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Round 1 Surprises in June Mock


By: — June 10, 2013 @ 7:43 pm
Filed under: Mock Draft

Our annual June mock got rolling today and it was no surprise that Adrian Peterson was the first player off the board. It was also no surprise that 11 running backs and 1 wide receiver were taken in the first round.

This is a standard performance scoring draft and non-PPR which made the pick of Jamaal Charles at 1.02 very interesting. Dan’s reasoning?

“I considered Arian Foster at #2, and he was the one consistently being taken top-three that I dismissed. I like him, and he’s probably safe, but I’m that guy who isn’t comfortable with the nagging injuries, His receiving yards dropped last year, as well, and I am thinking that might be more a trend going forward. That raises the value of a Ray Rice, who was one of my other two serious considerations.”

Good enough. I suspect the addition of Andy Reid and constant chatter of Charles reaching career highs in receptions is pushing the KC running back up draft boards. We’ll see if the Charles hype continues over the summer. I suspect it will.

Charles was a mild surprise at 1.02, the pick of Steven Jackson at 1.11 by WhiteWonder was a jaw dropper, especially with a Alfred Morris still on the board. SJax is in a great situation in Atlanta but I’d prefer the younger RB on a run-first team.

Here’s the complete first round…

We’re off and running with our June mock and looking forward to more surprises in Round 2. You can follow the draft in our Mocking Station forum.


Mocking in May


By: — May 4, 2011 @ 7:23 pm
Filed under: Mock Draft

Last night I participated in an expert mock draft with eleven representatives from other well-respected fantasy websites. This was a 12-team, 20-round, non-ppr mock hosted by myfantasyleague.com You can checkout the complete results here.

Thanks to a lack of free agency and the majority of NFL business tied up in court instead of focused on the field, there’s a considerable  amount of roster uncertainty that’s plaguing the league. As a result,  I new this exercise was going to challenging … and challenging it was.

As you can see by the team I drafted (below), it’s filled with questions marks, reaches, head-scratchers and lacks quality depth – especially at the QB and RB positions. However, instead of dissecting each pick I made (we’ll do so in mocks later this Summer) I’d rather give some general observations about this mock as whole, which is probably more beneficial this early in the fantasy season.

 Expert Mock #1 – 5/3/2011
Pick Pos Player
1.02 RB Peterson, Adrian MIN
2.11 WR White, Roddy ATL
3.02 QB Manning, Peyton IND
4.11 RB Stewart, Jonathan CAR
5.02 WR Lloyd, Brandon DEN
6.11 RB Green-Ellis, BenJarvus NEP
7.02 WR Knox, Johnny CHI
8.11 TE Winslow, Kellen TBB
9.02 RB Leshoure, Mikel DET
10.11 WR Simpson, Jerome CIN
11.02 RB Scott, Bernard CIN
12.11 RB Dixon, Anthony SFO
13.02 TE Hernandez, Aaron NEP
14.11 QB Garrard, David JAC
15.02 D/ST Ravens, Baltimore BAL
16.11 WR Burleson, Nate DET
17.02 RB Ringer, Javon TEN
18.11 K Gostkowski, Stephen NEP
19.02 WR Burress, Plaxico FA
20.11 D/ST Raiders, Oakland OAK

Early QB Run
I found it interesting that a total of six QBs were taken midway through the 3rd Round. It wasn’t the specific players that had me intrigued as I expected Aaron Rodgers (1.12), Michael Vick (2.03), Drew Brees (2.04), Philip Rivers (2.07), Peyton Manning (3.02) and Tom Brady (3.07) to be the first QBs taken off the board, but considering this league has a non-QB-friendly scoring system (4 pts passing TDs, 1 pt/20 passing yds, -2 INTs, -2 Fumbles) it seemed that owners migrated to this position early primarily due to the current lack of depth at the running back and wide receiver positions and were more inclined to take a perceived safer pick (Brady or Rivers) than gamble on a RB2 like Ryan Mathews, Shonn Greene, or LeGarrette Blount. This is likely due to a combination of the lack of solidified team depth charts at the running back and wide receiver positions and the RBBC trend employed by a majority of teams in the league. Keep in mind, required starters in this league are 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 1 Flex. I took part in this trend by selecting Peyton Manning early in the third round (3.02).

Ricky was a no-show in Expert Mock #1.

Rookie Regret?
With the NFL Draft completed just last weekend it’s no surprise that rookies were highly valued. I know Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams (who btw, wasn’t even drafted in this 20-round mock) are potential free agents, but the drafting of RB Daniel Thomas at 4.01 by STATS Inc, seemed a little ambitious for my taste along with Fantasy Guru’s selection of RB Mark Ingram at 5.08. Kudos to Guru though for minimizing his risk by landing Pierre Thomas later in the draft (9.08). I don’t mind these two rookie backs, in fact both are in very good situations to contribute in 2011, but right now, I’ll gladly let another owner assume the risk of Thomas or Ingram as a RB2. Perhaps my tone will change come August. Other notable rookie selections included…

  • RB Ryan Williams, ARI (8.09) – Beanie Wells was taken right after him at 8.10.
  • RB Mikel LeShoure, DET (9.02) – My pick at RB4 who I think will share time with Jahvid Best.
  • RB Roy Helu, WAS (9.05) – Knowing Shanahan, Helu is sure to have value at some point in 2011.
  • WR Julio Jones, ATL (10.02) – You know the drill with rookie wideouts but justifiable as a WR5.
  • WR Jonathan Baldwin, KC (11.05) – Has little competition for the starting job opposite Bowe.
  • RB Demarco Murray, DAL (14.05) – A crowded backfield that needs to shake itself with roster moves.
  • WR Torrey Smith, BAL (14.06) – For what it’s worth, Ozzie says Smith will have a chance to start.
  • WR Leonard Hankerson, WAS (14.08) – Drafting wideouts hasn’t been the Redskins strong-suit lately.
  • WR Greg Little, CLE (14.09) – A rookie-run here in the 14th round.

No Respect
Santana Moss (7.12) continues to be undervalued. I’ll remind you, Moss finished last season as the 12th-best fantasy WR with 93 catches, 1115 yards, and 6 TDs. He was the 26th-best fantasy wideout in 2009. He was the 33rd wide receiver taken in this draft behind the likes of Austin Collie (IND), Mike Thomas (JAX), A.J. Green (R-CIN), and Michael Crabtree. Where’s a Rodney Dangerfield sound byte when you need it?

Out with the Old
I mentioned earlier that Ricky Williams wasn’t even selected in this mock. Here are some other veteran fantasy performers that are quickly becoming afterthoughts…

Hey, I know it’s early, and this mock will look totally different later on this Summer as rosters and depth charts become more concrete and we get a better feel of the fantasy landscape. But even mocks in May are informative if you keep your eye on the big picture and look for general tends in drafting behavior. Don’t forget, they’re also fun. Who knows, come August I may not be afforded the luxury of gambling on WR Plaxico Burress in the 19th round… but I can now.


2010 NFL Draft Recap—Fantasy Rookie Mock Draft


By: — April 26, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
Filed under: Mock Draft, NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is over and it’s time to turn our fantasy football focus to the impact the rookies will have in 2010 and beyond. With dynasty leagues growing in popularity, several leagues have rookie-only drafts.

Let’s mock it up with a three round, 10 team version. In general, rookies don’t have a huge impact in fantasy leagues in their first year, and even considering that, this is a lacklustre rookie draft from a fantasy perspective.

Most of the running backs will enter committees and the wide receivers are raw, have personal issues or are entering bad situations. There are no stud tight ends and the only quarterback guaranteed to start will do so for the St. Louis Rams, the worst team in the league.

Add it all up, and it might be worth moving your picks for veteran fantasy help, other than if you own the first pick, that is.

A future article will focus on veteran winners and losers from the NFL Draft, including Fred Jackson and Roy Williams.


Round 1

1. Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers—Mathews will start on opening day in the Chargers high powered offense and Darren Sproles will serve as the pass catching, change of pace option. Look for 15-20 touches a game, giving Mathews RB2 status with upside.

2. C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo—Topped 200 touches only once in college and Fred Jackson isn’t chopped liver so expect RBBC in Buffalo. He’s going to need touchdowns to hit RB2 status but that’s wishful thinking with Trent Edwards at quarterback. He’s a backup, but admittedly with upside, in 2010.

3. Ben Tate, Houston— Texans get their running back to compliment Steve Slaton but perhaps not to supplant him. The Texans’ offense is loaded and he will be the goal line back. That’s why he’s here.

4. Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit—Either Kevin Smith isn’t ready on opening day or he struggles from his injury recovery so Best will get opportunities early. Unfortunately, Smith is a starting calibre back best suited to early down work and Best seems to fit best as the third down guy.

5. Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas—Has a chance to supplant Roy Williams this year and, barring any issues, will almost certainly be starting in 2011. Huge upside in a solid Cowboys offense.

6. Montario Hardesty, Cleveland—Jerome Harrison did nothing for three years and then put up 150 fantasy points last year with 89 coming in three games against the Chiefs, Raiders and Jaguars. Hardesty’s going to challenge and nobody should be surprised he beats out Harrison.

7. Golden Tate, WR, Seattle—Great situation for Tate with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch aging and Seattle in rebuilding mode. Tate could be starting on opening day.

8. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver—He’s going to start but might be catching passes from Tim Tebow by midseason and in future years. Sorry—I’m not that excited.

9. Rolando McClain, ILB, Oakland—Tackle machine and the top IDP player in the draft. Road to the starting line-up was cleared with the trade of Kirk Morrison to the Jaguars. Doesn’t have Patrick Willis potential in IDP leagues but he isn’t far off.

10. Arrelious Benn, WR, Tampa Bay—With Josh Freeman entering his second year, Benn won’t be a starting calibre fantasy starter this year but has upside in 2011.


Round 2

1. Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis—Don’t expect much in 2010 but he’s the only quarterback in the draft likely to start next year. The Rams’ receivers offer potential but remain raw.

2. Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings—Tough to slot him in. If Adrian Peterson gets hurt, he’s gold. Otherwise, he’s 4-6 touches a game at most. It’s like the lottery—at $2 a ticket, I’m in. At $10, forget about it. This spot seems about right.

3. James Starks, RB, Green Bay—Measures and collegiate production don’t jump out at you but Ryan Grant’s backups to date have been a bust and it’s not likely Grant is overly talented himself. Plus, the Packers offense is great which makes Starks worth the gamble.

4. Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina—Steve Smith isn’t getting any younger and Dwayne Jarrett isn’t getting any better.

5. Daryl Washington, ILB, Arizona—Cardinals take Washington to replace Dansby and he will likely start from day one. He could be a tackle machine in the Cardinals defensive scheme.

6. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati—A solid prospect who might catch enough touchdowns to be fantasy useful in 2010.

7. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh—Won’t likely get to play much but does figure to start ahead of Mewelde Moore if Rashard Mendenhall gets hurt.

8. Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay—It might seem odd to have two Buccaneers rookie wide receivers in this mock but it’s not like any of the current crop of veterans are sure fire starters. Opportunity trumps character concerns at this point.

9. Marcus Easley, WR, Buffalo—Huge hole opposite Lee Evans with only the disappointing James Hardy and former seventh round pick Steve Johnson to compete with Easley. He has solid size which is what the Bills want opposite Evans.

10. Eric Decker, WR, Denver—Let’s see, Josh McDaniels clearly likes his own guys. Eddie Royal isn’t one of them and he was a bust last season. Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Stokley aren’t the long-term answers so Decker will get a shot at some point and don’t be surprised if it’s this year.


Round 3

1. Jordan Shipley, WR, Cincinnati—Chad Ochocinco isn’t getting any younger, Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones aren’t getting any smarter, Andre Caldwell’s best suited as a backup and Jerome Simpson will be starting his second career soon. Shipley’s got an opportunity, just not this year.

2. Damian Williams, WR, Tennessee—Kenny Britt is locked in at one starting position but Justin Gage and Nate Washington have been marginally disappointing for the Titans.

3. James Graham, TE, New Orleans—Jeremy Shockey is injury prone and David Thomas has played well but has limited upside. Graham’s opportunity could come sooner than many think.

4. Eric Berry, S, Kansas City—Safeties excel in IDP leagues when there’s pass rush help, which the Chiefs lack. However, if Berry is as good as advertised, he’s worth a shot here.

5. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Carolina—Matt Moore’s the incumbent. Do I need to go on?

6. Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England—Alge Crumpler’s the starter but Gronkowski could take over by midseason.

7. Kareem Jackson, CB, Houston—Expect him to get picked on plenty which should provide opportunities for tackles, passes defensed and maybe the odd interception.

8. Colt McCoy, QB, Cleveland—Slotted behind Clausen since the Panthers have a solid running game and Steve Smith. The Browns’ offensive line is above average but the receivers and running backs don’t match up to Carolina’s.

9. Andre Roberts, WR, Arizona—Likely will be used in the slot. If Early Doucet’s late season play was a mirage, Roberts could get a shot earlier than expected.

10. Joe Haden, CB, Cleveland—Rookie cornerbacks get picked on plenty but Haden may be the Browns best corner on opening day. Nonetheless, expect him to rack up solid numbers in IDP leagues.


Passing Time With A One-Man Mock Draft


By: — March 23, 2010 @ 10:17 am
Filed under: Mock Draft

The unrestricted free agent market is slowing down due to a number of early signings and lack of quality free agents available courtesy of 2010 being an uncapped year.

Much like the NFL, fantasy football has leagues that run all year due to the expanding number of dynasty leagues that employ keepers, salary caps and various free agent tags, not to mention rookie drafts.

With fantasy football becoming a year-round pursuit for many, lets fill the time with something useful during this down period, before we ratchet things up for the next big event on the NFL calendar, the NFL Draft.

Well, as I always say, there is never a wrong time to do a mock draft to think about when players will be drafted if we started a brand new league, today.

This mock is a one-man show based on statistical projections for the 2010 season, and assumes all players are going to play 16 games and be solid citizens from now until the end of the year.

Concerns about Brandon Marshall? Forget about it. Vincent Jackson might get suspended? For what? Let’s agree to ignore all that, at least for the next ten minutes.

Plus, this mock draft does not consider the incoming rookie crop or some veteran free agents who are bound to end up as handcuffs to players in this draft and negatively impact their touches.

Keep your eye out for where Brian Westbrook and Willie Parker eventually sign. Plus, a couple of players will likely drop in value once the rookie draft is complete such as Kevin Smith of the Detroit Lions.


Round 1

1.01 (1) Adrian Peterson, MIN—He’s my top ranked running back at the moment.

1.02 (2) Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC—Touchdown machine who put concerns about his durability to rest after his first year as a starter in 2009.

1.03 (3) Chris Johnson, TEN—Fantasy’s biggest breakout star last year will try to duplicate his 2009 performance. He’ll be great in 2010, just not as great.

1.04 (4) Ray Rice, BAL—Others may think the addition of Anquan Boldin will reduce his numbers. Boldin’s presence will just make Rice more dangerous.

1.05 (5) Frank Gore, SF—Plenty of talented, young skill position players in San Francisco will help Gore’s touchdown totals.

1.06 (6) Steven Jackson, STL—He’s a beast but a bit of a risk due to the low number of touchdowns and injury issues. Downside risk if they take a quarterback in Round 1 of the draft.

1.07 (7) Michael Turner, ATL—Lack of receiving ability drops him down but he’s good for almost a score a game.

1.08 (8) Aaron Rodgers, GB—First quarterback off the board. There’s no reason why he can’t duplicate his 2009 performance.

1.09 (9) DeAngelo Williams, CAR—If he can stay healthy, he could get back in the top five like he was in 2008.

1.10 (10) Andre Johnson, HOU—Topped 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns in each of the last two years.

1.11 (11) Ryan Grant, GB—Fantasy’s most underrated running back. I’m not sure why fantasy owners aren’t more interested in a RB who starts on one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

1.12 (12) Matt Schaub, HOU—Threw for more yards than any other quarterback last year. Bit of an injury risk but guaranteed to be in the top five if he stays healthy for 16 games.


Round 2

2.01 (13) Knowshon Moreno, DEN—All he needs to breakout is more touches. Look for him to get those touches in 2010.

2.02 (14) Chris Wells, ARI—Same story for Wells plus the Cardinals figure to run more with the loss of quarterback Kurt Warner and Boldin.

2.03 (15) Randy Moss, NE—With Welker hurt and no proven third wide receiver or starting tight end, Moss figures to get plenty of looks in 2010.

2.04 (16) Peyton Manning, IND—Top five lock once again but a risk considering he’s often rested for at least part of the fantasy playoffs.

2.05 (17) Jonathan Stewart, CAR—Matt Moore isn’t that much better than Jake Delhomme to change this team’s identity. There will be a healthy dose of running in Carolina once again in 2010.

2.06 (18) Drew Brees, NO—Before you get your knickers in a knot, note that five quarterbacks threw for more yards than Brees in 2009.

2.07 (19) Roddy White, ATL—Matt Ryan should only get better and White figures to reap the benefits with Tony Gonzalez a year older and a lack of playmakers amongst the team’s other wide receivers.

2.08 (20) Cedric Benson, CIN—The Bengals now feature the running game and Benson is one of the few workhorses in the league.

2.09 (21) Rashard Mendenhall, PIT—Mendenhall came on strong last season but it remains to be seen whether the Steelers will revert back to a more ground based attack after a pass heavy 2009 season.

2.10 (22) Miles Austin, DAL—Dynamic playmaker usurped Roy Williams as the Cowboys top wide receiver. Expect big production in 2010.

2.11 (23) Brandon Marshall, DEN—Catches 100 balls every year even with the suspensions.

2.12 (24) DeSean Jackson, PHI—Expect Jackson to make plenty of big plays again in 2010.


Round 3

3.01 (25) Donovan McNabb, PHI—Eagles young skill position players only figure to get better and the offensive line should bounce back after underperforming in 2009.

3.02 (26) Fred Jackson, BUF—Jackson figures to relegate Marshawn Lynch to the bench and perhaps off the roster in 2010. If Lynch goes, Jackson will be in line for major touches.

3.03 (27) Pierre Thomas, NO—Thomas was solid in 2009 and could get increased work if Mike Bell doesn’t return. Big upside on a strong Saints offense.

3.04 (28) Vincent Jackson, SD—Facing a league suspension but has gotten better every year, and the Chargers could lean more on the pass this year.

3.05 (29) Calvin Johnson, DET—Expect a bounce back season with Matthew Stafford entering his second year.

3.06 (30) Shonn Greene, NYJ—Greene was pegged at least a round higher before the LaDainian Tomlinson signing. Greene will still be solid enough for a mid-third round pick. Leon Washington was likely going to get the third down work anyway.

3.07 (31) Matt Forte, CHI—Chester Taylor’s a good back but he’s a similar player to Forte. If Taylor gets the goal line work, Forte will suffer slightly. However, Forte’s a solid receiving threat out of the backfield and should benefit in that area with Mike Martz running the show.

3.08 (32) Greg Jennings, GB—Scored only four touchdowns in 2009 but that should improve in 2010. Jennings was a touchdown machine in 2007 and 2008 with 21 over those two seasons.

3.09 (33) Marques Colston, NO—Top receiving threat on a great offense that unfortunately spreads it around a lot.

3.10 (34) Kevin Smith, DET—Bit of an injury risk. However, I’m not as sold as other prognosticators on the Lions taking an impact running back early in the draft.

3.11 (35) Philip Rivers, SD—His passing yards have gone up every year and that shouldn’t change in 2010 with no clear starter at the running back position.

3.12 (36) Larry Fitzgerald, ARI—He’s a bargain at this spot but hard to move up given the doubts about Matt Leinart’s ability to produce at quarterback. Had the 15th most receiving yards in the league in 2009 but was the fourth ranked fantasy wide receiver courtesy of his 13 touchdowns.


2009 NFL Mock Draft


By: — March 30, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
Filed under: Mock Draft, NFL Draft

The NFL rookie draft has taken on a larger than life persona over the past 20 years as fans and pundits attempt to decipher the positional needs of their team and other teams and weed through the information and misinformation that each team supplies. Basically, it’s an exercise in futility to try to figure what is real and what is fake.

Nonetheless, mock drafts are great fun for a number of reasons. First off, they are great for finding out who are the most knowledgeable columnists, and it’s not based on their ability to predict which team takes what player. Occasionally, a mock will have a team taking a player and the reasoning will defy logic. A quarterback to the Browns when they have two? A 295-pound nose tackle going to a team that employs a 3-4?

Secondly, it’s an opportunity for discovering perspectives different from your own. The Chargers taking a running back in the 1st round when they re-signed LaDainian Tomlinson and franchised Darren Sproles?

Finally, watching players rise and fall is simply a fascinating experience when they have had up to four years to showcase their ability ON THE FIELD. Chris Wells looks like a surefire top five pick then runs a slow 40 at the combine only to run a much better 40 a few shorts weeks later. Where else can you find such theatre of the absurd? On to my own mock draft. Mocking comments welcome.

  1. Detroit – OT Jason Smith – Let’s give new coach Jim Schwartz the top tackle in terms of run/pass blocking skills. If they can run, Daunte Culpepper can throw it up top.
  2. St. Louis Rams – OT Eugene Monroe – They would love LB Aaron Curry but a combination of Alex Barron and Jacob Bell at tackle isn’t very inspiring.
  3. Kansas City Chiefs – LB Aaron Curry – New GM Scott Pioli gets to pick between Curry and DT B.J. Raji and goes with the multi-faceted linebacker who also happens to be the safest pick in the draft.
  4. Seattle Seahawks – QB Matthew Stafford – They would prefer an offensive tackle when faced with the choice of Stafford and Raji, and go with the quarterback due to Matt Hasselbeck’s age (34 in September) and off-season additions of Colin Cole and Cory Redding.
  5. Cleveland Browns – LB Brian Orakpo – Desperate for pass rushing help, team goes for the player with perhaps the most pass rushing potential as an outside linebacker in the 3-4.
  6. Cincinnati Bengals – DT B.J. Raji – Team gets a steal as the draft falls their way for once. Coach Marvin Lewis can’t turn down the draft’s best defensive tackle to add depth to the team’s lacklustre defensive line talent.
  7. Oakland Raiders – WR Michael Crabtree – Raiders have perhaps the worst wide receiver depth chart in the league so this one is a no-brainer.
  8. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Michael Oher – They would love Smith, Monroe or Raji but are forced to reach a little for Oher.
  9. Green Bay Packers – OLB Everette Brown – Moving to the 3-4 and are desperate for a DE with size or a pass rushing OLB. Brown offers more upside than any of the draft’s large DE’s so he’s the pick.
  10. San Francisco 49ers – CB Malcolm Jenkins – Walt Harris isn’t getting any younger and Shawntae Spencer’s days may be numbered due to a knee injury last year and $3.5-million cap charge despite his backup status.
  11. Buffalo Bills – LB Rey Maualuga – Would love a pass rushing DE but value is at LB and Paul Posluszny has the ability to move outside to accommodate Maualuga at MLB.
  12. Denver Broncos – LB Brian Cushing – Team needs help at every position on defense so they go with the best defender left on the board.
  13. Washington Redskins – OT Andre Smith – Team needs help at DE and OLB but always goes with veterans on the defensive line and no OLB is worth this pick so they gamble on Smith and attempt to get younger on the offensive line.
  14. New Orleans Saints – RB Chris Wells – Have addressed many defensive needs in free agency so they get a big back to team with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, who struggle in short yardage.
  15. Houston Texans – OLB Aaron Maybin – They need a pass rushing threat at OLB to take some heat off Mario Williams and Maybin fits the bill.
  16. San Diego Chargers – S Louis Delmas – Team wasn’t pleased with the play of Clinton Hart last year and doesn’t currently have a player to challenge him. Running back is a possibility but they have Tomlinson, Sproles and Michael Bennett to handle that role in 2009.
  17. New York Jets – QB Mark Sanchez – Jets go with a young QB in an attempt to replicate the 2008 Ravens who featured a tough defense and a young passer.
  18. Chicago Bears – WR Jeremy Maclin – The wide receiver needy Bears breathe a sigh of relief the equally needy Jets pass on Maclin.
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Josh Freeman – Luke McCown isn’t the answer and Freeman might not be either but the Bucs gamble on him anyway.
  20. Detroit Lions – DT Peria Jerry – Lions continue to build in the trenches and take the second best DT in the draft.
  21. Philadelphia Eagles – RB Knowshon Moreno – Team goes with Brian Westbrook’s eventual replacement and fills a hole created with Correll Buckhalter’s departure.
  22. Minnesota Vikings – OT Eben Britton – Ryan Cook and Artis Hicks aren’t the answer so the team goes with Britton, who started on the right side until his final year in college.
  23. New England Patriots – OLB Larry English – Pats go with a prospect who can help out in pass rushing capacity in 2009.
  24. Atlanta Falcons – CB Vontae Davis – Falcons attempt to replace Dominique Foxworth and provide some competition for Chevis Jackson.
  25. Miami Dolphins – DT Ron Brace – They need help at CB and would like another pass rushing OLB but the value isn’t there so they go with the draft’s best 3-4 nose tackle.
  26. Baltimore Ravens – WR Darius Heyward-Bey – Could go CB but with Derrick Mason on his last legs and Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams too inconsistent, they go with Heyward-Bey.
  27. Indianapolis Colts – DT Evander Hood – Keyunta Dawson and Antonio Johnson combo needs upgrading and the Colts get lucky that Hood falls to them.
  28. Philadelphia Eagles – TE Brandon Pettigrew – Eagles add another piece to help their woeful short yardage game and team with Brent Celek. OT William Beatty also makes sense here.
  29. New York Giants – WR Kenny Britt – Barring a trade, the Giants need help at WR and Britt has too much potential to pass up at this spot.
  30. Tennessee Titans – CB Alphonso Smith – They would like to address MLB and defensive line but Smith offers too much value and fills a need with Chris Carr’s departure.
  31. Arizona Cardinals – DE Michael Johnson – Everybody has them taking a RB here but they go for Johnson who has the potential to replace and be more effective than Antonio Smith.
  32. Pittsburgh Steelers – C Alex Mack – Steelers long tradition of outstanding centers has been interrupted by the mediocre play of Sean Mahan in 2007 and Justin Hartwig in 2008.

 
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