Don't mock us: Star sports reporters take a crack at first round of NFL Draft
- Updated
The Star's Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley predict who will go where in the first round of Thursday's NFL Draft.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Ordering a cheesesteak in Philadelphia is quite simple.
You step up to the ordering line, and you say "Wiz wit," or "Wiz witout." Say it quickly, then step aside.
"Wiz wit" is a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions; "Wiz witout" means the same, just without onions.
Frankie’s Cheesesteaks isn’t in Philly, but the quality of the cheesesteak is as close to Philadelphia as you’re going to get. It’s a simple order, and it’s delicious.
There’s less pressure on cheesesteak orders in the Old Pueblo, but Star reporter Michael Lev still managed to mess it up, sacrilegiously ordering a cheesesteak at Frankie’s this week … without cheese.
It was a rough start to the Star’s second annual NFL Mock Draft, conducted by Lev, reporter Zack Rosenblatt and sports editor Ryan Finley.
Last year’s inaugural Star mock was at Old Chicago, honoring the actual Draft’s location in Chi-town. The draft relocated to Philadelphia this year, and so did we. Over cheesesteaks, sweet potato tater tots and sodas, we projected Thursday's first round, pick-by-pick.
Here it goes:
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: The Browns’ 1-15 season pays off Thursday, when the club takes the 6-foot-5-inch, 272-pound Garrett at No. 1 overall. He should be the face of the franchise for years to come. Is he an odd fit? Yes, but so is broccoli rabe on a Philly cheesesteak. And it's delicious.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: The Niners’ roster has more holes than a block of Swiss cheese, and so San Francisco is certainly a candidate to trade down and pick up some extra picks. Though if they stay here, without a clear franchise quarterback option in this draft, it makes sense to bring in one of this draft’s stud defensive players: Adams, Stanford’s Solomon Thomas, Ohio State’s Malik Hooker, Alabama’s Jonathan Allen or one of the many stud cornerbacks. I went with Adams.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: The Bears just signed Mike Glennon to be their starting quarterback, so it didn’t make sense to reach for one here. Also too early for a much-needed receiver. I figured Zack would take Adams or Thomas at No. 2 and vowed to take whoever was left. Thomas is a tremendous consolation prize. Think a more athletic Michael Bennett.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: Jacksonville has been looking for a franchise player and dynamic personality for the better part of a decade. Fournette should be that guy, even though he steps into a backfield that includes recent draft pick T.J. Yeldon.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: In hindsight, this pick wasn’t my best work. It’s a reach. I deserve to be yelled at. But here was my thinking — the Titans are the team most likely to trade out anyway, and Marcus Mariota desperately needs some weapons. I believe Williams is the best receiver in the draft. It wouldn’t shock me to see Washington receiver John Ross here either.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: Although I believe the time has come for the Jets to solve their QB situation, I don’t think this is what will happen. Look for the Browns to move up from No. 12 to No. 5 or 6 to take Trubisky. They have the ammo. In this no-trade scenario, the Jets roll the dice on a relatively inexperienced but high-upside QB.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: When they weren’t packing the moving vans and flipping double-birds to their loyal fans — OK, I’m a bitter former fan — the Bolts were putting together one of the league’s most improved defenses. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will do backflips when Los Angeles adds Hooker to a unit that includes reigning defensive rookie of the year Joey Bosa.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: It’s possible McCaffrey gets picked even higher, as his stock seems to be rising recently. If he lasts to No. 8, the Panthers should jump all over him. McCaffrey’s abilities as a do-everything back — he can play the slot, running back and return kicks and punts — make him a perfect fit in a Cam Newton-led offense that could use some weapons.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: A late-blooming former walk-on with 4.52 speed, Reddick has climbed steadily throughout the pre-draft process. He adds instant explosion to a Bengals defense that has become kind of blah. Reddick’s dimensions (6-1½, 237) and college production (10.5 sacks last season) put him in the Robert Mathis mold if a team chooses to utilize him that way.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: That sound you hear is Foster tumbling down the first round, double-teamed by a failed drug test and a series of odd behavior. The Bills will stop that slide by taking him No. 10 overall, and only then because Reddick is off the board.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: It would make sense for the Saints to draft a quarterback to groom behind the 90-year-old (but still producing) Drew Brees, but Howard is too big of a talent to pass up. He didn’t put up huge numbers in college — 595 yards and 3 touchdowns as a senior — but should shine in New Orleans, which has struggled at tight end since Jimmy Graham left.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: As mentioned previously, I envision the Browns trading into the top five or six to get their quarterback. They have 11 total picks, including two second-rounders. If that doesn’t happen, Watson could be there for them. Cleveland clearly needs a culture change, and everyone praises Watson’s leadership and intangibles. He also lit up Alabama’s loaded defense. Twice.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: The son of a former big-league pitcher, Mahomes has the rocket arm and raw tools to eventually be an NFL star. He’ll learn the ropes from Carson Palmer, then — whether it's next year or in 2019 — take over for him.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: Philadelphia fans loudly booed when the Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb over Ricky Williams in the 1998 Draft, and that draft wasn’t even in Philadelphia. If Marshon Lattimore is still available when the Eagles pick at No. 14, then the city might throw a parade. The Eagles desperately need as many cornerbacks as possible. Lattimore is the best one in the draft.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: This is where things start to get tricky. Alabama DT Jonathan Allen slipped in our mock because of injury concerns. I strongly considered him. Or a corner. I ultimately decided to invest in additional protection for the franchise, Andrew Luck. Robinson should be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle. Defensive reinforcements can be found later.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: The Ravens typically play it safe in the early rounds, but the speedy Ross fills a need. The former Huskies standout can learn for a year under Mike Wallace, then take over as Joe Flacco’s No. 1 option.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: It’s a rather precipitous and surprising fall for Allen — I think he could go as high as No. 2 overall and as low as the 20s. Allen has some previous shoulder injury concerns that could give some teams pause. But the Redskins are ecstatic that Allen, a force in the middle (10.5 sacks in 2016), falls all the way to No. 17.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: Zack reached for, er, selected a wideout at No. 5, so I had to go in another direction. Jackson is uber-athletic, deadly with the ball in his hands and nowhere close to reaching his peak as a corner after dividing his time between defense and offense — and football and track — in college. At worst, he’s Tennessee’s No. 3 corner and No. 1 returner as a rookie.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: Jameis Winston gets a fellow Seminole in the backfield in Cook, who could replace the oft-injured (and currently suspended) Doug Martin as the Bucs’ featured back.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: The Broncos are in great position to draft exclusively for need, as Denver’s roster is still fairly stacked top-to-bottom … except on the offensive line, which allowed 40 sacks last season. This draft isn’t strong on the offensive line, though Ramcyzk is considered a first-round talent.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: I considered DE Derek Barnett here, as well as WR Corey Davis. But Humphrey simply represented too much value to pass up. The Lions are still searching for a long-term complement to Darius Slay. They also play in a division in which Aaron Rodgers is their biggest rival and obstacle. Fun fact: Marlon is the son of former NFL RB Bobby Humphrey.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: I love Lamp — and apparently, the Dolphins do, too. Lamp will slot in at guard next to Laremy Tunsil, who was Miami’s 2016 draft-day steal. The 6-foot-4-inch Lamp is just as smart of a pick.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: New York’s offensive line at center and on the right side includes names like Weston Richburg, John Jerry and Bobby Hart. Eli Manning needs some protection, so the Giants dig into the Pac-12’s talent pool for the 24-year old Bolles.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: Davis has flown under the radar a bit, but he fits what the Raiders need as an every-down linebacker to complement pass rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin. I considered Washington CB Kevin King, but Oakland already has two big corners in David Amerson and Sean Smith. If the soon-to-be-Vegas Raiders want to gamble, Michigan State DT Malik McDowell would be interesting.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: The Texans insist they’re not going to take a quarterback in the first round, and I’m inclined to believe them. The toolsy Melifonwu — he’s 6-4 and runs a 4.40-second 40-yard dash — gives Houston some flash to go with an otherwise bland and inexperienced safeties corps. Second-year starter K.J. Dillon is officially on notice.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: This feels like a perfect match. The Seahawks could use another cornerback, particularly as they’ve been shopping around star Richard Sherman, and King fits the Pete Carroll mold for cornerbacks — long, athletic and tall, as King is listed at 6-foot-3 and ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. USC’s Adoree’ Jackson would be a cool pick here, but Lev inexplicibaly selected him eight picks ago.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: Reach? Maybe a little bit. But ILB Derrick Johnson, the Chiefs’ leading tackler, is 34 and coming off a ruptured Achilles’ tendon. Many believe Andy Reid will take a quarterback here, but the way our mock fell, that didn’t make sense. I absolutely would have taken Cook, who could be the next Jamaal Charles, if he had fallen this far.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: The Cowboys desperately need help at cornerback, and will pick Wilson over his college teammate, Teez Tabor, late in the first round. The 6-foot-1-inch, 211-pound Wilson intercepted six passes during his college career.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: This just makes too much sense not to happen. For one, Watt, brother of NFL star J.J. Watt, played collegiately close by at Wisconsin, the Packers tend to excel with the hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker types and have a need at that position anyway.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lev says: Lots of internal debate in the war room over this one. My initial thought was to take David Njoku or Evan Engram, giving Ben Roethlisberger the “move” tight end this offense is lacking. But value is value, and Davis should have been gone by this point. The Steelers don’t have any sure things at receiver beyond All-Pro Antonio Brown.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Finley says: The former Michigan standout — given name: Vidauntae Charlton — drips with potential, and his 6-6, 277-pound frame is perfect for the Falcons’ scheme. Charlton will start over Ra’Shede Hageman, who had just 23 tackles last season.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Rosenblatt says: There are plenty of options here, mostly from guys who fell far past their projected draft slot, including Michigan’s Jabril Peppers, UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley or Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer. But Barnett is just too talented of a defensive end to pass up. Projections have pegged him anywhere from a top-15 pick to the end of the first round. Barnett and O.J. Howard ain’t a bad haul at all for the Saints.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Ordering a cheesesteak in Philadelphia is quite simple.
You step up to the ordering line, and you say "Wiz wit," or "Wiz witout." Say it quickly, then step aside.
"Wiz wit" is a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions; "Wiz witout" means the same, just without onions.
Frankie’s Cheesesteaks isn’t in Philly, but the quality of the cheesesteak is as close to Philadelphia as you’re going to get. It’s a simple order, and it’s delicious.
There’s less pressure on cheesesteak orders in the Old Pueblo, but Star reporter Michael Lev still managed to mess it up, sacrilegiously ordering a cheesesteak at Frankie’s this week … without cheese.
It was a rough start to the Star’s second annual NFL Mock Draft, conducted by Lev, reporter Zack Rosenblatt and sports editor Ryan Finley.
Last year’s inaugural Star mock was at Old Chicago, honoring the actual Draft’s location in Chi-town. The draft relocated to Philadelphia this year, and so did we. Over cheesesteaks, sweet potato tater tots and sodas, we projected Thursday's first round, pick-by-pick.
Here it goes:
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: The Browns’ 1-15 season pays off Thursday, when the club takes the 6-foot-5-inch, 272-pound Garrett at No. 1 overall. He should be the face of the franchise for years to come. Is he an odd fit? Yes, but so is broccoli rabe on a Philly cheesesteak. And it's delicious.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: The Niners’ roster has more holes than a block of Swiss cheese, and so San Francisco is certainly a candidate to trade down and pick up some extra picks. Though if they stay here, without a clear franchise quarterback option in this draft, it makes sense to bring in one of this draft’s stud defensive players: Adams, Stanford’s Solomon Thomas, Ohio State’s Malik Hooker, Alabama’s Jonathan Allen or one of the many stud cornerbacks. I went with Adams.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: The Bears just signed Mike Glennon to be their starting quarterback, so it didn’t make sense to reach for one here. Also too early for a much-needed receiver. I figured Zack would take Adams or Thomas at No. 2 and vowed to take whoever was left. Thomas is a tremendous consolation prize. Think a more athletic Michael Bennett.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: Jacksonville has been looking for a franchise player and dynamic personality for the better part of a decade. Fournette should be that guy, even though he steps into a backfield that includes recent draft pick T.J. Yeldon.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: In hindsight, this pick wasn’t my best work. It’s a reach. I deserve to be yelled at. But here was my thinking — the Titans are the team most likely to trade out anyway, and Marcus Mariota desperately needs some weapons. I believe Williams is the best receiver in the draft. It wouldn’t shock me to see Washington receiver John Ross here either.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: Although I believe the time has come for the Jets to solve their QB situation, I don’t think this is what will happen. Look for the Browns to move up from No. 12 to No. 5 or 6 to take Trubisky. They have the ammo. In this no-trade scenario, the Jets roll the dice on a relatively inexperienced but high-upside QB.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: When they weren’t packing the moving vans and flipping double-birds to their loyal fans — OK, I’m a bitter former fan — the Bolts were putting together one of the league’s most improved defenses. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will do backflips when Los Angeles adds Hooker to a unit that includes reigning defensive rookie of the year Joey Bosa.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: It’s possible McCaffrey gets picked even higher, as his stock seems to be rising recently. If he lasts to No. 8, the Panthers should jump all over him. McCaffrey’s abilities as a do-everything back — he can play the slot, running back and return kicks and punts — make him a perfect fit in a Cam Newton-led offense that could use some weapons.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: A late-blooming former walk-on with 4.52 speed, Reddick has climbed steadily throughout the pre-draft process. He adds instant explosion to a Bengals defense that has become kind of blah. Reddick’s dimensions (6-1½, 237) and college production (10.5 sacks last season) put him in the Robert Mathis mold if a team chooses to utilize him that way.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: That sound you hear is Foster tumbling down the first round, double-teamed by a failed drug test and a series of odd behavior. The Bills will stop that slide by taking him No. 10 overall, and only then because Reddick is off the board.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: It would make sense for the Saints to draft a quarterback to groom behind the 90-year-old (but still producing) Drew Brees, but Howard is too big of a talent to pass up. He didn’t put up huge numbers in college — 595 yards and 3 touchdowns as a senior — but should shine in New Orleans, which has struggled at tight end since Jimmy Graham left.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: As mentioned previously, I envision the Browns trading into the top five or six to get their quarterback. They have 11 total picks, including two second-rounders. If that doesn’t happen, Watson could be there for them. Cleveland clearly needs a culture change, and everyone praises Watson’s leadership and intangibles. He also lit up Alabama’s loaded defense. Twice.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: The son of a former big-league pitcher, Mahomes has the rocket arm and raw tools to eventually be an NFL star. He’ll learn the ropes from Carson Palmer, then — whether it's next year or in 2019 — take over for him.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: Philadelphia fans loudly booed when the Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb over Ricky Williams in the 1998 Draft, and that draft wasn’t even in Philadelphia. If Marshon Lattimore is still available when the Eagles pick at No. 14, then the city might throw a parade. The Eagles desperately need as many cornerbacks as possible. Lattimore is the best one in the draft.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: This is where things start to get tricky. Alabama DT Jonathan Allen slipped in our mock because of injury concerns. I strongly considered him. Or a corner. I ultimately decided to invest in additional protection for the franchise, Andrew Luck. Robinson should be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle. Defensive reinforcements can be found later.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: The Ravens typically play it safe in the early rounds, but the speedy Ross fills a need. The former Huskies standout can learn for a year under Mike Wallace, then take over as Joe Flacco’s No. 1 option.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: It’s a rather precipitous and surprising fall for Allen — I think he could go as high as No. 2 overall and as low as the 20s. Allen has some previous shoulder injury concerns that could give some teams pause. But the Redskins are ecstatic that Allen, a force in the middle (10.5 sacks in 2016), falls all the way to No. 17.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: Zack reached for, er, selected a wideout at No. 5, so I had to go in another direction. Jackson is uber-athletic, deadly with the ball in his hands and nowhere close to reaching his peak as a corner after dividing his time between defense and offense — and football and track — in college. At worst, he’s Tennessee’s No. 3 corner and No. 1 returner as a rookie.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: Jameis Winston gets a fellow Seminole in the backfield in Cook, who could replace the oft-injured (and currently suspended) Doug Martin as the Bucs’ featured back.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: The Broncos are in great position to draft exclusively for need, as Denver’s roster is still fairly stacked top-to-bottom … except on the offensive line, which allowed 40 sacks last season. This draft isn’t strong on the offensive line, though Ramcyzk is considered a first-round talent.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: I considered DE Derek Barnett here, as well as WR Corey Davis. But Humphrey simply represented too much value to pass up. The Lions are still searching for a long-term complement to Darius Slay. They also play in a division in which Aaron Rodgers is their biggest rival and obstacle. Fun fact: Marlon is the son of former NFL RB Bobby Humphrey.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: I love Lamp — and apparently, the Dolphins do, too. Lamp will slot in at guard next to Laremy Tunsil, who was Miami’s 2016 draft-day steal. The 6-foot-4-inch Lamp is just as smart of a pick.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: New York’s offensive line at center and on the right side includes names like Weston Richburg, John Jerry and Bobby Hart. Eli Manning needs some protection, so the Giants dig into the Pac-12’s talent pool for the 24-year old Bolles.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: Davis has flown under the radar a bit, but he fits what the Raiders need as an every-down linebacker to complement pass rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin. I considered Washington CB Kevin King, but Oakland already has two big corners in David Amerson and Sean Smith. If the soon-to-be-Vegas Raiders want to gamble, Michigan State DT Malik McDowell would be interesting.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: The Texans insist they’re not going to take a quarterback in the first round, and I’m inclined to believe them. The toolsy Melifonwu — he’s 6-4 and runs a 4.40-second 40-yard dash — gives Houston some flash to go with an otherwise bland and inexperienced safeties corps. Second-year starter K.J. Dillon is officially on notice.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: This feels like a perfect match. The Seahawks could use another cornerback, particularly as they’ve been shopping around star Richard Sherman, and King fits the Pete Carroll mold for cornerbacks — long, athletic and tall, as King is listed at 6-foot-3 and ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. USC’s Adoree’ Jackson would be a cool pick here, but Lev inexplicibaly selected him eight picks ago.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: Reach? Maybe a little bit. But ILB Derrick Johnson, the Chiefs’ leading tackler, is 34 and coming off a ruptured Achilles’ tendon. Many believe Andy Reid will take a quarterback here, but the way our mock fell, that didn’t make sense. I absolutely would have taken Cook, who could be the next Jamaal Charles, if he had fallen this far.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: The Cowboys desperately need help at cornerback, and will pick Wilson over his college teammate, Teez Tabor, late in the first round. The 6-foot-1-inch, 211-pound Wilson intercepted six passes during his college career.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: This just makes too much sense not to happen. For one, Watt, brother of NFL star J.J. Watt, played collegiately close by at Wisconsin, the Packers tend to excel with the hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker types and have a need at that position anyway.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Lev says: Lots of internal debate in the war room over this one. My initial thought was to take David Njoku or Evan Engram, giving Ben Roethlisberger the “move” tight end this offense is lacking. But value is value, and Davis should have been gone by this point. The Steelers don’t have any sure things at receiver beyond All-Pro Antonio Brown.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Finley says: The former Michigan standout — given name: Vidauntae Charlton — drips with potential, and his 6-6, 277-pound frame is perfect for the Falcons’ scheme. Charlton will start over Ra’Shede Hageman, who had just 23 tackles last season.
- Michael Lev, Zack Rosenblatt and Ryan Finley Arizona Daily Star
Rosenblatt says: There are plenty of options here, mostly from guys who fell far past their projected draft slot, including Michigan’s Jabril Peppers, UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley or Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer. But Barnett is just too talented of a defensive end to pass up. Projections have pegged him anywhere from a top-15 pick to the end of the first round. Barnett and O.J. Howard ain’t a bad haul at all for the Saints.
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