2017 NFL mock draft: Live updates for NN community draft, round 3

Welcome to the Niners Nation 2017 NFL mock draft. We’ve brought together 32 site members to potentially go through a full seven rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. I say “potentially” because 253 picks is a lot to get through, even with a month remaining until the draft. But, fingers crossed we power through this.

We moved through the first two rounds with relative ease. We’re now into the third round, where things get busier courtesy of comp picks. I’ve posted the complete results to date at the bottom of the page. You can view each person’s first round pick rationale here, and second round pick rationale here.

We’ll kick things off with the Browns and 49ers picks to start the round!

65. Cleveland Browns - Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA (Davidss)

Mike Mayock's number 5 corner drops to the 3rd round because of a pectoral injury that may delay the start of Moreau's career. With the Browns not able to compete for at least two more years, the value on Moreau is unbelievable to this team. This pick was always go to be between Sidney Jones and Moreau and Moreau's injury is much less career affecting than Jones's.

Moreau as player was the 2nd fastest CB at the combine( 4.35 40). He is well built, physical corner that used to play running back. The Browns need outside corners. Jamar Taylor is their slot corner after a early season trade. He got a strong 76 grade from PFF and is only 26 years old. He is the only DB on the team guaranteed of a starting job. Moreau as soon as he is healthy will compete and most likely start at outside CB. What tremendous paring of team need and best player available.

Others considered: Sidney Jones

Browns draft so far: 1)Myles Garrett, Edge; 12) Mike Williams, WR; 33) Joe Mixon, RB; 52) Patrick Mahomes, QB; 65) Fabian Moreau, CB

66. San Francisco 49ers - Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina (Joe Montana is GOAT)

After skipping on him in the last round, I wasn't making that mistake again so I was delighted to see that Zay Jones fell to me in the third.

Character : Check
Intangibles : Check
Production : Check

Since he has declared he has smashed every opportunity to improve his draft stock, he impressed at the Senior Bowl and at the Combine again he smashed it. He has a thin frame so he has the ability to add more weight to help him really be aggressive, he catches everything thrown his way and comes from a family of football so he knows what it takes to win, this is the high character football player we will be going after.

Others considered: The only other person I considered here was Tyus Bowser. He can cover TE's comfortably and would be our SAM linebacker where we have a need but I went with Jones as we need a big body WR and I felt he was a good value pick here.

67. Chicago Bears - Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado (Rowingdave)

When Fabian Moreau went off the board, this made the decision a lot easier; Witherspoon is not just a consolation prize. At 6'3", with 33 inch arms and almost 10 inch hands, he has the measurables to scare opposing quarterbacks from throwing his way, but he put those measurables to work in 2016, breaking up 13 passes, leading all college cornerbacks. He ran a great forty at the combine, but that speed shows up on tape, nowhere more obvious than his bang-up job against John Ross, who is soon to be the fastest player in the NFL. Can he tackle? Ehhh...he struggles with that, so while he might not be a titan in run support, he does what you want corners to do: he covers. Aside from Marshon Lattimore, there might not be anyone in this class who's as adept a cover corner as Witherspoon. Frankly, I don't see him falling this far, but the Bears will run this pick to the podium as well, netting them a triad of freaks and high performance players that also includes Solomon Thomas and Budda Baker. This draft is incredibly deep, so any team picking in the top 10 has the potential to double down on defense and do quite well, this pick being further evidence of that.

68. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jake Butt, TE, Michigan (riqv)

Jacksonville needs an upgrade at TE and I feel like Butt would be the perfect TE for this offense. Butt may not be as flashy as Engram or Howard, but Jacksonville has plenty of flashy options at WR. Butt will provide a tough and reliable option in the middle of the field. I think Butt will be a perfect fit for the offense and will provide a safe option for Bortles.

69. Los Angeles Rams - Tyler Orlosky, C, West Virginia (ak4niner)

The Rams are in desperate need of a Center; they have only ONE on the roster at the moment. Most of the draft reports say he has the right temperament and strenth/skills needed to be a starter, but needs some work on some techniques. Goff has targets to throw to now, so the next step is to give him time to throw and a center to work with. Orlosky is that guy.

Other guys I considered:

Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU: ILB is still a need on this team, but Center with the lack of bodies was a far bigger need. Beckwith looks to be pretty good (though maybe a bit timid).

Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State: The line is one of the big issues, but I had to decide between the two. Center wins out. Johnson has a lot of talent, but is far from a finished product.

Austin Reehkow, P, Idaho: Well, just because. The biggest issue I found with this guy is that my wife did not like the pick. (Actually, I forgot to save my notes so I can't remember who was my #3 choice.)

70. New York Jets - Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State (Rhardin49)

The Jets have needs and holes all over their roster. WR's Enunwa, Anderson and Decker (current status with injuries unclear) does not put fear in anyones heart, they need some play-makers at some point.

Godwin is just that a go to guy who is fast 4.42, goes long extremely well, 18 TD in college, and makes the contested catch very very well. He will come into the team and immediately contribute, likely start. He also is an excellent special teams player.

Also considered:

Gerald Everett TE - good athlete, x bball player; would be an upgrade for Jets at TE, he may be there next pick or others in the strong TE class likely will be.

Anthony Walker LB Northwestern - again fills a need - David Harris is getting ancient and LB core is in need of upgrade - but didn't see as much value here as with Godwin.

71. Los Angeles Chargers - Marcus Maye, S, Florida (Blackout52)

Maye is a highly underrated safety prospect who can play single high or close to the box. He's like Malik Hooker with more mistakes but better tackling. Given that the Chargers have a need at both safety spots, Maye would be an excellent chess piece to move around in that defense, one who can create a lot of turnovers and help stop the run. Maye and Lattimore is a fearsome rookie tandem in the secondary.

Also Considered: OG Taylor Moton, S Eddie Jackson, EDGE Joe Mathis

72. New England Patriots - Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland (Mertins_merkin)

What have you people done? You had three rounds to stop this from happening, and you all failed. This is easily the best draft for tight ends in the past five years, the position has been struggling in the NFL, there are multiple good targets to refill your team's reserves, and the Patriots weren't picking until the top of the third, and somehow you all still managed to let Bill Belichick draft a 6'6" 278 lb monster tight end to pair with Gronk in Bill's favorite two-tight end sets!? This ain't on me, it's on you.

It's a projection pick based on word of mouth, obviously. I'm not able to watch many Ashland games. But there is a buzz around this guy, for sure. Jake Butt is going to miss a year, and I've been a 49ers fan long enough to know that rookie years are important, and missing them ruins careers.

The Patriots have other needs. I've got some running backs I can wait on, and I also considered Derek Rivers and Jordan Willis, because this team needs pass rushers. But with Martellus Bennett getting paid to play in GB, and with Gronk coming off of back surgery number 3, I just have to do this. Brady needs to have better pass catchers in the playoffs, and Gronk has missed too many games of late, and the Patriots have to stop asking him to pull rabbits out of his hat with no help. The receiver corps is now very solid, and drafting Shaheen gives Brady another huge target to help us in our quest to crush the fellowship, snatch the last ring, and feast on the hobbit we pull it from.

73. Cincinnati Bengals - Ethan Pocic, C, LSU (Typecast)

Russell Bodine has been the center for the Bengals for the past 3 seasons. Unfortunately, he's been the weakest link in the OL, having issues with the snap or just slow engaging defensive lineman. He's also in a contract year. Pocic is an experienced interior lineman, springing both Jeremy Hill and Leonard Fournette to amazing seasons at LSU as their lead blocker. His length and foot quickness allows him to pull effectively. His size, base, hand speed, and hand technique allows him to stand up to NFL quality defensive linemen. Has shown consistency in pancaking defenders and excelled in a pro-style system. In other words, I thought he was the best center in the class and the pick was a no-brainer.

Others considered:

CBs Sidney Jones, Fabian Moreau - While the need isn't immediate at corner, the Bengals love to draft first round talented corners. Darqueze Dennard is currently in his contract year and has plenty of competition in William Jackson III, KeiVarae Russell, and Bene` Benwikere. Despite more off-field troubles this off-season, Pac-Man still has the support of the coaching staff and front office. He'll be 34 next year and a down year could make him a cap casualty. Grabbing one of these guys would have been appealing if they were available.

S Justin Evans, Marcus Williams - NCB was a major issue last season. All of their cornerbacks were better suited to play outside. The Bengals brought in Benwikere to be their starting NCB.

TE Adam Shaheen - From the little film I've seen of him, I don't subscribe to the idea that he's the next Gronkowski. I see a lot more Martellus Bennett in his game. Huge projection here and he'll need to kick the Chipotle diet.

DL - Still a lot of talent available here that probably shouldn't be. Was kinda expecting Chris Wormley, Jordan Willis, Demarcus Walker, Derek Rivers, and Tyus Bowser to all be gone at this point. If any of them are there in R4, I'm doubling up on the edge. The only interior defensive lineman I thought would be taken at this point was Montravius Adams.

74. Baltimore Ravens - Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU (RinaldoPurrisimo)

He was a 5 star recruit coming out but suffered from horrific QB play and an offense that was built only around Fournette and ignored some amazing talent at wide receiver. Dupree is incredibly athletically gifted he's also a smart player and receiver. What the Ravens need is a big target with strong hands that can play the slot. I don't know if the Ravens have Dupree as high as I do but his measurable put him slightly above Shuster and Kupp. Any of the 3 would be smart choices.

75. Buffalo Bills - Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State(O Liner)

Simply put, if he's on the board at this time i think he's clearly BPA and i find him too good to turn down. McDermott is still in need of offensive weapons and his flexibility and versatility could make him a serious weapon if used inventively. Hard not to be excited at being able to pick him up at this stage.

Other players considered: Taylor Moton, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marcus Williams

76. New Orleans Saints - Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech (Fred Mercury)

After addressing the defense with their first three picks, the Saints get a huge tight end in Hodges. After his combine performance I'll be surprised if he lasts until the 3rd round, but I thought the Saints could upgrade the tight end position after an underwhelming season from free agent acquisition Coby Fleener. Hodges is 6'6" and runs a 4.57 forty. He has the athleticism to work all three levels of the field and the quickness to even work out of the slot. He needs work as a route runner and his hands are inconsistent, but he poses a huge mismatch for defenses that Drew Bree's should love.

Also considered: Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma; JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

77. Arizona Cardinals - Taylor Moton, OL, Western Michigan (HarbaughalypseNow)

The big bodied Moton will likely land at guard, but could potentially serve as a swing tackle at the next level. Should be able to win at the point of the attack in the run game, and possesses good movement. Will need some work in pass pro - like almost every guard prospect - but has the strength and punch to get it done.

Considered Rasul Douglas here as well but Moton looks more complete.

78. Baltimore Ravens - Derek Rivers, Edge, Youngstown State (RinaldoPurrisimo)

Rivers has a lot of momentum right now, many believe he could sneak into the first round. I actually think he's got a good chance of the going to the Niners pick at 34. He's got great tape and could easily become the 3rd best pass rusher in this draft when it's all said and done. He's not a big guy so he's more of an athletic pass rusher and will be a pass rusher in the rotation right away. In the 3rd round this is a great pick for Baltimore because he can start off on the weak side opposite Suggs. He can learn from a legend and work in mostly passing situations. I liken this to the way we used Aldon Smith for his first year. River could end up being the most production defensive rookie definitely the most productive taken in the 3rd round.

Considered for this spot: After trading away Jernigan there is a need for depth at Dline but I couldn't pass on a possible starter. At this point Dalvin Tomlinson is likely considered by most evaluators to be the best available player. But from researching more experts think with Suggs aging and Dumervil exiting the building they need a pass rusher. After taking Malachi Dupre with the earlier pick I still feel like there is need at receiver and will take another reciever later. Though Kupp is still available and could be great value to a team needing depth at outside receiver.

79. Minnesota Vikings - Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M (dumpster fire fan)

Justin Evans provides a giant upgrade to the Vikings defensive back corps. He can plug in at strong safety. With receiver-like ball skills and an urgency that is hard to match, Evans can even fill in as a slot cornerback if he cleans up his coverage a little bit. Evans has great upside, especially when you surround him with other talented defensive backs such as Xavier Rhodes and Harrison smith. This addition brings a ball hawk to a possible shutdown passing defense.

Other considerations:

Curtis Samuel: the Vikings have lacked big-play ability since the departure of Percy Harvin. The failure of the Cordarelle Patterson experiment only added to his value.

80. Indianapolis Colts - Jordan Willis, Edge, Kansas State (MichaelBR07)

BPA for sure here, and Willis is a potentially special player. That compounded by the fact that Colts need to improve their pass rush significantly. They've added bodies over the off-season in Mingo, Simon, and Sheard but none of them are inspiring. I could see Willis and Watt coming in as rotational players before taking over the spots entirely. It all starts in the trenches and the outside of their line needed a substantial makeover.

81. Washington - Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan (AzSharksFan)

Washington's run defense was not good last year. They have added a couple bodies in free agency but they look to add depth more than specific skills. I think Chris Wormley is a very solid, technically sound run stuffer which is sorely needed on Washington's line and I think he is a great value in the middle of the 3rd round.

Other players considered: Cooper Kupp

82. Denver Broncos - Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston (Jonas Lima)

This is not a need for Denver but the Broncos lost Demarcus Ware to retirement. Bowser provide good value here to put him in rotation on the other side of Von Miller. He is athletic, explosive a little undersize to set the EDGE but he can play, specially that he's still learning the fundamentals of the position. A little coaching and some time i think Denver will not have to worry about setting the egde for the next 8 years.

Other players: Montravius Adams, Kendell Beckwith, Anthony Walker, Ryan Anderson, Cooper Kupp

83. Tennessee Titans - Marcus Williams, S, Utah (GSheen)

Unsung safety. He would add needed depth and talent in the Titans' secondary. With Searcy not living up to his contract and Trawick a backup at best, the depth chart looks extremely bleak if Byard or new signing Cyprien fails to build on their last season’s performances.

Marcus Williams plays best when the play is in front of him. He is a smart center field type safety with sure tackling skills and has shown his elite range on the ball numerous times. His clutch play on Chris Hansen is a great example of what he’s capable of. That said, he would still need to bulk up to thump NFL ball-carriers. Extremely dedicated to his ball game, he has both the talent and work ethic to be a top-tier safety at the next level.

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC (BayAreaBOI)

Juju Smith-Schuster, is a great addition for Tampa Bay. It might not be necessary in the draft, but with his talent on the board in the 3^rd round someone had to take him. Smith-Schuster has been compared to Anquan Boldin many times. Although he might not be as good as Boldin, with training he could develop into a possession receiver like Boldin. Smith-Schuster’s quick hands and size make up for his lack of speed. He could immediately start at slot and be bigger than the corners that cover him. With Mike Evans, Desean Jackson, and Juju Smith-Schuster as receivers, they would cause problems for others teams in their division. Even though Smith-Schuster didn’t have the most impressive 2016 season, he did have a better one in 2015. It could have been the coaching change or the quarter back change that might have caused this, since he played very well with Cody Kessler but had his down season with Sam Darnold and Max Browne. Smith-Schuster did have a tough game against CB Marlon Humphrey and the crimson secondary, with 1 catch for 9 yards.

He played against Washington and Colorado who have NFL caliber corners. In this game, he put up 3 catches for 41 yards and it seemed like the Huskies wanted to shut him down and have the other receivers beat them. With pre ACL Sidney Jones covering him, I would say it was a decent game against a very good NFL caliber corner. In the game against Colorado, Smith-Schuster put 5 catches and 113 yards against corners Ahkello Witherspoon and Chidobe Awuzie. Overall in a couple years maybe JuJu Smith-Schuster becomes a Anquan Boldin type of player. Not saying Mike Evans is Larry Fitzgerald or JuJu Smith-Schuster is Anquan Boldin but the similarities could be there.

Other considerations I had were RB Jamaal Williams, Brian Hill, Marlon Mack, Joe Williams, and Jeremy Mcnichols. They would serve a good purpose having them on the team due to the Doug Martin situation. Also DL with Montravius Adams and Demarcus Walker were picks I considered as well.

85. Detroit Lions - Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma (GreatOden’sRaven)

The Lions offense has been pretty darn good for a long time now. They have excellent receivers, A solid to very good QB, and shifty smaller backs. What they don't have is a mauler at RB. Riddick is a pass catching back forced into carrying the ball, Abdullah is a shifty back best served going outside the tackles, but the Lions need a workhorse. Here is Perine. He doesn't have a ton of change of direction and isnt extremely fast, but what he is, is strong, quick, with a powerful burst and can get you those short yards and touchdowns. Michael Turner 2.0. I considered either stacking up on linebackers, corners or o-line, but those three position groups are strong as we move along where RB goes downhill VERY quickly from this point on. Especially for power runners.

Also considered: Roderick Johnson, Kendall Beckwith, Isaac Asiata, Jaylen Myrick

86. Minnesota Vikings - Tanoh Kpassagnon, DL, Villanova (dumpster fire fan)

The vikings are able to address the defensive line with their second pick in the third round. Kpassagnon is a truly amazing athlete who could end up playing all over this defensive front. The Vikings can solidify the future, as he is the heir apparent to the 29-year-old Everson Griffen. He will compete right away for the starting spot across from Griffen, with Brian Robison and Danielle Hunter already on the team. His skills do need refinement, as he is one of the rawest prospects in this year's draft. Kpassagnon will probably be a rotational player and an interior pass rush specialist for the first few years until he hones his craft, but he has the potential to be a base defensive end in the near future for the Vikings.

87. New York Giants - Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State (86derps)

Reassessing the draft board after selecting DT Brantley in the second round I was hoping that one of the remaining top OT would still be available at the 23rd pick in the third round. Fortunately the best of the remaining tackles did fall to the Giants in Roderick Johnson. Surprisingly the only OT selected in this span was Julie'n Davenport. I was sweating it out when Denver and Minnesota both passed on Johnson just prior to our selection. Although the perception of Johnson's potential has dwindled some I was still excited to select him this late in the third round.

Other options was LB Ryan Anderson and TE Jordan Leggett. I had considered Leggett in the second round, but with the lack of depth in the OT position in later rounds I thought it necessary to fill the OT position of need now.

88. Oakland Raiders - Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama (TryAndCatchVD)

At this point in the draft, it was necessary to address either the secondary, or the interior defensive line. Dalvin Tomlinson is a powerful interior DT that can eat up a pair of blockers on any given down, has some ability to get after the passer, and possesses the length to bat down the occasional pass from a crumbling pocket.

89. Houston Texans - Jalen Myrick, CB, Minnesota (TopFlightSecurity)

A smallish DB with the ability to play inside or out the outside part may not happen in the NFL but they need help in the secondary and if all else fails he will kick inside. He has speed to burn and offers a bonus in the return game With the loss of AJ Bouye he will help. There are plenty of holes to fill in the secondary and plan on doing that as well as other areas in the latter rounds.

Other options:

Cooper Kupp WR, Eastern Washington
Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt
Larry Ogunjobi DT UNC-Charlotte

90. Seattle Seahawks - Vince Biegel, LB, Wisconsin (v3stige)

The Seahawks may have signed Arthur Brown, Terrance Garvin and Michael Wilhoite to add more depth to their LB core but that shouldn't stop them from adding at least one more through the draft. Biegel is versatile enough to play both the SAM and WILL thanks to his elite short area quickness(ran in the 4.7-4.10 short shuttle range at Pro Day). Should be able to find himself on the field day one on special teams.

91. Kansas City Chiefs - Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern (JMichael39)

KC would have preferred one of the top four ILB in the first or second round but things never developed. Walker is a quality LB with tremendous upside from a good system.

92. Dallas Cowboys - Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida (MidnightSpecial)

If there were an equivalently good SS prospect I would have gone that way, but LBs or Des are a better value with who is still on the board.

Sean Lee is good. and 30. Jaylon Smith was my draft crush last year, and then suffered a haunting injury with lingering nerve damage. Even if the two of them are healthy and good to go, there still is the third LB spot.... Damien Wilson? yeah maybe, but we are talking best case scenario, and that doesn't leave a lot of depth. And if Smith doesn't come back well enough, or Wilson/Hitchens don't develop and step up...well... yikes.

Enter Anzalone. He is athletic, had a great combine. Has speed to close fast, and to cover TEs, he flip his hips in coverage, he can rush the passer, and takes on blocks well. He has experience playing all three LB spots and can be a 3 down player....if he stays healthy.

Cons = Injuries. Multiple Shoulder and arm Injuries, but hey, it's the end of the 3rd round. Also he sometimes gets off balance, over pursues, over reacts to play action.

Also considered: Kendall Beckwith, Daeshon Hall, Demarcus Walker

93. Green Bay Packers - Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo (HashtagMafioso)

Packers top 3 needs this year hands down are cornerback, EDGE rusher, and RB. They addressed the defensive needs in the top two rounds, and now they grab an underrated talent at the back end of the third. Hunt is a fantastic talent that would be a borderline 2nd round pick in most other drafts, and the Packers capitalize on their good fortune by snagging him. Green Bay he basically zero depth at RB and Ty Montgomery cannot carry the load on his own, nor should he

94. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ryan Anderson, Edge, Alabama (Fenderfreak81)

The Steelers obviously need depth in the linebacking corps and could've taken one, a pass rusher or an inside stuffer, earlier. We didn't do that as the high end ceilings, pick value, and positions of need matched up better with the Washington players for us. Now, however, we see the linebacker position dwindling into to riskier picks with less assurance they can contribute right away. In our estimation, Ryan Anderson was the last "safe" linebacker prospect left who fit our scheme.

The kid isn't my favorite backer in the draft by far, but I think he merits an early third rounder so I'm happy to get him here. He does a lot of things well, nothing elite from what I've seen on tape but a solid well rounded leader. He can rush the passer adequately, not elite but solid, and he can contain the edges on run plays well. He has some athleticism to cover tight ends, but again not elite. What he does seem to have that IS elite is a work ethic and a "Steeler mentality". That means that everything I've read suggests this is a blue collar guy who will sacrifice himself for his team on the field and off (though he did have a spat when not playing enough his first few years at Alabama) and I think as a Steeler he does whatever he has to in order to contribute. I think Anderson can spell Harrison this year, provides good depth at several positions as I think he's versatile enough to play inside in a pinch, and has a good shot to someday average maybe 6 sacks a season with 80+ tackles and good leadership. He's won a championship in high school, another in college, and he will do what he has to in order to win in the pros. He can contribute as a rotational player on a super bowl hopeful as a rookie, which I'm happy with in the late third here.

The Steelers were hoping Tyus Bowser would fall to us, but we knew it wasn't likely. That kid has great athleticism (chasing down Lamar Jackson and flying all over the field against OU) but below average instincts. His work on the bags at the Combine showed great effort and hands so violent that their pop against the bags could startle onlookers after watching a dozen or more kids before Bowser hitting them with far less enthusiasm and power. He was our hope here, and when he went to Denver Anderson became the solid and smart choice for us.

95. Atlanta Falcons - Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington (wiseguy545)

This is a pure BPA pick for the Falcons. Kupp put up insane numbers at Eastern Washington, though admittedly playing against inferior competition. Great hands, strong route runner, and a tremendous work ethic. Another weapon to add to the already potent Falcons offense.

96. New England Patriots - DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State (Mertins_merkin)

The real life Patriots are interested in Walker, and he has met with them already. Walker has been a big name for a long time. He was highly recruited out of high school, and his sack production in college was eye opening. Especially last year, coming in second in FBS with 16 sacks.

This is a victory. The Pats don't want to go into next season with Kony Ealy as the only addition to this group. Ealy had his moments last season, and he produced relatively well late in the season. He's not the answer alone, but he can be part of the solution.

Walker isn't an edge bending pass rusher, he's a bit more rugged than that. A good technical player, he saw a lot of his pass rush success from the interior, after reducing inside on passing downs. He's somewhat similar to Solomon Thomas, except that Walker actually gets double digit sacks.

Walker may only see action as an interior pass rusher next season in passing situations, but that may be enough. Kony Ealy was the dude that racked up three sacks In Super Bowl 50, if you line him up next to a disruptive player, the combination of Ealy and Walker should be effective enough to get pressure. This is a pick that should help Pats fans sleep well at night. Their biggest need has been settled.

97. Miami Dolphins - Dawuane Smoot, Edge, Illinois (Camp Frogger)

The Mario Williams project ended as one underwhelming season from the veteran defensive end. Cameron Wake is also not getting any younger, and it is pretty obvious Miami could use a young edge rushing prospect. Dawuane Smoot disappointed slightly in his Senior season after a promising Junior year. This could be due to teams game planning for him more than before.

I like his weight and speed combination that should fit well as a 4-3 DE especially in the wide-9 set which will let often just let him pin his ears back and attack the qb. With his extra weight and strength he should be able to set an edge if needed too. Smoot flashed some very impressive pass rush skills all throughout Senior Bowl week. He also was coached by Lovie Smith in college which should help prepare him for the pros.

Others Considered: Cam Sutton, Montravious Adams, Eddie Vanderdoes

98. Carolina Panthers - Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech (BryKno)

So, cool. The Panthers get the best receiver in the draft at the end of the third round. That's decent value, I suppose.

OK, so maybe Henderson isn't the best, but he does have the best raw playmaker score in the draft, before adjusting for draft position. 19.6 yards per catch is an insane rate, and he put up great numbers despite competing with another draftable prospect (Trent Taylor) for receptions. He doesn't have a statistical weakpoint, either, so if you're just box-score-scouting, Henderson leaps off the page.

Now, he is a one-year-wonder and maybe could have benefited from another year in school. He also played in Conference USA, which isn't the toughest competition out there, so that's worth considering. He's a kick return stud and projects as a slot receiver -- a perfect replacement for Ted Ginn, then! Tony Pauline says that the Panthers are looking for a speed receiver on Day 2; well, here he is. It's a perfect match between player and team, though I'd personally prefer to see him in the red and gold.

Other players considered: WR Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky: Another Conference USA receiving stud.

TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama: A Delanie Walker-type with limited football experience

QB Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh: Not a need at all for Carolina, but a QB with experience in pro-sets and great accuracy, composure and anticipation. Mental game is on point; if he had more physical tools, he'd be a first-round pick. Reminds me of a scrawny guy from Notre Dame in that sense.

99. Philadelphia Eagles - Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida (ejdrummond)

One would think three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards and at least 8 touchdowns would speak for its self. Looking past the stats Mack’s exceptional burst, acceleration and wiggle gives him the potential to take one to the house every time he touches the ball. Mack also has great change of direction ability and has a good combination of power and balance that helps him keep upright when defenders are trying to take him down. While he is more than capable of running in-between the tackles, Mack excels when running outside zone. Last but not least Mack is a capable pass catcher, and will excel in Doug Pederson offense.

Considered: Jordan Leggett

100. Tennessee Titans - Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Florida Atlantic (GSheen)

Orakpo not getting any younger and Dodd ineffective when not injured, the Titans need someone who can step up when called upon. Trey Hendrickson provides valuable depth to this thin edge defender corps and can contribute to special teams come day 1. Was extremely productive in college. He has the tenacity and ability to hold his own against premiere NFL tackles.

Dominated the Shrine game back in January while followed up with impressive numbers a month after at the combine, he drew rave reviews from many NFL scouts and analysts. There’s no question about his dedication and love for the game. He proves he’s no one-trick pony. His relentless motor coupled with his deep array of pass rush moves will give offensive linemen a lot to think about. He will become a Special Teams standout player early on, while he develops his game to become an every down player. Low risk, high reward selection at this point in the draft.

101. Denver Broncos - Kendell Beckwith, LB, LSU (Jonas Lima)

Broncos had difficulty in stopping the run since danny trevathan and malik jackson left via free agency last year. With that in mind i picked a run stuffer linebacker instead of the defensive line because denver in some way adressed the DL in free agency. Beckwith provides an instant upgrade in defending the run and is a nice value pick here because he probably wont be available when denver gets back on the clock

Other players considered: Montravius Adams, Jamaal Willians, Isaiah Ford

102. Seattle Seahawks - Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah (v3stige)

The Seahawks continue to address their porous offensive line with one of the best run blocking guards in this draft. Asiata is big, strong and much more explosive and athletic than he may get credit for. He became much more improved and reliable in pass protection this year and has plenty of room for improvement in that regard. Whether he plays on the left or right side depends solely on his team, and he'll have to show more consistency if he wants to become a starter in the NFL. A run first team, this pick makes sense and Asiata is a good get at the end(or any time after) of the third round.

103. New Orleans Saints Davis Webb, QB, California (Fred Mercury)

If the rumors are true, there is no way Webb lasts this long. But, the Saints pounce because he did last this long. Webb is big, athletic and has a great arm (guaranteed for success, right!?) but who also has the ominous “system QB” label (“Air Raid”). At this slot in the draft, he’s obviously a project, but one the Saints can afford to try and groom as Brees probably has a few good/great years left (barring injury). Operating between the hashes and on short throws, he’s solid enough, but his problems are outside the numbers and on intermediate and deep throws. That’s clearly a concern. He checks a lot of the physical attribute boxes, but needs a lot of coaching to become a decent starter. Sean Payton and Drew Brees are probably the two best to learn the QB position from other than Belichick and Brady, so at least Webb is in good hands. The Saints don’t pick again until late in the 6^th round, so it made sense to me for the Saints to scoop up one of the few remaining QBs that has some upside.

Also considered: Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson; Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee; Josh Harvey-Clemons, Safety, Louisville

104. Kansas City Chiefs - Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington (JMichael39)

Was the cornerstone of the Huskies great defense. Unsung hero who easily swallows up double teams leaving his teammates open to make the big plays.

105. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama (Fenderfreak81)

This kid reminds me very much of Ladarius Green, but healthier and with more effort as a blocker. Green is a serious health concern, with career ending head issues on the table the last two years. The Steelers showed what they are interested in having at the tight end position when they ponied up money for Green, someone more athletic and a more dangerous receiver than Jesse James, but it's not clear Green will give them a consistent return on that investment or not. Green was hit and miss once he was finally on the field. So, a capable backup receiving tight end is going to be helpful in case Green is injured or if he continues to be inconsistent.

Everett is incredibly athletic and plays the position like a basketball player; like Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, and Green all do. Like those players he's got very good hands, speed, length, and an ability to make leaping and contested catches. Also like those players when they came out of college, he's got a lot to learn about running routes and blocking. He's a willing blocker, but not strong enough to often handle big linebackers or defensive linemen on a regular basis as evidenced by some of the plays he let people into the backfield against North Carolina State. But, he's willing in that department and can be adequate I think with some improved technique. Hopefully he has the concern to improve his routes too, because if he is even average there I think Everett is a good starter in the NFL. For me he was the fourth rated tight end in this class.

Everett is a talented player the Steelers can groom, and they are happy to get him in the supplemental picks.

106. Seattle Seahawks - Treston DeCoud, CB, Oregon State (v3stige)

Seattle needs more depth at CB. DeShawn Shead is recovering from a torn ACL and likely won't be full go come training camp. Jeremy Lane will most likely slide from the slot and take over as their #2 while first round draftee Adoree' Jackson plays the slot. At 6'2", 206 lbs with 33" arms, Decoud physically checks all the boxes that Carroll seeks for corners in his scheme. His combine performance wasn't impressive, but his film was. He uses his length well, excels in press coverage, is fast enough to cover recievers down field and can lay the wood on ball carriers. Barring injuries, Decoud won't see the field much but can carve out a role on special teams.

107. New York Jets - Cam Sutton, CB, Tennessee (Rhardin49)

With 19 cbs off the board its slim pickings by the JETS are very weak and vulnerable in the secondary and especially at cb need to do something here. Sutton has decent speed and measurable, had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl. Has good ball skills has done well re interceptions. He may or may not be a strong m x m corner; but has decent credentials and a reasonable shot to help the Jets in the secondary.

Others considered:

Jordan Levett TE - not a good looking prospect

One of the OG's left another big area of need for NYJ's Nico Saragusa.