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NEWS

Draft Review: Third Round

Twenty one Senior Bowl prospects were chosen in this round as each NFL team attempted to add players that can contribute as rookies and potentially start in the future.

HIGHEST SELECTION

64.  JACKSONVILLE Dwayne Gratz DC UConn

To the surprise of some NFL scouts, the Jaguars chose Dwayne as the first of three 3rd round picks from the Huskies’ senior-laden defense. With his rugged build and measured vertical explosiveness, he should fit in well as a Cover Two style corner for new coach Gus Bradley. Better in “press” than “off”, he forecasts as an outside corner that will use his hands and strength to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and rely on his straight-line speed to catch up down the field. Eventually, if Dwayne struggles in pure man-to-man cover situations, he has the size, mentality and tackling ability to move to safety and, there is every reason to believe, that he will be a factor on special teams.


SENIOR BOWL BUMP

66.  OAKLAND          Sio Moore         LB  UConn

Sio stood out at the East-West practices and, subsequently, was added to the Senior Bowl roster on the following Wednesday. He made an instant impact with the Raiders’ coaching staff because of his enthusiasm on the practice field and his production in the game when he registered 6 total tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss and a sack. At the Combine, he ran 4.65, benched 29 times and jumped 38” in the vertical and 10’5” in the broad to solidify his status as a Friday night pick. He has the combination skill set to stack the run, blitz from the inside or outside and play the pass in coverage, so it will not take long for him to challenge for a starting role in Oakland.

 

IMMEDIATE HELP

65.  DETROIT           Larry Warford  OG Kentucky

Jonathan Cooper/North Carolina and Chance Warmack/Alabama both ended up as Top 10 selections and stole all the attention at the guard position in 2013. However, many in the league felt Larry was the next best “pure” OG in this class. After playing for the Lions’ staff in Mobile, he proved his worth as a plug-in and play starter and will be expected to cement the “bottom” of the pocket for QB Matt Stafford. Better in pass pro than run blocking, he relies more on his feet and body position than explosiveness in his hips and hands. Still, if he can drop his weight below 325lbs, Larry will have a chance to play for a long time in the NFL.


BEST VALUE

79.   PITTSBURGH   Markus Wheaton WR Oregon State

The Steelers will continue their great success with 3rd round receivers with the selection of Markus. He will follow Hines Ward, Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders to Black-and-Gold glory because of his quickness, speed and hands. Not only did he produce 90 catches during the regular season for Oregon State, but at the Senior Bowl, he took the most turns and then displayed the body control and ability to drop his weight and get out of a cut. He has all the needed qualities to be a successful pro as both an outside and slot receiver and will get the chance to prove it as a rookie in 2013.

 

SPOTLIGHT CHOICE

75. NEW ORLEANS Terron Armstead OT ARK- Pine Bluff

Terron began the pre-draft process as an under-stated SWAC prospect at the East-West Shrine Game where his impressive practices earned him a trip to the Senior Bowl. Playing both guard and tackle for the South, he flashed the athletic skills needed to project as a LT. Then, at the Combine, he ran 4.65 and tested off the charts, convincing the Saints to take him as a developmental starter in Round 3. He will get 2013 to gain strength and experience, but expect to see him in the lineup by 2014. Terron will serve as the most recent reminder to all of the NFL clubs that there are always prospects to be found in the SWAC and MEAC.

 

REMAINING THIRD ROUNDERS:

68.  Leon McFadden San Diego State DC 

BROWNS
This All-MWC performer will get a chance to start opposite Joe Haden.
70.  Blidi Wreh-Wilson UConn DC TITANS
Tall, long-armed corner will give Tennessee needed flexibility in their Nickel package.
71. T.J. McDonald USC DS

RAMS
Head Coach Jeff Fisher trusts his past and the genes, will now coach T.J., son of Tim in St. Louis.
72. Brian Winters Kent State OG JETS

Consensus All-MAC selection has pro starter written all over him.
73. Mike Glennon NC State QB BUCS
Classic pocket passer with arm talent, will be solid insurance for 2013, potential starter by 2014.
74.  Terrance Williams Baylor WR

COWBOYS
Gifted receiver dropped from 2nd round, will give Tony Romo another capable option.
77.  Dallas Thomas Tennessee OG DOLPHINS
Suffered shoulder injury at Senior Bowl, but did not lose much ground in draft. He has OG/OT versatility.
78.  Marquise Goodwin Texas WR BILLS
Suffered shoulder injury at Senior Bowl, but did not lose much ground in draft. He has OG/OT versatility.
80. J.J. Wilcox Georgia Southern DS COWBOYS
One of the real “sleepers” of the 2013 draft, he “woke up” at the Senior Bowl and elevated into the 3rd round. Four-down prospect with kickoff return ability.
82. John Jenkins Georgia DT SAINTS
Value pick here for New Orleans as they transition to 3-4. John has more pass rush quickness than many people realize. 
84. Shawn Williams Georgia DS BENGALS
Consistent SEC performer who can support run, cover tight ends and help on special teams. Brings an aggressive demeanor to the field.
86. Hugh Thornton Illinois OG COLTS
Has the size of an OG, the feet of an OT. Expect him to play inside for Indy.
87. Jordan Hill Penn State DT SEAHAWKS

This Nittany Lion persevered throughout his senior year, showed up in Mobile and flashed in the game. Ideal fit for Seattle’s 4-3 as an inside rotational prospect.
93. Wil Davis Utah State DC DOLPHINS
Has every athletic gift in terms of feet, speed and ball skills. Needs to get stronger and play more physical in the future.
94.  Brandon Williams Missouri Southern  DT RAVENS
One of the small school gems in this class, at 341lbs, he has the size to anchor the 3-4 and improved as a pass rusher with each practice at the Senior Bowl.
97. Zaviar Gooden Missouri LB TITANS
The definition of the modern era linebacker that is required to play in space. Zaviar can absolutely fly and will help as a rookie on 3rd and 4th downs.