NFL Mock Draft 3.0 – Round 6

Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6

177.) Texans: LB Howard Jones, Shepard (6’2, 235) – Made some money at the combine by running the 3rd best 40-time (4.6), having the best vertical (40.5″), the 2nd best broad jump, and the 5th best 3-cone time of all the defensive linemen at the combine. Jones was a pass rushing terror at Shepard (DII), is the NCAA active leader in sacks (62.5) and he proved he has NFL athleticism at the combine. He’s too small to be a defensive end but is plenty fast and fluid enough to play OLB in a 3-4. He’s not going to be much of a coverage linebacker, but Jones should be able to get to the QB at the NFL level.

178.) Redskins: G Brandon Linder, Miami (6’6, 311) – Smart player with good size, but he’s limited athletically. The Redskins got sub-par play from their guards last year; They filled one position through free agency (Luavoa) and Linder is polished enough to compete at the other one as a rookie.

179.) Jaguars: RB James White, Wisconsin (5’9, 204) – Part of RB rotation at Wisconsin, so he should have plenty of mileage left. White had a big week at the Senior Bowl showing great receiving skills, a powerful stiff-arm, and good pass blocking. White’s combine workouts were just mediocre, but his tape is solid and he’s one of the most well-rounded running back prospects in the draft. White’s skill as a receiver out of the backfield is a good complement to new running back Toby Gerhart’s power inside running. If White slips a little farther, I think the Bears would give White serious consideration with one of their 6th round picks. Both Trestman and Emery have stated that pass protection and the ability to catch out of the backfield are two important factors in a back-up running back and those are two of White’s strengths.

180.) Browns: S Kenny Ladler, Vanderbilt (6’0, 207) – Instinctive coverage safety and leader in the secondary. Ladler showed a knack for big plays his senior year with 5 INTs and 5 forced fumbles. The Browns could use some competition for free safety Tashuan Gipson and Ladler should have a shot to contribute as a rookie. He’s a good football player, but his draft stock dropped due to his 4.7 40-time at the combine.

181.) Raiders: WR T.J. Jones, Notre Dame (6’0, 188) – The Raiders added some depth to their receiving core by signing James Jones in the off-season, but with no other consistent options they could use some more depth with upside at the position. Jones is a well-rounded receiver with excellent hands and good route-running ability. He had a good senior year despite shaky QB play and could blossom in a good offense (unfortunately he ended up on the Raiders).

182.) Falcons: Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky (6’1, 254) – One of my favorite players in the draft, Jackson is a throw-back MLB who is a big–time hitter and play-maker. He’s a step slow, but makes up for it with great instincts and is a good fit in the middle of the Falcons new 3-4 scheme. He’s going to struggle in coverage so might only be a 2-down linebacker but he could be an elite run-stopper by the end of his rookie year.