NOTE: Matthew Stafford officially signed his contract with the Lions, a 6 year
deal which could be worth as much as $78 Million ($41.7 Guaranteed). Congrats to
Stafford, even though we have Sanchez rated higher, we think they both will
become very good QB's in the NFL, but it will be up to the Lions to put him into
a situation that will allow him to have success. Next Priority is to fix that
horrible Offensive Line in front of him.
The Lions was unable to get QB Jay Cutler from the Broncos, which would
have been BIG for this organization. We don't believe a team should just draft a
QB because they need one, he should also be one of the Top Players on your board
and Stafford is likely one of Top 3-5 players on the Lions board right now.
Lions history is so bad with high draft picks so we understand the concerns that
Lions fans have with taking a QB with the 1st pick, but Stafford is better then
any QB prospect the Lions have drafted in the past, including Joey Harrington
coming out of Oregon. Stafford is good enough to have a Matt Ryan type of rookie
season but for him to have success right away, the Lions will have to fix that
Offensive Line.
2.)Rams
(2-14):
OT Jason Smith- Baylor
Team Needs: OT, LB, OG,
DT, QB
Alternative Pick:QB Mark Sanchez, LB
Aaron Curry,
OT Eugene Monroe,
NOTE:
The Rams will be very happy that the Lions passed on Jason Smith, they will be
getting a True Franchise Left Tackle that can step in right away and replace
Orlando Pace.
OT Eugene Monroe could be the pick but apparently some teams are very concerned
about Monroe Knee, he had some Knee problems back in 2006 and 2007. Aaron Curry
is still possible with this pick as well, but after thinking about previous
drafts, for some reason LB's are not valued that high by most teams, even though
they make the biggest impact as rookies, but new head coach Steve Spagnuolo is a
defensive minded head coach, so drafting a LB this high is very possible. In the
end, the need for a franchise Left Tackle is just too high for the Rams to pass
on one.
One surprise scenario could be the Rams taking Sanchez with this pick, that
would be a TON of money invested in the QB position a but they could turn around
and move Marc Bulger in a separate deal, not sure how many teams will be
interested in take Bulger big contract.
3.)Chiefs
(2-14): DL Tyson Jackson- LSU
Team Needs: DE, WR, LB, CB
Alternative Pick: Trade
Down, LB Aaron Curry, DT B.J. Raji
NOTE:
Tyson Jackson has been high many teams draft boards for a
while now, some teams feel that he (and Curry as well) would be one of the
safest pick in this entire draft especially as a DE in a 3-4 defense. Jackson
has a GREAT motor and a TON of experience, remember that Pioli also draft guys
like Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork all in the first round when he
was with the Patriots, so clearly he values defensive lineman.
4.)Seahawks (4-12):
LB Aaron Curry- Wake Forest
Team Needs: QB, OG,
WR, CB, C, DE
Alternative Pick: Trade
Down, QB
Mark Sanchez, WR Michael Crabtree, OT
Jason Smith, OT Eugene Monroe
NOTE: The Seahawks
can go in any direction with this pick, they can go with Mark Sanchez and get
that QB for the future now since they probably won't be drafting this high again
for a while, they could also get more weapons for Hasselbeck to go with newly
signed veteran WR T.J. Houshmanzada, or they could also go with the franchise
Left Tackle to replace Walter Jones once he retires. Seahawks GM Tim Ruskell
recently said that they are happy with Hasselbeck at QB, seems like he also
wants a player that will come in a make an impact right away and not sit for a
year or two, sounds like Aaron Curry is the guy he is looking for, but this
could be a big smoke screen to make sure nobody jumps ahead of them and select
Sanchez.
A few recent transactions that may effect this pick: With the signing of DT
Colin Cole and the recent trade for DT Corey Redding, it is very doubtful that the
Seahawks will consider B.J. Raji with this pick now. They also re-signed OT/OG Ray
Willis, who will continue to rotate at Guard and Tackle until Jones
retires, then he will take over at RT with OT Sean Locklear switching and replacing Jones at LT.
Remember the Seahawks gave Locklear a lot of money last year to stay (5 years,
$32 Million, $12 Million guaranteed), so we do NOT believe that the Seahawks
will draft a OT with this pick unless OT Jason Smith is still available.
5.)Browns (4-12): DT/NT B.J. Raji- Boston College
Team Needs: CB, DE/LB,
WR, RB, OL (RG, RT), LB
Alternative Pick: Trade
Down, DE Tyson Jackson, QB Mark Sanchez, LB
Aaron Curry, DE/LB Brian Orakpo
NOTE: The Browns are rumored to be VERY high on B.J. Raji (but might be even
higher on DE Tyson Jackson), adding Raji to defensive line that already has
Shaun Rogers would give the Browns a BIG dominating defensive line. Eric Mangini
comes from that Patriots coaching staff, so he knows how important it is to have
a dominating line on BOTH sides of the ball but specially on the defensive side
when running a 3-4. Browns could be up to something with this pick, they could
go with Sanchez with this pick then give Josh McDaniels what he wants by sending
Brady Quinn to the Broncos for the #12 or #18 pick.
6.)Bengals
(4-11-1): OT Andre Smith- Alabama
Team Needs: OT, DT, LB, DE, S, TE, OL(OG, C), RB
Alternative Pick: OT
Eugene Monroe, DE Tyson Jackson, DT B.J. Raji, WR Michael Crabtree
NOTE: Andre Smith would be a big upgrade over often injured OT Levi Jones
(probably will be released before or after the draft), with Carson Palmer coming back
from yet another injury, he is going to need all the pass protection he can get.
Glad to see Andre Smith is moving back up many teams draft boards, that means
teams have went back to watching film on him and seen his production on the
field instead of just focusing on what he looks like with out his shirt and how
"good or bad" of a work out he had.
Smith is physically the most dominating offensive lineman in this entire draft
despite the average Pro Day workout and still not being in the best shape
possible. Smith is good enough to step in at Left Tackle right away if needed,
especially if he gets in better shape.
Alternative Pick: WR Jeremy Maclin, WR Michael Crabtree, DT B.J. Raji
Note: Raiders need a playmaker at WR, rumor has that Al Davis will go for the
speed once again. Heyward-Bey is a very good player but he is not a better WR
then Maclin or Crabtree who both have better and more consistent hands then
Heyward-Bey. Everyone knows Al loves SPEED, so him taking the fastest player on
the board should not come to a surprise to anyone, Heyward-Bey has legit 4.3
speed and a Track & Field back ground, sounds exactly like many of the former
Raiders WR's. Raiders could still go with Maclin (who would be the better
choice) or Crabtree (who doesn't have the speed Al usually looks for but has the
best hands out of all the top WR's).
A few recent transactions that may effect this pick:
The Raiders signed former Jags OT Khalif Barnes who will step in at
LT, young OT Mario Henderson will likely switch to RT. That gives the Raiders
two young (Barnes 26, Henderson 24) and very athletic OT's which is ideal for
Tom Cables Zone-Blocking Scheme.
8.)FromRedskins
(5-11):
(Possible Trade! The Jags WANT to trade down.)
QB Mark Sanchez- USC
Team Needs:
WR,
DT, QB, LB, OG/C, S, CB
Alternative Pick: Trade
Down, WR Jeremy Maclin, QB Mark Sanchez
NOTE:
What Daniel Snyder wants, he usually gets no matter what the cost
may be.
Expect a huge package including the Redskins: 1st round pick #13 pick, 3rd round
pick #80 and their 1st round pick in 20010 or a package similar to that, so they
can move up and select USC QB Mark Sanchez. Why are the Redskins so HIGH on
Sanchez? Jim Zorn is known for using a West Coast Offense, Sanchez is the
Prototypical QB for that system and Jason Campbell is NOT, that is why the
Redskins and Snyder wants Sanchez so badly.
If the Jags keep this pick then they will probably go with either WR's Crabtree
or Maclin or they could go with one of the young Tackles to eventually take over
for Tra Thomas, either OT's Andre Smith or Eugene Monroe.
9.)Packers (6-10): OT Eugene Monroe- Virginia
Team Needs: DE/LB, OL,
DT/NT, TE, CB, LB
Alternative Pick: Trade
Down, DT B.J. Raji, DE Tyson Jackson, OT Andre Smith, OT Michael Oher, CB
Malcolm Jenkins
NOTE: The Packers would love to get OT Eugene Monroe here, he is a PERFECT fit
for the Zone-Blocking Scheme they use on their offensive line. Packers current
OT's Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are not getting younger, both are still
solid tackles but they both struggle badly with speed rushers. Packers could
also go with OT Andre Smith or even CB/S Malcolm Smith
10.)49ers
(7-9):
WR Michael Crabtree- Texas Tech
Team Needs:
DE/LB, WR, QB,
CB, DT
Alternative Pick: QB
Josh Freeman, WR Jeremy Maclin, DE/LB Brian Orakpo, OT Andre Smith, OT Michael
Oher
NOTE: The 49ers still need more big play WR's, Brandon Jones from the Titans was
a decent signing but he is not a "go to WR", if he was the Titans would he kept
him. Crabtree would be a big time steal for the 49ers if he falls this far.
49ers could go with a shocker here and select QB Josh Freeman from Kansas State,
rumor has it that they are VERY high on Freeman.
A few recent transactions that may effect this pick: The
49ers recently signed former Steelers OT Marvel Smith, when he is healthy, Smith is a very good
OT. It is now very doubtful that the 49ers will select another offensive lineman
with this pick.
11.)Bills (7-9):
DE/LB Brian Orakpo- Texas
Team Needs:
OT, TE, DE, OG, LB, DT, S
NOTE: Yes the Bills will be looking to replace Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters who they
traded to the Eagles, but they probably will not just REACH for a player because
of need. Bills will still go with the best player available or the highest play
on their board. Rumor has it that Orakpo is very high on their board but
selecting Oher is very possible but only if they have him rated higher. Bills
would love for OT Andre Smith to fall to this pick, that seemed possible a few
weeks ago but now that is VERY doubtful.
12.)Broncos
(8-8):DE/LB Aaron Maybin- Penn St.
Team Needs:
NT/DT, DE, LB, OL
NOTE:
With the switch to a 3-4 defense, the Broncos will
need a few hybrid DE/LB's to play Rush-LB. DE's Elvis Dumervil and
Jarvis Moss will make the switch to Rush-LB, Dumervil should do just fine, not
sure how Moss will workout as a Rush-LB. Aaron Maybin would be a nice fit for
the Broncos just incase Moss can't make that transition to a 3-4 Rush LB. The
Broncos really want DE Tyson Jackson but I guess everyone that use to work for
the Patriots all think a lot because Tyson Jackson probably one past the Cheifs
at #3 or the Browns at #5. Other alternatives for the Broncos could be one DE/LB
Brian Orakpo, DT/NT B.J. Raji if he falls this far and it is a VERY slim chance
that Aaron Curry could fall this far, as great as Curry could be, even Patrick
Willis wasn't drafted until the 11th pick when he came out.
13.)FromJaguars (8-8):
S/CB Malcolm Jenkins- OSU
Team Needs: DE, OL(OT,
C), LB, K, P
NOTE: Jags have a few needs like like another young WR to develop and
learn from Torry Holt as well as a OT to eventually take over for veteran OT Tra
Thomas. Jags also need help in the secondary, Jenkins can play either CB or you
can play him at Safety next to Reggie Nelson. If the Jags do decide to trade
down and let someone else select Mark Sanchez then they still should be able to
address their needs if with a lower pick. They could also go with OT Michael
Oher if he is still available or if WR's Crabtree, Maclin or Heyward-Bey is
still available they could select one of them.
Transactions that may effect this pick: The Jags is
expected to sign Veteran WR Torry Holt. This does not mean that the Jags are no
longer targeting a WR with this pick, but it is great insurance just incase they
can't get Maclin or Crabtree or if they want to go in a different direction with
their pick.
14.)Saints (8-8):
LB Brian Cushing- USC
Team Needs: LB, OL(C, OT, OG), CB, S, RB
NOTE: Saints trend probably continues
with them once again taking a USC player with their first round pick.
Cushing is a very versatile LB with experience at ALL 3 LB positions, he is big
and strong enough to play MLB or SLB
and he is also athletic enough to play WLB. Cushing would be a big upgrade over
Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle, most agree that Aaron Curry is a safe pick and
will make an instant impact, but all 3 of the USC LB's in this draft will make
an instant impact as well. The Saints could also go with Malcolm Jenkins if he
is still available, or maybe even Brian Cushing teammate Clay Matthews Jr..
Selectiong RB Chris Wells is also VERY possible, he would be a great fit with
Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas.
A few free agent transactions that
may effect this pick: The Saints signed Bills CB Jabari Greer, Vikings Safety
Darren Sharper and Safety Pierson Prioleau. So most of the needs that the Saints had in the
secondary have already been addressed via free agency.
15.)Texans
(8-8):
CB Vontae Davis- Illinois
Team Needs: S, LB, CB, DE, RB depth, OL depth
NOTE:
The Texans are thin in the secondary with a CB who they franchised tagged but he
is asking for a TON of money. The Texans are rumored to be very high on
Vontae Davis, it all depends on if they are willing to look past a few MINOR off
the field issues and take a chance on him. No Question Davis is Top 10 talent
and might be a better CB prospect then even Malcolm Jenkins. Speaking of
Jenkins, the Texans would be interested in him but probably as a Safety. Texans
could also go with a LB (but they did recently sign veteran LB Cato June).
16.)FromGiants
(8-8):
(Possible Trade!)
WR Jeremy Maclin- Missouri
Team Needs: OT, DT/NT, DE,LB, RB
NOTE:
Chargers GM has made it clear that they are looking to trade down to try and get
a second round pick back. The Giants are rumored to be very interested in
trading up for either WR's Jeremy Maclin or Derrius Heyward-Bey, who ever falls
far enough. The Giants just so happen to have an extra 2nd Round that the
Chargers probably would love to have. If the Chargers keep this pick then they
will likely go with either MLB Rey Maualuga, OT Michael Oher or one of the RB's
Chris Wells or Knowshon
Moreno.
17.)Jets
(9-7): QB Josh Freeman- Kansas State
Team Needs: QB, WR,
DE, RB, OL Depth
NOTE: Some have compared Josh Freeman to Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell, we think he could be more like Ben Roethlisberger because
of the great mobility for his size and the big arm. Freeman is a very underrated
prospects and was overlooked due to the other good QB's in the Big 12 who all
played on better teams and had more talent around them. Not sure if Freeman
would be ready to come in a start right away, but his upside is much greater then
Clemens and Brett Ratliff.
Jets could go in many other directions as well
like WR (if Maclin or Derrius Heyward-Bey falls), they could also go with RB
Chris Wells (since Thomas Jonas could hold out for more money plus he is 30). A
surprise pick could be TE Brandon Pettigrew, if the plan is to be a run first
offense then they will need an extra blocking TE. If the Redskins trade up and
select Mark Sanchez, then look for the Jets to try and acquire Jason Campbell
from the Redskins, who will demand a trade if the Redskins get Sanchez.
18.)FromBroncos (9-7):
LB Rey Maualuga- USC
Team Needs: NT/DT, LB,
DE, OL
NOTE: The Broncos could still trade one of these
two picks but if they keep this pick they they could go with one of the USC LB's
(either Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews Jr.). One sleeper pick
could be DT Peria Jerry, but the plan would be to move him outside as a 3-4 DE.
A recent RUMOR is that the Broncos is trying to
move this pick to the Browns for Brady Quinn. This is probably too high of a pick for
just Brady Quinn
straight up, BUT if Josh McDaniels is really confident that Quinn is the perfect
QB for his system, then it might be worth the risk.
19.)Bucs (9-7): DT Peria Jerry- Ole Miss
Team Needs: QB, DT, DE, WR, RB, CB, OT
NOTE: Bucs need a lot of help inside at DT after
losing Jovan Haye to the Titans via free agency and Chris Hovan is still a solid
player but he is not getting any younger. Peria Jerry can not only provide a
rush inside, he is also very tough against the run as well. Bucs could also be
targeting one of the USC LB's, either Cushing if he falls far enough or Clay
Matthews Jr.. They could also go with one of the DE's like Robert Ayers, to help
provide a pass rush on the other side of Gaines Adams.
Transactions that may effect this pick: The Bucs signed
veteran QB Byron Leftwich, again like some of the other recent free agent signs
from other teams, this is just insurance incase a player like Josh Freeman is
off the board when the Bucs make this pick. Leftwich is not the long term
answer, BUT he can come in and compete right away and give the Bucs time to
develop a young QB for the future, like Josh Freeman or maybe even Josh Johnson
if they finally decide to give him a chance.
20.)fromLions (9-7):
OT Michael
Oher- Ole Miss
(Lions received this pick as part of the trade for WR Roy Williams.)
Team Needs: OT, QB, LB, DE, DT, S, OG, CB
NOTE: It is VERY doubtful that Michael Oher will
fall this far but the Lions will be getting a STEAL if he does. Oher would be
the answer at Left Tackle for the Lions and that would allow Jeff Backus to move
inside to Left Guard.
If Oher is off the board then the Lions will
address other needs like maybe MLB (Rey Maualuga)
or DT (Peria Jerry or Evander Hood).
21.)Eagles
(9-6-1): RB Knowshon Moreno- Georgia
Team Needs: RB, S, TE
NOTE: Despite not running all that well during his
combine and pro day work out, Moreno durability should give him the edge over
Wells.
Moreno would be a nice RB to rotate with Westbrook but he can also carry the load
as the #1 RB once Westbrook is done or if Westbrook gets injured again, he is a RB that can carry the ball 25-30 times a game
if needed. Eagles could also go with TE Brandon Pettigrew with this pick.
22.)Vikings (10-6):
OT Eben Britton- Arizona
Team Needs: OT, WR, DL Depth
NOTE: Vikings desperately need to upgrade their RT
position, Marcus Johnson signed with the Raiders (that probably made a few
Vikings fans very happy) and Ryan Cook is average at best. Britton could step in
and start at RT right away, he is VERY similar to Jordan Gross with the
Panthers, he could eventually develop into a Left Tackle and replace Bryant
McKinnie in the future.
23.)Patriots
(11-5):
CB Darius Butler- UCONN
Team Needs: LB, CB, S, OL Depth
NOTE: The Patriots are rumored to be very high on
CB Darius Butler and could select him with this pick IF they stay with this pick
and not trade up. The Patriots are looking to trade up in the Top 10, rumor has
it that they might be trying to move up to select WR Michael Crabtree. If the
Patriots stay with this pick then they will probably go with the best defensive
player available.
NOTE: Falcons need help on defense especially the
interior part of their defensive line. Rumor has it that the Falcons are very
high on Ziggy Hood, he is a guy that can step in at DT from day one and will
likely be very productive. Hood has a GREAT motor and is very quick off the
ball, nother guy who was unblockable at times during his week at the Senior Bowl
practices.
Falcons will also be look to upgrade their
secondary either at CB and/or Safety, could also use another playmaking LB to go
with Curtis Lofton and newly signed veterans LB Mike Peterson from the Jags.
25.)Dolphins (11-5):
DE/LB Robert Ayers- Tennessee
Team Needs: Rush-LB, WR, CB, S, OL Depth
NOTE: Dolphins will be looking for
that hybrid 3-4 Rush LB, Robert Ayers would be a great fit for the 3-4 defense
and eventually replace Joey Porter who is NOT getting any young. Dolphins could
also use a physical CB like Vontae Davis or Darius Butler if one of them falls.
26.)Ravens (11-5): LB
Clay Matthews Jr.- USC
Team Needs: CB, WR, DL, LB
NOTE: Ravens usually goes with best player
available regardless of position so at this point Matthews Jr probably be the
best player available. He is also an ideal fit for that 3-4, Matthews could play
that Rush-LB position or he could even play inside. Ravens could also go with
one of the CB's (Vontae Davis or Darius Butler) if one of them fall to this
pick.
27.)Colts (12-4): WR
Brian Robiskie- OSU
Team Needs: DT, WR, OL (OT and OG), LB, DE
NOTE: DT is probably the biggest need for the Colts, but they could also use
another WR to go with Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez.
Robiskie is the best route running WR in this draft, he is a very smart WR, he
precise route running would be a perfect match for a QB like Peyton Manning.
Colts also desperately need help inside on defense at DT, so they could easily
go with either Peria Jerry or Evander Hood if one of them is still available.