
NFL Mock Draft: Complete First-Round Selections
Ever since your teams' season concluded you've most likely done research on at least one of three things:
1. Checked the free agent market
2. Took a walk around the trading block, and/or
3. Looked at those eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft.
This year the draft is a rather defense heavy and as a guy who loves defense, this year will be a bonus.
And as more hyped as the draft is every year as opposed to free agency or the trade block, I can only hope the D gets as much attention as offense heavy drafts.
Thus, we are closing in on the NFL combine (set to start at the end of February) to get a more in-depth analysis for draft weekend.
So who does your team draft in round one? Let this mock draft be your guide... (Calling Rodger Goodell)
1. Carolina Panthers: Nick Fairley DT Auburn
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Based on Carolina's 4-3 front Nick Fairley would be a great addition in rebuilding the defense.
To begin with, two of the Panthers' DTs Nick Hayden and Ed Johnson are currently injured, and did not have productive seasons.
Both combined for only one sack and 28 tackles where as Fairley amassed 56 tackles and 12 sacks.
Losing Julius Peppers was vehemently detrimental to the Carolina D, but Fairley has the potential to redeem a part of that much like Ndamukong Suh has done for the Detroit Lions.
2. Denver Broncos: Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson
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At this point on the Broncos' D, virtually every position needs filled.
Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins have been old for what seems at least five years already, and the defensive line has been under-performing on a consistent basis.
The linebackers have been rather decent, even with the loss of Elvis Dumervil prior to the 2009 season.
With that being said, Da'Quan Bowers (who led the NCAA in sacks with 15.5) will compliment a healthy Elvis Dumervil come 2011.
Two sacks masters on opposite sides will, at the very least, slow down the run game while taking pressure off the secondary.
3. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Green WR Georgia
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So other than Lee Evans (who's injured), can anyone name Buffalo's receivers WITHOUT looking them up?
I'm sure some can, but I'm betting the over/under on less than 10.
Okay give me a second I'll look them up. Donald Jones and David Nelson were both listed as the starters on NFL.com (and with an icon indicating they're injured as well).
But the Bills did play extremely hard this season, and their efforts deserve to be recognized.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has potential to be a solid NFL QB, but without players that have no potential what do you have?
A.J. Green and Lee Evans would be a respectable duo, and Donald Jones would satisfy the No. 3 WR spot.
I know its not Andre Reed, Don Beebe and Steve Tasker Bills fans, but definitely hope for the future.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus DT Alabama
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With the uncertainty of WRs Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens coming back to Cincinnati for the 2011 season, it leaves the Bengals in a pickle come draft weekend.
Should they draft offense from the start to alleviate the pain that was left over from T' Ocho?
Or should they be reluctant to do so and put the offense in a more inexperienced position?
For starters, if they go offense T.O. may sign elsewhere and then Chad may want out.
However, with players like Jordan Shipley, Jermaine Gresham and Andre Caldwell, Carson Palmer has the potential to make things work.
But defensively, stopping the run has been lackluster.
The pass D is respectable, but allowing 115 rush yards per game turns into over 1,800 on the year.
Talent is needed, BUT depth is a must and Marcell Dareus will add both.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn DE North Carolina
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Based on Arizona's 30th ranked run defense, I'd say a defensive lineman has to be on their draft board.
I would have put QB Blaine Gabbert from Missouri here, but Arizona needs a Sam Bradford/Andrew Luck type QB.
Their WRs are still legit with Fitzgerald and Breaston, and if RBs Hightower and Wells can stay healthy they should get back on track next season.
Now to tell you how good this guy is, Quinn was suspended for the 2010 season and is still the second best DE coming into the draft.
A second-team All-American as a Sophomore, Quinn quickly made a name for himself at the college level.
If anything, Quinn can add depth to the d-line for Arizona which currently has only three DEs.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones WR Alabama
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His strength alone somewhat reminds of former Ohio State WR David Boston (except Jones is way more legit).
The Browns have all the pieces to be quite successful and consistent in the coming years.
They have a franchise QB in Colt McCoy, The Avalanche" (as Bill Simmons put it) in Peyton Hillis, and a shutdown CB in Joe Haden.
Offensive linemen Joe Thomas and "The Secret World of Alex Mack" (Yeah I'm bringing back YOUR 1990's Nickelodeon) are paving the way as well, and the Browns are edging closer to a prominent future.
Throw in Mike Holmgren as team president and Cleveland can restore some historical perspective.
Julio Jones is just another piece of the puzzle as Colt McCoy is in the need of a beast WR.
Cleveland needs a tough and physical WR; A guy that WANTS to block, run opponents over, all while still maintaining the ability to take over a game.
Mr. Jones has this intangible asset that no Browns' WRs have had since Ozzie Newsome (even though Newsome was a TE, a receiving TE nonetheless).
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
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I know a lot people are probably angry at me for not predicting him to Carolina or Denver, but I like to keep things interesting.
Chances are he won't fall this far, but if he does San Fran should jump at it the second they become aware.
In the secondary CB Nate Clements led with 82 tackles and tied Shawn Spencer with three picks.
The difference here; Clements is the most complete defensive back the 49ers have, but at age 31 time is of the essence.
Therefore, with Peterson you now have two youngsters will a sick amount of potential (the other being Taylor Mays at strong safety).
Much like Mays, Peterson has big play potential, but also lock-down ability like Clements.
If Peterson drops to Frisco, this would be the steal of the draft.
8. Tennessee Titans: Cameron Jordan DE California
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Some are probably saying this is too high for the No. 3 ranked DE.
Well looking at Tennessee's rankings in rush and pass D, both could use some help across the board.
Grant it the O needs help as well, but they need a QB if anything.
The odd stat about the guys on this D are the number of tackles totaled by the secondary.
All four starting DBs (Alterraun Verner, Chris Hope, Michael Griffin, and Christian Finnegan) each had 100 or more tackles on the year.
As for the LBs, Will Witherspoon ended with 92, and Stephan Tulloch led the team with 160.
Only one defensive lineman got more than 50 tackles (Jason Babin with 58), which shows that the Titans are lacking in the trenches.
I know the LBs usually lead the team in tackles, but with ALL FOUR DBs getting over 100 is ridiculous.
Cameron Jordan can add versatility and depth to the Titan d-line and help win more battles in the trenches.
As Vince Lombardi once said, " Football is only two things - blocking and tackling."
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
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When it came to the run defense, Big D played rather consistently throughout the season (well at least in comparison to their pass defense).
They have stud LBs in Keith Brooking, Bradie James, and DeMarcus Ware to stop the run, but the 26th ranked passing defense (allowing 243 yards per game) is in dire straits.
Amukamara comes in as the No. 2 ranked CB, but could make a case to be No. 1.
The interesting fact here is that he did NOT have one interception all season long and still received first-team All-Big 12 as well as being a consensus All-American.
Maybe his 13 pass deflects and 59 tackles had something to do with that.
His physical toughness and quickness will help with man-coverage in being able to jam the WRs at the line.
And with zone-coverage, his ability to read and react will bode well to close in quickly on open WRs.
10. Washington Redskins: Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
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Well for head coach Mike Shanahan, trying to improve the Redskin defense is pretty much a "pick your poison" type deal.
31st ranked pass D and the 26th ranked run D; Like I said, pick your poison.
As great as London Fletcher plays year in and year out (led the team in tackles), he is in desperate need of some help.
Fellow ILB Rocky McIntosh did have a strong season in acquiring 110 tackles, while OLB Brian Orakpo led the team with 8.5 sacks.
However, with the addition of Von Miller, the Washington LBs could transform this defense back to prosperity and atop the NFC East.
Miller would most likely be used as a pass rusher (much like Orakpo), but obviously on the opposite to help take pressure off of the inside backers while creating that dual threat pass rush.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith OLB Missouri
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The 2010 Houston Texans were the "tale of two teams."
The O ranked in the top 10 in the four major categories (scoring, pass yards, rush yards, total yards), while the D ranked 29th in points allowed, 30th in yards allowed, and 32nd in pass yards allowed.
The rush D finished a respectable 13th, but being terrible in three of four categories is beyond unacceptable.
Aldon Smith has the potential to help the Texans become more consistent on D with his pass rushing ability.
He's a great tackler that earned him first-team All-Big 12 even though he suffered from a broken fibula in October of 2010.
And guess what? He came back three weeks later, played the rest of the season with only one healthy leg (Jack Youngblood anyone?) which displays his mental toughness and passion for the game.
Now even though some scouts may perceive him as injury prone, game-day is what matters, and Smith proved that this past season.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
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If only Brett Favre had retired when he was playing well, the Vikings probably wouldn't be in this position right now.
Fortunately for Blaine Gabbert, the Minnesota Vikings are taking job applications for the QB position.
Now in regards to deciding between Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, Gabbert is the more suitable fit for the Viking O.
The need of a solid pocket passer to compliment the run game, Gabbert could be in a QB competition with Joe Webb for next season.
13. Detroit Lions: Nate Solder OT Colorado
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The biggest area of improvement in Detroit was a tossup between the run D and the run O.
Hard to believe after the likes of Billy Sims and Barry Sanders do the Lions need to focus on the run game.
The defensive line is young and talented. So no need to draft another one in the first round at this time.
However, the rushing offense has light at the end of the tunnel with the versatile Jahvid Best.
So the follow up question has to be, "Who's going to lead him there?"
The big hog-mollies up front, that's who.
And drafting a two-time All-American in Nate Solder "The Boulder", who only allowed five sacks through three seasons of college football will definitely give hope to the Motor City.
14. St. Louis Rams: Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
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For the 2010 campaign, RB Steven Jackson totaled over 1,200 yards rushing with six TDs.
It's a respectable total number of yards for a team that finished ranked 25th in averaging less than 100 yards per game.
Well Rams' fans, help is on the way.
Castanzo was selected to the All-ACC team three consecutive years, and specializes in protecting the blind side.
In turn, this will allow Sam Bradford more time in the pocket while creating versatility to the St. Louis O.
I know its not the "Greatest Show on Turf", and that will likely never be matched.
But if Bradford becomes more effective in the pocket, just imagine how much more production the Rams will get out of Steven Jackson, and visa versa.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram RB Alabama
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Do you think the wildcat will be back next year?
I think not, however coach Sparano may implement the pistol formation.
In doing so will make for quicker run reads and/or play fakes, which can make the D more vulnerable to the big play.
And let's face it Dolphin fans, Ronnie Brown is too injury prone (not too mention he's a free agent this year), and as much as I love Ricky Williams, he's just too old.
Miami finished with the 21st ranked rushing offense, averaging only 102 yards per game.
Mark Ingram brings the toughness and power that reminds me of a younger Ricky Williams.
He punishes tacklers like a certain former Dolphin and hall of famer in Larry Csonka. But also has the speed to outrun the secondary in the open field.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Newton QB Auburn
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Okay residents of Jacksonville, Florida this is your chance to prevent the Jags' owners from actually moving the team to Los Angeles.
Alright so that was a business-related reason, but the football reason is that the Jaguars need a QB because Trent Edwards isn't the future.
Cam met every challenge with a vengeance in 2010, and the Auburn Tigers have their first national championship since 1957.
In an athlete, Cam Newton has every possible attribute required; Speed, size, strength, agility, vision, and stamina.
His size and strength are comparable to that of Ben Roethlisberger, and his agility and athleticism can be compared to a hybrid of Mike Vick plus Aaron Rodgers.
His vision and speed need to improve, but coming out of college you can't ask for much more.
So if the city of Jacksonville wants their Jaguars, ticket sales and merchandise will increase with the addition of Cam Newton.
17. New England Patriots (From Oakland Raiders): Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
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I know the Pats passing D needs some improvement, but I don't see Belichick drafting down to Brandon Harris from Miami with the 17th pick.
The secondary is young, much younger than the defensive line which is where Ryan Kerrigan could be of assistance.
He led the Big Ten in sacks each of the past two seasons totaling 24.5 over that span, and was a unanimous 2010 consensus college football All-American selection.
And although he's somewhat of a lightweight for a DE (255 lbs), it gives him more freedom to utilize his quickness coming off the edge.
But if he ends up getting drafted higher, don't be surprised.
18. San Diego Chargers: Tyron Smith OT USC
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What an anomaly were the Chargers this past season.
Ranked in the top TWO in three of the four major offensive categories, and in the top five for three of the four major defensive categories.
And yet, they missed the playoffs with a disappointing 9-7 record.
Well I refuse to find a player who specializes in blocking just for the punt team, kick return team and field goal team. Special teams needs more focus and coaching from those selected to start on it, period.
With that being said, the Charger run game does need some improvement.
Mike Tolbert proved to be a stud, and Ryan Mathews has potential if he can stay healthy. The question is, "Do they want to make Darren Sproles pull double duty by acting as the primary RB and kick/punt return man?"
So looking at the offensive line, five start but they only have a total of eight. Therefore, depth is a definite concern, but USC standout Tyron Smith should provide more than needed.
Has the ability to play both tackle positions, and specializes in pass blocking, but also obtains the quickness to effectively run block.
A successful run game is a must, but o-line depth is arguably just as important.
19. New York Giants: Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State
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As consistent as the Giants were across the board on O and D, you would expect a better record than 10-6
To begin there aren't very many holes on this team, but the starters on the offensive line are all at least seven years in.
Starting center Shaun O'Hara only played six games this past season while left tackle David Diehl played in 12.
Age will eventually catch up with them and the other three, mainly because of their run-oriented offense.
But that may change this season with Brandon Jacobs getting a year older and the maturing of WRs Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks.
The depth is there, but soon more will be needed to replace the now starters. Derek Sherrod has the potential to start if a guy goes down, and pass blocking is his best asset.
Playing in the SEC, Sherrod faced the best of the best each game (especially being in the SEC West where five of the six teams finished ranked in the top 20).
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
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Anything to help improve the rush D while at the same time taking even more pressure off the secondary.
Earned 2009 and 2010 All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selections, Clayborn totaled 192 tackles and 37.5 sacks in four years with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Tampa Bay (the youngest team with the youngest head coach in the NFL) overachieved in 2010, but have increased expectations for 2011.
The biggest weakness being the 28th ranked rush D.
But, with the seventh ranked pass D an aging Ronde Barber has yet to slow down, and with a sack master on the d-line you can count on the Bucs' contending for the NFC South Division crown.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame
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"Hey that's great! But whose the Chefs?" (Sorry I had to do it, one of my favorite commercials of all time).
So getting back to reality, I have a question for Chief's fans.
"Is it frustrating to have the top rushing offense paired with the 30th ranked passing offense?"
Cassel had a great year, but is about one weapon away from a breakout season.
Chris Chambers is rather old and the two TEs (Moeki and Pope although solid, are not top tier).
"Somewhere over the Dwayne Bowe" (greatest Chris Bermanism EVER) had his best season snagging 72 balls for over 1,100 yards and 15 TDs.
But because of this success, if more weapons are not on the way, he will see more double coverage and jamming at the line.
Well fear not Chefs' fans, I mean Chiefs' fans, because the luck of the Irish is on its way to help.
Notre Dame TE Kyle Rudolph comes into the draft as the No. 1 TE and has Tony Gonzalez type potential.
Weighs 265 and stands at 6' 6", but runs a 4.64 40 yard dash.
To improve the pass O, Kyle can definitely get the job done with his size and speed.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Stephen Paea DT Oregon State
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It seems like the Indianapolis Colts are stuck at the fork in the road come draft weekend.
Fix the 29th ranked rushing offense or the 25th ranked rushing defense?
We're going to go with the defense in this one, because injuries hurt the Colts' O this past season so hopefully they can recover in the offseason.
Between the four DTs (Muir, Mathews, Johnson, and Moala) only 45 tackles and one-half of a sack.
So to help take some pressure off of DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, drafting Stephen Paea from Oregon State can only help.
Although he's rather small for a DT, it allows him to have a bit more quickness with that first step to plug a gap or split a double team.
If he can force a double team, or even a traffic of mess between the guards, he can free up LBs Pat Angerer, Gary Brackett, and Clint Session for more tackles.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
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A middle of the road defense, Philly finished ranked 15th in rush and pass D.
However, with the athleticism brought in by Akeem Ayers, he will give the Eagles the versatility of switching between a 4-3 front and a 3-4 front.
In doing so could create more turnover opportunities for the DBs who had 17 picks on the year.
Ayers does not have elite ability in one particular area, nor is he terrible in any area.
Consistently good/above average across the board allows a lot of room for quick potential growth.
Also has big play potential whether its forcing a fumble on a sack or taking a pick back to the house, assuming he doesn't get himself out of position with his over-anxiousness of speed.
24. New Orleans Saints: Mikel LeShoure RB Illinois
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The 28th ranked rushing offense with three injured RBs out of four.
So even with Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas healthy for next season, expect Reggie Bush to be used strictly as a receiving third-down back and return man.
However, with Ivory, Thomas and Bush all injury prone, a top RB will be needed for the "just-in-time" inventory purposes.
Therefore, Mikel LeShoure in coach Sean Payton's system has power back written all over it.
Where the biggest hits are made, and the most impact is taken, keep those who've previously suffered from serious injuries out (even if completely healthy) and throw in the guy who wants to prove something.
Therefore, coming in at 6' 230 lbs, look for LeShoure to be the Brahma Bull in short yardage situations.
With all this being said, Julius Jones' services will no longer be needed.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Harris CB Miami (Fla.)
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As much as I would love to try and help the dismal Seattle run game (89 yards per game ranks 31st in the league), I can't help but think that part of that was due to an injured Matt Hasselbeck and the lack of chemistry with RB Marshawn Lynch.
Plus, they picked it up when it mattered most (Week 17 to clinch the NFC West, and vs New Orleans a week later).
However the pass D needs almost as much improvement.
Allowing almost 250 yards per game, Seattle was ranked 27th in passing defense and only picked off 12 passes on the year.
As for Miami CB Brandon Harris, his physicality, quickness, and shear desire to eliminate his man from the game will be welcomed.
Also a very good tackler in the open field which can prevent a lot of big plays from happening.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith WR Maryland
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If there were nursing homes strictly for NFL teams, the Baltimore Ravens may need one in a few years.
If they are not the oldest team in the league I have no idea who could be.
Their four major WRs, Houshmanzadeh (33), Boldin (30), Mason (37), and Stallworth (30) have to be the oldest receiving core ever.
Not to mention starting TE Todd Heap is 30 as well.
Now the question is whether or not this was a factor as to why the Ravens had only the 20th ranked passing offense in 2010.
Regardless, they are in the need of some younger WRs that could make an immediate impact.
This is where Torrey Smith comes in; He runs 4.37 40 yard dash and could help with the Ravens punt/kick return duties (much like he did for the Terps).
Then gradually get work as a No. 2 or No. 3 WR until he proves to be consistently productive.
But nonetheless, Baltimore is in the need of some youth at WR and Smith should be the guy.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
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As great as a season it was for the Falcons, you can't help but see the reason why the Packers sent them home early.
How about the 22nd ranked pass D that allowed 226 yards per game?
Well with the help of Colorado CB Jimmy Smith, Atlanta's pass D should improve enough to repeat as NFC South champions (as long as the offense keeps flying high as well).
Smith, who relies on the forte of being physical, combines that with his ability to keep his head on a swivel (hence awareness) to disguise zone coverages; Thus causing more turnovers.
Does take some chances that could be exploited, but its better to make an aggressive mistake than be continuously soft/passive.
28. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt DE Wisconsin
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I know I put Ryan Kerrigan as the Pats' first draft choice because of their rather old starters on the d-line in comparison to the secondary.
But, like I said before, the secondary needs time to develop, and the LBs are legit; Therefore the d-line needs to act as the primary play-makers.
And although the backups are young, most were mid-to-late round draft choices or undrafted free agents.
So if Belichick has the opportunity to draft two All-American DEs in the same draft (same round mind you), I think he would bite harder and faster than a bear-trap closes.
And with Belichick's 3-4/1-5-5 scheme, don't be surprised if Watt is used to drop back in coverage due to his 6' 6" frame.
29. Chicago Bears: Mike Pouncey OG Florida
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For a team that finished 11-5 and second in the NFC, would you have thought that Chicago had a more productive offense (especially with Mike Martz at OC)?
However, twas not the case as the Bears finished 28th in passing offense (188 yards per game) and 22nd in rushing offense (101 yards per game).
Part of it could be the young WRs along with Jay Cutler's slow development; Grant it Jay has improved but not as quickly as Martz needs him to.
RB Matt Forte did run for over a grand and is really young as well.
But, with a pass-first run-second type offense the offensive line needs to be versatile.
Thus, the younger of the Pouncey brothers, Mike Pouncey.
He has experience at both guard positions as well as center; AND if coach Lovie Smith ever feels the need, Pouncey also has the ability to play DT (brief experience during the 2007 season).
Finally, if he's anything like his brother, then "DA BEARS!" (Saturday Night Live: Superfans anyone?) will have drafted one player with a lot of potential.
30. New York Jets: Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
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For as great as the Jets running game was, there is seriously no depth on the offensive line.
Grant it the pass game needs improvement as well, but Sanchez is well on his way with some solid weapons.
With that being said, Gabe Carimi feels like a Rex Ryan type guy.
And since the Badgers pounded the rock as well as any other school in college football, Carimi can get the job done for RBs Shonn Green and LaDainian Tomlinson.
But as a bonus, his pass blocking is arguably just as good.
Not surprisingly, Gabe was selected as a unanimous 2010 All-American and has a ton of potential.
If called upon, he can protect the blind side as well as run block with the best of them.
Can you say the new Jumbo Elliot? Except this time it's for the Jets as opposed to the Giants.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rodney Hudson OG Florida State
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As great as the Steelers have been all year, only one offensive lineman received a pro bowl selection (Maurkice Pouncey, second-team center).
So one has to suspect that the elusiveness of Ben Roethlisberger and his ability to throw on the run is what made the difference.
And with that, longtime Steeler radio broadcaster Bill Hargrove should entice the Rooney family to draft Rodney Hudson from the Florida State Seminoles.
Hudson was a four-time All-ACC selection (three being first-team) and was a two-time All-American.
He's quicker than meets the eye and more athletic than given credit for.
Loves being physical but needs to learn how to have more body control.
However, if Pittsburgh drafts him, opponents should anticipate and prepare for an even better run game as well as more time for Roethlisberger in the pocket.
32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State
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As prolific and consistent as the Green Bay D was all season long, none of their defensive lineman were selected to the pro bowl.
Maybe that gave them added motivation when the playoffs began, but nonetheless rushing defense still needs improvement.
They allowed almost 115 yards per game ranking them 18th which is by far their worst aspect.
Therefore, a stud DE to compliment "The Freezer" B.J. Raji should cause some problems for the NFC North.
Also it will free up LBs Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk to be even more productive; Which is so good its scary.
Heyward matches up well with the offensive tackles and is too athletic and strong for tight-ends, but does need to improve on change of direction and agility.

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