Round 1:1. Detroit Lions – Matt Stafford, QB Georgia
With the first selection the Detroit Lions select the Georgia Bulldog quarterback Matthew Stafford. First and foremost, 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 to be franchise quarterbacks and I think they should wait and as soon as one slips trade up to grab him. Regardless, the first selection for the Detroit Lions needs to be a quarterback to be the face of the franchise despite how the Lions feel about the guys on the roster. 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 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, 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 a LT but what with the Lions absolutely loving Matt Stafford and his impressive private workout, the Lions do the traditional thing and use the number one selection on QB despite his deficiencies and hopefully get this franchise turned around.
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, James Butler and Mike Karney, 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 strongside or middle. Though they may have bigger needs at offensive tackle and wide receiver, they have the opportunity to pick up the safest and 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 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 and athletic pass blocking tackle who some consider to be the top tackle available in the entire draft in Virginia's 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 however, is a franchise tackle who will likely start his career off in a competition at LT or RT considering the Seahawks brought back Ray Willis. I also think that with Walter Jones still in the fold he can teach the young man from Virginia 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 Eugene 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 talented and NFL ready offensive lineman in this draft and could ultimately have the best career of all the first round offensive linemen as he has a lot of upside that I believe will be brought out at the next level but is still an elite pass protector. 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 as he settles into the franchise position as Walter Jones' successor.
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…
Trade Alert:6. Denver Broncos (from Cincinnati) – Mark Sanchez, QB USC
Cincinnati sends: #6 overall
Denver sends: #12 and #48 overall
With the sixth selection the Denver Broncos acquired via trade with Bengals, they select the Southern California QB Matt Sanchez to replace the recently traded Jay Cutler. The Broncos made one of the stupider moves this offseason by trading away their young, Pro Bowl quarterback to the Chicago Bears. Who'd they get to replace him? Kyle Orton. Yeah, bone chilling, if you're a team like Chicago where QB play doesn't matter that much and the front office is ok with you going into the season starting with Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton, that's one thing, but when you replace one of the NFL's young elite with that… you need a replacement and regardless of whether Orton can win or not, he doesn't have the live arm to get the ball into the hands of their playmaking wide receivers so they need a guy who can do that and Sanchez fits the bill. He has all the intangibles you look for from a QB, he is a leader, he is passionate, he has a great arm and great accuracy and best of all, with Orton around he won't be thrust into duty right away which should be good since he only started 16 games in college. Regardless, Sanchez has a lot of upside and considering all the ammunition the Broncos now have this year and next year, it is silly to think they won't get one of the best QBs available in Sanchez who fits the Broncos style of offense nicely. This pick could also be B.J. Raji, the NT from Boston College to anchor the 3-4 front, but QB seems to valuable a need now.
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.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jason Smith, OT Baylor
With the eighth selection the Jacksonville Jaguars select the athletic tackle from Baylor in Jason Smith. The Jaguars had a real problem keeping their quarterback upright last season and with Khalif Barnes now playing for the Raider Nation and newly acquired William "Tre" Thomas filling in, the Jags would do well to find his future replacement seeing as he probably doesn't have much time left out at left tackle and considering the Jaguars don't have much depth at the tackle position they could definitely use the skills that Smith would provide them with. I also think that with William Thomas still in the fold he can teach the young man from Baylor how to be an elite NFL tackle and it doesn't necessarily rush Smith into the big money spot right away but when Tre is ready to move on Jason will most definitely be ready to take over at LT. Either way, this selection helps out the Jaguar offense immensely as Jason Smith is probably the most talented offensive lineman in this draft and could ultimately have the highest ceiling of all the potential first round offensive linemen as he has a lot of untapped ability that I believe will be brought out at the next level. Smith has really seen his stock increase since the combine and he has done nothing but help himself, he is a solid pass blocker and an emerging run blocker, he finished well and he has all the athleticism required to be a franchise left tackle so I think despite all the other needs for the Jaguars they have the luxury of taking the best player available at number eight and that is Smith. He is athletic, he's strong, he has great feet and can handle elite speed and he will most definitely keep David Garrard upright for the next decade or so as he settles into the franchise position.
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 and Raji 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 – Michael Oher, OT Ole Miss
With the eleventh selection the Buffalo Bills select the hard working and big tackle from Ole Miss in Michael Oher. With Jason Peters now in Philadelphia the Bills have a gaping hole at left tackle and they can use the eleventh over all selection to fill it with Oher. 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 Buffalo will be using, he's an athletic tackle that can protect Edwards's backside and keep him from constantly getting knocked out. 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 regardless, I really hope that Michael Oher bounces back as his Pro Day workout was pretty good and I also 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 a franchise and protect the blindside of Trent Edwards for years to come. He's the kind of player you want on your team because he is a hard worker and when he puts his mind to something, he makes it happen.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (from Denver) – Andre Smith, OT Alabama
With the twelfth selection that Cincinnati acquired from the Denver Broncos, the Bengals take the big tackle from Alabama Andre Smith. Andre may be slipping in people's eyes after his shenanigans at the 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 a fairly athletic tackle that can protect Palmer's backside and a dominant blocker in the run game so the Bengals can 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 Smith will go a long way in helping out the struggling Cincinnati offense. Andre has an incredibly quick first step and a very aggressive demeanor when blocking and even though he has had some problems with leaving the combine early and be out of shape I think the Bengals 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 Andre Smith bounces back from his Pro Day (where he jiggled all the way down the forty) as I feel there is a lot of unjust criticism thrown his way for how he has handled himself this draft season, I think that he knows how to work hard 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.
13. Washington Redskins – Eben Britton, OT Arizona
With the thirteenth selection and Coach Jim Zorn still on board it's likely he continues to upgrade the offense because it really slowed the Skins down to the point where they played themselves out of the playoffs. Clinton Portis has had no running room and the pass protection was breaking down. Considering the age of the offensive line currently in place and the value of Eben Britton rising, I can't imagine the Redskins passing him up. This pick could also be Robert Ayers from Tennessee as a DE who can run stop and potentially move in on certain situations to play DT like division rival Justin Tuck. But I believe they need a talented tackle who can play on the right side for the oft injured Jon Jansen, I'm not sure what the Skins plan to do with Heyer and whether they may kick him in at guard, but the Redskins need upgrades at Tackle and Britton provides that, he's athletic, he's strong, he has a good punch and good footwork. He'll be a solid RT to begin his career and could potentially move to LT when Samuels moves on and considering the Skins grabbed Dockery back, adding Britton will only help solidify the line, especially if Heyer kicks inside where only Rabach would be the weak link.
14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S Ohio State
With the fourteenth selection the New Orleans Saints select the big and talented cornerback who can double as a free safety from the mighty Buckeyes in Malcolm Jenkins. He played cornerback for the Buckeyes where he showcased that he has the versatility, play recognition and skills to be a great cornerback in the NFL but that he can also double as a starting safety as well and this selection and where Malcolm Jenkins plays is really going to dependant on what the Saints want to do at safety, they brought in Darren Sharper to play free safety but he only has a few good years left in him and behind him are the struggling Roman Harper and Kevin Kaesviharn whom are quality depth but hardly starters worthy enough to turn the Saints defensive woes around. This pick also might have a lot to do with Mike McKenzie now being without a team as he was recently cut and I feel that his release would potentially dictate Malcolm Jenkins playing corner alongside the returning Tracy Porter, free agent signee Jabari Greer and incumbent veteran Jason David. Like has been previously said, Malcolm Jenkins has very good instincts and is a reliable tackler and he will help improve the Saints defensive backfield which was actually looking fairly good before Tracy Porter and Mike McKenzie went down with injuries towards the beginning of the season. I feel they were on to something with that combination and now with adding Malcolm Jenkins at the corner spot alongside the all pro Darren Sharper would potentially put them over the top as Jenkins possesses all the ability, strength and skill to become a leader in the Saints secondary. Regardless, the Saints plug him in at safety or at cornerback and they'll find themselves with an even more impressive secondary and though I feel Jenkins slow speed has hurt him a bit, the game tape is there and that boy got it done on Saturday, if Pro Day and Combine workouts were all we went on then a lot of players would not see the light of draft day and I feel that Jenkins highlight reel speaks for itself, I think he can be a solid cornerback for the Saints and pairing him up with the young talents of Greer and Porter will hopefully give them a cornerback unit that they can hang their hat on so the offense doesn't have to go out and score 30 points to keep themselves competitive and in the game.
15. Houston Texans – Brian Cushing, LB USC
With the fifteenth selection the Houston Texans grab the beach built backer from Southern California in Brian "Blue Collar" Cushing. Cushing has seen his stock rise after playing incredibly well in the Senior Bowl and showing he can lay the wood and drop back in coverage as well (not to mention all the free publicity he gets from the NFL Network). The Houston Texans have some good, young linebackers to work with, DeMeco Ryans is without a doubt a stud while Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi will likely be competing during training camp for the starting spot at weakside backer, it leaves a big gaping hole at the strongside backer position, especially now that Morlon Greenwood has been released. I feel that Brian Cushing gives them the ability to not regret releasing that underachiever and instead replace him with a playmaker who can go sideline to sideline as Cushing is big enough to play strongside backer as he plays the run well, he is a devastating blitzer (he even spent time playing some DE at USC) and he does well in pass coverage to boot and I think bringing him in will solidify the Texans linebacking core and not to mention give them an incredibly young and diverse front seven that can run, cover, blitz and tackle. This selection could also be their top ranked strong safety as well, perhaps Patrick Chung but that would be way too much of a reach and I think Cushing fills more of a need right now as Cushing is intense, a great leader and a great player and he will contribute nicely alongside Ryans and Adibi and behind Williams, Smith, Johnson and Akoye, all that is left for them is to address the secondary and the Texans defense may finally be able to catch up to their renegade offense.
16. San Diego Chargers – Clay Matthews, DE/LB USC
With the sixteenth selection the San Diego Chargers select White Nation and USC linebacker/defensive end hybrid Clay Matthews. Shawne Merriman is coming back from injury and Shaun Phillips didn't hold up as well without his buddy last season so some pass rush addition would be a welcome site in San Diego. Clay Matthews has come on strong since the beginning of the draft season and could easily go as high as sixteen. Matthews 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 Merriman and compete with Phillips for time at the other OLB spot. Like I said, 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. 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, San Diego gets a real hard worker and great player to help strengthen their defense.
17. New York Jets – Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
With the seventeenth selection in the draft the New York Jets select Chris 'Beanie' Wells from Ohio State. The Jets got an all-pro season from Thomas Jones and Leon Washington but considering the age of Jones and the ability of Wells, the Jets would do well to grab him as they would be well served to grab the 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, Wells could go earlier because he really turned it on at his Pro Day workout and showed he has the explosive and long speed that he didn't show at the Combine by running in the 4.4 range and I think he may have even broken into the 4.3's which is incredible for a back of his size and stature. I think because of durability issues and because of the fact that no one in the top 16 really needs a back with any dire need he will fall and unless a team like Cincinnati or Cleveland trades up ahead of the Jets, I believe he falls here and Rex Ryan grabs him and gives his offense something similar to what he had in Baltimore as he can run the I form bruiser offense with Chris Wells, Thomas Jones and Tony Richardson, similar to McClain and Neal and then gash defenses with the smaller guy in Leon Washington, kind of like the Ravens did with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee and I think with Thomas Jones not attending the voluntary mini-camps, the Jets might be best served to grab Wells as he'll be an instant starter and could potentially make Thomas Jones expendable if he doesn't bother showing up because of contract issues.
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Aaron Maybin, DE/LB Penn State
With the eighteenth selection the Denver Broncos received from Chicago in the Jay Cutler deal, they select the speed rusher from Happy Valley in Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin. Like has been stated all through out this mock draft, with the Broncos switching over to the 3-4 alignment they'll require an outside rush linebacker and I think Aaron Maybin has the ability to be that player for them. He has experience with his hand in the ground and while standing up as well and considering his 12 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss, he knows how to disrupt opposing offenses and hurry the quarterback, he still may need to put on some weight to better play the run and shed blockers, but I definitely think he needs to be the pick here considering his upside. I feel he really impressed scouts at the Scouting Combine with his explosion, physique and fluidity, despite running a slower time then I would have liked, but he showed to be loose in the hips, solid when it comes to staying tight to the line in pursuit of the quarterback and I think though he is doing everything necessary to make sure he has enough meat on his bones to stay stout at the point of attack and continue to have the speed and explosion he possess as he will surely be able to harass the quarterback for the Broncos and he's essentially the last part they needed to fully transition from 4-3 to 3-4, all that is left is the run stuffing 2 gap filling nose tackle.
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. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) – William Beatty, OT Connecticut
With the twentieth selection, the Detroit Lions select the athletic tackle from Connecticut who is probably the closest to Ryan Clady potential in this draft in William Beatty. I believe the Lions select one of the best pass blocking offensive tackles that has the most potential upside in this draft in the 6'6" 307 lb. William Beatty. Beatty has been a consensus second round tackle for the majority of this offseason draft process and with a great Senior Bowl workout, Scouting Combine performance and Pro Day, he has moved himself into contention for first round consideration. At the combine, Beatty proved he's athletic, he's strong, and he has great feet and can handle elite speed. Bringing in William 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 some enormous strides after last season then the Lions will have a great offensive line to build around. It is obvious after last season that rebuilding teams are going to try the Atlanta Falcons model, get the QB of the future and the offensive tackle later. Well, Stafford is their Matt Ryan (same representation as well in Tom Condon) and William Beatty is their Sam Baker, hopefully this set things right for the Lions franchise.
21. Philadelphia Eagles – Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
With the twenty-first selection, the Philadelphia Eagles 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 and 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 or catch a pass in the flats and bull his way into the endzone. 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. Nicks is not supremely massive but at 6'1" and 220 pounds he provides quarterback Donovan McNabb with a large target he has sorely lacked since Terrell Owens took his theatre act on the road. 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 needing help at WR, 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. Some fans may think that Nicks is a bit of a reach at this point considering his recent Pro Day miscues but I think Nicks could potentially have the most value as a first round receiver coming off the bench (second to maybe Robiskie though) as he is polished 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.
22. Minnesota Vikings – Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
With the fifty-fourth selection, the Minnesota Vikings select the physical cornerback from Illinois in Vontae Davis. Davis has all the potential to be a top ten selection but because of false drug allegations and all sorts of factor that are out of his hands, he falls to the Vikings here. The Vikings have had some inconsistencies from cornerback Cedric Griffin who sometimes shines in coverage and other times is a liability. Bringing in Davis gives the Vikings an immediate upgrade at the nickel corner and a potential starter as well. I feel Davis' best football days are ahead of him and he definitely has the ability to be a solid corner in Minnesota's scheme as he has all the talent to play the Cover 2 and then some, he had a solid 22 pass break ups and 7 interceptions in his tenure at Illinois. He is also lucky enough to have 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 Davis is the guy they're looking for to fill that void.
23. New England Patriots – Connor Barwin, DE/LB/TE 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 – Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
With the twenty fourth selection the Atlanta Falcons select the productive pass catching TE from Oklahoma State in Brandon Pettigrew. Pettigrew is the best and most balanced TE prospect in this draft. In terms of blocking, he is second to none, he handled Brian Orakpo himself and didn't even need Okung beside him and as a pass catcher he is definitely qualified to become a new weapon for Matt Ryan and gives the Falcons stud QB a 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 Pettigrew as he may not be the fastest guy but his route running and skill will make a defense pay. I feel he really raised his stock through the Senior Bowl and Combine as he has speed, hands, blocking ability and all the abilities one might ask for from their tight end and with Matt Ryan's emergence last year and the Falcons not wanting to rope in hands of stone and penalty king L.J. Smith who is now a Raven they grab the Oklahoma State tight end and put together an even more explosive offense under head coach Mike Smith that will also translate into more open holes in the run game for Michael Turner.
25. Miami Dolphins – Darius Butler, CB Connecticut
With the twenty fifth selection the Miami Dolphins select one of Deion Sander's babies from Prime U in Connecticut cornerback Darius Butler. 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. Darius Butler is the kind of corner I think Coach Sparano would covet as he is amazing in man to man coverage and is not a liability when left alone on an island as he has great feet, great ball skills and some of the best recovery speed of all the corners in this draft and I feel that is what Miami wants most from their cornerbacks. I feel his abilities are very similar to a corner they already have on the roster in Will Allen who may not be the biggest and best cornerback in the league but he gets the job done with sound technique and natural speed. As for Butler, like I said before, he has great cover and ball skills to track and make plays on the long ball and he'll stick his nose in the backfield and play the run. He has all the tools to become 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.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers
With the twenty-sixth selection the Ravens select the productive wide receiver from Rutgers in Kenny Britt. 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 Kenny Britt from Rutgers 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. Britt is a bigger framed wide receiver who can get down field but is exceptional when it comes to blocking. Britt is a solid player with great straight line speed for a guy his size, he has exceptional run after the catch ability, I think he runs crisp routes, he catches with his hands and he knows how to get into the end zone. 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, not to mention he will be joining former Scarlet Knight teammate Ray Rice on offense and Ray just might give GM Ozzie Newsome some insight on his former teammate to make them more likely to pull the trigger on the beast from Jersey considering their need at the position despite guys like Darrius Heyward-Bey and Brian Robiskie still on the board.
27. Indianapolis Colts – Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
With the twenty-seventh 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 but after his Pro Day workout he is definitely a first round prospect but he unfortunately falls all the way here despite being #13 on my Big Board.
Trade Alert:28. Oakland Raiders (from Buffalo via Philadelphia/Carolina) – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland
Buffalo sends: #28 and #121 overall
Oakland sends: #40 and #71 overall
With the twenty-eighth selection the Raiders trade up with the Philadelphia Eagles to select a guy they could have very well selected with the twentieth selection in the first round and swoop in and steal him away from the Giants and that player is the speedster from Maryland, Darris Heyward-Bey. DHB is a very raw talent and has a serious lack of experience so I think he slides all the way down to the Raiders in the Raiders here despite the fact he was an absolute beast at the combine, he tested incredibly well, he ran incredibly fast (4.30 which lead all combine invitees) and I think with common knowledge about how we all know how much Al Davis values speed and Darris Heyward-Bey's potential is too much for him not to move up to twenty-eight from 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 currently occupied by incumbent veteran Khalif Barnes who might be better served at RT 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, especially if this is Jamarcus Russel's break out year.
29. New York Giants – Brian Robiskie, WR Ohio State
With the twenty-ninth selection, the New York Giants select the large and polished receiver from Ohio State in Brian Robiskie. 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 Robiskie provides the best outlet at 6'3" 210 pounds. 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 Giants not being able to get Kenny Britt or Darrius Heyward-Bey they grab Robiskie here at twenty nine 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 is the most polished as his father is a coach for the Falcons 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 – Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest
With the thirtieth selection, the once top seeded Titans select the tiny bodied but big hearted cornerback from Wake Forest in Alphonso "Prime" Smith. 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 Prime corner Phonso Smith. As we all know, Phonso is a bit of an undersized cornerback at around 5'9" and 190 pounds but he plays bigger than he is and 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. Smith is great in man to man coverage and is not a liability when left alone to fend for himself as he has great ball skills and I feel that is what Tennessee covets most from their cornerbacks, allowing the defensive front four to generate pressure and let the three active linebackers make plays because they know their corners have their targets covered like white on rice. Alphonso Smith 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 (plus, he held it up at the Combine) 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 Alphonso Smith who will help them greatly a year or two from now.
31. Arizona Cardinals – Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
With the thirty-first selection the Arizona Cardinals grab the talented and productive back from Georgia in Knowshon Moreno. 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 Knowshon Moreno will EASILY provide that for them as he is the kind of back who can truck a defender and he is also fast enough where he can cut it to the outside and take it to the house. Now, considering J.J. Arrington is a Bronco 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 who can come in and produce on limited reps and Moreno can be the every down kind of back that combines power and speed and will wear down the defense, I think Moreno has seen his stock drop after the combine and after his sub-par Pro Day workout where he didn't look as explosive as he does on tape and I think he falls here and the Cardinals are ecstatic to get what some have deemed as the best back in the Draft towards the latter end of the first day of the draft, a very nice selection here for them, however, this selection could also be a guy like Aaron Maybin to amp up their pass rush.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sean Smith, CB/S Utah
With the thirty-second selection in the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select the athletic freak cornerback from Utah in Sean Smith. The Steelers could definitely add some youth to the cornerback position, Ike Taylor is a solid player but with Deshea Townsend getting older, 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 if William Gay can't lock down the starting position opposite Taylor. Sean Smith has all the talent to play for the Steelers and then some, he had an amazing 9 pass break ups and 5 interceptions in his junior campaign. Sean Smith moves incredibly well for his size and he could easily be a cornerback or a safety as he has great speed at 6'3" 215 lbs. as he posted one of the faster forty yard dash times at the combine and that kind of speed 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 in only two years (9 interceptions and 16 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 and give the Steelers secondary a big time playmaker to go with the three others currently entrenched there.
Jerry Reese and the Giants showed why they are the such a great team year in and year out, they had multiple picks with few needs and filled those needs while getting certain players with tremendous value. The best pick by far was Hakeem Nicks, one of my personal favourite players in the entire draft and ranked #25 on my big board. He fills an immediate need and will help Eli Manning out now that Plaxico is no longer an option. They got tremendous value in the 2nd round with Clint Sintim who is another favourite of mine and wrapped it up with a potential franchise LT in William Beatty, a talented and low mileage back in Andre Brown and a very talented possession wide receiver in Cal Poly's Ramses Barden. Amazing work by Reese and company.
I think the Bengals surprised a lot of people with their drafting strategy and I gotta say I think it will pay serious dividends for this franchise. They got an absolute mauler in the run game with Andre Smith, a lot of people want to knock him for his immature offseason but the kid has immense talent and will likely be the day one starter. The Bengals got good value with their second rounder Rey Maualuga who many projected to be a mid 1st round guy. Then they got a HUGE steal with Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson in the third round and followed it up by finally getting a tight end who can stretch the field in Chase Coffman. They also got good value on guys like Luigs who will replace what they lost at center in the free agency along with role player/projects like Clinton McDonald, Morgan Trent and Bernard Scott. They also got a boomin' Punter!
The Cleveland Browns quietly had a superb draft, they got a lot of players who can contribute from day one and have set themselves up pretty nicely. The reason they don't get a higher grade is for allowing a team like the Jets to get so much for so little. Mangini got a couple of his Jet scrubs and two selections, hardly seems worth it for the number 5 selection. But the remainder of their draft was solid, they got an amazing player in Mack who could start at C or OG. They got two great receiving options to compliment (or replace) Braylon Edwards. They got some good developmental corners in Carey and Francies and great value on linebackers Maiava and Veikune who could be immediate impact players in situational spots and on special teams. They also got a solid back late in James Davis.
The Rams had a decent class last draft and followed it up with a decent class this year. Nothing ground breaking, nothing revolutionary, just basic and essential. They picked what they thought was the #1 tackle in Jason Smith from Baylor who will give them some mean on the outside. They got a solid inside backer in Baby Animal and added quality depth throughout the remainder of the draft, solid but nothing that will change the franchise dramatically.
The Detroit Lions had their first decent class in awhile, the Matt Millen era is long gone but some of the effects are still being felt. I just can't understand why with Michael Oher sitting there at #20 they went with a blocking tight end who has trouble stretching the field in Brandon Pettigrew. I think the Lions had a solid draft, they weren't a mover and shaker like other teams but they quietly addressed their needs and helped the team out. Nothing ground breaking, but a couple bad picks. DeAndre Levy was a huge reach and then grabbing another blocking tight end late in the draft? Not a big fan.
The Vikings had few picks and addressed most of their concerns but it really isn't all that ground breaking. The get Percy Harvin who is decent but will probably need time to develop and may see the brunt of his work in the slot. Loadholt is a solid RT, Asher Allen isn't big or physical enough to play the Cover 2, Jasper Brinkley is a steal and Jamarca Sanford could be a nice project. But all in all, fairly forgettable.
The Broncos had a lot of picks and didn't do a lot with them. They are trying to make the transition to a 3-4 and didn't get any of the essential parts where they need it. No NT, no 5-Tech and the DE they did draft is more likely a base 4-3 end then a stand up backer. Moreno was a good pick but considering the ridiculous amount of backs on the Denver roster it seemed like overkill and they got rid of a lot of future picks for subpar talent. Not a very great draft in my opinion.
The Chiefs had plenty of ammunition to start building their roster and they failed pretty miserably. They got a nice first rounder in Tyson Jackson, whom I love. But after that, the draft just looks fairly pathetic. Magee is an UT and lacks the size and range to be a 3-4 DE, Donald Washington is a year or two away from being NFL ready and the rest of the no names just seem like reaches. A fairly terrible draft.
Terrible, just absolutely terrible. I know Al Davis loves speed but jeezum crow. Reach city all over the board. The only good picks were Louis Murphy and Stryker Sulak and that won't save this class from getting the lowest grade.
