The home of die hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans. It's not just a team, it's a way of life!

NFL Mock Draft, v3.0 (final)

April 25, 2013 by Steel Haven



Round 1

  1. Kansas City Chiefs

    OT Eric Fisher - Central Michigan

    Did a solid job of filling needs through free agency and trades so taking the best player available makes sense. Andy Reid has shown a propensity for taking linemen in the first round. This pick is reportedly down to Fisher and Joeckel. The coaching staff reportedly wants Fisher while the scouts want Joeckel. GM John Dorsey is expected to defer to Reid. Franchised Branden Albert has been adamant in his refusal to move to the right side if this pick is used on a left tackle. Fisher could play on the right side for a year. Moving Albert to add a second rounder after the deal for QB Alex Smith wouldn't be the worst idea. The Dolphins with two second rounders having lost Jake Long in free agency are reportedly interested in him.
    • Needs: OT, ILB, DE, QB, FS, G/C
    • Other Options: OT L Joeckel
    .
  2. Jacksonville Jaguars

    OT Luke Joeckel - Texas A&M

    New GM David Caldwell has been playing his hand extremely close to the vest. A trade down for extra picks is likely his preferred strategy. Just about everyone in the top ten reportedly wants to trade down. Finding a partner is the problem. Taking the best available player seems to be the backup plan. Whichever of Joeckel or Fisher the Chiefs don't take appears to be the likely selection. An upgrade is needed immediately on the right side over Cameron Bradfield and blind side protector Eugene Monroe is a free agent after next season.
    • Needs: QB, DE, CB, RT/G, OLB, SS
    • Hope might be available: OT E Fisher
    • Other Options: DE E Ansah, DE D Jordan, DT S Floyd, trade down
    .
  3. Oakland Raiders

    DT/DE Sharrif Floyd - Florida

    Defense is a shambles. The Raiders could stand to replace their entire front seven and both corners. Free agent signings were more journeyman type fill-ins than difference makers. Taking the best defender on the board seems like a no brainer. Floyd is scheme versatile possessing the skill set to be a 3-technique inside in a 4-3 or a 5-technique at end in a 3-4 alignment. His ability to rush the passer from the inside should further benefit a defense that managed only 25 sacks last season.
    • Needs: DE, CB, DT, LB, FS, RT/G
    • Hope might be available: OT L Joeckel, OT E Fisher
    • Other Options: DE E Ansah, OT L Johnson, DE D Jordan, DT S Lotulelei, trade down
    .
  4. Philadelphia Eagles

    OT Lane Johnson - Oklahoma

    Kelly's first draft turns out to be very similar to a draft under Reid. Take the best lineman available. Johnson moved to the left side as a senior after playing on the right side previously. He is an athletic former TE and DE with the length and long arms teams covet. He provides insurance on the left side with Jason Peters returning from a torn Achilles. His ability to play on the right side would allow Todd Herremans to move to guard.
    • Needs: OT, DE, CB, QB, G/C, NT
    • Hope might be available: OT E Fisher, DE S Floyd, OT L Joeckel
    • Other Options: OLB D Jordan, NT/DE S Lotulelei, QB G Smith, trade down
    .
  5. Detroit Lions

    DE Ezekiel Ansah - BYU

    The retirement of Jeff Backus, free agent loss of Cliff Avril and release of Kyle Vanden Bosch have left gaping holes on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The offensive tackles are gone so addressing the defensive side of the ball appears to be a no brainer. Ansah didn’t start a game until exploding on the scene in his senior season after coming to BYU from Ghana on a track scholarship. His incredible physical upside makes him a legitimate possibility in the top five despite the inexperience.
    • Needs: OT, DE, CB, G/C, WR, DT
    • Hope might be available: OT E Fisher, OT L Joeckel, OT L Johnson
    • Other Options: DE D Jordan, CB D Milliner, OG C Warmack, trade down
    .
  6. Cleveland Browns

    OLB Dion Jordan - Oregon

    Milliner has been my pick here since the beginning. Fast riser Jordan, a possibility with the second pick, is just too good to pass up if he gets to this spot. A torn labrum limited his productivity in the second half of the season and required post combine surgery. His pre-surgery workouts were eye popping. He is a perfect fit for new coordinator Ray Horton's defense. The lack of a second round pick could lead to a trade down for extra picks. Lane Johnson being already gone would make finding an interested party less likely.
    • Needs: QB, CB, OG, FS, OLB, WR
    • Hope might be available: OT L Johnson (as a trade target for another team)
    • Other Options: CB D Milliner, QB G Smith, trade down
    .
  7. Arizona Cardinals

    OG Chance Warmack - Alabama

    A fourth offensive lineman in the top seven, a guard with a single digit pick. A guard has not been selected in the top ten in the last ten drafts. The lack of top end talent in the class plus the trade for Carson Palmer and signing of Drew Stanton to fill their dire need at QB makes this possible. Warmack steps in immediately on the right side helping the running game and keeping interior pressure away from the new signal callers.
    • Needs: OT, OG, S, OLB, CB, QB
    • Hope might be available: OLB E Ansah, OT L Johnson, OLB D Jordan
    • Other Options: OT D Fluker, OLB B Mingo, trade down
    .
  8. Buffalo Bills

    QB Ryan Nassib - Syracuse

    Could this really happen? Since the hiring of Nassib's college coach Doug Marrone there has been a strong connection. Most thought a second rounder or a trade up into the bottom of the first rounder would be sufficient to land Nassib. Unfortunately with only six picks this season the Bills don't seemed inclined to move up into the bottom of the first round. A trade down is possible, perhaps with someone looking at Austin. While scouting reports on Nassib are all over the place with a few teams reportedly not even thinking he is draftable, it would only take one other team really liking him to make trading down a gamble. The feeling is the Jets, a divisional rival, could be that team and they have three picks before the Bills next selection. GM Buddy Nix really seems disinclined to gamble with Nassib.
    • Needs: QB, WR, OG, ILB, DE, TE
    • Hope might be available: DE E Ansah, DE D Jordan, OG C Warmack
    • Other Options: WR T Austin, QB M Barkley, OG J Cooper, trade down
    .
  9. New York Jets

    WR Tavon Austin - West Virginia

    A tough choice between Austin and Milliner. Neither is likely to be available with their next pick. Taking Milliner appears at best to be a lateral move after the deal of Revis. The versatile, undersized Austin averaged 198 all-purpose yards per game last season lining up in the slot and backfield plus returning kicks. He provides a much needed weapon allowing the Jets to diversify their offense.
    • Needs: QB, OLB, WR, CB, TE, RT/G
    • Hope might be available: OLB D Jordan
    • Other Options: CB D Milliner, OLB B Mingo
    .
  10. Tennessee Titans

    CB Dee Milliner - Alabama

    Milliner has elite size, toughness and football. He also proved to have lack of top line makeup speed in post season workouts. Concerns about recent rotator cuff surgery are the only issue. Milliner profiles as an immediate, long term starter. The Titans had the 26th ranked passing defense last season and have never really replaced Cortland Finnegan. Milliner is a clear upgrade over starters Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner.
    • Needs: DE, CB, OG, DT, LB, TE
    • Hope might be available: DE E Ansah, OG C Warmack
    • Other Options: OG J Cooper, T/G D Fluker, DE B Mingo
    .
  11. San Diego Chargers

    OT DJ Fluker - Alabama

    The offensive line has been in steady decline causing Philip Rivers and the running game to suffer. A trade up for a top left tackle does not look possible with the expectation of them coming off the board in the top four or five picks. RT Jeromey Clary, OG Rich Ohrnberger and OG Chad Rinehart are also part of the problem. Fluker is a huge, physical run blocker that can play right tackle or guard. The expectation is that he will be a starter from day one.
    • Needs: T/G, NT, LB, CB, SS, RB
    • Hope might be available: OT L Johnson, CB D Milliner
    • Other Options: CB D Hayden, NT S Lotulelei, OLB B Mingo, CB X Rhodes
    .
  12. Miami Dolphins

    CB DJ Hayden - Houston

    Traded Vontae Davis and lost Sean Smith to free agency in the last eight months. Recently signed free agent Brent Grimes is returning from a torn Achilles. The fluid, instinctive Hayden seems fully recovered from a torn interior vena cava artery in his heart suffered in a freak accident at practice. His stock has soared in the post season.
    • Needs: OT, CB, DE, RB, TE, OG
    • Hope might be available: DE E Ansah, OT D Fluker, CB D Milliner
    • Other Options: OG J Cooper, TE T Eifert, DE B Mingo
    .
  13. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay)

    OLB Barkevious Mingo - LSU

    Head coach Rex Ryan has not had a legitimate edge rusher since coming to New York, actually New Jersey. Mingo took a slight step back last season after a breakout 2011 campaign as offensive coordinators focused more on negating him. While Mingo might have benefitted from a return to school, his athletic upside makes him dropping any further unlikely.
    • Hope might be available: OT D Fluker, CB D Hayden
    • Other Options: OG J Cooper, CB X Rhodes, QB G Smith
    .
  14. Carolina Panthers

    DT Star Lotulelei - Utah

    The hole in the interior defensive line needs to be plugged even with the return of Dwan Edwards. Lotulelei is surprisingly athletic for a big man and had to face consistent double and triple teams as a collegian because of the dearth of talent surrounding him. A heart condition detected at the combine did not prove to be a long term issue and subsequent testing has allayed fears. His falling this far would have to be a pleasant surprise for the Panthers.
    • Needs: DT, CB, OT, S, OG, WR
    • Hope might be available: WR/RB T Austin, CB D Hayden
    • Other Options: DT S Richardson, CB X Rhodes, S K Vaccaro
    .
  15. New Orleans Saints

    S Kenny Vaccaro - Texas

    The defense was rated 31st against the pass in large part due to the inept play of safeties Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins. Vaccaro has the combination of size and athleticism to play either safety spot. Texas has had six defensive backs selected in the top fifty picks in the last six drafts. Vaccaro will make that seven in seven.
    • Needs: OT, S, NT, OLB, DE, CB
    • Hope might be available: OT D Fluker, OLB B Mingo
    • Other Options: OLB J Jones, DE/DT S Richardson
    .
  16. St. Louis Rams

    OG/C Jonathon Cooper - North Carolina

    Both Austin and Vaccaro being off the board is a worst case scenario that is growing more and more likely as the draft approaches. Cooper's athleticism has him rising up draft boards with some pundits now rating him even more highly than Warmack. Harvey Dahl, Shelley Smith and Rokevious Watson certainly do not strike fear in the hearts of opponents so an upgrade in the interior offensive line would be beneficial if not exactly the move the Rams were hoping to make.
    • Needs: WR, S, RB, OLB, OG, DT
    • Hope might be available: WR/RB T Austin, S K Vaccaro
    • Other Options: OLB J Jones, WR D Hopkins, WR C Patterson
    .
  17. Pittsburgh Steelers

    OLB Jarvis Jones - Georgia

    James Harrison has moved on to Cincinnati, Lamarr Woodley has not produced since signing a big extension. The Steelers defense in the Bill Cowher/Mike Tomlin eras has been built on pressure from the edge producing big plays. The ulta-productive Jones was thought of as a top five pick before a disasterous post season. He drops not because of his well documented spinal stenosis which resulted in a transfer from USC, but instead due to a shockingly lackluster post season including a 4.95 40 at his pro day that belies his explosive on the field. The Steelers normally like to take young, early entrants in the first round and Jones will turn 24 this season which is another obstacle. His upside for a defense that has been making less and less big plays appears too big to ignore.
    • Needs: RB, WR, LB, S, TE, OT/G
    • Hope might be available: WR/RB T Austin, G J Cooper, OT D Fluker, S K Vaccaro
    • Other Options: TE T Eifert, WR D Hopkins, WR C Patterson, DE/DT S Richardson
    .
  18. Dallas Cowboys

    DT Sheldon Richardson - Missouri

    Change in the defensive scheme after the hiring of new coordinator Monte Kiffin is going to require defensive line help. Richardson was a top recruit that was forced to attend junior college due to academics. He displayed incredible explosiveness while having to earn his playing time after honoring his original commitment to Missouri.
    • Needs: G/C, DT, S, RT, DE, OLB
    • Hope might be available: OG J Cooper, RT D Fluker, S K Vaccaro
    • Other Options: S J Cyprien, DT S Williams
    .
  19. New York Giants

    DE Cornellius Carradine - Florida St

    GM Jerry Reese is known for drafting for upside and value rather than immediate need. Here he gets both. Osi Umenyiora signed with the Falcons and Justin Tuck can't stay healthy. The explosive Carradine had 11 sacks last season before suffered a torn ACL in November. His ability to run a 40 on Saturday in a personal workout was nothing short of miraculous.
    • Needs: DE, LB, CB, RT, OG, S
    • Hope might be available: OG J Cooper, RT D Fluker
    • Other Options: MLB A Ogletree, CB X Rhodes
    .
  20. Chicago Bears

    LB Alec Ogletree - Georgia

    Failure to resign Brian Urlacher after he refused to take a big enough pay cut opened up a hole in the middle of the defense. Recruited as a safety the athletic Ogletree has good size and excellent speed for his position. He is a slightly surprising early entrant because a string of injuries limited his on the field experience. To be selected this early he would have had to make a team comfortable with him in the interview process due to off the field issues including a DUI early in the post season.
    • Needs: LB, CB, OT, G/C, WR, QB
    • Hope might be available: OG J Cooper, OT D Fluker
    • Other Options: WR C Patterson, CB X Rhodes
    .
  21. Cincinnati Bengals

    S Jonathan Cyprien - Fla International

    Can't go into the season with Reggie Nelson and Taylor Mays as starting safeties. Mays especially has proven repeatedly that he can't play. Cyprien burst on the scene at the Senior Bowl and kept his momentum going in offseason workouts. He has shown the versatility to move forward in the box or drop into coverage.
    • Needs: S, RB, LB, RT, G/C, WR
    • Hope might be available: OT D Fluker, CB D Hayden, LB A Ogletree, S K Vaccaro
    • Other Options: RB E Lacy, WR C Patterson, LB M Te'o
    .
  22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)

    WR DeAndre Hopkins - Clemson

    The Rams brought Hopkins to St. Louis twice for personal workouts. He is selected ahead of Patterson because of his pro readiness. Hopkins has the best chance of any rookie receiver outside of Austin to step in and contribute immediately. He is a productive, instinctive receiver that wasn't picked higher because of a lack of prototypical size and speed.
    • Hope might be available: S J Cyprien, LB A Ogletree
    • Other Options: WR C Patterson, S E Reed
    .
  23. Minnesota Vikings

    CB Xavier Rhodes - Florida St

    The big, physical, instinctive Rhodes has answered any questions about his speed and agility with excellent post season workouts. He could easily be drafted in the top 15. Aging Antoine Winfield was released. While Josh Robinson is viewed as his heir apparent there is little depth behind him and Chris Cook.
    • Needs: MLB, CB, DT, WR, DE, S
    • Hope might be available: WR T Austin, DE C Carradine
    • Other Options: WR C Patterson, LB M Te'o, DT S Williams
    .
  24. Indianapolis Colts

    NT/DE Sylvester Williams - North Carolina

    The relatively inexperienced Williams has displayed incredible athleticism in the post season. He played only a single season of HS football before going the JUCO route and landing in Chapel Hill for the last two seasons. Williams is stout at the point of attack with the quickness to disrupt. A nice fit for the hybrid defense of Chuck Pagano.
    • Needs: CB, OLB, DE, WR, OG/C, OT
    • Hope might be available: OLB J Jones, CB X Rhodes
    • Other Options: DE D Jones, WR C Patterson, CB J Taylor, OLB/DE B Werner
    .
  25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle)

    MLB Manti Te’o - Notre Dame

    An immediate starter is needed after the loss of Jasper Brinkley. Not that Brinkley was any good anyway. The well publicized off the field issues of Te'o appear to have blown over. On the field his instincts and agility make up for a lack of straight line speed. His remarkable improvement against the pass as a senior may be hard to duplicate against pro tight ends and backs.
    • Hope might be available: DT S Williams
    • Other Options: DT/DE D Jones, WR C Patterson, CB J Taylor, DE B Werner
    .
  26. Green Bay Packers

    WR Cordarrelle Patterson - Tennessee

    Offense revolves around Aaron Rodgers and his receivers. The loss of Greg Jennings in free agency opens up a spot even with three more than capable options still on the roster. Former JUCO transfer Patterson came out early after playing only a single season in the SEC. A versatile playmaker with good size, Patterson scored TDs last season via kickoff return, punt return, receiving and rushing. Patterson's stock seems to be in decline because of fears about his ability to pick up a pro offense. This could be the perfect spot allowing him to develop with a franchise QB behind top receivers in an explosive offense.
    • Needs: RB, DE, WR, OLB, S, TE
    • Hope might be available: S J Cyprien
    • Other Options: TE T Eifert, DE D Jones, RB E Lacy, S E Reed, OLB/DE B Werner
    .
  27. Houston Texans

    TE Tyler Eifert - Notre Dame

    Eifert could easily be a top fifteen pick. He has the size and ball skills to create mismatches and provide a security blanket in the passing game. He also has the body to develop into an all around inline TE with work on his blocking. Owen Daniels will be a free agent after next season, undoubtedly expecting a big money deal. Eifert provides insurance and is simply too good to pass up at this point.
    • Needs: WR, RT/G, ILB, NT, OLB, TE
    • Hope might be available: WR C Patterson, NT S Williams
    • Other Options: WR K Allen, ILB A Brown
    .
  28. Denver Broncos

    DE Bjoern Werner, Florida St

    A presence on the edge is required after the Elvis Dumervil fiasco. The German born Werner didn’t start playing football until fifteen as a foreign exchange student. He excelled both in the pass rush and against the run after improving his conditioning by dropping twenty pounds before his final season. Werner drops a bit despite his high motor because he lacks the top explosiveness of some of the other edge prospects.
    • Needs: DE, DT, S, RB, MLB, CB
    • Hope might be available: S J Cyprien, LB M Te'o
    • Other Options: DE/DT D Jones, RB E Lacy, S E Reed, CB J Taylor
    .
  29. New England Patriots

    LB Arthur Brown - Kansas St

    Seem set at linebacker with Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and Dont'a Hightower. While the trio were a big part of the sixth rated run defense, they were also a factor in the fourth worst pass defense. Plus Spikes is a free agent after next season. The slightly undersized Brown has the quickness and athleticism to contribute in all facets of the game. The Patriots do not have any glaring weakness after a stellar offseason so drafting what in the short term seems like a luxury item is far from out of the question.
    • Needs: WR, S, DT, CB, OLB/DE, OG
    • Hope might be available: S J Cyprien, WR C Patterson, CB X Rhodes, OLB/DE B Werner
    • Other Options: WR K Allen, DE/DT D Jones, S E Reed, CB J Taylor
    .
  30. Atlanta Falcons

    CB Jamar Taylor - Boise St

    Dunta Robinson was released and free agent Brent Grimes went to South Beach. Taylor was flying under the radar rarely being challenged at the collegiate level. The speed, agility and ball skills he displayed in the post season are difficult to ignore.
    • Needs: CB, DE, DT, LB, RT, G/C
    • Hope might be available: LB A Brown, DE B Werner
    • Other Options: DE/DT D Jones, DE M Hunt, CB D Trufant
    .
  31. San Francisco 49ers

    DE Datone Jones - UCLA

    An heir apparent is needed for the aging Justin Smith. Last year when he was out of the lineup Aldon Smith was not the same. Recently signed Glenn Dorsey is more a stopgap that could also play on the nose. He struggled in a three man line in Kansas City. The fast rising Jones had a breakout senior season after failing to live up to expectations as an underclassman. His long arms and frame make him a perfect fit as a 5-technique end on early downs. His speed and burst make him difficult to contend with as an inside rusher on passing downs.
    • Needs: S, NT, DE, TE, OLB, CB
    • Hope might be available: S J Cyprien, TE T Eifert
    • Other Options: TE Z Ertz, DE M Hunt, S E Reed
    .
  32. Baltimore Ravens

    WR Keenan Allen - California

    A slow recovery from knee surgery resulting in poor post season 40 times has hurt Allen's stock. A former top recruit, he originally committed to Alabama as a defensive back. He went on to break DeSean Jackson’s freshman records for catches and receiving yards at Cal. Allen is a precise route runner with excellent size and athleticism. He looks like a perfect fit to replace playoff hero and cap casualty Anquan Boldin.
    • Needs: ILB, WR, S, OT, CB, OG/C
    • Hope might be available: LB A Brown, S J Cyprien
    • Other Options: LB K Minter, S E Reed, CB D Trufant, OT M Watson


Round 2

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Geno Smith - West Virginia
    Barkley may be more likely with someone trading back into the first round for Smith.
  2. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City) - S Eric Reid - LSU
    Upgrade needed over Dahl, Whitner. A bad shoulder pushes Reid out of first round.
  3. Philadelphia Eagles - QB EJ Manuel - Florida St
    A perfect fit for Kelly's offense.
  4. Detroit Lions - OT Menelik Watson - Florida St
    Classic draft for need replacing Backus after replacing Avril in the first round.
  5. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) - RB Eddie Lacy - Alabama
    Considered him in the first round.
  6. Arizona Cardinals - QB Matt Barkley - USC
    New regime doesn't care about fellow Trojan Leinert's failure.
  7. Cleveland Browns (used in 2012 supplemental draft)
    Decision to select Gordon paid off at least in the short term.
  8. New York Jets - CB Desmond Trufant - Washington
    Not Revis obviously, but good value at this point in the draft.
  9. Tennessee Titans - DE Margus Hunt - SMU
    Huge upside gamble on Estonian track and field athlete with limited experience, production.
  10. Buffalo Bills - WR Robert Woods - USC
    A weapon for Nassib, although not the big receiver they wanted opposite Johnson.
  11. Miami Dolphins - RB Jonathan Franklin, UCLA
    Can't count on Thomas and Miller. .
  12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    TE Zach Ertz - Stanford

    Trading for Darrelle Revis filled their biggest need. Adding an athletic pass catching TE is reportedly next on the list. While somewhat one-dimensional, Ertz is a matchup nightmare in motion or lined up in the slot.
    • Needs: TE, DT, DE, LB, FS, QB
    .
  13. Carolina Panthers - S Matt Elam - Florida
    Need to get Nakamura off the field.
  14. New Orleans Saints (forfeited)
    Another penalty for bounty-gate.
  15. San Diego Chargers - ILB Kevin Minter - LSU
    Productive, slightly undersized replacement for Spikes.
  16. St. Louis Rams - RB Montee Ball - Wisconsin
    Every down back to replace Jackson.
  17. Dallas Cowboys - T/G Justin Pugh - Syracuse
    Upgrade desperately needed at RT, interior of offensive line. .
  18. Pittsburgh Steelers

    WR Justin Hunter - Tennessee

    The fluid, long and athletic Hunter lacks experience with only 17 starts after missing time in 2011 with a torn ACL. He improved steadily last season and ended up as one of only four SEC wide outs with over 1000 yards receiving. Inconsistency and drops are why he falls this far. New WR coach Richard Mann will get an immediate chance to prove his mettle.
    • Others: S M Elam, RB J Franklin, ILB K Minter, ILB S Moore, S E Reid, T/G J Pugh, WR R Woods
    .
  19. New York Giants - CB Jonathon Banks - Mississippi St
    Signing of Ross doesn't really fix their problems at corner.
  20. Chicago Bears - QB Mike Glennon - North Carolina St
    Only have McCown behind Cutler. .
  21. Washington Redskins

    CB/S David Amerson - North Carolina St

    Amerson is a big physical corner that might eventually move to safety. The secondary is the Redskins most glaring weakness. Adding protection or another weapon for RGII is tempting. Adding the best available defensive back makes more sense.
    • Needs: S, CB, WR, OG, ILB, RT
    .
  22. Minnesota Vikings - DT Kawann Short - Purdue
    Active interior defender to compete with Guion.
  23. Cincinnati Bengals - T/G Kyle Long - Oregon
    Insurance for Smith with the ability to move inside if he re-signs.
  24. Miami Dolphins (from Indy) - DE Damontre Moore - Texas A & M
    Gamble on edge rusher that had disastrous off season. Pick could be moved for Albert.
  25. Green Bay Packers - NT/DE Jesse Williams - Alabama
    A 5-technique end as a junior before moving inside his final season. .
  26. Seattle Seahawks

    OT Terron Armstead - AR, Pine Bluff

    Have done an incredible job of filling needs in the off season. The weak link on the offense is RT Breno Giacomini. Armstead is an athletic freak that went to a smaller school because they let him compete in track. He had plenty of offers from BCS schools.
    • Needs: RT, OG, OLB, WR, TE, DT
    .
  27. Houston Texans - NT Jonathon Hankins - Ohio St
    A big body that would allow Mitchell to move outside to end more often.
  28. Denver Broncos - RB Giovani Bernard - North Carolina
    McGahee has slowed down, Moreno is not the answer.
  29. New England Patriots - WR Quinton Patton - Louisiana Tech
    Still need receiver help after the Steelers matched offer to Sanders.
  30. Atlanta Falcons - DE Sam Montgomery - LSU
    Need another pass rusher to lineup opposite newly signed Umenyiora.
  31. San Francisco 49ers - TE Gavin Escobar - San Diego St
    Tall, lanky compliment to Davis provides more mismatches in the passing game.
  32. Baltimore Ravens - S DJ Swearinger - South Carolina
    Versatile safety to pair with Huff, no one can replace Reed.

 

Round 3

  1. Kansas City Chiefs - ILB Sio Moore - UConn
    Belcher tragedy means an ILB is needed in the 3-4, can play outside if they lineup in 4-3.
  2. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Alex Okafor - Texas
    Last in the league in 2012 with only 20 sacks.
  3. Detroit Lions - WR Markus Wheaton - Oregon St
    Search for a receiver to compliment Megatron continues.
  4. Oakland Raiders - CB Darius Slay - Mississippi St
    Newly signed Porter and especially Jenkins are veteran stopgaps at best.
  5. Philadelphia Eagles - NT John Jenkins - Georgia
    Huge interior presence for new defensive scheme.
  6. Cleveland Browns - WR Terrance Williams - Baylor
    Lack depth behind Gordon, inconsistent Little.
  7. Arizona Cardinals - OLB Jamie Collins - Southern Miss
    Finding someone that can get to the QB remains a priority.
  8. Tennessee Titans - OG Larry Warford - Kentucky
    Levitre solved their problem at guard on only one side.
  9. Buffalo Bills - C/G Travis Frederick - Wisconsin
    Loss of Levitre has to be addressed.
  10. New York Jets - RB Le'Veon Bell - Michigan St
    Also considering trading for Ivory.
  11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Corey Lemonier - Auburn
    Ranked 30th in sacks despite solid all around end play.
  12. San Francisco (from Carolina) - CB Robert Alford - Southeastern Louisiana
    Youth needed to groom behind Rogers, recently signed Asomugha.
  13. New Orleans Saints - OT David Bakhtiari - Colorado
    Brees needs protection although high upside surprise early entrant will likely need time.
  14. San Diego Chargers - NT Brandon Williams - Missouri Southern St
    Thomas is the only option at NT currently on the roster.
  15. Miami Dolphins - TE Vance McDonald, Rice
    High upside project to groom behind Keller after failure of Egnew.
  16. St. Louis Rams - S Phillip Thomas - Fresno St
    Allowed Dahl to walk, released Mikell. .
  17. Pittsburgh Steelers

    RB Christine Michael - Texas A & M

    Rashard Mendenhall joined his former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians in the desert. Isaac Redman and Jonathon Dwyer are ordinary. The hope seems to be that Le'Veon Bell falls here. Michael is an intriguing fall back option after his combine performance. He came to Pittsburgh for a visit and would have needed to make the brain trust comfortable after spending last season in new coach Kevin Sumlin's doghouse at Texas A&M.
    • Others: T D Bakhtiari, RB L Bell, OLB J Collins, C B Jones, S P Thomas, S S Thomas, CB B Wreh-Wilson
    .
  18. Dallas Cowboys - S Shamarko Thomas - Syracuse
    Sensabaugh was released, Church is trying to come back from torn Achilles.
  19. New York Giants - LB Khaseem Greene - Rutgers
    Coverage backer to help replace Boley.
  20. Miami Dolphins (from Chicago) - C/G Brian Schwenke - California
    Competition for Louis and Jerry. .
  21. Minnesota Vikings - WR Stedman Bailey - West Virginia
    More productive and reliable than first round college teammate Austin.
  22. Cincinnati Bengals - WR Marquise Goodwin, Texas
    Lightning quick slot receiver to compliment Green.
  23. Washington Redskins - S JJ Wilcox - Georgia Southern
    Double dip to address defenses biggest weakness.
  24. Indianapolis Colts - CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson - UConn
    Toler signing did not solve problem opposite Davis.
  25. Seattle Seahawks - TE Travis Kelce - Cincinnati
    Old school all around TE to eventually replace Miller.
  26. Green Bay Packers - RB Andre Ellington - Clemson
    Feel good story Harris needs help.
  27. Houston Texans - ILB Kiko Alonso - Oregon
    A partner for Cushing.
  28. Denver Broncos - CB Dwayne Gratz - UConn
    Strong, aggressive corner improved stock by running a 4.47 at the combine.
  29. New England Patriots - CB Tyrann Mathieu - LSU
    Talib and Dennard's off the field issues makes corner depth a priority.
  30. Atlanta Falcons - C/G Barrett Jones - Alabama
    Retirement of McClure opens a spot in the interior line.
  31. San Francisco 49ers - OLB Cornelius Washington, Georgia
    Depth lacking behind Smith and Brooks.
  32. Baltimore Ravens - ILB Jon Bostic, Florida
    Recently signed McClain already in more trouble off the field.
  33. Houston Texans (compensatory) - WR Ryan Swope - Texas A & M
    Continue to look for a compliment to Johnson.
  34. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory) - QB Tyler Wilson - Arkansas
    Developemental project for Reid behind Smith.
  35. Tennessee Titans (compensatory) - DT Bennie Logan - LSU
    Early entrant to join Casey and Hill in the rotation.

 

4 (115) Pittsburgh Steelers

CB Will Davis - Utah St

Davis took a long and winding road to reach the status of legitimate draft prospect. He only played a single year of HS football before going to Western Washington, then transferring to a JUCO after the school dropped its football program. He played well as a junior at Utah St despite starting only five games, breaking out as a senior. Despite an up and down week at the Senior Bowl his speed and natural athleticism are intriguing. A realistic comparison would be former fourth rounder Cortez Allen.
  • Others: QB T Bray, OLB M Goodman, G/T J Mills, OLB J Simon, CB T Simon, LB T Williams

 

5 (150) Pittsburgh Steelers

OT Reid Fragel - Ohio St

This year's token Buckeye. Fragel is an athletic former top TE recruit that needs to be taught the nuances of the tackle position. A project for new line coach Jack Bicknell Jr.
  • Others: WR T Boyce, WR T King, ILB A Klien, OLB L McCray, TE D Sims, S E Wolff

 

6 (186) Pittsburgh Steelers

S Duke Williams - Nevada

Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark aren't getting any younger. Backups Will Allen and Ryan Mundy are gone. Wiliams has sprinters speed and a willingness to throw around his body despite being average in size. He has been arrested for both underage possession of alcohol and driving with a suspended license so the front office would have to be convinced he has straightened out. He made a visit to Pittsburgh to try to convince them.
  • Others: DE J Kruger, LB S Maponga, TE L Toilolo, CB S Williams

 

6 (206) Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)

ILB Michael Mauti - Penn St

An inspirational team leader that led Penn State through incredibly tough times, Mauti has torn the ACL in both knees, one twice. An adequate athlete, his game is based on awareness and instinctiveness. Medicals will determine his draft status.
  • Others: RB J Jamison, OLB M Catapano, QB S Renfree, WR R Smith, ILB V Williams

 

7 (223) Pittsburgh Steelers

G/T Nik Embernate - San Diego St

Embernate started 35 games in an offense that featured the run. A mauler with a nasty streak, he has the frame to add some bulk without losing athleticism. He has the ability to play in both man and zone blocking schemes and can pull.
  • Others: OLB D Bass, WR J Brown, TE J Fauria, RB R Graham, S J Meeks, QB J Vandenberg
Like this? Share it with friends:
Your opinion counts so voice it!! There are no comments on this article in the fan forums. Be the first to comment.
Don't have an account? Sign up now (it's free)