NFL Mock Draft – Round 3
Matthew O
Round 3
65.) Texans: DT DaQuan Jones, Penn St (6’4, 322) – I was tempted to go with a RT here, but I think NT is a bigger need. The only NT on the roster is Jerrell Powe who couldn’t hack it with the Chiefs. 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.
66.) Redskins: CB Keith McGill, Utah (6’3, 211) – The Redskins need a lot of help in their secondary considering all of their starters earned negative grades from PFF last season. McGill could help them at either corner or safety whichever position is the most glaring need. He has great size and helped his stock at the Senior Bowl and again at the combine. McGill showed surprising fluidity in drop-backs, better coverage ability than expected, and ran a 4.51 at the combine. McGill is an intriguing prospect, but not without warts. He missed as many games as he started in his two years at Utah and does not have good hands. I saw him drop one against ASU that hit him square in the numbers. McGill only had 1 pick in two years as a starter. In his defense, McGill did have a pick at the Senior Bowl so maybe there is hope for his hands after all.
67.) Raiders: DT/DE Stephen Tuitt, Notre Dame (6’5, 304) – The Raiders lost 3 of their 4 starting D-linemen from last season. They did a decent job replacing them in free agency but most of their replacement (Tuck, Woodley) are on the downside of their careers and they could use some youth on D-line. Tuitt dropped farther than expected because he hasn’t been able to work out due to injury and his 2013 tape is just not impressive. Tuitt’s 2013 season was a disappointment, but he was recovering from a sports hernia. In 2012 Tuitt was a beast and would have been a top 15 pick if he could have entered the draft last year. Tuitt has prototype size for a DE, impressive strength, and polished pass rush moves. He could be a steal at this point.
68.) Falcons: FS Ed Reynolds, Stanford (6’1, 207) – The Falcons never replaced last years starter at free safety, Thomas DeCoud. Reynolds isn’t as athletic as most of the safeties already drafted, but he’s no slouch and smart in coverage with natural instincts, good ball skills and centerfielder range. Reynolds showed a knack for making big plays, returning 3 of his 6 picks for TDs in 2012
69.) Jets: QB AJ McCarron, Alabama (6’3, 220) – The Jets brought in Michael Vick to be their QB in 2014 making it clear that Geno Smith isn’t the future, so the Jets need to start succession planning. McCarron doesn’t have flashy skills, but is a proven winner with only 4 losses in his college career. His arm strength looked just mediocre at the combine, but that isn’t what he relies on to succeed. McCarron is a solid decision maker, with adequate mobility, good size, and throws an accurate catchable ball.
70.) Jaguars: WR Donte Moncrief, Mississippi (6’2, 221) – With Justin Blackmon possibly out for all of 2014, the Jags need some talent across from injury-prone Cecil Shorts. Moncrief has great size and uses it well to shield defenders. He has great hands, runs good routes, and even run blocks a bit. The only question mark was his straight-line speed, but he answered that and then some at the combine with a 4.40 40-time. This might be too low for Moncrief, but the receiver class is stacked and it’s going to come down to team’s preferences. Moncrief should be an upgrade over any receiver on the Jags roster except Shorts and could contribute right away.
71.) 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.