(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Considering Brown is listed at 6'1" and a shade over 250, his size isn't ideal for the defensive end position, which may be a blessing. Brown has elite pass-rushing skills, something the Niners desperately need. Manny Lawson has not been effective on the outside and Brown will either push Lawson to succeed or push him out of the starting lineup.
11. Buffalo - Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss)
Before Jason Peters was traded to Philadelphia, addressing offensive tackle in the draft was only a matter of adding depth. That has drastically changed. Demetrius Bell and Jonathan Scott are not viable starters, making Oher a necessity. Buffalo is a strong candidate to move into the top five to snag one of the three premier tackles.
12. Denver - Mark Sanchez (QB, USC)
If only it were this easy. Denver will likely have to trade up to draft Sanchez, but if he falls to the No. 12 spot, the pick won't require a lot of thinking. Kyle Orton wasn't the answer in Chicago and he won't be the answer Denver. Drafting Sanchez allows new coach Josh McDaniels to hand-pick the new leader of Denver's offense.
13. Washington - Clay Matthews (LB, USC)
Washington's pass rush was abysmal last season, tallying only 24 sacks, the third-worst total in the NFL. Matthews is dangerous off the edge and has a non-stop motor that could fuel a sometimes indifferent Redskins defense.
Tyson Jackson is in play here, but Matthews' ability to create pressure off the edge makes him the choice.
14. New Orleans - Brian Cushing (LB, USC)
If the Saints want to start a new version of a thunder-and-lightning backfield, Chris "Beanie" Wells may be the choice to replace Deuce McAlister.
New Orleans' Achilles' heel of late has been defense and Cushing is a playmaker, something the Saints don't have on defense. Cushing's intelligence, work ethic, and toughness will add to a defense in need of immediate improvement.
15. Houston - Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri)
The Texans could use a cornerback to play opposite Dunta Robinson, but Jacques Reeves' consistency last year may be enough of a holdover for 2009. Andre Johnson draws constant double-teams without a true field-stretching deep threat on the other side of the field.
Enter Maclin, who will stretch the field, allow Kevin Curtis to play in the slot, and draw attention away from Johnson.
16. San Diego - Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU)
San Diego doesn't have a ton of needs, but with the departure of Igor Olshansky, defensive end is one of them. Jackson's strength and athleticism will allow him to disrupt the offensive line, allowing San Diego's linebackers to pressure the backfield. Jackson's selection won't be a flashy one but it may prove to be greatly beneficial.
17. New York Jets - Josh Freeman (QB, Kansas State)
Wide receiver has more value at this spot. Freeman may be a bit of a stretch at No. 17, but it won't matter which receiver the Jets select if there isn't a capable quarterback throwing to them.
Freeman isn't proven as a starter, but Kellen Clemens hasn't shown he can be a consistent NFL quarterback. Wide receivers Louis Murphy and Demetrius Byrd could be options in the second or third round.
18. Denver (from Chicago) - Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois)
Linebacker appears to be a need, but D.J. Williams is a solid player and the free-agent addition of Andra Davis takes immediate attention off the position. Denver ranked 31st in opponent passer rating in 2008. Champ Bailey is 30 and Andre Goodman is average at best.
Davis can immediately play nickel corner and possibly move into the starting spot opposite Bailey by the end of the year.
19. Tampa Bay - Aaron Maybin (DE/LB, Penn State)
Maybin fills a need for Tampa Bay much the way Everette Brown does for Buffalo. Maybin could play defensive end opposite Gaines Adams or stand up and play linebacker to give the Bucs some much-needed pressure off the edge.
Maybin is a raw talent, which new coach Raheem Morris could mold whichever way he chooses. Michael Johnson has been drawing a lot of steam at this spot, but Maybin's flexibility will be more beneficial to the Bucs.
20. Detroit - Rey Maualuga (LB, USC)
When Detroit's 0-16 season came to an merciful end in Green Bay, Ernie Sims had little help surrounding him at the linebacker position. Julian Peterson was acquired in a trade to aid the rush off the corner.
Drafting Maualuga could complete the makeover and give the Lions a defensive leader for the next decade.
21. Philadelphia - Knowshon Moreno (RB, Georgia)
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