KLS Mock Draft Continues with Picks 11-20

The Kind of Like Sports Mock draft continues with first round picks 11-20. As you may notice my mock does not include any trades. It is just me assessing team needs and players that I think would be good fits. Anticipating the trades would drive me crazy and 9 times out of 10 I would be dead wrong anyway.

11. Tennessee Titans – Darqueze Dennard (Michigan State) CB

The Titans maybe thinking quarterback but they more than likely are going to stick with Jake Locker for another year. Picking at this point they will be looking for a day one starter. Enter Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard who is probably the top corner in the draft. Good at man to man coverage guy who is physical would be a good fit for Tennessee.

Other Possibilities: Justin Gilbert CB, Teddy Bridgewater QB

12. New York Giants – Taylor Lewan (Michigan) OT

The New York Giants need a solid left tackle to protect Eli Manning and somebody to help reignite that power running game. Michigan’s Taylor Lewan could fit that mold. He may not be available this late in the first round but hopefully for the Giants the ball bounces their way.

Other Possibilites: Aaron Donald DT, Anthony Barr LB\DE

13. St Louis Rams – Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma St) CB

After adding some strength to the offensive line the Rams will look at their defense. The front line is one of the best in the league with Robert Quinn and Kris Long. St Louis will look at the back end of their defense and take corner Justin Gilbert. He is a speedy guy who can also help in the return game.

Other Possibilities: Calvin Pryor S, Aaron Donald DT

14. Chicago Bears – Calvin Pryor (Louisville) S

The Bears like to win with defense. They are pretty solid on the offensive side of the ball with two tall standout receivers and they have locked up their quarterback in Cutler. Calvin Pryor will give them so toughness on the backend of that defense. Known for his hard hitting Pryor will be a nice fit in Chicago.

Other Possibilities: CJ Mosely LB, Aaron Donald DT

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Anthony Barr (UCLA) LB

No other mock draft will have Barr going this low in the first round. I think that the football Gods will shine on Pittsburgh and give them the kind of pass rushing linebacker that fits their mold. Even though they picked up Jarvis Jones last year they still need to get younger on that defense. James Harrison and Lamar Woodley are both gone so Barr would be nice to help fit into that gap.

Other Possbilities: Aaron Donald DT, Bradley Roby CB

16. Dallas Cowboys – Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh) DT

The Cowboys will be picking up a steal with defensive tackle Aaron Donald from Pittsburgh. He will be a disruptive force on a line that lost DeMarcus Ware. He is an athletic guy who could start right away and go alongside Henry Melton.

Other Possibilities: Zack Martin OG/OT, Timmy Jernigan

17. Baltimore Ravens – Odell Beckham Jr (LSU) WR

With 120 million dollars invested in Joe Flacco the Ravens need weapons around him. Last year they realized they really missed Boldin. They picked up Steve Smith in free agency but he will probably not be the number 1 receiver and is not the long term plan. Enter LSU’s Odell Beckham Jr. He is a versatile receiver who can play any of the outside spots and help in the return game.

Other Possibilities: Zack Martin OG/OT, CJ Mosely, LB

18. New York Jets – Kyle Fuller (Virginia Tech) CB

The Jets have loaded up on offensive talent during the offseason. Acquiring the likes of Chris Johnson, Eric Decker and Michael Vick should be nice additions. The Jets are at the point they just need to pick the best player available. One spot they need to fill is the vacancy left by the departure Antonio Cromartie. Rex Ryan generally likes to select defensive players in the earlier rounds. Kyle Fuller seems like the likely pick here for the Jets.

Other Possibilities: CJ Mosely LB, Bradley Roby CB, Marqise Lee WR

19. Miami Dolphins – Zack Martin (Notre Dame) OG\OT

The Miami Dolphins barely missed the playoffs last year. They spent a lot of money the previous year in free agency. They think they have their franchise quarterback and now they have to protect him. They lost two starters last year thanks to “BullyGate” so now they will look at the versatile Zack Martin from Notre Dame. The top guard in the draft and also can play a little tackle will be helpful for the Dolphins.

Other Possibilities: Ra’Shede Hageman DT, Xavier Su’a-Filo

20. Arizona Cardinals – Derek Carr (Fresno State) QB

The Cardinals actually have a solid team all the way around. The one thing they do need is a quarterback. Carson Palmer was solid last year but is not the future. Working with head coach Bruce Arians would be a good opportunity for the young Carr to develop and doesn’t have immediate pressure to start.

Other Possibilites: CJ Mosely LB, Kony Ealy DE

Written By

Keith B. Holt

Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr

The KLS NFL Mock Draft Picks 1-10

In the year round world that is the NFL no offseason event generates more excitement than the annual draft. Professional football has the most popular draft in all of sports. Since it was pushed back this year it has given the experts out there more time to send out dozens and dozens of mock drafts. What team will pick who is the major topic of discussion in almost every NFL city? So I decided to have some fun with this concept and put together my own mock draft.

Now let me put this disclaimer in right now. This is by no way meant to be an opinion of an expert but just a guy watches a lot football and likes to share his ideas with people. Don’t bet any money or wager any kind of services based on me just talking. I am just a guy played a little football in his lifetime and have a pretty cable package so I can watch a lot of games. I haven’t broken down any film or attended any pro days; I just watched the ESPN highlights like the rest of you. So that being said here is the Kind of Like Sports 1st ever Mock Draft.

1. Houston Texans – Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina) DE

The Texans are an unlikely number 1 pick team. They actually have talent on both sides of the ball and just had a really disappointing season. They really need a quarterback but not sure if there is a game changer in this year’s draft. Clowney is touted as a once in a life time game changer. He was the number 1 college prospect coming out of high school and actually has kept that momentum now to the NFL draft. He could be a bust just like anybody else drafted but the potential is too high. Clowney on the other side of J.J Watt could be instant dynamic pass rush duo. Both could take a lot of pressure of each other and give the opposing offensive coordinator nightmares. The Texans adding to an already stout defense would be a smart move.

Other Possibilities: Trade Down with Atlanta, Blake Bortles QB

2. St. Louis Rams – Jake Matthews (Texas A&M) OT

The Rams could also be in the market for a QB but not sure if management ready to give up on Bradford. One problem with Bradford is injuries. You can help that with a money offensive lineman. Jake Matthews can be either an insurance policy if Jake Long doesn’t return to form or can play the other side to have a serious solid offensive line. Having two picks in the top half of the 1st round the Rams have options.

Other Possibilities: Greg Robinson OT, Sammy Watkins WR

3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Blake Bortles (Central Florida) QB

We could make a case for almost any position as one of need for the Jags. They loaded up on the defensive line in free agency and now it’s time to make a move that will energize the fan base. The Blaine Gabbert experiment is over and it’s time to move on at the quarterback position. From a physical standpoint Bortles maybe the best option as a signal caller. He is from Central Florida and may help pull in some fans. They have signed Chad Henne for 2 years so there is no rush for Bortles to start right way.

Other Possibilities: Sammy Watkins WR, Teddy Bridgewater QB

4. Cleveland Browns – Greg Robinson (Auburn) OT

The Browns are expected to play it a little safe and get a solid tackle that can hold down the line. In a division known for putting pressure on quarterbacks they may want strengthen that front. The Browns are also in the market for a quarterback but may look to get that later on in the draft for a value. They also may be looking for a little offensive explosiveness to go along with Josh Gordon.

Other Possibilities: Sammy Watkins WR, Johnny Manziel QB

5. Oakland Raiders – Sammy Watkins (Clemson) WR

In the mold of the late Al Davis the Raiders are going for some excitement. Sammy Watkins will definitely bring that to Oakland. Oakland has loaded up the defense in free agency and they seem to believe that Matt Schaub is the answer at quarterback and going as far to trade Terrell Pryor. So one thing that Schaub will need a speedy target to throw to. Watkins also provides an option in the return game.

Other Possibilities: Taylor Lewan OT, Mike Evans WR

6. Atlanta Falcons – Khalil Mack (Buffalo) OLB

Falcon’s fans want to wipe away the disappointment of last season’s horrible 4-12 season. They need major help on upfront on both sides of the ball. They have hired new line coaches for both units and brought in free agents to help out. The answer here is Khalil Mack from Buffalo. Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan likes to use multiple fronts and wants to employ his 3-4 philosophy. Mack will be the pass rusher that Atlanta has not had since John Abraham. Mack also may be able to some defensive end like other college outside linebackers like Von Miller.

Other Possibilities: Taylor Lewan OT, Trade Up for Clowney, Eric Ebron TE

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Evans (Texas A&M) WR

In the transition year for the Tampa Bay Bucs they will also look to make a splash in the draft. They will big receiver Mike Evans from Texas A&M with Vincent Jackson to give new quarterback Josh McCown a dynamic duo. The Buc’s are already not deep at this position and Evans can be a day 1 starter.

Other Possibilities: Eric Ebron TE

8. Minnesota Vikings – Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) QB

The former Heisman Trophy winner paired up with Adrian Peterson is an interesting concept. Manziel’s running ability may keep defenses honest when loading up trying to go after Peterson. He will also bring some flair to Minnesota. The Vikings need a QB and this seems like a logical fit.

Other Possibilities: Teddy Bridgewater QB, Eric Ebron TE

9. Buffalo Bills – Eric Ebron (North Carolina) TE

EJ Manuel looked really good as the Bills starter last season when he was healthy. Now it’s time to invest in last year’s first round pick with giving him some weapons. Nothing helps a young quarterback like a solid tight end. Buffalo could also look at offensive line but Coach Marrone strikes me as a guy who will go for the skill position.

Other Possibilities: Taylor Lewan OT, Anthony Barr LB/DE

10. Detroit Lions – Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix (Alabama) S

The Lions need major help on the backend of their defense. A corner or a safety would be a good fit for Detroit. Clinton-Dix appears to be the best safety available in the draft. Most draft analyst think this is a reach but also agree this is what the Lions will do. That being said by all accounts Clinton-Dix is seen as a day 1 starter in the NFL.

Other Possibilities: Anthony Barr LB/DE, Darqueze Dennard CB

Written By

Keith B. Holt

Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr