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NFL Mock Draft, v2.0

April 14, 2012 by Steel Haven

Round 1

  1. Indianapolis Colts

    QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

    The way things played out they really had no choice except starting over with Luck. Peyton Manning wearing orange will be weird.
    • Needs: QB, OG, TE, WR, NT, CB
    • Other Options: QB RGIII
    .
  2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis)

    QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor

    Needed a franchise QB in the worst possible way and paid a king's ransom to move up for RGIII. His performances on the field at Baylor and workouts in the post season indicate he is worth the price. Of course only time will tell.
    • Needs: QB, RT/G, ILB, S, NT, CB
    • Hope might be available: QB A Luck
    • Other Options: none
    .
  3. Minnesota Vikings

    OT Matt Kalil, USC

    Redskins move up for RGIII allows Kalil to fall into their laps. Plugging him in at LT for years to come seems like a no brainer. Emergence of Tannehill as a possible top four pick makes a trade down a realistic option.
    • Needs: LT, CB, S, OG, WR, LB
    • Hope might be available: no one
    • Other Options: WR J Blackmon, CB M Claiborne, trade down
    .
  4. Cleveland Browns

    RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

    Desperately need offensive playmakers after allowing Peyton Hillis to walk and failing to find a difference maker at receiver despite using three second rounders on the position in the last three drafts. While backs have tended to slide on draft day Richardson is in a special class with the likes of Purple Jesus. His game breaking ability would take pressure off Colt McCoy and the defense.
    • Needs: QB, WR, RB, RT/G, CB, OLB
    • Hope might be available: no one
    • Other Options: WR J Blackmon, QB R Tannehill, trade down
    .
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

    Claiborne is arguably better than last year�s number five pick, former teammate Patrick Peterson. He provides value and fills a need even after the signing of Eric Wright given Aqib Talib�s off the field issues and Ronde Barber�s advancing age.
    • Needs: RB, LB, CB, OT, FB/TE, S
    • Hope might be available: RB T Richardson
    • Other Options: trade down
    .
  6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)

    WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St

    Blackmon often looked like a man among boys on the field last season albeit against suspect Big 12 defenses. He provides a big, explosive target for franchise QB Sam Bradford. The Rams are clearly more than just one player away so trading down for extra picks made sense especially considering the unprecedented bounty they received from the Redskins.
    • Needs: WR, OT, DT, OLB, RB, CB
    • Hope might be available: CB M Claiborne, RB T Richardson
    • Other Options: DT F Cox, trade up/down
    .
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars

    WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

    Floyd has the size, speed and athleticism to be the number one target with free agent signee Laurent Robinson serving as a complimentary deep threat. Will GM Gene Smith ignore Floyd's previous alcohol related arrests? Barring a surprise in the top six or a trade down this pick really seems like a choice between Floyd and Ingram even with Smith's reputation for doing the unexpected. One of the reasons I will go with Floyd is that there is more depth among edge rushers in this draft than usual.
    • Needs: WR, DE, OT, G/C, S, CB
    • Hope might be available: WR J Blackmon
    • Other Options: DE/OLB M Ingram, trade down
    .
  8. Miami Dolphins

    QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

    Basically struck out in attempts to improve at the QB position via free agency settling for David Garrard to compete with Matt Moore. Tannehill has been rising up draft boards despite being limited in the offseason due to a broken foot after starting only 19 games because he began his career at receiver. He would benefit from knowing the offense if reunited with his college coach, new offensive coordinator Mike Sherman.
    • Needs: QB, WR, RT/G, S, DE, OLB
    • Hope might be available: WR M Floyd
    • Other Options: DE Q Coples, DE/OLB M Ingram, OT R Reiff, trade up/down
    .
  9. Carolina Panthers

    DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St

    Cox's stellar combine performance was sort of lost in the shuffle due to the hype surrounding Dontari Poe. Game tape is the difference. Despite being raw Cox is an explosive, high motor interior defender that consistently makes plays. Based on past performance he is simply a much safer pick than Poe with similar athletic upside.
    • Needs: DT, CB, LB, WR, RT/OG, DE
    • Hope might be available: CB M Claiborne
    • Other Options: CB S Gilmore, DT D Poe, OT R Reiff, trade down
    .
  10. Buffalo Bills

    OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

    Signing Mario Williams was a coup. Adding Mark Anderson opposite him provides new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt with a formidable front for the move to a 4-3 alignment. The signings allow GM Buddy Nix to focus on other areas, none of which are as desperate a need as offensive tackle. The position was a weakness even before Demetress Bell left for Philadelphia as a free agent. Offseason workouts have not been particularly kind to the short armed Reiff. To make a comparison to a pair of fellow Iowa alumni the hope is that he will be the next Bryan Bulaga, not the next Robert Gallery.
    • Needs: OT, OLB, WR, CB, QB, DT
    • Hope might be available: WR M Floyd
    • Other Options: CB S Gilmore, WR K Wright, trade down
    .
  11. Kansas City Chiefs

    NT Dontari Poe, Memphis

    The athletically gifted Poe's climb up draft boards after his breakout combine performance has stalled due to his pedestrian play at Memphis. How much of that was caused by a lack of coaching and supporting talent? GM Scott Pioli will have to decide. The combination of need and upside will be enticing.
    • Needs: NT, OG/C, QB, CB, ILB, S
    • Hope might be available: QB R Tannehill
    • Other Options: G D DeCastro, ILB L Kuechly, trade up/down
    .
  12. Seattle Seahawks

    LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

    Thoughts that Kuechly might be a two down run stuffer were put to rest with his excellent workouts in the post season. The loss of David Hawthorne to the Saints leaves Pete Carroll with a gaping hole in the middle of the defense. There have been rumors that they would like to deal down targeting Dont'a Hightower. While some speculate that is an indication they are not high on Kuechly, it is just as likely only a backup plan if he goes off the board earlier.
    • Needs: LB, DE, OG, RB, CB, DT
    • Hope might be available: no one
    • Other Options: DE Q Coples, OG D DeCastro, DE M Ingram, trade down
    .
  13. Arizona Cardinals

    OLB/DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

    Competition for Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield on the edge is necessary. Ingram's big play ability led to frequent appearances in ESPN highlights. He showed the athleticism in the post season to drop into coverage after spending his college career almost exclusively chasing quarterbacks.
    • Needs: OT, OLB, WR, ILB, OG, S
    • Hope might be available: WR M Floyd, LB L Kuechly, OT R Reiff
    • Other Options: OG D DeCastro, OT J Martin, WR K Wright
    .
  14. Dallas Cowboys

    S Mark Barron, Alabama

    The Cowboys secondary collapsed down the stretch as they missed the playoffs for a second straight season. Terrence Newman has been replaced by Brandon Carr. Finding help at safety is the next priority and the drop off from Barron to the next best option is the greatest at any position in the draft.
    • Needs: DE/NT, S, OG/C, WR, TE/FB, CB
    • Hope might be available: WR M Floyd, NT D Poe
    • Other Options: OG D DeCastro
    .
  15. Philadelphia Eagles

    DT Michael Brockers, LSU

    Brockers is somewhat of a wild card coming out as a redshirt sophomore after being part of a rotation inside at LSU. His upside is tough to ignore especially considering the mediocre collection of players the Eagles lined up next to Cullen Jenkins last season.
    • Needs: OLB, DT, SS, CB, RB, QB
    • Hope might be available: S M Barron
    • Other Options: CB S Gilmore
    .
  16. New York Jets

    OLB/DE Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

    Got lucky picking Aaron Maybin up off the scrap heap last season. Still have no other edge rushers. Upshaw is a classic tweener that lacks the length and agility most teams look for in a 3-4 OLB despite his experience in the scheme. As long as Rex Ryan turns him loose as a pass rusher without expecting much in coverage this should work out fine.
    • Needs: OLB, WR, RT, S, OG, CB
    • Hope might be available: S M Barron, WR M Floyd, OLB M Ingram
    • Other Options: OG D DeCastro, OLB W Mercilus
    .
  17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)

    OG David DeCastro, Stanford

    DeCastro is considered one of the surest things in this year�s draft. An immediate starter with limited bust potential that could go significantly earlier than this even though he plays a position that is not usually drafted even this high. Teaming DeCastro with newly signed Travelle Wharton would be a tremendous upgrade on last year�s starters Nate Livings and Bobbie Williams.
    • Needs: DE, WR, OG, SS, RB, CB
    • Hope might be available: S M Barron, WR M Floyd, DE C Upshaw
    • Other Options: DE Q Coples, CB S Gilmore
    .
  18. San Diego Chargers

    CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

    Gilmore's combination of size, speed and agility is difficult to ignore. Quentin Jammer turns 33 before the beginning of the season. His career is clearly winding down. Drafting a replacement and moving Jammer to safety would improve two positions in the secondary.
    • Needs: CB, OG, OT, OLB, NT, RB
    • Hope might be available: OG D DeCastro, OLB C Upshaw
    • Other Options: G/T C Glenn, OLB W Mercilus
    .
  19. Chicago Bears

    DE Quinton Coples, UNC

    A top five talent that slides due to concerns about his passion for the game. Coples didn't perform well in his final season as things fell apart around him at UNC. He also reportedly did not come across well in post season interviews, a part of the process often overlooked. Properly motivated the prospect of him lining up opposite fellow UNC alumnus Julius Peppers is scary.
    • Needs: OT, DE, CB, WR, RG/C, TE
    • Hope might be available: WR M Floyd, CB S Gilmore
    • Other Options: G/T C Glenn, CB D Kirkpatrick, OT J Martin, WR K Wright
    .
  20. Tennessee Titans

    CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

    Cortland Finnegan signing with the Rams and former head coach Jeff Fisher leaves a hole in the secondary. Kirkpatrick is an imposing physical specimen that is excellent in run support and zone coverage. He drops after originally being considered a top ten pick due to a lack of high end speed and fears that as he ages his coverage skills will quickly decline. All things considered at this point in the draft Kirkpatrick is a no brainer.
    • Needs: CB, C/G, OLB, WR, DE, DT
    • Hope might be available: OG D DeCastro, DE C Upshaw
    • Other Options: G/T C Glenn, C P Konz, DE W Mercilus
    .
  21. Cincinnati Bengals

    WR Kendall Wright, Baylor

    Wright has the speed to stretch the field on the outside and quickness to make big plays out of short passes from the slot. His skills provide a nice compliment to last year's first rounder, the tall and rangy AJ Green.
    • Hope might be available: DE Q Coples, CB D Kirkpatrick, DE C Upshaw
    • Other Options: G/T C Glenn, DE W Mercilus
    .
  22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)

    T/G Cordy Glenn, Georgia

    Glenn is a four years starter that has played multiple positions. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he has the athleticism to stay at tackle in addition to the ability to move inside to guard.
    • Hope might be available: CB D Kirkpatrick, WR K Wright
    • Other Options: TE C Fleener, WR S Hill, OT J Martin
    .
  23. Detroit Lions

    OT Jonathon Martin, Stanford

    Martin Mayhew is known for selecting the best player available regardless of need. Here need meets value. The resigning of Jeff Backus to play the left side is a short term move at best. Martin is an immediate upgrade over Gosder Cherilus on the right side with the ability to eventually take over on the left.
    • Needs: CB, OT, RB, WR, SS, C/G
    • Hope might be available: S M Barron, G/T C Glenn, CB D Kirkpatrick, WR K Wright
    • Other Options: OT M Adams, WR S Hill, CB J Jenkins, C P Konz
    .
  24. Pittsburgh Steelers

    ILB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

    Aging James Farrior was released. Larry Foote is nothing more than a stop gap at this point in his career. Hightower has the ability to step in immediately as a run stuffing interior presence next to the more mercurial Lawrence Timmons. His leadership qualities would also be welcome on a team forced to shed much of its veteran presence due to age and cap constraints.
    • Needs: OG, OT, NT/DE, ILB, FS/CB, RB
    • Hope might be available: G/T C Glenn, OT J Martin
    • Other Options: OT M Adams, G/C P Konz, OT B Massie
    .
  25. Denver Broncos

    DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan St

    Losing Broderick Bunkley may force their hand to upgrade the interior defense before trying to aid Peyton Manning. Worthy adds athleticism and disruptive ability to the interior line.
    • Needs: DT, WR, LB, RT/G, C, RB
    • Hope might be available: T/G C Glenn, MLB D Hightower, WR K Wright
    • Other Options: OT M Adams, WR S Hill, C/G P Konz
    .
  26. Houston Texans

    WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech

    Hill displayed freakish speed and athleticism at the combine after being marginalized in an option offense at Georgia Tech. He would immediately provide a home run threat opposite Andre Johnson while developing his route running and receiving skills.
    • Needs: WR, RT/G, NT, CB, TE, ILB
    • Hope might be available: ILB D Hightower, OT J Martin, WR K Wright
    • Other Options: OT M Adams, TE C Fleener
    .
  27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans)

    OLB/DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

    Mercilus has the versatility to put his hand on the ground or stand up in Bill Belichick�s multiple schemes. Despite being raw after coming out early he has the athleticism to develop into a terror on the edge with solid coaching to improve technique.
    • Needs: OLB/DE, DT/DE, CB, S, RB, G/C
    • Hope might be available: DE/DT J Worthy
    • Other Options: CB J Jenkins, trade up/down/out
    .
  28. Green Bay Packers

    OLB Shea McClellin, Boise St

    Looking for a presence outside opposite Clay Matthews. McClellin is one of this draft's fastest risers flashing top athleticism in the post season to go along with the high motor and productivity he displayed in college.
    • Needs: OLB, DE, S, CB, RB, C/G
    • Hope might be available: OLB W Mercilus, DE/DT J Worthy
    • Other Options: CB J Jenkins, C/G P Konz, RB D Martin, DE/DT D Still
    .
  29. Baltimore Ravens

    C/G Peter Konz, Wisconsin

    Resigning of Matt Birk solidifies the center position in the short term. Loss of Ben Grubbs opens up a huge gap at guard. Konz has the size and ability to step in immediately for Grubbs while being groomed to eventually replace Birk.
    • Needs: OG, WR, OLB, DE, S, RB
    • Hope might be available: ILB D Hightower, WR S Hill, OLB W Mercilus
    • Other Options: OLB N Perry, WR R Randle, S H Smith, DE/DT D Still
    .
  30. San Francisco 49ers

    OLB/DE Nick Perry, USC

    A deep, talented roster allows them to go in any number of directions with this pick. The resigning of Ahmad Brooks alleviates an immediate need at rush linebacker especially with Aldon Smith tallying 14 sacks as a rookie. Brooks did have only 7 sacks on the opposite side. Even though they were tied for seventh in the regular season with 42 total sacks adding another edge rusher would make the defense that much scarier. They have the luxury.
    • Needs: DE, OG, WR, CB, RT, OLB
    • Hope might be available: WR S Hill
    • Other Options: TE C Fleener, CB J Jenkins, WR R Randle, DE/DT D Still, OG K Zeitler
    .
  31. New England Patriots

    CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

    Devin McCourty regressed and could move to safety. Ras-I Dowling returns from injury as an unproven commodity. Last year things were so bad behind Kyle Arrington and Sterling Moore that Justin Edelman was used as a nickel back. Jenkins is unquestionably a gamble due to off the field issues that got him kicked out of Florida. His coverage skills make him worth the risk for a head coach as secure as Bill Belichick.
    • Hope might be available: OLB N Perry
    • Other Options: RB D Martin, WR R Randle, S H Smith, DT/DE D Still, trade up/down/out
    .
  32. New York Giants

    OT Mike Adams, Ohio St

    A nice week at the Senior Bowl increased Adams' draft stock. He is a high upside project with the athleticism to eventually play on the left side and the size to dominate on the right.
    • Needs: OT, G/C, WR, TE, CB, RB
    • Hope might be available: C P Konz
    • Other Options: TE C Fleener, RB D Martin, OT B Massie, WR R Randle, OG K Zeitler

Round 2

  1. St. Louis Rams - DT Devon Still, Penn St
    Completes overhaul of interior line with newly signed Kendall Langford and Trevor Laws.
  2. Indianapolis Colts - TE Coby Fleener, Stanford
    College teammate provides a security blanket for Luck.
  3. Minnesota Vikings - WR Rueben Randle, LSU
    Never replaced Sidney Rice.
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - RB Doug Martin, Boise St
    Need a versatile compliment to between the tackles pounder LaGarrette Blount.
  5. Cleveland Browns - QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona St
    High upside project for QB gurus Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur.
  6. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE/OLB Chandler Jones, Syracuse
    Replacement for Aaron Kampman opposite Jeremy Mincey.
  7. St. Louis Rams (From Washington) - OT Bobbie Massie, Mississippi
    Immediate starter on right. Could eventually move to blind side if Roger Saffold struggles.
  8. Carolina Panthers - CB Josh Robinson, Central Florida
    Fluid cover corner for pass defense that was last in YPA (8.4).
  9. Buffalo Bills - OLB Lavonte David, Nebraska
    Final piece for the revamped defensive front seven.
  10. Miami Dolphins - WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
    Gamble on upside after trade of Brandon Marshall left them with nothing at receiver.
  11. Seattle Seahawks - DE/OLB Andre Branch, Clemson
    Desperately needed edge pass rusher.
  12. Kansas City Chiefs - QB Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma St
    Overage prospect provides immediate competition for Matt Cassel.
  13. Dallas Cowboys - DE/DT Kendall Reyes, UConn
    Need an upgrade opposite Jason Hatcher.
  14. Philadelphia Eagles - OLB Zach Brown, North Carolina
    Trading for DeMeco Ryans was only the first step in upgrading the linebacker corps.
  15. New York Jets - WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
    Possession receiver that catches everything thrown his way to pair with Santonio Holmes.
  16. New England Patriots (from Oakland) - S Harrison Smith, Notre Dame
    Could have taken him at 31. Tremendous value.
  17. San Diego Chargers - OG Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin
    Borderline first round value. Ryan Matthews would have to love addition of power blocker.
  18. Chicago Bears - WR Brian Quick, Appalachian St
    Steady playmaker to start opposite mercurial Brandon Marshall pushes Earl Bennett to third receiver.
  19. Philadelphia Eagles (from Arizona) - QB Kirk Cousins, Michigan St
    Perfect fit in west coast offense to groom behind Michael Vick.
  20. Tennessee Titans - OLB Bobby Wagner, Utah St
    Versatile coverage backer to compliment Akeem Ayers and Colin McCarthy.
  21. Cincinnati Bengals - DE/OLB Vinny Curry, Marshall
    Signing busts Derrick Harvey and Jamaal Anderson does not solve their issues at end.
  22. Detroit Lions - CB Trumaine Johnson, Montana
    Eric Wright left via free agency leaving a hole across from Chris Houston. .
  23. Atlanta Falcons

    TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson

    Tony Gonzalez turned 36 in February. He can't last forever. Allen is the top multi-purpose TE in this draft. He can compliment Gonzalez in the short term while eventually taking over full time.
    • Needs: LB, G/C, LT, RB, TE, WR
    .
  24. Pittsburgh Steelers

    G/T Amini Silatolu, Midwestern St
    .
    This is a best case scenario after bypassing offensive line in the first round. An offensive lineman needs to be taken in the first two rounds. Silatolu, Osemele, Allen and Brooks are all legitimate options. Kevin Colbert gets his choice.
    • Others: G/T J Allen, LB M Kendricks, G/T K Osemele, NT B Thompson, DE D Wolfe
    .
  25. Denver Broncos - WR AJ Jenkins, Illinois
    Peyton Manning needs more weapons.
  26. Houston Texans - G/T Kelechi Osemele, Iowa St
    Right side of the offensive line is a black hole after loss of Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston.
  27. New Orleans Saints (forfeited)
  28. Green Bay Packers - DE/DT Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati
    Ryan Pickett is aging and Cullen Jenkins was never adequately replaced.
  29. Baltimore Ravens - OLB/DE Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
    Replacement for Jarrett Johnson.
  30. San Francisco 49ers - DE Jared Crick, Nebraska
    Time to start grooming someone behind Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.
  31. New England Patriots - RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech
    Depth chart is extremely thin at RB. Wilson is a clear upgrade if he can hold onto the ball.
  32. New York Giants - CB Dwight Bentley, UL Lafayette
    Aaron Ross is gone, not sure if they can count on Terrell Thomas returning 100% from injury.

Round 3

  1. Indianapolis Colts - G/T Jeff Allen, Illinois
    Basically lost entire interior line to free agency. Only signed Samson Satele and Mike McGlynn.
  2. St. Louis Rams - RB Lamar Miller, Miami, Fla
    Change of pace back to compliment Steven Jackson.
  3. Minnesota Vikings - CB Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma
    Newly signed Chris Carr and Zachary Bowman are short term stop gaps at best.
  4. Cleveland Browns - CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
    Sheldon Brown is clearly on the downside.
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Mychal Kendricks, California
    Allows Mason Foster to move to the strong side getting Quincy Black off the field.
  6. Washington Redskins - NT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
    A move to end would benefit Barry Cofield.
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB/S Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
    Could be tried at FS and provide depth behind Rashean Mathis, William Middleton and Aaron Ross.
  8. Buffalo Bills - WR Chris Givens, Wake Forest
    Looking for an upgrade opposite resigned Steve Johnson.
  9. Miami Dolphins - S Brandon Taylor, LSU
    Yeremaih Bell was released and Reshad Jones leaves something to be desired.
  10. Miami Dolphins (from Carolina thru Chicago) - OT Zebrie Sanders, Florida St
    Looking to replace Marc Colombo on the right side.
  11. Kansas City Chiefs - OG Brandon Brooks, Miami, OH
    Allows Rodney Hudson to move to center if Casey Wiegmann decides to retire.
  12. Seattle Seahawks - CB Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt
    Depth pick after resigning Marcus Trufant.
  13. Houston Texans (from Philadelphia) - NT Mike Martin, Michigan
    Active, slightly undersized interior lineman looks like a good fit in Wade Phillips' defense.
  14. New York Jets - G/T James Brown, Troy
    "I Got You (I Feel Good)"
  15. Oakland Raiders (used in 2011 supplemental draft)
  16. San Diego Chargers - OLB Bruce Irvin, West Virginia
    Undersized edge rush prospect with incredible athleticism.
  17. Chicago Bears - OT Mitchell Schwartz, California
    Impressive Senior Bowl performance has some thinking he can handle the left side at the next level.
  18. Arizona Cardinals - WR Marvin Jones, California
    Possession receiver with better timed speed than expected to compliment Larry Fitzgerald.
  19. Dallas Cowboys - C Phillip Blake, Baylor
    Fast rising Canadian started all 38 games of his major college career.
  20. Tennessee Titans - DE/DT Billy Winn, Boise St
    Depth behind Kamerion Wimbley and Karl Klug. Can move inside on passing downs.
  21. Cincinnati Bengals - RB LaMichael James, Oregon
    Game breaking change of pace back compliments BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott.
  22. Atlanta Falcons - LB Terrell Manning, North Carolina St
    Mike Peterson is not expected back. Could also possibly compete to replace Curtis Lofton inside.
  23. Detroit Lions - RB Chris Polk, Washington
    Injuries and off the field issues have decimated their running back corps. .
  24. Pittsburgh Steelers

    RB Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati

    MVP of the Senior Bowl. A multi-purpose back with good burst and quick feet. A nice compliment for Isaac Redman with the status of Rashard Mendenhall up in the air due to torn ACL in December. Counting on Jonathon Dwyer, John Clay or Baron Batch as the primary backup seems problematic at best.
    • Others: WR G Childs, ILB D Davis, DE C Johnson, CB J Norman, OT B Mosely, NT A Ta'amu
    .
  25. Denver Broncos - LB DeMario Davis, Arkansas St
    Depth needed with suspension of DJ Williams. Could also compete with Joe Mays inside.
  26. Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston) - CB Josh Norman, Coastal Carolina
    Reportedly trying to move the disgruntled Asante Samuel. .
  27. New Orleans Saints

    CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia

    Did an incredible job filling needs in free agency before and after they forfeited their second rounder due to bounty-gate. This is basically a best player available scenario. Boykin is a fluid cover corner that drops a bit because of size and a broken leg at the Senior Bowl. He is also a dynamic returner.
    • Needs: WR, CB, DE, SS, OLB, DT
    .
  28. Green Bay Packers - FS George Iloka, Boise St
    The career of Nick Collins is in jeopardy.
  29. Baltimore Ravens - WR Greg Childs, Arkansas
    Fast riser after proving he is totally recovered from a torn patella tendon in 2010.
  30. San Francisco 49ers - OT Brandon Mosely, Auburn
    Would allow Anthony Davis to move inside.
  31. New England Patriots - DE/DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee
    Another versatile piece for the defensive front seven.
  32. New York Giants - TE Orson Charles, Georgia
    DUI in March drops him to the bottom of the third round. .
  33. Oakland Raiders (compensatory)

    NT Alameda Ta�amu, Washington

    Switch to 3-4 alignment requires interior line presence and edge rushers. Given that this is their only pick before the fifth round they might as well gamble that the light comes on for the huge, athletically gifted Ta�amu.
    • Needs: OLB, CB, NT, OG/C, TE, DE
4 (119) Pittsburgh Steelers

FS Trent Robinson, Michigan St

A hard working team leader, something the Steelers prize. Coverage safety that is willing in run support despite lack of size. Depth behind Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark is weak. Coverage ability of all the safeties on the roster is poor at best. Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin attended his pro day.
  • Others: OT T Bergstrom, NT J Chapman, WR TY Hilton, CB/S D Menzie
5 (159) Pittsburgh Steelers

NT Lone Fangupo, BYU

Well travelled overage prospect spent two years after high school on a religious mission in the Philippines before joining the JUCO ranks and eventually matriculating to USC. Spent two years as a backup with a medical redshirt in between due to a broken ankle. Took advantage of a NCAA rule allowing players to transfer without penalty from a school receiving official sanctions. Wasn't expected to see much time as a senior, but impressed coaches with his power and hard work. He is a limited two down run stuffer almost exactly in the mold of Casey Hampton. Given this is the fifth round not much more can be expected.
  • Others: CB C Greenwood, FB R Ellison, OG L Nix, WR E Page, OT N Potter
6 (193) Pittsburgh Steelers

CB Keith Tandy, West Virginia

Tandy is a well built zone corner that looks like a good fit schematically despite being a tad short (5'10") and lacking top recovery speed (4.47 40 at pro day). Solid in run support. Willing to make a big hit. Former record setting HS QB with good instincts. Would contribute immediately on special teams.
  • Others: FS J Bethel, DE A Hicks, OG R Johnson, RB M Smith
7 (231) Pittsburgh Steelers

DE Ryan Van Bergen, Michigan

Pulled over at his pro day for private discussion/workout along with Mike Martin by Mike Tomlin and John Mitchell. Four year letterman that started 38 games and played in 50. Played at multiple positions in multiple schemes due to coaching changes. The type of hard working team leader often preferred by the Steelers. The three seventh round compensatory picks can�t be traded which increases the possibility of this pick being packaged to move up for a targeted player in the fifth or sixth round.
  • Others: NT N Jean-Baptise, WR T Benford, OG D Dennis, RB J Hampton
7 (240) Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)

QB Jacory Harris, Miami, FLA

Ballyhooed recruit that was the first true freshman to start at The U since Bernie Kosar. Experienced having started 35 games. Turnovers and poor decision making were issues throughout his career. Improved markedly as a senior which offers a glimmer of hope. Has all the tools. For some reason this seems like the type of gamble Kevin Colbert would take. The price is certainly right.
  • Others: TE C Harkey, ILB J Harris, FB E Igwenagu, CB B Jackson
7 (246) Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)

WR Toney Clemons, Colorado

Transfer from Michigan had solid if unspectacular numbers in moribund Colorado offense. Ran under 4.4 at his pro day at 6'2", 210 pounds. Visited Pittsburgh so I will pencil him in as a high upside flier.
  • Others: OT M Jones, ILB S Loiseau, CB D Lynn, OLB J Miller
7 (248) Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory)

OT Jeff Adams, Columbia

A practice squad project with upside. Tall, lean athletic body with huge wingspan, big hands and quick feet. Needs weight room work and professional instruction to improve technique. Three year starter on the left side. Obviously intelligent. I have no idea if he is on the Steelers radar, but with so many seventh round picks he is the type of prospect I hope is targeted with at least a couple of selections. The last player from Columbia selected in the NFL draft was Marcellus Wiley in 1997.
  • Others: LS Z Nolan, DE E Owusu, S Q Richardson, K B Walsh
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