The Draft King’s Final Masterpiece

April 24th, 2009

just-joe1Joe is invigorated yet extremely exhausted.

In less than nine months, JoeBucsFan.com has brought you more than 1,500 posts of Bucs news, commentary, breaking news, analysis, Xs and Os breakdowns, player interviews, draft coverage, videos, podcasts and more. That’s far and away more than any other media outlet in the Bay area.

But there is more work to be done.

That said, Joe rolls out his finest mock draft to date, courtesy of NFL Draft guru and Sports Animal personality Justin Pawlowski, a true national expert on the draft and a young gem of the local airwaves. 

Joe hopes Justin will buy him dinner and a lap dance one day when he’s working for a major TV network.

His final mock draft here is intense (5,000+ words) and the ultimate draft geek’s foreplay until the Lions pick about 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Don’t forget to chat live with Pawlowski here tonight at 10 p.m.

Final Mock Draft –  By Justin Pawlowski  – Updated 4-24-09
  
1.   Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford 
QB – Georgia – 6’3” – 225 lbs

 
Comments:  The Lions and their city need hope and someone who represents hope.  Usually a quarterback is the answer to a team’s need for hope.  Stafford is a strong-armed quarterback who has been hyped all the way back to his high school days.  I’m not so sure he’ll be able to live up to the expectations of the Lions and Detroit fans, but I’m not quite sure I know who would.  He is a very talented player who will already have weapons around him like Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith.  The Lions will need to find a way to protect their high priced face of the franchise later on in this draft.
 
 
2.   St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith
OT – Baylor – 6’5” – 309 lbs

 
Comments:  Talks that the Rams are interested in Eugene Monroe and Mark Sanchez could be nothing more than a smokescreen to try and convince a team to trade up with them.  The Rams are actively trying to trade down, but if they can’t, it makes sense for them to replace Orlando Pace with another franchise left tackle.  So, which is it going to be, Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe?  I chose Smith simply because I feel he is a better all-around tackle with much more potential.  He’s also a more physical offensive tackle which fits the mold of new Rams head coach, Steve Spagnuolo.
 
3.   Kansas City Chiefs – Eugene Monroe
OT – Virginia – 6’5” – 309 lbs

 
Comments:  I realize many people have Aaron Curry going here, and that might be true, but I have found many examples of why that might not happen. 
 
First, I was reading a column by Don Banks of SI.com, and he reminded his readers of the philosophy of the Patriots when Scott Pioli was there, in which the Patriots always drafted linebackers later.  Of course, that pattern was altered last year when they selected JeRod Mayo, but that was only because linebacker was by far their biggest need.  With the additions of Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas to go with Derrick Johnson, the need for linebacker isn’t as dire as other positions.
 
The second example was Gil Brandt coming out earlier this week and saying  the Chiefs were eyeing Tyson Jackson with the No. 3 overall pick.  Sure, I don’t have them taking Jackson, but this was another example of them not taking Curry.
 
The final one is the fact that Scott Pioli and Todd Haley have a relationship with Virginia coach Al Groh and the Chiefs’ previous regime drafted Eugene Monroe’s teammate last year, Branden Albert.  Bringing in Eugene Monroe would either give the Chiefs bookends at offensive tackles for 10 years or a dominant left side of their offensive line for that same amount of time.  Obviously, it looks like the Chiefs might hold the first wild card of this draft.
 
 
4.   Seattle Seahawks – Mark Sanchez
QB – USC – 6’3” – 227 lbs

 
Comments:  With both offensive tackles off the board, I imagine this should be an easy pick for the Seahawks.  Aaron Curry could be under consideration, but with the Seahawks placing the franchise tag on outside linebacker LeRoy Hill and changing to the “Tampa 2” there really isn’t a need for another linebacker.  Remember, the strongside linebacker in a “Tampa 2” defense is not as glamorous a role as weakside and inside linebacker, which the Seahawks already have filled.  This is also an ideal situation for Sanchez to come in and learn behind Matt Hasselbeck.  Of course, that’s with the assumption that the Seahawks would keep him.  Also, with Sanchez having just 16 starts at the collegiate level, it would give him an opportunity to sit and learn before being thrown to the wolves.

 
5.   Cleveland Browns – BJ Raji
DT – Boston College – 6’1” – 337 lbs

 
Comments:  I knew the Browns would have a wildcard, and play a tremendous role in shaping out the rest of the top 10 if not the rest of the first round.  I’ve had them taking Brian Orapko and Michael Crabtree, but Raji could bring them the biggest impact of all.  Raji has the ability to play nose tackle or end in the Browns 3-4 defense.  With the disruption of Shaun Rogers, the drafting of Raji would give the Browns a fallback plan if Rogers throws another fit.  A great nose tackle can make a good 3-4 defense great, and Raji has all the tools to be able to do that.  If Rogers gets his head on straight, the Browns could be looking at a defensive line with Rogers at nose tackle and Corey Williams and BJ Raji at ends.  Wow!!!
 
 
6.   Cincinnati Bengals – Andre Smith
OT – Alabama – 6’4” – 332 lbs

 
Comments:  I’m sure the Bengals would consider Aaron Curry, but {+++}with their needs being so desperate on either side of the line, I have them taking Andre Smith.  Raji would’ve been a good fit here, but Smith has the ability and potential to be a very special offensive lineman.  I understand his workouts were not very good this offseason, but he fired his agent, who was obviously giving him bad advice, and accepted responsibility for his faults.  When you watch film of Smith, you can see how dominant he can be and was going against the top competition in the SEC.
 
 
 7.   Oakland Raiders – Jeremy Maclin
WR – Missouri – 6′ – 198 lbs

 
Comments:  The Raiders are always a wildcard because of Al Davis.  The one thing we do know is that he likes speed.  Without a true 40-yard dash time, we, along with Davis, have no idea how fast Michael Crabtree really is.  We do know that Jeremy Maclin is fast.  Maclin has also shown the ability to be a go-to receiver as well.  He should be able to help out on offense and special team, and provide a big time weapon for the improving JaMarcus Russell.
 
 
8.   Jacksonville Jaguars – Aaron Curry 
OLB – Wake Forrest – 6’2” – 254 lbs

 
Comments:  With all the trouble the Jaguars have had at receiver over the years, it’s hard to believe they’d pass on Crabtree.  I guess the only way you’d pass on him is if the best player in the draft is still on the board.  It’s been reported that Aaron Curry is willing to take a significantly less than market deal to be the Lions pick at number one.  Could him and his agent see a drop like this if the Lions don’t take him?  Curry has all the tools you want in a linebacker including speed and size.  He’s a tremendous football player, and should be able to step in and start for the Jaguars on day 1.  Remember, with Jack Del Rio on the hot seat, he needs players to contribute immediately.
 
 
 9.   Green Bay Packers – Tyson Jackson
DE – LSU – 6’4” – 296 lbs

 
Comments:  I’ll tell you what, Jackson has been flying up boards recently, and earlier this week, Gil Brandt of NFL.com said that he could go as high as 3 to the Chiefs.  I think that’s a little high for him, but with the Packers transitioning to a 3-4 defense, it’s nice to start with a dominating defensive end.  It reminds me of when the Patriots drafted Richard Seymour in the top 10 when they first switched to a 3-4.  Jackson is a perfect fit at end in a 3-4, and the Packers should still be able to address other needs later on in the draft since hybrid linebackers and offensive tackles are deep this year.
 
 
10. San Francisco 49ers – Michael Crabtree
WR – Texas Tech – 6’1” – 215 lbs

 
Comment:  I know one 49er fan that would piss his pants if this happened.  However, when I look at the other picks, it doesn’t seem so farfetched.  There are plenty of question marks surrounding Crabtree including his height, speed, and character.  I’m certain the 49ers would forget all those concerns in a heartbeat if Crabtree fell to them.  With receiver probably being their biggest need, the 49ers get the biggest steal in the draft.
 
 
11. Buffalo Bills – Michael Oher
OT – Ole Miss. – 6’4” – 309 lbs

 
Comments:  You make one trade, sending Jason Peters to the Eagles, it opens up a new need.  One would have to wonder, why would the Bills trade a franchise left tackle if they didn’t have a backup plan?  Well, maybe that backup plan is their first first round pick.  Oher has the potential to possibly be better than any of the three tackles that have already gone before him.  He was a little inconsistent last season, but still has all the tools to be a franchise left tackle.  The Bills could also use help with their pass rush.
 
 
12. Denver Broncos – Robert Ayers
DE – Tennessee – 6’3” – 272 lbs

 
Comments:  Versatility is so valuable in the NFL, and there might not be a more versatile player in this draft than Robert Ayers.  He has the ability to play defensive end in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense or play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.  With a team like the Broncos making the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4, a guy like Ayers should be extremely valuable and well worth a top 12 pick.  My prediction, if this pick happens, is that Ayers puts on 15-20 lbs and becomes a very good defensive end for the Broncos.
 
 
13. Washington Redskins – Brian Orapko
DE/OLB – Texas – 6’3” – 263 lbs

 
Comments:  All this talk of offensive tackle or trading up for Mark Sanchez, and no one is talking about the Redskins defense.  Hell, they’ve needed defensive linemen for years.  They finally addressed defensive tackle with the signing of Albert Haynesworth, and now have the opportunity to draft one of the premier pass rushers in this year’s draft.  Orakpo has been considered a hybrid linebacker for a 3-4 defense, but might be better suited lining up next to Albert Hayesworth as a 4-3 defensive end.
 
 
14. New Orleans Saints – Chris “Beanie” Wells
RB – Ohio St. – 6’1” – 235 lbs

 
Comments:  Many people tend to always match the New Orleans Saints draft picks with the defensive side of the ball.  That could be true with Malcolm Jenkins or one of the USC linebackers, but one of the biggest problems I saw with the Saints last year was their inability to have success in short yardage situations.  Enter Beanie Wells.  Wells is a bigger back who can get the short yardage while having the agility and speed to break a long run.  Reggie Bush has been the big playmaker the Saints wanted when they drafted him 2nd overall, but he’s been inconsistent in between the tackles and that has hurt the Saints.
 
 
15. Houston Texans – Brian Cushing
OLB – USC – 6’3” – 243 lbs

 
Comments:  The Texans are desperate for more impact players on the defensive side of the ball.  Even with the signing of Cato June, the Texans would love to pair up a top notch outside linebacker with DeMeco Ryans.  Cushing might be one of the more NFL ready players in this draft.  He’s got plenty of size and speed, and should be able to step in and start right away.
 
 
16. San Diego Chargers – Malcolm Jenkins
CB/FS – Ohio St. – 6′ – 204 lbs

 
Comments:  Watching the Chargers first hand at RayJay last year and on TV a few times, I saw a defense that was susceptible at the safety position.  Both Eric Weddle and Clinton Hart are younger safeties, but both could be upgraded.  If drafted by the Chargers, Jenkins would be injected into the starting lineup as a free safety.
 
 
17. New York Jets – Josh Freeman
QB – Kansas St. – 6’6” – 248 lbs

 
Comments:  It’s no secret, when your stable of quarterbacks is led by Kellen Clemons, you need a quarterback.  It’s also no secret that the Jets will and are actively trying to trade up to secure a shot at Mark Sanchez.  I don’t predict trades in my mock drafts because it’s simply impossible to predict.  If the Jets don’t make a deal and stay put, they’ll have a big decision to make.  Do they reach on Josh Freeman or risk the chance of not getting a top quarterback in this year’s draft?  With the Jets set to move into their new stadium soon, I don’t the brain trust of the Jets would like to make that move with Clemons at quarterback.  Freeman’s strong arm will help him in the windy northeast.
 
 
 18. Denver Broncos (via Chicago) – Aaron Maybin
DE/OLB – Penn St. – 6’4” – 249 lbs

 
Comments:  With both Maybin and Everette Brown still available, the Broncos have their pick for an outside linebacker for their new 3-4 defense.  Maybin is a couple inches taller than Brown and considered to be much better in coverage.  With Ayers at defensive end and Maybin at outside linebacker, the Broncos defense is much improved from last season.
 
 
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Everette Brown
DE/OLB – Florida St. – 6’2” – 256 lbs

 
Comments:  You know, a month ago, I would’ve never seen this scenario feasible, but a lot can happen in a month.  Brown’s an interesting prospect.  He seems to be slipping because of his lack of coverage skills for a 3-4 defense, and lack of size for a 4-3.  However, Jim Bates took an undersized defensive end in Denver, Elvis Dumerville, and helped him reach 12.5 sacks. 
 
Sure, I thought this might be too farfetched, but when I went back and looked at how I had the first 18 picks shaping out, I don’t really see any selections that wouldn’t happen.  Actually, I’m guessing we’ll get 2 or 3 more surprises, which would drop 2 or 3 more players into the Bucs lap.  How about them apples?  And the gay statement of the mock draft goes to Justin Pawlowski!!!!  Anyways, with Brown on the board, he had to be the pick.  However, it doesn’t hurt to look at the other options.
 
I’ll start with Larry English.  I love this guy.  There’s something blue collar and lunch pail about him.  Mike Mayock called him the top pass rusher in the draft.  Don Banks of SI.com said he could go in the top 10.  He has a full variety of pass rushing moves with the strength to go inside and the speed to go outside.
 
How about Vontae Davis?  Well, he’s got a ton of talent, but this draft seems to be pretty decent if you’re looking for a corner in the 3rd or 4th round.  His attitude worries me.  The fact that his brother, Vernon Davis, is a bust also worries me.
 
Why not Clay Matthews?  I love this guy.  However, I do feel Mark Dominik had something to do with the Bucs drafting Quincy Black and Adam Heyward, and I believe he wants to see them on the field.  If the Bucs selected Clay Matthews, that wouldn’t happen.
 
Percy Harvin anyone?  I wouldn’t mind it one bit.  Hell, it would be fun to watch.  The Bucs just have far more pressing needs and should be able to get a speed receiver later on.  It would be tough to see the Bucs take Harvin over Brown.
 
If one thing is for certain, Brown knows how to rush the quarterback and the Bucs need that the most.
 
 
20. Detroit Lions (via Cowboys) – Rey Maualuga
ILB – USC – 6’2” – 249 lbs
 
 
Comments:  The Lions got their face of their franchise with Matthew Stafford.  How about a face for the defense?  Maualuga is a violent football player who makes his teammates around him better.  He has the potential to be a very special football player.  Maualuga would be an incredible fit in between Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims, and give the Lions, quite possibly, the best trio of linebackers in football.  Not bad for a team who sucked at everything last year.
 
 
21. Philadelphia Eagles – Knowshon Moreno
RB – Georgia – 5’11” – 217 lbs

 
Comments:  This would be a dream scenario for the Eagles.  I’m not so sure this will happen because I feel there are a few teams that will be trying to trade up in front of the Eagles to grab Moreno.  I’ve heard that the Eagles view Moreno as a younger Brian Westbrook, and since Westbrook can’t make it through an entire season healthy, this pick makes too much sense.  Maybe a little too much sense?
 
 
22. Minnesota Vikings – Eben Britton
OT – Arizona – 6’6” – 309 lbs

 
Comments:  Brad Childress met with Percy Harvin 3 days before the draft!!!!  Stop the presses.  I guess that means it’s a done deal.  I thought that I was supposed to ignore everything I’ve heard this week?  Oh well.  The Vikings have Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice, and also have a need at right tackle.  If they want a speed receiver, they can get one later.  Britton is an ideal fit at right tackle, and actually could step in and start right away.
 
 
23. New England Patriots – Connor Barwin
DE/OLB – Cincinnati – 6’4” – 256 lbs

 
Comments:  The Patriots traded away Mike Vrable, who pretty much did everything for them.  Hell, he even played a little tight end.  Enter Connor Barwin.  This guy played tight end at Cincinnati before making the switch to defensive end for his senior season and racking up double digit sacks.  Barwin seems like a Bill Belichick guy.  He’s a hard worker and versatile. 
 
 
24. Atlanta Falcons – Peria Jerry
DT – Ole Miss. – 6’2” – 299 lbs

 
Comments:  The Falcons have a bigger need at nose tackle, but Jerry is too good for them to pass up here.  Remember, Mike Smith had his most success as a defensive coordinator in Jacksonville when Marcus Stroud and John Henderson played next to each other.  Jerry might be slightly undersized, but he has a frame to put on more weight.  His ability to get penetration will be most valuable to a defensive guy like Mike Smith.

25. Dolphins – Larry English
DE – Northern Illinois – 6’2” – 255 lbs
 
Comments:  I said it earlier, but Mike Mayock called Larry English the top rated pass rusher in this draft.  I respect Mayock a lot.  I also know that Bill Parcells will not miss on his pick.  With the Dolphins looking for another outside linebacker, English would be an ideal fit.  Parcells has had more success drafting defensive ends and converting them (Lawrence Taylor, John Abraham, and DeMarcus Ware) than drafting an outside linebacker (Bobby Carpenter).  English fits the mold of a John Abraham, and would be nice opposite of Joey Porter.
 
 
26. Baltimore Ravens – Kenny Britt
WR – Rutgers – 6’3” – 218 lbs

 
Comments:  The Ravens have flirted with Anquan Boldin, and seem to be heavily in the market for a receiver.  Many have compared Britt to either Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall.  He obviously has a ton of talent, but also has the attitude to go with it.  If a team feels Britt’s skills outweigh his attitude, that team will not hesitate to draft him.  The Ravens need to get Joe Flacco more weapons in this draft, why not in the 1st round?
 
 
27. Indianapolis Colts – Percy Harvin
 WR – Florida – 5’11” – 192 lbs

 
Comments:  If this comes true, and the Colts end up with Harvin, there will be 26 teams kicking themselves.  This would be the most ideal pick for a Colts team who needs an injection of speed and playmaking ability into their receiver corps.  Sure, Harvin has many concerns including health, drugs, and character, but no one ever questioned his ability.  With the proper coaching and the proper teammates, Harvin could really be special.  He’ll have both if drafted by the Colts.
 
 
28. Buffalo Bills (via Panthers and Eagles) – Brandon Pettigrew
TE – Oklahoma St. – 6’5” – 263 lbs

 
Comments:  Wow, the Bills grab an extra 1st round pick after they trade Jason Peters away, and end up grabbing the top tight end in the draft.  Pettigrew isn’t the flashiest tight end, but he does everything well.  He’ll also give Trent Edwards a nice big security blanket he can rely on.  Pettigrew is also dominant as a blocker.
   
29. New York Giants – Clay Matthews 
OLB – USC – 6’3” – 240 lbs
 
Comments:  Well, a couple things here.  First, we don’t know if this will be the Giants pick or the Browns pick.  Second, if the Giants don’t get Braylon Edwards, do they have to take a receiver?  Finally, could this be the same player taken whether it’s the Giants or the Browns? 
 
Let me answer these one at a time.  No, I do not know whose pick this will be.  No, the Giants don’t have to take a receiver because they also have other needs.  Yes, Clay Matthews could be the pick whether the Giants take him or if the Browns have the pick.
 
Since I don’t predict trades, I’ll go on as if the Giants didn’t get Burress.  Some would say that Hakeem Nicks or Darrius Heyward-Bey have to be the pick.  I say no.  The Giants also have a need for a strongside linebacker, and a perfect fit for a Tom Coughlin team is still on the board.  Matthews is a tough, physical, and durable player who fits the mold of Tom Coughlin perfectly.  The Giants can get a receiver later if it’s that big of a deal, but Matthews would be way too good to pass up.
 
 
30. Tennessee Titans – Evander “Ziggy” Hood
DT – Missouri – 6’3” – 300 lbs

 
Comments:  The loss of Albert Haynesworth will be tough to overcome.  I’m thinking Jovan Haye isn’t the answer.  Although Hood is not as big as Haynesworth, he does have the frame to get bigger, and the work ethic to get it done.  Hood is a coaches dream with good character and a willingness to do anything to help the team succeed.
 
 
31. Arizona Cardinals – Alex Mack
OC – California – 6’4” – 311 lbs

 
Comments:  The Cardinals will try and trade up to get Knowshon Moreno.  After failing at that, instead of reaching on another running back, I think the Cardinals address a major need at center.  Mack is the best pure center in this draft and one of the draft’s smartest players.  He should be a fixture at center for the next 10-12 years.
 
 
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jarron Gilbert
DE – San Jose St. – 6’5” – 288 lbs

 
Comments:  Everyone talks about the Steelers need for offensive linemen, and justifiably so, but they also need to address an aging defensive line.  Gilbert is one of the more athletic defensive linemen in this year’s draft.  His big frame and strength, along with that athleticism, make him a very intriguing prospect, especially to 3-4 defenses.  He should be able to rotate his rookie season before taking over a starting job in year 2.
 
 
 
2nd Round:
 
33. Detroit Lions – Ron Brace
DT – Boston College – 6’3” – 330 lbs

 
Comments:  Jim Schwartz had his biggest success in Tennessee with Albert Haynesworth in the middle to stop the run.  Brace is gigantic, and should be able to play that role just fine.  Brace will also be able to do a good job at keeping blockers off of Maualuga.
 
 
34. New England Patriots (via Chiefs) – Darius Butler
CB – UCONN – 5’10” – 183 lbs

 
Comments:  Bill Belichick is always looking to improve his defense, and Butler is an ideal corner for his coverage scheme.
 
 
35. St. Louis Rams – Hakeem Nicks
WR – North Carolina – 6’1” – 212 lbs

 
Comments:  Last year, the Rams spent a 2nd round pick on a speed receiver, Donnie Avery.  This year, they’ve already released Torry Holt, so why not replace Holt with some of the best hands in the draft in Hakeem Nicks.
 
 
36. Cleveland Browns – Vontae Davis
CB – Illinois – 5’11” – 203 lbs

 
Comments:  A few years back, Eric Mangini drafted a corner with a ton of talent and a questionable character in Darrelle Revis.  Vontae Davis is very similar to Revis and once again, Mangini needs a corner.
 
 
37. Seattle Seahawks – Sean Smith
CB – Utah – 6’3” – 214 lbs

 
Comments:  The Seahawks have needs at both corner and safety, and since Smith can play either, I figured this was an easy pick.  They could also go William Beatty or Phil Loadholt here. 
 
38. Cincinnati Bengals – James Laurinaitis
ILB – Ohio St. – 6’2” – 244 lbs

 
Comments:  Mike Brown likes keeping the local players close to home.  The Bengals have more pressing needs than inside linebacker, but Laurinaitis would bring that hometown excitement, and oh by the way, he’s a pretty good player.
 
 39. Jacksonville Jaguars – Darrius Heyward-Bey
WR – Maryland – 6’2” – 210 lbs

 
Comments:  After stealing Curry in the first round, the Jaguars get another steal in round 2.  Heyward-Bey could slide this far due to his inconsistent hands.  Playing opposite of Torry Holt will help Heyward-Bey become a very good pro.
 
 
40. Oakland Raiders – William Beatty
OT – UCONN – 6’6” – 307 lbs

 
Comments:  The Raiders got their weapon in the first round, now they get their protection.  Beatty is a very balanced lineman who is equally good in the run game as he is in pass protection.
 

41. Green Bay Packers – Clint Sintim
OLB – Virginia – 6’3” – 256 lbs
 
Comments:  The Packers had the fortune of addressing their defensive line if round 1, now they get a linebacker who has a ton of experience in a 3-4 defense.  Sintim will be a good fit opposite of Aaron Kampman in the Packers new scheme.
 
 
42. Buffalo Bills – Michael Johnson
DE – Georgia Tech – 6’7” – 266 lbs

 
Comments:  The Bills have 3 major needs as they head into this draft; offensive tackle, tight end, and defensive end.  I already have then taking Oher and Pettigrew in round 1.  Johnson was a little bit of an underachiever in college and was inconsistent, but has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher.
 
 
43. San Francisco 49ers – Phil Loadholt 
OT – Oklahoma – 6’8’’ – 332 lbs

 
Comments:  The 49ers are looking for a right tackle to allow them to keep Joe Staley at left tackle.  Loadholt is a force in the run game and could be a very good right tackle in the NFL.
 
 
44. Miami Dolphins (via Washington) – Mohammed Masoquoi
WR – Georgia – 6’2’’ – 210 lbs

 
Comments:  Masoquoi is flying up boards and would look very nice opposite Ted Ginn Jr.  Masoquoi doesn’t have elite speed, but he has great size and nice hands.
 
45. New York Giants (via New Orleans) – Donald Brown
RB – UCONN – 5’10” – 210 lbs

 
Comments:  With the loss of Derrick Ward, the Giants lost their insurance to Brandon Jacobs.  Brown is another Tom Caughlin guy, who can do everything well and help the Giants in a multitude of ways. Why reach on a receiver when great players fall into your lap?
 
 
46. Houston Texans – Sherrod Martin
CB/FS – Troy – 6’1’’ – 198 lbs

 
Comments:  The Texans addressed their linebacker need in round 1, now it’s time for defensive backfield.  Martin is an underrated ball hawk who can play either corner or safety.
 
 
47. New England Patriots (via San Diego) – Louis Delmas
FS – Western Michigan – 5’11” – 202 lbs

 
Comments:  Delmas is the top free safety available, and Bill Belichick loves value.
 
 
48. Denver Broncos – Alphonso Smith
CB – Wake Forrest – 5’9” – 193 lbs

 
Comments:  The Broncos continue to upgrade their defense.  Smith is a very underrated corner who is very talented.
 
 
 49. Chicago Bears – Brian Robiskie
WR – Ohio St. – 6’3’’ – 209 lbs

 
Comments:  Well, you get Jay Cutler; you might as well get him some toys.  Robiskie has a very nice combination of size and speed.  He’s got nice hands, and also runs good routes.
 
 
50. Cleveland Browns (via Buccaneers) – Eric Wood
OC – Louisville – 6’4” – 310 lbs

 
Comments:  The Browns are desperate for a center and are pretty high on Wood.  Yep, that’s what she said. 

51. Dallas Cowboys – William Moore
SS – Missouri – 6’ – 221 lbs
 
Comments:  The Cowboys first pick in this draft is Roy Williams’s replacement.  Moore is a hard hitter with very good speed for coverage.  He’s almost like a faster Roy Williams.
 
 
52. New York Jets – Derrick Williams 
WR – Penn St. – 5’11” – 194 lbs

 
Comments:  Well, you got your quarterback in Freeman, but who’s he throwing to?  Derrick Williams would be a nice fit opposite of Jericho Cotchery.  Williams brings a ton of speed and playmaking ability, and also has experience in the cold weather.
 
 
53. Philadelphia Eagles – Shawn Nelson
TE – Southern Miss. – 6’5” – 240 lbs

 
Comments:  After missing out on Tony Gonzalez, the Eagles need to address their tight end need in the draft.  Nelson might be the best receiving tight end in this draft.  He should be a nice fit for the Eagles west coast offense.
 
 
54. Minnesota Vikings – Max Unger
OC – Oregon – 6’5” – 309 lbs

 
Comments:  With the loss of Matt Birk in free agency, the Vikings get his replacement in the very versatile Unger.
 
 
55. Atlanta Falcons – Asher Allen 
CB – Georgia – 5’9” – 194 lbs
 
Comments: The Falcons continue to look defense, and go with a local product.  Allen is a very solid corner who excels in man coverage.  He could challenge for a starting job from day 1.
 
 
56. Miami Dolphins – Pat White
QB – West Virginia – 6’ – 197 lbs
 
Comments:  Who better to run the wildcat than a running quarterback who can also throw it out of that formation?
 
 
57. Baltimore Ravens – Lawrence Sidbury Jr. 
DE – Richmond – 6’2’’ – 266 lbs

 
Comments:  Sidbury reminds me a lot of Terrell Suggs.  With him playing his college ball so close to the Ravens, I’d imagine the Ravens could find a way to use his famous “Sidbury Spin.” 
 
 
58. New England Patriots – Cornelius Ingram 
TE – Florida – 6’4” – 245 lbs

 
Comments:  I know that the Patriots wanted to improve their tight end position this offseason, and even though they signed Chris Baker, Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer have a lot of man love for each other.  Ingram is also a heck of a receiving tight end.
 
 
59. Carolina Panthers – Fili Moala
DT – USC – 6’4” – 305 lbs

 
Comments:  The Panthers first pick in this draft goes to helping Julius Peppers along their defensive line.  Moala is a big athletic defensive tackle who could step in soon and start for the Panthers.
 
 
60. New York Giants – James Casey
TE – Rice – 6’3’’ – 246 lbs

 
Comments:  Uh oh.  This isn’t a receiver.  No it’s not, but Casey is a heck of a player and a big upgrade over Kevin Boss.  He’s a receiver stuck in a tight end’s body.
 
61. Indianapolis Colts – Alex Magee
DT – Purdue – 6’3’’ – 295 lbs
 
Comments: After grabbing their speed receiver in round 1, the Colts need a defensive tackle in round 2.  Magee is slightly undersized, but he’s versatile and has excellent character.
 
 
62. Tennessee Titans – DJ Moore
CB – Vanderbilt – 5’9” – 192 lbs

 
Comments: The Titans are in position to take the best player available.  Although limited by his lack of elite speed, Moore has all the top intangibles for a top corner.
 
 
63. Arizona Cardinals – LeSean McCoy
RB – Pitt. – 5’10” – 198 lbs
 
Comments:  This is pretty far for LeSean McCoy to fall, but that’s how this draft played out.  If this does happen, the Cardinals will be having a party.  McCoy is a hell of a running back and plays much bigger and faster than what he tested at.
 
 
64. Pittsburgh Steelers – Duke Robinson  
OG – Oklahoma – 6’5” – 329 lbs

 
Comments:  The Steelers get their big, nasty, and physical offensive guard.
 

Best of the rest:
 
Coye Francies – CB – San Jose St. – 6’ – 185 lbs
 
Patrick Chung – SS – Oregon – 5’11” – 212 lbs
 
Jared Cook – TE – South Carolina – 6’5’’ – 246 lbs
 
Paul Kruger – DE – Utah – 6’4” – 263 lbs
 
Sen’Derrick Marks – DT – Auburn – 6’2” – 306 lbs
 
Jamon Meredith – OT – South Carolina – 6’5’’ – 305 lbs
 
Shonn Greene – RB – Iowa – 5’10’’ – 229 lbs
 
Andy Levitre – OG – Oregon St. – 6’3” – 305 lbs
 
Sammie Lee Hill – DT – Stillman – 6’4’’ – 330 lbs
 
David Veikune – DE – Hawaii – 6’2” – 257 lbs

4 Responses to “The Draft King’s Final Masterpiece”

  1. e2 Says:

    Joe;

    I don’t have a courtside grill near me, so the gift card would be pointless. I want to sign up, but it’s not free for me like it is everyone else who can get that giftcard. Bo0…. Not fair, yes I’m crying like MEshawn….

  2. e2 Says:

    i wrote this cause i want to read the rest of this article by the way…

  3. bucsfanlostiniowa Says:

    I enjoy this site but I live in iowa wont be eating either of those places anytime soon

  4. admin Says:

    e2:

    Hopefully Joe will have additional sponsors for next year’s draft coverage which will have franchises near you.