Ra'Shede Hageman is a first round defensive tackle, but he sits back and watches the Miami Dolphins pass him over for another DT option with the 19th pick in Kevin Nogle's latest mock draft.
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We are going to try something new here on the Phinsider. Beginning today and lasting through the NFL Draft in May, Monday's will officially be #MockMonday. Each Monday morning, we will post a new mock draft on the site, starting today with my third mock of the year. Next Monday, Chris Early will post his first mock of the year, followed a week later by Keith Beebe's fourth mock. The fourth #MockMonday will feature a consensus mock with the three of us coming together to conduct the projection. The rotation will then start over.
Welcome to our first #MockMonday over the year. Now, on to the mock:
Despite the need of a quarterback in Houston, the prospect of Clowney is too much to pass up even for the Texans. In 2006, the Texans passed on selecting a quarterback - even a quarterback coming out of a Texas college - for a defensive end when they grabbed Mario Williams over Vince Young. It was the right choice, then, and it could well be the right choice now.
This pick is a luxury selection for the Rams, and what better way to celebrate the ridiculousness of holding on to the number two overall pick thanks to the Robert Griffin III trade two years ago than by grabbing the top wide receiver in the draft, especially knowing you will come back and make another selection where you can think need? Watkins gives the Rams a dynamic pass catching threat to pair with last year's eighth overall selection, Tavon Austin.
This board could not have fallen better for Jacksonville, who, despite re-signing Chad Henne this week to a two-year contract, should still be in the market for a quarterback. It would cost the Jaguars just under $4 million to release Blaine Gabbert, but with the second most salary cap space this year, it's a hit they should be considering. Without Henne's re-signing, I would have projected Teddy Bridgewater as this selection, but since the Jagaurs are not in desperate need for an immediate starter, taking someone who may need a year to develop further - like Bortles - makes this an easier choice.
Mike Pettine comes to the Browns after having been the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator for a year, after having been the New York Jets defensive coordinator for four years, after having been the Baltimore Ravens outside linebackers coach for four years, after having been the Ravens Assistant defensive line coach for a year. Notice a word that is not in any of those titles? Offense. As much as the Browns and a quarterback make sense, Cleveland is close to having a dominating defense, one that is able to carry a team, much like the Jets did in 2009 and 2010 when they made the AFC Championship game. Who was the D-Coordinator for those teams? Oh, yeah, Pettine. Mack jumps off the board here.
The Raiders need a quarterback, with two of the top three on the board. Manziel gets the nod over Bridgewater because, well, Manziel feels more like a Raiders pick than does Bridgewater.
The Falcons need help on both sides of the line of scrimmage, but, with Clowney off the board, the choice really boils down to which offensive tackle do they like more. Jake Matthews could very easily be this selection, but I will give the slight advantage to Greg Robinson after the impressive NFL Scouting Combine performance last month.
Lovie Smith takes over as the head coach and has full control of all personnel decisions. Time for the Buccaneers to start building a Lovie Smith defense and Barr could be a perfect fit.
Minnesota has the most pro-ready quarterback fall into their lap as Mike Zimmer comes in and tries to fix the Vikings. They cannot afford to let Bridgewater slip past them.
SB Nation's consensus second ranked prospect falls all the way to the ninth overall selection, straight to a team with offensive tackle as their number one need. The Bills could be eying a wide receiver like Mike Evans at this point, but Matthews still being on the board removes any chance they do not address the offensive line in the first round.
The Titans are likely looking for outside linebacker help, but a prospect of Mosley's potential cannot be ignored. Having Mosley in the middle of the defense instantly upgrades the entire squad.
We all know that the Miami Dolphins must rebuild their offensive line, but they are not the only ones who should see multiple new starters trying to protect their quarterback next year. The Giants have to do the same thing, and they take a big step toward that with the drafting of Lewan.
Having already added an offensive weapon, the Rams look to address their biggest defensive need, shoring up their secondary. Calvin Pryor could jump up to this position, but HaHa's aggressiveness and instincts keep him the top safety off the board.
A great NFL Scouting Combine performance has Jernigan moving up draft boards, to the point that he could pass Louis Nix and Ra'Shede Hageman as the top defensive tackle. Chicago has to address the defensive line, with Jernigan serving as a nice anchor to rebuild the unit.
Pittsburgh's defense is getting older and needs a shot of youth. Dennard is the top rated defender still on the board and would be perfect for the Steelers.
Dallas could throw a dart at a list of defensive prospects this year, and would be guaranteed an upgrade to the defense. They start the rebuilding on that side of the ball with Donald, who is quickly rising draft boards. Despite being "undersized" for the position, the sky seems to be the limit for Donald's potential.
The Ravens needs to add some weapons for Joe Flacco, and what better way to start doing that than with the best pass catching tight end in the Draft. Ebron seems like a tailor made fit for Baltimore.
Rex Ryan's defense carried the Jets to an 8-8 record last year as they dealt with the ups-and-downs of a rookie quarterback. Now, the team has to add playmakers around Geno Smith if they want to improve their record. A sure route runner, Lee could turn into Smith's best friend.
With the reports yesterday that the Dolphins and soon-to-be free agent Branden Albert have everything in place to finalize a deal as soon as the free agency period opens on Tuesday, the need for a first round offensive tackle could be removed from consideration. With that, Miami instead simply picks best player available, selecting Nix with the 19th pick. As a bonus, with it looking like Randy Starks and Paul Soliai both will not be back, defensive tackle is a need for Miami as well.
Arizona makes it back-to-back Golden Domers with their pick of Martin, who jumps over Cyrus Kouandjio as the fourth tackle selected in the first round. Able to slide inside and play guard as well, Martin is a versatile option to a team who is trying to protect Carson Palmer in the twilight of his career.
The Packers fill their top need with an incredible talent who should have already been off the board. Good coverage range, not afraid to support the run, and someone who seems to like to hit, Pryor helps one of the league's worst pass defenses.
The Eagles have to fix the pass defense, and what better way than to grab the top cover corner in the draft. In fact, he could be the top overall cornerback in the Draft, and, if he should fall this far, the Eagles could have the steal of the selection process.
The Chiefs need to add a wide receiver this year, and adding a giant target like Benjamin would be a bonus. A sure-handed red zone target, Benjamin would be great for the Chiefs.
Adding a defender - and a pass rusher at that - fits exactly what the Bengals are likely looking to do with the 24th pick. Ealy is versatile and has a ton of potential, which Marvin Lewis should be able to mold into a dominating defensive end.
A solid cover corner who enjoys hitting people in run support, Verrett will fit nicely in San Diego and should help them improve their pass defense - a must when they face Peyton Manning and the Broncos twice each year.
After eschewing a quarterback with the first of their two first-round picks, the Browns come back here and pick up Carr, a player who has begun moving up some draft boards as of late. Picking up a running back or a wide receiver here could make a lot of sense, especially if Cleveland feels they can get Carr, or another quarterback of similar potential, in the second round.
The Saints simply go best player available at this point, with Hageman filling that role. A freak of nature. Hageman working under Rob Ryan could be a scary prospect in the NFC South.
The Panthers have to reload their offensive line after Jordan Gross retired. A healthy Cyrus Kouandjio could have been a perfect fit for Carolina, but the fears of his knee and failed physicals, have Carolina looking toward Richardson.
A poor NFL Scouting Combine performance led to Amaro falling down draft boards, which works out perfectly for the Patriots. With the tight ends a mess for New England last year, thanks to an injury plagued year from Rob Gronkowski and a murder arrest of Aaron Hernandez, adding Amaro is exactly what New England needs.
An explosive pass rusher is exactly what the Broncos need this year, and Ford is just that. An amazing work ethic and a desire to prove he could do just about anything on the field, Ford and the Broncos seem perfect for each other.
Seattle's offensive line should prove to be a focus this year, especially the need for a left guard. Su'a-Filo immediately steps in as the starter, and should have success pulling in front of Marshawn Lynch.
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