NFL Mock Draft #3: First Round 21-30
In the past couple weeks I have begun the NFL mock draft process that many people have also begun/will begin in the near future. With free agency occurring between now and the draft, some of these predicted draft picks may change and I will keep you in tune with any updates along the way.
While Seahawks and Patriots fans are awaiting the Super Bowl in a week-and-a-half, fans of 30 NFL teams can rejoice as the 2015 NFL Draft is now just 100 days away. Let’s get to it…here is my final regular season NFL mock draft with picks 21-30.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Ereck Flowers (Miami (FL)), 6-5, 322 pounds
Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Ereck Flowers (74) against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Hurricanes defeated the South Florida Bulls 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Bengals offense relied heavily on their ground game in 2014, centered around Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill. If Cincinnati can grab Ereck Flowers at the 21st overall pick, it will go a long way toward bolstering the interior on their offensive line to help further progress their already strong running-game, as well as allowing Andy Dalton more time in the pocket to find his other weapons on the offense.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Danny Shelton (Washington), 6-2, 332 pounds
Nov 1, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) sacks Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) in the fourth quarter at Folsom Field. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Starting nose tackle Steve McClendon has battled injuries in his five year career in which he has missed 17 games in that short span. With Daniel McCullers as the back-up (recorded two tackles in nine games) the Steelers will need to draft a defensive linemen in the early rounds to add depth to the NT position as insurance to McClendon.
23. Detroit Lions: DT Eddie Goldman (Florida State), 6-3, 314 pounds
Nov 29, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) runs during the third quarter as Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (90) chases at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated Florida Gators 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions are the first team to come up in this draft that I feel are solid all the way around, thus they should take the best available player on the board at this spot. If Eddie Goldman is still available this late in the first round, Detroit’s front office will be salivating. Goldman was an absolute beast at Florida State with 35 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks. Goldman would be a beautiful pick for the Lions who are already amongst the league leaders in rushing defense year-after-year.