Inside The Pylon strives to provide deep, thoughtful analysis of football and our NFL Draft Profiles have allowed us the chance to get to know some of this incoming class. We’ve also been preparing for the 2015 season, scouting and assessing team needs in advance of a bigger, and better, season. Head Writer Mark Schofield, Senior Writers Dave Archibald, Brian Filipiak and Chuck Zodda, and Editor David R. McCullough picked teams and players, for your enjoyment. Thanks for reading.
Round 2
33. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
Brian: Following the release of the ever-disappointing Michael Oher, and the retirement of mainstay left tackle Michael Roos, Tennessee has little depth or experience at either tackle spot on their roster. Clemmings was just a two-year starter at the collegiate level. However, his combination of strength, wingspan and athleticism for the position make him a high ceiling bookend partner with second year offensive tackle Taylor Lewan.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eli Harold, LB, Virginia
DaveM: Lovie Smith is a Tampa 2 devotee, having great success with Lance Briggs’ ability to rush the passer as well as drop into zone coverage and minimize gains with solid tackling skills. Harold had 30 combined pressures and sacks and has experience playing in space, sliding into a role next to emerging force Lavonte David.
35. Oakland Raiders: Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State
Chuck: The Raiders need significant help along the defensive line, and Smith should provide a boost to an otherwise-anemic unit. At nearly 6’5” and 275 pounds, Smith can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt, though he still needs to add a little bulk to better deal with NFL offensive lines. Stronger against the run than getting after the passer, Smith could help anchor one side of the Oakland defensive line.
NFL Draft Profile: Preston Smith
36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Mark: Were it not for a bowl-game ACL injury, Ogbuehi would be a first-round offensive tackle. Very quick feet with an impressive kick-slide and the quickness to attack the second level in the running game. Some concerns linger about his handwork in pass protection, but with some refinement he could be a long-term starter up front for Jacksonville.
37. New York Jets: Shaq Thompson, S/LB, Washington
DaveA: When Jets head coach Todd Bowles was coordinating the defense in Arizona, he deployed first-round safety Deone Bucannon in a linebacker-type role in dime packages, which the Cardinals used to great effect. Former Boston Red Sox farmhand Thompson can slot perfectly in this role and gives the Jets versatility and athleticism in their sub packages.
38. Washington: Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State
Mark: Washington’s pass coverage was abysmal in 2014, and Randall provides an instant boost to a secondary in need of fresh blood. The defensive back was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2014 with 106 tackles to his credit. He is a disruptive force against the run and aggressive when breaking on throws. He needs to learn some caution as his attacking style leaves him vulnerable on play-action, but a talented player who can start on day one.
39. Chicago Bears: Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke
Chuck: Chicago’s offensive line perpetually needs upgrading, and Tomlinson is a safe bet to produce early in his career. Physically imposing at 6’3” and 325 lbs, Tomlinson already has an NFL body and is built for a straight-ahead power running game, with great strength driving forward. He struggles somewhat with pulling schemes, though he could make up for it with his strength at the college level. As a pass protector, he is strong and fundamentally sound, and should be a solid starter for the Bears.
40. New York Giants: Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
Mark: Another area of need for the Giants is inside linebacker, and here they find a human missile. Perryman might not have the elite measurables of other linebackers in this class, but on film he is a wrecking ball. Perryman brings an immediate intimidation factor to this defense and is a force against the run.
41. St. Louis Rams: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
DaveM: Foles has yet to sign a long-term extension and the Rams have needed a quarterback since before the Sam Bradford era. Hundley ran a simple spread system in college and will need time to refine his skills and learn a pro style offense but has the raw tools and, if everything goes perfectly, also the athleticism to develop into a Steve McNair type.
NFL Draft Profile: Brett Hundley
42. Atlanta Falcons: Eric Rowe, DB, Utah
Brian: Aside from cornerback Desmond Trufant, the Falcons secondary struggled mightily last season and safety Dwight Lowery, and cornerbacks Robert McClain and Josh Wilson have departed in free agency. Rowe, a three-year starter at safety before moving to cornerback in his senior year, provides Atlanta with the versatility to fill either spot. A fundamentally sound tackler with good length for a defensive back at 6-foot-1 and quality ball skills, Rowe may fit best at free safety or as the boundary corner given some concerns over his deep speed.
Quick Hits: CB Prospects
43. Cleveland Browns: Hau’oli Kikaha, DE/OLB, Washington
Chuck: Kikaha is a tweener at 6’2” and 255 pounds, but could work in this spot as a situational pass-rusher coming off the edge in a 3-4 in year one. He is not fleet of foot by any means, running a 4.90 in the 40-yard dash, and will likely struggle in space if put into a coverage role until coached up. Kikaha also struggles in the run game, and will need to improve his strength to counter this. However, head coach Mike Pettine has experience using tweeners like Jerry Hughes to great success and with the Browns lack of pass-rush, Kikaha could help to provide an instant boost to a unit that needs it.
44. New Orleans Saints: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
DaveA: With the trade of superstar tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle, New Orleans has a clear need at the position. Williams won’t replace all of Graham’s production, but he will provide a dynamic middle-of-the-field receiving option for Drew Brees and Sean Payton. The best tight end in the draft, he’ll start day one.
45. Minnesota Vikings: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
Chuck: Williams is not a great athlete, and this may be early for him, but the Vikings need pass defense help. He does not have great speed or quickness, but his instincts and strength allow him to get into the body of receivers in press-man coverage, while also tracking well in zone coverage. He will be a bit of a project, but could be a #2 corner if Mike Zimmer is able to coach him up.
NFL Draft Profile: P.J. Williams
46. San Francisco 49ers: Eddie Goldman, DL, Florida State
DaveA: The defensive line has been one of San Francisco’s strengths in recent years, but Ray McDonald is gone and Justin Smith may be retiring. Goldman is an ideal candidate to step into the void. The 6’4”, 320-pound behemoth played everywhere on the line for the Seminoles, and his versatility will give new head coach Jim Tomsula options for his defensive front.
NFL Draft Profile: Eddie Goldman
47. Miami Dolphins: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Chuck: The Dolphins get great value here, with Gordon, the second-highest rated back in the draft, falling into the middle of the second round. Gordon has great agility and power, though he lacks top-end speed, and could be a workhorse to take the burden off Tannehill. He is not a natural receiver, and likely will need to be spelled on third down, but fills a great need for the Dolphins at this point in the draft.
Melvin Gordon’s Record Setting Day
48. San Diego Chargers: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Brian: Elated at Brown’s availability at this spot, San Diego races to the podium to select a day one talent in the middle of round two. The former Longhorn could potentially handle the nose tackle position out of the Chargers’ 3-4 base, particularly if he adds another 10-15 pounds of good weight. He would also be a significant upgrade over Kendall Reyes, the second worst 3-4 defensive end in the NFL in 2014 according to Pro Football Focus’s individual grading metric. Brown’s combination of power and big-man quickness makes him a day two steal.
Quick Hits: DL Prospects
49. Kansas City Chiefs: D.J Humphries, OT, Florida
DaveM: Eric Fisher has not yet proven worthy of his lofty draft status and Humphries has terrific feet. If he can refine his technique, the former Gator could develop into the left tackle the Chiefs need.
50. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
Brian: The Bills already added one offensive guard in free agency with the signing of Richie Incognito, but if head coach Rex Ryan truly wants to run the ball 50 times a game, he needs to upgrade the remaining guard spot with Cann. Arguably the best pure guard available in his class, Cann is a wrecking ball in the run game that plays with sound technique and powerful finish. The Bills took an ill-advised gamble on offensive guard Chris Williams last offseason, and after his poor play and injury-shortened season, Cann would be a major upgrade. It’s also not clear what the soon-to-be 32-year-old Incognito has left after not playing last season.
NFL Draft Profile: A.J. Cann
51. Houston Texans: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Mark: Green-Beckham is another player with first-round talent who will fall because of off-the-field issues. A huge target with impressive speed for a receiver of his size, and he becomes an instant red zone target for whoever lines up under center for the Texans. Numerous transgressions found him kicked off the team at Missouri and he has not played football in more than a year, but will be an imposing weapon for Bill O’Brien to pair across from DeAndre Hopkins.
Quick Hits: WR Prospects
52. Philadelphia Eagles: Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary
Mark: McBride is another athlete that turned heads at the combine, with a 4.43 40-yard dash to go with some impressive work during positional drills. He is a decent sized receiver with experience working from the slot and on the outside, has impressive ball tracking skills, and is a willing and capable blocker in the running game. He is a perfect match for Kelly and you can easily picture him running snag routes from the outside or wheel routes from the slot in Philadelphia’s stick concepts. A nice marriage of skillset and scheme.
NFL Draft Profile: Tre McBride
53. Cincinnati Bengals: Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
DaveM: Vontaze Burfict finished the season on injured reserve and had microfracture surgery on his knee in January, putting his future in doubt. McKinney may not be a three-down player immediately but his tackling prowess would help the Bengals down linemen get upfield with impunity.
54. Detroit Lions: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
DaveA: The Lions had the best defensive line in the league last year, but the offseason departure of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley leave them light up front. The 6’5”, 320-pound Davis helps them get heavier. The production has never matched the talent with Davis, but dancing bears with this kind of toolset are rare.
NFL Draft Profile: Carl Davis
55. Arizona Cardinals: Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
DaveM: The Cardinals also lost Andre Ellington to injury late in the season and need to complement him with a bigger, more durable stablemate. Ajayi has great size and speed, as well as receiving skills.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, OLB/DE, UCLA
Brian: With the surprising retirement of Jason Worilds, the Steelers need depth at the outside linebacker spot, which is currently manned by the disappointing Jarvis Jones and James Harrison, who just turned 106 years old. Odighizuwa, who demolished the NFL Scouting Combine with an incredible athletic display, combines above-average physical tools with sound fundamentals and can line up in multiple spots out of nickel and dime fronts. If the former Bruin can stay healthy – he missed the entire 2013 season following surgery on both hips but bounced back starting every game for UCLA in his redshirt senior year – Odighizuwa has the motor, technique and natural talent to become an impact player.
57. Carolina Panthers: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC
DaveM: The Panthers lost all their receivers last season to free agency and scored with last year’s first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin. Agholor complements the huge Benjamin nicely, with underrated speed and reliable hands.
Quick Hits: WR Prospects
58. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Funchess, TE/WR, Michigan
Brian: The Ravens desperately need more depth at tight end, given the questions surrounding Dennis Pitta’s recovery from multiple hip surgeries and the loss of Owen Daniels in free agency. Funchess isn’t a prototypical tight end at his weight and with his inexperience as an inline blocker. But, as a “move” tight end that can line up outside and inside and run the full route tree, Funchess has the potential to wreak havoc as a matchup nightmare. If Pitta does return and remains healthy, Funchess can easily transition to more of a possession wide receiver role given his skillset.
Quick Hits: WR Prospects
59. Denver Broncos: Derron Smith, FS, Fresno State
DaveA: Free safety is a need after Rahim Moore’s exit in free agency. Four-year starter Smith should be able to step in right away and patrol deep centerfield for Denver. At 5’10”, he’s considered small, but his ball-hawking skills will complement strong safety T.J. Ward’s physicality in the box.
60. Dallas Cowboys: Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
Mark: With DeMarco Murray off to Philadelphia the Cowboys need to find a play-maker at the running back position. Enter Duke Johnson. The Miami product is a lightning-quick runner with experience in outsize-zone and stretch schemes. This is the perfect landing spot for him and he has the potential to deliver huge numbers behind that offensive line.
61. Indianapolis Colts: Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
DaveA: The Colts lack toughness on offense as well as defense, as their running game frequently sputters and poor protection puts franchise quarterback Andrew Luck under pressure. Grasu is a smart, experienced, resilient pivot who could snap the ball to Luck for a decade.
62. Green Bay Packers: Clive Walford, TE, Miami
Chuck: At 6’4” and 250 pounds, Walford is a little smaller than you would like from a tight end, but still helps to round out a position of weakness for the Packers. Walford does not possess great speed, but is quick in tight spaces, and could be an asset in the short passing game. He is a capable blocker and should be able to contribute in run-blocking duty early in his career.
63. Seattle Seahawks: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
DaveM: Darby is a wild card on draft weekend, given his ancillary role in the Jameis Winston rape allegations. On the field, he is an experienced, intelligent player who also happens to be an outstanding punt gunner. Pete Carroll has brought in players with off-field concerns before and succeeded. With Byron Maxwell off to Philadelphia and Jeremy Lane recovering from injury, the Legion of Boom needs some new probationary candidates.
Quick Hits: CB Prospects
64. New England Patriots: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
DaveM: Ekpre-Olomu tore his ACL in practice before the Rose Bowl and his draft stock plummeted. The diminutive corner stands only 5’9” – the only real knock on his game before the injury. He’s a ferocious tackler against the run, possesses good man coverage ability, including press-man techniques, and was able to flip his hips and run with any receiver. He may not be ready to start the 2015 season, but without the injury he may have been taken before Marcus Peters. And obviously, New England needs cornerbacks, now and later.
Quick Hits: CB Prospects
Round 3
65. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State
DaveM: Anthony Collins was a disastrous free agent signing a year ago, and the offensive line needs reinforcements at every position. Smith is massive and dominated his matchups in the Big Ten. He has the potential to become an average left tackle, though his footwork and technique may make him a better fit at right tackle.
66. Tennessee Titans: Quinten Rollins, DB, Miami (Ohio)
Brian: After addressing needs on both lines, the Titans turn their attention to a secondary that struggled last season. Rollins is a highly athletic, but green, football prospect with just one collegiate season under his belt following four years as a starting point guard for the Redhawks basketball team. Showing quick feet, fluid hips and natural instincts despite his inexperience, Rollins can help the Titans right away in nickel and dime defenses as a slot corner. He could eventually move to a starting role at safety as his technique continues to catch up to his physical tools.
Quick Hits: CB Prospects
67. Jacksonville Jaguars: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Mark: Dorsett is a receiver with elite-level speed who instantly puts pressure on opposing safeties. With Julius Thomas added to this offense, Dorsett is a terrific fit to free up some room underneath for the talented TE while giving second-year quarterback Blake Bortles an immediate deep-play target. Snagging this receiver early in the third round is a steal for Gus Bradley and company.
Quick Hits: WR Prospects
68. Oakland Raiders: Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers
Chuck: Kroft is the type of athletic tight end that every NFL team desires in the modern game. With 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds at his pro day and, he also notched a standing broad jump of 10 feet, displaying great explosiveness for the position. At 6’5”, he has good height, though he likely needs to add strength to his 246-pound frame to handle the rigors of blocking in a pro offense. Kroft exhibited strong run blocking fundamentals in college, and even if his development in the passing game lags, this should be an asset for the Raiders as he develops.
69. Washington: Rob Havenstein, OT, Wisconsin
Mark: Right tackle is another area of concern for Washington, and the Wisconsin product is a tremendous fit at the position and great value here in the third round. Havenstein is a massive football player with decent footwork and quickness for a man of his impressive stature. This gives Washington two huge bookend tackles for years to come.
NFL Draft Profile: Rob Havenstein
70: New York Jets: Tre’ Jackson, G, Florida State
DaveA: The Jets haven’t invested much in their offensive line in recent years, and the few high picks they’ve used on Brian Winters and Vlad Ducasse have failed to pan out. Jackson is a plug-and-play option in a power scheme and shouldn’t take long to displace the aging Willie Colon.
71. Chicago Bears: Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss
Chuck: Golson, a former Boston Red Sox draft pick, is an outstanding athlete. However, he lacks ideal size for the position at just 5’8” and 176 pounds, and profiles as a slot corner. Golson has outstanding speed and quickness, but his size allows him to be pushed around by larger receivers, which limits his ceiling. He would be another piece in the rebuilding puzzle for the Bears defense, complementing their first-round pick of Waynes.
72. St. Louis Rams: Josh Shaw, CB, USC
DaveM: Jeff Fisher is a USC alum and closely connected to the program; if anyone has gotten the whole story on Shaw, it is the Rams head coach. Shaw could go undrafted, depending on what teams were able to dig up after his well-publicized issue, but on talent alone he’s a very good prospect at cornerback, with the size and skill to compete for a starting role.
73. Atlanta Falcons: Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart (Division III)
Brian: As Atlanta transitions its offensive line to a zone-blocking scheme, they have moved on from last season’s starting left guard Justin Blalock, but have only added career backup Mike Person in free agency. Marpet has the prototypical body type of a zone-system guard with the foot quickness and short-area movements skills to excel in such a scheme. A Division III player, Marpet will face a substantial jump in competition but has both the athletic and technical foundation to clear the hurdle and develop into a long-term starter for the Falcons.
74. New York Giants: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
Mark: With the recent injury to Victor Cruz the Giants could use some depth and talent at the WR position. Lockett is a great fit and selection here, and a very experienced receiver with NFL bloodlines. Broke his father’s career receiving records for the Wildcats. Undersized by NFL standards and will likely face a move to the slot, but a quick receiver with the toughness to win contested throws and the experience to run every route on the passing tree.
Quick Hits: WR Prospects
75. New Orleans Saints: D’Joun Smith, CB, Florida Atlantic
DaveA: The knock on Smith is his less-than-ideal height (just 5’10”), but the Saints already have size in the secondary with Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner. Smith gives them a quicker option for matchup plays or in the slot. He will also contribute on special teams and could return kicks for New Orleans.
76. Minnesota Vikings: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
Chuck: With the uncertainty surrounding Adrian Peterson, the Vikings turn to Coleman as insurance at the running back position. Coleman has average size the position at 5’11” and only 206 pounds, and is a threat in the passing game, with good open-field speed.
77. Cleveland Browns: Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
Chuck: Heuerman is big, strong, and fast, which makes one wonder why he saw so few targets in Urban Meyer’s scheme at Ohio State. Checking in at 6’5” and 256 pounds and running the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds, Heuerman has the potential to be a matchup nightmare, though he needs significant work on his route-running and execution after being underutilized in college. He will need to work on his blocking as well, but in the third round, this is a high-upside pick that could pay off.
78. New Orleans Saints: Danielle Hunter, EDGE, Louisiana State
DaveA: Hunter never quite put things together in his time in Baton Rouge, but the Saints will take the chance that he can fulfill his immense physical gifts 80 miles down I-10. A 6’5”, 252-pound monster with 4.57 speed, Hunter can contribute on special teams and work his way into the OLB rotation.
79. San Francisco 49ers: Steven Nelson, CB, Oregon State
DaveA: The 49ers have had success with blue-collar cornerbacks, and few fit that bill like Nelson, who measures just 5’10”, 197 pounds, but plays much bigger. Few corners defended the run or tackled better than the senior Beaver, and his physical edge extends to coverage as well, where he physically challenges opponents. The defensive back pool is shallow in this draft, and while Nelson does have a tendency to get burned, he’s the best fit of the remaining options.
Quick Hits: CB Prospects
80. Kansas City Chiefs: JaCorey Shepherd, CB, Kansas
DaveM: Phillip Gaines and Sean Smith currently man the corners for the Chiefs. No reason to not try to upgrade that, and Corey has good instincts and ball skills to possibly develop into a capable replacement.
Quick Hits: CB Prospects
81. Buffalo Bills: Henry Anderson, DL, Stanford
Brian: With defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz ousted following the arrival of a new head coach, the Bills will likely make a transition from a 4-3 base defense with wide 9 alignments to Ryan’s preferred multiple-front, hybrid 3-4 scheme. At 6’6″ with a frame capable of adding a bit more bulk, Anderson offers Buffalo depth along the defensive line as well as competition for defensive end Stefan Charles. A highly-productive player at Stanford, Anderson’s tape doesn’t wow too often, but his length and fantastic motor help him get the job done despite his limited athleticism. He has the ideal size for a 5-technique defensive end out of a 3-4 look and will be solid in that role.
Quick Hits: DL Prospects
82. Houston Texans: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
Mark: With both Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer on the roster, O’Brien has a pair of quarterbacks to choose from to man the offense in 2015. Since neither might be the long-term solution at the position, it makes perfect sense to select a quarterback later in the draft to mold, and Petty is that player at this spot. He thrived in Baylor’s spread offense, and with some time and refinement of his mechanics he could blossom into Houston’s quarterback of the near-future.
NFL Draft Profile: Bryce Petty
Stepping Back: Bryce Petty
83. San Diego Chargers: Nate Orchard, OLB/DE, Utah
Brian: After two seasons of employing the well-past-his-prime Dwight Freeney, the Chargers scoop up a potential impact pass rush specialist in Orchard, who set a school record for the Utes in his senior season with 18.5 sacks. Orchard needs to become more respectable against the run, but he can get after the QB from a stand-up position at outside linebacker and also when starting out with a hand on the ground from a nickel or dime front.
84. Philadelphia Eagles: Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford
Mark: Kelly turns to another small-school athlete to bolster the secondary, this time at safety. Tartt plays well in the box and near the line of scrimmage, but has experience playing at the free safety position in Cover 1 and Cover 2 coverages. He brings some versatility to Philadelphia’s defense and can make an immediate impact in sub packages – if he fails to win a starting spot outright.
85. Cincinnati Bengals: Adrian Amos, S, Penn State
DaveM: A weak class of safeties has the Bengals reaching to find a long term replacement for the aging Reggie Nelson. Amos has good physical skills and posted good pass defense statistics in the Big Ten.
86. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
DaveM: After losing tiger enthusiast Darnell Dockett to free agency, the Cardinals are currently planning on contributions from veterans Cory Redding and Frostee Rucker. They need an active, pass rushing presence opposite defensive end Calais Campbell. Bennett possesses the build to play as a 3-4 end and the pass rush skills to draw attention.
87. Pittsburgh Steelers: James Sample, S, Louisville
Brian: The Steelers could have addressed the hole left by Troy Polamalu’s retirement by selecting Alabama safety Landon Collins in the first round, but they passed because of concerns regarding his coverage skills. In Sample, the Steelers add a potentially more versatile chess piece that can handle more than “in-the-box” safety duties. Although he had only one season as a full-time starter in college, Sample demonstrated enough of a skillset to suggest he can handle a multitude of roles, whether in run support, covering a tight end man-to-man, or as a deep defender.
88. Detroit Lions: John Miller, OG, Louisville
DaveA: Left guard Rob Sims departed Detroit in free agency, leaving a hole that the Lions fill with Miller. He’s an experienced option that will help pave the way for Gurley in the running game. Pairing Miller with center Travis Swanson and right guard Larry Warford, Detroit will have a young, talented interior line, turning what has traditionally been a weakness into a strength ‒ and opening holes for Gurley.
89. Carolina Panthers: Daryl Williams, OG, Oklahoma
DaveM: Taking Flowers in the first round in no way precludes the line-deficient Panthers from picking up another lineman here. Williams is a huge human being, and could fit at guard or possibly right tackle long term.
90. Baltimore Ravens: Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
Brian: With ideal speed and size, Coates looks every bit the part to replace departed wide receiver Torrey Smith. In fact, the two players’ NFL Scouting Combine 40-time (4.43 seconds) and vertical jump (41 inches) were identical. But while neither Coates or Smith were known for their ability to adequately run the entire route tree coming out of college, the Auburn product has a lot more to prove given his, at best, inconsistent hands. Still, this a good point in the draft to take high upside, developmental players like Coates whose flaws can be coached up. Quarterback Joe Flacco should be happy to have two big targets in Funchess and Coates.
Quick Hits: WR Prospects
91. Dallas Cowboys: Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson
Mark: Jarrett is the perfect fit for Dallas up front, with a fine combination of strength and quickness to win at the point of attack. He could benefit from a little more weight on his frame, but finding a day one starter in the third round it great value for the Cowboys at this point in the draft.
Quick Hits: DL Prospects
92. Denver Broncos: Lorenzo Mauldin, EDGE, Louisville
DaveA: The last time the Broncos drafted a Louisville edge rusher, they found Elvis Dumervil. They can’t expect the same results with Mauldin, but they will get a player with good size and a high motor who can provide depth behind DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller.
93. Indianapolis Colts: Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State
DaveA: Indianapolis still needs to add to its defense, but the best fit at this point is developmental prospect Sambrailo, a fine athlete with an ideal tackle frame at 6’6”, 325 pounds. He is unlikely to contribute right away, but with left tackle Anthony Castonzo on the last year of his rookie deal and right tackle Gosder Cherilus over 30, Sambrailo may be in the lineup sooner rather than later.
94. Green Bay Packers: Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State
Chuck: Hardison has an ideal build for a defensive tackle, and could help contribute to a lackluster interior defensive line that has been plagued by injuries in recent years. He has great quickness and strength, and profiles as a pass rusher from the inside. The biggest knock against Hardison is that he does not consistently play with great motor, and this why he is expected to available late in the third round. However, he is a pick with great upside, if he works hard enough to achieve it.
95. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma
DaveM: Thompson has long arms and played through a foot injury last season. He has the potential to be a very productive tackle or maybe convert to guard.
96. New England Patriots: Jeremiah Poutasi, OG, Utah
DaveM: Tom Brady’s kryptonite is pressure up the middle; the New York Giants were able to exploit this on the way to two Super Bowl titles. Center Bryan Stork finished his rookie season as a leader on the unit with two former centers ‒ Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell ‒ flanking him. Connolly remains a free agent and Josh Kline is currently penciled in as the starter. Former offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia has been conducting private workouts with many interior line prospects and Poutasi is a name at a position of clear need.
97. New England Patriots: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
DaveM: Despite a depth chart that looks a bit bloated even with the departure of Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, the pick here is a solid professional who can step in on day one and reliably produce. LeGarrette Blount starts the season suspended, Jonas Gray might never get out of the doghouse, James White either had a redshirt year behind Vereen or couldn’t learn the offense, and Travaris Cadet is an enigma.
98. Kansas City Chiefs: Mario Edwards Jr., DT, Florida State
DaveM: Mike DeVito is returning from an Achilles tendon rupture and the rest of the depth chart is thin. Edwards reportedly played at too heavy a weight last year and has slimmed down in the pre-draft process, looking to recapture the form that had him a much higher-ranked prospect coming into the season.
99. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Conley, WR, Georgia
DaveM: Injuries to A.J. Green and Marvin Jones put far too much a burden on Mohamed Sanu and the other roster options failed to step up. Conley is blazing fast and full of potential without a lot of refinement to his game as of yet.
Inside the Pylon Mock Draft Round 1
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