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The Armchair Quarterback’s Guide To The NFL: Final Mock Draft And Position Rankings

By Lyle Graversen

January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Michigan Wolverines 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Michigan Wolverines 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish nose tackle Louis Nix (1) walks to the sideline in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. Pitt won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish nose tackle Louis Nix (1) walks to the sideline in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. Pitt won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

25. San Diego Chargers – Louis Nix – DT – Notre Dame

The Chargers offense made a major rebound last season with the return to form of Phillip Rivers. Their defense, on the other hand, was an issue at times. Adding a power house in the middle like the powerful Nix would help sure up the run defense. Then they can add some secondary help in the second round.

26. (TRADE) Baltimore Ravens – Jimmie Ward – S – Northern Illinois

The Ravens probably would have considered Ward even if they had stayed put at pick #17. The fact that they picked up a couple more picks from a division rival only makes things better. If Ward played for a major college football power he would be a much bigger name and hotter prospect. I’ve often wondered if Ward played for Alabama and Clinton-Dix played for Northern Illinois who would be the higher rated prospect?

27. New Orleans Saints – Dee Ford – DE – Auburn

I think this is one of those picks that just seems meant to be. Ford is an electric speed rusher off the edge and the Saints need outside pass rush help and play their home games in a noisy dome on fast playing turf. I think Ford will be a star in Rob Ryan’s aggressive defense. While he’s not as complete of a player, don’t be surprised if his sack total as a rookie rivals those of Clowney and Mack who were taken much higher.

28. Carolina Panthers – Marqise Lee – WR – USC

I think the Panthers probably will feel pressured to take an OT here, but the upside of Marqise Lee is just too tempting for a team that is hurting for WR help to pass up. Lee would have likely been a top ten pick last season had he come out and if he can stay healthy he has the potential to be as productive as any WR in this draft, including Sammy Watkins. Cam Newton will come to love Lee as his new go to target.

29. (TRADE) Houston Texans – Jimmy Garoppolo – QB – Eastern Illinois

Bill O’Brien makes a deal with his old friends in New England to move up a few spots and get Jimmy Garoppolo to be their new QB. It only costs them a 4th round pick and it ensures that another team doesn’t jump in front of them at the end of the first round and take Garoppolo. While Garoppolo hasn’t received much first round talk, I feel like there is a drop off between him and the next wave of prospects like AJ McCarron, Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger, and Tom Savage.

30. (TRADE) Kansas City Chiefs – Cody Latimer – WR – Indiana

As a KC fan, I love the idea of them trading down, but I’m actually not all that excited about Latimer. So why did I mock him here? Well, I just don’t buy the idea of them taking an offensive guard here and would have mocked Jimmie Ward to them here if he was still available. I personally think Ra’Shede Hageman would also be a better pick, but the idea of adding a WR with true #1 upside is tempting. Latimer, plus the addition of LaMichael James would give their offense a boost and adding another third round pick can help them fill their other holes at positions like OL and safety.

31. Denver Broncos – Ryan Shazier – LB – Ohio State

With Peyton Manning rewriting offensive record books last season (up until the Super Bowl) the one question mark for Denver was their defense. While some OL help or a WR to replace Eric Decker are options here, I think some defensive help is more likely. Shazier would give them a true playmaker in the middle of the field who can help in coverage and rack up big tackle numbers.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Gabe Jackson – OG – Mississippi Stae

This is a hunch of mine. Most experts have Xavier Su’a-filo as the top rated guard in this spot, but I personally like Jackson more. He’s more physical at the point of attack and while not as fast at Su’a-filo he moved well enough to stop some of the more physical defenders in college football in pass protection. I think Jackson’s physical style would be perfect for a team like Seattle that likes to pound the football and control the clock.

Finally, if you still haven’t had enough draft talk to get you through until when things kick off tonight, on the last page I’ve got my own personal top 5 rankings for each position (Mike Mayock style).

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