This was interesting seeing who falls and judging needs vs. best available. Not sure how realistic Fanspeak is with Carr going #1 overall and Clowney going #6 in my simulated draft, but here's who I picked.
24
CB JUSTIN GILBERT
OKLAHOMA STATE
If Gilbert falls, which I doubt, I would hope we run to the podium. His athletic ability, speed, and upside are phenomenal and he'd be a steal! A potential shutdown Corner gives us insurance with Leon Hall recovering and our starter for years to come.
55
RB CARLOS HYDE
OHIO STATE
Just think he's a beast and the younger, more powerful workhorse we need if we're going to make our running game a priority. With Hyde and Gio our backfield would be stacked, and give Hue the tools he needs to run the ball and set up the pass with play action.
88
C MARCUS MARTIN
USC
They have Richburg ranked higher but I just believe Martin is a better fit. Has the size to play in the AFC North, and the experience coming from a top program to step in at Guard or Center. Running the ball and protecting Dalton is a must.
123
DE CHRIS SMITH
ARKANSAS
With Michael Johnson and James Harrison gone, looking for someone to get after the QB. Guenther got a CB in round 1, but our D-line and pressuring the QB is the reason our defense has been successful.
164
CB WALT AIKENS
LIBERTY
Looked at the players available. Was hoping Aaron Murray fell to this pick, but he didn't happen. Aikens is a guy the Bengals have been rumored to be interested in, and frankly you can never have enough good Corners. Could contribute this year and be a regular in '15.
199
OT CORNELIUS LUCAS
KANSAS STATE
Six foot eight inches tall with freakishly long wingspan, he was just given a clean bill of health from the doctor recovering from an injury. We need depth at O- Tackle and with his frame he gives Paul Alexander someone to work with going forward.
212
QB TAJH BOYD
CLEMSON
Looking for a QB to push Dalton and be a potential option if needed in '15. Boyd played in huge games and knows how to win. He's got a strong arm and is elusive scrambling, both things that Dalton lacks. Could even be used in the red zone this year giving us a wrinkle to roll him out with tons of options.
239
FB J.C. COPELAND
LSU
Scouting reports say he "plays angry and tenacious, bringing an intimidation factor" which is exactly the kind of FB we need setting the tone for our running game. With Copeland creating holes for Hyde and Gio behind our already good O-line which got Marcus Martin in round 2, we should be able to control the line of scrimmage.
252
WR AUSTIN FRANKLIN
NEW MEXICO STATE
We lost Hawkins to the Browns, and Franklin brings another option in the slot to help replace him. He has instant acceleration upon catching the ball and plays faster than timed sprints. He's a good late round option to take a chance on.
__________
Overall, the way the draft went I didn't get a top kick return guy like I hoped would still be there in the late rounds, but am pleased. With a top Corner in Rd 1, addressed a need with great value. Got the top RB I wanted, top Center in my opinion, top FB in the 7th round, a QB with upside who brings a lot to the table, and added depth at OT, CB and WR. A draft like this adds a dominant running game to an Offense some would argue already had more talent than any in the league (Green, Eifert, Gresham, Jones, Gio, etc). It gives us more youth and talent and Defense. If Geno Adkins and Leon Hall return healthy and back to pre-injury form, we'd once again be a team who could go all the way this year!