NFL Mock Draft #3: First Round 21-30
27. Dallas Cowboys: DE/OLB Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), 6-4, 267 pounds
Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks offensive lineman Chase Regian (71) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) during the game at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys shocked a lot of doubters this year when their defense was actually a million (no exaggeration) times better than everyone expected them to be. With Sean Lee out for the season, Rolando McClain stepped up and finished the year with 81 tackles. Lee will be back next year and the Cowboys will look to add a pass-rushing specialist to their defensive arsenal. Alvin Dupree would fit in perfectly in Dallas. Dupree did everything for the Kentucky Wildcats this year. He finished the season with 74 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and an additional 7.5 sacks with an interception he returned for a touchdown.
28. Denver Broncos: MLB Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi State), 6-5, 245 pounds
Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) tackles LSU Tigers running back Terrence Magee (18) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mississippi State defeated LSU 34-29. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mississippi State enjoyed success in the collegiate season this year due to their strong defensive play that was headlined by none other than Benardrick McKinney. According to CBSSports.com, McKinney is listed as the number one inside linebacker in the draft. The Broncos leading middle linebacker this season was Steven Johnson, who had 32 tackles, but just 0.5 sacks. McKinney would address their need at the position instantly after his solid junior year where he had 71 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three sacks.
29. Indianapolis Colts: DE Arik Armstead (Oregon), 6-8, 290 pounds
Aug 30, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) reacts after making a defensive play against South Dakota Coyotes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
The junior defensive end from Oregon had a phenomenal season in which he led the defense en route to the National Championship game. Ever since the Colts lost Dwight Freeney, the pass rush for Indianapolis has been absent. Armstead has ginormous (scientific term, of course) size and great speed and could help transport the Colts defensive line back to what they were in the mid-2000’s.
30. Green Bay Packers: DT Jordan Phillips (Oklahoma), 6-6, 324 pounds
Sep 6, 2014; Tulsa, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) runs back a fumble during the game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Phillips constantly cogged the middle of the field for the Oklahoma Sooners defense. With a 6-6, 324 pound body there was not much room for opposing backs to go. Phillips put up decent numbers in 2014 with 38 tackles and seven tackles for loss. Adding depth at the nose tackle position makes sense for the Packers and Phillips would be a perfect fit for their defensive schemes.