NFL Draft 2011 Preview: A Second Look at Picks 17-32

17.  New England Patriots:  Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Predicting what Bill Belichick will do is virtually impossible, but assuming he won’t trade out of this spot, Kerrigan makes a lot of sense for a team that generated just 36 sacks last year.
Previous Pick:  Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

18.  San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
The Chargers don’t have many holes, but adding a defensive end makes a lot of sense as Jacques Cesaire and Travis Johnson are free agents.
Previous Pick:  J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

19. New York Giants:  Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
Ayers still makes perfect sense for the Giants.
Previous Pick:  Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

20.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Justin Houston, DE/LB, Georgia
The Bucs have been filling their holes well in recent NFL Drafts. One area that needs to be addressed in this draft is an outside pass rush.
Previous Pick:  Justin Houston, DE/LB, Georgia

21.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Nate Solder, T, Colorado 
The Chiefs were a major surprise last year, but if they want to continue their resurgence they’ll need help in their offensive line.
Previous Pick:  Nate Solder, T, Colorado 

22.  Indianapolis Colts:  Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College
Tyron Smith is off the board, but the Colts stay with offensive line help.
Previous Pick:  Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal

23.  Philadelphia Eagles:  Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin 
The Eagles gave up 49 sacks despite having the most mobile quarterback in the league. Carimi, the best tackle on the board can help bolster the line.
Previous Pick:  Derek Sherrod, T, Mississippi State

24.  New Orleans Saints:  Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
The Saints had all sorts of issues at running back last year. Unfortunately they cannot rely on Pierre Thomas. Leshoure is a big back (6’0″, 230) that can take some pressure off Drew Brees and the passing game.
Previous Pick:  Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

25.  Seattle Seahawks:  Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado 
I originally had Brandon Harris, but secondary help remains a primary concern.
Previous Pick:  Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

26.  Baltimore Ravens:  Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Ray Lewis and Ed Reed would welcome him with open arms.
Previous Pick:  Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

27.  Atlanta Falcons:  Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
The Falcons don’t need to look any further than Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers to know that having just one receiver threat won’t cut it. Smith is lightning quick and will be great opposite of Roddy White.
Previous Pick:  Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

28.  New England Patriots:  Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
The Pats have made improvements on defense, but still have a long way to go. Heyward is coming off elbow surgery, but is a tenacious enough defender for Belichick to take.
Previous Pick:  Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

29.  Chicago Bears:  Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
The Bears can’t let Jay Cutler take the beating he did in 2010 so improving the line play is a necessity.  Pouncey gives them stability at guard.
Previous Pick:  Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida

30.  New York Jets:  Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
If Braylon Edwards bolts in free agency, Baldwin would be a nice replacement. He’d give the Jets a big target (6’5″, 230) to help Mark Sanchez continue his development.
Previous Pick:  Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

31.  Pittsburgh Steelers:  Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
The Steelers were tormented by the Packers passing attack. If there is an area of need for Pittsburgh, it’s at cornerback.
Previous Pick:  Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

32.  Green Bay Packers:  Derek Sherrod, T, Mississippi State
The Packers have few holes despite all of their injuries last year. One area they could improve is at offensive line. Sherrod is best available.
Previous Pick:  Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin


Click here to see picks 1-16.