Mock Draft: Picks 6-10

Here's how the Browns, 49ers, Titans, Cowboys, and Redskins will spend their first picks in the draft.

6.  Cleveland Browns 5-11

            I’m reading a lot about how the Browns need to take A.J. Green at 6.  While I understand the premise, as the Browns have no true go-to receiver, their offense isn’t built around having one, it’s built around Peyton Hillis toting the rock and Colt McCoy making simple reads and running the ball himself when necessary.  In fact, it’s when the Browns were forced to put the ball in the air that all the trouble started.  I say go with a player that will help you stick to that run-first mentality.

            The fact that UNC DE Robert Quinn is that player may surprise you, but hear me out.  A staple of any team built on running the ball is, obviously, a solid defense.  The Browns were 18^th in the league in passing defense last year, and the addition of a bona fide pass rusher will help to level the playing field against the aerial attacks of Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the AFC North.  By shortening games against superior teams, the Browns may be able to steal an extra win or two in 2011 thanks to Quinn.  In Dick Jauron’s desired 4-3 defensive switch, Quinn would be a key piece.

7.  San Francisco 49ers

            Is anyone else as skeptical of Jim Harbaugh’s ringing endorsement of Alex Smith as I am?  With weapons like the 49ers have, the simple fact of the matter is that the quarterback of the future isn’t on this roster.  Neither is the quarterback of the now.  However, with Blaine Gabbert off the board, the 49ers may take a flyer on Florida State QB Chris Ponder later in the draft.  Or what about Vince Young, wouldn’t that be interesting? 

            Anyway, the 49ers have to be pretty excited that Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama, dropped into their laps at 7.  Dude is impressive.  319 pounds, and can run.  What a nightmare matchup for centers and guards, especially in the weak NFC West.  I think the Dareus pick makes a lot of sense here, seeing as San Fran is set at WR and the D-tackle gives them some options in the trenches.  

8.  Tennessee Titans 6-10

            The Titans are yet another team struck by the bad-luck bug that is a weak quarterback class this year.  Since I think they’ll find a way to get Kerry Collins back in uniform, I think that cornerback is the way to go here.

            Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara is an outstanding talent.  Although a bit stiff, the corner has shown the potential to shut down receivers on the outside and at 205 pounds can throw his weight around near the line of scrimmage to stop the run game.  Couple that with his outstanding combine time, and Amukamara follows Peterson as the second DB off the board.

            With Randy Moss’s status in Nashville in question though, there opens up a hole on the outside opposite Kenny Britt.  This could allow A.J. Green to sneak into Tennessee’s hat at the 8 pick if Amukamara isn’t their man.

9.  Dallas Cowboys 6-10

            Everyone and their mother is saying that Terence Newman is out the door in Dallas and that CB will be the pick here.  Two problems with that.  One: the two premier corners are already off the board.  Two: Terence Newman isn’t going anywhere, in my view.  The Dallas secondary was horrible last year, don’t get me wrong.  And Newman is getting expensive at 33.  But cutting Newman would mean 3, possibly even 4 new starters in the defensive backfield.  The Cowboys will look elsewhere.

            Enter Cameron Jordan, the Cal DE.  Dallas is potentially losing Marcus Spears and Stephen Bowen on the defensive line in free agency.  They need a 3-4 end, and Jordan is it.  Stout, and good with using his hands to shed double teams, Jordan should help shore up a porous Dallas rushing defense while also providing a pass rush to bookend with Demarcus Ware.  It’s not a trendy pick, but it is one that makes sense for Dallas.

10.  Washington Redskins 6-10

            And we thought the Cardinals quarterback situation was fun.  The Redskins circus is worse, and it leads me to the first shocker of this mock draft when the Redskins take a signal caller much higher than they should.  A.J. Green is the smart pick again, and the runner up for Washington.  But the Skins are going to take Jake Locker.

            That’s right.  That Jake Locker.  The one who some say took steps backwards this year, the one who never completed more than 58 percent of his passes at Washington.  But look at it this way.  Rex Grossman is the current option.  I’m going to let that sink in for a second.  Now wipe the looks of horror/amusement off of your faces and think about what Jake Locker has to offer.  Experience in a pro-style offense.  A strong arm, quick feet dropping back from center.  And he’s the anti-McNabb.  While Donovan is about to be unceremoniously cut by the Skins for, among other reasons, not being a Mike Shanahan-type of player, Locker is a coach’s dream.  A strong vocal leader, tough player, experienced in putting a team on his back.  Call it a reach if you want, but I do like the pick of Locker to the Redskins.  I see his pro potential as much higher than Blaine Gabbert’s.