FINAL MOCK DRAFT

NFL Insider Today Final Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers – QB Cam Newton, Auburn

A new head coach includes a new direction for the Carolina Panthers. Jimmy Clausen simply did not show enough to warrant a second chance.
Previous Pick: DE De’Quan Bowers, Clemson


2. Denver Broncos – DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
Denver’s defense will need to plug the middle, something they didn’t do last year, and compliment to Elvis Dumervil if they hope to stay in ballgames.
Previous Pick: DT Nick Fairley, Auburn


3. Buffalo Bills – OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M
Though the popular selection here is the top quarterback available, Buffalo’s top priority is inciting high pressure in a division that features two of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the league.
Previous Pick: QB Cam Newton, Auburn


4. Cincinnati Bengals – WR AJ Green, Georgia
With Chad Ochocinco (or is it back to Johnson?) publically asking for a trade and Terrell Owens set to hit free agency, taking the Draft’s best available set of hands is Cincy’s top priority.
Previous Pick: WR AJ Green, Georgia


5. Arizona Cardinals – CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
Though taking a quarterback is an enticing option, head coach Ken Wisenhut is bent on adding a playmaker to the defense after the beating it took a year ago.
Previous Pick: QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri


6. Cleveland Browns – DT Nick Fairley, Auburn
With Shaun Rogers recently released, Cleveland needs to add a body in the middle of their defensive line. They were not able to stop the run consistently in 2010 which led to the firing of Mike Singletary, and that need should be addressed here.
Previous Pick: DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina


7. San Francisco 49ers – DE De’Quan Bowers, Clemson
San Francisco receives a gift at the seven slot with the Draft’s top defensive end. Though injury is a concern for Bowers, he is truly a gift if he can stay healthy.
Previous Pick: DT Marcel Dareus, Alabama


8. Tennessee Titans – QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
With Vince Young getting the axe, Kerry Collins seems the unlikely choice as the long-term option at quarterback for Tennessee.
Previous Pick: DT Corey Liuget, Illinois


9. Dallas Cowboys – OT Tyron Smith, USC
Though Jerry Jones has expressed interest in trading down, Dallas will select the top available tackle to prevent another injury to Tony Romo if they stand pat.
Previous Pick: CB Patrick Peterson, LSU


10. Washington Redskins – DE Robert Quinn, UNC
Washington is another team that could be in the market for accumulating picks by trading down, but will take the best available player if they stand pat.
Previous Pick: OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M


11. Houston Texans – CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
Houston was beat too many times by the deep ball last year. With Brian Cushing returning for a full season, shoring up the secondary and adding talent opposite Kareem Jackson is a top priority for the gaping Texans defense.
Previous Pick: CB Prince Amakamura


12. Minnesota Vikings – QB Jake Locker, Washington
Leslie Fraser was appointed to the full-time head coaching job in Minnesota and will need to replace Brett Favre immediately. Joe Webb is not the answer and Fraser could take the potential top quarterback from 2010 if he had declared.
Previous Pick: DE Adrian Clayborne, Iowa


13. Detroit Lions – OT Nate Solder, Colorado
Detroit could either trade up to get a top corner, or trade down to accumulate picks. However, if they do not find a suitor look for a replacement for Gosder Cherilus, the 2008 Draft bust.
Previous Pick: CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado


14. St. Louis Rams – WR Julio Jones, Alabama
Sam Bradford and Josh McDaniels are hungry for some toys in an offense that featured a battered Steven Jackson and no deep threat to speak of.
Previous Pick: WR Julio Jones, Alabama


15. Miami Dolphins – RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
Both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents and Tony Sparano is on the hot seat. Mark Ingram could be both a reach and a fit at the same time.
Previous Pick: RB Mark Ingram, Alabama


16. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
Too many reports from the Florida presses have linked the leaky Jaguars front office to Ryan Kerrigan to ignore.
Previous Pick: DE Aldon Smith, Missouri


17. New England Patriots (from Oakland) – DE/OLB Aldon Smith
Bill Belichick has neglected to add a significant pass rusher since the glory days of Willie McGinest and Mike Vrabel. Trading up to take Robert Quinn at nine or ten is also an option with six picks in the first three rounds.
Previous Pick: DE Cameron Jordan, California


18. San Diego Chargers – DE Cameron Jordan, California
With Shawn Merriman in Buffalo and the days of Rodney Harrison and Junior Seau long gone, it is time for Norv Turner to focus this draft on retooling the Chargers defense; his job might depend on it.
Previous Pick: OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA


19. New York Giants – C/G Mike Pouncey, Florida
Eli Manning took a beating last year and Ahmad Bradshaw feared driving through the middle. Taking the best available offensive lineman is crucial for a coach on the hot seat.
Previous Pick: OT Nate Solder, Colorado


20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado
Ronde Barber isn’t getting any younger and the secondary isn’t getting any better to conceal his (lack of) youth.
Previous Pick: DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue


21. Kansas City Chiefs – OLB Justin Houston, Georgia
The Chiefs are looking for the heir to Mike Vrabel, whose days seem to be numbered in the NFL (but rather plentiful on network television talking about the league…)
Previous Pick: DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State


22. Indianapolis Colts – OT Anthony Costanzo, Boston College
Peyton Manning’s streak of four games with eleven interceptions was a wakeup call for head coach Jim Caldwell to do something about his aging offensive line (to protect his aging quarterback).
Previous Pick: OT Tyron Smith, USC


23. Philadelphia Eagles – DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
The Eagles drafted Brandon Graham a year ago and will continue to add size and strength on this defense until Andy Reid gets back to the Promised Land.
Previous Pick: S Rahim Moore, UCLA


24. New Orleans Saints – OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
With the loss of Scott Fujita a year ago, the Saints will need to retool their offense starting with an athletic linebacker who can run sideline to sideline.
Previous Pick: DE JJ Watt, Wisconsin


25. Seattle Seahawks – DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State
Though a quarterback could be in store later in the Draft, Pete Carroll first needs to address his defensive line before replacing a top ten quarterback.
Previous Pick: OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin


26. Baltimore Ravens – CB Brandon Harris, Miami (FL)
John Harbaugh knows too much about his defense to ignore the lack of true depth at cornerback his team has.
Previous Pick: CB Aaron Williams, Texas


27. Atlanta Falcons – DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Though Kyle Rudolph could still be in the mix, adding a pass rusher or gap-closer is crucial after what Mike Smith witnessed in the NFC playoffs last season.
Previous Pick: TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame


28. New England Patriots – DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
With Ty Warren coming back from injury, the Pats now have a chance to add a 5-technique defensive end to play opposite of him and next to Vince Wilfork. An offensive guard or tackle could also be in the mix as well.
Previous Pick: OLB Justin Houston, Georgia


29. Chicago Bears – OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Though Lovie Smith loves to draft defensive players (or trade away drafts altogether), he will need to protect the investment he made in Jay Cutler two off-seasons ago.
Previous Pick: OT Anthony Constanzo, Boston College

30. New York Jets – DT Corey Liuget, Illinois
Though replacing Vernon Gholston is on the agenda, adding someone to shore up the defensive line is a bigger need for Rex Ryan’s defense.
Previous Pick: DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State


31. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Aaron Williams, Texas
Pittsburgh’s secondary was exposed during two critical weeks last season: Week Ten on national television against the Patriots, and the Super Bowl against the Packers.
Previous Pick: G Mike Pouncey, Florida


32. Green Bay Packers – OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
Protecting the concussion-prone Aaron Rodgers’ blind side is just as important as winning in the playoffs…those two often coincide with each other.
Previous Pick: DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple


Written by: Jimmy King
Picks taken by: Jimmy King and Bill Young

Writers' Big Board, Post-Combine

WRITERS' BIG BOARD, POST-COMBINE

Name, Position, College, Rank (on a scale of 1-10)


Jimmy King's Big Board

1. Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M - 10/10
Miller has unbelievable speed, quickness, and tenacity as a pass-rusher. Could play in either a 3-4 or 4-3. Only weakness is size.

2. Robert Quinn, DE North Carolina - 9.9/10
Quinn could play for virtually an team in football as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or a defensive end in a 4-3 with a 6'4'' 260 pound build. Closest comparison is to Juius Peppers.

3. De'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson - 9.8/10
Bowers is the safest pick at defensive end in the draft. Big enough to play a 3 or 5-technique in any scheme as a tremendous pass-rusher or run-stuffer.

4. Patrick Peterson, CB LSU - 9.8/10
With flexibility being the one question mark on Peterson's resume, there is no question he is the most athletic and talented defensive back this year.

5. Nick Fairley, DT Auburn - 9.7/10
Despite his 305+ pound frame, Fairley still ran a sub-5.0 40-meter dash and was extremely productive as a disruptor in the middle for Auburn.

6. AJ Green, WR Georgia - 9.7/10
Green's height and speed pits him as the best deep threat in this year's draft. Green numbers suffered very little (848 yards, 9 TDs) last year despite constantly demanding double teams.

7. Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri - 9.5/10
Gabbert has the size, accuracy, and strength and is widely considered to be the prototypical NFL quarterback. The only question mark on Gabbert is his hairstyle.

8. Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama - 9.5/10
Dareus is drawing comparisons to Warren Sapp in term so of his size and power as a run-stuffer and force in the middle. Dareus is this year's Gerald McCoy.

9. Prince Amukamura, CB Nebraska - 9.5/10
Nndamukong Suh has proclaimed Amukamara as the best cover corner in this year's draft. His coverage abilities closely resemble those of Devin McCourty; has great instincts and controllable speed.

10. Nate Solder, OT Colorado - 9.4/10
Solder is an absolute tank. At 6'8'' 315 pounds, Solder will be the staple to any offensive line for at least ten years; has great feet and decent mobility.

11. Julio Jones, WR Alabama - 9.4/10
Jones ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine on a fractured foot; has incredible toughness and is able to separate. Route running is a question mark, but is a legitimate vertical threat.

12. Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado - 9.3/10
Jimmy Smith is the closest thing to Nnamdi Asomough I can find among this year's secondary prospects; very smooth and has good size. Only problem is off the field issues with a history of DUIs and drug charges.

13. Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa - 9.2/10
Clayborn is this year's best run-stuffing defensive end. Bears a striking resemblance to Cameron Jordan in measurables, but Clayborn is pure power whereas Jordan is finesse.

14. Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB Purdue - 9.1/10
The buzzword surrounding Kerrigan's play is that his "motor" never stops. He is a tenacious pass-rusher and teammates say his work ethic and leadership is contagious.

15. Mark Ingram, RB Alabama - 9.0/10
What would a Big Board be without the year's top running back? Ingram is a big runner who has speed and can make yards out of nothing; built like Steven Jackson.

16. Cameron Newton, QB Auburn - 9.0/10
The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner has undeniable talent, however his performance at the Combine did not help his cause as accuracy was an issue. Teams will have to decide if they are willing to accept his uncertain past.

17. Corey Liuget, DT Illinois - 8.9/10
Liuget is an athletic tackle that compares nicely to Casey Hampton; has room to gain weight to be a disruptive nose tackle in a 3-4.

18. Tyron Smith, OT USC - 8.9/10
Despite the fact that Smith played right tackle during his career at USC, he has the durability to play either side in the NFL. His only downside is height at 6'5.''

19. Aldon Smith, DE/OLB Missouri - 8.8/10
Smith's stock has improved with a solid combine performance. Despite the fact that his had his hand on the ground during his career at Missouri, Smith has admitted to training as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

20. Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA - 8.7/10
Ayers is the second most talented pure outside linebacker in this year's draft. His combine performance neither improved or hurt his draft stock; Ayers is a good pass-rusher and above average in dropback situations.

Honorable Mentions:
Ryan Mallet, QB Arkansas
JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin
Cameron Jordan, DE California
Justin Houston, OLB Georgia
Justin Baldwin, WR Pittsburgh

Sleepers:
Brooks Reed, DE/OLB Arizona
Jonathan Baldwin, WR Pittsburgh
Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas
Martez Wilson, OLB Illinois
Luke Stocker, TE Tennessee


Tony Mosesso's Big Board

1) Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – 9.9/10
Can’t miss here. Great size and speed, he will be an asset to any NFL team.

2) Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – 9.9/10
He led the NCAA in sacks and tackles for loss last year. Bowers will be able to recreate much of what he did in his college career.

3) Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M – 9.9/10
He’s a flexible player that can play both positions well. His instincts and intangibles are more astounding than his numbers.

4) A.J. Green, WR, Georgia – 9.8/10
Green’s talent can be measured pretty simply. When he was under suspension for Georgia, the Bulldogs’ offense was anemic. When he returned, it was dynamic. He’s a game changer.

5) Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina – 9.6/10
All that needs to be said is Julius Peppers 2.0. Oh, they went to the same school too.

6) Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn – 9.6/10
Putting Fairley at 6 isn’t an insult – I just think there’s too much stock being put into one game. He’s great, but not #1 pick material. Anyway, Fairley is very quick off of the ball and gets to the backfield with relative ease.

7) Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama – 9.5/10
I don’t think the line between Dareus and Fairley is as thick as others. Dareus has been a consistent contributor and will instantly plug up the middle of any team’s defensive line.

8) Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska – 9.5/10
He’s one of those guys that will be a great defender without putting up numbers – simply because his side won’t be thrown to (as evidenced by his Big 12 defensive POY award last year, while recording zero interceptions).

9) Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – 9.5/10
An amazing combination of size and speed, he’d be a great fit on a team in need of a game breaking WR.

10) Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – 9.4/10
He doesn’t get beat and has a fantastic football mind. He’s got good side but still maintains the ability to move quickly and with agility.

11) Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – 9.4/10
Two straight Buffalo, Smith could be the sneakiest CB to take. Similar production as the heralded Peterson and Amukamara, but 10 spots later. Fiscally sound.

12) Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – 9.3/10
He’s quick and is a great pass rusher. Even with the plethora of great DEs going in the first round, Kerrigan could be one of the first.

13) Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois – 9.3/10
The best DT that doesn’t get talked about. He’s got wild athleticism and is disruptive to offenses – great value pick.

14) Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – 9.2/10
Could be my Big 10 affiliation, but Carimi is a fantastic blocker that I feel could make a huge impact on any offensive line.

15) Tyron Smith, OT, USC – 9.2/10
He’s another Offensive Lineman with quickness and agility, and he isn’t far from surpassing Carimi. He can get to the second level and block any position.

16) Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA – 9.2/10
Great fit for a 3-4 defense, just needs to be quicker in play diagnostics to get to the ball carrier quicker.

17) Mike Pouncey, C, Florida – 9.1/10
Like brother Maurkice, this kid could be anchoring the middle of an offensive line sooner rather than later.

18) Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – 9.0/10
Clayborn showed dominating abilities in college and has the ability to stop the run and rush the pass – now he needs to stay healthy.

19) Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri – 8.9/10
Gabbert is getting a value boost for being the best QB available in a weak QB class, but he didn’t show he has top 5 value in his last year in college. Still, he has a solid football IQ and can make almost any throw.

20) Rahim Moore, S, UCLA – 8.9/10
Many are sleeping on him, but I think he has the ability to be an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. He’s very durable and has great open field ability as well as pass coverage ability.

Honorable Mentions:
Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
Justin Houston, OLB Georgia
Cameron Jordan, DE California

Sleepers:
Shane Vereen, RB California
Greg Jones, ILB Michigan State
Jerrel Jernigan, WR Troy
Chimdi Chekwa, CB Ohio State
Stephen Schilling, OG Michigan


Bill Young's Big Board

1) Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M--9.9/10

The strength to stop a running back without forward momentum and the speed to cover an NFL TE. Not just ready to play--ready to dominate.

2) Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina--9.8/10
His athletic ability has reminded scouts of the skills of a young Julius Peppers.

3) Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson--9.8/10
The only concern with him is the recent injury. Otherwise he has proven himself to be able to lift the play of an entire defensive unit on his own.

4) Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU--9.7/10
A versatile player that can play any position in the secondary. His speed makes him dynamic enough to return kicks and recover even against the fastest of wide receivers.

5) Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama--9.6/10
A player who performed admirably even with injuries in the SEC. Players who can overcome adversity are valuable especially with this talent level.

6) Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn--9.5/10
His speed was otherworldly during the college season. Unfortunately he came to the combine on the heavy side.

7) AJ Green, WR, Georgia--9.4/10
He was able to transform Georgia's offense as soon as he returned. He could be the next Calvin Johnson.

8) Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska--9.4/10
Opposing offenses simply did not throw his way out of respect for his close coverage.

9) Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri--9.3/10
A tough-minded QB who can make any throw. His interview impressed scouts as did his ability to read defenses.

10) Julio Jones, WR, Alabama--9.3/10
He impressed everyone at the combine with his ability to overcome pain and perform at a high level. The downside--he seems to get injured a lot.

11) Nate Solder, OT, Colorado--9.3/10
The best offensive tackle in the draft. His agility and strength set him apart from other offensive lineman.

12) Adrian Clayborne, DE, Iowa--9.2/10
The defensive end from Iowa showed an ability to dominate on both running and passing situations. The question is if he can maintain his intensity and health over time.

13) Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue--9.2/10
His workout impressed everyone at the combine. His speed makes his pass rush from the edge an offensive tackle's nightmare.

14) Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado--9.1/10
His numbers are similar to Amukamara's. Questions that remain are about his character and if Colorado's other CB were so bad that no one threw at him.

15) Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois--9.1/10
A disruptive defensive tackle that can stuff the run.

16) Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA--9.1/10
A linebacker who perfectly fits a 3-4 scheme. His tutelage under Rick Neuheisel ensures that he will be ready to tackle complicated defensive schemes in the NFL.

17) Tyron Smith, OT, USC--9.0/10
An offensive tackle who can play anywhere and reach the second level when blocking. He has sneaky speed which will be an asset for any team he goes to.

18) J.J Watt, DE, Wisconsin--9.0/10
An impressive run stopping force that can create a good pass-rush on 3rd down.

19) Cameron Jordan, DE, California--8.9/10
Pass rushing abilities are solid. He needs to show more discipline at the next level in the running game.

20) Mike Pouncey, C, Florida--8.9/10
The versatility he showed at Florida has greatly added to his value. If he plays a position other than center in the NFL, he will react faster after the snap than before. His speed and strength are good but dealing with SEC defenses has given him the necessary experiences for an NFL ready offensive lineman.

Honorable Mentions:
Rahim Moore, S UCLA
Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State
Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College

Sleepers:
Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
Shane Vereen, RB, California
Ras-I Dowling, CB, UVA
Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College


*Source for statistics: ESPN.com

NFL INsider Today Mock Draft 1.0

NFL INSIDER TODAY MOCK DRAFT 1.0


1. Carolina Panthers—DE Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson
The Panthers have been sorely lacking in a pass rush threat since the departure of All-Pro Julius Peppers. A quick DT like Auburn’s Nick Fairley is also in play here.
Other Needs: DT, QB, CB


2. Denver Broncos—DT Nick Fairley
Elvis Dumervil is coming back from injury, but the Broncos lack a real impact player in the middle of their defensive line. Head coach John Fox will be looking for an immediate starter during his first year.
Other Needs: CB, S, TE


3. Buffalo Bills – QB Cam Newton, Auburn
Ralph Wilson has gone on record saying that Cam Newton is the best player in the draft. With the inconsistent play of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Wilson will give Chan Gailey potentially the most explosive player in the draft in his last-ditch effort to resurrect this franchise.
Other Needs: OT, CB, DE


4. Cincinnati Bengals – WR AJ Green, Georgia
Terrell Owens will not be back with the team and Chad Ochocinco (or Johnson depending on who you ask) has requested a trade. This pick will also be dictated on whether or not Carson Palmer is traded.
Other Needs: MLB, DT, S


5. Arizona Cardinals—QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
The Cardinals have been trying without much success to replace Kurt Warner. This pick gives them an opportunity to add a franchise QB and regain their identity as a pass-happy offense.
Other Needs: OLB, OT, S


6. Cleveland Browns – DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina
The Browns recently released Shaun Rogers and were ranked in the lower third in sacks and pressures. They will address their lack of presence on the defensive line with this pick.
Other Needs: WR, OT, LB


7. San Francisco 49ers—DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
The 49ers can maximize the ability of star LB Patrick Willis if they can land a top defensive tackle in the upcoming draft. This pick should ease the pressure on the tumultuous quarterback situation in San Francisco.
Other Needs: OLB, CB, RB


8. Tennessee Titans – DT Corey Liuget, Illinois
The Titans have suffered two losses to Pro Bowl defensive lineman in consecutive years that effectively cost Jeff Fisher his job (Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch). Tennessee will need to plug the holes on the defensive line if they want to have any success against the run.
Other Needs: QB, G, DE

9. Dallas Cowboys—CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
The Cowboys were absolutely miserable in the secondary last year. The defense has been depending on the talent of DeMarcus Ware for far too long.
Other Needs: OT, S, RB


10. Washington Redskins—OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M
As good as linebacker London Fletcher has been for the Redskins, he is now in his mid-30s. This is clearly the best linebacker that would give the Redskins another pass rushing threat alongside Brian Orakpo.
Other Needs: QB, DT, G/C


11. Houston Texans – CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
Gary Kubiak’s job remained intact only by the hiring of Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator. The gift of the best available help for the secondary will be crucial in a division that features Peyton Manning and a conference that offers Brady, Rivers, Roethlisberger, Flacco, and Palmer.
Other Needs: S, DT, G


12. Minnesota Vikings—DE Adriane Clayborne, Iowa
The Vikings need to bring more depth to the pass rush as Jared Allen loses a step. Ray Edwards may also leave as a free agent in the near future. Cornerback Jimmy Smith also lurks here as a possibility.
Other Needs: QB, S, CB


13. Detroit Lions—CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado
The Lions are in the process of trying to re-sign Cornerback Chris Houston and attempting to sign Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Additionally, the Lions have a set of corners that haven’t lived up to expectations. It would be good for the Lions to find depth in the secondary and Jimmy Smith has the kind of talent to make an impact on the defense right away.
Other Needs: OLB, OL, WR


14. St. Louis Rams—WR Julio Jones, Alabama
The Rams lost their top two wide receivers to injury last year. Even when they were healthy however, they were not a difference making group. Julio Jones could provide playmaking in both the passing and running attack.
Other Needs: S, RB, DE


15. Miami Dolphins – RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
Both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are unrestricted free agents and both had durability issues. Other potential fits could include someone on the line to compliment Cameron Wake’s pass rush and ability to set the edge.
Other Needs: DT, WR, S


16. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Aldon Smith, Missouri
Aaron Kampman will be returning from injury and Tyson Alualu had a better-than-expected rookie year. Adding another piece to the defensive line could bring the Jaguars back to mid-2000’s prominence.
Other Needs: WR, CB, OLB


17. New England Patriots (from Oak) – DE Cameron Jordan, California
The Pats have been in need of a solid 5-technique defensive end since the Richard Seymour trade. A pass-rushing outside linebacker is also a position of need and could be taken here.
Other Needs: OLB, OT, WR

18. San Diego Chargers – OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
The Chargers still need a replacement for Shawn Merriman and are fully expected to make a pick here that mirrors this need.
Other Needs: DE, OT, S


19. New York Giants—OT Nate Solder, Colorado
The offensive line that once was the staple of their 2008 Super Bowl championship has started to decline. The best remedy to that would be to draft the top offensive tackle available.
Other Needs: LB, CB, RB


20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
Tampa Bay needs to add a defensive end to complement the talent they selected last year in Gerald McCoy. Stylez White and others simply have not been getting enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Other Needs: LB, OL, TE


21. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State
The Chiefs need a replacement for Mike Vrabel, but their most pressing need is an impact body in the middle of the defensive line. Ron Edwards is aging and doesn’t hold up as well as he has in previous years.
Other Needs: OLB, C/G, OT


22. Indianapolis Colts – OT Tyron Smith, USC
Peyton Manning was hurried one too many times last year and endured an uncharacteristic stretch where he threw eleven interceptions in three games. An aging offensive line won’t do any good for an aging Peyton Manning.
Other Needs: S, CB, MLB


23. Philadelphia Eagles—S Rahim Moore, UCLA
The Eagles secondary lost a lot of leadership and talent when they moved Brian Dawkins to Denver. This pick should give them the opportunity to bolster their secondary.
Other Needs: CB, DE, OT


24. New Orleans Saints—DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
The Saints need to improve their ability to stop the run and improve their pass rush to create more turnovers. J.J. Watt should allow defensive coordinator Gregg Williams more freedom when calling defenses and making decisions tougher for quarterbacks next season.
Other Needs: LB, DT, RB


25. Seattle Seahawks—OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Despite the midseason addition of Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks had one of the worst rushing attacks in football last season. The addition of Carimi should allow the Seahawks to finally regain a running game to support the deteriorating arm of Matt Hasselbeck.
Other Needs: QB, CB, WR, DT


26. Baltimore Ravens – CB Aaron Williams, Texas
 The Ravens secondary is both underwhelming and aging all at the same time. We also saw that it could allow opponents to score quickly and give up leads (see AFC Divisional Round against the Steelers). Adding depth and youth is a top priority.
Other Needs: S, RT, DE


27. Atlanta Falcons—TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
The Falcons will need a tight end to replace the aging Tony Gonzalez to both improve their current standard and maintain the standard they set during last year’s regular season.
Other Needs: DE, LB, WR


28. New England Patriots – OLB Justin Houston, Georgia
The Pats top needs this year are a pass rushing outside linebacker, a 5-technique defensive end, and an offensive lineman to replace Matt Light (even if he is re-signed). The Pats will address the second of those needs (in whatever order Bill Belichick deems fit) with this pick.
Other Needs: OT, WR, RB


29. Chicago Bears—OT Anthony Costanzo, Boston College
The Bears offensive line couldn’t keep Jay Cutler healthy when it mattered most last year. Improving the offensive line should go a long way to ensuring that Jay Cutler – and not an inexperienced backup – is leading the Bears in the playoffs.
Other Needs: WR, RB, DT


30. New York Jets – DE Cameron Hayward, Ohio State
Shaun Ellis is 33-years old, Vernon Gholston will most likely be released at some point, and Jason Taylor is considering retirement. Nothing more needs to be said about the Jets’ top need.
Other Needs: DT, RB, S


31. Pittsburgh Steelers – G Mike Pouncey, Florida
The bane to the Steelers playoff run and Super Bowl was the health and effectiveness of their offensive line. Look for the addition of a tackle or guard with their first round pick.
Other Needs: OT, WR, CB


32. Green Bay Packers—DE Muhammed Wilkerson, Temple
Cullen Jenkins may leave as a free agent after this year and Ryan Pickett is losing a step. All-Pro linebacker Clay Mathews would also benefit from having more depth up front. Outside tackle could also be strong consideration here given the multiple concussions Aaron Rodgers suffered last year.
Other Needs: RB, OT, OG

 
Written by Staff Writers Jimmy King and Bill Young