Buffalo Bills Team Needs/Draft Wish List/Draft Scenarios

Well, the NFL draft is upon us soon.  I'm sure we've all read more mock drafts than we'd willingly admit to.  I just posted my final one for the year earlier today, er..I guess technically it was yesterday.  Which means, of course, the draft's tonight.

I'm not going to spend any more time on other teams. That works been done.  This post is solely Buffalo Bills related.  Kind of what I feel our major needs are what I'd think about certain prospects/actions being selected/taking place.

As far for team needs:

1. Pass rush was by far this teams most glaring and overwhelming need   prior to the start of free agency.  But with the mega-signing of Mario Williams and the other huge move, snagging up Mark Anderson from the division rival Patriots, I do believe this concerns been "adequately" addressed.  Yeah, I guess I can have fun with that, it's been awhile I've felt this good about a defensive front.
2. Many would say the Tackle position.  I'll save that for need number four.  I have to say that getting a big, strong and quick receiver to line up opposite of Stevie Johnson is a major need. If we could just get this guy, I really like the type of production I could see out of this unit, or I'd actually have to say impressive unit.  You'd have Stevie, this new player, David Nelson in the slot, Scott Chandler from the Tight End position and then guys like Donald Jones, David Clowney, Naaman Roosevelt and whoever else is in camp to round out the unit.  Not too mention we still have Marcus Easley on the roster, and quite frankly we were all pretty excited about his prospects after he was drafted, so if he stays healthy, which has been his issue, and we get anything it's just bonus.  So yeah, a solid compliment WR to Stevie Johnson is my need #2
3. Here I'm going to say it's LB depth.  We have a very nice 3 man set right now with Kelvin Sheppard in the middle, with Nick Barnett and Kirk Morrisson playing the outside positions.  Beside that, perhaps we'll see a little Shawne Merriman in their from time to time, but nothing else too special here.  So I would say we probably need to grab 2-4 LB's either in the draft or through team cuts and UDFA.  
4. Tackle. Particularly Left Tackle.  Arguably the most important position outside QB.  Second year guy Chris Hairston is the only guy to speak of there right now.  He looked okay to very good in injury duty last year, but has he earned a starting job.  On most teams I'd say no, and emphatically.  But in Chan Gailey's offense, the way they spread the defenses out, they create their own wiggle room.  Quick passes and keeping defenders away from getting bunched up near the pocket is what they were able to do last year, and wind up second in sacks allowed.  And I have to remind everyone that this was from a unit that most people, experts, predicted before last season began, would be one of the worst units in football.  In fact, they were down right dominating before Eric Wood got hurt.  The loss of Bell doesn't hurt as much as some uninformed media outlets will suggest, for he's been quite the injured guy and only adequate while in there.  So, sounds like I've talked myself out of this spot being a need.  No, they definitely need a few guys to come in for camp and depth.  It would be nice if they didn't need to get a top guy in here and that Hairston could be the guy, but the effect of getting a stud LT is not negated by Gailey's offense.  While defenses will still be spread out, having that stud on the left side of the line, your QB will then be able to look further down the field, and thus opening up the field even more, giving opponents even more things to consider.  
5. Secondary depth, primarily corner.  Many fans would consider this much higher, if not the highest priority.  But I think Florence and Aaron Williams are solid and McGee, while he's on the roster or not is up for debate, but I believe he will be, and being able to come in to spell will be better for him and the team, as he's slowed down recently and is seemingly prone to injury.  But as a sub, I like McGee a lot.  And then you have the all too much maligned Leodis McKelvin.  Yes, he has certainly not lived up to his first round draft status and yes, he's the guy that fumbled the ball that essentially lost us the game on Monday night a few years ago.  But he has shown flashes of talent, and with an vastly increased D-line, you will see how much better this unit looks because of the effect each facet bears upon the other units. Basically it's like this, a trickle down approach so to speak, you start with a solid set of DT's, we had that, you add excellent DE's and Depth as well, you improve the entire front, an improved front lowers the time the offense has to work with and therefore is much more hurried and prone to mistakes, this makes the linebackers better, which gives them an easier time covering guys and finding holes to stop the run game, this improved linebackers group then helps the secondary by giving them more time to cover.  So yeah, depth can't hurt, but I hardly see it as essential as many are claiming, as I think they just fail to see the overall picture and are only looking at stat lines and play behind a totally different defense.

As to the draft now, with all this in mind.  I've broken down a group of prospects in to the following categories of reaction:  Euphoric, Very Happy, Pleased, Well, OK I guess, WHY

Let's start from the most favorable scenarios and work our way down:

Euphoric

1. Matt Kalil-LT-USC-  If there's any chance this beast of a LT makes it to us, it will be a great day.  He's that LT I talked about in the needs section
2. Justin Blackmon-WR-Oklahoma State- This guy is so gifted, he has virtually everything you could want out a top wideout.  This is another guy I see no possibility of having the chance to draft, but if by chance the stars aligned, this would drastically improve the offense.
3. Morris Claiborne-CB-LSU- Another of these no chance he falls to #10.  But if he would, and I know I listed the secondary as the lowest of our team needs, but this guy is a freak of a player and there is no way you pass on him, unless we're talking a twilight zone scenario where Kalil and/or Blackmon were also still available.  He's a huge upgrade over either guy we have slated to start right now, you'd then have the ability to roll pairs out there all game long, with 2 Elite prospects in Claiborne and Williams (yes I consider Aaron Williams an elite prospect), a very solid guy in Florence, a potential solid reserve, package guy, in McGee and an X-factor in McKelvin
4. Trade back from #10 and picking up an extra second or an extra first round pick for next year.  I'm not excited about dropping too far back, unless you can pull off a deal with Cincinnati, netting both their first round picks this year, in which case I take the two picks in the late teens/early twenties without any questions.  

Very Happy

1. Michael Floyd-WR-Notre Dame- I love watching his highlights and while, in my opinion, he's clearly a spot below Blackmon, he has the makings to be an elite receiver.  This draft is very deep though, but I only see 3 guys with elite potential.  These two and Alshon Jeffrey from South Carolina, who I've been a fan of for two years, and if he didn't make some bonehead decisions at the combine and pro-day, I have to believe he'd be in the discussion for those teams needing receivers that pick in the mid teens, he still may be a first rounder.  But these type of receivers are hard to pass on, regardless of how deep this draft class is supposed to be.
2. Luke Kuechly- LB- Boston College- Speed, instincts.  This guys the total linebacking package.  Very happy may be an understatement, but I think this is a fair tier for him.  I'm not sure where he'd play immediately, as his natural fit in a 4-3, which we run, is in the middle and the Bills, as they should, really like Sheppard.  He may not be fast enough to play Strong Side, and I think our weak side is set.  But what a problem to have, you could theoretically use one guy to keep your 3 starters fresh an entire game, subbing Kuechly in consistently his rookie season, giving him ample opportunity to produce, providing some excellent depth, and giving your starters the best chance at staying fresh.  I've hear him compared to many different guys, Zach Thomas from Dolphin then Cowboy fame, as an example, which is a guy I couldn't stand, which is the utmost compliment.  Would be very happy indeed with kuechly.
3. Stephan Gilmore- CB-South Carolina-  Again, not my highest area of need for us, but once his name really started being tossed around I started watching more of his film and wow, he looks the part, and again, he'd be providing everything I mentioned in the Claiborne write up, but to a lesser extent.  
4. David DeCastro- OG-Stanford- Yeah, not really a need, and not a position you typically take this early at all.  But DeCastro can play 4 spots on the line.  Sure, ideally he'll be a starting guard, but when you combine his football intelligence, play and his versatility along the line, I can't see how he's not considered that rare talent and be ultimately drafted in the top 15.  Well, I'm a bit biased, I got a man-crush on him a while ago and knew he'd be a great player at the next level.  Well, yeah, perhaps I should've classified him under the Euphoric tier, but seeing the "reach" tag this pick would get and that it's really not a need, need, Very happy seems like a good spot to put him.

Pleased

1. Dre Kirkpatrick- CB-Alabama-  Again, see Claiborne/Gilmore, but drop the impact a bit more.  But he's still a force and would be in that impact mold of a player. So definitely a solid pick at an are of need.
2. Fletcher Cox- DT- Mississippi St.- Definitely not an are of need, but if either Williams or Dareus, God forbid, get injured, all we have is Torrell Troup as potential quality at depth.  Sure we have a few other unknowns/green guys there, but nothing like Fletcher Cox.  Probably should be in the Well, Ok I Guess category, but I'm a fan of what I've seen out of him and I guess with all the DE possibilities, it would be nice to have two quality reserves to keep Williams and Dareus fresh as well.  Just imagine the waves of pressure from the front four.  We're going to get these waves with or without another DT, but Fletcher Cox would just ramp that intensity even more so.

Well Ok, I Guess

1. Dontari Poe- DT- Memphis- Ok, yeah, I know what some of you are thinking.  You have Cox in the group above here but have, what many consider the better prospect in the lower tier.  This is just due to my own personal preference for the player.  I think you're getting an elite guy in Fletcher Cox, but a potential elite guy in Poe.   So here, you're getting to the spot where you're questioning the pick to some extent.
2. Cordy Glenn- G/T- Georgia- He fills a need.  He can play RT right away or G, and has the long arms and does project to eventually be a solid starter at LT.  He's not projected as a future elite guy though, so I don't see us going OL in the first couple rounds, there should be some suitable depth and groom for down the road guys in rounds 3-5.  But I'd get it if they traded down a bit and took Glenn.  It wouldn't impress me at all, but it wouldn't shock or disappoint me either.
3. Quentin Coples-DE/OLB-North Carolina- Definitely not much room for him, but he has elite potential, but comes with question marks. He's far from a need at this point, but going BPA, he could fall into that range and as bad as we've been with a pass rush this past decade, I could hardly blame the team for going overboard.  Not ideal in any sense, but I can see it and understand it.
4. There's a lot of other players that fit into this group.  Every one of them is a WHY guy if picked at #10 though.  Guys like, Michael Brockers-DT- LSU, Jonathan Martin-T-Stanford, Stephen Hill-WR-Georgia Tech, Coby Fleener-TE-Stanford, Alshon Jeffrey-WR-South Carolina.

WHY.

1. Melvin Ingram- DE/OLB- South Carolina- See the Coples note.  Ingram is rated on par by most, and some rate him higher then the NC end. But I see Ingram and Mercillus and Curry and Perry all in the same mold. Yes, I do understand Ingram is better at this point, but if you're not getting potential eliteness, the way the Bills line is stacked, it won't make any sense to grab Ingram or any of these other guys.
2. Peter Konz-C-Wisconsin- Don't get me wrong, I like Konz as a C prospect, perhaps even a G.  But with Eric Wood, who has played like a stud Center when healthy, you're not moving him anywhere, so this pick is simply using a first round pick on a C insurance policy. So nothing I'm willing to wish for and something I would struggle with understanding.
3. Mark Barron-S-Alabama- I really like Barron.  Some have him as the best S prospect since the late Sean Taylor, who went 5 or 6 to Washington a few years back.  I don't really see him better as Eric Berry though, who went 5 a couple years back.  I see him as a ball hawk who can cover TE's, which I'd have to believe would be the main reason for the pick, any RB out of the backfield and slower slot guys.  He's a hammer too, which is what you want from a SS.  He'll blow guys up, and big hits are fun to watch and disruptive to an offense.  But here's the reasons I put him in the WHY slot for Buffalo.  First, I know how ridiculous this sounds, but for me anyhow, my judgment is still clouded by the passing of Ngata for Whitner a few years back.  I understand these are two totally different prospects but still.  Second, I like George Wilson. I think he was at times our MVP on defense last year when healthy.  I think he's earned the starting job and for any deficiency he may have, I think the upgrade to the line and the trickle down effect I touched upon will help him out.  Finally, being the hitter that he is, a guy that looks for the knockout shot, and the NFL's attitudes about big hits these past few years, I wonder if there's even any sense of drafting a player like this, as you are risking penalties and/or suspensions.  I guess that shouldn't be a consideration, but it kinda is for me.  I've spent so much time on this pick because I think he'll be the pick.  And yes, you are getting a potential gamechanger at S, but I'm just not ready for this position at pick #10.
4. Ryan Tannehill-QB-Texas A & M  I do like him but I really don't want the Bills using a first round shot on a QB, and a potential project guy.  Sure, the thought that having Fitzpatrick under contract will give this guy the chance to grow into the first round pick is logical, but I'd just rather say that if Fitz gets hurt or stumbles, Tannehill, at this point of his career, is not going to be able to help that much and most likely we'll have another high pick next year, in what looks right now, which does seem like the case every year around this time, to be a stacked first round QB class, with the likes of Matt Barkley and Landry Jones to name a couple of the 4-5 QB's being talked about as first rounders for the 2013 draft.  So that said, instead of grabbing a guy that will be a back up this year, go get one of the guys next year, who right now, project much better.  And if you're worried about not being in position to draft them, well then we had a really good season this year, and presumably Fitz was great and if you still need one, go do what other teams do, go make it happen.
5. Any RB's, including Alabama RB Trent Richardson.  I don't even want Buffalo to take a single back in this years draft, not even UDFA, well ok, I'm fine with trying for a diamond in the overlooked UDFA class.  But not in this draft.  Jackson/Spiller is a great one two punch and Choice is fine for a 3rd back.  C-Mac at FB is solid as well.

So that's my list.  

As for position's I'd like to see the Bills take, here's what I'm hoping for, and of course the prior picks can and will many times effect later picks, I know that.  We have 9 picks as it stands right now, picking up an extra pick to make an even 10 would be nice, but going off of 9 picks I'd like to see the breakdown look like this

1 WR's, 2 LB's, 1 DT, 2 T, 2 CB's, 1 QB later rounds

Ideally: A few scenario's

10- WR

41- LB

72- T

105-CB

124-CB

136-LB

139-DT

167-T

200-QB

10- CB

41- WR

72- LB

105-T

124-QB

136-T

139-LB

167-DT

200-CB

10- LB

41- CB

72- WR

105-QB

124-T

136-LB

139-CB

167- T

200- DT

Okay, enough draft talk for now.  GO Bills.

2012 NFL Draft Mock Draft

How the time has flown.  It seems like it was just yesterday when Mario Manningham made that sideline catch in the Super Bowl, helping the Giants defeat the Patriots.  But, it's almost April, and April's a huge month for sports.  MLB starts it's season off, the NHL and NBA begin their postseasons and the NFL has it's annual Entry Draft.

I've gotten off to a bit of a late start this year.  Typically, by this point, I'd be on my third or fourth Mock Draft by now, instead I'm trying to get my first completed.

There'll be many changes between now and the time the draft takes place, that's a certainty, in fact, one could realistically argue that there'll be many changes between now and Monday, and they'd probably be correct.  For this reason I, along with the numerous other fans of the NFL draft process, typically do a series of mocks by the time the draft happens.  As the days and weeks move closer to draft day, so many different things could have played a role in altering a team's draft strategy.  A few examples are: poor/exemplary rookie pro days can move a prospect up or down on team's draft boards, a prospect gets himself into some off the field issue or some past indiscretions come to light, a team acquires a player in free agency, or doesn't resign a player you had guessed would still be there with that team.  In any case, this is why it's important to update your mock draft before the draft takes place.  You'll still most likely get the majority of your picks wrong, but at least you're guesses are educatedly based, and that counts for something, well I think it does anyhow.

So, without further ado:  The 2012 NFL Draft:  Mock Draft Version 1.

1.  Indianapolis Colts-  Andrew Luck  QB  Stanford

I'd love to see the Colts go against the grain and really baffle the pundits out there, but Luck is the best QB prospect to come out in a really long time.  The fact that they let Peyton Manning walk away is a huge indication that Luck's there guy.  In my opinion he's the perfect QB to have as a foundational base for a rebuild, something Indianapolis is clearly just starting.

2.  Washington Redskins-  Robert Griffin III  QB Baylor

Washington gave up a boatload of picks to the St. Louis Rams to move up to this spot.  St. Louis received Washington's First Round picks for 2012, 2013 and 2014 and their second round pick in 2012 as well.  It's obvious why St. Louis made the trade, but Washington is ecstatic that they'll have the opportunity to select on of these top two QB's, with Griffin being the odds on favorite to still be on the board at this pick.  Griffin is a tremendous athlete.  He's got all the talent in the world, combining the skill-sets of a "running" QB with the ability of a pocket passer.  He should be a quality player for the Skins for years to come, which, I for one, look forward to watching play, I'm assuming, as early as week one of this season.

3.  Minnesota Vikings-  Matt Kalil OT USC

Minnesota can go in a few directions, but with an offensive line prospect like Kalil in the draft, it's almost a no-brainer.  Minnesota can certainly use players like WR Justin Blackmon and CB Morris Claiborne, who each would fill a major hole on their team, but again, Kalil is too good of a OT prospect to pass up.

4.  Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson RB Alabama

The Browns have a bunch of glaring needs and luckily have two first round picks in this draft to help address them.  In my opinion they need to hit on both their first round picks, each of whom must be key starters on their week one roster.  As I mentioned, they can truly go in a variety of directions, really there are very few things that will surprise me here.  That all said, I think they'll stick with Colt McCoy at QB for another year, which, although being a need position, would go against the idea of gaining two starters with your first round picks.  I do think they'll draft a QB in this draft, possibly as early as in round 2 where perhaps a Kirk Cousins from MSU or maybe a Brandon Weedon from Ok. St slides to them.  That all said I do see them going offense with both their first round picks right now.  Blackmon is a tremendous talent, but with Colt's limited arm strength, you're not necessarily gaining maximum punch with this early pick.  For McCoy to succeed I think you have to have a beast in the backfield, and as far as this draft goes, Richardson is that guy.  After him, there are a few talented guys, but the drop off is much more significant than it is from Blackmon to say the third or fourth WR on the board.  

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers-  Morris Claiborne CB LSU

I think Tampa really wants Richardson, but with him being off the board I would've thought Blackmon could be a smart play, but free agency has changed that thought, as they just signed Vincent Jackson to a high priced deal.  They could try to trade down, which I do believe is a possibility here, but for the sake of not doing trades quite yet, I'll go with the stud CB, as Barber is at best case an at the end-of-the-ropes guy and where Talib is facing possibly imprisonment, this seems like a no-brainer to me.  

6.  St. Louis Rams-  Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

This is the pick they received from their trade with Washington.  If Miami doesn't get a QB in free agency, there might be a demand for QB Ryan Tannehill.  If that's the case I would expect St. Louis to field and perhaps trade back again, especially if Richardson and/or Blackmon are still on the board.  If they stay put here at 6, Sam Bradford needs a target and Blackmon is an elite prospect who should be an instant weapon for their former no. 1 overall QB.

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars-  Kendall Wright WR Baylor

Jacksonville is another team with more than one hole to fill and can easily go a different direction here.  Coples could be their pick, but with new HC Mike Mularkey's offensive background, I see them going receiver here, hoping to give their first round QB from a year ago a bonafide weapon in the passing game.  Just another quick thought to pass along, Gabbert was not Mularkey's pick and he was pretty horrific last year, albeit his first year in the league.  With that said, I would not be shocked in the least bit if the Jaguars pulled out the wild card and took Tannehill here. You might be saying Wright over Floyd here, are you nuts?  Perhaps, but I just have a hunch.

8.  Miami Dolphins- Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A & M

If Miami doesn't sign Matt Flynn or at the least Alex Smith and if Tannehill makes it to them, this will be their pick.  They haven't had a bonafide franchise guy at the QB position since Dan Marino retired and Tannehill, by all accounts, looks like after he gets acclimated to the NFL, should be a pretty good one.  Blackmon could be an option if he makes it here, well, let's just say that with trading away Brandon Marshall, if he's still available he should be one anyhow.

9.  Carolina Panthers- Quinton Coples DE North Carolina

HC Ron Rivera is a defensive guy.  The offense looked good last year, and while a guy like Floyd could be a target here, I think they add another guy to their front seven.  And hey, the last time they used a first round pick on a DE from UNC, it kinda worked out for them.

10. Buffalo Bills- Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

Buffalo needed a pass rusher in a bad way.  That all changed when they swooped in a stole Mario Williams off the market.  While they still could use DE depth, the first round is not the spot to select it.  Their immediate needs are OT, CB, a second WR and LB's to vie for a starting job/provide depth.  If Blackmon happens to fall to them, I think he'd be their pick, as it would be a situation too good for them to pass up.  But that said, I highly doubt he'll be there and a WR can be had in the second round, Pass rushing/LB depth can be had in the second and third rounds.  Guys like Martin and Reiff, the second and third OT prospects are can't miss type of plug-in day one LT starters, just what the bills need. CB Dre Kirkpatrick could also be the pick here if they choose to shore up the D a little more. 

11.  Kansas City Chiefs-  Riley Reiff OT Iowa

The Chiefs could take Kirkpatrick, but with the signing of Routt I think they'll try to get someone to help protect Cassell.  Reiff is a stud and he'll probably start off for them at RT and eventually make his way to the Left Side.  They also could go with NT Dontari Poe, but seems a bit early for him.  We'll see.  If Reiff and Martin are both gone they could do just that and take Poe.

12.  Seattle Seahawks- Melvin Ingram DE/LB South Carolina

I had a really hard time figuring out where to go with the Seahawks here.  I wanted to take David DeCastro the Guard here, but with Ingram still on the board and his versatility and size, which they can use, I had to go with the DE here.  

13.  Arizona Cardinals- Luke Kuechly- ILB Boston College

I thought about going OL here, but didn't want to take Glenn just yet.  I thought about going with Floyd as a compliment to Larry Fitzgerald, but saw Arizona having a hole to fill at ILB and I love this kid and what type of player I see him becoming.  Probably a little high for some people, but I just see the value of taking him as being greater than going a different direction.

14. Dallas Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

I know the Cowboys just signed Brandon Carr, but I don't think they figured on Kirkpatrick being anywhere past Buffalo in this draft.  I think they'll forego line help and grab a guy that could, at the very least, see significant time in sub packages.  Too good a prospect to pass up at a position of need as well.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- Dontari Poe DT Memphis

The Eagles are in a tough spot here.  They really could use Kuechly, or a CB, but with Claiborne and Kirkpatrick both taken they probably don't want to take Jenkins this early.  So, I just think Poe would be a good and needed addition to their Defensive front.  Just a hunch if these first 14 fall as I see here.

16. New York Jets- Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama

I really thought about going with Michael Floyd here.  I also thought about going with OT, but Mike Adams too early for yet.  Ryan loves his defense and Upshaw should fit in nicely in Green.

17.  Cincinnati Bengals-  Janoris Jenkins CB N. Alabama

They Need a QB, RB and WR.  Luckily they have 2 first round picks.  I really thought about Floyd here, but drop off after Jenkins is much greater than drop off from Floyd to Hill.  RB option as well.  Jenkins has good skill, but comes from a smaller school, which is probably why he doesn't go before 17.

18.  San Diego Chargers- David DeCastro OG Stanford

SD needs offensive line help bad.  Resigning Gaither helps a bit, with drop off at OT in effect and DeCastro still here, it had to be the call.  Floyd still an option as well.

19. Chicago Bears- Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame

Again, this became a tale of too much talent to pass up on.  I wanted to go offensive line here, as the Bears line last year was partly responsible for Cutler getting hurt.  I'm not a big fan of Mike Adams, but he probably should be the pick here or Cordy Glenn as an inside option.  But even with trading for Brandon Marshall, having Floyd across from him makes a deadly set of weapons for Cutler, especially when you factor forte in.  Will just have to hope on finding an OL gem sometime later in the draft or later on in free agency.

20.  Tennessee Titans- Peter Konz C Wisconsin

I had this spot slated for Cordy Glenn in an earlier mock I did, (didn't post it and virtually none of the picks are the same).  However, signing Steve Hutchinson helps and I think that signing allows them the luxury and need for taking clearly the best Center prospect in the draft.  Their line was pretty bad last year.  They struggled keeping Hasselback upright at times, but more importantly they struggled opening holes for Chris Johnson.  With a former OL as a head coach, you just know that line will be rectified for this year.  Note:  If the Titans land Manning, I would probably expect Saturday to come along, perhaps Dallas Clark as well, I wouldn't take Konz if that happens, instead I'd either go Glenn for depth/competition or go to a guy like Fletcher Cox or Nick Perry on the Defensive side of the ball.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech

With AJ Green picked in the first round last year, you might think this isn't a huge need.  Well it is.  Simpson is a free agent, and I believe he got in some sort of off the field issue anyhow.  But besides that, it was all Green all the time last year and adding a guy like Hill to play in this receiving corps, whether or not they sign someone else, to go along with their TE will do nothing but help Dalton.  RB is probably more of a need, but I'm not a huge fan of Wilson or Martin.  If I'm a Bengals fan I'm hoping they pick someone up, say a Brandon Jacobs and then Hope James is still there when they pick in round two.

22. Cleveland Browns- Mike Adams OT Ohio State

Well, my gamble on Hill still being on the board didn't work out.  The Browns want two starters here.  Weeden could sneak up to this spot by the draft, but I'd be disappointed if that happened, and again that pick wouldn't adhere to the two starter philosophy.  I really thought long and hard about going with Jeffrey here, but backed off when I realized they need some offensive line help as well.  Glenn could be a good pick, as he can start immediately at G, while subbing at RT if needed, but Mike Adams, while I'm not a huge fan of his, I think getting this guy here, who can start at RT right away and perhaps develop into a LT later on in his career is a good spot for him, and good value.  The Browns pick early in Round 2, so I guess they'll have their fingers crossed Jeffrey is still there then.

23. Detroit Lions- Stephon Gilmore CB S. Carolina

I'm really not a fan of taking the third or fourth guy at a position in the draft.  I'd prefer to be able to go BPA and there are still a ton of DT/DE/LB prospects still available.  But CB is and has been the weak link on this strong Lions defense.  After failing to bring Finnegan to Detroit in Free Agency and also losing Eric Wright to Tampa Bay, I had to go with Gilmore.  He does have the makings of a decent NFL CB in him, and it's not like you're taking him early on.  Having the Front that the Lions do, makes players in the secondary better, and I think that played a big part in Wright, who's never really impressed me all that much on a consistent basis, getting his big contract from Tampa.  Not a sexy pick for Detroit, but I think one the fans will appreciate after they see him play.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Cordy Glenn OG/OT Georgia  

I think Mike Tomlin would've loved for Poe to still be there for his club, but I rank him probably a bit higher than others and have him going 9 spots earlier at 15 to Philly.  Lucky for them Glenn has slipped.  OG is an immediate need as is Tackle help.  As I mentioned earlier, Glenn is one of those OL prospects that can start immediately inside and if needed fill in at RT, while perhaps developing into a regular RT down the road.  This is a slam dunk pick for Pittsburgh, who'll thank their fortunes he lasted till they got to the podium.

25.  Denver Broncos- Fletcher Cox DT Mississippi State

Denver has a bunch of holes to fill, but they have a lot of money to spend and are just waiting for Peyton to make his decision, one that will , if made, completely alter John Fox's team as far as his offense goes.  Cox fills a need and is a stud, another example of a guy slipping who probably should've been gone long earlier.  Excellent value pick here.

26. Houston Texans- Alshon Jefferey WR S. Carolina

I thought long and hard about taking a replacement for Mario Williams, but they actually played pretty well when he was down last year.  By going with Jeffrey they're getting a guy that if he would've had his head on straight and performed as he can at the combine, he'd have been a top 15 pick, in my opinion.  He'll instantly alter the dynamics of the Texans passing game, lining up opposite from Andre Johnson.  Such an upgrade, that will do nothing but make their explosive offense that much more explosive.  This pick could've been much more difficult if Adams or Glenn were still available, but they aren't so this is not only a pick of need, it's also a potentially tremendous value pick as well.

27. New England Patriots- Whitney Mercillus DE/OLB Illinois

This is the pick they got from NO in the Ingram deal last April.  The Pats pick twice here in the final picks of the first round and they get lucky.  Their number one needs are on defense and getting some additional rush is what they covet the most.  There are plenty of rushers left to choose from, and if they don't trade away one of their two picks, which is a pretty likely if scenario, I see them taking two of these remaining valued rush players.  Mercillus is not just a guy with an awesome name for a pass rusher, he's pretty good as well.  Definite need pick, definite value pick as well.

28. Green Bay Packers- Nick Perry DE/OLB USC

The super powered Green Bay Packers from a year ago are virtually intact going into this years draft.  They lost their Center to the Rams, but with Konz off the board, depth/competition at OLB is an important area to consider.  Vinny Curry is also another possibility here.  I have Perry a bit higher and think with Matthews also being a USC guy, this choice makes a little bit more sense. Value pick and need pick.

29. Baltimore Ravens- Ronnell Lewis OLB Oklahoma

Ravens have several important needs here.  They could use another receiver, but with Johnson and Grubbs leaving I had to downgrade WR as a priority here.  Grubbs departure is huge, but with the lack of first round ability left at the position I thought I'd go LB with this pick.  I thought about Curry and Branch, but I see Lewis as a guy who can immediately contribute to the rush, but also play some Inside backer if needed/to groom behind Ray Lewis.  He's very versatile, can also play DE if needed.  In my opinion an underrated value pick that should turn out to be one of the better picks in this second half of the first round.

30. San Francisco 49ers- Vinny Curry DE/OLB Marshall

San Francisco really has limited holes to fill.  I thought WR was a big hole and losing Morgan didn't help at all.  Signing Randy Moss, may pay off big dividends, but it could also provide little if any returns.  So WR is still a play, yet there really isn't any WR worthy of a first round/early second round pick yet.  They did a nice job resigning their players, as it seems as if the team has really bought into Harbaugh's system and why wouldn't they?  QB seems to me, as outside of WR, the biggest need.  Weeden probably would be a good pick here, but I think if they fail in this last minute Peyton Manning pitch, they'll resign Smith and roll with him and Kaepernick, perhaps picking up another veteran guy to fill out their depth chart.  This all said depth with upside seems to be the way to go, and with the quality still left on defense, and a couple RB's some teams may want to jump on here, I can easily see the niners trading out of the first round.  But let's say they don't, Curry is both a value pick with definite upside potential and does fit that depth/competition role on this squad.

31.  New England Patriots- Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson

New England will probably look to trade out of the first round with this pick, but assuming they stay there are still some quality pass rushing/ Front seven prospects left.  Branch, in my opinion, is the best of this group left.  A value pick, a need pick with upside.  At worst it's depth and competition that should pay off down the road.  Nice pick here at the end of round 1.

32.  New York Giants- Michael Brockers DT LSU

The Giants won the Super Bowl, so that said, I guess it's not a big shock to say that they don't have too many holes to fill.  But one should remember that they won their division on the last game of the year.  Some of their needs have been addressed already.  Originally I had them slated to go TE, which although they just signed Martellus Bennett, it's only for a one year deal, so Fleener could be an option for NYG.  RB is probably their big need with Jacobs being cut, Bradshaw battling injuries on and off and Ware not necessarily consistently impressive.  CB was a bit of a worry, but they resigned Thomas.  So, like the 49'ers, they have the luxury of going BPA if they so desire.  Wilson or Martin should probably be the selection here.  Both decent RB's but not all that different from Bradshaw either.  If I were GM I'd seriously consider either of the two, and being a thin class, they may not be able to address it until later on.  Yet, with a guys as talented as Brockers, Still, and Hightower left on the Defensive side of the ball, I thought RB had to be passed and grab that BPA.  The Giants are thin at DT depth and while Still is a bit more proven, I just love what I've seen of Brockers, who, to me, would fit in great with that Giant D-Line philosophy.  He doesn't have as much film as you'd probably like, but the Giants weren't scared off with JPP, so I don't see them getting scared off on Brockers either.  He could be a bust, but I think you get somewhat of a pass for this type of gamble, at this particular spot in the first round, which of course, just having won a Super Bowl, probably helps out a bit too.  This pick is value, depth/competition with the potential for becoming a dynamic player with the luxury of versatility.  Could turn out to be the steal of the first round.

First round quality prospects still on the board after round 1, (In Order):

Devon Still- DT Penn State

Dont'a Hightower- ILB Alabama

Brandon Weeden- QB Oklahoma State

David Wilson- RB Virginia Tech

Doug Martin- RB Boise State

Kendall Reyes- DT/DE Connecticut

Jayron Hosley- CB Virginia Tech

Coby Fleener- TE Stanford

Mike Barron- S Alabama

Some positional players I like that are projected second round or later:

QB

Nick Foles- Arizona (4th)

Russell Wilson- Wisconsin (4th)

RB

LaMichael James- Oregon (2nd)

Lamar Miller- Miami (2nd)

Tauren Poole- Tennessee (6th)

WR

Juron Criner- Arizona (3rd)

Marvin Jones- Cal (3rd)

Joe Adams- Arkansas (4th)

Brian Quick- Appalachian State (6th)

Derek Moye- Penn State (6th)

Greg Childs- Arkansas (6th)

Chris Owusu- Stanford (6th)

FB

Terrance Ganaway- Baylor (3rd)

Cody Johnson- Texas (5th)

Joe Suhey- Penn State (6th)

TE

Dwayne Allen- Clemson (2nd)

Ladarius Green- Louisiana-Lafayette (4th)

Kevin Koger- Michigan (7th)

OT

Zebrie Sanders- Florida State (2nd)

Jeff Allen- Illinois (2nd)

Nate Potter- Boise State (3rd)

G

Kevin Zeitler- Wisconsin (2nd)

Will Blackwell- LSU (3rd)

C

Ben Jones- Georgia (2nd)

Michael Brewster- Ohio State (3rd)

LB

Zach Brown- UNC- (2nd)

Lavonte David- Nebraska (2nd)

Vontaze Burfict- Arizona State (2nd)

Bobby Wagner- Utah State (3rd)

Tank Carder- TCU (3rd)

CB

Chase Minnifield-Virginia (2nd)

Casey Heyward- Vanderbilt (2nd)

Josh Robinson- Central Florida (3rd)

Jamell Fleming- Oklahoma (4th)

DE

Cam Johnson-Virginia (2nd)

Derek Wolfe- Cincinnati (3rd)

Chandler Jones- Syracuse (3rd)

Jack Crawford- Penn State (5th)

Ethan Johnson- Notre Dame (7th)

DT

Brandon Thompson- Clemson (2nd)

Jerel Worthy- Michigan State (2nd)

Jared Crick- Nebraska (3rd)

Josh Chapman- Alabama (4th)

Kheeston Randall- Texas- (5th)

Tydreke Powell- UNC (7th)

I'll probably do an update in a couple of weeks and then a final one a few days prior to the draft.  

2012 NFL Draft Order: Based on my 2011 NFL Predictions (13 of 13)

2012 DRAFT ORDER

1              TENNESSEE TITANS           (2-14)

2              SEATTLE SEAHAWKS         (3-13)

3              DENVER BRONCOS            (3-13)

4              SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS    (4-12)

5              OAKLAND RAIDERS           (4-12)

6              CAROLINA PANTHERS       (4-12)

7              CLEVELAND BROWNS       (5-11)

8              CINCINNATI BENGALS       (5-11)

9              JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS   (6-10)

10          KANSAS CITY CHIEFS        (6-10)

11          MIAMI DOLPHINS              (6-10)

12          WASHINGTON REDSKINS  (6-10)

13          MINNESOTA VIKINGS        (7-9)

14          NEW YORK GIANTS           (8-8)

15          CHICAGO BEARS               (8-8)

16          BUFFALO BILLS                 (8-8)

17          ST. LOUIS RAMS                (9-7)

18          INDIANAPOLIS COLTS       (10-6)

19          NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4)**

20          TAMPA BAY BUCCANNEERS (10-6)

21          DETROIT LIONS                (10-6)

22          ARIZONA CARDINALS        (10-6)

23          PITTSBURGH STEELERS     (11-5)

24          BALTIMORE RAVENS          (11-5)

25          DALLAS COWBOYS            (10-6)

26          NEW YORK JETS                (10-6)

27          HOUSTON TEXANS            (11-5)

28          CLEVELAND BROWNS       (5-11)***

29          PHILADELPHIA EAGLES     (11-5)

30          NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4)

31          GREEN BAY PACKERS        (13-3)

32          SAN DIEGO CHARGERS     (10-6)

**Note:  New Orleans traded their 2012 1^st round pick to New England as part of the 2011 Draft-day trade, which they used to get back into the 1^st round and select RB Mark Ingram

***Note:   Atlanta traded their 2012 1^st round pick to Cleveland as part of the 2011 Draft-day trade, which they used to move up to select WR Julio Jones