NFL Mock Draft 3.0 – Round 5
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
156.) Bears: WR Dri Archer, Kent St (5’8, 173) – Bears replace Devin Hester with the fastest player in college football last year (4.26 40-time!). Archer is the best return man in the draft, but he is more than just a track star; Archer is a well-rounded football player who had 24 rushing touchdowns, 12 receiving touchdowns, and 4 kick return touchdowns in his career at Kent St. He is more Darren Sproles than Devin Hester and would give Marc Trestman a dangerous weapon on offense that he could use on reverses, draws, screens and whatever other craziness he can come up with. Archer is very small at 173 pounds, but he’s not fragile and very strong (20 reps of 225 pounds). He would be a weapon in the return game right away and can eventually contribute on offense. Check out his highlights here, it’s worth it. If you don’t have time for the long version at least check out his runs at 2:39, 4:00, & 4:58. One more highlight reel, just for fun:
157.) Steelers: T Michael Schofield, Michigan (6’4, 303) – Schofield stood out in Senior Bowl practices as a guy who can hold his own at either tackle or guard. He didn’t look dominant at either, but versatility like that has plenty of value. If you can fill two back-up spots with one guy that opens up another roster spot for more depth or a developmental player. The Steelers definitely need some O-line depth and Schofield should develop into at least a competent swing tackle if not a starting RT.
158.) Cowboys: CB Victor Hampton, South Carolina (5’9, 197) – The Cowboys continue to add defensive players to try and fix their embarrassing defense from last year. Hampton has some recent legal trouble, but that has never scared the Cowboys away from talent before. His 4.7 40 at the combine might be more of a concern, but Hampton is very strong for a DB and plays with an aggressive style that will be a good fit in Dallas. He won’t get away with muscling receivers like he did at the college level, but he’s athletic enough to adapt. Hampton will need some time and coaching before he can contribute at the NFL level, but he will have value in the right scheme.
159.) Jaguars: WR Mike Davis, Texas (6’0, 197) – The Jags seem to think that Justin Blackmon won’t play in 2014, so they need to add some depth at receiver. Davis was hindered by inconsistent QB play at Texas, but showed off good hands and crisp route-running at the Senior Bowl while being coached by Jags HC Gus Bradley. Davis is more quick than fast, but could be a solid possession receiver for the Jags.
160.) Cardinals: WR Robert Herron, Wyoming (5’9, 193) – Quick, sure-handed slot receiver who can go take a big hit over the middle and hold on to the ball. Herron is undersized, but there is a place for his skill-set in the NFL. The Cardinals need a replacement for slot receiver Andre Roberts and Herron could be a good one.
161.) Packers: C Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma (6’4, 304): After losing Evan Dietrich-Smith to free agency the Packers will most likely move last year’s 4th round pick, JC Tretter, to center even though he has little experience at the position. If Tretter doesn’t pan out, Ikard should be ready to take over by 2015. He is extremely smart, takes good blocking angles, elite short-area quickness, charismatic, natural leader… Everything is good about this kid except for his lack of functional strength (20 reps). Once he gets stronger I think he’s going to be a starting center in the NFL for a long time.
162.) Eagles: CB Nevin Lawson, Utah St (5’9, 190) – Scrappy corner who has had a good off-season. Lawson was the best corner at the Shrine Bowl which earned him an invite to the Senior Bowl where he practiced well all week and then topped it off with a 4.46 40 at the combine. Despite his small size, Lawson is tough against the run and good in coverage as a slot corner. On talent alone he’d be a mid-rounder pick, but his lack of size could drop him a round or two.
163.) Chiefs: RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (5’9, 201) – Seastrunk can fly, but bounces too many runs outside and might not be sturdy enough for a big workload. The Chiefs need a back-up for Jamaal Charles since Knile Davis could be out for a while due to his late season knee injury. Seastrunk is a good receiver out of the backfield and has a similar skill-set to Charles & Davis, but might not be durable enough to be an every down player.