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2009 Packerrats Mock Draft:
I'd like to conduct a mock draft, if you'd like to participate, please select 2-3 teams, and when all 32 teams have GM's we'll go ahead and draft. No trades, (it's too complicated), and please do some research on your respective teams so you know what their needs are. No time constraints, just tell me who you want to draft and I'll type him in. I'll start off by taking the Lions 2 picks.
# 1 Detroit Lions: packrulz=QB Matt Stafford, Georgia. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are good but are they #1 overall pick good? Stafford was good in high school, won some big bowl games in college, and he'll be good in the NFL. He's worthy of the #1 overall pick, besides, the Lions haven't had a good QB in 20 years.
#2 St. Louis Rams:gbpackfan=OT JASON SMITH, Baylor
After releasing Orlando Pace this pick is a virtual lock to be a LT. The only real question is who the Rams have rated higher, Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe? But Jason Smith's potential is too much to pass up here. He'll be a dominating pass blocker from day 1 and his mean streak will translate in the running game nicely.
#3 Kansas City Chiefs:PackerPro42=
The Kansas City Chiefs Select Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
#4 Seattle Seahawks:wist43=Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
I thought about going a lot of different directions here; gave serious consideration to Crabtree, Orakpo and Raji.
In the end, Seattle is a long way from contending, and Hasselbeck won't be around long enough to see them back; so, even though I believe in defense first, hence the gleem in my eye for Raji and Orakpo, Monroe is the safest pick, and should be the long term answer at LT. Walter Jones is 35, and coming off microfracture surgery... so given that, Monroe may be the short term answer at LT as well.
Monroe makes the most sense here.
#5Cleveland Browns
ylan McKay=Micheal Crabtree wide receiver Texas Tech
Cleveland would like to see some additions on defense but simply put the Browns have some question marks with Edwards. Edwards is a phenom type player but trade questions are currently attached to his name. Even if Edwards stays in cleveland getting another weapon to help out the offense will be the deciding factor. especially a receiver as polished as Crabtree.
The Browns I figured would rather load up with a player like Crabtree than take a possible risk at outside linebacker or taking Malcom Jenkins. Jenkins just isn't good enough to take with the 5th pick, in my opinion.
#6 Cincinnati Bengals:KYPack=OT Andre Smith. Both starting tackles from last year will most likely gone. The Bengals will move their LG from last year, Andrew Whitworth, to LT. Smith will be given a shot at RT, with the idea he can play LT or either guard spot, also.
There was a sports radio show on with Jerry Jones (not the Cowboy owner, another Jerry Jones) author of the Drug Store list. He is a draft consultant to the Bengals. He says the coaches and scouts mainly want an OT and are divided between Smith and Oher. The offensive coaches want Crabtree. I'm somewhat sure the Beagles will go with Smith.
#7 Oakland Raiders:chain_gang=B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College.
We fill he will bring a much needed push to our defensive line and take some pressure off of our talented secondary.
#8 Jacksonville Jaguars:Bretsky=With the 8th pick in the draft the Jags draft WR Jeremy Maclin
#9 Green Bay Packers:Packerrats forum poll=Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss, consensus pick from poll.
#10 San Francisco 49ers=packrulz:San Francisco would consider QB Sanchez here but might be able to get a QB later, they also need a pass rusher, Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas.
#11 Buffalo Bills:Lurker64=Robert Ayers, DE, Tenn. The Bills, going into the season had three major needs:
1) A third offensive playmaker.
2) A solution to an unsettled relationship with disgruntled pro bowl left tackle Jason Peters.
3) A pass rush.
The signing of Terrell Owens hopefully provides something to do with the ball for those situations where Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch are bottled up, so #1 can be left for later rounds.
If Oher or Andre Smith were still on the board, the Bills would strongly consider either and look to trade Peters (negotiations with the Eagles to give up one of their first for Peters have already taken place, but I believe are contingent on the Bills being able to pick up an Oher or a Smith). I guess the solution is then to just pay Peters.
So to that end, the Bills look to address #3. Most of the pass rushers in this draft look to be sort of undersized guys who are best suited to the 3-4, and Buffalo shows no indication of wanting to abandon the 4-3. A key cog in the 4-3 defense is the superstar DE, a guy who can rush the passer and hold the point against the run and those guys are terribly, terribly rare. So to that end, the Bills take a chance (possibly a reach, but the Bills have reached before and it's worked out for them, see Donte Whitner), on Tennessee Defensive End Robert Ayers. Somewhat of a late bloomer as he didn't start until he was a senior and his college stat line isn't that encouraging as a result, but he has the frame and measurables you want and he recorded 3 sacks against elite-talent to be in the senior bowl. 4-3 stud DEs are rare enough that you have to take a flyer on one, particularly since your other needs aren't easily addressed at this spot.
#12 Denver Broncos:jmbarnes101=Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. As of a few weeks ago defense was the number one concern for this team as they looked set on offense. Fast forward a few weeks later and afteer jettisoning their young pro-bowl QB they suddenly have a need for a franchise QB as well. With the niners not taking the player everyone expects them to, the Broncos have about four players worthy of consideration at this point. Their biggest need however is on the defensive line and with Raji gone there is only one player that will help them here.
With that being said, the Denver Broncos select the only blue chip 3-4 DE in this draft, Tyson Jackson DE - LSU. This move will bolster their front line and allow Dumervil to move to OLB with Al Wilson moving inside. They still have a lot of work to do but that pick at #18 should help them out as well and we have our fingers crossed that the player we're eyeing will be available.
#13 Washington Redskins:BallHawk=Everette Brown, DE, FSU. The Redskins are gonna go defense here. After losing some vets from last year (Taylor and Washington) they need to regroup and get some youth in there. Fat Albert can't do it all by himself.
So the decision here will be to go with either somebody to go down in the trenches with Albert or somebody to line up behind him. So it's gonna be LB or DE.
Aaron Curry is in a league of his own in terms of LBs for this draft and the next best one is among debate, although most would say Brian Cushing out of USC.
But, knowing Dan Snyder, he'll want a player who has more star potential.
Thus, the Redskins select DE Everette Brown out of FSU.
#14 New Orleans Saints:wist43=Aaron Maybin, OLB/DE, Penn State. Gave strong consideration to Larry English, but thought Maybin might be a better fit for NO b/c he seems to be the more fluid athlete and should be able to transition to OLB in the a 4-3 more easily.
Also considered Maualuga here, as NO is in need of an identity and some toughness up front, but Maybin's upside and flexibility are greater, so he was the pick.
Also consider Darrius Butler and Peria Jerry here, but NO addressed DB in FA, and Jerry has some injury concerns, so Maybin wins out.
Note: As this is a foreign term to most Packer fans, FA stands for "Free Agency"... it is a means used by some NFL teams (not the Packers) to acquire players who have previously played in the NFL for other teams.
#15 Houston Texans:texaspackerbacker=Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. With the 15th pick in the first round, the Houston Texans are pleased that the Niners and Skins passed on the guy we wanted, the latest in a long line of great USC QBs and our future QB, MARK SANCHEZ.
#16 San Diego Chargers:chain_gang=Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
This worked out great for the Chargers, while we have some decent ILB's, we lack difference makers. Rey Maualuga is just that. His value at this point in the draft, overrides more immediate team needs. Now our LB group is immediately one best in the league now with Merriman, Phillips, Cooper, and Maualuga.
Also considered were Percy Harvin WR, Florida, and William Beatty OT Connecticut.
#17 New York Jets:PackerPro42=Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
#18 Denver Broncos:jmbarnes101=Malcolm Jenkins - DB, Ohio State.
He gives us the flexiblity needed in our shift to a 3-4 since he can effectively play both CB and S and while we don't need a starting CB right now we could use a starting Safety which is where he will line up to begin.
#19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers:mission=Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss.
The Buccaneers hoped and prayed that Sanchez would fall to them at #19 but their search for a franchise QB will have to continue (Josh Freeman was also heavily looked at). After strongly considering Cushing to replace Brooks, concerns of past steroid use in addition to the return of LB Angelo Crowell (who had a strong 07 season with the Bills) from injury have them putting this pick off for later in the draft.
Their only other unmentioned glaring need is the defensive line. Ole Miss' First team All-American, Peria Jerry, completely wowed scouts at his pro day with a 4.98 40, running faster than any other man at his size (Indy). Considered a reach by many, comparisons to Warren Sapp are just the nudge it takes to put this pick over the top in Jim Bates' new defensive scheme.
#20 Detroit Lions:ND72=Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Detroit could go one of 2 ways here in my opinion. They could look Offensive Tackle to protect their new #1 QB, but they could probably get the same guy they want at pick #33 in the 2nd round. So Detroit gets Defensive, and takes Vontae Davis, CB - Illionis.
#21 Philadelphia EaglesonHutson=Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. The Philadelphia Eagles are linked with every WR in the draft every year, because other than the T.O. experiment they've never given McNabb a top flight target. So do they take one here? I say no. They also have needs on the OL, and like most teams they could use more playmakers on D.
When Brian Westbrook is on the field, the Eagles are as good as anyone. When he's hurt, they typically suck. Therefore, to me, the key to continued success for the Eagles is to either keep Westbrook healthy (and he's not getting any younger) or find a supplementary RB.
Beenie Wells would offer the old thunder and lightning cliche, but I think the Eagles go with Knowshon Moreno here. He can do a lot of the same things Westbrook can, with far fewer miles on the odometer.
#22 Minnesota Vikings:Bretsky=Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. The Minnesota Vikings, who consider GB their biggest rival, seriously considered going the route of OT, mainly in Eben Britton. But blocking Justine Harrell and the subpar cast of DL Green Bay currently has would stunt his growth anyways.
Instead, they go with a dynamic all around player that could fly by Al Harris with ease if he ditches the jam. And last year we saw that Bernard Berrion wasn't a ringer so the Vikes need help here.
The Minnesota Vikings select, WR Percy Harvin. Enjoy seeing him in your tracks Packer fans
#23 New England Patriots:Lurker64=Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. All of the New England Patriots championships were based on defense. Clutch, swarming, well-coached, and well-executed defense with some exceptional play in their Linebacker corps. Their failure to reach 19-0 had a lot to do with their defense being very, very old (they brought Junior Seau out of retirement, for goodness sakes). And despite hitting a home-run with Jerrod Mayo last year, they haven't gotten substantively younger.
Somewhat worrying is that the entire starting defensive line for the Pats will be a free agent next year, but most of those guys are worth paying for to retain, and there's not a lot here. Brief consideration was put towards Jarron Gilbert or Ziggy Hood to play DE, but Seymour is the best player in the league at that position, and so drafting one of those two would basically signal the departure of probably the best player on the defense.
The cornerback position is also weak, and Vontae Davis might be a Bill Bellichick pick as he has a habit of turning around reprobates (how much of a ruckus has Randy Moss made in NE?), but Detroit took him, so good luck. There's not much else here, so they can look to pick up somebody in a later round.
The thing that really needs addressing is the linebacker corps that New England built their championship team on. Mike Vrabel is a Chief, it's a miracle that Teddy Bruschi is still playing, Adalius Thomas has been somewhat disappointing, and Pierre Woods (the current replacement for Vrable) was undrafted 3 years ago and is nothing special. If Maualuga had fallen here, the Pats would have taken him as Mayo and Maualuga would be the best ILB corps in the NFL, bar none, but he's not. So the Pats look to find a younger, cheaper, replacement for Vrable or Bruschi here by drafting USC Linebacker Brian Cushing, a tough, intense, versatile and athletic linebacker who will can quickly step in to play ILB (in Bruschi's spot) or OLB (in Vrabel's old spot). Cushing is versatile and athletic, has textbook size, and is good in coverage against tight ends and running backs.
The Pats briefly considered a pass rusher like Larry English, Connor Barwin, Clay Matthews, and Clint Sintim. But considering that the Pats pick again in ten picks, it's unlikely that half of those teams are going to pick a pass rusher, so they'll just grab the best of who's left, and go for the guy with star potential here.
#24 Atlanta Falcons:3irty1=Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State.They have needs all over despite winning 11 games. Other possibilities include a DT like Peria Jerry if he falls or Ziggy Hood, or any of the USC linebackers if they fall. Supposedly they have a boner for Louis Delmas at safety too so that's a possibility. I think Pettigrew is the best player available and also fills a need.
#25Miami Dolphins:Mazzin=W.R. Kenny Britt/ Rutgers.Miami would have loved to have Percy fall to them, they think they have the qb of the future with Henne so no need to take Josh Freeman here....I think Kenny Britt with his size would fit VERY well with Ted Ginn.
#26Baltimore Ravens:Guiness=Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. Although RB is arguably their deepest position, Beanie Wells still on the board can't be ignored.
#27 Indianapolis Colts:gbpackfan= Evander "Ziggy" Hood,DT , Missouri. The Colts are looking to replace Marvin Harrison but with The top 5 WRs off the board, they'll wait until round 2 and go after a guy like Juaquin Iglesias. This is actually a blessing in disguise because the Colts desperately need depth at the DT position. Their run D was ranked 24th last year and have lost at least 3 DTs over the past 12 months to retirement, legal issues and medical problems. With P. Jerry off the board, the Colts select the next best DT remaining (for their scheme) - Evander "Ziggy" Hood. Hood has the size and speed combination cover 2 teams love in their defensive tackles. Expect him to start from day 1.
#28Philadelphia EaglesonHutson=CLAY MATTHEWS (OLB) SOUTHERN CAL The Eagles need help at WR (obviously), as well as OL and I think they can use another playmaker in the defensive front seven. The top guys on the board at those positions are Hakeem Nicks, Eben Britton, and Clay Matthews. Of those three, the value pick at this point feels like Clay Matthews. He can bring some toughness and leadership to an effective, yet anonymous group.
#29 New York Giants:mission=Eben Britton OT - Arizona
#30 Tennessee Titans:Mazzin= Darius Butler CB UConn, He is a little smaller but one HELL of a player. Nick Harper is turning 35 or 36..they need help...will take BPA outta DE LB or CB
#31 Arizona Cardinals:FirstSgt= RB Donald Brown, University of Connecticut. J.J. Arrington took off for Denver and Edgerrin James may follow him out the door. Tim Hightower is proving to be most effective as a situational option. Brown led the nation in rushing in 2008 with 1,822 yards and 17 TDs.
#32 Pittsburgh Steelers:FirstSgt=C Max Unger, University of Oregon. The Steelers offensive line gave up 51 sacks and ranked 23rd in the NFL in rushing for 2008. Unger immediately upgrades the interior line and could be their opening day starter at center.
I'd like to conduct a mock draft, if you'd like to participate, please select 2-3 teams, and when all 32 teams have GM's we'll go ahead and draft. No trades, (it's too complicated), and please do some research on your respective teams so you know what their needs are. No time constraints, just tell me who you want to draft and I'll type him in. I'll start off by taking the Lions 2 picks.
# 1 Detroit Lions: packrulz=QB Matt Stafford, Georgia. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are good but are they #1 overall pick good? Stafford was good in high school, won some big bowl games in college, and he'll be good in the NFL. He's worthy of the #1 overall pick, besides, the Lions haven't had a good QB in 20 years.
#2 St. Louis Rams:gbpackfan=OT JASON SMITH, Baylor
After releasing Orlando Pace this pick is a virtual lock to be a LT. The only real question is who the Rams have rated higher, Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe? But Jason Smith's potential is too much to pass up here. He'll be a dominating pass blocker from day 1 and his mean streak will translate in the running game nicely.
#3 Kansas City Chiefs:PackerPro42=
The Kansas City Chiefs Select Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
#4 Seattle Seahawks:wist43=Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
I thought about going a lot of different directions here; gave serious consideration to Crabtree, Orakpo and Raji.
In the end, Seattle is a long way from contending, and Hasselbeck won't be around long enough to see them back; so, even though I believe in defense first, hence the gleem in my eye for Raji and Orakpo, Monroe is the safest pick, and should be the long term answer at LT. Walter Jones is 35, and coming off microfracture surgery... so given that, Monroe may be the short term answer at LT as well.
Monroe makes the most sense here.
#5Cleveland Browns
ylan McKay=Micheal Crabtree wide receiver Texas TechCleveland would like to see some additions on defense but simply put the Browns have some question marks with Edwards. Edwards is a phenom type player but trade questions are currently attached to his name. Even if Edwards stays in cleveland getting another weapon to help out the offense will be the deciding factor. especially a receiver as polished as Crabtree.
The Browns I figured would rather load up with a player like Crabtree than take a possible risk at outside linebacker or taking Malcom Jenkins. Jenkins just isn't good enough to take with the 5th pick, in my opinion.
#6 Cincinnati Bengals:KYPack=OT Andre Smith. Both starting tackles from last year will most likely gone. The Bengals will move their LG from last year, Andrew Whitworth, to LT. Smith will be given a shot at RT, with the idea he can play LT or either guard spot, also.
There was a sports radio show on with Jerry Jones (not the Cowboy owner, another Jerry Jones) author of the Drug Store list. He is a draft consultant to the Bengals. He says the coaches and scouts mainly want an OT and are divided between Smith and Oher. The offensive coaches want Crabtree. I'm somewhat sure the Beagles will go with Smith.
#7 Oakland Raiders:chain_gang=B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College.
We fill he will bring a much needed push to our defensive line and take some pressure off of our talented secondary.
#8 Jacksonville Jaguars:Bretsky=With the 8th pick in the draft the Jags draft WR Jeremy Maclin
#9 Green Bay Packers:Packerrats forum poll=Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss, consensus pick from poll.
#10 San Francisco 49ers=packrulz:San Francisco would consider QB Sanchez here but might be able to get a QB later, they also need a pass rusher, Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas.
#11 Buffalo Bills:Lurker64=Robert Ayers, DE, Tenn. The Bills, going into the season had three major needs:
1) A third offensive playmaker.
2) A solution to an unsettled relationship with disgruntled pro bowl left tackle Jason Peters.
3) A pass rush.
The signing of Terrell Owens hopefully provides something to do with the ball for those situations where Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch are bottled up, so #1 can be left for later rounds.
If Oher or Andre Smith were still on the board, the Bills would strongly consider either and look to trade Peters (negotiations with the Eagles to give up one of their first for Peters have already taken place, but I believe are contingent on the Bills being able to pick up an Oher or a Smith). I guess the solution is then to just pay Peters.
So to that end, the Bills look to address #3. Most of the pass rushers in this draft look to be sort of undersized guys who are best suited to the 3-4, and Buffalo shows no indication of wanting to abandon the 4-3. A key cog in the 4-3 defense is the superstar DE, a guy who can rush the passer and hold the point against the run and those guys are terribly, terribly rare. So to that end, the Bills take a chance (possibly a reach, but the Bills have reached before and it's worked out for them, see Donte Whitner), on Tennessee Defensive End Robert Ayers. Somewhat of a late bloomer as he didn't start until he was a senior and his college stat line isn't that encouraging as a result, but he has the frame and measurables you want and he recorded 3 sacks against elite-talent to be in the senior bowl. 4-3 stud DEs are rare enough that you have to take a flyer on one, particularly since your other needs aren't easily addressed at this spot.
#12 Denver Broncos:jmbarnes101=Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. As of a few weeks ago defense was the number one concern for this team as they looked set on offense. Fast forward a few weeks later and afteer jettisoning their young pro-bowl QB they suddenly have a need for a franchise QB as well. With the niners not taking the player everyone expects them to, the Broncos have about four players worthy of consideration at this point. Their biggest need however is on the defensive line and with Raji gone there is only one player that will help them here.
With that being said, the Denver Broncos select the only blue chip 3-4 DE in this draft, Tyson Jackson DE - LSU. This move will bolster their front line and allow Dumervil to move to OLB with Al Wilson moving inside. They still have a lot of work to do but that pick at #18 should help them out as well and we have our fingers crossed that the player we're eyeing will be available.
#13 Washington Redskins:BallHawk=Everette Brown, DE, FSU. The Redskins are gonna go defense here. After losing some vets from last year (Taylor and Washington) they need to regroup and get some youth in there. Fat Albert can't do it all by himself.
So the decision here will be to go with either somebody to go down in the trenches with Albert or somebody to line up behind him. So it's gonna be LB or DE.
Aaron Curry is in a league of his own in terms of LBs for this draft and the next best one is among debate, although most would say Brian Cushing out of USC.
But, knowing Dan Snyder, he'll want a player who has more star potential.
Thus, the Redskins select DE Everette Brown out of FSU.
#14 New Orleans Saints:wist43=Aaron Maybin, OLB/DE, Penn State. Gave strong consideration to Larry English, but thought Maybin might be a better fit for NO b/c he seems to be the more fluid athlete and should be able to transition to OLB in the a 4-3 more easily.
Also considered Maualuga here, as NO is in need of an identity and some toughness up front, but Maybin's upside and flexibility are greater, so he was the pick.
Also consider Darrius Butler and Peria Jerry here, but NO addressed DB in FA, and Jerry has some injury concerns, so Maybin wins out.
Note: As this is a foreign term to most Packer fans, FA stands for "Free Agency"... it is a means used by some NFL teams (not the Packers) to acquire players who have previously played in the NFL for other teams.
#15 Houston Texans:texaspackerbacker=Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. With the 15th pick in the first round, the Houston Texans are pleased that the Niners and Skins passed on the guy we wanted, the latest in a long line of great USC QBs and our future QB, MARK SANCHEZ.
#16 San Diego Chargers:chain_gang=Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
This worked out great for the Chargers, while we have some decent ILB's, we lack difference makers. Rey Maualuga is just that. His value at this point in the draft, overrides more immediate team needs. Now our LB group is immediately one best in the league now with Merriman, Phillips, Cooper, and Maualuga.
Also considered were Percy Harvin WR, Florida, and William Beatty OT Connecticut.
#17 New York Jets:PackerPro42=Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
#18 Denver Broncos:jmbarnes101=Malcolm Jenkins - DB, Ohio State.
He gives us the flexiblity needed in our shift to a 3-4 since he can effectively play both CB and S and while we don't need a starting CB right now we could use a starting Safety which is where he will line up to begin.
#19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers:mission=Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss.
The Buccaneers hoped and prayed that Sanchez would fall to them at #19 but their search for a franchise QB will have to continue (Josh Freeman was also heavily looked at). After strongly considering Cushing to replace Brooks, concerns of past steroid use in addition to the return of LB Angelo Crowell (who had a strong 07 season with the Bills) from injury have them putting this pick off for later in the draft.
Their only other unmentioned glaring need is the defensive line. Ole Miss' First team All-American, Peria Jerry, completely wowed scouts at his pro day with a 4.98 40, running faster than any other man at his size (Indy). Considered a reach by many, comparisons to Warren Sapp are just the nudge it takes to put this pick over the top in Jim Bates' new defensive scheme.
#20 Detroit Lions:ND72=Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Detroit could go one of 2 ways here in my opinion. They could look Offensive Tackle to protect their new #1 QB, but they could probably get the same guy they want at pick #33 in the 2nd round. So Detroit gets Defensive, and takes Vontae Davis, CB - Illionis.
#21 Philadelphia Eagles
onHutson=Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. The Philadelphia Eagles are linked with every WR in the draft every year, because other than the T.O. experiment they've never given McNabb a top flight target. So do they take one here? I say no. They also have needs on the OL, and like most teams they could use more playmakers on D.When Brian Westbrook is on the field, the Eagles are as good as anyone. When he's hurt, they typically suck. Therefore, to me, the key to continued success for the Eagles is to either keep Westbrook healthy (and he's not getting any younger) or find a supplementary RB.
Beenie Wells would offer the old thunder and lightning cliche, but I think the Eagles go with Knowshon Moreno here. He can do a lot of the same things Westbrook can, with far fewer miles on the odometer.
#22 Minnesota Vikings:Bretsky=Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. The Minnesota Vikings, who consider GB their biggest rival, seriously considered going the route of OT, mainly in Eben Britton. But blocking Justine Harrell and the subpar cast of DL Green Bay currently has would stunt his growth anyways.
Instead, they go with a dynamic all around player that could fly by Al Harris with ease if he ditches the jam. And last year we saw that Bernard Berrion wasn't a ringer so the Vikes need help here.
The Minnesota Vikings select, WR Percy Harvin. Enjoy seeing him in your tracks Packer fans
#23 New England Patriots:Lurker64=Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. All of the New England Patriots championships were based on defense. Clutch, swarming, well-coached, and well-executed defense with some exceptional play in their Linebacker corps. Their failure to reach 19-0 had a lot to do with their defense being very, very old (they brought Junior Seau out of retirement, for goodness sakes). And despite hitting a home-run with Jerrod Mayo last year, they haven't gotten substantively younger.
Somewhat worrying is that the entire starting defensive line for the Pats will be a free agent next year, but most of those guys are worth paying for to retain, and there's not a lot here. Brief consideration was put towards Jarron Gilbert or Ziggy Hood to play DE, but Seymour is the best player in the league at that position, and so drafting one of those two would basically signal the departure of probably the best player on the defense.
The cornerback position is also weak, and Vontae Davis might be a Bill Bellichick pick as he has a habit of turning around reprobates (how much of a ruckus has Randy Moss made in NE?), but Detroit took him, so good luck. There's not much else here, so they can look to pick up somebody in a later round.
The thing that really needs addressing is the linebacker corps that New England built their championship team on. Mike Vrabel is a Chief, it's a miracle that Teddy Bruschi is still playing, Adalius Thomas has been somewhat disappointing, and Pierre Woods (the current replacement for Vrable) was undrafted 3 years ago and is nothing special. If Maualuga had fallen here, the Pats would have taken him as Mayo and Maualuga would be the best ILB corps in the NFL, bar none, but he's not. So the Pats look to find a younger, cheaper, replacement for Vrable or Bruschi here by drafting USC Linebacker Brian Cushing, a tough, intense, versatile and athletic linebacker who will can quickly step in to play ILB (in Bruschi's spot) or OLB (in Vrabel's old spot). Cushing is versatile and athletic, has textbook size, and is good in coverage against tight ends and running backs.
The Pats briefly considered a pass rusher like Larry English, Connor Barwin, Clay Matthews, and Clint Sintim. But considering that the Pats pick again in ten picks, it's unlikely that half of those teams are going to pick a pass rusher, so they'll just grab the best of who's left, and go for the guy with star potential here.
#24 Atlanta Falcons:3irty1=Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State.They have needs all over despite winning 11 games. Other possibilities include a DT like Peria Jerry if he falls or Ziggy Hood, or any of the USC linebackers if they fall. Supposedly they have a boner for Louis Delmas at safety too so that's a possibility. I think Pettigrew is the best player available and also fills a need.
#25Miami Dolphins:Mazzin=W.R. Kenny Britt/ Rutgers.Miami would have loved to have Percy fall to them, they think they have the qb of the future with Henne so no need to take Josh Freeman here....I think Kenny Britt with his size would fit VERY well with Ted Ginn.
#26Baltimore Ravens:Guiness=Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. Although RB is arguably their deepest position, Beanie Wells still on the board can't be ignored.
#27 Indianapolis Colts:gbpackfan= Evander "Ziggy" Hood,DT , Missouri. The Colts are looking to replace Marvin Harrison but with The top 5 WRs off the board, they'll wait until round 2 and go after a guy like Juaquin Iglesias. This is actually a blessing in disguise because the Colts desperately need depth at the DT position. Their run D was ranked 24th last year and have lost at least 3 DTs over the past 12 months to retirement, legal issues and medical problems. With P. Jerry off the board, the Colts select the next best DT remaining (for their scheme) - Evander "Ziggy" Hood. Hood has the size and speed combination cover 2 teams love in their defensive tackles. Expect him to start from day 1.
#28Philadelphia Eagles
onHutson=CLAY MATTHEWS (OLB) SOUTHERN CAL The Eagles need help at WR (obviously), as well as OL and I think they can use another playmaker in the defensive front seven. The top guys on the board at those positions are Hakeem Nicks, Eben Britton, and Clay Matthews. Of those three, the value pick at this point feels like Clay Matthews. He can bring some toughness and leadership to an effective, yet anonymous group. #29 New York Giants:mission=Eben Britton OT - Arizona
#30 Tennessee Titans:Mazzin= Darius Butler CB UConn, He is a little smaller but one HELL of a player. Nick Harper is turning 35 or 36..they need help...will take BPA outta DE LB or CB
#31 Arizona Cardinals:FirstSgt= RB Donald Brown, University of Connecticut. J.J. Arrington took off for Denver and Edgerrin James may follow him out the door. Tim Hightower is proving to be most effective as a situational option. Brown led the nation in rushing in 2008 with 1,822 yards and 17 TDs.
#32 Pittsburgh Steelers:FirstSgt=C Max Unger, University of Oregon. The Steelers offensive line gave up 51 sacks and ranked 23rd in the NFL in rushing for 2008. Unger immediately upgrades the interior line and could be their opening day starter at center.
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