NPC Final Mock Draft With Trades (3 Full Rounds, Steelers Picks in Rounds 4-7)

Round 2 Cont.

49. San Diego Chargers: Kelechi Osemele OG/OT (Iowa State)

I personally don’t believe that Jared Gaither, a hurt Marcus McNeill, and Jeromy Clary are the solution for San Diego at Tackle 2-3 years down the road.  If the Chargers acquire a Pass Rusher in Round 1, they would be wise to add a solid Tackle in Round 2 to the mix along their Offensive Line.  Osemele projects as a Guard or a Right Tackle at the pro level, but he did display quite a bit of athleticism in college where he played Left Tackle and Guard at Iowa State and started 3.5 seasons.  Osemele’s large build 6’5″ 347 lbs. and ability to run block should allow him to kick inside or stay outside with a team like San Diego looking to upgrade at a lot of spots along their Offensive Line.

(Previous Selection: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin)

50. Chicago Bears: Brandon Thompson DT (Clemson)

In the event that Brandon Thompson falls to pick number 50, I do not think the Bears will let him slip any further down the draft board.  In Thompson (6’2″ 310), the Bears could find themselves quite the run-clogging and versatile player.  Thompson has the ability to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 set, and his frame and ability to push the Interior of the Offensive Line would cause Chicago’s outside pass rushers to get one-on-one matchups and wreak havoc.  With Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford in the N.F.C. North Division, having a stout pass-rush is an absolute must.

(Previous Selection: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson)

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.

53. Cincinnati Bengals: Kevin Zeitler OG (Wisconsin)

Despite signing Travelle Wharton, the Bengals should still look to upgrade the Interior of their Offensive Line in 2012.  In the event that a guy like Kevin Zeitler is available in Round 2, the Bengals would be hard pressed to pass on a prospect of his caliber.  Zeitler is 6’4″ 315 lbs. and one of a litany of Wisconsin Linemen to come out with a penchant for run-blocking.  If Cincinnati wants to improve their running game, they should seriously consider drafting a guy with Zeitler’s ability.

(Previous Selection: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State)

54. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown OLB (North Carolina)

In the event Zach Brown falls this far, Detroit will have to take advantage and select him, because Brown one of the best 4-3 LB’s of the 2012 Draft Class.  At 6-2 230 lbs. Brown has improved each and every season at U.N.C. and finished his Senior campaign with 91 Tackles, 11.5 Tackles For Loss, and 2 INT’s.  Brown is incredibly athletic and he set the school-record for the indoor 60 meter dash with a time of 6.72 seconds as a Sophomore when he competed for the Tar Heels track team.  For a Linebacker-needy team like Detroit, this pick makes sense.

(Previous Selection: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall)

55. Atlanta Falcons: Jayron Hosley CB (Virginia Tech)

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 Jayron Hosley is available, I believe that the Falcons will be thrilled to take him.  Atlanta could still sign Asante Samuel, but his presence might not be enough in the long-term plans of the franchise.  Hosley (5’10” 178 lbs.) could contribute in the Nickel as a Rookie, and then work his way into the lineup over a year or two.  Stopping the pass is of the utmost importance in the A.F.C. South, and Atlanta will have to look Cornerback early.

56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Brooks OG (Miami OH)

Let’s face it Steeler Nation, the play at both Guard spots since Alan Faneca left in 2008 and Kendall Simmons was hurt in October of that season has been dreadful to put it best.  Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster, bless their hearts, are solid backups and #6 and #7 swing guys (C/OG and OG/OT), but that’s about it.  If the Steelers want to shore up at least one of their Guard spots this offseason, they should take a long look at the road-grading 6’5″ 346 lb. Brooks in the 2rd Round.  Adding Brooks to the mix of Marcus Gilbert, Maurkice Pouncey, and a hopefully healthy Willie Colon would give the Steelers actually something to work with along the Offensive Line heading into the 2012 season.  If Colbert can draft another competent Guard or Tackle in the later Rounds, Pittsburgh’s Offense could be lethal in the coming seasons.

(Previous Selection: Mychal Kendricks, ILB, California)

57. Denver Broncos: Josh Robinson CB/KR (Central Florida)

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.  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 Broncos’ Secondary which was exposed late in the season.

(Previous Selection: Brandon Boykin, CB/KR, Georgia)

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.

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.

60. Baltimore Ravens: Mychal Kendricks ILB (California)

Baltimore will likely be looking for a quality Inside Linebacker in the event Ray Lewis retires in a season or two.  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: Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma)

61. San Francisco 49ers: Amini Silatolu OG/OT (Midwestern State)

San Francisco could stand to upgrade the Right Guard spot, and late in Round 2 they might find just the player to help.  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, he projects 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 Round selection.

(Previous Selection: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech)

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.

63. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen TE (Clemson)

Losing Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard in the Super Bowl was not good, and H-Back Bear Pascoe cannot be counted on to shoulder the load at TE in 2012.  New York will have to address the Tight End position at some point during the weekend, and Dwayne Allen might be a guy they are currently targeting.  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.  The more weapons for Eli Manning, the better, and Allen could step in Day 1 and get some significant playing time.

(Previous Selection: Amini Silatolu, OG/OT, Midwestern State)