C3 Mock 1.0 RD 2 (Picks 49-55)

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 comes into play too.  Follow me on Twitter and share your thoughts @PanthersDrafter

With Rodney Hudson getting the Franchise tag this pick may surprise you.  But Erving is so versatile that he can play any of the five positions and provides leverage in negotiations for a long-term deal with Hudson.  Really, this pick makes all the sense in the world.  Erving is an impressive player that I believe could go much higher than this, but if he is available at 49, he has to be the pick.

With the blockbuster trade of Kiko Alonso for Shady McCoy, there leaves a need for Rex Ryan to bring in a new young LB.  McKinney should be that guy.  He’s a playmaker that plays very well between the Tackles and fills running lanes well.  At 6’4 / 246 lbs he is an ideal size and with a 40-inch vertical leap, he will provide good zone coverage over the middle of a defense.

With both of their Safeties up for Free Agency, I don’t see them keeping both and will have to keep their Secondary strong.  They face Andrew Luck twice a year and can’t afford to have weak Safeties.

The Eagles may not re-sign Bradley Fletcher and PJ Williams would make that decision a lot easier.  Williams is a long Corner with good speed and ball skills.  He would be a nice addition to the Eagles Secondary.

With 19 Free Agents, the Bengals could go in a number of directions.  Jermaine Gresham will most likely not be back and having the big and talented Funchess drawing defenders will only help the Bengals Offense.

Reggie Bush is not coming back and that leaves only Joique Bell.  Duke Johnson comes in right away and balances that Offense which will open things up for Matt Stafford.

It was a shock to me to see the Cardinal Defensive Backs play so inconsistently.  And it does not look as though Antonio Cromartie will be back.  The Cardinals need talent back there to after addressing their pass-rush in the first round.  And Ronald Darby is a vastly underrated DB that I suspect will go no later than this spot and would be a welcomed addition to the Cards.

The Steelers have 16 Free Agents to worry and Jason Worilds may not be back.  Harold has very good size and the ability to play Steeler style football.