Not interested in Peyton Manning's next move? Unenthused by a free-agent market that lost 21 players to the franchise tag? Then come along for the third set of mock drafts this offseason from ESPN analysts Mel Kiper
and Todd McShay. You'll need an Insider subscription to see the entire file, but as always, I'll sneak you an NFC North peak.
Kiper's pick: USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil
McShay's pick: Kalil
Seifert comment: This has been a league-wide consensus since the combine, despite general manager Rick Spielman's suggestions that he might value an offensive playmaker higher. The reality is there is no playmaker, offensive or defensive, who measures up to Kalil's overall value, and it's rare for someone to trade up to the top of the draft for a left tackle. The only way this doesn't happen is if the St. Louis Rams draft Kalil at No. 2. But the Rams are widely expected to trade the pick to a team seeking Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
19. Chicago Bears
Kiper's pick: Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Adams
McShay's pick: Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd
Seifert comment: Floyd went earlier in Kiper's mock, leaving the talented but underachieving Adams for the Bears. General manager Phil Emery hasn't established his priorities publicly, but the need for a big receiver is acute and No. 19 overall isn't a bad spot to draft one.
23. Detroit Lions
Kiper's pick: South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore
McShay's pick: Adams
Seifert comment: Gilmore would fit a big need. There are concerns about Adams' intensity, but in the end general manager Martin Mayhew won't allow need to trump talent. If he likes Adams' talent, he'll be willing to pass over the best cornerback remaining on the board.
Kiper's pick: USC linebacker Nick Perry
McShay's pick: Clemson defensive end Andre Branch
Seifert comment: Most mock drafters have the Packers choosing a player who could enhance their pass rush, be it a defensive end or linebacker. It's just a matter of who.