Mizenko’s Mock Draft

Round 1: Anthony Castonozo OT/OG BC- After watching practice there is no way the kid from Wisconsin gets to this part of the draft.  But I actually like Castonozo better.  He will start for us at RT from day one and he could also play RG.  We love players that can play multiple positions and this kid fits that mold.  Plus he is mean.  Would I like the kid from Wisconsin?  Yes but this is a nice pick for us too.

Round 2: Rodney Hudson OG/OC FSU- We may have to trade up a few spots to get him by the time the draft rolls around, but it will be worth it.  With that said, Hudson could fall to the bottom part of round 2 as well, because teams will worry about his size.  But the kid is an athletic guard who can play center.  I do think he will start for us at RG from day one as well.

Round 3: Brooks Reed DE Arizona-  I’ve seen a few Arizona games and this guy always sticks out, always. Now that can partially be attributed to his long, flowing locks of hair but it can also be attributed to his on field demeanor, the guy plays like a man possessed. The one play that sticks out in my mind was on the last drive in the game against Iowa, Reed sacked Stanzi to put the game on ice. His appearance and demeanor on the field are really reminiscent of Clay Matthews IMO, he probably doesn’t have the same amount of skill but he really does remind me of Clay. This is another guy who just leaves his heart on the field every Saturday. Brooks Reed could probably move to LB but I think he will be just fine at DE too. Reed does a great job with a variety of pass rush moves to run around, through, and over opposing offensive linemen. He is an incredible athlete but for some reason that doesn’t really translate to a real explosive athlete on the field, personally I think its more of a technique issue so its fixable. His athleticism flashes on the field when he is closing in on quarterbacks and he even displays potential in coverage because of his athleticism. Unlike a bunch of other players Reed makes the little plays, guys like Richard Quinn, Aldon Smith and Allen Bailey will go above him but Reed is more fundamentally sound and disciplined than any of those 3 I mentioned (in case you didn’t figure it out I like this guy)

Round 4: Jalil Brown CB Colorado- He stood out at practice, he is very fluid and plays the ball very well.  Nice height, thick build and good speed for an NFL corner. Mirrors receivers off the line with quick feet, stays with man on outside-in fakes and down the sideline. Good zone awareness, keeps his eyes in the backfield to come up on passes to the flat. Long arms and awareness allow him to break up throws or reach for interceptions. Holds up against receiver blocks, even attacking them at times, forces run plays inside and can shed to make a play. Goes for the strip when ball-carriers are held up. Willing to go inside to support the run when uncovered, also has the speed to catch backs from behind.  His only flaw is that he is sometimes too aggressive and get burnt on double moves, I can live with that.  I also think we are going to bring in a CB via free agency (I don’t think it will be the CB from the raiders, but someone like Joesph from Bengals)

Round 4: Andre Smith TE Virginia Tech- I know, I know…. not a need.  Well I disagree, Celek is a good receiving TE and so is Clay Harbor, what Smith adds is NASTY to the position along with great skill.  And he is a beast (6-4 272)  Led the tight ends with 21 knockdown blocks … Also played a major role on special teams, starting on four different units …  Provides a big target with excellent hands.  I will say that he becomes that big TE that we never had and will be our #2 TE come opening day.

Round 5: Kendrick Burney CB UNC- I love this kid, he is Eric McMillen from the “glory days of our D”  Burney isn’t the biggest corner at 5-9, 181, but he was impressive both with the ball in the air and in using his speed effectively. He also made the play of the morning when he made a sweet adjustment on a pass thrown behind both he and the receiver.

Round 5: Jeremy Kerley WR/KR/PR TCU- Love this kid, he will be our 5th WR to start and he will be our starting PR and KR.  He is the best returner in this class (in my opinion)

Round 6: Chas Henry P Florida- You can understand the importance of a punter till you see.  One of the reasons the Pack won this weekend was because of their punter.  He kept the ball away from Hester and I believe he pinned the Bears inside the 10 at least twice.  Its hard for any team to go 80 or 90 yards in any league, and we dont force that, Chas Henry will help us alot there.

Round 6: Mario Harvey ILB Marshall- I like this kid, I think he will add depth (and good special teams play) to the MLB spot.  Now I do think this is a position we will address via free agency, but Harvey reminds me a little of Sam Mills.  Now with that added depth this could allow Bradley to play the SAM-Chaney to play MIKE-Clayton/Greenway/FA signing.

Round 7: Josh Jasper K LSU- PK Josh Jasper not only is one of the nation’s top kickers (26-for-31 on field goals), he also handles “pooch punting” responsibilities and downed 14 of his 21 attempts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. This pick is because I’m not sure if Akers will be back or if he even wants to be back.