Top Players of Each Conference: Conference-USA

The college football season is right around the corner. As the season approaches, I will be breaking down the best players of each conference. Each article a new conference will be unveiled and the order will be alphabetical. The players will be ranked 1-10 (1 being the best). Note: This is before the start of the 2012 season, therefore players may get hurt and some will get better or worse. This is simply analyzing the best players in each conference, not which players will get drafted the highest in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Conference-USA

1.Margus Hunt-Defensive End-Southern Methodist 
A 6 foot 7 inches and 295 pounds, Margus Hunt is the type of guy that gives quarterbacks nightmares.  All across the board this behemoth of an end is a winner; he has leadership qualities, has the ability to take over a game from the defensive side of the ball and he is a great guy to be around. In 2011, Hunt racked up 28 tackles, four blocked kicks and he also recorded three sacks in the BBVA Compass Bowl against Pittsburgh. Raw but strong and dominant, Hunt can: deflect passes, get to the QB, stop the run and can even be dominant in the special teams games, he will have a breakout season and could be will be the biggest force in the Conference-USA.

2.Aaron Dobson-Wide Receiver-Marshall
The Thundering Herd’s Aaron Dobson has the ability to get open and has a fantastic pair of hands. Most college football fans know Dobson by the ridiculous circus catch he made against ECU on November 26, 2011 (jumped over defender, mad a one-handed-back handed catch for a touchdown). Dobson doesn’t have elite size (6’3,  204 lbs.) or blazing speed but he is a consistently good route runner and he finds ways to create separation between him and the cornerbacks. In his junior season, Dobson caught 49 balls for 668 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming freshman QB Rakeem Cato’s favorite and most reliable target. Dobson is incredibly tough to defend, making him one of the biggest game changers in his conference.

3.David Piland-Quarterback-Houston
The Houston Cougars may have lost one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all-time in 2011 (Case Keenum), but they have yet another QB that can spin it stepping into the shadows. As a freshman, David Piland only played in the fourth quarter when Houston was embarrassing opponent but he still managed to throw for 2,641 yards in only 201 attempts. The Houston air-raid offense might be the reasons quarterbacks succeed so frequently but Piland is going to do damage in 2012. The baby-faced quarterback has a sidearm release but leads his receivers perfectly, look for Houston to run up the score on opponents again in 2012.

4.Zach Line-Running Back-Southern Methodist
Halfback Zach Line is a true warrior on the gridiron. No player in the country plays with more passion and no player is more eager to get to game day than this SMU Mustang. Line is a player who has battled through injuries but has still remained the biggest constant on the SMU roster. As the starting RB, Line has rushed for over 1,200 yards in each of the past two seasons (missed last three games in 2011 due to foot surgery). At 6’1, 230 Line looks to be more like an NFL fullback, but for now he will just bulldoze over opposing defenders from 8 yards deep in the backfield. Line has tremendous hands for a big guy and never gets tackles for a loss (5.9 yards per carry). Once SMU gets a lead, they just hand it off to Line and there is no chance for the other team to come back.

5.Rakeem Cato-Quarterback-Marshall
As a freshman, the spunky Marshall quarterback took matters into his own hands and started to turn the program around. While having a very thin WR corps (with the exception of Aaron Dobson), Cato found ways to put points on the board for the Thundering Herd.  When the Miami native takes the field, there is a certain swagger, an indescribable confidence that is shown; Cato feels like no one can beat him, and for a freshman, it looked like no one could. As an analytic viewer, Cato doesn’t have great mechanics and he doesn’t even read defenses all too well, but he finds ways to get the ball to his playmakers, whether it be Aaron Dobson, or, Tron Martinez. In 2011, Cato passed for 2,059 yards, 15 TD and 11 int. His most remarkable game was against Eastern Carolina where he threw for 371 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

6.Darius Johnson-Wide Receiver-Southern Methodist
5’10 isn’t an ideal height for a no. 1 wide receiver but there are always exceptions to the rules and Darius Johnson is just that. The SMU Mustang is a speedy receiver with big play potential and can break open a game at any moment. For example, on the second drive of the 2011 BBVA Compass Bowl, Johnson broke the game open by burning defenders and scoring on a 50-yard touchdown game. Another thing that makes the All Conference-USA receiver special is that he performs his best when the lights are brightest; in back-to-back bowl games Johnson has been the game’s MVP and lead his team to victory with a combined 16 catches for 272 yards and 3 touchdowns.

7.Charles Sims-Running Back-Houston
Yes the Houston Cougars throw the ball 90% of the time but that doesn’t mean running back Charles Sims doesn’t get any touches. In 2011, Sims got his hands on the ball 151 times and was close to reaching 1,500 all-purpose yards out of the backfield. With Case Keenum, Tyron Carrier and Patrick Edwards all graduating, Charles Sims will be one of the few veterans going into the 2012 season. With the ability to both rush the ball and catch out of the backfield, defenses have trouble matching up because you don’t want to lineup a safety over the HB but Sims has the ability to outrun linebackers.

8.Sam McGuffie-Running Back-Rice 
Although the master of the hurdle hasn’t gotten a ton of playing time at the college level (transfer from Michigan), I still feel confident in saying that he will be a game-changer for the Rice Owls.  McGuffie was a terrific running back in high school (Cy-Fair HS; Cypress, Texas), and he still has his explosiveness, which is needed at the college level. Yes the Owls have a sub-par offensive line but McGuffie can do damage as an all-purpose back if given the chance. Great hands, good moves, quick bursts of speed are all components of the senior running back’s game.

9.Dexter McCoil-Cornerback-Tulsa
The Tulsa Golden Hurricanes have one of the most intimidating cornerbacks in the country on atop their depth chart.  At a towering 6’4 and a solid 222, McCoil won’t be barreled over by any WR in the 2012 season. When you think of cornerback, you initially think of the diva of the defense and creating turnovers by intercepting the ball, but McCoil is an old school corner. In 2011, Mccoil had some outstanding individual games (11 tackles @ Oklahoma St., 9 tackles @ Boise St. and 2 interceptions + 9 tackles against BYU in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl). McCoil is very physical at the line of scrimmage and C-USA WR will have a hard time taking him deep.

10.Trent Mackey-Middle Linebacker-Tulane
Returning for his senior season, Trent Mackey has some more stats to rack up for the Tulane Green Wave. Mackey transferred from Duke after his freshman season and has started the last two seasons for Tulane. In 2011, Mackey started all 12 games and earned a spot on the All-Conference Defensive Team. Mackey is a special player because he gravitates to the football, last season, the Louisiana born backer tallied 145 tackles (96 solo) and had 14 tackles for loss while pouncing on 4 fumbles. Tulane is fortunate to have such a complete player on their defense, he is one of the most underrated linebackers in the country.

Just Missed:
Garrett Gilbert-Quarterback-Southern Methodist
Jamie Collins-Defensive End-Southern Miss.
Jeremy Grove-Linebacker-Eastern Carolina
Taylor Reed-Linebacker-Southern Methodist

Mock Draft Version 4.0 (Final)

1.Indianapolis Colts-QB-Andrew Luck-Stanford
The Colts just lost their franchise quarterback but are lined up to take another one. There are almost no flaws to Luck’s game; he makes all of the right choices, he’s the first one in the gym and last one out, he makes his teammates better and he is a class act. Luck will be the face of the franchise for a long time.

2.Washington Redskins (From STL)-QB-Robert Griffin III-Baylor
Griffin is why the Redskins traded up in the draft, he is deadly accurate when throwing the deep ball and he can make plays with his legs. Not only is a freak on the field, but, he has a high football I.Q., unlimited potential and is a great leader.

3.Minnesota Vikings-OT-Matt Kalil-USC
The Vikings have many needs (OL, DB & WR). Matt Kalil is the top left tackle in this class and he can be a cornerstone for the franchise’s offense. Kalil and RT Phil Loadholt would become great bookends and solidify that line in the pass game a well as run game. This year’s CB and WR classes are deep enough to assess those needs later, they must improve their line in the first round.

4.Cleveland Browns-RB-Trent Richardson-Alabama
The Browns need a play-maker badly. They lost Peyton Hillis and love to run the ball. Richardson is the best running back coming out since Adrian Peterson and is good in all areas of his game. He can run up the middle, run outside, block and catch; he is a can’t miss pick for the Browns.

5.Tampa Bay Buccaneers-CB Morris Claiborne-LSU
After going out and getting Carl Nicks and Vincent Jackson in free agency, the Bucs can focus their first round pick on defense. Morris Claiborne has fantastic ball skills, tremendous speed & can be left on an island. He is electrifying on defense and will be a part of a great corps with Aqib Talib and Eric Wright.

6.St. Louis Rams-WR-Justin Blackmon-Oklahoma St.
Coach Jeff Fisher loves to draft defensive lineman early as he showed in Tenn (6 first round picks on DL). The fact of the matter is that the Rams need to surround QB Sam Bradford with weapons. Blackmon can run any route and continues to make plays even after the catch.

7.Jacksonville Jaguars-CB-Stephon Gilmore-South Carolina
Gilmore has been quietly crawling up the draft boards and rightfully so. Gilmore is a complete corner who is great in both zone and man coverage, he can also tackle and create turnovers. I expect Jacksonville to trade out of this spot but if they are here, expect them to take Gilmore. He has drawn comparisons to Reshean Mathis and the Jags have 4 cornerbacks with expiring contracts this season.

8.Miami Dolphins-QB-Ryan Tannehill-Texas A&M
Although I don’t think it is the right move I think the Dolphins select Ryan Tannehill. Miami’s new OC, Mike Sherman, coached Tannehill at Texas A&M and he is pushing for him. The ideal situation will be for Tannehill to sit a year but the Dolphins might not be that patient. Tannehill is a project to say the least, but he has the tools to become a gem in the NFL.

9.Carolina Panthers-DE-Quinton Coples-North Carolina
Years ago the Panthers had a guy named Julius Peppers and he was the anchor to that defense. Carolina is desperate for a pass-rusher and Coples has all the talent in the world. Expect the Panthers to take a hard look at Kuechly, but I still feel Coples will hear his name called at number nine.

10.Buffalo Bills-OT-Riley Reiff-Iowa
The Bills need to find a guy that could potentially take the place of LT Demetress Bell whom they had lost in free agency. If both corner backs are off the board Reiff looks to be the pick. He is great with his hands and stands up defenders.

11.Kansas City Chiefs-OG-David DeCastro-Stanford
VP Scott Pioli has been high on DeCastro all year long. DeCastro is arguably the second best lineman in the draft. He can pass block and run block extremely well and he started a ton of games at Stanford.

12.Seattle Seahawks-ILB-Luke Kuechly-Boston College
After losing David Hawthorne, Seattle is looking for a new middle linebacker. They could reach on a pass rusher hear but if Kuechly is on the board they will consider it a steal. Kuechly is a tackling machine and has a great understanding of the game. He is one of those players that is always in the right place at the right time and he can become the leader of the Seahawks defense.

13.Arizona Cardinals-WR-Michael Floyd-Notre Dame
Michael Floyd is a gifted WR that will take some of the pressure off of Larry Fitzgerald. Arizona needs another option at WR and Floyd would be a huge upgrade. He is a great route-runner and has soft hands. Larry Fitzgerald has come out and said he wants Floyd draft so consider this one a lock.

14.Dallas Cowboys-SS-Mark Barron-Alabama
Safety is the top priority for the Cowboys going into the draft and Barron can become the top safety in the NFL. Finding a guy that is hard-hitting and cover is very rare. The Cowboys have publicly fallen in love with Barron and expect to make him the next Dallas star.

15. Philadelphia Eagles-DT-Fletcher Cox-Mississippi St.
Scheme is not a concern when talking about drafting Fletcher Cox. He can fit in both 4-3 and 3-4 and play all positions along the defensive line. Cox is explosive off the line and can burst through the protection to make plays in the backfield.

16.New York Jets-DE/OLB-Melvin Ingram-South Carolina
Rex Ryan wants a premier pass-rusher and Ingram would be a great fit at OLB in Jets defense. Ingram is not the most physically gifted but he can shed blockers and will provide immediate pass-rush help.

17.Cincinnati Bengals (From Oakland)-OL-Cordy Glenn-Georgia
Glenn is a guy that can fill a bunch of holes along the offensive line. He was a guard at Georgia but is big and strong enough to become a tackle and can become a force on the interior.

18.San Diego Chargers-OLB-Chandler Jones-Syracuse
Despite being raw, Jones is a long and unique pass-rusher. He can play both defensive end and outside backer which the Chargers could use to their advantage. Jones is tough to block because of his wingspan and could be a terror in the AFC West.

19.Chicago Bears-DE/OLB-Whitney Mercilus-Illinois
Love Smith and the Chicago front office have been adamant that they will be taking defense. Mercilus is the type of players that the Bears like and he could start out as a rotational end, spelling Idonje and Peppers. Mercilus is a bull rusher and has length, DC Rod Marinelli could work wonders with him.

20.Tennessee Titans-CB-Dre Kirkpatrick-Alabama
The Titans lost Cortland Finnegan who was a huge part of that defense. Dre Kirkpatrick has a low bust possibility and plays like a veteran. He is a huge corner at 6’2 and can tackle very well for a cornerback.

21.Cincinnati Bengals-WR-Kendall Wright-Baylor
The Bengals have already gone out and gotten a lineman, now the key is to add more weapons for Andy Dalton. A.J. Green had a tremendous rookie season and Jordan Shipley will be back in the early season but they lost Jerome Simpson. Wright is the ideal slot receiver who can help in the return game and has big play potential.

22.Cleveland Browns (From Atlanta)-OT-Jonathan Martin-Stanford
The Browns desperately need a right tackle and Martin can be the guy that fills a need. He is big, long and powerful; Joe Thomas would be a great mentor for Martin. They already drafted their running back, now they need to bolster up their line for him.

23.Detroit Lions–OLB/DE-Courtney Upshaw-Alabama
The Lions are a team that draft the best player available. With the 23^rd pick they kill two birds with one stone; they get the best player available and they fill a huge need in getting a pass-rusher. Upshaw can get to the QB and can disrupt the run game, he is a great player to have.

24.Pittsburgh Steelers-NT/DT-Dontari Poe-Memphis
Dontari Poe is a wild card in this year’s draft. He was a workout warrior at the combine and his pro-day but when you go back to the film does not show the same ability consistently. Poe is both quick and strong at 345 pounds but needs to show consistency; he will learn under Casey Hampton and eventually take over.

25.Denver Broncos-DT-Michael Brockers-LSU
Denver’s biggest need is a DT. Brockers is young but has an outstanding skill set. He was the anchor to that LSU defense and he busted through double teams a lot of the time. Brockers uses his strength as well as his active hands to shed blockers and he will only keep getting better.

26.Houston Texans-WR-Rueben Randle-LSU
The Texans are very thin at the WR position other than All-Pro wide-out Andre Johnson. Rueben Randle will sneak into the first round because of his skill set and he is a quiet player off the field. Randle is an extraordinary route-runner and at 6’3 212 he is dominant in the blocking game for a WR.

27.New England Patriots-DE/OLB-Shea McClellin-Boise State
Shea McClellin was one of the most efficient pass rushers in the nation last year. He is a versatile player that can get to the quarterback in more ways than one. The Patriots lacked a good consistent pass rush and Mcclellin will bring both intensity and the ability to play different position which Belichick loves.

28.Green Bay Packers-DE/OLB-Nick Perry-USC
The Packers are another team that are in dire need of a guy to generate pass rush. Clay Mathews was double-teamed virtually all of last season and without him Green Bay couldn’t get to the quarterback. Nick Perry is a hybrid (can play DE/OLB) that is still raw but is physically gifted and has a great combination of speed and power. He has potential to be one of the most rewarded players in the draft.

29.Baltimore Ravens-OG-Amini Silatolu-Midwestern State
Silatolu is a player that dominated at Midwestern State. He is a huge guard with freakish strength. The Ravens are trying to get younger and they need a guard. This is a win-win scenario.

30.San Francisco 49ers-TE-Coby Fleener-Stanford
Back at Stanford (where Harbaugh) coached, he loved to use sets that included multiple tight ends. Back in that Stanford offense Coby Fleener was a key cog in the offensive machine. Vernon Davis is still the guy in SF but Fleener is very versatile and has great receiving talent.

31.New England Patriots-ILB-Dont’a Hightower-Alabama
For this pick Bill Belichick will be utilizing his Alabama connections and getting quite the player in Hightower. The Patriot use a bunch of different defensive formations but they love the 4-3. Hightower would pair up with Spikes nicely and they would be able to leave Mayo at OLB. Hightower needs to improve his pass defense but he will blossom into a great pro.

32.New York Giants-OT-Mike Adams-Ohio St.
The Giants would love for Coby Fleener to fall to them but it is unlikely. With the last pick of the first round they will increase the offensive line with Mike Adams. Adams has all of the natural tools and was on a very good line at OSU.

Round 2

33.St. Louis Rams-DT-Jerel Worthy-Michigan St.
-Worthy is a big DT that fits the defense Jeff Fisher wants to run. The Rams need guys that will perform immediately.

34.Indianapolis Colts-C-Peter Konz-Wisconsin
-Luck is the new Manning and Konz is the new Saturday. The Colts have needs at a bunch of positions but they need to protect their QB first.

35.Minnesota Vikings-S-Harrison Smith-Notre Dame
-Harrison Smith will go early because of the lack of safeties. Vikings need a center fielder that can create turnovers and lead a defense.

36.Tampa Bay Buccaneers-RB-Doug Martin-Boise State
-A running back that can do it all. Tampa Bay loves the play action and Martin is excellent at both blocking and receiving. A great compliment for Blount.

37.Cleveland Browns-WR-Alshon Jeffery-South Carolina
-Has potential to be the best WR in the draft with his given skill set. Cleveland needs a big receiver that can go up and get it. This would be a steal.

38.Jacksonville Jaguars-DT-Kendall Reyes-Connecticut
-Terrance Knighton is entering a contract year and will most likely miss the season due to eye surgery. Kendall Reyes has versatility and great upside.

39.St. Louis Rams (From Washington)-RB-Lamar Miller-Miami
-Jeff Fisher loves running backs and Lamar Miller is a speedster with the ability to catch the ball. Opens windows for the Rams offense.

40.Carolina Panthers-CB-Janoris Jenkins-Northern Alabama
-With all baggage aside, Jenkins is a top 10 talent in this draft. The Panthers will take a chance on him because they desperately need a CB.

41.Buffalo Bills-WR-Stephen Hill-Georgia Tech
-The Bills need a guy to lineup opposite of Stevie Johnson. Hill is a developing WR who can flat out fly.

42.Miami Dolphins-DE-Andre Branch-Clemson
-Miami is moving to a 4-3 defense. Branch is a powerful end that can stop the run as well as sack the QB.

43.Seattle Seahawks-DE/OLB-Vinny Curry-Marshall
-Seahawks need pass rushers and Curry provides versatility. Pete Carroll will have fun coaching him up.

44.Kansas City Chiefs-NT/DT-Devon Still-Penn St.
-Kelly Gregg is 35 and Devon Still is a first round talent. There are not many true nose tackles in this draft but Still is a guy that has unique talent.

45.Dallas Cowboys-Kevin Zeitler-Wisconsin
-Zeitler is a steal this late in the draft. Dallas signed two guards in the off-season but Zeitler is still an upgrade.

46.Philadelphia Eagles-OLB-Lavonte David-Nebraska
-As of right now it looks like the Eagles swung and missed on Casey Matthews. They are still thin at the linebacker position. David is undersized but wreaks havoc.

47.New York Jets-OT-Bobby Massie-Mississippi
-The Jets aren’t confident in Vladimir Ducasse and the RT position is a question mark. Bobby Massie is massive and can stop pass-rushers at will.

48.New England (From Oakland)-CB-Trumaine Johnson-Montana
-The Patriots love this guy. They usually have success when they get smaller school players. Trumaine Johnson was lights out at Montana and will develop nicely under the Pats.

49.San Diego Chargers-OG-Brandon Washington-Miami
-The Chargers have had bad luck recently with lineman through injury and failure. Washington is a guy who played a ton of snaps at Miami while committing few penalties.

50.Chicago Bears-DT-Derek Wolfe-Cincinnati
-Can’t say enough that the Bears love defense. Wolfe is a 4-3 DT that fits their style of play and can thrive on that team.

51.Philadelphia Eagles (From Cardinals)-TE-Dwayne Allen-Clemson
-Philly could take a running back at this spot but Allen would be hard for them to pass up. Helps out the pass game and run game, makes sense with no backup TE.

52.Tennessee Titans-DE-Tyrone Crawford-Boise St.
-They brought in Kameron Wimbley but still need to get to the quarterback, Crawford has been quiet in draft talks but he is a very sound player.

53.Cincinnati Bengals-S-Brandon Taylor-LSU
-The release of Chris Crocker leaves a huge hole at safety. Taylor is a men safety who was on an elite defense.

54.Detroit Lions-CB-Josh Robinson-UCF
-Robinson can fly and is ready to start in the NFL right now. Fluent hips and great ball skills.

55.Atlanta Falcons-OT-Jeff Allen-Illinois
-Atlanta needs lineman that won’t step on Matt Ryan’s feet. Allen is a big tackle that stays square and has great extension.

56.Pittsburgh Steelers-OT-Kelechi Osemele-Iowa St.
-Osemele is raw but versatile. Will most likely develop into a starting tackle but can fill in for empty spots right now on the stealers.

57.Denver Broncos-RB-LaMichael James-Oregon
-Many people forget how much Peyton Manning uses their running backs. Knowshon Moreno is a bust and McGahee is old. James improves pass game and special teams.

58.Houston Texans-DT-Mike Martin-Michigan
-Ever since they drafted Mario Williams the Texans have been all about building a defense. They try to finish that this year with drafting a bull-rushing DT in Martin.

Saints Forfeit

59.Green Bay Packers-RB-David Wilson-Virginia Tech
-David Wilson can run between the tackles and catch exceptionally well. Wilson could have been a first rounder if he didn’t fumble at VT. He will be a great replacement for Ryan Grant.

60.Baltimore Ravens-OLB-Bobby Wagner-Utah St.
-Once again, trying to get younger. Wagner has been under-the-radar but is a bright spot in this class. Hard-hitting, smart and he is a playmaker.

61.San Francisco 49ers-C-Ben Jones-Georgia
-Ben Jones is a mashing center that plays to the style of the 49ers. He will improve the run game even more.

62.New England Patriots-OG-Brandon Brooks-Miami (OH)
-The Patriots line has been aging and injury prone for quite some time. Belichick will never say no to drafting a lineman. This is similar to their Sebastian Volmer pick a few years back. Brooks will learn under Waters.

63.New York Giants-RB-Chris Polk-Washington
-Polk is a sleeper in this draft; he has all of the tools and intangibles. He is great in play action and isn’t afraid to run between the tackles. Extremely shifty and quick with cuts.

Round 3

64.Colts-CB-Jamell Fleming-Oklahoma
-As much as Indy needs offense they need to asses the back seven on defense. Fleming is a great tackler and can help in the run game as well as the pass.

65.Rams-OLB-Zach Brown-North Carolina
-Brown can rush the passer and also has the ability to cover in the zone. All around great skill-set.

66.Vikings-WR-Mohamed Sanu-Rutgers
-Now they start getting weapons for Ponder. Sanu is a possession receiver that is hard to bring down.

67.Browns-QB-Brandon Weeden-Oklahoma St.
-Weeden is NFL ready and will bring great QB competition to Cleveland. They need an answer if Colt McCoy isn’t able to perform.

68.Buccaneers-ILB-James Michael-Johnson-Nevada
-Last year the Buc took Mason Foster in this round but James Michael-Johnson increases depth and is more fundamentally sound. Great tackler and he will learn the NFL quickly.

69.Redskins-OG-James Brown-Troy
-Depth is needed on the offensive line. James Brown has not been talked about much but Washington loves big offensive lineman who will need some time to develop.

70.Jaguars-WR-Brian Quick-Appalachian St.
-Brian Quick falling this far may be a dream come true for the Jaguars. Quick is 6’4 with strong hands and is fantastic after the catch. Surround Gabbert with as many weapons as possible.

71.Bills-QB-Brock Osweiler-Arizona St.
-Probably won’t start for 2-3 years but fits the Chan Gailey offense. Osweiler is crazy athletic at 6’7 and throws darts. He has the most upside in this year’s draft.

72.Dolphins-WR-Juron Criner-Arizona
-Losing Brandon Marshall plays a big part in the middle rounds for the Dolphins. They need a receiver that can turn into a #1 guy. Criner is 6’3 and has big-lay potential.

73.Dolphins (From Chi)-TE-Ladarius Green-Lousiana-Lafayette
-Anthony Fasano is an underrated tight end but many teams are beginning to use two TE’s. Green is a “new era” tight end as I like to call them; very fast, soft hands and big.

74.Chiefs-ILB-Mychal Kendricks-California
-Derrick Johnson isn’t getting any younger. Mychal Kendricks could start immediately as the guy on the side of Johnson.

Ron Brooks is a vicious defender and a pure playmaker.

75.Seahawks-RB-Isaiah Pead-Cincinatti
-The Seahawks need another RB that provides versatility, mostly receiving. Pead is small but holds his own and he has a nose for the end zone.

76.Texans-CB-Ron Brooks-LSU
-The best-kept secret in this year’s draft. He was overshadowed by Claiborne but is a big-time player. Hard-hitting corner that will become a number 1 in the future.

77.Jets-WR-Marvin McNutt-Iowa
-The Jets have turned into a passing offense, however, they need more weapons. McNutt is a tall receiver that can make all of the catches and improve the offense.

78.Chargers-TE-Michael Egnew-Missouri
-With Anontio Gates health being questionable week-in and week-out, Egnew is a safe pick here. He has the best hands out of all the tight ends and could be a part of a deadly combo when Gates plays.

79.Bears-S-George Iolka-Boise St.
-Still drafting defense. Iolka is a safety that can ball-hawk as well as step up in the run game. The Bears need a safety.

80.Cardinals-OLB-Bruce Irvin-West Virgnia
-Irvin is solely a blitzer but that does not hurt his draft stock. When he lines up he locks on to the QB and never loses sight. Arizona failed to get to the QB last year.

81.Cowboys-WR-Ryan Broyles-Alabama
-After seeing the production out of their 3^rd WR last year (Laurent Robinson-Jax) they now look to get another WR. Broyles is your prototypical slot guy that can make defenders miss and he can stretch the field.

82.Titans-WR-A.J. Jenkins-Illinois
-Last year the Titans realized how much they relied on Kenny Britt. Jenkins is a guy that could play the #2 spot, leaving Nate Washington in the slot. He has big hands and creates separation.

83.Bengals-CB-Dwight Bentley-Louisiana-Lafayette
-Bentley is a burner. The Bengals went out and got Terrance Newman in the off-season but they still need to get younger and deeper. Bentler can cover the slot right away.

84.Falcons-OLB-Ronell Lewis-Oklahoma
– The Falcons need a pass rusher, especially when you are facing Newton, Brees and Freeman 2 times each season. Lewis is a powerful backer who can dismantle a QB when he gets there.

85.Lions-OT-Donald Stephenson-Oklahoma
-Jeff Backus is going to retire soon and this is their primary need in the third round. Stephenson is a disciplined tackle who will become a starter for a long time.

86.Steelers-ILB-Vontaze Burfict-Arizona St.
-This is my surprise pick of the draft. At the start of the mock draft season, Burfict was being looked at as a first round pick. Then it looked like he wouldn’t even get drafted because of anger issues and personality. I feel this is a great project for Mike Tomlin; he will set Burfict straight.

87.Broncos-QB-Kirk Cousins-Michigan St.
-The Broncos need to find a guy that can learn under Manning. Cousins is a natural winner who has a great work ethic. Great things can come from this.

88.Eagles-S-Antonio Allen-South Carolina
-The Eagles need to get some kind of production from the safety strong safety position. Nate Allen has been terrific at free safety but now they finish off the back seven with this draft pick.

89.Saints-CB-Casey Hayward-Vanderbilt
-Similar play style to Tracy Porter (who they lost). Hayward can press extremely well and is great at jumping routes.

90.Packers-OG-Senio Kelemete-Washington
-Senio Kelemete looks like a Packer player when you first take a gander, much like Bulaga did two years ago. He fills a need and will provide versatility for a banged up line.

91.Ravens-RB-Robert Turbin-Utah St.
-In my opinion he is the biggest sleeper of the draft and can be an elite back. The Ravens lost Ricky Williams (retirement) and need a downhill runner to match-up with Rice. Turbin is all that and a bag of chips.

92.49ers-DL-Jared Crick-Nebraska
-Jared Crick is a brute on the defensive line and can collapse the pocket. He is all strength and no finesse. Not only is he the best player available but he could be the second coming of Justin Smith.

93.Patriots-FS-Markelle Martin-Oklahoma St.
-I don’t think the Patriot will end up moving Devin McCourty to free safety, leaving this position as a need. Markelle Martin is a center fielder and is a very coachable player.

94.Giants-TE-Orson Charles-Georgia
-Perhaps the most gifted TE in this draft. Charles is a fantastic blocker, shows great speed/acceleration and can catch the ball. The Giants need a tight end; as of right now they have Ballard and Beckum who are out for season already and an unproven Martellus Bennett.

95.Raiders (Compensatory)-OT-Zebrie Sanders-Florida St.
-The Raiders have a lot of holes in their depth chart and don’t help their cause with not having a pick till the third round. Zebrie Sanders is a huge tackle who is strong like an ox. He has some minor concerns like motor, but he is a great value at 95.

On the Verge of Sliding into Top Three Rounds

CB-Jayron Hosley-Virginia Tech
NT-Alameda Ta’amu-Washington
OLB-Jonathan Massaquoi-Troy
CB-Micah Pellerin-Hampton
WR-Tommy Streeter-Miami
QB-Nick Foles-Arizona