Matthias' Mock (3rd Take)

[Matthias]

This is will be my last mock before the combine, and I'll do one more before the draft. As with other recent mocks here, I'll stick to where we are picking, yet will add a trade back into the third. Some of my picks are based on Walterfootball and nfldraftscout prospect lists, so if you're wondering why I'm drafting a certain guy in this or that round, These are my references.

1st Round

Jonathan Martin

[Jackofalltrades]

Martin is just such a reach there, can't get past that with him. Supposedly Coples is the better DE and I don't want anything to do with him.

This would be a complete fail for me, especially factoring in what we would have to give up to get back into the third round.

I also still believe in the DL we have, I think our priority should be the back 7 unless BPA comes into play. Even if that were the case, as if right now that wouldn't be Martin.

[Jackofalltrades]

Martin on which side?

For me, regardless of RT or LT Kirkpatrick will prob be higher on the big board AND addresses an actual need...a big one.

[Kuech the Sneak]

I'd be pretty happy with this draft I thi k we need another pass rusher instead of another 3rd round DT

[carpanfan96]

I'm Pretty sure that Tavon Austin has said he is coming back to school.

[Mother Grabber]

I'd be happy with either Martin or Kirkpatrick. Maybe we'll get lucky and have to choose.

[bababoey]

Well thats ok but you know as of now we don't have a 3rd round pick.

[stirs]

What did you trade to get back into the 3rd round?

[Lout]

I like the draft overall. Like other have said, I don't like the DT in the 3rd round.. he won't be any better than our 3rd round DTs from last year.. and he will be behind in learning the scheme compared to Fua and McClain.

I like Martin as a player, but what if Otah comes back healthy? Martin would be riding pine for a year and have no impact on our team this season.. I would not like that outcome either.

[GamecockSmitty4]

Martin on which side?

For me, regardless of RT or LT Kirkpatrick will prob be higher on the big board AND addresses an actual need...a big one.

We have a need for an oversized CB who consistently gets beat?

[MHS831]

First, you have done your homework--good job. Some do not see LT as a need. Let's see: Gross will be 32-33, Otah averages 5 games per season--2 over the last 2 years, and Bell is a G who made Cameron Jordan look like a superstar last week. LT is our biggest need. Protect Cam.

Here is WHY LT is our biggest need:

It makes us awesome up front. Even if Reiff/Martin play RT for a year, we will still need a LT very soon. What about OTAH? What if he is healthy? LG would be much better on his knees and make running better than it is now. In addition, Cam has fewer bullrushers in his face. Bell would be solid depth at RG and RT.

It gives us a legitimate backup LT. If Gross is at RT and Martin is injured, we lose nothing. Now, when Gross goes down, we get Wharton. BTW--Wharton will count $8 million agianst the cap in 2012. This would allow us to cut him, move Hangartner/Schwartz to RG, and use the cap savings on a DT. CUT WHARTON?!!! NO WAY, you say. Look at the stats. He was not good. He is average, maybe slightly above average. The average LINEMAN (Including Tackles and centers that are paid more than Guards) is about $1.3 million according to SI. Is Wharton worth 6 times the average. Nope.

Protect cam. Nuff said.

OLTs are as rare as starting-caliber QBs in the draft. After the top 10 picks, you do not find them. We can find good CB play in the second. We will not be in the top 10 again for a while. When do we find Gross's successor?

Soooo, you could have a line that features a 33 year old LT with a g for a backup, a 32 year old average G getting paid like a top T, a pro bowl center, A RG that is a former 7th round pick Schwartz, and Otah with Bell behind him at RT.

That is not that good. Basically, Oft-injured Otah and an Aging Gross is need.

Or you could draft a LT and remain the same or improve LT, RG, and RT. In addition, you do not lose much by cutting Wharton and using the money to sign a need player somewhere else, like OLB or S or DT. So you actually upgrade 3-4 positions by drafting a solid LT.

[Lout]

First, you have done your homework--good job. Some do not see LT as a need. Let's see: Gross will be 32-33, Otah averages 5 games per season--2 over the last 2 years, and Bell is a G who made Cameron Jordan look like a superstar last week. LT is our biggest need. Protect Cam.

Here is WHY LT is our biggest need:

It makes us awesome up front. Even if Reiff/Martin play RT for a year, we will still need a LT very soon. What about OTAH? What if he is healthy? LG would be much better on his knees and make running better than it is now. In addition, Cam has fewer bullrushers in his face. Bell would be solid depth at RG and RT.

It gives us a legitimate backup LT. If Gross is at RT and Martin is injured, we lose nothing. Now, when Gross goes down, we get Wharton. BTW--Wharton will count $8 million agianst the cap in 2012. This would allow us to cut him, move Hangartner/Schwartz to RG, and use the cap savings on a DT. CUT WHARTON?!!! NO WAY, you say. Look at the stats. He was not good. He is average, maybe slightly above average. The average LINEMAN (Including Tackles and centers that are paid more than Guards) is about $1.3 million according to SI. Is Wharton worth 6 times the average. Nope.

Protect cam. Nuff said.

OLTs are as rare as starting-caliber QBs in the draft. After the top 10 picks, you do not find them. We can find good CB play in the second. We will not be in the top 10 again for a while. When do we find Gross's successor?

Soooo, you could have a line that features a 33 year old LT with a g for a backup, a 32 year old average G getting paid like a top T, a pro bowl center, A RG that is a former 7th round pick Schwartz, and Otah with Bell behind him at RT.

That is not that good. Basically, Oft-injured Otah and an Aging Gross is need.

Or you could draft a LT and remain the same or improve LT, RG, and RT. In addition, you do not lose much by cutting Wharton and using the money to sign a need player somewhere else, like OLB or S or DT. So you actually upgrade 3-4 positions by drafting a solid LT.

It would give us versatility and insurance on Otah, but does it warrant a top 10 pick, when we have so many other needs? Not sure about that. Is he a good value pick? Yes, but not our Top Need. I think DeCastro could be our pick before an OT.. that's just my opinion. Especially if we cut Wharton like some think we are.. OG will be a top priority. Otah has never played OG, so it's not as simple as plug and play with him. Not that he couldn't learn the position, but it won't be a smooth transition.

[La Pantera]

I'm Pretty sure that Tavon Austin has said he is coming back to school.

Haven't seen anything to say either way. BUT, if he comes out I doubt he will fall past the 5th. That kid is going to be a HUGE weapon for the team that drafts him, this year or next.

[SOJA]

We don't have a third rounder