| 21 |
 |
OT |
Jason Smith |
Baylor |
Sr. |
6-5 |
305 |
|
The Eagles will be thrilled if Smith lingers this long, because given the age of offensive tackles Jon Runyan and
Tra Thomas (who are both in line for free agency), a little youth at that position is imperative. Smith could be long
gone by now, but he's definitely one of the four tackles who carries a first-round grade.
|
| 22 |
 |
CB |
D.J. Moore |
Vanderbilt |
Jr. |
5-10 |
182 |
|
The Vikings aren't going to get a franchise quarterback in the first round of this year's draft, not at No. 22, so cornerback
seems to be the position of need that fits the value at the bottom third of our board. Moore is a great athlete with
excellent closing speed and good instincts.
|
| 23 |
 |
CB |
Alphonso Smith |
Wake Forest |
Sr. |
5-9 |
190 |
|
The Patriots have a need at safety, but Missouri's William Moore might be the only first-round possibility, and he has
had a disappointing start to his Senior Bowl week and might end up projecting to linebacker in the NFL. That could prompt the
Patriots to take another cornerback, after choosing two in last year's draft -- Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan
Wilhite.
|
| 24 |
 |
DT |
Peria Jerry |
Ole Miss |
Sr. |
6-2 |
295 |
|
Having wisely passed on LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey in favor of Matt Ryan last year at No. 3, the Falcons
are still in the market for a youthful option on the defensive interior line. Jerry is a high-motor, quality athlete with the
ability to both hold the point of attack against the run and create some pressure in the opposing backfield.
|
| 25 |
 |
LB |
James Laurinaitis |
Ohio State |
Sr. |
6-3 |
240 |
|
Though some critics believe he played his best ball earlier in his collegiate career as a Buckeye, Laurinaitis is a solid and
polished product who should make a quick and easy transition to the NFL. His technique is well developed and his field
awareness and intangibles are two of the best parts of his game. He could be a longtime pro in the Zach Thomas mold
for Miami.
|
| 26 |
 |
CB |
Sean Smith |
Utah |
Jr. |
6-3 |
214 |
|
The Ravens have to get younger at cornerback, where Chris McAllister has probably played his last game in Baltimore
and Samari Rolle has had durability issues. Smith is a junior with good height and strong bump and run skills. Coming
off a quality showing in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama, his stock has risen of late.
|
| 27 |
 |
DT |
Sen'Derrick Marks |
Auburn |
Jr. |
6-1 |
295 |
|
Defensive tackle has been an obvious trouble spot for the Colts the past few years, and it should get first-round attention
from the Colts at this point. Marks is the kind of undersized, but quick first-step athlete Indy has long gravitated to
in its Cover Two defense. He can get off the ball and makes plays in the gaps.
|
| 28 |
|
RB |
Knowshon Moreno |
Georgia |
So. |
5-11 |
207 |
|
With a second first-round pick this year, isn't it time the Eagles gave themselves another legitimate option in the backfield
to go with the over-used Brian Westbrook? Moreno is the second of the two first-round grade running backs in this
draft, and he runs with great instincts and vision, often creating space where there isn't any.
|
| 29 |
 |
WR |
Hakeem Nicks |
North Carolina |
Jr. |
6-2 |
210 |
|
Finding a tall receiver who gives them a replacement for Plaxico Burress should be Job 1 for the Giants in this
year's first round. Nicks runs great routes, and while he doesn't have difference-making speed, he's as fast as he has to be
to get open and make plays downfield.
|
| 30 |
 |
WR/RB |
Percy Harvin |
Florida |
Jr. |
5-11 |
195 |
|
After watching their offense go into shutdown mode after running back Chris Johnson was injured in the divisional
round loss to Baltimore, the Titans know they have to get more weapons in the receiving game. Harvin is a rare talent who
could create monstrous matchup problems for defenses. He runs with explosion, and his receiving skills improved noticeably in
2008.
|
| 31 |
 * |
RB |
LeSean McCoy |
Pitt |
So. |
5-11 |
210 |
|
With Edgerrin James headed out of town, and Tim Hightower not an every-down back, the Cardinals should reload
their running game with McCoy, who is right on that first-/second-round bubble. McCoy is elusive for a runner his size,
and he's expected to run a sub-4.5 at the combine.
|
| 32 |
 * |
G |
Duke Robinson |
Oklahoma |
Sr. |
6-5 |
335 |
The Steelers offensive line didn't keep them from making the Super Bowl, but upgrades are still required. Robinson is a big
body who plays equally well in pass protection and the run game. Pittsburgh needs to protect Ben Roethlisberger
better, and its running game took a step back this season too.
*31st pick will go to Super Bowl loser; 32nd pick to Super Bowl winner
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