Real Football - The Pernickety Project's 2011 NFL Mock Draft - Version 2.0

Hello Persnickety football fanatics, we're knee deep in Combine-associated shit right now so it's time for Version 2.0 of our 2011 NFL Mock Draft complete with updated picks and offseaons needs for all 32 teams.  Our last version came out right before players announced whether they'd stay in school or chase the money (fantastic timing on our part, we know).  With the right players and the final draft order, our second attempt should be a bit more accurate.

1. Carolina Panthers, 2-14

Team Needs: WR, DE, DT, CB, OLB, G, C, All new players, Jerry Richardson to stop being such a douche

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn, 6'4", 299 lbs

Carolina fans now understand what the Jets went through in 1996 when Peyton Manning decided to return to Tennessee for his senior season rather than join Bill Parcells in New York.  It was a move that changed the fortunes of two franchises.  With the relative sure-thing, Andrew Luck, gone new coach Ron Rivera will aim to improve the Panthers D, an important task in a division with the high-powered Saints and Falcons and emerging Bucs. The NFL is a copycat league and after Suh’s dominant rookie campaign, everyone will be  looking for their own game changer inside. Fairley can be just that. His final year was just as dominant as Suh's was for Nebraska in 2009, finishing with 11 sacks, a Lombardi Award and a stellar performance in the National Championship Game (5 tackles 3 for a loss and a forced fumble.) and he possesses the size, power and quickness to dominate against the pass and the run.  If he can put his maturity and work ethic issues behind him, Carolina will have one of the many pieces they need for the long road back.  One thing to keep an eye on, Fairely weighed in a bit lighter than teams would like at the Combine (under 300 lbs) so keep an eye on Bowers or one of the QB's sneaking up as the process continues.

2. Denver Broncos, 4-12

Team Needs: LB, DT, OLB, The resurrection of John Elway, For their best defensive player to not be a 32-year old cornerback

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson, 6'4", 280 lbs

John Fox goes from the team with the first pick to the team with the second and finds the very same problems he left behind in Charlotte - an unproven QB and no defense.  He’ll likely bring his 4-3 scheme with him (changing from the incumbent 3-4) so he'd be thrilled to land either Fairley or Bowers, both perfectly suited for that scheme.  In this scenario, Bowers is the pick as the best pass rusher in the draft and a potential pro bowler.  He racked up 16 sacks during his junior season and is exactly the type of big, strong, versatile pass-rusher that Fox can build a defense around like he did with Julius Peppers. Like Peppers or Justin Tuck, he can move all around the formation, including inside on passing downs to create havoc.  A knee injury repaired after the season could raise durability concerns but we doubt he falls much past here regardless.

3. Buffalo Bills, 4-12

Team Needs: QB, OT, DE, OLB, SS, Hope, Passports

Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina, 6'4", 254 lbs

The Bills are in a tough spot here with needs all across the board and no clear cut options for any of them.  The emergence of Ryan Fitzpatrick as a serviceable NFL quarterback means they have the luxury of waiting rather than stake their futures on Gabbert or Newton (though don't be surprised is eventually one of them finds their way up here).  Quinn, who missed his senior season due to NCAA infractions, is a physical freak and fearsome pass rusher who can play either standing in a 3-4 or with his hand in the dirt in a 4-3, giving the Bills some positional flexibility (get used to that word it's going to become a theme this year).  His combination of speed, size and talent should make him an instant impact player as a situational pass rusher for a bad Bills defense (kind of like the anti-Aaron Maybin).  NCAA issues notwithstanding, Quinn is considered a high-character player and exceptionally hard-worker (he worked his way back from a brain tumor his senior year in high school) and has all the tools to become a dominant end.

4. Cincinnati Bengals, 4-12

Team Needs: QB, RB, DE, T, S, MLB, New ownership, To love Carson Palmer and set him free

Marcell Dareus DE/DT Alabama, 6'2", 303 lbs

The Bengals remain delusional. After yet another disappointing season, they're bringing back Marvin Lewis (to save money, no doubt) and swear they’ll do the same with inconsistent Carson Palmer (are we all ready to admit he hasn't been the same since Kimo Von Oelhoffen destroyed his knee?) despite his ultimatum to trade him or watch him retire.  Because of their hallucinatory state, they'll likely pass on a 1st round quarterback and the associated chance to remake their franchise.  Still, reinforcements on defense are needed and Dareus, a defensive tackles who moves like a defensive end and could develop into a Richard Seymour-type swing lineman that can play any position is a solid, if uninspired, choice.  He burst onto the scene with a rambling defensive touchdown in the Crimson Tide's BCS Title victory over Texas last season but failed to put together a dominant encore so the buzz might not be there but his flexibility, versatility and explosiveness make him an asset.  He could develop into a real difference maker if he can get his effort to match his physical skills and has a shot at passing Fairely as the #1 DT if things break right.

5. Arizona Cardinals 5-11

Team Needs: QB, CB, OLB, T, G, A ruffie to forget the Derek Anderson era, To send Kurt Warner a piece of toast with an image of some religious thing to convince him it's his divine providence to play one more season

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU, 6'1", 211 lbs

Regimes on the hot seat do not draft quarterbacks with single digit picks unless they want to lose their jobs and we doubt Wisenhunt is ready to leave the dry heat of Arizona.  We see them chasing a veteran signal caller (McNabb, Kolb, Hasselbeck) and addressing their weak defense with this early pick.  Peterson is a big corner in the Charles Woodson/Antonio Cromartie (without the kids hopefully) mold with elite size, great straight line speed, solid cover skills and the bonus of game-breaking return ability.  His main weakness could come covering smaller, quicker guys underneath, i.e. Welker, but even that is mitigated by the idea that he could move to safety if needed a la Antrel Rolle or Malcolm Jenkins and if he runs a 4.2 at the Combine like he's said he would all that will be forgotten.  No matter where he ends up he’s an impact player.
6. Cleveland Browns, 5-11

Team Needs: WR, T, LB, DE, Something else for people of Cleveland to do, A chaperon for the new 15-year old coach

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia, 6'4", 208 lbs

This is the biggest no brainer in the history of earth. No team is in more need of a top WR than the Browns and Green, a big, fast and productive player, is far and away the premier prospect as his position. He could form a potent tandem with Colt McCoy for years to come and finally give the Dog Pound something to bark about. Despite a uninspiringshowing at the combine (4.5 40, dropped some passes), we absolutely love Green's potential as a big time NFL playmaking WR along the lines of Roddy White and Reggie Wayne.

7. San Francisco 49ers, 6-10

Team Needs: QB, WR, QB, DT, QB, LB, QB, CB, QB, Winners, A glass of milk for Frank Gore and his broken hip

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri, 6'5", 240 lbs

Inconsistent QB play cost Mike Singletary his job so new coach and former quarterback Jim Harbaugh will look to remedy that from the start. It takes guts to pick a quarterback this high after whiffing on Alex Smith only a few years ago (and passing on Aaron Rodgers, of course), but Gabbert, considered a Top 5 talent and in some eyes the best QB in the draft, has all the tools to wipe away that mistake for good.  Despite being relatively unknown to the general public, he showed excellent athleticism at the combine to go with his prototypical size, arm strength and accuracy giving him all the tools necessary to succeed as a top-shelf passe.  His pedestrian college numbers (less productive at Mizzou than NFL backup Chase Daniels) belie his big talent.  If he can get his head on straight and become more than a 9-to-5 guy, his upside is unlimited.

8. Tennessee Titans, 6-10

Team Needs: QB, G, LB, CB, An owner who doesn't throw his coach under the bus and then pretend he didn't, For their new coach to grow a mustache and beard so fans think Jeff Fisher never left

Von Miller, OLB/DE, Texas A&M, 6'3", 240 lbs

After Jeff Fisher's surprising resignation, the Titans find themselves with a new coach and no quarterback.  With Gabbert going in front of them and the expected reluctance to take the VY-like Cam Newton, we'd expect Tennessee to focus on the next best option for a quick turnaround - ramping up the pass rush.  Miller tore up the Senior Bowl, showing the fluidity needed to play LB in the pros to go along with his truly special ability to get after the quarterback and is absolutely flying up draft boards to the point that he might not even make it to 8.  He’s a pass-rushing phenom with the stats (21.5 TFL and 17 sacks in the Big 12 this past year) and the physical talent to develop into a true, all-around impact ‘backer in the mold of Clay Matthews. 

9. Dallas Cowboys, 6-10

Team Needs: T, G, DE, S, CB, To go away, To not sell tickets for seats that don't exist

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6', 203 lbs

After an wonderfully, awful season, Dallas finds itself picking in the Top 10 after watching NFC-rival Green Bay hoist the Lombardi Trophy in their own building and with needs at positions where the available players don't warrant high picks.  Boy, doesn't that suck.  If Solder or Smith don't solidify a Top 10 grade, they’ll be left to try to fix some of their defensive holes (they have a ton of free agents) and maybe put their troubles in the back end to rest once and for all by taking Amukamara.  Dallas' corners were nowhere to be found last year and the Prince represents great value at 9 on name alone.  He’s an excellent cover corner with superior technical acumen, good size, great closing speed, proven production (see Locker, Jake: 4-20 v. Nebraska) and the ability to support the run.  The gap between Prince and Peterson isn't huge and could even narrow weekly as the draft approaches (Prince is actually more fluid with better change of direction than the higher-rated Peterson. )

10. Washington Redskins, 6-10

Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, T, G, DE, DT, CB, LB, A Haynesworth/McNabb enema,  Some sunscreen for old Stroke Face

Cam Newton QB, Auburn, 6'5", 248 lbs

Despite the deep well of needs present on the Redskins roster, we're still thinking that Shanahan will develop a man-crush on a quarterback and snag one here.  At first we thought Locker might wow scouts at the Senior Bowl once he got more talent around him, but he fell victim to the same issues that dogged him throughout his career.  That and Newton almost overwhelming talent move him into the Top 10 and make him the new object of Mike's affection.  Shanahan loves mobile quarterbacks who demonstrate toughness and leadership and Newton, as much as anyone else, fits the bill.  Despite an erratic combine throwing session and come divde on his interview performance, the buzz around Newton is and will continue to grow as the draft approaches.  It will be hard to teams to pass on a guy with his production and physical talent, in fact, when all is said and done, he might not even make it to 10.  He has all the talent you want with a blend of size, speed, passing ability, play making and on-field leadership, that few have seen before. He'll be able to make the plays outside the pocket that drives teams nuts and makes Shanahan's offense go. If he can demonstrate accuracy and put to rest questions about his maturity, he’ll be an absolutely HUGE star and give the Skins what they thought they were getting in the ill-fated trade for Donovan McNabb.

11. Houston Texans, 6-10

Team Needs: DT, CB, S, to get back to 8-8, To get Cushing back on the juice

Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal, 6'4", 280 lbs

Wade Phillips taking over won't be enough alone to fix an absolutely awful defense so the Texans will have to bring in reinforcements, starting with Jordan a rising end, best suited for the 3-4, who has the size and versatility Wade will covet as he tries to piece together a scheme. He can play anywhere in the line except the nose and, despite his lack of explosiveness gets to the passer with excellent technique incredible strength and a high energy approach. The Texans are going to love this guy.

12. Minnesota Vikings, 6-10

Team Needs: QB, S, DE, DT, OLB, To finally move on, Moving vans pointed toward L.A.

Nate Solder, T, Colorado, 6'8", 300 lbs

With Newton gone and guys like Locker and Mallett falling, the Vikes position of greatest need will have to wait.  In that case, tackle becomes the position of best value for a team with talent all across the board so they potentially reach slightly for Solder.  The battle for top tackle looks like it will be between Solder and Tyron Smith.  Smith took the lead briefly in some circles by showing well on tape but Solder reestablished himself as perhaps the premier tackle prospect in this draft by dominating everyone and everything during Senior Bowl practices and showing otherworldly athletic ability for a man his size at the Combine.  He's a former TE with excellent size and exceptional athleticism with the speed, agility which teams covet in their left tackles. He could develop as the heir to aging and inconsistent Bryant McKinnie.

13. Detroit Lions, 6-10

Team Needs: T, G, LB, SS, DE, CB, A shoulder that allows Stafford to get the ball to Megatron, To watch that Chrysler commercial before every game

Aldon Smith OLB Missouri, 6’5”, 260 lbs

Smith enters our mock draft for the first time at #13 due to his unique combination of size, athleticism and pass rush potential giving the Lions a high-upside prospect to further fortify a young defense. He’s got room to fill out his tall, lean frame and can play either 4-3 end or 3-4 rush-backer with plenty of speed to turn the corner on a tackle and enough strength to set the edge. Could be the perfect complement to Suh and will have an instant impact on passing downs whenever they play again.

14. St. Louis Rams, 7-9

Team Needs: WR, CB, OLB, DT, DE, S, G, To keep doing what they're doing

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama, 6'4", 211 lbs

The Rams are a team on the rise. In only one season, Bradford established himself as a franchise caliber signal caller and took a team that finished with the worst record in the league within one game of a playoff spot (sure it was the NFC West but still).  To totally fulfill his immense potential, he needs a dynamic receiver on the outside to make plays for him. Much like Green to the Browns, this pick is a huge no-brainer.  Jones has all the potential to be that big-time go-to receiver Bradford needs - his Marvin Harrison, if you will. Jones is a former top overall recruit at his position and has great size, deceptively good speed (he's a long strider!!) and put on a absolutely dominant performance at the Combine squelching any questions about his speed by running the 40 in 4.39 and catching everything in sight.  The Rams might be lucky to get him at 14.

15. Miami Dolphins, 7-9

Team Needs: QB, RB, G, C, An offense, A more intimidating mascot than Flipper

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama, 5'10", 215 lbs

Ideally Miami would trade up for a QB or down for an interior offensive lineman but if they stay at 15, a replacement for the likely departing two-headed disappointment of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to rebuild the running game could be in order. After winning the Heisman as a sophomore, Ingram had a down year but remains a first round talent capable of being a feature back with a nice combo of size and speed. Not physically imposing but he's an instinctive and effective runner, adept at setting up his blocks and consistently getting all the yards available - more Emmitt Smith than Adrian Peterson.  Ran well enough at the combine to validate his place as a mid-first round running back prospect.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8-8

Team Needs: DE, LB, S, A move to Los Angeles before the Vikes beat them to it

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6'3", 285 lbs

Doesn't it seem like the Jags have been searching for a pass-rushing defensive end forever?  Well, they kinda have been, drafting pairs of defensive ends in both the 2008 and 2010, bringing in Aaron Kampman this off season yet still being unable to find a guy who could into the opposing team's backfield more than 5 times last season.  With good size and a great motor, Clayborn is the type of power, penetrating, no quit end that could finally fill that void.  He has the experience and leadership to step in immediately and contribute and is a player the intense Del Rio could fall in love with. He falls after an average year production-wise due to overwhelming attention by opposing offenses.

17. New England Patriots (from Raiders), 14-2

Team Needs: WR, T, OLB, A right to the face, To make a damn pick

JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin, 6’5”, 280 lbs

If this is what is available for the evil genius he will likely trade down but to avoid screwing everything up, we’ll keep the pick here. Watt is a guy some are split with some having him much higher and some much lower so his value isn’t great, but give the depth of offensive line talent, we could see the Pats going for a d-lineman here. Watt is your typical relentless, not quite as physically gifted guy. He’s huge and versatile enough to play all over the line and who relies more on skill and smarts than sheer physical ability.  Basically, he's the ideal Patriot and could be an impact player with Belichick pulling his strings.

18. San Diego Chargers, 9-7

Team Needs: DT, WR, DE, T, MLB, A less arrogant general manager, To kill Phillip Rivers

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois, 6'3", 300 lbs

San Diego is another team with greater talent then its record suggests and without any absolutely glaring needs, they can simply look for the best available player.  In this scenario, we see them trying to replace their once great nose tackle, Jamal Williams.  Liuget, a rising junior, the highest rated DT on the board (over Version 1.0’s Paea who dropped a bit after film study) is the type of well-rounded run/pass DT that could help further solidify a defense that ranked high but was less than dominant.  Not an elite athlete but possesses great strength, a relentless motor and elite instincts/recognition skills.

19. New York Giants, 10-6

Team Needs: OLB, T, RB, A mandatory team seminar on discipline and avoiding mistakes

Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College, 6'7", 295 lbs

Coughlin loves his BC guys and has had success (Snee and Kiwanuka) mining his former stomping grounds for talent.  Costanzo, a four-year starter at BC, represents good value and with O'Hara, and Diehl both missing time last year and McKenzie not getting any younger, an infusion of youth is necessary.  Another athletic, former tight end, Constanzo is mobile enough to pull but still possess the height and long arms teams covet. He carries a reputation as an excellent pass blocker with great feet but needs to improve his strength to really excel in the run.  His rep as a hard worker with a good attitude make him a Coughlin kind of guy.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-6

Team Needs: G, DE, OLB, S, More of the creamsicle uniforms

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6'4" 259 lbs

Last year the Bucs addressed the interior of their defensive line, this year they start to work the edges starting with Kerrigan an excellent all-around end and relentless pass-rusher who racked up 13 sacks and lead the nation in tackles for loss as a senior Boilermaker with scouts saying he was unblockable at times. He could become the dominant edge-rusher the Bucs need to compliment McCoy and Price inside.

21. Kansas City Chiefs, 10-6

Team Needs: T, CB, WR, DT, LB, SS, A head coach who doesn't look like an offseason meth dealer

Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA, 6'3", 249 lbs

The Chefs are a good team with a surprising number of largish holes with both the O-line and the linebacking corps in need of revisions.  Ayers, a college defensive end with with a great size/speed combo and big-time athleticism is the type of player who could develop into a perfect 3-4 outside linebacker who can rush the passer, stop the run and cover.  He's a raw playmaker that could be a real impact guy down the road if things break right. 

22. Indianapolis Colts, 10-6

Team Needs: T, G, DT, SS, OLB, To wake Jim Caldwell from his slumber

Tyron Smith, T, USC, 6'5", 291 lbs

The foundation of the NFL's most consistent team started to show cracks this season after both injuries and the line's inability to keep the great Peyton Manning comfortable in the pocket, neutered their once-explosive offense. Smith probably goes higher than this once things shake out but if he falls this far the Colts get a steal. He’s the type of elite athlete that could develop into a true blind-side protector for #18.  He came out after his junior season and needs increased strength to be dominant but the athletic gifts are evident.  Also needs to show he can move from right to left after protecting Matt Barkley in a pass-heavy, pro scheme at USC.

23. Philadelphia Eagles, 10-6

Team Needs: CB, G, C, T, OLB, Integrity, A defensive coordinator who used to be an offensive line coach

Brandon Harris CB, Miami, 5’10”, 193 lbs

The Eagles need help in the secondary with Ellis Hobbs is likely done after a serious neck injury and suspect depth. Harris is a prototypical cover corner, a hardworking, passionate, “son of a coach” that teams love. He’s got a great build for the position, fluid hips excellent natural instincts and a short memory. An excellent athlete, he possesses the closing burst to recover (runs track for the U in the off season) and is physical enough to jam receivers and support the run (though he needs to show better discipline in breaking down and wrapping up when he tackles) . There’s really nothing not to like about his potential.

24. New Orleans Saints, 11-5

Team Needs: RB, DE, DT, OLB, SS, To avoid the short fall back to suckiness

Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State, 6'5", 278 lbs

In a division with Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman (and Jimmy Clausen!!), the Saints are going to need to rebuild a defense that showed serious signs of decline last season after being at its opportunistic best during their Super Bowl run in 2009. Despite a sub-par senior season, Heyward, the son of Tecmo Super Bowl legend Ironhead, is a fearsome talent that can play anywhere on the line and fits in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme so he gives them some versatility in filling their other holes and as we get later in the draft guys like that come at a premium. If the Saints stick with the 4-3 he projects as a power end who is stout against the run but still more than capable of rushing the passer. Will likely replace another former Buckeye standout - Will Smith.

25. Seattle Seahawks, 7-9

Team Needs: QB, T, G, C, DE, DT, SS, CB, Competition Dude!!

Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida 6'5", 309 lbs

The Seahawks must do everything in their power not to take hometown boy Jake Locker here. They have many pressing needs and thanks to their playoff run sit in a terrible draft position. They have needs at both guard and tackle but Pouncey’s value as a versatile interior lineman makes him the pick. He’s got good size, quickness and a nasty streak that make him equally adept in the run and pass game. Not surprisingly, he profiles similarly to his twin, All-Pro Maurkice. Needs to work on finishing his blocks and following the play can get a little lax, but the ability is there. The Seahawks have a cornerstone type lineman here and should help keep Hasselbeck (in the short term and maybe "Clipboard Jesus" long term) upright.

26. Baltimore Ravens, 12-4

Team Needs: WR, CB, S, T, OLB, C, A chill pill

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado, 6'2" 203 lbs

The Ravens defense has been dominant for the majority of the last decade but it's finally starting to show signs of age and the secondary seems like the most likely target for an upgrade.  Smith, who by some is rated as a Top 15ish selection due to his excellent combination of speed and size, is the type of strong, aggressive corner that can fit right into Baltimore’s attacking scheme.  He can press, tackle and make plays on the ball. Another excellent all-around corner prospect.

27. Atlanta Falcons, 13-3

Team Needs: T, DE, G, OLB, People to care enough to come up with something snarky to say

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin, 6'6", 318 lbs

Falcons need a #2 WR to play opposite Rowdy Roddy White as well as a pass-rusher to replace John Abraham but since nobody at either position represents great value, they’ll do what smart teams do, fortify their line. (if, they don’t trade down to a team that is looking to jump up for Mallett or Locker.)  Carimi is a big, nasty boy and a mauler perfectly suited to line up at RT across from Sam Baker and open holes for The Burner.  Coming from Wisconsin he’s a proven run blocker but still shows underrated pass blocking skills with good quickness and an top notch first step.  Will do a great job protecting Matt Ryan for the next decade.

28. New England Patriots, 14-2

Team Needs: WR, T, OLB, A left n the face, Seriously pick a player

Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia, 6'3", 254 lbs

After snagging a versatile lineman at #17, the Pats continue to address their team "deficiencies" on defense, this time adding a pass-rusher to the fold. Houston has the ideal size, speed and pass-rushing ability to fit at outside linebacker in Belichick's 3-4 front but comes with the added bonus of playing in both the 3-4 and 4-3 while at Georgia.  We’re beating a dead horse here, but the Pats love versatility.  Houston, only a junior, left the SEC as one of the leading sackers after racking up double digits his last year in Athens and still has plenty of room to grow and possesses the instincts, power and athleticism to make it happen.  Showed up at the Combine bulked up to 270, which can only help his stock.

29. Chicago Bears, 11-5

Team Needs: T, WR, G, C, OLB, DT, Some semblance of a running game, To be aware that rain isn’t water falling from the sky, it’s god spitting at Jay Cutler

Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss St, 6'5", 303 lbs

After allowing 55 sacks this year and either need to find a way to keep Cutler upright or find a better backup. He took a beating and his toughness has been questioned so bringing in Sherrod, a good pass blocker with solid initial quickness and long arms, is a solid move. He needs to work on his technique and get stronger, particularly late in games when he can give up the inside rush a little too easily but he’s got plenty of upside as a starting tackle.

30. New York Jets, 11-5

Team Needs: G, DE, DT, OLB, WR, To shut the fuck up, seriously, please stop talking, Rubbers for Cromartie

Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple, 6’5”, 305 lbs

After again coming within a hair of the Super Bowl, the Jets face an offseason of transition with something like 18 important players entering free agency. We're going to assume they resign enough of their offensive pieces to be set on that side of the ball so that leaves them searching for young, impact players to improve an already solid defense. When you really look at the front 7, you have to be amazed at how much Rexy was able to get out of them. At this point in the draft, juniors like Wilkerson, who if they had stayed in school could have been Top 10-15 picks next year, represent excellent value. Sure they have to be developed but the talent it there. Given another year, Wilkerson might have propelled himself into the Marcell Dareus category of quick, versatile and powerful defensive lineman who have the bulk to play 3-4 end or 4-3 tackle. Could be the eventual replacement for Shaun Ellis.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers, 12-4

Team Needs: T, DE, CB, G, A less rapey QB, To miss the playoffs like all the other Super Bowl losers

Aaron Williams, CB, Texas, 6’, 192 lbs

After a Super Bowl loss, the Steelers could look to upgrade two areas of weakness their OL or CB. Since many of the best tackles are already off the board we see them going the corner route. Neither Taylor nor McFadden is elite so bringing in Williams a guy with perfect size to handle bigger receivers like Boldin make sense. Despite being highly inconsistent in college (jumping routes, peaking into the backfield and generally taking too many chances) the physical skills are present to mold a solid starter.

32. Green Bay Packers, 10-6

Team Needs: RB, OLB, DE, G, CB, Crackers, To get caught up in the hype and fall apart (please!!)

Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor, 6’3”, 337

With all of the young talent on both sides of the ball, The Cheese Head Nation looks like it could be in for a long reign at the top. The Pack has needs but nothing is so pressing that they should reach. Instead, they go for the best available defender and end up with the massive Phil Taylor. Taylor is a massive, run anchor who free up the rest of Green Bay’s playmakers to make plays.  He lacks much range but there might not be a prospect better at stacking up blockers and occupying double teams. He has elite strength and power but lacks the stamina needed to be an every down player. Character concerns also dog him after being dismissed from Penn State for “academic reasons.”