2014 NFL Mock Draft: Round Two Picks 48-64
By Erik Lambert
Oct 26, 2013; Boulder, CO, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Ka
#48 – Tennessee Titans – Ka’Deem Carey – RB – Arizona
Chris Johnson has been living on borrowed time for the past couple years with the Tennessee Titans. He is averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry and though he still has the same breakaway speed doesn’t break tackles like he used to. With that in mind the Titans go for help in the backfield. Ka’Deem Carey is a classic slashing type, using great acceleration to get through tight holes to the next level. He’s not a power type, but is an additional threat as a receiver out of the backfield.
#49 – Miami Dolphins – Colt Lyerla – TE – Oregon
The controversial tight end was too talented not to go somewhere in the early rounds. Colt Lyerla has gotten a lot of bad press lately with his shady exit from Oregon and subsequent arrest for cocaine possession. Still, his measurable skill set is very hard to pass up. The Miami Dolphins could use a big play threat after losing Dustin Keller to a catastrophic knee injury. Lyerla is a gamble but one that could pay off big.
#50 – Carolina Panthers – Chris Smith – DE – Arkansas
Ron Rivera likes his defenses to control the game up front. That is why he took two defensive tackles in the first and second rounds back in April. With Greg Hardy a free agent and Charles Johnson approaching 30-years old, the Carolina Panthers need some fresh blood at defensive end. Chris Smith is not flashy but his production backs up his value and he has solid athletic upside to go with a great work ethic.
#51 – Chicago Bears – RaShede Hageman – DT – Minnesota
Phil Emery is all about upside picks. Alshon Jeffery and Kyle Long are perfect examples. RaShede Hageman plays for a second tier program at Minnesota but according to scouts is a freakish athlete at 307 lbs. He can move, is strong and durable and excels at knifing through gaps to blow up plays in the backfield. Sounds like an ideal three-technique tackle, a position treasured by the Chicago Bears defense.
#52 – San Diego Chargers – Devante Parker – WR – Louisville
Technical limitations drop him into the second round but Devante Parker is an athletic player who finds a way to get production. At 6’2″ he has good height with a big body. His great selling point is the ability to get downfield for big plays and then use his strength to get yards after the catch. The San Diego Chargers have suffered a string of injuries at wide receiver. Philip Rivers likes big targets. Parker could lend a big hand to their limited depth.
#53 – Detroit Lions – Kyle Fuller – CB – Virginia Tech
Problems with pass defense continue to haunt the Detroit Lions. Despite having one of the best defensive lines in football and two quality safeties they still can’t stop teams with any regularity through air. That means they can’t afford to stop adding quality corners. Kyle Fuller is a big, strong tackler from Virginia Tech who has deceptive closing speed to make like tough on an opposing receiver. He’s also a natural ball hawk.
#54 – New York Jets – La’el Collins – OT – LSU
A huge part of the offensive success the New York Jets muster comes from a stout offensive line. Keeping Geno Smith protected is a top priority. After giving him another weapon, the Jets add their kind of player in offensive tackle La’el Collins out of LSU. Though still developing on the technique end, the massive lineman is already a punishing run blocker for the Tigers. He plays left tackle but he would be a much better fit and help to the Jets by switching to the right side.
#55 – Dallas Cowboys – Stephen Morris – QB – Miami
Jerry Jones can cry and moan about his love affair with Tony Romo but facts are facts. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback turns 35 in 2014. Dallas must think about adding a young quarterback to the depth chart who can learn behind him. Stephen Morris is a surprising but interesting selection. His athleticism shows a player with a very high ceiling and Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN believes he is the best deep ball thrower in his class. What he needs to do is improve his mechanics and correct his tendency to make bad decisions.
#56 – Green Bay Packers – Adrian Hubbard – OLB – Alabama
Injuries continue to haunt the Green Bay Packers at linebacker. Dom Caper can often adjust his scheme against bad offenses but when facing more proven quarterbacks his units tend to get picked apart. Adding another body opposite Clay Matthews would help. Adrian Hubbard has great length and athleticism coming out of Alabama. He often compares to Dolphins rookie Dion Jordan. The reason he falls to the second round is consistency issues. His instincts aren’t up to par yet, but when he diagnoses well he’s very good at blowing the play up.
#57 – Indianapolis Colts – Paul Richardson – WR – Colorado
The injury to Reggie Wayne could prove a bothersome one for the Indianapolis Colts. They should make due but the truth has become apparent the old All-Pro is beginning to wind down in his career. That means the team must continue to load the receiving corps with fresh talent. Paul Richardson out of Colorado has flown under the radar for most of the college season. He has good height at 6’1″ with solid 4.5/40 speed. There are injury concerns but he has the speed to get downfield fast and can consistently make plays for his quarterback.
#58 – Cincinnati Bengals – Timmy Jernigan – DT – Florida State
The trademark of defensive success for the Cincinnati Bengals runs through the defensive line. At the heart of it is getting pass rush up the middle from the defensive tackles. Though the Bengals already have Geno Atkins, one of the best in the game locked up for the future, they can’t ignore Timmy Jernigan. The FloridaState standout is outstanding against the run but retains more than enough athleticism and quickness to become just as good rushing the passer. One might shudder if he and Atkins were together on the same front.
#59 – San Francisco 49ers (from K.C.) – Seantrel Henderson – OT – Miami
Dominant offensive line play is the reason the San Francisco 49ers win. It makes them able to run the ball and throw it. Whenever it breaks down it’s clear the offense can’t function. To that end the team makes sure to keep the depth chart loaded with talent. Seantrel Henderson is not a day one starter coming out of Miami, but he has lots of athletic upside that can be developed by Jim Harbaugh and his excellent coaching staff.
#60 – San Francisco 49ers – James Gayle – DE – Virginia Tech
In their second of back-to-back picks the 49ers move to the other side of the trenches. There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Aldon Smith and his troubles with DUI and assault weapon charges. Losing him could put a serious dent in their pass rush. To that end they go after some help. James Gayle is a workout wonder, possessing good athleticism and great speed for his size. His pass rush skills are solid and have room to improve though his overall ability hints he may have trouble against mobile quarterbacks. Aside from that he is a high quality find late in the second round.
#61 – New England Patriots – Daniel McCullers – DT – Tennessee
Losing Vince Wilfork has created huge problems for the New England Patriots run defense. They simply aren’t the same when he isn’t in the middle of their front. To that end they must think about drafting his replacement. Daniel McCullers out of Tennessee fits the profile perfectly. He is massive at over 350 lbs but still maintains a good degree of mobility and quickness. Not a pass rusher by any means, he is exactly what the Patriots would want. He fills the middle and makes it very hard for teams to run at him.
#62 – New Orleans Saints – James Hurst – OT – North Carolina
From a physical stand point it’s a surprise tackle James Hurst falls this far into the second round. On paper he looks like a first round choice easy. Issues with technique and inconsistency are what end up dropping him. He’s got the body to excel at the next level. By the look of the tape he just doesn’t have the coaching. Hurst needs more development but in the right hands he can become a bookend tackle. The New Orleans Saints have that kind of staff.
#63 – Denver Broncos – Michael Sam – DE – Missouri
The true success of defenses that have played with Peyton Manning center around the pass rush. Getting Von Miller back has been a huge help for the Denver Broncos but it’s clear the loss of Elvis Dumervil is still hindering them. Having helped their back end in the first round, the team moves to the line where they give Miller some more help. Missouri defensive end Michael Sam is a late bloomer this 2013 college season. After a slow start he has surged to lead the nation with 10 sacks. Though a little on the shorter side he is quick off the snap and actively fights through blocks. He maintains good leverage and uses his strong lower body and high motor to do the rest.
#64 – Seattle Seahawks – Aaron Colvin – CB – Oklahoma
No team stockpiles defensive backs like the Seattle Seahawks. They like ones with size and length. Since Brandon Browner is a free agent next year they look to add some insurance with Oklahoma standout Aaron Colvin. He has the size and the physical approach against the run and the pass that the Seahawks covet. There are some discipline issues such as penalties and biting on play action but those can get cleaned up with more coaching. There is no question Colvin is a Seahawks type of pick.