Round 3:
65. Detroit Lions – Dannell Ellerbe, LB Georgia
With the sixty-fifth selection, the Detroit Lions take the best defensive player available who has really helped himself in my opinion in Georgia inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. I believe that Ellerbe has seen his stock rise tremendously because of a great performance at the Scouting Combine where he showed fluid hips, great strength and that he's the kind of linebacker who can cover, play the run and do pretty much anything else asked of a talented linebacker. Now, considering Detroit needs players everywhere they may as well go BPA and grab a great LB like Ellerbe who will start immediately at middle linebacker for the Lions considering his an immediate upgrade over Jordan Dizon who is a weakside linebacker at best. Ellerbe is an extremely talented linebacker with great measureables, leadership and playmaking ability, he has great ability to get to the QB as he proved when he was tearing up the defensive line drills, he stays tight to the line and looks very explosive I also feel that he's deceptively good in pass coverage and he should be stout against the run behind Corey Redding and new behemoth defensive tackle Grady Jackson. Selecting Ellerbe should go the extra mile in strengthening that Lions defense that gave up too many points way too quickly and not to mention give them an on the field leader to lead by voice in the huddle and example on the field.
Previous selections: OT, QB, CB
66. St. Louis Rams – Lawrence Sidbury, DE Richmond
With the sixty-sixth selection the St. Louis Rams grab the speedy and productive defensive end from the Richmond Spiders in Lawrence Sidbury. Sidbury has seen his stock rise from mere unknown to an early second day selection with great performances at the Senior Bowl where he made some of the top offensive tackles scratch their head with a great first step and a quick dip and rip to the QB. He then turned scouts heads when he blew up the combine testing incredibly well and running the fastest time of any of the defensive linemen. I believe the Rams grab Sidbury here because Spags will probably try and replicate the defense he had with the Giants and that was a high pressure defensive system that focused on getting to the quarterback to take pressure off the defensive backs and considering the Rams don't have any real elite pass rushers and considering the age of Hall and Little, they would be well served to grab Lawrence Sidbury who has all the potential to be a situational pass rusher, but considering his size at about 6'3" 266 lbs, he has good enough size to be an every down player and considering his senior season production (56 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks) he has all the tape and what have you to back this selection as the Rams really need to infuse some more youth and talent into their pass rush and though they have other needs, a solid pass rush will help take some pressure off a suspect secondary.
Previous selections: LB, OT
67. Kansas City Chiefs – Dorell Scott, DT Clemson
With the sixty-seventh selection the Kansas City Chiefs select the hard nosed tackle from Clemson to anchor their new 3-4 defensive system in Dorell Scott. The Chiefs lack the essential big, bruising plugger for the 3-4 defense and considering last years first round selection Glenn Dorsey was already playing out of position as a 4-3 NT, there is no way he fits in the system now unless he moves to DE, but he lacks the range and ability to play there consistently so it makes me wonder if he'll see his way elsewhere before or after the draft. Either way, Dorell Scott is a big body who can occupy two gaps and keep defenders off the Kansas City backers, my guess is that Derrick Johnson and Rocky Boiman will be moved inside and Vrabel and a yet to be drafted/signed backer will play the weakside rush role. Dorell may need to put some more weight on considering he's only tipping the scales at about 315, but he has the size and strength to be the force inside that Kansas City requires, I also would like to note that he is deceptively athletic for a guy his size and he can easily collapse the pocket from his NT position to keep the QB from stepping up so that Vrabel and company can get into the backfield and cause disruptions sooner and with more effect. I think with this selection and a rush linebacker in the next round, the Kansas City Chiefs will have done a lot to help their defense and offense this offseason and could be a potential surprise come the 09' season.
Previous selection: WR
68. Seattle Seahawks – Sherrod Martin, CB/S Troy State
With the sixty-eighth selection, the Seahawks go out and grab the top corner back available since they're having such a hard time covering the pass this year in Troy State's hybrid cornerback/safety prospect Sherrod Martin. The guys currently playing opposite Marcus Trufant, Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings are both nickel corners at best and Sherrod Martin can come in immediately and start opposite the "Truf", but he also has the versatility to be a great FS for the Seahawks so I think this is the best pick for them as Martin has looked really good at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine and he has definitely helped himself into serious contention for a first day selection but I believe his durability concerns drop him down here to the Seahawks. Martin proved to have great cover and ball skills, he also has smooth hips and good speed and is probably better suited to be a cornerback then a safety but I think in a pinch if he needed he can transition there and be just as productive and considering his versatility there is no way he shouldn't be the selection.
Previous selections: OT, QB
69. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) – Juaquin Iglesias, WR Oklahoma
With the sixty-ninth selection, the Dallas Cowboys select the productive and polished wide receiver from Boomer Sooner-ville in Juaquin Iglesias. Iglesias shined in the Senior Bowl for the North team by looking very explosive and catching everything thrown in his direction and now considering Dallas has cut ties with perennial media darling Terrell Owens they will need a new target to develop for Tony Romo. Iglesias will be a slot receiver to begin his career but his speed, fluid hips, sure hands and tenacity will make him an incredibly dangerous weapon for Tony Romo where the Cowboys have nothing now as Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Sam Hurd can hardly be considered consistent and dangerous receiving weapons. Iglesias may not have the size and strength of Terrell Owens, but with the way he adjusts to balls, the way he catches with his hands and his jump ability he can be a deep threat receiver that the Cowboys will need now that T.O. will be getting his popcorn ready in frigid Buffalo.
Previous selection: SS
70. Cincinnati Bengals – Jasper Brinkley, LB South Carolina
With the seventieth selection in the draft the Cincinnati Bengals bolster their defense again with the high motor, heavy hitting, big and nasty middle linebacker from South Carolina and one of my personal favourite players in this draft, Jasper Brinkley. Brinkley is a first round talent but has had some injury concerns but he looks to be back to full form and the Bengals getting him here is a huge steal if he pans as he would be a great replacement at MLB for Dhani Jones as Brinkley can bring stability to the position that has been a revolving door for the last few years. Brinkley is an incredibly smart and rangy backer who plays with more athleticism than he looks to have as he stands about 6'2" 260, which is huge for someone who runs as fast as he does. He punishes the ball carrier and is a sure tackler who has a knack for finding the back while weaving through traffic as he sheds blockers very well. He does lack the hips and movement to be quality in coverage but he is fast enough where he can play the middle zone and allow Jeanty and Rivers to play the sidelines more. I believe that Brinkley is a more finished product and what you see is what you're likely to get, but I think the Bengals have a real need at ILB and I think Brinkley is the answer and could very well give the Bengals an incredibly young and physical linebacking core with Rivers, Jeanty and Brinkley. This pick could also be a defensive end but considering the guys left I believe the Bengals wait until next round.
Previous selections: OT, C
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 and opening holes for them are hardly anything to write home about. Kwame Harris? Really, did you seriously think he was going to be the answer? 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 shifts the young and up and coming tackle from Florida State, Mario Henderson to right tackle and allows 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 David Bruton from Notre Dame to take over for the now unimpressive and potential bustworthy Michael Huff but I like Fenuki and I think he would be a solid pick for the Raider Nation.
Previous selections: DT, WR
72. Jacksonville Jaguars – Troy Kropog, OT Tulane
With the seventy-second selection, the Jaguars select the athletic project offensive tackle from Tulane in Troy Kropog. Jacksonville has been absolutely decimated with injuries along the offensive line this year, from the tragic case of Richard Collier to losing Maurice Williams, Chris Naeole and Vince Manuwai to injury and potentially losing Khalif Barnes to free agency as well. Now, we know and can deduce that though the Jags have had a real rough time with injuries they do have those three injured lineman coming back at some point before the season begins which is an immediate upgrade in depth as the guys they lost are all very talented linemen and I feel that the Jags need to create some competition on the outside where Khalif Barnes was not producing like a franchise LT should and because of that he may be looking to bolster an offensive line elsewhere because it doesn't look as if Jacksonville wants to bring him back and by selecting Kropog, the Jags will spark some competition in camp and make everyone better. Kropog has dropped a little in my book, he seems to let one play effect him too much and then he over thinks and gets beaten again, he's a bit of a project and will likely start his career as a RT behind incumbent veteran Tony Pashos, I think once he matures, learns the ropes from NFL players he will be able to slide in and protect Garrard or whoever ends up at QB a season or two down the road.
Previous selections: CB, DT
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. It was an absolute travesty that he wasn't invited to the combine so that he couldn't increase his stock and he remains an early 2nd day pick as opposed to enhancing his potential and putting himself into contention for 1st day status, regardless, he is a talented player and many offensive coordinators will be having fits when he reaches his potential and becomes the shut down corner I believe he can be.
Previous selections: DE, DE/LB
74. San Francisco 49ers – Mike Mickens, CB Cincinnati
With the seventy-fourth selection the San Francisco 49ers select the Bearcat cornerback Mike Mickens. The 49ers have a solid cornerback in Nate Clements and with the addition of Louis Delmas, they have a solid safety unit while he tags up with Michael Lewis but opposite Clements is a fairly weak spot as Walt Harris is not the player he once was, he is still talented and probably would be a very good and versatile nickel corner, they 49ers need to upgrade and seemingly since they've gone defense with the last two picks they might as well go that route again and select Mickens who is a first round cornerback with the production to warrant it but slips due to some injury concerns. I think Singletary will build a great defense and run game to take pressure off of his quarterback Shaun Hill and I think with the previous selections, Mickens and the moves they have made in free agency, I think the 49ers defense will be that much better in 2009 and they'll likely use the remainder of their draft picks to sure up the offense, specifically on the offensive line and at wide receiver.
Previous selections: DE/LB, S
75. Buffalo Bills – Trevor Canfield, OG Cincinnati
With the seventy-fifth selection the Buffalo Bills select the stout and athletic guard from Cincinnati in Trevor "Yes-I" Canfield. 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. Now with Derrick Dockery back in the Nation's capital the Bills need to find another force in the middle who can 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. I think Trevor Canfield is an incredibly talented and underrated guard and I feel the Bills grabbing him here to replace the inconsistent Dockery is a huge upgrade because they get rid of his cap number and get a younger guy who has a more balanced game. He can run block and he can pass block, he is athletic and strong and he will only get better and I think putting him next to Peters will be good for the Bills, so long as Peters can go back to All Pro form from two years ago and not last year because that was the biggest crock of an All Pro season in the history of the universe… okay maybe not the universe but it was still ridiculous.
Previous selections: TE, DE
76. New York Jets (from New Orleans) – Kyle Moore, DE USC
With the seventy-sixth selection the New York Jets select the big defensive end from Southern Cal in Kyle Moore. The Jets need some depth at 3-4 defensive end so new head coach Rex Ryan can keep a rotation and fresh legs in the game and I think Kyle Moore is without a doubt the best available. He is strong enough to stack against the run and he still has a fairly good pass rush set, teaming him up with Kenyon Coleman and Shaun Ellis will give the Jets some options when it comes to first and third downs with how they want to stack against the run and get to the passer. The Jets already addressed their offense with the first two selections and considering what they did in the offseason with adding Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard and Lito Sheppard, this pick is a luxury and depth selection that will help them out and makes the Jets defense that much more impressive. This selection could also be a RT to replace Damien Woody like Xavier Fulton or Joel Bell or potentially a QB like Nate Davis if the Jets aren't set on Clemens or Ratliff starting the season.
Previous selections: WR, RB
77. Houston Texans – Marcus Freeman, LB Ohio State
With the seventy-seventh selection the Houston Texans grab the big and nasty outside linebacker from the Buckeye State in Marcus Freeman. Freeman has seen his stock rise after playing incredibly well in the Senior Bowl and showing he can lay the wood and drop back in coverage as well. The Houston Texans have some good, young linebackers to work with, DeMeco Ryans is without a doubt a stud while Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi will likely be competing during training camp for the starting spot at weakside backer, it leaves a big gaping hole at the strongside backer position, especially now that Morlon Greenwood has been released. I feel that Marcus Freeman gives them the ability to not regret releasing that underachiever and replace him with a playmaker who can go sideline to sideline as Freeman is big enough to play strongside backer, but he is loose in the hips enough to play weakside as well and I think bringing him in will solidify the Texans linebacking core and not to mention give them an incredibly young and diverse front seven that can run, cover, blitz and tackle.
Previous selections: WR, DT
78. San Diego Chargers – Fili Moala, DE/DT USC
With the seventy-eighth selection the San Diego Chargers select the Samoan Bulldozer Fili Moala from USC. Moala is the perfect type of player for San Diego's multiple defensive system. He will more than likely be a DE in their 3-4 alignment but I feel that he may also be able to play the NT position if he were to put on some weight as he has great athleticism and skill for a man of his stature. Using his versatility and natural abilities along side Jamaal Williams and Luis Castillo and being an upgrade over ex-Charger and now Cowboy Igor Olshanksy, the pick of Moala will go a long way to strengthening the Chargers's defense even more. Moala improved his stock with a good Senior Bowl performance and a great Combine workout where he looked fast, strong and explosive and he maybe even has put himself into first day talks but I think he falls here and the Chargers grab him without haste as he can be a solid contributor his first year if he's part of a rotation and that's something that I know the Chargers and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera like to employ.
Previous selection: OG/OT
79. Denver Broncos – Eric Wood, C Louisville
With the seventy-ninth selection, the Denver Broncos 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 Broncos 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 Broncos currently having the aging Casey Weigmann at center and past his prime Ben Hamilton at guard the Broncos could definitely use the services of Wood to replace one of those aging veterans and give the Broncos a younger and more dynamic offensive line going into the future. However, this selection could also be a reach on a NT to anchor the 3-4 like Sammie Lee Hill from Stillman or Chris Baker from Hampton.
Previous selections: DE/LB, LB
80. Washington Redskins – Tyrone McKenzie, LB South Florida
With the eightieth selection the Washington Redskins select the productive South Florida strongside linebacker in Tyrone McKenzie. The Redskins could use some help at inside linebacker where London Fletcher-Baker is aging, undersized and potentially on his way out soon. But his back up is basically the same person in 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. So, with Marcus Washington being a cap casualty, the Redskins select the hard nosed Bull in Tyrone McKenzie to replace him opposite Rocky McIntosh. Now, since Redskins have landed the big and nasty defensive tackle from Tennessee in Albert Haynesworth, I'm less worried about their inside linebacker depth and size as both Blades and LFB can line up in behind him and use their athleticism and natural abilities to continue getting production from the inside linebacker spot but now they need to upgrade at SLB and with McKenzie's speed, strength, intensity and upside, I can't imagine them passing on him here as he is without a doubt a talented individual and could definitely bring some youth and tenacity to the linebacker position.
Previous selection: OT
81. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kevin Barnes, CB Maryland
With the eighty-first selection, the new and improved Tampa Bay Buccaneers select the speedster CB and internet sensation from Maryland in Kevin Barnes. When I say internet sensation, I mean it, just go on Youtube and look for Kevin Barnes hit and you'll see the majesty that is one of the Pac-10's best running backs in Jahvid Best puking all over himself and the field because Barnes jacked him up. Moving on to the analysis, Barnes is a solid cornerback and has immense talent and potential and he slides to here because of some injury concerns, as seems to be the common trend with cornerbacks this round. But he has speed, size and strength to be a solid cornerback for the Buccaneers who lost Phillip Buchanon to the Lions and will need some fresh legs to replace Ronde Barber soon enough. Barnes ran really well at the combine, looked fit and over his injury and if he's available here the Bucs will probably jump on him, that is unless Tyrone McKenzie slips and he becomes the selection for that Raymond James Stadium connection and the fact that the Bucs need backers bad.
Previous selection: DT
82. Detroit Lions – Cornelius Ingram, TE Florida
With the eighty-second selection in the NFL Draft the Detroit Lions select the interesting tight end prospect from the University of Florida in Cornelius Ingram. Ingram had a huge injury that sidelined him for his senior year and that is a travesty because he has the talent and skills to be a first day selection and I think the Lions need playmakers and more specifically, the Lions need a tight end who can be a reliable target underneath when Calvin Johnson is triple covered and I believe Ingram fits the bill. I feel he can be an H-back/Tight End hybrid for the Lions, kind of similar to the way Washington uses Mike Sellers. He can block, he can catch out of the backfield and he can even carry if need be and after seeing him perform very well at the combine I think that Detroit would do well to grab him and give new QB Matthew Stafford a reliable target and helpful athlete that can make plays for the offense when Calvin Johnson is busy. Now, this pick could also be a defensive end, a center, or just about anything else but the Lions are lucky that they can BPA and it'll likely fill a need no matter who is available.
Previous selections: OT, QB, CB, LB
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 defense to the tune of 3 touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship game. 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 believe Barden really helped himself at the Senior Bowl and though he doesn't have the speed to get separation from elite cover corners he can use his strength, size and huge hands to his advantage to come down with the ball and I think with the Eagles not being able to get Britt in the first round they grab Barden here as he didn't disappoint at the Combine. I think this pick is definitely not a reach and would be a great help to Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb in offensive production, should they be kept on staff of course.
Previous selections: RB, CB/S, OT
84. Green Bay Packers (from New York) – Xavier Fulton, OT Illinois
With the forty-first selection, the Green Bay Packers use this selection on the athletic offensive tackle from Illinois in Xavier Fulton. The Packers are probably going to let Mark Tauscher test the waters in free agency as he's an older tackle with some serious years on him and it seems as though the Packers and Ted Thompson seem to be all about getting younger as all established vets seem to be given their pink slips sooner rather than later. Xavier Fulton is another talent that has been rocketing up draft boards as of late, especially after a stellar performance at the Senior Bowl. He came to the Illini program as a defensive linemen so you know he has an aggressive and take no prisoner attitude but he also has great pass blocking ability and showed he can also be a dominant run blocker despite his slender build as he fits very well into Green Bay's technique laden zone blocking scheme and I believe he is the pick Green Bay needs to make to protect Aaron Rodgers expensive blindside for the next decade as he'll probably start at LT since he's far more athletic and the Packers can move Chad Clifton to RT as he has started to see his production dwindle as he's getting up in the years, however, there is still likelihood that Clifton will man the left side still and Fulton may back him up or get the nod at right tackle, regardless of this, Fulton is a solid pick for the Packers and their youth movement.
Previous selections: DE, DE/LB, CB
85. Chicago Bears – David Bruton, S Notre Dame
With the eighty-fifth selection the Chicago Bears select the scouting combine beast in Notre Dame safety David Bruton. The Bears have been plagued by injuries in their secondary as Mike Brown has a second home in the training room, Brandon McGowan is coming off a big injury and Danieal Manning is best served as a returner making safety a serious need and with Bruton on a hot streak after his stellar combine workout it would not be a stretch of the imagination to see the Bears selecting the only Golden Domer in this draft. Bruton was kind of quiet before the draft and probably was a mid-late second day selection but he has shown he has the size, strength, speed and agility to potentially be a great strong or free safety in the NFL. I believe the Bears need to let Mike Brown go as he is always an injury concern and then the Bears can focus on Kevin Payne and Daniel Manning rotating with Bruton to keep fresh legs in the game and allow the Bears a better chance at defending the pass where they sorely lacked this season. With that said, this pick could also be a cornerback as well but I like Bruton here.
Previous selections: DE, OT
86. Minnesota Vikings – Joel Bell, OT Furman
With the eighty-sixth 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 of the gargantuan Bell, I think the Vikings would be hard pressed to pass him up. At just about 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. I believe is a sleeper pick from a small school, much like Michael Roos from several years back and I think Bell could easily 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 as Bell really opened some eyes at the Scouting Combine by running an impressive time for a guy his size and he looked solid in the positional drills, I think this pick may surprise a lot of Viking fans but I fully expect Joel Bell to be an interesting prospect towards Draft time and considering the value of offensive tackles and his upside, makes sense to me.
Previous selections: QB, C
87. Miami Dolphins – Andy Levitre, OG Oregon State
With the eighty-seventh selection the Miami Dolphins select the massive and athletic Oregon State guard in this draft class in Andy Levitre. Bill Parcells has always been a fan of drafting big, sloppy offensive linemen and turning them into studs and Andy Levitre kind of fits that description except for the fact that he is a big, he is far from sloppy offensive lineman as he has great skill, speed and technique for a guy his size and at 6'3" 310 lbs. he has a solid build to even add some more weight to anchor better in the run game and pass game and provide some consistency for the Dolphins. Levitre 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 is also smart and durable with solid footwork and ability to block in space. I imagine that after this selection Parcells and Sporano will be all over him to make him better 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 to starters Donald Thomas, Justin Smiley and a couple others.
Previous selections: DE /LB, WR, CB
88. Baltimore Ravens – Chase Coffman, TE Missouri
With the eighty-eighth selection, the Baltimore Ravens grab the talented tight end from Missouri in Chase Coffman. Though the Ravens currently have Todd Heap on their roster, they really can't pass up the opportunity to provide Joe Flacco with another weapon and considering Ozzie Newsome himself was a talented tight end, I can imagine he'll see some real value in Chase Coffman who was quite awesome during his Senior season and has 1st day potential and falls here because he hasn't been able to showcase his skills at the Scouting Combine or Senior Bowl. Chase Coffman is the kind of big bodied tight end who can also split out and play some receiver as well, he blocks fairly decent, he runs crisp routes and he catches well and uses his talents to get more yardage after the catch. Now, considering Todd Heap's injury history, and how back up tight end Quinn Sypniewski is coming off a serious injury, Chase Coffman would be a great pick up. However, this pick could also be cornerback like Mike Mickens from Cincinnati but knowing the Ravens and how they already have a great defense and a now emerging offense, it seems only likely to give Cam Cameron another weapon and Joe Flacco another target.
Previous selections: C, WR
89. New England Patriots – Darry Beckwith, LB LSU
With the eighty-ninth selection the New England Patriots grab the ridiculously productive Louisiana State inside linebacker in Darry Beckwith. The Patriots need some youth inside where Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi should not be starters, pairing Beckwith with stellar rookie standout Jerod Mayo and improving Gary Guyton will give the Patriots a versatile, speedy and productive interior linebacking corps. They grabbed Barwin 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 defense so their suspect secondary won't be taken advantage of when the front seven can't get to the QB. Beckwith himself is an incredibly tough player because he played for the legendary LSU Tigers team and during his tenure he had 3 consecutive 50+ tackle seasons to go along with 14 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and 2 interceptions, regardless of the program you play for, that's production and I think the Pats would love to have him and considering his upside and potential, the Pats getting him here is of great value as Beckwith is a talented player who made a great case at the Scouting Combine for being a top inside backer by showing athleticism but I think his forty time hurt him a bit and that's why he's here for the Patriots to select.
Previous selections: DE/LB, WR, S, CB
90. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Hamlin, S Clemson
With the ninetieth selection, the Atlanta Falcons take the hard hitting, ball hawking strong safety to replace Lawyer Milloy from the Clemson Tigers defense in Michael Hamlin. Hamlin has great size and bulk and looks to be the prototypical strong safety that the Falcons sorely need now that Lawyer is no longer with them. Hamlin is the kind of safety who can do it all for a team as that boy lays the wood and commands his defense with the authority of a nasty middle linebacker. I think he can be a great replacement for Lawyer Milloy at SS as he plays the run very well, he is a reliable tackler, he knows how to get his hands on the ball and he's been productive and consistent his four years at Clemson, getting steadily better with each passing year. He is without a doubt a player Mike Smith would love having on his team as he can do it all and he does it well. Now, considering there is no nose tackle available at this selection and the Falcons would have to reach on Sammie Lee Hill from Stillman, Hamlin becomes the pick as he is too good not pick up and plug in immediately at the strong safety spot and the Falcons will have the opportunity to grab a nose tackle later as there are still some later round guys available who would fit nicely into the slot where they'll be picking in the fourth round.
Previous selections: LB, TE
91. New York Giants – Andre Brown, RB N.C. State
With the ninety-first selection the Giants select the all-purpose running back from North Carolina State in Andre Brown. Now that we know the Giants won't be bringing Derrick Ward back because he'll be wearing the Pewter and Red next season the Giants will need another back to potentially compliment Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, though not really a dire need, the talent on the board coordinates with this selection and the Giants can grab a solid running back who will definitely provide a spark for their offense and probably won't be available later. The spark in question is the Wolfpack running back Andre Brown, the Giants need a smaller speedy back that can catch out of the backfield and be a compliment to Jacobs bruising running style but still is bigger and more physical then third back Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown fits that description to the letter, he's 6' even and 224 pounds of pure intensity. He has really helped himself with great workouts at the Senior Bowl where he showed burst and acceleration he was thought not to possess and then killed it at the combine by running a 4.49 for a fella pushing 230, I think he'll be a great compliment and will be the new Wind in the Giants aptly named backfield Earth, Wind and Fire.
Previous selections: WR, S, CB
92. Indianapolis Colts – Jarrett Dillard, WR Rice
With the ninety-second selection, the Indianapolis Colts select the productive wide receiver from Rice in Jarrett Dillard. Dillard is undersized and his measurables won't jump out at you but plain and simple, the boy gets it done. In 4 years at the perennial bottom feeder Rice he amassed 292 receptions, 4,138 yards and 60 TDs. As for the Colts, they are looking to get younger and with Marvin Harrison being phased out, the Colts will need a new weapon and Dillard is that kind of player, he has great hands, he runs great routes and he has the career production to back it up. He made a name for himself playing on Saturdays but I think it's on Sunday where he'll really shine, especially with Peyton Manning throwing to him. I also think that his Combine workout really helped his stock as he was thought to be more of a slot receiver but he jumped out of the building at the combine and ran incredibly well for a guy who was thought to be a product of the system, regardless, he is talented and smart and with Peyton Manning helping out, he should have a stellar career ahead of him.
Previous selections: RB, DT
93. Carolina Panthers – Nate Davis, QB Ball State
With the ninety-third selection the Carolina Panthers select Ball State quarterback Nate Davis. Jake Delhomme turned the ball over 6 times against the Cardinals, no defense, no rushing attack and no special teams unit can help that kind of shot in the foot. The Panthers need to get more consistent and explosive at the quarterback position and if the Panthers don't believe Matt Moore is the answer then I believe they take Nate Davis who has the potential to be a fairly interesting quarterback at the next level. Though the end to his junior season did not go as expected when Ball State got shell shocked by Buffalo and then beaten down by Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl, Nate Davis brought Ball State from obscurity to national prominence. Though he hasn't had big games against elite competition he has good mechanics, athleticism and talent to be a nice project for the Panthers future. Delhomme probably has a year or two left if he's not run out of town sooner and once Davis is comfortable in the system I feel he can take over and become the QB the Panthers have desperately needed to get over the hump.
Previous selection: DT
94. Tennessee Titans – Gerald McGrath, LB Southern Mississippi
With the ninety-fourth selection in the third round, the Tennessee Titans select the middle linebacker from Southern Miss in Gerald McGrath. McGrath is likely to play WLB in the NFL and will probably need to put some weight on but I think he has a tremendous upside and though the Titans went linebacker in the first round, I think with his availability and talent, they snatch him up. Now, the Tennessee Titans like to groom their own players so I imagine they draft McGrath get him used to the system while using him on the special teams and when Bulluck and/or Thornton is ready to move on, he'll be waiting in the wings to step in and contribute. McGrath is an aggressive defender who knows how to play in opposing teams backfields as he amassed 8 sacks and 32.5 tackles for a loss during his tenure at Southern Miss. I think he'll be a playmaker much in the way Bulluck is currently for the Titans, he has speed, toughness and intensity and can make big plays when it counts and he really stood out at the combine running incredibly fast considering the fact he was carrying an extra 10 pounds that he didn't have during his senior season at Southern Miss.
Previous selections: LB, CB
95. Arizona Cardinals – Jonathan Luigs, C Arkansas
With the ninety-fifth selection, the Cardinals select the Arkansas technician in Jonathan Luigs. 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 Luigs may be the key component in doing that and in most cases, I believe he will 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, Luigs is an upgrade at any interior position save for maybe Reggie Wells and with Sendlein's tendencies to botch snaps and step all over Kurt Warner's feet, I think he could definitely upgraded and by drafting Luigs it also gives the Cardinals great depth should anything happen as Sendlein has proved that he can start and be productive but he has some minor flaws he still needs to exercise out.
Previous selection: DE/LB, RB
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. Byrd could potentially go earlier then this but because he was unable to run or workout at the Scouting Combine I believe he falls here and with the Steelers liking big and physical corners and the fact that they like to play zone schemes helps out Byrd even more.
Previous selection: OG, DT/DE
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
2009 Mock Draft ver 6.0 Round 3
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