17. Baltimore Ravens – Marqise Lee, WR, USC
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Did we see what a healthy Marqise Lee looks like in 2013 last Saturday? Lee looked very good against a porous Fresno State defense and could fall into Ozzie Newsome’s lap if he makes it out of the top 15.
18. Dallas Cowboys – Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Hageman makes a ton of sense for Dallas at this point. There are some red flags but Hageman’s combination of fit and skills may be too much to pass on.
19. San Diego Chargers – Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Dennard may lack the blazing speed that teams covet on the outside but this kid is too good to pass on for the Chargers. The Chargers have outperformed anyone’s expectations this season but need some defensive help and it starts at the CB position.
20. Arizona Cardinals – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
I don’t love Lewan as an NFL LT but he’s a solid value at a position of need for the Cardinals. Back to back seasons dedicated to the OL could keep this team moving in the right direction.
21. Chicago Bears – Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
The Bears have a ton of needs on their defense. This pick could go any of many directions of the defensive side of the ball. Julius Peppers is on the downside of his career arc and is set to make a ton of money. He could be expendable. If the Bears can’t bring back Corey Wooten, DE is a huge need. Gregory is an elite pass rusher with little name recognition and even less playing experience. That said, he has elite first step quickness and as much upside as any DE not named Clowney in this draft.
22. Miami Dolphins – Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
The Dolphins were able to patchwork this OL together this season but can’t rely on Bryant McKinnie and Tyson Clabo to hold down the fort for Ryan Tannehill’s future health. Ogbuehi has a boatload of potential and could be a long-term answer at the LT position in Miami.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Chip Kelly is familiar with Olomu from his days in Eugene and he fills a major need area for the Eagles. Olomu gives the Eagles some much needed help in the secondary.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
CB doesn’t appear to be a huge need at first glance. But let’s break it down. Leon Hall is aging quickly and injury prone, Terence Newman is almost two years my senior (not good), Dre Kirkpatrick is less than stellar, and Adam Jones is Adam Jones. Jason Verrett gives them a physical corner that is ready to plug in. The Bengals are in a good spot with few free agents to re-sign and a solid roster.
MORE: Jason Verrett shuts down Baylor WR Antwan Goodley
25. Cleveland Browns – Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Greg Little’s days may be numbered in Cleveland and Davone Bess may have led the league in drops had he not left the team due to personal issues. Needless to say the Browns need another offensive weapon to add to Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron. Pairing the massive Benjamin with Josh Gordon is scary – let’s hope Benjamin improves his consistency catching the football.
26. New Orleans Saints – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Beasley flashed enormous potential early in the season but has leveled off considerably as of late. That said, Beasley could be the perfect fit for Rob Ryan’s defense and gives a potentially impactful, young pass rusher.
27. Kansas City Chiefs – Lamarcus Joyner, FS, Florida State
Kendrick Lewis is clearly the weak link on this defense. I fully realize I’m much higher on Joyner than most but I really believe he’s worthy of a flier at this point. Joyner’s lack of size may keep him out of round one but the Chiefs would be wise to take a shot with their need at the position.
28. New England Patriots – Stephon Tuitt, DT/DE, Notre Dame
Why not? The Pats could take Jace Amaro here and no one would blame them. But Tuitt is everything that BB seeks out for his defense. Capable of moving around the DL – Tuitt could turn into a Pro Bowler in New England.
29. Carolina Panthers – Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
Cam Newton is playing out of his mind – especially when you consider his receiving corps. Adams combines size with solid hands and good enough top end speed to stretch the defense vertically. Adams gives Newton a guy that he can grow with well into the future.
30. San Francisco 49ers – Brad Roby, CB, Ohio State
The Niners could use some fresh blood at the corner position. Roby’s so-so (at best) season has him falling down draft boards. The reality remains that Roby is an elite athlete that isn’t afraid to stick his nose into the fray. Roby gets my early vote for steal of the draft if he falls down into the late one, early two range.
31. Denver Broncos – Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
This would be fun. TE is clearly not a need but the Broncos don’t have a ton. They could use front seven help on defense and may have to replace a couple of offensive stalwarts (Eric Decker/Zane Beadles). That said, why not let Peyton ride out with his choice of weapons. Jace Amaro could fill some of the hole left if Decker leaves Denver.
32. Seattle Seahawks – La’el Collins, OG, LSU
The interior of the Seahawks offensive line has been a mess. JR Sweezy and Paul McQuistan have been flat out bad and James Carpenter is prepared to be chalked up as a bust. The ‘Hawks don’t have a ton of holes and Collins’ versatility gives them options on the OL.
