BmoreBird22's (Likely Only) Mock Draft

[BmoreBird22]

So, as many of you know, I am not some draft guru who has a ton of time to go study 300 prospects deep, so I usually just watch the ACC (having gone to Tech) and the top guys and go from there come draft time. 

However, since I'm going to be snowed in with about 36" of snow, I'm going to give it a chance and do a mock draft because why not? 

Oh, and I want this mock draft to be totally unique, so I'm also going to hopefully be putting out picks that many haven't seen before. Without further ado...

 

Round One: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

As many of you know, Mackensie Alexander is my favorite round one pick for the Ravens as I have a total love-hate relationship with Jalen Ramsey. Right now, I do truly believe Alexander is the top corner in the class and has the highest potential of any defensive back in the draft class, even if his floor is lower.

 

He primarily played press man coverage, which is usually something that will draw my ire, but he showed incredibly strong abilities to land a strong press, fluidly flip his hips, and extremely good foot quickness. He also had amazing route recognition that, combined with his fluid athleticism, allowed him to effortlessly work toward the ball and breakup passes. Alexander is also extremely aggressive in his hand usage at the top of a route, but due to his ability to keep his head turned and tracking the ball, he won't get flagged often, if at all. He is very veteran in his ability to actually work for the ball while keeping the receiver in check. He hadn't allowed a touchdown in 23 straight games and only allowed a completion percentage of 29.3% in 2015. Due to his overall skill-set, I believe as he is asked to play more zone and off man, he will become a very high level corner in both, but if not, the Ravens would have gotten one hell of a press man corner to combine with Jimmy. 

 

One of the bigger knocks on Alexander has been that he didn't face a great level of competition, but he lined up and helped to shutdown Will Fuller, Pharoh Cooper, Sterling Shepard (a fan favorite here), Mack Hollins, and Calvin Ridley (who really beat up on VH3), when Alexander was in the game. 

 

The biggest concern, for me, right now are simply the level of inexperience in diverse coverage schemes. I think this will simply come with time. I know a lot of people worry about his ability to shed tackles and make plays in the run game but... 1) He has a ton of willingness and effort to help in the run game and 2) He's a boundary corner getting paid to shut down his side of the field, not stop the run. I don't worry about the lack of interceptions because when you're not getting thrown at, it's just not going to happen very often. 

 

Round Two: Kevin Dodd, DE/OLB, Clemson

To be honest, I didn't exactly intend to take two Clemson players back to back and I'm not sure how Dodd fits into the OLB role, but I just really like Dodd and think he can play OLB. If not, probably 50-60% of the snaps (if not more) played in today's NFL are in the nickel, anyway, so he'd find a home as a DE in nickel packages.

 

If people love the fact that DeForest Buckner is disciplined and plays within his game without trying to be the star, you'll love Kevin Dodd. Dodd was asked to do quite a bit at Clemson with a massive playbook and he was completely up to the task. He diagnoses the pass and run well, sniffs out screens to disrupt them, doesn't get fooled by bootlegs, and has an uncanny knack to blow up shovel passes. He's a relentless athlete that never gives up on a play. In fact, it doesn't matter if that play is going to go to Dodd's side or not, he wants in on it. When the plays do come to his side, he shows an impressive ability to rip off of his man and make the play. The reason I really believe that Dodd could be a great 3-4 OLB is because he shows impressive hip fluidity to get around the corner and great bend and leverage. 

 

Sounds like a top 10 prospect, right? Well, the concerns are going to mostly be due to inexperience and the fact that he only had one good year. After failing to find the field behind talented defensive ends (like Vic Beasley) and due to injury, Dodd finally made his way onto the field and recorded 12 sacks (I'm not sure he even recorded one in the three years prior) and increased his pressures from three to 46. That type of colossal jump in only one season could be cause for concern because there's a chance he's only a one year wonder. Also, he has a tendency to let offensive lineman into his pads despite his impressively long frame. That and his hand usage to swat away the offensive lineman's hands are still a real work in progress.

 

Still, for someone who just was given the opportunity to be a full time starter, Dodd was extremely impressive. Even more impressive was the fact that he saved his biggest games for the ACC Championship and the CFB playoffs (five sacks and 10 TFL, including three and 5 respectively against Alabama).

 

Round Three: Max Tuerk, C, USC

I don't think I've seen this name mentioned a single time, likely due to the torn ligaments in his knee that cut Max Tuerk's senior season short. There are going to be questions about how he can come back, but for right now, that injury could definitely be the Ravens gain. 

 

When thinking of Tuerk, think of Cameron Ervin. Ervin could play every single position on the FSU offensive line at a high level, but excelled inside. This is Tuerk as he played LT, LG, C, and RT, but mostly inside where he excelled to become USC's top offensive lineman.

Similar to Ervin, Tuerk has a slim, trim waistline and a toned body that almost looks like that of an offensive tackle or a tight end. True to that physique, he is extremely agile and nimble, so much so that he was asked to pull from the center position and be a lead blocker in the second level and seal off linebackers. He also has an extremely strong understanding of leverage and angles, despite his tall frame (6'6"). 

 

While he isn't a road grader, Tuerk shows consistent effort and leg drive to keep his man from bursting into the backfield. He may not consistently put his man on his back or drive them five yards back, but he won't allow defenders into the backfield or afford them an opportunity to actually have a shot at the running back. 

Had he not injured his knee, Max Tuerk would likely be the first center off the board. However, an injury has sent his stock into limbo. Given his ability to pull and move in space, he could be the ideal replacement if KO walks.

 

Round Four: Braxton Miller, WR/H-Back, OSU

Perhaps the most electric player in all of college football, no player benefited more from a position switch than Braxton Miller. Had he had another season of college football to play wide receiver for one more season, Miller would likely not be a day three pick. 

 

Some might imagine it to be a difficult shift to play wide receiver after playing quarterback, but Miller has taken the bull by the horns and really done well. Despite not being the most nuanced or seasoned route runner, he has run pretty decent routes. He shows good explosion in and out of breaks and an ability to separate at the top of his route. Even more impressive is that when the ball is thrown his way, he isn't a hands catcher. Instead, Miller shows actually extremely reliable hands that pluck the ball out of the air and can make the difficult catches. 

He's also an extremely electric athlete in the open field. Having been a very good running quarterback, Miller has great vision, speed, and a nasty spin move (think VT 2015). He the potential to be the type of receiver you just dump the ball off to on a screen and watch go for 99 yards. He can also run the wildcat and make plays with his legs or threaten with his arm on fake runs that turn into passes, similar to Mahammed Sanu or Julian Edelman (against the Ravens).

 

In another pro player comparison, Miller compares well to Randall Cobb. Cobb went to Kentucky as a duel threat quarterback that rushed for over 1,000 yards and over 10 touchdowns before switching to wide receiver. Similar to Miller, Cobb had an underwhelming first season statistically, but showed a great deal of potential before exploding for over 1,000 receiving yards and over 10 touchdowns. 

 

I know, most people won't want a project receiver that still needs refinement in his route running and the nuances of the position, but Braxton Miller is a wide receiver with the mind of a quarterback. He's extremely cerebral and I don't think he'll have an issue playing the position. Not to mention that the new receiver coach is Bobby Engram and look what he did to Kamar Aiken. Also, I fully expect a healthy Breshad Perriman and a cap casualty, like VJax or Pierre Garcon, to be signed. 

 

Round Four: Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas

Alex Collins is quite the talented running back (often see him ranked as a third round prospect), but due to the depth of the position in this particular draft and how the running back position is being devalued, there's a good chance Collins will get drafted later than he should.

 

In 2015, Collins showed vastly improved patience when reading his blocks and finding the correct hole or crease to take. This increased patience and ability to read blockers as they develop will greatly lend itself to his ability to be a zone blocking running back. 

He already runs with a low center of gravity and a sense of purpose that makes him difficult to tackle. He only had three catches on the year, so he's not a refined pass catcher, yet, but at this point in time, he looks like the perfect compliment to the upright running, pass catching Buck Allen.

 

Round Six: Anthony Zettel, DE, Penn State

Antony Zettel started his first two seasons at defensive end before beefing up to play defensive tackle, but when watching him, his traits as a defensive end are still evident.

 

Zettel has fairly refined hand usage and great first step quickness that, when combined with his snap anticipation, gives Zettel the ability to jump into his gap before the offensive lineman has a chance to react. 

He has a tendency to play with a reckless abandon and overshoot the play and take poor pursuit angles. Also, questions regarding his build, despite adding 30 pounds, still persist. He'll likely serve best as a part of a rotation, which the Ravens utilize frequently, anyway.

 

 

And there you have it. My first, and likely only, shot at a mock draft on this extremely snowy day. I don't know that I've seen any of these players, except maybe Mackensie Alexander, mocked to the Ravens, so I hope you all enjoy the fresh take.

Try to remember I don't pride myself on being a draft guru, so take it easy.

 

[BmoreBird22]

Hopefully someone replies at some point...

[usmccharles]

I've soured on Alexander, although with Jimmy healthy that could be a interesting secondary. I enjoyed the write ups as well.

Love the Braxton Miller pick

I also love Kevin Dodd, I think I had him going in the first in my mock

Well done sir

[jbwnbf]

_{Like the first two. Don't know enough about Tuerk. Miller I though about when he first switched, his combine/pro day will greatly effect his draft round. Was thinking about it with all the snow too but I probably wont have power.}

[arnie_uk]

Could you do the first 5 picks of the draft prior to Alexander so I can see who your picking him over.

[PurpleSnowman]

There is no way Zettel makes it to the 6th. He is rising pretty fast, could go in the third

[BmoreBird22]

Could you do the first 5 picks of the draft prior to Alexander so I can see who your picking him over.

Sure.

 

I'd likely say...

Titans: Tunsil

Browns: Goff

San Diego: Stanley

Cowboys: Bosa

Jaguars: VH3

Edited January 22, 2016 by BmoreBird22

[BmoreBird22]

There is no way Zettel makes it to the 6th. He is rising pretty fast, could go in the third

I was using CBS and Matt Miller and both had him super low.

[PurpleSnowman]

I was using CBS and Matt Miller and both had him super low.

 

I was reading about the shrine game, which he is in, and reports were coming out with him dominating so far. 

[BmoreBird22]

I was reading about the shrine game, which he is in, and reports were coming out with him dominating so far. 

Obviously things will be fluid up until the combine, but I was just going off what I have available at this very moment.

[BmoreBird22]

I've soured on Alexander, although with Jimmy healthy that could be a interesting secondary. I enjoyed the write ups as well.

Love the Braxton Miller pick

I also love Kevin Dodd, I think I had him going in the first in my mock

Well done sir

Well, I just really love Alexander being such a film junkie because it just lends itself to such great route recognition and the ability to read the receiver so well. 

I think he has a long way to go until he's an All-Pro, but that ceiling right now is Patrick Peterson high. 

 

Dodd is definitely generating a lot of interest, but we always see one or two guys fall that shouldn't and I think he could be there at five in the second.

[Clmraven]

I like the Collins pick a lot, but I'm not sure he makes it to the 4th, I've seen him rated as high as the 2nd. That said it'd be awesome if we could grab him in the 4th.

[ravefan52]

Tuerk's been a player I've liked since last season. Really good mover and would fit our scheme well.

[BmoreBird22]

I like the Collins pick a lot, but I'm not sure he makes it to the 4th, I've seen him rated as high as the 2nd. That said it'd be awesome if we could grab him in the 4th.

I saw a few that had him in the second and a lot with him in the third, but we have to consider there's a chance even Elliot doesn't go in the first and if he doesn't, that just continues to push running backs down the board and Collins will likely be hurt by the fact that he caught three passes last year.

[Clmraven]

I saw a few that had him in the second and a lot with him in the third, but we have to consider there's a chance even Elliot doesn't go in the first and if he doesn't, that just continues to push running backs down the board and Collins will likely be hurt by the fact that he caught three passes last year.

I think it's gonna depend on the combine to see if anyone jumps ahead of Collins because I really think Elliott could go in top 15. As for the lack of catches, that doesn't really bother me IMO we need a runner and that's what Collins is, Forsett and Buck Allen especially are good receivers we don't need another all around back we need a real old style RB and Collins kind of looks like that.

[BmoreBird22]

I think it's gonna depend on the combine to see if anyone jumps ahead of Collins because I really think Elliott could go in top 15. As for the lack of catches, that doesn't really bother me IMO we need a runner and that's what Collins is, Forsett and Buck Allen especially are good receivers we don't need another all around back we need a real old style RB and Collins kind of looks like that.

The lack of catches don't bother me, either, but not every team has an established pass catching back and a lot of teams value that trait. I'm hoping it pushes him down boards.

[Wildabeast88]

I like it overall I know Dodd was good don't know if he would be a good fit for us Noah Spence there and Boom but I like it

[JoeyFlex5]

while i simply dont see alexander as a 6th overall talent, i would be optimistic about his upside, id be disappointed if we passed on buckner, stanley, bosa, ramsey for him though. 

 

i love kevin dodd, like him for us in the 2nd, hes gonna fly up boards, still prefer ngakoue by a long shot though and i still would obviously target spence there instead. 

 

like tuerk. 

 

please no braxton miller lol. 

 

love alex collins, i think hes every bit as good as derrick henry. 

 

im a fan of zettel and i have to ask what the heck happened to his stock?

[BmoreBird22]

while i simply dont see alexander as a 6th overall talent, i would be optimistic about his upside, id be disappointed if we passed on buckner, stanley, bosa, ramsey for him though. 

 

i love kevin dodd, like him for us in the 2nd, hes gonna fly up boards, still prefer ngakoue by a long shot though and i still would obviously target spence there instead. 

 

like tuerk. 

 

please no braxton miller lol. 

 

love alex collins, i think hes every bit as good as derrick henry. 

 

im a fan of zettel and i have to ask what the heck happened to his stock?

I think I made it fairly clear Alexander is my number one defensive prospect and I'm thoroughly convinced the Ravens go defensive back number one. In the scenario I laid out above for Arnie, I don't see Bosa or Stanley being there and I have a lot hate relationship with Ramsey.

 

I think Dodd is turning heads to the point that he should be considered the best available round two pass rushing option. I think teams will like the experience of Shaq Lawson more, but Dodd, to me, is every bit as good if he can continue his play from 2015. He was an absolute animal.

 

What's wrong with Braxton Miller?

 

I think he's better than Derrick Henry. I'm not a fan of Henry, at all.

 

From what I've read, it could be a case of being overshadowed by Nassib and Johnson, but to drop him to the sixth in all the rankings I've seen? I'm not honestly sure.

[allblackraven]

Good mock. Gets us what we need early and the players you chose are certainly in the conversation where you picked them. I would rather get top pass rushing talent in 1st, then DB though - I think rusher is more glaring need on the roster.

 

Braxton Miller is funny player - shows enough stuff to intrigue but I wouldn't have any idea what to do with him over someone else in several positions he can play. Does a lot of things OK but doesn't really excel in any. Little later than 4th I might be OK with the experiment.

[BmoreBird22]

Good mock. Gets us what we need early and the players you chose are certainly in the conversation where you picked them. I would rather get top pass rushing talent in 1st, then DB though - I think rusher is more glaring need on the roster.

 

Braxton Miller is funny player - shows enough stuff to intrigue but I wouldn't have any idea what to do with him over someone else in several positions he can play. Does a lot of things OK but doesn't really excel in any. Little later than 4th I might be OK with the experiment.

Well, the only edge rusher I'd love at six is... well... no one, actually. I can't take a guy like Spence with his off the field at six, even though I am all about second chances. For me, I think the pick will almost guaranteed be a defensive back, even if they really need a pass rusher. However, Dodd to me, for the 2015 season, was every bit as good as Shaq Lawson, but teams will have to decide whether or not that's a one year thing or not. I really like Dodd.

 

I just think he's too explosive, too athletic, too cerebral to not take a chance. He could be what Percy Harvin was supposed to be.

[Wildabeast88]

Good mock. Gets us what we need early and the players you chose are certainly in the conversation where you picked them. I would rather get top pass rushing talent in 1st, then DB though - I think rusher is more glaring need on the roster.

Braxton Miller is funny player - shows enough stuff to intrigue but I wouldn't have any idea what to do with him over someone else in several positions he can play. Does a lot of things OK but doesn't really excel in any. Little later than 4th I might be OK with the experiment.

With Braxton Miller remember he only played WR for 1year he was an excellent runner as a QB he also was a 2time Big Ten player of the year as QB I know he isn't totally polished watch his Va Tech tape he had a 50+ yard TD run and a 50+ yard TD catch I think depending on the board he could well be worth the gamble as an explosive player. Trust me I get the intrigue and the hesitance in drafting him but I say bring him in for a workout before the draft and see how his route running is. Work ethic is there he dropped 15lbs to play WR Edited January 22, 2016 by Wildabeast88

[allblackraven]

With Braxton Miller remember he only played WR for 1year he was an excellent runner as a QB he also was a 2time Big Ten player of the year as QB I know he isn't totally polished watch his Va Tech tape he had a 50+ yard TD run and a 50+ yard TD catch I think depending on the board he could well be worth the gamble as an explosive player. Trust me I get the intrigue and the hesitance in drafting him but I say bring him in for a workout before the draft and see how his route running is

That spin move tho...

[MightyRaven]

Good mock. Gets us what we need early and the players you chose are certainly in the conversation where you picked them. I would rather get top pass rushing talent in 1st, then DB though - I think rusher is more glaring need on the roster.

 

Braxton Miller is funny player - shows enough stuff to intrigue but I wouldn't have any idea what to do with him over someone else in several positions he can play. Does a lot of things OK but doesn't really excel in any. Little later than 4th I might be OK with the experiment.

With Webb going Safety and Wright not signed yet I think CB is a big need plus pass rushers we can get in the second

[allblackraven]

With Webb going Safety and Wright not signed yet I think CB is a big need plus pass rushers we can get in the second

I am assuming Wright will be signed, will Davis will be back, Tray Walker will have one year learning under his belt. And we can find good corner in second round, we're not picking in late 20s range.

[GrimCoconut]

I'd be content with this. I like Alexander a lot. He's a really good CB despite the questions about level of competition. I don't like to avoid prospects because of that. It's an easy label I often feel is a bit easily thrown around. It's not like he chooses who he plays. Then again, the concerns about how he played against better competition are legitimate, but while he did get beat the WR didn't get the ball, so I can't say for sure he didn't influence it some. The WR still didn't get the ball. 

 

Anyway, I like Dodd a lot. I wonder if he'll be there but I don't ever knock a mock for position unless it's clearly egregious like Bosa in the 2nd (at this point in the process). Prospect value & positions change constantly so there's no right or wrong here. I have heard somewhere that he has gained steam & that some teams say he's better than Lawson. I honestly think that's right on the money myself. 

[Wildabeast88]

That spin move tho...

it's nasty. He old need some refining but such an athlete