Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I know it seems unlikely that the Jaguars would have this fall into their lap, but I think this is how it will honestly happen. David Garrard, whose gap teeth make Michael Strahan proud, would be smiling for days over this.
No. 9 Overall Selection
Green Bay Packers - Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
With the hiring of defensive coordinator Dom Capers, the Packers announced they will switch to the 3-4 defense. An interesting decision, but probably the right one. No one in their division plays the 3-4 scheme, and it will give them a leg up on the competition.
I can't see Tarvaris Jackson, Kyle Orton, or Daunte Culpepper being able to decipher a zone blitz all that well, can you? Brown is an outstanding pass rusher, and paired with Aaron Kampman as an outside linebacker, that combination could be devastating to quarterbacks.
Kevin Greene has been brought in to coach the outside linebackers, and as long as he can teach the craft half as well as he performed it, the Packers will make a smooth transition to the 3-4.
No. 10 Overall Selection
San Francisco 49ers - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Mike Singletary's single biggest priority as a head coach will be to ensure his team can run the football. Frank Gore is a very good back, and teamed up with Moreno, will form a productive tandem, much like DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were last season.
The defense does need help, but the defensive side of the ball is more about passion and effort, which Singletary can inspire in his players. On offense, pure skill is needed in more situations, and the 49ers need more production out of their offense.
No. 11 Overall Selection
Buffalo Bills - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
The Bills didn't get any production out of their tight ends last year, which is important in the NFL these days. Pettigrew isn't a speedster who is going to run the seam for you, but he is a very good blocker and has very good hands on short routes.
It will give Trent Edwards another option when in trouble, and he can be kept in to block in pass protection. He's not a flashy tight end by any stretch, but he is solid at everything, and a perfect fit for the Bills.
No. 12 Overall Selection
Denver Broncos - Tyson Jackson, DE/DT, LSU
Another team switching to the 3-4, Denver has to address their lack of personnel for the scheme. Elvis Dumervil will most likely move back to OLB, with Boss Bailey and D.J. Williams as ILB. The Broncos have no lineman capable of playing in the 3-4 scheme, however.
Marcus Thomas might be able to play the nose, but who will be the defensive ends? To me, it is a huge need and Jackson is the best man to fill this need. He is a very explosive, strong player who can beat lineman with strength or speed.
Denver would be smart to fill their need at RB as well, but I still believe DL is more important if you wish to play a true 3-4 scheme next season.
No. 13 Overall Selection
Washington Redskins - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
Without Jason Taylor performing at a high level for the Redskins last season, Washington suffered from the same lack of pass rush they had been from years previous.
Maybin is an underclassman who will need more time to develop, but the Redskins need to at least attempt at improving their pass rush. With Jason Taylor's future in the NFL in question, the Redskins need to go with the best pass rush option available.
No. 14 Overall Selection
New Orleans Saints - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
New Orleans has had a porous secondary since the Sean Payton era began, and that has held them back in a lot of ways. Last offseason, the Saints brought in Randall Gay as a nickelcorner, but it didn't change much.
New Orleans needs more help at the back end. Davis is the best available corner at this point in the draft...Simple equation really.
No. 15 Overall Selection
Houston Texans - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
The Texans were arguably as good as the low end playoff teams this season. If they weren't in the division they are, we might be talking about a playoff team. Houston has talent on both sides of the football, but a solid pick like this one will help the defense reach the next level.
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