1) Houston Texans - Jadaveon Clowney, DE,
South Carolina: This hasn't changed in any of my mocks and I'm not going to
start now. With no QBs really standing out with franchise changing ability
Clowney and his immense raw talent are an obvious choice for a team that is
only one year removed from the playoffs.
2) St. Louis Rams (Via Washington) - Jake
Matthews, OT, Auburn: This is
one I changed from mock one to two because of something I heard on a podcast,
which was that the Rams would most likely sacrifice some upside at the tackle
position with a player who was more polished and ready to step right in and
protect Sam Bradford. This is why Matthews is the pick, Robinson is a physical
freak but he needs a lot of polish on his pass blocking, whereas Matthews comes
in with much less rough edges.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars - Kahlil Mack, OLB, Buffalo: Mack is the second of the elite
defensive talents in this draft behind Clowney and it is clear to see why. Mack
definitely needs a bit more polish around the edges but unlike Barr who we will
talk about later he utilizes multiple moves in the pass rush and is not a
hindrance in coverage. I know there has been talk about his inconsistency to
produce in the MAC but I have no qualms about believing that is attributable to
offenses scheming toward him and his lack of experience playing football.
4) Cleveland Browns - Sammy
Watkins, WR, Clemson: Without
an elite player at QB and with a promising young (enough) QB already on the
roster Cleveland doesn't have to force a player that they don't think gives
them elite talent at the position. In comes Watkins one of the four players I
think are elite at the top of this draft (Clowney, Mack, Robinson &
Watkins) although slightly smaller he plays with physicality that will match up
well on Sundays. In summation, Gordon and Watkins would be a dangerous and
scary conundrum for defenses for years to come.
5) Oakland Raiders - Greg
Robinson, OT, Auburn: I think
Oakland is ecstatic with Robinson dropping in their laps after the loss of
Veldheer in the off-season. Many have lambasted what looks like a bunch of
short term additions by the Raiders but I think the free agent moves are a stop
gap as the roster is populated and taken over by younger talent. Robinson would
fit the bill nicely and has a worst case scenario of a guard for 10 years with
his power & speed combination.
6) Atlanta Falcons - Anthony
Barr, OLB, UCLA: This pick
gave me the most trouble, in a perfect world for Atlanta, Robinson or Matthews
is still here but short of the speculated trade to one to get Clowney the
Falcons have an interesting choice here. Atlanta already uses a lot of 3-4
subsets on defense and in both that and there 4-3 they need an OLB and a pass
rush threat. Barr fits both criteria and although raw would add to a talent
cache that the Falcons have been trying to build for a couple of years now.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mike
Evans, WR, Texas A&M: The
loss of Mike Williams hurts the already shallow receiver depth on a team that
is leaning towards starting a 34 (?) year old QB who played mediocre football
for five weeks last season. Mike Evans would be a boon for either QB that the
Bucs choose to put on the field in 2014 and it is plain to see why. Evans
showed impressive range, an ability to high point the football and a
willingness to be physical that will only pay dividends going forward. Watching
the On the Clock special on ESPN on 5/1 the panel made a good point about this
being a potential landing spot for Aaron Donald so that is definitely something
to look for when draft day comes.
8) Minnesota Vikings - Blake
Bortles, QB, UCF: This pick
is pretty simple, Norv and co. like big quarterbacks and Bortles is a big QB.
Ponder hasn't worked out and hasn't really grown so a change in who hands off
to Peterson and throws to Jennings/Patterson is the obvious choice here.
9) Buffalo Bills - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama: The Bills lost Jarius Byrd in the
offseason after a lot of fuss last offseason. And need help in the back end of
their defense to help support and benefit from a much improved front seven.
Clinton-Dix has the range and big play ability to play center field and the
physical ability to come up in the box and support against the run. The Bills
could still use some help on the O-line but there should be enough depth in
this class to get that later on.
10) Detroit Lions - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma St: Gilbert is considered the best
corner in the draft by many and even those who are down believe he is best
utilized in press at the line and man up on the upside. With a stellar line and
an improving linebacking corps the ability to play man type coverage on the
outside should be the latest step to making this team even that much better.
11) Tennessee Titans - Eric Ebron, TE, UNC: This pick is a bit of a trouble
for me, I liked the fit of Barr in my last mock but I have him going to Atlanta
at six in this last iteration. Ebron for me ended up being the pick because I
think the Titans give locker one more year and a seam busting tight end is a
gift that keeps on giving for any quarterback. The one other route I could see
the Titans going is Teddy and that would be because the new regime doesn't have
faith or the fact that they picked him weighing on their decision making.
12) New York Giants - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan: The Giants need help on the
offensive line and with Lewan still here at twelve they get a chance to pick
the third best lineman in the draft and book-end him with last year’s first
pick in Justin Pugh. The young duo should anchor the Giants line for some years
to come and give Manning or his incumbent time and space to work.
13) St. Louis Rams - Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville: The Rams could definitely look to
add another playmaker to the roster with Beckham and Cooks still on the board
but I think they look to strengthen the back seven by added Pryor to a young
but under performing group heading into this season. Pryor is an inconsistent
player at times but shows really flashy tools and an ability to read the
offense pre-snap. The tutelage of Fisher and staff should help him develop a
better and more consistent approach to the game.
14) Chicago Bears - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh: I write this with the rumors
swirling that Donald will not be available at fourteen for the Bears to select
him and that is very well possible as he is the most disruptive interior
lineman in this draft. In this mock, he will stay here because I think there
are players that are more desired and fit bigger needs with just as much talent
that will go ahead of him. Donald on the bears is a great place to rebuild an
aging defense, with his quick get off and his ability to make himself known in
the backfield he should be a boon for young teammates and old.
15) Pittsburgh Steelers - Odell Bekcham Jr., WR, LSU: The Steelers selection is the next
that really evades me being certain which direction they will take. Notorious
for building defenses the best assets and chances for winning come from the
offense and a bit more investment in Rothlesberger and company. For my part in
this mock both availability and thought process make this pick a slam dunk for
the Steelers.
16) Dallas Cowboys - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State: Cowboys defenses of late have
gotten away with a lack of push on the inside but with Demarcus Ware gone and
Sean Lee getting injured late in the year it is time for the interior to get
some push and take the pressure and the body blows off the linebacking corps.
Jernigan has been dogged for his conditioning and weight issue but I think the
hate has gone too far and that the condition claims in the NCG where more do to
opponent and environment than lack of conditioning. Jernigan should make a
difference year one if only on 2nd and 3rd downs and as a rotation players.
17) Baltimore Ravens - Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame: The Ravens have had troubles on
the O-line since Jonathan Ogden left and now have a huge hole to fill at tackle
and that isn't really specific to either side because the existing options a
good but not great. Martin brings the flexibility to play either tackle
position and like Robinson has the power and footwork to move inside as a
worst-case scenario. This would be a great move for a team with such an
investment at quarterback.
18) New York Jets - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State: Yes the Jets brought in Eric
Decker and have Stephen Hill to stretch the field but the talent level of this receiving
corps is meh at best and Decker and Hill definitely haven't shown off bona fide
#1 or #2 ability respectively in their careers. Cooks brings another young and
talented receiver into the fold and would at worst bring viable competition for
the slot receiver role and definitely remind everyone involved in the passing
game that no one is on stable footing just yet in year 2 of the Geno Smith era
in Jersey.
19) Miami Dolphins - Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA: The line is atrocious and after
the incidents of last season a fresh new look at the offensive line and new
additions should be paramount. If Miami ever expects the growth out of
Tannehill that led them to pick him so high in the first round then protection
is a the key that needs to be figured out sooner rather than later. Su'a-Filo
is the best pure guard in the draft and provides a powerful strike in the run
game and good punch in the pass game. Tackle might be the preferable position
at nineteen there isn't much on the inside of this line either and Su'a-Filo
would be a welcome addition.
20) Arizona Cardinals - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville: Palmer is 34, going to be 35
mid-season, and only has so much tread on the tires. This allows Arizona to be
flexible at this point of the draft and with the best QB in the draft still
available the Cardinals should run this pick to the podium and thank themselves
in a couple of years when they have Palmer's replacement all groomed.
21) Green Bay Packers - C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama: This is a match made in heaven and
one that many think won't happen. The Packers may have slightly more pressing
needs especially at safety but with Mosley falling that Packers can have A.J.
Hawk play more downhill and worry less about pass coverage. Mosley would add a
sideline to sideline ability that the Packers have sorely missed out of their
middle linebackers the last couple of seasons. Along with a middle linebacker
who should make the adjustment to the NFL pretty quickly.
22) Philadelphia Eagles - Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: Fuller may be the best cornerback
in the draft and ranks right up there in the consistency of his play. Fuller
hasn't garnered attention for flashy play but he's is a stable a tactician as
they come and his game against Alabama was very impressive. Fuller would be a
great addition to a defense that needs talent and was susceptible to the big
play.
23) Kansas City Chiefs - Marquise Lee, WR, USC: Lee dropped a bit from where his
stock stood last season, some of that is attributed to quarterback play and
program instability but also to Lee finding a case of the dropsies. Lee has the
ability to stretch the field and showed very good hands in his 2012 campaign,
his individual workouts and interviews are going to be the biggest factor in
where he gets drafted.
24) Cincinnati Bengals - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan
State: Dennard was one of the
best press man coverage cornerbacks in college football in 2013. That in and of
itself is a worthwhile skill set but he isn't without risks. Dennard shows
tight hips which effects his ability to swivel turn and run with elite athletes
at WR and will probably lead to a susceptibility on double moves. He does,
however, show enough athleticism to recover when out of position and to keep
himself in good positions once the ball is in the air.
25) San Diego Chargers - Jason Verrett, CB, TCU: Verrett falls this far on the fact
that he is shorter than the rest of the 1st round corners. At 5-10 176 Verrett
may have trouble against the bigger receivers in the league but his time at TCU
shows time and again the agility and athleticism to make up for his height in
man coverage and when tackling in zone. Verrett would be a welcome addition to
most any secondary and would upgrade at worst the nickel corner role in year
one for the Chargers.
26) Cleveland Browns (Via
Indianapolis) - Bradley Roby,
CB, Ohio State: Roby is
probably the most inconsistently frustrating player in the first round. Roby
has the athleticism and talent to be a top 10-15 pick and shows those flashes
when you watch him play but he will follow up those plays and stretches by
making mistakes and overplays that don't show off his football IQ. The
Wisconsin game is a microcosm of this issue as him and Abbredaris battled and
Roby made great plays on the ball but missed a couple key assignments that led
to big plays for Abbredaris.
27) New Orleans Saints - Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State: Robys teammate at Ohio State
Shazier was a consistent performer the last couple of seasons for the Buckeyes.
Shazier played weak side linebacker in the 4-3 and always had his nose around
the ball. Shazier would be an instant and consistent addition to a Saints
defense that is quickly becoming more talented and well rounded.
28) Carolina Panthers - Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia: Moses is a player that has crept
up the rankings that I compile to help me do these mocks and is working his way
up in name recognition as well. Moses has the ability to become a top flight
tackle but there is a reason he slips to the late first early second and the
main thing I saw was questionable technique in his pass block, in which he
stops his feet. When he regains his base, however, he is powerful and drives
pass rushers and run defenders alike back. Consistency is the key but the
Carolina needs someone to step in and protect Newton day one and that is the
challenge for Moses.
29) New England Patriots - Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame: Louis Nix III had a rough season
last year and most of it can be attributed to injuries and of course that's a
worry. Nix's 2012 campaign, however, was stellar and in my eyes a more accurate
representation of his talent than his 2013 season. Nix would be a natural
successor to Vince Wilfork and brings the same type of size and athleticism
that has made Wilfork such a productive pro.
30) San Francisco 49ers - Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State: Benjamin is a big receiver, with
speed but he's a bit raw. This would be the second time in the last few seasons
that 49ers have taken a bit of a project at WR and we all remember how well
A.J. Jenkins career has gone so far. Benjamin for his part burst onto the scene
during Florida State's National Championship run, he needs to make his route
running crisper and has had some issues with the drops but nothing that enough
red flags to pass up on the talent.
31) Denver Broncos - Dee Ford, DE, Auburn: Dee Ford was the star of Senior
Bowl week, and showed flashes while playing at Auburn. The biggest worry,
however, wasn't the lack of production or technique issues but his extensive
injury history. At 31 I think he well worth the risk for the Broncos but I
don't see Ford sneaking up much higher than the mid-20s.
32) Seattle Seahawks - Cyrus Koundjio, OT, Alabama: Koundjio came into the season on
the short list of top left tackle prospects in college football. That all went
away after a disastrous week one of the season against Virginia Tech. Koundjio
and the entire Bama line recovered though and he had a solid if not the
spectacular season we were all looking forward too. This pick seems like a
value for the Seahawks who don't have any glaring needs, although they should be
looking for some replacements on the D-line and secondary, but could use some stiffening
up of the front 5 to help protect and grow Russell Wilson.
One round down one to go in my final 2014
mock draft. At this point we haven't discussed the Redskins or Colts but we
will get to them in the second round here. It is important to keep in mind that
there will undoubtedly be trades both Thursday and Friday and also that I am
just guessing on some of these, especially as we get further into round 2.
33) Houston
Texans: - David
Yankey, OG, Stanford: Houston
went Clowney round 1 and now look to sure up the offensive line. QB was a
thought here and if I was going to mock one to Houston I would lean Carr over
Manziel because of Bill O'Brien's lean towards bigger pocket passers at the QB
position.
34) Washington
Redskins: - Joel
Bitonio, OT, Nevada: With
RGIIIs injury history and the addition of DeSean Jackson in the offseason I'm
mocking Bitonio to sure up the right side of the line. DT, DE or CB are also possibilities
at this spot.
35) Cleveland
Browns: - Johnny
Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: With
one of the top three QBs still here I think the Browns go with Manziel. I'm not
big on second round QBs on the basis that if you thought the player was a game
changer at the position why wouldn't you take with your first pick and not risk
losing that player to another team. LB and both lines are also a possibility
here.
36) Oakland
Raiders: - Derek
Carr, QB, Fresno State: The
Raiders added what they hope is a franchise left tackle at 5 in Greg Robinson,
which leads us to who he protects. With the addition of Matt Schaub, Carr would
be able to work his way into the starting role at a more leisured pace while he
worked on a few of his weaker points.
37) Atlanta
Falcons: - Keith
McGill, CB, Utah: Having gone
pass rushing OLB Aaron Barr, it is time to look at the defensive backfield and
the offensive line. Without a standout lineman on the board the Falcons look to
strengthen an aging back four with McGill out of Utah. Offensive line is still
the biggest need here but the board just hasn't fallen right for the Falcons.
38) Tampa
Bay Buccaneers: - Kony
Ealy, DE, Missouri: This may
wind up being the steal of the draft. Ealy is considered a first round talent
by many and I think for the most part it is warranted as one would assume from
the last few picks of my previous mocks. There have been rumblings that Ealy
may be moved inside once he reaches the NFL because of his ability to out
physical opponents which would raise his value a bit but also increase the
return on investment time.
39) Jacksonville
Jaguars: - Cody
Latimer, WR, Indiana: Jacksonville
addressed it's need for an edge presence on defense with Mack in the first now
it's time to address the lack of explosiveness on the edge on offense with the
acquisition of Cody Latimer. With Blackmon out indefinitely and a dearth of
talent on the offense Latimer would be a welcome addition. Also with no top
tier or two QB on the board now is not the time to reach on a project.
40) Minnesota
Vikings: - Ra'Shede
Hageman, DT, Minnesota: Let's
start this pick with what the difference on Hageman is this time from the
previous mocks and to that I must admit a lack of information on my part that is
a bit embarrassing. Hageman is 24 and although that doesn't change his ability
it does shed a different light on what you may be able to mold out of such a
raw talent. I say all that to say if Hageman can come in and rotate for a
d-line that has gotten much younger the last couple of years he can still be a
fine and productive choice for a team late first to mid-second.
41) Buffalo
Bills: - Jace Amaro,
TE, Texas Tech: Amaro came
into the year as at worst the second rated tight end in most peoples opinion. As
the year wore on Amaro started to slip in stature and is a good ways behind
Ebron in most people’s eyes and much closer to Seferian-Jenkins and that lot. I
still think his production and catch ability are high enough to make an instant
impact as a receiver and although he may not be the in-line option you're
looking for he does seem to hold his own well enough in space to make a
blocking impact in sub-packages. This pick should be used only to increase the
weapons around E.J. Manuel.
42) Tennessee
Titans: - Demarcus
Lawrence, DE/OLB, Boise State: Missing
out on Barr and Mack in the first round the Titans still have a major hole to
fill at the OLB spot in their 3-4 and Lawrence provides a player with some
issues off the field but immense talent on the field and an explosive style
that would be particularly well suited for the Titans. If the Titans were
looking to stay away from character concerns at 42 then they could look at
Jeremiah Attaochu and Trent Murphy instead of Lawrence but I believe they
address this positional issue earlier in the draft instead of later.
43) New
York Giants: - Allen
Robinson, WR, Penn State: With
the departure of Hakeem Nicks in the off-season and a group of underperforming wide
outs outside of Victor Cruz I think the Giants look to fill that gap here in
the second round where a WR run is sure to happen with the cluster of second
tier options. Robinson gives them a nice contrast to the speedy and field
stretching option of Cruz, Robinson is sure handed as they come and wins on
body control and hands rather than freak explosive ability. Robinson would pair
well in an offense that works deep to short like the Giants.
44) St.
Louis Rams: - Weston
Richburg, C, Colorado State: The
Rams have a lot of holes on the offensive line that they must address if they
are to give Bradford a reasonable last chance to develop the way we all thought
he would. Richburg played for a Saban disciple at Colorado State and performed
well in the couple of high profile games that Colorado State and as one of the
two top tier Cs this would give the Rams two new additions to a poor offensive
line and an upgrade.
45) Detroit
Lions: - Jimmie Ward,
S, Northern Illinois: Ward is
one of the better thought of small school prospects in the draftnik community
and after Pryor and Clinton-Dix is the next best option to work his way onto an
opening day starting lineup. Ward doesn't have the explosive ability of a Pryor
or Clinton-Dix but he plays smart safety and downhill to his great advantage
and should be able to roam center field at the next level.
46) Pittsburgh
Steelers: - Stephon
Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame: This
would be a match made in heaven and a great value pick in the second round for
the Steelers, who would pick up one of the few highly rated pure 3-4 defensive
end types. Tuitt has more questions about his game than former teammate Nix who
went earlier in the round but Tuitt shows enough on tape the last couple of
years to make you believe he will be at worst a contributor for whatever team
takes him in this year’s draft.
47) Dallas
Cowboys: - Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU: With this pick Dallas would be
bringing in one of my favorite defensive players of the last couple years from
college football. When watching BYU games it was impossible to not come away
impressed with Van Noy’s game and ability to make sure he was around the ball
just about every play. Van Noy is one of those guys who on draft day they will
describe as just a pure football player, not the greatest athlete but maximizes
all he has to use.
48) Baltimore
Ravens: - Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt: The Ravens have gathered
themselves a great collection of TEs but the receiving corps still leaves
something to be desired. In Matthews the Ravens pick up a receiver that should
be able to provide a slot threat inside of Torrey Smith and create havoc over
the middle of the field to take some pressure of those over the top routes that
Baltimore has become so reliant on for success.
49) New
York Jets: - Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech: Attaochu doesn't have the jump off
the screen athleticism that Lawrence has but he doesn't come with the baggage
either. Rex Ryan is always looking for good players to plug into his 3-4 and
Attaochu fills a big need in the front seven of a defense that was still pretty
darn good last season. Under Ryan's tutelage Jeremiah's game should grow and
Ryan gets a tireless worker to keep this defense rolling.
50) Miami
Dolphins: - Austin
Steferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington:
Seferian-Jenkins is a beast of a tight end and I mean that mostly because he is
larger than most receiving threat tight ends to come out of college. At 6-6 260
he has the body to be an in-line player but needs a lot of refinement on his
technique but he has some of the surest hands in the class and knows how to use
his girth to shield defenders. I think he's still available here because of
some off-field trouble that may scare some teams off.
51) Chicago
Bears: - Deone
Buchannon, SS, Washington State: The
Bears aging defense needs help in a lot of places and after the addition of the
beast of Aaron Donald to the front four it's time to look at the back four and
to fortify some holes that may have made the difference between the playoffs
and watching from home in January and February. In steps Deone Buchannon to supplement
a secondary that most fans in the NFL would know maybe one player. Buchannon
slots in at SS and should be a player written in to start if not from day one,
then early on in his rookie campaign.
52) Arizona
Cardinals: - Scott
Chrichton, DE, Oregon State: Chrichton
was a beast at Oregon State and gave many a Pac-12 team trouble. In a shallow
4-3 DE class he may not be here this late but I think a lack of diversification
in skill sets makes Chricton drop a bit in the draft.
53) Green
Bay Packers: - Davante
Adams, WR, Fresno State: The
Packers have lost James Jones, Greg Jennings and Donald Driver in the past
couple of season and although Randall Cobb is a star in the making and Jarrett
Boykin broke out last season a replenishment is still needed at the position
especially with the emphasis on the passing game with Rodgers under Center.
Adams is a physical specimen who broke out alongside Derek Carr in the Fresno
State offense. With soft hands and a giant catch radius Adams doesn't
necessarily need to start right away for Green Bay but another talented
addition to the receiving corps should not be frowned upon for the Packers.
54) Philadelphia
Eagles: - Trent
Murphy, DE/OLB, Stanford: The
Eagles need help on the defensive side of the ball and Trent Murphy would
hopefully help and be more productive than Brandon Graham the first round pick
at OLB from a few years back. Murphy played OLB in Stanford's multiple defense
last season and his athleticism should serve him well standing up in the Eagles
defense.
55) Cincinnati
Bengals: - Carlos
Hyde, RB, Ohio State: I know the
Bengals took Giovani Bernard a couple of seasons ago but I think the addition
of Hyde to the backfield would be an improvement over Bernard and the law firm.
Hyde is my favorite back this season because he has enough agility to hit the
hole on one cut and then run a linebacker over. Hyde became one of my favorite
running backs to watch in the Big Ten and last seasons that is saying
something.
56) San
Francisco 49ers (From Kansas City): - Bashuad Breeland, CB, Clemson: I have San Francisco WR in the first round
but I think they need to add some depth in the secondary and Breeland provides
them with this opportunity in the second round. Breeland and the Clemson defense
were a revelation last season and Breeland’s performance helped to prop up that
performance.
57) San
Diego Chargers: - Dom
Easley, DT, Florida: Dom Easley is
a first round talent, period. Two ACL injuries in the last two seasons have
made his draft stock fall but this would be a steal and ridiculous value if I’m
right on Easley falling to San Diego.
58) New
Orleans Saints: - Marcus
Martin, C, USC: The Saints need to
add some young talent to the offensive line and with the second best center is
still on the board. Martin for his part is a road grader in the run game and
sufficient enough in his pass blocking form to bring at least competition to
the table in the middle of the offensive line.
59) Indianapolis
Colts: - Lemarcus
Joyner, S, Florida State: Joyner
played all over the place in FSU’s defense last season. As the leader of the
defense he was a key cog in both the title game and title run for the
Seminoles. Joyner should add athleticism and a playmaking ability that the Colts
did not have in the secondary last year.
60) Carolina
Panthers: - Donte
Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss: The
Panthers need weapons for Newton and protection and with Morgan Moses in the
books already the panthers look to add a weapon. Moncrief had a very good year
with Dr. Bo Wallace at the helm of the Rebels offense and he has big YAC
potential but the one doubt in this pick is whether this year was an aberration
or just the first year with quality QB play in Oxford.
61) San
Francisco 49ers: - Will
Sutton, DT, Arizona State: Aldon
Smith is in trouble and may not be back with the team and Josh Smith is showing
signs of aging and slowing down so the 9ers need to add depth to the line to
keep the level of play in the front seven on an extremely high level. Sutton
had a rough season this year after looking like a first round lock before the
season started. Sutton added weight, whether that was work ethic or because
Arizona State’s coaching staff wanted him to clog the middle more than be the
explosive player I’m not sure but he has lost weight since the start of the
offseason and if the explosiveness comes back in the pros he could be a beast
and a steal at 61.
62) New
England Patriots: - Chris
Borland, LB, Wisconsin: Is there
anything the Patriots like more than guys who go out and ball. Borland is ranked
high by Kiper but I think he’s a much better value in the second. He could play
inside on all three downs next to mayo and shift to weak side LB when they go
to a four man front. Borland may not have the upside of a Kuechly but with his
motor and nose for the ball he should have staying power and that’s a valuable
thing as well.
63) Denver
Broncos: - Gabe
Jackson, OG, Mississippi State: The
Broncos offensive line was beat up last year across the board even without the
injury to Ryan Clady and some youth is needed even if it is just at the two
deep early on. Jackson is a mauler and a beast in the run game and saw plenty
of elite tackles in the SEC to know what he is going to have to do to shut down
the pass rush inside in the pros.
64) Seattle
Seahawks: - Jarvis
Landry, WR, LSU: With the last pick
of my mock we come to the Seahawks and I have them looking to replace a couple
of departed WR with the second LSU receiver off the board. Landry is undersized
and lacks the elite athleticism of Beckham Jr. But he just made plays for the
years he played at LSU. Wide out is tricky transition but this pick would be a
great match for Seattle and Landry.
If you’ve read this far thank you… you are far too kind and
much more patient than I. I have fun doing these and they give me a chance to
expand my knowledge of the players coming into the league through the amateur
draft. The draft is four days away as I finish typing this up and I am filled
with a nerdy and giddy excitement.
