1. Carolina Panthers, 2-14
Team Needs: QB, WR, DE, DT, CB, OLB, G, C, All new players, Jerry Richardson to stop being such a douche
Cam Newton QB, Auburn, 6'5", 248 lbs
We've said from Day 1 that Newton would eventually find himself at the top of this draft due to his tremendous upside potential, start power, and the fact that the NFL is a quarterback league. Fortunately time has proven us right. Unfortunately, we didn't have the balls to step out and make him our #1 back in December. Either way, despite his sometimes clumsy handling of the draft process in which he appeared arrogant and unprepared at times, Newton looks like the odds-on favorite to become the face of a floundering Carolina franchise. Newton’s college production was unparalleled and his blend of size, speed, arm strength and play making ability is truly unique but he needs to improve in other areas like accuracy. He could be a huge bust or revolutionize the position. Our money is on somewhere in between and if that happens, Carolina will be happy it made this bold move.
Reminds Us Of: A faster Daunte Culpepper/Steve McNair
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
Marcell Dareus DE/DT Alabama, 6'2", 319 lbs
New coach John Fox goes from Carolina to Denver and finds a team with lots of the same problems, a worse draft pick and a president who sits down the hall in an office bigger than his. Fox may be the coach but the team is now, and again, Elway’s. With a former quarterback running the show you might expect the Broncos to go in that direction up this high but with the investment they’ve made in Tebow and the Orton safety net, they’ll focus on fixing the defense and Dareus, a tackle who moves like an end, is an excellent start. Despite less impressive stats, Dareus has eclipsed former projected top pick Nick Fairley on the basis of his remarkable physical gifts (few 320 lb men are as quick and explosive) and versatility (his ability to play all over the line will be an asset during the painful transition from the 3-4 to 4-4 front). With his scary combination of size and strength and ability to disrupt the pocket, he will be an absolute star if he learns to play hard consistently.
Reminds Us Of: Richard Seymour/Kevin Williams
3. Buffalo Bills, 4-12
Team Needs: QB, OT, DE, OLB, SS, Hope, Passports
Von Miller, OLB/DE, Texas A+M, 6'3", 246 lbs
The Bills are in a tough spot. They could certainly use a quarterback. But, with the relative emergence of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Chan Gailey not wanting to groom a guy like Gabbert for his successor, we see them focusing on another area that can lead to immediate, drastic improvement – the pass rush and, when it comes to rushing the passer, Miller is a savant. He tore up the Big 12 (21.5 TFL and 17 sacks). Tore up the Senior Bowl. And tore up the Combine. Now, with his stock cresting, he seems poised to go in the Top 3 and could reinvigorate the Buffalo defense with his speed, explosiveness and fluidity. While he played DE in college, most scouts think he possess the skills necessary to becomes a true, every down, playmaking linebacker. He’s not without risk, however, since it’s always a little dicey to pick a player this high and ask him to switch positions. Just ask Vernon Gholston.
Reminds Us Of: Clay Matthews/James Harrison
4. Cincinnati Bengals, 4-12
Team Needs: QB, RB, DE, T, S, MLB, New ownership, To love Carson Palmer and set him free
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri, 6'5", 240 lbs
Don’t take this pick as evidence that we no longer think the Bengals are delusional. In fact, this pick is just further evidence of their organizational insanity. In any family run organization, loyalty has to be paramount and ultimately we think Mike Brown will see Palmer’s actions as a sign of disloyalty and cut ties, opening the door for Gabbert, who many believe is the best passer available, to join the a team that’s never been shy about drafting quarterbacks to start their rebuilding process (Klingler, Smith, Palmer). Gabbert has all the prototypical NFL quarterback skills - size, athleticism, arm strength, accuracy and leadership. But, as with many college quarterbacks, his ability to read complex defenses and direct a pro-style offense keeps him from being a no-brainer franchise signal caller. Still, he should develop into a solid-to-excellent quarterback.
Reminds Us Of: Matt Schaub
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", 219 lbs
With the top two quarterbacks gone (we’ve long contended is not the move for a coach on the hot seat anyway) and none of the offensive tackles representing Top 5 value, defense becomes the priority and the decision comes down to value (Peterson) and need (Quinn). For the smart teams, value usually wins out so we’ll give the Cards the (unearned?) benefit of the doubt. Getting Peterson, the top corner and perhaps the top player overall at 5, would be a coup. In the era of passing offenses, having a shut down corner in the mold of Revis or Asomugha is a valuable weapon and Peterson has that type of potential. He possesses a ridiculous blend of size and speed (220 lbs, 4.3 40) and profiles as a big corner in the Woodson (Charles or Rod) mold. Add in his elite return ability and comparatively low downside (if for some reason he didn’t work out at corner he could easily slide over and become a big-time safety) and he’s a lock to be a game-changer.
Reminds Us Of: Charles Woodson/Rod Woodson
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", 211 lbs
This remains 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 player with hands and route running skills to match is, despite the uninspiring Combine performance, the premier prospect as the position. He could form a potent tandem with the promising Colt McCoy as the Browns try desperately to move back to relevance. This pick could end up being reminiscent of the Vikes getting Adrian Peterson. If Green goes earlier, look for Julio Jones to jump up.
Reminds Us Of: Larry Fitzgerald
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
Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina, 6'4", 265 lbs
QB play cost Mike Singletary his job and got Jim Harbaugh his, so the Niners would love for Gabbert or Newton to fall to them but, absent a surprise on that front, we’d expect them to go with the best defensive player available for their scheme. While Fairley is probably best player available, he’s such a poor fit for the 3-4 that Quinn, a hybrid OLB/DE who can play outside in the 3-4, is the pick. Despite missing his entire senior season due to NCAA infractions, Quinn is a physical freak and fearsome pass rusher with a combination of speed and size that should make him an instant impact player as a situational pass rusher for the anemic San Fran defense. Also, 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 be dominant. Locker is a possibility but we just don’t see him as the #7 pick.
Reminds Us Of: DeMarcus Ware
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
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn, 6'4", 291 lbs
This is probably the best case scenario for the team trying to replace its long time coach and sometime quarterback. Due to concerns about his character and (lack of) weight, Fairely went from the odds-on #1 pick to a player trying to stay in the Top 10. But he can’t fall any further than this. We’ll go on record as saying the concerns about his weight being too low are completely overblown and while the character concerns shouldn’t be ignored, neither should a season that saw Fairely dominate from start to finish 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). He can dominate with both power and quickness against either the pass or the run and, if he can put his maturity and work ethic issues behind him, we’ll look back at his fall much like we do with the great Warren Sapp.
Reminds Us Of: Darnell Dockett/Tommie Harris
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
Tyron Smith, T, USC, 6'5", 307 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. Boy, doesn't that suck. Tackle is a huge area of need and Smith, another guy we long expected to work his way up the draft board but lacked the fortitude to commit to, has solidified his value. While he’s a bit undersized at this point and played right tackle in college, Smith is an elite athlete playing tackle and has experience in USC’s pass-heavy, pro-style offense, so all the tools are there to develop into a true blindside protector. Dallas has the added luxury of allowing him to develop on the right side and keeping Doug Free at left tackle for the time being. Look for Dallas to be aggressive in potentially moving this pick.
Reminds Us Of: D’Brickashaw Ferguson
10. Washington Redskins, 6-10
Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, T, G, DE, DT, CB, LB, A Haynesworth/McNabb enema, Sunscreen for old Stroke Face
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama, 6'3", 220 lbs
This is the first big swing pick of the draft. The Skins roster is stocked with one thing – holes – and they could go so many different directions here. We’d long assumed that Shanahan would do what Shanahan does and develop a hard man-crush and snag a QB here. And we still wouldn’t be shocked to see Locker go to D.C. (either here or through a trade) but Jones, who also fills a big need, is just too exciting a prospect to pass up. Despite durability issues (though he didn’t miss many games, he was often banged up), Jones has his elite potential as a former top overall recruit at his position with great size, excellent timed speed (4.39 at the Combine, though he doesn’t play that fast) and good hands. While not quite on the level of Green in terms of pass-catching ability, Jones is more of a competitive blocker (a key to the Shanahan run game) and more physical player. If Jones is gone, look for Locker to come into play.
Reminds Us Of: Anquan Boldin in Brandon Marshall’s body
11. Houston Texans, 6-10
Team Needs: DT, CB, S, Another 8-8 season, Syringes, To hail from a city where people do more than go to the mall and/or work for oil companies,
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson, 6'4", 280 lbs
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needs to upgrade a defense that was absolutely awful last season and continues to waste excellent offensive production by Schaub, Johnson and Foster. They could go with a corner but we think Phillips, who tends to lean more on his front seven, will look for help up front first. Ideally they’d get a pass rusher but with the top edge guys - Miller and Quinn – gone they’ll have avoid reaching for Aldon Smith and look to the line. While Watt or Jordan might be better scheme fits, Bowers, who falls due to concerns over a surgically repaired knee that could someday require microfracture surgery, is too talented to pass up. If healthy, he’s an elite talent, a potential #1 overall pick so the Texans would be wise to be patient and let him heal, his size, speed and pass rushing skills could yield a future Pro Bowler. He’s versatile (there’s that word again) enough to play 4-3 end, 3-4 end and maybe as an oversized 3-4 ‘backer. A front line of Bowers, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing could be devastating. On a side note, we’re probably completely wrong about this pick and he’ll go 10 picks later and be a huge steal for someone.
Reminds Us Of: Justin Tuck
12. Minnesota Vikings, 6-10
Team Needs: QB, S, DE, DT, OLB, To finally move on, Moving vans pointed toward L.A., A new roof, Another aging QB who’s reputation far outstrips his production, On a totally unrelated note, Donovan McNabb
Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal, 6'4", 287 lbs
Despite all their talent, the Vikes were simply overwhelmed by the Brett Favre saga last year, leading to a 6-10 record, a new head coach and, at some point, a new quarterback. While Locker is certainly in play here it would be a bit of a reach (particularly for a team that views itself as a contender) and Jordan, a hot name due to his ability to play the power end in a 4-3 front (in addition to his experience in the 3-4 at Cal) represents excellent value as a complimentary pass-rusher and run stopper to play in the rotation with Jared Allen and Ray Edwards. He’s not overly explosive but he plays with energy and is solid in all areas. Minny knows him well as his father, Steve, played 13 years at tight end in the Twin Cities.
Reminds Us Of: Will Smith (the non-jiggy one)
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, Seriously that commercial friggin rules it almost makes us want to move to Detroit until we remember it’s an abandoned mess
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6', 206 lbs
Lead by instant All-Pro Ndamukong Suh, the Lions made huge strides just to get to 6-10. But even Suh can’t get them to the next level alone. Adding his former teammate, and fellow Misspelled Name All-Star, Amukamara would give them another building block for their not-so-bleak future. While not as physically imposing as Peterson, some believe Prince is the best cover corner in the draft. He’s a low risk prospect 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. He should be a starter from Day 1 in Detroit.
Reminds Us Of: Johnathan Joseph/Leon Hall
14. St. Louis Rams, 7-9
Team Needs: WR, CB, OLB, DT, DE, S, G, To keep doing what they're doing, Puberty for Lil Sammy Bradford
Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois, 6'3", 298 lbs
To help the development of franchise-caliber Sam Bradford they’d love to get Jones or Green but unless they’re willing to trade up, they’ll have to look elsewhere for a pass catcher. That's not to say Liuget (apparently pronounced “Legit”) is just some consolation prize. He's a solid, two-way tackle that plays hard and should develop into a starter in St. Louis.
Reminds Us Of: Jay Ratliff
15. Miami Dolphins, 7-9
Team Needs: QB, RB, G, C, An offense, A better mascot, More talents to be taken to South Beach
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama, 5'9", 215 lbs
Miami is another team in need or a quarterback but they’ve shown a propensity toward the ground game so we expect them to take care of that area first. Ingram had a bit of a down year (it's hard to follow up a Heisman campaign) but he’s got feature back written all over him due to his power/speed combo and instinctive running style. He’s not physically dominant, preferring to set up his blocks and consistently getting all the yards available - more Emmitt Smith than Adrian Peterson. Pouncey is another possibility here.
Reminds Us Of: Emmitt Smith/Thomas Jones
16. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8-8
Team Needs: DE, LB, S, A move to Los Angeles before the Vikes beat them to it, More of Jaxson de Ville
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6'4" 267 lbs
Defensive end is easily the Jags’ biggest need and they should have plenty of options. In the past Jacksonville has shown an affinity for no-nonsense, hardworking, leader-types so we're giving them Kerrigan who combines those attributes with explosiveness and pass-rushing ability. He racked up 13 sacks and lead the nation in tackles for loss. He’s a little stiff and needs to get stronger but he could become the dominant edge-rusher the Jags have needed forever.
Reminds Us Of: Aaron Kampman
17. New England Patriots (from Raiders), 14-2
Team Needs: WR, T, OLB, A right to the face, To make a damn pick, Tissues for Tommy
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT/DE, Temple, 6’4”, 315 lbs
With their boatload of picks, the Pats hold a ton of sway in this draft. They have something like 47 picks in the first 4 rounds so they could move up, back or sideways. After years of accumulating good players, it’s time to go all in and get some studs of for the last Brady run. We’ve long thought that taking JJ Watt, a hard-working, intense, football loving type, would be a “Belichick” move. But, upon reflection, grabbing Wilkerson, a junior who could have been a Top 10 pick if he stayed in school, seems like the perfect Belichick. He’s a prototypical 3-4 end who dominated at Temple and can get into the backfield and after the QB, something the Pats sorely lacked. He’s going to be really, really good.
Reminds Us Of: Kevin Williams/Richard Seymour
18. San Diego Chargers, 9-7
Team Needs: DT, WR, DE, T, MLB, A less arrogant general manager, To kill Phillip Rivers, Better weather
JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin, 6’5”, 290 lbs
San Diego is another team that is less than the sum of its parts. But with their talent, they can ignore needs and go for the best available. In this scenario, they get Watt, a guy who could go as high as 10 but will slip behind guys with more athletic gifts. He’s a big, hard-working, versatile player who loves football and will bring some energy to the Bolts defense.
Reminds Us Of: Justin Smith
19. New York Giants, 10-6
Team Needs: OLB, T, RB, A mandatory team seminar on discipline and avoiding mistakes, To remind Tiki they won the Super Bowl after he retired, To learn how to protect a lead, The death of Matt Dodge
Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College, 6'7", 311 lbs
With the linebacker position being exceptionally weak this year (though Ayers is a possibility), the Giants will likely have to pass on their biggest need and address a secondary concern – their aging offensive line. Coughlin loves his BC guys and has had success mining his former stomping grounds (Snee and Kiwanuka). Costanzo should be no exception. A four-year starter at BC, he’s an exceptional value as a solid pass-blocker with high-level athleticism. He needs to get stronger but if he can develop quickly, it could would allow the G-Men to slide Diehl inside to guard and upgrade two positions for the price of one.
Reminds Us Of: Chad Clifton
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-6
Team Needs: G, DE, OLB, S, More of the creamsicle uniforms
Aldon Smith OLB Missouri, 6’4”, 260 lbs
Last year the Bucs addressed the interior of their defensive line, this year they start to work the edges and Smith, a raw, athletic pass-rushing prospect, has the potential to be great, with an emphasis on potential. While he has the speed to turn the corner and the strength to set the edge, he still needs to fill out and develop better instincts. Boom or bust potential is high.
Reminds Us Of: Osi Umenyiora
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, The return of Jan Stenerud
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin, 6'6", 318 lbs
For a 10 win team, the Chefs have a surprising number of holes, most notably along the O-line and in the linebacking corps. With good options in both areas, Pioli has to make a choice and we guess he goes big and, if he does, Carimi fits the bill. He could potentially develop into an NFL caliber LT but we think his home is as a right side mauler and teaming with LT Brandan Albert to open holes for Jamaal Charles. Coming from Wisconsin he’s a proven run blocker but still shows underrated pass blocking skills.
Reminds Us Of: Kareem McKenzie
22. Indianapolis Colts, 10-6
Team Needs: T, G, DT, SS, OLB, To wake Jim Caldwell from his slumber, To stop blaming everyone except Mr. Laser-Rocket Arm
Nate Solder, T, Colorado, 6'8", 319 lbs
The foundation of the NFL's most consistent team started to show cracks last season due to injuries and a general inability to keep the great (and blameless) Peyton Manning comfortable. That makes Solder the obvious pick. He’s a freak in a land of freaks measuring taller, heavier and faster than almost every lineman. He dominated everyone and everything during Senior Bowl practices but remains a bit raw in terms of technique and strength. On physical talent alone he’s a Top 10 pick but the entire package leaves a little to be desired right now.
Reminds Us Of: Somewhere between Robert Gallery and Michael Roos
23. Philadelphia Eagles, 10-6
Team Needs: CB, G, C, T, OLB, Integrity, To promote their offensive line coach to defensive coordinator, Seriously, they did that, To suck less
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado, 6'2" 211 lbs
The Eagles need help in the secondary with little quality depth after Asante Samuel. Enter Jimmy Smith, a player considered by some to be the second best corner in the draft but slips due to serious character concerns (including failed drug tests and an alcohol arrest). At #23, though, his talent outweighs those risks. He’s the type of big, fast, strong and aggressive corner that Philly hasn’t seen since the likes of Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor. He can press, tackle and make plays on the ball. Basically he does everything you want and if he can stay focused, the Eagles get a steal.
Reminds Us Of: A cross between Nnamdi Asomugha & Antonio Cromartie
24. New Orleans Saints, 11-5
Team Needs: RB, DE, DT, OLB, SS, To avoid the short fall back to suckiness, Less of whatever that is on Drew Brees’ face
Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State, 6'5", 294 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. Despite a sub-par senior season, Heyward, the son of Tecmo Super Bowl legend Ironhead, is a versatile talent who fits in either a 4-3 or 3-4 and would give them plenty of flexibility in filling their other holes. He won’t likely ever be a star but he’ll be more than solid for a long time.
Reminds Us Of: Ty Warren/Shaun Ellis
25. Seattle Seahawks, 7-9
Team Needs: QB, T, G, C, DE, DT, SS, CB, Competition Dude!!, Clipboard Apostles
Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida 6'5", 309 lbs
Pouncey or Locker. Locker or Pouncey. You could flip a coin for this one but the Hawks invested in Clipboard Jesus last year so they obviously saw something and Carroll seems like a guy who would rather build in the trenches than at QB. We just can’t pull the trigger on him here. With needs at guard and center, Pouncey is yet another versatile player that can fill many needs. He’s not quite as good as his brother but has similar size, quickness and nastiness. Probably better suited for guard than center but he can fill in there in a pinch. With him the Seahawks would have a cornerstone lineman to build around. Seattle also could look to trade back.
Reminds Us Of: Maurkice Pouncey
26. Baltimore Ravens, 12-4
Team Needs: WR, CB, S, T, OLB, C, A chill pill, To watch “The Wire”, Everyone should watch that show
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6'3", 281 lbs
The Ravens defense has been dominant for the majority of the last decade but it's finally starting to show signs of age. The secondary is certainly a position of need but a chance to grab Clayborn, yet another one of the high-energy, hard-working ends this draft, is rare. He’s probably best suited for a right end spot in the 4-3 but his size, power and ability to penetrate will translate just fine to the 3-4 and his intensity will be perfect for the Ravens locker room. This guy is much more talented than the typical late first round pick and should be able to step in immediately. He falls after an average year due to concerns over nerve damage in his right arm.
Reminds Us Of: Kyle Vanden Bosch
27. Atlanta Falcons, 13-3
Team Needs: T, DE, G, OLB, People to care enough to come up with something snarky to say, To bring back the “Dirty Bird” and/or MC Hammer
Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA, 6'2", 250 lbs
The Falcons don’t have any real pressing needs - a #2 WR to play opposite Rowdy Roddy White, a back-up pass-rusher, another tackle. That gives them the luxury of either trading out of this spot to a team in love with Jake Locker or Andy Dalton or simply taking the best player available. Since even we can’t predict trades, we’ll got the best available route and give them Ayers, a super athletic, solid all-around OLB. He can play the strong side, stop the run, cover a bit and, most importantly, rush the passer. A bit raw right now but with time and coaching, he could be in impact guy.
Reminds Us Of: Mike Vrabel
28. New England Patriots, 14-2
Team Needs: WR, T, OLB, A left to the face, Seriously pick a player, "Whaaa, Whaaa, I was picked 199 overall, I’m so sad"
Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia, 6'3", 270 lbs
After snagging a versatile lineman at #17, the Pats continue to address their "deficiencies" on defense, by adding an edge pass-rusher. While some think Houston is best suited to be a 4-3 end, the Pats are from the school of giant linebackers so at 270 lbs he’s exactly what they’re looking for. Add in junior eligibility, good speed, pass-rushing ability and experience in the 3-4 from his time at Georgia and the Pats have a chance to add another playmaker for their last Brady title run.
Reminds Us Of: Willie McGinest
29. Chicago Bears, 11-5
Team Needs: T, WR, G, C, OLB, DT, Some semblance of a running game, To know that rain isn’t water falling from the sky, but god spitting at Jay Cutler
Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss St, 6'5", 321 lbs
After allowing 55 sacks, the Bears have to draft a tackle and would love for Solder to fall to them. But with all the teams ahead of them with similar needs, we doubt that happens. Still, adding Sherrod, a good pass blocker with solid technique, quickness and long arms, is a solid move. He needs work but he’s got plenty of upside as a starting tackle.
Reminds Us Of: Sam Baker/Matt Light
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, More guarantees, To write a few more books
Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor, 6’3”, 337 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 and even more guarantees of Super Bowl victories to come. We're going to assume they re-sign enough of their offensive pieces to allow them to focus on improving a solid, if unspectacular, defense. Rex may get a ton of crap for being a borderline buffoon, but you have to be impressed with what he's done with a defense completely devoid of front seven playmakers. Taylor doesn’t fill that need but, with Kris Jenkins unable to stay healthy, they need an inside presence to allow the others to be at their best. Taylor is just that type player. He lacks much range but when he's stacking up blockers and occupying double teams that won't be an issue. The Jets are one team that won’t be scared off by his character issues (he was dismissed from Penn State for “academic reasons.”)
Reminds Us Of: Casey Hampton
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
Danny Watkins, G, Baylor, 6'3" 310 lbs
The Steelers will look to upgrade their biggest area of weakness the O-line. While Ben has proven that he can get himself (in and) out of trouble but they need to invest in players who will keep him safe and Watkins, who played tackle in college, profiles as a nasty interior lineman. He’s already 27 so age is an issue, but at this point, if you get a guy who can play, you’re happy and Watkins can certainly do that.
Reminds Us Of: A Guard
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!!), To actually wear championship belts
Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona, 6'2”, 263 lbs
With 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 of the NFC. With no pressing needs, they'll either trade out or see who falls. In this scenario, it’s Reed, a solid, high character pass rusher who got himself in the first round conversation with a 4.6 40. He's a little stiff and doesn't change direction all that well but he's explosive and should make a good compliment to their star, Clay Matthews.
Reminds Us Of: Brian Orakpo
32a. Jake Locker, QB, Washington, 6’2”, 231 lbs
Without projecting a trade, we can’t quite figure out where Locker is going to go. One thing we’re sure of is that this draft telecast won’t be remembered for Cam Newton, Patrick Peterson, suits or crying mama’s. It’s going to be remembered for how Locker is evaluated. He could go 10, 34 or anywhere in between but it will be interesting to see what happens. He’s got the arm strength, charisma, athleticisms and all that other stuff but his fatal flaw, at least right now, is accuracy and production. And on draft day, teams don’t usually overlook that stuff so we think he’ll fall a little bit. (say what you want about Tebow but his numbers were ridiculous). Due to the sheer number of teams in need of a QB, someone will take the plunge and he probably won’t be treated as bad as Clausen was last year, but we’d expect it to happen in the second half of the round with one of the better teams trading back.
Also, look for Dalton and maybe Ponder or Mallet to be in the same boat. They all have potential to be starters some day. Mallet could be Drew Bledsoe but he's got some maturity issues. We really like Ponder in the Matt Hasselbeck mold. And Dalton, we're not sold, but people like winners.
Reminds Us Of: Donovan McNabb
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