| 1 | Luke Joeckel | T | Texas A&M Aggies | Luke Joeckel goes second overall to Jaguars
Jaguars selected Texas A&M LT Luke Joeckel with the No. 2 overall pick. The Jaguars stuck to their board despite the presence of 2009 first-rounder Eugene Monroe at left tackle. With Monroe going into the final year of his contract, Joeckel will almost certainly man right tackle as a rookie. Joeckel (6-6, 306) started all 37 games of his college career at left tackle, protecting Heisman winner Johnny Manziel's blindside as a junior before turning pro. Joeckel permitted two sacks and a dozen hurries in 2012, and was flagged for four penalties. At the Combine, Joeckel measured in with massive arms (34 1/4") and 10 1/8-inch hands, which will pay dividends when shielding Blaine Gabbert from the J.J. Watts of the world. |
| 2 | Sharrif Floyd | DT | Florida Gators | Vikings land DT Floyd with the No. 23 pick
Vikings selected Florida DT Sharrif Floyd with the No. 23 overall pick. Commonly mocked to the Raiders at No. 3 overall, Floyd suffered the biggest free fall of the night. A 6-foot-3, 297 classic three-technique interior rusher, Floyd finished his three-year Gators career with 26 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three field goal blocks, and one forced fumble across 26 starts. Floyd ran 4.92 at the Combine with a 1.68 ten-yard split and 30-inch vertical. Deemed "without question" this draft's No. 1 player on tape by NFL Films guru Greg Cosell, Floyd is an up-field penetrator in the mold of Warren Sapp. He'll be a threat for 6-8 sacks as a rookie while serving as 32-year-old Kevin Williams' eventual successor. |
| 3 | Sheldon Richardson | DT | Missouri Tigers | Jets take DT Richardson with 2nd first-rouder
Jets selected Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson with the No. 13 overall pick. Richardson is a high-upside prospect, but it's a head-scratcher. In dire need of offensive weapons and an edge rusher, the Jets go for a three-technique tackle. Richardson (6-3, 294) is an explosive up-field pass rusher with tremendous suddenness off the ball. Perhaps the most athletic interior defensive lineman in the draft, Richardson even dropped into coverage at times for the Tigers. Richardson profiles as a suspect run defender, but could threaten for 5-7 sacks as a rookie. In 24 games at Mizzou, he reeled off 18.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and four forced fumbles. He ran 5.02 at the Combine with a 1.77 ten-yard split and did 30 reps on the bench. It's an odd fit on paper for the Jets. |
| 4 | Barkevious Mingo | DE | LSU Tigers | Browns draft board was listed alphabetically
According to Dan Pompei of the National Football Post, the Browns draft board was arranged alphabetically. Pompei writes this is "very unorthodox and can make it difficult to make decisions on the fly. Front office men around the league were buzzing about the unusual board last week. Also noteworthy is that the Browns did not allow the majority of their scouts in the draft room. But they are not the only team that locks out scouts." Most teams have a horizontal board by position and a vertical board by grade. |
| 5 | Dee Milliner | CB | Alabama Crimson Tide | Alabama CB Dee Milliner drafted ninth overall
Jets selected Alabama CB Dee Milliner with the No. 9 overall pick. Milliner (6-0, 201) was a unanimous first-team All American in 2012 after serving as the Crimson Tide's 2011 nickel back behind DeQuan Menzie and Dre Kirkpatrick. Milliner finished his career with six interceptions across 30 starts. He ran 4.37 at the Combine with a 10-foot-2 broad jump and 36-inch vertical. Milliner lacks elite ball skills and doesn't necessarily project as a flashy or shutdown NFL corner, but is thickly built and versatile with plus skills for both zone and bump-and-run coverage. Milliner will be asked to fill Darrelle Revis' giant shoes opposite Antonio Cromartie. |
| 6 | Cordarrelle Patterson | WR | Tennessee Volunteers | Vikings move up for WR Cordarrelle Patterson
Vikings selected Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson with the No. 29 overall pick. The Vikings traded back into the first-round for Patterson, sending the Nos. 52, 83, 102, and 229 overall picks to the Patriots. Patterson (6-2, 216) spent just one season at Division I after a JUCO transfer, catching 46 balls for 778 yards (16.9 YPR) and five scores. Used in the backfield and on special teams, Patterson set Tennessee's single-season record for all-purpose yards (1,858), adding three touchdowns as a ball carrier and two on returns. Patterson is an athletic freak with insane after-catch elusiveness, but he's still learning to run routes with confidence and precision. At the Combine, Patterson ran a 4.42 forty with a 37-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump. Patterson is the explosive receiver the Vikings badly needed after trading away Percy Harvin. He'll likely slide in as the starter opposite Greg Jennings, ahead of Jerome Simpson. |
| 7 | Xavier Rhodes | CB | Florida State Seminoles | Vikings take CB Rhodes with No. 25 pick
Vikings selected Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes with the No. 25 overall pick. Rhodes (6-2, 210) is a physical, long-armed (33 3/4") press corner who ran 4.43 at the Combine with a tremendous 40.5-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump. A 38-game starter for FSU, Rhodes tallied eight career INTs and seven tackles for loss. Rhodes displays loose hips, quick feet, ample recovery speed, and standout ball skills on tape. Consistency and technique were sometimes issues, but Rhodes' overall game is reminiscent of Aqib Talib. The former receiver is very aggressive and could start opposite Josh Robinson or Chris Cook in 2013. |
| 8 | Damontre Moore | DE | Texas A&M Aggies | Texas A&M DE Moore slides to Giants in 3rd
Giants selected Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore with the No. 81 overall pick. Moore (6-5, 250) terrorized the SEC en route to 21 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and two kick blocks in 2012. He led the Aggies in tackles (85), impressive for a defensive lineman. Unfortunately, Moore lacks marquee athleticism and explosion, and was exposed at the Combine with a 4.95 forty. He also managed just 12 bench-press reps, suggesting Moore has lots of work to do in the weight room. He does play relentlessly and showed "Joker" traits in college, rushing productively off the edge, to the inside, and as a stand-up outside 'backer. Moore was once considered a top-ten pick. He'll be a rotational rusher behind starters Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul. |
| 9 | Bjoern Werner | DE | Florida State Seminoles | Bjoern Werner goes to Colts at No. 24 overall
Colts selected Florida State DE Bjoern Werner with the No. 24 overall pick. Werner (6-3, 266) earned 2012 ACC Defensive Player of the Year by leading FSU in tackles for loss (18) and sacks (13), also batting down eight passes. Werner is not the explosive edge rusher his stats suggest, and ran 4.83 at the Combine with a 9-foot-3 broad jump. Hyped as a top-five pick early in the draft process, Werner's tape and motor were inconsistent upon further review. He's unlikely to be a double-digit sack threat in the pros. We don't particularly like the fit in the 3-4 for Werner, but he did go through outside 'backer drills at the Combine and Pro Day. He'll rush the passer opposite Robert Mathis. |
| 10 | Keenan Allen | WR | California Golden Bears | Chargers go with Keenan Allen at No. 76 pick
Chargers selected WR Keenan Allen with the No. 76 overall pick. Allen (6-2, 206) set Cal's all-time mark for receptions (205) despite entering the draft after his true junior season and missing the final three games with a torn left PCL. Allen held a personal Pro Day on April 9, running a terribly disappointing 4.71 forty. Allen is more of a short-to-intermediate receiver, but runs precise routes, has big (10") soft hands, and creates yardage exceptionally well after the catch. Drawing comparisons to Miles Austin, he's a classic "Z" receiver who can work the slot. Health is the biggest concern because Allen still wasn't 100 percent over five months removed from his knee injury. He'll compete for snaps as the fourth receiver in San Diego. |
| 11 | Jarvis Jones | LB | Georgia Bulldogs | Steelers select OLB Jones at No. 17 pick
Steelers selected Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones with the No. 17 overall pick. It's one of the few picks to go according to plan in one of the wildest drafts in recent memory. Jones (6-2, 245) led the nation in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (24.5) as a senior, and paced the SEC in forced fumbles (seven). He scared some evaluators with an early-career spinal condition and 4.92 forty time, but he's been cleared medically and his tape is too good to worry much about his straight-line long speed. Jones explodes off the ball and his motor is relentless. Although slightly undersized, Jones is a readymade 3-4 rush linebacker. He's an ideal replacement for James Harrison, and will be an immediate favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. |
| 12 | Alec Ogletree | LB | Georgia Bulldogs | Georgia LB Ogletree goes 30th overall to Rams
Rams selected Georgia OLB Alec Ogletree with the No. 30 overall pick. Ogletree (6-3, 242) is a long-armed (33 1/2"), highly athletic converted safety who racked up 20 career tackles for loss, six sacks, and four forced fumbles as a 22-game college starter. Unfortunately, he's a trainwreck off the field, getting arrested for theft in 2010 and DUI this past February. On it, Ogletree is not an especially physical player but possesses terrific range, both sideline to sideline in the run game and as a cover 'backer versus tight ends and slot receivers. He ran 4.7-flat at the Combine with a 1.6 ten-yard split and did 20 reps on the bench. Some were projecting him as an inside linebacker, but Ogletree does his best work chasing from the weak side and should step into that role for the Rams, along with staying on the field in passing situations. |
| 13 | DeAndre Hopkins | WR | Clemson Tigers | Texans take DeAndre Hopkins with No. 27 pick
Texans selected Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins with the No. 27 overall pick. After 10 years, the Texans finally have a legitimate No. 2 receiver opposite Andre Johnson. Hopkins (6-1, 214) overtook ballyhooed sophomore Sammy Watkins to be Tajh Boyd's top target in Clemson's 2012 offense, pacing the Tigers in receptions (82), yards (1,405) and scores (18). He averaged 17.1 yards per catch. Although he lacks elite speed (4.57 forty), Hopkins is a pro-ready route runner with big (10"), reliable hands. His playing style is (very) similar to Roddy White's. Like Cal's Keenan Allen, Hopkins is a classic "Z" receiver who should flourish on the strong side of the formation and in the slot. |
| 14 | Johnathan Hankins | DT | Ohio State Buckeyes | Giants add NT Hankins at No. 49 overall
Giants selected Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins with the No. 49 overall pick. Tutored by former NFLer Mike Vrabel at Ohio State, Hankins adds more depth to the Giants' rebuilt defensive line. Hankins (6-3, 320) was a hot-and-cold player in the B1G, flashing lots of talent but an inconsistent motor. Not a three-technique rusher, Hankins is more of a 4-3 nose tackle. He managed 16.5 career tackles for loss and five sacks as a Buckeye. Hankins confirmed his underwhelming athleticism with a 5.31 forty and molasses-slow 1.82 ten-yard split at the Combine |
| 15 | Eddie Lacy | RB | Alabama Crimson Tide | Packers bring in Alabama RB Eddie Lacy
Packers selected Alabama RB Eddie Lacy with the No. 61 overall pick. This pick was acquired from the 49ers in a trade down scenario. One league source informed Profootballtalk.com that Lacy’s slide arises from both injuries and a perception that he lacks the passion necessary to play pro football at a high level. Lacy (5-11, 231) replaced Trent Richardson as Alabama's feature back in 2012, holding off five-star recruit (and future first-rounder) T.J. Yeldon to rush for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns on 204 carries (6.48 YPC). Lacy made 35 career receptions. At his April 9 Pro Day -- delayed due to a hamstring injury -- Lacy ran a 4.57 forty-yard dash. Lacy is a violent, punishing runner with surprisingly light feet and lateral shake. He can create his own running room, rare for a big back. Lacy needs polish in the pass game and lacks ideal first-step burst, but he projects as a Jerome Bettis-like foundation runner with high-scoring potential. |
| 16 | Zach Ertz | TE | Stanford Cardinal | Eagles take TE Zach Ertz with No. 35 pick
Eagles selected Stanford TE Zach Ertz with the No. 35 overall pick. Chip Kelly was paying attention when Ertz torched his Ducks for a 11/106/1 line last season. The 6'5/249 move tight end emerged from Coby Fleener's shadow in 2012 to lead the Cardinal in catches (69), yards (898), and touchdowns (six), averaging 13.0 yards per reception. A mismatch creator in the passing game, Ertz is a fluid athlete and legit intermediate to deep weapon who regularly burned defenses on deep-out routes. Ertz ran 4.76 at the Combine with a 1.62 ten-yard split and 30.5-inch vertical. He plays faster on tape than the forty time indicates. On the negative side, Ertz is a poor blocker with short arms (31 3/4") and may never be an asset in the run game. The selection puts Brent Celek and his $3.256M base salary on the roster bubble. |
| 17 | D.J. Fluker | T | Alabama Crimson Tide | Chargers take D.J. Fluker at No. 11
Chargers selected Alabama RT D.J. Fluker with the No. 11 overall pick. Fluker (6-4 5/8, 339) was a 35-game starter in college, making all of them at right tackle. Although Fluker possesses vine-like 36 3/4-inch arms, he's not suited to block on an island and slow feet will keep him on the right side or perhaps even kick Fluker inside to guard. Fluker ran a 5.31 forty with a 1.81 ten-yard split in Indianapolis. As a senior, he allowed 5.5 sacks and 15.5 hurries of quarterback A.J. McCarron. San Diego is still reeling on the offensive line. We're not sure their pass protection got any better with this pick. |
| 18 | Kevin Minter | LB | LSU Tigers | Cardinals draft Kevin Minter in second round
Cardinals selected LSU ILB Kevin Minter with the No. 45 overall pick. It's a position of need for the Cardinals, who have Daryl Washington facing a four-game suspension and a massive hole next to him. Minter (6-0, 246) was a 24-game starter in the middle of John Chavis' defense, logging 18.5 career tackles for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. He ran 4.81 at the Combine with a 1.67 ten-yard split and 25 reps on the bench. Minter is better at shedding blocks than Manti Te'o, and plays with more physicality than Alec Ogletree, although he projects as a potential coverage liability. Like Curtis Lofton, Minter may have to open his career as a two-down linebacker. |
| 19 | Tyler Eifert | TE | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Bengals select Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert
Bengals selected Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert with the No. 21 overall pick. It's an acknowledgement of disappointment in Jermaine Gresham, who has never lived up to his athletic billing coming out of college and was an absolute dog in the Bengals' playoff loss to Houston. Eifert (6-6, 250) caught 140 passes for 1,840 yards (13.1 YPR) and 11 touchdowns across three seasons for the Irish, demonstrating terrific hands and elite high-pointing ability on contested throws. He was a dangerous intermediate seam-stretcher as a freshman and sophomore before facing more double teams as a junior and learning to win 50:50 balls amid tight coverage. Also a willing blocker, Eifert sewed up a first-round draft slot with a 4.68 forty at the Combine and a 35.5-inch vertical, which both ranked in the top five at his position. He drew pre-draft comparisons to Todd Heap. Unfortunately due to his landing spot, Eifert is unlikely to make much fantasy noise as a rookie. |
| 20 | Giovani Bernard | RB | North Carolina Tar Heels | Bengals draft RB Bernard with No. 37 pick
Bengals selected North Carlona RB Giovani Bernard with the No. 37 overall pick. Bernard (5-9, 202) amassed 2,481 yards and 25 touchdowns on 423 college carries (5.9 YPC) before turning pro following his redshirt sophomore year. Perhaps most impressively, he averaged 46 receptions per season and scored twice on punt returns. Bernard ran a 4.53 forty with a 10-foot-2 broad jump at the Combine. A terrific receiver with some Brian Westbrook to his game, Bernard lacks physicality as a runner but combines lightning-quick, rapid-fire cuts with fantastic acceleration and lateral jukes. |
| 21 | Stedman Bailey | WR | West Virginia Mountaineers | Rams add second WVU wideout Stedman Bailey
Rams selected West Virginia WR Stedman Bailey with the No. 92 overall pick. Bailey outproduced more ballyhooed teammate Tavon Austin in the West Virginia passing game, tallying 186 receptions for 2,901 yards (15.6 YPR) and 37 touchdowns over his final two seasons. Of Bailey's 148 targets, 72 went for a first down or touchdown in 2012, the highest rate among draft-eligible receivers. Bailey atones for his smallish stature and mediocre speed (4.52 forty) with technically sound routes and red-zone instincts. He was Geno Smith's go-to receiver in scoring position. The two Mountaineer receivers complement each other very well, and the Rams receiving group is one of the youngest in the league. |
| 22 | Jordan Reed | TE | Florida Gators | Redskins bring in Florida TE Jordan Reed
Redskins selected Florida TE Jordan Reed with the No. 85 overall pick. Reed caught 45 balls for 559 yards (12.4 YPR) and three touchdowns as a junior before declaring for the draft. A Dustin Keller-type tight end, Reed is undersized and fluid, though he disappointed at the Combine with a 4.72 forty. Reed isn't going to block anyone in the NFL and will have to be utilized creatively as a receiver only. He's high-quality insurance in case Fred Davis (Achilles) breaks down or walks as a free agent following this season. |
| 23 | Gavin Escobar | TE | San Diego State Aztecs | Cowboys select TE Escobar at No. 47 overall
Cowboys selected San Diego State TE Gavin Escobar with the No. 47 overall pick. Escobar (6-6, 254) was a highly productive receiver in SDSU's pro-style attack, catching 93 balls for 1,323 yards (14.2 YPR) and 13 TDs over his final two seasons. He checked in with 33 5/8-inch arms at the Combine and ran 4.84 with a 32-inch vertical. Escobar can't block a lick and is strength-deficient (12 reps of 225), but consistently secures passes with soft hands away from his body and projects a catch-first NFL tight end with fluid movement skills. He's going to create mismatches. |
| 24 | Robert Woods | WR | USC Trojans | Robert Woods goes to Bills at No. 41 overall
Bills selected USC WR Robert Woods with the No. 41 overall pick. Woods (6-3, 201) posted an absurd 111/1,292/11.6/15 stat line as a sophomore before taking a backseat to Heisman candidate Marqise Lee as a junior. Woods declared for the draft after catching 76 passes for 846 yards (11.1 YPR) and 11 scores in 2012. He ran 4.51 at the Combine and projects as a "Z" or slot receiver with sensational quickness and pro-ready route-running chops. His feet are lightning fast. A short-to-intermediate weapon, Woods profiles as a rich man's version of fellow ex-USC WR Steve Smith. Woods will likely play on the outside in Buffalo with Stevie Johnson set to take over the slot. He and 2012 third-rounder T.J. Graham will fight for targets behind Johnson. |
| 25 | Tyrann Mathieu | CB | LSU Tigers | Mathieu falls to Cardinals in early 3rd round
Cardinals selected LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu with the No. 69 overall pick. It's one of the best possible landing spots for Mathieu, who will be playing alongside his college teammate and offseason training partner Patrick Peterson. Mathieu will compete for snaps in the slot, and could make an immediate impact on returns. Peterson is one of the league's top return men, but the presence of Mathieu could allow him to focus on becoming a true shutdown corner. Mathieu (5-8, 186) made only 14 college starts, but created 14 turnovers. Despite his well-documented baggage, Mathieu's 2011 tape is dazzling. We like his chances of eventually developing into a versatile, high-impact NFL defender. |
| 26 | Corey Lemonier | DE | Auburn Tigers | 49ers draft Auburn pass rusher Lemonier
49ers selected Auburn OLB Corey Lemonier with the No. 88 overall pick. Lemonier (6-3, 255) is a long-armed (34 1/2") speed rusher with 4.6-flat wheels and a blazing 1.57 ten-yard split time. He played defensive end in Auburn's 4-3, but will be a stand-up outside linebacker in San Francisco. Lemonier notched 17 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in his college career. He needs to improve getting off of blocks and maintaining consistent down-to-down focus. Lemonier will be brought along slowly in San Francisco behind Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson, and Tank Carradine. The 49ers are filthy rich with pass rushers. |
| 27 | Eric Reid | S | LSU Tigers | 49ers trade up to draft LSU SS Eric Reid
49ers selected LSU SS Eric Reid with the No. 18 overall pick. The 49ers traded up for Reid, sending the Nos. 31 and 74 overall picks to the Cowboys. Reid (6-1, 213) made 29 starts in LSU's secondary, recording 4.5 career tackles for loss and six interceptions. A straight-linish strong safety type, Reid displays stiff hips and takes too many poor tackling angles on film. He is a high-character prospect with great work ethic. Reid ran 4.53 in Indy with highly explosive jumps, reaching 40.5" in the vertical and 11-foot-2 in the broad. While Reid offers upside, he's going to struggle in one-on-one NFL coverage situations. He'll try to fill the shoes of first-team All-Pro Dashon Goldson, who signed with the Bucs in free agency. |
| 28 | Joseph Randle | RB | Oklahoma State Cowboys | Cowboys grab RB Joseph Randle at No. 151
Cowboys selected Oklahoma State RB Joseph Randle with the No. 151 overall pick. Randle (6-foot, 204) was the Cowboys' two-year feature back, rushing 564 times for 3,085 career yards (5.47 YPC) and 40 touchdowns. He added 108 receptions. Despite the stats -- predecessor Keith Toston had them too and went undrafted -- Randle is a stiff, upright, lunging runner who benefited from Mike Gundy's wide-open spread offense. He's also a whiffer in pass pro. Randle ran 4.63 at the Combine with a 1.61 ten-yard split. We don't see him as a future NFL starter, and he's likely to struggle if forced into the lineup. Randle will compete with Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar for backup duties in Dallas. |
| 29 | Matt Elam | S | Florida Gators | Ravens select Matt Elam at No. 32 overall
Ravens selected Florida S Matt Elam with the No. 32 overall pick. The final pick of the first round should start opposite Michael Huff after the Ravens moved on from Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard. Elam (5-10, 208) made 26 starts for Florida, logging 23.5 career tackles for loss, six picks and three forced fumbles. He ran a 4.54 forty-yard dash at the Combine, and posted a 35.5-inch vertical. Elam offers top-notch ball skills and is a striker in the run game. He garnered pre-draft comparisons to Bob Sanders for his size and physicality. Elam covered slot receivers in Florida's nickel defense, but will struggle to match up with much taller tight ends in the NFL. |
| 30 | Travis Frederick | C | Wisconsin Badgers | Cowboys take G/C Frederick in first-round
Cowboys selected Wisconsin G/C Travis Frederick with the No. 31 overall draft pick. Frederick (6-4, 312) entered the draft following his redshirt junior season after making 31 starts for the Badgers, 13 at left guard and 18 at center. Despite sub-par athleticism, Frederick is a heady (34 Wonderlic score), powerful phone-booth blocker whom ex-Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema deemed "pound for pound one of the strongest (players) I've ever coached." Assuming center Phil Costa's health holds up, we would anticipate Frederick starting at right guard as a rookie. |
| 31 | Justin Pugh | T | Syracuse Orange | Giants select Justin Pugh at No. 19 overall
Giants selected Syracuse OL Justin Pugh with the No. 19 overall pick. Pugh (6-5, 307) made 34 starts at Syracuse, mostly at left tackle. An athletic technician, Pugh is being projected to guard or even center by NFL teams due to stubby 32-inch arms. In March, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared Pugh to "a better version of Andy Levitre." Levitre played left tackle at Oregon State and has grown into one of the NFL's top left guards. In 2012, Pugh permitted just a half-sack of Ryan Nassib and otherwise didn't allow a single hurry. The Giants could slot Pugh in at left guard ahead of Kevin Boothe or right tackle over David Diehl. They'll likely figure it out in training camp. |
| 32 | David Bakhtiari | T | Colorado Buffaloes | Pack select Colorado lineman Bakhtiari
Packers selected Colorado OT David Bakhtiari with the No. 109 overall pick. Bakhtiari (6-foot-4 1/4, 299) made 33 starts for the Buffs, succeeding Nate Solder at left tackle. Bakhtiari is athletic with long arms (34"), but his best NFL position will be guard after he struggled on an island in the Big 12. One medical concern is a recurring knee injury that cost Bakhtiari two games in 2011 and another in 2012. He declared for the draft as a redshirt junior. He shouldn't see many snaps as a rookie. |
| 33 | Justin Hunter | WR | Tennessee Volunteers | Titans trade up to draft WR Justin Hunter
Titans selected Tennessee WR Justin Hunter with the No. 34 overall pick. The Titans traded up for a player that NFL Films guru Greg Cosell called the "most physically talented wide receiver" in this year's draft class. It's an odd fit with Kenny Britt and Kendall Wright already in tow, but will go a long way toward making up for the loss of Jared Cook. It also certainly signals the end of Nate Washington's time in Tennessee. Hunter (6-4, 196) returned from a 2011 ACL tear to secure 72 passes for 1,083 yards (14.8 YPR) and nine TDs as a junior. At the Combine, he blazed a 4.44 forty with a 39.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-4 broad jump, the longest of all receivers in Indy. His body type and play speed are similar to A.J. Green's, though he dropped a disturbing 12.1 percent of his targets last season Still, Hunter projects to be better a full year removed from the ACL and offers immense upside as a traditional "X" receiver. |
| 34 | Logan Ryan | CB | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Patriots draft Rutgers CB Logan Ryan in third
Patriots selected Rutgers CB Logan Ryan with the No. 83 overall pick. Ryan (5-11, 191) made 26 starts as a Scarlet Knight, logging 11.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Despite the solid stats, Ryan struggled with discipline and technique in the Big East, getting beat deep all too often. He ran 4.56 at the Combine with a sub-par 32.5-inch vertical. Ryan displays short-area quicks and physicality, so perhaps he'll land on his feet as a slot corner in Foxboro with special teams value. The Patriots' current slot cornerback is Kyle Arrington. |
| 35 | Da'Rick Rogers | WR | Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles | Bills land WR Da'Rick Rogers as UDFA
Bills signed Tennessee Tech WR Da'Rick Rogers. Rogers (6-3, 217) closed out his college career at Tennessee Tech after racking up a 67/1,040/15.5/9 line as a sophomore. Rogers was dismissed from Tennessee for "multiple" substance-abuse violations, and since admitted to three failed drug tests. At the Combine, Rogers ran a 4.52 forty and his 11-foot broad jump was second longest among receivers. As a 20-year-old, Rogers dominated the SEC to the extent that he might have been a first-rounder if not for off-field concerns. Character concerns were certainly the main reason Rogers went undrafted, but he could turn into a Week 1 starter for the Bills if he keeps his head on straight. |
| 36 | Marcus Lattimore | RB | South Carolina Gamecocks | 49ers take a flier on Marcus Lattimore at 131
49ers selected South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore with the No. 131 overall pick. Lattimore (5-foot-11 1/4, 221) emerged on the national scene with 2,015 yards and 27 scores on his first 412 college carries (4.89 YPC). He tore his left ACL in October 2011 and returned as a shell of his old self in 2012, only to shred his right ACL, PCL, and LCL last October 27. Lattimore is a candidate to "redshirt" his rookie season, and there is no way to know what player he'll be upon return. With thunderous power and surprising agility, Lattimore looked like a top-10 pick in 2010-11. He ran with stiffness and less burst in 2012, looking more like a third- or fourth-rounder. Lattimore can be brought along slowly in San Francisco behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. |
| 37 | Menelik Watson | T | Florida State Seminoles | Raiders grab Florida State RT Menelik Watson
Raiders selected Florida State RT Menelik Watson with the No. 42 overall pick. Watson (6-5, 310) began his college career playing hoops at Marist before transferring to JUCO and finally landing at FSU for his senior year. He started 12 games at right tackle for the 'Noles and allowed just one sack. Disappointingly, Watson managed a 5.29 forty at the Combine and a 24.5-inch vertical. He did 19 bench reps at the Florida State Pro Day. A project with inconsistent tape, Watson is not quite as athletic as his billing and needs time in the weight room. Some project Watson to the left side due to perceived athletic upside, but we think his fit will ultimately place him on the right side. |
| 38 | Jelani Jenkins | LB | Florida Gators | Dolphins take Gators 'backer Jenkins
Dolphins selected Florida LB Jelani Jenkins with the No. 104 overall pick. Jenkins (6-0, 243) made 31 starts for UF, tallying 16.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three picks and one forced fumble. Jenkins played weak-side 'backer in Florida's 4-3, excelling in coverage. Unfortunately, Jenkins fractured his right foot in the 2012 regular season finale, and probably wasn't 100 percent when he ran 4.78 at the Gators' March Pro Day. Assuming Jenkins is healthy by camp, he could put himself in the mix in the Dolphins' nickel defense. |
| 39 | Joe Kruger | DE | Utah Utes | Eagles select Utah DE Kruger at pick No. 212
Eagles selected Utah DE Joe Kruger with the No. 212 overall pick. Kruger (6-foot-6 1/4, 269) is the younger brother of Browns $40 million linebacker Paul Kruger. Joe is more of a classic down lineman who played both end positions for the Utes, tallying nine career sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Kruger ran 4.83 at the Combine with a 1.75 ten-yard split and 34-inch vertical. We expect him to line up at the five technique position in the Eagles new three man front. |
| 40 | Tharold Simon | CB | LSU Tigers | Seahawks draft Tharold Simon at No. 138
Seahawks selected LSU CB Tharold Simon with the No. 138 overall pick. Simon (6-foot-2, 202) took over as the Tigers' No. 1 corner in 2012, following Mo Claiborne's exit and Tyrann Mathieu's dismissal. Simon recorded four interceptions as a 13-game starter, but showed hip tightness and does not change directions smoothly. He profiles as a press corner with plus size and straight-line speed (4.51). Simon would inevitably struggle in zones and off-man. He won't have to do that in Seattle's press-heavy scheme. Joining a loaded roster, Simon is being added for depth and potential special teams impact. |
| 41 | Akeem Spence | DT | Illinois Fighting Illini | Bucs take strong-armed DT Spence
Bucs traded up to select Illinois DT Akeem Spence with the No. 100 overall pick, sending Nos. 112 and 181 to the Raiders. Spence (6-foot 5/8, 307) started every game of his Illini career, racking up 16.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks across 38 starts. Short but quick-footed, Spence generated generous pre-draft comparisons to Bengals All-Pro Geno Atkins. He'll need to start making a lot more plays to reach those heights. Spence did demonstrate short-area burst with a 1.67 ten-yard split at the Combine. He's an undersized, gap-shooting three-technique prospect. It's a worthy flier for a Bucs team that needs girth in the middle after losing Roy Miller in free agency. |
| 42 | William Gholston | DL | Michigan State Spartans | Bucs take DE William Gholston at No. 126
Bucs selected Michigan State DE William Gholston at No. 126 overall. Gholston (6-foot-6 1/4, 281) recorded 30 career tackles for loss and 10 sacks across 36 games for the Spartans, making 24 starts. Big Ten coaches voted him honorable mention all-conference last year. The cousin of former megabust Vernon Gholston, William is a pure five-technique, 3-4 end prospect who ran 4.96 at the Combine with a plodding 1.73 ten-yard split. He offers little natural edge-rushing ability, but possesses long arms (34") to control blockers. Gholston could line up at end on early downs before kicking inside on passing downs in Tampa Bay. |
| 43 | Alvin Bailey | G | Arkansas Razorbacks | G Alvin Bailey pull up in second forty run
Arkansas Razorbacks G Alvin Bailey pulled up during his second forty run with an apparent hamstring injury. Bailey's first forty registered at 5.09 with a 1.74 10 yard split. Bailey plays too high and loses his leverage because of it, but flashes winning with strength in the running game. |
| 44 | Jawan Jamison | RB | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Redskins draft Jawan Jamison at No. 228
Redskins selected Rutgers RB Jawan Jamison with the No. 228 overall pick. Jamison (5-foot-7 3/8, 203) spent two seasons as a Scarlet Knight before declaring for the draft as a redshirt sophomore. He rushed 486 times for 1,972 yards (4.06 YPC) and 13 touchdowns, also catching 36 passes. Jamison ran poorly at the Combine, both in the forty (4.68) and ten-yard split (1.66). On tape, Jamison shows some open-field cutting ability but is small and runs small, and lacks explosive run skills. The Redskins have now used two late-round picks on running backs -- Jamison and Chris Thompson -- which puts Roy Helu and Evan Royster on notice. Alfred Morris' starting job is in no way threatened. |
| 45 | David Amerson | CB | North Carolina State Wolfpack | Redskins take CB Amerson in second round
Redskins selected North Carolina State CB David Amerson with the No. 51 overall pick. Amerson (6-1, 205) set an ACC record with 13 interceptions as a sophomore before his play slipped precipitously as a junior. He still intercepted five balls, but "probably gave up more vertical touchdowns passes than any corner I've ever seen in my life," NFL Network's Mike Mayock has stated. Amerson ran 4.44 at the Combine with a 35.5-inch vertical, but doesn't look nearly that fast or athletic on tape. He has slow feet, stiff hips, and zero experience as a press corner. He's an off-coverage corner with a gambling mentality. Amerson could even compete for the starting free safety job with the Redskins. |
| 46 | Tyler Bray | QB | Tennessee Volunteers | Chiefs take chance on undrafted QB Tyler Bray
Chiefs signed Tennessee QB Tyler Bray. Bray (6-6, 232) had the best arm among all draft-eligible quarterbacks. But 11 quarterbacks heard their name called over the last three days, and Bray wasn't among them. He has a tendency to tank under pressure, was injury prone despite being a three-year starter at Tennessee, has major accuracy concerns, and offers an off-field track record not dissimilar from Ryan Mallett's. Bray remains highly intriguing because of his ideal build and ability to drive the ball with velocity and power. Bray might have more long-term upside than Alex Smith's current backup, Chase Daniel. |
| 47 | Nickell Robey | CB | USC Trojans | Rang: Robey a candidate to light up Combine
CBS Sports' Rob Rang suggests USC CB Nickell Robey is a candidate to "light up" the Combine due to his impressive athleticism. Robey is listed at just 5-foot-8, 165, but Rang insists he's "much tougher" than his size might indicate and he was an accomplished long jumper and sprinter for USC track and field. Given a third-day grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board, Robey could vault himself into the second day with a big Combine showing. Most NFL teams will likely still view Robey as a nickel back prospect. |
| 48 | Kenny Stills | WR | Oklahoma Sooners | Saints add Oklahoma's Stills at wideout
Saints selected Oklahoma WR Kenny Stills with the No. 144 overall pick. Stills (6-0, 194) caught 82 balls for 959 yards (11.7 YPR) and 11 touchdowns as a junior before declaring for the draft. He ran a blazing 4.38 40 at the Combine, and has clear separation skills on tape. He made plays for the Sooners' prolific offense. He was arrested for DUI in 2011, however, and has a somewhat checkered off-field history. Regardless, he's a quality slot or "Z" receiver prospect for a Saints offense that throws almost as much as Oklahoma's. |
| 49 | Dion Sims | TE | Michigan State Spartans | Dolphins grab TE Dion Sims at No. 106
Dolphins selected Michigan State TE Dion Sims with the No. 106 overall pick. Sims (6-foot-4 7/8, 262) caught 36 passes for 475 yards (13.2 YPR) and two TDs as a junior before turning pro. He played at over 280 pounds and focused on an in-line position, where Sims is right there with Travis Kelce as this draft's best blocking tight end. Sims ran 4.75 with a 1.60 ten-yard split and 35-inch vertical at the Combine, so he is athletic and may develop into more of a underneath receiving option in the NFL. Sims could see significant snaps as the blocking tight end, an area where Dustin Keller struggles. |
| 50 | Levine Toilolo | TE | Stanford Cardinal | Falcons draft Levine Toilolo at No. 133
Falcons selected Stanford TE Levine Toilolo with the No. 133 overall pick. Toilolo (6-foot-8 1/8, 260) is built almost like a left tackle with 34 1/2-inch arms and massive 10 1/4-inch hands. He also has lineman-like speed with a 4.86 forty time. Toilolo was the blocking complement to Zach Ertz at Stanford, catching 24 passes for 393 yards (16.4 YPR) and four touchdowns as a junior, before turning pro. In the NFL, Toilolo projects as an on-the-line tight end who runs vertical routes to keep defenses honest. He's unlikely to be Tony Gonzalez's long-term replacement. |
| 51 | Tony Jefferson | S | Oklahoma Sooners | Edwards: OU S Jefferson likely a 2nd rounder
Oklahoma S Tony Jefferson will "probably go in the second-round," according to ESPN's Herm Edwards. "Jefferson is a good but not great all-around prospect," Edwards writes. "Even though he's not a great tackler, he'll get opponents down. Although he's an aggressive hitter, his ball skills are inconsistent -- especially down the field. On film, he didn't get his head around on several vertical routes thrown over his head." We consider Jefferson more of a third day prospect. |
| 52 | Ace Sanders | WR | South Carolina Gamecocks | Jaguars take WR Ace Sanders at No. 101
Jaguars selected South Carolina WR Ace Sanders with the No. 101 overall pick. Sanders (5-foot-7, 173) caught 45 passes for 531 yards (11.8 YPR) and nine touchdowns as a junior before surprisingly entering the draft. He also scored three career punt return TDs. With great hands but pedestrian 4.58 speed, Sanders is another Dexter McCluster type lacking physicality, size, and ideal long speed. His early-career impact figures to come on special teams. In Jacksonville, Sanders could compete for slot duties. |
| 53 | Stansly Maponga | DE | TCU Horned Frogs | Falcons draft Stansly Maponga at 153
Falcons selected TCU DE Stansly Maponga with the No. 153 overall pick. Maponga (6-foot-2, 256) looked like a rising star as a sophomore when he racked up 13.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and five forced fumbles. Playing through a foot injury that may still require surgery, Maponga's effectiveness dipped in 2012 (6.5 TFLs, four sacks) but he still declared for the draft. Maponga ran 4.84 at his Pro Day with a 29.5-inch vertical and 30 reps on the bench. He's an edge rusher with deceptive power. Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff loves taking late-round fliers on pass rushers, although to this point none of them have panned out. Maybe Maponga can change that. |
| 54 | Kwame Geathers | NT | Georgia Bulldogs | Chargers signed Georgia NT Kwame Geathers
Chargers signed Georgia NT Kwame Geathers. Geathers (6-5, 342) played predominantly nose tackle in Georgia's 3-4 defense while John Jenkins manned five technique. Though Geathers lacks pass-rush ability, he is strong as an ox and projects as an early-down run stuffer. Geathers totaled 40 tackles -- five for a loss -- and one sack as a junior before bolting to the pros. He has 35 1/4-inch arms and ran a 5.44 in Indy. He'll compete for a roster spot with the Chargers. |
| 55 | Le'Veon Bell | RB | Michigan State Spartans | Steelers draft Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell
Steelers selected Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell with the No. 48 overall pick. Bell (6-1, 230) toted the rock 671 times for 3,346 yards (4.99 YPC) and 33 touchdowns in his three-year Spartans career, catching 78 passes. A bit of a sluggish mover lacking quickness and lateral agility, Bell's burst is average and he is a blocking-dependent back who can't create his own running room. He ran 4.60 at the Combine. Bell is excellent in the passing game for a big back, though, consistently standing up blitzing defenders in pass protection. He's a strong fit in Todd Haley's pass-first scheme. Despite talent limitations, Bell will have an opportunity to be a high-scoring running back as a rookie. |
| 56 | Josh Boyce | WR | TCU Horned Frogs | Patriots selected WR Josh Boyce at No. 102
Patriots selected TCU WR Josh Boyce with the No. 102 overall pick. Boyce (5-foot-11, 206) is a burner who averaged 15.7 YPR on 161 career catches and scored 22 touchdowns for the Horned Frogs. Despite nursing a broken pinkie toe, Boyce ran a 4.38 forty at the Combine with an explosive 10-foot-11 broad jump. Boyce underwent surgery and is questionable for rookie minicamps. The Horned Frogs' production dipped due to poor quarterback play, but he could ultimately be a better receiver the Aaron Dobson, who was picked earlier by the Patriots. |
| 57 | Brandon Kaufman | WR | Eastern Washington Eagles | EWU WR Kaufman runs 4.48 forty with wind
Eastern Washington WR Brandon Kaufman ran a 4.48 forty with the wind at his back during the school's pro day. Kaufman recorded a 4.60 against the wind. The Eagles product's best attribute is his height and fluidity for his size. We think he might fit best as a red zone target or in the slot if he can consistently go up and get it. |
| 58 | Cierre Wood | RB | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Texans sign undrafted RB Cierre Wood
Texans signed Notre Dame RB Cierre Wood. Wood was a rotational back throughout his career, tallying 2,447 yards and 16 touchdowns on 450 carries (5.44 YPC). He caught 52 passes. Wood ran a 4.56 forty with a 1.53 ten-yard split at the Combine, the latter time confirming his short-area burst. Wood runs frustratingly small for his size -- he'll dance in the backfield and is poor in short yardage -- but is creative and laterally elusive with quick feet. He's got an outside chance to develop into an NFL asset. Arian Foster's backup, Ben Tate, will be a free agent after this season. |