| #17) Cincinnati Bengals (From Oakland)- Cordy Glenn (Guard/Tackle Georgia) | ![]() |
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| This pick has been pegged as a Cornerback ever since the Bengals stole it from the Raiders for Carson Palmer, but as we inch closer to the Big Day, it isn't seeming as likely. This selection of Cordy Glenn is not about need only, but is also about him being a great value here, which makes it so likely. Sporting a lowly 3.9 yards per carry average, as a group, they are one of the worst Run Blocking units in the league. So whether they choose to play him at Guard, or Right Tackle, he will immediately make an impact, and fill a need. He's also a great value in that teams love his blend of power and athleticism, along with his versatility. I haven't mocked him here, because he hasn't even been available in my last few draft scenarios. |
| #18) San Diego Chargers- Whitney Mercilus (OLB Illinois) | ![]() |
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| Everybody agrees, unless the Chargers make a move up for Mark Barron, which will be tough, the Chargers are locked into a Pass Rusher here. It's just a matter of which one they go for. Is it Chandler Jones, Whitney Mercilus, Courtney Upshaw, Nick Perry, or even Shea McClellin, they've got a ton of options. In the end though, it should really come down to two guys, Mercilus, and Chandler Jones. The latter, has been one of the draft's late risers, as people are enamored with his length, and potential. We really don't see that, and think Jones is very unproven, and underrated. Mercilus on the other hand led the nation in Sacks last year, and looked tremendous doing it. Getting to the QB in a vast number of ways, inside, outside, power finesse, he can also stop the run, and is athletic enough to play Linebacker. |
| #19) Chicago Bears- Chandler Jones (DE Syracuse) | ![]() |
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| Despite having one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Bears are always looking to improve the unit. This off-season is no different. One area they are looking to improve is at defensive end. They have Julius Peppers who is one of the best in the game and Israel Idonije who is very good against the run, but besides those two there isn't much. The Bears would love to add somebody who can help relieve some of the pass rushing pressure off of Peppers. A month ago, this pick would be laughed at, but now, people are saying this is probably the lowest Chandler Jones will possibly go on Draft Day. As mentioned, people are drooling over his length, potential, and upside, but I just don't see it. However, with the Bears really looking for a Pass Rusher, and Jones here, it makes a lot of sense. Playing with Peppers, being coached by Rod Marinelli, Jones might turn out O.K |
| #20) Tennessee Titans- Dre Kirkpatrick (CB Alabama) | ![]() |
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| With the loss of starting Cornerback Cortland Finnegan in Free Agency, the Titans are left with Jason McCourty, and Alterraun Verner as their starting Corners. Both guys are solid, but with the talent available at Cornerback in this years' draft, taking another Corner would be a smart way to go. We absolutely love Dre Kirkpatrick, he played for Nick Saban in an NFL Style defense, so he knows the game, and is ready to play now. He has the size and physicality to handle the monster NFL Receivers, and I think his athleticism is very underrated. In many years, he goes in the Top 15 easily, but the 2012 NFL Draft is absolutely loaded, so guys like Kirkpatrick will get bumped down. Dontari Poe will garner serious consideration here, but Kirkpatrick is just the superior prospect. |
| #21) Cincinnati Bengals- Courtney Upshaw (DE Alabama) | ![]() |
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| Pass Rusher is not a pressing need for the Bengals, but rather this is a case of Cincinnati taking who they feel is the BPA. It's no secret that the Bengals covet Courtney Upshaw, and they have for a while now. He provides that strength, tenacity, and toughness in the trenches they look for, along with the ability to effectively stop the run. Upshaw also brings them some much needed versatility. Carlos Dunlap, Robert Geathers, Michael Johnson, and Dontay Moch, all have specific roles, whereas Upshaw can be used in any type of hybrid scheme the Bengals might want to use. Whether at Linebacker in some spots, rushing inside on passing downs, Upshaw is an athletic, powerful pass rusher who can wreak havoc from any spot. Dre Kirkpatrick would draw serious consideration if available, as CB is a definite need. |
| #22) Cleveland Browns (From Atlanta)- Kendall Wright (WR Baylor) | ![]() |
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| This will be a tough spot here for the Browns, deciding which direction is best to help their anemic offense. Do they go with a playmaking receiver like Stephen Hill or Kendall Wright, to help out Colt McCoy/Whoever? Or the Mauling Right Tackle in Jonathan Martin who will open up running lanes for potential new Running Back Trent Richardson? It would be hard to knock them whichever direction they decide to go in, but getting playmakers on offense just seems to be such a priority for the Browns, and you can't blame them. Kendall Wright will be an excellent safety blanket for the Browns under whelming QB play, working the middle, and underneath, which would also give young Receiver Greg Little much more room. |
| #23) Detroit Lions- Quinton Coples (DE North Carolina) | ![]() |
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| It's been very very clear, every since Martin Mayhew stepped in for Matt Millen, that they will never reach for a need, and instead take the Best Player Available no matter what. They also have clearly made their Defensive Line a priority, and Jim Schwartz knows you need a strong D-Line to be long-time contenders. Detroit's pass rushers look fine on paper now, with Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril, Willie Young, and Lawrence Jackson, but Vanden Bosch is getting up in age, with a high cap number, and likely won't be around too much longer. Cliff Avril is in the midst of a serious contract dispute which leaves the whole situation in much uncertainty. Quinton Coples is a Top 5-10 talent, but everybody knows why he will fall. Detroit is not afraid to take on guys like these, and are confident in their abilities to get the best out of guys. If Coples is gone, or they too pass on him, Stanford OT Jonathan Martin is a very strong possibility. |
| #24) Pittsburgh Steelers- Dont'a Hightower (ILB Alabama) | ![]() |
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| Pittsburgh is ushering in a new era on defense, guys like Aaron Smith, James Farrior, Larry Foote, among others, are on the way out, and they are looking to bring younger guys in. Lawrence Timmons is a mainstay inside, and Dont'a Hightower would be an excellent fit right beside him for a long time. Hightower is a big, physical linebacker who will step up and hit you, but is a versatile athlete who brings a lot to the table. He profiles as a thumper who is excellent in run support, thanks in part to a very high football IQ. He always is in the right spot, can quickly identify plays, and then has the ability to go and make the play. Hightower also is a good blitzer, who knows how to knife into the backfield to make plays behind the line. With their needs on the Offensive Line, Pittsburgh would likely consider C Peter Konz here too. |
| #25) Denver Broncos- Dontari Poe (DT Memphis) | ![]() |
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| Lost in all of Tebowmania last year, is that the Broncos defense was extremely good, and was the real reason for the Broncos' success, not divine intervention. They were able to keep the score down and allow Tebow to win games at the end. They made some good moves in Free Agency adding Tracy Porter, but still have some room to improve. DT is one of those positions. Even before they lost Brodrick Bunkley in free agency, they had an issue. They ranked in the 2nd half of the league in stopping the run, giving up 126.3 yards a game. Everybody knows the book on Dontari Poe, so I will spare you that, but at #24, and on a good team, taking a project/potential player, is not a bad move. There is a good defense, and a good coaching staff in place in Denver, it's a good environment for Poe to hone his skills, and improve on his technique. Excellent value here at 25 for Denver! |
| #26) Houston Texans- Stephen Hill (WR Georgia Tech) | ![]() |
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| Everybody knows the Texans desperately want a Receiver to compliment Andre Johnson, and luckily for them, they'll get a good shot at Stephen Hill late in the 1st Round. Andre has been flanked by the likes of Kevin Walters, and Jacoby Jones, so they should be O.K taking on the project of developing Stephen Hill. Everybody knows that Hill is a very raw talent, who doesn't have much experience, and has a ton to learn. But what better guy could you have him learn under, and study than Andre Johnson? The two actually have comparable physical skills. Hill's upside is out of this world, and if Houston can develop the talent he has, Hill could be one of the best receivers in the league. Stanford Tight End Coby Fleener is an option here as well. |
| #27) New England Patriots (From New Orleans)- Bruce Irvin (DE/OLB West Virginia) | ![]() |
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| "Sources" everywhere have been saying that Bruce Irvin is pretty much a lock for the 1st Round at this point, as many teams here are looking for a Sack Artist like Irvin. I think it's much too high for him, as he really is a Pass Rusher Only, offering nothing on 1st or 2nd down, or anything against the run. However, the Patriots might be a good spot for him to go, they have two 1st round picks, and other avenues to improve the front 7, so this isn't their only shot to shore up the Pass Rush. Also, the Patriots have yet to publicly decide on a 3-4, or a 4-3, and will likely run a little of both, which works just fine for Irvin. As he has no starting role anyway, will be used as just a specialist, and then later on groomed to hopefully take a specific role. It really seems like a "Patriots" type pick, but it would definitely surprise many on draft day. |
| #28) Green Bay Packers- Shea McClellin (DE/OLB Boise State) | ![]() |
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| Here is another pick that everybody seems to think is a lock, but I just don't really understand. Mainly because I just don't get the fascination with Shea McClellin. McClellin is another case of how people can get so wrapped up in a guy's Intangibles, that they ignore serious flaws in a players game. He is not very strong, and has short arms, so he struggles to get off blocks, and stop the run. He also is a limited athlete, who looked much better because of the competition he faced in college. McClellin is a very solid, but very average player, lacking that upside, and star power that you should be looking for in the 1st Round. If McClellin is off the board here for Green Bay, they will Safety Harrison Smith is a viable candidate, along with Peter Konz. |
| #29) TRADE! Buffalo Bills- Jonathan Martin (OT Stanford) | ![]() |
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| There was a time when I, like many, were mocking Jonathan Martin to Buffalo with the 10th overall selection. However, for some reason, Martin's stock seems to have slipped in many people's eyes, but not in mine, and it doesn't seem like that's the case with Buffalo either. There has been a lot of talk of Buffalo moving back from their #10 pick, and then taking Martin later in the teens, but we don't think they will end up doing that. Instead, they get best case scenario, Martin continues to slide here late into the 1st, and the move up 12 spots to get him. Baltimore who owns this pick, really doesn't have anybody they have set their eye on, and would love to move back just 12 spots, and pick up a 3rd round pick, or something of similar value. |
| #30) San Francisco 49ers- Amini Silatolu (Guard Midwestern State) | ![]() |
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| We've been hearing for the longest time that San Francisco is locked into one specific player they want with their #30 overall pick, and now that "One Guy" seems to be Amini Silatolu. San Fran lost their starting Guard Adam Snyder in Free Agency, and have been looking to replace him. They also have shown strong interest in Silatolu, flying out as a staff to visit with the kid, and put him through a private workout. The Niners did a similar thing a few years ago when they took Mike Iupati out of Idaho, and it has worked out very well for them. Silatolu is in a very similar situation, coming out of a small school, he played Left Tackle in College, is very athletic, but is probably best suited for Guard at the next level. Silatolu has a very high upside, and in San Francisco, playing on that line, he could turn into a star. |
| #31) New England Patriots- Nick Perry (DE/OLB U.S.C) | |
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| New England wouldn't really take two Pass Rushers in Round One would they? I think they just might! Does anybody remember the last time the Patriots had a quality pass rusher? Mike Vrabel? Adalius Thomas? Willie McGinest? Is it a coincidence that the last time the Pats had a good pass rusher they also won the Super Bowl? Instead of using guys like Mark Anderson, or Tully Banta-Cain, the Pats might finally feel the need to go out and solidify the pass rush, with two guys. While Bruce Irvin earlier, would be more of a pass rushing specialist, and has a higher upside, Perry is definitely more ready to play, and projects as a starter immediately. Just think, the Patriots had arguably the worst pass rush in the league last year, and with a loaded crop of Pass Rushers in the draft, the thought of having two dynamic edge rushers is something that the Patriots might seriously consider. But then again, they will most likely trade this pick, and it will be all null and void. |
| #32) New York Giants- Doug Martin (RB Boise State) | |
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| Doug Martin is a guy who has continued to climb at every stop in the Draft's "Pre-Season". People love his well rounded game, speed, power, toughness, abilities in pass protection, as well as a receiver. With Brandon Jacobs finally being jettisoned, that leaves them with only Ahmad Bradshaw and D.J Ware in the backfield. Obviously, neither guy is 100% reliable, so bringing in a guy like Martin could bring some consistency to the backfield. There are certainly a number of ways the Giants could go with this pick, but with all the things I've been hearing about Martin, he seems very likely to go in Round 1, and this spot makes a lot of sense. Although it doesn't seem like a Jerry Reese type pick, there really isn't anyone else here who makes sense, and Martin could very well be BPA. |
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