2012 NFL Mock Draft 7 Rounds Free Agency Update
Some big free agency moves have been made. Not every single free agency move has been made. A good majority moves featuring nearly every high profile player have been made though. Some of those free agency moves include Peyton Manning to the Denver Broncos and Mario Williams to the Buffalo Bills.
This mock draft will be an indication of teams draft needs with free agency being taken into account. Offseason outlooks for 16 of the 32 NFL teams have been taken into account before making this mock draft.
This mock draft will also feel the compensation picks included for every team. The Oakland Raiders hold the first compensation pick in the 3rd round.
Feel free to check out the 2012 Rant Sports Mock Draft. It features in depth coverage from other top writers about who their teams should take.
Round 1
1. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford Junior Redshirt Back in 2008, many considered Ohio State commitment Terrell Pryor to be the #1 quarterback recruit coming out of Jeanette High School. Some were so high on Pryor at the time back in 2008 that they thought he could go #1 overall in 2011 or 2012 before ending up leaving Ohio State to take part in the 2011 Supplemental Draft.
As Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast my friends.” Pryor had a great supporting cast at Ohio State. Pryor lost a Fiesta Bowl to Texas quarterback Colt McCoy as a freshman, won a Rose Bowl against Oregon as a sophomore, and helped the Buckeyes defeat Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl before getting kicked off the team with the whole Ohio State scandal receiving improper benefits.
Andrew Luck was also a 5 star recruit in 2008. Luck committed to Stanford after growing up in Houston, TX.
Luck got Stanford to the Orange Bowl in 2010 with only 1 regular season loss to Oregon who played Auburn for the National Title as a sophomore redshirt. Luck dominated the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech before spurning the chance to go pro and be the #1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Other 5 star recruits from 2008 included Florida State commitment EJ Manuel, Dayne Crist who committed to Notre Dame before transferring to Kansas, and eventual Stanford commitment Andrew Luck. Some even had Missouri commitment Blaine Gabbert as a 5 star recruit while other recruiting services had him as low as 2 stars coming out of high school.
Besides Luck, none of the 5 star quarterback recruits have lived up to the hype of being a future first round pick at the collegiate level. Luck had to watch Stanford go 5-7 when he was redshirted before becoming Stanford’s full time starter in 2009.
Luck went threw for 2,575 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, while completing 56.3 percent of his passes as a freshman redshirt in a run first offense where Luck would hand the ball off to Toby Gerhart. Luck did have a broken finger in 2009 so maybe that explains why his completion percentage was so low in 2009.
Luck really showed signs of major improvement in 2010 going from completing 56.3 percent of his passes to completing 70.7 percent of his passes while transitioning from a run first balanced offense to a pass first west coast offense as a sophomore redshirt.
Andrew Luck is the top prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft. Luck is considered the clear cut prospect with a commanding lead on NFL draft boards. He’s practically sold the Indianapolis Colts as the top prospect at this point.
Draftniks have been saying that Luck would eventually go #1 overall since October of 2010 when he leapfrogged Jake Locker on 2011 NFL Draft boards to become the top prospect, before shocking the nation by returning to Stanford after a sensational sophomore redshirt campaign. Luck ranked 2nd behind Locker heading into the preseason, but some were unsure about how big Andrew Luck would become prior to the 2010 season when Luck was a sophomore redshirt.
Luck entered 2011 as the Heisman Trophy favorite after being the runner up to Cam Newton in 2010. Luck was considered better than Newton because of the pro style offense he played in. Luck ended up finishing second to Robert Griffin III in Heisman votes one year later in 2011.
Luck got Stanford to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl before Stanford lost to Oklahoma State. Ironically enough Peyton Manning lost his final bowl game to Nebraska in the Tostios Fiesta Bowl when Manning played at Tennessee. Oklahoma State would win 41 to 38 in overtime after Stanford’s kicker missed a field goal.
Luck has maintained his momentum in a pro style offense even with the departure of Jim Harbaugh. Peyton Manning was considered the clear cut #1 prospect in 1997 as a true junior. Manning returned for his senior season at Tennessee and maintained his momentum as the clear cut top draft prospect despite facing stiff competition from Ryan Leaf for the #1 overall draft pick. In 1998 some were saying Ryan Leaf could be better than Peyton Manning even though every mock draft penciled Manning to the Colts at the time. Nearly 15 years later history may be repeating itself because some believe Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is the better prospect.
For the casual NFL fan who refuses to watch college football its getting simply ridiculous hearing Andrew Luck 24/7 on major media outlets. Avid NFL draft followers referred to the Andrew Luck sweepstakes as the Suck for Luck derby. The Andrew Luck campaign was fun to speculate during the first half. By the time the second half of the NFL season started, it looked like the Colts would land Luck.
The Colts need to take Luck. Luck is arguably the best quarterback prospect over the past 15 years to come out of college. The Colts released Manning because they wanted to draft Luck. Manning will not be forgotten. This is now Luck’s time to live up to the hype.
There was some speculation heating up that the Colts would release Manning prior to the NFL Combine which is 2-3 weeks before the March deadline to resign him. This plan has been in place for weeks according to candidates who were interviewing for the Colts GM job.
One the Indianapolis Colts posters for Rant Sports, Colts blogger Chris Batchelder posted a piece about how the Colts have already planned to release Peyton Manning. He got the bit from a source at the NFL Combine. Click the link to check it out. This piece was published one week before ESPN’s report confirmed everything about Manning being released.
I never doubted the report because the Colts usually telegraph their draft picks. Polian wanted a left tackle in 2011 after passing on Rodger Saffold for Jerry Hughes in 2010.
Isray was telegraphing the pick for the 2012 NFL Draft by tweeting that he loved Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley who opted to return to school in December before Barkley returned and Polian got fired. That should have indicated everything we already knew at the time.
That Colts tradition for telegraphing picks has not changed even with Polian’s departure from Indianapolis. Jim Irsay seems like the type of owner who wants his GM to send smokescreens to other NFL teams.
That, Polian’s draft picks over the recent years, and Polian wanting to keep Manning probably all led to the departure of Bill Polian. Polian was a great GM for many years, but the combination of those 3 things forced Irsay to find a new General Manager.
The Colts are taking Andrew Luck. Case Closed. Luck will be a Colt. Will Andrew Luck wear #12 in Indianapolis?
Luck returned to school spurning the chance to go #1 overall to the Carolina Panthers and has maintained his consistency in 2011. Back to back seasons with a 70 percent completion rate despite a coaching change at head coach. Jim Harbaugh left Stanford as Stanford’s Head Coach before becoming the San Francisco 49ers head coach taking the 49ers to the NFC Title game in his first year.
Luck plays in a pro style offense at Stanford and he calls his own plays in 2010 and 2011. Luck is willing to operate a complex west coast offense like he did in 2010 or a balanced run first offense to set up the passing game like he had in 2011 at Stanford.
I’ve done 4 different scouting reports on Luck and media outlets will build so much more hype around Luck leading up to April’s NFL Draft to the point where you will believe that Luck may bust if you have never seen him play.
Luck threw 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2011 after throwing 32 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 2010. Luck also threw for 3,517 passing yards in 2011 after throwing for 3,338 passing yards in 2010. Luck improved his completion percentage from 70.7 to 71.3 percent. Luck did all this after losing 3 of his five starters on the offensive line at right tackle, left guard, and center.
The other 2 starters on Stanford’s offensive line are expected to be 2012 first round picks with Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro. DeCastro is viewed as the safer pick among the consensus draft pundits while Martin has a chance of being selected in the top 10 overall.
The Andrew Luck hype may be on a Tim Tebow level. The hype about Luck is real though, Andrew Luck is a can’t miss quarterback prospect. I like Tebow, but the hype Tebow gets sometimes is beyond excessive. Andrew Luck is money with his short and medium passes like Tom Brady. He can also scramble like John Elway. Luck is your ideal West Coast Quarterback with Elway’s scrambling and Peyton Manning’s awareness to call his own plays by using audibles while being money with short and medium passes like Tom Brady.
Luck is money with short and medium passes displaying throws in the short and intermediate areas of the football field with precise field vision. Luck has the mechanics, footwork, and accuracy to execute any short or medium throw.
Luck can also move outside the pocket which makes him like Tom Brady with Elway’s scrambling ability. Luck can make the deep throws.
Sometimes Luck does not have the best throwing mechanics on deep throws with throwing motion. Some of Luck’s critics who doubt his ability say he did not throw enough deep passes in college and forced throws when dropping back to pass.
Luck has the accuracy to make those deep throws to move the chains. Luck usually goes to his tight ends on deep throws.
It will be interesting to see how Bruce Arians the former Steelers offensive coordinator develops Andrew Luck. Arians was the wide receivers coach for Pittsburgh during Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie year.
Arians played a huge role with maturing Roethlisberger as the Steelers offensive coordinator after Ken Whisenhunt went to Arizona. Luck threw to his tight ends a lot in college. Arians puts an emphasis on the vertical passing game with his wide receivers so having Luck mix and match his passing game with tight ends plus the vertical passing game with his wide receivers makes Andrew Luck even more dangerous in the NFL.
Bruce Arians was a quarterback coach for Peyton Manning during Manning’s rookie season before joining Pittsburgh. The Colts are being smart when it comes to building the offense around Andrew Luck at any cost.
Andrew Luck wanted to throw at the 2012 NFL Combine. The Colts told him not to throw at the 2012 NFL Combine so Luck will not throw the football until Stanford’s pro day on March 22nd.
The Colts will be taking Luck #1 overall. Can they sign him to his rookie deal before draft day? The Lions were able to sign Stafford the night before the 2009 NFL Draft. If Luck is the sure fire #1 pick, then the next step should be for the Colts to sign Luck.
Luck is the best quarterback prospect in the last 15 years. You could say Luck is a once and a generation quarterback. The first once in a generation quarterback came out of Stanford in 1983 in the year of the quarterback with John Elway before Peyton Manning went #1 overall in 1998. The next all pro quarterback prospect from Stanford goes pro 30 years after Elway.
Below is a list of the last 15 quarterbacks that did not throw at the NFL Scouting Combine dating back to 1998. There were originally 11 quarterbacks on this list, but 4 more were added after 4 quarterbacks blew a chance to throw at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.
Ryan Leaf Quarterback Washington State 1998 NFL Draft Bust
Tim Couch Quarterback Kentucky 1999 NFL Draft Bust
David Carr Quarterback Fresno State 2002 NFL Draft Bust
Joey Harrington Quarterback Oregon 2002 NFL Draft Bust
Matt Leinart Quarterback USC 2006 NFL Draft Bust
Matt Ryan Quarterback Boston College 2008 NFL Draft 0-3 in NFL Playoff career
Sam Bradford Quarterback Oklahoma 2010 NFL Draft #1 overall pick in 2010
Tim Tebow Quarterback Florida 2010 NFL Draft Only quarterback on this list to win a playoff game so far.
Jimmy Clausen Quarterback Notre Dame 2010 NFL Draft Future Bust
Colt McCoy Quarterback Texas 2010 NFL Draft Future Backup
Blaine Gabbert Quarterback Missouri 2011 NFL Draft Future Bust
Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford 2012 NFL Draft Clear Cut #1 pick
Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor 2012 NFL Draft Clear Cut #2 pick
Ryan Tannehill Quarterback Texas A&M 2012 NFL Draft Top 10 Prospect
Brock Osweiler Quarterback Arizona State 2012 NFL Draft 4th Round Prospect
Its too early to say what happens with the 2012 NFL quarterbacks. The only quarterback among the 11 who did not throw at the Combine dating back to 1998 with a playoff win is Tim Tebow.
Tebow got traded to the New York Jets. It will be interesting to see whether Tebow can take Mark Sanchez’s job in the Big Apple.
Andrew Luck dominated his pro day workout. Its seems like a stone cold lock that Andrew Luck joins the Indianapolis Colts this April.
Andrew Luck is capable of winning multiple Super Bowls with the right supporting cast in Indianapolis. The Colts have a chance to build that cast around Andrew Luck if they get Luck a tight end like Stanford teammate Coby Fleener in round 2 and a wide receiver next to Reggie Wayne in round 3.
Irsay knows how to build a supporting cast around his quarterback. Irsay did it with Bill Polian and Peyton Manning. He should be able to maintain the same success with Andrew Luck in 2012.
I will post offseason outlooks for all 32 NFL teams on this site. This is our piece about the Indianapolis Colts Offseason.
Other Options None
2. Washington Redskins from St. Louis Rams Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt The Washington Redskins dealt their 6th overall pick, 39th overall pick, a 2013 first round pick, and a 2014 first round pick to the St. Louis Rams for this selection. It seems evident that Washington will use this pick on Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh also recruited Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III out of high school to Stanford. Robert Griffin III knew before hand that either he or Luck would transfer to another school down the road if he committed to Stanford.
RGIII made an smart unselfish decision by letting Luck commit to Stanford and exploring other options. Most high school recruits probably would not have made the same decision that RGIII made in the heat of the moment. Griffin’s decision making speaks volumes about his maturity.
RGIII originally made a commitment to the Houston Cougars before Art Briles left Houston to go coach at Baylor. RGIII then withdrew his commitment to Houston to play for Briles at Baylor.
Robert Griffin III would operate a shotgun spread offense after being named the starter as a true freshman for the Baylor Bears. Robert Griffin III completed 160 out of 267 passes as a true freshman. Robert Griffin III would go on to complete 59.9 percent of his passes as a true freshman in 2008. Griffin would throw 15 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as a true freshman.
Robert Griffin III got injured as a true sophomore and was redshirted. During spring drills RGII started to master the basics of calling plays in a pro style offense prior to the 2010 season. RGIII mixed up spread plays and pro style plays in 2010 as a sophomore redshirt. RGIII had over 3,500 passing yards completing 67 percent of his passes in 2010.
Robert Griffin III operated pro style plays as a junior redshirt at Baylor in 2011. Robert Griffin III averaged 10.68 yards per passing attempt completing 72.4 percent of his passes. Robert Griffin III threw 37 touchdowns and 6 picks in 2011 compared to Luck’s 37 touchdowns and 10 picks.
Robert Griffin III took more 20 sacks or more in each full season he played if you exclude 2009 when he got redshirted due to an injury. Luck took 6 sacks during his first two seasons at Stanford before taking 11 sacks in 2011 after losing 3 of his 5 starters on Stanford’s offensive line. The other 2 starters Jonathan Martin a left tackle, and David DeCastro a top ten talent at guard are 2012 first round picks. Luck took 23 career sacks at Stanford while Robert Griffin III took 79 sacks during his career at Baylor.
Luck’s redshirt freshman year he completed 56.3 percent of his passes throwing 13 touchdowns and 4 picks in 2009. RGIII completed 59.9 percent of his passes throwing 15 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as a true freshman in 2008. Robert Griffin posted better numbers than Luck in 2011 and had better numbers as a true freshman than Luck did as a freshman redshirt when comparing RGIII’s 2008 campaign to Luck’s 2009 campaign.
Robert Griffin III won the Heisman for the Nations best player in college football. RGIII is showing scouts that he believes he has the confidence to be better than Andrew Luck. You have to applaud RGIII for that even if Luck going #1 overall appears like a forgone formality at this point. Luck was runner up to RGIII in the Heisman voting after being runner up to Cam Newton last season.
Previous Heisman winning quarterbacks include Cam Newton, Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow. Heisman winners have flopped in the past. That trend may be starting to change with the success of recent Heisman winners.
Washington’s offensive line from 2011 would return. Trent Williams and Jamaal Brown can be an effective bookend tandem if Brown stays healthy. Maurice Hurt only gave up 3 sacks in 8 starts at left guard in the second half of the season. Hurt was a 7th round pick out of Florida in the 2011 NFL Draft. Hurt was 6 foot 5 305 pounds as guard who shows promise. Kory Litchensteiger can start at left guard if he is healthy. Will Montgomery and Chris Chester also provide the Washington Redskins with starters on the interior offensive line starting all 16 games at center and right guard respectively in 2011.
Hurt played left guard on the Gators interior offensive line when they won the 2009 National Championship with Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Pouncey, and right tackle Marcus Gilbert protecting Tim Tebow’s blindside. Tebow throws with his left hand so technically Gilbert was his blindside as Florida’s right tackle. Gilbert moved to left tackle after Tebow graduated from Florida.
Baylor won 67 to 56 in their Alamo Bowl win over the Washington Huskies after losing to Illinois in the Texas Bowl in 2010. Griffin III has Michael Vick’s scrambling out of the pocket and Drew Brees pinpoint accuracy. Matt Barkley’s decision to return to USC for his senior season also propelled Robert Griffin III up draft boards. Some had USC quarterback Matt Barkley projected to be drafted higher than Robert Griffin III.
Robert Griffin III did not throw at his combine just like Andrew Luck. Robert Griffin III did work out at his Baylor Pro Day. Robert Griffin III completed 75 of 81 passes with 4 of those passes being dropped.
Some even believe Griffin could be better than Andrew Luck. Robert Griffin has accomplished so much in Baylor with his 2011 campaign that you might argue there is a Peyton Manning/Ryan Leaf debate with Luck and Griffin with each quarterback going 1 and 2 overall. Neither 2012 quarterback prospect should bust like Ryan Leaf did. This hypothesis of Luck and RGIII going in the top 2 has become a forgone reality and a fun debate to discuss for the casual NFL fan.
Luck has potential to get into Canton and Griffin has potential to be a pro bowl signal caller for years to come. Robert Griffin III could win 1 Super Bowl with the right supporting cast on offense. Luck should win multiple championships in his career. That’s the difference between Luck and RGIII. I would take Luck or Griffin over anyone in the class of 2011 at quarterback. I rarely ever say a quarterback will hoist a Lombardi Trophy before their NFL career starts because its hard to judge a prospects career until you know where they get drafted. I do believe that both quarterbacks will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at some point with the respective teams that they play for.
I see both Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III getting their teams Super Bowl wins in their career. The ability for both quarterbacks is that high. I am not questioning the ability of either quarterback long term. Fans may lose patience if neither quarterback provides immediate success like Cam Newton did because a vast majority thought Newton would bust. Newton ended up breaking Peyton Manning’s rookie record for passing yards in a single season. Andy Dalton led the Bengals to the playoffs as a second round prospect.
There will be some demand for Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III to match or exceed these expectations because both quarterbacks have generated more praise than Newton coming out of college.
Washington retained starting quarterback Rex Grossman. Washington may feel like they have some flexibility to be aggressive or conservative with Robert Griffin III’s development depending on how he performs in training camp. I see Griffin starting off the get go. Washington would not have gave up so many picks for Griffin to ride the bench.
Robert Griffin III may not have immediate success in Washington due to crazy free agent spending by Redskins owner Dan Snyder. Colts owner Jim Irsay knows how to build around a quarterback. Snyder does not and that may be the difference at the end of the day with Griffin’s career.
Washington will need to get RGIII an offensive tackle and a #1 flanker receiver. The Redskins will have to wait until 2015 to get RGIII an offensive tackle or a primary wide receiver target if they opt to continue to add players by free agency while neglecting draft needs. Washington fans are not waiting until 2015 for that kind of player. The Redskins faithful want results now.
Other Options None
3. Minnesota Vikings Matt Kalil Left Tackle USC Junior Redshirt Matt Kalil is the little brother of Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil. Matt Kalil can play left tackle, right tackle, left guard, center, or right guard on the offensive line.
Kalil looks like a natural blue chip plug in player at left tackle. USC allowed fewer sacks than any team on the offensive line in 2011.
USC quarterback Barkley threw a career 39 touchdowns and 7 interceptions as a junior taking only 8 sacks. This was an FBS best for the USC Trojans offensive line. Kalil was an elite blindside protector that did not allow a single sack in 2011 on the Trojans offensive line. Kalil could have returned to school like Barkley. Kalil denied a report about him returning to school and opted to go pro instead while Barkley returned to school.
Kalil weighed 6 foot 6 295 heading into the season after weighing 6 foot 6 282 pounds heading into his senior year of high school. There were questions about how he would need time to improve his run blocking. Kalil realizes this and those questions may be put to rest.
Kalil entered the NFL Combine weighing in at 6 foot 7 306 pounds. Kalil did 30 reps on the bench press at the Combine. Kalil was only one of two offensive lineman besides Oklahoma left tackle Donald Stephenson to run an official 40 time in under 5 seconds.
Christian Ponder needs a blue chip left tackle to protect his blindside. Matt Kalil makes too much sense here with the 3rd pick. Kalil could protect Ponder’s blindside and learn the Vikings run blocking scheme to pave the running lane for Adrian Peterson.
Adding Kalil does not just give the Vikings a blue chip left tackle. It stabilizes the rest of Minnesota’s offensive line as well. Vikings left tackle Charlie Johnson moves from left tackle to right tackle. Right tackle Phil Loadholt moves inside from right tackle to left guard. John Sullivan starts at center. Geoff Schwartz can start effectively at right guard if he stays healthy.
With Matt Kalil at left tackle, Percy Harvin as the flanker receiver, Kyle Rudolph as the primary tight end, and John Carlsson as a secondary tight end. Ponder has all the tools to succeed in Minnesota in 2012 if Adrian Peterson is ready for the start of the 2012 season.
The Vikings can finish ahead of Detroit and contend as a wild card if they draft Matt Kalil 3rd overall. The Vikings have a potential franchise quarterback in Ponder who threw 13 touchdowns and 13 picks as a rookie, Jared Allen who led the NFL in sacks, Adrian Peterson, and a top notch run defense that can help the front 7. The Vikings also have a supporting cast at wide receiver and tight end with Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph.
Green Bay released Chad Clifton at left tackle so I would not rule out the odds of Minnesota taking the NFC North by storm winning the division if they get Kalil. That seems unlikely right now though with Aaron Rodgers coming off such a monster season. Green Bay also has Marshall Newhouse, Bryan Bulaga, and Derrick Sherrod at offensive tackle for Green Bay. The Packers will enter the year as the overwhelming favorite to win the NFC North. Anything could happen in the division if the Vikings get Matt Kalil.
Other Options None
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/02/08/minnesota-vikings-offseason-outlook-2/#slide:minnesota-vikings-offseason-outlook
4. Cleveland Browns Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama Junior After the first 3 picks this is where the 2012 NFL Draft officially commences. The Cleveland Browns will have a multitude of options with the 4th overall pick in April’s 2012 NFL Draft.
Some of those options will include Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.
Cleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert views Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden both as first round prospects besides Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Some Browns fans believe Colt McCoy is still the favorite to start in Cleveland next season. If this is true than I highly doubt Tannehill goes fourth overall.
Justin Blackmon is a #2 secondary receiver with the production of a #1 receiver. Blackmon faced weak defenses at Oklahoma State. When you think of Justin Blackmon you think Hakeem Nicks size and Braylon Edwards hands. Hakeem Nicks may be slightly undersized at 6 foot 1 208 pounds. Nicks hands, route running, and overall ability make Nicks one of the NFL’s most complete receivers.
Blackmon has a tendency to drop some passes on tape in Braylon Edwards type fashion. Blackmon did have two seasons at Oklahoma State with 100 plus receptions so I could see Cleveland taking Justin Blackmon with their 4th pick.
There is a lot of hot talk that the Browns go Morris Claiborne with the 4th pick. I cannot see that outcome. While it may make the most sense to pair a 2nd shutdown cornerback next to Joe Haden they can get Chase Minnifield the son of former Browns pro bowl corner Frank Minnifield in the 2nd or 3rd round on day 2.
Cleveland lost Peyton Hillis to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Browns lack a quarterback to operate a pass first offense. Right now the Browns are stuck with game manager Colt McCoy after failing to move up for Robert Griffin III.
Colt was a successful game manager as a rookie because the Browns had a running back that could operate a run first offense in Peyton Hillis. With Hillis gone its really essential that the Cleveland Browns get a blue chip running back that can be the feature back of Cleveland’s offense.
Trent Richardson has the skill set to be the complete back. Richardson has the speed, agility, hands, pass blocking, ball carrier vision, ability to run to the inside, or the ability to run to the outside. Richardson can make 5 to 6 defenders miss a tackle when he trucks by plowing defenders downfield. Richardson also knows how to use elusive ability to execute spins and jukes. Richardson is one of the more complete tailbacks in recent memory.
Richardson faced an Alabama run defense in practice sessions that ranked #1 in the entire country. This Alabama defense was also ranked #1 overall in pass defense. Alabama’s defense was ranked 1st out of 120 FBS schools in both run defense and pass defense. Richardson’s practice sessions against this Crimson Tide defense will help prepare him for the NFL.
Richardson was a five star recruit coming out of high school in 2009. Richardson committed to Alabama as a running back. Richardson was ranked 2nd in the country in running backs behind Bryce Brown at the time.
Trent Richardson rushed for 751 rushing yards and 8 receiving touchdowns on 145 carries when splitting carries with 2009 Heisman Trophy Mark Ingram.
Richardson managed to start a few games when Ingram was injured early in the season while rushing for 700 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns in 2010.
In 2011, Richardson became the full time starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide in the backfield after Mark Ingram left Alabama early as a junior to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft.
Richardson entered the 2011 season as a preseason Heisman Candidate behind Heisman Favorite Andrew Luck. Richardson was having so much success that at one point Richardson looked like the favorite to win the Heisman.
A regular season loss to LSU opened up a whole can of worms in the Heisman race with debates about whether Luck, RGIII, or Richardson deserved the Heisman. In the end Robert Griffin won the Heisman because of his game against Oklahoma who was in the hunt to become #2 overall after Alabama lost to SEC rival LSU.
Richardson had 89 rushing yards on 23 carries and 80 receiving yards on 5 recepitons in a 9 to 6 overtime loss to #2 ranked LSU who ranked 3rd overall in run defense.
Alabama would meet LSU again in the BCS National Title. Richardson would have 20 carries for 96 rushing yards, and 1 rushing touchdown in a game where Alabama would go on to post a 21 to 0 shutout win over the LSU Tigers.
Richardson is 5 foot 11 224 pounds. Richardson reminds me of Emmitt Smith in terms of a power back and Barry Sanders in terms of elusiveness.
I realize the NFL is now a pass first league. At the end of the day Richardson is a blue chip running back. If you cannot build your pass first offense around a blue chip quarterback then you need to assemble a run first offense around a blue chip runner to win in this league.
Trent Richardson is a blue chip runner. The Ravens have Ray Rice as the only blue chip rusher in the AFC North. Rashard Mendenhall and Cedric Benson can be effective when healthy. Neither is effective as Ray Rice at the end of the day.
In Cleveland, Richardson would have Joe Thomas at left tackle, Jason Pinkston at left guard, Alex Mack at center, Shaun Lauvao at right guard. The only key missing piece on this Browns offensive line is a right tackle.
Mike Holmgren works closely within the Cleveland Browns. Holmgren drafted a former Alabama rusher when he was associated with the Seattle Seahawks. That rusher was Shaun Alexander. Holmgren may see flashes of Shaun Alexander in Trent Richardson which is why I believe Richardson goes 4th here.
At Richardson’s pro day he looked very impressive. Richardson managed to knock down the Cleveland Brown’s running back coach. You have to love Richardson’s competitive nature and passion for the game of football.
Previous Pick Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State The Browns could also pursue Justin Blackmon with the 4th pick if they want to build their offense around a game changing wide receiver.
Morris Claiborne CB LSU Morris Claiborne is another top 5 talent besides Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon. If the Browns want to add a second top 5 coverage lockdown corner next to Joe Haden to boost their abysmal pass rush at defensive end then adding Claiborne to give the pass rushers more time may not be such a bad idea.
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/02/17/cleveland-browns-offseason-outlook-2/
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a field cornerback and a boundary cornerback. Aqib Talib could get arrested and Ronde Barber is past his prime. Greg Schiano has developed great Rutger’s pass defenses in the past. Rutgers finished 11th out of 120 FBS teams in pass defense under Schiano in 2011.
Schiano can make EJ Biggers, Myron Lewis, and Anthony Gaitor better NFL cornerbacks. A #1 field cornerback like Morris Claiborne to set the tempo of the Buccaneers secondary for the next decade is exactly what Tampa Bay needs.
Morris Claiborne lined up next to LSU cornerback and 2011 top 5 pick Patrick Peterson. Claiborne gave quarterbacks like SEC quarterbacks Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett fits as a true sophomore at LSU. That says something about Claiborne’s ability to cover well. While Claiborne did play next to Patrick Peterson, his success continued in 2011.
Tyrann Mathieu managed to make big play interceptions because of Claiborne’s presence as a cover corner. Mathieu will try to continue his success without Claiborne.
Ron Brooks was the LSU secondary coach before joining Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers. Claiborne will be the 5th pick if he slips to Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay will pursue Trent Richardson if Cleveland likes Claiborne 4th overall.
LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne did not disappoint at his pro day. Claiborne was very active in the cornerback drills. When lining up against Rueben Randle in one on one drills Claiborne managed to keep Randle in check at LSU’s pro day. Claiborne has cemented his status as a top 5 selection in April’s draft.
Randle managed to have an impressive pro day too. Randle’s big plays came with his 40 time and when lining up against LSU sleeper Ron Brooks a mid round cornerback prospect.
The only concern with Morris Claiborne is that he scored a 4 out of 50 on his Wonderlic Test. Claiborne played on an LSU secondary featuring 2 2013 first round picks, a 2012 late round pick at strong safety, and 2011 top 5 pick Patrick Peterson. Some teams may look at this and generate the conclusion about this being an early red flag.
Other Options
Trent Richardson RB Alabama There is a chance that Aqib Talib does not get arrested. If this happens then the Buccaneers may be contempt with Talib and Eric Wright as their top two cornerbacks.
Tampa Bay has Carl Nicks at left guard, Jeremy Zuttah at center, and Davin Joseph at right guard on the interior offensive line. Donald Penn is a great run blocker at left tackle, but struggled as a pass blocker in 2011. Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood was great as a pass blocker, but really struggled in the run blocking department. Left tackles are supposed to pass block with right tackles understanding how to run block.
Tampa Bay may want to build a smash mouth run first offense around Trent Richardson with the 5th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Richardson is a very realistic plan B in the rare event that Cleveland decides to ignore their offensive woes to add a cornerback with the 4th pick.
6. St. Louis Rams from Washington Redskins Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt St. Louis was really hoping to address wide receiver in the 2011 NFL Draft. Justin Blackmon likely would have gone 14th overall to the St. Louis Rams had he declared for the 2011 NFL Draft.
There was hot talk that the Rams really wanted Julio Jones with the 14th pick in the draft prior to the 2011 NFL Combine. St. Louis may get their receiver with Justin Blackmon with this pick.
St. Louis will likely go best playmaker available on offense by taking Justin Blackmon or Trent Richardson depending on whichever player is left available when the Rams pick 6th overall pick.
Justin Blackmon had 38 receiving touchdowns over his last 2 seasons at Oklahoma State VS Michael Floyd’s 37 career receiving touchdowns at Notre Dame. Teams will look at Blackmon’s production the last two seasons as the 2 time Billetnikoff Award winner for college football’s top wide receiver and make the case that Justin Blackmon should be the first receiver drafted. Its hard to argue against that case even though I do not see Blackmon having the better NFL career than Michael Floyd long term.
Justin Blackmon looked very impressive at his Oklahoma State pro day. Both the Cleveland Browns and the St. Louis Rams came away impressed when watching Blackmon perform at his pro day.
In this scenario, Blackmon would have Sam Bradford to throw to. If Michael Floyd goes to a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars than it sort of evens the playing field because Blaine Gabbert did very poor as a rookie.
Previous Pick Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama Junior
Other Options None
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/01/23/st-louis-rams-offseason-outlook-2/
7. Jacksonville Jaguars Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior The Jacksonville Jaguars desperately need to find Blaine Gabbert a #1 target. Michael Floyd established himself as a top 10 prospect at the Combine. I keep telling people that Floyd has the ability to be a Randy Moss type receiver. I’d much rather have Michael Floyd over Justin Blackmon in this draft.
Floyd faced far tougher competition than Justin Blackmon. Floyd has a 6 foot 3 220 pound size compared to Blackmon’s 6 foot 1 207 pound frame. Floyd produced 37 touchdowns during 4 years at Notre Dame compared to Blackmon’s 38 combined in 2010 and 2011 and many will say thats the X Factor end of story.
Blackmon faced pee wee pass defenses while Floyd encountered far tougher pass defenses. In 2011 Michigan ranked 16th out of 120 teams in pass defense. Floyd had 13 receptions for 159 receiving yards for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in an Ann Arbor contest against the Wolverines.
Against a Michigan State pass defense that ranked 12th out of 120 teams Floyd had 6 receptions for 84 receiving yards.
Air Force finished 6th out of 120 teams in pass defense. Floyd had 6 receptions for 78 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown against the Air Force Falcons.
Both South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and Michael Floyd were dueling to be the #2 receiver taken in April’s draft. Floyd ran at the Combine while Jeffery didn’t giving scouts the impression that concerns about him are true.
One opponent that Alshon Jeffery and Michael Floyd both faced in 2011 was the Navy Midshipmen. Navy ranked 66th out of 120 teams in pass defense Floyd posted 6 receptions, 121 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown. Jeffery had only 2 receptions for 35 receiving yards against the same Navy football team that Floyd encountered.
The reality is Jacksonville may be able to double dip at wide receiver landing both Michael Floyd and Alshon Jeffery in round 2 if they play their cards right. I doubt that happens at this point though.
The Jaguars owner Shahid Khan grew up near Chicago. The Buffalo Bills drafted Lee Evans in 2004 when Mike Mularkey was the head coach. That is the one main reason why I believe Floyd makes so much sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Michael Floyd weighs in at 6 foot 3 220 pounds displaying better size than Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon. Floyd also showcased consistency. Floyd had 7 receiving touchdowns and 700 receiving yards at minimum in each season at Notre Dame.
In 20o8, Floyd hauled in 48 receptions for 719 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns as a true freshman. Floyd would become the secondary receiver in Notre Dame’s pro style offense across from Golden Tate. Notre Dame would go on to win the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl with their offense.
In 2009, Floyd improved his receiving yards hauling in 795 receiving yards. Floyd also had 9 receiving touchdowns while hauling in only 44 receptions. Floyd hauled in a career high 18.1 yards per catch in 2009. Floyd developed well as a #2 target for Jimmy Clausen to throw to at Notre Dame. Floyd caught an 88 yard pass in 2009 which was a career high for Floyd.
Working with former Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen his first two seasons at Notre Dame helped mold him into a leader when Clausen left Notre Dame for the NFL. Michael Floyd had 79 receptions, 1,025 receiving yards, along with a career high 12 receiving touchdowns in 2010. Floyd would catch an 80 yard pass on his own as a junior for the Fighting Irish.
In 2011, Floyd had his best season. Floyd had 100 receptions, 1,147 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns facing much tougher competition against pass defenses than Justin Blackmon.
Michael Floyd dominated Notre Dame’s pro day. Former Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen had an easy time completing passes mainly due to Michael Floyd catching the football.
Besides Floyd the only other player that makes sense is defensive end Quinton Coples. Jacksonville re-signed Jeremy Mincey at right end. Jacksonville has a solid starter in Aaron Kampman at left end. The problem with Kampman is he cannot stay healthy. For now, I will mock Michael Floyd to the Jacksonville Jaguars because the Jaguars seem set at defensive end for the time being.
Other Options None
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/02/20/jacksonville-jaguars-offseason-outlook-2/
8. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Ryan Tannehill Quarterback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt I expect the Miami Dolphins to obtain a quarterback through the 2012 NFL Draft. Miami did not successfully attempt to sign Peyton Manning. Rumor has it that Miami lowballed Matt Flynn when negotiating a deal with Flynn. The rumor may be true because Matt Flynn preferred going to Seattle over Miami by opting to sign with the Seattle Seahawks at the end of the day.
The Miami Dolphins old regime featuring Tony Sparano left. The new regime consists former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin at head coach.
Mike Sherman is the Dolphins new offensive coordinator. Mike Sherman previously served as the Green Bay Packers head coach before joining Texas A&M as the Aggies head coach. Sherman got fired from Texas A&M and joined the Dolphins as an offensive coordinator for the 2012 season.
Sherman has always been an offensive minded coach. Sherman’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in Green Bay was Tom Rossley. After the Packers fired Sherman at head coach, Rossley went to Texas A&M with Mike Sherman.
Tom Rossley has been Texas A&M’s quarterback coach since 2008. Texas A&M’s coaches have spoke very highly of Tannehill. The one coach who monitored Tannehill’s progress more than any other Texas A&M coach was Tom Rossley.
Mike Sherman will probably take Tom Rossley’s advice into heavy consideration. I cannot see Ryan Tannehill getting past Miami with Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn both off the market.
Ryan Tannehill threw 1,638 passing yards completing 65 percent of his passes in 6 starts in 2010 after coming in to replace Jerrod Johnson. In 2011 Tannehill became the Aggies full time starter. Tannehill managed to throw for 3,744 passing yards. Tannehill completed 61.6 percent of his passes. Tannehill ended the 2011 season throwing 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Ryan Tannehill threw 9 of his 15 interceptions against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, and Texas. Tannehill threw 3 picks against each team. The fact that Tannehill had 3 games where he threw 3 interceptions a game at the college level should concern you.
Unless you believe your getting a QB that can develop into a top 5 quarterback you should not even draft Tannehill in the first round because many say he’s needs more experience, but has tons of upside. I see a quarterback that is raw like Blaine Gabbert that can be groomed into a Joe Flacco type of with the right development. There are some who even question Flacco’s ability as a franchise quarterback because he hasn’t won the big game yet. Too many teams like Tannehill and the demand for a starting quarterback in this league is too great so clearly someone will reach for him.
Ryan Tannehill had an excellent supporting cast at Texas A&M. Tannehill had offensive tackles were Luke Joekel and Jake Matthews. Both offensive tackles could be 2013 first round picks and look like future first rounders.
Wide receivers Jeff Fuller and Ryan Swope really helped Tannehill out on the supporting cast. Tannehill had two running backs with Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael that he could hand the ball off too when those two backs stayed healthy. Tight end Nehemiah Hicks was another player who stepped up on the Aggies offense.
Tannehill has about as much potential as Christian Ponder. Tannehill had a much stronger supporting cast than Ponder. You could easily make the case that Tannehill is the poor mans Ponder.
I think Tannehill is a product of his supporting cast at A&M. Coaches are saying good things about him to help him get drafted as high as possible. Tannehill loves to compete so he gets his wish by competing against Matt Moore and David Garrard for the Dolphins starting job in Miami.
Ryan Tannehill did have an impressive showing at Texas A&M’s pro day. Cleveland, Miami, Kansas City, and Seattle all have been looking at Tannehill. If someone takes Tannehill in the top 5 they will end up regretting it. Tannehill has potential to be a great quarterback, but not an elite one. When you take a quarterback in the top 10 you want a quarterback who can be an immediate starter or has the potential to develop into an elite quarterback or the picks a waste to a certain extent. That’s why the Panthers and Titans got it right with Cam Newton and Jake Locker while the Jaguars whiffed with Blaine Gabbert last season in the 2011 NFL Draft.
The other risk with Tannehill is that he is a project. You sort of get the impression that Tannehill is getting pushed up draft boards due to the high demand of quarterbacks.
Some are comparing Tannehill to a young Rich Gannon. I’m reminded more of Elvis Grbac when I pop in Tannehill’s tape. With experience Tannehill could go on to have a Brad Johnson like career. Right now Tannehill needs time to develop his technique as a quarterback in the NFL.
At the end of the day, Miami will draft Tannehill because Mike Sherman has a connection to Texas A&M with his former offensive coordinator Tom Rossley in Green Bay being Tannehill’s quarterback coach.
Tannehill will likely start out as the 3rd string quarterback on Miami’s depth chart behind current Matt Moore and backup David Garrard. Tannehill will get as much time as he needs to work his way up the Miami Dolphins depth chart.
Miami will have other options to consider with the 8th overall selection. Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has Tom Rossley as such a strong connection to Texas A&M that I cannot see Tannehill falling past this pick.
Previous Pick Riley Reiff Right Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt
Other Options None
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/03/miami-dolphins-offseason-outlook-2/
9. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Riley Reiff Right Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt Carolina recently released left guard Travelle Wharton. Jeff Otah has become an injury prone liability at right tackle. Carolina hinted that they want an offensive tackle early.
Riley Reiff has experience starting at left tackle, right tackle, and left guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Reiff started 3 games at left tackle and 7 at left guard in 2009 as a freshman redshirt. Reiff started the 2010 Orange Bowl as a bookend right tackle to Bryan Bulaga.
In 2010 Reiff became the Hawkeyes main left tackle. Reiff has maintained that role at Iowa for the past two seasons.
Reiff can pass block, run block, or zone block effectively. Reiff’s versatility is an underrated asset.
Adding Reiff gives Carolina a plug in player at right tackle. Carolina could move Jeff Otah to left guard and have depth behind Jeff Otah with Bruce Campbell at left guard. Bruce Campbell was considered a left guard for the Oakland Raiders before the Raiders traded Campbell to the Panthers for Mike Goodson. Carolina can move Reiff to left tackle and Otah back to right tackle when Jordan Gross leaves the Panthers for retirement.
Riley Reiff is being criticized for having really short arms. Carolina would have a lot of flexibility with Riley Reiff so adding Reiff here makes a ton of sense for Carolina long term.
Previous Pick David DeCastro Right Guard Stanford Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Quinton Coples DE/DT/3-4 DE/3-4 OLB North Carolina Coples may be too good to ignore if he slips to 9th overall.
Dontari Poe DT/3-4 NT/3-4 DE Memphis Dontari Poe would provide an immesne upgrade over what the Panthers currently have at defensive tackle. I think adding Poe would only help solidify a potential blue chip starter while continuing to add depth on the defensive line.
Luke Kuechly LB/3-4 MLB Boston College Carolina may give Luke Kuechly a look with his impressive instincts and tackling ability. Kuechly is one of the remaining players considered a top 10 talent at this spot.
Jonathan Martin OT Stanford Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin could be another option if Riley Reiff is off the board.
Kendall Wright WR Baylor One receiver that Carolina was looking at was Kendall Wright. The Panthers were closely monitoring Kendall Wright at Baylor’s pro day. Wright could be a solid option to pair up next to Steve Smith. Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Gettis was once teammates with Kendall Wright at Baylor. The success of Gettis and Wright at wide receiver plus the offensive line up front run blocking helped Robert Griffin III have a huge impact as a true freshman in Waco, TX.
10. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Jonathan Martin Left Tackle Stanford Junior Redshirt The Buffalo Bills obtained a blue chip right end with Mario Williams and a great left end who showed he could play right end when Andre Carter was injured in Mark Anderson. I highly doubt Coples is in the conversation to be the 10th pick now despite being the clear cut best prospect available.
Thanks to Buffalo obtaining Mark Anderson its really difficult to project a sure fire pick to Buffalo at #10 overall.
Buffalo retained Stevie Johnson and David Nelson has the size of a #1 flanker at 6 foot 5 215 pounds. Buffalo also signed Lee Evans to a 1 year deal as a slot receiver. Naaman Roosevelt, Derek Hagan, and Ruvell Martin will all be solid depth options.
Chris Hairston can be an effective pass blocker. Hairston did a good job when Fred Jackson was getting the carries. Buffalo only had 1 game with 100 rushing yards against Denver down the stretch when CJ Spiller their 2010 first round pick was running with Hairston his former Clemson teammate as his blindside.
Erik Pears started all 16 games showing great toughness. You sort of got the sense that Pears could be upgraded even though it was not an immediate need heading into free agency.
Your probably telling yourself Buffalo should get a left tackle at 10 with Demetrius Bell leaving the team. Buffalo has a promising left tackle in Chris Hairston. Erik Pears started all 16 games at right tackle. Buffalo can make do with these offensive tackles for the time being. Now because the Bills made some moves in free agency at defensive end its safe to say that left tackle will be the direction the team takes with the 10th pick since Buffalo has been criticized for not addressing left tackle in years past. Buffalo could move Chris Hairston to right tackle and use Erik Pears as a depth player if injuries occur on the offensive line.
Jonathan Martin has been a left tackle his entire life. Martin attended Harvard Westlake High School back in the day.
Harvard Westlake High School is the same place that 2012 MLB Draft pitching prospect Lucas Giolito is currently attending. Giolito was competing against Stanford pitcher Mark Appel to be the top pick in June’s MLB draft before an injury occured. The Houston Astros hold the first pick with the Minnesota Twins picking 2nd in June’s Draft. Appel should go to Houston with Giolito joining the Twins in June. The only reason I went off topic here is because I think its sort of ironic that a pitcher from Jonathan Martin’s college is competing against a pitcher that attended the same high school as Martin to be the top pick in June’s MLB Draft.
Back to Jonathan Martin though. Martin is the main attraction from Harvard Westlake that committed to Stanford before declaring for the 2012 NFL Draft by deciding to forgo his senior season at Stanford to turn pro in 2012.
Jonathan Martin graduated from Harvard Westlake High School with a 3.7 GPA weighing in at 6 foot 6 265 pounds back in 2008 at the time. Martin was the 60th best offensive tackle in the 2008 recruiting class.
Martin was listed as a 3 star recruit. Stanford got a bargain with Jonathan Martin. Martin was redshirted at Stanford before starting for 3 straight seasons at left tackle.
Martin put on 40 pounds in 4 seasons at Stanford. Martin now weighs in at 6 foot 6 foot 305 pounds. Martin is the best left tackle prospect to leave Stanford since left tackle Bob Whitfield. Whitfield was a 1992 first round pick that helped the Atlanta Falcons pass block for Chris Chandler and run block for Jamal Anderson.
Like Bob Whitfield, with the Atlanta Falcons on Atlanta’s Super Bowl 33 team, the 2012 Buffalo Bills would hold a similar formula for success. Game manager quarterback, explosive game changing running back, and a blue chip left tackle to balance the tempo.
Like Atlanta, Buffalo would have a ball control oriented offense to compliment a stout defense that had a defensive end register 10 sacks, a defensive tackle register 8 sacks, and a stout defense that allowed 18 points per game when the Falcons reached Super Bowl 33. Buffalo could hold their opponents to 18 points per game with their defensive personnel thanks to their additions at defensive end by signing Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. Buffalo has the 4-3 defensive tackle depth, linebackers if they stay healthy, and secondary depth to compete on defense in 2012. The fact that New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light is likely to retire also helps the Bills in 2012.
Martin can pass block, run block, or zone block. Jonathan Martin is also known as “Moose” Martin by some. Back in May, I compared Martin to former Ravens left tackle Jonathan Odgen. There were times when Jonathan “Moose” Martin struggled against speedy edge rushers. New England, Miami, and the New York Jets could all look to make upgrades at pass rusher. Martin could have instant success in Buffalo because of this elevating Fred Jackson from a 100 yard rusher to a 150 yard rusher while protecting Fitzpatrick’s blindside in the process.
Besides Bob Whitfield and Jonathan Odgen two other left tackles that Martin is being compared to are D Brickishaw Ferguson and Jordan Gross. ”Moose” Martin may be the missing piece needed to help propel the Buffalo Bills into consideration to win the AFC East.
Martin showed why he will be a top 16 pick in April’s NFL Draft at his pro day. I could see Martin going as early as ten to Buffalo and possibly slipping to Arizona.
Previous Pick Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior
Other Options
Trade Down Buffalo has rarely traded down. The Bills have addressed so many needs though. If the Bills are contempt with Chris Hairston and Erik Pears as their starting offensive tackles heading into next season then they can move down for more picks.
I think the Bills will listen to offers if the Browns and Buccaneers both pass on Trent Richardson slips to the 10th pick by some miracle. Potential suitors for Trent Richardson could include all AFC North opponents not named the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions.
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/05/buffalo-bills-offseason-outlook-2/
11. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Luke Kuechly 3-4 Middle Linebacker Boston College Junior Luke Kuechly is a top 10 talent and one of the most complete linebacker prospects in this entire draft.
Kuechly was one of my favorite players all throughout the draft process. I even mocked Kuechly to Washington at #6 overall at one point. Kuechly has not disappointed.
If I had to project one player outside of Andrew Luck, RGIII, Matt Kalil, or Quinton Coples to be a frontrunner to land into Canton one day Kuechly would probably be the wild card dark horse candidate.
Kuechly dominated the combine confirming his top ten talent status. Kuechly is slightly undersized at 6 foot 3 237 pounds. Kuechly has the versatility to start anywhere in a 4-3 scheme at linebacker. Kuechly could play right outside linebacker, middle linebacker, or left outside linebacker.
Kuechly was the Middle Linebacker for a Boston College Eagles defense that operated a 4-3 scheme. Kuechly was part of a Boston College linebacking core that featured Luke Kuechly, Kevin Pierre Lewis, and Mark Herzlich as the Eagles linebackers.
As a freshman Kuechly would start 12 games and be ACC defensive rookie of the year as a true freshman. Kuechly won ACC player of the week 3 times in 2009 as a true freshman. Kuechly finished 2nd in the nation with 158 total tackles as a true freshman. Kuechly also recorded 13 tackles for a loss in 2009.
Boston College faced USC in the 2009 Emerald Bowl. USC quarterback Matt Barkley a true freshman at quarterback faced Luke Kuechly and his defensive mindset at middle linebacker.
Despite Boston College’s 24-13 loss in the Emerald Bowl, Kuechly showcased great ability forcing Matt Barkley to chuck screen passes deciphering what Barkley would do. Kuechly would go on to record 16 tackles in the Emerald Bowl ending his freshman season with a bang.
Kuechly continued to improve in 2010. Kuechly led the nation with 183 total tackles and 110 solo tackles a true sophomore.
Kuechly became the fastest Boston College Eagle to reach 200 total tackles. It only took Kuechly 17 games to get to 200. Kuechly had over 300 total tackles after his sophomore season. Kuechly is the only Boston College linebacker in BC history to have over 300 total tackles in his first two seasons.
Kuechly recorded 10 total tackles against Nevada in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, 9 of those 10 tackles were solo. Kuechly showed impressive ability in another bowl game. This time Boston College would lose due to Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick who went on to become a 2011 2nd round pick for the San Francisco 49ers.
Kuechly went on to record 191 total tackles as a junior leading the nation in tackles once again. Kuechly had 20 tackles in a single game against ACC rival Florida State.
Kuechly showcased great man coverage and zone coverage when watching some of his tape. Kuechly would play man coverage against Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen who happened to be the top tight end in the 2012 NFL Draft prior to Coby Fleener’s pro day at Stanford. Kuechly would play amazing man coverage locking down Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert who is the top tight end for the 2013 NFL Draft at this time.
Kuechly is going to be a game changer at middle linebacker. Kuechly may not be the most physical linebacker. Kuechly is physical enough to wreak havoc. Kuechly has Brian Urlacher’s mental intelligence along with AJ Hawk’s versatility.
The last Boston College linebacker prospect to have some significant impact in the NFL was Bill Romanowski. The more I hear about Kuechly the more I’m convinced he could be a candidate for Canton when his career ends.
The Kansas City Chiefs will love what Kuechly brings to the table as a 3-4 middle linebacker. Scott Pioli will see flashes of Tedy Bruschi’s fire in Luke Kuechly when Kuechly steps on the gridiron.
Kansas City resigned Amon Gordon to a 2 year deal at nose tackle plus Jerrell Powe has some potential. I think the Chiefs will add a nose tackle later in this draft despite the temptation of Dontari Poe being available at #11 here.
Previous Pick Dontari Poe Nose Tackle Memphis Junior
Other Options
Dontari Poe DT/3-4 DE/3-4 NT Memphis The Chiefs may add Dontari Poe with the 11th pick if
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/12/kansas-city-chiefs-offseason-outlook-2/
12. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior The Seattle Seahawks will select Quinton Coples in a heartbeat if he slips to 12. Pete Carroll loves the North Carolina pass rusher. Coples could be a blue chip right end. The Seahawks have a blue chip left end with Chris Clemons who can stop the run and had 2 straight seasons with 11 sacks. Seattle also has an awesome secondary with Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor.
With Coples and Clemons Seattle would have a defensive end tandem that would trump any offensive tackle tandem in the NFC West. The Rams and Cardinals would not be able to stop a Quinton Coples and Chris Clemons tandem. San Francisco has Joe Staley who can be effective at left tackle when he is healthy. Staley has had durability issues in the past. I can see Coples giving Staley all kinds of problems. Chris Clemons could have a big game against Anthony Davis who may have to move inside to right guard if a right tackle falls to San Francisco.
Previous Pick Luke Kuechly Middle Linebacker Boston College Junior
Other Options None
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/13/seattle-seahawks-offseason-outlook-2/
13. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Kendall Wright Wide Receiver Baylor The Arizona Cardinals biggest need is finding a blue chip left tackle. With Martin off the board at #10 overall its safe to say that Arizona may take the best player available.
Kendall Wright was awesome at the Baylor pro day after running a terrible 40 time. Wright should be an option for Arizona to consider with the 13th pick.
Kendall Wright would be an upgrade over Andre Roberts as a secondary receiver. Roberts could move to a slot receiver role.
I realize Arizona did resign Early Doucet. Doucet had more receptions as a slot receiver than Andre Roberts did as a secondary target. A true upgraded is needed at wide receiver next to Larry Fitzgerald.
Kendall Wright was Robert Griffin III’s favorite throwing target at Baylor. In 2008 as a true freshman Wright had 50 receptions for 649 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns.
In 2009 when RGIII was injured, Wright managed to haul in 66 receptions for 740 receiving yards as a true sophomore. Wright had 78 receptions, 952 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns in 2010 showing flashes of a potential sleeper wide receiver heading into the 2011 campaign.
In 2011 Wright broke out successfully emerging at wide receiver for the Baylor Bears. Wright recorded 108 receptions, 1,663 receiving yards, had a reception for 87 receiving yards a career high, averaged 15.4 yards per catch, and scored 14 receiving touchdowns for the Baylor Bears.
Wright was one of the essential elements in the Baylor Bears Waco, TX Wild Wild West Coast Aerial Attack with a combination of shotgun spread plays on offense. Besides Robert Griffin III, Wright was the Baylor Bears biggest playmaker. Some of Griffin’s biggest detractors believe Wright played a huge role in Robert Griffin III winning the Heisman in 2011. RGIII will probably tell you the same thing knowing how effective Kendall performed for Baylor in 2011.
Wight would provide an upgrade over Andre Roberts and Early Doucet as a secondary receiver across from Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald would be Arizona’s complete #1 target while Wright would provide Arizona with a vertical threat to throw to.
Andre Roberts only hauled in 51 receptions in his first year as a starter in 2011. Slot receiver Early Doucet had 54 receptions. When the slot receiver is having a bigger impact than the split end #2 receiver target its time for an upgrade.
Kendall Wright would be that upgrade. Larry Fitzgerald would no longer command double teams with Wright’s ability to stretch the field deep. Andre Roberts and Early Doucet could compete to be Arizona’s slot receiver with both receivers playing the slot in a 4 wide receiver set.
Arizona usually ignores need and vies for the best player available on their draft board. Kendall Wright would probably be that player with the 13th selection. Wright may be the right pick for the Cardinals if Jonathan Martin is off the board.
Previous Pick Nick Perry 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker USC Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Jonathan Martin OT Stanford If the Bills go with Kendall Wright at #10 overall or the Bills take Michael Floyd because the Jaguars decide to reach for Kendall Wright with the 7th selection then this pick becomes a legit option.
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/18/arizona-cardinals-offseason-outlook-2/
14. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Dontari Poe Nose Tackle Memphis Junior Dontari Poe should be a top 10 pick after his monster NFL Combine where the 6 foot 5 344 pounder did 44 reps on the bench press while running a 4.98 40 time. The Dallas Cowboys would literally be insane to pass on Poe if he slips to the 14th pick. Poe showcases more explosion on tape than Michael Brockers, Devon Still, Fletcher Cox or any of the other first round prospects at defensive tackle.
Poe is my final top 10 talent left on the draft board at #14 overall. Dallas gets a major bargain with Dontari Poe here.
Adding Poe enables Dallas to plug Poe into nose tackle and move Ratliff to 3-4 left end. Dallas would be killing two birds with one stone up front on the defensive line by selecting Dontari Poe with the 14th pick.
Carolina, Kansas City, and Seattle could select Poe. Carolina has 2 2011 3rd round picks entering their 2nd year at defensive tackle. Kansas City has Amon Gordon and Jerrell Powe a 2011 6th round pick who could have gone in the 2nd round at nose tackle. Seattle loves Quinton Coples and I expect Coples to go 12th with Buffalo’s decisions at defensive end in free agency.
That means that Dontari Poe could fall to Dallas by some miracle. If Poe slips this far Dallas has to take him because he would be the best player available at this point.
Michael Brockers could be a solid option. I just cannot see Jerry Jones passing on Dontari Poe for Michael Brockers given the fact that Poe had a monster combine.
Previous Pick Melvin Ingram 3-4 Left End South Carolina Senior Redshirt
Other Options None
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/23/dallas-cowboys-offseason-outlook-2/
15. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Melvin Ingram Right End South Carolina Senior Redshirt Melvin Ingram has the versatility to play anywhere on a 4-3 defense on the defensive line. Ingram also displays the skill set to play linebacker anywhere in a 3-4 scheme.
Ingram is a pass rushing tweener with a very unique skill set when lining up to rush the quarterback whether its by using power moves or finesse moves when block shedding.
The best defensive lineman available on my draft board is Melvin Ingram. Ingram would give the Philadelphia Eagles some defensive tackle depth behind Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, and Antonio Dixon. Ingram would also give the Eagles depth at defensive end which is an area the Eagles could use as well. The Eagles could use Ingarm as a pass rushing defensive tackle on 3rd down situations and expand his role as he develops.
Depth at defensive tackle and defensive end is needed plus Andy Reid loves adding more players to play in the trenches when using a power play draft selection in the first two rounds.
Previous Pick Zach Brown Left Outside Linebacker North Carolina Senior
Other Options None
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/25/philadelphia-eagles-offseason-outlook-2/
16. New York Jets 8-8 Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior The New York Jets love Courtney Upshaw. Rex Ryan sees a blue chip pass rusher in Courtney Upshaw. The Jets take Upshaw to anchor their defense with this pick.
Other Options
Andre Branch 3-4 ROLB Clemson I could see the New York Jets adding Andre Branch. The New York Jets went to his Clemson pro day.
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/03/30/new-york-jets-offseason-outlook-2/
17. Cincinnati Bengals from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Lamar Miller Running Back Miami FL Sophomore Redshirt The Cincinnati Bengals obtained this selection from the Oakland Raiders in the Carson Palmer trade at midseason. The Bengals need a feature back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a secondary back that needs to be complimented with a top notch rusher. Ben Lamar Miller really impressed me with his 40 time at the 2012 NFL Combine.
Lamar Miller weighs in at 5 foot 11 212 pounds. Miller had a great run blocking offensive line the past two seasons at Miami FL. This offensive line featured Orlando Franklin, Brandon Washington, Seantrel Henderson, and Brandon Linder.
Lamar Miller would split carries with Graig Cooper in 2010 as a freshman redshirt. Miller would go on to have 108 carries, 646 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, while averaging 6 yards per carry.
In 2011, Miller became the Hurricanes full time running back. Miller had 227 carries, 1,272 rushing yards, a 79 yard run, and 9 rushing touchdowns as Miami FL’s feature back. Miller makes too much sense for the Bengals with the 17th overall pick.
The Bengals offensive line consists of Andrew Whitworth at left tackle, Travelle Wharton at left guard, Kyle Cook at center, Clint Boling at right guard, and Andre Smith at right tackle.
Previous Pick Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior
Other Options None
18. San Diego Chargers 8-8 David DeCastro Left Guard Stanford Junior Redshirt The San Diego Chargers need a starting left guard to replace Kris Dielman. David DeCastro played center in high school and was a 3 year starter at right guard. DeCastro can run block or pass block. DeCastro displays amazing footwork on his cut blocks when he lines up as a right guard and moves into motion like a left guard.
David DeCastro has the skill set to play anywhere on the interior offensive line when you watch his tape. DeCastro can help the Chargers out.
Previous Pick Andre Branch 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Clemson Senior Redshirt
Other Options
Andre Branch 3-4 ROLB Clemson San Diego needs a blue chip pass rusher. I could see the Chargers taking a wild card flyer on Andre Branch.
Trade Up or Trade Down The Chargers could trade up with Arizona at #13 to get a pass rusher or an offensive tackle depending on what Arizona wants to do. Arizona has no second round pick.
San Diego could also make a trade here with Detroit or Pittsburgh giving them a blue chip left tackle with Jonathan Martin if Martin is still on the board.
19. Chicago Bears 8-8 Cordy Glenn Right Tackle Georgia Senior The Chicago Bears need Cordy Glenn is a great prospect for a team searching for an immediate starter at left guard. Glenn could move over to right tackle when Gabe Carimi moves over to left tackle. J Marcus Webb allowed double digit sacks and penalties
Cordy Glenn lacks the footwork to be a starting left tackle. Another thing I am questioning at times is his work ethic. Glenn did look impressive in some one on one drills against LSU’s Sam Montgomery early in the SEC Title game when lining up as Georgia’s left tackle before struggling in the 2nd half.
Adding the 6 foot 5 345 pound Cordy Glenn gives the Chicago Bears a bookend right tackle next to Gabe Carimi when Carimi makes the move to left tackle. Chicago drafted Gabe Carimi as an offensive tackle. With two offensive tackles, Jay Cutler should have better protection.
Previous Pick Jonathan Martin Left Tackle Stanford Junior Redshirt
Other Options None
20. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Zach Brown Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Senior The Tennessee Titans addressed many needs except right outside linebacker in free agency. One player at right outside linebacker is slowly making a persuasive case to be a top 20 selection in April’s 2012 NFL Draft. That player is North Carolina outside linebacker Zach Brown.
Some teams were scared by Browns character issues off of the field earlier in the postseason. Brown made up for it with his 4.5 flat 40 yard time at the 2012 NFL Combine while posting an even better 4.47 40 time at his pro day.
Brown managed to record 47 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss in his first 6 starts as a true sophomore before going back to a backup role for the duration of the season. Brown would execute 2 tackles VS a strong Pittsburgh Panthers team at the time in the 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl as a true sophomore.
As a junior in 2010, Brown would play in all 13 games. Brown would only start 5 of those games. Brown finished 2nd on the Tar Heels in 2010 with 72 tackles. 47 of those 72 tackles were stops. Brown would also go on to record 3 interceptions.
Zach Brown had a career senior campaign in 2011. Brown recorded 105 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions to wrap up his career as a Tar Heel. Brown has the ability to play next to Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers on the Titans linebacking core.
Previous Pick Cordy Glenn Left Guard Georgia Senior
Other Options None
21. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior Stephon Gilmore is one of the most underrated players in the country. Opposing offenses only completed 49.7 percent of their passes against South Carolina. The only other pass defense to have a lower opponents completion percentage was Alabama who allowed opponents to complete 48.26 percent of their passes.
The Bengals did bring in Jason Allen and Pacman Jones at cornerback. Leon Hall is out at cornerback for 2012 due to injuries. Nate Clements is a #2 boundary corner, Jason Allen is a nickel cornerback, and Pacman Jones is a dime cornerback. Gilmore is a #1 field cornerback.
Previous Pick Lamar Miller Running Back Miami FL Sophomore Redshirt
Other Options
Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama The Bengals need a cornerback. I could see them going with Dre Kirkpatrick here.
22. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Mike Adams Right Tackle Ohio State Senior The Cleveland Browns obtained this pick from the Atlanta Falcons last season when the Falcons traded up into the top 10 for Julio Jones. The Cleveland Browns seem intent on getting a right tackle to fortify the offensive line with this pick. Mike Adams is an outstanding run blocker at 6 foot 8 320 pounds. Adams has illustrated some ability to play left tackle in the NFL during senior bowl week showing major improvements with pass protection.
Cleveland released Tony Pashos. The other thing to consider is that the Cleveland Browns will need a run blocker if they intend on taking Trent Richardson with the 4th pick.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are also interested in Adams. Cleveland can keep Pittsburgh or Baltimore from getting Mike Adams by using their second first round pick on Adams.
Left Tackle Joe Thomas
Left Guard Jason Pinkston
Center Alex Mack
Right Guard Shawn Lauvao
Right Tackle Mike Adams
With this offensive line Cleveland can give their quarterback whether it be RGIII, Matt Flynn, or Colt McCoy more time. Cleveland could also get a wide receiver for Colt McCoy or Ryan Tannehill if the Browns take Tannehill 4th overall.
Other Options
Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State I could see the Browns taking Brandon Weeden. There are 4 quarterbacks that Tom Heckert liked in the 2012 NFL Draft. Those quarterbacks were Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, and Brandon Weeden. The Browns could obtain Weeden in round 2 or the Browns could take Weeden at the 23rd overall pick.
Mohammed Sanu WR Rutgers Mohammed Sanu dominated his pro day at Rutgers. Sanu is now listed as my top receiver after Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, and Kendall Wright. Sanu could be a realistic option for the Cleveland Browns at this point.
Rueben Randle WR LSU The Cleveland Browns could also look to LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle. I like Randle slightly better than Stephen Hill. Both Randle and Hill look like realistic options at this point.
Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech The Browns could look to Stephen Hill too. Hill is a 6 foot 4 215 pound wide receiver from Georgia Tech. Hill displayed impressive route running at Georgia Tech’s pro day.
23. Detroit Lions 10-6 Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback Alabama Junior The Detroit Lions take the best available player each year. Dre Kirkpatrick provides great value with the 23rd pick. Dre Kirkpatrick was once graded out as the top cornerback in this entire draft. I even put Dre Kirkpatrick in my top 5 overall back in my first mock draft in June.
Kirkpatrick has been exploited against receivers with massive size and blazing speed at Alabama. Plus there are some off the field concerns with Kirkpatrick which is the main reason Dre Kirkpatrick slides to 23rd overall in this mock draft.
Other Options
Stephon Gilmore CB South Carolina The Lions will probably target the best cornerback available. I think the Lions will target Stephon Gilmore with this pick.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Amini Silatolu Left Guard Midwestern State Senior Redshirt The Pittsburgh Steelers have needed a left guard ever since the release of Chris Kemoatu. Amini Silatolu is a 6 foot 3 320 pound left guard that played left tackle for Midwestern State. He struggles with pass blocking footwork and has short arms. Silatolu dominated the NFL Combine and is moving up draft boards. Silatolu is making a case to be the first small school prospect instead of Janoris Jenkins the Northern Alabama cornerback being the first small school cornerback drafted. Pro Football Weekly ranked Silatolu ahead of Mike Adams and Dont’a Hightower.
Mike Adams and Dont’a Hightower are the two most common players to show up on the Steelers in mock drafts. I like Silatolu the more I watch him. Silatolu would have been an upgrade over Chris Kemoatu anyway so taking Silatolu will be really smart when all is said and done. I know a lot of Steelers fans would prefer Silatolu in round 2. Silatolu has cemented his status as a top 50 pick and will not be on the board in the 2nd round.
I mocked Maurkice Pouncey to Pittsburgh back in 2010. Putting Silatolu at left guard next to Pouncey gives the Steelers a quality run blocker. Marcus Gilbert will have some struggles pass blocking at left tackle. Gilbert will run block effectively at left tackle though.
Pittsburgh’s running backs like to run to the inside. Pittsburgh did not have the stability on the interior offensive line to open up running lanes to the outside last season. With Silatolu the Steelers will have some stability to open up running lanes to the outside.
Silatolu has nimble feet that showcase his run blocking footwork. Silatolu also has violent hands which make him a disruptive run blocker. Silatolu has the ability to push back linebackers when run blocking.
One other lineman that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have both looked at besides Mike Adams of Ohio State is Midwestern State’s Amini Silatolu.
Mike Iupati was a disruptive run blocker with mediocre pass protection skills coming out of Idaho. Silatolu sort of reminds me of Willie Colon because Colon had the same size as Silatolu and should have played guard coming out of Hofstra. Pittsburgh rushed Colon into a right tackle role that Colon was uncomfortable with. With Silatolu Pittsburgh will place him into a solid left guard role. At the end of the day I expect Silatolu to be the first small school prospect off the draft board.
Art Rooney II wants the Steelers to become more of a run first team. If this is the case then the Steelers could take Silatolu at 24 if Mike Adams is gone. The Steelers could get a running back in round 2. Here is what the Steelers offensive line would look like with Silatolu.
Left Tackle Marcus Gilbert
Left Guard Amini Silatolu
Center Maurkice Pouncey
Right Guard Ramon Foster
Right Tackle Willie Colon
Previous Pick Dont’a Hightower 3-4 Middle Linebacker Alabama Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Mike Adams OT Ohio State Mike Adams will be the pick if he slips to 24 overall. The Steelers went to Mike Adams pro day and like Mike Adams as a prospect.
Bobby Massie RT Ole Miss Pittsburgh has had success drafting SEC offensive lineman. Max Starks, Maurkice Pouncey, Marcus Gilbert, Alen Faneca, and Kendall Simmons. With Marcus Gilbert moving to left tackle the 6 foot 6 315 pound Bobby Massie is an option as a right tackle underclassmen.
Dont’a Hightower 3-4 MLB Alabama The Steelers could draft an immediate starter to replace James Farrior. I think Hightower could end up having more potential than Lawrence Timmons at some point down the road.
25. Denver Broncos 8-8 Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior Peyton Manning will want a target next to DeMaryius Thomas to throw to. Eric Decker has been injury prone in the past for the Denver Broncos. Mohammed Sanu had 115 receptions, 1,206 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Sanu has soft hands that enable him to make difficult catches. Sanu is an effective route runner who can also block effectively as a run blocker.
Previous Pick Devon Still Defensive Tackle Penn State Senior Redshirt
Other Options
Rueben Randle WR LSU Rueben Randle is emerging as a late first round prospect. Denver could take a flyer on him.
Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech Stephen Hill could be another first round prospect. Hill and Thomas two former Yellow Jackets for Georgia Tech could be re-united in Denver.
26. Houston Texans 10-6 Rueben Randle Wide Receiver LSU Junior The Houston Texans need a 2nd wide receiver next to Andre Johnson. Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones can play on the inside as slot receivers.
Rueben Randle is a 6 foot 3 208 pound wide receiver. Randle earned a mind boggling 18.1 yards per reception in 2011.
Randle has a nice release and can push cornerbacks back when dropping into press coverage. Randle has strong soft hands which enable him to make any catch coming his way.
Randle can be an effective route runner executing crisp routes. The fact that Randle makes yards after the catch is another dangerous quality to his game. Randle is a red zone threat.
Randle also takes his role as a blocker just as serious as his wide receiver role. Randle has the mental skill set to be a complete #1 flanker receiver. Randle drew heavy interest from the MLB before ultimately committing to the NFL.
Previous Pick Kendall Wright Wide Receiver Baylor Senior
Other Options
Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech Stephen Hill is a 6 foot 4 215 pound wide receiver from Georgia Tech. The Texans may take a liking to Hill at this point.
27. New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt The New England Patriots obtained this pick from the New Orleans Saints in the Mark Ingram trade in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Andre Branch has the skill set to be a complete pass rusher. Branch rarely misses tackles. Branch would make the ideal 4-3 right end for the New England Patriots.
Other Options None
28. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Whitney Mercilus 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Illinois Junior Redshirt The Green Bay Packers need a 3-4 right outside linebacker. Clay Matthews is a 3-4 left outside linebacker. Mercilus led the nation in sacks. Mercilus is also a good run stuffer. Mercilus can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.
Other Options
Devon Still DT/3-4 DE Penn State Devon Still would make a great replacement to Cullen Jenkins. I could see Green Bay adding Still in round 1. If Mercilus or Still does not go 28th overall I could see one falling to the New York Giants.
29. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Dont’a Hightower 3-4 Middle Linebacker Alabama Junior Redshirt The Baltimore Ravens need a successor to Ray Lewis. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome hinted about drafting a successor to Lewis early. I cannot see Hightower slipping past this selection.
In 2011, Hightower played a huge role with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Hightower was one of the leaders of an Alabama run defense that ranked #1 in the FBS. Hightower led Alabama 81 total tackles, 3 sacks, and 9.5 tackles for a loss in 2011. Alabama also was #1 in pass defense out of 120 FBS teams. Hightower can drop back into zone coverage as well.
Previous Pick Mark Barron Free Safety Alabama Senior
Other Options
Mark Barron S Alabama The Baltimore Ravens will need a safety to succeed Ed Reed. Mark Barron is the top safety in a weak 2012 safety draft class.
Amini Silatolu LT/LG Midwestern State Silatolu would make a great left guard replacement to Ben Grubbs. The Ravens need to find someone to replace Grubbs at left guard.
30. San Francisco 49ers Bobby Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior The San Francisco 49ers would be able to patch up the right side of their offensive line by adding Bobby Massie. Anthony Davis is an effective right tackle. Davis would be better suited at right guard though. Davis does struggle as a pass blocker. Davis is an outstanding run blocker though.
Bobby Massie could really help patch the 49ers offensive line. Adding Massie at right tackle would allow the 49ers to make two key upgrades on the right side of the offensive line at right tackle and right guard. The 49ers lost Adam Snyder to free agency.
Previous Pick Kevin Zeitler Right Guard Wisconsin Senior
Other Options
Coby Fleener TE Stanford The 49ers may take Jim Harbaugh’s former Stanford tight end and pair him up next to Vernon Davis.
Janoris Jenkins CB Northern Alabama The 49ers could take the best available player and add Janoris Jenkins.
Devon Still DT/3-4 DE Penn State The 49ers could use a 3-4 defensive end for depth behind Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.
Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech The 49ers could use the 6 foot 4 215 pound Georgia Tech wide receiver. Hill could be an effective option.
Rueben Randle WR LSU Rueben Randle might be available at this point. The 49ers could consider Rueben Randle at this spot.
31. New England Patriots Mark Barron Free Safety Alabama Senior The New England Patriots desperately need a safety to compete with Steve Gregory for the starting job. This is a really weak safety class. Mark Barron is the top safety in this draft.
Barron recorded 75 tackles in 2010 as a junior. Barron was one of Alabama’s biggest pieces in 2011. Alabama had the #1 pass defense in the FBS partially due to Mark Barron.
Other Options None
32. New York Giants 9-7 Devon Still Defensive Tackle Penn State Senior Redshirt The New York Giants were Super Bowl 46 Champions. The Giants hold the final pick in the first round as a result. Adding some defensive tackle depth is an area that the New York Giants could address.
Devon Still had some impressive game tape prior to the end of the season. Still impressed me at the 2012 NFL Combine. Still would be a good option for the New York Giants late in the first round.
Still had 49 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and is an outstanding run stuffer. Still weighs 6 foot 5 310 pounds. Still can be used as a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end.
Previous Pick Michael Brockers Defensive Tackle LSU Sophomore Redshirt
Other Options
Whitney Mercilus DE/3-4 OLB Illinois The Giants could get a pass rusher to groom for the future with Whitney Mercilus here. The Packers will get Mercilus or Still. The player the Packers pass on could fall to the New York Giants.
Chris Polk RB Washington The Giants need a 2nd back to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw. Polk is the most complete back in the draft outside of Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Round 2
33. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior The St. Louis Rams will need a boundary cornerback next to Cortland Finnegan. Janoris Jenkins will be the best player available at this point.
Jenkins can play man, zone, or press coverage. Jenkins has had previous success shutting down SEC wide receivers like AJ Green, Julio Jones, and Alshon Jeffery.
Previous Pick Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior
Other Options None
34. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Coby Fleener Tight End Stanford Senior Redshirt Andrew Luck wanted Reggie Wayne back as the Colts #1 flanker target for the short term. I think the Colts get Andrew Luck multiple tight ends in this draft. Andrew Luck loved throwing to Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz a 2013 NFL prospect at Stanford.
Coby Fleener proved he has first round talent by dominating Stanford’s pro day. The 6 foot 6 245 pound tight end had 34 receptions, 667 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns for Stanford in 2011. Re-uniting Andrew Luck and Coby Fleener just makes too much sense for Indianapolis if Fleener slips to this selection.
Previous Pick Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina Junior
Other Options
Rueben Randle WR LSU The Colts may like the idea of pairing Rueben Randle up next to Reggie Wayne. I cannot see Rueben Randle getting past this pick if he slips to round 2 unless Coby Fleener is on the board.
Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech The Colts could use a wide receiver with size like Stephen Hill. Hill is 6 foot 4 215 pounds and displays tremendous route running.
35. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Stephen Hill Wide Receiver Georgia Tech Junior Stephen Hill is a 6 foot 4 215 pound wide receiver from Georgia Tech. Hill has tremendous hands and route running skills. Hill impressed NFL Scouts at his pro day. The Vikings would strongly consider Stephen Hill if he slipped to this selection.
Previous Pick Nick Toon Wide Receiver Wisconsin Senior Redshirt
Other Options
Rueben Randle WR LSU If the Colts have their pick between Coby Fleener and Rueben Randle then I could see the Vikings taking Randle in round 2. Either way expect all of the 1st round talents at wide receiver to be off the draft board by this selection.
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt Chris Polk had some up and downs at the 2012 Senior Bowl. Polk bounced back strongly. I see more long term potential in Chris Polk than I do in David Wilson or Doug Martin because Polk had some big games against top ranked run defenses like the game against Stanford back in October.
There was a time when I thought Chris Polk could realistically challenge Trent Richardson to be the top back taken in April’s draft back in October.
Chris Polk has the skill set of a complete back just like Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller. I would not be surprised if the New York Giants gave Chris Polk a look near the end of round 1.
Polk is 5 foot 11 222 pounds. Polk had 226 carries for 1,113 rushing yards, and 5 rushing touchdowns in 2009. Polk had 260 carries,1,415 rushing yards, and 9 rushing touchdowns in 2010. Polk had 293 carries, 1,488 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2011. Chris Polk has the skill set to be a complete rusher at the next level.
Previous Pick Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior
Other Options None
37. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Brandon Weeden Quarterback Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt A quarterback with first round talent as a senior has good college production, can dominate the senior bowl, dominates the 2012 NFL Combine, and dominates his pro day.
Brandon Weeden is a 6 foot 4 218 pound quarterback. Weeden is 28 years old and will turn 29 in the regular season which is the biggest knock on his game.
In 2010, Brandon Weeden took over for Zach Robinson as Oklahoma State’s starting quarterback. Weeden completed 342 of 511 of his passes in 2010. Weeden completed 66.9 percent of his passes in 2010. Weeden averaged 8.37 yards per attempt. Weeden threw 34 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his first year as a starting quarterback.
In 2011, Brandon Weeden threw 408 completions on 564 attempts. Weeden completed 72.3 percent of his passes in 2011 which was better than Ryan Tannehill’s 67.5 percent and Andrew Luck’s 71.3 completion percentage. Weeden threw for 4,727 passing yards. Weeden would finish the 2011 campaign throwing for 37 passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Brandon Weeden would help Oklahoma State win the 2012 Fiesta Bowl against Andrew Luck and the Stanford Cardinal. Weeden would go 29 for 42 in the game with 399 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, and 1 sack.
I had some questions about Brandon Weeden’s accuracy. Weeden corrected this area of his game at the Senior Bowl. Weeden showcased the best accuracy.
Brandon Weeden also did the best at the 2012 NFL Combine in the throwing drills. Weeden dominated his pro day workouts as well. I could see Cleveland taking Weeden at 23 overall. If the Browns take Brandon Weeden here in round 2 their getting great value.
Brandon Weeden reminds me of Brett Favre with Chris Weinkie’s age. Weeden has pretty good accuracy too.
Previous Pick Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt
Other Options None
38. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina Junior The Jacksonville Jaguars need multiple wide receivers. Laurent Robinson is a slot receiver. Adding Alshon Jeffery next to Michael Floyd gives Blaine Gabbert some playmakers to throw to in Jacksonville.
Previous Pick Brian Quick Wide Receiver Appalachin State Senior Redshirt
Other Options None
39. St. Louis Rams from Washington Redskins 5-11 Kevin Zeitler Left Guard Wisconsin Senior The St. Louis Rams need a left guard. Zeitler has the ability to play anywhere on the interior offensive line. Putting Zeitler at left guard next to Scott Wells and Harvey Dahl would really help.
Previous Pick Markelle Martin Free Safety Oklahoma State Senior
Other Options
Markelle Martin S Oklahoma State I could see the Rams taking a safety that can play on either side like Markelle Martin with this pick.
Michael Brockers DT LSU The Rams could take a look at Michael Brockers as well if he slips to the 2nd round.
40. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Michael Brockers Defensive Tackle LSU Sophomore Redshirt A lot of people are mocking Dontari Poe to Carolina at 9th overall. The Panthers can obtain Brockers at #40 overall. Brockers has the ability to be a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 nose tackle. Brockers is extremely underrated as a run stuffer and pass rusher. Brockers provides great value at this point in the 2nd round. There was a point where many were speculating Brockers 9th to the Panthers prior to the 2012 NFL Combine. Brockers bombed his combine so I could see him falling to Carolina in round 2.
Previous Pick Brandon Mosley Right Tackle Auburn Senior
Other Options None
41. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior Redshirt There is one more quarterback that has 2nd round talent. Kirk Cousins impressed at his pro day and continues to shoot up draft boards. Brock Osweiler and Nick Foles did not stand out as much at their pro days. I could see both players falling to round 4.
Kirk Cousins scripted the throws at his pro day. The Bills would be able to sit Kirk Cousins out behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and develop Cousins at their own pace.
In 2009, Cousins threw 19 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Cousins threw 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2010. Cousins threw 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2011.
Cousins is a 6 foot 2 210 pound quarterback with Peyton Manning like intangibles. Cousins only throws short passes with precise fashion. Cousins needs to improve throwing medium and deep passes more consistently.
Cousins is improving in the intermediate game. Cousins threw a game winning hail mary pass against Wisconsin.
Other Options None
42. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Nick Perry Right End Junior Redshirt Nick Perry is the best player available at this point. The Dolphins could make Perry their right end with Cameron Wake being the Dolphins 4-3 left end.
Previous Pick Brock Osweiler Quarterback Arizona State Junior
Other Options
Nick Toon WR Wisconsin The Miami Dolphins could get a #1 target for their quarterback to throw to. Whether that quarterback is Matt Moore, David Garrard, or Ryan Tannehill remains to be seen.
43. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Bobby Wagner Left Outside Linebacker Utah State Senior The Seahawks need a left outside linebacker to replace Leroy Hill and a middle linebacker. Bobby Wagner could be a good option in round 2.
Previous Pick Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona Senior Redshirt
Other Options None
44. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Markelle Martin Free Safety Oklahoma State Senior The Kansas City Chiefs need a starting free safety across from Eric Berry. Markelle Martin is a great option for the Chiefs at 44 overall.
Other Options None
45. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Peter Konz Center Wisconsin Junior Redshirt Peter Konz struggled at the 2012 NFL Combine. Dallas needs a center. Konz is the top one in the 2012 NFL Draft. Peter Konz makes a lot of sense at this point for Dallas.
After nose tackle and center, Dallas can focus on tier 2 draft needs or take the best available players moving forward.
Previous Pick Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior Redshirt
Other Options None
46. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson Senior The Eagles use this pick to add a defensive tackle for depth. Brandon Thompson provides great value a this point in the 2nd round.
Previous Pick Kendall Reyes Defensive Tackle Connecticut
Other Options None
47. New York Jets 8-8 Nick Toon Wide Receiver Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The New York Jets need a 2nd wide receiver to pair up next to Santonio Holmes. Nick Toon is the son of former Jets pro bowler Al Toon.
Previous Pick Stephen Hill Wide Receiver Georgia Tech Junior
Other Options None
48. New England Patriots from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Vinny Curry Left End Marshall Senior The New England Patriots will need to add a 2nd pass rusher in the 2012 NFL Draft. Curry makes a lot of sense to New England if he slips to 48.
A pass rushing tandem featuring Andre Branch and Vinny Curry would give New England the pass rushers they desperately need.
Previous Pick Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior
Other Options
49. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Kendall Reyes 3-4 Right End Connecticut Senior Redshirt Corey Liuget was a 4-3 defensive tackle with no 3-4 ability. Reyes has more 3-4 ability than Liuget. Reyes could make the transition to 3-4 right end right away in San Diego. This pick was made before the Chargers re-signed Luis Castillo
Previous Pick Andrew Datko Left Tacle Florida State Senior
Other Options None
50. Chicago Bears 8-8 Kelechi Osmele Left Guard Iowa State Senior Redshirt Kelechi Osmele is a 6 foot 5 333 pound left tackle who lacks the footwork to play offensive tackle in the NFL. Osmele would be limited to a guard role. By drafting Cordy Glenn and Kelechi Osmele the Chicago Bears could move Gabe Carimi to left tackle for 2012 to replace J Marcus Webb.
Carimi would play left tackle, Cordy Glenn would play right tackle, and Kelechi Osmele would play left guard. If Carmi suffered another injury you could move Cordy Glenn to left tackle and Kelechi Osmele to right tackle. A loss to Carimi as an injury would really make Cutler’s pass protection suspect with Glenn lacking the footwork to play left tackle in the NFL and Osmele lacking the footwork to be a right tackle at the next level.
Previous Pick Harrison Smith Free Safety Notre Dame Senior
Other Options
Harrison Smith S Notre Dame The Chicago Bears may opt to pursue a safety with this selection.
51. Philadelphia Eagles from Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Andrew Datko Left Tackle Florida State Senior The Philadelphia Eagles could use a left tackle to start in 2012 with the wake of Jason Peters injury at left tackle. Andrew Datko could provide good value at this point. Datko has experience as a pass blocker for the Florida State Seminoles.
Zebrie Sandes may be the safer prospect. Datko has more potential which is why I got Datko graded slightly higher at this point.
Previous Pick Zebrie Sanders Left Tackle Florida State Senior
Other Options None
52. Tennessee Titans 8-8 Cam Johnson Left End Virginia Senior The Titans may need a starting defensive end long term. Derrick Morgan can start at right end with Kamerion Wimbley starting at left end. Wimbley is a short term solution. I see Cam Johnson as a developmental pass rusher who will eventually start across from Morgan on the Titans defensive line. Cam Johnson is the best player available. Cam Johnson gives Tennessee a run stuffing left end to compliment a pass rusher in Morgan.
Other Options None
53. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Harrison Smith Strong Safety Notre Dame Senior The Cincinnati Bengals need a strong safety. Harrison Smith is the best safety available at this point in the 2nd round.
Previous Pick Fletcher Cox Defensive Tackle Mississippi State Junior
Other Options None
54. Detroit Lions 10-6 David Wilson Running Back Virginia Tech Junior David Wilson is 5 foot 10 205 pounds. Wilson had 290 carries for over 1,700 ruhing yards. Wilson is considered the best prospect at this point. Adding Wilson for depth behind Jahvid Best and Mikel LeShore may not be such a bad idea.
The Lions usually take the best player available. I could see the Lions passing on Zebrie Sanders for David Wilson here.
Previous Pick Josh Robinson Cornerback Central Florida Junior
Other Options None
55. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Zebrie Sanders Left Tackle Florida State Senior The Atlanta Falcons need a left tackle. Atlanta already has plans to move Sam Baker to right guard. The Falcons need a blue chip left tackle.
Previous Pick David Wilson Running Back Virginia Tech Junior
Other Options None
56. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Doug Martin Running Back Boise State Senior Redshirt Pittsburgh wants to become more of a run first offense. There is only 1 2nd round talent at running back left on the draft board. That player is Boise State running back Doug Martin. Art Rooney II hinted that he wants the Steelers to become more of a run first team.
I think that means the Steelers will be open to adding running backs and offensive lineman depending on who the best players available.
Doug Martin is the 5th best running back after underclassmen Trent Richardson, Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, and David Wilson. Martin is clearly the top senior running back in this draft.
I don’t think the Steelers are sold on Mendenhall long term. Getting rid of Mendenhall would allow them to sign Mike Wallace long term if Wallace gets brought back by tender. Wallace is a long term player and Mendenhall isn’t due to the evolution of the NFL as a pass first league.
Issac Redman is a good #2 back that played like a good rotational back in the playoffs. Even if Redman starts next year, a #2 back is needed with Mendenhall’s injury. That #2 back could be Boise State running back Doug Martin.
Doug Martin has all the physical tools needed to be a top back. Martin weighed 5 foot 9 215 pounds heading into the season. Martin is now 5 foot 9 223 pounds.
Doug Martin has started since his sophomore redshirt season. In 2009 Martin got moved to special teams and defense before moving back Martin had 129 carries, 765 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns in 9 starts. Doug Martin also scored the game winning touchdown over the TCU Horned Frogs in the Fiesta Bowl.
Doug Martin started all of his games for Boise State in 2010 and 2011 for the Broncos. In 2010, Doug Martin had 201 carries, 1,260 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns. In 2011, Martin had 263 carries, 1,299 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns.
Doug Martin showcased his intangibles down in Mobile Alabama during Senior Bowl week. Martin also dominated the 2012 NFL Combine.
Martin is great with catching passes out of the backfield. Martin could be like former Boise State teammate Ian Johnson worst case scenario. Best case scenario, Martin ends up becoming the next Maurice Jones Drew. Lots of people are comparing Martin to a younger version of Maurice Jones Drew.
Doug Martin is consistent and has a great work ethic. Martin struggles with ball carrier vision, pass blocking, fumbles the ball, and lacks the height to play running back at five foot 9.
Martin’s predecessor Ian Johnson went undrafted because he had the exact same weaknesses as Martin despite running the fastest 40 time at the 2009 NFL Combine. Ian Johnson scored a game winning touchdown in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma before proposing to his girlfriend after Boise State won at the time.
Martin could end up becoming the next Maurice Jones Drew. I think Martin reminds me more of Ian Johnson.
Pittsburgh has to take Doug Matin here because he’s the final 2nd round talent worth taking in round 2 that is not a reach in terms of positional value. Kevin Colbert understands the importance of value picks in the draft better than anyone else. Colbert has passed on needs for value in the 2nd round to obtain 2nd round talents in years past. 2010 Colbert took Worilds and in 2008 Colbert took Limas Sweed in round 2.
Doug Martin is a great value pick in the late part of the 2nd round. It will be interesting to see how Martin would compete against John Clay, Jonathan Dwyer, and Baron Batch.
Martin is more of a power runner than an elusive runner. The Steelers prefer power runners to elusive runners. Doug Martin may be a major project. Kirby Wilson is one of the leagues best running back coaches. I can see Wilson coaching Doug Martin into an all pro back in Pittsburgh with the Steelers run blocking scheme. At the same time, I could also see the Martin pick blowing up in their face if they part ways with Mendenhall refusing to upgrade the offensive line.
Doug Martin led running backs in the bench press and and finished in the top 5 in all of the running back drills despite running a 4.55 40 time.
Some Steelers fans will love the idea of Doug Martin while others hate this pick. Either way Martin will draw more attendance considering running backs are considered fan favorites in Pittsburgh.
Other Options None
57. Denver Broncos 8-8 Chandler Jones Right End Syracuse Junior Redshirt Denver could use some defensive end depth behind Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers. Chandler Jones is the best player available at this point.
Previous Pick Brandon Weeden Quarterback Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt
Other Options None
58. Houston Texans 10-6 Josh Chapman Nose Tackle Alabama Senior Redshirt One player the Texans have taken a huge liking to at nose tackle is Josh Chapman. The Texans could add Chapman at this spot hoping to obtain a future starter.
Previous Pick Ben Jones Center Georgia Senior
Other Options None
59. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Fletcher Cox 3-4 Right End Mississippi State Junior Fletcher Cox has the versatility to become a 3-4 right end. Cox played defensive tackle on a Mississippi State run defense that was a middle of the pack run defense. The Mississippi State Bulldogs run defense ranked 65th out of 120 FBS teams. Fletcher Cox is getting more hype than he deserves. Some rank Cox as a top ten prospect which is crazy.
Previous Pick Delano Howell Free Safety Stanford Senior
Other Options None
60. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Jerel Worthy 3-4 Left End Michigan State Junior Redshirt The Baltimore Ravens use this pick to add a 3-4 left end that can compete with Pernell McPhee for the Ravens starting 3-4 left end job now that Cory Redding is on the Colts.
Previous Pick Jerel Worthy 3-4 Left End Michigan State Junior Redshirt
Other Options None
61. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Josh Robinson Cornerback Central Florida Junior The 49ers could use a nickel cornerback. Josh Robinson is the best available player at this point in round 2. Robinson would make a great 2nd round pick. The other reason the 49ers should take Robinson is because he is the final 2nd round talent on my draft board. Ted Thompson worked out Josh Robinson and came away impressed. That should tell you all you need to know about Robinson if he slips to this pick.
Previous Pick Joe Adams Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior
Other Options None
62. New England Patriots 13-3 Alameda Ta’amu Defensive Tackle Washington Senior The New England Patriots get a 4-3 defensive tackle to play next to Vince Wilfork with this pick. Alameda Ta’amu is a 6 foot 3 337 pound defensive tackle with the ability to play nose tackle in the 3-4. Ta’amu is a 3rd round prospect that New England could reach for with this pick.
Previous Pick George Iloka Free Safety Boise State Senior
Other Options None
63. New York Giants 9-7 Dwayne Allen Tight End Clemson Junior Redshirt The New York Giants could use a 2nd tight end next to Matellus Bennett. Dwayne Allen provides a bargain value at the end of round 2.
Previous Pick Kelechi Osmele Left Guard Iowa State Senior Redshirt
Other Options
Bernard Pierce RB Temple The New York Giants could also consider Temple running back Bernard Pierce with this selection.
Round 3
64. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Cory Harkey Tight End UCLA Senior Cory Harkey is a 6 foot 4 260 pound tight end. Harkey showcased his incredible hands at the 2012 NFL Combine. After Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, Harkey is my top graded tight end.
Andrew Luck loved having multiple tight ends to throw to at Stanford. Having Coby Fleener and Cory Harkey to throw to would give Andrew Luck the confidence he needs.
Previous Pick Dwayne Allen Tight End Clemson Junior Redshirt
65. St. Louis Rams 2-14 DaJohn Harris Defensive Tackle USC Senior Redshirt The St. Louis Rams need a defensive tackle. DaJohn Harris makes too much sense for the Rams at this point.
Previous Pick Terrell Manning Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina State Junior Redshirt
66. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Josh Norman Cornerback Coastal Carolina Senior Norman has the size to be a #1 field cornerback at 6 foot 3 215 pounds. Norman dominated the East West Shrine game. Norman makes a lot of sense in round 3.
67. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Joe Adams Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior Joe Adams can be used as a #1 flanker wide receiver target. Joe Adams playing as a #1 wide receiver with Greg Little being a #2 target gives Brandon Weeden or Colt McCoy two suitable options to work with in the passing game. Worst case scenario your getting a slot receiver that can serve an effective role on special teams.
Previous Pick Chase Minnifield Cornerback Virginia Senior Redshirt
68. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Alfonzo Dennard Cornerback Nebraska Senior Tampa Bay loves Alfonzo Dennard. Tampa Bay will take Dennard without thinking twice about it if he slips to round 3.
Tampa Bay would have Morris Claiborne, Eric Wright, Ronde Barber, possibly Aqib Talib if he avoids jail time, Myron Lewis, and Alfonzo Dennard as their cornerbacks.
Dennard has good man coverage ability. Dennard’s ability to react in zone coverage is an area in his game that he needs to improve. Dennard makes way too much sense at this spot even if Tampa Bay goes with Claiborne
69. Washington Redskins 5-11 Brian Quick Wide Receiver Appalachin State Senior Redshirt Teams usually like to use their 2nd draft pick on offense to build around a rookie quarterback. Brian Quick is the only wide receiver at this point with 3rd round talent.
The Redskins had bigger needs to address. Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan are not true #1 flanker wide receiver targets. Quick is 6 foot 5 220 pounds. Brian Quick would be a good option for Washington in round 3.
70. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Michael Egnew Tight End Missouri Senior The Jaguars addressed most of their needs in free agency. The Jaguars will likely still double dip at wide receiver paying Laurent Robinson to be a slot receiver.
Marcedes Lewis had 700 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns in 2010. Did you know that was Lewis’s contract year. Lewis did not amount to squat prior to that point. Lewis got a 5 year extension back in August so bringing in a tight end to compete with Lewis is necessary because tight end is a need until Lewis’s contract year.
Michael Egnew was teammates with Blaine Gabbert at Missouri. Egnew might be able to be used as a complimentary #2 tight end next to Marcedes Lewis.
Previous Pick Cory Harkey Tight End UCLA Senior
71. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Sean Spence Right Outside Linebacker Miami FL Senior The Buffalo Bills are moving to a 4-3 defense. The Bills could use depth behind their current starters at linebacker. Spencer could be added for a depth role in the mid rounds.
Previous Pick Rueben Randle Wide Receiver LSU Junior
72. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Justin Bethel Strong Safety Presbyterian Senior Justin Bethel can play cornerback, strong safety, free safety, kick returner, or punt returner. Bethel can play press coverage effectively and talked about how he put a huge emphasis on executing tackles. 2012 is a really weak safety class. Bethel could get pushed up draft boards. Miami needs a strong safety and a free safety as a starter. A nickel cornerback would help too.
Previous Pick Coby Fleener Tight End Stanford Senior Redshirt
73. Miami Dolphins from Chicago Bears via Carolina Panthers 6-10 Delano Howell Free Safety Stanford Senior Miami obtained the Greg Olson pick that the Panthers gave to the Chicago Bears for Brandon Marshall. Miami can use a 2nd 3rd round pick on a starting free safety to compliment Justin Bethel.
Justin Bethel and Delano Howell would give Miami two safeties that could counter New England’s two tight ends on offense.
Previous Pick Orson Charles TIght End Georgia Junior
74. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Ben Jones Center Georgia Senior Adding an interior offensive lineman for depth is something the Kansas City Chiefs need. I am not completely sold on Rodney Hudson or Jon Asamoah making a transition to center. Hudson can play left guard and Asamoah can play right guard. Hudson could move to center, but you would like to have a plan A.
Adding Ben Jones gives the Kansas City Chiefs a plan A at center. Jones is one of the most complete center prospects in the entire country.
Jones was a pass blocker for Aaron Murray the last two seasons while being an outstanding run blocker for Georgia during his tenure.
Previous Pick Marvin McNutt Wide Receiver Iowa Senior Redshirt
75. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Audie Cole Middle Linebacker North Carolina State Senior Redshirt The Seattle Seahawks will need a middle linebacker if David Hawthrone does not re-sign. Audie Cole provides great value at this point.
Previous Pick Alameda Ta’amu Defensive Tackle Washington Senior
76. Houston Texans from Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 George Iloka Strong Safety Boise State Senior The Houston Texans need a strong safety. George Iloka provides great value for the Texans in round 3. Iloka has good size for a safety at 6 foot 2 211 pounds. Iloka has the versatility to play strong safety and free safety.
Previous Pick Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior
77. New York Jets 8-8 Christian Tupou 3-4 Left End USC Senior Redshirt The New York Jets have most of their pieces to their 3-4 defensive line in place. The final addition the team could make is finding a 3-4 left end. Christian Tupou is a good starter who could fill this role.
Previous Pick Bruce Irvin 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker West Virginia Senior
78. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Bernard Pierce Running Back Temple Junior Mike Tolbert is gone and Jordan Todman is no longer on the Chargers roster. San Diego will need a plan B if Ryan Matthews goes down.
Bernard Pierce has the skill set to be one of the more complete backs in the league. Bernard PIerce had 1,361 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns as a true freshman for the Temple Owls in 2009. Pierce was on pace to have another monster season with 728 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns before suffering an injury. In 2011, Pierce had 1,481 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns for Temple. The 2012 NFL draft is heavy at running back.
Previous Pick DaJohn Harris Nose Tackle USC Senior Redshirt
79. Chicago Bears 8-8 Cordarro Law Left End Southern Miss Senior Redshirt Julius Peppers and Isreal Idonije are both in their 30′s. Corey Wooton is being groomed as the Bears 4-3 right end of the future. The Bears need a 4-3 left end though.
Law can play in a defensive scheme as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. Southern Miss pass rusher Cordarro Law can play on either side giving opposing quarterback pressure.
Law reminds me of James Harrison coming out of Kent State.
80. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Matt McCants Left Tackle UAB Senior Redshirt The Arizona Cardinals need a different starter instead of Levi Brown at left tackle. UAB left tackle Matt McCants had a dominant pro day. McCants makes a lot of sense for the Arizona Cardinals in round 3.
Previous Pick Tank Carder 3-4 Middle Linebacker TCU Senior Redshirt
81. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Shea McClellin 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Boise State Senior Dallas needs a pass rusher to develop for the future. Anthony Spencer is not a long term answer.
Previous Pick Christian Tupou Nose Tackle USC Senior Redshirt
82. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Lavonte David Strong Safety Nebraska Senior Lavonte David gives your team a strong safety for your team to work with.
Previous Pick Dwight “Bill” Bentley Cornerback Louisiana Lafayette Senior
83. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Jeff Allen Left Tackle Illinois Senior The Cincinnati Bengals will have addressed most of their needs after the first two rounds. The Bengals can add depth players in rounds 3-7 after being so active in free agency.
Jeff Allen would serve as a left tackle for depth behind Andrew Whitworth. Adding Jeff Allen also allows Anthony Collins to move to right tackle on the Bengals depth chart. I could see Jeff Allen succeeding Andrew Whitworth as the Bengals left tackle in a few years.
Previous Pick Lavonte David Strong Safety Nebraska Senior
84. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior Dunta Robinson can be a #1 field cornerback with Brent Grimes playing the boundary. Who does Atlanta have at nickel cornerback? Even with these two corners some have questions about Robinson’s ability to play consistent due to his huge salary. I feel like Robinson is better than Grimes. Most Falcons fans will give you a different answer.
Casey Heyward provides great depth as a nickel cornerback in the 3rd round. Atlanta could really use a nickel cornerback.
Previous Pick Shea McClellin Right End Boise State Senior
85. Detroit Lions 10-6 Terrell Manning Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina State Junior Redshirt Terrell Manning is one of the most underrated right outside linebacker prospects. Manning to the Detroit Lions makes a ton of sense.
Previous Pick Isaiah Pead Running Back Cincinnati Senior
86. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Joe Long Left Tackle Wayne State Senior Redshirt Joe Long is the little brother of Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long. Long weighs in at 6 foot 6 308 pounds.
Long started all 49 games of his collegiate career at left tackle for the Wayne State Warriors. Every year at left tackle Joe Long helped pave the way for a Wayne State rusher as Wayne State’s running backs have had over 1,000 rushing yards in each of Joe Long’s 4 seasons at left tackle. Wayne State rushed for 9,808 rushing yards in Joe Long’s 49 games at left tackle.
Joe Long is a pretty sound pass blocker as well. Joe Long could be a pro bowler. Joe Long has took snaps as the teams center during practice sessions for Wayne State.
Joe Long edged out Amini Silatolu as the 2011 Gene Upshaw Award for the top offensive lineman in Division II college football.
Marcus Gilbert may struggle to transition to left tackle. Adding Joe Long as a backup for depth and moving Joe Long to left tackle while moving Marcus Gilbert back to right tackle could be a great plan B if Gilbert struggles as Pittsburgh’s left tackle. Also doing this could allow the Steelers to bench Willie Colon if he struggles.
Here’s what Pittsburgh’s offensive line looks like when they make Joe Long a left tackle and move Marcus Gilbert to right tackle assuming they draft Amini Silatolu in round 1 and Doug Martin in round 2.
Left Tackle Joe Long
Left Guard Amini Silatolu
Center Maurkice Pouncey
Right Guard Willie Colon
Right Tackle Marcus Gilbert
Pittsburgh would actually have some flexibility on whether to use Colon as a backup offensive tackle or start him at the right guard spot. Colon was supposed to be a guard coming out of Hofstra and sort of got forced into a right tackle role. The 2006 NFL Draft produced elite blue chip right guards like Davin Joseph and Jahri Evans. Maybe Colon can become that type of guard if he transitions to the right guard position.
Previous Pick Mike Martin Nose Tackle Michigan Senior
87. Denver Broncos 8-8 Marvin McNutt Wide Receiver Iowa Senior Redshirt Marvin McNutt is a 6 foot 4 215 pound wide receiver for Iowa. McNutt is a legit top 100 talent. Denver would love to have 2 wide receivers besides DeMaryius Thomas. They really only need one though.
Adding Marvin McNutt would give Peyton Manning practically enough ammunition on offense.
In this mock draft, Manning would have DeMaryius Thomas, Mohammed Sanu a Rutgers WR who I gave Denver in round 1, Marvin McNutt, Eric Decker, and Andre Caldwell at wide receiver. Denver would also have Jacob Tamme at tight end.
I realize Denver has a glaring need at running back. I do not believe Denver can pass on Marvin McNutt if he slips this far though.
Previous Pick Marvin Jones Wide Receiver California Senior
88. Philadelphia Eagles from Houston Texans 10-6 Mitchell Schwartz Right Tackle California Senior Redshirt The Houston Texans need a right tackle now that Eric Winston is gone. Mitchell Schwartz can play left tackle or right tackle. Schwartz is a great offensive tackle prospect that can run block or pass block. Schwartz could start on either side. Schwartz would be better served as a bookend right tackle.
Schwartz was a run blocker for Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen at California. Schwartz really excelled as a pass blocker in 2011. Arian Foster will benefit from Schwartz in Houston.
Previous Pick Josh Chapman Nose Tackle Alabama Senior Redshirt
89. New Orleans Saints 13-3 Tank Carder Right Outside Linebacker TCU Senior Redshirt Tank Carder would start at right outside linebacker. When Tank Carder returns from his suspension he could shift to left outside linebacker with Jonathan Vilma at middle linebacker and Curtis Lofton at right outside linebacker.
Previous Pick Jerel Worthy Defensive Tackle Michigan State Junior Redshirt
90. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior Jayron Hosley may be undersized. Hosley has sick zone coverage ability and recorded double digit interceptions in 2010. One interception even came against Andrew Luck in a winter scrimmage game.
The Packers have Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Jarrett Bush, Sam Shields, and Davon House. The problem is the Packers pass defense was worse in the league. The Green Bay Packers have to bring another cornerback in for competition. Hosley can compete with Bush, Shields, and House for the nickel cornerback job.
Previous Pick Jaye Howard 3-4 Right End Florida Senior Redshirt
91. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Marvin Jones Wide Receiver California Senior Marvin Jones is a long term answer if the Ravens doubt the ability of Anquan Boldin long term. The Ravens currently have Tandon Doss and David Reed. If the Ravens do not have faith in either target than maybe they should bring in Marvin Jones from California.
Previous Pick Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior
92. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Chris Givens Wide Receiver Wake Forest Junior Redshirt San Francisco gets Chris Givens as a slot receiver. Givens was impressive enough at the 2012 NFL Combine to warrant a 3rd round pick.
93. New England Patriots 13-3 Dwight “Bill” Bentley Cornerback Louisiana Lafayette Senior New England adds cornerback by getting a 3rd round talent. Every year since 2008 the Patriots have drafted a cornerback in the first 2 rounds. That trend may end this season. I can still see New England selecting a cornerback in the top 100.
Previous Pick Jonathan Massquoi Left End Troy Sophomore Redshirt
94. New York Giants 9-7 Isaiah Pead Running Back Cincinnati Senior Isaiah Pead was the MVP of the 2012 Senior Bowl. Pead had fantastic games against Tennessee in Neyland Stadium and Pittsburgh at Heinz Field.
Pead weighs in at 5 foot 11 200 pounds. Pead had 9 rushing touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per carry in 2009 when the Bearcats had quarterback Tony Pike and wide receiver Mardy Gilyard as 2010 NFL Draft prospects.
In 2010 Pead helped a Bearcats team with 157 carries for 1,029 rushing yards. In 2011 Pead had 237 carries, 1,259 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns.
The New York Giants need to find a 2nd back to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw. The Giants would grab Isaiah Pead in a heartbeat if he slipped to this selection in the 3rd round.
95. Oakland Raiders 8-8 (Compensation Pick) Mike Martin Nose Tackle Michigan Senior The Oakland Raiders are making a switch to a 3-4 scheme. Richard Seymour can play 3-4 right end like he once did in New England with Lamaar Houston being a 3-4 left end for the Raiders. Mike Martin is a plug in nose tackle who can be an effective run stuffer. Martin reminds me a lot of Chris Hoke. Martin provides a great #2 nose tackle and a quality short term starter at this point.
Round 4
96. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Senior Redshirt The Rams need a right outside linebacker. Travis Lewis is the best available player at this point.
Previous Pick Bobby Wagner Left Outside Linebacker Utah State Senior
97. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Chris Owusu Wide Receiver Stanford Senior Chris Owusu made me believe he could be a top 100 pick with his ability at the 2012 NFL Combine. The Colts may take Owusu as a #2 option for Andrew Luck to throw to in round 4.
Andrew Luck’s wide receivers would consist of Reggie Wayne, Stanford teammate Chris Owusu, Austin Collie, Donnie Avery, Blair White, and Quan Cosby a 2009 late round wide receiver from Texas.
98. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Terrance Ganaway Running Back Baylor Senior Redshirt Terrance Ganaway only had 1 year as a starter for Baylor. Ganaway dominated his pro day and looks like a top 100 pick. Ganaway had 250 carries, 1,547 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns for the Baylor Bears in 2011. Ganaway could start a few games in relief for Adrian Peterson Ganaway is no Peterson though and Peterson will reclaim his job once he recovers from his injury.
Previous Pick Robert Turbin Running Back Utah State Junior Redshirt
99. Houston Texans Philadelphia Eagles from Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Jaye Howard 3-4 Right End Florida Senior Redshirt The Houston Texans need a 3-4 defensive end for depth. Howard is the best player available in round 4.
Previous Pick Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Redshirt
100. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Junior The Browns have Scott Fujita, D Qwell Jackson, and Chris GoCong as starting linebackers. Depth is needed though. Ronnell Lewis is the best player available. Lewis would provide depth at left outside linebacker.
Previous Pick LaMichael James Running Back Oregon Junior Redshirt
101. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Robert Turbin Running Back Utah State Junior Redshirt Maurice Jones Drew had 343 carries for 1,606 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns in 2011. MJD will wear down in Jacksonville if he has another season with close to 350+ carries. MJD was injured for the first month and still played through the pain with 340+ carries to finish the 2011 season which is even more impressive.
L could be used as a complimentary back behind Maurice Jones Drew. Deji Karim is not a #2 back. Karim failed to rush for a single rushing touchdown on 63 carries racking up only 130 rushing yards on those 63 carries.
Robert Turbin may not be a future starter. He can certainly top Karim’s abysmal stats and potentially take carries of of Karim.
Robert Turbin is a power back with some durability concerns. When you watch Turbin’s tape, you see a back that can take a run from his own 20 yard line and zoom 80 yards to the end zone weighing in at 6 foot 240 pounds.
Turbin may not be a #1 back. He could start in a #2 role. MJD had similar durability concerns and was undersized coming out of UCLA. MJD started out as a #2 back behind Fred Taylor and that turned out to be a great bargain for the Jaguars.
Previous Pick LaMichael James Running Back Oregon Junior Redshirt
102. Washington Redskins 5-11 James Michael Johnson 3-4 Middle Linebacker Nevada Senior Redshirt James Michael Johnson is the best player available at this point. The Redskins have to add James Michael Johnson as a future starter since Washington has not made an offer towards London Fletcher or Rocky McKintosh at this point.
103. Miami Dolphins 6-10 David Paulson Tight End Oregon Senior Redshirt The Miami Dolphins should draft Texas A&M wide receiver Jeff Fuller. Fuller is a 6 foot 4 220 pound wide receiver. I think Fuller’s ability to handle double teams is really underrated. Fuller can be a crisp route runner. Fuller can jump in the red zone to make a critical play. Texas A&M hated Fuller’s work ethic in 2011 and Mike Sherman was A&M’s HC before joining the Dolphins. Fuller had 72 receptions, 1,066 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2010 before regressing in terms of production in 2011.
I realize Miami likes Fasano as a #1 tight end. Fasano needs competition though. Now your telling yourself Charles Clay could be an option. Clay was a fullback at Tulsa and that should be his natural position in the NFL. David Paulson can block and get open as a pass catcher. Paulson could be a solid #2 tight end.
The Dolphins will try to do something really dumb by attempting to copy the Patriots with a two tight end set featuring Anthony Fasano and David Paulson. I got a feeling the experiment fails and Jeff Fuller goes on to be a draft steal while Tannehill fails to make ends meet in Miami.
I don’t think Tannehill is a bust. I just think his draft value is way too high. Tannehill is a raw inexperienced quarterback with Joe Flacco, Elvis Grbac, or Rich Gannon type potential at best. Tannehill could get a team to the playoffs maybe even the AFC Championship with the right supporting cast. I cannot see Tannehill playing in a Super Bowl.
I’d rather have Brandon Weeden in round 2, Brock Osweiler in round 3, or Nick Foles in round 4 because I see more long term potential to work with in those quarterbacks than I do with Tannehill.
If any of those 3 quarterbacks have more success than Tannehill then some will debate about whether Tannehill was a draft bust unless he wins a Championship.
Previous Pick Tyrone Crawford Left End Boise State Senior
104. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior Texas A&M wide receiver Jeff Fuller has been very consistent throughout his career at Texas A&M before flaming out as a senior. Fuller has the size 6 foot 4 22o pounds, the hands, route running, and jumping ability to be a quarterback’s primary receiving target at the next level.
In 2008 as a true freshman Fuller had 50 receptions, for 630 receiving yards, and 9 receiving yards. Fuller averaged 12.6 yards per reception. Fuller displayed a really promising campaign.
Fuller had a bit of a sophomore slump in 2009. Fuller had 41 receptions, 568 receiving yards, 13.9 receiving yards per catch, 7 receiving touchdowns in 2009. Fuller caught a 70 yard pass which was a career long at the time.
Fuller really broke out in 2011. Fuller recorded 72 receptions, 1,066 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns. Fuller caught a season long 69 yard pass and averaged a career high 14.8 yards per catch. Fuller did all of this even when Texas A&M made a midseason switch at quarterback after Ryan Tannehill took over for Jerrod Johnson on the Aggies roster.
As a senior Fuller had 70 receptions, 828 receiving yards. Fuller had a career low in 3 different categories. Those categories were yards per catch, longest pass caught on the season, and receiving touchdowns. Fuller only had 11.8 yards per catch in 2011. Fuller caught a 38 yard pass which was his longest on the season and only had 6 receiving touchdowns while getting double teamed constantly.
Fuller’s double teams opened up chances for Nehemiah Hicks and Ryan Swope who are two other A&M targets for Tannehill to throw to. Texas A&M’s coaches loved Tannehill’s competitive nature and questioned Fuller’s work ethic. The lack of a demand at quarterback after Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III has pushed Tannehill up draft boards.
Texas A&M’s coaching staff is blaming someone else for Tannehill’s inability to rally the team to wins so Tannehill’s stock doesn’t take a hit.
Texas A&M lost some close games. People want to point to Fuller as the scapegoat, but honestly I sort of question Tannehill’s ability to win those games because Tannehill had great pass protection with Luke Joekel and Jake Matthews at offensive tackle. Jeff Fuller, Ryan Swope, and Nehemiah Hicks. A&M had Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael at running back too.
Texas A&M was so stacked on offense that I picked the Aggies as a sleeper to make a BCS bowl game back in the preseason despite the loss of Von Miler. A&M had Damontre Moore and Sean Porter as pass rushers.
Fuller had 2 receiving touchdowns in the loss to Oklahoma State. Fuller had 9 receptioons for 82 receiving yards against Arkansas. Jeff Fuller had 107 receiving yards on 7 receptions against the Texas Longhorns which was a team Tannehill threw 3 interceptions against.
Fuller really picked up the slack near the end of the season. I just get the feeling that Fuller will be a draft day steal.
Fuller would provide Cam Newton with a #1 target when Steve Smith retires. David Gettis could line up across from Jeff Fuller. Fuller could give Carolina a Brandon Marshall type of steal. If Fuller refuses to put the work ethic in you can draft a receiver early in the 2013 NFL Draft. Obtaining Fuller is a low risk high reward scenario for Carolina.
Previous Pick Gerrell Robinson Wide Receiver Arizona State Senior
105. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Nigel Bradham Middle Linebacker Florida State Senior Nick Barnett is injury prone and turns 31 in May. Barnett can start, but you need to have depth behind him in case injuries occur.
Nigel Bradham has the versatility to play anywhere at right outside linebacker, middle linebacker, and left outside linebacker in the 4-3.
Buffalo seems to have their starters set after being so active in free agency. The Bills just want to add depth players with their draft picks in case injuries occur.
The Buffalo Bills could spend a mid round pick on Ryan Steed if they are not sold on Aaron Williams, Terrence McGee, Drayton Florence, or Leodis McKelvin over the long haul. Knowing the Bills their team is probably contempt with these cornerbacks for the time being.
The Bills usually go best player available. I believe Bradham is a safer pick than Steed. Both picks would help the Bills add depth on defense though.
Previous Pick David Paulson Tight End Oregon Senior Redshirt
106. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Brock Osweiler Quarterback Arizona State Junior Brock Osweiler is a 6 foot 8 240 pound polished pocket passer with elite physical tools and great mental instincts.
Scouts will knock Osweiler for his lack of experience as a 1 year starter. Mark Sanchez and Cam Newton also only started for 1 year. Sanchez led the Jets to 2 straight AFC Title games in his first two years and Cam Newton broke Peyton Manning’s rookie record for passing yards.
I love what I see from Brock Osweiler on tape and its a shame scouts are knocking him for his lack of experience plus the poor pro day he had at Arizona State after opting not to throw at the Combine.
Seattle will probably take Osweiler and let him develop by sitting him for 2-3 years. I could see Osweiler coming into Seattle and claiming Seattle’s starting quarterback job the moment he gets the chance.
Osweiler threw for over 4,000 passing yards, threw 26 passing touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. These stats look slightly better than Ryan Tannehill’s 3,700 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Tannehill played in a pro style offense while Osweiler operated a vertical spread offense. Osweiler’s supporting cast was much weaker which is why I believe Osweiler could give you better value in the later rounds than Tannehill.
Previous Pick Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior
107. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 LaMichael James Running Back Oregon Junior Redshirt Jamaal Charles is recovering from an injury and Peyton Hillis got inked to a 1 year deal. The Chiefs may feel the need to bring in one more back. LaMichael James is a 3rd round talent that could slide this far.
In 2009 as a redshirt freshman, James had to step in for LeGarrette Blount after Blount picked a fight with one of Boise State’s players. James had 230 carries, 1,546 rushing yards, and 14 rushing touchdowns.
In 2010, as a sophomore redshirt, James had 294 carries, 1,31 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns. James led Oregon to the National Title and finished 3rd in Heisman voting in 2010 behind Andrew Luck and Cam Newton.
In 2011, as a junior redshirt, James had 247 carries, 1,805 rushing yards, and 18 rushing touchdowns. James missed some games with injuries. Blount averaged 7.3 yards per carry.
LaMichael James weighs 5 foot 9 185 pounds. James is very shifty and elusive. James can catch out of the backfield with 17 receptions per year over the past 3 seasons. James has had a season long run of 60 yards or more every year over the past 3 seasons. Some see flashes of Barry Sanders with LaMichael James. I don’t see that with James. Obtaining James at this juncture in the draft does provide great overall value though.
Besides the fact that James is undersized another concern with him is his durability. James has missed games due to being injured. SEC defenses like Auburn and LSU managed to keep LaMichael James in check.
Previous Pick Vontaze Burfict 3-4 Middle Linebacker Arizona State Junior
108. Denver Broncos from New York Jets 8-8 Jonathan Massaquoi Left End Troy Sophomore Redshirt The final player on my draft board that I consider a 3rd round talent is 4-3 left end Jonathan Massaquoi. Depth at left end could be added behind Robert Ayers.
Previous Pick Bobby Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior
109. Washington Redskins from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Winston Guy Jr. Strong Safety Kentucky Senior Washington could add a strong safety here. There is one safety in this draft who blitzes in similar fashion to Troy Polamalu. That is Kentucky safety Winston Guy Jr.
Laron Landry has an expiring deal. Landry has only played 17 games dating back to 2010. Landry could miss more time. The 2000′s decade was very friendly to Landry. Then the 2010′s occurred and that’s when the injury bug struck Laron Landry.
Kentucky strong safety Winston Guy Jr. reminds me a lot of Bob Sanders with less size and better durability. Laron Landry has only played 17 games over two seasons at strong safety. Landry has an expiring deal. Even if Landry is retained for coverage situations, having a Bob Sanders/Troy Polamalu like blitzer in Winston Guy Jr. for depth would only help the Washington Redskins.
110. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Nick Jean Baptiste Nose Tackle Baylor Senior Redshirt Nick Jean Baptiste could be an effective nose tackle. The Chargers need a nose tackle to play behind Antonio Garay and Jean Baptiste fits the bill.
Previous Pick Johnnie Troutman Left Guard Penn State Senior
111. Chicago Bears 8-8 Michael Brewster Center Ohio State Senior The Chicago Bears need a center so they can move Roberto Garza back to right guard. Brewster is the best center available at this point.
Adding Brewster solidifies everywhere on Chicago’s offensive line. Chicago can focus their remaining draft picks on adding youth to the defense.
112. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Keenan Robinson 3-4 Middle Linebacker Texas Senior Redshirt The Arizona Cardinals need a 3-4 middle linebacker next to Daryl Washington. Keenan Robinson and Cardinals pass rusher Sam Acho were teammates at Texas. Acho was a 4th round draft pick in last years 2011 NFL Draft. Keenan Robinson is the top 3-4 middle linebacker on the board so adding him makes a lot of sense here.
Previous Pick Jeff Allen Left Tackle Illinois Senior
113. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Ryan Steed Cornerback Furman Senior Dallas could use a cornerback for depth even with the addition of Brandon Carr. Ryan Steed is a small school corner that could develop into a #1 corner. Steed is a high character corner that is capable of starting right off the get go if he showcases his work ethic. Steed is exactly what Dallas needs in the mid rounds.
Previous Pick Jerrell Harris 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior
114. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona Senior Redshirt Nick Foles is a 6 foot 5 240 pound quarterback from Arizona. Foles sells the pump fake better than any quarterback in this draft. Foles is a project with Blaine Gabbert’s ability at this point. Foles has Ben Roethlisberger like upside if you sit him out for 3 seasons and patiently develop him.
I’m sold on the opinion that the Eagles will never win a Super Bowl with Michael Vick as their quarterback. Vick has been injury prone in years past and he’s only been to 1 NFC Championship with a loss to Donovan McNabb which may have been the peak of his NFL Playoff career.
The Eagles can let Vick play for 3 more years with Vick playing out his contract. By the time Vick is ready to walk away, Nick Foles will be ready to start for the Eagles.
Previous Pick AJ Jenkins Wide Receiver Illinois Senior
115. Tennessee Titans 9-7 David Molk Center Michigan Senior Redshirt The Tennessee Titans need a starting center. There is no guarantee David Molk is a long term answer. David Molk will have great team chemistry with Steve Hutchinson and Leroy Harris on the interior offensive line.
Previous Pick Jermaine Kearse Wide Receiver Washington Senior
116. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Gerrell Robinson Wide Receiver Arizona State Senior Gerrell Robinson was Brock Osweiler’s favorite target to throw to at Arizona State.
Jordan Shipley and Ryan Whalen are better suited as additional slot receivers on the inside. The Bengals will probably add another receiver who can challenge Whalen and Shipley for the #2 receiver role. I think that receiver could be Gerrell Robinson.
I see Shipley being the #2 receiver for the short term with Robinson playing slot receiver. Robinson could get a chance to be the Bengals #2 receiver target next to AJ Green if Jordan Shipley struggles in 2012.
Previous Pick Amini Silatolu Left Guard Midwestern State Senior Redshirt
117. Detroit Lions 10-6 Brandon Mosley Right Tackle Auburn Senior Brandon Mosley gives the Detroit Lions another offensive tackle for depth. Detroit has Jeff Backus at left tackle, Gosder Cherillus at right tackle. Depth is needed though.
Corey Hilliard has no business starting at left tackle if Jeff Backus goes down. Jason Fox a 2010 4th round pick is injury prone and Johnnyy Culbreath a 2011 7th round pick cannot stay out of trouble off of the football field. None of these backups can become effective starters in the long haul
Detroit has 3 left tackles and 2 right tackles. Detroit can draft a right tackle here who will beat out Culbreath for a roster spot on the Lions offensive line.
Previous Pick Keenan Robinson Right Outside Linebacker Texas Senior Redshirt
118. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Chase Minnifield Cornerback Virginia Senior Redshirt Chase Minnifield is the son of Browns pro bowl cornerback Frank Minnifield. Pairing Minnifield up with Joe Haden at cornerback. Sheldon Brown, Buster Skryne, and Dimitri Patterson would provide solid nickel, dime, and quarter corners. None of these cornerbacks have any business starting. Minnifield’s draft stock has taken a bit of a hit due to his height. Another glaring concern with Minnifield is some teams are left with the impression that he may have durability issues just like Chris Cook or Ras I Dowling. The last two 2nd round talents to enter the NFL draft for Virginia at cornerback have struggled to transition to the NFL so far.
Cleveland will not shy away from Chase Minnifield if he slips to round 4. The value would simply be too great to ignore.
Previous Pick Brandon Lindsey Right End Pittsburgh Senior Redshirt
119. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Korey Williams 3-4 Middle Linebacker Southern Miss Senior Redshirt Korey Williams has played in a 3-4 scheme at Southern Miss. Williams is 6 foot 2 242 pounds. Williams got injured as a freshman redshirt after sitting out as a redshirt. Williams had 121 total tackles as a sophomore redshirt and then followed that up with 80 total tackles as a junior redshirt. Williams got re injured as a senior redshirt.
Previous Pick Russell Wilson Quarterback Wisconsin Senior Redshirt
120. Denver Broncos 8-8 Jared Crick Defensive Tackle Nebraska Senior Redshirt The Denver Broncos need a defensive tackle. Jared Crick is the best defensive tackle available. Jared Crick makes a lot of sense at this point.
Previous Pick DeQuan Menzie Cornerback Alabama Senior
121. Houston Texans 10-6 Brandon Washington Right Tackle Miami FL Junior The Texans love players from Miami FL. The Texans need a right tackle to replace Eric Winston. Brandon Washington is the top prospect available.
Previous Pick Jerry Franklin 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Arkansas Senior Redshirt
122. New Orleans Saints 13-3 Ron Brooks Cornerback LSU Senior Redshirt Ron Brooks was a dime cornerback on LSU. Brooks was a dime cornerback on LSU’s depth chart behind nickel cornerback Tharold Simon, boundary cornerback Tyrann Mathieu a Heisman Finalist on defense, and Morris Claiborne.
Jabari Greer is no field cornerback. Tracy Porter is on the Denver Broncos. Its a good thing that New Orleans drafted Patrick Robinson as their #1 field cornerback in the 2010 NFL Draft. Robinson struggled in the wild card loss to Seattle and struggled against Lions wide receiver Titus Young in the one on one match ups before improving against the 49ers the following week.
I feel like Ron Brooks could be a sleeper. The New England Patriots have been scouting Ron Brooks. That should tell you all you need to know about Ron Brooks being a potential sleeper.
Previous Pick James Brown Right Tackle Troy Senior
123. Green Bay Packers 15-1 BJ Coleman Quarterback Tennessee Chattanooga Senior Redshirt BJ Coleman is a former Tennessee quarterback that transferred to Tennessee Chattanooga. Coleman has this real humble Peyton Manning like presence about him when you hear him in interviews. Coleman has the physical tools despite being a project at the quarterback spot.
Green Bay should have Coleman start out as a 3rd stringer. You can bring in a backup like Charlie Batch or Donovan McNabb and have them coach Coleman for a year before he becomes Green Bay’s backup.
Previous Pick Bernard Pierce Running Back Temple Junior
124. Buffalo Bills from Baltimore Ravens 12-4 LaDarius Green Tight End Louisiana Lafayette Senior Adding LaDarius Green as a mid round pick to challenge Scott Chandler for the Bills starting tight end job may not be a bad idea. If things don’t work out the Bills could always consider Tyler Eifert in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Previous Pick Mitchell Schwartz Right Tackle California Senior Redshirt
125. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Eddie Whitley Free Safety Virginia Tech Senior The 49ers need to bring in a free safety for depth behind Dashon Goldson. Whitley can be effective in zone coverage. Whitley needs work with run stuffing and tackling. Those two areas are specialties of Goldson’s.
126. New England Patriots 13-3 Brandon Brooks Right Tackle Miami Ohio Senior New England could afford to add a right tackle for depth behind Sebastian Vulmer if Matt Light retires. Brandon Brooks is a sleeper that provides tremendous value at this point.
Previous Pick Nigel Bradham Right Outside Linebacker Florida State Senior
127. New York Giants DeQuan Menzie Cornerback Alabama Senior DeQuan Menzie is capable of being a #2 boundary cornerback. Menzie is best served as a dime cornerback for now.
Corey Webster can be the Giants #1 field cornerback. Webster is really underrated at this role. Terrell Thomas can be a solid #2 boundary cornerback if he stays healthy. Prince Amukamara needs more time at the nickel cornerback after missing part of his rookie season with an injury. Amukamara may be the Giants #2 cornerback next season if Thomas does not recover from his injury.
DeQuan Menzie can step into a #2 boundary cornerback role. Menzie is best served as a dime cornerback for development. Menzie was the boundary cornerback on an Alabama pass defense that was ranked the top pass defense in the nation. Menzie makes a lot of sense for the New York Giants at this point.
Previous Pick Keith Tandy Cornerback West Virginia Senior
128. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 (Compensation Pick) Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior Juron Criner is a 6 foot 4 215 pound wide receiver with the hands, route running, and size to be a #4 target. The Vikings could have Percy Harvin, a #2 receiver in the 2nd round, Devin Aromashodu in the slot, and a #4 receiver with Juron Criner.
Juron Criner was Nick Foles #1 target in 2010 and 2011 the past two seasons. Criner had 82 receptions, 1,233 receiving yards, averaged 15 receiving yards a game, and 11 receiving touchdowns in 2010 as a junior.
As a senior has 75 receptions, 956 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns. Criner is capable of giving Christian Ponder an additional wide receiver target for depth.
129. Oakland Raiders 8-8 (Compensation Pick) Brandon Lindsey 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Pittsburgh Senior Redshirt The Oakland Raiders need a pass rusher for their 3-4 scheme. Lindsey is the best available player for Oakland at this point.
130. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 (Compensation Pick) James Brown Right Tackle Troy Senior Bryant McKennie and Michael Oher can be bookends for the short term. Michael Oher can move back to left tackle with Baltimore obtaining a new bookend for Oher at right tackle.
131. New York Giants 9-7 (Compensation Pick) Nate Potter Left Guard Boise State Senior Redshirt The New York Giants need an upgrade over David Boothe and Mitch Petrus at left guard. Nate Potter struggles with run blocking. Potter is one of the best pass blockers in college football. Nate Potter was a great pass blocker at left tackle for Boise State. Nate Potter was a solid run blocker for Boise State running back Doug Martin too.
132. Green Bay Packers 15-1 (Compensation Pick) Bobby Rainey Running Back Western Kentucky Senior Redshirt Bobby Rainey is one of the most underrated running backs. Rainey got 100 rushing yards against every opponent except LSU and Arkansas State. LSU ranked 3rd out of 120 FBS schools in run defense while Arkansas State ranked 15th.
In 2011, Bobby Rainey had 369 carries, 1,695 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns for the Western Kentucky Hilltopers. I can see Rainey becoming Green Bay’s starter in the backfield. James Starks can be injury prone, Brandon Saine went undrafted, and Alex Green lacks the potential to become a starter.
Rainey is 24 years old plus he is 5 foot 8 205 pounds. Green Bay needs to draft a 2nd back if they take Bobby Rainey here.
133. Green Bay Packers 15-1 (Compensation Pick) Senio Kelemete Left Guard Washington Senior Evan Dietrich Smith has absolutely no business starting at left guard if TJ Lang goes down. Senio Kelemete played left tackle at Washington.
Kelemete was a pass blocker for Jake Locker and a run blocker for Chris Polk. Adding Kelemete as a left guard behind TJ Lang could give the Green Bay Packers some much needed depth on the interior offensive line.
134. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 (Compensation Pick) Marcus Forston Defensive Tackle Miami FL Junior Redshirt The Minnesota Vikings could use a defensive tackle for depth behind Leroy Guion. Its uncertain whether Christian Ballad plays defensive tackle or defensive end for the Vikings long term.
135. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 (Compensation Pick) Tony Bergstrom Right Tackle Utah Senior The Dallas Cowboys could add a backup right tackle for depth behind right tackle Doug Free. Tony Bergstrom could step in and become an effective right tackle.
Round 5
136. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Keith Tandy West Virginia Senior Redshirt The Indianapolis Colts need a cornerback. The Colts drafted Kevin Thomas, Jerraud Powers, and Chris Rucker as cornerbacks. Two 3rd round corners and a 6th round corner entering his second year can be the starting 3 corners. A dime corner for the Colts could be used. Thomas, Powers, and Rucker could be upgraded. You may need to make ends meet with these cornerbacks for another year just to ensure Andrew Luck’s success. Keith Tandy is a dime cornerback as a 4th round talent.
137. Denver Broncos from St.Louis Rams 2-14 Daniel “Boom” Herron Running Back Ohio State Senior Redshirt I had lots of trouble deciding whether Daniel “Boom” Herron or Russell Wilson should go here. I think Broncos fans would gladly prefer Russell Wilson. Denver has Caleb Hanie, Dennis Dixon, and undrafted quarterback Adam Weber on their roster. Denver may be contempt with these 3 3rd stringers at best competing to be on Denver’s roster.
Daniel Herron had 678 rushing yards in 6 games. As a junior, Herron had 216 carries, 1,155 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns. Adding Herron to Denver’s backfield for depth just makes too much sense at this juncture.
138. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Micanor Regis Defensive Tackle Senior The Vikings will be set at most areas at this point. Maybe Minnesota should get Forston’s teammate Micanor Regis to compete with Hurricane defensive tackle teammate Marcus Forston for a roster spot on the Vikings.
139. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Ryan Miller Right Guard Colorado Senior Redshirt The Cleveland Browns need to add the best player available. Ryan Miller could compete for the Browns right guard job.
140. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Bradie Ewing Fullback Wisconsin Senior Bradie Ewing may be the best fullback I’ve seen since Mike Alstott. Earnest Graham turns 32 years old. Ewing is a great value pick.
Tampa Bay’s offensive line coach coached the running backs, fullbacks, tight ends, and offensive line at Wisconsin from 2006-2011. Those areas are usually Wisconsin’s strengths.
141. Washington Redskins 5-11 Lucas Nix Right Tackle Pittsburgh Senior Jamaal Brown has become too injury prone at right tackle with the Washington Redskins. Lucas Nix had to compete for the right tackle job at Pittsburgh in 2011. By midseason Nix became the left tackle for the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Redskins may take a flyer on Lucas Nix for depth at offensive tackle.
142. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Russell Wilson Quarterback Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The top ranked quarterback available at this spot is Russell Wilson. Wilson is a bargain for the Jaguars at this juncture. I could realistically see Wilson becoming the Jaguars starter. Wilson provides a slight upgrade over Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne.
Russell Wilson threw 33 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Wilson completed 72.8 percent of his passes in 2011. Wilson is a dual threat quarterback that weighs in at 5 foot 11. Wilson would be in the same sentence as Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III if he were 6 foot 2 or 6 foot 3.
143. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Shaun Prater Cornerback Iowa Senior The Carolina Panthers can just add a depth player at this spot. Iowa cornerback Shaun Prater has the necessary skill set to contribute as a dime cornerback for depth on the Carolina Panthers roster.
144. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Leonard Johnson Cornerback Iowa State Senior The Buffalo Bills need a quarter cornerback to replace Reggie Corner. Leonard Johnson is the top available corner at this point who provides outstanding value in round 5.
145. Miami Dolphins 6-10 AJ Jenkins Wide Receiver Illinois Senior AJ Jenkins is not a #1 receiver in my eyes in terms of overall talent. Jenkins is the top receiver on the board though. Lots of people are generating the impression that AJ Jenkins is a top 100 pick.
Jenkins is best suited as a #4 receiver on a depth chart. Miami can add Jenkins for depth behind Brian Hartline and Davone Bess.
In 2011, Jenkins had 90 receptions, 1,276 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns. AJ Jenkins would give Miami some short term depth at wide receiver.
146. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Bruce Irvin 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker West Virginia Senior As a junior Bruce Irvin was a sack artist at West Virginia. Irvin struggled as a senior. Many are generating the impression that Irvin is a 3-4 only player.
Bruce Irvin would make a great fit in Kansas City. Irvin could start out as a 3-4 left outside linebacker for depth behind Justin Houston. Over time, Irvin could surpass Houston as the Chiefs starting pass rusher if he puts the work in.
147. Buffalo Bills from Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Emmanuel Acho Left Outside Linebacker Texas Senior Buffalo will only have one more need after this. The Bills can use this pick to add a 4-3 left outside linebacker for depth behind Chris Kelsay. After this point, the Bills draft needs will be addressed giving them some flexibility to take the best players available in the final 2 rounds.
148. Oakland Raiders 8-8 Johnnie Troutman Left Guard Penn State Senior Johnnie Troutman played next to Stephen Wisnewski on Penn State’s interior offensive line. Troutman is the top left guard available on my draft board. Maybe the two Penn State interior offensive lineman should re-unite in Oakland.
Here is what Oakland’s offensive line would look like now after the selection of Johnnie Troutman.
Left Tackle Jared Veldheer and backup Zach Hurd
Left Guard Cooper Carslie and backup Johnnie Troutman
Center Stephen Wisnewski
Right Guard Mike Breisel and backup Alex Parsons
Right Tackle Khalif Barnes and backup Joseph Barksdale
Previous Pick Trumaine Johnson Cornerback Montana Senior
149. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Frank Alexander 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior The San Diego Chargers need a pass rusher for depth behind Jarrett Johnson. Frank Alexander is the best player available at this spot.
150. Chicago Bears 8-8 Joe Suhey Fullback Penn State Senior Redshirt Matt Suhey got to block for Walter Payton in Chicago. Now Matt’s son Joe, gets to do the same for Matt Forte.
151. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Donte Paige Moss 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker North Carolina Junior The Arizona Cardinals need a 3-4 pass rusher for depth behind O Brien Schofield. Donte Paige Moss is the best 3-4 pass rusher available at this point. Adding Paige Moss practically addresses most of Arizona’s main needs.
152. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Kheeston Randall 3-4 Left End Texas Senior Kheeston Randall can play anywhere in a 3-4 scheme. Randall would provide great insurance in case Jay Ratliff struggles to make the transition to a 3-4 defensive end role.
153. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Quentin Saulsberry Center Mississippi State Senior Redshirt The Eagles need a center for their offensive line. Saulberry has the versatility to play anywhere on the interior offensive line. Saulsberry makes a ton of sense for the Eagles at this point.
154. New York Jets 8-8 Trumaine Johnson Free Safety Montana Senior The 6 foot 2 215 pound defensive back can play cornerback or free safety. The New York Jets are in the market for a starting free safety. Trumaine Johnson makes a lot of sense for the New York Jets in the 5th round.
155. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Jermaine Kearse Wide Receiver Washington Senior Jermaine Kearse was Jake Locker’s favorite wide receiver to throw to at Washington. Maybe the Titans should add Kearse as a #5 receiver for depth.
156. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Will Blackwell Right Guard LSU Senior Redshirt Will Blackwell was a guard for the LSU Tigers. Blackwell could run block or pass block. Cincinnati signed Travelle Wharton to be their left guard. The Bengals could use a right guard to compete with Clint Boling for the Bengals right guard job now that Bobbie Williams is a free agent.
157. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 DeAngelo Peterson Tight End LSU Senior The Atlanta Falcons will need a tight end for when Tony Gonzalez is gone. DeAngelo Peterson could come into Atlanta contributing as a starter.
158. Detroit Lions 10-6 Orson Charles Tight End Georgia Junior Orson Charles is probably the last player that the Lions need to take. Detroit drafts the best available player and passes on needs. I could see Charles being out Will Heller and Tony Scheffler to become the Detroit Lions #2 tight end.
Matthew Stafford went to college at Georgia. Stafford may view Brandon Pettigrew and Orson Charles as Detroit’s version of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in New England.
Orson Charles failed to stand out as his combine and his pro day. I got Charles graded out as a 5th round talent. Detroit would love to have Orson Charles at tight end in the 5th round given their track record of taking the best player available.
The Lions are already stacked at tight end. Like I stated before the Lions always go best player available. I could see them taking Orson Charles in a heartbeat here if he slips to round 5.
159. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Charles Brown Cornerback North Carolina Senior With William Gay’s departure, Pittsburgh needs a new #2 boundary cornerback. Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown are both nickel cornerbacks at best. Charles Brown makes almost too much sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 5th round. Pittsburgh brought in West Virginia dime cornerback Keith Tandy for a workout. Tandy is expected to go higher than Brown. I got Brown graded out as a prospect with more long term potential than Tandy.
160. Cleveland Browns from Denver Broncos 8-8 Chris Galippo Right Outside Linebacker USC Senior Redshirt Chris Galippo can play linebacker pretty much anywhere in a 4-3 scheme. Cleveland needs linebacker depth pretty much everywhere in their 4-3 scheme. I gave the Browns Ronnell Lewis as a 4-3 left outside linebacker for depth earlier in round 4. Galippo makes a lot of sense for the Browns if they want to add a linebacker for depth on day 3. Galippo grew up in Cleveland too which also makes this a pretty ideal destination for Chris Galippo.
161. Houston Texans 8-8 Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior Redshirt Omar Bolden gives the Texans a cornerback who can develop into a starting boundary cornerback. Bolden is capable of becoming an all pro. Bolden has too many medical concerns. Houston has tons of cornerback depth and could use someone to push Rashad Carmichael for the dime cornerback spot on the Texans depth chart. Bolden could be that player.
162. New Orleans Saints 13-3 Sean Cattouse Strong Safety California Senior Redshirt The New Orleans Saints need a strong safety for depth behind Roman Harper. Sean Cattouse provides solid value for the Saints at this point.
163. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Ronnie Hillman Running Back San Diego State Sophomore Redshirt Before Ronnie Hillman was a all pro rusher for the San Diego State Aztecs he was a waiter at Applebees. Hillman reminds many of a young Marshall Faulk.
Hillman is 5 foot 10 190 pounds. Hillman had 262 carries, 1,532 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns as a freshman redshirt in 2010. In 2011, Hillman had 311 carries, 1,711 rushing yards, and 19 rushing touchdowns for San Diego State.
James Starks is an injury prone back who struggles to catch passes out of the backfield. Brandon Saine was undrafted and Alex Green has no business seeing the field as he got drafted way too early in the 2011 NFL Draft. Brandon Saine who went undrafted had a greater impact.
Hillman is a 4th round talent. Hilman provides value that Ted Thompson realizes is too good to pass up on at this point. Green Bay would have 5 running backs and Green Bay would likely end up having to cut one or two of these backs to make room for other rushers on Green Bay’s depth chart.
164. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Garth Gerhart Center Arizona State Senior Redshirt Garth Gerhart was a great all around blocker on Arizona State’s offensive line. Gerhart was one of the better players on the offensive line. Gerhart could be a sleeper if he sits behind Matt Birk for a few seasons in Baltimore. Here is what Baltimore’s offensive line could look like.
Left Tackle Bryant McKennie and backup Michael Oher
Left Guard Jah Reed and backup Justin Boren
Center Matt Birk and Garth Gerhart
Right Guard Marshall Yanda
Right Tackle Michael Oher and backup James Brown
165. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Jack Crawford 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Penn State Senior Jack Crawford provides some quality insurance as a pass rusher for depth. Crawford makes a lot of sense for the 49ers at this point.
166. Cincinnati Bengals from New England Patriots 13-3 Ryan Lindley Quarterback San Diego State Senior Redshirt The Bengals could use a backup behind Andy Dalton. Ryan Lindley is a 5th round talent at quarterback. Lindley struggled in 2011 without Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson. I could see Lindley developing into a solid starter with playmakers like AJ Green and Jermaine Gresham to work with.
167. New York Giants 9-7 Matt Reynolds Left Tackle BYU Senior Redshirt Kareem McKenzie is going to be a free agent at right tackle. David Diehl can play left tackle while William Beatty plays right tackle. Matt Reynolds can be a backup left tackle while James Brewer can serve as a backup right tackle.
168. Oakland Raiders 8-8 (Compensation Pick) Jerry Franklin 3-4 Middle Linebacker Arkansas Senior Redshirt The Raiders will need a 3-4 middle linebacker next to Rolando McClain. Jerry Franklin is my top graded 3-4 middle linebacker available at this point.
169. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 (Compensation Pick) Ryan Broyles Wide Receiver Oklahoma Senior Redshirt Ryan Broyles is like a surgeon when it comes to route running. Broyles has some durability questions which could cause him to slip to this pick. Broyles could compete with Tandon Doss for a #5 receiver role on the Ravens roster.
170. Indianpolis Colts 2-14 (Compensation Pick) Mike Ryan Right Tackle Connecticut Senior Redshirt Here is what the Colts depth chart looks like on the offensive line at the moment.
Left Tackle Anthony Costanzo and backup Jeffery Linkenbach
Left Guard Matt McGlynn and backup Joe Reitz
Center Samson Satelle, backup Jake Kirkpatrick, and 3rd stringer AQ Shipley
Right Guard Ben Ijalana and backup Seth Olsen
Right Tackle Winston Justice
I like most of the moves on this Colts offensive line. The only glaring need at this point would be to get a nose tackle. None of the nose tackles warrant a case to be selected here in round 5. Lets give the Colts a pass blocker and run blocker in Mike Ryan who could provide an effective presence on the Colts offensive line as a right tackle for depth behind Winston Justice.
Round 6
171. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Brandon Taylor Strong Safety LSU Senior The Rams will need a starting strong safety at some point. Brandon Taylor played next to Morris Claiborne and Patrick Peterson at LSU when lining up as a safety. Taylor makes a lot of sense at the top of round 6.
172. Philadelphia Eagles from Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Micah Pellerin Cornerback Hampton Senior Redshirt The Philadelphia Eagles need a boundary cornerback. If the Eagles are not sold on Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, Curtis Marsh, or Trevard Lindley long term then small school cornerback Micah Pellerin could be an option here.
173. Washington Redskins from Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Chigbo Anunoby Nose Tackle Morehouse Senior Redshirt The 6 foot 6 320 pound nose tackle provides excellent depth behind Barry Coefield at nose tackle. This is a great pick for the Redskins at this point.
174. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 T.Y. Hilton Wide Receiver Florida International Senior T.Y. Hilton has the ability to develop into a #6 receiver for depth. Tampa Bay has Vincent Jackson, Mike Williams, Dezmond Briscoe, Arrellious Benn, and Preston Parker as the 1-5 wide receivers on their depth chart. Tampa Bay also has Kellen Winslow Jr. and Luke Stocker on their depth chart. Adding one more playmaker for Josh Freeman with T.Y. Hilton would not be the worst idea. Hilton would be re-united with former Florida International teammate cornerback Anthony Gaitor.
175. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Vontaze Burfict Middle Linebacker Arizona State Junior Vontaze Burfict provides an incredible bargain in round 6. Burfict would not have to start away. Burfict could come in and be a serviceable 4-3 middle linebacker if D’Qwell Jackson gets injured.
176. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Aaron Henry Free Safety Wisconsin Senior Redshirt Wisconsin’s pass defense ranked 4th out of 120 teams. The Jaguars need a free safety. Henry makes too much sense at this spot.
177. Arizona Cardinals from Washington Redskins 5-11 DeAngelo Tyson 3-4 Left End Georgia Senior The Arizona Cardinals could use a 3-4 left end for depth behind Darnell Dockett. DeAngelo Tyson is the top 3-4 left end available. Tyson makes a lot of sense for the Cardinals in the late rounds.
178. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Jordan White Wide Receiver Western Michigan Senior Redshirt Jordan White is the best available player at this point. White is a 4th round talent that provides a major bargain in round 6. White weighs 6 foot 215 pounds. White recorded 140 receptions, 1,911 receiving yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns in 2011.
In 2010, White had 94 receptions, 1,378 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns. Jordan White reminds many of a young Greg Jennings.
179. New Orleans Saints from Miami Dolphins 6-10 Josh Oglesby Right Tackle Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The New Orleans Saints need a right tackle. Josh Oglseby is one of the top right tackle prospects in the entire draft. Oglesby provides great value in round 6.
180. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Tyrone Crawford Left End Boise State Senior Tyrone Crawford is a 4-3 left end who would provide great depth. Crawford is a 4th round talent so he provides a bargain at this point.
181. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Cyrus Gray Running Back Texas A&M Senior Seattle adds a second rusher to pair up with Marshawn Lynch. Cyrus Gray was Texas A&M’s featured rusher.
Cyrus Gray is 5 foot 10 200 pounds. Gray had 198 carries, 1,045 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns. Gray had 200 carries, 1,133 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns as a junior in 2010. Cyrus Gray got injured in 2011. Gray is capable of splitting carries with Marshawn Lynch in Seattle.
182. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Antoine McClain Right Guard Clemson Senior Kansas City will need to add one guard to shore up the interior offensive line. Antoine McClain is a great 6th round option. Here is what Kansas City’s offensive line looks like now.
Left Tackle Branden Albert
Left Guard Ryan Lilja and backup Rodney Hudson
Center Ben Jones and backup Rodney Hudson
Right Guard Jon Asamoah and backup Antoine McClain
Right Tackle Eric Winston
183. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Donnie Fletcher Cornerback Boston College Senior Donnie Fletcher would provide great value as a nickel cornerback for the San Diego Chargers. Fletcher is the top cornerback available in round 6. Fletcher could give the Chargers some much needed depth at cornerback.
184. Chicago Bears 8-8 Antonio Allen Free Safety South Carolina Senior Antonio Allen is a two way safety. Allen can play free safety for the Chicago Bears in 2012.
185. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Case Keenum Quarterback Houston Senior Redshirt In 2011, Cae Keenum had a monster season. Keenum has had 3 seasons where he threw 5,000 passing yards. Maybe Arizona should spend a late round pick on Keenum. Keenum is 24 years old weighing 6 foot 2 210 pound. Keenum would make a quality 3rd stringer behind Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. Keenum would be a good developmental quarterback at this point.
186. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Tim Benford Wide Receiver Tennessee Tech Senior Tim Benford is a 6 foot 1 195 pound wide receiver. Benford is a 4th round talent that could slip to this point if some teams are set with their wide receivers. Benford hauled in 67 receptions, 765 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns in 2011. Benford is a small school project wide receiver that could develop into a vertical red zone threat with his game breaking speed. Dallas could add another playmaker for depth at this point.
187. New York Jets Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Landon Walker Right Tackle Clemson Senior Redshirt Landon Walker was a great bookend right tackle to Chris Hairston at Clemson. The Jets really need to make a change at right tackle. Walker just makes too much sense in terms of overall value at this point. Vladimir Ducassee could move over to left tackle as a backup. Wayne Hunter could be the Jets backup right tackle with Landon Walker starting across from left tackle D’Brickshaw Ferguson.
188. Denver Broncos from New York Jets 8-8 Joel Foreman Left Guard Michigan State Senior Redshirt Denver may add a left guard for depth behind Zane Beadles. Joel Foreman is a late round left guard from Michigan State that I could see developing into a sleeper. Foreman pass blocked for quarterback Kirk Cousins and run blocked for Edwin Baker on Michigan State.
189. Oakland Raiders 8-8 Evan Rodriquez Tight End Temple Senior Redshirt Evan Rodriquez has the skill set to become an effective tight end. Rodriquez can pass catch or be used as a blocking fullback.
190. Tennessee Titans 9-7 RJ Blanton Cornerback Notre Dame Senior The Titans could use a nickel cornerback behind Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner on their depth chart now that Cortland Finnegan is gone. Notre Dame’s RJ Blanton is a 6th round option.
191. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Jake Bequette Left End Arkansas Senior Redshirt Jake Bequette is a backup 4-3 left end at best. Cincinnati could spend a late round pick on the 5th round talent here hoping to bring in a long term asset at 4-3 left end.
192. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Nathan Stupar Left Outside Linebacker Penn State Senior Redshirt The Atlanta Falcons need a new starter at left outside linebacker. Nathan Stupar may be a late round option for Atlanta to examine.
193. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Jerrell Harris 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior Jerrell Harris is a 3-4 outside linebacker. Harris is an all pro at run stopping and playing zone coverage. The one thing Harris cannot do is pass rush well.
Harris’s teammate Courtney Upshaw is a 3-4 linebacker that can play anywhere in the 3-4. Upshaw has the size of a 4-3 defensive end and people want to assume that Upshaw is a better natural pass rusher.
At the end of the day it really would not surprise me if Upshaw ended up being an NFL draft bust while Jerrell Harris developed into an all pro pass rusher if a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers took Jerrell Harris in the 6th round to coach up his pass rushing ability.
The Steelers recently brought in pass rusher Jerrell Harris and dime cornerback Keith Tandy for workouts. Harris is my top pass rusher on the draft board at this point so I got to believe Pittsburgh takes Jerrell Harris.
194. Philadelphia Eagles frorm Denver Broncos 8-8 Jarius Wright Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior Jarius Wright is the only player left that could be considered a 4th round talent. Wright hauled in 66 receptions, 1,117 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2011. Jarius Wright provides amazing value at this juncture.
195. Houston Texans 10-6 Chad Diehl Fullback Clemson Senior Redshirt The Texans will need a fullback. Chad Diehl is the top fullback available at this stage.
196. Miami Dolphins from New Orleans Saints 13-3 Danny Trevathan Right Outside Linebacker Kentucky Senior The Miami Dolphins need 4-3 linebackers for depth. Danny Trevathan was a very effective 4-3 right outside linebacker playing the weak side for Kentucky.
197. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Grant Garner Center Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The Green Bay Packers will need a center to groom behind Jeff Saturday. Grant Garner could provide a solid late round option for Green Bay.
198. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Austin Davis Quarterback Southern Miss Senior Redshirt The Ravens need a backup for depth behind Joe Flacco. I am not completely sold on Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor as that player yet.
Austin Davis broke all of Brett Favre’s records at Southern Miss. The Ravens scouts spoke extensively with Davis during the East West Shrine Game. Davis could realistically go to Baltimore here.
199. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Billy Winn 3-4 Left End Boise State Senior Redshirt The 49ers need 3-4 defensive ends for depth behind Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.
200. Philadelphia Eagles from New England Patriots 13-3 Neiko Thorpe Free Safety Senior The Philadelphia Eagles could use a free safety for depth behind Nate Allen. Neiko Thorpe is the top graded free safety at this point. Thorpe was the only Auburn senior on a very young and inexperienced Auburn defense last season.
201. New York Giants 9-7 Trenton Robinson Free Safety Michigan State Senior Trenton Robinson impressed some teams at his Michigan State pro day. There is no question that the Giants need a free safety for depth behind Antrel Rolle. The Giants may decide just to add Trenton Robinson for depth here knowing that Robinson is the final free safety that provides 6th round value.
202. New York Jets 8-8 (Compensation Pick) William Vlachos Center Alabama Senior Redshirt William Vlachos is capable of starting at center in the NFL with his football IQ. The biggest issue with Vlachos is he is 6 foot 1 294 pounds. Vlachos could thrive on the Jets because he would start out as a backup to Nick Mangold. Vlachos could bulk up while he is out of the starting lineup. When the time came Vlachos could get a chance to earn a starting job as a center elsewhere if he capitalizes on his chance with the Jets.
203. New York Jets 8-8 (Compensation Pick) Darius Fleming 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Notre Dame Senior Darius Fleming would provide an upgrade at 3-4 left outside linebacker over Bryan Thomas. Fleming is my top graded pass rusher at this stage of the 2012 NFL Draft.
204. Cleveland Browns 4-12 (Compensation Pick) Logan Harrell Defensive Tackle Fresno State Senior Logan Harrell would provide some depth at defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns. Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor are both 320 pound defensive tackles. Both are great at run stuffing clogging up lanes early in games. You can wear this defense down by continuing to run at them.
Cleveland needs a depth player. Logan Harrell is listed as a 5th round talent on my draft board. Harrell would make a good late round pick at this point.
205. Cleveland Browns 4-12 (Compensation Pick) Jacquies Smith Left End Missouri Senior Jacquies Smith was a great bookend pass rusher to Aldon Smith at Missouri. The Browns need depth at defensive end. Jabaal Sheard is a 4-3 left end expected to start at right end in 2012 with backup defensive end Frostee Rucker expected to start at left end. Smith is a depth player that could be a huge asset to the Cleveland Browns at this stage.
206. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 (Compensation Pick) Trevor Guyton 3-4 Right End California Senior Drake Nevis would be a good starter at 3-4 right end next to Cory Redding. Nevis could be upgraded though. Trevor Guyton is one of my late round sleepers for a team making a transition to a 3-4 scheme. Guyton makes a lot of sense for the Indianapolis Colts in the late rounds.
207. Carolina Panthers 6-10 (Compensation Pick) Miles Burris Right Outside Linebacker San Diego State Senior Redshirt The Carolina Panthers need linebackers for depth. Miles Burris could be a sleeper. Burris managed to stop a lot of Ronnie Hillman’s elusive runs to the outside during San Diego State practice sessions. A late round flyer on Burris would not hurt Carolina.
Round 7
208. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Tony Jerod Eddie 3-4 Left End Texas A&M Senior Tony Jerod Eddie would provide a good 3-4 left end for depth behind Cory Redding. Tony Jerod Eddie gives your team great value at this point.
209. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Blake Gideon Free Safety Texas Senior The St. Louis Rams need a free safety
210. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Sean Richardson Strong Safety Vanderbilt Senior Giving the Vikings a strong safety will complete their team. Sean Richardson is one of the best strong safeties available. Richardson covered Vanderbilt tight end Brandon Barden on a daily basis since first arriving on Vanderbilt’s campus.
211. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Renard Washington Defensive Tackle Eastern Washington Senior Renard Washington provides great late round value as a defensive tackle. Washington could give Cleveland one more defensive tackle for depth.
212. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Marcus Dowtin Middle Linebacker Northern Alabama Senior Marcus Dowtin is a middle linebacker who can play in the 4-3 or the 3-4 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Adding Dowtin as Tampa Bay’s middle linebacker and moving Mason Foster to left outside linebacker makes too much sense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
213. Washington Redskins 5-11 Adrian Robinson 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Temple Senior The Washington Redskins need a 3-4 right outside linebacker for depth. Adrian Robinson is the best player available in the final round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
214. Indianapolis Colts from New York Jets via Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Jameel Flemming Cornerback Oklahoma Senior Redshirt The Colts could use a 2nd cornerback in this draft for depth. Jameel Flemming is the best player available at this point.
215. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Will Ebner Middle Linebacker Missouri Senior Miami decides to use this pick to add a 4-3 middle linebacker for depth. Ebner is the top available 4-3 middle linebacker at this point.
216. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Tyler Nielsen Left Outside Linebacker Iowa Senior Redshirt The Panthers obtain Nielsen to give their team another 4-3 left outside linebacker for depth. Nielsen is the top outside linebacker available.
217. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina Senior Dwight Jones is the best available player at this point. Jones could provide an upgrade over David Nelson and Lee Evans as a secondary receiver. Jones would be a great sleeper pick.
218. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Chandler Harnish Quarterback Northern Illinois Senior Redshirt Chandler Harnish can come in and compete with Ricky Stanzi for the Chiefs 3rd string quarterback spot in Chiefs training camp. If he wins that spot then maybe he can be Cassel’s backup. I could see Harnish going from 7th round pick to NFL stater just like Matt Cassel.
219. Detroit Lions from Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Jeff Adams Left Tackle Columbia Senior Jeff Adams is a 3 year starter at left tackle for the Columbia Lions. Detroit could spend a late round pick on another offensive tackle. I could see Adams going from the Lions practice squad to the left tackle that anchors Stafford’s blindside in Detroit.
220. Chicago Bears 8-8 Brian Linthicum Tight End Michigan State Senior Redshirt The Chicago Bears will need a tight end to compete with Kellen Davis. Davis’s successor at Michigan State was Brian Linthicum. Linthicum could provide Chicago with a solid #2 tight end option.
221. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 D’Anton Lynn Cornerback Penn State Senior D’Anton Lynn could be an all pro boundary corner across from Patrick Peterson. Lynn has the coverage skills for a cornerback that you cannot coach. Lynn displays inconsistent speed and misses tackles constantly. Arizona would have to coach Lynn up. Lynn would be worth a late round flyer at this point.
222. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Tim Bierre Tight End Kansas Senior The Cowboys need a #2 tight end to replace Martellus Bennett. Tim Bierre is a #3 tight end who could compete with another #3 tight end in John Phillips for the #2 tight end job in Dallas.
223. Minnesota Vikings from New England Patriots via Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Mark Asper Right Tackle Oregon Senior Redshirt Adding Mark Asper gives the Minnesota Vikings some depth on the right side of the offensive line. Charlie Johnson will likely move to right tackle if the Vikings draft Matt Kalil. Johnson was a great pass blocker in Indianapolis for Peyton Manning. Johnson did a good job run blocking and struggled as a pass blocker in Minnesota.
Johnson is a one dimensional offensive tackle. Minnesota would have Mark Asper sit behind Geoff Schwartz at right guard for depth. With all this depth on the offensive line here is how Minnesota’s offensive line looks.
Left Tackle Matt Kalil and backup Charlie Johnson
Left Guard Phil Loadholt and backup DeMarcus Love
Center John Sullivan and backup Brandon Fusco
Right Guard Geoff Schwartz and Mark Asper
Right Tackle Charlie Johnson and backup Phil Loadholt
As long as Matt Kalil stays healthy, this offensive line looks very strong with tons of depth at key positions.
224. Green Bay Packers from New York Jets 8-8 Donald Stephenson Left Tackle Oklahoma Senior Redshirt Donald Stephenson was a left tackle for Landry Jones at Oklahoma. Green Bay could bring Stephenson for depth at left tackle behind Marshall Newhouse now that Chad Clifton is gone. Obviously Stephenson would be 4th on the offensive tackle depth chart behind Newhouse, Bulaga, and Sherrod. Stephenson could have a roster spot though as a backup reserve left tackle.
225. Seattle Seahawks from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Tydreke Powell Defensive Tackle North Carolina Senior Seattle could use another defensive tackle for depth. Tydreke Powell slips this far because of how poorly North Carolina’s defense performed in 2011. I sort of think Powell could be a late round draft steal.
226. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Marcel Jones Right Tackle Nebraska Senior Redshirt Marcel Jones is a right tackle only for Nebraska. Maybe the Chargers should bring him in to challenge the overpaid Jerome Clary for the right tackle job. Clary is a solid starter. Clary could be upgraded in the long haul.
227. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Travian Robinson Defensive Tackle South Carolina Senior Redshirt The Tennessee Titans could use another defensive tackle for depth.
228. Jacksonville Jaguars from Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Phelon Jones Cornerback Alabama Senior Redshirt Phelon Jones could start out as a dime cornerback. Over time Jones could end up in a boundary cornerback role as the Jaguars #2 cornerback on the depth chart. Alabama’s pass defense was 1st in the nation. I think that could be a reason why Phelon Jones becomes a late round pick.
229. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Shawn Loiseau Middle Linebacker Merrimack Senior Atlanta could bring in a middle linebacker at this pick to compete for a roster spot.
230. Detroit Lions 10-6 Phillip Blake Center Baylor Senior Redshirt Detroit gets a center to groom behind Dominic Raiola in round 7. Blake would provide great value at this point.
231. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Jarrett Boykin Wide Receiver Virginia Tech Senior Jarrett Boykin is a 6 foot 2 218 pound target. Boykin was Virginia Tech’s #1 target in 2011. Boykin is best suited as a #4 option for depth. Boykin would play that exact role in Pittsburgh behind Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders if Pittsburgh gets him.
232. New York Jets from Denver Broncos 8-8 Alfred McCullough Right Guard Alabama Senior Redshirt The Jets should add a right guard for depth. Alabama right guard Alfred McCullough can provide a serviceable role at right guard if the Jets select him this late.
233. Houston Texans 10-6 Randy Bullock Kicker Texas A&M Senior Randy Bullock has a cannon for a leg. Bullock also hit 87.9 percent of his field goals in 2011. Part of the reason why Bullock struggled early as a kicker was because Ryan Tannehill was holding snaps as a backup quarterback for Bullock. Tannehill has small hands and those small hands affected Bullock’s ability to convert field goals.
The Texans need a replacement at kicker for Neil Rackers. Bullock is graded out as my top kicker on the draft board and the only kicker or punter that I have graded above a 7th round grade. I gave Bullock a 6th round grade.
Blair Walsh missed a lot of chip shot kicks for Georgia in critical situations. Bullock really impressed me for Texas A&M. That’s why Bullock is the top graded kicker in this mock draft.
234. New Orleans Saints 13-3 Ben Burkett Center Northwestern Senior Redshirt The New Orleans Saints need a center. Ben Burkett is the top center available.
235. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Danny Coale Wide Receiver Virginia Tech Senior Redshirt Danny Coale provides Green Bay with another target for Aaron Rodgers to throw to. Coale’s overall value is simply too good to ignore.
236. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Austin Pasztor Left Guard Virginia Senior Pasztor was a very productive left guard at Virginia. He was a great run blocker and part of an offensive line that only allowed 2 sacks in 22 quarters for the Virginia Cavaliers.
Pasztor’s success was heavily overshadowed by Virginia offensive tackles Oday Aboushi and Morgan Moses. Both Virginia offensive tackles have the chance to be 2013 NFL first round Prospects.
Baltimore will need a new left guard if they cannot resign left guard Ben Grubbs. Jah Reed is not a future starter at left guard in my eyes plus backup Justin Boren may not provide a long term answer. Jah Reed would be best suited as a backup right guard to Marshall Yanda. Austin Pasztor provides great value as a late round value in round 7.
237. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Kellen Moore Quarterback Boise State Senior Redshirt Despite losing Titus Young and Austin Pettis, Kellen Moore had another career season at Boise State. Moore posted his best numbers in 2011 with 3,800 passing yards, 43 passing touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Moore is 6 foot 1 190 pounds. Moore does display a tremendous football IQ.
Scott Tolzien had no business being on the 49ers roster. Adding Kellen Moore gives Colin Kaepernick and Josh Johnson competition for roster spots. If Moore does not make the roster you can send him down to the 49ers practice squad.
238. Kansas City Chiefs from New England Patriots 13-3 Eric Page Wide Receiver Toledo Junior Toledo wide receiver Eric Page would provide good depth behind Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston, and Jonathan Baldwin at wide receiver.
In each of his 3 seasons at Toledo, Page managed to record at least 1,100 receiving yards at minimum. Page weighs 5 foot 10 180 pounds. Page is the final 5th round talent available at wide receiver.
239. New York Giants 9-7 Scott Wedige Center Northern Illinois Senior Redshirt The Giants need a center behind David Baas. Wedige makes almost too much sense at this point.
240. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 (Compensation Pick) Jacory Harris Quarterback Miami FL Senior Jacory Harris was 6 foot 4 170 pounds as a high school recruit. In high school Harris was not a big time recruit. Harris was the top ranked 3 star recruit at quarterback. Recruits can have up to 5 stars coming out of high school.
Harris led Miami Northwestern High School to a 30-0 record, a state championship, and a National Championship in high school in 2008.
Harris only added one pound as a true freshman in 2008 weighing in at 171 pounds. Jacory Harris did not have much of a supporting cast as a freshman in terms of playmakers. Harris did have a strong running game featuring Graig Cooper and Javarris James. Harris would become the first Miami FL quarterback since Bernie Kosar to start a season opener for the Miami Hurricanes. Harris did not have the upside yet. Harris showed great promise with a good arm and promising intangibles as a freshman throwing 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Harris would complete 60.8 percent of his passes as a true freshman.
Jacory Harris gained tons of weight in the offseason heading into 2009. Harris weighed 190 pounds entering his sophomore season. Harris would throw for over 3,000 passing yards as a true sophomore. Harris would throw 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in a shotgun spread offense. Harris would complete 59.9 percent of his passes. Harris continued to show flashes as a true sophomore.
Harris would add 5 more pounds weighing 195 as a junior quarterback. Harris would struggle as a junior throwing 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Harris finally had a great offensive line with Orlando Franklin at left tackle, Seantrel Henderson at right tackle, and Brandon Washington at left guard. Miami FL also had Leonard Hankerson at wide receiver as his favorite target returning. Graig Cooper was splitting carries with Lamar Miller. The fact that Jacory Harris played this poorly in a basic spread offense with a great supporting cast made you wonder if he had the skill set to translate his ability to the next level.
Jacory Harris weighed 200 pounds heading into his senior season. Brandon Washington and Seantrel Henderson were Miami FL’s bookend offensive tackles. Lamar Miller can play running back. Travis Benjamin, Tommy Streeter, and Aldarius Johnson were wide receivers for Miami FL. Harris also had Chase Ford and Blake Ayles at tight end. Harris finally had a supporting cast that could help Miami FL.
With this cast, Harris had his best season. Harris completed 195 of his 300 passes. Harris would throw for 20 passing touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Harris would also complete a career high 65 percent of his passes with this legit supporting cast. Harris also threw a career long 77 yard pass.
Harris has bulked up prior to the NFL Combine. Harris now weighs 215 pounds. With Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich, and Dennis Dixon gone its vital for Pittsburgh to add a quarterback for depth. Jacory Harris makes too much sense here.
241. Green Bay Packers 15-1 (Compensation Pick) JR Sweezy 3-4 Left End North Carolina State Senior Redshirt The Packers could use a 3-4 left end for depth. JR Sweezy makes a ton of sense at this point.
242. New York Jets 8-8 (Compensation Pick) DJ Holt 3-4 Middle Linebacker California Senior Redshirt DJ Holt would make a good addition as a 3-4 middle linebacker for depth. The Jets need depth here behind David Harris and Bart Scott.
243. Green Bay Packers 15-1 (Compensation Pick) Eddie Pleasent Free Safety Oregon Senior Redshirt The Packers could use a strong safety with Eddie Pleasant’s skill set. Oregon has developed other two way safeties before in the past. Some of those safeties include Patrick Chung, Jarius Byrd, and TJ Ward. Oregon has another safety in Pleasent. Pleasent’s presence was really underrated and he helped play zone coverage next to Cliff Harris at strong safety.
244. New York Jets 8-8 (C0mpensation Pick) Darron Thomas Quarterback Oregon Junior Redshirt The Jets need a 3rd stringer. Backup will be a priority too if Mark Sanchez gets dealt. Thomas could solve a short term answer at quarterback.
245. Cleveland Browns 4-12 (Compensation Pick) T Bob Hebert Left Guard LSU Senior Redshirt T Bob Hebert can play left guard, center, or right guard as a depth player on the interior offensive line. Hebert is someone the Browns could use for depth behind Jason Pinkston.
246. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 (Compensation Pick) Blair Walsh Kicker Georgia Senior Blair Walsh has great ability as a kicker. Walsh could come in and compete with Suisham for the Steelers kicker job.
247. Cleveland Browns 4-12 (Compensation Pick) Marc Tyler Running Back USC Senior Redshirt The Browns may need someone to compete with Montario Hardesty to be the #2 back in Cleveland in case they want to keep Richardson from having to carry the ball 20 to 25 times a game.
248. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 (Compensation Pick) Drew Butler Punter Senior Redshirt Daniel Sepulveda has an expiring deal. Drew Butler really makes a lot of sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the top punter in the entire draft if Sepulveda does not return.
249. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 (Compensation Pick) Moe Petrus Center Connecticut Senior Redshirt Atlanta can groom Moe Petrus to be their center of the future behind Todd McClure. Adding Moe Petrus this late provides Atlanta with a great value pick.
250. San Diego Chargers 8-8 (Compensation Pick) Devier Posey Wide Receiver Ohio State Senior Devier Posey has the skill set to become a #1 flanker wide receiver. Posey needs to stay out of trouble though. Malcolm Floyd, Robert Meachem, and Eddie Royal are basically slot receivers with #2 wide receiver potential at best. None of those 3 wide receivers can replace what Vincent Jackson did for the Chargers. I got a feeling that Devier Posey could.
Posey had relative success in 2009 and 2010 when Ohio State quarterback Terrell Pryor was a sophomore and a junior for the Buckeyes. Posey got suspended for Ohio State’s first 10 games. People are quesitoning Posey’s production. I think Posey could be a day 3 draft steal. The team that gets Posey in the late rounds could be handsomely rewarded.
251. Buffalo Bills 6-10 (Compensation Pick) DaRell Scott Running Back South Florida Sophomore Redshirt DaRell Scott was once considered the top running back coming out of high school. Transferring from Colorado to South Florida really hurt his draft stock. The Bills would gladly take the best player available with this pick.
That player has to be DaRell Scott. Scott does have some character issues. If Scott pulls any funny business the Bills can just cut him.
Buffalo’s current running backs consist of Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, Tashard Choice, and Johnny White. Buffalo has the luxury to take a flyer on Scott. I could see Scott developing into a sleeper and making the Bills roster as a #3 back.
252. St. Louis Rams 2-14 (Compensation Pick) Edwin Baker Running Back Michigan State Junior The Rams will need a #2 back behind Steven Jackson. Edwin Baker is arguably the top running back available.
253. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 (Compensation Pick) Darius Nall 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Central Florida Senior Redshirt Nall provides the Colts with one more 3-4 pass rusher for depth behind Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, and Jerry Hughes.
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