Last year the Bengals hit a grand slam in the first round with A.J. Green, who is already one of the top young playmakers in the league. This pick wouldn’t be nearly as sexy but it could prove to be just as big a part of their long-term success. In the NFL Draft the guard and center positions have traditionally been undervalued but that has begun to change in recent years. Just ask the Pouncey Twins! If ever there was an interior blocker worthy of being selected in the first round it is Stanford OG David DeCastro, who has drawn favorable comparisons to Steve Hutchinson. Not only is DeCastro big, tough, physical and aggressive but he is also mobile enough to pull and be a factor in space. This isn’t the type of move that will excite a fan base, but DeCastro is one of the safest prospects in this draft
and could be a perennial Pro Bowler for the next decade. Oh, and DeCastro would also address a need since both Bobbie Williams and Nate Livings are free agents. Cincy could also use another cornerback to play opposite Leon Hall since veteran Nate Clements is merely a stop-gap solution and Pacman Jones is best suited for a nickel role. The Bengals could also use a upgrade at running back and with a of couple first round picks at their disposal they could explore moving up if Trent Richardson of Alabama begins to slide.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: MELVIN INGRAM, OLB, SOUTH CAROLINA
Just a few short years ago outside linebacker was among the Chargers team strengths. However, Shawne Merriman was sent packing and Larry English has failed to live up to his first round billing so now San Diego is left with a bunch of aging veterans and journeymen at the position. Needless to say the Chargers must find an outside linebacker who can bend off the edge in their odd front to bolster an anemic pass rush. No prospect improved their stock more this season than South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, who entered his senior campaign with a mid-round grade but is now firmly in the first round mix. The versatile Ingram could conceivably contribute at defensive end, defensive tackle or outside linebacker
at the next level depending on the scheme. A great athlete, Ingram seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time to make the big play and that is a dimension the Chargers front seven is currently lacking. San Diego could also use a strong safety such as Alabama’s Mark Barron since the Bob Sanders experiment didn’t work out and if injuries force either Marcus McNeill or Kris Dielman into retirement, which is a real possibility, the offensive line would instantly become a huge concern as well.
Now that Mike Martz has moved on the Bears offense will be undergoing a makeover and one order of business is to find a true go-to wide receiver. Sorry Roy Williams. Just a few months ago most felt that South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery was destined for the top ten overall but a disappointing junior campaign took its toll on his draft stock. However, Jeffery is a king-sized pass catcher with terrific athleticism who has proven to be an impact performer against top-notch competition. Even though Jeffery isn’t the elite prospect that many envisioned at one point he should still fit into the first round somewhere,
but just how early he is selected will depend on how he performs in pre-draft workouts. Despite using their first round pick on a blocker last year the Bears still have issues up front so don’t rule out Ohio St. OT Mike Adams or Stanford OG David DeCastro either. Chicago could also stand to upgrade at cornerback opposite Charles Tillman so that is something to watch out for as well. Defensive end could be a darkhorse too because there really isn’t much to get excited about from a pass rushing standpoint beyond Julius Peppers.
Even upon close examination of the Titans depth chart it’s difficult to pinpoint a ton of glaring holes. With that said there are a number of areas where they could stand to upgrade, one of which is defensive end. The cupboard certainly isn’t bare in Tennessee, but they lack a true impact pass rusher at the position and only one team finished with fewer sacks this past season. After entering the year with just two career sacks, Whitney Mercilus of Illinois came through with an outstanding junior campaign and finished the season with 22.5 tackles for a loss and 16.0 sacks.
However, despite that impressive production Mercilus isn’t particularly explosive or fluid and his instincts are questionable. With that said this class is lacking when it comes to true 4-3 defensive ends, especially at the top, so Mercilus could get pushed up draft boards a bit. The Titans could opt for some interior offensive line help in the form of Stanford OG David DeCastro and depending on what happens in free agency either cornerback or safety could be a distinct possibility at this point as well.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: DAVID WILSON, RB, VIRGINIA TECH
Cedric Benson has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons but has only averaged an anemic 3.7 yards per carry the last two. Then when you also factor in Benson’s age, heavy workload, expired contract and off-the-field concerns, it’s not hard to see why Cincinnati will most likely be looking for an upgrade this offseason. David Wilson of Virginia Tech is still flying under the radar nationally to a degree but the former Hokie is very highly thought of in league circles.
In fact, Wilson will likely carry a grade similar to former teammate Ryan Williams, who was an early second rounder last year. Wilson doesn’t have the ideal size that you’d prefer but he plays bigger and offers more speed and explosiveness than the other second tier runners in this class. Depending on what they do with their earlier pick the Bengals could also consider a cornerback or offensive guard and don’t rule out a wide receiver either considering Jerome Simpson’s free agent status / legal issues.
In the past few years Cleveland has invested not one, not two but three premium draft choices on the wide receiver position with lackluster results. Brian Robiskie was a bust and has already been sent packing, Mohamed Massaquoi has averaged fewer than 35 receptions per season and while the jury is still out on Greg Little it’s difficult to imagine him ever developing into the type of dynamic go-to target that Cleveland so desperately needs. Baylor WR Kendall Wright has always been highly thought of within the scouting community, entering the season with an early round grade, but an amazing senior campaign could lead to the explosive Mike Wallace clone being the second pass catcher off the board in April.
A smooth athlete with blazing speed, Wright is exactly the type of dangerous vertical threat that Cleveland has been searching for. Also, if the Browns do opt to build around Robert Griffin III it only makes sense to reunite this prolific pass / catch duo if possible. Cleveland could also use an upgrade at right tackle, another defensive end to pair with Jabaal Sheard or a cornerback to replace Sheldon Brown. Depending on what happens with Peyton Hillis in free agency running back could be a possibility too.
For years draftniks have been giving the Lions offensive tackles in their mocks, only to see the team ignore the position on Draft Day. Sooner or later Detroit will have to acknowledge their issues up front and address them though. Right? That day can’t come soon enough for Matthew Stafford, who has taken quite a beating since entering the league. Mike Adams of Ohio St. clearly has all of the physical tools that you look for in a top offensive tackle prospect but he doesn’t always play up to them and has been plagued by bouts of inconsistency
despite considerable experience against top competition. However, blockers are always in high demand on Draft Day and Adams is just too talented to escape the first round. Adams could either replace the struggling Gosder Cherilus on the right side or the aging Jeff Backus on the left side but regardless of where Detroit lines him up it would be an upgrade. Other options could include a defensive end since Kyle Vanden Bosch is getting long in the tooth and Cliff Avril will be a free agent this offseason or perhaps a cornerback.
In recent years the Steelers have opened up their offense a bit but at heart they are still a power team. A strong offensive line is needed to run that type of system and the Steelers have some question marks up front. Sure they’ve brought in guys like Maurkice Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert the past couple of years but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add another big ugly along the o-line. Wisconsin OG Kevin Zeitler is a big, tough, physical blocker who is somewhat limited athletically
but compensates with superb intangibles. Zeitler also has three years of starting experience in a scheme similar to the one that Pittsburgh utilizes, which is an added bonus. It is also high time for the Steelers to start thinking about successors for James Farrior at inside linebacker and Casey Hampton at nose tackle since they are both in their mid-thirties. With all that said, the Steelers have surprised just about everyone with some of their first round picks in the past five years so keep an eye out for another curveball too.
Even though the Broncos defense played much better than anyone could have realistically expected this past season there is still plenty of work to be done on that side of the ball. Of particular concern is the cornerback position where there isn’t much to speak of beyond Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, who are now both in their mid-thirties. Nebraska’s Alfonzo Dennard played second-fiddle to Prince Amukamara for most of his college career but is a fine player in his own right. A solidly built, physical cover guy with average speed, Dennard isn’t quite as good of a pro prospect as Amukamara was coming out but could sneak into the back end of round one. Denver could also use an upgrade at
defensive tackle and there should be some intriguing options available at this point, including Fletcher Cox of Mississippi St., Jerel Worthy of Michigan St. and Brandon Thompson of Clemson. They could probably do better at defensive end opposite Elvis Dumervil than Robert Ayers as well. The Broncos could also opt for some help on offense, perhaps at running back or wide receiver. A tight end just might be a possibility too depending on how the team feels about the development of youngsters Julius Thomas and Virgil Green.
After finally resolving the issues in their secondary that had lingered for years, the Texans really don’t have many glaring holes in their starting lineup. With that being the case Houston can afford to play around a bit with this choice. Andre Johnson just might be the best wide receiver in the league but the Texans could definitely use another playmaker at the position that defenses must respect. Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd is arguably a top ten overall talent and compares favorably to
Larry Fitzgerald in many ways, but off-the-field issues and durability concerns will likely push him down draft boards. A big, physical wideout who is a terror in the redzone, Floyd may lack elite timed speed but he is able to make plays down the field by outmuscling and outleaping defensive backs. The Texans could also stand to upgrade at nose tackle, where Shaun Cody and Earl Mitchell were serviceable but aren’t the type of massive space-eaters that you traditionally see in a odd front.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/NO): FLETCHER COX, DL, MISSISSIPPI ST.
The Patriots once again have multiple first round picks and at least one of them could be used to address the front seven of their defense. Despite the addition of a number of high-profile veterans last offseason the Pats pass rush continued to disappoint. What is so intriguing about Fletcher Cox of Mississippi St. from New England’s perspective is the versatility that he offers. Bill Belichick has begun to incorporate both 3-4 and 4-3 looks in the Patriots defense and Cox has the ability to excel in either scheme. In an odd front Cox could play the five-technique and
then when they transition to an even front he can kick inside and operate as a penetrating three-technique. The Pats value that type of flexibility. Some may be surprised to see Cox coming off the board this early but while he isn’t a household name just yet there is a good chance that he could be this years version of Muhammad Wilkerson. New England could also opt for a defensive back, an outside linebacker to generate pressure off the edge or perhaps a wideout. Don't rule out a trade, up or down, either.
Green Bay already has one of the most dynamic outside linebackers in the league in Clay Matthews but an upgrade is clearly needed on the other side. After striking gold with Matthews, why not try the Trojan program one more time? USC’s Nick Perry played defensive end in college and racked up 29.5 tackles for a loss and 21.5 sacks in three seasons but he is undersized and may have to transition to outside linebacker at the next level. However, regardless of where Perry lines up there is no denying that he is one of the most explosive edge pass rushers in this draft.
The other main consideration for Green Bay would probably be a defensive end since Mike Neal can’t seem to stay healthy and there isn't much depth to speak of, although it may be time to bring in some more reinforcements at cornerback too. If Jermichael Finley bolts as a free agent this offseason then tight end will enter the conversation as well. Other than that the Cheeseheads don’t have many glaring holes, which could afford GM Ted Thompson the luxury of going the best player available route.
Few organizations do a better job of building in the trenches than the Giants, but it may be time for an infusion of young on the interior of the offensive line. For the most part guards and centers have been afterthoughts on Draft Day and it was relatively rare to see one selected in the first round. That has begun to change in recent years though and Wisconsin’s Peter Konz could follow in the footsteps of guys like Nick Mangold, Alex Mack, Maurkice Pouncey and Mike Pouncey as pivots to come off the board in round one. Konz really is the total package, with a prototypical mix of physical tools and intangibles
that allow him to excel in both pass protection and the run game. This certainly wouldn’t be a very sexy pick, but Konz would help solidify the G-Men’s o-line for the next decade or more. New York could also use an upgrade at middle linebacker and Luke Kuechly of Boston College would be an ideal fit if still available. Since this is the Giants that we are talking about you can never discount the possibility of a defensive end either, especially if disgruntled Osi Umenyiora is shown the door. As a darkhorse watch out for a tight end.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: VONTAZE BURFICT, ILB, ARIZONA ST.
Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome is always ready to pounce when a highly regarded talent unexpectedly falls into the Ravens laps and this would be another classic example. Ray Lewis is nearing the end of his career and neither Jameel McClain nor Dannell Ellerbe have established themselves as long-term starting material, so Vontaze Burfict of Arizona St. would be an ideal apprentice and eventual successor. Burfict is a big, fast, athletic and violent ‘backer with a real nasty streak. Burfict plays out of control at times and must get a better handle on his emotions but you’d rather have to reign in a guys aggressiveness than vise versa.
After all, Ndamukong Suh is among the dirtiest players in the league and who wouldn't want him on their team? It will be interesting to see how Burfict’s immaturity affects his draft stock but he is arguably more physically talented than Rolando McClain, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Baltimore could also use some reinforcements along their offensive line, where both Bryant McKinnie and Matt Birk have seen better days, and a safety could be a possibility too.
No organization has used as many premium draft choices on offensive lineman in recent years as the 49ers, but they may have to go back to the well one more time. Chilo Rachal is one of those former early round picks but he was benched in favor of veteran Adam Snyder and the right guard position was a problem area for most of the season. Georgia’s Cordy Glenn is a four-year starter who moved to left tackle as a senior after excelling at guard earlier in his college career. A mountain of a man with a truly rare blend of size, strength and athleticism, Glenn will elicit favorable comparisons to guys like Shawn Andrews and Andre Smith.
The addition of Glenn would represent quite an upgrade in San Francisco and perhaps he will have the type of career that Rachal was supposed to. The Niners could also look to add a wide receiver to bolster their feeble passing attack, with Michael Floyd of Notre Dame and Muhammad Sanu of Rutgers the most likely possibilities. There is room for an upgrade along the defensive line in San Francisco as well and depending on what happens in free agency outside linebacker or cornerback could be a need too.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: JANORIS JENKINS, CB, NORTH ALABAMA
New England has used four premium draft choices on cornerbacks in the past four years but the position continues to be a concern. Janoris Jenkins was an All-SEC performer at Florida, where he made a name for himself with gamebreaking plays and by shutting down elite wideouts such as A.J. Green, Julio Jones and Alshon Jeffery. Jenkins was widely considered to be a potential first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft but opted to return to Gainesville for his senior year. In hindsight that may have been a mistake as Jenkins was dismissed from the Gator football team in April following a second drug-related arrest in three months. There was speculation that Jenkins would enter the Supplemental Draft but instead he opted to transfer down a level to North Alabama for his final year of eligibility. On talent alone Jenkins should be long gone by this point, but he could very easily drop much further. Jenkins is still in the process of rehabilitating his stock and will have to
convince scouts that those off-the-field issues are behind him in order to be chosen this early. With that said, Bill Belichick has an affinity for players from the Florida program and has been known to take some risks on Draft Day so this Asante Samuel clone just might pique his interest. Depending on what they do with their earlier pick the Pats could also opt for a safety, a outside linebacker, a defensive lineman or a wideout. Then again, Belichick will probably just trade this selection for a future first rounder...
This site is an independently operated source of news and information and is in no way affiliated with the National Football League (NFL) or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). All information listed within this site is copyright of Scott Wright and Draft Countdown. Any reproduction, republication or redistribution of this site's content without express consent is strictly prohibited and will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
