Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
LIVE NFL Draft Blog!
The live blog will start at around 5:30-5:45pm CST for fun pre-draft banter and what not. It will be exactly the same as last year, where you just click on the Live Blog button and it launches on your computer.
I don't know what version of IE you will need, and I have no idea if this works over Foxfire or Chrome. I have a recent version of IE and it works fine, so you should be safe if you get to the sitge with that.
Speak to you all soon!
I don't know what version of IE you will need, and I have no idea if this works over Foxfire or Chrome. I have a recent version of IE and it works fine, so you should be safe if you get to the sitge with that.
Speak to you all soon!
Mock Draft- 3rd round, picks 82-98
82. Pittsburgh Steelers- Taylor Price, WR, Ohio
Price is another late riser who looked very good at the Senior Bowl in practices and in the game. He’s tall and has very good long speed. On the plus side, he’s a solid character player, so he comes in as the hopeful replacement for Santonio Holmes. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Pittsburgh reach out for West Virginia OT Selvish Capers either.
83. Atlanta Falcons- Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh
After the unreal Combine performance that Dickerson put up, I don’t think he slips any further than this. I think Dennis Pitta is a more refined product at this point of their careers, but Dickerson has a much higher ceiling. Dickerson is a bulked up WR, and I actually think he can still play this position to create mismatches with smaller corners. He ultimately will fit into the TE position, and he gets to learn under perhaps the greatest to ever play the position in Tony Gonzales.
84. Cincinnati Bengals- Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
Briscoe is a guy who I loved and hated. At times he looked like the big 6ft+ WR who could be a great perimeter guy at the next level, and at other times he looked pedestrian trying to break away from coverage. I think he’s worth the gamble at this point based on what he can potentially do. He can serve as an understudy to Ochocinco, and he may eventually develop into one of their top two receivers. If Briscoe is not the pick, don’t be surprised to see Jordan Shipley go here as he could make a more immediate impact than Briscoe in the slot and in the return game.
85. Cleveland Browns- Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
Pitta would be an ideal fit for a West Coast offense, and this is the perfect fit for him. He did not block much, and not very well when he did block, but he showed the strength to do so at the combine by benching the most for the TEs. Pitta has some of the best hands I have seen on a TE, and he will be used a lot like Dallas Clark is used for the Colts. He will end up being Colt McCoy’s future go-to receiver when the pressure is on. And that’s when Pitta really makes plays. He understands zone coverage very well, and knows how to sit down, make the catch, and move the chains.
86. Green Bay Packers- Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
Veldheer impressed me with his athleticism at the Combine, so even though I have not seen any game film on him, I have him go here based on his athletic ability. He has the size and feet to play either tackle spot, and this is a value pick for Ted Thompson. Veldheer doesn’t need to play this year or even next year, so he has time to fully develop under NFL coaching. I think that’s the best thing that can happen to Veldheer as he has the potential, the frame, and the athleticism to eventually be a starter.
87. Philadelphia Eagles- Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Once again, Andy Reid will not walk away from the first three rounds without at least two offensive linemen. The Eagles could use a backup tackle, and Selvish is an athletic guy that is still very raw. He has decent feet, and may be able to move to the left side eventually, but at worst he can provide a primary back up on the right side. The Eagles are one of the best in the business at developing offensive lineman, so this is as good of a place to go as Capers could hope.
88. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
I actually like Jerome Murphy more than Ghee, but Murphy is a better fit in a Cover-2defense, so Ghee is the pick here. Ghee has impressive catch up speed, but he has to use it too often. He won’t be asked to come in and start next to DRC, he can play the nickel and use his speed on special teams. It’s a nice value and need pick.
89. Arizona Cardinals- Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon
The Cardinals have not had a true receiving threat at the TE position, and Dickson can step right in and start as a rookie. Dickson is a liability as a blocker, but he won’t need to do that in this offense. He’s a short to intermediate threat who can help bail out Leinart if he gets into trouble. Dickson probably would have went earlier in any other draft, but this one was stocked with quality TEs, so the Cardinals benefit.
90. Dallas Cowboys- Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
Shipley gets to stay home with Cowboys, and this is about as good of a fit as he could hope for. Shipley can help the Cowboys right away as a slot receiver, and this is a spot where the Cowboys really don’t have a solid player. He can also return kicks and punts now that Felix Jones will take more responsibility in the offense, and I think Shipley is the best return man in this draft. To get him in the late third is a great value.
91. San Diego Chargers- Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
Warren really slid because he did not run the optimal 40 time you’d like for a corner. That won’t matter for the Chargers as they like physical ball hawking corners in the nickel, and Warren fits that very well. Antoine Cason was similar to Warren, but definitely more talented, and he now moves to the outside to replace Antonio Cromartie. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chargers went with Mike Neal of Purdue to fit as a five-technique, or Reshad Jones of Georgia at Safety, but Warren is just too good of a value to pass up.
92. Cleveland Browns- Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
Jones is a desperate need pick at this point as safety is a huge need for the Browns, and it would not surprise me one bit to see them attack this position even earlier than this. Jones is a solid pick, who should have come back to work on his instincts as a Senior, but he makes a very good value late in the third. I don’t know if he’s ready to start right away, but he may have to for this defense. Danimal, if you are wondering who else may fit here in my opinion, I think Joe McKnight may be the guy (but I didn’t have the heart to give the Browns a guy I don’t really like).
93. Minnesota Vikings- Joe McKnight, RB, USC
The Vikings need to add another RB who can fill the shoes of Chester Taylor as a versitle third down back. I’m not saying McKnight is anywhere near Taylor, but he is a good receiver out of the backfield. He’s a decent value here at a position of need and fit for the team. This would also be the first place where I’d consider Tim Tebow, but this is a team with Super Bowl aspirations while Favre is still playing, so the future can wait as this team needs people who can help them meet that goal now.
94. Indianapolis Colts- Pat Angerer, MLB, Iowa
Angerer is a great fit for this Cover-2 defense as he can get deep and cover, and he’s the typical tough-guy player the Colts love. Angerer won’t have to start, but he’s a solid back up to Gary Brackett in the middle and even has some ability to move to the outside and potentially contribute at the SLB spot as well. He will play special teams and will be very good as well. I almost grabbed Tony Pike as the long term project to replace Peyton Manning, but Manning has a good 6-8 years, so they are better off taking a player who can help them.
95. New Orleans Saints- Mike Neal, DT, Purdue
Neal is a true undertackle who uses very good strength to hold the point, and quickness to rush the passer. Neal is a very good fit next to Sedrick Ellis, who has quickly developed more into a 4-3 NT prospect than a quick and penetrating undertackle like I thought he would. The Saints once again have the luxury to pick who fits their needs. If Neal isn’t the pick, I could also see Pike go here as a long term replacement for Brees.
96. Cincinnati Bengals- Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
I know, Carson Palmer isn’t that old, but who’s behind him on the bench? Yeah, his brother, Jordan. I don’t trust him to take the reigns of the first team offense should Palmer get hurt again. Pike is insurance, and with compensatory picks, you take players like this as they are almost like found money. Pike needs to get stronger and put some size on, but he is the prototypical pocket passer with good enough accuracy. He won’t have to play unless something happens, and that’s how it should be.
97. Tennessee Titans- Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Lang will benefit from the recent alumni at his position from Troy (Umenyiori and Ware), but he’s not quite on that level. Lang still has good pass rush ability, and the Titans like to rotate players in along the DL. Lang will fit right into that spot, and will primarily play in passing situations so he can play to his strengths.
98. Atlanta Falcons- Matt Tennant, OC, Boston College
Those of you who laugh at me for this pick, go ahead. In three years, Tennant will be a better center than Pouncey will. Yes, this is a VERY bold prediction but I’m willing to stick to it. I think he goes here because no one else seems to like him as much as I do. The Falcons know him very well considering they saw him play when scouting Matt Ryan. Tennant fits a big need for this team, and I think he will be playing sooner than later. I will either fall on my face with this prediction, or I will boldly go where no one else is right now (except the NFL Network’s Pat Kirwin, who I obviously like an awful lot!).
Price is another late riser who looked very good at the Senior Bowl in practices and in the game. He’s tall and has very good long speed. On the plus side, he’s a solid character player, so he comes in as the hopeful replacement for Santonio Holmes. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Pittsburgh reach out for West Virginia OT Selvish Capers either.
83. Atlanta Falcons- Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh
After the unreal Combine performance that Dickerson put up, I don’t think he slips any further than this. I think Dennis Pitta is a more refined product at this point of their careers, but Dickerson has a much higher ceiling. Dickerson is a bulked up WR, and I actually think he can still play this position to create mismatches with smaller corners. He ultimately will fit into the TE position, and he gets to learn under perhaps the greatest to ever play the position in Tony Gonzales.
84. Cincinnati Bengals- Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
Briscoe is a guy who I loved and hated. At times he looked like the big 6ft+ WR who could be a great perimeter guy at the next level, and at other times he looked pedestrian trying to break away from coverage. I think he’s worth the gamble at this point based on what he can potentially do. He can serve as an understudy to Ochocinco, and he may eventually develop into one of their top two receivers. If Briscoe is not the pick, don’t be surprised to see Jordan Shipley go here as he could make a more immediate impact than Briscoe in the slot and in the return game.
85. Cleveland Browns- Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
Pitta would be an ideal fit for a West Coast offense, and this is the perfect fit for him. He did not block much, and not very well when he did block, but he showed the strength to do so at the combine by benching the most for the TEs. Pitta has some of the best hands I have seen on a TE, and he will be used a lot like Dallas Clark is used for the Colts. He will end up being Colt McCoy’s future go-to receiver when the pressure is on. And that’s when Pitta really makes plays. He understands zone coverage very well, and knows how to sit down, make the catch, and move the chains.
86. Green Bay Packers- Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
Veldheer impressed me with his athleticism at the Combine, so even though I have not seen any game film on him, I have him go here based on his athletic ability. He has the size and feet to play either tackle spot, and this is a value pick for Ted Thompson. Veldheer doesn’t need to play this year or even next year, so he has time to fully develop under NFL coaching. I think that’s the best thing that can happen to Veldheer as he has the potential, the frame, and the athleticism to eventually be a starter.
87. Philadelphia Eagles- Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Once again, Andy Reid will not walk away from the first three rounds without at least two offensive linemen. The Eagles could use a backup tackle, and Selvish is an athletic guy that is still very raw. He has decent feet, and may be able to move to the left side eventually, but at worst he can provide a primary back up on the right side. The Eagles are one of the best in the business at developing offensive lineman, so this is as good of a place to go as Capers could hope.
88. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
I actually like Jerome Murphy more than Ghee, but Murphy is a better fit in a Cover-2defense, so Ghee is the pick here. Ghee has impressive catch up speed, but he has to use it too often. He won’t be asked to come in and start next to DRC, he can play the nickel and use his speed on special teams. It’s a nice value and need pick.
89. Arizona Cardinals- Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon
The Cardinals have not had a true receiving threat at the TE position, and Dickson can step right in and start as a rookie. Dickson is a liability as a blocker, but he won’t need to do that in this offense. He’s a short to intermediate threat who can help bail out Leinart if he gets into trouble. Dickson probably would have went earlier in any other draft, but this one was stocked with quality TEs, so the Cardinals benefit.
90. Dallas Cowboys- Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
Shipley gets to stay home with Cowboys, and this is about as good of a fit as he could hope for. Shipley can help the Cowboys right away as a slot receiver, and this is a spot where the Cowboys really don’t have a solid player. He can also return kicks and punts now that Felix Jones will take more responsibility in the offense, and I think Shipley is the best return man in this draft. To get him in the late third is a great value.
91. San Diego Chargers- Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
Warren really slid because he did not run the optimal 40 time you’d like for a corner. That won’t matter for the Chargers as they like physical ball hawking corners in the nickel, and Warren fits that very well. Antoine Cason was similar to Warren, but definitely more talented, and he now moves to the outside to replace Antonio Cromartie. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chargers went with Mike Neal of Purdue to fit as a five-technique, or Reshad Jones of Georgia at Safety, but Warren is just too good of a value to pass up.
92. Cleveland Browns- Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
Jones is a desperate need pick at this point as safety is a huge need for the Browns, and it would not surprise me one bit to see them attack this position even earlier than this. Jones is a solid pick, who should have come back to work on his instincts as a Senior, but he makes a very good value late in the third. I don’t know if he’s ready to start right away, but he may have to for this defense. Danimal, if you are wondering who else may fit here in my opinion, I think Joe McKnight may be the guy (but I didn’t have the heart to give the Browns a guy I don’t really like).
93. Minnesota Vikings- Joe McKnight, RB, USC
The Vikings need to add another RB who can fill the shoes of Chester Taylor as a versitle third down back. I’m not saying McKnight is anywhere near Taylor, but he is a good receiver out of the backfield. He’s a decent value here at a position of need and fit for the team. This would also be the first place where I’d consider Tim Tebow, but this is a team with Super Bowl aspirations while Favre is still playing, so the future can wait as this team needs people who can help them meet that goal now.
94. Indianapolis Colts- Pat Angerer, MLB, Iowa
Angerer is a great fit for this Cover-2 defense as he can get deep and cover, and he’s the typical tough-guy player the Colts love. Angerer won’t have to start, but he’s a solid back up to Gary Brackett in the middle and even has some ability to move to the outside and potentially contribute at the SLB spot as well. He will play special teams and will be very good as well. I almost grabbed Tony Pike as the long term project to replace Peyton Manning, but Manning has a good 6-8 years, so they are better off taking a player who can help them.
95. New Orleans Saints- Mike Neal, DT, Purdue
Neal is a true undertackle who uses very good strength to hold the point, and quickness to rush the passer. Neal is a very good fit next to Sedrick Ellis, who has quickly developed more into a 4-3 NT prospect than a quick and penetrating undertackle like I thought he would. The Saints once again have the luxury to pick who fits their needs. If Neal isn’t the pick, I could also see Pike go here as a long term replacement for Brees.
96. Cincinnati Bengals- Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
I know, Carson Palmer isn’t that old, but who’s behind him on the bench? Yeah, his brother, Jordan. I don’t trust him to take the reigns of the first team offense should Palmer get hurt again. Pike is insurance, and with compensatory picks, you take players like this as they are almost like found money. Pike needs to get stronger and put some size on, but he is the prototypical pocket passer with good enough accuracy. He won’t have to play unless something happens, and that’s how it should be.
97. Tennessee Titans- Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Lang will benefit from the recent alumni at his position from Troy (Umenyiori and Ware), but he’s not quite on that level. Lang still has good pass rush ability, and the Titans like to rotate players in along the DL. Lang will fit right into that spot, and will primarily play in passing situations so he can play to his strengths.
98. Atlanta Falcons- Matt Tennant, OC, Boston College
Those of you who laugh at me for this pick, go ahead. In three years, Tennant will be a better center than Pouncey will. Yes, this is a VERY bold prediction but I’m willing to stick to it. I think he goes here because no one else seems to like him as much as I do. The Falcons know him very well considering they saw him play when scouting Matt Ryan. Tennant fits a big need for this team, and I think he will be playing sooner than later. I will either fall on my face with this prediction, or I will boldly go where no one else is right now (except the NFL Network’s Pat Kirwin, who I obviously like an awful lot!).
Mock Draft- 3rd round, picks 65-81
65. St. Louis Rams- Eric Decker, WR Minnesota
If Decker had not hurt his foot earlier in the season, I think he’s a high second rounder with some conversation that he slips into the end of the first. But he did hurt his foot, and that is an issue for a skill position player like a WR. Even considering the foot injury, I would jump all over Decker if he’s available here in the third. The Rams have some undersized WRs and Decker is a good compliment as a bigger outside receiver. If his foot is healed, I think Decker is one of those rare guys who will make an impact as a WR within the first three years of his career.
66. Detroit Lions- Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
I personally think that Lee is a better fit inside, but in Jim Schwartz’s defense, Lee can fit at the weakside LB position now that Ernie Sims has been traded. Lee might not be as fast as Sims was, but he doesn’t need to be, he’s bigger and stronger at the point. He should have a shot to start in his rookie year as well, and he’s a very good value here in the third round.
67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson
Sapp might be a better fit as a 3-4 OLB, but with the Bucs getting back to their old Tampa-2 roots, Sapp is a good fit as quicker and smaller defensive end. Ricky Sapp can get after the passer, and that’s what this defense needs. With McCoy and Sapp, this defensive line is quickly moving back into relevance.
68. Kansas City Chiefs- Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
I think you know by now that I’m not a big fan of pikes because I just don’t think he has the athleticism to hold up in the NFL. But if he is going to make it, being in a 3-4 will be his best option as he will have someone next to him to help cover up his lack of athleticism. What Spikes does bring is size and physical strength over the middle, which is something this defense actually could use.
69. Oakland Raiders- Zane Beadles, OT/OG, Utah
I’m a big fan of Beadles, although this season somewhat tempered my enthusiasm from last year. While I don’t think that Beadles can play LT, I do think he can play RT and OG. In this zone blocking style of offense, Beadles fits very well, and he should fight right away for the starting spot at right tackle or right guard. This is a great value pick.
70. Philadelphia Eagles- Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
Hardesty is a late riser who had a very good Senior season after having some injury problems earlier in his college season. He’s an ideal compliment to LeSean McCoy, the Eagles second rounder from last year. Hardesty is a between the tackles runner that has enough speed to break long runs to the outside. He will be the finisher for this team late in the third and fourth quarters after McCoy has gotten them up on the scoreboard. A big WR like Brandon LaFell would also make good sense here, but I think RB is a better fit for value and need at this point.
71. Cleveland Browns- Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State
This is a name not many will be familiar with, but if you watched the Senior Bowl game and practices, you will know who Carrington is. He’s a very big 4-3 DE who will fit right in as a five-technique in this defense. Carrington impressed me when he put Zane Beadles completely on his back with a power bull rush and shove. He will make his way into the starting lineup sooner than later, and I think he’s going to be a steal this late. It’s not a sexy pick like say TE Aaron Hernandez or OLB Thaddeus Gibson, but it’s a smart pick.
72. Buffalo Bills- Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida
Hernandez is not my favorite player because he’s strictly a receiving weapon, but it’s the right move for the Bills. Buffalo just lacks playmakers on offense, and Hernandez can help open up the passing game. I really liked the move they made last year for Shawn Nelson, but he’s the inline TE that can be used in tandem with Hernandez potentially split out. I could see a WR like Mardy Gilyard being a solid value pick as well, but I just think Hernandez is a bit more versatile.
73. Miami Dolphins- Linval Joseph, NT, East Carolina
Linval Joseph is now officially the hottest name over the past week. Someone apparently told Todd McShay and Mel Kiper that he’s the next great NT prospect. As I have said before, always be weary of the player that makes a giant move up mock drafts in the last week or so preceding the draft. It’s all smoke screens. Joseph has value and has played the 3-4 nose position in college, but this is where he belongs as far as his actual value. The Dolphins desperately need a future replacement for Jason Ferguson, and Joseph is the perfect fit.
74. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
I had a very hard time choosing between SS Larry Asante, Iowa CB Amari Spievey, and a WR like Gilyard or Brandon LaFell. While the defense does need more help, I think that passing on Gilyard would be a mistake, so I don’t let that happen. Gilayard gets away from the Jags recent love of tall, big, and fast perimeter receivers. He will be a starter in the slot for them and can make an immediate impact in the return game as well.
75. Chicago Bears- Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa
Boy, I was almost scared to make this pick as it was so long in the making. And I hope that doesn’t happen to Jerry and crew as they wait until late in the second day to finally make this move. To be honest, I would not be surprised to see them move down some and add more picks in either this round or the next. If they stay here, the choices left on the board have to be corner or safety, as the OL left just aren’t what the Bears need (trust me, it’s the one position I know well and I’d go DB here for sure). Spievey is a very good fit for this defense. He’s extremely aggressive and likes to play on the line and be physical with wideouts. He has the size you look for in an ideal Cover-2 corner as well, so I cannot argue with this pick. It also allows the luxury to move Peanut Tillman to FS if you really wanted to do so. I think that they should keep Tillman where he is and hope they can address the safety position later as well, so they build depth and add talent at both positions (which are probably the two biggest needs). If this is not exciting enough to all of my fellow Bears fan friends, I apologize, but I’m drafting with my brain and not my heart. I could see Larry Asante being the pick here as well, even though he’s a SS and we really need a FS. I wouldn’t argue with a FS like Morgan Burnett of Georgia Tech or Kam Chancellor of Virginia Tech. If they go with a big WR like Brandon LaFell, I will scream and break things, even though he’d be a good fit with our otherwise midget crew of receivers.
76. New York Giants- Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
The Giants defense revolves around pressure from the DL. Jones is a very good pass rushing interior player and is an outstanding athlete as well. Defensive tackle may not be the biggest need for this team, but this is a better value to me than reaching for a corner that might not fit this defense well (like Javier Arenas). I could definitely see Asante going here as insurance in case Kenny Phillips does not come back healthy
77. Tennessee Titans- Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
I still question Arenas’ ability to cover solo on an island, but I think the Titans will use him as a nickel corner in the slot, which is where his strength is. The biggest reasont o take Arenas here is his ability to return punts. He can be an immediate contributor in this phase for the Titans, and I expect him to be a very good punt returner right away.
78. Carolina Panthers- Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
As I said in the second round, the Panthers need DL and WR help, and they’ve addressed both in the past two rounds. If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that LaFell would fall this far in the draft, I would have laughed at you. But as the season wore on and I saw LaFell play more, he seemed too big and a bit disinterested. I think if the Panthers can motivate him, he can be that secondary threat that this team has not had since Moose Mohammed was actually considered a Pro Bowl caliber player. Now, I don’t know if I would say LaFell can play at that high of a level, but he should make the compliment receiver that the Panthers have not had in years.
79. San Francisco 49ers- Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina
The 49ers have been missing the big play sack artist the past few years, ever since they moved to the 3-4 defense. I’m a bit surprised I had Norwood falling this far, but my concerns over his ability to cover are real, so this means he makes a spectacular value this late in the draft. He won’t be asked to cover, he’s going to turned loose and allowed to attack the passer and make plays. This is when Norwood is at his best, and I think that if used right, he could be a 10+ sack a year guy at this position.
80. Denver Broncos- Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State
If you read the evals, I’m not a big fan of Gibson as a player ready to contribute. What he is though is a phenomenal athlete with a great size/speed/strength ratio. He will be best fit here in a 3-4 defense as a rush OLB, and he will be given a bit of time to develop as a situational pass rusher in his first few years. It’s easy to compare him to first round flop and former teammate Vernon Gholstan, but the difference is there are no expectations on busting when you are a third round pick. It’s a good fit for the Broncos and should give them some juice in the pass rush.
81. Houston Texans- Larry Asante, S, Nebraska
I know I have been saying Asante is best fit at SS, but I think the Texans will start him out as a FS. They already have a heavy hitting in-the-box safety in Bernard Pollard, so that’s why I think that Asante will be asked to play deep. Asante played FS at Nebraska, so it’s nothing new, but I just don’t know if he has the deep coverage skills. I think he can still start and be better than what the Texans already have at the position.
If Decker had not hurt his foot earlier in the season, I think he’s a high second rounder with some conversation that he slips into the end of the first. But he did hurt his foot, and that is an issue for a skill position player like a WR. Even considering the foot injury, I would jump all over Decker if he’s available here in the third. The Rams have some undersized WRs and Decker is a good compliment as a bigger outside receiver. If his foot is healed, I think Decker is one of those rare guys who will make an impact as a WR within the first three years of his career.
66. Detroit Lions- Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
I personally think that Lee is a better fit inside, but in Jim Schwartz’s defense, Lee can fit at the weakside LB position now that Ernie Sims has been traded. Lee might not be as fast as Sims was, but he doesn’t need to be, he’s bigger and stronger at the point. He should have a shot to start in his rookie year as well, and he’s a very good value here in the third round.
67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson
Sapp might be a better fit as a 3-4 OLB, but with the Bucs getting back to their old Tampa-2 roots, Sapp is a good fit as quicker and smaller defensive end. Ricky Sapp can get after the passer, and that’s what this defense needs. With McCoy and Sapp, this defensive line is quickly moving back into relevance.
68. Kansas City Chiefs- Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
I think you know by now that I’m not a big fan of pikes because I just don’t think he has the athleticism to hold up in the NFL. But if he is going to make it, being in a 3-4 will be his best option as he will have someone next to him to help cover up his lack of athleticism. What Spikes does bring is size and physical strength over the middle, which is something this defense actually could use.
69. Oakland Raiders- Zane Beadles, OT/OG, Utah
I’m a big fan of Beadles, although this season somewhat tempered my enthusiasm from last year. While I don’t think that Beadles can play LT, I do think he can play RT and OG. In this zone blocking style of offense, Beadles fits very well, and he should fight right away for the starting spot at right tackle or right guard. This is a great value pick.
70. Philadelphia Eagles- Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
Hardesty is a late riser who had a very good Senior season after having some injury problems earlier in his college season. He’s an ideal compliment to LeSean McCoy, the Eagles second rounder from last year. Hardesty is a between the tackles runner that has enough speed to break long runs to the outside. He will be the finisher for this team late in the third and fourth quarters after McCoy has gotten them up on the scoreboard. A big WR like Brandon LaFell would also make good sense here, but I think RB is a better fit for value and need at this point.
71. Cleveland Browns- Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State
This is a name not many will be familiar with, but if you watched the Senior Bowl game and practices, you will know who Carrington is. He’s a very big 4-3 DE who will fit right in as a five-technique in this defense. Carrington impressed me when he put Zane Beadles completely on his back with a power bull rush and shove. He will make his way into the starting lineup sooner than later, and I think he’s going to be a steal this late. It’s not a sexy pick like say TE Aaron Hernandez or OLB Thaddeus Gibson, but it’s a smart pick.
72. Buffalo Bills- Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida
Hernandez is not my favorite player because he’s strictly a receiving weapon, but it’s the right move for the Bills. Buffalo just lacks playmakers on offense, and Hernandez can help open up the passing game. I really liked the move they made last year for Shawn Nelson, but he’s the inline TE that can be used in tandem with Hernandez potentially split out. I could see a WR like Mardy Gilyard being a solid value pick as well, but I just think Hernandez is a bit more versatile.
73. Miami Dolphins- Linval Joseph, NT, East Carolina
Linval Joseph is now officially the hottest name over the past week. Someone apparently told Todd McShay and Mel Kiper that he’s the next great NT prospect. As I have said before, always be weary of the player that makes a giant move up mock drafts in the last week or so preceding the draft. It’s all smoke screens. Joseph has value and has played the 3-4 nose position in college, but this is where he belongs as far as his actual value. The Dolphins desperately need a future replacement for Jason Ferguson, and Joseph is the perfect fit.
74. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
I had a very hard time choosing between SS Larry Asante, Iowa CB Amari Spievey, and a WR like Gilyard or Brandon LaFell. While the defense does need more help, I think that passing on Gilyard would be a mistake, so I don’t let that happen. Gilayard gets away from the Jags recent love of tall, big, and fast perimeter receivers. He will be a starter in the slot for them and can make an immediate impact in the return game as well.
75. Chicago Bears- Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa
Boy, I was almost scared to make this pick as it was so long in the making. And I hope that doesn’t happen to Jerry and crew as they wait until late in the second day to finally make this move. To be honest, I would not be surprised to see them move down some and add more picks in either this round or the next. If they stay here, the choices left on the board have to be corner or safety, as the OL left just aren’t what the Bears need (trust me, it’s the one position I know well and I’d go DB here for sure). Spievey is a very good fit for this defense. He’s extremely aggressive and likes to play on the line and be physical with wideouts. He has the size you look for in an ideal Cover-2 corner as well, so I cannot argue with this pick. It also allows the luxury to move Peanut Tillman to FS if you really wanted to do so. I think that they should keep Tillman where he is and hope they can address the safety position later as well, so they build depth and add talent at both positions (which are probably the two biggest needs). If this is not exciting enough to all of my fellow Bears fan friends, I apologize, but I’m drafting with my brain and not my heart. I could see Larry Asante being the pick here as well, even though he’s a SS and we really need a FS. I wouldn’t argue with a FS like Morgan Burnett of Georgia Tech or Kam Chancellor of Virginia Tech. If they go with a big WR like Brandon LaFell, I will scream and break things, even though he’d be a good fit with our otherwise midget crew of receivers.
76. New York Giants- Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
The Giants defense revolves around pressure from the DL. Jones is a very good pass rushing interior player and is an outstanding athlete as well. Defensive tackle may not be the biggest need for this team, but this is a better value to me than reaching for a corner that might not fit this defense well (like Javier Arenas). I could definitely see Asante going here as insurance in case Kenny Phillips does not come back healthy
77. Tennessee Titans- Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
I still question Arenas’ ability to cover solo on an island, but I think the Titans will use him as a nickel corner in the slot, which is where his strength is. The biggest reasont o take Arenas here is his ability to return punts. He can be an immediate contributor in this phase for the Titans, and I expect him to be a very good punt returner right away.
78. Carolina Panthers- Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
As I said in the second round, the Panthers need DL and WR help, and they’ve addressed both in the past two rounds. If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that LaFell would fall this far in the draft, I would have laughed at you. But as the season wore on and I saw LaFell play more, he seemed too big and a bit disinterested. I think if the Panthers can motivate him, he can be that secondary threat that this team has not had since Moose Mohammed was actually considered a Pro Bowl caliber player. Now, I don’t know if I would say LaFell can play at that high of a level, but he should make the compliment receiver that the Panthers have not had in years.
79. San Francisco 49ers- Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina
The 49ers have been missing the big play sack artist the past few years, ever since they moved to the 3-4 defense. I’m a bit surprised I had Norwood falling this far, but my concerns over his ability to cover are real, so this means he makes a spectacular value this late in the draft. He won’t be asked to cover, he’s going to turned loose and allowed to attack the passer and make plays. This is when Norwood is at his best, and I think that if used right, he could be a 10+ sack a year guy at this position.
80. Denver Broncos- Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State
If you read the evals, I’m not a big fan of Gibson as a player ready to contribute. What he is though is a phenomenal athlete with a great size/speed/strength ratio. He will be best fit here in a 3-4 defense as a rush OLB, and he will be given a bit of time to develop as a situational pass rusher in his first few years. It’s easy to compare him to first round flop and former teammate Vernon Gholstan, but the difference is there are no expectations on busting when you are a third round pick. It’s a good fit for the Broncos and should give them some juice in the pass rush.
81. Houston Texans- Larry Asante, S, Nebraska
I know I have been saying Asante is best fit at SS, but I think the Texans will start him out as a FS. They already have a heavy hitting in-the-box safety in Bernard Pollard, so that’s why I think that Asante will be asked to play deep. Asante played FS at Nebraska, so it’s nothing new, but I just don’t know if he has the deep coverage skills. I think he can still start and be better than what the Texans already have at the position.
Mock Draft- 2nd round, picks 49-64
49. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
The 49ers need to come away from the first two rounds with a RT and a CB, and with Robinson sliding, they can make that happen. Robinson may have the best natural skills of any corner in this draft, but he just lacks consistency in putting it all together (which is why he slides this far). If Robinson is actually here, it’s a no brainer as he can be an immediate starter. If he’s not here, then the pick will more than likely come down to ILB Sean Lee or OLB Koa Misi.
50. Kansas City Chiefs- Koa Misi, OLB, Utah
I’m a huge fan of Misi’s and I was very surprised this year that I hadn’t heard anything about him previouslty, nor did I remember him from watching the Utes play the previous two seasons. Kansas City is still a team in transition to the 3-4 defense, and Misi can help move that transition along quicker. He played a hybrid DE/OLB position at Utah, so he will have a very small learning curve, and will have a very good mentor in Mike Vrabel. I think Misi will eventually be a Pro Bowler.
51. Houston Texans- Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
After Spiller, Mathews, and Best, it’s a matter of what flavor of RB you like for who goes next. I really like Tate a lot as he has a very good blend of size and interior running skills, but also has the long speed to hit the home run on the outside. He’s not a playmaker in the same vein as Spiller or Best, but he’s more like Mathews in that he consistently chews up positive yards. He’ll make a nice compliment back to Steve Slaton.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers- Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
I really like Oklahoma State’s Perrish Cox, but with some off the field character issues, this is the last team that will be taking that risk. Cook is a cleaner player off the field, and he fits the mold of physical corners that this team likes. Cook is very tall, but is very smooth turning and running with the receiver. Cook won’t have to start right away, but with the questionable play last year from this team’s current starters, it would not surprise me if Cook was in the starting lineup come week one.
53. New England Patriots- Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss
This move makes so much sense on so many levels. The Patriots have used Kevin Faulk as an undersized third down back as successfully as a team could. The problem now is that Faulk is getting up in age and really only has a season or two left at the very most. In comes McCluster, who is even smaller than Faulk, but can fit that same slash role as a runner and underneath receiving option. McCluster is an offensive weapon, and his size won’t be that much of an issue at the next level as I don’t see any team that drafts him using him every down. He’s a change of pace guy who can really make big plays, and this is a team that has the luxury to take a player like this in the second round.
54. Cincinnati Bengals- Chad Jones, FS, LSU
Jones was a centerfielder on the LSU Tigers baseball team, and he plays like one on the football field. Jones is at his best playing deep over the middle of the field, and he’s also great at tracking the ball in the air. Jones doesn’t have ideal size or speed, but he is just always around the ball and makes plays. The Bengals have some guys who can play in the box as physical SS’s, but they are lacking that deep coverage playmaker, and Jones brings that. If not, I could see the Bengals going for a DE like Clemson’s Ricky Sapp, Arkansas State’s Alex Carrington, or Northwestern’s Corey Wooton.
55. Philadelphia Eagles- Major Wright, FS, Florida
Wright is still a little bit raw, but he’s the perfect blend of speed and power that will fit this defense well. The Eagles really struggled without Brian Dawkins last year, and I think that Wright is one of the few guys who can really fill that same role here. He’s got some of the best closing speed I saw on tape, and he showed the ability to blitz. That’s critical in this defense as they require the FS to come up hard and either attack the LOS, or get back into coverage quickly. Wright can do that for them.
56. Green Bay Packers- Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
The Packers like bigger and physical corners who can press receivers at the line. Cox is one of the better press-man cover corners I saw this year, so the fit/need/value make sense. If Al Harris is not fully healed, Cox will push to get time right away. If Harris is healthy, the Packers have time to let Cox develop. He’s a great value here, but I’m also not surprised to see him slip due to the fact that he angered his college coach enough that he not only suspended him for the bowl game but also did not let him work out at their Pro Day.
57. Baltimore Ravens- Anthony McCoy, TE, USC
I had a very tough time here with two extremely talented players that have slipped a lot further than I would have thought earlier in the year: McCoy and Penn State LB Navorro Bowman. Bowman is the perfect LB for this team. He’s athletic, versatile, and exactly what this team likes in that position. But I chose the bigger need in TE with McCoy. Anthony McCoy is sliding as we draw near draft day due to testing positive for marijuana at the Combine. While that’s not good, it’s not a death sentence either, and it would never preclude me from taking a lesser talent before him. McCoy will be the heir apparent to Todd Heap, and I think he’s going to be a very successful NFL TE. He’s the best blocking TE of the so called top shelf group (the guys who will go in the first three rounds). I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bowman’s name called either though.
58. Arizona Cardinals- Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State
Bowman has slid some as we have neared draft day due to some concerns about off the field issues he had while at Penn State. So while he has slipped here, and it would make sense due to this issue, I think he may very well go a lot higher than this due to his on the field talent. Bowman is a great fit here as a replacement for Karlos Dansby. Yes, Bowman played OLB at Penn State, but so did Dansby at Auburn. Bowman is athletic enough to make the move and he will make plays on the inside as well. He can blitz, he can cover, and he can tackle well. He’s a very good overall LB prospect that can realistically play any spot at the position.
59. Dallas Cowboys- Vlad Ducasse, OT/OG, Umass
This is a pick that I don’t truly believe in, but I think it’s the way the Cowboys would go. The Cowboys need someone who can play RT or OG, and Dallas likes big guys. There is no question that Ducasse has a very bright future, but I’m concerned as what I saw of him at the Senior Bowl showed me he has along ways to go before he really understand how to play the position at the next level. He can be taught this, but I’m concerned that he will be pressed into action too soon if he does go here. I’d prefer John Jerry of Ole Miss as he has played RT and can definitely play LG. But when has Jerry Jones made a pick that really makes sense?
60. Seattle Seahawks- Damian Williams, WR, USC
Williams is reunited with his college coach in Pete Carroll, and this is a move that actually makes sense as well. The Seahawks need some young talent at the receiver position, and Williams can contribute right away in the slot. I think eventually he can move to the outside and replace Houshmenzadeh, and he’s the perfect mentor for Williams as they share a lot of the same qualities. I could also see Seattle making the move for a RB like Montario Hardesty here as well.
61. New York Jets- Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern
The Jets don’t really have a huge need here, and I could see them going in many directions. A rush OLB like Ricky Sapp of Clemson or Thaddeus Gibson of Ohio State could very well be the pick. I just get the feeling that DE is the pick here though, and this pick will come down between Alex Carrington and Corey Wooten. I chose Wooten for a several reasons, most of which is that I remember how good he was prior to his knee injury. I think that we will see more of that ability this year after he gets a full year under his belt post-surgery. He’s a very good fit at the five-technique as he has the length and size to hold the point, but also has some juice to get to the passer. Want another silly reason why this may be the pick? Wooten originally hails from New Jersey.
62. Minnesota Vikings- Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
I think the Vikings get a steal here in Franks, who definitely could have pushed his way into the first round had he come back for his Senior year. I think that Franks is the forgotten man in this year’s corner class as he played on a defense loaded with talent. Franks can hold his own on an island, and this is a perfect fit for his style of play. With Cedric Griffen getting hurt in the NFC championship game last season, Franks will have the chance to play sooner rather than later.
63. Indianapolis Colts- John Jerry, OG, Ole Miss
I’m a bigger fan of Jerry than most other draft experts. I think he can play RT at the next level, but he won’t need to for this team. Jerry fits the mold of bigger OL that the Colts have publicly said they want to move toward. Jerry can come right in and fight for one of the two guard positions, and I think by the end of training camp, he will be the starter at LG.
64. New Orleans Saints- Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU
Washington is a great value here, and it allows the Saints to get younger and much more athletic at the OLB position. Washington played inside at TCU, but he doesn’t have the size or strength to hold up on the inside in the NFL. He does however have the elite speed and quickness to make an impact on the outside. With Scott Fujita leaving for the Browns, Washington provides a better and younger athlete that this defense needed on the outside. The strong get stronger.
The 49ers need to come away from the first two rounds with a RT and a CB, and with Robinson sliding, they can make that happen. Robinson may have the best natural skills of any corner in this draft, but he just lacks consistency in putting it all together (which is why he slides this far). If Robinson is actually here, it’s a no brainer as he can be an immediate starter. If he’s not here, then the pick will more than likely come down to ILB Sean Lee or OLB Koa Misi.
50. Kansas City Chiefs- Koa Misi, OLB, Utah
I’m a huge fan of Misi’s and I was very surprised this year that I hadn’t heard anything about him previouslty, nor did I remember him from watching the Utes play the previous two seasons. Kansas City is still a team in transition to the 3-4 defense, and Misi can help move that transition along quicker. He played a hybrid DE/OLB position at Utah, so he will have a very small learning curve, and will have a very good mentor in Mike Vrabel. I think Misi will eventually be a Pro Bowler.
51. Houston Texans- Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
After Spiller, Mathews, and Best, it’s a matter of what flavor of RB you like for who goes next. I really like Tate a lot as he has a very good blend of size and interior running skills, but also has the long speed to hit the home run on the outside. He’s not a playmaker in the same vein as Spiller or Best, but he’s more like Mathews in that he consistently chews up positive yards. He’ll make a nice compliment back to Steve Slaton.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers- Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
I really like Oklahoma State’s Perrish Cox, but with some off the field character issues, this is the last team that will be taking that risk. Cook is a cleaner player off the field, and he fits the mold of physical corners that this team likes. Cook is very tall, but is very smooth turning and running with the receiver. Cook won’t have to start right away, but with the questionable play last year from this team’s current starters, it would not surprise me if Cook was in the starting lineup come week one.
53. New England Patriots- Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss
This move makes so much sense on so many levels. The Patriots have used Kevin Faulk as an undersized third down back as successfully as a team could. The problem now is that Faulk is getting up in age and really only has a season or two left at the very most. In comes McCluster, who is even smaller than Faulk, but can fit that same slash role as a runner and underneath receiving option. McCluster is an offensive weapon, and his size won’t be that much of an issue at the next level as I don’t see any team that drafts him using him every down. He’s a change of pace guy who can really make big plays, and this is a team that has the luxury to take a player like this in the second round.
54. Cincinnati Bengals- Chad Jones, FS, LSU
Jones was a centerfielder on the LSU Tigers baseball team, and he plays like one on the football field. Jones is at his best playing deep over the middle of the field, and he’s also great at tracking the ball in the air. Jones doesn’t have ideal size or speed, but he is just always around the ball and makes plays. The Bengals have some guys who can play in the box as physical SS’s, but they are lacking that deep coverage playmaker, and Jones brings that. If not, I could see the Bengals going for a DE like Clemson’s Ricky Sapp, Arkansas State’s Alex Carrington, or Northwestern’s Corey Wooton.
55. Philadelphia Eagles- Major Wright, FS, Florida
Wright is still a little bit raw, but he’s the perfect blend of speed and power that will fit this defense well. The Eagles really struggled without Brian Dawkins last year, and I think that Wright is one of the few guys who can really fill that same role here. He’s got some of the best closing speed I saw on tape, and he showed the ability to blitz. That’s critical in this defense as they require the FS to come up hard and either attack the LOS, or get back into coverage quickly. Wright can do that for them.
56. Green Bay Packers- Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
The Packers like bigger and physical corners who can press receivers at the line. Cox is one of the better press-man cover corners I saw this year, so the fit/need/value make sense. If Al Harris is not fully healed, Cox will push to get time right away. If Harris is healthy, the Packers have time to let Cox develop. He’s a great value here, but I’m also not surprised to see him slip due to the fact that he angered his college coach enough that he not only suspended him for the bowl game but also did not let him work out at their Pro Day.
57. Baltimore Ravens- Anthony McCoy, TE, USC
I had a very tough time here with two extremely talented players that have slipped a lot further than I would have thought earlier in the year: McCoy and Penn State LB Navorro Bowman. Bowman is the perfect LB for this team. He’s athletic, versatile, and exactly what this team likes in that position. But I chose the bigger need in TE with McCoy. Anthony McCoy is sliding as we draw near draft day due to testing positive for marijuana at the Combine. While that’s not good, it’s not a death sentence either, and it would never preclude me from taking a lesser talent before him. McCoy will be the heir apparent to Todd Heap, and I think he’s going to be a very successful NFL TE. He’s the best blocking TE of the so called top shelf group (the guys who will go in the first three rounds). I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bowman’s name called either though.
58. Arizona Cardinals- Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State
Bowman has slid some as we have neared draft day due to some concerns about off the field issues he had while at Penn State. So while he has slipped here, and it would make sense due to this issue, I think he may very well go a lot higher than this due to his on the field talent. Bowman is a great fit here as a replacement for Karlos Dansby. Yes, Bowman played OLB at Penn State, but so did Dansby at Auburn. Bowman is athletic enough to make the move and he will make plays on the inside as well. He can blitz, he can cover, and he can tackle well. He’s a very good overall LB prospect that can realistically play any spot at the position.
59. Dallas Cowboys- Vlad Ducasse, OT/OG, Umass
This is a pick that I don’t truly believe in, but I think it’s the way the Cowboys would go. The Cowboys need someone who can play RT or OG, and Dallas likes big guys. There is no question that Ducasse has a very bright future, but I’m concerned as what I saw of him at the Senior Bowl showed me he has along ways to go before he really understand how to play the position at the next level. He can be taught this, but I’m concerned that he will be pressed into action too soon if he does go here. I’d prefer John Jerry of Ole Miss as he has played RT and can definitely play LG. But when has Jerry Jones made a pick that really makes sense?
60. Seattle Seahawks- Damian Williams, WR, USC
Williams is reunited with his college coach in Pete Carroll, and this is a move that actually makes sense as well. The Seahawks need some young talent at the receiver position, and Williams can contribute right away in the slot. I think eventually he can move to the outside and replace Houshmenzadeh, and he’s the perfect mentor for Williams as they share a lot of the same qualities. I could also see Seattle making the move for a RB like Montario Hardesty here as well.
61. New York Jets- Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern
The Jets don’t really have a huge need here, and I could see them going in many directions. A rush OLB like Ricky Sapp of Clemson or Thaddeus Gibson of Ohio State could very well be the pick. I just get the feeling that DE is the pick here though, and this pick will come down between Alex Carrington and Corey Wooten. I chose Wooten for a several reasons, most of which is that I remember how good he was prior to his knee injury. I think that we will see more of that ability this year after he gets a full year under his belt post-surgery. He’s a very good fit at the five-technique as he has the length and size to hold the point, but also has some juice to get to the passer. Want another silly reason why this may be the pick? Wooten originally hails from New Jersey.
62. Minnesota Vikings- Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
I think the Vikings get a steal here in Franks, who definitely could have pushed his way into the first round had he come back for his Senior year. I think that Franks is the forgotten man in this year’s corner class as he played on a defense loaded with talent. Franks can hold his own on an island, and this is a perfect fit for his style of play. With Cedric Griffen getting hurt in the NFC championship game last season, Franks will have the chance to play sooner rather than later.
63. Indianapolis Colts- John Jerry, OG, Ole Miss
I’m a bigger fan of Jerry than most other draft experts. I think he can play RT at the next level, but he won’t need to for this team. Jerry fits the mold of bigger OL that the Colts have publicly said they want to move toward. Jerry can come right in and fight for one of the two guard positions, and I think by the end of training camp, he will be the starter at LG.
64. New Orleans Saints- Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU
Washington is a great value here, and it allows the Saints to get younger and much more athletic at the OLB position. Washington played inside at TCU, but he doesn’t have the size or strength to hold up on the inside in the NFL. He does however have the elite speed and quickness to make an impact on the outside. With Scott Fujita leaving for the Browns, Washington provides a better and younger athlete that this defense needed on the outside. The strong get stronger.
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