65. Denver Broncos (from Detroit) – Sen'Derrick Marks, DT/DE Auburn
With the sixty-fifth selection that the Denver Broncos received from the Lions, they select the top 3-4 defensive end available in Sen'Derrick Marks. Now, a lot of people will question this pick saying that Marks is not a NT and Denver doesn't play a 4-3 anymore, now, I get that and understand loud and clear but what a lot of people forget is that Sen'Derrick Marks was a defensive end when he started his career at Auburn and was moved inside when Pat Sims left early, I think he has the range and speed to be the 3-4 defensive end that the Broncos were looking for in the first round but were unable to get. In regards to Marks as a player, I absolutely love his intensity, motor, strength and skill set and I believe all that Denver is missing now to complete their 3-4 transition, at least in terms of the front seven is a hybrid defensive end outside linebacker who can rush the passer and cover in space. Either way, they get Sen'Derrick Marks here instead and he is still a solid pick and he will help give the Broncos some more stoutness in the front three to go along with the big two gapper they got in the second in Ron Brace. I think Marks has without a doubt proved he is a versatile talent and a solid selection here as he comes from a program with great pedigree known for churning out productive and successful defensive lineman, he'll be tough against the run and he'll rush the passer with more ferocity then some of the other 3-4 defensive ends in this class and I think he'll go a long way in helping Denver establish a new identity on defense.Previous selections: C/G, DT
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, C/G
69. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) – Jasper Brinkley, LB South Carolina
With the sixty-ninth selection the Dallas Cowboys select the downhill thumping linebacker from South Carolina in Jasper Brinkley. The Cowboys have gotten very little out of their middle linebackers aside from Bradie James, Bobby Carpenter has been a bust, Zach Thomas is over the hill and on his way out and Kevin Burnett is was only a special teams and role player who is now playing for the Chargers. The Cowboys brought in Keith Brooking but he is hardly a long term solution for the Cowboys so I feel that bringing in Brinkley to play alongside James along with Spencer, Ellis and Ware will give the Cowboys an incredibly nasty linebacking core capable of stopping the run and playing the underneath passing routes so that the corners and safeties can focus on coverage. Brinkley has some durability issues and that’s why he falls so far but he is a 1st round talent but he comes roaring back up into the third round and potential first day talks after looking incredibly svelte and impressive at the Scouting Combine where he weighed in at just over 250, down from about 270 and ran really well considering. I feel he did the necessary things to show he has rehabbed well from his injury and is looking forward to joining a team and continuing his reign of terror by commanding the middle of a defense and punishing opposing backs for years to come in the Lone Star state.Previous selection: S
70. Cincinnati Bengals – Antoine Caldwell, C Alabama
With the seventieth selection, the Cincinnati Bengals select the versatile offensive lineman from Alabama in Antoine Caldwell. Caldwell is a solid offensive lineman who can and has played just about every position on the offensive line, so not only being tremendous value at this point in the draft he is a great pick up because he can replace the vacated center Eric Ghauicic at center as well as any other offensive linemen for playing time as he is too good to leave on the bench and his versatility will save the Bengals a roster spot on game day which is huge nowadays considering all the offensive sets teams like to employ, which allows the coaches to dress to impress, in terms of best usable talent of course. Antoine Caldwell is incredibly strong at the point of attack and knows how to place his hands and control opposing defensive tackles without getting pushed around and that'll be monumental if he wants to play in the AFC North as he will be forced to be deal with some big mothers in the middle like Haloti Ngata, Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers. His pass set is great as he is a natural knee bender with very quick feet, he is also incredibly smart when it comes to on the field awareness and makes the correct calls in terms of blocking assignments but he is going to have to make sure he can seal blocks at the second level as it will be integral for him to seal off guys like Ray Lewis, James Farrior and D'Qwell Jackson. I feel that he looked really impressive at the combine and even better at his Pro Day where he put Andre Smith to shame and I feel that with his versatility he has all the potential and talent to be a second round pick, but the Bengals are happy to get him here.Previous selection: OT, DE
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 – Victor Harris, CB Virginia Tech
With the seventy-second selection the Jacksonville Jaguars select the solid cover cornerback from Virginia Tech in the mighty moustached Victor "Macho" Harris. It's unfortunate that the once stout Jacksonville Jaguars need to select a cornerback to boost the credibility of their secondary as it has become quite the liability this past season and with free agent acquisition bust Drayton Florence gone, the Jags need a corner urgently and considering they filled their wide receiver, defensive tackle and linebacker need, cornerback is their next most pressing need and considering how anemic their pass defense was and the talent currently in place, the Jaguars would do well to select the corner with immense potential in Harris. Harris is the kind of corner I think Jack Del Rio would covet as he is great in man to man coverage and is not a liability when left alone on an island and I feel that is what Jacksonville wants most from their cornerbacks. I feel his abilities are very similar to Brandon Flowers who came out last year and made a huge impact for the Chiefs, he has great cover and ball skills to track and make plays on the long ball and he'll stick his nose in the backfield and play the run. Putting Harris on one side and Mathis on the other will give the Jaguars an incredibly talented pass defense that faces the Colts and Texans twice a year, Macho also adds value in the return game.Previous selections: WR, DT, LB
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
Trade Alert:
74. Atlanta Falcons – Fili Moala, DT/DE USC
San Francisco sends: #74 overall
Atlanta sends: #90, #121 and #152 overall
With the seventy-fourth selection the resurgent Falcons select the big Samoan Bulldozer nose tackle from Southern California in Fili Moala. The Falcons have been an incredible surprise this season and I give credit to Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff for turning the franchise around so quickly. The team has very few needs at this point but they could definitely stand to upgrade their defensive line, especially the nose tackle. Babineaux has been a standout this season but he needs a big body next to him to occupy blockers and I think Moala is the best fit for what they need. He is the type of big body defensive tackle to anchor in the run game and still provide a solid pass rush. Fili Moala will be Mike Smith's version of Marcus Stroud as he has the frame to hold some extra weight (at 6'4") so that he can better clog the gap and like I said, he also has some pass rush ability so he won't just be a Grady Jackson type nose tackle and just hold down the fort, he's a solid player and it helps that he comes from USC which is a program known for churning out solid defensive linemen. I feel that after the Senior Bowl and Combine that Fili Moala is definitely on the Falcons radar and they pay to go up and get him by sending the 49ers their 3rd, 4th and 5th picks this year to move up and grab him but in the end it'll ultimately be worth it when he helps Jamaal Anderson and John Abraham get more sacks.Previous selections: LB, TE
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) – Sammie Lee Hill, DT Stillman
With the seventy-six selection in the draft the New York Jets select the massive defensive tackle from Stillman in Sammie Lee Hill. After all their spending in free agency the Jets have very few needs on either side of the ball but towards the end of the season it was evident that Kris Jenkins was wearing down and if the Jets are going to have a big time playoff run this year they're going to need him fresh so they bring in the fresh legs of Sammie Lee to help out big Kris. Sammie Lee is an absolute beast at 6'4" 330 lbs. and though he didn't have the opportunity to play against the upper echelon of competition he still put up incredibly amazing numbers from his defensive tackle position including 59 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. Bringing in these massive fresh legs to spell Jenkins will only help the Jets defense dominate with Rex Ryan at the helm. This pick could very well be a quarterback like Rhett Bomar or Nate David but I think GM Mike Tannenbaum is going to stick with Clemens and Ratliff for now.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. This selection could also be their top ranked strong safety as well, perhaps David Bruton but I think Freeman fills more of a need right now and considering Jenkins can play safety, linebacker makes more sense to me.Previous selection: CB/S
78. San Diego Chargers – Kyle Moore, DE USC
With the seventy-eighth selection the San Diego Chargers select the other big USC defensive lineman in 3-4 defensive end Kyle Moore. Moore 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 as he has great athleticism and skill for a man of his stature. I feel that the Chargers will be using his versatility and natural abilities to great means and by placing him along side Jamaal Williams and Luis Castillo he'll develop more fully, mot to mention that Moore is an immediate upgrade over ex-Charger and now Cowboy Igor Olshanksy. The pick of Moore will go a long way to strengthening the Chargers's defense even more as Moore is yet another defensive linemen who vastly improved his stock with a great Senior Bowl performance and a solid Combine workout where he looked fast, strong and explosive but I think he falls here and the Chargers grab him without haste as he can be a solid contributor in 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: OT/G
79. Denver Broncos – Cody Brown, DE/LB Connecticut
With the seventy-ninth selection the Denver Broncos select the speed rusher from the University of Connecticut in Cody Brown. Like has been stated all through out this mock draft, with the Broncos switching over to the 3-4 alignment they'll require an outside rush linebacker and I think Cody Brown has the ability to be that player for them. He has experience with his hand in the ground and while standing up as well and considering his 24 career sacks and 45.5 tackles for a loss, he knows how to disrupt opposing offenses and hurry the quarterback, he still may need to put on some weight to better play the run and shed blockers, but I definitely think he needs to be the pick here considering his upside. I feel he really impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine, despite running a slower time then I would have liked, but he showed to be loose in the hips, solid when it comes to staying tight to the line in pursuit of the quarterback and I think though he will definitely need to put some weight on he will surely be able to harass the quarterback for the Broncos and he's essentially the last part they needed to fully transition from 4-3 to 3-4.Previous selections: C/G, DT, DE/DT
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: QB
82. Detroit Lions – Chris Baker, DT Hampton
With the eighty-second pick the Detroit Lions select the disruptive Hampton (formally Penn State) defensive tackle Chris Baker. Baker had an extremely productive season this past year with 69 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks not to mention he has all the intangibles and numbers that the Lions should be looking for in a DT at 6'2" 326. Baker is the type of big bodied defensive lineman I believe new Head Coach Jim Schwartz will love as he knows how to get into the backfield, though he has some off the field and that will trouble some scouts but I believe that Chris Baker can rise above that past mistake and he'll be the dominant force inside that Detroit needs not to mention he can learn from some of the best and consistent defensive tackles in Grady Jackson and Corey Redding and considering the Lions have absolutely nothing at the defensive tackle and Baker is hands down 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 but when putting together a successful team you build through the trenches and with offensive tackle being the first overall selection, it is now time to start building the defensive line.Previous selections: OT, QB, LB
83. Philadelphia Eagles – Joel Bell, OT Furman
With the eighty-third selection the Philadelphia Eagles select the gargantuan offensive tackle from the Furman Paladins in Joel Bell. This pick is purely best player available that fills a need, luckily Philadelphia does not have many needs on either side of the ball, but with William "Tre" Thomas a Jaguar and Jon Runyan likely not coming back and wondering whether Winston Justice will be able to bounce back from getting severely owned by Osi Umenyiora a year ago and hopes that Stacy Andrews can come back to full health after a devastating knee injury, the Eagles grab another offensive lineman who can play either tackle spot. With this selection it 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 Stacy Andrews at right tackle and have Shawn Andrews hopefully come back to Pro Bowl form at RG and allow Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole compete for LG spot while Bell provides solid depth and could easily start if Stacy Andrews isn't ready in time. This pick will go a long way into helping solidify the Eagles offensive line and hopefully clear up some concerns they might have about who their starts will be going into next season. 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 feel that 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 and he could definitely go this high because of Andy Reid's love for big offensive linemen.Previous selections: RB, WR, TE
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 – Troy Kropog OT, Tulane
With the eighty-sixth selection the Minnesota Vikings select the big and athletic offensive tackle from the Tulane Green Wave in Troy Kropog. The Minnesota Vikings could use some competition at the right offensive tackle spot and considering the potential upside of Kropog, I think the Vikings would be hard pressed to pass him up. At just about 6'6" and 310 lbs. Kropog may not be a monster like Bryant McKinnie but he is the type of athletic tackle 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 believed that he was going to end up as a sleeper pick but he is definitely a tackle worthy of some first day consideration and I think Kropog 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 Troy would rectify this as Kropog really opened some eyes at the Senior Bowl by being a hard working offensive lineman willing to be coached up and learn from his mistakes and again 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 will please a lot of Viking fans as Kropog could have easily been a second rounder but I fully expect Troy Kropog to be the selection and considering the value of offensive tackles and his upside, this pick makes sense to me.Previous selections: QB, CB
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: CB, C
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, OT
90. San Francisco 49ers (from Atlanta) – Mike Mickens, CB Cincinnati
With the ninetieth selection the San Francisco 49ers select the Bearcat cornerback Mike Mickens. The 49ers have a solid cornerback in Nate Clements and a solid safety in 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 but the 49ers need to upgrade and seemingly since they've gone defense with their first selection and their head coach is a former All Pro middle linebacker so 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 or Alex Smith and I think with the previous selections, Mickens and the moves they have made in free agency, I think the 49ers offense and 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 at offensive tackle and at wide receiver and potentially in the back field as well to take some of the pressure off of Frank Gore's shoulders.Previous selections: DE/LB, OG
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, LB
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: DT, RB
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: DE
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: CB, WR
95. Arizona Cardinals – Eric Wood, C Louisville
With the ninety-fifth selection, the Arizona Cardinals 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. With this recent Super Bowl run 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 Wood 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, Wood 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 Wood 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 – Jason Watkins, OT Florida
With the ninety-sixth selection the Steelers grab the athletic Florida offensive tackle Jason Watkins. Watkins is an efficient and talented pass blocker and could play either left tackle or right tackle, he was All-SEC honourable mention and I think he will fit well in the Steelers locker room as he has the potential and measurables to be a solid offensive tackle in the future and considering the Steelers have a lot of questions about the starters on their offensive line bringing in Watkins would be a welcome addition for the Super Bowl Champion Steelers despite the fact it is hard to criticize a team that brings back their entire offensive line that got them to a Super Bowl. I think Jason Watkins will fit what Mike Tomlin wants to do with the offense as he is more athletic then some of the other tackles and if they want to employ a more finesse and explosive offense they'll need guys who won't tire out in pass protection while Ben Roethlisberger runs around trying to make something happen and I feel Watkins can be that guy, not to mention challenge Willie Colon in training camp making him better and by osmosis, the entire team better.Previous selection: CB, DT/DE
No comments:
Post a Comment