In an effort to keep Freeman from dropping to the New York Jets at No. 19, Tampa stops head coach Rex Ryan from trying to groom Freeman into next year's Joe Flacco and gives up their first-rounder and a third-rounder this year to do it.
Although he will likely sit at the beginning of the year, Freeman, blessed with a gun for an arm, provides the Bucs with a quarterback of the future that Raheem Morris can build around. (If the Jets rather than the Vikings trade for Campbell, this pick goes to Philadelphia or Baltimore. Either team would then trade up to get Jeremy Maclin before the Jets could.)
No. 17 New York Jets: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
With the Jets needing playmakers at wide receiver, opposite Jerricho Cotchery, they draft Maclin to help them stretch the field. Missing out on Stafford, Sanchez and Freeman, they go after their quarterback via the trade route, either trading for Derek Anderson of the Browns or trying to swing a deal for Jason Campbell, before the Vikings can do the same.
Trading this pick for Brady Quinn is also possible but not likely.
No. 18 Denver Broncos: Larry English, OLB/DE, Northern Illinois
The Broncos likely will trade out of this spot if they get a call from a team looking to draft Knowshon Moreno or Brandon Pettigrew ahead of the Eagles. Yet after picking Tyson Jackson with their first pick, Denver takes English to add more pass rushing ability to a team in dire need of it.
With coach Josh McDaniels preaching defense this past week, he's made it clear that he wants to build a team with a strong front seven, and does just that with his first two picks. This may be a bit of a reach, but there always seems to be a reach or two in the second half of the first round.
No. 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (traded to SD): Ziggy Hood, DL, Missouri
With San Diego needing a replacement for Igor Olshansky on the defensive line and a young playmaker next to Jamal Williams and Luis Castillo, the Chargers grab Ziggy to bolster a defense that hopes to return to 2007 form with Shawne Merriman back in the fold.
If the Buccaneers stand pat and don't make the trade for Freeman, Robert Ayers is almost automatically the choice to increase the pass rush opposite Gaines Adams.
No. 20 Detroit Lions: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Yes, Kevin Smith played very well as a rookie last year. That is precisely the reason why Detroit will be trading Moreno to the Arizona Cardinals. With Edgerrin James on his way out of Arizona sooner rather than later, the Cards have been searching for running back to compliment Tim Hightower.
With Moreno, the Cardinals will get an all-around back to rely on before Hightower takes charge at the goal line and becomes a fantasy football touchdown vulture.
With the Eagles choosing next, teams will likely line up to stop them from grabbing Moreno or Pettigrew. The Lions can expect many calls during their 10 minutes on the clock. As a result, Detroit gets the Cardinals' second- and fifth-round picks this year.
No. 21 Philadelphia Eagles: Malcolm Jenkins CB/S Ohio State
I know most Eagles fans will be hoping for a wide receiver at this pick, but once they recall who their coach is they will understand the choice. Jenkins is the choice for an Eagles defense that has already proven to be dangerous last year.
Although Pettigrew might be an option with this pick, I have an overwhelming feeling that the Eagles will acquire a tight end by trade—likely Tony Sheffler from the Broncos for a second-round pick.
No. 22 Minnesota Vikings: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Vikings desperately need an upgrade at offensive tackle, and Britton is the perfect choice. With the versatility to play both tackle positions, the Arizona product gives the Vikings a young player to build upon.
With Bryant McKinnie turning 30 and Ryan Cook not the best option at RT, Britton gives Sage Rosenfels or Jason Campbell a chance to stand up for the entire season, while also providing Adrian Peterson a long-term friend if Britton can become a better run blocker in the future.
No. 23 New England Patriots: Connor Barwin, OLB/DE/TE, Cincinnati
Although Barwin could drop to the Patriots' first pick in the second round, they decide not to take that chance and select him to replace the recently departed Mike Vrabel.
With Jason Taylor still on the market, the Pats can still attempt to sign him and draft the versatile offensive lineman Max Unger at this spot, but Barwin is the choice otherwise.
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