22. Cleveland Browns: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
Cleveland fans will be throwing their TVs out of their windows if this pick happens, but it has a very good chance of happening. Besides having the best football name of all time, Mercilus led the nation in sacks this past season and reports out of Cleveland are that they have worked him out and really like him. They need a pass rusher opposite Jabaal Sheard and this would be a great up and coming pass rushing duo for years to come.
23. Detroit Lions: Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama
Detroit takes the BPA. With that being said, they also like positions of high value (their three first round picks have involved quarterback, defensive line and defensive line). With that being said, Upshaw is the best player that meets those two criteria. He could rotate in at defensive end on rushing downs and even play a little linebacker on first and second down.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Big Ben is breathing a huge sigh of relief. Martin is the BPA. The Steelers have needed an offensive tackle for some time now and finally get him. While Martin’s stock has been falling as of late, he is still too much value at this point in the draft.
25. Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
You better believe Peyton Manning will have a hand in what the Broncos do in the draft. Drafting Wright will give the Broncos three solid receivers in Thomas, Decker, and Wright.
26. Houston Texans: Donta Hightower, ILB, Alabama
The Texans just traded DeMeco Ryans for a small price, which makes me believe they have a sneaky idea up their sleeve. Hightower is an Alabama grad (just like Ryans), so he is extremely sophisticated within the 3-4 defense. He was also the leader of the Crimson Tide defense, so that’s helps too. He is also versatile, as he is able to play inside on first and second down and kick out to the outside to rush the passer on third down.
27. New England Patriots: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
Even with the signings the Patriots have made at receiver, a big receiver who can stretch the field is needed. In comes Stephen Hill. Hill has skyrocketed up draft boards after an incredible Combine (sub 4.4 40 at 6-5) and averaged over 30 yards per catch this past season! He would help make the Patriots offense that much better and add youth to a wide receiver core getting a little up there in age.
28. Green Bay Packers: Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
Reports out of Green Bay have suggested that the Packers are high on McClellin. McClellin had been a second to third round prospect up until late and has now jumped into first round consideration. McClellin would help take pressure off Clay Matthews across the line.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Perry, OLB, USC
I’ve had Peter Konz here for a while, but with Nick Perry’s fall Ozzie Newsome is up to his same old scheme. Perry is easily the BPA and a great pass rusher off the edge. With the Ravens losing Jarrett Johnson, they need someone to come play linebacker and Perry is the guy.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Yes, Vernon Davis is still in San Fran. And yes, I do have a brain. Think about this for a second though: John Harbaugh coached Fleener at Stanford and loved to utilize multiple tight ends in his offense. Fleener is a prospect worthy of being drafted in the top 25 so he is good value. He would also be a dangerous weapon across the offensive line from Davis. Harbaugh is having naughty dreams just thinking about that combination.
31. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Bill Belicheck has shown that he isn’t afraid to acquire players with character problems, drafting Ryan Mallett last year, signing Albert Haynesworth and trading for Chad Ochostinko. Talking strictly about talent, Jenkins is a top 15 pick. His off the field problems drop him on draft day but the Patriots sweep him up and get another draft day steal.
Spoiler alert: I do think there is a great chance this pick gets traded on draft day.
32. New York Giants: Devon Still, DT, Penn State
The Giants don’t have too many gaping holes, so they will play their usual game of drafting the BPA. That player in this scenario is Devon Still, who happens to fill a need at defensive tackle.
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