2012 NFL Mock Draft: Seven Rounds After the Initial Free Agency Fracas
Here are seven rounds after the initial free agency craziness. Adding a little bit of commentary on why each pick makes sense. A few notes, I don't predict trades and I don't know the compensatory picks. Also, I will answer every comment and question on my mocks.
1 Indianapolis Colts - QB Andrew Luck - Stanford - 6'4" 234
The obvious pick here. Luck is by far the best quarterback to come out since 2009 with Matt Stafford. He's going to turn heads his first year but don't be surprised if Indy has to pick high again in 2013. They have a lot of holes.
2 Washington Redskins - QB Robert Griffin III - Baylor - 6'2" 223
Washington resets it's franchise with this move. Griffin is a Vick-clone in a bigger body with good character behind his high marks for his on-the-field leadership. Griffin is easily the 2nd best player in the draft.
3 Minnesota Vikings - OT Matt Kalil - Southern California - 6'7" 306
They have a future at QB with Christian Ponder, but who is going to protect the franchise? My vote goes to Matt Kalil, the top rated tackle from Southern Cal. He's quick on his feet in pass protection and reminds me of Joe Thomas coming out.
4 Cleveland Browns - RB Trent Richardson - Alabama - 5'9" 228
Cleveland has quite a few needs but here they get someone who can truly take the pressure off McCoy. Richardson is a game changing running back that we haven't seen since Adrian Peterson in 2007. Richardson is the best value here.
5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB Morris Claiborne - Louisiana State - 5'11" 188
Tampa needs a corner to not only start across from the troubled Aqib Talib, but also to take over for the future Hall of Fame corner Ronde Barber. Claiborne is easily the best corner in the draft and will provide the guy to take over long term from Barber.
6 St. Louis Rams - WR Justin Blackmon - Oklahoma State - 6'1" 207
St. Louis needs that No. 1 wide receiver in the worst possible way. They go out and get one here in Blackmon who is a true game-changer. Blackmon is the kind of guy who can run any route and will provide Bradford with the top option he needs.
7 Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Riley Reiff - Iowa - 6'6" 313
Jacksonville has a solid left tackle in Eugene Monroe, but their right side is lacking greatly. Riley Reiff is a guy who can add to both the run-blocking and the protection of last year's top pick in Blaine Gabbert.
8 Miami Dolphins - WR Michael Floyd - Notre Dame - 6'3" 220
No true quarterback would be a game-changer here and there isn't a player here who can potentially change the games like Michael Floyd here. Floyd will be an excellent fit in the No. 1 role in Philbin's West Coast offense.
9 Carolina Panthers - NT Dontari Poe - Memphis - 6'4" 346
Carolina could use multiple pieces on defense but they can't continue to be gashed up the middle in the run game.
10 Buffalo Bills - DE Melvin Ingram - South Carolina - 6'2" 264
Mario Williams would make you think that this pick doesn't make sense but with Marcell Dareus, Kevin Williams and Mario Williams on the line you have three men who will get after and kill passers. Ingram fits in with the same attitude and is the best value here at No. 10.
11 Kansas City Chiefs - NT Michael Brockers - Lousiana State - 6'5" 322
The wild card pick of this draft is Michael Brockers. He could go anywhere from Top 10 to late first round. Kansas City is a great fit for him and he could be a truly special player at nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme that Romeo Crennel runs.
12 Seattle Seahawks - DE Quinton Coples - North Carolina - 6'6" 284
Seattle runs one of the most unique defenses in the NFL. Coples is a true boom or bust prospect and could end up as either Jamaal Anderson or Julius Peppers. The Seahawks are going to hope he is more Peppers than Anderson.
13 Arizona Cardinals - OT Jonathan Martin - Stanford - 6'5" 304
Arizona hasn't had a good left tackle in years. Martin can come in and start right away at left tackle as Kevin Kolb's personal protector. He's an excellent pass-blocker but needs a lot of work in the running game.
14 Dallas Cowboys - OG David DeCastro - Stanford - 6'5" 316
Dallas just signed Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings for the guard spots. However, Livings should be a good fit at the right guard spot and Bernadeau is at best a backup OG. DeCastro would come in and start at left guard and be a power compliment to the more finesse of Tyron Smith.
15 Philadelphia Eagles - ILB Luke Kuechly - Boston College - 6'3" 242
Kuechly can come in and start right away at the MLB spot. He would lead Juan Castillo's defense as the "green dot" wearer and play three downs in the middle of the defense. Kuechly played three downs and had a great college career with over 532 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and seven interceptions in just three years starting.
16 New York Jets - OLB Courtney Upshaw - Alabama - 6'2" 272
Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas combined for 4.5 sacks in 2011. Upshaw will come in with four years of experience in the 3-4 at Alabama and multiple years over seven sacks. Upshaw will start and be the piece that Ryan has wanted for years.
17 Cincinnati Bengals - CB Dre Kirkpatrick - Alabama - 6'2" 186
Cincinnati doesn't have someone ready to takeover for Clements after his contract ends at the end of the 2012 season. Kirkpatrick is the best player available here and would be great for the long-term fit at corner for the Bengals.
18 San Diego Chargers - OG Cordy Glenn - Georgia - 6'5" 345
San Diego needs someone to replace Dielman long-term and Cordy Glenn is arguably one of the best lineman in the draft. He's a tackle and guard who will be the perfect replacement for Dielman and will be an excellent fit between Hardwick and Gaither.
19 Chicago Bears - DE Whitney Mercilus - Illinois - 6'4" 261
Chicago is looking for another pass-rusher to compliment Peppers and Idonije. Mercilus is one of the best in the draft and will be a great fit as a wave pass-rusher. Mercilus is also a good fit over Perry due to the Illinois connection.
20 Tennessee Titans - DE Nick Perry - Southern California - 6'3" 271
Tennessee will still need someone for its rotation even with Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley now on board. Perry has the best potential of any pass rusher in the draft.
21 Cincinnati Bengals - RB David Wilson - Virginia Tech - 5'10" 206
Cincy is in need of a starting running back with Cedric Benson in free agency. Bernard Scott is an average back and Brian Leonard works better as a fullback. Wilson is a top running back in this draft and will be an improvement at running back over Benson.
22 Cleveland Browns - WR Kendall Wright - Baylor - 5'10" 196
The Browns need someone across from Greg Little in the receiving corps as the speed receiver across from Little. Wright is a great fit as a yards-after-catch receiver for the West Coast offense run in Cleveland.
23 Detroit Lions - CB Stephon Gilmore - South Carolina - 6'1" 190
Chris Houston and then. . .Gilmore would be able to go in and start right away and is an excellent fit as a man-corner for the Lions scheme. Gilmore has great measurables and will fit in well off the field with the Lions locker room.
24 Pittsburgh Steelers - ILB Dont'a Hightower - Alabama - 6'2" 265
James Farrior is now a free agent and Larry Foote isn't the best inside linebacker in the 3-4. Hightower will come right in and start with his experience in the 3-4 and leadership that is needed in the middle of the Pittsburgh defense.
25 Denver Broncos - DT Fletcher Cox - Mississippi State - 6'4" 298
Fletcher Cox is one of the better defensive tackles in the draft. Cox fits in with the Broncos defense and would start at the under-tackle spot. Cox can also slide to defensive end in pure-running situations. Cox will fit in well on the defense and will be a long-term fit for the interior of the defensive line.
26 Houston Texans - NT Devon Still - Pennsylvania State - 6'5" 303
Houston runs the Phillips one-gap 3-4 and needs a true nose tackle. Still will fit right in as the starting nose tackle and will make the defense even better in 2012 than it was in 2011. The starting front seven will end up being one of the most formidable in the league.
27 New England Patriots - OLB Andre Branch - Clemson - 6'4" 259
Andre Branch is a fit for the conversion back to the 3-4 that would make sense for the Patriots to do. He's a good pass-rusher and has the athleticism to develop in coverage. Branch will be a good replacement for Mark Anderson or Andre Carter.
28 Green Bay Packers - DE Kendall Reyes - Connecticut - 6'4" 299
Reyes will protect the Pro Bowler Clay Matthews in the run game on the outside and his size and speed combo will assist as a pass-rusher. With Neal getting arrested and Wynn being substandard, Reyes will fit in well as a starter at defensive end.
29 Baltimore Ravens - S Mark Barron - Alabama - 6'1" 213
Ed Reed has some injury issues and is nearing the end of his illustrious career. There is also no depth behind Reed and Pollard outside of Emmanuel Cook. Barron is a ball-hawking safety who will start out as a big nickel and be the long-term replacement for Reed.
30 San Francisco 49ers - WR Rueben Randle - Louisiana State - 6'3" 210
The 49ers brought in Manningham and Moss but neither of them are starting-caliber players and Randle could end up as a starting option. He has deep-threat ability as a possession receiver who would come in and compete with Manningham for the starting spot across from Crabtree.
31 New England Patriots - OL Kelechi Osemele - Iowa State - 6'6" 333
New England has a tendency to reach for some players that may not have the value but just fit in well with the needs and the team's values. Osemele will be a long-term option at guard and has the versatility to slide out to tackle.
32 New York Giants - OT Mike Adams - Ohio State - 6'7" 323
New York has arguably the most dominant pass rush in the league. The problem is they have combined that pass rush with one of the worst offensive lines and Eli Manning runs for his life almost every play. Mike Adams is a natural left tackle and will be the guy who can help make sure that Eli doesn't have to take a shot every time he lets go of the ball.
2nd Round
1 of 633 St. Louis Rams - OLB Zach Brown - North Carolina - 6'1" 244
Josh Hull and Justin Cole don't exactly sound like world beaters at outside linebacker. Zach Brown can play weak-side or strong-side linebacker and is an athletic specimen who should fit in next to Laurinaitis.
34 Indianapolis Colts - TE Coby Fleener - Stanford - 6'6" 247
The TE is the quarterback's best friend. In the case of Fleener and Luck, this is reuniting the top quarterback with his No. 1 target from college.
35 Minnesota Vikings - CB Alfonzo Dennard - Nebraska - 5'10" 204
Dennard is someone who can come in and compete for a starting spot right away at corner, a great fit for the corner spot across from Winfield.
36 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OLB Lavonte David - Nebraska - 6'1" 233
Adam Hayward isn't a great fit for the weakside linebacker spot long-term. David is good in coverage and could start right away over Hayward.
37 Cleveland Browns - OG Kevin Zeitler - Wisconsin - 6'4" 314
Zeitler is one of the best technicians in the draft and has a nasty attitude and work ethic to go with it. Zeitler will fit in well with Joe Thomas and Alex Mack on the offensive line.
38 Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Stephen Hill - Georgia Tech - 6'4" 215
Hill is the best natural athlete at wide receiver in this draft. His great size-speed combination will give Mularkey a receiver to combine with Laurent Robinson and Brian Robiskie.
39 St. Louis Rams - DT Jerel Worthy - Michigan State - 6'2" 308
Worthy will be a good fit as the nose tackle next to Kendall Langford. Long and Quinn combined with Worthy and Langford make a good combination as a great pass-rush grouping.
40 Carolina Panthers - WR Alshon Jeffery - South Carolina - 6'3" 216
Dontari Poe helps the defense in the first round and Alshon Jeffery will give the Panthers a future No. 1 option who will be starter across from Steve Smith initially.
41 Buffalo Bills - OT Zebrie Sanders - Florida State - 6'6" 320
With Demetrius Bell hitting free agency and not much depth behind Pears and Hairston, there is a need for actual tackle depth. Sanders can play either side of the line and would compete at LT and RT.
42 Miami Dolphins - QB Ryan Tannehill - Texas A&M - 6'4" 221
Tannehill is the third-best quarterback in the draft and could end up being the steal of the draft for the Dolphins. He has the size and arm for Philbin's offense and should start as a rookie.
43 Seattle Seahawks - OLB Sean Spence - Miami - 5'11" 231
After Hill and Hawthorne hit free agency, Spence is a good fit for the intriguing Seattle defense as either an outside or middle linebacker. His best fit would be weakside linebacker.
44 Kansas City Chiefs - CB Janoris Jenkins - North Alabama - 5'10" 193
After losing Carr, they still need a starting corner. Routt is a disappointment at corner in his career and Jenkins will be a better fit for the Chiefs scheme.
45 Dallas Cowboys - C Peter Konz - Wisconsin - 6'5" 314
Konz is the best center in the draft and would upgrade the Cowboys line into one of the best protection units for any quarterback. Smith-DeCastro-Konz-Livings-Free would be a great line for the team.
46 Philadelphia Eagles - S Harrison Smith - Notre Dame - 6'2" 213
Strong safety was a weak point for the Eagles last year with Kurt Coleman. Harrison Smith is a hard-hitting strong safety who can fit in well with the Eagles defense.
47 New York Jets - RB Lamar Miller - Miami - 5'11" 212
Rumors out of New York are that they are looking at running backs to compete for the starting role. Miller has one of the best size-speed combinations at the RB position.
48 New England Patriots - WR Chris Givens - Wake Forest - 5'11" 198
They've brought in Lloyd, Stallworth and have Ochocinco. However, Givens is someone who could fit in well with the wide receiver corps.
49 San Diego Chargers - CB Jayron Hosley - Virginia Tech - 5'10" 178
The Chargers have Jammer and Cason but Jammer is not a long-term option at 32. Hosley has first-round potential and is a cover-corner that fits in well with the Chargers defense.
50 Chicago Bears - TE Dwayne Allen - Clemson - 6'3" 255
The Bears need a tight end for the offense. Greg Olsen was that guy but they traded him away for a third-round pick. Allen will be able to compete with Davis for the starting role.
51 Philadelphia Eagles - C Ben Jones - Georgia - 6'3" 303
Jason Kelce was a solid player last year, but Ben Jones will be the top fit for the Eagles at center. Jones would easily win the job at center over Vallos and Kelce.
52 Tennessee Titans - OLB Bruce Irvin - West Virginia - 6'3" 245
Will Witherspoon and Akeem Ayers are good starters, But with Witherspoon starting to decline it makes sense to get his eventual replacement. Irvin has the benefit of contributing as a pass-rusher.
53 Cincinnati Bengals - OG Amini Silatolu - Midwestern St - 6'4" 311
The Bengals just signed Travelle Wharton but their other starter is Otis Hudson. Silatolu would be a good fit as a right guard in the offense across form Wharton.
54 Detroit Lions - DE Shea McClellin - Boise State - 6'3" 260
The Lions need a pass-rusher, which McClellin is, to learn from Vanden Bosch for a year and then start.
55 Atlanta Falcons - CB Brandon Boykin - Georgia - 5'9" 182
The Falcons need a nickel corner and return man and can kill two birds with one stone with this pick. The Georgia captain will fit in the Falcons locker room well.
56 Pittsburgh Steelers - DE Jared Crick - Nebraska - 6'4" 279
Keisel is going to retire soon and the Steelers use a rotation at the defensive end spot. Crick is the best player available and would fit in with Heyward and Hood.
57 Denver Broncos - RB Doug Martin - Boise State - 5'9" 223
Knowshon Moreno was just arrested for DUI and Willis McGahee hasn't been the best back in the world. Doug Martin is one of the better backs in the draft and would compete for the starting spot in the offense.
58 Houston Texans - WR Mohamed Sanu - Rutgers - 6'2" 211
Houston has a pair of 30-year-old starting WR's and could use someone to take over for them when they finish their careers.
59 Green Bay Packers - OLB Vinny Curry - Marshall - 6'2" 266
Vinny Curry would start right away as a pass-rusher to compliment Clay Matthews. He's a quick-twitch player who will fire off the snap first almost every play.
60 Baltimore Ravens - OLB Ronnell Lewis - Oklahoma - 6'2" 253
Baltimore needs someone to take over for the recently-departed Jarrett Johnson. Ronnell Lewis will have an adjustment period and should compete with Paul Kruger for the starting spot.
61 San Francisco 49ers - OT Bobby Massie - Ole Miss - 6'6" 316
Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Anthony Davis and Daniel Kilgore—one of those doesn't fit. Bobby Massie should come in and could compete for the starting role at right guard.
62 New England Patriots - CB Dwight Bentley - Louisiana-Lafayette - 5'10" 182
With McCourty possible moving to the safety spot, there is an immediate need for a corner. Bentley is a quick instinctual corner who despite playing from a small school, will be starting caliber.
63 New York Giants - ILB Bobby Wagner - Utah State - 6'1" 232
The Giants need a quarterback of the defense. Wagner would be an instant upgrade in coverage.
3rd Round
2 of 665 Indianapolis Colts - CB Trumaine Johnson - Montana - 6'2" 204
Johnson is a big corner with speed who will compete for a starting job.
66 St. Louis Rams - OT Matt McCants - Alabama - Birmingham - 6'6" 308
Rams need someone who can compete at RT and McCants is a good fit there.
67 Minnesota Vikings - WR Brian Quick - Appalachian State - 6'4" 220
Quick fits in as the true possession receiver to compliment Harvin.
68 Cleveland Browns - OT Mitchell Schwartz - California - 6'5" 318
Schwartz is a powerful right tackle to help shore up the right side with Zeitler.
69 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - RB LaMichael James - Oregon - 5'8" 194
James will provide the Bucs with a speed compliment to LeGarrette Blount.
70 Washington Redskins - NT Josh Chapman - Alabama - 6'1" 316
Barry Coefield is a good player but Chapman has experience at nose tackle and should be able to win a starting job.
71 Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Cam Johnson - Virginia - 6'4" 268
Cam Johnson is a pass-rusher to help aid on the lacking Jacksonville defensive line.
72 Buffalo Bills - OLB Josh Kaddu - Oregon - 6'3" 239
Buffalo needs a better outside linebacker for the new 4-3 they are running.
73 Miami Dolphins - S George Iloka - Boise State - 6'4" 225
They are cutting Yeremiah Bell and Iloka is the best fit for the FS spot in this draft.
74 Chicago Bears - OLB Demario Davis - Arkansas State - 6'2" 235
The Bears need someone across the field from Briggs and Davis is one of the better OLB's in the draft.
75 Kansas City Chiefs - ILB Mychal Kendricks - California - 5'11" 239
They just cut Demorrio Williams and need another starter to team with Derrick Johnson.
76 Seattle Seahawks - RB Isaiah Pead - Cincinnati - 5'10" 197
Seattle needs a speed back to team with Beast Mode.
77 Philadelphia Eagles - LB Nigel Bradham - Florida State - 6'2" 241
Philly needs multiple linebackers and Bradham is a player who can play inside or outside.
78 New York Jets - S Markelle Martin - Oklahoma State - 6'1" 207
Martin can compete for a starting spot at safety with new signing LaRon Landry.
79 San Diego Chargers - TE Orson Charles - Georgia - 6'3" 251
Antonio Gates is still one of the best TE's in the league but Charles could add a new dimension to the passing attack.
80 Chicago Bears - CB Chase Minnifield - Virginia - 5'10" 183
Minnifield will be a good fit across from Peanut Tillman at corner.
81 Arizona Cardinals - OL Brandon Washington - Miami - 6'3" 320
Washington will come in and compete with Bridges at RT or Snyder at RG.
82 Dallas Cowboys - CB Jamell Fleming - Oklahoma - 5'11" 206
After cutting Terence Newman, Fleming would come in right away to compete as a starter.
83 Tennessee Titans - CB Leonard Johnson - Iowa State - 5'10" 196
Johnson should be able to come in and start out as a nickel corner.
84 Cincinnati Bengals - WR Juron Criner - Arizona - 6'3" 224
Criner could come in as a possession wide receiver across from Green.
85 Atlanta Falcons - TE Ladarius Green - Louisiana-Lafayette - 6'6" 238
Green will provide the Falcons with the heir to future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez.
86 Detroit Lions - OG Senio Kelemete - Washington - 6'4" 307
Kelemete can fit well next to Cherilus as a long-term solution for when Peterman retires.
87 Pittsburgh Steelers - OG James Brown - Troy - 6'3" 306
With the futures of Legursky and Foster in doubt as they are free agents, Brown can compete at either guard spot.
88 Denver Broncos - CB Josh Robinson - Central Florida - 5'10" 199
Denver needs someone to compete across from Bailey. Robinson would have been a first rounder in 2013.
89 Houston Texans - OT Brandon Mosely - Auburn - 6'6" 314
Houston gets an OT who can start at RT in their zone scheme and replace Winston.
90 New Orleans Saints - DT Brandon Thompson - Clemson - 6'2" 314
Thompson provides the Saints with the big body NT to play next to Ellis in the new scheme.
91 Green Bay Packers - S Antonio Allen - South Carolina - 6'2" 210
Allen will provide depth at worst for the Packers behind Burnett and Collins.
92 Baltimore Ravens - C Michael Brewster - Ohio State - 6'4" 312
Brewster can end up as the long-term solution to learn from Matt Birk, who signed a three-year contract but shouldn't see the whole thing.
93 San Francisco 49ers - RB Chris Polk - Washington - 5'11" 215
Polk is another back to add competition behind Gore for the 49ers.
94 New England Patriots - NT Alameda Ta'amu - Washington - 6'3" 348
Ta'amu is the best player available here and can compete for a role at starting defensive end.
95 New York Giants - RB Bernard Pierce - Temple - 6'0" 218
Pierce could end up as the starting back for the Giants and be the top rusher for the Giants.
4th Round
3 of 696 St. Louis Rams - DE Tyrone Crawford - Boise State - 6'4" 275
After Quinn and Long, there is only one other DE under contract. Crawford is a good pass-rusher and should be a good fit in the rotation.
97 Indianapolis Colts - WR Marvin Jones - California - 6'2" 199
Jones will compete with Collie for playing time and could end up being the guy to eventually replace Wayne.
98 Minnesota Vikings - S Janzen Jackson - McNeese St - 6'0" 188
Jackson is a troubled safety but should end up starting right away.
99 Philadelphia Eagles - CB Omar Bolden - Arizona State - 5'10" 202
Bolden should come in and compete for playing time with Hanson.
100 Cleveland Browns - OLB Keenan Robinson - Texas - 6'3" 242
With Fujita getting older, Robinson would come in and provide depth at both OLB spots.
101 Jacksonville Jaguars - CB Casey Hayward - Vanderbilt - 5'11" 185
Hayward can come in and start out as a nickel and end up starting at left corner.
102 Washington Redskins - OT Tony Bergstrom - Utah - 6'5" 313
Bergstrom could come in and compete with the disappointing Barron for a starting spot at right tackle.
103 Miami Dolphins - OL Jeff Allen - Illinois - 6'4" 307
Allen will work at the RG or RT spot in the Miami offense. Can compete at either spot.
104 Carolina Panthers - OG Brandon Brooks - Miami (OH) - 6'5" 343
Brooks is a good fit to replace the recently cut Travelle Wharton at LG.
105 Buffalo Bills - WR Nick Toon - Wisconsin - 6'2" 215
Toon should start as the No. 2 WR and give the Bills a compliment to Stevie Johnson.
106 Seattle Seahawks - QB Brock Osweiler - Arizona State - 6'7" 242
Seattle has apparently shown interest in Osweiler and he would be a good fit as someone to compete long-term.
107 Kansas City Chiefs - RB Ronnie Hillman - Utah State - 5'9" 200
Hillman provides a more balanced back to backup Charles and Hillis.
108 New York Jets - WR Greg Childs - Arkansas - 6'3" 219
Childs is a big receiver with speed who can help enhance the WR corps in NYC.
109 Washington Redskins - CB Josh Norman - Coastal Carolina - 6'0" 197
Norman is a corner who can compete for either a starting or the nickel role.
110 San Diego Chargers - S Trenton Robinson - Michigan State - 5'10" 195
Bigby and Weddle make a good starting tandem but the depth is definitely needed.
111 Chicago Bears - WR Dwight Jones - North Carolina - 6'3" 230
Chicago doesn't have a big receiver to compliment their speed guys. Jones can be that big receiver.
112 Arizona Cardinals - OLB Kyle Wilber - Wake Forest - 6'4" 249
Wilber could compete with fellow fourth rounders Acho and Schofield for a starting job at either of the OLB spots.
113 Dallas Cowboys - DE Billy Winn - Boise State - 6'4" 294
Winn is a fit as a DE in the Ryan 3-4 and could surprise in camp.
114 Philadelphia Eagles - RB Robert Turbin - Utah State - 5'10" 222
Philly needs a big back to compliment Shady McCoy. Turbin is a big back who runs a 4.5 but is 222 pounds.
115 Tennessee Titans - C Phillip Blake - Baylor - 6'2" 311
Amano has been weak as a starting center for years. Blake will be able to learn the position behind him and should eventually be a long-term starter.
116 Cincinnati Bengals - DE Jake Bequette - Arkansas - 6'5" 274
Bequette is another pass-rusher to rotate in with Johnson, Dunlap and Geathers at DE.
117 Detroit Lions - OT Nate Potter - Boise State - 6'6" 303
Potter is the perfect candidate to learn the NFL game behind Backus.
118 Cleveland Browns - CB Shaun Prater - Iowa - 5'10" 190
Prater should be able to play the nickel role behind Haden and Brown.
119 Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Matt Reynolds - Brigham Young - 6'5" 302
Reynolds is a quick tackle who can play either side and should compete with Gilbert and Colon for a starting role.
120 Denver Broncos - WR Joe Adams - Arkansas - 5'11" 179
Thomas and Decker should be good starters for Manning, but they need a slot option. Adams is a pure slot receiver at the next level.
121 Houston Texans - OLB Jonathan Massaquoi - Troy - 6'2" 264
Barwin and Reed are a good pair of starters but Massaquoi should rotate in to help spell them.
122 New Orleans Saints - CB Coryell Judie - Texas A&M - 6'0" 194
Tracy Porter is on his way out. Judie is a good all-around corner and should provide an option as a physical nickel.
123 Green Bay Packers - CB Ryan Steed - Furman - 5'11" 195
The Packers need some competition at corner and Steed is an underrated player from small school Furman.
124 Buffalo Bills - CB De'Quan Menzie - Alabama - 5'11" 202
Menzie adds depth at corner and allows Aaron Williams the ability to slide to safety in a pinch.
125 San Francisco 49ers - QB Brandon Weeden - Oklahoma State - 6'4" 221
Alex Smith has re-signed with the team, but perhaps the Niners will want to bring in more competition alongside Colin Kaepernick should last season prove to be a fluke.
126 New England Patriots - DE Kheeston Randall - Texas - 6'5" 293
Randall is a depth pick on the defensive line for the Patriots.
127 New York Giants - WR Devon Wylie - Fresno State - 5'9" 187
Wylie is a BPA pick here as WR and returner depth.
5th Round
4 of 6128 Indianapolis Colts - DT Mike Martin - Michigan - 6'1" 306
Martin is a good fit for the nose tackle in the 3-4 that the Colts will be switching to.
129 Denver Broncos - QB Kirk Cousins - Michigan State - 6'3" 214
The Broncos have signed Manning and will likely trade Tebow. Cousins is a leader who can learn from Manning for a few years before taking over long-term.
130 Minnesota Vikings - OG Lucas Nix - Pittsburgh - 6'5" 317
Nix could be a strong competitor for the spot between Sullivan and Kalil.
131 Cleveland Browns - S Aaron Henry - Wisconsin - 6'0" 210
Henry can provide depth behind Ward and Young.
132 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ILB James-Michael Johnson - Nevada - 6'1" 241
Johnson gives depth behind all three LB spots and should be the primary backup at MLB.
133 Washington Redskins - S Eddie Whitley - Virginia Tech - 6'1" 200
Washington needs someone to compete for the spots vacated by Atogwe and Landry
134 Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Nick Foles - Arizona - 6'5" 243
Gabbert and Henne are solid QB's but Foles could surprise and even end up fitting at QB.
135 Carolina Panthers - OLB Terrell Manning - North Carolina State - 6'2" 237
With Thomas Davis having multiple ACL tears over the years, Manning could end up playing SLB this year and being an improvement should Davis have another injury.
136 Buffalo Bills - TE Michal Egnew - Missouri - 6'5" 252
Egnew should be able to add some versatility to the Buffalo offense at TE.
137 Miami Dolphins - WR Jeff Fuller - Texas A&M - 6'4" 223
Fuller would be a starting possession receiver across the field from Floyd.
138 Kansas City Chiefs - OG Quentin Saulsberry - Mississippi State - 6'2" 304
Saulsberry is a good depth fit behind Asamoah and Lilja.
139 Seattle Seahawks - LB Travis Lewis - Oklahoma - 6'1" 246
Lewis was excellent in college and has the versatility to fit at MLB or OLB in the Seattle defense.
140 Oakland Raiders - WR Jarius Wright - Arkansas - 5'10" 182
Wright adds more depth to the already-deep receiving corps.
141 San Diego Chargers - WR Tommy Streeter - Miami - 6'5" 219
Streeter is very similar to former Charger Vincent Jackson.
142 Chicago Bears - OT Tom Compton - South Dakota - 6'5" 314
Compton is a good tackle who will need to come in and compete for a starting role.
143 Arizona Cardinals - CB Donnie Fletcher - Boston College - 6'1" 195
Fletcher should be able to compete as a big starting corner for the Cardinals.
144 Dallas Cowboys - WR Marvin McNutt - Iowa - 6'3" 216
McNutt should be able to come in and play as the No. 3 WR and give Romo a better starting option.
145 Philadelphia Eagles - C David Molk - Michigan - 6'1" 298
Molk is depth at both the OG and C spots for the Eagles.
146 New York Jets - WR A.J. Jenkins - Illinois - 6'0" 190
Jenkins is another speed option for the Jets at WR.
147 Tennessee Titans - S Brandon Taylor - Louisiana State - 5'11" 209
Taylor brings depth at safety for the Titans.
148 Cincinnati Bengals - S Tramain Thomas - Arkansas - 6'0" 204
Thomas should be able to backup Nelson and contribute on special teams.
149 Atlanta Falcons - OG Josh LeRibeus - Southern Methodist - 6'3" 312
LeRibeus is a long term option at guard. He could end up winning the starting job at RG this year.
150 Detroit Lions - S Eddie Pleasant - Oregon - 5'10" 211
Pleasant will end up adding a lot of depth behind Spievey and Delmas.
151 Pittsburgh Steelers - NT Loni Fangupo - Brigham Young - 6'5" 323
Fangupo should be able to be the replacement for Chris Hoke as Hampton's primary backup.
152 Denver Broncos - DE Jack Crawford - Pennsylvania State - 6'5" 274
You can never have enough pass-rushers and Crawford is a good one.
153 Houston Texans - TE DeAngelo Peterson - Louisiana State - 6'3" 243
Peterson can play both an H-back and TE role for the Texans and should provide another option with Casey and Daniels.
154 New Orleans Saints - LB Audie Cole - North Carolina State - 6'4" 246
Cole will provide depth and competition at linebacker for New Orleans.
155 Green Bay Packers - QB Ryan Lindley - San Diego State - 6'4" 229
Lindley is a good backup QB to replace Flynn.
156 Baltimore Ravens - DE Derek Wolfe - Cincinnati - 6'5" 295
Ngata is a beast and McPhee and Jones are both solid defensive ends. But there needs to be more depth behind them.
157 San Francisco 49ers - DE Trevor Guyton - California - 6'3" 285
The 49ers needs some true depth behind Smith and McDonald.
158 Cincinnati Bengals - LB Emmanuel Acho - Texas - 6'2" 238
Acho is a truly versatile LB and can back up the SLB and MLB spots.
159 New York Giants - DE Brett Roy - Nevada - 6'3" 275
Roy should provide additional depth at end for the Giants.
6th Round
5 of 6160 St. Louis Rams - RB Chris Rainey - Florida - 5'9" 180
Rainey is a speed back who can compliment Stephen Jackson.
161 Indianapolis Colts - S Justin Bethel - Presbyterian - 6'0" 200
Bethel is a depth-safety behind new starter Tom Zbikowski and Antoine Bethea.
162 Minnesota Vikings - ILB Jerry Franklin - Arkansas - 6'1" 245
Franklin should provide depth at linebacker for the Vikings.
163 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OT Andrew Datko - Florida State - 6'6" 315
Tampa needs a left tackle to come in and compete with Penn and Datko could end up winning a starting job this late.
164 Cleveland Browns - TE Brian Linthicum - Michigan State - 6'5" 245
Linthicum can be a good fit as a depth-tight end for the Browns.
165 Jacksonville Jaguars - RB Cyrus Gray - Texas A&M - 5'10" 206
The Jaguars need some depth behind Maurice Jones-Drew.
166 New Orleans Saints - WR Danny Coale - Virginia Tech - 6'0" 201
Coale fits in with the Saints offense well and should contribute from the slot.
167 Buffalo Bills - WR DeVier Posey - Ohio State - 6'2" 211
Posey is another receiving option who can help with the Buffalo passing game.
168 New Orleans Saints - OT Lamar Holmes - Southern Mississippi - 6'5" 323
Holmes would be additional depth at guard and tackle for the Saints.
169 Carolina Panthers - CB Mike Harris - Florida State - 5'10" 188
Harris could end up starting in Carolina and having Munnerlyn play his more natural nickel role.
170 Seattle Seahawks - CB Micah Pellerin - Hampton - 6'0" 194
Pellerin can provide depth at both CB and S for the Seahawks.
171 Kansas City Chiefs - DE DaJohn Harris - Southern California - 6'3" 306
Harris should be able to rotate in with Dorsey and Jackson at DE.
172 San Diego Chargers - ILB Chris Galippo - Southern California - 6'2" 241
Galippo provides additional depth behind Butler and Spikes.
173 Chicago Bears - OG Rishaw Johnson - California (PA) - 6'3" 313
Rishaw Johnson could compete for the starting spot at RG next to Gabe Carimi.
174 Arizona Cardinals - QB B.J. Coleman - UT-Chattanooga - 6'3" 233
Does Richard Bartle scare anyone as the 3rd best QB on the Cardinals? Coleman at least provides legitimate depth.
175 Dallas Cowboys - OLB Olivier Vernon - Miami - 6'2" 261
Vernon is a steal for depth behind Spencer and Ware.
176 Philadelphia Eagles - TE Kevin Koger - Michigan - 6'4" 258
Koger provides another big, athletic target for the Eagles.
177 New York Jets - OT Ryan Miller - Colorado - 6'8" 295
Wayne Hunter was just bad last year. Miller should be able compete for the starting role.
178 Oakland Raiders - OLB Brandon Lindsey - Pittsburgh - 6'2" 254
Lindsey is a good fit for the new 3-4 defense in Oakland.
179 Tennessee Titans - CB Keith Tandy - West Virginia - 5'10" 202
Tandy will be able to add more depth with Johnson to the Titans corner situation.
180 Cincinnati Bengals - DT Marcus Forston - Miami - 6'1" 301
Peko and Adkins are a very good interior combination but there is no depth behind them. Forston helps with that.
181 Detroit Lions - OLB Tyler Nielsen - Iowa - 6'3" 237
Nielsen should provide depth behind Durant and Levy.
182 Atlanta Falcons - OT Donald Stephenson - Oklahoma - 6'6" 312
Stephenson is an athletic player who started two years at left tackle for the Sooners.
183 Pittsburgh Steelers - OG Desmond Wynn - Rutgers - 6'6" 303
Pittsburgh gets another OL here to help infuse some talent into the offensive line.
184 Philadelphia Eagles - OT Marcel Jones - Nebraska - 6'6" 320
Jones adds depth behind the recently re-signed RT Todd Herremans.
185 Houston Texans - CB Asa Jackson - Cal Poly SLO - 5'10" 191
Jackson has the ability to come in and start at the dime with the potential to move up long-term.
186 Miami Dolphins - TE Evan Rodriguez - Temple - 6'2" 242
Fasano is a good starter but Rodriguez should provide versatility as an H-back, FB and TE.
187 Green Bay Packers - S Tysyn Hartman - Kansas State - 6'3" 206
Hartman is another depth-safety for the Packers.
188 Baltimore Ravens - RB Tauren Poole - Tennessee - 5'10" 205
When Anthony Allen is the only depth you have at RB behind Ray Rice, you need another depth guy.
189 San Francisco 49ers - S Duke Ihenacho - San Diego State - 6'0" 213
Whitner and Goldson have provided a solid pairing but Ihenacho is able to play at FS and SS so he will provide depth at both spots.
190 Philadelphia Eagles - WR T.Y. Hilton - Florida International - 5'9" 183
Hilton is yet another speed option for the Eagles to have fun with.
191 New York Giants - OT Levy Adcock - Oklahoma State - 6'6" 322
Adcock is a good fit at right tackle and could end up with Adams as the new pair of bookends for Eli Manning.
7th Round
6 of 6192 Indianapolis Colts - OLB Jacquies Smith - Missouri - 6'3" 253
Freeney is on the block and Smith is a good fit for the 3-4 they are moving to.
193 St. Louis Rams - CB Cliff Harris - Oregon - 5'11" 175
Harris would have been a much higher pick if he had waited another year. Harris should compete at nickel for the Rams.
194 Minnesota Vikings - WR Rishard Matthews - Nevada - 6'0" 217
Matthews is a mid-sized target to join the already diversified receiving corps in Minnesota.
195 Cleveland Browns - DE Donte Paige-Moss - North Carolina - 6'3" 268
Paige-Moss is a true RDE who should compete for a starting role.
196 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Tank Carder - Texas Christian - 6'2" 236
Carder can play all three LB spots and provide depth for the Bucs there.
197 Washington Redskins - DE Malik Jackson - Tennessee - 6'5" 284
Jackson is a 3-4 DE at the NFL level and can end up starting at DE eventually.
198 Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Ryan Broyles - Oklahoma - 5'10" 192
Just another WR who will push Chastin West and Brian Robiskie down the depth chart.
199 Miami Dolphins - ILB Max Gruder - Pittsburgh - 6'2" 230
Gruder is depth behind Dansby and Burnett for the Dolphins.
200 Carolina Panthers - S Kelcie McCray - Arkansas State - 6'2" 202
The Panthers need a safety to compete with Nakamura, Godfrey and Martin at safety.
201 Buffalo Bills - QB Russell Wilson - Wisconsin - 5'11" 204
Wilson will provide the Bills with good depth at QB behind Fitzpatrick.
202 Kansas City Chiefs - WR T.J. Graham - North Carolina State - 5'11" 188
The killer B's of Breaston, Bowe and Baldwin could use another speed option with them.
203 Seattle Seahawks - OLB Danny Trevathan - Kentucky - 6'0" 237
Trevathan is an outside linebacker in the 4-3, but could end up playing both ILB and OLB for Pete Carroll.
204 Chicago Bears - RB Dan Herron - Ohio State - 5'10" 213
Herron provides Barber competition for the role behind Forte.
205 Arizona Cardinals - ILB Najee Good - West Virginia - 6'0" 244
Good is depth at ILB and has the tools to end up playing in the third ILB role behind Washington and Lenon.
206 Dallas Cowboys - DL Akiem Hicks - Regina - 6'5" 318
Hicks can play NT and DE in the Cowboys scheme and provide an intriguing depth player for both.
207 Minnesota Vikings - DT Mike Daniels - Iowa - 6'0" 291
Daniels can come in as a pass-rushing compliment to Williams on passing downs.
208 New York Jets - QB Austin Davis - Southern Mississippi - 6'2" 219
Davis is a QB who can compete for a roster spot with Stanton and McElroy.
209 Seattle Seahawks - OG Derek Dennis - Temple - 6'3" 315
The Seahawks had a lack of depth on their line last year and Dennis fits in as competition to McQuistan.
210 San Diego Chargers - NT Nicholas Jean-Baptiste - Baylor - 6'2" 335
Jean-Baptiste should be able to compliment Cam Thomas as a big body in the NT rotation.
211 Tennessee Titans - WR Tim Benford - Tennessee Tech - 5'11" 205
Tennessee takes a flier on the local product to strengthen their WR corps.
212 Cincinnati Bengals - C Garth Gerhart - Arizona State - 6'1" 305
Gerhart could surprise a lot of people and end up as a starter his first season as a Todd McClure/Scott Wells-type C.
213 Atlanta Falcons - WR Junior Hemingway - Michigan - 6'1" 225
Hemingway is a surprisingly quick WR and can use his size and speed combination in the slot for the Falcons.
214 Detroit Lions - ILB Shawn Loiseau - Merrimack - 6'1" 231
The Lions have no depth behind Tulloch and Loiseau could provide it.
215 Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Ron Brooks - Louisiana State - 5'10" 190
Steelers get additional CB depth with Brooks here.
216 Denver Broncos - S Christian Thompson - South Carolina State - 6'0" 211
Thompson is a depth pick at safety for the Broncos.
217 Houston Texans - OT Dustin Waldron - Portland State - 6'5" 305
Waldron is a pick to add depth and compete at tackle.
218 New Orleans Saints - OLB Darius Fleming - Notre Dame - 6'2" 245
Fleming should be able to compete for a starting role on the outside for the Saints.
219 Green Bay Packers - ILB Adrien Cole - Louisiana Tech - 5'11" 250
Cole should provide excellent depth behind Hawk and Bishop.
220 Baltimore Ravens - WR Eric Page - Toledo - 5'9" 186
Page should compete for the slot job in Baltimore right out of the gate.
221 San Francisco 49ers - CB/S Robert Blanton - Notre Dame - 6'0" 208
The big corner/safety will provide depth to the 49ers DB corps.
222 Kansas City Chiefs - S Matt Daniels - Duke - 6'1" 210
Daniels could end up starting at SS if Berry makes the move to FS.
223 New York Giants - CB Charles Brown - North Carolina - 5'9" 202
Brown provides additional depth behind Thomas, Amukamara and Webster.
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