| Mock NFL Draft No. 5 |
| Pick |
Team |
Pos. |
Player |
College |
Class |
Ht. |
Wt. |
| 11 |
 |
DE |
Adam Carriker |
Nebraska |
Sr. |
6-6 |
295 |
The 49ers are looking for talent to help them fully transition to the 3-4 defense that Mike Nolan wanted to install -- but couldn't -- upon arriving in 2005.
Carriker is versatile along the defensive line, so whether it's the 4-3 or the 3-4 formation that San Francisco has on the field, he'll fit in regardless.
|
| 12 |
 |
LB |
Patrick Willis |
Mississippi |
Sr. |
6-2 |
240 |
The Bills can't acquire their much needed starting running back in the first round unless they consider a trade up to Houston's No. 10 slot for Peterson. But
they'll still have their choice between taking the highly regarded Willis as a replacement for London Fletcher, or Michigan cornerback Leon Hall as the
successor to Nate Clements.
|
| 13 |
 |
CB |
Leon Hall |
Michigan |
Sr. |
5-11 |
195 |
The Rams need another cornerback, and they figure to have their pick among the draft's top two: Hall or Pitt's Darrelle Revis. Hall is the more proven, less
risky option, but Revis has more upside, and his sub-4.4 run at his pro day vaulted him into top 15 consideration.
|
| 14 |
 |
LB |
Paul Posluszny |
Penn State |
Sr. |
6-2 |
239 |
The Panthers could use a tight end, and that's why Miami's Greg Olsen has been linked to them in the first round. But they also need a linebacker given Dan
Morgan's health issues, and even though Willis is off the board, it wouldn't be a stretch to target Posluszny. The former Nittany Lion has played both inside
and outside.
|
| 15 |
 |
CB |
Darrelle Revis |
Pittsburgh |
Jr. |
6-0 |
205 |
The Steelers are in the market for an outside linebacker, but this may be a bit high for FSU's Lawrence Timmons, the best of the remaining bunch with
Posluszny gone. Pittsburgh could turn its attention to the defensive line, but another cornerback wouldn't hurt either. Revis played collegiately at Heinz
Field, and you know how Pittsburgh loves its local sons.
|
| 16 |
 |
WR |
Robert Meachem |
Tennessee |
Jr. |
6-3 |
210 |
With the stock of Cal running back Marshawn Lynch slipping on some boards due to off-field question marks, we think the Packers could kick start the run of
first-round receivers. But defensive ends like Arkansas' Jamaal Anderson and Florida's Jarvis Moss also factor into the equation.
|
| 17 |
 |
DE |
Jamaal Anderson |
Arkansas |
Jr. |
6-6 |
280 |
The Jags love Florida safety Reggie Nelson, who had an exceptional pro day workout. But Anderson is a pass-rushing talent who has some how slipped into the
second half of the first round.
|
| 18 |
 |
S |
Reggie Nelson |
Florida |
Jr. |
6-1 |
195 |
The Bengals need options in their secondary, and they'd be pleasantly surprised if the athletic and rangy Nelson gets past Jacksonville. OLBs Lawrence
Timmons of Florida State or the fast-rising Jon Beason of Miami are also tempting, given the release of Brian Simmons, the uncertainty of David Pollack's
status, and the demise of Odell Thurman's career in Cincy.
|
| 19 |
 |
WR |
Dwayne Jarrett |
USC |
Jr. |
6-5 |
210 |
I'm sticking with Jarrett for the Titans because of the Norn Chow connection, and Tennessee's crying need for receiving options. Also, I expect the Titans to
be the team that makes a move for San Diego running back Michael Turner at some point this month. If they don't, Cal's Marshawn Lynch is an option. Lynch,
however, has some off-field baggage, and that might not play well in Tennessee these days.
|
| 20 |
 |
OT |
Joe Staley |
Central Michigan |
Sr. |
6-6 |
306 |
The needs at outside linebacker and cornerback are obvious, and the Giants have plenty of options to address either of those holes here. But with left tackle
being such a money position, why not go for the fast-rising Staley, who has steadily gained value this spring? Miami linebacker Jon Beason or Texas
cornerback Aaron Ross make sense too.
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