17. Minnesota Vikings - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
With the loss of Udeze to leukemia, the Vikings really need help rushing the quarterback. Merling should go right around the middle of the first round because he hasn't been able to work out thanks to injury, so this isn't a huge stretch by any means.
Another possibility could be Brian Brohm, but I don't think that the Vikings want to sacrifice winning now for winning later. They can draft someone like Andre Woodson in the third or even the fourth round.
18. Houston Texans - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Houston's secondary is a huge mess right now, but I think running back is the Texans' prime concern. Ahmad Green and Ron Dayne are not the answers the Texans were looking for, and they need a top-tier running back like Mendenhall to lead them.
Another possibility is trading this pick to Seattle. They could swap first-rounders and Houston could also gain Seattle's third-rounder. They need to draft depth at many positions, but it is much too early to draft some of the people they are looking at.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
The Eagles are in a position to draft the best available player with this pick, and the only options would be Cason or Jonathon Stewart. The Eagles certainly don't need a running back, so Cason will get the nod.
Despite having both Lito Sheppard and Asaunte Samuel as corners, they simply cannot pass up a talent like Cason. He will dominate any receiver to play in the slot.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Brohm had a great Pro Day at Louisville, and he left many GMs and Managers drooling. When Jeff Garcia is gone in a few years, Brohm should be ready to take his place and lead this team.
Another option could be a receiver like DeSean Jackson. Tampa Bay needs a young, top-tier receiver to replace all the ones they've lost. They can't pass up on Brohm, and I'm sure they can find a decent receiver in the later rounds.
21. Washington Redskins - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Redskins would love to have the chance to draft Harvey or Merling, and they will probably trade out of this pick one way or another. If they choose to stay here, though, they will draft Limas Sweed.
There isn't a receiver in Washington who is taller than 6'1'' or over 200 pounds. They need a big possession receiver like Sweed (6'5'', 219 lbs) to go over the middle and grab passes.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon
With talk of the Cowboys trading up to grab McFadden, they would be thrilled if they could land Stewart with the 22nd pick. They lost Julius Jones to Seattle this off-season, and would love to return to their two-headed rushing attack.
They could also grab a receiver like DeSean Jackson or Devin Thomas to make up for the old Terry Glenn and ineffective Patrick Crayton.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Big Ben was sacked 47 times in 2007. That horrific number probably caused some heads to roll in Pittsburgh. Now with the departure of guard Alan Faneca, the offensive line must be addressed in the first round.
They could also go with a receiver, but they can snag someone in the later rounds who would still be effective.
24. Tennessee Titans - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Vince Young is really not that bad of a quarterback. He can greatly improve his numbers if he would simply have a better supporting cast of receivers to help him. Jackson isn't very big at all, but is an extremely dynamic playmaker. He will contribute to both offense and special teams.
The Titans could also go with someone like Kentwan Balmer because they really need to help the defensive line.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
The biggest need for Seattle this off-season was obviously running back. That problem has been addressed and fixed with the signing of Duckett and Jones. Deion Branch may not play in 2008, and Bobby Engram has been ineffective. If they can add a top receiver, they will be set.
Malcom Kelly is another possibility here if Seattle doesn't trade up.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
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