Cam Newton Going 1st Overall Mock

Welcome back to another Bartolis mock draft, the best and most accurate mock draft on the web (who’s going to remember I wrote that four months from now? muwahahaha). No seriously, though I am the best, or at least my process is. You see, I love writing and writing mock drafts, but I’ve always had this thing where I just have to be different. And because of that every one of my mocks is a complete overhaul of the last mock to try and provide as many different alternative viable views as possible. Sure, it’s way more work and takes up more of my time, but I do this because I love all of you. But in reality there are always a large number of potential candidates for almost every team in the draft, so mocking a different player everytime (or at least trying to) I make a mock is the responsible thing to do. Plus it’s more fun!

Also, why read the same mocks everywhere? Most people are afraid to go out on a crazy limb, but not me. I don’t want to be different just to be different though, that’s also no fun. I’ll also try to convince you I’m right and it’s your job to tell me why I’m completely wrong, otherwise you’re guilty by remaining quiet. So let your voices be heard by leaving a comment.

You can see my previous two mocks (for this site) here. But if you’re into the more traditional style of accurately predicting the picks, that’ll come the week before the draft with a little special installment I have, or you can go to the top of the page under the Mock Drafts tabs and check out the full team mocks(7 rounds deep for each team, though not all teams are completed yet), Sayre’s mocks, or the other’s writers mocks, all of which are more traditonal than this mock, but still good nevertheless.

Cam Newton’s going first, but what about the rest…read on by hitting the continue reading button below.

Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton, Professional QB Auburn (get it because he was paid in college?)

Do I think this is the best pick? Well, no, but that’s because I don’t want to admit that Todd McShay might be right about Jimmy Clausen (it really hurts my soul to speak highly of Tan Man McShay) or anything at all. I was a Jimmy Clausen supporter heading into last year’s draft because I watched him time and time again drive his team down the field in the final minutes of the game to put his team in position to win the game, and I thought to myself, man this guy might have “it”. Plus, he was heavily recruited out of high school, put up huge numbers, had great vision on the field, but he didn’t look very good last year with the Panthers.

My meandering brings us to this: can Jimmy Clausen be successful as an N.F.L. Quarterback? The Panthers have a new coach with no loyalty to Jimmy Clausen, which means that he’s going to decide immediately whether or not Clausen is the future. If not it could really be Cam Newton, the player with the highest upside in the draft. Plus there is an underground movement of Scouts and reporters talking about Newton as the possible number one, which concludes my decision on Newton for this Obligatory Cam Newton Going 1st Overall Mock Draft.

Previous mock draft picks: A.J. Green, Da’Quan Bowers

#2 Denver Broncos, Daquan Bowers, Clemson

We reported at this site last week that the Bowers might be the favorite for the Broncos at #2 right now, which makes a lot of sense to me. Pass rushing DE > shut down cornerback or good Defensive tackle. A lot of Broncos fans want Patrick Peterson because his upside is tremendous, but I still maintain that Patrick Peterson at #2 is not the right pick and that it’s not going to happen. This has nothing to do with Peterson’s ability and everything to do with his position. This draft is LOADED with Defensive Ends and DT which are more important than Cornerbacks. Bowers, in this mock, is the pick.

Previous picks: Marcel Dareus, Marcel Dareus (whoops!)

#3 Buffalo Bills, Von Miller, OLB, Texas A and M

Before it was chic to OLB to the Bills I was mocking them Robert Quinn, which was a good possibility before because despite what you read in other places, the Bills are not Switching back and forth from a 3-4 to a 4-3. They did LAST Year, but they are Playing a 3-4 this year. How do I know that? Because there is absolutely no reason to draft Terrell Troupe and Alex Carrington in last year’s drafts in the 2nd and 3rd round and then sign Shawne Merriman if the team wasn’t committed to playing the 3-4. It’s happening. Having already mocked them Green and Fairley before I”m going in a different direction with Miller here. They have Merriman on one side, but Chris Kelsay is on the other side and that is a serious problem because Chris Kelsay is not very good. Miller is an explosive pass rusher and can be insurance for when Merriman gets hurt and when Maybin is officially labeled a bust and put on the backburner for good.

Previous picks: Nick Fairley, A.J. Green

#4 Cincinnati Bengals A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

The Bengals have made it clear that they want Carson Palmer and also that they don’t want Ochocinco (is it chad Johnson again, or Pdiddy? Or Puffy, or Sean Combs, or Puff Daddy?). Anyway, Chad and T.O. are about as done as their Versus TV show. While the Bengals have some very nice talent at Wide receiver (Simpson and Shipley), they seem like more ideal fits at #2 and #3, respectively.

Previous picks: Patrick Peterson, Nick Fairley

#5 Arizona Cardinals, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

This is purely a best available player pick, although they could use help at cornerback. They had 8 INT from their cornerbacks last year, which is not great. Although, a lot of that has to do with the anemic pass rush (Calais Campbell lead the team with 6 sacks) some of that has to do with the fact that their cornerbacks are not great. Opposing teams averaged 7.3 yards per pass attempt last season…which if one Qb does that for an entire season is likely a Pro-bowl season. On top of that, while Howlings is a good kick returner, their punt returners averaged 7 yards per return (which is not very good). Peterson gives them one of the best young CB combos in the league, good value at 5 for some people’s best player in the draft, and a real punt return threat.

Previous picks: Rorbert Quinn, Tyron Smith

#6 Cleveland Browns, DT, Nick Fairley

I think picking 5,6,7 is usually a great position to be in because you’re likely to still be sitting there with an elite talent on the board. Every draft usually has 5-7 players that are just considered flat out better prospects than the rest. Sitting in one of these positions means you’re still in a position to get good value, but not have to dole out Mega contracts. In this mock the Browns strike gold (in most people’s eyes) as they get the talented Fairley at #6. I don’t personally love Nick Fairley, not saying he’s not good, I just don’t think he’s worth a #1-3 pick. But that’s just me.

Previous picks: Daquan Bowers, Julio Jones

#7 San Francisco 49ers Marcel Dareus, DE, Alabama

I know 49ers fans think they need a QB, rush OLB, or Cornerback a lot more, but everything I have been reading is that Harbaugh is going to try and make a go with Alex Smith (and if he’s not why does he keep saying this, it can’t make 49ers fans happy?). Anyway, QB here is a possibility if he likes any of them, and it’s also likely if you prescribe to the New coach=New QB theory that holds true most of the time. Still, I think DL is an under-published need for the 49ers. Issac Sopaga could be upgraded. I realize he’s a space eater and does that fair enough, but he still started 16 games and had 25 tackles and one sack! That’s paltry production, even for a space eater. He’s also approaching 30 and Dareus might be the best player available here and a player that can create penetration and make plays opposite Justin Smith could help out the Pass rush and the secondary (two needs.

Previous picks: Von Miller, Patrick Peterson

#8 Tenessee Titans, Akeem Ayers,LB, UCLA

This pick makes a lot of sense to me, but I don’t see it around a lot. I don’t know why people don’t consider LB for the Titans. Ayers can play OLB in a 4-3 with his athleticism and pass rush abilities or in a 3-4. The Titans had a nice (not so) surprising season from Stephen Tulloch last year who had 160 tackles, but they have journeyman Will Witherspoon and Gerald McGrath as their other starters. Ayers has the coverage ability to play OLB in a 4-3 and could be a demon pass rushing 4-3 OLB with his pure athletic abilities. Ayers has a real chance to Wow at the combine because he’s built like the protypical linebacker, and has tremendous physical ability. I think he plays a little soft in run support, but it would not surprise me if he’s over-drafted.

Previous picks: Prince Amukamara, Blaine Gabbert

#9 Dallas Cowboys, Tyron Smith, OT, USC

I’m a believer that Smith won’t make it out of the top 10. LT with huge upside are too valuable to fall out of the top 10. If teams will take a chance on a player like Andre Smith with serious work ethic concerns, or Eugene Monroe (injury concerns), why wouldn’t they take a chance on a player with size concerns?. If Smith can impress at the combine with the bench press and some weight gain, I think a top 10 selection in the April draft is a lock.

previous picks: Cameron Jordan, Von Miller

#10 Washington Redskins, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

In the N.F.C. East the Dallas Cowboys have Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, the New York Giants have Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, the Eagles have DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, and the Redskins have an aging Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong? The Redskins have to consider keeping up with the Joneses (haha see what I did there) , as well as finding Moss’ eventual replacement. The problem for the Redskins is, once again, they don’t have the strength in numbers with their high pick selections and will have to be crafty about what to do with their picks.

Previous Picks: Blaine Gabbert, Prince Amukamara

#11 Houston Texans Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

The Texans have decided that Brian Cushing will officially play in the middle with Demeco Ryans which means in order to play the 3-4 this year They MUST find a rush OLB. Robert Quinn is available here, but has character issues and also also might be overrated (at least one of our writers thinks so-we’ll have a post on that soon). Back in the Parcells era of the Cowboys the Cowboys had to choose between two very talented Rush OLB: Demarcus Ware and Merriman. One had more talent (Merriman), but character issues, Parcells choose the less talented, more dedicated player and ended up being correct. Phillips, Parcell’s heir in Dallas, and the front office might have a similar choice this draft.

Previous picks: Julios Jones, Robert Quinn

#12 Minnesota Vikings-Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

As an aside I wish I knew what Leslie Frazier liked in his QB. While he might not make the final decision…QBs and coahces have to be on the same page or the team is doomed. Gabbert is the parrallel opposite to Tavaris Jackson and Joe Webb. Gabbert is a big arm prototypical looking QB, which might do well in Minnesota because of the big time weapons they already have in place on offense (Harvin, Rice, and Peterson).

Previous picks: Derrick Sherrod, Aldon Smith

#13 Detroit Lions: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

I can hear the collective groaning of Lions fans already, but I don’t understand why. Quinn is one of the most talented players in the draft, and pretty good Pass rushing DE are more valuable then dominating Outside linebackers. I mean the New York Giants didn’t have a good linebacker corps the entire 2000 decade, but during that decade they went to two superbowls winning one and have more wins than any other team in the N.F.C., I believe (I know for a fact since 2005 Eli Manning has more wins than any other QB in the NFC). Point is: you can’t have too many pass rushers and linebackers are the least important part for success in the 4-3 defensive system. Quinn is tremendous value here and shouldn’t be passed up because there are more needs elsewhere.

Previous picks: Nate Solder, Mark Ingram

#14 St.Louis Rams, Ryan Kerrigan DE

Spags knows the importance of pass rushers in the N.F.L, and while James Hall and Chris Long were good last year (along with Fred Robbins) they could use more depth along the defensive line for one and a future replacement for James Hall who is 34 this year. Sam Bradford needs another receiving threat…check that… A receiving threat, but at this point the value is not there unless they want to take a chance on the possibly volatile Jonathan Baldwin. Kerrigan can be the future replacement for Hall as well as a situational pass rusher this season. Kerrigan was very productive last season and had a great senior bowl.

previous picks: Akeem Ayers, Brandon Harris

#15 Miami Dolphins-Rahim Moore, Safety UCLA

I don’t know why his stock is so low because Rahim Moore does something that is very valuable in the National Football League-he gets his hands on the ball. Moore had 10 interceptions as a sophmore which is unheard of, I realize that the Dolphins need a new running back, but with no second round pick they might not be willing to grab a Running back in the first round. The other thing the Dolphins did last year was stop the run well (3.6 yards per carry, which is very good), but they were poor vs the pass, with their Leading INT man had TWO Interceptoins. That’s not going to cut it in the N.F.L if you want to win a lot of games. I think the Dolphins true best option is trading down in the first round because they could use depth and another start along the OL, a QB, RB, Safety, and another WR. I think when all is said and done though they are most likely to draft an OL because the positional value is very high and they dont’ have a 2nd round pick.

Previous picks: Mike Pouncey, Gabe Carimi

#16 Jacksonville Jaguars-Jimmy Smith, Colorado, CB

I think Jimmy Smith has a true chance of jumping Amukamara as the second best cornerback in this draft with a huge combine (which is possible), but right now he’s still a mid first round or later prospect (even though we like him here at NFLmocks, currently #10 on our big boad). I’ve used this stat a few times, but he was only targed 20 times this season…that’s unheard of in the Big 12. I also saw a stat (which I have not confirmed) that he gave up less than 25 completions against him the past TWO Seasons combined. In any case, the Jagaurs could use help at cornerback and Smith might be the best player available on their board at this point based on this draft.

#17 New England Patriots-Mark Ingram, Alabama

This is clearly the hardest team to mock new players too because they have two draft picks in the first round. Statistically, the Pats were good to dominant in pretty much every category (except yards per game on defense, but points per game was solid). And they went 14-2. They really could pick any player they want with their first pick in the draft because they have so many other picks to fill any of the needs that arise. In this scenario, they take NFL mocks clearly best player available in Mark Ingram to give them a legetimate running back who can run, catch the ball, and pass block. Ingram would allow the Patriots to cut bait with Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, and Maurice Morris and allow them to add some more players at other positions. Do the Pats need Ingram? No. But would he be a great pick luxury value pick here? Yes.

Previous picks: Mike Pouncey, Cameron Jordan

San Diego Chargers, Prince Amukamara, Cb, Nebraska

The Chargers are in the same position as the Patriots. They don’t have any GLARING needs and can afford to take the best player available at this point in the draft. What they really need is a NEW COACH! But you can’t find those in the draft. Amukamara falls in this mock because of an oversight and also because he might run a slow 40 yard time relegating him to a safety in the Naitonal Football League and pushing him down the board. Amukarama has tons of upside and could be a nice future replacement for Quentin Jammer whom will be 32 this year if teams think he can play cornerback evenif he runs slow. I think a 3-4 DE could be a likely pick here as well as for some reason I haven’t mocked Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt to a team yet.

Previous picks: Aldon Smith, J.J. Watt

#19 New York Giants: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Ayers has all the upside in the world, but I don’t think he’ll be a great player. I think he can be a very solid, good player. He reminds me a ton of Manny Lawson as a do everything pretty well nothing exceptional kind of linebacker. I think Ayers will be very high on the Giants board, whether or not he is my ideal pick as a G-man fan, in this mock I don’t have to worry about it anyway. What I’m not buying is the Giants going OL in the first round. I just don’t think it’s happening. They think they have the best OL coach in the business (and they are probably right) and that they can wait a round or two and mole a talented raw player into a franchise T. But OL seems to be a crowd-pleaser pick so I’ll make it.

Previous Picks: Jimmy Smith, Kyle Rudolph

#20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cameron Jordan, DE, UCLA

Although Jordan is probably a better fit as a LDE and the Buccaneers biggest need is a RDE the value here is too good to pass up on Cameron Jordan. Jordan is probably the most versatile DL in the draft as he can probably succeed at any position in the 3-4 or 4-3 save for 3-4 Nose tackle.

Previous pick: Allen Bailey, Rahim Moore

#21 Kansas City Chiefs Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois

I haven’t seen LeShoure mocked to the Chiefs as a possibility anywhere yet, but to me it makes some sense (let me defend it before I’m crucified). The Chiefs live and died this year with a punishing run game between Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles and will have to continue that if they want to win the A.F.C. West again. Well, Thomas Jones, despite being a hard worker and a freak of nature, is going to be 33 years old this year. Even with that said he only averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season. The third RB on the roster, Jackie Battle averaged 2.5 yards per carry. LeShoure can be the perfect complement to Jamaal Charles for the next 5-7 years as the Chiefs look to continue to compete in the A.F.C. West. Phil Taylor the NT, a LB to complement Hali, a future replacement for Casey Wiegmann, and a #2 WR are all possibilites that will be discussed as we move closer to the draft.

Previous picks: Jonathan Baldwin, Martez Wilson

#22 Indinapolis Colts, Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

I, for one, think Paea could thrive as a defensive tackle in the Colts system. Strong as a bull and quick enough to be a penetrator..Paea could be a player who could finally help improve the Colts run defense while still playing in their system of stopping the run on the way to rushing the QB. Colts fans are probably sick of seeing the team mocked Offensive linemen though that seems the most likely route for Bill Polian to go in the April draft.

previous picks: Brandon Harris, Derrick Sherrod

#23 Philadelphia Eagles Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Yawn. Self-explanatory pick. I put him here because I realized I only have one OT off the board so far (which I find unlikely in the real draft).

Previous picks: Mark Ingram, Akeem Ayers

#24 New Orleans Saints-J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Will Smith is a good DE on one side, but the Saints could use a DE on the other side. Watt could be a very good run stuffing LDE for the Saints and help improve the run defense and could probably come in and start as LDE this year.

Previous picks: Martez Wilson, Stephen Paea

#25 Seattle Seahawks-Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

I think the Seahawks have nice young Wide Receivers, but could really use a true #1 WR. Baldwin is the best available player at this juncture on many boards and could help give the offense some true weapons at WR with Williams, Tate, Baldwin, and Obanawanu (I just looked up the real spelling and it’s: Obomanu). Improving a QB receiving options and the talent around him on offense is one way to improve the Quarterback play.

Previous picks: Cam Newton, Jimmy Smith

#26 Baltimore Ravens Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

If Chris Chester is an excellent RT someone correct me, but I wasn’t blown away watching him play and the Ravens do a great job of sticking to their big board for the most part. Sherrod is our #2 OT on our big board and the clear best player available here. Oher was not as good last year at LT as he was two years ago at RT. He might be better suited at RT. Either way Sherrod and Oher would give the Ravens bookend tackles for the next 10 years to try and off-set those pesky Steelers linebackers.

Previous picks: Torrey Smith, Justin Houson

#27 Atlanta Falcons-Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois

I think Wilson is best suited for OLB in a 4-3 (though there are a lot of Wilson as a 3-4 OLB supporters out there, and even a few 4-3 DE supporters). Anyway, few Linebackers have the pure pass rush ability as Wilson does and this is good value for him as he will continue to rise during the pre-draft process. The Falcons LB corps still leaves something to be desired despite drafting Sean Weatherspoon last year. Mike Peterson started 13 games and played in all 16 and only had 59 tackles. The other reason I went with Wilson here is because I didn’t want to mock them Kyle Rudolph, I’ve already mocked them a DE in my last mock, and an interior OL in the one before that. I don’t think it’s a likely pick though.

Previous Picks: Stefen Wisniewski, Ryan Kerrigan

#28 New England Patriots, G, Mike Pouncey, Florida

I think the Patriots biggest need in the 0ff-season is Rush OLB, but at this point Pouncey is considered good value and would be an upgrade in the interior OL and could eventually replace Logan Mankins, as the Patriots don’t love to hand out big contracts they might just stick him with a one year franchise tag and let him go next season or trade him to the Raiders for their entire draft.

Previous picks: Justin Houston, Jonathan Baldwin

#29 Chicago Bears, Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

I think he’s a solid 2nd round prospect, some think he’s a mid to late first round prospect. Anyway, OL WR are arguably the Bears two biggest needs, but the best WR here is either Lenoard Hankerson (not in 1st round discussion yet, but not surprised if he ends up there) or Torrey Smith or Titus Young and the WR on the teams are already undersized fast WR. Offensive tackle is almost always the pick for the Bears so let’s change it up a bit. Tommie Harris has regressed from his once dominating form and the Bears might be interested in finding a good interior DT.

Previous picks: Gabe Carimi, Stefe Wisniewski

#30 New York Jets-Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

If he’s available here the Jets would have a hard time passing on him. The Jets biggest needs is a Rush OLB and that’s what Houston is and good value here.

Previous picks: Jerrell Jernigan, Phil Taylor

#31 Pittsburgh Steelers Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

The Steelers fine the heir apparent to Casey Hamptons reign as the 3-4 NT in Pittsburgh. At this point it is likely the majority of the top OL are off the board (though in this mock Castanzo is still available) so OL might not provide the best value at this point. Phil Taylor might not last this long because there is no real competition for the #1 spot at the Nose tackle position (a team like the Redskins might even have to reach for him at 10th overall, or the Texans at 11th).

Previous picks: Ras-I Dowling, Nate Solder

#32 Green Bay Packers Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Clayborn had a down year this past season, but he’s a talented guy. I’m just not sure he’d fit the Packers mold because he has the dreaded “character” Concerns label. The Packers always add the best player available and that could be Clayborn here if the Packers are satisifed with the injury concerns.

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