23. Detroit Lions (Lomas)- Mike Adams OT Ohio State
Adams is an excellent athlete who is plagued with laziness. However, if anyone knows how to fire up a player it is Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz. With that fire underneath him, Mike Adams could develop into one of the surprises of this draft. Also the Lions HAVE to address the issue of protecting Matt Stafford if they plan on going deep into the playoffs this year.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (Lups) – Dont’a Hightower LB, Alabama
The Steelers cut Farrior in the offseason and are looking for a youngling to pair with Lawrence Timmons. Hightower is a rare inside backer who can also provide a pass rush.
25. Denver Broncos (Onebar) – Dontari Poe DT, Memphis
Broncos need serious help against the run. If Poe manages to fall all the way to pick 25 it will be very tough for Denver to pass.
26. Houston Texans (Lomas)-Rueben Randle WR LSU
While he isn’t my top ranked receiver left, this pick has become very popular around other mocks. After thinking about it I do think that Randle makes a lot of sense here and he can do wonders in the Texans run first system. R.R. is a speedster that is more proven then Hill, and he should be able to start day one across from Andre Johnson.
27. New England Pats (from Saints) (Lups) – Michael Brockers DT, LSU
Pats get the athletic big man that could end up playing multiple positions along the versatile Patriots defensive line.
28. Green Bay Packers (Onebar) Nick Perry LB, USC
Pairing up Perry with fellow USC alum Clay Matthews will bring NFC North quarterbacks nightmares all season.
29. Baltimore Ravens (Lomas) Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin
Zeitler is an absolute mauler. Not only is he physical but he understands blocking technique and he can really open a hole in the run game. His pass protection is slightly unpolished, but that is likely a product of how often Wisconsin ran the ball with Wilson and Ball. Given an offseason with NFL coaching he will be a day one starter that will make Ray Rice very productive and very happy.
30. San Francisco 49ers (Lups) – Jerel Worthy DE/DT, Michigan ST.
The 9ers don’t see a receiver they like nor a guard. So they take Worthy who they can play all over their defensive line.
31. New England Patriots (Onebar) – Harrison Smith S, Notre Dame
The Patriots will need to address the safety position in the early rounds. Smith is a player who should be able to add an instant spark to a somewhat sketchy group of safeties.
32. New York Giants (Lomas) – Quinton Coples DE/DT North Carolina
I know what you are thinking, this is not a huge need but let me break it down. Coples is the top guy left on my board and no one close makes sense except possibly Lamar Miller. The Giants have Osi Umenyiora and he is in the last year of his contract and he is unhappy. This pick would allow the Giants to put him on the block for a high day two pick or a future first round pick. Coples also helps with the lack of elite depth at the DT position. While I don’t like Coples I have no doubt that he would have the talent to thrive (eight or more sacks) in the NASCAR package that the Giants run.
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