2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

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NFL Draft Blog
Projecting the top of the second round
March, 8, 2013 3:14PM ET
By Steve Muench

My Scouts Inc. colleague Todd McShay posted his updated 2013 mock draft earlier this week and as usual, plenty of talented prospects were squeezed out because of various factors, including lack of perfect fits.


As recent history tells us, the top of the second round produces plenty of good NFL players. Some notables from the last five years:

Denver Broncos DE Derek Wolfe (No. 37 overall in 2012)
San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick (No. 36 in 2011)
Cleveland Browns DE Jabaal Sheard (No. 37 in 2011)
St. Louis Rams OT Rodger Saffold (No. 33 in 2010)
St. Louis MLB James Laurinaitis (No. 35 in 2009)
Green Bay Packers WR Jordy Nelson (No. 35 in 2008)

With that in mind, here are five prospects who didn't make McShay's first-round cut, but could be good fits for teams picking at the top of the second round this year.




33. Jacksonville Jaguars (First round: Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel)Jacksonville's defense had just 20 sacks last year, five fewer than the next-worst team and the fewest of any team since 2009. So while picking up Joeckel in the first makes sense from a value/need standpoint, the Jags desperately need to upgrade their pass rush as well.

Adding Florida State DE Tank Carradine with this pick would potentially give the Jaguars a talented building block on the other side of the line of scrimmage. In my opinion, Carradine is worth a first-round pick even though he tore the ACL in his right knee late in the 2012 season; reports indicate he will be able to work out for teams ahead of the draft.

Carradine has the quick first step, long arms, ability to bend and closing speed to make life difficult for NFL offensive tackles. Sam Montgomery of LSU is another option if the Jaguars aren't comfortable with the progress of Carradine's rehabilitation and/or long-term prognosis.


Zach Ertz's receiving ability would be a good fit in San Francisco.


34. San Francisco (First round: SMU DE Margus Hunt)
The 49ers need to address a hole at nose tackle, but there's a chance Missouri Southern's Brandon Williams, Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins and/or Alabama's Jesse Williams will still be on the board when the Niners are on the clock again at the end of the second round. They can also risk waiting, because with 15 total picks this year they have the firepower to move up in the second if there is a run on defensive tackles.

Tight end isn't as pressing a need, but with Delanie Walker set to become a free agent and San Francisco's run-heavy offense featuring a lot of two-tight-end sets, the 49ers should be in the market for another weapon for Kaepernick. Enter Stanford's Zach Ertz who played for 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh at Stanford.

Ertz does need to get stronger, but he's an adequate positional blocker and a talented receiver who can stretch the middle of the field and be a nice complement to current Niners TE Vernon Davis.



35. Philadelphia Eagles (First round: Alabama CB Dee Milliner)
Philadelphia got to the quarterback just 30 times last year, but Carradine and Montgomery aren't great fits for the Eagles' new hybrid defensive front. Auburn DE/OLB Corey Lemonier might be a better option at the top of the third round.

Offensive tackle is a possibility here, but the value probably won't be there with five tackles likely to be first-round picks. That means safety is an option, with 2010 second-round pick Nate Allen not progressing as much hoped and the Eagles having already cut 2011 second-round pick Jaiquawn Jarrett last year.

There will be value available too. South Carolina's D.J. Swearinger is a physical safety who delivers big hits after the catch and in run support. Swearinger doesn't have elite speed or size, but he is fluid, rarely gets caught out of position and he breaks on the ball well in coverage. He's capable of pushing for immediate playing time as strong safety, where current restricted free agent and 2009 undrafted free agent Colt Anderson started the final four games of 2012.



36. Detroit Lions (First round: BYU DE Ezekiel Ansah)
The Lions have a pressing need at cornerback, but Philadelphia snatching up Milliner one pick ahead of Detroit in the first round may turn into a blessing in disguise. Getting Ansah in the first would fill another big hole on defense, and there will be quality cover corners available early in the second.

Washington's Desmond Trufant is making the most of the offseason evaluation process. After showing quick feet and above-average competitiveness at the Senior Bowl, Trufant ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds at the combine and also posted a 3.85-second 20-yard shuttle. In addition, his film shows a player who is instinctive, fluid and quick enough to blanket receivers.



37. Cincinnati Bengals (First round: Alabama OT D.J. Fluker)
As the depth chart stands right now, 2011 third-round pick Dontay Moch would be the Bengals' starting weakside linebacker and 2012 undrafted free agent Emmanuel Lamur would be the strongside starter. However, Moch has appeared in one game over the past two seasons, Lamur appeared in nine last season and neither has started a game in his career.

I believe Connecticut's Sio Moore is the top outside linebacker prospect available after McShay's first-round projection, and he's no consolation prize. Moore is a rangy run-defender who needs to improve as a hand fighter and sink his hips better in the phone booth, but he has the toughness and strength to improve in those areas.

He doesn't have to come off the field on third down either, because Moore masks average fluidity with speed and physicality in coverage. And even though Cincinnati finished third in the league with 51 sacks last season, teams can never have enough players who can get to the quarterback, and Moore can help in that area too.

Steve Muench
Scouts Inc.

 

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Report: Cowboys value S Vaccaro immensely

ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins says the Cowboys value Texas S Kenny Vaccaro "immensely."

"But whether or not he'll fall to No. 18 is uncertain," Watkins writes. "If Vaccaro is still available at 15 or 16, then the Cowboys might need to trade up and draft him." Watkins thinks this is a possibility if offensive and defensive lineman clog the top portion of the first-round.
Source: ESPN

Mar 10 - 4:29 PM

 

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Christine Michael has 4 team workouts planned

Texas A&M RB Christine Michael has four formal team workouts scheduled for early April.

The Colts, Vikings, Buccaneers and Jets are the four teams. We have always liked Michael's talent, but he has had a hard time making it onto the field to display it on a consistent basis.
Source: Dane Brugler on Twitter

Mar 9 - 1:58 PM

 

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Mayock: RB Michael unlikely to get out of 2nd

NFL Network's Mike Mayock believes it is unlikely that Texas A&M RB Christine Michael makes it out of the second-round.

Michael "is as talented as any running back in the draft," according to Mayock, and a boom-or-bust type selection. This is the second time in just a few days that Mayock has pinpointed Michael and heaped praise on the Aggie product. The talent is there, teams will just need to feel comfortable with his medicals and character questions.
Source: Chris Wesseling on Twitter

Mar 9 - 12:30 P

 

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2013 NFL Mock Draft: Franchise-tag deadline changes few plans - CBSSports.com

 

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DeAndre Hopkins working out for CAR's Proehl

Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins will reportedly work out for Panthers WR coach Ricky Proehl on Monday.

It is an interesting development, since Proehl will also put Cal's Keenan Allen through his pro day workout on April 9. We'd be surprised if the Panthers select a receiver with the 14th pick, but many media members have consistently listed the position among the team's top needs.
Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter

Mar 11 - 10:29 AM

 

[mem49er]

DeAndre Hopkins working out for CAR's Proehl

Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins will reportedly work out for Panthers WR coach Ricky Proehl on Monday.

It is an interesting development, since Proehl will also put Cal's Keenan Allen through his pro day workout on April 9. We'd be surprised if the Panthers select a receiver with the 14th pick, but many media members have consistently listed the position among the team's top needs.
Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter

Mar 11 - 10:29 AM

I'd say they're probably looking at him in the 2nd.

 

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Lande: QB Manuel charts as late 1st, high 2nd

Former NFL Scout Russ Lande feels comfortable charting FSU QB E.J. Manuel as a late first or early second-round prospect.

Lande adds that he really likes Manuel as a prospect. "I did not see struggles reading defenses, but did occasionally see him lock him at times," Lande responded. With the pre-draft buzz building, it certainly appears that Manuel will be selected in the first two rounds.
Source: Russ Lande on Twitter

Mar 11 - 10:03 AM

 

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Pauline: Stoneburner definitely on the rise

Ohio State's Jake Stoneburner is "definitely a TE on the rise," according to draft insider Tony Pauline.

Pauline notes that Stonerburner ran in the 4.52 range at his pro day, a tenth of a second faster than at the Combine. "He was terrific in pass catching drills and caught everything thrown in his direction," Pauline wrote. Stoneburner was used as a receiver this past season.
Source: TFY Draft Insider

Mar 11 - 11:24 AM

 

[Hangman]

Mel Kiper 3.0 shows Harvin trade
1
Luke Joeckel
Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)
COLLEGE: Texas A&M
AGE: 21
HT: 6-6
WT: 306
POS: OT

Pick analysis: Joeckel can play a huge role this season as the immediate starter at right tackle, and could become the left tackle of the future. Joeckel is a complete package, a gifted pass-blocker who utilizes great technique and also brings power in the run game.

Free agency factor: Branden Albert was franchised, but Joeckel could replace him next year on the left side if the Chiefs let him walk, saving them a ton of money at a premium position. I don't think any moves they make in 2013 free agency will play into this pick.
PLAYER CARD

2
Eric Fisher
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
COLLEGE: Central Michigan
AGE: 22
HT: 6-7
WT: 306
POS: OT

Pick analysis: The Jags really need help on the pass rush, but they can get help there in Round 2. In taking Fisher, they improve their situation at left tackle, and there's no certainty that incumbent Eugene Monroe will be around in 2014. The Jags will never know what they have at QB if they can't do a better job in pass protection.

Free agency factor: The Jags could re-think this pick based on need if they can't find any pass-rush help in free agency. They have some cap space to add, but my guess is the team will be really focused on improving on several years of weak drafts.
PLAYER CARD

3
Sharrif Floyd *
Oakland Raiders (4-12)
COLLEGE: Florida
AGE: 20
HT: 6-3
WT: 297
POS: DT

Pick analysis: The Raiders are in desperate need of young talent on the defensive line after a year where they were far too often gashed by the run. Floyd is a dynamic young talent, has played inside and on the edge and uses great leverage and power to drive blockers back and blow up plays.

Free agency factor: The future for Carson Palmer is a question mark because of his massive contract, and I can see the Raiders taking a hard look at a QB with this pick, even if the value range doesn't line up well. The Raiders also must find upgrades at linebacker. All in all, free agency shouldn't have much of an affect on this selection.
PLAYER CARD

4
Dee Milliner *
Philadelphia Eagles (4-12)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-0
WT: 201
POS: CB

Pick analysis: Nnamdi Asomugha won't be wearing an Eagles uniform in 2013, and in a division with Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Robert Griffin III, the Eagles can't simply attempt to piece together the secondary. They need talent, and Milliner offers the best cornerback talent in the draft. Not a tough pick.

Free-agency factor: There isn't much in the way of top-end talent available in free agency if you want to improve your secondary, so I'm not sure any shopping will change the basis for this pick.
PLAYER CARD

5
Ezekiel Ansah
Detroit Lions (4-12)
COLLEGE: BYU
AGE: 23
HT: 6-5
WT: 271
POS: DE

Pick analysis: The Lions have some glaring holes at defensive end with Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril headed elsewhere, but that also could create an opportunity for an upgrade. Ansah is raw in terms of football skills, but he can develop into an explosive pass-rusher in that scheme, with strength to hold up against the run.

Free-agency factor: The Lions don't have the cap space to throw major dollars around, so they need to get the best player available at defensive end, cornerback or at offensive tackle. I don't think free agency will have a big impact on this pick.
PLAYER CARD

6
Dion Jordan
Cleveland Browns (5-11)
COLLEGE: Oregon
AGE: 23
HT: 6-6
WT: 248
POS: OLB

Pick analysis: The Browns had one of the worst pass rushes in the league last year, even with Jabaal Sheard around. Jordan is a long, explosive pass-rusher with freakish athleticism and an ability to work in space. This is a guy you want to unleash in a 3-4.

Free-agency factor: The Browns could be looking for some pass-rush help, but they won't find a player with better value than Jordan for their system. Yes, the Browns could still make a move for a quarterback, but I'm quite certain they won't use this pick for one if they can't add one via free agency or trade.
PLAYER CARD

7
Geno Smith
Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
COLLEGE: West Virginia
AGE: 22
HT: 6-2
WT: 218
POS: QB

Pick analysis: What stands out with Smith is his ball placement -- he can be extremely accurate when he's making the right reads, something he did often in 2012. Arm strength is good, not elite, and you can certainly contend that any good QB might put up good numbers in the system he was in, and with the receivers he had. It's not a great value on my board, but it's a major need pick. Smith's pro day is Thursday, and you can be certain the Cardinals will be present.

Free-agency factor: See any big QBs in free agency that offer any more hope than Smith? The Cardinals have locked up Brian Hoyer as an insurance policy, but I'd be surprised if this or their second-round pick isn't a QB.
PLAYER CARD

8
Jarvis Jones *
Buffalo Bills (6-10)
COLLEGE: Georgia
AGE: 23
HT: 6-2
WT: 245
POS: OLB

Pick analysis: Want to guarantee an improvement in your pass rush? Here's your safe pick. Jones has been exceptional for two years now against elite competition, and demands help when he comes off the edge. He's not Von Miller in terms of his athleticism, but he has the chance to produce at a slightly lower level, making him a good value at this slot.

Free-agency factor: The Bills spent a lot in free agency last year, and won't be as active this year. Quarterback could come into play at this pick because of the lack of options on the market. But if Arizona takes Smith, I don't like the value here, and they'd be better served finding a QB in Round 2.
PLAYER CARD

9
Barkevious Mingo *
New York Jets (6-10)
COLLEGE: LSU
AGE: 22
HT: 6-4
WT: 242
POS: OLB

Pick analysis: It's about time the Jets found an athletic difference-maker on the edge for Rex Ryan. The interior of the defensive line should be a strength with Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples, but they need edge speed. Mingo is a freak athlete, and could become a star with the right coaching.

Free-agency factor: The Jets are pretty tapped out, and won't be able to find a player of Mingo's caliber on the market. Remember, they also need to figure out the future at QB, but I think they'll look at QBs further down the board.
PLAYER CARD

10
Jonathan Cooper
Tennessee Titans (6-10)
COLLEGE: North Carolina
AGE: 23
HT: 6-2
WT: 311
POS: G

Pick analysis: Adding Cooper just provides an immediate upgrade on the interior of your offensive line. A complete player who gets a great punch and moves really well for his size, he can run block well, pull with ease, move exceptionally well in the screen game and hit moving targets.

Free-agency factor: The Titans are pretty tight against the cap for 2013, so I don't expect free agency to have much impact on the decision they make with this pick.
PLAYER CARD

11
Lane Johnson
San Diego Chargers (7-9)
COLLEGE: Oklahoma
AGE: 22
HT: 6-6
WT: 303
POS: OT

Pick analysis: A really good player who is only going to get better, Johnson can become the successor to Jared Gaither at left tackle. Injuries along the offensive line have really weakened the offense over the past couple of seasons, and Philip Rivers has taken a step back because of it. Johnson, a former junior college quarterback, is a pretty gifted athlete for his size, and has been a star during the evaluation process going on now.

Free-agency factor: The Chargers could look at tackle in free agency, but they don't have a lot of money, and can't simply cut Gaither and save money because even if they set him loose, he counts against the cap to the tune of $6 million in 2013. They need to use the draft to upgrade at the position.
PLAYER CARD

12
Cordarrelle Patterson *
Miami Dolphins (7-9)
COLLEGE: Tennessee
AGE: 21
HT: 6-2
WT: 216
POS: WR

Pick analysis: He needs work as a route-runner, but Patterson is a potential difference-maker in the passing game. He can go up and get it, take the top off defenses and keep safeties deep because of his speed, and he's a big, physical, shifty runner with the ball in his hands.

Free-agency factor: If the Dolphins make a splash move and add a player such as Mike Wallace or Greg Jennings, they could go in another direction at this spot. They certainly could be thinking tackle if Jake Long moves on.
PLAYER CARD

 

[Hangman]

13
Star Lotulelei
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
COLLEGE: Utah
AGE: 23
HT: 6-2
WT: 311
POS: DT

Pick analysis: This isn't the top need for the Bucs, but assuming everything checks out for Lotulelei on the medical front, he'd be a total steal here and allow Greg Schiano to create depth and make this a potentially dominant run defense going forward.

Free-agency factor: If defensive end Michael Bennett lands elsewhere in free agency, the Bucs will be looking for help at that spot. The pick of Lotulelei here would just be a steal in terms of how the board breaks.
PLAYER CARD

14
Tavon Austin
Carolina Panthers (7-9)
COLLEGE: West Virginia
AGE: 21
HT: 5-8
WT: 174
POS: WR

Pick analysis: Austin can't be used in the same manner as Steve Smith, but he can add another element of explosiveness to a passing attack that could use a player with his exact skills. Smith turns 34 two weeks after the draft, and Cam Newton could use an underneath target with the capability to do some damage after the catch.

Free-agency factor: The Panthers lack the flexibility to add splash in the passing game via free agency, so I don't see the process doing anything to diminish the value Austin could add.
PLAYER CARD

15
Sheldon Richardson *
New Orleans Saints (7-9)
COLLEGE: Missouri
AGE: 24
HT: 6-2
WT: 294
POS: DT

Pick analysis: The Saints should draft the best defensive player available, starting up front. Richardson is an active defender who can take on multiple blocks at the point of attack. Left one-on-one, he can penetrate and cause problems in the backfield, but he also moves down the line well and makes a lot of tackles from this position.

Free-agency factor: The Saints need to use the draft to get better on defense, because free agency isn't going to be a good option for them with where they are currently against the cap. Free agency shouldn't change the draft strategy.
PLAYER CARD

16
Kenny Vaccaro
St. Louis Rams (7-8-1)
COLLEGE: Texas
AGE: 22
HT: 6-0
WT: 214
POS: S

Pick analysis: With two first-round picks, the Rams can target maximum value ahead of top need, but Vaccaro offers a check in both boxes. Extremely versatile, Vaccaro is sound in coverage, takes great angles and makes very good reads. But he's a physical player who can assist in run support and be effective near the line of scrimmage. Play Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson four times a year, and versatility at safety can't be overstated.

Free-agency factor: I expect the Rams to be shoppers for skill-position help on offense, where they must do more to help Sam Bradford. But again, with two first-round picks, the draft is a form of cheap free agency as well.
PLAYER CARD

17
Tyler Eifert *
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
COLLEGE: Notre Dame
AGE: 22
HT: 6-6
WT: 250
POS: TE

Pick analysis: Mike Wallace might be exiting, but in Eifert the Steelers add a different kind of matchup headache for defenses. Eifert has the speed to stretch the seam and also develop routes to the edges, and can't be effectively covered by anybody. He's too tall for corners and safeties, too fast for linebackers.

Free-agency factor: The Steelers need to make tough decisions regarding their cap on defense (we've already seen it with James Harrison), so they also could look at a good young pass-rusher here. Safety, D-line and outside linebacker are all positions they could consider.
PLAYER CARD

18
Chance Warmack
Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-2
WT: 314
POS: G

Pick analysis: Sticking with this pick from the previous mock, Warmack is an immediate upgrade on the interior of the offensive line. The ceiling of a Pro Bowl guard, Warmack is an absolute plow in the run game, and has very good instincts as a pass-blocker, picking up stunts and blitzes extremely well.

Free-agency factor: The Cowboys would have to be creative financially to find an offensive lineman with Warmack's talent on the open market, so this isn't a pick I think will shift based on buying season.
PLAYER CARD

19
Manti Te'o
New York Giants (9-7)
COLLEGE: Notre Dame
AGE: 22
HT: 6-1
WT: 241
POS: LB

Pick analysis: The Giants could use an upgrade at middle linebacker, and Te'o offers a pick-and-play upgrade. Say what you want about his 40 time, when you roll the tape you see a guy that has football speed because he makes reads at a faster rate than so many others.

Free-agency factor: There really isn't a much on the market at this position, and this is a draft slot where the Giants can target a middle linebacker and expect a Week 1 starter.
PLAYER CARD

20
D.J. Fluker *
Chicago Bears (10-6)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 21
HT: 6-5
WT: 339
POS: OT

Pick analysis: I also can see wide receiver as a possible fit here, but Fluker is a good fit and a good value on the board. A dominant right tackle, he has arms that work like hydraulics, and what you get is a decent pass-blocker but an absolute mauler in the run game. The Bears don't just need protection, they need more push in the run, and Fluker can provide some.

Free-agency factor: Phil Emery should be willing to write a check if he can add some offensive line help in free agency, and that could play into what the Bears do with this pick. But even if they add a good tackle, I don't think it eliminates the possibility they draft one.
PLAYER CARD

21
Alec Ogletree *
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
COLLEGE: Georgia
AGE: 21
HT: 6-2
WT: 242
POS: LB

Pick analysis: Last year the Bengals hit a home run when Marvin Lewis pushed to bring in a linebacker with some very good tape but a few character questions. Vontaze Burfict was a value home run. Ogletree has some of the best tape in this draft, and can be an immediate upgrade over what the Bengals got last year from Rey Maualuga.

Free-agency factor: I can see the Bengals looking at another wide receiver in free agency, and they also may have to replace Andre Smith, so what happens this week and next on the market could certainly shift the direction of this pick.
PLAYER CARD

22
Justin Hunter *
St. Louis Rams (from WAS) (7-8-1)
COLLEGE: Tennessee
AGE: 21
HT: 6-4
WT: 196
POS: WR

Pick analysis: Even if the Rams land a wide receiver in free agency, they should be looking for some young talent at the position in the draft. Hunter has size, speed and creates a home run threat on the edge. He's got some wiggle, given his height, and can create separation with his feet outside of simply running away from people. Where Hunter must get better is in the ability to deal with physical defenders; he's not very strong, which could make press coverage a problem at the next level. He's just not a very physical player yet.

Free-agency factor: The Rams could either keep or lose the services of one or both of Brandon Gibson and Danny Amendola. Again, they also could add a pass-catcher, but I think they'll draft one regardless.
PLAYER CARD

 

[Hangman]

23
Keenan Allen
Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
COLLEGE: California
AGE: 20
HT: 6-2
WT: 206
POS: WR

Pick analysis: The Vikings now very much need a wide receiver, and in Allen they get maybe the safest projection on the board at the position. Allen just has a ton of polish, with great hands and an ability not only to create space but also to find it. He works back to the ball and can run after the catch. This kid would have been a star at safety, but is still just 20 years old and already plays with veteran chops at WR. Line him up all over.

Free-agency factor: Even if the Vikings go out and get a wide receiver in free agency, I'm not sure they still don't want to add some assurances in the passing game. Think of it this way: if they lose Harvin but get a player like Allen and a good free agent at wide receiver, will you really think the trade was such a hit to their potential? I won't.
PLAYER CARD

24
Menelik Watson *
Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
COLLEGE: Florida St.
AGE: 24
HT: 6-5
WT: 310
POS: OT

Pick analysis: Whether he ends up at left tackle, right tackle or even as a potentially dominant guard, Watson has a high ceiling and the Colts have to get better along the offensive line. The franchise has arrived at quarterback -- time to protect him.

Free-agency factor: The Colts could make a run at offensive line help in free agency, which could shift this pick to defense. But if they don't, protecting Andrew Luck has to be a priority.
PLAYER CARD

25
Sylvester Williams
Minnesota Vikings (10-6) (from Seattle)
COLLEGE: North Carolina
AGE: 24
HT: 6-3
WT: 313
POS: DT

Pick analysis: The Vikings are old on the defensive line, both inside and on the edges, and while it's not a major need in terms of what they produced on the line in 2012, it could be one soon. Williams is a mature, powerful player who can contribute immediately.

Free-agency factor: By securing a pass-catcher with their first pick, they can help reduce the age question on the defensive line here. You figure wide receiver will be a bigger focus in free agency than the D-line, so they can take advantage of a deep draft at defensive tackle.
PLAYER CARD

26
Eddie Lacy *
Green Bay Packers (11-5)
COLLEGE: Alabama
AGE: 22
HT: 5-11
WT: 231
POS: RB

Pick analysis: The Packers have lacked a workhorse with any explosiveness at running back, and that's what Lacy offers. Yes, he ran behind a great line, but he's a great combination of power and open-field shiftiness. He's the guy in this class who can run with power but also break off some big runs. He also catches the ball well.

Free-agency factor: You're not going to spend big money for a running back in free agency, and the market doesn't offer much anyway. Even if the Packers add a cheap veteran at running back they could still make this pick.
PLAYER CARD

27
DeAndre Hopkins *
Houston Texans (12-4)
COLLEGE: Clemson
AGE: 20
HT: 6-1
WT: 214
POS: WR

Pick analysis: Andre Johnson is now officially old by the standards of the position, and while effective, he could use some help. In Hopkins, the Texans add a player with strong hands in traffic, big-time explosiveness after the catch, and an ability create space both underneath and over the top because he has great speed and is able to get defenders to bite on fakes. Big-play potential for Houston's offense.

Free-agency factor: The Texans don't have the cap space to be a major player in free agency, so pass-catching help is likely coming via the draft. Here's your fit.
PLAYER CARD

28
Desmond Trufant
Denver Broncos (13-3)
COLLEGE: Washington
AGE: 22
HT: 6-0
WT: 190
POS: CB

Pick analysis: Champ Bailey may be good when he's 50 at this rate, but the Broncos could still use another corner, and Trufant is an experienced player who can help immediately because he can mirror receivers both on the edges and in the slot. He utilizes great footwork, has underrated ball skills and can turn and run with anybody.

Free-agency factor: The Broncos are built to win now, and can't spend much in free agency at cornerback, where there just isn't much value to be found. I can see them adding a pass-rusher.
PLAYER CARD

29
Xavier Rhodes *
New England Patriots (12-4)
COLLEGE: Florida St.
AGE: 22
HT: 6-1
WT: 210
POS: CB

Pick analysis: Aqib Talib probably is headed elsewhere, and corner again becomes a need for the Patriots. Rhodes draws some split opinions, but where he really excels is as a press corner who can exert his physical will on a receiver. He can really mirror guys, and uses his hands well. He's not great against the run, but the Patriots need another guy who can cover, and that's Rhodes.

Free-agency factor: The Patriots have some decisions to make on the offensive line, and they also could be in play for a wide receiver. If they do add a cornerback in free agency they could shift the thinking with this pick. I also think they should add a safety in the draft and there are some good ones available at this slot.
PLAYER CARD

30
Bjoern Werner *
Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
COLLEGE: Florida St.
AGE: 22
HT: 6-3
WT: 266
POS: DE

Pick analysis: John Abraham was released, and this pass-rush looks pretty bleak without an addition. Werner's stock has taken a recent hit, but he was extremely productive at Florida State as a pass-rusher, and can step into a 4-3 ready to contribute. The key for him will be whether he continues to develop and adds wrinkles to his repertoire because he was late to football. But Atlanta needs a pass-rusher, period.

Free-agency factor: The Falcons don't have a lot of flexibility, but could be in the market for a 4-3 DE. If they can add one, however, they still might want to draft one. Cornerback is also spot they need to look for value, and if Rhodes doesn't go to New England, he could land here.
PLAYER CARD

31
Datone Jones
San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
COLLEGE: UCLA
AGE: 22
HT: 6-4
WT: 283
POS: DE

Pick analysis: Justin Smith will be 34 in September, and the 49ers need to think about who could take over for him long term, and spell him in the interim. Jones can provide an interior pass-rushing presence. He gets a great burst, and knows how to take on blocks, use leverage and find seams.

Free-agency factor: This roster is too loaded for the 49ers to make significant moves in free agency. They also have a boatload of draft picks and could be active in moving around, trying to maximize picks or even moving way up on the board.
PLAYER CARD

32
Matt Elam *
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
COLLEGE: Florida
AGE: 21
HT: 5-10
WT: 208
POS: S

Pick analysis: We know they need to find a young safety, and Elam would be a great fit. Not a true center fielder, he likes to play near the line of scrimmage and use his instincts to help blow up plays. He covers the slot well, and has pretty good speed to run with all but the fastest wide receivers. Won't be a liability in coverage, and he has good skills as a blitzer, too.

Free-agency factor: The Ravens need to shore up some holes on defense via free agency, so you could see them going with a safety, an interior linebacker or a pass-rusher here depending on what happens over the next couple of weeks.
PLAYER CARD

 

[BINGO]

Dion Jordan - LB - Ducks Oregon

OLB Dion Jordan is expected to be fully healthy by July following recent shoulder surgery.

Jordan's surgery to repair a torn labrum took place the Tuesday following the Combine, and draft insider Tony Pauline was "told it went well." We expect the fluid and long outside linebacker to be a top six selection in April's draft. Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

Mar 11 - 2:26 PM

 

[CalamityX11]

Datone!!!!

 

[4lifer9er]

Datone!!!!

+1

 

[BINGO]

23

31
Datone Jones
San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
COLLEGE: UCLA
AGE: 22
HT: 6-4
WT: 283
POS: DE

Pick analysis: Justin Smith will be 34 in September, and the 49ers need to think about who could take over for him long term, and spell him in the interim. Jones can provide an interior pass-rushing presence. He gets a great burst, and knows how to take on blocks, use leverage and find seams.

Free-agency factor: This roster is too loaded for the 49ers to make significant moves in free agency. They also have a boatload of draft picks and could be active in moving around, trying to maximize picks or even moving way up on the board.
PLAYER CARD

I don't mind this pick. But I'd much rather see them package their picks to move much higher to select a better player.

 

[NinerSickness]

Free-agency factor: This roster is too loaded for the 49ers to make significant moves in free agency.

Wrong.

Datone Jones would not be a good pick there.

 

[NinerSickness]

Glad to see people still sleeping on Hankins & Carradine.

 

[Dodub]

With Harvin going to Seattle, us possibly getting Sean Smith and possibly releasing Rogers we will be in the the market for a new slot CB.

Pozz, Bingo, Ray, Clyde who do you guys think are the best slot CB prospects in this draft?

I could see the Honey Badger playing slot CB in the league but outside of him who is there?