draft2012charlie_3

Last update: Thursday, April 26, 2012. – Round 3 added.
2012 NFL MOCK DRAFT – WALT’S | CHARLIE’S ROUND 1 | CHARLIE’S ROUND: 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Charlie Campbell was a senior writer at PewterReport.com.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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Indianapolis Colts: Alameda Ta’amu, NT, Washington
The Colts could use a nose tackle for their switch to the 3-4.

Ta’amu collected 30 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2011. He had a good game against Colorado with five tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and .5 sacks. After that, the 6-foot-3, 337-pounder had a terrible performance against Stanford. Ta’amu was a non-factor as the Cardinal was able to run through him and the Huskies’ defense with ease. He also played poorly against Baylor in the Alamo Bowl shootout.

Still, Ta’amu remains one of the better nose tackles in the draft class, and he is perfect to play the nose in a 3-4 defense (plus remains one of the few genuine candidates available). At the Senior Bowl, Ta’amu was inconsistent from play to play and practice to practice. There were times when he overwhelmed linemen and other times when he looked lost.

Ta’amu was a tough run stuffer as a junior in 2010. He recorded 39 tackles with five tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. In his second year as a starter, Ta’amu was an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. Usually, he is a powerful force at the point of attack who is nearly impossible to move.

St. Louis Rams: Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa
The Rams double up at wide receiver since they need more than one. St. Louis has shown interest in McNutt before the draft.

McNutt is an underrated prospect and could be a sleeper pick. He snagged 82 receptions for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns this year. McNutt recorded 53 receptions for 861 yards and eight touchdowns in 2010.

The 6-foot-2, 216-pounder would have had even more production if he had played in a better passing offense. McNutt has deceptive speed, good hands and runs good routes. He is capable of making big plays downfield with his speed and size. McNutt’s strong senior season was diminished by Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard shutting him down in the regular-season finale, and then being held in check by Oklahoma.

McNutt was solid at the Senior Bowl. He is a smooth and developed wide receiver. McNutt posted a time of 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.

Minnesota Vikings: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
The Vikings are looking hard at cornerbacks, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they take one on the second day of the draft. Hayward is a good scheme fit and Minnesota is hosting him on a pre-draft visit.

Hayward totaled seven interceptions, 62 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 10 passes broken up this year. He has enough size and ball skills to fit any NFL defense. Hayward also is aggressive defending the run. Against Arkansas, he dropped three interceptions and had six passes broken up. The 5-foot-11, 188-pounder showed good instincts to get in position to make those plays, but if he had caught those passes, the Commodores probably would have upset the Razorbacks.

Hayward had a decent performance at the Senior Bowl and Combine. He clocked 4.53 in the 40-yard dash and was solid in the field work.

As a junior in 2010, Hayward had a big season, recording six interceptions and 17 passes defended. He was second in the nation in pass breakups and was an Second-Team All-SEC selection. Hayward also was a good run defender, finishing with 70 tackles on the season. He is an underrated prospect.

Cleveland Browns: Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California
The Browns have to get a right tackle and are likely to land Schwartz. They brought him in for a visit, so he is on their radar to fill their void at right tackle.

The Golden Bears left tackle was one of the standouts on the offensive line at the Senior Bowl. He performed much better than expected and showed some starting potential for the next level.

As a senior, Schwartz (6-5, 317) was a First-Team All-Pac-12 selection and an All-Academic. He started every game possible in his collegiate career. Schwartz was at left tackle for 35 contests and right tackle for 16 games. He had 12 starts at left tackle in 2010, and was an All-Pac-10 Second-Team member.

Schwartz would probably be a better fit at the pro level as a right tackle due to his feet and shorter arms (32 inches). Teams might use him as a game-day swing-tackle backup while he develops into a potential starter at right tackle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Tampa Bay badly needs a running back for third down, and Pead is a great fit for that role given his receiving ability and blitz-pickup skills. He brings some playmaking ability and would form a nice tandem with LeGarrette Blount.

Head coach Greg Schiano knows Pead well. In 2010, Pead lit up Schiano’s Rutgers team to the tune of 213 yards on 31 carries with four rushing touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 36 yards and a touchdown. Rutgers contained him in 2011, allowing only 28 yards.

Pead is an accomplished runner who also has some skills as a blitz protector and receiver. That could make him a quality backup running back. Pead averaged 5.3 yards per carry this year, rushing for 1,259 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 39 passes for 319 yards and three scores.

Pead moves with good vision and balance, but runs too upright at times. He ran for 1,029 yards and six scores in 2010. A knock on Pead (5-9, 193) is his propensity to fumble the ball away. He played really well at the Senior Bowl.

Washington Redskins: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
The Redskins grab a cornerback. Defensive backs coach Raheem Morris likes to draft corners who played a lot some man in college and feels that he can teach them zone. Morris coached Boykin at the Senior Bowl.

Another prospect who helped his stock in Mobile was Boykin. He is a scrappy, well-put-together corner. Boykin did well in the one-on-ones, and he flashed special speed and athleticism. A Senior Bowl injury kept him out of the Combine, but shouldn’t impact his rookie season in the NFL.

Boykin (5-9, 183) offers a lot on special teams. He was one of the top kick returners in college football and is a quality cornerback. This year, Boykin had 55 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, nine passes broken up, three interceptions and two forced fumbles, as well as three touchdowns on offense (two receiving, one rushing). He averaged 22 yards per kick return and 13 yards per punt return.

Boykin had a monster Outback Bowl against Michigan State with a punt returned 92 yards for a touchdown and a touchdown catch. He also scored a safety for the Bulldogs. On defense in 2010, Boykin had 44 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and three interceptions.

Jacksonville Jaguars: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois
The Jaguars double up at receiver with a speed receiver to pair with their big receiver from the first round. Jacksonville has shown a lot of interest in Jenkins and have brought him in for a pre-draft visit. Between Laurent Robinson, Lee Evans, Mike Thomas, Michael Floyd and A.J. Jenkins the Jaguars have a receiving corps that is much improved over the 2011 unit. These receivers with new, good coaching should help Blaine Gabbert make any improvements that he is capable of making.

Jenkins had a very productive senior season. He caught 90 passes for 1,276 yards and eight touchdowns. Jenkins hauled in 56 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior in 2010. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has the speed to produce some big plays downfield, like he did for Illinois. Jenkins is a good value in the mid-rounds, and he had a good week at the East-West Shrine.

Jenkins showed his foot speed with a 4.39 40-yard dash at the Combine. He followed that up with a strong pro day.

Buffalo Bills: James Brown, OT, Troy
The Bills had Brown in for a visit and clearly need tackle help.

Brown opened a lot of eyes at the Senior Bowl. He held his own as he fought and scraped with the better competition. Brown was the starter for Troy at left tackle. He is a good athlete who could, potentially, be moved around the line. The 6-foot-3, 307-pounder has some strength and quickness.

It isn’t out of the question that Brown could stay at left tackle in the NFL, but he needs some developmental time in order to do that. Brown is shorter than typical left tackles.

Pick change; previously Tank Carder, OT

Miami Dolphins: Marvin Jones, WR, California
Miami has to get some talent at wide receiver. Jones is underrated and could be a player who many teams regret passing on.

At the Senior Bowl, Jones was able to escape the shadow of college teammate Keenan Allen. Jones was not the primary receiver at California, but he really stood out in Mobile as one of the more polished wide outs. Against quality defensive backs, Jones got separation with quickness and route running. He is a smooth receiver who has good hands and is well-rounded.

The 6-foot-2, 198-pounder has good speed to go along with quality size. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at the Scouting Combine.

As a senior, Jones was the second-option behind Allen, but he recorded 62 receptions for 846 yards and three touchdowns. There is no doubt that Jones would have had better production if he had been the No. 1 receiver. Allen looks like a potential first-round pick for 2013, but Jones showed that he is worth consideration on the second day of the draft after entering the Senior Bowl week as a third-day prospect.

Pick change; previously Bruce Irvin, OLB

Miami Dolphins: Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
Sources have indicated the Dolphins are very interested in Green. They are hosting him on a visit before the draft.

Green (6-5, 237) had a slow start to his senior season, but he finished strong. Green caught 51 passes in 2011, for 606 yards and eight touchdowns. He had a similar season in 2010 when he hauled in 44 passes for 794 yards and seven touchdowns.

Green is a strong pass receiver who played well at the Senior Bowl. He has the frame to add more weight to become a better blocker, but he is going to need some time to develop in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
The Chiefs grab a quarterback to groom for a year or two behind Matt Cassel. Osweiler visited Kansas City before the draft.

Osweiler (6-6, 242) is big-armed pocket passer who has surprising mobility. The former basketball player has good athletic ability for being so tall. Looking at him, one would think he would be a statue in the pocket, but that is definitely not the case as he is a good scrambler.

As a junior this year, Osweiler completed 63 percent of his passes for 4,036 yards with 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also ran for 298 yards and three touchdowns. Osweiler set the school record for yards, completions and attempts. In 2010, he had only two starts, but played well, throwing for 797 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions, while also running for 168 yards and a score.

Osweiler has real arm strength and the gun to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, he is very raw and needs some work. If Osweiler goes to a good coaching staff that can develop him for a few years, he could turn into something. It wouldn’t be surprising if Osweiler’s stock rises during the lead up to the draft. He should have stayed in school and improved before going pro.

Seattle Seahawks: Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
The Seahawks grab a tight end with some pass-receiving ability.

Charles (6-2, 251) had a good junior season with 45 receptions for 574 yards and five touchdowns. There is no doubt that he is extremely fast and can produce big catches downfield. Charles is a mismatch for safeties and linebackers. He needs to improve as a blocker however.

Charles caught 26 passes for 422 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore in 2010. As a freshman, he had 23 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns.

At the Combine, Charles easily beat all the other tight ends with 35 reps on the bench press, but he passed on running the 40 or doing any of the drills. It seemed like Charles was ducking the tests.

Houston Texans: Jared Crick, DE/DT, Nebraska
The Texans bolster their defensive line with this pick. If Crick gets his weight back up, he could be a potential nose tackle with the way that Wade Philips likes to use smaller defensive tackles.

At 6-foot-4, 279-pounds, Crick has the strength to be a quality run defender on the edge. That is evident in his notching 73 tackles in 2009 and 70 tackles in 2010. He is also no slouch as a pass rusher. After recording 9.5 sacks as a sophomore next to Ndamukong Suh, Crick matched that total as a junior after Suh left. In only five games this season, Crick totaled 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one pass broken up and one blocked kick.

The senior missed the majority of 2011 with a torn pectoral muscle, and perhaps that was a factor in him not playing well against Wisconsin or Ohio State after having a dominant game against Washington a few weeks earlier. It will be a gamble to draft Crick early, but on the second day, he could be a steal since he was previously viewed as first-round pick.

New York Jets: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE/OLB, Troy
The Jets have to get a pass rusher. Massaquoi is a sleeper who is a good scheme fit.

Massaquoi had a massive 2010 season with 13.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for a loss. He saw more blocking attention in 2011 and his sack total fell to six. Massaquoi also had 52 tackles and 10.5 tackles for a loss. The 6-foot-2, 264-pounder is a quality speed rusher who looks like he should go to a 3-4 defense. Massaquoi has bulked up too much and that seems to have slowed him down as a result. He should drop some pounds to improve his speed off the edge.

Pick change; previously Chris Givens, WR

San Diego Chargers: Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
The Chargers need to add some weapons for Philip Rivers.

Givens caught 83 passes for 1,330 yards and nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season. That came after decent production in 2010 and 2009. Givens averaged 15 yards per catch for his career. The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder is a quick route-runner who gains separation from defensive backs while running downfield. At the Combine, he recorded one of the faster times for the wide receivers with a 4.41.

Givens projects to being a slot or flanker receiver in the NFL. Right now, he is aided by the demand for speed receivers following the success of players like Mike Wallace and Wes Welker.

Pick change; previously Jonathan Massaquoi, DE/OLB

Chicago Bears: Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State
The Bears land a nice scheme fit, and they want corner help.

Johnson had a strong senior season and followed that up with a good showing at the Senior Bowl. He totaled 72 tackles, eight passes broken up and one interception in 2011. Over three years of playing time, Johnson had four career interceptions and 19 passes broken up. The 5-foot-9, 198-pounder has some man-coverage skills and isn’t afraid to get physical with receivers.

Johnson had a disappointing showing at the Combine with a 40 time of 4.65. He also wasn’t a standout in the field drills. At his pro day, Johnson performed better with a time in the 4.5s and a nice outing in the drills. Despite his less than stellar workout stats, he has experience and performed well playing man-to-man while being on an island on the outside.

Arizona Cardinals: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
The Cardinals could use a wide receiver to take pressure off of Larry Fitzgerald. Arizona hosted Criner on a visit before the draft.

Criner was one of the stars of Senior Bowl, which really sent a charge into his draft stock. Throughout the practices, he beat defensive backs and made a number of tough catches. Criner showed excellent body control and won matchups on jump balls. He is a good route-runner who is able to get open. Criner had a disappointing 40 time of 4.68 at the Combine, but he performed well in the receiving drills and had the biggest hands of any prospect (10 1/2).

In 2011, Criner caught 75 passes for 956 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games, having missed a game because of an appendectomy. There were rumors that he has off-the-field concerns, but the nature of them is unclear.

In 2010, the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder had one of the best seasons in Arizona history when he recorded 82 receptions for 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns. Criner could be an effective possession receiver in the NFL. He made numerous big plays downfield on jump balls that were thrown up for grabs by quarterback Nick Foles. Quarterbacks should be able to trust Criner to win those plays for them in the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys: Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois
The Cowboys are interested in getting some offensive line help. They’ve had Allen in for a pre-draft visit.

Allen had a solid senior season, and followed that up by performing well at the Senior Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 306-pounder has underrated athleticism and looks like he could be a quality tackle project. Allen is a sleeper prospect who could surprise at the next level. He could stay at left tackle or move over to the right side. Allen had a nice showing at the Combine.

Tennessee Titans: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
The Titans should grab a receiver. Toon would be a nice complement to Kenny Britt, and the veteran is coming off a serious knee injury.

The son of Al Toon, a standout Jets receiver in the 1980s, Nick Toon followed in his father’s footsteps to Wisconsin, where his dad left as the school’s career receiving leader. As a sophomore, Nick Toon caught 54 passes for 805 yards and four touchdowns.

Toon had a lot of injury issues in 2010, but caught 36 passes for 459 yards and three scores. He caught 64 passes for 926 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. Toon would have had better production if he had played on a team that threw the ball more. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has nice size, good hands and runs good routes. He also blocks extremely well.

Toon played well against Oregon to end the 2011 season. He had mixed outings against Michigan State. Toon isn’t the fastest receiver, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he has a disappointing 40 time leading up to the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals: Tank Carder, ILB/OLB, TCU
Cincinnati is interested in Carder and could use an outside linebacker after trading away Keith Rivers.

The 6-foot-3, 237-pound Carder is a hard-nosed football player who looks like he would have the ability to add some more bulk and play on the inside of a 3-4 defense as well as a 4-3. To open the 2011 season, Carder was quiet as he played with a broken hand, but he finished the year strong.

Carder totaled 70 tackles with three passes broken up and two interceptions returned for touchdowns in 2011. He played well late in the season, including strong games against BYU and Boise State. The senior has the ability to play outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

Carder had 60 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery in 2010. The year before, he broke into the starting lineup and registered 89 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss. For both 2011 and 2010, Carder was the conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was also the Rose Bowl MVP in TCU’s 2010 win over Wisconsin. Carder runs well and has good instincts.

After having a strong week at the East-West Shrine, Carder followed that up with a good Combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds, an excellent time for a middle linebacker.

Pick change; previously Marvin Jones, WR

Atlanta Falcons: Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State
Source have indicated the Falcons will target the offensive line and defensive line.

Crawford (6-4, 275) is a heavy defensive end who is a solid presence at the point of attack. He had a quality week at the East-West Shrine and fared well in the one-on-ones. Crawford totaled 44 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2011. He totaled seven sacks, 32 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and one forced fumble as a junior.

Crawford is not the best athlete, but it looks like he has the potential to be a solid depth player. Crawford was solid at the Combine.

Detroit Lions: Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina
The Lions need help at corner and Norman is a great fit. They’ve had him in for a pre-draft visit.

Perhaps the player who laid claim to be being the top prospect at the East-West Shrine practices was Norman. All week, he had dominant practices that showcased him producing some splash plays. At the Tuesday practice, Norman made an acrobatic interception reaching behind his head as he leapt into the air. The next day’s practice saw him record two diving interceptions.

Norman had good coverage all week and did not allow separation. That impressive performance made him a late addition to the Senior Bowl. The 6-foot, 197-pounder has the size and athleticism to go along with speed and quickness. He clocked a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.

In his collegiate career, Norman totaled 13 interceptions with 35 passes broken up, four forced fumbles, four blocked kicks and 196 tackles. He broke out with eight interceptions as a sophomore in 2009. Norman has the physical skill set to potentially be a starter in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
The Steelers could use a running back of the future. Some believe that the injured Rashard Mendenhall is done in Pittsburgh. They hosted James before the draft, and he could bring a speed option to their backfield like they used to have with Willie Parker.

James had 1,805 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns this season, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. He also caught 17 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown. The junior dislocated his elbow and missed two games, which raises concerns about his durability. Running backs typically fall in the draft, and the 5-foot-8, 194-pounder did not play well in two consecutive games against top defenses, Auburn (2010) and LSU (2011).

James led college football with 1,731 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns in 2010. For his career, he averaged 6.6 yards per carry while also demonstrating some receiving ability with 51 catches for 586 yards and four scores. James had an unofficial time of 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.

Denver Broncos: Billy Winn, DE/DT, Boise State
The Broncos grab a second defensive tackle to fortify their interior line.

While Winn played well as a nose tackle in a 4-3 in college, the 6-foot-4, 294-pounder could also be a potential fit as a 3-4 defensive end. He is a quality run defender with the ability to contribute some pass rush. Winn was an AP All-American third-teamer in 2010, recording 10.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He also had a quality sophomore season with 12.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks.

A physical pass rusher, Winn is strong at the point of attack and would be a good five-technique. He got 2011 started with a good game against Georgia. Winn recorded four tackles and .5 sacks to help Boise State beat up on the Bulldogs� offensive line. He had 34 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and three sacks this year.

Winn had a sack-fumble against Fresno State but was not credited for the sack by the NCAA official scorers. He finished strong with a big bowl performance against Arizona State. However, Winn was inconsistent at the Senior Bowl, although he did do well at the Combine.

Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Polk, RB, Washington
The Eagles could use some running back depth.

Polk’s stock went down after underwhelming at the Senior Bowl. He really struggled in third-down assignments like running routes and picking up blitzes. Polk was getting run over as a blitz protector, and linebackers were running stride for stride with him on pass routes.

That brings into question if Polk will be a limited player in an NFL offense. The 5-foot-11-incher said that he felt too heavy at the Senior Bowl and was down to 215 pounds by the Combine.

During the season, Polk showed some ability as a runner. He played with good vision and cutting ability, plus hit the hole quickly. The junior also ran well behind his pads, powering through defenders.

The Washington Huskies had a subpar offensive line, and if Polk had had better blocking, he probably would have had even better numbers. The benefit from that line is that he is a very patient runner who knows how to put defenders on blockers.

Polk averaged 5.4 yards per carry with 1,415 yards and nine scores in 2010. He had his knee scoped before the 2011 season started and that seemed to slow him down in the Huskies’ first few games, but he returned to form and finished the year strong.

Polk had a big game against a tough Stanford defense with 144 yards on 15 carries. Against the Cardinal, he showed the speed to break off long touchdown runs, with scores from 61 and 46 yards. Polk ran for 1,488 yards (5.1 average) and 12 touchdowns in 2011. He also caught 31 passes for 332 yards and four scores.

Polk looks like he will be a better fit in a pro offense. Former teammate Mason Foster told WalterFootball.com that he has seen Polk run a 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds. At the Combine, Polk ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, which is still a quality time.

New Orleans Saints: Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
The Saints need a pass rusher immediately.

Johnson had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl. He was overshadowed by some other defensive ends like Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw. However, Johnson was burning tackles with speed and shedding blocks with strength. He really helped his stock in Mobile.

Johnson (6-3, 268) has a nice mix of size and speed, with a quality get-off when the ball is snapped. He is strong at the point of attack and has a good burst to close on quarterbacks in the pocket. Johnson totaled 53 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and four passes broken up in 2010. He had 30 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior.

Johnson dealt with some tough injuries this season, but he only missed one game.

Green Bay Packers: Brandon Brooks, G, Miami of Ohio
The Packers could use some depth along the offensive line and hosted Brooks on a visit.

Brooks (6-4, 353) is a massive lineman at who carries his weight well. He had a strong week of practice at the East-West Shrine. Brooks has the strength to move blockers, but he also is more athletic than one might think. Brooks has some developmental tools.

Baltimore Ravens: Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
The Ravens get some depth for their secondary. They are one of the few teams hosting Robinson on a pre-draft visit.

The Combine star for the defensive backs was Central Florida’s Josh Robinson. He ran the fastest in the 40-yard dash with two unofficial times of 4.31 and 4.29. His official time was 4.33. Robinson also had the longest broad jump at 11-1. He tied for second in the vertical jump at 38.5 inches.

Robinson recorded 48 tackles with 15 passes broken up and two interceptions in 2011. His 2010 production was similar as he logged 59 tackles with two interceptions and 13 passes broken up. Robinson played mostly man coverage in college. The past two seasons he was an All-Conference USA selection. The 5-foot-11, 199-pounder had six interceptions as a freshman.

San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Washington, G, Miami
The 49ers could use some offensive line help at guard. Washington could compete quickly in San Francisco.

The junior entered the draft after having an underwhelming season this year. He was moved to left tackle and struggled with speed edge rushers. Washington had a strong season as a guard in 2010. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder was a good blocker for running back Lamar Miller, and Washington’s run blocking is further along than his pass blocking.

New England Patriots: T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International
The Patriots get an understudy for Wes Welker. Hilton is a perfect fit, and New England has shown interest in him.

Hilton recorded 72 receptions this year for 1,038 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned 18 kickoffs for 548 yards (30.4 average) as well as eight punts for 186 yards, including a 97-yard touchdown return against Florida Atlantic. Hilton had 59 receptions for 848 yards and five touchdowns in 2010. He had four rushing touchdowns and two kicks returned for touchdowns as well.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder has a lot of speed and could be a good slot receiver and return man in the NFL. At his pro day, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds and demonstrated good route running and good hands in the field drills.

Pick change; previously Zebrie Sanders, OT

New York Giants: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
The Giants could use youth along the offensive line. Plus, Sanders is the best player available and a good value.

Sanders had some ugly one-on-one losses at the Senior Bowl to North Carolina’s Quinton Coples and Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw. That pretty much ended pundits projecting Sanders in the first round. Considering his struggles against those pass rushers, he would be a better value on Friday night. There was a real consensus that his time in Mobile hurt his draft stock.

Sanders was Florida State’s right tackle the past four years, but a season-ending injury to left tackle Andrew Datko forced him to move over to the left side during 2011. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder played reasonably well there, demonstrating the ability to play both sides. Sanders usually has quick enough feet to mirror edge rushers while pushing linemen around on the ground game to open up holes. At right tackle, he was a more consistent run and pass blocker over the past four seasons.

NFL coaches are really going to like Sanders’ ability to be a swing tackle on game days. Typically, only one backup offensive tackle suits up for a game, and those players need to have the flexibility to play on the right or left side if there is an injury to either tackle. The senior has shown that ability, and he also should be able to move to guard if necessary. So if Sanders doesn’t crack the starting lineup quickly, he’ll at least provide good depth.

In a long-term starting role, Sanders should stay at right tackle.

Pick change; previously James Brown, OT

Oakland Raiders: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
The Raiders could use defensive line help and have shown interest in Chapman, hosting him before the draft.

The 6-foot-1, 310-pound Chapman was Alabama’s nose tackle in its 3-4 defense, and he had a quality 2011 season. Chapman did a good job of plugging his gap and occupying blockers to keep them off the Crimson Tide’s inside linebackers. He recorded 23 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and two passes batted down this year. Chapman showed his toughness by playing with a torn knee ligament for most of the 2011 season.

Go to Charlie Campbell’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft – Round 4

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