Wednesday, February 11, 2009

2009 Mock Draft ver 5.0 Round 4

Round 4:

97. Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit) – Jasper Brinkley, LB South Carolina

With the ninety-seventh selection the Dallas Cowboys select the downhill thumping linebacker from South Carolina in Jasper Brinkley. The Cowboys have gotten very little out of their middle linebackers aside from Bradie James, Bobby Carpenter has been a bust, Zach Thomas is over the hill and on his way out and Kevin Burnett is a special teams and role player. Bringing Brinkley to play alongside James along with Ellis and Ware will give the Cowboys an incredibly nasty linebacking core capable of stopping the run and playing the underneath passing routes so that the corners and safeties can focus on coverage. Brinkley has some durability issues and that’s why he falls so far but he is a 1st round talent who will punish opposing backs for years to come.

98. Kansas City Chiefs – Mohamed Massaquoi, WR Georgia

With the ninety-eighth selection the Kansas City Chiefs select the big wide receiver from Georgia in Mohamed Massaquoi. The Chiefs have a lot of talent on offense but they could stand to improve their receiving core where only Dwayne Bowe is any kind of consistent threat. Bringing in Massaquoi will help out Tyler Thigpen as having to throw to Jeff Webb and Mark Bradley when Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe are covered is not exactly a good thing. Massaquoi has been a productive and consistent weapon for the Georgia Bulldogs, he runs routes well, and he can stretch the field and can get yards after contact. However, this pick could also be a running back should Larry Johnson be traded away since James Davis is still on the board, but considering he's still on the roster; M Squared should be the selection.

99. St. Louis Rams – Zack Follett, LB California

With the ninety-ninth selection, the St. Louis Rams select the productive Golden Bear linebacker in Zack Follett. The Rams have a wealth of undersized backers to play the weakside position but have absolutely no one to play stronside. They very well could have taken Aaron Curry with the second overall selection but instead went with the bigger need in tackle, so now they have the opportunity to pick up Follett from Cal who was an absolute beast during his senior campaign where he amassed 23 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. Follett is a physical defender and reliable tackler who has no problems shedding blocks, however, he is an absolute liability in coverage as he lacks the smooth hips and spatial awareness to be helpful in coverage. However, I think he can be coached up and with the right system I think he'll fit well in Spags defense giving the Rams a solid strongside backer and another weapon that can get to the QB.

100. Cleveland Browns – Mike Mickens, CB Cincinnati

With the one hundredth selection in the NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns select the cornerback from in state Cincinnati in Mike Mickens. The Browns have some other needs on defense, like 3-4 DE, ILB and Safety, but considering the talent available doesn't correspond with where the Browns are selecting, they grab the talented corner from the Bearcat program. Mickens has seen his stock drop from a potential first rounder because of injury woes. He's an elite cover corner with great ball skills and would be a great addition to the Browns secondary that is currently young and making the transition to become better as a unit. However, like I said earlier this pick could also be a strong safety like Curtis Taylor from LSU or Chip Vaughn from Wake Forest since Sean Jones may leave via free agency and they don't have anyone to fill the void or a LB like Scott McKillop to replace the aging Andra Davis.

101. Seattle Seahawks – Tyrone McKenzie, LB South Florida

With the hundred and first pick, the Seattle Seahawks select the big linebacker from South Florida in Tyrone McKenzie. Leroy Hill may or may not be franchised and this pick really depends on that, McKenzie would be a great addition to the Seahawks defense regardless but they may decide to go a different route with their starting three still in place. However, McKenzie provides a solid backer who can play sideline to sideline, he's good in coverage but he just needs to work on shedding blockers and wrapping up the ball carrier as that is probably the weakest part of his game and if he's going to be playing LB alongside the undersized Tatupu and the speedy Peterson, he'll need to learn to wrap and bring down, but aside from that he's a solid pick. But like I said, if Leroy is franchised the Seahawks could look to bolster their offensive line again with Kraig Urbik or Augustus Parrish.

102. Cincinnati Bengals – Scott McKillop, LB Pittsburgh

With the hundred and second pick in the draft the Cincinnati Bengals bolster their defense again with the high motor middle linebacker from Pittsburgh, Scott McKillop. McKillop is an overachiever and would be a nice replacement at MLB since the Bengals have not had a consistent player there since Odell Thurman's rookie season. McKillop is an incredibly smart and rangy backer who plays with more athleticism than he looks to have. He punishes ball carrier and is a sure tackler who has a knack for finding the back while weaving through traffic. He does lack the hips and movement to be quality in coverage but he can play the middle zone and allow Jeanty and Rivers to play the sidelines more. McKillop is a more finished product and what you see is what you're likely to get, but I think the Bengals have a real need at ILB and McKillop could be the answer.

103. Jacksonville Jaguars – Domonique Johnson, CB Jackson State

With the hundred and third selection, the Jacksonville Jaguars select the speedy and raw cornerback from Jackson State in Domonique Johnson. It's unfortunate that the once stout Jacksonville Jaguars need to select a cornerback to boost the credibility of their secondary as it became quite a liability this past season. Next to defensive and offensive tackle, cornerback is their most pressing need and considering how anemic their pass defense was and the talent currently in place, the Jaguars would do well to select the corner with immense potential in Johnson, he has a big body and is good in press, he has great cover and ball skills to track and make plays on the long ball and he'll play the run. Putting Johnson on one side and Mathis on the other will give the Jaguars an incredibly talented pass defense that faces the Colts and Texans twice a year.

104. Oakland Raiders – Chris Baker, DT Hampton

With the hundred and fourth pick, the Oakland Raiders select defensive tackle Chris Baker from Hampton (formally Penn State). Baker was an absolute monster for the Hampton squad this year, notching 16.5 tackles for a loss to go along with 8.5 sacks. That kind of production even in the football subdivision still warrants serious consideration, especially considering the Raiders could use some youth inside to go along with the couple massive bodies already in place. Baker could play the UT in a 4-3 as he has a serious knack for disrupting opposing offenses in their own backfield. However, this pick could also be an OLB to play with Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard or a strong safety to make up for Michael Huff's short comings.

105. Green Bay Packers - Augustus Parrish, OT Kent State

With the hundred and fifth selection, the Green Bay Packers use this pick on the athletic Kent State tackle Augustus Parrish. The Packers are probably going to let Mark Tauscher test the waters in free agency, he's an older tackle with some serious years on him and the Packers and Ted Thompson seem to be all about getting younger. Parrish is a solid tackle that can open holes in the run game and is athletic enough to play either tackle position. With the Packers selecting Beatty in the second round Parrish will likely be depth for the first year or two until Clifton heads off. That's when the Packers will have their young bookend tackles in Beatty and Parrish to protect Aaron Rodgers for the foreseeable future. However, Parrish is also versatile enough to be a starting interior lineman as well, so this pick really benefits the Packers in the long run and is probably the best player available that also fits a need. This pick could also be a safety like Curtis Taylor to give the Packers some options in the secondary without having to move Charles Woodson.

106. Buffalo Bills – Jonathan Casillas, LB Wisconsin

With the hundred and sixth selection, the Buffalo Bills select the speedy and undersized linebacker from Wisconsin in Jonathan Casillas. Casillas is an amazing player with greater speed and ability but his lack of weight will really scare away some teams as they'll wonder if he's a tweener safety/linebacker type. However, considering the Bills front office really like Big 10 linebackers and that if Angelo Crowell is released the Bills will have a huge hole at the weakside backer position and Casillas seems to be the perfect guy to strengthen that linebacking core as his only weak spot is his size and if he enters the right training program I think he can gain an extra 10 pounds to play the run better, however, may have to learn to use strength and leverage to shed blockers instead of using finesse to run around them and take himself out of a play.

107. San Francisco 49ers – James Davis, RB Clemson

With the hundred and seventh selection the 49ers go out and get the BPA and that's James Davis, the first of the two talented backs to come from Clemson, he's had a great career at Clemson despite losing carries to Spiller and due to the fact that Mike Singletary is now coaching for the 49ers, I'm willing to bet he puts more emphasis on the running and defensive game and with Frank Gore not able to handle the workload all by himself and DeShaun Foster and Michael Robinson hardly worth being the spell back the 49ers grab Davis as he has great size and strength, excellent vision and is capable of breaking the long run, he won't be a passing threat out of the backfield but that's what Gore does better, putting Davis and Gore together in the backfield should help take pressure off new QB Mark Sanchez.

108. Houston Texans – Chip Vaughn, S Wake Forest

With the hundred and eighth selection, the Texans grab Chip Vaughn, the hard hitting safety from Wake Forest. Vaughn is the type of hard hitting, in the box, run stuffing strong safety the Texans really need in their secondary. He can do a lot for the Texans secondary that has really never had an elite safety to hang their hat on, they've gotten by on vagrants and journeymen but now the Texans will have a monster and if Dominique Barber pans out as well, the Texans could have a very talented and young safety duo. Vaughn's weak point in his game is his inability to make a ton of plays in the passing game as his hips aren't fluid enough and he tends to get very high in his back pedal, this is evidence by his 3 career interceptions. However, with the proper coaching and right training program, he'll be able to become a solid safety for the Texans.

109. San Diego Chargers – Jason Phillips, LB TCU

With the hundred and ninth selection, the San Diego Chargers select TCU inside linebacker Jason Phillips. Phillips is big and nasty and has been a stalwart in TCU's 4-2-5 defense since his freshman season amassing 315 tackles, 38 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles during his career. He is productive, durable and intelligent and considering the Chargers don't have much in terms of inside linebackers with starting experience aside from Matt Wilhelm and Steven Cooper, they could really use Phillips as an upgrade. The Chargers could potentially go after a safety like Curtis Taylor from LSU or perhaps reach on a NT or 3-4 DE, but considering Phillips upside, he should be the selection, plus, the Chargers last selection from TCU went pretty well.

110. Denver Broncos – Cody Brown, DE/LB Connecticut

With the hundred and tenth selection, the Denver Broncos select the speed rusher from the UConn Huskies in Cody Brown. With the Broncos switching over to the 3-4 alignment, they'll require an outside rush linebacker and I think Cody Brown has the ability to be that player for them. He has experience with his hand in the ground and while standing up and considering his 24 career sacks and 45.5 tackles for a loss, he knows how to disrupt opposing offenses and hurry the quarterback, he still may need to put on some weight to better play the run and shed blockers, but I definitely think he needs to be the pick here considering his upside, however, the Broncos may look at a NT but it's far too early for Sammie Lee Hill.

111. New York Jets (from Washington) – Rhett Bomar, QB Sam Houston State

With the hundred and eleventh selection the New York Jets grab their QB of the future in Rhett Bomar. Though the Jets have a bunch of QBs on their roster, none of them seems to have a firm grasp on the starting job and with the Brett Favre watch underway yet again, it'll be very interesting to see what Rex Ryan does. My assumption is that he'll bring in his own talent and players to play quarterback and Rhett Bomar had all the potential in the world to be a first rounder before being dismissed from Oklahoma for accepting gratuities from an alumnus, but mid fourth round is fitting for him; he has all the intangibles to become a great starting QB but he will need a year or two to mature, develop his accuracy and learn a new offensive system but when he's ready, I imagine he'll be a solid QB in the NFL.

112. New Orleans Saints – Curtis Taylor, S LSU

With the hundred and twelfth selection the New Orleans Saints select the big, bruising safety from LSU in Curtis Taylor. Taylor has proved to be a quality replacement for the impressive Laron Landy and though he isn't as fast or aggressive he will be a quality safety in the NFL. He played free safety for the Tigers but I think he has the versatility to play strong safety as well depending on what the Saints want to do with Roman Harper and Josh Bullocks. He has very good instincts and is a reliable tackler and he will help improve the Saints defensive backfield which was actually looking fairly good before Tracy Porter and Mike MacKenzie went down with injuries, bringing in Taylor to play alongside the two aforementioned corners who will be returning from injury might give the Saints the boost they need in the secondary to become a better a defense as a whole.

113. Dallas Cowboys – Derrick Williams, WR Penn State

With the hundred and thirteenth selection, the Dallas Cowboys select the speedster and elusive return man from Happy Valley in Derrick Williams. Williams shined in the Senior Bowl by looking very explosive and catching better than he's known for and considering Dallas may be on the outs with Terrell Owens, they will need a new target to develop for Tony Romo. Williams will be a slot receiver to begin his career but his speed and fluid hips will make him an incredibly dangerous return man where the Cowboys have nothing now that Pacman is looking for quarters elsewhere. He may not have the size and strength of Terrell Owens, but he's a deep threat receiver that the Cowboys will need should T.O. see his way out of Dallas.

114. New York Jets – Jason Watkins, OT Florida

With the hundred and fourteenth selection, the New York Jets select the big tackle from Florida in Jason Watkins. The New York Jets had a real increase in the talent and consistency of their offensive line, but their right side is still their weakside and they will need to find a replacement for Damien Woody who is the definite weak link in the chain. Watkins is a big and versatile tackle who could play LT or RT, he has great skill and athletic ability, he can handle the speed rush and anchors well in pass protection, however, he could use some work in the run game as he tends to get too high, doesn't use leverage and tends to get stood up by defenders, but I think he has a lot of upside and will give the Jets an even better offensive line.

115. Chicago Bears – Rich Ohrnberger, OG Penn State

With the hundred and fifteenth selection, the Chicago Bears select the talented guard from Penn State. Now, I'm a lot higher on Ohrnberger than most people and I think he has the potential, know how and production to be a mid fourth round selection. He's a solid blocker who dominates the line of scrimmage, he's a stout pass blocker who anchors well and doesn't get beat inside by swim or rip moves as he stays low in his stance and drives defenders into the ground. He's a blue chipper and I think he could be an upgrade over Beekman or Garza who are currently starting for the Bears. This pick could also be a safety as well, but considering the Bears would have to reach on one, they pick the nasty guard from Happy Valley to upgrade their offensive line even more.

116. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brandon Gibson, WR Washington State

With the hundred and sixteenth selection, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select the productive WSU wide receiver in Brandon Gibson. Gibson really showed up at the Senior Bowl and improved his stock incredibly, he could even go earlier than this but the Buccaneers get him here and improve their passing attack where aside from Antonio Bryant, they have little else. Brandon Gibson has great hands and lateral mobility for getting in and out of cuts, he lacks the long speed that Galloway and Bryant have but he is definitely a talented player who will give new coach Raheem Morris another weapon for his new QB Josh Freeman. This pick could also be a tight end to replace Jeremy Stevens and the inconsistent Alex Smith considering Shawn Nelson is still on the board right now.

117. Philadelphia Eagles – Tim Jamison, DE Michigan

With the hundred and seventeenth selection, the Philadelphia Eagles select the Wolverine defensive end Tim Jamison. The Eagles are going to look to provide even more pass rush for their defense as Trent Cole can't do everything, Chris Clemons is a solid situational pass rusher, as is Juqua Parker, but they need a more consistent threat and Tim Jamison reminds me a lot of a younger and faster Darren Howard who the Eagles currently have on roster and could potentially be a cap casualty. Tim Jamison has seen his stock drop along with the rest of the Wolverine defensive players stock as they have suddenly gone from stout to terrible and Tim Jamison falls all the way down to here and considering the Eagles have to bring a ridiculous amount of pressure in order to get to the QB, adding more pass rush will help out.

118. Minnesota Vikings – Alex Magee, DT Purdue

With the hundred and eighteenth selection, the Minnesota Vikings select Purdue defensive tackle Alex Magee. The Williams wall won't be around forever and considering the age of Pat, the Vikings would be well served to select his successor to groom for the future. Alex Magee may not be as big as Pat Williams but he has the frame to put on some extra poundage to become a stout nose tackle because he's currently a bit of a tweener at 6'4" 295 lbs, but if he were say 10-15 pounds heavier he would be an animal because he has the speed and strength to be a disruptive force then he would also have the size to clog the middle to allow the active Minnesota linebackers free run on opposing offenses, not to mention, he would keep blockers off Jared Allen so he can get one on one match ups with the left tackle.

119. Baltimore Ravens – Shawn Nelson, TE Southern Mississippi

With the hundred and nineteenth selection, the Baltimore Ravens grab the talented tight end from Southern Mississippi in Shawn Nelson. Though the Ravens currently have Todd Heap on their roster, they really can't pass up the opportunity to provide Joe Flacco with another weapon and considering Ozzie Newsome himself was a talented tight end, I imagine he'll see some real value in Shawn Nelson who was quite awesome during the Senior Bowl. Shawn Nelson is the kind of big bodied tight end who can also split out and play some receiver as well, he blocks well, he runs crisp routes and he catches well. Now, considering Todd Heap's injury history, and how back up tight end Quinn Sypniewski is coming off a serious injury, Shawn Nelson would be a great pick up. However, this pick could also be another cornerback like Asher Allen from Georgia.

120. New England Patriots – Asher Allen, CB Georgia

With the hundred and twentieth selection in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select the talented and speedy corner from Georgia in Asher Allen. The Patriots are currently extremely weak in the secondary and some injuries to some of their younger guys last year hindered their ability to learn the system and grow as players, I'm sure they're high on Wilhite and Wheatly, but Asher Allen is an incredibly talented corner and the Patriots like to grab their corners later on, so I can imagine Allen would be in the minds of front office around now, this pick could also be some depth on the offensive line but I think Asher Allen is too valuable for the Patriots to pass up considering their need for quality cornerback depth.

121. Atlanta Falcons – Vance Walker, DT Georgia Tech

With the hundred and twenty-first selection the resurgent Falcons select in-state defensive tackle Vance Walker from Georgia Tech. The Falcons have been an incredible surprise this season and I give credit to Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff for turning the franchise around so quickly. The team has very few needs at this point but they could definitely stand to upgrade their defensive line, especially the nose tackle. Babineaux has been a standout this season but he needs a big body next to him to occupy blockers and I think Walker is the best fit for what they need. He is a big body defensive tackle who has the frame to hold some extra weight so that he can better clog the gap, he has some pass rush ability so he won't be a Grady Jackson and just hold down the fort, he's a solid player and it helps that he comes from the in-state Yellow Jacket program.

122. Miami Dolphins – Worrell Williams, LB California

With the one hundred and twenty second selection, the Miami Dolphins select the big middle linebacker from Cal in Worrell Williams, with Channing Crowder likely to hit free agency and another big inside thumper needed to compliment Akin Ayodele, the Dolphins grab Williams who is probably the best available pure 3-4 inside linebacker in this draft despite obvious claims for Maualuga and Curry. Williams has been productive his entire tenure at Cal, he plays with intensity and poise and he does all the little things right, if he has a good combine he could potentially go earlier than this, but I think at this point Miami needs an ILB and he fits the build.

123. Indianapolis Colts – Jarrett Dillard, WR Rice

With the hundred and twenty third selection, the Indianapolis Colts select the productive wide receiver from Rice in Jarrett Dillard. Dillard is undersized and his measurables won't jump out at you but plain and simple, the boy gets it done. In 4 years at the perennial bottom feeder Rice he amassed 292 receptions, 4,138 yards and 60 TDs. As for the Colts, they are looking to get younger and with Marvin Harrison being phased out, the Colts will need a new weapon and Dillard is that kind of player, he has great hands, he runs great routes and he has the career production to back it up. He made a name for himself playing on Saturdays but I think it's on Sunday where he'll really shine, especially with Peyton Manning throwing to him.

124. Carolina Panthers – Joe Burnett, CB UCF

With the hundred and twenty fourth selection, the Carolina Panthers select Joe Burnett from Central Florida. Joe Burnett is a change changing cornerback, he is great in pass coverage and he's an amazing special teams player. In his senior season he had 44 tackles, 11 pass break ups, 4 interceptions, 2 return TDs and a blocked kick. The Panthers could use more help at corner since Richard Marshall and Ken Lucas could test the waters in free agency and while Chris Gamble is locked up, the Panthers will need someone alongside him. I think Burnett is the best fit as he can start on all your special team groups day one and play the nickel and dime defensive packages right away. This pick could also be a WR but I think Burnett is too valuable to pass here.

125. New York Giants – Austin Collie, WR BYU

With the hundred and twenty fifth selection, the New York Giants select Austin Collie from Brigham Young. The Giants are having a heck of a time keeping receivers on the field, Burress is looking at some serious repercussions for concealing a weapon and shooting himself in the leg and Amani Toomer may not be brought back due to age and salary which means the Giants have a big need for a taller target that Manning can throw the ball up to and currently, Collie provides the best outlet at 6'2" 200+ pounds, he's been productive in the pass happy BYU offense and looks to give Eli Manning a reliable target should Manningham, Moss, Hixon and Tyree stall come next season.

126. Tennessee Titans – James Casey, TE Rice

With the hundred and twenty sixth selection the Tennessee Titans select the 24 year old true sophomore tight end from Rice in James Casey. During their playoff run it was apparent that Alge Crumpler is not the player he was and he is far too overprice, undertalented and sluggish to be an option for Kerry Collins when the game is on the line. Their other TE Bo Scaife is a free agent and may not be re-signed so Casey fills a definite need and despite being only a sophomore he has maturity and poise beyond his tenure as he spent time in the minor leagues as Rice is quite well known for its baseball program. Casey is a jack of all trades, he kind of reminds me of a more talented Garrett Mills who came out of Tulsa a few years back. He'll be a solid contributor and effective weapon in the Tennessee offense.

127. Arizona Cardinals – Devin Moore, RB Wyoming

With the hundred and twenty seventh selection the Arizona Cardinals grab the speedster from Wyoming in Devin Moore. The Cardinals showed some poise in their rushing attack during their fabled run in the playoffs but they lack that big play spark, I think Devin Moore will provide that for them. Now, considering J.J. Arrington is a free agent and the Edge may be a cap casualty, it is a definite need to the Cardinals to grab a back, if Tim Hightower can learn to stop shimmying all play long and hit the hole hard the Cardinals will be a much better team because Hightower has the skills to be a downhill thumper and Moore can be the change of pace speed back who can go the distance, he also adds value as a simply electrifying returner. Combine him with Breaston and you have a very dangerous return duo.

128. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kraig Urbik, OG Wisconsin

With the hundred and twenty eighth selection the Pittsburgh Steelers select Kraig Urbik from Wisconsin. The Steelers have quite a few free agent offensive lineman and could definitely improve the front 5 as it is essentially the only weak spot of their game. With Kemoeatu, Starks and Colon potentially hitting the free agent market the Steelers will look to bolster their offensive line and they get very fortunate to get a guard as talented as Urbik at the end of the fourth round. He would be an upgrade over either guard, especially after seeing how Stapleton was dominated by Darnell Dockett in the Super Bowl, Urbik would be a great addition to the Super Bowl champion Steelers.

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