My NFL Mock Draft 3/6, Picks # 20- # 16

We will begin part three of the mock draft, where we started part two, in recapping mode.So far, the picks the way I'm predicting, will go like this. Remember as I said in the very beginning, this is not an exact science. There are people who get paid to do this and they still don't get them all right.

So, with that said, #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 Cardinals - Sergio Kindle (LB), #25 Ravens - Cam Thomas (DT), #24 Eagles - Brandon Graham (DE), #23 Packers - Carlos Dunlap (DE), #22 Patriots - Arrelius Benn (WR), and #21 Bengals - Golden Tate (WR).

Now moving onward to # 20 Houston Texans, RB - C.J. Spiller (Clemson). The Texans were on the cusp of the first playoff berth in franchise history, last season. If only the Bengals beat the Jets in the last week. The Texans are young and talented on both sides of the ball.

They have a deep passing attack that boasts multiple weapons including Andre Johnson, one of the premier receivers in the league. They need a balanced offense, however. Steve Slaton has been tremendous, but has shown inconsistencies last season and is now under question as to whether he can handle the full load. He would benefit from a one, two punch like many of the teams in the league are developing.

The Texans take Spiller for that reason and one other. He is the only running back worth taking in the first round. He has tremendous speed (4.35 dash) and vision. He is strong enough to kick through arm tackles and quick footed enough to make tacklers miss. He could excel in the right offense. This could be just that. His solid catching abilities make him a perfect candidate for an elite back someday. His only downside, is questionable durability. That is why he is a smart choice with a team like Houston, who already has a Steve Slaton in their stables.

# 19 Atlanta Falcons, OT - Bruce Campbell (Maryland). The Falcons honestly are in a transition period. They have an identity crisis. They were a good running team some games and a good passing team other games. They were much closer to the playoffs than some may give them credit for.

If not for a crushing injury to franchise QB Matt Ryan, they may have been playing in January. This teams has a few holes. Most notably, is at cornerback, despite adding Dunta Robinson in the off season from Houston. However, I believe that they go another direction. They take a offensive lineman. For a few reasons.

First, I believe that there is a deep class at the cornerback position, so there will be corners available at their pick in round two. It is not so deep at lineman. They will have a decision to make at this pick, the best corner will still be available in Haden, and a few good linemen will be left too. I believe they will be remembering last season, when they and their fan base collectively prayed that Ryan's injury wasn't long term. They will panic themselves into insuring better protection for the franchise player.

Because of the depth at one position and the memory of last year combined with lack of depth at the other position, they take Campbell. The Falcons, however, are the one team that can turn my mock draft on its ear by taking Haden. That would cause a chain of events where San Diego takes Patrick Robinson and the Vikings take someone projected for the late first round to early second round, like a Perrish Cox.

I hope that doesn't happen. If they don't, Campbell is just what they need to become that anchor on the front line. He has the size (6'6") and the arm reach to be that blindside protector. He is still mechanically raw, but with some work, he could be the answer to keeping the franchise upright.

# 18 Pittsburgh Steelers, C - Maurkice Pouncey (Florida). The Steelers are one year removed from glory. There is a new champion and that has to be burning inside of them. The fire will be back in that defense along with the health. The offense is steady now both in the air and on the ground. They have the experience to get back to where they are used to be, in contention.

Injuries were the biggest reason they missed out on the playoffs last year. They will use this advantageous draft position to get younger in a vital area. Offensive line, mainly center. Their line is aging and deteriorating and could use a shot in the arm from some fresh blood. That is what Pouncey brings.

He was a starter from freshman year on a top tier football team. He understands winning and intensity. He could be easily regarded as the best overall center in the draft. He is certainly the only one worthy of a first or second round pick in an extremely weak group. He possesses good size (6'4") and good awareness. He had fared well against the elite pass rushers in this draft. The Steelers would most definitely benefit from him up front.

# 17 San Francisco 49ers, OT - Vladimir Ducasse (Massachusetts). The 49ers were sink or swim last season. They won some games, they should've lost and let some others get away from them. They are young and hungry, though. They are beginnings to mimic their fiery coach Mike Singletary, who was known for intensity.

He has lit a fire under them and they are changed. They are young and talented, sporting tremendous upside. This is their second of two picks in round one. I believe they will address the defense first, but I'll get to that later, in part 4. For now, I believe the defensive minded coach takes offense.

Having played defense for so long, he understands that games are won in the trenches, so that is where he will build after taking a force for his defense. Ducasse, however, could be considered a force on offense. He is 6'4", 326lbs and is strong. What's more, he knows how to use his thickness. He is an anchor.

That is what they need for an aging Frank Gore and a younger quarterback that they will surely add in this draft. That's not a hint for the first pick, just an observation of a need that they must address. If they can plug all of those holes, they could be a dynasty again very soon, especially in such a weak and rebuilding division.

# 16 Tennessee Titans, DT - Jared Odrick (Penn State). The Titans were two teams last year. They were favored by some to go to the super bowl on the strength of the season before. They started an abysmal 0-6, but rebounded well enough to be a respectable 8-8. They have a few holes now after the free agency has hit them as well.

The loss of Kyle Vanden Bosch is difficult and must be addressed. They have other needs, but his is one that can be filled early and well. Jared Odrick is a good choice here for a few reasons. First, the need to not only replace Vanden Bosch, but to get younger. Second, he has good potential and little downside. He is flexible and good in pursuit. His size (6'5") will help him, but he needs to learn to play with a lower center of gravity. His technique, also, needs work, but both of those issues can be resolved. Overall, he could be the future as the present is leaving.

That concludes part 3 of my 6 part mock draft series. I invite you to keep reading for the next segment that includes such teams as the Jaguars and Dolphins. Also, the 49ers first pick and the Seahawks second pick of the first round. The next one will include as well the New York Football Giants! My team. I am biased though, and I may ruffle some feathers, but I'm fair and I can't wait to share my thoughts on the G-Men and the rest. So until the next time.