Within the golden halls of his first mock draft of the season, Mel Kiper Jr., selected Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers for the Cincinnati Bengals. Kiper wrote that "the chance to draft the best pure pass-rusher on the board and immediately have in place a more formidable pass rush is too much to pass up." And in our minds, how awesome would it be to have Bowers, Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Pat Sims and Geno Atkins all going after the passer?
In Kiper's first Mock Draft, the top four picks were defensive players and the first quarterback, Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, went fifth to the Arizona Cardinals. Georgia's A.J. Green went number six to the Cleveland Browns and Cam Newton fell to tenth for the Washington Redskins.
On Thursday, Mel released his second Mock Draft of the season. And a lot has changed.
Much like Todd McShay, Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bengals selecting wide receiver A.J. Green writing:
It's hard to find a safer pick at the wide receiver position in recent years. Green already has imposing size, making him a deep threat and obvious red zone option, but he also offers refined route-running, good speed and the ability to bring down anything thrown in his direction. As for the need, it's doubtful that either Chad Johnson or Terrell Owens will be back for Cincinnati, leaving a big void on the outside. Regardless of what happens with Carson Palmer, the Bengals need to find a new target, and Green is a safe option.
Cam Newton made a massive leap, likely the result of his self-serving workout in front of the media last week that ESPN's Trent Dilfer blushed over, selected by the Buffalo Bills at number three. Gabbert replaced Newton as the quarterback heading to Washington and Bowers improved his position to second, selected by the Denver Broncos.