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2012 NFL Mock Draft Weekly Update #4

Published: 7th Oct 11 4:00 pm
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by Chris Ransom
New England Patriots and Dallas Stars Featured Columnist
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Round 1

 1. Miami Dolphins 0-4 Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford Junior Redshirt Andrew Luck is the clear cut #1 overall prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft.  The Dolphins could finally become relevant again by drafting Andrew Luck.  Luck is a prospect with the potential to become a franchise player.

2. Minnesota Vikings 0-4 Matt Kalil Left Tackle USC Junior Redshirt Matt Kalil is emerging as the clear cut #2 overall prospect.  Kalil is the top prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft after Andrew Luck.  Kalil could become a blue chip blindside for Andrew Luck.

3. Indianapolis Colts 0-4 Jonathan Martin Left Tackle Stanford Junior Redshirt Everyone is saying that the Colts remind many of the 1996-1997 San Antonio Spurs team.  David Robinson was out for most of the year and the Spurs ended up getting the #1 overall pick drafting Tim Duncan.  Now you have to wonder who will be Manning’s Duncan.

The Colts offensive line is in shambles.  Left Tackle Anthony Costanzo is better suited to play the right tackle position.  Right Tackle Ben Ijalana got placed on injured reserve and he is a more ideal fit for the left guard position.  Former right tackle Ryan Diem moved to right guard which is a more ideal fit for Diem.

Drafting a blue chip left tackle like Jonathan Martin allows Anthony Costanzo to move to the right tackle spot.  Ben Ijalana and Ryan Diem can play the guard spots with Jeff Saturday playing center.  Imagine how sick this offensive line could be if Peyton Manning fully recovers from his injury.  The Colts could put up one more Super Bowl run who knows.

The Colts have other options if Jonathan Martin doesn’t entice the Indianapolis Colts organization.  USC quarterback Matt Barkley could be selected here as a successor to Peyton Manning.

Right End Quinton Coples is the best player available.  Coples and Jerry Hughes could be right end and left end when  Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

If the Colts look to cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick could be an option with the #3 overall pick.  Kirkpatrick has the talent to get drafted in the top 5.

If the Colts want a receiver to be Manning’s Duncan, then they have their choice between Michael Floyd, Justin Blackmon, and Alshon Jeffery.  I have Floyd graded out as the highest receiver.  Blackmon has emerged as the clear cut #1 receiving prospect.  Jeffery has the size of a Calvin Johnson type wide receiver for South Carolina.  The Colts may become enamored one of these 3 receivers making their receiving core even deadlier than it already is.

4. St. Louis Rams 0-4 Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior The Rams offense has been horrible.  The Rams offensive line has struggled because left tackle Roger Saffold who only allowed 1 sack as a rookie at left tackle has entered a sophomore slump.  The whole Rams offensive line has surrendered 19 sacks through 4 games.

Bradford injured his throwing shoulder twice in college from taking too many hits so left tackle will be the Rams top priority if Kalil or Martin falls to #4.

The Rams could possibly pursue a shutdown cornerback.  Dre Kirkpatrick could be an option for the Rams if they pick 4th.

Shortly after the 2010 NFL Draft some mock draft experts gave the Rams Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd when Floyd was in his junior year at Notre Dame.  Floyd has done so well at Notre Dame as a senior, that the Rams have a realistic shot of taking Floyd with a top 5 pick one year after Floyd was supposed to be a top 5 pick.

The Rams could also pursue Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon if their organization is not sold on Floyd.  Michael Floyd has the size to be a top 5 pick while Blackmon has only displayed the mind boggling production of a top 5 pick.

Floyd has convinced me that he is the top receiver in this draft because he has the size, route running, jumping, along with the fact that he has played all 4 years at Notre Dame.

Mike Simms Walker has only notched in 11 receptions through 4 games which is not what Rams fans expected when Mike Simms Walker signed with the team.  Brandon Gibson leads the team with 13 receptions.  Danario Alexander leads the team with 196 receiving yards.  Alexander can become an effective slot receiver.  The one thing that makes me hesitant with Alexander is some of the durability issues he has had in the past.  Pettis and Salas have combined for 11 receptions this season.  Danny Amendola is out for the season.

The Rams need a flanker receiver who can make Sam Bradford’s job a lot easier.  Michael Floyd can become that receiver that the Rams need down the road.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-3 Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior There is one player that the Jacksonville Jaguars need to draft.  That player is Quinton Coples.  The Jaguars moved Aaron Kampman who played right end at the beginning of the year to left end.  The Jaguars need to add a 4-3 right end to boost their defense.  Coples is considered a top 3 talent and a top 5 pick.

6. Seattle Seahawks 1-3 Matt Barkley Quarterback USC Junior I do not think I need to mention this twice.  If Pete Carroll or Seattle’s new head coach sees Matt Barkley available when Seattle picks then Barkley is going to be Seattle’s face of the franchise.

7. Arizona Cardinals 1-3 Ricky Wagner Left Tackle Wisconsin Junior Redshirt Arizona needs a left tackle.  Ricky Wagner is the best left tackle available.  Arizona drafts Wagner with this pick to give Kevin Kolb the blindside he desperately deserves.

8. Carolina Panthers 1-3 Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt Justin Blackmon would be the best receiver available.  Blackmon will be expected to be Cam Newton’s primary receivers.

9. Kansas City Chiefs 1-3 Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt Matt Cassel and Todd Haley got into a heated argument on Sunday.  Kansas City is getting a new quarterback regardless of whether Haley is getting retained or not.

Back in June I had Griffin as a first round pick to Oakland 12th overall.  The Bandwagon for Griffin is almost full ladies and gentleman.  I always had this feeling that Griffin was a sleeper and that he was the best Big 12 quarterback.

Multiple media outlets including Matt Miller who writes NFL Draft Content for Bleacher Report and Jesse Bartolis of NFL Mocks agree that Robert Griffin is the 3rd best quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft after Luck and Barkley for the time being.

Robert Griffin has the arm, size, zip, accuracy, dual threat ability, GPA, football IQ, and high character that Michael Vick lacked coming out of Virginia Tech.

With multiple big name sources jumping on the Griffin bandwagon its pretty simple.  You hop on the Griffin bandwagon or get left behind.

10. Denver Broncos 1-3 Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma Junior Redshirt The Broncos have expressed a huge interest in a pocket passer.  Denver should give Tim Tebow a fair shot and draft a pocket passer like Tyler Bray, Tyler Wilson, Aaron Murray, or Pete Thomas in the 2013 NFL Draft if Tebow struggles as the full time starter in 2012.

Its unrealistic to believe this will happen so I believe that the Broncos will make Landry Jones their franchise quarterback.  Belicheck will fork up a 2013 4th rounder hoping Tebow has potential.  Drafting Jones and giving up on Tebow will come back to bite the Broncos, but I believe that’s what happens at the end of the day.

If the Broncos pass on Landry Jones like I think they should then they should consider drafting running back Trent Richardson, middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict, or cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick.

11. Philadelphia Eagles 1-3 Riley Reiff Right Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt The Philadelphia Eagles need to get the left handed quarterback Michael Vick a blindside at right tackle.  Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff can play either left tackle or right tackle as a bookend on the offensive line.

12. Cincinnati Bengals 2-2 Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback Alabama Junior Dre Kirkpatrick and Leon Hall would make a deadly cornerback tandem for the Cincinnati Bengals.  The Bengals have to draft Kirkpatrick if he slides all the way to #12 overall.

The Bengals can draft Trent Richardson with this pick if they like him better than Dre Kirkpatrick at Alabama’s pro day.

13. Oakland Raiders 2-2 Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior Can’t you envision Al Davis stating the following?  ”Morris Claiborne is an extrraaorrdinnarrryy playyyaa.”  I can see Al Davis making this statement.  Until the Raiders are not in a position to draft Claiborne I will not stop mocking Claiborne to the Raiders.

14. Chicago Bears 2-2 Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina Junior AJ Green had Calvin Johnson’s talent and Andre Johnson’s size.  Jeffery has Megatron’s size and Andre Johnson’s talent when his production translates.

Jeffery has failed to step up so far this season which is why Jeffery is listed all the way at #14 overall.  Alshon Jeffery is not sliding out of the first round with his cold streak.  At the same time Jeffery could take a Jonathan Baldwin like draft fall if he does not step up and produce for South Carolina.

15. Cleveland Browns 2-2 Brandon Lindsey Right End Pittsburgh Senior Redshirt Jabaal Sheard has moved from right end to left end.  The Browns want a 4-3 right end who can be utilized as a pass rusher.  Brandon Lindsey has recorded 4 sacks this season for the Pittsburgh Panthers.  Lindsey is definitely playing like a top 15 pick right now.

16. Dallas Cowboys 2-2 Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior The Dallas Cowboys need to draft a cornerback to boost their secondary.  The Cowboys secondary runs a cover 2 zone coverage scheme.  Hosley is the best zone coverage corner in this draft so putting him on Dallas is the ideal fit.

17. New York Jets 2-2 Brandon Jenkins 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Florida State Junior The Jets need more depth at both 3-4 outside linebacker positions.  Brandon Jenkins is the best player available at this point.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-2 Vontaze Burfict 3-4 Middle Linebacker Arizona State Junior Now that Pittsburgh brought back Max Starks they can wait until 2013 to see if they have a left tackle by giving Scott and Colon another year of development.  They may even bring back Starks by signing him to a 2 year deal.  If they don’t resign Starks then they can wait another year for a left tackle in a draft class that has 7 offensive tackle prospects in 2013.

Right Guard could be a position Pittsburgh addresses if they cannot secure one of the 3 3-4 middle linebackers with first round talent.  Stanford right guard David DeCastro is an option for Pittsburgh with this pick.

Vontaze Burfict has that Ndamukong Suh pass rusher mentality at the middle linebacker position.  Suh had that mentality at defensive tackle which is what made him such a special prospect.  You can make the same case for Burfict.  Burfict has 4 sacks and 1 interception this season.

Burfict was the #1 overall middle linebacker recruit out of high school.  James Farrior turns 37 in January.  Lawrence Timmons has moved to the 3-4 right outside linebacker role in the wake of Harrison’s injury.  Timmons played the weak side in the 4-3 at Florida State.

Until Harrison recovers the Steelers should use a 4-3 defense on occasion.  They could put Keisel and Heyward at the defensive end positions.  Hampton could be the A gap defensive tackle while Ziggy Hood plays the 3 technique position he played at Missouri at defensive tackle.  Timmons and Woodley played outside linebacker in the 4-3.  James Farrior can play the WILL, SAM, or MIKE in the 4-3.  Farrior would be the Steelers 4-3 middle linebacker with Harrison out.

This 4-3 defense could be really effective at stuffing the run without Harrison.  Transitioning to the 4-3 would not be a full time thing.  I just believe that the Steelers defense would be harder to stop if they combined their 3-4 personnel with their 4-3 personnel like the New England Patriots do.

19. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons 2-2 Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Redshirt The Browns need a weak side linebacker.  Travis Lewis recovered from his injury much sooner than people expected him to.  #19 overall may be a reach for Travis Lewis.  At the same time I could see the Browns getting Lewis because the Browns lack the personnel of a 4-3 weak side linebacker.  Travis Lewis played the 4-3 weak side linebacker role at Oklahoma.

20. New York Giants 3-1 Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Junior The Giants could use upgrades at both outside linebacker positions.  Ronnell Lewis is the best outside linebacker available.  Lewis could start out as a SAM linebacker possibly working into a WILL role down the road.

Other options include defensive tackles Marcus Forston, Brandon Thompson, and Jerel Worthy.

If the Giants want an offensive lineman they have to go with Michael Brewster.  David DeCastro does not fit their blocking scheme because he plays right guard at Stanford.  The Giants have one of the best right guards with Chris Snee so there would not be much purpose in drafting DeCastro.

The Giants may want to take another running back for their backfield with Trent Richardson.

21. Washington Redskins 3-1 Luke Kuechly 3-4 Middle Linebacker Boston College Junior The Redskins need a 3-4 middle linebacker who can boost the Redskins defense.  Luke Kuechly is the best 3-4 middle linebacker available.

Trent Richardson is still available here and Washington may be tempted to take him to make their offense more balanced.

22. Tennessee Titans 3-1 Marcus Forston Defensive Tackle Miami FL Junior Redshirt Marcus Forston is the top defensive tackle in my opinion.  Forston is the best defensive player available.  The Titans may be tempted to draft Forston.

23. Buffalo Bills 3-1 Bruce Irvin 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker West Virginia Senior The Bills need a 3-4 pass rusher to compliment Merriman.  Bruce Irvin is the best player available for Buffalo’s 3-4 defense.  Irvin would make a great complimentary pass rusher next to Merriman.

24. San Francisco 49ers 3-1 Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior The 49ers need a shutdown corner.  Gilmore is the cornerback available.  The 49ers will have to fight the temptation of drafting Trent Richardson.  The 49ers drafted an Alabama running back and he was out of the league after one year.  I think the 49ers will take that into account along with the fact that cornerback is the bigger need.

25. San Diego Chargers 3-1 Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior Courtney Upshaw is a 3-4 pass rusher who can play the joker.  You can plug Upshaw into a 3-4 right outside linebacker role and he will have instant success.  Upshaw had a monster game against the Florida Gators on Saturday.

26. New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints 3-1 Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt Andre Branch had a monster game Saturday.  I was torn between mocking Branch and Melvin Ingram with this spot.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1 Frank Minnifield Cornerback Virginia Senior Redshirt Tampa Bay could go with Richardson if he falls this far.  At the same time, the Buccaneers have looked heavily at the cornerback position.  Minnifield is the best cornerback available.

28. Houston Texans 3-1 Robert Lester Free Safety Alabama Junior Redshirt The Texans need safety help.  Robert Lester is the top safety available.  The Texans draft Robert Lester to boost their free safety position.

29. Baltimore Ravens 3-1 Monte Teo 3-4 Middle Linebacker Notre Dame Junior Monte Teo is the best 3-4 middle linebacker available.  Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has hinted that he wants to add a 3-4 middle linebacker.  Teo provides amazing value if he falls to #29.

30. Detroit Lions 4-0 Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama Junior The Lions always take the best player available regardless of need.  Trent Richardson is the best player available.  Richardson is a top 10 talent.  Its a crime if he slides out of the top 20.  Its robbery if Richardson falls all the way down to the end of the first round like former teammate Mark Ingram did.

31. New England Patriots 3-1 Mark Barron Strong Safety Alabama Senior New England needs to upgrade the strong safety spot.  Josh Barrett should not be starting in this league.  Barrett is starting for New England at strong safety.  This needs to change.

32. Green Bay Packers 4-0 Kheeston Randall 3-4 Right End Texas Senior The Packers use this pick to get a 3-4 defensive end who can play the 5 technique.  That player would be Kheeston Randall.

 Round 2

33. Miami Dolphins 0-4 Tyler Eifert Tight End Notre Dame Junior The Dolphins will use this pick to get Andrew Luck a tight end.  Tyler Eifert could become a great passing target for the new regime in Miami.  The Vikings drafted Ponder and took a Notre Dame tight end in the 2nd round.  Miami may do the same thing by drafting Eifert.

34. Minnesota Vikings 0-4 Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior The Minnesota Vikings need a wide receiver.  Mohamed Sanu is the best available wide receiver at this point.

35. Indianapolis Colts 0-4 Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona Senior Redshirt The Colts will use one of their 2 first round picks to find a successor for Peyton Manning at quarterback.

36. St. Louis Rams 0-4 Andrew Datko Left Tackle Florida State Senior The Rams have surrendered a league high 19 sacks through 4 games.  If the Rams cannot secure Matt Kalil or Jonathan Martin in round 1 then they need to get Andrew Datko or Mike Adams in round 2.

37. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-3 Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior The Jaguars need a cornerback.  Janoris Jenkins is the best player available.  Jenkins used to play for Florida.  The Jaguars scouting department has strong ties to Florida.

38. Seattle Seahawks 1-3 David DeCastro Right Guard  Stanford Junior Redshirt Seattle needs to move John Moffitt from right guard to left guard.  Once they do this a hole will open up at right guard.  David DeCastro is a right guard with 1st round talent.

39. Philadelphia Eagles from Arizona Cardinals 1-3 Michael Brewster Center Ohio State Senior The Eagles could use a center to solidify their offensive line.

40. Carolina Panthers 1-3 Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson Senior Clemson defensive tackle Brandon Thompson is a first round talent.  Rookie defensive tackles Sione Fua and Terrell McClain can contribute.  At the same time, Thompson is a much more suitable upgrade.

41. Kansas City Chiefs 1-3 Mike Adams Left Tackle Ohio State Senior The Chiefs will need a developmental blindside at left tackle for Robert Griffin III.  Mike Adams falls to this pick because of his 5 game suspension to start the season.

42. Denver Broncos 1-3 Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior Teams usually use their 2nd round pick to build around a rookie signal caller they take in round 1.  Texas A&M receiver Jeff Fuller is the best receiver available.

43. Philadelphia Eagles 1-3 Jerel Worthy Defensive Tackle Michigan State Junior Redshirt The Eagles have the luxury of using this pick on a defensive tackle for depth.

44. Cincinnati Bengals 2-2 Jared Crick Defensive Tackle Nebraska Senior Redshirt The Bengals need a defensive tackle to solidify their run stuffing defense.  Jared Crick is the best defensive tackle available at this point.

45. New England Patriots from Oakland Raiders 2-2 Baker Steinkuhler Defensive Tackle Nebraska Junior Redshirt Baker Steinkuhler can be utilized as a 4-3 defensive tackle and a 3-4 left end.  Steinkuhler is a hybrid defensive lineman that will entice Belicheck.

46. Chicago Bears 2-2 Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior Since Jay Cutler left Vanderbilt to go to the NFL in 2006 nearly every Vanderbilt prospect except Myron Lewis who is on the Buccaneers has ended up joining the Bears.  Cutler, Chris Williams, Earl Bennett, and DJ Moore all went to Vanderbilt.  Cutler, Williams, Bennet, plus Moore are all former Commodore’s in Vandy now reunited on the Bears.  Heyward is next to join Chicago.

47. Cleveland Browns 2-2 Cliff Harris Cornerback Oregon Junior Since I have the Bears passing on Cliff Harris for Vanderbilt corner Casey Heyward it only means that the Browns will draft Cliff Harris if they get the chance.

48.Dallas Cowboys 2-2 TJ McDonald Free Safety USC Junior The Cowboys use this pick on a free safety to boost the secondary.  Some people believe TJ McDonald is the #1 safety in the 2012 NFL Draft.  If that is the case then McDonald provides amazing value for the Dallas Cowboys midway through round 2.

49. New York Jets 2-2 Matt Reynolds Right Tackle BYU Senior Redshirt The New York Jets need a bookend right tackle to play next to Debrickishaw Ferguson now that Damien Woody has retired.

50. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-2 Alameda Ta’amu Nose Tackle Washington Senior Alameda Ta’amu has the most potential of any of the nose tackles in 2012.  Ta’amu is a 2nd round prospect with pro bowl potential.  Ta’amu could become a legit successor to Casey Hampton.

51. Atlanta Falcons 2-2 Dwayne Allen Tight End Clemson Junior Redshirt The Atlanta Falcons need a tight end who can become a successor to Tony Gonzalez.  Dwayne Allen provides amazing value for the Falcons if he slides this far.

52. New York Giants 3-1 Tydreke Powell Defensive Tackle North Carolina Senior Powell could really give the Giants defensive line one more run stuffing defensive tackle for depth.  It just might be enough for the Giants defensive line to become a top 12 team in run stuffing.

53. Washington Redskins 3-1 Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt Chris Polk could become a great secondary runner in the Redskins backfield.  I realize the Redskins already have their fair share of backs.  Its just that Redskins Head Coach Shanahan loves building his offenses around the running game.

54. Tennessee Titans 3-1 William Vlachos Center Alabama Senior Redshirt The Titans use this pick on a developmental center for depth.  Center is a position that the Titans could afford to add more depth at.

55. Buffalo Bills 3-1 Ryan Broyles Wide Receiver Oklahoma Senior Redshirt The Bills have a speed machine in Stevie Johnson as their flanker receiver.  This means their next receiver has to either have the size to become a red zone threat or be a receiver with quality route running.  Ryan Broyles is considered one of the best route runners in the country.

56. San Francisco 49ers 3-1 Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior The 49ers are 3-1.  Can someone explain what’s going on?  The 49ers are 3-1 while Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards are out with injuries.  Can someone explain what’s going on?  Alex Smith has thrown 4 touchdowns, rushed for a touchdown while throwing only 1 interception through 4 games.  Can someone explain what’s going on?

Jonathan Goodwin was once a pass blocker at center for Drew Brees.  Goodwin’s presence has boosted the 49ers offensive line.

Even if Smith is playing well so far the 49ers need a receiver.  They cannot rely on Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn Jr. long term.

57. San Diego Chargers 3-1 Bobbie Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior I realize the 49ers gave Jerome Clary a huge contract.  This does not change the fact that the Chargers need to bring in a right tackle to compete with Clary for his job.

58. New Orleans Saints 3-1 Levy Adcock Right Tackle Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The Saints draft a right tackle for depth with this pick.  The Saints have really struggled at right tackle this season.

59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1 Zach Brown Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Senior Tampa Bay’s defense could use a weak side linebacker.  Mason Foster was supposed to be that WILL linebacker.  Tampa Bay moved Foster to middle linebacker which is a role Foster has adjusted to quite well.  Foster leads Tampa Bay in tackles.  Just imagine how good the Buccaneers linebacking core becomes with a healthy Mason Foster and Zach Brown.

60. Houston Texans 3-1 Ray Ray Armstrong Strong Safety Miami FL Junior The Texans double dip at safety getting a free safety in round 1 and a strong safety in round 2 to assemble one of the NFL’s most deadly pass defenses.

61. Baltimore Ravens 3-1 Donta Hightower 3-4 Middle Linebacker Alabama Junior Redshirt The Ravens use this pick to double dip at the 3-4 middle linebacker spot.  Donta Hightower provides too much value for the Ravens if he slides this far.  The tandem of Teo and Hightower could solidify the absence of Ray Lewis long term once he leaves.

62. Detroit Lions 4-0 Alfonzo Dennard Conerback Nebraska Senior The Lions usually take the best player available.  In this case Alfonzo Dennard is the best player avaialble.  Dennard would be a good pick here because he fits a need for the Detroit Lions at cornerback.

63. New England Patriots 3-1 Desmond Trufant Cornerback Washington Junior The Patriots always take a cornerback in the first 2 rounds.  Trufant is a late 2nd early 3rd round pick if he declares early in 2012.  Trufant could be a first round pick in 2013 if he returns for his senior season at Washington.

64. Green Bay Packers 4-0 Nico Johnson 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Junior The Packers will likely use this pick on a pass rusher.  The Packers need to get a second pass rusher to take away double teams from Clay Matthews.

 Round 3

65. Miami Dolphins 0-4 Eddie Whitley Free Safety Virginia Tech Senior The Dolphins need help at safety.  Eddie Whitley is considered the top safety available at this point.

66. Minnesota Vikings 0-4 Sean Spence Right Outside Linebacker Miami FL Senior The Vikings could use an upgrade at the weak side linebacker position.  Sean Spence is a very talented weak side linebacker who can help the Vikings play the right outside linebacker position in a 4-3 defense.

67. Indianapolis Colts 0-4 Christine Michael Running Back Texas A&M Junior Christine Michael had a monster game against Arkansas last week.  Michael would be an awesome value pick for the Colts.

68. St. Louis Rams 0-4 Cyrus Gray Running Back Texas A&M Senior Cyrus Gray would be a nice complimentary back in the Rams backfield behind Steven Jackson.

69. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-3 Kenny Tate Free Safety Maryland Senior Kenny Tate can play any position on defense in college.  Tate has no true natural position.  Tate will likely play either strong safety or free safety in the NFL.  That Jaguars need a free safety to solidify their secondary.

70. Seattle Seahawks 1-3 Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior The Seahawks need a #2 cornerback who can play next to Marcus Trufant.  Walter Thurmond lost the #2 corner job to a former CFL player which illustrates Seattle’s dire need for a cornerback.

71. Arizona Cardinals 1-3 Elvis Fisher Right Tackle Missouri Senior Redshirt Elvis Fisher could be a nice bookend to Ricky Wagner on the Cardinals offensive line.  The Cardinals offensive line is so dreadful that they need 2 offensive tackles to start.

72. Chicago Bears from Carolina Panthers 1-3 Nate Potter Left Guard Boise State Senior Redshirt Nate Potter could be a useful interior offensive lineman.  The Chicago Bears may have the offensive tackles when healthy.  There still appear to be issues on the interior offensive line.

73. Kansas City Chiefs 1-3 Aaron Henry Free Safety Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The Chiefs draft a free safety to compliment Eric Berry and the cornerbacks the Chiefs display on secondary.

74. Denver Broncos 1-3 Jaye Howard Defensive Tackle Florida Senior Redshirt Jaye Howard is the top defensive tackle available in round 3.

75. Philadelphia Eagles 1-3 Melvin Ingram Right End South Carolina Senior Redshirt If Melvin Ingram falls this far and the Eagles snag him its simply a steal of a selection.  Trent Cole could start with Ingram in for depth.  Then you would have Jason Babin and Brandon Graham rotating in the lineup.  The Eagles would have a deadly defensive line when healthy.

76. Cincinnati Bengals 2-2 Devin Taylor Left End South Carolina Junior Redshirt The Bengals use this pick on a pass rusher for depth.  Carlos Dunlap may be able to be the Bengals long term starter at 4-3 right end.  The Bengals still do not have a long term starter at the 4-3 left end spot.

77. Chicago Bears 2-2 Rashard Hall Free Safety Clemson Junior Redshirt The free safety issue has to be addressed.  Major Wright is not a long term starter.  Brandon Meriweather got cut from the New England Patriots only to get signed by the Bears as a backup.

78. Cleveland Browns 2-2 Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina Senior Dwight Jones is the best receiver available.  The Browns have to get Colt McCoy a receiving target to throw to at some point in the 2012 NFL Draft.

79. Dallas Cowboys 2-2 Donte Paige Moss 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker North Carolina Junior Donte Paige Moss was once a top 10 overall prospect.  Donte Paige Moss will fall this far if he declares.  Dallas will be too tempted to draft Donte Paige Moss bringing in competition for Anthony Spencer at the 3-4 left outside linebacker position.

80. New York Jets 2-2 Chase Thomas 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Stanford Junior Redshirt The Jets need multiple pass rushers for depth.  Chase Thomas is looking like a higher draft pick than teammate Shayne Skov at this point.

81. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-2 Shayne Skov 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Stanford Junior The Steelers moved Lawrence Timmons to the 3-4 right outside linebacker role a position which Timmons has no experience in.  Timmons played the 4-3 right outside linebacker role at Florida State which is completely different than being a joker pass rushing linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.  If the Steelers want Timmons starting at the 3-4 outside linebacker position it means that they do not believe that Jason Worilds or Chris Carter has the tools to develop into a 3-4 pass rusher.  This means that Pittsburgh has to draft another 3-4 pass rusher for their front 7 with this pick.

82. Atlanta Falcons 2-2 Vince Browne Right End Northwestern Senior Vince Browne would make a nice successor to Jonathan Abraham.

83. New York Giants 3-1 Jonathan Massaquoi Left End Troy Sophomore Redshirt Left End is one of the Giants stronger positions.  I realize this.  At the same time Jason Pierre Paul moved from a right end role to a left end role and is thriving.  Massaquoi could be used as a depth player.  There are no 3rd round picks that address a huge need for the Giants.  Therefore the Giants will just take the best pass rusher for depth continuing to bolster their 4-3 defense.

84. Washington Redskins 3-1 Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior The Redskins need a long term quarterback.  John Beck is 30 and he isn’t the successor to Rex Grossman.  I cannot trust Kellen Clements who didn’t even beat out Beck for the backup job.  Kirk Cousins is a legit value pick at this point in round 3.

85. Tennessee Titans 3-1 Tony Dye Strong Safety UCLA Senior Tony Dye could become Chris Hope’s replacement at the strong safety position.  Hope is out 4 to 6 weeks with an injury.

86. Buffalo Bills 3-1 Brandon Weeden Quarterback Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt Weeden is a quarterback from Oklahoma State.  Weeden is only 11 months younger than current Bills starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Weeden showed he could be a late 2nd day pick with his performance against Texas A&M.  Weeden could get a chance in Buffalo if Fitzpatrick screws up in 2013.  Weeden is not a long term answer though.

87. San Francisco 49ers 3-1 Josh Chapman Nose Tackle Senior Redshirt The 49ers need a nose tackle thanks to Aubrayo Franklin’s departure.

88. San Diego Chargers 3-1 Kevin Zeitler Right Guard Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The Chargers need to bring in some competition for Louis Vasquez at right guard.  Kevin Zeitler is one of the best right guards available.

89. New Orleans Saints 3-1 Jake Bequette Left End Arkansas Senior Redshirt The Saints use this pick to obtain another pass rusher for depth.

90. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1 Greg Childs Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior Tampa Bay needs another playmaker for Freeman to throw to.  There has been a lack of offensive execution in Tampa Bay.

91. Houston Texans 3-1 Kerry Murphy Nose Tackle Alabama Junior Redshirt The Texans like nose tackles in the south.  They may target Alabama’s Josh Chapman or Kerry Murphy with one of their draft picks.

92. Baltimore Ravens 3-1 Jerrell Harris 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Senior The Ravens take the best player available here.  In this situation that would be Jerrell Harris.  Harris could challenge the injury prone Sergio Kindle for his job in Baltimore.

93. Detroit Lions 4-0 Delano Howell Strong Safety Stanford Senior Delano Howell is a two way safety.  Howell is the best player available at this point.  The Lions have a tendency to take the best player available.

94. New England Patriots 3-1 Ryan Miller Right Guard Colorado Senior Redshirt The Patriots could use a right guard for depth in case Marcus Cannon fails to recover from his injury.

95. Green Bay Packers 4-0 Coryell Judie Cornerback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt The Packers take the best player available here.  Coryell Judie provides more depth on a secondary that has been exploited this season.

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