Season Over - 2012 NFL Mock (1st Draft)

[ABQCOWBOY]

Without the benefits of the Combine, this is a bit of a shot in the dark but here goes.

Unlike most, I am not in favor of taking a Guard in the 1st round. I think that the more efficient approach might be to look towards the value in the draft and try to draft to it as opposed to reaching for a position. I think that we should make it a priority to sign Nicks out of New Orleans. The Saints just signed Jahri Evans to a 57 Million Dollar, Seven year deal in 2010. I would be shocked if they shelled out another big time contract on Nicks. Nicks should be our priority in FA.

I think we should also look at picking up a marquee CB if the opportunity presents itself.

1st Rd (14th) - Stephen Gilmore Jr. CB South Carolina 6'1" 190 lbs 4.45 40 Unofficial. Gilmore is prototypical at the CB position. All SEC, 2nd Team All American. 4 INTs., 46 Tkls, 1 Sack his Jr. Yr. As a Soph, he registered 3 INTs., 71 Tkls, 3 Sacks. He does not have great catch up speed or great agility but he is very physical both at the LOS or tackling opposing players. Great Football IQ and is exactly the kind of player that a guy like Ryan would love to send off the edge on a blitz. Is excellent in Man to Man bump and run. Also good in Zone coverage. Starter since his Freshman year. A lot will depend on his combine. If he runs well and has better then average agility for the position, he will be a first round pick and will probably be right there for us at 14. If not, he will probably slip into the late first or early second. I think he's going to run well, he's the kind of big physical CB we lack.


2nd Rd (45th) - Alameda Ta'amu Sr. DT Washington 6'3" 337 lbs. 5.08 Unofficial. 4 sacks, 30 Tkls, 8 TFL, the man is just that. He is a Man. Huge, strong and has surprising quickness in short areas. He is not a 3Tech. He is a NT. Massively strong Upper Body and Lower Legs. He can anchor and that is what we lack when facing teams like Philly and the Giants. He's going to grow and get stronger but immediately, he can help us in the interior and allow for a move of Rat to DE or at the very least, spell him to save him for the season. Also gives us the ability to match up against run teams physically.


3rd Rd (83rd) - Amini Silatolu Sr. OG Midwestern State 6'3" 324 lbs. 5.28 40 Unofficial. Silatolu is a D2 player that I think you will see rise up the boards come in the 2012 Draft. Very good athlete with exceptional feet. He is currently playing LT but he will eventually move to Guard at the next level. He has natural power and quickness, plays with a nasty attitude and has an powerful punch off the line. His short area quickness is very good. I think that he could make an excellent LG in the NFL.


4th Rd (114th) - Jake Bequette Sr. DE Arkansas 6'5" 271 lbs 4.62 40 Unofficial. Two year starter at Arkansas had 8 sacks and 32 Tackles in just 9 games. This kid has the size to play LB in a 34. He reminds me of another Razorback DE named Hampton. I think he could be that kind of player one day.

5th Rd (145th) - Cordarro Law Sr. DE Southern Mississippi 6'2" 261 lbs. 40 4.5 Unofficial. This guy may well rocket up the boards once the combine comes round.
2011 - 14 Gms, 9.5 Sks, 64 Tkls, 36 Solo, 22 TFL, 4 PBU, 5 QB HUR, 4 FF.
2010 - 13 Gms, 5.5 Sks, 48 Tkls, 29 Solo, 11.5 TFL, 4 QB HUR, 4 FF.
2009 - 13 Gms, 7.5 Sks, 59 Tkls, 35 Solo, 14.5 TFL, 2 PBU, 2 QB HUR, 4 FF.
2008 - 13 Gms, 5 Sks, 21 Tkls, 17 Solo, 6 TFL. 2 FF.

Folks, that's 27.5 Sacks, 192 Tackles, 54 Tackles For Loss, 6 PBU, 11 QB Hurries and 14 Forced Fumbles in 4 season from the DE position. That's production. I see Law as a 34 OLB.

6th Rd (176th) - Terrance Ganaway Sr. RB Baylor 5'11" 240 lbs. 4.5 40 Unofficial. This is a guy who was ultra productive in his Sr. season for Baylor. 1547 yards rushing, 6.2 YPC, 21 Rushing TDs. Can run inside or outside. He is a guy who I think could carry the load if needed in an injury situation.

6th Rd Compensatory Pick - Matt Conrath Sr. DT Virgina 6'7" 280 lbs. 40 4.73 Unofficial. 11.5 career Sacks, 183 career Tackles, 101 Solo, 30.5 Tackles For Loss, 4 forced fumbles, 10 Passes Broken Up Career numbers. I see Conrath as a DE in a 34. He has plenty of room to put on more weight and muscle. Long arms and body. Has a good first step, very good anticipation for the game and lots of experience. He's a guy who you could bring in and get a season or two in a pro conditioning program and he could be a very good 34 DE in your rotation. One thing is for sure, he won't quit on you.

7th Rd (207th) - Blake Gideon Sr. FS Texas 6' 205 lbs, 40 4.52 Unofficial. 9 Career INTs, 238 Tkls, 161 Solo, 13 PBU, 2 FF. These are career numbers. Gideon is a coaches Son who has a good mind for the game. He is tough, a very hard hitter, an excellent tackler and a motor that does not stop. At worst he is a solid Special Teams player and a decent backup. At best, he develops into a pretty good Safety.

UFA - Jeff Adams Sr. OT Columbia 6'6" 305 lbs, 40 4.92. AP Third Team All American. That's not easy when you play for Columbia. A lot of interest in this guy. I don't know how good he may be but if he's still there, I would take a look at him.

 

[TheCount]

I like Alameda Ta'amu in this instance, but not addressing Oline till the third, and then having it be a D2 player kills it for me. We already have that guy in Arkin, we are in an ideal position to keep making significant investments in that oline after taking Tyron last year.

We all saw Newman getting roasted and are convinced CB is the greatest need, but we only scored 14 points and Romo was under pressure from the get go.

Taking one of the fat guys isn't sexy, but on a team that has starved to death trying to gorge itself on sizzle, it's time to eat some steak.

I will definitely give you credit for bringing up some lesser known names here, more guys to look into.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I like Alameda Ta'amu in this instance, but not addressing Oline till the third, and then having it be a D2 player kills it for me. We already have that guy in Arkin, we are in an ideal position to keep making significant investments in that oline after taking Tyron last year.

We all saw Newman getting roasted and are convinced CB is the greatest need, but we only scored 14 points and Romo was under pressure from the get go.

Taking one of the fat guys isn't sexy, but on a team that has starved to death trying to gorge itself on sizzle, it's time to eat some steak.

I will definitely give you credit for bringing up some lesser known names here, more guys to look into.

I understand what you are saying Count but Silatolu is not Arkin. Silatolu is much stronger. I see him as a developmental player that could be a big time find for us in year two. I see Nicks as the Guard that we bring in to address OL in the short term with either Dockery, Holland or Kosier being the other Guard until a younger player is ready but I do understand. I just don't like the idea of taking a Guard at 14 overall.

 

[dboy214]

blake gideon is a terrible, terrible football player.

 

[ThrowuptheXDez88]

blake gideon is a terrible, terrible football player.

Yes, he was definitely a terrible football player this season. I do see where the OP is coming from, I know you don't want to draft for ST's but I could see this dude being a valuable piece on a ST's unit for 4-5 years..

 

[TheCoolFan]

I don't think you use a draft pick, even a 7th rounder, for solely special teams. We tried that with Stephen Hodge and he just didn't have anything worth keeping. All of our better special team players over the years have been undrafted (Keith Davis, Sam Hurd, Jesse Holley, Danny McCray). Stay away from Gideon in the draft! If you want to bring him to camp and try to compete for a spot then fine but you can find a much better project in the draft.

 

[ThrowuptheXDez88]

I don't think you use a draft pick, even a 7th rounder, for solely special teams. We tried that with Stephen Hodge and he just didn't have anything worth keeping. All of our better special team players over the years have been undrafted (Keith Davis, Sam Hurd, Jesse Holley, Danny McCray). Stay away from Gideon in the draft! If you want to bring him to camp and try to compete for a spot then fine but you can find a much better project in the draft.

I feel you, just saying I could understand a team that picks him late in the draft

 

[Biggems]

Without the benefits of the Combine, this is a bit of a shot in the dark but here goes.

Unlike most, I am not in favor of taking a Guard in the 1st round. I think that the more efficient approach might be to look towards the value in the draft and try to draft to it as opposed to reaching for a position. I think that we should make it a priority to sign Nicks out of New Orleans. The Saints just signed Jahri Evans to a 57 Million Dollar, Seven year deal in 2010. I would be shocked if they shelled out another big time contract on Nicks. Nicks should be our priority in FA.

I think we should also look at picking up a marquee CB if the opportunity presents itself.

1st Rd (14th) - Stephen Gilmore Jr. CB South Carolina 6'1" 190 lbs 4.45 40 Unofficial. Gilmore is prototypical at the CB position. All SEC, 2nd Team All American. 4 INTs., 46 Tkls, 1 Sack his Jr. Yr. As a Soph, he registered 3 INTs., 71 Tkls, 3 Sacks. He does not have great catch up speed or great agility but he is very physical both at the LOS or tackling opposing players. Great Football IQ and is exactly the kind of player that a guy like Ryan would love to send off the edge on a blitz. Is excellent in Man to Man bump and run. Also good in Zone coverage. Starter since his Freshman year. A lot will depend on his combine. If he runs well and has better then average agility for the position, he will be a first round pick and will probably be right there for us at 14. If not, he will probably slip into the late first or early second. I think he's going to run well, he's the kind of big physical CB we lack.


2nd Rd (45th) - Alameda Ta'amu Sr. DT Washington 6'3" 337 lbs. 5.08 Unofficial. 4 sacks, 30 Tkls, 8 TFL, the man is just that. He is a Man. Huge, strong and has surprising quickness in short areas. He is not a 3Tech. He is a NT. Massively strong Upper Body and Lower Legs. He can anchor and that is what we lack when facing teams like Philly and the Giants. He's going to grow and get stronger but immediately, he can help us in the interior and allow for a move of Rat to DE or at the very least, spell him to save him for the season. Also gives us the ability to match up against run teams physically.


3rd Rd (83rd) - Amini Silatolu Sr. OG Midwestern State 6'3" 324 lbs. 5.28 40 Unofficial. Silatolu is a D2 player that I think you will see rise up the boards come in the 2012 Draft. Very good athlete with exceptional feet. He is currently playing LT but he will eventually move to Guard at the next level. He has natural power and quickness, plays with a nasty attitude and has an powerful punch off the line. His short area quickness is very good. I think that he could make an excellent LG in the NFL.


4th Rd (114th) - Jake Bequette Sr. DE Arkansas 6'5" 271 lbs 4.62 40 Unofficial. Two year starter at Arkansas had 8 sacks and 32 Tackles in just 9 games. This kid has the size to play LB in a 34. He reminds me of another Razorback DE named Hampton. I think he could be that kind of player one day.

5th Rd (145th) - Cordarro Law Sr. DE Southern Mississippi 6'2" 261 lbs. 40 4.5 Unofficial. This guy may well rocket up the boards once the combine comes round.
2011 - 14 Gms, 9.5 Sks, 64 Tkls, 36 Solo, 22 TFL, 4 PBU, 5 QB HUR, 4 FF.
2010 - 13 Gms, 5.5 Sks, 48 Tkls, 29 Solo, 11.5 TFL, 4 QB HUR, 4 FF.
2009 - 13 Gms, 7.5 Sks, 59 Tkls, 35 Solo, 14.5 TFL, 2 PBU, 2 QB HUR, 4 FF.
2008 - 13 Gms, 5 Sks, 21 Tkls, 17 Solo, 6 TFL. 2 FF.

Folks, that's 27.5 Sacks, 192 Tackles, 54 Tackles For Loss, 6 PBU, 11 QB Hurries and 14 Forced Fumbles in 4 season from the DE position. That's production. I see Law as a 34 OLB.

6th Rd (176th) - Terrance Ganaway Sr. RB Baylor 5'11" 240 lbs. 4.5 40 Unofficial. This is a guy who was ultra productive in his Sr. season for Baylor. 1547 yards rushing, 6.2 YPC, 21 Rushing TDs. Can run inside or outside. He is a guy who I think could carry the load if needed in an injury situation.

6th Rd Compensatory Pick - Matt Conrath Sr. DT Virgina 6'7" 280 lbs. 40 4.73 Unofficial. 11.5 career Sacks, 183 career Tackles, 101 Solo, 30.5 Tackles For Loss, 4 forced fumbles, 10 Passes Broken Up Career numbers. I see Conrath as a DE in a 34. He has plenty of room to put on more weight and muscle. Long arms and body. Has a good first step, very good anticipation for the game and lots of experience. He's a guy who you could bring in and get a season or two in a pro conditioning program and he could be a very good 34 DE in your rotation. One thing is for sure, he won't quit on you.

7th Rd (207th) - Blake Gideon Sr. FS Texas 6' 205 lbs, 40 4.52 Unofficial. 9 Career INTs, 238 Tkls, 161 Solo, 13 PBU, 2 FF. These are career numbers. Gideon is a coaches Son who has a good mind for the game. He is tough, a very hard hitter, an excellent tackler and a motor that does not stop. At worst he is a solid Special Teams player and a decent backup. At best, he develops into a pretty good Safety.

UFA - Jeff Adams Sr. OT Columbia 6'6" 305 lbs, 40 4.92. AP Third Team All American. That's not easy when you play for Columbia. A lot of interest in this guy. I don't know how good he may be but if he's still there, I would take a look at him.

Superb mock except for your 2nd pick.....I am sorry, but that guy from Washington sucks. He is overhyped and overrated. I saw him get abused by the garbage that is the Pac 12....and then, he was the interior anchor to the defense that got absolutely raped by the Baylor Bears for over 700 yds of offense. I am sorry, but I don't want that guy anywhere near a Cowboys uniform.

 

[Zaxor]

Great draft except the 2nd pick...I agree with Biggems there

 

[Woods]

I think Bennett is gone this off-season. We may need to draft another TE Day 3 as well.

Unless you have us picking up a 2nd TE in FA.

 

[dboy214]

Yes, he was definitely a terrible football player this season. I do see where the OP is coming from, I know you don't want to draft for ST's but I could see this dude being a valuable piece on a ST's unit for 4-5 years..

no, no i'm telling you he is literally one of the worst players in this draft. he can't tackle so he can't play special teams. he's slow and has no athleticism/size.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

no, no i'm telling you he is literally one of the worst players in this draft. he can't tackle so he can't play special teams. he's slow and has no athleticism/size.

I watched the guy play for 4 years and I don't see what you claim here. You are entitled to your opinion but I don't see it.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Boy, until I hear even a small inkling that the Cowboys are thinking about moving Ratliff to DE, I just don't think they'll draft a NT... Especially that early.

 

[dboy214]

I watched the guy play for 4 years and I don't see what you claim here. You are entitled to your opinion but I don't see it.

so did i. attended many of the games. you are the first person i ever heard say anything positive about him.

 

[Biggems]

There are some quality late round TEs this year. Nick Provo - Syracuse and Josh Chichester - Louisville are the two guys I like late in the draft or even as UDFAs.

 

[RS12]

If you are going defense it has to start with pass rush.

 

[Dough Boy]

Without the benefits of the Combine, this is a bit of a shot in the dark but here goes.

Unlike most, I am not in favor of taking a Guard in the 1st round. I think that the more efficient approach might be to look towards the value in the draft and try to draft to it as opposed to reaching for a position. I think that we should make it a priority to sign Nicks out of New Orleans. The Saints just signed Jahri Evans to a 57 Million Dollar, Seven year deal in 2010. I would be shocked if they shelled out another big time contract on Nicks. Nicks should be our priority in FA.

I think we should also look at picking up a marquee CB if the opportunity presents itself.

1st Rd (14th) - Stephen Gilmore Jr. CB South Carolina 6'1" 190 lbs 4.45 40 Unofficial. Gilmore is prototypical at the CB position. All SEC, 2nd Team All American. 4 INTs., 46 Tkls, 1 Sack his Jr. Yr. As a Soph, he registered 3 INTs., 71 Tkls, 3 Sacks. He does not have great catch up speed or great agility but he is very physical both at the LOS or tackling opposing players. Great Football IQ and is exactly the kind of player that a guy like Ryan would love to send off the edge on a blitz. Is excellent in Man to Man bump and run. Also good in Zone coverage. Starter since his Freshman year. A lot will depend on his combine. If he runs well and has better then average agility for the position, he will be a first round pick and will probably be right there for us at 14. If not, he will probably slip into the late first or early second. I think he's going to run well, he's the kind of big physical CB we lack.

My wife is a Carolian Alum and we watch most games. Gilmore is no were near the value you mention in your opening paragraph. At best, he's a low 2nd or high 3rd. I'm of the opinion that he should stay for another year. He's a really good kid but he is not NFL ready.

He is not going to test well in the 40, but does have fluid hips and great hands. He is a 4.5 forty guy and maybe FS is his best position. I do think he would be the ideal Tampa 2 CB. He is not going to win many foot races.

I would rate Gilmore higher than Chris Culliver that was drafted last year by SF. Culliver was a WR that was converted to FS. The team had Culliver play CB last year because of depth concerns. While Gilmore is a better CB than Culliver, he is by no means a 1st draft prospect to those that have watched him play.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

My wife is a Carolian Alum and we watch most games. Gilmore is no were near the value you mention in your opening paragraph. At best, he's a low 2nd or high 3rd. I'm of the opinion that he should stay for another year. He's a really good kid but he is not NFL ready.

He is not going to test well in the 40, but does have fluid hips and great hands. He is a 4.5 forty guy and maybe FS is his best position. I do think he would be the ideal Tampa 2 CB. He is not going to win many foot races.

I would rate Gilmore higher than Chris Culliver that was drafted last year by SF. Culliver was a WR that was converted to FS. The team had Culliver play CB last year because of depth concerns. While Gilmore is a better CB than Culliver, he is by no means a 1st draft prospect to those that have watched him play.

As I said earlier, it depends on how he runs. I think he will run well but we will see. I hope he does not because that will mean that he drops and I still like the player. I have watched him play a few times myself. The guy is big and physical. He gets very good bump off the line. He tackles well, he is excellent off the corner blitz and he has excellent football knowledge. If he runs well, he will be a 1st round pick.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

so did i. attended many of the games. you are the first person i ever heard say anything positive about him.

How sad.

 

[dboy214]

How sad.

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