NFL Mock Draft – Round 2

Round 2

33.) Texans: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois (6’2, 219) – I think Texans fan would revolt if they draft another Carr at QB. Unless the Texans think Case Keenum is their long-term answer at QB, they will be pretty happy to see Garoppolo still available at the beginning of round 2. 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 Texans currently have at the position. If the Texans aren’t enamored with any of the QBs available I think they will go with DT Louis Nix. 

34.) Redskins: T Morgan Moses, Virginia (6’6, 314) – The right side of the Redskins line was bad last year and they could really use an upgrade at RT. Moses can fill that role now and possibly move over to LT in the future if Trent Williams ever slows down. He has ideal size and good feet in pass pro, but Moses hasn’t shown the aggressiveness or burst to be an impact run blocker. The potential is there though and Moses could be a stud in a couple of years

35.) Browns: WR Marquise Lee, USC (6’0, 190) – The Browns get a dynamic receiver to pair with Josh Gordon and now have a nice group of weapons for Johnny Manziel when he eventually takes over at QB. Lee has all the tools to a borderline #1. Lee struggled in 2013 due to a combination of injuries and bad QB play, but was dominant in both 2011 (73, 1143, 11) and 2012 (118!, 1721, 14). Lee is explosive after the catch and should thrive in single coverage across from Josh Gordon.

36.) Raiders: QB Derek Carr, Fresno St (6’2, 214) –  The Raiders get their QB of the future in Carr. 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. 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). Signing Schaub gives them a year or two to groom Carr 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) – I’m sure Lovie is still pissed that he passed on Aaron Donald, but upgrading his D-line with Crighton should cheer him up a little.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.

39.) Jaguars: DE/OLB Demarcus Lawrence, Boise St (6’3, 251) – The Jags shocked everyone with the Bortles pick in round 1, but they still need pass rushers and they get a good one here. He’s a bit of a tweener, but has a good strength / speed ratio and a variety of pass rushing moves. Lawrence is a good fit in the Jags LEO DE/LB hybrid position.

40.) Seahawks: T Joel Bitonio, Nevada (6’4, 302) – The Seahawks lost their starting RT in free agency and Bitonio should be able to step in and replace him right away. He had a great Senior Bowl and then showed surprising athleticism and speed at the combine with a sub-5 40-time and top five results in the 3-cone, broad jump, short shuttle, and vertical leap. Bitonio’s game tape is solid, specifically his performance against 1st round prospect Anthony Barr who he held without a sack in their match-up. He also has the versatility to play guard if needed.

41. ) Bills: T Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama (6’7, 322) – The Bills need an upgrade at RT and they get an interesting prospect in Kouandjio. A lot has been made of his disappointing combine and failed medicals due to an arthritic knee, but when you watch his game tape he was a borderline dominant left tackle against top competition in the SEC.  None other than Dr. James Andrews has said his medicals are fine and his knee is normal for a man of his size. Kouandjio is very mobile with a good kick slide and despite some inconsistent play last year, has the tools to be a dominant tackle down the road.