This is my first mock draft of the off season. The Bengals could not get it
done and once again failed to get that elusive playoff victory. Time to look at some holes on the roster and address a few needs that need to researched before the draft is upon us.
Please keep in mind this is pre-everything and where these players are projected to go will change dramatically. I want to sure up the defense and get some play makers on the roster that this team has been missing desperately. What do my fellow draft dorks think?
Round 1: Matt Elam - SS - Florida Round
This year I feel it's a must not to neglect the SS position. Elam is the hands down best SS in this years draft. Will he last until the Bengals are on the clock. Time will tell but I think this is the type of player that could help this defense take the next step.
Quick Note: As a true freshman in 2010, Elam played in all 13 games and recorded 22 tackles. As a first year starter in 2011, he had 78 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks. As a Junior in 2012, he was named a midseason All-American by SI.com, CBSSports.com and ESPN.
Round 2a: Kevin Minter - MLB - LSU
I am a Rey fan but I think it is time for a change. Minter is a tackle machine and good in coverage. Again it may be a stretch that he will be there at the top of round 2 but if he is Minter better be the choice.
Quick Note: Minter just finished one of the most productive seasons for a Tiger defender in school history, racking up 130 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and four quarterback hurries.
2b: Andre Ellington - RB - Clemson
Speed kills and this guy can be the big play threat this team has been missing. Ellington is not afraid to run between the tackles and shows good hands making him a possible 3 down RB in the NFL. I love me some Ellington!Oh yea looking for a great 4.4 40 time come stop watch time!
Quick Note: One of four running backs to eclipse 1,000 yards in the ACC last season, Ellington (pictured above) currently ranks as the Tigers' top draft-eligible NFL prospect.
Round 3: William Gholston - DE - Michigan State
Boom bust pick but I love his size and pass rush ability. I think the Bengals need to keep the stables full. The D-Line is solid but could be deeper. William can be dominant but can also disappear. I am banking on him figuring it out.
Quick Note: Three-year letterwinner collected 142 tackles, including 30.0 for losses (102 yards) and 10.0 sacks (56 yards), in 36 career games and 24 starts . . . finished his career ranked 10th in MSU history in tackles for loss (30.0).
Round 4: Conner Vernon - WR -Duke
I think a possession WR is still a need. Conner has good speed and great ball skills. Could push Whalen for a roster spot and turn into a reliable weapon for Dalton.
Quick Note: Vernon, a four-year starter, caught 283 passes for 3,749 yards and 21 touchdowns. He left Duke as the ACC record holder for career catches and career receiving yardage.
Round 5: Leon McFadden - CB - San Diego State
Is a sleeper for a late round prospect that could provide some production year 1. Plays a very solid all around game. Does everything pretty damn well. Would be a nice addition and some much needs youth to the CB spot.
Quick Note: McFadden has played in every game since arriving on campus as a true freshman in 2009 and is tied for the most pass breakups in SDSU history, has set career highs this year in tackles (59), solo (45), interceptions (3) and forced fumbles (1), and two interceptions returned for a touchdown.
Round 6a: Rex Burkhead - RB - Nebraska
I love this player. He has a nose for the goal line and great hands. May not be the explosive supper burner but I think he has all the tools to be a very good NFL player. I would compare him to a Matt forte type of player if given time to grow.
Quick Note: Nebraska senior RB Rex Burkhead said that there was no swelling around his injured MCL after carrying the football 16 times for 69 yards against Iowa.
Round 6b: Tyrann Mathieu - CB/KR- LSU
Speed, return skills, pure fire with the rock in his hands and a checkered past. Sounds good to me! I am not one to judge but I am one to covet play makers. I know he is only 5'7 and I don't care. Put him at KR and PR while training him to play the nickel.
Quick Note: Mathieu was suspended for the 2012 season for substance abuse. He was arrested for possession of marijuana last month and had previously failed a drug test, which led to his dismissal from LSU in August. In 2011, Mathieu, nicknamed "Honey Badger," had six forced fumbles and two punt-return touchdowns. He was third in the FBS in punt-return yards.
Please keep in mind this is pre-everything and where these players are projected to go will change dramatically. I want to sure up the defense and get some play makers on the roster that this team has been missing desperately. What do my fellow draft dorks think?
This year I feel it's a must not to neglect the SS position. Elam is the hands down best SS in this years draft. Will he last until the Bengals are on the clock. Time will tell but I think this is the type of player that could help this defense take the next step.
Quick Note: As a true freshman in 2010, Elam played in all 13 games and recorded 22 tackles. As a first year starter in 2011, he had 78 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks. As a Junior in 2012, he was named a midseason All-American by SI.com, CBSSports.com and ESPN.
I am a Rey fan but I think it is time for a change. Minter is a tackle machine and good in coverage. Again it may be a stretch that he will be there at the top of round 2 but if he is Minter better be the choice.
Quick Note: Minter just finished one of the most productive seasons for a Tiger defender in school history, racking up 130 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and four quarterback hurries.
Speed kills and this guy can be the big play threat this team has been missing. Ellington is not afraid to run between the tackles and shows good hands making him a possible 3 down RB in the NFL. I love me some Ellington!Oh yea looking for a great 4.4 40 time come stop watch time!
Quick Note: One of four running backs to eclipse 1,000 yards in the ACC last season, Ellington (pictured above) currently ranks as the Tigers' top draft-eligible NFL prospect.
Boom bust pick but I love his size and pass rush ability. I think the Bengals need to keep the stables full. The D-Line is solid but could be deeper. William can be dominant but can also disappear. I am banking on him figuring it out.
Quick Note: Three-year letterwinner collected 142 tackles, including 30.0 for losses (102 yards) and 10.0 sacks (56 yards), in 36 career games and 24 starts . . . finished his career ranked 10th in MSU history in tackles for loss (30.0).
I think a possession WR is still a need. Conner has good speed and great ball skills. Could push Whalen for a roster spot and turn into a reliable weapon for Dalton.
Quick Note: Vernon, a four-year starter, caught 283 passes for 3,749 yards and 21 touchdowns. He left Duke as the ACC record holder for career catches and career receiving yardage.
Is a sleeper for a late round prospect that could provide some production year 1. Plays a very solid all around game. Does everything pretty damn well. Would be a nice addition and some much needs youth to the CB spot.
Quick Note: McFadden has played in every game since arriving on campus as a true freshman in 2009 and is tied for the most pass breakups in SDSU history, has set career highs this year in tackles (59), solo (45), interceptions (3) and forced fumbles (1), and two interceptions returned for a touchdown.
I love this player. He has a nose for the goal line and great hands. May not be the explosive supper burner but I think he has all the tools to be a very good NFL player. I would compare him to a Matt forte type of player if given time to grow.
Quick Note: Nebraska senior RB Rex Burkhead said that there was no swelling around his injured MCL after carrying the football 16 times for 69 yards against Iowa.
Speed, return skills, pure fire with the rock in his hands and a checkered past. Sounds good to me! I am not one to judge but I am one to covet play makers. I know he is only 5'7 and I don't care. Put him at KR and PR while training him to play the nickel.
Quick Note: Mathieu was suspended for the 2012 season for substance abuse. He was arrested for possession of marijuana last month and had previously failed a drug test, which led to his dismissal from LSU in August. In 2011, Mathieu, nicknamed "Honey Badger," had six forced fumbles and two punt-return touchdowns. He was third in the FBS in punt-return yards.
I concur with your top 4 picks! Rey is just OK, time to upgrade. Honey badger late would be nice. Elam along with Nelson- love it...as far as Rex, I am a fan of letting Boom get a few meaningful carries and see what happens, he runs hard as hell
ReplyDeleteI agree man I know I will flip flop around in a few more mocks heading into the draft. Thanks for checking out my mock man I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteWHO DEY!