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NFL draft: Round 3 pick-by-pick analysis

Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Source: USA TODAY

Pick-by-pick results for Round 3 of the 2013 NFL draft:

Pick in Round 3; (overall pick); team; selection

1 (63) Chiefs: Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati

Analysis: The Chiefs begin Round 3 with LT Branden Albert on their roster as well as Kelce, an outstanding combination tight end. Kelce is a devastating blocker who should be a nice complement to Tony Moeaki in double-tight sets. Kelce’s brother, Jason, is the center for the Eagles, who also have former Cincinnati TE Brent Celek on their roster. You wonder if Andy Reid had some inside info on Travis Kelce before he packed up for Kansas City.

2 (64) Jaguars: Dwayne Gratz, CB Connecticut

Analysis: The Jags continue rounding out their secondary with Gratz after grabbing John Cyprien in Round 2. Gus Bradley’s very successful and forward-looking defense was built back to front in Seattle, and he seems to be following a similar template in Jacksonville.

3 (65) Lions: Larry Warford, G, Kentucky

Analysis: Finally, some help in front of QB Matthew Stafford. Warford’s arrival essentially guarantees that 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff will stay at tackle. Look for Reggie Bush to run behind massive Warford and break off chunks of yardage.

4 (66) Raiders: Sio Moore, LB, Connecticut

Analysis: The Raiders will look far different at linebacker. Moore joins Nick Roach in a new mix after the team let Philip Wheeler go and told Rolando McClain to take a hike. Moore is still learning to play the position after converting from running back when he arrived at UConn.

5 (67) Eagles: Bennie Logan, DT, Louisiana State

Analysis: The latest addition from LSU’s pro pipeline might have a leg up on some incumbent defenders — Trent Cole? Brandon Graham? — who might not fit a defense that’s expected to line up primarily in 3-4 fronts after years in the 4-3 under Andy Reid.

6 (68) Browns: Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

Analysis: The Browns were in desperate need for a corner opposite Joe Haden after choosing to let Sheldon Brown go in free agency. McFadden’s not a big guy, and neither is Buster Skrine, which makes us wonder if the Mohamed Sanus and Jacoby Joneses of the division will feast on this guy while Haden is preoccupied with the AFC North’s No. 1 receivers.

7 (69) Cardinals: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, Louisiana State

Analysis: A stroke of luck for Mathieu since former LSU teammate Patrick Peterson can look after him in the desert. Coach Bruce Arians says Mathieu will play free safety in the NFL, which will help take advantage of his ball-hawking skills.

8 (70) Titans: Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut

Analysis: The Titans make the first draft addition to a defense that surrendered a franchise-record 471 points in 2012. Wilson could push Alterraun Verner for snaps if he makes a smooth transition to the NFL.

9 (71) Rams (from Bills): T.J. McDonald, FS, Southern California

Analysis: The Rams address their safety issues after bidding Quintin Mikell and Craig Dahl adieu in the offseason. McDonald has NFL bloodlines; his father Tim was a six-time Pro Bowler who spent much of his career with the 49ers in the 1990s. Like dad, the son is a heavy hitter.

10 (72) Jets: Brian Winters, OT, Kent State

Analysis: The Jets have two holes at guard after choosing not to re-sign Brandon Moore and Matt Slauson — and Austin Howard isn’t exactly entrenched at right tackle. Winters could quickly find himself in the starting mix if he can merely beat out disappointing Vlad Ducasse, and he might even force Howard inside instead.

11 (73) Buccaneers: Mike Glennon, OB, North Carolina State

Analysis: At 6-7 with an easygoing demeanor and a big arm, Glennon draws loose comparisons to Joe Flacco. He’s not likely to start this season, but now Josh Freeman has a prospect with potential looking over his shoulder in a contract year. The knocks on Glennon are lack of athleticism and fire in the huddle.

12 (74) Cowboys (from Panthers through 49ers): Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

Analysis: Williams could immediately compete for the No. 3 job vacated by Kevin Ogletree. And given the frequent issues Miles Austin seems to have with his legs, it’s not a bad idea for the Cowboys to get an insurance policy after losing Ogletree and Laurent Robinson over the past two offseasons.

13 (75) Saints: Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Analysis: New Orleans commits its second pick of the draft to its offensive line. Armstead might grow into a blindside tackle with a year of development but probably will be a project who won’t play right away since the Saints are set at guard with Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs. Armstead also could see snaps as a third tight end assuming Zach Strief holds down the fort at right tackle.

14 (76) Chargers: Keenan Allen, WR, California

Analysis: Allen’s knee surgery and news reports of a failed drug test at the scouting combine apparently deflated his once-impressive stock. But new Chargers GM Tom Telesco might have gotten a steal here, and the Chargers surely need one because Robert Meachem flopped after signing a big contract in 2012. Allen should join TE Antonio Gates as a medium-range target for Philip Rivers while Malcom Floyd and Danario Alexander do most of the work on the outside.

15 (77) Dolphins: Dallas Thomas, OT, Tennessee

Analysis: He projects as a guard, maybe a right tackle in the NFL. With the Branden Albert option seemingly off the table, Thomas might get pressed into service with Jonathan Martin apparently ticketed to take over for free agent loss Jake Long.

16 (78) Bills (from Ravens): Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas

Analysis: After grabbing Robert Woods in Round 2, the Bills go for a more athletic target as they continue rebuilding the wideout depth for QB EJ Manuel.

17 (79) Steelers: Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

Analysis: Physically, Wheaton resembles Antonio Brown more than Mike Wallace. It’s possible Wheaton could claim the No. 3 role behind Brown and Emmanuel Sanders when the Steelers are operating between the 20-yard lines before giving way to Plaxico Burress in the red zone.

18 (80) Cowboys: J.J. Wilcox, FS, Georgia Southern

Analysis: The Cowboys admitted safety was an area of need all along, though Dallas fans probably would have felt much better about Kenny Vaccaro or Eric Reid, whom the Cowboys essentially gave to the 49ers. Still, Wilcox should get a chance to compete for snaps in an underwhelming group.

19 (81) Giants: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Analysis: The Giants end the free fall of a guy once touted as a potential top-five pick. Moore flopped at the combine and apparently never recovered afterward. But he’ll have an opportunity to claim Osi Umenyiora’s nickel rusher role in New York and might eventually develop into the player many think he can be in the NFL.

20 (82) Saints (from Bears through Dolphins): John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

Analysis: When you switch to the 3-4 defensive alignment, you need a beast to man the nose. They don’t come much bigger than 6-4, 346-pound Jenkins, who should be hard to move when the Saints are in their base defense.

21 (83) Patriots (from Vikings): Ryan Logan, CB, Rutgers

Analysis: The Patriots have struggled to develop corners — Darius Butler, Ras-I Dowling, Patrick Chung, Terrence Wheatley – and even Devin McCourty has been moved to safety. They take another whack with Ryan, who could get into dime packages behind Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington.

22 (84) Bengals: Shawn Williams, SS, Georgia

Analysis: The Bengals seemed to struggle without Chris Crocker, who’s no longer on the roster. Williams could get a shot at his spot next to starting FS Reggie Nelson.

23 (85) Redskins: Jordan Reed, TE, Florida

Analysis: The Redskins re-signed Fred Davis, but who knows how he’ll respond after tearing an Achilles last October. Reed provides a fallback who’s more athletic than Logan Paulsen.

24 (86) Colts: Hugh Thornton, G, Illinois

Analysis: The Colts signed OT Gosder Cherilus and G Donald Thomas to better safeguard QB Andrew Luck after he was frequently under fire as a rookie. Massive Thornton (320 pounds) might just give starting RG Mike McGlynn a run for his money.

25 (87) Seahawks: Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State

Analysis: Seattle has done quite a bit on the edges of its defense this offseason but could use more heft inside after losing Alan Branch to the Bills. Hill could get into the rotation next to the team’s best interior player, Brandon Mebane.

26 (88) 49ers (from Packers): Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn

Analysis: None other than Luke Joeckel mentioned Lemonier as a pass rusher who gave him problems in their Southeastern Conference battles. But Lemonier will have work to earn his stripes behind Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks.

27 (89) Texans: Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina

Analysis: Houston isn’t exactly set at right tackle after watching several players try to take over for Eric Winston last season. Williams provides competition for Derek Newton and Ryan Harris.

28 (90) Broncos: Kayvon Webster, CB, South Florida

Analysis: Champ Bailey isn’t getting any younger and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is on a one-year deal. Two pretty good guys for Webster to watch and develop behind.

29 (91) Patriots: Duron Harmon, S, Rutgers

Analysis: Bill Belichick is making a run on Scarlet Knights defensive backs. Devin McCourty, Adrian Wilson, Steve Gregory and Tavon Wilson are ahead of Harmon on a crowded depth chart.

30 (92) Rams (from Falcons): Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia

Analysis: Geno Smith’s favorite wide receiver since high school must now win over Sam Bradford, who also will be throwing to ex-Mountaineers dynamo Tavon Austin in 2013. GM Les Snead is quickly putting the pieces around Bradford that could finally lead to a breakthrough season from the fourth-year passer.

31 (93) Dolphins (from 49ers through Packers): Will Davis, CB, Utah State

Analysis: Davis is the second corner Miami took Friday and might find time in sub packages. However, given the Bills have relied on their dual tailbacks as playmakers and the Patriots on their tight end tandem, the AFC East is one division where teams might still employ their base defense more than the nickel.

32 (94) Ravens: Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern

Analysis: A wake-up call for Terrence Cody? Ozzie Newsome has expressed disappointment in his nose tackle, and Williams (335 pounds) could quickly vie for time in the middle of Baltimore’s revamped defense.

33 (95) Texans (compensatory pick): Sam Montgomery, DE, Louisiana State

Analysis: He admitted at the combine that he didn’t always play hard for the Tigers. If Wade Phillips (maybe with some help from J.J. Watt) can change Montgomery’s approach, Houston just added another talented piece to its front seven.

34 (96) Chiefs (compensatory pick): Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

Analysis: Might be a steal for Andy Reid. In recent years, the Chiefs have (mostly unsuccessfully) turned to older players like Thomas Jones and Peyton Hillis to be the thumper behind Jamaal Charles. Now 227-pound Davis gets a chance if he can re-establish a consistent baseline level of performance.

35 (97) Titans (compensatory pick): Zaviar Gooden, LB, Missouri

Analysis: The Titans close out Round 3 by adding depth to what is an already young and talented linebacking group. But given Colin McCarthy’s struggles to stay on the field in 2012, there could be playing time to be had for an athletic youngster.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

QBs and 10 more notable names to watch for in Day 3 of draft

Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Source: USA TODAY

Three rounds of the NFL draft down, four to go Saturday. Today’s story will surely revolve around the prominent quarterbacks yet to come off the board, but there are several other names to keep an eye on:

QB Matt Barkley, USC: Projected as a high first-round pick had he entered the 2012 draft, Barkley, who hurt his shoulder at the end of last season, is still waiting the NFL’s call in what is almost universally regarded as a weak quarterback draft. It’s hard not to admire his leadership and production, but how much is the medical packet and less-than-stellar arm scaring teams? And remember, Trojan passers don’t necessarily have a strong NFL track record. Possible fit: Cardinals

QB Ryan Nassib, Syracuse: So much for possibly sneaking into the first round and reuniting with former Orange coach Doug Marrone in Buffalo. Nassib’s moxie and field presence seem to be off the charts, but his accuracy seems to be all over the chart. Possible fit: Jaguars


QB Matt Scott, Arizona: Don’t be surprised to hear his name called before better known passers such as Tyler Bray, Tyler Wilson or Landry Jones. Scott has the arm and mobility teams that favor the read-option scheme will value, skills that could also make him a highly coveted backup. Possible fit: 49ers

RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA: He’s got decent vision and size (5-10, 205) and enough speed. He’s not ready to be a three-down back, and ball security is an issue, but Franklin is probably good enough to start as a rookie. Possible fit: Colts

RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina: No back in this entire draft possesses the talent of Lattimore, who was a beloved teammate with the Gamecocks. Of course, he comes with asterisks, namely four torn knee ligaments over the last two years. A team that can afford to stash him on IR for a season might get hugely rewarded in 2014. Possible fit: 49ers


WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech: Starring against WAC competition isn’t exactly a plus, but he might be good enough to develop into a No. 1 wideout given time and coaching. Possible fit: Raiders

OL Barrett Jones, Alabama: Twice a consensus All-American, he’s played every position on the offensive line. He’s very intelligent and tough, playing through a Lisfranc injury to win a third ring with the Tide at the end of the 2012 season. Possible fit: Jaguars

DE Alex Okafor, Texas: Not necessarily a lot of flash here, but Okafor can probably plug in as a base left end for a 4-3 team from Day 1. Possible fit: Buccaneers

NT Jesse Williams, Alabama: Aussie transplant is that rarest of things — a nose tackle that ranges all over the field. And at 6-3, 323 pounds, Williams also eats up plenty of space. Possible fit: Texans

LB Khaseem Greene, Rutgers: Productive player who can cover a lot ground if he’s not asked to take on a lot of guards. Possible fit: Lions

LB Mike Mauti, Penn State: All-American has non-stop motor and finely tuned leadership skills that helped galvanize his teammates through some of the most difficult seasons in the history of Nittany Lion football. His knee injuries haven’t helped his stock, but the NFL won’t be too big for him once he arrives. Possible fit: Vikings

CB B.W. Webb, William & Mary: Smart, small-school guy who held up well against the big boys at the Senior Bowl. Can return kicks and ideally suited to the slot. Possible fit: Eagles

S Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse: He’s short (5-9) but not small (213 pounds). Thomas can lay the wood to running backs but has enough wiggle to be an asset in coverage. He’ll make a nice rover somewhere. Possible fit: Panthers

***

Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

NFL draft: Round 2 pick-by-pick analysis

Friday, April 26th, 2013

Source: USA TODAY

Pick-by-pick results for Round 2 of the 2013 NFL draft:

Pick in Round 2; (overall pick); team; selection

1 (33) Jaguars: Johnathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

Analysis: Jags go with a nice combination safety out of the box for a team that will begin rebuilding its defense under new coach Gus Bradley, who coordinated the Seattle Seahawks defense the past few seasons. Cyprien moves upstate and will likely team with Dwight Lowery to improve a pass defense that ranked 22nd in 2012. However, look for Cyprien to roam the box quite a bit against a slew of tough AFC North runners.

2 (34) Titans (from Chiefs from 49ers): Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

After plugging in G Chance Warmack on Thursday, Tennessee plucks a player out of Knoxville by adding the speedy Hunter. He should stretch the field, which should enable him to take advantage of Locker’s arm while also adding further running room for RB Chris Johnson and slot WR Kendall Wright. However, Hunter’s addition will also raise questions about the future of injury- and arrest-prone WR Kenny Britt and veteran WR Nate Washington, who’s essentially been the designated deep man since coming to Nashville in 2009.

3 (35) Eagles: Zach Ertz, TE Stanford

Analysis: The Eagles continue adding parts to an offense whose unveiling will be highly anticipated. Coach Chip Kelly has seen plenty of Ertz from their days in the Pac-12 — Ertz helped beat the Ducks in 2012 — and surely has a good idea about how he’ll deploy him along with Brent Celek, an underrated athlete himself. Could this also signal another long night for QB Geno Smith? Smith met extensively with the Eagles in the draft run-up but has now been bypassed by the team twice.

4 (36) Lions: Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State

Analysis: Interesting that the Lions continue to avoid upgrading their O-line after losing both of last season’s starting tackles. You wonder if they might choose to make a run at an unsigned free agent such as Tyson Clabo, though that would require some salary cap creativity from GM Martin Mayhew. But it’s hard to argue with the selection of Slay, who addresses another hole on the depth chart. And when you’re facing Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and an improved Minnesota receiving corps on a regular basis, it’s probably a good idea to get a better wingman to pair with re-signed CB Chris Houston.

5 (37) Bengals (from Raiders): Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

Analysis: One night after enlisting TE Tyler Eifert, the Bengals wisely continue adding parts around third-year QB Andy Dalton. Bernard is shifty, a good pass catcher and can return kicks — all things that starting RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis doesn’t do very well. Cincinnati’s lack of explosiveness outside of WR A.J. Green was a major reason the Texans scuttled them in the playoffs the past two seasons.

6 (38) Chargers (from Cardinals) Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Analysis: It took two nights and 38 picks, but the former Irish star is finally off the board … and he gets to play about as close as possible to his native Hawaii. Te’o may have to beat out either Jonas Mouton or Donald Butler, high picks in recent seasons, to grab a starting inside linebacker post. But given the Bolts’ deal up to get Te’o, you’d have to think the Notre Dame team captain has an inside track to star on a quietly effective and young unit.

7 (39) Jets: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Analysis: Good thing Smith stayed in New York an extra day as he was evidently the best player on the Jets’ board. He enters a crowded QB room that also includes — for now — Mark Sanchez, David Garrard, Greg McElroy, Matt Simms and Tim Tebow. None of them has played for new OC Marty Mornhinweg, so they’re all starting fresh for a franchise that has gone back to Square 1. But given that Sanchez’s contract seems to lock him onto the roster for 2013, this pick seems pretty questionable. And the Jets are also a team that needs two guards, a tight end and a running back — at minimum — on an offense that was frequently punchless in 2012. Welcome to New York, Geno.

8 (40) 49ers (from Titans): Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State

Analysis: The rich get richer in San Francisco. Carradine tore an ACL late last season but could eventually be a better pro than Seminoles linemate Bjoern Werner, who went to the Colts in Round 1. Carradine improves a depleted line and but will have the time to get healthy behind Justin Smith, Glenn Dorsey and Ray McDonald. Carradine’s arrival could also mean more four-man fronts in San Francisco — as that’s what he normally did in Tallahassee.

9 (41) Bills: Robert Woods, WR, Southern California

Analysis: Good pick. The Bills really haven’t had a strong complement to WR Stevie Johnson but now add a weapon for Kevin Kolb and/or first-round QB E.J. Manuel. Woods played in a pro-style offense for the Trojans and has a reputation as a strong route runner.

10 (42) Raiders (from Dolphins): Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

Analysis: Watson, who hails from Manchester, England, should form a new bookend combo with improving Raiders LT Jared Veldheer. With promising C Stefen Wisniewski in the middle, there is suddenly some promising blocking in front of RB Darren McFadden and new QB Matt Flynn.

11 (43) Buccaneers: Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Analysis: The Tampa Bay secondary, which ranked dead last in 2012 and was very nearly the worst statistically in NFL history, has now added Banks, CB Darrelle Revis and S Dashon Goldson in the past six weeks. Banks could start as the nickelback for a team that suddenly appears to have serious playoff aspirations, even in such a talent-rich division. But the addition of another high-profile defensive back could reduce the possibility Ronde Barber will be back for a 17th season.

12 (44) Panthers: Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue

Analysis: Don’t be surprised if the Panthers are sneaky good … and they probably need to be to save Ron Rivera’s job. They’re D-line suddenly looks quite stout as Short joins first-rounder Star Lotulelei between established DEs Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy. This team’s pass rush should be quite formidable and will probably need to be given the questions that remain in the secondary.

13 (45) Cardinals (from Chargers): Kevin Minter, LB, Louisiana State

Analysis: Interesting choice. Arizona ILB Daryl Washington is one of the league’s best young players at the position but will open the 2013 season with a four-game suspension. The Cards also signed Jasper Brinkley in free agency, so Minter will have to compete for a job, at least starting in Week 5. Minter also has to overcome a slight stigma of LSU linebackers who haven’t been impact players in the pros.

14 (46) Bills (from Rams): Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon

Analysis: A versatile player like Alonso makes sense for new Buffalo defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who will throw a litany of looks at the opposition. And the Bills probably need to be creative and varied on defense since talent — and it exists on this roster, though not necessarily in spades at inside linebacker — hasn’t gotten the franchise very far (no playoffs since 1999).

15 (47) Cowboys: Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

Analysis: The Cowboys are lining up potential replacements for veteran TE Jason Witten after taking James Hanna in 2012. Escobar looks strong in the receiving department but may have to shore up his strength and prove he can thrive at the NFL level after getting fat against Mountain West competition.

16 (48) Steelers: Le’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State

Analysis: The Steelers let Rashard Mendenhall go and clearly needed a bellcow since the team wants to get back to its running game roots under OC Todd Haley. Bell can suck up carries and should enjoy running between the tackles for a team that’s been building a promising offensive line in recent drafts.

17 (49) Giants: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Analysis: Hankins is an enormous man (sometimes too large) who should be a run stuffer when the Giants aren’t in their pass-rushing NASCAR package. The Giants are always true to their board, but it’s worth wondering how much a player like Hankins will see the field vs. a trio of NFC East teams that tend to spread the field and/or favor option-oriented schemes. If the Eagles really manage to get a play off every 12 seconds, Hankins doesn’t seem like the ideal defender to combat a fast break attack of that ilk.

18 (50) Bears: Jon Bostic, LB, Florida

Analysis: Lance Briggs has more snaps behind him than in front of him, and D.J. Williams and James Anderson look like one-year Band-Aids for a group clearly in transition. A defensive youth movement for a defense with several thirty-somethings was inevitable.

19 (51) Redskins: David Amerson, CB, N.C. State

Analysis: The ‘Skins needed help at corner, and Amerson looks like a guy who will play on the outside if Josh Wilson moves to the slot in nickel situations. Washington brought DeAngelo Hall back after cutting him satisfy the salary cap, and he could find himself as a mentor for Amerson in 2013 and possibly replaced by him in 2014.

20 (52) Patriots (from Vikings): Jamie Collins, LB, Southern Miss

Analysis: New England makes its first pick after dealing out of Round 1 for boatload of choices from the Vikes. Collins projects as an edge rusher who’s perfect for the Pats, who frequently toggle between 4-3 and 3-4 looks. If 2012 first-rounder Chandler Jones continues to improve and relentless Rob Ninkovich remains effective, the Patriots’ recent pass rush woes could be a thing of the past.

21 (53) Bengals: Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist

Analysis:

The Bengals continue stocking an already deep D-line with Hunt, an Estonian known as the “Eastern Block,” given the 6-8 player’s proclivity for blocking kicks. The former track and field star will be 26 this year, but Cincinnati is showing little fear adding players who can help them win now.

22 (54) Dolphins (from Colts): Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

Analysis: Taylor is a needed addition for a secondary that lost CBs Vontae Davis (trade) and Sean Smith (free agency) over the last year. With newly-signed Brent Grimes coming back from Achilles’ surgery, getting a healthy youngster was imperative for Miami GM Jeff Ireland.

23 (55) 49ers (from Packers): Vance McDonald, TE, Rice

Analysis: McDonald isn’t one of the more high-profile tight ends of this draft, but he does provided needed depth. McDonald followed James Casey to Rice, who’s a versatile player who’s proven very effective at the NFL level.

24 (56) Ravens (from Seahawks): Arthur Brown, LB Kansas State

Analysis: The brother of Eagles RB Bryce Brown follows in his footsteps from K-State to the pros. Arthur Brown was a team captain and the best player on the Wildcats defense, and the Ravens would obviously love it if he can replicate his college resume in the pros given the talent and leadership void left in the wake of Ray Lewis’ retirement.

25 (57) Texans: D.J. Swearinger, SS, South Carolina

Analysis: Looks like the Texans might roll with some three-safety looks by adding Swearinger alongside Ed Reed and Danieal Manning. Swearinger is a punishing hitter who will surely became a fast favorite of coordinator Wade Phillips in a fast-flowing defense. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see Swearinger to steal some snaps from Houston’s linebackers, either.

26 (58) Broncos: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

Analysis: The Broncos struggled to close out the Ravens in their divisional playoff loss with Willis McGahee out and Knowshon Moreno hurt. Ball is durable and will find the end zone after scoring an NCAA career record 83 TDs. One concern, he put a lot of miles on the odometer for the Badgers.

27 (59) Patriots: Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

Analysis: It was inevitable that New England would take a wideout at some point after parting with Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd. If Dobson can at least threaten defenses deep as a rookie, he’ll make TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and WR Danny Amendola more effective in their intermediate routes. But as Chad Johnson learned, Dobson better get in that playbook early.

28 (60) Falcons: Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana

Analysis: Atlanta began the draft with Asante Samuel as its only starting-quality corner. That’s changed over the past two nights after GM Thomas Dimitroff secured Desmond Trufant last night in a trade. The Falcons’ recent playoff ousters have in large part been due to pass coverage struggles. Maybe that chances with the fresh DBs and DE John Abraham replaced by younger Osi Umenyiora.

29 (61) Packers (from 49ers): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Analysis: Many prognosticators put Lacy with the Pack in Round 1, but GM Ted Thompson gets him a day later. Green Bay has struggled to run the ball consistently since Ryan Grant started to slide, but Lacy should change that provided his toe and hamstring don’t become chronic issues. Like Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers should also benefit from getting a teammate who can milk a lead and kill a clock at the end of games.

30 (62) Seahawks (from Ravens): Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M

Analysis: Michael is a talented player but spent much of the 2012 season on the bench after crossing Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin in the discipline department. Michael won’t have the luxury of skating with RBs Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin ahead of him. But if he rises to the team’s internal level of competition, he should get 5-10 carries a week and might replace Lynch in the future.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.