ROUND 3
64
Dolphins
Patrick Lee
Cornerback
Auburn
Past the first two rounds, the Dolphins can simply focus on adding depth, especially on defense. Lee is a big, physical cornerback - the type Parcells loves. He's a similar player to Anthony Henry, a guy that Parcells brought to Dallas as a free agent and considered one of the top defensive players he coached during his time in Big D.
65
Rams
Anthony Collins
Offensive Tackle
Kansas
The Rams are comfortable with Orlando Pace and Alex Barron at the tackle positions for now, but depth is an issue. Their line was decimated by injuries in 2007 and they don't want to be in that position again. Collins is a good pick here because he can provide that necessary depth at both guard and tackle. They could also use a cornerback or safety here.
66
Chiefs
Donnie Avery
Wide Receiver
Houston
Dwayne Bowe had a fantastic rookie season, but the Chiefs are still lacking at receiver. Devard Darling is expected to start opposite Bowe, but beyond that its anyone guess. The one glaring need a receiver that can stretch the field. Avery is undersized, but could be a perfect fit as a slot receiver and an added target for whoever the Chiefs quarterback is in 2008.
67
Panthers
Jeremy Thompson
Defensive End
WFU
The retirement of Mike Rucker opens up a major hole on the defensive line opposite Julius Peppers. The Panthers aren't going to panic, but it would be shocking not to see them address the situation somewhere in the first three rounds. Thompson flew under the radar at Wake Forest, but is a solid all around defensive lineman that fits well in Carolina.
68
Falcons
Thomas DeCoud
Safety
California
The Falcons are set at safety for the short term with Lawyer Milloy and Erik Coleman. However, Milloy is 34 years old and isn't nearly the player he once was in New England and Buffalo. DeCoud has the size to step in for Milloy at strong safety and will be a solid option on special teams until the Falcons are ready to part ways with Milloy.
69
Patriots
John Greco
Offensive Tackle
Toledo
The Patriots took Nick Kaczur in the third round in 2005 and they could land his former teammate in the third round here. Greco is a shockingly similar prospect to Kaczur. He's a tough, physical lineman and that can line up at guard or tackle. Obviously this isn't a major need, but the Patriots draft strategy is all about getting the best value.
70
Bears
John David Booty
Quarterback
USC
The Bears don't appear ready to spend big money on a quarterback in the draft just yet. And with good reason considering how well their last first rounder has turned out (Grossman). Booty is far from a sure thing, but in the third round he's certainly worth the risk. There is little money invested in a quarterback here, but it could pay big dividends.
71
Jaguars
Eddie Royal
Wide Receiver
V.T
The Jaguars have been burned by selecting receiver early in the draft. So much so that they're afraid to dip back into that pool. However, in the third round they can afford to take a risk. Royal is a serious deep threat a decent upside. He could be a nice addition as a slot receiver and could be ready to take some playing time away from Dennis Northcutt.
72
Bills
Tyvon Brach
Cornerback
UConn
Despite the Bills apparent desire for a receiver in the first round, cornerback is their biggest need. Terrence McGee is nothing more than a return specialist and Jabari Greer is one of the weaker starting corners in the league. Branch is raw and undersized but has the pure speed that you can't teach; that's enough to make him worth a third round selection.
73
Chiefs
Andre' Woodson
Quarterback
Kentucky
The Chiefs don't want to invest too much money in a quarterback without givin Brodie Croyle a fair shot. However, if Woodson falls to the third round he's a worth a shot. Nothing is invested in him, but he if lives up to potential they could get a future starter. The Chiefs would be doing themselves a disservice not take a QB somewhere on draft day.
74
Panthers
Kevin Smith
Running Back
UCF
DeAngelo Williams has yet to prove he can carry the load. They aren't willing to give up on him yet, but to be safe they're looking for a running back in the mid-rounds. Kevin Smith is tough player to judge. He was dominant last year at UCF, but hasn't tested well this offseason. By the 74th overall selection, he's probably worth the risk.
75
49ers
Antwaun Molden
Cornerback
E. Kentucky
The 49ers made a big splash last offseason signing Nate Clements. What they didn't realize what that one overpaid cornerback doesn't turn around a terrible secondary. Molden's stock has risen considerably this offseason. His forty time alone was enough to catch the eye of scouts, and now he's solidified his spot in the top three rounds.
76
Lions
Marcus Harrison
Defensive Tackle
Arkansas
The loss of Shaun Rodgers may not seem like much considering how little effort he put forth the past two years, but the Lions will defensive line will miss his presence. Harrison has the size and the athleticism to be a force on the defensive line and could push for immediate playing time. Chuck Darby isn't exactly the guy Rod Marinelli wants anchoring his line for years to come.
77
Bengals
Bryan Kehl
Outside Linebacker
BYU
Odell Thurman is back, but after being away from the game for two years the Bengals don't know what he has to offer. Kehl is one of the more underrated prospect in this draft and would be an ideal fit in Cincinnati. And adding player with top intangibles and a absolutely zero character concerns is obviously a good move in Cincinnati regardless of what position he plays.
78
Saints
Erin Henderson
Outside Linebacker
Maryland
If the Saints fail to land Keith Rivers in the first round they'll be force to address that need later in the draft. They need a linebacker and really can't afford to let the first three rounds go by without getting some help at the position. Henderson is a little overrated but has some value if falls this far. He can provide solid depth at all three linebacker positions.
79
Texans
Chilo Rachal
Offensive Guard
USC
The Texans have quietly built a solid offensive line, but it could still use some upgrades. The right guard position is set to be a wide open battle in training camp and Chilo Rachal would be a good bet to land the job if he winds up in Houston. The Texans could also invest in a running back here if they see a value they like and guy that could provide some instant help.
80
Eagles
Terrence Wheatley
Cornerback
Coloradi
The Eagles need depth at cornerback, especially if Lito Sheppard is involved in a draft day trade. Wheatley is very raw, but has tremendous athletic ability and elite speed. That alone is good enough to get him drafted in the third round. The Eagles may also be willing to take a chance on a receiver at this point in the draft to add depth behind Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis.
81
Cardinals
Dexter Jackson
Wide Receiver
App. State
Despite having Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Bolden, the Cardinals are in the market for another receiver in this year's draft. Ideally, they'd get a good value on a guy like Jackson with this pick. Jackson is undersized, but he fits the mold of what Arizona is looking for. He has he speed to get the attention of the defense and stretch the field on every play.
82
Chiefs
Jerome Simpson
Wide Receiver
C. Carolina
The Chiefs enter the draft with question marks at every offensive position except running back and tight end. Devard Darling was brought in to start opposite Dwayne Bowe, but he never lived up to expecations in Baltimore and things shouldn't be much different in Kansas City. Simpson is one of the top small school prospects in the draft and is a solid third round pick.
83
Bucs
Orlando Scandrick
Cornerback
Boise State
The Bucs are in need of depth and youth at cornerback and they're in good position to get that here. Scandrick surprised many by entering the draft after his junior year, but he's impressed in workouts and worked his way into the consideration for a third round pick. He'll provide some solid depth at corner behind Barber and could be his replacement eventually.
84
Redskins
Dre Moore
Defensive Tackle
Maryland
The Redskins defensive line could use an upgrade at three of the four positions. Cornelius Griffin and Anthony Montgomery are serviceable defensive tackles, but not the type you want starting on a team with playoff aspirations. Dre Moore may not be the answer, but he can at least provide quality depth, while competing for a starting job.
85
Titans
Jordy Nelson
Wide Receiver
Kansas St
Titans fans won't be pleased if the team waits to get Vince Young some help until the third round, but its a possibility. Defensive line and running back appear to be the direction they want to go in the first two rounds. If they do wait, Nelson would be an excellent addition. He isn't a deep threat or a red zone threat, but he's a Wes Welker-type that just gets the job done.
86
Seahawks
Tashard Choice
Running Back
G.T
The addition of Julius Jones lessened the need for a running back, but with Shawn Alexander not expected back they could use some added depth. Choice has proven he can carry the load if asked, and should be a serviceable back up at the very least. He is a good fit for Seattle's system and would make a nice compliment to Julius Jones.
87
Lions
John Carlson
Tight End
Notre Dame
This certainly isn't a major need but with a good number of picks in the draft the Lions can afford to go for the best available player in certain areas. Carlson has good value this late in the third round and could provide an added to dimension to their passing game. Dan Campbell is their current start and still has value as a blocker, but there's room for Carlson as well.
88
Steelers
Mike Pollack
Center
Arizona St
Center is a huge need Pittsburgh but if a guy like Pollack on the board he'd be tough to pass up in the third round. Sean Mahan isn't exactly a Pro Bowler and Pollack could steal his job after a year or so. For a team like the Steelers with relatively few holes, taking the best player available is the strategy to use, and Pollack should be that guy here.
89
Jaguars
Reggie Smith
Safety
Oklahoma
Smith's stock has fallen considerably since he was once a potential first rounder. However, when guys slide they eventually reach a point where they have good value again. This certainly is that point for Smith. The Jaguars don't need a safety, but a guy like Smith that can play either corner or safety is a valuable addition to any team.
90
Bears
Early Doucet
Wide Receiver
LSU
Perhaps no one has seen their stock fall as much as Doucet this offseason. He was once a first round consideration that is now hanging on just to be selecting in the top three rounds. There's no doubting his potential, but he can't stay healthy and he's inconsistent when he is. That said, he is still very much worth the risk in the late third round.
91
Packers
Phillip Wheeler
Linebacker
G.T
When drafting for depth, versatility is a valuable asset. Wheeler has it, as he can line up at outside or inside linebacker. He may be good enough to compete with Brady Poppinga for a starting job, but more likely plays back up to him and A.J Hawk. The Packers are also in need of a backup quarterback, this could be where they take a chance on someone.
92
Cowboys
Mike McGlynn
Offensive Guard
Pittsburgh
The Cowboys aren't necessarily looking for a starter here, but they do need some depth. McGlynn has ideal size and strength for guard, but could probably play some right tackle if needed. He's a similar player to Cleveland Browns lineman Ryan Tucker. He's unspectacular and won't make any Pro Bowls, but he can get the job done.
93
Colts
Charles Godfrey
Cornerback
Iowa
Like the Patriots, the Colts have no glaring needs and are in position to select the best available player. Godfrey would be a perfect fit in Indy. He doesn't have great size, but does have the speed to be a reliable cornerback. He likely won't steal anyone's starting job but could develop into a very solid playmaker at the nickelback position.
94
Patriots
Bruce Davis
Outside Linebacker
UCLA
Davis played primarily defensive end in college but has the tools to make the switch to linebacker in the pros. Even is the Pats land Keith Rivers in the first round, they could still use a guy like Davis here. He has the size and strength to play outside linebacker, while Rivers will be limited to playing inside in the 3-4 defense. The Pats could also add depth at receiver here.
95
Giants
Craig Stevens
Tight End
California
Jeremy Shockey appears to be on his way out and Kevin Boss isn't much more than a blocking tight end. Stevens has the size and speed to be a very reliable threat in the passing game. As a bonus, he's a reliable blocker, making him starting material. The Giants may also consider adding a backup quarterback here. They need an insurance policy behind Manning.
96
Redskins
Beau Bell
Linebacker
UNLV
At this point there aren't any great values on the board, so teams will begin to turn their attention to best player available and stockpiling depth. The Redskins are set at linebacker, but they do lack depth at the position. Bell is among the best available players and his ability to play outside or inside will be a serious benefit to his stock at this point in the draft.
97
Bengals
Ahtyba Rubin
Defensive Tackle
Iowa State
The Bengals must take at least two defensive lineman in this draft, and the earlier the better. They don't have a second round pick, which means they'll have to address the need here. Even if they land Sedrick Ellis in round one doesn't mean that defensive tackle isn't an option here. Their line is in need of a full makeover and if that means taking two DTs that's what they'll do.
98
Falcons
Oniel Cousins
Offensive Tackle
UTEP
The Falcons would like to get an offensive lineman earlier that this, but they have so many needs that it just doesn't make sense to reach for a tackle. They'll wait until the right value presents itself. At this point Cousins could be a steal. He probably fits best at guard, but could certainly play right tackle. He'll push for a starting job somewhere on the Falcons line.
99
Ravens
Shawn Crable
Linebacker
Michigan
This pick is all about value. Crable is a perfect fit in Baltimore even though linebacker isn't high on their needs list. He is an Adalius Thomas-like defender. Crable primarily played defensive end in college but does have experience at linebacker and is best suited for an outside linebacker job in a 3-4 defense. He could push Jarret Johnson for playing time.

 


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