| Mock NFL Draft No. 3 |
| Pick |
Team |
Pos. |
Player |
College |
Class |
Ht. |
Wt. |
| 21 |
 |
WR |
Devin Thomas |
Mich. St |
Jr. |
6-2 |
217 |
|
Thomas comes out of the combine with the momentum that could land him in the bottom third of the first round. He's big enough (6-2, 217) to satisfy the Redskins' desire for more size at receiver, and he's considered a good fit for the version of the West Coast offense that Jim Zorn wants to run, because he's dangerous after the catch. |
| 22 |
 * |
DE |
Quentin Groves |
Auburn |
Sr. |
6-3 |
249 |
* PROJECTED TRADE WITH COWBOYS *
In the NFL, the undersized Groves projects to a 3-4 rush linebacker. Yes, we know that Bill Belichick has never drafted a linebacker above the fifth round in his Patriots tenure, but this wouldn't count given Groves' collegiate position. With our top four cornerbacks all off the board, we're giving them Groves, who ran fast at the combine and could step in as a replacement for the released Roosevelt Colvin.
|
| 23 |
 |
OT |
Jeff Otah |
Pittsburgh |
Sr. |
6-6 |
339 |
|
The Steelers have needs all along the offensive line, and Otah, who played collegiately at Heinz Field, is a good value pick who they are very familiar with. Though he's 6-6 and 339 pounds, Otah is both nimble and athletic and scouts believe he'll continue to improve early in his NFL career. His combine showing wasn't strong, but he worked despite nursing a high left ankle sprain.
|
| 24 |
 |
WR |
DeSean Jackson |
California |
Jr. |
6-0 |
169 |
|
Jackson raised some eyebrows at the combine by weighing in at just 169 pounds, which begged the question of whether he'll last physically over a 16-game regular season. But his 4.35 speed and the added bonus of his punt return skills likely will convince someone to spend a first-round pick on him. Indiana receiver James Hardy is also available, but he's got some off-field baggage, and in the post-Pacman era, that won't fly in Tennessee.
|
| 25 |
 |
TE |
Dustin Keller |
Purdue |
Sr. |
6-2 |
245 |
|
Keller had an impressive combine showing that, in the eyes of many scouts, vaulted him ahead of USC's Fred Davis as the draft's top-rated tight end. Seattle could also address offensive tackle with Boston College's Gosder Cherilus, or set itself up for the post-Shaun Alexander era with Arkansas running back Felix Jones.
|
| 26 |
 |
WR |
Mario Manningham |
Michigan |
Jr. |
6-0 |
188 |
|
The Jaguars' pass rush at right end is a top priority, but Miami's Calais Campbell scared some people off with a poor combine after an inconsistent junior season. Manningham didn't have a great showing in Indy either, and he checked in at just under 6-foot. If the Jags' stick with their penchant for big receivers, Indiana's James Hardy might be a better option. But Manningham is a more proven playmaker.
|
| 27 |
 |
DT |
Kentwan Balmer |
North Carolina |
Sr. |
6-4 |
297 |
|
With no glaring need, the Chargers can afford to be a bit risky with this pick. With Michael Turner leaving via free agency, maybe Arkansas running back Felix Jones is intriguing. More likely, defensive or offensive tackle will get the attention. Boston College's Gosder Cherilus or USC's Sam Baker are San Diego's best options at right tackle.
|
| 28 |
* |
LB |
Dan Connor |
Penn State |
Sr. |
6-2 |
181 |
* PROJECTED TRADE WITH COWBOYS *
Connor has played both inside and outside linebacker for the Nittany Lions, and he even broke some of Paul Posluszny's records at PSU. The Patriots love versatility among their linebackers, and with no must-have cornerback available in this slot, we'll go with the need at linebacker as our pick. USC linebacker Keith Rivers is another option.
|
| 29 |
 |
WR |
James Hardy |
Indiana |
Jr. |
6-5 |
218 |
The 49ers woeful offense needs receiving weapons for quarterback Alex Smith (or quarterback Shaun Hill), and Hardy emerged at the combine as a prospect with late first-round value. He's got prototypical NFL size and runs very fluid routes. LSU receiver Early Doucet is another name to keep track of.
* From Indianapolis
|
| 30 |
 |
OT |
Gosder Cherilus |
Boston College |
Sr. |
6-7 |
312 |
|
The Packers could use an upgrade at offensive tackle, where eight-year veteran Chad Clifton had some late-season injury issues. Cherilus and USC's Sam Baker are the two best offensive tackles remaining on our board. Southern Cal tight end Fred Davis could be tempting, but the need to get younger at tackle will likely be viewed as the top priority.
|
| 31 |
|
Pick forfeited |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
The Patriots lost this pick as their penalty for the Week 1 Spygate episode.
|
| 32 |
 |
LB |
Keith Rivers |
USC |
Sr. |
6-3 |
236 |
The Giants top need is at outside linebacker, where Kawika Mitchell could leave in free agency, and where Mathias Kiwanuka has yet to prove he can handle the switch from defensive end. New York hopes Rivers lingers, but if he doesn't, getting a cornerback to replace Sam Madison or a safety (Miami's Kenny Phillips?) to take over if Gibril Wilson signs elsewhere makes the most sense.
|
