NFL Mock Draft 3.0 – Round 2
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Round 2
33.) Texans: QB Derek Carr, Fresno St (6’2, 214) – Unless the Texans think Case Keenum is their long-term answer at QB, they will be pretty happy to see Carr still available at the beginning of round 2. Carr had a productive senior season (5082 yards, 50 TDs) and an impressive off-season, showing good confidence, intelligence and charisma in the interviews, a strong arm capable of making all the NFL throws, and better than expected athleticism (4.6 40).
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, acceleration off the line and change of direction ability. His route-running needs work as well, 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. They signed Ben Tate in the off-season but he has missed at least 1 game every season and I don’t think an increase in carries will keep him healthier. Hyde is a tough-runner with surprising burst and wiggle for a guy his size. He averaged 7.3 ypc which is pretty darn impressive for a between the tackles runner in the rugged big ten.
36.) Raiders: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois (6’2, 219) – The Raiders get their QB of the future in Garoppolo. I don’t think even the Raiders are stupid enough to consider Schaub their long-term answer at QB and they 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. Signing Schaub gives them a year or two to groom Garoppolo like the Packers did with Aaron Rodgers when Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie was their director of player personnel.
37.) Falcons: 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 give the Falcons a dangerous edge rusher in their new 3-4 alignment.
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.