Just Blog Baby 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Post Senior Bowl Round Three
By Chase Ruttig
Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo of Eastern Illinois (10) drops back to pass against the North squad during the second quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
After the 2014 Senior Bowl, Just Blog Baby podcast cohost and resident draft geek Rory Anderson reset his draft board and started a new version of his three round 2014 NFL Mock Draft. Here are his Round Three thoughts. For Rounds One/Two click here and here.
#1 Houston Texans: Shayne Skov, LB Stan
Rory’s Take: The Texans are very dependent upon the presence of Cushing and although they have had a solid defense this season it never hurts to add talent to talent and Skov can do it all.
#2 Washington Redskins: Yawin Smallwood, ILB Conn
Rory’s Take: London Fletcher is old and needs to be replaced it’s as simple as that.
#3 Oakland Raiders: Jimmy Garappolo, QB EIU:
Rory’s Take: This pick here is exactly why I expect the Raiders to trade down. In this spot there are a ton of solid wide receivers that could be gone before the third round compensatory picks, but they can’t afford to pass up on the mid round quarterback of their choice. I have been touting Garoppolo and his tight compact release for months and he is a natural fit for what the Raiders want to do.
#4 Atlanta Falcons: Marcus Smith, DE UL
Rory’s Take: With a franchise left tackle and a solid presence inside, it is time for the Falcons to add to that pass rush. A nice developmental end with a ton of physical talent.
#5 New York Jets: Lamarcus Joyner, CB/S FSU
Rory’s Take: It is said that Cromartie is on the verge of being cut. With that in mind, the Jets could use a solid slot cornerback that can also play free safety since they were torched deep repeatedly.
#6 Jacksonville Jaguars: Carlos Hyde, RB OSU
Rory’s Take: Maurice Jones-Drew will be gone after this season and the Jaguars will need to continue to add talent to the offense wherever they can get it.
#7 Cleveland Browns: Ka’Deem Carey, RB UA:
Rory’s Take: If the Browns go the spread route why not add a spread running back?
#8 Minnesota Vikings: Tre Boston, CB/S UNC
Rory’s Take: Here another team that needs both safety and slot corner help goes to a deep well to find a hybrid guy that does well in zone coverage.
#9 Buffalo Bills: Marcel Jensen, TE Fresno
Rory’s Take: Jensen is a big guy that is a driver in the run game and has enough downfield long speed to take advantage of linebackers deep. He could be a red zone matchup nightmare.
#10 New York Giants: Tre Mason, RB AU
Rory’s Take: The Giants have many issues with the run game, but a consistent running back would help transform this position. Add that to the mauler guard from round two and this offense could see balance.
#11 St Louis Rams: Aaron Murray, QB UG
Rory’s Take: This would be a very good spot for Murray and we are not sure what Bradford’s long term security is.
#12 Detroit Lions: Rashaad Reynolds, CB, OrSU
Rory’s Take: The Lions do need to add talent to the defensive backfield.
#13 San Francisco 49ers: Will Sutton, DE/DT ASU
Rory’s Take: Never hurts to add more depth to the defensive line.
#14 Dallas Cowboys: Tre Jackson, OG FSU
Rory’s Take: The interior offensive line for the Cowboys is still and issue and they have significant cap issues. Finding a potential gem is imperative.
#15 Baltimore Ravens: Ty Zimmerman, S
Rory’s Take: Zimmerman is another of many versatile safeties that can do many things well. He has nice range and he isn’t afraid to hit.
#16 New York Jets: James Hurst, OT UNC
Rory’s Take: Jets need to continue to address the offensive line and this is a great value.
#17 Miami Dolphins: De’Anthony Thomas, RB Ore
Rory’s Take: For whatever reason the Dolphins run game is extremely inconsistent, and they lack plays from the backfield, but adding a dynamic playmaker in open space like Thomas could do wonders.
#18 Chicago Bears: EJ Gaines, CB Mizzu
Rory’s Take: They need to continue to revamp this defensive backfield.
#19 Cleveland Browns: Morgan Breslin, OLB USC
Rory’s Take: Adding pass rush is always a good idea.
#20 Arizona Cardinals: AJ McCarron, QB Bama
Rory’s Take: This is tough because we know Arians wants a traditional pocket quarterback, but with the bowl game and no throwing at the Senior Bowl, there is a possibility McCarron falls farther.
#21 Green Bay Packers: Weston Richburg, C CSU
Rory’s Take: There is a good chance Evan Deitrich-Smith is gone this offseason which means a huge need at center.
#22 Philadelphia Eagles: Max Bullough, ILB MSU
Rory’s Take: Adding more thump and attitude is huge for this team.
#23 Kansas City Chiefs: Paul Richardson, WR CU
Rory’s Take: Adding playmakers to the offense never hurts.
#24 Cincinnati Bengals: Jackson Jeffcoat, OLB/DE UT
Rory’s Take: The Bengals have shown a tendency to want to add pass rushers so they can continue to produce a rush in waves.
#25 San Diego Chargers: Deshazor Everett, CB TAMU
Rory’s Take: They need cornerbacks
#26 Indianapolis Colts: Ben Gardner DE Stan
Rory’s Take: He was having a great season until he tore a pectoral but this would be a great addition for the Colts. Kinda makes sense too with Pep Hamilton and Andrew Luck.
#27 New Orleans Saints: Brandon Coleman, WR RU
Rory’s Take: I could absolutely see this guy being the long term replacement for Colston.
#28 Carolina Panthers: Dee Ford, DE AUB
Rory’s Take: Greg Hardy could be gone this season and if he’s only tagged then he could be gone the next year. Either way with Cam Newton’s contract coming up in a couple years they will have to replace talent with talent and Ford is crushing the Senior Bowl practices.
#29 New England Patriots: Carl Bradford, OLB ASU
Rory’s Take: This is this year’s Jamie Collins.
#30 San Francisco 49ers: Vinnie Sunseri, S Bama
Rory’s Take: Donte Whitner is getting old and is a free agent. Adding a versatile safety that can be interchangeable with Reid would be great.
#31 Denver Broncos: Jared Abbrederis, WR Wisc
Rory’s Take: This is a potential replacement for Eric Decker who may be moving on this offseason.
#32 Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Johnson, DT LSU
Rory’s Take: Best player available and they need to add talent to the defense for new head coach Mike Zimmer.