My NFL Mock Draft, Part 4/6, Picks # 15- # 11

As the mock draft continues, another look back is necessary in order to let all the readers get caught up. So far, I have it looking like this: #32 Saints-Sean Lee (LB), #31 Colts-Dan Williams (DT), #30 Vikings-Patrick Robinson (CB), #29 Jets-Taylor Mays (FS), #28 Chargers-Joe Haden (CB) and #27 Cowboys-Earl Thomas (FS), #26 Cardinals - Sergio Kindle (LB), #25 Ravens - Cam Thomas (DT), #24 Eagles - Brandon Graham (DE), #23 Packers - Carlos Dunlap (DE), #22 Patriots - Arrelius Benn (WR), #21 Bengals - Golden Tate (WR). # 20 Texans - C.J. Spiller (RB), # 19 Falcons - Bruce Campbell (OT)# 18 Steelers - Maurkice Pouncey (C) # 17 49ers - Vladimir Ducasse (OT) and finally, # 16 Titans - Jared Odrick (DT).

That brings us to my team. The New York Giants. I am not an over passionate fan that is unable to think clearly about his team. I have given this much thought, based on needs and availability. With that said and without further ado, my next five picks.

# 15 New York Giants, MLB-Rolando McClain (Alabama). The Giants, similar to the Titans, had a tale of two seasons. There were possibly the hottest team in the league for the first five weeks, only to be debated by Indy, New Orleans and the cross town rival Jets. They started an impressive 5-0 against a weak schedule. The only true test in that span came versus the division rival Cowboys in a nationally televised, new stadium opener in Dallas.

Then, they fell apart trying their best to regain the pass rush that made them so fierce and the running attack that made them brutal to face in the winter months. The highlights of the season were provided by the wide receiver core and the improved, more mature play of franchise quarterback, Eli Manning. The team stumbled to an 8-8 finish, missing the playoffs for only the first time since Manning became the full season starter.

They still have the balance on offense to be explosive. The running attack can be fierce again if Brandon Jacobs can find his aggressive style again. The receivers will have another full off season to work with Manning, which can only help with timing and effectiveness.

Although the offensive line is getting older, the more pressing problems are on the defensive side of the ball. Their inability to generate a consistent pass rush hurt their already injury weakened secondary and linebacker crew. The Giants addressed the secondary in the early hours of free agency by adding Antrel Rolle. He is a playoff experienced, big play capable safety from the Cardinals. When paired with a healthy Kenny Phillips, should give them a potent duo, however, the secondary can't cover against the leagues better receivers if the front line isn't hurrying the opposition. That's where the pass rush comes in.

I believe the new defensive coordinator will be more aggressive in his play calling and therefore more blitzes. That will allow the front line to bring more pressure in the trenches. They need a linebacker to come through on blitzes and read the offensive formations. The experience that they lost in Antonio Pierce, will be difficult to replace, and will take time, but McClain is a great start.

McClain was a defensive leader on an elite team with Alabama. He may be the best linebacker overall, out of one of the deepest groups in the draft, and definitely the best among the middle linebackers. He is has good size (6'4", 260 lbs) and strength. He is very athletic and has the intangibles that you look for in a top round pick. He isn't as fast of a player (4.7 dash) as some others available, but he makes up for it with his instincts and awareness.

He doesn't have much experience in coverage because of his primary role as a rusher in their defensive system at Bama, however, this could be changed with time and film study. If he can be mentored by a veteran in that defense or a free agent addition, he could become a Pro Bowl type force in that defense.

# 14 Seattle Seahawks, OG Mike Iupati (Idaho). The Seahawks have some needs. They finished an abysmal 5-11 in a weak division that they helped to make weak. They have a fragile quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck, who when healthy, is a solid leader. They have added Nate Burlson to compliment the receiver core that is led by T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They can be a good passing team if Hasselbeck is healthy.

The running game has just as many questions. With a combination of Julius Jones and Justin Forsett, they rushed for over 1,200 yards, but neither one was a 1,000 yard rusher alone. There is an identity factor, in this squad. There is a leadership factor as well. Without knowing who will be the consistent starter, they can't establish a running game and therefore establish balance to help the passing game.

The teams needs help on the other side of the ball too, they need a pass rusher and a safety. They have two first round draft picks this year, a rarity for NFL teams, and they will use the first pick to address one of those defensive needs. They also have a more pressing need than the running game and they will use their second pick to address it. An offensive lineman. The line is getting older as the the depth is getting thinner.

They are in need of a strong guard. That is Iupati in a nutshell. He is strong and has the size to be a productive anchor lineman (6'5", 325 lbs) at either Guard or Tackle for years to come. He carries his weight well and uses his techniques and strength to create good running lanes. He has had a poor showing at the Senior Bowl and shoulder surgery in his not so distant past. If he can over come these obstacles, he will be a rock in Seattle in the mold of Walter Jones.

# 13 San Francisco 49ers, DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech). As previously mentioned in an earlier post, the 49ers have two picks, like the Seahawks. This is their first. I already went over their season and their 8-8 record. They are young and energetic. I mentioned that already, what I didn't mention much of, was there need at the helm and their need for a WR after losing Arnaz Battle to the Steelers. Although, they have a need for that, I don't believe they will take that. The WR group is deep enough to get a good receiver with upside and potential in the later rounds.

I believe they will add a quarterback, but by the time they pick at # 13, the best couple of QB's will be gone. They could take a gamble on another more questionable one in the next round. There will be a few available by their next pick, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow or a Tony Pike are just to name a few and under the right offense, could be successful there. Because of other needs, they will pick someone to help that aggressive defense lead by Patrick Willis.

Enter Derrick Morgan. He is 6'4" and runs a 4.7 dash. He makes up for average speed with good technique and an even better motor. He's strong and instinctive, he is a perfect compliment to Willis roaming around behind him and occasionally blitzing around him.

He has one major flaw, he doesn't possess that explosive burst needed to get to the opposition just a step ahead what is needed. He is a good tackler, but lack of speed makes him arrive too late to tackle a more explosive running back. This can be helped if he is taught better angles and some other maneuvers to use in the trenches. Who better to teach that than Mike Singletary.

# 12 Miami Dolphins, OT Anthony Davis (Rutgers). The Dolphins had a 7-9 record. Don't let the record fool you, they were in the the hunt for a playoff spot until the final week, despite having many holes. Most of those holes were on the defensive side where they dropped to 22nd overall. They need a pass rusher, a linebacker and players for the secondary.

These are all needs that can be addressed through free agency and later rounds. They already made a major splash with the signing of Karlos Dansby to sure up the LB core. They have a need at the D-line as Ferguson is aging and getting over injury, but that is something that could be addressed later, even next season as Dansby will help the pass rush.

The secondary can be helped later in this draft as can the need at receiver. They may not be able to resign Ronnie Brown, but Ricky Williams still has enough left to get them through another year. Time will tell, but regardless, they need help on the offensive line to open the holes for the running game and the young franchise QB Chad Henne.

Due to needs from other teams, the Dolphins will have many options to choose at this pick. The Bill Parcells effect on the war room, will probably help Sparano decide to sure up the trenches. Anthony Davis is a good candidate for them. He has plenty of size (6'5", 325 lbs) and strength for the line.

His good center of gravity and technique in run blocking will benefit whoever is carrying the ball. His only true downfall, is character. He had multiple suspensions in college and a questionable work ethic. If he can find his way and some maturity, he could be a major contributor for them.

# 11 Denver Broncos, FS Eric Berry (Tennessee). The Denver Broncos had an interesting 2009. They finished 8-8 after losing eight out of their last ten. They have a several needs, like all of the teams in the first half of the draft.

The team is lead by Kyle Orton, who has steadily shown that he came play at this level, despite the experts' opinions when he was drafted. They recently traded for Brady Quinn, whicj is an odd move. Perhaps they are just trying to prepare in case Orton gets injured or faulters at some point. The starting QB, though will be Orton.

This does send a bad message to the team as far as leadership and may make a rift between the players as their offensive identity is now being questioned. The QB is the offensive identity, this may be a move that hurts them in the long run if they're not careful.

They may not hold on to Brandon Marshall, the dynamic wide receiver with a bad reputation. They have a few other options in case of his departure. They could take this pick to replace him, and they might, but I feel they have bigger needs right now. They bolstered their defensive line with experienced free agents like Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green. They have a need at cornerback, but it is a deep group that can be tapped into in the later rounds.

For now, they need to address the other part of the secondary, the safeties. Eric Berry is the best safety in the draft. He has plenty of speed (4.4 dash) and great instincts to become a playmaker at the next level. If he goes here, he would have maybe one the best mentors at the position in Brian Dawkins.

Berry has a big hit capability and excellent coverage skills. He comes from a college team that plays big games and so the experience should help him make the proper adjustments. The only downside to him that I can tell, is an over-aggressiveness which can lead to missed tackles and a higher propensity for injuries.

If he can be taught to use that passion and his intelligence properly combined, he could become a dominant and feared player in the NFL, who's very presence cuts the field in half and shuts down options for opposing QB's to go to.

That takes us to the top ten. The final two parts will consist of the picks everyone has an opinion on. There are no standouts this year as in years past. There isn't that athlete that teams say is a 'must have overall #1'. Because of that, the top few picks may be up for grabs in a trade to the right buyer. It will be interesting to figure out and even more so watching it unfold. The first twenty two picks are full of questions, but even more the point of this all is discussion. Let that discussion continue. Until next time, folks.