DLF NFL Mock Draft: 21-30

Eric Olinger

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We’ve been busy with our draft predictions all month. We first mocked the draft’s top ten picks, followed by picks 11-20. Today, we wrap up the first round with picks 21-32.

Let’s get right to it!

21) Green Bay Packers

Eric O. – Calvin Pryor, S Louisville

“The Packers need to shore up the middle of their defense and since C.J. Mosley is gone and they need help at safety, Pryor makes sense. He will give the Cheeseheads an intimidator in the secondary they’ve been missing since Darren Sharper left town.”

Eric H. – C.J. Mosley, ILB Alabama

“Upgrading the offensive line is also a possibility here, but the Packers have been hammered against the run as of late.  AJ Hawk and Brad Jones clearly aren’t the answer on the inside  and an injection of youth and talent is necessary here.”

Ghost – C.J. Mosley, ILB Alabama

“The Packers have lacked a solid presence in inside for years. Mosley is the top linebacker in this class and could go a long way towards solidifying their interior for many years to come.”

22) Philadelphia Eagles

Eric O. – Darqueze Dennard, CB Michigan State

The Eagles gave up passing yards by the truck load last year. Adding a shutdown corner like Dennard would also help their weak pass rush by forcing the quarterback to hold onto the ball just a little longer. A safety like Pryor or Ha Ha Clinton-Dix makes a lot of sense too if either fall to here.”

Eric H. – Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech

“While another playmaker would be nice on offense, it was a pass defense that allowed 290 yards per game that precluded the Eagles from flying higher than they did.  Safety help isn’t out of the question here either, nor is help at OLB.”

Ghost – Brandin Cooks, WR Oregon State

“With the departure of DeSean Jackson, Chip Kelly’s offense needs a weapon that can stretch the field and fill the void he leaves. Enter Cooks who is the perfect replacement in that his game is incredibly similar to Jackson. If the Eagles can leave the first round with Cooks their offense should barely even miss a beat.”

23) Kansas City Chiefs

Eric O. – Stephon Tuitt, DE Notre Dame

“A wide receiver or one of the top offensive linemen makes sense here if one falls, but if they don’t they could address the defensive line with Tuitt. He’s experienced in the 3-4 defense from his time at Notre Dame and could help fill the void left by Tyson Jackson.”

Eric H. – Cyrus Kouandijo, OT Alabama

“Just a year ago the Chiefs’ offensive line was viewed as a strength, but the defection of Branden Albert could necessitate another upgrade.  Drafting Kouandijo, yet another Crimson Tide prospect with injury concerns, could kick Donald Stephenson back inside to guard.”

Ghost – Marqise Lee, WR USC

“Kansas City needs to grab a potential WR1 in the biggest way possible. Dwayne Bowe looked worn down and beaten last season, Dexter McCluster has left town, Donnie Avery is simply not a dependable option and the Chiefs’ number receiver last year was Jamaal Charles, their running back! Clearly they need a viable receiver that can light a flame under their offense and get them moving, Lee can be the guy.”

24) Cincinnati Bengals

Eric O. – Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State

“The Bengals have tried multiple times to address their secondary since allowing Johnathan Joseph to leave in free agency but have yet to be successful. Mike Brown has shown a tendency to draft Buckeyes over the years so I’ll give him the tie breaker between Roby, Kyle Fuller, and Jason Verrett.”

Eric H. – Jason Verrett, CB TCU

The Bengals’ current cornerback duo consists of the oft-injured Leon Hall and aging Terrance Newman.  Former first round selection Dre Kirkpatrick could still emerge, but Cincy needs depth at the position.”

Ghost – Ryan Shazier, OLB Ohio State

“I think this selection just perfectly fills a huge need for Cincinnati. Shazier can immediately improve the Bengals pass rush and is an incredible value selection at the 24th pick.”

25) San Diego Chargers

Eric O. – Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech

If the Chargers select anything but a cornerback in the first round I will be shocked. The cupboard is bare and the best player available arguably is Fuller. He’s got the 6’0” size and plays faster than his 4.49 timed 40-yard dash. He lives in the pocket of opposing wide receivers. It would be a great fit with the Demaryius Thomas match-up twice a year.”

Eric H. – Allen Robinson, WR Penn State

“Despite surprisingly reaching the playoffs, San Diego has multiple holes to fill.  Chief among them is upgrading the receiving corps opposite Keenan Allen, and Robinson fits the bill as a big-bodied playmaker with elite run-after-catch ability.”

Ghost – Louis Nix, DT Notre Dame

“The Chargers have sorely missed Antonio Garay and haven’t been able to find a viable option at nose tackle since he left San Diego. Nix will be a great anchor for their defensive line and should help reduce the number of rushing yards San Diego gives up.”

26) Cleveland Browns

Eric O. – Marqise Lee, WR USC

“Since I mocked Teddy Bridgewater to the Browns earlier, I will give him another weapon to compliment Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. Lee had about as bad of a junior season as humanly possible but hasn’t forgotten how to play football. His loss is the Browns gain.”

Eric H. – Marqise Lee, WR USC

One of the true “fallers” throughout the draft process, Lee could still appeal to a team with a true need at receiver.  He could be the underneath complement to Josh Gordon’s big-play style.”

Ghost – Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State

The Browns have one side of their cornerbacks locked down in Joe Haden and now they’ll move to further secure the position with Roby. Buster Skrine is adequate but since when has adequate won football games in the NFL? With Roby and Sammy Watkins in the first Cleveland can now pass more on the offensive side while preventing opponents from passing as much. There aren’t many winning strategies that get simpler than that!”

27) New Orleans Saints

Eric O. – Dee Ford, DE/OLB Auburn

“The Saints have young talent on the offensive side of the ball, but could use more talent on an improving defensive unit. Ford would look great on the opposite side of Junior Galette.”

Eric H. – Louis Nix, DT Notre Dame

Brodrick Bunkley is competent, but aging and despite filling out the back end of their defense, New Orleans still has need on the line.  Nix should fit Rob Ryan’s 3-4 defense perfectly.”

Ghost – Dee Ford, DE Auburn

“Ford would make a perfect complement to Junior Galette on the opposite side and would immediately provide dividends in the form of increased pressure on the quarterback and possibly a bump in sacks for either Galette or Cameron Jordan or both. The Saints pass rush would become extremely scary and dangerous which is needed in the NFL’s highest passing division.”

28) Carolina Panthers

Eric O. – Morgan Moses, OT Virginia

“Everyone expects the Panthers to jump on the highest rated receiver left on the board at pick #28, but the team’s need at receiver can wait compared to the horrifying state of their offensive line. The wide receiver depth of this draft will allow them to grab Moses here.”

Eric H. – Ryan Shazier, LB Ohio State

“The worst-case scenario for Carolina is a lack of first-round caliber depth at receiver and offensive line at pick #28.  However, for a team building around their defense, Shazier could add to the league’s second-ranked run unit.”

Ghost – Morgan Moses, OT Virginia

“Boy, do the Panthers need a wide receiver in the worst way, but they need a tackle just as badly. Given the decision between the two Carolina needs to take one of the top tackles in the draft and will grab a wide receiver in round two due to how deep that position is. Bottom line, Cam Newton could have top notch receivers but if he can’t stay upright long enough to get them the ball then what does it matter in the end? Moses will protect Cam and at least give him a fighting chance to complete some passes.”

29) New England Patriots

Eric O. – Kelvin Benjamin, WR Florida State

“People expect the Patriots to take a tight end like Jace Amaro or Austin Seferian-Jenkins, and they very well could, but the Patriots were able to move the ball in between the 20’s last year. They need a red zone presence and Benjamin can use his 6’5” frame to box out defenders while all their mini-men run their crossing routes. Without Rob Gronkowski’s size in the lineup, the offense lost its identity.”

Eric H. – Jace Amaro, TE Texas Tech

“And the rookie drafters rejoice!  While it’s a little too convenient to have the Patriots select a tight end here, there’s a very real chance Rob Gronkowski won’t be ready to start the season.  Amaro won’t block much, but should afford Tom Brady a credible second threat at the position.  A trade down here is also a strong possibility.”

Ghost – Aaron Donald, DT Pitt

“People crucified me when I had Donald as the seventh ranked defensive tackle in the class. While I may have him a bit under ranked,  I think people are overhyping him in a big way too. Granted, Donald is extremely good, but people are looking for Geno Atkins in Donald which simply isn’t fair. On the flip side of this selection, so many people are looking for the Patriots to take Jace Amaro here because they feel he can fit the Aaron Hernandez role. It sounds good, but that just isn’t how Bill Belichick or the Patriots operate. If you expect them to zig, they will zag. Donald is a great value pick here for New England who needs to get their interior line much younger with Wilfork and Kelly both pushing the limits of their age.”

30) San Francisco 49ers

Eric O. – Jason Verrett, CB TCU

The Niners have been rumored as one of the teams looking to trade up, possibly WAY up, in the first round. If it happens, I assume it’s for a wide receiver or Khalil Mack, but if they stay at pick #30 they will stay true to their draft board and select the best player available for their team and that’s Verrett. He has the potential of being a true shutdown corner and plays the game angry. He’d be a great team fit.”

Eric H. – RaShede Hageman, DE/DT Minnesota

“There’s a glut of second-round receiving talent that I think the Niners will take advantage of later on.  Hageman is a bit big for a 3-4 DE, but could provide versatility to an already stacked defensive front seven.”

Ghost – Allen Robinson, WR Penn State

“The 49ers have some serious concerns about their wide receiver corps. Michael Crabtree has been very good for them, but I can’t help but wonder if they felt he’d be even better than he is. Anquan Boldin is also a great talent, but he is on the wrong side of his career in terms of age. San Francisco will very likely spend a high pick on a wide receiver and Allen Robinson’s combination of great hands, excellent route running and nice size would make for a perfect fit.”

31) Denver Broncos

Eric O. – Ryan Shazier, OLB Ohio State

“The Broncos’ linebackers would look a lot better with Danny Trevethan in the middle and Von Miller bookended by Shazier. He could be John Fox’s pre-injury Thomas Davis in Denver. Another possibility would be to address the offensive line here.”

Eric H. – Timmy Jernigan, DT Florida State

“Simply put, Denver didn’t lose the Super Bowl because of their record-setting offense.  Jernigan should add depth to a continually improving defense.”

Ghost – Gabe Jackson, G Mississippi State

Peyton Manning absolutely needs to be kept standing for the Broncos to have any chance of returning to the Super Bowl. Couple that with Montee Ball taking over the rushing duties and you begin to see a need for immediate improvement on the offensive line. Jackson has the raw power to make things happen and should help solidify both the pass blocking and run blocking aspects of Denver’s interior line.”

32) Seattle Seahawks

Eric O. – Ra’Shede Hageman, DT/DE Minnesota

The Seahawks defense is already the best in the league, but they could use some more talent along the defensive line. The versatility of Hageman will be too much for Pete Carroll to pass up. At some point the Seahawks will have to address their wide receivers, but they’ve shown they can win a title with a committee approach as long as their defense is lights out.”

Eric H. – Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG UCLA

“Lost in Seattle’s Super Bowl winning season is the fact their offensive line play was abysmal most of the year.  Most any pick for a defending champion could be considered a luxury, but Su’a-Filo definitively fills a need.”

Ghost – Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE Washington

“Everything fits here for Seattle – they sorely lack a top notch tight end and the club has had a great opportunity to see Seferian-Jenkins on a regular basis with him playing in their backyard and the receiving corps of Seattle is shaky at best. Seferian-Jenkins can block very well to help the rushing game, but can also become Russell Wilson‘s new favorite target. Finally, he provides a bit of flexibility in Seattle’s play calling and could be used in a very interesting two tight end set.  Think about this, too, Pete Carroll was a coach at USC, the same university where Seferian-Jenkins’ former coach Steve Sarkisian now finds himself as the head coach. You know Sarkisian has picked Caroll’s brain a bit, so I’d be willing to bet Caroll has done the same.”

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