Annual PlanetSteelers Board Mock Draft (2014 official selection thread)

[RuthlessBurgher]

Squidkid provided a list of players for the Niners.



The best available player on his list is Florida State WR Kelvin Benjamin.

Height 6'5", Weight 240 lbs., 34 7/8" Arm Length, 10 1/4" Hands


Overview

Highly recruited out of Florida prep power Glades Central, where he also played basketball. Played through a partially torn right knee ligament as a junior in 2009. Redshirted in '11. Played all 14 games in '12 and had 30 catches for 495 yards (16.5-yard average) and four touchdowns. Started all 14 games for the national champions in '13 when he led the ACC in touchdown receptions (including the game winner in the BCS Championship Game) by hauling in 54-1,011-15 (18.7).


Analysis

Strengths

Possesses rare size with an 83-inch wingspan. Is a physical mismatch vs. defensive backs and linebackers. Eats cushion and separates with long strides. Strong approach to the ball -- is not easily knocked off course and will enter the middle on crossers. Outstanding jumpball catcher -- climbs the ladder, plucks the ball at its highest point and regularly snatches it out of the air with superb body control and the grace of a ballerina. Creates separation with his body. Adjusts surprisingly well for the low ball and tracks it well over his shoulder. Energetic football demeanor. Confident and competitive. Strong-handed. Uses his body well to shield the defender from the ball and can beat double coverage. Good run strength after the catch (see three tackles broken on TD run vs. Florida) and does not go down easy. Strong enough to handle defensive ends when motioned inside to chip and delivered some head-snapping, crackback blocks (see N.C. State). Emerged as a clutch, go-to, big-play receiver -- caught the game-winning TD in the national championship game vs. Auburn and consistently was targeted in critical situations and in the red zone. Scorched Florida CB Loucheiz Purifoy and created mismatch problems from the slot.

Weaknesses

Lacks elite, top-end speed and many catches are contested. Hand use could improve releasing vs. tight, press coverage. Overly grabby. Is not yet a nuanced route runner and does not sink his hips and pop in and out of his breaks. Does not shake many defenders after the catch. Will make the easy concentration drop and focus could stand to improve at the break point (three drops vs. Florida). Seeks to run before securing the ball and double-catches more than he should. Blocking effort/sustainability has room to improve on the move. Has a 32 1/2-inch vertical jump and recorded the slowest 60-yard shuttle time (12.10 seconds) of any receiver at the combine.

Draft Projection

Round 1

Bottom Line

A tight end-sized, intimidating, big-play receiver with a rare wingspan, Benjamin has the overall strength, length and wide catching radius that will demand extra coverage be rolled his way. Showed continual improvement, is still growing into the position, and possesses the traits to become a legitimate No. 1 receiver. A very intriguing mismatch weapon with ascending talent.

[RuthlessBurgher]

The New Orleans Saints select Auburn DE/OLB Dee Ford.

Height 6'2", Weight 252 lbs., 32 7/8" Arm Length, 10 1/4" Hands




Overview

Prepped in Alabama. Played all 13 games as a true freshman in 2009 and was credited with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack with one interception. Played all 13 games in 2010 (one start at right end) and had 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks. In 2011, he had seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in three games before having season-ending microdisectomy surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. Was granted a medical hardship, preserving a year of eligibility. Started 7 of 11 games played at defensive end in 2012, totaling 34 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and six sacks with a batted pass, forced fumble and blocked kick. Suffered an abdominal injury against Arkansas; did not play against Ole Miss and was hampered against Vanderbilt, Texas A&M and New Mexico State. Hurt his left MCL during 2013 fall camp. Missed the first two games (Washington State, Arkansas State) and did not start against Mississippi State, but started the final 11 games and collected 29 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks with a batted pass and two forced fumbles. Was not medically cleared to work out at the combine after a medical exam revealed a problem stemming from previous back surgery (medical exclusion).

Analysis

Strengths

Very good acceleration and burst to beat blockers off the ball. Anticipates the snap very well and has a long second step. Plays with urgency and keeps working to the quarterback. Outstanding energy and work ethic. Athletic enough to fall in coverage and play on his feet. Beat Texas A&M RT Cedric Ogbuehi for two sacks to close out a 45-41 upset victory in 2013 and finished the season strong. Respected, defensive tempo-setter. Distinguished by his effort, hustle and pursuit.

Weaknesses

Undersized -- thin-framed, lacks bulk and anchor strength to dig in vs. the run. Cannot convert speed to power and gets stalled if he cannot work half of a blocker. Struggles to discard blockers when locked up and gets inverted. Not comfortable moving in reverse. Has consistently been dinged with injuries and has never made it through a full season healthy. Recorded a very pedestrian 4.73-second 20-yard shuttle time at his pro day, indicative of marginal change of direction.

Draft Projection

Top 50

Bottom Line

High-motor college left defensive end perhaps suited for a rush linebacker role in the pros. Has added more than 50 pounds to his frame since arriving on campus and has demonstrated the desire, work habits and competitiveness to develop into a productive edge rusher if he can stay healthy and is programmed to go get the quarterback only.

[RuthlessBurgher]

The Carolina Panthers select USC WR Marqise Lee

Height 6'0", Weight 192 lbs., 31 3/4" Arm Length, 9 1/2" Hands





Overview

Highly recruited Parade All-American who starred as an all-purpose football player, basketball player and track competitor as a California prep. Also competed as a sprinter and long jumper for the USC track team. Made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2011, when he was named Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Co-Player of the Year; started 8 of 12 games and produced 73 receptions for 1,143 yards (15.7-yard average) and 11 touchdowns with 10 kickoff returns for 285 yards (28.5), including an 88-yard score against Washington. Teaming with Robert Woods (2013 second-round pick by Buffalo) for the second year, totaled 118 catches for 1,721 yards (14.6) and 14 TDs in 13 starts, garnering the Biletnikoff Award, Paul Warfield Award and Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. Was the Trojans' leading receiver for the second year in a row in 2013, when he managed 57 catches for 791 yards (13.9) and four TDs; 10 kickoff returns for 164 yards (16.4) and eight punt returns for 46 yards (5.8). Did not play against Arizona, Utah and Colorado because of knee and shin injuries. Also had 24 career rushes for 146 yards (5.5) and no touchdowns. Owns or shares 24 USC records and three conference records. Team captain.

Analysis

Strengths

Very good athletic ability. Is a nifty runner after the catch -- can navigate through traffic and create with the ball in his hands. Can shift into top gear and run by tacklers -- terrific acceleration and short-area burst. Fine route runner -- understands how to set up defensive backs and has an innate feel for coverage. Understands how to manipulate man and zone coverage and can create separation when he needs to uncover. Very good hand-eye coordination. Tracks the deep ball very well -- has a knack for running underneath it. Attacks the ball and plucks it out of the sky. Very good competitive, functional playing speed. Has game-breaking return ability -- exceptional vision and traffic burst.

Weaknesses

Average size and run strength. Does not break many tackles. Was slowed by nagging injuries, and body is not built to withstand a lot of punishment. Can do a better job securing the ball through traffic -- has shown a tendency to flag the ball. Long-term durability could become an issue.

Draft Projection

Round 1

Bottom Line

An extremely motivated, dynamic, playmaking receiver, Lee's junior season was plagued by shoulder, knee and leg injuries and a revolving door at head coach, where he cycled through three. Showed all the traits desired in a No. 1 receiver early in his career and has overcome a lot of adversity in his life to get to this point.

[pfelix73]

With the 29th pick in this year's draft, the Baltimore Ravens select:

6'6" 335 lb. OT Morgan Moses from Univ. of Virginia.

We fill one of our biggest needs with this pick. Going into this draft, the Rats/ er we mean the Ravens need help at RT and Safety. Since all of the top Safeties were off the board at 17, we had a willing partner in NE who wanted to move up, so we added an extra pick in round 2 and swapped places with them in round 1. We believe that Mr. Moses is our long term answer at RT for us.



Welcome to Baltimore Morgan...

[RuthlessBurgher]

Squidkid's got another Niners pick up, and there is still one player left from the list he provided earlier.



The San Francisco 49ers select:

Minnesota DT RaShede Hageman

Height 6'6", Weight 310 lbs., 34 1/4" Arm Length, 10 1/4" Hands



Overview

Has a son. Name is pronounced "ruh-SHEED HAYG-men." Grew up in foster homes before being adopted at the age of 7 by a Minnesota couple. Highly recruited tight end who also won a basketball state championship. Stayed home to play for the Gophers in 2009, where he redshirted and was switched to the defensive line. Appeared in eight games as a reserve in '10 and managed five tackles, zero tackles for loss and zero sacks. Suspended for the last four games of the season for academic issues. Logged 13-3.5-2 with one forced fumble in 13 games as a reserve in '11. Arrested in May '12 while trying to break up a bar fight and charged with disorderly conduct. The charges were later dropped. Became a starter at defensive tackle in the fall and recorded 35-7.5-6 with two batted passes and one forced fumble in 12 starts. Named the team MVP in '13 after leading the team with 13 tackles for loss with 38-13-2 with eight batted passes, his first career interception and a pair of blocked kicks -- field goal vs. UNLV and an extra point against Western Illinois in 13 starts. Team captain.

Analysis

Strengths

Long and well-proportioned. Intriguing height-weight-speed ratio and natural athleticism. Flashes the ability explode off the ball, jolt blockers and disrupt the backfield. Terrific movement, flexibility and range. Loose ankles. Can work the edges. Able to redirect and chase athletically. Fierce tackler. Workout all-star with rare leaping ability for his size (35 1/2-inch vertical) -- bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times at the combine. Disrupts passing lanes. Has a "wow" factor at his best. Has immense upside.

Weaknesses

Wide gap between physical ability and performance on tape. Green eyes, instincts and understanding of blocking schemes. Motor idles. Too often lets his pads rise and exposes his frame. Does not play to his length. On skates vs. double teams. Hand use needs work. Unsophisticated counters and pass-rush moves. Aimless pass rusher in need of a plan. Minimal, inflated sack production. Still learning to convert speed to power. Does not dominate single blocking. Needs more glass in his diet. Could require simple assignments. Motivation and coachability should be examined more closely. Will be 24-year-old rookie. Has a glaring bust factor.

Draft Projection

Top 50

Bottom Line

A raw, converted tight end with a basketball background, Hageman is a big, athletic, finesse three-technique with intriguing dimensions and movement skills who fits best in an aggressive, one-gap scheme where he could fire into gaps. Will probably be restricted to nickel pass-rush duty initially until the game slows down for him, but has impact potential if he ever figures it out. Is still maturing, having endured a harrowing childhood to get to where he is today, and would be best served landing in a structured environment with veteran mentorship. Classic boom-or-bust prospect.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Denver just signed DeMarcus Ware to replace the departed Robert Ayers at DE. However, Ware is entering his 10 NFL season and was just coming off a year that was marred by elbow and shoulder injuries. On the other side, DE Derek Wolfe appeared to be an up-and-coming young d-lineman, but last season was interrupted by neurological complications following a seizure during the season. Because of this, the Broncos could use some depth at DE. After all, a team can never have too many pass rushers.



The Denver Broncos select:

Missouri DE Kony Ealy

Height 6'4", Weight 273 lbs., 34 1/4" Arm Length, 9 1/2" Hands



Overview

His name is pronounced "COE-nee EE-lee." Was an all-state player in both football and basketball as a Missouri prep. Weighed 207 pounds when he arrived at Mizzou in 2010, redshirting as a freshman. Played in all 13 games in '11, including a start at defensive end at Baylor, and had 16 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. Moved into the starting lineup at defensive end in '12, seeing action in 12 games (10 starts) and recording 37-10-3.5 with seven passes batted and one forced fumble. Was a first-team all-SEC selection in '13, starting all 14 games and totaling 43-14.5-9.5 with six passes batted, one interception and three forced fumbles. Scored his first college touchdown on a 49-yard interception return against Indiana.

Analysis

Strengths

Is long and has a big, projectable frame with room for added bulk. Quick off the snap. Loose athlete. Moves like a linebacker -- 6.83-second 3-cone drill paced defensive linemen at the combine. Plays on his feet. Runs the arc -- dips his shoulder, bends the corner and gets home. Closes fast on the quarterback. Can spin off blocks, redirect and chase the quarterback. Crashes down the line and ranges in pursuit. Flexible and coordinated to zone-drop. Has upside.

Weaknesses

Needs more time in the weight room. Still developing positional instincts and awareness to blocking schemes. Pad level is too high. Exposes his frame and gets locked up. Does not convert speed to power. Unrefined hand use, counters and pass-rush moves. Needs to learn to use his length advantageously. Does not provide enough resistance at the point of attack. Crumbles vs. double teams.

Draft Projection

Rounds 2-3

Bottom Line

Big, athletic, ascending, pass-rush talent with the size, burst and flexibility to pressurize the edge as a right defensive end. Is not a finished product, particularly as a run defender, but should only become more disruptive as his strength, technique and savvy catch up with his natural physical ability. Could also draw looks as a 3-4 rush linebacker.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

In an attempt to beef up the O line - the Seattle Seahawks select
Xavier Su'a-Filo - OG UCLA

Overview

Parade All-American who won three state titles at Provo (Utah) Timpview and was the state's 4A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. In 2009, was the first true freshman offensive player in UCLA history to start the season opener; started all 13 games at left tackle. Did not play the next two years while serving a two-year LDS mission in Alabama and Florida. Upon returning, started all 14 games at left guard in 2012. Started all 13 games in 2013, including seven at left guard, six at left tackle. Won the Morris Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding offensive lineman in the Pac-12, as voted on by the conference's defensive linemen. Was also voted the Bruins' offensive MVP. Team captain.
Analysis

Strengths

Quick out of his stance. Effective pass blocker -- can bend his knees, extend and mirror in short area. Generates movement in the run game. Can work his hips and maneuver to gain positioning. Good foot athlete. Can pull, trap, combo block and step to the second level. Durable three-year starter. Has played guard and tackle. Weaknesses

Lacks ideal length. Missed two years of strength training while serving a LDS mission and has a bad body. Could stand to play with better pop and power in his hands. Bends at the waist, gets overextended and falls off blocks. Heavy-legged -- slow to shift his weight and adjust to stunts and quick inside moves. Gets beat across his face. Needs to play with better awareness -- gets short-circuited by complicated defensive movement. Struggled mightily at left tackle. Draft Projection

Rounds 1-2 Bottom Line

Does not look the part and was miscast when forced to play left tackle for the Bruins, but Su'a-Filo is more effective than he is pretty. Projects best at left guard, where he has starter-caliber ability in a power scheme, though he is athletic enough to appeal to zone teams, too.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

In an attempt to beef up the O line - the Seattle Seahawks select
Xavier Su'a-Filo - OG UCLA

Overview

Parade All-American who won three state titles at Provo (Utah) Timpview and was the state's 4A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. In 2009, was the first true freshman offensive player in UCLA history to start the season opener; started all 13 games at left tackle. Did not play the next two years while serving a two-year LDS mission in Alabama and Florida. Upon returning, started all 14 games at left guard in 2012. Started all 13 games in 2013, including seven at left guard, six at left tackle. Won the Morris Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding offensive lineman in the Pac-12, as voted on by the conference's defensive linemen. Was also voted the Bruins' offensive MVP. Team captain.

Analysis

Strengths

Quick out of his stance. Effective pass blocker -- can bend his knees, extend and mirror in short area. Generates movement in the run game. Can work his hips and maneuver to gain positioning. Good foot athlete. Can pull, trap, combo block and step to the second level. Durable three-year starter. Has played guard and tackle.

Weaknesses

Lacks ideal length. Missed two years of strength training while serving a LDS mission and has a bad body. Could stand to play with better pop and power in his hands. Bends at the waist, gets overextended and falls off blocks. Heavy-legged -- slow to shift his weight and adjust to stunts and quick inside moves. Gets beat across his face. Needs to play with better awareness -- gets short-circuited by complicated defensive movement. Struggled mightily at left tackle.
Draft Projection

Rounds 1-2

Bottom Line

Does not look the part and was miscast when forced to play left tackle for the Bruins, but Su'a-Filo is more effective than he is pretty. Projects best at left guard, where he has starter-caliber ability in a power scheme, though he is athletic enough to appeal to zone teams, too.

[RuthlessBurgher]

SoD PM'ed me the following write up yesterday to kick off round 2:

With the first selection of the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select:



Teddy Bridgewater.

Why: Earlier in the offseason, the Texans were considering this guy FIRSToverall selection of the draft. To have this much movement due to "non-football related, off-season" reasons is a blessing. We feel like we've just drafted the best 2 players in the entire draft, much like San Diego could have argued when they selected Tomlinson in the first and Brees in the second.

Analysis (per nfl.com)
Strengths: Terrific competitor. Extremely driven to succeed. Well-prepared and confident in his approach. Operated a progression-read offense where he is asked to scan the whole field and help steer protections. Footwork is very clean and in rhythm -- throws on balance with sound mechanics, a fluid delivery and smooth stroke. Very good timing, touch and anticipation — throws receivers open. Is patient working through his reads and will step up in the pocket. Sells play-action hard and takes what the defense gives him. Poised in the face of the blitz and often anticipates it coming. Is very mentally and physically tough — played through a broken left wrist with a sprained ankle in what was essentially the 2012 Big East championship game, coming off the bench to captain the Cardinals to a come-from-behind victory. Is a student of the game with a very good understanding of football concepts. Plays like a coach on the field, knows the responsibilities of everyone on the field and can get teammates lined up correctly. Makes few mental errors. Consistently moves the chains and comes through in the clutch. Is given a lot of autonomy to make pre-snap reads and adjustments at the line of scrimmage and understands how to exploit defenses. Meticulous in his preparation. Identifies with the game and really works at his craft. Smart, determined and focused. Showed gradual improvement every season. Is only 21 years old -- very mature for his age and can see the big picture. Football is extremely important to him. Highly respected, unselfish team leader. Rises to the occasion on big stages.

Weaknesses: Has a very lean, narrow frame with limited bulk and small hands. Does not drive the ball with velocity down the field and can be affected by cold and windy conditions (see Cincinnati). Can improve placement and touch on the deep ball. Adequate athlete. Is not an overly elusive scrambler -- struggles escaping the rush and buying a second chance with his feet vs. pressure. Passing stats are padded from operating a passing game that relies heavily on short, lateral tosses. Long-term durability could become a concern without continued strength and weight gains.

Bottom Line: A calculated, football-smart, precision-matchup rhythm passer, Bridgewater would be best suited entering a warm-weather or dome environment such as those most common in the South divisions. Would stand to benefit heavily from operating a short, dink-and-dunk rhythm passing game. Compensates for a lack of elite arm talent and prototype measureables with the intangibles and football intelligence that could elevate the other 52 players around him. Instinctive passer with the laser-beam determination to become a Pro Bowl-caliber passer in the right system.

[RuthlessBurgher]

When RGIII was healthy, Washington was good. When RGIII was not healthy, not so much. Therefore, they should put a premium on keeping RGIII healthy. Trent Williams is a solid LT, but they could really use a bookend tackle across from him. Tyler Polumbus is their current starter at RT, but he is basically an undrafted journeyman (2 years in Denver, 1.5 years in Seattle, 2.5 years in Washington), moreso than a guy you want to count on to protect your franchise QB as a full-time starter.



Washington selects Alabama OT Cyrus Kouandjio

Height 6'7", Weight 322 lbs., 35 5/8" Arm Length, 10 1/4" Hands



Overview

Started in 26 of 35 games played. 2013: First-team AP All-American and first-team All-SEC pick. Was also a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy. Helped open holes for eight 100-yard rushers during season. 2012: Started in all 14 games at left tackle. 2011: Played in eight games, but did not start. Suffered a torn ACL in the game against Tennessee. High school: Was No. 1 offensive lineman recruit according to Rivals. Misc.: Younger brother of 2010 Alabama recruit Arie Kouandjio.

Analysis

Strengths

Terrific size with long arms. Uses his length to push rushers wide -- day trip to run the arc on. Has the ability to drop anchor and stymie the bull rush. Can latch onto, control and maul his man. Can hook and seal or widen the hole in the running game. Flashes the ability to bury defenders. Will be a 21-year-old rookie and has clear potential -- is physically gifted with raw, moldable tools.

Weaknesses

Has heavy legs and lacks ideal foot quickness for blind-side protection. Footwork and hand use have to be coached up -- looks clumsy at times. Carries his hands low. Struggles to subdue counters and gets beat across his face -- limited lateral quickness and needs to strengthen power step and inside punch. Average contact balance -- too often bends at the waist and slides off blocks. Inconsistent clearing his feet through traffic and spends too much time on the ground. Labors to cut off fast-flowing linebackers and sustain on the second level. Could stand to develop more of a mean streak.

Bottom Line

Massive, long-limbed, inconsistent, overhyped college left tackle whose sheer dimensions, raw tools and high ceiling are far more appealing than his snap-to-snap performance at this stage of his development. Has enough length and anchor strength to survive on the left side, though he will never be a dancing bear, and he projects more ideally as a bulldozing right tackle in a power scheme.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Squidkid just PM'ed in his selection for Cleveland.



The Browns select:

Vanderbilt WR Jordan Matthews

Height 6'3", Weight 212 lbs., 33 1/4" Arm Length, 10 3/8" Hands




Overview

Cousin of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Receiver-defensive back who also played basketball as an Alabama prep. Played all 52 games of his career. As a true freshman in 2010, started 10-of-12 games and caught 15 balls for 181 yards (12.1-yard average) and four touchdowns. Started all 13 games and paced Commodore receivers each of the next three seasons -- produced 41-778-5 (19.0) in '11; 94-1,323-8 (14.1) in '12; and 112-1,477-7 (13.2) in '13. Rewrote the VU receiving records and owns SEC records for career receptions (262) and receiving yards (3,759). Team captain.

Analysis

Strengths

Good length. Big zone target. Good form as a route runner. Sinks his hips and pops out of breaks. Concentrates, tracks and adjusts. Soft hands and sticky fingers. Has leaping ability to compete in the air. Opens up his stride in the clear and shows nice long speed. Good field awareness. Gives effort as a blocker. Competes and plays with intensity. Tough and intelligent. Lined up outside and inside and has punt-return experience. Team captain and four-year starter with record-setting production.

Weaknesses

Could stand to bulk up his frame. Adequate line release. Fairly linear. Not a quick-twitch athlete. Does not show elite explosion to separate vertically. Lets some throws into his body and is not immune to concentration drops. Limited creativity and elusiveness after the catch. Can be moody and has some diva in him.

Draft Projection

Rounds 2-3

Bottom Line

Matthews is a tall, narrow-framed, West Coast possession receiver with soft hands, a professional approach and the versatility to line up inside or outside and become a solid No. 2 or No. 3. High-floor prospect.

[steelblood]

The Atlanta Falcons select……



Jimmie Ward, Safety, Northern Illinois.

Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan loves an aggressive defense that forces turnovers. Ward is an athletic, fluid, cover safety with very good ball skills. He should be able to step in for the departed Thomas Decoud and provide a seamless transition.

[steelblood]

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select

Dr. Alan Robinson, River Chase Animal Hospital, Coppell, Texas



Ooops. Strike that, he is my vet. What the card really says is…

The Bucs select Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State



Lovie Smith and the other coaches are busy giving a tour to Blake Bortles’ girlfriend. So, we have a press release from the team:

Alan Robinson is a perfect fit for Jeff Tedford’s complicated offensive scheme. Robinson is smart, savy, big, and talented. He wins most 50-50 balls and is a slippery, tough runner after the catch. He reads zones very well and has fantastic hands. We expect him to compete for a starting job across from Vincent Jackson.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Okay...Oakland has now been leapfrogged twice, so I will make a pick for them now. They got a WR in round 1 with Sammy Watkins. They could use reinforcements pretty much everywhere. Although they filled a lot of their holes in free agency, most of the signings were of players on the back nine of their careers, so young talented players can be injected pretty much everywhere. I'll go with a pure BPA pick here. They addressed the offense first, so I'll address the defense second.

The Oakland Raiders select:

Florida State DT Timmy Jernigan

[RuthlessBurgher]

Jacksonville's time has now elapsed, so Minnesota will go ahead and make their pick. They have a good young FS in Harrison Smith, but play at SS in recent seasons have left a lot to be desired. They will go a with a rising prospect who has shown that he can be a ball-hawking centerfielder who also is not afraid to lay the wood.

The Minnesota Vikings select:

Washington State SS Deone Bucannon



If Jacksonville does not show up within the next half hour, then Buffalo can leapfrog them a second time. Then I will make the Jacksonville pick when I return from lunch in an hour or so. The next 4 picks after that are mine, so I can make several picks after lunch leading up to the Steelers' 2nd round pick this afternoon.