Ramblin' Fan » Blaine Gabbert

Mock Draft Continued

Justin Stine — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:15:16 +0000

Since we are running out of time, I’ve decided to compress multiple picks into each post. Tonight, we are going to hit on the numbers 6, 7, and 8 selections.

#6 – Cleveland – Robert Quinn

I think Julio Jones will get some serious consideration here, but the Browns are rumored to be heavily enamored with North Carolina DE Robert Quinn. Quinn would fill a major need as a pass-rusher for this team, and I think he would have a more immediate impact on the success of the team. New coach Pat Shurmur would probably prefer an offensive player, but Quinn gives him an impact player on the other side of the ball.

#7 – San Francisco – Blaine Gabbert

The Niners have been without solid quarterback play for what seems like forever now, and I highly doubt new coach Jim Harbaughwill want anything to do with Alex Smith since he has no previous ties to him. Gabbert is the top QB on my board, and I think he would be a perfect fit here. The Niners need a franchise QB, and they get one here at 7.

#8 – Tennessee – Nick Fairley

Fairley’s stock has dropped quite a bit since the end of the season, but I think his Pro Day performance was enough to keep him in the Top Ten. Tennessee needs a force in the middle, and Fairley’s questionable character won’t be much of a problem for the Titans. Again, I think Jones is an option here, but Fairley has the potential to be a game-changer in the middle, and the Titans won’t pass him up.

Mock Draft: #5 Arizona

Justin Stine — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:10:07 +0000

For those of you who have been emailing, I had some technical difficulties with the site over the last few days. I am once again able to access everything I need, so we are back to the mock. Arizona is on the clock, which means the NFC West gets their first pick of the draft. The Cardinals are an interesting case, and they are in dire need of improved quarterback play, but they have a coach who prefers veteran signal-callers. Since free agency, or lack thereof, has limited the ability to fill needs, the Cards have a very big decision to make.

Who They Should Take: I think the Cards would like to go after a guy like Kevin Kolb through trade, but they are unable to do so because of the lockout. This team can’t go into the season with the quarterbacks currently on the roster, and they have a potential franchise guy sitting there in Blaine Gabbert (QB, Mizzou). The offense has weapons, and Gabbert would be the perfect guy to throw to them.

Who They Will Take: Coach Wisenhunt won’t want to take a QB here, and I have a feeling that the team will roll the dice that they can get a guy like Kolb or maybe former Rams Marc Bulger after the lockout is settled. Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU) is easily the best player available, and I think the Cards pull the trigger on him here. I have to admit that I dread the idea of Peterson in our division, but I think it happens here. Tough break, Sam Bradford and Co.

Other Possibilities: Robert Quinn (DE, N. Carolina), Gabbert, Da’Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson).

Mock Draft: #4 Cincinnati

Justin Stine — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:59:22 +0000

After a one day break, we are back to the mock draft here at Ramblin’ Fan, at today’s team is the Cincinnati Bengals. The first three picks were pretty straightforward, but this is where the draft really starts to get interesting. The Bengals are probably going to go on the offensive side of the ball, but the Carson Palmer saga makes it tough to call. Palmer has told the Bengals that he wants to be traded before the 2011 season, and if they do not move him, he will retire. The Bengals are not a team that gives into trade demands, and they have already said they do not plan to move him. If Cam Newton (QB, Auburn) is still on the board, I think Cincy jumps at him. However, since I already have him going to the Panthers, they will need to look in another direction.

Who They Should Take: I don’t think there’s any way the Bengals can afford to leave this pick without taking a quarterback. By all indications, Palmer is serious about retiring if he doesn’t get moved. That means that his brother, Jordan Palmer, is the only quarterback option on the roster. Since I have Blaine Gabbert (QB, Mizzou) as my top-rated quarterback, and I think he will be the best signal-caller to come out of this draft, the Bengals should pull the trigger on him.

Who They Will Take: The Bengals are one of the most stubborn franchises in the league, and I really think they are going to play wait-and-see with the Palmer situation. I don’t think it’s the right move, but I think that’s what they will do. Maybe they think getting a brand-new, dynamic weapon will be more incentive for Palmer to return. I don’t want this to be the pick, but I think the Bengals take AJ Green (WR, Georgia). This guy is a top-five talent, and whoever gets him is getting a future superstar. I wouldn’t be totally shocked if they took Julio Jones (WR, Alabama) here instead, as they have indicated their fondness for Jones’ blocking ability and his measurables, but I think that might be a smokescreen. If they go receiver, Green should be the pick.

Other Possibilities: Gabbert, Jones, Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)