NFL Mock Draft 3.0 – Round 2
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59.) Colts: S Terrence Brooks, Florida St (5’11, 198) – The Colts lost FS Antoine Bethea in the off-season and SS Laron Landry is an in the box safety who should be paired with someone who has strong coverage skills. Brooks is fast and a big hitter despite being a bit undersized. He has a tendency to go for the big hit a little too often which leads to some missed tackles, but he usually finds a way to take down his target. Brooks has great range in coverage and can cover slot receivers when needed. His height isn’t ideal but his excellent vertical leap adds an inch or two. One knock on Brooks is his hands. He only had 4 interceptions in two years despite putting himself in position for at least double that many picks. Brooks only played safety for two seasons, so he is still learning the position and could get considerably better with more experience.
60.) Panthers: T Jake Mewhort, Ohio St (6’6, 309) – The Panthers need upgrades at both tackle positions and guard. Mewhort is a strong, versatile O-lineman who played everywhere but center during his stint at OSU and could potentially help the Panthers at either tackle spot or guard if needed. He showed well at the Senior Bowl, solidifying his 2nd round grade. Mewhort lacks elite athleticism, but is a max-effort player with good technique and should be a starting caliber NFL lineman for years at either T or G.
61.) 49ers: CB Marcus Roberson, Florida (6’0, 191) – The Niners lost both of their starting corners from last year (Brown, Rogers) and despite signing Chris Cook and Perrish Cox they need some starting caliber talent at the position. Roberson had a bad combine and didn’t do much better at his pro day, but the tape doesn’t lie. He was one of the better cover guys in the country last season and has the potential to be a lock-down corner. Roberson is a non-factor against the run, but should improve the pass defense wherever he ends up.
62.) Patriots: DT DaQuan Jones, Penn St (6’4, 322) – The Pats DTs (Wilfork, Kelly) are both old and on their last legs. They may have one or two good years left, but the Pats need some young blood at the position. Jones struggled with weight issues early in his college career, but trimmed down before his senior year and showed more explosion and consistency last season. He looked much quicker in 2013 and flashed some pass rush ability at the Senior Bowl. Jones holds the point of attack well and can be an asset against the run. Jones’ best fit is as a 3-4 NT but could play the 1-technique in a 4-3 as well.
63.) Broncos: G David Yankey, Stanford (6’6, 315) – The Broncos lost starting guard Zane Beadles to free agency, but find a replacement in Yankey. His speed was disappointing at the combine (5.48), but has great size, position versatility, intelligence and was a team captain at Stanford. Guards don’t need to run very far in the Broncos zone blocking scheme anyway. Yankey is a good value pick this late in the 2nd round and could contribute immediately for the Broncos.
64.) Seahawks: T Ja’Wuan James, Tennessee (6’5, 311) – The Seahawks lost starting right tackle Breno Giacomini in free agency, but probably would be looking for a replacement even if he stayed. James would have been a LT at most colleges, but with Antonio Richardson entrenched there, James got a lot of experience playing on the right side which is beneficial since that is probably his best fit in the NFL. James is a powerful run blocker with good feet and surprising quickness for his size. His technique needs some work, but it’s close enough to NFL ready that he should be able to start at RT from day 1.
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