2012 NFL Mock Draft: Titans and Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

by Jimmy on Jan 31, 2012 10:38 PM CST in 2012 NFL Draft

Dan Kadar of Mocking the Draft has put out a new mock draft. He has the Titans taking Whitney Mercilus (pronounced mercy-less), DE, Illinois. Here is what Dan had to say about the pick:

Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois: Only one team had fewer sacks this season than the Titans. Mercilus would give them the player who can get after the passer and stay at home against the run. Also look for the Titans to consider a cornerback, especially if Cortland Finnegan doesn't return.

The defensive end debate is going to be an interesting one leading up to the draft. Every site you go on is going to have a different opinion on who is the best pass rusher. I have seen a couple of sites that have Mercilus as the top rated guy.

Be sure and tune in to MCM Radio next week because Dan is going to join August and I to break down the draft from a Titans perspective.

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I like Merciless too....analysts liken him to Jason Pierre Paul... one year wonder in college but what a freaking awesome year and absolute study athletically

The Player Bio from http://www.walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2012wmercilus.php

Summary: Whitney Mercilus was the most productive pass-rusher in college football in 2011. He led the nation in sacks (16) and forced fumbles (9). It was a record-setting season as Mercilus topped Simeon Rice’s school record for sacks in a year. Like Rice, Mercilus is a fabulous athlete. He has a special combination of size, speed and strength to go along with excellent technique. Mercilus also recorded 57 tackles and 22.5 tackles for a loss.

Entering the NFL, Mercilus is an advanced pass-rusher. He got the better of the best tackles he faced this season. Against Ohio State’s Mike Adams, Mercilus recorded 1.5 sacks with a forced fumble. The Wisconsin Badgers’ powerful offensive line couldn’t contain Mercilus. He bull rushed through massive right tackle Josh Oglesby to get a sack-fumble on Russell Wilson. Mercilus also knocked out left tackle Ricky Wagner for part of the game.

Mercilus has a very impressive repertoire of pass rushing moves. He attacks with speed around the edge. As a counter to the speed, he has the strength to execute rip moves and shed offensive linemen. Mercilus has the raw power to get under offensive linemen’s pads and bull rush into the pocket. That catches linemen by surprise as they are so cognizant of being ready for his speed rush. Beyond his great physical skill set, Mercilus is an advanced pass-rusher technically.

Mercilus holds up well in run defense. Linemen don’t push him around, as he is strong at the point of attack. He also will burst into the backfield to disrupt running plays.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2lxc75c.png

by Deaconbrodie on Jan 31, 2012 11:12 PM CST reply actions

Can't wait for the MCM Radio

Dan is my 1b in terms of my most trusted draft analysts. He does a terrific job evaluating talent. I am interested in hearing what he has to say.

Fan of: New Jersey Devils, Tennessee Titans, New Jersey Nets, New York Mets, and the U

by NJD28 on Jan 31, 2012 11:16 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Who are you referring to?

http://i52.tinypic.com/2lxc75c.png

by Deaconbrodie on Jan 31, 2012 11:19 PM CST up reply actions

Most likely he is referring to Dan Kadar from mocking the draft.

You can find the site here:
http://www.mockingthedraft.com/

It’s a very solid site IMHO…

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by Chris Colgan on Jan 31, 2012 11:45 PM CST up reply actions

I was the one that mentioned Dan Kadar to Jimmy on MCM Radio on Monday just saying

He’s one of the best out there, I agree

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by nolesbroncos3456 on Feb 1, 2012 1:59 AM CST up reply actions

I'm starting to fall in love wiith Mercilus

Whereas 2 years ago I was really rooting for us to get Morgan over Jason Pierre-Paul as Morgan had all the production throughout college and JPP was potentially just a one-year wonder, this year I want the other type of player. Another “freak” for the defensive line hopefully.

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by Chris Colgan on Jan 31, 2012 11:55 PM CST reply actions

I feel exactly the same.... Take freakish athlete with awesome 1 year numbers...

Just like you I wanted Morgan over JPP…now it looks like it wouldve been nice if JPP fell to us instead.

"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009

by Deaconbrodie on Feb 1, 2012 8:51 AM CST up reply actions

yeah i am starting to like him too

hopefully he is just like he was last season

by jv1222 on Feb 1, 2012 11:49 AM CST up reply actions

I'd like me some Mercilus.

Moreso than I like Perry or any other DE sans Ingram.

by FYNBYAC on Jan 31, 2012 11:57 PM CST reply actions

Oh god yes

So many possibilities with a name like Mercy-less. wow.

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by MattBen on Feb 1, 2012 2:59 AM CST reply actions

"Oh great whitney, have mercy on their Offensive Tackles!"

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by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Feb 1, 2012 9:06 AM CST up reply actions

lol

by jv1222 on Feb 1, 2012 11:47 AM CST up reply actions

similar to jpp

jpp was a 1 year wonder but even he didnt have the breakout type of year that mercilus had. i think jpp had 9 sacks the year before he came out…compared to this kids 16 (which led the ncaa).

by jpalmer76 on Feb 1, 2012 6:59 AM CST reply actions

i think some D linemen who have 1 good year and come out are due to the program they're in

if the upper class men are good, you only get playing time in blowouts, once the graduate or prepare for the draft then its your turn

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by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Feb 1, 2012 9:07 AM CST up reply actions

Merciless and the Captain

F@#$ it. I’ll drink the Kool-Aid.

Haters gonna hate

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by JustinS on Feb 1, 2012 9:20 AM CST reply actions

Pour me a glass

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by StPrattrick on Feb 1, 2012 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

I'll get you a pair of the sneakers as well

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by JustinS on Feb 1, 2012 9:39 AM CST up reply actions

OOOOHHHH YEAAAAAAH!

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by StPrattrick on Feb 1, 2012 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

OHHHHHH NOOOOO!!!

"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009

by Deaconbrodie on Feb 1, 2012 11:40 AM CST reply actions

our D-line coach used to work for Auburn right?

if so does he have any say in this since he might have seen Mercilus play will he was in college

by jv1222 on Feb 1, 2012 11:52 AM CST reply actions

Not sure if Auburn ever played Illinois

"I wear a tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009

by Deaconbrodie on Feb 1, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

He had say in Zack Clayton

If he’s seen Merciless play, they’ll certainly ask him his opinions. That’s just what you do.

Though Deacon has a point, especially as Merciless was a “one year wonder.” Highly doubt Rocker has anything on him.

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by JustinS on Feb 1, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

Plus...Clayton actually went to Auburn...where Rocker coached him. Makes sense they got his opinion on that one..

…that being said I am sure the position coach has some input on any draftee who plays the position they coach. If that input is taken or not is another matter.

"I wear a tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009

by Deaconbrodie on Feb 1, 2012 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

I know very little about him and I'll remedy that in the coming months,

but the one year of production concerns me.

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You apparently aren't interested in commenting on the Colts, but instead just want to take shots at editors for how we manage our blog. Thus, you're now no longer welcome.

by WinnipegTitanFan13 on Feb 1, 2012 12:03 PM CST reply actions

Everything concerns you.

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by StPrattrick on Feb 1, 2012 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

lol...I've noticed that about Winnipeg. : )

but as mentioned JPP had less productive numbers in the year before he was drafted based off one year and potential…9 sacks I believe.
Merciless had 16!! plus 22 tackles for a loss PLUS 9 Forced Fumbles. That is pretty studly if you ask me.

"I wear a tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009

by Deaconbrodie on Feb 1, 2012 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

He only and 1 sack in each of his previous years though (2009/2010)

was he not starting or something…?

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by StPrattrick on Feb 1, 2012 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

According to http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ player bio:

A one-year starter, Whitney Mercilus was a two-star defensive line recruit out of high school, choosing Illinois over Cincinnati, Kansas, Purdue and Michigan State. After redshirting in 2008, he saw limited action as a reserve in 2009 as a redshirt freshman, finishing with 8 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. Mercilus saw more playing time in 2010 as a sophomore, recording 16 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and 2 forced fumbles. He started all 13 games in 2011 and had his best season as a junior, finishing with a NCAA-best 16.0 sacks (tied school record) and 9 FF (second in NCAA history), adding a conference-high 22.5 tfl and 57 tkls. Mercilus earned First Team All-American and All-Big Ten honors and was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Mercilus decided to capitalize on his breakout campaign and forego his senior season to enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

Mercilus entered this past season with just two career sacks, but he had a break out performance in 2011 as a first-year starter, leading the Big Ten in several categories and ranking among the tops in all of college football. He has adequate size and build, but lacks the frame to get much stronger and add bulk ? has long arms and big hands to create problems for blockers. Mercilus is still developing and is more of an athlete than polished pass rusher at this point, but he is a high effort player with a nonstop motor and simply finds ways to get to the backfield. He looks like a poor man?s Aldon Smith and will be best used by a creative defensive coordinator who moves him around the defensive front ? a one-year performer, but has the make-up to be a top-40 pick in April.

"I wear a tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009

by Deaconbrodie on Feb 1, 2012 12:38 PM CST up reply actions