33.
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Don’t get me wrong, Ingram is a great back, but the value in running backs just isn’t there any more. The Pats could very well snag him at 28, but Solder most likely wouldn’t be available at 33 while Ingram is more likely to be. As if their offense needed any more help, Ingram would give them a great between the tackles running back who would split those carries with “the Law Firm.” Outstanding value for the Pats here, not that that should surprise anyone.
Previous pick: Justin Houston
34.
Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
There’s a good chance the Bills will need to trade back into the first round to get Ponder, possibly swapping with either the Saints or Seahawks to get to 24 or 25. I almost expect that to happen, because the Bills appear enamored with Ponder. His history with Chan Gailey dating back to high school is well documented, and Andre Reed made it sound like the Bills are seriously targeting Ponder. It makes sense, he seems to fit Gailey’s offense well and has the accuracy and mobility he demands. Don’t be surprised for one second if the Bills move up to get their guy.
Previous pick: Brooks Reed
35.
Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
I’m getting the same vibe about Dalton and the Bengals. As Peter King said, “It’s getting very hard for (O.C.) Jay Gruden to hide how much he loves Andy Dalton.” It truly sounds like Carson Palmer’s time as a Bengal is over, and they need to get some sort of backup plan. Dalton has risen more than any QB in this class, probably too much, and it now sounds like he could go late in round one. Expect Cincy to be the team who takes him there.
Previous pick: Rahim Moore
36.
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
The Broncos continue to build from the inside out. They’ve neglected the position of defensive tackle for the last decade, and they finally decide to pay some attention to their most glaring need. Paea is a first round value, that will likely immediately start alongside Marcell Dareus on the interior defensive line. After their first two selections the Broncos defensive line looks like this: Elvis Dumervil-Stephen Paea- Marcell Dareus-Robert Ayers. If Ayers is able to consistently play at the level he occasionally played at last year, the Broncos could have one of the best lines in the league within a couple of years.
-Ryan
Previous pick: Martez Wilson
37.
Greg Little, WR, UNC
This might be more a gut instinct pick then anything, but whichever direction the Browns decide to go in round one, D-line or WR, I’d expect them to go the opposite in the second. Little has drawn comparisons to Mike Williams and Brandon Marshall, and if teams believe that too then they won’t let him slide so far. He seems to be really gaining momentum as of late and offers the Browns many of the same qualities they could have gotten out of Julio Jones at #6. He would be a big, strong target to help Colt McCoy in his maturation.
Previous pick: Marvin Austin
38.
Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
The Cards really wanted Von Miller in the first, but they luck out and get a first round talent in Justin Houston. Inconsistency caused him to fall out of the first, but he could be a real find for Arizona in the second. He would be the pass rusher at 3-4 OLB they are looking for, and now you’ve got Patrick Peterson and Houston added to the defense, which should be much improved into the future.
Previous pick: Ryan Mallett
39.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
The Titans get much better value by waiting until round two to take a QB rather than reaching for one in round one. Mallett is one of the most polarizing players in the draft, but he makes a lot of sense for Tennessee. He could be supported by Chris Johnson and the running game and the strong offensive line in front of him. Add in Kenny Britt (assuming he’ll be back), and Mallett’s in a great position to succeed. We’ll just have to say if he can make good enough decisions on and off the field to tap into that potential of his all-world arm.
Previous pick: Colin Kaepernick
40.
Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
The Cowboys had a lackluster pass defense last year. Much of that has been attributed to their corner play, but their safeties sure didn’t help much either. They may be targeting Michael Huff, but that’s no guarantee and they could still use another safety. Moore is widely seen as the best safety in this class, and he could be an immediate starter with the lack of playmakers at the position for the Cowboys.
Previous pick: Derek Sherrod
41.
Jake Locker, QB, Washington
If Washington doesn’t take Locker in the first, they will do everything they can to get him in the second. He is the perfect QB for Mike Shanahan and if they were high enough on him that they would take him at #4 last year, they would be more than willing to take him here. To me, the Skins have to be the favorite to come away with Locker.
42.
Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona
The Texans got someone who could help their pass defense in Prince Amukamara, now they get someone who makes his job a little easier. Brooks Reed has skyrocketed into late first round discussion, but his production in college left a little to be desired so he may end up going in round two. The Clay Matthews clone is not the same caliber player as him, but shares many of the same qualities. Assuming Connor Barwin comes back healthy, Houston has some really nice building blocks for the 3-4.
Previous pick: Brandon Harris
43.
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
With Antoine Winfield aging and questions surrounding the other members of the secondary, Harris would be a good pick here. He has been talked about as a late-one and would be an instant contributor for the Vikes. If they’re going to beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, they’ll need as many (quality) corners as possible. Adding Brandon Harris sure wouldn’t hurt.
Previous pick: Stephen Paea
44.
Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Corner is one of the Lions weaker positions, and Aaron Williams makes a lot of sense for them here. They have the pass rush but don’t have the cover men to take the next step. Blessed with good size and speed (6’0″ 205, 4.5 40), Williams would give the Lions an athletic coverage man to match up on other team’s big receivers. Considering that the Lions don’t have a true #1 corner, Aaron Williams makes too much sense for Detroit to pass up at this spot.
45.
Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky
I’ve been on this pick for a while now. San Francisco has some really nice players on offense, but one thing they lack is someone at the receiver position who can turn a short pass into a long gain or open up the defense with big-time playmaking ability. Cobb is someone who would nicely complement Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan and force the Jim Harbaugh to get the ball into his hands in any way possible. In many ways, he is not unlike Dexter McCluster, a second round pick last year. He may not be the biggest, fastest, or strongest guy out there, but one thing you can count on is that Randall Cobb is a threat any time he has the ball in his hands. The reasoning behind him over Torrey Smith here is that he fits better in their receiving corps. Instantly gives Blaine Gabbert a better receiver than anyone he had at Missouri.
46.
Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU
Although they could probably use more help on defense, it’s rare for new coaches to only go one side of the ball in their first draft with a new team. Ryan Harris is on his way out, and Zane Beadles probably doesn’t fit John Fox’s idea of a right tackle, although he will fit nicely at left guard. Marcus Cannon is that mauling, road grading run blocker that Fox covets so much along his offensive line. Let’s not forget, they drafted a very similar type of player, Jeff Otah, to play right tackle in the first round in 2008. Fox could also take a long look at Mikel Leshoure here, but we think he’ll value the offensive line over the guys running behind it.
-Ryan
Previous pick: Brandon Burton
47.
DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
Losing O.J. Atogwe to free agency hurt, and it doesn’t look there’s someone behind him who deserves to be the starter. McDaniel would give them some real talent at the position and could be a starter right away. He was a consistent playmaker at Clemson and the Rams would not only expect, but need, much of the same from him in the NFL.
Previous pick: Kyle Rudolph
48.
Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Everyone always finds it funny to joke that Al Davis and the Raiders only look for speed and raw athleticism in their players. Well so do we…because it’s almost always true. Luckily for them, they still get someone who fits the H-W-S mold they look for at a position which will be aching for help should Nnamdi Asomugha leave in free agency. He has all the ability in the world but has been the victim of injuries and inconsistency. The Raiders take him here in the hopes they can put those problems behind him.
49.
Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
Based on last year’s draft, it’s clear the Jags won’t hesitate to take small school players. House is a very talented corner who didn’t see great competition week in and week out in the WAC. With the need at corner so great, this pick might surprise some but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Previous pick: DeAndre McDaniel
50.
Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
Martez Wilson’s stock has risen and fallen, but there are enough questions about his game to have him fall to this point. He doesn’t have great awareness or flexibility, so teams have questioned if he deserves the high second round grade he want once getting. Since Brandon Siler and Stephen Cooper are potential free agents, the Chargers could go with Wilson to fill the gap in the middle
Previous pick: Greg Jones
51.
Quan Sturdivant, LB, UNC
This pick depends entirely on whether or not the team re-signs free agent MLB Barrett Ruud. According to the Tampa Tribune, Ruud is likely looking for more than the team is willing to offer, so there is a good chance they will be parting ways. Sturdivant is another playmaker outstanding from a defense filled with them on Chapel Hill. He is the kind of linebacker who won’t need to come off the field on third downs, yet plays the run well enough to not be a liability. He’ll have big shoes to fill if he does in fact have to replace Ruud as a rookie, but the Bucs believe Quan is up to the task.
52.
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
The Giants have always liked to establish the running game. We expect Ahmad Bradshaw to be back, but Brandon Jacobs may be nearing the end of the line in New York. Leshoure could fill his role as the power back and is the best player available, which will make him a strong consideration here for Jerry Reese. Since the Giants don’t have a ton of needs, they can afford to take a running back here.
Previous pick: Ben Ijalana
53.
Rodney Hudson, G, Florida State
After going with Anthony Castonzo in the first round, Indy may have solved the problem of the left side of the offensive line for the next decade by taking one of college football’s most decorated interior linemen in Rodney Hudson. Hudson was 2nd team All-ACC as a true freshman and 1st team his final three years, plus he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s most outstanding blocker his junior and senior years. He appears a perfect fit for Indy and would instantly become a starter for them. The reasoning for Hudson over Watkins here is I think Hudson is such a perfect for the Colts, and his flaws are covered up by their offense. Expect immediate success out of Hudson if he goes here.
54.
Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
The Eagles will look to upgrade at OLB. They haven’t gotten enough production out of the position, so they take the chance on Carter here. He is coming off an ACL surgery, but he was viewed as a potential top 20 pick before that. At this point, with as few holes as the Eagles have, they can afford to take that chance and hope he becomes a playmaker for them.
Previous pick: Johnny Patrick
55.
Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Dwyane Bowe really broke out this past season and Dexter McCluster had his flashes, but the Chiefs could really use someone who can take the top of a defense. Smith certainly fits the bill. He’s a bit raw but has outstanding speed and would fit very nicely in their receiving corps. It’s obvious that last year the Chiefs decided to get more explosive, and Torrey Smith is another step in that direction.
Previous pick: Titus Young
56.
Mason Foster, LB, Washington
The Saints really have no potential left in their starting linebackers, so adding a new one wouldn’t be a bad idea. Foster is an underappreciated backer who racked up tackles better than just about anyone and was a consistent force. The Saints could really use a difference maker like him.
Previous pick: Bruce Carter
57.
Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
This may sound dumb, but I can almost guarantee Watkins will go higher than this. It’s just that every time I was about to give him to a team, I found another position which they needed more. The Seahawks desperately need to improve their running game, and the first place to start is by improving the interior of their line. They now see Max Unger as a center, not a guard, so they could use someone at either guard spot. By taking Watkins here, they get instant attitude in the running game and should fare better on the ground.
Previous pick: Marcus Cannon
58.
Titus Young, WR, Boise State
Ozzie Newsome has made it clear that the Ravens need a deep threat at receiver. Young would really open up Anquan Boldin in the intermediate passing game and have an impact similar to Mike Wallace’s on the Steelers offense. He has risen and fallen a bit, but could be a really great fit for what the Ravens need here.
Previous pick: Mikel Leshoure
59.
Jon Baldwin, WR, Pitt
The Falcons really need someone to help Roddy White out at wideout. Michael Jenkins has never been anything but average, and that just didn’t cut it against Green Bay. Baldwin has both size and speed and could be a legitimate option for Matty Ice, giving him two new toys from this draft.
Previous pick: Jabaal Sheard
60.
Stefen Wisniewski, G/C, Penn State
The interior of the offensive line looks fine at the moment but unless they’re proactive it will soon become a weak spot. Stephen Neal just retired and Logan Mankins and Dan Koppen are both free agents after this season. Wisniewski is a versatile lineman who could probably play whichever interior spot they needed him at. He has everything the Pats look for and would be a great pick here.
Previous pick: Jon Baldwin
61.
Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
The Chargers got this pick in the Antonio Cromartie deal. This is probably a little high for Moch, but the Chargers have so few holes that they can afford to take that chance. They haven’t been able to replace Shawne Merriman, and Moch certainly has the potential to do so. He would need a couple years to fill out and become a complete player, but Moch is such a physical specimen that the Chargers feel he is worth the risk here.
62.
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami (FL)
The Bears have expressed some interest in bringing in a bigger wide receiver to help out Jay Cutler and their passing game. Hankerson isn’t huge, but he is very balanced and has the speed to get deep. The Bears have a handful of above average wideouts, but adding Hankerson could potentially give them that true #1 they’ve lacked.
Previous pick: Jason Pinkston
63.
Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova
This would be an amazing value for the Steelers. I highly doubt he falls this far, it’s just how this draft shook out. Pittsburgh really needs to groom a left tackle, and Ijalana has all the ability to play the spot. He may need some time to develop and mature, but in time he could hold down that spot for them.
Previous pick: Rashad Carmichael
64.
Will Rackley, G, Lehigh
The Packers make a bit of a surprise pick here going with small school prospect Will Rackley. The Packers aren’t outstanding on the interior, and Rackley has the potential to develop into a very good player there. Obviously there will be a transition making the jump from the Patriot League to the NFL, but they will have no problem letting him be a reserve and taking the time necessary to assimilate himself to the pro game. This is the kind of pick you can afford to make when you are the defending Super Bowl champs.