Mock Draft: Picks 25-28

Buffalo Bills Nation's first mock draft continues today with selections 25 through 28. To view any of the previous installments of this mock draft, please click on the links below:

Picks 1-4, Picks 5-8, Picks 9-12, Picks 13-16, Picks 17-20, Picks 21-24

The New York Jets are on the clock...

25. New York Jets (10-6): Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
- Even after an above-average finish in '06, coach Eric Mangini has a lot of holes to fill on his New York Jets ballclub. The team made a big move this off-season acquiring RB Thomas Jones from Chicago - his presence immediately improves the offense exponentially. With that in mind, defense should be Mangini's focus with this pick. Cornerback is an especially dicey position, where Andre Dyson is a fine starter but Justin Miller struggled terribly in his second year on the job. Aaron Ross (right) does not have superb speed and may slide a little, but he was good enough as a senior to win the Thorpe Award. Ross fills a big need in the Jets' secondary and despite the fact that he's not as fast as some of his fellow corners, he still presents the best value to the Jets with this pick.

26. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6): Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State
- Two days ago, coach Andy Reid would have been deciding between two positions for this pick: wide receiver and linebacker. Then the team signed Kevin Curtis, who is expected to start at wideout alongside Reggie Brown. That leaves Lawrence Timmons (left) to fill the team's need at outside linebacker. Timmons is still a bit raw, but his athleticism is unmatched and he has the blitzing versatility to be the perfect fit in Philly's blitz-happy defensive scheme. If the team deems wide receiver to still be a need, Dwayne Bowe would be an excellent value pick here.

27. New Orleans Saints (10-6): Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State
- It's no secret that of any position on the Saints' roster, corner is the biggest need. Sean Payton will not hesitate to reach a bit for a corner here if necessary. Marcus McCauley (right) is not even close to a reach. One of the better athletes at the corner position this year, McCauley is a sure-fire first round talent and immediately gives the Saints a starter opposite Mike McKenzie. If the team decides to wait on corner, however, Miami tight end Greg Olsen would be an extremely intriguing choice, as he would give Drew Brees yet another explosive weapon on offense.

28. New England Patriots (12-4): Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
- After already filling their need at cornerback with their first first-round selection, the Patriots have a lot of options with their second pick. Brian Leonard has recently emerged as a favorite here - the Patriots love his versatility and his ability to complement Laurence Maroney. But with Sammy Morris on board, the team has a great shot at finding the next great outside pass rusher for their team. Adalius Thomas and Rosevelt Colvin are not young by any means, and Tully Banta-Cain left for San Francisco. Anthony Spencer (left) was a playmaking defensive end at Purdue, but his size (261 pounds) has left scouts wondering what his true pro position is. Spencer is easily the best pass-rusher left in the draft, and his athleticism would make him a good 3-4 outside linebacker for New England.

The final four picks (29-32) of this mock draft will appear here tomorrow morning. Find out how the first round comes to a close!