Mel/Todd Mock Draft 3.0

Why do people downgrade Clausen cause his teams didn't win? I think that's a terrible way to judge the guy. Did Clausen play defense for ND?????? He's was a damn good college QB. I'm just not sure I'd draft him at #4.

Good points

My mock draft as of today has us taking Trent Williams. It's a bit of a reach I know.

Neither Clausen or Bradford is worth the #4 pick in my opinion. Then again, neither is Trent Williams, atleast at this point. Opinions change so much as the draft approaches and players have thier pro days. maybe mine will too. Right now, I'd be thrilled if:

1. Campbell and Brennan both impress Shanahan in camp prior to the draft. Campbell solidifies his status as the starter.
2. The Rams take Bradford
3. We're on the clock and one of Okung, Suh, or McCoy is available. Our phone would be ringing off the hook with trade offers.
4. We trade down, get three picks in rounds 1-4 and use our first four picks on two offensive linemen a nose tackle, and an explosive running back (in roughly that order).

^ I am not Clausen's greatest fan but I would argue that he provides more value at #4 than Trent Williams. That said, I'm not sure that I would draft either one at #4. Should Bradford or Okung be gone, I'd be inclined to take Berry or Suh/McCoy to maximize pick value.

^ I am not Clausen's greatest fan but I would argue that he provides more value at #4 than Trent Williams. That said, I'm not sure that I would draft either one at #4. Should Bradford or Okung be gone, I'd be inclined to take Berry or Suh/McCoy to maximize pick value.

Berry wouuld probably fill more of an immediate need than Suh or McCoy, but i'd be happier with Suh or McCoy.... Phillip Daniels can't play forever. Haynesworth will only be here 3 more years. If we don't get another pass-rusher this year, we'll have to think about it soon enough. McCoy/Maake/Haynesworth on the line with Orakpo blitzing would make for one scary pass-rush.

Berry wouuld probably fill more of an immediate need than Suh or McCoy, but i'd be happier with Suh or McCoy.... McCoy/Maake/Haynesworth on the line with Orakpo blitzing would make for one scary pass-rush.

I'd rather have Berry that those guys. We have no one at FS right now.

Keep in mind this isn't what I would do, just what I suspect might happen. Assuming Bradford, Okung, and Suh are the first 3 guys gone.

I could see Anthony Davis or even McLain under strong consideration as well quite honestly.

But I mean we're still over a month away so a lot could change, and will change.

I'd rather have Berry that those guys. We have no one at FS right now.

He's definitely a great player, there's no question about it. I just have a hard time justifying taking a safety that high. If you have a dominant pass-rush, you can get by with good, but not great safeties. The converse isnt necessarily true though. Our backfield once consisted of Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, Sean Taylor, and (for a short time) Laron Landry. It didnt really help us that much because we had no pass-rush. IMO its not a good idea to spend a top 5 pick on a defensive player that isnt a passrusher or dominant run-stopper. It'd be interesting to look at some previous drafts and see how front 7 vs. DBs worked out.

Keep in mind this isn't what I would do, just what I suspect might happen. Assuming Bradford, Okung, and Suh are the first 3 guys gone.

I could see Anthony Davis or even McLain under strong consideration as well quite honestly.

But I mean we're still over a month away so a lot could change, and will change.

McCoy is considered by many to be the best overall player in the draft. If we didnt want to take him for some reason, i'm sure we'd have multiple offers to trade down. unlike last year, we won't have vinny running to hand a card to the commish before 10 seconds have even run off the clock. I'm sure Allen and Shanahan will explore all trade options, even if the guy they truly covet is right there for the taking.

If I was St. Louis I'd take Gerald McCoy with the 1st overall pick...and trade my 2nd rounder for Jason Campbell

I am scratching my head on why everyone thinks Bradford is a sure fire top 5 pick and Clausen is a reach. Let me be the first to say that I hate Notre Dame more than anyone. I can't stand Clausen and I've watched him play on many occasions and have really never been impressed. I mean I watched Brady Quinn accomplish the same things Clausen did and look where Brady Quinn is at this point. I'm not saying he doesn't have talent but not #4 talent. Bradford I have the same feeling about. Everyone is so sold on him but these QB's in this years draft just don't hit me as being solid starting QB's. I think we should trade down, or grab the best solid player on the board that can immediately help our team. If that is OL, LB anything than so be it. If Clausen comes across that screen with a Redskin jersey I'll throw up. Mel has it all wrong on this one.