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Mel Kiper has us picking D.J. Humphries in his Mock 3.0

nctarheel0619

By nctarheel0619,
in Carolina Panthers

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nctarheel0619 Newbie

nctarheel0619

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25) - D.J. Humphries - Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)

COLLEGE: Florida

Class: Jr

HT: 6-5

WT: 307

POS: OT

Analysis: Last year at this point in the draft the Panthers addressed a major need when they added Kelvin Benjamin. That was a play-right-away situation, and even while you want to avoid that at tackle, this could be another one for a rookie because Carolina was dreadful here last year and free agency might not do the trick. Humphries is a guy who rose on my board after I saw him play well against some of the top pass-rushers in the SEC. He lacks polish, but he plays mean, keeps a wide base that makes him tough to get around, and the physical traits are there for him to potentially stick at left tackle.

26) - Marcus Peters - Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

COLLEGE: Washington

Class: Jr

HT: 5-11

WT: 197

POS: CB

Analysis: This is a spot where the Ravens can either look to help their own passing game by adding a wide receiver, or look to stop the opposition's by hitting a big need at cornerback. Last year, injuries played a big role in Baltimore's pass defense essentially falling apart, a reminder that depth at cornerback is crucial. I've noted before Peters has some question marks -- he was dismissed from the team at Washington this past season -- but if it's purely a question of talent, he's a potential steal at this point in the first round. He has loads of natural ability, with playmaker instincts to go with very good ball skills.

27) - Kevin Johnson - Dallas Cowboys (12-4)

COLLEGE: Wake Forest

Class: Sr

HT: 6-0

WT: 188

POS: CB

Analysis: Dallas could go a few ways here, because the Cowboys have a need along the defensive line, and safety is also a question mark, but I'm not sure they need anything more than a cornerback who can play right away, and Johnson fits the profile. A standout on a lousy team, Johnson has good length for the position and moves and mirrors as well as any cornerback in the draft. He can make man-to-man coverage look so easy at times, and he's an active run defender. It's hard to play while ahead in the NFL if you can't cover, and Dallas would do well with this pick.

28) - Cameron Erving - Denver Broncos (12-4)

COLLEGE: Florida State

Class: Sr

HT: 6-5

WT: 313

POS: OC

Analysis: If the Broncos want to keep the run game humming under Gary Kubiak they could use at least one versatile offensive lineman on the inside, and it'd be hard to do better than Erving at this spot. I like Erving at center because he was outstanding there after a midseason switch from tackle, but he provides extra value because he can play tackle as well and also has experience at guard. He's also just played a lot of football, period, and is going to adapt well. From center or guard he's particularly good at winning on the initial block and getting to the second level.

29) - T.J. Clemmings - Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

COLLEGE: Pittsburgh

Class: Sr

HT: 6-4

WT: 309

POS: OT

Analysis: It's tempting to look at the defensive line here because the need is pretty obvious, but at this point Clemmings becomes extremely attractive because the potential is so significant. In terms of raw tools you're looking at maybe the best physical package in the draft for a future NFL left tackle. But Clemmings is a converted basketball player, a major physical talent who can be exposed by pass-rushers who have a few tricks. The Colts are OK on the left side but could definitely use another tackle in the portfolio and just talent, period, on an offensive line that took a step forward in 2014 but isn't close to a top unit.

30) - Jordan Phillips - Green Bay Packers (12-4)

COLLEGE: Oklahoma

Class: Soph

HT: 6-5

WT: 329

POS: DT

Analysis: If I lined up needs for the Packers right now, it would be interior lineman as the top need, followed by an inside linebacker. Just based on the likelihood for immediate impact, it's a lot easier to find the linebacker further down the board. Phillips has a motor that can run hot and cold, but the potential is significant because he lands pretty close to the "freak" category of athlete for a guy who stands over 6-foot-5, has long arms to keep blocks at bay, and weighs 330 pounds. The effort can be inconsistent, but at his best he can control blocks (or toss them) and can pursue like a much lighter, faster player when he finds a lane. You have to believe you can get him to his full potential, but if you get him close, Phillips can be a scheme-versatile menace.

31) - Breshad Perriman - Seattle Seahawks (12-4)

COLLEGE: UCF

Class: Jr

HT: 6-2

WT: 212

POS: WR

Analysis: Seattle was a play away from winning the Super Bowl -- a game in which the Seahawks had five players catch passes, none of them a wide receiver who was actually drafted. Seattle has been resourceful at wide receiver, but the group it has just isn't very explosive. The Seahawks could really use a decent size-speed combination there, and a guy who can, at worst, create consistent separation, which is something they don't have when Paul Richardson is on the shelf. One of the bigger sleepers in the 2015 draft class at this point, Perriman has good length but will also prove dangerous after the catch. At one time I had him as a likely second-round pick, but now I see him as a close call in terms of overall ability next to the top few wide receivers in this class. He fills a need here.

32) - Carl Davis - New England Patriots (12-4)

COLLEGE: Iowa

Class: Sr

HT: 6-4

WT: 320

POS: DT

Analysis: Davis had a fantastic week at the Senior Bowl, the question will be whether NFL evaluators believe they'll get that kind of player on a consistent basis, because Davis didn't always show that kind of ability at Iowa, where you wouldn't confuse him for a consistent disruptor against the pass. He won't collapse the pocket with brute strength, but he can certainly hold the point against multiple blockers in the run game, which is something the Patriots are going to miss if Vince Wilfork isn't around next season -- and even if Wilfork is back it would behoove Bill Belichick to have a player of a similar profile who can deepen the rotation. Cornerback could also be a major need here, but it's really hard to say on that one before free agency.

And also, DGB isn't picked in his first round.

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nctarheel0619 Newbie

nctarheel0619

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17) - Malcom Brown - San Diego Chargers (9-7)

COLLEGE: Texas

Class: Jr

HT: 6-2

WT: 319

POS: DT

Analysis: This pick could go in a few different directions. The Chargers need to add bodies along the offensive line; they need another pass-catcher; they could use another cornerback even with the addition of Jason Verrett in last year's draft. But I think the fit of Brown as a needed two-gapper on the interior of that defensive line makes a lot of sense. Brown isn't a complete product but he's one of the better run-defending solutions among defensive linemen in this draft and gives the Chargers more upside for a guy playing between Kendall Reyes and Corey Liuget.

18) - Jaelen Strong - Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)

COLLEGE: Arizona State

Class: Jr

HT: 6-2

WT: 217

POS: WR

Analysis: This draft is so loaded with pass-catchers I think Strong tends to get overlooked. He put together a great week in Indy, running 4.44 at nearly 220 pounds, and the fact that he came in slightly under 6-foot-3 was countered by a 42-inch vertical, a number that shows up on tape as Strong wins on balls in the air and won't just out-muscle defenders, but can shed them as a runner. I don't know if a true down-the-field threat is going to magically turn Alex Smith into a QB who is willing to test defenses deep -- or even if that's what Andy Reid really thinks Smith can be -- but Strong certainly helps make it an option, something this offense needs.

19) - Ereck Flowers - Cleveland Browns (7-9)

COLLEGE: Miami (FL)

Class: Jr

HT: 6-6

WT: 329

POS: OT

Analysis: I can see Browns fans cringing at the thought of a first round with two picks that doesn't deliver a wide receiver. But let's remember this draft is packed with pass-catching talent, and if the board breaks this way I think the Browns could target a potential high-impact offensive lineman rather than taking the fifth receiver available at No. 19 overall. The Browns were really set back on offense last year when they lost Alex Mack, and while Flowers isn't a center, a player like him would have helped offset the brutal ripple effect we saw last year. For a team that has to run the ball to be successful on offense, making sure things are in a good place up front is crucial. The Browns can still get a couple of good pass-catchers from this draft.

20) - Jalen Collins - Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

COLLEGE: LSU

Class: Jr

HT: 6-1

WT: 203

POS: CB

Analysis: Chip Kelly is in the midst of remaking the roster, but be it via trade or in free agency he's going to see it won't be easy to simply plug holes at cornerback, an area where the Eagles need help. Collins is a high-upside play as a cornerback with good size, reach and athletic attributes. He can play physical but also turn and run with the fastest wide receivers in the league. He's not a complete package yet, but he can press, play off and shows awareness in zone. This is a big enough need that Collins probably won't be the only CB the Eagles draft.

21) - Eli Harold - Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1)

COLLEGE: Virginia

Class: Jr

HT: 6-3

WT: 247

POS: OLB

Analysis: You can quibble all day about whether Harold is a perfect fit in Cincinnati; what can't be argued is that the Bengals' pass rush was absolutely dreadful in 2014 -- pretty safely the worst in the NFL -- and they simply need to find more explosiveness off the edge. Harold isn't the total package in terms of his ability to counter when he gets blocked or display great awareness against the run, but the guy has tremendous get-off and is an exceptional athlete who can beat people with quickness. The Bengals can't go wrong if they add a pass-rusher here.

22) - Landon Collins - Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

COLLEGE: Alabama

Class: Jr

HT: 6-0

WT: 228

POS: S

Analysis: In my previous mock, I had Collins landing here as a player who can come in and contribute right away. Even if the Steelers decide Troy Polamalu is fine to come back for another year, they won't expect him to play every down, and Collins would not only help right away but serve as a logical replacement. He's a highly versatile safety who can make plays at the line of scrimmage and won't look bad in coverage. He brings a ton of experience. I also think getting the top safety in the draft at No. 22 would be a solid value.

23) - Eddie Goldman - Detroit Lions (11-5)

COLLEGE: Florida State

Class: Jr

HT: 6-3

WT: 336

POS: DT

Analysis: Mr. McShay made a good point on the podcast this week, which is that even if the Lions hold on to Ndamukong Suh they still need to add depth on the interior of the defensive line because they could lose a couple of pieces from last year's rotation. The Lions also need to add help along the offensive line, but even though you can't replace Suh from a performance standpoint, you can at least try to make sure the D-line doesn't go from strength to weakness in a single offseason. Goldman is a good interior defender who can occupy blocks and will flash quickness to disrupt, and has a chance to become really good if his growth continues. This is a need even if Suh is back. Without him, it's a true void.

The rest up to pick 10.

24) - Melvin Gordon - Arizona Cardinals (11-5)

COLLEGE: Wisconsin

Class: Jr

HT: 6-0

WT: 215

POS: RB

Analysis: A healthy Andre Ellington gives Arizona some explosiveness out of the backfield, but he's not a player you want to rely on for too many touches, and a good running game will go a long way in Arizona. Gordon has the explosiveness that you need from an RB taken this high -- he's a true game-breaker -- but he's also proved durable. Linebacker is another big need for Arizona, but that's one the team can hit further down the board. If Gordon seems like a luxury pick, the Cardinals could certainly argue he's an immediate-impact player for a team that

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nctarheel0619 Newbie

nctarheel0619

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10) - Amari Cooper - St. Louis Rams (6-10)

COLLEGE: Alabama

Class: Jr

HT: 6-0

WT: 211

POS: WR

Analysis: The Rams aren't going to get a QB here. It's just not happening. And whether Sam Bradford is back next season, or it's somebody else, they need to find a way to improve the options in the passing game beyond the current mix of talented but complementary options. Cooper is a true No. 1, a supremely gifted route runner who doesn't just do it with smarts, but with 4.4 speed and the ability to set up defenders and then run past them. The Rams keep improving on defense and remain stuck in place on offense. Cooper is a true building-block piece.

11) - Trae Waynes - Minnesota Vikings (7-9)

COLLEGE: Michigan State

Class: Jr

HT: 6-0

WT: 186

POS: CB

Analysis: If Cooper were to slide past the Rams he's one of the easiest picks in the draft here, but if he doesn't and the board breaks this way it could be hard for Minnesota to pass on a player who both profiles as a safe pick -- the tape is there -- and an explosive one who can create points on the defensive side of the ball. Especially when this draft is again chock full of pass-catching talent. The Vikings are in decent shape up front, but they lack both depth and size at cornerback, which is no fun in a division with Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler on the schedule six times a year. (To be clear: That's a mix of a lot of competent throwing and potential for INTs.) Waynes isn't much of a reach here after a stellar combine and definitely hits a need.

12) - Danny Shelton - Cleveland Browns (7-9)

COLLEGE: Washington

Class: Sr

HT: 6-2

WT: 339

POS: DT

Analysis: Teams ran consistently and effectively on the Browns last season, and it started in the middle of the line, where they just didn't have the block-eaters after Phil Taylor was lost with an injury. And while we know the Browns need to add at least one pass-catcher who can come in and help early, Shelton landing here would be a gift. He's not as disruptive as sack and TFL totals indicate, but he can eat up double-teams at the point of attack and make others around him better. He has great awareness and will occasionally simply discard blocks and make the tackle himself. He can also eat up snaps. At 340 pounds, he's exactly what the Browns need in the middle.

13) - Brandon Scherff - New Orleans Saints (7-9)

COLLEGE: Iowa

Class: Sr

HT: 6-4

WT: 319

POS: OT

Analysis: The Saints could end up cutting one of their guards and couldn't do any better in adding a replacement in the draft if Scherff is still available here. I've said before I see Scherff as a high-floor addition on the offensive line, because even if he doesn't stay at tackle I think he can become a dominant guard pretty early on. The player isn't a facsimile, but you can make a comparison to how Dallas drafted Zack Martin and moved him inside as a rookie and saw him flourish; I think the Saints can count on immediate dividends from Scherff. He's one of the more dominant run-blocking linemen we've seen in the draft in the past few years, and he brings experience and the ability to take on the job like a professional right away.

14) - DeVante Parker - Miami Dolphins (8-8)

COLLEGE: Louisville

Class: Sr

HT: 6-2

WT: 209

POS: WR

Analysis: Brandon Gibson is gone, Brian Hartline will soon follow and Mike Wallace has a chance to be traded. In short, wide receiver is becoming a pretty clear need for this offense. Parker has as high a ceiling as you can find in this class and it wouldn't surprise me at all if someday we're talking about him as the best of the top three guys in this class, as I have them closely grouped. Parker will beat defenders to the ball on high-point catches with his size, leaping ability and catch radius, and he's underrated as a threat to add yards after the catch on short throws. I can see Miami going a few different ways here, but Parker makes sense because the Dolphins need to keep options available for Ryan Tannehill.

15) - Arik Armstead - San Francisco 49ers (8-8)

COLLEGE: Oregon

Class: Jr

HT: 6-7

WT: 292

POS: DE

Analysis: Armstead to San Francisco would be a good balance of hitting an immediate need and the 49ers adding yet another player with high upside they can develop -- it's an area they've succeeded in consistently. The 49ers are staring at a situation where Ray McDonald is gone and Justin Smith is likely to follow -- and even if Smith continues to play it shouldn't be a ton of snaps. Armstead is big, powerful, athletic and raw, and while he won't be great right away because he's inconsistent and hasn't truly locked in a defined role, he's physically ready to help and should be able to provide a spark as a rotation player on the line.

16) - La'El Collins - Houston Texans (9-7)

COLLEGE: LSU

Class: Sr

HT: 6-4

WT: 308

POS: T

Analysis: The departure of Andre Johnson isn't going to make make the Texans depart from the blueprint of a team that can win the physical battle at the line of scrimmage. Depending on what happens in free agency the Texans could be looking for immediate help at right tackle and potentially guard depending on how they decide to move people around. Collins is a player many have pegged as a dominant NFL guard (not a bad thing to have), but I think he can stay at tackle and play well. At a minimum he's going to be fantastic in the run game, as he can simply take people where they don't want to go.

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gettlemanjack Newbie

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all of the following also have us taking Humphries at #25 in their lastest mocks:

ex-scout Bucky Brooks of NFL.com

Dan Kadar of Mocking The Draft

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein

Pete Prisco

Matt Miller

Rob Rang of CBS Sports

Yahoo Sports’ Eric Edholm has Humphries going #31

https://m.yahoo.com/w/legobpengine/sports/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/post-nfl-combine-two-round-mock-draft-155706803.html?orig_host_hdr=sports.yahoo.com&.intl=us&.lang=en-US&_device=tablet

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has Humphries going #23

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/mock-drafts/daniel-jeremiah/230601

Charles Davis of NFL.com has Humphries going #9

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/mock-drafts/charles-davis/230602

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