Trade Alert:
33. Oakland Raiders (from Detroit) – Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
Detroit sends: #33 overall
Oakland sends: #40 and #104 overall
With the thirty-third selection, the Oakland Raiders select a guy they could have very well selected in the first round in the speedster receiver and kick returner from Missouri, Jeremy Maclin. I think with him falling into the second round Undead Al decides he doesn't hate his forty time as much as he would have at pick number seven and strikes a deal with the Lions to move up and grab Maclin, who when teamed up with Johnnie Lee Higgins gives the Raiders an absolutely scary return game. Maclin ends up falling this far due to his raw talent and lack of experience (only being a red-shirted sophomore) I think he slides all the way down to the Raiders here despite the fact he was very solid and fluid at the combine, he tested incredibly well, he ran incredibly very fast, though likely not as fast as he would have liked (4.45 instead of the predicted 4.35) and I think with common knowledge about how we all know how much Al Davis values speed and Jeremy Maclin's potential is too much for him not to move up to thirty-three to make this pick and give the Raiders a young and dynamic trio of cornerstone pieces in Maclin, 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 on the shoulders of the running game.Previous selection: DT
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 defensive end like Michael Johnson still on the board but I think they need to develop a franchise LT and William Beatty has immense potential.Previous selection: LB
36. Cleveland Browns – Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
With the thirty-sixth selection, the struggling Browns select the big bruising back from Ohio State, Mr. Chris 'Beanie' Wells. 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 Wells 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 Wells 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. Wells has proved to be an upper echelon back and he is an absolute steal here for the Browns as he is considered by some to be the top back in this draft and Cleveland gets him here in second round without lifting a telephone. I feel that he has looked great and performed really well, especially at the combine (though I was hoping he would run a little bit faster and have less problems broad jumping) and I feel as though he is definitely in the top three in terms of backs in this draft with LeSean McCoy not far behind, I just feel his power style makes him more valuable to a teams like the Browns who already have their speedy cut back guy who can take screens the distance, catch out in the flats and exploit a weakened defensive line in the third and fourth quarters. Plus, Wells playing for the Browns make sense, right? He did go to Ohio State, might as well keep that in-state connection alive and well.Previous selection: DE/LB
Trade Alert:
37. Cincinnati Bengals (from Seattle) – Michael Johnson, DE Georgia Tech
Seattle sends: #37 overall
Cincinnati sends: #38 and #166 overall
With the thirty-seventh selection, the Bengals trade up one selection with the Seattle Seahawks to select long necked, huge bodied speed rusher from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets program in Michael Johnson. Michael Johnson has seen his stock fluctuate exponentially after his senior performance as he was at one point a potential top ten selection based on potential and ability but then he slid all the way into the mid second round after the season where his production didn't match his skill set and now after blowing up at the Scouting Combine and Pro Day it is hard to fathom where he will be drafted. But at his Pro Day there were a wealth of Bengal reps there and considering Marvin Lewis and company could some added pizzazz on their defensive front where Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers just aren't producing like they should be, Johnson seems like the perfect pick. Johnson has all the potential to be a high quality player who can get to the QB he just needs someone to keep on him and work him hard and I think Marvin Lewis is that kind of coach and I believe his best football is ahead of him and like I said, if he can get the right kind of coaching I think he can be a dangerous defensive end. I believe he'll start his career as a rotational player and eventually he could play the RDE spot and rush the passer but it is really up to MJ himself if he wants to reach his full potential and become a boom over a bust as he definitely has a high ceiling… but he also has a very low basement… and someone made an awful mess down there.Previous selection: OT
38. Seattle Seahawks (from Cincinnati) – Max Unger, C/G Oregon
With the thirty-eighth selection that the Seahawks received from the Bengals they 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 the inconsistent and oft-injured Chris Spencer at C or either the aging Mike Whale and Rob Sims at the guard position 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 he'll get pushed around and stood up but 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 senior bowl working against some of the elite defensive tackles in this class and at the scouting combine as well and with his versatility he has all the potential and talent to be a first round pick but he falls down to here because of the concerns I previously mentioned and even though the Seahawks have needs at cornerback and safety, Max Unger's talent is too much to pass up here and it'll give the Seahawks another young and talented offensive lineman to plug into their line up because if Spencer and Sims can play consistently and with Willis and Monroe book ending the tackle positions, Unger slides right into left guard and the Seahawks go from doghouse to penthouse in terms of talent, youth and potential. But like I said, this pick could very well be Louis Delmas from Western Michigan to replace Brian Russell or Deon Grant… this could also be Evander Hood from Missouri to replace the recently lost Rocky Bernard but with the signing of Colin Cole I think they go Unger.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. I feel that he really improved his stock by unleashing his devastating spin move on the opposition at the Senior Bowl and proving to be damn near unblockable for the offensive linemen there not to mention he followed that great performance up by looking incredibly strong (repping 225 among the best for the defensive linemen) 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: WR
40. Detroit Lions (from Oakland) – James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
With the fortieth selection, the Detroit Lions take the best defensive player available who has really slipped in my opinion since his poor Combine Performance in Ohio State inside linebacker James "Baby Animal" Laurinaitis. Like I mentioned, I believe that Baby Animal has seen his stock drop tremendously because of a poor performance at the Scouting Combine where he showed tight hips and poor long speed. However, I don't feel that he's that player as the tape on him shows how productive and aware he is of what is going and that he's the kind of linebacker who can cover, play the run and do pretty much anything else asked of a talented linebacker. Now, considering Detroit needs players everywhere they may as well go BPA and grab a great LB like Laurinaitis (and it helps that they were able to slide back and pick up some extra picks) who will likely start immediately at middle linebacker for the Lions considering his an immediate upgrade over Jordan Dizon who is a weakside linebacker at best. Laurinaitis is an extremely talented linebacker with great career production for a top level program and he has great leadership and playmaking ability, he also has great ability to get to the QB as he proved when he was tearing up the defensive line drills, he stays tight to the line and looks very explosive. I also feel that based on his game tape that he's deceptively good in pass coverage and he should be stout against the run behind Corey Redding and new behemoth defensive tackle Grady Jackson. Selecting Laurinaitis should go the extra mile in strengthening that Lions defense that gave up too many points way too quickly and not to mention give them an on the field leader to lead by voice in the huddle and example on the field.Previous selection: OT, QB
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: OT
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 – Duke Robinson, OG Oklahoma
With the forty-third selection the San Francisco 49ers select the mammoth offensive guard from the Oklahoma Sooners in Duke Robinson. This is a huge steal for the 49ers as I have Duke Robinson ranked in my top twenty-five players and with him falling all the way to forty three and with the 49ers having had a real problem keeping their quarterback upright this past season this pick just seems to make too much sense as it is integral for the team to get some consistency from the big men up front and aside from Joe Staley and Eric Heitmann, I think everyone on that offensive is expendable or upgradable by Duke Robinson. Duke is a big and hefty offensive lineman who has fairly good speed and quickness for a man of his stature, he mauls defensive linemen in the run game and is very nimble on his feet when in a pass set, though he does have the occasional mental breakdown that gets the quarterback hit, but I feel with great coaching and the tough Mike Singletary getting everything he can out of his players, I think Duke will help out big time. I think with Staley at LT, Duke at LG, Heitmann at C and if Rachal can work into a starting role at RG and maybe Adam Snyder moves out to RT then the 49ers have an offensive line that might be able to create some consistency and keep Shaun Hill or Alex Smith upright and open some holes for Frank Gore in the run game.Previous selection: DE/LB
44. Miami Dolphins (from Washington) – Louis Murphy, WR Florida
With the forty-fourth selection the Miami Dolphins select the other talented member of the Florida Gator wide receiver core in Louis Murphy. I believe Murphy 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. Louis Murphy is another player in that mold as he didn't have huge amounts of field time at Florida but he has all the numbers and measurements to warrant a second round selection as he is 6'3", 200 pounds, is strong, explosive and fast and considering the Dolphins need a big target opposite all the little guys they have running around, Murphy fits the bill perfectly. I feel Murphy is another player who has seen his stock rise with a great performance at the Scouting Combine, he has natural hands, runs fairly good routes (but with coaching I believe he will be able to run incredibly crisp and precise routes) and he actually ran a lot better than I expected him too, and considering the Tuna likes big receivers I am more then inclined to bet that if Louis Murphy 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 Murphy and the fact they have a pick later on in this round they grab the former Florida wide receiver now and fill a need.Previous selection: DE/LB
45. New York Giants (from New Orleans) – Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan
With the forty-fifth selection, the Giants select the intense, hard hitting and natural playmaking safety from Kalamazoo in Louis Delmas. 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 C.C. Brown are both good safeties but I think they are more rotation and special teams players than anything and not to mention James Butler was a free agent this offseason who followed former DC Spagnuolo to the Rams and with the wealth of talent at safety in this draft they had no reason to bring him back, so for the Giants, bringing in Delmas to play alongside Phillips will give the Giants an even younger and talented secondary as Delmas is a defensive playmaker with 12 career picks. I believe 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 Tom Coughlin would love to have on his team and would give the Giants another young defensive leader. This pick could also be a linebacker or cornerback but considering the players available grabbing Louis Delmas is definitely the best route to go considering the way the Giants have upgraded their defensive line through free agency.Previous selection: WR
46. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Houston) – Rey Maualuga, LB USC
With the forty-sixth selection that the Jacksonville Jaguars received from the Houston Texans they select the explosive Southern California middle linebacker who has seen his stock drop severely in Rey Maualuga. The Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach Jack Del Rio and former middle backer Mike Peterson had some serious disagreements in the locker room, so much so that Peterson ended up as a healthy scratch for game day more often then not and I feel that Del Rio will go to his Alma Mater to find a replacement and look who happens to be available for him? Someone he coached the Senior Bowl in Rey Maualuga. Though I really do like the linebackers currently on the Jaguars roster I feel Darryl Smith is better suited as a strong side backer while Clint Ingram and Justin Durant man the weakside rotation, this leaves a big open space in the middle that will now be filled by Maualuga, despite his short comings Rey is an intense player who throws huge hit, blitzes well and plays sideline to sideline, he may not be the best in coverage but Jacksonville probably will not require him to play more than man with up with the fullback and middle zones or flats. I think with the addition of Evander Hood with the previous selection alongside John Henderson, the front seven of the Jaguars looks as intimidating as it once did when Stroud was on the line and Peterson was behind.Previous selections: WR, DT
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 – Ron Brace, DT Boston College
With the forty-eighth selection the Denver Broncos select the gargantuan Boston College defensive tackle Ron Brace. With this selection, the Broncos can continue the move forward with their conversion from 4-3 team to 3-4 as they were sorely missing the road grating, run stuffing, dual blocker occupying big body defensive tackle and Ron Brace fits the description to a tee, he is 6'3" and 334 lbs of pure animal intensity and even though he played alongside B.J. Raji and occupied blockers so that he could make plays, Brace's senior campaign was very impressive as he registered 11 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks proving that he is more than just a big body occupying some blockers, he can collapse the pocket and rush the passer as well… albeit his only is the bull rush and his pass rush is not quite as fear inspiring as B.J. Raji but he still makes an effort and it helps to know that if the QB does scramble around for four or five seconds that Brace may be able to get off the blocks and chase him down. I feel that with Denver grabbing him here it will give their defensive front 7 some added mass to stack up against the run as Denver has been absolutely atrocious at keeping opposing backs from shredding them and ideally he'll be able to keep blockers off of D.J. Williams and Andra Davis; who will likely be lining up inside, the Broncos just need to find some depth at defensive end and someone to rush the passer in the later rounds, lucky for them there is an abundance of hybrid defenders with the proliferation of the spread offense in college football.Previous selections: C/G
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 Juaquin Iglesias would be a solid selection here to fill that void.Previous selection: DE
50. Cleveland Browns (from Tampa Bay) – Patrick Chung, S Oregon
With the fiftieth selection that the Cleveland Browns got for tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. they select the hard hitting strong safety from Oregon in Patrick "Everybody Wang" Chung. The Browns let Sean Jones go and he signed with the Eagles, now the Browns already had a suspect secondary and losing Sean Jones makes the void even bigger so the Browns get extremely lucky as Patrick Chung is still available, is easily the best player on the board and fills a glaring need. Patrick Chung has been a solid and consistent player in the Oregon secondary since his freshman year and just continues to get better and better, he's a tackling machine, he's a ball hawk and he's very dangerous when he has the ball in his hands as well as he was known for his return skills early in his career before his full time duties at the safety position took precedent. Pairing up Chung and Pool with the emerging talent of Wright and McDonald combined with the pass rush of Brian Orakpo and Kamerion Wimbley and the Browns defense should be able to get off the field on third down and provide some really good opportunities for the offense by giving the Browns better field position and providing takeaways, another solid pick for the Cleveland Browns.Previous selection: DE/LB, RB
51. Dallas Cowboys – Rashad Johnson, S Alabama
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 Rashad Johnson 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 Rashad Johnson 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 11 career picks in the SEC, 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 Johnson go. I think Johnson really helped solidify his first day selection with his scouting combine and Pro Day workouts where he looked fast, fluid and aggressive and I think the Cowboys will likely put him at free safety and move Ken Hamlin to strong safety where I believe he is better suited considering his skill set.52. Philadelphia Eagles – Jared Cook, TE South Carolina
With the fifty-second selection the Eagles select arguably the second best tight end in the Draft in South Carolina's Jared Cook. As far as Eagles tight ends go right now L.J. Smith is still looking for work and it really is a toss up on whether or not he'll be back but I think he should totally be cast aside as he is not a good blocker, he drops the easy passes and he is always being flagged for false starts. During the conference championship game, Brent Celek proved to be a solid player by being McNabb's main target (hauling in 10 balls for 83 yards and 2 TDs) but I still don't think he is an upper echelon starter in this league, so I believe the Eagles grab Jared Cook and give themselves a great target for the middle of the field. Cook may not be as an impressive an inline blocker as Pettigrew is but I think that's why they keep Celek. At the Scouting Combine Jared Cook blew it up 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 I feel he would be an instant upgrade giving the Eagles two solid options at TE and viable targets when receivers are covered down field. Combine Cook with the previous selections of Robiskie and Moreno to go along with Westbrook, Curtis, Jackson and McNabb and the Eagles have an extremely formidable offense that will pose many a problem for opposing defensive coordinators on third down and in the red zone.Previous selections: RB, WR
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 – D.J. Moore, CB Vanderbilt
With the fifty-fourth selection, the Minnesota Vikings select cornerback D.J. Moore from "Love is a Battlefield" Vanderbilt. Moore has all the potential to be late first to early second round selection but because of a slow forty time he falls to the Vikings here. Moore is a bit of an undersized cornerback at 5'9" and 190 pounds but he plays bigger than he is. The Vikings have had some inconsistencies from cornerback Cedric Griffin who sometimes shines in coverage and other times is a liability. Bringing in Moore gives the Vikings an immediate upgrade at the nickel corner and a potential starter as well. I feel Moore's best football days are ahead of him and he definitely has the ability to be a solid corner in Minnesota's scheme. He has the safety help in Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson and he has a couple savvy veterans to learn from in the All Pro Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin. The unfortunate part for Minnesota is that I always feel they need to select secondary help but it's only because their run defense is so dominating that teams can only pass against them and if they can find the right corner opposite Winfield, then look out and I'm sure they're hoping Moore is the guy they're looking for to fill that void. This selection could also be an offensive tackle as well to replace Ryan Cook but Moore is too valuable to pass up here.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 – Coye Francies, CB San Jose State
With the fifty-sixth selection, the Dolphins grab one of the members of the Spartan army (the San Jose State division) in Coye Francies. 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 Francies in making the transition from college athlete to NFL starting corner is his long speed as he ran poorer then I expected him to run in the forty yard dash as he clocked in at 4.56 when I was expecting around 4.46, but I don't think Coach Sporano will be overly critical about his corners speed considering he now has two great safeties playing over top and Francies is a very physical corner who jams well at the line of scrimmage and he will stick his nose in the backfield in the run game and is not afraid to hit someone and make some noise, 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 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 Coye Francies fills a huge need since the Dolphins lost one of their starting cornerbacks to Denver and they really don't have much opposite of Will Allen..Previous selections: DE/LB, WR
57. Baltimore Ravens – Juaquin Iglesias, WR Oklahoma
With the fifty-seventh selection the Ravens select the productive wide receiver from Oklahoma in Juaquin Iglesias. 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 Iglesias from Oklahoma 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. Juaquin is another Oklahoma wide receiver in the mold of Mark Clayton (and now fellow teammate), Malcolm Kelly and Mark Bradley, he is a bigger framed wide receiver who can get down field but is exceptional when it comes to blocking. Juaquin Iglesias in my opinion may be the better pro of all the Oklahoma wide receivers listed 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. This boy is an absolute 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 but the Ravens grabbing him here fills a need and is nice value for his talent and potential.Previous selection: CB
Trade Alert:
58. Pittsburgh Steelers (from New England) – Jarron Gilbert, DT/DE San Jose State
New England sends: #58 overall
Pittsburgh sends: #64 and #128 overall
With the fifty-eighth selection, the Super Bowl champions Steelers move up in the draft by trading their 2nd and 4th round selections to the Patriots to select the Spartan Army superstar in Jarron Gilbert. I think with the guys available on the board the Patriots would like to move back and get some more selections and I think Gilbert is definitely a guy the Steelers would love to grab as he 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 Jamon Meredith from South Carolina, 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: CB
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 of a defense as a LE in a 4-3 scheme which is exactly where Peppers played. Though 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 – Dannell Ellerbe, LB Georgia
With the sixtieth selection the New York Giants select the versatile and productive linebacker from Georgia in Dannell Ellerbe. I believe that Ellerbe has seen his stock rise tremendously because of a great performance at the Scouting Combine where he showed fluid hips, great strength and that he's the kind of linebacker who can cover, play the run and do pretty much anything else asked of a talented linebacker. The Giants don't really have any glaring needs per say and this pick could be some more offensive line depth or a cornerback but considering the needs of their team they can afford to go best player available and grab Ellerbe. Now, I realize that a lot of people are going to question this decision to go with Ellerbe but I really do feel that he is an incredible player and he has the versatility to do a lot for the Giants as he can essentially play any of the three linebacker spots, though he has the most familiarity playing weakside and middle. I feel that the Giants could actually use his services primarily at WLB and on special teams if they decide to leave Kiwanuka at DE which I believe will serve them best, that way they can have plenty of competition at the linebacker spot and make guys like Gerris Wilkinson expendable. Ellerbe is an extremely talented player and I think he'll be a nice addition to the Giants linebacking core and special teams unit. Also, should the Giants see there way to getting rid of Antoinio Pierce in the near future I believe he would be groomed as the successor, I feel he lead the Georgia defense by voice and by example and his skills will not go to waste as he is balanced and dependable.Previous selections: WR, S
61. Indianapolis Colts – Donald Brown, RB Connecticut
With the sixty-first selection the Indianapolis Colts select the productive Connecticut running back and Mike Mayock's number two running back in Donald Brown. 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 Brown, the Colts get an amazing runner and pass catcher who has been getting it done at Connecticut 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 Brown is available here for the Colts because of a distinct lack of need for running back because he rushed over two thousand yards this season and he had a great scouting combine workout where he run better then 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 with Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and company.Previous selection: DT
62. Tennessee Titans – Derrick Williams, WR Penn State
With the sixty-second selection the Tennessee Titans select the big play wide receiver and kick returner from Penn State in Derrick WIlliams. The Titans found a playmaker in the passing game in Justin Gage who became Kerry Collins go to guy down the stretch but they need someone opposite him to take off some of the pressure, I think they hope that Nate Washington can be that guy, if so, Derrick Williams will slide in nicely as the slot receiver they could desperately use and will likely not get from Justin McCareins. Derrick Williams surprised some people by running a very slow forty yard dash at the combine but I still feel he has the lateral movement, explosion and skills to make for a very dangerous weapon, especially in the return game where the Titans might value him more as free agent cornerback Chris Carr (who took care of the returning duties) may not be back with the team this coming season. The Titans are usually not a fan of drafting wide receivers early but they have too much of a need not to grab someone as talented as Williams here, especially considering all the needs he fills. I'm positive that a lot of Titans fans won't like this selection because of Williams' inconsistencies and his poor times but I feel he has the ability to be the spark on special teams that the Titans are looking for and combining him with Gage and Washington plus the dominating run game, solid offensive line and game managing quarterback and the Titans offense might be more then just run, run, play action, run.Previous selection: CB
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. New England Patriots (from Pittsburgh) – Jamon Meredith, OT South Carolina
With the sixty-fourth selection the rich get richer so to speak as the New England Patriots select the versatile offensive tackle from South Carolina in Jamon Meredith. The Patriots moved back with the Pittsburgh Steelers to allow them to grab Jarron Gilbert as there was really no one on the board that fit the Patriots needs so they moved back, picked up some extra selections and now they have the opportunity to select Jamon Meredith who can be a great offensive tackle and take over for the inconsistent (but Canadian!) Nick Kazcur or potentially move inside to guard if Stephen Neal isn't re-signed as he is 33 years old and probably not going to be re-signed and it is likely that the Patriots don't go into the season with a fresh faced youngster without any game time experience. With that being said, I think the Patriots draft Meredith as an offensive guard with the ability to provide depth at tackle. This selection could also be the best player available on their draft board as the Patriots have a lot of guys with expiring contracts coming up and they probably won't re-sign the entirety of them.Previous selections: DE/LB, WR, S
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