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2012 NFL Mock Draft Weekly Update #2

Published: 21st Sep 11 4:40 pm
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by Chris Ransom
New England Patriots and Dallas Stars Featured Columnist
RANT It!

This week’s NFL mock draft is based on the weekly standings.  0-2 teams pick first then 1-1 teams, with 2-0 teams wrapping things up.  Winless teams who need a quarterback more than others will pick first in the mock drafts due to the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.  The Chiefs have been outscored 89 to 10 in their first 2 games allowing more points and scoring fewer than any team in the league so their up first.

Round 1

1. Kansas City Chiefs 0-2 Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford Junior Redshirt Through 2 games the Kansas City Chiefs have been the bottom feeder of the NFL.  The Chiefs have allowed a league high 89 points while scoring a league low 10 points.  Being outscored 89 to 10 in 2 NFL games is almost as painful as loosing 100 to 0 in a high school basketball basketball game.

Last year when most draft critics including myself thought Jimmy Clausen would succeed my dad went out on a limb and stated that the Panthers would have the leagues worst record and the #1 pick in 2011 and that is exactly what happened.  I on the other hand idiotically thought that Carolina could become a legit team with Clausen until week 7 when I realized that I was wrong about Clausen.

About a month ago my dad asked me who the Chiefs quarterback is when we were watching a preseason game over the summer?  I told him their starter was Matt Cassel.  He replied, “Cassel” in a very distasteful manner like he wasn’t the guy for Kansas City in the long term.  Then he stated that the Chiefs will have the top pick in the 2012 NFL Draft shortly after.  I laughed out loud because I thought the Chiefs would get 7 wins and push the 8 win Chargers for the AFC West Division.

Right now the Chiefs have been outscored 89 to 10 through 2 games allowing more points and scoring fewer points than any other NFL team in the league.

My dad was right about Carolina last year, so I am starting to think my dad is hiding a magic 8 ball in his office that determines who gets the #1 pick in the NFL Draft every year.

Don’t believe my pap, think about it from a business perspective of a sports commissioner running a fixed sport.  The NFL is the most unpredictable sport and its filled with parody.

At the same time you have to ask yourself which of the 7 0-2 teams would the NFL and its fans want to see fail from a business standpoint ending up with the top pick and a chance at a very special player.

There are 4 teams who need a quarterback with Andrew Luck’s skill set that are 0-2.  Those teams are Kansas City, Seattle, Indianapolis, and Miami.

The Colts have Manning and I cannot see Seattle getting a quarterback with Luck’s caliber.  At the end of the day I have to believe a team with a strong fan base, history, and tradition like the Chiefs or Dolphins.  Miami already has the Heat.  While adding Luck would certainly help the Dolphins out, Kansas City is a city that needs Luck more because the Chiefs are not going anywhere with Cassel and you certainly cannot expect me to believe that the Royals will rejuvenate their sports fan base right away despite having a strong farm system that may be the best in the MLB right now.  It makes complete sense for the NFL to give the Chiefs Luck.

I really believe that the NFL would want Kansas City to have the top pick the most among these 4 teams because they have rarely gotten a chance to take someone with the top pick.  The AFC West is one of the weaker divisions and adding a player like Luck makes their division more competitive.

You could make the same case for Seattle.  At the end of the day I just believe that the Chiefs have a stronger fanbase from a nationwide perspective than Seattle.  Maybe I believe this because I used to live in Kansas City or because the mainstream media constantly bashes the west coast.  Either way I am sure there are your fair share of Seahawks fans who completely disagree with me and will go as far as to call me idiotic by making this statement because they believe their team has the stronger fan base because of their huge stadium at Qwest Field that poses a lethal home field threat as a 12th man when opponents enter Seattle.

The Chiefs had one of the best drafts in 2011 bolstering the defense with younger players who could contribute for the Chiefs down the road.  The departure of Charlie Weis along with season ending injuries to key players like running back Jamaal Charles, tight end Tony Moeaki, and strong safety Eric Berry has really set the Chiefs back.

The Chiefs have some core players in place on both sides of the football.  Scott Pioli should hire the quarterback coach that coached Matt Cassel in New England to be the Chiefs head coach.  New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O Brien is in his first year as the Patriots offensive coordinator.  Bill O Brien was a quarterback coach for the Patriots when Cassel filled in for Tom Brady and he was the receivers coach for New England the last two years before Bill Belicheck relinquished complete play calling control.  In 2010 Bill Belicheck was the HC, OC, and DC all at the same time.  Now Bill O Brien is the Patriots offensive coordinator in his first year after being a receiver coach the last 2 seasons for New England.

New England Patriots Pro Bowl quarterback Tom Brady has thrown for a mind boggling 940 passing yards in 2 games while Belicheck has focused on the defensive aspects of this team.

Bill O Brien could draft Andrew Luck with the #1 overall pick and keep Cassel as a developmental backup to Luck or he could part ways with Matt Cassel.  Bill O Brien knows that Cassel is not  a franchise quarterback because he didn’t get New England to the playoffs with a legit supporting cast that Brady had the previous season when the Patriots had their 18-1 season.

Bill O Brien would likely draft Luck as his guy and part ways with Matt Cassel or make him the backup who mentors Luck on the sideline holding the clipboard showing 3rd stringer Ricky Stanzi what it takes to succeed in this league.  2011 late round pick Ricky Stanzi of Iowa would likely get promoted from 3rd stringer to Luck’s backup under the Bill O Brien regime in Kansas City if the Chiefs part ways with Cassel.

If the Chiefs want a defensive minded coach they could get Bill Cowher as a head coach and maybe Ken Whisenhunt as an offensive coordinator if the Cardinals decide to part ways with him.  I don’t think Arizona will give up on Whisenhunt, but if the Chiefs get Cowher to come out of retirement they should get an offensive coordinator to who can help Andrew Luck.

Can you imagine how scary this Chiefs offense would be if they had Luck and everyone back in 2012?  Andrew Luck at quarterback, Jamaal Charles at running back, pro bowl wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, 2011 first round pick wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, and Tony Moeaki at tight end.  The Chiefs would have a Super Bowl caliber offense if they draft Luck while keeping everyone  healthy because Luck is the best quarterback prospect in a long time.  Luck would classify himself as that once in a generation prospect who is clear cut lock to go #1 overall once every 15 years.

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli shifted the Chiefs defensive philosophy from the 4-3 to the 3-4.  Many Chiefs fans questioned this decision at first, but they did not give Pioli the time to adapt his scheme and philosophy.

Pioli used the 2010 and 2011 NFL Drafts to model the Chiefs defense after a younger version of the Pittsburgh Steelers 3-4 defense which could overtake the Steelers as the top 3-4 defense in the league if the Chiefs coaches can continue to develop this defense.

Most of the pieces to this defensive puzzle are in place.  The Chiefs are just waiting for these players to reach their peak and break out into a defense that intimidates.  The Pittsburgh Steelers defense established itself as one of the leagues best in Troy Polamalu’s 3rd year when he tallied 91 tackles, 3 sacks, and 6 interceptions when the Steelers won Super Bowl 40.  Eric Berry had 92 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, and a forced fumble which are very similar to Polamalu’s numbers when he won Super Bowl 40.

I know I sound like I am crazy, but if the Chiefs get Andrew Luck I could see them having a 15-1 type season similar to that 2004-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season when Ben Roethlisberger was a rookie.

I could see this Chiefs team topping that 2004-2005 season the Steelers had if they are lucky enough to draft Andrew Luck because the Kansas City Chiefs have the pieces in place.  The Chiefs just need a quarterback like Luck.  Then this team can contend on both sides of the football when the players stay healthy.

The problem is the Chiefs need a new quarterback.  Matt Cassel was a temporary fix in the early years of the Pioli era in Kansas City.  Cassel is not the long term answer for Pioli’s team Andrew Luck is.

Luck is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning.  Luck can move out of the pocket and scramble if necessary just like Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Luck primarily focuses on reading progressions and pocket passing before taking off and running.

Even though the Chiefs have had numerous quarterbacks besides Len Dawson, none of those quarterbacks have gotten the job done.  Since 1993 the Chiefs have had Joe Montana, Elvis Grbac, Rich Gannon, Trent Green, Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen, Ingle Martin, Quinn Gray, Matt Cassel, Tyler Palko, and they drafted Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft.  This makes a total of 12 quarterbacks within 2 decades.

The Chiefs have brought in a dozen quarterbacks within 20 years and only 2 of those quarterbacks were drafted by the Chiefs.  Those quarterbacks were Brodie Croyle and Ricky Stanzi.

I know the Chiefs didn’t draft Len Dawson and that Dawson led the Chiefs to the promise land when the Chiefs acquired Dawson through free agency in 1962.  The Chiefs have modeled their organization after signing free agent quarterbacks rather than building through the NFL Draft to obtain a franchise signal caller with a 1st round pick for the past 60 years.

Scott Pioli realizes this trend has to end soon.  If  this Chiefs tradition of obtaining a quarterback by free agency or trade rather than building through draft continues for much longer than Pioli will become more senile and decrypt than division rival Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.

With Matt Cassel failing to get the job done I think Pioli will realize that he has to take a quarterback like Luck #1 overall.

Besides quarterback and offensive line depth the Chiefs have nearly every other piece in place to contend.  Quarterback is the most important position and Luck would solve nearly all of the Chiefs problems.

It took the Detroit Lions 50 years to find a franchise signal caller after Bobby Lane left the Lions.  The Chiefs had other quarterbacks who performed well.  None of them delivered a Super Bowl or NFL Championship like Dawson did.

It took the Pittsburgh Steelers nearly 35 years to find a quarterback who possessed a similar Super Bowl winning aurora that Terry Bradshaw had in the 1970′s.

Drafting Andrew Luck gives the Chiefs their first relevant long term face of the franchise since Len Dawson.

2. Seattle Seahawks 0-2 Matt Barkley Quarterback USC Junior Sorry, for making the first pick so long when the pick is so obvious and set in stone at this point.  Its just Andrew Luck and the Kansas City Chiefs are such a match made in heaven that I needed to type nearly 1500 words to express my thoughts on how ideal the fit would be.

If Seattle fails to get Andrew Luck they will get Matt Barkley.  If Carrol keeps his job than he will be reunited with Barkley from his USC glory days during Barkley’s freshman campaign in Southern California.  Otherwise Barkley will be the quarterback for the new regime in Seattle moving forward in 2012.

3. Carolina Panthers 0-2 Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior Carolina’s offense is mainly revolving around quarterback Cam Newton and wide receiver Steve Smith who will likely get cut after this season due to what he is expected to make on his contract.

With Alshon Jeffery’s draft stock tanking and Justin Blackmon being graded as a top 10 pick rather than a top 5 pick its a reach to take Blackmon 3rd overall.

Carolina will try to trade down, get a receiver, and stock up on picks.  Carolina will not get the deal they want though so they will one of the 3 players I mention in the next 3 paragraphs below.

The Panthers old regime John Fox drafted a North Carolina pass rusher in his first year in Carolina.  Maybe Ron Rivera should draft another Tar Heel pass rusher.  Pairing Coples up next to Charles Johnson would give the Panthers a deadly right end left end pass rusher combo for their 4-3 defense.  Carolina’s 2 3rd round picks in the 2011 NFL Draft are starting at defensive tackle so adding Coples would address any concerns that the Panthers defensive line has in year 2 of the Ron Rivera regime.

Carolina has Ryan Kalil at center.  His little brother Matt Kalil is the top offensive lineman prospect on most NFL draft boards.  Some draft experts considered the possibility of the Pouncey brothers reuniting in Pittsburgh.

If Carolina wants to add a cornerback they could go with Dre Kirkpatrick.  The Alabama shutdown corner is 6 foot 3 and was a 5 star recruit out of high school.

Even if Newton flops in the long run the Panthers will let him play his contract out.  The #1 pick in the new rookie wage scale makes about the same amount as the #10 overall pick under the old rookie pay scale.  Making money as a top 10 pick in the old rookie wage scale is still excessive for an unproven rookie entering the league.  Its a much needed improvement over what a #1 pick would use to make.  I will say that much.

4. Minnesota Vikings 0-2 Matt Kalil Left Tackle USC Junior Redshirt People think Matt Kalil is going to become a stonewall, blue collar, blue chip left tackle like Joe Thomas, that can solve any offensive line’s issues for the next decade.

Matt Kalil reminds me more of a Robert Gallery, Trent Williams, or Leonard Davis type player rather than a top 5 left tackle.

I won’t sit here and feed you a bunch of garbage by stating that Matt Kalil is going to be the next Tony Mandarich.

Kalil will find a role in this league.  It just won’t be at left tackle.  If the current Vikings regime believes that Kalil should be Ponder’s blindside then Ponder may end up being a major bust even if he has high upside and potential.

Even though Matt Kalil probably should not play left tackle he can play left guard, center, right guard, or right tackle as a secondary position if left tackle does not work out.  No other left tackle in this draft has that kind of consistency where you can plug them anywhere on the offensive line at any of the 5 positions.

Matt Kalil was 282 pounds coming out of high school.  He enters year 4 at USC and has only added 14 pounds weighing in at 296.  There are 3-4 defensive ends that weigh 296 pounds at the pro level.  If he ran a 40 time under 5 seconds I would be ignoring his size, but if he doesn’t run a 40 time under 5 seconds and he doesn’t have the size then clearly work ethic by refusing to work out in the weight weight room may be an issue for Kalil moving forward.

Kalil is the highest graded left tackle prospect on every draft board in the country.  Kalil is the only offensive lineman projected to go in the top 5 which is why Minnesota will take Kalil making him Ponder’s blindside.

5. Indianapolis Colts 0-2 Jonathan Martin Left Tackle Stanford Junior Redshirt  The Colts are in a similar situation as the Spurs team that landed David Robinson and Tim Duncan.  Martin is a left tackle who reminds me of former Ravens left tackle Jonathan Odgen.  Martin could be a blue chip left tackle that helps Manning get even more time to throw the football.

Martin has the elite skill set to translate into a Joe Thomas or Jake Long type blindside.  Another offensive tackle from USC is getting hype he doesn’t deserve about being a Joe Thomas or Jake Long type elite blindside.

Matt Kalil reminds me of Trent Williams.  Jonathan Martin reminds of Russell Okung.  Kalil is going to be the blindside who gets drafted higher while I believe Martin goes on to have the more productive career down the road.

I like Martin as a left tackle better than Matt Kalil in terms of upside and potential even if Kalil is projected to go higher.

I originally anticipated that Anthony Costanzo would have an immediate impact at left tackle while Ryan Diem played right tackle clearly thats not the case as Costanzo has surrendered 4 sacks in 2 games while Diem moved to right guard.  Costanzo was an amazing pass blocker at Boston College while he struggled run blocking.  Costanzo has struggled early on this Colts roster without Peyton Manning in the pass blocking department so maybe he should move to right tackle.

The Colts need an offensive line with Jonathan Martin at left tackle, Anthony Costanzo at right tackle, Ben Ijalana at left guard, Jeff Saturday at center, and Ryan Diem at right guard.  That would be a deadly offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts.  That is what the Colts get if they take Jonathan Martin with the 5th overall pick.

6. Miami Dolphins 0-2 Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt Even though I am the only person to have Griffin in the first round.  I really like him as a quarterback prospect.  Griffin III has better accuracy, GPA, and football IQ than Landry Jones who is projected to Miami in most mock drafts.

Before the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft I had Robert Griffin III going to Oakland.  The Raiders will not take Robert Griffin III because they took Terrell Pryor in the 2011 Supplemental Draft.  The only other team besides Oakland that I could see taking a flyer on Robert Griffin III in the first two rounds is Miami.  The  The Dolphins could upgrade their secondary, but safety is the glaring weakness.  There are no safeties worth drafting with the 6th overall pick.  I moved Landry Jones stock down after the Oklahoma VS Florida State game so that leaves Robert Griffin III in this #6 pick to Miami by process of elimination.

Griffin III is a dual threat and if Miami’s new regime continues to run the wildcat then Griffin may be the answer.  I think a team will take a flyer on the Baylor dual threat quarterback in the first round.

Griffin III has been consistent in terms of accuracy with a 65.2 and 67 completion percentage prior to this season.

In 2011 during 2 games Robert Griffin III has gone 41/49 with 8 passing touchdowns 0 interceptions, average 12.4 Yards per attempt, posting a 244.5 passer rating, while throwing for 624 passing yards, and posting a mind boggling 83.7 completion percentage.

Robert Griffin III has more experience playing in a pro style offense than 2011 #1 overall pick Cam Newton who managed to post his 2nd consecutive game with 400 or more passing yards in only his 2nd career start which is simply amazing statis for a rookie signal caller.  Like Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton was an unknown who took college football by storm and eventually became the #1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

7. St. Louis Rams 0-2 Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama Junior Steven Jackson’s absence was a huge factor in the Rams 28-16 loss to the New York Giants.  I think its a bit excessive to have Richardson ranked this high in a mock draft.

The thin is some people think Trent Richardson is in the same class as Adrian Peterson in terms of running back value coming out of college.  Peterson was drafted 7th overall so if Richardson is being compared to Peterson as this special running back prospect coming out of college I have no problem with the Rams drafting Richardson.

I do not have Trent Richardson in the top 10 best draft prospects available, but Trent could be a complimentary back for Steven Jackson in St. Louis.

 Running backs have a short lifespan in the NFL and the Rams need to find a successor for Steven Jackson who can eventually surpass him in terms of talent.  Richardson is that guy.

Dre Kirkpatrick is also an option, but they held Eli receivers to under 100 receiving yards and running back is the more pressing need so Richardson is the pick.

8. Cincinnati Bengals 1-1 Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback Alabama Junior Leon Hall covered Brandon Lloyd well.  Eric Decker abused free agent signing Nate Clements in coverage.  Decker had 5 receptions for 113 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns.

I have Kirkpatrick graded out as a top 5 prospect.  The Bengals should seriously consider getting Kirkpatrick and pairing him up with Leon Hall because Nate Clements is not the answer in Cincinnati.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1 Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt Blackmon has been dominant so far for Oklahoma State.  I don’t think he is going to be the top receiver in terms of potential down the road.  Blackmon is the #1 receiver in terms of production at this point which is why Blackmon will be the top receiver taken in 2012 if he continues his posting mind boggling numbers.

10. Denver Broncos 1-1 Vontaze Burfict Middle Linebacker Arizona State Junior DJ Williams moved from middle linebacker in the 3-4 to right outside linebacker playing the weak side WILL role in the 4-3.  Von Miller will succeed at the SAM role and can move to the WILL position down the road.  Denver does not have a middle linebacker who can play the MIKE.  That would be where Vontaze Burfict comes into play.

Denver could also lean towards taking Jayron Hosley as a cornerback of the future.  Denver has Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman.

11. Arizona Cardinals 1-1 Ricky Wagner Left Tackle Wisconsin Junior Redshirt Ricky Wagner has been phenomenal in his first 3 games as a left tackle for Wisconsin.  Some 2007 mock drafts had the Browns taking Brady Quinn at #3 and giving the Cardinals pro bowl left tackle Joe Thomas who played college football at Wisconsin.  Cleveland ended up taking Thomas forcing Arizona to take Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown with a top 5 pick.

Brown has been a colossal bust.  Arizona gets a blue chip left tackle from Wisconsin with this pick.  With a franchise left tackle Arizona’s offense can finally reassert themselves as a explosive offense in the NFC.

12. Dallas Cowboys 1-1 Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior The Cowboys need a cornerback who can help boost their secondary.  Some people consider Jayron Hosley a top 10 talent.

13. Oakland Raiders 1-1 Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior Can’t you envision Al Davis stating the following?  ”Morris Claiborne is an extraoooordnnarrrry playa I must have him on my team.”  I can envision Al Davis saying this which is why I have the Raiders taking Morris Claiborne 12th overall.

14. Chicago Bears 1-1 Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior Michael Floyd has gotten off to a really strong start for Notre Dame.  Floyd has the size that Notre Dame wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has.  Floyd has gotten off to a hot start for Notre Dame while Jeffery has started the year on kind of a low note in terms of production.

Chicago has some very strong depth at wide receiver with guys like Roy Williams, Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, Devin Hester, and Dane Sanzenbacher.  The problem is none of these receivers have the upside, size, or potential of a #1 primary flanker receiver who can have a Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings, or Percy Harvin type of impact.

Floyd may have had some character issues in the offseason, but I have to believe he has put those issues to rest.  Floyd has the upside of a flanker receiver.

Getting a flanker receiver like Floyd who could stretch the field would open things up for the rest of the Chicago’s wide receivers allowing Cutler to pick apart defenses at will.

Cutler already has relative success against secondaries despite getting minimal protection.  Just imagine what he can do if he has a receiver like Floyd and more time from the offensive line.

Look at this way.  Each team in the NFC North except Chicago has a true primary #1 blue chip flanker wide receiver that can be a quarterbacks main go to guy in the passing game.  Green Bay has Greg Jennings.  Detroit has Calvin Johnson.  Minnesota has Percy Harvin when he healthy.  Chicago could get their Jennings, Johnson, or Harvin with this pick by drafting Michael Floyd.

15. Tennessee Titans 1-1 Luke Kuechly Middle Linebacker Boston College Senior Kuechly leads the nation in tackles.  He would be a great addition to the Titans roster.

16. Cleveland Browns 1-1 Mante Te’0 Right Outside Linebacker Notre Dame Junior The Browns need a weak side linebacker for the 4-3 scheme.  Te’o is a can’t miss linebacker prospect.

17. New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints 1-1 Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina Junior Alshon Jeffery is a beast.  Its a shame he is not getting more opportunities at South Carolina.  Jeffery is likely going to go pro after this year.

SPOILER ALERT! I HAVE THE GIANTS PICKING AT 18 in this weeks NFL mock draft.

Belicheck knows that Giants pick next Jerry Reese will jump at the chance to draft Alshon Jeffery if he falls to #18 overall the same way Reese jumped at the chance of drafting a top 10 prospect in Prince Amukamara.  New England’s offense is already nearly impossible to stop when Tom Brady is on his A game.  Adding Jeffery gives Tom Brady another element to add to New England’s offense.

People will start comparing the Patriots offense to a Chuck Norris joke if they draft Jeffery because this offense is nearly unstoppable clicking on all cylinders right  now.

I know that New England should get a 4-3 right end/3-4 right outside linebacker that would be a hybrid linebacker, but they simply cannot pass on Alshon Jeffery if he drops this far.  I realize that Jeffery has started off on the wrong foot with limited production, but I believe this is a receiver with Calvin Johnson’s size and Andre Johnson’s talent.

18. New York Giants 1-1 Zach Brown Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Senior The Giants need a 4-3 right outside linebacker.  Its not that Michael Boley is incapable of getting the job done.  Its just that Zach Brown is such a major upgrade over Boley.  Reese addresses critical need year after year by finding a position of need and addressing that position by taking the best player available.

 19. Pittsburgh Steelers 1-1 Riley Reiff Left Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt Riley Reiff would provide Pittsburgh with a blue chip blindside franchise left tackle.  Besides Maurkice Pouncey no one on this offensive line is guaranteed a starting role in the long term until Ben Roethlisberger retires.

Reiff is used to wearing black and gold on Saturday’s at Iowa.  Now he will get the chance to wear black and gold on Sunday’s if the Steelers draft him with the 19th pick.

2012 and 2013 are both strong left tackle classes.  Jonathan Scott is a horrible pass blocker and they need to replace him at left tackle.  Marcus Gilbert was a quality right tackle at Florida who can develop at right tackle starting at right tackle down the road as Reiff’s bookend.  Gilbert will not develop into an elite blindside protector like Reiff though.

Pittsburgh has to draft a left tackle in round 1 before they reenter the conversation as a Super Bowl Contender.  The guards have struggled too, but your offensive line starts with tackle play.  You can’t throw star center Maurkice Pouncey under the bus when their are no other blue chip offensive lineman who will help him out.

By drafting Reiff the offensive tackles for the future are set in stone with Reiff at left tackle and Colon playing right tackle with Gilbert coming in when Colon is injured.  Adding Reiff would finally give Ben enough time to read his progressions when he is in the pocket.

As someone who has a strong displeasure of watching Pittsburgh win every Sunday I am openly admitting that Kevin Colbert is one of the best GM’s in the business.  Colbert has hit the jackpot with a vast majority of his draft picks and it translates to the Pittsburgh Steelers winning on Sunday’s.

One thing Colbert did wrong was release offensive tackles Max Starks and Flozell Adams.  Colts GM Bill Polian admitted he made a mistake when he passed on Roger Saffold in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Colbert may admit the same mistake later this year about releasing his bookends Max Starks and Flozell Adams if Pittsburgh’s offensive line continues to perform this woeful down the stretch.

The reason why Pittsburgh lost to the Ravens on opening day is because they underestimated Baltimore while failing to give Ben the time he needs in the pocket.

The only offensive lineman on Pittsburgh who deserves a hall pass is Maurkice Pouncey everybody else is expendable at this point.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-1 Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior Drafting Gilmore fills a potential hole at cornerback once Ronde Barber retires.  Myron Lewis could develop into a #2 corner, but he is a nickel corner at best right now.  Lewis would have to step into the #1 corner role if Talib cannot stay out of trouble.  That is something the Buccaneers organization cannot count on so the Buccaneers have to go with a cornerback here.

21. San Francisco 49ers 1-1 Chase Minnifield Cornerback Virginia Senior The 49ers are my early favorite to win the NFC West based on the current standings.  I cannot see Arizona putting up a fight until their offensive line gets an extreme makeover.

The 49ers need a cornerback.  Chase Minnifield is a legit option for San Francisco.

22. San Diego Chargers 1-1 Donte Paige Moss 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Junior Donte Paige Moss is the best 3-4 pass rusher available in terms of draft value.  The Chargers front office will be thrilled if Donte Paige Moss falls to #22 overall.  Donte Paige Moss plays a 4-3 defensive end role at North Carolina.  In the NFL he will have to commit to being a full time 3-4 pass rusher due to his size.  The question is can he adjust to a 3-4 defense?  That is where I have some doubts about Paige Moss.  It will be interesting to see if the Chargers front office feels the same way I do about Donte Paige Moss as a prospect.  In the end I see San Diego drafting Donte Paige Moss because of his value because some projected him as a top 10 pick.

23. Philadelphia Eagles 1-1 Bobbie Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior The Eagles need to get left handed quarterback Michael Vick a blindside at right tackle.  Most times the left tackle is the blindside because quarterbacks throw with their right hand.  Vick is a lefty which is why right tackle would be where Vick’s blindside would be.  The Eagles dream team can keep dreaming about a Super Bowl until this woeful offensive line gets addressed with a blindside right tackle to aid the Eagles offensive line.

The Eagles could also consider right outside linebacker Zach Brown.

24. Baltimore Ravens 1-1 Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Middle Linebacker Alabama Senior  The Ravens are going to draft a 3-4 middle linebacker in 2012.  Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome has already hinted this so I have to believe they will draft Courtney Upshaw.

If Upshaw fails to impress Baltimore then they could his 3-4 middle linebacker teammate Donta Hightower.  The Ravens could also  take one of Upshaw’s teammates at safety.  Alabama strong safety Mark Barron would provide an absence since the departure of Dawan Landry and Alabama free safety Robert Lester could be Ed Reed’s successor.  I doubt they go with Barron though because strong safety Tob Zbikowski is capable of holding the strong safety spot for the time being in Baltimore.

The Ravens could look towards Ohio State center Michael Brewster or add a 5 technique 3-4 left end to compliment 3-4 right end Haloti Ngata.  At one time I thought the rotation of Cory Redding and Paul Kruger appeared promising.  Since then, the Ravens have moved 4-3 end Pernell McPhee to a 3-4 end role which he will fail at.  That is why the Ravens should consider a 5 technique player.

25. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons 1-1 Brandon Jenkins Right End Florida State Junior Adding Brandon Jenkins would really help boost the Browns 4-3 defense.  I believe Jabaal Sheard is better suited as a 4-3 left end.  He recorded a sack against Kerry Collins, but he got by Anthony Costanzo who has already surrendered 4 sacks in 2 starts at left tackle.

26. Buffalo Bills 2-0 Bruce Irvin 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker West Virginia Senior Irvin was a relentless sack artist pass rusher at West Virginia.  This week LSU travels to West Virginia.  I am going to post a scouting report on Bruce Irvin because I really like him as a late first round prospect this week.

Fun fact, Irvin’s video game counter part Bruce Irvin appears in the bestselling fighting game series Tekken made by Namco.

27. Detroit Lions 2-0 Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior I would have gave the Lions Ohio State left tackle Mike Adams.  The Lions pass blocking has not allowed a sack.  The Lions have needs at left tackle and cornerback, but corner appears to be the more pressing need with the  Lions pass blocking so well so far this season.

Chris Houston can be the Lions #2 corner with Eric Wright playing nickel, and Brandon McDonald being a dime corner.  Janoris Jenkins does have some character issues, but he can hold his own as a cornerback with #1 cornerback talent like Aqib Talib if he stays out of trouble.

28. New York Jets 2-0 Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior The Jets will need a #2 receiver who can compliment Santonio Holmes.  Jeff Fuller is a long term answer.  I am not completely sold on Plaxico Burress.

29. Washington Redskins 2-0 Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma Junior Redshirt Landry Jones had a sloppy game against Florida State.  Jones looked really impulsive throwing interceptions.  Jones has that clutch factor to rally a team like Andrew Luck that Matt Barkley hasn’t displayed as he fired a touchdown pass to Kenny Stillis.

I have watched the game tape of Jones and there are very predictable play calls that can be picked up on Jones game tape.  Oklahoma runs a spread offense.  Jones usually uses the deep pass on the 5 step drop and 7 step drop.  Defensive coordinators will pick up on this and pressure Jones using zone coverage cover 4 shells to make him adjust his game.

That’s why I am down on Jones in terms of draft stock.  Washington is one team that should draft Jones if he falls this far.  Rex Grossman can start for now, and putting Landry Jones in Washington gives him ample time to develop a successor for when Rex Grossman leaves the team.

Grossman may be a short term solution, but he is not a long term need.  John Beck is 30 years old now so he isn’t the quarterback of the future by any means necessary.

Most people have Jones as a top 10 prospect.  I would not draft Jones in the first two rounds, but Jones is going to be a first round pick due to the fact that so many teams are looking for quarterbacks.  After Miami there was a huge drop off with teams needing a quarterback in the first round based on the current NFL Standings in my NFL Mock Draft even though Jones should arguably go at least 10-15 spots higher.  That’s why Landry Jones fell to #29 overall in this 2012 NFL Mock Draft.

30. Houston Texans 2-0 Robert Lester Free Safety Alabama Junior Redshirt The Texans need to bring a free safety who can start for the Texans secondary.

31. Green Bay Packers 2-0 Kheeston Randall 3-4 Right End Texas Senior Randall would provide an upgrade to the Packers 3-4 defensive line.  He could fill the void that Cullen Jenkins opened when he left the Green Bay Packers.

32. New England Patriots 2-0 Melvin Ingram Right End South Carolina Senior The Patriots need a 4-3 right end.  Melvin Ingram is a true 4-3 right end pass rusher who could be the Patriots pass rusher moving forward for the new 4-3 defense that they plan on transitioning to down the road.

Round 2

33. Kansas City Chiefs o-2 Andrew Datko Left Tackle Florida State Senior I listed Datko as a 1st round talent going in round 3.  People think Datko should be a first round pick at right tackle.  He has the talent and skill set to have a Roger Saffold type impact winning the left tackle job from Branden Albert becoming Luck’s blindside in Kansas City.

Andrew Datko would start right away and become an elite left tackle blindside for Andrew Luck at left tackle.  Branden Albert the current Chiefs left tackle was a left guard in college.  His experience at left tackle would help him translate to a right tackle role which would much better suit him.  Right Tackle is another need the Chiefs need to address with the Chiefs needing an upgrade to replace injury prone Jared Gaither who cannot seem to stay healthy.

Drafting Datko kills two birds with one stone because Datko can become Luck’s blindside and it allows Branden Albert to move to right tackle.

Ryan Lilja is moving back to left guard with Jon Asamoah starting at right guard.  Rodney Hudson will be the Chiefs center of the future.

Kansas City’s offensive line will be set with a blindside like Datko for the new regime in Kansas City.

34. Seattle Seahawks 0-2 David DeCastro Right Guard Stanford Junior Redshirt Seattle solidifies their offensive line woes by drafting the Stanford right guard kicking John Moffitt a 2011 draft pick on the offensive line into the left guard spot.

35. Carolina Panthers 0-2 Cliff Harris Cornerback Oregon Junior I realize that the Panthers need a receiver.  The problem is their are still 2 first round cornerback prospects with Cliff Harris and emerging Vanderbilt corner Casey Heyward.  Nebraska’s Alfonzo Dennard is another guy worth considering with this pick.

The Panthers can either draft for need and do whatever is necessary to help Newton succeed as quickly as possible by getting them a wide receiver since I gave them Coples with their top 5 pick.  The other direction would be to draft for need and value early in round 2 by taking a late round 1 cornerback prospect at the top of round 2.  Why am I inclined to believe that the Panthers may lean towards the latter?

36. Minnesota Vikings 0-2 Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior Everson Griffin is beginning to prove he can become an asset with the Vikings.  The Minnesota Vikings add a wide receiver and draft for need with Mohammed Sanu to be a #2 receiving target across from Percy Harvin.

37. Indianapolis Colts 0-2 Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona Senior Redshirt The Colts need to draft a quarterback for the future with this pick.  Nick Foles could really do well in an atmosphere like Indianapolis where he sits out behind Manning for a few years until he develops into a quality starter.

38. Miami Dolphins 0-2 Dwayne Allen Tight End Clemson Junior Redshirt The Dolphins get a weapon to build around their quarterback in round 2.  Clemson’s tight end Dwayne Allen will get slotted into this pick.  If he returns to school than Michael Egnew could get this slot.

39. St. Louis Rams 0-2 Jerel Worthy Defensive Tackle Michigan State Junior Redshirt Worthy is worthy of being a first round prospect.  Some mock drafts have Worthy going in the top 10.  This mock draft is based on the current NFL standings.  The teams that needed defensive tackles had other more pressing needs and saw better players available in round 1 which is why Worthy falls to #39.  We see players in the draft fall a lot farther than we think all the time so this could happen.

40. Cincinnati Bengals 1-1 Marcus Forston Defensive Tackle Miami FL Junior Redshirt The Bengals could use some defensive tackle help to boost their defensive line play.  Forston is a first round prospect who would provide amazing value if he slid to round 2.

41. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1 Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt The Jaguars took a receiver for Gabbert in round 1.  They shift their focus to defense and get their pass rusher in round 2 with their offensive pieces in place.

I considered Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Heyward here because he is was one of the NCAA top 5 leaders in interceptions last week.  Ole Miss threw away from Heyward because he covered so well and as a result Vanderbilt’s secondary obtained  5 interceptions due to Heyward’s coverage.  If this draft class wasn’t so stacked at corner I could see Heyward being a late round 1 corner.

Heyward is a guy who I have graded out as a first round prospect who falls to round 2.  A big Senior Bowl and NFL Combine could cause Heyward’s stock to rise if he performs well.

At the end of the day right end is the most important position when building a 4-3 defense.  Aaron Kampman moved to 4-3 left end and Jeremy Mincey is starting at right end in the Jaguars 4-3 scheme.  Mincey isn’t even equipped to start at left end.  Aaron Kampman and Matt Roth should be starting at right end and left end.  The fact that Kampman moved to left end illustrates the Jaguars dire need to upgrade the right end spot in 2012.

42. Denver Broncos 1-1 Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman are both in their 30′s.  A cornerback for the future is needed.

The current heirs to inherit the Denver cornerback club are Cassius Vaughn, Chris Harris, and Jonathan Wilhite.  None of these corners can bear the responsibility of being a starting corner.

John Fox ignored the defensive tackle need in Carolina and constantly drafted secondary players.  Heyward is a second round pick who is emerging as a late first round prospect.

Heyward falls to this pick because of the deep talent in this draft class.  Especially the talent at cornerback.  Heyward recorded 5 interceptions in 2010 and 2 interceptions in the first two weeks.  His outstanding coverage against Ole Miss led to 5 interceptions and now his teammate Trey Wilson leads the nation in interceptions thanks to Heyward’s coverage ability.

Heyward may be a bust in terms of potential, but he may succeed in an atmosphere like Denver where Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman are mentoring him closely.

43. Philadelphia Eagles from Arizona Cardinals 1-1 Mike Adams Left Tackle Ohio State Senior Jason Peters is an amazing run blocker.  He is horrible in pass blocking situations.  Adding a pass blocker at left tackle like Mike Adams who would be used as a rotational tackle behind Peters would totally bolster the defensive line.

44. Dallas Cowboys 1-1 Mark Barron Strong Safety Alabama Senior The Dallas Cowboys need safety upgrades at both spots.  Barron happens to be a first round prospect.

45. New England Patriots 1-1 from Oakland Raiders Michael Brewster Center Ohio State Senior The Patriots watched Dan Koppen get injured.  Dan Connolly is more suited to start at right guard.  If Michael Brewster falls this far then I could see Bill Belicheck taking a flyer on Brewster in round 2.

Like Belicheck’s round 1 pick with Alshon Jeffery in this mock draft, he knows that Chicago will draft Brewster if they get the chance in round 2 since the interior offensive line is a pressing need for the Bears in terms of pass blocking.

46. Chicago Bears 1-1 Alfonzo Dennard Cornerback Nebraska Senior Dennard could be an effective #1 field corner.  A field corner is a shutdown corner who usually plays one on one coverage against a top flight flanker receiver.  The Bears have talent at cornerback.  They do not have a field corner that can contain Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings, or Percy Harvin for 60 minutes.  Dennard could become that guy in Chicago.

47. Tennessee Titans 1-1 Devin Taylor Left End South Carolina Junior Redshirt I think the Titans would be best suited to get a 4-3 right end moving Derrick Morgan to a 4-3 left end role.  The bottom line is Morgan is a first round pick and their paying him too much from a business standpoint to replace him or give up on him moving him to a 4-3 left end role.  Tennessee does need a second defensive end with Jason Babin’s departure.

Devin Taylor was once a late first round pick.  His poor early season start causes him to fall to this slot.  The Titans grab Taylor and address the defensive line.

48. Cleveland Browns 1-1 Jake Bequette Left End Arkansas Senior Redshirt Jabaal Sheard may succeed at right end.  He got his first sack in week 2 so maybe I was premature in saying that the Browns should move him to left end.  The Browns still have to get a 2nd defensive end to compliment Sheard even if he is the right end of the future in Cleveland.

49. New Orleans Saints 1-1 Levi Adcock Right Tackle Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The Saints need to find a right tackle upgrade.  Their pass blocking has looked woeful at the right tackle spot so far.

Left Tackle Jermon Bushrod saved his job by keeping Julius Peppers in check after a poor performance in week 1 against Green Bay proving he can still be Drew Brees blindside in New Orleans.

Bushrod may be the Saints blindside.  This still does not change the fact that the Saints need a right tackle to be a bookend to Bushrod.

50. New York Giants 1-1 Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson Senior Some mock drafts have Thompson going to the Giants in round 1.  They can get him in round 2 and he is a 2nd round talent.

51. Pittsburgh Steelers 1-1 Donta Hightower 3-4 MLB Alabama Junior Redshirt Hightower is a 1st round prospect who could fall into round 2.  Pittsburgh will need a 3-4 middle linebacker with James Farrior turning 37 in January.  Hightower is the best player available and he could succeed Farrior and compliment Timmons in Pittsburgh.

52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-1 Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt Polk is the only 2nd round back in this draft.  He could be a great complimentary back to LeGarrette Blount.

53. San Francisco 49ers 1-1 Billy Winn 3-4 Left End Boise State Senior Redshirt The 49ers get a 3-4 defensive end for depth with this pick.  Winn is considered a 1st round prospect.  He falls to this pick due to the depth of the 2012 Draft Class.

54. San Diego Chargers 1-1 Kevin Zeitler Right Guard Wisconsin Senior As much as I would like to see the Chargers upgrade the right tackle spot they paid Clary too much money to take a right tackle in the first two rounds.  Something tells me they bring in a right guard like Kevin Zeitler to challenge him for the job.

55. Philadelphia Eagles 1-1 Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Redshirt Lewis provides too much value at the weak side linebacker spot playing the WILL at that right outside linebacker spot.  The Eagles have to draft him in round 2 if he slides this far.  The 2011 Eagles linebackers can develop if we give them the time.  Lewis may be an upgrade over them, but durability is an issue with Lewis now at right outside linebacker.

56. Baltimore Ravens 1-1 TJ McDonald Free Safety USC Junior The Ravens will need a successor to Ed Reed.  The Ravens get TJ McDonald to be that player in round 2.

57. Atlanta Falcons 1-1 Michael Egnew Tight End Missouri Senior Michael Egnew is a tight end who is capable of being the successor to Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta for the long run.

58. Buffalo Bills 2-0 Ryan Broyles Wide Receiver Oklahoma Senior Redshirt The Bills draft Ryan Broyles as a complimentary receiver to Stevie Johnson.

59. Detroit Lions 2-0 William Vlachos Center Alabama Senior Redshirt Vlachos may lack the size, but he has the intangibles to start at center for Detroit.  The Lions have no #2 center on the depth chart behind Dominic Raiola who turns 33 in December.

Raiola will be owed 3.4 million if their offensive line performs this well they may let Raiola return for another year letting Raiola play until Vlachos bulks up.

60. New York Jets 2-0 Brandon Lindsey 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Pittsburgh Senior  Redshirt The star player of the Jets secondary is a Pittsburgh alumnus.  Lindsey could be a pass rusher that pressures the quarterback allowing Revis to become even more dangerous than he already is.

61. Washington Redskins 2-0 Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior The Redskins get a wide receiver for Landry Jones to throw to down the road in Washington.

62. Houston Texans 2-0 Alameda Ta’amu Nose Tackle Washington Senior The Texans could use a skill set with the talent of Alameda Ta’amu.  Nose tackle would be a need for the Texans 3-4 secondary.

63. Green Bay Packers 2-0 Shayne Skov 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Stanford Junior Redshirt I realize Skov was carted off the field Saturday Night.  I still believe he could make a push into the late 2nd round if he declares while his draft stock takes a huge hit.  Green Bay likes 3-4 outside linebackers who play college ball in the Pac 12.  There is no reason to see why Green Bay would not pair Shayne Skov up with Clay Matthews.

64. New England Patriots 2-0 Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior Redshirt New England has a thing for taking cornerbacks in the first 2 rounds.  The Patriots have used this tactic every year since the 2008 NFL Draft. Omar Bolden has the upside and potential to become a #1 corner talent for New England who would be a #2 corner next to Devin McCourty.  Bolden could compete with Leigh Bodden and Ras I Dowling for the #2 cornerback spot.

Round 3

65. Kansas City Chiefs 0-2 Eddie Whitley Free Safety Virginia Tech Senior Kansas City needs a free safety upgrade.  Whitley is a 2nd round prospect.  Kansas City will take Whitley if he falls to round 3 as a value pick.

66. Seattle Seahawks 0-2 Desmond Trufant Cornerback Washington Junior The Seahawks #2 corner is CFL player is Brandon Browner.  Pairing Desmond Trufant up with his older brother would boost Seattle’s secondary plus it would be pretty cool to see two brothers as a cornerback tandem on the same team.

67. Chicago Bears from Carolina Panthers 0-2 Kelechi Osmele Left Guard Iowa State Senior Redshirt Osmele was a 2012 first round prospect at one point.  Osmele is a left tackle at Iowa State who will move to left guard in the NFL because he lacks the footwork despite having mass size for an offensive lineman.  The Bears addressed their offensive line woes at offensive tackle in 2011 so they could use 2012 to focus on the left guard spot.

68. Minnesota Vikings 0-2 Jared Crick Defensive Tackle Senior Redshirt Crick is a 2nd round prospect falling to round 3.  I know Crick has the talent and skill set of  an early 2nd round pick.  Minnesota could bring in another defensive tackle to compete with Christian Ballard and Crick is the best player available in round 3.  Minnesota will try to draft a best player available for value.

69. Indianapolis Colts 0-2 Baker Steinkuhler Defensive Tackle Nebraska Junior Redshirt Steinkuhler is a 2nd round talent who will fall to round 3.  The Colts signed some short term free agents at defensive tackle, but none of these defensive tackles solidify a long term need.

70. Miami Dolphins 0-2 Kenny Tate Free Safety Maryland Senior Tate had the ability to play any natural position on defense.  Tate is best utilized as a safety in the NFL though.  The Dolphins need safety upgrades at both spots.

71. St. Louis Rams 0-2 Aaron Henry Free Safety Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The Rams need a free safety now that OJ Atogwe is gone.  Aaron Henry is considered  a 3rd round prospect.  The Rams have to get Henry.

72. Cincinnati Bengals 1-1 Jonathan Massaquoi Left End Troy Junior Redshirt The Bengals could use a 4-3 left end for depth on their roster.  A defensive end would bolster Cincinnati’s pass rush.  Massaquoi is a 2nd round talent in 2012 who could be a top 5 pick in 2013 if he returns for his senior year.

73. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1 Donnie Fletcher Cornerback Boston College Senior The Jaguars need a #2 cornerback who can play next to Rashean Mathis.  That player would be Donnie Fletcher.

74. Denver Broncos 1-1 Ryan Lindley Quarterback San Diego State Senior Redshirt The Broncos get a project quarterback who could challenge Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn for the starting job in Denver.

75. Arizona Cardinals 1-1 Elvis Fisher Right Tackle Missouri Senior Redshirt The Cardinals have to take a right tackle with this pick that can become a bookend to the Cardinals 2012 first round pick since Arizona traded their 2012 2nd round pick to the Eagles.

76. Dallas Cowboys 1-1 Nico Johnson 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior The Cowboys need a 3-4 left outside linebacker who can compliment DeMarcus Ware.  Johnson can play the 3-4 right outside linebacker and the 3-4 left outside linebacker roles.

77. Chicago Bears 1-1 Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Junior The Bears could use a strong side linebacker.  Lewis has 2nd round talent and he provides a great value pick for Chicago if he falls to round 3.

78. Tennessee Titans 1-1 Tony Dye Strong Safety UCLA Senior The Titans will need a strong safety in case the Titans fail to resign Chris Hope.

79. Cleveland Browns 1-1 Coryell Judie Cornerback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt The Cleveland Browns could use another cornerback for depth.  Judie is capable of recording interceptions.  Cleveland already has a field corner who plays a shutdown corner role with man coverage ability with Joe Haden.

80. New Orleans Saints 1-1 Tydreke Powell Defensive Tackle North Caroina Senior The New Orleans Saints could use another defensive tackle prospect for depth.  Tydreke Powell is considered a 2nd round prospect.  If he falls to New Orleans in round 3 then the Saints may take a value pick by considering drafting Powell.

81. New York Giants 1-1 Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina Senior Dwight Jones could start out as a slot receiver and eventually become a #2 option to former Tar Heel star receiver for the New York Giants Hakeem Nicks.

82. Pittsburgh Steelers 1-1 Josh Chapman Nose Tackle Senior Redshirt The Pittsburgh Steelers could use a nose tackle for depth.  Josh Chapman could be a successor to Casey Hampton.

83. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-1 Nate Potter Left Guard Boise State Senior Redshirt Nate Potter is a 2nd round prospect.  There is just so much depth in this draft  so Potter falls a bit further than expected.  Tampa Bay needs an upgrade to Ted Larsen at left guard so they take a flyer on Nate Potter with the 82nd overall pick.

84. San Francisco 49ers 1-1 Kerry Murphy Nose Tackle Alabama #64 Junior Redshirt The 49ers add a nose tackle to their roster by drafting Kerry Murphy.  Nose Tackle is one of the positions that San Francisco should upgrade now

85. San Diego Chargers 1-1 Brandon Boykin Cornerback Georgia Senior The Chargers obtain a nickel cornerback for depth.

86. Philadelphia Eagles 1-1 Ryan Miller Right Guard Colorado Senior Redshirt Danny Watkins will move to left guard after this season.  The Eagles may want to add a right guard.

87. Baltimore Ravens 1-1 Greg Childs Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior The Ravens could add another receiver for depth.  I know Baltimore has Anquan Boldin and Lee Evans, but I feel like the Ravens may need another long term receiver for depth until Flacco can prove he can make a Super Bowl run in the AFC.

88. Atlanta Falcons 1-1 Vince Browne Right End Northwestern Senior Redshirt The Falcons need a successor to Jonathan Abraham.  Vince Browne is the best player available.

89. Buffalo Bills 2-0 Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior The Buffalo Bills could use a backup quarterback to Ryan Fitzpatrick to develop for the future.  Maybe Kirk Cousins is the answer in Buffalo.  Cousins has experience in Chan Gailey’s spread offense.

90. Detroit Lions 2-0 Sean Spence Right Outside Linebacker Miami FL Senior The Detroit Lions add a right outside linebacker for depth on their roster.  Sean Spence could be used as a backup who could eventually develop into a replacement for DeAndre Levy at the WILL.

91. New York Jets 2-0 Jerrell Harris 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Senior Alabama The Jets could use 2 rush linebackers for their 3-4 scheme.  Jerrell Harris is a 3rd round prospect who can play a 3-4 left outside linebacker role.

92. Washington Redskins 2-0 Jerry Franklin 3-4 Middle Linebacker Arkansas Senior Redshirt The Washington Redskins need a 3-4 middle linebacker with London Fletcher aging.

93. Houston Texans 2-0 Ty Hilton Wide Receiver Florida Atlantic Senior Ty Hilton could give Matt Schaub another receiver to work with.  Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones are good, but another receiver to compete with Walter and Jones would really help the Texans.

94. Green Bay Packers 2-0 Rashard Hall Free Safety Junior Redshirt The Green Bay Packers could use a backup at free safety for depth.  Nick Collins is still one of the best free safeties in the league.  Green Bay would simply be drafting his backup.

95. New England Patriots 2-0 Delano Howell Strong Safety Stanford Senior Howell is a two way safety who can play strong safety or free safety.  Patrick Chung was a strong safety last year, but he moved to free safety.  Josh Barrett is not capable of starting at strong safety for the Patriots.  New England should draft his replacement with this pick.

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