It’s version 3 of the mock draft that’s been sweeping the nation

MIKE KAYE

Picks 1-16 / Picks 17-32 /  Round 2 / Round 3

The Senior Bowl is over, the Combine is on the horizon, and we don’t even know if there’s going to be a season next year with all this labor drama. Still, there will be a draft, even if there isn’t a season, and with all vacant head coaching spots filled, declarations confirmed, and the Shrine and bowl games behind us, it’s time for another mock draft installment.  So away we go with part one of our 4 part v3 mock draft.

1.  Carolina (2-14) / Nick Fairley / DT / Auburn
This pick is the same as last time’s and most likely won’t change till at least the Combine as Fairley is the best at Carolina’s biggest defense need.

2.  Denver (4-12) / Patrick Peterson /CB/FS / LSU
Again another pick I am very sold on. Peterson is the answer to holes at either CB if Champ Bailey leaves or the hole at FS if Brian Dawkins retires.

3.  Buffalo (4-12) / Marcel Dareus / DE/DT / Alabama
The guy is being raved about by Warren Sapp and Mike Mayock as the safe pick as opposed to Fairley but I think Fairley edges him out on potential. Buffalo needs a lot of help on defense and I just don’t buy Cam Newton going 3^rd overall.

4.  Cincinnati (4-12) / AJ Green / WR / Georgia
Carson Palmer is running out of excuses, especially if Chad Ochoncinco is on his way out. A possible solution to Palmer’s problem is a new face as the number one receiver.

5.  Arizona (5-11) / Von Miller / OLB/DE / Texas A&M
This has become a popular pick amongst draftniks and I have to say it does make a lot of sense. The Arizona defense is getting older and they need some spice to goes along with Darius Washington. Here comes the best rusher in college.

6.  Cleveland (5-11) / Da’Quan Bowers / DE / Clemson
The move to a 4-3 is not going to be an easy one for Pat Shurmur’s Browns but Bowers is a beast at Defensive End. Possibly the best player in the draft, the big man from Clemson could have a Suh-like sack total and Defensive of Player of the Year for Cleveland.

7.  San Francisco (6-10) / Blaine Gabbert / QB / Missouri
This will be a hard pick to figure out for a while because you have to wonder what Harbaugh is planning to do in free agency or if he is really going to keep Alex Smith around. I think regardless, the fanbase and owner need to have a fresh start at their most important position.

8.  Tennessee (6-10) / Aldon Smith / DE/OLB / Missouri
If the Titans are unable to resign Jason Babin (which is likely since they fired the staff he did so well with) then the team needs a suitable replacement. Smith is that guy, he is coming off a few injuries this past season but he would be a great compliment for Derrick Morgan.

9.  Dallas (6-10) / Prince Amukamara / CB / Nebraska
Huge steal for the Boys in blue. Michael Jenkins really regressed this season and Terrence Newman is getting up there in age so this pick could service a not-so-noticeable-need.

10.  Washington (6-10) / Cam Newton / QB / Auburn
Newton has been talked up a lot since his private work outs but I still see him as Jamarcus Russell that can run. I think this is the ideal situation for the Skins and not for Newton so this could be bad. I could see a team trading down before this pick.

11.  Houston (6-10) / J.J. Watt / DE / Wisconsin
I am not a huge fan of Watt but everybody seems to think he is the bee’s knees. I think he is more of a 5-technique so he will fit the new 3-4 defense that Wade Phillips will try to implore.

12.  Minnesota (6-10) / Jake Locker / QB / Washington
I think it would be ironic for one recently inaccurate QB to be replaced by another not-so-smooth passer. Locker has everything a first-round QB needs except for the aforementioned fact, but I think the Vikes’ fanbase will accept him.

13.  Detroit (6-10) / Nate Solder / OT / Colorado
Solder could go anywhere from pick 3 to here, not anywhere past, not anywhere earlier. This is a huge need for Detroit and it makes too much sense for them, so they should avoid reaching for a corner.

14.  St. Louis (7-9) / Julio Jones / WR / Alabama
The biggest need for the on-the-cusp Rams is more talent to surround their QB with talent. While I feel the team is filled with sure-hands, none of those players are close to the potential Jones possesses.

15.  Miami (7-9) / Tyron Smith / OT / USC
I think the Dolphins would be well-served not reaching for a running back or a quarterback at this spot and in turn, help their mediocre O-line. Vernon Carey’s career is coming to a close and he was missed when he went down with an injury last year, time to find his successor.

16.  Jacksonville (8-8) / Robert Quinn / DE / UNC
I think this is the perfect solution to the bust that is Derrick Harvey. Quinn brings athletic ability and competitiveness to a position that has been up-but-mostly down the past few years.

Photo: Getty

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