NFL Draft is here!! This draft could go down as one of the best in the last 10 years for defensive players as they fly off the board quickly. I took my time and did the research on these players and alot of potential superstar are available and even future starting QB's in the later rounds. THESE are MY Opinions. So enjoy and tell me what you think and who I might be missing!
Carolina Panthers: Pick #1-Nick Fairley DT Auburn.
Andrew Luck would have been the obvious decision here and he decided to stay in college for another season. In a division with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman, rushing the passer is a must. Carolina thinnest position is DT and it must be addressed. Fairley, a one year wonder, but the tape don't lie. He DOMINATED the SEC and Oregon in the title game. A great pass rusher and great against double teams. Carolina can address the QB position in free agency with Marc Bulger and Donovon McNabb possibly looking for new homes.
Denver Broncos: Pick #2-Marcel Dareus DT Alabama
The Broncos will almost certainly go defense with the number 2 pick. Patrick Peterson I believe would have been the pick here if Champ Bailey decided on not returning. De'Quan Bowers will get a strong look here but with the Denver returning back to the 4-3 defense, and last year pick Robert Ayers and the return of Elvis Dumervil will hold down the End spot. Dareus will give them a beefy body to handle the 3 Technique. Another SEC defender who dominated teams week in and week. Pass Rushing DT's are a premium in this league and two come off the board early. A much needed body as conference opponents KC Chiefs and Oakland Raiders have top 10 rushing offenses.
Buffalo Bills: Pick #3-Cam Newton QB Auburn
Despite the Bills showing confidence in Ryan Fitzpatrick, I think they still look to bring in their future QB. Chan Gailey is an expert with spread/shotgun offenses and mobile/athletic QB’s. Just go back and look what he did with Tyler Thigpen in Kansas City. Cam Newton here makes sense. The Bills like him, and he fits their offensive philosophy. The Bills have the luxury of sitting him and allowing him to learn behind Fitzpatrick. Bills who have trouble attracting fans to games would now get a franchise QB along with a future star RB C.J. Spiller to bring some excitement to this city. As much the Bills need a pass rusher, they need a face to the franchise. Cam films might show flaws, but he's raw and probably has the biggest upside in the entire draft.
Cincinnati Bengals: Pick #4-De'Quan Bowers DE Clemson
I believe this is the most interesting spot in the entire draft. Cincinnati has a QB who refuses to come back and play and vows to retire if not traded or cut. Terrelle Owens will not return and Chad Ochocinco is aging and a free agent after next season. The problem is Cincinnati has alot of problems they want to address on defense. The team that can help this situation is the New England Patriots who own 2 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks and are crazy about drafting A.J. Green. I believe this is the trade of the draft. Keep in mind that while their is no CBA, players are not allowed to be traded. Cincinnati would love to trade for Kevin Kolb, receive picks for Carson Palmer and take Bowers. Bowers, compared to Julius Peppers, would also be looked at by Carolina as the #1 Pick. Relentless force who led the nation in Sacks. He joins Carlos Dunlap to form a future dominate pass rushing pair. I think this is pick that could be traded though.
Arizona Cardinals: Pick #5-Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
OLB Joey Porter didn't provide the pass rush the Cardinals has hoped for, so he likely will be released or brought back to mentor him for another season. The problem with Arizona is the obvious need for a QB. The ownership went to Larry Fitzgerald for a list of QB's the team should go after with Kevin Kolb at the top. I think the franchise would like to take Blaine Gabbert here but with Fitzgerald contract ending next season, i don't think they are willing to risk taking him with losing out with Larry the following season. Von Miller brings a pass rushing ability and 3-4 experience. A relentless pass rusher and great in pass coverage who had a great senior bowl and combine showing. One of the players in the draft that will become a pro bowler down the road.
Cleveland Browns: Pick #6-A.J. Green WR Georgia
A.J. Green, the most talented offensive player in this years draft might be too talented to fall to the 6th pick. I believe he is drafted by the Patriots if the trade is made but as of now this is Cleveland pick. The Browns would like to go defensive live here but will NOT pass on A.J. The Browns have confidence in Colt Mccoy, have a stud in running back Peyton Hillis and TE Ben Watson and is in desperate need of a star wide receiver. They get will get instant impact from Green who draw comparison from Randy Moss. A lanky 6'4 with a long stride, he can outrun most and out jump all. This will be the pick that will help the Browns become relevant again within the next year or two.
San Francisco 49ers: Pick #7-Patrick Peterson CB LSU
The best player in the entire draft! Locked down Julio Jones a year ago when Alabama was national champs. Big, Fast, physical corner with great size at 6'1 with elite speed. Beast on special teams. The 49ers has cut ties with Nate Clements and are in desperate need of a CB. They would love a QB but can find one in the 2nd round or be fine with Alex Smith for another season. It hard to imagine Peterson fall this far into the 49ers lap but team have more pressing needs at the moment.
Tennessee Titans: Pick #8-Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
The Titans will attempt to trade Vince Young and Kerry Collins days with the Titans appear to be here. Losing Jason Babin will hurt and will cause the Titans look long at DE Robert Quinn but a new QB is in order. I believe QB Ryan Mallet would be a great option here with his ability to throw the ball deep with WRs Kenny Britt and Randy Moss on the roster, but alleged drug usage will cause him to fall in this draft. Blaine Gabbert will still fill some of the needs but not quite the throw that Mallet is. His transition from the spread offense will take time but can make the necessary throws to be the day 1 starter.
Dallas Cowboys: Pick #9-Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
The Cowboys were a major disappointment last season, a team loaded with talent with not needing to address many needs. I think Dallas would like to take OT Nate Soldier or S Rahim Moore here but neither is worth the #9 pick. Dallas will go with the most talented played on the board. Mike Jenkins got beat all season long and no longer look like a starting CB. Amukamara will bring his physical presence to that Dallas secondary and become a great cover corner. Great size and good speed, showed he can play with the best but had one of his worse 2 games against elite Wr's.
Washington Redskins: Pick #10-Julio Jones WR Alabama
The Washington Redskins is another team in this draft that should consider trading back and receiving more draft picks. Its hard to imagine that DT Albert Haynesworth or QB Donovon McNabb will return. RB Clinton Portis has already been cut. Free agents ILB Rocky McIntosh, CB Carlos Rogers, and WR Santana Moss could all leave. I believe Mike Shanahan has faith in Rex Grossman, RB Ryan Torain had a productive season last year but with WR Anthony Armstrong as your #2 WR, there is a problem. Going into the season he will be the #1. Julio Jones replaces this problem as he becomes the Redskins draft pick. A physical, talented WR who plays the game angry. In the same mold as Terrell Owens, he run routes around the middle, blocks to whistle and can stretch the field. With a great combine on a broke foot, he even played this season with a broken hand and his production never dropped. Teams worry about his durability but having played with multiple injuries, they know he is tough. I believe will become one of the top 10 WR's in the league in a matter of 2 years.
Houston Texans: Pick #11-Cameron Jordan DE/OLB Cal
The Texans need a CB PERIOD!! Stat wise they had one of the worse secondaries in NFL history. The Texans are moving to a 3-4 defense and can generate a pass rush. Can they attract free agents like Nnamdi Asomugha so they can go else place in the draft? Jimmy Smith is a great talent but has serious character issues. Tested positive for drugs in college and has been arrested. He has all the talent in the world to be a great corner and i dont think the Texans take the risk here. I think they would love Von Miller here too but he will be gone. Wade Philips is brings his 3-4 scheme over and would love to have a toy to play with in Cameron Jordan. Jordan with a great combine comes screaming off the edge and Wade would love to mold him into the next Demarcus Ware.
Minnesota Vikings: Pick #12-Robert Quinn DE North Carolina
The Vikings are at a interesting spot sitting at #12 They have some glaring holes that need to be addressed starting with the Quarterback position. As bad as i think they want to take Ryan Mallet here, his off the field issues will cause them to pass. The Vikings have enough offensive weapons to attract a QB in free agency and take a younger one later in the draft. Kevin Kolb and Donovon McNabb would be great options. They have holes at OLB but i think a coach like Leslie Frazier can attract a guy like Ernie Sims to join the team as a FA. DE Ray Edwards wants to leave badly and DT Pat Williams is no longer a force. The Vikings will decide to go with Robert Quinn to pair with Jared Allen. The NFC North packed with pass happy teams, its a must that pass rush is addressed. Quinn would missed his entire senior season because of a agent scandal would have been a top 5 if he would have played. Dominated from the edge both junior and soph year and will force teams to respect him and not force help to Jared Allen.
Detroit Lions: Pick 13-Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
OLB Julian Peterson has been cut and OLB Zack Follett will likely retire because of a neck injury. Thats two Outside Linebacker starters thats need to be replaced and one needs to be a stud out of college. The Lions signed SS Erik Coleman to help bolster the secondary so Akeem Ayers is the pick here. Ayers, a freakish athlete with smarts and outstanding versatility at the linebacker. After upgrading their defensive line in 2010, the Lions need guys that can fly to the ball, and Ayers is a sideline-to-sideline tackler who can also rush the QB and drop into coverage.
ST. Louis Rams: Pick #14-Corey Liuget DT Illinois
The guy they will be eye-ballin the most is off the board in Julio Jones. Josh McDaniels would like to add a WR's but none is talented enough to take here at the #14 pick. The Rams would like a OLB too but none is worth this high of a pick. With DT Clifton Ryan taking his talents else place, Corey Liuget become the 1st Big Ten player off the board. No player is flying up draft boards quite like Liuget. He had an outstanding 2010 season, showing great strength and athleticism. For such a big and powerful defensive tackle, he has rare explosiveness off the snap to blow up plays in the backfield by driving offensive linemen.
Miami Dolphins: Pick #15-Mark Ingram RB Alabama
This is a no brainer pick. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both have expiring contracts and the team plans on probably bring one back and that will be the younger Ronnie Brown. Mark Ingram a bruiser of a tailback is the best running back in the draft. A slow 40 time will not be even considered a problem as his tape shows explosiveness and plenty of yards after contact. People payed more attention to his 1st 10 yards in the 40 which was of of the best at the combine. Another player who plays the game angry and a great pass catcher out of the backfield. I expect him to do great things for Miami for over 10 years.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Pick #16-J.J. Watt DE Wisconsin
The Jags would love a QB here but none are worthy for this pick. The Jaguars loaded up with DT's last year and would love a passing rush DE. J.J. Watt falls into their lap at the #16 pick. Top ten talent but falls because of teams pressing need. A guy who big and strong but has a great motor. The jaguars are trying a form a young dominate defensive line to slow the passing attacks of the Colts, Texans, and Titans and they could be well on their way with this pick.
New England Patriots: Pick #17-Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
DE Ty Warren could be cut or traded given the recent lack of production and injury issues. The Pats havent been able to offset the loss of Richard Seymour and Clayborn can make that a distant memory. Clayborn is a versatile defensive linemen that should excel at the NFL level. Explosive against the run and the pass, He has a motor that just won’t quit. He will need to learn to 2-gap effectively, but his physical and mental makeup make him a great fit for New England. Will be very surprised if he even fall this far in the draft.
San Diego Chargers: Pick #18-Nate Solder OT Colorado
Solder is a mammoth lineman that has all the potential in the world. He would solidify a Chargers offensive line that is already pretty good. SD offense and defense were both ranked inside the top 10 so they will draft the best player available. With Richard Seymour, Tyson Jackson & Glenn Dorsey, and Elvis Dumervil coming off the edge in the AFC West. He will help slow them.
New York Giants: Pick #19-Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
Castonzo is a strong but nimble blocker that should solidify the Giants line down the road but adding another piece to a line that already good but aging. The Giants need a OLB badly and will look at Martez Wilson for a long time but another team loaded with talent that can make a playoff push will take the best player available.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Pick #20-Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
One of favorite players in this entire draft. The Bucs have been looking forward to this draft for its heavy dose of prospects at defensive end. I thought Kerrigan was the best defender in the Big 10 and put up big numbers on a bad team by himself. He is incredibly productive pass-rush specialist and pairing him Gerald McCoy will be another great pick for the Bucs and great value.
Kansas City Chiefs: Pick #21-Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
Carimi is a mauler that will open up holes in the running game and is a solid presence against the pass rush. He can play either left or right tackle. The Outland award winner will feel a need for the Chiefs because Barry Richardson is not getting the job done. I think the Chiefs would love to take Aldon Smith here to replace Mike Vrabel but Carimi is too good to pass up.
Indianapolis Colts: Pick #22-Derek Sherrod OT Wisconsin
The offensive line need an influx of talent. Look for the Colts to use a high draft pick on an offensive lineman. I think they would consider Nate Solder, Gabe Carmimi, Anthony Castonzo and Derek Sherrod. Sherrod will probably would be the last one left on the board. Sherrod is a great prospect that will bring some depth and new blood to their offensive line.
Philadelphia Eagles: Pick #23-Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
OLB Ernie Sims deal is over and probably won't be back. The team also needs to be cautious with Brandon Graham returning from a torn ACL. I believe the team wants to take a Offensive Tackle at this position but the top ones are off the board. With Ellis Hobbs retiring, corner is the most glaring need for the Eagles, although they would probably much rather pick a lineman or trade down. CB Nnamdi Asomugha would be a perfect complement to Asante Samuel if the Eagles would be willing to pay the price. I think they lose out on Asomugha and Jimmy Smith becomes their pick. Smith excels in press coverage. After a good combine, he will become a household name. He has top 10 talent but character issues has him falling in the draft. If he correct his issues, I believe he can win rookie of the year and become a household name around the league.
New Orleans Saints: Pick #24-Mike LeShoure RB Illinois
I think this move will be financially motivated. The Saints have tough decisions to make on Rb's Reggie Bush, who is due a salary of $11.8 Million, and Pierre Thomas, who can become a free agent. As an undersized power back, thomas has a taken a beaten the past few season. He is coming off an ankle injury and cost him 10 games in 2010 and the team is uncertain he can hold up, he will probably be released. The team must decide if Bush is worth $12 Million next season. My guess is he will be cut also. They have 27 potential free agents, and they'll have to keep the key players and have to pay Brees to a lucrative extension. Leshoure is an impressive back with size, speed, and power. His vision will need to improve to excel in the NFL. He will become a good chance of pace back for Ivory.
Seattle Seahawks: Pick #25-Jake Locker QB Washington
The key to this pick will be Matt Hasslebeck. He will be courted by The 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals if they aren't able to make a trade for Kevin Kolb. The 49ers and Cardinals have better rosters to make a run in the playoffs and Hasslebeck will be chasing for the ring this late in his career. I think this is here Pete Carroll steps up and take Locker as his replacement. Its hard to understand how a player who would have been the #1 overall pick a year ago can almost fall out of the 1st round a year later with NO draftable teammates on offense in his 4 years. Pete Carroll had to game plan against this kid at USC and lost. His top former assistant was Locker's head coach at Washington. Locker could be the guy to bring back the good times if he can improve his accuracy. He has great feet and a live arm. While Locker hasn’t had the best post-season, some team will fall in love with his potential. I really think this guy becomes one of the stars of the draft.
Baltimore Ravens: Pick #26-Brandon Harris CB Miami
After a poor showing in his Bowl Game, Harris has shown the skills that once made him a 1st-round prospect in the senior. He had a great combine and improved his draft stock. Baltimore loves drafting players from Miami. The Ravens would love to replace Dawan Landry who probably won't return but can find a quality Safety in the 2nd round.
Atlanta Falcons: Pick #27-Allen Bailey DE Miami
The Falcons without many glaring needs would like to add a defensive end to pair with John Abraham, get some type of elite CB or find a future replacement for Tony Gonzalez. Kyle Rudolph will get a good long look her and Cameron Heyward injury will force him to fall. Atlanta is a good city and a nice team to attract Nnamdi Asomugha. DE Jamal Anderson will probably be cut because of salary cut reason. The team will need to address that issue and take Allen Bailey. Bailey is a quick DL that can get to the quarterback with a great bull rush. Will be a very good 4-3 DT/DE or two-gap DE in the NFL.
New England Patriots: Pick #28-Cameron Heyward DE Ohio St.
The Patriots again will take another elite DE with this pick. They are loaded with draft picks and can address any position at any time. NE was down to 3rd string DL last year and will not be caught in that situation again. The past few drafts , the Pats have spent 1st rounders at DB's and LB and this year is DL. Heyward could play as an undersized 4-3 DT but will fit as a 3-4 End. Post season injuries caused him to fall in this draft and the Pats will get the most out of him in his career.
Chicago Bears: Pick #29-Stephen Paea DT Oregon ST
Tommie Harris was due 2.5 million and was cut from the roster and probably won't be signed for less money. The Bears like strong physical DT's who can keep blockers off of Brian Erlacher. Paea, who broke the combine bench press record, is a stout defensive lineman that has tons of upside. Plays the pass and run well, some additional experience could make him a true force
New York Jets: Pick #30-Phil Taylor DT Baylor
Vernon Gholston was a bust and was cut, Kris Jenkins stayed injured and was cut, Jason Taylor was cut and likely to retire, and DE Shaun Ellis likely won't be re-signed. The Jets will still have one of the most talented defenses in the league and would like to add a young thick body. Taylor is that monster that can eat up blockers and will keep the linebackers clean for the Jets. Taylor is an incredible prospect that moves extremely well for a 330+ pound human. He down the road will do for the Jets what Vince Wilfolk and Casey Hampton do for the Pats and Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Pick #31-Mike Pouncey OG/C Florida
Pouncey should excel at guard for the Steelers, playing right next to his brother Maurkice. They bring a playing experience to each other that should ease him into the starting lineup from day 1. He was a better player when he was able to play guard for the Gator. He will be pushed my his pro bowl brother daily and will become a key cog for the steelers in the middle.
Green Bay Packers: Pick #32-Justin Houston OLB/DE Georgia
The Packers is loaded with youth across the board at every position. DE Cullen Jenkins will be the hardest player to bring back. i think they take the best player available that fit their defensive scheme. If you watched Justin Houston at Georgia, you know he had an outstanding season for the Bulldog showing that he can play multiple positions in multiple defenses. He doesn’t do anything really spectacular, but has very good instincts and does the little things right. Who does that remind you of? Clay Matthews!!
