By Dalton Del Don
An exercise in futility, I like doing a mock draft if only to make watching the telecast that much more interesting. I’m only going to do a top-10, as even that is quite the crapshoot. Here goes nothing:
1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford: Only the Lions would value signability over talent, although look for them to ultimately end up with the more expensive option. Don’t be surprised if Stafford disappoints.
2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith: The Rams need a QB of the future, but they also need a left tackle with Orlando Pace’s departure.
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry: Don’t be shocked if Tyson Jackson is the pick instead, and this is early for a linebacker who can’t rush the passer. Still, Curry might be the safest player in the draft.
4. Washington Redskins (via Seattle) – Mark Sanchez: Predicting how the draft will pan out is hard enough without forecasting trades, but I see Daniel Snyder making a big splash here. Clearly, the team (rightfully) realizes Jason Campbell isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback. Sanchez will instead assume that role. He’ll be a better pro than Stafford.
5. Cleveland Browns – Michael Crabtree: Some reports have the Browns badmouthing Crabtree, but that could just as easily be a smokescreen. The bet here is the team trades Braylon Edwards to the Giants and replaces him with Crabtree.
6. Cincinnati Bengals – Eugene Monroe: Some health questions persist, but this is pretty solid value. There have been some rumors of the Bengals taking Beanie Wells here, but that would be crazy.
7. Oakland Raiders – B.J. Raji: Oakland won’t really take Darrius Heyward-Bey here, will they?
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Andre Smith: His stock is back on the rise. Mike Shula, who recruited Smith at Alabama, is now on Jacksonville’s staff.
9. Green Bay Packers – Tyson Jackson: Green Bay is switching to the 3-4. Jackson is widely considered the best 3-4 end in the draft.
10. San Francisco 49ers – Michael Oher: The 49ers need a franchise left tackle badly and reportedly love Oher. The team would be lucky if he fell to them.
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