MOCK FUCKING DRAFT Part 2

7) New England:
Needs: ILB, CB, FS, OLB, OT

Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

Plays Like: Shaun Phillips

Pass rusher extraordinaire who can give this team a pass rusher with speed and skills. Gholston is the premier tweener in the draft and will likely get some attention from 4-3 teams as well. Regardless, he is the nation’s best pass rusher with developing skills at 3-4 OLB that can cover tight ends and running backs. The drafting of Gholston would allow Adalius Thomas or Mike Vrable to move to inside (where both of have played in their careers) in case one of Seau or Bruschi retires. Patriots typically do not draft corners high but watch just because I said that they will draft one here.

8) Baltimore

Needs: CB, QB, WR, OT, DE

Pick: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy

Plays Like: Deion Sanders

Troy Smith will likely be the starter next season but doesn’t mean a new staff in Baltimore is entirely intrigued with notion of him being a full time starter. As a result, the Rats will go QB later on the draft. The Rats have an aging defense that could ravaged as injuries mounted. The first pick is one of the latest risers in McKelvin. McKelvin came from the same school as Osi and Demarcus and his game is all about speed. McKelvin is a boom or bust pick but his speed his the great equalizer. McKelvin also has good size, excellent timed speed with a burst to close. He has solid footwork and a very good tackler. Did I also mention some great hands? For the record, also a dynamic return man. The weakness he has is his lack of competition coming from Troy and a very aggressive nature that can pay out of control at times.

9) Cincinnati:

Needs: DE, DT, S, LB, TE, WR, C

Pick: Keith Rivers, LB, USC

Plays Like: Lance Briggs

Rivers is one of the most athletically gifted linebackers in the draft who is extremely versatile and smart. He is listed at 6-2 236 and has the frame to grow more. Rivers can play outside or inside depending on scheme and package providing the Bungles have any idea how to run a team.

10) New Orleans:

Needs: CB, ILB, WLB, DT, RT, TE,

Pick: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

Plays Like: Chris McCalister

From a physical standpoint, Jenkins has it all. He has solid size, and matches up well with most receivers. He is also an excellent athlete, that shows the quickness and change of direction ability to keep up with receivers in and out of breaks. Jenkins has developed excellent ball skills, and knows how to locate the ball in the air and make a play on it.

11) Buffalo:

Needs: LB, DT, CB, WR, TE, C, OT

Pick: Dan Connor, LB, Penn State

Plays Like: Tedy Bruschi

Connor is an all around standout linebacker. He is a player that can make the big play, but also the type of player you count on to lead your defense and consistently be around the action. He is athletic, and has the quickness and speed to cover in space. The rare trait he has, is that he has a knack for finding the ball and making a play on it that most linebackers do not possess. He also has the toughness and strength to stick his nose in between the tackles and stuff the run. He is the prototypical linebacker, and has everything you look for in a linebacker prospect. Connor has been slipping in some scout’s eyes but I’m going wait until the combine to suggest otherwise.

12) Denver:
Needs: DT, MLB, OT, G, RB, FS, SS

Pick: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State

Plays Like: Orlando Pace

Clady is the prototype left tackle. He has a long, lean frame and is an excellent athlete. He easily mirrors defenders in pass protection, and shows excellent lateral agility. He is an excellent pass protector, and should keep his Cutler’s jersey clean on a consistent basis. Clady can use some time gaining strength but he will fit in well with Denver.