Cigaro
12-23-2008, 11:02 AM
1. Detroit Lions- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
http://i40.tinypic.com/1490bib.png
Likely the worst team in NFL history, the Lions have no proven talent anywhere minus Calvin Johnson, making almost any pick an upgrade. But place for this lost team to start is quarterback. Bradford, the second straight sophomore to win the Heisman, possesses a great arm, ultra quick release, and the necessary intelligence to start first day.
2. St. Louis Rams- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
http://i40.tinypic.com/27xh340.png
Smith is one of the few 'elite' talents in this class, and has a great future ahead of him. The Rams desperately need a better offensive line to block for Stephen Jackson, and Smith is the mauler who fits in perfectly. There are some legitimate concerns about his height and weight, but that hasn't stopped Smith from being the best tackle in all of college, and it likely won't stop him from being one of the best in the pros.
3. Kansas City Chiefs- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
http://i43.tinypic.com/nz21w8.png
For a team with the number three pick, they aren't all that bad. The Chiefs have lost quite a few games, but they've been in most of them, and with many starters relatively young, they're bound to improve eventually. The one area the Chiefs definately lack in is the pass rush. Orakpo finally achieved his potential this season, and with a likely monster combine performance, should shoot himself up the boards of most teams.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
http://i41.tinypic.com/b6eu15.png
As it turned out, 2005 was a fluke. The team's first winning season since 1990 was followed by an 8-8 2006 performance, a 7-9 2007 season, and horrible 2-11-1 2008 campaign. The team can have one of the league's premier passing attacks when everyone's healthy and on the same page, but if Cedric Benson is starting for your team, you know you have running troubles. Chris Wells, the local Ohio State product, is undoubtedly the best running back available, and while his injury and lack of great receiving ability keep him from the 'elite' range, he's still unquestionably one of the top talents available.
5. Seattle Seahawks- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
http://i41.tinypic.com/11bsx11.png
The Seahawks have suffered through a horrific 4-11 season in Mike Holmgren's last go around as a Hawk, and a lot of that has to do with the passing game. Matthew Stafford would certainly get a long look here, but when healthy, Matt Hasselbeck is still a respectable passer. The Seahawks unquestionably lack receiving talent, however. Crabtree will go down as one of college football's best, even though he only played two years, and while he'll have to break the stereotype of system receivers, he could provide immediate relief for struggling Seattle.
6. Oakland Raiders- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
http://i40.tinypic.com/1zwomm0.png
Like the Lions, this team is lost, and no matter how much talent they bring, likely will be as long as Al Davis is running the show. Even Al Davis should realize, however, that Kwame Harris as a starting tackle can and never will be a good sign. Michael Oher sometimes can go cold, but his athleticism and ability to dominate the line when he wants to gets Davis too horny to pass up.
7. Cleveland Browns- Everette Brown, LB, Florida State
http://i43.tinypic.com/25p62yo.png
Brown is one of the nation's premier pass rushers, and the Browns lack any sense of such. Willie McGinest is far past his prime, and for a 3-4 to function properly, both outside backers have to be legitimate threats to strike at any time. Everette Brown brings the prototypical size, speed, and strength to the position, and would be an immediate upgrade.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
http://i43.tinypic.com/fwt9px.png
Robinson's combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the best guard prospects in the past few years, but even so, a guard at number eight is a reach, and unluckily for the Jaguars, I don't simulate trades. While it may be quite early for a guard, it can be easily argued that Robinson is worth the pick, however. The Jaguars calling card, when successful, is a dominating offensive line. Destroyed by injuries, the line has been anything but dominant this season, and the Jaguars have seen the results. Robinson would be a day one starter and would easily help the Jaguars line return to it's former glory.
9. Green Bay Packers- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
http://i42.tinypic.com/30jgv4i.png
The Green Bay Packers have fallen far and hard from last season's 13-3 regular season mark and NFC Championship Game berth, and the offensive line has done anything but help. Eugene Monroe has been beat a few times this year, but has still proven to be one of the top lineman available to NFL teams, and would immediately contend for a starting position.
10. San Francisco 49ers- Taylor Mays, S, Southern California
http://i42.tinypic.com/vskldt.png
Taylor Mays hasn't been the biggest playmaker during his Trojan career, but with all the talent around him, it's hard to be. 49ers would have to look at quarterback and offensive tackle, but Shaun Hill has been playing well, and they invested a first round pick two years ago on Joe Staley. Mays and his breathtaking athleticism would bring and immediate force to the 49ers lackluster secondary.
11. San Diego Chargers- Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California
http://i41.tinypic.com/287gi0g.png
Inside linebacker may not be the biggest need for this underperforming team, but it's hard to pass up one of college football's deadliest enforcers. Maualuga undoubtedly has the size to play inside, and his nastiness and bloodthirst would make teams thing twice before trying to expose the Chargers in the middle.
12. Houston Texans- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
http://i44.tinypic.com/25ku5pu.png
Dunta Robinson was a great young corner before his injury, but's unsure whether he'll ever return to form. Fred Bennett has been a pleasant surprise so far, but with DeMarcus Faggins beat regularly, it'd be hard to pass up a top flight corner. Davis will likely put up a monster combine, which should move him ahead of Jenkins on many boards.
13. Buffalo Bills- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
http://i39.tinypic.com/2v2jgia.png
The Buffalo Bills thundered out of the gate, but couldn't keep up the pace, which is exactly how they ended up with the thirteenth overall selections. One of the Bills biggest needs is tight end, but in this stacked class, the Bills need for a SAM backer would probably rank higher. Curry is unquestionably the best outside backer available in the draft, and could contribute immediately.
14. Washington Redskins- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
http://i44.tinypic.com/dwqfjc.png
Like the Bills, the Redskins started off hot only too cool down quickly. One of the Redskins primary needs is offensive line, and Smith vastly helps correct the problem. Chris Samuels would still factor into the equation, meaning the line may need to be shuffled to get the best talent on the field at once if the Skins plan at starting Smith right away, but no matter how it shakes out, Smith should be the long term answer at left tackle.
15. New Orleans Saints- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
http://i42.tinypic.com/fbkp77.png
Another season in New Orleans, and another season Drew Brees leads a deadly offense, only to see it undermined by the defense. Sedrick Ellis is a budding star, and they've got talent in some other areas on defense, but corner is still a concern, even with the drafting of Tracy Porter in the second last year. Malcolm Jenkins is regarded quite highly by the draft community, and it would hard for the Saints to pass him over.
16. Denver Broncos- William Moore, S, Missouri
http://i41.tinypic.com/2hqfnsw.png
The Denver Broncos have a few issues on defense, such as defensive tackle and inside linebacker, but with John Lynch retired, the Broncos lack anything close to a qualified safety. William Moore would be a huge upgrade, and has the versatility to start at either safety spot.
17. Arizona Cardinals- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
http://i42.tinypic.com/28tjgwm.png
The Cardinals have a high flying ariel attack, but they also have the league's worst run game. Edgerrin James has proven to be past his prime, and Tim Hightower was a nice surprise, but is best suited for running mainly in short yardage situations. Knowshon Moreno doesn't have the greatest straight line speed, but he possesses good agility and strength and could help from the get go.
18. Philadelphia Eagles- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
http://i44.tinypic.com/34grm2a.png
Safety has to be the biggest concern here, but there's no one available here that can't be gotten later. One route the Eagles could go is replacing L.J. Smith, who's been far from a consistent playmaker. Gresham is one of the best tight end prospects to come out recently, possessing prototypical size to go along with great athleticism, and could at the least get a lot of playing time from the reserve role day one.
19. Chicago Bears- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
http://i41.tinypic.com/2lmxpaq.png
Orton appears to have the quarterback spot locked up at least for the short term, but there are still dire needs for the Bears in both trenches. Michael Johnson hasn't been the best pass rusher the past few years, yet he likely post the best measurables. His 6'7 frame, to go along with legitimate 4.6 time and flashes of potential makes him too much to pass up.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
http://i42.tinypic.com/1p9yxd.png
Antonio Bryant has a great year, but the Bucs still need a replacement for the aging playmaker Joey Galloway. Heyward-Bey, like a few other physical freaks coming out, hasn't been the biggest receiving threat, but his combination of 6'3 size, sub 4.4 speed, and knowledge of the West Coast system makes his upside too much to pass up.
21. New York Jets- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
http://i40.tinypic.com/35d3pfm.png
In every draft there is someone who always falls, and in this one, it's Matthew Stafford. Stafford possesses everything you look for physically; a powerful arm, great size, and top notch mechanics. But what Stafford does lack, and what triggers the fall, is the ability to consistently pick apart defenses. Stafford can go into one game and seemingly throw blind, and go into another game and toss four touchdowns. With Favre retiring, and Kellen Clemens not living up to his billing, Stafford is the perfect fit for the Jets.
22. Minnesota Vikings- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
http://i39.tinypic.com/1pxh6g.png
Tavaris Jackson has played well, likely good enough to put off a first round quarterback for one more year. Instead, the Vikings go corner in an effort to replace the aging Antoine Winfield long term, and add a legitimate rotation short term. Moore may be the most pro ready corner available, as he can easily bump defenders off the line, and stay with them afterwards, making him the perfect fit for the Vikings defense.
23. Detroit Lions(f/DAL)- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
http://i41.tinypic.com/23vyucw.png
Acquiring this pick from the Roy Williams trade, the Lions immediately address their middle linebacking issue. In my opinion, Laurinaitis has to be descended from God because of his ability to go throughout an entire game and seemingly make no plays, yet wake up the next day accredited with 20 tackles. However, his stock is still held high in the draft community, and likely by the Lions, making him the pick in this situation.
24. New England Patriots- Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
http://i41.tinypic.com/25hkff8.png
Jerod Mayo has had a great rookie season, but the Patriots are still relying on the services of 35 year old Tedy Bruschi and 39 year old Junior Seau, so it's obvious they still need youth. Brandon Spikes is underrated and a slight steal at this pick. He's the unquestioned leader of the Florida defense, and possesses the size, strength, athleticism, and demeanor to be an imposing inside backer for years to come.
25. Miami Dolphins- Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
http://i41.tinypic.com/710glx.png
Usually it's the Patriots who screw over the rest of the NFL and make these picks, but this year it's the division rivals Miami Dolphins who come away with a steal. Sintim might not be the 260 pound, 4.5 running pass rusher that most other top notch 3-4 OLB prospects are, but I hold him to be the most complete outside backer available in the entire draft. Sintim can go after the pass with the best of them, drop back in coverage, but his best feature may be simply his on the field intelligence. The Miami Dolphins continue their turn around with this pick.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
http://i39.tinypic.com/2u5f8rm.png
The Ravens defense is back to it's dominating ways, yet corner is still an issue. Smith is a top notch ballhawk, nabbing 21 interceptions over a four year collegiate career at Wake Forest. He isn't the biggest corner in the world, but his instincts and athleticism still make him a premium corner prospect.
27. Atlanta Falcons- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
http://i42.tinypic.com/pvrth.png
The Atlanta Falcons, like the Dolphins, have engineered one of the greatest one year turnarounds ever, thanks to oddly enough a rookie coach and quarterback. One gaping hole, that would be filled literally with this pick, is nose tackle. Grady Jackson has been a good player, but he's far too old to be relied on. Raji is another underrated player, as he's the unquestionably best run stuffer available in the draft, and could immediately factor into the rotation, if not start.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Herman Johnson, OL, Louisiana State
http://i41.tinypic.com/2rpwkl5.png
The Steelers have been playing well this season, all except for one area, which possibly the most important; offensive line, the Steelers calling card for numerous years. The Steelers haven't been able to keep defenders off of Roethlisberger, or consistently open holes for runners. Herman Johnson is a step towards the right direction, as his mammouth size (reportedly in the 6'8, 380 pound range), strength, and athleticism makes him an almost immediate starter at one of the guard positions, with the possibility of moving out to right tackle.
29. Indianapolis Colts- Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
http://i43.tinypic.com/9uyz28.png
The Colts didn't get the start they wanted, but thanks largely to Peyton Manning, they're now back in title contention. One thing they lack though, is a true playmaker at defensive tackle. They've gotten the job done with a rotation of usual backups, but the defense would improve immensely if they could get a key starter there. Sen'Derrick Marks is such, possessing the elite athleticism to fit perfectly with Indy's smaller but quicker Cover Two scheme, to go along with a bit of nastiness.
30. Philadelphia Eagles(f/CAR)- Ciron Black, OT, Louisiana State
http://i43.tinypic.com/hwampx.png
The Eagles were set to draft Jeff Otah before the Panthers came a calling, so this year they go after his closest comparison. Black is a big, physical mauler who can lock down defenders. He doesn't possess great athleticism, but then again, neither did Jeff Otah.
31. New York Giants- Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
http://i44.tinypic.com/11uapu1.png
With the win over the Carolina Panthers, the Giants proved they are here to stay. The Giants biggest defensive issue may be nose tackle, but with Raji off the board, there's no one worth reaching for at this spot. The next area for upgrade is linebacker. Mathias Kiwanuka has played well at defensive end, his natural position, vacating his linebacking spot. Cushing is the best fit to fill the hole, and also offers the added versatility of being a great pass rusher if need be.
32. Tennessee Titans- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
http://i41.tinypic.com/qwwzko.png
Like the Giants, the Titans proved they were the top dog in the conference with a win over the Steelers. The Titans still have holes in their armor, with the main one being the passing game. Vince Young is looking to be a guaranteed bust, but it's too early in his career for the Titans to go ahead and draft another quarterback. The next best bet would be to add a playmaking receiver, which is exactly what Harvin is. It'd be tough for the Titans to choose between Harvin and Maclin, but with Harvin likely to put up a great combine, he gets the nod.
http://i40.tinypic.com/1490bib.png
Likely the worst team in NFL history, the Lions have no proven talent anywhere minus Calvin Johnson, making almost any pick an upgrade. But place for this lost team to start is quarterback. Bradford, the second straight sophomore to win the Heisman, possesses a great arm, ultra quick release, and the necessary intelligence to start first day.
2. St. Louis Rams- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
http://i40.tinypic.com/27xh340.png
Smith is one of the few 'elite' talents in this class, and has a great future ahead of him. The Rams desperately need a better offensive line to block for Stephen Jackson, and Smith is the mauler who fits in perfectly. There are some legitimate concerns about his height and weight, but that hasn't stopped Smith from being the best tackle in all of college, and it likely won't stop him from being one of the best in the pros.
3. Kansas City Chiefs- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
http://i43.tinypic.com/nz21w8.png
For a team with the number three pick, they aren't all that bad. The Chiefs have lost quite a few games, but they've been in most of them, and with many starters relatively young, they're bound to improve eventually. The one area the Chiefs definately lack in is the pass rush. Orakpo finally achieved his potential this season, and with a likely monster combine performance, should shoot himself up the boards of most teams.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
http://i41.tinypic.com/b6eu15.png
As it turned out, 2005 was a fluke. The team's first winning season since 1990 was followed by an 8-8 2006 performance, a 7-9 2007 season, and horrible 2-11-1 2008 campaign. The team can have one of the league's premier passing attacks when everyone's healthy and on the same page, but if Cedric Benson is starting for your team, you know you have running troubles. Chris Wells, the local Ohio State product, is undoubtedly the best running back available, and while his injury and lack of great receiving ability keep him from the 'elite' range, he's still unquestionably one of the top talents available.
5. Seattle Seahawks- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
http://i41.tinypic.com/11bsx11.png
The Seahawks have suffered through a horrific 4-11 season in Mike Holmgren's last go around as a Hawk, and a lot of that has to do with the passing game. Matthew Stafford would certainly get a long look here, but when healthy, Matt Hasselbeck is still a respectable passer. The Seahawks unquestionably lack receiving talent, however. Crabtree will go down as one of college football's best, even though he only played two years, and while he'll have to break the stereotype of system receivers, he could provide immediate relief for struggling Seattle.
6. Oakland Raiders- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
http://i40.tinypic.com/1zwomm0.png
Like the Lions, this team is lost, and no matter how much talent they bring, likely will be as long as Al Davis is running the show. Even Al Davis should realize, however, that Kwame Harris as a starting tackle can and never will be a good sign. Michael Oher sometimes can go cold, but his athleticism and ability to dominate the line when he wants to gets Davis too horny to pass up.
7. Cleveland Browns- Everette Brown, LB, Florida State
http://i43.tinypic.com/25p62yo.png
Brown is one of the nation's premier pass rushers, and the Browns lack any sense of such. Willie McGinest is far past his prime, and for a 3-4 to function properly, both outside backers have to be legitimate threats to strike at any time. Everette Brown brings the prototypical size, speed, and strength to the position, and would be an immediate upgrade.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
http://i43.tinypic.com/fwt9px.png
Robinson's combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the best guard prospects in the past few years, but even so, a guard at number eight is a reach, and unluckily for the Jaguars, I don't simulate trades. While it may be quite early for a guard, it can be easily argued that Robinson is worth the pick, however. The Jaguars calling card, when successful, is a dominating offensive line. Destroyed by injuries, the line has been anything but dominant this season, and the Jaguars have seen the results. Robinson would be a day one starter and would easily help the Jaguars line return to it's former glory.
9. Green Bay Packers- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
http://i42.tinypic.com/30jgv4i.png
The Green Bay Packers have fallen far and hard from last season's 13-3 regular season mark and NFC Championship Game berth, and the offensive line has done anything but help. Eugene Monroe has been beat a few times this year, but has still proven to be one of the top lineman available to NFL teams, and would immediately contend for a starting position.
10. San Francisco 49ers- Taylor Mays, S, Southern California
http://i42.tinypic.com/vskldt.png
Taylor Mays hasn't been the biggest playmaker during his Trojan career, but with all the talent around him, it's hard to be. 49ers would have to look at quarterback and offensive tackle, but Shaun Hill has been playing well, and they invested a first round pick two years ago on Joe Staley. Mays and his breathtaking athleticism would bring and immediate force to the 49ers lackluster secondary.
11. San Diego Chargers- Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California
http://i41.tinypic.com/287gi0g.png
Inside linebacker may not be the biggest need for this underperforming team, but it's hard to pass up one of college football's deadliest enforcers. Maualuga undoubtedly has the size to play inside, and his nastiness and bloodthirst would make teams thing twice before trying to expose the Chargers in the middle.
12. Houston Texans- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
http://i44.tinypic.com/25ku5pu.png
Dunta Robinson was a great young corner before his injury, but's unsure whether he'll ever return to form. Fred Bennett has been a pleasant surprise so far, but with DeMarcus Faggins beat regularly, it'd be hard to pass up a top flight corner. Davis will likely put up a monster combine, which should move him ahead of Jenkins on many boards.
13. Buffalo Bills- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
http://i39.tinypic.com/2v2jgia.png
The Buffalo Bills thundered out of the gate, but couldn't keep up the pace, which is exactly how they ended up with the thirteenth overall selections. One of the Bills biggest needs is tight end, but in this stacked class, the Bills need for a SAM backer would probably rank higher. Curry is unquestionably the best outside backer available in the draft, and could contribute immediately.
14. Washington Redskins- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
http://i44.tinypic.com/dwqfjc.png
Like the Bills, the Redskins started off hot only too cool down quickly. One of the Redskins primary needs is offensive line, and Smith vastly helps correct the problem. Chris Samuels would still factor into the equation, meaning the line may need to be shuffled to get the best talent on the field at once if the Skins plan at starting Smith right away, but no matter how it shakes out, Smith should be the long term answer at left tackle.
15. New Orleans Saints- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
http://i42.tinypic.com/fbkp77.png
Another season in New Orleans, and another season Drew Brees leads a deadly offense, only to see it undermined by the defense. Sedrick Ellis is a budding star, and they've got talent in some other areas on defense, but corner is still a concern, even with the drafting of Tracy Porter in the second last year. Malcolm Jenkins is regarded quite highly by the draft community, and it would hard for the Saints to pass him over.
16. Denver Broncos- William Moore, S, Missouri
http://i41.tinypic.com/2hqfnsw.png
The Denver Broncos have a few issues on defense, such as defensive tackle and inside linebacker, but with John Lynch retired, the Broncos lack anything close to a qualified safety. William Moore would be a huge upgrade, and has the versatility to start at either safety spot.
17. Arizona Cardinals- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
http://i42.tinypic.com/28tjgwm.png
The Cardinals have a high flying ariel attack, but they also have the league's worst run game. Edgerrin James has proven to be past his prime, and Tim Hightower was a nice surprise, but is best suited for running mainly in short yardage situations. Knowshon Moreno doesn't have the greatest straight line speed, but he possesses good agility and strength and could help from the get go.
18. Philadelphia Eagles- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
http://i44.tinypic.com/34grm2a.png
Safety has to be the biggest concern here, but there's no one available here that can't be gotten later. One route the Eagles could go is replacing L.J. Smith, who's been far from a consistent playmaker. Gresham is one of the best tight end prospects to come out recently, possessing prototypical size to go along with great athleticism, and could at the least get a lot of playing time from the reserve role day one.
19. Chicago Bears- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
http://i41.tinypic.com/2lmxpaq.png
Orton appears to have the quarterback spot locked up at least for the short term, but there are still dire needs for the Bears in both trenches. Michael Johnson hasn't been the best pass rusher the past few years, yet he likely post the best measurables. His 6'7 frame, to go along with legitimate 4.6 time and flashes of potential makes him too much to pass up.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
http://i42.tinypic.com/1p9yxd.png
Antonio Bryant has a great year, but the Bucs still need a replacement for the aging playmaker Joey Galloway. Heyward-Bey, like a few other physical freaks coming out, hasn't been the biggest receiving threat, but his combination of 6'3 size, sub 4.4 speed, and knowledge of the West Coast system makes his upside too much to pass up.
21. New York Jets- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
http://i40.tinypic.com/35d3pfm.png
In every draft there is someone who always falls, and in this one, it's Matthew Stafford. Stafford possesses everything you look for physically; a powerful arm, great size, and top notch mechanics. But what Stafford does lack, and what triggers the fall, is the ability to consistently pick apart defenses. Stafford can go into one game and seemingly throw blind, and go into another game and toss four touchdowns. With Favre retiring, and Kellen Clemens not living up to his billing, Stafford is the perfect fit for the Jets.
22. Minnesota Vikings- D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
http://i39.tinypic.com/1pxh6g.png
Tavaris Jackson has played well, likely good enough to put off a first round quarterback for one more year. Instead, the Vikings go corner in an effort to replace the aging Antoine Winfield long term, and add a legitimate rotation short term. Moore may be the most pro ready corner available, as he can easily bump defenders off the line, and stay with them afterwards, making him the perfect fit for the Vikings defense.
23. Detroit Lions(f/DAL)- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
http://i41.tinypic.com/23vyucw.png
Acquiring this pick from the Roy Williams trade, the Lions immediately address their middle linebacking issue. In my opinion, Laurinaitis has to be descended from God because of his ability to go throughout an entire game and seemingly make no plays, yet wake up the next day accredited with 20 tackles. However, his stock is still held high in the draft community, and likely by the Lions, making him the pick in this situation.
24. New England Patriots- Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
http://i41.tinypic.com/25hkff8.png
Jerod Mayo has had a great rookie season, but the Patriots are still relying on the services of 35 year old Tedy Bruschi and 39 year old Junior Seau, so it's obvious they still need youth. Brandon Spikes is underrated and a slight steal at this pick. He's the unquestioned leader of the Florida defense, and possesses the size, strength, athleticism, and demeanor to be an imposing inside backer for years to come.
25. Miami Dolphins- Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
http://i41.tinypic.com/710glx.png
Usually it's the Patriots who screw over the rest of the NFL and make these picks, but this year it's the division rivals Miami Dolphins who come away with a steal. Sintim might not be the 260 pound, 4.5 running pass rusher that most other top notch 3-4 OLB prospects are, but I hold him to be the most complete outside backer available in the entire draft. Sintim can go after the pass with the best of them, drop back in coverage, but his best feature may be simply his on the field intelligence. The Miami Dolphins continue their turn around with this pick.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
http://i39.tinypic.com/2u5f8rm.png
The Ravens defense is back to it's dominating ways, yet corner is still an issue. Smith is a top notch ballhawk, nabbing 21 interceptions over a four year collegiate career at Wake Forest. He isn't the biggest corner in the world, but his instincts and athleticism still make him a premium corner prospect.
27. Atlanta Falcons- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
http://i42.tinypic.com/pvrth.png
The Atlanta Falcons, like the Dolphins, have engineered one of the greatest one year turnarounds ever, thanks to oddly enough a rookie coach and quarterback. One gaping hole, that would be filled literally with this pick, is nose tackle. Grady Jackson has been a good player, but he's far too old to be relied on. Raji is another underrated player, as he's the unquestionably best run stuffer available in the draft, and could immediately factor into the rotation, if not start.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Herman Johnson, OL, Louisiana State
http://i41.tinypic.com/2rpwkl5.png
The Steelers have been playing well this season, all except for one area, which possibly the most important; offensive line, the Steelers calling card for numerous years. The Steelers haven't been able to keep defenders off of Roethlisberger, or consistently open holes for runners. Herman Johnson is a step towards the right direction, as his mammouth size (reportedly in the 6'8, 380 pound range), strength, and athleticism makes him an almost immediate starter at one of the guard positions, with the possibility of moving out to right tackle.
29. Indianapolis Colts- Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
http://i43.tinypic.com/9uyz28.png
The Colts didn't get the start they wanted, but thanks largely to Peyton Manning, they're now back in title contention. One thing they lack though, is a true playmaker at defensive tackle. They've gotten the job done with a rotation of usual backups, but the defense would improve immensely if they could get a key starter there. Sen'Derrick Marks is such, possessing the elite athleticism to fit perfectly with Indy's smaller but quicker Cover Two scheme, to go along with a bit of nastiness.
30. Philadelphia Eagles(f/CAR)- Ciron Black, OT, Louisiana State
http://i43.tinypic.com/hwampx.png
The Eagles were set to draft Jeff Otah before the Panthers came a calling, so this year they go after his closest comparison. Black is a big, physical mauler who can lock down defenders. He doesn't possess great athleticism, but then again, neither did Jeff Otah.
31. New York Giants- Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
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With the win over the Carolina Panthers, the Giants proved they are here to stay. The Giants biggest defensive issue may be nose tackle, but with Raji off the board, there's no one worth reaching for at this spot. The next area for upgrade is linebacker. Mathias Kiwanuka has played well at defensive end, his natural position, vacating his linebacking spot. Cushing is the best fit to fill the hole, and also offers the added versatility of being a great pass rusher if need be.
32. Tennessee Titans- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
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Like the Giants, the Titans proved they were the top dog in the conference with a win over the Steelers. The Titans still have holes in their armor, with the main one being the passing game. Vince Young is looking to be a guaranteed bust, but it's too early in his career for the Titans to go ahead and draft another quarterback. The next best bet would be to add a playmaking receiver, which is exactly what Harvin is. It'd be tough for the Titans to choose between Harvin and Maclin, but with Harvin likely to put up a great combine, he gets the nod.