When we roll out typical mock drafts, you’re not getting our opinion on a player, or what a team should do. No, you’re getting a projection of what we think a team could do in each position. This will be different. In this case, you’ll get a better glimpse of how we value players, and you’ll get a very clear glimpse of what we would do if we had the chance to make the picks.
And we’re going to make 100 picks – 50 for each of us – taking you through three full rounds. The rules:
1. We rotate picks: Todd has odds, Mel has evens, and picks are made for each slot through Round 3. 2. These are our picks: Each selection reflects our call, not what we think teams want. 3. It’s about the board: The analysis is less a scouting report, and more about why the pick was made.
Now that you know the rules, let’s get to the action …
First round
1. Houston Texans
Todd McShay’s pick: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Analysis: No surprise here. Clowney is the No. 1 prospect on my board, a once-in-a-decade type of natural talent, and the right choice at the top of the draft. We’ll try to get our quarterback at No. 33.
2. St. Louis Rams (from WAS)
Mel Kiper’s pick: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
Analysis: I’m interested in Greg Robinson here, but if the top tackle in the draft has one area where he can struggle early, it’s going to be in pass protection, so I go with a greater assurance of impact. Watkins can be special – and soon.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
McShay’s pick: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
Analysis: We need a quarterback, but Mack is one of the four elite players in this draft class, and we think he’s long enough to play the “Leo” role (hybrid DE/OLB) in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme, but if not, we can move him to linebacker. Regardless, he’s an every-down impact defender.
4. Cleveland Browns
Kiper’s pick: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Analysis: I have five of the first 83 picks in this draft, seven in the first four rounds. I’m going to add talent, so I’m willing to place a big bet on a player with the potential to change the face of my franchise. And I do so knowing he doesn’t have to start immediately.
5. Oakland Raiders
McShay’s pick: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
Analysis: Killed it with this pick. Got my second-ranked prospect at No. 5, and he plays a need position. Raiders fans should be happy with this one. Robinson has the potential to develop into an elite left tackle.
6. Atlanta Falcons
Kiper’s pick: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Analysis: If I’m Atlanta, I’d like at least one tackle out of this draft, and in drafting for them I’m going with Lewan, a top-5 talent in this draft and a nasty run-blocker even with the great length and athleticism you want in a left tackle.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McShay’s pick: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Analysis: I know that Aaron Donald is in play here, but I love this pick. Evans is the second-ranked wide receiver on my board after Sammy Watkins, and we are in need of a wide receiver to play opposite Vincent Jackson.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Kiper’s pick: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF
Analysis: It’s simply not a good value spot for me to target cornerback, safety or linebacker – all need areas – and I can’t move down in this situation. So I go after need No. 1 and target a high-ceiling QB who I don’t have to ask to start in Week 1.
9. Buffalo Bills
McShay’s pick: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Analysis: I have Kiper to thank for this one, as he passed on Matthews to take Taylor Lewan at No. 6, and I’ve got Matthews ranked higher on my board (No. 5 overall). I’m sprinting to the podium. I needed to get the Bills a right tackle, and Matthews was effective on both the right and the left in college. He’s a plug-and-play starter.
10. Detroit Lions
Kiper’s pick: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
Analysis: I want impact, but I’m a little concerned with developmental learning curve and value of taking a CB here. It’s also a little too high to take one of the safeties. And while I’ve added Golden Tate, if Calvin Johnson is out, this offense could stall. I’m targeting this potential star to round out my WR depth.
11. Tennessee Titans
McShay’s pick: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Analysis: This is the first pick I’ve made so far that I’m not thrilled with, only in the sense that I have Dennard rated a little lower than this on my board. But the bottom line is that Dennard is a really good football player, and I needed to get Tennessee a cornerback at some point.
12. New York Giants
Kiper’s pick: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Analysis: Getting a disruptive force on the D-line here is important, given the state of the depth chart up front. I considered Eric Ebron here, but I can’t pass on Donald.
13. St. Louis Rams
McShay’s pick: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame
Analysis: With Sammy Watkins going No. 2 overall, we can take Martin here and plug him in at right tackle, filling another big need on offense. He’ll help in pass protection but also make us more physical in the run game. Watkins as a perimeter weapon, plus Martin to solidify the offensive line – that’s not a bad first-round draft haul.
14. Chicago Bears
Kiper’s pick: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
Analysis: I know Todd thinks I’m making a mistake here, but Pryor is the best safety in the draft, and it’s been a problem position for way too long. This is a little too early for the next best CB on my board, too.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
McShay’s pick: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Analysis: After Kiper reaches to take Pryor for the Bears, I get to select the 11th-ranked player on my board at No. 15. Ebron will give Ben Roethlisberger a big-time weapon in the passing game.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Kiper’s pick: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
Analysis: Adding help on the defensive line is a big priority, but I just don’t see the value here with Donald off the board. Adding a big addition in coverage at a position of need makes sense.
17. Baltimore Ravens
McShay’s pick: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Analysis: We’d love to get Zack Martin at this spot, but he’s gone. Same goes for Eric Ebron and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, but they’re also gone. But I really like Moses, as he’s the No. 14 player on my board, and he fills a need for Baltimore.
18. New York Jets
Kiper’s pick: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Analysis: Feeling pretty good about getting Cooks here – even sweeter after Todd reached on a tackle right the pick before. Cooks is every bit the athlete of top WR pick from last draft Tavon Austin, and he provides this offense with an explosive new tool.
19. Miami Dolphins
McShay’s pick: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Analysis: It’s hard not to draft an offensive lineman here, but I just can’t justify taking any of the O-linemen currently available. Gilbert also fills a need and will bring playmaking ability to the defense, and I have him ranked No. 18 on my board, so he’s a solid value.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Kiper’s pick: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Analysis: Carson Palmer turns 35 this season, and I’ve addressed the offensive line in free agency and will get my No. 1 pick from last year back. I like the state of the roster, so I’ll draft a potential No. 1 who could use a year to learn behind Palmer.
21. Green Bay Packers
McShay’s pick: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Analysis: We could use an upgrade at the inside linebacker spot, and Mosley is the 12th-best player on my board available at No. 21. He is a relentless, tough playmaker.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Kiper’s pick: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
Analysis: He ran a 4.46 at 6-foot-3 and 210-plus pounds, caught 262 passes in the SEC and couldn’t be kept covered when everyone in the stadium knew Vanderbilt wanted to get him the ball. With uncertainty at WR, I’m looking for an immediate contributor.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
McShay’s pick: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
Analysis: I was really surprised to see Kiper take Matthews at No. 22, as he’s the 56th-ranked player on my board, but I’m grateful that he left me Lee for this pick. Wide receiver is a clear need area, and Lee is the best one available at this spot.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Kiper’s pick: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Analysis: My cornerbacks are showing their age – Terence Newman, Adam Jones and Leon Hall aren’t young – and Fuller isn’t a reach here. He has a chance to be really good.
25. San Diego Chargers
McShay’s pick: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Analysis: Kiper made a great pick with Fuller, which makes for a tougher call here, but cornerback is a need position, and Verrett is just a good player. He plays bigger than his size and can stick to guys in coverage.
26. Cleveland Browns (from IND)
Kiper’s pick: Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina
Analysis: The offense in Cleveland was plagued by the lack of a reliable second WR target behind Josh Gordon last season. Ellington is underrated. He’ll create space, make catches and create yardage after the catch.
27. New Orleans Saints
McShay’s pick: Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana
Analysis: There was high-fiving in our draft room after Kiper took Bruce Ellington at No. 26, leaving us with Latimer (No. 32 in my rankings, compared with Ellington’s No. 62). Kiper just keeps kicking good players down the board.
28. Carolina Panthers
Kiper’s pick: Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
Analysis: I need a tackle, depth in the secondary and major help at WR. There just isn’t enough value here at CB or OT, so I’m locking down a potent pass-catcher to help Cam Newton.
29. New England Patriots
McShay’s pick: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Analysis: This is a tough one, in part because there are lots of good players available after Kiper’s run on wide receivers (six in the first round, including four of his last six selections). Hageman is my choice, though, as he brings an excellent combination of size and athleticism. He’ll have time to develop, and we know how to coach up D-linemen.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Kiper’s pick: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Analysis: Barr has dropped a little on my board, but you can’t ignore 23.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for loss in two years from a guy still learning on defense. Not when you need insurance for Aldon Smith.
31. Denver Broncos
McShay’s pick: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State
Analysis: This isn’t the most logical fit, but we couldn’t let Shazier get past us here. He’s No. 23 on my board and just a really good football player. After calling in this pick, we’ll go talk to the coaching staff about possibly moving Danny Trevathan inside so that we can play him and Shazier together.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Kiper’s pick: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
Analysis: The Seahawks won a Super Bowl as much with great rotational depth on the D-line as they did with the Legion of Boom. A versatile talent of this caliber at No. 32? Easy call.
Second round
33. Houston Texans
McShay’s pick: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Analysis: After taking both Bridgewater and Clowney for the Texans, we can probably take the rest of the draft off. That’s a great haul right there – the No. 1 overall prospect and No. 3 quarterback on my board.
34. Washington Redskins
Kiper’s pick: Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
Analysis: I don’t pick until No. 34, but I still walk away with an immediate starter at a need position, and a guy who helps clean up a tackling problem that killed the defense last year? Sure.
35. Cleveland Browns
McShay’s pick: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Analysis: Kiper took a quarterback (Johnny Manziel) and receiver (Bruce Ellington) for Cleveland in the first round, so I’ll take the opportunity to fill another need by grabbing Roby, a guy with impressive physical tools.
36. Oakland Raiders
Kiper’s pick: Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU
Analysis: There are a few guys I like at this spot, but Van Noy fits my “add really good football players” mantra in picking for the Raiders. He’s versatile and will both rush and cover.
37. Atlanta Falcons
McShay’s pick: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri
Analysis: Ealy will bring versatility and pass-rushing ability to the defensive front, now that offensive tackle has been addressed in Round 1.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kiper’s pick: Joel Bitonio, OT/G, Nevada
Analysis: Guard is a big need, and I get a really good tackle who could be fantastic at guard. He’s a killer in the run game, and my head coach wants to run the ball. Have to love the improvement to my offensive personnel after two rounds.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars
McShay’s pick: Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh
Analysis: Savage is the fourth-ranked QB in my board, and with Mack being our choice at No. 3, this is a good spot to try to land a quarterback whom we can hopefully develop into a starter.
40. Minnesota Vikings
Kiper’s pick: Lamarcus Joyner, CB/S, Florida State
Analysis: I could use a cornerback here, as well as a player with an in-the-box safety’s ability (and willingness) to attack the line of scrimmage. Joyner is both. I’d actually consider a top RB here, because of a lack of depth (of any kind) beyond Adrian Peterson, but Joyner is a good get.
41. Buffalo Bills
McShay’s pick: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Analysis: We gave second-year QB EJ Manuel some added pass protection with the No. 9 overall pick (Jake Matthews), and now we’re giving him a big, playmaking weapon in his former college teammate Benjamin.
42. Tennessee Titans
Kiper’s pick: Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
Analysis: Shonn Greene, Jackie Battle … Hmm, I’m thinking my RB depth chart could use an upgrade. The best one in the draft could help, and hopefully also make life a little easier for my quarterback. Rarely is RB a serious need, but I think it qualifies here.
43. New York Giants
McShay’s pick: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington
Analysis: Tight end is a top need for the Giants, and Kiper went defense for them at No. 12 overall with Aaron Donald. Seferian-Jenkins is my second-ranked TE prospect in this draft, and he has good size and the ability to stretch the seam.
44. St. Louis Rams
Kiper’s pick: Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Analysis: I can see Todd nodding his head in admiration. I have a huge need at free safety and get maybe the best pure cover safety in the draft at No. 44? Sometimes it’s too easy.
45. Detroit Lions
McShay’s pick: Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech
Analysis: This is a tough one, because while we need help in the secondary, the available options aren’t ideal in terms of value and/or scheme fit. So instead we’ll add another pass-rusher in Attaochu.
46. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kiper’s pick: Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
Analysis: Roll the tape and you won’t care if Landry runs a 4.3 or a 5.3. I know this looks odd after Todd went with Ebron in Round 1, but I need another wide receiver, and CB (a need) at this slot is a value issue, especially with system fit in mind. I consider a prominent nose tackle option, but pass.
47. Dallas Cowboys
McShay’s pick: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
Analysis: This is a steal. Jernigan is a top-25 prospect who fills a need and is a great fit for our defense – and we’re getting him at No. 47 overall. Between Kiper’s pick of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at No. 16 and Jernigan here, the Cowboys are getting two very good defensive players.
48. Baltimore Ravens
Kiper’s pick: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State
Analysis: I need another safety to pair with Matt Elam, and I have major questions about what kind of early impact I’ll get if I pass on Bucannon here and someone else gets him. It could be 25-30 picks before the next safety is taken.
49. New York Jets
McShay’s pick: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
Analysis: Kiper took a wide receiver for the Jets at No. 18 in Brandin Cooks, and we’ll add another weapon in Amaro, who doesn’t have elite speed but is a big target (6-5, 265 pounds) in the passing game.
50. Miami Dolphins
Kiper’s pick: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
Analysis: The value at offensive tackle simply wasn’t there in Round 1 at No. 19, but to get Kouandjio this late is hard to pass up, given the need. This is a player we really thought could be a top-10 pick 10 months ago, and he is still only 20. If he’s healthy, he’s could be a major steal.
51. Chicago Bears
McShay’s pick: Stan Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska
Analysis: We need to get younger at the cornerback position, and Jean-Baptiste provides very good size and length (6-3, 218 with long arms and good leaping ability).
52. Arizona Cardinals
Kiper’s pick: Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn
Analysis: Adding a pass-rusher is important, and getting Ford at this slot to take some pressure off John Abraham feels like stealing. I’m actually surprised McShay didn’t take Ford at either 45 or 49.
53. Green Bay Packers
McShay’s pick: Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame
Analysis: This is a value pick, as Nix merits late first-round consideration. Between first-rounder C.J. Mosley and Nix, we’ve now drafted the No. 12 and No. 30 players on my board, respectively, at No. 21 and No. 53.
54. Philadelphia Eagles
Kiper’s pick: Demarcus Lawrence, OLB, Boise State
Analysis: Trent Cole turns 32 this season, and there just isn’t enough speed off the edge anywhere to be found if he’s not healthy. Lawrence can develop into a solid pass-rusher.
55. Cincinnati Bengals
McShay’s pick: Marcus Martin, C, USC
Analysis: Cincinnati addressed its need at cornerback in the first round (Kyle Fuller, courtesy of Kiper), and here we’re filling another big need at center. Martin is our top-ranked prospect at the position.
56. San Francisco 49ers (from KC)
Kiper’s pick: Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood
Analysis: I’m looking at wide receiver here, but the value isn’t great, and with Carlos Rogers now in Oakland, depth at CB is something I’ll have to address. Desir has length without sacrificing fluidity, and he can become a good player.
57. San Diego Chargers
McShay’s pick: Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State
Analysis: Nix would have been a good fit here had he dropped, but Richburg will help solidify the interior of the offensive line.
58. New Orleans Saints
Kiper’s pick: Keith McGill, CB, Utah
Analysis: I liked the pick Todd made in Round 1, adding Latimer to a depleted WR corps, but CB has to be addressed, given the Saints are counting on Champ Bailey to play a big role – he’ll be 36 by training camp.
59. Indianapolis Colts
McShay’s pick: Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA
Analysis: My run on interior offensive linemen reaches three, as the Colts make their first appearance of the draft. Guard is a need area, and Su’a-Filo is the No. 1 guy at the position on my board.
60. Carolina Panthers
Kiper’s pick: Ja’Wuan James, OT, Tennessee
Analysis: In Round 1, I didn’t have a good value option at tackle and got an immediate starter at WR. James profiles as a pretty good right tackle, and he fills a need. I looked hard at CB, but there just isn’t enough value on the board here.
61. San Francisco 49ers
McShay’s pick: Daquan Jones, DT, Penn State
Analysis: Jones would provide good depth to a defensive line that dealt with injuries last season and could use an infusion of youth (Justin Smith will be 35 in September).
62. New England Patriots
Kiper’s pick: Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU
Analysis: The Patriots can continue to be a really effective running team, but they don’t have a powerful, explosive downhill runner like Hill. At 230-plus pounds and with the ability to create yards after contact, he can help immediately (and isn’t too shabby as a pass-catcher).
63. Denver Broncos
McShay’s pick: Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson
Analysis: Eric Decker was replaced by Emmanuel Sanders this offseason, but it doesn’t hurt to add another talented pass-catcher to the mix in Bryant, who has an elite combination of length and speed.
64. Seattle Seahawks
Kiper’s pick: Kevin Norwood, WR, Alabama
Analysis: I added needed D-line depth in Round 1 with Tuitt, and Norwood is a great fit in Round 2. One thing Norwood does really well is find ways to get open after plays break down. That’s a useful skill with Russell Wilson at QB.
Third round
65. Houston Texans
McShay’s pick: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
Analysis: There’s definitely a drop-off in talent in this class around the late-second, early-third range, and I’m starting to feel the effects of that here. However, Richardson is a solid value here, and Houston can afford to get better at right tackle.
66. Washington Redskins
Kiper’s pick: Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State
Analysis: Right tackle is a major question mark, and the Redskins have to come out of this draft feeling better about their ability to protect Robert Griffin III. Mewhort can push to start there immediately.
67. Oakland Raiders
McShay’s pick: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
Analysis: Kiper and I had Oakland addressing other needs with its first two picks, but this seems like a good time for my fifth-ranked QB to come off the board. Garoppolo will have time to develop, given Matt Schaub’s presence on the roster, which is important for him.
68. Atlanta Falcons
Kiper’s pick: Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame
Analysis: Important additions have already been made at OT (Matthews) and DE (Ealy). With Tony Gonzalez no longer around, getting a solid tight end – and a guy who can actually block at that position – is a good get at this stage.
69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McShay’s pick: Dominique Easley, DT, Florida
Analysis: Durability is a concern for Easley (torn ACL in 2013), but there are only a handful of guys capable of playing the three-technique defensive tackle position in the Tampa-2 defense, and Easley is one of them. He was really disruptive this season prior to the injury.
70. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kiper’s pick: Josh Huff, WR, Oregon
Analysis: With additions to the pass rush and a QB prospect in the fold, Huff comes in as insurance with the uncertainty surrounding Justin Blackmon. Huff will make the contested catch and is underrated as a playmaker with the ball in his hands.
71. Cleveland Browns
McShay’s pick: Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington
Analysis: Ben Tate was signed this offseason, but the Browns could use some depth at running back. I like the value of Sankey here.
72. Minnesota Vikings
Kiper’s pick: Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss
Analysis: At this point, the Vikings have addressed a need at QB (Bortles) and in coverage (Joyner), and Moncrief is one of the best athletes in the entire draft, with legit 4.4 speed and great leaping ability in a 6-2, 220-pound frame.
73. Buffalo Bills
McShay’s pick: Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State
Analysis: We’ve got the Bills taking a tackle (Jake Matthews) and wide receiver (Kelvin Benjamin) with the first two picks, and here we can address another need area with the fifth-ranked safety on our board.
74. New York Giants
Kiper’s pick: Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State
Analysis: Justin Pugh’s successful rookie season means the big offensive line need is now at guard, and the Giants already have a potential star at DT in Donald and a threat in the passing game at tight end with Seferian-Jenkins. Jackson could be a dependable player early on.
75. St. Louis Rams
McShay’s pick: Trai Turner, OT, LSU
Analysis: Taking a QB is worth a consideration here, but there aren’t any QBs left on the board who make sense. So instead we’ll add more offensive line help in Turner, a guy who can contribute at guard or center.
76. Detroit Lions
Kiper’s pick: Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty
Analysis: With a very good pass-catcher (Beckham) and a needed pass-rusher (Attachou) in the fold, I have to address the secondary here. Aikens could have shined in a major program and is a very good athlete.
77. San Francisco 49ers (from TEN)
McShay’s pick: Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
Analysis: We still haven’t addressed the Niners’ need at wide receiver, so I’ll go with Richardson here. He has a thin frame and lacks ideal strength, but he has an excellent combination of fluidity, quickness and speed.
78. Dallas Cowboys
Kiper’s pick: David Yankey, G, Stanford
Analysis: I like my situation at tackle with Tyron Smith now a star and Doug Free coming off a solid season, and Travis Frederick is the answer at center. But a guard addition is a necessity, and Yankey not only provides an upgrade, but can also fill in at tackle in case of injury.
79. Baltimore Ravens
McShay’s pick: Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers
Analysis: We need to get Joe Flacco a pass-catcher and haven’t yet gotten one in this draft, so I’ll go with Coleman, a huge target (6-6, 225 pounds) with good top-end speed.
80. New York Jets
Kiper’s pick: Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma
Analysis: If he hadn’t hurt his knee during Senior Bowl practice, Colvin would be gone 40 picks before this spot. He’s not a lock to contribute early, but he should play in 2014 and can also play safety. Could be a steal.
81. Miami Dolphins
McShay’s pick: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
Analysis: This makes three receivers in a row for me. Part of this is me just getting them off the board to catch up with Kiper, but this addresses a need position, as well, and Robinson has good size.
82. Chicago Bears
Kiper’s pick: Dri Archer, RB, Kent State
Analysis: With needed additions at safety and corner already added, I’m grabbing the fastest player in the entire draft, a potential big play when he touches the ball on offense, and he can take over for the departed Devin Hester in the return game. We’re talking legit sub-4.3 speed.
83. Cleveland Browns (from PIT)
McShay’s pick: Brandon Thomas, G, Clemson
Analysis: Thomas is a good value here, as he’s the No. 74 player on my board. He’d provide good depth once he recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in a pre-draft workout.
84. Arizona Cardinals
Kiper’s pick: De’Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon
Analysis: Not only am I adding an explosive threat on offense – a player defenses have to account for and a guy who can open up space for others – but he can take over return duties and limit exposure to Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu there.
85. Green Bay Packers
McShay’s pick: Brock Vereen, S, Minnesota
Analysis: We need a safety, and Vereen is the sixth-ranked player at the position on our board. He has good versatility and excellent top-end speed.
86. Philadelphia Eagles
Kiper’s pick: Brent Urban, DE, Virginia
Analysis: Urban could be a steal here. He’s a penetrator at defensive end in this system and can use his length to disrupt the passing game by knocking down passes and disrupting lanes.
87. Kansas City Chiefs
McShay’s pick: Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton
Analysis: Reid is a solid value at this point in the third round, and he’d provide good depth along the defensive line.
88. Cincinnati Bengals
Kiper’s pick: AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama
Analysis: With Andy Dalton’s long-term future still not settled, this isn’t a bad spot to add a potential starter if Dalton isn’t the answer, and certainly a solid backup (and a trade commodity). I considered Zach Mettenberger here, as well.
89. San Diego Chargers
McShay’s pick: Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
Analysis: Our receiving corps was hit hard by injuries last season (making way for 2013 third-round pick Keenan Allen’s 71-catch season), and despite all of the receivers to go off the board already, Herron still represents a solid value at this point.
90. Indianapolis Colts
Kiper’s pick: Bryan Stork, C, Florida State
Analysis: The interior of the Colts’ offensive line was awful last season, and it’s worth doubling down here after adding a potential starter at guard in Round 2. Khaled Holmes, who played 13 total snaps in 2013, should be challenged at center. Stork can start.
91. New Orleans Saints
McShay’s pick: Russell Bodine, C, North Carolina
Analysis: We’ve already taken a receiver and cornerback here, so we’ll address a third need with Bodine, the second-ranked center on our board.
92. Carolina Panthers
Kiper’s pick: Billy Turner, T, North Dakota State
Analysis: There’s an obvious need at right guard, and Turner can flat-out move people in the power run game. He’s another player who can help take some pressure off Newton. I considered a couple CB options here, but Turner provides early impact.
93. New England Patriots
McShay’s pick: Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State
Analysis: Crichton’s ideal fit is as a left defensive end in a 4-3 alignment, and that’s a need area here. He has very good potential as a pass-rusher, and he’s a tone-setter with a very good motor.
94. San Francisco 49ers
Kiper’s pick: John Brown, WR, Pittsburgh State
Analysis: With 4.34 speed, Brown provides a developmental deep threat in the passing game and can step in as a returner early.
95. Denver Broncos
McShay’s pick: Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice
Analysis: Cornerback is one of our bigger needs, so this is a good time to get one after going with a linebacker in the first round and wide receiver in the second. Gaines has good top-end speed and ball skills.
96. Minnesota Vikings (from SEA)
Kiper’s pick: Tre Mason, RB, Auburn
Analysis: It’s hard to find a bigger drop-off in the league between Adrian Peterson and the next players in line behind him. Mason can spell All Day, and he gives them explosiveness in the run game if Peterson were to suffer an injury.
97. Pittsburgh Steelers (comp)
McShay’s pick: Bashaud Breeland, CB, Clemson
Analysis: We have to get younger in the secondary and having taken two pass-catchers in this draft already, we’ll go with our eighth-ranked cornerback in Breeland. His aggressiveness in run support makes him a good fit.
98. Green Bay Packers (comp)
Kiper’s pick: C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa
Analysis: The Packers have added some valuable pieces (and consistent value) on the defensive side of the ball, but they could really use help at tight end. Fiedorowicz offers size and steady hands.
99. Baltimore Ravens (comp)
McShay’s pick: Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia
Analysis: Sims’ ability to stick his foot in the turf and accelerate quickly through the hole makes him an ideal fit for Gary Kubiak’s zone-blocking approach in the running game.
100. San Francisco 49ers (comp)
Kiper’s pick: Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida
Analysis: The Niners already added Desir, but Roberson could be quicker to contribute coming from the SEC, where he was really good as a sophomore.