2016 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Round 3
72.) Chicago Bears – S/OLB Su’a Cravens, USC
The Bears need play-makers on defense and that is what Cravens has been for the Trojans for the last three seasons. The two time all Pac12 safety racked up 207 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 9 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles. Cravens could play multiple roles with the Bears; He has enough speed (4.58) and instincts in coverage to play strong safety and has the strength and physicality to play ILB in sub packages. The Bears got abused by tight ends and running backs out of the backfield most of the season and Cravens would be an instant upgrade to sub packages, better in coverage than Antrel Rolle, and potentially the play-maker the defense lacked in 2015.
73.) Tampa Bay Bucs – S Jalen Mills, LSU
The Bucs secondary was a mess last season so they add a versatile defensive back in Mills who played both corner and safety in college. He has good length (6’1), ball skills, and football instincts. Mills isn’t much of a run stopper, but his coverage skills fill a need for the Bucs and are a good value in round 3.
74.) New York Giants – OT Joe Haeg, North Dakota St
DII prospect who proved he could hold his own against FBS competition at the Senior Bowl. Haeg is a little light at only 307 pounds, but has good length (6’6) and the feet to play left tackle. If Haeg can bulk up a little he can take over protecting Eli’s blind-side and allow last year’s #1 pick Ereck Flowers to move to the right side where he is a better fit and give the Giants two tackles with upside to build around the next few years.
75.) Oakland Raiders – S Jayron Kearse, Clemson
The Raiders were already thin at safety before the retirement of Charles Woodson, but now need to find at least two if not three safeties this off-season. Kearse has an intriguing mix of size (6’4 | 220), speed (4.54), and coverage instincts. He’s raw and could have used another year at Clemson, but has the potential to be an impact safety and has too much upside to pass up this late in the draft.
76.) Los Angeles Rams – ILB Tyler Matakevich, Temple
A tackling machine who could rack up huge tackle numbers behind the Rams dominant defensive line. Matakevich is a step or too slow for a MLB (4.84) but plays faster than that with excellent instincts and the ability to diagnose plays quickly. Current Rams MLB James Laurinaitis’ play has regressed the last two seasons and Matakevich could push for a starting job as a rookie.
77.) Philadelphia Eagles – CB Deiondre’ Hall, Northern Iowa
Big corner (6’2 | 192) who is very aggressive in run defense with quick feet and long arms to make up for a lack of elite speed (4.57). Hall is raw, but has the potential to develop into a starting corner who can lock down big receivers.
78.) New Orleans Saints – OLB Joshua Perry, Ohio St
The Saints get another high character player with the ability to step in as a rookie and upgrade a defense that was one of the worst in the league last season. Perry has lead a defense loaded with pro prospects in tackles the last two seasons and excels in shedding blockers and finding the football. He doesn’t make many flash plays but doesn’t make many mistakes either and that consistency would be a welcome addition to a Saints D that needs help everywhere.