Mock Draft Database Frenzy

Posted by: PennSkinsFan on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008

You can tell the NFL season is near conclusion. The Internet’s largest database of NFL mock drafts, the hailRedskins.com Mock Draft Database, is loaded with substantial updates, many new additions, and a new top mock feature. Bottom line for many of you — you may laugh and say — “Ha! Mock drafts are ridiculous” — but your reading this aren’t you and your going to visit our database as well. Why? Because it’s the NFL, it’s the draft, and dammit, it’s the only thing going on beside the sleepy Superbowl.

AS for the database — here are the current stats.

Total Mocks Listed: 180 NFL Mock Drafts

Total Updated as Partner Mocks: 112 Mock Drafts

There are some in the bottom table titled ‘The Rest” that may also be updated. The Top Mock table has some comments from those mocks and if we chose to or had reason to, we may have a little comment in response. These mocks are distinguished because of the respect they have on the internet and/or the respect that the we here at the hR Database give them, and/or because of their professional status in the NFL draft as a content provider and reporter or scouting service provider.

Now on to the bigger story for us here in Redskins land. What are the mocks looking like as far as who the Redskins will pick. Perhaps a bigger question that will play out over the next two to three weeks is — do these mock significantly change depending on who the next Redskins head coach will be? Fact is, we don’t know yet. We have pretty good indications of who the next coach will be, but with Daniel Snyder as your franchise owner, that can change every 3 hours.

So here is the Redskins current position breakdown in the mocks that have been updated by at least 12/30/07. Listings are by rank.

1. Defensive End (61 mocks): 61 mocks have the Redskins taking a DE. Why? Because we need one desperately. Andre Carter had a banner year. BUT, Andre Carter also sustains double teams because there is no legitimate threat at the other End position. The Redskins need a young, quick, and strong DE. Why could this pick not be made? Because we have needed one for 5 years and haven’t gotten one in the draft. What makes this year any different. Injuries to Carlos Rogers, the death of Sean Taylor, and the problems at WR make other positions possible targets as well.

2. Wide Receiver: (20 mocks): 20 mocks have the Redskins going wide receiver. Why? This is one of the one gaining the most this week. It is no mystery that the Redskins need a tall, possession type wide receiver. With Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and Reche Caldwell, the Redskins lack a big target. It is unclear right now what kind of influence new OC Jim Zorn will have int he draft selection process. Why could this pick not be made? Redskins tend to turn to free agency when they have a need at wide receiver. Could this be the year that the need on the defensive line prevails?

3. Offensive Line: (7 mocks) 7 mocks have the Redskins going offensive line. Why? Well, just look at the injuries that occurred and the lack of depth the Redskins had. It was never more clear than in the playoff loss to Seattle. With rumors swirling that Jon Jansen could have played his last game in DC, the Redskins could choose to replace Jansen with a first round pick. Why could thy not make this pick? Short answer. Other needs are more prevalent and the Redskins would likely boost the offensive line with later draft picks.

4. Defensive Tackle (7 Mocks) 7 mocks have the Redskins going DT. Why? Not sure. Maybe the feeling is the Redskins will release Cornelius Griffin? I dunno. The Redskins are very pleased with the 2006 mid-round picks Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston. Why could they not make this pick? Because of bigger needs and the happiness with the progress and development of Montgomery and Golston.

5. Corner Back (5 mocks) 5 mocks have the Redskins landing a corner back. Why? I suspect this is going to grow over the next month or two. Carlos Rogers knee injury is very serious. He may not even be back for the start of the season. Who know, he may not be the same again. If the Redskins choose to leave Shawn Springs depart, then this increases even more. BUT, the Redskins could go free agency here. This would not be a popular pick with Redskins fans, but since when has ~~Snyder~~ I mean ~~Cerrato~~ OK, Snyderatto been popular. Why could they not make this pick? Because they could solve it via free agency with a couple decent options out there. They could choose to keep Springs not that Gibbs and Williams are gone.

So who actually are the top 4 or 5 the Mock Drafts have the Redskins taking?

1. 33 Mocks –> DE Calais Campbell (University of Miami) Here is a link to the Football Futures profile on Campbell. Football Future is one of out Top Mocks and does a nice job with profiling many of the top players. Drop them an email and tell them we sent you!

Calais Campbell

2. 13 Mocks –> DE Derrick Harvey (University of Florida) Harvey was once up above 20 mocks, but has fallen off lately. Some of the falling off has been small gains by Campbell, but most have been mock flips to WR and CB. Football Expert has a small snippet on Harvey.

Derrick Harvey

3. 8 Mocks –> DE Lawrence Jackson (USC) Jackson has slipped a little as well as the shift is made to wide receiver. Here is a scouting report on Jackson provided by Fantasy Football Jungle.

4. 7 Mocks –> WR Limus Sweed (University of Texas) Sweed has seen a rise in his selection for the Redskins as the wide receiver positions gains steam. He fits the bigger mold type receiver that Washington needs.