It has been 2 months since the final whistle was blown, and every football fan knows when April rolls around, it is time for the NFL Draft. This year's draft class is a spectacular group of athletes, led by quarterback Andrew Luck. Many have compared Andrew Luck to players such as John Elway or Peyton Manning. The Draft is always interesting, and The NFL Report has you covered on each and every first round pick.
4.
Cleveland Brown: RB Trent Richardson: Due to the departure of running back Peyton Hillis, there is a large hole that needs to be filled in
Cleveland. Many top-notch players are still on the board, and the one best for the job is running back Trent Richardson. While at
Alabama,
Richardson rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 2 National Championships. At the combine (though battling injury),
Richardson ran the 40 yard dash in 4.45 seconds. The
Alabama alum may be short, but he sure knows how to make big plays. His intelligence, speed and upper body strength should earn him the number four spot in the draft.
7.
Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Quinton Coples: Now that Morris Claiborne has been taken, it appears as if the next player
Jacksonville wishes to take will be DE Quinton Coples. Size is not a problem for Coples, who weighs in at 6'6, 280 pounds. However, Coples is one of the more inconsistent players in this years draft, and is also not the best when it comes to pass rush. His defense against the run is top notch, but I would suggest
Jacksonville trade down or select someone like DE Melvin Ingram (if Melvin Ingram was just 3 or 4 inches taller, he would be selected closer to 5th overall). Coples is still a great choice, and would be a great fit for
Jacksonville.
14.
Dallas Cowboys: S Mark Barron: Besides a reliable quarterback, the main thing
Dallas is missing is an elite secondary. The secondary has made slight improvements since 2010, but they have yet to shut down the opposing team's passing game. In this year's draft class, there is no better safety then Mark Barron of
Alabama. Not only did he win the BCS National Championship last season, but the All-American was a part of one of the nation's top defenses. If they wish to top
New York in the NFC East, the Cowboys will need to add a star safety to their roster.
15.
Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe: Before the combine, Dontari Poe was projected to be taken in the mid-to-late second round. At
Memphis, Poe had just 22 tackles with one sack, not the type of statistics you'd see from a first round draft pick. However, when the combine rolled around, Poe was absolutely tremendous. The defensive tackle ran the 40 yard dash in 4.87 seconds, and benched pressed 225 pounds 44 times! Both numbers are absolutely eye-popping, and in less then a week, Poe was predicted to be drafted with a top 10 pick. However, many scouts have begun watching film of Poe, and do not like what they see. Drafting Poe in the top 10 is a gutsy move, but many teams will be willing to take the risk. Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles for one need some work on the defensive side of the ball, which is why I believe they will be willing to take Dontari Poe with the 15th pick in the draft.
16.
New York Jets: WR Michael Floyd: Last season was somewhat of a disappointment for
New York, for they were unable to make the playoffs. Mark Sanchez has yet to play like an elite quarterback, and it is unlikely he improves dramatically enough to make a Pro Bowl team. However, if the Jets were to draft wide receiver Michael Floyd of Notre Dame, Santonio Holmes would no longer be the only deep threat in
New York. While playing for the Fighting Irish, Floyd had 1147 receiving yards with 9 touchdowns in 2011. Floyd has spectacular speed, along with the ability to make circus catches. Though the Jets are having trouble choosing a number one quarterback, they shouldn't have any problems incorporating Floyd into their offense.
17.
Cincinnati Bengals: OT Jonathan Martin: As of now, I believe the Bengals are the number one sleeper team in the NFL. Since the beginning of free agency, the Bengals of Cincinnati have quietly signed several players who can help their Super Bowl chances. Even though the Bengals offense will be without Cedric Benson, they quickly signed free agent Benjarvus Green-Ellis, one of the most (if not THE most) reliable running backs in the league. If they wish for Green-Ellis to succeed in Cincy, the best pick at 17 will be tackle Jonathan Martin. Martin did a spectacular job protecting Andrew Luck, and even earned a spot on the first team All-Pac-12 roster. At 6'5, 312 pounds, the Stanford tackle exemplified great speed for someone his size, and he should do a great job protecting sophomore-quarterback Andy Dalton.
18.
San Diego Chargers: DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus: Last season, just ONE player on the San Diego Chargers picked up more then 4 sacks. There are several improvements that need to take place if they wish to dethrone
Denver in the AFC West. The best option with the 18th pick in the draft is linebacker-defensive end Whitney Mercilus. Mercilus led the nation in sacks (16) and forced fumbles (9) last season while playing for
Illinois. Not only did the Chargers have trouble sacking the opposing team's quarterback, they also ranked dead last in forced fumbles. There is a lot of tension in
San Diego, for if they were to miss out on the playoffs for a third straight year, there is no question Norv Turner would get the boot. Mercilus would be a great addition to this struggling pass rush, and should be able to improve the Charger's playoff chances.
19.
Chicago Bears: G Cordy Glenn: In 2010, no offensive line was worse then that of
Chicago. Though the Bears allowed 7 fewer sacks last season, they are in need of some major changes. With the 19th pick in the draft, the Bears should select
Georgia guard Cordy Glenn. Glenn is incredibly agile for someone his size, which makes him even more lethal. Just because he is fast does not mean he is not strong. In fact, Glenn has long, powerful arms that allow him to block the defender with ease. Glenn is also a great run blocker and, lucky for
Chicago, would be able to protect running backs Matt Forte and Michael Bush. Just two years ago, the Bears made it to the NFC Championship game, and if they wish for this to happen again, they need to start off by drafting Cordy Glenn.
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| Whitney Mercilus |
20.
Tennessee Titans: CB Dre Kirkpatrick: With the departure of cornerback Cortland Finnegan in free agency, the Titans are now left without a shut down corner. Many experts believe they will try and go after a corner in the first round, and the one best for
Tennessee is Dre Kirkpatrick of
Alabama. Kirkpatrick is a great man-to-man corner, and does not get beaten on jump balls. He has trouble defending large wide receivers, which could create some problems in the NFL, but his athleticism and speed makes up for it. Stephon Gilmore is another great pick, and either way both corners would do a great job of replacing Cortland Finnegan.
21.
Cincinnati Bengals: CB Stephon Gilmore: The cornerback situation in
Cincinnati is a mess. DB Leon Hall is coming off of an achilles rupture, and there is no guarantee he can play to his full potential next season. The Bengals will also need to find a long term replacement for Jonathan Joseph. Even though Kirkpatrick is no longer on the board, Stephon Gilmore is a great alternative. Gilmore is just 6'1, but has great athleticism. Though he specializes in the zone defense, Gilmore has the potential to be a great man to man defender as well. The Bengals defensive unit was surprisingly reliable last year, and if they can add a great cornerback to their squad, they may be able to make a deep playoff run.
22.
Cleveland Browns: WR Kendall Wright: Last season, the Cleveland Browns played spectacular on the defensive side of the ball. However, offense was a different story. The Browns ranked 27th in passing touchdowns per game, mainly due to the struggle of quarterback Colt McCoy. If the Browns could start off by giving McCoy a weapon at wide receiver, they could give the Steelers and Ravens a run for their money. The best wide receiver remaining is Kendall Wright of
Baylor University. Alongside quarterback RGIII, Wright caught for 1,663 yards and 14 touchdowns. By the end of his career, Kendall Wright owned 10 Baylor receiving records. His size is a problem, and he will have to rely a lot on his explosiveness if he wishes to make big plays. After drafting Trent Richardson, the Cleveland Browns should be happy with yet another great offensive weapon.
23.
Detroit Lions: OT Mike Adams: Since 2008, no team has turned their franchise around better then the Lions of Detroit. Their turn around began after drafting quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first pick. The Lions offense ranked 5th overall in total offense, the main contributor for their success. If they wish to strengthen their offense, the best pick at 23 is OT Mike Adams. The offensive tackle has extraordinary technique with an exceptional build (6'8 320 pounds). The Lions are in need of someone who can protect Stafford, and if Adams were to succeed in
Detroit, the Lions could make it all the way to
New Orleans in 2013.
24.
Pittsburgh Steelers: ILB Dont'a Hightower: Historically, the Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their defense. However, last year's defense looked relatively old, where the average starter was 29 years old. After the release of inside linebacker James Farrior, Dont'a Hightower would be a great new addition to the Steelers defense. At the combine, Hightower was checked in at 6'3, 265 pounds, a reasonable build for any inside linebacker. Hightower is extraordinary when it comes to defending the run, for he is extremely versatile. Even though he was clocked at 4.68 in the 40 yard dash, his speed does not always show on the field. If the Steelers wish to make it past the 1st round in the playoffs, drafting Dont'a Hightower and adding more youth to the roster is a nice first step.
25.
Denver Broncos: DT Michael Brockers: After making what may be the biggest signing of 2012 (Peyton Manning), the Denver Broncos should enter this year's draft with more confidence. One thing they need to be worried about is opponents rushing the bull in order to keep Manning off the field. The best solution would be drafting defensive tackle Michael Brockers. Many have Brockers being taken earlier in the draft (which just might be true), but I believe Brockers will find his way untaken once it is time for
Denver to make their pick. Brockers is the ideal defensive tackle; large, quick, and athletic. The LSU alum gets a great jump on the ball, along with tremendous lateral agility. If Brockers can defend the run like he did in college, the Denver Broncos will find themselves competing for the NFL title.
26.
Houston Texans: WR Stephen Hill: The Houston Texans have made it clear they wish to draft a wide receiver come April 26. With the 26th pick in the draft, the best wide receiver still on the board is Stephen Hill of
Georgia Tech. Can you imagine the WR duo of Andre Johnson and 6'4-215-pound wide receiver Stephen Hill? Hill is everything you need in a wide receiver, and resembles All-Pro Calvin Johnson in certain respects. Hill has the capability of making big plays, but from time to time will drop the easy pass. He will need to work on his consistency, and, if he succeeds, could make a few Pro Bowl teams later on in his career. For the first time in franchise history, the Texans managed to win the AFC South last season, and adding Stephen Hill would ensure a back to back division title.
27.
New England Patriots: DE/OLB Nick Perry: For the second time in four years, the New England Patriots made it back to the Super Bowl, just to lose it all against the Giants.
New England's pass rush is mediocre, something they need to work on in this year's draft. The best defensive end they can select with the 27th pick is Nick Perry. As a junior in 2011, Perry totaled 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles. Had he stayed for his senior year, Perry would be a top 10 pick in the 2013 draft. The USC defender is a great pass rusher, with exceptional size and speed. Perry would fit well into the Patriots defensive scheme, and might be able to lead them back to the championship game in
New Orleans next season.
28.
Green Bay Packers: OLB Shea McClellin: The Green Bay Packers' defense was somewhat of a disappointment last season. Instead of ranking as one of the league's best defenses like in 2010, the Packers ranked dead last in passing yards allowed, receiving yards allowed, and total yards allowed. However, if they were to draft OLB Shea McClellin who can put more pressure on the opposing team's quarterback, these numbers would gradually decrease. McClellin is a spectacular pass rusher, and would play great alongside Pro-Bowl linebacker Clay Mathews. It is rare that McClellin gives up on a play, and if his motivation can over into the NFL, he could make a few Pro-Bowl team's himself.
29.
Baltimore Ravens: C Peter Konz: Ever since the Ravens missed a game winning field goal in the AFC Championship game, things have not gone well.
Baltimore has been unsuccessful in signing star running back Ray Rice. Even though Rice will likely be in a Ravens uniform come September, the Ravens are DEFINITELY without guard Ben Grubbs. They are at a loss right now, and the best way to fill void would be drafting center Peter Konz.
Baltimore still has their starting center in Matt Birk, but Konz would be a great replacement as soon as his career with the Ravens ends. Konz clearly possess the size necessary to do well in the NFL (6'5, 315 pounds), and has few problems with his game. He is a smart player, and as soon as he gets his hands on a defender, it is difficult for them to escape.
Baltimore will look to win their first Super Bowl since 2000, and upgrading their offense may improve their chances.
30.
San Francisco 49ers: TE Coby Fleener: The major headline from 2011 is the extraordinary turnaround of
San Francisco. Ever since the 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh as head coach, there is a new energy in San Fran. Harbaugh is a big fan of having two tight ends, which is why Coby Fleener would be a great pick in the 1st round. Ironically, Fleener played for
Stanford University, and was a reliable weapon for Andrew Luck (667 yards, 10 touchdowns). Fleener has an impressive build at 6'6, 247 pounds, but also possesses moderate speed. Like most tight ends, his size allows him to have a large catch radius, one of the biggest in this year's class. The tight end position is the most important role in any team's offense behind QB, and Fleener could be key in the 49ers success come playoff time.
31.
New England Patriots: CB Janoris Jenkins: Though I doubt the Patriots will keep hold of this pick instead of trading it away, Janoris Jenkins would be a spectacular new addition to such a struggling pass defense. The Patriots secondary was the 31st ranked defense when it came to passing yards allowed, only ahead of
Green Bay. Enter Janoris Jenkins. He may be small at 5'10, but his other attributes make up for it. Jenkins faired well against some of the nation's top receivers such as AJ Green and Julio Jones, noted to play bigger than his size. He may have had trouble with the law in the past, but Bill Belichick is always willing to take on a challenge. The sooner the Patriots can strengthen their secondary, the sooner they win their 4th Super Bowl.
32.
New York Giants: RB Doug Martin: As the defending champions start off their season, their have not been any major changes. However, the one loss that could affect
New York is the departure of free agent running back Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs' role in the offense was as a power back who could gain the extra two or three yards. Number one running back Trent Richardson may be off the board, but the Giants could select Doug Martin of
Boise State. Martin may not have the same explosiveness as David Wilson, but overall, Martin is a better running back. His consistency and work ethic are both tremendous, and possesses the intangibles needed to be a top running back. He's not the same power back as Brandon Jacobs per say, but Martin never gives up on the play, always trying to earn the extra yard.
2. St. Louis Rams: OT Jake Matthews: The offensive line is not a major problem for the St. Louis Rams, and I would think that the Rams will trade this pick away seeing that they will likely stick with quarterback Sam Bradford, therefore are in no need of drafting a quarterback. If they were to keep this pick, an improved offensive line would be a good idea in order to protect the healing quarterback.
6. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Khalil Mack: Khalil Mack is coming out of a small school, where he recorded 10.5 sacks with 100 combined tackles in 2013. His most important accomplishment in 2013 was the 9 tackles with 2.5 sacks in the season opener against Ohio State. The Atlanta Falcons ranked 29th in the league in defensive sacks, so a skilled pass rusher is an absolute must for the Falcons.
