Fast Football

I hope everyone out there is enjoying the Free Agent Frenzy going for the 2011 season. We are going to break down the new signings, re-signings, undrafted free agent signings, trades, releases and all other NFL free agency action thus far. We have broken the action down by position and will be updating it through the rest of Free Agency.

Quarterback

• Matt Hasselbeck signed with TEN Titans (3 years, $21 million)
• Vince Young signed with PHI Eagles (1 year)
• Alex Smith re-signed with  SF 49ers (1 year, $5 million)
• Bruce Gradkowski signed with CHI Bears (2 years)
• Luke McCown re-signed with JAX Jaguars (1 year)
• Seneca Wallace re-signed with CLE Browns (3 years, $9 million)
• Tarvaris Jackson signed with SEA Seahawks ( 2 years)
• Drew Stanton re-signed with DET Lions (1 year)
• Pat Devlin signed with MIA Dolphins
• Nate Davis signed with IND Colts (2 years)
• Matt Lienart re-signed with HOU Texans
• Kyle Boller re-signed with OAK Raiders (1 year, $1.25 million)
• Tyler Thigpen signed with BUF Bills (3 years)
• Kellen Clemens signed WAS Redskins

Franchised QBs: Peyton Manning, Michael Vick

Tendered QBs: Caleb Hanie, Dennis Dixon

Retired QBs: Kerry Collins, Carson Palmer*

Notable Free Agent QBs: Marc Bulger, Billy Volek, Troy Smith, Chad Pennington, Trent Edwards, Derek Anderson, Rex Grossman, Matt Moore, David Carr, JP Losman, Jake Delhomme, John Parker Wilson

*Palmer reported to have retired since owner Mike Brown will not trade him

The Baltimore Ravens website recently held a “Bold Predictions” poll to ask the fans who they think will be the future star of the franchise in the years 2014-2016. If you’d like to see what some fans said head over to the Baltimore Ravens ‘Bold Predictions’ article.

I however have put together my own “Bold Predictions” on who I think will be the future star(s) in Baltimore come 2014 and on. I am going to go with 3 offensive players and 3 defensive players to keep things even. Remember this is just my opinion and I could be (but hope I’m not) totally wrong.

Offensive Stars

1. QB – Joe Flacco: You could say this is an easy pick but then again he was drafted to be the future franchise QB and well the future is now. Flacco does take a lot of criticism from the fans and media but overall he has very solid numbers, many of which are comparable to Matt Ryan. Joe has played 3 years in the NFL playing in and starting 48 games (record as a starter is 32-16). He has taken the Ravens to the playoffs 3 years in a row (08, 09, 10) Other stats: 62% completion percentage, 60 TDs and 10,206 pass yards. Look for Joe Flacco to finally take the reigns of the Baltimore offense in the 2011 season and prove he’s the guy we’ve been looking for that will lead us to the promise land.

2. WR – Torrey Smith: Taken in 2nd round of the 2011 NFL draft with the 58th overall pick, Torrey Smith is the real deal (and a local too, graduating from UMD). He stands at 6 ft 1 in, weighing in at 205 lbs. Not only does Smith have the size to be an affective WR in the NFL he has the speed as he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the NFL combine. Look for Smith to make an early impact for the Baltimore Ravens offense and as he progresses as a star wide out in the NFL.

3. TE – Ed Dickson: Dickson was taken in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL draft with the 70th overall pick. He hasn’t be able to show off his true ability yet as he is second string behind the great Todd Heeeap, which is great for him to learn from a dominant TE in the NFL before assuming his starting role. When Dickson has stepped on the field he has played well and as he progresses into his starting role as a TE look for Dickson to have a break out season in 2014-2016.

Defensive Stars

1. CB – Jimmy Smith: Let’s be honest, the kid is a stud. Yes he has had his off-field issues in college but he is now apart of an NFL organization where he can learn from role model (future Hall of Fame) players such as Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. If Smith can mature into a focused adult on and off the field there is no doubt he has the skill set to become the shut-down CB the Ravens drafted him to be. Plus the kid has swagger which in combination with learning from NFL greats (Reed and Lewis) and maturing as an adult, he could assume the role of being the Defensive Leader for years to come.

2. DT – Terrance Cody: Terrance “Mt. Cody” had a stand-out senior season at Alabama (Roll Tide) and was taken in the 2nd round of the 2010 NFL draft with the 57th overall pick. Cody needed to lose some weight and get in shape as he spent majority of the 2010 season on the bench. There have been many reports that Cody has taken this off-season/lockout very serious and is in the best shape of his life. There is no doubt the kid has skills, he just needs to prove it now on the field which he can and will make his rise as a star on the Ravens feared defense in 2014-2016.

3. OLB – Sergio Kindle: Did you read the title of the article where it said “Bold Predictions”?!?!? Sergio Kindle was drafted in the 2010 NFL draft in the 2nd round with the 43rd overall pick to complement other OLB Terrell Suggs and create a pass rush that would be any QB’s nightmare. Then Kindle fell down a flight of stairs just before 2010 training camp and missed the entire 2010 season. It was reported that he may not play football again but then months later he was cleared and was slowly making his return to the field. Then Kindle got a DUI. I know his off field issues need to be addressed first and foremost right now but once (and hopefully if) he can settle down and focus on football can you imagine the pass rush the Ravens can create? I mean if everything goes as planned, at any time the Ravens could have Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs to worry about now mixed with explosive young guys such as Sergio Kindle, Terrance Cody, Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb.

Well there you have my BOLD predictions for the Baltimore Ravens future stars of 2014-2016. I am a huge Ravens fan and am excited for the future of the franchise. We have a solid core of great players moving forward into our future as one of the dominant franchises in the NFL. Feel free to leave some comments or add any input you want. Thanks for reading.

-Robby Diesel

Madden 2012 is slated to be released on August 30th this year (most likely due to the NFL Lockout) New this year are “player traits” which are a set of traits the player posses aside from their raw numerical traits. These ratings include whether they are clutch or not, their consistency of play, their confidence and if they have a high motor or not. Madden 2012 is going to be an exciting new installment of the series.

For more info, screen shots and video on the new features head over to the EA Sports Madden 12 Feature Playbook

Here are the 4 players who have been given the coveted “99″ overall rating in the default rosters:

1. Tom Brady, QB, NE Patriots

2. Antonio Gates, TE, SD Chargers

3. Troy Polamalu, SS, PIT Steelers

4. Darrelle Revis, CB, NY Jets

Here are the top 10 rookie overall ratings in the default rosters:

1. Patrick Peterson, CB, ARI Cardinals (82)

2. Marcell Dareus, DT, BUF Bills (82)

3. Prince Amukamara, CB, NY Giants (81)

4. A.J. Green, WR, CIN Bemgals (80)

5. J.J. Watt, DE, HOU Texans (80)

6. Von Miller, OLB, DEN Broncos (79)

7. Mike Pouncy, OG, MIA Dolphins (79)

8. Mark Ingram, RB, NO Saints (79)

9. Julio Jones, WR, ATL Falcons (78)

10. Robert Quinn, DE, STL Rams (78)

Update: Top 10 Rookie RBs overall ratings:

1. Mark Ingram, NO Saints (79)

2. Ryan Williams, ARZ Cardinals (73)

3. Mike Leshoure, DET Lions (72)

4. Kendall Hunter, SF 49ers (71)

5. Daniel Thomas, MIA Dolphins (70)

6. Shane Vereen, NE Patriots (69)

7. DeMarco Murray, DAL Cowboys (69)

8. Jacquizz Rogers, ATL Falcons (69)

9. Delone Carter, IND Colts (68)

10. Steven Ridley, NE Patriots (67)

Update (7/20/11): Top 10 Rookie WRs

1. A.J. Green, CIN Bengals (80)

2. Julio Jones, ATL Falcons (78)

3. Jonathan Baldwin, KC Chiefs (71)

4. Randall Cobb, GB Packers (70)

5. Greg Little, CLE Browns (70)

6. Torrey Smith, BAL Ravens (69)

7. Vincent Brown, SD Chargers (68)

8. Leonard Hankerson, WAS Redskins (67)

9. Titus Young, DET Lions (67)

10. Greg Salas, STL Rams (66)

Update (7/20/11): Top 10 Rookie DBs

1. Patrick Peterson, ARI Cardinals (82)

2. Prince Amukamara, NY Giants (81)

3. Jimmy Smith, BAL Ravens (76)

4. Ras-I Dowling, NE Patriots (74)

5. Rahim Moore, DEN Broncos (73)

6. Aaron Williams, BUF Bills (71)

7. Chris Conte, CHI Bears (71)

8. Jaiquawn Jarrett, PHI Eagles (71)

9. Brandon Harris, HOU Texans (70)

10. Marcus Gilchrist, SD Chargers (69)

Update 7/21/11: Top 10 Rookie Defensive Linemen

1.  Marcell Dareus, BUF Bills (82)

2. J.J. Watt, HOU Texans (80)

3. Robert Quinn, STL Rams (78)

4. Adrian Clayborn, TB Buccaneers (78)

5. Cameron Jordan, NO Saints (77)

6. Nick Fairley, DET Lions (77)

7. Corey Liuget, SD Chargers (75)

8. Phil Taylor, CLE Browns (74)

9. Cameron Heyward, PIT Steelers (74)

10. Da’Quan Bowers, TB Buccaneers (74)

Update 7/21/11: Top 10 Rookie Linebackers

1. Von Miller, DEN Broncos (79)

2. Aldon Smith, SF 49ers (76)

3. Ryan Kerrigan, WAS Redskins (74)

4. Akeem Ayers, TEN Titans (72)

5. Casey Matthews, PHI Eagles (71)

6. Brooks Reed, HOU Texans (69)

7. Martez Wilson, NO Saints (68)

8. Colin McCarthy, TEN Titans (67)

9. Kelvin Sheppard, BUF Bills (67)

10. Bruce Carter, DAL Cowboys (67)

Update 7/22/11: Top 10 Rookie QB ratings

1. Cam Newton, CAR Panthers (77)

2. Blaine Gabbert, JAX Jaguars (75)

3. Jake Locker, TEN Titans (74)

4. Christian Ponder, MIN Vikings (73)

5. Andy Dalton, CIN Bengals (71)

6. Colin Kaepernick, SF 49ers (70)

7. Ryan Mallet, NE Patriots (69)

8. Ricky Stanzi, KC Chiefs (68)

9. T.J. Yates, HOU Texans (66)

10. Greg McElroy, NY Jets (65)

Update 7/22/11 AFC East and AFC West Overall Team Ratings

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: 73

Miami Dolphins: 78

New York Jets: 87

New England Patriots: 88

AFC West

Denver Broncos: 74

San Diego Chargers: 85

Kansas City Chiefs: 84

Oakland Raiders: 76

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals: 71

Cleveland Browns: 74

Baltimore Ravens: 86

Pittsburgh Steelers: 90

-Rob

Six offensive players, four defensive players. Four quarterbacks, four Super Bowl MVPs.

Here are the top ten players in the NFL today. I challenge anyone to prove me otherwise.

10.) Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago Bears

• Peppers is a freak of nature. In college, he started as a power forward for UNC’s basketball team after he played a full season for UNC’s football team. He demands a double team on every snap. Where he sets himself apart from other defensive ends is his pass coverage. To be 6’7″, 283 lbs. and possess the agility he possesses is not something we’ve seen in a long, long time.

9.) Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens

• Reed led the league in interceptions (8) last season while only playing in ten games.  Even hurt, Reed is an absolute threat that you cannot account for, because you never know where he’ll be. He is the ultimate game-changer. Whether it’s the punt team, punt return team, kick return team, strong safety, free safety or gunner, Reed will instantly shift the momentum in your favor.
• He holds numerous records, including both the #1 and #2 longest interception return in NFL history–set four years apart (106 yards, Cleveland, 11/7/04; 108 yards, Philadelphia, 11/23/08). Not since Deion Sanders have we seen a defensive player this capable of scoring when he has the ball (Reed has 13 career touchdowns).

8.) Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

• Think Bo Jackson’s smash-your-face-in power with Walter Payton’s see-you-later speed…that’s what you get with Adrian Peterson. Like those two backs, Peterson loves contact. He will make sure you remember playing against him. You will almost never see him run out-of-bounds, and he will do whatever he has to do to gain that extra yard. In 2010, Peterson fumbled just once during his 283 carries. In his previous three years, he fumbled 20 times.
• Peterson holds the all-time record for rushing yards in a game (296, San Diego, 11/4/07).

7.) Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets

• Revis is the best cover man in the league, hands down. He can play press-man, he can play off coverage, he can blitz, he can tackle–he can do it all. He is Nnamdi Asomugha with more size and better tackling.

6.) Haloti Ngata, DL, Baltimore Ravens

• There are few defensive players, if any, that are tougher to deal with than Ngata. He poses so many problems to an offense that you almost feel sorry for the offensive coordinator that has to face the Ravens each week. Since he came into the league, Ngata has been a force in the middle of Baltimore’s defensive line. While he’s not Julius Peppers, he does have an ability to spy or drop back into a zone every now and then. He shows incredible power, quickness and an appetite to get better every week. If I’m going to start a defense today, I want Haloti Ngata.

5.) Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans

• Johnson is so big, so fast, so strong, so precise, so athletic and so humble, it’s not fair. He is hands down the best receiver in the league. He can run any route, but if the coverage is good or the throw is bad, he will compensate and make a ridiculous catch (like this, this and this). Note that the majority of his big plays come when the defense suspects it and when the most pressure is on. He may be the best player in football, regardless of position.

4.) Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

• The weight of a city ravaged by a natural disaster combined with facing an all-time great in the Super Bowl? NO problem. Brees has as much moxy and  creativity as any quarterback in the league. His obvious strengths are his precision and distribution. His underrated strengths are his pocket awareness/mobility and his toughness. The only weakness he has is that he throws a few too many interceptions, but that is by-product of the offense which he conducts. To come back from the horrific injury he came back from shows you how valuable he is to the Saints. Nothing will get in Brees’ way, except for himself.

3.) Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

• Peyton Manning has, perhaps, the most responsibility of any one player in the NFL. He calls three plays in the huddle with regularity, so he’s essentially the Colts’ offensive coordinator. He makes countless audibles and reads at the line of scrimmage. He hasn’t had a dependable running game in years, and he’s had to groom new receivers on the fly. He has the determination of a Michael Jordan or of a Tiger Woods. I would not want to play against Peyton Manning.

2.) Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

• We haven’t seen anyone this polished, this prepared and this composed since Joe Montana. In fact, the only thing separating the two are the 3,103 miles between the cities they played in and one Super Bowl ring. It’s a safe bet that Brady will be in serious contention for at least one more Lombardi Trophy before his career is  over. Montana had Jerry Rice and Dwight Clark. Brady had Deion Branch and Daniel Graham.

1.) Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

• If you watched the Packers playoff run to the Super Bowl last year, you know how good Aaron Rodgers is. He played his best football against the best teams on the biggest stages. In last year’s playoffs, Rodgers completed 68.2% of his passes for 1,094 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran the ball twelve times for 52 yards and two touchdowns (excluding two kneel-downs at the end of Super Bowl XV). Behind Rodgers, the Packers (who lost their starting RB for the season in week one and their starting TE for the season in week five) became only the third team in league history to win the Super Bowl after winning three consecutive road playoff games (2005 Steelers, 2007 Giants).
• Rodgers is, after all, the most recent Super Bowl MVP–the award that designates football’s best player on football’s best team.

Now comes the fun part. You read what I think. Tell me what you think.

Thanks for reading.

-Mike

More than statistics, a player’s worth is determined by simply watching them play. “The eye test” is what you should use when determining how good a player is (or isn’t), rather than relying on “experts” and what they tell you.

How confident are you with a certain player that they will deliver in the last two minutes of the game? With the game on the line, who do you want to have the ball? Who do you want to stop the player that has the ball?

This list is made up of who in the NFL I’d be most confident in handing my team to. When I think of the best, here are the top 20 names that come to mind.

20.) Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

• Johnson is elite, plain and simple. He’s averaging 5.3 yards per touch in his three-year career, and has run for almost 4,600 yards in that time.

19.) Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens

• Rice can do it all. Run, receive, block–all of which he does very well. Between the 2009 playoffs, the 2010 regular season and the 2010 playoffs, Rice touched the ball 396 consecutive times without turning it over.

18.) Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens

• Lewis doesn’t have the speed he once had, but ask Dustin Keller how this felt, and tell players around the league that Lewis isn’t still a premiere player and force in the NFL. To those who say intangibles and leadership don’t count toward calling him a great player today, then by that principle, Tom Brady is average. Intangibles and leadership matter (a lot), and Lewis has been the definition of a leader for the last 15 years in the NFL.

17.) Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders

• Sure to be the highest paid free agent of this offseason, and potentially the highest paid defensive player in the league, Asomugha is almost flawless. He’s one of the rare corners that is so good, teams rarely throw toward the receiver he’s covering. Other than Darrelle Revis (see below), no one covers better than Asomugha

16.) Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

• Johnson puts up pro bowl caliber numbers while playing for Detroit. In two of his last three seasons, Johnson has posted at least: 77 receptions, 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s getting better (and seemingly bigger) each year. If Matthew Stafford can stay healthy consistently, watch out.

15.) Joe Thomas, T, Cleveland Browns

• Not everything is bad in Cleveland, as they have the best tackle in football playing for their city. Thomas routinely goes against the likes of: Terrell Suggs, James Harrison, Lamar Woodley and Haloti Ngata. Each time those players line up against Thomas, they need to bring their A-game.

14.) Nick Mangold, C, New York Jets

• The best offensive lineman in the NFL is Nick Mangold. In his first five games this season (three road games in a row from weeks 3-5), Mangold will have to stare the following pro bowl defensive lineman in the face for approximately 50 snaps each week: Jay Ratliff, Richard Seymour, Haloti Ngata & Vince Wilfork. Each week, he captains the Jets offensive line (which as a whole is excellent), while being able to execute any type of block. He’s durable and dependable.

13.) Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

• There is no route Fitzgerald can’t run, no coverage he can’t beat and no catch he can’t make. Did I mention he caught 90 passes for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns with Derek Anderson, Max Hall and John Skelton as his quarterbacks last season? If Kevin Kolb will really be traded to Arizona, the NFC West might as well give up trying to cover #11.

12.) DeMarcus Ware, OLB/DE, Dallas Cowboys

• Ware is scary good. His versatility, size, speed and strength make blocking him for 60 minutes a near impossible task.

11.) Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers

• Polamalu defines the safety position. He’s s able to play free safety and roam the deep third of the field, while also being able to blitz or come up in run support as a strong saftey. Polamalu has made unthinkable catches, acrobatic tackles and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Be sure to check out the “Top 20 players of 2011: part II”.

Thanks for reading.

-Mike

1. Carolina – N. Fairley, DT, Auburn
2. Denver – P. Peterson, CB, LSU
3. Buffalo – M. Dareus, DT, Alabama
4. Cincinnati – A. Green, WR, Georgia
5. Arizona – C. Newton, QB, Auburn
6. Cleveland – V. Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
7. San Francisco – P. Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
8. Tennessee – B. Gabbert, QB, Missouri
9. Dallas – R. Quinn, DE, North Carolina
10. Washington – J. Locker, QB, Washington
11. Houston – J. Jones, WR, Alabama
12. Minnesota – D. Bowers, DE, Clemson
13. Detroit – T. Smith, OT, USC
14. St. Louis – M. Pouncey, C, Florida
15. Miami – M. Ingram, RB, Alabama
16. Jacksonville – J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
17. New England – M. Wilkerson, DE, Temple
18. San Diego – C. Liuget, DT, Illinois
19. New York Giants – A. Castonzo, OT, Boston College
20. Tampa Bay – N. Solder, OT, Colorado
21. Kansas City – C. Jordan, DE, California
22. Indianapolis – A. Clayborn, DE, Iowa
23. Philadelphia – G. Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
24. New Orleans – A. Ayers, OLB, UCLA
25. Seattle – A. Smith, DE, Missouri
26. Baltimore – A. Williams, CB, Texas
27. Atlanta – K. Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
28. New England – T. Smith, WR, Maryland
29. Chicago – J. Smith, CB, Colorado
30. New York Jets – R. Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
31. Pittsburgh – B. Harris, CB, Miami
32. Green Bay – C. Heyward, DE, Ohio State

 

There it is. My 2011 NFL Mock Draft. I have a few surprise picks but let’s be honest draft day is crazy and it’s been proven that anything can happen. Now let’s see how many picks I get right vs. how many Mike gets right.

Thanks for reading. Be sure to catch the First Round of the 2011 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28th at 8pm.

-Rob

It’s good to be back.

Although it’s not certain whether or not the 2011 NFL season will start on time (or if it will start at all), there will still be a draft. Eight days from now, teams will select and make trades for who they hope will help them win a world championship.

It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t start the 2011 football year without a mock draft. However, we’re only doing the first round. Anything after that is purely a guessing game (unless you’re an actual NFL coach or general manager).

*Note: Projections are based on: who we think should go to a particular team based on need, who the teams are likely to select and no trading of picks.

1. Carolina Panthers

• Patrick Peterson, CB/PR, LSU
• The best player in college football would usually be drafted here. But since the Panthers drafted Jimmy Clausen last year with the idea that he would be their starting QB for the foreseeable future, drafting Cam Newton doesn’t make sense.
• With receivers tandems in your division like Roddy White, Marques Colston and TE Kellen Winslow, Jr., Carolina needs a shutdown corner. Peterson is that player.

2. Denver Broncos

• Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
• Denver’s defense was not good last year. Dareus, who could be taken first overall, instantly makes them better.

3. Buffalo Bills

• Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• Buffalo needs a QB more than any other team (besides Arizona). While Gabbert may take some time to reach his potential, he is the best overall QB prospect in this draft.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

• Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
• Cincinnati actually has a solid defense and running game. Their passing game needs work. Carson Palmer doesn’t want to be there, and Chad Johnson needs help (despite TE Jermaine Gresham).
• Texas A&M LB Von Miller is probably the best player available at this spot, but the Bengals could use Jones more-so than Miller. Jones is a stronger receiver, which is key when playing against the likes of Ed Reed (Baltimore), Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh) and Joe Haden (Cleveland).

5. Arizona Cardinals

• Cam Newton, QB, Arizona Cardinals
• I think Ryan Mallett is the better prospect at QB, but the buzz is too high on Newton. Besides, the NFC West is just the division for his unusual size and strength, as well as his unorthodox style of playing QB. A team that is desperate will take a risk, and that’s what this pick represents.

6. Cleveland Browns

• Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
• Somehow Miller drops to the Browns at #6. Nick Fairley and A.J. Green could also be taken here. Miller’s versatility should sell the Browns on picking him.

7. San Fransisco 49ers

• Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• While not quite the player Peterson is (at least not right now), Amukamara is still a very good prospect. With Gabbert and Newton gone at this point, Amukamara makes a lot of sense here. A.J. Green could also be taken, but a CB is more of a need than a WR is for the Niners.

8. Tennessee Titans

• Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
• Fairley slips to #8 because of teams needing other positions, more than anything. His disruptive, dynamic style is reminiscent of Warren Sapp. It’s appropriate that he takes over a position for a team that was once held by a nasty, disruptive DT: Albert Haynesworth.

9. Dallas Cowboys

• Tyron Smith, OT, USC
• It seems like Jerry Jones would take A.J. Green in a heartbeat if he was still on the board at #9. However, thinking about what could happen to Tony Romo if he doesn’t get more protection should be enough motivation to pick an OT.

10. Washington Redskins

• A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
• Green presents the go-to threat that the Redskins desperately need.

11. Houston Texans

• Robert Quinn, DE, UNC
• Pairing the best DE prospect alongside Mario Williams is something the Texans would greatly benefit from.

12. Minnesota Vikings

• Cameron Jordan, DE, California
• Ryan Mallet would make sense here, but #12 is a little too high to take him. Jordan is a good DE who can make big plays consistently. His size and style reminds me of a young Michael Strahan.

13. Detroit Lions

• Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
• Bowers or Aldon Smith should be the pick here. Bowers figures to be the more consistent producer between these two DE prospects.

14. St. Louis Rams

• Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• The Rams could utilize Smith’s skill-set. While he still needs to improve his run defense, coach Steve Spagnuolo and his staff could help Smith become a strong player.

15. Miami Dolphins

• Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
• The Dolphins are a running team, and drafting Pouncey would upgrade their running game. He’s not far off from his brother, Maurkice Pouncey, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie with the Steelers.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars

• J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
• Is it just me, or do the Jaguars draft a defensive lineman every year? Watt is an excellent player who could finally bring consistency to the Jaguars defensive line.

17. New England Patriots

• Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
• Contanzo isn’t a guard, so Stephen Neal’s retirement isn’t what prompts this pick. Contanzo, however, can play right or left tackle, and versatility is something Bill Belichick and co. are great at maximizing.

18. San Diego Chargers

• Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
• What once was a dominant position for the Chargers has become one plagued by injuries. Kerrigan can help restore the Chargers’ LB core.

19. New York Giants

• Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin
• To standout like Carimi did last season (Outland trophy winner–best interior lineman) for a program like Wisconsin, you have to be a special player. The Giants could go another way, but Carimi would really help them get back to winning the NFC East. He is just the player for this team at this time.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
• Harris or Adrian Clayborn (Iowa) could be selected at this spot. Both would help the Bucs defense. Since Tampa Bay took Gerald McCoy last season and because their defensive backfield needs help, Harris will fit in well in Tampa Bay.

21. Kansas City Chiefs

• Phil Taylor, DL, Baylor
• The Chiefs are an improving team on offense and on defense. Taylor dropping to #21 is another plus for KC fans, as he is a 3-4 NT that should take some attention off of Tamba Hali.

22. Indianapolis Colts

• Derek Sherrod, OL, Mississippi State
• Smith, Carimi and Costanzo are gone, so Sherrod is the next man on the list for the Colts. Manning may not have many years left, but whatever time he does have left need to preserved. Sherrod is a natural LT, specializing in pass protection. At this pick and for this team, Sherrod is an easy pick.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

• Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
• Ingram is a former Heisman trophy winner who is as tough a runner as there is in this class. LeSean McCoy is more of a receiver, so selecting Ingram would bolster Philly’s backfield. It would also take pressure off of Michael Vick, saving him from having to carry the ball so much.

24. New Orleans Saints

• Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
• Besides Jonathan Vilma, the Saints could certainly use some help in their linebacking core. Ayers is one of those “tweener” or “Jack” linebackers. He has good size and good speed. The NFC South offenses present a lot of challenges, so selecting Ayers would certainly help New Orleans.

25. Seattle Seahawks

• Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
• Mallet is a productive version of JaMarcus Russell. His size and arm strength are almost overwhelming. The Seahawks need a QB, and Matt Hasselbeck can’t possibly survive much longer. Mallett is a big time player, and although he may need to mature, he’s worth any risk he may present.

26. Baltimore Ravens

• Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
• The Ravens need a cornerback, a pass-rusher (unless Sergio Kindle somehow makes a comeback) and a left tackle (which would allow Michael Oher to switch back to right tackle, where he could make the pro bowl). Most pass rushers and offensive lineman worthy of a first round selection are gone at this point.
• Character concerns is what causes Smith (and another candidate for this pick, DT Marvin Austin) to drop this low. Smith fits more of a need than Austin does. Hopefully for Ravens fans, Smith will listen to Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

27. Atlanta Falcons

• Aaron Williams, DB, Texas
• The Falcons don’t need many positions filled. As the #1 team in the NFC last season (#2 overall to the Patriots), the Falcons have the luxury of picking for the future as opposed to picking for the present.
• Williams can play the nickel or safety. As much as TE Kyle Rudolph would help the Falcons, they would be best served to select a defensive player at this pick. Williams is an agile, aggressive DB who can contribute right away.

28. New England Patriots

• Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
• Hoping for Mark Ingram, the Patriots will take Leshoure here to (hopefully) get some consistency from their running back position.

29. Chicago Bears

• Nate Solder, OL, Colorado
• Marvin Austin and Torrey Smith would make sense here, except for the fact that the Bears need a lot of help at the offensive line position. Solder’s resume’ makes him an easy pick at #29.

30. New York Jets

• Cam Heyward, DL, Ohio State
• Kris Jenkins’ injury early last season, along with another Ohio State product’s (Vernon Gholston) lack of production makes Heyward an easy pick here. Rex Ryan would really like to coach a player with Heyward’s talent and character.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor
• Despite his lack of football experience, his uses his size and strength well. If Aaron Williams was here, the Steelers might take him. Otherwise, Watkins could be the pick. Besides, not many offensive lineman with limited experience wouldn’t want to play for an organization like the Steelers.

32. Green Bay Packers

• Marvin Austin, DL, UNC
• The rich get richer. Austin’s suspension does contribute to him dropping this low. Still, the Packers are so active and unpredictable with their defensive fronts that adding Austin to a defense with Clay Matthews, B.J. Raji and Charles Woodson is downright scary.

Thanks for reading.

-Mike