17 | Jets | | Wide
Receiver | |
| While
Jerricho Cotchery has developed into a legitimate number-one receiver, the Jets
are going to miss Laveranues Coles ability to stretch the field. If they can't
move up for Mark Sanchez, they might as well give Kellen Clemens a weapon with
which to work. Heyward-Bay is raw, but you can't argue against his size and speed.
| |
18 | Broncos | | Defensive
End/Linebacker | FSU |
| This
may be a slight reach for Brown, who is quickly falling down the boards, but Denver
needs to bolster its defense. Brown's stock is falling because he's viewed as
a one-dimensional player, but that one dimension (pass rushing) is a major need
in Denver. He'll have chance to win a starting job at linebacker in 2009 if he
lands here. | |
19 | Bucs | | Quarterback | Kansas
St |
| The
Bucs may end up moving up a few slots to select Freeman, but there is no question
that he is there guy. Raheem Morris coaches Freeman at Kansas State, and that
familiairty has sealed the deal. Tampa Bay has seen enough washed up vets brought
in during Jon Gruden's tenure; its time for a fresh young face under center for
the Bucs. | |
20 | Lions | Michael
Oher | Offensive
Tackle | Ole
Miss |
| This
truly is a dream scenario for the Lions, who may even want to consider moving
up to land Oher if the opportunity presents itself. After selection a franchise
quarterback, the next step towards rebuilding a franchise is making sure that
quarterback can stay on his feet. Oher isn't an elite prospect, but still has
the ability to start at left tackle. | |
21 | Eagles | | Running
Back | Georgia |
| Brian
Westbrook turns 30 years old this year, and while the Eagles still have high hopes
for him in 2009, they know the end is near. The departure of Correll Buckhalter
opens up a major holes in the backfield behind Wesbtrook. The addition of guy
like Moreno could breathe some life into their running game and help extend Westbrook's
career. | |
22 | Vikings | | Offensive
Tackle | Arizona |
| A
growing trend in the NFL Draft is teams reaching for offensive tackles in the
late first round. The guy likely to benefit on draft day this year is Eben Britton.
He's raw, but very athletic and has the ability to compete for the starting job
at right tackle in Minnesota. Receiver is also a need here, and Kenny Britt could
be a target. | |
23 | Patriots | | Cornerback | UConn |
| The
Patriots have shown a clear interested in two UConn prospect (Butler and Donald
Brown) and both are options here. It may be tough to pass on Malcolm Jenkins if
he's available, but Bill Belichick has a tendancy to latch onto "his"
guy in the 1st round. Butler is an elite athlete who would fit well in New England's
aging secondary. | |
24 | Falcons | | Outside
Linebacker | USC |
| Like
Houston, the Falcons have shown a clear intersted in all three USC linebacker
and could select whichever one falls. After losing Michael Boley and Keith Brooking
in free agency, Atlanta is desperate for an upgrade at linebacker with this pick.
Matthews would be an ideal candidate to fill the void on the strong side vacted
by the loss of Brooking. | |
|
25 | Dolphins | | Cornerback | Ohio
State |
| Bill
Parcells has a tendancy to select outside linebackers in the 1st round, but he'll
have a hard time passing over a value like this. Jenkins may be slower than some
teams prefer, but he could certainly excel in the Dolphins defensive system. He
would be a major upgrade over either Jason Allen or Will Allen - whichever one
lost the training camp battle. | |
26 | Ravens | | Cornerback | Illinois |
| The
loss of Chris McAlister opened up a significant hole in the Ravens secondary.
Dominique Foxworth was brough in from Denver, but ideally, they would like to
use him as the nickelback. f Davis or Malcolm Jenkins falls to them, expect the
Ravens to pull the trigger. If both are gone, a receiver such as Kenny Britt could
be the backup plan. | |
27 | Colts | | Defensive
Tackle | LSU |
| The
Colts are focused on upgrading their defensive line with this selection and should
select the best available defensive tackle. Peria Jerry should the first choice,
although Ziggy Hood and Ron Brace are options. There are also rumors swirling
that the Colts would like to find another receiver here - perhaps Anthony Gonzalez's
former teammate Brian Robiskie. | |
28 | Bills | | Tight
End | |
| The
Bills have a greater need at left tackle, but there isn't a player worth reaching
for in this scenario. Instead the Bills turn their attention to Pettigrew, who
should be on the board now that Atlanta has acquired Tony Gonzalez. Pettigrew
won't offer much as a receiver, but he's an elite blocking tight end which the
Bills love. | |
29 | Giants | | Wide
Receiver | Rutgers |
| Until
the Giants acquire Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin, I have to assume they're
sticking with the initial plan of targeting a wide receiver with this selection.
Britt is a comparable receiver to Braylon Edwards. Like Edwards, he has the size
to be a possession receiver but has enough speed to stretch the field when needed.
| |
30 | Titans | | Inside
Linebacker | Ohio
State |
| The
Titans have a clear need at wide receiver, but its an area that Jeff Fisher simply
doesn't believe in addressing in the 1st round. Aside from that, there isn't a
glaring need which means they could simply take the best available player. In
this scenario that player is Laurinaitis, who would immediately compete for the
starting job. | |
31 | Cardinals | | Running
Back | UConn |
| The
Cardinals need to target a a running back to compliment Tim Hightower early in
the draft. Donald Brown and Knowshon Moreno are both great fits and rate considerably
higher than the options available to Arizona in the 2nd round. Tight end is also
a need, which could be filled if Brandon Pettigrew is still on the board. | |
32 | Steelers | | Center/Guard | Louisville |
| The
Steelers allowed 49 sacks a season ago and have done nothing to improve their
offensive line this offseason. Wood has worked out with the Steelers as a guard
and were reportedly impressed. His versatility is an added bonus, having played
guard at Louisville. Max Unger would also be a realistic option here. | |
