1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford - QB - Oklahoma
Other possibilities: None
There were questions about Bradford's shoulder - but his pro day cleared them up. The Rams cut Marc Bulger, leaving them with very little choice at this pick.
2. Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh - DT - Nebraska
Other possibilities: Gerald McCoy, Russell Okung
Suh is the best player in this draft. McCoy may fit Detroit's scheme better, but ultimately the Lions will select the better player. Okung would protect the huge investment in Stafford, but the OT void can be filled in later rounds.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy - DT - Oklahoma
Other possibilities: Ndamukong Suh
The Bucs would prefer Suh - so if Suh is there, the Bucs will rush up to the podium. The Bucs will entertain trade offers if Suh is off the board, but the phone won't ring. McCoy is the pick.
4. Washington Redskins - Russell Okung - OT - Oklahoma State
Other possibilities: Trent Williams
It's clear the Redskins need to protect McNabb to be successful. They have RBs, young WRs trying to break out (Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas) and a great TE in Chris Cooley. Don't be shocked if the pick is Trent Williams, who is a better fit in Mike Shanahan's zone blocking scheme.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Trent Williams - OT - Oklahoma
Other possibilities: Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga, Eric Berry, Rolando McClain, Dan Williams, Anthony Davis, Derrick Morgan, Dez Bryant
The Chiefs surprised everyone last year with their selection of Tyson Jackson at #3, so it's hard to predict which way they will go this year. Last year, they passed on Aaron Curry who was considered the safest pick in the draft (though his rookie year wasn't so hot). Pioli doesn't want to spend big bucks on a safety, so Eric Berry could be out of the picture, even though it fills a need. If the Chiefs like Bryan Bulaga better, he could be the pick - but he's falling down draft boards. Trent Williams is the better talent. Don't rule out Anthony Davis out of Rutgers. The Tyson-Jacksonesque picks could be Rolando McClain, Dez Bryant, Derrick Morgan, or Dan Williams - all would fill needs.
6. Seattle Seahawks - Eric Berry - S - Tennessee
Other possibilities: Russell Okung, Trent Williams, Bryan Bulaga, Derrick Morgan, C.J. Spiller
The Seahawks need help everywhere. They like Trent Williams, so if he's available he will probably be the pick. Safety and Defensive End are their next biggest holes. They will consider drafting Derrick Morgan, but the Seahawks know if they pass up on Berry, that both he AND Earl Thomas will be gone by the time they pick again at #14, whereas the dropoff at DE is not as steep.
7. Cleveland Browns - Joe Haden - CB - Florida
Other possibilities: Eric Berry, Earl Thomas, Jimmy Clausen, Derrick Morgan, C.J. Spiller
The Browns are hoping Eric Berry falls to them, but he's got to get past the Chiefs and the Seahawks first. They could opt for Earl Thomas, but a shutdown cornerback will make more of an impact.
8. Oakland Raiders - Bruce Campbell - OT - Maryland
Other possibilities: Trent Williams, Anthony Davis, Jason Pierre-Paul, Eric Berry, and the Roadrunner from Looney Toons.
Campbell passes Al Davis's test for size and speed.
9. Buffalo Bills - Brian Bulaga - OT - Iowa
Other possibilities: Trent Williams, Anthony Davis, Dan Williams, C.J. Spiller, Jimmy Clausen, Derrick Morgan
The Bills are badly in need of O-line help. They like Demetrius Bell at LT, so they might put Bulaga at RT. If both Bulaga and Trent Williams are gone, the Bills will look at Anthony Davis. There is a chance that Oakland could take Davis, forcing the Bills to draft another position, or make a huge reach for the next best OT. If the Bills decide to go a different way, C.J. Spiller could be an option - but with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch already on the roster, that would be a crowded backfield, forcing the Bills to get rid of Lynch. On defense, the Bills are switching from a 40 to a 30 front, and they do not have a true nose tackle. Dan Williams could be the pick if they go defense.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars - Earl Thomas - S - Texas
Other possibilities: Joe Haden, Derrick Morgan, Rolando McClain, Brandon Graham, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jimmy Clausen
The Jags play the Colts twice a year, so they need to be able to defend the pass.
11. Denver Broncos - Rolando McClain - ILB - Alabama
Other possibilities: Maurkice Pouncey, Dan Williams, Mike Iupati, Dez Bryant, Derrick Morgan, Brandon Graham, Jason Pierre-Paul
With the release of Andra Davis, this is a glaring hole. The Broncos are not sold on Dez Bryant, but he remains a possibility.
12. Miami Dolphins - Derrick Morgan - DE/OLB - Georgia Tech
Other possibilities: Earl Thomas, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Dan Williams
The Dolphins are trying to win now so they will not go after a developmental player. Derrick Morgan can transition to OLB in the 3-4, and Parcells loves drafting that position (Lawrence Taylor, Carl Banks, DeMarcus Ware). They will nab Earl Thomas if he's available.
13. San Francisco 49ers - Anthony Davis - OT - Rutgers
Other possibilities: Bryan Bulaga, Joe Haden, Earl Thomas, Jimmy Clausen, Mike Iupati, Derrick Morgan, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, C.J. Spiller
Joe Staley can man the left side, but the right side is an issue. The 49ers hope Bryan Bulaga will fall to them, but Anthony Davis is still a top talent, and he is the best run blocker in the draft. The team is also looking for secondary help, interior O-line, and a rush OLB.
14. Seattle Seahawks - Brandon Graham - DE - Michigan
Other possibilities: Bryan Bulaga, Anthony Davis, Earl Thomas, Derrick Morgan, C.J. Spiller, Jason Pierre-Paul, Dez Bryant
Seattle hopes an OT falls to them here after the Berry selection at #6, but they don't get lucky. They might try to trade down, otherwise they'll fill a big need at DE with the best pass rusher in the draft.
15. New York Giants - C.J. Spiller - RB - Clemson
Other possibilities: Rolando McClain, Joe Haden, Derrick Morgan, Mike Iupati, Maurkice Pouncey, Sean Weatherspoon, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jared Odrick, Dan Williams
The Giants' dream is for Rolando McClain to fall here. They like him so much that they will trade up for him if they have to. Otherwise, it's the best player on the board. Will Spiller be the next Chris Johnson, or will he be another Felix Jones?
16. Tennessee Titans - Jason Pierre-Paul - DE - South Florida
Other possibilities: Joe Haden, Derrick Morgan, Brandon Graham, Kyle Wilson, Sean Weatherspoon, Rolando McClain, Earl Thomas, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas
The Titans need a pass rusher, and they typically look for elite athleticism - here it is. Derrick Morgan would be hard to pass up if he is available.
17. San Francisco 49ers - Sergio Kindle - DE/OLB - Texas
Other possibilities: Anthony Davis, Earl Thomas, Jimmy Clausen, Mike Iupati, Brandon Graham, Kyle Wilson, C.J. Spiller, Charles Brown
The 49ers would love Derrick Morgan or Brandon Graham, but it's not in the cards. Mike Singletary sees Kindle as another Orakpo (Kindle's teammate in college).
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kyle Wilson - CB - Boise St.
Other possibilities: Mike Iupati, Maurkice Pouncey, Anthony Davis, Dan Williams, Jared Odrick, Sean Weatherspoon, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Derrick Morgan, Charles Brown
The only first round talent to visit the Steelers so far has been Kyle Wilson and Kareem Jackson. The team likes Mike Iupati and will consider him if he is available.
19. Atlanta Falcons - Sean Weatherspoon - OLB - Missouri
Other possibilities: Brandon Graham, Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Iupati, Jason Pierre-Paul, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Dez Bryant, Jermaine Gresham, Demaryius Thomas
The Falcons love Brandon Graham, but he'll be off the board, and they need an OLB and a leader on defense. If Weatherspoon is gone, watch for Maurkice Pouncey.
20. Houston Texans - Ryan Matthews - RB - Fresno St.
Other possibilities: Joe Haden, Earl Thomas, C.J. Spiller, Jared Odrick, Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Iupati, Dan Williams, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson
The Texans do not want to use the running-back-by-committee approach again next year. Matthews is the every down type back that will complement playmaker Steve Slaton nicely. Having to play the Colts twice a year means having to establish a running game and being able to defend the pass. If it's not a RB, the Texans will look at a CB.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Dez Bryant - WR - Oklahoma St.
Other possibilities: Jermaine Gresham, Demaryius Thomas, Taylor Mays, Dan Williams, Jared Odrick, Sergio Kindle, Everson Griffen
The Bengals don't expect Bryant to be there at #21. If Bryant is off the board, look for another receiving threat - either Jermaine Gresham or Demaryius Thomas.
22. New England Patriots - Jared Odrick - DE - Penn St.
Other possibilities: Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, Dan Williams, Jermaine Gresham, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Everson Griffen
The Pats could use a rush OLB, but it would be a reach for Jerry Hughes, and the other big names are gone. Odrick is a great player who should fit perfectly at the five technique spot. As usual, the Pats could trade down and pick up extra picks.
23. Green Bay Packers - Charles Brown - OT - USC
Other possibilities: Anthony Davis, Bruce Campbell, Rodger Saffold, Mike Iupati, Jahvid Best, Devin McCourty, Kyle Wilson, Kareem Jackson, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, Taylor Mays
The key to the Packers' success is Aaron Rodgers, so they have to protect him. In this case, they'll reach for a need at OT.
24. Philadelphia Eagles - Maurkice Pouncey - C/G - Florida
Other possibilities: Brandon Graham, Everson Griffen, Taylor Mays, Sean Weatherspoon, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Jason Pierre-Paul
Andy Reid loves drafting linemen. Here the choice is between Mike Iupati and Pouncey. Pouncey gets the nod because he is more NFL ready, and is a better pass protector for Andy Reid's pass-happy scheme.
25. Baltimore Ravens - Jermaine Gresham - TE - Oklahoma
Other possibilities: Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Jared Odrick, Dan Williams
The Ravens need a CB bad, but they can't pass up on this value.
26. Arizona Cardinals - Jerry Hughes - OLB - TCU
Other possibilities: Mike Iupati, Maurkice Pouncey, Jimmy Clausen, Jermaine Gresham, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Patrick Robinson, Dan Williams
Remember that playoff game against the Packers? That's what happens when you don't have a pass rush. The Cardinals will address this void and shift Hughes, a DE in college, to OLB.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Taylor Mays - S - USC
Other possibilities: Bruce Campbell, Charles Brown, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Dan Williams, Mike Iupati, Jared Odrick, Maurkice Pouncey, Everson Griffen
The Cowboys would love to get their hands on hometown Earl Thomas, so watch for the trade up. If they stay, the next best safety is Taylor Mays.
28. San Diego Chargers - Dan Williams - DT - Tennessee
Other possibilities: Ryan Matthews, Jahvid Best, Jared Odrick, Everson Griffen, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Patrick Robinson
The Chargers would love if Dan Williams fell to them since they need a NT. There is a big need at RB though, so watch for Ryan Matthews or Jahvid Best.
29. New York Jets - Devin McCourty - CB - Rutgers
Other possibilities: Kareem Jackson, Patrick Robinson, Mike Iupati, Jerry Hughes, Jared Odrick, Everson Griffen, Brandon Graham
The Jets will have their pick of CBs here. The call is tough with Jackson and Robinson still on the board, but McCourty is the pick.
30. Minnesota Vikings - Kareem Jackson - CB - Alabama
Other possibilities: Devin McCourty, Patrick Robinson, Mike Iupati, Dan Williams, Taylor Mays, Jimmy Clausen, Brian Price, Charles Brown, Rodger Saffold
The Vikings have an excellent team - they're just weak at CB. Any other position would be a backup this year. Jackson could start immediately. Watch for a Jimmy Clausen move if he falls this far. He could sit behind Favre and learn, just like Aaron Rodgers.
31. Indianapolis Colts - Brian Price - DT - UCLA
Other possibilities: Jerry Hughes, Charles Brown, Mike Iupati, Rodger Saffold, Tyson Alualu, Ricky Sapp, Koa Misi, Jared Odrick, Lamarr Houston, Jason Worilds, Kareem Jackson, Devin McCourty
Elite pass-rushing DT for the Colts.
32. New Orleans Saints - Daryl Washington - OLB - TCU
Other possibilities: Sean Weatherspoon, Jerry Hughes, Everson Griffen, Ricky Sapp, Navarro Bowman, Brian Price, Jared Odrick, Ryan Matthews, Jahvid Best
This team wants Sean Weatherspoon badly. They may make a move to get him. The next best OLB is Daryl Washington.
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