» Wyche mock drafts: Version 1.0
All it takes is a couple of weeks, a few pro days, some personal interviews, and further film review to adjust some of the thinking teams start doing as we get closer to the NFL draft. We're about a month out, so the confluence of misinformation is being dealt hard.
What is becoming more apparent is that the more people who make actual football decisions perform their due diligence on Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, the more he seems to be liked. As I've written before, people are now sorting through the character concerns and starting to pay more attention to the football player.
I've spoken with too many people who say they're not overly worried about Newton's persona and ability to lead, and that his potential to play well early and for a longtime is very enticing. With the momentum he's gained, Newton enters my top 10 in this mock draft after I previously had him slipping to Minnesota at No. 12.
In fact, I've got him going No. 1 overall to Carolina and, as a result, this mock looks quite different than my first -- especially because Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert slides out of the top spot.
Two developments this week could also affect things moving forward: North Carolina's pro day on Thursday and the feeling teams take away regarding defensive end Robert Quinn and, maybe more importantly, defensive end Da'Quan Bowers' private pro day on Friday at Clemson.
Bowers was once mentioned as a possible No. 1 overall pick, and if he has a strong pro day that he can follow up with strong private workouts and solid interviews, his stock could rise drastically. Most important for him is how he checks out on follow-up medical evaluations and how his arthroscopically repaired knee looks for the projected long haul.
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Newton's film is starting to speak more than his character is, and folks like what they see. He still has some developing to do, but that's what coaching is for.
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If Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers checks out medically, he could go here. Either way, Denver has to buff up its defensive line.
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Buffalo needs a defensive playmaker. Gabbert could get some consideration, but the Bills could get a QB in the second round or trade up from the second to get into the late first round.
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They could move on Gabbert, WR A.J. Green or DT Nick Fairley, but if Bowers' medicals check out, Bowers gives them the edge defender up front they've been seeking.
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If Gabbert falls this far, the Cardinals will find it hard to pass him up. They could cross their fingers that they can acquire a vet in a trade/free agency once football is up and running again and swipe LSU CB Patrick Peterson here.
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As much as a defensive tackle is needed, there will still be some good ones on the board later in the draft. Playmakers like Green won't be. Note: If Gabbert or Newton slips this far, this could be the spot we see a trade.
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He is too good to let slip past them -- unless Newton or Gabbert is still available.
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Fairley is reunited with his collegiate position coach, Tracy Rocker. All concerns about Fairley's work ethic could be absolved. The Titans will either be reminded of the good Albert Haynesworth -- or the inconsistent one.
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The Cowboys got handled a lot up front last season, and Watt could give them an anchor end who can help free up the OLBs and take heat off NT Jay Ratliff.
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Pick No.10
ROBERT QUINNDENorth CarolinaThey'll have to tweak the front a little bit, but Quinn has too much upside and versatility to bypass. -
The Texans need help on the back end, but generating pressure is more important. Smith can play on or off the line. His versatility would be huge for a re-shuffled LB corps.
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Former Vikings TE Steve Jordan's son is an ideal end on the left side. He is stout at the point of attack against the run, and he could steer more traffic Jared Allen's way.
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Coach Jim Schwartz has been searching for a tough cornerback who can cover and tackle, and would be thrilled to get his hands on the Fresh Prince.
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This pick is getting softer, and QB Ryan Mallett could be in play here. Ingram fits a need, but there will be plenty of RBs available later.
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Kerrigan is a workhorse-type pass rusher whose game is compared to Aaron Kampman, who would line up at the other end spot.
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USC's Tyron Smith, who is gaining momentum, could be the pick, but Castonzo begins the long-awaited run on OTs.
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The Chargers could use help on the defensive line, but most of the elite prospects are off the board. Smith can compete to get into the mix quickly.
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Pick No.19
MIKE POUNCEYC/GFloridaPouncey is versatile, and he adds talent, depth and toughness. New York has to address OL now, LB later. -
Tampa Bay has to get a pass rusher (Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn could be in play). The Bucs could go CB here with Ronde Barber's career winding down and Aqib Talib's off-field issues.
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The biggest mover in the draft, he's a prototype 3-4 nose tackle, which makes him very valuable, especially for a team that's getting talented quickly on defense.
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Pick No.22
GABE CARIMIOTWisconsinAdding this big, nasty grinder will help in the running game and add depth to a group that's starting to show some wear and tear. -
Liuget is another player making gains on draft boards, and the Eagles need to fortify the defensive interior.
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Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes players he can use in multiple positions. This anchor DE can also slide to DT if needed. High character guy as well.
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Some teams are afraid of his personality, off-field past and leadership ability. That aside, Mallett can play. With the right support, he can mature on and off the field.
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Smith wouldn't be available this late if not for character concerns. The veteran leadership will keep this immensely talented player in line.
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If Atlanta feels he can play on the left side, he could really fill a need and rotate to the right when John Abraham needs to be spelled.
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We would all be surprised if the Pats don't trade out of this but, Wilkerson is a talent who could bolster the rotation.
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At 6-8, Solder is athletic and nasty and just what the Bears need up at LT or RT. He still needs to develop, but OL coach Mike Tice can speed up the process.
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Houston is a gifted athlete who has benefitted by playing a season in a 3-4 scheme in college. He could stand out quickly with the coaching he'll get from this staff.
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Sherrod has the size and potential, and he addresses a need for team looking to find help up front for the short and long term.
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The Packers could go in a lot of directions here, but with Charles Woodson close to the end of his career, adding a talented, coachable CB could turn out to be prudent.
