NFL Mock Draft – Round 3
89. Chargers: CB Jaylen Watkins, Florida (6’0, 194) – The Chargers starting CBs were among the worst in the league last season and they need some new blood at the position. Watkins played both corner and safety at Florida, showing good versatility and a team first attitude. He stood out at the Senior Bowl as one of the most polished corners there and has the potential to be a solid outside cover guy. His lack of strength is a concern against the run, but Watkins has good technique and didn’t miss many tackles in college.
90. Colts – S Terrence Brooks, Florida St (5’11, 195) – Yet another Seminole defensive player, the 5th in this draft, Brooks is fast and a big hitter despite being a bit undersized. He has a tendency to go for the big hit a little too often which leads to some missed tackles, but he usually finds a way to take down his target. Brooks has great range in coverage and can cover slot receivers when needed. His height isn’t ideal but his excellent vertical leap adds an inch or two. One knock on Brooks is his hands. He only had 4 interceptions in two years despite putting himself in position for at least double that many picks. Brooks only played safety for two seasons, so he is still learning the position and could get considerably better with experience which would make Brooks a steal this late.
91. Saints: WR Jared Abbrederris, Wisconsin (6’1, 189) – Abbrederris could make the claim that he is the best route-runner in this draft and only Jordan Matthews would have a legitimate complaint. The Saints receiving core has been Marcus Colston and a rotating cast of mediocrity for the last few years, but Abbrederis could give them a reliable number 2 WR with great hands and the aforementioned route running ability. He is quicker than he looks, will lay out for the tough catch, and just knows how to get open.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
92. Panthers: WR Davonte Adams, Fresno St (6’2, 215) – Another guy who knows how to get open. In two seasons at Fresno St, Adams caught a ridiculous 233 passes for 3,031 yards and 38 touchdowns. Those are Tecmo Bowl numbers, but somewhat inflated by the Fresno St spread offense and weak competition. Even taking those negative factors into account, it’s still pretty darn impressive. Adams has good size, reliable hands, and uses his body well to block out defenders. He runs well after the catch with the ability to make people miss and break tackles if they don’t. Adams doesn’t have elite speed but that is the only flaw I can see so far. I wouldn’t be surprised if Adams moves up to the 2nd round by draft day.
93. Patriots: DT DaQuan Jones, Penn St (6’4, 323) – Jones struggled with weight issues early in his college career, but trimmed down before his senior year and showed more explosion and consistency last season. He’s not much of a pass rusher, but he’s holds the point of attack well and can be an asset against the run. Played well in Senior Bowl practices and probably solidified no later than a 3rd round draft slot. His best fit is as a 3-4 NT and would be good insurance for the Pats if Vince Wolfork isn’t recovered from his achilles injury in time for the 2014 season.
94. 49ers : DE Brent Urban, Virginia (6’6, 298) – Long armed end with good strength and decent quickness off the edge. His best position in the pros will be as a 3-4 DE and he would give the Niners a back-up for Justin Smith and a potential replacement down the road.
95. Broncos: CB EJ Gaines, Missouri (5’10, 195) – Speedy coverage guy with good anticipation and ball skills. Unfortunately Gaines doesn’t have very good hands, with only 7 interceptions in three years as a starter. He tackles well though and is an all-around solid player. Gaines doesn’t have ideal height but plays bigger then 5’10 and usually did well against taller receivers ; He shut down TAM’s 6’6 WR Mike Evans (4 catches, 8 yards) in their match-up last November.
96. Vikings: CB Bruce McGill, Utah (6’3, 214 ) – The tallest corner in this year’s draft, McGill helped his stock at the Senior Bowl. He showed surprising fluidity in drop-backs and better coverage ability than expected. McGill is an intriguing prospect, but not without warts. He missed as many games as he started in his two years at Utah and does not have good hands. I saw him drop one against ASU that hit him square in the numbers. McGill only had 1 int in two years as a starter. In his defense, McGill did have a pick at the Senior Bowl so maybe there is hope for his hands after all. The Vikings drafted 6’2 CB Xavier Rhodes in the 1st round last year so this would give them two very tall corners to match up with the Bears Marshall / Jeffrey combo.
Twitter: @MikeFlannery_