Email Chain

Buricifit is NOT getting past the giants.

Pshhh you and I know old man coughlin will not be here next year

In all honesty, it wouldnt bother me if he stayed. Its the coordinators that have to go. If I have to sit through another year of Kevin Gilbride calling hb draws on 3rd and 8 every single game i'm going to lose it.

and some video highlights:

http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/My-Favorite-NonWolverine-Vontaze-Burfict-10-2-706

 

-- Edited by 6ixty on Tuesday 6th of December 2011 06:37:58 PM

like i said, i got a bad tip on gabbert. but hey, he looked like the ROY on that one scoring drive last night!

haha the danny watkins line was funny.

id say linebacker would be smart but u never know with the eagles. top-10 is pretty high for a LB unless hes a great pass rusher. i doubt an OL is out of the question. the DL is pretty stacked honestly cause trent cole is a beast too but is graham a bust yet?

maybe they should go after a backup QB ohhhhhh

Graham's a bust, You down with JPP?

I have insider....

1) Colts - Andrew Luck QB
2) Rams - Matt Kalil OT
3)Vikings - Morris Claiborne CB
4)Browns - Trent Richardson RB
5)Jags - Quinton Coples DE
6)Bucs - Dre Kirkpatric CB
7)Skins - RG III QB
8)Phins - Matt Barkley QB
9)Panthers - Justin Blackmon WR
10)Bills - Reily Reiff OT
11)Eagles - Luke Kuechly OLB
12)Chiefs - Jonathon Martin OT
13)Cards - Courtney Upshaw OLB
14)Titans - Andre Branch DE
15)Chargers - Mark Barron S
16)Seahawks - Landry Jones QB
17) Giants - Vontaze Burfict
18)Bengals - David Decastro G
19)Bears - Michael Floyd WR
20)Cowboys - Fletcher Cox DT
21)Bengals - Alfonzo Denard CB
22)Jets - Alshon Jeffrey WR
23)Broncos - Devon Still DT
24)Browns - Kevin Reddick OLB
25)Lions - David Wilson RB
26)Texans - Zabrie Sanders OT
27)Ravens - Mike Adams OT
28)Steelers - Jarvis Jones OLB
29)Pats - Melvin Ingram - DE
30)9ers - Kendall Wright WR
31)Pats - Jonathan Banks CB
32) Pack - Ronnell Lewis OLB

i doubt james goes first round, not too many RBs do anymore. i would kill for burcifit

Barkley staying in school, mock draft officially worthless.

the ONLY example that someone could say staying another year for a top qb hurts them is jake locker.  he was projected #1 early after the season and then stayed an obviously lost steem.  but regardless, he was #7 pick overall and i will argue that he wasnt going to be the #1 pick the year before cuz things tend to change so much by seasons end to draft day i dont think it would have mattered (just look at cam newton as an example of players moving up and down the draft board)

damn landry jones out too.

it could possible go from luck, griffin, barkley and jones to just luck if griffin decides to stay. sucks for teams looking for qb help

yea seriouly especially after scoring like 2000 TDs

Dan's NFL Draft Wishlist

1. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
2. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
3. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
5. Michael Flloyd, WR, Notre Dame (Could trade down for)

The first 3 picks I don't believe will be available at #8, maybe Kirkpatrick, still unlikely though.

MFisH wrote:

---

good list, i think theres no way ur gonna get RG3 or kalil at 8 but the other 3 are defintily possible.  kirkpatrick is the 3rd best cb right now so he'll prolly be around until the early 20's

---

 Disagree. Kirkpatrick to me looks the most Pro ready. Here is my order for CBs

1. Claiborne

2. Kirkpatrick

3. Dennard

4. Jenoris Jenkins (Nick, kid is from Good Counsel in Olney)

5. Hosley from VT

ugh i wish we could pick in the top-10 just once. i dont want a losing season thou. maybe trade up for a top-10 guy. makes it so much more exciting and i might actually have an idea of who they would draft

6ixty wrote:

---

ugh i wish we could pick in the top-10 just once. i dont want a losing season thou. maybe trade up for a top-10 guy. makes it so much more exciting and i might actually have an idea of who they would draft

---

 is this a humblebrag?

haha yea solid humblebrag

and 19 Amukamura

the blaine gabbart jokes are olddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

dan- can you find our mock drafts from last year?

2011 Mock Drafts

 

2012 Mock Draft Challenge Deadline:

APRIL 26, 2012 by 5 PM

 

Danny's

 

Here is my masterpiece, this is what professionals do.

1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
3. Buffalo Bills - Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A&M
4. Cincinnati Benglas – A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
5. Arizona Cardinals - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
6. Cleveland Browns – Robert Quinn, DE, UNC
7. San Francisco 49ers - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
8. Tennessee Titans – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
9. Dallas Cowboys – Anthony Costanzo, OL, Boston College
10. Washington Redskins – Jake Locker, QB, Washington
11. Houston Texans – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
12. Minnesota Vikings – Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
13. Detroit Lions – J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
14. St. Louis Rams – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
15. Miami Dolphins – Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
17. New England Patriots – Mark Engram, RB, Alabama
18. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Kerrigan, DE/LB, Purdue
19. New York Giants – Tyron Smith, OL, USC
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneeers – Da’quan Bowers, DE/LB, Clemson
21. Kansas City Chiefs – Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
22. Indianapolis Colts – Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
24. New Orleans Saints – Brooks Reed, LB, Arizona
25. Seattle Seahawks – Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
26. Baltimore Ravens – Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
27. Atlanta Falcons – Cameron Jordan, DE, California
28. New England Patriots – Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
29. Chicago Bears – Nate Solder, OL, Colorado
30. New York Jets – Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
31. Pittsburgh Steelers – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
32. Green Bay Packers – Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

 

Jpoo's

 

1.Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton QB Auburn

2. Denver Broncos –  Marcell Dareus DT Alabama

3. Buffalo Bills – Von Miller Texas DE/LB A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals – AJ Green WR Alabama

5. Arizona Cardinals – Robert Quinn  DE/OLB Texas A&M

6. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones WR Alabama

7. San Francisco 49er’s   - Blaine Gabbert QB Mizzou

8. Tennessee Titans – Nick Fairley DT Auburn

9. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Peterson CB LSU

10. Washington Redskins –  Jake Locker QB Washington

11. Houston Texans –  Prince Amukamura CB Nebraska

12. Minnesota Vikings –  Aldon Smith DE Wisconson

13. Detroit Lions – Jimmy Smith CB Colorado

14. St. Louis  Rams –  Corey Liuget DT Illinois

15. Miami Dolphins – Mike Pouncey OL Florida

16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Christian Ponder QB Florida State

17. New England Patriots  (via Oakland) -  Cameron Jordan DE Cal

18. San Diego Chargers –  J.J. Watt DE Wisconson

19. New York Giants –  Tyron Smith OL USC

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –  Da’quan Bowers DE/LB Clemson

21. Kansas City- Anthony Costanzo OL Boston College

22. Indianapolis-  Gabe Carimi OL Wisconson

23.Philadelphia- Ras-I Dowling CB  Virgina

24.New Orleans –  Akeem Ayers LB UCLA

25. Seattle- Ryan Mallet QB Arkansas

26.Baltimore –  Ryan Kerrigan DE Perdue

27.Atlanta- Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa

28.New England- Mark Ingram RB Alabama

29.Chicago- Marvin Austin DT NC

30.New York Jets- Cameron Heyward DE Ohio St.

31.Pittsburgh- Nate Solder OL Colorado

32.Green Bay-  Derek Sherrod OL Mississippi St.

 

Nick's

 

1	Carolina Panthers	Cam Newton	QB
2	Denver Broncos	Marcel Darius	DT
3	Buffalo Bills	Von Miller	LB
4	Cincinatti Bengals	AJ Green	WR
5	Houston Texans	Patrick Peterson	CB	Trade with Cards
6	Cleveland Browns	Julio Jones	WR
7	San Fran 49ers	Blaine Gabbart	QB
8	Tennesse Titans	Nick Fairley	DT
9	Dallas Cowboys	Tyron Smith	OT
10	Wash Redskins	Robert Quinn	DE
11	Arizona Cardinals	Aldon Smith	DE	Trade with Texans
12	Minn Vikings	Jake Locker	QB
13	Detriot Lions	Prince Amakumara	CB
14	ST Louis Rams	Corey Ligut	DT
15	Miami Dolphins	Ryan Mallett	QB
16	Jaguars	JJ Watt	DE
17	NE Pats	Cameron Jordan	DE
18	Chargers	Ryan Kerrigan	DE
19	Giants	Anthony Castonzo	OT
20	TB Bucs	Da'Quan Bowers	DE
21	Chiefs	Mike Pouncey	OG
22	Colts	Gabe Carimi	OT
23	Eagles	Jimmy Smith	CB
24	Saints	Adrian Clayborn	DE
25	Seahawks	Andy Dalton	QB
26	Ravens	Nate Solider	OT
27	Falcons	Jonathan Baldwin	WR
28	Pats	Mark Ingram	RB
29	Chicago Bears	Danny Watkins	OG
30	New York Jets	Phil Taylor	DT
31	Pittsburgh Steelers	Derrick Sherrod	OT
32	Green Bay Packers	Cam Heyward	DE

 

Fish's

1.       Panther: Cam Newton

2.       Broncos: Marcell Davis

3.       Bills: Von Miller

4.       Bengals: AJ Green

5.       Cards: P. Peterson

6.       Browns: Quinn

7.       49ers: Gabbert

8.       Titans: Fairley

9.       Cowboys: T. Smith

10.   Redskins: Mallett (might be my worst or my best pick)

11.   Texans: Prince

12.   Vikings: Anthony Castonzo

13.   Lions: Bowers

14.   Rams: Jones

15.   Dolphins: Pouncey

16.   Jags: Aldon Smith

17.   Pats:  Ryan Kerrigan

18.   Chargers: Cameron Jordan

19.   Giants: Gabe Carimi

20.   Bucs: JJ Watt

21.   Chiefs: Danny Watkins

22.   Colts: Muhammad Wilkerson

23.   Eagles: Jimmy Smith

24.   Saints: Corey Liuget

25.   Seattle: Adrian Clayborn

26.   Ravens: Aaron Williams

27.   Falcons: Marvin Austin

28.   Pats: Jake Locker (trade with someone)

29.   Bears: Phil Taylor

30.   Jets: Akeem Ayers

31.   Steelers: Who Cares*

32.   Packers: Mike Lesiure

 

99 days until the draft!

So ive been bored at work and have a lot of time to do some research, so i present u guys with my first mock draft.  remember, this is just my 1st one and a rough copy, so be prepared for some changes once we get closer to april.  ENJOY:

Indianapolis Colts

* Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

We don't know yet who will be coaching the Colts in 2012 and we don't know who will be starting at quarterback, but I have a pretty good hunch Luck will be on the roster. I've said it before: He's the best quarterback prospect I've evaluated since John Elway, which also makes him a player who should be ready to start in Week 1 if the Colts do part ways with Peyton Manning. As a college player, Luck thinks and reads the game at an advanced level, can make adjustments on the fly and call plays and audibles at a remarkably high level for his age. He throws well moving left or right, keeps his eyes down the field and gets through progressions and into checkdowns extremely well. Nobody expects an easy transition for a rookie signal-caller, but Luck has the tools to make the transition easier than most.

 

St. Louis Rams

 

* Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.

There's a clear value question here, because I think St. Louis could leverage this position to trade down for more picks for 2012 and into the future, and then still target Blackmon perhaps a few spots later. But if the Rams can't find a dance partner for a trade, Blackmon still represents precisely what this offense needs. Sam Bradford took a step back in 2011, but he got little help, and Blackmon is a big target, a great route runner and a workaholic who could transition and learn the pro game quickly. St. Louis also could try to shore up an offensive line that took a step back, but Blackmon right now represents the top wide receiver in the draft and fills a big need for the Rams. It should be noted there are a number of teams drafting behind St. Louis that need an elite wide receiver.

 

Minnesota Vikings

* Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings are another team with a young quarterback, and while they could use a target such as Blackmon in the offense, they also really need to shore up their protection. You see a lot of left tackles drafted and moved to the right side as they transition into the NFL -- Tyron Smith with Dallas last year is a recent case -- but Kalil has big-time talent and could start on the left side early. I don't think the comparisons to Jake Long are too far off. Athletic, with long arms, great feet and deceptive power given an athletic frame, Kalil also could land at No. 2.

Cleveland Browns

* Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

If a team moves ahead of the Browns for Griffin, they also could be in play for Blackmon, or even the guy I have at No. 5, Trent Richardson. However, the questions on Colt McCoy's ceiling as a starting NFL quarterback are getting louder, and if the Browns don't go after a solution such as Matt Flynn, a quarterback certainly could be in play here. Griffin made big strides this past season, particularly with his deep accuracy. He is a big-time athlete at the quarterback position but has developed a very good pocket presence and the ability to read the game, and his big arm comes with a nice touch on intermediate throws. He is a leader and has intangibles that should really impress evaluators during the draft process.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

* Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Don't simply dismiss the idea that Richardson could land here because of the presence of LaGarrette Blount. For one, we know that if you want a potent running game in the NFL, it can't be built simply around one running back. The reality of injuries is too much of a constant to overlook. Secondly, are the Bucs ready to commit to a longer deal with Blount after the 2012 season? Bottom line, the idea can't be dismissed from a team-building standpoint, and that's before you get to what kind of a player Richardson is. A physical freak, he is extraordinarily powerful, explodes from contact, has lower mileage than many third-year studs because he split carries as a freshman and sophomore with Mark Ingram and has developed as a pass-catcher. Richardson is a first-year impact player.

Washington Redskins

* Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

While the "Honey Badger," Tyrann Mathieu, piled up the headlines at LSU, the best cornerback on the team was quietly dominant all season. Currently a top-five player on my Big Board, Claiborne is the top cornerback in the draft. He has good length at 6-foot-1 and is a physical player at more than 180 pounds. The Redskins will need help at corner headed into 2012, particularly in a division in which the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles have elite talent at wide receiver. While not quite the athlete, Claiborne is actually a better pure cover corner than Patrick Peterson, the No. 5 overall pick from last year.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Jags desperately need help at wide receiver, but they also really need help in the pass rush. They got to opposing quarterbacks less than two times a game in 2011, and Coples would fit the scheme as the current top 4-3 defensive end in the draft. Coples has great length at 6-foot-6, and while he has excellent skills as a pass-rusher, he also has the size to hold up in the run game. He doesn't quite have the athleticism of former North Carolina star Julius Peppers but should be able to upgrade the Jacksonville pass rush immediately, and guys with his size and skills aren't that easy to find.

Carolina Panthers

* Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Were they to line up Kirkpatrick across from Chris Gamble, the Panthers would have a pair of corners with elite size and talent in a divison in which you can't have enough good corners. Opponents completed a hair less than 65 percent of their passes against the weak Carolina secondary in 2011, and Kirkpatrick can provide an immediate upgrade. He has elite size for the position, at 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds, but doesn't give much away in cover skills. Kirkpatrick has some off-the-field questions that could hurt his stock, but reserving judgement for now, he'd be a fit here.

Miami Dolphins

* Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Dolphins made big improvments to the offensive line last year with their first-round pick, and Reiff would offer them an immediate starter and make the offensive line a big strength. Reiff's tape was exceptional this past season, and he has a lot of experience and a proven ability against top competition. The Dolphins were very close to being a good team in 2011, and I do think they can target a player on offense, although help at outside linebacker also makes sense. The Dolphins could be another team looking for options at quarterback, but even if they go into the season with Matt Moore back as starter, Reiff adds further stability to an offense that could continue to improve.

Buffalo Bills

Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Buffalo did well when it drafted Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus with its first pick last year, but the pass rush still needs a lot of help. Upshaw is currently the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft, and he should be able to apply a lot of pressure to opposing quarterbacks from the edge for whoever gets him for 2012. No Buffalo player had more than 5.5 sacks in 2011, and the Bills simply can't get enough pressure without bringing extra players. Upshaw is a part of the solution. This is a big-time talent, a player who already was making an impact at Alabama as a freshman. He'll follow a similar path as a pro.

Kansas City Chiefs

Devon Still, DT, Penn St.

Romeo Crennel could use a disruptive interior line presence in his system, and Still can be a penetrator in the 3-4, capable of occupying blockers and making plays in against the run while also splitting gaps against the pass. He came on in 2011 at Penn State and should help this defense up front, as the Chiefs also get Eric Berry back in the secondary in 2012. With this kind of reinforcement, the Chiefs have a chance to become an upper-echelon defense going forward, something they showed glimpses of this past season.

Seattle Seahawks

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Seahawks have quietly made major strides in overhauling the roster and finding solutions to grow with in the past two years. Last year, they targeted offensive linemen early, and with the addition of Sidney Rice and Doug Baldwin, also have good talent at wide receiver. Even banged up at O-line, they ran the ball with some effectiveness. Obviously, quarterback remains a big question, but that's not something they can target at this spot in the draft. What they can do is add a final piece to a defense that is young, fast and extremely good in the secondary. The linebacking corps was strengthened by the emergence of K.J. Wright. So the work is up front and at defensive end for a team that was just 23rd in the NFL last year in sack percentage. Ingram is just big enough to fit this system as a 4-3 defensive end, and should add a boost to the pass rush early.

Arizona Cardinals

* Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Cardinals need to mend the offensive line -- they haven't drafted an offensive lineman before the fifth round since 2007 -- and Martin is an athletic, powerful left tackle who can help upgrade this unit immediately. While questions remain about what the Cardinals have at the quarterback position after they committed so much both in terms of value and dollars to Kevin Kolb, there's no question they have to be better up front regardless of who takes the snaps. Again, that's a long time to go without getting some talent up front early in a draft. Martin would be a solid value here.

Dallas Cowboys

* David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Last year, the Cowboys got Tyron Smith at No. 9 overall, and that pick helped them turn over the offensive line. The results were pretty good in 2011. With DeCastro, the Cowboys have a chance to solidify the interior of the line, helping both the running game and protection for Tony Romo and make that unit a strength. The way I see it, the Cowboys have good pieces in place at every other spot on the offense. The talent at wide receiver and tight end is fine, Romo was quietly among the top-performing quarterbacks and there's plenty at running back. Doubling down on the O-line should be an option for Jerry Jones. If the value is there, Dallas could also target the secondary.

Philadelphia Eagles

* Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Eagles were really weak up the middle in 2011, and Kuechly is the top interior linebacker available in the draft. Since Brian Dawkins departed, safety has also been a perpetual question mark, so I could see that being considered here. But in Kuechly you get a player who can fill a massive void in the defense. He's a guy who can come in and start immediately; he's got exceptional instincts, is a very good athlete, demonstrates great form and can fly around making tackles in the middle of the field. He's just a machine. Last year, few teams were forced to utilize lesser talent at linebacker than Philly, and Kuechly can help fix that problem.

New York Jets

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Last year the Jets targeted help up front in the first round, and while the pass rush still needs some work, the secondary is a big concern because of the way the Jets' safeties got abused this year. You'd see teams lining up bigger receivers in the slot to target New York's smaller safeties and force Rex Ryan to make some tough decisions in coverage. In Barron, the Jets would get the best safety in the draft, a big, rangy talent with big-game experience and the ability to match up against taller receivers and tight ends. The Jets have schemed around a weakness at safety, but it's time to put a better talent back there.

Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

It says a lot about last year's draft that Cincinnati can put the focus back on defense with one of its first-round picks in 2012. Dennard is a solid, physical cover corner who would offer a talent upgrade in the secondary. The Bengals could go a few directions here, but after getting a decent year out of veteran Nate Clements, they should look at getting a younger player who can develop even as he helps early. Dennard fits the bill.

San Diego Chargers

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Chargers fell apart up front this past season, mostly due to injury, and Glenn is one of those really attractive picks who can help you immediately because he can play pretty much everywhere. That's what he did during his time at Georgia, as a dominating guard who also has worked on the edge at a high level. Glenn is a safe pick, and the Chargers simply must do something up front to help Philip Rivers get comfortable again. He struggled in 2011, but his problems started up front.

Chicago Bears

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

If the Bears learned anything when Jay Cutler went down this season, it was that the offense wasn't very pretty without him. But Cutler also needs help. Last year, Chicago had to start up front because the offensive line was such a weakness. But as the Bears anticipate getting some healthy bodies back up front to start 2012, they now must find some help for Cutler at wide receiver. The current group has some speed, but he could use a big target, and Floyd can be that guy. He has a big frame, but Floyd actually dropped some weight for the 2011 season, and he managed to look quicker and more explosive in and out of his breaks without giving up much as a physical receiver. He'd be a nice option in this offense and a threat in the red zone.

Tennessee Titans

* Nick Perry, DE, USC

He started as a freshman at Southern Cal, and it's because he is just a natural pass-rusher. This season, he added to his repertoire, and he can help a team early as a pass-rushing specialist in a 4-3 defense. Tennessee's pass rush was really bad this season; the Titans got to opposing quarterbacks on just 4.52 percent of drop-backs, a rate that was 31st in the NFL. Perry probably could add some bulk to his frame, but his instincts as a pass-rusher are in place and the Titans certainly need the help.

Cincinnati Bengals

* Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.)

Cedric Benson has been serviceable for the Bengals, but they desperately need to add some explosiveness in the run game. Even with what I considered an underrated offensive line, the Bengals managed just 3.9 yards per rush attempt this season. With solutions now in place in the passing game, they are one of the teams that can afford to take a shot on a potentially elite running back in the first or second round. Miller can run inside but also break off the big run, something the Bengals never got with Benson.

Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Quietly, Wright had a season that almost matched Blackmon's in the Big 12. The Browns might not end up with Griffin with the No. 4 pick, but his teammate would make a lot of sense here. Greg Little is a developing big target and had a pretty good rookie season given the overall performance of the Cleveland offense. Wright is smaller at about 5-10, 190 pounds, but could add a speed threat this offense really needs. He can beat teams over the top with straight-line speed but also works underneath and will do a lot of damage after the catch. The Browns need weapons, and Wright, who also has great hands, fits the profile.

Detroit Lions

Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Detroit again will go into the 2012 season with perhaps the best front four in the NFL. Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz calculated well that the secondary would make strides after being such a weakness in previous seasons. Where the Lions could use help is at linebacker, and Brown would be a good fit. Brown has great instincts as a rangy tackler, and he has a lot of speed and can run with tight ends. I certainly can see the Lions looking for help on the offensive line at this spot, but if a top tackle doesn't fall to them here, Brown makes sense.

Pittsburgh Steelers

* Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Dick LeBeau can do a lot of things, but he can't scheme around age. The Steelers were very good on defense this season, but they simply have to get younger, particularly up front, if they want to maintain it. Poe has risen a lot for me in terms of value, but he's also a rarity, that zero-technique centerpiece to a 3-4 defense, the guy who simply eats up tacklers and is a human wall in the run game. If he develops, Poe can be the heir to Casey Hampton in the middle of that scheme, a human boulder who will free up those linebackers.

Denver Broncos

* Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.

Denver had some really good stretches on defense, particularly in the pass rush, but the Broncos weren't very consistent and the numbers were a little worse than people might realize. The pass rush is there on the outside, but Cox is a guy who can penetrate and get tackles for loss from the inside. The Broncos could go a few ways, including receiver if they see a value or perhaps corner. But the way the board falls here, Cox would be a good fit for a defense that better be elite as the offense attempts to find consistency.

Houston Texans

* Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

When Andre Johnson was lost for a long stretch this season, it didn't totally derail the Houston offense. What it did do was severely hamper the Texans' play-action game, which can be simply devastating with the combination of a steady run game and the presence of Matt Schaub. In that scheme, the Texans can pile up chunk yardage with the pass, and Sanu is the type of guy who can stretch the field and be a huge threat across from Johnson. And when you consider that Johnson will be 31 entering the 2012 season, the Texans need this kind of presence around if he misses any more time. Sanu is hugely productive, creates space, has good speed and can contribute early.

New England Patriots (from Saints)

* Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

The Patriots have a pair of picks in the first round, and my guess is they'll look to get younger on the defensive line and work to add some pieces to a pass rush. That was something they really didn't address in last year's draft, but as creative and resourceful as they are, it might be time. Brockers could end up a lot higher than this when the evaluation process is over because his reputation is growing. I list him simply as a defensive lineman because the Pats could use him in a couple of different ways up front in that scheme. What he can do is add explosiveness on the interior -- he's a pentrator with the ability to dominate if left to a single blocker, which frees people up.

Green Bay Packers

Whitney Mercilus, LB, Illinois

It was masked somewhat by reputation, but no team in the NFL had a lower sack rate than Green Bay during the regular season. And it was on display again in the playoffs -- the Packers simply can't create pressure without bringing blitzers, leaving the secondary vulnerable. Mercilus (pronounced "merciless") played to that description at Illinois this past season. I see him standing up as an outside linebacker after playing with his hand on the ground in college. At 6-4, 265 pounds, he has a good profile for the position, and he really knows how to get to the quarterback. The question on him is he really exploded this season, so the body of work is lighter than some, but the Packers need to find some pass-rush help and Mercilus is a good value here based on his current grade.

New York Giants

Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida St.

The Giants have done a fantastic job of coaching up this offensive line after some big changes heading into the season, but they could get younger and add some talent, and Sanders would be a solid fit. This offense is going to be dynamic if it can open holes for the run game and provide time for Eli Manning, so an investment in the offensive line is never a bad idea.

Baltimore Ravens

* Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona St.

He's been drawing comparisons to Ray Lewis since he got to Tempe, and hopefully Lewis will be around for another year to mentor Burfict. But either way, the Ravens have to consider what they'll do, as retirement talk now is a reality for their legendary linebacker, and Burfict is the kind of player who could develop into a star in his own right in that defense. He is instinctive and rangy, and plays with an edge. He developed a bit of a reputation as a guy who was prone to the personal foul, but if he channels that energy, Burfict could be a very good one. He has a ton of experience as an immediate freshman starter and reads the game pretty well.

San Francisco 49ers

* Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The 49ers got much better production out of the offense this season, but I still see a need for a big target on the outside, something Braylon Edwards wasn't able to provide. Jeffery is an absolute beast, a guy who plays at more than 230 pounds and easily could top 6-foot-4 when he measures out. He goes up over corners and attacks the ball, catching it away from his body like a rebounder. The Niners struggled mightily in the red zone all season, and Jeffery might not be a burner but is the kind of player you can post up in the end zone to help solve that problem.

New England Patriots

Andre Branch, LB, Clemson

A defensive end at the college level, Branch would convert to outside linebacker and add some immediate help to the New England pass rush. He racked up 10.5 sacks this past season and has a 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame, a good physical fit for the transition. Branch also has the athleticism to be more than a pure pass-rusher, as he should be able to develop into a well-rounded OLB under Bill Belichick.