(╯°□°）╯︵ʇɟɐɹp ʞɔoɯ

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1st. Dre Kirkpatrick, DB, Alabama

I had a lot of difficulty deciding between Kirkpatrick and David DeCastro. There hasn't been a Guard taking in the top 10 in years, but there hasn't been a better prospect at Guard in years than DeCastro. However, there were two things that ultimately persuaded me towards the Kirkpatrick pick. The first being that the defense was in need of an overhaul. At the same time, Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, and Ron Edwards are all returning next season. While Edwards might not be a huge boost, Beason definitely is. The verdict is still out on Davis. The big seller to me was that some evaluators think that Kirkpatrick could be more successful at FS... which has been taken in the top 10. He could also be the #2 CB. Both of those positions need to be filled, and last year's 4th round "steal" Brandon Hogan might have been projected to fill the void of #2. Regardless, Kirkpatrick provides the team with flexibility while also being BPA.

2nd. Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

As said before, Thomas Davis' status is unknown. Jerry Richardson and Ron Rivera have both sung praises of his hard work and leadership. One could even argue that the 2nd ACL tear was due to him trying to come back too early. The linebacking unit was decimated last season with injuries and trying to gel behind a line that was anything but solid. Jordan Senn has filled in well for TD, but I would prefer that he be a back up and special teams player in the same manner as Captain Munnerlynn. Lavonte David could come in and start immediately should TD not be stable, and at the very least he provides some much needed depth.

4th. Senio Kelemete, G, Washington

The RG position has been an open issue for the last few seasons. Geoff Schwartz had admirably filled in while Duke Robinson contributed nothing of value. However, Schwartz had a major hip issue and is also an RFA at the end of the season. Bernadeau is a UFA and was a turnstyle last season. Hangman is also due to be a UFA. Senio has been climbing draft boards with his work ethic and excellent physical tools. He's also a converted dline player, giving him a little extra meanness. The oline needs some help, and Senio could come in and eventually fill in that damn hole at RG.

5th. Ryan Steed, CB, Furman

Darius Butler is due $700k next season while Josh Thomas is slated to make $600k. It costs nothing to cut both of them, and RJ Stanford is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent. Captain Munnerlynn should not be starting at the #2, and Brandon Hogan has not won the job yet. Ryan Steed is a local prospect that works hard and could make the team via special teams.

6th. Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas

Dan Connor is going to be testing the free agency market, making depth at the position even more important. Jerry Franklin would fit in better as a 3-4 ILB, but has the speed to come in at MLB in a 4-3. He's also played multiple positions at Arkansas, from ILB and OLB to DE so he has shown versatility at the college level.

7th. Drew Butler, P, Georgia

Jason Baker has not punted well the last two seasons and is due $1.6m next season. It would only cost $60k to cut him, and with the Panthers being projected over the salary cap for 2012, he could be a dreaded cap casualty. Drew Butler has had a great college career and has an NFL heritage. Chas Henry went undrafted last year, but I honestly believe Butler to be a better punter that will provide a boost to special teams at a reduced price.

[carpanfan96]

Nice Mock, Really well put together. I like all the picks actually, pretty good value.

The only thing I would maybe change is the CB in the 5th for WR/PR Joe Adams if he's still there to shore up the KR/PR spots on ST's.

[Dex]

Kirkpatrick at #1 = no.

[Mother Grabber]

Kirkpatrick at #1 = no.

Because...?

[JawnyBlaze]

Darius Butler is due $700k next season while Josh Thomas is slated to make $600k. It costs nothing to cut both of them, and RJ Stanford is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent. Captain Munnerlynn should not be starting at the #2, and Brandon Hogan has not won the job yet. Ryan Steed is a local prospect that works hard and could make the team via special teams.

I'd certainly hope they cut Munnerlyn before Butler. Butler hasn't been perfect, or shown that he's a solid starter but he was way better than Munnerlyn this year. Way better. The only thing keeping Munnerlyn on this team, in my opinion, is his ST play.

[jb_online]

Jason Baker on his way out?

[stirs]

Isn't David a bit smallish to play OLB in the pros?

[Jackofalltrades]

I'd certainly hope they cut Munnerlyn before Butler. Butler hasn't been perfect, or shown that he's a solid starter but he was way better than Munnerlyn this year. Way better. The only thing keeping Munnerlyn on this team, in my opinion, is his ST play.

Butler hasn't been perfect by a long shot and the fact that he couldn't beat out Munny for the starting gig further proves that.

I love the top two picks.

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I also thought that perhaps Ryan Broyles in the 5th as a potential returner due to AE being paid the same as LaFell next season, but JR seems to think there might still be something there

[Brandon]

I can't say I'm necessarily a fan of the LB picks, but I guess that ultimately depends on FA whether or not depth will be an issue this year.

[Lout]

I like Kirkpatrick as a player, but don't think he is a good prospect based on injury history. Tore both labrums in each shoulder, and a series of nagging injuries that effect his play, including concussions.

Love the Drew Butler pick. Lavonte David would be a starter for us if we release Thomas Davis.. great player. Don't know much about the rest of the picks.

[Clicheking]

Well done. I'm still not on the Kirkpatrick bandwagon, his injury history alone is enough to scare me away and I don't want any more coverted safeties. Also I think there are better players to be had than David in the 2nd rnd. The later rnd's however are well done and researched.

Finally it makes no sense to release Captain and Butler, they have to much value especially at that price, the value is not as starters but they are worth keeping around.