NFL Mock Draft

 1. Detroit (0-16)- QB Matt Stafford (Georgia)

 This already has been confirmed, so I’ll just give a brief summary of what I think. This could be great or this could be disastrous. They are giving him 41.7 million dollar guaranteed which is a lot. That could make him complacent and not want to give his all, especially through what figures to be a rough start to his career with very little talent around him. However, he has one of the strongest arms of any quarterback prospect in the last 5 years. He needs to learn to not force things and make better decisions and he’d probably be better off sitting a year behind Daunte Culpepper. I would have gone with the safer pick, Jason Smith, but this pick has a lot more upside.

 2. St. Louis (2-14)- OT Jason Smith (Baylor)

 This one is almost as much of a lock as the Stafford pick. The Rams need an offensive lineman badly to replace Orlando Pace, otherwise Mark Bulger might actually die this season. The only other thing I could see happening here is the Rams’ changing their minds and deciding that Eugene Monroe is the best tackle here, but as of now, Smith is going to be the pick.

 3. Kansas City (2-14)- DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)

 This is a surprise pick here. Everyone has had Aaron Curry going here since they traded for Matt Cassel, but reports have come out in the last week that Pioli has fallen in love with Jackson and wants him as that Richard Seymour type of 3-4 end who can also pressure the quarterback. That, combined with the addition of Zach Thomas, may have tipped the Chiefs hand that this will be a surprise pick. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was still Curry, but Jackson is more likely.

 4. Seattle (4-12)- OLB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)

 Seattle needs another outside linebacker now that Julian Peterson is in Detroit. They shouldn’t hesitate to fill that need with the best overall defensive player in this draft class. Their other starting linebacker from last year, Leroy Hill, has been given the franchise tag but has not signed, giving them more reason to bring in a defensive presence like Curry. Curry will help immediately a defense that ranked 30^th in the league in yards per game allowed. With Matt Hasselbeck still signed, they are going to want to help their team right now and picking Curry will allow them to do that.

 5. Cleveland (4-12)- OLB Brian Orakpo (Texas)

 The Browns only mustered 17 sacks last season, which, if it wasn’t for the Chiefs’ awful showing of 10, would have ranked last in the NFL. Willie McGinest is done as an elite pass rusher, maybe as a football player completely, so they are going to need another top rushing outside linebacker. Brian Orakpo played defensive end in college, but at 263 pounds with a 4.70 40, Orakpo should be easily able to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. He had 10.5 sacks last season and is considered the best pass rusher in the draft.

 6. Cincinnati (4-11-1)- OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)

 This passing offense, when healthy, can make this a playoff team by itself. However, they were not healthy last year as Carson Palmer was sacked so many times that he had to miss 12 games with injury. They need to protect Palmer and the best way to do that is with a franchise type left tackle like Monroe. If Palmer is healthy, and the defense continues to improve as they did last year, this could be a surprise team next season.

 7. Oakland (5-11)- WR Darrius Heyward Bey (Maryland)

 I originally had Michael Johnson here for his freakish athleticism, but then the thought occurred to me that Al Davis is going to want to help out his 60 million dollar quarterback, JaMarcus Russell. So, I slated the equally athletic Darrius Heyward Bey here. He is a great athlete, but I’m not convinced he can be a legitimate #1 option in the NFL. However, Al Davis will see his 4.30 40 at 6 foot 2 and think otherwise. He will take him even if Michael Crabtree is still available, though Crabtree is the best receiving prospect since Calvin Johnson, causing some Raiders’ fans to shoot themselves.

 8. Jacksonville (5-11)- WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)

 Oakland’s loss is Jacksonville’s gain. Al Davis was scared off by the fact that Michael Crabtree didn’t run a 40, due to injury, and took Darrius Heyward Bey, who had the fastest 40 of any NFL prospect. Now the Jaguars get Crabtree to come in and play alongside Torry Holt. He’ll also have the privilege of learning from Holt, which will help him tremendous. Jacksonville’s receiving corps aren’t looking so sorry after all, in fact, if David Garrard is his 2007 self again, this passing game could surprise.

 9. Green Bay (6-10)- NT BJ Raji (Boston College)

 Ryan Pickett is moving to nose tackle for their 3-4 defense. However, Pickett is 30 years old, on a contract year, and has never played nose tackle before. There is going to be room in the mix for Raji, even if he doesn’t get a lot of action at nose tackle right away. Raji is versatile and despite his massive size, he can move to defensive end in 3-4 for the time being, which is a big position need for the Packers.

 10. San Francisco (7-9)- QB Mark Sanchez (USC)

 Mike Singletary is a conservative coach, so he’ll have some qualms about taking a signal caller, especially given what happened to Alex Smith. However, the 2008 Niners were not the 2004 Niners. Sanchez isn’t going to have a lot of pressure on him right away, as Shaun Hill is still a capable starter. The offensive line isn’t as miserable and he’d be backed by a solid defense. Overall, Sanchez should do a good job in San Francisco and he’s too good of a prospect to pass up at #10. One interesting idea I had is that the Niners trade this pick to Washington, along with Shaun Hill, for Jason Campbell and the 13^th pick. However, I am not going to “mock” that down here since I’ve heard no rumors whatsoever about the possibility.

 11. Buffalo (7-9)- OT Michael Oher (Mississippi)

 Jason Peters is gone so their biggest need, defensive end, will have to wait. The defensive end class is a lot deeper than the offensive tackle class. If they were to take a defensive end here, they could be stuck choosing between Phil Loadholt and Jamon Meredith at #28 and that would not be a favorable situation. Instead, they take Oher here and look to target defensive ends either that #28 or #42.

 12. Denver (8-8)- OLB Aaron Maybin (Penn State)

 The Broncos want to add anything they can to their defense and bringing in the guy I view as the best overall pass rusher in the class will definitely be something the Broncos do if even the chance. They ranked 26^th in the league in sacks and are moving to a new defensive scheme. Maybin would be a perfect fit at 3-4 rush linebacker and would help their passing defense as a whole. Their passing defense ranked 31^st in opposing quarterback rating allowed.

 13. Washington (8-8)- OT Andre Smith (Alabama)

 After his no show at the combine and his sorry showing at his pro day, Andre Smith does in no way deserve to be a 1^st round pick. However, he has great potential, so someone is still going to take a chance, and probably make a mistake, by drafting him in the first round. The Redskins need a right tackle and they have an owner in charge who often makes mistakes. It’s a match made in heaven.

 14. New Orleans (8-8)- RB Chris Wells (Ohio State)

 I am 100% percent sure that the Saints will take someone from Ohio State. However, whether it will be Chris Wells or Malcolm Jenkins, I am not sure. I believe it’ll be Wells because he’ll give them the best chance to win now. With Drew Brees leading the passing game, and the double headed running back of Reggie Bush and Chris Wells, assuming the two can avoid injuries, the defense only has to be decent for this team to be a Super Bowl contender. Malcolm Jenkins would fill more of a position need, but Wells will give them the best chance to win next year, which is what this team wants. They’ll have to settle for Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper as their only defensive backfield additions this offseason. If that can be enough to improve their pass defense, they’ll be fine defensively next year.

 15. Houston (8-8)- FS Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)

 The Texans have always lacked the ball hawking leader in their defensive backfield. Malcolm Jenkins will be a great fit here because of his versatility. He can play corner alongside Dunta Robinson, or be an upgrade over Nick Ferguson at safety. Either way, he’ll help a pass defense that only had 12 picks last year.

 16. San Diego (8-8)- DE Evander Hood (Missouri)

 This is the second surprise pick. With all of the top 4 offensive tackle off the board, the Chargers will turn to defense, instead of reaching for a guy like Eben Britton. This could be middle linebacker with Rey Maualuga, but Igor Olshansky is gone at defensive end and this team needs someone to replace him along the 3 man defensive line. Hood played defense tackle in college, but he’s a good pass rusher, especially for his size, 300 pounds, which the Chargers will love.

 17. New York Jets (9-7)- QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)

 The Jets are going to try to trade up for Mark Sanchez and then they’re going to try to trade for Jason Campbell. However, if Jacksonville keeps their pick at #8, which they will if Michael Crabtree is available, the Jets can’t move up there to take Sanchez and the Redskins can’t move up their to take Sanchez and alienate Jason Campbell. The Jets will have to settle for Josh Freeman. Freeman reminds me of Joe Flacco a little bit, who stepped into a similar situation in Baltimore last year and led them to the playoffs as a rookie. New Jets head coach and former Ravens’ defensive coordinator Rex Ryan will believe the Freeman can do the same here.

 18. Denver - from Chicago (9-7)- MLB Rey Maualuga (USC)

 More defensive help for a team that desperately needs it. They signed Andra Davis, but they need another middle linebacker to pair with him if they want to avoid finishing 30^th in run defense again. Maualuga’s stock has slipped to due an injury, but I believe the injury is nothing major and Maualuga is still the top 10 caliber prospect he was before he got hurt.

 19. Tampa Bay (9-7)- DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee)

 They need a defensive tackle which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if they moved this pick to Kansas City for Glenn Dorsey, with the Chiefs then picking either Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing to add some youth to their linebacking corps. However, I have not heard much of that rumor, so I won’t put that down. The Bucs will consider Peria Jerry, but he’s not a great fit for their system, so they’ll look at another position. They could get a burner receiver like Jeremy Maclin, but after the complete overhaul of their defense this offseason, I believe this will be a defensive pick. Ayers is a great athlete, who could have easily gone earlier than this. Put him next to Gaines Adams and they’ll solidified their pass rush for the next 8-10 years.

 20. Detroit - from Dallas (9-7)- OT William Beatty (Connecticut)

 The Lions have to protect Matt Stafford if they want him to have any chance of being a good quarterback. William Beatty will allow the Lions to move Jeff Backus back to his natural position at left guard, successfully upgrading two positions along the line at once. That is definitely going to help Stafford long term.

 21. Philadelphia (9-6-1)- RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)

 The Eagles need another running back to pair with Brian Westbrook. Perferably it would be a power back, but the Eagles can’t be picky. Moreno fits their west coast offense very well. He’ll split carries with Westbrook, hopefully lengthening Westbrook’s career in the process, and then he’ll take over for Westbrook, who turns 30 in September, when Westbrook is finished in Philly.

 22. Minnesota (10-6)- OT Eben Britton (Arizona)

 Ryan Cook is a bad right tackle. Eben Britton is not. Imagine how much better Adrian Peterson will be with the massive 310 pound Britton blocking for him on the right side and Bryant McKinnie blocking for him on the left. This running game will be better than ever and the Vikings have shown that its all about maximizing and improve your strengths, at least in their eyes.

 23. New England (11-5)- OLB Clay Matthews (USC)

 I wouldn’t take Matthews because I don’t think he helps their pass rush as much as they need. I’d take someone like Everette Brown or Connor Barwin, but Bill Belicheck loves Clay Matthews’ versatility and who am I to argue with someone with 3 Super Bowl rings. Matthews still fills a position of incredible need.

 24. Atlanta (11-5)- DE Everette Brown (Florida State)

 Taking another defensive end in the first round, 2 years after taking Jamaal Anderson, also a defensive end, might seem like a bad idea. However, sticking with Anderson, two sacks in 2 seasons, would be a worse idea. This defense isn’t going to be very good with all of the players they’ve lost, but if they want to improve their defense in the most efficient way possible, they need to take a page out of the New York Giants’ book and pressure the hell out of the opposing quarterback. Brown had 13 sacks last season and is good enough to go in the top 10, but has slipped due to lack of need.

 25. Miami (11-5)- CB Vontae Davis (Illinois)

 Vontae Davis is the most athletic corner in the draft class, but he’s also a pain in the ass. Bill Parcells is known for his ability to take risks on guys and with this pass defense set to get even more awful with the loss of Andre Goodman, I expect Parcells to take Davis and hope for the best.

 26. Baltimore (11-5)- WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)

 Derrick Mason is 35 and has only one more year on his contract. The Ravens need another wideout across from Mark Clayton. Maclin can start in the slot, providing young Joe Flacco with another option before moving into the starting lineup in a season or two. Maclin is a steal here at this point.

 27. Indianapolis (12-4)- DT Peria Jerry (Mississippi)

 I’ve had the Colts taking a wide receiver here for a while, because history has shown that they like to take offense. That’s still a possibility with Kenny Britt available, but I’ve changed this pick to Peria Jerry because I just see him as too good of a fit for them to pass up. They also have a new coach now that Tony Dungy is gone so the same rules may not apply. Tony Dungy was always confident in his ability to coach the defense that he would rarely spend an early pick on defense, but new coach Jim Caldwell might not have that same confidence. He may have more confidence in Peyton Manning that his own ability to coach defense, which would be wise.

 28. Buffalo - from Philadelphia via Carolina (12-4)- TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma)

 They need a defensive end, but this is a deep defensive end class and I can’t see them passing up a great tight end prospect with Brandon Pettigrew. He’s just way too big of a steal at this point, especially for a team with absolutely no one of note at the tight end position going into next season. With Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, and Pettigrew, Trent Edwards will have plenty of nice targets to throw to next year, which will be great for his development, as long as Owens doesn’t suspect Pettigrew and Edwards of a conspiracy to keep the ball away from him.

 29. New York Giants (12-4)- WR Kenny Britt- Rutgers

 Plaxico Burress is gone, so if the Giants can’t get Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards, they’ll get the next best thing, 6 foot 3 Kenny Britt. I believe Britt’s combination of size, speed, and good hands makes him the 2^nd best receiver in this class, though it may not play out that way on draft day. The Giants should consider themselves lucky they can get a downfield target like Britt for Eli Manning to throw to.

 30. Tennessee (13-3)- CB Darius Butler (Connecticut)

 Cornerback isn’t their biggest need, but Nick Harper is going to turn 35 next season and Darius Butler is too good to pass up here. The Titans love 40 times almost as much as the Raiders so Butler’s 4.38 has to be attractive. He’s the best player available for them here and fills a need. They can get their defensive line help in later rounds.

 31. Arizona (9-7)- RB Donald Brown (Connecticut)

 Edgerrin James isn’t happy in Arizona and he’ll be 31 by the time the season starts up. His days are numbered. Tim Hightower can really push the pile as a running back and pick up first downs and touchdowns, but he’s not an every down back. He averaged 2.8 yards per carry last season. Donald Brown can come in, allow them to cut or trade Edge, and pair very nicely with Hightower.

 32. Pittsburgh (12-4)- C Alex Mack (California)

 Their line was too awful last season for them to pass up a once in a generation type center prospect like Alex Mack, as some people are calling him. Mack has only slipped because of his position and the lack of need for centers, but Pittsburgh needs one badly. Justin Hartwig was one of the worst in the NFL last season, while Mack would be a top 5 center, maybe even top 3, from day one in the NFL.

NFL Mock Draft 3/14

1. Detroit Lions 0-16

QB Matt Stafford- Georgia

 I don’t agree with the pick, but I have very little doubt in my mind that this pick will be Matt Stafford. The Lions need hope fast and the prospect of a great franchise quarterback like Stafford is going to give them hope. I would build around a quarterback, with a top left tackle like Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith, and then take a quarterback next season when the quarterback class is much stronger, but this is not what I think should happen, this is what I think will happen. I would be surprised if the Lions took anyone other than Stafford.

 2. St. Louis Rams 2-14

OT Jason Smith- Baylor

 Orlando Pace is gone so the Rams need a Jake Long or Joe Thomas esque franchise left tackle to protect Mark Bulger or whoever is the quarterback next season. Jason Smith is the top left tackle on the board, followed closely by Eugene Monroe. I think the pick will be Smith, but I would not be surprised if the Rams took Monroe. However, I give Smith the edge here because of his superior combine performance.

 3. Kansas City Chiefs 2-14

OLB/MLB Aaron Curry- Wake Forest

 The Chiefs will not take a quarterback here like many thought they would because they have since traded for Matt Cassel. Now they need to focus on fixing that awful defense. They need pass rushers badly because they had a record low 10 sacks last season. However, with the move for veteran Mike Vrabel, they can afford to take a different position here. The combination of Derrick Johnson and Vrabel rushing off the edge is good enough for next season. Aaron Curry is the best defensive player available and can slide right into the Chiefs’ hole in the middle of their 3-4 defense.

 4. Seattle Seahawks 4-12

OT Eugene Monroe- Virginia

 The Seahawks locked like a look to take Michael Crabtree until they signed TJ Houshmanzadeh in a surprise signing. Now, with Deion Branch lining up at the #2 and Nate Burleson coming back from injury next season, they have a respectable group of receivers and can afford to wait until a later round to address that position. The Seahawks have the less than stellar Sean Locklear starting at right tackle, assuming they move Ray Willis to guard as they say they will, and 35 year old Walter Jones starting at left. Monroe can play right until Jones moves on, which could be next off season, and then move over to left, his natural position.

 5. Cleveland Browns 4-12

DE/OLB Brian Orakpo- Texas

 The Browns only mustered 17 sacks last season, which, if it wasn’t for the Chiefs’ awful showing of 10, would have ranked last in the NFL. Willie McGinest is done as an elite pass rusher so they are going to need another top rushing outside linebacker. Brian Orakpo played defensive end in college, but at 263 pounds with a 4.70 40, Orakpo should be easily able to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. He had 10.5 sacks last season and is considered the best pass rusher in the draft.

 6. Cincinnati Bengals 4-11-1

DT BJ Raji- Boston College

 The Bengals need offensive line help, but they can get some in a later round because right now, the only way to get an offensive lineman would be to reach for either Michael Oher or Andre Smith, which wouldn’t be smart. With a decent 2^nd round offensive lineman, Carson Palmer should be able to get the help he needs to stay healthy and lead this offense back to playoff form. It’s the defense that worries me. They ranked in the bottom half in most defensive categories, including run defense. BJ Raji was amazing at the senior bowl where he was coached by the Bengals’ coaching staff. He’s simply too good of a defensive prospect for the Bengals to pass up here.

 7. Oakland Raiders 5-11

DE/OLB Everette Brown- Florida State

 We must check this pick for all 3 of the parts that every Raiders’ pick has. A Raiders’ pick must, on the surface look like a good move, because it fills a positional need. Jay Richardson, at left end, only had 3 sacks last season. Meanwhile, at right end, Derrick Burgess had only 3.5 sacks and is going to turn 31. Rumor has it the Raiders are trying to trade him. Brown definitely fills a need. A Raiders’ pick must have great athleticism, especially a great 40. Brown ran a 4.73 40 which is very good for a defensive end, especially when you consider the fact that most players were running unusually slow 40s at the combine. Brown should run somewhere around 4.62-4.65 at his pro day, which is amazing. Finally, a Raiders’ pick should, in spite of parts 1 and 2, make no sense when you look at it close enough. At 6-1 and change and only 256 pounds, Brown is way too small to play defensive end at a high level in a 4-3. He’s way too small to compete one on one with big left tackles. Many believe this pick will be Michael Crabtree. Crabtree does not have the 40 time. He was not all that fast to begin with and, if he actually runs a 40 before the draft, he will do it with a broken foot, which will not help.

 8. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11

WR Michael Crabtree- Texas Tech

 The Jaguars should be weary about taking a receiver in the first round considering the busts that Matt Jones and Reggie Williams have been after they have taken them. However, neither of those guys was as talented as Crabtree so they shouldn’t worry too much. Crabtree has slipped to due injury and questions about his speed, however, he is still the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson so the Jaguars, who lack a #1 option, need to take him here.

 9. Green Bay Packers 5-11

CB Vontae Davis- Illinois

 Al Harris and Charles Woodson are fine corners, but both are in the mid 30s. Harris might be gone by next season and Woodson reportedly will be making the switch to safety in the next year or two. After those guys, they are very thin at the cornerback position. Davis would give them depth next season and could be a future starter. This would be a great position for Davis as well because he gets to spend a year in a position where he does not have to guard elite receivers. This will allow him to mature correctly.

 10. San Francisco 49ers 7-9

OT Michael Oher- Mississippi

 The 49ers could go a lot of different ways here. They need a pass rushing outside linebacker more than anything, but I think it’s too early to take Aaron Maybin or even Larry English. They need a corner and a safety. Malcolm Jenkins can play both of those positions and, if he had had a very good workout at his pro day, he would have been the pick here. However, so far he has shown that he lacks the athletic ability to be worth a top 10 pick as evidenced by poor 40 times at the Combine and at his pro day. Mark Sanchez is the popular pick, but I don’t think conservative coach Mike Singletary will use a first rounder on a quarterback when his team has other needs. Offensive line then makes the most sense. Young Joe Staley has been decent at left tackle in his first 2 years in the league, but he needs to move back to his natural position, right tackle, full time. Michael Oher would allow them to move Staley to there. Oher might be viewed as a bit of a reach, but he was at one point a top 3 caliber pick, so he could also be a steal here. Rey Maualuga is a possibility as well.

 11. Buffalo Bills 7-9

DE/OLB Larry English- Northern Illinois

 The Bills need to generate a better pass rush. English was one of the college football’s best pass rushers last season with 8 sacks and was Northern Illinois’ all time leader pass rusher with 30.5 sacks, despite sitting his freshman year. He can definitely help them here. Starting right end Aaron Schobel has injury issues and starting left end Chris Kelsay is nothing special. English might be small for a defensive end, at 255 pounds, but Schobel is 243 pounds and has thrived in Buffalo’s defensive system for the throughout his career, before getting hurt last year. English shouldn’t have much problem doing the same. Plus, English benched 36 reps at the combine so it’s not like it’s a lack of strength issue.

 12. Denver Broncos 8-8

MLB Rey Maualuga- USC

 The Denver Broncos are regarded as having one of the 5 worst defenses in NFL history last season. They are now switching to a 3-4 so they are going to need big, strong tackle machines in the middle of their defense and they have none of those right now. Maualuga is the top middle linebacker prospect in the draft and fits the mold of the tough defensive presence they have lacked for years. He will help the Broncos run defense especially, which ranked 30^th in the league last year giving up 5.0 yards per carry.

 13. Washington Redskins 8-8

OT Andre Smith- Alabama

 Someone is going to take a risk on Smith early and I have a feeling that someone will be the Redskins. Smith has the athletic ability of a #1 pick with the work ethic of an undrafted free agent. However, the Redskins often take risks on guys with character issues and they have a need for a right tackle right now. Jon Jansen has had a good run as a starter at right tackle, but he’s 33 and lost his job last season, maybe for good. He could stand to be upgraded.

 14. New Orleans Saints 8-8

CB/FS Malcolm Jenkins- Ohio State

 Jenkins’ slow 40 at the combine raised some issues as to whether he is a cornerback or a free safety. That shouldn’t be an issue for a team with needs at both of those positions, which the Saints do. Jenkins would be more valuable to a team at corner and could mature into an upgrade over Randall Gay at corner. However, he will likely fit in better at free safety at first. Free safety is a position that, last season, was occupied by either Josh Bullocks or Kevin Kaesviharn. Jenkins would be an upgrade over both of them from day 1.

 15. Houston Texans 8-8

OLB Brian Cushing- USC

 The Texans offense was amazing last season, especially considering that Matt Schaub missed time with injury, as the team ranked 2^nd in passing yards per attempt. They have a decent ground game too, but the defense was what kept this from being a playoff team. They did a good job filling a need at left end with Antonio Smith, but they still need to take the best defensive player available. Cushing is the best defensive player available. He would be an immediate upgrade over Morlon Greenwood, who did not record a single sack, interception, or forced fumble all season, and could pair well with promising young Xavier Alibi, a 4^th round pick last season.

 16. San Diego Chargers 8-8

DE Tyson Jackson- LSU

 The Chargers have several needs, a 3-4 defensive end, a middle linebacker, a right tackle, a guard, and a strong safety. Unfortunately for them, drafting any of those positions here would be a reach, which is why I think they will move down if even the opportunity. If the draft falls this way come draft time, the Chargers will have plenty of suitors wanting to move to up take Mark Sanchez, including Tampa Bay at #19 and Minnesota at #22. The Chargers will be able to get more value for their pick if they move down to either one of those spots and in those spots will still be able to get guys to fill their needs. However, if they cannot, for whatever reason, trade down, they will take Tyson Jackson who is the best player available at end of their need positions. He can start from day one as a defensive end in the 3-4 system and replace Igor Olshansky who has moved on to Dallas. I had a running back going here until the Chargers resigned LT to a contract that will pay him exactly the same amount next season and will not safe them any money until 2010. Because of that, I don’t think the Chargers will take a running back here and pay him 5-6 million, which is what Chris Wells or Knowshon Moreno would cost at this point, when they still have to pay LT 8 million and Darren Sproles 6.6 mil. They won’t tie up that much money at one position.

 17. New York Jets 9-7

QB Mark Sanchez- USC

 The Jets have done a great job of building their defense, bringing in Bart Scott, Lito Sheppard, and Jim Leonhard. However, with Brett Favre gone, they need a new quarterback. The Jets shouldn’t have any qualms about starting Sanchez from day 1. They are putting him in a situation similar to the one Joe Flacco took over last year. Solid running game, solid line, and most importantly great defense to back him. Flacco led the Ravens to the playoffs as a rookie.

 18. Chicago Bears 9-7

OT Eben Britton- Arizona

 The Bears need a receiver, but don’t think that this pick is going to be Jeremy Maclin just because he has slipped a bit. The Bears simply don’t take receivers in the first round. They conservative Bears will take an offensive lineman again, for the 2^nd year in a row. John Tait is retiring. John St. Clair is still a free agent and might not be back and so is Fred Miller so the Bears are without a right tackle on their roster. Even if St. Clair and/or Miller return, they still need offensive line help. Both St. Clair and Miller are average at best and left tackle Chris Williams has injury issues. If Williams can stay healthy, he and Britton will make a nice offensive tackle duo for the next 10-12 years.

 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7

DT Peria Jerry- Mississippi

 Even though the Bucs have a new regime in town, don’t expect this pick to be a quarterback unless they move up to get Sanchez or Sanchez somehow falls to them. Luke McGown has been promised a chance at a starting job so they won’t use a 1^st rounder on a quarterback, especially when new head Raheem Morris has said he is committed to rebuilding the defense. The Bucs don’t have a 2^nd rounder so if they go quarterback in the first round, they will have a hard time rebuilding the defense through the draft. Peria Jerry is the best defensive player available and fills a need at defensive tackle.

 20. Detroit Lions (via DAL) 0-16

OT William Beatty- Connecticut

 The Lions have to protect Matt Stafford if they want him to have any chance of being a good quarterback. William Beatty will allow the Lions to move Jeff Backus back to his natural position at left guard, successfully upgrading two positions along the line at once. That is definitely going to help Stafford long term.

 21. Philadelphia Eagles 9-6-1

RB Chris Wells- Ohio State

 The Eagles haven’t gone after running backs as long as Andy Reid has been coach, but Reid isn’t stupid. He knows his job is on the line and his team needs to win now. The majority of the good teams in the league last year won on the strong of good running games with at least two good running backs. Wells would compliment Brian Westbrook well, allowing Westbrook to be more of a playmaker than a true running back and reducing the strain on and hopefully the threat of injury to Westbrook’s legs.

 22. Minnesota Vikings 10-6

C Alex Mack- California

 The Vikings appear content with Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels as their quarterbacks, so this pick won’t be Josh Freeman. The Vikings will then turn to their offensive line, which could be upgraded at 2, if not 3 positions here. They could go right tackle with either Jamon Meredith or Phil Loadholt, right guard with Duke Robinson, or center with Alex Mack. Mack is the best value here and should be the pick.

 23. New England Patriots 11-5

DE/OLB Michael Johnson- Georgia Tech

 Two months ago, the decision here was between a cornerback and a linebacker. Since then, they have signed cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden and traded linebacker Mike Vrabel. It seems that decision has been made for them. Michael Johnson is one of the most athletic pass rushing prospects in a while. He has been compared to Julius Peppers and Mario Williams. He might not have the motor, but you have to think a team like a Patriots will think they can bring to most out of him.

 24. Atlanta Falcons 11-5

CB DJ Moore- Vanderbilt

 The Falcons defense was not good last season, ranking 24^th in the league in yards per game allowed. This off season, they have lost 5 defensive starters from last season, Keith Brooking, Michael Boley, Domonique Foxworth, Lawyer Milloy, and Grady Jackson. Jamaal Anderson, at left end, only had 2 sacks last season and could be replaced. They also need a tight end badly. Because of all of those needs, this pick could go a number of ways. However, the rest of their needs can be addressed in later rounds. They have a lot of depth at corner, but they need a legitimate #2 starter. They won’t be able to get one in the later rounds. Moore can also double as a kick returner, which the Falcons also need.

 25. Miami Dolphins 11-5

OLB/DE Clay Matthews- USC

 The Dolphins need a linebacker and they need a cornerback. History has shown that when given a choice between a linebacker and anything else, Bill Parcells will take a linebacker. Clay Matthews is the best available. He can support a pass rush that died late last season and be the replacement for Joey Porter when he moves on or if they decide to trade him. This draft class is structured such that the Dolphins should be able to get a good cornerback when they pick with Washington’s pick at #44 in the 2^nd round.

 26. Baltimore Ravens 11-5

WR Jeremy Maclin- Missouri

 Derrick Mason is 35 and has only one more year on his contract. The Ravens need another wideout across from Mark Clayton. Maclin can start in the slot, providing young Joe Flacco with another option before moving into the starting lineup in a season or two. Maclin is a steal here at this point.

 27. Indianapolis Colts 12-4

WR Hakeem Nicks- North Carolina

 The Colts have a history of drafting offensively, even with holes on defense. Nicks is good value here and will allow Anthony Gonzalez to stay in the slot, even with Marvin Harrison gone. He will give Peyton Manning 3 good targets to choose from and make this offense even more deadly.

 28. Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR) 9-6-1

OG/OT Duke Robinson- Oklahoma

 Andy Reid loves to draft offensive linemen when he can, and even sometimes when he can’t. The Eagles have lost Tra Thomas to the Jaguars and it does not look like Jon Runyan will be brought back. Shawn Andrews is still battling depression and might not be back next season, so you can expect the Eagles to take one or two big offensive linemen early in the draft. At 329 pounds, Duke Robinson fills that need. He also is versatile enough to play in 4 spots along the line, which will be essential as the Eagles figure out what Shawn Andrews’ future is like and determine what to do position wise with Todd Herremans.

 29. New York Giants 12-4

RB Knowshon Moreno- Georgia

 The Giants have done a great job of reloading their defense this off season, so they can afford to focus on offense here. Running back isn’t the biggest need for the Giants here, but Moreno might be too good to pass up here. Plus, running back wasn’t the biggest need for Minnesota when they took Adrian Peterson in 2007, nor was it for the Panthers when they took Jonathan Stewart last year nor was it for the Titans when they took Chris Johnson last year. Look where it got those teams. The Giants did it with Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs last season and they can do the same this year with Jacobs and Moreno.   

 30. Tennessee Titans 13-3

DT Evander Hood- Missouri

 The Titans lost Albert Haynesworth to free agency and he left a huge gaping hole in the middle of their defense. You have to think that Jeff Fisher is going to fix up the defensive line if he needs to, despite the fact that the Titans are badly in need of wide receivers. Evander Hood’s strong combine pushed him into the late 1^st-early 2^nd round range. Fisher will love his potential and athleticism.

 31. Arizona Cardinals 9-7

OLB/DE Clint Sintim- Virginia

 The Cardinals pass rush struggled last season, even late in the season during their Super Bowl run. They only had 31 sacks which can be improved. The Cardinals like tweener linebacker/defensive ends because they give them versatility. Sintim qualifies and can help a defense in need. He’d be an upgrade over Chike Okeafor.

 32. Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3

FS/CB Sean Smith- Utah

 The Steelers could use another safety to pair with Troy Polamalu. Neither Anthony Smith nor Ryan Clark were anything special last season and Smith would be an immediate upgrade over both. The Steelers need offensive line badly, but, for one thing, I don’t think they realize how badly they need offensive lineman as they appear content to let Ben Roethlisberger get beat up and chased around every week (hey, they won the Super Bowl, you can’t really question it) and for another thing, no offensive lineman really merits selection here.

Fixing the Lions

It looks as if the still incompetent front office in Detroit is going to take Matt Stafford with the first overall pick, in an attempt to bring fans to the stadium and sell jerseys. However, football is about winning games. The team has way too many other issues to spend a #1 pick and 50-60 million dollars, probably 20-30 million guaranteed, to an quarterback, who, as all top prospect quarterbacks, has about as good of a chance of being Joey Harrington as he has of being Matt Ryan. Here's what front office should be thinking. 

They should first try to trade down. That would have been a lot easier if Michael Crabtree hasn't gotten hurt. Now Crabtree's stock falls a little and teams like Seattle or Oakland no longer have the desire nor the need to move up to secure Crabtree. However, they still might be able to work out a deal to move the #1 overall pick. 

Oakland would be the most likely trade partner as they have interest in Michael Crabtree and there is still only a slim chance Crabtree slips past Seattle at 4. San Francisco is a possibility too if they decide they want to move up to make sure they get either Matt Stafford or Mark Sanchez, but I don't see that happening. Oakland gets the #1 pick, and Detroit's pick from Dallas in the 3rd round. Detroit gets the #7 pick, Oakland's 2nd rounder, #40, and Oakland's 4th rounder. 

Detroit's first priority at 7 should be linebacker Aaron Curry, but that's unlikely to happen, as he'll either go #3 to Kansas City or #5 to Cleveland. Detroit's next should look to take one of the top 3 tackles, Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith, or Michael Oher. Oher is the one likely to still be on the board at 7. If none of those 3 are available, defensive tackle BJ Raji should be Detroit's last resort. 

At 20, Detroit should then look to take either defense, if they took a tackle ay 7, meaning either linebacker Brian Cushing, linebacker James Laurinaitis, or cornerback Darius Butler or, if they took defense at 7, take an offensive lineman such as Eben Britton, Duke Robinson, or William Beatty. 

If Detroit cannot move the #1 pick, they should use the #1 on franchise left tackle Eugene Monroe and then at 20 look to take either Cushing or Laurinaitis or maybe Butler as a last resort, but I think cornerback should be saved for the #33 pick. 

At #33, regardless of whether or not the #1 pick was traded, a cornerback should be taken. This is the point in the draft where cornerbacks are very deep and the Lions' secondary was awful last year. Darius Butler is the best option, but they could also take DJ Moore, or Alphonso Smith. 

If Detroit gets #40 from Oakland, that pick should be used on Ron Brace. He is the type of guy they need for their system. Shaun Rogers was excellent in their system before they let him go and Brace looks like he could be the same type of player. 

Detroit's #65 pick, the 1st in the 3rd round should be traded to Cleveland for Derek Anderson, if Detroit no longer has Dallas' 3rd round pick, as it was sent back to Oakland in the earlier mentioned deal. If the Oakland deal never got done, Detroit should send Dallas' pick to Cleveland for Derek Anderson, along with a 5th rounder. Detroit needs a quarterback, but there is no need to use a first rounder on Matt Stafford or trade a first rounder for Matt Cassel. Derek Anderson is an excellent bounceback candidate this year. He had a great year in 2007 and can do the same again, at a cheap price. 

If the Oakland deal was never made, meaning the Lions never took Brace at 40, and meaning that the Lions are still in possession of the #65 pick, they should use that pick on Brace. If he is not available, Fili Moala, Evander Hood, or Dorell Scott will work find in Detroit's defensive tackle hole. 

Detroit will only have a 4th round pick if they make the deal with Oakland and that should be used on either a safety or an interior offensive lineman. The rest of the picks, 5th to 7th round, should be used on depth guys. 

NFL Mock Draft #5 (2 rounds)

First Round

1. Detroit Lions 0-16

There are two main arguments out there on the subject of who the Lions should pick #1. Some believe they should go the route that Miami did last year and draft an offensive lineman first and then a quarterback. Some believe they should go the route Atlanta did last year and draft a quarterback first and then an offensive lineman. However, there are two main reasons why I believe the Lions should go the route of the Falcons. First, while the Dolphins were a much better team this year, a lot of that had to do with the fact that they signed Chad Pennington in the off season. There is no guarantee that the Lions can do the same thing. Second, this is actually, if you can believe it, a weaker quarterback class than last year. Matt Stafford is at the top of the quarterback class this year, but with Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow returning to school, there isn’t a quarterback after Stafford than is a franchise quarterback. The Lions would be much better off taking the best quarterback available, Georgia QB Matt Stafford first, and then going offensive line at #20, the pick they acquired from Dallas. The offensive line class is much deeper than the quarterback class so if they want the best value for their picks, they should go quarterback and then offensive line, instead of vice versa.

2. St. Louis Rams 2-14

The Rams have huge problems with their offensive line. Marc Bulger is a frail injury prone quarterback, who takes a long time to get rid of the ball. On the left side of the line is frail injury prone Orlando Pace and on the right side of the line is a rotating door of frail injury prone right tackles. Eugene Monroe is the best offensive lineman available, but Alabama OT Andre Smith is right behind him and he fills more of a need for the Rams because he’s a natural right tackle. All of a sudden, if Pace can stay healthy, they have Pace and Smith at the tackle positions, which is a very strong duo to help keep Marc Bulger healthy, as he was in 2006 when the team won 10 games, or for a young quarterback to mature behind, if they decide to go that direction.

3. Kansas City Chiefs 2-14

The Chiefs plain and simply need pass rushers and because of that I can’t see this pick being anything other than a pass rusher because the Chiefs only had 10 sacks all year, a record low for an NFL team. What kind of pass rusher, either an end or a linebacker, they take is tough to tell at this point, because the Chiefs are currently a team without a coach. However, their GM Scott Pioli worked with the 3-4 for many years in New England so I have to guess that he will take a coach who uses the 3-4, which would mean that he would need a pass rushing linebacker to fit into the system. Florida State DE/OLB Everette Brown is the type of speed rushing linebacker that would fit into the team’s system and help them get more than 10 sacks next season. Brown had 13.5 sacks by himself last season. If Pioli decides to go with a 4-3 coach, he’s going to draft a pass rushing end in which case this pick would likely be Texas’s Brian Orakpo, but for now I have to assume that the people behind this selection will be drafting for a 3-4.

4. Seattle Seahawks 4-12

Matt Hasselbeck is back, I don’t know why though. Every time he looks up to pass, there’s no one there. It is no longer at the point where they are taking random wide receivers and lining them up like it was earlier in the season, however, his top 2 options are Bobby Engram, 35 years old and counting, and Deion Branch, who hasn’t been healthy since 2005. After them, it gets even worse as Koren Robinson, Jordan Dent, and Courtney Taylor prove week after week that they just can’t catch the football. With Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree still in the board, they need to take him. He might be the most athletically gifted wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson, and that’s saying something.

5. Cleveland Browns 4-12

The Browns’ defense was miserable last season, 26th in terms of yards per game allowed, so they can go the route of best defensive player available. Wake Forest OLB/MLB Aaron Curry is that player. Willie McGinest just turned 37 and had an awful season last year and isn’t going to be much better next season. Alex Hall was decent in limited action last year, but Curry would be a huge upgrade. If Hall proves to be the real thing, they can shift Hall to defensive end, or shift Curry into the middle where he’d be an upgrade over Andra Davis.

6. Cincinnati Bengals 4-11-1

The Bengals offensive line did a lot better late in the season, helping to propel the team to a relatively amazing 4-3-1 record over their last 8 games. However, they still allowed 50 sacks last season helping Ryan Fitzpatrick’s, who once graduated from Harvard, IQ drop every game he played. Carson Palmer is going to be back next season, but if they want to keep him upright for the entire season, they need to get better pass protection. Luckily for them, Virginia OT Eugene Monroe is still available here.

7. Oakland Raiders 5-11

For the purposes of this pick, I will pretend I’m Al Davis (man, am I ugly!). I could scout like a normal owner, or I could just look at the 40 times. It’s much easier and look where it’s gotten me so far. Let’s see, decent 40, decent 40, decent 40, 4.31! I don’t care who that guy is but draft him right now, I don’t care if it’s the combine, draft him, give him millions and millions of dollars. That player is speedy Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin, who ran a 4.31 in the preseason and could be even faster at the combine. In all seriousness, the Raiders need to go some playmaking receivers for JaMarcus Russell and Maclin might make a little sense here, even though the Raiders desperately need offensive linemen. No matter how much sense the pick makes, I think it will be what Davis and the Raiders do. If Percy Harvin runs a faster 40, he could be the choice here, but for now I’m going to say that it’ll be Maclin.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11

David Garrard struggled last season throwing 13 picks after throwing only 3 the season before. I don’t know if this explains all of his struggles, but he was sacked 42 times last season. The Jaguars desperately need an upgrade at left tackle of Khalif Barnes, who is probably one of the worst starting left tackles in the league last season. Baylor OT Jason Smith would be a huge upgrade there and help Garrard obtain close to 2007 form.

9. Green Bay Packers 6-10

The Packers were one of the worst run defenses in the league last year, 26th in the league with 4.6 yards per carry allowed. That probably had something to do with the team’s lack of a run stopping defense tackle. Boston College DT BJ Raji has taken advantage of Terrence Cody’s decision to return to school, along with an amazing performance at the Senior Bowl to raise his stock tremendously. If he is still here at this point, Green Bay will take the giant run stopper in a heartbeat.

10. San Francisco 49ers 7-9

This continues to be the most interesting and difficult spot in the first round to predict. The Niners could go so many different ways with this pick. They need a wide receiver, but with Crabtree and Maclin already off of the board, I don’t think that their conservative coach is going to reach for Percy Harvin or Darrius Heyward Bey, especially when the wide receiver class is deep enough for them to take one in the 2nd round. Shaun Hill is a decent quarterback, but not great, so Mark Sanchez could be a possibility. However, with a conservative coach in place, in Mike Singletary who really likes Shaun Hill, I doubt that will be the selection. They have defensive needs, especially for 3-4 linebackers, but Everette Brown is off of the board, so I doubt they’ll reach for Aaron Maybin. Brian Orakpo is a good defensive end, but he’d be too small to fill their need in the 3-4. BJ Raji is off the board, so no defensive tackle is going to be taken here, which leaves the secondary. Safety is the biggest need, but there isn’t a top 10 safety prospect in this draft class. Their cornerbacks were below average last year and shouldn’t be much better this year, especially with Walt Harris set to turn 35 before the season starts and no depth behind him. They need a starting cornerback for the future and Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins could serve in that role.

11. Buffalo Bills 7-9

The Bills decline this season is a head scratching one but I think it can be credited to their decline in pass defense. Their corners are fine, in fact they used a first rounder on Leodis McKlevin last year and he has done fine. However, with Aaron Schobel, injury and age, possibly done as an elite pass rusher for his career, they need to get a #1 pass rusher quick. Quarterbacks are getting too much time in the pocket against them. Texas DE Brian Orakpo could help fill that need quickly.

12. Denver Broncos 8-8

The Broncos gave 5 yards per carry to opposing running back this season. They are very vulnerable down the middle, with a combination of Marcus Thomas, Dewayne Robertson, and Nate Webster playing on the inside of their defense at defensive tackle and middle linebacker. They’ll probably go with the best player available at either of those two positions. Since they recently hired Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator, they will probably move to a 3-4, putting them in dire need for linebackers. USC MLB Rey Maualuga has already slipped some and I can’t see him slipping much further than Denver at #12.

13. Washington Redskins 8-8

The Redskins traded for Jason Taylor this off season with the intention that he would solidify their weak pass rush for a few years to come. However, he got hurt and might not play again, because he’s 34 years old. Even if he comes back next year, their pass rush could stand to be upgraded. In my mind Michael Johnson is the best pass rusher available, but Penn State DE/OLB Aaron Maybin makes more sense for the ‘Skins here because he can play outside linebacker, another weakness, with Marcus Washington likely to be cut as a cap causality, until Taylor calls it quits, if he doesn’t this off season.

14. New Orleans Saints 8-8

The Saints defense was awful enough last season for them to take the best defensive player available. That player would be Ohio State MLB James Laurinaitis. Linebackers are one of their biggest needs. Laurinaitis could play middle linebacker for them if Jonathan Vilma leaves as a free agent, or if Vilma returns, either he or Laurinaitis could move to the outside. The Saints defense is way too awful, ranking 26th in the league in terms of points per game allowed and making sure that Drew Brees’ nearly record setting season translated to only 8 wins, for them to pass up on Laurinaitis, the college stud from Ohio State.

15. Houston Texans 8-8

The Texans need help almost everywhere on defense. Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans are decent, but the defense ranked 27th in the league in points per game allowed, to cancel out their deadly offense. Defensive line is probably the most likely, seeing as that’s something that the Texans always seem to draft when they have holes there. They could use an upgrade over Anthony Weaver at end. Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson's stock is rising right now, so he might not be available in this spot, but if he is, they need to take him. He was one of college football’s best pass rushers last season. Take away Mario Williams’ 13 sacks, this team only had 12 all last season. Anthony Weaver, who started alongside Williams all season, had 0. He did not record a single sack all season. You’d think a quarterback would slip near him and he’d get credit for it, but he didn’t even do that. No sacks. He needs to be replaced.

16. San Diego Chargers 9-9

LaDainian Tomlinson might be finished as a productive every down back in this league. Darren Sproles is a free agent and could leave for more money somewhere else. Even if he doesn’t, I still don’t like Sproles as an every down back. He proved in the Pittsburgh game that he isn’t big or consistent enough to do that. I like him in the Reggie Bush role, kick returner/punt returner/change of pace back/slot receiver. Speed doesn’t automatically make you a good running back. However, if you’re fast, there is something you can do to help a football team. Sproles just isn’t a running back. Since neither he or LT seem capable of being every down backs for a title contending team, and since the Chargers have no other needs, they should take Ohio State RB Chris Wells here and trade LT while he still has some value. If they wait a season, they might have to flat out release him, but now they might even be able to get a 2nd round pick for him, or at least a 3rd. Wells can take over right away as a starting running back, with Sproles in the Reggie Bush role. This might be able to become a deadly offense once again next season.

17. NY Jets 9-7

The popular consensus here is that, with a new coaching staff coming in, that the Jets will take a quarterback, for whenever Brett Favre retires, especially if Mark Sanchez is still on the board and possibly even if he is not. However, new head coach Rex Ryan is a defensive guy, which means he’s going to try to patch up any glaring defensive holes first. Their secondary, which gave up the 4th most yards in the league this season, would count as a glaring hole. Illinois CB Vontae Davis is still available and it would surprise me if the Jets didn’t take him. Darrelle Revis is a good #1 corner, but Dwight Lowery makes more sense as a nickel corner, rather than the #2 starter. Davis would fill that role and help patch up the team’s only defensive hole, other than possibly the need for another safety. They are going to get a chance to take a quarterback in the later rounds.

18. Chicago Bears 9-7

The Bears biggest need right now is getting better pass rushers to put pressure on the quarterback. They have a strong steady defense, deadly against the run, but their lack of a pass rush put their pass defense in the bottom half in the majority of the major pass defense categories. However, due to underclassmen like Greg Hardy, George Selvie, and Greg Middleton returning to school, there isn’t one that merits selection here. Rather than reaching for Tyson Jackson, the Bears should focus on other needs. The Bears got so desperate for wide receivers last year that they converted Devin Hester. That didn’t work as Devin Hester couldn’t balance being both a kick returner and wide receiver, ending up being mediocre at both. They need to draft a receiver so they can keep Hester in the slot and on special teams. Maryland WR Darrius Heyward Bey is the type of athlete they need to add to their receiving core. He didn’t have a great year last year, but he’s 6-3 and runs a 4.32 40. He’s also an extremely hard worker so I see no reason why he can’t grow into the future #1 option of the Bears.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7

Rule of thumb, a new coaching regime almost always takes a new quarterback in their first draft, somewhere in the first 3 rounds, unless the team already has an established player at that position. With Jeff Garcia, who was a Jon Gruden guy, a free agent this off season and not likely to return, they shouldn’t hesitate to take one here, especially since they don’t have any other glaring needs. USC QB Mark Sanchez has probably slipped too far, so Tampa should be thrilled to get him to be their signal caller.

20. Detroit Lions 0-16 (via DAL)

The Lions have defensive issues, but they should postpone those until the 2nd round. They should really look to follow Atlanta’s model from last off season. I already have them taking their franchise quarterback in Matt Stafford, now they need a franchise left tackle. Mississippi OT Michael Oher is long overdue to be drafted. He is a natural left tackle, which would allow them to move Jeff Backus inside to guard where he belongs and successfully upgrade two positions at once. In an ironic turn of events, the guy I considered putting #1 about a month ago, is now available at #20, due to slipping stock at the senior bowl and a lack of need for offensive tackles in the #11-19 range.

21. Philadelphia Eagles 11-7-1

The Eagles offensive line was mediocre last season, especially for an Andy Reid team. It could get worse this off season as Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are both free agents. Even if they do return, they still need an offensive tackle here. Runyan is 35 and Thomas 34. They aren’t going to be around forever even if they do resign. Eben Britton is the best offensive tackle available, but looking at the trends, 310 pound Eben Britton might not be big enough for Andy Reid’s taste. Reid’s offensive line doesn’t have a single starter weighing less than 321 pounds, including 4 players over 330. This is no coincidence. It may be that Reid feels bigger offensive linemen are better. It may be that surrounding himself with bigger offensive linemen helps him feel better about his own weight problems. I don’t know, but I know that if given the choice between 310 Britton and 350 pound Oklahoma OT Phil Loadholt, Reid is going to take Loadholt, even if he’s a little bit lower rated of a prospect. Loadholt is still a great offensive tackle that can help this line out in the future.

22. Minnesota Vikings 10-7

The Vikings could take a quarterback here. Josh Freeman is still on the board and he could be propelled into the first round with his big arm the way Joe Flacco was last season. However, Brad Childress is still coaching. He still believes in Tavaris Jackson enough to give him another shot, or at least enough to wait until the 2nd round to take a quarterback. He might take a quarterback later in the draft, but he’s not going to take one here. The team has a huge hole at right tackle that they should look to fill here. Arizona OT Eben Britton is still available. He can play on the right side and help protect Jackson as he tries to prove he is in fact a capable quarterback (somehow I’m skeptical). Nevertheless, this pick is going to be an offensive lineman as long as Britton is available and Childress is head coach.

23. New England Patriots 11-5

The Pats desperately need help at corner, but the top 2 corners are gone and Bill Belicheck has never been one to reach for cornerbacks. Rodney Harrison is probably done; all he needs to do is submit his retirement. The team needs a long term strong safety replacement for him. Luckily, Belicheck won’t have to reach to grab his replacement as Missouri SS William Moore is a solid value pick and replacement here. He’s probably better against the pass than Harrison would have been, since Harrison is in his mid 30s, so he’d help a secondary that desperately needs it, after ranking 25th in the league in terms of passing yards per attempt allowed.

24. Atlanta Falcons 11-6

Matt Ryan won Rookie of the Year and 11 games this season, despite the fact that his starting tight end was Justin Pelle, who caught 15 balls all season. Imagine how good the young quarterback would be if he had an athletic tight end to help him, such as Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew. As Dustin Keller proved this season, rookie tight ends can still make an impact, as Keller caught 48 balls for 535 yards and was Brett Favre’s favorite target late in the season. Pettigrew can have a similar year, which would help out the Falcons tremendously moving forward.

25. Miami Dolphins 11-6

Bill Parcells likes linebackers, especially ones who were well coached in college. Brian Cushing fits that mold. He went to USC and could help the Dolphins current holes at linebacker, as well as be an eventually replacement for Joey Porter. However, Bill Parcells isn’t stupid. He knows his team played an unbelievably easy schedule this year and, despite the fact that they didn’t really play that many top quarterbacks, they looked like one of the worst pass defenses every week. He knows his team is going to have to play a tough schedule next year, including games against Big Ben and Pittsburgh, Peyton Manning and the Colts, Tom Brady and the Patriots, twice, and Phillip Rivers and the Chargers. Having Will Allen as your top corner isn’t going to cut it. Vanderbilt CB DJ Moore is going to be able to add some fire to the defensive backfield next year and for years to come. Remember, this team is still a work in progress, a rebuilding project that just happened to win the division last year. They still need to focus on the future and they can’t go into the future without good cornerbacks.

26. Baltimore Ravens 13-6

The Ravens are in danger of losing 3 of their 4 starting linebackers to free agency. I’m not saying that all 3 would leave, but even losing one would make this team’s strength, their run defense, way less formidable and hurt the team greatly. They need to take a linebacker in anticipation of losing one of theirs. Brian Cushing is probably the best linebacker available, but I think they’ll go with Virginia OLB/DE Clint Sintim instead. Sintim is a better fit because he could move to end for them if all three linebackers return and also because he is a better pass rusher, and this team’s pass rush was lacking at times last season.

27. Indianapolis Colts 12-5

The Colts’ biggest need is at defensive tackle, but they lost in the first round to the Chargers because they couldn’t run the football. Joseph Addai might be back to full strength next season. He might not. They shouldn’t take any chances, especially since they don’t have any glaring needs and because Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno is still available here and he would be a great value selection. Imagine how deadly this offense could be with Peyton Manning and Knowshon Moreno, with the possibility of using powerful Joseph Addai in a limited role as a chance of pace back for the speedy Moreno.

28. Philadelphia Eagles 11-7-1 (via CAR)

The Eagles need a tight end, but Pettigrew has already been snatched up. There’s no need to reach when they can take a tight end in the 2nd round, so they should turn to other needs. Brian Dawkins is a fan favorite, but he is getting old and he was abused against the Cardinals. They need a replacement for him. Western Michigan FS Louis Delmas’s stock is soaring after the Senior Bowl, so he’d be a smart pick here.

29. NY Giants 12-5

Their defensive ends are amazing. They lost Michael Strahan to retirement and Osi Umenyiora to injury and they still rank 2nd in sacks. Justin Tuck is a pro bowler for sure, Mathias Kiwanuka might be too. However, with Kiwanuka moving up to defensive end, they lost a lot of the strength of their outside linebackers, forcing them to start Danny Clark, and since it looks like Kiwanuka is a defensive end to stay, they need to address that issue. Their outside linebackers have combined for four, count it four, interceptions, sacks, or forced fumbles this season. USC OLB Brian Cushing is the only outside linebacker, and therefore only player, who merits selection here. He could really breathe some life into their linebackers. Cushing would allow the Giants to take Danny Clark, who in his career, 138 games, has 15 combined sacks, INTs, and forced fumbles, and has been cut by the Raiders because Al Davis didn't even think he could play defense, and put him back where he belongs, special teams.

30. Tennessee Titans 13-4

Corner is a definite need for the Titans, but the more I think about it, the less I see them reaching for Victor Harris. Jeff Fisher would probably be the one making the pick for them, so I think this will be a front 4 player. Albert Haynesworth is a free agent after the season, and if he goes, so could their success. They need a safety net at defensive tackle. USC DT Fili Moala is the best and biggest defensive tackle remaining, which the Titans love. Even if Haynesworth returns, Moala and Haynesworth together on the inside of that line would make this team even more dangerous.

31. Arizona Cardinals 12-7*

The Cardinals have two major needs, running back and defensive end. However, they are well enough off at those two positions to wait until later in the draft if they have to, rather than reaching for Paul Kruger or LeSean McCoy. Since they don’t have any other needs, they can afford to draft the man scouts are calling the best offensive line prospect in the draft and the best center prospect in years, California C Alex Mack. Mack has slipped here just because there never is a need for centers, but he has the talent to be one of the top players in this draft class. The Cardinals signed Al Johnson to a big contract a while back, but he is injured and may never play again. They need an upgrade over Lyle Sendlien at center, especially since this is a power running team. With no glaring needs, they can afford to get a major upgrade at that position with Alex Mack.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers 15-3**

Their line was bad last year. Then they lose Alan Faneca and did not replace him. Now, Ben Roethlisberger gets sacked every time looks up seemingly and Willie Parker is struggling without that dominant run blocker to set up his cuts. They need to fix that; the fact that Oklahoma OG Duke Robinson is still available here only adds to that argument. Add in the fact that they have no other real needs and you have a team that needs to draft Duke Robinson.

Second round

33. Detroit Lions 0-16

This defense can only be described as comical. Opposing quarterbacks had an average 110.9 passer rating against them. If a quarterback had that for a season, it would be tied for 5th highest single season passer rating in the history of the game. The Lions weren’t playing Joe Montana, Steve Young, or Tom Brady every week. They playing were average NFL quarterbacks, in fact below average seeing as they played in the quarterback weak NFC North. And every week, they made those average guys looks like Hall of Famers. They need cornerback help now. Connecticut CB Darius Butler could be a part of the solution, plus, and I truly mean this, he can’t make them any worse.

34. Kansas City Chiefs 2-14

The Chiefs pass rush was so bad last year that they need to devote another pick to it. They got their pass rushing linebacker for the 3-4, which is the defense that they are likely to use next year. Now they need a big pass rushing end for the defensive line. 270 pound Northern Illinois DE Larry English should be able to fill that hole. He set Northern Illinois’ record for most sacks in a career and is big enough to play in the 3-4.

35. St. Louis Rams 2-14

The Rams’ potential starting strong safeties for next season are 34-year-old Corey Chavous and Todd Johnson, who sucks. They need an upgrade at this position and Oregon SS Patrick Chung should be able to be that upgrade easily.

36. Cleveland Browns 4-12

The Browns used Jamal Lewis last year as their feature big. Enough said. Lewis is 245 pounds, averaged 3.6 yards per carry, and is set to turn 30, which won’t help. They need a replacement badly and luckily for them, Pittsburgh RB LeSean McCoy is still available to be that feature back for them next season.

37. Seattle Seahawks 4-12

The Seahawks got their pass catcher last round. Now they need to fix that miserable secondary. Don’t believe that its miserable, Brian Russell was the starting free safety. That is the definition of miserable. Alabama FS Rashad Johnson should be able to step in immediately and make it less miserable.

38. Cincinnati Bengals 4-11-1

The Bengals are probably going to lose TJ Houshmanzadeh in the off season as a free agent and possibility Chad Johnson too, if he demands a trade again. The Bengals need to get a good receiver for Carson Palmer. Florida RB/WR Percy Harvin is great value here. He can help out in the receiving game as well as in the backfield, where this team was one of the worst in the league. Their running backs were so bad that they broke Cedric Benson out of jail and used him.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11

The Jaguars, despite having talented backs, were not a very good running team last season, after being one of the best in 2007. That is because their interior blocking got no push and sent the backs into a mound of people waiting to tackle them. Adding 380 pounds of pure run blocking ability in LSU OG Herman Johnson will definitely help.

40. Oakland Raiders 5-11

Al Davis might not be competent enough to run a pro football team, but he’s not blind. He should be able to see that JaMarcus Russell needs time in the pocket and that he just isn’t getting it right now because of that offensive line. Or maybe someone will make this pick for him while he’s in the can. I don’t know, but I have a feeling this will be an offensive lineman, such as Connecticut OT William Beatty.

41. Green Bay Packers 6-10

The Packers need depth at cornerback. They just don’t have it. Al Harris might be cut this off season as a cap casualty, but even if he isn’t, he is 34 years old. Charles Woodson had a good season last year, but the team is thinking of moving him to safety in the near future. They need some corner depth and with Virginia Tech CB Victor Harris still available, they should snatch him up.

42. Buffalo Bills 7-9

The Bills have enough of a need for a center, as well as enough of a lack of other needs, to take a center here. Oregon C Max Unger has the physical tools to be a first round, but because of his position, he won’t be a first round. The Bills can use him at center, or if they want, they can make him a tackle or guard.

43. San Francisco 49ers 7-9

Once again, the Niners have a conservative coach, so I can’t see this being a quarterback or receiver when their defensive line is the way it is. Mississippi DT/DE Peria Jerry is a great value pick here. He can play defensive end for them, because even at 290, more than big enough to play end in the 3-4, he can run a 40 in the 4.9s. He had 6 sacks last season, despite spending the majority of it at defensive tackle. He’ll provide life and versatility to a defensive line that needs it.

44. Miami (via WAS) 11-6

The Dolphins have two decent receivers in Davone Bess and Ted Ginn, but they need a big possession receiver, to compliment their two speed receivers. 6-2 North Carolina WR Hakeem Nicks should be able to fill that need for them. He could shoot up to the first round after the combine, but for now he should be available here for the taking.

45. NY Giants (via NO) 12-5

The Giants cannot bring back Plaxico Burress. They made a firm stand when suspending him that they did not employ those types of characters. However, Eli Manning needs a big receiver so badly that the team is considering bringing back Plax. They should look for a big receiver here, such as 6-4 Rutgers WR Kenny Britt, so that they don’t have to bring back Plax.

46. Houston Texans 8-8

The Texans took an end last round, but still have holes in their defensive line. Auburn DT Sen’Derrick Marks has really slipped here and should be a great addition to the front 4. With Mario Williams, Michael Johnson, Amobi Okoye, and Marks up front, they would have one of the best front 4s in the league and since all 4 of those players are so young, they would be a fixture for years to come. Their defense would be a few pieces away from being able to mirror what Tennessee does with their defense.

47. New England Patriots (via SD) 11-5

The Pats need help at both linebacker and corner back so the decision here is between Alphonso Smith and Clay Matthews. When given the choice between a corner and a linebacker, especially a well coached one like USC OLB Clay Matthews, Bill Belicheck is going to pick the linebacker.

48. Denver Broncos 8-8

The Broncos sent 7 different running backs to injured reserve last season. They need a durable every down back. Iowa RB Shonn Greene is consistent and sturdy, which the Broncos are going to love after what happened last season.

49. Chicago Bears 9-7

Because of the lack of available ends at #18, the Bears did not take an end in the first round. However, they still need one as no end had more than 6 sacks last year. They need more modern speed rushers, such as Utah DE Paul Kruger, who is expected to run a 40 in the 4.6s, had 7.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss last season.

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7

The Bucs got almost no production out of Ike Hillard and Joey Galloway last season, even though they were the projected starters. Luckily Antonio Bryant had a monster season and bailed them out. However, Bryant is a free agent and also has a history of being inconsistent, especially when not playing for money. The Bucs need another receiver such as Oklahoma WR Juaquin Iglesias.

51. Dallas Cowboys 9-7

The Cowboys will probably lose both Adam Jones and Roy Williams this off season, putting them where they were last season, lacking in the secondary. Versatile Utah CB/FS/SS Sean Smith should help out wherever they need him next season, which is going to be helpful.

52. NY Jets 9-7

The Jets don’t know about Brett Favre’s future, but they do know he isn’t going to be playing very long. They need a long term signal caller, such as Kansas State QB Josh Freeman, who is a steal at this point.

53. Philadelphia Eagles 11-7-1

The Eagles slapped the franchise tag on LJ Smith last season. That was a mistake as he seemingly dropped every ball thrown to him this season. The Eagles won’t do that again (hopefully, though you never know with Andy Reid). They need a tight end for Donovan McNabb, or whoever is quarterback next season, though I believe it will be McNabb. South Carolina TE Jared Cook is the best tight end available and makes sense here.

54. Minnesota Vikings 10-7

The Vikings need depth at the cornerback position. Cincinnati CB Mike Mickens is a good value pick and makes sense here. He would be a good nickel cornerback and the kick returner that they lack right now.

55. Atlanta Falcons 11-6

It’s amazing what a good quarterback can do. He can mask all of your other weaknesses enough to win games. The Falcons won 11 games last season, despite the fact that Domonique Foxworth was their #1 corner. Still, Matt Ryan is only going to be able to mask it to a certain degree. If this team wants to make to next step, they need help at that position, such as Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith.

56. Miami Dolphins 11-6

The Dolphins drafted a cornerback in the first round, but just one isn’t going to be enough for their poor secondary. They need another corner if they can get one and luckily for them Oregon CB Jairus Byrd is available at this point in the draft.

57. Baltimore Ravens 13-6

The Ravens need a cornerback, but unfortunately for them, the last 3 picks gobbled up all of the 2nd round caliber corners so instead of reaching for someone like Mark Parson, they should look to other needs. The Ravens’ defensive line needs some help. LSU DE/DT Tyson Jackson is still available here. He’d be a steal and really help the Ravens out. He’s the type of player they love, big, physical run stopper. He was also well coached at LSU.

58. New England Patriots 11-5

The Pats need corners, but same problem as the Ravens have, there aren’t any good ones here and, no matter how much they need a corner, Bill Belicheck is not going to reach for one. They have issues in the backfield. Laurence Maroney is the most talented back, but he’s inconsistent and injury prone. The rest of their backs are old and lack speed. They need to get that speedy homerun threat. Wyoming RB Devin Moore would serve as that homerun threat and also help in the return game, something they need. Moore is being compared to a poor man’s Felix Jones.

59. Carolina Panthers 12-5

Julius Peppers wants a chance of scenery. That doesn’t mean he’s gone, but they need to prepare in case he leaves as a free agent because that’s more likely than not at this point. Cincinnati DE Connor Barwin could be a suitable replacement. He’s a steal here. If Peppers does return, again not likely, Barwin could play left end, where he would be an upgrade over Tyler Brayton, who had a mediocre 4.5 sacks last season.

60. NY Giants 12-5

The Giants should be put in jail, because they’re about to make a steal. Connecticut RB Donald Brown has slipped due to the lack of need for running backs, as well as the need for different types of running backs. However, Brown is a player that the Giants can get here who is capable of being an every down back in the NFL. That will help the Giants because they could lose both Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward this off season.

61. Indianapolis Colts 12-5

The Colts ignored the need for a defensive tackle last round to take the steal that was Knowshon Moreno. However, they need a defensive tackle to help out their pathetic run defense. Ron Brace is a possibility, but the Colts aren’t all that fond of big defensive tackles. Missouri DT Evander Hood should fit the system better.

62. Tennessee Titans 13-4

The Titans have a need for middle linebackers. Southern Mississippi OLB/MLB Gerald McRath is the best middle linebacker available. However, he might not be big enough to play middle linebacker in the NFL. He might be able to get away with it in Tennessee’s system, but in case he doesn’t, the Titans have the option of moving him to outside linebacker, where they’ll soon need a replacement for Keith Bulluck.

63. Arizona Cardinals 12-7*

Imagine how good the Cardinals’ air attack would be if they had a tight end who was more than just a blocker. Leonard Pope caught just 9 passes all season. If they can add a playing making tight end into the mix, like Missouri TE Chase Coffman, to go with Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Steve Breaston, their passing game would be beyond amazing.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers 14-3**

The Steelers’ history includes a long line of great centers. That line has recently stopped, so the Steelers need to continue it with Arkansas C Jonathan Luigs. Luigs is a talented center that would be the best center prospect in most draft classes, but this year is overshadowed by Alex Mack and Max Unger.

*=projected Super Bowl loser
**=projected Super Bowl winner

Seriously, comments please, I worked my ass off on this, for very little pay. Your comments keep me going. Please comment.

NFL Draft Top 100 Prospects Big Board

1. QB Matt Stafford (Georgia)
2. WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
3. OT Andre Smith (Alabama)
4. OLB/MLB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)
5. OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)
6. DE Everette Brown (Florida State)
7. DT BJ Raji (Boston College)
8. DE Brian Orakpo (Texas)
9. MLB Rey Maualuga (USC)
10. CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)
11. RB Chris Wells (Ohio State)
12. QB Mark Sanchez (USC)
13. OT Jason Smith (Baylor)
14. DE Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech)
15. WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
16. OT Michael Oher (Mississippi)
17. CB Vontae Davis (Illinois)
18. MLB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)
19. RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
20. WR Darrius Heyward Bey (Missouri)
21. SS William Moore (Missouri)
22. DE/OLB Aaron Maybin (Penn State)
23. OT Eben Britton (Arizona)
24. OG/OT Duke Robinson (Oklahoma)
25. OLB Brian Cushing (USC)
26. RB/WR Percy Harvin (Florida)
27. OLB/DE Clint Sintim (Virginia)
28. TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
29. CB DJ Moore (Vanderbilt)
30. C Alex Mack (California)
31. DT Fili Moala (USC)
32. RB LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh)
33. QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)
34. WR Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)
35. DE/OLB Larry English (Northern Illinois)
36. OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma)
37. SS Patrick Chung (Oregon)
38. FS Louis Delmas (Western Michigan)
39. CB Victor Harris (Virginia Tech)
40. WR Kenny Britt (Rutgers)
41. DT Sen’Derrick Marks (Auburn)
42. DT/DE Peria Jerry (Mississippi)
43. DE Paul Kruger (Cincinnati)
44. C Max Unger (Oregon)
45. OT William Beatty (Connecticut)
46. RB Donald Brown (Connecticut)
47. OG Herman Johnson (LSU)
48. CB Darius Butler (Connecticut)
49. OLB Clay Matthews (USC)
50. DE/DT Tyson Jackson (LSU)
51. RB Shonn Greene (Iowa)
52. DE Connor Barwin (Cincinnati)
53. TE Jared Cook (South Carolina)
54. CB Mike Mickens (Cincinnati)
55. CB Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest)
56. FS Rashad Johnson (Alabama)
57. WR Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma)
58. DT Ron Brace (Boston College)
59. OLB Tyrone McKenzie (South Florida)
60. CB Jairus Byrd (Oregon)
61. OT Troy Kropog (Tulane)
62. FS/SS/CB Sean Smith (Utah)
63. RB Devin Moore (Wyoming)
64. MLB/OLB Gerald McRath (Southern Mississippi)
65. C Jonathan Luigs (Arkansas)
66. OT Alex Boone (Ohio State)
67. RB Javon Ringer (Michigan State)
68. CB Mark Parson (Ohio)
69. QB Nate Davis (Ball State)
70. OT Fenuki Tupou (Oregon)
71. DT Evander Hood (Missouri)
72. WR Brian Robiskie (Ohio State)
73. MLB Darry Beckwith (LSU)
74. FS/CB Derek Pegues (Mississippi State)
75. TE Chase Coffman (Missouri)
76. C Antoine Caldwell (Alabama)
77. QB Rhett Bomar (Sam Houston State)
78. WR Derrick Williams (Penn State)
79. CB Asher Allen (Georgia)
80. WR Louis Murphy (Florida)
81. DT Chris Baker (Hampton)
82. OT Jamon Meredith (South Carolina)
83. OG Andy Levitre (Oregon State)
84. DE Matt Shaughnessy (Wisconsin)
85. SS/FS Emanuel Cook (South Carolina)
86. TE James Casey (Rice)
87. DT Dorell Scott (Clemson)
88. RB Jeremiah Johnson (Oregon)
89. OG Trevor Canfield (Cincinnati)
90. SS/OLB Nic Harris (Oklahoma)
91. SS Michael Hamlin (Clemson)
92. OLB Marcus Freeman (Ohio State)
93. CB Domonique Jackson (Jackson State)
94. CB DeAngelo Smith (Cincinnati)
95. DE Brandon Williams (Texas Tech)
96. OG Anthony Parker (Tennessee)
97. RB Rashad Johnson (Liberty)
98. WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Georgia)
99. CB Captain Munnerlyn (South Carolina)
100. FS/CB Sherrod Martin (Troy State)

NFL Mock Draft #4

1. Detroit Lions 0-16

There are two main arguments out there on the subject of who the Lions should pick #1. Some believe they should go the route that Miami did last year and draft an offensive lineman first and then a quarterback. Some believe they should go the route Atlanta did last year and draft a quarterback first and then an offensive lineman. However, there are two main reasons why I believe the Lions should go the route of the Falcons. First, while the Dolphins were a much better team this year, a lot of that had to do with the fact that they signed Chad Pennington in the off season. There is no guarantee that the Lions can do the same thing. Second, this is actually, if you can believe it, a weaker quarterback class than last year. Matt Stafford is at the top of the quarterback class this year, but with Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow returning to school, there isn’t a quarterback after Stafford than is a franchise quarterback. The Lions would be much better off taking the best quarterback available, Georgia QB Matt Stafford first, and then going offensive line at #20, the pick they acquired from Dallas. The offensive line class is much deeper than the quarterback class so if they want the best value for their picks, they should go quarterback and then offensive line, instead of vice versa.

2. St. Louis Rams 2-14

The Rams have huge problems with their offensive line. Marc Bulger is a frail injury prone quarterback, who takes a long time to get rid of the ball. On the left side of the line is frail injury prone Orlando Pace and on the right side of the line is a rotating door of frail injury prone right tackles. Michael Oher is the best offensive lineman available, but Alabama OT Andre Smith is right behind him and he fills more of a need for the Rams because he’s a natural right tackle. All of a sudden, if Pace can stay healthy, they have Pace and Smith at the tackle positions, which is a very strong duo to help keep Marc Bulger healthy, as he was in 2006 when the team won 10 games, or for a young quarterback to mature behind, if they decide to go that direction.

3. Kansas City Chiefs 2-14

Imagine what it must be like to play quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs. Drop back to pass, wait 20 seconds for the play to develop, oh there’s a little bit of pressure, finally, too bad I released the ball 15 seconds ago. The Chiefs have 10 sacks this season in 16 games. Jared Allen is gone and they need someone to lineup alongside Tamba Hali. Texas DE Brian Orakpo, one of college football’s most feared pass rushers, should help. He’ll take the pressure off of Hali, who had 7.5 sacks last season alongside Jared Allen, and solidify the pass rush from the other side.

4. Seattle Seahawks 4-12

Matt Hasselbeck is back, I don’t know why though. Every time he looks up to pass, there’s no one there. It is no longer at the point where they are taking random wide receivers and lining them up like it was earlier in the season, however, his top 2 options are Bobby Engram, 35 years old and counting, and Deion Branch, who hasn’t been healthy since 2005. After them, it gets even worse as Koren Robinson, Jordan Dent, and Courtney Taylor prove week after week that they just can’t catch the football. With Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree still in the board, they need to take him. He might be the most athletically gifted wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson, and that’s saying something.

5. Cleveland Browns 4-12

The Browns’ defense was miserable last season, 26th in terms of yards per game allowed, so they can go the route of best defensive player available. Wake Forest OLB/MLB Aaron Curry is that player. Willie McGinest just turned 37 and had an awful season last year and isn’t going to be much better next season. Alex Hall was decent in limited action last year, but Curry would be a huge upgrade. If Hall proves to be the real thing, they can shift Hall to defensive end, or shift Curry into the middle where he’d be an upgrade over Andra Davis.

6. Cincinnati Bengals 4-11-1

The Bengals offensive line did a lot better late in the season, helping to propel the team to a relatively amazing 4-3-1 record over their last 8 games. However, they still allowed 50 sacks last season helping Ryan Fitzpatrick’s, who once graduated from Harvard, IQ drop every game he played. Carson Palmer is going to be back next season, but if they want to keep him upright for the entire season, they need to get better pass protection. Luckily for them, Ole Miss OT Michael Oher, who has been slipping down draft boards lately, is still available here.

7. Oakland Raiders 5-11

For the purposes of this pick, I will pretend I’m Al Davis (man, am I ugly!). I could scout like a normal owner, or I could just look at the 40 times. It’s much easier and look where it’s gotten me so far. Let’s see, decent 40, decent 40, decent 40, 4.31! I don’t care who that guy is but draft him right now, I don’t care if it’s only the combine, draft him, give him millions and millions of dollars. That player is speedy Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin, who ran a 4.31 in the preseason and could be even faster at the combine. In all seriousness, the Raiders need to go some playmaking receivers for JaMarcus Russell and Maclin might make a little sense here, even though the Raiders desperately need offensive linemen. No matter how much sense the pick makes, I think it will be what Davis and the Raiders do.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11

David Garrard struggled last season throwing 13 picks after throwing only 3 the season before. I don’t know if this explains all of his struggles, but he was sacked 42 times last season. The Jaguars desperately need an upgrade at left tackle of Khalif Barnes, who is probably one of the worst starting left tackles in the league last season. Virginia OT Eugene Monroe would be a huge upgrade there and help Garrard obtain close to 2007 form. He is also a good run blocker which would help their running game which seeming hit a wall (pun intended) last season.

9. Green Bay Packers 6-10

The Packers needed depth behind their age corners Charles Woodson and Al Harris last season and never got it. This season Al Harris got hurt and their lack of depth showed. Harris could be a cap penalty this off season, but even if he isn’t they still need depth at the cornerback position. Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins could start over 34-year-old Al Harris next season, or he could also backup and not have to be rushed into the starting role which might be best for him because cornerback is one of the toughest positions to learn how to play at an NFL level.

10. San Francisco 49ers 7-9

I originally liked the idea of the Niners drafting a quarterback, like Mark Sanchez, and having him sit a year behind Shaun Hill and become the future of the team in 2010. They could still do that, but Hill has played very well of late, so they can address one of their many other areas of need. Wide receiver is one of those, but with other needs and a conservative coach, they aren’t likely to reach for Darrius Heyward-Bey or Percy Harvin. They need a corner, but it might be too early for Vontae Davis, though having both Davis brothers, Vernon and Vontae, might be a nice story. However, something tells me Mike Singletary wouldn’t like Vernon’s brother either. Defensive line is a major need. Justin Smith got big bucks and hasn’t lived up to it. If they were to draft a defensive end, like Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson, some of the pressure would be taken off of Smith. Last year’s first round pick Kentawn Balmer could also move back to defensive tackle where he belongs, rather than play left end. That makes the most sense.

11. Buffalo Bills 7-9

The Bills decline this season is a head scratching one but I think it can be credited to their decline in pass defense. Their corners are fine, in fact they used a first rounder on Leodis McKlevin last year and he has done fine. However, with Aaron Schobel, injury and age, possibly done as an elite pass rusher for his career, they need to get a #1 pass rusher quick. Quarterbacks are getting too much time in the pocket against them. Penn State DE/OLB Aaron Maybin is the best pass rusher left on the board.

12. Denver Broncos 8-8

The Broncos gave 5 yards per carry to opposing running back this season. They are very vulnerable down the middle, with a combination of Marcus Thomas, Dewayne Robertson, and Nate Webster playing on the inside of their defense at defensive tackle and middle linebacker. They’ll probably go with the best player available at either of those two positions. Since they recently hired Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator, they will probably move to a 3-4, putting them in dire need for linebackers. USC MLB Rey Maualuga has already slipped some and I can’t see him slipping much further than Denver at #12.

13. Washington Redskins 8-8

The ‘Skins pass rush was awful this season after Jason Taylor, brought in to save the rush, got hurt. Taylor is going on 35 years old and not very healthy right now so they need someone to play end in case Taylor cannot. Unfortunately, Orakpo, Johnson, and Maybin are all off of the board at this point, so they should lose elsewhere for an end, maybe the 3rd round. Marcus Washington is likely to be cut as a cap causality so they could use a replacement for him. Virginia OLB/DE Clint Sintim would fill that hole for them. Brian Cushing might be the better linebacker here, but Sintim can play defensive end if Jason Taylor can’t come back strong next year. Cushing wouldn’t be able to do that. Sintim is probably the better pass rusher too, which is the Redskins’ biggest need.

14. New Orleans Saints 8-8

The Saints defense needs helps everywhere, most notably at outside linebacker, defensive end, and safety. Outside linebacker is out of the question, unfortunately, with Curry just going to Washington. Curry could have definitely helped them out a lot more. As for defensive end, Everette Brown is a possibility. However, Kevin Kaesviharn was starting at safety before he got injured. His replacement is going to be worse. That free safety position is a mess, and one that needs to be cleaned up quick otherwise teams will continue to beat them deep next season. They ranked 23rd against the pass in terms of yards per game and with mega talent Missouri FS William Moore on the board, they need to take him. He helps them more that Brown would.

15. Houston Texans 8-8

The Texans need help almost everywhere on defense. Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans are decent, but the defense ranked 27th in the league in points per game allowed, to cancel out their deadly offense. Defensive line is probably the most likely, seeing as that’s something that the Texans always seem to draft when they have holes there. They could use an upgrade over Anthony Weaver at end. Florida State DE Everette Brown’s stock is rising right now, so he might not be available in this spot, but if he is, they need to take him. He was one of college football’s best pass rushers last season. Take away Mario Williams’ 13 sacks, this team only had 12 all last season. Anthony Weaver, who started alongside Williams all season, had 0. He did not record a single sack all season. You’d think a quarterback would slip near him and he’d get credit for it, but he didn’t even do that. No sacks. He needs to be replaced.

16. San Diego Chargers 9-9

LaDainian Tomlinson might be finished as a productive every down back in this league. Darren Sproles is a free agent and could leave for more money somewhere else. Even if he doesn’t, I still don’t like Sproles as an every down back. He proved in the Pittsburgh game that he isn’t big or consistent enough to do that. I like him in the Reggie Bush role, kick returner/punt returner/change of pace back/slot receiver. Speed doesn’t automatically make you a good running back. However, if you’re fast, there is something you can do to help a football team. Sproles just isn’t a running back. Since neither he or LT seem capable of being every down backs for a title contending team, and since the Chargers have no other needs, they should take Ohio State RB Chris Wells here and trade LT while he still has some value. If they wait a season, they might have to flat out release him, but now they might even be able to get a 2nd round pick for him, or at least a 3rd. Wells can take over right away as a starting running back, with Sproles in the Reggie Bush role. This might be able to become a deadly offense once again next season.

17. New York Jets 9-7

The Jets don’t have huge glaring needs, so they can draft best available here. That would be Ohio State MLB James Laurinaitis, a 3 time All-American. Their middle linebackers could stand to be upgraded, especially since both are 31 years old, and David Bowens isn’t having that good of a season to beginning with.

18. Chicago Bears 9-7

The Bears biggest need right now is getting better pass rushers to put pressure on the quarterback. They have a strong steady defense, deadly against the run, but their lack of a pass rush put their pass defense in the bottom half in the majority of the major pass defense categories. However, due to underclassmen like Greg Hardy, George Selvie, and Greg Middleton returning to school, there isn’t one that merits selection here. Rather than reaching for Tyson Jackson, the Bears should focus on other needs. The Bears got so desperate for wide receivers last year that they converted Devin Hester. That didn’t work as Devin Hester couldn’t balance being both a kick returner and wide receiver, ending up being mediocre at both. They need to draft a receiver so they can keep Hester in the slot and on special teams. Maryland WR Darrius Heyward Bey is the type of athlete they need to add to their receiving core. He didn’t have a great year last year, but he’s 6-3 and runs a 4.32 40. He’s also an extremely hard worker so I see no reason why he can’t grow into the future #1 option of the Bears.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7

When I first made this mock draft, I had Mark Sanchez going here. While writing the mock, Jon Gruden was fired so I had a change my pick. Sanchez likely would have gone here if Jon Gruden was still in charge and on his magical quest on find the perfect quarterback. However, with a new regime in town, I doubt they’ll take a signal caller, at least in the first round. Earnest Graham had a great 2007, but he was an injury risk in 2008, plus he just turned 29, which isn’t good for a running back. Cadillac Williams is probably never going to be Cadillac Williams again, even though his return is somewhat miraculous. Warrick Dunn can’t shoulder the load by himself next year if Graham and Williams get hurt or flat out can’t be effective. The reason they collapsed late in the season is because Dunn had to carry the load and their running game struggled. Dunn is 34 years old. If he couldn’t carry the load last year, he won’t be able to this year. They have some decent players at running back, but they need a feature back and with Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno still available, he should be the pick.

20. Detroit Lions (via DAL) 0-16

The Lions have defensive issues, but they should postpone those until the 2nd round. They should really look to follow Atlanta’s model from last off season. I already have them taking their franchise quarterback in Matt Stafford, now they need a franchise left tackle. Baylor OT Jason Smith is long overdue to be drafted. He is not a natural left tackle, but can certainly play there. This would allow them to move Jeff Backus inside to guard where he belongs and successfully upgrade two positions at once.

21. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6-1

The Eagles offensive line was mediocre last season, especially for an Andy Reid team. It could get worse this off season as Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are both free agents. Even if they do return, they still need an offensive tackle here. Runyan is 35 and Thomas 34. They aren’t going to be around forever even if they do resign. Eben Britton is the best offensive tackle available, but looking at the trends, 310 pound Eben Britton might not be big enough for Andy Reid’s taste. Reid’s offensive line doesn’t have a single starter weighing less than 321 pounds, including 4 players over 330. This is no coincidence. It may be that Reid feels bigger offensive linemen are better. It may be that surrounding himself with bigger offensive linemen helps him feel better about his own weight problems. I don’t know, but I know that if given the choice between 310 Britton and 340 pound Oklahoma OT Phil Loadholt, Reid is going to take Loadholt, even if he’s a little bit lower rated of a prospect. Loadholt is still a great offensive tackle that can help this line out in the future.

22. Minnesota Vikings 10-7

The Vikings could take a quarterback here. Mark Sanchez is still on the board. However, Brad Childress is still coaching. He still believes in Tavaris Jackson enough to give him another shot. He might take a quarterback later in the draft, but he’s not going to take one here. The team has a huge hole at right tackle that they should look to fill here. Arizona OT Eben Britton is still available. He can play on the right side and help protect Jackson as he tries to prove he is in fact a capable quarterback (somehow I’m skeptical). Nevertheless, this pick is going to be an offensive lineman as long as Britton is available and Childress is head coach.

23. New England Patriots 11-5

The Patriots some how won 11 games this season despite the fact that their cornerback are awful. Ever since Asante Samuel left, Ellis Hobbs has been the #1 corner, and there really has been no legitimate #2 cornerback, with Belicheck using a weird rotation of Lewis Sander, Deltha O’Neal, and Jonathan Wilhite. Illinois CB Vontae Davis should be a top 5 or top 10 pick by potential, but he has slipped due to discipline problems. Davis has the potential to turn into that #1 corner, with Hobbs shifting back to the #2. Even if he does not reach his full potential, he is better than any corner they have other than Hobbs and better than any other corner available in the draft.

24. Atlanta Falcons 11-5

It’s amazing what good quarterbacks can do. Matt Ryan single handedly masked all of the Falcons other weaknesses that were so glaring last off season. However, just because he masked them, doesn’t mean they are gone, and they still have a huge hole right in the middle of their defense line at defensive tackle. Plugging that hole with 310 pound USC DT Fili Moala, once projected a top 10 pick, makes a lot of sense, especially since the Falcons are still giving up 4.9 yards per carry, good for 5th worst in the NFL.

25. Miami Dolphins 11-6

Bill Parcells likes linebackers, especially ones who were well coached in college. Brian Cushing fits that mold. He went to USC and could help the Dolphins current holes at linebacker, as well as be an eventually replacement for Joey Porter. However, Bill Parcells isn’t stupid. He knows his team played an unbelievably easy schedule this year and, despite the fact that they didn’t really play that many top quarterbacks, they looked like one of the worst pass defenses every week. He knows his team is going to have to play a tough schedule next year, including games against Big Ben and Pittsburgh, Peyton Manning and the Colts, Tom Brady and the Patriots, twice, and Phillip Rivers and the Chargers. Having Will Allen as your top corner isn’t going to cut it. Vanderbilt CB DJ Moore is going to be able to add some fire to the defensive backfield next year and for years to come. Remember, this team is still a work in progress, a rebuilding project that just happened to win the division last year. They still need to focus on the future and they can’t go into the future without good cornerbacks.

26. Baltimore Ravens 13-5

What happened to Mark Clayton? Suddenly Joe Flacco's only option is 34-year-old Derrick Mason. They need a wide receiver to breathe some live into that receiving core. Florida RB/WR Percy Harvin isn’t a true wide receiver, but, as Miami proved with Ted Ginn, speed doesn’t need a position to help your team and Harvin, who is projected to run a 40 between 4.27 and 4.31 at the combine, has plenty of speed. He would provide the playmaker, either out of backfield or lining up at receiver, that Joe Flacco lacked this year. He could also play some wildcat and help on some reverses and in the return game.

27. Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR) 11-6-1

There were some rumors, last draft, that Philly might trade their pick to Cleveland for Kellen Winslow Jr. That never happened and they traded the pick for a first rounder this year and some lesser picks last year. Still, LJ Smith might be one of the worst starting tight ends in the league and now it appears he is on bad terms with Andy Reid and might not be brought back this off season. There are plenty of tight ends that have late first to early second round potential, but the one I think is best is Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew. He is a good receiving tight end, with the potential to be like Kellen Winslow or any other good receiving tight end. If Dustin Keller can go first round in 2008, Pettigrew can go first round in 2009.

28. Indianapolis Colts 12-5

They used to be able to stop the run. What happened? Even with Bob Sanders back they are still one of the worst run defenses in the league. They definitely need a defensive tackle. They were so desperate to get one at the trade deadline, they traded for Bills cast off John McCargo, before he failed his physical and the trade didn't go through. They are going to make a run at Albert Haynesworth this offseason, but that's no guarantee. The best defensive tackle available is questionable. BJ Raji, Sen'Derrick Marks, and Peria Jerry are all possibilities, but Auburn DT Sen'Derrick Marks fits the Colts system better and I think is the best of the three against the run.

29. New York Giants 13-4

The Giants showed late in the season that Eli Manning sucks without Plaxico Burress. It has gotten so bad that they are thinking of bringing him back next season while he is on trial. The Giants made a stand by suspending him and going back on that now would be something that the organization as a whole would have trouble recovering from. Instead of bringing back Plax, draft Rutgers WR Kenny Britt, a 6-5 receiver who plays similar to Plax. They might be able to get Britt when they draft, with New Orleans’ selection, in the 2nd round. However, they don’t want to risk it. Linebacker is a need for them and Brian Cushing would fit here, but they can get a linebacker next round. They might be able to make a selection that would cut their ties for Plax next round. They can do that here and they need to.

30. Tennessee Titans 13-4

Corner is a definite need for the Titans, but the more I think about it, the less I see them reaching for Victor Harris. Jeff Fisher would probably be the one making the pick for them, so I think this will be a front 4 player. Albert Haynesworth is a free agent after the season, and if he goes, so could their success. They need a safety net at defensive tackle. Boston College DT BJ Raji is the best and biggest defensive tackle remaining, which the Titans love. Even if Haynesworth returns, Raji and Haynesworth together on the inside of that line would make this team even more dangerous.

31. Arizona Cardinals 11-7*

The Cardinals have two major needs, running back and defensive end. However, they are well enough off at those two positions to wait until later in the draft if they have to, rather than reaching for Paul Kruger or LeSean McCoy. Since they don’t have any other needs, they can afford to draft the man scouts are calling the best offensive line prospect in the draft and the best center prospect in years, California C Alex Mack. Mack has slipped here just because there never is a need for centers, but he has the talent to be one of the top players in this draft class. The Cardinals signed Al Johnson to a big contract a while back, but he is injured and may never play again. They need an upgrade over Lyle Sendlien at center, especially since this is a power running team. With no glaring needs, they can afford to get a major upgrade at that position with Alex Mack.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers 14-3**

Their line was bad last year. Then they lose Alan Faneca and did not replace him. Now, Ben Roethlisberger gets sacked every time looks up seemingly and Willie Parker is struggling without that dominant run blocker to set up his cuts. They need to fix that; the fact that Oklahoma OG Duke Robinson is still available here only adds to that argument. Add in the fact that they have no other real needs and you have a team that needs to draft Duke Robinson.

*=my pick to win NFC
**=my pick to win AFC and Super Bowl