NFL Mock Draft

If you have watched SportsCenter any time over this past month, you are probably sick and tired of watching Mel Kiper and Todd McShay predict the NFL draft for 12 hours a day. You are probably sick and tired of hearing Herm Edwards analyze if Johnny Manziel's skill set will translate over to the NFL. You are probably sick and tired of hearing about Jadeveon Clowney's work ethic, or rather, lack thereof. Well, since the NFL draft is only two days away, the pain and suffering is almost over. Kiper's bad haircut will go back into hiding for the next ten months, and Todd McShay will go do whatever Todd McShay does. Luckily for you, I can tell you exactly how each of the first ten picks will go in the first round of this year's draft. So tune out Kiper and say saynora to McShay, and read what's actually going to happen during the first ten picks of the NFL draft.

1. Houston Texans- Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Since everybody has already talked about his physical prowess and questionable work ethic, I'm going to analyze Clowney in a different way, and one way that I hope every NFL GM has put into place when looking at Clowney's tape. First off, I had the pleasure of watching Clowney play eight times this past season. When my Gamecocks were on defense, my eyes were on #7 (if he was on the field...). On nearly every play, I would watch Clowney be double or triple teamed. I would watch teams, like North Carolina and Clemson, run screen passes to the other side of the field. I would watch team, like Georgia and Florida, use three lineman and a lead back to run outside of Clowney . The point is, it's very easy for a team to gameplan around a defensive end, especially at the collegiate level. This past year, although Clowney's numbers were down, a fellow Gamecock, Kelcy Quarles, earned first team All-American honors because of 9.5 sacks. Imagine a defensive line with JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney in the mix. Throw Brian Cushing in the mix, and the Texans could have one of the best defensive pass rushes in the league. If all of those players pin their ears back and rush the quarterback, only God can help that young man. I know they need a quarterback, and I know Texans fan are salivating over Manziel's skills as much as they would over a 44 oz. steak, but you can't pass on a specimen like Mr. Clowney.

2. St. Louis Rams- Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
Every mock draft I have seen as had this pick I believe. Therefore, I'm not gonna waste time, nor act like I know enough football to analyze an offensive tackle's skill set.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
"Look! Sammy Watkins just caught another screen pass and ran for 12 more yards against the Ohio State defense..."
-Me, this past January
When Roger Goodell calls Watkins name with this pick, he should personally thank each and every one of Ohio State's defensive backs for making him a top five pick. Watching Watkins the game before get shut down by the South Carolina secondary, I saw him turn into the offspring of the Flash and Terrell Ownes against Ohio State. He is without a doubt the best receiver in this draft. However, he is also a Clemson Tiger, and he smokes mids. I'd never draft him, but the Jaguars will.

4. Cleveland Browns- Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Everyone knows about Manziel's playmaking ability. So instead, I'm going to look deep into the crystal ball and predict exactly how this pick goes down:
The Browns pick is in. Wait, Roger Goodell isn't walking to the podium, though. It's Drake, surrounded by his crew! The 'Draft Day' instrumental starts in the background. The audience sits in stunned silence. Drake starts free-styling on his own beat, and announces with the fourth pick in the NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns select Johnny Football. Manziel walks on to the stage flanked by three swimsuit models. Drake presents Manziel with a Browns jersey and hat. But wait! They're not brown and orange. It's black and gold! Drake announces he has bought the franchise and rebranded them the Cleveland #BrOVOwns. Drake and Manziel bring beats, babes, booze, and winning football to Cleveland, and the Browns win Super Bowl XLIX. 

In all seriousness, I hope this doesn't happen. Would much rather see my Browns take Khalil Mack, Jake Matthews, or trade back with the Falcons to draft Mike Evans. However, if the Browns take the biggest draft risk of this decade, can the events please happen like this?

5. Oakland Raiders- Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
This team had Terrelle Pryor last year, and they signed Matt Schaub this off season. Considering these signings, it's obvious to me the Raiders' front office knows as much as Jon Snow when it comes to the quarterback position. However, they could surprise me and draft Bridgewater, who eight months ago was going to be the consensus top pick in the draft. No matter who they pick, Oakland will probably still suck next year.

6. Atlanta Falcons- Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
Atlanta has Matt Ryan, so they have a huge advantage over every other team drafting this early. That being said, their pass rushers are about as intimidating as myself. By taking Mack, the Falcons could fill a huge hole here. Don't be surprised if the Falcons try and trade up a spot or two for insurance purposes to get the pass rusher they need.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
The Bucs take the second Aggie and draft the behemoth Evans. Playing with Johnny Football, Evans was able to rack up some huge numbers and can bring instant offense as a big play threat in the NFL. If the Buccaneers find a semi-competent quarterback, Evans will become a star. I think even Brandon Weeden might be able to complete some passes to a wide receiver "like Mike."

8. Minnesota Vikings- Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Blake Bortles is the most prototypical NFL quarterback in this draft. He could easily be the next Ben Roethlisberger and lead a franchise to a few Super Bowl titles. At the same time, some questions about his mechanics could make him a bust. Either way, he is dating Lindsey Duke, so Vikings fan are winners no matter how many wins Bortles delivers. When you consider Duke and Christian Ponder's wife, Samantha Steele, I think the Vikings would have a dominant advantage in the NFL Power Rankings for Hottest Girlfriends/Wives. And we're only talking about one position! Here I was thinking Adrian Peterson was the only thing the Vikings had going for them!

9. Buffalo Bills- Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Another offensive lineman that will provide much needed protection for EJ Manuel, meaning this will be the best security a Seminole quarterback has experienced since the intricate and advanced camera system at Publix...

10. Detroit Lions- Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma St.
The Lions have one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. Taking Gilbert will be a necessary step to improve their defense.

Every other pick- Absolutely no clue...
People who fill out seven rounds of mock drafts need to do something productive for the world. People like that give bloggers a bad name.

J. Nave

#ClevelandBrOVOwns, Get it trending...