By
ANDREW CHAMPAGNE
Twitter.com/AndrewChampagne
A
quick clarification: I will not be predicting trades in any of my
mock drafts. That’s too much speculation, even for a mock draft nut
like me. If a trade is confirmed, I’ll throw it into the mock.
With
that, on to the latest mock!
1)
Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
I've
had Luke Joeckel here for a while now, and there's no reason to
change that at this point. He’s one of the best players in this
draft class, and he fills a definite need after the departure of Eric
Winston and with the Chiefs discussing a possible trade for Branden
Albert.
2)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
This
is the first wild card pick of the draft, as the Jags have needs
pretty much everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised with anyone else I
have in my top five, but for now, Jordan is the guy. He's the most
versatile defender in the draft, with the physical ability to both
rush the passer or cover slot receivers, and he's got the potential
to be a building block for Jacksonville's defense going forward.
3)
Oakland Raiders (4-12): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
This
has been a pretty popular pick for pretty obvious reasons. Tommy
Kelly has been released, and the defensive line was in shambles even
when he was there. If Floyd gets taken by Jacksonville, I could see
the Raiders going in a number of different directions, but for now,
he goes to Oakland.
4)
Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
This
is as high as Geno Smith could go, and I actually had him here in my
last mock. However, many have backed off of the Eagles going in that
direction, so I will as well. Instead, I'll give them Fisher, one of
the best players available and someone who'd fill a need at right
tackle.
5)
Detroit Lions (4-12): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
Ansah
bounces back up the board with the slide of Geno Smith, and with
Fisher off the board, he becomes the optimal need-filler for the
Lions. Detroit lost Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch, so there are
huge holes to fill coming off the edge.
6)
Cleveland Browns (5-11): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Milliner
is available here thanks to some concerns about a shoulder injury,
but he'd be an excellent fit in Cleveland if the Browns keep the pick
(a sizable if). Cleveland does have Joe Haden, who’s very good, but
they don’t have anyone across from him after the departure of
Sheldon Brown. Milliner is easily the top corner in the draft, and
this gives Cleveland a secondary to build their entire defense around
for years to come.
7)
Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
With
Carson Palmer officially a Cardinal, Lane Johnson rises. Arizona’s
offensive line may have been the worst in football a year ago, and
they can fill huge needs with either Johnson or Chance Warmack.
Johnson is the more conventional pick, and thusly my selection, but
Warmack wouldn’t surprise me, either.
8)
Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Buffalo
may very well trade down and take Ryan Nassib. If they do, thereby
passing on Geno Smith with him available at this spot, it's a
hare-brained form of nepotism that won't work. Geno is easily the
best quarterback prospect in the draft, and as such, I don't think
the Bills can afford to pass him up if he's available here. If they
do, it starts an absolute free-fall for the WVU standout, who may
very well fall out of the first round.
9)
New York Jets (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Lotulelei’s
been cleared to play, which is great news. He was considered a
top-five prospect before news of his heart condition leaked at the
Combine, and he may rise back to that point before draft day. The
Jets could use an impact player in the middle of their defensive
line, so this could wind up being a great pick if Lotulelei’s still
on the board.
10)
Tennessee Titans (6-10): Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
In
normal years, a guard in the top 10 would be a reach. However, this
is far from a normal year, and Warmack is one of the best players
available. There’s still a need at right guard, even after the
signing of Andy Levitre, and this could really bolster Tennessee’s
run game while giving Jake Locker time to grow as a quarterback.
11)
San Diego Chargers (7-9): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Danario
Alexander may wind up departing San Diego as a restricted free agent.
If that happens, Philip Rivers wouldn’t have anything to work with
in the passing game besides Antonio Gates. I’ve had Cordarelle
Patterson here for a while, but his stock has reportedly fallen while
Austin’s has steadily risen since the Combine.
12)
Miami Dolphins (7-9): Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia
Bjoern
Werner was the pick, but his stock is dropping. Jones was once
considered a top-five prospect, and he fills a need in Miami. The
Dolphins need a presence opposite Cameron Wake, and Jones clearly has
the potential to be a top-notch player. He’s a bit of a risk with
his spinal condition, but if he pans out, he might be the steal of
the draft.
13)
New York Jets (6-10, from Tampa Bay (7-9)): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Xavier
Rhodes, who I had at #13 before the Darrelle Revis trade, could also
be in the mix here. However, the Jets have Dawan Landry and not much
else at the safety spot, and they're reportedly very interested in a
few second-round caliber corners. Vaccaro will start immediately in
New York, and he provides intelligence and sound fundamentals.
14)
Carolina Panthers (7-9): Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
There
are people saying Richardson could go even earlier than this. He
certainly has the athletic ability to, and this is probably as low as
he’ll go. Carolina’s defensive line is porous, and the Panthers
gave up several big games to opposing running backs in the 2012-13
season.
15)
New Orleans Saints (7-9): Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
Rob
Ryan's aggressive 3-4 attack needs pass-rushing linebackers to be
successful, and that’s exactly what Mingo is. The Saints defense
was absolutely awful in 2012, and there are needs to fill all around
it.
16)
St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Jonathan Cooper, OG/C, North Carolina
Even
with the signing of Jake Long, the Rams’ offensive line needs an
upgrade. Cooper is versatile and can play three different positions.
D.J. Fluker may make sense here if Rodger Saffold is traded, but he’s
still on the team, so for now, Cooper is the guy.
17)
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Patterson’s
stock has slipped a bit over some character concerns, but he’s an
excellent fit in Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost Mike Wallace to Miami
in the offseason, so more depth is needed at receiver. Patterson is
raw, but has tremendous athleticism and sky-high potential if he’s
kept in line.
18)
Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Dallas
is moving to a 4-3 defense, and Werner fits the mold of a 4-3 end
pretty well. His stock has fallen a bit recently, but he's a safe,
low-risk pick who fills a need. He's been a top-10 pick in previous
mocks, so this could wind up being an excellent value for the
Cowboys.
19)
New York Giants (9-7): Alec
Ogletree, LB, Georgia
The
Giants may be searching for a defensive end, and could have jumped on
Mingo if he was available (or selected Alex Okafor or Tank Carradine
with this pick). In this mock, though, they’ll zero in on Ogletree,
probably the top inside linebacker prospect in the draft. There are
some character issues here, most notably his pre-Combine arrest, but
the Giants released Michael Boley and have depth issues at that
position.
20)
Chicago Bears (10-6): D.J. Fluker, OT/OG, Alabama
I’m
not as high on Fluker as others are. He’s not going to be a left
tackle, and yet some have him off the board in the early-teens.
However, Chicago’s offensive line does need help, and new head
coach Marc Trestman will undoubtedly want to protect Jay Cutler.
21)
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Xavier Rhodes, CB/S, Florida State
Rhodes
slipped a bit in this mock, but that's due to bad luck, as he'd have
been an excellent fit for Tampa Bay at #13 before the Revis deal.
Cincinnati's pass defense isn't bad, but they also weren't all that
great a year ago, and you can never have too many quality defensive
backs, especially in the current pass-happy era of football.
22)
St. Louis Rams (7-8-1, from Washington (10-6)): Justin Hunter, WR,
Tennessee
I
considered mocking Cordarelle Patterson to St. Louis at #16, but
offensive line was just too big a need and Cooper was just too strong
a fit to pass up. Here, they don’t get Patterson, but they do get a
guy who had a great Combine. Hunter ran a great 40 time there, and he
gives an offense that’s in dire need of downfield threats a burner
who can outrun corners on deep routes.
23)
Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
On
the surface, this may seem like a puzzling pick. However, the Vikings
have a huge need at linebacker, as their only proven starter there is
Chad Greenway, and the team as a whole struggled against the pass
last season, an area Te'o can instantly improve. Te'o suffered at the
Combine, but Adam Schefter reported that he would not drop out of the
first round, and he did improve his 40 time at Notre Dame's pro day.
24)
Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
I’ve
had Johnathan Hankins here for a while, but concerns about his weight
and work ethic mean he likely falls out of the first round. Williams
has been a late riser, and plays the run and the pass as well as any
front seven player left in the draft.
25)
Minnesota Vikings (10-6, from Seattle (11-5)):
Jesse Williams,
DT, Alabama
Christian
Ponder has to be banging his head against a wall. DeAndre Hopkins
makes total sense here, but the fiasco with his hotel room at the
Combine likely means a drop into the second round. However, Williams
fills a big need at defensive tackle for the Vikings. He takes up a
ton of space on the line and would earn a starting spot immediately.
26)
Green Bay Packers (11-5): Jon Cyprien, S, Florida International
I
think this pick might be a reach, but many draft experts have Cyprien
sneaking into the first round, and he certainly fills a need in Green
Bay. The Packers wanted Michael Huff, but saw him sign with the
Ravens. Here, they get their replacement for Charles Woodson.
27)
Houston Texans (12-4): Datone Jones, DE/DT, UCLA
I’ve
had Houston taking a defensive tackle with this pick for a while, and
there’s no reason to change that here. Jones is a versatile player
who’s received some first-round buzz, and here, he breaks through
to a team that could use some help alongside J.J. Watt on the
defensive line.
28)
Denver Broncos (13-3): Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State
I
still think Alex Okafor would be a really nice fit here, but
Carradine's stock is up to where I'd find it hard to believe he's not
a first-round pick. He fits a need coming off the edge for Denver,
and would ideally fill the shoes of the departed Elvis Dumervil.
29)
New England Patriots (12-4): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Trufant
could go much earlier than this; he was mocked to Cincinnati at #21
in my most recent mock. New England needs help in their secondary.
Aqib Talib was a great acquisition, but there isn't much in their
back seven besides him. Trufant's turned heads with performances at
the Senior Bowl and the Combine.
30)
Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Tony
Gonzalez is not retiring despite doing his annual tap-dance around
the subject. Still, he's not getting younger, and Tyler Eifert is
easily the top tight end in the draft. He could easily go much
earlier than this, and I think this is as late as he goes.
31)
San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Alex Okafor, DE/OLB, Texas
The
Niners may have a need behind Justin Smith, who turns 34 and is going
into the final year of his contract. Okafor is a low-risk player who
doesn't take plays off. He's excellent at getting into the backfield,
and he's a guy that can excel in the right system.
32)
Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Kevin Minter, LB, LSU
Minter
is an old-school, run-stopping inside linebacker that may have
trouble fitting into some new-age defensive schemes. However, an
old-school, run-stopping inside linebacker just retired from
Baltimore’s Super Bowl-winning team, so Minter would be a pretty
nice fit for the Ravens.
SECOND
ROUND
33)
Jacksonville Jaguars: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Anyone
who still thinks Blaine Gabbert can be an effective starting
quarterback needs to have their head examined. The Jags need to
address that position in the draft, and if Matt Barkley is still on
the board in the second round, this is a no-brainer.
34)
San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City): Margus Hunt, DE/DT, SMU
This
is a luxury pick for the Niners, who can pretty much take the best
player available at this juncture. In this case, Hunt is in the mix,
and he may also fill a need on the defensive line if new signee Glenn
Dorsey doesn't fill the shoes of the departed Isaac Sopuaga at
defensive tackle.
35)
Philadelphia Eagles: E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State
The
reason the Eagles may not pull the trigger for Geno Smith? Well, E.J.
Manuel could be an even better fit for Chip Kelly's offense. His
stock has gone up, and I have a hard time imagining his name not
being called in the second round. I had him going to Minnesota before
the Vikings signed Matt Cassel as a back-up, but he launches back
into the second round here, and in a big way.
36)
Detroit Lions: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
If
you're keeping track at home, this is FSU's fifth player drafted in
the first 36 picks, and they may wind up with one or two more before
the second round ends. Now THAT'S impressive. Anyway, Watson's stock
continues to rise, and Detroit absolutely has holes to fill on the
offensive line after Jeff Backus's retirement and Gosder Cherilus's
departure during free agency.
37)
Cincinnati Bengals: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
Eddie
Lacy’s stock is on the decline after a subpar pro day, and that’s
great news for Bernard. He’s a guy that can split time with
BenJarvus Green-Ellis right away while also contributing as a return
man, and I think he’s got the potential to be a very useful back at
the next level.
38)
Arizona Cardinals: Kyle Long, OT/OG, Oregon
Two
picks, two linemen for Arizona, a team that desperately needs help in
the trenches. The Cardinals went through several quarterbacks last
year and protected none of them. Here, though, Long can fill plenty
of holes up front next to fellow rookie Lane Johnson.
39)
New York Jets: D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston
It's
been reported that Rex Ryan likes Hayden very much. In fact, he was
the only head coach in attendance at his pro day. With the departure
of Darrelle Revis, the Jets need at least one corner, and here, they
get one.
40)
Tennessee Titans: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
Tennessee’s
defense was extremely weak last year, and they’ve spent time this
offseason trying to upgrade it. They got several newcomers at safety,
but are still in need of talented corners. Taylor fits that mold.
41)
Buffalo Bills: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
Brown
would be a first-round pick if not for injury troubles that probably
relegate him to the second round. Still, the Bills have needed a
presence at inside linebacker since they let Paul Posluszny walk
several years ago, and Brown can be that kind of player.
42)
Miami Dolphins: Robert Alford, CB, Southeastern Louisiana
Alford
will rise on draft day due to the immense speed he showed at the
Combine. The Dolphins still have a need in their defensive backfield
despite signing Brent Grimes, and they can address it with one of
their two second-round picks.
43)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Tampa
Bay’s front seven is dealing with a ton of injury woes and question
marks heading into the 2013 season. Moore is a risk; he was once a
top-five pick, but a ton of character issues and a horrible Combine
performance means he’s available here. If he pans out, though, this
could be a fantastic pick for the Bucs.
44)
Carolina Panthers: Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
While
some of Carolina’s non-Cam Newton rushing woes were injury-related,
it’s also true that the team’s offensive line has struggled at
times. Warford is the best lineman available, especially after a very
solid performance at the Senior Bowl.
45)
San Diego Chargers: Dallas Thomas, OT/OG, Tennessee
Philip
Rivers had a bad year in 2012, and part of that was because the
Chargers couldn’t protect him. They have plenty of needs on their
offensive line, and in Thomas, they get a versatile player who can be
plugged in at several spots up front.
46)
St. Louis Rams: Robert Woods, WR, USC
The
Rams really DO need bodies at wide receiver. They lost a lot this
offseason, but again, they get a chance to rebuild with a draft deep
in talent at that position. Woods was once thought of as the best
wideout in this class, but he took a backseat to Marquis Lee this
past season. Still, he could be a very capable starter.
47)
Dallas Cowboys: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
Short
is a great fit for Monte Kiffin's 4-3 defense. He's not the biggest
guy, but he can rush the passer from the defensive tackle spot and
provide a legitimate presence in the front seven. I had him going in
the first round for a while, but this is a great spot for him to
shine.
48)
Pittsburgh Steelers: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
The
Steelers seem to catch a falling prospect every year. Here, you can
argue they did it twice in two rounds. Banks didn't have a great
showing at the Combine, but he has a ton of game tape that is really
solid. Pittsburgh's secondary isn't getting any younger, and if he
doesn't have the speed to play corner at the NFL level, maybe he can
move to safety and learn from Troy Polamalu.
49)
New York Giants: Khaseem Greene, DE/OLB, Rutgers
The
Giants love drafting pass-rushers, and they've got a need there now
with Osi Umenyiora's defection to Atlanta. Greene has been rising
quickly, and plays both the run and the pass very well.
50)
Chicago Bears: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
Jay
Cutler needs weapons opposite Brandon Marshall. Hopkins has the
skills to be a first-round pick, but he torched that draft status
when he supposedly trashed his hotel room at the Combine. Still, this
is a value pick that new head coach Marc Trestman shouldn't pass up.
51)
Washington Redskins: Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut
Washington
is sorely lacking in their back seven, and because of it, Wreh-Wilson
will have every opportunity to play from day one.
52)
Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
Christian
Ponder finally gets a secondary receiving option to work with here,
and I think it could be one of the steals of the draft. I had Allen
originally being taken by the Vikings in the first round, but
character concerns caused a big slide. Still, he's an excellent
value, and here, he gets to go somewhere where he should play right
away.
53)
Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Lemonier, DE/OLB, Auburn
This
may be a bit of a reach, but Cincinnati has questions about their
depth at linebacker. Here, they get someone who can rotate between
the line and the outside linebacker spot. Lemonier is a bit raw from
a technical standpoint, but he had a great Combine that included a
4.6 40 time.
54)
Miami Dolphins: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
This
pick may wind up going to Kansas City if Branden Albert gets moved,
but for now, Miami still has it. I had Hankins near the back end of
the first round for a while, but concerns about his weight and work
ethic caused a drop. However, he fits in Miami, as several defensive
linemen have contracts that will expire after this upcoming season.
55)
Green Bay Packers: John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
I
had Jenkins in my second round earlier this year, but he fell out due
to others ascending draft boards. However, he'd be a pretty nice fit
in Green Bay next to B.J. Raji on the defensive line. He's a massive
presence, and a reasonable value at the back end of the second round.
56)
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
A
huge, huge fall continues for Montgomery, but Pete Carroll hasn't
shied away from taking players with character issues. If he coaches
Montgomery up and gets all his talent out of him, this may wind up
being the steal of the draft.
57)
Houston Texans: Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
Houston
has long been searching for a #2 receiver behind Andre Johnson.
Patton didn’t play against great competition at Louisiana Tech, but
made the most of his opportunities at both the Senior Bowl and the
Combine.
58)
Denver Broncos: Eric Reid, S, LSU
Reid
slipped in this mock through no fault of his own, and he may be a
welcome addition in Denver. Their secondary was awful against Joe
Flacco, and 37-year-old Champ Bailey may finally be showing his age.
59)
New England Patriots: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
The
Patriots lost Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, and may not have either
part of their two-headed monster at tight end at 100% for the early
part of the season. Because of that, they need to address the wide
receiver position with this pick. Williams had a huge senior season
at Baylor, and I truly believe he's a sleeper prospect who could be
an NFL-ready wideout.
60)
Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
Atlanta
signed Osi Umenyiora, but that doesn't mean the Falcons are done
upgrading their front seven. They had huge depth issues at defensive
end last year even during their stellar season. Jenkins has some
injury concerns, but at his best, he's an impact player.
61)
San Francisco 49ers: D.J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina
San
Francisco’s front seven is fantastic, but their group of safeties
is a question mark, especially after the defection of DaShon Goldson.
Swearinger, a captain for the Gamecocks and a physical presence, hits
hard and covers well, so he should be an instant upgrade.
62)
Baltimore Ravens: David Amerson, CB/S, N.C. State
Baltimore's
secondary is a huge question mark. Lardarius Webb suffered a bad
season-ending injury, and Ed Reed signed with Houston. Amerson adds
versatility to a group that could have plenty of needs when it tries
to defend its Super Bowl title.
THIRD ROUND
63) Kansas City
Chiefs: Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Andy
Reid loves drafting offensive linemen, and he's preparing for another
such draft by releasing Eric Winston and shopping Branden Albert.
Armstead turned heads at the Combine, and is probably locked in as a
day-two selection.
64) Jacksonville Jaguars: Barrett
Jones, OG/C/OT, Alabama
I
wish I could have mocked Jones higher, but him not being a true
offensive tackle hurts. That said, Jacksonville has needs both on the
offensive line and in terms of leadership. Jones can fill plenty of
those.
65) Detroit Lions: Justin Pugh,
OT/OG, Syracuse
I'm not
as impressed with Pugh as some others are. There are a few mockers
out there who have him as a possible first-round pick. That said, as
mentioned earlier, Detroit has holes to full up front, and Pugh can
help do that.
66) Oakland Raiders: Ryan Nassib, QB,
Syracuse
This is an
appropriate spot for Nassib. I don't get the hype surrounding him, as
he quarterbacked a slightly above-average college team to an 8-5
season against a so-so schedule. However, Oakland desperately needs
help under center after trading Carson Palmer, so this could work.
67)
Philadelphia Eagles: Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State
The
Eagles let Nnamdi Asomugha walk, but corner was a need even before
that decision (I had them taking Milliner fourth overall for several
mocks). Here, they get a little bit of a steal, as some see Slay as a
second-round pick.
68) Cleveland Browns: Stedman
Bailey, WR, West Virginia
The
Browns let Josh Cribbs go, and they need a wideout opposite Josh
Gordon. Gordon played very well in spots last year, but he can't
carry an offense. Bailey quietly posted great numbers at WVU, and he
should earn immediate playing time in Cleveland.
69)
Arizona Cardinals: Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
Bruce
Arians likes to utilize multiple tight ends, and Ertz has been one of
the best players available since midway through the second round.
Here, he can help take some attention away from Larry Fitzgerald,
provide another option in the passing game, and provide blocking
assistance to an offensive line that desperately needs it. Bottom
line: Ertz is a STEAL at this point.
70) Tennessee
Titans: Jamie Collins, DE/OLB, Southern Mississippi
Tennessee
will likely draft a ton of defensive players this year, and I think
that continues here. Collins is one of the best players available,
and he can play in several spots on Tennessee's mediocre front
seven.
71) Buffalo Bills: Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon
State
Buffalo needs a #2
wide receiver to take attention away from Stevie Johnson. Wheaton has
risen up draft boards as of late, and if he's available at this
point, Buffalo would do very well to grab him.
72)
New York Jets: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
When
the Jets were successful under Rex Ryan, their identity was as a
power-running team. They currently don't have a starting running
back, as Shonn Greene left for Tennessee. Lacy gives them a downhill
runner with solid instincts, something they don't have right
now.
73) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dwayne Gratz, CB,
UConn
Darrelle Revis is
obviously a huge help, but depth is still an issue in the secondary.
Ronde Barber isn't getting any younger, and there are some injury
questions about Revis dating back to last year.
74)
San Francisco 49ers: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
As
most of San Francisco's picks will be, this is a luxury,
best-player-available pick. Frank Gore turns 30 next month and
already has a lot of mileage on him. Kendall Hunter hasn't been bad,
but adding another high-quality back couldn't hurt (and may be trade
bait for a team that is in more need of depth at that position).
75)
New Orleans Saints: Tyrann Mathieu, CB/S, LSU
The
ultimate high-risk, high-reward pick in this draft, but the Saints
are desperate for defensive help. Again, their defense last year was
among the worst in NFL history in terms of points allowed, so they
need help pretty much everywhere. Mathieu, while undersized, is a
ball hawk who can also contribute on special teams.
76)
San Diego Chargers: Sio Moore, DE/OLB, UConn
Shaun
Phillips left, creating a hole coming off the edge. Moore was a
three-year starter for the Huskies, and while he doesn't have
sky-high potential, he's a safe pick that should become a dependable
NFL starter.
77) Miami Dolphins: Brian Winters, OG,
Kent State
Winters is
one of the better players available, and he can compete for time
right away on Miami's retooled offensive line. There are reportedly
concerns about right guard John Jerry's fit in the Dolphins offensive
scheme.
78) St. Louis Rams: Phillip Thomas, S,
Fresno State
The Rams
have a huge weakness at safety, but get to fill it in a big way.
There are lots of players with second-round talent that have slipped
through the cracks in this mock, and Phillips is one of those
guys.
79) Pittsburgh Steelers: Travis Kelce, TE,
Cincinnati
Heath Miller
isn't getting younger, and he missed part of 2012 with an injury. He
turns 31 this October, and it may be time to start grooming a
replacement.
80) Dallas Cowboys: Shamarko Thomas, S,
Syracuse
Dallas has a
big need at safety. I had them drafting Kenny Vaccaro in the first
round of my last mock. He was gone before the #18 pick, but Thomas is
a nice value at this point who should be able to compete for playing
time right away.
81) New York Giants: Kiko Alonzo,
LB, Oregon
Depth at
linebacker is a big issue for the Giants, as I mentioned when they
took Alec Ogletree in the first round. The Giants usually take guys
who fall, and through no fault of his own, that's what happened to
Alonzo.
82)
Miami Dolphins: Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas
Goodwin
had a huge Combine, running a 4.21 40-yard dash. His pro day was also
impressive, as he recorded a 42-inch vertical leap. Mike Wallace was
a valuable addition to the team, but this gives Miami another deep
threat to work with.
83) Minnesota Vikings: Travis
Frederick, OG/C, Wisconsin
Depth
on the offensive line is always a plus, and Minnesota may be looking
to upgrade at guard. Frederick is also the consensus top center in
this year's draft class.
84) Cincinnati Bengals:
Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers
You
can never have too many talented corners. Ryan could have gone a
couple of times earlier in the third round, and here, he could
compete for time in the nickel packages.
85)
Washington Redskins: William Gholston, DE, Michigan State
This
is more of an insurance pick than anything else. Brian Orakpo and
Adam Carriker both missed a ton of time last season due to
season-ending injuries, and depth behind them can't be a bad
thing.
86) Indianapolis Colts: Johnathan Franklin,
RB, UCLA
Donald Brown
hasn't amounted to much, and Vick Ballard, while an OK complementary
back, isn't anything to write home about, either. Adding another back
to the mix couldn't hurt, and some believe Franklin is one of the top
two or three backs in a fairly-deep class.
87)
Seattle Seahawks: Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech
Percy
Harvin should be a huge help to a receiving corps that didn't have a
big-play threat last year. However, more depth is probably needed,
and Rogers has flashed tremendous talent.
88) Green
Bay Packers: David Bakhtari, OT/OG, Colorado
Green
Bay had some issues up front last year, and those won't get any
easier with the retirement of Jeff Saturday. Bakhtari is versatile,
though, and should be able to help out.
89) Houston
Texans: Jon Bostic, OLB, Florida
Some
help is needed at outside linebacker after Connor Barwin went to
Philadelphia in free agency. Bostic is very good against the run and
ran a sub-4.6 40 at the Combine.
90) Denver Broncos:
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State
I'm
not as much of a fan of Bell as others are. He doesn't have a lot of
lateral quickness, and in the wrong role, he won't be an effective
back. However, this is a good fit. Knowshon Moreno probably deserves
a go at the full-time starting spot, but while Ronnie Hillman has
speed, Bell can step in in short-yardage situations. He's also not a
bad receiver, which could mean more playing time.
91)
New England Patriots: Bennie Logan, DT, LSU
The
Patriots have a hole at defensive tackle next to Vince Wilfork, who
isn't getting any younger. I had Logan in the second round of some
earlier mock drafts. He slips a little due to his underwhelming size,
but he's still got the skills to be a solid NFL player.
92)
Atlanta Falcons: Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
Thomas
didn't get rave reviews because he's not a freak athlete. However,
he's a high-character guy with a great motor, and Atlanta needs to
improve its depth at outside linebacker.
93)
San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
San
Francisco acquired Colt McCoy from the Browns, but may be looking for
their own young quarterback to develop behind Colin Kaepernick. None
of the remaining QB's are particularly mobile, but Wilson showed
solid arm strength and the ability to extend plays, and he's probably
the best fit for the 49ers.
94)
Baltimore Ravens: Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall
Anquan
Boldin left, meaning the Ravens need a big target to use as a
possession receiver. Dobson is 6'3” and certainly fits that mold,
and his stock has been rising of late. He's run several 40 times in
the low-4.4 range, and may have earned a call on day two.
95)
Houston Texans: Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
James
Casey left for Philadelphia, and the Texans, who love using multiple
tight ends, will likely be looking for another one in the middle
rounds of the draft. The best one left is Escobar, a 6'6”,
250-pounder who runs well for his size.
96) Kansas
City Chiefs: A.J. Klein, LB, Iowa State
Kansas
City has needed help at inside linebacker since the unthinkable
tragedy involving Jovan Belcher happened late last season. Here, they
fill a hole with a low-risk, sound-tackling player who can
occasionally drop back into zone coverage and defend the pass.
97)
Tennessee Titans: Montori Hughes, DT, Tennessee-Martin
Tennessee
has lacked a presence inside since the days of Albert Haynesworth.
Hughes goes 6'4” and 330 pounds, and can rush the passer from an
interior position as well.
RSS
