22. New England: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
#1 Rated DT on My NFL Draft Big Board
Projected Trade: NE Trades #27, #48 to CLE for #22
Analysis: The Patriots get their man! They needed a pass rush and traded up to ensure that they would be able to pick him. Cleveland adds a couple more picks in the process
23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Albama
#2 Rated Cornerback on My NFL Draft Big Board
Analysis: The Lions actually use a draft pick for need? WHAT IS THIS MADNESS??? The Lions decide to take Kirkpatrick, even with his red flags. The Lions can’t take another loss to the Packers and the never ending group of receivers in Green Bay.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
#1 Rated C on My NFL Draft Big Board
Analysis: Pittsburgh needs help protecting Ben Roethlisberger. With the Offensive Line in shambles, they decide to build from the middle, inward. They would move Konz to guard to play next to Pouncey.
25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn St
#4 Rated DT on My NFL Draft Big Board
Analysis: After selecting Von Miller last year, the Broncos select Still to be the base of the defense at the DT position. Still was projected to be picked as high as #9 to Carolina, but started to decline after disappointing workouts.
26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
#5 Rated WR on My NFL Draft Big Board
Analysis: Stephen Hill, who had a phenomenal workout at the Combine, adds a new aspect to the Texans offense. Hill is the perfect combination of size and speed that you want in a wide-out. He is a little raw, but he will develop into a great receiver.
27. Cleveland Browns: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
#5 Rated DE on My NFL Draft Big Board
Projected Trade: NE Trades #27, #48 to CLE for #22
Analysis: Cleveland trades back because they know that their man will be here at #27, while still getting an extra pick in the second round. Cleveland picks Branch because of his initial quickness and his ability for getting to the QB
28. Green Bay Packers: Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois
#4 Rated DE on My NFL Draft Big Board
Analysis: While the Packers offense was off the charts, the defense was mediocre at best. They had a hard time getting to the QB, and seemed lost at times. Mercilus brings the pass rush from the opposite side of Clay Matthews and really gets the ball rolling on a defensive movement.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
#2 Rated OG on My NFL Draft Big Board
Analysis: With the potential to lose Ben Grubbs in Free Agency, they pick the best guard on the board. Zeitler is scheme-diverse because of his experience with Wisconsin.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Reuben Randle, WR, LSU
#4 Rated WR on My Big Board
Analysis: San Francisco had to wait until it was late in the 4th Quarter against the Giants in the NFC Championship Game to see a catch by a wide receiver. This is unacceptable. They were let down by Braylon Edwards, who was cut in Week 15, last season. They need a true #1 wide receiver because with every passing week, Michael Crabtree is looking more and more like a #2 wide-out.
31. New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore, CB, S Carolina
#4 Rated CB on My Big Board
Analysis: The Patriots already got the defensive lineman that they need, now they go out and get the secondary help. Stephen Gilmore will attack the QB, go get the ball in the air, or drop back into coverage. Bill Belichick likes his diversity and selects him here.
32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Analysis: The Giants lost two tight ends in the Super Bowl win vs. the Patriots. They decide to draft the replacement for Jake Ballard in Fleener.
Fleener has a body-type very similar to Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots Tight End. The Giants can really open up their offense with the addition of Fleener and the currently injured Ballard.
