Well, the smoke has cleared from the Free Agency period but not the draft smokescreens and everybody has voiced their opinions ad nauseum. The "experts" have done their best to cause scalp lacerations from collective head scratching and the idiots, such as Baldinger, Dukes, Clayton, Wiley and Mosley have kept us mildly entertained. It's time to release my humble, uncomplicated, no-trade mock.
Round 1(#15): Rolando McClain ILB Alabama
It's still a possibility that he falls to us and he is, in my view, a much more physically gifted Antonio Pierce. He is likely to start very early on, if not right away depending on learning the playbook and reads. This would make most of Giants Nation very, very happy.
Alternatives(in order of preference): Derrick Morgan DE, Joe Haden CB
Round 2(#46) Lamarr Houston DT Texas
Houston has great athletic ability(he started his college career as a RB) and versatility. He can be used in so many ways that he fits the "multiples" role the Giants really like. I know we have good talent at the DT position, but there are too many question marks to not grab this player if he's there.
Alternatives: Sean Lee MLB, Morgan Burnett CB
Round 3(#76): Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB Indiana (PA)
Small school, very fast prospect that is a good cover corner with ball hawking skills and kick/punt return abilities. He's rising fast up the charts and may not even be there at this spot.
Alternatives: Jamar Chaney MLB, Tony Washington OT
Round 4(#115): Tony Washington OT Abilene Christian
Outstanding value at this spot, regardless of your feelings about the incident that happened when he was a 16 year old.
Alternatives: Kyle Calloway OT, Deji Karim RB, Austen Lane DE
Round 5(#147): Abdul "Deji" Karim RB Southern Illinois
via bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com
Upset I didn't show much interest in CJ Spiller? This is why. If you can get a player of this caliber at such a low pick when you already have a stable of backs, albeit injury questionable, you don't burn a high pick on it. He would have been the top back at the combine if you were only considering the numbers. He is another return dynamo, avaraging 31 yards per kick return and is powerful enough to run between the tackles as well as being a good receiver out of the backfield. There is just no way to knock him at this pick.
Alternatives: LeGarrett Blount RB, Andrew Tyshovnytstky OT, Myron Rolle S(I know he won't fall this far)
Round 6(#184): Michael Greco S UCF
Outstanding athlete that could develop into something really special. Will be a special teams nightmare for opposing teams. Just look up his numbers. The kid is a beast.
Alternatives: Andrew Tyshovnytsky OT, John Estes C
Round 7(#221): Kevin Matthews C/OG Texas A&M
Son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews and cousin of Clay, this kid comes with an unmistakable pedigree. He performed very well at his pro day and has the time to develop behind O'Hara and will be coached up by Pat Flaherty. I'm amazed that he has not gotten much mention and falls this far to us.
UDFA's: Brody Eldridge TE, Michael Hoomanawanui TE, Scott Sicko TE
Ok, fellas have at it, but play nice.