So, let's take a look back at my final mock draft. If you ignore the Ravens' gaffe, I got seven correct picks, which isn't all that bad. And if I cheat and discount the six first-round selections that happened after trades, I was 7-for-26 (26.9 percent).
Let's run through my final mock draft, compare it with the actual draft, gloat about what I got right and surmise how I stumbled.
1. Carolina Panthers
The Actual Pick: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Cam Newton
Previous Picks: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson
Analysis: I didn't support the pick, but I got it right. Now, it's up to Newton to prove everyone wrong.
2. Denver Broncos
The Actual Pick: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus
Previous Pick: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: Dareus or LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson would have been natural fits, but Miller will have to adjust to a new position, either as a defensive end or 4-3 outside linebacker. Now, new head coach John Fox must continue making the switch to the 4-3 when he's got a majority of players who best fit the 3-4, and Miller won't help that cause. Should be an interesting transition in Denver.
3. Buffalo Bills
The Actual Pick: Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
Analysis: Miller was the pick for all 13 mock drafts, but Dareus will fit just as nicely. Dareus and Kyle Williams will form a tremendous tag team on Buffalo's defensive line.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Actual Pick: Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green
Mock Draft XIII Pick: A.J. Green
Previous Picks: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
Analysis: I hated the Green pick, even though I got it right. Green should be a very good player, but the Bengals had more pressing needs on defense and also passed up a chance to make a big trade to acquire a haul of picks from Atlanta. I've already taken up plenty of space on the Internet regarding this pick, so I'll just let it be for now.
5. Arizona Cardinals
The Actual Pick: LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Patrick Peterson
Previous Pick: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
Analysis: If the Broncos didn't screw it up by taking Miller, I'd have gone 5-for-5 to start the draft. Oh well. This was a great pick for Arizona.
6. Atlanta Falcons (from Cleveland Browns)
The Actual Pick: Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Browns select North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
Previous Pick: Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green
Analysis: You've got to commend the Falcons for identifying the player they wanted and then getting aggressive to take him, but they surrendered a serious bounty to select a wide receiver. Either way, they might score 50 points a game next season.
7. San Francisco 49ers
The Actual Pick: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
Previous Picks: LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
Analysis: I never even considered Smith for this pick because he made it pretty clear before the draft that he preferred to play defensive end in the 4-3. Now, he'll make the switch to the 3-4. Smith is a heck of a talent, but I wonder how it will work in San Francisco.
8. Tennessee Titans
The Actual Pick: Washington quarterback Jake Locker
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
Previous Picks: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
Analysis: This was the first major surprise of the draft, but it's hard to really find anyone who hates the pick. So that's a good thing for a franchise that desperately needed a franchise quarterback.
9. Dallas Cowboys
The Actual Pick: USC tackle Tyron Smith
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Tyron Smith
Previous Picks: Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, Colorado tackle Nate Solder, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
Analysis: Good job by the Cowboys to address, perhaps, their greatest need.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Washington Redskins)
The Actual Pick: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
Mock Draft XIII Pick: Redskins select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones
Previous Picks: Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, USC tackle Tyron Smith, Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: The jury is out on Gabbert, but if he's as good as some believe, the Jaguars got a steal here.
