Round 2:
33. Detroit Lions – Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest
With the thirty-third selection the Detroit Lions select the talented corner from the Wake Forest program in Alphonso "Prime" Smith. The Lions have absolutely nothing in terms of cornerbacks currently on their roster, as it currently stands they would be going into the season with Travis Fisher and new acquisition Anthony Henry as their starting corners with Ramzee "Mr. Irrelevant" Robinson at the nickel spot and Eric King at the dime spot. This just in, that ain't good! Smith has all the potential and skills to be an immediate starter for the Lions should they decide to forgo targeting a CB in free agency. But, if they do come up with a corner in free agency, this pick could be someone like Rey Maualuga or Aaron Maybin to play inside or strongside backer, but I think Smith has too much value, the Lions need too great and Schwartz's system too dependent on having a good cover corner for them to pass up an opportunity to get a prospect like Smith here. Plus, anyone who holds it up while doing drills at the scouting combine is definitely going to get some fans in the seats.
Previous selections: OT, QB
34. New England Patriots (from Kansas City) – Percy Harvin, WR Florida
With the thirty fourth-selection in the NFL draft the Patriots select WR Percy Harvin. Bill Belichick is a big fan of drafting Florida WRs and Percy Harvin is probably the best one to come out in a long time, more consistent and explosive than Chad Jackson and aims to be a better athlete and receiver then Jabar Gaffney. The Patriots could use another weapon in the slot while Welker and Moss get double covered and considering Gaffney's mental lapses in missing catches and the Patriots offense lacking a pure slot receiver I think they go WR and Percy Harvin fits right into what the Patriots want to do with their offense and provides who ever starts at QB with another weapon, not to mention he also has spent time in the backfield and can also be a change of pace back on third down, his versatility is something the Patriots and specifically Tom Brady, will absolutely adore now that Jabar Gaffney has joined former OC Josh McDaniels in Denver.
Previous selection: DE/LB
35. St. Louis Rams – William Beatty, OT Connecticut
With the thirty-fifth selection, the Rams make the smart selection in grabbing the athletic tackle from Connecticut in William Beatty. William Beatty is not as massive or imposing as any of the 1st round tackles like Jason or Andre Smith but I think he'll be the better tackle in the long run and considering the Rams were likely to pounce on Jake Long had he slipped to number 2 last year there is no way they don't go out and grab one of the top OTs on the board at this point. I think Beatty is the better fit for what the Rams plan to do with Coach Spags now in place as the Rams would like to feature Jackson heavily and take some of the pressure of Bulger who has been an absolute catastrophe this past year. Bringing in Beatty to learn from Pace should he stay would immediately help out the Rams ailing offense, especially in the red zone. I believe Beatty will probably start his career off as a RT replacing the inconsistent Alex Barron and when Orlando Pace is ready to move on he'll probably be shifted over there as he has good mobility, a great punch and nimble feet to be a franchise LT. Either way, I think he's the pick the Rams make unless they go defense with a strong safety like Patrick Chung.
Previous selection: LB
36. Cleveland Browns – Donald Brown, RB Connecticut
With the thirty-sixth selection, the struggling Browns select the versatile back from Connecticut, Mr. Donald Brown. In all likelihood, Jamal Lewis has played his last season with the Browns, he's lost all his get up and go and is looking more like a slug coming through the hole than a truck. If the Browns can get Brown they can team him up with Jerome Harrison and have the two-headed beast of a backfield that is becoming the norm with NFL teams nowadays. For the Browns, teaming up the speedy Harrison and talented and tough Brown will do them some good, not to mention take some of the pressure off whoever is at QB as they pound the rock against division opponents who enjoy milking the clock with their beast running games as well. Brown has proved to be an upper echelon back, he has looked great and performed really well at the combine and I feel as though he is definitely in the top three in terms of backs in this draft with Shonn Greene not far behind, I just feel his versatility makes him more valuable as teams are asking more and more from their starting running backs and I feel Brown is the complete package. Plus, Brown playing for the Browns, make sense, right?
Previous selection: DE/LB
37. Seattle Seahawks – Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
With the thirty-seventh selection the Seahawks start rebuild their franchise with a new quarterback and the raw but potential laden Josh Freeman. The Seahawks had a rough year at Quarterback last season losing starter Mass Hasselbeck for most of the season and having to rely on the short and weak armed Seneca Wallace. The Seahawks can ill afford to go through that kind of season again so I believe that they grab Josh Freeman from Kansas State. He's big, he's strong, he's tough and he pretty much carried the entire Kansas State team on his shoulders. Combining this selection with the previous one of Eugene Monroe and the Seahawks can look forward to a brighter future under Jim Mora Jr. This selection could very well be a safety as the best safeties like Chung, Moore and Johnson are all still sitting there at this point in the draft and it would be hard to pass up a need like safety but knowing the Seahawk front office, they won't pass up on a franchise QB at 37.
Previous selection: OT
38. Cincinnati Bengals – Max Unger, C Oregon
With the thirty-eighth selection, the Cincinnati Bengals select the versatile offensive lineman from Oregon in Max Unger. Unger is a solid offensive lineman who can play any position on the line, so not only being tremendous value at this point in the draft he is a great pick up because he can challenge Ghauicic at C as well as any other offensive linemen for playing time as he is too good to keep off the field and his versatility will save a roster spot on game day as well. Unger can stand to get stronger at the point of attack as he has a tendency to lose control of some of the bigger defensive tackles and get pushed around, and if he wants to play in the AFC North, he's going to be dealing with some big mothers in Haloti Ngata, Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers. His pass set is fine even though he could stand to play lower, but he really needs to work on his run blocking and making sure he can seal blocks at the second level, he looked really could at the combine and with his versatility he has all the potential and talent to be a first round pick, especially if Duke wasn't available for the Steelers, but the Bengals are happy to get him here.
Previous selection: OT
39. Jacksonville Jaguars – Evander Hood, DT Missouri
With the thirty-ninth selection, the Jaguars select the disruptive force from the Missouri Tigers program in Evander "Ziggy" Hood. John Henderson has looked lonely without his buddy Marcus Stroud next to him, not to mention the defense has managed to become a liability as opposed to strength, so they could definitely use a penetrating defensive tackle to put next to the gargantuan Henderson. Hood himself is a big fella at 6'5" and pushing 300 pounds and he knows how to get into the backfield as he had 7 tackles for a loss to go along with 5 sacks from his defensive tackle position not to mention he looked incredibly strong and fast at the combine and he even has the potential to find his way into the end of the first round to the Colts or Steelers. I think pairing him with Henderson will bring the Jags defensive line back to respectability especially if Groves and Harvey come on strong after not producing too much their rookie seasons.
Previous selection: CB
40. Oakland Raiders – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland
With the fortieth selection, the Raiders select a guy they could have very well selected in the first round in the speedster from Maryland. But due to his raw talent and lack of experience I think he slides all the way down to the Raiders in the second round despite the fact he was an absolute beast at the combine, he tested incredibly well, he ran incredibly fast (4.30 which lead all combine invitees) and I think we all know how much Al Davis values speed and DHB's potential is too much for him not to make this pick and give the Raiders a young and dynamic trio of cornerstone pieces in DHB, McFadden and Russell, with these guys now in place all that is left for the Raiders to do is find a new LT to replace the spot vacated by Kwame Harris and with some solid pieces already in place, the Raiders might soon have an incredibly dynamic offense that isn't purely a running game.
Previous selection: DT
41. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Maybin, DE/LB Penn State
With the forty-first selection, the Packers select the defensive end outside linebacker hybrid from Penn State in the tightly wound Aaron Maybin. I think he fits the build of a player Ted Thompson would covet, he's a high motor defensive lineman who can stand up and has all the natural tools to rush the passer as Maybin was an absolute force this year tallying 20 tackles for a loss and an astounding 12 sacks. Not to mention, when you consider the current crop of linebackers the Packers have, none really stand out as a rushing outside linebacker and I think they would be well served to select Maybin who has an incredibly high ceiling and could flourish in their new 3-4 system. Although Maybin may seem like he should go earlier than this point in the draft a sub par combine workout may be the key to him falling here and considering the Packers and Ted Thompson are known for going with the best player available, I feel they may be inclined to select Maybin because I think they need to spice up their pass rush first and I believe Maybin may be the key as he would be able to compliment Aaron Kampman who will be standing up as a player who has experience getting to the quarterback on a regular basis but is playing out of position. The Packers should be able to harness Maybin's explosive ability and in a few years he could be incredibly dangerous coming off the edge… he also has a high bust potential so buyer beware.
Previous selection: DE
42. Buffalo Bills – Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee
With the forty-second selection, the frigid Buffalo Bills select the absolutely sky rocketing Tennessee Volunteer defensive end Robert "Ay-Ay-Ay" Ayers. For years, the Bills have had nothing opposite DE Aaron Schobel and they were able to get by because he was a relentless machine but as soon as he went down, the Bills lost all pass rush which leads me to believe they'll make the Tennessee standout Robert Ayers their pick as he has all the potential in the world to become a star and would give the Bills a very dangerous defensive line with Schobel back from injury, and tackles Stroud and Williams clogging the middle. Robert Ayers has really seen his stock rise, from a potential mid second day prospect to a now mid first day prospect, though he doesn't have the sack numbers scouts are looking for I believe his best days are ahead of him and if he gets into the right system I feel he can be an incredible asset to a team as he can stack, shed and stuff in the run game and he does have ability to rush the passer. He has the potential to go earlier than this, potentially to a team looking for a 3-4 defensive end but I think his most likely position is at LE in a 4-3 and that's just where Buffalo should put him.
Previous selection: TE
43. San Francisco 49ers – Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan
With the forty-third selection the San Francisco 49ers select the intense, hard hitting and natural playmaking safety from Kalamazoo in Louis Delmas. San Francisco released Keith Lewis and neither of his potential replacements; Dashon Goldson or Mark Roman can be a compliment to Michael Lewis in the secondary, this is where Singletary brings in the productive safety from Western Michigan who has the intensity, strength, work ethic and leadership ability to be a strong safety but has the range, ball skills and fluid hips to be a free safety. Louis Delmas has come on like gangbusters since the Senior Bowl, he looked really good there leading his defense, barking out calls and making plays and it only continued at the Scouting Combine where he ran well, looked fluid in position drills and was all around outstanding. Delmas is the kind of player Mike Singletary would love to have on his team and would give the 49ers another young defensive leader to go along with Patrick Willis. However, this selection could also be in an outside rush linebacker to replace the ineffective Manny Lawson and situational Parys Haralson or a wide receiver to replace the free agent Bryant Johnson and ageless wonder Isaac Bruce, but with safety being a more pressing need the 49ers go that route instead and considering Delmas' ability, the 49ers should be psyched to get him here.
Previous selection: DE/LB
44. Miami Dolphins (from Washington) – Brian Robiskie, WR Ohio State
With the forty-fourth selection the Miami Dolphins select the talented and supremely polished wide receiver from Ohio State in Brian Robiskie. Robiskie is an immense talent and it seems like the Dolphins have become a team that likes to take receivers with potential but raw abilities and turn them into big game players as Ginn, Bess and Camarillio come to mind. However, Robiskie is not that type of receiver as he is 6'3", 210 pounds and he is a coaches son so he knows the ins and outs of being a receiver and he may as well be the most polished and finely tuned of all the wide receivers in this draft and considering the Dolphins need a big target Robiskie fits the bill perfectly. Robiskie is another player who has seen his stock rise with great performances at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine, he has natural hands, runs crisp and polished routes and actually ran a lot better than I expected him too, and considering the Tuna likes players with NFL pedigree I am more then inclined to bet that if Robiskie is available he is picked up to be what Ernest Wilford was supposed to be when he signed. This pick could also be interior offensive line depth or cornerback, but considering the value and potential of Robiskie and the fact they have a pick later on in this round they grab Robiskie now and fill a need.
Previous selection: DE/LB
45. New York Giants (from New Orleans) – Rashad Johnson, S Alabama
With the forty-fifth selection, the Giants select the talented and versatile safety from Alabama in Rashad Johnson. The Giants caught lightning in a bottle last year with being able to land Kenny Phillips at the end of the first and they need someone to play across from him who compliment his style of play, Michael Johnson and James Butler are both good safeties but I think they are more rotation and special teams players than anything and not to mention James Butler is a free agent this offseason who could follow former DC Spagnuolo to the Rams and with the wealth of talent at safety in this draft they may not bring him back, so for the Giants, bringing in Johnson to play alongside Phillips will give the Giants an even younger and talented secondary as Johnson is a defensive playmaker with 11 career picks. This pick could also be a defensive end but considering the players available but grabbing Rashad Johnson is definitely the best route to go considering the way the Giants have upgraded their defensive line through free agency.
Previous selection: WR
46. Houston Texans – Ron Brace, DT Boston College
With the forty-sixth selection the Houston Texans select the big, mammoth gap closing defensive tackle from Boston College in Ron Brace. The Houston Texans have done a lot to help their team out on defense this offseason and considering how potent their offense is and the last selection was used on the speedster from Missouri, the Texans need to start solidifying the defensive line again. The Texans have a great defensive end in Mario Williams, an up and comer in Amobi Okoye, a nice new addition in Antonio Smith from the Cardinals, all that is missing is a space eater and that's where Brace comes in. He has looked very good since showing up at the Senior Bowl and he improved his stock even more at the combine and he has definitely helped himself out this offseason and considering it all starts with the offensive and defensive lines, the Texans would now have one of the best because you can't double team everyone and if Williams, Okoye or Smith can get free because of Brace, then you know he's the right guy for the system and I feel with him there the Texans have a shot at finally finishing with a winning record in 2009.
Previous selection: WR
47. New England Patriots (from San Diego) – William Moore, S Missouri
With the forty-seventh selection, the New England Patriots select the strong safety potential weakside linebacker 'hybrid' from Missouri in William Moore. The Patriots are in dire need of finding a replacement for Rodney Harrison who I believe has played his last downs in the NFL. William Moore is a bigger safety who has spent time at free safety and strong safety and who would probably play WLB in a 4-3 if it were up to some scouts but I believe that the Patriots would covet his versatility. He's a big hitter and will be that dominating presence in the secondary that the Patriots lacked this season. However, I do believe that at the Scouting Combine William Moore tested well enough to get back into consideration as a safety, he ran well, he looked good in the defensive back drills and he was all around smooth, I think with him getting over his injury concerns he can focus on his pro career and make a name for himself. Regardless, this pick could also be an OT but considering the talent available at this pick they would have to reach on one, so they select William Moore to pair with their current safeties and give them a youthful and dynamic safety core.
Previous selections: DE/LB, WR
48. Denver Broncos – Rey Maualuga, LB USC
With the forty-eighth selection the Denver Broncos continue to move towards the 3-4 defense by selecting the big and nasty middle linebacker from SC, Rey Maualuga. If you're going to have a solid 3-4 defense you need an anchor to occupy multiple blockers and they are missing that still but unfortunately there are no players who fit that description worth selecting here as Ron Brace just went, but considering the guys they had starting last season at linebacker, they definitely need some interior linebacker depth and a leader who can play sideline to sideline, blitz the QB and cover in the pass game. After a non-existent combine where Rey Rey tweaked his hamstring he's definitely free falling but considering his upside and his intensity I can't imagine the Broncos passing up someone of his pedigree. I think coming into a 3-4 system, Rey Maualuga should be able to step his game up and become the interior force that Denver has been looking for as they have had a revolving door at MLB and now they'll hopefully have a stalwart there for years to come, not to mention he can learn to mature and be a better human being from one of the premiere players in the league in Brian Dawkins.
Previous selection: DE/LB
49. Chicago Bears – Phil Loadholt, OT Oklahoma
With the forty-ninth selection, the Chicago Bears select the towering man beast from Oklahoma in Phil Loadholt. Big Phil has seen his stock rise with some great play at the Senior Bowl and fairly decent combine workout where he has even proven that he might be able to be a left tackle in the NFL, however, the Bears selected their franchise left tackle in the draft last year with Chris Williams who is far more athletic and has more potential upside and it is now time to book end him with the massive Loadholt who will take over for the retired John Tait and free agent John St. Clair and give the Bears a younger and more dominant offensive line to open holes in the running game for Matt Forte and to protect Kyle Orton so he can get the ball down field to Hester and any other potential free agent wide receiver the Bears might happen to grab as I also feel that this pick could be a possession receiver to compliment the speed and downfield playmaking ability of Hester, someone like Louis Murphy or Juaquin Iglesias would be a solid selection here to fill that void.
Previous selection: DE
50. Cleveland Browns (from Tampa Bay) – Jared Cook, TE South Carolina
With the fiftieth selection, the Cleveland Browns use the selection the got for the Soldier K2 and select the freak tight end from South Carolina in Jared Cook to replace him. The Browns don't really need to select Cook here as they have some other needs but he really has limitless potential after seeing him blow up the combine with a mid 4.5 forty yard dash and 40'+ broad jump and 10'+ broad jump. The kid was absolutely on fire and moved himself from a mid second day pick to a mid second round pick. He catches the ball nicely and he is a vertical threat and considering the Browns don't really have anyone to replace him as Robert Royal and Darnell Dinkins are both stop gap players at best and we don't quite know what to expect from Martin Rucker, so, they grab Cook and give Quinn or Anderson a solid underneath safety blanket when things get dicey in the pocket.
Previous selection: DE/LB, RB
51. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Chung, S Oregon
With the fifty-first selection, the Cowboys select what seems to be their most pressing need in a game changing safety who can be a presence in the run game and ball hawk in the secondary and Patrick Chung is without a doubt the best player who can fill that void where Roy Williams and Michael Hamlin are not pulling their weight own weight. The Cowboys season can be summed up by their Saturday night late season battle against the Ravens, good until the end. The Cowboys played well until it mattered and then imploded as Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain ran over and through their safeties. Bringing in Patrick "Everybody Wang" Chung should be able to help them as he is a solid safety who can play the run, make the sure tackles and is a ball hawk as is evidence by his 9 career picks in the Pac-10, a notoriously brutal conference for cornerbacks and safeties alike. However, considering the Cowboys history this pick could potentially be a NT to spell Jay Ratliff or an ILB to replace Zach Thomas but considering no player is really worth the selection the Cowboys would be foolish to let Chung go.
52. Philadelphia Eagles – Jamon Meredith, OT South Carolina
With the fifty-second selection the Philadelphia Eagles select the finesse blocking offensive tackle from Gamecock U in Jamon Meredith. This pick is purely best player available that fills a need, luckily Philadelphia does not have many needs on either side of the ball, but with William "Tre" Thomas and Jon Runyan's future in question and wondering whether Winston Justice will be able to bounce back from getting severely owned by Osi Umenyiora a year ago and hopes that Stacy Andrews can come back to full health after a devastating knee injury, the Eagles grab another offensive lineman who can play tackle or guard. With this selection it gives the Eagles a lot of options with what they plan to do with their offensive line in the future as they can kick Herremans out to tackle and put Meredith at left guard and have Shawn Andrews move out to RT and Max Jean-Gilles or Nick Cole play RG while Andrews provides solid depth. This pick will go a long way into helping solidify the Eagles offensive line and hopefully clear up some concerns they might have about who their starts will be going into next season. However, I think Meredith has really helped himself, especially at the combine where he looked strong, athletic and ready to make the jump to the next level and considering OL is a need and the Eagles love drafting em' I can't imagine they pass up the best one available who also provides tremendous versatility in Meredith.
Previous selection: RB, CB/S
53. New York Jets – LeSean McCoy, RB Pittsburgh
With the fifty-third selection in the draft the New York Jets select LeSean 'Shady' McCoy from Pittsburgh. The Jets got an all-pro season from Thomas Jones and Leon Washington but considering the age of Jones and the ability of McCoy, the Jets would do well to grab him and considering they went wide receiver in the first round to replace Coles, they would be well served to grab the next most explosive offensive player still on the board as he can help Thomas Jones be more effective with less carries taking its toll on his body and allow Leon Washington to do what he does best and that's take advantage of tired legs. Now, Shady could go earlier because he wasn't able to workout at the combine because of the flu and because of some serious flip flopping in deciding whether to declare or not, I believe he falls here and Rex Ryan grabs him and gives his offense something similar to what he had in Baltimore.
Previous selection: WR
54. Minnesota Vikings – Antoine Caldwell, C Alabama
With the fifty-fourth selection, the Minnesota Vikings select the hard nosed and versatile center from Alabama in Antoine Caldwell. Caldwell is a very good prospect and still projects as a quality center in the NFL. He was a man of many talents for Nick Saban's Crimson Tide squad as he spent time out at tackle as well as center and that kind of versatility provides the Vikings with some great options on game day as it can save a roster spot when their center can kick out to guard or tackle if need be. He's a solid run blocker and pass blocker, he has good feet and a great punch, he could stand to sink his hips more in protection but I think at this point, his versatility and with the Vikings likely to be needing a center when they eventually let Matt Birk test free agency, Caldwell should be the pick as he can add youth, strength and intensity to an already solid offensive line and I feel that he has cemented his status as a second round pick with a great Senior Bowl and Combine workout, he seems to be as consistent as they come.
Previous selection: QB
55. Atlanta Falcons – Shawn Nelson, TE Southern Mississippi
With the ninetieth selection, the Atlanta Falcons select the productive pass catching TE from Southern Mississippi in Shawn Nelson. Nelson is a solid TE prospect who could stand to put on some weight as he can still be considered a "rocked-up" wide receiver at 6'5", 240+, he has the frame to add some weight to better produce in the run game as a blocker but considering what he did to Rey Maualuga I think he may be ok. On the other hand, as a pass catcher he is definitely qualified to become a new weapon for Matt Ryan and gives the Falcons stud QB some reliable target underneath as a safety blanket and this selection would also go towards helping the Falcons even more as it'll give Roddy White more opportunities over the top as someone will have to keep an eye on Nelson. I feel he really raised his stock through the Senior Bowl and Combine and him dropping Rey Rey will be a highlight of that week. But, if Nelson is not the pick here this pick could also be a strong safety like Michael Hamlin to be groomed as a replacement for Lawyer Milloy.
Previous selection: LB
56. Miami Dolphins – Darius Butler, CB Connecticut
With the fifty-sixth selection, the Dolphins grab one of the prized pupils from Prime U in this draft in Darius Butler from UConn. The Dolphins have been one of the better stories this year and with this selection they get a player to help out their ailing secondary which has undoubtedly been their Achilles heel all season. The only thing that might limit Butler in making the transition from college athlete to NFL starting corner is his ability to play the run as he is a tad slight, but I think Coach Sporano will make sure he sticks his nose in there and makes some noise and after that, he has all the tools to be an elite cover corner in a division where he has to face Randy Moss and Lee Evans twice a year as he has great speed, footwork and mechanics to face the onslaught of deep balls that will be thrown his way. This pick could also be some offensive line depth considering how the front office feels about Justin Smiley and Samson Satele but I feel Darius Butler could have easily been a first round talent and the Dolphins grabbing him here fills a need and is of tremendous value.
Previous selection: DE/LB, WR
57. Baltimore Ravens – Louis Murphy, WR Florida
With the fifty-seventh selection the Ravens go out and select the talented wide receiver from Florida in Louis Murphy. The Ravens have had a great season, their run game is amazingly successful, and the offensive line has put up great protection for Joe Flacco, not to mention the Flaccinator has been an absolute stud at QB. Now, he just needs a new target to throw to as Derrick Mason, though talented is aging and they need a youthful and spry WR who can make all the tough catches and then some opposite the inconsistent Mark Clayton. Enter Murphy from Florida who is rocketing up my draft board and will give Flacco another talented receiver to get the ball to and Cam Cameron another weapon on offense. Louis Murphy in my opinion may be the better pro of the two Florida wide receivers selected in this round and though he may not be the fastest receiver I think he runs crisper routes, he catches with his hands and he knows how to get into the end zone on limited touches, the boy is a player and would definitely be a great addition to the Ravens, especially if he can learn from Mason and I feel after looking really good at the combine, he could potentially go a tad earlier than this as well.
Previous selection: C
58. New England Patriots – D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt
With the fifty-eighth selection in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select the talented and surprisingly short corner from "Love is a Battlefield" Vanderbilt in D.J. Moore. The Patriots are currently extremely weak in the secondary and with injuries plaguing some of their younger guys last year it really hindered their ability to learn the system and grow as players, I'm sure they're high on Wilhite and Wheatly, but D.J. Moore is an incredibly talented cover corner and the Patriots like to grab their corners later on so I can imagine Moore who is a potential first round pick would be in the minds of front office around now. I think despite his slow forty time like all the other cornerbacks Moore is as good as they come in terms of cover ability and I feel pairing him up with Hobbs and the couple of youngins they drafted last year and the Patriots secondary could be back up to snuff in a year or two when all three guys mature enough together. On the other hand, this pick could also be some depth on the offensive line but I think D.J. Moore is far too valuable for the Patriots to pass up considering their need for quality cornerback depth and the potential drop off in talent after Moore is off the board.
Previous selection: DE/LB, WR, S
59. Carolina Panthers – Paul Kruger, DE Utah
With the fifty-ninth selection the Carolina Panthers select Utah defender Paul "Freddy" Kruger. With the potential trading of Julius Peppers on the horizon, the Panthers will need a defensive end to fill the void and Kruger is easily the best available. He's most definitely not in the same league in terms of pass rush but he knows how to get into the backfield and is good against the run as well. He may have only had 7.5 sacks this season but he has caused havoc in the backfield to the tune of 24 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks in his career. I think Kruger really proved he can be an integral part as a LE in a 4-3 scheme which is exactly where Peppers played, he doesn't have the hip wiggle, athleticism and natural pass rush of a Peppers but I think John Fox will use him the right way and get the most out of his potential and it will provide the Panthers with some semblance of pass rush ability should Julius Peppers see his way to a big pay day with a new team. This pick could also be defensive tackle considering the Panthers have very little between the ends but I think Kruger has late first to early second potential so the Panthers grabbing him here will help out immensely.
60. New York Giants – Coye Francies, CB San Jose State
With the sixtieth selection in the NFL Draft, the rich get richer with the Giants selecting the talented San Jose Spartan cornerback in Coye Francies. Francies has great size and instincts, he's quick to react to the ball when it is in the air and then can make a play on it. He is decent in run support and he is an all around talented cornerback and will benefit the Giants secondary that is already quite talented with Webster and Ross starting and Thomas waiting in the wings. Francies only downside is that he showed at the combine that he doesn't possess the elite speed that scouts are looking for and there's potential that he can be beaten deep but coming into the league he'll be a nickel/dime corner and play special teams and maybe down the road he'll be able to contribute but as it currently stands, he's a BPA and depth selection but I feel that if he has a good Pro Day workout he could easily increase his stock to the point where he goes earlier or that the Giants decide to move Thomas to safety to best utilize Francies natural ability, however, considering the lack of needs for the Giants, they could also select more offensive line depth.
Previous selection: WR, S
61. Indianapolis Colts – Sen'Derrick Marks, DT Auburn
With the sixty-first selection, the Colts select the disruptive force from the Auburn Tigers in Sen'Derrick Marks. The Colts have sorely missed Quinn Pitcock and Ed Johnson in the interior of their defensive line where they currently have absolutely no one and that means that the Colts should definitely look into grabbing the top DT available so that teams aren't double teaming Freeney and Mathis, more so than they already are and this is where Sen'Derrick Marks comes in. Marks himself is a big fella at 6'2" and pushing 300 pounds and he knows how to get into the backfield from his defensive tackle position. I feel that by putting Marks alongside Freeney and Mathis, someone is definitely going to be harassing the opposing quarterback every time they drop back to pass as Marks is extremely athletic, very compact and explosive and has very good technique, I feel that he is simply a one gap penetrator and that will be his primary concern as he doesn't have the size or bulk to withstand double teams and that could lead to him becoming a liability against the run, but regardless of that fact, his skills are too much for the Colts to pass up at this point in the draft.
Previous selection: RB
62. Tennessee Titans – Victor Harris, CB Virginia Tech
With the sixty-second selection, the once top seeded Titans select CB Victor "Macho" Harris from Virginia Tech. Tennessee's front office knows what to draft to win and with their secondary aging and #2 corner looking to be the only weak spot I think they go out and draft the mighty moustached Harris. Macho is a solid all around corner back that will be a nickel back at first and then eventually move into a starting role when Tennessee lets Nick Harper go. He is great in man to man coverage and is not a liability when left alone on an island and I feel that is what Tennessee covets most. He is a very similar player to Brandon Flowers who came out last year and made a huge impact for the Chiefs, he also adds value in the return game since the Titans let returner Chris Carr test the waters in free agency.
Previous selection: LB
63. Arizona Cardinals – Shonn Greene, RB Iowa
With the sixty-third selection the Arizona Cardinals grab the bruiser from Iowa in Shonn Greene. The Cardinals showed some poise in their rushing attack during their fabled run in the playoffs but they lack that tank who can wear down defenses to that they can be gashed later on by the small and faster backs and I think Shonn Greene will EASILY provide that for them as he is a truck. Now, considering J.J. Arrington is a free agent and the Edge is more than likely going to be a cap casualty, it is a definite need to the Cardinals to grab a back, if Tim Hightower can learn to stop shimmying all play long and hit the hole hard the Cardinals will be a much better team because Hightower has the skills to be an elusive and speedy cutback runner and Greene can be the change of pace power back who will wear down the defense, I think Greene has seen his stock drop after the combine, but did anyone really expect to be dazzled by his hips and shimmy? I was happily a fan of Greene and I think he falls here and the Cardinals are ecstatic to get the Doak Walker award winner towards the latter end of the first day of the draft, a very nice selection here.
Previous selection: DE/LB
64. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jarron Gilbert, DT/DE San Jose State
With the sixty-fourth selection, the Super Bowl champions Steelers select the Spartan Army superstar in Jarron Gilbert. Gilbert is another player who has seen his stock rise dramatically and it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to see him soar even higher than I currently have him, regardless, the Steelers will draft him to play 3-4 defensive end alongside incumbent veterans Aaron Smith who is getting up in years and the big bodied Casey Hampton in the middle. This pick will make the Steelers defense even stingier than it already is. The Steelers could also potentially reach on an offensive lineman like Eric Wood from Lousiville or Troy Kropog from Tulane, but with Gilbert's skill set, upside, impressive numbers (22.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks for a DT!) I think he needs to be the pick. He's strong enough to play the run as a base end and he has more than enough zip and skill to be a credible pass rush specialist on passing downs giving the Steelers another defensive player who can get to the QB and making their defensive unit that much scarier.
Previous selection: OG
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
2009 Mock Draft ver 6.0 Round 2
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