| Pick |
Team |
Player Selected |
Player’s Position |
Player’s School |
Analysis |
| 17. |
|
Everson Griffen
|
Defensive End
|
USC
|
Since the departure of Albert Haynesworth last season in free agency, the Titans defensive line has struggled. Griffen brings athleticism to the Titans defensive line and Jeff Fisher should be rewarded with an improved pass rush by looking to his alma mater for talent.
|
| 18. |
|
Earl Thomas
|
Safety
|
Texas
|
When Troy Polamalu was injured, everything seemed to fall apart for the Steelers’ defense. Ryan Clark is also a free agent this offseason, so the team will need to add some depth. Thomas has great cover skills and he will be able to play center field and allow Troy Polamalu to do his thing. |
| 19. |
|
Carlos Dunlap
|
Defensive End
|
Florida
|
Jamaal Anderson has been a bust for Atlanta and the team needs to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dunlap was looked at as a top 5 talent, but some minor character issues and a down year in production allow him to slip in this draft. |
| 20. |
|
Brian Price |
Defensive Tackle |
UCLA |
Look for the Texans to make it 5 first-round defensive line selections in 9 drafts. Price will be able to create pressure in the interior and that will free up Mario Williams even more room to generate sacks.
|
| 21. |
|
Golden Tate
|
Wide Receiver
|
Notre Dame
|
The tragic death of Chris Henry will not only be felt in the hearts and minds of the Cincinnati Bengals, but they will also notice an impact on the field. The team will need to add another wideout in the offseason and Tate is a versatile WR that compares to Percy Harvin. |
| 22. |
|
Jermaine Gresham
|
Tight End
|
Oklahoma
|
Bill Belichick and the Patriots always seem to steal a great player in the draft. Current TE Ben Watson is going to become a free agent in the off-season and, if a guy like Gresham is available, he will likely not return to New England. Gresham was looked at as a top 15 talent in last year’s draft. |
| 23. |
|
Trent Williams
|
Offensive Tackle
|
Oklahoma
|
Green Bay needs to do one thing… Keep Aaron Rodgers off his back. Their offensive line has been abysmal. Williams is an experienced tackle who is light on his feet and very instinctive. Aaron Rodgers will approve of this selection. |
| 24. |
|
Sean Weatherspoon
|
Outside Linebacker
|
Missouri
|
The weakness of the Philadelphia Eagles team is their linebacking corp. The unit is decent, but no real stand outs leave a lot to be desired. Weatherspoon is a great leader and very charismatic guy that can eventually mature into the leader that they lost in Brian Dawkins.
|
| 25. |
|
Donovan Warren
|
Cornerback
|
Michigan
|
Ravens defensive back coach Mark Carrier is the godfather of Warren. Warren went to Carrier to see how he graded as a pro and somewhere along the lines he had heard enough to declare for the draft. Warren’s fluidity and hip movement has been compared to Darrelle Revis’ and we all know how Revis has fared in the NFL. |
| 26. |
|
Bruce Campbell
|
Offensive Tackle |
Maryland |
Kurt Warner is likely to retire and that could leave Arizona with an inexperienced quarterback. Campbell has a giant frame, but his lack of experience could force him to slip to the later part of round-one.
|
| 27. |
|
Mike Iupati
|
Offensive Guard
|
Idaho
|
Mike Iupati is a powerful lineman and just the kind of blocker that the Dallas Cowboys need. He was looked at as just a guard heading into Senior Bowl week, but with an impressive showing there are talks that he may be able to play offensive tackle as well. No matter the position, Iupati will improve Dallas’ offensive line.
|
| 28. |
|
Ryan Matthews
|
Running Back
|
Fresno State
|
There is more and more speculation that LaDainian Tomlinson will not be returning to the Chargers next season. Matthews runs similar to current Colts RB Donald Brown who was selected around the same slot in lat years draft.
|
| 29. |
|
Arrelious Benn |
Wide Receiver
|
Illinois
|
Braylon Edwards was added to the roster mid-season, however, the Jets could still use some help on the wings. Benn has a lot of potential and could become a favorite target of Mark “San-chise” for many years. |
| 30. |
|
Dan Williams
|
Defensive Tackle
|
Tennessee
|
Minnesota needs to start addressing defensive tackle depth especially with Pat Williams getting up their in age. By selecting Dan Williams, the Vikings get another big, run-stuffer and who can step right in and continue the “Williams Wall” name. |
| 31. |
|
Jared Odrick
|
Defensive Tackle |
Penn State |
Indianapolis selected Fili Moala last year, but they still have some work to do on defense. Odrick is a versatile defensive tackle who can both help against the run and by getting pressure up the middle. |
| 32. |
|
Kyle Wilson
|
Cornerback
|
Boise State
|
Kyle Wilson is another player who has been stealing the show at this years Senior Bowl. The Saints have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, but their pass defense struggled down the stretch. Wilson is excellent in coverage and he could help sure up the pass defense.
|
