Deseret News first-round mock draft

22. Dallas Cowboys ... Rashard Mendenhall ... RB ... Illinois
Jerry Jones wants another weapon, and he gets one here.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers ... Jonathan Stewart ... RB ... Oregon
They need a tough, inside runner to complement Fast Willie.

24. Tennessee Titans ... James Hardy ... WR ... Indiana
Vince Young can't throw the ball to himself.

25. Seattle Seahawks ... Kentwan Balmer ... DT ... North Carolina
They were too soft against the run last season.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars ... Lawrence Jackson ... DT ... USC
He'll help the defense forget about Marcus Stroud.

27. San Diego Chargers ... Gosder Cherilus ... OT ... Boston College
Team has few holes, but could use another blocker.

28. Dallas Cowboys ... Aqib Talib ... CB ... Kansas State
They traded for Pacman, but can't count on him — yet.

29. San Francisco 49ers ... Dan Connor ... LB ... Penn State
Defensive-minded coach continues rebuilding project.

30. Green Bay Packers ... Dustin Keller ... TE ... Purdue
New quarterback could use a big target.

31. New England Patriots ... None
Pick forfeited for Spygate scandal.

32. New York Giants ... Kenny Phillips ... S ... Miami

They need a replacement for departed S Gibril Wilson.

Local watch

It won't be a banner year for local players being selected in the NFL draft. None are expected to be picked in the first two rounds today. The state will get at least two players — BYU's Bryan Kehl and Utah State's Shawn Murphy — drafted between the third and seventh rounds on Sunday. There are a handful of other players who have hopes of being selected.

Player ... Pos. ... School ... Projection
Bryan Kehl ... LB ... BYU ... 3rd-5th
Shawn Murphy ... OL ... Utah State ... 6th-7th
Kevin Robinson ... WR ... Utah State ... 7th-FA
David Hale ... OL ... Weber State ... 7th-FA
Steve Tate ... DB ... Utah ... FA
Kelly Poppinga ... LB ... BYU ... FA
Victor Filipe ... DL ... Western Oregon (Highland High) ... FA