No. 24 Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
After acquiring Tony Gonzalez and addressing the offensive side of the ball last year, the Falcons focus on defense. Passing on Glen Dorsey last year for Matt Ryan turned out to be pretty beneficial for the Falcons, but they still need a big presence on their defensive line.
Jerry allows coach Mike Smith to begin building a defensive powerhouse the way he did in Jacksonville. With the ability to play in the 4-3 or 3-4 alike, Jerry gives Atlanta the option of continuing the hybrid scheme they began last year.
No. 25 Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
With excellent physical traits and the talent to match, Davis will provide Miami with a replacement for Andre Goodman, who signed with the Broncos during the offseason. With only Will Allen entrenched as a starter at corner, Davis can be an impact player if he stays disciplined.
No. 26 Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
The last of the three USC linebackers, Matthews is chosen at the 26th spot. He follows in his father's footsteps—the elder Matthews was selected in the first round more than 30 years ago. Yet Matthews will not be on his way to Baltimore.
Instead, he will be on his way to Arizona for Anquan Boldin. The closer it has gotten to draft day, the more Boldin has appeared in trade rumors. With Derrick Mason getting older by the minute, Boldin steps in and provides Joe Flacco with the offensive help he needs.
As Boldin heads to Baltimore, Arizona acquires Matthews along with a third- and sixth-round pick this year.
No. 27 Indianapolis Colts: Jarron Gilbert, DL, San Jose St.
Although Gilbert is somewhat undersized for a defensive tackle, the Colts are completely happy with their selection. Known for quicker but lighter defensive linemen, the Colts plug Gilbert into a line that has been desperately seeking stability at their defensive tackle position since the team's Super Bowl run a few years ago.
No. 28 Buffalo Bills: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Although Ayers could easily be selected by the Bills at No. 11, Buffalo realizes that few teams need a 4-3 defensive end and capitalize upon their situation. Ayers provides the Bills with someone they hope can wreak havoc opposite Aaron Schobel and take away more double-teams from Marcus Stroud.
If Ayers is selected at No. 11, either Brandon Pettigrew or William Beatty could be the selection here.
No. 29 New York Giants: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
After toying with the option of drafting a wide receiver at this spot, the Giants realize that Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt and Brian Robiskie are still on the board. With the possible options of trading for Braylon Edwards either for a first-rounder or for second- and fifth-round picks, the Giants realize that Pettigrew would be a great addition no matter what they do.
An offense focused on the running game allows Pettigrew and Kevin Boss to form a dynamic duo at the tight end position that will help the Giants offense no matter what wide receiver they acquire throughout the rest of the draft.
The Giants' draft history also adds to the possibility of a defensive player being selected, such as Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis. The Giants also could decide to trade up in the second round to acquire the receiver they desire, if they don't swing a deal for Edwards.
No. 30 Tennessee Titans: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Despite needing someone to replace Nick Harper eventually at cornerback across from Cortland Finnegan, the Titans select Britt. By pursuing Anquan Boldin this past week, the Titans have shown that they are still looking for another threat to help their passing game.
With great size, Britt is selected to give Kerry Collins another threat in the red zone.
No. 31 Arizona Cardinals (traded to Detroit): William Beatty OT, Connecticut
With Detroit drafting Matt Stafford with their first pick, the Lions need someone to keep him off the ground. While still moving down and acquiring more picks, the Lions draft an offensive tackle, similar to Falcons offensive tackle Sam Baker.
Pulling a page out of the Falcons 2008 draft book, the Lions are hopeful that Beatty and Stafford can be the beginning of a rejuvenation in Detroit.
No. 32 Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, OL, Cal
The returning Super Bowl champs are likely looking for offensive line help and consequently they decide to chose Alex Mack over Max Unger. Although Unger offers greater versatility, Mack has proven to have a mean streak.
With the Steelers always looking to find tough players both on offense and defense, Mack is ultimately the choice. Although trading down is still a possibility, Mack is the plausible choice.
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