Inside The Iggles 2014 Mock Draft, Final Round
Michigan RB Fitzgerald Toussaint (28) carries the ball as Notre Dame NT Louis Nix (1) and LB Jarrett Grace (59) defend in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
25. San Diego Chargers
Louis Nix III
NT, Notre Dame
Dave:
While I do believe what I said that there’s never a bad time to add a cornerback, and the Chargers sure need one, there’s also something to be said for adding a stout NT. They’re a premium position in a 3-4 defense, and Nix is decent value at this spot.
Giorgos:
The defensive line of the San Diego Chargers has suddenly turned thin. Especially at nose tackle, there is no one behind Sean Lissemore. Louis Nix is considered the best 3-4 NT of the 2014 draft class and his presence will allow Lissemore to slide to defensive end, his natural position.
26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)
Kyle Fuller
CB, Virginia Tech
Dave:
Marqise Lee is still on the board, but Joe Haden needs a partner in crime to shut down offenses. Kyle Fuller can be that man in Cleveland, and from a front office perspective I think it’s a smart call to share the wealth on offense and defense instead of doubling up.
Giorgos:
According to most mock drafts, the Browns will draft a quarterback and a wide receiver in the first round. But it’s not like the Browns do not have other needs. In fact, they need a cornerback more than a wide receiver and Kyle Fuller is a talented defensive back who has the same size as Joe Haden and fits like a glove in Cleveland’s man coverage.
27. New Orleans Saints
Timmy Jernigan
DT/DE, Florida State
Dave:
The Saints were hoping Kyle Fuller slipped to their pick, but there’s no problems in New Orleans by picking up Florida State’s Timmy Jernigan. He’ll assist in taking pressure off of Cameron Jordan and make the lives of safeties Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro that much easier.
Giorgos:
A cornerback is the biggest need of the Saints, but selecting one at this point wouldn’t be a pick of good value. Rob Ryan’s crew allowed an average of 4.6 rushing yards per attempt in regular season last year, so getting a run stopper would be a good idea. Timmy Jernigan is a big guy who can play in a two-gap scheme and is versatile enough to play nose tackle or defensive end.
28. Carolina Panthers
Marqise Lee
WR, USC
Dave:
It may or may not be breaking news that the Carolina Panthers need help at wide receiver. Lee’s a better prospect than Dwayne Jarrett was in 2007 and he’ll contend for an outside starting spot from the start of camp.
Giorgos:
You can’t expect to be a contender in the NFL when Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant are your best wide receivers. The Panthers need more talent at the position and someone to take Steve Smith‘s place. Marqise Lee has been very productive at USC, despite his untidy technique and he is one of the most promising players of this draft class.
29. New England Patriots
Jace Amaro
TE, Texas Tech
Dave:
Sometimes predictability is a sign of strength. The Patriots know what they need, and they’re not the type of front office to shy away from taking advantage of the board. Amaro is a great compliment to Gronkowski who can see time at slot receiver to throw off defenses.
Giorgos:
After the 2013 season, it became apparent that Tom Brady can’t do much without reliable targets. The Patriots miss Wes Welker and they miss most the tight-end duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The first one can stay healthy and Hernandez is an inmate of a penal institution. Jace Amaro is the TE that fits most in New England’s offense.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Jason Verrett
CB, TCU
Dave:
Jason Verrett is exactly the type of corner that the Niners need, and he’ll be able to make an impact from the nickel spot and possible return jobs. While a little undersized, he’s a ballhawk.
Giorgos:
If not for his torn labrum and the surgery required to repair it, Jason Verrett would be a top-20 pick. The 49ers have the chance to draft him near the end of the first round and their many picks allow them to take risks. They also need to add cornerbacks. so this pick makes perfect sense for the 2013 NFC finalists.
31. Denver Broncos
Joel Bitonio
OT/OG, Nevada
Dave:
Super Bowl jokes never get old, but the truth is that Peyton Manning doesn’t have much time left to get the second ring he’s out to win. Bitonio is a slight reach in the late first, but the Broncos addressed multiple needs via free agency.
Giorgos:
Joel Bitonio’s stock has been rising slowly for the last month. Despite playing left tackle in college, he is shorter and smaller than an NFL offensive tackle, so he will probably have to move inside. That’s not a problem for the Broncos, who are looking to upgrade at guard and replace Zane Beadles, who signed with the Jaguars.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Dee Ford
DE/OLB, Auburn
Dave:
Dee Ford at 32 is a luxury the Seahawks can afford. In all likelihood, there will only be so much money to go around in order to keep the core of the Seahawks together over the next two years, and Ford could fit in nicely as a Leo (hybrid defensive end/linebacker) who doesn’t need to start from day one, but would benefit greatly from playing with an established defense.
Giorgos:
With Earl Thomas signed through 2017, the Seahawks can focus on solidifying their defensive front, which took a hit this offseason with Red Bryant and Chris Clemons leaving for Jacksonville. Dee Ford is one of the most natural edge rushers in this draft and his tenacity and motor makes up for his small size.