Santos 2014 NFL Mock Draft Picks 21-32
21. Green Bay Packers: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
The Packers also played their way out of drafting a good offensive lineman and although it is a need, their defense also needs help, whether it’s in their secondary or their front seven they should take the best defensive player available which is a solid CB in Dennard.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville
Chip Kelly and this offense is pretty much set on the offensive side, and although they could round it out with a WR their attention should turn to the defensive side who got torched by KYLE ORTON! Anyhow, Pryor is a great safety and could easily play FS or SS.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
The Chiefs D is nothing to worry about the only pieces they lack are at inside linebacker and safety, their attention should be on the offensive side. Andy Reid knows he needs to find playmakers to surround Alex Smith and Marqise Lee would fit perfectly with Reid’s offense and can take pressure off Dwayne Bowe.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State
The Bengals lost both their offensive and defensive coordinators this offseason but that won’t mean much change in the schemes that they play. I really do not believe James Harrison will be brought back he just doesn’t fit a 4-3 defense so finding a true 4-3 OLB is a must for the Bengals and Shazier from OSU is a talented LB who could start playing early downs and learn a lot from Burfict and Mauluga.
25. San Diego: Louis Nix III, NT, Notre Dame
The Chargers are another team that played their way out of a good offensive lineman but I think they could still find a good NT in Louis Nix III. Manti Te’o will be vouching for this guy all offseason and if he is still available for the Chargers not only will he fill a need but he should make a presence in their D with stopping the run.
26. Cleveland Browns (via Indianapolis Colts): RaShede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Hageman is a big player, and a big playmaker. Now that Rob Ryan brought the 3-4 Defense to the Big Easy this pick should be easy, Hageman would replace the old vet across from Pro Bowl DE Cameron Jordan and add size to front seven who lacked in the run defense while also adding a pass rush ability for this defense as well. Although Hageman has never played a 5-tech he should adapt well and stand out on this lackluster front seven.
27. New Orleans Saints: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
I still think it is a little early to take running backs and although it is a big need for Cleveland I think they should address their defense as well. Verrett is a good corner and could play both on the outside or in the slot, adding another corner would be great for Haden and the rest of the secondary so that they don’t get picked on so much. Cleveland’s front seven is almost solid so Verrett would be a good addition to a young Defense.
28. Carolina Panther: Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor
At one point in time this season the Panthers started a DT at guard, it is a blaring whole for this team and was easily seen in the run game this season. I know fans and the front office would want to take a WR here, but since this WR class is so deep they could find an answer for that in the second round. Richardson is a big, tough, nasty mauler who is an immediate upgrade for this offensive line.
29. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
Interestingly Matthews is a nephew of long time great WR Jerry Rice who still has a voice in what happens in San Francisco, if Anquan Boldin doesn’t find his way back to San Fran this would be a no brainer for this front office. Matthews is a great WR with great size and has connections to the franchise, you can bet Jerry will be vying for his nephew come May.
30. New England Patriots: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
The Patriots could also take a WR here in the first round or find a gem in the later rounds, passing up on Amaro would be stupid and he could easily bring back the 12 set in New England and take some pressure off Gronkowski and the mediocre WR corp. in Foxborough.
31. Denver Broncos: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Roby is a good pick here because he can mature under the light of Champ Bailey before he retires and fill a quick need for Denver.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
The Seahawks are in such good shape at most other positions come May their biggest need will be for yet another offensive playmaker, Benjamin is such a big guy that he will create problems for the rest of the division defenses.