1. Detroit Lions – Jason Smith, OT Baylor
With the first selection, the Detroit Lions select the big and athletic tackle from Baylor in Jason Smith. With the Lions hiring Schwartz from Tennessee and bringing in Linehan to be the offensive coordinator, I believe the Lions will be satisfied with the QBs currently on the roster as Linehan has a familiarity with Culpepper from their time in Minnesota and he was quite fond of Drew Stanton coming out of college, not to mention Stanton is a young and untested QB. So, I believe the Lions select the best pass blocking offensive tackle that has the most potential upside in this draft in Jason Smith. Jason Smith has managed to go from obscurity to elite in a matter of a few workouts, lots of scouts believed not attending the Senior Bowl would hurt his stock but after the combine he now sits a top the podium as the number one offensive tackle in a very deep class. At the combine, Smith proved he's athletic, he's strong, and he has great feet and can handle elite speed. Bringing in Smith gives the Lions even more help on the offensive line as they'll be able to move Jeff Backus to LG as he has a better skill set to be a guard than tackle and if Gosder Cherilus can make enormous strides after last season, then the Lions will have a great offensive line to build around. This pick could be a quarterback, either Sanchez or Stafford, depends who the Lions like more, but I think offensive line is the smart selection considering a quarterback can't do much on his back no matter how much money is padding his fall.2. St. Louis Rams – Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest
With the second selection in the NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select the freak linebacker from Wake Forest in Aaron Curry. With new coach Steve Spagnuolo already hard at work bringing in quality free agents like Jason Brown and potentially James Butler, the Rams are likely to go with the beastly linebacker himself Aaron Curry. The Rams have a wealth of undersized backers to play the weakside position but have absolutely no one to play stronside. Though they may have bigger needs at offensive tackle and wide receiver, they have the opportunity to pick up the safest, best player in the NFL draft in Curry from Wake Forest who was an absolute beast during his senior campaign where he amassed where he amassed 105 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception. Curry is a physical defender and reliable tackler who has no problems shedding blocks, he is great in coverage as he has great speed, smooth hips and is incredibly smart when reading the quarterbacks progressions. I think he needs to improve his blitzing as he didn't amass very many sacks while at Wake Forest and Spagnuolo really likes using his linebackers on the blitz, so I think if he gets coached up on that aspect of the game he becomes an on the field leader, he becomes an icon for the St. Louis defense and helps bring them back to prominence. However, like I said earlier I believe this pick could also be an offensive tackle like Eugene Monroe to replace Orlando Pace or potentially Michael Crabtree to replace Torry Holt but considering how safe Curry is and that Spags is a defensive minded head coach, I think they go Curry.3. Kansas City Chiefs – Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
With the third selection the Kansas City Chiefs select the uber productive and game breaking wide receiver from the Red Raider nation in Michael Crabtree. The Chiefs have a lot of talent on offense but they could stand to improve their receiving core where only Dwayne Bowe is any kind of consistent threat. Bringing in Crabtree will be huge as I believe Todd Haley would like to recreate the match up problems his wide receivers in Arizona provided, not to mention this selection will help out new franchise quarterback Matt Cassel as having to throw to Jeff Webb and Mark Bradley when Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe are covered is not exactly a good thing. Crabtree has been more productive and consistent a weapon for the Texas Tech program than any wide receiver in their history. He runs routes incredibly well, and he can stretch the field with the best but he can also get the tough yards after the catch and doesn't go down easily as is evidence from the Texas vs. Texas Tech game with that last second clutch play. With quarterback no longer a need and Aaron Curry off the board, Todd Haley and new GM Scott Pioli go after the best player available and despite surgery and a stress fracture in his left foot, Crabtree is still hands down the best available.4. Seattle Seahawks – Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
With the fourth selection, the Seattle Seahawks select the big pass blocking tackle from Virginia in Eugene Monroe. The Seahawks offensive line suffered incredibly this past season with season ending injuries occurring to pretty much every single member of the offensive line. So, having some quality depth that can move into a starting role seems to be beneficial for the Seahawks. Monroe is a franchise tackle who will likely start his career off at right tackle for the inconsistent Sean Locklear and potential free agent loss Ray Willis. I think with Walter Jones still in the fold he can teach the young man from Jersey how to be an elite NFL tackle and it doesn't necessarily rush Monroe into the big money spot right away but when Walter is ready to move on Monroe will most definitely be ready to take over at LT. Either way, this selection helps out the Seahawk offense immensely as Eugene Monroe is probably the most sound pass blocker in this draft and to show how good Monroe is, he beat out teammate and last years first round selection Branden Albert for the tackle position at Virginia. He is athletic, he's strong, he has great feet and can handle elite speed and he will most definitely keep Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace or whoever else winds up at QB upright for the next decade or so.5. Cleveland Browns – Brian Orakpo, DE/LB Texas
With the fifth selection, the Browns select the hybrid pass rusher from the lone star state Texas, the dangerous and impressive Rak Attack Brian Orakpo. The Browns have a wealth of needs and could go a couple of other routes, they could select Chris Wells to be the dominant and punishing RB as is custom in the AFC North. They could also select an impact player like Malcolm Jenkins, but considering their depth at CB I think they go with the speedy and strong DE/OLB from Texas, Brian Orakpo. He has shown a real knack for getting to the QB and the Browns really need to spice up their pass rush as Kamerion Wimbley has been marginal in his last two seasons, adding some added pressure opposite him with guidance from the sagely Willie McGinest will go a long way to helping out the Browns defense, both in stuffing the run and shutting down opposing QBs as Brian Orakpo is a freak of nature, he's ridiculously fast, strong and athletic and I believe that if it wasn't for the little injury he suffered at the combine he could very well have solidified himself as a top three selection. However, Orakpo falls here and with Curry off the board the Browns still need to infuse some youth and intensity into their linebacking core and I think the Rak Attack will do just that… jack…6. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Oher, OT Ole Miss
With the sixth selection, the Bengals take the big tackle from Mississippi, Michael may be slipping in people's eyes after sub par outings at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine but I still think he's one of the best of the bunch and fits the style of offense that Cincinnati uses, he's an athletic tackle that can protect Palmer's backside while they move incumbent veteran Levi Jones over to RT and hopefully let Stacy Andrews go or move him to guard as he has been a disappointment this season after getting the franchise tag. Oher will go a long way in helping out the struggling Cincy offense. Oher has an incredibly quick first step and a very good pass set, like I said, he struggled a bit at the Senior Bowl (Clay Matthews jacked him up) but I think he is still an elite talent and even though Marvin Lewis's squad didn't coach him, I think they still select him because he'll make sure Carson stays pretty and on his feet the first day in camp until the end of his career, and considering Stacy Andrews has left the building and plans with Levi Jones are not looking good, offensive tackle is definitely a pressing need.7. Oakland Raiders – B.J. Raji, DT Boston College
With the seventh selection the Oakland Raiders select defensive tackle B.J. Raji from Boston College. Raji has been on an absolute tear for most of the 'offseason' as he dominated the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine. Not to mention he was an absolute monster for the B.C. Eagle squad this year, notching 16 tackles for a loss to go along with 8 sacks. That kind of production from a defensive tackle in the ACC warrants serious consideration, especially considering the Raiders could use some youth inside to go along with the couple massive bodies already in place. Raji could play either the UT in a 4-3 as he has a serious knack for disrupting opposing offenses in their own backfield but he can also be a NT in 4-3 as well, which allows the Raiders to use their defensive tackles in a rotation as they have some serious heavy hitters with Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands still on the roster. However, this pick could also be an DE to play and learn from Derrick Burgess to increase the pass rush or potentially Zombie Al could go gaga for Jeremy Maclin or Darrius Heyward-Bey and pick em' a round earlier then they should go because you never know with the Raiders.8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
With the eighth selection the Jacksonville Jaguars select the speedy and strong cornerback from Ron Zook's Illinois program and Vernon Davis's little brother, Vontae Davis. It's unfortunate that the once stout Jacksonville Jaguars need to select a cornerback to boost the credibility of their secondary as it became quite a liability this past season and with free agent acquisition bust Drayton Florence gone, the Jags need a corner as next to defensive and offensive tackle, cornerback is their most pressing need and considering how anemic their pass defense was and the talent currently in place, the Jaguars would do well to select the corner with immense potential in Davis. Davis is the kind of corner I think Jack Del Rio would covet as he has a big body, is very strong as he proved at the combine by repping 225 twenty five times which translates into him being very good in press coverage, he has great albeit inconsistent cover and ball skills to track and make plays on the long ball and he'll stick his nose in the backfield and play the run. Putting Davis on one side and Mathis on the other will give the Jaguars an incredibly talented pass defense that faces the Colts and Texans twice a year.9. Green Bay Packers – Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
With the ninth selection the Green Bay Packers select the Baton Rouge Tiger in Tyson Jackson. The Green Bay Packers need to finish their conversion into the 3-4 and they require a big body 3-4 defensive end to play opposite Cullen Jenkins and I believe Tyson Jackson is without a doubt the best candidate for that job and the best guy to help Green Bay make that transition, though he may be going a tad earlier then some people may have him, I absolutely love his intensity, motor, strength and skill set and I believe the Green Bay has enough space eaters inside but they lack that long and rangy 3-4 defensive end and since they missed out on Chris Canty, they get Tyson Jackson instead and he is still a solid pick and he will help give the Packers some more stoutness in the front 3 with Jenkins, Pickett, Jolly, Harrell and now Jackson. This should give the Packers a solid rotation to keep fresh legs in the game and keep the defense strong which is where the Packers lacked last season and after seeing how good Tyson looked at the combine, I can definitely see him going as high as nine to the Packers, especially if Orakpo, Raji and Davis are off the boards… which in this scenario they are.10. San Francisco 49ers – Everette Brown, DE/LB Florida State
With the tenth selection, the 49ers select the dangerous and talented defensive end outside linebacker hybrid from Florida State in Everette "Bad News" Brown. Brown would play as a down lineman in a cover 2 scheme like Dwight Freeney; I also think he has enough spatial awareness and ability to be the pass rushing OLB that San Francisco has been looking for from Manny Lawson. Brown might just be a tad undersized and may need to put on some weight to be stout against the run, but considering his upside and limitless potential, I think he has to be the pick here, he gets to the QB, he wreaks havoc in the backfield and Mike Singletary will love his intensity. This pick is an absolute steal because I had Everette Brown going to the Browns at five in my last update and now with all the other OLB hybrids moving down, Brown slides all the way down here to the 49ers who are psyched to get him as they will plug him into their new scheme and hope he wreaks havoc in opposing teams backfields.11. Buffalo Bills – Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
With the eleventh selection the Bills get the best TE in the draft at number eleven and though it may seem like a bit of a reach for a tight end, the Bills needs his skills badly. They have released Robert Royal and that leaves them with the two Derek's, Fine and Schouman… and neither of those two deserves to be the starter for the Bills so they go and grab Pettigrew from Oklahoma State as he is the most well balanced tight end in this class, he does everything well and the Bills should be able to fully utilize his skills. Pettigrew can spread the field and get deep along and in between the hashes and allow more opportunities for Evans down the field. Not to mention he can be a great safety blanket for Trent Edwards when things start to get dicey in the pocket. I believe Pettigrew is a solid pick here and after seeing him perform so well at the combine and Senior Bowl he is definitely seeing his stock rise and there is no doubt in my mind that he will become a great tight end in this league. However, considering this is still the Bills pick, they could potentially select an OLB to replace Angelo Crowell if he's not re-signed, someone like Brian Cushing would fit in nicely.12. Denver Broncos – Michael Johnson, DE/LB Georgia Tech
With the twelfth selection, the Denver Broncos select the long necked, huge bodied speed rusher from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets program in Michael Johnson. With the Broncos switching over to the 3-4 alignment, they'll require an outside rush linebacker and I think Michael Johnson has the ability to be that player for them. He has experience with his hand in the ground but I believe he has the range and athletic ability to start standing up and rushing the passer and considering his 17 career sacks and 28 tackles for a loss, he knows how to disrupt opposing offenses and hurry the quarterback, he still may need to put on some weight to better play the run and shed blockers, but I definitely think he needs to be the pick here considering his upside, however, the Broncos may look at a NT but it's far too early for Ron Brace and Peria Jerry doesn't fit the bill. I believe Michael Johnson has really helped his stock after potentially falling into the second round after having his taped viewed, but he showed he is an athletic freak at the combine, testing very well in just about every drill and considering the size of Elvis Dumervil and the severe lack of pass rush threats the Broncos have, they would be well served to grab the gigantic MJ.13. Washington Redskins – Eben Britton, OT Arizona
With the thirteenth selection and Coach Jim Zorn still on board it's likely he continues to upgrade the offense because it really slowed the Skins down to the point where they played themselves out of the playoffs. Clinton Portis has had no running room and the pass protection was breaking down. Considering the age of the offensive line currently in place and the value of Eben Britton rising, I can't imagine the Redskins passing him up. This pick could also be Robert Ayers from Tennessee as a DE who can run stop and potentially move in on certain situations to play DT like division rival Justin Tuck. But I believe they need a talented tackle who can play on the right side for the oft injured Jon Jansen, I'm not sure what the Skins plan to do with Heyer and whether they may kick him in at guard, but the Redskins need upgrades at Tackle and Britton provides that, he's athletic, he's strong, he has a good punch and good footwork. He'll be a solid RT to begin his career and could potentially move to LT when Samuels moves on and considering the Skins grabbed Dockery back, adding Britton will only help solidify the line, especially if Heyer kicks inside where only Rabach would be the weak link.14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S Ohio State
With the fourteenth selection the New Orleans Saints select the big, press coverage corner and potential free safety from Ohio State in Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins is the next in line in terms of great Ohio State corners/safeties. He played cornerback for the Buckeyes but I think he has the versatility, play recognition and skills to be a Pro Bowl (Mike Mayock agrees) free safety as well depending on what the Saints want to do with Roman Harper and Josh Bullocks. Malcolm Jenkins has very good instincts and is a reliable tackler and he will help improve the Saints defensive backfield which was actually looking fairly good before Tracy Porter and Mike McKenzie went down with injuries, bringing in Jenkins to play alongside the two aforementioned corners who will be returning from injury might give the Saints the boost they need in the secondary to become a better a defense as a whole as Malcolm Jenkins possesses all the ability, strength and skill to become a leader in the Saints secondary and though he could easily be a corner in a cover system, he's much better suited to playing man and his long speed limits him, so they plug him in at safety and the Saints have themselves an even more impressive secondary. However, should Mike McKenzie get cut, Malcolm Jenkins will play cornerback for the Saints.15. Houston Texans – Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
With the fifteenth selection the Houston Texans select the electrifying Missouri receiver and kick returner Jeremy Maclin. At this point in the draft there are very few players available that fit what the Texans need and so they can afford to go best player available and Jeremy Maclin is probably the best available. Even though the Texans have great returners in Andre Davis and Jacoby Jones, you can never have too many weapons and considering Andre Johnson`s injury history the Texans could use another wide receiver to develop and Maclin is it. He`s a bit of a project as he is very raw but he is explosive and can be the big time deep threat and playmaker opposite Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter. At first I believe he would be a slot receiver who has the ability and speed to take a short slant to the house easily and maybe two or three years down the line when he has matured as a pass catcher I think he will be incredibly dangerous considering Jacoby Jones has not really evolved into a consistent pass catcher. However, I think the Texans would like to trade back and perhaps pick up extra picks and grab a guy like Brian Cushing later on so that someone can come up and grab Andre Smith or even Matt Stafford.16. San Diego Chargers – Andre Smith, OT Alabama
With the sixteenth selection, the San Diego Chargers select the Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Andre Smith! Chargers could benefit from a number of other positions, like a 3-4 DE but Tyson Jackson is off the board or maybe an ILB like Rey Maualuga, but he is definitely slipping and not worth the selection. The Chargers could even select an offensive weapon for Norv Turner, but I think they need to take a look at Andre Smith. Jeromey Clary is still a stop gap NFL tackle at best and Mike Goff is still a fine NFL guard but he probably doesn't have a whole lot left in the tank and I think that the Chargers need to keep the offensive line strong in order to make some serious noise during the season, so, I think they grab the big tackle from Alabama who will fit the San Diego system well as he can start by playing either RT or RG. Andre Smith is great in the run game, opening huge holes for backs to run through and keeping the quarterback upright. He has great size and skill and would be an immediate starter but his off the field woes are a tad concerning and that is why I believe he falls this far down the board, he was suspended for the Sugar Bowl, he left the combine early, he just hasn't taken the right steps to prove he is NFL ready but I think GM A.J. Smith will see something in him and considering the Charger franchise is pretty solid top to bottom, they can turn him into the kind of dominating player most scouts think he can be.17. New York Jets – Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
With the seventeenth selection, the New York Jets select the ridiculously talented Tar Heel wide receiver in Hakeem Nicks. The Jets have some solid receivers in tow but they really lack that big bodied, big play threat that the city rival Giants had with Burress before he shot first of course. Nicks is 6'1" and runs like a bull, he can take an easy slant pass to the house or he can burn you on a fade down the field. Nicks doesn't have very many weakness but I would like to see him improve his jump ball skills because a guy his size should be able to go up and high point the ball and take it away from smaller defenders but I think he will get some good coaching from former Rams WR coach Henry Ellard who showed guys like Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Donnie Avery the ropes. Not to mention the Jets still have Cotchery around then he could very well teach him just how to climb the ladder to go up and get it considering his diminutive size and ability to come down with the ball which he likely learned from former Jet now Bengal Coles. Nicks will become an instant target and teaming him up with Cotchery and the emerging Stuckey would be good for the Jets offense no matter who ends up under center as Nicks has amazing hands and catches everything (even with his legs) and he has a great run after the catch demeanor and he doesn't go down easily. I think at the combine he really proved himself to be among the elite and I would be shocked if he fell out of the first round.18. Chicago Bears – Larry English, DE Northern Illinois
With the eighteenth selection the Chicago Bears select the tad undersized but super aggressive pass rusher from Northern Illinois in Larry English. The Bears have really suffered from injuries and poor play in the secondary this season and that is one of the main reasons as to why they didn't win the division as they couldn't contain Andre Johnson in the final game of the season in order to make the playoffs, but it is not because they don't have the talent but because they couldn't pressure the QB and opposing teams could shred them. Larry English was able to get to and bring down the QB eight times this season and has amassed a career total of 32.5 sacks, which is more than the Bears defensive ends can say about getting to the QB. He's might be considered a bit of a reach at this point but I think he'll probably be a situational rusher to start his career until he can pack on some pounds as I think he has a solid frame at 6'2" 260 pounds to carry an extra 10 pounds without losing a step so that he can play the run better and contribute more as an every down player. I just think after the Senior Bowl and Combine and seeing how relentless, fluid and dominating Larry English was the Bears would definitely do well to go out and make him a new Monster of the Midway.19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
With the nineteenth selection, the Buccaneers select the big, nasty Ole Miss defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Jerry showed incredible poise, athleticism, strength and penetrating ability at the Senior Bowl. Despite being out-weighed almost 100 pounds by Herman Johnson, Peria Jerry put on a clinic and absolutely tore down the house. He showed amazing skills at collapsing the pocket, he showed good play recognition skills and he was relentless and I really think with new coach Raheem Morris in place, the pick has to be defense for the defensive minded head coach and considering they haven't had a dominant UT or NT, Peria Jerry comes in and fits either one of those positions as he's stout enough to be a NT but athletic enough to be an UT. He'll go a long way to making the front four of the Bucs better and taking some pressure off that secondary. However, it's a shame he didn't work out at the combine and considering all three QBs are still available the Bucs could very well grab Matt Stafford to usher in the new era of Morris but I think they grab Jerry instead.20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) – Matt Stafford, QB Georgia
With the twentieth selection the Detroit Lions select the Georgia Bulldog quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Detroit Lions need a quarterback to be the face of the franchise regardless of how they feel about the guys on the roster and it can be said that their first overall selection should have been used on one, but I think with the weak QB class and the fact that the Detroit Lions deserve some draft day karma I have a strange feeling that Matthew Stafford falls into their laps here, Matthew doesn't have the amazing stats that pro scouts look for especially his touchdown to interception ratio, but regardless of that fact he has all the intangibles and measureables to be a great quarterback for the future and considering new OC Scott Linehan has Dante Culpepper and Drew Stanton on the roster they can spend some time developing him as he won't have the stigma of being the first overall selection and that might be good for the ego and such as he won't necessarily be thrust into duty right away as Culpepper did some pretty good things with the poor Lions offense and I think that with Stafford's arm, Kevin Smith's running ability, Calvin Johnson's freakish athleticism and a newly revamped offensive line complete with Jason Smith, the Detroit Lions might be able to have a formidable offense in a few years when everyone is physically and mentally mature to handle the rigors of the NFL. This pick could also be just about anything under the sun as BPA is a good way for the Lions to go since they need just about everything but getting Stafford here is an absolutely monumental selection as they get a franchise LT and QB without having to go on a ridiculous spending spree.21. Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
With the twenty-first selection, the Philadelphia Eagles select the big, bruising back from the Buckeye State in Chris "Beanie" Wells. The playoff game against the Giants proved that Westbrook is a solid weapon but when it comes to the goal line he has absolutely no value unless he's catching passes out of the backfield. The Eagles proved to me that they need a big back who can put his head down and move the pile and lucky for them, Wells is still on the board and is far too valuable to pass up at this junction regardless of Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles front office's stance on drafting. He's built sort of in the mold of Jonathan Stewart or even a smaller Brandon Jacobs, he can make the first tackler pay with a well placed shoulder, but he also has enough get up to be able to go the distance when he gets into the second level, he has all the abilities to be the kind of back to wear down a defense so that later in the game Brian Westbrook can gash them for big gains, Wells has some durability concerns and that might make some teams a big wary of selecting him but I think with his combine workout under his belt and some time to heal up he should be a welcome addition to the Eagles locker room.22. Minnesota Vikings – Mark Sanchez, QB USC
With the twenty-second selection the Vikings take the second QB off the board in the Southern California Trojan Sanchez. Tavaris Jackson will be a perennial back up with playing expertise because he proved he can't get it done in the clutch. Gus Ferotte throws too many picks and is far too brittle to be anyone's starting QB and a solid QB is the only thing keeping the Vikings from a deep playoff run, though they did just go out and get Sage Rosenfels, regardless, he is not the answer to the Vikings problems. Queue the QB from Sanchez who should fit nicely into Childress' system, he can move in the pocket, he can make all the throws and has great leadership ability, he'll be the face of the franchise along with AP for a long time. Mark Sanchez's bread and butter is getting the ball down field to open receivers while on the move and he'll have a great target in Bernard Berrian, he's not as mobile as Jackson but he does the ability to get outside the pocket and move around to allow the play to continue and make things happen and I think he has the potential to be a threat on the run and can cause some magic to happen on broken plays.23. New England Patriots – Connor Barwin, DE/LB Cincinnati
With the twenty-third pick, the Patriots select the defensive end outside linebacker hybrid from Cincinnati in Connor Barwin. I think he fits the mold of a Belichick player, a high motor and versatile linebacker who has all the experience needed to be a stand up pass rusher as Barwin was a dominant force this year tallying 16 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks. Not to mention, when you consider the age of Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas, Junior Seau and the various other linebackers for the Patriots and I think they would be well served to select Barwin who has a high ceiling and could flourish in the Patriots system now that Vrabel has moved on to the Chiefs and the Patriots would also use Barwin on the goal line as a TE considering how talented he was at the position at Cincinnati and at the Senior Bowl. Although Barwin may seem like a reach at this point in the draft considering his abilities in coverage and inexperience but the Patriots are known for going off the draft board and taking the type of player who would best fit their system, but I think they need to spice up their pass rush and I believe Barwin may be the key especially after how he lit up the combine.24. Atlanta Falcons – Brian Cushing, LB USC
With the twenty-fourth selection, the Atlanta Falcons grab the beach built backer from SoCal in Brian "Blue Collar" Cushing. Cushing has seen his stock rise and fall over and over and it really is hard to judge where he may go as he could potentially go as early as pick number eight to Jacksonville after Del Rio coached him at the Senior Bowl, he could also slip all the way down here and maybe even further because of durability concerns and steroid rumours. Regardless, I think Cushing is a first round talent and after playing incredibly well in the Senior Bowl and showing he can lay the wood and drop back in coverage as well to go along with rushing the passer, he is without a doubt a first round selection. The Falcons have some good linebackers, Curtis Lofton will be a stud but Keith Brooking and Michael Boley have moved on and that leaves them with Coy Wire in a starting spot… I'm sure Falcons fans don't want to drink that one in so I believe selecting Brian Cushing gives them the ability to fill the void left by those underachievers and replace em' with a playmaker who can go sideline to sideline as Cushing is big enough to play strongside backer, but he is loose in the hips enough to play weakside as well and he will be a great when paired up with Curtis Lofton.25. Miami Dolphins – Clay Matthews, DE/LB USC
With the twenty-fifth selection the Miami Dolphins select the hard nosed USC hybrid defensive end outside linebacker Clay Matthews. The Dolphins did a lot to help their team by re-signing Yeremiah Bell, Channing Crowder and Vernon Carey, as well as signing Gibril Wilson, it sures up most of their defensive needs and allows them to go best player available with this pick and there is no doubt in my mind that Clay Matthews is the kind of player Bill Parcells wants playing for him, he has NFL pedigree in his father Clay Matthews Sr., he has incredible versatility as he played with his hand in the ground and he played stand up linebacker as well and he could be incredibly dangerous coming off the edge, he'll be able to learn from Joey Porter and compete with Matt Roth for time at the other OLB spot. I think Clay Matthews has absolutely killed it in terms of helping his stock; he was a potential third round selection when the draft season began and now he could go as early as mid first round if someone loves him enough. He has showed great speed, athleticism, strength, burst, intelligence and fluidity and I believe of all the USC linebackers in the draft Matthews will have the most productive career.26. Baltimore Ravens – Alex Mack, C California
With the twenty-sixth selection the Baltimore Ravens select one of my personal favourite players in this year's draft, the man beast from California with a mean streak a mile long in Alex Mack. The Ravens unfortunately lost the young and talented Jason Brown to the St. Louis Rams and free agency and signed Matt Birk to replace him, but Matt Birk is in the twilight of his career and the Ravens could use someone to replace him and considering the Ravens love value and guys who fit their system I think they grab Alex Mack who can play either guard or center for the Ravens, depending on the injury status of Marshall Yanda and if Chris Chester can perform consistently, but considering Alex Mack is an elite center prospect I can't imagine the Ravens passing on him. Alex Mack has shown at the Senior Bowl that he was the top center prospect by playing very well against high competition, but he falls here because he was unable to workout at the combine, but I think if he can perform at his Pro Day and look even better than he has, then he could potentially go earlier than this because I'd imagine there are some teams after the Ravens chomping at the bit hoping he falls to them. This selection could also be a cornerback like Sean Smith or a wide receiver like Darrius Heyward-Bey though.27. Indianapolis Colts – Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
With the twenty-seventh selection the Indianapolis Colts select the productive Georgia running back and potential number one running back in Knowshon Moreno. This past season the Colts lacked a seriously effective running game with Joseph Addai suffering from nagging injuries and Dominic Rhodes looking to be anything but the player he was before he went to Oakland. Peyton Manning had to shoulder the offense and I think in order for the Colts to be dangerous they have to be multi-dimensional and in grabbing Moreno, the Colts get an amazing runner and pass catcher who has been getting it done at Georgia and proves to be one of the elite backs of this entire class. He has all the versatility to be a great back in the Colts system, he runs well, he catches well out of the backfield and I think adding him to the Colts offense would give them an even more explosive offense. I think Moreno is available here for the Colts because of a sub par combine workout where he didn't run as well as some of the scouts were hoping, but regardless of that fact, the boy got it done on Saturday and now he'll be getting it done on Sunday.28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina) – Sean Smith, CB/S Utah
With the twenty-eighth selection the Philadelphia Eagles select the versatile corner/safety, Sean Smith from the mighty Utah Utes. With Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard gone the Eagles could definitely look to fill those voids and Sean Smith fills both. He has the strength and run stuffing ability of a safety, but the speed, hips and ball skills of a cornerback and I think he would be an instant upgrade over Quinton Demps who is more of a role player. Though only a junior, Smith is incredibly polished and a very good athlete which he proved at the Scouting Combine by running well, looking very good in the defensive back drills and being an all around solid prospect, I have a feeling that he could potentially go higher than this because of his versatility and skill at both positions, but at this point, he's great value for the Eagles who need CB and Safety help. However, this pick could also be an offensive or defensive lineman because it is the Eagles after all.29. New York Giants – Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers
With the twenty-ninth selection, the New York Giants select the massive wide receiver from nearby Rutgers to replace "Bam Bam" Burress in Kenny Britt. It's a real shame that the Giants are having a heck of a time keeping receivers on the field and since Burress is looking at some serious repercussions for concealing a weapon and shooting himself in the leg and Amani Toomer may not be brought back due to age and salary, it means that the Giants have a great big gaping need for a taller target that Manning can throw the ball up to and currently Britt provides the best outlet at 6'4" 200+ pounds, he's been productive in the Rutgers offense and looks to give Eli Manning a reliable target should Manningham, Moss, Hixon and Tyree stall come next season. I think Britt really improved his stock from a potential second rounder to first rounder with his Combine work out. He looked strong, speedy, caught the ball extremely well and considering his size, speed, frame and the Giants mighty large need, he will be a welcome addition and considering he plays not too far from East Rutherford, I can imagine this pick will be enjoyed quite the bit more.30. Tennessee Titans – James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
With the thirtieth selection the Tennessee Titans select James "Baby Animal" Laurinaitis, the Buckeye middle linebacker. The Titans have two great outside linebackers in Keith Bulluck and David Thornton but they can't get any consistent play from their interior guys Ryan Fowler and Stephen Tulloch, so I think they select Animal Jr. from Ohio State and plug him from day one. He has slipped a bit because of a less then stellar combine performance where ran a 4.8 forty yard dash, but aside from that he has all the intangibles and career production one could ask for from a senior linebacker. Animal Jr. is a big, mean, strong and fast linebacker and would do well to play MLB with the aforementioned outside backers and would do really well to replace him the aforementioned inside linebackers in order to help the Titans stop the run better now that Big Al is $100 million richer. Not to mention baby Animal is pretty decent in coverage too and I believe that he'll be a stout force and a vocal leader that'll help turn the Titans defense into an even stronger force when he flies to the ball and leads his team by example.31. Arizona Cardinals – Clint Sintim, DE/LB Virginia
With the thirty-first selection, the Super Bowl bound Cardinals select the pass rush specialist from Virginia in Clint Sintim. Arizona has been a real story this year and I expect big things in the future, however, there needs to be some upgrades made at the linebacker spot. Karlos Dansby has been franchised so he'll be sticking around, but unfortunately Antonio Smith is a Texan and Bertrand Berry is still a UFA which leaves LaBoy, Okeafor and Haggens only to play that DE/OLB spot. They need to bring in some young talent to compete and bring the heat and Clint Sintim is the kind of player than can do that better than maybe any other collegiate linebacker save for potentially Zack Follett. This past season he tallied 11 sacks to go along with a stellar 13 tackles for a loss. He is a defensive playmaker that will help the Cardinals immensely. This pick could also be a corner as well considering Roderick Hood might as well change his name to toast but the next best thing to adding talent to the secondary is adding a player who can rush the passer and Clint Sintim can be that player who they move around and give him great match up options. Although Sintim didn't look great in coverage drills at the Senior Bowl I think with the right coaching he will be a great player and he can be either a hand in the dirt defensive end or the rushing outside linebacker depending on what the Cardinals need and I feel that he solidified himself as a first rounder with a really good looking combine workout.32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Duke Robinson, OG Oklahoma
With the thirty-second selection and final pick in the first round the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers select the Duke from Oklahoma! Unfortunately for the champs, the Steelers have quite a few free agent offensive lineman and could definitely look to improve the front 5 as it is essentially the only 'weak spot' of their game. Though the Steelers re-signed Chris Kemoeatu, franchise tagged Max Starks and tendered Willie Colon the Steelers should still look to bolster their offensive line and they get very fortunate to get a guard as talented as Duke Robinson at the end of the first round as he easily could have gone in the middle of the first round. I think Duke would be an immediate upgrade over either guard, especially after seeing how Stapleton was dominated by Darnell Dockett in the Super Bowl; the Duke would be a great addition to the Super Bowl champion Steelers offensive line as he has the power, the grace and the name to inspire confidence in Big Ben Roethlisberger.
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