PETER KING'S MOCK DRAFT
PETER KING
April 25, 2011
Owners and players are at loggerheads and the 2011 season is in peril—but the draft lives! And with the labor dispute putting free agency on hold, teams are looking more than ever to college talent to fill immediate needs, especially at the game's most important position: quarterback
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The way Arizona figures it, a veteran QB can be had at some point before the season to get Larry Fitzgerald the ball. What else would help the Cards' best player? The top-rated receiver on most teams' boards, who could further deflect attention from Fitzgerald. I'd prefer the best corner in the draft, to boost the 29th-rated defense, improve the athleticism in the secondary and help the return game.
6 BROWNS
WILL PICK
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
SHOULD PICK
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
The Browns are desperate for an edge rusher, and they may reach for Robert Quinn of North Carolina. They shouldn't. Quinn's a terrific prospect and probably the best pass-rushing end in this draft. But Cleveland has zero weapons in the passing game for new West Coast coach Pat Shurmur, and with Mike Holmgren having final say over football ops, I'd be surprised if he didn't make the obvious pick: a topflight receiver and blocker in Jones.
7 TEXANS*
WILL PICK