quick feet, polished technical skill, and a great feel for where holes will develop. It's hard to doubt a man who averaged nearly 6.5 yards per carry and rushed for 1000+ yards this year in the SEC.
Round 7 Pick #37 - Khalil Hodge ILB Buffalo
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pufPQK3offs
Analysis: Hodge is another guy who turned in terrible measurables. His Pro Day was a disaster. However, he's such a good football player that I just have to pick him here. Over the past two years, Hodge has averaged 148 tackles per year. He is a three-time captain and a true defensive leader. His football character is off the charts. However, Hodge is also a limited athlete who fits more into that thumper role that a lot of teams no longer value. Hodge diagnoses plays quicker than any LB I've watched this year. He almost never gets it wrong. He also displays good speed downhill, he has the size (6'1" 240) and strength to take on blockers, he plays with consistent gap integrity, and he rarely misses tackles. Hodge also shows comfort backpedaling in zone coverage and reads the QB well. That all said, Hodge lacks the speed to run sideline to sideline, and he lacks the short-area quickness and fluid hips to handle man coverage responsibilities well in the NFL. He's a very smart and instinctual defender, but he has his athletic limitations. I'd also like to see him use his hands better to keep blockers from getting to his chest. Ultimately, he may not make the squad, but his instincts are so great that I want to give him a chance.
Projected Starters
QB: Jared Goff
HB: Todd Gurley
XWR: Brandin Cooks
ZWR: Robert Woods
SLWR: Cooper Kupp
TE: Tyler Higbee or Gerald Everett
LT: Andrew Whitworth
LG: Joe Noteboom
C: Brian Allen
RG: Austin Blythe
RT: Rob Havenstein
5T: John Franklin-Myers
NT: Michael Brockers
3T: Aaron Donald
WOLB: Dante Fowler Jr.
Mo LB: Cory Littleton
Mike LB: Micah Kiser
SOLB: Samson Ebukam
RCB: Aqib Talib
LCB: Marcus Peters
SLCB: Nickell Robey-Coleman
FS: Eric Weddle
SS: John Johnson
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
Trade
LA Rams trade Round 3 Pick #36
NY Giants trade Round 4 Pick #6 and Round 5 Pick #4
Rams move down a few spots to grab an extra pick. Giants lack a third, but they have two fourths and three fifths.
NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick #31 - Nasir Adderley S/CB Delaware
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dwOuc8K4ik
Analysis: It's hard to believe a player like Adderley will be available here, but this defensive class is stacked. On the negative side of the equation, Adderley is undersized at around 5'11"/6'0" 205 pounds and needs to be more disciplined against misdirection and fakes. On the positive side of the ledger, you have everything else. Adderley doesn't seem to recognize that he's undersized. He's fearless filling gaps and taking on blockers. He plays to the echo of the whistle and will mix it up with anybody. Frankly, I'd like to see him dial back some of the aggressiveness because he puts himself at risk of personal fouls in the NFL. In coverage, Adderley has phenomenal range and ball-skills. He also has CB/S versatility, which is great for us. We could use depth at both spots, and Wade loves to use a third safety in the nickel (see Marqui Christian last year). Adderley is also an outstanding tackler in space (and overall). He breaks quickly on the ball and will make plays on the football or lay out the target. Despite his size, Adderley is capable of lining up anywhere. You can put him in the box, you can put him as a single-high FS, you can put him in the slot or outside at CB, and you can have him play C-2 or quarters. He's just an excellent all-around safety. The two areas where he can improve are not biting on fakes/misdirection and taking better angles. His speed allows him to take overly aggressive angles against FCS competition, but that could burn him in the NFL. Regardless, I think he's very comparable to former Packers FS Nick Collins.
Round 3 Pick #31 - Kahale Warring TE San Diego State
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SJZM5x-y6g
Analysis: Warring played in SDSU's old school, run-first, pro-style smashmouth offense. He has a lot of experience working as an inline blocker with the technical prowess, functional strength, and size (6'6" 250) to be effective in that role in the NFL. As it stands now, he's a solid blocker who handles LBs and DBs with his polished technical skill, outstanding body control and feet, and strong understanding of positioning; DLs give him a bit more trouble one on one because of their superior power. Still, the kid can block effectively, but that's not what excites me about him. Warring is an incredibly impressive receiving TE. He's a smooth route runner with the quickness and change of direction skills of a big WR. His routes are very crisp, and he uses his size/strength to create additional separation at the break point. Warring also possesses strong mitts (although, he does drop some passes), outstanding body control, and the ability to climb the ladder and win in the air. I think a guy like this will excite McVay because he has the ability block inline and be a mismatch in the slot. Warring reminds me a lot of Zach Ertz coming out of college.
Round 4 Pick #6 - Christian Miller OLB Alabama
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IHZVsMI-uc
Analysis: Miller is player who is flying under the radar despite playing for Alabama. The reason for that is injuries. Miller didn't play much before this year due to injuries. If he had, I think we'd be talking about him in the late-first round. Miller is a versatile edge defender who looks comfortable dropping into coverage, rushing the passer, and setting the edge. He's technically sound in the run game and does an outstanding job of setting the edge and turning plays back inside. As a pass rusher, he's very dangerous. He has the flexibility to bend the corner and flatten, he uses a variety of pass rush moves (the long arm/stab move being his most effective) and flashes advanced pass rush plans, and he has a powerful punch that he lands with consistency. At 6'3" 245, Miller will need to add some bulk and get stronger for the NFL game. His injury history is concerning. And Miller is a tick slow off the snap too often for my taste. Still, Miller has all the tools as a pass rusher and can contribute both in run defense and coverage. You don't find too many guys in the fourth round you can say that about.
Round 4 Pick #31 - Nate Davis OL Charlotte
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTAbOiahLBA
Analysis: Davis started at RT this year, but he is a candidate to move inside in the NFL. At 6'3" 316 with 33" arms, Davis has solid length for a NFL guard, but not enough to remain at OT. I really like Davis for us because Kromer has made a career out of converting college OTs into quality NFL starting OGs. Davis should be another in that long line. He combines good feet with a great anchor and impressive overall power. Davis also is a finisher who possesses a nasty streak and plays through the whistle. As a run blocker, he has the power, athleticism, and natural leverage to thrive in our zone schemes. As a pass blocker, he has the feet, wide base, and strong anchor to play quite well inside. While Davis lacks a jolting punch, he does have quality punch timing and hand placement. All in all, I see Davis as a great developmental pick who will hopefully step in at OG after Whitworth retires.
Round 5 Pick #8 - Cortez Broughton DT Cincinnati
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY_kzrNN3aU
Analysis: I really like the potential Cortez Broughton brings to the table. As a senior, he posted 52 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. At 6'2" 290, Broughton is undersized, but he has an explosive first step, great natural leverage, and a nasty bull rush. He also uses his hands well for a guy his age, but I would like to see him develop better counters and a go-to move. As a run defender, he is very disruptive due to his get-off and ability to get skinny through gaps. He holds up better than expected against double teams for his size due to his leverage and strength, and he lined up all over the DL for Cincy. He did have a tendency to fatigue late in games, but I really like him as a rotational option on our DL. He could learn a lot from AD.
Round 5 Pick #31 - Easton Stick QB North Dakota State
Analysis: Easton Stick is my favorite of the non-first round QBs this year. My gut just tells me that kid is going to outplay his draft spot. First and foremost, Stick nails all of the intangibles. He's a winner who has a 49-3 career record and led his team to two national championships. He's a smart QB coming from a pro-style offense who ran the offense from the LOS and is fast through his progressions. He maneuvers the pocket well and is very elusive in the pocket; due to his sturdy frame, underrated strength, and impressive athleticism, he's very difficult to sack. Stick has a compact release which allows him to get the ball quick and the footwork for quick setups in the passing game. He's a patient passer who will let his routes develop, is comfortable hanging in the pocket, and is tough as nails when it comes to taking hits. When he's on, Stick shows plus accuracy to all levels and parts of the field. In addition to his passing ability, Stick is a great scrambler and athlete who is more mobile than former teammate Carson Wentz imo. The negatives on Stick is that he's a streaky passer and decision maker. He also has only a middling arm. He can generate plenty of zip when he's mechanically sound, but he is going to struggle with zip when forced to throw off platform and some of the most difficult throws that Goff can hit will be tough for him. He also can hold onto the ball too long. Regardless, I love this kid for our offense. He's smart, he moves through his progressions well, he's mobile, and he is comfortable in a run-first offense working from under center. Of course, the cherry on top of everything is that Stick has the best play-action fake in this Draft. I'd compare Stick to Rich Gannon, another small-school QB with impressive athleticism, an average arm, and a whole lot of moxie.
Round 6 Pick #31 - Elijah Holyfield HB Georgia
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI1uJO7u9kY
Analysis: The pre-draft process has not been good to Holyfield. Watching his film, I saw a third round pick. However, after Holyfield ran a 4.8 40 at the Combine, I had to go back and rewatch. I still saw the same player, but with his speed issues and the major questions about how much he'll contribute in the passing game, Holyfield has settled in as a late-Day 3 pick. Why do I like Holyfield? He's a thickly built runner at 5'10" 220 with incredible strength, contact balance, leg drive, and violence. Despite his lack of top-end speed, Holyfield has more than enough burst, great footwork, and very quick feet. He also possesses high-level instincts as a runner. He has great vision and displays the patience and technical skill to get the most out of what is blocked. In the passing game, Holyfield is a physical and powerful blocker. He needs to continue to improve on his blitz recognition, but if he can do that, he'll have no issues protecting the QB. However, there are legitimate questions regarding what he can contribute in the passing game. I watched a number of his games and only saw him catch a few passes. His hands seemed fine, but his routes and instincts were extremely raw. Ultimately, despite his terrible measurables at the Combine, I am willing to take a shot on Holyfield because I think he's a great pure football player. With him playing in the SEC, I feel his tape against teams like LSU, Alabama, and Auburn overcomes any concerns I had about him after his brutal Combine performance. He's an extremely powerful runner with quick feet, polished technical skill, and a great feel for where holes will develop. It's hard to doubt a man who averaged nearly 6.5 yards per carry and rushed for 1000+ yards this year in the SEC.
Round 7 Pick #37 - Khalil Hodge ILB Buffalo
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pufPQK3offs
Analysis: Hodge is another guy who turned in terrible measurables. His Pro Day was a disaster. However, he's such a good football player that I just have to pick him here. Over the past two years, Hodge has averaged 148 tackles per year. He is a three-time captain and a true defensive leader. His football character is off the charts. However, Hodge is also a limited athlete who fits more into that thumper role that a lot of teams no longer value. Hodge diagnoses plays quicker than any LB I've watched this year. He almost never gets it wrong. He also displays good speed downhill, he has the size (6'1" 240) and strength to take on blockers, he plays with consistent gap integrity, and he rarely misses tackles. Hodge also shows comfort backpedaling in zone coverage and reads the QB well. That all said, Hodge lacks the speed to run sideline to sideline, and he lacks the short-area quickness and fluid hips to handle man coverage responsibilities well in the NFL. He's a very smart and instinctual defender, but he has his athletic limitations. I'd also like to see him use his hands better to keep blockers from getting to his chest. Ultimately, he may not make the squad, but his instincts are so great that I want to give him a chance.
Projected Starters
QB: Jared Goff
HB: Todd Gurley
XWR: Brandin Cooks
ZWR: Robert Woods
SLWR: Cooper Kupp
TE: Tyler Higbee or Gerald Everett
LT: Andrew Whitworth
LG: Joe Noteboom
C: Brian Allen
RG: Austin Blythe
RT: Rob Havenstein
5T: John Franklin-Myers
NT: Michael Brockers
3T: Aaron Donald
WOLB: Dante Fowler Jr.
Mo LB: Cory Littleton
Mike LB: Micah Kiser
SOLB: Samson Ebukam
RCB: Aqib Talib
LCB: Marcus Peters
SLCB: Nickell Robey-Coleman
FS: Eric Weddle
SS: John Johnson
K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide
