Keefe's 1st Round NFL Mock Draft

This is how I would draft at each spot, not my guess of where guys will go. 

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Leonard Williams, DT, USC
I read somewhere that Williams is "unblockable."  That seems pretty good.  Unfair, really.  How do you pass that up?  Also I don't love the QBs (they'll probably take Winston).

2. Tennessee Titans - Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Remember "The Freak?"  Kearse was awesome for the Titans, and they'll have their choice of top pass rushers at #2.  Gregory is not the biggest dude in the world but he gets after the QBs and gets after them hard.  Real hard.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
Boring and brilliant.  That's how you describe taking the best offensive lineman in the draft.

4. Oakland Raiders - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
This is another sick wideout class.  Is it Beckham, Benjamin, Watkins, Cooks, Evans, Matthews, Landry, Adams, etc.?  Let's not get nuts, but it's good, and I slightly like White the most.

5. Washington Redskins - Dante Fowler, Jr., DE/OLB, Florida
Another beast of a pass rusher.  Skins are done with Brian Orakpo (I assume)..."Hey, it's All-Pro LB Brian Orakpo!"  Settle down.  Fowler also ran his 40 with a gold watch on, so he means BUSINESS.

6. New York Jets - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
I've said before I don't like any of the QBs in this draft, but that seems narrow minded.  Someone has to take a QB and if I'm the Jets you got to do something.  If Winston is there, take him.  Don't let him near women or crab shacks for 8-9 years and you should be set.

7. Chicago Bears - Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
I was pissed Ray didn't run at the combine.  I love the combine!  Imagine this guy in spandex?  Go ahead, I'll wait...

8. Atlanta Falcons - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Best corner is also the fastest corner??? Sold.

9. New York Giants - Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
Speaking of combine, you see this guy?  Fastest D-Lineman AND most reps on the bench.  He was molded out of stone by Zeus himself.  Can he play?  I'm sorry, I'm too busy admiring his physique.

10. St. Louis Rams - Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
I'm sure the Rams would hope that Waynes drops to 10, if not scoop up Peters. (The next best CB according to The Sports Brief.)

11. Minnesota Vikings - Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
The Vikes and AP are having a pissing match.  If the "Father of the Year" is gone Minnesota might want to take the best back in the draft.  Jerick McKinnon is good, but Gordon could be great.  Jamaal Charles comps anyone?  Although I wonder if that's cause they 1.) have dreads 2.) team wears red 3.) #25.  Did I just blow your mind?

12. Cleveland Browns - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Cooper AND Josh Gordon???  (What's that?  Really?  Again?  Oh.)  Well... Cooper is a nice player.  Alabama threw to him literally every time.  It was like a video game and Cooper was your "create-a-player."  Throw to someone else Blake Sims!  One time!

13. New Orleans Saints - Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
The Mayor of Sacramento, one of the most underrated point guards in NBA history shares a name with this player.

14. Miami Dolphins - La'el Collins, OL, LSU
It's a Bully Free Zone now in Miami, but they still need lineman.  Best "La'el" in the draft.

15. San Francisco 49ers - Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
I like this big fella.  Lot of Haloti Ngata comparisons.  Sweet upper chest tattoos as well you should check out.

16. Houston Texans - Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri
Odell Beckham.  David Beckham.  Dorial Green-Beckham.  I may change my name, or just tag it on the end like Dorial.  Rich Keefe-Beckham.  Feels good.  DGB is like Megatron with a love for weed.

17. San Diego Chargers - Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
A mountain of a man.  Not as exciting as High Megatron but an important part of the defense.

18. Kansas City Chiefs - DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Another badass receiver: 6'3, 209 with a 4.45 40.  Don't know if you heard but the Chiefs DID NOT throw a TD to a WR last year.  I hope they draft one here, of course it'll still be Alex Smith (not) throwing to them.

19. Cleveland Browns (from Bills) - Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Bud!  This guys 4.56 in the 40.  42 inch vertical.  11'6 in the broad.  I'm going to assume he can play, but if not you'd want him on your "Field Day" team.

20. Philadelphia Eagles - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
I know he'll probably go higher, maybe Chip Kelly will trade up and get him.  I don't think Mariota will be a good NFL QB, but if he goes to Philly he should be at least ok.  Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez had their moments in this offense.  Plus his interviews were reportedly, "AMAZING."

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Bama players have been a mixed bag.  For awhile they all (on defense) kinda sucked.  But Dont'a Hightower is real good now.  Marcel Dareus, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, C.J. Mosley, etc. are good now.  Collins is highest rated safety, but when I watched him this year I wasn't impressed.  I know this is my mock draft, I'm still conflicted.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Shaq Thompson, LB/S/RB, Washington
LOVE this guy.  Drafted by the Red Sox.  Played RB, S, and LB at Washington.  Weird, Patriots could use a RB, a S, and a LB.  Of course it would be the Steelers to "steel" (hilarious) him away from New England.  Pitt drafts well.  Also, we will now get an influx of "Shaqs" in the world, sadly we are only a few years away from a bunch of "LeBrons."

23. Detroit Lions - P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
His FSU teammate Ronald Darby is faster, so you'd think I'd like him more, but truth is Williams is better.  He could be the #2 CB taken after Waynes.  Eye of the beholder scenario in play.

24. Arizona Cardinals - Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon
His brother was Patriot great Armond Armstead.  (Ok, he was useless.)  The Ducks are known for their offense but they've had some sneaky good d-players.  Dion Jordan, Kiko Alonso, Patrick Chung 2.0 and now Armstead.

25. Carolina Panthers - T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Big, Raw, and hopefully coachable.  Exactly how I've been described, off the field... if you follow.  It also applies to Clemmings... on the field.

26. Baltimore Ravens - Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Torn ACL in November.  He should be fine.  Amazing how far medicine has come.  LB Alivn Mack from The Program tore his ACL and we never heard from him again.  Sad.  Gurley is sick though.  Fast as all get out.  Don't see him falling out of Round 1.

27. Dallas Cowboys - Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
What's up with that second "X."  Take it to the MAXX!  I don't know.  How long can Jason Witten play?  I also don't know, but it can't be forever.  Weak TE class, Maxx is the best it offers.

28. Denver Broncos - Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
What could I say about Jordan Phillips that hasn't been said already?

29. Indianapolis Colts - Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
You think there was a fight over what to name Benardrick?  "I like Benard."  "Well, I like Rick."  "Should we blend them together?"  "Obviously, let's do that."  Benardrick.  I kinda like it.  Richardrick Keefe-Beckham.  Here I come.

30. Green Bay Packers - Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami
I like Paul Dawson (who might be like Vontaze Burflict following his combine performance) but with Perryman on the board and a LB need, take the Hurricane here.  I did hear that he came to the combine a little fat and doesn't want to lose weight.  Who does?

31. Seattle Seahawks - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Jonathan Martin gave all Stanford lineman a bad name.  It's now up to Andrus Peat to prove that not all Cardinal OL are guys who will be bullied.  Good luck with a name like Andrus Peat.   He should try this: Andrusrick Peat-Beckham.  Bullying problem solved.

32. New England Patriots - Ali Marpet, OL, Hobart
I know what you're thinking, "Seems high."  Well, hear me out.  Belichick usually goes away from what's expected in the draft and what's more unexpected than a D3 lineman?  Some of the guys who I think would be a real good fit for New England (Shaq Thompson) I assume will be gone, so grab a guy who fills a need.  Marpet could slot in at guard right away, replace Dan Connolley and go straight to the Hall of Fame.


Non 1st Rounders I Like:

• Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
• Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
• Paul Dawson, LB, TCU
• Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
• Braylon Heard, RB, Kentucky
• Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
• Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
• Bryce Hager, LB, Baylor

Keefe’s 2009 NBA Mock Draft

We are sneaking up on one of the greatest sporting events of the year. In fact, there is not a better sporting event that does not involve a game. March Madness, NFL Playoffs, NBA Playoffs, World Series, NFL Draft, MMA Main Events, they are all good. But the NBA Draft may be the best of them all. If you love the NBA, and I understand I’m in the minority on this, the draft is can’t miss. Even in a weak class (like this one) you got to keep your head on a swivel for trades. Ray Allen was dealt 2 years ago on draft night, and rumor has it he could be dealt again.

Needless to say I am over the top excited for June 25^th. I took a year off from making a mock draft but it’s back by popular demand… err it’s back nonetheless. 60 players with some break down. Leave a comment with your thoughts. (You don’t need an insider account to see picks 6-60, enjoy.)

1. Los Angeles Clippers- Blake Griffin, Soph., PF, Oklahoma

The Clip have already announced this one, but I will gladly count it when it goes down. I wonder if Blake can succeed in LA. The have a crowded front line with him, Camby, Kamen, and Randolph.

2. Memphis Grizzlies- Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain

Became a huge fan of his watching the Olympics. I know they have Mike Conley, and it’s early, but he kind of sucks. Rubio-Mayo-Gay-Warrick-Gasol, it’s getting there.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder- James Harden, Soph., G, Arizona State

In a couple years Seattle is really going to feel the effects of losing their team, not to say they haven’t already. They may be intrigued by Thabeet, but I think they should take Harden who’s the 3^rd best player in the draft.

4. Sacramento Kings- Johnny Flynn, Soph., PG, Syracuse

This may seem high for Flynn, but why mess around. The Kings need a PG in the worst way. Everyone loves Jrue Holliday… I don’t get it. Take Flynn and move on.

5. Washington Wizards- Hasheem Thabeet, Jr., C, UConn

Most likely lottery pick to be traded there has been a lot of talk about the #5. Washington is not likely to make and Thabeet is not likely to fall this far, so I’ll slot him here.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves- Tyreke Evans, Fr., PG, Memphis

They could use just about everything. Hopefully Al Jefferson returns to form. Evans and Randy Foye would make for an interesting back court, each can play both spots.

7. Golden State Warriors- Stephen Curry, Jr., G, Davidson

The Knicks will be steaming, but you think Don Nelson would pass up on a guy like Curry. I’m torn on what kind of player he will be. A Curry-Monta Ellis back court would be small, but scary.

8. New York Knicks- Jeff Teague, Soph., G, Wake Forest

Another reach potentially, however Mike D’Antoni would love a guy with the versatility of Teague. He’d prefer Curry, and I think Jennings will be better than Teague, but still this is the pick.

9. Toronto Raptors- Jordan Hill, Jr., PF, Arizona

The Raptors take a long look at Holliday, who is still available on my board, instead they bolster the front line by taking Hill.

10. Milwaukee Bucks- Brandon Jennings, PG, Italian League

I love Brandon Jennings. You’ve heard the story by now, wanted to go to Arizona, wasn’t eligible, went to Italy to play pro ball. He did not play well. But this guy was the #1 rated high school player in a class that had Holliday, DeRozan, Evans, and Mullens. I don’t think he got worse this year playing in a league better than the NCAA.

11. New Jersey Nets- Terrence Williams, Sr., F, Louisville

The Nets have done a decent job in the draft in recent years and it continues here with Terrence “Point Forward” Williams.

12. Charlotte Bobcats- DeMar DeRozan, Fr., G, USC

A freak athlete joins the Bobcats. Maybe MJ can rub off on DeRozan.

13. Indiana Pacers- Eric Maynor, Sr., PG, VCU

Indiana needs someone to split time with T.J. Ford and get the ball to Danny Granger, that guy is Eric Maynor.

14. Phoenix Suns- Earl Clark, Jr., F, Louisville

With Matt Barnes and Grant Hill as unrestricted free agents this summer the Suns will have to replace at least one of them. Earl Clark is a great athlete who could fit right in.

15. Detroit Pistons- Austin Daye, Soph., F, Gonzaga

This is one of those picks that proves that my mock is a combo of what I think should happen and what I think will happen. I am not a fan of Daye, right now. He needs to add strength, and should have played another year. All accounts say he’s a Top 20, Top 15 pick, so here ya go.

16. Chicago Bulls- DeJuan Blair, Soph, PF, Pitt

The Bulls young bigs (Thomas and Noah) are long and athletic, not thick and strong. Blair would give them a much needed dimension.

17. Philadelphia 76ers- Jrue Holiday, Fr., PG, UCLA

If I was a GM I wouldn’t pick Holiday in the 1^st round. I remember watching him play a high school game on ESPN a couple years ago and thinking this guy is good. Then I read he was a top 5 player in the country and was shocked. Now everyone says Top 10, Top 5. What? We’ll see.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves- James Johnson, Soph., F, Wake Forest

Corey Brewer has been a bit of a flop, this is the 2^nd of the 3 1^st round picks for Minny. I doubt they take them all, but Johnson is someone they could use.

19. Atlanta Hawks- Ty Lawson, Jr., PG, UNC

Hawks and PGs. Classic. Do they or don’t they? Bibby is a free agent if he doesn’t come back they’ll have a huge need.

20. Utah Jazz- Gerald Henderson, Jr., G, Duke

Definitely a Jerry Sloan type of player. If he slips this far the Jazz would be thrilled.

21. New Orleans Hornets- Tyler Hansbrough, Sr., PF, UNC

I’ve never been a fan of Hansbrough. That’s just a fact. But he can be a back up PF in the NBA for 10-12 years, who spot starts and gets you 8 points 6.5 rebounds. He could be an important piece on a winner.

22. Dallas Mavericks- B.J. Mullens, Fr., C, Ohio State

The Mavs are a team that don’t have a ton of needs, especially in a thin draft like this. They can take on a project like Mullens… the Kosta Koufas clone.

23. Sacramento Kings- DaJuan Summers, Jr., F, Georgetown

With their first pick I have the Kings taken a much needed PG. Speaking of needs, they have a lot of them. They should take whoever they feel is the best player left on the board.

24. Portland Trail Blazers- Sam Young, Sr., F, Pitt

The Blazers have a ton of picks (5), but only 1 in the first, meaning 1 guaranteed contract. Young proved to be a very good player in the best conference in the country.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jeff Pendergraph, Sr., PF, Arizona State

I love Pendergraph. Maybe I loved him and Harden too much as I has the Sun Devils in the Final 4. This guy is a gamer. If he falls to the 2^nd round it will be a steal, but one of these teams in the 20s should snatch him up.

26. Chicago Bulls- Chase Budinger, Jr., G, Arizona

The Bulls have a big decision to make on free agent Ben Gordon. If they bring him back they’ll once again have 3 similar sized guards, Gordon, Derrick Rose, and Kirk Hinrich, Budinger could give them an outside threat with height.

27. Memphis Grizzlies- Derrick Brown, Jr., PF, Xavier

The Grizz can use a big tough guy to come off the bench. Derrick Brown fits the bill.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves- Patty Mills, Soph., PG, St. Mary’s

Patty Mills is fantastic. Not sure the T-Wolves keep all 3 of their 1^st round picks, but if Mills is available here they should take him. The guy can run a team.

29. Los Angeles Lakers- Danny Green, Sr., F, UNC

Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza are both free agents. Not saying Danny Green is anywhere as good as those two, but he’s the right position and a proven winner.

30. Cleveland Caviliers- Jon Brockman, Sr., PF, Washington

Cavs are soft, Jon Brockman is hard. He’s not projected to be a 1^st rounder, but this draft does not have a lot of size or toughness, I say they take a shot.

ROUND 2

31. Sacramento Kings- Marcus Thornton, LSU

If the SEC player of the year doesn’t get picked in the 1^st, he won’t last long in the 2^nd.

32. Washington Wizards- Darren Collison, UCLA

Wasn’t this guy supposed to be a lottery pick until he submarined his stock 2 NCAA tournys ago.

33. Portland Trail Blazers- Toney Douglas, Florida State

Great scorer for the Seminoles could be a 2^nd round pick we look back at one day.

34. Denver Nuggets- DeMarre Carroll, Missouri

Carroll may need liver surgery. Yes, liver surgery, but in the 2^nd round he’s worth a shot.

35. Detroit Pistons- Nick Calathis, Florida

Calathis signed with a Greek team already, so he could play overseas. Good talent, surprised he’s not going back to Florida for another year.

36. Memphis Grizzlies- Josh Heytvelt, Gonzaga

Another big body for the Grizzlies to trot out there, Heytvelt has a lot of skill, but can he put it together?

37. San Antonio Spurs- Jack McClinton, Miami

One of the best 3 point shooters in the draft, he could find his way into the Spurs rotation.

38. Portland Trail Blazers- Wayne Ellington, UNC

How can a Final 4 Most Outstanding Player fall to the 2^nd round? Ask Miles Simon and Jeff Sheppard.

39. Detroit Pistons- Omri Casspi, Israel

When you have a bunch of picks, you either trade them or draft foreign guys and leave them on the other side of the pond. Look for that going forward.

40. Charlotte Bobcats- Jodie Meeks, Kentucky

I would have liked to see Meeks go back to school and lead that stacked Wildcats team, but instead he’ll have to do all he can to crack an NBA rotation.

41. Milwaukee Bucks- Taj Gibson, USC

Big man who’s jumping ship, did Tim Floyd leave anything there?

42. Los Angeles Lakers- A.J. Price, UConn

Shannon Brown is a restricted free agent this summer, Farmer is an RFA next year and Derek Fisher’s contract is also up after 2010. Makes sense for the Lakers to take someone with this type of skill.

43. Miami Heat- Jerel McNeal, Marquette

I saw a lot of Marquette this year, and think that McNeal could be a solid 9^th man for someone.

44. Detroit Pistons- Dar Tucker, DePaul

Pistons are a mess. How do we not talk about them passing up Carmelo, Bosh, and Wade more? I mean that’s as bad as it gets.

45. Minnesota Timberwolves- Victor Claver, Spain

6’11 youngster who is the typical 2^nd round project that we’ve become accustomed to seeing.

46. Cleveland Cavaliers- Dante Cunningham, Villanova

Cavs need size, and they may end up getting that in a trade.

47. Minnesota Timberwolves- Dionte Christmas, Temple

This guy can score, and when he’s picked he will combine by two favorite days… NBA Draft night and Christmas.

48. Phoenix Suns- Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga

Great athlete who can get up and down, could be a solid bench player for Phoenix.

49. Atlanta Hawks- A.J. Abrams, Texas

Awesome 3 point shooter, but can he get his shot off in the NBA?

50. Utah Jazz- Jeff Adrian, UConn

Tough, but undersized player who could fit in well for Jerry Sloan.

51. San Antonio Spurs- Jonas Jerebko- Sweden

I got nothing.

52. Indiana Pacers- Goran Suton, Michigan State

Hey, remember him?

53. San Antonio Spurs- Dominic James, Marquette

An injury forced James out of the Big East and NCAA Tournament, will he be able to make an NBA team? I think so.

54. Charlotte Bobcats- Ronald Steele, Alabama

Felton is a restricted FA, I assume they try to bring him back, but you can always grab insurance in round 2.

55. Portland Trail Blazers- Taylor Griffin, Oklahoma

I wonder if the Clippers will try to trade back into the bottom of the draft and pick Taylor to help ease the transition for Blake.

56. Portland Trail Blazers- Daniel Hackett, USC

Portland has a million picks, I can’t see making all of them.

57. Phoenix Suns- Tyrece Rice, Boston College

Rice is a dynamic player who had a great career at BC, I’m saying right now he averages 17.8 points per game in the D league.

58. Boston Celtics- Garrett Siler, Augusta State

Will this be the only selection the C’s make? Rumor had it they were interested in the 2^nd pick. Maybe they just move up in the 2^nd round, Danny has had success there with the likes of Glen Davis, Leon Powe, and Ryan Gomes. I’ve never seen Siler play, but he’s 7 feet tall, and my cousin went there.

59. Los Angeles Lakers- Josh Shipp, UCLA

Adam Morrison could use some company on the bench, maybe Shipp can teach him how to dress.

60. Miami Heat- Nate Miles, Southern Idaho

You might remember Miles as the guy who went to UConn, but never played in a game after getting the boot for violating a restraining order. Sounds like a real class act. Tons of talent though, someone may take a chance.

-Keefe