NFL Mock Draft – Round 5
NFL Mock Draft – Round 5
129. Texans: S Ty Zimmerman, Kansas St (6’1, 204) – Just average speed and strength, but great instincts. Zimmerman was KSU’s starting free safety for three seasons and totaled 13 INTs. Zimmerman excels in coverage with good ball skills and reliable hands, but is not the best tackler. I think he has good enough football instincts to become a starter, but worst case he could contribute in sub packages and on special teams.
130. Redskins: S Jemea Thomas, Georgia Tech (5’10, 190) – The Redskins safeties were bad last year, but other needs (CB, LB, WR) took precedence so far. Thomas is the best free safety left on the board and despite his small stature is aggressive and a good hitter. Thomas has good speed and plenty of range in coverage, the reason he is still available at this point has more to do with concerns about his size and durability.
131. Buccaneers: G/T Michael Schofield, Michigan (6’4, 303) – Schofield stood out in Senior Bowl practices as a guy who can hold his own at either tackle or guard. He didn’t look dominant at either, but versatility like that has plenty of value. If you can fill two back-up spots with one guy that just opens up another roster spot for more depth or a developmental player. With all the weird staff infections that have plagued the Bucs O-line, they need all the competent O-lineman they can get.
132. Jaguars: T Seantrel Henderson, Miami (6’7, 331) – Frustrating prospect who shows flashes of domination, but most of time is just mediocre. Henderson is a massive human with elite strength and surprising agility but he hasn’t been able to put together consistent stretches of solid play. He has struggled with injuries, penalties, and numerous off-field issues. With his size and ability, some team will take a chance on him as a developmental tackle and if he ever gets his head on straight he could be an all-pro tackle.
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133. Browns: CB Chris Davis, Auburn (5’10, 201) – Will always be famous for his 109-yard TD return that shocked #1 ranked Alabama and for giving up the winning touchdown in the title game, but if he ever wants to be known for anything in the NFL he will need to clean up his technique in coverage. Davis is way too handsy and over aggressive in coverage, but does have elite speed and better strength then you would expect from his small frame. He can run with anybody but is consistently out of position and his aggression can be easily taken advantage of with double moves. Davis’ best chance to stick in the league is as a kick/punt returner and with his explosiveness he could be a great one, but he will have to drastically improve his coverage technique if he is going to see the field on defense.
134. Seahawks: DE Michael Sam, Missouri (6’1, 260) – This is probably the ideal team for Sam; The Seahawks have strong leadership from ownership down to the locker room and a team already filled with media distractions. On the field, Sam would be a perfect fit as a backup to Bruce Irvin in the LEO backer role. That would allow Sam to just focus on his strength, rushing the passer, and not expose his weakness in coverage.
135. Falcons: DE James Gayle, Virginia Tech (6’4, 255) – Speed rusher with an explosive first step and surprising power. Sort of a one-trick pony as he didn’t play the run exceptionally well in college. Getting a potentially dangerous pass rusher in the 5th round is good value for the Falcons.
136. Vikings: DT Anthony Johnson, LSU (6’2, 295) – It’s probably a mistake having Johnson fall this far in the draft. He wasn’t very productive in college (7 sacks in 3 seasons) but has above average strength, agility, and quickness so some team will probably take him earlier with the hope they can coach more productivity out of him. This is my first seven round mock, so there was bound to be a few mistakes.