I can't say it for sure, but this may be the last post on a mock draft (unless Todd McShay has one in the morning). Mel Kiper had his last one up and now NFL Network's Mike Mayock has released his final mock draft projections. And you can add him to the list of those who are projecting Patrick Peterson to be selected by the Arizona with the fifth pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Who is in this list? Mel Kiper, Kent Somers, Darren Urban and myself. But after the jump is the explanation for drafting Peterson.
The Cardinals pass on the quarterback here and take the top corner in the draft. He can take pressure off other guys in the secondary and can also help in the return game. With this pick, the Cardinals feel they can compete right now in a watered-down NFC West. This pick shows the Cardinals believe they'll get a veteran QB this offseason.
According to Mayock, Blaine Gabbert will be available for the Cardinals, but they will overlook him and go with the potentially dynamic cornerback. Gabbert falls two additional spots and is drafted by the 49ers.
To round up teh Top 10 picks, Mayock's projections go like this:
1- Panthers: Cam Newton
2- Broncos: Von Miller
3- Bills: Marcell Dareus
4- Bengals: A.J. Green
5- Cardinals: Patrick Peterson
6- Browns: Julio Jones
7- 49ers: Blaine Gabbert
8- Titans: Nick Fairley
9- Cowboys: Tyron Smith
10- Redskins: Prince Amukamara