2011 NFL Mock Draft: Best and Worst Case First Round Scenarios for All 32 Picks
One home-run pick in the first round can completely turn around an NFL franchise. The Packers saw both Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers fall into their grasps relatively late in the first round. Both were instrumental to their Super Bowl run.
Conversely, missing on a pick in the first round can cause a franchise to nose dive. A few bad first round picks in a row can land a team in a rebuilding project or keep them in squalor. The Lions are just now starting to see the light after Matt Millen botched not only the first round, but almost every pick he made while in control of personnel in Detroit.
The NFL draft always leaves some fan bases elated and others with their heads in their hands. The art of a successful draft is rarely mastered and always highly criticized. As is the case with every draft, there will highly sought after players who fizzle.
This mock draft encompasses not only the best case scenario for each team, but also the pick that will bring the team the most headache. Both picks given have the potential to land in that spot. In other words, I'm not going to list a 7th round prospect as the worst case scenario, as I will not list a potential first overall pick as the best case scenario for the Packers at 32. At any rate, here is the 1st round mock draft.
1: Carolina Panthers (2-14)
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Best Case Scenario: Da'Quan Bowers
The Carolina Panthers are falling apart. There are very few players on roster who are likely to be future starters at their respective positions. They have a lot of needs to be addressed and this draft is particularly top heavy with talent.
The Panthers found their All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers to be more of a financial headache than he was worth. The Panthers are a team who has prided themselves on their stellar defensive line play, so reloading at defensive line seems to be in their best interest. They could seek Nick Fairley or Marcell Dareus here to solidify the middle, but Bowers could give Carolina another edge rushing sensation for the next decade.
Worst Case Scenario: Blaine Gabbert
The Panthers whiffed on Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore certainly isn't the answer. Even so, throwing Gabbert into the fire with limited targets, a backfield that will likely have Jonathan Stewart as the feature back and questionable offensive line is a recipe for disaster.
Gabbert does not project as a first overall pick. He is impressive and a great talent, but he is not the great talent in this class. If Matt Ryan or Matthew Stafford were coming out in this class, far less people would be mentioning Gabbert. He is solid, but how often have we seen good quarterbacks wash out on bad teams at the top of the draft?
2: Denver Broncos (4-12)
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Best Case Scenario: Patrick Peterson
Many people find Patrick Peterson to be the best prospect in this class. He is polished and has world class speed. He is a physical specimen and he even contributes in the return game. The Broncos have a defensive backfield that features aging legends. Bringing in Peterson allows a future Hall of Fame corner in Champ Bailey to transition out of the lineup.
Many people also believe drafting a cornerback with the second pick is too big of an investment. Peterson projects as a corner with Charles Woodson upside and Champ Bailey talent. People may have scoffed if Deion Sanders was the 2nd overall pick when he came out, but you can't put a price on a true lockdown corner. The Broncos got Josh McDanieled. Their road to recovery would get off to a great start if they selected a surefire defensive talent like Peterson.
Worst Case Scenario: A.J. Green
The name A.J. Green doesn't look right next to the phrase 'Worst Case Scenario'. Even so, the Broncos would be making a big mistake by taking Green at number two. They may be tempted to bring in a top flight receiver to help either Tim Tebow or the guy John Elway brings in to replace him develop.
Brandon Lloyd is coming off of a spectacular season. The Broncos are unlikely to feature the pass happy offense McDaniels put forth and there are bigger team needs. Green is going to develop into a great NFL receiver, but he is more like a luxury item. The defensive side of the ball is starving for talent. They need to take the best defensive player on the board.
3: Buffalo Bills (4-12)
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Best Case Scenario: Von Miller
Nobody fears the Buffalo Bills. They gave a few top flight teams a run for their money, but quarterbacks aren't lying awake at night fearing the Buffalo pass rush. All that could change if they added Von Miller. Miller has the potential to be a double digit sack guy early on in his career.
Not only does he get to the quarterback, he is athletic enough to cover tight ends and physical enough to seal the edge. Bringing in Miller could change the defensive identity of the Bills. They put up a decent amount of points this season, they just had a hard time stopping teams.
Worst Case Scenario: Cam Newton
People are going to probably have a field day over this one. Cam Newton may have more upside than any prospect in the draft. He can run, throw bombs and has unquestionable leadership qualities. Wherever he goes, Newton will likely succeed.
The problem is that Buffalo has a much bigger need on the defensive side of the ball. Ryan Fitzpatrick might not be the quarterback of the future, but he is much better than the general public gives him credit for. While defensive talent like Miller is out there, the Bills could fill a need with a great player.
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4: Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
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Best Case Scenario: A.J. Green
The Bengals will likely lose their top two receivers heading into the 2011 season. With Carson Palmer's future in question, the Bengals need to bring in a legitimate threat at receiver to be an outlet for a new quarterback.
Their offense is on the verge of collapsing. In order to avoid an offensive meltdown, they need a top flight receiver. Green has the potential to develop into an elite talent. It's worth bringing him in to soften the void the loss of 85 is going to cause.
Worst Case Scenario: Prince Amukamara
The Bengals have great talent at corner, but like so many other positions in Cincinnati, the future of their cornerback situation is in question. If Patrick Peterson is still available here, the Bengals are going to need to at least wrestle with the idea of bringing him in. I he isn't and they want to draft a corner, Amukamara is the next logical choice.
Amukamara has everything you would ever want in a corner. Unfortunately, he just isn't top 5 talent. He could easily make a push to be selected in the top ten, but with so much talent on the board, it's tough to take him here. The Bengals need to take a step back and look at who they are passing on, should they choose to go with Peterson.
5: Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
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Best Case Scenario: Blaine Gabbert
Blaine Gabbert still probably doesn't warrant a top five selection, but he is already head and shoulders above the rest of the quarterbacks on Arizona's roster. Not only do the Cardinals need someone to lead their offense, they also need a guy who can keep Larry Fitzgerald content.
Fitzgerald contract is expiring after this season. Unless the Cardinals get someone with promise under center, Fitz might be tempted to test free agency. Gabbert might not be the best talent on the board when the Cardinals select at five, but he is the best pick given the state of affairs.
Worst Case Scenario: Any other quarterback
This includes Cam Newton. Newton doesn't fit in the Cardinals offense. The Cardinals don't have enough fire power in their offense to maximize Newton's skills. Fitzgerald would benefit from his cannon, but Ken Whisenhunt will be looking for the next Kurt Warner.
The Cardinals may also look to trade down in order to pursue a different quarterback and pick up a much needed draft pick. The problem is that whoever they draft will likely see the field immediately. If they are to make a bold move like this, they need to be sure they get a guy they feel comfortable with starting as a rookie.
6: Cleveland Browns (5-11)
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Best Case Scenario: Marcell Dareus
Marcell Dareus may be taken even sooner than the sixth pick. He can play in either scheme and his stock has gone through the roof since the season ended. He blew up the combine and has the tape to back up his workouts.
The Browns have a number of holes on their roster. They have a stellar line and Peyton Hillis seems to be the real deal. While they need a big time playmaker at wide receiver, there is simply too much defensive talent to pass on. Dareus is a plug and play defensive lineman who can contribute immediately.
Worst Case Scenario: Julio Jones
Julio Jones could be the next Andre Johnson, but he could also be the next Braylon Edwards. He makes spectacular grabs, but has inconsistent hands. Jones has blazing speed and is a physical monster. His huge frame and spectacular 40 turned heads at the combine.
The Browns may have their QB of the future in Colt McCoy. They need to bring in more weapons to help him succeed, but Jones will not be the best player available when the Browns draft. They will have more opportunities with later picks to bring in a receiver who can contribute.
7: San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
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Best Case Scenario: Patrick Peterson
If Patrick Peterson is still available here, the 49ers have to take him. He fills a need, he could very well be the best player in the draft and he could start immediately. The 49ers saw Michael Crabtree fall to them with the 10th overall pick and could see a similar situation with Peterson.
Nate Clements has to renegotiate his contract, or he will probably find himself in a different uniform next season. With Aubrayo Franklin all but off the roster, the 49ers have many pressing needs. QB, OLB, CB and DT are all glaring holes on the roster. Peterson is the best player on the board that fills a need.
Worst Case Scenario: Robert Quinn
It's going to be tempting to take Robert Quinn, but he poses the biggest risk of all the top end defensive prospects. The 49ers need a pass rusher and Von Miller will probably be gone when they select. Robert Quinn is the next best thing as far as edge rushers are concerned.
He has a lot of upside, but his character concerns and time away would be a huge gamble for the 49ers if they took him this early. Why roll the dice and bypass a sure thing?
8: Tennessee Titans (6-10)
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Best Case Scenario: Cam Newton
Out with the old, in with the new. Vince Young got off to a great start, only to fizzle in Tennessee. Cam Newton could enter an offense with the fastest running back in the league. The Titans may be a bit gun-shy about drafting another QB with great leadership intangibles and questionable character, but Newton is too great a talent to pass up here.
Worst Case Scenario: Corey Liuget
There is a possibility both Nick Fairley, Marcell Dareus, Da'Quan Bowers, Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert will be gone when the Titans select. In this scenario, the Titans may look to Corey Liuget to sure up the run game and lock down the middle.
Liuget isn't miles away from Dareus and Fairley, but he isn't a top ten pick. The Titans should trade down if they feel they can't nab a superstar here.
9: Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
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Best Case Scenario: Tyron Smith
The Cowboys need a franchise left tackle. Tyron Smith might be just that. He had questionable bulk, but added weight in the offseason, which didn't seem to take away from his mobility.
Originally, Nate Solder was projected to be the top lineman taken in the draft. Now, it seems as though Smith could make a jump into the top ten. He's a great pass rusher and could help to keep Tony Romo in the game.
Worst Case Scenario: J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt is going to be a great five technique at the next level. Even so, Dallas has more pressing needs at the moment. They already have their double digit sack guy and under new leadership, the defensive side of the ball won't be nearly as porous.
The offense has weapons galore, but Romo has to have time to find them. It's time for the Cowboys to take a moment to protect their assets.
10: Washington Redskins (6-10)
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Best Case Scenario: Nick Fairley
Could this be possible? Nick Fairley might be the number one overall pick, so seeing him slip to ten may be a long shot. That being said, it may not be too big of a stretch. If he makes it past the top ten, the only other logical landing place may be Tennessee.
Fairley had a great 2010 season and will look to become the N'damukong Suh of 2011. He may be a questionable first overall pick, but he is nothing short of a steal at ten. The Redskins are ready to move on from the Albert Haynesworth headache.
Worst Case Scenario: Mark Ingram
The Redskins parted ways with Clinton Portis and no longer have a household name in their backfield. While there is a huge void at running back, the Redskins don't need to panic. If they are unwilling to take another position, they will need to trade down at least a few spots to take the running back they want.
Mark Ingram is a Heisman Trophy winner, but he isn't worthy of a top ten selection. He may not have even been the most talented running back on his team last season. Ingram is solid, but 15th overall sounds much more reasonable than 10th.
11: Houston Texans (6-10)
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Best Case Scenario: Julio Jones
Andre Johnson is an elite NFL receiver. Arian Foster won the rushing title last season. Matt Schaub had a 92.0 passer rating. Imagine how much more effective the Texans' offense would be with an explosive receiver like Julio Jones on the field.
Suddenly, the question is not only, "How are we going to cover Andre Johnson?", but also, "How can we possibly put single coverage on either one of these guys?". The Texans would go from having the best receiver in the NFL to having the best tandem, which is exponentially more effective. Combine that with the league's most productive runner and the Texans have a feared offense.
Worst Case Scenario: Akeem Ayers
The Texans need an outside linebacker to complete their front seven. They are transitioning to a 3-4, so they need an edge rusher who can get pressure on the quarterback. If Brian Cushing remains in the middle with Demeco Ryans, the Texans will likely try to pick up an outside linebacker who can start immediately.
There is a strong chance both Robert Quinn and Von Miller will be gone by this pick. After that, there is a huge dropoff as far as outside linebackers are concerned. Akeem Ayers grades out as first round talent and could be an effective edge rusher. Ayers being selected with the 11th pick is settling though, something teams shouldn't be doing this early in the draft.
12: Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
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Best Case Scenario: Cam Newton
Cam Newton's stock has risen so much since the season ended, he will probably be gone by this point. This is the best possible case scenario for Minnesota though. They need a quarterback and Joe Webb showed the world how effective the Minnesota offense can be under a dual threat quarterback.
Newton would be entering an established team with the best running back in football. Aside from Tennessee, this seems like the most natural fit for him. The Vikings should seriously consider trading up to get Newton. If they choose not to, expect them to take a guy like Colin Kaepernick in the second round.
Worst Case Scenario: Ryan Mallett
It's sort of scary to think what the Minnesota receiving corp would be able to accomplish with Ryan Mallett's cannon. He can throw a rope like no other prospect in this year's class. Ideal height is a bonus, but he has close to zero mobility.
The Vikings saw the struggles of having a quarterback with mobility limitations last season. The offense looked much more comfortable with a dual threat QB in the game who could move outside of the pocket if he needed to. Mallett will do fine somewhere, just not here.
13: Detroit Lions (6-10)
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Best Case Scenario: Tyron Smith
The Detroit Lions need to protect Matthew Stafford. His recurring shoulder injury is becoming nothing short of a liability. He has all the potential in the world, but the world is growing too accustomed to seeing him in a sling on the sidelines.
Tyron Smith could fall to the Lions at 13. If he doesn't, they still have plenty of options at tackle. Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi and Nate Solder will probably still be on the board at this point.
Worst Case Scenario: Cameron Jordan
With the year Ndamukong Suh had last season, it is going to be tempting for the Lions to grab a defensive end who can give the Lions an elite defensive line. They are one edge rusher away from really striking fear in offensive lines across the league.
Cameron Jordan can get to the quarterback, but he also stands his ground against the run. While they could use him, they need to take out an insurance policy by drafting an offensive tackle. Keeping their quarterback of the future on the field is the best way for them to win games at this point.
14: St. Louis Rams (7-9)
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Best Case Scenario: Robert Quinn
Robert Quinn has scouts both in awe and concerned. He could be a top five pick or see himself fall all the way here. If he makes it to St. Louis, he shouldn't fall any further. Quinn could be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but he could also put his hand in the dirt in a 4-3 scheme.
Quinn could be placed on the opposite side of Chris Long and give teams problems from both sides of the line. They still need a young, dominant prospect in the middle, but there is no shame in snagging a player of Quinn's caliber this late in the draft.
Worst Case Scenario: Jonathan Baldwin or Torrey Smith
Both of these receivers could make their case for being a first round pick, but neither have a place in the top 15. The Rams desperately need a go-to guy for Sam Bradford. If Julio Jones and A.J. Green are both out of the picture --which they will be-- the Rams could be enticed by the idea of bringing in one of these receivers.
It's simply a bad idea. There are going to be too many impact players on the board to reach for a need at this point. They are already on the brink of becoming the best team in the NFC West. They need one or two talented players on either side of the ball to push them over the edge.
15: Miami Dolphins (7-9)
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Best Case Scenario: Mark Ingram
The Dolphins need a quarterback in a major way, but quarterbacks of equal value will be available when they draft in the second round. Unless they fall in love with Ryan Mallett or Jake Locker, there is no reason to reach for a quarterback.
The Dolphins also have serious running back issues. Mark Ingram looks like a solid number 15 pick in the draft. He doesn't wow anyone in his workouts, but he is highly productive and has a tremendous feel for the position. He could step in and become a feature back immediately.
Worst Case Scenario: Aldon Smith
Miami will be looking to bring in more guys who can get to the quarterback. Cameron Wake is outstanding, but he is only one man. By getting a guy like Smith, they could get more creative in their schemes.
The Dolphins need to get their offense in order. While it is tempting to load up on one side of the ball, their offense is in shambles. Jake Long and Brandon Marshall need some serious help on the offensive side.
16: Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
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Best Case Scenario: Aldon Smith
The Jaguars operate in a different way than most NFL teams. They don't make off the wall picks in the way the Raiders do, but they aren't afraid to reach for a player. Such was the case with Tyson Alualu, who appears to be a solid prospect going forward.
They wouldn't be reaching if they took Aldon Smith here. He is an awesome talent and could give the Jaguars even more weapons up front.
Worst Case Scenario: A quarterback not named Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert
This is the point of the draft where teams start thinking about taking second tier quarterbacks. Who is going to be this year's Tim Tebow? Christian Ponder, Ryan Mallett and Jake Locker all have a chance to do just that. The Jaguars need a quarterback, but they are a run first organization.
They have plenty of needs and are in no hurry to take over their division. They simply need to stock up on as much talent as they can to prepare for the shift of power once #18 retires.
17: New England Patriots 14-2
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Best Case Scenario: J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt seems to fit the Patriot mold. He could step in and handle the dirty work against the run, but can also create havoc in the backfield. He is a natural fit for the 3-4 and could fill the void created by Richard Seymour's departure.
The irony is that the Patriots actually obtained this pick in the trade that shipped Seymour out of town. The Patriots always seem to get younger and never have a shortage of picks to reload with. It appears they parted ways with Seymour at the opportune time.
Worst Case Scenario: Any quarterback
Could it be? Could the Patriots be looking for Tom Brady's successor? TB12 seems to be on the verge of retirement. He may only have a few more good years left in him. While this could be a logical time to start grooming a replacement, this is far too early of a pick to do so.
18: San Diego Chargers (9-7)
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Best Case Scenario: Cameron Jordan
This is a great fit for both Cameron Jordan and the Chargers. San Diego's strength on defense has come from their front seven. Unfortunately, the talent level isn't where it has been and Ron Rivera skipped town. They need to bring in the most talented player on the board in the front seven. Jordan fits the bill.
Jordan could jump into the five technique and solidify the front seven. They were the number one defense for most of last year, so the tweaking that needs to be done is minor. We will see how much of their success was Ron Rivera and how much was the Chargers.
Worst Case Scenario: Nate Solder
The Chargers need a tackle, but Nate Solder is not the answer. They need a mauler right tackle, not a 6'8" ex-tight end. Solder could develop into a starting tackle, but the Chargers could get a plug and play starter. They don't need an offensive lineman project.
19: New York Giants (10-6)
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Best Case Scenario: Gabe Carimi
The Giants have four linemen over the age of 30. While they have talent along the offensive line, they should expect the injury bug to come out more and more as the core of the offensive line is aging rapidly. It's time to start working in new faces to the offensive line. They don't need to scrap the entire offensive line and start over, but it's time to start grooming the next wave of linemen.
That being said, Gabe Carimi is a great fit in the Giants' offense. He is a run-blocking machine, though he is not a liability in the pass game. Wisconsin features a team that prides themselves on smash mouth football. Tom Coughlin could fall in love with Carimi's physicality in the rush attack.
Worst Case Scenario: Mark Ingram
Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent. If the Giants are presented with the opportunity to replace him, they just may jump at the chance, rather than resign Bradshaw. They need to do what they can to resign Bradshaw, but even upon his departure, running back still does not present the biggest need.
Change of pace backs are available later on in the draft. They could still have Brandon Jacobs carry the workload and draft a spark plug in a later round to get the offense going.
20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Best Case Scenario: Ryan Kerrigan
The Bucs decided to build their defensive line from the inside-out. The inside looks solid, but Stylez White at defensive end is probably the weakest spot on the entire defense. The Bucs overachieved this season, which may have hurt them inevitably. In a draft class that features dominant defensive linemen early on, the talent is a far cry from guys like Da'Quan Bowers at the top of the draft.
Ryan Kerrigan isn't going to dazzle anyone at the combine, but scouts have to remind themselves of how productive he is on the field. Kerrigan is a football player. He registered 13 sacks and seven forced fumbles in 2009 alone. The addition of Kerrigan would give Tampa Bay a young defensive line who could become the new standard for 4-3 d-lines in the league, as the Giants have been for the past five years or so.
Worst Case Scenario: Anything on the offensive side of the ball
The Bucs' offense is fine as is. They could use a home run hitter running back, an elite possession receiver and a few upgrades along the offensive line, but their offense is pretty much set heading into the 2011 season.
The Bucs need to look at the defensive side of the ball. They could replace the aging wonder, Rhonde Barber. They might go defensive line or even outside linebacker. Whatever the case may be, they need to take a look at the defensive side of the ball first in the first round.
21: Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
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Best Case Scenario: Mike Pouncey
Casey Weigmann is 37 years old. The Chiefs have the best rush attack in the NFL and a solid passing attack once the run game opened up. They need to restock the offensive line to maintain their effectiveness on the ground game.
The Chiefs' offense is right where they need it to be. They need another receiver to go opposite Dwayne Bowe, but the offense is littered with talent. A few offensive line additions and the Chiefs shouldn't miss Charlie Weis one bit.
Worst Case Scenario: Phil Taylor
The Chiefs need a defensive tackle. All of the premiere DTs will probably be gone at this point. The Chiefs are going to be presented with the opportunity to either ignore the defensive tackle position, or reach for a guy like Phil Taylor. Taylor could still be a solid selection here, but bypassing a guy with the upside of Mike Pouncey is not in their best interest.
22: Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
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Best Case Scenario: Nate Solder
The Colts need to start preparing for the post Manning era. When the time comes for him to retire, the Colts are actually going to have to put forth a legitimate offensive line and can't have Blair White in the football game under any circumstances.
The path to rebuilding starts up front. They have time to restock and win at the same time. Nate Solder isn't ready to play left tackle in the NFL just yet, but he can be a franchise let tackle by the time Manning hangs up his cleats.
Worst Case Scenario: Another running back
No matter who the Colts bring in to run the ball, they are still going to be a passing offense. There is no reason to keep blowing picks on running backs who aren't going to touch the ball in important situations. This year, there is a shortage of premiere running back talent. This is a blessing for the Colts.
23: Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
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Best Case Scenario: Jimmy Smith
The Eagles need a cornerback to fill in the number two role. Jimmy Smith is kicked to the wayside in this draft, but a tremendously gifted cornerback prospect. He isn't Patrick Peterson or Prince Amukamara, but his cover corner potential is as sky high as anyone in the nation.
Smith doesn't have to be the guy yet, but he could contribute immediately. Some may find Smith to be a reach here, but don't be surprised if a team pulls the trigger even sooner.
Worst Case Scenario: Derek Sherrod
The Eagles need an offensive tackle. Solder, Smith, Carimi and Castonzo are all easily first round grades. After that things get a big fuzzy. Philadelphia could take a tackle here, but if all of the aforementioned tackles are gone when they select, they may have to settle on Derek Sherrod, or worse.
24: New Orleans Saints (11-5)
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Best Case Scenario: Corey Liuget
The Saints have to shore up their run defense. Sedrick Ellis is solid, but complementing him with a guy like Corey Liuget would make the Saints stout in the middle. Liuget solidifies the front seven and frees up Jonathan Vilma to make plays without worrying about interior linemen coming free.
At any rate, the Saints need to draft defense. Their season ended immediately when they couldn't find a way to move the ball in the post season, even to an inferior team. They need to build a defense that can pick up the slack, should their offense falter.
Worst Case Scenario: Mikel LeShoure
Lets keep it in Illinois, but head to the other end of the spectrum. The Saints have a running back situation that is in limbo. They need a guy to come in and be a potential game breaker. Last season, both Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush went down with injuries. The Saints survived and continued to win in their absense.
Mikel LeShoure has the ability to contribute in the passing game. If the Saints try to replace Bush, rather than patch holes on defense, they are misguided.
25: Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
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Best Case Scenario: Stephen Paea
Stephen Paea is one of the biggest enigmas of the draft. He commands the line of scrimmage and shows dominance at times, but falls short of his potential at other times. He doesn't take downs off, but still appears out of sorts at times. Even so, his strength will be on display at the combine. Seattle needs to gain bulk in the middle and Paea would certainly accomplish that.
Paea set the bench press record, which hasn't historically been a good omen. Fortunately of Paea, he has the tape to back up the strength he put on display at the combine.
Worst Case Scenario: Jake Locker
Everything fits. It's like a storybook ending. Hometown kid goes to hometown university goes to hometown Pro team. Pete Carroll has seen what Locker has to offer, having played him in the Pac-10. He knows the product he is getting, as he has thick ties to Washington's coaching staff. Locker just isn't impressive enough to justify a pick this early. There are plenty of quarterbacks in this class who rival what he brings to the table.
26: Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
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Best Case Scenario: Brandon Harris
The Ravens have a phenomenal defense in spite of their inconsistent play at cornerback. Throughout the season, the Ravens seemed outmatched in pass defense. The Ravens have two first ballot Hall of Famers in Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, an All-Pro nose tackle in Haloti Ngata and one of the best defensive ends in the NFL in Terrell Suggs.
By bringing in Brandon Harris, the Ravens become an even more dominant defense. Their current corners are a liability. Harris is solid in coverage, but will also put his nose down and make a tackle when duty calls. Such an attitude is a necessity in John Harbaugh's current system.
Worst Case Scenario: Jonathan Baldwin
The Ravens need a receiver to stretch the field. Anquan Boldin has been great and they are a running offense, but they need a threat like Jonathan Baldwin to come through in the clutch, the way T.J. Houshmandzadeh couldn't. To draft a receiver here would be blatantly ignoring the fact that the defense is aging. Baltimore football is built on defense first and foremost. They are going to hurt as is when Lewis and Reed leave.
27: Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
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Best Case Scenario: Jonathan Baldwin
The Falcons have quite possibly the most complete offense in the entire league. The only thing missing is a number two receiver. By bringing in Baldwin to compliment Roddy White, it makes Michael Turner even harder to gameplan against.
Baldwin could blow the doors off the offense. There would be situations where White had to be in single coverage. Think Larry Fitzgerald Anquan boldin.
Worst Case Scenario: Derek Sherrod
As stated before, there is a huge dropoff in tackles at this point in the draft. The Falcons need another pass rusher and receiver. Tackle is not at the forefront of their problems, as some are making it out to be. Their current line suffices for the time being.
28: New Engalnd Patriots (14-2)
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Best Case Scenario: Mikel LeShoure
Well well well, the Patriots make another appearance in Round 1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a surprisingly successful season and while his overachieving play is encouraging, it makes you wonder what the Patriots could do with a premier back coming out of the backfield.
Mikel LeShoure is a guy who was highly productive in college, but most people have never heard of. That combination alone may be enough to sell him to Bill Belichick. He loves under the radar guys. Given LeShoure's skill set and third down capabilities, he is perfect for the system.
Worst Case Scenario: Danny Watkins
The Patriots need to upgrade their interior line, but they don't need to expend a first round pick to do so. They have a slew of picks in the early rounds. With all the potential interior linemen who are projected as second to third round talent, the opportunity cost of selecting a guard here is too great.
29: Chicago Bears (11-5)
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Best Case Scenario: Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder, or Mike Pouncey
According to Jamie Dukes, the Bears had the "worst offensive line ever" last season. I'm not sure if that is the case, but they had their fair share of setbacks during the season. An upgrade is needed along the line. While a tackle would be ideal, if Mike Pouncey is left on the board, the Bears can feel comfortable in making that selection.
Worst Case Scenario: Brandon Harris
The Bears got roasted in coverage a few times, but there is no reason to panic. They have far more pressing needs in the trenches to address. Harris is a great value here, but not for the Bears. They would be better served holding off and bringing in a corner in the second or third round.
30: New York Jets (11-5)
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Best Case Scenario: Justin Houston
The Jets need a guy to be the player they thought Vernon Gholston was going to be. They are missing a dominant edge rusher and need a double digit sack outside linebacker. Their pass rush is there, but it is not nearly what their secondary is.
The Jets can't rely on free agency like they did last season. They have to bring in guys who fit the scheme. Houston would be a great new toy for Ryan to work with.
Worst Case Scenario: Phil Taylor
Every team who needs a nose is going to take a look at Phil Taylor. One of them is going to bite. Taylor's greatest strength is that he in unmovable. His biggest knock is that he can't move. The Jets don't really have a huge need for a nose, but they could use one. That in itself makes this pick questionable.
31: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
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Best Case Scenario: Brandon Harris
Brandon Harris would be an ideal pick here. The Steelers need serious help at tackle as well, but Harris is a potential shut down corner and the Steelers need one. Their defense is getting older, but they have done a solid job at reloading steadily.
An inside linebacker wouldn't be a bad pick up at this spot, but there isn't one whose talent surpasses Harris'. You almost have to take him if he's there.
Worst Case Scenario: Aaron Williams
Aaron Williams can play corner or safety. He isn't as good as Harris is at corner, but he is more versatile. The Steelers need to take the best corner they can. In this case, it's not Williams. If Harris is still available, bypassing him to select Williams because of his ability to play safety is borderline foolish. He can only play one position at a time.
32: Green Bay Packers (10-6)
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Best Case Scenario: Brooks Reed
Can you imagine the possibilities of having Clay Matthews and Brooks Reed across from each other? Dom Capers would likely sit in his office and laugh, thinking about the problems the two were going to cause offensive coordinators.
The Packers won the Super Bowl and it doesn't look like they are losing any major pieces. They have offensive line issues, but if Reed falls this far, the Packers should seriously consider taking him. They have a chance to have the unquestioned best front seven in football in a few short years, should they draft Reed.
Worst Case Scenario: Torrey Smith
There is no reason for the Packers to draft a receiver in the first round as long as they have Aaron Rodgers. With all of the injuries that transpired in Green Bay this season, it is a miracle they won the Super Bowl. Rodgers showed he can succeed, regardless of who he is throwing the ball to. Late round picks maximize their full potential in Green Bay.
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