NFL Mock Draft 1.0 – Picks 26-32
By Josh Carter
Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) catches a touchdown over Texas A
26. Green Bay Packers – Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech – The Packers are pretty stacked at Wide receiver with Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb. But with Aaron Rodgers’ huge contract they decide to add a true outside receiver. Carrying LA Tech to a 9-3 season and putting up major numbers against the newest SEC powerhouse, Texas A&M; Patton has the potential to be one of the most underrated WRs in the draft.
27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – The perfect fit for Houston at this point. In college Hopkins orginally was Clemson’s #2. When he got his opportunity with Watkins’ suspension, he proved that he could step it up and be the #1 threat. This is the type of youngster the Texans should put next to Johnson to give this offense a much needed boost.
28. Denver Broncos – Kawann Short, DT, Purdue – Broncos build depth on their defensive line by taking Purdue’s Kawann Short. In college Kawann was a team captain at Purdue and started for them since his freshman year, he’s shown great versatility in taking on different roles on the Boilermaker’s interior defensive line. This makes for a great defensive player for a team who has the need like Denver to invest in for the long term.
29. New England Patriots – Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor – A great and very underrated WR in the draft this year, Williams proved to be productive even after Nick Florence came in to replace Griffin earning first team all american honors and leading the nation in receiving yards. Also a great kick returner, Williams helps the Pats in multiple ways and impacts New England immediately.
30. Atlanta Falcons – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA – The Falcons take a defensive lineman with great potential to learn the pro game and eventually become a star with guidance from free agent signee Osi Umenyiora. Datone has had his bumps in the road with injury but posted a spectacular senior season at UCLA making 19 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. If you add his prototypical NFL size and versatility, he proves to be a very high ceiling project who has the chance to start and make an impact his rookie year in Atlanta.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Eric Reid, FS, LSU – The 49ers get their guy to replace Dashon Goldson in this super stout safety class. Eric Reid is a former all-SEC free safety who since his freshmen year was a great contributor to the Bayou Bengals’ defense. A player like this is the perfect guy for a coach like Harbaugh to take in and mold into a great pro. Eric Reid goes from being a playmaker on one of the best college defenses to one on one of the best pro defenses.
32. Baltimore Ravens – Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Ravens are looking to replace either Lewis or Reed here and have a way better value at the safety position. Matt Elam was a playmaker in the Gator defensive backfield making 76 tackles (11 TFLs), 1 forced fumble and 4 interceptions. He is definitely a potential franchise defensive player who can help Baltimore renew their intimidation factor on defense and fill in for Ed Reed in the defensive backfield right away.