Here at Orange, Brown, and Down, we see through the hype. And we don't just follow the pack (Mel Kiper, Jr., Mike Mayock, Todd McShay, etc.). In formulating our mock draft, we focus on the team's needs, its current roster and free agents, its offensive or defensive scheme, coaching philosophy, and recent draft history in making our picks. And we don't try to envision trade scenarios - that's impossible.
This year, there are 8 defensive ends with first round grades and 3 to 4 defensive tackles. Even though up to 12 defensive lineman have first round grades, we don't see 12 teams with enough need at those positions for them all to go in round one. Instead (and lucky for the Browns) some of those first round defensive linemen are going to slip into the top of round 2. This year there are a lot of teams with quarterback needs, but not many premier QB's to meet the demand. Many playoff teams are aging at left tackle, so we envision a run on the top 5 tackles in bottom of round one.
At the beginning of the draft season, defense ruled the top of the player rankings - and in the end, nothing changes. This is a special defensive class and no overrated QB's are going to change that. So without further ado....
Round 1
1. Carolina Panthers (2-14): MARCELL DAREUS - DT, Alabama. 6'3" - 319 pds., 4.93 - 40 yard dash.
The team decision-maker in the spotlight is recently outspoken owner Jerry Richardson. Word is that he is not sold on Cam Newton, but he will defer to the personnel people. Not what you want to hear your owner say about your potential number one pick. The top pass rushers, Da'Quan Bowers and Robert Quinn suddenly don't seem like top 5 picks anymore. Early mocks had Bowers or Fairley here, and Carolina really needs defensive line help. The number one pick is such a hard spot to be in because the player chosen rarely lives up to the expectations. The safest picks would be Dareus, LB Von Miller, CB Patrick Peterson, or WR A.J. Green. The general consensus around the league is that neither QB Newton or Gabbert are really worthy of top 5 status, but there are too many teams in need at the position to pass them up. I just don't buy that a team who last year spent a 2nd round pick on QB Jimmy Clausen is going to come back the next year and take a QB (who very well may not be any better than Clausen) number one overall. The explosive and hard-working Dareus finally provides some impact on the defensive line and puts the Panther "D" back on the map. Don't forget Ron Rivera, the new head coach, is a former defensive coordinator. Watch Dareus move in his combine drills. He weighs 20 pounds more than Nick Fairley but is way faster and more explosive looking. Dareus is even versatile and fast enough to play DE in spots as well, making him even more valuable.
2. Denver (4-12): VON MILLER - OLB, Texas A&M. 6'3" - 246 pds., 4.42 - 40 yard dash.
News about new team executive John Elway scouting the top QB's is just an attempt to bait a team into trading up. New head coach John Fox is going to pound the table for a stud defensive player, no doubt. He wanted Dareus, but he's gone - and for good reason. With concerns mounting about DT Nick Fairley's work ethic (it shows up on tape), he is not as attractive here as once thought. The Broncos have designated Elvis Dumervil as a solid DE and also will likely use Robert Ayers as a DE as well. Plugging Fairley in would be nice, but the #2 pick may be too high for a guy with effort concerns. Instead, Fox gets the best outside linebacker in the draft in Miller. Miller is also as safe a pick as exists in this year's draft. Fox prefers speed from his linebackers, and Miller has better 40 yard dash speed than most receivers. Fox will rely on the same blue print in Denver as he used in Carolina - stout 4-3 defense will carry the team.
3. Buffalo (4-12): PATRICK PETERSON - CB, LSU. 6'0" - 219 pds., 4.31 - 40 yard dash.
Don't buy all the talk about the Bills taking a QB here. Ryan Fitzpatrick had a better year as a starter than any other team's quarterback picking in the top 5 this year. Head Coach Chan Gailey is known as a QB guru, but he was noticeably absent from the top QB's workouts this year. The Bills, like the Browns, play in a tough division. They face Tom Brady twice a year and deal with receivers like Santonio Holmes, Wes Welker, Braylon Edwards, and Brandon Marshall. CB Drayton Florence and SS Donte Whitner are still free agents. Combine all this with the fact that Patrick Peterson may just be the best talent in the draft. By all rights, he should never get to the #3 slot most years. He is big, fast, and consistent. He provides electric return ability to ice the cake.
4. Cincinnati (4-12): A.J. GREEN - WR, Georgia. 6'4" - 211 pds., 4.48 - 40 yard dash.
Nope. No QB here either. I know, I know - Carson Palmer is not coming back. But everyone talking about a QB going here forgets one thing - the Bengals new offensive coordinator. That's right, Jay Gruden is a west-coast offense disciple. Let's see, how well do Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert project into a short, accuracy based passing offense? Like Shaquille O'Neal in a speedo, that's how. Some project Gabbert to fit, but his completion percentage doesn't hold up. The best west coast QB's in this draft are 2nd rounders like Ryan Mallett of Arkansas, Christian Ponder of Florida State, or Andy Dalton of TCU. The Bengals take the big time player in Green and get their QB at the top of round 2. The Bengals don't want to expose a rookie QB to the likes of Chad Ochocinco so in this draft, they get their new number one WR and wait until round 2 for the QB of the future in Gruden's west coast system.
5. Arizona (5-11): BLAINE GABBERT - QB, Missouri. 6'4" - 234 pds, 4.61 - 40 yard dash.
Prognosticators have been placing Von Miller here for months. All apologies, but OLB was not the problem in Arizona last year. As Browns fans, we personally know the depth of Cardinals fans misery regarding their QB situation. They started Derek Anderson, for goodness sake. They quickly realized what Mike Holmgren figured out last year, nice arm but not much else. That leaves them with John Skelton, a 5th round pick from Fordham on the roster. Arizona could be a major player in the eventual trade talks for either Carson Palmer or Kevin Kolb at some point, but at least 4 to 5 other teams will be as well. Given that none of this will play out before the draft, and Arizona doesn't have a lot of trade bait besides next year's draft picks, they can't pass on a QB here. The only team with a more dire QB situation in the top 5 is Cincy - but they can easily get their west coast QB at the top of round 2. This team has Larry Fitzgerald and Beanie Wells - they need a QB now.
6. Cleveland (5-11): JULIO JONES - WR, Alabama. 6'3" - 220 pds., 4.34 - 40 yard dash.
Now the Browns are fielding calls to trade down with Cam Newton still on the board. If Newton and Gabbert go in the top 5 picks, a true gem will fall to the Browns. However, the best players go off the board first in this scenario, so the Browns are left to choose from DE's Robert Quinn and Da'Quan Bowers, CB Prince Amukamara, WR Julio Jones, or DT Nick Fairley. The battle is on between Dick Jauron wanting a pass-rushing DE and Holmgren and Schurmer wanting a WR. Both are huge needs. The team has no true 4-3 defensive ends on the roster right now. I think they would pull the trigger on either Bowers or Quinn, except both have eventually been proven risky this draft season. Quinn sat out all of last season for NCAA violations and looked rusty in his workouts. Bowers is a one year wonder with questionable durability and his 40 yard dash time was slower than expected, even with the injury. So I think the Browns go the safe route and take Julio Jones. Holmgren's expertise, and his recent head coach hire, are all about offense. If the defense underachieves for a year or two, the critics will cut him some slack. But if the offense under Holmgren, his QB McCoy, and his hand-picked head coach/offensive coordinator falters at the bottom of the league again, all bets are off. Jones doesn't have the natural soft hands of A.J. Green, but he is bigger, faster, and a more willing blocker in the run game. His ONLY knock is that he sometimes drops catchable balls. Let's be clear, Jones isn't going to drop balls like Braylon Edwards did (or Robert Royal for that matter). Imagine the 6'3", 220 pound Jones catching drags and quick slants from McCoy next year. No CB is going to be able to knock him off his route at the line, and no LB or Safety is going to be able to stay with him. Plus, he'll crack block a LB without hesitation, which Peyton Hillis will appreciate. The Browns will spend almost the rest of the draft gathering defensive players, however, this one is Holmgren's pick.
7. San Francisco (6-10): NICK FAIRLEY - DT, Auburn. 6'4", 291 pds., 4.84 - 40 yard dash.
The 49er's could really use a QB, but they can't justify taking the one-year wonder Cam Newton at #7. Aside from his lack of consistent production over a number of years, Newton has major character concerns and many question whether he will be the type of leader that has the "first one in, last one out" work ethic. The work ethic question often follows QB's that possess great athletic talent, such as Vince Young, Terrel Pryor, and now Cam Newton. Guys that talented sometimes get used to relying on their athleticism and don't study or work as much as they should. Their next biggest need is defensive tackle, and at number 7 - Fairley is a steal. Once thought to be the lock at number one, Fairley slides because his game tape shows him taking plays off on occassion, and when he worked out next to Marcell Dareus at the combine, there was a noticeable difference in agility. However, Fairley is still a legit top 10 player in this draft. Sliding out of the top 5 may even motivate Fairely to develop a chip on his shoulder - all the better for San Francisco.
8. Tennessee (6-10): PRINCE AMUKAMARA - CB, Nebraska. 6'0" - 206 pds., 4.43 - 40 yard dash.
Tennessee could use a QB as well, but why bring in a guy like Newton when he is almost a clone of the QB you supposedley don't want anymore in Vince Young? Tennessee also wanted Fairley to fall in their laps and will strongly consider DE Robert Quinn before taking the second best cornerback in the draft, who most years would be the best at his position, if not for the freakish Peterson. He fills a team need and is a lot like Joe Haden, a solid cover man and not afraid to tackle. He has good size and great speed.
9. Dallas (6-10): ANTHONY CASTONZO - OT, Boston College. 6'7", 311 pds., 5.21 - 40 yard dash, 28 reps on bench press.
This pick comes down to choosing between the best DE or the best OT in the draft, a pretty good position to be in for the Cowboys at #9, considering both are the highest team needs and they have their pick of the best at each position. USC's Tyron Smith may have the most potential, but he isn't yet a true left tackle. Castonzo is ready now. Tony Romo needs more protection as Dallas has the weapons on offense to be elite if he has time to throw.
10. Washington (6-10): TYRON SMITH - OT, USC. 6'5", 307 pds., 5.08 - 40 yard dash, 29 reps on bench press.
Washington wanted one of the top 2 receivers or Gabbert - but miss out at #10. Shanahan doesn't want anything to do with the undisciplined Cam Newton after benching veteran Donovan McNabb for the same reason. 2nd tier QB's like Ponder, Locker, or Dalton may be in play in round 2, but for now they take the guy who will protect the blindside for the next 10 years - whomever the QB ends up being. Smith played right tackle at USC but is easily athletic enought to transition to the left side. He may have a 4 to 6 game transition period where he finds his footing in the switch, but his long-term potential is too high to pass up. Veteran Chris Samuels is done.
11. Houston (6-10): ROBERT QUINN - DE, North Carolina. 6'4", 265 pds., 4.62 - 40 yard dash.
Do you know who the Texans have at outside lineback opposite of Brian Cushing? Zac Diles, that's who. Know how many sacks he had last year? ZERO. Wade Phillips is the new defensive coordinator in Houston and he gets Quinn, the best 3-4 OLB prospect in the draft. Not a bad start, and getting him at #11 is a coup. Quinn will need some time and some coaching, but he'll get both under Phillips and eventually be elite. The Texans' offense isn't too bad, they just need some pass rush to make Peyton Manning a little uneasy in the pocket.
12. Minnesota (6-10): CAM NEWTON - QB, Auburn. 6'5", 248 pds., 4.56 - 40 yard dash.
New offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave has talked about streamlining his team's offense to make it simple and to allow the players to play fast. Sounds like the perfect system for Cam Newton. The Vikings need a QB to develop for the future, as they are starting over at the position. They may snag a veteran who has experience with Musgrave's system in order to mentor the rookie and give Cam time to ease into the starting role. That would be a formula for success and give Newton the greatest chance to reach his potential and succeed. Minnesota has the best running back in the game and will likely hold onto their top receivers, giving Cam all he needs to develop into a winner in the NFL.
13. Detroit (6-10): MIKE POUNCEY - OG/C, Florida. 6'5", 303 pds., 5.12 - 40 yard dash.
The problem for the Lions at #13 is that their greatest team needs don't quite match up with their draft slot. They desperately need a CB, but the next tier of them are too much of a reach at this spot. Pouncey is still a slight reach at this spot too, but the Lions must keep Matthew Stafford upright this year after he missed most of last season with injury. Pouncey is not considered quite as good as his brother, which means he may not make the pro bowl as a rookie, but he'll start at guard right away and can play any spot on the interior offensive line. He helps protect Stafford, boosts the running of recent first round pick Jahvid Best, and by year two will be one of the best in the league. This pick is a must for a team waiting on their franchise QB to reach his full potential.
14. St. Louis (7-9): COREY LIUGET - DT, Illinois. 6'2", 298 pds., 4.97 - 40 yard dash, 27 reps on bench.
The Rams miss out on other team needs like WR and OG when Green, Jones, and Pouncey go off the board. They really need a starter at DT though, and luckily Liuget is waiting for them. Coach Spagnuolo is a defensive guy and that unit gets his attention as they rated near the bottom of the league in sacks and passing yards allowed. A guy like Liuget requires attention, freeing up Chris Long on the outside. Another option here is a pass rushing DE, as there are several 2nd tier guys waiting here. But DT has been a revolving door of JAGs (Just Another Guy) for this team.
15. Miami (7-9): MARK INGRAM - RB, Alabama. 5'9", 215 pds., 4.59 - 40 yard dash, 21 reps bench press.
Miami's biggest need is RB with veterans Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both set to become free agents whenever the labor situation is settled. They'll stick with Henne at QB for now and go hard after one of the veterans sure to hit the trade market. They'll look for interior OL and secondary help in the next few rounds. For now, they get a prototypical NFL running back who can grind and play through minor injuries. He'll continue the Dolphin identity of tough running between the tackles. This one makes too much sense not to happen....then again, they did draft Ted Ginn, Jr. in the top 10.
16. Jacksonville (8-8): DA'QUAN BOWERS - DE, Clemson. 6'3", 280 pds., 4.75 - 40 yard dash, 22 reps on bench.
Jack Del Rio is lucky to still have his job, and he knows another non-playoff finish for his team will seal his fate. That's why he talks GM Gene Smith into taking the riskiest, yet highest rated talent on the board (hey, Gene Smith took Tyson Alualu at #10 last year, so its possible). Rumors are flying around Bowers' knee, which only adds to his one-year wonder uncertainty. But at #16, he is less of a gamble than in the top 10 and could pay off hugely for Del Rio. He's got nothing to lose.
17. New England - from Oakland (8-8): J.J. WATT - DE, Wisconsin. 6'5", 290 pds., 4.81 - 40 yard dash, 34 reps on bench.
This one could boil down to two Badgers - Watt or OT Gabe Carimi. The Patriots could use the help at either position. DE Cameron Jordan may be in play too, but Belichick likes his cold-weather big men in New England. Watt is the highest guy on the board at this point and is just a Belichick kind of player, blue-collar, hard working and tough. He'll hold down the DE spot in the 3-4 (known as the 5 technique) and will stand up and rush the passer on occassion. The rich get richer.
18. San Diego (9-7): MUHAMMAD WILKERSON - DE, Temple. 6'4", 315 pds., 4.96 - 40 yard dash, 27 reps on bench.
The Chargers need a 3-4 DE and Wilkerson fits the bill. He's got the size of a DT and is as quick as smaller DE Cameron Heyward. He is a late riser on many draft boards and will be at a premium for teams running the 3-4 scheme. None of the Chargers other team needs fit here. They could also consider a DE/OLB hybrid like Cam Jordan, Adrian Clayborn, Ryan Kerrigan, or Aldon Smith, but that need is not as dire as a 3-4 DE, which is hard to come by in the draft.
19. New York Giants (10-6): NATE SOLDER - OT, Colorado. 6'8", 319 pds., 4.96 - 40 yard dash, 21 reps on bench.
The pick comes down to a choice between OT Carimi of Wisconsin, or Solder. The only drawback with Carimi is he played right tackle in college and at this point is more of a run blocker, though many scouts believe he can develop into a starting left tackle in a year or two. Solder is more agile and ready to protect Eli Manning's blind side from day one. Coughlin doesn't have time on his side to wait on a guy like Carimi, as he is on the hot seat after a late season meltdown last year. The Giants can finally move David Diehl inside where he belongs and the whole line is strengthened as a result.
20. Tampa Bay (10-6): CAMERON JORDAN - DE, California. 6'4", 287 pds., 4.74 - 40 yard dash, 25 reps on bench.
Jordan finally comes off the board and is a huge value for Tampa Bay, a team with pretty solid drafts the last few years. The defense needs help: their sack leader last year only had 4.5 sacks and they ranked 28th overall in rushing defense. The team has used hybrid 3-4 fronts at times in passing situations and Jordon could be a real asset in those instances. Jordan is a bit too stiff to be a true 3-4 OLB, so in Tampa he gets to be a true 4-3 DE with flashes of 3-4 outside rusher thrown in. A good fit for Jordan and the team.
21. Kansas City (10-6): RYAN KERRIGAN - DE/OLB, Purdue. 6'4", 267 pds., 4.67 - 40 yard dash, 31 reps on bench.
The Chiefs need a pass rusher opposite standout Tamba Hali. Mike Vrable is past his prime and gave little in production last year, serving more as a mentor and teacher in the team's transition to Romeo's 3-4. If Pioli is wise, he'll take the fastest hybrid DE/OLB left on the board. Kerrigan has excellent speed and strength. The team needs more speed overall, and Kerrigan is a good start.
22. Indianapolis (10-6) GABE CARIMI - OT, Wisconsin. 6'7", 314 pds., 5.18 - 40 yard dash, 29 reps on bench.
The Colts passed on OT Roger Saffold at the end of the first round last year and they have regretted it ever since. They will not allow a first round talent at OT to get by them this year. Carimi's transition to the left side will be helped by Manning's tutoring, his quick release, and his pre-snap reads. Carimi is an excellent run blocker already, with the potential to become an above average pass blocker with time and experience. The team's championship window is closing and they need to get Manning as much help as possible.
23. Philadelphia (10-6): DEREK SHERROD - OT, Mississippi State. 6'5", 321 pds., 5.18 - 40 yard dash, 23 reps on bench.
In Philly , they need a starting cornerback or a starting left tackle. The next group of CB's, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Harris, and Aaron Williams are all a bit of a reach at #23. Smith has severe character issues, Harris is generously listed at 5'10" and is overrated, and Wiliams is so slow he might have to play safety. Even though the top 4 tackles are off the board, we give them Sherrod because he might be as good as anybody at OLT. He plays a bit high at times and doesn't have the mean streak you want in run blocking, but he was a 3 year starter at left tackle in college and has all the measurables and athleticism of the top rated tackles in this year's class. All he needs is some coaching on his technique and he'll be fine. The Eagles gave up 50 sacks last year, even with the elusive Michael Vick at QB. Vick gets more time (no pun intended) and the Eagles offense might be able to hang with the Packers next year.
24. New Orleans (11-5): CAMERON HEYWARD - DE, The Ohio State University. 6'5", 294 pds., 4.95 - 40 yard dash.
The Saints let Charles Grant and Scott Fujita walk last season and the loss was obvious. Injuries also slowed the defense. The Saints put Heyward opposite buckeye alumn Will Smith and suddenly the defense is back in Super Bowl form, pressuring the passer and creating turnovers. Heyward is stout against the run and gets penetration in bursts during games. He probably lasts this long over concerns that he tends to disappear for stretches during games, which is a fair criticism. But watch him in the Sugar Bowl against Ryan Mallett and the Razorbacks and you see a future Pro Bowl defensive end at work. When he's dialed in, he's as good as anyone in this draft.
25. Seattle (7-9): DANNY WATKINS - OG, Baylor. 6'3", 310 pds., 5.29 - 40 yard dash, 29 reps on bench.
The pressing question: does Pete Carroll think Jake Locker, Christian Ponder, or Ryan Mallett are better QBs than Charlie Whitehurst? Pete gave up a 3rd rounder and swapped the team's second rounder with the Chargers last year to get Whitehurst. Drafting a QB in the first round could be seen as an admission that the Whitehurst deal was a mistake. The jury is still out on Whitehurst, but everyone agrees the team needs help on the offensive line. Recent first round pick Russell Okung is the left tackle, but the team hasn't established anyone else along the line. Watkins holds down the interior, improves the running game and allows other players to be slotted more consistently along the line. Seattle used different line ups and player combinations almost every game last year on the offensive line - Watkins helps stabilize that.
26. Baltimore (12-4): JIMMY SMITH - CB, Colorado. 6'2", 211 pds., 4.42 - 40 yard dash, 24 reps on bench.
The Ravens need more speed at WR and OLB, but they can't put off CB for another year. Many have pegged local Maryland favorite Torrey Smith, a fast, vertical wideout, for the Ravens. But Torrey Smith is not a first round talent. He looked stiff in his combine workouts and doesn't have great hands or RAC abilities. GM Ozzie Newsome takes value every time and goes for the physical CB in Jimmy Smith. Baltimore is one place Smith's character concerns can be overlooked, with a veteran locker room that will have him on track early and often. Smith is big, fast, and will fit right in with the Ravens style of play. In the pass-happy Big 12, teams only threw at Smith 20 times in man coverage last year - a major sign of respect.
27. Atlanta (13-3): ALDON SMITH - DE, Missouri. 6'4", 263 pds., 4.74 - 40 yard dash. 20 reps on bench.
28. New England (14-2): JUSTIN HOUSTON - OLB, Georgia. 6'3", 270 pds., 4.64 - 40 yard dash.
The Patriots defense was uncharacteristically weak last year. The defensive minded Belichick can't pass up a prototypical 3-4 OLB this late in the first round. Houston has the perfect size and speed to be the next Willie McGinest. With their earlier selection of J.J. Watt, the prototype 3-4 end, New England has two core players to anchor their defense for the next decade.
29. Chicago (11-5): AKEEM AYERS - OLB, UCLA. 6'2", 254 pds., 4.82 - 40 yard dash.
Ayers is the highest player on the board at a position of need for the Bears. They could use an offensive tackle or a center, if Olin Kreutz is not re-signed, but no one wants the 5th best tackle or 3rd best guard at pick #29 in the first round. Ayers is good value at this spot and will upgrade the bears defense, which could use some youth. Despite his combine 40 time, Ayers was above average in pass coverage in college, recording multiple pass break-ups and INT's in 2009 and 2010. He has good upside and on a playoff caliber defense he will get the chance to make plays as teams must focus on the Bear's other defensive threats.
30. New York Jets (11-5): PHIL TAYLOR - NT, Baylor. 6'3", 334 pds., 31 reps on bench.
Veteran nose tackle Kris Jenkins is out. Phil Taylor is the premier nose tackle in the draft. 330 pound men are hard to find. Taylor will start from day one and anchor the 3-4 front in Rex Ryan's defense. The knock on Taylor is the same as most big men - gotta watch his weight and keep him motivated to work hard every play. If anyone can motivate him, its Rex Ryan. Otherwise, he is strong as a bull and too big for one offensive lineman to move. He'll occupy two blockers and do his job for the Jets defense.
31. Pittsburgh (12-4): AARON WILLIAMS - CB, Texas. 5'11", 204 pds., 4.54 - 40 yard dash.
Veteran CB Ike Taylor is a free agent and the Steeler secondary has been a weak spot for two years. While they could use offensive line help, anyone left on the board at those positions represent too much of a reach here. Williams is a first round talent with the versatility to play slot, outside, or transition to safety opposite big hair Troy. The other first round corner, Brandon Harris, is barely 5'9" and not a real burner who often got over-powered by bigger receivers in college. A 5'9" cornerback in the NFL better move like a gnat, but Harris does not. Williams is the better fit for Pittsburgh and the AFC North competition.
32. Green Bay (10-6): ORLANDO FRANKLIN - OT, Miami (Fla.). 6'5", 316 pds., 26 reps on bench.
Veteran Chad Clifton is 34 and won't be around forever on the left side. And last year the club took offensive tackle Brian Bulaga who held down the right side, but is being groomed to eventually take over for Clifton. Franklin may be the nastiest and most gifted of the offensive tackles in this draft. He played at left guard and right tackle before playing his entire senior season at left tackle for the Hurricanes. He is versatile and could start at guard right away, but the Packers will groom him to take over the right tackle spot and move Bulaga to the left. When you have a QB like Rodgers, and a passing attack like the Super Bowl champs have, offensive line is always a priority. This move allows Bulaga to take over more quickly without the team losing a beat on the right side.
Round 2
33. New England - from Carolina (2-14): RANDALL COBB - WR, Kentucky. 5'10", 191 pds., 4.47 - 40 yard dash.
Veteran Branch is losing a step and the Pats have two young guys that have yet to show they can be long-term solutions at receiver. Welker is fine in the slot, but Brady is going to need more. Cobb is versatile and also offers return ability on special teams. Cobb could develop into a number one receiver with Brady at QB and enough time to learn the Patriot way.
34. Buffalo (4-12): JAKE LOCKER - QB, Washington. 6'2", 231 pds., 4.52 - 40 yard dash.
Locker slips just outside the first round here but is a steal at the top of round 2. Fitzpatrick will start for another year, but Gailey will groom Locker for the future, which is a perfect situation for him. Buffalo gets the draft's best player in Peterson and still gets their QB of the future, nice haul.
35. Cincinnati (4-12): CHRISTIAN PONDER - QB, Florida State. 6'2", 229 pds., 4.64 - 40 yard dash.
Ponder fits perfectly into new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden's west coast offense. He is athletic, smart, accurate, and a great leader. If not for injuries in college, he would be a first rounder. He comes from a pro system at Florida State and will get off to a good start in Cincy if Palmer does not return. In this draft, he gets the best receiver in A.J. Green to throw to - not a bad way to start your career.
36. Denver (4-12): KYLE RUDOLPH - TE, Notre Dame. 6'6", 259 pds., 4.75 - 40 yard dash.
He slips out of round one because of a hamstring injury that scared some teams off. This is a no-brainer here - quick - name one tight end on the Broncos roster.....right. He is a difference maker - whether it is Tebow or Orton throwing the rock.
37. Cleveland (5-11): ADRIAN CLAYBORN - DE, Iowa. 6'2", 281 pds., 4.82 - 40 yard dash.
Thanks to an abundance of first round-rated DEs, the Browns get their DE for the new 4-3 defense at the top of round 2. Clayborn has first round talent but is probably limited to the right defensive end position in a 4-3 due to Erb's Palsy in his right arm, a condition that may affect his strength in that arm long-term. His positional limitation is fine with the Browns who have no one else there. The Browns effectively get two first round players when they pick up Clayborn.
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