2015 NFL Mock Draft: Linebackers fly off the board in middle of Second Round

As the second round of the APC Mock Draft continues, we have picks 41 through 48 ready for you. Prior to this point, few inside linebackers have gone off the board, but we'll see a group of three of them drafted in the next eight picks. However, we have two of them projected to go to 4-3 teams, playing outside linebacker instead.

Also a popular position at this point in the draft is the wide receiver position, as another deep group should have several players taken in round two. Another three of the next eight picks are receivers as well.

Here's the next batch of second-round picks.

#41 (STL): Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State

Tavon Austin looks like a gadget player at this point, and Kenny Britt just can't seem to get over the hump. Smith is an instant deep threat for Nick Foles (or whoever ends up starting at QB in St. Louis) and has the potential to develop into a well-rounded receiver.  (Ryan)

Previous pick: OT La'el Collins, LSU

#42 (ATL): Preston Smith, DE/OLB, Mississippi State

Jason: The Falcons simply cannot go into 2015 without doing more to improve the pass rush. Brooks Reed and Adrian Clayborn will help, but they aren't going to scare teams by themselves. Preston Smith has the physical attributes to become a lead edge rusher if new head coach Dan Quinn can develop him correctly.

Previous pick: OL Brandon Scherff, Iowa

#43 (CLE): Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami

Josh: It's no secret that the Browns lack offensive weapons after the Josh Gordon mess and Jordan Cameron's departure, so adding a deep threat at WR makes sense.

Previous picks: NT Danny Shelton, Washington; OT Ereck Flowers, Miami

#44 (NO): Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson

The defensive overhaul continues. This time, we go for the interior of the defense, as Anthony is one of the more complete inside backers in the draft. He can bide his time behind David Hawthorne and Dannell Ellerbe, and won't be required to start immediately; if he does, that's a bonus. (Brendan)

Previous picks: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State; OLB/DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

#45 (MIN): Paul Dawson, LB, TCU

Tex: With a wideout in round 1, the Vikings have to address the defense in round 2. It's either Jalen Collins or Dawson here, but the Vikings are thinner at linebacker. Dawson could step in on the weak side for a fast-declining Chad Greenway.

Previous pick: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville

#46 (SF): Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Josh: The 49ers need to retool their wide receiver group and Coates would be a deep threat that Boldin and Stevie Johnson aren't capable of being.

Previous pick: DT Malcom Brown, Texas

#47 (MIA): Benardrick McKinney, OLB, Mississippi State

Tex: McKinney's size and skill set seems to lend itself more to being a 4-3 strong-side linebacker than a true middle linebacker. Conveniently, that's exactly the position where Miami needs help, so he can step into the starting lineup immediately.

Previous pick: CB Marcus Peters, Washington

#48 (SD): Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State

Aron: I'm pretty glad I was able to grab Ajayi in the second round at this spot. San Diego gets themselves an every-down starting back behind (hopefully) Philip Rivers after grabbing a good offensive lineman in the first. Sorry, Donald Brown.

Previous pick: OL T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh

Round Two Draft Board