Intern Ace Mock Draft Version 1

8/12/2019 Intern Ace Mock Draft Version 1

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Ace the Interns Mock Draft 1.0 (Pre- Free Agency)

1. Houston Texans Jadeveon Clowney, DL, South CarolinaWhy they will do it: If the Houston Texans want to take the best player available, the answer is

not a quarterback. The answer lies in taking Clowney, a once in a generation player that willcreate nightmares alongside JJ Watt.

Why they wont do it:The Texans are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, to saynothing of the questions surrounding Clowneys unpolished game, in addition tohis off the field

issues. In analyzing his game film,

(Alternative pick: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville)

2. Cleveland Browns:(from St. Louis (get 4thpick along with 26thpick ): Johnny Manziel,

QB, Texas A&M

Why they will do it: After firing Mike Lombardi as Gm, Roy Farmer aims to make a big splash

on draft day; much like what Kevin Costner will do in the Draft Day film coming later this

spring. Farmer might be worried Manziel will go to Jacksonville at 3. Manziel is by far is themost exciting player in the first round, thus giving a good PR boost.

Why they wont do it: Roy Farmer will come to his senses and keep the two picks. Then again,

trusting the Browns to make a sensible choice is like trusting Chuck to save a box of Girl Scoutcookies. Manziels game is far from polished; to spite his dexterity, he is more accustomed to

running out of the pocket which might work at the college level, not so on Sundays. If he doesnt

get comfortable sliding and taking care of the football, he could end up only lasting a few yearsas a starter, a la Michael Vick.

(Alternative pick: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF)

3. Jackson vi l le Jaguars:Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

Why they will do it:In the absence of suitable Quarterback (Blaine Gabbert is busted, Chad

Henne is poor mans backup), the Jagwads need a fresh start. While his name doesnt carry the

weight of Manziel, Bortles is a local guy with tons of upside. Given a year or two of solid

development could make him a Franchise-savior

Why they wont do it:Bortles smells of former draft bust Rick Mirer. In Mike Mayocks report,

Bortles tends to make one read than take off. His footwork is as precise as a duckling, not tomention that the main attribution to completion percentage was a dink-and-dunk passing system

(Alternative pick: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M)


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4. St. Louis Rams:(from Cleveland): Teddy Bridgewater QB, Louisville

Why they will do it:I know people are going to think Im nuts but consider this; Sam Bradfordis in his final year of his contract and on his way out. Bridgewater presents an opportunity for the

Rams to challenge for a playoff spot this season. Of the Quarterbacks on the board, he is the

most NFL-ready. He has a desire to succeed and intricate knowledge of the game that enableshim to provide leadership in the huddle.

Why they wont do it:Coach Jeff gives Sam Bradford one more shot to prove his worth. The

Rams might be more inclined to on the defensive side and either linebackers Anthony Barr orKhalil Black.

(Alternative Pick: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA)

5. Oakland Raiders:Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Why they will do it:Their the Raiders. The draft history over the last decade is riddled withover reaches, cast-offs and just plain busts (Robert Gallery, Fabian Washington, Rolando Mclain,

Jamarcus Russell etc., etc.).They need help every which way but Sunday. This isnt to say

Watkins wont become another lost prospect inthe black hole. While he possesses great speed

and ability to track down the ball, he lacks field awareness and suffers from being a product of agimmick offense.

Why they wont do it:Their the Raiders. Head coach Dennis Allen is rooted in the defensiveside of the ball. He and GM Reggie Mackenzie might be more comfortable going with a

defensive player. Most likely, it will be Khalil Black. He would be a badly needed and instant

upgrade to the Raiders' fledgling pass rush

(Alternative pick: Khalil Black , OLB, Buffalo)

6. Atlanta Falcons:Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Why they will do it:The Falcons desperately need help to their depleted offensive line. Hispower and first step will create nightmares for the defensive line. Athletism will be plus against

fast edge rushers. This is safe and necessary pick

Why they wont do it:The three-headed monster of Dimtroff, Piloli, and Devaney will cede

Chucks warning and try to make a trade for Clowney. With him off the board though, theFalcons might go for the safer option of the more experienced Jordan Matthews on the offensive

line. Matthews can be plugged into any position on the line.

(Alternative pick: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M)


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Why they will do it:With the loss of oft-injured Brandon Pettigrew, the Lions are in the market

for a Tight End. Even with the rise of 2nd

year man Joseph Fauria, Ebron will add flexibility incertain formations. A good route runner with outstanding athleticism, and was a mismatch

against defensive backs.

Why they wont do it: The Lions might need to draft out of necessity. On many occasions lastyear, their secondary moved with the efficiency of Chucks Ford Mustang. In-state hero

Darqueze Dennard from Michigan State will provide much needed relief. His size and play

recognition are a plus to boot.

(Alternative pick: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State)

11. Tennessee Titans Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Why they will do it:Titans are retooling their secondary, and if Dennard is still on board, expectthe Titans to take the physical corner. His size and speed and ability to play press coverage make

him a welcome asset to the defense.

Why they wont do it:Dennard is often injured, and could stay with him at the next level.

Struggles to play zone defense in spots. He also didnt participate in the speed and jumping

drills at the combine. The Titans are also considering Safety Ha-Ha Clinton Dix out of Alabama,who brings physical toughness and ability to run to the ball.

(Alternative Pick: Ha-ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama)

12. New York Giants:Taylor Lewan, OL, Michigan

Why they will do it:The Giants are need of O-line help. Lewan is very athletic and the best

combined numbers of any lineman at the combine. Hes a veteran starter in college with good

footwork and gets to the second level.

Why they wont do it:Lean underbody that could lead inverted under strength. Hes notaccustomed at blocking the outside blitz. Offensive line isnt the only Giants concern. There isan hole at Tight End and if TE Eric Ebron is on the board, the Giants will take him there.

(Alternative pick: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina)

13. St. Louis Rams: Justin Gilbert, CB, Michigan State


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Why they will do it:The St. Louis Rams have some young talent at corner, but that group needs

a star. Gilbert is a very good cover corner with a good ability to jump routes. He will interceptmany passes at the next level.

Why they wont do it: Hes not very assertive at playing the, which is a problem when you playthe Seahawks and 49ers twice a year. Gilberts attitude might also need some adjusting once hegets into camp. A safer option would be to go with Ha-Ha Clinton Dix from Alabama or, and this

could be a shock, Dee Ford from Auburn.

(Alternative pick: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn)

14. Chicago Bears:Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

Why they will do it: Put simply, the Bears need help in every facet of the defensive game. In

2013, the Bears ranked 30th

in total defense with inexperienced linebackers and safeties routinely

had to be bailed out by the offense (when has that ever happened in Chicago). Donald has goodleverage on the interior and hits the gap with speed. He can also be flexible falling into zone.

Why they wont do it:The Bears have a ton of holes to fill and adding another young player tothe mix adds time to molding the defense into a solid unit. Donald could stand to gain a few

pounds and learn to adjust to the run game. The Bears are looking at a number of defensive free

agents this week that hopefully shore up many of the holes.

(Alternative pick: Ha-ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama)

15. Pittsburgh Steelers Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, S, AlabamaWhy they will do it:Its the end of an era in the steel city. Safety Troy Polamalu is nearing thetwilight of his career, and Ryan Clark is on the Free Agency market. Clinton-Dix fits the mold of

a hard-hitting safety. He plays the run well; cover the slot Receiver in spots, and good tackling

ability in space.

Why they wont do it:Hes not a great block-shedder, could use work at getting off the line.

Depending on what happens in Free Agency, the Steelers could take WR Odell Beckham Jr. to

replace the outgoing Emmanuel Sanders.

(Alternative pick: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU)

16. Dallas Cowboys: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio St.


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Why they will do it:Its Jerry Jones, and he has a history of reaching in the 1stround as of late;

(Travis Frederick, Morris Claiborne, and Tyron Smith). In some mock drafts, Shazier isnt even

in the 1stRound. Even so, he is highly disruptive versus the run and pass, plus gets after the

passer on the first step.

Why they wont do it:Shazier tends to overplay the ball sometimes, running pass the play andmisses on the cutback. GM Jerry Jones might think better and draft someone with 1stround

ability like CB Jason Verrett out of TCU. Then again its Jerry Jones, and who knows where his

heads at from time to time.

(Alternative pick: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU)

17. Baltimore Ravens::Zach Martin, OL, Notre Dame

Why they will do it:With the loss of Michael Oher, the Ravens are shore up the o-line. Somemock drafts have Baltimore taking Alabama tackle Cyrus Kouandijo. While he may have talent,

Martin is less-flawed as a prospect. His quick on his feet and engages on the first step. Hes very

good against stunts and aware of blitzes.

Why they wont do it: Offensive line isnt the Ravens only need. The loss of Aquan Boldin last

year was rough on QB Joe Flacco. He is need of another target and Kelvin Benjamin could fit the

bill with his big hands and good speed.

(Alternative pick : Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State)

18. New York ets: Marquise Lee, WR, USC

Why they will do it:Put it simply, the J-E-T-S need O-F-F-E-N-S-E. With the release of

Santonio Holmes , the Jets are wiping the slate clean and starting fresh. Marquise Lee is a

motivated, athletic, playmaking Receiver locking to prove himself at the next level. Finds theball very well in flight, which will serve him with Geno Smith at Quarterback

Why they wont do it:Lee was hampered by a plethora of injuries that could derail his careerearly on.Mike Mayock commented his body might not withstand the punishment over the courseof the season. GM John Idzik very well could take WR Odell Beckham out of LSU instead. He

has a similar build and vertical, but lacks the injuries of Lee.

(Alternative pick: Odell Beckham,WR, LSU)


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19. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA

Why they will do it:After a tumultuous 2013 that saw one player walking away and one being

suspended indefinitely, the Dolphins desperately need help on the o-line to protect RyanTannehill. Hes very effect in pass protectionand quick on the first step. He good in combo

blocking and gains a step on the defender

Why they wont do it:His body is not up to NFL specs. Awareness is an issue and fails to

adjust to defensive movements. Not suited to play tackle. It depends on where the priority is on

the line; guard or tackle.

. (Alternative pick: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU)

20.Arizona Cardinals:Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

Why they will do it:Ealy is the best available Defensive end on the board. His height, weight

and speed make him a candidate to convert to linebacker. His agility allows him to close on the

quarterback in a hurry, which is valuable in the NFC West.

Why they wont do it:The Cardinals are in need of pure linebacker, and might not be inclined

to take a project in the 1stround. In addition, Arizona is also looking to retool on the offensive

line with a tackle, if any are on the board.

(Alternative pick: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville)

21. Green Bay Packers:Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Why they will do it:Green Bay was poor against the pass last year. They are in dire need of

upgrades to both the secondary and linebacking core. Fuller provides a good balance of instinctand height. Fuller is good against the run, and awareness allows him to pick up routes.

Why they wont do it:Fuller is not ideal in man-coverage and lacks to-end speed; cant keep up

in separation. His tackling also needs work. Fuller might time to develop into a startingcornerback. The Packers will also look into addressing their interior linemen issue with Timmy

Jernigan out of Florida State.

(Alternative pick: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State)


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22. Philadelphia Eagles Calvin Pryor, S, LouisvilleWhy they will do it:The Eagles defense was torrid, bad, horrendous, an unbearable mess, like

Chucks hair. The Safety position was particularly suspect, getting burned on a regular basis.

Pryor is a hard-hitting aggressive safety with instinct. He will set the tone with confidence on the

defensive side from start to finish

Why they wont do it:Pryor sometimes plays with too much confidence and can tend to

overplay the ball. The Eagles could also look at taking a corner such as Bradley Roby from Ohio

State.

(Alternative pick: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State)

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Why they will do it: The expected loss of WR/KR Dexter McCluster will force the Chiefs to

strongly consider taking a Receiver in the 1stround. Cooks is a quick-footed Receiver that

smoothly breaks into his routes. His ability to turn small catches into big runs will fit in with

Coach Andy Reids offense.

Why they wont do it:Cooks is a slight taller version of Dexter McCluster. His lack of bulk and

vertical will become a problem against some of the more physical corners in the league.Depending on free agency, the Chiefs can opt to draft a safety here, and wait to draft a Receiver

later in the draft.

(Alternative pick: Calvin Pryor (if on board), S, Louisville)

24. Dee Ford, DE, Auburn


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Why they will do it:Ford is a solid Defensive end with good first step and anticipation. Ford

possesses an outstanding motor that never gives up on a play. In spots, Ford can drop into

coverage and play zone. With his addition, the Bengals get another quality pass rusher.

.

Why they wont do it:The Bengals already have a young Defensive End in Margus Hunt.

While Ford adds depth, a 1

st

round pick should be a necessity not a luxury, although to trustMike Brown is like taking a leap, over a cliff.

(Alternative pick: Chris Borland, Wisconsin)

25. Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

Why they will do it:There are many concerns with the Super-Chargersboth sides on the ball.Most noticeable among these holes is the pass rush. Jernigan was a force at Florida State as run-

stuffer (something needed in the NFC West). Je has ability to shed blocks and get after the

quarterback on passing downs.

Why they wont do it:His height and slightly heftier gut raise questions about his fitness and

stamina. Jernigan also doesnt fair well against bigger and stronger linemen.The Chargers will

consider drafting an incumbent for the aging Antonio Gates.

(Alternative pick: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE Washington)

26. St. Louis Rams:(from Cleveland): Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE Washington

Why they will do it:When you have an offense that ranked 30th

last year, YOU NEED HELP!

Jenkins creates separation with his physicality. His size and soft hands make for a great target

down the seam. He also has a similar background to Antonio Gates, playing the UW basketballteam for a time.

Why they wont do it:Jenkins needs work as a blocker, speed off the line leaves something to

be desired. His character might also need some tweaking at the next level. The Rams might be

leaning toward shoring up their offensive line to protect Sam Bradford or incumbent, Teddy

Bridgewater.

(Alternative pick: Joel Bitonio, OL, Nevada)

27. New Orleans Saints Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio StateWhy they will do it:With Jabari Greer moving on in free agency, the Saints will decide to get

younger at cornerback with Roby; a feisty tackler that plays above his size most of the time. He

can turn and run with Receivers in the vertical. Additionally, he plays the zone well, and can

come off the edge as a blitzer.


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Why they wont do it:Roby can be out-handled by bigger, taller Receivers. His inability to jam

at the line will cause Receivers to get behind him. With the Jimmy Graham contract still in

limbo, the Saints could be considering a Tight End as their first pick, surprising as that sounds.

(Alternative pick: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech)

28. Carolina Panthers Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU

Why they will do it:With the expected departure of WR Steve Smith, the Panthers will belooking to fill the hole. Landry is a savvy route runner with big hands and works back to the ball.

He can make a spectacular catch every now and again; heck of a competitor.

Why they wont do it:Landry needs to bulk up to contend with physical corners. He lacks togear speed and agility, like a Ford Mustang. Landry needs to work on his separation to make un-

contested catches. If there is another Receiver on the board (Allen Robinson, Brandin Cooks), Icould see the Panthers going with one of them instead

(Alternative pick (if on board): Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State)

29.New England Patriots:Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

Why they will do it:The Patriots lost their top three targets of 2012 due to; injury (Rob

Gronkowski), arrest (Aaron Hernandez), and plain-old stubbornness (Wes Welker). Quarterback

Tom Brady spent much of the year frustrated with his offense. The Patriots are in need of anytype of weapon. Amaro could fit the bill as tweener given bulk and size with adequate speed to

stretch the field.

Why they wont do it:Amaro was a product of a pass-happy offense. Hes not productive

blocking on the line; doesnt get good separation on the defender, and has trouble running hisroutes. The Patriots could lean toward drafter a Receiver or Tight End in the later rounds.

(Alternative pick: Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State)

30. San Francisco 49ers:Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State


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Why they will do it:Why not do it; Frank Gore is coming to the end of his fine career, its time

for another feature Running Back. Hyde certainly looks the part at 6 foot, 230 lbs. He has good

strength, finds his own holes. Hes very hard to bring down and excellent in the short-yardagegame. As the game wears on, he gets better

Why they wont do it:He doesnt have top-end speed; not very elusive and needs to work onhis off-field work ethic. At this point in the 1stround, Hyde looks to be the most talented player

on the board, and I cant a solid reason not to take him

(Alternative pick: Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame)

31. Denver Broncos:Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State

Why they will do it:Losing Defensive End Shaun Phillips to Free Agency is tough, but he is 33and Broncos should be looking toward the future. Crichton has all the physical attributes you

could ask for, good strength with big hands. Hes very good off the snap, has good closing speed,

and has an eye for stripping the ball.

Why they wont do it:Crichton will need work to adapt to a 3-4 defense. He plays too tall for

his position; plays to loose on the rush with very little flexibility. The Broncos might try toreplace Receiver Eric Decker at 31.

(Alternative Pick: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State)

32. Seattle Seahawk s:Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame

Why they will do it: With the expected losses on the defensive front, the Seahawks will look to

add to their devastating defense. Nix has great size and girth to command double teams on theline. Nix can get enough leverage to push blockers into the backfield. Furthermore, he can adjust

to most schemes.

Why they wont do it:Nix will need some work in engaging one-on-one blockers. Hes notvery good in pass rush, and his stamina needs work. Moreover, Nix needs to improve his block

shedding and could stand to develop lower body strength. The Seahawks might also replacing

losses on their O-line.

(Alternative pick: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia)

Intern Ace Mock Draft Version 1

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