2 Round Mock Draft (3-28)

Well, it's time for my first 2 round mock draft of the season. If you wish to continue to follow my blog, please join as a follower. Also, if you'd like me to answer any questions you have pertaining to the draft, your favorite team, or team needs, please email me at the following address and I'll set aside a blog post to answer any questions. Be sure to include your name and hometown and I'll throw it up there. My email address is roshanb04@gmail.com

1. Detroit Lions: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. With the guaranteed money tied up to the number one pick, the Lions can't afford to take a risk on a junior QB. The odds of finding success are much slimmer, not to mention that a premiere left tackle can have nearly the same impact. With a change in GMs, the Lions finally decide to shy away from the flashy selection to build the franchise the right way, from the front.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Looking at the Rams depth chart, it's quite obvious that they don't have two starting caliber tackles on their roster. After losing Orlando Pace, they'll need to draft a replacement because Alex Barron is not capable of adequately playing the challenging position. Smith has an elite skill set and will help keep the offensive line stable as they transition to a new era in St. Louis.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The Chiefs have spent several picks adding key offensive pieces over the last several offseasons. On the defensive side of the ball, GM Scott Pioli won't be hesitant to build up the front 7. Aaron Curry is a special linebacker with no kinks in his armor. He's a great athlete who has shown the ability to get off of blocks. Last year's first round draft selection, Glenn Dorsey will help contribute to an immediate turnaround up front.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. A surprising pick here could easily be Ohio State's Chris Wells who contributions could be felt immediately. Still, a long term solution at quarterback seems to be in the Seahawks' plans. Like most juniors, Stafford will need a year on the bench and the quarterback situation in Seattle might just be the best place to allow him to flourish. Stafford has a huge arm and while his accuracy isn't extremely consistent, his intermediate passing game is vastly underrated. He'll learn the finer points of football from one of the game's best technicians in Matt Hasselbeck, who ironically learned from a guy whose arm was quite legendary.

5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas. It comes as no surprise that the Browns are looking to solidify their defense with their top draft selection. New head coach Eric Mangini, is a defensive minded coach who adopts a team who finished 2nd from the bottom in defensive sacks and in the bottom ten in completion percentage. Even though Orakpo has been likened to Vernon Gholston, Mangini's top draft pick last year, expect quicker contributions with this selection. Rak is a more polished player with a better all-around game as a rookie. Another selection that has been heavily discussed is B.J. Raji. Moving Shaun Rogers outside doesn't seem feasible. It also doesn't make too much sense to take a run-stuffing defensive end in the top 5 either. Drafting Raji would essentially spell the end of Rogers in Cleveland.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. Though this may come as a bit of a shocker, Beanie's recent performance at the OSU pro day may have been just enough to put him back inside the top ten. The hometown selection could be just enough to turn around a fluttering Bengals offense looking for some new tires to run on. Wells can alleviate pressure off of the quarterback situation and help the offensive line gain some much needed confidence.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. The myth of Al Davis and 40 times will be debunked once and for all this April. Even this senile GM isn't crazy enough to opt for the 4.3 40 over the most polished receiver to come out in years. He may not have the tools of a Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, but he should be the frontrunner for OROY because of his exquisite route running and strong hands.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. If you watched Heyward-Bey close enough at college, you'll realize that he's more than just a 4.2 40 time. He's a receiver who wasn't utilized to the best of his abilities. Bey is far more a football player than your average track star. I firmly believe that the Jags are only a lightning quick wideout away from having one of the best all-around offenses in the league.

9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. There isn't a more solid pick for the Packers than Raji. He's a senior with all the God-given talent in the world. He carries his weight well and is one of the quickest players in the draft in comparison to his mass. Raji is a bull that can be the central cog of the Packers new 3-4 defense. Ryan Pickett has everything needed to be that nose tackle, expect the stamina. That's where Raji steps in.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. The sexy pick appears to be a quarterback here, but truth be told, there isn't a quarterback that's worthy of a top ten selection. Smith's stock may have dipped a bit, but he was never the "sexy in shorts" player. The only question I needed to see answered this offseason was his arm length. At 6'4 with 35 3/8" arms, Smith not only has the leverage, but also the length advantage on the outside. His character concerns have been blown out of proportion and if ever he needs a swift kick in the rear, San Francisco has a firm-minded Head Coach who isn't afraid to do just that.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. Weighing in at over 250 pounds at his Pro Day and running a 40 time in the 4.5's, Maybin just may have solidified a spot in the first fifteen selections. Though the flashy 40 time may not have been there at the Combine, the rest of his numbers tested off the charts among defensive ends. His explosive first step and great length are assets that will allow him to be that dangerous pass rusher opposite Aaron Schobel, who was considered one of the game's elite not long ago.

12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. The Broncos defense is bad and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has some work to do to make it all work. There isn't a player more likely to do his job week in and week out than Tyson Jackson. Any 3-4 expert will tell you that the defense starts with the front three and while the Broncos missed out on Raji, Jackson should help to solve the linebacker problems directly behind him.

13. Washington Redskins: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State. Brown has the build, strength, and speed of a 4-3 defensive end. With the marquee acquisition of Albert Haynesworth, any defensive linemen at this selection should help Dan Snyder look like a genius. Brown has enormous upside that will start to look more and more like the right selection a year or two down the line. Alternate Pick: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State. The Saints couldn't come away with a bigger steal at this selection. Jenkins' 40 time might be just enough to push him down right into their laps. His talent, production, and instincts have destined for greatness, but the only question that's yet to be answered is whether he has the quickness and long speed to play cornerback. Luckily, the Saints have a pressing need at safety and lesser need at corner, so it won't take them long to place him at the right position.

15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. The Texans are primed for their breakout season and if good health plays into their fortunes, this could be the year they finally make the playoffs. Their young investments are starting to pay off as a result of the underrated coaching staff. While the Texans have a band of underrated linebackers, Cushing is the type of athlete that can step up as a Pro Bowler, something they lack alongside DeMeco Ryans. The Texans are a team that tends to forsake a little bit of production for a lot of measureables and upside. In every sense, this seems to be the logical selection.

16. San Diego Chargers: Ziggy Hood, DE, Missouri. While all signs point to an offensive tackle or Rey Maualuga, Hood might just be the best fit for the Chargers. After losing Olshanksy because of some minor motivational issues, the Charges quickly pursue his replacement. Hood is, bar none, the most underrated and unknown athletes of the draft. His KEI (Kirwan Explosion Index) that I mentioned in an earlier post beats even Jarron Gilbert, the freakish 5-tech. Surprisingly, he's also one of the players whose motor, work ethic, and production match his skill set.

17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Don't expect the Jets to hesitate to take their quarterback if he's still available. The team's free agent spending of a year ago would have completely paid off had it not been for Favre's late season collapse. Right now, they're unsure of whether their next quarterback is on the roster, but they need to make sure they don't suffer a setback because of poor perpetual quarterback play. Freeman has armand frame to be this year's Joe Flacco. Like Flacco at Delaware, Freeman was also relegated to throwing to midget receivers for his final season, which hampered his production.

18. Chicago Bears: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. The Bears could go in a number of directions with this selection, including USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. Maclin is in the process of riding a wave closer to the top of the draft. The speed, quickness, and production of Maclin is difficult to mask and far too difficult to pass up in the middle of the first round. Because of the weak QB crop, the Bears decide to give their guys one more shot and spend a pick on a more likely success story down the line.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. With Jon Gruden out, a new quarterback is in. I still really love developmental prospect Josh Johnson, but it never hurts to have multiple capable quarterbacks on the roster. Sanchez is the perfect West Coast offense with all of the tools to succeed in the NFL. Experience is my striking concern, but if the Bucs think they can allow Sanchez a season on the bench, this is the intelligent decision.

20. Detroit Lions (f/DAL): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC. Lions fans, don't fret because you didn't find a quarterback. With the low success rate of junior quarterbacks, the odds are that 2/3 won't turn out to be the studs they're expected to be. Linebackers in Detroit are going to have a different mantra this year: Stop the run!! Adding another fiery and ferocious downhill thumper alongside the emotional Ernie Sims will bring a new breed of defense to town.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. Rather than wait for the great Brian Westbrook to deteriorate, the Eagles can afford to spend one of their two first round draft picks to improve the shelf-life of their stud running back. After losing the reliable Correll Buckhalter, the Eagles are left with a bigger need than one might expect. Moreno also adds the downhill mentality, refusing to fall upon first contact.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi. The Vikings were hot in pursuit of possible free agent Jordan Gross, so it comes as no surprise that they're looking to add to the offensive line. Oher has consistency issues, but his talent and level of play when on is remarkable. As long as he can keep his weight down, Oher has the potential to be a four position linemen in the league.

23. New England Patriots: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Davis slips far too long and the Patriots, year after year, manage to find that type of prospect. With the loss of Asante Samuel, they lost a playmaker on defense. In a year or two, Davis will turn into their top corner and the closer down the stretch. The Patriots do have some promising prospects at the position and while linebacker seems thin, the Patriots have always managed to make their adequate starters look better because of a dominant defensive line. Adding another mid-round talent or two will likely be the route they take.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. Pettigrew reminds me a lot of Alge Crumpler in his prime. They both have the build and strength to play like the 6th linemen, but are good enough receivers to become that extra threat out wide. Pettigrew looks his best as a receiver when split out wide and with how well he uses his body, he'd be a difficult assignment to draw on defense. More importantly, he fits the Falcons run-first philosophy perfectly.

25. Miami Dolphins: Michael Johnson, OLB, Georgia Tech. The biggest myth in the draft is that Michael Johnson takes plays off. Ask any Yellow Jackets fan and they'll tell you that's far from the truth. Johnson plays too hard on too many plays and has been working with a nutritionist this offseason to improve his stamina. Johnson has the freakish athleticism and length to excel at outside linebacker for the Tuna.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. The Ravens have an offense in place, but they really lack the explosiveness on the outside to stretch the defense. After looking good running the route tree at Florida's Pro Day, Harvin seems like the logical selection if he's miraculously still around. Harvin is a gadget receiver who could be the home run threat at WR, RB, or Wildcat with as few as 10 touches a game.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. I've had Jerry in this slot for as long as I can't remember. It's one of those picks that just fits. Jerry is the ultimate Tampa 2 DT. He has the quickness and first step to be a great penetrator, but also the stoutness to play the run. He's not the largest DT by any means, but he fits Head Coach Jim Caldwell's pledge to get bigger in the interior.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (f/CAR): William Beatty, OT, Connecticut. If the Eagles miraculously decide to stay in the first round for two shots, an offensive tackle could be the selection here. Under Andy Reid, the Eagles have shown a tendency to add depth and talent in the trenches year after year. Beatty is an intriguing prospect because he has the athleticism and talent to look like an All-Pro one play and bull-rushed into the backfield the next. With a year in the weight room, he should be the long-term solution at left tackle.

29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers. Through free agency, the Giants have done an outstanding job adding depth throughout the roster. They enter the draft with only one gaping hole from becoming the preseason Super Bowl favorites: the void (that may be) left by Plaxico Burress. Britt is the most complete receiver in this draft. He comes from a pro-style offense, has the large frame, route running, and downfield blocking. The only reason he falls this far is because no one knows whether or not he'll be able to separate from corners in the NFL. At this point, the Giants could find the biggest steal in the draft, or just another one of those busting tall receivers.

30. Tennessee Titans: Jarron Gilbert, DL, San Jose State. The Titans certainly have some depth along the defensive line even after losing Haynesworth, but there's something about Gilbert that reminds me of Big Al. Both are unique physical specimens that play an aggressive game. It may take a year or two, but the Titans should be able to forget the loss of Haynesworth due to their excellent depth.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati. Barwin is a physical specimen through and through. No matter what the Cardinals choose to do on defense, Barwin should have a position to play. He's a hard-working young man who will give it everything play after play. After showing the courage to select unpolished CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie last April, we know the Cards won't be afraid to do so again. This will be as much a selection in faith of the coaching staff as it will be in this young talent. Two other options here are LeSean McCoy and Donald Brown.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. Let's not try and complicate things more than we need to. After watching Big Ben take a constant pounding throughout last season, even some of the diehard Ravens fans must have found it in them to feel bad for him. The Steelers desperately need to find help up front. Britton isn't an elite athlete, but he's as solid and ready a RT prospect as you'll find at the bottom of the first round.

Round 2

33. Detroit Lions: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee. The Lions jump all over a falling Ayers who adds a weapon to their porous defensive line. Ayers is a great natural defensive end that plays the run exceptionally well. He has the length, consistency, and strength to develop into one of the game's premier left ends with some work.

34. New England Patriots (f/KC): Lawrence Sidbury Jr., OLB, Richmond. The Patriots continue add incredible athletes to the defensive side of the ball. Sidbury has a lethal first step and elite measurables across the board. The Pats take a slight chance on a small school prospect that has lit up every offseason event.

35. St. Louis Rams: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina. The Rams continue to retool on offense with a replacement pick (of sorts) for Tory Holt. Nicks is a stronger receiver with remarkable hands and production in college. He creates the perfect complement for Donnie Avery on the other end.

36. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Chung, S, Oregon. Chung is a reliable in-the-box safety. He does it all and does it well. The Browns need a replacement in the secondary to offset the loss of safety Sean Jones.

37. Seattle Seahawks: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh. The Hawks are ready to rebound more than any team in the NFL. With free agency, they addressed all of their pressing needs, allowing them the luxury to draft best player available again. McCoy hasn't been talked about much in the offseason, but he's one of the players you expect to go in this vicinity because of collegiate production and vision alone.

38. Cincinnati Bengals: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma. There have been some concerns about Duke as of late, such as his consistency and footwork. Still, he's a great mauler with the physicality and mean streak to finish blocks. He's shown just enough quickness to go in this range.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State. Laurinaitis has the athletic ability to be a 3 position player for the Jaguars. In the second round, the Buckeye is a terrific value. He has outstanding range, incredible instincts, and a high football IQ. He could start next to Daryl Smith and Justin Durant.

40. Oakland Raiders: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut. Butler is an extremely quick and natural man-to-man corner. With great speed, ball skills, and leaping ability, he passes Al Davis' athlete test, but matches it on the field every bit. Teach him to become more physical and he'll terrorize receivers and steal from offenses with Scrabble as his partner in crime.

41. Green Bay Packers: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC. GM Ted Thompson will find it difficult to pass up a versatile lineman like Max Unger, but with the recent signing of Duke Preston, the Packers seem set up front. Thompson continues to beef up the defense, addressing his biggest need in the 2nd round. Matthews is a ridiculously athletic linebacker who fits the bill at OLB opposite Aaron Kampman.

42. Buffalo Bills: Alex Mack, C, California. Because of the depth across the board at other positions, Mack slips a little in the draft. The Bills find great value in the best center of the class. Mack is the ideal size and a heady player who finishes plays. A true technician.

43. San Francisco 49ers: Ron Brace, NT, Boston College. The Niners beef up the defensive line with a natural run plugger. Brace won't generate the push in the middle that Raji can, but he's the type that will take on two blockers and get slowly pushed back. Still, he's doing his job demanding two blockers, which will free up space for the underrated linebackers.

44. Miami Dolphins (f/WAS): Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah. With Terrell Owens and Randy Moss in the division, the Dolphins throw a counterpunch by selecting the unique 6'3 1/2 cornerback. Surprisingly, he has very good control, quickness, and ball skills. The kicker: he plays a physical game.

45. New York Giants (f/NO): Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan. The Giants are already stacked and primed for another Super Bowl run. There's no harm in adding an intimidator over the top that will lay the wood if you enter his territory.

46. Houston Texans: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest. Though short in stature, Smith has tenacity and attitude to play with anyone. More importantly, he has the instincts and ball skills to compete for every football.

47. New England Patriots: Max Unger, OL, Oregon. Unger is extremely versatile and can literally play tackle, guard, or center. He's very polished and very strong. It's a depth and future pick because several linemen are at or around the 30 year mark.

48. Denver Broncos: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut. Yes, the Broncos have a plethora of running backs on their roster right now. Still they've expressed interest in a number of backs. Look for McDaniels to find "his" back to get rid of the Shanahan stigma once and for all.

49. Chicago Bears: Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin. Some consider Urbik to be the top guard because he's every bit a bull that Duke is. He keeps a great base and is a dominant run blocker which fits right into the Bears plan to work Forte.

50. Cleveland Browns (f/TB): Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Mississippi. It's not that the Browns are looking for a replacement for Nelson, but when he falls to them, there's no better value here. He can split out wide and contribute substantially in the passing game.

51. Dallas Cowboys: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina. Flozell Adams has been doing it for a while for the Cowboys, but sooner or later, he's going to have to call it quits. Meredith is somewhat of a project and fits into the Cowboys' plans.

52. New York Jets: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State. After parting ways with Coles, the Jets look to replenish the receiving corps in the draft. Robiskie, the son of a coach, is a student of the game and an efficient route runner. He finds a way to continually get open and make catches.

53. Philadelphia Eagles: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina. Going offense with their first three selections may seem unlikely, but in every case, the pick makes sense. Cook is a tight end with game breaking speed that could truly open up their offense. He's a nice complement to Brent Celek.

54. Minnesota Vikings: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt. Moore is a fluid and athletic cornerback that slips because of his height.

55. Atlanta Falcons: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois. English falls significantly and the Falcons jump all over him with a pressing need to rush the passer. English has a great first step that led to some off-the-chart numbers at school.

56. Miami Dolphins: Louis Murphy, WR, Florida. Murphy's best football is ahead of him. He has great size and is a terrific athlete. With his ability to compete in the air, he brings another dimension to the receiving corps.

57. Baltimore Ravens: Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon. Byrd has long arms and pumps another athletic body into a somewhat depleted secondary.

58. New England Patriots: William Moore, S, Missouri. Moore has really been on a downward spiral, but his junior season was spectacular. If he can slim down and play like he did then, he could be a perennial Pro Bowler. With all of these draft selections, the Pats have the opportunity to take some gambles.

59. Carolina Panthers: Clint Sintim, DE/OLB, Virginia. Sintim is really an interesting tweener because he played the 3-4 OLB position in college, but he has the ability to play either DE or SAM in the 4-3. At this point, the Panthers should probably start looking for a player who can get after the passer as an insurance policy for Julius Peppers.

60. New York Giants: Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane. Kropog is an athletic tackle of the future. He's still a bit unpolished, but the Giants have a great system in place and should be able to step into the lineup a year or two down the road.

61. Indianapolis Colts: Eric Wood, C, Louisville. The Colts continue from last year's draft where they drafted a number of centers. This time, they won't look to convert him and he should be the immediate replacement for Jeff Saturday once he leaves. Wood's a savvy player that gives defenders fits. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he went early in round two.

62. Tennessee Titans: Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati. A little thin in the secondary, the Titans turn to Mike Mickens, one of several standout Bearcat defenders. Mickens is a physical cornerback who was extremely productive in school.

63. Arizona Cardinals: Andre Brown, RB, N.C. State. Though his production won't warrant a second round selection, it's seems pretty obvious that Brown is going to be one of those players who will be a better pro than he was a collegiate player. Brown is a huge back with great speed and runs with good pad level.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas. Luigs has a great frame and plays with a Steelers-like mentality. He needs to get a little stronger, but he has the potential to be the commander of the Steelers line for the rest of the Big Ben era.