Mock Draft – The Luke Sims Way

16.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Mike Pouncey – G/C – Pouncey is a brilliant choice for the Jaguars.  While not the sexy defensive end we’ve dreamed of he fills a rapidly developing hole in the offensive line.  Furthermore, I think GM Gene may actually be happy with most of the guys he has in the front four.  Kampman is coming back, Hart and Lane showed some shines of skill, and Jeremy Mincey may just have hit his stride.

• Alternatives – DE Ryan Kerrigan, DE Da’Quan Bowers (really high on him still), RB Mark Ingram (Imagine Ingram and MJD in the backfield!), WR Julio Jones (A true number one receiver finally), or DE Cameron Jordan.

17.  New England Patriots – Mark Ingram – RB – Benjarvus Green-Ellis and co. did very well last year, but they aren’t premier backs.  Look for Belichick to make a smart personnel move and snatch up Ingram when he can.

18.  San Diego Chargers – Aldon Smith – OLB/DE – The Chargers don’t really need him.  But why not make their defense stronger, what do they have to lose?

19.  New York Giants – Tyron Smith – OT – Eli needs help.  His offensive line is getting older and needs to start a shift.  I think Smith is a great athlete and will develop will with the Giants offense.

20.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ryan Kerrigan – DE – Kerrigan will allow the Bucs to be even more competitive on the defensive side of the ball.  Look for him to anchor their line for a long time.

21.  Kansas City Chiefs – Justin Houston – LB – The Chiefs are building a championship level defense very rapidly.  I wouldn’t be shocked to see them be very competitive this coming year.  Houston will only help them be even more so.

22.  Indianapolis Colts – Nate Solder – OT – Solder has the right attitude and skills to protect Peyton Manning as he enters the waning years of his career.  I think Bill Polian will be very pleased with his selection and value at number twenty two.

23.  Philadelphia Eagles – Gabe Carimi – OT – The Eagles don’t want Vick going down without Kolb to back him up.  At a minimum, Carimi would provide much needed depth to an injury prone offensive line.

24.  New Orleans Saints – Cameron Jordan – DE – The Saints’ opportunistic defense will get more opportunities with a quality pass rusher in Jordan.  I fully expect him to make an impact and allow the talented Saints safeties to make plays (if he doesn’t make them himself).

25.  Seattle Seahawks – Julio Jones – WR – While the Seahawks need a quarterback of the future (which is rapidly approaching), I think a revamping of the wide receiver corps is in order and it starts with Jones.  Hasselbeck may be able to return to Superbowl form with a very solid talent at wide receiver in Jones.

26.  Baltimore Ravens – Martez Wilson – LB – Ray Lewis just admitted his days are numbered.  Taking talent like Wilson to replace Lewis makes sense.  I have faith in Carr and Webb in the backfield, there should be better corners next year.  The Ravens need to make sure that they maintain solid pressure with their front seven so their secondary, while not premier talent, can continue to make plays.

27.  Atlanta Falcons – Cameron Heyward – DE – The defensive line failed to create pressure on the Packers.  Without upgrades, the Falcons will continue to lose to the elite teams.

28.  New England Patriots – Muhammad Wilkerson – DT – I think the Patriots can take anyone they want right here.  With Wikerson on the board they will be asking themselves, “Why not?”

29.  Chicago Bears – Danny Watkins – OG – It’s too bad the Bears are picking so late, they need strong offensive line talent desperately.  Really you could put anybody who plays offensive line here.  the Bears could improve their O-line with pretty much anyone.  Watkins is a very solid prospect, Cutler needs him.

30.  New York Jets – Akeen Ayers – OLB – You want a superbowl, you want Ayers.  I think Ayers could go in the second round, but the Jets are scrambling to get playmakers for their next superbowl season so why not the athletic Ayers?

31.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Derek Sherrod – OT – Big Ben seems to get hit too much no matter who is playing offensive line.  While his team refuses to get rid of the problem (Roethlisberger holding the ball too long), they may as well try out another OT.

32.  Green Bay Packers – Mikel LeShoure – RB – If Ryan Grant goes down again, the Pack need a  contingency plan.  That plan is LeShoure.  The Packers will ensure great value with LeShoure and may even be able to spot Grant more during the season since he has potential.  He could be a reach, but the Pack won’t let him get by.

There you have it, the first round by Luke Sims.  To be honest, I think the Jags will probably trade out and hope Bowers slips to the second round and grab him, their QB of the future (Dalton please!) and others with the extra picks.

The other rounds would be grand if they fell in line this way:

Round 2 Pick 17 – Andy Dalton – QB – Not listed as a strong armed passer, but with more than enough intelligence and willingness to get better.  Give him a year and the Jags will be solid.

Round 3 Pick 16 – Greg Little – WR – Could be good value for a third round pick.

Round 4 Pick 17 – Titus Young – WR – You can never have enough!

Round 4 Pick 24 – Josh Bynes – LB – The Jags need some more depth/talent.

Round 5 Pick 16 – K.J. Wright – LB – The Jags really need some help and I figure GM Gene will get some.

Round 6 Pick 17 – Rashad Carmichael – CB – We could use a little more competition.

Well, these are my picks.  It’s just a mock anyway, so when GM Gene completely destroys what I did over my study break(s), I won’t be shocked.  Any comments, leave them below.

– Luke N. Sims