It’s version 4 of the mock draft. Because regardless of the labor turmoil, there will be a draft

MIKE KAYE

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

Well, as expected the NFLPA decertified from the union today, leaving a whole heap of mess behind in it’s wake.  With a lockout seemingly inevitable now, the only safe football conversation to have revolves around the draft.  No lawyers or lawsuits is going to stop that from happening.  Here’s our latest mock draft.  It’s the fourth one.

1.  Carolina (2-14) / Nick Fairley / DT / Auburn
Fairley is the pick in my mind. I think if you have a weakness and you have the top pick, it is a huge, glaring problem. Fairley is a one-year wonder, but is more than worth the risk.

2.  Denver (4-12) / Patrick Peterson /CB/FS / LSU
P.P. is going to change the cornerback position and he will do so in Denver, as long as John Elway isn’t Matt Millen and takes a Wide-out.

3.  Buffalo (4-12) / Von Miller / OLB/DE / Texas A&M
This guy may be the best rusher in the draft, his cone times were insane, and he just is a different kind of beast. This could make up for the atrocity of a pick which was Aaron Maybin.

4.  Cincinnati (4-12) / Marcel Dareus / DT/DE/ Alabama
I think Dareus is the 2^nd safest player in this draft behind Peterson. He can play 5-technique in a 3-4 and he is arguably a top-2 DT prospect. Dareus can line up next to Domata Peko on the inside D-line and eventually replace him.

5.  Arizona (5-11) /Aldon Smith / OLB/DE / Missouri
Smith is kind of an unknown but scouts really dig him. I think this is definitely a reach but I think this pick will be traded for Kevin Kolb anyway. To draft a QB here would be a waste as none of the prospects can handle starting right away.

6.  Cleveland (5-11) / Julio Jones / WR / Alabama
I know, I know, everyone has AJ Green as the top WR but I am convinced Julio has surpassed him with his insane combine on a broken bone in his foot. Jones is a dynamic player who can help in the return game and would be a great compliment to the team’s current WR corp.

7.  San Francisco (6-10) / Prince Amukamara/ CB / Nebraska
Prince proved everyone wrong about his speed at the combine but I think what I love most about Amukamara is his confidence and his film. While Peterson is in another league as far as natural talent, Amukamara is a natural corner who has the ability to be a Revis-like, man cover guy.

8.  Tennessee (6-10) / DaQuan Bowers / DE / Clemson
Jason Babin has been told he is going to be resigned. What is the best way to replace a Pro Bowler? Replace him with a top-10 pick. I know they have Derrick Morgan, but Bowers can provide insurance for and team up with Morgan.

9.  Dallas (6-10) / JJ Watt / DE / Wisconsin
Watt is again the object of my displeasure but since his cone times and overall workout at the combine went so well, it is hard to argue against him. The Cowboys would benefit from a good 5-tech and Watt is that dude.

10.  Washington (6-10) / AJ Green / WR / Georgia
Ideal situation for Washington. Green is a true “number one” and will give the NFC East problems for years. If Green is here, he is the pick, garunteed.

11.  Houston (6-10) / Cameron Jordan / DE / Cal.
Jordan is a guy that continues to impress me. So much so I had him jump a round. Jordan is the perfect 3-4 guy for Wade Philips in the realm of Leonard Davis. Something tells me that the results will be similar.

12.  Minnesota (6-10) / Blaine Gabbert / QB / Missouri
Whether you except it or not, the Vikings have definitely regressed. I don’t care how much collective talent you have, if they don’t work well together…you’re not talented. Gabbert won’t start immediately but he is worth this pick by potential alone. Not working out at the Combine will help him in the lead up to the draft.

13.  Detroit (6-10) / Nate Solder / OT / Colorado
In my mind, of the first round tackles, Solder is the only true left-sider. This is a major need for a team that cannot keep their franchise QB out of harm’s way. He may need a few games to develop but he will get there.

14.  St. Louis (7-9) / Robert Quinn / DE / UNC
No wide-outs worth taking here so go for the next need. James Hall is a nice player, but Robert Quinn is a great DE. He may actually be the best in the class.

15.  Miami (7-9) / Tyron Smith / OT / USC
He is techniquely a left tackle by measurements but the guy really reminds me of a better Winston Justice. He will take over for Vernon Carey.

16.  Jacksonville (8-8) / Jake Locker / QB / Washington
I think Jacksonville takes Locker over Newton here. Call it a hunch but I think Del Rio digs Locker as a leader. I think the fanbase will embrace Locker while he waits to take over for David Garrard.

Photo: Getty

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