2013 NFL Draft Rounds 2 and 3 Pick by Pick Analysis

33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

Initial Reaction: Good value pick as Cyprien was a first round talent. Cyprien fits the Gus Bradley mold of a long and physical safety and should boost the back end of the Jaguars defense.

How he fits: Cyprien should be an immediate starter for the Jaguars, with only Chris Prosinski and Antwon Blake standing in his way. Versatile, rangy, and tough, Cyprien will make an early impact.

34. Tennessee Titans – Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee 

Initial Reaction: Really good pick for the Titans. Defensive help was and is still needed, but QB Jake Locker has to be their main priority.  The Titans have upgraded the OL heavily to boost the running game and take pressure off of Locker, now the addition of Justin Hunter adds a weapon in the passing game.

How he fits: He should factor into the passing game early, but until hunter adds some strength and bulk to his game he won’t reach his full potential. He’ll be paired with last years first rounder Kendall Wright, Kenny Britt, and free agent addition Delanie Walker.

35. Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford

Initial Reaction: A bit of a surprise pick, with Brent Celek, James Casey, and Clay Harbor already in the fold, the Eagles could’ve gone in another direction. But Ertz is a terrific player who Chip Kelly knows well.

How he fits: Ertz is one of the more talented move TE’s in the draft and could be a very solid weapon for this new Chip Kelly offense. He’ll be eased into the line up behind Celek and James Casey.

36. Detroit Lions – Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State 

Initial Reaction: Surprised to see Slay go ahead of more highly touted teammate Jonathan Banks, but a nice pick for Detroit who is as CB needy as it gets.

How he fits: He’ll battle Dwight Bentley and Ronald Bartell for the starting CB spot across from Chris Houston.

37. Cincinnati Bengals – Giovanni Bernard, RB, North Carolina

Initial Reaction: Great pick. The Bengals need a playmaker at the RB position to pair with BenJarvis Green-Ellis. The Bengals offense has now added two playmakers for QB Andy Dalton.

How he fits: Bernard will be a change of pace back, 3rd down back, and a return man immediately. He’ll add an explosive dimension to the running game and be a dynamic safety valve for Dalton in the passing game.

38. San Diego Chargers – Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Initial Reaction: Highway robbery. Instincts are off the charts and he brings terrific playmaking ability. A solid and steady performer, Te’o and his play will make people forget all about his horrible off-season.

How he fits: Te’o will line up next to Donald Butler and start immediately. The Chargers defensive front 7 is young and talented and added another piece to the puzzle.

39. New York Jets – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Initial Reaction: Geno is a great pick for the Jets, but the Jets are a rough spot for Geno. GM John Idzik had better be his biggest supporter considering that he is the only member of that front office and coaching staff that is guaranteed to be there next year.

How he fits: Geno could realistically challenge for the starting spot right away. Mark Sanchez was benched last season and David Garrard is an injury waiting to happen. The Geno Smith era could begin quicker than expected.

40. San Francisco 49ers – Cornelius “Tank” Carradine, DE/LB, Florida State

Initial Reaction: Ouch. The entire NFC West just cringed at the thought of another pass rushing threat added to that brutal 49ers defense.

How he fits: He’ll most likely start the year on the p.u.p. list. He will later be worked into the pass rush rotation behind Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks, and Parys Haralson.

41. Buffalo Bills – Robert Woods, WR, USC

Initial Reaction: Great pick. Robert Woods is the rare electric playmaker who also happens to be technically sound and NFL ready.

How he fits: He should push for the #2 WR job opposite Stevie Johnson immediately. He’ll battle with TJ Graham and Brad Smith, but will be a factor in the passing game very early.

42. Oakland Raiders – Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

Initial Reaction: Al Davis is smiling somewhere. A developmental project with ridiculous athletic upside.

How he fits: Watson should be the back up swing tackle early on, but could eventually push Khalif Barnes at right tackle. Has left tackle potential.

43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Initial Reaction: The overhaul of the Tampa Bay secondary is now complete. The Bucs gave up way too many points and yards through the air a year ago, that obviously won’t be tolerated. 

How he fits: He could push Eric Wright for playing time early, but he most likely will push Wright inside to the slot on passing downs as the 3rd corner. Tampa now has a top 5 NFL secondary with Darrelle Revis, Eric Wright, Jonathan Banks, Dashon Goldson, and Mark Barron. Great job by Mark Dominik and Greg Schiano.

44. Carolina Panthers – Kawann Short, DT, Purdue 

Initial Reaction: Nice value pick. Very talented player who fell due to questions about his motor.

How he fits: Joins #14 pick Star Lotulelei and the Panthers have gone from having a glaring hole at DT, to becoming a strength of the team. Luke Kuechly is a happy man.

45. Arizona Cardinals – Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

Initial Reaction: Interesting fit. Darryl Washington has a looming 4 game suspension, but Lorenzo Alexander and Jasper Brinkley were already added in free agency.

How he fits: He’ll immediately enter the competition at ILB, Minter will add toughness and instincts to an already solid Arizona defense.

46. Buffalo Bills – Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon

Initial Reaction:  Athletic with toughness. Off the field concerns hurt his stock, but apparently not much.

How he fits: Joins Kelvin Sheppard inside in Buffalo DC Mike Pettine’s new hybrid scheme.

47. Dallas Cowboys – Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

Initial Reaction: Nice value for Dallas. Jerry Jones rebounded well from a terrible first round selection. Escobar is a big and talented receiving threat and a capable blocker with excellent hands.

How he fits: #2 TE and Jason Wittens eventual successor. A complete TE prospect who sould be a main cog in the Cowboys 2 TE sets.

48. Pittsburgh Steelers – Le’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State

Initial Reaction: The Steelers make a solid pick, but bypass a couple of more highly touted backs. Bell is a terrific athlete with rare size for a back.

How he fits: Fits the Steelers power back model to a “T”. Will compete from day 1 for reps with Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.

49. New York Giants – Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Initial Reaction: The Giants have won 2 Super Bowls by controlling the line of scrimmage and pressuring QB’s. They add another talented big body to the equation.

How he fits: He’ll join a loaded DT rotation and be eased into the line-up.

50. Chicago Bears – Jon Bostic, LB, Florida

Initial Reaction: Brian Urlacher’s Chicago Bear career is over and the Jon Bostic era has begun. Nice pick by Chicago.

How he fits: Should start inside and push DJ Williams to the strong side opposite of Lance Briggs.

51. Washington Redskins – David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

Initial Reaction: Very solid pick for the Redskins. Terrific potential as a CB or S.

How he fits: Will enter the mix to start at CB right away. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall are not exactly shut down corners. If Amerson doesn’t start right away, he will soon.

52. New England Patriots – Jamie Collins, LB, Southern Mississippi

Initial Reaction: Another talented and versatile pass rusher coming to Bill Bellicheck in New England. Under the radar move but huge potential.

How he fits: Enters the pass rushing rotation immediately, and could pair with Chandler Jones to become a downright scary duo off of the edge.

53. Cincinnati Bengals – Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

Initial Reaction: The Bengals add another strong piece to their front 7. The “Eastern Block” is as unique a defensive talent as the draft has to offer.

How he fits: He’ll start his career by backing up Carlos Dunlap at LE. Maybe even offer some interior pass rush help.

54. Miami Dolphins – Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

Initial Reaction: Such a nice value pick. Jamar Taylor is a very clean prospect and is NFL ready.

How he fits: Taylor is in the mix to start early for the Dolphins, could play in nickel packages early if held off by Nolan Carroll, Richard Marshall and Brent Grimes.

55. San Francisco 49ers – Vance McDonald, TE, Rice

Initial Reaction: San Francisco got their replacement for the departed Delanie Walker. Vance McDonald can play inline, the slot, or out wide.

How he fits: He should back up Vernon Davis, but play plenty in 2 TE sets. Jim Harbaugh uses plenty of TE heavy formations,

56. Baltimore Ravens – Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

Initial Reaction: The Ravens may not skip a beat this year. They lose both safeties, they get Michael huff and Matt Elam. They lose Paul Kruger, they get Elvis Dumerville. Dannelle Ellerbe leaves for Miami, they get Arthur Brown. Ozzie Newsome is the best in the business.

How he fits: Rolando McClain, pack your bags. Arthur brown will step into the WILB spot in Baltimore’s defense next to Jameel McClain.

57. Houston Texans – DJ Swearinger, S, South Carolina

Initial Reaction: Dynamite. A rangy player and a ferocious hitter, Swearinger will add even more attitude to one of the league’s best defenses.

How he fits: Will sit and develop behind Daniel Manning and Ed Reed. Swearinger will get some looks in nickel and dime packages and could even play some nickel LBer.

58. Denver Broncos – Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

Initial Reaction: Great fit. Denver needs a feature back to pair with speedster Ronnie Hillman and Ball is a strong runner and TD machine.

How he fits: I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t start immediately. He’s pro ready, durable, and fills a position of need. Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno may be on their way out of town.

59. New England Patriots – Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

Initial Reaction: A talented receiving threat for Tom Brady and the New England offense. Dobson was one of the more under rated players at the position in the 2013 class.

How he fits: Should push for immediate playing time. Has the ability to start opposite of Danny Amendola and will battle with Julian Edelman and Michael Jenkins.

60. Atlanta Falcons – Robert Alford, CB, SE Louisiana

Initial Reaction: The Falcons double dip and grab their 2nd cornerback of the draft. The losses of Brent Grimes and Chris Owens forced Thomas Dimitroff’s hand.

How he fits: Alford will immediately join Desmond Trufant in competition for the starting spot opposite of Asante Samuel.

61. Green Bay Packers – Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Initial Reaction: Great pick. Eddie Lacy was a first rounder on film, but nagging injuries and poor workouts pushed him deep into round 2.

How he fits: Lacy doesn’t have much standing in his way of becoming the Packers new starting RB. He should make an early impact and finally give the Packers some balance.

62. Seattle Seahawks – Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M

Initial Reaction: Interesting pick. Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin already formed a solid duo, but Seattle is a team without many holes and like the versatility and talent that Michael offers. 

How he fits: He’ll push Robert Turbin for reps behind Marshawn Lynch. Has the talent to surpass him by seasons end.

Round 3

63. Kansas City Chiefs – Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati

How he fits: Kelce joins blocking TE Anthony Fasano, and underachieving Tony Moeaki in the Chiefs new west coast offense. He’ll be a factor in the passing game from day 1 and will slowly ease into the line-up replacing Fasano.

64. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dwayne Gratz, CB, Uconn

How he fits: Gratz is the #4 CB by default, that’s all the Jaguars have. 4 corners. Gratz should start from day 1 and hopefully develop into a solid starter. Antwaun Molden and Alan Ball won’t offer substantial support.

65. Detroit Lions – Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky

How he fits: Warford has a pretty clear path to early playing time. He should step in at RG in a re-tooled Detroit OL. Riley Reif looks to be getting his shot at LT with Jason Fox at RT. Rob Sims at LG,  Donovan Raiola at C, and Warford at RG.

66. Oakland Raiders – Sio Moore, LB, Uconn

How he fits: The Oakland front 7 cupboard is empty right now. They could use help everywhere and a versatile player like Moore, who can play LB and rush the passer, definitely bring value.

67. Philadelphia Eagles – Bennie Logan, DT, Louisiana State

How he fits: Logan will be expected to make an impact early. He’ll line up at DE across from Fletcher Cox, he’ll a nice blend of size and athleticism to a hurting Philly DL.

68. Cleveland Browns – Leon McFadden, San Diego State

How he fits: McFadden has a strong chance at early playing time when considering the state of Cleveland’s CB group. He’ll push Buster Skrine, Chris Owens, and Johnson Bademosi for playing time across from Joe Haden.

69. Arizona Cardinals – Tyrann Mathieu, FS, LSU

How he fits: Thanks to Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals ended the expected fall of the Honey Badger. Mathieu will play FS in Arizona DC Todd Bowles defense.

70. Tennessee Titans – Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Uconn

How he fits: Terrific athlete who will get the chance to play early. Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner have been put on notice.

71. St. Louis Ram – TJ McDonald, S, USC

How he fits: A big and physical athlete, McDonald will compete for reps at safety with Darian Stewart and Rodney Mcleod. He will see the field early.

72. New York Jets – Brian Winters, G, Kent State

How he fits: Winters will be a day one starter in New York, but we don’t know which side of the line he’ll be playing. It will come down to whomever the Jets feel more comfortable with between Willie Colon and Vlad Ducasse.

73. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Glennon, QB, North Carolina State

How he fits: Glennon will sit and develop behind QB Josh Freeman, who is entering a contract season. Glennon has as much potential as any QB in the 2013 draft class. Will Josh Freeman answer the bell?

74. Dallas Cowboys – Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

How he fits: Williams will compete for reps as with Dwayne Harris to be the Cowboys 3rd WR. He’ll have a limited impact around so many other weapons in Dallas early, but could develop into the #2 compliment to Dez Bryant in the future.

75. New Orleans Saints – Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

How he fits: The Saints lost Jermon Bushrod at LT to the Bears in free agency, Charles Brown is currently manning the blindside and is injury prone and inconsistent. The Saints hope the mega talented Armstead can ease into the line-up with further development, and not be forced to play too early.

76. San Diego Chargers – Keenan Allen, WR, California

How he fits: Another strong candidate for the steal of the draft. If Keenan Allen gets healthy and the Chargers can protect Philip Rivers, he will make a serious run at rookie of the year honors.

77. Miami Dolphins – Dallas Thomas, OG/T, Tennessee

How he fits: Thomas figures to get a look at RT first, but if Brandon Albert is eventually landed then Thomas could battle for either OG spot as well.

78. Buffalo Bills – Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas

How he fits: Goodwin brings even more speed and explosiveness to an offense that sorely needed it. He will compete with Robert Woods and TJ Graham to be factor in the return game and push for reps as the #2/3/4 receiver.

79. Pittsburgh Steelers – Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

How he fits: Wheaton is in the same mold as the departed Mike Wallace, he’s not quite as fast but he’s going to be able to make an early impact.

80. Dallas Cowboys – JJ Wilcox, S, Georgia Southern

How he fits: The Cowboys added some athletic safety help with Wilcox. He’s going to need some time to get acclimated, but he’ll be a part of the rotation with Barry Church and Will Allen.

81. New York Giants – Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

How he fits: GM Jerry Reese loves collecting pass rushers and Moore falling to them is a perfect fit. Moore will replace Osi Umenyiora in the edge rushing rotation.

82. New Orleans Saints – John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

How he fits: The mammoth Jenkins is going to compete immediately for NT reps. The Saints DC Rob Ryan needed a run plugger for his 3-4 defense and he chose the 370 lb Georgia Bulldawg to do it.

83. New England Patriots – Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers

How he fits: The Patriots add more defensive support. Ryan should compete for reps in sub packages early. Has the talent to start.

84. Cincinnati Bengals – Shawn Williams, S, Georgia

How he fits: Offers a better skillset next to Reggie Nelson than Taylor Mays does. Williams should compete with Mays in camp and win out due to his versatility. He’ll get plenty of reps regardless of his spot on the depth chart.

85. Washington Redskins – Jordan Reed, TE, Florida

How he fits: An athletic move TE who will make an early impact for Mike Shannahan and his RG3 led offense. Fred Davis is recovering from an achilles injury and Logan Paulson will battle him for the starting job. A sneaky good pick.

86. Indianapolis Colts – Hugh Thornton, G, Illinois

How he fits: Thornton is a classic RG, a strong run blocker who is limited athletically. He should push Mike McGlynn early to start at RG and help jump start the Indy running game.

87. Seattle Seahawks – Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State

How he fits: Seattle adds more big talented bodies to Pete Carroll’s front 7. He’ll back up Brandon Mebane and Michael Bennett at DT.

88. San Francisco 49ers – Corey Lemonier, LB, Auburn

How he fits: Another pass rusher added to the 49ers defensive arsenal. Lemonier’s draft stock was all over the board and many are surprised to see him fall to the bottom of round 3. He can make an impact early as a pass rusher opposite of Aldon Smith and eventually battle a healthy Tank Carradine.

90. Denver Broncos – Kayvon Webster, CB, South Florida

How he fits: The Denver secondary is pretty deep at this point, Webster is going to have to make an impact on special teams while battling for the 4th/5th corner spot.

91. New England Patriots – Duron Harmon, S, Rutgers

How he fits: I guess Bill Bellicheck likes Scarlett Knight DB’s. Harmon enters a crowded fray at S for the Patriots, he’ll have to earn his way onto the field. Should eventually replace Adrian Wilson.

92. St. Louis Rams – Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia

How he fits: The Rams have attacked their skill positions this off-season in an attempt to get Sam Bradford to take the next step in his development. Bailey joins Mountaineer teammate Tavon Austin and will be a part of an emerging receiving corps also featuring Brian Quick, Chris Givens, and new TE Jared Cook.

93. Miami Dolphins – Will Davis, CB, Utah State

How he fits: Athletic player who will make his mark early on special teams. Playing time may depend on Brent Grimes health.

94. Baltimore Ravens – Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern State

How he fits: A versatile athlete for a kid his size, Williams will rotate all along that Ravens DL. Showed up well in Senior Bowl week and has been shooting up draft boards since.

95. Houston Texans – Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

How he fits: Montgomery will back up Brooks Reed and Whitney Mercilus at rush LBer for the Texans. His character concerns and motor pushed him to late round 3, but Montgomery has the talent of a top 15 pick. Can Wade Phillips get it out of him?

96. Kansas City Chiefs – Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

How he fits: Talented but injury prone, Davis will get an opportunity to back up Jamaal Charles at RB.

97. Tennessee Titans – Zavier Gooden, LB, Missouri

How he fits: Gooden will make an impact on special teams early, fantastic speed and playmaking ability at OLB. He’ll back up Zach Brown and Akeem Ayers.