By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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SouthernPigskin Columnist Jordan Martin releases the 2nd and 3rd rounds of his NFL mock draft.

By Jordan Martin
SouthernPigskin Columnist

SouthernPigskin Columnist Jordan Martin releases the 2nd and 3rd rounds of his NFL mock draft.  Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

“Samsonite!  I was way off!”  That’s the only way I can sum up the first part of my mock draft.  Midway through the first round, I was even debating whether I should continue on with the 2nd and 3rd rounds.  There were points I had to remove my glasses and clasp my temples trying to relieve a migraine caused by an implosion of self-inquiries.  Even in an uncapped year, some teams displayed the frugality they’ve been notorious for, for years (cough, Patriots).  There’s nothing wrong with that, especially if you don’t have many needs.  It’s inevitable some players will fall out of happenstance and some teams will reach for players due to the same.  Either way, the show must go on…and so must I.  No reason you should trust me after that sorry excuse for a first round; but who can you trust in this crazy world anymore?!  GAH!! 
(First Round stats: 6 Picks correct, 18 positions correct)

Second Round

33)  St. Louis Rams: (Everson Griffen, DE, USC) – And right out of the gate, I’m biting my nails trying to decide where to go with this one as if I’m defusing a bomb.  The Rams could (and likely will) trade out of this position, but I’m in no position to determine where they’ll end up or who they’ll trade to, so for now, I’ll take the pick if they decide trading down isn’t to their advantage.  The Rams need help in their defensive interior but I think they’re willing to give After missing Griffen in the first, I’m mocking him to the Rams.  He can’t fall that far right?  Well, that all depends.  St. Louis needs someone across from Chris Long, preferably a 4-3 end that can rush the passer.  That’s a Spagnuolo trademark.  For the reasons I mentioned before, Griffen can provide the Rams with that and fills a major position of need for the team.

34)  Minnesota Vikings: (Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame) – This is essentially Minnesota’s first round pick as they only traded 5 spots down.  The Vikings need corner and safety help, but I think it’s a reach for anyone on the board at this point.  They could use a defensive tackle as well as Pat Williams may be retiring soon, but will need a replacement regardless.  I may be preheating the oven here to cook my words and eat them, but I don’t think Brad Childress can pass up on Clausen here.  Why trade down from 30 to 34?  The Saints, Colts, Lions and Rams all have their quarterback situation squared away and his given them an extra pick.  An offensive minded guy that has spent a good portion of his career as OC and QB coach has to at least know what the value is here.  Favre will likely return again and there is always an option to bring in free agent Marc Bulger, but you have to groom your quarterback of the future.  He may be hesitant after backing Tavares Jackson for so long, but I’m going to go ahead and push some of my chips forward on this one.

35)  Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame) – As quickly as there were no Notre Dame players off the board, there go two in a row.  The Buccaneers might consider safeties Taylor Mays or Nate Allen here or even tackle Rodger Saffold, but I think the prospect of too many teams between this pick and 42 looking for a receiver will cause them to pull the trigger now.  There’s no doubt in my mind Tate is a first rounder and despite the physical attributes of Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas, I think Tate is the best pure receiver in this class.  He has a windmill range for his hands and a deceiving leaping ability.  This guy wants the ball and when it is anywhere in his vicinity, he gets it.  Now you can have speed, strength, size and all of those other born-into traits, but developing yourself into a magnet for the pigskin is not one of them.

36)  Kansas City Chiefs: (Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana) – After the combine, this guy crept up into everyone’s top 5 tackle list and was considered a fringe 1st round prospect.  Those claims aren’t unfounded and when you get drafted this close to the first round, that fringe title remains intact.  The Chiefs forego their tackle in the first round for arguably the top talent in this draft and they can walk away happy with one of the top 5 tackles in their second round pick.  Whether Albert is moved to the other side or he finds himself on the left side is left to be seen, but the Chiefs will create some security with whatever decision they make on the depth chart with this pick.

37)  Philadelphia Eagles: (Taylor Mays, S, USC) – The Eagles need help at Free safety.  That was evident the moment Brian Dawkins was let go.  Quentin Mikell is better suited at free safety than strong safety.  This would effectively move Mays back.  Mays is a big, physical, athletic safety; the sort Andy Reid covets.  He’ll play big against the run, be able to run safety blitzes and at strong have less responsibilities in pass coverage (which is what had him falling out of the first round to begin with).  Nate Allen is another option here at free safety, but I think Mays presents the Eagles with too much ability to be passed upon.

38)  Cleveland Browns: (Nate Allen, S, USF) – Another someone from South Somewhere!  South Florida is no stranger to adding members of its secondary to the NFL of late.  The Browns secondary is in the midst of a massive upheaval and with Clausen and Tebow off the board I can’t see the Browns taking a quarterback right here, even with Colt McCoy there and he’ll likely be around in the 3rd round.  Cleveland takes Joe Haden in the first and now they find their free safety in Nate Allen.  The Browns, prior to the draft, were reportedly high on Allen.  Allen is a ballhawking safety that will find his niche in the Mangini scheme of things.

39)  Oakland Raiders: (Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland) – I’ve done it before and damnit, I’m going to do it again!  Just when I think Al Davis can’t put put any more wool over my eyes than he already has, he does it again.  McClain goes in the first round and they still manage to turn around and get the guy I originally projected.  It IS a position of need and no matter how much he may have sedated himself, Al can’t hold off his love of super athletes for long.

40)  Miami Dolphins: (Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas) – The Dolphins think Odrick will fit their scheme better as a defensive end.  I’ll agree with them.  He can be a rush player, guard the run, and at least provides solid depth up front.  Now…With Jason Taylor and Jerry Porter gone they’ve hopefully filled their pass rush on the front and they can conclude the set with a rush linebacker.  Sergio Kindle falling this far is a dream scenario for the Dolphins and their alignment.  Even if Kindle cannot develop into an all down linebacker, his former teammate Brian Orakpo has shown the transition can be made.  Kindle can match a similar build to Orakpo.

41)  Buffalo Bills: (Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama) – The Bills are considering moving Marcus Stroud to 3-4 end with their transition to the scheme.  That makes sense, in theory, but in practice?  That’s another consideration, altogether.  Stroud might even be a nice short term solution at nose tackle in the 3-4, but with his age and familiarity with being a one gap tackle in the NFL, I don’t think that’s the case.  This is why I mocked Dan Williams to them earlier, but this is a good consolation prize.  I think Cody is being undersold in his endeavors.  He cut weight after the Senior Bowl, entering the combine, which few players that size elect to do.  He performed admirably and he has shown against SEC competition that he can plug holes, get his hands up on passes and kicks, and pressure the line back.  If they can attune him to their scheme and the NFL’s speed, he’ll do the same.

42)  Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest) – In attendance in New York and out of sight nearly the entire process.  He fell out of contention in the first round and doesn’t fall far out of it to the Bucs at #42.  Tampa needs a true corner across from Aqib Talib as Rhonde Barber simply doesn’t have the physical ability to put that effort forward anymore.  Tampa could take Brian Price, but I’m not sure they want to pay two defensive tackles big time money in the same draft.  With the two top safeties in this round also gone and Tampa seemingly content with their offensive line, I can’t see this pick being anything but corner.  Ghee happens to fall into their lucky, welcoming laps.

43)  Baltimore Ravens:  (Charles Brown, OT, USC) – Falling from the Seahawks in the first round all the way down to Baltimore’s first pick in this draft.  You can’t hang your head too much over this.  Brown met with the Ravens prior to the draft process on a couple of occasions and seeing as the top safeties and corners are off the board at this point, they get great value here obtaining him.  Sure, the Ravens could look for more pressing needs at safety, corner or even tight end, but this provides the team with more security and strength where they’re used to having it.  They also happen to need it here on the left or right side of the line.

44)  New England Patriots:  (Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona) – This is one of few areas you don’t need a microscope to see the Patriots have a need.  Gronkowski is a worker.  He can block, and he’ll be an option should the select to release him in the passing game.  Either way, Denver is up next and the Patriots can’t afford to let the one tight end in their sights out.

45)  Denver Broncos:  (Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas St.) – It doesn’t seem the style and of all the picks I’ve made so far, I’m willing to bet I regret this one.  I can’t figure out the Broncos current regime, most notably Josh McDaniels, but I do know they need a run stopping defensive end to fit their system and Carrington is the best one to fit the description in my estimation.  I don’t care where he comes from, he has good size and strength and enough speed to be an every down end for this team in the future.

46)  New York Giants:  (Brian Price, DT, UCLA) – Price saw his stock rise after his junior season and after the past few months and subsequently saw his name fall on Thursday.  The Giants found their rush end and now need a d-tackle and he fits right in the 4-3 scheme.

47)  New England Patriots:  (Koa Misi, DE/OLB, Utah) – Who is Koa Misi, you ask?  Misi has been an undermentioned and dominant part of the Utes success the past few seasons.  How does he fit in with New England?  Well, New England needs a pass rush, and Misi has shown he can play in the stance and up in college and generate a rush either way.  The Pats need a pass rush and a player like this can give it to them.

48)  Carolina Panthers:  (Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois) – You’re moving forward with a young quarterback and your best receiver is asking for a BIG complement to him.  Well, if T.O. isn’t an option (John Fox is nodding his head) then you have to look in the draft.  Carolina’s first pick is spent on a former #1 receiver recruit out of college playing on a team that…well, frankly, wasn’t giving him the ball as much as he could have.  Looking at the numbers, you might think that’s an overstatement.  Aside from one truly competitive year, the Illini haven’t provided.  You don’t want a lazy receiver under any circumstances, but I don’t think that’s fully the case with Benn.  He’s a big target with good hands (when he uses them) and decent speed.  He’s still young and needs work on his routes, but he has all of the “irreplaceables” which so many call “intagibles” in terms of his size and athleticism.

49)  San Francisco 49ers:  (Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech) – Now whether I think Burnett can play both safety positions, the 49ers front office or anyone reading this is obviously going to be in contention.  The point is the 49ers addressed their biggest needs.  There aren’t many options here beside safety and corner.  Burnett fits the 49ers scheme and is a downhill player.  He plays the run, he’s a ballhawking safety and he’s tough.  Singletary has to love that.

50)  Kansas City Chiefs:  (Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina) –  SURPRISE!!!  All other things pending, this is my surprise of the 2nd round.  Though, it shouldn’t be.  The Chiefs need a true left tackle up front.  I know how much offensive help they need, but at least adding a tackle earlier helps some as they evaluate the skills positions they currently maintain.  They absolutely have to have options right up front, in the middle of their defense.  Thomas can be an effective nose tackle in this scheme.

51)  Houston Texans:  (Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas) – Wait, wait, wait…Houston…to HOUSTON?  MADNESS!  Of course that’s not the reason, that would be silly.  That’s merely one of the victims of circumstance and happenstance.  Houston has fallen farther than he should have and the Texans could really use tackle help on the defensive side of the ball, especially if they think they Okoye is still “on the verge.”  He presents the Texans with great value, is in hometown real estate and can easily upgrade the interior almost immediately.

52)  Pittsburgh Steelers:  (Vladimir Ducasse, OT, UMASS) – I know the Steelers selected Maurkice Pouncey in the first round (one of the 6 picks I got right…YES!!!) I know the Steelers seem sold on Max Starks and I know the Steelers could use a corner in this spot.  The Steelers don’t have as many needs as most people would like to think, especially after the offseason turmoil abound.  Roethlisberger will not be dealt (I don’t think it’s likely anyway after the first round) and the Steelers have a young running back waiting to be tested with two young receivers waiting for a chance to explode (Mike Wallace, Limas Sweed).  If nothing else the Steelers could use a slot and I know they’re fond of blocking tight ends but I don’t think either are equipped here.  The only other players I see going here are CBs Chris Cook (Virginia) and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (IUP…more later).  What makes Ducasse a suitable pick, UMightASSk?..Okay, that was a little overboard, but Ducasse had a strong showing in the Senior Bowl against top competition from the next level, displaying the size and athleticism necessary for the NFL.  The kid is a gamer and if the Steelers want to protect themselves next season and beyond, this is a pick I think they’ll seriously consider.

53)  New England Patriots:  (Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois) –  I honestly don’t know what the Pats do with this pick.  There is a point in one of the three picks they have this round where they could trade down…yet again…either way I feel like I have them tabbed out earlier.  I’m more secure about my first two picks than this one.  The Pats need help at guard and need a youngster to build toward the future.  The Pats could also use more help at defensive end which is why Carlos Dunlap and Corey Wootton could also be options here.  Wootton and Dunlap are more for the 4-3 and Dunlap could be successful in this system, but he doesn’t have the attitude Belichick looks for in his players.  Therefore, you have to go with the best player available to most important need ratio here.

54)  Cincinnati Bengals:  (Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati) – The Bengals obtain Antonio Bryant, bust or buy status pending, he’s the number two guy and they’re missing a number 3 and slot receiver.  Let’s keep the kid in the city, okay?  He showed up at the Senior Bowl and “showed out.”  His size certainly has to intrigue the Bengals.  He has quickness, but not out right speed, needs work over the middle, but he has reliable hands.  Since I projected Jermaine Gresham in the first round, with no promising secondary or tertiary options worth taking at this spot, it gives the Bengals a tall, handy receiver and takes care of one of their positions of need, giving Palmer an option he sorely missed in the playoffs.

55) Philadelphia Eagles:  (Jason Worilds, OLB, Virginia Tech) – Worilds is a more well rounded player at this point than Chris Cook at corner, but he still may get the nod.  Either way, Worilds brings a pass rush from the strongside the Eagles lacked before.  He needs to bulk up a little to be a run stopper and downhill player the way the Eagles like their linebackers, but he is certainly qualified with the attributes to be a Reid-type player.

56)  Green Bay Packers: (Chris Cook, CB, Virginia) – Ted Thompson likes to take the best player available (BPA)…as long as it makes sense.  Carlos Dunlap would be the case here if he fit in with a 3-4 scheme..but he doesn’t…not even as a rush linebacker.  Running back could be an option, but do the Packers really want to gamble on the field at this point with their defense and offensive line being primary points of concern?  I don’t think so.  Cook is the best player available at any position of need for the Pack at this point.  Charles Woodson is nearly 34, Al Harris is going to be 35 coming off surgery.  Even with Tramon Williams the Packers need help at this position.

57)  Baltimore Ravens: (Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida) – It’s funny.  Not a day ago, I was saying the Ravens shouldn’t touch the offense with their first two picks.  How a few trades and slip-sliding picks can change things.  At 57, there isn’t a defensive end, corner or offensive tackle with more value than what they’ll achieve here.  The Ravens provided Joe Flacco with Anquan Boldin with little cost to spare.  Todd Heap can still block, but what kind of factor he is catching the ball, I’ll reserve judgment on.  Hernandez gives Flacco a checkdown option and if they run double tights with Heap, it will only be to his benefit.  Protect your quarterback with linemen, then protect him with options.  The Oz of Oz is trending toward this pick.

58)  Arizona Cardinals: (Daryl Washington, LB, TCU) – This TCU product has been a silent commodity in the media and around the league.  If you go back and watch his tape, it isn’t so quiet.  He’s a disruptive force, an edge to edge player that will sit well in Arizona’s 3-4 base.  He’s a need a steal at this point of the draft.

59)  Dallas Cowboys: (Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale) – I know what you’re thinking.  Who is Jared Veldheer and what the hell is Hillsdale?  It’s a Division-II school, actually.  How do I know all this?  Why do I know this?  Well, it’s my job to know, frankly.  You have to look at enough tape and go through the entire draft process to evaluate prospects as you see fit.  I see Veldheer as a 2-3 round prospect and, honestly, the best option the Cowboys have at this point.  There aren’t any free safeties right now, as I projected the Cowboys to take in the first, worth taking.  They took a number big play receiver and they’re sold on Miles Austin into the future as one of their go to guys.  I think the Cowboys can get Mitch Petrus in round 3 and corner is not an option either at this point.  He ran the 40 in 5.06 at the combine and had a bench number of 32.  He has speed and strength, enough to catch the attention of being invited to the NFL combine and enough to catch the attention of a value-shopping Jerry Jones this offseason.

60)  Seattle Seahawks:  (Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida) – I don’t think Dunlap can fall much farther than this.  Carroll comes from an elite college program, and Dunlap coming from an elite college program it seems like a natural marriage, right?  Well, Dunlap had been talked about for his inconsistencies and “taking plays off.”  He didn’t help this by stating after the combine, “If the play is away, I didn’t feel I needed to go to it.”  Those sort of musings won’t get you drafted in the first round, regardless of your talent.  Dunlap is lucky to fall here to Seattle.  The Seahawks took, what I felt, was the top offensive tackle in this draft or the last and then filled their need at free safety.  Their next biggest need would be at rush end and Dunlap can do that.  He does provide value here as a rush end and if you can coach/build him to an all-down end, that’s even better.  The Seahawks have to be excited about this.

61)  New York Jets:  (Linval Joseph, DT/DE, East Carolina) – A guy that is 6’5” pushing 330 shouldn’t be able run near 5 flat.  In his college career he showed he could push more than that.  ECU’s defense was predicated on speed and gap control.  Joseph often went overlooked as most linemen do until the combine and pro day rolled around.  When you’re playing in the C-USA, this tends to happen.  Joseph can be a 3-4 end for the Jets or pack on some bulk and be a tackle.  Either way, they have options, he gives them depth and he certainly gives them a young, aggressive defensive lineman, no matter where they put him.

62)  Minnesota Vikings:  (Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech) – There could be a number of running backs taken here and the option of taking a linebacker or corner also exist.  I believe, however, with the release of Chester Taylor the Vikings are going to want a solid rotational back for Adrian Peterson.  Montario Hardesty and Toby Gerhart may rank higher, but the Georgia Tech product can block, catch out of the backfield and run the angles.  Hardesty and Gerhart possess some of these skills, but not to the degree Dwyer does and that is why the Vikings have him higher on their board.

63)  Indianapolis Colts:  (John Jerry, OT, Mississippi) – The Colts line may have gone unpraised, but it may also have gone unscrutinized because of their Super Bowl appearance.  They need help at right and left tackle and Jerry could potentially fill one or the other as a starter in the coming season.  He’s a mauler that can press for the run or drop for pass protection if instruction, but he needs work there considering who he’d be blocking for.  Either way, the Colts don’t have many needs where they’d find an equitable return at this position.

64)  New Orleans Saints:  (Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State) – The arguments are there the Saints may have more pressing needs but when those needs do not outweigh what your team gains with a young talent like Bowman, you can afford to make the pick.  This is one of the reasons the Saints have crawled out from under the doormat in the past 4 years.  This is a steal for the Saints and the only other directions they might go are at receiver and defensive end, but I don’t think they’ll find the value they get here.

Third Round

65)  St. Louis Rams:  (Damian Williams, WR, USC) – Get off on the right foot by drafting a guy that could potentially be a number one receiver down the road when Sam Bradford is ready.  There aren’t many defensive bodies the Rams could looks for to get value at this juncture, but one of the top 5 wideouts in this draft would fill that void.  Williams has great hands and good size, he just needs to learn how to use that to his advantage.  Route running and clearing catching space is a question,  but he’s well worth a 3rd round pick for the Rams.

66)  Detroit Lions:  (Jerome Murphy, CB, USF) – Another spot I could see the Lions trading out of.  No matter where you look you’ll have questions.  If you want to go with the best player on the board you abandon two of your younger talents.  Sean Lee and Corey Wootton may be options here, but I think Murphy presents the best option at corner for this team in the third round.  They need a number one corner, can he be one?  More like a number two, but he’s gifted enough to cover if they get a pass rush and that is the Lions’ new personnel goal moving forward.

67)  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  (Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern) – If there is any place Wootton would fit in more seamlessly, I’d like to see it.  Tampa’s nickel style and 4 down set is built for Wootton’s build and technique.  They need an end and this fits his draft range.

68)  Kansas City Chiefs:  (Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson) – Sapp becomes a rush linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs and whatever lord you do or don’t pray to knows it.  Whether Sapp is that man or not will remain to be seen for a few years, but they need one and now is the time to get a 252 pounder that runs in the 4.6 range to get after the quarterback.  Sapp played with tenacity, but also inconsistency at times at Clemson.  Still, he’s well worth the pick here.

69)  Oakland Raiders….Before I start, do I really have to?  The Raiders drafts are jokes alone, but the Raiders at 69?  Come on…:  (Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB/KR, IUP) – From my alma-matter.  Well, sort of, but we don’t need to go into details.  If you pronounce his name correctly, three time fast, a genie will visit you and grant you three wishes!  I’m lying (at least I think I am) but you should try it anyway.  Regardless, Owusu-Ansah projects as a return specialist, which Al Davis loves, and he has excellent cover speed which Al Davis also treasures.  Al took relatively unknown speedster/bullhitter Michael Mitchell in the second round next year, I think this guy fits his job description as well.  Owusus-Ansah projects better to the Steelers, Ravens and Jets, but sadly…I don’t think that will happen.

70)  Baltimore Ravens:  (Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma) – Franks is a 3rd round talent and probably could have fallen further if the Ravens didn’t need a corner a this point more than anything else.  That doesn’t mean he lacks the potential to be good and to contribute to this team.  As a matter of fact, he’s probably the best case scenario at this pick for the Ravens unless they elect to get some young quarterbacking behind Flacco, Gerhart as a power runner or reach for defensive end or defensive tackle. 

71)  Cleveland Browns:  (Colt McCoy, QB, Texas) – Possibly going a little higher than he should, but this is a team that likes him and would fit him well among others and I imagine at this point Holmgren is grinning.  McCoy represents the type of quarterback that fits Holmgren’s grand scheme.  A quarterback that can sling wildly downfield if absolutely necessary, but one that is incredibly accurate on short and intermediate throws without having to making prolonged reads.  Holmgren knew he had a plethora of needs on this team, but a quarterback might have been prudent.  He’s a project kind of guy and likes developing lesser known, skills athletes around his interior.  Since Bradford, Tebow and (potentially) Clausen are off the board he goes with the best developmental quarterback left that fits his system.

72)  Buffalo Bills:  (Ed Wang, OT, Virginia Tech) – Not a bad consolation prize, especially after finding a nose tackle in the second round.  The Bills find more help for their offensive line which should improve, but they still need to build depth and competition around it.  With all the top quarterbacks off the board, the Bills have to make a practical decision regarding their current layout as there are more quarterbacks that fit Gailey’s style of gun-read play available in the later rounds.

73)  Miami Dolphins:  (Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa) – Should fit in nicely with the Nolan/Parcells/Sparano crowd.  This will/should allow Sean Smith to move back to safety where he’ll be more effective.

74)  Jacksonville Jaguars:  (Reshad Jones, S, Georgia) – Jones at least allows the Jaguars some rotation in their secondary while they don’t have the luxury of a first option at free safety or corner as I’d projected before.  He’s a good player when given time, and if given a pass rush he’ll be able to lock down the strong spot for Jacksonville.

75)  Chicago Bears: (Matt Tennant, C, Boston College) – The line needs fixed…yesterday.  I hope Jerry Angelo knows what he’s doing.  I believed for a while that he did, now he needs to prove it.  He couldn’t have invested in Cutler for nothing.  The line can’t block for its backs (Forte) or its quarterback.  While the Bears choice of receivers aren’t the pick of the litter, they’re good enough to get the ball to if Cutler has enough time.  The tackle spots seem solid for the moment, you have to start from the inside out, at this point.

76)  New York Giants:  (Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State) – He may not equate to what the Giants look for in their linebackers, but he’s easily the best inside linebacker available and best option available to the Giants right now.  Lee may not provide the Giants with the pass rush they desire, but he’ll be able to cover the run, and they’ve had difficulty in that department lately.

77)  Tennessee Titans:  (Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford) – So much for LenDale White.  Johnson can only maintain his speed and composure for so long before he’s exposed, injured or shut down completely.  Gerhart gives the Titans a sturdy, intelligent, Alstott-esque running back for short yardage situations.  If they can develop his blocking and catching out of the backfield, it’s a pick well spent.

78)  Carolina Panthers:  (Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, DE, Washington) – Bit of a reach here, but the Panthers can’t afford to lack a pass rush in the wake of losing Julius Peppers.  Te’O-Nesheim affords them the best player with the possibility of filling the void in their system.

79)  San Fransisco 49ers:  (Ben Tate, RB, Auburn) – The 49ers need more than Glen Coffee to spell and complement Frank Gore.  Tate has good size and quickness and he’ll easily be the best 3rd down back option this team has.  Since the ‘9ers couldn’t obtain Spiller, this isn’t so bad since they filled other positions in the meantime.  Tate can catch balls out of the backfield, run sprints and off tackles to gain quick yardage.  This would be an advantageous move for a team needing options on offense.

80)  Denver Broncos:  (Pat Angerer, ILB, Iowa) –  Angerer?  My, my…what else could he be but a linebacker?  It isn’t just in the name though.  Kirk Ferentz knows his defense and offensive linemen, and he knows how to produce them.  Angerer may not be the most athletic or polished linebacker in this draft, but he’s likely the meanest and one of the most technically sound.  The Broncos need this type of player in the middle of the defense.

81)  Houston Texans:  (Major Wright, S, Florida) – The Texans could also take running back Anthony Dixon here, but I think they can wait.  Free safety is a more pressing need and Major Wright is likely the top player at that spot at this point.  Wright is still a little rough around the edges in coverage and play recognition, he still co-spearheaded a national championship secondary in college football’s toughest conference.  I don’t think the Texans can pass up that kind of talent or experience.

82)  Pittsburgh Steelers:  (Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama) – He looks like as good a fit as any for the Steelers scheme at this point as any.  The Steelers need help (if not just depth) at corner and Arenas, despite his read 40 time can give the Steelers a special teamer as well.  They get double value once again in the third with this pick.

83)  Atlanta Falcons:  (Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU) – It was only a matter of time before an LSU wide receiver found his way into the draft.  The Falcons can’t find the pass rusher they’re looking for here and depth for the secondary and offensive line can be found later.  They need a #2 receiver and LaFell has the potential to develop into one.

84)  Cincinnati Bengals:  (Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia) – Looked good shoving first rounder Mike Iupati around in the Senior Bowl.  Looked good even before that, even in an identity confused defense.  The Bengals needed to get a d-tackle in sooner rather than later with Tank Johnson getting up there in age and his status constantly in the air.

85)  Cleveland Browns:  (Dexter McCluster, RB/WR/KR) – Number one, the Browns need a slot receiver.  Number two, they need depth at running back.  Number three, if they can’t come to terms with Josh Cribbs a returner is critical.  McCluster covers all three areas of need.  When they say, “versatility” this kid truly exemplifies it.  Cleveland needs as many weapons as they can get and this is a steal in round 3.

86)  Green Bay Packers:  (Chad Jones, S, LSU) – The Packers need reassurance at safety and Jones can double as a special teams threat.  Win-win.

87)  Denver Broncos:  (Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU) – I can’t accept they’d give away Tony Scheffler without finding a pass-catching tight end somewhere in this draft.  This is about the appropriate position for one and this is Pitta’s range as one of the best options on the board.

88)  Arizona Cardinals:  (Jamar Chaney, ILB, Mississippi State) – Good fit for this team if they can be patient with his development.  He doesn’t have the pure, physical skillset the scouts rave about, but he can be a good inside linebacker for this team with training and time.

89)  Arizona Cardinals:  (Torrell Troup, DT, UCF) – Best option for a nose at this point for the Cardinals.  They didn’t have many options as it was and Troup at least provides a fresh new look and competition heading into camp.

90)  New England Patriots:  (Carlton Mitchell, WR, USF) – 6’3” 215 pounds and a good frame to pack on some lean muscle.  A 4.46 isn’t blazing, but it’s fast enough to provide the Pats with a tertiary option at receiver they greatly need.

91)  San Diego Chargers:  (Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida) – Falling a bit too far because of his combine performance.  It may be unfair, but as they say, “It is what it is.”  Spikes gives the Chargers a head down, ferocious linebacker looking to take away the run or get into the backfield.  It helps with a lately “ailing” Shawn Merriman.

92)  Cleveland Browns:  (Kam Chancellor, S, Virginia Tech) – Cleveland’s secondary is in dire straits.  They’ll need as much help as they can acquire from here on out.

93)  Minnesota Vikings:  (Mike Johnson, G, Alabama) – For the same reasons I mentioned in my first round mock, the Vikings could stand for some interior line help and they can get quality help and value here with Johnson.

94)  Indianapolis Colts:  (Walter McFadden, CB, Auburn) – I don’t see what Bill Polian sees, but the man has been one of the most intelligent and reliable GMs for the past twenty years, especially when it comes to the draft.  They have plenty of options here, and if McFadden isn’t the answer, the Colts can use plenty depth at corner elsewhere on defense; as well as the offensive line.

95)  New Orleans Saints:  (Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson) – Blazing fast speed is what can sell him to the Sean Payton.  Stiff route running will give the coach an inviting challenge in the offseason and a new cog in his offensive machine sometime in the future.

96)  Cincinnati Bengals:  (Kevin Thomas, CB, USC) –  They like their USC products.  Depth in the secondary, where the Bengals certainly won’t turn it down.

97)  Tennessee Titans:  (A.J. Jefferson, CB, Fresno State) – Corner help across from Cortland Finnegan.  Like the Bengals, the Titans certainly can’t turn that opportunity down, either.

98)  Atlanta Falcons:  (J.D. Walton, C, Baylor) –  The Falcons were reportedly high on Pouncey to be the eventual successor for Todd McClure, but they can’t be too disappointed walking away with Walton here.

That concludes the 2nd and 3rd Rounds of the mock.  Check back tomorrow for rounds 4-7.

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