They replenished need areas in the draft. If DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin pan out as wide receivers, the options for Matt Schaub could be great across the board. (Kuharsky)
They drafted only one additional weapon for Peyton Manning, running back Ronnie Hillman. Will Brock Osweiler pan out as the project quarterback? (Kuharsky)
They added a receiver and a tight end who can expand the passing offense, but they didn't do much to address interior line questions or the pass rush. (Kuharsky)
Attention over the third-round pick of a punter overshadowed a solid one-two punch of receiver Justin Blackmon and defensive end Andre Branch. (Kuharsky)
They surrounded Andrew Luck with weapons, but the Colts are really thin at cornerback, and the transition to a 3-4 will require a lot more people. (Kuharsky)
The Jaguars made a commitment to Blaine Gabbert this offseason by improving his receiving corps, but those efforts may give them an excuse for dumping him if the offense struggles again this season. They can say they tried to put Gabbert in a position to succeed, and move on. Wilson may have been the third quarterback taken if he had entered this year's draft. He doesn't jump out at you as a classic No. 1 overall, but will end up grading higher than both Matt Barkley and Tyler Bray.
2. Indianapolis Colts -- Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Colts management is going to be patient surrounding Andrew Luck with talent, and Joeckel is exactly the kind of building block they'll need. The Aggie lineman gets less attention than he should because Bruce Matthews' son Jake is on the other side, but Joeckel is the bona fide stud left tackle. NFL teams certainly know all about him after watching hours of Ryan Tannehill tape this offseason, and will be watching him closely this season.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- David Amerson, CB, NC State
The Bucs went safety this year with first-round pick Mark Barron, but still have plenty of room to improve in the defensive backfield. Amerson had 13 interceptions last season and could insert himself into Heisman contention if offenses aren't smart enough to avoid him this season.
4. Oakland Raiders -- Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee
If you want to see what an NFL throw looks like, look up Bray on YouTube. But the 6-foot-6 signal-caller has been inconsistent at Tennessee -- in part because he and his receivers have been injured. He's a boom-or-bust prospect a year out -- he's been fragile and could move up to No. 1 or fall back into the pack.
Woods is listed at 6-1, 190, so he lacks Calvin Johnson size, but teams have to realize there aren't a lot of Calvin Johnson types out there. Justin Blackmon is about the same size as Woods and went No. 5 overall in this year's draft. Woods is more polished and will get a lot of attention playing for the Trojans this season.
6. Cleveland Browns -- Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
After focusing on offense in this year's draft, the Browns turn back to defense in 2013. Montgomery had nine sacks last season and stands out on a defense once again loaded with future NFL players.
7. Miami Dolphins -- Xavier Rhodes, CB, FSU
Cornerbacks have been going higher than expected in recent years, and the Dolphins need to continue to chase the Patriots. Rhodes is sometimes overshadowed by defensive backfield mate Greg Reid, but he's a better pro prospect. You can compare Rhodes to LSU's Morris Claiborne and Reid to Tyrann Mathieu.
8. Seattle Seahawks -- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Barkley has been compared to Andrew Luck for staying at USC even though he could have been a high selection in 2012, but he may get picked apart in a way Luck did not. Some people wonder if Barkley is big enough, and how much his outstanding receivers and the system at USC help him look good. Trojans QBs have not done well in the NFL lately, but if anyone can overlook that it's Pete Carroll.
9. St. Louis Rams -- Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
The 2011 Outland Trophy winner for outstanding offensive lineman is 6-5, 302 pounds, and solid. The Rams didn't seem interested in upgrading their offensive line in this year's draft, but left tackle Rodger Saffold is far from elite. Jones has also shown versatility playing at different spots on the line at Alabama. Some have teammate D.J. Fluker rated higher, but Jones is too solid to pass up.
Jones totaled 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2011, and enters the season as the highest-profile defensive player. But at 6-3, 241 pounds, he's not very big for his position. He's caught between outside linebacker and defensive end, like No. 18 overall pick Melvin Ingram in this year's draft.
11. St. Louis Rams (via Washington Redskins) -- Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
The Rams turn one of their picks from the Robert Griffin III trade with the Redskins into a productive cornerback. Banks reportedly got a fourth-round grade from the NFL Draft advisory board and decided to return to Starkville. But the advisory board is notoriously stingy. He's a better prospect than that. Banks has had plenty of big plays at Mississippi State, including two pick-6s off Tim Tebow in one game.
12. Buffalo Bills -- Chris Faulk, OT, LSU
The Bills focused more on the defensive side of the ball this offseason and will return to building the offense and protecting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick by picking this big-time tackle prospect.
13. San Diego Chargers -- Keenan Allen, WR, California
The Cal receiver missed spring practice after having ankle surgery, but if he can stay healthy he has the size and explosiveness to be the second receiver taken. Allen got off to a great start last season, but fell off because of quarterback problems at Cal. The Bears' passing game will improve this year and Allen will shine.
14. Tennessee Titans -- Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Gilbert hasn't really come on to most people's radar yet as a cornerback, even though many recognize his outstanding return skills. The former high school quarterback and track star could turn develop into a very good cover man. He's already intercepted passes from Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill.
15. Detroit Lions -- Marcus Lattimore, RB, S. Carolina
Even as teams have de-emphasized drafting running backs high in recent years, three went in the first round this year. If healthy, Lattimore will have the same kind of production Trent Richardson had last season.
The Texas A&M lineman is Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews' son, and bloodlines matter to the NFL. The Cowboys are still trying to put together a complete offensive line.
17. Denver Broncos -- Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
The Broncos will jump on the tall, athletic defender. Okafor's linemate Jackson Jeffcoat will also get a lot of attention, but he's just a junior, and Mack Brown finds a way to get his players to stay through their senior year.
The Vols receiver tore his ACL in the third game of last season, but is expected to make a full return this season. He averaged over 15 yards per catch in the two games he did play and reminds some people of Randy Moss.
19. Arizona Cardinals -- Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida State
Jenkins fits the mold of slightly undersized but very athletic 3-4 pass rushers who move up on draft day, like No. 15 overall pick Bruce Irvin out of West Virginia.
20. NY Giants -- Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
The Giants go best player available and continue to rework their line with the next breakout offensive line star from Wisconsin.
21. NY Jets -- Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
The Jets have done a lot of work bolstering their defensive line. They know Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is bothered by pressure up the middle and may try to get a potential star at nose tackle.
22. Atlanta Falcons -- William Gholston, DE, Michigan State
Teams may have character concerns about Gholston, but they won't doubt his athleticism. At 6-7, 280 pounds, Gholston wanted to play linebacker at Michigan State and probably had the skills to do it. Gholston was suspended last season for unsportsmanlike conduct in a win over Michigan. That anger can work if Gholston channels it toward quarterbacks.
23. Kansas City Chiefs -- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Jones struggled at the end of last season and probably hurt his chances of being a top pick in this year's draft. If he can return to his 2010 form, however, he has the size to get back in the good graces of NFL teams, who are always eager to take a chance on tall gunslingers.The Chiefs could also look at Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas, who often gets compared to Cam Newton as a potential breakout star.
24. New Orleans Saints -- Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
Mingo had eight sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss last season, and the Saints will find a way to fit him into their scheme as they rebuild that defense.
The 6-4, 215-pound Miami safety served an NCAA suspension for taking benefits from booster Nevin Shapiro, but enough time will have passed for NFL teams to overlook that part of his past. Perhaps the Ravens' famous Miami alums can help management see Armstrong's value.
26. San Francisco 49ers -- D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
The 6-6, 335-pound right tackle already projects as a fantastic run-blocker. Now he has to prove he can be an effective all-around tackle. If he does, he could shoot up much higher.
A taller version of Kendall Wright. He won't have Robert Griffin III throwing him the ball, but Baylor will still move the chains in the defensively challenged Big 12.
28. Chicago Bears -- Cyril Richardson, OT, Baylor
Baylor has produced two first-rounders on the offensive line over the last three years -- Jason Smith and Danny Watkins -- and Richardson could be better than both of them.
29. New England Patriots -- Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
Vince Wilfork will turn 31 this season and he's already playing more defensive end and defensive tackle. The Patriots will get tougher against the run with the productive Lotulelei.
30. Philadelphia Eagles -- Eric Reid, S, LSU
The Eagles have been searching for an answer at safety since Brian Dawkins left. Reid has had some big plays at LSU, including a game-saving interception in the Tigers' regular-season win over Alabama.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers -- John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
Scouts can't help but notice the massive Jenkins when they check out Jarvis Jones. The Steelers did draft Washington nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu in the fourth round of this year's draft, but there's no guarantee they've found Casey Hampton's successor yet.
32. Green Bay Packers -- Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M
Porter had 17 tackles for a loss and 9 ½ sacks, and broke up four passes last season. He's 6-2, 235 pounds and would fit in well in the Packers' scheme. Porter will blow up at the Combine thanks to his physical prowess
stillers played a cake schedule last year and couldnt get out of the 1st round. combine that with them being one year older n slower and compare that to the eagles who went 4-0 to end the year and gel n added 2 lbs and a new dt its a fact eagles should be ahead of the steelers and only a matter of time before eagles r back in the top 5.
haha a fact? you mean the steelers defense who was number 1 in the league and the steelers offense who was the YOUNGEST in the league? please. with the oline we have now (non of which are older than 23) the steelers offense will easily be top-4 this season. if the desfense remains in the top-3... WATCH OUT
that same #1 d who let up over 300 yards to the worst passing team in the league? i dont think u realize how much the schedule had to play with the d ranking, ravens were #3, the bengals were #7, and browns #10 yup every afc north has a top 10 d apparently. have fun playing the nfc east and an improved afc west i guarentee those teams wont have that ranking next year.
yes the steelers oline has improved, but thet are still young and rookies which are going to struggle early on esp playing the eagles n the giants dlines early in the year.
ok fish... lets put all the stock into 1 PLAY in 1 game. iggles were the undefeated dream team last year no? if youre gonna put all the emphasis on the playoof game (which the eagles werent a part of) you gotta look at their losses to the seahawks, cardinals and other bad teams. if its all about strength of schedule, they couldnt even beat them, the steelers beat who they were supposed to and the eagles couldnt even do that.
as for the bulls and heat, well never know what would have happened in the playoffs. the bulls were the #1 seed so to say heat > bulls is laughable.
flyers are a good team and beat the penguins but you have no nhl knowledge so im not even gonna start on that one.
im joking about the eagles n steelers. its a new year. plus they play in week 5 so we'll have our answer
btw, remember last year around this time when every1 was saying eagles have a 1-2 year window cuz of the salary cap? well guess what, after the draft they have the most cap space in the ENTIRE NFL at over 21 mil. ya, 2 year window my ass.
i didnt realize wallace was asking to be the highest paid player in nfl history, changes things. but ur right, way too early for all this, but its gotta be on the steelers mind.
-- Edited by MFisH on Wednesday 9th of May 2012 07:59:07 PM
besides steelers dont need to pay any WR a second contract. the way they draft they can just grab the replacement pro-bowler in a later round every year and give them a rookie contract then let them walk :)
Would have battled Robert Griffin III to be No. 2 QB taken had he been in the 2012 draft. Will have very good competition to be the No. 1 QB taken in 2013. Strong, but not a huge arm; very good accuracy, poise, leadership skills and a ton of experience. Improvement each year, expanding his skill-set.
Explosive, relentless edge rusher, profiles well as a 3-4 OLB. Great first step, violent hands, extremely good burst off the snap, tackles well, closes fast. Could improve against run, but coaches there also tell me people don't realize how well he can cover.
Exceptional length, still adding refinement, but he's well past a mere "athlete" label. Very good pass rusher, able to use speed to get up the field and turn the corner. Still learning concepts after late start in football, but reads game well given lack of experience. Upside city.
Elite size, elite arm strength, and still scratching the surface as a passer. Overlooked: has very goodmechanics. Can drive the ball downfield, but displays nice touch. Accuracy and the ability to work through reads are areas of development. Working hard off the field. New O-line this year.
Lacks the frame of a 4-3 DE at next level, but could still get there, because his frame can handle it. Athleticism and rush skills are there, underrated against the run. Max-effort player, natural athlete, instinctive pass-rusher. Can he drop hips as a LB at next level? Still a lot of projection left.
Strength is pass-blocking; quick feet for his size and can ride a speed rush up the field. Must improve ability to use size and engage and drive defenders as a run-blocker. Can dominatehere if pad level improves. A lot of natural talent, but development left.
Refined, quick, crafty and productive receiver with soft hands and ability to create big plays after the catch. Gets off the line well, uses space along sidelines and in the corners of the end zone like a pro. Has a second gear to beat defenders deep.
Exceptional cover skills, with instincts and ability of a ballhawk. Size and speed to match up with any receiver, but plays with a sense of when to jump from routes and dive into passing lanes. Led nation in INTs last year. Very competitive kid.
Demands a double-team, clogging up the middle of the field. A great sense for how to disrupt the run game, with power to bull rush and penetrate. Explodes off the ball, with great upper body strength.
Would have been second interior linebacker taken in 2012 draft after Luke Kuechly. Developed in 2011, showing blitzing skills. Big, strong tackling presence in the middle of the field. Reads plays well and gets through traffic.
Gets off the line with an explosive first step; just moves tremendously well for his size. Drives opposing blockers into the backfield. Size of a nose tackle, but agile enough to be moved around. Very disruptive force on the line.
Will get the Jake Long comparisons all year in Ann Arbor. Elite length and athleticism for the position, profiles as a left tackle. Long arms, able to move with and swat away speed rushers. Underrated power as a run-blocker given his frame.
A deft passer, he calibrates his throws well, not over-throwing. Maybe the best passer in the class right now in terms of his ability to stare down pressure and deliver passes on time, and in stride. Could challenge the top of the board.
Sound and instinctive zone corner, he attacks what he sees really well. Lacks elite size, but takes on bigger players and tackles well. Really good blitzer. Needs work on his man game, but very competitive. Great ball skills.
Controls the line of scrimmage, not overly explosive, but uses his hands well to clear blocks and was constantly in the backfield. A better fit in a 4-3. Big question: can he stay consistent? Good athlete -- can dunk a basketball.
A starter at left tackle since he landed in College Station, Joeckel specializes in pass protection and doesn't get rattled by quickness or secondary moves. Not an elite athlete, he's a good technician and could rise on the board.
Great length and frame, with very good pass-rushing skills. Has grown into frame; now has solid 4-3 DE size. Experience shows; reads the play well, knowing when to go wide or come inside against the run. Could be in line for a huge year.
Would have been a great safety, too. Strong hands, catches the ball with ease. Sets up defenders, sees the field well, settling in creases against zones. Not a total burner, but can sell short routes and break deep. Great run-after-catch skills.
Will be watched closely as he comes back from an ACL injury. Should be full speed by the time the season gets going. Explosive, tighly-packed player who packs a punch but moves better than a player his size should. Elite if healthy.
Don't be fooled by the lack of interceptions -- you can't pick off passes when QBs consistently throw away from you. A starter since his freshman season, Rhodes has elite size, handles deep routes well, and can hang with smaller WRs. Solid prospect.
Big, bruising back who follows blocks well and will run over tacklers. Split carries the last two seasons, but might carry a bigger load in 2012. Not a burner, but has quick feet and can get wide where he won't run out of bounds. Finishes forward.
A very good man corner, he's excellent in his backpedal and turns well. Plenty of speed to stay with speedy WRs, has length to battle up high. A little slight, not considered physical, but tape shows he challenged line of scrimmage, piled up tackles for loss.
Still light for a defensive end prospect, Lemonier could probably add some muscle to his frame without giving away too much speed. He thrives on quickness, with great burst off the snap and a few counters. A natural pass-rusher, he'll be one to watch.
Good combination of size and quickness, with good skills as a pass blocker, but looking to improve as a run-blocker, where he can play a little high. Will need to continue to develop.
The blocking tight end is a bit of a misnomer in the NFL -- there just aren't that many, and coaches aren't looking. Eifert is the new class; a former WR, he catches the ball with ease and can split out and create size mismatches and stretch the seams. Top TE in the class.
funny how kiper has tyler wilson at #13 but the si.com guy had him #1 in his mock draft.
nick robert woods would be a good pick up for the steelers next year since there gonna lose at least 1 of their wrs next year and most likly will have a top 10 pick...mark it down!
wallace is a goner. he is asking for too much money n the steelers rnt gonna be able to hold him to a restricted tag again at 2mil. eventually restructing all these contracts is gonna catch up to them and there gonna have to let go of ppl.
ppl dont realize that a big reason wallace asked for so much money was because he WANTED TO STAY WITH THE STEELERS and throwing out a contract like fitz is a win/win for him
ppl dont realize that a big reason wallace asked for so much money was because he WANTED TO STAY WITH THE STEELERS and throwing out a contract like fitz is a win/win for him
u honestly believe this? all players want the most amount of money they can get regardless of the team. if he wanted to stay with the steeler so bad do u care to explain why he hasnt signed their contract tender they put on him back in march? oh ya, and what about the report that he might hold out? must be dieing to play for the steelers he's even willing to miss time with them! give me a break haha
no steeler in the top 20 yet. i would be surprised if brown made the top 70, ahead of guys like desean jackson, jordy nelson and hakeem nicks who have already been named.
josh, i would be very surprised if osi was on there.
-- Edited by MFisH on Thursday 10th of May 2012 07:49:50 PM
joe flacco was #74 on the NFL top-100. 10 QBs raking above him. but i thought he was the best QB in the league? lets see if we can name them all
For sure: Ben Brady Brees Rogers Newton Eli Stafford Rivers
Last 2 spots Ryan//Manning/schaub/romo/vick/Dalton/gabbert???
id say ryan romo and vick are def above him and maybe gabbert. and thats not even taking manning into consideration. which two will it be?
- gabbert wouldnt make the top 100 QB's let alone the top 100 players.
- id be stunned if dalton was ranked that high so lets cross him off
- romo was ranked in the 90's so its not him.
- shaub was hurt last year so i doubt he makes it
that leaves vick, ryan and manning. i think manning is a lock so theres 1. my guess would be vick, even tho he was hurt most of last year the players still love him n respect him so i think he makes the list