Version 1.0 - 2/8/10.
Version 3.0 - 4/20/10.
33. St. Louis Rams - Daryl Washington, LB,
Texas Christian
The versatile Washington can play all three spots, adding depth
at a position of need and can challenge for a starting role outside.
Best would be a perfect compliment to a
healthy Smith.
34. Detroit Lions – Jahvid Best, RB
Caifornia
Starting RB Kevin Smith tore his ACL late last year and has significant
shoulder problems for which he may have also had surgery this offseason,
so there are major concerns about when he’ll be fit to return
to football. Best, who brings a very different skill set than Smith,
is a great fit even once Smith returns and a no-brainer here.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Golden Tate,
WR, Notre Dame
With reliable hands and elusiveness in space, Tate is the perfect
fit for what the roster currently lacks and a much-needed new weapon
for their young QB.
36. Kansas City Chiefs – Terrence Cody,
DT, Alabama
Cody saw his draft stock fall as he showed up tipping the scales
at 370lbs at the Senior Bowl. He was down to 354 at the Combine
and 348 at their Pro Day a week later. It looks like cutting weight
hurt his strength, as he only put up 22 reps on the bench. Cody
remains a borderline first-round pick and GM Scott Pioli should
be happy to find a true nose tackle for their 3-4 here.
37. Washington Redskins – Brandon Spikes,
LB, Florida
Name recognition has Spikes valued higher by many, but he’s
basically a two-down thumper. Good fit inside for the 3-4 scheme
the Redskins are expected to switch to this year.
38. Cleveland Browns – Kareem Jackson,
CB, Alabama
If the Browns don’t get QB Jimmy Clausen in the first round
as projected in this mock, they could look at grabbing one here.
Otherwise, they should be looking at defense with this pick. Jackson
had an impressive Combine, demonstrating excellent athleticism and
interviewing very well. The Browns need plenty of help in the secondary
and Jackson is a good fit. With the trades of OLB Kamerion Wimbley
and DL Corey Williams, both those positions could be targeted here,
as well.
39. Oakland Raiders - Brian Price, DT, UCLA
The PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year is a disruptive force who
showed great pass rush ability for an interior player in racking
up seven sacks last year. After cutting Gerard Warren, the Raiders
have a need here and Price has the potential to be a solid five-technique
end in a 3-4, which the addition of Kamerion Wimbley leaves a possibility
for the Raiders converting to this year.
40. Seattle Seahawks – Charles Brown,
OT, Southern California
The gamble on not addressing offensive tackle in the first round
pays off for new HC Pete Carroll as he lands one of his former players
to help fortify the line in Seattle. There has been discussion of
Brown as a first-round pick, but he didn’t demonstrate the
athleticism expected at the Combine and has a disappointing 21 reps
on the bench. He has a great frame with long arms and is a nice
developmental prospect, but probably not ready to plug in at left
tackle. Might not make it to the second round.
41. Buffalo Bills – Jared Odrick, DT,
Penn State
The Bills are converting to a 3-4 and need to find some outside
linebackers and ends to fit the scheme. Odrick has nice potential
as an end is a long shot to still be available here. I could see
him going to the Patriots, Jets or Vikings in the first round.
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago Bears)
– Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
Depth at corner a problem and Ronde Barber will be calling it a
career soon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go back-to-back
wide receivers, they need that much help at the position.
43. Miami Dolphins – Ricky Sapp, OLB,
Clemson
Undersized for DE at the next level, Sapp can use his quickness
and athleticism to develop in to a solid pass rusher. With the loss
of Jerry Porter, the Dolphins need help on the edges. A big WR like
Brandon LaFell or Demaryius Thomas will be a strong consideration
here to give QB Chad Henne the big target he needs.
44. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville
Jaguars) – Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
The loss of Richard Seymour last year and Jarvis Green this year
makes defensive end a big need to address in the draft. Wootton
looked like a potential first round pick in 2008, but tore up his
knee in their bowl game and then battled ankle problems on road
back last season. Definitely passes the eyeball test with the ideal
size and build for a 3-4 end. They typically like to address the
line in the first round, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they
already made a defensive end selection there, expecting more quality
left at wide receiver and tight end at this pick.
45. Denver Broncos – Reshad Jones,
S, Georgia
A tough player with great measurables who can player either safety
spot. He brings some great run support to a position they desperately
need an infusion of talented youth.
46. New York Giants – Tyson Alualu,
DT California
High motor guy who brings the versatility to play inside or outside,
which the Giants value.
47. Carolina Panthers – Demaryius Thomas,
WR, Georgia Tech
A raw prospect who didn’t see much work in Tech’s run-heavy
offense, he is a big target with good hops and nice YAC –
the perfect complement to Steve Smith. He could fly up draft board
if a broken foot heals well enough for him to work out and run before
the draft.
48. San Francisco 49ers – Rodger Saffold,
OT, Indiana
Shrine Game star continues to gain momentum through the evaluation
process. Although looking like more of a right tackle, that would
be good enough opposite Joe Staley.
49. New England Patriots (from Tennessee
Titans) – Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Benn was limited in an incompetent Illinois offense who failed to
utilize him and there were also some questions about his work ethic.
If not Benn, the fellow wide receiver prospect Demaryius Thomas
could be the choice.
50. Houston Texans – Montario Hardesty,
RB, Tennessee
During a injury-plagued sophomore slump by Steve Slaton, HC Gary
Kubiak struggled to find any consistency from a variety of runners
he paraded in and out of the lineup. While I think Slaton will bounce
back, the episode proved the team needs a reliable second option,
preferably a Thunder to Slaton’s Lightning. Montario Hardesty
had a break through at the Combine and that his running style and
ability is reminiscent of Clinton Portis won’t be missed by
Kubiak, who was the OC in Denver that made Portis a star.
51. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta Falcons)
– Chad Jones, S, Louisiana State
After passing on Eric Berry in the first round, GM Scott Pioli adds
the versatile big safety from LSU who adds value as a returner,
as well. His 9 reps on the bench were a bit disappointing. If S
Reshad Jones falls, he could be the pick here, as well as S Morgan
Burnett or S Major Harris.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brandon Ghee,
CB, Wake Forest
Despite investing a couple of picks in the position last year, the
Steelers could improve their starter opposite CB Ike Taylor. Ghee
is a physical defender coming off a great Combine, but needs to
work on his coverage skills.
Another RB for Belichick's RBBC.
53. New England Patriots – Jonathan
Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
His numbers were down, as Tech’s option offense afforded plenty
of carries to A-Back Anthony Allen and mobile QB Josh Nesbitt, and
the Combine was a minor disaster for him, but Dwyer has plenty of
upside. His experience and willingness as a role player is a great
fit for HC Bill Belichick’s RBBC. In my initial mock draft,
I had Tebow slotted for one of the Patriots’ second round
picks, and I begrudgingly moved away from that, but still think
it makes a lot of sense. Few coaches have the job security to spend
an early pick and figure out what to do with Tebow later. There
is plenty to like about Tebow – he is an impressive physical
specimen and his leadership and intangibles are off the chart. Belichick
has the luxury of taking time to see if he can develop Tebow into
a pro QB, while finding ways to work him in certain packages for
short-term return. You know Tebow will be dedicated and put the
work in, so it won’t be for lack of effort if it doesn’t
work out. This pairing is actually a no-brainer, the question is
does Belichick see enough upside to make the move. If he doesn’t,
and doesn’t go RB here, the other two options here seem pretty
obvious, as obvious as any prediction can be when it comes to Belichick
and the draft. As this mock already address defensive end and outside
linebacker for the Patriots, tight end and corner are the other
options. The departure of Ben Watson and Chris Baker leave the cupboard
bare at the position and plenty of options with one of their three
second round picks. I also guarantee CB Amari Spivey is high on
Belichick’s draft board. He lacks elite speed, but is one
of the most physical corners and a great fit.
54. Cincinnati Bengals – Geno Atkins,
DT, Georgia
Undersized interior lineman with disruptive burst a good fit in
their defensive line rotation that needs some improvement.
55. Philadelphia Eagles – Navorro Bowman,
LB, Penn State
Some baggage and an unspectacular Combine have Bowman, once looked
at as a possible first-round pick, falling down draft boards.
56. Green Bay Packers – Eric Norwood,
OLB, South Carolina
Inconsistent, but has shown flashes of greatness on his way to becoming
South Carolina’s all-time leader in sacks and tackles for
loss. Almost came out last year, didn’t help his standing
much this year, but a very good Combine performance did. Excellent
fit opposite Clay Matthews on the edges of their 3-4 with Aaron
Kampman gone.
57. Baltimore Ravens – Anthony McCoy,
TE, Southern California
With Todd Heap’s career wrapping up in Baltimore, a tight
end will be high on the shopping list. McCoy is a throwback, a solid
blocker without great speed, but with decent hands. He doesn’t
have the upside of some other prospects, but has a low floor and
value as a blocker. New England would be an unsurprising landing
spot for him, as well.
58. Arizona Cardinals – Tim Tebow,
QB, Florida
As a young TE coach in his first season with the Steelers in 2001,
HC Ken Whisenhunt observed Pittsburgh’s OC Mike Mularkey and
QB coach Tom Clements orchestrate an incredible performance in running
an offense with a run-first mentality quarterback named Kordell
Stewart. Now Tebow is a different player than Stewart and the story
of Stewart’s NFL success is a short one, but the point is
that it is going to take a visionary coach to adjust his offense
to fit Tebow and reach his considerable potential. Offensive assistant
coaches Russ Grimm and Mike Miller were also on the Pittsburgh staff
with Whisenhunt and I can see a scenario where they are confident
they can develop Tebow into an NFL QB. It’s likely a rebuilding
year for the Cardinals and after two great years, Whisenhunt has
the job security to make a move like this. The strategy fits the
situation well, as the team wants to give QB Matt Leinart a fair
shake. They’ve brought in Derek Anderson to compete with Leinart
for this year and would certainly find some interesting packages
to sprinkle Tebow in immediately, while his long-term development
is focused on the practice field.
59. Dallas Cowboys – Nate Allen, S,
South Florida
Classic centerfield type who is solid across the board and can be
a leader of the secondary.
60. San Diego Chargers – Cam Thomas,
DT, North Carolina
Nose tackles are in high demand with more teams switching to 3-4
base defenses. This might be a bit of a reach, but Thomas has been
moving up through the evaluation period.
61. New York Jets – Damian Williams,
WR, Southern California
Once considered a possible first-round talent, his pedestrian speed
is a problem for a receiver without exceptional size. This is probably
a little low for him, as Williams has the upside of fellow USC-alum
Steve Smith on the Giants. Braylon Edwards is likely gone next year
and Jerricho Cotchery just isn’t on the same page with QB
Mark Sanchez and OC Brian Schottenheimer as he was with the previous
regime, so WR should be address early in this draft for the Jets.
62. Minnesota Vikings – Arthur Jones,
DT, Syracuse
Viewed as a possible first-round pick coming in to the season, his
stock dropped after a late knee injury with cost him appearing in
the Senior Bowl or at the Combine. He is a pure run-stuffer and
nice future replacement for Pat Williams.
63. Indianapolis Colts – Lamarr Houston,
DT, Texas
Worked as both a tackle and end for the Longhorns, bringing the
flexibility up front the Colts value. Previously considered a mid-round
pick, a very good Combine performance has his stock on the rise.
64. New Orleans Saints – Toby Gerhart,
RB, Stanford
The departure of Mike Bell leaves an opening for a power runner
with a nose for the end zone – a good fit for the PAC-10 single-season
TD record holder.
Round Three  |
