No. 8 Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
With Jacksonville losing much of its offensive line to injury last year, Monroe has to be the choice. The Jags need some protection for David Garrard, and Tra Thomas isn't the long-term solution.
But if the Jags are comfortable with Thomas at left tackle, they will either trade down or turn to B.J. Raji to replace the big body on the defensive line they lost last year in Marcus Stroud.
With Monroe falling to the eighth spot, Jacksonville gets a steal to help Maurice Jones-Drew begin his campaign for the most combined rushing and receiving yardage in the NFL next year. Despite all the Jaguars' needs, don't be surprised to see this pick traded away.
No. 9 Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Although the Packers seem to have monumental confidence in Ryan Pickett as their defensive tackle next year, a true nose tackle in their new 3-4 defense would be ideal.
Tyson Jackson or Aaron Maybin could be options to help their pass rush, but grabbing Raji before the Broncos can will allow the Packers to keep their defensive lineman fresh and give their linebackers more room to get to the quarterback.
No. 10 San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn State
Needing help next to Pro-Bowler Patrick Willis, San Francisco improves its front seven with the addition of Maybin's pass rushing ability. Although Brian Orakpo will be considered, the debate on whether he will be a defensive end or outside linebacker will likely cause him to drop out of the top 10.
No. 11 Buffalo Bills: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Trading Jason Peters to the Eagles forces the Bills to search for a new left tackle to protect Trent Edwards' blind side. With Oher left as the last of the top four tackles on the board, Buffalo makes the smart choice and grabs their left tackle of the future.
Somewhere in Buffalo, Edwards will be hoping that Oher is an improvement over Peters and the 11.5 sacks he surrenderd during the 2008 season.
No. 12 Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE/DT, LSU
With Jackson being the ideal 3-4 defensive end, the Broncos likely will snatch him up after B.J. Raji goes to the Packers. Like Green Bay, Denver will be on the hunt for players to fit their new defensive scheme. Jackson has the ability to be a stalwart end over the next 10-12 years.
He might not be outstanding, but his hustle and grit usually enable him to make plays in the backfield and stop the run—somewhat like Chris Canty of the Giants.
No. 13 Washington Redskins (traded to KC): Brian Cushing, LB, USC
By moving down, the Chiefs are able to land a quality player who will help their new 3-4 defense tremendously. Everette Brown and Clay Matthews also are options, but Cushing has "Patriots way" written all over him.
With Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas, Derrick Johnson, and Cushing, Kansas City coach Pioli finds a way to mix the veterans in with younger players as he did in New England. Cushing covers better than most linebackers in the draft this year; he can make an impact immediately for the Chiefs.
No. 14 New Orleans Saints: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Charles Grant and Paul Spicer aren't getting any younger, so the Saints get an impact DE to play with Will Smith or replace him if he departs for free agency next year. Orakpo, seen as a possible outside linebacker by some teams, gets to play his more natural position for New Orleans and likely will split time next year with Grant still on the roster.
Malcolm Jenkins would be the ideal pick, but cornerback has been a need for New Orleans in past years, and they didn't draft for need in those first rounds, either.
No. 15 Houston Texans: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
With the Texans' linebacking corps full of question marks, Houston has no choice but to grab one here. Although Clay Matthews or Robert Ayers could be the choice, Maualuga will join DeMeco Ryans in bringing the pressure that Houston has been searching for as they try to build around Mario Williams.
No. 16 San Diego Chargers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Once again. Some may be shocked, but Freeman is selected with the No. 16 pick of the draft. With Philip Rivers already in San Diego, Freeman will be selected by Tampa Bay.
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