With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

[Dee Dub]

...select....

FS Raheem Moore UCLA.


[url="http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/moore_rahim00.html"]http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/m-foot ... him00.html[/url]

I'm just sayin....

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

Nah...Maurkice Pouncey is going to do a great job for us at RG this year. They will move him over to center next year, getting rid of weak-link Hartwig. Then, to fill the now vacant slot at RG, they will draft Maurkice's twin brother Mike to play RG. On day two of the draft, we focus on the d-line and secondary.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

I'm confused, i thought the Pittsburgh Steelers were drafting #32 next season?



GREAT BLUE NORTH DRAFT REPORT


2011 DRAFT PROJECTION


April 25, 2010

FIRST ROUND
* Indicates underclassman
#
Team Player POS School


1 Buffalo Jake Locker QB Washington
2 St. Louis *Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson
3 Cleveland *Julio Jones WR Alabama
4 Detroit *A.J. Green WR Georgia
5 Carolina Robert Quinn DE North Carolina
6 Kansas City Terrence Tolliver WR LSU
7 Tampa Bay *Patrick Peterson CB LSU
8 Jacksonville *Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
9 Denver Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State
10 Washington Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia
11 Chicago Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame
12 New England (from Oakland) Jon Baldwin WR Pittsburgh
13 Seattle Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh
14 San Francisco Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
15 Miami Raheem Moore FS UCLA
16 Pittsburgh *Jared Crick DE Nebraska
17 Philadelphia Greg Jones LB Michigan State
18 Arizona Von Miller LB Texas A&M
19 Houston *Will Hill FS Florida
20 Atlanta Mike Pouncey C/G Florida
21 Tennessee Rashad Carmichael CB Virginia Tech
22 New York Giants Kelvin Shephard LB LSU
23 New York Jets Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
24 Green Bay Kendric Burney CB North Carolina
25 New England Allen Bailey DE Miami
26 Baltimore *Marcel Dareus DE Alabama
27 Cincinnati Deunta Williams FS North Carolina
28 New Orleans Bruce Carter LB North Carolina
29 Indianapolis Rodney Hudson OG Florida State
30 Dallas Chris Culliver FS South Carolina
31 Minnesota Marvin Austen DT North Carolina
32 San Diego Carl Johnson OT Florida

[steelblood]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

Nah...Maurkice Pouncey is going to do a great job for us at RG this year. They will move him over to center next year, getting rid of weak-link Hartwig. Then, to fill the now vacant slot at RG, they will draft Maurkice's twin brother Mike to play RG. On day two of the draft, we focus on the d-line and secondary.

Day two pick, I'd like Jerrell Powe from Ole Miss. He is a 340 lbs DT with very good initial quickness. He is the short yardage FB on the team as well.

[birtikidis]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

no mention of Janaurice Jenkins... that's crazy.
I'd take Will Hill if we were drafting that high.
or mike pouncey

[Dee Dub]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

Well if you wanna go there..

Julio Jones WR, A.J. Green WR, or Patrick Petersen CB. Now those are some blue chippers.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

we need another OLB, can never have enough of those in a 3-4 defense...


Von Miller OLB Texas A&M

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

Well if you wanna go there..

Julio Jones WR, A.J. Green WR, or Patrick Petersen CB. Now those are some blue chippers.

And all should come off the board in the top 10, if not the top 5.

[steelerkeylargo]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

Sign me up for this guy

[url="http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/clayborn_adrian00.html"]http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/m-f ... ian00.html[/url]

[JTP53609]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

I remember specifically last year at this time when Jevan Snead was predicted to be the number one draft pick.......how about how north carolina has 6 first round picks in that....mallet will be a stud

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

I remember specifically last year at this time when Jevan Snead was predicted to be the number one draft pick.......how about how north carolina has 6 first round picks in that....mallet will be a stud

Locker, UNC defense highlight top 32 prospects for 2011

April 26, 2010

By Pete Prisco
CBSSports.com Senior Writer


Here are two keys to get you ready for the 2011 NFL Draft class:

It will be loaded with good quarterbacks and you should spend a lot of time watching the North Carolina defense.


Arkansas' Ryan Mallett's talent will make scouts pay attention. And yes, the Tar Heels.
On my list of the top 32 players heading into next year's draft, five are quarterbacks and four play defense at North Carolina.

The top player is quarterback Jake Locker from Washington. Most have him as a consensus top player heading into next season, but he will be challenged by a slew of good quarterbacks, including Ryan Mallett of Arkansas, Christian Ponder from Florida State and Andrew Luck of Stanford.

Two of the North Carolina defensive players, end Robert Quinn and tackle Marvin Austin, will be potential top-10 picks.

A year ago at this time, many, including myself, had Mississippi quarterback Jevan Snead as a possible top pick. He flopped so badly as a junior that he wasn't even drafted. By the way, for all you ripping me for putting him at the top, I know at least two teams that had him as a preseason top-10 selection last summer.

That shows how things can change. So just remember there's a long way to go until next April. But this gives you a starting point for what should be a really good draft, especially with all the quarterbacks.




Ryan Mallett

1. Jake Locker, QB, Washington: He would have been a top-five pick in this year's draft. He will probably be the first player taken next year.

2. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (Jr.): This silky smooth corner was the best cover player I saw last year. He was better than Joe Haden, who went seventh overall to Cleveland in this year's draft. This kid is special.

3. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (Jr.): In a league starved for pass rushers, here's a big-time edge player. He is 6-feet-5 and 260 pounds with explosive speed.

4. Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas (Jr.): He is a big, powerful kid with a strong arm. He is raw, but the tools make the scouts salivate. Playing another year in Bob Petrino's offense will really help him.

5. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State: He thought about coming out this year, but opted to stay in for 2011. With his size, power and speed, the scouts will love him.

6. Anthony Castanzo, T, Boston College: He started as a true freshman at right tackle, but moved to the left side as a sophomore. He has added weight each year to his 6-7 frame, all while maintaining good athletic ability.

7. Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina: He has started since he was a freshman. At 6-4, 310 pounds, he is a force in the middle. He is quick and strong. He will be a top-10 pick.

8. Matt Reynolds, T, BYU (Jr.): This 6-5, 325-pound junior impressed as a first-time starter last season. He is good in pass protection, which the scouts love.

9. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (So.): He will be a redshirt sophomore, so he can enter the 2011 draft. If he does, he has a real chance to go in the top 10. He is smart, understands the passing game and his arm is plenty good enough.

10. Allen Bailey, DT, Miami: He's a 6-4, 290-pound player who thought about coming into the 2010 draft. He made a wise move. With another good season, he could be near the top of this list.

11. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia: He's a 6-2, 200-pound corner who is better than fellow Cavalier Chris Cook, who went early in the second round this year to the Vikings. He has great speed for a corner his size.

12. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: He considered this draft, but opted to return to Iowa. He always seems to show up when you watch the Hawkeyes. He did have an off-field incident this spring when he punched a cab driver.

13. Marcel Dareus, DE, Alabama (Jr.): He played in the big shadow of Terrence Cody in 2009, but if you watched the BCS title game you saw what kind of player he could be.

14. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: At 6-1, he is a good cover player who showed up a ton when you watched Nebraska. He seemed to improve as the 2009 season moved along.

15. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (Jr.): He's a 6-1, 200-pound corner who can run. He has been a good cover player for the Longhorns and he has skills that translate to the next level.

16. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia. (Jr.): At 6-4, 205 pounds, he has good speed. He will be hurt some this season by being forced to play with an inexperienced quarterback, but he's the real deal.

17. Joseph Barksdale, T, LSU: This big, athletic tackle will move from the right side to the left side. It is there that scouts will truly come to appreciate him.

18. Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State: Watch how he flourishes this season with Jimbo Fisher running the whole show. This kid can move, he has a good arm and he's smart. I love him. He might be a better NFL quarterback than he was in college.

19. Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin: At 6-7, 325 pounds, he's another in a line of good linemen coming from this school. He replaced Joe Thomas at left tackle in 2008 and has been a quality starter since.

20. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame (Jr.): At 6-6, 265, he is as good a prospect as Jermaine Gresham, who went in the first round this year. He is a huge target and he can get down the field.

21. DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson: He has great range and really shows up on Saturday. He had eight picks last season. The Ed Reed comparisons are valid.

22. Nate Solder, T, Colorado (Jr.): He is a massive tackle at 6-9 and 310 pounds. He came to Colorado as a tight end, which speaks volumes about his athletic ability.

23. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame (Jr.): Golden Tate went in the second round this year and this kid is bigger and better. He was injured last season, which hurt his production.

24. Rahim Moore, S, UCLA (Jr.): Moore led the nation with 10 interceptions last season. He has a knack for finding the football and he's a willing tackler.

25. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State: He's a smaller defensive tackle at 6-1, 311 pounds, but he did 44 reps at 225 pounds. He's as good a player as Tyson Alualu, who was picked 10th overall by the Jaguars. His height might hold him back.

26. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (Jr.): He's an Emmitt Smith-type runner. He isn't explosive, but he makes people miss. Tacklers don't get good angles on him.

27. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Jr.): He is big, strong and has a good arm. He is the prototype. He was slowed last year with an ankle injury, but he has all the tools.

28. Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina: He is 6-2, 205 and runs under 4.5. That's the formula for a big-time NFL safety. You need the speed to cover.

29. Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh: He is 6-6, 270 pounds and he has good speed off the edge. He could have been a second-round pick this year.

30. Evan Royster, RB, Penn State: At 6-1, 215 pounds, he has good size and speed. He makes people miss, but he's also strong in the hole. He should become Penn State's all-time leading rusher this year.

31. Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina: He is 6-3, 225 and can run. He is a perfect 4-3 outside linebacker.

32. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (Jr.): He's a big receiver who has been productive since he stepped on campus. His most important number will be his 40 time. How fast is he?

Just missed: Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware; Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee; Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M Mike Pouncey, G, Florida; Curtis Brown, CB, Texas; Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (Jr.); Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi; Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh (Jr.); Terrance Toliver, WR, LSU; Weslye Saunders, TE South Carolina; Kris O'Dowd, C, USC; Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State; Quan Sturdivant, LB, North Carolina; Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma; Lee Ziemba, T, Auburn; Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska (Jr.); Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida (Jr.); Jurrel Casey, DT, USC (Jr.); Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma; Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson (Jr.).

[url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/13302132/locker-unc-defense-highlight-top-32-prospects-for-2011?tag=coverlist_active;coverlist_footer"]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/1330 ... ist_footer[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

Never too early: A first look at the first round of the 2011 NFL draft

Russ Lande

Monday, Apr. 26, 2010 - 12:34 a.m.

The 2010 NFL draft is done, and while the grades and predictions of greatness are still coming in, we've begun looking forward. Using this year's draft order, here's our first stab at next year's first round. The first pick comes from a group of eight worthy candidates.

At first glance, Da'Quan Bowers will wrap up the top spot in the '11 draft?
1. St. Louis Rams: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson.
2. Detroit Lions: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina.
4. Washington Redskins: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama.
7. Cleveland Browns: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
8. New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders): Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa.
9. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ahmad Black, S, Florida.
11. Chicago Bears: Jake Locker, QB, Washington.
12. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina.
14. Denver Broncos: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU.
15. New York Giants: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama.
16. Tennessee Titans: Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State.
17. Carolina Panthers: Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarriel King, OT, South Carolina.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.
20. Houston Texans: Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA.
22. New England Patriots: Chris Galippo, LB, USC.
23. Green Bay Packers: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Evan Royster, RB, Penn State.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford.
26. Arizona Cardinals: D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina.
28. San Diego Chargers: Marcel Dareus, DE, Alabama.
29. New York Jets: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Kelvin Sheppard, LB, LSU.
32. New Orleans Saints: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State.

Note: 2010 juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are included.

Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News' Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.

[url="http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-04-26/never-too-early-first-look-first-round-2011-nfl-draft"]http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article ... -nfl-draft[/url]

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

no mention of Janaurice Jenkins... that's crazy.
I'd take Will Hill if we were drafting that high.
or mike pouncey

for some reason, thought you might find this article of interest -



An early look at Florida Gators’ returning NFL Draft prospects

April, 26 2010 4:19 PM


Fresh off Florida’s most successful NFL Draft in school history, the Gators have the chance to become the first-round factory that Miami once was. Florida has produced seven first-rounders in the last four years, and more could be coming.

The 2011 batch of potential professionals is potent and stocked with talent. Here are the top-five Gators NFL prospects entering next season. These players must be at least rising juniors. This is way too early, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun.



C/G MIKE POUNCEY: After brother Maurkice went No. 18 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, you’ve got to believe brother Mike will have a first-round projection entering next year. Maurkice had a little bit of an edge between the two brothers, partly because of experience at center. Mike is staying back another year to strengthen his grip on the center position, and with the same build (6-foot-5, 320 pounds) and aggressiveness off the line, the big Gator will be in good shape next April. PROJECTION: First round.

CB JANORIS JENKINS: The rising junior could leave early after starting for three straight years at Florida. Jenkins doesn’t possess the same hard-hitting, blitzing ability of Joe Haden, the more complete corner of the two, but Jenkins might be the country’s best in coverage on an island. Rarely gets beat. Take out last year’s Arkansas game and Jenkins’ film is nearly flawless. The NFL needs such players. PROJECTION: Late first, early second round.

QB JOHN BRANTLEY: I think Brantley, a rising junior, will return for a senior season, but don’t be surprised if he becomes the next Mark Sanchez, a one-year starter whose NFL viability is too good to pass up. He’s got all the tools, from his size (6-3, 225) to his arm (textbook) to his ability to make every throw. What we don’t know about him is his poise and ability to read SEC defenses in tight games on the road. PROJECTION: First round in either 2011 or 2012

S WILL HILL: Ahmad Black’s the more polished safety, but Hill, a rising junior, has NFL athletic ability that’s hard to ignore. After playing alongside Major Wright for two years, Hill now has the green light to play almost every down and breakout as a leader on Florida’s defense. Grasping the safety position has taken Hill some time at UF, which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed for a senior season. But the ability is certainly there. PROJECTION: Second round

RT MARCUS GILBERT: Gilbert was one of Florida’s most consistent lineman last year, and Florida’s right side should be well equipped to give opposing defensive ends fits in 2010. Gilbert probably isn’t a first-round talent, but he has the skill set and blocking technique to help a team early and often. PROJECTION: Third round

HONORABLE MENTION: S Ahmad Black (too savvy of a player not to get drafted), OG Carl Johnson (Big, physical OL), WR Deonte Thompson (NFL size and speed, needs to improve hands), RB Jeff Demps (too fast not to see field somewhere), RB Chris Rainey (great athlete, needs more size), LB Brandon Hicks (very underrated), LB A.J. Jones (consistent player, good athlete), DE Justin Trattou (great at stopping the run, could use more sacks)

[url="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_uf/2010/04/an-early-look-at-florida-gators-returning-nfl-draft-prospects.html"]http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports ... pects.html[/url]

[SteelAbility]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

What a bunch of lightweights, talking 2011 draft. Come talk to me when you have 2012 draft insights! :P

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: With the 20th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Steelers...

[url]http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011.php[/url]

St. Louis Rams: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia The Rams are definitely on the right track. I have them drafting first, however, because their quarterback is not pro-ready, their offensive line is a work in progress and the defense still has major holes. But come 2011, St. Louis will be more competitive.

There are a couple of things the Rams need to do, and one is to find a blue-chip target for Sam Bradford. I know the team has Donnie Avery and Laurent Robinson, and it just drafted Mardy Gilyard, but none of those guys is a No. 1 threat that defenses will respect. A.J. Green undoubtedly will be. And aside from providing Bradford with a great downfield weapon, he would also stretch the defense and open up more running room for Steven Jackson.




Cleveland Browns: Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama I'd like to give the Browns a franchise quarterback, but Mike Holmgren doesn't believe in drafting one in the first round. Besides, he pulled rank and selected Colt McCoy despite objections from others in the front office.

Shaun Rogers won't be around much longer. He's due $6.9 million this year and $5.5 million in 2011. He'll be 32 a month before the 2011 NFL Draft. If he's cut loose, the Browns will need to find an adequate replacement up front.

Marcell Dareus is more than adequate. As a mere sophomore last season in Alabama's 3-4/4-3 hybrid defense, Dareus really came on and accumulated 6.5 sacks in just four starts, and then proceeded to knock Colt McCoy out of the game during one of the two national championships this past winter.

A great athlete despite weighing 280 pounds, Dareus is expected to take the SEC by storm this fall. If he has a big year, he could be the first player chosen in the 2011 NFL Draft. In this case, he's second.


Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Locker, QB, Washington Matt Cassel is due a $7.5 million option bonus before the 2011 season. If he has another bad year - if the Chiefs are drafting No. 3 overall, he definitely did - then he will be released. Kansas City will then do what it should have done in the first place - draft a franchise signal caller early in the first round (Mark Sanchez, 2009 or Jimmy Clausen in the second round, 2010).

Jake Locker is the No. 1 quarterback in the 2011 class - for now. Locker should have declared for the 2010 NFL Draft, because a billion things can happen over the next 12 months. Maybe Locker gets hurt. Maybe the scouts see something they don't like and his stock drops. Maybe his teammates don't play up to par and drag him down. Maybe he gets distracted. Maybe general managers become worried that his decision to go back to school means that he's not fully invested in football.

That's a lot of maybes, but just look at recent history: Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn and Brian Brohm all made a huge mistake by not declaring right away.

Of course, Locker could always sit out the 2010 season. It worked wonders for Bradford.


Buffalo Bills: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Buffalo's front office apparently doesn't care what its fans think because they've decided to go back to Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm. What a disaster.

Maybe the Bills will actually come to their senses next April. For the sake of their fans, I'm giving them a quarterback. Andrew Luck can actually move around, so maybe Chan Gailey will actually think he's good enough for his amazing offense.





Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas Seattle didn't select Jimmy Clausen in the 2010 NFL Draft because they've dedicated too many resources to Charlie Whitehurst. But if the Seahawks finish with one of the five worst records in the league, chances are that Clipboard Jesus didn't perform too many miracles (yes, great play on words, I know).

The dream scenario for the Seahawks would be for hometown hero Jake Locker to stay in the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen in this 2011 NFL Mock Draft edition.


Jacksonville Jaguars: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU One can only wonder what the Jaguars are doing. They pass on Tim Tebow, who could really help them generate money and fan interest, yet the Broncos-Jaguars opener is already almost sold out because Tebow fans want to see their hero hold a clipboard on the sidelines. So, they don't get Tebow; instead, they reach for a Round 2-3 prospect at No. 10 overall and then draft the same position with their next pick. I have more on this in my 2010 NFL Power Rankings.

If the Jaguars aren't really drafting like Matt Millen on crack or LSD, they'll consider Patrick Peterson, one of the top cornerback prospects to come along in a very long time. Rashean Mathis' contract expires after the 2011 season and there's no guarantee Derek Cox will play well this year.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina I'm really shocked the Buccaneers didn't upgrade the defensive end position in the 2010 NFL Draft, as it was their No. 2 need going into that weekend. Robert Quinn could be the solution a year late; he had 19 TFL and 11 sacks as a sophomore last season.


Denver Broncos: Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State Are the Broncos really going to ride Patriots cast-off Jarvis Green as a starting defensive end for more than a year? Doubtful. Cameron Heyward would have been in the 9-18 pick range had he declared for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Some will consider Adrian Clayborn to be the top 3-4 end in this class. He may have been - until he was charged with assaulting a cab driver this winter. I'm guessing the character-conscious Josh McDaniels wouldn't want someone like Clayborn on his team.





Detroit Lions: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin Matthew Stafford, most likely in a wheel chair by the time the 2011 NFL Draft rolls around, has to be thrilled with this pick. Gabe Carimi might be the best player available, so this fits into Detroit's draft strategy. Taking someone like Julio Jones or Michael Floyd shouldn't be an option because the Lions have way too much money tied into Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson... now why does that sound familiar?


Arizona Cardinals: Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU I think the Cardinals made three crucial mistakes this offseason: Not trading for Donovan McNabb; passing on Jimmy Clausen in the 2010 NFL Draft; and failing to acquire an upgrade at offensive tackle. If the big three quarterbacks are unavailable, Arizona would probably take someone like Joseph Barksdale, a very athletic 315-pound left tackle. He'll be on LSU's blind side this year, and his stock will presumably soar.


Chicago Bears: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama When's the last time the Bears haven't needed a No. 1 receiver? I can't even remember. Julio Jones is an amazing top-five physical talent, but he dropped a ton of passes as a sophomore. He'll need a strong junior campaign to regain his draft stock.


New England Patriots: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama New England acquired this selection from Oakland for Richard Seymour. If Tom Brady and Wes Welker are healthy, and either Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez pans out, imagine how explosive New England's offense would be with Mark Ingram as a threat coming out of the backfield.





Washington Redskins: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame With a potential franchise left tackle on the roster, the Redskins will need to concentrate on finding weapons for Donovan McNabb. McNabb would love having a dynamic receiver like Michael Floyd at his disposal.


New York Giants: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech The Giants love taking the best player on their board, and that could be Ryan Williams in this scenario. Who knows how beat up Brandon Jacobs will be by next offseason? He's so prone to injury based on the way he runs that I can't see him lasting much longer.


Philadelphia Eagles: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia I thought the Eagles needed help at cornerback before the Sheldon Brown trade. Well, the front office apparently disagreed. I really think Andy Reid will regret waiting to address this position until the middle rounds - especially in the wake of the Cowboys' selection of Dez Bryant.


Pittsburgh Steelers: Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
Three numbers for you: 33, 37 and 35. Those will be the respective ages of Brett Keisel, Travis Kirschke (currently a free agent) and Aaron Smith at the start of the 2011 NFL season. The Steelers drafted Ziggy Hood in 2009, but they'll need another 3-4 end in a year.



Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina Marvin Austin is very athletic and has a ton of upside, but has never lived up to it on the field. Cincinnati is the type of team that would take a chance on him, however.

I know the Bengals just drafted Geno Atkins, but that was a fourth-round pick. They may see Austin as too good to pass up.




Tennessee Titans: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas The Titans had to find upgrades at defensive end and corner this offseason. With a dry free agent market and only one first-round pick, getting upgrades for both positions proved to be difficult. Tennessee can take care of the cornerback position with this selection.


New England Patriots: Adrian Clayborn, DE/DT, Iowa I was pretty surprised that the Patriots passed up on Jared Odrick and allowed him to fall into enemy hands. Bill Belichick failed to address the 3-4 end position in the 2010 NFL Draft, so he'll have to do that here.


Atlanta Falcons: Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh The Falcons are once again going to have major problems getting to the quarterback this season. If Thomas Dimitroff can acquire someone like Greg Romeus, in the 2011 NFL Draft, I think he would jump at the opportunity. At 270 pounds, Romeus accumulated 11.5 TFL and eight sacks as a junior.





San Francisco 49ers: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh I know that the receiver position is far from San Francisco's greatest need, but this front office takes the best player on its board, and I would find it hard to believe that Jonathan Baldwin wouldn't match that description in this scenario.

Baldwin, at 6-5, 225, caught 57 balls for 1,111 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore in 2009. There would be absolutely no excuses for Alex Smith if he had Baldwin, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis at his disposal.


Carolina Panthers: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska The Panthers have major issues at defensive tackle, and I don't think they'll be content with players like Ed Johnson, Tank Tyler and Louis Leonard.


Houston Texans: DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson Houston's No. 1 goal is to stop Peyton Manning. They'll have trouble doing so if Eugene Wilson keeps getting injured. The free safety position will have to be addressed soon.


Miami Dolphins: Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA The Dolphins tried to upgrade the free safety position this offseason, but failed to do so. Rahim Moore picked off 10 passes as a sophomore.





Green Bay Packers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska Charles Woodson just won Defensive Player of the Year, but he'll be 35 a month into the 2011 season. He can't possibly keep up this level of play into his mid-30s, can he?


Dallas Cowboys: Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina Unless Akwasi Owusu-Ansah can step into the starting free safety role, the Cowboys will have major issues at the position this year.


San Diego Chargers: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami The Chargers are pretty thin at corner, and it's unclear if Antoine Cason will pan out as a solid starter.


Baltimore Ravens: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas The Ravens had a terrific performance at the 2010 NFL Draft, but if there's one criticism, it's that they didn't address the cornerback position. They can do that here.





Minnesota Vikings: Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma Chris Berman harped on it during the 2010 NFL Draft: As long as there's a possibility that Brett Favre will return, the Vikings are not drafting a quarterback. So, as much as I'd like to mock Pat Devlin here, it's not happening if Favre plays his annual offseason guessing game.

So, let's look at another prospect. If available, Travis Lewis could plug a big need for the Vikings. Ben Leber will be a free agent in March 2011. If he's not retained, someone like Lewis would be considered.


New York Jets: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M The Jets will likely have to defeat the Colts to advance to the Super Bowl in the next couple of years. To do so, they'll need to put as much pressure on Peyton Manning as possible without sending multiple blitzers and in turn exposing their secondary. Upgrades are needed at 3-4 end and rush linebacker.

If Vernon Gholston doesn't step up in 2010, New York could look elsewhere for its rush linebacker needs. Von Miller, who beat Russell Okung on a few occasions in a 2009 meeting, is the top player at that position in the 2011 class.


New Orleans Saints: Sam Acho, DE, Texas The Saints apparently had their sights on Jerry Hughes in the 2010 NFL Draft before the Colts snatched him off the board one pick beforehand. If New Orleans still has pass-rushing issues going into the 2011 NFL Draft, they may target Sam Acho, who had 13 TFL and seven sacks as a junior.


Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College Even though the defensive side of the ball has been the weaker half of Indianapolis' roster, general manager Bill Polian has spent seven of his 11 first-round picks on offensive players.

The Colts have to improve their offensive line, and I'm shocked they didn't do so in the 2010 NFL Draft. My guess is that they'll do that come April 2011.