C3 Mock 1.0 RD 2 (Picks 41-48)

This Mock is a little different that the others you’ve seen.  I’m picking and stating my reasoning for the this round.  I give my reasoning and insights as to why a team will go after a certain player.  The reasoning could be based on last year’s weaknesses as rated by our friends at ProFootballFocus.com.  Or the reasoning could be the pending loss of a Free Agent.  And BPA logic cromes into play too.  Follow me on Twitter and give me your thoughts @PanthersDrafter

With JoLonn Dunbar and Alec Ogletree both finishing with negative grades from PFF for the year, the talented Shaq Thompson fills a huge need and is probably the best player left on the board too.  Playing in the NFC West, you’d better have good linebackers to chased down and to contain mobile QBs.

One of the best linebackers in the Draft that would be in the first round if not for a slow 40 time.  Makes up for his 4.9 40 by being extremely instinctive and anticipates plays much like Luke Keuchley does for the Panthers.  And we all know the Falcons need help at the LB spots.

With Josh Gordon’s year gone in a puff of smoke again, the hometown, Devin Smith, gets the nod.  The Browns need some speed and playmakers.  Devin Smith provides both.

Being the second to the worst pass coverage team in the NFL, the Saints desperately need a playmaker in the Secondary.  Hometown kid with lots of upside fits the bill.  At 6’1/ 195 lbs., Collins is one of the “new-age” corners that are in vogue.  4.48 40 is fast enough and a 36-inch vertical to go with his 6’1 height will make him a challenge for the tall WRs in the NFC South.

The Vikings really struggled in pass protection and especially up the middle.  Former Panther draft-pick, Joe Berger, was their highest rated Guard and he was middle fo the road.  At 6’3/ 323 lbs., this ACC Hog-Mollie will be a great addition to protect Bridgewater.

Mel’s Take:    With the probable departure of Michael Crabtree, the 49ers have to add playmakers to help out Kapernick.  Agholor is a polished route-runner with good hands and surprising speed.  I look for this to be a high value pick for the rebuilding 49ers.

The Dolphins have been cutting WRs left and right and you know they will have to target a WR with this pick.  Rashad Greene is the best option on the board.  He runs fantastic routes, and has dependable hands.  He also tracks deep balls very well which will compliment Ryan Tannehill’s strengths.  If Mike Wallace is released, Phillip Dorsett could be in play with this pick as well.