2012 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens and Other Teams That Must Have a Big Day 2
As the 2012 NFL Draft turns from the high-profile first-rounders to the less publicized guys just looking to make an impact, there are several teams that need to go big in Round 2 Friday night.
While New England, Cincinnati and Tampa Bay were among the teams that picked several impact players in the first round, there are other teams that will make their first pick in the draft tonight.
Then there are teams like Seattle and Indianapolis that are looking to add playmakers as part of an overall rebuilding effort, and teams like Dallas and San Francisco that are looking for key additions to their veteran squads.
Here are four teams sure to be active tonight.
Denver didn't see anything it liked at picks 25 or 31, so they traded down to 36 in hopes of finding a player better suited to its needs. Many feel the Broncos' first pick will be an impact defensive tackle, so Michigan State's Jerel Worthy seems to be the name to look out for at No. 36.
The Broncos also have needs at cornerback and the interior line, so it will be interesting, and very important to Peyton Manning's success, to see what they do with the three picks they have in these two rounds.
They got the offensive firepower they were seeking by drafting Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden in the first round. On paper, that looks like a great draft. But with no weapons at tight end or receiver, Cleveland will desperately look to find a play-making receiver, probably at pick No. 37.
Elsewhere, offensive tackle is a concern, and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson and Scott Fujita aren't the poster boys for staying healthy. The Browns will need to pick a linebacker at some point, and that pick could be a starter in the near future.
3. St. Louis Rams
With the 14th pick, they got the interior defensive lineman they were seeking in Michael Brockers, acquiring Dallas' second-round pick in the process. They'll have three picks in the second round. If one of them isn't a receiver, I've lost all hope in the draft process.
Sam Bradford can't win throwing to Danny Amendola and Austin Pettis alone. The Rams need a big, physical receiver and Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill, still available after Round 1, could be their choice. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they use all three picks on offense. That's how bad Jeff Fisher needs playmakers.
Sure, the 'Boys addressed a decade-long need by drafting an elite corner, but they also gave up a second-rounder when they still have gaping holes on the defense line and at inside linebacker. Elsewhere, a consistent third receiver could also help Tony Romo.
With Mike Jenkins trade rumors floating around, the Cowboys could deal him and get back into the second round. They could then address at least two needs on Friday night and have some peace of mind heading into Day 3.
They traded out of the first round, but have two picks in the second to find a replacement for guard Ben Grubbs and maybe a third-down back for the future. They also should start looking at long-term replacements for defensive stalwarts like Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.
It is a must that the Ravens find some skill guys on the defensive side of the ball. Coach John Harbaugh needs to prepare his defense for the day when Lewis and Reed retire. I wouldn't be shocked if Courtney Upshaw is a Raven by the time the second round gets underway.
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