Round 5:129. Detroit Lions – Hunter Cantwell, QB Louisville
With the hundred and twenty ninth selection the Detroit Lions select Louisville quarterback Hunter Cantwell. The Detroit Lions need a quarterback to be the face of the franchise and it can be said that their first round selection should have been used on one, but I think with the weak QB class and the fact that the Detroit Lions need a full team before a quarterback can come in and be successful, they grab a guy with great potential later on in Hunter Cantwell, he doesn't have the amazing stats that pro scouts look for but he has all the intangibles and measureables to be a great quarterback in the future and considering new OC Scott Linehan has Dante Culpepper and Drew Stanton on the roster they can spend some time developing a young talent while they stockpile talent for the rest of the team. This pick could also be a wide receiver to play opposite CJ or even a defensive end considering Cliff Avril is a situational pass rusher and not an every down defensive lineman.
130. St. Louis Rams – Mitch King, DE/DT Iowa
With the hundred and thirtieth selection the St. Louis Rams select Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King. Mitch King has proved to be an incredible player with his performance at the Senior Bowl and his entire career at Iowa and I'm sure Steve Spagnuolo will find a place for him as he is far too talented not to see the field. Somehow I imagine that Mitch King becomes a Justin Tuck style player, a defensive end who can kick in and play UT in pass rush situations so that the Rams can pressure the passer on passing downs with more intensity than they're used to and without having to bring the blitz and leave themselves susceptible to the big play. King has great size and speed for a DT and LE, he sheds blockers and makes plays and he should absolutely be the selection here as the Rams definitely need to increase the talent on their defensive front.
131. Kansas City Chiefs – Kevin Barnes, CB Maryland
With the hundred and thirty first selection the Kansas City Chiefs select Maryland cornerback Kevin Barnes. Kevin Barnes has everything Kansas City needs in a cornerback, he's got good size and speed and he has played well in ACC but he has been hampered by a shoulder injury that will cause his stock to plummet from a potential first day selection to a now 5th round prospect. Kansas City found a great player in rookie Brandon Flowers who I think deserved votes for defensive rookie of the year as he helped sure up a Kansas City secondary that was once a liability, now, the Chiefs just need to lock up the other corner spot where incumbent veteran Patrick Surtain is still present. Barnes still has enough time to recover from his shoulder injury and improve his stock with a good combine and Pro Day work out but as it currently stands he is a solid pick up for the Chiefs here as he can play the nickel package and then move into a starting role when the Chiefs let Surtain go.
132. Denver Broncos (from Seattle) – Sammie Lee Hill, DT Stillman
With the hundred and thirty second selection the Denver Broncos select the gargantuan Stillman defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill. With this selection, the Broncos can just about complete their conversion from 4-3 team to 3-4 as all they were missing was the road grating, run stuffing, blocker occupying big body defensive tackle and Sammie Lee Hill fits the description to a tee, he is 6'4" and 330 lbs of pure animal intensity and even though he didn't play against top level competition his senior campaign was very impressive as he registered 15.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks proving that he is more than just a big body occupying some blockers, he can collapse the pocket and rush the passer as well and Denver grabbing him will give their defensive front 7 some added mass to stack up against the run as Denver has been absolutely atrocious at keeping opposing backs from shredding them.
133. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland) – Xavier Fulton, OT Illinois
With the hundred and thirty-third selection the Eagles select the finesse blocking offensive tackle from Illinois in Xavier Fulton. This pick is purely best player available as Philadelphia does not have many needs on either side of the ball, but with William "Tre" Thomas and Jon Runyan's future in question and wondering whether Winston Justice will be able to bounce back from getting severely owned by Osi Umenyiora a year ago, the Eagles grab another offensive lineman who can play tackle or guard. With their first round selection of Alex Mack and now Xavier Fulton, this gives the Eagles a lot of options with what they plan to do with their offensive line in the future as they can kick Herremans out to tackle and put Mack at left guard and have Shawn Andrews move out to RT and Max Jean-Gilles or Nick Cole play RG while Fulton provides solid depth. This pick is purely depth at a position of value to the Eagles front office.
134. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Goodson, RB Texas A&M
With the hundred and thirty-fourth selection the Cincinnati Bengals select the speedy back from Texas A&M in Mike Goodson. The Bengals actually found a capable starter in Cedric Benson and I think I am just as surprised as anyone to see him actually doing well after seeing him flounder in Chicago. Now, the Bengals are known for drafting running backs and I think Mike Goodson would provide a nice compliment to Benson if the Bengals can re-sign him. Goodson is a speedy back who probably would have been better served to go back for his senior season, regardless, the Bengals grab him and he will give them a third down back who can catch balls out of the backfield as well as break the long run. He'll go a long way in helping take some of the pressure off Palmer who will look to shake off the rust from not playing for so long.
135. Atlanta Falcons (from Oakland) – David Veikune, DE Hawaii
With the hundred and thirty fifth selection the Atlanta Falcons select defensive end from Hawaii in David Veikune. Aside from John Abrahman, no one on the Falcons knows how to get to the quarterback, they need defensive end help as Jamal Anderson has proved to be an absolute bust and is probably better served as 3-4 DE since he's got zero pass rush ability. David Veikune is a hard working, high motor player, he doesn't have the speed or athleticism that Abraham does but he always finds himself in the backfield and after seeing him play at the Senior Bowl, I definitely think he'd be a solid selection for the Falcons.
136. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyronne Green, OG Auburn
With the hundred and thirty sixth selection the Jacksonville Jaguars grab the talented guard from Auburn in Tyronne Green. Jacksonville had some serious problems with their interior offensive linemen this season and it's still up in the air whether Naeole and Maurice Williams will be brought back, if not, the Jaguars are in the market to upgrade their offensive line again. Tyronne Green really upped his stock his a solid performance at the Senior Bowl, he anchors well, he has a good punch and enough athleticism to handle both under and nose tackles. However, this selection could also be Darry Beckwith from LSU to replace Mike Peterson at middle linebacker but considering Darryl Smith comes back from injury and the Jags still have Durant and Ingram, it's not an essential need yet.
137. Green Bay Packers – Ricky Jean-Francois, DT/DE LSU
With the hundred and thirty seventh selection the Green Bay Packers select the Baton Rouge Tiger in Ricky Jean-Francois. The Green Bay Packers need to finish their conversion into the 3-4 and they require a big body 3-4 defensive end to play opposite Cullen Jenkins and I believe RJF is probably the best guy to make that transition, though he declared a year early and probably could have benefitted from another senior season with the Tigers, he is still a solid pick and he will help give the Packers some more stoutness in the front 3 with Jenkins, Raji, Cole, Pickett, Jolly and now Jean-Francois. This should give the Packers a solid rotation to keep fresh legs in the game and keep the defense strong which is where the Packers lacked last season.
138. San Francisco 49ers – Courtney Greene, S Rutgers
With the hundred and thirty eighth selection the San Francisco 49ers select the Rutgers safety Courtney Greene. San Fran released Keith Lewis and neither Dashon Goldson or Mark Roman can be a compliment to Michael Lewis in the secondary, this is where Singletary brings in the productive safety from Rutgers who has the size and strength to be a strong safety but has the range and fluid hips to be a free safety. This selection could also be in an inside linebacker to replace the free agent Takeo Spikes or a wide receiver to replace the free agent Bryant Johnson and ageless wonder Isaac Bruce, but with safety being a more pressing need the 49ers go that route instead.
139. Buffalo Bills – Terrance Taylor, DT Michigan
With the hundred and thirty ninth selection the Buffalo Bills select Michigan defensive tackle Terrance Taylor. The Bills have got little out of former first round selection John McCargo, but they have found great starters in Kyle Williams and Marcus Stroud, they just need another defensive tackle to complete a solid rotation to keep fresh legs and talent in the game as much as possible. Taylor has seen his stock drop from a potential first day player to a now mid 5th round selection but I think he is far too valuable for the Bills to pass up considering they solidified most of their other needs in the first four rounds.
140. San Diego Chargers – Otis Wiley, S Michigan State
With the hundred and fortieth selection the San Diego Chargers select the productive Spartan safety in Otis Wiley. Otis Wiley was incredibly productive in his final season in the Michigan State green and white; he compiled 71 tackles, 7 pass break ups, 4 interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. The Chargers could use an upgrade at the strong safety position opposite the productive Eric Weddle where Clinton Hart isn't holding up in coverage or against the run. Otis Wiley would be a great special teams player to start his career and would eventually move into a starting role where I think he could be productive safety and playmaker in the Chargers secondary,
141. Denver Broncos – Cary Harris, CB USC
With the hundred and forty first selection the Denver Broncos begin to replenish their aging cornerback core with Cary Harris from Southern Cal. With the Broncos giving Dre Bly his release and considering the recent injury woes of perennial all pro Champ Bailey, the Broncos would be well served to start infusing their secondary with some youth. Cary Harris comes from a solid USC program where he earned All Pac-10 Honourable Mention. Cary Harris is a bigger corner at 6'0", 185 lbs. who is great in run support, he's very physical on the line and seems to always be around the ball, however, he has some drawbacks in his game as he tends to lack that elite speed that NFL corners possess, but regardless, he has great cover skills and if he runs under a 4.5 at the combine he could definitely see his stock rise.
142. Washington Redskins – Darry Beckwith, LB LSU
With the hundred and forty second selection the Washington Redskins select the productive LSU inside linebacker in Darry Beckwith. The Redskins could use some help at inside linebacker where London Fletcher-Baker is aging, undersized and potentially on his way out soon. His back up is the undersized H.B. Blades who again, seems far too small to be a stout inside presence that Washington requires when they face the bruising run attacks of the Cowboys and Giants 4 times a year. However, Beckwith isn't exactly the biggest guy either at 6'1" 234 lbs. I think if the Redskins can find a big and nasty defensive tackle to line up in front of him he can use his athleticism and natural abilities to become a playmaker for the Skins as he has all the physical tools to be a great linebacker in the NFL and he could potentially go a lot higher than 142, but I'm not as big a fan of Beckwith as I am the other inside backers in this draft.
143. New York Giants (from New Orleans) – Kaluka Maiava, LB USC
With the hundred and forty third selection the New York Giants select the 4th USC linebacker in this draft class in Kaluka Maiava. The Giants selected a USC linebacker earlier in the beach built backer Brian Cushing and now they get the Samoan tackling machine in Kaluka. The Giants don't really have any glaring needs per say and this pick could be some more offensive line depth or a cornerback but considering they have another pick later in this round they can afford to go BPA and grab Maiava. The Giants could actually use the services of Maiava at WLB and on special teams if they decide to leave Kiwanuka at DE which I believe will serve them best, that way they can have plenty of competition at the linebacker spot and make guys like Gerris Wilkinson expendable. Maiava is an extremely talented player who earned 2nd team All Pac-10 honours despite playing behind a 1st rounder and two 2nd rounders in Matthews, Cushing and Maualuga. He'll be a nice addition to the Giants linebacking core and special teams unit.
144. Houston Texans – Greg Isdaner, OG West Virginia
With the hundred and forty fourth selection the Houston Texans grab Greg Isdaner from West Virginia. The Houston Texans found great success from their offensive line this season, especially from tackle Brown and Winston, but the Texans could still stand to upgrade their interior line, specifically Mr. Oboe and Mr. Brisiel, Greg Isdaner graduated early so his mental aspect should be questioned, and considering he was 1st team All Big East he definitely has the talent to provide great depth and may even move into a starting role in the future when he's ready. He has great size and ability for a guy at 6'4" 315 lbs and should help pave more highways for Steve Slaton to take advantage of as well as give Matt Schaub more time to shred opposing defenses.
145. New York Jets – Troy Nolan, S Arizona State
With the hundred and forty fifth selection, the New York Jets select the versatile safety from Arizona State in Troy Nolan. This pick is great for the Jets because it allows them to do whatever they want with Kerry Rhodes as Troy Nolan possesses all the ability to play either free or strong safety and considering new head coach Rex Ryan would like to turn Rhodes into the next Ed Reed I can imagine Troy Nolan becoming an in the box free safety, very similar to what Dawan Landry played in Baltimore. He possesses the ball skills as is evident from his 10 career picks, strength and speed to be a great strong safety and give the Jets more stability and versatility in their secondary.
146. Chicago Bears – DeAngelo Smith, CB Cincinnati
With the hundred and forty sixth selection the Chicago Bears select cornerback DeAngelo Smith from Cincinnati. This is the second starting cornerback from Cincinnati to be drafted and he heads to the Midway to play for Lovie Smith's defense. The Bears have seen some serious drop off in play from the cornerbacks Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman, though they have some capable back ups in Bowman and Graham, the Bears could use a man of Smith's talents. He has the potential to go a lot earlier than this and the Bears grabbing him here is an absolute steal and value pick for them as he will fit incredibly well into their system, he plays the run, he's physical at the line of scrimmage, he has great ball skills and fluid hips and his lack of speed shouldn't be a problem considering the defense Lovie employs, he is an ideal fit for the Bears.
147. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Michael Bennett, DE Texas A&M
With the hundred and forty seventh selection the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas A&M defensive end Michael Bennett. Michael Bennett is an intriguing pick here as some people have him very high and others have him very low, NFL Network Draft analyst Mike Mayock has him in his top 5 defensive ends while others barely have him getting drafted. I for one think he's a mid second day selection as he has all the intangibles and measurables to be a solid LE in the NFL as he proved have good strength in run support and the length and mobility to be a threat off the edge from his performance at the East West Shrine Game. The Buccaneers need some more talent at the defensive end position where Gaines Adams was the only defensive end to get into the backfield at all. Putting Bennett in as a situational pass rusher to begin his career would stand to be great help for the ailing Tampa Bay defence, not to mention that Bennett may be able to move into a starting role later in his career when he adjusts to the speed and tempo of the game.
148. Dallas Cowboys – Cedric Dockery, OG Texas
With the hundred and forty eighth selection the Dallas Cowboys select the big Texas guard in Cedric Dockery, brother of Bills guard Derrick. The Cowboys have Kyle Kosier at left guard and that fella doesn't have much time left with the 'Boys. He has injury woes and is not the player he once was, the Cowboys grab Dockery and he probably sits for a year and learns the ins and outs from fellow Texas alumnus Leonard Davis so that a few years down the road when he is ready, the Cowboys can yet again increase the mass and size of their offensive line when they input the 6'4" 320 lb. Dockery into the lineup.
149. Philadelphia Eagles – Tony Fiammetta, FB Syracuse
With the hundred and forty ninth selection the Philadelphia Eagles grab what may be the only need left on their depth chart in a game breaking fullback. Fiammetta would be a great fit as west coast fullback and considering the Eagles are currently using Dan Klecko there, they could definitely stand to upgrade. As a prospect, Fiammetta blocks amazingly well, he catches the ball out of the back field great and is an all around talent that will help Brian Westbrook in the run game and Donovan McNabb in the pass game as check down receiver. He'll be a starter from day one and even though he isn't the sexy pick, he'll go a long way in helping out the Eagle offense.
150. Minnesota Vikings – Joel Bell, OT Furman
With the hundred and fiftieth selection the Minnesota Vikings select the big and nasty offensive tackle from the Furman Paladins in Joel Bell. The Minnesota Vikings could use some competition at the right offensive tackle spot and considering the potential upside if the gargantuan Bell, I think the Vikings would be hard pressed to pass him up. At 6'8" and 315 lbs. Joel Bell is an absolute monster with a frame to add some more weight and still keep his athletic ability and mobility in pass protection but also add to his run blocking ability. He is a sleeper pick and I think he could solidify the Viking offensive line where the right tackle position has been like a turnstile letting defenders into the backfield more often than it should and hopefully selecting Bell would rectify this.
151. New England Patriots – Daniel Holtzclaw, LB Eastern Michigan
With the hundred and fifty first selection the New England Patriots grab the ridiculously productive Eastern Michigan inside linebacker with the great name in Daniel Holtzclaw. The Patriots need some youth inside where Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi should not be starters, pairing Holtzclaw with stellar standout Jerod Mayo and improving Gary Guyton will give the Patriots a versatile, speedy and productive interior linebacking corps. They grabbed Sintim earlier which will spice up their pass rush, and once Adalius Thomas comes back from injury the Patriots will be able to bring the pressure on defence so their suspect secondary won't be taken advantage of when the front seven can't get to the QB. Holtzclaw himself is an incredibly underrated player because he played for the subpar Eastern Michigan team but during his tenure he had 4 consecutive 100+ tackle seasons to go along with 13 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and 3 interceptions, regardless of the program you play for, that's production and I think the Pats would love to have him.
152. Atlanta Falcons – Edwin Williams, C Maryland
With the hundred and fifty second selection the Atlanta Falcons select the big, massive center from Maryland in Edwin Williams. I haven't seen Williams in a lot of mocks but considering the need the Falcons have for center and interior offensive line depth, Williams fits the bill as he is a large dude at 6'3", 315 lbs and would be an upgrade over current center Todd McClure when he is ready to enter the starting line up as McClure barely tips the scales at 285 pounds. This selection could also be BPA and for me that would be Sammie Strougther from Oregon State, giving the Falcons a versatile return specialist and fourth receiver, but considering the abysmal need for WRs, the Falcons go with the Terrapin center instead.
153. Miami Dolphins – Andy Kemp, OG Wisconsin
With the hundred and fifty third selection the Miami Dolphins select the other massive Wisconsin guard in this draft class in Andy Kemp. Bill Parcells has always been a fan of drafting big, sloppy offensive linemen and turning them into studs and Andy Kemp fits exactly that, he is a big and sloppy offensive lineman at 6'6" 315 lbs. He is a great run blocker, has a great first punch, he can take over a defensive lineman once he gets his hands on them, he's also smart and durable. However, he is a heavy legged lineman with very poor footwork and ability to block in space but I imagine that Parcells and Sporano will be all over him and I think eventually he'll stabilize one of the guard spots where there did not seem to be any consistency due to poor performance and injury.
154. Baltimore Ravens – Wopamo Osaisai, CB Stanford
With the hundred and fifty fourth selection the Baltimore Ravens select another cornerback, this time it's the awesomely named Stanford corner and track star Wopamo Osaisai. The Ravens could really use the services of Mr. Osaisai as he was a special teams dynamo and the Ravens really lacked intensity in their kick and punt coverage, not to mention Wopamo has the chance to run lights out at the combine as he was a four year track star for the Cardinal. Osaisai was a 2nd team All Pac-10 and he definitely has the ability to be a solid nickel/dime corner when he comes into the league and if he can learn from a talented veteran like Samari Rolle, it should do a lot to up his game and I can see him also taking some of the return touches away from Figurs considering Yamon's deficiencies there.
155. Carolina Panthers – Demetrius Byrd, WR LSU
With the hundred and fifty fifth selection the Carolina Panthers select the LSU wide receiver in Demetrius Byrd. Byrd has seen his stock fall significantly with a porous senior campaign but it doesn't take away from the fact that the boy has talent. He has great size and skill but will need someone to stay on to make sure they can get everything they can out of him and with Byrd coming into the Panthers locker room he can look up to Mushin and Steve Smith for guidance as Byrd has the given ability to be a first day selection. However, unlike most LSU wide receivers, he's not as good a blocker as his counterparts and this may be due to the fact that he was a JUCO transfer that didn't get enough time in the LSU system, regardless, he has all the skills and at this point in the draft the Panthers should grab Byrd and hopefully finally find a young wide receiver who can contribute.
156. New York Giants – Keenan Lewis, CB Oregon State
With the hundred and fifty sixth selection the rich get richer with the Giants selecting the talented Oregon State cornerback in Keenan Lewis. Lewis has great size and instincts, he's quick to react to the ball when it is in the air and then can make a play on it. He is great in run support and he is an all around talented cornerback and will benefit the Giants secondary that is already quite talented with Webster and Ross starting and Thomas waiting in the wings. Lewis only downside is that he doesn't have elite speed and can be beaten deep but coming into the league he'll be a nickel/dime corner and play special teams and maybe down the road he'll be able to contribute but as it currently stands, he's a BPA and depth selection where the Giants could also select more offensive line depth.
157. Indianapolis Colts – Kory Sheets, RB Purdue
With the hundred and fifty seventh selection the Indianapolis Colts select Purdue running back Kory Sheets. The Colts lacked a seriously effective running game all season with Joseph Addai suffering from injury and Dominic Rhodes looking to be anything but the player he was before he went to Oakland. Peyton Manning had to shoulder the offense and I think in order for the Colts to be dangerous they have to be multi-dimensional and in grabbing Sheets, the Colts get an underrated runner and pass catcher who has been getting it done at Purdue and proved to be an interesting prospect at the Senior Bowl. He has all the versatility to be a great back in the Colts system, he runs well, he catches well out of the backfield and I think adding him to the Colts offense would give them an even more explosive offense.
158. Dallas Cowboys (from Tennessee) – Garrett Reynolds, OT North Carolina
With the hundred and fifty eighth selection the Dallas Cowboys grab the big tackle from North Carolina in Garrett Reynolds. The Cowboys need some younger players to start grooming to replace current starters Adams and Colombo as both are starting to age and are not the players they once were. Reynolds is a big and solid offensive tackle who has been a consistent pillar of strength for the Tar Heel offense and he could potentially be a RT or LT in this league as he has great size, speed and strength and would be a nice pick up to groom for the future and protect Tony Romo's blindside down the line.
159. Arizona Cardinals – Travis Beckum, TE Wisconsin
With the hundred and fifty ninth selection the Arizona Cardinals select the rocked up wide receiver Travis Beckum from Wisconsin. Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick are decent options but neither are great receiving threats, the Cardinals grab Beckum from Wisconsin who has slipped tremendously due to the fact he injured his leg and missed most of his senior season but he reminds me a lot of the Jets 1st round pick from last year in Dustin Keller. He's not going to be an inline blocker but he will be an extremely effective pass catcher and can split out and cause match up problems and the Badgers getting him here is a great pick up to make the Cardinal offense even more dangerous.
160. Pittsburgh Steelers – Andrew Gardner, OT Georgia Tech
With the hundred and sixtieth selection the Steelers grab Georgia Tech offensive tackle Andrew Gardner. Gardner is a bruising run blocker and could play either guard position or right tackle, he was 1st team All-ACC and he will fit well in the Steelers locker room as he has the potential and measurables to be a solid offensive tackle or guard in the future and considering the Steelers have a lot of questions about the starters on their offensive line bringing in Gardner would be a welcome addition for the Super Bowl Champion Steelers.
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman capped off an interesting junior campaign by completely blowing up at the combine. Unfortunately, not in the good way as Andre Smith's stock has completely imploded with him not coming off well in interviews, and not to mention him leaving early and telling teams that he was out of shape and not ready to work out at the Scouting Combine.
