65.
Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson
Marty Hurney pinpointed DT as the team’s #2 need behind QB. Jarvis Jenkins is a stout tackle who would surely help improve their cast of Nick Hayden and company on the interior of the D-line.
66.
Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
With Cedric Benson’s future uncertain, it would be a good idea to add another back who can tote the rock. Williams could be a workhorse if necessary.
Previous pick: Mason Foster
67.
Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan State
Back to defense for the Broncos. The defensive line has been greatly improved with the first two picks, but there are still holes in the linebacking corp and the secondary. DJ Williams is the only legitimate starting LB on the Broncos, and his best fit is on the outside. The Broncos would likely have taken DeAndre McDaniel if he were here, but Greg Jones is a nice fit for MLB in the Broncos new 4-3 defense. Since the Broncos don’t have and picks in the fourth or fifth round, I’d expect them to do some maneuvering to pick up some more selections. If they’re able to trade back, they could also target Florida safety Ahmad Black in the third to fourth round range.
-Ryan
68.
Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU
Coach Chan Gailey raved about him at the Senior Bowl and Shep appears to be a great fit inside for them. If the Bills run defense is going to improve, they need to become more stout in the middle. Kelvin could play right away if the team doesn’t retain Paul Posluszny, or even if they do.
69.
John Moffitt, G, Wisconsin
Alan Faneca doesn’t have much left in the tank and there is not much young depth at the position. Moffitt could fill in at left guard once Faneca retires and Coach Ken Whisenhunt would love his mean streak.
70.
Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
Ahtyba Rubin is a nice nose tackle, but the Browns don’t really have a good three-technique. Nevis is a bit undersized, but could fit really well next to Rubin. The Browns really need D-line help bad, so this couldn’t hurt.
Previous pick: Greg Romeus
71.
Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa
The Cowboys would like to add some depth at 3-4 end. There are differing opinions on Ballard, but some view him as a second or even very late first round pick, so he could be a really good value here.
Previous pick: Curtis Brown
72.
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
I realize New Orleans has a handful of running backs, but there is still a lot of uncertainty in that backfield. Rodgers is graded out as a second round pick here, so the Saints can take him in case they get rid of Pierre Thomas or Reggie Bush within the next year or two.
Previous pick: Stefen Wisniewski
73.
Deunta Williams, S, UNC
The Texans did not tender S Bernard Pollard so they likely are going to bring in someone else at the position. Wade Phillips continues the Texans’ defensive makeover by picking Williams, a ballhawking safety who had to overcome both injury and suspension this past season.
74.
Clint Boling, G, Georgia
With all the uncertainty on their line, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for New England to take another interior lineman. New England will greatly value Boling’s versatility, as he played three different positions each of the past two years.
75.
Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
Jahvid Best looked great at times last season, but they need a bigger back who can run between the tackles. Thomas is the best option and also offers pass catching ability out of the backfield. He would make a good one-two punch with the speedy Best.
76.
Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
After focusing on offense with the first couple picks, the Niners decide to look on the defensive side of the ball. They haven’t had good corner play for years, even from Nate Clements and his mega-contract. Patrick is a well-rounded corner who could help them here.
Previous pick: Andy Dalton
77.
Orlando Franklin, G, Miami (FL)
The Titans running game slipped last year partially due to the interior blocking. Franklin was a college tackle who will slide inside to guard. He should help both Chris Johnson and newly drafted Ryan Mallett.
Previous pick: Jalil Brown
78.
Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
It sounds like the Rams are serious about bringing in a successor to Steven Jackson. They should wait to the middle rounds where the value is right since it isn’t such an urgent need. Adding Todman would give them someone who could help contribute now and take on a bigger role in the future.
Previous pick: Quinton Carter
79.
Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian
I think Gates would be a reach here, but it’s clear the Dolphins need someone who can get vertical and stretch the defense. After running a 4.37 40 at the Combine, Gates has drawn comparisons to another former Abilene Christian product, Johnny Knox.
80.
Jaiquawn Jarrett, S, Temple
The Jags’ secondary was so bad that they need to spend another pick on it. I don’t think they have a legitimate starting safety on the roster, so they go with another small school prospect in Jarrett here. He’s great in run support and should be an improvement on what they have.
Previous pick: Jake Kirkpatrick
81.
Allen Bailey, DE, Miami (FL)
Bailey has all the physical tools you’d want in a defensive end, so the Raiders likely have him very high on their board. He could turn out to be a steal here or could be a very average player. Probably worth the risk at this point.
Previous pick: Ryan Bartholomew
82.
Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana
The Chargers don’t desperately need a wide receiver, especially if they keep Vincent Jackson, but Doss’ value is just too good at this point. He possesses the size (6’3 205) that the Chargers look for in their wideouts and looks like a great fit. Based on last year’s rash of injuries at the position, it couldn’t possibly hurt to add another quality receiver.
Previous pick: DeMarco Murray
83.
Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee
The Giants haven’t gotten what they’ve expected out of Kevin Boss since trading Jeremy Shockey to the Saints, in large part thanks to injuries. Adding Stocker gives them one of the best all-around tight ends in the draft. Boss is actually a free agent this offseason, too, so if they are uncertain if they will re-sign him, the Giants will likely target either Stocker or Lance Kendricks.
84.
Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
It sounds as though the Bucs have had it with Aqib Talib and his off-the-field issues. If that’s true, they should strongly consider taking a corner. Carmichael comes from a school which has produced many NFL corners. He may very well be the next guy added to the list.
Previous pick: K.J. Wright
85.
Jason Pinkston, OT, Pitt
Pinkston is a really good value here for the Eagles. He would probably play RT, where the Eagles could use an upgrade over Winston Justice. Since they already have Jason Peters, there should be no worries that Pinkston probably can’t play LT.
Previous pick: Robert Sands
86.
Sam Acho, OLB, Texas
Tamba Hali has become an elite pass rusher for the Chiefs, but they could use someone else who can get to the quarterback. Acho looks the part of a 3-4 rush linebacker and could give opposing teams someone besides Hali to worry about.
87.
Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
The Colts always like to take great route runners, something Vincent Brown excels at. Bill Polian just has a thing for taking someone at a skill position high every year, this year it is Brown. With the uncertainty regarding Austin Collie’s health, he would be a great insurance policy who really fits how they play offense.
88.
Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU
Starting C John Goodwin is pending free agent and although Matt Tennant might be a capable fill-in, the Saints decide they are better off with Kirkpatrick. He is the #2 center and could become the starter in the near future.
Previous pick: Kendall Hunter
89.
Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma
Since Eric Weddle will probably be leaving for bigger money elsewhere, the Chargers should really add another safety. Carter is a solid safety who could help to replace him.
90.
Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
With Jared Gaither likely playing elsewhere next year, the Ravens could use another tackle. Barksdale held up very well in the vaunted SEC and has impressed in post-season workouts. He certainly has the size to play RT opposite Michael Oher at 6’4″ 325. Barksdale is both a need and value pick for the Ravens here.
91.
Greg Romeus, DE, Pitt
The Falcons really need to think about bringing in someone to replace John Abraham. Kroy Bierman has looked good, but they could still use someone else. Romeus is someone they could afford to be patient with and could develop into a real quality player if he comes back fine from injury.
Previous pick: Drake Nevis
92.
Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
Finally the Patriots address their gaping hole at QB. Okay, so maybe they just want someone to develop behind Tom Brady. Bill Belichick swears by Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, so don’t be surprised for a second if they end up with Stanzi. Seems to have a lot of Brady-like qualities to him, so New England might love him.
93.
Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
I’ll know the Bears don’t need a #1 running back, but Hunter is so much more highly rated than anyone else and could have an immediate impact. He fits extremely well into Mike Martz’s offense as a pass/run threat and could take some pressure off of Matt Forte. The only reason I think they may go with a running back here is because the value there is so much better than anywhere else.
Previous pick: Kendric Burney
94.
Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton
Whether or not the Jets bring back recently released Kris Jenkins, they should strongly consider someone like Ellis. He is very talented but has his fair share of character concerns. Since the Jets don’t seem to have an issue with these type of guys, he seems like a logical pick for the Jets.
Previous pick: Chimdi Chekwa
95.
Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College
Herzlich is a real blue collar, Pittsburgh guy who could become the understudy of James Farrior. He was a top 15 pick pre-Ewings’ Sarcoma, so he could be a huge steal here if he can regain the step it seems he’s lost. Pittsburgh takes linebackers every year so don’t be surprised if they do this year.
96.
Casey Matthews, LB, Oregon
It’s worked once so why not try it again? He may be a little small for the 3-4, but I have the feeling Green Bay won’t want to pass on Clay’s little brother three times. Imagine if they would have taken Brooks Reed too, add A.J. Hawk and Clay Matthews and sorry Troy Polamalu, but that would be the real 3-4 “hair-fense.” (It’s from a Head & Shoulders radio ad in case you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about.) That might be too much hair for one field to handle, though. If Casey is half the player his brother is, this is a good pick. I really feel he’s underrated and even though he’s not Clay Matthews, he will have a very successful career.