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1. Detroit Lions: Jason Smith OT, Baylor
The Lions need a franchise quarterback, but they also need an offensive lineman.
The reason the Lions had to play third-stringers Dan Orlovsky and Daunte Culpepper at quarterback in the first place was because the offensive line couldn’t protect Jon Kitna and Drew Stanton.
The Lions could draft Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez at quarterback, but it doesn’t matter how good Stafford and Sanchez are if their team’s offensive line can’t provide any protection. Either one would get sacked repeatedly and be forced to make throws under pressure.
With that in mind, Smith would be a great fit at left tackle, opposite second-year tackle Gosder Cherilus.
If the Lions really are desperate for a quarterback, they can draft Kansas State’s Josh Freeman at No. 20, look to trade for a QB like Brady Quinn or sign Michael Vick if he’s out of prison.
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
With Orlando Pace gone, the Rams need a new left tackle if they want to keep quarterback Marc Bulger healthy. Monroe can start on the Rams line for years to come.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
The Chiefs get an all-around great linebacker to complement Mike Vrabel. Curry is the most NFL-ready prospect in this draft.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
The Seahawks need a lot of help with pass and rushing defense. They still need a pass-rushing defensive end. Orakpo’s specialty and ideal position is as a four-three defensive end, which is exactly what he will play for the Seahawks.
5. Cleveland Browns: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
The Browns need another pass-catcher. Badly.
Donte’ Stallworth faces as many as 15 years in jail on vehicular manslaughter charges in Florida. Braylon Edwards might be traded.
Joe Jurevicius was released in March. Josh Cribbs isn’t even a No. 2 wide receiver.
By drafting Crabtree, the Browns get more than a No. 2 receiver: They get a Larry Fitzgerald.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
The Bengals recently signed defensive tackle Tank Johnson, so Boston College’s B.J Raji isn’t likely to go here.
Smith, on the other hand, is a great fit. If the Bengals’ O-line had protected Carson Palmer last season, the offense wouldn’t have struggled so much.
Smith can protect Palmer while also being a tremendous run blocker for Cedric Benson
7. Oakland Raiders: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
One reason the Raiders defense gave up 159.7 yards rushing per game last season was because it lacked a big, run-stuffing defensive tackle.
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