* Is for a player with possible injury issues now or in his past.
#Is for a player with possible character or maturity issues now or in his past.
1.HOUSTON-TEDDY BRIDGEWATER-QB-NFL COMP-LOUISVILLE-AARON RODGERS-GB- yep... they lost twice to the jags...okay? Anyway, it helps them a ton so their fans should be happy as Teddy officially declared for the draft on new years day. They are now getting the clear cut #1 QB in the draft and a guy who has what Matt Schaub doesn't . Schaub's guaranteed portion of his contract is about done. The Texans didn't win this season, and although they were kind enough to let him start the final after he had already lost his job, his time as a Texan should be up . Bridgewater not only has the high football IQ and accuracy that Schaub showed in his prime, but he also has the strong arm, quick eyes, pocket presence, poise, and foot speed that Schaub has always lacked. If this happens I expect the talented Texans to get healthy and make a quick turnaround like the Chiefs did this year. Bridgewater is younger and has a higher upside than Alex Smith though. To be clear I see Teddy as a clear cut franchise QB that ANY team should be falling all over themselves to pick. I bet coach O'brien (a QB guru) will take Teddy if the choice is up to him . O'Brien has had pocket passers throughout his coaching career, Bridgewater is the best pocket passer in the draft. The only thing that could count against Teddy is his size. Most of O'briens past QB's had bigger frames than Bridgewater . If the Texans take him this could be the pick that finally puts their franchise over the top.
***TRADE*** The RAIDERS trade their #1 picks(#5 ) in this draft and their #1 pick in 2015 for the RAMS #2 overall pick***
2.RAIDERS-(stl,wash)-*JOHNNY MANZIEL-QB-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-FRAN TARKENTON-(ret)- Hopefully by now the raiders have realized Terrell Pryor is a great athlete that could be the next MEGATRON with some coaching, time, and effort .Matt Mcgloin looks like he could develop into a solid backup but he doesn't have "IT". Love him or hate him (and I have found myself feeling both from time to time) Manziel makes big plays at the best times , and he definitely has "IT". "JOHNNY FOOTBALL" is a proven winner in big games in college, and he doesn't turn the ball over. His lack of height (reportedly (6 foot 1 or 6 feet ) and potential off the field troubles make it a certainty he goes behind the reliable Bridgewater . If he stays out of trouble his leadership, poise, almost supernatural ability to extend plays & avoid the rush make me think he could be a winner in the NFL too. That was before this seasons improvements. Already this year he has shown improved mechanics, an improved ability at reading defenses , and a stronger arm . Even more surprising is his new willingness to buy time with his feet, and then throw the ball, instead of just taking off running like last season. He will ignite the fan base and spearhead a quick turnaround for a talented team. If he stays out of trouble and stays healthy this gamble could pay off long term. The raiders finally have the cap room to make some positive off season moves . Resigning DE Lamar Houston and Tackle Jared Veldheer should be their first priorities. After that they now have the cap room to fill holes with veterans and be competitive. Dennis Allen deserves at least one shot with a legitimate NFL roster .
3.JACKSONVILLE-#*JADAVIAN CLOWNEY-DE/OLB-S.CAROLINA-NFL COMP-MARIO WILLIAMS-BUFF-. With the only 2 QB's worth a pick this high off the board the Jags take the once a decade DE for coach Bradley's defense. With Jason Babin having a down year this season , turning 34 next year, and having a 6 million dollar salary as well, this makes even more sense. Barring one of them screwing the pooch in the pre-draft process I feel confident that Bridgewater ,Manziel, and Clowney will be the first 3 players off the board . The only question is what teams they end up on. They really need to take a QB in the 2nd though.
4.BROWNS-#SAMMY WATKINS-WR-CLEM-NFL COMP-PIERRE GARCON-WASH-Since they let pocket passing QB guru Norv Turner leave for Minnesota I played along with the Johnny Manziel rumors for a couple of weeks, but I still think this is just one big smoke screen . The browns leaking to multiple outlets they want Manziel screams that they are hoping to get someone to trade up with or ahead of them for him . I am guessing they will sign or trade for(Ryan Mallet?) or draft a QB with their second first rounder. Right now I refuse to believe they would take any QB besides Bridgewater or Manziel at #4 . Watkins is a stud though. Pair him with Josh Gordon & Jordan Cameron and any decent QB coming in is going to have a good shot at success .Like Gordon , Watkins also profiles as a # 1 receiver ,who can also help in the return game . The chances of stopping Watkins, Gordon, and Cameron is a really tall order.
5.RAMS-(oak)-JAKE MATTHEWS-OT-TEX A&M-NFL COMP-DUANE BROWN-HOU-
The rams have made it clear they are willing to move back and get even more picks. If they can pull it off and still get Mathews(that probably means just Jacksonville , Cleveland or Oakland) that would be a coup . In this case it worked and they now have 2 first round picks this year , and one next year. Roger Saffold will probably sign for more money with a team that's willing to pay him more to play tackle. If Jake Long isn't fully healed from his torn ACL by next season Matthews can fill that void .He has the ability to play every O-line position and then slide over full time when Long is done. After the 2015 season they can cut Long with very little dead money anyway, and right tackle Joe Barksdale is a free agent after this season as well .This son of a Hall of Famer was better than any of the tackles in last years draft in our opinion, and they went 1rst, 2nd and 4th in the overall. He would be an upgrade at every spot on the O-line considering the uncertainty of Longs health . With Sam Bradford knocked out for the season again it's about time protecting him became their top priority.
6.ATLANTA-(clev)-GREG ROBINSON-OT-AUBURN-NFL COMP-JOE STALEY-SF-The Falcons were replacing the entire right side of their line at the start of the season . RT Tyson Clabo was their best lineman and they cut him before the season in a salary cap move . LT Sam Baker is inconsistent, injury prone, and after week 10 he was put on season ending IR. Baker's replacement Lamar Holmes was much worse. Add the fact that 2 rookie corners were counted on to be key players this year and the falcons weren't too good this year . Quite frankly, I was surprised that Matt Ryan survived the year without missing any serious time due to injury after watching that line . Robinson is a mauler that will help keep Ryan upright and greatly improve their push in the run game. Robinson has had a great year ,but in a really run heavy offense ,and until recently he wasn't someone I saw as a threat to enter this years draft. After the rumors of him coming out this year started circulating I started doing my due diligence on him, but I only had 3 games of his still left on my Tivo plus the upcoming National championship game. The first game film of his that I broke down forced me to give him the nick name of "pancake". That's how brutal a finisher he can be when run blocking, especially when he is collapsing down from the side or going up field. He has played pretty well when I have seen him pass block ,but at less than 20 pass snaps a game I am not as confident about him starting out well in the NFL on the blind side . Both of the guys I currently have ranked ahead of him would be better left tackles out of the gate to me . I wouldn't be surprised if he started out at right tackle . After the national championship game I still feel the same ,although I am sure that NFL O-line coaches are lining up to man crush on a player that plays with his physicality , athleticism , and mean streak . I need to find the rest of his earlier game tape to fully flesh out more of his evaluation , but I am pretty comfortable that he will still be what I see now. Robinson is a elite athlete for his size that can anchor this O-line for a long time if he can fulfill his potential, but he is not all there yet . At the very least he will probably be a dominant run blocker at whatever position they put him at if he is blocking down , up field, or on the move. Keep this in mind though -he was straight up overpowered heads up in-line blocking against Florida states Mario Edwards in the National championship game on multiple occasions . Against stronger DE's he may struggle to get a push heads up. Plus Robinson can start the season at right tackle if Sam Baker is healthy and switch over to the left side if Bakers hurt or plays badly again . The falcons badly need pass rush help ,multiple O-lineman, and a new TE. Don't be surprised if they trade back to gather more picks to fill those needs.
7.TAMPA BAY-KHALIL MACK-OLB-BUFFALO-NFL COMP-BRIAN ORAPKO-WASH-Tampa Bay internally imploded this season . Their talented roster and once promising season went down the drain . Josh Freeman seems to have lost it and was let go. Rookie 3rd rounder Mike Glennon got a shot to start and actually played OK . Glennon has a strong arm , but he is also thin and immobile . Right now he may be better than Freeman but that's not saying a lot since Josh barely resembles the young franchise QB he was in 2010 . Glennon played a lot better than Freeman though. As of now we are betting that Glennon gets at least one shot at a full season as the QB. The best player available is Mack. Since the bucs have gotten nothing but subpar to horrible play from their DE's this season a bulked up Mack would also fill a big need. Khalil is an elite athlete who has the strength, frame, and agility to play in either 4-3 or 3-4. Mack also has the athleticism to play a similar role to the one Von Miller does in Denver. He has the size and speed to play the strong-side in a 4-3 and move down as a DE in obvious passing downs. When a guy from a smaller school is the best player on the field against a powerhouse like Ohio St. everyone takes notice.
8.VIKINGS-VIKINGS-BLAKE BORTLES-QB-UCF-NFL COMP-STEVE McNAIR-retired-I want to start by saying if for any reason Bridgewater or Manziel falls to here they should run to the podium and take either .Christian Ponders injury history and fragile psyche worries me. He missed significant time this year, the Vikes had a bad record, and he didn't play that well anyway . Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman both got a shot this season too and neither did anything to win the long term job . The Vikes need a QB badly but their isn't another one worth this pick right now. At least not with current coaching staff ... , but with Mike Zimmer hiring QB guru Norv Turner I would be okay with them taking Blake Bortles with this pick. The Vikes have a strong O-Line and running game .Plus you know Zimmer will make their defense better. Those are things that give a young developing QB have a chance at success . I admit I had never even heard of Blake until they played S. Carolina , and while he was up & down on that day, it was more his tools that impressed me. I have watched every game since. He is built like a LB and because of that you won't worry about him so much when he takes off running. In addition to his scrambling ability he also has a strong arm ,was the main reason UCF beat Bridgewater-lead Louisville, and just led his team to a victory over Baylor in another up and down game . In the end despite some mistakes his intangibles are those of a winner and he did lead his team to the victory. He needs polish in many areas but his skill set under Norv Turner is a gamble I would take in this case.
9.BUFFALO-TAYLOR LEWAN-OT-MICHIGAN-NFL COMP-JAKE LONG-RAMS- Right tackle Erik Pears is serviceable as a pass blocker but in this run first offense you need a push he just doesn't give. Lewan would be an upgrade in both areas and protecting EJ Manuel and opening holes for CJ Spiller/Fred Jackson should be this franchises main concern. They also might want to trade back and acquire more picks , because they really need help at guard and TE .
10.LIONS-#MIKE EVANS-WR-TEXAS A&M-NFL COMP-VINCENT JACKSON-TB Back before the Lions finally found their long term #1 WR in Calvin Johnson in the 2007 draft they had already taken three other guys in first round with very little success. From 2003 #2 overall Charles Rogers, 2004 #7 Overall Roy Williams , and 2005 #10 overall Mike Williams they got the equivalent of 2 good seasons and a whole lot of pissed off fans. Although in addition to being the one guy who gave them 2 good seasons Roy Williams at least brought them a haul of draft picks when Jerry Jones foolishly gave them way too much for his disappointing talents. Since Calvin came along they have struggled to find a #2 wide receiver. Whether its through free agency or the draft no one has measured up for a myriad of reasons. Johnson has routinely been double/ triple teamed by anyone with a brain because no other Lions receiver has been successful enough to make them back off him. New coach Jim Caldwell will see the same thing and this is the best way to remedy the situation. Evans would give Stafford 2 giant (both about 6"5"and 240 pounds) sure handed targets on the outside.. Throw in 6"5" and 6"7" TE's Pettigrew and Fauria over the middle and Matthew Stafford completely sucks if he can't get it done .
11.TITANS-CJ MOSLEY-ILB-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-DERRICK JOHNSON-KC- Between often injured Colin McCarthy & subpar Moisee Fokou the titans have a gaping hole at ILB that CJ can fill. LB's that can cover or rush the passer are the only ones worth drafting in the 1rst round in todays pass happy NFL. CJ can also play the middle or the weakside . While I am not a big fan of Jake Locker as a QB, they were winning before Jake got hurt and that probably buys him another season.
12.NYG-ANTHONY BARR-DE/OLB-UCLA-NFL COMP-DeMARCUS WARE-DALL- The giants don't have one above average LB on the inside or outside. Once great Jon Beason was a shell of his former self and the talented Keith Rivers was just average, The giants pass rush wasn't the same last year and JPP may never have that same explosive burst after back surgery. Justin Tuck is in his 30's now and has faded some. When healthy he is still a above average player but his health has been spotty for years. Finally we come to Mathias Kiwanuka. He just plain sucked last year. The athletic and versatile Barr would already be a better DE on the right side than Kiwanuka, at least on passing downs. I also believe they could use Barr at strong side backer the way Denver uses Von Miler .and the way the giants used to use Kiwanuka when he was good. No matter where he is used he will be a a pass rushing force.
13.RAMS-HA'HA CLINTON DIX-S-ALABAMA-NFL COMP-HARRISON SMITH-S-MINN-In the last 2 years under Jeff Fisher the rams have made a large jump in talent thanks to the RG3 trade and a few free agent deals. The area they have neglected is safety with only the injured TJ McDonald being brought in through the draft. Why they cut Quintin Mikel is beyond me and this will probably be a need . Dix has been a great player, in a great conference, against top competition. We doubt his little suspension for taking a short term loan will hurt him with NFL teams.
14.CHICAGO-TIMMY JERNIGAN-DT-FLA.ST-NFL COMP-JURRELL CASEY-TENN-Henry Melton was playing this year under the franchise tag before an ACL tear, and who knows if he will be brought back next year . Even if he is resigned they are still running the Tampa 2 ,and front four pass rush is crucial to that defense. Another pass rushing DT next to Melton is a huge need even if they do keep him . Jernigan is strong enough to play the one technique next to Melton . He also is quick and athletic enough to blossom into an elite 3 technique . If his knee(injury was from 2012) checks out for the long term he could go a lot higher.
15.STEELERS-JUSTIN GILBERT-CB-OKLA.ST-NFL COMP-PATRICK PETERSEN-AZ-Ike Taylor has had a great career for Pittsburgh but his once great speed is fading . Add that he had a horrible year , that this defense desperately needs to get younger, that the cash strapped Steelers can save 7 million by cutting him , and I doubt he will be back next season. Gilbert would give them a new tall ,young, healthy, physical corner to cover the AJ Greens & Josh Gordons of the division . Gilberts improvements this year is staggering. Throw his kick returning ability in the mix and Pittsburgh has a new # 1 corner.
***TRADE*** CLEVELAND TRADE's the 1rst round(#24) pick they acquired from the COLTS and the 3rd round pick they got from PITTSBURGH(#83) to DALLAS for their 1rst(#16) round pick***
16.BROWNS-(dall)-DEREK CARR-QB-FRES.ST-NFL COMP-BRETT FAVRE-retired-I personally doubt that the browns will reach for Blake Bortles at #4 and still think its possible they trade for or sign a veteran (Ryan Mallett?) to compete with Bryan Hoyer . In this case they need to make sure they get the strong armed , mobile, clean off the field mature QB that GM Mike Lombardi has always wanted . Better to move up than take the chance that the Bengals ,Cardinals, or Jaguars (trade up)take the guy they want .
***TRADE*** 49ers TRADE their 1rst round pick(#30) and their 2nd round(#61) and 7th round pick to the RAVENS for their first round pick(#17) this year and a 3rd round pick in 2015 ***
17.SAN FRANCISCO-(balt)-DARQUEZE DENNARD-CB-MICH.ST-NFL COMP-JOE HADEN-CLEV-The 49ers have too many picks and not enough needs. While Rogers is still a decent corner he will be 33 next season, overpaid for his current production, and the 49ers can save about 5 million off their cap if they cut him. Dennard is a physical press corner that would be an upgrade over Rogers ,save them money, and this trade gives them an extra 3rd round pick in next years draft .
18.NYJ-ERIC EBRON-TE-N.CAR-NFL COMP-DWAYNE ALLEN-INDY-If you want Geno Smith to succeed it stands to reason that he will need better receivers. While young Stephen Hill is immensely talented, he is still very raw . The only dependable receiver the Jets currently have is the injury prone, soon to be 30, high priced ,one more failed drug test away from a long suspension Santonio Holmes. Ebron can give Geno a big target that's hard to miss. Ebron would also give them an elite athlete that would be a mismatch for opposing defenses ,and a young TE who shown the willingness to block in those rare snaps when he will be lined up as an inline blocker. Sky's the limit for this kid if he wants it .
19.MIAMI-ZACK MARTIN-T/G-N.DAME-NFL COMP-JORDAN GROSS-TB-Miami was already getting subpar play from their OT's before the Richie Incognito scandal. Now they need a guard and a tackle. . Considering that the only long term lineman they can count on is center Mike Pouncey a versatile one would be the best fit . Martins positional flexibility would give them a better chance at getting their best 5 lineman on the field at the same time. Zach pulled off a amazing feat this bowl season ; he actually won the MVP award of a bowl game ! Thats right! An O-lineman was acknowledged as the main man of the new era pinstripe bowl ! Being a former O-lineman and coach of O-lineman myself, I must admit Zach is now my favorite player in the draft. I saw him as more of a second rounder who might be a better fit at guard and his short arms make it harder to stay at tackle . However, after being MVP of the bowl game I say let him play tackle and see if he can hang with quicker guys outside. He also kicked ass and took names at the senior bowl . So tackle it is.
20.ARIZONA-CYRUS KOUANDJIO-OT-ALA-NFL COMP-JASON PETERS-PHIL-While I expect the cardinals offense to be much improved with Carson Palmer and a improved O-line, the loss of DC Ray Horton & the lack of pressure I expect them to get on the QB means their defense should be a problem. Even then they are a solid team. but the NFC west is now the most talented division in football. The 49ers and Seahawks are legitimate perennial super bowl contenders, the young and talented rams would be a playoff contender in every other division in my opinion and they are only going to get better from this draft. The cards finally gave up on former LT Levi Brown early in the year, and turned the blindside over to preseason waiver wire pickup Bradley Sowell. That hasn't gone very well either. I thought Kouandjo would have been better off returning to school for his long term prospects. Considering how inconsistent he has been this year it was a surprise he came out. I think the fact that Ogbuehi . Erving , and Collins returned to school and thinned out the OT talent pool( making him close to a lock in the 1rst round ) probably ended up guaranteeing his early entry though . While I don't like him as a NFL left tackle right now , and wouldn't take him in the first round, someone will. I do believe in his long term potential as a RT . He would still be a upgrade over anyone the cards have at LT right now.
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21.PACKERS-(retired)-#JACE AMARO-TE-TEXAS TECH -NFL COMP-JEREMY SHOCKEY-P The pack needs an elite athlete to replace the elite athleticism of Jermichael Finley. Finley is as talented as they come but his mental errors. inconsistent hands, injury history, and lack of will to help out blocking make him expendable . Throw in a possibly career threatening neck injury and we wonder if he plays anywhere next year. Jace has the same type of ability but he looks like he's trying a lot harder than Finley. If not for some character concerns he would be long gone by now and the pack would be wise to snap him up. His blocking would help their new running game and to keep Rodgers healthy. His receiving ability would make their offense rival Denver's.
22.EAGLES-CALVIN PRYOR-S-LVILLE-NFL COMP-KENNY PHILLIPS-NYG-No safety on the Eagles roster played worth a damm last year. Even once promising Nate Allen has never returned to form after the injury that sidelined him late in his rookie year. Chip Kelly likes to show a lot of looks and blitzes, but he can't do it without someone that he can depend on as the last line of defense. Pryor can not only save you in the back half he is a physical intimidator that offensive skill players should come to fear in the near future. If I were the eagles I would try to bring in 2 new starting safety's. One in free agency and one in the draft. This might be a little high for Pryor but he is the second best player in the draft who was a full time safety (don't rule out Lemarcus Joyner because he can play safety & CB) this season.
23.CHIEFS-*MARQUISE LEE-WR-USC-NFL COMP-TORRY HOLT-(retired)-The best thing about Dwayne Bowe is his blocking. His hands are suspect ,he is getting slower by the year, and he got arrested with weed last season. Although, as a #2 in a run first offense he is a good fit . Donnie Avery is injury prone and his best roll would be as a #3 in the slot. Add that Andy Reid has shown a willingness to draft WR's high and this is a good fit . Lee was the clear #1 WR going into this season. Due to Layne Kiffin's bad play calling, iffy QB play, and injuries Lee had a down year . He played (along with everyone else at USC) a lot better after Kiffin''s departure . After a lot of silly drops early on he had his best games at the best times . Lee can be the #1 WR this offense needs and also help out in the return game.
24.BENGALS-BENGALS-RYAN SHAZIER-OLB-OHIO ST-NFL COMP-THOMAS DAVIS-CAR-Rey Maualuga needs to be replaced. Drafting an elite playmaker like Shazier would help 2 positions. Vontaze Burfict could move to the middle full time and Shazier could play outside. The affect on their pass defense alone would be tremendous .
25.CHARGERS-JASON VERRET-CB-TCU-NFL COMP-TERRANCE NEWMAN-CINC-I believe the Chargers top 4 corners are the worst set in the league. Verret would give the Chargers the chance to have one corner play decent man to man against Denver. He's a playmaker that has played his best ball in the biggest games , has shut down the other teams top receiver multiple times, and is absolutely fearless anywhere on the field.
26.DALLAS(clev,indy)-AARON DONALD-DT-PITT-NFL COMP-LA'ROI GLOVER-(retired)-With the injury prone and bitter Jay Ratliff finally cut & free agent to be ( who says he will go wherever the most money is) Jason Hatcher over thirty , and Dallas sticking with the Tampa 2 defense DT is a huge need. Pressure from the front 4 is essential in this defense and Dallas has a horrible cap situation .It's on the D-Line where the cowboys have had an unprecedented rash of injuries so it should be somewhere on the D-line that they use multiple picks in this draft. A replacement for coming off a franchise tag (and almost completely lost season )Anthony Spencer might also be a possibility . It is even possible future HOFer Demarcus Ware could be cut in a salary cap move. He is still very good ,but after back-to-back injury riddled down seasons can they afford to pay him a 12 million plus base salary , or push that money farther into the future ? Even though they had a historically bad defense under Monte Kiffin . Dallas finally demoted Monte , but new D Coordinatoor Rod Marinelli worked closely with him this year anyway . Still Dallas is keeping this scheme around to see if they can make it work with a healthy D-line. I really expected Aaron Donald's size limitations to make him available at the top of the second round. However, after he dominated the Senior Bowl he probably will deservedly go higher.
27.SAINTS- DEE FORD-OLB/DE-AUBURN-NFL COMP-CLAY MATTHEWS-GB-The saints switched to a 3-4 this season and the out-for-the-year Victor Butler was their best fit as an OLB. Junior Gallete did have his moments this season, but I still think they need an upgrade on the outside. Pass rush is the entire key to the Saints defensive scheme and Ford is the kind of versatile pass rusher that can play multiple roles in the Saints defense. I was surprised when Ford showed up at the senior bowl and measured in at 6"2" and 243 lbs. Despite being a playmaker on film I thought he was closer to 6"1" and 225 pounds. , and that he would only be a situational pass rusher in the NFL until he bulked up. If he just bulked up recently it certainly didn't hamper him any . He has dominated the the senior bowl practices and game . We are betting 3-4 teams that miss out on Anthony Barr or Khalil Mack will be giving him a good long look. Some 4-3 teams may even be thinking he can play a Von Miller role.
28.CAROLINA-KELVIN BENJAMIN-WR-FLA ST-NFL COMP-CALVIN JOHNSON-DET-
Like the Houston Texans before them the panthers seem destined to wait far too long to draft a top receiver. Steve Smith is past his prime & undersized, but he is still the best WR on this team . You would think they would want to do everything they can to help their young franchise QB succeed, but they sure are going about it in a weird way. Benjamin can give Cam a new big possession WR that can win jump balls, move the chains, and give the team a future #1 receiver.
29.PATRIOTS-STEPHON TUITT-DE/DT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-RICHARD SEYMOUR-(fa)-It goes without saying that an elite TE to pair with perennially injured Rob Gronkowski would be their first choice. The only TE"s in this draft with a 1rst round grade are gone in this scenario. So are TE sized receivers Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin, but there is great value for them in this case . Bill Belichick has always preferred to run a 3-4 defense ,but has lacked the personnel to do so for the last couple of years. Tuitt is that rare prototype 5technique DE that can set the edge against the double team, but still provide a pass rush. Tuitt also has the size , length, and experience. in a 3-4 that Belichick would covet. Add that he can slide inside and do the job when they go to nickel , and this pick makes a lot of sense if he's there when they are on the clock. Since they are they Patriots a trade back is likely if they don't have someone they really covet left on the board when their turn comes.
28.CAROLINA-KELVIN BENJAMIN-WR-FLA ST-NFL COMP-CALVIN JOHNSON-DET-
Like the Houston Texans before them the panthers seem destined to wait far too long to draft a top receiver. Steve Smith is past his prime & undersized, but he is still the best WR on this team . You would think they would want to do everything they can to help their young franchise QB succeed, but they sure are going about it in a weird way. Benjamin can give Cam a new big possession WR that can win jump balls, move the chains, and give the team a future #1 receiver.
29.PATRIOTS-STEPHON TUITT-DE/DT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-RICHARD SEYMOUR-(fa)-It goes without saying that an elite TE to pair with perennially injured Rob Gronkowski would be their first choice. The only TE"s in this draft with a 1rst round grade are gone in this scenario. So are TE sized receivers Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin, but there is great value for them in this case . Bill Belichick has always preferred to run a 3-4 defense ,but has lacked the personnel to do so for the last couple of years. Tuitt is that rare prototype 5technique DE that can set the edge against the double team, but still provide a pass rush. Tuitt also has the size , length, and experience. in a 3-4 that Belichick would covet. Add that he can slide inside and do the job when they go to nickel , and this pick makes a lot of sense if he's there when they are on the clock. Since they are they Patriots a trade back is likely if they don't have someone they really covet left on the board when their turn comes.
-It's obvious that the ravens offense really misses Anquan Boldin. Robinson can give Flacco a new big possession WR that can win jump balls, move the chains, give the team 2 deep threats on the outside, and team with Torrey Smith to spread out the defense. Robinson is like a more even tempered Dez Bryant and that is scary to a defense. If he runs well he could go much higher.
31.DENVER-KONY EALY-DE/OLB-MIZZOU-NFL COMP-OSI UMENYIORA-ATL-The 2 best pass rushers in Denver last season were Elvis Dumervill and Von Miller. Between Dumervill's agent making a mistake that cost him his spot in Denver and Von Miller's drug suspension , and now Millers tore up knee they have very little they can count on in this area. Will Miller be the same guy without the chemical help and coming off a major knee injury? Don't know .but even if he is they need someone else that can rush the passer off the edge. Ealy is a versatile player who can rush off the edge , move inside on obvious passing downs, and he also has the athleticism to drop into coverage if needed,
32.SEATTLE-SCOTT CRICHTON-DE-ORE.ST-NFL COMP-RYAN KERRIGAN-WASH-(retired)-First and foremost Pete Carroll is a defensive coach who wants to attack. The hawks have become a destination for players seeking a ring now. They ended up getting both Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett on short term deals at a reasonable price last off season .Both had excellent years rushing the passer, but Bennett's deal was only for 1 year, as opposed to Avril's 2 year deal. The Seahawks have a lot of young cheap players right now due to excellent drafting, but they aren't very far away from free agency ,and are going to get a lot more expensive soon . Just to keep the core pro bowlers that are going to be free agents very soon like Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, and Earl Thomas is going to be very expensive in 2015-16. Bennett's great year is going to make him a lot of money in free agency that they can't match if they want to retain those core player long term . Since I highly doubt he will take another 1 year deal even for a hefty raise they are going to need a replacement . Crichton plays with the strength to hold down the strong side , and has the burst & motor of a great pass rusher . He will fit right in with Pete's excitable bunch.
33.HOUSTON-ANTONIO RICHARDSON-OT-TENNESEE-NFL COMP-ANDRE WHITWORTH-CINC-If you are going to draft a new QB it stands to reason that you would want to protect him . Between Derek Newton and Ryan Harris the Texans right tackle position was a problem last season . Richardson has the feet to play either side and he would team with Brandon Brooks to put some beef into the run game on the right side .
34.WASHINGTON-LaMARCUS JOYNER-CB/S-FLA.ST-NFL COMP-TYRANN MATHIEU-AZ- Now that Washington is free from the Illegal corrupt penalty given to them by the colluding owners
I expect them to be big players in free agency this year . Even so there are only so many DB's they can sign in free agency .The problem is they didn't have one player play above average in the entire secondary last season . Throw in that starting corners Deangelo Hall and Josh Wilson are both free agents this year and a DB with this pick is a must. Joyner's a versatile all around hard nosed football player that could start at corner or safety for Washington. Plus they are getting a first round talent with their high second rounder .
35.CLEVELAND-(indy)-DAVID YANKEY-T/G-STANFORD-NFL COMP- MARSHALL YANDA-BALT-The browns have gotten poor play from both right guards this year. If they can resign Alex Mack, and Mitchell Schwartz can keep getting better ,the Browns would have one of the leagues elite O-lines. Yankey can start at guard now , but if Schwartz falters again he has the flexibility to move to tackle and protect their new QB.
36.OAKLAND-XAVIER SU'A-FILO-G/T-UCLA-NFL COMP-VERNON CAREY-MIA-retired-Rookie Louis Nix was overwhelmed for most of last season but he did play a little better at the end of the year . Past his prime Mike Brisel was his opposite and played worse at the end of the season. At least one of them should be upgraded . If they can resign Jared Veldheer , Menelik Watson is healthy. and add the versatile Sua to (on the verge of being a great center )Steve Wisniewski the Raiders could have a young strong line for years to come . They had one of the worst lines in the league last year . Johnny Football is used to great lines at Texas A&M . Protecting their investment should be paramount to the organization.
37.ATLANTA-.*DEMARCUS LAWRENCE-DE/OLB-BOISE.ST-NFL COMP-SHAUN PHILLIPS-DENV-The Falcons lack of a pass rush was obvious to anyone who watched them this year. Their young corners played very well when you consider how long they had to cover too often .Lawrence is the kind of high motor player who plays bigger than he is and makes players around him better .
38.TAMPA BAY-.#LOUICHEIZ PURIFOY-CB-FLA-NFL COMP-CHARLES WOODSON-OAK- The only corner who played well for the Bucs last year was the back from injury Darrelle Revis. While Revis didn't have his skills used to their maximum potential (a lot of press man would be smart)he still was one of the leagues better corners last year, Hopefully Lovie Smith will adjust from a straight Tampa 2 and let Revis man up on the opponents best receiver . Seattle's hybrid Tampa 2 should be used as a blueprint here . Another young corner to join Johnathan Banks and learn from the master would surely help . Purifoy is also a Florida native who can help in the return game, and the speedster can even be used on offense if you need him.
39.JACKSONVILLE-JIMMY GAROPPOLO-QB-E.ILL-NFL COMP-KURT WARNER-retired-I no longer have any faith in Blaine Gabbert to be a NFL starter. If you brought in Tebow they would have at least won games and sold tickets. This year they had a golden chance at the #1 pick and the franchise QB they needed in Teddy Bridgewater, but they beat the Texans twice and pissed the dream away . With both Bridgewater and Manziel gone they took the best player available in Clowney at #3 . Clowney(at#3) and Garroppolo(#39) are definitely a better combo than Bortles, Carr, at #3 and the best edge rusher they could get at this point. Jimmy is a gamer with a good football IQ, accuracy, and a lightning quick release .
40.MINNESOTA-.#RA'SHEDE HAGEMAN-MINN-NFL COMP-JASON HATCHER-DALL-Future HOFers Kevin Williams and Jared Allen are both past their prime free agents this off season. Williams might be back at a lesser salary because he has been a Viking his entire career and played better than Allen last year. Plus the Vikes still have veterans Brian Robinson and Everson Griffen at DE . Although Griffen is also a FA his limited sample size make me think he can be affordably resigned . Young Shariff Floyd will need a running mate long term even if they bring back Williams. Hagemen is a Minnesota hometown boy and one of the more talented players in the draft . A team that likes to draft talent above production may draft him a lot higher after he kills it at the combine . His lack of consistency and motor on tape make this about as high as he really should go .
41.BUFFALO- BRANDON THOMAS-T/G-CLEM-NFL COMP-JOSH SITTON-GB- Doug Legursky and especially Colin Brown were bad at left guard last season. Thomas is a college tackle that is a better fit at guard in the pros. This pick along with Lewan in the first makes an average at best O-line into potentially a really good one.
42.TENNESEE-KADEEM CAREY-RB-ARIZONA-NFL COMP-LeSEAN McCoy-PHILLY-Ken Whisenhunt is going to want to run the ball and I doubt they pay the underachieving Chris Johnson's 8 million dollar salary this year. With the talent on this O-line any talented back should put up big numbers, even with Jake Locker as the QB . Carey can do it all and is a first round talent in a league that has now devalued his position.
43.NYG-MORGAN MOSES-OT-VA-NFL COMP-PHIL LOADHOLT-MINN-The giants O-line was abysmal last season. Even former perennial all-pro Chris Snee played badly , although injury was a part of that , and he ended up missing most of the season .Still he will be 32 next season and is on the decline . LT William Beatty played well enough to get a new contract in 2012, but played like crap after he got it. 1rst round draft pick Justin Pugh played right tackle poorly for the 1rst half of the season but he did improve in the second half . His short arms make me think he would be a better fit inside anyway .With David Diehl finally put out to pasture and Kevin Boothe shuffled between LG and center they need at least 1 new O-lineman . Moses has played both left and right tackle at Virginia. Putting him at right tackle allows the G-men to put Pugh at left guard and Boothe at center. Improving 3 positions at once seems like a good idea to me. This draft is so deep at receiver they can probably get a good one in round 3
44.RAMS- JORDAN MATTHEWS-WR-VANDY-NFL COMP-JORDY NELSON-GB- In back to back years the rams have used 2 high picks on receivers. A 2nd and 4th in 2012 and a 1rst and a third in 2013. While all are still young none of them look like a #1 receiver to me .although Tavon Austin and Steadman Bailey do look like long term contributors . Jordan Matthews is the most polished receiver in this draft and could be the last piece the Rams need to give Sam Bradford a real shot at taking this team to the playoffs.
45.LIONS-BRADLEY ROBY-CB-OHIO ST-NFL COMP-LEON HALL-CINC-The lions have relied on Veterans Rashean Mathis and the overrated Chris Houston to play significant minutes this year. Mathis is already near the end and cheap , but Houston will be 30 next season and his salaries from his new contract are going to keep getting more expensive. The lions drafted a corner in the 3rd in 2012, and in the second round in 2013. Neither has played that well so far ,so they need to keep drafting them. Roby is very talented, ridiculously fast, and in need of more technique work. I am sure he will benefit from NFL coaching . To win a division with Aaron Rodgers in it you can always use more talented corners.
46.PITTSBURGH- *LOUIS NIX-NT-N.DAME-NFL COMP-VINCE WILFORK-NE-Two thirds of the once elite front 3 of the Steelers have retired in recent years. With Brett Keisel in his mid thirties, the last of the mohicans could fall soon. The rarest species of player is the 3 down nose tackle. Nix fits that bill and is a special talent that could lead their line for years. Steve McClendon is a decent player ,but if Nix isn't healed up by the combine he could actually fall this far, and he would probably be too good to ignore. If Nix is healed up and in shape then he's long gone at this point , and the best defender at any position would make sense here.
47.RAVENS-.*MARCUS MARTIN-C/G-USC-NFL COMP-MIKE POUNCEY-MIA-In 2013 Gino Gradkowski became the starter at center by default and played horrible. It had to look even worse to his teammates than it was , and that's saying something . After years of watching future HOFer Matt Birk previously man the pivot the comparison had to be even more striking. Martin was a surprising late entry into the draft. His surprising entry along with Travis Swanson's bad senior bowl (Swanson is definitely only a center now and only in a zone scheme if you want him to play right away ) puts Martin in the drivers seat at center right now .The fact that he was previously a guard I thought might end up a first rounder some day, and looked just as good as a center this year, makes him the likely 1rst center of the board. If you are going to pay Flacco 20 million a year you better keep him clean .
48.DALLAS-WILL SUTTON-DT-AZ-NFL COMP-HENRY MELTON-CHI- If Sutton got back under (or even at 300 pounds) I think he would rival Aaron Donald as the drafts best 3 technique. As a junior Sutton reportedly played around 280-285 and his dominance was similar to Donald's this year. In a bid to show himself as more than just a penetrator he returned to school and ballooned up to as much as 325 according to some reports. He was still disruptive periodically but not near his level the previous year. He weighed in at 315 pounds at the senior bowl and looked a little better than he did during the regular season .If Sutton shows up in better shape at the combine ,and Dallas actually took both of them, they could have an elite interior D-line for years to come. Sutton at 300 pounds might be powerful enough to play the one technique, and if he returns to last years form he is a top 20 value. With Donald at the 3 ,and Sutton at the one a healthy Demarcus Ware free of constant double teams could dominate again. This same drafting strategy was the main reason Carolina(Star Lotulelei at#14 and Kawann Short at#44) went from a 7 win team to a 12 win team in 2013.
49.NYJ-BRANDIN COOKS-WR-ORE.ST-NFL COMP-PERCY HARVIN-SEA-Santonio Holmes production could easily be replaced by the electric Cooks, He is a little bigger but he could be this years Tavon Austin. Cooks would not only be lightning out of the slot, he could also open up their offense with reverses/end arounds, return kicks & punts ,and give them another deep threat . Geno Smith did his best work in college with Austin .I am betting the Jets will get him the ball a lot more than the Rams did with Austin as a rookie.
50.MIAMI-KELCY QUARLES-DT-S.CAR-NFL COMP-NICK FAIRLEY-DET-Paul Solai and especially Randy Starks are both excellent defensive tackles that are going to be 30 next season. Miami has the money for both but I doubt they pay both , so my guess they bring back Starks . Quarles was one of the main beneficiaries of all the attention paid to Jadaveon Clowney. His 9.5sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in the SEC prove that he could beat his man enough to be productive on the inside . Since he did show he can win his one on ones as a pass rusher he can make a difference in Miami. If they resigned Starks and drafted Quarles to go along with Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernnon, and Dion Jordan I am sure Quarles would be the most likely guy to be singled up.
51.BEARS-KYLE VAN NOY-OLB-BYU-NFL COMP-KJ WRIGHT-SEA-I am convinced the intelligent and smooth Van Noy can play any linebacker spot in a odd or even front. After the retirement of Urlacher the Bears turned over the middle to rookie 2nd rounder Jon Bostic . The results weren't pretty. I am not saying to give up on him just yet ,but someone young that can play the middle if he falters again would be wise. 31 year old James Anderson was just plain bad last year Future HOFer Lance Briggs is 34 and near the end of a great career. Van Noy would be an upgrade somewhere in the bear LB core.
52.ARIZONA-*ZACH METTENBURGER-QB-LSU-NFL COMP-JOE FLACCO-BALT-While I expected the cardinals offense to be much improved with Carson Palmer , and while he was better than what they had before, he did throw 22 picks . Even then they are a solid team... but the NFC west is now the most talented division in football. The 49ers and Seahawks are legitimate perennial super bowl contenders now ,and the young and talented rams should be a playoff contender next year . Metteneburgers improvement under new OC Cam Cameron was impressive last season, but a torn ACL knocked him back some. He also played in a pro system, in a tough conference, and has a cannon attached to his shoulder. He is an ideal fit for Bruce Arians vertical offense and he could take his time to heal up and learn the offense while Palmer manned the ship to start the season .
53.GREEN BAY-CHRIS BORLAND-ILB-WISC-NFL COMP-STEPHEN TULLOCH-DET-Both AJ Hawk and Brad Jones were disappointing last year. Hawk has never lived up to his pre-draft ranking. Borland is the kind of instinctual hard working gamer that will probably outplay his draft status. The Wisconsin team captain would also really please the Packer faithful .
54.EAGLES-*MARCUS ROBERTSON-CB-FLA-NFL COMP-TRAMON WILLIAMS-GB-Robertson was the most impressive corner in the SEC early this season . Another in a long line of injury's tripped him up again. If Robertson can stay healthy he can be a physical corner for the eagles and also help out in the return game .
55.BENGALS-AJ McCARRON-QB-ALA-NFL COMP-MATT RYAN-ATL-The Bengals have one of the 3 most talented rosters from top to bottom in the league. They also have a top 5 O-line and a ton of talent at the skill positions. What they lack is a QB that can avoid turning the ball over too much , and come through in the clutch. I truly believe if any of the other QB's in the playoffs were the Bengals starter they would have been the AFC favorite to go the super bowl. They could also trade up for/sign a veteran QB to compete for the starting QB job , because Dalton does not make enough money to preclude them adding a more expensive QB. Mettenburger would be a better fit but he is gone in this scenario. His last bowl game being the rare exception, AJ is known for playing his best in the biggest games in the SEC, and for not turning the ball over. That makes him the opposite of Dalton . Plus any dude who can pull Katherine Webb has serious game .
56.SAN FRANCISCO-(kc)-PAUL RICHARDSON-WR-COL-NFL COMP-NATE WASHINGTON-TENN-Right now the best option the 49ers receiving core has to run by the defense is (30 years old next year) TE Vernon Davis. Boldin and Crabtree are more big bodied move the chains guys , and Boldin is a free agent after this season . Richardson would not only be lightning out of the slot or outside , he could also open up their offense with reverses/end arounds, bubble screens etc... It would probably be nice to have a guy that can run right past the defense when they bite on play action .It would be hard for even the cannon-armed Kaeperneck to overthrow him.
57.CHARGERS-#CARLOS HYDE-RB-OHIO.ST-NFL COMP-DUECE McCALLISTER-retired-This is probably the last season for Ryan Mathews as a charger even though he is coming off his best season as a pro .His career long penchant for fumbling or getting hurt at the worst time was finally avoided for once in 2013 . However betting on it 2 years in a row seems far fetched to me right now .Danny Woodhead is a great complimentary player, but its hard to imagine that his small frame could handle 300 touches. The powerful and well rounded Hyde could not only handle it well, I am betting he would thrive in that situation .
58.SAINTS -STANLEY JEAN-BAPTISTE-CB/S-NEB-NFL COMP-RICHARD SHERMAN-SEA-Jabari Greer will be 32 in a week , coming off a torn ACL, and the Saints will be able to save 4 million off the cap if they cut him this off season .The large framed Baptiste is one of the next wave of big cover corners coming into this copycat league because of the success of Seattle .His All-star game success has probably moved him into the first 2 rounds. The scarcity of corners after the first 50 picks makes it much more likely .
59.COLTS-GABE JACKSON-G-MISSISSIPPI ST-NFL COMP-LARRY WARFORD-DET-It's really good that Andrew Luck is a big strapping mobile QB . Otherwise I doubt he would have survived the season intact with the horrible way his guards and center played this year . You think Luck's great now ? Imagine him with time to throw without a couple of dudes about to smack him in the teeth , and a lot less bruises. The colts need to draft a guard and center with their first 2 picks (and maybe even sign another in free agency) to give him a chance to reach his vast potential .
60.PANTHERS-Ja'WUAN JAMES-OT-TENN-NFL COMP-ERIC WINSTON-KC-As a 4 year starter at right tackle for the Vols there is no denying that he was a stalwart in the SEC . I not only doubt current right tackle Byron Bells long term potential on the outside, but underrated long term left tackle (and should be future HOFer) Jordan Gross will be 34 this year .I believe James has a chance to actually make it as a left tackle if given some time to try it out .
61.RAVENS-(49ers)-#JACK MEWHORT-OT-NFL COMP-DAVID STEWART-TENN-Michael Oher's best season was his rookie year .Maybe the back and forth between left and right tackle is part of it , but he has been on a steady decline for years . Personally I have always felt his best fit is at guard . He could become an instant pro bowler with a move inside the way Leonard Davis did in Dallas . Either way I think the Ravens are less likely to pay him what he could get somewhere else, Mewhort is probably the best tackle left in the draft in this scenario , and he could slide in at right tackle for Oher .
62.PATRIOTS-TROY NIKLAS-TE-N.DAME-NFL COMP-JASON WITTEN-DALL-The entire offense the Patriots want to run is predicated on 2 tight end sets . Right now even if Gronk is completely healthy for the season he is called on to block a lot because he is far better than any other blocking TE the pats have . Niklas is also a good blocker who would allow Gronk to spend more time wreaking havoc downfield . Niklas is even sure handed ,and with some coaching on his route running, he could become a major threat as a receiver as well .
63.BRONCOS-KEITH McGILL-CB/S-UTAH-NFL COMP-RASHEAN MATHIS-DET-With future HOFer Champ Bailey on the verge of being 36, coming off an injury, and just a super bowl victory away from riding off into the sunset , the Broncos might need a new corner this year . Throw in that Rodgers-Cromartie is a free agent this off-season and it actually might be their biggest need come draft day . McGill has safety size but played corner pretty well at the senior Bowl. Todays big receivers means bigger corner's to cover them .
64.SEATTLE-JOEL BITONIO-T/G-NEV-NFL COMP-ROGER SAFFOLD-RAMS-retired-Russell Wilson's mobility and pocket awareness save him from a lot of bad blocking. To really take their offense to the next level , and let Wilson continue to grow , they are going to need to get better up front . As of now Okung and Unger are the only above average blockers on the Seahawks roster . Bitonio is a versatile small school prospect that has succeeded against major college talent. I believe he can play tackle in the NFL. In this case he improves the hawks at guard from day 1 , but if their injury woes continue at tackle he can slide over and hold down the fort.
