There is so much talent in this year's draft, that it is hard for me to not look to the future a little. We are 3-3, and things need to start improving, or we won't make the playoffs. This might not be a bad thing Draft wise, but we all know very well, that once we get into the playoffs, there is no telling what we can do. Before I go into this mostly pointless mock draft, I would like to mention that if Wayne Hunter continues to improve, he won't be going anywhere.
Round 1: Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall, Height: 6-5. Weight: 252.Pace is quietly having a pretty good year, and Westerman/Maybin are showing promise. This positions could still use a big upgrade. A pass rush is key for our defense. Without it, our secondary is left out to dry. Bryan Thomas will probably be gone next year, and Westerman is also up for free agency. Curry has been a ferocious force for Marshall this year. His stats to date are: 9.5 Sacks, 17 TFL, 3 QB Hurries, 2 FF, 2 kicks/punts blocked
Round 2: Mohamed Sanu (Junior), WR, Rutgers, Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Can anyone else see Plaxico staying past this year, if even that? I know I don't. If he doesn't start proving his worth, he could go out in a less flattering way than Mason. Sanu might not be as big as Plaxico, but he has every bit the playmaking ability as Plax used to have. I wouldn't be too upset if our receiving corps looked like Holmes, Sanu, Kerley. You would have 3 big play guys going out for Sanchez. His stats to date are: 55 Rec, 555 Yards, 10.09 AVG, 5 TD
Round 3: Tyler Eifert (Junior), TE, Notre Dame, Height: 6-6. Weight: 242.
We all know about the Patriots and their success with two TE sets. Two large TEs are the perfect mismatch for an offense. If we could apply the same kind of offense, we could have some huge success going forward. Cumberland was supposed to be this 2nd TE, but with his recent injury/lack of production, it is time to move on. Eifert has replaced Kyle Rudolph this year at ND. He has done a great job. He is also decent in blocking. Having a TE that can both receive and block is priceless. His stats to date are: 33 Rec, 363 Yards, 11.34 AVG, 3 TD
Round 4: Winston Guy Jr., S, Kentucky, Height: 6-1. Weight: 210.
Our safeties are still our weakest positions in our secondary. Teams continue to go after and abuse these guys. Jim Leonhard is a free agent, but I don't expect Rex to let him walk. Neither him nor Scott will ever be let go. An improvement needs to be made, or things will continue to deteriorate. Winston Guy Jr is an interesting prospect. He is great against the run, but also has good size and speed to hang with slot guys or TEs. He would fit in perfectly to what we want out of our secondary. His stats to date are: 29 Tackles, 2 INT, 8 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 QB Hurry
Round 5: Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona, Height: 5-11. Weight: 182.
Rex must have been crying during the last draft. He didn't draft a single CB. I don't expect this to happen two years in a row. If there is one position Rex loves to add talent to, it's the CB position. This position is pretty deeps this year, so a gem could be gotten as late as the 5th round. If Kyle Wilson is to ever take over Cro's spot, we will need someone to replace Kyle Wilson. Wade has been great in his Senior season. His stats to date are: 29 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 TFL, 7 PBU
Round 6: Art Forst, G/OT, Rutgers, Height: 6-8. Weight: 310.
If this year has shown us anything, it is that we need depth on our O-line. Robert Turner is a free agent come 2012. If we don't keep him, we will be looking for a replacement backup. Art Forest is more naturally a Guard, but has the ability and experience to play tackle. His flexibility as a swing lineman, would be coveted by our offense.
Round 7: Derek Moye, WR, Penn State, Height: 6-5. Weight: 198.
We can always use a 6'5" WR to bolster our WR ranks. His size would be very much appreciated if we part ways with Plaxico. Sanu is a big playmaker, but he doesn't have that Red Zone size we desire. Moye could be just what we need to turn 3 points into 6. Moye is having a very good season so far, so his stock will be on the rise. His stats to date are: 28 Rec, 485 Yards, 17.32 AVG, 3 TD
We might have a one or two more 7th round picks coming to us, so here are few other guys we should keep an eye on.
Ben Bojicic, C, Bowling Green, Height: 6-5. Weight: 294.
I don't want Baxter to be our only option as a backup C. I would like to have a bit of competition for that position. Of course if Turner returns, he could also fill in as a C.
Darius Fleming, OLB/DE, Notre Dame, Height: 6-2. Weight: 255.
Can you ever have enough quality pass rushers. If we lose both Westerman and Thomas, we will need some other guys to fill their spots.