In our third and final installment, the world renown Hashmarks Mock Draft makes some ridiculously bold and perhaps misguided projections. The Cowboys will desperately try to pull the trigger on a trade with the No. 22 pick, but unlike my pal Don Banks, I'm not going to try to identify the trading partner this early.
In case you're just now joining us, make sure and read Parts 1 and 2 of our mock draft, which is currently being printed in personnel offices across the league. OK, let's get to it:
21. Redskins -- Quentin Groves, OLB, Auburn: I struggled mightily here because Washington really likes Miami safety Kenny Phillips, and that's obviously a need for the time. In the end, Groves has too much talent to pass up. But this pick could change several times leading up to the draft.
22. Cowboys -- Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida: Some of you guys are convinced that Tampa Bay will take Jenkins, but don't be fooled by the whole proximity angle. Yes, they like the kid, but I don't think they're going to draft him. A lot of people connected with the Cowboys love Arkansas running back Felix Jones, including Jerry Jones. That said, the Cowboys think they can find a running back later in the draft. The same can't be said for an elite corner. Of course, the Cowboys will try to trade down with this pick, but if they can't, Jenkins is their man.
23. Steelers -- Branden Albert, G, Virginia: This is by far the best guard in the draft, and the Steelers need someone to replace Alan Faneca. Yes, I talked about their love for Pitt offensive tackle Jeff Otah earlier in the mock, but I'm now convinced Albert is the pick. Watching film of this 317-pound guy blocking cornerbacks in space is pretty amazing.
24. Titans -- Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State: The Titans would like to add depth on the defensive line after losing Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy in free agency, but the club is desperate for help at receiver. Vince Young will make a passionate argument for UT receiver Limas Sweed, but it's not going to happen. I'll find out the goods on Sweed later this afternoon and get back to you guys tomorrow. This wrist injury isn't helping his cause at all.
25. Seahawks -- Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina: If Thomas is still on the board, the Seahawks may go after him. I know a lot of Seattle fans like Sweed, but I don't think it's going to happen. Balmer (6-4, 308) is a solid run defender who should contribute immediately. A decent tight end would be nice, but it would be a reach here.
26. Jaguars -- Calais Campbell, DE, Miami: If Balmer's gone, the Jags will grab Campbell. Still a raw player, but his tremendous upside is too much to pass up.
27. Chargers -- Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt: Shane Olivea is gone, and Otah is the best tackle on the board. The Steelers and Eagles both love him, so we'll see if he's still around.
28. Cowboys -- Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas: If he slides this far, Jerry Jones will be waiting to catch him. This will cause columnists such as Randy Galloway to flip out, but I'm afraid the Cowboys aren't going to take a wide receiver in the first round. Limas Sweed is a possibility, but he needs to have a strong pro day.
29. 49ers -- James Hardy, WR, Indiana: The 49ers need a big-play threat at receiver and Hardy's just the man for the job. Don't rule out my man Gosder Cheilus, though. By my count, the club had only three offensive tackles under contract right now. George Warhop's a fantastic offensive line coach, but he's not a miracle worker.
30. Packers -- Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech: Yes, I know Green Bay has a couple of Pro Bowl cornerbacks, but they won't be around forever. Kenny Phillips is a possibility here, but Flowers is the better player.
31. Patriots -- Sitting this one out
32. Giants -- Dan Connor, OLB, Penn State: It will be hard to look past Mr. Phillips, but Connor's a great fit. If Mike Jenkins somehow slips in the draft, the Giants will be waiting with open arms.