Ruff's Last Mock Draft

[Ruff]

This will be my most "realistic" mock, because it's almost impossible to predict trades, signings between now and then, etc. So, here goes at what I think our draft will actually look like.

Round 1, Pick #9 – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

I've flip-flopped on the first pick in this draft more than any other. At the point in which we draft, there's so many decent options, players that could theoretically all start Week 1. It comes down to what is actually the most needed thing on our team, out of the available talent at the #9 pick. I think that Dontari Poe does more for our team than any other pick at this selection. Coples may be a good DE, but what's a DE without a space-eating NT? An offensive lineman would not be a bad pick-up, but they don't change the complexion of that side of the ball like the pick of Poe would.

Poe may not have the huge sack totals at the end of the season, but he should eat up enough space to free up Johnson and Hardy. Poe's presence should also allow Beason and Davis (when he's playing) to not work so hard on their injured legs.

At the next level, I see Dontari Poe comparing closely to Teddy Washington, and if that's what we're getting with this pick, I couldn't be any more happy.

Round 2, Pick #8 – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Stephon Gillmore making an impact has really pushed Jenkins back a spot in the draft, and honestly, I couldn't be more happy about it. If you've ever seen Janoris Jenkins play, you've seen a future Pro Bowler in the making. At the next level, Janoris Jenkins could be a better player than Joe Haden is now, and that's impressive. Jenkins has already shown his skills against two of the better rookie receivers (Julio Jones and AJ Green) shutting them down in their respective match-ups. He's a great on-ball defender, can completely take a receiver out of the game, and opposite Chris Gamble, could become great.

The only concern with Janoris Jenkins is his character. You have to worry if you're getting the next Revis or the next Pacman Jones. While he has all the talent in the world, that would mean nothing if he couldn't keep out of trouble. But, I'm hard pressed to believe that a guy like Rivera, one of the most physically intimidating coaches I've ever seen, couldn't keep Jenkins in check. Between Rivera, Beason, Thomas Davis, and Steve Smith, I can't believe he would be out of hand, which would make him an incredible pick up.

Round 4, Pick #8 – Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

Joe Adams provides an instant upgrade to Punt Returner and Kick Returner, replacing Armanti almost immediately. Joe also gives us a flexible option in the slot receiver spot by being a similar sized guy as Armanti, but while playing his natural position. Joe also took hand-offs out of the backfield, giving another wrinkle to the offense for Cam, Chud, and the rest of the offense.

Round 5, Pick #9 – Terrell Manning, OLB, NC State

Terrell Manning could be a very, very good OLB at the next level. He's small and he needs more experience, but in a couple of years, this guy could be one of the best linebackers on our team. He needs to learn to be more consistent, but when he's on, he's on. He has some incredible pass-rushing ability, which would fit great with McDermott's “all-in” type of defense. Plus, he's a home town guy, and when has Hurney ever shied away from that?

Round 6, Pick #8 – Kelcie McCray, S, Arkansas State

Never heard of Kelice McCray, have you? That's okay. Rivera has, that's why he was brought in for an interview/work-out with the Panthers recently. McCray recorded 10 interceptions in his career at Arkansas State, while not sacrificing tackling. (220 tackles over four seasons) The most interesting part of McCray is the interest he's drawing from the Ravens. And honestly, who knows the safety position like Newsome and the Ravens?

Round 6, Pick #38 - Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Russell Wilson is cut from the same mold as RGIII, he’s only shorter, which drops him into the late rounds. He had a fantastic season at Wisconsin, and played very well at NC State before he graduated. Drafting Russell Wilson will allow the back-up QB to be similar to the starting QB, so that whenever Wilson has to step in, the offense doesn’t change at all.

Even with Derek Anderson returning, Wilson makes sense. Anderson is only coming back on a one year deal, so we need someone to sit back and learn the offense, and who better to do it than the same style of player as Cam.

Round 7, Pick #9 – Drew Butler, P, Georgia

I know some people don't think we should draft a Punter, but you have to ask yourself if the punter is going to be there as a UDFA, and if he's good enough to use a final draft pick on. Drew Butler is that good. He's not Quinn Sharp, but he's definitely good. With Jason Baker having the most punt returns for TDs among active punters, we need to start looking elsewhere. A guy that averaged 44yards+ punting last season definitely could fit that mold.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

If this happens I will be fine with it. The two things I question are the WR and QB. I think both are luxury picks and we need to at least attempt to add loffensive line depth with one or both of them.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Everthing from pick #2 and on is fine. I don't like the first pick. but I can live with it for sure.

[Ken]

Great mock. Kinda looks like the one I have lined up.

Don't like Poe though. Better players on the board will most likely be there.

[Actionman0z]

You lost me at there are so many players who could start week 1 at #9, First pick Dontari Poe. :*(

[carolina-chuck]

I'd be happy