11. Tennessee Titans (7-9): Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
I think the Titans will be looking for a long term solution at tackle because David Stewart could be released this season because his lack of production and he is due $6.4 million next year. Ken Whisenhunt is going to try to bring back the power run philosophy to help take the pressure off Jake Locker. Michigan’s Taylor Lewan has great size (6’8, 315 pounds) with good footwork and lateral quickness. But the reason why this pick makes so much sense is because Lewan’s biggest strength is his ability to run block. He has the strength to plow defenders over and extend running plays. He needs work in pass protection but I believe he could become a good left tackle down the line but in his rookie season he should start at the right tackle position.
12. New York Giants (7-9): Zach Martin, OT/G, Norte Dame
The Giants offensive line could not protect Eli Manning last and gave up 40 sacks last season. Left tackle Will Beatty, left guard Kevin Boothe, and center David Baas should be replaced for their lack of production. Right guard Chris Snee, 32 years old underwent surgery on both hips, and is reportedly mulling retirement. Jake Matthews could become an option but I believe the Giants will need to select a player who can play multiple positions on the line. Zach Martin is a player who can do that and it is up for debate whether he is best suited to play offensive tackle or guard at the next level. Martin had a great showing during Senior Bowl week and I believe that is the reason why he will be the third offensive lineman taken.
13. St.Louis Rams (7-9): Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
The Rams found their “Y” receiver in Tavon Austin last season through the draft and he excelled. The Rams had no player on the outside that could make plays for Sam Bradford. So they need to find an “X” receiver. Enter Mike Evans, a big strong and physical receiver who can make plays all over the field. He has great hands, good body control and is descent route runner. Evans does not have elite speed but he is a matchup nightmare for defensive backs because of his great size (6’5”, 225 pounds). The Rams have lacked a dynamic playmaker on the outside for years and Sam Bradford has suffered because of it. The addition of a matchup nightmare like Evans could help Bradford finally reach his number one overall pick potential.
14. Chicago Bears (8-8): Louis Nix lll, DT, Norte Dame
The Bears were able to re-sign Tim Jennings. General Manager Phil Emery was aware of the teams problems on defense and is going to address this problem through the draft. The Bears need a pass rusher to go with Julius Pepper because Shea McClellan has only 6.5 sacks in his first two seasons in the league. A pass rusher is a need for this team but, I think this team’s biggest need is at the defensive tackle position because the future of Henry Melton in Chicago is a question mark. Even if the Bears are going to resign Henry Melton, they need to find someone who can line up next to him and take some attention away from him. Louis Nix lll has good size (6’2”, 345 pounds) to be gap-plugging nose tackle. He also has the quickness and pass rushing moves to get after the quarterback. His best pass rushing move is his bull rush because of his strength which gives him the ability to push offensive lineman back. Nix has the potential to become a pro bowl caliber defensive tackle and will give the Bears the interior pass rusher they need going forward.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Steelers have holes on their defense at linebacker and defensive tackle. The once feared Steeler defense looked like a shell of themselves because of age and lack of talent. Potential free agents could factor into why they need to draft a linebacker but they really do not have the talent at the “Ted” linebacker position. C.J. Mosley is a perfect fit because he can play any linebacker spot in a 3-4. Mosley can play immediately, he can make plays against the run, he can rush the passer from any spot and he can drop into coverage because of his athleticism. He has fluid hips and sideline-to-sideline range. He possesses every attribute to be an every down linebacker. By having him play the “Ted” linebacker role, he can free up Timmons to make more plays on run and passing downs.
16. Baltimore Ravens (8-8 pending coin flip): Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Ravens stabilized Joe Flacco’s blind side when they traded for Eugene Monroe but, the offensive line gave up 48 sacks. The line had to many breakdowns in pas protection and failed to open running lanes. The Ravens need to upgrade the right tackle position because Michael Oher lack of production. The Ravens will never pass up the opportunity to draft a player that will stabilize the right tackle position with arguably the best offensive tackle in the draft. Jake Matthews could fill the need this team has at right tackle and with the Ravens only have enough cap space to re-sign one tackle in free agency; I believe they will bring back Monroe. The reason why Matthews fell right into the Ravens lap is he just undergone surgery and his status for the beginning of the season could be jeopardy. Matthews has pro-bowl caliber potential at the left or right tackle position and Matthews would be a steal here because of need and value.
17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8 pending coin flip): RaShede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
The Cowboys have retained defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin even though their defense was horrible. Monte Kiffin is a good coach but needs better players at key positions in order to get the most out of this defense. The Dallas Cowboys need to get better on the defensive line because they have to generate more of a pass rush. The Cowboys need to find an interior pass rusher that can take some of the attention away from Ware which will give him one on one match ups on the outside. RaShede Hageman is someone who could rectify the problems at the five tackle. Jason Hatcher is going to to be an unrestricted free agent. They also need an upgrade at nose tackle over Nick Hayden. Hageman has the size of a monster (6’6”, 318 pounds) and has the potential to be a stud at the next level. He can play multiple positions on the line because of his athleticism. Hageman is a three-down lineman as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher and his size gives him the ability to occupy blocks to free up his teammates.
18. New York Jets (8-8): Marqise Lee, WR, USC
The Jets have a lot of needs on offense and they need to add more playmakers to the roster if they want to get the most out of Geno Smith because he has arguably the worst supporting cast in the NFL. With Santonio Holmes likely on his way out and Stephen Hill is a bust, the Jets need a wide-out to take some of the pressure off of Geno. The Jets have no weapons on their offense who can keep defensive coordinators up at night. USC’s Marqise Lee makes a lot of sense because he is the kind of player the Jets need. He has natural hands, good route runner and can turn a small play into a big play.
19. Miami Dolphins (8-8): Cyrus Kouandjio, OT/G, Alabama
The Miami Dolphins have the skill players they need to be successful going forward. But the Dolphins have a major need for a new staring offensive tackle, because the uncertainty of Martin being accepted in the locker room going forward. Bryant McKinnie’s contract has expired and he has not talked with the front office about a new deal. Cyrus Kouandjio should be available when the Dolphins take the clock, Miami would get good value and a need. Kouandjio can play either left or right guard and left or right tackle. Kouandjio was a disappointment this season and his stock went up and down because of it. He has decent footwork, his strength and size gives him at good chance at the next level. He might be better suited as an guard at the next level because of his athleticism. He is able to drive defensive lineman at the point of attack off the line of scrimmage and he also possess the ability to be a solid pull blocker who can pick up defenders at the next level.
20. Arizona Cardinals (10-6): Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
The Arizona Cardinals could go in a number of ways because they have a decent offense and a stellar defense. But they need to upgrade the right cornerback position, Jerraud Powers was the weak link in the secondary last season and was the player offensive coordinators liked to go after. Darqueze Dennard will be an instant starter who will contribute at the start of the season. Dennard has all the physical tools to be a pro-bowl cornerback down the line. He is great in bump in run because he uses his hands well to disrupt receivers routes. Time and time again Dennard was up on island during his time at Michigan State and he made plays and that is something will be asked to do at the next level. He does not have great size but he makes up for it with great speed. Something Bruce Arians loves to run.
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