33. The St. Louis Rams (2-14) select:
Vontaze Burfict | OLB | Arizona State | 88
Although Zach Brown is a more natural fit, I find it hard to believe Jeff Fisher would pass on the superior player. Burfict is one of the best players in this draft class, but ruined his stock with an incredibly poor Junior season.
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34. The Indianapolis Colts (2-14) select:
Jerel Worthy | DT | Michigan State | 86
The Indianapolis Colt’s are moving to Chuck Pagano’s 3-4 Defense. They already have a lot of the personell for their Linebacker corp, but have none of the players needed for their front three. Worthy is a nice first pick-up and will play Haloti Ngata’s roll.
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35. The Minnesota Vikings (3-13) select:
Peter Konz | C/G | Wisconsin | 85
The Vikings don’t have an immediate need at Center, but could probably use Konz at Right Guard to replace Anthony Herrera if they’re not comfortable with his ability. He could also just replace John Sullivan.
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36. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) select:
Zach Brown | OLB | North Carolina | 88
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a considerable need at Linebacker. Mason Foster was terrible last season, but he’ll be given another chance to start. Dekota Watson is raw, but has a lot of upside. Outside of those two players, there is no one at Linebacker in Tampa Bay.
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37. The Cleveland Browns (4-12) select:
Chandler Jones | DE | Syracuse | 87
The Cleveland Browns still have a lot of needs, but none bigger than acquiring a Defensive End to pair with Jabaal Sheard. Sheard is more of a physical, complete player, while Jones thrives in the pass-rush. They complement each other well.
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38. The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) select:
Vinny Curry | DE | Marshall | 85
In this mock draft, the Jaguars chose to take Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon over a Defensive End. If they do that, they’ll look for the best Defensive End on the board in Round two. Vinny Curry is a good player, but doesn’t have 12+ sack potential.
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39. The St. Louis Rams (2-14) select:
Alfonzo Dennard | CB | Nebraska | 87
TRADE: I don’t like projecting trades, because if it doesn’t happen, your whole mock is effected. However, after diving into two solid hours of film on RG3 on February 12th, I know for a fact he’ll be selected #2 overall.
Alfonzo Dennard is a good player that hurt his stock at the Senior Bowl because he was suffering from a hip injury.
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40. The Carolina Panthers (6-10) select:
Harrison Smith | S | Notre Dame | 87
The Panther’s second-biggest need is at Safety. Harrison Smith is my favorite Safety in this draft class, so he’s a no-brainer selection here. He has the best ball skills of any Safety in this class and is an immediate upgrade over Sherrod Martin.
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41. The Buffalo Bills (6-10) select:
Andre Branch | DE | Clemson | 83
If the Bills take Michael Floyd in the first round, they’ll be looking to add to their Defense early on in round two. If a starting-caliber Defensive End isn’t on the board, look for Buffalo to look for an Outside Linebacker.
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42. The Miami Dolphins (6-10) select:
Orson Charles | TE | Georgia | 84
The Miami Dolphins have a huge need for a Right Tackle, but you don’t need to draft a Right Tackle. There are plenty of Day 2 options that will be available in the third round – and there are plenty of passable options in Free Agency. There isn’t another Tight End at Orson Charles’ level available.
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43. The Seattle Seahawks (7-9) select:
Nick Foles | QB | Arizona | 81
I’ve had Brock Osweiler here because of the hype I’ve heard from sources around the league, but I just can’t continue. He’s just not as good, nor does he possess the same kind of upside as Nick Foles. Foles isn’t ready right now, but he has a plus arm with decent anticipation and decision making.
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44. The Kansas City Chiefs (7-9) select:
Chase Minnifield | CB | Virginia | 85
The Chiefs will need to acquire a Cornerback if Brandon Carr leaves in Free Agency. Coincidently, the team picking behind Kansas City is one of the teams most likely to bid for Carr on the open market. Chase Minnifield is a starting-caliber corner right now, and if Carr’s retained, he could start at Safety as well.
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45. The Dallas Cowboys (8-8) select:
Stephon Gilmore | CB | South Carolina | 83
I gave Trumaine Johnson a better grade, but Stephon Gilmore is a better fit for the Dallas Cowboy’s scheme. Gilmore is good (but not great) in man-to-man coverage, and that is something Dallas will need him to do a lot.
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46. The Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) select:
Amini Silatolu | G | Midwestern State | 83
With the news surfacing that the Eagles are planning to Franchise Tag DeSean Jackson, I feel their need at Wide Receiver can be delayed for another season. If Free Agent Evan Mathis leaves, the Eagles will need to acquire a new starting guard.
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47. The New York Jets (8-8) select:
David Wilson | RB | Virginia Tech | 86
This seems to be a popular pick, and for good reason. The Jets have a huge need at Running Back, Shonn Greene has been inconsistent at best. Adding Wilson could help bring the Jet’s offense back to prominence.
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48. The New England Patriots (From OAK – 8-8) select:
Juron Criner | WR | Arizona | 83
Juron Criner seems like a Patriot-type. He doesn’t complain about poorly thrown balls (and he’s had to deal with a lot.) He doesn’t have sure hands, but can make extremely difficult plays. I think he’s more likely to succeed in the complex Patriots system than Reuben Randle.
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49. The San Diego Chargers (8-8) select:
Trumaine Johnson | CB/S | Montana | 84
The San Diego Chargers need to acquire help in their Secondary. They could use a player at Corner and a player at Safety, so they’ll be thrilled to acquire Tru Johnson who could realistically play either. This will offer flexibility later on.
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50. The Chicago Bears (8-8) select:
Reuben Randle | WR | LSU | 85
The Chicago Bears couldn’t pass up this opportunity to double-dip early on at Wide Receiver. Jay Cutler has been devoid of weapons his tenure in Chicago, but they’re going to look to acquire play makers this off season. Randle and Wright are perfect complements to each other, and both will help Jay Cutler’s success.
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51. The Philadelphia Eagles (From ARZ – 8-8) select:
Ronnell Lewis | OLB | Oklahoma | 84
The Philadelphia Eagles need help at multiple Linebacker positions. I’m told that Brian Rolle will be asked to start again next season, but that’s not a ringing endorsement. Regardless, no one has much positive to say about his fellow linebackers Jamarr Chaney and Casey Matthews. Adding Ronnell Lewis, who is graded as the second best Outside Linebacker in the draft class, would be best.
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52. The Tennessee Titans (9-7) select:
Markelle Martin | S | Oklahoma State | 82
The Titans have an immediate need at Safety. Michael Griffin, Jordan Babineaux, and Chris Hope are all hitting Free Agency. Markelle Martin is in the mold of Michael Griffin, but I think he’s more likely to improve with coaching.
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53. The Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) select:
Kevin Zeitler | G | Wisconsin | 81
The Bengals don’t have anything at guard right now, and they passed up an opportunity to take one in the first round. Fortunately, there are many options in round two. Kevin Zeitler is ready to start right away, but he’s never going to incite All Pro votes.
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54. The Detroit Lions (10-6) select:
Doug Martin | RB | Boise State | 87
This would be a dream scenario for the Detroit Lions. Doug Martin is the 34th best player on my board but falls to this point because of a lack of positional value and logical fits. He’s a perfect fit in Detroit, as his pass blocking ability and his ability to carry the load between the tackles is something they’re sorely missing.
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55. The Atlanta Falcons (10-6) select:
Kelechi Osemele | G | Iowa State | 80
The Falcons lost Harvey Dahl in Free Agency last season and replaced him with Joe Hawley. They had no option but to let Dahl walk last season, but they have to replace Hawley this year. Osemele is s larger-built guard that is already more polished in the passing game and the running game.
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56. The Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) select:
Ryan Steed | CB | Furman | 78
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to acquire someone to replace Randall Gay. For years, the Steelers have coasted on the range of Troy Polamalu. Last season, I began seeing the evidence that his range is decreasing. To help him succeed, the Steelers should add a better #2 Corner.
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57. The Denver Broncos (8-8) select:
Brandon Thompson | DT | Clemson | 85
Brandon Thompson doesn’t fill a huge need, but John Elway has stated that he plans to draft the best players available regardless of positional value. That may have been a clever way of warning fans of an impending Quarterback selection, but I’ll take his word for it.
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58. The Houston Texans (10-6) select:
Kendall Reyes | DT | Connecticut | 80
Kendall Reyes has a tremendous amount of upside at the Five-Technique End position and he fits into Houston’s system incredibly well. JJ Watt looks to be a future Pro Bowler at the position, but Reyes has the size and speed to play the other End position well.
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59. The New Orleans Saints (13-3) select:
Lavonte David | OLB | Nebraska | 82
Just like Atlanta, the Saints aren’t in a position to be cute and try to find value. The Saints have an immediate need at Outside Linebacker, so they need to acquire the best player while they can. Lavonte David is an ideal solution.
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60. The Green Bay Packers (15-1) select:
Alameda Te’amu | DT | Washington | 81
Nearly everyone has Te’amu ranked as a Nose Tackle, but I think he has the skill-set to play the Five-Technique End. He can’t anchor like a Nose Tackle should, but he can penetrate like a Defensive Tackle in the 3-4 system should.
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61. The Baltimore Ravens (12-4) select:
Joe Looney | G | Wake Forrest | 79
The Baltimore Ravens are losing four interior Offensive Lineman to Free Agency. If they elect to take Ray Lewis’ successor in the first round, they’ll need to use multiple selections later on in the draft on solidifying their line.
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62. The San Fransisco 49ers (13-3) select:
Dwight “Bill” Bentley | CB | Louisiana-Lafayette | 81
The 49ers have a need at the Corner position. Tarrell Brown will be back and his teammate Carlos Rogers probably will be as well. However, Rogers isn’t a long-term solution. Dwight “Bill” Bentley can play a season in the slot while waiting to take over for Rogers.
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63. The New England Patriots (13-3) select:
Bobby Wagner | OLB | Utah State | 80
Although Brandon Spikes and Rob Ninkovich are both passable players, being satisfied with their play this season would be a mistake. Wagner could push either for their starting position. He’s also very willing to help out on Special Teams.
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64. The New York Giants (9-7) select:
Audie Cole | LB | NC State | 79
Although Inside Linabacker may not be their biggest need, it’s certainly not filled magically. The Giants will need to acquire an Inside Linebacker on day two of the NFL Draft. Although there are others that are more athletically gifted, no one on the board is more likely to contribute right away than Audie Cole.
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1st Round (Part 1)
1st Round (Part 2)
Big Board
A few comments on the Bucs: Spot on with the first pick, TB will almost certainly take Claiborne if he’s available. In the second round, you say that the Bucs miss out on taking an offensive playmaker- yet Dwight Jones and Kendall Wright are still on the board. Regardless, LB is probably the second highest priority and Lavonte David might be a better match here.
Dwight Jones isn’t the kind of play maker I meant. I could see how Kendall Wright would fit what they’re looking for, but he’s better as a third option, and the Buccaneers need a first and a second option first. The only play maker I thought about mocking to them was David Wilson who actually was the highest ranked player on my big board to go undrafted. If he gets through the majority of the second round, I could see the Buccaneers moving back into the second round to take him similarly to how Detroit moved back into the second round to take Mikel Leshoure.
Thanks for the comment Rook!
Do you run BucsNation or is that just a sign of your elegance?
David Wilson would make a lot of sense for the Bucs; I’m of the school that believes we need another running back more than another wide receiver (which is usually debated re: our first pick, i.e. if Claiborne is off the board but both Blackmon and Richardson are available). Still think that David makes more sense than Sanders, as RTs are usually available in later rounds- and lord knows our LB corps is in a shambles right now.
Thanks for the reply (and the compliment) and a very nice mock draft overall. I don’t run Bucs Nation, but I am a staff writer and regular contributor over there- with the draft being my primary beat. Here’s my latest (over a week old, and therefore already somewhat out of date): http://www.bucsnation.com/2012/1/2/2678067/january-mock-draft-three-rounds Do stop on by sometime.
I just added your mock to my database. Thanks again for the comment. I had to think really hard about the second round pick. Teams sometimes overvalue local talent, so that played into my decision to mock them Sanders. However, for the same reason you said Sanders would slip, I think it’s possible the Buccaneers would take him. In this draft class, there aren’t many plug-in starters at right tackle, but I think there are quite a few linebackers that will be significant contributors in the mid rounds. Sean Spence, Terrell Manning, Danny Trevathan, and Kevin Reddick all strike me as solid third round options should they go that route.
Browns are set at TE. Replace the 22 overall pick with K. Wright and you have a winner for the Browns.
I don’t want to sound rude, but if the Brown’s fans think passing on Dwayne Allen is a good idea because Evan Moore and Ben Watson are on roster, they are crazy. Allen is similar to Aaron Hernandez coming out, except Allen is a little bit more athletic. Many (successful) teams use many multiple tight end sets. (New England, Detroit, Green Bay, San Francisco, and others.)
You might be happy on draft day if they took Kendall Wright, but in three years, you’d be wishing you took Allen. You never pass on a safe bet because you have a prospect that might get to that level.
Nothing rude about having a discussion. Moore and Watson are serviceable and are signed to hefty contracts. If the Browns were to upgrade at the position one of them would have to be let go. They are not in any position to let go players of this caliber yet. Maybe in a couple years. On the other hand, we have no one to scare/stretch the opposing defense and Wright would provide that threat. I would also rather trade down a bit from #4 and pick up Richardson and another second round pick.
I think Dwayne Allen could stretch a defense, honestly. He’s somewhere in between Vernon Davis and Dallas Clark, but I get your point. I think if I were the Browns, I would try draft as many play makers as I could instead of a Quarterback – but a mock draft isn’t about what’s best for a team, it’s about what’s realistic. I can’t see a Franchise in the NFL passing on a QB.
Your draft order is wrong.I assume u followed walterfootballs order?in the 2ndfirst Philadelphia should pick #45 and #47.because they have AZ pick in the 2nd AZ picks 1313 in the first rd so why 19 in the second.there is no coinflip to determine order(except for kc & Seattle)order is determined by strength of schedule.phi #45 &Seattle)order #47.also…if Indy picks first in rd 1 the pick first on rd 2.again,strength of schedule.
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Teams with the same record flip picks after the first round. Because the Colts have a lower SOS than the Rams, they get the #1 pick, but because they have the same record, it alternates.
OK so what about Philly AZ
Your draft order is wrong.I assume u followed walterfootballs order?in the 2ndfirst Philadelphia should pick #45 and #47.because they have AZ pick in the 2nd AZ picks 1313 in the first rd so why 19 in the second.there is no coinflip to determine order(except for kc & Seattle)order is determined by strength of schedule.phi #45 #47.also…if Indy picks first in rd 1 the pick first on rd 2.again,strength of schedule.
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Every time I read your drafts I realize you have very little idea of what your talking about. The Bills gave up the least amount of sacks this year. Beyond that Erik Pears played very well, perhaps the best player on the line. We suffered after Wood went down for the season. Our running game was the best its been in years also. And don’t give me that crap about our quick passing game being the rerason for so few sacks. They still had to stop some big time pass rushers this year.
I’ve watched a lot of Eric Pears and I’m not impressed. The reason you have so few sacks is because Ryan Fitzpatrick checks it down on nearly every play and only goes down field on play action. Your line started to suck when Fred Jackson went down because the play action was no longer believable.
Also you have one of the funniest E-Mails I’ve ever seen. Thanks for the laugh.
So who would you prefer in the second round?