Picks 1-16 | Picks 17-32
17. Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
The Falcons are off to a 1-3 start, as their Achilles heel did not wait until the playoffs to expose its ugly self. Atlanta has just seven sacks through four games and needs help getting after opposing signal callers. Mack’s stock soared after his Week 1 performance against Ohio State, as he had nine tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception return for a touchdown. As long as Drew Brees is still in New Orleans, the Falcons need as many quality pass rushers as they can get their hands on and Mack qualifies.
18. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M
The Super Bowl Champs were known for their big playmaking ability last season. The Ravens offense set the single-season franchise record for most plays from scrimmage
gaining 20-or-more yards (72) and set a single-season franchise record for most pass completions gaining 25-or-more yards with 41. Other than Torrey Smith, the Ravens lack depth and quality at WR. At 6-5, 225 pounds, Mike Evans would be a great compliment to the speedy Smith. Evans has nearly 700 receiving yards in 5 games with 5 TD receptions. There may be other WR’s that move up the boards as the year progresses but Evans looks to be a perfect fit for the dart throwing Joe Flacco in Baltimore.
19. Tennessee Titans: Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State
The Titans are 3-1 and scored comfortably on a stout NY Jets defense this past Sunday. Last offseason, Tennessee rebuilt the interior of their offensive, so it is likely they continue to build it by adding to the outside. Starting tackles, Michael Roos and David Stewart, are 30 and 31 years old, respectively and both have voidable years on their contracts upcoming, too. Erving has good instincts and should only get better with experience. Blocking for famous Jameis Winston in Tallahassee will help his mobility develop for the next level.
20. Houston Texans: AJ McCarron, QB Alabama
Matt Schaub has thrown a pick 6 in three consecutive weeks and two of them cost his team momentum and last week vs. the Seahawks, the football game. Seattle CB Richard Sherman returned a Schaub pass to the house with just 2:40 to play in the contest, which forced overtime. The Texans were hoping any pick in this draft may have been later but if Schaub continues to play this way, it could be earlier. Schaub’s in his tenth season and the Texans may have to reach here for his replacement. Sorry TJ Yates but you will need to make way for AJ McCarron, who is a smart and technically sound quarterback with underrated tools.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington
Alex Smith knows how to use quick and athletic TE’s, just ask Vernon Davis P.H. (Post Harbaugh). Seferian-Jenkins is a natural receiver with excellent size and production. He is sneaky quick, not fast–but he’s smooth with good speed, He is a threat to stretch the field or he can pick up huge chunks of yards between the 20’s. He is not a great blocker but in Andy Reid’s offense, chipping a guy off the line of scrimmage does not require a TE to block like Jonathan Ogden. As long as he stays out of trouble, his recent DUI in July will not be an issue next May.
22. Chicago Bears: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
Tuitt would be a good get for the Bears here. Placing him on the opposite end of Julius Peppers would be a good match for Chicago. The Bears may also elect to take a TE if Marc Trestman wants to continue to build his offense.
23. Miami Dolphins: Antonio Richardson, OT Tennessee
The Dolphins have allowed 18 sacks of Ryan Tannehill through four games. That is the most in the NFL. They are still 3-1 and will consider themselves lucky if they get through the season continuing to win a playoff pace and Tannehill stays healthy. They will not enter next season taking the chance again. They finally replace Jake Long or at least try to by taking Antonio Richardson. The SEC Tackle held up fairly well against a stout Florida defense a few weeks back. Many are undecided on his potential, I’ve seen him as high as No.15 and as low as the third round. Either way, the Dolphins will draft to protect Tannehill in May.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Ha’Sean Clinton Dix, S Alabama
Playing in the NFC LEAST has it’s perks. For one, the Cowboys are likely to win the division by default. That is not a bad thing if you’re a solid playoff worthy team and the Cowboys showed this past Sunday vs. San Diego, they are anything but at the moment. How mediocre is Dallas—they rank 19th in offense and defense in the NFL. They are 3rd at stopping the run so I see no need to draft a DT with this mock but that could also change. They also get after the passer pretty good at the moment with 14-sacks already. How about a super athletic ball hawking safety that possesses prototypical size. Sounds like Ha-Ha Clinton Dix to me. He is versatile and hard hitting and would be perfect in Monty Kiffin’s scheme, which is currently 27th ranked vs. the pass.
25. Cincinnatti Bengals: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson
With Sammy Watkins still on the board, Cincinnatti will keep him in the tiger family. Watkins, paired with AJ Green will make for some long days for opposing AFC North secondaries. His speed and explosiveness will add another gear to the Bengals offense—that is of course assuming QB Andy Dalton takes the proverbial next step this season and leads the Bengals offense to where everyone predicts they should be—back in the playoffs for a third straight season. But what if the Red Headed Rifle misfires this season? It is still early and that’s a curve ball we’ll swing at later in the season if it is an issue.
26. Green Bay Packers: James Hurst OT North Carolina
Aaron Rodgers was sacked a total of 51 times in 2012 – more than any other NFL quarterback was – and 55 times if you count the playoffs. It eclipsed his previous record of 50 sacks in 2009 and brings his five-year total as a starter to 202. So far this season, Rodgers has taken a seat 10 times. Enter 6’7 310 pound Tar Heel James Hurst. He is huge but he can move, just ask Jadeveon Clowney whom he wore down pretty good in Week 1. Says one scout, Hurst Plays with good knee bend and overall leverage. Flashes good overall athleticism with nice feet and flexibility to wall off rushers.
27. Cleveland Browns (From Indianapolis): Loucheiz Purifoy, CB Florida
Browns fans will be cheering for their team this year and whoever is playing the Colts the rest of the season. The Bengals may have foiled the Browns plans here by taking Sammy Watkins this deep in round one and there is not an offensive skill position player left worth taking. No worries, Cleveland can always continue to add to a solid defense that is currently ranked third in the NFL. Snagging a partner for shut down CB Joe Haden, who is the best in the NFL this season, can be accomplished. At 6-1, 190 pounds Loucheiz Purifoy has good size and is fast. He has both a great initial burst and solid closing speed. Like most Gators, he is a good blitzer and hits hard. He is versatile as well. He can play some receiver and is great on special teams, as a kick returner.
28. New Orleans Saints: Adrian Hubbard, LB Alabama
Coming from Nick Saban to Rob Ryan will be an easy adjustment for Hubbard. Saban expects a lot out of his linebackers and so does Ryan. Another member of the loaded Alabama defense, Hubbard could bulk up to 265 or so and give N.O a little help as a pass-rushing end or he can stand up and play just fine in Ryan’s hybrid 3-4 scheme.
29. New England Patriots: Ra’shede Hageman, DE/DT, Minnesota
Vince Wilfork is out for the year with a torn Achilles, He is also not getting any younger. At 31-years old and with his size, he won’t recover as fast from surgery, as some other NFL superstars have recently (Peterson, RGS, Suggs). Bill Belichick loves size up front. In addition, he will want to replace him as quick as he can. At 6-6, 315 pounds Hageman fits the bill for what Belichick wants in his defensive lineman and if Wilfork can come back eventually and produce as he did, the Pats will have a huge formidable duo on their D-line.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Colt Lyerla, TE Oregon
I’m not panicking over Aldon Smith’s exploits just yet. The Niners are banged up on defense and are still the fourth best unit in the league. They may look to expand their offense here. What could make the Niners pistol read option offense even more unstoppable and potent is having a dangerous dual TE threat similar to what the Patriots employed with Gronk and Hernandez. Scary thought isn’t it. With NFL teams actively seeking Gronk- and Graham-esque flex tight ends, why not grab a tight end that is so flexible that his team occasionally lines him up at tailback?
31. Denver Broncos: Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State
Would be a scary thing to see Von Miller (possibly) and Sutton play together on a Broncos defense that seems to be doing just fine without Miller. Sutton has a lot of upside. He has potential to be an elite and dominating interior pass rusher. He has shown he can be an explosive gap penetrator with excellent block shedding and tackling abilities.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU
This is a great pick for the Seahawks. For his career, Johnson has played in 27 games with six starts … Has 52 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks to his credit. He has good speed (Runs at 4.7 40-yard dash despite weighing 295 pounds) and he is good at pressuring the quarterback or plugging a gap against the run. Sounds like a perfect fit (if he’s available) for a team currently willing to employ, as many speed defensive front seven players to chase down Colin Kaepernick for years to come. It is obvious with the Hawks last two wins over San Fran that their defense currently owns the upper hand over Kaepernick and his pistol read option offense. Johnson has been nursing a sore shoulder since the season-opener against TCU, but he seems determined to play through it.