Scouting Report

  As it turns out Brett Favre was just a one year fix so the Jets are once again in desperate need of a top quarterback. What about Kellen Clemens and the immortal Brett Ratliff? Let’s just say if the Jets go into the 2009 season with those two they will be picking much earlier than this a year from now. New York would love to land Mark Sanchez to be the face of their franchise both on and off the field but they probably don’t have the ammo to trade up for him. However, the Jets also reportedly like Josh Freeman and while they may have to move up to ensure his acquisition as well it wouldn’t be nearly as costly. A three-year starter with prototypical size (6-6, 250) who was groomed in a pro-style system at K-State, Freeman possesses the arm strength needed to cut through the wind and poor weather conditions that are so often prevalent in New York. With Laveranues Coles now gone wide receiver is also a need so Darrius Heyward-Bey could be a possibility and if Jeremy Maclin somehow fell into their laps it might be tough to pass on him. All signs point to the Jets targeting a quarterback though and if they are unable to land Sanchez or Freeman don’t rule out them attempting to swing a deal for a veteran like Brady Quinn / Jason Campbell.

Scouting Report

  The Broncos might consider a quarterback at #12 if Mark Sanchez is available but there is little or no doubt they’ll be going defense with this selection. Whether it be defensive line, linebacker or secondary it really doesn’t matter, Denver needs help on all three levels. With that being the case they may just opt for the best player available approach and there should be plenty of enticing options on the table. Robert Ayers has seen his stock rise as much as anyone since his strong showing at the Senior Bowl and it’s gotten to the point where not only is he a sure-fire first round pick but he could even come off the board much earlier than this. Physically Ayers is adequate, albeit not special, across the board but it’s his versatility that has really caught teams attention and in Denver he would fit in as a pass rushing outside linebacker. At this point the Broncos could also consider Aaron Maybin, Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, Evander Hood, Everette Brown and  Larry English.

Scouting Report

  Every NFL Draft features a surprise or two in the first round and this might be one of them. According to my buddies over at Pewter Report.com the Bucs appear to be zeroing in on either Michael Johnson or Vontae Davis. The perception out there is that Tampa Bay needs a defensive tackle and while they could certainly use a guy like Peria Jerry the situation is just as bad at defensive end opposite Gaines Adams. On paper Michael Johnson looks like a Top 10 pick but he’s a Workout Warrior who does not always play up to his impressive physical tools. There are many who feel Johnson isn’t a first round pick but all it takes is one team to fall in love with his potential and pull the trigger earlier than they should. As for Davis, the Buccaneers definitely need a cornerback after losing Phillip Buchanon as a free agent and after having so much luck selecting an immensely talented cover guy with character concerns (Aqib Talib) in round one last year they may opt to go that route again. Even though they signed Byron Leftwich he may be a short-term solution so the Bucs would probably jump at the chance to select Josh Freeman, who new head coach Raheem Morris knows from his days on the Kansas State coaching staff,  if  he  fell this far.

Scouting Report

  After selecting Matthew Stafford with their first pick the Lions would ideally like to land a left tackle here but there really isn’t one available unless they think Eben Britton is capable of protecting the blindside. With that being the case they shift their focus to the other side of the ball in an attempt to upgrade a horrendous defense. After trading away Cory Redding and losing Shaun Cody as a free agent the Lions now have little or nothing on the interior of their defensive line and new Head Coach Jim Schwartz has made it clear he wants to improve in the trenches. Peria Jerry is athletic and quick with great strength, a terrific motor, and a top-notch work ethic. Durability is a concern but if he can just manage to stay healthy there is no reason why Jerry can’t be an impact player at the next level. Another option would be middle linebacker and that position is obviously a high priority for Detroit considering they almost took Aaron Curry #1 overall. Rey Maualuga might make sense but James Laurinaitis could be the next Chris Spielman. The Lions would almost have to consider tight end Brandon Pettigrew here as well but they seem to have bigger fish to fry.

Scouting Report

  Some may view this as a luxury pick but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Brian Westbrook will turn 30-years-old next season and his health seems to be a constant issue, with some going so far as to nickname him “Mr. Questionable” since his availability is often a gametime decision. At the absolute least Philly needs to bring in a dependable backup to replace Correll Buckhalter, who left as a free agent, and it may be time to start thinking about Westbrook’s long-term replacement. There is a chance that Knowshon Moreno will be long gone by this point but running backs do tend to slide a bit and unless a team goes against the grain and takes one even though it’s not a glaring need, a la Pittsburgh with Rashard Mendenhall last year, he could still be available. There are some who feel Moreno is one of the ten best players in this entire draft and in many ways he is similar to Cadillac Williams in that he doesn’t have elite size or speed but more than makes up for it with outstanding instincts, vision and competitiveness. The Eagles could also consider Brandon Pettigrew as a replacement for L.J. Smith, a wideout like Darrius Heyward-Bey or perhaps even a corner (Vontae Davis or Darius Butler) since Sheldon Brown is now unhappy.

Scouting Report

  The Vikings were gearing up to make a run at big-ticket free agents Jordan Gross and Vernon Carey before they re-signed with their respective teams, which is a clear indication of just how serious they are about upgrading the right tackle position. In some ways Eben Britton is a bit overhyped but even though he isn’t the stud left tackle prospect that some have made him out to be he could excel on the right side at the next level. Most seem to feel that Britton is the clear-cut #5 offensive tackle in this draft and he will almost assuredly come off the board somewhere in that 20-32 range. After the way they aggressively pursued T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency it’s obvious that Minnesota wouldn’t mind bringing in another top wide receiver so that could be a possibility as well and Percy Harvin has been mentioned as a possible target. The Vikings could also surprise and opt to bring in some help at defensive tackle since Pat Williams is going to turn 37- years-old this fall and both he and Kevin Williams are facing lengthy suspensions for violating the NFL's anti-doping policy.

Scouting Report

  Bill Belichick has already brought in quite a few veteran cornerbacks this offseason but none of them are long-term solutions and last year’s second round pick Terrence Wheatley is coming off a very disappointing rookie season. With that being the case it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Pats select arguably the best true corner in this draft. There have been rumors swirling about Belichick’s interest in Darius Butler ever since he personally attended the UConn Pro Day and while that may have just been a coincidence or a smokescreen I am going to bite. New England also needs some help at linebacker, both inside and outside, so guys like Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews, Everette Brown, Larry English or even Connor Barwin could all be possibilites here. As a real darkhorse keep an eye on the running backs because their patience is beginning to run out on former first rounder Laurence Maroney. The Patriots actually own six selections in the Top 100 picks and may not have room for them all so they are in terrific position to trade up  for someone if they want to.

Scouting Report

  Nobody expected the Falcons to win 11 games and make the playoffs in 2008 but they are just the latest example of how one good offseason can completely turn around the fortunes of a franchise. With that said Atlanta still has plenty of holes they need to address and thus could go in a number of different directions with this pick. However, the fact that they almost took Glenn Dorsey over Matt Ryan last year speaks volumes about how badly they want to upgrade the defensive tackle position and word is they really like Evander “Ziggy” Hood. Even though he isn’t flashy Hood is a terrific all-around player with solid physical tools and intangibles that are off the charts. Peria Jerry is also a possibility at defensive tackle if he's available. If they wanted to look elsewhere outside linebacker is a concern so either Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews might be a fit and they could also use another cornerback to help replace Domonique Foxworth, who left as a free agent, so watch out for Darius Butler and Vontae Davis. Atlanta is  also said to be  pretty  high on  safety Louis Delmas.

Scouting Report

  When it comes right down to it wide receiver is probably the Dolphins #1 need but you know Bill Parcells isn’t taking one in the first round. With that being the case The Tuna sets his sights on the defense, where Miami has holes to fill at both outside linebacker and cornerback. When doing mock drafts it’s important to look at a decision makers history and it’s no secret that Parcells loves linebackers and has used first round picks on them everywhere he has been. Joey Porter just had the best season of his career but he isn’t getting any younger and they could certainly do better than Matt Roth on the other side. There will likely be a number of good 3-4 linebacker prospects for the Dolphins to choose from here but Clay Matthews appears to be a perfect fit. A self-made player who went from a walk-on / special teamer at Southern Cal to a probable first round pick, Matthews is exactly the type of intense, hard working, gritty player that Parcells covets. The Dolphins also need a corner since Andre Goodman bolted as a free agent and Will Allen is due to hit the open market next offseason so watch out for  Darius Butler or Vontae Davis too.

Scouting Report

  When a talented player unexpectedly falls into the Ravens lap on Draft Day Ozzie Newsome almost always takes advantage and this may be yet another classic example. Vontae Davis is an impressive physical specimen with an ideal blend of size and speed, just like his brother Vernon. In fact, based on pure talent Davis might be one of the Top 10 players in this entire draft but concerns about his character and intangibles will likely cause him to drop a bit. Davis may not fall quite this far but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility and if he did the Ravens might pounce. Domonique Foxworth was signed as a free agent to replace Chris McAlister but Baltimore still needs to bolster their depth at cornerback, especially since Fabian Washington is set to hit the open market a year from now, and respected veteran leaders like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed could keep Davis in line and help him maximize his immense potential. Other options include Rey Maualuga, who would be an ideal replacement for Bart Scott if he somehow dropped this far, local Maryland product Darrius Heyward-Bey, right tackle Eben Britton and if Brandon Pettigrew is still on the board this late he could very well qualify  as the " Best Player Available ".

Scouting Report

  With the consensus top three defensive tackles already off the board Indy may be forced to address a position other than their #1 need here unless they reach for Ron Brace. The Colts definitely need a wide receiver to replace Marvin Harrison as well though and Darrius Heyward-Bey would be a good value late in round one. Physically there aren’t any wideouts in this draft more impressive than “DHB”, who checks in at just under 6-2, 210 pounds and ran a blistering 4.30 forty at the Scouting Combine. Heyward-Bey is still a bit raw and will require some development but in Indianapolis he could be brought along slowly behind Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. Other receivers who could be fits for the Colts here are Hakeem Nicks and Brian Robiskie. What about Percy Harvin you ask? It’s hard to envision Bill Polian going anywhere near a prospect with Harvin’s character concerns. As a darkhorse keep an eye out for a running back because Joseph Addai has struggled to stay healthy and after losing Dominic Rhodes they  don’t have any reliable  backup options.

Scouting Report

  There has been talk that the Bills could target Brandon Pettigrew at #11 overall so to land him here would be an incredible stroke of luck. Pettigrew is the consensus top tight end in this draft and while he isn’t a dynamic receiving threat like Kellen Winslow or Vernon Davis he is a very good all-around player who excels as both a pass catcher and blocker. That is exactly the type of guy the Bills are looking for at the position. Buffalo has already upgraded their offense with the addition of Terrell Owens and Pettigrew would be another big piece of the puzzle. If Pettigrew is available here this is a done deal. Depending on what they do with their first pick Buffalo could also consider an offensive tackle and if they are indeed serious about Langston Walker holding down the left side they could opt for Eben Britton or Phil Loadholt to play right tackle. If they don’t land a pass rusher at #11 the Bills would likely consider Everette Brown, Michael Johnson, Larry English or perhaps even Paul Kruger with this selection.

Scouting Report

  Following a very successful foray into free agency the Giants depth chart is looking awfully impressive, with one notable exception: Wide Receiver. Now that Plaxico Burress has officially been sent packing the Giants have a gaping hole at wideout and it was clear down the stretch last year that their offense just isn’t the same without him. Kenny Britt might drop the occasional ball and his personality may rub some people the wrong way but he is a big, physical downfield threat and exactly what the G-Men are looking for at the position. Hakeem Nicks will also be in the conversation here and don’t be surprised if they pull off a trade for a veteran receiver such as Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin. Plan “B” might be a strongside linebacker and either Clay Matthews or Clint Sintim would be an ideal fit. Don’t rule out a pass rusher like Everette Brown, Larry English or Michael Johnson either because even though they appear to be well-stocked at defensive end their philosophy is you can never have enough guys who  are capable of putting pressure on  the quarterback.

Scouting Report

  The past two years Tennessee has surprised everyone in round one when they selected Michael Griffin and Chris Johnson so it might be wise to expect the unexpected from them. Like most good teams the Titans aren’t necessarily locked into addressing any one position and they may just wait to see who falls to them. You can make the case that James Laurinaitis is the best player on the board at this point and as an added bonus he would also address a need since neither Stephen Tulloch or Ryan Fowler are anything to write home about. Had he come out last year Laurinaitis might have been a Top 10 overall pick but after twelve months of over-analysis he could fall out of the first round all together. If that happens perhaps he will be the next DeMeco Ryans or Paul Posluszny. Tennessee could also use a cornerback (Darius Butler or Vontae Davis), a wide receiver (Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks, or Brian Robiskie), a defensive tackle (Ron Brace) and maybe even a top young defensive end (Michael Johnson, Everette Brown or Larry English). Or maybe they'll shock us yet again.

Scouting Report

  The Cardinals might be the only team in the league that counts running back as one of their top Draft Day priorities but that could work out well for them as there might be some excellent options on the board here. There is certainly a chance that Chris “Beanie” Wells will be long gone by this point but if he is still available it will be a major steal. You just don’t find many 6-1,235 pound running backs with the ability to run over linebackers and run away from defensive backs. If Wells is gone Arizona could turn their attention to Donald Brown. The Cardinals could also use an upgrade at center (Alex Mack?) and after the way James Harrison abused Mike Gandy in the Super Bowl they have to at least consider bringing in a new left tackle as well. Keep an eye on an outside linebacker like Larry English here too because even though the Cards have some solid options like Travis LaBoy, Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor they don’t have  that  true difference-making pass rusher at  the position.

Scouting Report

  Even though the Steelers were able to retain both Max Starks and Chris Kemoeatu they still have some issues along the offensive line and for a team like Pittsburgh that just won’t fly. Right now former undrafted free agent Darnell Stapleton is penciled in as the starter at right guard and they could do much better at that position. Eric Wood played center in college but he showed at the Senior Bowl that he’s perfectly capable of playing guard at the next level. Also, Wood possesses the type of tough, physical, aggressive playing demeanor that has been a staple of Steeler teams for decades. Don’t rule out him playing in the pivot either because Justin Hartwig is 30-years-old, will be a free agent next offseason and isn’t exactly a Pro Bowler. Cal’s Alex Mack is another center / guard possibility. Cornerback might be an option here too since Bryant McFadden bolted as a free agent, although they did just sign Keiwan Ratliff. They’re also getting a little long in the tooth on the defensive line and one guy that I have heard they like is Jarron Gilbert although he would be quite a reach.