When the name ‘Brett Favre’ comes up at a dinner party I usually go into auto-pilot with my Top 3 Fun Fact Favre Trivia Questions.
Question 1. Brett Favre holds the record for career interceptions thrown. Who is credited with the interception that put Brett Favre at #1?
Answer: Sean Taylor
Question 2. Who did Brett Favre throw his first completion to as a Green Bay Packer?
Answer: Himself
Question 3. Who did Brett Favre throw his first completion to as a Green Bay Packer other than himself?
Answer: Sanjay Beach, a rare NFL player of Indian descent.
After preparing for this Mock Draft, I stumbled upon my new Brett Favre related trivia to add to my bank.
Question 4. Who tipped the pass that allowed Brett Favre to complete his very first pass as a Packer to himself?
Answer: Ray Seals, a rare NFL player WHO DID NOT GO TO COLLEGE!
That’s right boys and girls, you do not need to go to college in order to be eligible for the NFL draft. However, you must be three years removed from High School. How I stumbled upon this info you ask? Like any “normal” person who has immersed themselves in YouTube highlights, mock drafts, and player profiles over the last two months, I naturally hit that epiphany point at 1am where I said “Self, you can make it to the NFL! You’ve got the know how. You’re 5’11”, 200 lbs; that’s average for WRs, CBs, and Safeties. You should Google ‘Becoming eligible for the NFL.’” Around this time I usually wake up from this fantasy. The mind and spirit are willing but the flesh is…..well…… fat.
Talking about the aforementioned immersion into everything NFL Draft related, I took a gander into the 2007, 2008, and 2009 1st round draft classes. This is a very raw use of statistics but I compiled their data and averaged out the results to give you a snapshot of what to expect in the 2013 NFL Draft. Ready?
9……. Pro Bowlers
6……. Veterans/starters who have been with their drafted team since they were drafted
5……. Out of football
12……. Playing for at least their second team
So you’ve got nearly a 50/50 shot in the 1st round to hit or miss. So take aim, fire, and hope that your team gets a Manning and not a Leaf.
Now that the longest intro in Mock Draft history is over with…let’s get into the mocking.
2012 NFL Mock Draft
1. Kansas City Chiefs- OT Eric Fisher
NFL Comparison: Joe Staley
Not since 2008 have we seen a non-QB go #1 overall. That will change this year. The Kansas City Chiefs are currently in heated talks with the Miami Dolphins to ship their current LT Brandon Albert to them. Andy Reid has to protect Alex Smith somehow for this franchise to get out of the cellar of the AFC West.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars- QB Geno Smith
NFL Comparison: Donovan McNabb
New Coach, new GM, new logo…why not new QB. Makes the most sense for me. A franchise under new management from the top down needs a new face. This move sells tickets, period. I’m not a believer in Geno Smith but with the success of Russell Wilson (Head Coach Gus Bradley is coming from Seattle), Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III getting a mobile dual-threat QB will be an easy sell.
3. Oakland Raiders- ***TRADE***
San Diego Chargers- OT Luke Joeckel
NFL Comparison: D'Brickashaw Ferguson
If the Eric Fisher and Joeckel do not go 1 and 2 then you better believe Oakland is going to have some buyers. I realize this trade is within the division but each party has something the other wants. Oakland is without a 2nd round pick and San Diego has one ready to trade. San Diego may be the team most interested in drafting an OT so they have to jump Philly and Detroit in order to do it.
Oh by the way, the Chargers are destined to win the Super Bowl. The team that played the home opener in Philadelphia each of the last four years has gone on to win the Super Bowl. Also, a team that lost to the Redskins during the year also won the Super Bowl in that same time. Both work in San Diego’s favor this year. Don’t laugh…it could happen…
4. Philadelphia Eagles- DE/OLB Dion Jordan
NFL Comparison: Jason Taylor
People have been mocking all kinds of stuff for Philly but I think this has been the pick all along if he falls. Chip Kelly coached Jordan in Oregon and knows what he’s getting from the best pass rusher in this year’s class.
5. Detroit Lions- DE/OLB Ezekiel Ansah
NFL Comparison: Poor man’s Jason Pierre Paul
Lost Cliff Avril and KVB. Coach Schwartz and his staff coached Ansah in the Senior Bowl and raved about his ability and potential. Fills a need, even though I think Ansah is a bust waiting to happen.
6. Cleveland Browns- CB Dee Milliner
NFL Comparison: Joe Haden
The thought of pairing him with Joe Haden is too tempting to pass up. Sure there have been questions about his health recently but, GM Michael Lombardi will make sure to get all those “Red Flags” answered and select the best CB this draft can offer.
7. Arizona Cardinals- OT Lane Johnson
NFL Comparison: Trent Williams
Part of me wants to go with my gut and select QB Matt Barkley here. He’s my favorite QB in the draft. Yeah they have Carson Palmer and they had a press conference and all welcoming him but Head Coach Bruce Arians is familiar with the impact of a rookie QB after seeing what Andrew Luck did in Indy. However, with the offensive line that gave up the most sacks in the NFL last year it makes a lot of sense to keep it safe and let Palmer have that half second extra to just lob the ball near Larry Fitzgerald.
8. Buffalo Bills- QB Ryan Nassib
NFL Comparison: Andy Dalton
They are going QB. Kevin Kolb was not brought in to be the starter by any stretch of the imagination. He’ll compete but that’s about it. Word on the street is that the Bills love Nassib, that’ll be the pick.
9. New York Jets- WR Tavon Austin
NFL Comparison: DeSean Jackson
After trading away the face of the franchise how do you win back your fanbase? Get the most dynamic, explosive player in the entire class! Tavon Austin is a flat-out stud and we knew that even before he blew up the Combine and Pro Day. Sanchez is not the answer and look for the Jets to go QB in the 2nd round but with 2 first round picks after the Revis trade the Jets will take the highlight first and the need second.
10. Tennessee Titans- DT Sharrif Floyd
NFL Comparison: Geno Atkins
BPA….Best player available will be the move for Tennessee. Chance Warmack is the overwhelming choice here but after splashing with the Andy Levitre in free agency spending a Top 10 pick on another guard may be overkill.
11. Oakland Raiders- QB Matt Barkley
NFL Comparison: Matt Schaub
From one USC Trojan QB to another one. With an additional pick in the second now Oakland fill its defensive line holes then. Dennis Allen needs to buy himself another 2 years. Best way to do that is to give the fanbase hope with a rookie QB. Poor Matt Flynn just can’t catch a break but don’t feel bad he’s signed on to be Matt Damon’s stunt double for life.
12. Miami Dolphins- CB Xavier Rhodes
NFL Comparison: Dre Kirkpatrick
Guarantee this will be DJ Fluker if the Dolphins don’t get Albert or trade up for one of the top 3 OTs. I’m assuming one if those scenarios happens. Florida State CB stays in his state and fits a need at CB after the Dolphins lost Sean Smith in Free Agency.
13. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay)- OLB/DE Barkevious Mingo
NFL Comparison: Bruce Irvin
Sometimes the obvious pick is the right one. He’s a Rex Ryan off the edge rusher. I think he’s got bust written all over his small frame but the Jets seem to have fallen for him. BTW I would not be surprised if San Francisco comes knocking on John Idzik’s door for this pick to get Sheldon Richardson.
14. Carolina Panthers- DT Sheldon Richardson
NFL Comparison: Poor man’s JJ Watt
Too man holes, not enough picks to fill them. So, Ron Rivera will choose to fill his b-hole. Defensive Tackle taking up the B-Gap that is. Richardson is a better prospect than Star in my mind and can play the DE in 3-4 packages or the DT in a 4-3.
15. New Orleans Saints- OLB Jarvis Jones
NFL Comparison: Von Miller
What better way to get back from Bounty Gate then to get a Bounty Hunter himself. Jarvis Jones was a consensus Top 5 pick in January but a spinal issue and a slow 40 (4.9s) dropped his stock. Sean Payton will see his value and take him here. Also, with Jarvis Jones you get his Subway endorsement and ginormous sandwich replica of him. That’s 1,000 raisens for the dreadlocks.
16. St. Louis Rams- S Kenny Vaccaro
NFL Comparison: Malcolm Jenkins
He’s the best safety in a class that is deep at the position. The Rams have one of the best CB duos in the NFL with Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins… but just empty space behind them. Vaccaro is a Day 1 starter.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- WR Corderrelle Patterson
NFL Comparison: Roddy White
Jarvis Jones is the perfect fit here with the loss of James Harrison. However, he’s off the board and the Steelers also lost their #1 WR in Mike Wallace. Look for Big Ben to get a new toy with this first pick. Patterson is not my favorite WR but he is way to intriguing to pass up.
18. Dallas Cowboys- G Chance Warmack
NFL Comparison: Ben Grubbs
Taking a Chance on Chance (My apologies…it had to be done). The Cowgirls would be thanking their lucky stars if Warmack falls to them. Not only is he one of the best lineman in the draft but he could be a Top 5 overall player but the value of guards is under-appreciated.
19. New York Giants- ILB Alec Ogletree
NFL Comparison: Sean Weatherspoon
The Giant Way would suggest they go with Damontre Moore or Tank Carradine here as they are the best D-Lineman available. However, Coughlin realizes that he’s got a glaring hole at MLB. Ogletree is as Boom/Bust as they come and I’m leaning towards Bust but the Giants have to make a play at LB in order to stay competitive in the NFC East.
20. Chicago Bears- ILB Manti Te'o
NFL Comparison: James Laurinaitis
After losing their stalwart, face of the franchise, Brian Urlacher, the Chicago Bears will be in the market for his replacement. Minnesota will try to leapfrog the Bears to get him with his close friend Harrison Smith and 5 Notre Dame guys on the Vikings. Manti has the instincts and ability to make it in the league. Plus, you get a two for one deal with him. Lennay Kakua his imaginary friend comes as a bonus.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- S Johnathan Cyprien
NFL Comparison: Brian Dawkins
This is my guy. A lot of teams are hoping he makes it to the bottom of the first or the beginning of the second. Cyprien can do it all and will force out an aging Reggie Nelson or compete for Taylor Mays’ job.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)- WR Keenan Allen
NFL Comparison: Anquan Boldin
Brian Quick, Austin Pettis, and Chris Givens. This is St. Louis’s receiving corps. Bradford needs some weapons. Keenan Allen seems to be the toughest receiver to bring down in the draft. Coming away with Vaccaro and Allen is not too shabby at all for Jeff Fisher.
23. Minnesota Vikings- WR DeAndre Hopkins
NFL Comparison: Greg Jennings
The Vikings will be looking to move up and get Manti Te'o but if that falls through then look for them to add a weapon for Christian Ponder. Asking AP to run for over 2,000 for them to make the playoffs again is wishful thinking. Greg Jennings is there but he’s no guarantee for production.
24. Indianapolis Colts- CB DJ Hayden
NFL Comparison: Asante Samuel
In contrast, DJ Hayden is my favorite CB in the draft. He fits the Pagano mold perfectly for a CB. Colts could go any number of directions here but Hayden’s intrigue would be too much to pass up.
25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle)- DT Sylvester Williams
NFL Comparison: Jonathan Babineaux
Remember when it was Pat and Kevin Williams filling up all the inside run lanes. Well Kevin is still there but he’s aging. Jared Allen and Brian Robison would be benefited by the addition of this hole stuffer.
26. Green Bay Packers- DT Star Lotulelei
NFL Comparison: Poor man’s Haloti Ngata
Unexpected turn here but the Packers will take the BPA (Best Player Available). Some health concerns for Star but they can plug and play him anywhere on that D-Line if he’s healthy. Good risk/reward player here.
27. Houston Texans- WR Justin Hunter
NFL Comparison: Malcom Floyd
The Texans are going wideout. Hunter is the best available and looks like what they had once hoped Jacoby Jones would become for them, a compliment to Andre Johnson.
28. Denver Broncos- DE Tank Carradine
NFL Comparison: Osi Umenyiora
The Elvis Dumervil fail will haunt the Broncos until they make it right on draft night. Tank could be a Top 15 guy from what I’ve seen but he’s coming off an injury. Broncos led the league in sacks last year and hope to keep that pace up with D-Line depth.
29. New England Patriots- G Jonathan Cooper
NFL Comparison: Logan Mankins
Run to the podium with this one. Again, guards are under-appreciated. Cooper and Warmack may be the best we’ve seen in a while. He’s a mauler type and the Patriot Way is to take the best players available. No doubt that is Cooper here.
30. Atlanta Falcons- CB Tyrann Mathieu
NFL Comparison: Ronde Barber
The party must go on! He’s a headcase and undersized but he can flat-out play. There is no quit, no backing down from this mighty Honey Badger. A Heisman finalist with his level of instincts cannot be overlooked very long. It’s between him and Desmond Trufant here and I think Lord Tyrann’s upside wins out.
31. San Francisco 49ers- TE Tyler Eifert
NFL Comparison: Jimmy Graham
Steal of the draft wherever he goes. If Cyprien is my guy on defense, Eifert is my guy on offense. I think he’s the best receiver in the draft and he plays tight end. Jimmy Graham type production if he goes to the right place. The Jets may snatch him up early if not he could fall far. Harbaugh coached him in Stanford so there could be some moving up from San Fran to get him.
32. Baltimore Ravens- OT DJ Fluker
NFL Comparison: Andre Smith
This will most likely be a trade down for a team looking to take a tackle or Bjoern Werner. If Baltimore chooses to stay here then a natural RT in Fluker would be perfect. Kelechi Osemele wants to stay at LG and McKinnie is no guarantee to return. Menelik Watson and Matt Elam are other options here.
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Well….there you have it. The 1st round is in the books. I would be remiss if I didn’t give my Redskins fans something to chew on so here’s my prediction for every Redskins pick in the draft (Don’t worry its just names).
Round 2- CB Robert Alford
Round 3- S Shamarko Thomas
Round 4- LB Keith Pough
Round 5- WR Josh Boyce
Round 5- OT Reid Fragel
Round 6- RB Rex Burkhead
Round 7- S Dominick Reyes
CHRISTMAS DAY IS HERE! ENJOY THE DRAFT FOOTBALL FANS!
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