Kirwan's latest mock: Dez Bryant to the Jets at #29

[Greenseed4]

Can't say that I'd be pissed...

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d81714d0c&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

1. St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

I'm more convinced than ever that Bradford is the pick for the Rams and they may not even entertain offers to move out of the spot. Look at the quarterbacks in the NFC West; it wouldn't be long before the Rams have the best one.

2. Detroit Lions

Ndamakong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Suh remains in this spot for the fourth mock draft in a row, but for the first time I get a sense that it's not a lock. There are other good defensive tackles in this draft and there may be some consideration here for offensive tackle Russell Okung.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

McCoy is a fit in the 4-3 defense that the Bucs run, but again there are some other solid defensive tackles if the Bucs decide to move down or go elsewhere at this spot. Tampa Bay can't go wrong with McCoy but what would they do if Suh is on the board?

4. Washington Redskins

Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Jimmy Clausen was in this spot last week, but that was met with some resistance when I walked into the hotel where the owners are staying for the NFL Annual Meeting. The Redskins plug in the left tackle just like Mike Shanahan plugged in Ryan Clady at Denver. They will be pressed to get a quarterback in the second round, with no third-round selection. Is their second-round pick a landing spot for Colt McCoy?

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

With Okung having very little chance of falling to the Chiefs now, Scott Pioli will grab a very solid tackle who is NFL ready. Not a flashy pick but a building block type guy.

6. Seattle Seahawks

C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

A few people feel I have Spiller too high in the draft but this guy can play right away and can handle 20 touches a game as a runner, receiver and returner. The Whitehurst trade takes them out of consideration for a first-round QB.

7. Cleveland Browns

Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Cleveland locked up its first two quarterbacks with the signing of Jake Delhomme and the trade for Seneca Wallace. The Browns can grab a QB like Tony Pike or Dan LeFevour later in the draft. Berry is a plug-in starter for a team that signed a right tackle, tight end, running back and linebacker during free agency.

8. Oakland Raiders

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Davis gets mixed reviews from the offensive line coaches around the league. The coaches I talked with say he's a first-round selection but more on potential than readiness to play. Risky picks have never scared Al Davis before, so here they go again.

9. Buffalo Bills

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

The Bills have lots of needs and quarterback is one of them. Clausen threw 28 touchdowns, with just four picks last year and has escape skills that he will need in Buffalo. Chan Gailey is excellent with quarterbacks and will get him ready fairly quickly. Lots of fans don't want to see another California (where Clausen is from) quarterback in Buffalo, where the weather is a factor.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Texas' Earl Thomas has been in this slot for a few weeks, but he is dropping slightly in the minds of some, and Georgia Tech's Thomas is moving up. So for now, the Jags switch Thomases. I could see Rolando McClain as the next guy in this spot as people continue to talk about his versatility.

11. Denver Broncos

Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

The Broncos bought a new defensive line in free agency and can now focus on the big inside linebacker to play on the strongside. McClain is a perfect fit and the inside linebacker class for the 3-4 teams is lean.

12. Miami Dolphins

Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

Sure, the Dolphins could use a nose tackle, but they also need a special outside linebacker to rush the passer. Bill Parcells has drafted DeMarcus Ware, Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks to name a few for his 3-4 defense. Hard to resist a guy that made a combined 50 sacks and tackles for loss throughout his college career.

13. San Francisco 49ers

Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Williams was the pick last week but with Scot McCloughan no longer the general manager in San Francisco and Mike Singletary having more influence on the draft, the Niners' draft philosophy could change. They need a right tackle and he's the best one left on the board.

14. Seattle Seahawks

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

The Seahawks may take a defensive end with the No. 6 pick, but if they stay in this order, Morgan makes sense for a team that just traded away Darryl Tapp and isn't sure if Patrick Kerney is coming back. Morgan had 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for a loss last year in 14 games.

15. New York Giants

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

Some think I have Weatherspoon too high, but I had one coach tell me on Sunday he's not high enough. We'll see what the truth is in a month. For now, after watching his game tapes and practices, I will tell you that this versatile athlete can play any of the linebacker spots -- and the Giants have multiple openings. A 239-pound guy that is very smart, runs a 4.6 40, had over 400 tackles in his college career and squats 770.

16. Tennessee Titans

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

The Seahawks' trade of Tapp could force Seattle to take a defensive end, and that should affect the Titans two picks later. Pierre-Paul is rich on potential and physical attributes but raw on experience and production. The Titans have a great defensive line coach and he will get the most out of Pierre-Paul, who will be asked to replace Kyle Vanden Bosch.

17. San Francisco 49ers

Joe Haden, CB, Florida

The Niners saw the improved speed at Haden's pro day and they need a corner. One astute personnel director said, "I love Joe, but he was mostly a boundary corner in college and I'd be careful."

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

The Steelers have other needs, but they need a corner now. They lost Bryant McFadden last year in free agency and their other corners are either old or inconsistent. The Ravens and the Bengals are both bolstering their receivers, meaning the Steelers need to improve at corner.

19. Atlanta Falcons

Brandon Graham, OLB/DE, Michigan

The signing of Dunta Robinson took care of the cornerback situation and now the Falcons turn their interest to the rest of the defense. There are solid defensive tackles on the board like Dan Williams and Brian Price, but Graham gives them a hybrid OLB/DE to rush the passer and eventually replace John Abraham. Graham made 85 plays behind the line of scrimmage in college.

20. Houston Texans

Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

It wouldn't surprise me if the Texans take a corner here, but Williams could slide to them. Taking Williams would solidify their defensive line, which will make any secondary look better.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Taylor Mays, S, USC

The Bengals may have Earl Thomas and Carlos Dunlap on the board to choose from, and some would say Mays should be lower in the draft. The truth is the Bengals will get better on defense at this spot no matter what they do. Mays will impress the coaches with his knowledge of the game, and his dedication is unquestioned.

22. New England Patriots

Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State

Odrick solves a glaring need on the defensive line with the loss of Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green. Odrick is versatile and can line up at end or tackle.

23. Green Bay Packers

Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida

Pouncey is a Day 1 starter at guard or center. Two line coaches confirmed what I saw on tape about his first-round grade, even though few guards or centers go in the opening round.

24. Philadelphia Eagles

Mike Iupati, G/T, Idaho

Iupati is a Day 1 starter at guard and a potential answer at tackle down the road. The Eagles are building a very young offense right now and Iupati is a 10-year answer on the line -- especially after the release of Shawn Andrews.

25. Baltimore Ravens

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

He has some maturity issues, but the Ray Lewis influence will take care of that if he wants to get on the field in Baltimore. The facts are the Ravens lost starting defensive ends Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan in free agency, Trevor Pryce is long in the tooth and this 6-foot-6, 277-pound guy that ran 4.61 at his pro day fits a need.

26. Arizona Cardinals

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Price looks like a great fit in a 4-3 defense and the Cardinals play a 3-4 defense, but he can still be a disruptive nose tackle. Bryan Robinson is still unsigned and the team just gave significant money to OLB Joey Porter, otherwise I might have Ricky Sapp in this spot. I would really like to see them take a tight end like Jermaine Gresham if he were available.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Earl Thomas, DB, Texas

This is a big slide for Thomas, whom I had going at No. 10 to Jacksonville last week. He may go higher than this spot, but if he's here, he solves a problem in the Dallas secondary. Thomas is a fine player (but not without his critics here at the owners meetings).

28. San Diego Chargers

Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

I talked with Mathews this week and he told me he wore No. 21 in college because he idolized LaDainian Tomlinson growing up in California. He winds up in this spot every week and as long as a team like Houston doesn't take him earlier, he would be a solid fit for the Chargers. He had 1,808 rushing yards as a senior.

29. New York Jets

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

He's too good to pass up this late in the first round. He pairs up with Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery to give Sanchez lots of targets. Head coach Rex Ryan can handle whatever personality quirks come with Bryant.

30. Minnesota Vikings

Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

The Vikings re-signed Jimmy Kennedy for depth at defensive tackle and there have been five drafted already, so they head to their biggest need, a corner. They could look at Robinson or Devin McCourty from Rutgers and not go wrong.

31. Indianapolis Colts

Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

Center Maurkice Pouncey has been in this spot for three weeks but other teams ahead of the Colts value him now, according to the line coaches. Corner is a need and McCourty has been rising up draft boards.

32. New Orleans Saints

Everson Griffen, DE, USC

Gone is Charles Grant after being released. Carlos Dunlap was in this spot last week, but he is moving up draft boards. Griffen is a solid choice at the end of the round.

[SenorGato]

Kirwan's an idiot, and that would be a gift.

[Greenseed4]

I agree. On both accounts. But if we decide to draft a reciever in the first round, I hope it is for a WR that can potentially play the WR1 spot. Like Bryant, or Bay-Bay. I would hate to use our first pick on Golden Tate when we could get a similar role player in Jacoby Ford or Jordan Shipley three rounds later.

[gsnts725]

highly doubt Dez drops to us

[Greenseed4]

highly doubt Dez drops to us

I agree in theory, but every year watches a legit first round prospect drop due to character concerns. Now, we normally don't get to benefit from that given our propensity to draft in the first half of the first round.

This year, God willing, we can get a legit blue chipper at a later-round discount.

[gsnts725]

i understand that but Dez is the top WR in the draft...he's a guaranteed top 15 pick.. from what I remember, the ones who drop were ranked probably #3 or #4 at their position

[Greenseed4]

I think he's the best WR in the draft, and would excel on our roster given our flexibility at the position; given that we already have Cotch and Edwards. But Demarius Thomas and Arrelius Benn among others can bring #1 play without the character concerns. That may prove to be more enticing to teams.

[joebabyny]

i understand that but Dez is the top WR in the draft...he's a guaranteed top 15 pick.. from what I remember, the ones who drop were ranked probably #3 or #4 at their position

crabtree?

[villain_the_foe]

highly doubt Dez drops to us

This could happen. Bryant missed a year of ball and because of that he may not be the first WR off the board. The kicker here is that I didnt see Dez getting past Baltimore but since they traded for Boldin the possibility for us getting Bryant is there.

Man that would be dangerous!

[Stonehands]

Wide receivers drop every year in the draft and the number 1 and 2 reasons for dropping are concerns about speed and concerns about the system they played in college (translating college numbers to the pros). Bryant will probably not be able to run full speed until very close to the draft and will probably clock in over 4.5 (sound like Jerry Rice?). Plus, he missed nearly all of his final season due to a supension so translating his skils to the pros will be difficult. I think Bryant falls unless he runs a 4.4 prior to the draft. Teams reserve high draft picks for sure fire wideouts and wideouts with game breaking speed. I think there is a chance that Bryant falls into the 20's.

[Joey Jet]

Kirwan's an idiot, and that would be a gift.

Yeah, i don't know why he thinks Bryant will fall so far in the 1st? I just don't see it and frankly i'd rather us go defensive line with the 1st pick.

[LWC611]

Yeah, i don't know why he thinks Bryant will fall so far in the 1st? I just don't see it and frankly i'd rather us go defensive line with the 1st pick.

I agree with both points. I do not think this is a need but I guess it is the difference of drafting for need or BPA.

[#27TheDominator]

I agree in theory, but every year watches a legit first round prospect drop due to character concerns. Now, we normally don't get to benefit from that given our propensity to draft in the first half of the first round.

This year, God willing, we can get a legit blue chipper at a later-round discount.

Like Justin Miller!!

[slats]

Like Justin Miller!!

Yeah, that's always my first though when guys start to free fall.

But another thought is Randy Moss.

You just don't know.

[dolphann4life]

I'd be so pissed if you guys got Dez Bryant.

[Ace21Black]

Yeah, that's always my first though when guys start to free fall.

But another thought is Randy Moss.

You just don't know.

So many have had the "free fall..."

My most notable isnt Moss, but Warren Sapp...Boy I wish we had him...I couldnt believe we didnt draft him that year...Could you imagine...We took Sapp instead of Brady...and had Hugh Douglas and Sapp as rookies on the same DL...wow...

Brady Quinn had a long fall...jury still out on him

[bitonti]

if this dude falls all the way to 29

i'd let him keep falling

thurd

[Matt39]

Like Justin Miller!!

Miller was never a first round prospect.

He sucked in college.

[Greenseed4]

if this dude falls all the way to 29

i'd let him keep falling

thurd

Can I use that? "thurd"

Fantastic!

[bitonti]

Can I use that? "thurd"

Fantastic!

have at it

by the way Dez Bryant had nothing to do but train for the combine (no football to worry about since he was suspended)

not only did he miss the combine

and his own pro day

but he had the time to hang out at Adam "Pac Man" jones pro day.

It's really reassuring to know he's got his priorities sorted out.

I wouldn't touch this guy with Belly's draft picks.

[gang_green03]

He would be amazing value at that spot but the chances of that happening are pretty astronomical IMO. I could see him falling to the late teens, maybe early 20s, though so I guess they could potentially trade up if they really wanted him. Still that's doubtful as well.

[Jbro22]

The combination of putting way too much time into thousands of possibilities that most likely won't happen and my lack of knowledge in college football makes draft time pretty boring to me. However I will say this...

The name 'Dez Bryant' is tailor made for the NFL.

[124]

Would be a nice project to groom and work with, starting him out as the #3 receiver. Still, I think we go Defense at 29.

[Ace21Black]

He would be amazing value at that spot but the chances of that happening are pretty astronomical IMO. I could see him falling to the late teens, maybe early 20s, though so I guess they could potentially trade up if they really wanted him. Still that's doubtful as well.

When I hear the term "amazing value", I just think of BUST waiting to happen...Why did everyone else pass on this guy?

[Joey Jet]

have at it

by the way Dez Bryant had nothing to do but train for the combine (no football to worry about since he was suspended)

not only did he miss the combine

and his own pro day

but he had the time to hang out at Adam "Pac Man" jones pro day.

It's really reassuring to know he's got his priorities sorted out.

I wouldn't touch this guy with Belly's draft picks.

and if this guy is friends with pac Man i'd run as fast as i could in the other direction.

[Ace21Black]

and if this guy is friends with pac Man i'd run as fast as i could in the other direction.

If we draft Bryant...maybe he can convince Pacman to come along...

Solves two problems in one...

A third corner/punt returner...We can have two lockdown corners in Revis and Cro, and a locked up Corner...

Another WR in Dez...

WOW...Lets get it done Tanny!

(smell the sarcasm?)

[Untouchable]

I don't care how talented Bryant is, the guy is a dick of Brandon Marshall proportions.

I really don't see why every mock out there has us taking a receiver in the 1st round. We're set to start Mike DeVito on the DL, we could use an upgrade over Thomas/Gholston at OLB, and we still have questions in the secondary despite the additions of Cromartie and Pool.

I really think we're going DL or CB at #29. I could see us adding a Terrence Cody or Jared Odrick to sure up the D-line or someone like Devin McCourty or Dominique Franks to come in as the nickelback.

We need a slot receiver but I'd rather grab someone like Jordan Shipley, Emmanuel Sanders, or Antonio Brown later in the draft to fill that void. Braylon may drop an easy pass here and there, but the guy has the raw talent to be a legit #1 WR. Cotchery has also proven to be one of the better #2's in the game.

Taking somone like Tate, Benn, Thomas, or whoever just doesn't make a great deal of sense to me.

[hoping4ASuperBowl]

So the Seahawks, Browns, Jags, Dolphins, N.E., and Balitmore would all pass on him? I don't see him falling that far.

[rillo]

Would be a nice project to groom and work with, starting him out as the #3 receiver. Still, I think we go Defense at 29.

+1 WR isn't a huge need IMO. Go for a 'need' in the 1st IMO.

[snow_monkey]

God I hope they don't pick a WR with the 1st pick. We need a starter at DE first and foremost. Heck, I wouldn't mind us picking a NT later on as well.

A good outside LB would be a bigger need than WR too, imo.

[lamont_jordan_rules]

if this dude falls all the way to 29

i'd let him keep falling

... + 1 ...

l_j_r

[bitonti]

Taking somone like Tate, Benn, Thomas, or whoever just doesn't make a great deal of sense to me.

the Jets 2 starting WR had a combined 7 TD total last year. The passing offense was 2nd to last in the league.

WR is just as big a need as nickel back or second team DL (which is what Odrick would probably be as a rookie)

[Untouchable]

the Jets 2 starting WR had a combined 7 TD total last year. The passing offense was 2nd to last in the league.

WR is just as big a need as nickel back or second team DL (which is what Odrick would probably be as a rookie)

How many times does it have to be said? Our passing game was lacking because we were starting a rookie QB who had a grand total of 16 starts in college.

As Sanchez matures, so will the passing game.

I don't disagree that we need another receiver. What I do disagree with is thinking that we have to take one at #29. Our starting receivers are already established. Everyone seems to be sh*tting on Braylon for dropping and easy one here and there, and that's definitely something he needs to work on. But the guy is still a legit #1 receiver in this league. Just three years ago the guy put up 1300 yards and 16 TD's with Derek freakin' Anderson throwing him the ball. Very talented with great size, good blocker in the running game, and is the only receiver on our roster who can create seperation.

What we really need to worry about is our aging DL with DeVito being set to start at DE and our secondary with Lowery penciled in as the nickelback.

Bit, if you're comfortable with JAGS and TC fodder filling out our D-line, then that's on you. I just pray to God that Tanny and Rex aren't thinking the same.

[#27TheDominator]

How many times does it have to be said? Our passing game was lacking because we were starting a rookie QB who had a grand total of 16 starts in college.

As Sanchez matures, so will the passing game.

I don't disagree that we need another receiver. What I do disagree with is thinking that we have to take one at #29. Our starting receivers are already established. Everyone seems to be sh*tting on Braylon for dropping and easy one here and there, and that's definitely something he needs to work on. But the guy is still a legit #1 receiver in this league. Just three years ago the guy put up 1300 yards and 16 TD's with Derek freakin' Anderson throwing him the ball. Very talented with great size, good blocker in the running game, and is the only receiver on our roster who can create seperation.

What we really need to worry about is our aging DL with DeVito being set to start at DE and our secondary with Lowery penciled in as the nickelback.

Bit, if you're comfortable with JAGS and TC fodder filling out our D-line, then that's on you. I just pray to God that Tanny and Rex aren't thinking the same.

He'll mature a hell of a lot better with some weapons. You say yourself that Edwards is the only receiver on the team that can create seperation. Wouldn't it be nice to have another?

Devito and Lowery may be JAGs, but they were doing the same thing last year and IT WAS THE NUMBER 1 DEFENSE IN FOOTBALL. It's easier to improve your weakness than your strength. Cromartie is already an upgrade over Sheppard. Douglas himself was the definition of JAG.

[Mr.Revis]

He'll mature a hell of a lot better with some weapons. You say yourself that Edwards is the only receiver on the team that can create seperation. Wouldn't it be nice to have another?

Devito and Lowery may be JAGs, but they were doing the same thing last year and IT WAS THE NUMBER 1 DEFENSE IN FOOTBALL. It's easier to improve your weakness than your strength. Cromartie is already an upgrade over Sheppard. Douglas himself was the definition of JAG.

you hit it right on the spot. wat people are not realizing is the overall talent that is there at #29. golden tate is loaded with talent and potential, people knock on his size yet he is a bit taller than desean jackson and weighs more too. i would LOVE to hve a desean jackson on our team. people say tht would be a luxury? a luxury tht would help sanchez ALOT. and for crying out loud people- TYSON ALUALU>JARED ODRICK. yeah i said it.