NFL Mock Draft 2.0 – Rounds 2 & 3
On Monday I posted round 1 of my 2nd mock draft and today I’ll cover rounds 2 & 3. Check back tomorrow for rounds 4-7 and my analysis of the Bears seven picks.
Round 2
33.) Texans: LB Kyle Van Noy, BYU (6’3, 243) – Van Noy can do it all at the OLB position. He’s more of a finesse guy than some teams like, but you can’t argue with the results (24 sacks, 54 TFLs over last 3 seasons). Van Noy is unique in that he excels in both coverage and rushing the passer. He should be an instant upgrade over either Mercilus or Reed at OLB.
34.) Redskins: WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida St (6’5, 240) – He’s 240 pounds with 4% body fat. That’s unreal. Benjamin has an elite size/speed ratio, though there is some concern about his hands and change of direction ability. His route-running needs work, but Benjamin has the physical tools to be unstoppable eventually and should be a dangerous deep threat right away. The Redskins need some size at the position and a deep threat and Benjamin gives them both with the upside for more.
35.) Browns: RB Carlos Hyde, Ohio St (6’0, 230) – Rumor has it the Browns are looking for a workhorse back and that is what Hyde brings to the table. He’s a tough-runner with surprising burst and wiggle for a guy his size.
36.) Raider: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois (6’2, 219) – The Raiders get their QB of the future in Garoppolo. I don’t think even they are stupid enough to consider Schaub their long-term answer at QB and should be looking for an upgrade for 2015 and beyond. Garappolo doesn’t have the biggest arm, but his quick release and sound decision-making should make him a solid pro and an upgrade over what the Raiders currently have at the position.
37.) Falcons: OT Cyrus Kouandijo, Alabama (6’7, 322) – A lot has been made of his disappointing combine and failed medicals due to an arthritic knee, but when you watch his game tape he is a borderline dominant left tackle against top competition in the SEC. None other than Dr. James Andrews has said his medicals are fine and his knee is normal for a man of his size. Kouandjio is very mobile for his size with a good kick slide and despite some inconsistent play last year, has the tools to be a dominant tackle down the road.
38.) Buccaneers: DE Scott Crighton, Oregon St (6’3, 273) – The Bucs finished 23rd in the league in sacks last year. The signings of DE Michael Johnson and DT Clinton McDonald will help, but Lovie Smith’s zone scheme needs a pass rush from the defensive line. Crighton can line up across from Johnson on passing downs and use his impressive burst to generate pressure off the edge. His pass rush technique needs some work but he has the physical tools to be a force.
39.) Jaguars: QB Zach Mettenberger, LSU (6’5, 224): Mettenberger has good size and a cannon arm, but showed inconsistent accuracy at the college level and he’s not very mobile. With a year or two of grooming, he could end up being a very good NFL QB, but will need a solid line in front of him because he struggles to escape pressure.