As painful as completing the first round of a mock draft can be, it's excruciating to come up with the right fits for the teams in the second round. Many of the players picked in Round 2 are prospects I've just learned about, so it gets quite tedious after I get to the 40th overall selection
Nevertheless, I got through it, as I will for a Round 3 in the coming days.
Second round
33. St. Louis Rams: LSU wide receiver Reuben Randle
The Rams got their right tackle in Round 1; now it's time to grab a wide receiver for Sam Bradford to throw to. Along with great size (6-4, 208 pounds) for the position, Randle catches nearly everything thrown his way. He'd be a real, much-needed reliable target for Bradford.
34. New York Giants: Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams
With longtime right tackle Kareem McKenzie told to explore other options, the Giants have to find a replacement. Adams has first-round talent, but his stock has dropped due to character concerns. Tom Coughlin is the right head coach to get Adams in line so he can reach his full potential.
35. Minnesota Vikings: Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu
The Vikings got their left tackle in Round 1; now it's time to get a receiver for Christian Ponder to throw to. Sanu has great hands and uses the proper technique while catching the ball. He also possesses good size (6-2, 215 pounds) for the position and would fit nicely as a complement to the speedy Percy Harvin.
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Virginia Tech running back David Wilson
The Buccaneers need to get a running back to work in tandem with the bulldozing LeGarrette Blount. Wilson has a thick lower body that will intimidate tacklers as they attempt to wrap their arms around his legs, and he possesses game-breaking speed to create quite a bit of separation from defenders on his way to the end zone. Wilson can also be a factor in the passing game, as he has above-average hands. He would serve as quite a security blanket on screen passes for quarterback Josh Freeman.
37. Cleveland Browns: Clemson defensive end Andre Branch
The Browns have a young pass-rushing talent in Jabaal Sheard, their second-round pick from last year. They take another promising quarterback hunter during this year's second round, as Branch is too talented to pass up. The Clemson defensive end is a bit undersized, but so was Sheard coming out last year. Branch uses his superior speed and long arms to get considerable pressure on the opposing quarterback. Adding him would give Cleveland one of the more talented defensive lines of the future.
38. New England Patriots (trade-up with Jacksonville Jaguars): Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones
It seems as though many draft experts view Jones as a poor man's version of Jason Pierre-Paul, who had limited production at South Florida but proved to be an absolute freak of nature when he showed off his back-flipping skills during pre-draft workouts in 2010. Jones had just 4.5 sacks last year, but he played only seven games, due to a leg injury. Although experts believe Jones needs to work on his technique, much like like they said of Pierre-Paul, they feel Jones has immense upside. To complete their defense, the Patriots need to acquire a pass-rushing threat, so Belichick goes out of character here by trading his 2013 first-round pick to ensure himself of getting Jones.
39. St. Louis Rams: Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith
The Rams just signed Cortland Finnegan to fill their hole at cornerback; now they need to get a strong safety. Smith is considered the second-best strong safety in this draft, as he possesses the coverage and tackling skills to excel at the position. New head coach Jeff Fisher would certainly make a player out of Smith.
40. Carolina Panthers: Nebraska cornerback Alonzo Dennard
Chris Gamble is going into his ninth season, and Captain Munnerlyn is severely undersized, so the Panthers need to grab a cornerback with one of their premium draft picks this April. Dennard is a multi-talented cornerback who can excel in either man-to-man or zone coverage, and he's also proven to be a capable tackler.
41. Buffalo Bills: North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown
With the Bills switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3, it's unclear who will step in as the weakside linebacker. Brown could solve that problem right away, as he has all of the athleticism needed to excel at the position. Otherwise, Buffalo could go with Nick Barnett, Kirk Morrison, or Kelvin Sheppard as the starting weakside linebacker. Yeah, none of those three would be a good idea. Brown would be the right selection at this point.
With the Bills switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3, it's unclear who will step in as the weakside linebacker. Brown could solve that problem right away, as he has all of the athleticism needed to excel at the position. Otherwise, Buffalo could go with Nick Barnett, Kirk Morrison, or Kelvin Sheppard as the starting weakside linebacker. Yeah, none of those three would be a good idea. Brown would be the right selection at this point.
42. Miami Dolphins: Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen
After selecting their quarterback of the future in Round 1, the Dolphins get him a pass-catching tight end to work with. Allen is the most complete tight end in this class, as he excels at catching passes and blocking. That type of package is certainly something Miami could use as a future replacement for Anthony Fasano.
After selecting their quarterback of the future in Round 1, the Dolphins get him a pass-catching tight end to work with. Allen is the most complete tight end in this class, as he excels at catching passes and blocking. That type of package is certainly something Miami could use as a future replacement for Anthony Fasano.
43. Seattle Seahawks: Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler
With Robert Gallery's release last week, a hole opened at left guard on the Seahawks' offensive line. Zeitler has wowed scouts in predraft workouts, and many believe he's the third-best guard in this draft. He would be another young building block on Seattle's protection unit.
44. Kansas City Chiefs: Miami running back Lamar Miller
The Chiefs were hurt badly by stud running back Jamaal Charles's season-ending injury during Week 2 of last year. They need another running back to carry the load, and Miller is very capable of doing just that. If Charles could remain healthy, he and Miller would be quite a formidable duo in Kansas City's backfield.
45. Dallas Cowboys: Clemson defensive tackle Brandon Thompson
Although the Cowboys would like to use this pick on a safety, there aren't any who can match Thompson's talent. Dallas would like to add to its 3-4 defensive line, and while Jay Ratliff has been one of the better nose tackles in the NFL, adding Thompson could move Ratliff out to end. Thompson also has the versatility to play defensive end in the Cowboys' scheme.
46. Philadelphia Eagles: Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David
The Eagles' current weakside linebacker is 2010 seventh-round pick Jamar Chaney. It would probably be best for Chaney to return to middle linebacker, where he could back up the newly-acquired DeMeco Ryans.
David would be a huge upgrade to what the Eagles have been lining up on the weakside lately. With great quickness for a man his size, he's capable of running down ball-carriers from almost any spot on the field, and he's a sound tackler.
47. New York Jets: Oklahoma defensive end/outside linebacker Ronnell Lewis
The Jets believe they have turned outside linebacker Aaron Maybin's career around, but they still need another pass-rusher. Although Lewis may not have been all that productive in college, he has the athleticism to become quite a player. Head coach Rex Ryan is the right guy to get the most out of Lewis.
48. New England Patriots: Central Florida cornerback Josh Robinson
In addition to safety, the Patriots could use yet another cornerback, and Robinson is believed to be among the most athletic prospects in this draft. He absolutely tore it up at the Combine, and he is said to possess the right attitude for a coach like Belichick to develop.
In addition to safety, the Patriots could use yet another cornerback, and Robinson is believed to be among the most athletic prospects in this draft. He absolutely tore it up at the Combine, and he is said to possess the right attitude for a coach like Belichick to develop.
49. San Diego Chargers: Ole Miss offensive tackle Bobby Massie
The Chargers re-signed left tackle Jared Gaither and center Nick Hardwick, but don't think for even a second that's all they needed to do on their offensive line. In Jeromey Clary, San Diego still has one of the worst right tackles in the NFL, so general manager A.J. Smith needs to find a replacement.
Massie is a 6-6, 315-pound mauler who has been gaining momentum as the draft season has gone along. He possesses long arms and quick feet, and many believe he'll develop into a very good starter in the NFL. He'd be a great fit on San Diego's offensive line.
Silatolu was a left tackle in college, but he'll be moved inside to guard in the NFL. The Bears could use an interior lineman like Silatolu, an intimidating blocker who relishes the opportunity to pancake his opponents. Choosing Jonathan Martin in Round 1 and Silatolu in the second would surely allow Jay Cutler to sleep easier at night.
The Titans need a linebacker to replace Stephen Tulloch, who left for Detroit before last season. Kendricks is considered short for the position, but he possesses every other attribute to be a success in the NFL. Tennessee would have a lot of fun utilizing Kendrick's sideline-to-sideline speed in its defensive scheme.
The Bengals are extremely desperate for a running back, so they "reach" for one here. Although Polk may be considered a third- or fourth-round prospect by most, he's a determined runner who appears to possess everything required to be a workhorse in the NFL. He runs very well between the tackles, which is currently the missing element in Cincinnati's growing offense.
With defensive end Jonathan Abraham up there in age (34), the Falcons need to plan for the future. Johnson is a very strong defensive end who needs a year or two to develop his pass-rushing moves. With Abraham, Ray Edwards, and Kroy Biermann already on the roster, Atlanta doesn't have to put unnecessary pressure on Johnson to develop rapidly.
With Kris Dielman just announcing his retirement, Tyronne Green has been penciled in as the starting left guard. The Chargers can't be overly comfortable with Green in that spot, so getting Brooks here would be a wise move.
Although he wasn't invited to the Combine, it's almost a given that the 6-5, 346-pound Brooks will go in Round 2. After starting all four years at Miami of Ohio, he has wowed scouts in predraft workouts over the last month, showing off his overall strength on the bench press (36 reps) and quick feet in position drills. As of right now, it's difficult to see much difference in ability between Brooks and Cordy Glenn.
The Broncos must add to the interior of their defensive line, and they would be thrilled if Worthy were to fall this far. Worthy's stock has dropped recently, as his disappearing acts in games and lack of aggression and technique are worrisome to those evaluating him. At this point, there are those who feel his bust rate is pretty high. Head coach John Fox is just the right man for the task of making sure Worthy gets the most out of his 6-2, 308-pound body, though. Worthy would be a nice fit in an up-and-coming defense.
Much like Worthy, there are significant concerns about the 6-3, 337-pound Ta'amu. Entering last season with the reputation of being a first-round talent, Ta'amu didn't live up to the hype. But the Texans are a little light at nose tackle, and Ta'amu's upside is far too tremendous to pass up at this point in the draft. If he were to play up to his potential, he would be quite an intimidating presence between defensive ends J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith.
The Chargers re-signed left tackle Jared Gaither and center Nick Hardwick, but don't think for even a second that's all they needed to do on their offensive line. In Jeromey Clary, San Diego still has one of the worst right tackles in the NFL, so general manager A.J. Smith needs to find a replacement.
Massie is a 6-6, 315-pound mauler who has been gaining momentum as the draft season has gone along. He possesses long arms and quick feet, and many believe he'll develop into a very good starter in the NFL. He'd be a great fit on San Diego's offensive line.
50. Chicago Bears: Midwestern State offensive guard Amini Silatolu
Silatolu was a left tackle in college, but he'll be moved inside to guard in the NFL. The Bears could use an interior lineman like Silatolu, an intimidating blocker who relishes the opportunity to pancake his opponents. Choosing Jonathan Martin in Round 1 and Silatolu in the second would surely allow Jay Cutler to sleep easier at night.
51. Philadelphia Eagles: Boise State running back Doug Martin
Veteran Ronnie Brown didn't exactly work out too well as a complementary running back to the dynamic LeSean McCoy. Martin has the receiving skills to be a factor in head coach Andy Reid's offense, and his short, thick body would be helpful in short-yardage situations, which has plagued Philadelphia over the last few years.
52. Tennessee Titans: Cal linebacker Mychal Kendricks
The Titans need a linebacker to replace Stephen Tulloch, who left for Detroit before last season. Kendricks is considered short for the position, but he possesses every other attribute to be a success in the NFL. Tennessee would have a lot of fun utilizing Kendrick's sideline-to-sideline speed in its defensive scheme.
53. Cincinnati Bengals: Washington running back Chris Polk
The Bengals are extremely desperate for a running back, so they "reach" for one here. Although Polk may be considered a third- or fourth-round prospect by most, he's a determined runner who appears to possess everything required to be a workhorse in the NFL. He runs very well between the tackles, which is currently the missing element in Cincinnati's growing offense.
54. Detroit Lions: Troy offensive tackle James Brown
After getting a defensive back in Round 1, the Lions have to address their other weakness: offensive line. Brown is a versatile offensive lineman who can play both tackle spots and guard. After Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had an outstanding season in his first full year without getting injured, Detroit needs to make sure it does everything possible to keep his jersey clean. In that regard Brown would be a big help.
After getting a defensive back in Round 1, the Lions have to address their other weakness: offensive line. Brown is a versatile offensive lineman who can play both tackle spots and guard. After Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had an outstanding season in his first full year without getting injured, Detroit needs to make sure it does everything possible to keep his jersey clean. In that regard Brown would be a big help.
55. Atlanta Falcons: Virginia defensive end Cam Johnson
With defensive end Jonathan Abraham up there in age (34), the Falcons need to plan for the future. Johnson is a very strong defensive end who needs a year or two to develop his pass-rushing moves. With Abraham, Ray Edwards, and Kroy Biermann already on the roster, Atlanta doesn't have to put unnecessary pressure on Johnson to develop rapidly.
56. San Diego Chargers (pick acquired in first-round trade with Steelers): Miami of Ohio offensive guard Brandon Brooks
With Kris Dielman just announcing his retirement, Tyronne Green has been penciled in as the starting left guard. The Chargers can't be overly comfortable with Green in that spot, so getting Brooks here would be a wise move.
Although he wasn't invited to the Combine, it's almost a given that the 6-5, 346-pound Brooks will go in Round 2. After starting all four years at Miami of Ohio, he has wowed scouts in predraft workouts over the last month, showing off his overall strength on the bench press (36 reps) and quick feet in position drills. As of right now, it's difficult to see much difference in ability between Brooks and Cordy Glenn.
57. Denver Broncos: Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy
The Broncos must add to the interior of their defensive line, and they would be thrilled if Worthy were to fall this far. Worthy's stock has dropped recently, as his disappearing acts in games and lack of aggression and technique are worrisome to those evaluating him. At this point, there are those who feel his bust rate is pretty high. Head coach John Fox is just the right man for the task of making sure Worthy gets the most out of his 6-2, 308-pound body, though. Worthy would be a nice fit in an up-and-coming defense.
58. Houston Texans: Washington defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu
Much like Worthy, there are significant concerns about the 6-3, 337-pound Ta'amu. Entering last season with the reputation of being a first-round talent, Ta'amu didn't live up to the hype. But the Texans are a little light at nose tackle, and Ta'amu's upside is far too tremendous to pass up at this point in the draft. If he were to play up to his potential, he would be quite an intimidating presence between defensive ends J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith.
59. Green Bay Packers: Boise State defensive end/outside linebacker Shea McClellin
After getting a defensive lineman in Round 1, the Packers grab their pass-rushing outside linebacker in the second. McClellin is the prideful, hyperactive player Green Bay needs to line up on the opposite side of Clay Matthews. Considered a tweener heading into the draft season, the 6-3, 260-pound McClellin has proven his doubters wrong by impressing scouts tremendously at the Combine and during Boise State's Pro Day. McClellin would be a tremendous help to the Packers as they attempt to revert to playing great defense.
The Bills move up to get their quarterback of the future in Cousins, who has done an outstanding job in predraft workouts. Although Buffalo extended quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the middle of last season, he struggled badly during the second half of the year. At 6-2, 214 pounds, Cousins may not be the perfect quarterback prospect when it comes to overall ability, but he possesses the ideal attitude, intelligence, and leadership qualities to be a success in Bills head coach Chan Gailey's system.
61. San Francisco 49ers: Iowa State offensive guard Kelechi Osemele
With the running game being the strength of the 49ers' offense, San Francisco could use another mauler to take over the right guard spot. The 6-6, 333-pound Osemele is a punishing blocker who would work well on the interior with left guard Mike Iupati--the 49ers' first-round pick in 2010. With the addition of Osemele, running back Frank Gore would enjoy larger holes to run through.
62. Jacksonville Jaguars (trade-down with the New England Patriots): Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick
The Jaguars have a severe dearth at the wide receiver position, and Quick is one of the more intriguing players on the rise in this draft, so this is a natural fit. At 6-3, 222 pounds Quick has great speed and was a dominant player at the FCS level. Coming from an option offense, he'll probably need some time to develop in the NFL, but his upside is very alluring to a team with a young quarterback in Blaine Gabbert.
63. New York Giants: Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner
The Giants addressed their need at right tackle with their first pick; now it's time fill their hole at middle linebacker. At 6-0, 233 pounds Wagner is a little short and light for the position, but he's the tackling machine the Super Bowl champs need in the middle of their defense. He would be quite an upgrade from Chase Blackburn, who played well for New York during its Super Bowl run but isn't the long-term answer at the position.
After getting a defensive lineman in Round 1, the Packers grab their pass-rushing outside linebacker in the second. McClellin is the prideful, hyperactive player Green Bay needs to line up on the opposite side of Clay Matthews. Considered a tweener heading into the draft season, the 6-3, 260-pound McClellin has proven his doubters wrong by impressing scouts tremendously at the Combine and during Boise State's Pro Day. McClellin would be a tremendous help to the Packers as they attempt to revert to playing great defense.
60. Buffalo Bills (trade-up with the Baltimore Ravens): Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins
The Bills move up to get their quarterback of the future in Cousins, who has done an outstanding job in predraft workouts. Although Buffalo extended quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the middle of last season, he struggled badly during the second half of the year. At 6-2, 214 pounds, Cousins may not be the perfect quarterback prospect when it comes to overall ability, but he possesses the ideal attitude, intelligence, and leadership qualities to be a success in Bills head coach Chan Gailey's system.
61. San Francisco 49ers: Iowa State offensive guard Kelechi Osemele
With the running game being the strength of the 49ers' offense, San Francisco could use another mauler to take over the right guard spot. The 6-6, 333-pound Osemele is a punishing blocker who would work well on the interior with left guard Mike Iupati--the 49ers' first-round pick in 2010. With the addition of Osemele, running back Frank Gore would enjoy larger holes to run through.
62. Jacksonville Jaguars (trade-down with the New England Patriots): Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick
The Jaguars have a severe dearth at the wide receiver position, and Quick is one of the more intriguing players on the rise in this draft, so this is a natural fit. At 6-3, 222 pounds Quick has great speed and was a dominant player at the FCS level. Coming from an option offense, he'll probably need some time to develop in the NFL, but his upside is very alluring to a team with a young quarterback in Blaine Gabbert.
63. New York Giants: Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner
The Giants addressed their need at right tackle with their first pick; now it's time fill their hole at middle linebacker. At 6-0, 233 pounds Wagner is a little short and light for the position, but he's the tackling machine the Super Bowl champs need in the middle of their defense. He would be quite an upgrade from Chase Blackburn, who played well for New York during its Super Bowl run but isn't the long-term answer at the position.
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