as one of the resident mockers around here it leads me to think you must be into the draft if you make that your first post. So welcome aboard. You'll find it a welcoming bunch as long as you don't get too belligerent with any goofball takes.

As to mocking, first we're still a few games away from zeroing in on the pick position. As stands now it is at 12. For the final 4 games I expect 4-0 at best and 2-2 at worst. At 7-9 to 9-7 (barring a SB run to #31 or 32) you get to the area where a bunch of teams finish record-wise (parity). The past 3 years 7 to 9 win teams would average out at pick #16-17. So first, as of now I would use 16-17 as the projected spot.

Rhodes is the 2nd ranked CB on some boards and more commonly the #3 CB. You may correct in pushing him up to mid 1st Rd but it certainly is a reach by consensus standards. Even the Walter reference you use has him at #36 in the 2nd Rd.

The Saints are one of the steadiest BPA teams in the NFL. I don't see this reach. Milliner is the consensus #1 CB and could be a top 10 pick. He would be a can't pass on talent at 16-17 but at this point that is highly improbable. Ranked consistently higher than Rhodes is Johnthan Banks MsSt. He does look a player that might fall into the Saints draft range. Put him down instead of Rhodes and you get a lot more realistic IMO.

For them to take any corner means that there is no LB, DL, or OT ranked higher on their board. When examining the stock at those positions I think that is doubtful. It's too early to mock so definitely yet for me. At a #16-17 projection I would put these names into my watchlist of the possibility pool-

Finishing more towards the current #12 spot they might have a shot at the #3 or 4 pass rusher taken out of Werner, Mingo, Montgomery, or Moore. Any of those might be the pass rusher extraordinaire we have wanted.

#12-16 they could have a shot at the second to fourth LT out of Lewan, Matthews, or Fisher. Until we see what plays out with Bushrod UFA this possibility is fluid.

If the pick goes more to the #16-23 range (9-7 last year) then they could have shot at the first 4-3 OLB taken. I have Mosley clearcut top for that. He isn't a surefire declarer for the draft yet tho. After him I dunno if there is another LB who might justify the pick range.

The DT that fits the mid 1st range to me is John Jenkins GA. Richardson Mizzou is a talent but his draft stock is still up in the air sorting out how much of a head case he might be.

You might enjoy this thread where we started some draft talk. And another on the 3rd rd

This post was edited on 12/7/12 at 9:21 am