Time to mock! Kiper, McShay say Falcons take . . .
Kiper: Falcons take Maryland receiver Torrey Smith.
McShay: Justin Houston goes from Dogs to Birds.
It’s that time of the year again: Football darts!
Yes, NFL mock drafts officially shifted into full gear with ESPN’s two major draftniks, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay (seeming mortal enemies), both releasing their projections.
Not surprisingly, both agree on little beyond the fact that the other is an idiot. Also, the Washington Redskins are going to draft Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the 10th overall selection.
Below, I’ve listed the mock drafts of each. They’re available only to ESPN “Insider” subscribers. But I’m a man of the people so I’m giving it to you. Besides, I figure if ESPN threatens me with violence for giving away this high-level information for free, I’ll at least get about 17 mocking blogs out of it. So I’m pretty sure they’ll leave me alone.
Here are the other picks I’ve highlighted (with Kiper’s and McShay’s analysis):
– Kiper has Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green going sixth to Cleveland. McShay has Green going fourth to Cincinnati. So they agree on the state of Ohio.
– Kiper has Bulldogs outside linebacker Justin Houston going 24th to New Orleans. But McShay has Houston being selected 27th by — ta-da! — the Falcons.
– Kiper has the Falcons drafting Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith.
OK, here are the mocks. Feel free to mock. They’re for entertainment purposes only. Tell me what you think.
By Jeff Schultz
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♦
Mel Kiper’s mock draft
1. Carolina: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.
2. Denver: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU.
3. Buffalo: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama.
4. Cincinnati: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson.
5. Arizona: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri.
6. Cleveland: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia.
The Browns need a No.1 wideout and Green has fit the profile since he landed between the hedges at Georgia. Green is a complete package, with size, speed and solid route-running skills, and he will be the best friend of a young quarterback as a player that’s able to go up and take the ball away. Cleveland has some good pieces, and Green is exactly what Colt McCoy needs.
7. San Francisco: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina.
8. Tennessee: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M.
9. Dallas: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska.
10. Washington: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.
A gifted athlete, Newton has good arm strength and size, has developing accuracy and continues to show that the more you ask him as a passer, the more he’ll develop. This spot might be a bit high based on his current grade in the eyes of scouts, but Newton’s skill-set is such that personnel people are going to become more enamored, if they already aren’t. Newton has character questions that need to be answered, but the Redskins have a long-term need at this position and the prospect of developing Newton is a tantalizing one.
11. Houston: Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri.
12. Minnesota: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado.
13. Detroit: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA.
14. St. Louis: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama.
15. Miami: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama.
16. Jacksonville: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa.
17. New England: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin.
18. San Diego: Cameron Jordan, DE, California.
19. N.Y. Giants: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida.
20. Tampa Bay: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.
21. Kansas City: Stephen Paea, DT. Oregon State.
22. Indianapolis: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College.
23. Philadelphia: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.
24. New Orleans: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
An outside linebacker to some, I see Houston developing into a great edge-rusher as a 4-3 defensive end. The Saints need help at that spot and Houston is a guy who could pay big dividends into the second half of his rookie season as he grows into the role. With great length, quickness and pass-rushing instincts, he’ll help the Saints get to opposing QBs without being forced to rely on the blitz.
25. Seattle: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.
26. Baltimore: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami.
27. Falcons: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland.
Atlanta needs to develop a pass-catching target across from Roddy White, and Smith is a guy who can get downfield, work underneath and will always be a home run threat when he catches the ball. He also offers a serious threat in the return game. Atlanta doesn’t have a lot of holes and Smith could help take this offense to another level as an explosive threat opposite White.
28. New England: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois.
29. Green Bay: Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa.
30. N.Y. Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple.
31. Chicago: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas.
32. Pittsburgh: Tyron Smith, OT, USC.
♦
Todd McShay’s mock draft
1. Carolina: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson.
2. Denver: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
3. Buffalo: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri.
4. Cincinnati: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia.
The Bengals need to find the heir apparent to Carson Palmer at some point but won’t find him in this scenario. With Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco likely on their way out of town, Green would be an ideal replacement. He is very smooth for his size and plays the ball better than any receiver in the 2011 class.
5. Arizona: Patrick Patterson, CB, LSU
6. Cleveland: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina.
7. San Francisco: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama.
8. Tennessee: Jake Locker, QB, Washington.
9. Dallas: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska.
10. Washington: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.
A gifted athlete, Newton has good arm strength and size, has developing accuracy and continues to show that the more you ask him as a passer, the more he’ll develop. This spot might be a bit high based on his current grade in the eyes of scouts, but Newton’s skill-set is such that personnel people are going to become more enamored, if they already aren’t. Newton has character questions that need to be answered, but the Redskins have a long-term need at this position and the prospect of developing Newton is a tantalizing one.
11. Houston: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M.
12. Minnesota: Tyron Smith, OT, USC.
13. Detroit: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado.
14. St. Louis: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama.
15. Miami: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida.
16. Jacksonville: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.
17. New England: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.
18. San Diego: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA.
19. N.Y. Giants: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois.
20. Tampa Bay: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa.
21. Kansas City: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri.
22. Indianapolis: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College.
23. Philadelphia: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.
24. New Orleans: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State.
25. Seattle: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin.
26. Baltimore: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State.
27. Falcons: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia.
Houston played a hybrid role in college and could be a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he makes sense here as the heir apparent to DE John Abraham. Houston would help the aging Abraham stay fresh and have the chance to develop his skill set.
28. New England: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama.
29. Green Bay: Cameron Jordan, DE, California.
30. N.Y. Jets: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU.
31. Chicago: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor.
32. Pittsburgh: Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova.
♦
Posts you may have missed (free on demand!)
– Stacy Searels leaving Georgia? Can I offer him a lift?
– SEC’s get into ‘Smack Wear’ with BCS T-shirt (really?)
– Before you pre-judge Ryan, look at NFL’s ‘Final 4′ QBs
– Joe Johnson appears to be buying into Hawks’ new system
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143 comments Add your comment
Dan
January 20th, 2011
9:24 am
Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame or Ras Dowling CB Virginia
Ryan
January 20th, 2011
9:24 am
I’d be thrilled if Ingram is there at 27. I would be happy with Ingram or Justin Houston. Please dont draft a WR in the first round. We can address that in free agency with a veteran to put opposite Roddy.
ASHCAN.
January 20th, 2011
9:28 am
The only players the falcons got right in a draft is jesse tuggle,D.sanders and that was in the smith era.Everybody else they draft end up being released or traded.The falcons organization biggest mistake is not picking up more vets in free agency.They have this attitude of we can rebuild from the draft but when a player becomes good who they draft that signes a 3-4 year contract,they end up not wanting to pay for him then he goes to another team and win superbowls.The falcons are a farm system team sort of like baseball that developes talent then send them on there way.So saying all that means it don’t matter who they draft will they select the right player and if so, will they pay for him? Until i see a change i will always be the falcons worst critic.
Sid
January 20th, 2011
9:28 am
How bout a bet that none of these pan out in the NFL Draft?
Time Travaler
January 20th, 2011
9:47 am
In the future the Flacons contune 2 make pour draft picks. They will be nown as “the team that couldt draft”
Enemas for Arbor Day
January 20th, 2011
9:48 am
Jessie Tuggle was not drafted. He was a free agent. Do your homework before you post here or I will make you plant a tree.
MR
January 20th, 2011
10:06 am
Needs: Speed at the RB position and an improved pass rush! There is no point in getting a receiver IF we continue to run the same routes. Also no point of adding DBs in FA if we can’t get any pressure on the quarterback.
IheartFalcons
January 20th, 2011
10:12 am
The Falcons don’t need help in the secondary. They need help on the D line. No DB can cover that long when the defensive line is not getting to the quaterback. Draft a DE, pick up a free agent receiver.
Joe Tess Fish House
January 20th, 2011
10:16 am
I kept tellin U all that Perrier Jerry is a bust. If he was even just a lil bit beter the defence wood get presure on the QB. Also I told U all that Abe is over the hill hes like 39 year old and gettin slower n slower. These thing were quiet oblivous in the game agains the Pack. At some point U all need 2 lissen 2 me and see that I no what I am tlakin about
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The Joker
January 20th, 2011
11:26 am
There is no way we take a WR or Outside Linebacker with all of the holes in the Defense(pass rush), we do need a receiver but I agree with what others have said about the Falcons getting one in Free Agency. I am also not completely sure on Ingram, he is a great back, don’t get me wrong but he has already had a knee operation(even though it was minor), not to mention all of the wear and tear he has taken during his alabama tenure. Someone like Trent Richardson would be a better pick if he were to come out, Overall, we need SPEED, SPEED, and MORE SPEED….as a Dome team, Speed has proven to be the winner…look at the Aint’s last year, the Rams in ‘99-2001, The speedy defensive players on the Colts during their Superbowl appearances…. It’s all about the SPEED!!!!
Ed
January 20th, 2011
11:30 am
If I were Dimitroff I would pick Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State, that guy lived in the Arkansas backfield in the Sugar Bowl. I think he would solidify the Defensive End position once and for all and come much cheaper than a Free Agent. The 2 positions that he will fill via free agency will be CB and WR.
Preston
January 20th, 2011
12:08 pm
Wouldn’t it make sense to get a badass DE to work opposite of Abraham? Maybe they’ll concentrate on that with free agency. Some DB’s are needed too! The GB game exposed our D bigtime. The offense isn’t as bad as people think, they just weren’t on the field enough with Rogers picking us apart with long drives.
Preston
January 20th, 2011
12:10 pm
BTW, NEVER pay attention to these mock drafts. Especially with the later picks like ours. This is just fodder for the masses.
Preston
January 20th, 2011
12:11 pm
I’ll be the first to predict that we don’t get Smith OR Houston.
FF284
January 20th, 2011
12:51 pm
Joe Tess—–Abe is over the hill? Yet he was the one player on the defense that did anything against the Pack. Peria Jerry is a bust? It was really his first year after missing last season. It does take two years to fully recover from a knee injury.
Your little pearls of wisdom are just completely and utterly STUPID!!!!!!!
E43
January 20th, 2011
12:52 pm
I think the falcons should try and get Minnesotta DE Ray Edwards and then use that 1st round pick on a receiver. its just too risky to use that pick on a a DE given the falcons history.
EASTWYCK
January 20th, 2011
12:59 pm
Here is what (I) think the Falcons should do.
1. Jeremy Beal DE/OKL 4/3 RIGHT END
2. Kyle Rudolph TE/N.D I perfer them to go after Zack Miller of Oak, Or Owen Danields of Tex. But Rudolph is an option.
3.Matt Reynolds OT/BYU
4.De’Andre Brown WR/S.MISS 6′6 And run a 4.4 and has sick hands!!!
5.Quizz Rodgers RB/OREst Scat back that can do it all.
6.Chris Carter OLB/FREst
7.Kai Forbath K/UCLA
So that’s what I think!!!! Go FALCONS!!!!!
Time Travaler
January 20th, 2011
1:00 pm
In the furture U will all see that Joe Tess Fish House is indeed rite about neerly everthing.
Joe Tess Fish House
January 20th, 2011
1:03 pm
@ FF284
It take 2 years 4 Perrier Jerry to get more then 2 tackels a game? Reely? Face it the guy is a bust. If he is stil hurt Y R they playing him? They are tryin 2 fool us in 2 thinkin he is not bust but I can see that he is.
Nuff said!
Kiper needs a haircut
January 20th, 2011
1:11 pm
What does Mel Kiper do during the rest of the year – besides let his hair grow!
Joe Tess Fish House
January 20th, 2011
1:14 pm
Mel piked against the Falcons and was rite. Thats what else he can do,
Kane337
January 20th, 2011
1:40 pm
Needs in this order:
DE – make Kroy a backup DE
CB – Champ Bailey will be a FA and won’t cost too much. Move Dunta to #2, Grimes to nickle.
LB – replace Mike Peterson. His contract is up.
RB – speed back. replace Norwood.
WR – speed, deep threat
West Coast Falcons Fan
January 20th, 2011
1:43 pm
Jacquizz Rogers of Oregon St We need a take it to the house on any given play type player on offense and please open up the playbook and stop being so conservative. We need another pass rusher on defense but I believe we can find him in the later rounds. It’s time to change the defensive philosophy and become more aggressive!!
Kane337
January 20th, 2011
1:45 pm
Just say no to Mark Ingram. He’s too injury prone. We already got one of those injury prone type of RB’s.
Josh
January 20th, 2011
1:48 pm
Not to rock the boat… but wouldn’t it be a good idea to get a TE in here to learn from the best, before the best leaves? Like how Aaron Rogers learned from Brett Favre?
waynester
January 20th, 2011
1:54 pm
In the Future no one needs to learn basic spelling or grammar as all communication is done telepathically.
Time Traveller– here’s a message for you……………………..
FF284
Watch out! Those aren’t Pearls Tess is dropping! In future, please remember–pearls aren’t brown and they have no offensive odor…..
F Troop
January 20th, 2011
1:55 pm
Addressing the pass rush through free agency makes the best sense. Impact rookie DEs are ridiculously rare, free agent DE’s are much more available.
I say address the WR issue through FA as well. Some big names out there. Falcons need the threat of a deep man even worse than getting a deep man. It’ll take some pressure off of Turner and Ryan.
Qhat to draft? We need an O-lineman that can help us in two years. Get some needed depth thru the draft. There are a few players that can help us there in this year’s class.
JONESBORO SLIM
January 20th, 2011
2:00 pm
Some of you people must be on scouting and coaching squad of the Washington Redskins…why would you pick a CB or LB when you need to address the pass rush….then you talk about a WR position, have you forgot about Kerry Meier whose on IR you were jumping up & down about him this past summer… lets see what he can do…the time is now lets go after a FG DE and a speedy RB………
F Troop
January 20th, 2011
2:01 pm
Only Abe and Bierman are legit pass rushers, everybody else are run stoppers. Therefore, since impact DE’s are so rare in a draft, address this via free agency.
I also think we outghta get WR help from free agency. Falcons need a known entity to complement RW. He must inspire fear and force safeties to be honest. At least five good WRs who are currently FA who could fill that role immediately.
What to draft? O-line and LBs. Our LBs are a bit injury-prone. We need depth there. Our O-line is getting old. Need depth there, too.
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Mike
January 20th, 2011
2:11 pm
I guess i’m in the minority when I say that the Falcons really dont have alot of needs. I personally think it’s the scheme that the OC’s are forced to install, and not the players. Granted, we do need a legit #2 corner and WR (sorry Grimes, just too short buddy). But beyond that, you can really pick and choose. With the amount of cap room teams will supposedly have next season, and with the commitment Mr. Blank has shown to this team, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get 2 name FA’s.
And I for one think they go RB in the first round.
Mike
January 20th, 2011
2:14 pm
Oh, i meant OC and DC…can’t leave out BVG.
Josh
January 20th, 2011
2:24 pm
Rob Rang and Chad Reuter (with CBS) are both saying we’re going to go for a CB… Aaron Williams or Jimmy Smith (respectively).
ASHCAN.
January 20th, 2011
2:29 pm
@Anemas for arbor day,Don’t know what exactly planting the tree mean but that was funny.
Dennis
January 20th, 2011
3:01 pm
Has Mel Kiper every gotten *anything* right?
I’d come out of retirement and do what he does for a lot less and get just as many picks correct.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 20th, 2011
3:15 pm
Well one thing is for certain, they will never waste a 1st round pick on a player that spends 5 years in college ball and still throws 22 picks in the 5th season.
Oh wait…..they already did. My bad
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 20th, 2011
3:19 pm
Dimitroff should be placed on “double probation” for all the busts he has drafted.
All the best players were drafted by the previous regime or through free agency.
Roddy
Babs
Abe
Falcon Jim
January 20th, 2011
3:25 pm
Joe Tess is a very astute observer of the gridiron. Sometimes genius is not recognized when it is so contrary to popular belief. Deep vision can be clouded by others short-sightedness. Colloquial style should not be used to criticize, but look to the content. Joe Tess is a brave visionary and should be respected.
waynester
January 20th, 2011
3:30 pm
one other thing is certain–we would never spend 100 mill on a lying,lazy,low grade moron,dope smokin’,whoremongerin’,disease-riddled, embarassing abuser of animals–oh wait, we already did–with the previous regime–yeah, your bad….
waynester
January 20th, 2011
3:32 pm
Don’t censor me, brah…..
JSS
January 20th, 2011
3:35 pm
H-e-l-l just froze over…
Falcon Jim, gin and juice or something harder?
Ron Choke Mexico
January 20th, 2011
3:37 pm
They must draft a DE, If you run a 4-3, you must be able to pressure the QB with your front 4, or your DB’s are screwed.
What position isn’t a hit or miss in the draft? DE isn’t unique in that regard
If kerrigan is available, I say take him at 27
we don’t know yet if jerry is a bust, people were saying moore was a bust until this year.
what group of LB’s worth their pay, aren’t injury prone?
Ron Choke Mexico
January 20th, 2011
3:39 pm
TD signed, traded for, or drafted….
1) TG
2) Turner
3) Grimes
4) Moore
5) Lofton
6) Ryan
7) weatherspoon
lot of teams would love to have these guys.
Ron Choke Mexico
January 20th, 2011
3:43 pm
Falcons need DE, OLB, CB on defense. Offense needs 1 or 2 WR’s, 1 or 2 RB’s, TE…..
Falcon Jim
January 20th, 2011
3:45 pm
JSS
Joe gets beat up so much, just “sending a little kindness.”
alf
January 20th, 2011
4:16 pm
Ha you think they were going to try and win a superbowl.Try agreeing to a new stadium first.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 20th, 2011
4:21 pm
Ron Choke Mexico
January 20th, 2011
3:39 pm
TD signed, traded for, or drafted….
1) TG
2) Turner
3) Grimes
4) Moore
5) Lofton
6) Ryan
7) weatherspoon
lot of teams would love to have these guys.
____________________________________________________
Aren’t these the same guys that got blown out by 27 points to a number 6 seed?
I don’t think Green Bay wants them
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 20th, 2011
4:24 pm
The Falcons don’t need more talent – they need a “true” franchise quarterback.
Vick took the Falcons further with half the talent on the current Falcons team.
CHOKE is a JOKE