We are actually now running a day ahead of schedule in our GGN mock. Yesterday the Cowboys added an offensive lineman, Tyron Smith, to upgrade their ugly tackle situation. The Redskins added Robert Quinn to rush the passer across from Brian Orakpo. Today the Texans made the decision to pick Nick Fairley to play end in their new 3-4 defense. I am usually not a fan of taking an end in that system early, but Wade Phillips' defense is a one gap scheme where guys are expected to penetrate. The Vikings addressed their quarterback situation with Ryan Mallett. The Lions took Nate Solder to play tackle. Prince Akukamara incredibly fell to the Rams at 14.
There are a number of interesting moves here that I consider gambles. The Cowboys need to upgrade their offensive line, but Smith is raw and is still filling his frame. Quinn has not played in over a year. I always consider that a gamble. I am the one who made that pick as I was thinking about what the Redskins will do, but that is a risk. Solder being the second tackle off the board might raise some eyebrows. Mallett has questionable mechanics and intangibles despite his big frame and arm.
With that said, I think all the GM's explained the rationale for their picks very well and all could happen.
Miami and Jacksonville are up next. Miami has until Monday but can make its pick at any time. With over 24 hours, I do not forsee a problem, but contact me if getting the pick done on time will be an issue. Also I ask that you do not make your pick until you are on the clock. We had a pick go out of order recently. It wasn't a huge deal, but it's something we'd like to avoid.
2011 GGN Mock Draft:
1. Carolina-Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
2. Denver-Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
3. Buffalo-Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
4.Cincinnati-Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
5. Arizona-Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
6. Cleveland-A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7. San Francisco-Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
8. Tennessee-Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
9. Dallas-Tyron Smith, T, USC
10. Washington-Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
11. Houston-Nick Fairley, DT/DE, Auburn
12. Minnesota-Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
13. Detroit-Nate Solder, T, Colorado
14. St. Louis-Prince Akukamara, CB, Nebraska