FanPost

New Year's Mock


Alright boys and girls, here's my lastest mock. I could have waited until all the bowl games are over, but I'll probably do one then too!


My New Year's mock after the jump (no trades or compensatory picks included). Let's hear your thoughts!

Round 1:

#3 Matt Kalil*, OT, USC
Height: 6-7. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 5.01.
Projected Round (2012): Top 5 Pick.

12/14/11: All season, Kalil was a superb blind side protector for Barkley. Kalil didn't draw many top-shelf pass rushers, but the junior shutdown everybody he went against. On the rushing attack, Kalil had some spotty play at times in the second half of the season. As a professional, he is going to need to add some more power as he isn't able to blast linemen off the ball in the ground game. Kalil is a decent run blocker at the college level, but for the NFL, he has a lot of room for improvement. Kalil needs to become more consistent and add some functional football strength to be able to push defenders off the line of scrimmage.

Entering the NFL, run blocking is a real weakness, and Kalil must get better at it. That should be doable for him. Overall though, he is a dynamite pass blocker who projects to being a franchise left tackle in the NFL. Kalil has done nothing but solidify his stock at the top of the first round.

Round 2:

Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2011): 1-2.

12/31/11: Barron has had a strong senior season. Entering the BCS Championship, he has totaled 66 tackles (41 solo) with five passes broken up, four tackles for a loss and two interceptions. Barron played well against LSU, making six tackles and a pick. He is one of the hardest hitting safeties in the draft. Barron has excellent instincts. He stays around the ball and has the propensity to make clutch plays. Entering the NFL, Barron has a lot of experience in a complex defense and should be able to make a quick transition to the next level.

Round 3:

Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
Height: 5-11. Weight: 188.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.

12/31/11: Hayward was a pure ballhawk to start the year, snatching four interceptions in four games. After that, he cooled off but had solid coverage all season. Against Arkansas, Hayward dropped three interceptions and totaled six passes broken up. For 2011, he has five interceptions, 54 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and nine passes broken up. Hayward has enough size and ball skills to fit any NFL defense. He also is aggressive defending the run. Hayward could be an underrated prospect who will reward the team that drafts him.

Round 4:


Kawann Short*, DT, Purdue
Height: 6-3. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.

12/16/11: Short battled this season but didn't have a lot of talent around him to help his production. He recorded 53 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two blocked kicks. Almost half of his sacks came in a huge three-sack performance against Ohio State. Short has a nice skill set. If the junior returns to school, he could improve his draft stock and get consideration as a first-round pick in 2013. Short looks like a potential three-technique defensive tackle with the ability to shoot the gap and get pressure on the quarterback.

Round 5:

Carmen Messina, ILB, New Mexico
Height: 6-2. Weight: 236.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.

12/26/11: Messina was one of the most productive linebackers in the nation this year. He had 142 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, three sacks and one forced fumble.

Round 7:

Risard Matthews, WR/PR, Nevada
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2012): 5-7.

12/12/11: Matthews had a big senior season, recording 91 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns.

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.