A 6th Look at Picks 17-32 of the 2011 NFL Draft

Here is a sixth look at picks 17-32 of the 2011 NFL draft. As always, opinions are welcome.

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 sense as the Pats continue to rebuild their defense.
Previous Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple: 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.
Previous Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College: To keep the ground game humming and Eli off his back, the G-Men improve their offensive line.
Previous Pick: Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Jordan, DE, California: 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.
Previous Pick: Akeem Ayers DE/OLB, UCLA 

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor: While bolstering their offensive line is a priority, the Chiefs have to plug the middle of their defensive front.
Previous Pick: Nate Solder, T, Colorado 

22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, T, Colorado: I had Carimi going to the Colts in the last mock, but Solder wasn’t on the board. Either way it seems like offensive line help is the direction the Colts will go.
Previous Pick: Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin: The Eagles allowed far too many sacks last year. If they are serious about trading Kevin Kolb (when they are able to) they will need to protect Michael Vick better.
Previous Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

24. New Orleans Saints: Justin Houston, DE/LB, Georgia: It appears the Saints are committed to Pierre Thomas. That means they should turn their attention to improving their pass rush.
Previous Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

25. Seattle Seahawks: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida: While they need to improve their secondary, they also need offensive line help. Pairing Russell Okung and Pouncey gives the Seahawks a strong foundation.
Previous Pick: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida

26. Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland: Anquan Boldin needs a burner to stretch the field to make him more effective.
Previous Pick: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

27. Atlanta Falcons: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: The Falcons had 31 sacks last year and 28 the year before. They need help in this department. Bowers, who underwhelmed at his pro day, is worth a look, despite the knee concerns. He could be a home run at the end of the first round.
Previous Pick: Justin Houston, DE/LB, Georgia

28. New England Patriots: Derek Sherrod, T, Mississippi State: The Pats addressed defense with the first pick. Now they look to protect Tom Brady in the event that Matt Light doesn’t return.
Previous Pick: Derek Sherrod, T, Mississippi State

29. Chicago Bears: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois: The Bears need to improve their offensive line, but that can wait for later rounds. Liuget can replace Tommie Harris and help free up Chicago’s playmakers on defense.
Previous Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

30. New York Jets: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State: The Jets aren’t going to lose both Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards. They could possibly keep both. Baldwin no longer makes sense. Paea will help bolster their defensive line.
Previous Pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas: Reaching for an offensive lineman doesn’t make sense here. The Steelers go with Aaron Williams to improve their secondary. Their primary competition (Patriots, Colts, Packers, Saints) are all strong passing teams.
Previous Pick: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

32. Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State: Heyward gives the Packers another disruptive force playing alongside B.J. Raji.
Previous Pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple


Click here for picks 1-16.