Mock Draft: Picks 21-25

21. Broncos- DE Jarvis Moss, Florida

The Broncos have been up and down on draft day the past few seasons. Last year they struck gold with quarterback Jay Cutler and defensive end Elvis Dumervil, but picks like Maurice Clarett and Willie Middlebrooks didn’t work out in previous seasons. Denver will probably look to use its first pick on defense, either an inside linebacker, defensive end, or safety. Jarvis Moss would be a good fit here and could team up with Dumervil as one of the league’s premier set of young, edge rushing defensive ends. Moss’ dominance in the national championship means he could be gone by the time this pick comes around, so fellow Gator Reggie Nelson is also an option.

22. Cowboys- G Justin Blaylock, Texas

A botched field goal attempt in the playoffs overshadowed a pretty good season by the Cowboys. Tony Romo emerged as legit quarterback and Demarcus Ware established himself as one of the league’s top pass rushing linebackers. The Cowboys were notorious for drafting defensive players in the first round under Bill Parcells and could continue to go that route under Wade Phillips. But their offensive line needs upgrading and Justin Blaylock is one of the top linemen in the class. Versatile enough to play guard or tackle, Blaylock was a key component to the 2006 Longhorns national championship team. Florida’s Reggie Nelson would immediately upgrade the secondary and could also be the pick.

23. Chiefs- CB Chris Houston, Arkansas

The Chiefs have had the same two weaknesses since Priest Holmes was running around Arrowhead Stadium: wide receiver and defense. They have focused on improving that defense during the draft, and it has provided them with some good young players. Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali have made impacts in the front seven, so the Chiefs can now turn their attention to the secondary. Arkansas’ Chris Houston had a monster junior season and could play immediately in the Chiefs cover 2. Wideout could be the other choice with tons of options like Ted Ginn, Dwayne Jarrett, and Dwayne Bowe.

24. Patriots- S Reggie Nelson, Florida

After blowing a multiple touchdown lead in the AFC Championship, the Pats decided to go hog wild in free agency. AdaliusThomas, one of the most versatile players in football, was brought in to help the defense and Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth were added to a receiving corps that struggled to gain a repore last season with Tom Brady. One area that has been a problem the last two seasons has been the secondary. Reggie Nelson, a dude I’m really high on and think should go much earlier than this, would immediately upgrade the safety position and is the type of ballhawker New England seems to covet.

25. Jets- CB Marcus McCauley, Fresno State

There was a lot for Jets fans to be happy about in 2006. Head Coach Eric Mangini led his troops to a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance in his first season on the job. Their two first round draft picks, D’Brickshaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold, steadily improved through the year and were able to keep Chad Pennington up right for the majority of the season. Already this offseason the Jets got my guy Thomas Jones for only an exchange of second round picks with the Bears, and now should look to focus on their defense. Because they run a 3-4, linebackers will always be an option but New York could also look to improve its secondary. Had he come out after his junior year, Marcus McCauley could have been a top 10 selection (in maybe the best draft of the last 20 years). But McCauley stayed in school and saw his stock drop a little. Maybe considered a boom or bust defensive back, McCauley has the playmaking ability the Jets defense desperately need.