Bob Magaw
Footballguy
i could definitely see the top three picks being jason smith, monroe & curry... we shall see about crabtree to SEA... local product jenkins has been linked with CLE for a while, but he ran a 4.5 40... can he play CB at the NFL level, & if not, is this too high for a safety? will CIN also be looking at raji? maclin seems like a good fit for OAK, for a few reasons (they need a WR to help with russell's development, & he has explosive speed & open field running skills)... stafford to JAX... REALLY??? they are expected to look at OT, but admittedly the top two prospects are off the board, & the next best have multiple question marks & could well be reaches... haven't seen cushing this high in any mocks (top 10), but his measurables are off the charts... was heyward-bey's combine enough to propel him into the top 10 (i'm not so sure)... raji in DEN would be a good fit if he lasts that long... after his disastrous combine, andre smith will be very lucky to go at #13 to WAS... he has some serious damage control to do at his pro day (count me a sceptic he goes this high, though he has some good film & LTs are of course highly coveted)... vontae davis would be a good fit in NO, would make a nice bookend with '08 rookie porter, who looked like a potential future star before injury... tyson jackson going to HOU, seems like he would be popular with 3-4 teams (nearly 300 lb DE), but not sure about this high... "loogie" had a less than stellar combine, may have dropped down out of the first half of 1st round (though probably not out of the 1st altogether)... the key questions, can he cover & defend in space... IS HE A THREE DOWN LB?? if not, no way you take him here... hakeem nicks is flying up the board... oher has some maturity questions, but at this juncture, somebody may well take the risk... physically & athletically there is a lot to like... maybin is undersized, but that never scared TB away before... i could see sanchez falling to DET... they would probably be very happy to get their QB of the future after already securing their LT for the next decade with 1st pick overall... PHI certainly needs an OT, as they are getting old in a hurry there, & were reportedly shopping justice, who looks like a bust... with the acquisition of rosenfels via trade QB should be off MIN's wish list, but do they really need a WR with berrian & rice? OL may be more pressing? they probably need replacement for birk, though not sure any interior OL worth a pick here... moreno (or beanie wells) could be good fit in NE, but secondary seems like a pressing need... no safety worth a 1st (maybe CB?)... the falcons supposedly coveted dorsey last year (though obviously are thrilled with how things worked out, getting ryan & baker in 1st), so jerry fits... not sure about laurinaitis to colts... aside from fact that he ran a pederstrain, lineman-like 4.8 40, when was the last time IND spent a 1st on a LB? by a similar rationale, PHI doesn't usually take WRs this high (though they had great results with jackson in the 2nd last year)...
http://www.nfl.com/combine/story?id=09000d...mp;confirm=true
Mock draft: Don't bank on Lions taking Stafford with No. 1 pick
By Pat Kirwan - NFL.com
Senior Analyst
Now that I am back from the NFL Combine, it's time to take what the event taught us about the talent pool for 2009 and implement it in our first mock draft of the season.
The quarterbacks didn't distinguish themselves in Indianapolis. The combine showed that while there are a number of solid running backs, there's little reason to use a first-round pick on one. The wide receivers displayed a lot of speed and, as a group, probably moved up in the draft. The offensive tackles will provide multiple first-round options, while teams can wait on the guards and centers.
On defense, there are a number of hybrid players who fit as 3-4 outside linebackers or 4-3 defensive ends, and a few of them will go quickly in the first round. There is a cloud of doubt over the inside backers, as Rey Maualuga injured a hamstring during his first 40-yard dash and James Laurinaitis ran poorly. Cornerbacks should take up three or four spots in the first round, but teams will wait on safeties until the later rounds.
The Lions and Eagles have multiple first-round picks, while the Cowboys and Panthers must wait until the first round is over for a pick. I got the sense from talking to a number of GMs and head coaches that there is little interest in risk-taking at the top of the draft with athletes who have off-the-field issues, medical issues and "signability" issues. Athletes that came to the combine, performed most of the drills well, interviewed well and created a feeling of being safe picks moved up draft boards. Athletes who had medical issues, decided not to compete or demonstrated some immaturity moved down. As one GM said, "There's just too much damn money involved at the top of the draft to take a risk."
With that in mind, here's my first mock draft:
1. Detroit Lions
Jason Smith OT, Baylor
Right now, it would appear there is a bit of doubt about Matthew Stafford being worthy of the top pick in the draft. An underclassman under 6-foot-3 who ran close to 4.9 in the 40-yard dash on a number of watches has a lot to prove. Jason Smith had a fine workout, passed the eyeball test and can be plugged into the lineup for the next 10 years.
2. St. Louis Rams
Eugene Monroe OT, Virginia
The Rams could get serious about Michael Crabtree if the medical news about his foot is positive, but right now Monroe is a safe pick, and it transitions with the end of Orlando Pace's career. If Pace plays in 2009, Monroe can start at guard just like Jonathan Ogden did during his rookie season in Baltimore.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron Curry LB, Wake Forest
The Chiefs are going to build a 3-4 defense and Curry gives them a critical piece at outside linebacker. If Stafford drops to them, they will think long and hard about him because the jury is still out on Tyler Thigpen.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech
Only the foot injury would allow Crabtree to fall to the No. 4 spot, but his 231 receptions in just two seasons in college should be enough for the Seahawks to draft him. He's just what the doctor ordered for this offense.
5. Cleveland Browns
Malcolm Jenkins CB, Ohio State
The Browns have a lot of needs, and cornerback is one of them. An outside linebacker who can rush the passer is priority No. 1, but with Curry gone, local Ohio State product Malcolm Jenkins is perfect. Keep in mind that new coach Eric Mangini took Darrelle Revis in the first round when he was with the Jets.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Orakpo DE/LB, Texas
The Bengals have lots of needs, and they tend to ignore defense early in drafts. A wide receiver would work here, and if Crabtree slid they might do it. But they need help on defense. Orakpo is versatile and helps with a pass rush that has to improve.
7. Oakland Raiders
Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri
As the Raiders release high-priced veterans, they need playmakers. I could see an offensive or defensive tackle at this spot, but Al Davis loves speed, and Maclin has a lot of it. He led the nation with over 200 all-purpose yards per game, and he could team up with Johnnie Lee Higgins to make a dangerous tandem.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Matthew Stafford QB, Georgia
The Jaguars were probably thinking they had a shot at Mark Sanchez, but it's possible Stafford slides to the No. 8 spot. If the quarterbacks are gone, then Jacksonville could take a left tackle like Andre Smith or Michael Oher. Stafford would not have to take the field for a year or two while David Garrard runs the offense, which would be ideal for the Georgia star, who would become a fan favorite in a city right on the Georgia border.
9. Green Bay Packers
Brian Cushing LB, USC
The Packers are switching to a 3-4 defense, and they have to be thinking about an outside linebacker opposite Aaron Kampman. Cushing has played OLB, ILB, safety, defensive end and is just an all-around solid football player. At the combine, he measured in at 6-foot-3, 243 pounds, put up the 225-pound bench press 30 times, ran sub-4.7 in the 40-yard dash on a number of handheld watches and looked good in his drill work.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland
The 49ers have so many needs, and after Heyward-Bey ran a sub-4.3 in the 40 at his size, he moved up draft boards. He can stretch the field, which is critical as teams try to stop Frank Gore in the running attack. He will need to catch the ball better at his pro day to keep up the momentum he built at the combine.
11. Buffalo Bills
Everette Brown DE/LB, Florida State
The Bills need a pass rush and an outside linebacker. Brown could satisfy both issues. After Brown measured in at 6-foot-1½ and 256 pounds, he really moved to the linebacker group instead of the defensive end group that he worked out with in Indianapolis. His 20 sacks over the last two years can't be overlooked.
12. Denver Broncos
B.J. Raji DT, Boston College
The Broncos have a long way to go to convert their defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4. They simply aren't big enough up front to be a two-gap team or have enough pass rush to protect the corners. Raji is a good fit in any front, and while the Broncos are playing a mix of the two fronts, at least they would add a big man (337 pounds) inside to help stop the run and collapse the pocket.
13. Washington Redskins
Andre Smith OT, Alabama
Smith created quite a stir at the combine by leaving unannounced and not working out. He is immature in some respects and could have some weight issues, but he's one heck of a talent. He's a guy who can maul opponents and has extremely long arms (35 3/8) to pass block. Washington takes him as it prepares for the end of Chris Samuels' career.
14. New Orleans Saints
Vontae Davis CB, Illinois Defense is the reason the Saints haven't made a run at the Super Bowl. They paid a lot of money to the defensive line, and while they could be considered underachievers, the secondary also needs help. Davis is a big corner and could start from day one.
15. Houston Texans
Tyson Jackson DE, LSU
Jackson is one of the few true 4-3 left defensive-end candidates in the draft. He weighed in at 295 pounds, and he could really help opposite Mario Williams. As teams run the ball away from Williams, the Texans need a stout player holding up the strong side. Jackson will never get the protection schemes his way and he should generate some needed pass rush from the left side. His 4.96 time in the 40 is a bit pedestrian, but his 27 tackles for a loss and 18.5 sacks during his career at LSU make him a solid pick.
16. San Diego Chargers
Rey Maualuga LB, USC
Maualuga is a perfect fit as the strong inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He would bring the passion that hasn't been around at the position since Junior Seau.
17. New York Jets
Hakeem Nicks WR, North Carolina
Nicks is the big receiver the Jets have been looking for to play opposite Jerricho Cotchery. The Jets could be looking at a cornerback or defensive end, but Nicks should be the highest-graded player on the board. His postseason bowl performance removed any doubt about his first-round grade.
18. Chicago Bears
Michael Oher OT, Mississippi
The Bears got old at tackle in a hurry, and the retirement of John Tait created a sense of urgency. Chris Williams should be good at right tackle and Oher could man the left side. In one pick, Chicago cements its young bookends for the next 10 years. Always like a tackle with over 45 college starts.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Aaron Maybin DE/LB, Penn State
Pay close attention to what the Bucs do in free agency. Former GM Bruce Allen left the team with more salary-cap space than anyone could imagine. For now, a young player like Maybin, who could be groomed at linebacker and rush the passer, makes sense. I'm not so sure Maybin can play linebacker. As one GM told me, "He's a 250-pound pass rusher who can't do much else." His combine performance in linebacker drills suggests he may be able to drop back in coverage. I might like him more in a 3-4 defense, but he is intriguing at this point in the draft. His lack of experience (10 college starts) could move him down the draft in the weeks to come.
20. Detroit Lions
(from Dallas Cowboys)
Mark Sanchez QB, USC
It could work out that the Lions get their QB on their second pick in the first round. Sanchez needs a great pro day to get back into the top 10. If he doesn't wow the offensive coordinators, he could slide down in the draft to this spot. Sanchez has the skills to win in the NFL, but he will need time to develop -- and Detroit may not have the time to let him learn from the bench.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Eben Britton OT, Arizona
The Eagles need an offensive tackle, and this is the last player at that position that grades out as a first-rounder. They might decide to take a look at Connecticut's William Beatty a bit later and take a running back or wide receiver here, but history shows Andy Reid likes to take guys in the first round who play with their hand on the ground.
22. Minnesota Vikings
Percy Harvin WR, Florida
Another playmaker for the passing game would be nice for whomever wins the QB job in Minnesota. The Vikings may be tempted to take a defenstive tackle like Peria Jerry to get in the rotation with Pat Williams, but they got good effort from their backups last year. Harvin would light up the Metrodome working out of the slot.
23. New England Patriots
Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia
Kevin Faulk isn't getting any younger, Laurence Maroney has issues staying healthy and you can never have enough good running backs. Moreno has a chance to be like Tiki Barber, an all-around back.
24. Atlanta Falcons
Peria Jerry DT, Mississippi
The Falcons have to beef up the middle of their defense with solid young run stoppers. Jerry is a 300-pound run stuffer who will not be available later in the draft. His 32 tackles for a loss in the last two years at Mississippi tells you the kind of inside force he can be.
25. Miami Dolphins
Larry English DE/LB, Northern Illinois
I've interviewed English three times already, and he is an impressive young man who looks like Takeo Spikes and plays with a tireless motor. In the Dolphins' 3-4 defense, he could line up at OLB and get after the QB. His 31.5 sacks and 57 tackles for a loss in college make him the perfect complement to Joey Porter. He had two handheld 40-yard dash times under 4.8.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Darius Butler CB, Connecticut
The Ravens may want another corner, but for now the UConn corner gets the call. Some of the other corners are in the 5-foot-8 range and the Ravens may be looking for someone a bit taller. Butler measured in at 5-foot-10 3/8 and was impressive in his interviews.
27. Indianapolis Colts
James Laurinaitis LB, Ohio State
Laurinaitis may be slipping out of the first round after his 4.80 time in the 40, but his college production -- 375 tackles with nine interceptions and 13 sacks -- says he belongs among the top 32 players. His stats speak volumes about his playmaking ability. The combine didn't help him, but the game tapes will.
28. Philadelphia Eagles
(from Carolina Panthers)
Kenny Britt WR, Rutgers
The Eagles could take a big running back like Chris "Beanie" Wells from Ohio State here, but Britt gets the call this week. He's big (6-foot-2 7/8, 214 pounds) and explosive. He would be a nice complement to DeSean Jackson. If the Eagles sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh during free agency, then they're set to take a running back.
29. New York Giants
Michael Johnson DE, Georgia Tech
Johnson is not without his critics, but the combine really helped him regain some of his first-round status. There was no one like him physically in Indianapolis, as he checked in at 6-foot-6 7/8, 266 pounds with a 4.67 time in the 40. He can move like a linebacker, rush the passer and probably be a short-yardage tight end. In the weeks to come, he will be moving up the draft board and probably be gone by the time the Giants select.
30. Tennessee Titans
Robert Ayers DE, Tennessee
Ayers made a statement at the Senior Bowl that he can play the run, rush the passer and drop into coverage when asked. He thinks he's headed to a 3-4 team as an outside linebacker, which may be true, but he really fits in with the Titans. There are some concerns about his bench press (18 reps), but as one GM said, "The last thing I worry about is strength. We can fix that."
31. Arizona Cardinals
Evander Hood DT, Missouri
Hood had a good combine and looked impressive in drill work. He did not come to Indianapolis as a first-round candidate, but he may be leaving as one. At 6-foot-2 7/8 and 300 pounds with 34 reps on the bench press and a sub-4.9 40, his stock is rising.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jarron Gilbert DE, San Jose State
The world champs need to find a 5-technique player to be in a rotation with starters Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel. Gilbert came to Indianapolis as a second- or third-round prospect, but the 6-foot-5, 288-pound player with 4.81 speed is moving up draft boards.
Here's a list of the next wave of players who could break into the first round by next week's mock draft: QB Josh Freeman, RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, TE Brandon Pettigrew, C Alex Mack, OT William Beatty, OLB Clay Mathews, CB D.J. Moore and CB Alphonso Smith.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/story?id=09000d...mp;confirm=true
Mock draft: Don't bank on Lions taking Stafford with No. 1 pick
By Pat Kirwan - NFL.com
Senior Analyst
Now that I am back from the NFL Combine, it's time to take what the event taught us about the talent pool for 2009 and implement it in our first mock draft of the season.
The quarterbacks didn't distinguish themselves in Indianapolis. The combine showed that while there are a number of solid running backs, there's little reason to use a first-round pick on one. The wide receivers displayed a lot of speed and, as a group, probably moved up in the draft. The offensive tackles will provide multiple first-round options, while teams can wait on the guards and centers.
On defense, there are a number of hybrid players who fit as 3-4 outside linebackers or 4-3 defensive ends, and a few of them will go quickly in the first round. There is a cloud of doubt over the inside backers, as Rey Maualuga injured a hamstring during his first 40-yard dash and James Laurinaitis ran poorly. Cornerbacks should take up three or four spots in the first round, but teams will wait on safeties until the later rounds.
The Lions and Eagles have multiple first-round picks, while the Cowboys and Panthers must wait until the first round is over for a pick. I got the sense from talking to a number of GMs and head coaches that there is little interest in risk-taking at the top of the draft with athletes who have off-the-field issues, medical issues and "signability" issues. Athletes that came to the combine, performed most of the drills well, interviewed well and created a feeling of being safe picks moved up draft boards. Athletes who had medical issues, decided not to compete or demonstrated some immaturity moved down. As one GM said, "There's just too much damn money involved at the top of the draft to take a risk."
With that in mind, here's my first mock draft:
1. Detroit Lions
Jason Smith OT, Baylor
Right now, it would appear there is a bit of doubt about Matthew Stafford being worthy of the top pick in the draft. An underclassman under 6-foot-3 who ran close to 4.9 in the 40-yard dash on a number of watches has a lot to prove. Jason Smith had a fine workout, passed the eyeball test and can be plugged into the lineup for the next 10 years.
2. St. Louis Rams
Eugene Monroe OT, Virginia
The Rams could get serious about Michael Crabtree if the medical news about his foot is positive, but right now Monroe is a safe pick, and it transitions with the end of Orlando Pace's career. If Pace plays in 2009, Monroe can start at guard just like Jonathan Ogden did during his rookie season in Baltimore.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron Curry LB, Wake Forest
The Chiefs are going to build a 3-4 defense and Curry gives them a critical piece at outside linebacker. If Stafford drops to them, they will think long and hard about him because the jury is still out on Tyler Thigpen.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech
Only the foot injury would allow Crabtree to fall to the No. 4 spot, but his 231 receptions in just two seasons in college should be enough for the Seahawks to draft him. He's just what the doctor ordered for this offense.
5. Cleveland Browns
Malcolm Jenkins CB, Ohio State
The Browns have a lot of needs, and cornerback is one of them. An outside linebacker who can rush the passer is priority No. 1, but with Curry gone, local Ohio State product Malcolm Jenkins is perfect. Keep in mind that new coach Eric Mangini took Darrelle Revis in the first round when he was with the Jets.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Orakpo DE/LB, Texas
The Bengals have lots of needs, and they tend to ignore defense early in drafts. A wide receiver would work here, and if Crabtree slid they might do it. But they need help on defense. Orakpo is versatile and helps with a pass rush that has to improve.
7. Oakland Raiders
Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri
As the Raiders release high-priced veterans, they need playmakers. I could see an offensive or defensive tackle at this spot, but Al Davis loves speed, and Maclin has a lot of it. He led the nation with over 200 all-purpose yards per game, and he could team up with Johnnie Lee Higgins to make a dangerous tandem.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Matthew Stafford QB, Georgia
The Jaguars were probably thinking they had a shot at Mark Sanchez, but it's possible Stafford slides to the No. 8 spot. If the quarterbacks are gone, then Jacksonville could take a left tackle like Andre Smith or Michael Oher. Stafford would not have to take the field for a year or two while David Garrard runs the offense, which would be ideal for the Georgia star, who would become a fan favorite in a city right on the Georgia border.
9. Green Bay Packers
Brian Cushing LB, USC
The Packers are switching to a 3-4 defense, and they have to be thinking about an outside linebacker opposite Aaron Kampman. Cushing has played OLB, ILB, safety, defensive end and is just an all-around solid football player. At the combine, he measured in at 6-foot-3, 243 pounds, put up the 225-pound bench press 30 times, ran sub-4.7 in the 40-yard dash on a number of handheld watches and looked good in his drill work.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland
The 49ers have so many needs, and after Heyward-Bey ran a sub-4.3 in the 40 at his size, he moved up draft boards. He can stretch the field, which is critical as teams try to stop Frank Gore in the running attack. He will need to catch the ball better at his pro day to keep up the momentum he built at the combine.
11. Buffalo Bills
Everette Brown DE/LB, Florida State
The Bills need a pass rush and an outside linebacker. Brown could satisfy both issues. After Brown measured in at 6-foot-1½ and 256 pounds, he really moved to the linebacker group instead of the defensive end group that he worked out with in Indianapolis. His 20 sacks over the last two years can't be overlooked.
12. Denver Broncos
B.J. Raji DT, Boston College
The Broncos have a long way to go to convert their defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4. They simply aren't big enough up front to be a two-gap team or have enough pass rush to protect the corners. Raji is a good fit in any front, and while the Broncos are playing a mix of the two fronts, at least they would add a big man (337 pounds) inside to help stop the run and collapse the pocket.
13. Washington Redskins
Andre Smith OT, Alabama
Smith created quite a stir at the combine by leaving unannounced and not working out. He is immature in some respects and could have some weight issues, but he's one heck of a talent. He's a guy who can maul opponents and has extremely long arms (35 3/8) to pass block. Washington takes him as it prepares for the end of Chris Samuels' career.
14. New Orleans Saints
Vontae Davis CB, Illinois Defense is the reason the Saints haven't made a run at the Super Bowl. They paid a lot of money to the defensive line, and while they could be considered underachievers, the secondary also needs help. Davis is a big corner and could start from day one.
15. Houston Texans
Tyson Jackson DE, LSU
Jackson is one of the few true 4-3 left defensive-end candidates in the draft. He weighed in at 295 pounds, and he could really help opposite Mario Williams. As teams run the ball away from Williams, the Texans need a stout player holding up the strong side. Jackson will never get the protection schemes his way and he should generate some needed pass rush from the left side. His 4.96 time in the 40 is a bit pedestrian, but his 27 tackles for a loss and 18.5 sacks during his career at LSU make him a solid pick.
16. San Diego Chargers
Rey Maualuga LB, USC
Maualuga is a perfect fit as the strong inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He would bring the passion that hasn't been around at the position since Junior Seau.
17. New York Jets
Hakeem Nicks WR, North Carolina
Nicks is the big receiver the Jets have been looking for to play opposite Jerricho Cotchery. The Jets could be looking at a cornerback or defensive end, but Nicks should be the highest-graded player on the board. His postseason bowl performance removed any doubt about his first-round grade.
18. Chicago Bears
Michael Oher OT, Mississippi
The Bears got old at tackle in a hurry, and the retirement of John Tait created a sense of urgency. Chris Williams should be good at right tackle and Oher could man the left side. In one pick, Chicago cements its young bookends for the next 10 years. Always like a tackle with over 45 college starts.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Aaron Maybin DE/LB, Penn State
Pay close attention to what the Bucs do in free agency. Former GM Bruce Allen left the team with more salary-cap space than anyone could imagine. For now, a young player like Maybin, who could be groomed at linebacker and rush the passer, makes sense. I'm not so sure Maybin can play linebacker. As one GM told me, "He's a 250-pound pass rusher who can't do much else." His combine performance in linebacker drills suggests he may be able to drop back in coverage. I might like him more in a 3-4 defense, but he is intriguing at this point in the draft. His lack of experience (10 college starts) could move him down the draft in the weeks to come.
20. Detroit Lions
(from Dallas Cowboys)
Mark Sanchez QB, USC
It could work out that the Lions get their QB on their second pick in the first round. Sanchez needs a great pro day to get back into the top 10. If he doesn't wow the offensive coordinators, he could slide down in the draft to this spot. Sanchez has the skills to win in the NFL, but he will need time to develop -- and Detroit may not have the time to let him learn from the bench.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Eben Britton OT, Arizona
The Eagles need an offensive tackle, and this is the last player at that position that grades out as a first-rounder. They might decide to take a look at Connecticut's William Beatty a bit later and take a running back or wide receiver here, but history shows Andy Reid likes to take guys in the first round who play with their hand on the ground.
22. Minnesota Vikings
Percy Harvin WR, Florida
Another playmaker for the passing game would be nice for whomever wins the QB job in Minnesota. The Vikings may be tempted to take a defenstive tackle like Peria Jerry to get in the rotation with Pat Williams, but they got good effort from their backups last year. Harvin would light up the Metrodome working out of the slot.
23. New England Patriots
Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia
Kevin Faulk isn't getting any younger, Laurence Maroney has issues staying healthy and you can never have enough good running backs. Moreno has a chance to be like Tiki Barber, an all-around back.
24. Atlanta Falcons
Peria Jerry DT, Mississippi
The Falcons have to beef up the middle of their defense with solid young run stoppers. Jerry is a 300-pound run stuffer who will not be available later in the draft. His 32 tackles for a loss in the last two years at Mississippi tells you the kind of inside force he can be.
25. Miami Dolphins
Larry English DE/LB, Northern Illinois
I've interviewed English three times already, and he is an impressive young man who looks like Takeo Spikes and plays with a tireless motor. In the Dolphins' 3-4 defense, he could line up at OLB and get after the QB. His 31.5 sacks and 57 tackles for a loss in college make him the perfect complement to Joey Porter. He had two handheld 40-yard dash times under 4.8.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Darius Butler CB, Connecticut
The Ravens may want another corner, but for now the UConn corner gets the call. Some of the other corners are in the 5-foot-8 range and the Ravens may be looking for someone a bit taller. Butler measured in at 5-foot-10 3/8 and was impressive in his interviews.
27. Indianapolis Colts
James Laurinaitis LB, Ohio State
Laurinaitis may be slipping out of the first round after his 4.80 time in the 40, but his college production -- 375 tackles with nine interceptions and 13 sacks -- says he belongs among the top 32 players. His stats speak volumes about his playmaking ability. The combine didn't help him, but the game tapes will.
28. Philadelphia Eagles
(from Carolina Panthers)
Kenny Britt WR, Rutgers
The Eagles could take a big running back like Chris "Beanie" Wells from Ohio State here, but Britt gets the call this week. He's big (6-foot-2 7/8, 214 pounds) and explosive. He would be a nice complement to DeSean Jackson. If the Eagles sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh during free agency, then they're set to take a running back.
29. New York Giants
Michael Johnson DE, Georgia Tech
Johnson is not without his critics, but the combine really helped him regain some of his first-round status. There was no one like him physically in Indianapolis, as he checked in at 6-foot-6 7/8, 266 pounds with a 4.67 time in the 40. He can move like a linebacker, rush the passer and probably be a short-yardage tight end. In the weeks to come, he will be moving up the draft board and probably be gone by the time the Giants select.
30. Tennessee Titans
Robert Ayers DE, Tennessee
Ayers made a statement at the Senior Bowl that he can play the run, rush the passer and drop into coverage when asked. He thinks he's headed to a 3-4 team as an outside linebacker, which may be true, but he really fits in with the Titans. There are some concerns about his bench press (18 reps), but as one GM said, "The last thing I worry about is strength. We can fix that."
31. Arizona Cardinals
Evander Hood DT, Missouri
Hood had a good combine and looked impressive in drill work. He did not come to Indianapolis as a first-round candidate, but he may be leaving as one. At 6-foot-2 7/8 and 300 pounds with 34 reps on the bench press and a sub-4.9 40, his stock is rising.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jarron Gilbert DE, San Jose State
The world champs need to find a 5-technique player to be in a rotation with starters Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel. Gilbert came to Indianapolis as a second- or third-round prospect, but the 6-foot-5, 288-pound player with 4.81 speed is moving up draft boards.
Here's a list of the next wave of players who could break into the first round by next week's mock draft: QB Josh Freeman, RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, TE Brandon Pettigrew, C Alex Mack, OT William Beatty, OLB Clay Mathews, CB D.J. Moore and CB Alphonso Smith.
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