2012 NFL Mock Draft 3 Rounds With Trade Predictions

Published: 25^th Aug 11 4:31 am

by Chris Ransom
New England Patriots and Dallas Stars Featured Columnist

RANT It!

Round 1

1. Washington Redskins Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford Junior Redshirt The Washington Redskins need a long term signal caller. Andrew Luck can be that quarterback. Rex Grossman and John Beck simply will not cut it. Washington has to take Luck if they get the top pick. Luck is the top prospect on my 2012 Draft Board at the moment.

2. Cincinnati Bengals Matt Barkley Quarterback USC Junior Andy Dalton has gone 19/34 with 0 passing touchdowns and 3 interceptions through 2 preseason contests so far. If Dalton continues to perform this bad then the Bengals will give up on Dalton after year 1 the same way the Panthers gave up on Jimmy Clausen after year 1.

Cincinnati has tons of draft options. They could give up on Dalton opting for Matt Barkley or Landry Jones. Cincinnati could get an offensive tackle and put them in at right tackle until there ready to replace Andrew Whitworth at left tackle by drafting Matt Kalil or Jonathan Martin. The Bengals could get a pass rusher in Quentin Coples at defensive end. If the Bengals want a cornerback you cannot rule out the possibility of Alabama corner Dre Kirkpatrick.

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is an option, but Cincinnati has AJ Green, Jordan Shipley, Jerome Simpson, and Andre Caldwell so drafting Jeffery would be pointless unless the Bengals want the best receiving tandem since the Chad Johnson TJ Houshmandzadeh days by pairing Alshon Jeffery up with AJ Green. It would not be completely out of the question to see Jeffery pair up with AJ Green. I just do not see the receivers pairing up in Cincinnati considering the Bengals dire needs.

In the end Cincinnati gets their true franchise quarterback in Matt Barkley. Matt Barkley comes in and helps turn the Bengals around.

I know there is no guarantee that Matt Barkley declares. I just get the feeling Barkley will declare since USC is bowl ineligible this season.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior Coples can play right end or left end in the Jaguars 4-3 scheme. Coples even run stuffs like a defensive tackle.

Coples really managed to step up for North Carolina after Robert Quinn got suspended.

The Jaguars have no premium defensive lineman outside of Kampman who is injury prone and in his 30′s along with defensive tackles Terrance Knighton who showed up to camp out of shape and Tyson Alualu who was a reach with the 10th overall pick in 2010.

Jacksonville has needed a pass rushing defensive end since the 2010 NFL Draft. Now the Jaguars finally get one with Quinton Coples who can anchor this defensive line for years.

4. Denver Broncos Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback Alabama Junior Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman are both in their 30′s. Getting a young corner like Dre Kirkpatrick and pairing him up with Bailey would make Denver’s pass defense nearly impossible to throw on.

Nick Saban rarely talks underclassmen into returning to school. Saban lets his players leave on their own terms.

5. Arizona Cardinals Matt Kalil Left Tackle USC Junior Redshirt Matt Kalil can play anywhere on the offensive line at left tackle, right tackle, left guard, right guard, or center. Kalil was 281 pounds when being recruited by USC straight out of high school. He has put on 14 pounds during his 4 year tenure at USC and has reduced his projected 40 time from a 5.31 40 in his senior year of high school to 5.01 at this point.

Kalil weighs 295 pounds rather than 300 pounds. This would be fine if Kalil ran a 40 time under 5 seconds, but since he is not projected to run a 40 time in under 5 seconds I get the feeling Kalil may end up being a Robert Gallery type bust in the NFL.

I like Stanford left tackle Jonathan Martin better as a prospect, but every draft board I read has Kalil going higher than Martin.

USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith was the 1st offensive tackle drafted in 2011 despite the fact that he played right tackle. Its safe to say that Kalil will be the first offensive tackle selected in 2012 if he chooses to come out.

Matt Kalil is a pass blocking left tackle that you can plug anywhere on the offensive line even though left tackle is his main position. Kalil’s run blocking will need some tuning unless he bulks up in the weight room.

I get the feeling Kalil will come out and declare since USC is bowl ineligible in 2012.

At the end of the day I get the feeling that the Cardinals do the same thing that the Redskins did in 2010. Pass on a really good left tackle in Martin for a left tackle in Kalil

Arizona failed to upgrade their offensive line in 2011. If there picking at #5 again they will end up drafting Matt Kalil.

6. Carolina Panthers Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina JuniorAlshon Jeffery is similar to SEC wide receiver AJ Green who was the top receiver drafted in 2011. AJ Green had Andre Johnson’s size and Calvin Johnson’s talent. Jeffery has Calvin Johnson’s size and Andre Johnson’s talent.

The Panthers have to take Jeffery make him their primary receiver and move Steve Smith to the secondary receiving option. Drafting Jeffery would make things much easier for Cam Newton if he ends up becoming a full time starter in 2012.

Steve Spurrier believes players should receive some sort of compensation for playing college football so he will not try to talk a player into returning to school even if he wishes that player would return.

7. Minnesota Vikings Jonathan Martin Left Tackle Stanford Junior Redshirt Minnesota will be back in contention if they can land Stanford left tackle Jonathan Martin. The Vikings released Bryant McKennie at left tackle.

Regardless of who starts in Minnesota the Vikings will not contend until they get a new left tackle. Minnesota could reenter the playoff discussion in a year from now if they sit Ponder out for the entire year while drafting Jonathan Martin at left tackle.

Luck is leaving at the end of the season. Odds are Martin will leave too if Luck decides to leave.

8. Miami Dolphins Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma Junior Redshirt Oklahoma Sooners Head CoachBob Stoops summarized it best on the Dan Patrick Show. Landry Jones and Sam Bradford are two completely different quarterbacks despite sharing similar forms of leadership and having similar teams/supporting casts built around these 2 quarterbacks. Stoops did not go into details on how these quarterbacks are different because he probably does not want to reveal any potential blueprint weaknesses that Jones may have because this Oklahoma team has a great chance of running the table this year as a preseason #1 team.

Sam Bradford had questionable arm strength and durabilty issues despite having pinpoint accuracy during his tenure at Oklahoma. Bradford’s accuracy and mental toughness enabled him to learn the intangibles of a pro style offense successfully despite the fact that many pundits questioned Bradford’s ability to adapt to the NFL.

This and Bradford’s arm recovering also benefitted Bradford. Jones has a cannon arm and his accuracy is good at times. Jones has not learned a pro style offense yet. I do not believe Jones has the mental toughness that Bradford had to master a pro style offense in the NFL.

The sad part is if Oklahoma gets to the National Title thanks to Jones this could be the 1998 NFL Draft all over again in terms of hype with Luck and Jones getting the Peyton Manning VS Ryan Leaf hype.

I am not a Landry Jones believer. Jones has the physical tools and the production. I am not sold on the mental toughness of Landry Jones. He handled himself poorly in an interview with Urban Meyer dodging questions and in another interview on the ESPN College Gameday he was goofing around with Ryan Broyles on college football live dodging questions Erin Andrews asked him in an unprofessional manner.

I would like to see Jones make more eye contact and show more enthusiasm in front of the cameras. Landry Jones will not flip out on camera crews King Kong style like Ryan Leaf did after his Chiefs loss. I will not question the composure that Landry Jones displays on the field and when he is near the cameras since he didn’t flip out on media reporters and beat writers Ryan Leaf style.

One thing I am questioning with Landry Jones is his commitment to succeed in the NFL. I saw Ryan Mallett post some silly tweets on Twitter in January of 2010 before the character issues about Mallett surfaced causing his draft stock to drop.

Jones had a big season for the Sooners last year so I guess that gives him the benefit of the doubt for now.

Miami will take Landry Jones if he falls to #8 overall because the Dolphins cannot rely on Chad Henne or Matt Moore as their franchise quarterback unless one steps up and miraculously guides Miami to the postseason.

9. San Francisco 49ers Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior Hosley managed to intercept Andrew Luck in a winter scrimmage game. Harbaugh may draft Hosley because the 49ers need a ballhawk corner who can record interceptions the same way Nate Clements did.

Hosley runs a fast 40 time and can record double digit interceptions. Hosley’s coverage ability could improve slightly. Hosley is a cornerback that you have to consider drafting in the top 10.

10. Seattle Seahawks Vontaze Burfict Middle Linebacker Arizona State Junior Seattle released Lofa Tatupu. Vontaze Burfict was the top linebacker recruit in the country coming out of high school a few years ago. If Seattle cannot land a franchise quarterback then their next priority should be to draft Burfict.

Drafting Burfict would give Seattle a quarterback on defense at the middle linebacker spot. Aaron Curry has not been a top 5 weak side linebacker maybe with the addition of Burfict Curry’s numbers would improve.

11. Buffalo Bills Donte Paige Moss 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker North Carolina Junior Shawne Merriman looks good in the preseason so far, but Buffalo needs a pass rusher to compliment him. Chris Kelsay just will not get the job done long term. Donte Paige Moss would be an instant upgrade for Buffalo’s pass rush.

12. Oakland Raiders Cliff Harris Cornerback Oregon Junior Most GM’s would take the best available player if they ran Oakland. Raiders owner Al Davis will take the fastest player available who fills a need. DeMarcus Van Dyke could be a #2 corner in a year or two from now, but the rookie will have little time to learn the Raiders new playbook.

Jason Campbell is in a contract year and Oakland selected Terrell Pryor by giving up a 2012 3rd round pick in the 2011 Supplemental Draft. This means there are only 95 picks rather than 96 in the first 3 rounds.

I get the feeling that Oakland will take Cliff Harris if he is available. I seriously doubt the Raiders trade a 2012 first round pick after trading a 2011 first rounder.

Previous Pick Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt

13. Chicago Bears Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt Chicago may have Johnny Knox and Roy Williams as receiver targets for now. I doubt Chicago passes the chance to obtain Justin Blackmon. Blackmon had 111 receptions, 1,782 passing yards, and 20 receiving touchdowns last season. Blackmon is being considered a top 10 receiver on most draft boards.

Blackmon will slide a bit because I doubt he matches his 2010 numbers. Blackmon would be Chicago’s best option if he is available when Chicago makes their pick.

14. Kansas City Chiefs Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama Junior The Kansas City Chiefs are going to get a new running back when Thomas Jones contract expires. The fact that Jamaal Charles is still the #2 back on the Chiefs depth chart behind Thomas Jones makes me think the Chiefs will get a new back even if Charles still gets a majority of the carries.

15. Detroit Lions Riley Reiff Left Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt The Detroit Lions need a left tackle to protect Stafford’s blindside. Once Detroit gets a left tackle they will become a playoff caliber team with a high octane offense.

16. Indianapolis Colts Jerel Worthy Defensive Tackle Junior Redshirt Michigan State Jerel Worthy would help solidify the Colts defensive line at defensive tackle. I do not believe Drake Nevis will start. Nevis has the talent to start, but something tells me Polian will keep him as a backup and groom him as a defensive tackle who could challenge Moala for the 2nd defensive tackle job on the defensive line down the road. Plus taking Jerel Worthy just seems like the typical Bill Polian draft pick.

17. Tennessee Titans Luke Kuechly MLB Boston College Senior The Titans biggest uncertainty is the linebacking core. Barrett Rudd struggled in 2010. Maybe the Titans should consider getting Luke Kuechly.

18. Cleveland Browns Mante Te’o Right Outside Linebacker Notre Dame Junior D’Qwell Jackson was speculated to play the weak side role. Jackson will remain a middle linebacker so the Browns should add Te’o as a middle linebacker.

Adding Te’o nearly solidifies the front 7. If Cleveland can get a 4-3 right end to play next to left end Jabaal Sheard while adding Te’o, the Browns have a defense that can get the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs.

19. Dallas Cowboys Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior Gilmore would be steal if he fell to #19. Gilmore is a legit top 10 coverage corner just like Prince Amukamara was. Look what happened to Amukamara? Prince fell to 19 and the New York Giants snagged him.

Dallas needs all the secondary help and would gladly take Gilmore if Amukamara plays well for the Giants down the stretch.

20. New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints Brandon Jenkins Right End Florida State Junior New England is making a slow transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3. The Patriots will likely target a pass rusher who can play the 4-3 or the 3-4.

Brandon Jenkins fits the bill for what Belicheck would look for as a hybrid pass rusher. Jermaine Cunningham was the teams 3-4 right outside linebacker as a rookie. The team has moved him to the left side which means they no longer believe he can become a premium 3-4 right outside linebacker who can intimidate opposing left tackles.

Previous Pick Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior

21. St. Louis Rams Robert Lester Free Safety Alabama Junior Redshirt The Rams need a free safety now that OJ Atowge is gone. Once the Rams draft Robert Lester they will have talent that can compete at every position.

22. San Diego Chargers Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior The Chargers need a pass rusher who can play next to Shaun Phillips. Courtney Upshaw can become that 3-4 sack artist pass rusher that the Chargers have lacked since Merriman’s departure from the team.

Previous Pick Brandon Jenkins 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Florida State Junior

23. New York Jets Bobbie Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior The Jets need a bookend right tackle that can compliment left tackle Debrickishaw Ferguson now that Damien Woody retired.

24. New York Giants Mike Adams Left Tackle Ohio State Senior Even if William Beatty as the Giants left tackle they will need someone behind Beatty for depth at left tackle. The Giants moved David Diehl to left guard and James Brewer their 2011 draft pick is a right tackle with no left tackle experience so drafting Mike Adams as a depth player behind William Beatty would probably be Jerry Reese’s smartest choice.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers David DeCastro Right Guard Stanford Junior Redshirt David DeCastro has more talent as a pass blocking right guard than Mike Pouncey. Pittsburgh would have taken left guard Mike Iupati had he slid to 18 in 2010 and were considering giving up their 2011 and 2012 first round pick to Washington for Mike Pouncey in a blockbuster trade had Miami passed on Mike Pouncey. Miami did not pass on Mike Pouncey and thanks to Miami taking Pouncey Kevin Colbert’s legacy in Pittsburgh lives on.

DeCastro will be a better player than Mike Pouncey so Steelers fans should be happy with this pick since there are no legit blue chip left tackles worth drafting at this point late in round 1.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Alfonzo Dennard Cornerback Nebraska Senior The Buccaneers need a cornerback who can compliment Myron Lewis. Ronde Barber is likely retiring after this season and Aqib Talib’s future in Tampa Bay is on the fence after his arrests this offseason. If Talib can stay out of trouble the Buccaneers could build a deadly secondary with Talib and Dennard covering quarterbacks primary wide receivers.

27. Houston Texans Kelechi Osmele Left Guard Iowa State Senior Redshirt Osmele has the size of a left tackle, but his footwork is so bad that he will have to move inside to left guard. Adding Osmele gives Houston another offensive lineman who could provide some depth for the Texans on Houston’s offensive line.

28. Philadelphia Eagles Marcus Forston Defensive Tackle Miami FL Junior Redshirt The Eagles have the luxury of taking one of the best players available for depth. That is exactly what Marcus Forston provides for the Philadelphia Eagles. Cullen Jenkins is better suited for the 3-4. Forston could sit behind Jenkins for a few years until he is ready to start at defensive tackle for the Eagles.

29. Green Bay Packers Bruce Irvin 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker West Virginia Senior I really love West Virginia pass rusher Bruce Irvin as a sack artist pass rusher prospect. Irvin recorded 14 sacks as a 3-4 pass rusher for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Only DeQuan Bowers recorded more sacks than Bruce Irvin in college football last season.

I know Irvin only weighed 232 pounds last season, but he has put on some weight in the weight room this year. A friend of mine who attends West Virginia told me Irvin has bulked up to 250 pounds.

Von Miller led the nation in sacks as a junior and then returned to school. If Irvin records another double digit sack season he may end up being a first round pick in 2012. I really would not be shocked if Irvin leapfrogged his way into the top 15, potentially going in the top 5 if he wows people at the Senior Bowl the same way Von Miller wowed NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl. I am not expecting Irvin to wow Senior Bowl scouts like Von Miller did even though it really would not shock me if Bruce Irvin soared up draft boards.

Green Bay was going to take Brooks Reid the Arizona pass rusher in the first round until Derek Sherrod fell to pick 32. I think this year Green Bay opts for the pass rusher and gets Bruce Irvin.

The bottom line with Bruce Irvin is that you are getting a top 15 talent in Bruce Irvin. This is a special pass rushing prospect that not a lot of people have had the chance to see.

Fun fact West Virginia pass rusher Bruce Irvin has the exact same name as video game character Bruce Irvin from the famous fighting video game series Tekken.

Previous Pick Jared Crick 3-4 Right End Nebraska Senior Redshirt

30. Baltimore Ravens Dont’a Hightower 3-4 Middle Linebacker Alabama Junior Redshirt Baltimore always drafts for need. Getting Dont’a Hightower has to be the Ravens biggest priority. The Ravens did everything necessary this off season except add a 3-4 middle linebacker to compliment or succeed Ray Lewis.

Dont’a Hightower is a 3-4 middle linebacker with the talent and the skill set to succeed Ray Lewis.

Trade Prediction

The New England Patriots do not want this pick. At the rate this draft is going with no trades Buffalo would end up with first round prospect Robert Griffin III in round 2. Seattle gives up their 2013 first round pick to New England to move up to this spot and New England keeps Buffalo from obtaining a first round talent in round 2.

31. Seattle Seahawks from New England Patriots Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt Seattle trades back into round 1 to get Robert Griffin with this pick. The Seahawks need a quarterback and if they do not get one there fans will literally lose it.

32. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior Cleveland needs a blue chip flanker receiving target. Jeff Fuller could be the answer that the Cleveland Browns desperately need.

Previous Pick Cliff Harris Cornerback Oregon Junior

Round 2

33. Washington Redskins Michael Brewster Center Ohio State Senior Michael Brewster is a first round prospect who provides amazing value in round 2. Washington needs a center because after you get a quarterback in round 1 you usually build around that quarterback in round 2.

34. Jacksonville Jaguars Chase Minnifield Cornerback Virginia Senior Redshirt Minnifield did well filling in for Ras I Dowling at cornerback last season. Minnifield’s success should continue in 2011. Minnifield would be the 3rd straight Virginia corner to go in the top 34 behind Ras I Dowling and Chris Carr.

35. Denver Broncos Jared Crick Defensive Tackle Nebraska Senior Denver needs a defensive tackle. If the Broncos do not get a defensive tackle in round 1 they have to draft back to back defensive tackles in rounds 2 and 3. One a scale of 1 being no upgrade necessary at defensive tackle and 10 being that the Broncos need to double dip at defensive tackle in the first two rounds the scale is a 10 at this moment. Denver may have brought in a short term defensive tackle, but they have no long term answer at defensive tackle.

Previous Pick Baker Steinkuhler Defensive Tackle Nebraska Junior Redshirt

36. Cincinnati Bengals Tanner Hawkinson Left Tackle Kansas Junior Redshirt Hawkinson currently lacks the size of a starting left tackle. With the proper development bulking up, watching extensive game tape in the film room, and sitting behind Andrew Whitworth at left tackle Hawkinson could realistically develop into a blindside left tackle for Matt Barkley with the proper coaching in Cincinnati.

Teams tend to build around their quarterback with an offensive lineman or a passing target so I have to believe Hawkinson would be the pick here.

Cincinnati has Taylor Mays and Robert Sands at safety so their secondary could be effective down the road if the offense can generate enough points.

37. Carolina Panthers Zach Brown Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Senior The Panthers need a right outside linebacker on the weak side playing next to Jon Beason.

38. Minnesota Vikings Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Redshirt The Vikings need a weak side linebacker on the right side. Even if Travis Lewis misses the first 8 weeks of the year he still provides a premium value at pick 38 in round 2.

39. Philadelphia Eagles from Arizona Cardinals Levy Adcock Right Tackle Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The Eagles are a right tackle away from contending. Even with a short term right tackle in Ryan Harris this is still a position in need of upgrade. Once Philadelphia upgrades their right tackle spot they will have a year or two to contend for a Super Bowl.

40. San Francisco 49ers Mark Barron Strong Safety Alabama Senior San Francisco could use a strong safety for depth now that Taylor Mays is gone. I know the 49ers added a veteran presence with Donte Whitner, but a player with Mark Barron’s skill set is too good to pass up on at this point. Mark Barron could be a good addition to this 49ers roster.

Previous Pick Devin Taylor 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker South Carolina Junior Redshirt

41. Miami Dolphins Dwayne Allen Tight End Clemson Junior Redshirt The Dolphins will need a tight end for Landry Jones to throw to. Charles Clay is a fullback playing the H back role as a tight end. Playing the H back role is all Clay will amount to. Dwayne Allen is a playmaking tight end who can run effective routes so he provides a tight end upgrade in Miami.

42. Buffalo Bills Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona Senior Redshirt Nick Foles has the arm to combat the windy city of Buffalo. I get the feeling Buffalo will take a flyer on Foles if the Bills get a chance to draft him in round 2.

43. Seattle Seahawks TJ McDonald Strong Safety USC Senior TJ McDonald can play strong safety or free safety. McDonald was a backup to Taylor Mays at USC before Pete Carroll went to the NFL to become the Seahawks head coach.

44. Chicago Bears Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior Chicago loves finding prospects that play for Vanderbilt. Jay Cutler, Chris Williams, Earl Bennett, and DJ Moore. Need I say more?

45. New England Patriots from Oakland Raiders Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior Former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis coached Michael Floyd during Floyd’s first two seasons at Notre Dame. Floyd would really help give New England another long term wide receiver.

Previous Pick Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M

46. Kansas City Chiefs Ricky Wagner Left Tackle Wisconsin Junior Redshirt Drafting Ricky Wagner would solidify the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line. Wagner could start at left tackle with Jared Gaither at right tackle. Then Branden Albert could move to left guard with Barry Richardson serving as a backup right tackle behind Jared Gaither.

Adding Ricky Wagner really solidifies the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line so there is no reason to critique the pick.

47. Indianapolis Colts Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior Omar Bolden will boost the Colts secondary. The only major question with Omar Bolden is his durability.

The Colts secondary featured Kelvin Hayden, Marlin Jackson, Bob Sanders, and Antoine Bethea at one point. Now Bethea is the only starter left while Melvin Bullett plays strong safety next to Bethea.

The Colts have to add a shutdown corner now that Hayden and Jackson are both gone. I will give the Colts Frank Minnifield with this 2nd round pick.

Previous Pick Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior

48. Detroit Lions Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior The Lions need a #1 shutdown corner. Desmond Trufant is the younger brother of Marcus Trufant. Morris Claiborne would be able to become the #1 corner allowing Chris Houston and Eric Wright battle for that #2 corner spot.

Previous Pick Desmond Trufant Cornerback Washington Junior

49. Cleveland Browns Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt Andre Branch has the ability to be a game changer at the 4-3 right end spot. Drafting Branch would allow Cleveland to move Jabaal Sheard to the 4-3 left end spot which he is better suited to play.

50. Tennessee Titans Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior Mohammed Sanu went to the same school as Kenny Britt with Rutgers. Plus Jake Locker never got his new receiving target for the new regime last year. That may be something that Locker wants this season in Tennessee with a new receiving target.

51. New Orleans Saints William Vlachos Center Alabama Senior Redshirt Vlachos lacks the size, but he has the mental attributes to succeed at center. Vlachos can sit behind Olin Kreutz for a year or two bulk up and then become the Saints center.

52. Dallas Cowboys Nico Johnson 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Junior If Anthony Specner does not step up soon then Dallas will need a left outside linebacker for the 3-4 to compliment DeMarcus Ware. Johnson can play the left side or the right side.

53. St. Louis Rams Knile Davis Running Back Arkansas Junior The Rams have the luxury of taking the best player available. Knile Davis is easily the best player available at this point.

54. San Diego Chargers Kheeston Randall 3-4 Right End Texas Corey Liuget cannot play the 3-4 scheme. Even if he adjusts he is a backup and the Chargers could use the 3-4 depth at defensive end.

Previous Pick Billy Winn 3-4 Left End Boise State Senior

55. New York Jets Brandon Lindsey 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Pittsburgh Senior Redshirt The New York Jets need a pass rusher. Brandon Lindsey seems like the kind of 3-4 pass rusher that Rex Ryan would build his defense around.

56. New York Giants Eddie Whitley Free Safety Virginia Tech Senior Antrel Rolle needs to be replaced and Tyler Sash is more of a strong safety who provides nice depth behind strong safety Kenny Phillips rather than starting. Getting Whitley would practically upgrade the Giants secondary. Its scary to think of what the Giants pass defense can do in 2012 if Prince is healthy for all 16 games with playbook experience plus a free safety like Eddie Whitley.

57. Pittsburgh Steelers Shayne Skov 3-4 Middle Linebacker Stanford JuniorShayne Skov is a pass rushing sack artist who plays the 3-4 middle linebacker position. Skov has the talent to play on the outside even though he is better suited on the inside. Pittsburgh has so much depth at the 3-4 outside linebacker spot they can keep Skov at his natural position and develop him into a pro bowler.

Pittsburgh’s 3-4 outside linebackers include James Harrison, LaMaar Woodley, Jason Worilds, rookie sleeper Chris Carter, and rookie walk on Mario Harvey.

Pittsburgh has to draft a 3-4 middle linebacker because Farrior turns 37 in January, Timmons has an expiring contract along with Mike Wallace and Troy Polamalu and Timmons is plan C behind Wallace and Polamalu in terms of importance on Pittsburgh’s roster. Larry Foote is aging plus Stevenson Sylvester is a special teams player at best. The Steelers will take a 3-4 middle linebacker in the first two rounds of this draft because this draft is such a deep draft class at 3-4 middle linebacker.

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers LaMichael James Running Back Oregon Junior Redshirt Tampa Bay takes LaMichael James and pairs him up with former Oregon teammate LeGarrette Blount to make a deadly 1 2 running back punch. The other thing to take into account is that Blount is an RFA in 2012 so if he does poorly he will be replaced.

Trade Prediction Denver throws in their 2012 3rd round pick and their 2012 5th round pick to move up to this spot to pick 59th overall.

59. Denver Broncos from Philadelphia Eagles Baker Steinkuhler Defensive Tackle Nebraska Junior Redshirt The Eagles have the luxury of taking the best available player here. Baker Steinkuhler provides amazing value i

Previous Pick Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior

60. Houston Texans Alameda Ta’amu Nose Tackle Washington Senior Houston needs a nose tackle with size. That is exactly what Ta’amu can bring to this Texans 3-4 defense.

61. Green Bay Packers Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt Green Bay wants a pass rusher. The problem is there are no 2nd round pass rushers available with this pick.

Polk is a 3rd round sleeper prospect who will creep into the first two rounds of mock drafts. I actually like Polk’s ball carrier vision better than Pac 12 back LaMichael James. Ryan Grant enters his contract year so if Green Bay doesn’t retain Grant they may draft a running back here because James Starks was injury prone in college and because Alex Green was a huge reach at the end of round 3 of the 2011 NFL Draft.

62. Baltimore Ravens Ray Ray Armstrong Strong Safety Miami FL JuniorRay Ray Armstrong will step up now that cornerbacks Brandon Harris and DeMarcus Van Dyke are gone. Ray Ray Armstrong has the man coverage and zone coverage ability that a strong safety needs.

Baltimore lost Dawan Landry by free agency so strong safety is a need. Ravens free safety Ed Reed played college ball at Miami FL also and he won’t be around forever. Maybe the Ravens can draft Ray Ray Armstrong as their safety of the future.

63. New England Patriots Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior Bill Belicheck has drafted a cornerback in the first two rounds every year since 2008. As a Patriots blogger and fan I am starting to get sick of Belicheck doing this. BB needs to focus his attention on the pass rush, but something tells me Belicheck adds another corner in 2012.

Previous Pick Donnie Fletcher Cornerback Boston College Senior

64. Atlanta Falcons Michael Egnew Tight End Missouri Senior Egnew is a backup tight end at this point. I believe Egnew could be a star if he sits behind Tony Gonzalez for a year before stepping in as Matt Ryan’s primary tight end.

Round 3

65. Washington Redskins Jerry Franklin 3-4 MLB Arkansas Senior Redshirt Washington needs a 3-4 middle linebacker because Rocky McIntosh struggles in the 3-4 and because London Fletcher is aging plus Fletcher will not be around forever.

Washington may need to make this 2 3-4 middle linebackers, but for now they only need one 3-4 middle linebacker.

66. Philadelphia Eagles from Denver Broncos Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Junior The Eagles have the luxury of taking the best player available. That player would be Ronnell Lewis at this point.

67. Cincinnati Bengals Jake Bequette Left End Arkansas Jake Bequette is the best player available. Cincinnati drafts Bequette as a defensive end who can play left end complimenting Carlos Dunlap.

Previous Pick Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson

68. Jacksonville Jaguars Kenny Tate Free Safety Maryland Senior Kenny Tate was originally a wide receiver when Maryland recruited him out of high school. Since Tate joined Maryland he has played defensive end, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, cornerback, strong safety, and free safety at Maryland. Tate has played all these positions in a 4-3 and a 3-4 scheme.

Some team is going to take a chance on Tate hoping that they can make Kenny Tate the next complete Troy Polamalu type safety. Tate can cover, stuff the run, and blitz. Plus the size and speed is there with Tate so there should be a team who is comfortable with taking a flyer on Tate hoping that Tate molds himself into a pro bowl safety.

Jacksonville needs a starting free safety and if they wait until round 3 to get someone they have to grab Tate.

69. Minnesota Vikings Kevin Zeitler Right Guard Wisconsin Senior The Minnesota Vikings could use an upgrade at right guard. Zeitler would make an amazing addition to the Minnesota Vikings.

70. Arizona Cardinals Elvis Fisher Right Tackle Missouri Senior Redshirt Elvis Fisher was Blaine Gabbert’s blindside at Missouri. Fisher may move to right tackle in the NFL. Arizona needs a left tackle and right tackle so they would be wise to grab Fisher with this pick.

71. Chicago Bears from Carolina Panthers Ben Jones Center Georgia Senior The Chicago Bears land a huge steal at center in Ben Jones. This boosts the interior offensive line allowing the running game to generate more success with their duo of Matt Forte and Marion Barber.

72. Miami Dolphins Jerrel Harris 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior Miami needs a 3-4 outside linebacker to play across from Cameron Wake. Jerrell Harris is the best pass rusher available at this point.

73. San Francisco 49ers Josh Chapman Nose Tackle Alabama Senior Redshirt The 49ers need a starting nose tackle for their 3-4 scheme. Undrafted rookie Ian Williams is not a long term answer. Adding Chapman would solidify the defensive line.

74. Seattle Seahawks Desmond Trufant Cornerback Washington Junior The Seahawks could add a cornerback for depth with this pick. Desmond Trufant is the little brother of Marcus Trufant who is on the Seahawks as a cornerback.

Previous Pick Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior

75. Buffalo Bills Matt Reynolds Left Tackle BYU Senior Redshirt Buffalo needs a left tackle for the future. Demetrius Bell is not a long term answer in Buffalo.

76. Chicago Bears Nate Potter Right Guard Boise State Senior Redshirt Nate Potter is a 2nd round left guard prospect. Chicago will not pass on Potter if he falls to round 3. I know Chris Williams has done well at left guard which is why Nate Potter would play right guard.

77. Kansas City Chiefs Aaron Henry Free Safety Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The Chiefs should get a free safety who can play next to Eric Berry. Aaron Henry is an excellent zone coverage cover 2 safety who could become a center fielder on the Chiefs secondary if Eric Berry decides to be that complete blitzer.

78. Detroit Lions Sean Spence Right Outside Linebacker Miami FL The Detroit Lions need a weak side linebacker like Sean Spence to compliment their 4-3 personnel. Spence is the best 4-3 outside linebacker available in round 3.

Previous Pick Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Oklahoma

79. Indianapolis Colts Ryan Lindley Quarterback San Diego State Senior Redshirt The Colts need to groom a successor for Peyton Manning. Ryan Lindley provides amazing value in round 3.

80. Tennessee Titans Vince Browne Right End Northwestern Senior Redshirt The Titans need a 4-3 right end. Derrick Morgan is better suited as a 4-3 left end stuffing the run.

81. Cleveland Browns Donnie Fletcher Cornerback Boston College The Browns get a #2 cornerback who can play across from Joe Haden down the road.

Previous Pick Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior

82. Dallas Cowboys Rashard Hall Free Safety Clemson Junior Redshirt The Dallas Cowboys need to draft a free safety to replace Rashard Hall.

83. New Orleans Saints Tydreke Powell Defensive Tackle North Carolina Senior Tydreke Powell provides amazing value if he falls to #83 overall. The Saints would be very tempted to draft a defensive tackle with Powell’s potential.

Previous Pick Sean Spence Right Outside Linebacker Miami FL Junior

84. St. Louis Rams Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson Senior The St. Louis Rams could use a defensive tackle for depth even if its not one of their primary priorities.

Previous Pick Keenan Robinson Right Outside Linebacker Texas Senior

85. San Diego Chargers Coryell Judie Cornerback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt The Chargers need a nickel cornerback and Coryell Judie is the best cornerback available.

Previous Pick Brandon Boykin Cornerback Georgia Senior

86. New York Jets Ryan Broyles Wide Receiver Oklahoma Senior Redshirt Despite the fact that I believe Broyles is one of the more overrated receivers in this draft he provides too much long term value at pick #86.

Previous Pick Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina Senior

87. New York Giants Cordy Glenn Left Guard Georgia Senior Mitch Petrus was supposed to be the left guard of the future. The Giants moved Petrus back to right guard and David Diehl will need a successor at the left guard spot. Cordy Glenn is a huge sleeper prospect. Getting him would solidify a long term need at left guard once David Diehl retires.

88. Pittsburgh Steelers Andrew Datko Left Tackle Florida State Senior Jonathan Scott was horrible last year at left tackle, Willie Colon is a right tackle at best, and Marcus Gilbert is a right tackle only. Pittsburgh has to get a blue chip left tackle of the future before I can take them seriously as a Super Bowl player.

89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior Tampa Bay already has starting receivers like Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn, and slot receiver Dezmon Briscoe. Juron Criner could be a good depth option for Josh Freeman.

Previous Pick Emannuel Acho Left Outside Linebacker Texas Senior

90. Houston Texans Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina The Texans could use a #2 receiver next to Andre Johnson. The Texans are in a position where they have the luxury of taking the best player available.

Previous Pick Greg Childs Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior

91. Philadelphia Eagles Tony Dye Strong Safety UCLA Senior Tony Dye played next to free safety Rahim Moore at UCLA last year. Dye has more talent at strong safety than Jaiquann Jarrett who Philadelphia drafted as a strong safety in 2011.

92. Green Bay Packers Brandon Boykin Cornerback Georgia Senior The Green Bay Packers could use another cornerback for depth

Previous Pick Bruce Irvin 3-4 Right Outside LinebackerWest Virginia

93. Baltimore Ravens Ryan Miller Right Guard Colorado Senior RedshirtOher and Yanda will be the starters at left tackle and right tackle. Ryan Miller is the best player available that fills a need.

94. New England Patriots Delano Howell Free Safety Stanford Senior Delano Howell is a two way safety who can play the strong safety or free safety role. Bill Belicheck always drafts safeties that play strong safety or free safety. Brandon Meriweather is in a contract year so I wonder if New England considers drafting Delano Howell.

95. Atlanta Falcons James Rodgers Wide Receiver Oregon State SeniorAtlanta drafted Jacquizz Rodgers maybe they draft his brother James late in round 3.

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