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Alabama offensive lineman Cyrus Kouandjio runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Cyrus Kouandjio's NFL Draft stock appeared to take a hit last week in Indianapolis, but NFL Network analyst Charles Davis is among those who believe the former Alabama offensive tackle's shaky performance wasn't enough to knock him out of the first round.
In his latest mock draft, Davis, a former NFL player who has been an NFL analyst for years, projects Kouandjio to land with the Miami Dolphins, who hold the 19th overall pick. He's one of three Alabama players Davis projects to land in the first round, as linebacker C.J. Mosley (No. 11, Tennessee Titans) and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (No. 17, Baltimore Ravens) are pegged to come off the board shortly before Kouandjio.
"Did not test as well in Indy as desired, but he's talented and would fill a crying need for the Dolphins," Davis writes on Kouandjio.
Davis' colleague, Daniel Jeremiah, does not include Kouandjio in his updated mock draft. Jeremiah, a former NFL scout, slots Mosley at No. 15 to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Clinton-Dix at No. 21 to the Green Bay Packers. He calls Mosley a "ready-made pro."
Kouandjio appeared to be winded during his positional drills at last week's NFL Combine. His times in events such as the 40-yard dash and 20-yard shuttle were among the worst for offensive linemen. Questions about the long-term viability of his surgically repaired knee reportedly emerged.
Mosley and Clinton-Dix remained locked into their respective spots on ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s "Big Board," which ranks players by their overall skill sets and does not factor in drafting teams' needs. Mosley is 13th overall and Clinton-Dix is 24th.
Kouandjio was 21st before the Combine but is no longer included in the top 25.
Only 68 more days until the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft...