NPC Mock Draft 6.0 (3 Full Rounds, and Steelers Picks in Rounds 4-7)
Round 2 Cont.
49. San Diego Chargers: Kevin Zeitler OG (Wisconsin)
If the Chargers acquire a Pass Rusher in Round 1, they would be wise to add a solid Guard or Tackle in Round 2 to the mix along their Offensive Line. Protecting Philip Rivers and opening holes for Ryan Matthews will be of the utmost importance in the coming seasons, and the Chargers could do themselves a favor by taking Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler. A road-grader at 6’4″ 315 lbs., Zeitler is one of a number of Wisconsin Linemen to come out in recent years with a penchant for solid play in the run-game.
(Previous Selection: Kelechi Osemele, OG/OT, Iowa State)
50. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen TE (Clemson)
Jay Cutler needs weapons, and he could sure use a solid pass catching Tight End to help.
At 6’4″ 255 lbs., Allen has soft hands, is a very polished route runner, and will undoubtedly create matchup problems for opponents in the middle of the field. If Chicago wants to give Cutler another option to throw to and have an adequate safety valve in the passing game, drafting a guy of Allen’s caliber is necessary. If that happens, Chicago’s Offense could be pretty dangerous come 2012.
51. Philadelphia Eagles: Bobby Wagner ILB/OLB (Utah State)
One of Philadelphia’s biggest issues last season was at the Linebacker position, which ultimately proved to be an Achilles Heel for their already shaky Defense. Sure, the Eagles might have traded for DeMeco Ryans, but his presence will not be enough to fix that dreadful unit. Wagner established himself as a tackling machine during his career at Utah State and tore up the W.A.C. as a collegiate player. Wagner might be short 6′, but he is built like a vending machine at 240 lbs., and put his tackling prowess on display at The Senior Bowl. His skill set is suited to either a 3-4 or Inside or Outside in a 4-3 set which could really come in handy for a team like Philadelphia which needs upgrades at multiple spots.
52. Tennessee Titans: Lavonte David OLB (Nebraska)
David’s size is probably the biggest thing keeping him out of the 1st Round, because as a Cornhusker he proved himself to be quite the Linebacker in spite of his 6′ 225 lbs. frame. His toughness was on display week in and week out as he amassed almost 300 Tackles (285) in the last two seasons according to a CBS.Sportsline report from the Senior Bowl. Known for taking smaller LB’s which fit their 4-3 system, Tennessee is a logical choice here because they are in need of Linebacking depth.
(Previous Selection: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech)
53. Cincinnati Bengals: Doug Martin RB (Boise State)
Don’t get me wrong, the signing of “The Law Firm” in the form of BenJarvus Green-Ellis was a smart move by Cincinnati this offseason. Still, the Bengals will need another Back to compliment him, because Bernard Scott might not be the answer. One player which could be on the Bengals’ radars because of his skill set is Doug Martin. The Boise State Back is a tough inside runner that has a bowling-ball frame of 5’9 223 lbs. and ran for 1,299 Yards last season. In addition to his running prowess, Martin is an adept pass catcher, and any and all weapons that “Ginger Spice” can throw to the better.
(Previous Selection: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin)
54. Detroit Lions: Vinny Curry DE/OLB (Marshall)
If the Lions are smart, they should at least get some insurance in case Cliff Avril either holds out or does not want to stay in Detroit down the road. One player which they could target in Round 2 would be Marshall’s Vinny Curry who is a terrific pass-rusher. Curry, 6’3″ 263 lbs., was an All-Conference USA 1st team selection in 2011, and put up a ridiculous 11.0 Sacks and notched 21.5 Tackles For Loss to earn those accolades. Putting a speed-demon on the outside like Curry in passing situations faced off in one-on-one matchups because of Ndamukong Suh drawing double teams on the interior would be absolutely lethal.
(Previous Selection: Josh Robinson, CB/KR, Central Florida)
55. Atlanta Falcons: Josh Robinson CB/KR (Central Florida)
Atlanta is going to need help in the Secondary in the coming years. Dunta Robinson has only been decent since arriving in 2010, and the Falcons ranked 20th in YPG against the Pass in 2012. Changes and upgrades are in order, and if Josh Robinson falls to them, I believe that the Falcons will be thrilled. Robinson (5’10 199 lbs.) really emerged at The Combine which has in turn helped his draft stock rise in the recent weeks. Running the fastest time in Indianapolis helped (4.33), but Robinson does possess skills which make him worthy of at least a late 2nd/early 3rd Round selection. A starter during all three years of his career at Central Florida, Robinson could instantly help the Falcons’ Secondary which was torched all season long. Added to Robinson’s value is the fact he returned kicks for the Golden Knights, and Atlanta has to be in the market for somebody to replace Pro Bowler Eric Weems who departed to Chicago this offseason.
(Previous Selection: Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia)
56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mychal Kendricks ILB (California)
With James Farrior gone, Larry Foote entering his 11th season, and Stevenson Sylvester unproven, Pittsburgh will be looking for a quality Inside Linebacker in a couple of weeks. Built much like Bobby Wagner (5’11” 240 lbs.), Kendricks is also a tackling machine that has great speed (4.47 40) which he uses get to the ball carrier. Kendricks has experience playing both Inside and Outside at the collegiate level, and can even bring the heat as a pass-rusher (he played OLB in 2010 at Cal). Kendricks can stay on the field for all 3 Downs and would be a perfect addition to a Defense in need of help at the Inside Linebacker spot.
(Previous Selection: Alameda Ta’amu, NT, Washington)
57. Denver Broncos: Brandon Boykin CB/KR (Georgia)
Champ Bailey is not getting any younger, and Tom Brady absolutely abused the Broncos’ Secondary at in the Divisional Playoff game. That being said, Denver could look to upgrade the Cornerback position this offseason. Although small (5’9″ 181 lbs.), Brandon Boykin is a tremendous athlete that performed well against S.E.C. Receivers and has added value in the return game. While some teams may be scared of his lack of size and fret that he might not be able to tackle on a consistent basis, Boykin is at least a solid Nickel guy down the road that can make things happen when the ball is in his hands, and I have to believe that Denver will find ways to highlight his unique skills.
(Previous Selection: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State)
58. Houston Texans: Alameda Ta’amu (Washington)
The only piece missing from Houston’s new 3-4 Defensive scheme led by Wade Phillips is a true 0-Technique Nose Tackle. Standing at 6’3″ 348 lbs., Ta’amu is a classic space-eater which can man multiple blockers, and would allow other Texans Defenders to roam free. If needed, Ta’amu can create pressure up the gut a bit with a bull-rush, but Ta’amu’s “Bread and Butter” is stuffing the run game. Ta’amu’s stock has been hurt a bit after an up-and-down 2011 season, offseason workouts, and his performance at The Senior Bowl and the practices. Nevertheless, Ta’amu played well during his 3.5 seasons as a starter at Washington, and is definitely worth a late 2nd Round selection for a team like Houston in need of help at the position.
(Previous Selection: Billy Winn, DE/DT, Boise State)
59. Green Bay Packers: Trumaine Johnson CB/S (Montana)
Trumaine Johnson is one player that Green Bay could take a chance on come Round 2 to add to their suspect and thin Secondary. The 6’2″ 204 lbs. Johnson dominated at 1-AA Montana, and established himself as a shut-down Corner. In terms of his skill-set, Johnson has the size and strength to translate well to the N.F.L., and I liken him to a more polished Ike Taylor with better hands. I mean, it’s not very often that you can find someone of Johnson’s size with 4.5 speed as a CB or even a Safety. The upside is there, and I believe that a team like Green Bay would be willing to gamble on him.
(Previous Selection: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson)
60. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnell Lewis OLB (Oklahoma)
Baltimore is in need of some other pass-rushers not named Terrell Suggs. Sergio Kindle has been an absolute ghost during his two year career in Baltimore due to injuries, and the Ravens need to start thinking about getting younger on the Defensive side of the ball. A versatile “Swiss-Army Knife” player like Lewis could really help Baltimore’s Pass Rush in 2012 and beyond. At 6’2″ 244 lbs., Lewis made his mark at Oklahoma by playing all over the field as an OLB and a Defensive End, and in 2011 earned 1st Team All-Big XII honors by recording 13 Tackles For Loss and 5.5 Sacks for the Sooners. Extremely quick off the snap, Lewis could step in Day 1 and help the Ravens in passing situations before bulking up a tad and settling in to a starting role.
61. San Francisco 49ers: Jayron Hosley CB (Virginia Tech)
While the 49ers did re-sign Carlos Rogers, and pick up Perrish Cox, they still could be in the market for more Secondary depth. Jayron Hosley (5’10” 178 lbs.) could vie for playing time right away if San Francisco decides to draft him. While he isn’t a big guy, he is a good cover corner and would be a terrific Nickel/Slot guy at the professional level. Hosely also has experience returning punts, and his value in the Special Teams realm could pay dividends for San Francisco while he is developing.
(Previous Selection: Trumaine Johnson, CB/S, Montana)
62. New England Patriots: Brian Quick WR (Appalachian State)
If the Patriots do not make a play for Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech in Round 1, they could be looking for another tall, field-stretching WR in Round 2. In the event that happens, New England could opt to select the raw, but amazingly talented and athletic Brian Quick of Appalachian State to help their already awesome passing attack. Quick was a basketball player in High School until he chose to play football in his Senior year, and the 6’4″ 220 lb. Wide Receiver has terrific body control and could become a Quarterback’s best friend in the Red Zone. While Quick is still learning the nuances of the position (he didn’t start playing football until his Senior year in High School), his skill set is fantastic and with a bit of seasoning could develop into a matchup nightmare for opponents.
(Previous Selection: Brandon Boykin, CB/KR, Georgia)
63. New York Giants: Amini Silatolu OG/OT (Midwestern State)
The Giants could stand to get a bit younger on the Offensive Line in the coming years, especially at the Guard spot. Amini Silatolu has been giving scouts much to talk about this offseason as an under-the-radar prospect coming out of the Division II ranks. While the 6’4″ 311 lb. Silatolu played Tackle during his collegiate career, Silatolu is projected as a Guard and has the size and raw athleticism to build a nice career for himself at that position. While he might not be a guy that can start Day 1 and will also have to adjust to the speed of the professional game, Silatolu displayed enough athleticism and upside on tape for scouts and at The Combine for him to warrant a late 2nd to 3rd Round selection.
(Previous Selection: Mychal Kendricks, ILB, California)