2013 NFL Mock Draft (3 Full Rounds, Pittsburgh Steelers Picks Rounds 1-7)
Round 3 Cont.
79. Pittsburgh Steelers: Corey Lemonier OLB (Auburn)
Linebackers coach Keith Butler was at Auburn’s Pro Day last month, and he had some positive things to say about the former Tiger defensive end. Although the former Tiger (6’3″ 255 lbs.) was very streaky in terms of his production at the college level (2012: 5.5 sacks, only 0.5 over final 6 games), Lemonier has a tremendous amount of athletic ability (4.6 40 yard dash at The Combine and 34″ vertical jump at his Pro Day) at his disposal to develop into a terrific player under the tutelage of Butler and Dick LeBeau. If the Steelers elect to wait until Day 2 to fill their pass-rusher needs, the former Auburn standout would be a wise choice in Round 3.
80. Dallas Cowboys: Bennie Logan DT (Louisiana State)
Not only is soon to be 32 year-old Jay Ratliff facing a D.U.I. charge he picked up last year, but his backup Josh Brent could be headed to prison for an extended period after he killed his teammate Jerry Brown in a D.U.I. Manslaughter accident back in December. As the Cowboys transition to a 4-3 scheme on defense, they are definitely in need of depth as they try to solve their defensive tackle issues. Bennie Logan (6’2″ 309 lbs.) might still be around for Dallas to take in Round 2, and Dallas should jump at the chance to take the play-making two-year starter (2011-2012: 12.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks combined).
81. New York Giants: Jordan Hill DT (Penn State)
The Giants covet athletic defensive linemen, and they just lost Chris Canty this past month. If New York’s brass are looking to shore up their depth at defensive tackle, they could be interested in Jordan Hill of Penn State. Although Hill is a bit short, his burly and powerful frame (6’1″ 303 lbs.) makes him an effective weapon in the trenches (2012: 64 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks). Hill should prove to be a an effective situational player early in his career while he rotates in to keep the starters fresh on passing-downs.
82. Miami Dolphins: Logan Ryan CB (Rutgers)
Although the Dophins just signed Brett Grimes, Miami could stand to use some depth at the position. Luckily for Miami, this year’s crop of cornerback prospects is deep, and they should be able to find a solid replacement on Day 2. A rangy player with a larger frame (5’11” 191 lbs.), Ryan started the final two of his three seasons with the Scarlet Knights during his productive career. Last year, Ryan notched 94 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss to go along with 4 interceptions and an impressive 17 passes defended in 13 games.
83. Minnesota Vikings: Phillip Thomas FS/SS (Fresno State)
The Harrison Smith selection proved to be a solid move for the Vikings in late Round 1 of last year’s Draft. But Minnesota could still stand to find an upgrade over Jamarca Sanford at strong safety. About a week ago I discussed Phillip Thomas (6’1″ 208 lbs.) as a potential Steeler prospect, and I believe he could be a solid safety at the professional level. A terrific ball-hawk, Thomas led the FBS-level last season in interceptions (8), and can hold his own against the run. Although Thomas could fall due to concerns about his deep speed and a leg injury he sustained before the 2011 season began, he is definitely worth a Day 2 selection.
84. Cincinnati Bengals: Jelani Jenkins ILB/OLB (Florida)
While the Bengals re-signed Ray Maualuga, veteran Manny Lawson still remains unsigned. If Lawson leaves town, Cincinnati could stand to use an athletic linebacker to team with the talented Vontaze Burfict for years to come. Jelani Jenkins’ (6′ 243 lbs.) stock is hard to predict because of the injuries he sustained in college, but his talent and speed are undeniable. Jenkins’ most productive during the 2010 and 2011 seasons when he racked up a combined 151 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and 2 interceptions. An adept pass-defender, Jelani would be an excellent addition to Cincinnati’s Front-7.
85. Washington Redskins: Aaron Dobson WR (Marshall)
If the Redskins wish to go deeper into the postseason, they must find more weapons for “RGIII” and Kirk Cousins to throw to in the passing game. Although Dobson’s 2012 numbers were nothing special (57 catches, 679 yards, 3 touchdowns), his nice combination of size (6’3″ 210 lbs.) and speed should make him worthy of a Day 2 selection. A pass-catcher like Dobson would give Washington’s signal-callers a large target to throw to outside the numbers and in the red zone.
86. Indianapolis Colts: Travis Frederick OG/C (Wisconsin)
The Colts could stand to use an upgrade along the interior of their offensive line, and Travis Frederick would be a nice addition late on Day 2. Frederick was a 3 year starter with the Badgers during his career, and started at both left guard and center. Travis is a solid road-grader in the running game, and possesses a stout frame and the necessary strength (6’4″ 317 lbs.) to do damage against opposing defensive linemen. While I do not believe that the former Badger possesses the necessary agility to be a starting center at the pro level, he has enough experience to chip in for a team if injuries occur.
87. Seattle Seahawks: Akeem Spence DT (Illinois)
With Alan Branch and Jason Jones set to become UFA’s during the upcoming offseason, the Seahawks might try to add some depth along the interior of their Defensive Line. The addition of a player like Spence (6’1″ 307 lbs.) would allow Seattle’s Defensive Ends to be even more lethal as pass-rushers. Spence was one of the Illini’s most productive defensive players last year (72 tackles, 1.0 sack, 7.0 tackles for loss), and the surprisingly agile Defensive Tackle to take advantage of mismatches inside when guys like Bruce Irvin, Cliff Avril, and Michael Bennett come off of the edge.
88. Green Bay Packers: Malliciah Goodman DE (Clemson)
The Packers will need someone to replace veteran Ryan Pickett if he leaves via Free Agency in 2014. In addition, Green Bay could also use another young 5-Technique to develop alongside Jerel Worthy and C.J. Wilson. Malliciah Goodman intrigues me as a prospect because of his frame (6’4″ 276 lbs.), and did a fine job last year for the Tigers (28 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery). Although Goodman is a bit raw, he has the potential to emerge as a situational pass-rusher at outside linebacker, or even turned into a 5-technique if he can learn to man 2-gaps as a down lineman on a consistent basis.
89. Houston Texans: Vance McDonald TE (Rice)
Houston just lost James Casey, and their Front Office would be wise to add another tight end to their roster. McDonald has been rising up draft boards around the league as of late, and he has a tremendous amount of athletic ability (4.69 40 yard dash and 33.5″ vertical leap at The Combine) to go along with his 6’4″ 267 lb. frame. At Rice, McDonald was a potent red zone threat, and caught 15 touchdowns over his final three seasons. Although Vance is a bit raw in terms of his route-running and must catch the ball more consistently, he can be used effectively in the slot or lined up next to a tackle in the passing-game if he can develop.
90. Denver Broncos: Robert Alford CB (Southeastern Louisiana)
An underrated prospect who has been flying up draft boards recently is Robert Alford of Southeastern Louisiana. Alford enjoyed a terrific career at the FCS level and notched. Although Alford is a bit small (5’10” 188 lbs.), he is a tough defender who at the very least should become a solid performer as a nickelback at the professional level. Denver could stand to use more depth at cornerback with Champ Bailey entering his 15th season and Tracy Porter now out of town.
91. New England Patriots: Brandon Williams DT (Missouri Southern)
The Patriots have to wonder how much longer Vince Wilfork can play. 2013 will be the Nose Tackle’s 10th season, and it might be wise for New England to have a transition strategy in place. Brandon Williams of Missouri Southern (6’1″ 335 lbs.) could be just the player who New England needs to clog the middle in their Defensive scheme. A three-year starter with the Lions, Williams finished second on his team in tackles (68), 1st in tackles for loss (16.5), first in Sacks (8.5), and 1st in forced fumbles (5) last season. For a man his size, Williams is surprisingly mobile, and can disrupt plays in the backfield with his surprising quickness.
92. Atlanta Falcons: Travis Kelce TE (Cincinnati)
Tony Gonzalez might be coming back next year for Atlanta, which is huge. Yet one must question how long the future Hall of Fame tight end can continue to play. Travis Kelce was one of the most productive players in college football at the tight end last season, and emerged as a huge offensive weapon for the Bearcats (45 catches, 722 yards, 8 touchdowns). Matt Ryan could always stand to use an extra pair of hands on offense, and a year or two behind Gonzalez should benefit Kelce while he works on his blocking technique as well. Kelce’s stock would probably be higher had he not been suspended during the 2010 season for a violation of team rules.
93. San Francisco 49ers: Da’Rick Rogers WR (Tennessee Tech)
Although some might be scared off by Rogers’ off-field behavior, the guy has the physical talent to be a successful pass-catcher at the professional level. A terrific threat on the outside and in the slot, Da’Rick (6’3″ 217 lbs.) can create mismatches and burn defenses in the middle of the field. After a tremendous season at Tennessee in 2011 (67 catches, 1,040 yards, 9 touchdowns), Rogers continued his stellar play at Tennessee Tech in 2012 (61 catches, 893 yards, 10 touchdowns). I’m a big fan of Rogers, and I believe that his hands, body control, and ability to make plays on short, intermediate, and deep routes should warrant him a late Day 2 selection, off-field issues aside.
94. Baltimore Ravens: Zaviar Gooden ILB (Missouri)
The losses of Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe will hurt the Ravens, but G.M. Ozzie Newsome is the best at his craft in the league, and I am sure that he will find an adequate replacement. Although his skill-set is raw, Zaviar Gooden (6’2″ 234 lbs.) brings a defensive back’s speed, and a nose tackle’s tenacity to the linebacker position. While he is a bit raw in terms of his awareness and diagnosing plays, Gooden did a fine job over the last three years for the Tigers (226 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 5 interceptions), and is a terrific developmental prospect for a team like Baltimore to take.
95. Houston Texans: Bacarri Rambo FS (Georgia)
With Glover Quin now a member of the Lions, the Texans could stand to find a talented safety to pair with/take over for Ed Reed when he eventually retires. Bacarri Rambo had a terrific career at Georgia as the Bulldogs’ ball-hawking Free Safety (16 career interceptions). Rambo (6′ 210 lbs.) is a tough and physical defender who illustrated no qualms about playing the run either in the S.E.C. either. Talent aside, Rambo dealt with some off-field issues in Athens which is why he will likely be a late Day 2 pick instead of an early one.
96. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Swope WR (Texas A&M)
Even though Kansas City has Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery, and Jonathan Baldwin on the outside, they lack an explosive slot receiver who can take advantage of the acres of space in the middle of the field. One of the favorite targets of Ryan Tannehill and Johnny Manziel, Ryan Swope had himself a very productive final two years in college (161 catches, 2,120 yards, 19 touchdowns). Swope a fleet-footed pass-catcher who should take advantage of smaller nickel corners with his frame (6′ 205 lbs.) and solid hands.
97. Tennessee Titans: Cornelius Washington DE (Georgia)
The Titans would be wise to find a pass-rusher to push 2010 1st Round pick Derrick Morgan, as well as someone to supply some adequate depth at the position. Although Washington (6’4″ 265 lbs.) was not highly productive in Georgia’s defensive scheme (22 tackles, 0.5 sack, 3.0 tackles for loss), his combination of strength (36 bench press reps at The Combine), athleticism (39″ vertical jump), and explosiveness (4.55 40 yard dash) off of the edge should make him a late Day 2/early Day 3 selection.