Round 1:1. Detroit Lions – Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
With the first selection, the Detroit Lions select the big and athletic tackle from Virginia in Eugene Monroe. With the Lions hiring Schwartz from Tennessee and bringing in Linehan to be the offensive coordinator, I believe the Lions will be satisfied with the QBs currently on the roster as Linehan has a familiarity with Culpepper and was quite fond of Drew Stanton, who is a young and untested QB. So, I believe the Lions select the best pass blocking offensive tackle in this draft in Eugene Monroe. To show how good Monroe is, he beat out the Chiefs last years first round selection Branden Albert for the tackle position at Virginia. He is athletic, he's strong, he has great feet and can handle elite speed. Bringing in Monroe gives the Lions even more help on the offensive line as they'll be able to move Jeff Backus to LG as he has a better skill set to be a guard than tackle and if Gosder Cherilus can make enormous strides after last season, then the Lions will have a great offensive line to build around. This pick could be a quarterback, either Sanchez or Stafford, depends who the Lions like more, but I think offensive line is the smart selection.
Previous selection: Mark Sanchez, QB USC2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith, OT Baylor
With the second selection, the Rams make a surprising selection in grabbing the massive tackle from Baylor in Jason Smith. Jason Smith is not as massive or imposing as 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 Smith 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 off of Bulger who has been an absolute catastrophe this year. Bringing in Smith would immediately help out the Rams ailing offense, especially in the red zone. I believe Smith will 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 Aaron Curry.
Previous selection: Andre Smith, OT Alabama3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest
With the third selection, the Chiefs grab Aaron Curry from Wake Forest. The Chiefs don't really have much at linebacker besides Derrick Johnson and since Curry may be one of, if not the best player in the draft the Chiefs would be ecstatic to have him. I'm not entirely sure where he would end up, my guess would be that he would player either strongside backer and maybe DJ would move to weakside or vice versa then they would just have to find an ILB later in the draft or in free agency. This pick could also be an OT if the Chiefs aren't entirely set on drafting Curry, it could also be on a pass rusher like Brian Orakpo or Everette Brown. But considering Aaron Curry may be the best player in this draft class, there is no way Kansas City should be passing him up as he will make their defense that much better just by showing up.
4. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
With the fourth selection, the Seahawks select the super productive wide receiver from Texas Tech in Michael Crabtree. With Jim Mora now the head coach, he'll probably be looking to infuse some youth and talent into an aging receiving corps that has not held their weight and probably lead to the downfall of the Seahawks this past season. Mora has a history of using first rounders on WRs as two of his previous first round selections were Michael Jenkins and Roddy White in Atlanta. Now, considering Crabtree's talent, the need at WR and Mora, I can't imagine Crabtree is not the selection. This pick could also be Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State or Michael Oher to take over for Walter Jones when he eventually retires.
5. Cleveland Browns – Everette Brown, DE/LB Florida State
With the fifth selection, the Browns select the hybrid pass rusher from Florida State, the dangerous Everette Brown. 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 DE/OLB from Florida State, Everette Brown. He has shown a real knack for getting to the QB and it wouldn't be the first time that the Browns have gone to Florida State to spice up their pass rush, though 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.
Previous selection: Chris Wells, RB Ohio State6. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Oher, OT Ole Miss
With the sixth selection, the Bengals take the big tackle from Mississippi, Michael may be slipping in people's eyes but I still think he's one of the best of the bunch and fits the style of offense that Cincinnati uses, he's an athletic tackle that can protect Palmer's backside while they move incumbent veteran Levi Jones over to RT and hopefully let Stacy Andrews go or move him to guard as he has been a disappointment this season after getting the franchise tag. Oher will go a long way in helping out the struggling Cincy offense. Oher has an incredibly quick first step and a very good pass set, he struggled a bit at the Senior Bowl but I think he is still an elite talent and even though Marvin Lewis's squad didn't coach him, I think the still select him because he'll make sure Carson stays pretty and on his feet the first day in camp.
7. Oakland Raiders – Brian Orakpo, DE Texas
With the seventh selection, the Oakland Raiders select the pass rush beast Brian Orakpo from Mack Brown's Longhorn program. The Oakland Raiders have needed a pass rush to compliment their solid pass coverage as Derrick Burgess has not been the sack king he has been in previous years and bringing in Orakpo will give the Raiders an aggressive pass rush monster who knows how to create pressure all on his lonesome. He has great speed, great strength and great instincts, he is an every down player and would flourish in a 4-3 system as a RDE or in a 3-4 system as a rush LB. Orakpo will explode at the combine in my estimation and the Crypt Keeper himself will not be able to contain his glee as he rises from his coffin to make the call down to the selection team to make Orakpo their pick. This pick could also be Andre Smith from Alabama, but considering his bust potential I think the Raiders do the smart thing and grab Orakpo.
Previous selection: Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Andre Smith, OT Alabama
With the eighth selection, the Jacksonville Jaguars select the massive tackle from Saban's resurgent Alabama squad. Andre Smith is a massive and imposing human being and considering the Jaguars woes on the offensive line, grabbing the top tackle available who some people consider to be the top offensive lineman in the draft is a real steal at this selection. Andre Smith is a road grater with enough athletic ability to play tackle. I think bringing Smith in will be great to promote competition in training camp as Smith could come in and start either guard position or challenge for a starting role at either tackle position and considering the Jags have a mess of guys coming back from injury, some young blood on the line will do them some good in opening holes for Jones-Drew and keeping defenders away from Garrard. This selection could also be a cornerback like Malcolm Jenkins but due to a poor bowl game, he's slipped a tad. The other selection could be B.J. Raji to replace what they lost when they dealt Marcus Stroud last offseason.
Previous selection: Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State9. Green Bay Packers – B.J. Raji, DT Boston College
With the ninth selection, the Green Bay Packers select the dominating defensive tackle for Boston College in B.J. Raji. With the recent news of Green Bay moving to a 3-4 defense, they'll probably like to get an anchor for the middle of the line to keep opposing offensive linemen off their linebackers. Raji is a big body with immense talent as he is able to rush the passer not simply a bull rushing beast like teammate Ron Brace. He can occupy multiple blockers allowing Barnett and Hawk to roam free and make plays sideline to sideline and considering Ted Thompson is known for his love of taking the best player available, B.J. Raji also fits that designation as well. The Green Bay Packers could very well select a cornerback like Malcolm Jenkins to play in press coverage considering the age and potential release of Al Harris. This pick could also be Aaron Maybin from Penn State to play that rush linebacker position since GB really doesn't have a player type to fill that role.
Previous selection: Brian Orakpo, DE Texas10. San Francisco 49ers – Mark Sanchez, QB USC
With the tenth selection, the San Francisco 49ers select the Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez. I think Mark Sanchez is the kind of QB that Mike Singletary would love to have on his roster, considering all they have is Shaun Hill, Alex Smith and J.T. O'Sullivan, they'll definitely need an upgrade. Mark Sanchez is a vocal leader, he has great arm strength, he has the best accuracy of any quarterback in this draft, he is mobile and elusive when getting out of the pocket and he just has that IT factor that coaches look for from their starting signal caller. Not to mention he's a hometown hero and would totally infuse life into the offense like Singletary did for his defence back when he played for the Bears. Sanchez has great mechanics and is the most polished QB and could start from day one. He's an absolute steal here as I had him going number one overall last update.
Previous selection: Aaron Maybin, DE/LB Penn State11. Buffalo Bills – Michael Johnson, DE Georgia Tech
With the eleventh selection, the frigid Bills select the absolutely massive Yellow Jacket DE, Michael Johnson. 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 ridiculously gigantic and versatile DE from Georgia Tech, Michael Johnson who 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.
Previous selection: Everette Brown, DE/LB Florida State12. Denver Broncos – Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
With the twelfth selection, the Broncos select the big, bruising running back from Ohio State in Chris "Beanie" Wells. This pick was incredibly difficult to make with the news that Denver will be moving into a 3-4 defense as they don't have the horses up front to pull it off quite yet, but picking where they are doesn't bold well for them either as the best NT is off the board and is far too early for the next one. It's too early to pick a safety and I don't like Maualuga enough to make him the pick here, so, I think the offensive minded head coach goes offense with Chris Wells who has all the potential to be a top ten prospect but slides due to a lack of need for a running back. The Broncos got along with RB by committee with Mike Shanahan, but I think McDaniels is going to want a consistent running attack and I believe Wells will give that to them, pair him up with Torain, Hillis and some of the other no name rushers and McDaniels will have a similar backfield like he did in New England. This pick could also be a pass rusher like Aaron Maybin or a corner who can play safety like Malcolm Jenkins.
Previous selection: B.J. Raji, DT Boston College13. 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 Tyson Jackson from LSU 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.
Previous selection: Jason Smith, OT Baylor14. New Orleans Saints – James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
With the fourteenth selection, the New Orleans Saints do not select a cornerback. I think with Mike Mackenzie and Tracy Porter on IR, the Saints got a bit of a raw deal in the secondary and I don't think they were as terrible as they were in years prior, but the Saints still need to go defense regardless. Enter Animal Jr. from the Buckeye State, he's a big, mean and fast linebacker and would do well to play SLB with Vilma or replace him at ILB in order to help the Saints stop the run, and not to mention baby Animal is pretty decent in coverage too. He'll be a stout force and a vocal leader that'll help turn the Saints defense around when he flies to the ball and leads by example.
15. Houston Texans – Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
With the fifteenth selection, the Texans select the versatile and talented cornerback from Ohio State in Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins is a solid talent and the Texans are really lacking in the corner department, they have Dunta Robinson who has been far too injured as of recent, Fred Bennett who is a serviceable and decent starter and a young developmental talent in Antwaun Molden. Aside from that they really don't have anything else and Jenkins is talented enough to start as a cornerback and he also has the versatility and size to be the starting free safety as well should Dunta Robinson be brought back and be able to stay on the field. Selecting Jenkins will do a lot to help out the Texans ailing secondary and though this pick could be a DT like Peria Jerry, Jenkins is too valuable to pass up.
Previous selection: William Moore, S Missouri16. San Diego Chargers – Duke Robinson, OG Oklahoma
With the sixteenth selection, the San Diego Chargers select the Duke! Chargers could benefit from a number of other positions, like a 3-4 DE like Tyson Jackson or maybe an ILB like Rey Maualuga or even an offensive weapon for Norv Turner, but I think they need to take a look at Duke Robinson. Mike Goff is still a great NFL guard, but he probably doesn't have a whole lot left in the tank and I think that the Chargers need to keep the offensive line strong in order to make some serious noise during the season, so, I think they grab the big guard who will fit the San Diego system well. Duke Robinson is great in the run game, opening holes for the likes of Adrian Peterson, Allen Patrick and DeMarco Murray, not to mention keeping guys like Sam Bradford upright. He has great size and skill and would be an immediate starter at right guard in place of Mike Goff who will surely be hitting the free agent market considering his age.
17. New York Jets – Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers
With the seventeenth selection, the New York Jets select the talented Rutgers wide receiver in Kenny Britt. The Jets have some solid receivers but they really lack that big bodied, big play threat that the city rival Giants had with Burress before he shot first of course. Britt is 6'4" and runs like a gazelle, he can take an easy slant pass to the house or he can burn you on a fade down the field. Britt doesn't have the jump ball skills that you would expect from a guy his size but I think he will get some good coaching from former Rams WR coach Henry Ellard who showed guys like Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Donnie Avery the ropes. Not to mention if Coles manages to stick around then he could very well teach just how to climb the ladder to go up and get it considering his diminutive size and ability to come down with the ball. Britt will become an instant target and teaming him up with Cotchery and the emerging Stuckey would be good for the Jets offense no matter who ends up under center.
Previous selection: Chris Wells, RB Ohio State18. Chicago Bears – Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
With the eighteenth selection, Da Bears select the elusive and versatile receiver from Missouri in Jeremy Maclin. This pick was difficult to make because George Selvie and Greg Hardy have both decided to go back to school, leaving the lower tier of defensive ends to be an incredible reach at this point in the draft. However, Jeremy Maclin is still on the board and I think he is too much of a threat to pass up as he is liable to go yard every time he touches the ball. Teaming him with Devin Hester makes for a very interesting and dynamic receiving corps, not to mention gives them some serious threats to return kickoffs and punts for touchdowns. This pick could also be an OT like William Beatty to play opposite last year's number one pick in Chris Williams or instead of Maclin, perhaps a big receiver like Hakeem Nicks or Darrius Heyward-Bey.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
With the nineteenth selection, the Buccaneers select the big, nasty Ole Miss defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Jerry showed incredible poise, athleticism, strength and penetrating ability at the Senior Bowl. Despite being out-weighed almost 100 pounds by Herman Johnson, Peria Jerry put on a clinic and absolutely tore down the house. He showed amazing skills at collapsing the pocket, he showed good play recognition skills and he was relentless and I really think with new coach Raheem Morris in place, the pick has to be defense for the defensive minded head coach and considering they haven't had a dominant UT or NT, Peria Jerry comes in and fits either one of those positions as he's stout enough to be a NT but athletic enough to be an UT. He'll go a long way to making the front four of the Bucs better and taking some pressure off that secondary.
Previous selection: LeSean McCoy, RB Pittsburgh20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) – Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
With the twentieth selection the Detroit Lions select the talented corner from Ron Zook's Illini program in Vontae Davis. The Lions have absolutely nothing in terms of cornerbacks currently on their roster, as it currently stands they would be going into the season with Travis Fisher and Leigh Bodden as their starting corners with Ramzee "Mr. Irrelevant" Robinson at the nickel spot. This just in, that ain't good! Davis has all the potential and skills to be an immediate starter for the Lions should they decide to forgo targeting a CB in free agency. But, if they do come up with a corner in free agency, this pick could be someone like Rey Maualuga or Brian Cushing to play inside or strongside backer, but I think Davis has too much value, the Lions need too great and Schwartz's system too dependent on having a good cover corner for them to pass up an opportunity to get a prospect like Davis here.
Previous selection: Clint Sintim, LB Virginia21. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
With the twenty-first selection the Eagles select the best TE in the Draft in Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew and they get him all the way down at twenty one in the first round. As far as Eagles TE's go right now, L.J. Smith 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 but I still don't think he is a starter in this league, so I believe the Eagles grab Pettigrew and give themselves a great target for the middle of the field. Pettigrew proved to be an impressive inline blocker and ran great routes at the Senior Bowl and would be an instant upgrade giving the Eagles two solid options at TE and viable targets when receivers are covered down field. Now, the Eagles just need to find themselves a big WR in round two to pair up with Pettigrew and current receiving corps and that'll help get McNabb psyched for he'll have all these new weapons to throw to alongside classic favourites like Westbrook.
Previous selection: Eben Britton, OT Arizona22. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Stafford, QB Georgia
With the twenty-second selection the Vikings take the second QB off the board in the Georgia gunslinger Stafford. Tavaris Jackson will be a perennial back up with playing expertise because he proved he can't get it done in the clutch. Gus Ferotte throws too many picks and is far too brittle to be anyone's starting QB and a solid QB is the only thing keeping the Vikings from a deep playoff run. Queue the QB from Georgia who should fit nicely into Childress' system, he can move in the pocket, he can make all the throws and has great leadership ability, he'll be the face of the franchise along with AP for a long time. Matt Stafford's bread and butter is getting the ball down field to open receivers and he'll have a great target in Bernard Berrian, he's not as mobile as Jackson but he does the ability to get outside the pocket and move around to allow the play to continue and make things happen, but I still question his decision making.
23. New England Patriots – Clint Sintim, DE/LB Virginia
With the twenty-third pick, the Patriots select the defensive end outside linebacker hybrid from Virginia in Clint Sintim. I think he fits the mould of a Belichick player, a high motor linebacker who has all the experience needed to be a stand up pass rusher as Sintim was a dominant force this year tallying 12.5 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks. Not to mention, when you consider the age of Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas, Junior Seau and the various other linebackers for the Patriots and I think they would be well served to select Sintim who has a high ceiling and could flourish in the Patriots system. Although Sintim may seem like a reach at this point in the draft considering his abilities in coverage, 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 Sintim may be the key. This pick could very well be Larry English as well since he looked damn near unblockable at the Senior Bowl.
Previous selection: Vontae Davis, CB Illinois24. Atlanta Falcons – Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan
With the twenty-fourth selection, the Atlanta Falcons take the hard hitting, vocal leader of the Western Michigan defense in Louis Delmas. Delmas may be undersized and came to Kalamazoo as a cornerback, but that boy lays the wood and commands his defense with the authority of a nasty middle linebacker. I think he can be a great replacement for Lawyer Milloy at SS or he could start at FS instead of DeCoud or Coleman. He is without a doubt a player Mike Smith would love having on his team as he can do it all and he does it well. He gets his defense organized, he can cover the pass, he has decent ball skills and he plays the run. Considering there is no nose tackle available at this selection and the Falcons would have to reach on Cushing, Delmas becomes the pick as he is too good not pick up and plug in immediately at the strong safety spot.
Previous selection: Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss25. Miami Dolphins – Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest
With the twenty-fifth selection, the Dolphins grab my favourite cornerback in the draft in Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest. 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 Smith in making the transition from college athlete to NFL starting corner is his ability to play the run as he is a tad slight, but I think Coach Sporano will make sure he sticks his nose in there and makes some noise and after that, he has all the tools to be an elite cover corner in a division where he has to face Randy Moss and Lee Evans twice a year. This pick could also be the versatile corner/safety prospect from Utah in Sean Smith or the nasty defensive end/linebacker prospect Larry English from Northern Illinois.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
With the twenty-sixth selection the Ravens go out and select the talented WR from UNC. 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 Nicks from UNC who is rocketing up draft boards and will give Flacco another talented receiver to get the ball to and Cam Cameron another weapon on offense. Hakeem Nicks makes spectacular catches look routine, he may not be the fastest receiver but he runs crisp routes, he catches with his hands (and sometimes his legs) and he knows how to get into the end zone, the boy is a player and would definitely be a great addition to the Ravens, especially if he can learn from Mason.
27. Indianapolis Colts – Sean Smith, CB/S Utah
With the twenty-seventh selection the Colts select the versatile corner/safety, Sean Smith from the mighty Utah Utes. Although the Colts have absolutely nothing at DT there really isn't a defensive tackle worth taking this high, they could reach on Marks but I think the Colts grab Smith who can do everything in the secondary for them. Smith is a jack of all trades who can play corner or safety, I think he'll play corner for the Colts and he could move into a safety spot considering the injury woes for Bob Sanders. However, knowing the Colts front office as we do, they could also make the decision to select a WR to take over for Marvin Harrison or a RB like Knowshon Moreno to help spell their current backfield.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina) – Alex Mack, C California
With the twenty-eighth selection, the Eagles select one of my personal favourite players in this year's draft, the man beast from California with a mean streak a mile long in Alex Mack. Mack has done a great job all season long and has definitely separated himself as the number one center in the draft and possibly one of the best center prospects to come out of the college ranks in awhile, I had him drop a bit last update but I think he is rising up draft boards quickly all over again and it looks as if he'll find a home in Philly. I think he'll play LG for the Eagles, and since the Eagles are supposedly moving Herremans out to LT then this pick makes perfect sense. This would give the Eagles a very solid offensive line as I believe Winston Justice will probably be moved to RT where he played in college and is most likely his natural position, having him paired with Shawn Andrews and then Jackson, Mack and Herremans from C to LT would give the Eagles a young, talented and nasty offensive line that can open holes for Westbrook and make sure McNabb stays upright.
29. New York Giants – Brian Cushing, LB USC
With the twenty-ninth selection, the Giants select the beach built backer, Brian Cushing. This pick really is determined by what the Giants decide to do with Mathias Kiwanuka, if he remains a DE, the Giants will go LB because Danny Clark should not be a starter. But if they decide to move Kiwanuka back to SLB, this pick could be Connor Barwin from Cincinnati or Paul Kruger from Utah, but I'm thinking the Giants leave Kiwanuka at DE and thus Cushing is the pick. Cushing has proved to be an incredibly talented player who can be an elite strongside backer for any NFL club. He has the best coverage skills of any of the linebackers in this draft, he can play the run incredibly well and lays out opposing offenses with huge hits, he can blitz and I think he can eventually become a locker room leader as well. Brian Cushing is far too talented and since the Giants have not got anything from Gerris Wilkerson, Danny Clark is aging and Chase Blackburn is a role player, the Giants could definitely use Cushing to upgrade their linebacking core.
Previous selection: Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers30. Tennessee Titans – D.J. Moore, CB Vanderbilt
With the thirtieth selection, the once top seeded Titans select CB D.J. Moore from in-state Vanderbilt. Tennessee's front office knows what to draft to win and with their secondary aging and #2 corner looking to be the only weak spot I think they go out and draft Moore. Moore is a solid all around corner back that will be a nickel back at first and then eventually move into a starting role when Tennessee lets Nick Harper go. However, this pick could also be Larry English from Northern Illinois to infuse some youth into the linebacking core where Bulluck and Thornton are aging veterans.
31. Arizona Cardinals – Larry English, DE/LB Northern Illinois
With the thirty-first selection, the Super Bowl bound Cardinals select the pass rush specialist from Northern Illinois in Larry English. Arizona has been a real story this year and I expect big things in the future, however, there needs to be some upgrades made at the linebacker spot. Karlos Dansby may leave via free agency and that leaves LaBoy, Okeafor and Haggens. They need to bring in some young talent to compete and bring the heat and Larry English is the kind of player than can do that better than maybe any other collegiate linebacker save for potentially Zack Follett. This past season he tallied 8 sacks to go along with an amazing 14.5 tackles for a loss and more importantly 3 forced fumbles. He is a defensive playmaker that will help the Cardinals immensely. This pick could also be a corner as well considering Roderick Hood might as well change his name to toast but the next best thing to adding talent to the secondary is adding a player who can rush the passer and Larry English can be that player who they move around and give him great match up options.
Previous selection: Alex Mack, C California32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
With the thirty-second selection, the Super Bowl champion Steelers select LSU DE Tyson Jackson to play 3-4 end alongside Aaron Smith who is aging 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 reach on an offensive lineman like Herman Johnson from LSU or Troy Kropog from Tulane, but with Jackson's skill set, I think he needs to be the pick. He's strong enough to play the run as a base end and he has 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.
2008 Season Stats:
