Saturday, April 25, 2009

NFL Mock Draft- Part II- Picks 11-20

11. Buffalo Bills- Aaron Maybin, DE/LB, PSU
Why: The Bills need to bolster their pass rush. Veteran Chris Kelsay wants out of town and Aaron Schoebel isn't getting any younger. To compete in the AFC East, they need to get more pressure on the QB.
How else it could go: After shipping LT Jason Peters to the Eagles, the Bills have a gaping hole on the blind side. If one of the elite (Jason Smith, Monroe, Oher) slips here, they could be appealing. Don't count out Andre Smith who is immensly talented but projects to fall after an embarassing Combine breakdown. Although many would consider it a reach, TE Brandon Pettigrew could also be a possibility.

12. Denver Broncos- Everette Brown, DE/LB, FSU
Why: Another team who will undergo an identity change under a new coach. Their best pass rusher (Elvis Dumervil) is under-sized and may not be ideal with a scheme change. Brown is one of the elite rush end/linebackers in the draft
How else it could go: Reports have linked them to Mark Sanchez (who hasn't been). I'd be surprised. Kyle Orton should be efficient enough to run this offense. They've signed a host of running backs this offseason, but a player to keep an eye on could be Knowshon Moreno. This would be very high for him, but he could have the ability to fit in well in Denver.

13. Washington Redskins- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Why: If he falls to them, the Skins will undoubtedly take Sanchez. Danny Snyder reportedly has a big man crush on the former Trojan. He has said he won't unload next year's 1st rounder to move up for Sanchez, but that doesn't rule out a deal involving a former first rounder (Jason Campbell).
How else it could go: The Skins O-line isn't getting any younger, so Andre Smith could be a good fit in this spot to deal with the bounty of skilled pass rushers in the NFC East. They extended DeAngelo Hall for several years, but I wouldn't count them out of the CB market. Another possibility would be one of Sanchez former teammates Rey Maulauga, Clay Matthews, or Brian Cushing.

14. New Orleans Saints- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, OSU
Why: The past few years, the Saints have had plenty of fire power. Unfortunately, they've had trouble stopping others. A defensive back is sorely needed and the Jim Thorpe award winner would be a terrific fit for the Saints.
How else could it go: Is Reggie Bush or Pierre Thomas the answer in the Saints backfield? Many may argue that they can't get the job done. A big, bruising back such as Jenkins' college teammate Beanie Wells could be the guy.

15. Houston Texans- Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Why: The Texans have solidified their defensive line at the top of the last few drafts with Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye. Early round pick DeMeco Ryans has flourished as an interior linebacker, but he could use some help to the sides. That's where Matthews comes in to play.
How else it could go: There has been speculation that coach Gary Kubek wants some help in the backfield for RB Steve Slaton. The perfect compliment would be Beanie Wells, who could be gone to the Saints at 14, but likely to still be on the board.

16. San Diego Chargers- Brian Cushing, LB, USC
Why: The Chargers have been unable to stay healthy in their LB corps for several years now. Keeping any of the USC trio of linebackers in their home area would be a terrific acquistion.
How else it could go: Although not demonstrated in many mock drafts, the Chargers could be a team in the market for a go-to receiver. Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and Chris Chambers have talent, but they could use another vertical threat. Perhaps Percy Harvin's versatility fits well in to this offense.

17. New York Jets-Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Why: Despite throwing money at various other positions in the past few offseasons, the Jets don't have a bona fide signal caller on their roster. While they'd much rather make a run at Sanchez, they might not have the ammo to get high enough to draft him. Freeman is seen as a project, but has a lot of desireable traits in a quarterback.
How else it could go: With the departure of Lavaranues Coles, the Jets could use help at the receiver position. Florida's Percy Harvin could be the playmaker they desire. I'd be surprised if the Jets are content to have Freeman as their answer, so look for them to get out of this spot.

18. Denver Broncos- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Why: If Smith manages to fall this far, the Broncos couldn't pass up the chance to grab an elite tackle to pair with Ryan Clady.
How else it could go: Smith is unlikely to fall this far, so the Broncos could look for defensive end help if they don't go in that direction at #12. Robert Ayers or Michael Johnson could be nice fits. They could also look to solidify their defensive backfield with Champ Bailey getting a little older, so Vontae Davis could be in play.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Why: Another team that could use pass rush help. A book end to pair with Gaines Adams would really help this unit.
How else it could go: The Bucs cut a lot of veterans earlier this year and could look to fill those holes. A LB could also be the pick, depending on which of the USC LB's are on the board. If Freeman slips past the Jets, he could be the guy on a roster devoid of quality QB's.

20. Detroit Lions- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Why: The Lions took care of their franchise QB with the number one pick, so an OT could be the selection to keep him upright. Something tells me they'd rather field a defense that could keep the Lions in more lower scoring games. Johnson is a talented pass rusher who could make an immediate impact.
How else it could go: After going 0-16, you know the team has a lot of holes to fill. The Giants proved in '07 that teams need a big pass rush. In a copy cat league, I expect the worst managed team in the NFL to finally get the memo. However, if they don't look to bolster the D-line, they could look along the offensive line. Arizona's Ebben Britton could be an option.

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