sbh15
12-29-2008, 03:48 PM
2009 NFL Draft: Pre-Playoff Mock Draft
Trades: New Orleans Saints (Send Rd. 1, Pick 14) and Minnesota Vikings (Send Rd. 1, Pick 23 / Rd. 2, Pick 55)
1. Detroit Lions (0-16): QB, Matthew Stafford, Georgia
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A few Lions fans have differing opinions on where Detroit should look with this pick, but it’s become strikingly obvious in the past couple of weeks that Daunte Culpepper is not the same quarterback he was in Minnesota and Dan Orlovsky is not the quarterback of the future. They could also look at Andre Smith here, even Sam Bradford, but I think Stafford has the arm to make all of the NFL throws and he has the arm to get Calvin Johnson the ball, which has been just about the only way the Lions have scored this year.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): OT, Andre Smith, Alabama
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Remember after they beat the Cowboys, people began to think this team was turning around? Obviously that didn’t happen, but they get a nice consolation prize here. With the success the offensive line had behind Orlando Pace, the Rams’ brass will recognize the necessity of having a stellar left tackle. It also appears that the Bulger era is coming to an end, and with Bradford on the board, they might not be able to resist, but the idea of Steven Jackson running behind Smith will be too good to pass up.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): LB, Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
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It will be difficult for a Chiefs team that hasn’t had a pass rush since the day Jared Allen left to pass up on a defensive end with the explosiveness and pure ability of Brian Orakpo, but Curry is one of the better linebacking prospects in years and he’ll help Derrick Johnson complete what should become an outstanding linebacking corps. Kansas City has holes to plug all over the defense, and it will probably come down to the fact that Curry is a bit better as a prospect than Orakpo. Not to mention there are plenty of other pass rushers on the board that the Chiefs can trade up for with their second rounder, or that may fall to them anyway (i.e. Greg Hardy).
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): WR, Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
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Matt Hasselbeck has a few good years left in him, regardless of what some are saying. The Seahawks offensive line was decimated by injury this season, but with a fully healthy line and quarterback, the Hawks are a weapon away from being contenders in a division as poor as the NFC West. Crabtree can be that weapon and is the ultimate WCO receiver. Big and sure-handed with great run after catch ability.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): CB, Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
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The Browns defense has been simply atrocious. The offense has been even worse. However, the offensive problems are surprising considering the weapons the Browns offense has. There is no glaring necessity on the Browns offense, but when you’re starting Brandon McDonald as your number two corner, things aren’t perfect on defense. Malcolm Jenkins is a great, physical corner who can provide the Browns with the components they need to stop the pass.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): RB, Chris Wells, Ohio State
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With Andre Smith off of the board, there is no longer an offensive lineman talented enough available that the Bengals can possibly pass up Wells for. Benson had played well recently, but let’s be real. It’s Cedric Benson, and he's shown that he can’t be relied on. Wells has the tools to become a great running back in the NFL and he’s one of few stud prospects nowadays that can be a three down back in the league with his combination of great power and speed. Injuries shouldn't be but a minor concern for the Bengals who should end up with the back they were hoping Rudi Johnson could continue to be.
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): OT, Eugene Monroe, Virginia
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The Raiders offensive line has been just plain awful this season. With a stud tailback in McFadden and a developing but talented quarterback in Jamarcus Russell, the Raiders have the pieces of a successful offense in tact, but they can’t succeed without an offensive line. Kwame Harris has been terrible, but with the emergence of Mario Henderson recently helps, and adding a guy like Monroe should give plenty of protection for a group with the talent of the Raiders backfield
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): WR, Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
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Jacksonville hasn't had a playmaking receiver in since... well they never really have. Jerry Porter fell straight on his face, Matt Jones doesn't look like a star number one receiver, and it's clear that the Jacksonville offense can't function without a playmakers in the passing game. Maclin provides a weapon in the return game that Brian Witherspoon is not as well as a potential stud wide receiver down the road. It might be a bit high, but Maclin's potential/talent alone is worthy of the top ten pick.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): DE, Brian Orakpo, Texas
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In all honesty, the Packers don’t have a terrible need for any particular position. This year was a bit of a rough transition from Favre to Rodgers, but the Pack have the pieces in place to be a successful team, as they are one of the youngest in football. The secondary could be a concern with Woodson and Harris approaching the end of their respective careers, but the defensive line seems to be the greatest weakness. Bringing in Orakpo gives the Pack a terrific situational threat whenever they need him, and can be used in the role of KGB in his first few years alongside guys like Aaron Kampman before finding his way into the lineup as a starter.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): OT, Michael Oher, Ole Miss
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The San Francisco 49ers offensive line has given up a grand total of 54 sacks this season, and if that doesn’t turn the light on letting the Niners know that they have a need for a stud offensive lineman, then I don’t know what does. Many people think Oher has the potential to be the best tackle from this draft because of his pure physical tools. With a little bit of refining, he can be a stud protector of Shaun Hill’s (or whomever the Niners pick for their quarterback next season) blindside.
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): TE, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
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The Bills could certainly consider picking Sam Bradford here, especially considering Trent Edwards’ lackluster performance this year, but I think that when the scouting team looks at it, they will recognize that Edwards simply lacks weapons. Lee Evans is certainly a playmaker, but it’s easy to put two guys on him and force Josh Reed to beat you. Adding an insane athlete and receiver at the tight end position in Jermaine Gresham provides Edwards with a safety valve that can not only catch dump off passes, but also be a vertical threat.
12. Denver Broncos (8-8): FS, Taylor Mays, Southern California
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In missing the playoffs, Denver will now be picking in front of teams like Houston and New Orleans who could certainly have been in the running for a safety who can provide the services of Taylor Mays, a stroke of luck in what is surely an agonizing experience. Couple that with Denver having a terrible secondary and you have a pick made in Heaven. Denver swoops in to grab Mays in the top fifteen, by no means a reach, and improves their secondary with a playmaking center fielder.
13. Washington Redskins (8-8): OT, Jason Smith, Baylor
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The Redskins offensive line has not been very good, as a matter of fact, they’re in the top ten in the NFL in sacks allowed. The offense has the pieces in place to be good, with Portis and Campbell in the backfield, but Campbell can’t help win games throwing the ball when he’s on his back after a couple of seconds. People say Jason Smith’s top attribute is his pass blocking ability, and bringing in a guy like him could help the Skins tremendously.
14. Minnesota Vikings [f/NO] (10-6): QB, Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
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Tarvaris Jackson certainly hasn't developed into the franchise quarterback that Minnesota hope for, and the Gus Bus can't be that guy either. Minnesota has all of the pieces of a good team except for a good quarterback. Trading up here allows them to pass potential suitors for Bradford in Arizona, Tampa Bay, New York, and Chicago and grab a guy that some are calling a top five pick. The Vikings get great value here, though they do lose their second rounder, but teams no longer can focus only on the running game.
15. Houston Texans (8-8): CB, Vontae Davis, Illinois
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The Texans have been consistently improving and look to be just a few pieces short of being playoff contenders. With Dunta Robinson potentially departing at the season’s end and Jaques Reeves’ lackluster play, the Texans will be in the market for some type of a defensive back. With Taylor Mays off the board, the Texans look to Davis, who is still a top ten value and could become a shutdown corner in the NFL.
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): LB, Rey Maualuga, Southern California
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The San Diego defense has floundered with the loss of Shawne Merriman and the poor play of Antonio Cromartie. Merriman will be returning next year, and the Chargers hope Cromartie will be able to pick up where he left off last season, leaving just one problem on the San Diego defense. They need their second middle linebacker, and Rey Maualuga is a game changer who fits the 3-4 mold.
17. New York Jets (9-7): DE, Tyson Jackson, Louisiana State
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Tyson Jackson has the size and abilities of a prototypical 3-4 defensive end. He's upwards of 280 lbs. and can be disruptive against both the run and pass. Shaun Ellis has played great this year, but unless the Jets have found the fountain of youth, they might be in need of a replacement, not to mention Kenyon Coleman isn't anything to write home about. They missed out on Favre's potential replacement and there isn't a cornerback who is really worth taking here. Jackson is a great fit and a great talent.
18. Chicago Bears (9-7): DE, Everette Brown, Florida State
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Once a defense that struck terror into the opponent's heart, the Bears have fallen off a bit recently, mainly in their pass defense, which ranks in the bottom ten of sacks and yards allowed. Adding a stud athlete and pass rusher like Everette Brown gives the Bears a great rotation at the defensive end position and a guy who can possibly help restore that defense to it's prior success.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
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The Buccaneers passing attack has been helped immensely by the emergence of Antonio Bryant, but one guy can't do it all. Between Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese (the quarterbacks who have started throughout this season), the Bucs' passing game has generated just 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Heyward-Bey has the physical tools to be one of the best receivers in years - he's got speed, hands, and size and should help one of the Buccaneers stockpiled quarterbacks in the coming years.
20. Detroit Lions [f/DAL] (0-16): OL, Max Unger, Oregon
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How Detroit ended up with the 20th overall pick and gave up Roy Williams who was practically worthless to Dallas is beyond me, but they did, and they couldn't have made the trade in a better year (or worse, depending on how you look at it). Detroit needs to rebuild completely, and they already have Stafford, now they need to get him some protection up front. An offensive line that allowed 52 sacks this year won't help a rookie quarterback much, and Unger can play Center and Guard (possibly even tackle), so he gives them a much needed, versatile big ugly.
21. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): RB, Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
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The Tim Hightower experiment looked like a smashing success after his one-hundred yard performance in his first start, but since then it's become clear that Tim isn't going to be a featured back in the NFL. He can still do the dirty work in short-yardage and around the goalline, but Arizona needs a guy between the twenties that will provide more than Edge. Knowshon is a great runner who, if he had the same experience as Wells, could have gone in the top ten. Instead he falls right into Arizona's lap and they don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
22. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): FS, William Moore, Missouri
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The Eagles secondary added Asante Samuel this year, and he's certainly done his part, but with Brian Dawkins nearing the end of his career, and guys like Lito Shepphard not always doing their jobs, the Eagles could use a little help in their secondary. Moore is only slightly inferior to Taylor Mays, but he should be able to contribute to Philadelphia's pass defense right away.
23. New Orleans Saints [f/MIN] (8-8): LB, James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
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The Saints trade down to this pick could not have worked much better. At pick fifteen, Laurinaitis was the best linebacker available, but by trading down, they can now get the same player, and they've added the second round pick that they lost when they traded for Jeremy Shockey (that worked well... not). James will add a future pro bowl player to play along with the rest of that linebacking corps.
24. New England Patriots: LB, Clint Sintim, Virginia
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The Patriots really, really need linebackers. Jerod Mayo was a great first rounder in last year's draft, but Bruschi and Vrabel won't hold up much longer. Sintim has the size to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, as well as the pass rushing ability. Putting him alongside Jerod Mayo and Adalius Thomas gives the Pats a linebacking corps that is arguably one of the best in the league.
25. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): DT, B.J. Raji, Boston College
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Grady Jackson's time as Atlanta's big man in the middle is coming to an end, and with B.J. Raji on the board as a potential replacement, Atlanta won't be able to pass up. Not only is Raji great against the run, but he can also do some damage to the quarterback (as evidenced by his 11.5 career sacks). Atlanta could also use a tight end, but with Gresham off the board, there isn't one whose value outweighs (no pun intended) Raji's.
26. Miami Dolphins (11-5): LB, Brian Cushing, Southern California
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What a difference a year has made for the Dolphins. Previously 1-15, the Big Tuna has turned the 'Phins around and things look good. Ted Ginn is coming into his own, and the running game has been spectacular, so offense isn't really looking like an area they'll draft in the first round. The secondary could certainly use help, as their starting corners aren't terrific, but Cushing has the ability to be a great 3-4 OLB, and Parcells won't be able to resist.
27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): CB, Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
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Yet another team who has managed to turn things around after an atrocious prior season, the Ravens now look to be one of the league's better teams. Despite the loss of both McAlister and Rolle at the cornerback positions, the defense has been spectacular, but Frank Walker, Fabian Washington, and co. won't hold up for long. Smith would probably be a top fifteen pick based on talent if not for lackluster measurables, so picking him up here has the Ravens feeling happy.
28. Philadelphia Eagles [f/CAR] (9-6-1): TE, Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State
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The Eagles might have a hard time pulling the trigger here, considering Pettigrew is not really an explosive receiver, but he'll be an upgrade over what they have now and will provide almost a hybrid tackle/tight end for Westbrook to run behind and be a decent safety valve for McNabb. The Eagles don't really have many other places to look here, as it would be a waste of a first round pick to get a backup running back.
29. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): DT, Peria Jerry, Ole Miss
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Jeremy Maclin would probably be the main guy I was targeting if I was the Colts (assuming DHB is gone), but with the Jaguars grabbing him at number nine and Heyward-Bey off of the board, the Colts look to defensive tackle, where they find a player in Peria Jerry that is no slouch for the Cover 2 defense that the Colts run and they certainly don't walk away disappointed.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): OG, Duke Robinson, Oklahoma
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The Steelers offensive line has actually been quite awful against the pass rush this season, allowing 49 sacks, good for 4th worst in the league, behind only the 49ers, Lions, and Bengals. Not exactly good company. Pittsburgh is really just a good offensive line away from being a Super Bowl favorite, and adding Duke Robinson bolsters an offensive line that will be losing quite a few guys anyway.
31. New York Giants (12-4): LB, Brandon Spikes, Florida
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The Giants come up just shy of back-to-back Super Bowl wins, giving them the thirty-first pick and the bad luck of missing out on Cushing and Sintim as linebackers. Spikes is nothing to worry about, however, and could end up being better than both of the prior linebackers. He’s versatile enough to move around and good against the pass and run, giving the Giants one more potential stud on their already Super Bowl caliber team.
32. Tennessee Titans (13-3): RB/WR, Percy Harvin, Florida
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A lot of Titans fans actually hate the Harvin pick, but I don’t understand why. Sure, they have Chris Johnson and Lendale White, but the passing attack still isn’t up to snuff. Harvin can do just about anything you ask him to with the football, apart from throw it, and provides Vince Young/Kerry Collins with a speedy threat who can line up in the backfield or out wide. The Titans probably have bigger needs, but only slightly, and Harvin’s talent will just be too much to pass up.
Trades: New Orleans Saints (Send Rd. 1, Pick 14) and Minnesota Vikings (Send Rd. 1, Pick 23 / Rd. 2, Pick 55)
1. Detroit Lions (0-16): QB, Matthew Stafford, Georgia
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A few Lions fans have differing opinions on where Detroit should look with this pick, but it’s become strikingly obvious in the past couple of weeks that Daunte Culpepper is not the same quarterback he was in Minnesota and Dan Orlovsky is not the quarterback of the future. They could also look at Andre Smith here, even Sam Bradford, but I think Stafford has the arm to make all of the NFL throws and he has the arm to get Calvin Johnson the ball, which has been just about the only way the Lions have scored this year.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): OT, Andre Smith, Alabama
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Remember after they beat the Cowboys, people began to think this team was turning around? Obviously that didn’t happen, but they get a nice consolation prize here. With the success the offensive line had behind Orlando Pace, the Rams’ brass will recognize the necessity of having a stellar left tackle. It also appears that the Bulger era is coming to an end, and with Bradford on the board, they might not be able to resist, but the idea of Steven Jackson running behind Smith will be too good to pass up.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): LB, Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
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It will be difficult for a Chiefs team that hasn’t had a pass rush since the day Jared Allen left to pass up on a defensive end with the explosiveness and pure ability of Brian Orakpo, but Curry is one of the better linebacking prospects in years and he’ll help Derrick Johnson complete what should become an outstanding linebacking corps. Kansas City has holes to plug all over the defense, and it will probably come down to the fact that Curry is a bit better as a prospect than Orakpo. Not to mention there are plenty of other pass rushers on the board that the Chiefs can trade up for with their second rounder, or that may fall to them anyway (i.e. Greg Hardy).
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): WR, Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
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Matt Hasselbeck has a few good years left in him, regardless of what some are saying. The Seahawks offensive line was decimated by injury this season, but with a fully healthy line and quarterback, the Hawks are a weapon away from being contenders in a division as poor as the NFC West. Crabtree can be that weapon and is the ultimate WCO receiver. Big and sure-handed with great run after catch ability.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): CB, Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
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The Browns defense has been simply atrocious. The offense has been even worse. However, the offensive problems are surprising considering the weapons the Browns offense has. There is no glaring necessity on the Browns offense, but when you’re starting Brandon McDonald as your number two corner, things aren’t perfect on defense. Malcolm Jenkins is a great, physical corner who can provide the Browns with the components they need to stop the pass.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): RB, Chris Wells, Ohio State
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With Andre Smith off of the board, there is no longer an offensive lineman talented enough available that the Bengals can possibly pass up Wells for. Benson had played well recently, but let’s be real. It’s Cedric Benson, and he's shown that he can’t be relied on. Wells has the tools to become a great running back in the NFL and he’s one of few stud prospects nowadays that can be a three down back in the league with his combination of great power and speed. Injuries shouldn't be but a minor concern for the Bengals who should end up with the back they were hoping Rudi Johnson could continue to be.
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): OT, Eugene Monroe, Virginia
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The Raiders offensive line has been just plain awful this season. With a stud tailback in McFadden and a developing but talented quarterback in Jamarcus Russell, the Raiders have the pieces of a successful offense in tact, but they can’t succeed without an offensive line. Kwame Harris has been terrible, but with the emergence of Mario Henderson recently helps, and adding a guy like Monroe should give plenty of protection for a group with the talent of the Raiders backfield
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): WR, Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
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Jacksonville hasn't had a playmaking receiver in since... well they never really have. Jerry Porter fell straight on his face, Matt Jones doesn't look like a star number one receiver, and it's clear that the Jacksonville offense can't function without a playmakers in the passing game. Maclin provides a weapon in the return game that Brian Witherspoon is not as well as a potential stud wide receiver down the road. It might be a bit high, but Maclin's potential/talent alone is worthy of the top ten pick.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): DE, Brian Orakpo, Texas
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In all honesty, the Packers don’t have a terrible need for any particular position. This year was a bit of a rough transition from Favre to Rodgers, but the Pack have the pieces in place to be a successful team, as they are one of the youngest in football. The secondary could be a concern with Woodson and Harris approaching the end of their respective careers, but the defensive line seems to be the greatest weakness. Bringing in Orakpo gives the Pack a terrific situational threat whenever they need him, and can be used in the role of KGB in his first few years alongside guys like Aaron Kampman before finding his way into the lineup as a starter.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): OT, Michael Oher, Ole Miss
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The San Francisco 49ers offensive line has given up a grand total of 54 sacks this season, and if that doesn’t turn the light on letting the Niners know that they have a need for a stud offensive lineman, then I don’t know what does. Many people think Oher has the potential to be the best tackle from this draft because of his pure physical tools. With a little bit of refining, he can be a stud protector of Shaun Hill’s (or whomever the Niners pick for their quarterback next season) blindside.
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): TE, Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
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The Bills could certainly consider picking Sam Bradford here, especially considering Trent Edwards’ lackluster performance this year, but I think that when the scouting team looks at it, they will recognize that Edwards simply lacks weapons. Lee Evans is certainly a playmaker, but it’s easy to put two guys on him and force Josh Reed to beat you. Adding an insane athlete and receiver at the tight end position in Jermaine Gresham provides Edwards with a safety valve that can not only catch dump off passes, but also be a vertical threat.
12. Denver Broncos (8-8): FS, Taylor Mays, Southern California
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In missing the playoffs, Denver will now be picking in front of teams like Houston and New Orleans who could certainly have been in the running for a safety who can provide the services of Taylor Mays, a stroke of luck in what is surely an agonizing experience. Couple that with Denver having a terrible secondary and you have a pick made in Heaven. Denver swoops in to grab Mays in the top fifteen, by no means a reach, and improves their secondary with a playmaking center fielder.
13. Washington Redskins (8-8): OT, Jason Smith, Baylor
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The Redskins offensive line has not been very good, as a matter of fact, they’re in the top ten in the NFL in sacks allowed. The offense has the pieces in place to be good, with Portis and Campbell in the backfield, but Campbell can’t help win games throwing the ball when he’s on his back after a couple of seconds. People say Jason Smith’s top attribute is his pass blocking ability, and bringing in a guy like him could help the Skins tremendously.
14. Minnesota Vikings [f/NO] (10-6): QB, Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
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Tarvaris Jackson certainly hasn't developed into the franchise quarterback that Minnesota hope for, and the Gus Bus can't be that guy either. Minnesota has all of the pieces of a good team except for a good quarterback. Trading up here allows them to pass potential suitors for Bradford in Arizona, Tampa Bay, New York, and Chicago and grab a guy that some are calling a top five pick. The Vikings get great value here, though they do lose their second rounder, but teams no longer can focus only on the running game.
15. Houston Texans (8-8): CB, Vontae Davis, Illinois
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The Texans have been consistently improving and look to be just a few pieces short of being playoff contenders. With Dunta Robinson potentially departing at the season’s end and Jaques Reeves’ lackluster play, the Texans will be in the market for some type of a defensive back. With Taylor Mays off the board, the Texans look to Davis, who is still a top ten value and could become a shutdown corner in the NFL.
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): LB, Rey Maualuga, Southern California
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The San Diego defense has floundered with the loss of Shawne Merriman and the poor play of Antonio Cromartie. Merriman will be returning next year, and the Chargers hope Cromartie will be able to pick up where he left off last season, leaving just one problem on the San Diego defense. They need their second middle linebacker, and Rey Maualuga is a game changer who fits the 3-4 mold.
17. New York Jets (9-7): DE, Tyson Jackson, Louisiana State
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Tyson Jackson has the size and abilities of a prototypical 3-4 defensive end. He's upwards of 280 lbs. and can be disruptive against both the run and pass. Shaun Ellis has played great this year, but unless the Jets have found the fountain of youth, they might be in need of a replacement, not to mention Kenyon Coleman isn't anything to write home about. They missed out on Favre's potential replacement and there isn't a cornerback who is really worth taking here. Jackson is a great fit and a great talent.
18. Chicago Bears (9-7): DE, Everette Brown, Florida State
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Once a defense that struck terror into the opponent's heart, the Bears have fallen off a bit recently, mainly in their pass defense, which ranks in the bottom ten of sacks and yards allowed. Adding a stud athlete and pass rusher like Everette Brown gives the Bears a great rotation at the defensive end position and a guy who can possibly help restore that defense to it's prior success.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
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The Buccaneers passing attack has been helped immensely by the emergence of Antonio Bryant, but one guy can't do it all. Between Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese (the quarterbacks who have started throughout this season), the Bucs' passing game has generated just 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Heyward-Bey has the physical tools to be one of the best receivers in years - he's got speed, hands, and size and should help one of the Buccaneers stockpiled quarterbacks in the coming years.
20. Detroit Lions [f/DAL] (0-16): OL, Max Unger, Oregon
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How Detroit ended up with the 20th overall pick and gave up Roy Williams who was practically worthless to Dallas is beyond me, but they did, and they couldn't have made the trade in a better year (or worse, depending on how you look at it). Detroit needs to rebuild completely, and they already have Stafford, now they need to get him some protection up front. An offensive line that allowed 52 sacks this year won't help a rookie quarterback much, and Unger can play Center and Guard (possibly even tackle), so he gives them a much needed, versatile big ugly.
21. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): RB, Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
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The Tim Hightower experiment looked like a smashing success after his one-hundred yard performance in his first start, but since then it's become clear that Tim isn't going to be a featured back in the NFL. He can still do the dirty work in short-yardage and around the goalline, but Arizona needs a guy between the twenties that will provide more than Edge. Knowshon is a great runner who, if he had the same experience as Wells, could have gone in the top ten. Instead he falls right into Arizona's lap and they don't hesitate to pull the trigger.
22. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): FS, William Moore, Missouri
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The Eagles secondary added Asante Samuel this year, and he's certainly done his part, but with Brian Dawkins nearing the end of his career, and guys like Lito Shepphard not always doing their jobs, the Eagles could use a little help in their secondary. Moore is only slightly inferior to Taylor Mays, but he should be able to contribute to Philadelphia's pass defense right away.
23. New Orleans Saints [f/MIN] (8-8): LB, James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
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The Saints trade down to this pick could not have worked much better. At pick fifteen, Laurinaitis was the best linebacker available, but by trading down, they can now get the same player, and they've added the second round pick that they lost when they traded for Jeremy Shockey (that worked well... not). James will add a future pro bowl player to play along with the rest of that linebacking corps.
24. New England Patriots: LB, Clint Sintim, Virginia
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The Patriots really, really need linebackers. Jerod Mayo was a great first rounder in last year's draft, but Bruschi and Vrabel won't hold up much longer. Sintim has the size to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, as well as the pass rushing ability. Putting him alongside Jerod Mayo and Adalius Thomas gives the Pats a linebacking corps that is arguably one of the best in the league.
25. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): DT, B.J. Raji, Boston College
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Grady Jackson's time as Atlanta's big man in the middle is coming to an end, and with B.J. Raji on the board as a potential replacement, Atlanta won't be able to pass up. Not only is Raji great against the run, but he can also do some damage to the quarterback (as evidenced by his 11.5 career sacks). Atlanta could also use a tight end, but with Gresham off the board, there isn't one whose value outweighs (no pun intended) Raji's.
26. Miami Dolphins (11-5): LB, Brian Cushing, Southern California
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What a difference a year has made for the Dolphins. Previously 1-15, the Big Tuna has turned the 'Phins around and things look good. Ted Ginn is coming into his own, and the running game has been spectacular, so offense isn't really looking like an area they'll draft in the first round. The secondary could certainly use help, as their starting corners aren't terrific, but Cushing has the ability to be a great 3-4 OLB, and Parcells won't be able to resist.
27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): CB, Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
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Yet another team who has managed to turn things around after an atrocious prior season, the Ravens now look to be one of the league's better teams. Despite the loss of both McAlister and Rolle at the cornerback positions, the defense has been spectacular, but Frank Walker, Fabian Washington, and co. won't hold up for long. Smith would probably be a top fifteen pick based on talent if not for lackluster measurables, so picking him up here has the Ravens feeling happy.
28. Philadelphia Eagles [f/CAR] (9-6-1): TE, Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State
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The Eagles might have a hard time pulling the trigger here, considering Pettigrew is not really an explosive receiver, but he'll be an upgrade over what they have now and will provide almost a hybrid tackle/tight end for Westbrook to run behind and be a decent safety valve for McNabb. The Eagles don't really have many other places to look here, as it would be a waste of a first round pick to get a backup running back.
29. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): DT, Peria Jerry, Ole Miss
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Jeremy Maclin would probably be the main guy I was targeting if I was the Colts (assuming DHB is gone), but with the Jaguars grabbing him at number nine and Heyward-Bey off of the board, the Colts look to defensive tackle, where they find a player in Peria Jerry that is no slouch for the Cover 2 defense that the Colts run and they certainly don't walk away disappointed.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): OG, Duke Robinson, Oklahoma
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The Steelers offensive line has actually been quite awful against the pass rush this season, allowing 49 sacks, good for 4th worst in the league, behind only the 49ers, Lions, and Bengals. Not exactly good company. Pittsburgh is really just a good offensive line away from being a Super Bowl favorite, and adding Duke Robinson bolsters an offensive line that will be losing quite a few guys anyway.
31. New York Giants (12-4): LB, Brandon Spikes, Florida
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The Giants come up just shy of back-to-back Super Bowl wins, giving them the thirty-first pick and the bad luck of missing out on Cushing and Sintim as linebackers. Spikes is nothing to worry about, however, and could end up being better than both of the prior linebackers. He’s versatile enough to move around and good against the pass and run, giving the Giants one more potential stud on their already Super Bowl caliber team.
32. Tennessee Titans (13-3): RB/WR, Percy Harvin, Florida
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A lot of Titans fans actually hate the Harvin pick, but I don’t understand why. Sure, they have Chris Johnson and Lendale White, but the passing attack still isn’t up to snuff. Harvin can do just about anything you ask him to with the football, apart from throw it, and provides Vince Young/Kerry Collins with a speedy threat who can line up in the backfield or out wide. The Titans probably have bigger needs, but only slightly, and Harvin’s talent will just be too much to pass up.