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With a hat tip to our friends at SB Nation brother blog Hogs Haven, I've gathered the troops to run our version of an NFL Mock Draft. Dave, O.C.C. rabblerousr and I are each assigned eight of the 32 NFL teams and will make picks that we feel are in line with those teams needs. We will be assigned teams in a fantasy football-like snake slotting format. We'll separate the draft into eighths, with four picks each post.
Make sure to answer the poll as to which writer you feel made the best decision, and use the comments to discuss your take on the individual picks you liked or disliked. I'm sure our large contingent of draftniks will love the chance to give their insightful takes. Even though the combine is concluded, Pro Days and individual workouts for teams will definitely change the slotting of players before April. Needs will also be filled via free agency if there's a CBA before the draft. Still though, this should be a fun exercise.
| Draft Pick | Team | 2010 Record | Assigned Writer | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carolina | (2-14) | Dave | DT Nick Fairley, Auburn |
| 2 | Denver | (4-12) | O.C.C. | DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson |
| 3 | Buffalo | (4-12) | rabble | CB Patrick Peterson, LSU |
| 4 | Cincinatti | (4-12) | KD | DT Marcel Dareus, Alabama |
Follow the jump for a look at the teams' perceived needs and a blurb about some of the selections.
Team Needs (per Drafttek.com)
| Team | 2010 Record | Team Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina | (2-14) | 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, WR1, WR2, WR3, CB |
| Denver | (4-12) | 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, FS, SS, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 ILB, TE, ROT |
| Buffalo | (4-12) | Everything except RB and WR, Kitchen Sink |
| Cincinatti | (4-12) | QB, 4-3 DT, WR, 4-3 DE, FS, 4-3 MLB, OG, OC |
Dave's Pick:
Carolina: Auburn DT Nick Fairley. I knew that the Panthers needed some help along the defensive line, so I considered a range of guys including Nick Fairley, Da'Quan Bowers and Marcel Dareus. I decided to talk to Jaxon, the lead blogger over at SB Nation's Panthers blog, Cat Scratch Reader, about who he wanted. He favors Nick Fairley because he believes his style of play favors the Panthers scheme and he felt he was more productive in his college career. I decided to give the Panthers that pick, even though most of his audience wants Marcel Dareus.
KD's Pick:
Cincinatti: Alabama DT Marcel Dareus. I strongly considered having Cincy be the first to take a quarterback. In this mock, I project them trying to select Colin Kapernick in the 2nd, or possibly moving up for him using one of their numerous disgruntled players in a trade scenario (assuming that is allowed). Wowing them in the combine drills, Dareus passed Fairley in many scouts' eyes so Cincy would be wise to make this pick.
So what do you think BTB? Any surprises in the first four? What would you have done differently?
Note: As we get closer to the draft, BTB & KDPs 10for10 will give you a chance to go on the record. We'll conduct a mock draft, bragging rights competition to see who can predict the most accurate first round. Stay tuned.