The 2012 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and Dave and Simon have produced their final ’round table’ mock draft – and its a big one, between us we have written the entire first three rounds of the draft. Unlike beofre when the picks alternated, in this draft we split by conference, meaning that AFC Teams were picked for by Dave, and NFC Teams by Simon.
This was to make sure that one person didn’t trade picks which would have been used by the other.
2ndand3′s lead writers have been toiling hard behind the scenes to produce this draft, and after three weeks of picking, unpicking, realising we’d picked the same guy twice, checking and producing, we finally put forward our mock, a collective effort totalling over 5,000 words!
With 12 days remaining til the Draft itself, we here at 2ndand3 are waiting to see who our teams will select. Our final predictions are below.
1 – Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford
Peyton Manning will be back from injury but after three neck surgeries and a dispute with the team, as well as a bloated contract Manning will be out of town and suiting up for another franchise in 2012. Luck has a pro ready skill set and will step in right away for Indianapolis
2 – Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III – QB – Baylor
Well the Redskins just traded everything they could think of to St Louis for this guy. Electric, Agile, Can extend the play with his feet and can make every throw on the field. Redskins have finally got a franchise QB
3 – Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil – OT – USC
Kalil had a strong combine which just solidified his status as the top OT in the draft. Charlie Johnson was awful this year and the Vikes spent a 1st round pick on QB Christian Ponder last year, and will want to keep him protected in order to validate that decision to select Ponder so high.
4 – Cleveland Browns – Ryan Tannehill – QB – Texas A&M
Cleveland is not totally sold on Colt McCoy but are out of the RG3 sweepstakes due to Washington’s spectacular move. Ryan Tannehill only converted to quarterback this season, having previously played wide receiver. However, this athleticism makes Tannehill a true dual threat quarterback, and a franchise player for Cleveland to build around as well as to excite their fan base.
5 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Trent Richardson – RB – Alabama
Josh Freeman struggled immensely last year and this, like with Sam Bradford in St Louis, may be down to lack of playmakers. LeGarette Blount is a great runner but is clueless in how to protect his QB. Richardson is NFL ready and could come in and improve a rather static Tampa offence.
6 – St Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon – WR – OSU
Blackmon had a great pro day and ran 4.50 in his 40. He has great hands and will provide a legitimate threat in the passing game for St Louis in a league which is full of talented corners on every team the Rams face.
7 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Quinton Coples – DE – North Carolina
The Jags lack all semblance of a pass rush, and have done for the past three seasons, with their best ranking for sacks being a poor 25th. Coples is a talented pass rusher in the mould of Julius Peppers, who can beat tackles with both power and speed.
8 – Miami Dolphins – Riley Rieff – OT – Iowa
Miami are set to release Marc Colombo, and therefore right tackle becomes a real position of need. Adding Rieff to a line that already features Jake Long and Mike Pouncey turns the Dolphins offensive line into one of its strongest units
9 – Carolina Panthers – Dontari Poe – NT – Memphis
Dontari Poe has shot up the board after an incredible combine performance. Carolina could really use with a big bodied run stuffer on the line and his additional speed could really propel him to get to the QB too – A fearsome pick and great value at number 9 for Carolina
10 – Buffalo Bills – Whitney Mercilus – DE – Illinois
Buffalo needs a pass rusher, and Shawne Merriman has shown he is not the answer. Mercilus led the nation in sacks last season with 16, though he comes with some risk as this was a career high by some way. Nevertheless, the Bills get a top end pass rusher to go on the end of a solid D line in their new look 4-3 to bookend with Mario Williams
11 – Kansas City Chiefs – Jonathan Martin – OT – Stanford
Barry Richardson allowed 50 pressures last season, and graded out as the worst run blocking tackle in pro football – not something you want from your RT. Kansas City needs a solid player there for Jamaal Charles to run behind. Martin was the road grader behind whom Stanford ran last season, and will also add to Kansas City’s line as a pass protector.
12 – Seattle Seahawks – Luke Kuechly – ILB – Boston College
Luke Kuechly was another top performer at the combine which just solidifies his status as a top 20 pick in this year’s draft. Seattle, it appears, are prepared to let David Hawthorne go in FA so replacing him with Luke Kuechly makes a lot of sense.
13 – Arizona Cardinals – David DeCastro – OG – Stanford
With Ari trying to land Peyton Manning, they will need a strong offensive line to prevent him for re-injuring his neck. DeCastro was part of the O-line that made Andrew Luck so successful and so will help Peyton (or whoever the QB is) no end
14 – Dallas Cowboys – Morris Claibourne – CB – LSU
Terrance Neumann is now gone and the Cowboys now more than ever need help in the secondary. Claibourne is a solid corner who will improve the pass defence a lot for Dallas.
15 – Philadelphia Eagles – Michael Floyd – WR – Notre Dame
The first receiver is off the board! Even though Philly franchised DeSean Jackson, they may be doing it try trade him away. Adding Michael Floyd means they have depth on the wings if DeSean does stay, or a legitimate number one or number two wideout if he is traded.
16 – New York Jets – Melvin Ingram – DE – South Carolina
New York needs an outside pass rusher for Rex Ryan’s defense, and Ingram is a sack master who can help them achieve that. Adding a legit threat to their rush as well as having a WR on Revis Island will further improve this Jets defense as the Big Apple gets used to Tebowmania
17 – Cincinnati Bengals – David Wilson – RB – Virginia Tech
With Cedric Benson leaving the Bengals, they need a new bellcow back. Wilson had a fantastic combine and has shown the potential to be a three-down back in the NFL, and a great addition to Cincinnati’s young offense
18 – San Diego Chargers – Cordy Glenn – OG – Georgia
San Diego needs help along the line, especially at guard. Glenn is a good interior lineman who can move out to play right tackle if needed. With this porous a line, San Diego needs all the help it can get.
19 – Chicago Bears – Michael Brockers – DT – LSU
Imagine, if Chicago brought in Mario Williams to play on the other end of Julius Peppers, and then put Michael Brockers in the middle… would there be a more formidable front line in the league? Sadly, they failed to do so but Brockers alongside Peppers would still be a handful for opposing offensive lines! It isn’t a massive need but Chicago can still find good value in the second round for a Guard or Tackle.
20 – Tennessee Titans – Devon Still – DT – Penn State
Tennessee were at their best with an elite interior pass rusher in Albert Haynesworth. Still gives them that sort of player for their defense again
21 – Cincinnati Bengals – Janoris Jenkins – CB – North Alabama
Cincinnati lost Jonathan Joseph to free agency last year, only for Leon Hall to suffer an ACL injury. Jenkins is a high risk, high reward player the likes of whom the Bengals have taken chances on in the past.
22 – Cleveland Browns – Stephen Hill – WR – Georgia Tech
Having taken their QB of the future with their first pick, the Browns jump at the chance to get Tannehill another target. Hill rose up draft boards after his 40 time at the Combine, and with his 6’4″ size he will draw attention from defenses.
23 – Detroit Lions – Dre Kirkpatrick – CB – Alabama
The Lions pass defence was pretty poor last season. In a division that has elite receivers such as Brandon Marshall, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings and (not quite elite) Johnny Knox, Detroit need a top talent at Corner.
24 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Courtney Upshaw – LB – Alabama
Pittsburgh luck out and find another great OLB in the draft. Upshaw is a very similar player to LaMarr Woodley. Who am I kidding, this guy is almost a clone of the kung-fu kicking former Wolverine. Adding Upshaw to an already aggressive and loaded Steelers defense will allow the team to move on from the oft-penalised James Harrison.
25 – Denver Broncos – Peter Konz – C – Wisconsin
Despite Denver’s miraculous run to the playoffs last year, they have some serious weaknesses on offense. The interior of the line is poor, with possibly the worst guard combination in the league. Denver needs to upgrade this area now that they have Peyton Manning under center. Konz comes from the lineman conveyor belt that is Wisconsin, and can stay at center or shift to guard in the pro’s.
26 – Houston Texans – Kendall Wright – WR – Baylor
Houston wants another receiver to complement Andre Johnson. Wright let himself down with a poor 4.61 40 yard time at the Combine, but he plays like a 4.4 guy on tape. Wright is no Andre Johnson, but he is a deep threat who will force coverage back.
TRADE – MIAMI SEND ITS #42 AND #63 PICKS TO NEW ENGLAND FOR THE #27 PICK
27 – Miami Dolphins – Mark Barron – SS – Alabama
Miami cut the expensive and aging Yeremiah Bell, but now has a gap at strong safety. With a solid defense already in place, Miami can add to this with the 2012 class’ best safety
28 – Green Bay Packers – Steven Gilmore – CB – South Carolina
The Packers secondary was pretty awful last season. Sam Shields had a tough year but showed he can be a decent corner at times. Gilmore can come straight in and improve this poor defensive back unit.
29 – Baltimore Ravens – Kelechi Osemele – OG – Iowa State
After losing Ben Grubbs to the Saints in free agency, the Ravens have a need at guard opposite Marshal Yanda. Osemele is a big, powerful guard who will open up plenty of lanes for Ray Rice
30 – San Francisco 49ers – Alshon Jeffrey – WR – South Carolina
Although they just signed Mario Manningham, the 49ers could still use help on the flanks. Crabtree still hasn’t shown why he was considered the best receiver in his draft class and Randy Moss isn’t the player he was. Jeffrey is a fast receiver with good hands and should be a nice addition for Alex Smith
31 – New England Patriots – Nick Perry – DE/OLB – USC
New England’s hybrid defense demands versatility, and that’s exactly what Perry provides. Able to play as an edge rusher in a 3 or 4 man front, Perry will be a good addition to a mediocre Patriots defense.
32 – New York Giants – Lamar Miller – RB – Miami
Brandon Jacobs is gone and Bradshaw is very hit and miss. Miller had a good combine – A strong runner and catches the ball out the back field which provides yet another weapon for Eli Manning.
33 – St Louis Rams – Mike Adams – OT – Ohio State
Jason Smith is bad, real bad. Sam Bradford not only needs weapons to throw to on the offence, but also an Offensive Line that will keep him on his feet! Steven Jackson would also benefit from an upgrade on the line so this pick makes a lot of sense for Jeff Fisher and the Rams.
34 – Indianapolis Colts – Jerel Worthy – DT – Michigan State
Indy has its franchise QB and piece to build around on offense, it can get the same on the defense with a solid defensive tackle. Worthy will help fix the problems Indianapolis has had on the interior of the line since the turn of the decade
35 – Minnesota Vikings – Reuben Randle – WR – LSU
So Ponder genuinely has only one weapon on offence: Percy Harvin – and he missed a fair few games last year due to an ongoing Migraine problem. Shiancoe is gone and John Carlson has arrived so that gives Ponder a short throw target. Randle can line up opposite Harvin to give the Vikings a much stronger passing game to compliment the workhorse Adrian Peterson.
37 – Cleveland Browns – Doug Martin – RB – Boise State
Cleveland lost Peyton Hillis and need a new bellcow back to replace him and support Ryan Tannehill. Martin can fill this role and give the Browns a decent running game
38 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Dwight Jones – WR – North Carolina
Jacksonville needs more offensive weapons, and Jones is a big target for Blaine Gabbert to hit on the outside
39 – St Louis Rams – Fletcher Cox – DT – Mississippi
St Louis released their two starting DT’s this off season so will need a big run stuffer to replace them. Fletcher Cox is a first round talent but is in a position with lots of depth. St Louis couldn’t be happier with this pick.
40 – Carolina Panthers – Josh Robinson – CB – Central Florida
Chris Gamble is the only good Corner on the Panthers roster and this is probably the main reason the Panthers were so poor against the pass this season. Robinson is 5’10, 199 lbs and ran a 4.29 40 – Not only will Robinson not get burned deep by anyone, he also adds to the Panthers special teams.
41 – Buffalo Bills – Barrett Jones – OT – Alabama
With Demetrius Bell scouring the market for suitors, the Bills have a need at left tackle. Barrett Jones will be able to come in and fill this role for a Bills team which is becoming ever more competitive
42 – New England Patriots – Harrison Smith- FS – Notre Dame
Harrison Smith has seen his draft stock rise exponentially in the weeks running up to the draft, however with a lack of need at safety across the league apart from towards the end of the round he falls in this mock. Smith is a fantastic player to add to the back end of this Patriots secondary.
43 – Seattle Seahawks – Kendall Reyes – DE – Connecticut
Kendall Reyes is surprisingly quick for a 300 lbs man which gives him good edge rushing abilities. Mix this with his sheer power in the bull rush and he has a very good skill set and could really flourish at the next level with some NFL Coaching. This helps Seattle’s pass rush and this, combined with Kuechly in the 1st, and Seattle has a Superbowl ready Defence.
44 – Kansas City Chiefs – Brock Osweiler – QB – Arizona State
The Sun Devils signal-caller has seen a meteoric rise up draft boards and becomes the 4th quarterback taken here. Osweiler will at very least push for Matt Cassel’s starting job, if not take it for himself
45 – Dallas Cowboys – Brandon Thompson – DT – Clemson
Dallas need some help on the front line and could use a big run stuffer and interior pass rusher. Brandon Thompson is a powerful DT who can help shut down the interior running game.
46 – Philadelphia Eagles – Mychal Kendricks – OLB – Philadelphia
Kendricks is a fast edge rusher and strong tackler, which is something the Eagles could really use. Kendricks can be used in a 3-4 or 4-3 and will give the Eagles some second level security, which is so badly needed.
47 –New York Jets – Chris Polk – RB – Washington
The Jets want to return to Ground ‘n’ Pound, and how better to do it than adding another back to their rotation? With Shonn Greene and Chris Polk in the backfield, the Jets have some explosive playmakers behind Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.
48 – New England Patriots – Jayron Hosley – CB – Virginia Tech
New England has another pick, and again goes to defense. Hosley showed himself to be a solid corner at VT, and will be a good addition to a corner depth chart with Ras-I Dowling and Devin McCourty
49 – San Diego Chargers – Zebrie Sanders – OT – Florida State
Another pick for the Chargers, another lineman. This team needs all the help it can get up front, and finds a ‘sleeper’ in Zebrie Sanders (This might explain that comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV448r5f2qI ). Powerful as a run blocker, and a solid pass protector for the most part, though he struggles against athletic competition, Sanders will find a slot on San Diego’s line, likely to be at right tackle.
50 – Chicago Bears – Tommy Streeter – WR – Miami
Chicago needs some receivers. Despite trading for Brandon Marshall, the Bears still have limited weapons on the outside. Johnny Knox is rehabilitating from a horrific back injury suffered against the Seahawks, and Devin Hester hasn’t worked out as well as is expected of him. Streeter is a fast and sure-handed receiver who will help Cutler and the Bears offence out a lot.
51 – Philadelphia Eagles – Bobby Massie – OT – Ole Miss
Jason Peters suffered a torn Achilles this offseason, which leaves a big gap at Tackle for the Eagles. Massie is a strong and agile OT who will help protect Michael Vick and will improve the Eagles Offensive line until Peters returns.
52 – Tennessee Titans – Alfonso Denard – CB – Nebraska
With Courtland Finnegan having left for St Louis, Tennessee is in a position to replace him with another solid corner in Denard. Even with Peyton Manning having left, Tennessee would not be amiss by improving their pass defense, with the new threat in the AFC South being the Houston Texans and Andre Johnson.
53 – Cincinnati Bengals – Kevin Zeitler – OG – Wisconsin
Cincinnati can improve their interior line with their third pick in this draft, grabbing a new guard to open lanes for their first pick, David Wilson, and protect Andy Dalton. Zeitler comes from Wisconsin, historically a school which has produced talented linemen for the NFL.
54 – Detroit Lions – Jeff Allen – OT – Illinois
Every year the Lions need help at Tackle, and every year they seem to skip over it. Well now they NEED it. Jeff Backus is old and the running game is suffering because the outside edge rush is getting too fast for him.
55 – Atlanta Falcons – Tony Bergstrom – OT/OG – Utah
The Falcons need help on the line at both Tackle and Right Guard. Bergstrom started at Right Tackle but has both the size and strength to stiffen up the interior of the line for the Falcons.
56 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Dont’a Hightower – LB – Alabama
Pittsburgh gets a fantastic steal in the second taking Dont’a Hightower out of Alabama. Adding Hightower to a talented Steelers defense will allow the team to carry on after cutting James Farrior in the offseason without skipping a beat.
57 – Denver Broncos – Alameda Ta’amu – DT – Washington
Denver has filled two of its key needs in center and quarterback already with the drafting of Konz in the first round and the signing of Peyton Manning, and now can turn their attention to their defensive line. Ta’amu was projected as a nose tackle, but in a 4-3 defense will be able to continue in a similar role and occupy several gaps in order to plug running lanes and create space for pass rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.
58 – Houston Texans – Coby Fleener – TE – Stanford
As a good route runner with solid speed, Fleener will be a good fit for pro level offenses. Houston’s passing attack will go from strength to strength if they added as talented a target as Fleener in the second.
59 – New Orleans – FORFEITED DUE TO BOUNTY SCANDAL
60 – Green Bay Packers – Shea McLelin – OLB/DE – Boise State.
Clay Matthews needs help on the other side of the field and Shea McLelin is one of the best OLB’s on the board. He has good size and speed and should be a solid pick at 60 and will help shore up right side of the field.
61 – Baltimore Ravens – Mohammed Sanu – WR – Rutgers
Baltimore cut Lee Evans this offseason, meaning that their woes at the receiver position continue. Sanu had a good season but a poor Combine has dropped his stock, meaning the Ravens can swoop here late in the second.
62 – San Francisco 49ers – Amini Silatolu – OG – Midwestern State
49ers had a great season last year and now that they have shown their trust in Alex Smith for at least another season, they need to replace the guard spot left open by Adam Snyder. Silatolu is rising on draft boards and would be a great pick to solidify the line.
63 – New England Patriots – Vinny Curry – DE – Marshall
Adding Curry to their line alongside first round pick Nick Perry will give the Patriots some semblance of a pass rush this season to complement their other pieces in the secondary.
64 – New York Giants – Dwayne Allen – TE – Clemson
Allen’s combine performance wasn’t all that impressive so his stock has taken a tumble. However, he was extremely productive at Clemson last year. He is a big, strong, agile player who can help block but also has great hands to give Eli Manning an extra target in the passing game. A steal at 64.
65 – Indianapolis Colts – Ladarius Green – TE – Louisiana-Lafayette
The Colts released Dallas Clark this offseason, and Green has been drawing attention in some circles as ‘the next Jimmy Graham’. A big, fast tight end will give Andrew Luck a solid target to hit between the hashes.
66 – St Louis Rams – Bobby Wagner – ILB – Utah State.
The Rams linebacking corps is a shambles and so they need a solid player to help improve this dire unit. Wagner can play inside or outside and has good instincts on the ball.
67 – Minnesota Vikings – Trumaine Johnson – FS/CB – Montana
Trumaine Johnson had a phenomenal pro-day which made scouts pore over his impressive game film even more. His ability to play corner and safety means that the Vikes can improve both positions with one pick.
68 – Cleveland Browns – Lavonte David – OLB – Nebraska
Cleveland needs outside linebackers, and with Scoot Fujita potentially being caught up in Bountygate from his time with the Saints, the need becomes pressing enough to fill here. David is an athletic linebacker who can cover well but is slightly undersized for the position.
69 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tank Carder – ILB – TCU
Carder had a great pro day and solidified his status as a 2nd day pick. Tampa need an inside linebacker to play alongside newly drafted Zach Brown – Carder can cover the middle of the field and is an effective run stopper too
70 – Washington Redskins – Josh Chapman – NT – Alabama
Cofield played well last season but isn’t a Nose Tackle and so Chapman provides depth along the line and allows Cofield to move to End or a 3-tech
71 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Juron Criner – WR – Arizona
The Jags took a WR in the 2nd, and do the same in the third. The guys they have are flat out bad. Criner is big and agile, and will break tackles and gain plenty of YAC after short receptions.
72 – Buffalo Bills – Bernard Pierce – RB – Temple
Buffalo suffered without Fred Jackson when he was out injured. Getting an insurance policy here would be a smart move. Pierce had a good combine and improved his draft stock dramatically. Whilst he is perhaps a little tall for a RB (6 ft), his weight of 218 and his 40 yard of 4.50 will help him out
73 – New England – Nate Potter – OT – Boise State
New England’s guards last year played well, but Brian Waters could well retire and Logan Mankins is coming off of ACL surgery. Potter can play both guard and tackle, therefore adding depth and versatility in the trenches for New England
74 – Miami Dolphins – Greg Childs – WR – Arkansas
A risk here for Miami. After a serious knee injury last season, Childs stock slid due to a poor 2011 campaign. A 4.41 time in the 402nd yard dash as a 6’3″ WR will intrigue teams and in Miami Childs could fill the void left by Brandon Marshall’s departure
75 – Kansas City – Brandon Washington – OT – Miami
Kansas City’s Ryan Lilja is getting older at guard, finding his replacement early is a good move. Washington was one of the top linemen in the ACC during his time in college and could have a bright future in the pros
76 – Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Mosley – OT – Auburn
Mosley is a raw talent which will appeal to Tom Cable’s coaching style. Seattle have been plagued with injuries on the Offensive Line in recent years. James Carpenter, last year’s number one pick for Seattle wasn’t all that great and would be more suited next to Russell Okung, leaving Mosley to the Right Tackle spot, next to John Moffit.
77 – Houston Texans – Mitchell Schwartz – OT – California
Matt Schaub has only played 2 full seasons in his career, and therefore needs protection. Schwartz has risen up boards and could play well at right tackle
78 – New York Jets – Marvin McNutt – WR – Iowa
McNutt was a quarterback before converting to wide receiver in college. As a big receiver, he will help draw coverage away from Santonio Holmes. The way the Jets QB depth chart is shaping up, he might be the only guy who can throw on Gang Green’s roster!
79 – Oakland Raiders – FORFEITED DUE TO SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT SELECTION
80 – San Diego Chargers – LaMichael James – RB – Oregon
Ryan Matthews was meant to be the replacement for LaDanian Tomlinson, but hasn’t quite got off to the same start as the Chargers legend. Adding an explosive playmaker in James will open up the field for Philip Rivers and allow the Chargers to rest Matthews on third down, keeping both backs fresh and injury free.
81 – Chicago Bears – Orson Charles – TE – Georgia
With Mike Martz leaving, Chicago needs a Tight End that will help alleviate some of the coverage that will be placed on Brandon Marshall and Devin Hester. Charles is hard to cover and has good size to help block on the line
82 – Arizona Cardinals – Brandon Brooks – OG – Miami, Ohio
Brooks is a solid mid round pick for the Cardinals whose offensive line is in tatters. Depth is needed on this line and Brooks could challenge for a starting position
83 – Dallas Cowboys -David Molk – C – Michigan
Dallas needs a center – Phil Costa is abysmal at snapping a football which meant that the team finished top of the Botched Snaps statistic. Molk has been a 3 year starter at Michigan and is a solid prospect.
84 – Tennessee Titans – Keenan Robinson – OLB – Texas
Tennessee need help in the linebacking corps, and Robinson is an underrated player, but a solid performer on the field. A physical player who plays well on special teams, Robinson can contribute in several ways for the Titans.
85 – Cincinnati Bengals – Marvin Jones – WR – California
AJ Green was outstanding as a rookie, but the question in Cincinnati is who is the Robin to his Batman? Jones is a big receiver with a solid 4.46 40 time, but a lack of college production keeps him low on many boards.
86 – Atlanta Falcons – Robert Turbin – RB – Utah State
Michael Turner has been used far too much in this offence and will need help next year. Turbin is a strong, fast runner who rushed for 1500 yards last season
87 – Detroit Lions – Issiah Pead – RB – Cincinnati
Jahvid Best is constantly concussed and Mikel Leshoure is likely to be suspended which leaves Kevin Smith in the Lions back field. Pead is an agile back who is a good North/South runner with good hands out the backfield.
88 – Pittsburgh Steelers – George Iloka – FS – Boise State
Pittsburgh needs to get younger at safety, and Iloka is a physical specimen at the position, with linebacker size and safety speed. Putting Iloka alongside Troy Polamalu would significantly improve the Steelers secondary.
89 – Denver Broncos – Chandler Jones – DE – Syracuse
The Broncos get great value here with the selection of Chandler Jones. Adding another talented pass rusher to a Broncos defense which already features Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil will help to elevate the play of the entire unit.
90 – Philadelphia Eagles – Markelle Martin – S – Oklahoma State
The Eagles secondary, despite some big names, is a bit of a mess, especially at Safety. Markelle Martin is a fast Free Safety who can cover the field and provide good base for a solid deep pass defence for Philly.
91 – New Orleans Saints – Jared Crick – DT – Nebraska
The Saints need an interior pass rushed and Jared Crick is the best DT on the board in the 3rd. Crick is coming off a torn pectoral muscle but has lots of potential to be disruptive in the trenches if he is healthy.
92 – Green Bay Packers – Michael Brewster – C – Ohio State
Jeff Saturday was a good addition to the Roster but he is getting older and is now more prone to injury. Brewster is a good pick up in the 3rd and will provide a stable interior presence to the Packers line
93 – Baltimore Ravens – Andre Branch – DE/OLB – Clemson
Baltimore let Jarret Johnson go this offseason, leaving the team with a need at OLB. Andre Branch needs work on his all round game, but as a pass rusher he will make a strong compliment to Terrell Suggs.
94 – San Francisco 49ers – Casey Hayward – CB – Vanderbilt
Casey Hayward recorded 6 picks and 17 passes defended in 2011 and will instantly help improve the 49ers secondary which contains Perish “Criminal” Cox and the ageing Carlos Rodgers.
95 – New England Patriots – Ryan Miller – OG – Colorado
Miller is a big O line prospect who received plenty of hype coming into the season, but failed to live up to expectations in some regards. A suspect pad level due to his height has dropped his stock, but New England will be able to work him into their rotation as Brian Waters replacement or keep him as a backup.
96 – New York Giants – Mike Martin – DT – Michigan
The Superbowl Champions have quality Defensive Ends in Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck but could use a big run stuffing DT to compliment these two. Mike Martin has a great work ethic and plays aggressive.
97 – Oakland Raiders (Compensatory) – Derek Wolfe – DE/DT – Conneticut
There has been talk of the Raiders switching to a 3-4 defense, so adding a player who can come in at end in the 3-4 or tackle in a 4-3 would be a wise move in the first Raiders draft without Al Davis calling the shots. Wolfe can play both positions well, as well as 4-3 end, making him a versatile addition to the Raiders defensive line.
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