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NFL Mock Draft, v3.0

May 08, 2014 by Steel Haven



Round 1

  1. Houston Texans

    OLB/DE Jadeveon Clowney - South Carolina

    Rumored to be very interested in trading down, perhaps with the Falcons. The freakishly athletic Clowney once looked like a lock for the top spot no matter who made the selection. Then rumblings coming first from Peter King began suggesting Rick Smith and Bill O'Brien prefer Khalil Mack due partially to scheme fit. Thinking Mack fits new coordinator Romeo Crennel's scheme better than Clowney seems sort of ridiculous. Then take into account Crennel is 66 years old and unlikely to be around very long. I'll stick with the consensus top rated prospect for the selection.
    • Needs: QB, OLB, RT/G, NT, CB, ILB
    • Other Options: DE K Mack, QB J Manziel, trade down
    .
  2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)

    OT Greg Robinson - Auburn

    The goal here originally was to trade down with someone looking to take a QB or Clowney. The stock of the top QBs appears to be in steep decline. Should the Texans pass on Clowney the applause you hear will be coming from the Rams war room. The physically imposing, ridiculously athletic Robinson is more than a fallback. He has supplanted Matthews as the top offensive lineman on the board. Experience is all the red shirt sophomore lacks.
    • Needs: OT, FS, CB, G/C, WR, QB
    • Hope might be available: DE J Clowney
    • Other Options: WR S Watkins, trade down
    .
  3. Jacksonville Jaguars

    OLB Khalil Mack - Buffalo

    GM Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley reportedly want to follow the blueprint of the Seahawks by focusing on defense and the running game while finding a QB in later rounds or through non-traditional methods. The Panthers were tied for last in the league in sacks last season. Caldwell did a solid job of bolstering the defensive line in free agency, but did not add a pure pass rusher. Mack dominated albeit at a lower level of competition with a division I-A career record 75 tackles for a loss and 16 forced fumbles. He started all but a single game of his 4 year career also accumulating a school record 28.5 sacks.
    • Needs: QB, C, WR, OLB, RT/G, RB
    • Hope might be available: DE J Clowney
    • Other Options: QB J Manziel, WR S Watkins
    .
  4. Cleveland Browns

    WR Sammy Watkins - Clemson

    To Manziel or not to Manziel, that is the question. More and more it seems like the answer is going to be no with this selection. The dynamic Watkins is the complete package combining a natural feel for the game with top ball skills, fluidity and acceleration. Pairing him with Josh Gordon is a scary proposition if they find someone to throw to them.
    • Needs: QB, WR, CB, ILB, FS, G/RT
    • Hope might be available: OLB J Clowney, OLB K Mack, OT G Robinson
    • Other Options: QB J Manziel, trade down
    .
  5. Oakland Raiders

    WR Mike Evans - Texas A & M

    Recently signed James Jones is better as a secondary option in the passing game, Denarius Moore and Rod Streater as complimentary performers. Evans has the upside to develop into a true franchise receiver. He has a huge frame with big hands and the ability to physically dominate corners. A big target that battles for every pass will hopefully help newly acquired Matt Schaub throw fewer interceptions.
    • Needs: QB, DT, M/OLB, TE, G/RT, WR
    • Hope might be available: OT G Robinson, WR S Watkins
    • Other Options: QB D Carr, QB J Manziel, OT J Matthews, trade down
    .
  6. Atlanta Falcons

    OT Jake Matthews - Texas A&M

    GM Thomas Dimitroff is known for making bold moves and a trade up for Clowney is reportedly the ultimate goal. Getting to the top of the draft will not come inexpensively especially with the rookie salary cap. Should a trade not work out Matthews is a solid fall back option. Sam Baker fell flat on his face after signing a big contract. Matt Ryan was sacked 44 times in 2013. Matthews is one of the most pro-ready players in this draft. How often is a plug-and-play franchise left tackle available with the sixth pick?
    • Needs: OLB/DE, TE, OT, FS, RB, WR
    • Hope might be available: OLB K Mack
    • Other Options: OT T Lewan, trade up
    .
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    QB Johnny Manziel - Texas A & M

    Managed to fill a myriad of needs through free agency so have some flexibility. Everybody knows Manziel's story. Josh McCown was signed for the short term. He also has a reputation as a solid mentor. Newly hired Jason Licht and Lovie Smith do not seem to view last year's third rounder Mike Glennon as the QB of the future. He should be able to bring back a third day pick in a trade.
    • Needs: OG, WR, DT, M/SLB, QB, DE
    • Hope might be available: WR M Evans
    • Other Options: WR O Beckham, DT A Donald, OT T Lewan, trade down
    .
  8. Minnesota Vikings

    DT Aaron Donald - Pittsburgh

    Linval Joseph was signed inside to pair with Sharif Floyd. Neither is a dynamic playmaker and there is no depth behind them. The undersized Donald has been flying up draft boards after a dominating week at the Senior Bowl and eye popping performance at the combine following a season which saw him win the Outland Trophy, Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and Nagurski Award. New head man Mike Zimmer has to see some of Geno Atkins in him.
    • Needs: QB, S, OG, M/OLB, CB, DT
    • Hope might be available: WR M Evans, OLB K Mack, QB J Manziel
    • Other Options: QB B Bortles, S H Clinton-Dix, CB J Gilbert, G/T Z Martin, trade up/down
    .
  9. Buffalo Bills

    OT Taylor Lewan - Michigan

    A four year starter, Lewan has displayed shocking athleticism in the post season. His length and mean streak were never in question. Lewan provides an immediate upgrade on Eric Pears either playing the right side himself or pushing Cordy Glenn from the left side.
    • Needs: FS, DE, OT, TE, WR, OLB
    • Hope might be available: WR M Evans, WR S Watkins
    • Other Options: WR O Beckham, S H Clinton-Dix, TE E Ebron, trade up
    .
  10. Detroit Lions

    WR Odell Beckham Jr, LSU

    Seems like every year a corner and receiver are mocked to the Lions in the first two or three rounds. The inability to find help at those positions year in and year out has really cost the franchise. Signing Golden Tate was just a first step in adding passing game weapons to Megatron. Beckham Jr. is a slightly undersized, smooth athlete with quick acceleration and the ability to allude coverage despite a lack of blazing straight line speed.
    • Needs: CB, WR, OLB, FS, C, DE
    • Hope might be available: DT A Donald, WR M Evans, OLB K Mack
    • Other Options: OLB A Barr, S H Clinton-Dix, CB J Gilbert, trade up/down
    .
  11. Tennessee Titans

    OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA

    Switch to a 3-4 requires edge rushers for a team that finished 23rd in sacks last season. Derrick Morgan figures to get a try standing up despite not being a great fit for the scheme. Akeem Ayers might be a better fit inside. Aging Shaun Phillips and Kamerion Wimbley are living on borrowed time. Barr lacks experience having started his college career on the offensive side of the ball. His athleticism and ability to get to the QB are unquestioned.
    • Needs: RB, QB, ILB, OLB, NT/DE, CB
    • Hope might be available: DT A Donald
    • Other Options: QB B Bortles, CB J Gilbert, ILB C Mosely, trade down
    .
  12. New York Giants

    T/G Zack Martin - Notre Dame

    A big part of the two year decline of Eli Manning has been a lack of protection provided by an aging, injury prone offensive line. Martin is instinctive and tough with quick feet. He was the only lineman at the Senior Bowl that had a chance against Aaron Donald. Most scouts now think Martin can stay outside despite short arms and a lack of prototypical length. He might still be better inside. Martin is similar (albeit in my opinion better) to the Giants first rounder last year, Justin Pugh, so they might want to go in a different direction. Martin's versatility and ability to step in immediately will make the decision difficult.
    • Needs: OT, TE, G/C, OLB, DT, DE
    • Hope might be available: DT A Donald, OT T Lewan
    • Other Options: TE E Ebron
    .
  13. St. Louis Rams

    CB Justin Gilbert - Oklahoma St

    Gilbert has all the physical skills to develop into a shutdown corner. A big play waiting to happen in both coverage and the return game, he should contribute immediately despite needing some refinement in technique. Adding him to Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson helps solidify the secondary although free safety does still need to be addressed.
    • Hope might be available: WR O Beckham, G/T Z Martin
    • Other Options: S H Clinton-Dix, WR D Cooks
    .
  14. Chicago Bears

    S HaHa Clinton-Dix - Alabama

    Clinton-Dix possesses a rare mix of size, speed, ball skills and instincts. Alabama defenders in general haven't done as well in the pros as expected. Painting Clinton-Dix (or CJ Mosely for that matter) with that brush is unfair. Adding him to a secondary in need of reinforcements tempers some of the disappointment of not being able to secure the services of Donald.
    • Needs: DT, S, CB, OLB, RB, WR
    • Hope might be available: DT A Donald, CB J Gilbert
    • Other Options: CB D Dennard, OLB R Shazier, trade up
    .
  15. Pittsburgh Steelers

    CB Darqueze Dennard - Michigan St

    The Steelers defense needs playmakers. The tough, instinctive Dennard makes plays. Ike Taylor especially and William Gay are on their last legs. Taylor took a pay cut to keep his job. Dennard has everything you look for in a CB except blazing straight line speed. Well built, tough, fluid and instinctive he projects as an immediate starter. The Steelers need someone to play right away opposite Cortez Allen.
    • Needs: CB, NT/DE, WR, O/ILB, TE, OT
    • Hope might be available: OLB A Barr, WR O Beckham, WR M Evans, CB J Gilbert, OT T Lewan
    • Other Options: WR K Benjamin, TE E Ebron, ILB C Mosely, ILB R Shazier, trade down
    .
  16. Dallas Cowboys

    S Calvin Pryor, Louisville

    Pryor is challenging Clinton-Dix to be the first safety off the board. He is a versatile, all around safety with the awareness to excel in coverage and explosive physicality against the run. The defense was historically bad last season giving up more than 400 yards per game, over 16 yards per game worse than the 31st ranked defense. Help is needed everywhere.
    • Needs: DE, S, DT, G, OLB, RB
    • Hope might be available: OLB/DE A Barr, DT A Donald, G/T Z Martin
    • Other Options: DT R Hageman, NT L Nix, OLB R Shazier
    .
  17. Baltimore Ravens

    TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina

    Reportedly enamored with Ebron even after resigning Dennis Pitta and signing Owen Daniels. Ebron provides a different dimension. He is a smooth, physical athlete with tremendous upside. Currently his best role is lining up in the slot to create matchup problems. A willing blocker, he has the size to develop into an in-line option with improved technique.
    • Needs: RT, FS, WR, DE, CB, O/ILB
    • Hope might be available: WR O Beckham, S C Pryor
    • Other Options: WR D Cooks, CB K Fuller, DE R Hageman, ILB C Mosely
    .
  18. New York Jets

    WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon St

    Dearth of talent at the offensive skill positions clearly must be addressed. Both quick and fast, Cooks is a fluid natural receiver and reigning Biletnikoff Award winner. He looks like a perfect complement to recently signed Eric Decker.
    • Needs: CB, WR, TE, OG, FS, I/OLB
    • Hope might be available: WR O Beckham, CB D Dennard, TE E Ebron
    • Other Options: CB K Fuller
    .
  19. Miami Dolphins

    OT Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama

    This is a bad situation. Mike Pouncey and recently signed Branden Albert are the only legitimate starting linemen on the roster. A trade up for Martin or down for Kouandjio, Morgan Moses, JuWuan James, Xavier Su'a-Fila or Joel Bitonio makes the most sense. To reach for Kouandjio they would have to be satisfied with his medical reports. Concerns about chronic knee problems raised at the combine were allayed somewhat after a trip to see Dr. James Andrews. Kouandjio has the physical attributes to play on either side of the line. His college coach Nick Saban did not think he was ready to turn pro. Struggles against Auburn and in the Sugar Bowl seem to confirm that assessment. His tremendous upside is not a question although the bust potential is also high.
    • Needs: RT, OG, MLB, S, RB, TE
    • Hope might be available: OT T Lewan, T/G Z Martin
    • Other Options: G/T J Bitonio, OT J James, OT M Moses, ILB C Mosely, OG X Su'a-Fila, trade up/down
    .
  20. Arizona Cardinals

    QB Blake Bortles - Central Florida

    Carson Palmer is 34 and effectively under contract for only one more season. A long term solution at QB is needed. Bortles was under the radar after being lightly recruited. He headed into last season having already started 24 games in two years after red shirting as a freshman and finished his college career with 37 starts despite coming out early. Bortles burst into the public consciousness with breakout performances in a loss to South Carolina and win over Louisville leading his team to their first ever BCS Bowl. Then he dominated in an upset over Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl. Bortles has prototypical size and surprising athleticism/mobility.
    • Needs: OLB, RT/G, ILB, QB, TE, SS
    • Hope might be available: TE E Ebron
    • Other Options: OLB D Ford, ILB C Mosely
    .
  21. Green Bay Packers

    ILB CJ Mosely - Alabama

    To good to pass up at this juncture, Mosely has the intelligence and pedigree to start immediately. His hardnosed play has resulted in a number of previous injuries and surgeries so anyone taking him will have to be satisfied with his medical records.
    • Needs: S, C, ILB, TE, WR, NT/DE
    • Hope might be available: WR B Cooks, TE E Ebron, S C Pryor
    • Other Options: WR M Lee, ILB R Shazier, S J Ward
    .
  22. Philadelphia Eagles

    I/OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio St

    This is a bit of a curve ball. Shazier is a diverse prospect with the ability to play outside in any scheme and also inside in a 3-4. He could move all over the field for Chip Kelly. The slightly undersized Shazier's sideline-to-sideline speed and coverage ability are something no other linebacker on this roster possesses.
    • Needs: WR, OLB, SS, NT, ILB, CB
    • Hope might be available: WR D Cooks, S C Pryor
    • Other Options: CB K Fuller, WR M Lee, S J Ward
    .
  23. Kansas City Chiefs

    WR Marqise Lee, USC

    An upgrade over Donnie Avery is needed across from Dwayne Bowe. While AJ Jenkins looked better than Jonathon Baldwin after the trade with the Niners, he is not the full time answer. Lee struggled through injuries, poor QB play and coaching turmoil last season after winning the Biletnikoff Award as a sophomore. He is an explosive playmaker with the straight line speed and fluid athleticism to beat any corner.
    • Needs: WR, OT, FS, OG, ILB, CB
    • Hope might be available: S C Pryor
    • Other Options: CB K Fuller, T/G J Bitonio, OT J James, OT M Moses, OG X Su'a-Fila
    .
  24. Cincinnati Bengals

    CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech

    Aging Leon Hall has torn his Achilles twice since 2011. Terence Newman and Pac-Man Jones top the depth chart after him. Dre Kirkpatrick has not developed since being taken in the first round of 2012. Fluid in coverage and solid in run support, Fuller's season ended early due to November surgery for a sports hernia. The Bengals have not shied away from injury risks in recent drafts. Fuller played multiple position in Blacksburg lining up at safety and linebacker in addition to corner. He is tough, physical, has good length and the ability to play man-to-man or zone.
    • Needs: CB, DE, OT/G, DT, C, QB
    • Hope might be available: QB B Bortles
    • Other Options: DE D Ford, DT R Hageman, OG X Su'a-Fila
    .
  25. San Diego Chargers

    CB Bradley Robey, Ohio St

    Robey probably should have come out early. At times he looked uninterested in his final college season. Sort of a poor man's Jadeveon Clowney in that regard except Robey's draft stock has taken more of a hit. Robey clearly has the size and skills to excel at the next level. He is worth the gamble here with a secondary that has been a team weakness for years.
    • Needs: CB, NT/DE, WR, OG, OLB, TE
    • Hope might be available: CB K Fuller, WR M Lee
    • Other Options: OLB D Ford, WR C Latimer, NT L Nix, G X Su'a-Filo
    .
  26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)

    QB Derek Carr, Fresno St

    Depth chart at QB contains only Brian Hoyer and Alex Tanney. The position must be addressed sooner or later. New head coach Mike Pettine is on record as wanting to wait and use a later pick on the position. Last time the franchise went that route they ended up with Brandon Weeden. This should work out better. Carr is a true wildcard in this draft. He could go top 10 with the Raiders supposedly interested or drop into the second round.
    • Hope might be available: CB B Robey, ILB R Shazier
    • Other Options: T/G J Bitonio, OT J James, OT M Moses, CB J Verrett
    .
  27. New Orleans Saints

    OLB Dee Ford, Auburn

    The hiring of Rob Ryan provided an immediate boost to the defense. Giving him another edge rusher can only help. Ford emerged as a force in Auburn's run to the National Championship game and then dominated at the Senior Bowl. A back injury kept him from working out at the combine. He performed as well as expected at his pro day.
    • Needs: OLB, G/C, CB, ILB, WR, RB
    • Hope might be available: WR M Lee, CB B Robey, ILB R Shazier
    • Other Options: WR C Latimer, G X Su'a-Filo, CB J Verrett
    .
  28. Carolina Panthers

    WR Cody Latimer - Indiana

    Cam Newton needs weapons. Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell are gone. Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant and Tiquan Underwood top the depth chart. That is awful. Latimer had been flying under the radar coming out early after dominating at an oft overlooked program. His eye popping pro day has him legitimately in the discussion for a first round pick.
    • Needs: OT, WR, CB, OG, S, OLB
    • Hope might be available: CB B Robey
    • Other Options: T/G J Bitonio, OT J James, OT M Moses, G X Su'a-Filo, CB J Verrett
    .
  29. New England Patriots

    DT Louis Nix, Notre Dame

    Return of Vince Wilfork from injury on restructured deal is obviously a big plus yet both he and Tommy Kelly are on the wrong side of 30. There is little depth behind them. After dominating in 2012, Nix played through tendonitis and a torn meniscus last season until finally shutting it down and having surgery after the upset loss to Pitt. The injury is no longer considered an issue.
    • Needs: TE, DT, C/G, WR, RB, DE
    • Hope might be available: DE D Ford, WR C Latimer
    • Other Options: TE J Amaro, C/G J Bitonio, DE K Ealy, DT R Hageman, WR J Matthews, trade down
    .
  30. San Francisco 49ers

    CB Jason Verrett, TCU

    Terrell Brown and Carlos Rogers both took their talents across the bay to Oakland. Depth and youth are needed at corner. Verrett is a fluid ball hawk that falls to the end of the first round only because of his lack of height and rail thin build. While he has the skills to play outside, his size makes him a better fit as a slot corner.
    • Needs: CB, WR, OLB, C, DE, ILB
    • Hope might be available: OLB D Ford, WR C Latimer
    • Other Options: C/G J Bitonio, OLB K Ealy, WR J Matthews
    .
  31. Denver Broncos

    OG Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA

    Protecting Peyton Manning is an imperative. Zane Beedles left as a free agent. He was only adequate at best anyway. Su'a-Filo is ready to step in immediately after starting 38 games at the collegiate level. He is scheme versatile with the power to excel in a drive blocking scheme and the athleticism to also dominate in a zone blocking scheme.
    • Needs: CB, MLB, G/RT, FS, OLB, RB
    • Hope might be available: OLB R Shazier, CB J Verrett
    • Other Options: G/T J Bitonio, OT J James, OT M Moses
    .
  32. Seattle Seahawks

    DT/DE Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota

    Super Bowl victory was built on defense. Rotational interior lineman Clinton McDonald left via free agency. Run stuffing early down strong side end Red Bryant was a cap casualty. Hageman's combination of incredible length and eye popping raw power were on display during Senior Bowl week. Inconsistency is the issue.
    • Needs: WR, RT, OG, DT, CB, TE
    • Hope might be available: WR C Latimer, OT C Kouandjio, G X Su'a-Filo, CB J Verrett
    • Other Options: G/T J Bitonio, OT J James, WR J Matthews, OT M Moses


Round 2

  1. Houston Texans - QB Teddy Bridgewater - Louisville
    Should benefit from O'Brien's coaching. .
  2. Washington Redskins

    G/T Joel Bitonio - Nevada

    Protecting RGIII is a priority. Bitonio was a top performer on the left side that lacks the length most look for at the next level. He clearly has the ability to play either inside or on the right. The Redskins are looking for upgrades at all three positions.
    • Needs: CB, ILB, S, C/G, RT, OLB
    .
  3. Cleveland Browns - OT Morgan Moses - Virginia
    Mauling bookend to play opposite franchise LT Thomas.
  4. Oakland Raiders - DT Tim Jernigan, Florida St
    Need youth, athleticism inside to rotate with Sims and Smith.
  5. Atlanta Falcons - OLB/DE Kony Ealy, Missouri
    Edge rusher for new hybrid 3-4 defense.
  6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR Jordan Matthews - Vanderbilt
    Experienced, immediate contributor with solid work ethic and top athleticism.
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Allen Robinson - Penn St
    Utra-productive receiver with good size had incredible pro day, could go higher.
  8. Minnesota Vikings - S Jimmie Ward - Northern Illinois
    Along with return of Smith from injury solidifies back end of defense.
  9. Buffalo Bills - DE/OLB Demarcus Lawrence - Boise St
    Insurance for Hughes opposite Williams with switch to 4-3.
  10. Tennessee Titans - RB Carlos Hyde - Ohio St
    Whisenhunt transitioning to more of a power running attack.
  11. New York Giants - TE Jace Amaro - Texas Tech
    Eli needs a security blanket at TE.
  12. St. Louis Rams - DT/DE Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
    Value pick gives Fisher more options across the defensive line.
  13. Detroit Lions - OLB Kyle Van Noy, BYU
    Versatile, every down backer can rush the passer and cover. .
  14. Pittsburgh Steelers

    WR Kelvin Benjamin - Florida St

    There have been rumors the Steelers are very high on Benjamin even considering using the 15th pick to secure his services. Other reports have not been as complimentary with his stock reportedly in steep decline. Benjamin's combination of size and speed are rare. He caught the winning TD in the National Championship game and will immediately be a bona fide weapon in the red zone. A 24 year old redshirt sophomore, Benjamin has high bust potential needing to improve his work ethic, concentration and route running.
    • Others: OLB J Attaochu, CB P Gaines, WR D Moncrief, TE A Seferian-Jenkins, DE S Tuitt, I/OLB K Van Noy
    .
  15. Baltimore Ravens - OT JaWuan James - Tennessee
    Four year starter to replace Oher.
  16. Dallas Cowboys - DE Scott Crichton - Oregon St
    High motor edge rusher, should start imediately.
  17. New York Jets - TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins - Washington
    Double dip on weapons for the passing game.
  18. Miami Dolphins - RB Bishop Sankey, Washington
    Joins Moreno in completely rebuilt RB corps.
  19. Chicago Bears - DT Dominique Easley - Florida
    Gamble on high upside interior defender returning from second torn ACL.
  20. Arizona Cardinals - OLB Jeremiah Attaochu - Georgia Tech
    Abraham turns 36 this month.
  21. Green Bay Packers - S Deone Bucannon - Washington St
    Big hitter with improving ball skills.
  22. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Donte Moncrief - Mississippi
    Still hard to believe they cut ties with Jackson.
  23. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Tom Savage - Pitt
    Dalton on the final year of his deal, may not be worth resigning.
  24. San Francisco 49ers (from KC) - WR Martavis Bryant - Clemson
    Huge, athletic, high upside project that needs polish.
  25. San Diego Chargers - WR Davante Adams - Fresno St
    Rivers needs weapons.
  26. New Orleans Saints - C Weston Richburg - Colorado St
    Immediate replacement for De La Puenta. .
  27. Indianapolis Colts

    CB Phillip Gaines - Rice

    Resigning Davis was a necessity. Unfortunately the Colts have little besides him at corner. Gaines flew under the radar a bit early in the process primarily because he went to Rice. He is a hard working four year starter, multi-year team captain that flashed eye popping speed and athleticism in the post season.
    • Needs: OG, S, CB, C, OLB, RB
    .
  28. Carolina Panthers - CB/FS Keith McGill - Utah
    Big corners are en vogue, could also move inside to safety.
  29. San Francisco 49ers - OLB/DE Marcus Smith - Louisville
    Obviously can't count on Smith to stay out of trouble.
  30. New England Patriots - TE Troy Niklas - Notre Dame
    Excellent value at a position that has become a major question mark.
  31. Denver Broncos - RB Tre Mason - Auburn
    Can't count on Hillman as primary backup to Ball.
  32. Seattle Seahawks - WR Bruce Ellington - South Carolina
    Quick, elusive and undersized receiver. Harvin can't stay healthy.


Round 3

  1. Houston Texans - NT DaQuan Jones - Penn St
    Crennel requires a big, run stuffer on the nose.
  2. Washington Redskins - I/OLB Carl Bradford - Arizona St
    Fletcher finally retired.
  3. Oakland Raiders - QB Jimmy Garoppolo - Eastern Illinois
    QB depth chart consists of Schaub, McGloin. Not good.
  4. Atlanta Falcons - RB Jeremy Hill - LSU
    Jackson has taken a lot of hits.
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DT Ego Ferguson - LSU
    Rotational interior defender joins McCoy, McDonald and Spence.
  6. Jacksonville Jaguars - C Marcus Martin- USC
    Retired Meester must be replaced.
  7. Cleveland Browns - CB Bashaud Breeland - Clemson
    Skrine better suited to a nickel role.
  8. Minnesota Vikings - OG Gabe Jackson - Mississippi St
    Need upgrade on Johnson, Ducasse.
  9. Buffalo Bills - FS/CB Lamarcus Joyner - Florida St
    Loss of Byrd leaves a huge hole in the lineup.
  10. New York Giants - DE Kareem Martin - North Carolina
    Super Bowl winning defenses were built on pass rush.
  11. St. Louis Rams - WR Paul Richardson - Colorado
    Lean, athletic vertical receiver with durability concerns.
  12. Detroit Lions - CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste - Nebraska
    Always seem to be looking for corners.
  13. San Francisco (from Tennessee) - ILB Tevin Smith - Florida St
    Will Bowman ever be able to return from gruesome injury?
  14. Dallas Cowboys - DT Will Sutton - Arizona
    Active interior presence a scheme fit.
  15. Baltimore Ravens - DE/DT Kelcy Quarles - South Carolina
    Loss of Jones in free agency needs to be addressed.
  16. New York Jets - CB Pierre Desir - Linwood
    Failed to sign a veteran to start opposite last year's first rounder Milliner.
  17. Miami Dolphins - G Trai Turner - LSU
    Rebuilding offensive line is the top priority.
  18. Chicago Bears - CB Marcus Robinson - Florida
    Still need depth despite resigning of Tillman, Jennings.
  19. Cleveland Browns (from Pittsburgh) - FS Terrence Brooks - Florida St
    Looking for an immediate starter to pair with Whitner.
  20. Arizona Cardinals - OT Cameron Fleming - Stanford
    Veldheer signed for left side, still have hole on right side.
  21. Green Bay Packers - WR Jarvis Landry - LSU
    Rodgers loves multiple weapons, lost Jones in free agency.
  22. Philadelphia Eagles - SS Brock Vereen - Minnesota
    Running mate for resigned Allen.
  23. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Jack Mewhort - Ohio St
    Let Albert walk, Fisher will move to the left side.
  24. Cincinnati Bengals - DE Trent Murphy - Stanford
    High motor edge rusher to compete with Hunt to replace Johnson.
  25. San Diego Chargers - OLB/DE Jackson Jeffcoat - Texas
    Stick a fork in Freeney.
  26. Indianapolis Colts - G Dakota Dozier - Furman
    Must protect investment in Luck.
  27. New Orleans Saints - CB Jaylen Watkins - Florida
    Bailey is not a long term solution.
  28. Carolina Panthers - T/G Billy Turner - North Dakota St
    Retirement of Gross leaves huge hole.
  29. New England Patriots - RB Andre Williams - Boston College
    One dimensional downhill runner to replace Blount.
  30. San Francisco 49ers - DE Daniel McCullers - Tennessee
    Gamble on literally huge project with upside.
  31. Denver Broncos - CB Walt Aikens - Liberty
    Rodgers-Cromartie and Bailey are gone, Talib can only replace one of them.
  32. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle) - MLB Chris Borland - Wisconsin
    Undersized, lacking top athleticism. Just makes plays. .
  33. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)

    OLB/DE Will Clarke - West Virginia

    Edge rusher with incredible length. Can win with speed or power. Adept at blocking passes if he doesn't get to the QB. Lightly recruited Allderdice HS graduated worked hard and steadily developed into a difference maker. Not a fluid athlete and has limited experience in coverage. May only have sub-package pass rush specialist upside.
    • Others: CB W Aikens, NT J Ellis, OLB J Jeffcoat, NT C Reid, OT A Richardson, S B Vereen
    .
  34. Green Bay Packers (compensatory) - NT/DE Caraun Reid - Princeton
    Fading Raji only resigned as a short term stopgap.
  35. Baltimore Ravens (compensatory) - OLB Chris Smith - Arkansas
    Suggs and Dumervil not getting any younger.
  36. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory) - C Travis Swanson - Arkansas
    Really need to trade some of their picks.


Day 3



4 118. Pittsburgh Steelers

DE Taylor Hart - Oregon

Defensive line is painfully thin after loss of Brett Keisel, Ziggy Hood and Al Woods to free agency. Hart was versatile and productive, playing 53 games while starting his last 40. Played on the nose, as a 3 and 5 technique as well as occasionally standing up outside. A broken foot has limited his post season workouts. He has long arms, surprising quickness and agility on a big frame that can add bulk. What Hart lacks is a lithe, athletic body and power at the point of attack. He surprised at his pro day running a 4.85 40.
  • Others: OT S Henderson, OT M Schofield, RB L Seatrunk, CB/S J Thomas, ILB J Zumwalt


5 157. Pittsburgh Steelers

RB Jerrick McKinnon - Georgia Southern

A read option QB that opened eyes at the combine by running a 4.37 and displaying top level athleticism. Drops this far because he has literally no experience in the role envisioned for him at the next level. Handled the ball on virtually every play of a non-traditional offense. No experience in pass protection or catching the ball. Upside tough to ignore. Would need to contribute on special teams to be active his first season.
  • Others: OT J Britt, OLB H Jones, CB L Purifoy, WR D Street, DE/TE L Webster


5 173. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)

CB Ross Cockrell - Duke

Double dip at corner. Cockrell excels in zone using his straight line speed to break to the ball. Lacks fluidity in man-to-man coverage. Tough and physical despite wiry build. More than willing in run support despite needing to improve tackling technique and do a better job of avoiding blockers.
  • Others: ILB B Croyle, WR J Jarvis, OT K Pamphile, OLB M Sam, RB L Taliaferro


6 192. Pittsburgh Steelers

TE Rob Blanchflower - UMass

Outlet receiver with soft hands. Seems to lack other attributes. Definitely not a dynamic difference maker. Won't be lining up in the slot to stretch the field. No reason he shouldn't be able to develop as a blocker. Appears to be a scheme fit with at least some upside.
  • Others: WR J Brown, NT R Carrethers, WR Q Enumwa, C/T W Johnson, CB S Richardson


6 215. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)

G/T Ryan Groy - Wisconsin

Versatile, playing in 54 games at multiple positions during his college career. Tested better at the combine than expected. Needs work on technique. Can be beat by quick, early moves. Wasn't that why Mike Munchack was hired? Has more length and at least the physical upside of Kelvin Beachum.
  • Others: NT/DE B Allen, WR M Hazel, CB B Jackson, RB H Josey, TE J Najvar


7 230. Pittsburgh Steelers

I/OLB Roosevlt Nix - Kent St

The next James Harrison? OK, obviously that is a reach. They did go to the same school and the measurable are similar. A project obviously. I listed Nix as an ILB in my prospect rankings. Not quite 6 foot, approximately 260 lbs. Played as a 4-3 end. By all accounts has above average athleticism and an incredibly quick first step. Why not gamble, it isn't like you are getting a sure thing at this point anyway.
  • Others: ILB G Carson, G/TE/FB L Martin, DE K Ramsey, WR J Stewart, CB/S L Westbrooks
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