| 11 |
 |
WR |
Dez Bryant |
Oklahoma State |
Jr. |
6-2 |
215 |
(BRONCOS ACQUIRED PICK FROM BEARS)
Before Wednesday morning, no one seemed to have a great handle on where
Bryant would land, but the pending trade of Brandon Marshall to Miami seems to have clearly tipped Denver's
hand. Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels might just see shades of Randy Moss when he scouts Bryant, the former
OSU Cowboy. It's tough for Denver to pass on Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain, but Bryant's big-play potential is
too enticing.
|
| 12 |
 |
DE-OLB |
Sergio Kindle |
Texas |
Sr. |
6-4 |
255 |
|
The Dolphins' acquisition of Brandon Marshall means they finally have their stretch-the-field No. 1 receiver and
won't be one of the teams considering Dez Bryant. That makes defense the obvious area of focus in the first round.
Miami would be very happy with a pass-rushing 3-4 outside linebacker like Kindle, or defensive tackle Dan Williams,
if he gets past No. 9 Buffalo.
|
| 13 |
 |
CB |
Joe Haden |
Florida |
Jr. |
5-11 |
190 |
|
Even though one of the four top-rated offensive tackles remain unselected (Rutgers' Anthony Davis), the smart move
would be for the 49ers to grab Haden here because he represents top 10 value in the teens. San Francisco would still have
its No. 17 pick to address the need at tackle.
|
| 14 |
 |
DE |
Derrick Morgan |
Georgia Tech |
Jr. |
6-4 |
272 |
(SEAHAWKS ACQUIRED PICK FROM BRONCOS)
The Seahawks were hoping Spiller would be waiting for them in this slot, but
No. 10 Jacksonville will spoil those plans. That makes Seattle's need at defensive end the next most likely target, and in
Morgan they get a versatile 4-3 end whose solid collegiate track record makes him one of the safer prospects in the top 15.
|
| 15 |
 |
LB |
Rolando McClain |
Alabama |
Jr. |
6-4 |
249 |
|
Not much debate will ensue in the Giants war room if McClain is available. He fills an obvious need and should walk in the
door capable of playing all three downs, adding impact from sideline to sideline. Haden or Texas safety Earl Thomas
would be other strong options that could present themselves.
|
| 16 |
 |
DE-OLB |
Brandon Graham |
Michigan |
Sr. |
6-1 |
263 |
|
The Titans covet Graham's proven pass-rush skills and the former Wolverine could be one of the most sought-after prospects
in the first round, inspiring potential trade activity as teams like No. 22 New England, No. 19 Atlanta and No. 17 San
Francisco all would love to be in position to grab him. If Pierre-Paul gets past No. 8 Oakland and No. 10 Jacksonville, he
won't drop lower than Tennessee's pick. The Titans believe he's Chris Johnson on defense.
|
| 17 |
|
QB |
Jimmy Clausen |
Notre Dame |
Jr. |
6-3 |
223 |
(49ERS ACQUIRED PICK FROM PANTHERS)
The 49ers' choice could well come down to filling their need at right
offensive tackle with a player such as Rutgers' Anthony Davis or Idaho's Mike Iupati, or taking another
potential franchise quarterback like Clausen as an upgrade over incumbent Alex Smith. The NFL remains a quarterback
league, and that spells Clausen to San Francisco.
|
| 18 |
 |
CB |
Kyle Wilson |
Boise State |
Sr. |
5-10 |
186 |
|
We've been focused on interior offensive line options like Iupati or Florida's Maurkice Pouncey for most of the
pre-draft season, but the Steelers need help at cornerback too in a division where Baltimore and Cincinnati are in the
process of upgrading their receiving corps. Wilson is the consensus second-rated cornerback, but we're told the Steelers
love Alabama's Kareem Jackson as well.
|
| 19 |
 |
OLB |
Sean Weatherspoon |
Missouri |
Sr. |
6-2 |
245 |
|
If the Falcons don't land their top choice in Graham, their fallback plan figures to be either the versatile Weatherspoon or
USC defensive end Everson Griffen. Both might be considered slight reaches at No. 19, but both are proven collegiate
playmakers who look pro-ready and would upgrade Atlanta's defensive front seven.
|
| 20 |
 |
S |
Earl Thomas |
Texas |
So. |
5-10 |
197 |
|
I can't see Thomas, a potential top-10 pick, getting past the Texans. Houston has need for Fresno State running back Ryan
Mathews too, but Thomas's ball instincts are superb and he would add an impact player to a Texans secondary that must
create more takeaways in the AFC South.
|
|
|
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