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 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 now that they have let Stacy Andrews go as he has been a disappointment 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 plans with Levi Jones are not looking good, offensive tackle is definitely a pressing need. I really hope that Michael Oher bounces back at this Pro Day as I feel there is a lot of unjust criticism thrown his way and he is what he is, I think that he knows how to work hard especially after hearing about his upbringing and he'll make a great cornerstone for an offensive line and be able to protect a big money quarterback for years to come, in this case it just happens to be in Cincinnati and for Carson Palmer.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 a DE like Everette Brown 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 enough to pick em' a round earlier then they should go because you never know with the Raiders.Trade Alert:
8. Houston Texans (from Jacksonville) – Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S Ohio State
Jacksonville sends: #8 and #103 overall
Houston sends: #15 and #46 overall
With the eighth selection, the Texans trade up with the Jacksonville Jaguars and select the most versatile and talented cornerback from Ohio State in Malcolm Jenkins. I feel that the Texans really need help in the secondary, both at the cornerback and safety position and lucky for them, Jacksonville wants to trade back, though it seems a tad unrealistic for teams in the same division to be making trades it is not something that hasn't happened before and I think with the Jaguars picking up a first and second so the Texans can grab their shutdown corner/all pro free safety, they'll be all for it… at least until the regular season and Jenkins proves to be an animal. I feel that Jenkins is a solid talent and the Texans are really lacking in the corner department, they have Dunta Robinson who has been far too injured as of recent is unhappy with the franchise tag that was placed on him, Fred Bennett is a serviceable and decent starter and a young developmental talent in Antwaun Molden missed the season with an injury. Aside from that they really don't have anything else and Jenkins is talented enough to start as a cornerback and he also has the versatility and size to be the starting free safety as well should Dunta Robinson be able to stay on the field and play up to this form that was presented in his first few seasons in the league. I feel that selecting Jenkins will do a lot to help out the Texans ailing secondary and though this pick could be a LB like Brian Cushing, he is no where near worthy of the eighth selection and Jenkins is definitely their guy as the Texans are a decent defense from a winning record and potential playoff berth.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 Jenkins 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. This selection could also be an offensive lineman like Andre Smith or Eben Britton considering the 49ers need to sure up their offensive line so their QB isn't being assaulted brutally every game by opposing defenses but I like Brown too much and don't like Andre Smith enough to have this pick be anything but the electric Florida State defensive end.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.Trade Alert:
12. Detroit Lions (from Denver) – Matt Stafford, QB Georgia
Denver sends: #12 overall
Detroit sends: #20 and #65 overall
With the twelfth selection the Detroit Lions select the Georgia Bulldog quarterback Matthew Stafford. I don't believe the Lions should use the number one overall selection on any of these quarterbacks as all three first round guys don't have that potential so I think they wait and as soon as one slips are starts to get in range before the wealth of teams picking 17-19 get their hands on him the Lions move up. Regardless of the first selection the Detroit Lions need a quarterback to be the face of the franchise despite how the Lions 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.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 – Sean Smith, CB/S Utah
With the fourteenth selection the New Orleans Saints select the big and talented safety who can double as a press coverage corner from the mighty Utah Utes in Sean Smith. He played safety for the Utes but I think he has the versatility, play recognition and skills to be a great cornerback as well and this selection and where Sean Smith plays is really going to dependant on what the Saints want to do at safety and if they're fine with Roman Harper and Kevin Kaesviharn playing there and it also hinges on Mike McKenzie's future as well as his release would potentially dictate Sean Smith playing corner but keeping him would suggest he plays safety. Sean Smith 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. In order to bolster their secondary the Saints brought in Jabari Greer to play alongside the two aforementioned corners that will be returning from injury and might give the Saints the boost they need in the secondary to become a better a defense as a whole. Then adding Sean Smith at the safety spot would potentially put them over the top as Smith possesses all the ability, strength and skill to become a leader in the Saints secondary and though he could easily be a corner in any sort of cover system (be it man, zone or cover 2), he's much better suited to playing man as his long speed, physically and ball skills keep him in great position. Regardless, the Saints plug him in at safety or at cornerback and they'll find themselves with an even more impressive secondary. Like I said however, should Mike McKenzie get cut, Sean Smith will play cornerback for the Saints and if not, he plays free safety.15. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Houston) – Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
With the fifteenth selection the Jacksonville Jaguars acquired from the Houston Texans in the trade for Malcolm Jenkins, they move back and select the productive and talented wide receiver from North Carolina in Hakeem Nicks. 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. Nicks is a bigger framed wide receiver who can get down field but is exceptional when it comes to blocking. With the likelihood of Reggie Williams leaving to pursue another team looking for a quality possession receiver who can forget his short comings, the Jaguars have a spot to fill opposite Matt Jones who's is currently under cocaine and various other golf course shenanigan charges and all that is left is the inconsistent Dennis Northcutt and ball-dropping Troy Williamson and I believe Nicks is the answer to bolstering their pass and even run game, he's not the fastest guy but he runs crisp routes, he sells out when blocking for the run game and he'll be a quality target for David Garrard and either way, the Jaguars need help at WR and Nicks is the kind of guy they need on their team, 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, the Jaguars need this kind of tough player to spark some life into their offense, essentially Nicks can be the Maurice Jones-Drew of the passing game, though he may seem small and fragile for being a 6'0" receiver, he'll truck you the first chance he gets and fight for every inch and though some Jaguar fans may think he is a reach, I think he is tremendous value as Nicks is by far my number receiver and with Jacksonville picking up extra selections to fill more needs, they're sitting pretty.16. San Diego Chargers – Andre Smith, OT/G 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 defensive end but unfortunately Tyson Jackson is off the board or maybe an inside linebacker 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 – Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers
With the seventeenth selection, the New York Jets select the ridiculously talented Scarlet Knight wide receiver in Kenny Britt. 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. Britt is 6'4" and runs like a gazelle, he can take an easy slant pass to the house or he can burn you on a fade down the field. Britt 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 and on to adjust to balls on the fly. 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. Britt 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 Britt has amazing hands 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 as he looked strong, speedy, caught the ball extremely well and considering his size, speed, frame and the Jets 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 as he is a local boy from Jersey.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 – Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
With the nineteenth selection the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select the big and talented QB from Kansas State, Josh Freeman. Freeman has immense potential, he's 6'6" and 240 pounds and he runs very well and has a great arm, he needs to work on his accuracy, but that's not unlike most rookie QBs coming out of the college ranks. I think he'd be a great talent for Raheem Morris (who apparently has the nice connection to Kansas State as his former coordinator and might have the inside scoop on Freeman) to grab to usher in a new era for the Tampa Bay Bucs as he can be the type of player they need to get the ball to the deep receiver and also wear defenses out with bootlegs and play action. Now, Gruden wasn't a fan of young QBs but Morris may be a different kind of coach and considering new regimes, be it coach and/or GM like to bring in their own guys to do the grunt work I don't think they will be able to turn Josh Freeman down considering his potential even if they have the athletic Josh Johnson on the roster as Freeman has all the tools to become an elite QB in the NFL and give the Bucs some consistency at the franchise position that they have not had in a long time as Gruden was constantly pulling guys out and putting in old veterans who wouldn't last long. (i.e. Brad Johnson, Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese)20. Denver Broncos (from Detroit via Dallas) – Alex Mack, C/G California
With the twentieth selection, the Denver Broncos put tabs on 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. Alex Mack is a big and nasty lineman with limitless potential and projects as a quality center in the NFL. He was a man of many talents for California. He spent time mainly at center in college but I think he can also be a guard at the next level as he has the athleticism, mean streak and physical attributes to do so and that kind of versatility provides the Broncos 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 and very quick feet and a decent initial punch, he could stand to sink his hips more in protection as he tends to get knocked back by defensive linemen who can get lower than him, he also needs to learn not to get too high and ahead of himself as he tends to over extended at the shoulders and will on occasion end up with a face full of turf while the guy he's blocking makes the play. However, I think at this point in the draft with his versatility, strength and demeanor and with the Broncos currently having the aging Casey Weigmann at center and past his prime Ben Hamilton at guard the Broncos could definitely use the services of Mack to replace one of those aging veterans and give the Broncos a younger and more dynamic offensive line going into the future.21. Philadelphia Eagles – Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
With the twenty-first selection, the Philadelphia Eagles select the big and versatile back from the Georgia Bulldogs in Knowshon Moreno. I feel the playoff game against the Giants proved that though Westbrook is a solid weapon running and catching the ball but when it comes to the goal line he has absolutely no value unless he's catching passes out of the backfield or being used as a decoy. The Eagles proved to me that they need a bigger back to replace him who can put his head down and move the pile and lucky for them but also do all the things required of a west coast running back and since Moreno, the best running back is still on the board he 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 sort of built in the mold of Jonathan Stewart (1st round selection by the Panthers last year), he can make the first tackler pay with a well placed shoulder or he can make him miss with a little shimmy and a shake but he also has enough get up to be able to go the distance when he gets into the second level, though he is faster back with home run hitting ability, he has all the strength and abilities to be the kind of back to wear down a defense with carries between the tackles so that later in the game Brian Westbrook (or Lorenzo Booker) can gash them for big gains, Moreno has had his long speed called into question though after running poorly at the Scouting Combine and that might make some teams a big wary of selecting him but I think with his Pro Day ahead and some time to knock some tenths off so he should be ready to carry the rock and 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 Frerotte 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 – Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
With the twenty-sixth selection, the Baltimore Ravens select Vernon Davis's little brother from Ron Zook's Illinois Illini program in Vontae Davis. The Ravens still have some serious age at the cornerback position despite releasing Chris McAllister as veterans Samari Rolle and Frank Walker are still on the roster so they could use some added youth in the secondary as Fabian Washington is proving to be a valuable pick up and he needs a solid corner across from him. Though the Ravens did just sign Domonique Foxworth from the Falcons I feel he is best served as a nickel corner because of his smaller stature and considering Vontae Davis is a potential top ten to fifteen selection there is no way Ozzie Newsome passes up his value. Davis has great triangle numbers, he's fairly tall at 5'11" and has a great frame to play the run at 203 pounds, but most importantly, he ran the best forty yard dash of all the top ranked corners by putting up a 4.49 in a less then stellar cornerback group. I think that putting him across from Washington with the veterans mentoring them would give them an incredibly quick and ball hawking secondary, however, he would need to take lessons from the great corners already on the roster to make his transition from inconsistent cover corner to straight up shut down corner easier as I believe he has great skill and immense potential and all the natural skills to be a great corner in this league he just needs to mature and learn to focus his gifts, abilities and attention to the game of football and I believe with an organization like the Ravens, he can succeed.27. Indianapolis Colts – Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
With the sixty-first selection, the Colts select the disruptive force from the Ole Miss Rebels in Peria Jerry. 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, well, more so than they already are and this is where big ol' Peria Jerry comes in. Jerry himself is actually fairly slender as far defensive tackles go at 6'2" and a slightly anorexic 299 pounds, but there is one thing you can't deny and that is he knows how to get into the backfield from his defensive tackle position and disrupt opposing offenses. I feel that by putting Jerry alongside Freeney and Mathis, someone is definitely going to be harassing the opposing quarterback every time they drop back to pass as Jerry has proved he is extremely athletic, very compact, explosive and he has very good technique and hand placement (as was evident when he left Herman Johnson grasping at air during every one on one at the Senior Bowl), I feel that he is both a one gap penetrator and a nose tackle as he as the ability to stack against the run but I feel collapsing the pocket and providing a body to keep blockers off their undersized linebackers be his primary concern as he knows leverage and has the ability to take on all comers, including the double team, but regardless, his skills are too much for the Colts to pass up at this point in the draft as he could have easily been a top twenty selection had he been able to work out at the Scouting Combine.28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina) – Brian Robiskie, WR Ohio State
With the twenty-eighth selection, the Philadelphia Eagles select the large and polished receiver from Ohio State in Brian Robiskie. The Eagles really have lacked a big red zone threat that can go out and high point the ball and come down with it in a jump ball situation. The Eagles saw first hand what a dangerous and tall receiver is capable of when Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner shredded their defense to the tune of 3 touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship game. Robiskie is not supremely massive but at 6'3" and 210 pounds he provides quarterback Donovan McNabb with a large target he has sorely lacked since Terrell Owens took his theatre act on the road. Robiskie is polished and more importantly productive as his numbers over his career though not monumental were consistent as he finished his tenure at Ohio State with 127 receptions 1800+ yards and 24 touchdowns. I believe Robiskie also really helped himself at the Senior Bowl where he separated himself as the top senior wide receiver and a solid prospect amidst all the talented underclassmen. Even though he doesn't have the speed to get separation from elite cover corners he can use his strength, size and huge hands to his advantage to come down with the ball and I think with the Eagles not being able to get Britt with their first round selection at twenty one they grab Robiskie here at twenty eight here as he didn't disappoint at the Combine. Some fans may think that Robiskie is a bit of a reach at this point but I think Robiskie could potentially have the most value as first round receiver coming off the bench as he the most polished as his father is a coach for the Falcons and I feel that this pick is definitely not a reach as it would be a great help to Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb in offensive production, especially in the red zone where Philly really struggled this past post-season.29. New York Giants – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland
With the twenty-ninth selection, the New York Giants select the massive and fastest player in this years draft class in the 4.30 running wide receiver from Maryland to replace "Bam Bam" Burress in Darrius Heyward-Bey. 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 will likely not get the veteran minimum and offer to come back due to his 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 DHB provides the best outlet at 6'2" 210 pounds, he's been 'productive' in the absolutely anemic Terrapin offense and looks to give Eli Manning a reliable target should Manningham, Moss, Hixon and Tyree stall come next season. I think Heyward-Bey without a doubt really improved his stock from a potential second rounder to first rounder with his Combine work out. He looked strong by repping out a top ten performance among receivers. He looked incredibly speedy, I mean, how could he not? He ran the fastest time at the combine and what's more, he caught the ball extremely well and considering his size, speed, frame and the Giants mighty large need, he will be a welcome addition to the Giants from East Rutherford.30. Tennessee Titans – Darius Butler, CB Connecticut
With the thirtieth selection, the once top seeded Titans select one of Deion Sander's babies from Prime U in Connecticut cornerback Darius Butler. Tennessee's front office knows what to draft to win and with their secondary aging and number two cornerback opposite up and coming stud Cortland Finnegan looking to be the only weak spot I think they go out and draft the speedy and explosive corner with great feet in Butler. Darius is a solid all around corner back that will likely be a nickel back when he first enters training camp and then I believe he will eventually move into a starting role when Tennessee lets Nick Harper go because of his age and contract size. Butler 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 from their cornerbacks, allowing the defensive front seven to do more with their blitz packages because they know their corners have their targets covered like white on rice. Darius Butler has been on the rise all offseason but he kind of stunted his rise to the mid first round when he ran a fairly poor forty yard dash, though not for the class, but for his skill set and body size it was very surprising. But as far as the rest of the tests went, he looked very fluid in the hips, he moved out of breaks nicely and he didn't get over extended or off balance in his back pedal and I feel with the Titans having very few needs and with their cautious approach to first round picks (at least in the wake of the Pacman debacle) they go with Darius Butler who will help them greatly a year or two from now.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 – Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest
With the thirty-second selection in the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select the tiny bodied but big hearted cornerback from Wake Forest in Alphonso "Prime" Smith. The Steelers could definitely add some youth to the cornerback position, Ike Taylor is a solid player but with Deshea Townsend starting on the opposite side and with Bryant McFadden moving on to the Super Bowl runner up Cardinals, the Steelers could use a cornerback who could come in right away and play the nickel package and eventually move into a starting role when the Steelers let Townsend go. Alphonso Smith has all the talent to play for the Steelers and then some, he had an amazing 13 pass break ups and an even more amazing 7 interceptions in his senior campaign and though he does not have the size to play the run he does stick his nose in there. Some teams may say that he needs to work on his speed and should he knock a couple tenths of a second off his forty time at his Pro Day then watch out as he would be an amazing pick up here and he could potentially go even earlier if such is the case; but as it currently stands he ran a 4.50 at the Combine and that is fine by me for what the Steelers do and I feel their front office grabs him immediately and improves their already top ranked defense even more. But like I mentioned, I feel that if he burns up the track at his Pro Day there is no doubt in my mind that he would go top twenty and considering his career production (21 interceptions and 40 pass break ups) and his game breaking ability, there is no reason to let him sit by the phone any longer then the thirty second selection… plus, he held it up at the Combine, this kid will put butts in seats, sell jerseys and give the Steelers secondary a big time playmaker to go with the three others currently entrenched there.
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