The NFL Draft is this week. It’s been a fun (and long) draft process, but teams are finally ready to make their picks. And just like them, Greg and I have done our homework, and we are ready to reveal our newest (and final) mock draft. Remember, our mocks are predicting what we think might happen, not what we would do. Some picks are clearer than ever (we think), while others are still cloudy (lots of smokescreens right now). But we’ll do our best. Since this is our last mock, Greg and Andrew will make each pick together (if we can come to a consensus) for the first two rounds. And because this is a consensus, we made some rules:
1. Each person states who they believe the pick will be.
2. If the pick differs, each can present their case, including evidence and research.
3. If they remain in a stalemate, a coin will be flipped to determine who makes the final call.
1. Houston Texans select: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)
3rd Mock: Blake Bortles (QB, Central Florida)
2nd Mock: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)
1st and 4th Mock: Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M)
We both agreed quickly that Clowney will go #1, but the debate was on which team would make the pick. After discussing trade scenarios with Atlanta, and even Buffalo, we decided that Houston will most likely remain at the top and take Clowney. Mack is another quality option, but we feel they’ll avoid reaching for a QB here.
2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) select: Greg Robinson, (OT, Auburn)
3rd Mock: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
2nd Mock: Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn)
1st and 4th Mock (by Atlanta via trade): Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)
The debate here was between Watkins and Robinson. We are in agreement that if we were GM’s, Watkins would be the pick. But we’re not, and we believe St. Louis is leaning towards Robinson. There are also rumors surfacing that the Rams are considering Manziel, and would then try and trade Sam Bradford. While that would certainly be a viable option, we’re taking the “believe it when I see it” approach. A sleeper option is Jake Matthews, who would be another great fit to their o-line.
3. Buffalo Bills (via trade with Jacksonville) select: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)
1st, 2nd, and 4th Mock: Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)
The Bills are a team desperate to make a big move and improve their football team. Recent rumors emerged that they are looking to trade up for Sammy Watkins (as is Detroit). I think the Jags will be a willing partner, considering they have a lot of holes to fill. Watkins will give E.J. Manuel a true #1 receiver. It will cost them a lot though, at least a second rounder this year and a first rounder in 2015.
4. Cleveland Browns select: Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M)
3rd Mock: Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn)
2nd Mock: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
1st and 4th Mock: Blake Bortles (QB, UCF)
With a slew of QB-needy teams behind them chomping at the bit, we believe Cleveland won’t pass up their quarterback at this point, and will select Johnny Football. The coaches love him and believe he’ll be a big time player. With 6 others picks in the first four rounds, they can fill other needs at other spots. An outside option for them is trading down. This would allow them to draft a QB in a better spot, while collecting picks along the way. Recent rumors suggest the Browns won’t take Manziel, but we’re wading through the smoke and sticking with this pick.
5. Oakland Raiders select: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo)
4th Mock: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo)
3rd Mock: Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)
2nd Mock: Blake Bortles (QB, UCF)
1st Mock: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
We believe Oakland will take the best player available strategy, and wait until the second round (or later) to grab a developmental quarterback. Mack will become a star on defense, and he could become the best player in this draft.
6. Atlanta Falcons select: Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)
3rd Mock: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo)
2nd Mock (by Minnesota via trade): Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M)
1st and 4th Mock (by St. Louis via trade): Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn)
Although Atlanta would love a defensive star like Clowney or Mack, another need they have is on the offensive line. It’s one of the reasons they are reportedly refusing to move up. That means that Matthews would be a very welcome addition to a team looking to return to the playoffs.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M)
4th Mock: Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
3rd Mock: Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M)
1st and 2nd Mock: Khalil Mack (LB, Buffalo)
Easiest pick in the top ten by far. The Bucs desperately need a WR since they really only have Vincent Jackson right now. Mike Evans will contribute immediately and help their offense become more potent.
8. Minnesota Vikings select: Blake Bortles (QB, UCF)
4th Mock: Derek Carr (QB, Fresno State)
3rd Mock: Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
2nd Mock (by Atlanta via trade): Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)
1st Mock: C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
Minnesota was a playoff team a couple years ago. Some think they really aren’t far away from being able to return. Obviously, they’ll need a good quarterback to do so, and Bortles could be the best one in the draft.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade with Buffalo) select: Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)
1st and 4th Mock: Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)
The Jaguars have a lot of needs they want to fill, and offensive line is a big one. Lewan is an elite prospect that could start at right tackle for them immediately. We believe they’ll wait and draft a young quarterback later.
10. Detroit Lions select: Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State)
3rd Mock: Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)
2nd and 4th Mock: Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M)
1st Mock: Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
We think that Detroit needs to address their secondary with this pick. The choice is between cornerback and safety. #10 is a pretty high spot to take a safety, so we believe Darqueze Dennard will be taken here, as he’s emerged as the top corner in our opinion. A CB makes sense since they play Chicago and Green Bay twice each season.
11. Tennessee Titans select: Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
4th Mock: Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mock: Anthony Barr (OLB, UCLA)
Tennessee could do anything from taking a lineman to a quarterback, or a pass rusher to a cornerback. But with Verner taking off in free agency, cornerback seems to be a big need that matches value at #11. The selection of Fuller this high may surprise some, but his tackling ability is better than Gilbert’s, so he gets the nod here.
12. New York Giants select: Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)
2nd, 3rd, and 4th Mock: Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina)
1st Mock: Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)
Donald is viewed as the third best defensive player in this draft, so getting him at 12 is great value. The Giants won two Super Bowls recently behind stellar defensive line play, so rebuilding it with Donald would be perfect for the G-Men. Eric Ebron is another option if they want to give Eli another target on offense.
13. St. Louis Rams select: Calvin Pryor (S, Louisville)
4th Mock: Calvin Pryor (S, Louisville)
3rd Mock: Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
1st Mock: Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)
They went offense at #2 (Robinson), and will likely go defense here with Pryor. Safety is a big need and we think Pryor fits the Rams better than Clinton-Dix, especially in the physical NFC West. Either guy would be a solid pick though.
14. Chicago Bears select: Ha-Ha Clinton Dix (S, Alabama)
4th Mock: Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)
1st Mock: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama)
Safety is Chicago’s biggest need, and there is less depth at that position compared to others. This pick will be easier to make since Aaron Donald is off the board, along with the top cornerback Dennard. Clinton-Dix will be an instant starter.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Zack Martin (OT, Notre Dame)
4th Mock: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Calvin Pryor (S, Louisville)
2nd Mock: Louis Nix III (DT, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M)
Pittsburgh has a ton of needs, so they’ll likely take the best player available that fills one of them. Martin is an instant starter and can help at multiple positions along the offensive line. He will help keep Big Ben upright for the first time in years.
16. Dallas Cowboys select: Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina)
4th Mock: Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)
2nd Mock: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama)
1st and 3rd Mock: Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State)
The Cowboys need help on defense, but the best targets that fit their defense are mainly gone (unless they reach). Justin Gilbert is the only serious defensive option here, but there is great depth at corner in the draft. So we believe Jerry Jones will take an elite offensive talent to give aid to his boy Romo. This actually is a smart move considering how old Jason Witten is.
17. Baltimore Ravens select: C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
4th Mock: C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
2nd and 3rd Mock: Zach Martin (OT, Notre Dame)
1st Mock: Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)
The Ravens would love a number of players that got picked over the last handful of spots, but Mosley is a great consolation prize. He would fit in well with Baltimore’s defense, and he happens to fill a position of need.
18. New York Jets select: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, LSU)
4th Mock: Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
3rd Mock: Darqueze Dennard (CB, MSU)
2nd Mock: C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
1st Mock: Eric Ebron (TE, UNC)
This is a tremendous playmaker that would help in New York immediately. Reports are surfacing that New York loves this guy, and in this scenario they wouldn’t even have to trade up to get him.
19. San Francisco 49ers (via trade with Miami) select: Brandon Cooks (WR, Oregon State)
3rd Mock (by Cleveland via trade): Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M)
2nd Mock (by Philadelphia via trade): Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State)
1st and 4th Mock: Zack Martin (OT, Notre Dame)
Multiple reports believe that the 49ers are looking to trade up and acquire an elite WR or CB talent. Cooks would definitely qualify as a great receiver. Nobody caught more passes last year in college than him, and he’s been impressive throughout the draft process too. They own two second round picks, so they’ll part with #61 to move up from #30. Miami would be open to moving down since the four elite tackles have been drafted already.
20. Arizona Cardinals select: Anthony Barr (OLB, UCLA)
4th Mock: Anthony Barr (OLB, UCLA)
3rd Mock: Louis Nix (DT, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)
1st Mock (by Denver via trade): Darqueze Dennard (CB, MSU)
We nearly had the Cardinals taking Carr here (as Andrew predicted in early January), but they could use a versatile pass rusher. In fact, Barr was once considered a top ten pick, so they shouldn’t pass up this opportunity. There are other intriguing options later if they really wanted a QB to groom.
21. Green Bay Packers select: Ryan Shazier (LB, Ohio State)
4th Mock: Darqueze Dennard (CB, MSU)
3rd Mock: C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
2nd Mock: Calvin Pryor (S, Louisville)
1st Mock: Louis Nix III (DT, Notre Dame)
Safety is an area of need, but there aren’t great options in the first round after the top two guys. Receiver and tight end are in play too, but we doubt the Packers invest a first round pick on offense, when they have such a weak defense. So Shazier will get the call as they need depth at linebacker.
22. Philadelphia Eagles select: Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
3rd and 4th Mock: Brandin Cooks (WR, Oregon State)
2nd Mock (by Denver via trade): Darqueze Dennard (CB, MSU)
1st Mock: Stephon Tuitt (DE, Notre Dame)
The signs all point to Philadelphia taking a wide receiver. In fact, they may decide to try and trade up for one of the top guys (Beckham Jr. is one they like), but ultimately I doubt they pull the trigger after they made a move to acquire Sproles. That leaves them with Lee, whom they do like a lot. Chip Kelly tends to favor those Pac-12 guys anyways.
23. Kansas City Chiefs select: Cody Latimer (WR, Indiana)
3rd and 4th Mock: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, LSU)
2nd Mock: Brandin Cooks (WR, Oregon State)
1st Mock: Loucheiz Purifoy (CB, Florida)
Latimer continues to climb up draft boards, and is actually in play for Green Bay’s pick at #21. Ultimately, KC would be a great landing spot. The Chiefs could use an elite WR (2 or 3 actually), and despite the depth at the position, a first round pick should and will be used on one. The Chiefs are also a great candidate to trade down, as they only own six picks in the draft, with none in the second round. Acquiring more picks would be wise.
24. Cincinnati Bengals select: Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State)
3rd and 4th Mock: Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State)
1st and 2nd Mock: Kony Ealy (DE, Missouri)
We narrowed our selections down to defensive end (to replace Michael Johnson) or cornerback. We felt cornerback made more sense due to the value here. Justin Gilbert is an absolute steal at 24, especially with his big play ability. Shocked he fell this far actually.
25. San Diego Chargers select: Jason Verrett (CB, TCU)
4th Mock: Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
3rd Mock: Ryan Shazier (LB, Ohio State)
2nd Mock: Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech)
The Chargers are another team in need of a CB, and San Diego would be a perfect landing spot for Verrett. The other option was Roby, but his stock has dropped a tad recently.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis) select: Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State)
4th Mock: Davante Adams (WR, Fresno State)
3rd Mock (by Miami via trade): Xavier Su’a-Filo (G, UCLA)
2nd Mock: Ryan Shazier (LB, Ohio State)
1st Mock: Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)
The cornerback run continues here with Roby. This is a guy that has played in Ohio for years, so a lot of Browns fans would enjoy this. The Browns still need to add a wide receiver, but with a pick early in round 2, they can afford to address this other need here.
27. New Orleans Saints select: Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)
4th Mock: Ra’shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota)
3rd Mock: Kony Ealy (DE, Missouri)
2nd Mock: Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)
1st Mock: Vic Beasley (OLB, Clemson)
With the recent run at corner, the Saints will likely miss some of the guys they were targeting. That allows them to address the offensive line. Moses is ranked in the top 15 on some big boards, so this move makes a ton of sense for a team desperate to protect Brees.
28. Carolina Panthers select: Bruce Ellington (WR, South Carolina)
4th Mock: Cody Latimer (WR, Indiana)
3rd Mock: Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)
2nd Mock: Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)
1st Mock: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, LSU)
Because of their roster, we see Carolina forced into taking a receiver early (multiple ones in fact). Ellington is a late riser that offers tremendous upside. There are other options here too if Carolina likes (Adams, Matthews, Benjamin, and others), but Ellington is our selection.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade with New England) select: Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)
4th Mock (by Seattle via trade): Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
2nd Mock: Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech)
1st Mock (by Cleveland via trade): Carlos Hyde (RB, Ohio State)
As the Patriots typically do, we see them trading down in order for Jacksonville to move up (from 39). This will cost the Jags a pick or two in the middle of the draft (third rounder most likely), but they have plenty there already so this is worth it. Bridgewater has been linked to the Jags for a while, even with their pick early in the round. This spot makes more sense though.
30. Miami Dolphins (via trade with San Francisco) select: Xavier Su’a-Filo (G, UCLA)
4th Mock: Kyle Van Noy (OLB, BYU)
3rd Mock: Jason Verrett (CB, TCU)
2nd Mock: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, LSU)
1st Mock: Davante Adams (WR, Fresno State)
Miami needs plenty of help on the offensive line, particularly after the Incognito/Martin incident last season. Although they traded back to this spot, they still walk away with the best guard in the draft. Plus, it allowed them to pick up another second rounder in the process.
31. Denver Broncos select: Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)
4th Mock: Ryan Shazier (LB, Ohio State)
3rd Mock: Lamarcus Joyner (CB, Florida State)
2nd Mock (by Miami via trade): Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)
1st Mock (by Arizona via trade): Ra’Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota)
Denver lost pieces of their line in the offseason, and protecting Peyton Manning is a must. Kouandjio was once considered a top ten talent, and only slid due to a poor combine. If he’s in shape now, the Broncos could use his skillset.
32. Seattle Seahawks select: Stephon Tuitt (DL, Notre Dame)
4th Mock (by New England via trade): Louis Nix III (DT, Notre Dame)
3rd Mock: Stephon Tuitt (DL, Notre Dame)
2nd Mock: Trent Murphy (DE, Stanford)
1st Mock: Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)
Seattle actually took some hits in free agency and will likely look to replenish their depth in the draft. Tuitt gives them versatility on the defensive line because he has the ability to line up on the end or at tackle.
Complete Second Round
33. Houston Texans select: Derek Carr (QB, Fresno State)
4th Mock: Dee Ford (DE/OLB, Auburn)
3rd Mock: Demarcus Lawrence (OLB, Boise State)
The Texans draft a second Carr to QB their franchise. They obviously hope that they will not have the same issues with the second one as the first one. Derek is a little bit more mobile and has a better arm than his brother David and should be able to fit Bill O’Brien’s ‘Multiple’ offense very well.
34. Washington Redskins select: Joel Bitonio (OT, Nevada)
4th Mock: Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)
Washington has multiple needs, but none bigger in our opinion than the offensive line. Protecting RGIII is a priority, along with giving the running game a boost. Bitonio has steadily risen up boards and could be just the right guy for the Redskins.
35. Cleveland Browns select: Davante Adams (WR, Fresno State)
4th Mock: Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)
3rd Mock (by Jacksonville via trade): Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)
The Browns must try and add a wide receiver early in the draft to pair with Josh Gordon. Adams is a great playmaker and a great get early in the second. The Browns have now addressed three needs in the first 35 picks.
36. Oakland Raiders select: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, Eastern Illinois)
4th Mock: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, Eastern Illinois)
3rd Mock: Derek Carr (QB, Fresno State)
The Raiders grabbed an elite defensive player in round 1 (Mack) and will likely take a chance on a quarterback here. Garoppolo has long been linked to Oakland, so this seems to be the most likely selection.
37. Atlanta Falcons select: Dee Ford (DE/OLB, Auburn)
4th Mock (by St. Louis via trade): Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)
3rd Mock: Dee Ford (DE/OLB, Auburn)
Since the Falcons couldn’t land Clowney or Mack at #6, they’ll take a pass rusher here. Ford is versatile and could play multiple positions in multiple schemes. That’s important because Atlanta hasn’t declared what style they intend to play.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Kony Ealy (DE, Missouri)
4th Mock: Kony Ealy (DE, Missouri)
3rd Mock: Ra’Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota)
Lovie Smith wants to continue bringing in guys for his defense. Ealy would be a great defensive end for them, which is an area that needs more bodies. This pick makes even more sense considering they went offense with their first pick.
39. New England Patriots (via trade with Jacksonville) select: Ra’Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota)
4th Mock: Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech)
3rd Mock (by Cleveland via trade): Davante Adams (WR, Fresno State)
This couldn’t have worked out better for the Patriots as this is whom we would have picked for them if they had stayed at #29. Instead, they added picks and still get their guy. He’d be a welcome addition to a team thin up front, and needing to replace Wilfork soon.
40. Minnesota Vikings select: Jerry Attaochu (OLB, Georgia Tech)
4th Mock: Jason Verrett (CB, TCU)
3rd Mock: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, Eastern Illinois)
Coach Zimmer loves linebackers, so grabbing Attaochu would excite him thoroughly. Of course, if they pass on a QB and grab Mosley or someone like that early on, this pick would change.
41. Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade with Buffalo) select: Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt)
4th Mock: Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, Washington)
3rd Mock: Jerry Attaochu (OLB, Georgia Tech)
Jacksonville has gone all out on offense so far with Lewan and Bridgewater, but it won’t stop there as they need another talented wideout, especially with the issues surrounding Blackmon. Matthews is a big receiver and can bring something current WR’s Shorts and Sanders can’t.
42. Tennessee Titans select: Bishop Sankey (RB, Washington)
4th Mock: A.J. McCarron (QB, Alabama)
3rd Mock: Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)
By letting Chris Johnson go, it opened a big hole at running back. Carlos Hyde is the highest ranked guy, but Sankey offers them more versatility to mix in with Shonne Greene, whom they acquired last year.
43. New York Giants select: Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, Washington)
4th Mock: Stanley Jean-Baptiste (CB, Nebraska)
The Giants passed on Ebron in round 1 despite a big need at tight end. They can’t do it in this round, so ASJ becomes the obvious selection. He’ll give Eli a nice target, something he needs more of.
44. St. Louis Rams select: Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)
4th Mock: Chris Borland (LB, Wisconsin)
We debated several options here for the Rams. Ultimately we chose to give another offensive weapon to whoever the QB ends up being. Kelvin Benjamin was a real option here, as was Jarvis Landry, but ultimately Robinson’s size/speed combination and steadiness won us over.
45. Detroit Lions select: Jimmie Ward (S, Northern Illinois)
4th Mock: Lamarcus Joyner (CB, Florida State)
The Lions could take a wide receiver here like Landry or Benjamin, but they really need a safety and the options are slim after the second round. Ward would be a great addition to the secondary, just like Dennard was at #10. Defense looking legit now.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers select: Demarcus Lawrence (OLB, Boise State)
4th Mock: Jeremiah Attaochu (OLB, Georgia Tech)
Similar to Detroit, the Steelers could go with a receiver here. But they went offense earlier with Zack Martin, so getting a young defender is the best option. Lawrence would be a great fit and give them a much needed linebacker.
47. Dallas Cowboys select: Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State)
4th Mock: Joel Bitonio (OL, Nevada)
We had Dallas surprisingly addressing offense in the first round. They must go defense here. Jernigan is not only the best player left, but he fills a need and was once considered a first round selection (still could go late first round). Easy call.
48. Baltimore Ravens select: Deone Bucannon (S, Washington State)
4th Mock: Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)
Baltimore has one solid safety in Matt Elam, but they lack a player that can play next to him. By drafting Bucannon, they will suddenly have a young core to build around on the back end of the defense.
49. New York Jets select: Lamarcus Joyner (CB, Florida State)
4th Mock: Keith McGill (CB, Utah)
The Jets could use a boost in the secondary, and Joyner would be a great fit since most think he can play cornerback and safety (both needs). We know the Jets value defense, so they almost certainly go in this direction after taking a WR at #18.
50. Miami Dolphins select: Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech)
4th Mock: Troy Niklas (TE, Notre Dame)
Amaro would be a welcome addition to the passing game, and fill a need at the same time. We thought about taking a guard here, but with an additional second rounder later (compliments of the trade with San Fran), they can address that position there.
51. Chicago Bears select: Stanley Jean-Baptiste (CB, Nebraska)
4th Mock: Stephon Tuitt (DL, Notre Dame)
The Bears addressed a need at safety earlier, but the defense still has other holes. They need depth at corner, particularly since Tillman is injury-prone and on a 1-year deal. In fact, both of their starters are over 30, so youth is key. Jean-Baptiste would be a good player to add.
52. Arizona Cardinals select: Tom Savage (QB, Pittsburgh)
4th Mock: Jimmie Ward (S, Northern Illinois)
The Cardinals would love to add a promising quarterback to mold behind Carson Palmer, in fact, many think they could draft one in the first round. Taking “Tom 2.0” in the second makes more sense.
53. Green Bay Packers select: Terrence Brooks (S, FSU)
The Packers are a team desperate for an upgrade at safety, and it just so happens the dropoff after Brooks is massive. I think they’d be ecstatic if any of the top five safeties were available here. Between Brooks and Shazier in the first round, the defense already looks more promising.
54. Philadelphia Eagles select: Chris Borland (ILB, Wisconsin)
We debated on several picks here again, but it ultimately came down to Borland being able to fill a need at linebacker and contribute right away inside alongside DeMeco Ryans. That combination should provide stability in the middle of that defense.
55. Cincinnati Bengals select: Marcus Martin (C, USC)
The Bengals need help in the middle of their offensive line, so taking the draft’s best center would be ideal. Thankfully, he’s lasted this long and he could be a steal.
56. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City) select: Pierre Desir (CB, Lindenwood)
After trading up to grab a marquee wide receiver (Cooks) at #19, the 49ers will turn their attention to cornerback, their other glaring need. Desir has a terrific story and has emerged as a terrific prospect. We think Harbaugh would love this kid.
57. San Diego Chargers select: Louis Nix III (DT, Notre Dame)
The Chargers need help on the defensive line. Irish Chocolate fits their team very well. He can, like his former teammate Manti Te’o, step in, and play virtually the same system as a pro that was employed by former Irish DC Bob Diaco.
58. New Orleans Saints select: Keith McGill (CB, Utah)
Following in the mold of big, physical, aggressive cornerbacks, this CB will soon be a favorite of Rob Ryan’s. He should be able to come in and if not start right away, at least compete for the starting role and help their defense improve.
59. Indianapolis Colts select: Kyle Van Noy (LB, Brigham Young)
The Colts drafted Bjoern Werner in the first round last year to come in and play opposite Robert Mathis. Werner only had 2 sacks last year in limited playing time and seems like a similar player to Jerry Hughes, which is not a compliment. Van Noy is arguably a better player drafted more than a round later this year who can come in and probably start over both Werner and Eric Walden right now.
60. Carolina Panthers select: Kelvin Benjamin (WR, FSU)
We have Carolina doubling up on wideouts the first two rounds. Benjamin offers a ton of upside and was originally thought of as a first round pick. He is 6’5, so he offsets their first pick (Ellington) who is 5’9. They could be a great combo for Newton.
61. Miami Dolphins (via trade with San Francisco) select: Ja’Wuan James (OT, Tennessee)
Miami has already picked a guard and a tight end, and they can fill a third need by taking James at tackle. We all know the issues they’ve had along the offensive line, but these moves will give them a needed boost.
62. New England Patriots select: Troy Niklaus (TE, Notre Dame)
New England will be searching for a replacement for Aaron Hernandez, and Niklaus could be that guy. He likely won’t have the same impact immediately, but he’s as good of an option as they have at this point in the draft.
63. Denver Broncos select: Bashaud Breeland (CB, Clemson)
The Broncos desperately need help in the secondary, and since Chris Harris isn’t going to be healthy for the beginning of the season, they draft Breeland to come in and start right away and give them depth throughout the season.
64. Seattle Seahawks select: Jarvis Landry (WR, LSU)
Seattle needs to add some weapons for Russell Wilson, especially since Golden Tate is now in Detroit. Landry could give them the same type of player that Tate was, but I think he could end up being much better.
NOTE: When we were done, the biggest shock was that Carlos Hyde, long rumored as the top RB prospect, wasn’t drafted yet. In fact, only one running back was (Sankey). Remember though that the same thing happened last year to the top RB prospect (Lacy). That position just isn’t valued much anymore. But we could be wrong...
There you have it, our last mock. Now, go watch the first round on Thursday, and finish watching on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy!
By: The Sports Guys
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