* Is for a player with possible injury issues.
#Is for a player with possible character or off the field issues
1.KC-LUKE JOECKEL-OT-TEX A&M-NFL COMP-JOE THOMAS-CLEV- Word going around is they won't Franchise tag LT Brandon Albert. If thats the case it's likely someone else will pay him more. This pick is good value and fills that need. The only question is if it's Joeckel or Fisher.We figure the long term level of competition Luke has played against is the tie breaker, even
though Fisher has showed more in the pre-draft process .If a team wants Joeckel or Fisher bad enough a trade back is in play . They won't get a RG3 type haul for a OT though and it's unlikely they would even get Jimmy Johnson trade chart value either. Right now all the talk is of them trading for a vet QB, or singing a vet QB. I still believe they will draft a QB at some point unless they acquire a younger veteran, but do not rule out Geno Smith at # 1. He has all the abilty of a # 1 pick and if he shows out well in the interview process & on the chalk board he has a strong chance of being their guy.
2.JAX-SHARIFF FLOYD-DT/DE-FLA-NFL COMP-MUHAMMAD WILKERSON-JETS-Their DT play is just bad against the run or pass.Floyd improves both ,he is from Florida, and his motor could be infectious. They have Mincey and Babin on the outside now, and I doubt they have given up on Andre Branch(last years second round pick) already,so that should improve their outside pass rush . If Star gets medically cleared he could go here instead.
3.OAK-SHELDON RICHARDSON-DT-MOU-NFL COMP-CULLEN JENKINS-PHIL-Pass rush is a weakness especially on the outside where they have some DT size guys coming off the edge, but Kelly and Seymour are both leaving and that makes DT their chief priority now. Richardson is the drafts most polished interior pass rusher right now. More than any other team in this draft they are likely to move back if the chance to acquire more picks and fill more needs comes up. Don't be surprised if the Rams package some picks to come up for either Joeckel or Fisher if they are still around.
4.PHIL-ERIC FISHER-OT-C.MICH-NFL COMP-JOE STALEY-SF-A massive amount of O-line injuries wrecked their season last year. Peters will be back and they can move Hereman back inside if they can get someone else on the outside.They need a CB too, so Milliner is a possibility. DRC is a free agent and Nnamdi is way overpaid for what he has done there.
5.DET-*DeMARCUS MILLINER-CB-ALA-CHARLES TILLMAN-CHI-They have had crappy CB play for years and only improved one side last year with Chris Houston,who is now a free agent . If the coach and GM want to keep their jobs they should get CB help right now. He played all year (and did the combine) with a torn labrum at a high level ,and doctors have assured teams he should be healthy for the season , as he is having surgery now that the combine is over.
6.CLEV-*DION JORDAN-DE/OLB-ORE-NFL COMP-JEVON JEARSE-RET-GB- Jaball Sheard regressed as a pass rusher last year and Juqua Parker is near the End. With the medical check of Jarvs Jones going badly Jordan is now clearly the number one 3-4 OLB candidate in the draft, with the frame to add aplenty of weight and play in the 4-3 as well. He should be healed from shoulder surgery when the season starts and he worked out well at the combine desood run blockerpite his injury.For the record I would take Warmack if I was them. 4 out of 5 of their starting lineman are good pass blockers, only 1 is a good run blocker, and none blow people of the ball like Chance.
7.GENO SMITH-QB-W.VA-NFL COMP-WARREN MOON-HOF RET.- With the top 2 OT's gone this makes sense. He has the arm for Bruce Arian's verticial sytem and the mobility to have a better chance to survive the rush than any other QB's they have. Ignore the RG3 comparisons. He's not that type of an athlete. He is a good athtlete for a QB though, but not the elite runner that Griffin is. He's mobile but always is looking to throw first. Not an elite franchsie QB prospect like Luck or RG3 ,but the best in this class. If your AZ he's a lot better than what you have. Smith has a strong arm ,good accuracy when he's set, is clean off the field , is a great athlete, and doesn't throw interceptions. Needs work on mechanics ,handling the blitz,pocket awareness, and being a more vocal leader right now. Also needs to add weight and learn a pro system, but he has the football IQ to do it.
8.BUFF-EZEKIAL ANSAH-DE-BYU-NFL COMP-JASON PIERRE-PAUL-NYG-Mark Anderson was hurt a lot this season. Add a young edge rusher to a healthy Williams bros & Dareus and they might have the leagues best front four ,with a perfect blend of youth and veterans up front. Ziggy is probably only a situational pass rusher right now and I wouldn't take him in the top 20 , but I would be surprised if he got out of the top 10 in this draft.
9.JETS-CORDARELLE PATTERSON-WR-TENN-DEZ BRYANT-DALL-Former GM Mike Tannenbaum gave them this pick on the NFL network. If anybody knows what they are thinking it's probably him. It also allows them to finally cut overpaid, injury prone ,malcontent Santanio Holmes.A trade back to acquire more picks would be ideal. Lane Johnson, Warmack or Cooper would be better IMO.
10-TENN-CHANCE WARMACK-G-ALA-NFL COMP-JAHRI EVANS-NO-None of the 3 guards who started for them played well last year, even future HOFer Steve Hutchinson. With this draft having so few players who are elite at their position, a guard in the top 10 won't shock us at all, and even 2 is an outside possibilty. Trading down or going after a CB or edge rusher are also viable options but the best player in the draft at # 10 is a bargain, and since their head coach is a HOF guard he should realize it.
11.SD-LANE JOHNSON-OT-OKLA-NFL COMP-NATE SOLDER-COL-Another BAD O-line . 2 years ago the left side of their line was elite with Dielman and McNeil. 2 injury retirements later and Phillip Rivers is a wreck. This guy is an athlete. He started juco ball as a QB but kept growing. Then he was a TE and DE. Finally settled in as a RT as junior at OKLA, and LT as senior. Might be a small reach ,but this isn't a strong draft, He has more upside than Joeckel & Fisher, and they are desperate on the left side. Hopefully their new front office go after will go after any and all free agents.
12.MIAMI-CAR-SYLVESTER WILLIAMS-DT-NC-NFL COMP-MARCELL DAREUS-BUF- Thier D-line is aging and Randy Starks is a FA. Even if they bring him back they need more of an interior pass rush. Williams also gives them flexibilty for multiple fronts .Since we have heard they are willing to spend some money in the FA market this year we beleive it likely they get a #1 WR there.
13.TB-XAVIER RHODES-CB/S-FLA ST.-NFL COMP-NnAMDI ASOMUGHA-PHIL-Definitely a bit high right now but they traded their best CB last year and they need another big corner now. Rather than reach they might go D-line or trade back.
14.CAR-*KEENAN ALLEN-WR-CAL-NFL COMP-JORDY NELSON-GB-Steve Smith is near the end and a small guy to boot. Allen gives Cam Newton a big reliable downfield threat that he can throw it up to and be confident that he will come down with it. I would take hometown stud Johnathan Cooper and look for a # 1WR in free agency , but we doubt they will.
15.NO-KENNY VACCARO-S-TEX-NFL COMP-KERRY RHODES-AZ-safety, corner, OT, NT, rush OLB are all needed for their move to a 3-4. Some of those holes wil be filled in free agency. Unless the bills let Jairus Byrd go this one won't be.This defense was horrible last year. Rob Ryans complicated scheme especialy requires smart safetys that can cover. If Vacaro falls this far it's a steal.
16.RAMS-DJ FLUKER-OT-ALA-NFL COMP-ANDRE WHITWORTH-CINC- DJ did show up healthy and slimmed down at the combine. He has elite measurements and if he can improve his quickness a little he can at least cover right tackle this year and maybe even LT int he right offense . This pick also allow them to franchise tag Roger Saffold and see if he earns a bigger deal , or negotiates in a manner that reflects what he has done so far. They could easily address this in free agency as well.
17.PITT-BARKEVIOUS MINGO-DE/OLB-LSU-NFL COMP-JASON TAYLOR-(ret)- James Harrison is 34 , has a big salary, and has been injured a lot recently. Lamar Woodley wasn't too hot last year either. So we are giving them a edge rusher with a lot of potential. Also Larry Foote was a liabilty last season so a ILB is a possibilty. Ogletree has the talent to warrant this pick and would give them another 3 down LB to go with Timmons, he is versatile enough to play all the LB positions and add some youth & speed to an aging defense. .Ogletree has been suspended before though and he just had a DUI. A trade back to acquire picks also makes sense considering the age of some expensive players on a roster with cap problems, and the holes they aleady have before any cuts are even made.
18.-JOHNATHAN COOPER-G/C-N.CAR-NFL COMP-ANDY LEVITRE-BUFF-The right side of the Dallas O-line needs a upgrade. There are no tackles worth this pick left in this scenario,so how about a plug an play guard? Cooper is more of a LG, but Nate Livings is a better fit on the right side anyway.Coop can also play center in a pinch. I am sure Dallas fans are sick of seeing Romo run for his life and this guy could help immediately. It's safe to say Lane Johnson would be in play if he fell here. Ogletree is an outside possibilty. It wouldn't surprise me if Dallas slightly traded up for Warmack,Vaccaro Johnson, or even Cooper. If they do I don't think they will go far and still stay out of the top 10. I also wouldn't surpised if they traded back when none of the guys they thought would be there are available.
19.NYG-BJOERN WERNER-DE-FLA ST.-NFL COMP-DERRICK MORGAN-TENN.-GM Jerry Reese is known for taking the best player available, or guys with big upside , and in this case it fits a need. The Osi and Tuck era has likely come to an end,and even if they keep Tuck he was not even close to being the guy who dominated 2 superbowls last year.. JPP can handle one side, but unless they move Kiwanuka down to the line they are short a starting DE. Pass rush was the main reason they won 2 superbowls in 4 years and I am sure they know it.
20.CHI-#ALEC OGLETREE-LB-GA-NFL COMP-LAWRENCE TIMMONS-PITTS-Urlacher and Briggs are long in the tooth. You need really athletic LB's to run the Tampa 2 right and this guy is the most athletic one in the draft.With there being no O-lineman worth this pick right now, they take a great player at a position of need. Unless some other young O-lineman shows well in the pre-draft process expect him to be considered.If not for off the field problems, including a DUI this week, Ogletree would be a slam dunk top 10 pick in this draft.
21.CINC-CINC-TAVON AUSTIN-WR-W.VA-NFL COMP-PERCY HARVIN-MINN-This mans lightning in a bottle on the field. Running, catching, and returning are all in the toolbox. Explosive and would take some pressure of Dalton to Green.If a RB blows up the pre-draft process that is also a possibility.
22.RAMS-QUINTON PATTON-LA.TECH-NFL COMP-RODDY WHITE-ATLThe rams have a lot of young WR talent. and claiming Titus Young and his attitude didn't help much, as they just cut him. However Amendola is the only one with any polish. He's also a FA, and he is often injured. Patton is polished , fearless, has great hands, can block, and will give Bradford a reliable target.
23.MINN-STAR LOTULELEI-DT-UTAH-NFL COMP-HALOTI NGATA-BALT-If it's true his heart only works at 75% that explains the occasional gas tank problems. In a NFL rotation he would still be very effective if the docs clear him, Kevin Williams is in his 30's and this pick provides defitinite value. A WR to take some pressure off Adrian would work as well.
24.INDY-DESMOND TRUFANT-CB-NFL COMP-JASON McCOURTY-TENN-Probably the 3rd best CB after the senior bowl,and they need CB help badly. He was a standout at the senior bowl. If he runs well it's even more likely and need will likely push him up draft boards either way . If a good O-lineman rises ,or one falls who shouldn't that should come first ,but we see them adressing that in free agency. Luck got hit constantly all season.They are a candidiate to trade up for a lineman just in case they don't address it in free agency.
25.SEA-DATONE JONES T-DE/DT-UCLA-NFL COMP-JUSTIN TUCK
-Chris Clemmons is not only 11 years in, but he just hurt his knee . Bruce Irvin is more of an undersized pass rushing specialist, so they need an everydown guy who can play the strongside . Pete Carrol may have lost out to UCLA recruiting Jones in college, but this time he gets his man. Datone is versatile enough to help in all the different looks this defense likes to show, and even move inside when called upon.
26.GB-TYLER EIFERT-TE-N.DAME-NFL COMP-TONY GONZALEZ-ATL- The ubertalented but usually dissapointing Jermichael Finley will probably be gone this year in free agency. Eifert is consistent as a receiver ,and despite not being a great blocker right now, the effort is there. He is already a much better blocker than Finley will ever be .They need some O-line help, but I don't have any graded high enough yet in this scenario. Both starting OT's will return from injury as well ,so that might fix the problem.
27. HOU-JHONATHON HANKINS-DT-OH ST.-KEVIN WILLIAMS-MINN-Nose tackle is their largest weakness. This guy is big, strong, fits the bill, and can play all over their D-line. He has the talent to go a lot higher but his inconsistent effort makes this a legit possibility. With more
effort he could be a 3 down NT.
28.DEN-JOHNTHAN BANKS-CB-MISS ST-NFL COMP-ANTONIO CROMARTIE-JETS -Champ Bailey is still a good player despite his last game, but he will also be 35 next season. This big corner is likely to test well and who better to learn from than the champ?
29.NE-JUSTIN HUNTER-WR-TENN-NFL COMP-SIDNEY RICE-SEA-Its probably more likely they trade this pick to someone wanting to grab Wilson,Barkley or Glennon late in the first, but they need a young #1 WR who can play outside. They may not pay Welker, but at least they have Eidelman in the slot as a possible replacement. Lloyd is older and not very physical. This guy does everything well and he can stretch the field.Before injuries happned this guy was considered a top 10 pick.
30.ATL-SAM MONTGOMERY-DE/OLB-LSU-NFL COMP-ANTHONY SPENCER-DALL -John Abraham is 34 on the weak side and Kroy Bierman is nothing special on the strongside as far as Atlantas DE's . Jones also has the versatilty to slide inside to tackle on obvious passing downs. Tony Gonzalez is saying he is probably done and if retires,Tyler Eifert can slide right in and give similiar production right away ,If he comes back the best available edge rusher is a good fit.Montomery does everything good but nothing great. He can also play either side in a 4-3.
31.SF-JESSIE WILLIAMS-DT-ALA-NFL COMP-VINCE WILFORK-NE-Not a lot of needs with the 49ers, but this fills one. Thier elite D-line is aging and Issac Sopoaga hit the wall last season. With the age of Smith and Mcdonald ,and Smith's tricep injury , this is more likely as he can play more spots on the D-line.
32.BALT-.*JARVIS JONES-OLB/DE-GA-NFL COMP-CLAY MATHEWS-GB- GM Ozzie Newsome loves value and tends to find a way to get it. Even if Jones ends up only playing 4 good years this pick is a steal for a player with top 5 talent. Terrell Suggs is still a good player, but lacks explosion due to age & his repaired achilles.Paul Kruger is a FA and Courtney Upshaw is a solid guy but will never be a top tier pass rusher. As long as a doc says he can play at least 4 years this just makes too much sense.
33.JAX-LARRY WARFORD-G-KY-BOBBIE WILLIAMS-BALT-With MJD coming back from injury ,and Gabbert still not living up to his draft status, it would be probabaly be nice for both to have some room to do their jobs.Both starters at LG underwhelmed last season. Warford will put some nasty in the middle of the line.
34.KC-TERRANCE WILLIAMS-WR-BAY-NFL COMP-STEVE JOHNSON-BUFF-Even if Dwayne Bowe is resigned they would still need another WR. Williams would not only stretch the field, but he has reliable hands .
35.PHIL-EJ MANUEL-QB-FLA-ST-NFL COMP-DONOVAN McNABB-(ret)-This is not only the best QB for Chip Kelly's sytem, it's the guy with the highest upside. With a Kaepernick-like year to sit and learn , he could have a Kaepernick-like impact down the road.
36.DET-COREY LEMONIER-DE-OLB-AUB-NFL COMP-ANDRE CARTER-OAK-Cliff Avril is a FA and Vandenbosch looks done and was released. Lemonier needs to get bigger and play lower for an NFL 4-3, but he could be a solid starter early.
37.CINC(oak)-KEVIN MINTER-ILB-LSU-NFL COMP-TAKEO SPIKES-SD- Rey Maulaluga was bad in 2011 and much worse last year. It used to be he lacked quickness in coverage but he didn't even play the run well last year . Minter could be the missing piece that makes this already talented defense elite.
38.AZ.*EDDIE LACY-RB-ALA-NFL COMP-MARSHAWN LYNCH-SEA-Could it be? Can the cards actually draft a RB high and he stays healthy? Beanie Wells has either been hurt or underperformed and Ryan Williams didn't look as explosive when he cam back from knee surgery. Lacy is a bell cow back who can also help in the passing game
39.NYJ-*MATT BARKLEY-QB-USC- NFL COMP-ANDY DALTON-CINC-It's actually more likely they trade into the bottom of the 1rst round for him, but this makes sense.The Jets run a west coast offense and Barkley is a perfect fit on one. Barkley will be odds on favorite for rookie of the year if this goes through.Yes, it's another USC QB, but this one is a 4 year starter with a high football IQ.
40.TENN-MATT ELAM-S-FLA-NFL COMP-QUINTIN MIKELL-STL-Micahel Griffin was moved around last year and he was terrible.Even if he returns to form he's more of a FS. Elam is more of a SS type but he just seems to make plays no matter where he is on the field.
41.BUFF-RYAN NASSIB-QB-SYR-NFL COMP-STEVE McNAIR (ret)- Let me seee....hmmmm...new coach from college ... needs a QB.... coaches former QB in draft and already knows offfense. DUH!
42.MIA-ROBERT WOODS-WR-USC -NFL COMP-REGGIE WAYNE-INDY_Even if they sign a Mike Wallace or another WR in free aganeyc they still need another Wr if brian Hartline isn;t resigned. Woods is polished,productive, and they could grow together.
43.TB-ZACH ERTZ-TE-STAN -NFL COMP-TODD HEAP-AZ-Dallas Clark is well past his prime ,and without that consistent mid field target that Kellen Winslow had once been, Josh Freeman
backslid last season. Ertz will have to work more as a blocker in this offense , but he has the frame to pull it off.
44.CAR-KAWANN SHORT-DT-PURDUE-NFL COMP-ANTONIO GARAY-SD-Carolina has bad run defense and Short is a big body that can start as a rookie . If this guy played hard every down he would have been a top 15 pick .It wouldn't shock me if he was gone by this point
45.SD-CHRIS HARPER-WR-KAN.ST-NFL COMP-ANQUAN BOLDIN-BALT-Give Phillip Rivers a steady receiver for years to come.This guy is physcial , runs good routesm has reliable hands, and can even block.
46.STL.-*BARRET JONES-C/G/T/-ALA-NFL COMP-MAX UNGER-SEA-He's an immediate upgrade at LG . .Heck the highly decorated Barrett may even be an upgrade at center too.He can also play every other position on the O-line if it's needed.
47.DALL-JONATHAN CYPRIEN-S-FIU-NFL COMP-RESHAD JONES-MIA- Gerald Sensabaugh is dependable but nothing special at either safety spot. Barry Church is coming off major surgery , even though he did play well before being hurt last season. Last years 4th rounder Matt Johnson couldn't stay healthy. Cyprien will probably be the best safety on their roster as soon as he learns the defense.
48. PITT-AURTHUR BROWN-LB-KAN ST-NFL COMP-JON BEASON-CAR- This is a perect fit. Browns recent weight gain now makes available to 3-4 teams too. He is strong in coverage and is a 3 down LB in either defense. Pairing him with Lawrence Timmons makes them a pair to potentially rival Willis/Bowman and Lee/Carter as the leagues best inside LB duos.
49.NYG-ROBERT ALFORD-CB-SE.LA-NFL COMP-LADARIUS WEBB-BALT- The giants lose defensive backs like a little kid with marbles. Almost every DB on the NYG roster is coming off injury, a possible cap casulaty, is in some state of free agency, or some combination thereof.
50.CHI-TERRON ARMSTEAD-OT-ARK.PB-NFL COMP-TYRON SMITH-DALL-I expect them to acquire an O-lineman or 2 in free agency. As of now RT Gabe Carimi fits better inside at guard. Along with Lane Johnson Armstead took the combine by storm. The fact that he also showed good play on the field on tape, then at the east/west game, and even held his own at the senior bowl makes me believe he could go even higher. He looks and moves like a giant TE. WIth a year or 2 in an NFL weight room and with NFL coaching he could easily be a Pro Bowl blindside protector.
51.WASH-MENELIK WATSON-OT-FLA-ST.-NFL COMP-JASON PETERS-PHIL-Watson is a raw elite athlete. If he wants it he can be a starter at right tackle or inside at guard very soon, but I wouldn't gamble on someone with this little playing experience before now.
52.MINN-.DEANDRE HOPKINS-WR-CLEM-NFL COMP-PIERRE GARCON-WASH- They need anyone who can take attention away from Adrian. Percy Harvin is probably going to to be traded unless he has an attitude adjustment, and with his injury and attitude history they should get what they can now anyway. Even if they keep Harvin they desperately need more playmakers.
53.CINC-.*GEOVANI BERNARD-RB-N.CAR-NFL COMP-CJ SPILLER-BUFF- Another speedy playmaker to open up the offense. The law firm of BJGE is an inside grinder , but he's not much of a threat to bust a long one, or help out in the passing game. Bernard gives them what he can't.
54.MIA(indy)-DAVID AMERSON-S/CB-N.-CAR ST.-ANTONIO CROMARTIE-JETSThe fins need help at saftey and CB. They also prefer big CB's which Amerson certainly is. If you watch his 2011 tape he's a top 10 pick as a corner. After spending this year trying to jump routes to break the interception receord I am not sure what he is now. Last season he looked like a safety. at # 54 he's worth the risk and might be able to help you at both positions. He lit up the combine so don't be surprised if he goes higher.
55.GB-JOHN JENKINS-DT-GA-NFL COMP-JAMALL WILLIAMS-(ret)-To run the 3-4 you need a NT and they don't have a good one, becaue Raji ususally plays end for some reason .Jenkins is huge and super talented.
56.SEA-KHASEEM GREENE-OLB-RUTG-NFL COMP-THOMAS DAVIS-CAR-Leroy Hill's recent arrest probably make sany decison bout bringing him back easy.This former safety has the coverage chops and smarts needed for Pete Carrols defense.
57.HOU-SIO MOORE-LB-UCONN-NFL COMP-JEROD MAYO-NE-When Brian Cushing was lost their defense was greatly reduced. They need another guy who can man QB the middle of the defense if Cushing isn't ready ,or goes down again. Moore has the athletcism and toughness to play inside in either front. He can also play two outta three LB spots in the 4-3 .
58.DENV-AKEEM SPENCE-DT-ILL-NFL COMP-KYLE WILLIAMS-BUFF-Both starting DT's will be over 30 when the season starts. The more film we watch on Spence the more he grows on us. Add a good combine in the mix and we think he's off the board in the second round.
59.NE-#JORDAN POYER-CB-ORE ST. -NFL COMP-CORTLAND FINNEGAN-RAMS-Despite a string of high draft picks NE always seems in need of a CB .They even traded for Aqib Talib late in the season.
60.ATL-GAVIN ESCOBAR-TE-SD ST-NFL COMP-SCOTT CHANDLER-BUFF-Even if Tony Gonzalez returns it's probably only for 1 year. Escobar has been the drafts late riser and his upside is huge. Despite hsi size he isn't much as a blocker just yet, but neither was Gonzalez when he was first drafted.
61.SF-MARKUS WHEATON-WR-ORE.ST-NFL COMP-STEVE SMITH-CAR- Last years 1rst rounder AJ Jenkins was drafted for his speed but didn't do damm near anything. Randy Moss was brought out of retirement to stretch the field. Tedd Ginn isn't anything but a returner for them and he may not even be back. Wheaton can both stretch the field and help out in the return game.
62.BALT-MANTI TEO-ILB-N.DAME-NFL COMP-STEPHEN TULLOCH-DET- The freefall finally ends and he will probbaly end up being the steal of the whole damm draft.This is the best place for Manti . He needs a locker room that will build him up, support him, and have his back against all comers. It looked like his confidence was shot in the National championship game, and since we now know he found out the truth that would explain his bad play. Before that he was worth a top 20 pick off his play on the field this season.