Bengals Draft Depot

From the limited video that i've seen on the Senior Bowl practices here's some information on some of the prospects the Bengals could be interested in.

Quinton Carter- The Free Safety from Oklahoma has looked very good in coverage. The Bengals have needed a Safety that can cover for years. Carter is someone that could possibly be had with the Bengals early third round pick and would be an absolute steal there. In one on one drills against WR's he looked better than some of the CB's. He has very fluid hips and can change directions very well. His straight line speed is better than I expected from a Safety, not a Corner. Keep an eye on Carter, if the Bengals can get him in the 3rd they can upgrade another position in the 2nd round.

Titus Young- The Wide Receiver from Boise State reminds me a lot of DeSean Jackson. He can flat out fly. If the Bengals don't take AJ Green in the first round he could be someone they take in the 2nd. He made all the catches and I didn't see a single drop from him. Defenders had to give him plenty of cushion because of his speed and he did a great job using that to create space on his shorter routes by setting up the defender selling the deep route and then making a good cut and shortening the route.

Phil Taylor- He's likely going to be a Nose Tackle, but if he's still sitting there when the Bengals pick in the 2nd they may want to take a long look at Taylor. He dominated the lineman drills pretty much overpowering anyone who stood in his way. Did a great job using his hands to keep offensive lineman from being able to engage him and if they couldn't get their hands on him it was over he would push them right back into the QB. Taylor would give the Bengals a run stuffer inside with Peko and they'd be impossible to run up the middle against.

Clint Boling- He was a Tackle at Georgia, but is probably going to be a Guard in the NFL and would be an instant upgrade over Mathis or Livings at LG right now. He won most of his matchups in lineman drills which is impressive as those drills are set up for the defense to win. Has heavy hands when he uses that punch and jolts the defender back when he got those hands on him. When he was inside at Guard and defenders didn't have space they couldn't beat him. Was worried he wasn't strong enough and would get pushed back at Guard against interior D lineman, but that wasn't the case at all.

Cameron Jordan- Is probably best fit as a 5 technique in a 3-4, but could be a good DT. He looked better than any D lineman there besides Phil Taylor. For his huge size he has excellent speed and agility. Could cause match up problems in a 4-3 defense like the Bengals as he could play DE on running downs and move inside on passing downs creating favorable match ups for himself on every down.

2 Rounds ( 1 Week Before The Super Bowl)


1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Fairley was unblockable this past season at Auburn. He came up biggest in the biggest game of all the National Championship Game. Fairley is the type of player that is a game changer. He can't be blocked one on one and teams are going to have to game plan around him. He gets good penetration and disrupts the running game. He can get after the QB and will force double teams which will free up other players on his team.

2. Denver Broncos- DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson

John Fox is now the head coach in Denver. He took Julius Peppers early in a draft in Carolina and will try to get that elite pass rusher again in Denver. The thing he has in Denver already is Elvis Dumervil which will give him an elite pass rushing duo and make it tough for teams to get both of them blocked.

3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

The Bills are attempting to convert to a 3-4 defense. They took Aaron Maybin to be their stud pass rusher a couple years ago and he hasn't lived up to expectations. Plus he's not a good fit in a 3-4 defense. Quinn is a perfect fit for a 3-4 team as a pass rusher coming off the edge at OLB. Even though he was suspended in 2010 his athleticism is too much to pass up on for a team that has to contend with Tom Brady twice a year and needs a pass rusher.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia

I believe in the philosophy that you build the lines to win in the NFL and if Fairley is somehow still available I would take him. Since he isn't this is the perfect opportunity to run Chad and TO out of town. It's no coincidence that Carson had his best games when those two were out of the lineup. The reason Carson wants traded is because he's tired of the circus those two bring. Carson isn't going to get traded and he isn't going to retire.

Green is the best WR prospect to come out since Calvin Johnson and he's right there on his level. He can do it all as a WR. He has an excellent combination of size and speed. He does a great job creating seperation and for his limited experience his route running is very good and will only get better. He can use his size and go up over defenders and get the ball. He can stretch the field vertically or use his size and body to shield defenders on the short routes.

Getting Green will give the Bengals a legit number one WR. Add him to Jerome Simpson who came on strong at the end of last year and looks like he could be one of the best number two WR's in the NFL. Jordan Shipley led all rookies in third down catches and may be the best slot WR in the NFL besides Wes Welker. Jermaine Gresham is a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses as LB's and Safeties can't cover him. That gives you the best young group of WR's and TE's in the NFL and the makings of an explosive offense. The best part is they will actually listen and allow Carson to be the leader.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Once Andrew Luck announced he was going back to school Gabbert started flying up draft boards. This may be a bit of a reach, but QB's almost always go higher than they should or than they are rated. Arizona needs a QB in the worst way as they have no viable QB's on their current roster. It's a waste to have Larry Fitzgerald, one of the best WR's in the NFL, if you have no one to get him the ball.

6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama

Cleveland needs a WR in the worst way, but Holmgren has never taken one in the first round and I doubt he'll reach for one with this high of a pick. Especially since they are switching to a 4-3 defense and all they have is Shaun Rodgers at DT. He's been hurt the past couple of years anyway. Dareus is a versatile D lineman that will help them up front as he can move all over the place giving their D coordinator lots of options to work with.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

The only QB Jim Harbaugh would consider here is Gabbert in my opinion. He won't reach for anyone else. There are two ways to win in the NFL. The first is to have an elite QB that carries you. The second is to have a dominant defense and a good running game. SF has the pieces in place on defense and getting a lock down CB like Peterson may vault them into a dominant D.

8. Tennessee Titans- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

The Titans have needed an upgrade at DT since Haynesworth went to Washington via free agency. Smart move by Tennessee letting him walk, what a basket case. Anyway getting a good DT will also help free up last year's first round pick Jason Pierre-Paul.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The Cowboys offensive line struggled starting week one last season when they had a game winning TD called back on a holding penalty. They continued right through the season including getting Tony Romo his broken collarbone. Solder looked very good at the Senior Bowl this week and is emerging as the best OT in this draft.

10. Washington Redskins- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The Redskins are not going to go with Rex Grossman at QB next season. Newton is the next best QB and he was a winner at Auburn. Shanahan will be cocky enough to think he can turn Newton into an elite QB and he might just do it. There are the Vince Young comparisons but Newton is a much better passer than Young. When you have a skill set like Cam you don't need to be an elite pocket passer to win in the NFL.

11. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

This draft should be easy for the Texans at least the first few rounds. Take the best defensive player on the board that fits your new system by coordinator Wade Phillips. The Texans secondary was awful at best last season and here they can get one of the two elite CB's in this draft and that should help big time.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cameron Jordan, DT/DE, California

The Williamses are getting older in Minnesota and the Vikings could also use an upgrade across from Jared Allen at DE. In a 4-3 like Minnesota runs Jordan could play DE on running downs and move inside some on passing downs helping keep the Williamses fresh and adding another pass rusher inside. When you have Aaron Rodgers in your division you need as many as you can get.

If Cam Newton is available here I think Minnesota pulls the trigger.

13. Detroit Lions- Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Lions could use secondary help, but they need to upgrade their offensive line first. Since Stafford has been there he has been hurt. It's time to get the players to keep him protected and see what he can do.

14. St. Louis Rams- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Sam Bradford looks to have a bright future in the NFL, he played very well as a rookie. The Rams also have a talented young group of WR's. The thing they are missing is a legit number one WR. Jones will give them that, he is a big strong fast physical WR that reminds me of Anquan Boldin in his prime.

15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Ronnie Brown is likely not going to be back in Miami, he was almost traded before last season. Ricky Williams is too old to be an every down back in the NFL or anywhere for that matter. Ingram is the only RB worthy of a first round pick and is a big enough back to be an every down guy.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Before last season Jacksonville signed Aaron Kampman and he blew out his knee before the season started. The Jaguars play in a division with pass happy teams like the Colts and Texans and need as many good pass rushers as they can get.

17. New England Patriots- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (from Oakland)

Miller is the type of player Belicheck will love as he can do it all as an OLB. He can play the run well, is an excellent pass rusher, and can drop into coverage. The Pats have been missing that elite pass rusher for quite a few years.

18. San Diego Chargers- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

The Chargers have needed a good pass rusher every since they made Shawn Merriman quit taking steroids. Larry English hasn't really lived up to expectations. Ayers will give them that pass rusher coming off the edge.

19. New York Giants- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Giants starting five offensive lineman have been together forever it seems. They are getting up there in years and some youth needs to be added. I don't really think Eli Manning trusted his line last season and hurried throws that's the reason for all the interceptions.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

I love what the Bucs did in last year's draft taking McCoy and Price, two DT's, in the first two rounds. If they can add a DE the caliber of Watt they will have the makings of a dominant D line for years to come. Like the one that won them a Super Bowl several years ago.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

The Chiefs were unable to get the ball to Bowe at all during their playoff game with the Ravens. That's because their only threat at Won BowR was Bowe and the Ravens focused all thier attention on Bowe and didn't have to worry about anyone else. Baldwin did have a down year at Pitt this past season, but that was due to their bad QB play. Baldwin has the skill set to be a number one WR and will give KC a duo of number one WR's.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida

The Colts offensive line wasn't very good at all last season. Pouncey will give them an instant upgrade on the interior of that line where they need it the most. Pouncey can play Guard until Saturday decides to retire and then take over Center. He will also help the Colts and their pitiful running game. If you have Peyton Manning you should keep the offensive line stocked with talent and depth, if you do he will win you Super Bowls.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Anthony Castanzo, OT, Boston College

The Eagles have one of the most, if not the most, illusive QB's in the history of the NFL and they still gave up a ton of sacks. Andy Reid loves to take offensive lineman early and often in drafts and here it fills a need. If the Eagles get Vick a good, young, athletic line their offense can be scary good.

24. New Orleans Saints- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

I don't know how serious Paea's knee surgery was, but if it wasn't too bad he would make a good compliment as a run stuffer next to Sedrick Ellis, the pass rusher. Maybe if they had Paea Seattle doesn't run all over them in the playoffs. Paea is a little undersized, but he's a physical freak with how strong he is.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker, QB, Washington

This pick would be a fan favorite in Seattle. Locker is a hometown player that played at the University of Washington. At one point people thought Locker might be the number one overall pick in this draft. He has all the tools to be an elite NFL QB he just needs some development and to gain his confidence back. This would be a perfect situation for him if they bring Hasselback back for a year or two and let Locker learn behind him.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State

Heyward is a perfect fit as a five technique in the Ravens 3-4 defense. The Ravens were dominant against the run for years, but the past couple years they haven't been quite as dominant. They have still been good but putting Heyward next to Ngata could get them back to being that dominant run stopping unit.

27. Atlanta Falcons- Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

John Abraham has a lot of miles on him and looked gassed in the second half of the playoff game against the Packers. On the other side Anderson has been a bust and Smith would be an upgrade. At the very least he'd provide another pass rusher to rotate in and help keep Abraham fresh.

28. New England Patriots- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

The Pats could use an upgrade at the CB spot across from Devin McCourtey. This is NE's second pick in the first round and they should use it to get another defensive player as that was the weakest unit for the Patriots. In the NFL you can't have too many good CB's and you're seeing more and more teams go CB in the first round in consecutive years.

29. Chicago Bears- Benjamin Ijalana, OT/OG, Villanova

The Bears offensive line was inconsistent all season long. Some games Forte had nowhere to run and some games Jay Cutler got absolutely flattened. Ijalana is an intruiging prospect as he can play about anywhere on the line besides Center.

30. New York Jets- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Kris Jenkins has been hurt basically the last two seasons. To me Nose Tackle is the most important position in a 3-4. If you have a good one who can eat up multiple blockers it really frees up your defense to do alot more both against the run and pass. While the Jets defense was good it wasn't impossible to run on them.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas

I'm pretty sure if there's an offensive lineman that the Steelers like they'll take one in the first round. They were decimated by injury this season. There's no way they can count on Flozell Adams for another season.

32. Green Bay Packers- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Charles Woodson is still playing at a high level, but he's not going to be able to continue to do that forever, is he? Anyway the Packers could still use an upgrade at Nickel CB and it'd be good for the future starting CB to learn from Woodson. When you play with the lead often teams are forced to throw on you so having a bunch of depth at CB is a good idea.


2nd Round


33. New England Patriots- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami (from Carolina)

This is basically New Englands third first round pick. They have needed an upgrade at DE since they traded Richard Seymour before last season. If the Patriots take the three players they are mocked their defense should be much improved as they add a first rounder to every level of that defense and they'll probably be the favorites to win it all next season.

34. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

The Bills have already announced that Ryan Fitzpatrick is their starting QB in 2011 and he deserves to be he played well in 2010. That being said Fitzpatrick is not a franchise QB that will take you all the way, Mallet could be. Mallett can make all the throws, he has good size, a strong arm, and good accuracy. He just needs development on his footwork in the pocket and throwing the ball under pressure.

35. Cincinnati Bengals- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

With Rahim Moore still on the board this would be a tough choice. If the Bengals could get Kerrigan or a defensive lineman similiar that would be the pick for me. For one Kerrigan is the higher player on the board and two the team that wins in the trenches usually wins the game. Plus the Bengals finished towards the bottom in sacks last year. But Carlos Dunlap really came on the second half of the season recording 9.5 sacks in the last eight games.

Putting Kerrigan across from Dunlap would give the Bengals an elite pass rushing duo and their sack totals would be way up. Especially having Micheal Johnson and Odom playing behind them, they could rotate and would be fresh the entire game and season for that matter.

If they take a DE here they could go out and get a FS in free agency or hope Rasheen Mathis can live up to his potential. Either way going with the lineman is the way to go here, football is won up front. Plus the Bengals have two pro bowl caliber CB's and if they get a good pass rush their job becomes much easier.

36. Denver Broncos- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Champ Bailey is likely not going to be back in Denver next season and even if he is he's getting to be too old. Jimmy Smith really looks like a good prospect the more tape I watch on him and could be ready to be a starter week one.

37. Cleveland Browns- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Justin Blackmon and Micheal Floyd going back to school really hurts Cleveland. They may have the worst group of WR's in the NFL. They have no true number one WR. Smith doesn't project to be one either, but he's still an upgrade over anyone they currently have and is an additional weapon for Colt McCoy as he could be a very good number two if they get a legit number one WR.

38. Arizona Cardinals- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Houston looks to be the best fit in a 3-4 defense at OLB coming off the edge rushing the passer. The Cardinals signed Joey Porter to do that last off season, but they found out that he's just a loud mouth that is over the hill and under productive.

39. Tennessee Titans- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

I don't even know who the Titans head coach is going to be it's tough to say who they will draft. I do know they could use some upgrades on the offensive line and try to help Chris Johnson get back to that 2,000 yard rusher he was a couple years ago.

40. Dallas Cowboys- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

The Cowboys could use an upgrade at CB big time. Terrence Newman is getting a little long in the tooth and losing his biggest asset, his track star speed. Mike Jenkins effort is pathetic, in a prime time, national televised game he backed off a tackle and let the ball carrier walk into the end zone untouched because he was afraid to tackle him.

41. Washington Redskins- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

The Redskins could use a DT after the Albert Haynesworth fiasco in Washington. Their defense is a couple of pieces away from being really good.

42. Houston Texans- Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma

Like I said before, best defensive player on the board that fits Wade Phillips 3-4 defense. In this case it's Jeremy Beal who will be a relentless pass rusher coming off the edge for Houston. If you line him up outside Mario Williams it'll be tough to get both guys blocked on the same side of the field.

43. Minnesota Vikings- Ras I Dowling, CB, Virginia

The Vikings have one CB that is in his mid thirties and another coming off of his second ACL tear. They took Chris Cook with their first pick last year, but I think he needs to be converted to Safety like Malcom Jenkins did with the Saints.

44. Detroit Lions- Mason Foster, OLB, Washington

The Lions are close as a team to being a playoff contender. They have a lot of talented young players. On defense they need a couple of cover guys on the outside and they need to upgrade their weakside LB. Foster has really risen his stock from a late round prospect to an early 2nd day prospect.

45. San Francisco 49ers- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA

Like I said with SF earlier if you don't have the elite QB you can win with dominant defense and a good running game. The Niners were already good up front and if they can get Patrick Peterson and then Rahim Moore the best CB and best Safety in this draft their defense could be the best in the NFL shortly.

46. Denver Broncos- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

John Fox was a firm believer in you run the ball and stop the run to win in Carolina and it worked well for him he won a lot of games and even went to the Super Bowl. The Broncos will be switching to a 4-3 which means he'll need to get the defensive line revamped.

47. St. Louis Rams- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

Why not get your franchise QB another weapon. Young QB's love to have good TE's that can catch the ball and keep the chains moving on third down and in the red zone. Rudolph is the best TE in this draft and is pretty well rounded he can block and catch the ball.

48. Oakland Raiders- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

Nmandi Asomoagh is now an unrestricted free agent and there's no reason to believe he will return to the Raiders. Why would he when they just fired the coach that finally had them on the right track.

49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

The Jaguars spent a first round pick on Rasheen Mathis, a FS, a couple of years ago and he didn't pan out in Jacksonville, hopefully he will in Cincinnati. Anyway they need to try to find someone else to put back there in coverage and try to slow down Peyton Manning.

50. San Diego Chargers- Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple

The Chargers current starting DE's are unrestricted FA's and the fans in SD should be happy about that as neither are very good. Wilkerson really played his way up draft boards this past season and some have him going as high as the first round.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

Quincy Black is an unrestricted free agent and I'm sure TB would like to find an upgrade for him anyway as he didn't play well in 2010. The Bucs haven't had a LB as talented as Carter since they had Derrick Brooks.

52. New York Giants- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

Brandon Jacobs was not happy about his role as the backup to Ahmad Bradshaw this past season. I think he isn't with the Giants next season. Ahmad Bradshaw hasn't been able to stay healthy for an entire season. Williams is a big bruising back that can handle the entire workload if he had to.

53. Indianapolis Colts- Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

As much as the Colts struggled to run the ball in 2010, that's how easy teams ran the ball on them. Jenkins is known as a run stuffer and the Colts should continue drafting interior lineman on both sides of the ball.

54. Philadelphia Eagles- Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech

The Eagles were torched in the passing game many times last season. Asante Samuel is overrated and across from him they are getting zero production. Carmicheal is the best CB left on the board and will be an upgrade.

55. Kansas City Chiefs- Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh

The Chiefs two biggest needs are WR and a pass rusher across from Tamba Hali. They landed a WR in the first and Sheard will give them the pass rusher they need. Chiefs fans should be excited as they have a ton of young talent on their team, especially the defense.

56. New Orleans Saints- Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State

Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush can not stay healthy for an entire season, they are lucky if they can get 16 games between the two. The Saints can't keep winning by picking up RB's off the streets and playing them that weekend.

57. Seattle Seahawks- Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami

Franklin is the best pure Guard in this draft. If Seattle can get an upgrade at Guard maybe Marshawn Lynch can have more Madden Football style runs for TD's. Pete Carroll likes to run the ball and needs some road graders up front.

58. Baltimore Ravens- Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State

Derrick Mason is another year older and Housh was only in Baltimore on a one year contract. Brown has really proven himself at the Senior Bowl this week as one of the best WR's in this draft.

59. Atlanta Falcons- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami

I can't believe that Roddy White puts up the numbers that he does with absolutely no help from the other WR's. Hankerson is the most underrated player in this draft in my opinion and could end up emerging as one of the best WR's in the NFL he has those types of skills.

60. New England Patriots- Rodney Hudson, OC/OG, Florida State

Neal the Patriots Center has announced that 2011 will be his last season in the NFL. Hudson is an athletic Center that does a good job getting out on LB's and will come in handy against 3-4 defenses like the Jets. He can play Guard across from Logan Mankins until 2012 then take over at Center.

61. San Diego Chargers- Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina (from NY Jets)

Every one of the LB's in San Diego will be a free agent in a couple of weeks. Sturdivant is the top inside LB in this draft and will really help SD in a division where all the other teams have a run first philosophy on offense.

62. Chicago Bears- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina

The Bears could use another playmaker outside at the WR position. All of their WR's are on the shorter side and Little brings a different dynamic as a taller WR for Cutler to throw it to, or whoever plays QB in the 2nd half.

63. Pittsburgh Steelers- Davon House, CB, New Mexico State

The Steelers play at CB has been less than impressive the past couple of years. If they didn't have the pass rush that they have their CB's would really be in trouble. After House there is a considerable drop off in talent at CB.

64. Green Bay Packers- Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State

Jones measurables are less than impressive, but when you watch him in actual games all he does is make plays. The Packers could use an upgrade across from Clay Matthews, they don't need Jones to be an elite pass rusher, just to do what he does be in the right spots and stuff the run.

1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley,DT,Auburn

Carolina loses out with Andrew Luck going back to school. Fairley is the top player on the board and can be a game changer at DT with the penetration he gets. He was unblockable this season at Auburn and dominated the biggest game of the year the National Championship Game.

2. Denver Broncos- DaQuan Bowers,DE,Clemson

John Fox is now the head coach in Denver, he had Julius Peppers for years in Carolina and while Bowers isn't quite on the level of Peppers, he is a top notch pass rusher and will form an elite pass rushing duo with Elvis Dumervil.

3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn,DE/OLB,North Carolina

The Bills are trying to convert to a 3-4 and Aaron Maybin is not a good fit for that system and has basically been a bust. Quinn missed the entire 2010 season due to suspension, but he has all the tools to be an elite pass rusher from the OLB position and his workouts should boost his stock despite missing the season.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green,WR,Georgia

Carson Palmer played his best football in a couple years with Chad and TO out of the lineup. Maybe that was due to the fact the WR's actually went to where they were supposed to be and Palmer put the ball on the money. It's amazing what happened when the WR's weren't just out there doing their own thing and they played according to the playbook.

AJ Green is my top WR prospect since Calvin Johnson and I have him right up there at the same level of Johnson. The guy is an absolute beast on the football field and was a man amongst boys in the SEC. He has all the tools to be an elite NFL WR. His size and speed combination is as good as you're going to find. For as little experience as he has his route running is very good. He has excellent hands. He can make the acrobatic catch, he made a one handed catch this past season that was one of the best i've ever seen college or pro. He has the ability to stretch the field. He's basically the total package.

If you add Green to the Bengals you would have a WR group of Green, Simpson who came on strong the last few games and has all the athletic tools to be a top notch WR as well, Shipley who looks like he may be one of the top slot WR's in the NFL very soon, and Gresham who is going to be a mis match all the time against a LB or Safety. That will be a young group of receivers that will be among the best in the NFL and Palmer will finally be able to be the leader with young players that will actually listen to him and not just argue with him and run their mouths all the time. Now you just get the line upgraded a bit and you have the makings of one of the top offenses in the NFL.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert,QB,Missouri

Arizona doesn't have any viable QB's on their current roster. As of now they haven't signed any veteran FA's so I have them taking Gabbert the top QB on the board. If they don't upgrade at QB they should trade Fitzgerald because that would be a waste of one of the top WR's in the NFL with no one to get him the ball.

6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus,DT/DE,Alabama

The Browns biggest need is WR, but I don't see Holmgren taking one if Green isn't available here. Dareus is a fit in any kind of defensive system and one of the safer picks in this draft class.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU

There's two ways to win in the NFL. Either having an elite QB or having a good running game and a dominant defense. The Niners don't have the QB and there isn't one worth taking here. They do have have a good defense though and getting a shut down CB like Peterson could vault them into that dominant defense and they have Frank Gore for the running game.

8. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State

The Titans need to find that stud on the interior D line that they lost when they lost Haynesworth to the Redskins in free agency. Paea is a physical freak with how strong he is and is going to command some double teams, which should free up last year's 1st round pick Jason Pierre-Paul.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin

The Cowboys offensive line was not very good in 2010. It started in week one when their game winning TD got called back because of a hold. Carimi is one of the safer picks in this draft and projects to be a very good RT.

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones,WR,Alabama

The Redskins need some playmakers at WR big time. The best they have is Santana Moss and that's not saying much. Jones is a big strong physical WR and that is what they will need if Rex Grossman is going to be their starter.

11. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska

For the Texans this draft should be easy in the early rounds. They need to take the best defensive player on the board that fits their new system that Wade Phillips is going to run. Here that is Amukamara, one of two elite CB's in this draft class. The Texans secondary was awful last year and this pick should be a no brainer if Amukamara is still there.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cam Newton,QB,Auburn

Brett Favre is not coming back in 2011. Newton is the only QB left worth taking this high and even though he's going to take a couple years to develop he was a winner at Auburn and the Vikings have a good enough defense that he may be able to do enough early on for them to still be competitive and win some games.

13. Detroit Lions- Tyron Smith,OT,USC

Smith may be the most athletic OT in this draft class. The Lions biggest need is probably CB, but they need to upgrade the O line and try to keep Stafford healthy. He's making all that money, was the number 1 overall pick, and is the face of the franchise.

14. St. Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh

This may be a bit high for Baldwin, but the Rams need to get a legit number 1 WR for Sam Bradford. Baldwin has all the tools to do that with good size and speed combination. He had a down year this year at Pitt, but the QB play was terrible.

15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama

Ronnie Brown likely will not be back in Miami and Ricky Williams is old. Ingram is probably the only RB that will go in the 1st round and he can carry an entire load.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa

Last off season the Jags signed Aaron Kampman and he blew out his knee. They still need a pass rusher, especially with Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub in their division. The best way to stop the pass is to get pressure on the QB.

17. New England Patriots- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State (from Oakland)

Heyward is a perfect fit at DE in the Patriots 3-4. They've needed an upgrade there since they traded Richard Seymour for this pick.

18. San Diego Chargers- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M

The Chargers have needed an elite pass rusher since Shawn Merriman had to quit taking steroids. Miller is the total package for a 3-4 OLB, he can rush the passer, stop the run, and plays well in pass coverage.

19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA

The Giants weakest position group is Linebacker. Ayers is one of the best pure OLB's in this draft class.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- JJ Watt,DE,Wisconsin

I love what the Bucs did last year taking McCoy and Price in the first two rounds of the draft. Adding Watt would give them an up and coming line that could dominate like the defense that won them a Super Bowl several years ago.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Ryan Kerrigan,DE/OLB,Purdue

Kerrigan would be a good fit in the Chiefs 3-4 at OLB and would give them another pass rushing threat across from Tamba Hali. Chiefs fans should be excited about all the young talent they have on defense, especially if they add another good pass rusher.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado

The Colts offensive line was terrible this year. I don't know how they let that happen in Indy. If I was GM there I'd spend picks on O line early in about every draft. If you give Peyton Manning a good O line he'll win you Super Bowls.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College

The Eagles gave up a ton of sacks this past season which is suprising since they have the most illusive QB in NFL history. If you get Vick a good athletic offensive line the offense in Philly could be scary good.

24. New Orleans Saints- Aldon Smith,DE,Missouri

The Saints gave up 41 points to Seattle in the playoffs, they scored 36 which should have been good enough to win. The defense could use someone across from Will Smith to get after the QB, especially since they score a bunch of points and play with the lead often forcing teams to throw the ball.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker,QB,Washington

I think if Locker is there he will be the pick in Seattle. He'd be an instant fan favorite and he still has the physical tools to be a good NFL QB. He had a down year in Washington and will need some development and to get his confidence back.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Jordan,DE/DT,California

Ozzie Newsome likes to take the best player on the board. That would be Jordan in this case and he would be a good fit at DE in the Ravens system. The Ravens have focused so much on offense the past few years they've neglected the defense and they haven't been quite as good as they used to be.

27. Atlanta Falcons- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami

Atlanta could use some help with their pass rush. We all saw what happened to them in the playoffs against GB. They were wore out in the 2nd half.

28. New England Patriots- Justin Houston,DE/OLB,Georgia

The Pats have two picks in each of the first three rounds, I'd expect them to try to upgrade some positions on their defense. Houston will give them someone to get after the passer as they didn't generate very much pass rush this past season.

29. Chicago Bears- Benjamin Ijalana,OT/OG,Villanova

The Bears offensive line play has been inconsistent all year. Some games Forte had nowhere to run and some games Jay Cutler got flattened. Ijalana is the most versatile O lineman in this draft and can play both Tackle and Guard.

30. New York Jets- Muhammad Wilkerson,DE/DT,Temple

The Jets are getting old on the defensive line and could use some youth and depth up front. Wilkerson would be a perfect fit at DE in the Jets 3-4.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida

The Steelers offensive line has been decimated by injury this year and they basically haven't been very good the past few years. They could take Mike Pouncey to play next to his brother at Guard and give them a formidable interior of the O line.

32. Green Bay Packers- Rodney Hudson,OC/OG,Florida State

The Packers went OT last year in the first but could still use some help up front. Plus it's never a bad idea to use a 1st round pick on the line when you have Aaron Rodgers as your QB.


2nd Round


33. New England Patriots- Demarcus Love,OT,Arkansas (from Carolina)

The Pats are getting a little long in the tooth along the offensive line. Plus they gave up a ton of pressure to the Jets in the playoffs. Look for them to add an O lineman with one of their three picks in the first 33 picks of the draft.

34. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas

The Bills said that Fitzpatrick is their QB for next season and he deserves to be he played well this past season. That being said I don't think of him as a franchise QB and Mallett could be developed into one.

35. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore,FS,UCLA

Moore is the top rated Safety in this draft class and is a huge need for the Bengals. Having that centerfielder type of Safety in coverage is something they've been missing for a long time. Having someone that can play the pass like Moore back there will give Zimmer flexibility to do a lot more with the play calling as far as blitzing and mixing up coverages. It will also allow the CB's to play more agressive on the outside knowing he will be back there to get there backs as far as getting beat deep.

I know that neither line has been addressed by the Bengals yet and I'm in full belief you win consistently by building the lines, but if Moore is sitting there when the Bengals have this pick I think they have to pull the trigger. He's the player on defense they've been missing that can vault them into the top 5 again.

1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley,DT,Auburn

The Panthers could go a few different way here and that could shake up the first 5 pickfs of this draft. I think they'll go with the best player on the board that is a position of need for them. Fairley dominated this past season and will be a difference maker for someone's defense. He's the total package for a DT, someone that stuffs the run, rushes the passer, and commands double teams.

2. Denver Broncos- DaQuan Bowers,DE,Clemson

John Fox is now the head coach in Denver. He had JuliusPeppers in Carolina for years and will look to go after that elite pass rusher. Bowers isn't quite on Peppers level, but Denver already has Dumerville and he and Bowers will be a lethal pass rushing duo.

3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

Even though Quinn was suspended for the 2010 season, he has the skill set and athleticism to be a number 1 overall pick. Aaron Maybin is a bust and not a fit for the 3-4 the Bills are trying to install. Quinn will be a perfect fit coming off the edge in that system.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia

It's amazing how much better Carson Palmer played when Chad and TO were out and Simpson and Caldwell stepped in. If I'm running the Bengals Chad and TO are gone next year, they simply aren't team players and you can consistently win with them. Having them gone and the young WR's playing will allow Carson to finally be a true leader with WR's that will listen to him and run to the correct spots, not just do their own thing out there.

Green has been a stud at Georgia his entire college career even though after Stafford left the QB play at Georgia was less than mediocre. Green was a man amongst boys in the SEC which is remarkable. He has the complete package to be an elite WR in the NFL. He's good a great size speed combo with excellent hands and his route running is already very advanced for someone that young. He can stretch the field vertically and go up and get the ball over defenders. He can make the acrobatic catches. He had a one handed catch last season that was one of the best i've seen college or pro.

Getting Green would give the Bengals a true number 1 WR for years to come. Put him with Simpson who came on strong the last few games last season. With Shipley in the slot who looks like he's going to be one of the best slot WR's in the NFL very soon and Gresham at TE the Bengals will have an elite combo of guys that can catch the ball for years to come. Gresham is a mis match on every play, Green will command double teams and Simpson has the athleticism to as well. With all of those guys it will be about impossible to defend the Bengals passing game. I know the Bengals need to build up both lines and my philosophy is to draft lineman on both sides of the ball early and often, but Green may be the best WR to come out since Calvin Johnson and I simply wouldn't pass on him, especially if i'm getting rid of Chad and TO.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert,QB,Missouri

Gabbert is flying up people's big boards big time. The Cardinals currently have no viable options at QB and if they don't go get a FA veteran QB then they have to draft one and here they are in position to get the top rated QB in this draft.

6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus,DE/DT,Alabama

The Browns have been running a 3-4, but now that there's a coaching change I don't know which direction they're going to go on defense. Dareus is the most versatile lineman in this draft and can play inside in a 4-3 or DE in a 3-4.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Peterson,CB,LSU

The Niners need a QB, but I don't think Harbaugh will reach for one at this point in the draft. In the NFL you need a top notch QB to win or have a dominant defense. The Niners have a good defense but are a little weak in the secondary, getting a lock down CB like Peterson could vault them into a top 5 defense.

8. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea,DT,Oregon State

The Titans have lost quite a few good players on the line the past couple years. Even though they drafted Pierre-Paul last year they still need someone on the interior of that D line. Paea is freakishly strong and will likely command double teams, freeing up JPP off the edge.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi,OT,Wisconsin

The Cowboys O line play wasn't very good for the most part of 2010 getting their QB flattened. Carimi is the top OT in this draft class and is about as close as you can get to a safe pick at RT.

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Redskins best playmaker is Santana Moss at WR. That's not saying very much, they definitely need an upgrade at the position.

11. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara,CB,Nebraska

There are two elite CB's in this draft class. If Amukamara is still on the board this pick should be a no brainer, the secondary in Houston was terrible last season and when y ou have to play Peyton Manning twice a year you need cover guys.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cameron Newton,QB,Auburn

Newton is a winner and someone is going to fall for his skill set and why not. I've heard alot of Vince Young comparisons, but Newton is a much better passer than Vince Young is.

13. Detroit Lions- Nate Solder,OT,Colorado

The Lions can't keep Stafford healthy, they need to upgrade most of their offensive line. Solder is the most athletic tackle in this class and projects to be a good LT, why not beef up your o line when you have a number 1 pick QB that is supposed to be the face of your franchise.

14. St. Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin,WR,Pittsburgh

Baldwin has all the tools to be a true number 1 WR in the NFL. While he did have a down year this past season the QB play at Pitt was not very good. Since Blackmon and Micheal Floyd are going back to school the top WR's are limited and St. Louis should jump on the only WR left with a 1st round grade.

15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram,RB,Alabama

I don't think Ronnie Brown is going to be back in Miami next season and Ricky Williams is getting old. The Dolphins love to run the football and Ingram is built to handle the entire workload for a season.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn,DE,Iowa

The Jags signed Aaron Kampman last off season and he blew out his knee before the season even started. When you play Manning and Schaub for 4 of your games a season you need players that can get after the QB.

17. New England Patriots- Von Miller,OLB,Texas A&M (from Oakland)

Miller will be a perfect fit in the Patriots 3-4 defense. He can play the run, rush the passer, and is excellent in coverage for an OLB.

18. San Diego Chargers- Ryan Kerrigan,DE/OLB,Purdue

The Chargers haven't had a good pass rusher since Shawn Merriman had to stop taking steroids. Kerrigan was a sack machine at Purdue and the Chargers have had success getting another player from Purdue that they let go to the Saints and he won a Super Bowl.

19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers,OLB,UCLA

The Giants worst position group was by far their LB's. Ayers is the top 4-3 LB in this draft class and will be an instant upgrade at OLB.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brandon Harris,CB,Miami

Ronde Barber is getting old and should be moved to nickel CB where he doesn't have to be on the field every play. Talib is a solid CB, but the Bucs could use a young CB to play across from him, especially when the top 2 teams in their division love to throw the ball.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Tyron Smith,OT,USC

Matt Cassel was constantly under pressure in the Chiefs playoff game against the Ravens. If they hope to take the next step they need to get him some time to throw the ball. This will also allow Albert to move inside to Guard where he will be more effective.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Pouncey,OC/OG,Florida

The Colts biggest weakness was their interior offensive line. Pouncey is a beast that will help the Colts with their annemic running game as well as help give Peyton Manning more time to throw. He can play Guard for now until Saturday retires. If you have Manning you keep your O line stocked with talent and depth and he'll win you Super Bowls.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Anthony Costanzo,OT,Boston College

The Eagles gave up a ton of sacks this year which is suprising since they have Vick who may be the hardest QB to catch up with and sack. Their offense could be scarry good if they get Vick some protection up front.

24. New Orleans Saints- Allen Bailey,DE,Miami

Bailey is a good fit as a DE in a 4-3. The Saints could use someone across from Will Smith and since they play with the lead often, teams will be forced to throw on them. They should follow the Colts formula of having pass rushers to protect that lead.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker,QB,Washington

This will be a popular pick in Seattle. Locker has the tools to be a very good NFL QB, even though he did have a down year last season at Washinton. They still have Hasselback and Whitehurst which will allow Locker some time to develop and gain back his confidence.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Heyward,DE/DT,Ohio State

Ozzie Newsome likes to take the best player on the board. In this case it could very well be Heyward who would be a good fit at DE in the Ravens 3-4.

27. Atlanta Falcons- JJ Watt,DE,Wisconsin

Jamaal Anderson has been a bust and the Falcons could use someone at DE that can get after the QB, in particular Drew Brees the Falcons main competition for the NFC South.

28. New England Patriots- Cameron Jordan,DE/DT,California

Jordan would be a great fit at DE in the Pats 3-4. They have needed an upgrade there since they traded Richard Seymour to the Raiders. Adding Jordan and Von Miller with their two first round picks could take their D from average to very good and make them the favorites to win it all next year.

29. New York Jets- Justin Houston,DE/OLB,Georgia

The Jets weren't as effective getting after the QB this season as they were last year. Look for Rex Ryan to go get himself a shiny new pass rusher.

30. Chicago Bears- Demarcus Love,OT,Arkansas

The Bears O line play was inconsistent this season. Forte had games where he had nowhere to run and Cutler got killed in quite a few games. Look for the Bears to go O line early and often in this draft.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Derek Sherrod,OT,Mississippi State

The Steelers O line has been decimated with injuries all season long. And really their O line hasn't been that good the past couple of seasons.

32. Green Bay Packers- Benjamin Ijalana,OT/OG,Villanova

Even though the Packers took an OT in the 1st round last year they still need help up front. Ijalana is versatile and can play about anywhere on the line. Using a 1st round pick to help protect Aaron Rodgers is never a bad idea, especially after they bring the Lombardi trophy back to Green Bay and have a target on their back next season.


2nd Round


33. New England Patriots- Rodney Hudson,OC,Florida State

The Pats O line is getting a little long in the tooth, especially on the interior. Hudson can put on about 10 lbs and play Guard next year until they're ready for him to take over at Center.

34. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Mallett,QB,Arkansas

The Bills have already said that Fitzpatrick is their QB heading into next year and he deserves to be he played well this season. But if Mallett is still sitting there they should pull the trigger, Mallett can be developed into a franchise QB for the long term.

35. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore,FS,UCLA

I know this is going against my philosophy of building the lines, but Moore would finally give the Bengals that centerfielder at Safety that is excellent in coverage and is a ball hawk that will get the Bengals some interceptions. Having a Safety with that skill set will give Zimmer more flexibility in his play calling, not having to worry about the Safeties constantly giving up the deep ball, even though they have excellent cover CB's. All the defenses that are constantly in the top 10 have two things in common. They are both good up front and have atleast one Safety that is good in coverage. Getting a Safety like this should catapult the Bengals back into the top 5 in defense, especially with the emergence of Carlos Dunlap and his sacks at DE. Him bringing that kind of pressure and Moore's ability to read the QB should translate into many interceptions, especially when that QB has to get rid of it too quick because Dunlap is breathing down his neck.

36. Denver Broncos- Drake Nevis,DT,LSU

John Fox won alot of games in Carolina by running the ball and stopping the run. Nevis is the top player left on the board and will fit a need in Denver as teams ran the ball on them fairly easy.

37. Cleveland Browns- Torrey Smith,WR,Maryland

The Browns need help at WR as they have the worst group of WR's in the NFL. Blackmon and Floyd going back to school hurts Cleveland as they may have been able to get Baldwin or Floyd here. Smith is still an upgrade to any WR they currently have.

38. Arizona Cardinals- Jeremy Beal,OLB,Oklahoma

Losing Dansby hurt Arizona big time this past season. They brought in Joey Porter but he was ineffective. Beal is a playmaker that will fit in nicely in Arizona's 3-4 system.

39. Tennessee Titans- Stefen Wisniewski,OC/OG,Penn State

The Titans interior O line has struggled since losing Kevin Mawae. Wisniewski can play Guard or Center and help get some push and get CJ2K some running room once again.

40. Dallas Cowboys- Ras I Dowling,CB,Virginia

The Cowboys CB's struggled this past season. Newman is getting old and their other CB lacks effort, on prime time he backed away from a tackle and let the ball carrier into the end zone, that is pathetic.

41. Washington Redskins- Corey Liuget,DT,Illinois

After the Albert Haynesworth fiasco last year the Redskins need a new DT. Liuget had a great year at Illinois and shot himself up draft boards from obscurity.

42. Houston Texans- Phil Taylor,NT,Baylor

The Texans brought in Wade Phillips to be Defensive Coordinator after their pathetic showing on defense this year. They are now going to run a 3-4 and need a true NT, Taylor is the best in this draft class and will occupy blockers allowing Mario Williams some one on ones. The Texans should be looking at the best defensive player to fit their system in atleast the first three rounds.

43. Minnesota Vikings- Marvin Austin,DT,North Carolina

The Williamses are getting up there in years and Minnesota could use a fresh young new player to rotate in with them and keep them fresh.

44. Detroit Lions- Aaron Williams,CB,Texas

It's no secret the Lions have struggled on the defensive side of the ball for years. They have good Safeties and some good young talent on the D line, but they need some upgrades at CB.

45. San Francisco 49ers- Kyle Rudolph,TE,Notre Dame

The Niners have some talented young WR's, but they could use a TE to occupy the middle of the field and take some heat off of them. They still need a QB, but getting the best TE in this draft will help them have the pieces in place for when they do get their franchise QB.

46. Denver Broncos- Brandon Burton,CB,Utah

The Broncos are likely going to lose Champ Bailey this off season. Even if they don't he's running out of years and they need to add some depth to the position.

47. St. Louis Rams- Bruce Carter,OLB,North Carolina

Teams are going to get some great value picks with all these talented defensive players that were suspended last season. The Rams struggled at both OLB spots and need to take someone at the position early in this draft.

48. Oakland Raiders- Jimmy Smith,CB,Colorado

Nmandi Asomoah is now an unrestricted FA and I don't see why he'd want to re-sign in Oakland. After Smith there's a bit of a drop off at CB so if he's available they should jump on him.

49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Deunta Williams,FS,North Carolina

The Jags whiffed on Rasheen Mathis who is now a Bengal. They need a serious upgrade at FS to stop the pass happy teams in their division.

50. San Diego Chargers- Jabaal Sheard,DE,Pittsburgh

The Chargers could use an upgrade at DE for Cesaire who has underperformed big time. The Chargers D was high in the rankings this season but had a cupcake schedule.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Greg Jones,OLB,Michigan State

The Bucs have needed an upgrade at strong side LB since Derek Brooks retired. Jones is a solid player that is a natural leader and will fit in nicely on that young promising defense.

52. New York Giants- Ryan Williams,RB,Virginia Tech

Brandon Jacobs is unhappy being the number 2 RB in New York, he may be gone next year and Williams is the big bruising back that can carry the entire load if Bradshaw can't stay healthy, which he hasn't the past few years.

53. Indianapolis Colts- Jarvis Jenkins,DT,Clemson

Teams ran the ball on the Colts fairly easy this season. Look for them to try to get a run stuffer such as Jenkins to help clog up the middle.

54. Philadelphia Eagles- Curtis Brown,CB,Texas

The Eagles need some help at CB across from Asante Samuel. Brown has the talent and could be developed into a pro bowl CB within a couple years.

55. Kansas City Chiefs- Greg Little,WR,North Carolina

The Chiefs were unable to get the ball to Bowe at all in their playoff game against the Ravens. That's because there are no other threats and the Ravens were able to key in on Bowe and not have to worry about anyone else.

56. New Orleans Saints- Mikel Leshoure,RB,Illinois

Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are hurt every season. The Saints can't keep winning with RB's they picked up off the street.

57. Seattle Seahawks- Robert Sands,SS,West Virginia

The Seahawks could use a Safety next to Earl Thomas that can step up and stop the run. Sands is a big strong safety.

58. Baltimore Ravens- Don'ta Hightower,ILB,Alabama

The Ravens may look for Ray Lewis's succesor in this draft. If Hightower is available he'll be one of the top players on the board and could play next to Lewis and learn from him for the next couple years.

59. Atlanta Falcons- Quinton Carter,FS,Oklahoma

The Falcons improved their secondary last off season by signing Dunta Robinson, but they could use some more help there, especially at Safety. Look at the GB playoff game.

60. New England Patriots- Rashad Carmicheal,CB,Virginia Tech

In the NFL you can never have too many good CB's. The Patriots have 4 picks in the first 60 which is rediculous, and two more in the 3rd round. Using three of them on defense should turn that D into a top 10 next year and make them the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

61. San Diego Chargers- Leonard Hankerson,WR,Miami (from Jets)

Hankerson is the most underrated player in this draft in my opinion. I think he has the tools to be a legit number 1 WR in the NFL. The Chargers like those tall WR's.

62. Chicago Bears- Jurrell Casey,DT,USC

Tommie Harris lost his starting job this year in Chicago. Even though their D line has played pretty well they could use an upgrade or some depth at DT.

63. Pittsburgh Steelers- LaMicheal James,RB,Oregon

The Steelers could use a young change of pace back to play behing Mendenhall. Mewelde Moore has played okay, but James is an explosive player who can take it to the house at any time.

64. Green Bay Packers- Davon House,CB,New Mexico State

Charles Woodson is still playing at a high level, but he's getting up there in years and GB could use an upgrade at the Nickel CB position.


3rd Round


65. Carolina Panthers- Titus Young,WR,Boise State

The Panthers need another option at WR besides Steve Smith. He hasn't played that well lately and has been hurt.

66. Cincinnati Bengals- Orlando Franklin,OG,Miami

Franklin is the top pure Guard in this draft class. I think Bobbie Williams has another decent year left in him even though he declined somewhat. At LG though they need an upgrade, neither Mathis or Livings is getting it done. They could take an early Tackle and move Whitworth back to Guard where he can be an all-pro, but that's not going to happen. Hopefully Andre Smith can get his act together, if he does the line could be good, especially if they are able to land Franklin in the 3rd round. Here's how the line would look: Whitworth, Franklin, Cook, Williams, Smith. Also you would have Reggie Stephens who can back up Center and Guard and looked good in limited playing time last year. Collins can back up LT and maybe even RT, I don't like Roland there and then having Mathis or Livings as your backup Guards the line is in good shape and deep.

1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Even though Fairley only had one good year in college, he was dominant that year. Especially on the biggest stage, the National Championship Game. Carolina needs help at DT and someone that dominant can be a game changer.

2. Denver Broncos- DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson

John Fox is now the head coach in Denver and he had Julius Peppers in Carolina. Although Bowers isn't quite on that level, he is still an elite pass rusher and Fox won for a lot of years because he knew being good up front is how you consistently win.

3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

Even though Quinn missed the 2010 season due to suspension, he is very talented. The Bills are supposed to be converting to a 3-4 and Quinn is a perfect fit for an OLB that is an elite pass rusher. They have Tom Brady in their division, and the best way to beat him is to pressure him.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia

I'd like to build up front if i'm running the Bengals, but the value isn't there on either line with the top 3 D lineman gone and no O lineman worth this pick. AJ Green is a stud and arguably the best player on the board, he or Patrick Peterson. I think Chad and TO are gone next year and I'll be glad, you don't win with those kind of players. Carson Palmer played his best when they were out because the WR's let him lead them and they ran to where they were supposed to, not just out there doing their own thing. With Chad and TO gone the Bengals will need that number 1 WR that commands attention and double teams. Having Green, Simpson, Shipley, Gresham, and Caldwell will give the Bengals an elite group of young talent at the WR and TE positions and be tough to stop when they pass for years to come.

Having these young guys will get Palmer's career back on track in my opinion because they'll listen to him and he'll be able to take charge of this team and be a true leader finally. If he doesn't you go QB next year and they will be coming into an offense that's loaded with players that can catch the ball.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Gabbert is flying up big boards. The Cardinals need to do something at the QB spot if they want to contend and as of now they haven't gone out and gotten a veteran FA QB. If they don't take a QB they should trade Fitzgerald it'd be a waste to have a WR of that caliber stuck with QB's like they have.

6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama

I believe the Browns will go back to a 4-3 with the firing of Mangini as that's what Holmgren ran when he was coaching. Dareus is versatile and can play any spot on the line and that will probably have him picked ahead of Paea who I have ranked slightly higher.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

This is a no brainer if Peterson is left here. True the Niners need a QB, but Cam Newton will not be picked here as he would be a bad fit in Harbaugh's system. Without a top notch QB the best way to win is to build a dominant defense and getting an elite CB like Peterson to go with an already stout D will give them that in San Fran.

8. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

The Titans have needed an upgrade at DT since Haynesworth left. Paea is freakishly strong and will command double teams and help free up last year's 1st rounder Jason Pierre-Paul.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Tony Romo got flattened last year and Jerry Jones will try to prevent that as Dallas' O line was below average last year. Some might think this is high for Carimi but I think he's about as close to a sure thing at RT as you can get.

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Redskins have no play makers at WR outside of Santana Moss and even that's a stretch. Their best receiver is Chris Cooley in my opinion.

11. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Texans Defense was terrible in 2010. They could go pass rusher here as they'll be switching to a 3-4 under Wade Phillips, but Amukamara fits a big time need and is one of two CB's who look to be elite coming out of this draft class.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn

Newton is going to go high in this draft and I can see the Vikings falling for his skill set. Alot of comparisons to Vince Young have been made, but I think Newton is a way better passer than Vince Young is and he's a winner that matters big time at the QB position.

13. Detroit Lions- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The Lions offense was much improved this year, but they still need upgrades on the line especially at OT. Solder has good athleticism and projects to be a LT which could help keep Stafford healthy for once.

14. St. Louis Rams- Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Justin Blackmon going back to school hurts the Rams here a little, but Baldwin has the skill set to be an elite number 1 WR in the NFL. He's tall at 6' 5", and has great speed for his size and the hands to go with it. He had a down year this year, but the QB play at Pitt was terrible and his workouts will propel him up draft boards.

15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Ingram is the only worthy 1st round RB and the Dolphins should jump all over this pick. They love to run the ball and I don't think Ronnie Brown will be back and Ricky Williams is too old to carry the entire load. Ingram can be an every down back.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

The Jags signed Aaron Kampman last off season and he blew out his knee before the season even started. With Peyton Manning in their division they need a pass rusher.

17. New England Patriots- Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State (from Oakland)

Heyward will be a perfect fit at DE in the Pats 3-4 and will be the best DE they've had since Richard Seymour.

18. San Diego Chargers- Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue

The Chargers haven't had that elite pass rusher since they made Shawn Merriman stop taking steroids. Kerrigan will finally give them that.

19. New York Giants- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

The Giants weakest position group was LB without a doubt last year. It was masked somewhat because of their good D line. Ayers is the top 4-3 OLB in this draft class.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Ronde Barber is getting old and Talib has been okay for TB at CB. They could definitely use an upgrade and Harris the last first round CB left.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

Miller will be a perfect fit in KC's 3-4 under Romeo Crennel. With him across from Hali they'll have an elite pass rushing duo coming off the edge and a D line full of 1st rounders that are good. Fans in KC should be excited they have a ton of young talent, especially on defense.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida

The Colts major weakness was the interior of their offensive line. Pouncey projects to be a beast inside just like his brother. In Indy it should be simple, keep the line loaded with talent and depth and Peyton Manning will win you Super Bowls.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Tyron Smith, OT, USC

I think Vick will be back in Philly and he took a pounding last year with sacks. Get him some athletic O lineman that can pass block and they could be Super Bowl contenders.

24. New Orleans Saints- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

Putting Nevis next to Ellis on the interior of that D line would give the Saints a lethal duo that can stuff the run and get after the QB. They play with the lead alot which means teams are forced to throw against them, therefore it makes sense to stock up on pass rushers.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker, QB, Washington

If Locker is here when Seattle picks I'm almost certain he'll be the pick. He's a hometown guy, will be a fan favorite, and will sell tickets. Locker has the skill set to be a top 10 NFL QB despite having a down year at Washington.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California

The Ravens pick according to who's highest on their board, which is what I believe in as well for the most part. Jordan will be a perfect fit in their 3-4 at DE.

27. Atlanta Falcons- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Houston plays in Georgia which will entice Atlanta. Plus he's one of the top players on the board and at a position that Atlanta definitely has a need. Other than Curtis Lofton their LB's are mediocre at best.

28. New England Patriots- Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

I think you're going to see a lot of players drafted in the same city they played their college ball in. The Pats couldn't hold up against the pressure the Jets brought in the playoffs and their O line is aging.

29. Green Bay Packers- Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami

The Packers struggled to run the ball for the most part this season. Getting the top OG in the draft can help with that, plus it's never a bad idea to use a 1st round pick on an O lineman when you have Aaron Rodgers.

30. New York Jets- Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas

The Jets O line has been having trouble with injuries lately. When you're philosophy is to run the ball you need to keep the O line stocked with depth.

31. Chicago Bears- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The Bears were inconsistent running the ball and blocking for Jay Cutler all year long. Now that they have a 1st round pick for the first time in a couple years an O lineman is in order.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

Heath Miller is getting older and hasn't produced much the last couple years. Rudolph is really the only decent TE in this draft class as far as a receiving TE goes.


2nd Round


33. New England Patriots- Ras I Dowling, CB, Virginia (from Carolina)

This basically isn't fair the Pats have 2 first round picks and the first pick in the 2nd round. Look for them to add a CB to play across from McCourtey.

34. Buffalo Bills- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

Fitzpatrick played well last year, but if Mallett is sitting here in the 2nd I think the Bills will pull the trigger. At minimum it gives you competition and Mallett could be developed into a franchise QB, he can make every throw and has good size and strength. He needs to learn to throw under pressure though and that's a concern that will likely cause him to fall this far.

35. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA

Many have Moore falling to the 2nd as there isn't a ton of need for FS out there. The Bengals have that need though and Moore the best Safety in the country could vault the Bengals D back into the top 5. Having that FS that can cover and ball hawk will give Zimmer alot more flexibility in his play calling. It bothers me in this mock that there isn't someone taken by the Bengals on one of the lines, but Moore is the top player on the board at this point and at a position of need big time.

If you get anywhere near the production from Moore that he had at UCLA as far as interceptions the Bengals secondary will be one of the best in the NFL, as long as they get Joseph resigned. Look at all the young talent on this defense: Dunlap, Atkins, Peko, Sims, Micheal Johnson, Maualuga, Rivers, Hall, and Joseph. All those players are fairly young and have the makings of a dominant D for years to come if they stay healthy and the Bengals keep them all.

36. Denver Broncos- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Champ Bailey is getting old and likely won't be back in Denver next season. If the Broncos don't take Peterson in the first, they should go CB in the 2nd.

37. Cleveland Browns- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

With Blackmon and Floyd returning to school next year that hurts the Browns as far as the WR's that will be available to them here. Holmgren doesn't draft WR's in the 1st so Smith will be the best option for them here as they need WR help in the worst way, they are terrible at WR.

38. Arizona Cardinals- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

Bailey will be a good fit at DE in Arizona's 3-4. They play in a division with teams that like to run the ball and need to load up up front on defense.

39. Tennessee Titans- Rodney Hudson, OC, Florida State

The Titans need help up front, especially at Center where they've been weak since losing Kevin Mawae.

40. Dallas Cowboys- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Jerry Jones wants to win Super Bowls and he knows building up front is the way to do that unlike a certain owner/GM in Cincinnati. I know I've mocked a WR and FS in the first 2 rounds for the Bengals, but most years I'd be building up the lines.

41. Washington Redskins- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

After the Albert Haynesworth fiasco the Redskins are going to need someone that can play DT for them. They could go with a true NT here, but Liuget is a far better player than any NT available.

42. Houston Texans- Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma

For the Texans their picks should be simple, take the best defensive player on the board that fits your system. Beal is a good pass rusher coming off the edge and will fit in well in Wade Phillips 3-4.

43. Minnesota Vikings- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Williamses are getting a little long in the tooth at DT and Minnesota could use someone to rotate in and keep them fresh.

44. Detroit Lions- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

The Lions were torched often in the passing game and with Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in their division they need cover guys.

45. San Francisco 49ers- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

Frank Gore has been beat up the past couple seasons. Harbaugh likes those big bruising backs and Ryan Williams has the talent of a 1st rounder.

46. Denver Broncos- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

The Broncos were run all over this past season. They need to do something to beef up their front seven.

47. St. Louis Rams- Benjamin Ijalana, OT/OG, Villanova

Jason Smith hasn't really lived up to the hype and the Rams have a promising young QB, it'd be a good idea to get him some more protection. Ijalana is versatile and can play about anywhere on the line.

48. Oakland Raiders- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

Nmandi Asomoagh is now an unrestricted free agent and I can't see why he'd want to stay in Oakland when they are unstable and fire a coach who made good progress.

49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

Rasheen Mathis was a bust and is now gone in Jacksonville. The Jags have a big time need at Free Safety.

50. San Diego Chargers- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

The Chargers need another CB after trading Antonio Cromartie after last season. They have Cason who is decent but could definitely use an upgrade across from him.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Robert Sands, SS, West Virginia

I like what the Bucs have done so far on defense and if they draft like this mock turns out they could have the makings of a dominant D that won them a Super Bowl.

52. New York Giants- Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State

Brandon Jacobs is unhappy with his role in NY and could be gone next year. Thomas is that big bruising back that can handle an entire workload if Bradshaw can't stay healthy.

53. Indianapolis Colts- Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

Teams ran on the Colts fairly easy this past season. Jenkins will give them someone in the middle to help stuff that run.

54. Philadelphia Eagles- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

Lesean McCoy is a good back for the Eagles system, but they could use a bigger back to help them get those tough yards on short distances and the goal line.

55. Kansas City Chiefs- Devier Posey, WR, Ohio State

The Chiefs were unable to get the ball to Bowe at all in their playoff game. Posey can help take some pressure and coverage off of him.

56. New Orleans Saints- Demarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma

Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush can not stay healthy. The Saints are going to have to get someone else in there they can't keep depending on pickups off the street to play RB.

57. Seattle Seahawks- Stefen Wisniewski, OC/OG, Penn State

The Seahawks need help up front big time, especially on the interior of the line. Wisniewski can play OC or either OG spots.

58. Baltimore Ravens- Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Ravens could look for Ray Lewis's succesor in this draft. Hightower is a natural leader and can play next to Ray for a couple years.

59. Atlanta Falcons- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina

The Falcons need someone to take some pressure off of Roddy White. It's amazing he's able to put up the numbers he does with no help outside of Tony Gonzalez who may retire.

60. New England Patriots- Greg Jones, OLB, Michigan State

The Pats will likely go heavy on defense in this draft. Jones is the type of player Belicheck likes a leader, that's a hard worker, and a team player with good character.

61. Green Bay Packers- Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech

Charles Woodson is getting older and the Packers could use an upgrade at their nickel CB spot for now.

62. New York Jets- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Kris Jenkins has been hurt the last two years and the most important position in a 3-4 is NT in my opinion.

63. Chicago Bears- Titus Young, WR, Boise State

The Bears could use some help at WR, they don't have a true number 1 and this won't help them there but does add another playmaker.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh

The Steelers were decimated with injuries on the O line this year. Here they stay in the city and grab an OT to replace or play behind the aging Flozell Adams.

Quarterbacks:



1. Cam Newton, Auburn

2. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

3. Jake Locker, Washington

4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

5. Andy Dalton, TCU





Runningbacks:



1. Mark Ingram, Alabama

2. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

3. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

4. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois

5. Demarco Murray, Oklahoma





Wide Receivers:



1. AJ Green, Georgia

2. Julio Jones, Alabama

3. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

4. Jonathon Baldwin, Pittsburgh

5. Torrey Smith, Maryland





Offensive Tackles:



1. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

2. Nate Solder, Colorado

3. Tyron Smith, USC

4. Anthony Costanzo, Boston College

5. Demarcus Love, Arkansas





Offensive Guards:



1. Orlando Franklin, Miami

2. Clint Boling, Georgia

3. Marcus Cannon, TCU

4. Steve Schilling, Michigan

5. Andrew Jackson, Fresno State





Offensive Centers:



1. Mike Pouncey, Florida

2. Rodney Hudson, Florida State

3. Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State

4. Kris O Dowd, USC

5. Ryan Pugh, Auburn





Defensive Ends:



4-3 Defensive Alignment



1. DaQuan Bowers, Clemson

2. Robert Quinn, North Carolina

3. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

4. Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

5. Allen Bailey, Miami



3-4 Defensive Alignment



1. DaQuan Bowers, Clemson

2. Marcell Dareus, Alabama

3. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

4. Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

5. Cameron Jordan, California





Defensive Tackles:



1. Nick Fairley, Auburn

2. Stephen Paea, Oregon State

3. Marcell Dareus, Alabama

4. Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

5. Drake Nevis, LSU





Outside LB's:



4-3 Defensive Alignment



1. Akeem Ayers, UCLA

2. Justin Houston, Georgia

3. Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma

4. Bruce Carter, North Carolina

5. Kelvin Sheppard, LSU



3-4 Defensive Alignment



1. Robert Quinn, North Carolina

2. Von Miller, Texas A&M

3. Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

4. Justin Houston, Georgia

5. Bruce Carter, North Carolina



Inside LB's:



1. Donta Hightower, Alabama

2. Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina

3. Greg Jones, Michigan State

4. Ross Homan, Ohio State

5. Casey Matthews, Oregon





Cornerbacks:



1. Patrick Peterson, LSU

2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

3. Brandon Harris, Miami

4. Ras I Dowling, Virginia

5. Aaron Williams





Safeties:



1. Rahim Moore, UCLA

2. Deunta Williams, North Carolina

3. Quinton Carter, Oklahoma

4. Robert Sands, West Virginia

5. Mark Barron, Alabama







I don't do kickers and punters. This site is for real football players.

Well Marvin Lewis is coming back which could be a good thing, because that might mean Mike Brown is willing to give up some control or make some sacrifices. Most are hoping that Bob Bratkowski is fired and I'm on that bandwagon. He's had too long with too much talent on that offense and he hasn't produced at all since 2005 when they were a top offense despite Brat, not because of him. That offensive line was so good and so were the WR's and Rudi Johnson that there was no way even Brat's terrible play calling could stop them.

Anyway enough of my Brat rant, I'm a firm believer that to win consistently in the NFL you have to be good up front on both sides of the ball. A good offensive line can make average RB's look good. If you give a decent QB time to throw he will look like an all-pro. Look at Palmer in the SD game, he had all day to throw and looked like the Palmer of 2005. So I would have no problem if the Bengals take someone on one of the lines in the first round, in fact, I believe that you should take someone on one of the lines within the first 2 rounds every year.

Now the bigger weakness is the offensive line, but the problem is picking 4th there isn't an offensive lineman worthy of that pick. There are a few on the defensive line that are worth that pick: Fairley, Bowers, Dareus, and Paea. Three of those are DT's in a 4-3 like the Bengals run and Fairley is my highest rated player in this draft. Dareus could play inside or on the end. Bowers is the pass rusher. Paea is a freakishly strong DT that can clog up the interior. Early last season the Bengals had trouble rushing the passer, but Carlos Dunlap came on in the 2nd half of the year for 9.5 sacks and looks to be a dominant pass rusher. Also Geno Atkins does a nice job getting after the QB from the DT position. I'd have no problem taking Fairley who can stuff the run and get after the passer. He is unblockable and will command double teams and with Peko already in there they would be very tough to run on. The only other I'd take with the 4th pick would be Bowers who will be an elite pass rusher coming off of the edge and he and Dunlap would give us a combo as good as Mathis and Freeney only they are bigger and can stop the run as well.

Now my preference is for them to get rid of Chad and TO and draft AJ Green. Those two are not team players and do their own thing out there. It's amazing what happened when they were out and Carson had WR's actually running routes to where they were supposed to go. Plus getting rid of them will allow Carson to be a true leader, he'll have WR's that will actually listen to him and Carson will be a top notch QB once again. I know the Bengals need help on the lines, but AJ Green is a WR that only comes along every 5/6 years or so and he'll give them that true number 1 that they'll need with Chad and TO gone.

As far as the lines go, I'm hoping they can get a good LG in free agency. Guards don't really break the bank. I think Bobbie Williams has one more year left in him at RG. RT is a problem, but there's not much they can do there with Andre Smith making all that money and basically being a big fat flop, literally. If Andre can get things going and they can upgrade at LG the line should be pretty good. Also a good Guard can be had in the 3rd round of the draft.

On defense they could use another DT, hopefully Pat Sims can play better and they can use him on running downs and Geno Atkins on obvious passing downs. I like what Micheal Johnson is doing and obviously Carlos Dunlap looks to be a stud and should be the opening day starter next year. Free Agent DT's are expensive and I'd stay away from any big name players at that position as they will break the bank. I think they are pretty set at LB atleast for next year as long as they can keep Brandon Johnson. They need to get J Jo resigned to a long term deal. Safety is a mess really, Reggie Nelson showed some sparks but was inconsistent. Roy Williams is good against the run, but is a liability in coverage. Crocker is getting old and both he and Williams are injured often. I think Rahim Moore could be sitting there when they pick in the 2nd round and if he is they should grab him. He's the top Safety coming out, is a true FS that is good in coverage and is a ball hawk. Having him would allow Zimmer to get even more creative as he wouldn't have to worry about constantly giving up the deep ball with Safeties that can't cover.

This team is not far away from being a serious contender. Obviously Carson Palmer is going to have to play much better for them to have a chance. But there is alot of good young talent on this team and the nucleus is there for them to make a Super Bowl run in the near future. On the offensive side they have these young guys: Jermaine Gresham, Jordan Shipley, Jerome Simpson, Bernard Scott, Kyle Cook, and Reggie Stephens who looks to be promising and could be moved to Guard possibly. If they draft Green they will be loaded with pass catchers and would be a lineman away from having an explosive offense. They need to get Benson back for atleast one more year though.
On defense they are loaded with young talent still on their rookie contracts or close to it: Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Rey Maualuga, Domata Peko, Pat Sims, Keith Rivers, Leon Hall, Jonathon Joseph. That young nucleus has the makings of a dominant defense for years to come. If they can land Rahim Moore they'll have that ball hawking Safety every dominant defense needs. You add a couple peices to that defense and a lineman or two plus AJ Green to that offense and you have a Super Bowl contender. As long as Carson Palmer can get back to being a top 6 or 7 QB, and that's a big if. If he can't you have to take a 1st rounder next year and get him developed quick, especially with all this young talent on this team.

AJ GREEN: WIDE RECEIVER, GEORGIA
Height: 6' 4" Weight: 205 lbs.

AJ Green is head and shoulders above the rest of the Wide Receivers in this year's draft class. He has been called by some the best WR prospect since Randy Moss, personally I think he's the best since Calvin Johnson and he's just as good as Johnson was coming out of college. He was a man amongst boys in the SEC, the toughest conference in the NCAA. Despite being suspended for part of the 2010 season he came right in and dominated, all while having mediocre QB play. Green hasn't had a good QB at Georgia since Stafford left and has still put up dominant numbers.

Position Specific Traits

Seperation Skills: Green has a good first step for a WR his size. He gets off of the line very quick. He can get up to full speed very fast and he's a long strider with that 6' 4" size, that makes him look like he's not moving very fast, but it's deceptive as he's very fast. Does a good job getting in and out of his cuts. Green can easily get seperation with man coverage and does a good job finding the soft spots in the zone. Can use some work on his route running, but that will come with more experience.


Ball Skills: Green has excellent hands and does a good job using them to catch the ball out away from his body. Does a good job using his size to go up and get the ball over smaller defenders, consistently wins jump balls one on one. Green has made some amazing circus catches at Georgia and makes them look easy. He had a one handed catch in his first game back last season that was one of the best I've ever seen and he made it look easy. He does a good job getting turned around to catch balls that are thrown behind him, excellent body control. Green does need to improve on using that big frame and long arms to shield defenders away from the ball when he is closely covered.


Size and Speed: Has excellent size at 6' 4" and good top end speed for his size. Could add some bulk to that long and wiry frame.


Intangibles: Green is well respected by his coaches and teammates. He was an above average student at Georgia. Known as a hard worker. There was some trouble with Green selling a game used jersey and that got him suspended this past season, but his character isn't much of a concern according to those who have been around him the past few years.


Summary: Green is an elite player coming out of this year's draft. He should be a top 5 pick and I wouldn't mind at all if the Bengals selected him this year. He is going to be impossible to cover one on one and if the Bengals take him that will free up either Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley, or Jermaine Gresham and possibly more than one as Simpson's skill set is going to require double teams and Gresham is a mismatch against any LB or Safety.

1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn



The Panthers lose out with Luck returning to Stanford. With no other QB's worth taking here they should take the best player on the board. Fairley dominated the National Championship Game and was unblockable all season.



2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU



Champ Bailey is getting old and likely will not be with the Broncos next season. Peterson is going to be a lock down CB in the NFL and in today's pro game CB's are becoming more and more valuable, especially elite ones like Peterson.



3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina



The Bills are trying to convert to a 3-4 and Quinn is an elite level pass rusher. Aaron Maybin is not a good fit for a 3-4 and the Bills have Tom Brady in their division so they need players that can get after the QB.



4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia



It's amazing that Carson Palmer played well with Chad and TO on the sideline. He played very well actually. That's because the WR's on the field actually ran the correct routes and they were where they were supposed to be. Jerome Simpson is finally looking good, other than the 2 fumbles against Baltimore. I'd like to see what Palmer can do when Chad and TO are gone and he can actually be a leader with young WR's that will listen to him.



Green was a man among boys in college, and that was in the SEC. Even when he missed those games due to suspension he came right in and dominated. He has an amazing skill set of size, speed, vertical leap, and ball skills. He has the ability to stretch the field, go up over defenders and get the ball, or run the short routes. His route running is very good already. Green is the best WR prospect since Calvin Johnson in my opinion and may be even better.



This pick would give the Bengals an arsenal of young weapons and set the offense up for the passing game for years to come. They already have a 1st round TE that looks like he's going to be a stud, a slot WR that is comparible to Wes Welker and had an excellent rookie season, and Simpson looks like he could be a very good number 2 WR. Bring in Green and you have that elite number 1 WR and Carson Palmer has a group of young weapons that will let lead them. And the Bengals could be a year and a couple of offensive lineman away from being better than the 2005 offense.



5. Arizona Cardinals- Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn



Newton is going to be a top 5 pick one way or another. At least one team is going to fall in love with his skill set and his upside. For now I have Arizona taking him, but I think they may sign a veteran FA like McNabb. If not they need to take a QB or trade Fitzgerald, it'd be a waste to have such a talented WR with those below average QB's on that roster.



6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama



The Browns need a playmaker at WR, but Holmgren has never taken a 1st round WR and I don't think he's going to start this year. Dareus is a safe pick, who will be a solid player and a good fit at DE in a 3-4.



7. San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska



You need a good QB to win it all in the NFL, in most cases. But you can win another way and that is to have a dominant defense. The Niners already have a good D and are a couple secondary pieces away from being dominant. Amukamara is one of the two elite CB's in this draft class.



8. Tennessee Titans- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State



Paea is a freak with how strong he is. He will command double teams and is the piece the Titans have been looking for since they lost Haynesworth on the interior of that D line.



9. Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin



Most draft experts would consider this a reach, but Dallas needs O line help and I think Carimi is a heck of a player, and is a pretty safe pick to be a solid RT for years to come. Romo got flattened this year and Jerry Jones knows you're not going to win the Super Bowl with your backup QB.



10. Washington Redskins- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri



Gabbert is flying up draft boards right now, especially with Luck announcing he's staying in school. McNabb is not going to be back in Washington, and Shanahan is going to want to bring in his own guy to play QB there.



11. Houston Texans- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M



Wade Phillips is the new D coordinator in Houston and that means a 3-4. Miller may be the best 3-4 OLB option in this draft class. He can rush the passer and cover very well. The Texans D was terrible last year and getting another pass rusher that can also cover will help a lot.



12. Minnesota Vikings- DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson



This would be an absolute steal for Minnesota and having Bowers across from Jared Allen would be deadly for opposing QB's. Minnesota will need a QB, but there is none worth the pick here so they go with the best player on the board.



13. Detoit Lions- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado



Solder is possibly the best pure LT in this draft class. If the Lions ever want to see what Stafford is capable of they need to find a way to keep him protected.



14. St. Louis Rams- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama



Sam Bradford played very well his rookie year, almost taking the Rams to the playoffs. They have some talented young WR's, but they are missing that number 1 WR. That's where Julio Jones comes in.



15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama



The Dolphins want to run the ball down everyone's throat. I don't think Ronnie Brown will be back in Miami next year and Ricky Williams is pretty old. Ingram is the only back worthy of a 1st round pick and can carry an entire load of an NFL season.



16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa



The Jags signed Kampman last off season and he blew out his knee. With Peyton Manning in your division you need as many good pass rushers as you can get.



17. New England Patriots- Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue (from Oakland)



The Pats are probably going to win the Super Bowl this year and it was supposed to be a re-building year. This pick from Oakland will give them a top notch pass rusher that they've been missing and turn their D from average to good.



18. San Diego Chargers- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State



I don't know what SD is going to do with Vincent Jackson, but I do know they have an arrogant GM that will take a WR just to give himself leverage with Jackson. Then he may franchise him and make him sit another season.



19. New York Giants- Tyron Smith, OT, USC



The Giants have been solid on the O line for years, but they are getting old there now and Eli Manning was not comfortable in the pocket this year. It showed up in interceptions. Smith could be a franchise LT within a year.



20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami



I love what TB did in last years draft taking McCoy and Price, the two DT's, with their first two picks. This year they could take someone on the end of that line and be on the way to having a dominant D like the one they won the Super Bowl with.



21. Kansas City Chiefs- Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh



The Chiefs were unable to get Bowe involved at all in thier playoff game, because he was the only threat the Ravens respected and was doubled the entire game. Getting another good WR could take KC's offense to the next level.



22. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida



It's no secret the weakest link on the Colts is the interior O line. Pouncey is a big boy who can hold his own against huge NT's, can provide push in the run game, and can pass protect. When you have a Peyton Manning you keep your O line loaded with depth and he'll win you Super Bowls.



23. Philadelphia Eagles- DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas



The Eagles gave up a ton of sacks this past season. That was with the elusive Mike Vick as their QB too. Look for them to bolster up the O line, especially RT.



24. New Orleans Saints- Cameron Heyward, DT/DE, Ohio State



The Saints D gave up 41 points to Seattle, that's rediculous. Heyward dominated the Sugar Bowl against a good Arkansas offensive line. He would be a good fit inside next to Sedric Ellis and those two would be tough to run on and would provide major pass rush.



25. Seattle Seahawks- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami



The Seahawks let Brees pass for over 400, 4 TD's, but they still won. They won't be able to continue to do that though and need some cover CB's.



26. Green Bay Packers- Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State



When you have Aaron Rodgers it's never a bad idea to use a 1st round pick on an O lineman. That is their weakest spot even with using a 1st rounder on Bulaga last year.



27. New York Jets- Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California



Jordan will be a perfect fit at DE in the Jets 3-4. They have struggled some up front this year on defense. Rex will look to fix that this off season, which should start after they get blown out by the Pats again this weekend.



28. Baltimore Ravens- Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia



Dowling has put up good tape over his entire college career, not just one year. Ozzie Newsome will like that and CB is the Ravens biggest need.



29. Chicago Bears- Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College



This draft sets up perfect with lots of teams picking toward the bottom need O line help and tons of O lineman with grades that fit these slots. Cutler has gotten killed many times this year and the Bears need to get him some help up front.



30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame



Heath Miller's production has steadily gone down over the past few years. Rudolph is the top TE in this draft class that is weak at the position.



31. Atlanta Falcons- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA



This would be a steal for the Falcons, but you are seeing LB's fall further and further every year there is another draft. Ayers is probably the best pure 4-3 OLB in this draft class.



32. New England Patriots- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin



To fit in the NE 3-4 Watt will have to put on about 10 lbs. That is not a big deal and Watt will be the best DE they've had since Richard Seymour.





2nd Round





33. New England Patriots- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (from Carolina)

It's almost not fair, the Pats basically have 3 first round picks, all in the bottom half of the 1st, which means they won't have to pay a ton of money for them either. This will basically give them two first round CB's with them taking McCourtey last season and with the other 2 defensive picks their D will be a dominating force to go along with their potent offense and make them Super Bowl favorites once again.

34. Buffalo Bills- Jake Locker, QB, Washington

I thought Fitzpatrick played well this past season and should be the starter heading into next year. Locker has all the physical tools to be a good NFL QB, but his confidence has taken a hit and he's going to need some development.

35. Cincinnati Bengals- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA

I'd like to build the lines, but if Moore is still here the Bengals need Safety help in the worst way. They can't stay healthy there and all their current Safeties are liabilities in coverage. Moore will give them that ball hawk that they've been missing for years. Hopefully they can pick up an interior O lineman in free agency and possibly a RT if Andre Smith isn't going to get his head out of his butt.

Having a Safety that can cover will give Zimmer alot more flexibility in his play calling and game planning. Look at teams like the Ravens and Steelers that have that elite Safety. Now I'm not saying Moore is going to be an Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu, but he'll definitely help this defense and could propel them back into the top 5.

36. Denver Broncos- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

The Broncos were terrible up front last season, now that John Fox is their new coach an emphasis will be put on stopping the run and Nevis will give them a force inside on that D line.

37. Cleveland Browns- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

The Browns are going to miss out if they don't take a 1st round WR and I don't think Holmgren will. He's won without them and is cocky enough to think he can do so again. With Micheal Floyd looking like he's going back to Notre Dame, Smith is the only WR left worth a pick this high, in my opinion.

38. Arizona Cardinals- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

After the Cards lost Dansby to Miami last off season, they were weak at the LB core and still haven't found a replacement. Houston has first round talent and would be a great value pick here at a position of huge need.

39. Tennessee Titans- Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova

The Titans need help all over the line and Ijalana can play OT or OG. He is a punishing run blocker who will fit in well in Tennessee who likes to run the ball with their all-pro RB.

40. Dallas Cowboys- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

The Cowboys need an upgrade at both CB spots really. Terrance Newman is getting old and their other CB (can't remember his name) gives inconsistent effort. I specifically remember him not even attempting a tackle on a national television game, he moved out of the way.

41. Washington Redskins- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

After the Albert Haynesworth fiasco, the Redskins are going to need a replacement at DT and Liuget is a great value pick at this spot.

42. Houston Texans- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

With Wade Phillips at D Coordinator and a 3-4 being installed the Texans are going to need a true NT. Taylor fits the bill at 350 lbs. Plus with their terrible Defense last year, I'd look for them to take a defensive player in atleast the first 3 rounds.

43. Minnesota Vikings- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

If Mallett is still on the board the Vikings would likely pull the trigger. I could see him falling this far after he was exposed in the Sugar Bowl for not being able to throw with pressure in the pocket. But he can still make any throw and this would work great for Minnesota getting Bowers at the 12th pick and then Mallett here.

44. Detroit Lions- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

With the Lions missing out on one of the two elite CB's in the 1st round, they can land one of the two outstanding Texas CB's in the 2nd.

45. San Francisco 49ers- Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma

I don't think Jim Harbaugh will reach on a QB here just to take one. He'll take one of the top players on the board and turn that defense into a dominant one. They used 2 first round picks on O lineman last year and the O line is in place there. Harbaugh will use Alex Smith for one year and then take his future QB next year, possibly trading up to get Andrew Luck.

46. Denver Broncos- Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Like I said John Fox will put a premium on defense, especially stopping the run. Hightower will be his man in the middle of that defense.

47. St. Louis Rams- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

The Rams have a solid D but are below average at both OLB spots. This is where you could start to see those suspended North Carolina defensive players start getting picked. They likely would've had a bunch of 1st round defensive players taken had they not been suspended.

48. Oakland Raiders- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Al Davis fires Tom Cable after the Raiders look to be on the right track. Now the new coach doesn't have a pick until almost the 50th pick, and Nmandi Asomough is a unrestricted FA. He's not going to return and the Raiders biggest need will be CB.

49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

Another of the talented NC players on defense. The Jags whiffed on Reggie Nelson and need players to defend the pass with the Colts and Texans in their division.

50. San Diego Chargers- Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State

The Chargers need to upgrade and add depth on their defensive line. They had a good D this year, but also a cupcake schedule.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Rashad Carmicheal, CB, Virginia Tech

Ronde Barber is on his last leg and CB's are at a premium and fly off the board, especially in today's pass happy NFL. Plus they have Drew Brees and Matt Ryan in their division.

52. New York Giants- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

Ahmad Bradshaw can't stay healthy and I don't know what will happen with Brandon Jacobs. I do know after all the interceptions this year Tom Coughlin is going to get back to running the ball, that's why I have them going O line then RB in rounds 1 and 2.

53. Indianapolis Colts- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

Austin likely would've been taken alot earlier had he not gotten suspended by the NCAA. Anyway the Colts struggled stopping the run and this will give them a presence inside on the D line.

54. Philadelphia Eagles- Rodney Hudson, OC, Florida State

Andy Reid loves drafting O lineman early and often and hasn't done so in a few years. After all the sacks they gave up this year I think he'll get back to that. Hudson is a Center that has some athleticism which will help when trying to block for Vick, if he stays in Philly.

55. Kansas City Chiefs- Kelvin Sheppard, OLB, LSU

I think Sheppard can be developed into a good pass rusher in a 3-4 and he already has the cover skills. Other than Tamba Hali the Chiefs have no one to rush the QB.

56. New Orleans Saints- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

The Saints are good in the secondary except at SS, Malcom Jenkins has played well at FS and they have decent CB's.

57. Seattle Seahawks- Stefen Wisniewski, OC, Penn State

Pete Carroll likes to run the ball alot, but to do so he's going to need to upgrade the O line. Especially on the interior.

58. Green Bay Packers- Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

The Packers are going to be playing with the lead alot as long as they have Aaron Rodgers. In that case teams are going to be throwing on them and GB will need more CB depth.

59. San Diego Chargers- Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh (from Jets)

Since Shawn Merriman wasn't allowed to take steroids anymore the Chargers haven't had that top notch pass rusher. Larry English hasn't panned out either.

60. Baltimore Ravens- Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami

The Ravens didn't run the ball as well as they have in previous years. A lot of that is due to the fact they weren't getting the push up the middle they usually have in previous years.

61. Chicago Bears- Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma

With the pass rush the Bears have they should be getting alot more interceptions. Poor Safety play has hurt that somewhat.

62. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh

The Steelers stick with the local college guy at a position they deprately need some depth. Basically they need players across their entire O line.

63. Atlanta Falcons- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami

It's amazing the production Roddy White gets while being the only real receiving threat on that team. Hankerson is underrated in my book and could be one of those guys out of nowhere that becomes an elite WR, he has all the physical tools to do so.

64. New England Patriots- Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

Another backup QB that Belicheck can develop and then trade off for a 1st or 2nd round pick.



3rd Round


65. Carolina Panthers- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina

The Panthers need a receiving threat other than Steve Smith, who's play has declined over the past couple years.

66. Cincinnati Bengals- Clint Boling, OG, Georgia

Could also go RB here, but if I was GM building the lines would be my top priority. I know I haven't taken a lineman in the first 2 rounds at all, but the way the draft fell I mocked them the best player on the board, both at positions of need that will be able to make an immediate impact.

Boling is a good pass protector and is a decent run blocker, who has room on his frame to add some bulk and make him an even better run blocker. Boling has excellent athleticism for his size.

Guard is a position that could be filled in free agency, but for now I have no clue what the Bengals are going to do this off season in free agency. I think they'll get Benson resigned, which will eliminate the need for a RB for now. Bobbie Williams probably has one more year left in him and the Bengals also have Reggie Stephens who can play OC or OG. Plus they have Mathis and Livings, but I think they need to be upgraded at the LG spot.

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