21. Philadelphia Eagles- Knowshon Moreno, RB, UGA
Why: With Brian Westbrook's durability issues, the Eagles are looking for a guy to share the load and eventually be an every down back. Moreno is thought to be the most-talented back in this year's draft. He'd be a good value in this spot.
How else could it go: This pick may be dealt. They've been tied to Anquan Boldin who, despite rumors that Arizona has lowered their asking price, may cost a 1st round pick. If they hold on to it and skip Moreno, Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew could be an option to offer Donovan McNabb a security blanket.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Why: This may be a reach for Britt, but the sting of Troy Williamson is still on the minds of Vikings fans. They'd prefer a bigger target who can stretch the field and Britt is that guy.
How else could it go: New management, maybe they also go for a diminutive speedster and look at Percy Harvin. Other receivers in the mix could be Hakeem Nicks and Darius Heyward-Bey. If they don't go for one of the skill positions, they could look at USC LB Brian Cushing.
23. New England Patriots- Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Why: Since the departure of Asante Samuel, the Pats have needed help in their secondary. Many reports have linked Belichick to Butler. The Pats are notoriously tight lipped so this may be a smoke screen.
How else could it go: The Pats also have a need to bolster their pass rush and are rumored to be looking to trade in to the top 10.
24. Atlanta Falcons- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Why: After acquiring Tony Gonzalez earlier this week, they're out of the Brandon Pettigrew sweepstakes. The offense made great strides and they have young playmakers. They could use some help on the interior of their defensive line.
How else could it go: They have lost LB's Michael Boley and Keith Brooking this offseason so a linebacker could be the choice.
25. Miami Dolphins- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Why: The Dolphins were wildly successful in drafting Jake Long number one overall a year ago. They could shore up the other side of the line with Britton.
How else could it go: If the Ronnie Brown rumors are true, they could be in the mix for a RB such as Moreno, Wells, or UConn's Donald Brown. Many people feel the Dolphins wideouts are sub-par so Harvin, Heyward-Bey, Britt, or Hakeem Nicks could be options here.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Why: Quarterback Joe Flacco developed quicker than anyone anticipated and led the Ravens to the playoffs in his first year behind center. Getting him a playmaker is the team's top priority. Heyward-Bey is a local kid who has the best combination of size and speed in the draft.
How else could it go: If DHB gets scooped up early, they'll take the next highest rated WR on their board. Can't imagine them going anywhere but WR with this pick.
27. Indianapolis Colts- Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri
Why: After inconsistent defensive efforts a year ago, the Colts could use an interior pass rusher. They manage to get a lot of pressure from the outside with Mathis and Freeney, but need help from the inside. Hood has been flying up draft boards and could be the guy.
How else could it go: The Colts should be focused on the defensive side of the ball. Some of the top LB's should be gone by this spot, but if they slip, Colts could look LB.
28. Buffalo Bills- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, OSU
Why: They brought on troubled wideout Terrell Owens and look to have an imposing offense heading in to next season. If they could provide Trent Edwards with another big target, this team could be very dangerous next season.
How else could it go: With the offense looking imposing for next year, they could focus on defense. If they don't go with a hybrid rush end/LB early, they could in this spot.
29. New York Giants- Jason "Clint" Sintim, LB, UVA
Why: The USC backers should be off the board and Sintim is a big, physical player who flies downhill (perfect for the Giants system)
How else could it go: Clearly WR is a big need. I still think they'll manage to get Edwards or Boldin in a deal, or more likely, move up in the first round to get a higher rated wideout. If they stay put, Sintim is a bit of a reach and they may try to wait until their first pick of the second round to go after him.
30. Tennessee Titans- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
Why: A proven commodity in the ACC who has slipped due to a questionable offseason that has included a massive weight gain. If he manages to get past all the teams in need of wide receivers, this is a no-brainer for the Titans.
How else could it go: If all of the first round graded wideouts are off the board, they could look at one of the top safeties on the board. None project as sure fire first rounders but Louis Delmas or Chip Vaughn.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Why: Tim Hightower couldn't steal the job from Edgerrin James last year, so there's no reason to believe he can handle the load this year. They need an every down back and Brown has become a hot commodity
How else could it go: I believe they go RB all the way. Pitt's LeSean McCoy is a strong possibility as well.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Alex Mack, C, California
Why: The Steelers don't have many needs and win their games in the trenches. Solidifying the middle of their line for years to come would be a good way to go.
How else could it go: As mentioned, this team doesn't have any pressing needs. They'll be able to take the best available. If any top talent takes a free fall, the Steelers will snatch them up. They may also trade out of the first round with a team like Chicago or Dallas who wants to get back in.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment