NFL Draft 2011: Breaking Down the Second Half of the First Round

Here's a look at the second half of the first. Click here to see picks 1-16.

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.

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.

19. New York Giants: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
The G-Men have a need at outside linebacker and Ayers is the best available. I wouldn’t be surprised if they bolster their defensive line like they always seem to, but OLB is a bigger concern.

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.

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.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal
The Colts desperately need to improve their offensive line. Smith is the top tackle on the board.

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

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.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
The Seahawks, along with Houston, were one of two teams that allowed 30-plus passing touchdowns and and 250 passing yards per game, making cornerback a pressing issue.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The Ravens could use some help at cornerback and Jimmy Smith has good size and speed.

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.

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.

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 guard.

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.

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.

32. Green Bay Packers: Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin
The Packers have few holes despite all of their injuries last year. One are they could improve is at offensive line. The 6’7″, 315 lb Carimi could be groomed to be Chad Clifton’s eventual successor.

Click here to see picks 1-16.