Fans in the Northeast were salivating at the idea of going undefeated and then having the opportunity to draft a player like Darren McFadden. After wiping the taste of Super Bowl defeat out of their mouths, Patriots fans must deal with the reality that their defense has aged considerably and they lost two of the most dependable players in their secondary.
The linebacking core could use an overhaul and Keith Rivers would be a perfect fit. Rivers plays aggressive, smart football and has the kind of versatility and instincts Bill Belichik loves. A corner would be nice, but Leodis McKelvin has been falling back down draft boards to some degree and people seem to be acknowledging what I have been saying for weeks that Rivers is worthy of a top 10 pick.
8. Baltimore Ravens (5-11) Needs: QB, CB, WR, OL, LB
Sedrick Ellis DT USC
The Cincinnati Bengals really have to hope the Ravens try to trade up to get Matt Ryan. A trade to get into the 3 spot with the Falcons would allow Atlanta to draft Sedrick Ellis and then Brian Brohm while allowing the Ravens to get Ryan. Again, this would make far too much sense. Instead, the Ravens will likely miss out on Matt Ryan and draft the best player available.
Leodis McKelvin would be a definite possibility here as well, but the Ravens like to draft the best player available and Ellis represents top five talents. Ellis may not 3-4 nose tackle and could move to end in the Ravens scheme.
Rex Ryan will love to have this former Trojan because he can flat out wreck havoc in opposing backfields.
9. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) Needs: LB, DL, OL, WR, S
Ryan Clady OT Boise State
This would be truly worst-case scenario for the Bengals with Rivers and Ellis both gone. Derrick Harvey would be considered, but no other player at a position of need deserves to go this high. Instead, the Bengals will try to keep Carson Palmer upright, even if we do not yet know if he'll be upright throwing to Ocho Cinco or not.
Clady has the potential to be the top pass-blocker in this draft and with the tackles for the Bengals getting up in age, an upgrade here with the second best offensive lineman in the draft will be a welcome addition. Brandon Albert may draw consideration because of his ability to play either guard or tackle; however I do not see him as a top 10 pick.
10. New Orleans Saints (7-9) Needs: DT, CB, TE, S, WR
Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
Linebacker, defensive tackle, and corner were the top needs entering the off-season and the Saints addressed those needs acquiring Jonathan Vilma from the Jets, signed Dan Morgan form the Panthers and Randall Gay from the Patriots. Defensive tackle remains a question and for that reason, the Saints have been actively trying to move into a position to take either Sedrick Ellis or Glenn Dorsey.
Unless they can get into the top 8, that seems particularly unlikely. A flip flop with the Ravens could land the Saints with Ellis and the Ravens with McKelvin, an advantageous move for both teams, but that move would only happen if Ellis remained on the board at #8 and Matt Ryan had been picked. As a result, the Saints draft the top corner in the draft to play opposite Mike McKenzie.
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