Updated NFL Mock Draft, Part 2

Picks 1-16 are here. Let’s get into the second half of the first round…

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

I think Jarvis Jones’ pro day numbers really hurt his stock. I hear the Steelers like Patterson; more so, I imagine, if they let Sanders go to New England, but in this mock, Patterson is gone by now. They could take Jonathan Cooper and complete the youth movement on the line (which now starts two first- and two second-round picks from 2010 or later). This pick is just a guess.

18. Dallas Cowboys – Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

The Cowboys could use help at a few positions, but the offensive line is the most blatant. In this scenario, flip a coin between Cooper and D.J. Fluker: I went with Cooper because I think the interior of their line is even more dire than having Doug Free at right tackle.

19. New York Giants – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida St.

Good fit with Osi Umenyiora leaving, and good value, too. I have no idea where he’ll go– Werner was consistently productive and has good moves (many of our contributors here like him as a prospect) but doesn’t have the elite burst of guys like Jordan, Ansah, and Mingo.

20. Chicago Bears – D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Even after signing Jermon Bushrod I don’t think they can pass up offensive line help at good value.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

Another guy who’s been rising, and safety seems like the weakest spot on the Bengals’ defense.

22. St. Louis Rams – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

We’re not as high on him as other mocks tend to be, but he represents good value and a guy who could eventually replace Kendall Langford.

23. Minnesota Vikings – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

I really like Hopkins as a prospect, and while Minnesota has other needs, getting a wide receiver early should be on their to-do list.

24. Indianapolis Colts – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Jones might fall even further than this, but I think the Colts will see value here in an opportunity to add edge-rushing help.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

This team knows the value of an interior pass rusher, and their current one is getting old (Kevin Williams is 33), and they don’t have anyone next to him anyway.

26. Green Bay Packers – Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise St.

Another guy on the rise. Might go higher than this.

27. Houston Texans – Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas St.

They have quite a few needs, but there should be receiver value to be found in round 2, and I couldn’t quite find anybody I liked as a fit anywhere else.

28. Denver Broncos – Tank Carradine, DE, Florida St.

Another guy whose stock is projected to rise, and a solid pro day will nail that down for sure. If he’s back from his ACL tear, he’s a first-round pick.

29. New England Patriots – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

Total guess. The Patriots aren’t terrible anywhere, but they have quite a few units currently comprised of journeymen and/or veteran players with questions about how much they have left in the tank. They could use an impact player in a few spots to shore up the team, and defensive end is one of them.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

They’re hating life here after seeing two defensive ends picked in the two picks prior, but they also need a cornerback now that both Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes are gone.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

They don’t have any glaring weaknesses, they pick again at #34, and when in doubt, go with the big body. Dashon Goldson was the most notable departure in free agency, but Isaac Sopoaga left as well.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Keenan Allen, WR, California

Jacoby Jones as a #2 wideout is a bad idea. The team supposedly likes Allen; I think his upside is somewhat limited, but he could potentially be able to play right away and become, conveniently enough, an Anquan Boldin-type.

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