‘Hawks Select Ryan Tannehill in Matt’s Mock Draft 2.0
By Matt Church
17. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
This is a big priority that the Bengals must address if he is still here at No 17. DeCastro is the best at the position in the draft and will fit with Cincinnati nicely. Everyone should be happy, right?
Kris Dielman just retired and there are huge injury concerns surrounding Marcus McNeill. Welcome to San Diego, Cordy Glenn.
19. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Floyd has really proven that he is the No. 2 receiver in the draft. He will be a great weapon for Jay Cutler to use. The Bears might actually have a chance to restore what once was.
20. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.
Even if Fletcher Cox isn’t picked here, the Titans will still be looking for someone on the defensive line. I just can’t see how they pass Cox up. He really stood out at the Combine and although there is some skepticism, he is a big disruption on the interior defensive line.
21. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Off-field troubles have caused some teams to be hesitant with Jenkins. I see Marvin Lewis looking past this and getting a great compliment to play opposite Leon Hall. Watch out Pittsburgh and Baltimore, there is another defense to contend with.
22. Devon Still, DT, Penn State (projected trade with Cleveland)
This is the other pick that the Rams receive from Cleveland. Still’s draft stock has significantly gone down after a mediocre performance at the Combine, but he is the player that the Rams need to get to the quarterback and stuff up the run. Michael Brockers might make an appearance here.
Along with Devon Still, his performance at the Combine moved him farther down on the draft boards. Detroit’s offensive line ranked 10th last season according to Pro Football Focus, and now they’re getting even better.
24. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Let’s face it – the Steelers are getting old on defense. It’s amazing how they do so well every year nonetheless, and picking up Zach Brown here will add a pass-rusher with speed (4.5 40) and be the beginning of a new era of defense in Pittsburgh.
25. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
This might be a reach, but John Elway played at Stanford. And after watching fellow AFC threat New England tear it up with their tight ends last season, a fast and athletic pass-catcher might be what Tebow needs.
26. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Many questioned whether Wright was out of shape at the Combine. His 4.61 40 time is definitely not his best. He gets picked here, at No. 26, because he has (had?) the quickness to play well with Houston’s West Coast offensive scheme.
This draft class is filled with depth at defensive tackle. In fact, he could be picked already. Brockers is big and he showed above average speed and agility at the Combine. The Patriots defense last season was pitiful, and Bockers should fit in well.
Clay Matthews needs a QB-attack partner… and HEY! Nick Perry is also from USC. Other mock drafts have Perry going in the second round, but he has showed me aggressiveness and pretty good speed which helped him get to the quarterback often in 2011.
29. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St.
Jerel Worthy is a big dude. Adding him to an already powerful defense makes Baltimore even scarier. Watch out.
The 49ers need to take some pressure of Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. Mohamed Sanu can be another playmaker that Alex Smith feels comfortable throwing to. He can run all over the field and get open more often than not, and if Alex Smith gains enough courage to start throwing the ball more, soon everyone will want Sanu on their fantasy team.
31. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
To anyone who disbelieved Gilmore – go back and watch tapes of the Combine. He outperformed in agility tests and finished with a 4.4 40 – Bill Belichick should be jumping with joy if he’s still available. Unless this pick is already traded.
32. Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
New York needs to get way more physical on defense (not counting you, Pierre-Paul), especially at linebacker. Hightower has the ability to rush the pass off the edge of the line and his size (265) doesn’t take away from his speed.