Nov 10, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) during the game against the Washington Huskies at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Utah 34-15. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
This is my 2 Round Mock Draft. I have included 2 trades that I think could happen. They fill team needs and closely comply with the NFL Draft pick value chart.
Round 1:
1.) Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT, Texas A&M
While the fate of Brandon Albert hangs in the balance, I expect no matter what action is taken Luke Joeckel will be the first pick in the draft. Joeckel is by far the most polished player in the draft and can step in from day one and give the Chiefs a franchise left tackle. The Chiefs could trade Albert for more draft picks to help fill other needs. Joeckel has a chance to be an All-Pro at the next level and help protect Alex Smith and the future Chiefs QB.
2.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith QB, West Virginia
The Jaguars now have a new owner, general manager and coach yet Blaine Gabbert is the leading QB for the future, I don’t think so. While the QB class may not be as strong as it was last year, Jacksonville simply can’t pass up on Geno Smith here. Smith is the most talented QB in this class and can give the Jaguars a starter on day one. His work ethic and dedication to the game will help turn him into a leader in the locker room and hopefully turn this team around.
3.) Oakland Raiders: Star Lotulelei NT, Utah
Now that Star Lotulelei has been cleared of any heart conditions, many draft writers will have him shoot up into the Top 10. I still see Lotulelei as a Top 3 player in this draft and a perfect fit for the Raiders at this spot. Oakland needs major help on the interior and stopping the run. Lotulelei is a non stop force from the inside who shook off double teams at Utah and still created problems in the backfield. Just as Matt Barkley how much fun he had dropping back on every play and only have a brief second to throw before Lotulelei was bringing him down. Now that any health issues are gone, Star can find his way back as a Top 3 selection.
4.) Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan
As Chip Kelly transitions to the NFL with his new offense, he needs an athletic offensive tackle and Eric Fisher gives him exactly that.. While Fisher may not be a finished product like Joeckel, he offers more athleticism and may be more willing to play on the right side to begin his career. He has the ability to be an excellent blocker in the running and passing game. Kelly may look to go defense here, but I think Fisher will just be too hard to pass up.
5.) Detroit Lions: Dion Jordan OLB, Oregon
While the Detroit Lions would love to draft an offensive tackle to replace Jeff Backus, there isn’t one worth taking at the 5th spot. Instead, the Lions look to improve their pass rush and go with a small project in Dion Jordan. While Jordan needs to spend some time in the weight room and prove he can stay healthy, he has the raw tools defensive coordinators drool over. A trio of Jordan, Suh and Nick Fairley would give Detroit one of the best pass rushing units in the league.
6.) Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner CB, Alabama
Cleveland fans may not like the idea of drafting a corner at 6, but Dee Milliner would help give the Browns one of the best cornerback duo’s in the league. Joe Haden has already evolved into one of the top cover corners in the league, while Sheldon Brown has provided solid coverage and a veteran presence in the secondary. Milliner could learn from Brown and Haden, while providing strong coverage on his own. A duo of Haden and Milliner would give the Browns an elite secondary for years to come.
7.) Arizona Cardinals: Lane Johnson OT, Oklahoma
This may seem like a reach but the Cardinals can’t walk away from the first round without taking an offensive tackle. Lane Johnson is about as athletic as they come for a tackle, but his potential is through the roof. Arizona doesn’t need to take a QB here after trading for Carson Palmer who should give them at least a year of decent production. While Johnson may hit some rough patches as a rookie he would be an immediate upgrade for the Cardinals and could develop into a franchise left tackle.
8.) Buffalo Bills: Ezekial Ansah OLB, BYU
The recent addition of Kevin Kolb means one thing for the Bills, Buffalo is getting desperate for a QB. While Kolb has always shown flashes of prominence, he is far from a reliable starting QB. If Geno Smith were to fall to the Bills they could take him, but with Smith gone they look to address their defense. While Mario Williams may not have lived up to his contract in his first season with the Bills, he still put up an impressive 10.5 sacks. Buffalo still needs a pass rusher opposite Super Mario, and Ezekial Ansah is the perfect fit. While Ansah is still new to football, his raw tools are unmatched. While Williams draws double teams, Ansah will have free reign in one on one match ups and rack up the sacks.
9.) New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo OLB, LSU
The Jets may look to go with a quarterback here, but instead address needs on the defensive side of the ball. Rex Ryan’s defense last season looked nothing like the intimidating Jets defense of old. New York needs a pass rusher and while Barkevious Mingo may be one of the bigger gambles in the draft, if any coach can get the most out of him it will be Rex Ryan. Mingo posses all of the prototypical size, speed you look for in a pass rusher but has yet to learn proper pass rushing techniques. He will be a work in project but can give the Jets another threat off the edge on passing downs.
10.) Tennessee Titans: Xavier Rhodes CB, Florida State
While the Titans may consider going with an offensive guard here, a talent like Xavier Rhodes is just impossible to pass up. Fortunately, this is a case of best player available filling a need for the Titans. Rhodes has seen his draft stock rise and fall during the year but is rocketing back up the boards and now could be a Top 10 pick. Rhodes gives the Titans a physical corner who can battle with some of the tougher receivers in the league and turn around this Titans defense.
11.) San Diego Chargers: Chance Warmack OG, Alabama
San Diego would love to shore up at tackle but with Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson gone they shift inside to guard. Chance Warmack is one of the best prospects in recent years and provides the type of toughness San Diego needs. Warmack is a top 10 talent but falls to 11 because of the lack of emphasis on guards. Warmack will immediately shore up a weak Chargers offensive line, and could help get the San Diego running game rolling.
12.) Miami Dolphins: Shariff Floyd DT, Florida
The Dolphins had a need at corner but after signing Brent Grimes, they can wait at least another round before they address the need. Miami does need to address the defensive line and can find their man in-state with Florida Gators DT Shariff Floyd.Floyd has enamored scouts with his athleticism and seems perfect for a 3-technique. If Floyd falls to the 12th pick. you can bet the Dolphins will jump at the opportunity to take him.
13.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant CB, Washington
Tampa Bay would love to trade for Jets CB Darrelle Revis, but chances of that happening are looking more and more skeptical. So the Bucs draft their own CB and Washington Cougars corner Desmond Trufant could be the perfect match. Trufant has seen his stock on the rise during the off-season and would give Tampa a staring corner. Trufant isn’t a playmaker and struggles against the run but can give the Bucs help in the secondary.
14.) Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson DT, Missouri
Carolina has simply let too much time pass without drafting a defensive tackle, and they have to end that streak now. While Sheldon Richardson may be a little rough, his explosiveness and speed are perfect for Ron Rivera’s defense. Richardson needs to improve his strength and must get lower, but his potential can’t be passed up. Carolina could explore a wide receiver here, but the need for a defensive tackle can’t be ignored for another draft.
15.) New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia
While some are taking Jarvis Jones out of their first round entirely, I still believe he is a first round talent and the Saints may as well. New Orleans didn’t even make the playoffs last year and plenty of that blame can be placed on the defense. The Saints just couldn’t generate any pass rusher, and gave quarterbacks all time to find the open man. When healthy Jarvis Jones is a force off the edge and can take over a game. Jones would be a major upgrade for the Saints defense and could be enough to help Drew Brees back to the playoffs.
16.) St. Louis Rams: Tavon Austin WR, West Virginia
Danny Amendola is gone, but Tavon Austin can step in and become Sam Bradford’s favorite weapon. Austin is simply a magician in the open field, all it takes is one cut and he leaves his defender standing while he is doing a touchdown dance. Austin can play anywhere on the field and would give the Rams a dynamic return man as well. Size is always a concern for smaller wide receivers but Austin’s talent more than makes up for it.
17.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Vaccaro FS, Texas
The Steelers have plenty of needs in the draft and one of those just happens to be safety. Kenny Vaccaro is the top safety in the draft and for good reason. He possesses great coverage skills for his position and is more than willing to come up and stop the run. Vaccaro loves to make contact and often will physically wear down receivers to gain advantage at the line. He can learn behind Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu and quickly become the top Steelers safety of the future.
18.) Dallas Cowboys: Jonathan Cooper OG, North Carolina
After signing Tony Romo to a long-term deal, Dallas has to starting finding ways to protect their franchise QB. While the left side of the line is strong, the right site is an absolute mess. At 18, the Cowboys can fill a major need with North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper. While Cooper may not be as physical as Warmack, he is more athletic and actually could be a better fit for the Cowboys. Cooper would help solidify the offensive line and hopefully help Romo lead the Cowboys back to the playoffs.
19.) New York Giants: Bjoern Werner DE, Florida State
After dominating the league last season Jason Pierre-Paul took a bit of a step back during the 2012 season. Meanwhile, Justin Tuck seemed to disappear and Osi Umenyiora just signed with the Atlanta Falcons. New York needs to address their defensive line, and it just so happens Florida State Seminoles defensive end Bjoern Werner is the perfect fit. Werner was made for the Giants and would fill a major need for a team trying to make it back to the Super Bowl.
20.) Chicago Bears: Arthur Brown MLB, Kansas State
Even before the Bears let future Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher leave, Chicago needed to find a new middle linebacker. At 20, they are faced with the perfect scenario of filling a need with the best player available. Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown is a new, more athletic mold of linebacker and has incredible range covering sideline to sideline. This is just a case of a perfect fit and a perfect scenario for the Bears.
21.) Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathan Cyprien S, Florida International
Cincinnati fans would rejoice if Florida International safety Jonathan Cyprien fell to them at 21, and in this mock draft he does. One of the Bengals major holes on defense is at the safety position, and Cyprien could develop into the best defensive back in this class. While Cyprien comes from a small school, he plays like a Pro Bowl safety. He could start right away for the Bengals defense and help turn this into the team to beat in the AFC North.
22.) St. Louis Rams: Matt Elam S, Florida
After drafting Tavon Austin with the 16th pick, the Rams flip over to the defense at 22. St. Louis would love to have Jonathan Cyprien, but with him being taken just before them they go with Matt Elam. Elam dazzled scouts at his Pro Day with his athleticism and tremendous range. Elam has been knocked down for his coverage skills but would receive plenty of help on a team with Cortland Finnegan, Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson. Elam could start immediately for the Rams and help their defense develop into one of the top units in the NFC.
23.) Minnesota Vikings: Cordarrelle Patterson WR, Tennessee
The Vikings traded away Percy Harvin giving away their second best weapon on the team. Even after signing Greg Jennings away from the Packers, Minnesota still needs to find a player who can replace Harvin. While Tennessee receiver Cordarrelle Patterson may be raw as a route runner and with his hands, he is incredibly gifted with size and speed. Patterson electrified the SEC last season as a receiver, returner and even in the running game. He may be one of the biggest boom or bust picks in the draft, but could be just what the Vikings need to help Christian Ponder.
24.) Indianapolis Colts: D.J Fluker OT, Alabama
Indianapolis did an excellent job last year with Andrew Luck and drafting weapons like receiver T.Y Hilton, tight end Dwayne Allen and running back Vick Ballard. Now that the Colts have found Luck some weapons to throw to, they need to start building a strong pocket around him. While Alabama right tackle D.J Fluker may not be known for his pass-blocking abilities he is a stout run blocker, and still efficient in the passing game. Even if Fluker struggles on the outside, he has the potential to kick inside to guard and play at a Pro Bowl caliber level. This is a no brainer pick for Indy as they start to build their offense of the future.
25.) Minnesota Vikings: Sylvester Williams DT, North Carolina
While North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams may not be on the first round radar for many people, his upside is more than worth it here for the Vikings in the later half of the first round. Minnesota hasn’t been the same since the Williams brothers and they need to rebuild the interior defensive line. At 25, Sylvester Williams gives the VIkings an intimidating force inside. While Williams needs to work on getting his pad level lower, his explosiveness will be a major plus at the next level.
26.) Philadelphia Eagles (via GB): E.J Manuel QB, Florida State
Here is my first surprise of the draft, so I will make my case for why it could happen. Green Bay has needs all over their defense and offensive line but DJ Fluker is off the board and Tank Carradine is coming off a knee injury. So the Packers pick up the phone and trade back with the Eagles. Chip Kelly wants to find his own QB, and his offense is a perfect match for Florida State QB EJ Manuel. Philly would be taking a risk by waiting until the 2nd Round for Manuel to fall, so they climb up and grab him. Manuel can’t start right away for the Eagles but given time, can be the best QB from this class.
27.) Houston Texans: Keenan Allen WR, California
Keenan Allen could have been selected higher if the California Golden Bears actually had a quarterback, or if he still wasn’t recovering from a PCL injury which to this point has forced him out of any workouts. When Allen is healthy, he may be the most pro ready receiver in this class. He runs smooth routes and knows how to pick up yards after the catch. The Texans take a risk with the knee but as long as it checks out, Houston finally gets someone to play opposite Andre Johnson and who can help balance the scales in the passing game.
28.) Denver Broncos: Tank Carradine DE, Florida State
You can call him “Tank” or you can call him Cornellius Caradine, but either way you have to love some of the things he does. If it weren’t for a torn ACL late in the season, Carradine would have been a lock for the Top 15. Now as he begins to recover and teams put in the tape, Carradine is back on the rise again. Denver needs more help on defense and Carradine could slide in right away. After losing Elvis Dumervil, Denver needs a pass rusher and Carradine gives them just that.
29.) Buffalo Bills (via NE): Ryan Nassib QB, Syracuse
New England comes into the draft with only a handful of picks, which is why I think a trade down makes the most sense for the Patriots. New England has needs at defensive end but in a deep class, they can wait until the 2nd Round so they trade down with the Bills. Bills fans may not like the idea especially after signing Kevin Kolb, but have yet to realize Kolb isn’t a starting quarterback. While he has always shown flashes between Philadelphia and Arizona, he just can’t be trusted to start 16 games. Trading up for a quarterback may not surprise people, but the name Ryan Nassib will. While Nassib may be rated lower than Barkley, Nassib was coached by Doug Marrone at Syracuse and it would be the perfect fit. Nassib needs work but his familiarity with Marrone and the Bills need for a QB are reason enough to trade up to get their man.
30.) Atlanta Falcons: Alex Okafor DE, Texas
If Tony Gonzalez stuck to his guns and walked into the sunset, the Falcons would have to take a tight end here. Fortunately, the greatest tight end of all time came back for one more run. Atlanta has to focus on the defensive line where John Abraham was released on a team that struggled to put any pressure on the offense. Fans may believe in Osi Umenyiora, but the truth is he isn’t the same player. Alex Okafor excels at putting on pressure, as his 12 sacks last season indicate. The Falcons offense is set for a Super Bowl run, now their defense needs to take the next step up.
31.) San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Eifert TE, Notre Dame
San Francisco is in a dream scenario, they have very few needs to fill and a truck load of early picks to work with. If any team were to jump up into the Top 10 for a pick, I expect it would be the 49ers. They stand still in this case but find a great value with Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert. They let Delanie Walker find a new home in free agency and are in need of a No.2 tight end. Eifert is a perfect fit, with his exceptional skills as a blocker and great hands he seems to be made for the 49ers offense.
32.) Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Minter MLB, LSU
It seems like almost the entire Ravens defense is gone, and even if that is a stretch they will look a lot different at linebacker next season. Ray Lewis retired and his replacement Dannell Ellerbe. The Ravens have plenty of options when they conclude the first round, with Manti Te’o, Alec Ogletree and Kevin Minter available. Ogletree has off the field problems and Te’o still needs to prove he can be a three down linebacker. LSU linebacker Kevin Minter is the perfect fit for the Ravens 3-4 defense. He will have major shoes to fill, but with the help of Terrell Suggs can be an impact player as a rookie.
Round 2:
33.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Darius Slay CB, Mississippi State
After finding their quarterback of the future with their first pick, Jacksonville now fills a major need at cornerback. Darius Slay didn’t receive as much attention as teammate Johnthan Banks, but possesses the higher upside. Slay is rising up draft boards and would provide great value in the second round.
34.) San Francisco 49ers: Eric Reid FS, LSU
After picking up a tight end in the first round, the 49ers now look to address their need at safety. After Dashon Goldson left for Tampa Bay in free agency, San Francisco now can find a cheaper option. Eric Reid will give the 49ers a coverage safety who won’t give up the big plays that cost them a Super Bowl.
35.) Green Bay Packers (via PHI): Menelik Watson OT, Florida State
After trading down to provide Ted Thompson with more ammunition for late round steals, Green Bay finds their offensive tackle with their pick. Menelik Watson is a freak with size and long arms, but still needs to learn his position. Given time, Watson could help anchor the Packers offensive line and protect Aaron Rodgers.
36.) Detroit Lions: Johnthan Banks CB, Mississippi State
Unfortunately for the Lions, they miss out on an offensive tackle once again. Green Bay takes Watson right before their pick, so they fill a void in the secondary. Mississippi State corner Johnthan Banks provides solid coverage but falls to the Lions because of his problems with tackling. In a division that features Greg Jennings, Brandon Marshall and Jordy Nelson, Banks is needed.
37.) Cincinnati Bengals: Giovani Bernard RB, North Carolina
The popular pick for the Bengals here seems to be running back, and I have to agree. Benjarvus Green-Ellis was productive for Cincinnati last year, but he isn’t the answer. North Carolina Tar Heels running back Giovani Bernard may not be as physical as Eddie Lacy but he is still a good runner, but also excels as a receiver and return man.. He would give Andy Dalton another weapon to throw to and help uplift the Bengals running game.
38.) Arizona Cardinals: Larry Warford OG, Kentucky
After selecting their left tackle of the future, Arizona now slides inside to find a guard. Kentucky Wildcats guard Larry Warford isn’t an athlete, he is a tough, physical player who loves to engage in blocks. He may not be at the level of a Warmack or Cooper, but he can help solidify the Cardinals offensive line for Carson Palmer.
39.) BROWNS FORFEIT 39th Overall Pick for Josh Gordon (Supplemental Draft)
40.) New York Jets: Matt Barkley QB, Southern California
Jets fans can begin to boo as they see their team draft another USC quarterback. While Barkley has USC ties, his intangibles far surpass that of Mark Sanchez. Barkley doesn’t have the arm strength or mobility you’d like to have but he makes smart reads and in the right system can thrive. Given a full offseason to battle Sanchez, David Garrard and Tim Tebow, I expect Barkley would come out on top.
41.) Tennessee Titans: Justin Hunter WR, Tennessee
Tennessee could look into a quarterback if one were to fall but with the top names off the board, they give Jake Locker another weapon to throw to and hope it can turn around his career. While Hunter struggled last season catching the football, one thing you can’t question is that he is the most physically gifted receiver in this class. he has the size, speed, strength and leaping ability to be one of the best at the next level. Tennessee stays in-state and gives Locker a player who can go up and get the ball.
42.) New England Patriots (via BUF): Datone Jones DE, UCLA
Once again the stars align for the Patriots as they land a player who they would have been happy with in the first round. Datone Jones is an ideal fit for the Patriots defense where he can play on the end and help stop the run. Jones still needs to improve getting after the quarterback, but his ability to fight his way through the hole will help him at the next level.
43.) Miami Dolphins: Damontre Moore DE, Texas A&M
Damontre Moore finished his season as a sure fire Top 10 pick, but just months later he easily could slip into the second round. After having an awful showing at the combine, Moore really fell down the boards. His fall finally stops in Miami, a team that is in major need of a pass rusher. Cameron Wake could take Moore under his wing and teach him the intangibles and secrets of the position, before Moore is unleashed on the NFL.
44.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jesse Williams DT, Alabama
Tampa Bay filled a major need in the secondary, now they must find a counterpart for Gerald McCoy. Jesse Williams is a rare combination of athleticism and anger. While he has the quick burst and quick feet off the line, it is his hunger for contact and battles with offensive linemen that stand out. McCoy is an elite defensive tackle when healthy, but Williams would give the Bucs insurance at the position and another contributor on the defensive line.
45.) Carolina Panthers: Robert Woods WR, USC
Carolina is getting closer to being a playoff contender, but in order to get there Cam Newton needs to step up as a passer. The best way to help him take that next step is with a weapon like Robert Woods. While Steve Smith draws the double coverage, Woods will be hauling in a deep bomb for a touchdown.
46.) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FORFEIT 46th Overall Pick BOUNTY GATE
47.) San Diego Chargers: Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
While many will try to make jokes about Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o, the truth is he is still a good football player. Te’o was overhyped during the season but came crashing down after the scandal and an ugly performance in the national championship game. What Te’o can give the Chargers is a middle linebacker who can play back in coverage at times but also help in the run game. He may only be a two down linebacker, but he can be a starter in the NFL.
48.) St. Louis Rams: Eddie Lacy RB, Alabama
For the first time in nearly 10 years, Steven Jackson will not line up in the backfield when the Rams take the field. St. Louis parted ways with S-Jax as they continue to transition to a young team. They find their dream back with Eddie Lacy, a power horse who fights for yards and can play on every down. Lacy falls to the second over concerns with his hamstring, but if healthy can be a 1,200 yard rusher as a rookie.
49.) Dallas Cowboys: Johnathan Hankings DT, Ohio State
As Monte Kiffin tries to turn the Cowboys defense into a 4-3, he is going to need help at defensive tackle. Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins was a major disappointment this past season, with his numbers dropping across the board. What Hankins can do is slide inside for the Cowboys and hopefully turn things around and turn into one of the steals of the draft.
50.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Alec Ogletree MLB, Georgia
Many will be surprised by Ogletree falling all the way down until the middle of the 2nd Round, but with a slew of offensive players coming off the board and Ogletree’s off the field problems, it isn’t crazy. Ogletree has the talent of a Top 10 pick but a DUI just weeks before the combine and suspensions will be a major red flag. Pittsburgh takes a chance on the maturity issues and gets a great player in return.
51.) New York Giants: Kyle Long OT, Oregon
New York needs to address the offensive line in the second round and Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Kyle Long could be just what they are looking for. While Long is still new to football, his athleticism and size is what drives his draft stock. New York can rotate him at either guard or tackle until he finds his niche, and hopefully give Eli more protection.
52.) Chicago Bears: Justin Pugh OT, Syracise
Even after overpaying for Jermon Bushrod, Chicago is still desperate for another offensive tackle. Pugh and Carimi could alternate during training camp between right guard and right tackle until each settles in at a position. Chicago has the weapons on offense to win the NFC North, now they just need to protect Jay Cutler.
53.) Washington Redskins: Jamar Taylor CB, Boise State
While Washington may not have a first round pick, Robert Griffin III more than makes up for it. Now the Redskins look to attack their secondary, which has been depleted for years now. Jamar Taylor is a physical corner who can play tough against the run or the pass. While he may not have the size you are looking for, he is a sound tackled and should serve a role as a rookie.
54.) Minnesota Vikings: Robert Alford CB, Southeastern Louisiana
Minnesota made the tough decision to cut Antoine Winfield in the offseason, and now must find his replacement. Robert Alford is another small school name who has climbed his way up drafts boards with impressive workouts. He doesn’t have the strength to match up to more physical receivers, but his athleticism and sound fundamentals will help him at the next level.
55.) Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Patton WR, Louisiana Tech
I admit this may be a big drop for Quinton Patton but in a loaded wide receiver class, things like this tend to happen. Fortunately, Cincinnati walks out of it a winner as they find their No.2 receiver to play opposite AJ Green. A duo of Green and Patton could be just what Andy Dalton needs to make his case as a Top 10 quarterback.
56.) Miami Dolphins: Kawann Short DT, Purdue
While it may not seem like a pressing need, Miami needs to prepare for the future at defensive tackle. Both Randy Starks and Paul Soliai will be free agents at the end of next season and neither have played exceptionally well. Short is ideally suited to play in the three technique, with his rare combination of quickness and size. Unfortunately, like many players in the second round he falls due to questions about effort and motor.
57.) Green Bay Packers: Phillip Thomas FS, Fresno State
When the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl in 2010, one of the quiet names behind that was free safety Nick Collins. Unfortunately, Collins career was cut short after a neck injury early during the 2011 season. While the Packers say they are comfortable at safety, a player like Phillip Thomas is impossible to pass up. Thomas dealt with some injuries last season, but looked like a ballhawk the year before. He can roam the field for Green Bay and give them the hawk they have missed since Collins went down.
58.) Seattle Seahawks: Zach Ertz TE, Stanford
Seattle just brought in Percy Harvin, but Pete Carrol wants more weapons to show that Russell Wilson was the best quarterback in his draft class. While Zach Ertz may not be on the same level as Eifert, he can split out wide and haul in passes or come inside. Ertz struggled last year without Andrew Luck, but could thrive with Russell Wilson.
59.) Houston Texans: Terron Armstead OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Houston has really begun to solidify their offensive line, but one more tackle could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a potential trip to the AFC Championship. Arkansas-Pine Bluff offensive tackle Terron Armstead may be one of the most fascinating players in the draft. Someone who you never hear about until the combine when he runs a 4.65 40 yard dash. I still have questions about
60.) Denver Broncos: DJ Swearinger S, South Carolina
We all saw what happened last season with the Broncos, they had the win only to let Joe Flacco completely expose their secondary. Denver really lacks the hard-hitting safety who can make plays on defense, that’s where DJ Swearinger comes in. Swearinger formed a reputation in college for bone crushing hits and big plays, exactly what Denver has lacked.
61.) Atlanta Falcons: Margus Hunt DE, SMU
After taking Alex Okafor in the first round, the Falcons roll the dice and take another defensive end in the second round. Margus Hunt really is a gamble, some want to compare him to J.J Watt but the truth is Watt was on another planet coming out of the draft. Hunt has long arms and is great at blocking kicks and passes, but his inability to battle physically with opponents and get taken out of plays is a major concern. Atlanta can rotate him in with Osi, and if they get lucky could hit a home run.
62.) San Francisco 49ers: DeAndre Hopkins WR, Clemson
San Francisco has depth at the receiver position, but can’t pass up on a name like DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins played next to Sammy Watkins at Clemson, but still managed to make a name for himself. Hopins is a big play receiver who really makes his magic after he catches the football. While he doesn’t have great speed eh runs clean routes and has reliable hands. He needs to refine his skillset, but easily could work his way up the depth chart and give Colin Kaepernick another weapon.
63.) Baltimore Ravens: Stedman Bailey WR, West Virginia
The Ravens finish off the second round with potentially one of the biggest steals in the draft. While Geno Smith and Tavon Austin drew all the headlines at West Virginia, wide receiver Stedman Bailey was busy doing his job hauling in 25 touchdowns. Bailey is an excellent route runner who can catch every pass thrown his way. While Bailey doesn’t have great size his instincts and knowledge of the game help him become a true red zone threat. After trading away Anquan Boldin, Stedman Bailey is the perfect replacement for the Ravens.
TRADES:
Green Bay Packers trade 1st Round Pick (26th Overall) to Philadelphia Eagles for 2nd Round (35th overall), 4th Round (101st Overall) and 5th Round (131st Overall)
New England Patriots trade 1st Round (29th Overall) to Buffalo Bills for 2nd Round (42nd Overall, 4th Round (105th Overall) and 2014 5th Round Pick