Denver Broncos

The first round selection of Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was an interesting one for the Broncos.  With Brandon Marshall being dealt to the Dolphins leading up to the draft the team needed to find another potential #1 receiver.  Thomas is very athletic and might be the best physical specimen at the receiver position in this draft, however he drops some passes a first round pick has not business dropping.  Arrelious Benn was probably the safer pick for the Broncos but Thomas has a lot of upside assuming he keeps the drops in check.

The Broncos moved back into the first round to nab the most controversial pick of the draft, Florida QB Tim Tebow.  Experts are very divided on whether Tebow will ever develop into a starting quarterback at the next level.  There is no reason to believe that he cannot do it, but there is definitely going to be a learning curve for Tebow as he transitions from the spread offense to taking snaps and dropping back from under center.  It seems like a pretty big gamble taking him this high knowing it could be two or three years until you see any return on the investment.

With their second round pick the Broncos took Utah offensive lineman Zane Beadles.  The Broncos were looking to add some depth at the interior line positions and Beadles is expected to transition from tackle to guard in the NFL.  Beadles was probably a bit of a reach here though.

The Broncos then reached on Baylor center J. D. Walton in the third round.  With Casey Weigmann moving on to the Chiefs the Broncos have an opening at the center position, but is Walton good enough to compete for the starting job out of the chute?

With their second third round pick Denver landed Minnesota receiver Eric Decker.  Decker  is not a bad pick here.  He likely would have gone a lot higher had he not battled a Lisfranc injury last fall and been healthy enough to run at full speed for scouts this spring.  Prior to his foot problems he was considered a second round talent.  If healthy he should give the Broncos a nice compliment to first round pick Thomas.

Denver got a good value pick in Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State) in the fifth round.  Many had Cox rated as a second or third round talent who slipped due to some off-the-field issues.  Cox gives an aging secondary some much needed youth and should challenge for a starting job sooner rather than later.

Grade: B.  Thomas should start and Decker will get a chance to win a starting job at receiver if he is healthy.  Beadles and Walton give some depth at the interior line positions and Cox should develop into a solid starter in a year or two.  Solid draft, would have liked to see them look at a potential starting TE and possibly add some depth at LB though.

Kansas City Chiefs

Taking Tennessee safety Eric Berry over Russell Okung was an interesting pick.  There is nothing wrong with Berry but some would argue that taking a potential upgrade at LT would have been the smarter pick, but Berry is considered a once in a generation prospect at safety so the Chiefs could have done worse here.  The Chiefs desperately need dynamic play-makers on the defensive side of the ball and Berry may be the best of the bunch in this draft.

Taking Dexter McCluster with the 36th pick was definitely a reach and I am not sure he fills a pressing need for a team that already has Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles at running back.  McCluster may be more quick than he is fast so it remains to be seen if he will be able to outrun opposing defenders in the NFL.  He has good speed but not the elite speed he was thought to have.

Alabama corner Javier Arenas was probably a bit of a reach in the middle of the second round and will forever be known as the player they got for Tony Gonzalez.  It is debatable whether Arenas has the size and speed to be anything more than a nickel back in the NFL which makes this a questionable pick given their need for an upgrade at the position.

They got great value in Illinois offensive lineman Joe Asamoah in the fourth round.  Most had Asamoah as a strong second round prospect.  He gives the Chiefs some needed depth along the interior offensive line and could challenge for a starting job this summer.

Grade: C+.  They lose points for reaching on McCluster and Arenas, two players who really do not fill pressing needs for the Chiefs.  Berry will start and Asamoah could start next season.  Came away without anyone who could potentially contribute at NT or ILB.

Oakland Raiders

After seeing what the Raiders did with their first two picks I began to wonder if having the draft in prime time was a blessing in disguise for the Raiders because it was past Al Davis’ bed time.

Taking Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama) with the 8th pick was a mild surprise but not a bad pick for the Raiders.  The run defense allowed 156 yards per game last season and one thing McClain excelled at in college was shutting down the run.

Second round pick Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas) was a nice addition as well.  He was a beast against the run in college and he should help shore up the run defense as well.  The Raiders were getting a bit old at the position so Houston gives them some much needed youth there as well.

Third rounder Edwin Veldheer (OT, Hillsdale) is a bit raw and is seen as a guy who could potentially develop into a starting LT a couple of years down the road.

The Raiders got pretty decent value with Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland) in the fourth round.  A lot of folks had him coming off the board in the first or second round.  He is arguably the most athletic and physically impressive of this year’s offensive line class however that did not always translate over to his play on the field while at Maryland.  He is seen as a project guy with a lot of upside who will not be expected to start right away.

Is anyone shocked to see Jacoby Ford go to the Raiders in this draft?  He was, after all, the fastest player at this year’s scouting combine with a 4.28 40 yard dash.  The biggest surprise might be the fact that they waited this long to take him.  He gives them a potential game-breaker in the return game and should see some time lining up in the slot.  He also saw some time carrying the ball at Clemson.  The Raiders could look to him to be a Percy Harvin type of player who lines up all over the field.

Grade: B+.  McClain and Houston should start while Veldheer or Campbell could win starting jobs.  Ford’s speed gives them a potential game-breaker on offense.

San Diego Chargers

Grabbing Fresno’s Ryan Matthews in the first round was not an unexpected move by the Chargers.  However, one wonders if they needed to move up as far a they did to get him.  Matthews is widely regarded as the best between-the-tackles back in this class and is the more traditional running back. With Darren Sproles showing he does not have the chops to be the primary ball carrier in San Diego Matthews will see more than his share of carries next season.

Washington ILB Donald Butler was a bit of a reach in the third round but he should challenge for playing time right away as he is a bit more physical and athletic than incumbents Brandon Siler and Stephen Cooper are.

Fourth round pick Darrell Stuckey (S, Kansas) gives the Chargers a potential big play guy at the safety position, however, he needs some seasoning before he will challenge for a starting job.

Fifth round selection Cam Thomas (DT, UNC) was seen by many as a strong third round prospect so the Chargers got good value here.  With Jamaal Williams moving on to Denver the Chargers needed to find a potential successor and may have landed one in Thomas.  He has the size to line up over the center and anchor against the run, however, he will not give them much by way of rushing the passer.

Grade: B.  Matthews will likely see the majority of the carries next season and Thomas could win the starting job at the NT position.  Cannot help but wonder if they gave up too much to get Matthews though.  Butler should be a regular contributor on defense and Stuckey has the potential to be a starter in a year or two.  Would have liked to see them grab a corner though.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals got a great value pick in Tennessee DT Dan Williams who was considered by most to be a top 15 prospect in this draft.  Arizona has taken to playing more 3-4 fronts with Darnell Dockett lining up at end.  Williams is considered by many to be the best all-around NT prospect in this draft.  The Cards were merely adequate at NT and with Williams they get a dynamic player they were lacking at the position.  While DT was not the Cards biggest need to fill, Williams was simply too good to pass up at 26.

The Cards got another good value pick with TCU linebacker Daryl Washington.  Washington was considered by many to be a late first rounder so getting him at 47 was another coup for the Cards.  He should line up opposite Joey Porter on the outside and gives the Cards a young LB who can drop back into coverage.  The Cards needed a 3-down OLB and are getting one of the best in this draft.

Third round pick Andre Roberts (WR, Citadel) gives the Cardinals another option in the return game, and is expected to challenge Early Doucet for the #3 receiver role with Steve Breaston ascending to the #2 spot with the off season departure of Anquan Boldin.

Fourth round pick O’Brien Schofield saw his stock drop due to a knee injury suffered during practices for the Senior Bowl.  He has good speed and specializes in getting after the quarterback.  Schofield will likely serve as Joey Porter’s understudy and see the field as a pass rushing specialist until he is ready to start.

Fifth round pick, Fordham QB, John Skelton has arguably the strongest arm in this year’s class but is going to need a couple of years of seasoning before he is ready to play.  Skelton is a developmental insurance policy in the event Matt Leinart does not pan out over the next couple of years.

Grade: B.  They got two potential starters in Williams and Washington and two players who should be regular contributors in Roberts and Schofield.  I would have liked to see them add some secondary depth and they still need to find someone to replace Karlos Dansby.

St. Louis Rams

Even though Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma) was only considered to be the third or fourth best player in this draft, depending on who you talked to, he was still the right pick to make for the Rams.  Marc Bulger was not getting any younger and nobody is going to buy tickets to go see A. J. Feeley take snaps from under center.  The Rams passed on the likes of Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez the last two drafts and did not want to make the same mistake thrice.  They needed someone to re-energize the fan base and Bradford should, at least, do that initially.

The Rams expect second round pick Rodger Saffold (OT, Indiana) to compete with Alex Barron for the starting right tackle job.  Saffold is a strong prospect but one wonders, with so many needs, if the Rams should have looked at filling more pressing needs than tackle with the 33rd pick.

Third rounder Jerome Murphy (CB, South Florida) gives the Rams a corner with nice size, but does he have the speed to be able to turn and run with the league’s faster receivers?  Given that Rams corners recorded zero interceptions last season Murphy should get a chance to win a starting job this summer.

Fourth round pick Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati) gives the Rams a guy who has a knack for making plays when he has the ball in his hands.  The big question is whether his lack of elite speed will hamstring his play-making abilities in the NFL.

Fifth round pick Hall Davis (DE, Louisiana Lafayette) looks the part of a NFL DE and has the measurables teams look for at the position.  He is a very raw prospect, but with some coaching he could turn into a steal.

Grade: B.  Bradford and Saffold are expected to win starting jobs while Murphy will get the chance to win one.  Gilyard should play and be a nice addition in the return game, however the Rams needed to try and land a potential #1 guy and not another complimentary guy.  I also would have liked to see the Rams address the safety position as well.

San Francisco 49ers

The Niners opted to shore up their offensive line with their two first round picks.  Top pick Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers) is a potential boom or bust prospect.  He has the talent to be a Pro Bowl caliber tackle for the next ten years.  He also has a poor enough work ethic that he might be out of the league in two or three years.  Davis will, at the very least, start at RT for San Francisco next season.

Mike Iupati (OG, Idaho) is likely to be the better player out of the gates between their two first round picks.  He is a mauler that Head Coach Mike Singletary is going to love having on his team.

Second round pick Taylor Mays (S, USC) has first round ability but it never seemed to quite translate to the field last season.  He has the physical tools to be a dominant player the question is whether he has the instincts and smarts to develop into a dominant player.

From a talent standpoint Navorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State) was great value pick for the Niners.  Many had him rated as a fringe first round prospect who saw his stock drop a bit due to character concerns and questions about whether or not he will be able to hold up to the punishment of the NFL game.  He is not expected to start right away for the Niners unless Takeo Spikes is no longer able to hold down the starting job.

Grade: B+.  The Niners did well by getting four players who a lot of folks had rated as first round talents.  Davis, Iupati, and Mays should all compete for starting jobs this year.  Bowman could as well and should be a starter within a year or two.  Would have liked to have seen them grab a potential starter at corner though as that was their most pressing need heading into the draft.

Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll and company made out fairly well in their first draft with the Seahawks.  Seattle was thrilled to see the Redskins pass on Russell Okung and have him fall in their laps at #6.  Okung was considered by most to be the most polished tackle prospect in this year’s draft.  He gives the Seahawks a worthy successor to Walter Jones who recently announced his retirement from football.

With the 14th pick Seattle grabbed Texas safety Earl Thomas who is expected to give them a leader in the secondary that they have been missing for several years now.  Thomas may not be the best at run support but he will give Seattle a play-making ball hawk in pass coverage.

Second round pick Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame) is a potential play-maker for the Seattle at the receiver position.  He is expected to challenge for the starting receiver job opposite T. J. Houshmandzadeh.

Cornerback Walter Thurmond (Oregon) could be a potential steal in the fourth round.  He slipped due to never fully recovering from an early injury last season and potentially would have gone much higher.  If he is fully recovered and healthy he could challenge for a starting job in the secondary this summer.

Fourth rounder E. J. Wilson (DE, UNC) should see time as an anchor at end on run downs.  Wilson is a strong run defender but needs to develop more than a bull rush if he wants to be an every down lineman in the NFL.

Fifth round pick Kam Chancellor (S, Virginia Tech) has great size for a safety but lacks the top end speed to keep up with receivers in pass coverage.  There is a strong possibility that the ‘Hawks will move him to OLB.

Tight end Anthony McCoy (USC) is a great pick up in the sixth round from a talent standpoint, but it seems unlikely he will see a lot of playing time with rising star John Carlson entrenched at the position for the foreseeable future.  McCoy was considered by many to be a 2nd or 3rd round pick but saw his stock drop due to a positive drug test at the combine.

Grade: A.  An overall strong draft for the Seahawks.  They addressed some of their biggest needs and got three players who should start right away for them.  They also got three players who could contribute as role players next season.

Houston Texans

I liked the pick of Alabama corner back Kareem Jackson with the 20th selection.  The Texans needed a potential starting corner with Dunta Robinson signing with the Falcons, and there are some who think Jackson is not that far behind Joe Haden in terms of talent.

The Texans filled another need by taking Auburn running back Ben Tate in the second round.  Taking Tate in the second round may have been a bit of a reach, but he had a strong combine and no history of injury problems.  The on knock on him is he is seen as a guy who underachieved a tad in college, but he has the skill set to be a good pro back.  Tate could get the opportunity to win the starting job this season, but he is largely there as insurance in the event Steve Slaton is not ready to go when camp opens.  Regardless, he should still see his share of carries next season.

Arizona DT Earl Mitchell is a bit of a reach in the third round, but he should provide some depth along the interior defensive line and help bolster a run defense that was lacking at times last season.

With DeMeceo Ryans entrenched at MLB for the Texans it seems unlikely that 4th round pick Daryl Sharpton (Miami) is going to be anything more than a reserve/special teams player for the time being.  Not really sure why they reached on a guy like Sharpton in the 4th when there is no real need for him.

The addition of Wisconsin’s Garrett Graham in the fourth round is an interesting pick as well given they spent two picks on tight ends James Casey and Anthony Hill in last year’s draft.

Sixth round pick Trindon Holliday (LSU) was the second fastest player at this year’s combine.  Expect him to be used primarily as a return man but one should also anticipate the Texans lining him up on offense to take advantage of his speed.  It seems unlikely he will ever be an every down player but the Texans would be crazy not to try and get the ball in this guys hands 5 times a game on offense to see what he can do.  He has that kind of game changing speed.

Dorin Dickerson (TE, Pittsburgh) is an intriguing prospect in the seventh round.  He played tight end, fullback, and linebacker at Pittsburgh and has legit wide receiver speed (4.4 40 yard dash at the combine).  Dickerson is potentially another guy who could line up in different places on the field to gain mismatches with his speed.

Grade: B-.  The pickups of Tate and Jackson are strong and they should both be regular contributors next season.  I also like the additions of Holliday and Dickerson who create matchup problems with their speed.  They lose points for reaching on Mitchell and Sharpton as well as for not addressing the safety positi0n at all.

Indianapolis Colts

Taking Jerry Hughes (OLB/DE, TCU) was an interesting selection for the Colts given the presence of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney and going on record stating they needed to beef up the offensive line.  Nonetheless Hughes should fit into the Colts defensive system that favors using smaller uber-quick pass rushing ends.

I am not sure where second round pick Patrick Angerer (ILB, Iowa) fits for the time being given the team just re-signed defensive captain Gary Brackett to a five year deal.  Angerer is nice run-stuffing linebacker who would improve the run defense, however, the MLB spot is Brackett’s to lose for the time being.  Taking this high was also a bit of a reach.

Third rounder Kevin Thomas (CB, USC) should vacate the spot created when Marlin Jackson signed with Philadelphia.  He brings good size and speed to the position and should challenge for a starting spot in a couple of years after some seasoning.

They likely could have signed fourth round pick Jacques McClendon (OL, Tennessee) as an un-drafted free agent.

Grade: B-.  The Colts did not have any real pressing needs to address in this year’s draft, they were mostly drafting for depth and the future.  With that said they got some potential starters but lose points for reaching on Angerer and McClendon.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags had one of the more confounding drafts this year.  Some had Tyson Alualu as a first round prospect, but nobody had him as one of the ten best players in this year’s draft.  He should start right away at DT for the Jags, but it seems like they have more pressing needs than DT right now.  They probably could have traded down to somewhere in the 20s, picked up an extra pick or two and still landed Alualu.

They reached on D’Anthony Smith (DT, Louisiana Tech) in the second round as well.  Smith should compete for a starting job this summer, but is largely seen as a guy who needs some seasoning before being ready to be a real contributor in the NFL.

Larry Hart (OLB, Central Arkansas) was another reach in the third round.  Most had him rated as a borderline 7th round pick.  The expectation is that Hart will move from DE to OLB in the NFL, meaning it will probably be a year or two until he wins a starting job.

Austen Lane (DE, Murray State) will provide some depth at the end position but it is debatable whether he has the closing speed to be an effective pass rusher in the NFL.

Sixth round pick Deji Karim (RB, Southern Illinois) has good top end speed and probably would have gone higher if not for suffering a serious knee injury two years ago.

Grade: D+.  Just do not quite understand the Jags line of thought with this draft.  Defensive tackle was not a huge issue for this team and with needs at LB, the secondary, and WR I cannot figure out why they reached on their first two picks for DTs.

Tennessee Titans

Picking up Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech) at 16 was the right pick to make.  With Kyle Vanden Bosch moving on to Detroit the Lions needed to find a potential starter at DE and they landed arguably the best end in the draft.  Morgan will get every chance to win a starting job this summer.

Grabbing USC receiver Damian Williams in the third round was a nice value pick and should give the Titans a nice compliment Kenny Britt.  Williams should be given the opportunity to unseat free agent disappointment Nate Washington as the team’s other starting receiver.

One has to wonder whether Georgia linebacker Rennie Curran, taken in the 3rd, has the speed to play outside in the NFL.  He makes up for his physical shortcomings by being a smart football player.

Fourth round selection Alterraun Verner (CB, UCLA) has strong ball skills but one wonders whether he has the speed to turn and run with some of the faster receivers in the league.

Fifth round pick Robert Johnson (S, Utah) and sixth rounder Myron Rolle (FSU) should provide some depth at the safety positions.  I am not sure if either of them will ever start though.

Grade: C+.  They got two potential starters in Morgan and Williams, but there is not a lot else to be excited about here.  In a draft deep at the corner position I would have liked to see them go after a potential starter.

Atlanta Falcons

Top pick Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri) fills a need for the Falcons.  Mike Peterson is 33 and Stephen Nicholas is merely just adequate at the OLB spots.  Weatherspoon gives them some youth and versatility at the OLB position.

Third round pick Corey Peters (DT, Kentucky) is probably a bit of a reach here and is seen as more of a rotational/situational player than a 3-down tackle.  He is unlikely to challenge for a starting job unless last year’s top pick Peria Jerry fails to make it back in time from last season’s knee injury.

Third round pick Mike Johnson (OL, Alabama) and fourth rounder Joseph Hawley (OL, UNLV) will give the Falcons some needed depth at the interior line positions.  Hawley is seen as a potential center of the future, but taking him in the fourth is a bit of a reach though.

Atlanta got a good value pick in the fifth round with Oklahoma’s Dominique Franks.  Franks will give them some needed depth at the corner back position and should develop into a starter with a couple years of NFL seasoning under his belt.

Grade: C+.  Weatherspoon is expected to compete for a starting role right away and fills a need position for them.  Adding some interior line depth was a need and they filled that as well.  However they lose points for not even attempting to address their biggest need at the DE position and they could have used a WR who would contribute next season and they reached on guys like Peters and Hawley.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers traded this year’s first round selection to the 49ers for the chance to draft Everette Brown in the second round of last year’s draft.  With their second round pick the Panthers landed their potential quarterback of the future in Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen.  This is potentially a big time steal for the Panthers as a lot of draft experts had him as a first round prospect.  I like the pick of Clausen.  He showed in college that he can produce in a pro style offense and he is stepping into a prime situation for a rookie quarterback.  The job is considered Matt Moore’s to lose for the time being and given how well he played down the stretch last season the fans will be satisfied with Moore getting a shot to lead the team next season.  The Panthers also love to show case the ground game with a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart.  So, if Clausen is thrust into the starting role he will only be asked not to lost games whether than win them with his arm.

Adding LSU wide out Brandon LaFell in the third round was another nice pickup for the Panthers.  With Muhsin Muhammad’s career in Charlotte coming to an end and Dwayne Jarrett catching just 33 balls in 29 games played over his first three years of his career the Panthers needed to add another receiver to compliment stud pass catcher Steve Smith.  If he stays healthy and motivated LaFell could be an impact player for Carolina next season.

The Panthers then traded a second round pick in next year’s draft for the chance to draft FBS (I-AA) superstar Armanti Edwards.  I like them rolling the dice on a guy like Edwards I just question the need to give away yet another pick in a round higher than they are drafting in.  First of all I do not know that they needed to trade back into the third to get Edwards, and, secondly, is Edwards really worth giving up a future second round pick to get him.  I could have seen giving up a third in next year’s draft but not a second.  Edwards gives them a dynamic they have not had in Charlotte.  He played QB at Appalachian State and runs a legit sub 4.5 40 yard dash.  Edwards is extremely fast, quick, and shifty runner.  He could potentially take snaps in the wildcat offense, return kicks, and play some slot receiver for the Panthers.

Fourth round pick Eric Norwood (OLB/DE, South Carolina) was a pretty good value pick and should challenge for a starting LB job opposite Thomas Davis.  Norwood was a good pass rusher and play-maker for South Carolina and a sure tackler.  The Panthers could potentially line him up at end in their nickle package to take advantage of his pass rushing skills.

Ole Miss DE Greg Hardy is a potential steal in the sixth round.  He was being talked about as one of the top two or three DEs in this draft entering last fall’s college football season.  However, a season-ending injury early in his senior season and some questions about his dedication to the game caused him to slip in the draft.  With that said the fact still remains that he recorded 19.5 sacks over his sophomore and junior seasons playing in the SEC which is no small feat in and of itself.  If he comes in healthy and motivated to prove the world wrong he should compete for a starting job this summer.

Sixth round pick David Gettis (WR, Baylor) has all of the physical tools to be a starting receiver in the NFL.  He just needs to put in the extra work at practice and hone his route-running skills.

Grabbing Cincinnati QB Tony Pike in the sixth round was an interesting pickup.  I would not expect him to push Clausen too much in the early going, however, as Pike is coming from a spread offense in college and will need a year or two to adjust to a pro style offense.  Pike seems like a developmental pick in the event that Moore and/or Clausen wash out in the next couple of years.

Grade: B.  Getting Clausen was a nice score for them.  They did well adding potential contributors at WR in LaFell, Edwards, and Gettis.  At least two of them will probably see significant time next season.  They also did well adding potential defensive starters in Hardy and Norwood.  They lose points for not even attempting to address the DT position and for trading away another high draft pick to take one in a lower round, just makes not sense.

New Orleans Saints

I was not a huge fan of what the Saints did in this draft.  Taking FSU corner Patrick Robinson at the end of the first was an interesting pick.  The Saints corners were not great last season.  While they excelled at turning the ball over they ranked 26th in passing yards allowed.  Robinson has a chance to win a starting job, but one has to wonder why they took a corner when the FS position is up in the air with Darren Sharper figuring out what he wants to do.  Adding depth at corner was a need for the Saints but it was not so pressing that they should have spent a first round pick on one.

Charles Brown was a nice value pick, but, again, the Saints do not really have a need for an OT.  They needed a depth player but spending a second round pick on a depth player seems kind of a waste.  This is clearly a pick to guard against being unable to re-sign Jammal Brown when he hits free agency after next season.

Third round pick Jimmy Graham (TE, Miami) is a converted basketball player who brings tremendous athletic ability to the football field, however, he is definitely a project player who will need a couple of years to develop.

Getting LSU DT Al Woods at the end of the fourth is a good value pick for the Saints and addresses and actual team need for the Saints who are in need of potential starting defensive lineman.  Woods should compete for a starting job at DT for the Saints off the bat.

Grade: C.  They get some points for getting a couple of guys in Robinson and Woods who will probably start next season.  They lose a lot of points for taking developmental and depth players when they have needs for potential starters at DE, OLB, and FS and not taking anyone who could potentially compete for jobs at those positions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I am a fan of the Bucs draft.  First round pick Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma) is drawing comparisons to Warren Sapp and gives the Bucs a dynamic play-maker to rebuild the defense around.

The Bucs ranked dead last in the league in rush defense and poor DT play was a root cause of that so taking UCLA DT Brian Price at the top of the second makes some sense.  Price and McCoy combined for a total of 39 tackles-for-loss in college last season and potentially give the Bucs a pair of dynamic run stuffers in the middle of the line.

Getting Arrelious Benn at 39 was another strong pick for the Bucs.  With Antonio Bryant leaving via free agency the Bucs needed to add someone for Josh Freeman to develop with.  Reggie Brown, acquired from Philly via trade, is good enough to start for a lot of teams but he is not a lead receiver by any stretch.  Benn’s workout numbers rivaled those of Dez Bryant’s and he was once considered to be a top 15 pick entering the college season.  He slipped due to an injury-riddled season and his numbers sagged as a result of the tumult at the QB position at Illinois last season.

Grabbing Myron Lewis (CB, Vanderbilt) in the third was probably a bit of a reach but he should challenge for a starting role this summer, and, at the very least, should fit in as a nickle back next season.

Fourth round pick Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse) is a guy who is considered to have first or second round talent, but a litany of off-the-field issues which led to his dismissal from the football team caused him to fall to the fourth round.  He and Benn give Freeman a couple of guys to grow with.

Seventh round pick Dekoda Watson (OLB, FSU) was the fastest OLB at the combine and has the athletic ability to play in the NFL but needs a couple of years of seasoning before being anything more than a special teamer.

Grade: A-.  Gain big points for getting three guys who should start right away in McCoy, Price, and Benn and two others in Lewis and Williams who should challenge for starting jobs.  They also addressed most of their biggest needs by re-stocking the DT position, grabbing a couple of young receivers, and drafting a corner who should see regular playing time and could challenge for a starting job.  The only real complaints here are not getting any safeties or defensive ends, but overall a very strong draft for the re-building Bucs.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens traded their first round selection to the Broncos, but ended up getting a first round talent in the second round in Texas pass rusher Sergio Kindle.  Kindle lined up as a defensive end in college but is expected to line up as an OLB in the Ravens’ 3-4 defensive front and will be groomed to succeed Terrell Suggs in a couple of years.  Not a need pick but definitely a good value pick for the Ravens.

Second Round pick Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) was another strong selection for the Ravens.  Incumbent nose tackle Kelly Gregg is 33 and his knees are not getting any better.  Cody will be groomed to be the starting NT within the next couple of years.  Cody has the potential to be an elite NT if he gets himself into a little better shape.

Third round selection Ed Dickson (Oregon) gives the Ravens the eventual successor to Todd Heap who is inching closer to retirement and typically fights injury problems ever year.

Taking BYU TE Dennis Pitta in the fourth round is kind of a strange pick given they just took Dickson in the third and do have some other needs to address.  One can only assume that with the addition of Pitta and Dickson to the roster that L. J. Smith’s days in Baltimore may be numbered.

Receiver David Reed (Utah) is a solid pick.  Even though the Ravens added Donte Stallworth and Anquan Boldin this offseason to go along with Derrick Mason they still need to find young receiving talent to develop.  Mason is 36 and almost retired a couple of years ago and Stallworth and Boldin are both 29 and have consistently fought nagging injuries over their careers.

Syracuse DT Arthur Jones is a guy who is perceived to have second or third round talent who fell to the fifth due to durability issues.  Jones will probably slide over to the end position for the Ravens and has a chance to be a steal if he can stay healthy and motivated.

Grade: B+.  Did a good job of addressing some immediate needs and grabbing a couple of guys for the future in Reed and Jones.  They lose some points for not addressing a middling secondary that could collapse if Ed Reed decides to retire.  They also lose points for taking two TEs and passing on other needs when they really only needed one TE for the time being.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals made QB Carson Palmer a happy man by grabbing the highest rated TE in the draft in Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham.  The TE position has been a revolving door for the Bengals and they have gotten little to no production out of the position over the past few seasons.

Second round pick Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida) is the quintessential million dollar talent with a five cent head prospect.  This is a guy who was considered a top five pick this time a year ago but plummeted all the way to the 54th pick due to off the field issues and questions about his work ethic.  Dunlap will either develop into an All Pro DE or be out of the league in three years.

Third round pick Jordan Shipley (Texas) should give the Bengals an upgrade at the slot receiver position.  He is very similar to New England’s Wes Welker in that he won’t blow by a lot of guys but he is a very polished route runner and will catch just about anything he gets his hands on.

The Bengals took Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forest) at the end of the third as compensatory pick.  Ghee is not likely to challenge for a starting job and is being penciled in as the dime back for next season.

Georgia defensive lineman Geno Atkins, taken in the fourth, has the skill set to play tackle or slide over to end in a 3-4 front if need be.  He was considered a third round talent but slid to the fourth due to inconsistent play.  Atkins has a reputation for taking plays off and not going hard every down.  He should challenge for a spot in the Bengals d-line rotation this summer.

Fourth round compensatory pick Roddrick Muckleroy (ILB, Texas) should challenge for playing time in the middle.  He is not seen as a 3-down linebacker due to athletic and speed limitations but he should be a very solid run stopper for the Bengals.

Sixth round pick Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas) is a big receiver who has a chance to develop into a starter down the road if he ever manages to improve his overall speed.

Grade: B+.  The Bengals got four or five guys who should contribute right away next season, however they lose some points for the risk factor involved.  Gresham has a history of knee injuries and Dunlap is a big wild card himself.  Would have liked to have seen them grab a guy who could challenge the incumbents at either safety position.

Cleveland Browns

First round pick Joe Haden (CB, Florida) gives the Browns the potential lock down corner they have been looking for.  Haden and off season acquisition Sheldon Brown gives the Browns a good tandem at the corner positions.

Second rounder selection T. J. Ward (S, Oregon) was an interesting selection given that Taylor Mays was still on the board.  Ward makes up for his physical limitations with football smarts and will probably never be a play-making safety for them.  Taking Ward this high is a bit of a reach as he probably would have been around in the third round.

Montario Hardesty (RB, Tennessee) taken in the second round as well is a good talent but his history of knee injuries make him a bit of a risk this high in the draft.

Getting Colt McCoy (QB, Texas) is a potential steal for them.  With Jake Delhomme under contract for two years McCoy likely will not see a lot of playing time next season.  The Browns needed to find a QB of the future and they got one in McCoy.

Taking Arizona State lineman Shawn Lauvao in the third round is a bit of a reach for the Browns.  He will likely enter the season as the top backup at the guard position but is seen as a guy who is probably two or three years away from starting.

Fifth round selection Larry Asante (S, Nebraska) is another slow-footed DB who makes up for his physical limitations by being a smart player.  Don’t expect a lot out of Asante.

Grade C+.  Not a huge fan of this draft.  They get points for Haden and grabbing McCoy in the third round.  They lose points for reaching on Ward and Lauvao.  They also lose points for not trying to improve the d-line or the receiver positions.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Love the pick of Maurkice Pouncey in the first round.  The Steelers need to get better on the offensive line and Pouncey is seen as a guy that will start from day one and produce for the Steelers for the next 10 years.

Taking Va. Tech OLB/DE Jason Worilds in the second round is a bit of a puzzler.  Taking him this high is a reach and the Steelers really do not have a pressing need at the position.

Selecting SMU receiver Emmanuel Sanders in the third round was a nice pick.  With Santonio Holmes being shipped to the Jets the Steelers have a need for another speed receiver who can get down field and Sanders fits the bill.

Getting OLB Thaddeus Gibson (Ohio State) in the fourth is a good value pick up for the Steelers, but, again, they do not really have a need at OLB.

Fifth round selection Chris Scott (Tennessee) played both guard and tackle in college and should give the Steelers some versatility off the bench for the time being.

Sixth round pick Johnathan Dwyer (RB, Georgia Tech) put up big numbers in college but saw his stock slip after putting up 40 times on the wrong side of 4.6 seconds.  He will probably never win a league rushing title but is potentially a good fit on a team that likes to utilize a power running attack.

Grade: C+.  They get points for the additions of Pouncey and Sanders but lose points for inexplicably taking three OLBs in this draft when they much bigger needs to fill.  Would have liked to see them try and add another potential starter on the 0-line and/or potential starters at corner and d-line instead of loading up on guys who will succeed James Harrison and Lamar Woodley when the team decides it no longer wants to pay them.

Chicago Bears

The Bears did not have any picks until the third round.  Their top pick in the draft, Florida safety Major Wright, is arguably a slight reach, but is a bit more versatile than the guys they have now and he was arguably the best safety on the board at the time.  Wright should compete for starting time at the safety position from day one.

Fourth round pick, Norhtwestern DE Corey Wootton, was a good value pick for the Bears and should give them some needed depth at the position.  Wootton was considered by many to be a low second to high third round prospect.

Fifth rounder Joshua Moore (Kansas State) will give some depth at corner but he is unlikely to challenge for a starting job any time soon.

Sixth round pick Dan LeFevour (QB, Central Michigan) fell dramatically after some puzzling moves during the post season workout season but he is seen as a guy who has good upside if he ever learns how to play in a pro style offense.  He could potentially be a steal in the draft three or four years down the road.

J’Marcus Webb a big offensive lineman out of West Texas A&M taken in the 7th round has the size to play in the NFL but is probably two or three years away from being a real contributor on offense for the Bears.

Grade: C.  They gain points for getting good value on Wootton and Wright should play next season, however, they failed to try and address the bigger needs of offensive line and wide receiver.  Would have liked to see them grab Taylor Price who was still on the board when they picked in the third round.

Detroit Lions

The Lions did some really nice things in this year’s draft.  Taking Ndamukong Suh with the second pick was pretty much a no-brainer.  They could not have gone wrong with Gerald McCoy or one of the big offensive tackles either.  Suh gives them someone to anchor the d-line for the next 10 years and someone to continue rebuilding the defense around.

The addition of California running back Jahvid Best is a very nice pickup for the Lions.  They needed another dynamic player in the offense to go along with Calvin Johnson.  Best gives them another home run hitter that defenses have to game plan for.  Best is arguably as versatile as C. J. Spiller and gives Matthew Stafford someone he can quickly dump the ball off to in the face of a blitz.

Second rounder Amari Spievey (CB, Iowa) will compete right away for playing time.  There is some thought that he could be moved to safety due to a lack of top end speed to be able to run with some of the faster receivers in the league.

Jason Fox (OT, Miami) is a potential steal in the fourth round if he develops as well as the Lions hope he will.  At the very least he will give the Lions needed depth at tackle as Jon Jansen is due to be put out to pasture.  He is not expected to challenge for a starting job right away but he has the skill set to potentially win the starting RT job in a year or two.

Seventh round picks Willie Young and Timothy Toone are seen as project players at DE and WR respectively and will likely be little more than special teamers.

Grade: A-.  They got one sure fire starter and two guys who should challenge for a starting job and at the very least make significant contributions next season.  They lose points for trading up into the first round to grab Best though.  They gave up a pick to move up four spots to grab Best and I really question whether they needed to do so.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers got the LT of the future when Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga fell into their laps.  Mike McCarthy was thrilled when Bulaga was sitting there at 23.  He should start right away for a team that allowed 57 sacks last season.

Green Bay reached tremendously when it grabbed Purdue DT Michael Neal in the second round.  He was widely seen as a fourth or fifth round prospect and he does not fill an immediate need for the Packers.  Bad pick for a team that has some real needs to address.

Safety Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech) was a solid pick, possibly a slight reach here, but he should give them some needed youth and depth at the safety position.

Penn State TE Andrew Quarless, taken in the fifth, is a guy seen as someone who was a major under achiever in college, but has the skill set to be a quality TE in the NFL.

If he stays healthy sixth round select James Starks (Buffalo) could end up being a steal at running back for the Packers.  He has good size and above average speed to be a productive back in the NFL.

Grade: C+.  Bulaga is the only pick I like here.  They lose huge points for reaching on a player in the second round who fills no immediate needs for them.  They lose more points for not taking a corner, and Burnett does not fill an immediate need for them.  A somewhat puzzling draft really.  The Packers seemed more interested in grabbing guys who might be starters two or three years down the road as opposed to players who might fill immediate needs for them next season.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings traded out of the first round sending their first round pick to the Lions in exchange for their second round pick and a later round pick.  With their first pick the Vikings grabbed Virginia corner Chris Cook.  Maybe a slight reach here but the Vikings were wanting to upgrade the corner back position this spring.

With their other second rounder the Vikings grabbed Toby Gerhart to take the place of the recently departed Chester Taylor who signed with the Bears during the off season.  Gerhart gives them a nice between the tackles runner who can spell Adrian Peterson for 8 to 10 carries per game.  He will also serve as the team’s short yardage and goal line back.

Defensive end Everson Griffen does not fill an immediate need for the Vikes, but in the fourth round he was a solid value pick for them.  Many had Griffen as a potential first round selection and a solid second round prospect.  Griffen apparently fell due to questions about his effort during games.

Grade: B-.  They got three solid prospects who should contribute right away for them.  Cook could challenge for a starting job and Griffen will at least give them some depth in the defensive line rotation.  The lose some points for not looking at grabbing a safety or interior offensive lineman in lieu of a DE though.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills had a somewhat confounding draft this year.  Taking C. J. Spiller with the 9th pick was kind of an odd choice.  With two proven 1,000 runners on the roster Running back was one of the few strengths of this team going into the off season.  While Spiller projects to be a good NFL player the Bills need to ask themselves how well Spiller’s skill set translates in the near freezing to sub-freezing temperatures the team plays its last two or three home games in.

The Bills get points for trying to fill a need with UCF DT Torrell Troup, however they lose points for taking Troup when conceivably better fits at the NT position, Linval Joseph and Terence Cody were still on the board.  Troup is a bit on the small side to be an anchoring NT in a 3-4 defensive front.

Third rounder DE Alex Carrington (Arkansas St.) is nice fit for them as a potential end in the 3-4.  He is still a bit on the raw side and probably needs some seasoning before he is ready to be an every down player for them though.

Fourth round pick Marcus Easley (WR, Connecticut) gives them a receiver with nice size and enough speed and wiggle to be able to pick up yards after the catch.  It is debatable whether he is good enough to start right away as he is not the cleanest route runner coming out of college.

The rest of the draft was filled with mostly developmental players who are probably a year or two away from contributing.

Grade: C-.  Spiller is perhaps the most dynamic offensive player in this year’s draft and he does give the Bills an added dimension it did not previously have.  However the team needs a LT and did not take an 0-lineman until the 5th round, the team needs a quarterback and did not take one when they had a shot at Colt McCoy and Jimmy Clausen in the second round.  They also reached on Troup when there were better prospects still on the board.  Other than Troup they did little else to beef up the run defense.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins had a pretty solid draft.  They traded down in the first round with the Chargers to get back into the second round and still ended up landing Jared Odrick who should give them some youth and depth on the d-line.  Odrick could start as an end next season, but, he does have the frame to be able to add an extra 20 or 30 pounds to anchor the line as the NT once Jason Ferguson’s career comes to an end.

They probably reached a bit on Utah LB Koa Misi, but with Misi they get someone who potentially supplants Jason Taylor or Joey Porter as an edge rusher.  Misi is a bit raw though and could need time to develop.

Third round pick John Jerry (Mississippi) gives the Dolphins some much needed depth along the interior line and is thought to be a guy who will compete for a starting job in Miami this summer.

Taking A. J. Edds in the fourth round was a bit of a reach but he is the type of player Parcells likes at OLB.

Fifth rounder Nolan Carroll (Maryland) is a developmental guy at corner and is someone who could develop into a starter a couple of years down the road.

Some think Fifth round pick Reshad Jones (Georgia) could end up being a steal of this draft for the Dolphins.  He has the skills to play safety in the NFL he just needs to pick up the nuances of playing the position.

Grade: B.  They did a pretty good job of addressing as many needs as possible.  They lose some points for reaching a bit but any draft that potentially yields three potential starter out of the gate is a pretty strong one.

New England Patriots

At one point it seemed like Belichick and Reid were in a contest to see which team could pick up the most mid-round draft picks.  The Pats had an interesting draft to say the least.  First round pick Devin McCourty (Rutgers) was an interesting selection given the team has spent three second round picks on defensive backs in the last two drafts.  Corner was a need but they had bigger needs and McCourty was an interesting choice given Jerry Hughes was still on the board at the time.

They addressed the need for a tight end by grabbing Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski with their first second round pick.  Gronkowski is a solid TE prospect whose biggest concern is his durability.

They reached a bit with Florida OLB Jermaine Cunningham.  He has the potential to develop into an edge rusher in the Patriots 3-4 defense however there are questions about his work ethic and it could be a year or two until they see a return on their investment.

Florida ILB Brandon Spikes slid out of the first round after running poor 40 times at the combine and his Pro Day.  Fortunately the Pats play a 3-4 and inside backers do not need to have as much range in a 3-4 scheme as they do in a 4-3.

Ohio receiver Taylor Price is a nice pickup for the Pats.  With Wes Welker coming off the knee injury and Randy Moss showing signs of slowing down the Pats needed to add a little depth and youth at the position.  He has nice size and speed and with a little polishing could end up being a #1 receiver for them a couple of years down the road.

Tight end Aaron Hernandez (Florida) could end up being a steal for the Pats in the fourth round.  Hernandez slipped due to positive drug tests for marijuana while at Florida.  He was considered to be a guy with first or second round talent and is arguably the best pass catching TE in this year’s draft class.

Grade: B.  Added some good depth with this draft and Price and Hernandez could end up being big contributors on offense this year.  Would have liked to see them add someone who will contribute as a DE next season instead of adding a second TE, and Cunningham may not be ready to start right away.

New York Jets

The Jets did some interesting things with their four picks.  Taking Kyle Wilson with their first round pick was a bit of an eyebrow raiser given they have two Pro Bowl caliber starters at corner back.  I know they only have Antonio Cromartie under contract for one more year, but it seems like they have bigger needs to address this year if they want to make a serious run at the Super Bowl.  It was also an interesting move given Hughes was still on the board and the team has been talking about trying to find an elite pass rusher this spring.

The team thinks so much of second round pick Vladimir Ducasse (Massachusetts) that they released veteran guard Alan Faneca after drafting him.  Ducasse is expected to step in and start at guard for them right away.

Taking Joe McKnight in the 4th enabled them them to deal Leon Washington to the Seahawks.

Grade: C.  They get points for Wilson who should contribute as a nickel back and Ducasse should start.  They lose points for taking a back just so they can trade Washington.  They also lose points for not addressing any of their depth issues on defense and they still need a safety to fill Kerry Rhodes spot.

Dallas Cowboys

Not terribly impressed with what the Cowboys did here.  Getting Dez Bryant was a great value pick for them the only problem is WR was, at best, third or fourth on the list of overall needs.  The team needed to address the offensive tackle and safety positions first and foremost if they want to make a serious playoff run and they failed to do that here.  Bryant is a great addition to the offense but how much of an impact will he really have since the Cowboys still really do not know if they have anyone who is going to be able to protect Tony Romo’s backside.  They waited until the sixth round to grab an offensive tackle in Sam Young (Notre Dame), but he is seen is a project guy who will not be able to start until a couple of years if ever.

The addition of Sean Lee (Penn State) gives them the some depth at ILB they needed and should transition into a starting role once Keith Brooking is out of there.

They grabbed a couple of defensive backs in IUP’s Akwasi Owusu-Ansah and Texas Tech’s Jamar Wall.  Owusu-Ansah is nice athlete with size and the thought is he could switch to safety this year.   Not really sure how Wall fits into the equation here he does not have great overall speed for a corner.  He could fit in as a nickle back next season.

Seventh rounder Sean Lissemore is a project player who will likely move to defensive end for the Cowboys.

Grade: C+.  They get points for grabbing Bryant but there is little else to be excited about here and they did not get anything else to help fill their immediate needs in the secondary and the offensive line.

New York Giants

Got the defensive end depth they needed with Jason Pierre-Paul in the first round of the draft, however, he was plan C for them.  The Giants were reportedly targeting Rolando McClain and C. J. Spiller as their top options.  Pierre-Paul is very gifted athletically but also very raw and inexperienced.  Giants fans should not expect much from him initially as it will probably take a year or two of seasoning until he is ready to an every down end in the NFL.

Second round selection Lindval Joseph (ECU) is a guy who sort came out of nowhere the last month or so after not being on anyone’s radar screen as a potential high pick.  He gives the Giant some needed youth and athleticism at the DT position and should, at the very least, be in the Giants regular DT rotation next season.

Taking safety Chad Jones (LSU) in the 3rd round is a curious selection given the additions of Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant this offseason and more pressing needs at LB and corner.  Probably somewhat of a reach though given his poor combine scores in the 40 yard dash and the bench press.

Fourth rounder Phillip Dillard (Nebraska) could potentially develop into the starting middle linebacker in a couple of years but the overall consensus seems to be that Dillard has the physical tools to play in the NFL but he has poor instincts and recognition skills.

Grade: C+.  Like the Cowboys the Giants did not really get anyone who is seen as likely contributors for next season.  Pierre-Paul will likely be a pass rush specialist for the time being and Joseph is really the only one who might have a shot at starting.  They lose points for failing to get any real immediate help at LB or CB.

Philadelphia Eagles

I have mixed feelings on this draft for the Eagles.  On the one hand they addressed some immediate needs on defense, but I kind of question if they needed as many ends as they drafted and whether they reached on some of their picks.

First round selection Brandon Graham is widely considered the best pass rusher available in the draft.  My biggest gripe with this pick is Texas safety Earl Thomas was still on the board and they needed a play-making free safety more than they needed a pass rusher.  The Eagles had the third best pass rush in the league last season so taking a pass rusher first seemingly neglected other major needs.

Second round pick Nate Allen was the right selection to make given what was available.  He needs some seasoning, but should provide an overwhelming upgrade at the free safety position in comparison to the revolving door they had at the position last season.

I don’t get the third round selection at all.  They reach tremendously on another undersized defensive end in Washington’s Daniel Te’o-Nesheim.  They traded out of the second round and ended up with Te’o-Nesheim.  It does not make a lot of sense to take another end at this spot in the draft when he has little to no shot at starting next season when the defense has bigger needs at corner and LB that need to be addressed.  This will either end up being a genius pick by Reid or one of the worst third round selections ever made.  They seriously could have gotten this guy in the fourth or fifth round.

Cornerback Trevard Lindley (Kentucky) was also another reach for the Eagles in the fourth round.  He was seen by most as a fifth or sixth rounder due to his sleight build and not being terribly fast for the position.  I suspect we will not be seeing a lot of him next season either.

Oklahoma linebacker Keenan Clayton also has the looks of another player who will be a wasted pick.  He seems to have good measurables but ESPN, NFL.com, and CBS Sports all had him rated as an undrafted free agent.

I do happen to like the other two fourth round picks they made though.  Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka gives them to develop down the road.  The consensus on him seems to be that he could develop into a starter two or three years down the road.  Their last pick of the fourth round, tight end Clay Harbor (Missouri State), gives them a nice athletic option at TE enabling the team to be able to run more two TE sets next season.  He has good top end speed for the position and has shown an ability to stretch the field.

The two fifth rounders were nice pickups as well.  Defensive end Ricky Sapp (Clemson) was a good value pick.  Most of the mainstream sports sites had him rated as a second or third rounder.  He has the athletic ability to be a quality NFL player and the reason he slipped as far as he did is likely rooted in the fact that he was largely seen as an underachiever at Clemson.  He never quite lived up to the hype.  Florida receiver Riley Cooper gives them a tall athletic possession receiver.  He won’t challenge anyone for a starting job but he gives them a nice target in short yardage and goal line situations.

Sixth round selection Charles Scott (LSU) gives them a nice between the tackles back who will not outrun many folks but will run through some people.  He could contribute right away as a short yardage back next season.

They added some potential depth players in the seventh round.  ILB Jamar Chaney is a great athlete who needs some seasoning and has the speed to potentially move to the outside.

Georgia DT Jeffrey Owens is a potential run stuffer who should give them some depth at the position.

Ohio State safety Kurt Coleman is a nice athlete but is unlikely to be little more than a special teamer.

Grade: B-.  They lose points for reaching on too many players and taking too many defensive ends.  Graham could very well net them 8 to 10 sacks rushing from the weakside and they did get a potential starting safety in Allen and added some nice depth at other positions.  However, they failed to adequately address their linebacker position and really could have used a potential starting corner, but the addition of Allen could mean Marlin Jackson moves back to the corner position which is not entirely a bad thing.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins did not have too many picks but they did make the big one count.  They needed a successor to Chris Samuels and they potentially landed one in Trent Williams.  Williams does come with some questions to his work ethic and commitment to the game however.

Fourth rounder Perry Riley (LB, LSU) was a pretty good value pick and could have a chance to start inside alongside London Fletcher in the 3-4 defense.

The rest of the their picks consist largely of developmental players.  Derek Morris will give them some depth and versatility at the TE/H-back position, WR Terence Austin is a potential slot receiver, and offensive lineman Eric Cook gives some depth on the interior line.  Tackle Selvish Capers could end up being a steal of the draft.  Some had him rated as a potential third or fourth round pick.

Grade: C.  They added just one starter and another potential starter, but they passed on the safer pick in Russell Okung and really needed to add more depth on the offensive line instead of developmental guys.  They also failed to address needs in the secondary, but that is likely do to not having any picks in the second or third rounds.

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma): No surprise here.  The Rams are rebuilding and need a quarterback.  They did not want to be known as the team that passed on a franchise QB three years in  a row after passing on both Mark Sanchez and Matt Ryan in the last two drafts.  Bradford may not be the best prospect in this draft but when you need a QB and are picking in the top two for the third year in a row it is time to grab a QB.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska): The Lions get the guy who the majority think is the best prospect in this draft.  He gives the Lions a guy to anchor and build the defense around for the next ten years.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma): The Bucs were dreadful against the run last season and McCoy is being compared to Warren Sapp.  Like the Lions the Bucs get a guy they can rebuild their defense around and should anchor the line for the next ten years.

4. Washington Redskins – Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma): The Redskins think they can win next season and their top priority this spring is finding someone to rebuild the offensive line around.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry (S, Tennessee): Chiefs take the best player on the board as opposed to the guy who fills the biggest need.  Still a good pick though the Chiefs need a play-maker in the secondary, although they may regret not upgrading the LT spot when they had the chance.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State): The ‘Hawks are ecstatic that the Chiefs pass on Okung.  With Walter Jones set to likely retire this week Seattle gets his heir apparent.

7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden (CB, Florida): Not a huge surprise here.  The Browns have been attached to Haden for a while now.  They now have a pair of good cover guys in Haden and Sheldon Brown.

8. Oakland Raiders – Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama): A bit of a head scratcher, but the Raiders were at the bottom of the league in run defense last season.  The fact that Al has not given up on JaMarcus Russell and given all the money tied up in him one would have thought they would have gone for someone who is going to potentially maximize his success next season.

9. Buffalo Bills – C. J. Spiller (RB, Clemson): Another interesting pick.  I love Spiller as a player I am just not sure this is a great fit.  Running back is actually a strength in Buffalo and they have much bigger needs such as who is going to play quarterback, shoring up the run defense, and upgrading the left tackle position.  Seems like the Bills would have been better off going for one of their major needs here and grabbing a guy like Dexter McCluster in the second or third round.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyson Alualu (DL, California): The first big surprise of the night.  Nobody had this guy as a top ten player.  It seems like the Jags would have benefited more by trading down and picking up another pick or two and taking Alualu later in the round.

11. San Francisco 49ers (From Chicago Through Denver) – Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers): Davis comes with some questions marks in terms of work ethic, but, at the very least, the Niners should be able to plug him in at RT next season with eyes on him maturing into a LT in a couple of years.  I have to wonder why the Niners felt compelled to move up two spots to grab him when it seems pretty unlikely anyone else was interested in moving up to grab him.

12. San Diego Chargers (From Miami) – Ryan Matthews (RB, Fresno State): I had Matthews going to the Chargers but one really has to wonder why they felt compelled to move up this far to grab him.  They definitely reached to get him, but this is the guy they needed with LaDanian Tomlinson no longer on the roster.  The big question with Matthews will be whether he contributes at all in the passing game.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (From San Francisco Through Denver) – Brandon Graham (DE, Michigan): Not a huge fan of this pick.  Sure he may be the best pass rusher in this draft, but my main issue with this pick is the Eagles did not need to upgrade the pass rush.  They already had the third best pass rush in the league last season and it is actually a strength of the defense.  With a need for a play-making safety passing on Earl Thomas seems like a mistake to me.  They just have much bigger needs on defense and could have addressed them here but failed to do so.

14. Seattle Seahawks – Earl Thomas (S, Texas): Again the Sehawks are thrilled to see Thomas drop to them.

15. New York Giants – Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida): The Giants are crest-fallen at this point with Spiller and McClain coming off the board.  Pierre-Paul could signal the end of Osi Umenyiora in New York.

16. Tennessee Titans – Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech): Titans need a guy to rebuild the d-line around and it starts with Morgan.

17. San Francisco 49ers (From Carolina) – Mike Iupati (OL, Idaho): The Niners are sticking with Alex Smith at quarterback and are intent on strengthening the offensive line to give him better protection.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Maurkice Pouncey (OL, Florida): The Steelers have to get better offensive line play if they want to get back to the playoffs next season.  Pouncey is a guy everyone seems to think will start from day one and be out there for the next ten years.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri): This is higher than I thought he would go.  OLB was one of the Falcons biggest needs this spring and they landed the best on the board.

20. Houston Texans – Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama): With Matthews off the board grabbing a corner here was a no-brainer.  Mildly surprised they took Jackson over Kyle Wilson though.

21. Cinicnnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma): Like the pick.  The Bengals went through TEs like they were water last season and Gresham gives Palmer a pass catching TE that he has been wanting for a couple of years now.

22. Denver Broncos (From New England) – Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech): Another surprising move.  Dez Bryant was the consensus top receiver in this draft.  Thomas is a gifted athlete, however, he drops too many easy balls.  Not surprised the Broncos went receiver though.

23. Green Bay Packers – Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa): The Packers are thrilled Bulaga falls to them here.  Aaron Rodgers took a pounding last season and they need to do a better job protecting him if they want to get back to the playoffs next season.

24. Dallas Cowboys (From Philadelphia Through Denver and New England) – Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State): I knew Jerry would take a receiver here.  Leave it to him to take a player that is probably third or fourth on their list of needs.  A lot of folks love this pick, but I do not.  Roy Williams was not the reason the Vikings rolled the Cowboys in the playoffs.  The six sacks they gave up were.  Unless Bryant is going to block pass rushers I don’t see how this helps them out that much.  They need to find a new LT with the release of Flozell Adams.  This pick is just another example of Jones going for style over substance.

25. Denver Broncos (From Baltimore) – Tim Tebow (QB, Florida): Perhaps the biggest stunner of the first round of the draft.  I wonder how this makes Brady Quinn feel?  It is definitely an interesting move as teams don’t typically take a player who is generally seen as a project player this high in the draft.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee): The biggest surprise here is how far Williams fell.  He was widely seen as a guy who was going to go in the 10 to 15 range.  This is a great value pick for the Cards and he fills a need for Arizona.

27. New England Patriots (From Dallas) – Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers): A very interesting pick given they have spent three second round picks on defensive backs in the last two drafts.  Given their need for a game changing pass rusher it is surprising they did not go with Jerry Hughes here.

28. Miami Dolphins (From San Diego) – Jared Odrick (DL, Penn State): Given Parcells love for big lineman it comes as no surprise that Odrick is the guy.  The Dolphins needed to get younger along the d-line and Odrick should fit in quite nicely with their defensive scheme.

29. New York Jets – Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State): An intriguing pick given they already have two Pro Bowl caliber corners in Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.  Like the Pats the Jets were thought to be interested in a pass rusher with Vernon Gholston looking like a bust.  Seems like Jerry Hughes would have met more of an immediate need for the Jets.

30. Detroit Lions (From Minnesota) – Jahvid Best (RB, California): Nice pick up for the Lions who need another dynamic play-maker on offense to go along with Calvin Johnson.  However, I wonder if the Lions really needed to move up three spots to grab him.  They probably could have sat still at 34 and still grabbed him.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Jerry Hughes (OLB/DE, TCU): Another surprising pick given all of the bluster coming out of Indy about needing to upgrade the offensive line.  Hughes does not really fill an immediate need for the Colts who are pretty set at end with both Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney coming off strong seasons.

32. New Orleans Saints – Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State): While I would agree the Saints secondary is not the greatest in the league, don’t they have bigger needs in the front seven, and would it have not made more sense to grab a safety in the event Darren Sharper does not come back or is finally over the hill?

Random Thoughts

Very surprised that Jimmy Clausen fell all the way out of the first round.  Once he slid past twenty I really thought someone would try to move up and grab him.  Should be interesting to see where he ends up tonight.  Could the Vikings grab him at 34?  It is certainly a possibility given Brad Childress does not seem to have any real faith in Tarvaris Jackson.

Not shocked that Colt McCoy did not go in the first.  I think most had him going at the top of the second round to a team like the Browns or Raiders.

Surprised to see nobody took Sergio Kindle in the first round.

I would not be at all surprised to see Arrelious Benn and Golden Tate outperform Dez Bryant and Demaryious Thomas next season.

It comes as no surprise that Scheffler was dealt as he was clearly in Josh McDaniels’ dog house at the end of the year.  Scheffler gives the Lions an upgrade in the passing game at TE as last year’s first round selection at TE, Brandon Pettigrew, is really more of a blocking TE than a pass receiving threat.

In Sims the Eagles are potentially getting someone who can help contain the run from the weakside linebacker position which was something that dogged them last season.  The only potential downside to Sims is he is damaged goods as he missed five games due to injury last season and has fought a shoulder problem the past couple of years.  If he is healthy he is a steal for only a fifth rounder if not then it was a minimal investment to kick the tires on him to see what he had left in him.

This deal could also give the Eagles some more flexibility to move up as there is no longer a pressing need to spend a first or second round pick on an OLB.  The Eagles are reportedly looking to move up in the draft so they can take a shot at landing either Eric Berry or Earl Thomas.

It seems pretty unlikely that the Eagles are going to be able to move into position to be able to grab Berry.  He is expected to go somewhere in the top seven of the draft and I do not know that the Eagles have the stomach to make that kind of deal unless it involves throwing an expendable player or two into the deal.

However, with four of the first 70 picks and 11 picks overall in hand they should  have more than enough to make a deal with the Dolphins or Jags and Earl Thomas is expected to still be on the board at that stage of the draft.

Landing Thomas or Berry would be a huge get for an Eagles team that needs an athletic ball hawk at the free safety position after a season in which three different players started at the position due to inconsistent performance.

My gut tells me there is something to what King says I just do not think they will get Berry unless he falls out of the top ten.  I also would not expect a deal to be done prior to the draft.  I suspect a contingent deal to be in place based on the availability of  Berry and/or Thomas when the Jags or Dolphins are on the clock.

33. St. Louis Rams – Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech): The Rams get a big play receiver to pair with Bradford.

Previous Pick: Demaryius Thomas.

X-Factors: With a bevy of corners rated as high second rounders the Rams could look to fill a need in the secondary here as well.

34. Detroit Lions – Rodger Saffold (OT, Indiana): Saffold has been moving up a lot of boards this spring and the Lions need to find someone to protect Stafford’s backside.

Previous Pick: Kareem Jackson.

X-Factors: The secondary was downright brutal last season and they could go with a d-back here.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame): The Bucs need some good young talent for Josh Freeman to grow with.

Previous Pick: Golden Tate.

X-Factors: Secondary is a need for the Bucs as well.

36. Kansas City Chiefs – Tyson Alualu (DL, California): The Chiefs are still trying to find the right combination on the defensive line.

Previous Pick: Kareem Jackson.

X-Factor: Secondary is a need as well but they need to do something to shore up the pass rush.

37. Philadelphia Eagles – Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida): Andy Reid rolled the dice in a similar situation with Winston Justice four years ago and he has emerged as the starting RT.  Dunlap, like Justice, has first round talent he just needs some time to mature.  Even though they just dealt for Daryl Tapp Reid will find Dunlap’s talent too good to pass up here.

X-Factors: With Sheldon Brown being dealt the team needs a corner and safety is a big need as well.

38. Cleveland Browns – Colt McCoy (QB, Texas): All signs point to McCoy being Holmgren’s guy.

Previous Pick: Colt McCoy.

X-Factors: Will Holmgren swing the rumored deal to land Sam Bradford?

39. Oakland Raiders – Taylor Mays (S, USC): Al loves workout warriors and they do not come any better than Mays.

Previous Pick: Jahvid Best.

X-Factors: They should really be looking at a defensive lineman here.

40. San Diego Chargers – Terence Cody (DT, Alabama): Chargers land the best true nose tackle in the draft to replace Jamal Williams.

Previous Pick: Terence Cody.

X-Factors: Need a corner with Antonio Cromartie being dealt to the Jets.

41. Buffalo Bills – Jahvid Best (RB, California): New head coach Chan Gailey expressed his desire to add a versatile speed back who can catch the ball to the offense this spring.

Previous Pick: Charles Brown.

X-Factors: The Bills need o-line help and have to beef up the run defense as well.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama): Bucs get a steal here with Jackson.

Previous Pick: Patrick Robinson.

X-Factors: The Bucs need to overhaul the defensive line.

43. Denver Broncos – Maurkice Pouncey (OL, Florida): With Casey Wiegmann going to KC the Broncos have a hole to fill at center and they land the best in the draft in Pouncey.  He could immediately start and would give the team some depth and versatility at the interior line positions if he is not quite ready to start right away.

X-Factors: TE Tony Scheffler is rumored to be the next guy on McDaniels’ chopping block and upgrading the inside linebackers is a need as well.

44. New England Patriots – Lamarr Houston (DL, Texas): Has the agility to slide outside and play end in the 3-4 defense.

Previous Pick: Ryan Matthews.

X-Factors: The Pats also need to add depth at inside linebacker, tight end, and receiver.

45. Denver Broncos – Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State): Gives the Broncos some needed depth at the inside linebacker spot.

Previous Pick: Cam Thomas.

X-Factors: There are a couple of tight ends who rate out as mid-second rounders as well.

46. New York Giants – Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State): Aaron Ross and Corey Webster battled nagging injuries most of the season and there was a lack of quality depth after those two.

Previous Pick: Tyson Alualu.

X-Factors: Aside from Antonio Pierce the Giants LBs were rather ordinary last season.  Upgrading the OLB spots is a priority this spring.

47. New England Patriots – Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona): Pats fill their hole at TE.

Previous Pick: Lamarr Houston.

X-Factors: Still need a receiver and a linebacker.

48. Carolina Panthers – Linval Joseph (DT, East Carolina): DT was a revolving door for the Panthers last season and the team took a hit when Maake Kemoeatu signed with the Redskins.

Previous Pick: Taylor Price.

X-Factors: They need to find a complimentary receiver for Steve Smith and an outside ‘backer to compliment Thomas Davis and Jon Beason.

49. San Francisco 49ers – Nate Allen (S, South Florida): The Niners need to get younger and better at the safety positions.

Previous Pick: Ricky Sapp.

X-Factors: The Niners need to improve at the tackle position but it is harder to do so at this spot of the draft.

50. Kansas City Chiefs – Dennis Pitta (TE, BYU): The Chiefs tried several different players at the TE position and got little to no production from any of them.

Previous Pick: Sean Lee.

X-Factors: They still need an ILB and could use some depth at WR as well.

51. Houston Texans – Joe McKnight (RB, USC): Probably a bit of a reach here but the Texans need some insurance in the event Slaton is not ready to go at the start of the season.

Previous Pick: Montario Hardesty.

X-Factors: Could also go safety or defensive line depth.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Corey Wooton (DE, Northwestern): Steelers get a guy who is big enough to play the end in a 3-4 scheme.

Previous Pick: Perrish Cox.

X-Factors: Need secondary help and now have a hole to fill at receiver as well.

53. New England Patriots – Daryl Washington (LB, TCU): Too good for the Pats to pass up here.

Previous Pick: Damian Williams.

X-Factors: Still need to add some depth at receiver.

54. Cincinnati Bengals – Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida): Probably a bit of a reach here but the Bengals need to get some productivity from the TE position in the passing game.

Previous Pick: Nate Allen.

X-Factors: Could look for d-line depth here.

55. Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Cook (CB, Virginia): Reid lands a big physical corner to supplant Sheldon Brown.

Previous Pick: Navorro Bowman.

X-Factors: Could go with interior offensive line help or more depth at linebacker.

56. Green Bay Packers – Navorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State): Pack needs to find a successor to Aaron Kampman.

Previous Pick: Amari Spievey.

X-Factors: Could go running back or secondary depth here.

57. Baltimore Ravens – Cam Thomas (DL, North Carolina): Kelly Gregg’s knees are not getting any younger or healthier.

Previous Pick: Rob Gronkowski.

X-Factors: Could still go TE here.

58. Arizona Cardinals – Koa Misi (OLB/DE, Utah): Should have enough quickness to be an edge rusher for the Cards.

Previous Pick: Aaron Hernandez.

X-Factors: Could look for 0-line or d-line depth here.

59. Dallas Cowboys – Vladimir Ducasse (OL, Massachusetts): There are those who believe he can play tackle in the NFL.

Previous Pick: Brandon LaFell.

X-Factors: Need help at safety as well.

60. Seattle Seahawks – Joe Asamoah (OL, Illinois): A steal for the Seahawks here.

Previous Pick: Chris Cook.

X-Factors: Could go running back or secondary help.

61. New York Jets – Al Woods (DT, LSU): Some needed d-line depth.

Previous Pick: Corey Wooten.

X-Factors: They also have a hole to fill at safety.

62. Minnesota Vikings – Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State): Upgrading the corner positions is a need for the Vikings.

Previous Pick: Joe Asamoah.

X-Factors: Could go for interior line depth.

63. Indianapolis Colts – Amari Spievey (CB, Iowa): Need to add some depth in the secondary.

Previous Pick: Zane Beadles.

X-Factors: Could still look at adding another offensive lineman or some added depth at defensive line.

64. New Orleans Saints – Eric Norwood (OLB, South Carolina): Should fill the spot vacated by Scott Fujita quite nicely.

Previous Pick: Daryl Washington.

X-Factors: Depth in the secondary and DE are needs as well.

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma): Barring any unforeseen complications Bradford will be the guy.

Previous Pick: Sam Bradford.

X-Factors: The Rams are also looking at Jimmy Clausen who is considered by many to be the more polished pro prospect of the two.  With so many holes to fill could the Rams be willing to trade down a few spots to pick up an extra pick or two and grab Clausen instead?

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma): McCoy grades out as a better pass rusher between he and Ndamukong Suh and the Lions pass defense was atrocious last season.

Previous Pick: Gerald McCoy.

X-Factors: They could opt for Suh who got more hype towards the end of the college season.  Don’t be shocked if the Lions take a left tackle or trade down and take a left tackle.  Matthew Stafford got knocked around quite a bit last season and the Lions invested too much money in him to have him missing several games a year due to injury.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska): The Bucs were dead last in rushing defense last season and will take the best DT to rebuild the defense around with this pick.

Previous Pick: Ndamukong Suh.

X-Factors: Any pick other than Suh or McCoy would not make a lot of sense here.  The only other move that make a lick of sense would be if the Bucs opt to trade down a few spots and take Dez Bryant.  Upgrading the receiver position is a top priority for the Bucs as well this spring.

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State): Rebuilding the offensive line is the a-one top priority for Mike Shanahan this spring.

Previous Pick: Russell Okung.

X-Factors: The ‘Skins offered Laron Landry to the Eagles in the McNabb deal and were rebuffed and there is some sentiment the team may be looking at Eric Berry here.  Trent Williams could also be the guy here.  Some think his skillset fits Shanahan’s offense better than Okung’s.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma): Williams and Okung seem to be neck-and-neck in terms of the top two tackles in the draft and Branden Albert appears to be more suited to play RT than LT.

Previous Pick: Bryan Bulaga.

X-Factors: The Chiefs are also looking at Berry to rebuild the secondary around.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa): With Walter Jones retiring the team needs a new LT to build on.

Previous Pick: Trent Williams.

X-Factors: C. J. Spiller would give Pete Carroll and Reggie Bush type back and Eric Berry could be too good to pass up here.

7. Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry (S, Tennessee): The Browns have secondary needs and Berry is too good to pass up here.

Previous Pick: Eric Berry.

X-Factors: They have been rumored to be in on Joe Haden and could take Jimmy Clausen here as well.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland): The trend of Maryland workout warriors continues in Oakland.

Previous Pick: Bruce Campbell.

X-Factors: Al Davis loves speed and Jahvid Best and C. J. Spiller were two of the fastest players at the combine.

9. Buffalo Bills – Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame): Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick simply are not cutting it.  There is even talk that Brian Brohm will get a shot to win the job this spring.

Previous Pick: Jimmy Clausen.

X-Factors: With Aaron Schoebel leaning toward retirement and Aaron Maybin being rather underwhelming his rookie year the Bills could look at grabbing a pass rusher here.  They also need to beef up the run defense making Dan Williams or Rolando McClain possibilities as well.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech): The Jags were dead last in sacks last season and Aaron Kampmen only brings some improvement and is not the long term solution.

Previous Pick: Derrick Morgan.

X-Factors: The Jags are in the market for a starting receiver and could opt to go with Dez Bryant.  Jacksonville’s secondary was brutal last season making Joe Haden a strong possiblity given the cache of him playing for the Gators.  Tim Tebow could also factor in here as well.  Would the Jags entertain trading down several spots to pick up some picks and take Tebow knowing that it seems unlikely anyone else is considering him in the first round of the draft?

11. Denver Broncos – Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State): Brandon Marshall being dealt to the Dolphins almost makes this more of a certainty than before.

Previous Pick: Dan Williams.

X-Factors: They could still go with Williams here and look at taking a receiver in the second round.  Bryant’s stock has slipped a bit this spring and Jamal Williams is by no means a long term solution at NT.  I would also not be shocked if this pick ended up being Arrelious Benn.  He has run faster than anticipated and his measurables are better than Bryant’s in some instances.  He was once considered a top 15 prospect prior to his disappointing season at Illinois.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee): Parcells loves big beefy DTs to build his defensive lines around and Jason Ferguson is 35 and coming off a season that ended early due to injury.

Previous Pick: Earl Thomas.

X-Factors: The Dolphins essentially played with a pair of strong safeties last season and could use a true free safety.  The Dolphins are also rumored to be showing an interest in Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden (CB, Florida): He could go higher than this based on running much better at his Pro Day than he did at the combine.  The Niners need to get better and younger at the corner position.

Previous Pick: Joe Haden.

X-Factors: They could go with a left tackle or potentially make a play for Jimmy Clausen.

14. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Pierre-Paul (DE/OLB, South Florida): The Seahawks need a dynamic pass rusher to boost a sagging pass rush.

Previous Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul.

X-Factors: Spiller could be in play here as well.  Everson Griffen played for Pete Carroll at USC and should not be ruled here either.

15. New York Giants – Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama): The Giants need to find a replacement for Antonio Pierce.

Previous Pick: Rolando McClain.

X-Factors: Several of the offensive lineman started looking old and broken down last season and they could look for some fresh horses on the o-line.  A pass rusher could be in the offing as well.

16. Tennessee Titans – Everson Griffen (DE, USC): After losing Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch to free agency the past two years the Titans need to find a young lineman to rebuild around.

Previous Pick: Everson Griffen.

X-Factors: Secondary is a huge need as well.

17. San Francisco 49ers – C. J. Spiller (RB, Clemson): The Forty Niners need to be more explosive on offense.  Frank Gore is a nice back but does not have the versatility or explosiveness that Spiller brings to the table.

Previous Pick: C. J. Spiller.

X-Factors: Earl Thomas could be too good to pass up at safety which is another need position for the Niners.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati (OL, Idaho): With Ben Roethlisberger facing a suspension to start the season the Steelers need to shore up the offensive line and Iupati may be the best run grader in the this year’s draft.

Previous Pick: Mike Iupati.

X-Factors: The secondary got exposed quite a bit when Polamalu was out and Thomas could be too good to pass up for the Steelers.  This pick could also be a corner.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Graham (DE/OLB, Michigan): The Falcons desperately need to find a pass rusher.

Previous Pick: Sergio Kindle.

X-Factors: With John Abraham in decline they need to get a pass rusher here.

20. Houston Texans – Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State): With Dunta Robinson jumping ship getting a corner becomes the team’s top priority.

Previous Pick: Kyle Wilson.

X-Factors: With Steve Slaton’s status up in the air they could opt for a running back here.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Earl Thomas (S, Texas): The Bengals are ecstatic to have Thomas fall to them here.

Previous Pick: Jermaine Gresham.

X-Factors: TE and safety are the team’s two biggest needs right now and they could still go with Gresham.

22. New England Patriots – Sergio Kindle (OLB/DE, Texas): The Pats need to get younger and more athletic on the edges.

Previous Pick: Dez Bryant.

X-Factors: Carlos Dunlap has the size to play end in a 3-4 defense and Bill Belichick has rolled the dice on guys with baggage in the past.

23. Green Bay Packers – Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers): The Pack needs to do a better job of protecting Aaron Rodgers if they want to make a return trip to the playoffs.

Previous Pick: Anthony Davis.

X-Factors: They need to start thinking about Charles Woodson and Al Harris’ successors and could be looking at a pass rusher to replace Aaron Kampmen.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri): The Eagles need an outside ‘backer who can tackle and cover.  Weatherspoon gives them both.

Previous Pick: Sean Weatherspoon.

X-Factors: With Sheldon Brown being dealt they could opt for a corner here but it seems they could get a good corner with the pick they got in the McNabb deal.  There is some sentiment they could go for Maurkice Pouncey to give some depth at the interior line positions.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers): The Ravens need to get younger and better at corner.

Previous Pick: Devin McCourty.

X-Factors: They could go with a tight end or pass rusher here as well.  Taylor Mays could also be an option if they think Ed Reed is serious about retiring.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma): The Cards have been in the market for a TE for a few years now.

Previous Pick: Jerry Hughes.

X-Factors: They could still go with a pass rusher here.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois): Jerry seems hellbent on finding another elite type of receiver this spring.

Previous Pick: Arrelious Benn.

X-Factors: The Cowboys really need a LT and a safety now that last year’s starters, Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin, have been released.

28. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Matthews (RB, Fresno State): Darren Sproles is not the answer at RB for them.

Previous Pick: Ryan Matthews.

X-Factors: The Chargers are also in the market for a nose tackle and corner back.

29. New York Jets – Jerry Hughes (OLB/DE, TCU): The Jets are definitely in the market for an edge rusher.

Previous Pick: Taylor Mays.

X-Factor: The Jets are currently trying to coax Jason Taylor to sign with them.  If that happens that may put finding a pass rusher on the back burner until next year.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State): The Vikes need some young depth at DT.

Previous Pick: Jared Odrick.

X-Factors: The Vikings also need to think up upgrades in the secondary and interior offensive line positions.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Charles Brown (OT, USC): The Colts are on the record saying offensive line is their top off-season priority.

Previous Pick: Charles Brown.

X-Factors: They will take the best available lineman here.

32. New Orleans Saints – Brian Price (DT, UCLA): Price fills an immediate need for the Saints.

Previous Pick: Brian Price.

X-Factors: They also have needs to fill at end and OLB.

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma): Bradford becomes the front runner on the heels of a strong Pro Day workout.  He is scheduled to work out one more time for the Rams prior to the draft.  With the release of Marc Bulger it seems almost inevitable this pick will be a quarterback.

Previous Pick: Sam Bradford.

X-Factors: The Rams reportedly are talking to the agents of Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, and Jimmy Clausen.  Barring any unforeseen incidents Bradford is likely the guy though.

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma): The Lions reportedly prefer McCoy over Suh as he projects as the better pass rusher at the next level.

Previous Pick: Gerald McCoy.

X-Factors: The Lions are reportedly fielding offers for the pick.  Don’t be surprised if the Lions trade down a few slots to pick up an extra pick or two and grab one of the big tackle prospects in this year’s class.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska): The Bucs were last in the league in rushing yards allowed and opponents average per carry last season.  They will take the best of who is left between Suh and McCoy.

Previous Pick: Ndamukong Suh.

X-Factors: If the unthinkable happens and Suh and McCoy are go 1 and 2 look for the Bucs to deal out of #3 with a team looking to jump up and steal Bradford.

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State): The Redskins have expressed an interest in Okung and with Donovan McNabb landing in Philadelphia it seems an almost certainty that the team will grab whoever it has rated as the top tackle in the draft.

Previous Pick: Russell Okung.

X-Factors: The only wildcard here will be if Shanahan sees someone like Trent Williams or Bryan Bulaga as better fits.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa): Bulaga is moving up a lot of draft boards and the Chiefs have to do a better job protecting Matt Cassell if they want to return to playing competitive football again.

Previous Pick: Eric Berry.

X-Factors: Berry is still going to be in the mix here as could an edge pass rusher, but given the investment they have in Cassell keeping him upright is the utmost importance right now.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma): With Walter Jones retiring the Seahawks need to find a new anchor for the offensive line.

Previous Pick: Bryan Bulaga.

X-Factors: Will Pete Carroll decide he needs a young quarterback to build around in Jimmy Clausen?  Yes, they dealt for Charlie Whitehurst, but they only gave him a two year deal which is a minimal investment in a NFL QB these days.  C. J. Spiller is also rumored to be in the mix in Seattle.

7. Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry (S, Tennessee): Berry’s stock seems to be on the slide just a tad, but that is due more to teams placing a higher value in interior lineman than defensive backs this high in the draft.

Previous Pick: Joe Haden.

X-Factors: The Browns have reportedly been interested in Haden all along but Berry would be too good to pass up here and the recent acquisition of Sheldon Brown from the Eagles makes drafting an elite corner less of a need for the time being.  Don’t be shocked if they grab Jimmy Clausen here.  Mike Holmgren claims he is not interested but that could just be a smoke screen.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland): Al Davis loves workout warriors and Campbell was the best of the lot at the combine and the Raiders do need a legit left tackle.

Previous Pick: Bruce Campbell.

X-Factors: Given Davis’ affinity for speed players don’t rule out C. J. Spiller or Jahvid Best here as well.

9. Buffalo Bills – Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame): The Bills need a legit franchise QB and Clausen is largely considered to be the most NFL ready quarterback in this year’s class given he played in Charlie Weis’ system at Notre Dame.

Previous Pick: Jimmy Clausen.

X-Factors: If they don’t like Clausen the Bills could opt for a QB in a later round and pick up the best available tackle here.  With all of the tackles rated as potential top ten picks gone at this point I would not be surprised to see them deal down a few spots with a team interested in Clausen.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech): The Jags registered just 14 sacks last season easily making pass rusher the team’s biggest need this spring.  Aaron Kampman helps but he is really only a short term solution and is coming off a knee injury.

Previous Pick: Derrick Morgan.

X-Factors: The could go with a receiver but after Dez Bryant failed to bowl folks over at his Pro Day it seems unlikely they will opt for a receiver at this stage.

11. Denver Broncos – Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee): Jamal Williams turns 34 just after the draft and missed 15 games last season and Dez Bryant failed to impress at his Pro Day.  Dan Williams gives them a more long term solution to build the defense around.

Previous Pick: Dez Bryant.

X-Factors: They could still opt to deal Brandon Marshall and take Bryant here.  While Bryant failed to bowl people over he still performed well at his Pro Day.  Character concerns are the biggest thing weighing him down at this stage.

12. Miami Dolphins -Earl Thomas (FS, Texas): The Dolphins basically played last season with a pair of strong safeties and getting a ball-hawking free safety will go along way towards the development of their young corners.

Previous Pick: Dan Williams.

X-Factors: They also need receivers and an edge pass rusher with Joey Porter going to Arizona and Jason Taylor on the last legs of his career.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden (CB, Florida): Haden ran his way back up towards the top of the draft and would be a steal at this spot.

Previous Pick: Trent Williams.

X-Factors: They do need a left tackle as well.  Would they be interested in trading up for Jimmy Clausen?

14. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Pierre-Paul (OLB/DE, South Florida): The Seahawks had just 28 sacks last season and need a game changing pass rusher.

Previous Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul.

X-Factors: Spiller is still on the board.

15. New York Giants – Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama): Tom Coughlin starts to rebuild the defense around the stand out linebacker.

Previous Pick: Rolando McClain.

X-Factors: Offensive line help or a pass rusher could be in the mix here as well.

16. Tennessee Titans – Everson Griffen (DE, USC): The Titans defensive line has been depleted the last couple of years losing both Albert Haynesworth and now Kyle Vanden Bosch via free agency.  Griffen gives them someone to re-build the line around.

Previous Pick: Carlos Dunlap.

X-Factors: The secondary was awful last season so taking a cover man could happen here as well.

17. San Francisco 49ers – C. J. Spiller (RB, Clemson): The offense was nothing special last season and was downright dreadful when Frank Gore missed two games with an injury.  Gore is still one of the better backs in the league but one wonders how much longer his knees will hold up and Spiller gives them that dynamic home run hitter the offense is missing.  He is someone they can line up all over the field a-la Brian Westbrook or Percy Harvin.  He gives them someone defense have to game plan for.

Previous Pick: Earl Thomas.

X-Factors: Offensive line help or a pass rusher could be in play here.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati (OG, Idaho): The Steelers have stated they want to get back to playing more smash mouth football next season and Iupati is the smash mouth kind of guy who will help bring that swagger back to the offensive line in Pittsburgh.

Previous Pick: Mike Iupati.

X-Factors: The secondary got exposed quite a bit when Troy Polamalu was hurt last season and bringing in better talent there is an off season priority.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sergio Kindle (DE/OLB, Texas): With the addition of Dunta Robinson via free agency the Falcons turn their attention to upgrading a sagging pass rush.

Previous Pick: Everson Griffen.

X-Factors: With Abraham looking like he is in decline the Falcons need to find someone to potentially be their primary pass rusher.

20. Houston Texans – Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State): By letting Robinson go via free agency corner back becomes the number one hole to fill this spring.

Previous Pick: Kyle Wilson.

X-Factors: The team also needs a running back in the event Steve Slaton does not make it back in time for the season opener, but it is easier to find a potential starting running back in later rounds than a starting corner.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma): The Bengals went through several TEs due to injury last season and Chase Coffman never quite developed like they hoped he would.

Previous Pick: Jermaine Gresham.

X-Factors: Dez Bryant could be pretty tough to pass up here.  They could also look at a safety like Taylor Mays here as well.

22. New England Patriots – Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State): Bill Belichick has rolled the dice in the past on “diva” players like Randy Moss and Cory Dillon and got them to buy into the program in Foxboro.  With Randy Moss entering a contract year and looking older with each passing year  and Wes Welker coming off the knee injury Bryant gives them some long term insurance for Tom Brady.

Previous Pick: Brandon Graham.

X-Factors: Carlos Dunlap has the size to play end in a 3-4, and the team does need to look at ways to enhance the pass rush.

23. Green Bay Packers – Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers): The Pack has to do a better job protecting franchise QB Aaron Rodgers.

Previous Pick: Anthony Davis.

X-Factors: With Al Harris and Charles Woodson not getting any younger they could look at a young corner here.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri): Linebacker was the weakest position for the Eagles last season.  They failed time and again in run support and struggled to cover TEs and backs coming out of the backfield on passing plays.

Previous Pick: Sean Weatherspoon.

X-Factors: With Sheldon Brown being dealt to the Browns finding another corner becomes a priority now.  They also need to find a safety who can cover and support the run.  With a bevy of picks due to recent moves don’t be surprised if the Eagles look to move up in this draft.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers): The Ravens need to get younger and better at the corner positions.

Previous Pick: Devin McCourty.

X-Factors: Could go DT or TE here as well.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jerry Hughes (OLB/DE, TCU): The Cards need to find a young edge rusher to take the place of the aging Bert Berry and Chike Okeafor.

Previous Pick: Sergio Kindle.

X-Factors: The team would like to find a TE to integrate into the passing game.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois): Jerry Jones seems to think WR is the team’s biggest off season need which is odd given he just released his starting LT and a starting safety.

Previous Pick: Taylor Mays.

X-Factors: Don’t be shocked if Jerry tries to trade up and land Bryant he seems to be really enamored with this kid.  Could end up being a safety or tackle which would fill a need for them.

28. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Matthews (RB, Fresno State): Darren Sproles proved last year that he is not an every down back in the NFL.

Previous Pick: C. J. Spiller.

X-Factors: They also need help at corner and a true nose tackle.

29. New York Jets – Taylor Mays (S, USC): With Kerry Rhodes being dealt to the Cardinals the Jets have a hole to fill at FS.

Previous Pick: Arrelious Benn.

X-Factors: With Braylon Edwards’ long term status with the team up in the air they could go for a receiver here.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State): Pat Williams is 37 and the team needs to think about his successor.

Previous Pick: Brian Price.

X-Factors: Secondary help could be in the offing here as well.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Charles Brown (OT, USC): The Colts front office rolled the offensive line under the bus following the Super Bowl.

Previous Pick: Maurkice Pouncey.

X-Factors: The team has gone on record saying it needs to upgrade the offensive line this spring.

32. New Orleans Saints – Brian Price (DT, UCLA): The run defense let them down at times last season and the team has a hole to fill at DT.

Previous Pick: Jared Odrick.

X-Factors: They also have spots to fill at DE and OLB.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams are reportedly talking to the agents for Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen, Ndamukong Suh, and Gerald McCoy.  Bradford is still considered the front runner to be the top pick and likely will be barring any unforeseen complications in his Pro Day workout.  The fact that Clausen’s agent is involved in the conversation leads one to believe that the Rams want to take a quarterback with the top pick.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are reportedly looking long and hard at long term quarterback solutions.  Mike Holmgren is said to be high on Sam Bradford, but he will surely be gone by the time the Browns select at #7.  It is believed that Holmgren is not quite sold on Jimmy Clausen but is reportedly starting to warm up to the idea of drafting him.  The Redskins are thought to be interested in Clausen as well so the Browns may have to move up to get him.  The Browns are also looking at Colt McCoy as well and Holmgren is said to be interested in him as a potential second round selection.

The consensus seems to be the Browns are looking at Florida’s Joe Haden with the seventh pick.  There are also reports out there that the Browns will be hosting Eric Berry on April 8th.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will be hosting Texas safety Earl Thomas on April 1st and 2nd for a personal workout and interviews.  Safety is a need for the Bengals this spring, but Thomas is not guarantee to still be on the board at 21.  The Bengals are also reportedly looking at picking up a TE or WR in the draft to help Carson Palmer out.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are reportedly considering Alabama’s Terrence Cody with the 36th pick in the draft.  There is growing speculation that Cody may not be on the board when the Chiefs turn comes up in the second round though.

New England Patriots

The Pats are reportedly showing a strong interest in USC tight end Anthony McCoy.  Do not be surprised if they use a second round pick on the versatile TE.

Derrick Morgan

Morgan has already met with the Dolphins and Seahawks and is meeting with the Browns and Buccaneers in the near future.  It is interesting that the Jaguars have not come calling as Aaron Kampman is not necessarily going to be a long term solution for them.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has not done any favors for himself during the pre-draft workout sessions.  He showed up to the combine looking overweight and out of shape and then bailed on Rutgers’ Pro Day claiming he was not feeling well.  Davis was once in the conversation as possibly being the first tackle off the board now there is some speculation that he may fall out of the first round altogether unless he wows folks at his private workout this week.

Dan LeFevour

Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour’s stock is continuing to slide.  He had a so-so workout at the combine and a woeful Pro Day.  He reportedly threw the ball all over the place and blamed his poor performance on not being in “mid-season form” with his receivers.  Most teams will see that as a pretty flimsy excuse.  What has he been doing in the weeks leading up to his Pro Day?  The fact that the workout was scripted makes it even worse.  He knew exactly what was going to be expected of him ahead of time and failed to deliver.  He was once seen as a potential second or third round pick but now has likely slipped to the fourth or fifth round.

LaGarrette Blount

The Buccaneers and the Steelers have reportedly set up meetings with Blount.  It is not thought that anyone will risk a high pick on Blount and he is seen as no better than a fifth rounder right now.

65. St. Louis Rams – Dominique Franks (CB, Oklahoma) – Rams corners intercepted zero passes last season.

Previous Pick: Damian Williams.

X-Factor: D-line needs help as well.

66. Detroit Lions – Joe McKnight (RB, USC) – Lions add an insurance policy in the event Kevin Smith is not ready to go.

Previous Pick: Joe McKnight.

X-Factor: Could look at an end or more secondary help.

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – John Jerry (OL, Mississippi) – The Bucs need some depth in the interior offensive line.

Previous Pick: Corey Wooton.

68. Kansas City Chiefs – Dennis Pitta (TE, BYU) – He may not be the next Tony Gonzalez but he should be better than what they have now.

Previous Pick: Rob Gronkowski.

69. Oakland Raiders – Jacoby Ford (WR, Clemson) – The Raiders will reach on Ford ensuring they get the fastest guy at the combine.

Previous Pick: Jacoby Ford.

70. Philadelphia Eagles – Jerome Murphy (CB, South Florida) – Sheldon Brown could be on his way out in Philly and Murphy gives them a big corner to take his spot.

Previous Pick: Dominique Franks.

71. Cleveland Browns – Chad Jones (S, LSU) – Browns continue to re-tool the secondary.

Previous Pick: Amari Spievey.

72. Buffalo Bills – Dexter McCluster (RB, Mississippi) – Chan Gailey expressed in interest in getting a back like McCluster in the draft earlier this week and McCluster ran well enough at his pro day to quell some of the fears about his lackluster combine times.

Previous Pick: Dan LeFevour.

73. Miami Dolphins – Dezmon Briscoe (WR, Kansas) – The Dolphins need to find someone who can catch the ball who runs better than 4.7 in the 40.

Previous Pick: Brandon Spikes.

74. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tim Tebow (QB, Florida) – Jags owner has expressed an interest in Tebow and be rest assured he will be taken here if he is still on the board.

Previous Pick: Tim Tebow.

75. Chicago Bears – Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati) – Probably not the answer for Chicago at WR but Mike Martz has always excelled at getting great production out of guys like Gilyard.

Previous Pick: Brandon LaFell.

76. New York Giants – Thaddeus Gibson (LB, Ohio State) – LB was a sore spot for the Giants last season and Gibson is too good to pass up here.

Previous Pick: Selvish Capers.

77. Tennessee Titans – Eric Norwood (LB, South Carolina) – The Titans need linebacking help.

Previous Pick: Javier Arenas.

78. Carolina Panthers – Arthur Jones (DT, Syracuse) – DT was a revolving door for the Panthers last season due to injury and Maake Kemoeatu signed with the Redskins.

Previous Pick: Arthur Jones.

79. San Francisco 49ers – Javier Arenas (CB, Alabama) – Niners need to get better at corner.

Previous Pick: Larry Asante.

80. Denver Broncos – Alex Carrington (DE, Arkansas State) – Carrington should be able to add any extra weight needed to play end in the 3-4.

Previous Pick: Alex Carrington.

81. Houston Texans – T. J Ward (S, Oregon) – Secondary is a big need for the Texans this spring.

Previous Pick: Mike Johnson.

82. Pittsburgh Steelers – Selvish Capers (OT, West Virginia) – The Steelers need to do a better job protecting Ben this year.

Previous Pick: Jared Veldheer.

83. Atlanta Falcons – Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse) – The Falcons need to find a better compliment to Roddy White than Michael Jenkins has been.

Previous Pick: Brandon Lang.

84. Cincinnati Bengals – Major Wright (S, Florida) – The Cincy safeties were nothing special last season.

Previous Pick: Michael Neal.

85. Cleveland Browns – Riley Cooper (WR, Florida) – The Browns receivers were abysmal last season.

Previous Pick: Reshad Jones.

86. Green Bay Packers – Johnathan Dwyer (RB, Green Bay) – Ryan Grant has been rumored to be in McCarthy’s dog house for a while now.

Previous Pick: Jerry Hughes.

87. Philadelphia Eagles – Greg Hardy (DE, Mississippi) – Maybe a bit of a reach here but was once considered a first round prospect before a disappointing senior season.

Previous Pick: Dorin Dickerson.

88. Arizona Cardinals – Nawa’akoa Misi (OLB, Utah) – The Cards really need to get younger and more athletic at the OLB position.

Previous Pick: Anthony McCoy.

89. Arizona Cardinals – Tony Pike (QB, Cincinnati) – Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson are expected to fight it out for the starting job this year.  Pike is long term insurance in the event Leinart washes out this summer.

Previous Pick: Tony Pike.

90. Dallas Cowboys – Edwin Veldheer (OT, Hillsdale) – Cowboys need to get younger at the tackle position.

Previous Pick: Riley Cooper.

91. San Diego Chargers – Jordan Shipley (WR, Texas) – The depth chart after Vincent Jackson is nothing special for the Chargers at receiver.

Previous Pick: David Reed.

92. Cleveland Browns – Al Woods (DL, LSU) – Woods could conceivably move over to end in the Browns 3-4 front.

Previous Pick: Jordan Shipley.

93. Minnesota Vikings – Kam Chancellor (S, Virginia Tech) – Safety play left something to be desired for the Vikes last season.

Previous Pick: Jerome Murphy.

94. Indianapolis Colts – Brandon Ghee (CB, Wake Forest) – Colts add some needed secondary depth.

Previous Pick: Brandon Ghee.

95. New Orleans Saints – Brandon Lang (DE, Troy) – With the release of Charles Grant the Saints have an opening at DE.

Previous Pick: Al Woods.

NOTE: The Redskins used their 3rd round selection in last summer’s supplemental draft.

33. St. Louis Rams – Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech) – Thomas’ stock seems to be simmering a bit and the Rams will need someone for Bradford to get the ball to.

Previous Pick: Devin McCourty.

X-Factor: The defense was equally as bad as the offense last season and the Rams could go for the best available defensive player on the board which would be Kareem Jackson at this stage.

34. Detroit Lions – Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama) – The Lions continue to makeover the defense with this pick.

Previous Pick: Kareem Jackson.

X-Factor: If they don’t go with a LT in the first then this could be a tackle like Rodger Saffold or Charles Brown.  With Kevin Smith’s status up in the air they could also go with a running back here as well.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame) – The Bucs get a young play-maker for Josh Freeman to throw to.

Previous Pick: Golden Tate.

X-Factor: The pass rush and secondary needs some help as well.  This pick could end up being FSU corner Patrick Robinson or TCU pass rusher Jerry Hughes.

36. Kansas City Chiefs – Rodger Saffold (OT, Indiana) – The Chiefs need someone to help protect Cassell and get him in Saffold who appears to be overtaking Charles Brown on a lot of draft rankings.

Previous Pick: Charles Brown.

X-Factor: The Chiefs pass rush is still a work in progress and Jerry Hughes projects as a 3-4 edge rusher in the NFL.  The could also go with in inside ‘backer like Sean Lee to bolster the run defense.

37. Washington Redskins – Vladimir Ducasse (OL, Massachusetts) – The ‘Skins have needs all over the offensive line and have been a primary reason the offense has struggled as much as it has the past couple of years.

Previous Pick: Vladimir Ducasse.

X-Factor: There is some speculation that Shanahan could be interested in Texas QB Colt McCoy.  The team is also expected to transition to a 3-4 defense and needs personnel to fit that scheme and they could go that route here as well.

38. Cleveland Browns – Colt McCoy (QB, Texas) – There is growing speculation that the Browns might even try and move up a few spots in the draft to secure McCoy as their QB of the future.

Previous Pick: Demaryious Thomas.

X-Factor: The Browns are pretty weak at safety and could go with Nate Allen.  They also need a pass rusher making Jerry Hughes attractive at this spot as well.

39. Oakland Raiders – Jahvid Best (RB, California) – Al Davis simply cannot resist players who run sub 4.4 40s.

Previous Pick: Jahvid Best.

X-Factor: If they draft based on need then they could go for a pass rusher or defensive tackle here.  WR is a need but there are not any left on the board worth taking at this stage.

40. San Diego Chargers – Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama) – There has been a lot of positive buzz around Cody as he has worked hard to drop some of the excess weight and get himself into better shape for his workouts.  The Chargers need a NT after letting Jamal Williams go.

Previous Pick: Terrence Cody.

X-Factor: Larry English was a bust and Shawne Merriman never got on track last season making pass rusher Jerry Hughes attractive here.

41. Buffalo Bills – Charles Brown (OT, USC) – The Bills never found a compelling replacement for Jason Peters last season.

Previous Pick: Navarro Bowman.

X-Factor: The run defense was awful last season and Bowman could still be the guy here.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State) – Ronde Barber is getting old, Elbert Mack is merely servicable, and Aqib Talib seems content with having a lot of drama in his life.

Previous Pick: Perrish Cox.

X-Factor: This could be a defensive lineman.

43. Miami Dolphins – Jerry Hughes (OLB/DE, TCU) – Jason Taylor is at the end of his career and Joey Porter is in Arizona.  Parcells loves having a dominant edge rusher and Hughes is too good to pass up here.

Previous Pick: Taylor Price.

X-Factor: This could also be a receiver to help Chad Henne grow as a quarterback.

44. New England Patriots – Ryan Matthews (RB, Fresno State) – There has not been a lot of stability at RB since Corey Dillon retired.

Previous Pick: Ryan Matthews.

X-Factor: The Pats also need a guy capable of playing end in the 3-4.

45. Denver Broncos – Cam Thomas (DT, North Carolina) – Yes, Denver signed Jamal Williams, but, he turns 34 in a couple of weeks and missed 15 games last season.  Thomas represents a long-term solution who will help keep Williams fresh for late in the season.

Previous Pick: Cam Thomas.

X-Factor: Taking someone who can play end in the 3-4 could be an option as well.

46. New York Giants – Tyson Alualu (DT, California) – The Giants need to add depth and someone who can anchor against the run.

Previous Pick: Lamarr Houston.

X-Factor: Adding an outside linebacker or an offensive lineman could be an option here as well.

47. New England Patriots – Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas) – The Pats need someone who could potentially play end for them and Houston started his college career as a DE at Texas.

Previous Pick: Dezmon Briscoe.

X-Factor: The Pats need to add some depth at receiver in the event Randy Moss and/or Wes Welker are not up to speed when the season starts.

48. Carolina Panthers – Taylor Price (WR, Ohio) – The Panthers reportedly showed a strong interest in Price at Ohio’s Pro Day workouts and he has been moving up draft boards with his strong workouts.

Previous Pick: Colt McCoy.

X-Factor: They could go with a DT here as well given all of the different players that started for them at that position last season.

49. San Francisco 49ers – Ricky Sapp (OLB/DE, Clemson) – The Niners are in the market for a versatile pass rusher who can potentially drop into coverage if need be.

Previous Pick: Ricky Sapp.

X-Factor: The Niners also need a corner and could go with Oklahoma State’s Perrish Cox.

50. Kansas City Chiefs – Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State) – The Chiefs need so sure up the run defense.

Previous Pick: Sean Lee.

X-Factor: The Chiefs could opt to go for a NT or receiving depth here.

51. Houston Texans – Montario Hardesty (RB, Tennessee) – May be a bit of a reach here but the Texans think they can make a playoff run next season and need to ensure they have some stability at the RB position.

Previous Pick: Ben Tate.

X-Factor: Nate Allen is still sitting out there and the Texans need to get better at the safety position.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State) – The Steelers secondary was exposed without Troy Polamalu to cover up mistakes in pass coverage.

Previous Pick: Patrick Robinson.

X-Factor: The Steelers also have a need to improve the free safety spot and Nate Allen would be a good place to start.

53. New England Patriots – Damiam Williams (WR, USC) – The Pats need to add some depth at receiver with Moss beginning to look like he is slowing down a step and Welker coming off major knee surgery.

Previous Pick: Mardy Gilyard.

X-Factor: They could opt for a guy like Gilyard or Jordan Shipley who project as slot receivers to cover for Welker.

54. Cincinnati Bengals – Nate Allen (S, South Florida) – The Bengals need an upgrade at safety and Allen is a steal at this spot.

Previous Pick: Aaron Hernandez.

X-Factor: Could look to add some depth on the defensive line here as well.

55. Philadelphia Eagles – Navorro Bowman (OLB, Penn State) – Bowman was once considered a first round prospect who stopped his slide by turning in much better times at PSU’s Pro Day than he did at the combine.

Previous Pick: Chad Jones.

X-Factor: Could opt for some interior line depth with Jamaal Jackson coming off a knee injury and Shawn Andrews being released.

56. Green Bay Packers – Amari Spievey (CB, Iowa) – Al Harris is 35 and Charles Woodson is 33, time to start thinking about their successors.

Previous Pick: Joe Asamoah.

X-Factor: Could go running back or a potential successor to Aaron Kampman who signed with Jacksonville.

57. Baltimore Ravens – Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona) – Todd Heap is 30 and he and L. J. Smith seem to always be fighting nagging injuries.

Previous Pick: Mike Williams.

X-Factor: Could still opt for a young receiver or more secondary depth.

58. Arizona Cardinals – Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida) – The Cards have been searching for a pass catching TE for several years.

Previous Pick: Daryl Washington.

X-Factor: Could go for o-line or d-line depth here.

59. Dallas Cowboys – Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU) – Jerry is on a mission to land another WR this spring.

Previous Pick: Chris Cook.

X-Factor: Could go for a corner or the best offensive lineman on the board.

60. Seattle Seahawks – Chris Cook (CB, Virginia) - ‘Hawks get much needed secondary help.

Previous Pick: Montario Hardesty.

X-Factor: Could go for a running back here.

61. New York Jets – Corey Wooton (DE, Northwestern) – The Jets need an upgrade at DE and Wooton has the size to play in the 3-4 scheme.

Previous Pick: Tyson Alualu.

X-Factor: They also need a safety now that Kerry Rhodes has been traded.

62. Minnesota Vikings – Joe Asamoah (OL, Illinois) – The Vikings interior line let them down at times last season.

Previous Pick: Zane Beadles.

X-Factor: Secondary or linebacking depth is a possibility here as well.

63. Indianapolis Colts – Zane Beadles (OL, Utah) – Colts continue to re-tool the offensive line.

Previous Pick: Rodger Saffold.

X-Factor: Could use some depth in the secondary and defensive line.

64. New Orleans Saints – Daryl Washington (OLB, TCU) – Fills the hole created when Scott Fujita signed with Cleveland.

Previous Pick: Thaddeus Gibson.

X-Factor: Depth in the secondary and at DE are needs as well.

Click Here For Round Three

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma) – Bradford remains the guy until further notice.

Previous Pick: Sam Bradford

X-Factor: Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy remain in play and the Rams will likely use them to get the best deal with Bradford, but, they are largely considered Plan B in the event Bradford does not pan out.

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma) – Don’t kid yourselves the Lions are still going to consider taking a DT despite picking up Corey Williams.  They need a game changer not just someone to plug into the line and take up space.

Previous Pick: Ndamukong Suh.  I switched this pick based on chatter that the Lions seem to be showing more interest in McCoy whom many see as the better pass rusher between the two in the NFL.

X-Factor: I would not be surprised to see the Lions take a left tackle here either.  They invested a ton of cash in Matthew Stafford and keeping him upright is priority number one next season.  Russell Okung could be in play here.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska) – Suh seems to be slipping a bit in some people’s eyes.  The Bucs will take the best available run stuffer and will settle on who is left between Suh and McCoy.

Previous Pick: Gerald McCoy.

X-Factor: The Bucs were at one time reportedly high on safety Eric Berry, but, the signing of Sean Jones probably pushes drafting a safety down the list a bit and Berry’s stock seems to be slipping a tad.

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State) – The more I think about this and the more I read about it I think the ‘Skins will work on re-building the o-line here and go with a QB in a later round.  They have reportedly entertaining the idea of taking Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow in the second round.  Okung seems to be pulling away from the pack as the top offensive line prospect in the draft.

Previous Pick: Jimmy Clausen.

X-Factor: If Clausen blows teams away at his Pro Day then he will probably be the guy.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry (S, Tennessee) – The Chiefs will likely go with the best defensive player on the board here.

Previous Pick: Eric Berry.

X-Factor: The pass rush is still lacking and they could go that route here.  Pass protection was also an issue last year making left tackle in play as well.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Bryan Bulaga (T, Iowa) – Bulaga seems to be shooting up a lot of draft boards lately and with Walter Jones retiring they need to find their franchise tackle of the future.

Previous Pick: Russell Okung.

X-Factor: The Seahawks think they may have acquired their QB of the future in Charlie Whitehurst so there is little chance they will take Clausen if he is still there.  Pass rush and secondary help is also a huge need but it seems more likely they will address one of those with the 14th pick.

7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden (CB, Florida) – Haden ran his way back into the top ten with his performance at Florida’s Pro Day last week and the Browns need desperately need secondary help.

Previous Pick: Jason Pierre-Paul.

X-Factor: Despite what Holmgren says Clausen could still be in play here a good GM knows how to lie to the press when it comes to who they are looking at.  A pass rusher like Jason Pierre-Paul could be in play here as well.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland) – Al Davis is a sucker for workout warriors and Campbell fits the bill amongst this year’s offensive lineman.

Previous Pick: Bruce Campbell.

X-Factor: With Davis’ love of speed players he could also opt for a guy like Jahvid Best or C. J. Spiller.

9. Buffalo Bills – Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame) – The Bills need to find a franchise QB and Clausen looks to be the second best option in this draft.

Previous Pick: Trent Williams.

X-Factor: The Bills could still look to take a QB in  later rounds and go the veteran route for next season while the guy they draft gets time to develop.  With that being said Williams could still be the guy.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech) – The Jags go with the safer pick between Morgan and Pierre-Paul.  Morgan may not have as much upside but he is the more seasoned player who should be able to contribute right away.

Previous Pick: Derrick Morgan.

X-Factor: Pierre-Paul’s athleticism is tantalizing and they could opt to go that route.  With Torry Holt being released WR Dez Bryant could be in play as well.

11. Denver Broncos – Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) – Whether they hang on to Brandon Marshall or not the Broncos would prefer not to rely on Jabar Gaffney to be their number two receiver again next season.

Previous Pick: Dez Bryant.

X-Factor: Jamal Williams is just a stop gap at NT and they still need to find a younger long term solution there.  Dan Williams could be in play here as well as an edge rusher like Pierre-Paul or Brandon Graham.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee) – Parcells loves to build around beefy interior linemen.

Previous Pick: Dan Williams.

X-Factor: With Jason Taylor reaching the end of the line and Joey Porter signing with the Cardinals Pierre-Paul is a very real possibility here as well as Brandon Graham.  The Dolphins also need a receiver and would have to think long and hard about Bryant if he falls into their laps.  Arrelious Benn is probably a bit of a reach at this stage.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma) – Williams is too good to pass up here and the Niners need to get better at offensive tackle.

Previous Pick: Joe Haden.

X-Factor: The could go with Texas safety Earl Thomas here as well.  Singletary would like to get younger and more athletic in the secondary and Thomas is the best defensive back on the board here.  A game-changing pass rusher like Pierre-Paul could be in play here as well.

14. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, South Florida) – The Seahawks need a game-changing pass rusher and Pierre-Paul is the best on the board at this stage.

Previous Pick: Everson Griffen.

X-Factor: Griffen could still be the guy given his familiarity with Pete Carroll’s defensive system.  The team is also rumored to be interested in C. J. Spiller.

15. New York Giants – Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama) – McClain should fill the hole left by Antonio Pierce’s release quite nicely.

Previous Pick: Rolando McClain.

X-Factor: A pass rusher or interior offensive lineman could be still be in play here.

16. Tennessee Titans – Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida) – Dunlap’s physical tools will be too much for the Titans to pass up and Jeff Fisher has always seemed to handle psychologically fragile players fairly well over the years.

Previous Pick: Carlos Dunlap.

X-Factor: Secondary help is a huge need as well making Earl Thomas and Kyle Wilson in play here.

17. San Francisco 49ers – Earl Thomas (S, Texas) – The Niners need secondary help and Thomas is a steal at 17.

Previous Pick: Bryan Bulaga.

X-Factor: They could go pass rusher or cornerback here as well, but Thomas is too good of a prospect to pass up here.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati (OG, Idaho) – A mauler who fits the Steelers mantra of blue collar football.

Previous Pick: Mike Iupati.

X-Factor: Interior lineman Maurkice Pouncey or tackle Anthony Davis could be in play here as well as the Steelers have to upgrade the offensive line.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Everson Griffen (DE, USC) – Griffen is on the rise after a strong combine and the Falcons need to find a young DE who will eventually succeed John Abraham.

Previous Pick: Sergio Kindle.

X-Factor: Kindle could still go here and the Falcons are also rumored to be interested in Spiller.

20. Houston Texans – Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State) – Losing Dunta Robinson makes finding a corner a priority and it is easier to find starting running backs in later rounds than it is starting corners.

Previous Pick: Kyle Wilson.

X-Factor: With Spiller still in play he will be awfully tempting here.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma) – The Bengals went through several tight ends due to injury last season and finding a catch passing tight end is a priority for the Bengals this spring.

Previous Pick: Earl Thomas.

X-Factor: The Bengals also need an upgrade at safety and could opt for someone like Taylor Mays who does not have the injury history Gresham does.  Wide receiver could be in play here as well.

22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham (OLB/DE, Michigan) – The Pats need and edge rusher and Graham might be the best in this draft.

Previous Pick: Brandon Graham.

X-Factor: Sergio Kindle could be in  play here as well, but, he is not projected as a the pass rusher that Graham is.  Clemson’s Ricky Sapp could be a fit as well.

23. Green Bay Packers – Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers) – The Pack needs to find a way to better protect Aaron Rodgers.

Previous Pick: Anthony Davis.

X-Factor: They could go with Sergio Kindle as a potential replacement for Aaron Kampman who signed with the Jaguars.  Adding youth at corner is a need as well and Kareem Jackson or Devin McCourty could be the guy.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri) – Finding an impact player at linebacker is the Eagles biggest need and Weatherspoon’s stock is on the rise on the heels of some impressive workouts.

Previous Pick: Sean Weatherspoon.

X-Factor:  Reid would not possibly bite on Spiller here would he?  With center Jamaal Jackson coming off the knee injury and guard Shawn Andrews being released Maurkice Pouncey could be in play here as a guy who could give the team some added depth at the interior offensive line positions and potentially start.  Safety is also a major need putting Taylor Mays in play as a possibility for Philly.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers) – McCourty’s star is on the rise and the Ravens need to get better at the corner positions.

Previous Pick: Jermaine Gresham.

X-Factor: The Ravens would still like to add a young receiver for Flacco to grow with and go with someone like Benn or Golden Tate.  With Ed Reed talking about retirement the Ravens will also consider Taylor Mays here.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Sergio Kindle (OLB, Texas) – The Cards need to get younger and more athletic on the edge and Kindle fits the bill for them.

Previous Pick: Jared Odrick.

X-Factor: They still need to get better at DT.  Jerry Hughes could be the guy if they are looking for a guy who projects to be more of an edge rusher.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Taylor Mays (S, USC) – The Cowboys need secondary help and Jerry will be mesmerized by Mays’ big hitting ability.

Previous Pick: Taylor Mays.

X-Factor: There is growing speculation that the Cowboys will spend this pick on a receiver whether it be in exchange for Brandon Marshall or drafting someone.  I would not be at all surprised if this ends up being Arrelious Benn.

28. San Diego Chargers – C. J. Spiller (RB, Clemson) – Again I don’t think he will be here I just have a hard time finding the right team for him.

Previous Pick: C. J. Spiller.

X-Factor: If Spiller is gone then this pick will be Ryan Matthews.  They could also opt to go with Benn or Tate at receiver and pick up a back in later rounds.

29. New York Jets – Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois) – Benn appears to have worked his way back into the first round with his post season workouts.

Previous Pick: Arrelious Benn.

X-Factor: The Jets also need a safety and could go with Nate Allen here.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Brian Price (DT, UCLA) – The Vikes land the successor to Pat Williams.

Previous Pick: Brian Price.

X-Factor: The secondary let the Vikings down at times last season and they could opt to go with the best available defensive back here.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Maurkice Pouncey (OL, Florida) – Bill Polian had made upgrading the offensive line a priority this spring and Pouncey is the best available on the board here.

Previous Pick: Maurkice Pouncey.

X-Factor: Rodger Saffold seems to be moving up a lot of draft boards and if the Colts decide they need to have a tackle here he could be the guy.

32. New Orleans Saints – Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State) – The Saints need d-line help and Odrick is the best on the board here.

Previous Pick: Nate Allen.

X-Factor: The Saints have a spot to fill at OLB and have yet to re-sign Darren Sharper.  They could also opt for Ryan Matthews to give them a bit more stability at the RB position.

Click Here for the Second Round

The Elite

Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State, 6′ 2″/225) – This year’s draft will end the long strange trip of a year for the OSU wide receiver.  The past year has seen Bryant get suspended by the NCAA for lying to them about his relationship with Deion Sanders and now there are all kinds of rumors and innuendo percolating about his character and work habits a-la Michael Crabtree.  Like Crabtree Bryant is injured and has yet to work out for pro teams during the pre-draft workouts.  Bryant is still considered the top receiver in the draft, but, the next guy in line is nipping at his heels and he may need to have a superior workout to hang onto his alpha dog status.

Unless Bryant tanks the interview and/or workout process it seems highly unlikely he falls out of the top 15 with Jacksonville (10), Denver (11), Miami (12), San Francisco (13), and Seattle (14) potentially in the market for a receiver this spring.  Jacksonville and Miami particularly need a potential #1 receiver while Denver could be looking for someone to potentially replace Brandon Marshall and San Francisco and Seattle are looking for complimentary receivers to what they already have.

Arrelious Benn (Illinois, 6′ 7/8″/218) – Benn has been burning up the charts with his post season workouts.  It started with a solid showing at the combine and concluded with a Pro Day workout that included a 4.4 time in the 40.  There were questions as to whether Benn had the top end speed teams look for in receivers and his stock tumbled a bit after a hugely disappointing junior season.  A lot of that can be attributed to inconsistencies at quarterback and the fact that he battled a nagging ankle injury suffered in the first game of the season for most of the year.

Benn has solidified himself as the second best receiver in the draft and is seen as someone who will go in the back half of the first round.  He could leap up to the top spot if Bryant falters at his Pro Day workout.  He could go as high as 21 to Cincinnati who could be looking for some insurance in the event Antonio Bryant does not pan out and/or Chad Ochocinco’s age becomes a factor.  It is unlikely he slips past Baltimore at 25 or the Jets at 29.

While the Ravens have added both Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth to go with Derrick Mason this off season they would still be wise to add a potential #1 receiver in this year’s draft.  Mason has flirted with retirement the past couple of years and just turned 36 years old while Stallworth has a history of injuries and is no guarantee to give the Ravens anything next season.  Boldin has battled injury problems over the years as well and will turn 30 during the season.

The Jets would love to find a young receiver who is more reliable and mentally stable than the mercurial Braylon Edwards for Mark Sanchez to grow with.

Best of the Rest

Golden Tate (Notre Dame, 5′ 10″/199) – Tate is an intriguing prospect.  He is built and runs more like a running back than a receiver.  He has good top end speed but is not terribly explosive off the line of scrimmage.  Tate catches the ball well and makes up for his explosiveness with good elusiveness once he has the ball in his hands.  While he has good speed he does not have the elite speed a-la DeSean Jackson and Carolina’s Steve Smith that teams like to see in smallish receivers.  His lack of size could keep him from being a first round pick.

His fate largely lies in what the Ravens and Jets decide to do in the first round and what becomes of one of the wildcards in this years class.  He could go at the back end of the first round to the Jets or Ravens if Bryant and Benn are off the board by then and those teams decide they have to have a WR in the first round.

He seems more likely, however, to go at the top of the second round to a team like Tampa or Cleveland who are in need of an upgrade at the position.  He could also go somewhere like Buffalo, Miami, or New England a little later in the round.

Damian Williams (USC, 6′ 1″/197) – Williams is a solid all around player who brings added value as a punt returner.  Coaches also rave about his work ethic and character.  The downside on him is he does not have super elite speed and the top USC receivers churned out under Carroll’s watch seemed to have floundered in the NFL like Keary Colbert, Dwayne Jarrett, and Mike Williams.  As long as Williams runs well in his workouts he should end up going somewhere in the second round.

Buffalo, Miami, or New England could be potential landing spots.  The Panthers would not dare take a chance on another USC receiver after being burned by both Colbert and Jarrett would they?

Wild Cards

Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech, 6′ 3″/224) – Depending on how well he works out Thomas has the potential to be the biggest x-factor in this year’s draft.  If he runs a sub 4.4 in the 40 prior to the draft as anticipated he will be this year’s Darrius Heyward-Bey.  Thomas has all of the tangible measurables teams love in receivers.  He is over 6′ 2″ and has the strength teams love and showed an ability to run away from defenders when he gets the ball in his hands, he averaged 25.1 yards per catch last season.  He is easily the best athlete at the position.

The biggest hang up with Thomas is he is not a good route runner and drops some balls that he should catch.  If he gets the time teams are looking for he could jump up to the top of the draft the way Heyward-Bey did last spring on the heels of his sub 4.3 40 times.

The major fly in the ointment right now would be the fact that Thomas is injured (broken foot) and has yet to workout for anyone since the season ended.  If he is unable to run for teams he could slip a bit because teams will not have any tangible measurables on him.

Taylor Price (Ohio, 6′ 3/8″/202) – Price has been a pleasant surprise during the post season workouts.  He has the size and build teams look for in a receiver and was the second fastest receiver (4.41) at the combine.  He is still kind of raw which will keep him out of the first round as he needs some coaching on route running and setting up defenders that separate the elite receivers from the also-rans.

The Panthers reportedly sent GM Marty Hurney, Offensive Coordinator Jeff Davidson, and receiver coach Tyke Tolbert to watch him workout and put him through a 30 minute workout at Ohio’s Pro Day.  The Panthers are reportedly in the market for a receiver to compliment Steve Smith this spring and Price could be a good fit.  His fate will rest largely on how well Thomas and Williams work out for teams in the coming weeks.

The Cowboys definitely need to find a receiver who compliments Miles Austin after the Roy Williams experiment seems to be crumbling around them.  The question is do the Cowboys need to land a potential premiere receiver.  The Cowboys threw for over 4,400 yards last season and not having and the receiving corps is not the reason the Cowboys had their heads handed to them by the Vikings in the playoffs.

A mediocre offensive line that was not good enough at pass protection to keep Tony Romo upright when the team fell behind was a huge reason the Cowboys were laid to waste in the playoffs.  Ray Edwards had the game of his life against Dallas’ floundering right side of the offensive line.

The Cowboys other downfall was a secondary that could not seem to figure out where Sidney Rice was on the field.  Rice torched the Cowboys for 141 yards and three touchdowns.  Dallas’ secondary has been a soft underbelly of its defense for a couple of years now and they have failed in their attempts to stabilize it.

Adding a top flight receiver is not going to help those shortcomings.  Quite frankly spending his top pick on a receiver would simply go to show how much Dallas really needs a personnel guy who knows how to build a winning team.  Spending top picks on players you do not need when you can get a player at a position you do need is just bad business.  The Cowboys should be able to land a tackle prospect who will be more than capable of playing right tackle, if not left tackle in the draft.  They should also be able to land a starting corner or possibly safety in the draft.

They should be able to land a receiver in the second or third round who will be capable of complimenting Austin rather than challenging him for the top spot.  If the Cowboys want to get back to the Super Bowl they need to fix the offensive line and secondary not upgrade the receiver position.