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1. Kansas City Chiefs- OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
Previous pick: Geno Smith
It looks like we can officially put Alex Smith in a Chiefs uniform, thus canceling the option of Geno Smith here. Since the now have to pay Smith $8.5 mil, they have to choose whether they're going to keep Dwayne Bowe or Brandon Albert. With no star receiver in the draft they can hang on to Bowe and draft Joeckel.
Other Options:
1. Eric Fisher: I, along with many, are not so sure that Fisher isn't better than Joeckel
2. Sharriff Floyd- They have put a lot of picks in to their D-line, why not another?
2. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE/OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner
The Jags can go a number of different ways with this pick. I have them going with Jordan because I heard Gus Bradley in an interview talk about how his new defense will feature a hybrid DE/OLB position. He is also a coach that loves speed and size. It basically sounded like he described Dion Jordan.
The Jags can go a number of different ways with this pick. I have them going with Jordan because I heard Gus Bradley in an interview talk about how his new defense will feature a hybrid DE/OLB position. He is also a coach that loves speed and size. It basically sounded like he described Dion Jordan.
Other Options:
1. Barkevious Mingo- Another speed rushing option if they grade him higher than Jordan
2. Sharriff Floyd- They need help on their interior D-line, Floyd would bring just that.
3. Oakland Raiders- DT Sharriff Floyd, Florida
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei
The Raiders have been reported to be fans of Geno Smith, and he is in play here. When it comes down to it, the Raiders need a DT and Floyd may be the best overall player in this draft. He fills a need, but will the Raiders make the sensible pick?
The Raiders have been reported to be fans of Geno Smith, and he is in play here. When it comes down to it, the Raiders need a DT and Floyd may be the best overall player in this draft. He fills a need, but will the Raiders make the sensible pick?
Other Options:
1. Geno Smith- There is a lot of buzz in Oakland about Geno Smith and I am very close to putting him here.
2. Dee Milliner- They need to improve their pass defense and Milliner is a good CB to start with.
4. Philidelphia Eagles- CB Dee Milliner, Alabama
Previous pick: Luke Joeckel
The Eagles could be losing both of their starting CB's from a year ago, and even still, they weren't that good against the pass. CB is a need for them and Milliner is the best in the draft. He should not miss any time because of the shoulder surgery he is scheduled to have.
The Eagles could be losing both of their starting CB's from a year ago, and even still, they weren't that good against the pass. CB is a need for them and Milliner is the best in the draft. He should not miss any time because of the shoulder surgery he is scheduled to have.
Other Options:
1. Star Lotulelei- If his heart issue checks out he is back in play.
2. Eric Fisher- If they want to invest on a long term answer at LT, Fisher is the guy.
5. Detroit Lions- DE Ezekiel Ansah, BYU
Previous pick: Damontre Moore
The highest riser in my new mock, Ansah showed he is a physical freak at the combine. He has the athleticism and size to be a DE in the 4-3. He was also coached by the Lions defensive staff at the Senior Bowl where he registered 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF, and 3.5 TFL.
The highest riser in my new mock, Ansah showed he is a physical freak at the combine. He has the athleticism and size to be a DE in the 4-3. He was also coached by the Lions defensive staff at the Senior Bowl where he registered 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 FF, and 3.5 TFL.
Other Options:
1. Eric Fisher- A pick spent protecting Matthew Stafford is never wasted.
2. Dee Milliner- If they don't want to gamble on a 2nd round CB Milliner is the best available.
6. Cleveland Browns- OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
Previous pick: Dion Jordan
Things have been relatively quiet along the Jarvis Jones Spinal Stenosis front which can only be good. The Browns are switching to a 3-4 defense and are missing an OLB who can get after the QB. Enter Jones who would be an immediate impact starter right away for the Browns.
7. Arizona Cardinals- QB Geno Smith, West Virginia
8. Buffalo Bills- OT Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
Previous pick: Tyler Wilson
This is an interesting pick here. Fisher could easily go as high as the Eagles and definitely the Lions. Watching him at the combine made me wonder if he isn't the best LT in this draft. The Bills took Cordy Glenn last year and put him at LT. I don't like him there but I think he could be a star at RT. Fisher is a sure fire LT and could start turning the Bills in to one of the best offensive lines in the game.
9. New York Jets- WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee
Previous pick: Barkevious Mingo
The Jets could easily go with a pass rusher here, but I think it'll be Patterson. The Jets have sunk a whole lot of money into Mark Sanchez, and he isn't going anywhere any time soon. They have to try and make Sanchez competent again and that starts with giving him some weapons. Patterson is a little raw but has the size and speed to be a No, 1 receiver.
10. Tennessee Titans- OG Chance Warmack, Alabama
Previous pick: Dee Milliner
This is a pick that will continue to be in flux until it's actually made in April. For now I'm going with Warmack. The Titans are one of the teams that is not afraid to take a guard this high if he is good enough, and Warmack is. This follows the Jets theory as well. The Titans have put a lot of money into RB Chris Johnson, and giving him a mauler inside like Warmack will help maximize their return.
11. San Diego Chargers- OT Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
It seems like year after year the Chargers have needed a LT and year after year they draft another position. Wel, I think they've finally reached the point where need meets value with Lane Johnson. He is as athletic a LT as there has been in a long time. He could do what the Chargers need most, protect Phillip Rivers.
12. Miami Dolphins- CB Xavier Rhodes, Florida St.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson
The Dolphins wouls love to give Ryan Tannehill some options on offense, but Keenan Allen or Tavon Austin would be major reaches here. They have a major need at CB and will go with a slight reach here for Rhodes. He is a big, physical corner who erased worries about his top end speed when he ran in the 4.4's at the combine.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
14. Carolina Panthers- DT Star Lotulelei, Utah
Previous pick: Sharriff Floyd
The Panthers really, really, really need an interior D-linemen. They've needed one for a while, but last year there weren't any that they liked. This year they should see multiple they like. Lotulelei is much higher on the big board than he is in this mock, but the heart issues cans care teams off, especially in a man of his size. But his potential as a game changing DT is too much for the Panthers to pass up.
15. New Orleans Saints- DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU
Previous pick: Jarvis Jones
There's an excellent chance that the closer we get to the draft the higher Mingo will rise. He proved to be a workout warrior at the combine, but his tape is still weak. He is also a tweener and I'm not sure where he fits. He can't fall below this though because he's so athletic.
16. St. Louis Rams- LB Alec Ogletree, Georgia
Previous pick: Kenny Vaccaro
This is a pick that will help the Rams become one of the best defenses in the league. Ogletree is one of the rare prospects that has the size, speed, and coverage ability to play the OLB position in the 4-3 defense. It is one of their hoes on defense and he will close that hole. As for his spotty background, that has never made Jeff Fisher shy away from a talent, and it worked last year with Janorice Jenkins.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers- DE Bjoern Werner, Florida St.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah
Werner is currently in free fall in almost all mock drafts. He showed at the combine he is not all that athletic, but he is still a big, productive DE. The Steelers are one of the teams that usually stops players form falling. This man was once assumed to be a top 5 pick. I'm sure the Steelers will plug him in to their defensive line and he'll be successful for years to come.
18. Dallas Cowboys- DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri
This is one of the drafts most perfect fits of need and value. Richardson has the ability to go higher, just not the positional value. The Cowboys need a DT and Richardson has the athleticism to be a very good DT and one of the rare interior linemen that can get to the QB.
19. New York Giants- CB Desmond Trufant
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree
The Giants have needs all over the defense. This is becoming more and more a passing league and they are very bad at defending that. Trufant is super athletic and should instantly help with the issue of not being able to handle the deep ball.
20. Chicago Bears- OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
This is not the sexy pick they want to see in the windy city. They want a guy who can come in and help score touchdowns. The most important thing, however, needs to be protecting Jay Cutler. I believe the amount of time Cutler spends on the grass directly correlates with their playoff chances. Fluker is also nasty in the run game, so hopefully he can get Matt Forte started too.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- LB Arthur Brown, Kansas St.
Previous pick: Eric Reid
Arthur Brown is extremely talented, he just is not prototypical inside line backer size. A couple of years ago I might have feared that size two, but Brown has the same measurements as pro-bowl LB Navorro Bowman who is a beast. Brown will be a very good NFL LB and the Bengals should capitalize on that.
22. St. Louis Rams- S John Cyprien, Florida International
Previous pick: Keenan Allen
The Rams have been open to the fact they want to upgrade the safety position. Cyprien probably isn't too far behind Vaccaro ability wise, his biggest problem is that he played at Florida International. Cyprien hits hard and has very good coverage ability. Add him to Ogletree and this Rams defense has all of a sudden become scary.
23. Minnesota Vikings- WR Keenan Allen, Cal
Previous pick: DeAndre Hopkins
The Vikings need a WR whether they have Percy Harvin or not next year. If there weren't major questions about how Allen's knee can hold up he would go much higher than this. The Vikings have a playoof team who can absolutely make it again this year. They need to relieve pressure form Adrian Peterson and give Ponder more answers instead of questions.
24. Indianapolis Colts- OG Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
Previous pick: Chance Warmack
Jonathan Cooper is a very, very good player. The only reason he doesn't go higher is because of his positional value. A lot of people are mocking a tackle here, but I think that would be a reach. Andrew Luck had a lot of pressure in his face up the middle, and Cooper could help eliminate that.
25. Seattle Seahawks- WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia
Previous pick: Jesse Williams
The Seahawks need a WR and Pete Caroll loves speed. Tavon Austin can become a dynamic player in their offense. Imagine Russell Wilson scrambling around in the pocket and finding Austin wide open down field or in space under neath. Big plays can be on the way with Tavon Austin.
26. Green Bay Packers- TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
Previous pick: Johnathan Banks
This is another one of those picks that can remain in flux right up until the draft. As of right now, it seems like Jermichael Finley will not be back on the Packers. The Packers could choose to select a free agent TE, but between the top two tight ends in the draft, Eifert and Ertz, one of them will almost assuredly be available. A big pass catcher like Ertz is vital to the Packers offense.
27. Houston Texans- WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
Previous pick: Arthur Brown
The Texans need a WR across from Andre Johnson to pick up the offense. Hopkins may not have the ability to be an eventual No. 1 WR, but he certainly has the route running ability and hands to be a solid No.2 for many years to come.
28. Denver Broncos- CB Johnathan Banks, Mississippi St.
29. New England Patriots- CB Robert Alford, Southeastern Louisiana
Previous pick: Jonathan Hankins
Until I see the Patriots retain Talib or acquire another CB, I have them taking one here in the draft. With the way the board has fallen, I think they'll like Alford. He is a physical corner which New England values and he even showed off the speed with a 4.39 40 yard dash.
30. Atlanta Falcons- DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
Previous pick: Zach Ertz
The biggest faller by far in my mock draft is Damontre Moore. A good pro day will give him a chance to shoot back up draft boards. He was so underwhelming and slow at the combine that teams have to seriously question if he is athletic enough to be a serious force. The Falcons need a DE in their 4-3 scheme which is what Moore is, so they can take the risk.
31. San Francisco 49ers- CB Jamar Taylor, Boise St.
32. Baltimore Ravens- S Eric Reid, LSU
Previous pick: Manti Te'o
This is the pick assuming they lose Ed Reed this off season. If they can keep Reed (which seems unlikely with Flacco's new contract) then they can take this pick somewhere else. Reid out of LSU is fast, hits hard, and likes to play center field. So, what the heck? Why not replce Reed with Reid.
33. Jacksonville Jaguars- DT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina
The JAguars continue their defensive face lift with Williams here. They got their pass rusher in the first round, now they get their run stuffer. Williams has shown the athleticism and strength to stuff the run, push the pocket, and get after the QB.
34. San Francisco 49ers- WR Terrance Williams, Baylor
Look at the past two 49er drafts. They all feature impact players early. Aldon Smith, Colin Kaepernick, AJ Jenkins, Lamichael James. They all play impact positions and have game breaking abilities. With so much money tied up in core players and new contracts coming soon for Michael Crabtree and Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers have to try and draft their future pro bowlers. With AJ Jenkins having much to prove, and Manningham and Williams coming off of injuries, WR is a huge question for the 49ers and they probably won't have the money to sign any wide outs of consequence. Terrance Williams is 6'2" offering another big body for red zone offense. He also ran a 4.5 40 yard dash so he can be a game breaker too. But the thing about Williams that I think the 49ers will love is his great blocking outside in the running game. With the option read being utilized now, sealing off CB's and safeties is key and Williams excels at it.
Things have been relatively quiet along the Jarvis Jones Spinal Stenosis front which can only be good. The Browns are switching to a 3-4 defense and are missing an OLB who can get after the QB. Enter Jones who would be an immediate impact starter right away for the Browns.
Other Options:
1. Barkevious Mingo- He could be the rush outside linebacker they're looking for too.
2. Bjoern Werner- His endless motor could be infectious on that team.
Previous pick: Eric Fisher
It's no secret that the Cardinals need a new QB. Matt Miller who is a NFL Draft expert said in his mock that there is no way USC QB Matt Barkley gets past the Cards at this pick. However, in his mock draft Geno Smith was already taken. I think if Smith is here he's the pick, if not, then I'll believe Barkley goes here.
Other Options:
1. Tyler Wilson- As of the moment I am typing this they still need a QB and could reach for one here.
2. Eric Fisher- He could just be the best LT in the class.
This is an interesting pick here. Fisher could easily go as high as the Eagles and definitely the Lions. Watching him at the combine made me wonder if he isn't the best LT in this draft. The Bills took Cordy Glenn last year and put him at LT. I don't like him there but I think he could be a star at RT. Fisher is a sure fire LT and could start turning the Bills in to one of the best offensive lines in the game.
Other Options:
1. Tyler Wilson- Buffalo wants a tough, big armed QB.
2. Cardarrelle Patterson- Could be the game breaker they are looking for across from Stevie Johnson
The Jets could easily go with a pass rusher here, but I think it'll be Patterson. The Jets have sunk a whole lot of money into Mark Sanchez, and he isn't going anywhere any time soon. They have to try and make Sanchez competent again and that starts with giving him some weapons. Patterson is a little raw but has the size and speed to be a No, 1 receiver.
Other Options:
1. Bjoern Werner- A high motor guy like Werner would be a Rex Ryan favorite.
2. Star Lotulelei- They could see past the heart issue to his potential.
This is a pick that will continue to be in flux until it's actually made in April. For now I'm going with Warmack. The Titans are one of the teams that is not afraid to take a guard this high if he is good enough, and Warmack is. This follows the Jets theory as well. The Titans have put a lot of money into RB Chris Johnson, and giving him a mauler inside like Warmack will help maximize their return.
Other Options:
1. Bjoern Werner- The Titans used to excel because of their D-line and Werner would have fit right in back then.
2. Xavier Rhodes- They need help with their pass defense.
Other Options:
1. Star Lotulelei- They could use a beast in the middle of that defense.
2. Sheldon Richardson- Same story, different player
The Dolphins wouls love to give Ryan Tannehill some options on offense, but Keenan Allen or Tavon Austin would be major reaches here. They have a major need at CB and will go with a slight reach here for Rhodes. He is a big, physical corner who erased worries about his top end speed when he ran in the 4.4's at the combine.
Other Options:
1. Kenny Vaccaro- They need a safety and he is the best one available.
2. Star Lotulelei- They could gamble on his ability to push a pocket.
Previous pick: Xavier Rhodes
The Bucs need to improve their pass defense badly. In a division with Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, and Cam Newton, you need playmakers in the secondary. The Bucs surprised a lot of people by trading down and selecting Mark Barron last year. Once again they have a question with Ronde Barber at safety and I think Vaccaro and Barron sounds very enticing to the Bucs.
Other Options:
1. Desmond Trufant- They could grade him higher than Rhodes
2. Sheldon Richardson- They have spent a lot of picks on the interior line, but they could still use some bolstering.
The Panthers really, really, really need an interior D-linemen. They've needed one for a while, but last year there weren't any that they liked. This year they should see multiple they like. Lotulelei is much higher on the big board than he is in this mock, but the heart issues cans care teams off, especially in a man of his size. But his potential as a game changing DT is too much for the Panthers to pass up.
Other Options:
1. Sheldon Richardson- They really should tae a DT and Richardson is another option.
2. Bjoern Werner- Maybe they want their D-line push to come from the outside.
There's an excellent chance that the closer we get to the draft the higher Mingo will rise. He proved to be a workout warrior at the combine, but his tape is still weak. He is also a tweener and I'm not sure where he fits. He can't fall below this though because he's so athletic.
Other Options:
1. Sheldon Richardson- Could thrive pushing the pocket on a defense that mostly gets passed on.
2. Damontre Moore- Another pass rushing option off of the edge.
This is a pick that will help the Rams become one of the best defenses in the league. Ogletree is one of the rare prospects that has the size, speed, and coverage ability to play the OLB position in the 4-3 defense. It is one of their hoes on defense and he will close that hole. As for his spotty background, that has never made Jeff Fisher shy away from a talent, and it worked last year with Janorice Jenkins.
Other Options:
1. Arthur Brown- They want speed on defense and Brown brings them that as an OLB.
2. DJ Fluker- Protecting Sam Bradford is never a bad idea.
Werner is currently in free fall in almost all mock drafts. He showed at the combine he is not all that athletic, but he is still a big, productive DE. The Steelers are one of the teams that usually stops players form falling. This man was once assumed to be a top 5 pick. I'm sure the Steelers will plug him in to their defensive line and he'll be successful for years to come.
Other Options:
1. Sheldon Richardson- He could play all along the defensive front.
2. John Jenkins- They may need a new NT and Jenkins has the size to do the job.
Other Options:
1. DJ Fluker- He could play all over their O-line and help them out.
2. Arthur Brown- He could really boost their defense in the middle of the field.
The Giants have needs all over the defense. This is becoming more and more a passing league and they are very bad at defending that. Trufant is super athletic and should instantly help with the issue of not being able to handle the deep ball.
Other Options:
1. Sylvester Williams- They could want to fix the interior of their D-line instead.
2. Eddie Lacy- He could make sense here with Bradshaw out of the picture at RB.
Other Options:
1. Tyler Eifert- He could give Cutler an option other than Marshall.
2. Tavon Austin- They could get creative with him to spark the offense.
Arthur Brown is extremely talented, he just is not prototypical inside line backer size. A couple of years ago I might have feared that size two, but Brown has the same measurements as pro-bowl LB Navorro Bowman who is a beast. Brown will be a very good NFL LB and the Bengals should capitalize on that.
Other Options:
1. Eric Reid- They could use a safety and Reid is an athletic one which is what they like.
2. Keenan Allen- He could combo with AJ Green and give Dalton options.
The Rams have been open to the fact they want to upgrade the safety position. Cyprien probably isn't too far behind Vaccaro ability wise, his biggest problem is that he played at Florida International. Cyprien hits hard and has very good coverage ability. Add him to Ogletree and this Rams defense has all of a sudden become scary.
Other Options:
1. Keenan Allen- They could use an every down possesion receiver if they lose Danny Amendola.
2. Eddie Lacy- They have a couple of young speed backs, but they could use some power.
The Vikings need a WR whether they have Percy Harvin or not next year. If there weren't major questions about how Allen's knee can hold up he would go much higher than this. The Vikings have a playoof team who can absolutely make it again this year. They need to relieve pressure form Adrian Peterson and give Ponder more answers instead of questions.
Other Options:
1. DeAndre Hopkins- They could grade him higher than Allen making him the pick.
2. Sylvester Williams- The inside of their D-line could use some work.
Jonathan Cooper is a very, very good player. The only reason he doesn't go higher is because of his positional value. A lot of people are mocking a tackle here, but I think that would be a reach. Andrew Luck had a lot of pressure in his face up the middle, and Cooper could help eliminate that.
Other Options:
1. DeAndre Hopkins- The theme is the same, help Andrew Luck become a super star.
2. Johnathan Banks- They could use help defending the pass.
The Seahawks need a WR and Pete Caroll loves speed. Tavon Austin can become a dynamic player in their offense. Imagine Russell Wilson scrambling around in the pocket and finding Austin wide open down field or in space under neath. Big plays can be on the way with Tavon Austin.
Other Options:
1. Terrance Williams- Another physical freak Pete Carrol could fall in love with.
2. Jesse Williams- They need a big, strong, nasty interior lineman.
This is another one of those picks that can remain in flux right up until the draft. As of right now, it seems like Jermichael Finley will not be back on the Packers. The Packers could choose to select a free agent TE, but between the top two tight ends in the draft, Eifert and Ertz, one of them will almost assuredly be available. A big pass catcher like Ertz is vital to the Packers offense.
Other Options:
1. Eric Reid- They need a safety now with Charles Woodson out of the picture.
2. Sylvester Williams- It seems like the Packers always need D-line help.
The Texans need a WR across from Andre Johnson to pick up the offense. Hopkins may not have the ability to be an eventual No. 1 WR, but he certainly has the route running ability and hands to be a solid No.2 for many years to come.
Other Options:
1. Terrance Williams- Maybe they want a bigger, more dynamic wide out.
2. Johnathan Hankins- He can fill multiple needs along their defensive line, this could work if they don't want a WR.
Previous pick: Desmond Trufant
Champ Bailey or burned repeatedly in the Broncos playoff game against the Ravens. I'm not saying he's done, but it won't be long now. Banks has the ability to go much higher than this, but a slow 40 time at the combine sees him drop all the way to the Broncos and they should be thankful.
Other Options:
1. Johnathan Banks- If they want a CB they could pick him instead.
2. Johnathan Hankins- They could still use some work on their interior D-line
Until I see the Patriots retain Talib or acquire another CB, I have them taking one here in the draft. With the way the board has fallen, I think they'll like Alford. He is a physical corner which New England values and he even showed off the speed with a 4.39 40 yard dash.
Other Options:
1. Eric Reid- Still with the secondary theme, just at safety.
2. Sylvester Williams- they can try and get a little more push in the middle.
The biggest faller by far in my mock draft is Damontre Moore. A good pro day will give him a chance to shoot back up draft boards. He was so underwhelming and slow at the combine that teams have to seriously question if he is athletic enough to be a serious force. The Falcons need a DE in their 4-3 scheme which is what Moore is, so they can take the risk.
Other Options:
1. Zach Ertz- If Tony Gonzalez really retires Ertz can make plays from the TE spot.
2. Datone Jones- Another edge rusher with a relentless motor.
31. San Francisco 49ers- CB Jamar Taylor, Boise St.
Previous pick: John Cyprien
First of all, the 49ers know that got burned deep way too much and they are going to change that. If they can not sign Dashon Goldson back, then they will likely go with a safety here. If they can retain him, they should stay in the secondary. Jamar Taylor is a very strong CB (22 bench press reps) and fast (4.39 40 yard dash) Which is what the 49ers love. His strength is also defending the deep ball which is a need. This could give the 49ers the flexibility to cut Carlos Rogers, or just have a rangy corner that can come in and guard deep threats and make on impact on special teams with his speed and strength.
Other Options:
1. Jesse Williams- He can play DE or NT in the 3-4 defense becoming the 49ers super sub.
2. Terrance Williams- A big red zone target as well as a good run blocking WR.
This is the pick assuming they lose Ed Reed this off season. If they can keep Reed (which seems unlikely with Flacco's new contract) then they can take this pick somewhere else. Reid out of LSU is fast, hits hard, and likes to play center field. So, what the heck? Why not replce Reed with Reid.
Other Options:
1. Jesse Williams- With their multiple defensive fronts, Williams could play all over and push the pocket.
2. Matt Elam- Another safety option if Ed Reed leaves.
Other Options:
1. Jesse Williams- I think the Jags will go defensive line, so Williams is another option.
2. Johnathan Hankins- Another D-line prospect.
Other Options:
1. Jesse Williams- Still here and still an option for D-line depth.
2. John Cyprien- They have no depth at safety and he can play both spots.
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