NFL Mock Draft – Round 3
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89.) Chargers: WR Paul Richardson, Colorado (6’0, 175) – The Chargers had success drafting a receiver in the 3rd round last year, Keenan Allen, and try again since they don’t have any other reliable options at the position. Richardson is a dangerous deep threat that should be able to take the top off of defenses and open things up underneath for Allen. He isn’t strong enough to beat press coverage or be a move the chains type, but he recently ran a 4.33 40 so he can get deep in a hurry and he will be a nice complement to Allen and Antonio Gates.
90.) Colts: C Westin Richburg, Colorado (6’3, 298) – The Colts tried to find a center in free agency, but Phil Costa retired a few weeks ago before ever donning a Colts uniform. Richburg helped his stock with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and was one of the only O-lineman there who had any success against Aaron Donald. Richburg didn’t miss a game in college, showed good intelligence making the line calls the last two seasons for CSU, and performed well against an upgrade in competition at the Senior Bowl. He should be able to step in and compete for a starting job as a rookie.
91.) Saints: CB Philip Gaines, Rice (6’0, 193) – The Saints signed Champ Bailey to be their #2 corner in 2014, but he will be 36 by the time the season starts so it would be smart to draft a backup plan. Gaines is a tall corner who helped his stock with a 4.38 40-time at the combine. He has good height and ball skills (35 passes defended in two seasons) but needs to get stronger and improve his coverage technique. On tape Gaines gets burned too often and isn’t aggressive enough verse the run, but with some technique improvement he could be a starting caliber corner.
92.) Panthers: CB Rashaad Reynolds, Oregon St (5’10, 189) – The Panthers lost starting corner Captain Munnerlyn in the off-season and weren’t very deep at the position to begin with. Reynolds started 38 consecutive games, so durability isn’t an issue. He is a cover corner with good instincts who makes up for a lack of top-end speed with superb technique. Reynolds, a three-time state wrestling champ in high school, has good strength for a corner (20 reps), good agility (6.72 3-cone), sticky hands (6 INTs in 2013) and is a willing tackler. He lacks elite size or athleticism but he’s good enough to contribute right away and I think he will have a shot to start as a rookie. Reynolds is one of the most underrated corners in the draft and a steal this late.
93.) Patriots: S Dion Bailey, USC (6’0, 201) – Bailey switched between OLB and safety in college and played well at both. He is a sure tackler with great instincts and enough speed to be adequate in coverage. Bailey showed good hands in college with 11 career interceptions. He’s the type of versatile defender that Belichick likes and will be a standout on special teams until he finds a role on defense.
94.) 49ers: C Travis Swanson, Arkansas (6’5, 312) – Center is the only weak spot on an otherwise solid Niners offensive line. Swanson was the #1 rated center on most boards coming into draft season and has been dropping lately despite pretty solid performances at both the Senior Bowl and combine. He’s a little tall for the center position, but his game tape is solid while playing against the best CFB has to offer in the SEC.
95.) Broncos: MLB Yawin Samllwood, Connecticut (6’2, 246) – The Broncos have a hole at middle linebacker after losing Wesley Woodyard and Paris Lennon (maybe) to free agency. Smallwood disappointed at the combine, but claims he was hurt so that might have been the reason for his slow times (5.01 40-time). Smallwood certainly looks faster than that on tape. He showed good range, sound tackling technique and the knack for making big plays when needed. Granted, he didn’t play against the best competition at UConn, but his production was still impressive (118 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 4 sacks in 2013).
96.) Vikings: G Dakota Dozier, Furman (6’4, 313) – The Vikings got a (-5.4) grade out of their starting left guard, Charlie Johnson, which was the only weak spot on an otherwise impressive offensive line. With a little seasoning, Dozier could take over that spot. He is an impressive athlete for his size and surprisingly light on his feet. Dozier dominated as a left tackle at Furman, but the obvious lack of competition is a concern as is no experience at the guard position. Dozier will need some coaching but his size and elite athleticism gives him more potential than almost any guard in the draft.
Compensatory Picks
97.) Steelers: OLB/DE Chris Smith, Louisville (6’1, 266) – Smith helped his stock at the Senior Bowl showing great quickness off the edge, the power to bull rush, and a surprising mix of pass rush moves. His combine performance was solid as well with a 4.71 40-time and a 37″ vertical. Smith is a tweener; He lacks the ideal height for a 4-3 DE and ideal mobility for a 3-4 OLB. He does have unusually long arms which help negate his less than ideal size and elite acceleration which makes up for his slower than ideal change of direction ability. Smith is a good football player with a knack for getting to the QB and I think the Steelers will use him as a situational pass rusher while he learns the OLB position.
98.) Packers: QB Aaron Murray, Georgia (6’1, 207) – When Aaron Rodgers got hurt last year the Packers offense fell apart with three different backups under center. I think they realize they need some talent behind Rodgers and Murray should be an upgrade over re-signed backup Matt Flynn. If Murray was a few inches taller, I think he could be a late first / early second round pick. Murray’s game tape is as good or better than anyone in this class, but he’s barely 6’1 and has injury concerns. He has all the intangibles you look for in a QB, a strong arm, elite intelligence, and good athleticism. I am higher on Murray than most and think he could end up being a poor man’s Drew Brees.
99.) Ravens: OLB Marcus Smith, Louisville (6’3, 251) – Smith can get to the QB (14.5 sacks in 2013) and is a solid tackler against the run. He got by mostly on athleticism and his quick first step in college, I doubt that’s going to be enough in the pros and Smith will need to get stronger and develop some pass rush moves to be anything more than a 3rd down pass rush specialist. He will have some time to add strength and improve his rush technique as a backup to Elvis Dumervil.
100.) 49ers: S Craig Loston, LSU (6’1, 217) – Great athlete and big hitter, who is a little raw technique wise but has a ton of potential. Loston will be a force against the run from day 1 and would be a great fit next to free safety Eric Reid.
Twitter: @MikeFlannery_