2014 NFL Draft: Predicted Landing Spots for Players on Day 3

Day 3 is near impossible to predict. Instead of a full 4-7 mock draft, here’s my predictions as to where players (and what round) may land on Day 3 of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Zach Mettenberger, QB – Tennessee Titans, 5^th Round
–Ken Whisenhunt likely wants to find his developmental quarterback. Mettenberger has fallen due to off-the-field and injury concerns, but is certainly worthwhile in the 5^th.

Logan Thomas, QB – Arizona Cardinals, 4^th Round
–Thomas has the highest upside of any passer in this draft. Landing with Bruce Arians would be a win for Thomas and the Cardinals.

AJ McCarron, QB – St. Louis Rams, 4^th Round
-Sam Bradford is the team’s quarterback next year, but adding McCarron, who looks the part of a short and long-term backup is a wise decision.

Brett Smith QB – San Diego Charger, 4^th Round
–Head coach Mike McCoy needs his developmental project. If it’s not Logan Thomas, I think Brett Smith is the next guy he’ll target.

Aaron Murray, QB – New Orleans Saints, 4th Round
-Drew Brees is getting up there in years, and they need to start grooming an injury and long-term replacement. Murray is undersized but has success as a passer like Drew Brees does.

David Fales, QB – Kansas City Chiefs, 5^th Round
–In Philadelphia, Andy Reid always considered a quarterback on Day 3. Fales fits Reid’s system well and could be groomed to battle with Alex Smith.

Tom Savage, QB – Houston Texas, 5^th Round
-Long linked to the Texans, drafting Savage in the 5^th round is a better fit for his value, even if the team trades for Ryan Mallett.

Isaiah Crowell, RB – Jacksonville Jaguars, 5^th Round
-The Jaguars have depth at the position, but adding a top talent like Crowell in the 5^th round would be a great fit of need and value,  if they can get past the character issues.

Bruce Ellington, WR – Pittsburgh Steelers, 4^th Round
-Pittsburgh wants to add another vertical threat to challenge Markus Wheaton, and Ellington would be a great value in the 4^th.

Brandon Coleman, WR – Cleveland Browns, 4^th Round
–They need to find a vertical threat to replace Josh Gordon this year. Coleman has a similar playing style and could contribute as a rookie.

AC Leonard, TE – New Orleans Saints, 5^th Round
–New Orleans loves adding versatile pieces. Leonard is an Aaron Hernandez-type tight end who could complement Jimmy Graham.

Cameron Fleming, OT – Cincinnati Bengals, 4^th Round
-The Bengals need depth on the offensive line, and Fleming can add value at right tackle and guard long-term.

Caraun Reid, DT – Philadelphia Eagles, 4^th Round
-My prediction for the first pick of Day 3, Reid can give the defense depth at multiple DL spots.

Aaron Lynch, DE – Miami Dolphins, 5^th Round
–The Dolphins have defensive line talent, but Lynch is too talented to pass on in the 5^th round and is a good fit for Miami’s defense.

Michael Sam, DE/OLB – New York Jets, 6^th Round
-Sam will be getting drafted, and I’m thinking Rex Ryan wouldn’t mind getting the speed rusher for his defense as a rotational edge player.

Shayne Skov, ILB – Atlanta Falcons, 5^th Round
-Atlanta could use the linebacker help, and Skov is a strongside or inside linebacker for the Falcons.

Pierre Desir, CB – Seattle Seahawks, 4^th Round
-Desir is the best player available on Day 3 and is a perfect fit for the Seahawks defense.

Dion Bailey, SAF – Tampa Bay Bucs, 5^th Round
-Not a glaring need, Bailey is a plus value and fits the Bucs defense with Lovie Smith at strong safety