Red-Zone Report

This year’s draft class is extremely talented at the receiver position.  Two receivers, Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree, are sure fire top 10 picks and a whole slew more are definite first rounders.  Here’s a look at some who have been gaining recent headlines.

Deon Butler, Penn State

Butler came in to Happy Valley as a walkon defensive back.  He left as one of the top three wide receivers in Penn State history and the all-time leader in receptions.  He holds other records as well–not bad for a 5′10″, 180lb former walkon who garnered many of his stats with sub-par play at the quarterback position (i.e. Anthony Morelli).  Butler shocked the combine running his 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, much faster than former Nittany Lion teammate Derrick Williams. Butler is a superb route runner and despite his size, isn’t afraid to go over the middle to make the catch.  Butler is tough as nails and is also a good down-field blocker, not to mention a locker room leader. He projects as a slot receiver in the NFL but genuinely has the potential to become another Steve Smith.  Look for Butler in the third or fourth round of the draft and in Honolulu in five years.

Kenny Britt, Rutgers

Britt has great size (6′3″, 215lbs) and a good 40-yard dash time (4.47 seconds).  His route running needs some work as well, but his pre-draft workouts have all gone well. Britt’s size and overall athleticism makes him an attractive option in the late first or second round for a team looking for a tall receiver with the ability to make that tough catch.  But, despite his billings, Britt never caught more than eight touchdowns in a season at Rutgers and had a penchant for taking plays off. Unless Britt’s attitude improves, he’ll be more like Rashaun Woods than Lee Evans.

Percy Harvin, Florida

Harvin came into Gainesville as the top recruit in his class. He was numero uno in the 2006 Rivals 100 and saw significant playing time immediately for Urban Meyer. Durability is a huge concern as Harvin has had numerous foot and ankle problems in college. He’s also raw as a route runner, a by product of playing a hybrid running back/wide receiver position in Meyer’s unconventional spread offense.  However, he reportedly ran good routes at his pro day. His 40-yard dash time came in slower than expected at 4.41 (but that’s still very fast) at the combine. Despite injury concerns and the fact that he never focused on one true position at Florida, Harvin does have great hands and projects as a top 10 pick (Oakland Raiders, perhaps?).  He also has the ability to play running back on occasion as well as return punts and kicks.  His boom/bust factor is very high, though.  Our pick? Bust.

Travis Beckum, Wisconsin

Beckum came into Madison as a highly touted linebacker recruit and turned into an extremely productive tight end.  Durability is a concern, but Beckum’s pre draft routine couldn’t have gone any better.  He weighed in at a robust 243lbs at the combine, helping to quell questions about his “tweener” status.   His pro day was very impressive, as he ran in the 4.6 range in the 40-yard dash along with a 41-inch vertical jump.  Beckum has very soft hands and is also a decent blocker.  He compares to a Chris Cooley or Dallas Clark–the type of tight end who can also split out as a receiver. Look for Beckum in the second or third round of the draft.

Corneilus Ingram, Florida

Ingram missed his senior season with a torn ACL but has managed to perform full workouts leading up to this year’s draft. He was a former high school quarterback who bounced around many positions in Gainesville before settling at tight end.  Attesting to his raw athletic ability, he also played basketball early in his career at Florida. Ingram made a name for himself as a fast, agile receiving tight end, not as a blocker.  He managed to bulk up to 245lbs before the draft and projects as a second or third round pick for a team looking to fill the receiving tight end role.  Ingram isn’t as athletic as Vernon Davis, but fits in the same mold.  Look for Ingram to be a force in the NFL in two years if he can stay healthy.

Additional Sources: Rivals.com, NFL.com

Is running back one word or two words?  I’m too lazy to get out the AP style guide.  Forgive me.

Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

I strongly feel Moreno is the best all around running back in this year’s draft.  He doesn’t have blazing speed, but he’s incredibly agile with great vision.  He came out this year as a redshirt sophomore, so he doesn’t have many miles on his tires.  In his two seasons between the hedges, Moreno racked up 2,734 yards on the ground and 704 receiving yards.  He has the ability to be a force when he takes a hand off and also as a slot receiver, if needed.  He’s a likely first round pick and the team that gets him will be getting a gem, should he stay healthy.

LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh

McCoy is a true sophomore who decided to turn pro (he spent a year in prep school after his high school graduation).  McCoy is extremely agile and has good vision, but hasn’t timed quite as expected in the 40-yard dash.  He has a history of ankle problems, but as a sophomore, hasn’t taken a lot of pounding.  The real problem with McCoy is how he carries the football.  He has a penchant for carrying it VERY far away from his body, especially when he jukes or makes cuts.  He is fumble prone (fumbled six times in 2008, including twice versus Iowa) and hasn’t shown an ability to change the way he carries the ball. McCoy will likely be a late first or second round pick, but, he is going to need a lot of seasoning before he becomes an every down NFL runner.

Javon Ringer, Michigan State

Ringer was Michigan State’s entire offense during his senior season.  He carried the ball 390 times with an astounding 22 touchdowns; also was once on pace for 500 carries during 2008.  Great stats, but definitely a red flag for NFL talent evaluators because he’s had so many carries during college. Ringer has no major injury history, but unlike Moreno and McCoy, he’s been used very heavily.  Ringer has the speed to get outside if needed and good vision.  His hands are s0-so as he hasn’t shown he’s a threat to get the ball on a swing pass. Despite all of this, I feel Ringer will be the surprise out of his year’s crop of runners and will blossom into a top 10 NFL running back during his career, provided he stays healthy.

Ian Johnson, Boise State

The big question for Boise State’s Ian Johnson had to do with his athleticism.  Many saw him as a typical big, slow player from a small school who happened to make a good play in a big game. Flash forward to now.  Johnson turned in a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and had an otherwise great workout.  His short shuttle at his pro day was 4.24 seconds, another impressive mark.  So, with the questions about his athleticism answered, what’s there not to like?  Johnson carries the ball with a very upright style, which could leave him prone to fumbling.  His production has also not been consistent.  But, for a team looking at running backs in the third-fourth round time frame, Johnson will be a great pick.  He probably won’t turn into an every down back in the NFL, but he could be a valuable asset to a team both on the field and in the locker room.

Conredge Collins, Pittsburgh

This is a name you probably haven’t heard.  Conredge Collins was a three year starter at fullback at Pitt, blocking for LeSean McCoy during his sophomore and junior years.  At 6′ and 230lbs, Collins turned in a solid pro day workout, timing as low as 4.64 in the 40-yard dash. Collins was a highly rated recruit out of high school with offers from Miami, Florida State and Florida but ended up coming to Pittsburgh to play for Dave Wannstedt and then offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh.  Though his decision making should be called into question by actually deciding to play for Wanny/Cavanaugh at Pitt…..okay, we’ll stop there–WE’RE KIDDING!  Collins is an athletic fullback who has decent running and blocking ability while also being a threat as a receiver out of the backfield.  Fullback is a dying position in the NFL, but Collins is the type of guy who can carve a niche in the right system, just like LeRon McClain has done in Baltimore.  Collins faces an uphill battle to get drafted, but he will provide an attractive late-draft option for those teams who still have a need at the position.

We’re debuting a new feature at good ole’ RZR today.  We’ll take five draft prospects from each of the position groups (quarterback, running back, wide receiver/tight end, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, defensive back) and give you our thoughts regarding them being overrated, underrated or just plain not NFL ready.  Sound neat?  I thought so.  If not, feel free to send rotten vegetables at Zimmett.

So, with that said, here goes nothing:

Graham Harrell, Texas Tech

Harrell comes into this year’s draft labled as a “system quarterback.” Mike Leach’s system at Texas Tech has produced stats for a long line of quarterbacks that have been bona fide NFL water boys (Sonny Cumbie, B.J. Symons, Kliff Kingsbury, Cody Hodges), yet had great stats.  I think Harrell is different.  He doesn’t have an overly strong arm, but he moves in the pocket well, makes quick decisions and manages to put good velocity on his short/intermediate passes.  I don’t think Harrell’s pro career is going to be confused with that of Joe Montana, but Harrell will be a good mid-round draft pick with starting potential for the right team.  Don’t forget–Harrell was a highly touted recruit out of high school.  He had offers Georgia and Arizona State among others, proving talent evaluators thought he could play in any system.

Nate Davis, Ball State

Davis was once thought of as the third or fourth signal caller that would hear his name called in April. Davis came out a year early, surprising many, and hasn’t performed quite as expected during the pre-draft process.  He measured in at just under 6′2″ at the combine and followed that up with a disastrous 4.97 40-yard dash. His pro day featured representatives from only one NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts, who aren’t exactly in need of a new man under center.  For small school prospects, being athletic and living up to workout hype is the key to getting drafted. Davis hasn’t worked out quite as expected and will be lucky to hear his name called at all during the draft.

Curtis Painter, Purdue

Painter has decent size (6′3″, 225lbs) and one of the strongest arms in this year’s draft.  His pre-draft workouts have gone well and he’s caught the attention of many.  But, Painter will not be an NFL quarterback.  Many are calling him a good mid-round pick and while he may get picked there, that isn’t saying much.  Painter’s decision making skills are awful and he panics under pressure.  He threw 13 touchdowns with 11 interceptions during his senior season, causing him to be overtaken by an underclassman backup. Simply put: any hype is over hype here.

Pat White, West Virginia

White is an intriguing prospect.  A lot of teams don’t see him as a quarterback and are working him out as a receiver. This brings up one of my favorite points: Why can’t he play quarterback? Michael Vick was a strong armed atrocious passer who couldn’t hit the blind side of a barn with a football.  Anyone who watched him in college knew that and anyone who has watched Pat White throughout his career in Morgantown knows he’s infinitely more accurate than Vick.  He also doesn’t have the baggage Vick had/has.  White ran a 4.55 40-yard dash at the combine, threw well and continued to impress with his arm at his pro day.  Yes, I know White is a unique talent that has the ability to play running back, wide receiver and even return man and safety in the NFL.  Hell, if he bulks up, maybe he can be a startling left tackle.  But, I really hope someone gives him the chance to be an NFL quarterback.  I feel that barring injury, White will be a good professional football player regardless of position. I just want White to play the position he always has played at a very high level: quarterback.

Stephen McGee, Texas A&M

McGee turned many heads at the combine after running a 4.66 40-yard dash, second only to Pat White. McGee has good size (6′3″, 225lbs) and a good arm.  His pro day reportedly went very well where he continued his ascent up the draft boards. He was hampered by a shoulder injury during his senior year, but McGee has the arm and athleticism to be a starting NFL quarterback. Coming out of high school, he had offers from Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia and Tennessee before deciding to spend his college years as an Aggie. In college, he was a 60% passer with a good touchdown-interception ratio and showed his ability to scramble.  McGee isn’t a day one NFL starter, but if he gets with the right coach, he could blossom into a solid quarterback in two or three years time.

Additional sources: Rivals.com

Continuing with the draft theme today, here’s the rest of the first round mock draft.  Click here to see picks 1-16.

17- New York Jets, QB, Josh Freeman

The Jets need a QB with neither Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff showing a whole lot of promise.  As in our first mock draft, we still think the Jets will take Freeman here.

18- Chicago Bears, OLB, Clay Matthews

We originally had Darius Heyward-Bey here, but we now see him getting picked up much higher after a stellar combine. The Bears could use some help at defensive end, but the top-rated guys are all gone at this spot. Offensive tackle is another need position, but after taking Chris Williams in last year’s draft, we don’t see that as a possibility here either.  What does all of this mean?  Clay Matthews at OLB.  Matthews will offer some help for Brian Urlacher and could also put his hand on the ground in certain situations.  Matthews, like Urlacher, is an extremely athletic and versatile player with a high football IQ.  Another possibility is defensive back and Vontae Davis, but with Vasher and Tillman, that’s a very long long-shot.

19- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, OT, Michael Oher

The Bucs have many  needs, including quarterback and linebacker. Rey Maualuga is a possibility as is trading up for Josh Freeman.  But, the Bucs don’t have a real answer at tackle and Michael Oher will be the guy.  Andre Smith is another possibility if he manages to get his act together.  Oher would be a good pass blocking left tackle to start opposite Jeremy Trueblood from day one.

20- Detroit Lions, OT, Andre Smith

We see Oher going before Smith and the Lions need help almost everywhere.  We’re sticking to our first prediction and think the Lions take Andre Smith with this selection.

21- Philadelphia Eagles, RB, Chris “Beanie” Wells

We must admit we’re not 100% confident with this pick.  The Eagles are a very hard team to read and with needs at wide receiver, offensive tackle and running back, this pick is anyone’s guess.  But, the Eagles let Correll Buckhalter go in free agency and Brian Westbrook isn’t getting any younger. Beanie Wells offers a great “thunder and lightening” aspect to the Eagles running game when coupled with Westbrook. Wells has the ability to pound it between the tackles and has adequate speed to get outside.  If Wells isn’t the pick, Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno is a possibility.  A real reach would be Arizona offensive tackle Eben Britton.

22- Minnesota Vikings, CB, Vontae Davis

We had Wake’s Alphonso Smith going here in our first mock draft, but we now think Davis is the pick.  Davis is extremely athletic with good size and can help in the return game.  Minnesota also needs help along the offensive line but this is probably still too early for Eben Britton.

23- New England Patriots, ILB, James Laurinaitis

With Mike Vrabel now gone, we’ll stick with this prediction from our first mock draft.

24- Atlanta Falcons, OLB, Clint Sintim

With Brandon Pettigrew having a disastrous combine and running in the 4.8 range in the 40-yard dash, the Falcons will look at other positions than tight end. The Falcons need help in the front seven and at linebacker and Sintim will be the guy.  Another candidate: Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English. Former first round pick Jamaal Anderson has been a bust thus far, but it remains to be seen if the Falcons are ready to throw in the towel with Anderson.

25- Miami Dolphins, DE/OLB Larry English

The Tuna needs some help at linebacker and receiver.  Ted Ginn hasn’t lived up to his hype (then again, we don’t know why he had any hype to begin with). English offers the ‘Fins an athletic presence to team up with the aging Joey Porter that can get to the quarterback and stop the run. The Dolphins could also go with Rey Maualuga here.

26- Baltimore Ravens, OLB, Marcus Freeman

We’ll stick with our first mock draft again.  We just have a sneaky suspicion Marcus Freeman is better than people realize.  James Laurinaitis grabbed all of the hype at Ohio State, but Freeman was a better player.

27- Indianapolis Colts, DT, Peria Jerry

The Colts need help up the middle after Ed Johnson’s legal troubles.  Jerry is a beast and also has the ability to get to the quarterback.  New head coach Jim Caldwell is a defensive guy and will certainly want a way to take some double teams away from Dwight Freeney.  Jerry is just the type of guy to do it.

28- Philadelphia Eagles, OT, Eben Britton

Britton should be available and would represent a great get for the Eagles.  They need help along the offensive line and the 20 pick is just too early for Britton.

29- New York Giants, WR, Kenny Britt

After turning heads at the combine and during workouts, we’re even more confident that Britt will be the guy here. We’ll once again stick with our first mock draft’s projection.

30- Tennessee Titans, ILB/OLB, Rey Maualuga

The Titans could use some help in the front seven, particularly at linebacker.  Maualuga is an aggressive force and will bring swagger to a defense lacking such a presence after the departure of Albert Haynesworth.

31- Arizona Cardinals, RB, Knowson Moreno

Moreno will still be available here and fits the Cardinals scheme perfectly. Edgerrin James was relegated to backup duty last year and is getting older. Tim Hightower has yet to prove he’s an every down pack and J.J. Arrington bolted in free agency. Moreno has great hands, great vision and even better agility.  Basically, a younger version of James.

32- Pittsburgh Steelers, CB, Victor “Macho” Harris

After Harris turned in a stellar performance at VaTech’s pro day, we’re even more confident that the Steelers will take him here.  DeShea Townsend is getting old and Harris, at the very least, will play in the Nickel package for Pittsburgh.  Harris also will contribute in the return game, an area in which Pittsburgh has struggled for quite some time.

Holy bejeesus we’re late with this.  Keep reading our site so I can quit my day jobs (yes, you heard that right, jobs).  Anyway, we’re scrapping the team by team idea because of time constraints.  My humble apologies to all.  But, here’s something to cheer you up on this sunny Saturday morning.

The combine is over, pro days are underway and much like the stock market, things are up and down for many players.

1- Detroit Lions, QB, Matt Stafford

Many see the Lions taking linebacker Aaron Curry with this pick and in our first mock draft, we had Sanchez being the first player taken.  But, Stafford reportedly had a great pro day and the fact that the Lions sent GM Martin Mayhew to the event shows they’re at least considering it.  Let’s face it:  If the Lions could trade down and pick up more picks, they’d probably do it.  Aaron Curry is a great prospect, but he just doesn’t strike the “powers that be” at RZR as a can’t miss prospect like Mario Williams or Courtney Brown (cough cough).  There are other good linebackers that will be available later such as Virginia’s Clint Sintim, USC’s Brian “Bitch Tits” Cushing/Clay Matthews and Ohio State’s Marcus Freeman.

2- St. Louis Rams, OT, Jason Peters

The Rams booted long time left tackle Orlando Pace and are searching for his replacement.  Andre Smith was the heir apparent but managed to eat his way down the draft boards and perhaps out of round one.  We originally had Michael Crabtree taken here to replace Tory Holt, but the Rams cannot afford not to take a top-flight offensive tackle at the #2 spot.

3- Kansas City Chiefs, LB, Aaron Curry

The Chiefs finagled a deal for Matt Cassell so they won’t be taking a quarterback as we indicated in our first mock draft.  They need a linebacker to play opposite Derrick Johnson and to beef up their pass rush ability.  But, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs try to trade out of this spot to pick up picks later in the draft.

4- Seattle Seahawks, WR Jeremy Maclin

We first had Percy Harvin going in this spot, but Maclin turned in a very solid combine.  Maclin, besides Crabtree, is the best all around receiver in the draft.  In our view, if not for the stress fracture, Crabtree is the pick. Many have the ‘Hawks taking an offensive lineman here, but with Deion Branch and Bobby Engram being on the downside of their careers, they need a receiver who they can groom into a star.  Last year’s top pick John Carlson has turned out to be a nice surprise at tight end and getting Maclin would give them a great one-two punch for years to come.

5- Cleveland Browns, WR, Michael Crabtree

We had Michael Jenkins here originally because Cleveland really needs a corner who can actually cover someone.  But, Donte Stallworth is surely done after killing a man while alledgedly driving drunk in Miami. The duo of Crabtree and Edwards would be formidable as long as Crabtree’s foot recovers from stress fracture surgery.

6- Cincinatti Bengals, OT, Eugene Monroe

We’re sticking to our guns here.  We had this in our first mock draft and while the Bengals have a desperate need at tackle, it isn’t desperate enough to bring in Andre Smith.  Smith has the most talent and highest upside of any offensive lineman in the draft, but Marvin Lewis cannot afford to bring in another potential locker room cancer.

7- Oakland Raiders, WR/RB Percy Harvin

Athleticism, speed and versatility. Al Davis likes speedy guys and with the developments in Cleveland and Jeremy Maclin’s combine, Harvin will be available here.  Hell, someone has to run underneath Jamarcus Russell’s throws because he can’t read coverage, right?  In all seriosness, imagine this:  Wildcat formation with Darren McFadden at quarterback, Harvin at running back and Michael Bush as the second running back in the backfield.  Or, imagine this: Russell at quarterback (whodathunkit?), McFadden/Bush in the backfield and both Harvin and Johnny Lee Higgins at receiver.  Could this be the start of an actual offense in Oakland?  Probably not.  But, we’ll see.

8- Jacksonville Jaguars, WR, Darius Heyward-Bey

D’Juan Woods, Troy Williamson, Dennis Northcutt, Mike Walker and Nate Hughes.  Who are they?  The Jacksonville Jaguars receiving corps, as of right now.  If the Jags elect to stay in this spot, Heyward-Bey is surely the guy.  But, look for them to want to trade up to snag Crabtree, Maclin or Harvin.

9- Green Bay Packers, DE/OLB, Everette Brown

We originally had Penn State’s Aaron Maybin going here but with a poor combine, Maybin won’t be the guy.  Everette Brown turned in a great combine workout and continues to shoot up the draft boards of many teams.  The Packers need a pass rusher in their new 3-4 defensive set and Brown can fit the bill.  He’ll be able to stand up as a linebacker and put his hand on the ground should they use a 4-3 on occasion.

10- San Francisco 49ers, QB, Mark Sanchez

The 49ers should have Sanchez available at this spot and with the likes of Shaun Hill and Alex Smith on the roster, they need help under center.  Badly.  Sanchez threw his share of interceptions at USC and doesn’t have a whole lot of starting experience in college, but the 49ers really need to get something going on offense.

11- Buffalo Bills, DE, Brian Orakpo

Many mock drafts have Orakpo and Everette Brown gone by this spot, but we think Orakpo will be available here and will stick with what we said in our first mock draft.  Orakpo turned in a solid combine and surprised many scouts with his agility.  This represents a great value pick.

12- Denver Broncos, DT, B.J. Raji

Raji continues to wow scouts as he turned in a great combine and has worked out/interviewed well throughout the process.  We originally had the Broncos taking Tyson Jackson here, but with Raji available and needing help more at tackle than end, Raji will be the guy.

13- Washington Redskins, DE/DT Tyson Jackson

This is just a flip-flop from our first mock draft. The Broncos need a DT more than a DE and the Redskins released the aging Jason Taylor after one ineffective season. Jackson has great size and could also play tackle, giving the ‘Skins a measure of versatility next to Albert Haynesworth with this pick.  The darkhorse candidate in this spot: Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno.

14- New Orleans Saints, OLB, Brian Cushing

The Saints need help in the linebacker corps pretty badly.  They signed Dan Morgan, but who knows how long it will be before Morgan suffers another concussion.  Cushing brings athleticism and football smarts to a group of linebackers not known for either dimension.  The Saints could also opt for Malcolm Jenkins here.

15- Houston Texans, CB/S, Malcolm Jenkins

Jenkins falls here becaus he’s a victim of team needs. The Texans need someone opposite Dunta Robinson and Jenkins could very well be the guy. Nick Ferguson doesn’t scare anyone at safety either and if the Texans want to move Jenkins to safety, there’s still a need.

16- San Diego Chargers, DE/OLB Aaron Maybin

The Chargers need a linebacker that can get to the quarterback and take heat off of Shawne Merriman.  Rey Maualuga is another possibility, but his penchant for freelancing could hurt him.  Maybin will certainly play OLB in San Diego–he also had a good pro day after a below average combine.

Stay tuned–picks 17-32 are coming up!

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting that former Texas Tech wide receiver was diagnosed with a stress fracture at the NFL Scouting Combine.

According to the article, the injury will require surgery and could put the likely first round draft choice out of action for at least 10 weeks. He also measured in at just over 6′1″ instead of his listed height at Texas Tech of 6′3″.

Crabtree, once thought of as a sure-fire first round draft choice and possible top 10 pick will likely fall lower in the draft after the “double whammy.” Questions about his true speed now cannot be answered and with wide receivers like Maryland’s Darius Heyward-Bey and Penn State’s Derrick Williams going up draft boards faster than Travis Henry pops out kids, Crabtree could slip to the bottom of the first round.

Check us out after the combine for our next edition of the Red Zone Report Mock Draft.

Source: NFL Network – 12:50 p.m. et

…Part Deux. Below are picks 17-32. Click here to view RZR’s Mock Draft of picks 1-16

17- New York Jets, QB, Josh Freeman

Kellen Clemens and Bret Ratliff aren’t the answer under center.  Come to think of it, neither was Bret Favre. In Freeman, the Jets get a kid who is big, strong armed with above average mobility. Freeman’s turnovers in college were a concern, but he had absolutley nothing around him, just as Matt Ryan had nothing at Boston College. Freeman could sit for a period of time and learn the ropes while under the tutelage of Brian Schottenheimer.

18- Chicago Bears, WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey

The former Maryland speedster would be a good fit for Chicago’s offense. Heyward-Bey brings some size to the equation along with good route running ability and a good motor. Devin Hester is coming into form as a wide receiver and Earl Bennett has showed some promise, but Chicago needs a go to guy for Kyle Orton.

19- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LB, Clay Matthews

Derrick Brooks is on his last legs and new head coach Raheem Morris is a defensive minded guy. In Matthews, the Bucs get a player who can rush the passer and stop the run. It remains to be seen whether Matthews can play coverage well, but the Bucs definitely need an upgrade at outside linebacker opposite Cato June. If not Matthews, the Bucs will almost surely pick a defensive player in round one because their defense is aging and desperately needing young blood.

20- Detroit Lions, OT, Andre Smith

Yes, they got Gosder Cherilus last year but it remains to be seen if he can play left tackle in the league. Andre Smith is available here because of some off the field issues and would give the Lions a great, natural pass blocking left tackle to protect the priceless backside of Mark “Dirty” Sanchez. Smith is a monster in size and can bulldoze anything in his path. If both picks pan out for Detroit, their trip back to respectability could be a short one.

21- Philadelphia Eagles, OT, Michael Oher

I see the Eagles picking up an offensive lineman here. John Runyan is having injury issues and Tra Thomas is old. Well, both are old. Winston Justice is a turnstyle. Andy Reed and the front office love to build teams from the lines out, and Oher is still on the board. Oher could play left tackle or right tackle, as long as he keeps his motor running.  If they don’t pick Oher here, keep an eye out for a running back.

22- Minnesota Vikings, CB, Alphonso Smith

The Vikes need a quarterback as well, but there’s none left on the board with a first round grade. In Smith, the Vikings get a solid corner who has a good motor and above average football IQ. Smith doesn’t have great size at just 5′9″, but he has great hips and would be a great fit on the love boat.

23- New England Patriots, ILB, James Laurinaitis

I think Laringitis is one of the most overrated prospects to come out of college in quite some time (see my earlier post). But, I guess that’s why I’m writing this from my couch and I’m not an NFL coach. In Laurinaitis, they get a guy who will buy in to the “Patriot” system. Bruschi is on his way out, so there’s a great opportunity for a rookie to learn from a veteran. Yes, Jerod Mayo was the pick last year and he turned out to have a great rookie year, but the Pats still need someone else under the age of 50 at LB.

24- Atlanta Falcons, TE, Brandon Pettigrew

The Falcons could probably kick themselves for getting rid of Algernon Darius Crumpler.  Roddy White has turned in to a good receiver and though they need some help in the defensive secondary, there’s no one left with first round ability. Pettigrew is rocketing up many-a-team’s draft boards and the Falcons have a hole at tight end. Pettigrew has decent blocking skills and is a very coachable kid. He won’t wow you with his speed, but he has good hands and will be a threat in the passing game.

25- Miami Dolphins, LB, Clint Sintim

Sintim has great size (6′3″, 255lbs) and hits like a Mack truck. The Dolphins need a linebacker that can actually play instead of talk, and Sintim is their guy. Parcells loves hard-nosed, high-motor kids and this guy has one of the best motors in the draft. Sintim also may have the ability to play with his hand down in certain situations.

26- Baltimore Ravens, LB, Marcus Freeman

Here’s a guy that will surprise you in round one. Freeman should combine better than many expect and after watching him at Ohio State, I believe he’s actually a better linebacker than James Laurinaitis. Freeman is a solid athlete with a good nose for the ball and is usually there before his overhyped partner in crime.  Freeman is also very coachable and is a good team player, fitting well within any system. With one of the Ravens trio of linebackers likely leaving, Freeman is a great fit.

27- Indianapolis Colts, WR, Derrick Williams

Williams had a phenomenal week at the Senior Bowl and really opened a lot of eyes. He can do it all–return kicks, catch passes, run out of the backfield–and can even throw the football when needed. Williams is a great route runner, has a knack for finding the seam in zone and is also a good downfield blocker in the running game. Jim Caldwell is the new head coach and he spent time on Joe Paterno’s staff at Penn State. Since Marvin Harrison is almost out of gas and Percy Harvin is off the board, Williams will be the guy.

28- Philadelphia Eagles, RB, Chris “Beanie” Wells

Wells falls right in to Philly’s lap. After addressing their offensive line issues, there’s no better pick in the draft than Beanie Wells here. Wells offers the perfect complement to Brian Westbrook and is the physical presence the Eagles need. Though he played hurt for most of his final season in Columbus, injuries shouldn’t be a major concern for NFL teams. Wells could develop in to the 10-15 carry a game guy the Eagles need in order to free up Westbrook and open up the offense.

29- New York Giants, WR, Kenny Britt

Okay, this may be a reach, but Britt is an intriguing prospect. He played with a terrible quarterback at Rutgers but still managed to put up decent stats. Brit is huge (6′4″, 220lbs) and is a good athlete. Since Holeintheass Burris is basically done in New York and Amani Toomer is ready for greener pastures, the Giants need a taller receiver to catch Eli Manning’s often off-target throws (sorry Giants fans, I had to throw that one in there).

30- Tennessee Titans, WR, Hakeem Nicks

This North Carolina Tarheel offers a unique blend of speed, size and athleticism. Nicks can contribute in the return game and also makes tough catches. Another junior who declared early, Nicks is a bit raw and really never put up huge stats at receiver because of poor quarterback play. But, he offers Tennessee a good deep threat at receiver who can actually catch the ball.

31- Arizona Cardinals, C, Alex Mack

The Cardinals could use some help along the offensive line, especially at center. Mack is the top center prospect in this year’s draft and has good size and technique. Mack should, barring injury, turn in to a productive NFL center for many years to come.

32- Pittsburgh Steelers, CB, Victor “Macho” Harris

In Harris, the Steelers get a good, physical corner who can easily plan man to man when Dick LeBeau decides to turn up the blitz. Bryant McFadden is a free agent and could be looking to cash in after a Super Bowl victory, so don’t be surprised of corner suddenly becomes an area of need for Pittsburgh. Harris can also contribute in the return game if needed, but its not like the Steelers need a lot of help there.

Click here to view RZR’s Mock Draft of picks 1-16