KLS NFL Mock Draft Part 3 Picks 21-32
We have reached the third portion of the 1st Round of the draft. This is about the time some of the guys who were supposed to go in the top 10 will get close ups from ESPN asking them how they are feeling. These are also the teams who for the most did okay last season and want to make that jump to the Superbowl or in the Seahawks case march to the repeat.
21. Green Bay Packers – CJ Mosely (Alabama) LB
One of the leaders of Alabama’s tough defense, Mosely will be a nice get this late in the draft. An athletic guy who can make plays will go right alongside Clay Matthews. With the free agent acquisition of Julius Peppers and already having BJ Raji in the fold the Packers defense will be pretty tough to deal with in the front 7.
Other Possibilities: Ryan Shazier LB, Jimmie Ward S
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Marqise Lee (USC) WR
Pac 12 coaches love drafting players they couldn’t stop in college. Marqise Lee fits that bill to come to Chip Kelly’s Eagles. With the recently departed DeSean Jackson there is room a playmaker on the outside. With the high speed offensive that returns Jeremy Macklin, Riley Cooper and LeSean McCoy would only be bolstered with the addition of Lee.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Cooks WR, Cody Latimer WR
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Xavier Su’a-Filo (UCLA) OG
Chiefs coach Andy Reid will be looking for ways to improve on last year. One thing he will do is make sure that he solidifies his offensive line. Su’a-Filo fits the bill as a day 1 NFL starter at guard. They have a spot open spot at right guard and could also use an upgrade at the left guard spot.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Cooks WR
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Ryan Shazier (Ohio State) LB
We know Marvin Lewis loves linebackers and is looking to bolster an already strong defense. The Bengals will not even have to leave the state because Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier will be there for them. The hard hitting linebacker will be a nice fit for the Bengals.
Other Possibilities: Jason Verrett CB
25. San Diego Chargers – Louis Nix (Notre Dame) DT
Nix is a large frame 340 pound defensive tackle, who will clog up the middle in the Chargers 3-4 scheme. The Chargers are looking to make a move in a division that two playoff teams above them. Dix will be a solid disruptive option.
Other Possibilities: Bradley Roby CB, Kelvin Benjamin WR
26. Cleveland Browns – Bradley Roby (Ohio State) CB
With 4.39 speeds in the 40, Roby provides elite speed that makes him ready to jump right in the NFL. The Browns already have one star corner in Joe Haden, so the pick here would give the Browns a dynamic duo.
Other Possibilities: Derek Carr QB
27. New Orleans Saints – Dee Ford (Auburn) DE
The Saints are in a division with some pretty good quarterbacks. Dee Ford is an athletic end that will provide pressure for Rob Ryan’s defense. His versatility maybe he will switch to outside linebacker in Ryan’s scheme.
Other Possibilities: Kony Ealy DE
28. Carolina Panthers – Jordan Matthews (Vanderbilt) WR
Cam Newton needs a new number 1 target now that Steve Smith is on to Baltimore. Jordan Matthews can be that top receiver for the future. At 6’3 he has nice NFL size and will be a nice visible target. He has had over 1300 yards receiving in his last 2 years and Vanderbilt and did not shrink against top tier SEC competition.
Other Possibilities: Kelvin Benjamin WR
29. New England Patriots – Ra’Shede Hageman (Minnesota) DT
Hageman seems like he will fit in a three technique lineman in the Patriots scheme. With Vince Wilfork getting older and coming off a major injury Hageman will move right into the rotation and maybe the heir apparent in New England.
Other Possibilities: Jason Verrett CB, Cody Latimer WR
30. San Francisco 49ers – Kony Ealy (Missouri) DE
Not only the 49ers love standout defensive players but a need may have presented itself. With Aldon Smith in and out of trouble they will need a solid answer for pass rush. Also at 30th pick Ealy is too good to pass up.
Other Possibilities: Stephon Tuitt DT, Cody Latimer WR
31. Denver Broncos – Joel Bitonio (Nevada) OG
This season it’s time to do one thing in Denver and that’s win the Superbowl. Elway opened up the bank in free agency adding DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib. Now he has to make sure that Peyton Manning stays upright and there are some holes for those running backs. Clady should be healthy at tackle so they will need a guard. Joel Bitonio looks like he can start in this league and the Broncos hope he can be a piece to the championship puzzle.
Other Possbiliites: Teddy Bridgewater QB, Kelvin Benjamin WR
32. Seattle Seahawks – Cody Latimer (Wisconsin) WR
The Superbowl champs are reloading this offseason. Already resigning pass rusher Michael Bennett and most of their team intact for this season they are playing with house money. Losing Golden Tate the Seahawks will look at Cody Latimer from Wisconsin. At 6’3 he would make a nice target on the outside along with Sidney Rice to put pressure on opposing defenses.
Other Possibilities: Kelvin Benjamin WR, Jace Amaro TE
Written By
Keith B. Holt
Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr