Every year, we're inundated with hundreds of mock drafts that speculate on what experts, pundits and anyone else with an active Internet connection thinks each team will do.
Well, I've given up mind-reading, instead opting to complete my mock draft based on team needs and logical fits. Each of these picks follows the theories of what I would do if I were running each team's draft.
As with most pieces I write, this one won't go without controversy.
Let's get to the picks.
1. Carolina – Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama)
The Panthers need help just about everywhere. Patrick Peterson is definitely an option here, but Dareus can affect the opposing team’s offense more by disrupting all across the trenches.
2. Denver – Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)
John Fox shouldn’t waste much time pulling the trigger on this one. Peterson is no. 1 on my board, as well as many others. He could go no. 1 to Carolina, but will make Broncos faithful happy for years to come.
3. Buffalo – Von Miller (OLB, Texas A&M)
Buffalo needs help rushing the passer. Bad. Miller is a stud linebacker, and a playmaker. It’s a perfect fit for Chan Gailey’s defense.
4. Cincinnati – A.J. Green (WR, Georgia)
Chad Ochocinco is apparently headed out of town, and there wasn’t much to speak of outside of Ocho at the receiver position in Cincy to begin with. Maybe Green, who may be the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson, could entice Carson Palmer to come to training camp.
5. Arizona – Robert Quinn (DE, North Carolina)
In an ideal world, Von Miller would fall to the Cardinals. That almost certainly won’t happen, though. Quinn projects as a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, and would be a great addition to Arizona’s defense. Quinn could play linebacker in Arizona’s 3-4 sets, and put his hand down when the Cards play the 4-3.
6. Cleveland – Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)
The defense has some holes, but adding a weapon like Jones gives second-year quarterback Colt McCoy a legitimate receiving threat. Don’t look now, but the Browns’ offense might be coming together.
7. San Francisco – Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri)
Alex Smith is not the future quarterback of the franchise, no matter what Jim Harbaugh might say. Gabbert could come in and learn Harbaugh’s system from the man who helped make Andrew Luck the likely no. 1 pick in next year’s draft.
8. Tennessee – Nick Fairley (DT, Auburn)
I’m not completely sold on Fairley, but presented with the options available, he probably makes the most sense. The Titans will be hoping Blaine Gabbert makes it to no. 8, but it will be hard for Gabbert to get past Cincinnati, Arizona and San Francisco.
9. Dallas – Tyron Smith (OT, USC)
There are some defensive needs in Big D, but no need may be more glaring than on the offensive line. Smith is widely considered the best tackle in the draft, and has the ability to play either side of the line.
10. Washington – Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska)
A lot of mocks have Amukamara slipping into the mid teens, but I don’t understand it. The Nebraska product is a top-10 talent, and the Redskins would be happy to add the likes of Amukamara to their secondary.
11. Houston – Aldon Smith (DE, Missouri)
Von Miller and one of the elite corners are who the Texans would like to nab, but Smith ends up being the pick. He’ll step in to the role DeMarcus Ware filled in Wade Phillips’ defenses when Phillips coached in Dallas.
12. Minnesota – Da’Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson)
There are some injury concerns surrounding Bowers, but Bowers led the country in sacks last season and was the nation’s top recruit coming out of high school. Bowers would team with Jared Allen to make one of the most menacing pass rush duos in the league.
13. Detroit – Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College)
Detroit wasn’t doing Matthew Stafford any favors with their porous offensive line last season. Castonzo is the top tackle on some boards, and could step in as a full-time starter next season after the potential departure of Jeff Backus.
14. St. Louis – Corey Liuget (DT, Illinois)
Recent reports have the Rams connected to Liuget, who makes a ton of sense and would be an immediate upgrade over Gary Gibson in the middle.
15. Miami – Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama)
There’s a reason you’ve seen Ingram going to Miami in so many mock drafts: It makes so much sense. Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown may both be out of town once free agency commences, and Ingram would be a value pick for the ‘Fins.
16. Jacksonville – J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin)
Youth has been infused into the interior defensive line, but it’s time the Jags add some young talent to the edge. Enter Watt, who isn’t a flashy rusher, but simply makes plays.
17. New England (from Oakland) – Cameron Jordan (DE, California)
Jordan is the typical Bill Belichick player – the name of Jordan’s game is versatility. Belichick could use Jordan as a defensive end in the 4-3 schemes and stand Jordan up when in the 3-4.
18. San Diego – Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue)
San Diego’s pass rush leaves a bit to be desired, and Kerrigan could be the first step in changing that. Shawne Merriman is officially out of town, and there really isn’t much to speak of outside of that. Kerrigan can also stand up to play linebacker in the 3-4, and the Bolts are big fans of versatile players.
19. New York Giants – Nate Solder (OT, Colorado)
There have been some question marks at the tackle position recently, and Solder may actually be a bit of a steal this late in the first round. Solder could be an immediate starter in the Big Apple.
20. Tampa Bay – Akeem Ayers (LB, UCLA)
Ayers is slipping down most drafts because of his performance at the Scouting Combine in February. Forget speed – playmakers are playmakers, regardless of their 40 time. Ayers is a playmaker, and may end up being a steal for the Bucs.
21. Kansas City – Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin)
Matt Cassel was pounded last year, thanks in no small part to a below average offensive line. Carimi was once considered a top-10 pick, but the Chiefs will be glad to grab the Wisconsin road grater at no. 21.
22. Indianapolis – Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi State)
The Colts find themselves in a similar position to that of the Giants. Bill Polian and company will be glad to grab the last consensus first-round tackle in Sherrod, a quietly effective bookend from Mississippi State.
23. Philadelphia – Mike Pouncey (C/OG, Florida)
Andy Reid loves snatching talented blockers in the first round, and Pouncey is as talented as any prospect in this draft. Philly has had plenty of trouble on the interior offensive line, and Pouncey could be the solution to those problems.
24. New Orleans – Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa)
Will Smith is a solid defensive end, but defenses are keying on Smith and the Saints haven’t been able to provide a second threat off the edge. Clayborn won’t be an elite pass rusher, but he will give opposing offenses plenty to worry about.
25. Seattle – Jake Locker (QB, Washington)
The hometown boy might get to stay home after all. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Charlie Whitehurst will get a chance to earn the starting job, but he never said Whitehurst wouldn’t have competition. Enter Locker.
26. Baltimore – Brandon Harris (CB, Miami)
It’s been a long time since the likes of Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle roamed the corner in Baltimore. That will change with Harris, who could compete for a starting job in a Ravens defense in need of youth.
27. Atlanta – Kyle Rudolph (TE, Notre Dame)
Tony Gonzalez isn’t getting any younger, and the Falcons are in need of another weapon in the passing game to relieve some of the pressure put on Roddy White. Rudolph can learn from one of the best tight ends in NFL history, and take over when Gonzalez calls it a career.
28. New England – Danny Watkins (OG, Baylor)
At least once in each draft, the Patriots make a pick that isn’t flashy, but usually turns out to be effective. Watkins isn’t going to make headlines, but his addition will fortify an offensive line plagued by the question marks surrounding Logan Mankins’ future.
29. Chicago – Muhammed Wilkerson (DT, Temple)
The departure of Tommie Harris didn’t do anything to help Chicago’s defensive line. Wilkerson is an intriguing prospect capable of playing inside and outside of the defensive line, and may prove to be a valuable addition for the Bears.
30. New York Jets – Aaron Williams (S, Texas)
Help in the pass rush would be ideal with this pick, but there really isn’t anything special for the Jets to snag in that department at no. 30. Williams, however, is an incredibly talented safety who may flourish under Rex Ryan’s tutelage.
31. Pittsburgh – Rodney Hudson (OG, Florida State)
There aren’t too many weaknesses for the AFC champs, but the offensive line is certainly one of them. Hudson comes into Pittsburgh to help fortify the line and give Ben Roethlisberger a bit of protection.
32. Green Bay – Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio State)
It must be nice for the defending champs, drafting the best available player in lieu of drafting for need. Heyward actually fills both. His versatility lends itself to Dom Capers’ versatile defensive schemes, and his presence could take pressure off Clay Matthews.
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