1. DETROIT LIONS 

 Matt Stafford (Scouting Report)  QB – Georgia 

 It’s official. Matt Stafford has signed a 6 year $78 million deal with the Lions. Considering the 2008 Lions were one of the worst teams in the history of the NFL, this is probably the best pick. Lions fans didn’t have very much to be excited about all season going 0-16 and all. New regimes usually mean new QBs and Detroit really has no choice here but to take Stafford. Would Jason Smith have been a safer pick? Maybe. If you want to improve your team, you have to start with the lines (especially when that line gave up 52 sacks), but you also have to have a franchise QB. Matt Stafford is the most NFL ready and best overall QB in the draft. He has good size, quick feet, and a cannon for an arm. Scoring a 38 on the wonderlic doesn’t hurt either. He is smart both on and off the field and can make every throw. I fought this pick for a while, but it’s the right pick. Detroit will finally have their franchise QB of the future.

Team needs: QB, OL, DL

Alternative pick: none

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS

 Jason Smith (Scouting Report)    OT – Baylor 

 The Rams are just flat out bad and need all kinds of help, but first need to fix that offensive line. Michael Crabtree might be an option, but his injury will cause the first 5 teams pass on him. Mark Sanchez might be an option here as well with Bulger’s struggles of late, but how much of that falls on the O-Line? Fix the lines and the rest will follow.  12 years ago, the Rams had the #1 overall pick and they struck gold selecting LT Orlando Pace. Although it’s the #2 and not the #1 overall, they go back to the well one more time and get their LT of the future in Jason Smith. Smith is a converted TE who is a great athlete and quick on his feet. Smith will step in and start from day 1 and try to solidify an O-Line that gave up 45 sacks last year. He will also be a huge hole maker for Steven Jackson which is good news for new head coach Steve Spagnuolo who will stress running the football.

Team needs: OL, DB, WR

Alternative pick: OT – Eugene Monroe

3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

 Tyson Jackson (Scouting Report)  DE – LSU 

    The Chiefs finally have their signal caller of the future in Matt Cassell, but still have a lot of holes to fill. A healthy Michael Crabtree could go here, but new GM Scott Pioli will probably pass and fill a bigger need. The Chiefs will be looking to put the pieces in place to make the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme. They were dead last in the NFL with 10 sacks on the season – yes…10 and desperately need someone to put some pressure on the QB. A big nose tackle like BJ Raji or LBs Brian Orakpo and Aaron Curry might be an option, but I just don’t think they could pass on Tyson Jackson here. Jackson is a beast at 6-4, 295 and is a prototype DE to play in the 3-4 system. He will be a nice centerpiece to build around and will instantly make them a better defense. This pick is tough because GM Scott Pioli proved last year when he took Jerod Mayo that he will take a LB in the top 10, but all signs point to Jackson.

Team needs: LB, OG, DE

Alternative pick: OT – Eugene Monroe

4. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

 Mark Sanchez (Scouting Report)    QB – USC 

   The Seahawks were devastated by injuries this year and took it especially hard at the QB and WR positions. They went out and got a playmaker WR in TJ Houshmandzadeh which negates the major need to take a WR here and they can fill some other holes. They will look hard at LB Aaron Curry, but I think this pick will be ofense. Matt Hasselbeck looked…well, very old last year. I know new head coach Jim Mora said “Matt is a special player…He’s our QB…I’m very excited about that…”, but that was before he had Mark Sanchez staring him in the face. Hasselbeck won’t like this pick especially with both Eugene Monroe and Michael Crabtree on the board, but they have to look to the future. Sanchez will be able to learn from one of the leagues best or jump right in if Hasselbeck goes down. Either way, Seattle will have their signal caller of the future.

Team needs: OL, DB, QB

Alternative pick: OT – Eugene Monroe

5. CLEVELAND BROWNS

 Aaron Curry (Scouting Report)    LB – Wake Forest 

   The Browns not only didn’t get their high-power offense going last year, they still couldn’t stop anyone either and defense has to be their top priority. The Brows ranked 28th in the league in rushing defense and 2nd to last in passing D. Their best option might be to trade down (nfl draft value chart) and get a few more picks, but they have to find a taker first. With Curry, Orakpo, Raji, and Crabtree all on the board here, the Browns really can’t go wrong here. Although I think the Browns will get a call here from a team trying to trade up to get Crabtree, this mock is assuming they don’t get a call and have to make a pick. In that case, it has to be Aaron Curry. Curry has been called the “safest pick in the draft.” He was the winner of the 2008 Butkus award  and is a total package LB who is in the mold of a Jerod Mayo and can play OLB or ILB in the 3-4.  He can play the run as well as the pass and hits like a truck and will finally give the Chiefs the playmaker on defense they have been missing.

Team needs: LB, DB, RB

Alternative pick: WR – Michael Crabtre 

6. CINCINNATI BENGALS

 Eugene Monroe  (Scouting Report)  OT – Virginia 

   The Bengals were one of the biggest disappointments last year. It seems like a recurring theme that every year you see “they just need to fix the defense” and this year, although they did improve, is no different. I know the Bengals have had their share of injuries, but they are spinning their wheels and wasting the opportunity of having a good QB. They could really draft any position on defense and it would instantly upgrade their team. They also have to look hard at Crabtree sinse they lost their most productive WR in free agency and could lose 85 as well. With all that said, they need an upgrade to their offensive line before they will ever be able to compete. With both QBs going in the top 5, they get a gift here in Eugene Monroe. He is your prototype left tackle who has the size and athleticism to dominate in the NFL. He started as a true freshman and handled all the top DEs in the ACC and will look to shore up an O-Line that gave up 51 sacks last year. Carson Palmer already feels better.

Team needs: OL, DE, WR

Alternative pick: DE – Brian Orakpo

7. OAKLAND RAIDERS

 B.J. Raji (Scouting Report)   DT – Boston College 

    I know Crabtree is on the board here and we all know how Al Davis falls in love with the flashy and gaudy players, but I look for that to change this year when he drafts the biggest D-Lineman on the board here. The Raiders ranked second to last in the league vs the run in 2008 allowing 160 yards/game and I just don’t think they can pass on BJ Raji here. Raji is huge at 6-2 and 335 pounds and will instantly improve their run D. He is a dominant force who takes up two blockers on every play. Not only can he stuff the run, he will also get in the backfield to disrupt the passing game as well. I’m sure Al will somehow find a way to screw this up though.

Team needs: WR, OL, DT

Alternative pick: WR – Michael Crabtree

8. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

 Michael Crabtree (Scouting Report)   WR – Texas Tech 

     The Jags have 3 gaping holes on this team–WR, DT,and OT. On the D-Line, Big John Henderson just isn’t the same dominant player he once was and really got exposed this year without fellow DT Marcus Stroud next to him. On the O-Line, they let disappointing LT Khalif Barnes walk in free agency and due to the tragedy regarding Richard Collier, they have absolutely no one waiting in the wings behind him. They made a great free agent move by signing veteran LT Tra Thomas which might buy them some time and gives some flexibilty here. They also might just field the worst group of WRs in the league, but the signing of Torry Holt also takes away the need to panic here.

New GM Gene Smith will look to trade down here, but if they can’t find a taker he says he will take the BAP philosophy (with no character or off the field issues) and he keeps his word here grabbing Michael Crabtree. There might not be a bigger playmaker in the draft than Crabtree. With over 3000 yards and 41 TDs in just 2 years of college, Crabtree is a highlight reel waiting to happen. I don’t want to hear the “but he played in a system” crap either. Crabtree is the system. He broke pretty much every receiving record as a freshman and won the Fred Biletnikoff award for the second straight year. He has the size, speed, and route running skills to be an NFL WR, but his biggest attribute is his competitiveness and aggressiveness. The guy plays every play like it is his last and just attacks the ball out of the air.

Team needs: WR, DT, OL

Alternative pick: Trade down

9. GREEN BAY PACKERS

 Brian Orakpo (Scouting Report)    OLB – Texas 

   The Packers have a few options here. They have announced that they will be switching to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Dom Capers. They will look to add the pieces such as a 0-technique NT and a pass-rushing OLB to go along with Aaron Kampman. The Packers and GM Ted Thompson usually stick to the BAP (Best available player) philosophy and with the top NT off the board, they will have to decide between the #1 rated DB, the #1 pass-rusher, or the #4 LT. They could grab Malcolm Jenkins here, but I think it would be a reach at this point. Andre Smith is also a possibility, but they just can’t pass on Brian Orakpo here. Orakpo, winner of the Bronko Nagurski trophy in 2008 for being the best defensive player in the country might just be the best pure pass-rusher in the draft. He will be an instant pass-rushing machine and change the way teams prepare to play the Packers.

Team needs: OL, OLB, CB

Alternative pick: OT – Andre Smith

  10. SAN FRANCISCO 49′ERS

 Andre Smith (Scouting Report)  OT – Alabama 

    The 49ers are only a few players a way from being a decent team and new coach Mike Singletary will look to put his stamp on this team. The first question needed to be answered will be: Is Shaun Hill or Alex Smith really the answer? With the top 2 QBs off the board, they can’t even look QB here. Their biggest weakness on defense was a lack of a pass-rush and secondary coverage. These two needs go hand in hand and if you fix one, the other looks good as well. Malcolm Jenkins, the top rated DB could be an option here, but his stock has really dropped. Raji would be an easy pick, but he is gone.

With all that said, the 49ers are in a pretty good position with this pick. They will have OT Andre Smith, OLBs Aaron Maybin/E. Brown, WR Jeremy Maclin and DB Malcolm Jenkins all sitting on the board. When it’s all said in done, I think Andre Smith will be the pick. He has some red flags for sure which gives the Niners an opportunity to grab an elite player with the 10th pick. He is a dominant run blocker and just bulldozes whoever is in front of him. He isn’t as tall as some of the elite LTs in the league, but his athleticism and quickness make him a great pass blocker as well. He can step in from day 1 and upgrade the RT position and could possible move over to LT in time.

Team needs: DL, FS, QB

Alternative pick: OLB – Aaron Maybin

11. BUFFALO BILLS

 Robert Ayers (Scouting Report)   DE – Tennessee 

   The Bills showed interest in trading for TE Tony Gonzalez this season showing their interest in upgrading their tight end position, but I just don’t see a TE worthy of this pick…even Brandon Pettigrew. Besides, the 2nd and 3rd round is loaded with TEs. The Bills have other needs they need to address. For one, they don’t have a starting LT on the roster and Michael Oher could easily be the pick here. They also could use an upgrade on the D-Line. I know they had some injuries including Schobel, but 6 combined sacks between Kelsay and Denney is just not good enough. With Andre Smith gone and Oher being a reach, they just have to take the best available pass-rusher. Robert Ayers is rising on draft boards. He has good size and speed to be an every down 4-3 DE at the next level and will really help Buffalo’s pass-rush.

Team needs: OL, TE, DE

Alternative pick: OT – Michael Oher

12. DENVER BRONCOS

 Aaron Maybin (Scouting Report)  OLB – Penn State 

   Every year it seems the Broncos are ranked near the bottom of the league in run defense and this year is no different as they were ranked 29th out of 32. With new D-Coordinator Mike Nolan in town, Denver will look to put the pieces in place to make the transition to a 3-4 defense.  With nose tackle BJ Raji already off the board, Denver will have to find their run clogger later in the draft. Denver could reach for defensive back here as the top two CBs in the draft in Vontae Davis and Malcolm Jenkins are still on the board, but I don’t think they can pass on Aaron Maybin here. With the Bills passing on him, the Broncos get a gift here in Maybin. At just 20 years old, Maybin is as explosive as they come and will be a pass-rushing machine at the next level.

Team needs: NT, ILB, DE

Alternative pick: RB – Chris Wells

13. WASHINGTON REDSKINS

 Chris Wells (Scouting Report) 

 RB – Ohio State  

   The Redskins could go a couple of different ways with this pick. They lost DE Jason Taylor and LB Marcus Washington and could upgrade either position here with Robert Ayers or Rey Maualuga. I just think they spent a ton of money on the defensive side of the ball in free agency to upgrade their DT and CB positions which will allow them to focus on the offense here in the draft. LT Jon Jansen is getting up there in age as is the rest of their O-line. They could go OT Michael Oher here, but it might be a reach. Instead they get one of the top 2 RBs in the draft in Beanie Wells. He is a beast at 6-1 and 235 lbs who ran a 4.46 at his proday. He has the quickness to make people miss and enough speed to break one and take it to the house at anytime. Clinton Portis is a stud, but has been fading late in the season. Sharing time with Wells will give them a scary two-headed monster running attack.

Team needs: OL, LB, DE

Alternative pick: OL – Michael Oher

14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

 Malcolm Jenkins (Scouting Report)  CB – Ohio State 

    The Saints only have one pick in the first 3 rounds so they better make it count. They could use some help on D as they might have the worst secondary in the league…again. RB Knowshon Moreno and all 3 of USC’s LBs are still on the board here, but I don’t see how this pick can’t be either a corner or a safety. I know they signed Darren Sharper, but at 33 he is no longer the same player he once was. They finally grab a play-maker in the secondary and arguably the best defensive back in the draft here in Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins, winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, is a beast in the secondary. He is a tough physical player who can play CB or FS, but will probably play the latter at the next level. Either way, he will enter Saints training camp as the best DB on the team and they will have their FS of the future.

Team needs: FS, CB, LB

Alternative pick: RB – Knowshon Moreno

15. HOUSTON TEXANS

 Brian Cushing (Scouting Report)     OLB – USC 

     The Texans addressed their biggest need last year by taking LT Duane Brown, but the O-Line is still a mess. Matt Schaub took a beating again this year and they could go OL again and I wouldn’t hold it against them at all. Another need though is any kind of playmaker in the secondary. They really need an upgrade over starting SS Nick Ferguson and although they franchised Dunta Robinson, they will need another CB as well. Malcolm Jenkins is gone here and they could easily go with CB Vontae Davis here, but I don’t think they could pass on the rising Brian Cushing here. They addressed the DE position and got Mario Williams some much needed help in free agency and now look to do the same for DeMeco Ryans. Cushing hits like a truck and brings a non-stop motor. He is a beast at 6-3 and 243 lbs. He will really help this front 7 and might just be enough to put the Texans over the top.

Team needs: DB, OL, WR

Alternative pick: WR – Jeremy Maclin

16. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

 Michael Oher (Scouting Report)     OT – Ole Miss 

    The Chargers were a tough team to gauge last year.  From 4-8 and “fire everyone” to an AFC West title and the “hottest team in the league” toward the end of the year. They have a few holes at DE, ILB and RB, but with the top DEs and RB off the board, they will have to address those needs later in the draft. They also were exposed a little in the middle of the defense with Shawne Merriman out. They could grab ILB Rey Maualuga here, but his stock is dropping like a rock and he would be a reach. Instead, they go with another need and try to secure the right side of their O-Line with Michael Oher. Some have told me this is a reach here for Oher, but those people are fans and media. Everything I have heard from scouts and coaches is that they really like this kid. “Oher is a true gentleman in the locker room…and has worked hard to remain the good character he has become.” -NFLDraftScout. Oher is a beast and played against and handled some of the top DEs in the SEC and will be an instant upgrade to that O-line as he will come in and upgrade the RT or OG positions.

Team needs: ILB, OL, DE

Alternative pick: RB – Knowshon Moreno

17. NEW YORK JETS

 Josh Freeman (Scouting Report)      QB – Kansas State 

     The Jets ranked in the top 10 in run defense in 2008, and only upgraded with the addition of Bart Scott, but they could still use an upgrade at DE. Tyson Jackson would be nice here, but with him off the board, they will look to address the other side of the ball and get a play-maker on offense. After losing WR Laveraues Coles to the Bengals they will be tempted to grab WRs Heyward-Bey or Percy Harvin here, new head coach Rex Ryan knows how important a good QB is. Josh Freeman will continue to rise up draft boards all the way to draft day and they pull the trigger here. Freeman is a huge QB at 6-6 and 245 lbs who has a cannon for an arm or can beat you with his feet. He is a little raw yet and could learn under Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff for a year or come in and try to be this year’s Joe Flacco. Either way, the Jets will have their signal caller of the future. I can already here the booos in NY come draft day.

Team needs: WR, DE, QB

Alternative pick: WR – Jeremy Maclin

18. DENVER BRONCOS (from Chigago)

  Everette Brown (Scouting Report)    OLB – Florida State 

    The Broncos could grab a RB Knowshon Moreno here, but all indications are that they are out to fix the defense. I know they just took Maybin in this mock, but Brown is to good to pass on here. Brown is a pass-rush specialist in the mold of a Terrell Suggs or John Abraham and plays with a relentless motor. He racked up 13-and-a-half sacks and recorded 21 and a half tackles for losses and will be an instant upgrade to their defense. The Broncos will have their 2 OLBs of the future and a nice start to build around as they re-tool this defense.

Team needs: NT, ILB, DE

Alternative pick: ILB – Rey Maualuga

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 

 Jeremy Maclin (Scouting Report)     WR – Missouri 

    The Buccaneers entire roster needs an overhaul as we saw with the recent cuts. They signed Derrick Ward in free agency, but still need to upgrade a few positions before they can compete again. If they decide to go with a youth movement, they might look to trade down from here and grab a few more picks. They also might look to grab an early QB, but all 3 are off the board here. They also need to address the DT position as they desperately need an upgrade over DT Chris Hovan and can get one right here in Peria Jerry, but I just think it’s a reach. This draft is deep at 2nd and 3rd round DT and they will have a shot later in the draft. Instead, they address another need and take arguably the #1 rated WR in the draft in Jeremy Maclin. Maclin is a crisp route runner who can hurt you with short stuff or take it to the house on any play. He will give a legitimate deep threat WR to whoever is throwing passes in Bucs camp.

Team needs: DT, OLB, WR

Alternative pick: OLB – Clay Matthews

20. DETROIT LIONS (from Dallas)

 Eben Britton (Scouting Report)  OT – Arizona 

    New Lions head coach Jim Schwartz says he intends on rebuilding both lines and he keeps his word here. They could grab the #2 DT in the draft here in Peria Jerry, but I just feel like he is a tad overrated at this point. I know Lions fans want defense with this pick, but Britton is just too good to pass on. They got their QB of the future with the first pick, and will look to get him someone to protect him here. Eben Britton is one of the smartest OTs in the draft scoring a 31 on the wonderlic test and will need to use all that knowledge as he will have to start as a rookie protecting a rookie QB. He has nice size at 6-6 and 310 lbs and is an elite pass-blocking LT who will be able to come in and help this O-Line from day 1.

Team needs: QB, OL, DL

Alternative pick: ILB – Rey Maualuga

21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 

 Knowshon Moreno (Scouting Report)    RB – Georgia 

    The Eagles filled a major hole by trading with the Bills for LT Jason Peters and drafting a OT is no longer a need here. I think they stay on offense though and turn their attention to TE and RB. They showed interest in trading for TE Tony Gonzalez last year and will look hard at The Eagles finally got McNabb a WR last year and we are already seeing the rewards of that pick. A healthy McNabb is easily one of the best QBs in the league and he showed again this year. Now they have to bring some help to Westbook and the running game. They really struggled in their short yardage running game last year and I don’t know how many 3rd and ones I saw them fail to convert. They grab arguably the best RB in the draft here in Knowshon Moreno who will be a nice complement to Brian Westbrook. Moreno is 5-11 and 210 lbs, but runs even bigger than that. He has the moves to go around the defender, but can just as easily go right over them. He is the total package RB who can do it all including catch out of the backfield wich is a must in this system.

Team needs: TE, S, OL

Alternative pick: TE – Brandon Pettigrew

22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

 Vontae Davis (Scouting Report)     CB – Illionois

    Tavaris Jackson has had a strong finish to the regular season and led his team to a NFC North title but will compete for his job with newly acquired QB Sage Rosenfels. Although T-Jack failed to win his playoff game, QB might not be the total problem in Minnesota as the WRs haven’t really helped out either. I think the biggest question mark right now is what will happen with LT Bryant McKinnie as the team might choose to move in another direction. They also have some aging players in the secondary and will eventually need to replace DT Pat Williams who turns 37 during the season. DT Peria Jerry, OT Eben Britton, and WR Darrius Heyward-Bey are still on the board here, but the Vikes pass on all 3 to take arguably the best corner in the draft in Vontae Davis. At 5-11, 203 Davis is the total package you look for in an NFL CB who can play any scheme as well as come up and stuff the run. He is a ball-hawking play-maker who can hit like a truck and brings a good motor and strong work ethic.

Team needs: OT, DB, WR

Alternative pick: WR – Percy Harvin

23. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

 Rey Maualuga (Scouting Report)   ILB – USC 

   The Patriots have some age at DE and LB and could use an upgrade on the O-Line and SS positions as well. With the top 4 LTs off the board, the Pats will have to look for some help here later in the draft as they don’t need to reach for anyone here having 4 picks on the first day. Instead, they take advantage of the sinking stock of Rey Maualuga and get their ILB of the future here. Maualuga is a beast at 6-2, 250 and plays very physical with a non-stop motor. He can play both ILB or OLB, but I think he would be best in the middle and they could move A. Thomas back to OLB. Maualuga and Jerod Mayo will be one of the best ILB duos in the league for years to come. 

Team needs: LB, DE, DB

Alternative pick: TE – Brandon Pettigrew

24. ATLANTA FALCONS

 Clay Matthews (Scouting Report)  OLB – USC 

    The Falcons made a great move snagging Gonzo removing the need for a TE here. They also still have a few holes on the D-line and in the secondary and could go either way here but being ranked 28th against the run should push them to go DT or LB here. They lost both Keith Brooking and Michael Boley making OLB top priority. I know they signed veteran LB Mike Peterson, but Mike Smith will look for the long-term solution here in Clay Matthews. Matthews hits like a truck and brings a non-stop motor. He is a beast at 6-3 and 340 lbs. and after his 4.67 40-time, he has done nothing but rise up the draft boards the last few months and will really help this front 7.

Team needs: DT, OL, DB

Alternative pick: DT – Peria Jerry

25. MIAMI DOLPHINS

 Darius Butler (Scouting Report)  CB – Connecticut 

     What an impressive season for Miami. The Dolphins started the Parcells era and rebuilding process the right way last year by drafting lineman on both sides of the ball. They got their left tackle of the future and a first round quality DE. The Dolphins still need some work on the O-Line and some youth to the LB position. Porter turned 32 this offseason and Oken Ayodele hasn’t had a sack in 2 years. With the top LBs off the board, the Phins turn to their secondary. They did some major work at the safety positions, but still need help on the outside. They grab their CB of the future here in Darius Butler who has been racing up draft boards.

Team needs: ILB, CB, OL

Alternative pick: WR – Percy Harvin

26. BALTIMORE RAVENS

 Darrius Heyward-Bey (Scouting Report)   WR – Maryland

    The Ravens still have one of the best defenses in the league, but have to start looking for some youth at the DE and LB positions. After losing Bart Scott, taking a linebacker here might be the best choice, but with the top LBs already gone, they will have to address this need later in the draft. The Ravens are also looking for some speed at the WR position and I can’t see them passing on Heyward-Bey here as some experts have him going in the top 10. DHB is a little raw, but he is the fastest WR in the draft and will be a nice down-field weapon for rising star QB Joe Flacco.

Team needs: WR, LB, S

Alternative pick: WR – Percy Harvin

27. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

  Peria Jerry (Scouting Report)    DT – Ole Miss 

     Once again Indi makes an early exit from the playoffs because they couldn’t stop San Diego’s back-up RB. The Colts just have to fix that run defense and the only way to do that is to add some big guys.  I know the Colts D is known for its speed, but man…that D-Line gets mauled all game long. They just aren’t big enough and I can’t figure out how or why they keep ignoring the problem. With Dungy and Meeks gone, I have a feeling new head coach Jim Caldwell will try to get bigger on the defensive side of the ball. I would hope the experiment of bringing in old washed up DTs is over with and they draft their run stuffer of the future here in Peria Jerry. Jerry is an athletic DT who has great speed for his size and can really disrupt the pocket and get to the QB as well as shed blocks and stuff the run. He is also a hard worker and a leader who brings it every play and will instantly improve this 24th ranked run D.

Team needs: DT, OLB, CB

Alternative pick: ILB – James Laurinaiti 

28. BUFFALO BILLS (from Philladelphia)

 Brandon Pettigrew (Scouting Report)  TE – Oklahoma St.

  The Bills passed on a OT at #11 and now miss out here as well. out on one of the top offensive tackles with the 11th pick, but come right back and grab one here. They will need a OT to replace Jason Peters, but will have to look for one later in the draft. Instead, they take the best TE in the draft in Brandon Pettigrew. He is the total package TE who can block as well as stretch the middle of the field as a receiving threat. Nothing helps out a young QB like a stud TE and he will be Trent Edwards new best friend…well other than TO.

Team needs: OL, TE, DE

Alternative pick: C – Eric Wood

29. NEW YORK GIANTS

 Kenny Britt (Scouting Report)  WR – Rutgers 

     The Giants spent some money this offseason beefing up their D-Line and bringing in a solid OLB. They don’t have a lot of holes, but could use an upgrade and youth at the MLB position and a big WR to replace Plaxico Burress. We all saw what a drop-off the Giants offense took without Burress on the roster. I know Kenny Britt isn’t 6-5 like Burress, but he will still be the tallest WR on the roster at 6-3. He would be able catch the big pass over the middle as well as stretch the field and give them the big play they have been lacking since November, 2008.

Team needs: WR, ILB, SS

Alternative pick: ILB – James Laurinaitis

30. TENNESSEE TITANS

 Percy Harvin (Scouting Report)  WR – Florida 

     The Titans will have to replace DT Albert Haynesworth at some point, but with all the big DTs off the board they will have to go another direction. They also have to get a playmaker for whoever the starting QB might be. Yes, a WR. It’s only a matter of time before the check-down plays to the RBs and TEs stop working. The Titans snagged WR Nate Washington in free agency, but I don’t think they could pass on Percy Harvin here. Harvin is just one of those rare players though you that you just don’t want to be the team that passes on him and looks back on it later. I heard one scout actually call Harvin better than Reggie Bush in that he can catch the deep ball and is actually a WR that plays RB and not vice-versa. Some off the field red flags and injury concerns will cause him to fall, but the Titans get an elite prospect here. Whether he is on the field as a RB or a WR, he gives you a weapon to take it to the house on every play.

Team needs: CB, DL, WR

Alternative pick: CB – Alphonso Smith

31. ARIZONA CARDINALS

 Donald Brown (Scouting Report)    RB – Connecticut 

    The Cardinals defense played pretty well this year, but Bertrand Berry isn’t getting any younger and they will need to replace DE Antonio Smith. I know Hightower impressed and had a solid year, but let’s see how confident they are in him when arguably the best RB in the draft is sitting on the board. The Cardinals just didn’t get all they could have from their running game in 2008. I saw so many plays where Hightower or James picked up 7 or 8 yards, but it could have or should have been a 20 or even a 60 yard play. They just aren’t explosive enough to give them the big play they need and they look for an upgrade here in Donald Brown. Brown is a total package RB who blocks and catches out of the backfield as well as run the ball. Not only can he bust off the long run, but he can pick up the tough 3rd and 1 that killed the Cardinals in 2008.

Team needs: OL, DL, RB

Alternative pick: C – Eric Wood

32. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

 Eric Wood (Scouting Report)  C – Louisville 

     I can’t believe Big Ben is still ticking this far into the season after getting mauled all year. That O-Line just hasn’t been the same since losing Alan Faneca last year. The Steelers need help at both the interior and tackle positions on their O-Line. Getting C Eric Wood here would make Ben a happy man. Wood is a beast and might be the best interior lineman in this draft. He is extremely smart, plays with great technique, and brings a mean streak to the field. Wood will push Justin Hartwig for the starting job or slide over to guard for a year. Either way, they would have their center of the future here. This pick has changed from Mack, to Robinson to Unger, to Wood, to Britton, to Beatty, and now back to Wood. I think it’s safe to say that this pick should be O-Line.

Team needs: OL, DE, CB

Alternative pick: C – Alex Mack

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Posted by joanna on Dec 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment