2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: 3rd Round
Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
85.) Cincinnati Bengals – WR Rashad Greene, Florida St
Once A.J. Green got hurt it was pretty clear that the Bengals were short on talent at the receiver position. Mohammed Sanu is a decent possession receiver and Marvin Jones has talent but can’t stay healthy. A tough receiver like Greene would be a welcome addition. He can play outside or in the slot, runs sharp enough routes to get open, and can make grabs in traffic. Green is an underrated receiver who is a great value this late.
86.) Arizona Cardinals – OLB Davis Tull, Chattanooga
The Cards generated a solid pass rush last season, but it took the highest blitz percentage in the league. They have very little talent on the edge. Tull is an elite athlete who dominated at the DII level last year. His exceptional combine measurements should ease concerns about the transition to OLB and worst case Tull should be an asset as a situational pass rusher and special teams ace. Once Tull adjusts to the speed of the NFL, he could become a starting caliber edge rusher.
87.) Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Steven Nelson, Oregon St
The Steelers double up on corners and should probably triple up with how bad their secondary played last season. Nelson has had a great draft season, boosting his stock from a late day 3 pick to a 3rd round selection. His lack of size probably limits him to the slot but he is tougher than his size would lead you to believe and has an explosive break on the ball.
88.) Detroit Lions – OT Daryl Williams, Oklahoma
2nd year RT LaAdrian Waddle regressed last season and looked like a backup on tape. Williams was very productive in college, has ideal arm length for a tackle, and has shown an innate understanding of angles and leverage. He lacks ideal athleticism, but has good football instincts and seems like the type of player who will exceed expectations.
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89.) Carolina Panthers – LB Jordan Hicks, Texas
The Panthers have two above-average LBs in Kuechly and Davis, but need an upgrade at WLB and Hicks is one of the better ones in the draft. They have a significant need at RB and OL as well, but can’t pass up an instant starter like Hicks this late in the draft.
90.) Baltimore Ravens – WR Tony Lippett Michigan St
If the Ravens lose Torrey Smith in free agency, then they will have only diminutive Steve Smith as a starting receiver and he may retire. Even if they retain Smith they need a red zone threat, a big strong receiver who could take advantage of Flacco’s powerful arm and back shoulder fades. Lippett ran a slow 40 at the combine, but his 3-cone and 60-yard shuttle times were excellent and he has the length and long arms teams look for in an outside receiver. There is talk that he could switch to corner which is another need for the Ravens.