1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (Last Pick: Bradford)
There are still a lot of worries for Bradford - especially his fragility and the fact that he never had to deal with substantial pressure in college - but he's extremely accurate and a proven leader. If the Rams' investment in LT Jason Smith works out, he'll be under less pressure than draftniks imagine. Also, judging from how the Rams' front office has handled the speculation, there's no way it won't be Bradford.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame; Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska (Last Pick: Suh)
After adding Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams in free agency, it seems like Detroit has made some major strides in repairing their d-line. Throwing in Suh would be the first step to a potentially dominant defense down the line. Stafford still needs protection, but the Lions could get a quick fix from a Flozell Adams type and not regret passing on the next coming of Joe Greene.
Other Possibilities: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma; Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State.
After adding Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams in free agency, it seems like Detroit has made some major strides in repairing their d-line. Throwing in Suh would be the first step to a potentially dominant defense down the line. Stafford still needs protection, but the Lions could get a quick fix from a Flozell Adams type and not regret passing on the next coming of Joe Greene.
Other Possibilities: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma; Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma (Last Pick: McCoy)
The weakest part of a weak defense last year, Tampa Bay's defensive line was a shambles outside of a surprise year from Stylez White. McCoy is a very safe pick, and would fit in perfectly as a penetrating under tackle in a Tampa-2
Other Possibilities: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee; Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech; Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
4. Washington Redskins: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee (Last Pick: Russell Okung)
In the wake of the Donovan McNabb trade, it's highly unlikely that the Skins will draft Jimmy Clausen. Obviously the offensive line is a wreck, but Kyle Shanahan, Mike's son, has been singing its praises for weeks now, and while that's a possible smokescreen for draft activity, it could also reflect the benefits of moving to a zone-blocking scheme. Meanwhile, LaRon Landry is definitely making the move to strong safety, bringing the Skins' total of good strong safeties to three, and their total of free safeties to zero. Eric Berry reportedly enjoyed his visit to D.C., and I think that Shanahan has enough confidence to wait for a project player he thinks he can turn into a starting left tackle.
Other Possibilities: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma; Russell Okung
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma (Last Pick: Eric Berry)
Scott Pioli has been quietly upgrading his line with veteran zone-blockers this offseason, and kicks Brandon Albert back into his comfort zone at right tackle (while protecting his ill-advised investment in Matt Cassell) by drafting Williams. The progress Williams made in just one year playing on the blind side is staggering, and he's got the most upside of any left tackle in the draft class. Williams is also a better run-blocker than Okung, and Pioli will prize that versatility.
Other Possibilities: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama; Russell Okung
6. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State (Last Pick: Derrick Morgan)
The Seahawks luck into a franchise left tackle, someone who will mesh very nicely with Alex Gibbs in Seattle. Okung will probably only flourish as a run blocker in a scheme that takes advantage of his quickness, and if anybody will be able to rectify Okung's indecisiveness and balance issues blocking in the second level, it's Gibbs.
Other Possibilities: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa; CJ Spiller, HB, Clemson; Earl Thomas, S, Texas
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida (Last Pick: CJ Spiller)
Haden's stock has fallen quite a bit over the last few weeks, but it's hard to see why; he proved his speed at his Pro Day and his versatility and skill consistently shows up on film. I love me some Sheldon Brown, but he started slowing down at the end of last season, and could be moved to free safety in the wake of Brodney Poole's departure. Haden addresses a need regardless, and will learn from one of the best corners of the decade (and someone he resembles closely) in Brown.
Other Possibilities: Earl Thomas; CJ Spiller; Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland (Last Pick: Campbell)
I said that Campbell was overrated, and it's really easy to pick on Al Davis come draft day. Nevertheless, this pick makes a lot of sense in Oakland's bizarro world, like Heyward-Bey last year. Mike Iupati is also a strong possibility because of needs on the line and Tom Cable's ties to Idaho.
Other Possibilities: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho; Rolando McClain
9. Buffalo Bills: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama (Last Pick: Jimmy Clausen)
In the long run, it may be a better move for the Bills to try and pick up Bryan Bulaga, who's a very good prospect at a position of need. They're moving to a 3-4, though, and have documented troubles handling the run; McClain's leadership can ease the transition and his skill against the run will mask the deficiencies of the team's defensive line.
Other Possibilities: Bryan Bulaga; Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Earl Thomas, FS, Texas (Last Pick: Joe Haden)
CJ Spiller or Dez Bryant would be a nice luxury pick here, but under Del Rio the Jags are first and foremost a defensive-minded football team. Reggie Nelson has been an abject mess the last two seasons, and the Jags' secondary is the primary factor keeping them from defensive prominence. Thomas will probably be among the leaders in missed tackles at his position next year, but he's also a potentially great coverage safety.
Other Possibilities: CJ Spiller; Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
11. Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (Last Pick: Rolando McClain)
The Broncos have just about finished obliterating all vestiges of those great Shanahan offenses, beginning with ditching zone blocking and ending with the trade of Brandon Marshall. While Bryant has huge bust potential and may not develop into a dominant number one receiver, the Broncos simply have to upgrade this position.
Other Possibilities: Dan Williams; Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee (Last Pick: Brandon Graham)
The Jason Ferguson suspension is forcing the Dolphins' hand here, but Williams won't be a bad pickup. He's a four-year starter (figuring prominently on some very good defenses) and is the most versatile nose tackle in the draft. Edge rusher is still a concern, but this is a solid pick.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan; Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
13. San Francisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa (Last Pick: Bulaga)
The 49ers have already expressed interest in Bulaga, and he's got the power and agility to be the run blocker that the 49ers desperately need at the moment. Moreover, even if he doesn't make it at LT, RT is San Francisco's biggest weakness.
Other Possibilities: CJ Spiller; Taylor Mays, SS/OLB, USC
14. Seattle Seahawks: CJ Spiller, HB, Clemson (Last Pick: Earl Thomas)
The Seahawks luck out yet again with Spiller, who's far and away the best running back in this class. Seattle has a strong enough RB rotation to keep Spiller fresh, while allowing him to provide instant offense for an anemic team. Plus, he's a better one-cut runner than he's made out to be, and his receiving skills will take a lot of pressure off of Charlie Whitehurst. And I haven't even mentioned his impact on special teams, where he may do the most damage.
Other Possibilities: Taylor Mays; Derrick Morgan
15. New York Giants: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech (Last Pick: Brian Price)
The Giants still need a lot of help at linebacker, but the move to the Tampa-2 will let Justin Tuck kick back inside to under tackle and let Osi Umenyiora go full-speed at defensive end. Morgan is a very well-rounded defensive end, like a Kyle Vanden Bosch, and his discipline against the run will help mask some of the deficiencies in the linebacking corps.
The Giants still need a lot of help at linebacker, but the move to the Tampa-2 will let Justin Tuck kick back inside to under tackle and let Osi Umenyiora go full-speed at defensive end. Morgan is a very well-rounded defensive end, like a Kyle Vanden Bosch, and his discipline against the run will help mask some of the deficiencies in the linebacking corps.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Graham; Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Mizzou
16. Tennessee Titans: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida (Last Pick: Everson Griffen)
The Titans' FO loves physical freaks, and they'll gladly take the second-freakiest freak in this class (flashes of Jevon Kearse?), who also addresses a big position of need. There are a lot of questions about the Titans' d-line, mostly stemming from injury, but we know by now that in Chuck Cecil's Cover-2 their primary job is to rush the passer. Pierre-Paul is extraordinarily risky, and will probably never get any better against the run, but his potential as a pass rusher is pretty much unlimited.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Graham; Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
17. San Francisco 49ers: Taylor Mays, SS, USC (Last Pick: Dez Bryant)
Taylor Mays has very well documented problems in coverage, and he's a lot more hesitant against the run (and diagnosing blocking schemes) than you'd expect from such a big ol' monster. That said, Mike Singletary thinks he can coach up anybody, and his team needs a safety, especially one as versatile as Mays.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Graham (a huge possibility); Golden Tate
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida (Last Pick: Anthony Davis)
The Steelers have maybe, possibly, had a rough offseason. They need help on the interior of their offensive line and, more importantly, some stability. As Doug Farrar has pointed out, Pouncey's experience in the shotgun will be a big boon for Bruce Arians' offense, too.
Other Possibilities: Golden Tate; Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama
19. Atlanta Falcons: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Mizzou (Last Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul)
The Falcons are going to need some help at defensive end, especially if Jamaal Anderson makes the long-rumored move to defensive tackle. Nevertheless, Weatherspoon is a great player who fills a need for the Falcons, especially due to his skill in coverage; and, according to Weatherspoon, the Dirty Birds have already expressed a lot of interest in him.
Other Possibilities: Brandon Graham; Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
20. Houston Texans: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State (Last Pick: Donovan Warren)
Sure enough, Dunta Robinson's gone to Atlanta, and the Texans need some serious help in the secondary. HB's also a need, for sure, but the offense made due without much support from the run game last year, while the defense ultimately had to be improved. Wilson's a very good cover corner, probably the best corner left, and he'll give the Texans a little flexibility with his strengths in both zone and man.
Other Possibilities: Ryan Matthews; Brian Price, DT, UCLA
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State (Last Pick: Odrick)
While I like Brian Price better as a prospect, Odrick's strength against the run fits Cincy's scheme a lot better. Plus, he's versatile enough to keep up with the hybrid shifts that Mike Zimmer's scheme uses.
Other Possibilities: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma; Damian Williams, WR, USC
22. New England Patriots: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan (Last Pick: Jahvid Best)
The Patriots complete their youth movement on defense with this pick, which should give them a permanent fixture at rush OLB. Graham demolished all who came in his path with his speed at the Senior Bowl, and he's good enough against the run to start on a Belichick defense.
Other Possibilities: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU; Jermaine Gresham; Jimmy Clausen
23. Green Bay Packers: Mike Iupati, OT/OG, Idaho (Last Pick: Kyle Wilson)
Mike Iupati's stock took a precipitous drop after a bad Senior Bowl, but he's still an immensely talented offensive line prospect. He should start right away at guard for the Packers, who could use some help on the interior; his versatility could also eventually allow him to start at either tackle position.
Mike Iupati's stock took a precipitous drop after a bad Senior Bowl, but he's still an immensely talented offensive line prospect. He should start right away at guard for the Packers, who could use some help on the interior; his versatility could also eventually allow him to start at either tackle position.
Other Possibilities: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers; Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan (Last Pick: Carlos Dunlap)
This is a pretty big reach for Warren, but he's the best CB available and the Eagles desperately need depth after trading Sheldon Brown. Warren's versatile and while he gets too aggressive in bump-and-run coverage, he's got the recovery speed to mask those mistakes to go along with a lot of upside.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Clausen; Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
25. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma (Last Pick: Damian Williams)
This pick was very, very close to being Golden Tate, but the addition of Anquan Boldin lets the Ravens address a lack of short-intermediate receiving targets for Joe Flacco. Gresham's ridiculously talented, and from what I saw in 2008 (his last full year of football), he's a good enough blocker to get the vote of approval from Ozzie Newsome.
This pick was very, very close to being Golden Tate, but the addition of Anquan Boldin lets the Ravens address a lack of short-intermediate receiving targets for Joe Flacco. Gresham's ridiculously talented, and from what I saw in 2008 (his last full year of football), he's a good enough blocker to get the vote of approval from Ozzie Newsome.
Other Possibilities: Golden Tate
26. Arizona Cardinals: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas (Last Pick: Kindle)
The Cardinals need help at so many positions, but rush OLB is definitely tops on the list. Kindle is a very good pass rusher, and he can hold his own in the Cards' gap-control run defense.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Clausen
27. Dallas Cowboys: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame (Last Pick: Tate)
The Cowboys need a complement to Miles Austin, and they get it in Golden Tate, who may be the best wideout in the draft. He runs his extensive route tree very crisply, can block, and has deep speed and leaping ability. Plus, hands of gold. He's everything that Roy Williams isn't, basically, and that's what the Cowboys' offense needs.
Other Possibilities: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois; Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, HB, Fresno State (Last Pick: Dan Williams)
An unimaginative pick, yes, but Mathews is the workhorse that the Chargers need at the moment. He's got decent enough speed to start in the league, and he's a complete RB; he can do all the blocking and receiving that Norv's offense will ask of him. Nose tackle's also a huge need, but the Chargers can address it in later rounds.
Other Possibilities: Terrence Cody
29. New York Jets: Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU (Last Pick: Hughes)
I'd be willing to bet a substantial amount of money that the Jets trade out of this pick, but in this scenario they're fortunate to draft the best player available at a position of need. Hughes is a lights-out pass rusher who only got better as his opportunities increased, and he'll be able to study under another small school legend in Jason Taylor.
Other Possibilities: Devin McCourty; Everson Griffen, DE, USC
30. Minnesota Vikings: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame (Last Pick: Mike Iupati)
Clausen's long descent finally ends with him winding up in a very good situation. Brad Childress's West Coast offense wouldn't require many long throws from Clausen, whose supreme touch on short throws will be very useful. Favre may not be here next year, and certainly not two years from now; even though the Vikes have to upgrade o-line and CB, this immediately becomes their most pressing need once Favre leaves.
Other possibilities: Devin McCourty; Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
31. Indianapolis Colts: Charles Brown, OT, USC (Last Pick: Javier Arenas)
Bill Polian called out the offensive line after the Colts' loss in the Super Bowl, and current left tackle Charlie Johnson is almost certainly going back to the interior after the release of longtime LG Ryan Lilja. Brown has some question marks, particularly regarding his strength, but should fit pretty nicely on the blind side in a zone-blocking scheme.
Other Possibilities: Brian Price
32. New Orleans Saints: Brian Price, DT, UCLA (Last Pick: Sean Weatherspoon)
The Saints are very fortunate to have Price, the best pass-rushing DT in this class not named Suh or McCoy, fall to them at 32, considering their problems on the defensive line. Sedrick Ellis has played well but hasn't justified his top-10 selection, and some support next to him (and depth at the position) would be invaluable. Price may have some issues against the run, but he was ridiculously productive in college, and before an inexplicable freefall in his draft stock, was considered only a few notches below Gerald McCoy.
Other Possibilities: Nate Allen, FS, USF; Carlos Dunlap
No comments:
Post a Comment