Latest Draft Rumors from Tony Pauline: Mark Barron Rising, Bobby Wagner in 1st?

SI.com and TFY Draft Insider analyst Tony Pauline has some interesting food for thought about first-round intentions in his latest column:

"

We heard today Marvin Lewis is hoping Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw is still available when the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock with their second pick in round one, the 21st selection.  The other player the team will consider in that slot is Peter Konz of Wisconsin.

"

My Take: Upshaw has been falling on many boards. The Seahawks (No. 12), Cardinals (No. 13), Cowboys (No. 14) and Jets (No. 16) are the potential destinations before the Bengals first first-round pick. My question would be, who are they so sure of at 17 that they wouldn't take Upshaw there if they like him? The Chargers (No. 18) could consider him, and the Bears (No. 19) and Titans (No. 20) could too if they see Upshaw as a legitimate 4-3 DE.

"

If the Green Bay Packers go offense in round one Konz is the player they are targeting if he’s still on the board.  We’ve heard this rumbling since January and it was confirmed again today.

"

My Take: The "if" is a big one, as the Packers should be targeting an OLB at No. 28. After signing Jeff Saturday, the thought must be that Konz could play guard until Saturday can't hack it anymore. The Ravens would have to be disappointed if this comes to pass.

"

What will the Seattle Seahawks do?  Separate sources told me today the team hopes to move out of the 12th slot and trade into the later portion of round one, where they will then draft linebacker Donta Hightower.  If they can’t move the pick they are seriously considering Hightower’s teammate, safety Mark Barron, at that slot and  Kam Chancellor would then move to outside linebacker.

"

My Take: This is the first time I've heard any team other than the Pittsburgh Steelers strongly connected to Hightower in the first round. Barron is a hot name now that he was able to workout and dispel worries about his double hernia surgery, but No. 12 seems high for an "in the box" safety when the team already has one of the best in the league in Chancellor.

"

Barron’s stock is on the rise as, amongst other things, head coach Nick Saban has given him rave reviews.  He’s being talked about as someone with a passion for football and a prospect who’s skills have been underrated.  We hear if Dontari Poe is gone by the 14th pick of the draft, and he’s likely to be, the Dallas Cowboys are likely to turn to Barron.

"

My Take: If a prospect isn't getting rave reviews from his collegiate coach right now, it's a red flag. The Cowboys have been connected to multiple players by Pauline, including the aforementioned Konz, so this sounds like an attempt to cultivate a greater market for a trade down, which Jerry Jones has already hinted at last month. 

"

The New York Jets are another team strongly considering Barron if he’s still available with the 16th pick.  A source close to the situation said the pick of Barron is a “no brainer” for the Jets.  One player we heard earlier today the Jets are not interested in selecting is Whitney Mercilus of Illinois.  There is strong speculation amongst league insiders that the Jets will look hard at moving down in round one.

"

My Take: The logic of interpreting April draft rumors almost dictates that "the Jets are interested in Whitney Mercilus" is the take-away here. Barron would fit a need, but again, he just doesn't match the quality of safeties taken in the first half of the first round historically.

"

While most have the New England Patriots selecting a pass rushing linebacker in round one we hear a smaller linebacker who can cover is just as great a need on their draft board.  Could the team take a player such as Bobby Wagner at the end of round one?  Its’ definitely not out of the question.

"

My Take: As the new breed receiving TE becomes a bigger part of NFL pass offenses, linebackers who can run with them downfield and provide effective coverage become more valuable. Wagner and Nebraska LB Lavonte David are both possible first-round picks because of this.