NFL Mock Draft 2.0 – Rounds 2 & 3
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82.) Bears: CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska (6’3, 218) – He’s 6’3, ran a 4.46 40 at his pro day and has a 41.5″ vertical leap. Measurements like those don’t come along very often at the corner position. It’s not like he is just a workout warrior either, Jean-Baptiste had 6 interceptions and 21 pass breakups in just 17 starts and was 2nd team all Big-Ten last season. Jean-Baptiste’s technique is raw, he has only played corner for two years after switching from wide receiver before his sophomore season at Nebraska. I was impressed with SJB’s instincts breaking on the ball at the Senior Bowl and he has excellent ball skills from his days as a wide out. He’s inconsistent against the run but has shown sings of being a big hitter (0:28, 0:51 & 1:52 on highlights below). After a year of coaching and learning from Charles Tillman, Jean-Baptiste could be ready to move into the starting lineup in 2015. SJB is a great fit for the Bears zone scheme and could end up being a lock-down corner who can match-up with the NFC North’s tall receivers.
83.) Browns: CB Jaylen Watkins, Florida (5’11, 194) – The Browns could use an upgrade over Buster Skrine across from Joe Haden. 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 had the best speed (4.41) / power (22 reps) combo of all the corners at the combine. Watkins has the potential to be a solid outside cover guy and didn’t miss many tackles in college. I could see the Bears going with Watkins over SJB if they are looking for an immediate impact over long-term ceiling.
84.) Cardinals: T Billy Turner, North Dakota St (6’5, 315) – Turner dominated for 4 years at ND St, but that is a long ways from the NFL. Even the Senior Bowl was a huge step up in competition for Turner, but he more than held his own. He had a little trouble with speed rushers, but was never overpowered. Turner’s best chance to play early is at RT or even guard, but Turner has enough potential to eventually become a starting LT. He would give the Cardinals something they haven’t had in a long time, depth at tackle.
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85.) Packers: TE Troy Niklas, Notre Dame (6’6, 270): With Finley all but gone and the athletically limited Andrew Quarles as their starting TE, the Packers should be looking for an upgrade in the draft. Niklas has only played the position for two years at the college level, but has shown flashes of massive potential. He’s already a great blocker, has shown soft hands, and can move pretty well for a big man. Niklas might need a year to two to learn the nuances of the position at the pro level but he could help right away in the run game and eventually be a weapon in the middle of the field for Rodgers.
86.) Eagles: OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech (6’3, 252) – Showed plenty of potential as a pass rusher at the Senior Bowl and enough athleticism to eventually play the 3-4 OLB position. Short-term, Attaochu can provde value as a situational pass rusher and eventually become a 3-down OLB. He has a very quick first step and the natural ability to get to the QB. Attaochu hasn’t been able to run the 40 yet due to an injury, but as long as he’s in the 4.6-4.7 range, he won’t make it past the 3rd round. The Eagles could use some fresh legs at OLB and Attaochu could be special in a year or two.
87.) Chiefs: G Cyril Richardson, Baylor (6’5, 329) – Was exposed a bit at the Senior Bowl as a phone booth blocker only. He really struggled when asked to move laterally, but has the strength, size, and athleticism to eventually become a force inside. The Chiefs are hurting at guard after losing both Schwartz and Asamoah in free agency.
88.) Bengals: OLB Telvin Smith, Florida St (6’3, 218) – If he were 20 pounds heavier he might be a first round pick. Smith was one of the most impressive LBs I’ve watched in this class. He has elite speed and excellent instincts. In the Senior Bowl, Smith snuffed out 3 screen plays by himself. At FSU he was constantly around the ball and didn’t miss many tackles. Smith is solid in coverage and a violent blitzer. Teams are going to be wary of drafting a 218 pound linebacker and some will look to move him to safety. Wherever he ends up, Smith is a heck of a football player and will be an asset on special teams.