Picks 17-32 in our second mock draft

MIKE KAYE

Picks 1-16 / Picks 17-32 /  Round 2

17.  New England (14-2) ^Oakland / Ryan Kerrigan / Purdue / DE/OLB
I feel a trade here but why not get better where you are already good. Kerrigan looks like a monster and can help upgrade an already strong line-backing core for the Pats. He is a hard-nosed and smart guy that fits Bill Belichik’s system.

18.  San Diego (8-8) / Von Miller / Texas A&M / OLB/DE
Shawne Merriman is gone; enter Von Miller, his definite replacement. Miller has blown up his draft stock over the last few months and has proven to have Clay Matthews-like game-changing ability. This will give the Defense a new face and hopefully will put butts in the seats.

19.  NY Giants (10-6) / Travis Lewis / Oklahoma / OLB
Any Giant fan will tell you that Keith Bullock couldn’t cut it on the inside or outside this season. Lewis is a potential standout at the WILL linebacker position.

20.  Tampa Bay (10-6) / Adrian Clayborn / Iowa-DE
Clayborn is a great partner from Gerald McCoy on the D-Line that seems to continue to get younger and more dangerous every season under Raheem Morris. This pick could be a corner to replace Ronde Barber but I think you have to take advantage of the possibility of having the next Aaron Kampman on your team.

21.  Kansas City (10-6) / Akeem Ayers / UCLA / OLB/DE
Mike Vrabel is on his way to the anchor desk at ESPN. Ayers can replace and even improve Vrabel’s spot opposite Tamba Hall immediately. The Bruin is young and hungry and with be a perfect piece in Romeo Crennel’s puzzle.

22.  Indianapolis (10-6) / Gabe Carimi / Wisconsin / OT
The Colts had a boat-load of injuries this season but I think their most pressing need is LT. The team openly admitted they took the wrong player in the first round last year (DE Jerry Hughes) and they can avenge that terrible decision by taking this talent lineman from Wisconsin.

23.  Philadelphia (10-6) / Stefen Wisniewski / Penn. State / C/G
This has to be the pick if Sherrod, Carimi, and Castonzo are gone. The O-line, more specifically the right side has been extremely disappointing this season. Wisniewski’s versatility makes him appealing as he can compete at right guard and center.

24.  New Orleans (11-5) / Cameron Jordan / Cal / DT/DE
One of the main weaknesses of the Saints is their run defense as seen against Marshawn Lynch (too soon?). Jordan can come in right away and close up some holes on the D-line and improve it so that it can go against mediocre backs such as Lynch.

25.  Seattle Seahawks (7-9) / Aaron Williams / Texas / CB
Williams is needed to be the replacement to Kelly Jennings. The team hit with their pick of Earl Thomas, and I think another young secondary piece could help their passing defense tremendously.

26.  Green Bay (10-6) / Mike Pouncey / Florida / G
The Packers O-line improved a lot from last year but I feel that the more depth they have, the better they will be equip to deal with injury and protect Aaron Rodgers from them. Pouncey is a guy that I think will be drafted on potential and the ability of his brother (Pro Bowler and Steelers Rookie, Maurkice).

27.  NY Jets (11-5) / Allen Bailey / Miami / DE/DT
Bailey is a best and the Jets need someone to take over from D’Bustashaw. This team needs help on their D-line and this is a value/need pick for the Jets. This pick is a tad of reach but the Jets don’t have many glaring weaknesses.

28.  Baltimore (11-5) / Brandon Burton / Utah / CB
While Josh Wilson played very well down the stretch for Baltimore; the Ravens need to help him out on the other side. Burton is a guy who can start right away and can play nickel if needed.

29.  Chicago (11-5) / Michael Floyd / Notre Dame / WR
The Bears have done well with the likes of Earl Bennett and Devin Hester but it’s time they take the WR position seriously. Floyd is a highlight machine and could definitely put the Bears in position to repeat as NFC North Champs. The less Jay Cutler questions his weapons on offense, the fewer turnovers that he will cause.

30.  Pittsburgh (12-4) / Nate Solder / Colorado / OT
A new year means a new offensive line addition for the Steel City. Pouncey worked out well, who’s against adding another piece to an already improving situation? Solder is a borderline 1st rounder and being that the Steelers are constantly in contention; a reach is not out of the question.

31.  Atlanta (13-3) / Stephen Paea / Oregon State / DT
Paea played well in the National Championship game and can pair with Peria Jerry next season to stop the run and rush the passer up the middle. I think this team is Super Bowl bound so adding anyone can only help.

32.  New England (14-2) / Shane Vereen / Cal / RB
The rotation of backup runners aren’t going to continue to cut it from the Pats so this is an easy pick to decide on. This is another possible trade piece but Vereen comes from a line of great Cal running backs and looks poised to follow in Jahvid Best’s footsteps.

Photo: Getty

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