My NFL Mock Draft 2/6, # 26- # 21

We continue our mock draft. First, let us recap. #32 Saints-Sean Lee (LB), #31 Colts-Dan Williams (DT), #30 Vikings-Patrick Robinson (CB), #29 Jets-Taylor Mays (FS), #28 Chargers-Joe Haden (CB) and #27 Cowboys-Earl Thomas (FS).

# 26 Arizona Cardinals - LB Sergio Kindle (Texas). The Cardinals are quickly becoming the charity case of the league. They've gone from rags to riches to rags again. The clock struck midnight and their coach turned back into a pumpkin.

It all happened when Warner retired. Then Dansby, Bolden and Rolle signed elsewhere. Now, their cupboard is bare and they need to restock. This isn't the draft to get a franchise QB that can step in like Flacco, Matt Ryan and Sanchez have done. Only one or two QB's in this draft may be able to, but not without a problem.

The Cardinals tried to replace Rolle with Kerry Rhodes, hoping a change of scenery can help him escape the headlines of New York. The team has depth at WR. They can move Breaston up the depth chart and get another receiver later in the draft. Their only other need besides QB is LB. This is where Sergio Kindle comes in. It is debatable, but he could be the best LB in the draft, and at least on the outside.

He will be the best available at this stage of the draft. He is a hybrid type of linebacker. He is strong and has decent speed (4.7 dash). He has good instincts and good technique. He does have a character issue, with a DWI in his past, which will make him drop to the Cardinals. If he works on his game and off the field issues, he can become a force in the West.

# 25 Baltimore Ravens - DT Cam Thomas (North Carolina). The Ravens are improving on offense with another season of Joe Flacco and an addition of Bolden to the receiver core. They could go CB with this pick as the secondary is aging or recovering from injuries, but I think they go a different way.

They are getting older at most every position on defense. They have a need on the front defensive line, mainly at Defensive Tackle. They are probably going to lose tackles Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards to free agency, even if they don't an aging core of tackles isn't good in the NFL. They will need a rotation.

Enter Cam Thomas. Thomas is very strong, and a good straight rusher. He would work well in their defense with the talent they would have around him. His only downsides are fire and technique. The latter can be helped. The fire can be solved by one camp with Ray Lewis.

# 24 Philadelphia Eagles - DE Brandon Graham (Michigan). The Eagles had an explosive offense last year. That is well documented, their biggest problem, was stopping opposing offenses. They have two glaring needs. A pass rush and the secondary play. The secondary can be addressed in later rounds, but the pass rush needs to be helped here. The class is only so deep with pass rushers and this is one of them.

Brandon Graham is strong and knows how to use his hands and gets under blocks very well. He can make plays for a defense that was accustomed to big plays. His only true downside is his size. His strength can make up for that if he is taught properly. There is talent on that line, namely Trent Cole, that could help him learn.

# 23 Green Bay Packers - DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida). The Packers are solid on offense. They are not so solid on defense. They had a good pass rush, before this off season. During the free agency period, so far, they have lost Aaron Kampman to the Jaguars, thereby leaving a gaping hole in the front line. They must replace that talent, as they are switching to a 3-4 scheme and they will need versatile linemen.

Dunlap is a good tackler and has tremendous size (6'6") and strength. He could be taught to use his hands and size better, but that isn't his biggest question mark. He has character issues as he faced a suspension from a SEC title game for a DWI just days before. If he is the type that can learn from his mistakes and convince teams that he has, he can be a good fit for the Packers who need an edge rusher that maybe can play outside linebacker at times too.

# 22 New England Patriots - WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois). The Patriots are in heavy need of a playmaker on the offense to compliment Randy Moss. Wes Welker has an injury that may be uncertain whether he returns the same player. I expect Bill Belichick to look for one of the top receivers, but they will be off of the board by this pick. Unless they can trade up, he'll have to settle for the best available.

That would be Benn. He is fast (4.5 dash) and has good size at 6'1". He is still young enough to grow into a big and strong receiver that can gain separation. Under the mentoring of someone like Moss, Benn's already dangerous skills could become lethal. He lacks the breakaway speed to be a top receiver in the NFL, but if he can learn how to use his skills, he could be a slot or secondary receiver that completes an offense.

# 21 Cincinnati Bengals - WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame). The Bengals have talent on their offense and developing talent on their defense. Palmer is back to form and Chad Ochocinco is not only talking, but producing. They need a LB, as their current core is aging. More importantly, they need weapons. Tight ends are deep this year, but they can get one in round 2 or 3. Here, they need to get a receiver that can stretch the field and is versatile enough to play the slot.

There are several good receivers in this draft. The top one will be gone by the time the Bengals pick. Golden Tate will still be available. Tate played in a pro-style offense under Charlie Weis. He played under a microscope at Notre Dame and he is everything they need in a receiver. A good fit. He played close by in Indiana, so the fans are aware of him.

His speed (4.5 dash), hands and game knowledge make him an exceptional talent that will be taken early. He isn't fast enough to be considered a burner like DeSean Jackson, but he can be dangerous in open field. His route running may be his only weakness. That can take time and teaching, but in this system, with Chad and Coles, he could excel.

That takes us through all of the playoff teams from last season. If you're a fan of one of them, you may disagree with me, but all of these teams have smaller needs than those coming up. The next group will include five teams. They are San Francisco, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Houston. I hope you keep reading as we near my Giants. I'll be writing soon.