First-Round Mock Draft I: Picks 17-24

As promised, here are picks 17-24 of our current first-round mock, including our highly anticipated (we’d like to think, anyway) Chiefs pick…

17. (Adam) – OLB Lawrence Timmons, Florida State

Timmons doesn’t possess either extensive experience or great technique. What he does possess, however, is the stuff that can’t be taught or learned. Jack Del Rio and his staff will take the gifted-but-raw Timmons under their wings and make one of the NFL’s best backers out of him. Both his athleticism and intensity couldn’t be much better.

18. (Zach) – CB/RS Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh

Secondary play has been an issue for Cincinnati the past few years. In fact, last season they were tied with the Vikes for worst defense against the pass. Also, last year’s draft pick CB Jonathan Joseph is currently in a drug diversion program. Revis is a defensive playmaker who will also contribute on special teams as a returner.

19. (Adam) – CB/RS Aaron Ross, Texas

With Pacman’s game out of service for all of next season, the Titans now need to replace the team’s shutdown corner and return specialist. Ross will be a great replacement as he is very similar to Pacman, well, on the field at least. Hopefully, he’ll make it rain interceptions instead of arrests.

20. (Zach) – OT Levi Brown, Penn State

Wow, the Giants feel like they got a steal! Brown slips to the 20th spot where the Giants would be more than happy to pick a Joe Pa’ boy. This will help an offensive line that struggled mightily last season and keep Little Bro on his feet.

21. (Adam) – DE Jarvis Moss, Florida

I really, really wanted to pick a receiver with several quality ones still available. Perhaps that was simply the Chiefs fan in me exercising some wishful thinking. Back to reality — the Broncos need a pass-rusher. Moss is probably the best available and will help our fiercest rival put the heat on opposing QBs next season. Look out Damon, er, Brodie… whoever.

22. (Zach) – CB Chris Houston, Arkansas

Dallas was ranked 24th in pass defense last season. They really struggled to find a corner opposite Terrance Newman — possibly the second-best CB in the L. Houston is a strong player, possibly the strongest pound-for-pound player in the draft. He will help Roy Williams and T-New transform Dallas’ secondary into one of the better ones in the league.

23. (Adam) – WR Dwayne Jarrett, Southern California

A few days ago we were practically begging the Chiefs to snag a corner here, but all of our guys — Revis, Ross and Houston, in that order — are gone. Considering that I can’t remember the last time the Chiefs had a true number one WR, I have to roll with Jarrett this late in the first. Scouts may not have blown smoke off their stopwatches when he ran his 40, but he has great size and his college resume is impeccable. Come on, he didn’t become the Pac-10′s all-time leader in touchdown receptions by accident. I’m aware of the Mike Williams comparisons, but I’m predicting a career that more closely resembles another ex-Trojan’s — Keyshawn Johnson.

24. (Zach) – S Michael Griffin, Texas

This kid is versatile and can tackle — 250 tackles in the last two seasons to be exact. Griffin also blocked six punts at Texas, so he’ll almost definitely be a special teams standout as well. An honors student on and off the field, he’ll fit right in with the Belichick clan.

Tomorrow we will release the last eight picks of round one, which include the picks of four teams –the Bears, Chargers, Colts and Jets — the Chiefs play next season.