Wednesday, February 4, 2009

2009 Mock Draft ver 5.0 Round 3

Round 3:

65. Detroit Lions – Dorell Scott, DT Clemson

With the sixty-fifth pick the Detroit Lions select the disruptive Clemson defensive tackle Dorell Scott. Scott didn't have the greatest statistical season this past year but he has all the intangibles and numbers that the Lions should be looking for in a DT, he's a big body who knows how to get into the backfield, his one sack may trouble some scouts but I believe that is more on Clemson and their "rise" to mediocrity than it is on Scott alone. I think considering the Lions have absolutely nothing at the defensive tackle now that Shaun Rogers is a Brown and Corey Redding is coming back from injury, Scott is the best defensive tackle left and could possibly be gone before the Lions select again, so I think he needs to be the pick. But considering the immense needs of the Lions, this pick could be a defensive end, interior offensive lineman or tight end as well.

Previous selection: Victor Harris, CB Virginia Tech

66. St. Louis Rams – Eric Wood, C Louisville

With the sixty-sixth selection, the St. Louis Rams put tabs on the versatile center from Louisville. Eric Wood is a big, nasty and limitless potential prospect and projects as a quality center in the NFL. He was a man of many talents for Louisville and holds the school record for consecutive starts with 49. He spent time mainly at center in college but I think he can also be a guard at the next level as he has the athleticism, mean streak and physical attributes to do so and that kind of versatility provides the Rams with some great options on game day as it can save a roster spot when their center can kick out to guard or tackle if need be. He's a solid run blocker and pass blocker, he has good and very quick feet and a decent initial punch, he could stand to sink his hips more in protection as he tends to get knocked back by defensive linemen who can get lower than him but I think at this point, his versatility and with the Rams needing a center, he should be the pick. However, this pick could very well be Nate Davis from Ball State or even a MLB like Scott McKillop or Jasper Brinkley to play downhill against the run.

Previous selection: Antoine Caldwell, C Alabama

67. Kansas City Chiefs – Trevor Canfield, OG Cincinnati

With the sixty-seventh selection, the Kansas City Chiefs select Guard from Cincy in Trevor Canfield. Canfield is a big framed guard who will likely be the kind of road grating bulldozer the Chiefs would be looking for from their linemen since Willie Roaf and Will Shields retired. Canfield will probably suit up next to last year's number one Branden Albert and give the Chiefs a solid left side to run behind and good pass protection for the emerging Tyler Thigpen's backside. This pick could also be an inside linebacker like Beckwith from LSU or McKillop from Pittsburgh, but neither is as valuable as Canfield at this point in the draft.

68. Seattle Seahawks – Jamon Meredith, OT South Carolina

With the sixty-eighth selection, the Seattle Seahawks select the big tackle from South Carolina in Jamon Meredith. The Seahawks offensive line suffered incredibly this past season with season ending injuries occurring to pretty much every single member of the offensive line. So, having some quality depth that can move into a starting role seems to be beneficial for the Seahawks. Meredith is the kind of tackle who could kick in to play guard as well. I think he projects as a LT but he'll probably start his career as the book end to Walter Jones then when WJ is ready to move on Meredith will probably be ready to take over at LT. Either way, this selection helps out the Seahawk offense immensely.

69. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) – Kyle Moore, DE USC

With the sixty-ninth selection, the Dallas Cowboys select the big defensive end from SoCal in Kyle Moore. Moore looked really good in the Senior Bowl practices and has seen his stock rise from a mid-late 2nd day prospect to an early 2nd day prospect, and considering the lack of production of Marcus Spears and with Chris Canty being a UFA, the Cowboys should look into acquiring a solid 3-4 defensive end in Moore who is probably the best available player to fit that need after Tyson Jackson. He showed good pass rush variety at the Senior Bowl which shows his 5 sacks in his senior campaign wasn't just offenses making a gameplan to slow down the other USC defenders. Moore is a solid player and should contribute early and often. This pick could also be an ILB to replace Zach Thomas, like Brinkley or McKillop.

Previous selection: Emmanuel Cook, S South Carolina

70. Cincinnati Bengals – Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee

With the seventieth selection, the Bengals select Volunteer defensive end in Robert Ayers. Ayers has seen his stock rise exponentially after his great Senior Bowl performance and considering the Bengals could some added pizzazz on their defensive front where Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers just aren't producing like they should be, Ayers seems like the perfect pick. Ayers is a high quality player who can get to the QB, albeit his 9 career sack total is kind of an eye sore for scouts, however, I believe his best football is ahead of him and if he can get the right kind of coaching I think he can be a dangerous defensive end. I believe he'll start his career as a rotational player and eventually he could play the RDE spot and rush the passer but like I said, I think he needs some quality coaching to up his game and make him reach his full potential, but he definitely has a high ceiling.

Previous selection: Matt Shaughnessy, DE Wisconsin

71. Oakland Raiders – Fenuki Tupou, OT Oregon

With the seventy-first selection, the Crypt Keeper selects someone that didn't run a blazing 40 and that's the next top offensive tackle in Oregon's Fenuki Tupou, the Raiders have big money invested in their QB and RB but the guys protecting them are hardly anything to write home about. Kwame Harris? Really? Fenuki Tupou is drafted and I think he probably starts from day one on the left side of the line where Robert Gallery is actually playing pretty well at left guard and gives JaMarcus Russell some time to throw the ball so he can complete his 15-20 passes a game while the running game takes over. However, we all know Al Davis and how he gets all hot and bothered when he sees a fast 40, so this pick could also be one of the speedsters left on the board like Johnson from Domonique Jackson State.

Previous selection: Chris Baker, DT Hampton

72. Jacksonville Jaguars – Juaquin Iglesias, WR Oklahoma

With the seventy-second pick, the Jaguars select the productive wide receiver from Oklahoma in Juaquin Iglesias. Juaquin is another Oklahoma wide receiver in the mould of Mark Clayton, Malcolm Kelly and Mark Bradley, he is a bigger framed wide receiver who can get down field but is exceptional when it comes to blocking. With the likelihood of Reggie Williams leaving to pursue another team looking for a quality wideout, the Jaguars have a spot to fill opposite Matt Jones who's is currently under cocaine charges and the inconsistent Dennis Northcutt and Troy Williamson and I believe Iglesias is the answer to bolstering their pass and even run game, he's not the fastest guy but he runs crisp routes, he sells out when blocking for the run game and he'll be a quality target for David Garrard and either way, the Jaguars need help at WR because alongside the aforementioned, Jerry Porter and Mike Walker are not starters in this league either.

Previous selection: Jarron Gilbert, DT San Jose State

73. Green Bay Packers – Mark Parson, CB Ohio

With the seventy-third selection, the Green Bay Packers select the productive corner from Ohio in Mark Parson. Parson is a great man to man cover corner who will fit nicely into the Green Bay defensive scheme that likes to play their corners man on man with opposing receivers and considering the age of Woodson and Harris and the inability of Blackmon, Williams and Lee to get onto the field, I think the Packers select Parson. He's an elite talent who doesn't have the career production numbers because he suffers from Nnamdi-itis as teams tried to throw to the corner opposite him as he has shown a knack for shutting down the receiver he's covering.

74. San Francisco 49ers – Alex Boone, OT Ohio State

With the seventy-fourth selection the San Francisco 49ers select the mammoth offensive tackle from the Buckeye state in Alex Boone. The 49ers have had a real problem keeping their quarterback upright this season and it is integral for the team to get some consistency from the big men up front. Alex Boone had a bit of a down season, along with the rest of the Buckeyes, but he has all the skills and potential to be a solid RT in the NFL. This pick could also be a RB to compliment Gore as Foster is not worth a roster spot and Robinson is only good if the 49ers install a wildcat formation.

75. Buffalo Bills – Jonathan Luigs, C Arkansas

With the seventy-fifth selection the Buffalo Bills select the stout center from Arkansas in Jonathan Luigs. The Bills had some seriously poor play from their offensive line this year, specifically from their "All Pro" Left Tackle Jason Peters who had the pass protection skills of a turnstile allowing Trent Edwards to take too many unnecessary hits. They need a force in the middle who can call out blocking assignments and make sure that the line knows who to block. Not to mention help open up lanes in the running game so that Marshawn Lynch can gain more than a handful of yards every carry as he was lucky to get over a thousand rush yards this season considering his rush average for nine games this season just barely topped 3 yards per carry.

76. New York Jets (from New Orleans) – Dannell Ellerbe, LB Georgia

With the seventy-sixth selection, the New York Jets select the inside linebacker for Georgia in Dannell Ellerbe. The Jets have a young stud inside backer in Harris and they need to find someone to compliment him since Barton is aging and a free agent. Ellerbe is a tad undersized to be an inside backer in a 3-4 but I believe he is a better fit talent wise than the Jets reaching on McKillop or Brinkley at this point. Ellerbe is a much better block shedder than some of the other second tier inside backers, he always manages to find the ball and can blitz fairly well to boot. I think he will help the Jets defense a lot, especially if Gholston is able to come on strong after a lackluster rookie season, this pick could also be a safety like Cook to play alongside Kerry Rhodes or a RT to replace Damien Woody, but Ellerbe is the pick here.

Previous selection: Brandon LaFell, WR LSU

77. Houston Texans – Rashad Jennings, RB Liberty

With the seventy-seventh selection, the Houston Texans go best player available and select the productive running back from 1-AA Liberty. The Texans offense was an absolute blast to watch this past season, with Schaub throwing bombs to Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter over top, Owen Daniels covering the underneath and Steve Slaton running his heart out, it's hard to find any flaws. They have two good tackles and a solid interior, so the only thing that is missing is a comparable back up tail back to get those tough yards and spell Slaton after his mad dashes to the endzone. This pick could also be a cornerback like Darius Butler should Dunta Robinson hit free agency, but with the first two picks being defense, I think the offensive minded Gary Kubiak goes with a running back to help out his offense even more.

78. San Diego Chargers – Javon Ringer, RB Michigan State

With the seventy-eighth selection, the San Diego Chargers select a back who may become the heir apparent to LaDanian Tomlinson. Javon Ringer is a versatile and capable back from a solid Michigan State program, he's got some wear and tear on him from being the big time bell carrying back for the Spartans, but I think the Chargers will look to sign Sproles long term and potentially deal LaDanian for an early to mid second day pick. So, with that in mind, I think they use this pick on Ringer and give themselves a more youthful backfield and regrets over not keeping Michael Turner.

79. Denver Broncos – Derek Pegues, S Mississippi State

With the seventy-ninth selection, the Denver Broncos select Derek Pegues from Miss. State. The Broncos sure up their defense even more with the selecton of Pegues. He's a bit of an undersized safety but he's got great versatility as he can also play cornerback and he can be a decent return man alongside Eddie Royal. Now, considering Marlon McCree is likely to hit free agency again and with the Broncos having little else at safety, including bringing back Josh Barrett who was cut during training camp so they could definitely use the upgrade and I think Pegues will be a solid addition to McDaniels new 3-4 defense as he'll likely be their starting free safety once drafted.

80. Washington Redskins – Andy Levitre, OG Oregon State

With the eightieth selection, the Washington Redskins select the big guard from Oregon State in Andy Levitre. The Redskins are getting incredibly "long in the tooth" as Jamie Dukes would say and they could use some youth in the interior offensive line as Casey Rabach, Pete Kendall and Randy Thomas could potentially be members of the AARP. Levitre is not as massive as former teammate Roy Schuening who came out last year and was drafted by the Rams, but Levitre should be a welcome addition to an offensive line that is in dire need of a young whipper snapper.

81. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andre Brown, RB N.C. State

With the eighty-first selection, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select the hard hitting and bruising back from N.C. State in Andre Brown. The Bucs had a heaping big mess in their backfield this year with Graham going down to injury, Cadillac injuring his good leg and Warrick Dunn reaching the end of his career, the Bucs are going to need to introduce some more youth and especially some more health into their backfield. I think Andre Brown is the kind of back that will be able to help the offense even more, he's a solid back who won't break the long run often but his talents will go a long way to setting up good field position, getting crucial first downs, catching passes out of the backfield and punching the ball in at the goal line. His talents will also help out young QBs like Freeman and Johnson in the passing game where I believe Raheem Morris will find his stride because I think after years of watching the west coast offense operate and show a severe lack of explosion I think Morris would like to involve play action and boots and what have you to set up the big play on a more consistent basis.

Previous selection: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR Georgia

82. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) – Herman Johnson, OG LSU

With the eighty-second selection, the Detroit Lions select the absolutely massive and gargantuan guard from LSU in Herman Johsnon. Johnson has seen his stock slip a lot after a poor performance against conference rival Peria Jerry at the Senior Bowl but I think at this point in the third round, he's too much value for the Lions to pass up. They got their premier LT with the first pick and their RT last year. They can slide current LT Jeff Backus in to left guard and then shift the big and bad Johnson to RG where the Lions could be only a center away from a new and improved offensive line, but considering Raiola is a stalwart veteran and center doesn't fit the pick the Lions currently have, Johnson is selected. I think he will be able to shake off a poor Senior Bowl week and make himself into a solid NFL player, but I would be very wary of his bust potential.

Previous selection: Devin Moore, RB Wyoming

83. Philadelphia Eagles – Ramses Barden, WR Cal Poly SLO

With the eighty-third selection, the Philadelphia Eagles select the massive receiver from Cal Poly SLO. The Eagles really have lacked a big red zone threat that can go out and high point the ball and come down with it in a jump ball situation. The Eagles saw first hand what a dangerous and tall receiver is capable of when Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner shredded their defence to the tune of 3 touchdowns. Ramses Barden is absolutely massive at 6'6" and 226 pounds; he is super productive as his numbers this past season were huge including 1250+ yards and 18 touchdowns. I think with the Eagles not being able to get Britt in the first round they grab Barden here and if he runs well at the combine, I think this pick is definitely not a reach and would be a great help to Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb, should they be kept of course.

84. Green Bay Packers (from New York) – Brandon Williams, DE/LB Texas Tech

With the eighty-fourth pick, the Packers select the defensive end from Texas Tech in Brandon Williams. I think he fits the mould of a player Ted Thompson would covet, he's a high motor defensive lineman who can stand up and has all the natural tools to rush the passer as Williams was a dominant force this year tallying 15.5 tackles for a loss and an astounding 13 sacks. Not to mention, when you consider the current crop of linebackers the Packers have, none really stand out as a rushing outside linebacker and I think they would be well served to select Williams who has a high ceiling and could flourish in their new 3-4 system. Although Williams may seem like a reach at this point in the draft and considering the Packers and Ted Thompson are known for going with the best player available, I feel they may be inclined to select Williams regardless because I think they need to spice up their pass rush first and I believe Williams may be the key as he would be able to compliment Aaron Kampman who will standing up as a player who has experience getting to the quarterback on a regular basis.

Previous selection: Augustus Parrish, OT Kent State

85. Chicago Bears – Philip Hunt, DE Houston

With the eighty-fifth selection the Chicago Bears select the tad undersized but super aggressive pass rusher Philip Hunt. The Bears have really suffered from injuries and poor play in the secondary this season and is one of the main causes as to why they didn't win the division as they couldn't contain Andre Johnson in the final game of the season in order to make the playoffs, but it is not because they don't have the talent but because they couldn't pressure the QB and opposing teams could shred them. Philip Hunt was able to get to and bring down the QB 14 times this season and was second in the nation behind Hughes from TCU, which is more than the Bears defensive ends can say about getting to the QB. He's a bit of a reach but I think he'll probably be a situational rusher to start his career until he can pack on some pounds as I think he has a solid frame at 6'2" 260 pounds to carry an extra 10 pounds without losing a step so that he can play the run better and contribute more as an every down player.

Previous selection: Rich Ohrnberger, OG Penn State

86. Minnesota Vikings – Darius Butler, CB Connecticut

With the eighty-sixth pick, the Minnesota Vikings select UConn cornerback Darius Butler. Butler has all the potential to be middle to late first day selection but because of a knee injury he falls all the way to the Vikings here. Butler is a bit of an undersized cornerback at 5'11" and 186 pounds but he plays bigger than he is. The Vikings have had some inconsistencies from cornerback Cedric Griffin who sometimes shines in coverage and other times is a liability. Bringing in Butler gives the Vikings an immediate upgrade at the nickel corner and a potential starter as well.

87. Miami Dolphins – Emmanuel Cook, S South Carolina

With the eighty-seventh selection, the Miami Dolphins select the Gamecock safety in Emmanuel Cook. When Bill Parcells came Miami, he was looking to establish an identity for the defense, well he got half of it this season, he just needs his defensive backfield to step up and play some solid ball for him. Yeremiah Bell proved to be more than just a stop-gap solution as he was a tackling machine and a defensive playmaker causing quite a few turnovers so I believe the Dolphins need to find a free safety to play opposite him and Emmanuel Cook is currently the best on the board and probably a bit of a steal at this point in the draft considering his versatility and upside. This pick could also be an inside linebacker should the Dolphins let Crowder test free agency, like McKillop or Brinkley.

Previous selection: Sherrod Martin, S Troy State

88. Baltimore Ravens – Sherrod Martin, CB/S Troy State

With the eighty-eighth selection, the Baltimore Ravens select CB/S from Troy in Sherrod Martin. The Ravens have some serious age at the cornerback position in Samari Rolle, Chris McAllister and Frank Walker so they could use some added youth in the secondary as Fabian Washington is proving to be a valuable pick up and he needs a solid corner across from him. Martin has great triangle numbers, he's fairly tall at 6'0" and has a good frame to play the run at 191 pounds, but most importantly, he runs a very good forty yard dash for someone who has experience mainly playing deep center field. Putting him across from Washington with the veterans mentoring them would give them an incredibly quick and ball hawking secondary, however, he would need to take lessons from the great corners already on the roster to make his transition from safety to corner easier as I believe his position in the NFL is corner so long as he can learn to move his hips with more fluidity.

Previous selection: Domonique Johnson. CB Jackson State

89. New England Patriots – Nic Harris, S/LB Oklahoma

With the eighty-ninth selection, the New England Patriots select the strong safety linebacker hybrid from Oklahoma in Nic Harris. The Patriots need to find a replacement for Rodney Harrison who I believe has played his last downs in the NFL, Nic Harris is a bigger safety who would probably play WLB in a 4-3 and the Patriots would covet his versatility. He's a big hitter and will be that dominating presence in the secondary that the Patriots lacked this season. This pick could also be an OT but considering the talent available at this pick they would have to reach on one, so they select Nic Harris to pair with the current safeties and give them a youthful and dynamic safety unit.

90. Atlanta Falcons – Jared Cook, TE South Carolina

With the ninetieth selection, the Atlanta Falcons select the pass catching TE from Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks in Jared Cook. Cook is a solid TE prospect who could stand to put on some weight as he can still be considered a "rocked-up" wide receiver at 6'5", 240+, he has the frame to add some weight to better produce in the run game as a blocker, but as a pass catcher, he is definitely qualified to become a new weapon for Matt Ryan. Giving the Falcons something underneath as a safety blanket would go towards helping the Falcons even more as it'll give Roddy White more opportunities over top as someone will have to keep an eye on Cook. This pick could also be a strong safety like Michael Hamlin to be groomed as a replacement for Lawyer Milloy.

91. New York Giants – Lawrence Sidbury, DE Richmond

With the ninety-first selection, the New York Giants select the productive defensive end from the GD Richmond Spiders, Lawrence Sidbury! The Giants can never have too many defensive ends as they love to rush the passer from every angle possible, and considering Kiwanuka may move back to strong side backer when Osi Umenyiora comes back from injury, it is highly possible that the Giants grab another DE to fill the void as Jerry Reese, who studied under Ernie Accorsi knows that you can never have enough pass rushers and considering Sidbury's 20 career sacks and 11.5 in his senior season alone, the Giants would be well served to grab him even if he is a bit of a reach, but after his Senior Bowl practices and showing real speed and athleticism coming around the corner, I wouldn't be surprised to see him go higher.

Previous selection: Michael Hamlin, S Clemson

92. Indianapolis Colts – Nate Davis, QB Ball State

With the ninety-second selection, the Indianapolis Colts select the talented QB from Ball State in Nate Davis. Nate Davis could have been second round pick but based on his performance in the MAC championship and in his bowl game he slips all the way down here. Now, considering what the Patriots did last year and the fact that Peyton looked off the first few games this season having a capable back up on the roster is definitely a plus for the Colts considering Jim Sorgi is not capable of leading a team to victory while Nate Davis was part of the turn around that put Ball State into the top 25 this past season. This pick could also be a WR like Robiskie considering the Colts president Bill Polian is a fan of Big 10 players and the pick would reunite Robiskie with college teammate Anthony Gonzalez.

93. Carolina Panthers – Matt Shaughnessy, DE Wisconsin

With the ninety-third selection the Carolina Panthers select Wisconsin defender Matt Shaughnessy. With the potential release of Julius Peppers on the horizon, the Panthers will need a defensive end to fill the void and Shaughnessy is the best available. He's not in the same league in terms of pass rush but he knows how to get into the backfield and is good against the run as well. He may have only had 4 sacks this season but he has caused havoc in the backfield to the tune of 41.5 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks in his career, if he has a good combine workout and runs a decent forty then I think the Panthers will be glad to nab him as the Panthers have some of the best medical staff in the league and if they say Mr. Shaughnessy is ready to go, then he is ready to go and provide some pass rush ability should Julius Peppers see his way to the free agent market. This pick could also be Cody Brown from UConn but considering he's only a situational pass rusher I think they go with Shaughnessy instead.

Previous selection: Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee

94. Tennessee Titans – Brian Robiskie, WR Ohio State

With the ninety-fourth selection the Tennessee Titans select the polished Ohio State receiver in Brian Robiskie. The Titans found a playmaker in the passing game in Justin Gage who became Kerry Collins go to guy down the stretch but they need someone opposite him to take off some of the pressure and make the clutch catches as he runs fantastic routes and is deceptively fast for someone at 6'3". The Titans are usually not a fan of drafting wide receivers early but they have too much of a need not to grab someone as talented as Robiskie. However, this selection could also be a tight end since Scaife is an unrestricted free agent and Alge Crumpler is slow, out of shape and past his prime.

95. Arizona Cardinals – A.Q. Shipley, C Penn State

With the ninety-fifth selection, the Cardinals select the Penn State technician in A.Q. Shipley. The Cardinals are proving to have very few weaknesses on offense, but establishing the running game is definitely one, if the Cardinals can balance their offense, dominate the clock and keep their defense off the field it will do wonders for them and I think Shipley may be the key component in doing that and in most cases he'll start from day one as well as he has a tremendous amount of upside and football IQ. He has the versatility to play center or guard for many years; he finishes blocks and is great in space, not to mention he anchors well in pass protection. He is without a doubt the next center on the board and even though Lyle Sendlein has played well in the playoffs, Shipley is an upgrade at any interior position save for maybe Reggie Wells.

Previous selection: Zack Follett, LB Cal

96. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jairus Byrd, CB Oregon

With the ninety-sixth selection in the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select the big cornerback from Oregon in Jairus Byrd. The Steelers could definitely add some youth to the cornerback position, Ike Taylor is a solid player but with Deshea Townsend on the other side and Bryant McFadden potentially moving on, the Steelers could use a cornerback who could come in right away and play the nickel package and eventually move into a starting role when the Steelers let Townsend go. Jairus Byrd has all the talent to play for the Steelers, he had an amazing 14 pass break ups and 4 interceptions in his junior campaign and he has the size to play the run, he however may need to work on his speed and should he knock a couple tenths of a second off his forty time then he is an amazing pick up here and he could potentially go earlier but as it currently stands. The Steelers grab him and improve their already top ranked defense even more.

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