On the Clock: Pittsburgh Steelers

For the next few hours leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 31st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…

Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor (6’3” 310 lbs)



"Babyface"



We nailed our first round pick last year with a stud interior lineman and we nail it again with Watkins.  He isn’t the type of player that attracts attention like the Cam Newton’s of the world and you might even forget his name by this time next week, but he will be a pro bowl player for multiple years.

“Babyface” is a mauler who is going to get in your face and drive you back.  Baylor has obviously produced some impressive lineman this year, offensively and defensively, and Watkins will anchor it.  The player who comes to mind that is similar to “Babyface” is Logan Mankins.  Same type of underrated ability coming out of college that people quickly become familiar with.

The only two players we are looking at in the 2ndround are Chimdi Chekwa and Marcus Gilchrist.  Both are undersized, fast corners who could possibly replace Ike Taylor.  I’m going to go get the best corner available, but that doesn’t mean I won’t look to trade back and get some extra picks.

Green Bay is on the clock…

On the Clock: New York Jets

For the next few hours leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 30th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select…

Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St (6’5” 294 lbs)

"Ironhead: 2.0"

Our Jets defense got meaner today.  Adding a DE like Heyward to our 3-4 alignment will increase our ability to stop the run and also get pressure on the QB.  He is a do it all type of lineman that can run the 3 or 5 technique.  He can even add about 5-10 lbs which is something I will ask of him.  I was thinking Akeem Ayers here along with Danny Watkins, but Heyward has more upside.

“Ironhead: 2.0” is a beast. Son of former running back, “Ironhead” Heyward, we assume hewill have the same nastiness as his father.  He was a preseason top 10 pick but fell due to poor performance.  We attribute it to poor scheme and coaching in Ohio St.  Getting our defense younger up front was the goal of this draft and this is a huge step.

Kenrick Ellis needs to be a JET before the 2^nd round ends.  His mammoth body would greatly help out on front 3 and I know we can get him if we trade up a few spots and take him early.  I don’t want to take any chance of one of these teams jumping over us at the end of the 2^nd and getting this mammoth NT. 

Pittsburgh is on the clock…

On the Clock: Chicago Bears

For the 2 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 29th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select…

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State (6’5” 321 lbs)



"Shred"



Since Jay Cutler was looking at completed passes from his back for most of the regular season, we will need to go get the best tackle on the board.  Derek doesn’t strike you as someone with the Chicago Bear mentality, but he will absolutely grow on Bears fans.  He is smart (3.51 GPA) and has the potential to be a blindside tackle.

"Shred" is going to be a good OL in this league.  Not elite, but good.  He is how I would describe as a jack of all trades and master of none.  He is good in run blocking and good in pass blocking but not great in either.  I could have looked at Danny Watkins here but felt that our interior lineman weren’t as important as the tackles.  Marvin Austin is expected to be here and we may take him if no O-lineman are available at the 29th pick, but we think we can get Shred.

There is no doubt in my mind we will get trade offers for this pick from the teams in the top part of the second round that are trying to get back into the top of the draft.  There are plenty of QB’s left on the board and plenty of QB needy teams left to try and make a deal.  We’ll see what happens.  I like

In the second round I’ll be looking at Drake Nevis from LSU at a DT position or possibly Rahim Moore.  We definitely need some DB help.  We’ll be picking late in the second so it is tough to mock who will be there for us.

New York is on the clock…

On the Clock: New England

For the 2 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 28th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select…

Cameron Jordan, DE, California (6’4” 287 lbs)

"Juice"

The chances of us using both of our first round picks this year is about as likely as Charlie Sheen taking over as GM of our wicked organization.  With that said I have no choice but to pick at this spot and Cameron Jordan makes sense here.  We had a ton of injuries along our defensive line and getting a DE that fits the 3-4 scheme is rare, so we need to take advantage of that. But like I said, I’d really like to trade this pick for some picks next year since we only have 5 in 2012.  We also pick again at #33 and since we are a team with very few holes, I can afford to leverage this pick.

"Juice" is a strong, high motor DE that will anchor the defense and apply sufficient pressure on the outside.  He can probably afford to add 10 lbs and stay versatile, but first we want him to get used to the system before we ask him to get to the weight room.  Coaches deemed him as fully matured after a rough freshman year.  Hugh Douglas type leader.

In the second round we again will be looking to trade the pick.  If we can’t get some future picks or value picks this year then we will upgrade along the offensive line and in the backfield.  Torrey Smith is a deep threat that this team needs. I also love Leonard Hankerson’s route running ability.  Don’t be surprised if we go get Ryan Williams or Mikel Leshoure either.  If Derek Sherrod is there at the 33^rd pick I will almost have to take him if no trade agreement can be met. 

Chicago is on the clock…

On the Clock: Atlanta Falcons

For the 2 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 27th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Ravens select…

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (5’9” 215 lbs)



"Sir Ingram"



Michael Turner has been a beast for us the last 3 years and now that he is 29 years old he might start to wear down. If I want to prolong his career and get the most out of him I need to find a RB that can spell him and eventually take over the RB duties.  Ingram is not the burner that we know Turner to be but he will convert on 3^rd and short and can block on passing downs.  Everyone is assuming we are going to replace Tony Gonzalez with his eventual heir or another DE opposite of John Abraham but there are Des that will be available later that can fill that void.

"Sir Ingram" is going to add value in two ways.  He will provide longevity to Turner’s career along with providing a second threat on the ground that Atlanta has been looking for.  He fits the power run game beautifully and is a class act.  To be able to get a Heisman trophy winner this late in the draft is very valuable.  I’d be a fool to not address the RB situation within the 1^st or 2^nd round.

Now that I have my RB of the future I can go get a DE in the second round.  Donta Moch, Jabaal Sheard, Justin Houston, and Christian Ballard will all be available late in round 2.  Defensive End have been notorious for being first round flops so I don’t want to blow a first round pick on a potentially poor DE.  I will look to get Virgil Green or Jordan Cameron later in the draft as well to help create an heir to Gonzo’s position.

New England is on the clock…

On the Clock: Baltimore Ravens

For the 4 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 26th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select…

Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona (6’3” 257 lbs)

"Thor"

Our defense is getting old quick and I think it is time to get a player involved on defense to help out Terrell Suggs.  Brooks is a rush LB that can create chaos and has a non-stop motor.  Not many people know about this guy since he was on a bad team, but was easily the best player on their defense.  He has Raven’s style defense written all over him.

“Thor” is a perfect for the system and will be able to spell Suggs once and again. I don’t like him much in coverage, but with our aggressive defense he will rarely be asked to cover a TE or RB.  His run defense is lacking, but or front three should be able to help cover up that weakness with good penetration.

I could have gone WR here as well.  We need the type of WR that can stretch the field for Mason, Boldin, and Housh to work underneath.  We also need some youth at the position.  Torrey Smith could be an option here or look to Titus Young or Edmund Gates later in the draft.  I can’t pass on Jonathan Baldwin if he comes back to me again.

Atlanta is on the clock…

On the Clock: Seattle Seahawks

For the 4 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 25th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select…

Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor (6’3” 334 lbs)

"Load"

We are in flux at the QB position and need some help in the defensive backfield as well, but getting a run plugging DT will go a long way.  We gave up 118 yards rushing per game, which was second worst among teams that made the playoffs.  If we can plug that hole on 1^st and second downs, we might be able to improve upon our 3^rd down defense as teams would conceivably have a 3^rd and 6, rather than a 3^rd and 2.

I know “Load” isn’t the sexiest pick in the draft, but he will be dominant on 1^st and 2^nd downs.  It is very hard to find DT’s that size and athletic and when the opportunity presents itself, we need to take advantage.  It is going to be hard to pass on Christian Ponder and Andy Daulton, but I think if we can resign Hasselbeck or trade for Kolb, we will be in a better position to win the division this year.  There even might be a QB in the second round I could take.

In the second round Colin Kaepernick will be available and I might even trade about 5 or 6 spots to make sure I get him.  He’s big, athletic, and has a strong arm.  I just don’t know how he will translate those skills to the NFL.  I also need help at CB so I could ideally take a CB with that pick as well.  Brandon Harris will be a player I target along with Davon House.

Baltimore is on the clock…

On the Clock: New Orleans Saints

For the 5 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 24th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select…

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa (6’2” 280 LBS)

"Dreads"

We got holes all over the defense and for us to contend against Atlanta and the other dominant offenses in the NFC we need some help on defense.  That is why I go after Adrian Clayborn.  He is a massive DE who can play the 5 technique, also known as the strong side of the line.  He’ll take on the tackle and tight on running plays and be able to hold the point to force the RBs out wider.  He also has great initial burst so we he could get anywhere to 8-10 sacks per season without even breaking a sweat.

“Dreads” is a mammoth DE and will be someone that offensive coordinators will need to game plan for.  As a coach, the more players that you need to game plan for, the more of a chance something else gets overlooked.  I could have gone with Marvin Austin here or even Stephen Paea.  It’s no secret that our defensive tackles are average at best.  I just think that Adrian is the safer pick at this spot.

With our 56^th pick we will need to look at either OLB or DT.  Bruce Carter is an intriguing OLB but with his knee injury I might have to let him slide and fall into the 3^rd round.  Jonas Mouton could also be an option at OLB.  If Akeem Ayers falls out of the first round and slides into the second round I will not hesitate to trade up and get him.

Seattle is on the clock…

On the Clock: Philadelphia Eagles

For the next five days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 23nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select…

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado (6’2”, 211 lbs)



"Hood"



We have got 2 major holes on this team.  Our interior offensive line is poor and we have no real CB opposite of Asante Samuel.  Jimmy Smith is a large CB who gets involved with stopping the run and is a solid tackler.  He can come up on the line and press the wide receivers without getting overmatched.  He could really be the next shut down corner in this league.  Now some people are down on Jimmy because of his off the field issues but our reports show that he is past that and is ready to be a Philadelphia Eagle.

"Hood" is going to be a fan favorite.  He is physical and makes plays happen.  I know our defensive tackles are weak and we need more of a pass rush from them, but I don’t think there are any defensive tackles available that can get a pass rush.  Stephen Paea is an option but I believe Jimmy Smith is a better DB than Paea is at DT.

I am definitely fielding calls for this 1^st round pick because that is simply what we always do.  We rarely stay in at the pick that we have and love a lot of picks.  I want to get Marvin Austin or Clint Boiling in the second round.  If Ben Ijalana is there or close to falling to us we will trade up to get him.  He can play right tackle or move inside to tackle.

New Orleans is on the clock…

On the Clock: Indianapolis Colts

For the next six days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 22nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select…

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (6’8” 320 lbs)



"Trunk"



I had already shown my hand on what our top priority was before the draft when I admitted that we should have taken a offensive tackle last season.  With that said, everyone knows that we are taking an offensive lineman with our first round pick.  We have way too many holes along the offensive line and to get the most out of Peyton we need to take Solder.  He is the type of tackle we can take and put at the blindside for the next 9 or 10 years.

"Trunk" is a great blocker that will excel in pass protection and can be a mauler along the O-line.  He is very tall and lean so I think we can actually add about 10 lbs to his frame while keeping him at the same level of athleticism.  He is a little raw due to poor coaching, but will learn a lot more at the NFL level.

In the second round I am going to look for safety Rahim Moore or cornerback Ras-I Dowling.  Our pass defense has been horrid the last two years, but one of these guys can drastically help where our team is now and get us to where we want to be.

Philadelphia is on the clock…

On the Block: Kansas City Chiefs

For the next seven days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the role of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 21st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select…

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin (6’7” 2314 LBS)

"Meat"

As defending AFC West Division champs and the rest of our division in flux, we have a real chance to start to separate ourselves from their mediocrity.   We have a great RB, QB, WR, and pass rusher.  Our defensive backs have improved drastically and our coaching stay has to do a lot with this.  If we can go get a bookend right tackle that we can plant there for the next 10 years with Brandon Albert, we won’t have to worry about the position for awhile.

"Meat" has a hulking personality and figure.  He is a high character guy with a mean streak on the field.  He is a dominant run blocker in a division where running is a main component of winning the hard fought games.  Gabe has the look of a Jon Runyan type of player and that is the type of player every team covets.

In the second round I am going to focus on getting a pass rusher on defense. Sam Acho, Brooks Reed and Justin Houstin are all on my board and one of them will fall to the 55^th pick.  There are just too many good players that should push them down the board.  Look for us to trade up though as I am HUGE on trading up and down the board.

Indianapolis is on the clock…

On the Clock: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For the seven days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume the roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 20^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select…

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (6’4” 267 LBS)

"Freight Train"

Last year may have been our best draft class in the history of the franchise.  We made upgrades along the defensive line, provided a go to wide receiver for Freeman and have a top tier running back.  To say that the 2010 NFL Draft was good for us is an understatement.  I see us going after a strong DE that can get some pressure on the QB.  Ryan is a high motor type of guy who will give it his all on every play.  I know that he came out nowhere, but he has all the tools I am looking for.

"Freight Train" is a high character guy who teammates will feed off of.  The closest comparison I can think of is Jared Allen in terms of emotion.  If he has similar production this organization might be a play-off caliber defense.  Aqib Talib has put the team in a difficult situation and the team could look to draft a CB, but that looks doubtful since the next highest rated CB, Jimmy Smith from Colorado, is very similar in character to Aqib.

Now that we have established some pass rush on the edge for our defense I am going to look at getting Josh Freeman another target to through to.  That is why we will be looking at either Titus Young FROM Boise, Randall Cobb from Kentucky or possibly Greg Little form UNC.  This offense needs something for short passing downs and Cobb and Young could be the answer.  Little could be more of a flanker and work one-on-one on the outside.

Kansas City is on the clock…

On the Clock: New York Giants

For the next 6 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 19^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select…

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (6’3” 291 LBS)

"B.A."

Not sure why it happens but every year there is a top flight player that drops on draft day.  Aaron Rodgers had an epic fall as did Jeremy Maclin and Randy Moss.  I know why Nick might have fallen, but for him to fall to us is amazing.  He can dominate the game any time he is willing to turn it on and I will take that every 3^rd snap if that is what he gives us.

“B.A.” has got some ridiculous talent and teams that pass on him will regret him.  Our O-line is getting old and breaking down and I had wanted to address the situation but I can’t do it at the expense of passing on one of the highly touted defensive tackles. With him, Tuck and Pierre-Paul we have some serious pressure on third downs.

When we pick again at #52 we will need to look at either offensive line or maybe help out in the linebacker level.  Both aren’t going to be that deep at this point of the draft but something will be there. Martez Wilson is very underrated right now and Clint Boling is a stud guard that I might even consider trading up for. Bottomline is that we got amazing value at the #19 pick and it is setting up to happen in the second round as well.

Tamp Bay  is on the clock…

On the Block: San Diego Chargers

For the 6 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 18^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select…

Muhammad Wlikerson, DE, Temple (6’4” 315 LBS)

"Big Willie"

With Ron Rivera leaving for Carolina, we got some issues on defense.  His scheme and aggressiveness is what allowed our team to be so good on defense.  With him gone, the only way we keep our dominant defense is to add some talent on defense at Wilkerson has plenty of that.  He is appealing to me since he can play the 5 technique or 3 technique along the line.  He is very quick for a man of his size and should help immensely with our run defense.

Big Willie also has that leadership quality that this team is looking for.  He is someone that players over the next few years can listen to and believe in.  Right now our defense doesn’t have that.  I could have considered Ryan Kerrigan at this spot or even an O-lineman but Willie is too versatile to pass up.  I have an amazing coach that just left our defense so I need to help counter the issue.

When we pick again in the second round I might be in a position to trade out and get a few later picks in the draft.  Maybe a later 2^nd round pick and a 4^th rounder.  If we don’t trade out I will be looking at Jon Baldwin from Pitt.  Vincent Jackson might be on the way our so I need to help Phillip find a new red zone target.

New York is on the clock…

On the Clock: New England Patriots

For the next two weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 17^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select…

Mike Pouncey, G, Florida (6’5” 303 LBS)

The most underrated story across the NFL landscape is our offensive line situation.  Mankins is still ticked off and has shown he has no problem holding out. Matt Light is getting old at age 33 and is a free agent that may not come back. Stephen Neal has retired and Dan Koppen is going into the last year of his contract.  I have needs all along the line.  Acquiring Pouncey will give us some flexibility along the line.  He could play center or guard depending on what we get done with these contracts.

"Pouncey 2.0"

"Pouncey 2.0" is large and aggressive.  Great run blocker and very smart along the line. Not as good as his bro, but his brother is an All-Pro.  I know our defense is what everyone expects us to address but I see no reason to pass on a talent like Mike.

Great thing about this pick is that we don’t have to draft a lineman at this pick if we don’t want to.  We can wait until the 28^th pick to grad a lineman that falls.  Fact of the matter is that we probably won’t use both of our 1^st round picks.  We have been known to trade all over the place to acquiring more picks, especially if it is a pick that allows us to acquire a higher round pick the following year.  We are notorious for that.  Last year we traded our third round pick to Carolina for their 2^nd round pick this year.  That pick this year is now the 33^rd overall pick which is essentially a first round pick with the depth that this draft provides.

San Diego is on the clock…

On the Clock: Jacksonville Jaguars

For the 10 days leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 16^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select…

Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri (6’4” 263 LBS)

"Freak 2.0"

After upgrading last year at DT with Aluala we again go to the D-line to improve our defense.  Getting to the QB is an issue and smith has shown time and again he can be and impact up front.  He is has a wingspan a shade under 80 inches and should be a terror on the outside for us.  I want him to add some weight.  10 pounds would be ideal.  We have some serious issues at QB and our wide receivers are lacking but improving our defense is the quickest way to stay competitive.  We can’t reach for a QB or wide receiver at this spot in the draft.

We were looking at Fairley but feel that our edge rushers need more of an improvement that our interior does. “Freak 2.0” will accomplish this goal.   In the second round I might look for a safety like Rahim Moore or even consider a WR like Jon Baldwin.  I know he has some character concerns but his large frame will be a great presence inside the red zone for the small CBs to deal with.

Our biggest concern is at QB and we may have to do something about it in this draft.  A guy like Ricky Stanzi interests me since he is pretty undervalued at this point and I could probably get him in the 6^th round and throw him on the bench for a year so that he can develop.

New England is on the clock…

On the Clock: Miami Dolphins

For the next two weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 15^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select…

J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin (6’5” 290 LBS)

"Thunder"

I was in a real bind coming into the draft but it appears that I have a chance to fix it.  I had no second round choice coming into the draft and multiple holes.  With this pick I am going to look to trade it.  If I can’t, I am taking "Thunder".  He has the high motor and frame needed to excel in the 3-4 DE spot. I’ll consider Pouncey and Ingram at this spot but I’ll pray that I can trade down.  I’ll be willing to trade out of the 1^st round all together if we can get a combination of 3 picks in the 2^nd and 3^rd round.  There is going to be good value in the second round, especially in the areas where we need the most help in.

Every is asking who our 2011 QB is going to be and truthfully, I don’t know who.  But I can tell you it is no one on the current roster.  I’m not trading for a QB because we simply don’t have the ammo to do so.  It will have to be a QB that gets cut or someone like Marc Bulger to plug in while we look for a QB.  We might draft one if someone with value falls into the third round, but it is hard to find franchise QBs in the 3^rd round.

The chances of us trading out of this spot are at about 90%.  There are plenty of teams with the ability to move up that will make an offer. Hint: The Patriots.

Jacksonville is on the clock…

On the Clock: St. Louis

For the next two weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 14^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select…

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois (6’2” 299 LBS)

"Hambone"

  Sam Bradford looks like he could be a potential star in this league.  I would love to get a playmaker like Julio Jones for him but I haven’t really ever been the type of GM to trade up in the draft to get a player.  I’d much rather stay put or move back.  But with Corey on the board and Fred Robbins our current starting DT I need to make an upgrade.  I was considering Mike Pouncey at this pick to help upgrade our inside presence but there is enough depth at the C/G position that I can wait till later for that position.

"Hambone" has great quickness off the ball and should be a force in the running game.  His pass rush skills aren’t fully developed but he does have great strength to bull rush.  Spags will have a fun time teaching this athletic DT how to play the game right.  Scouts tell me that his coaching was lacking at Illinois, to no fault of his own.

When we pick again at pick 47, we HAVE to get a playmaker on the outside and there will be plenty options at that spot.  I personally love Torrey Smith.  His top end speed is top notch and that is exactly what this offense needs.  Leonard Hankerson and Titus Young might be there as well so I could consider them if Torrey is off the board, but at that point I think there might be more valuable players on the board along the OLine.

Miami is on the clock…

On the Block: Detroit Lions

For the next two weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 13^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select…

Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College (6’7” 311 LBS)

"Stallion"

I got a franchise WR.  I got a franchise DT.  I got a franchise QB. Next franchise position I need is at tackle.  It will be real tempting to pair Nick Fairley with Suh in the middle but I need to protect my QB and establish a commitment to Matt Stafford by protecting him. Stallion is a big enough and athletic enough to go on Matt’s blindside and be a force in the running game.  He is a close second to Tyron Smith for top tackle honors and I’d be a fool to think that I need another dominant DT.

This team has come a long way from where we were 5 years ago and I don’t want to waste it on such a volatile player like Nick Fairley.  There are also other top DL out there that  I would consider like J.J. Watt, Aldon Smith, and Muhammad Wilkerson but protecting the QB should be the top goal for any team and we haven’t been doing that.  That changes now.

In the early second round I am going to look at what is available on defense.  Our pass defense was an embarrassment last year so I’d like to get a pass rusher or a defensive back at this pick.  Brandon Harris and Davon House could be there or I could go with a DE like Sam Acho.  We could move back up again into the end of the first round like we did last year when we got Jahvid Best. 

St. Louis is on the clock…

On the Clock: Minnesota Vikings

For the next two weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 12^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select…

Jake Locker, QB, Washington (6’2” 231 LBS)

"Coast"

Good bye Brett Favre.  Good bye drama.  It was a good 2 years but we cannot continue to leave on these veterans that are at the end of their career.  It is too volatile of a management approach and we need to start a long term approach to the QB position before the talents of Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen go to waste.  Jake is the type of QB that can get out on the edge and make something happen.   People are comparing him to Steve Young, but he is not at that point, yet. He will need a lot of coaching and reps to get used to the position in the NFL .  This is not the ideal season to draft a QB but I know this is a long term position and need that will develop over time. I have no expectation to win this year, but to develop a QB.

I considered waiting and seeing if Christian Ponder would be there in the second but there are no guarantees that I'll be able to get a QB like "Coast".  I have a solid defense that needs a few upgrades in the defensive backfield but will wait until the later rounds or free agency to address that.  I could also use some offensive line help but again, QB is the #1 priority.

I’ll consider trading for Kevin Kolb if the Eagles lower the price but I think they are set on a first round pick plus a pick next year and that is too steep for a rebuilding team.  I’m going to look some offensive line help from a guy like Stefan Wisniewski or consider Rodney Hudson at guard. We will see how the draft goes.

Detroit is on the clock…

On the Clock: Houston Texans

For the next two weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 11^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select…

DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson (6’3” 280 LBS)

"DQ"

With that transition of our defense to a 3-4 I will need to help acquire some of the positional players that are needed for that system.  Due to some pre-draft issues, DaQuan Bowers falls down the board and out of the top 10 and there is just too much value to pass up at this spot.  He was a potential first overall pick that slips due to some questions about his knee.  Some teams cleared him and some did not.  I guess we were one of the teams to clear him.

"DQ" has the ability to get to the quarterback and can also play the run which forces me to go get him.  I can either play him at the 5 technique DE spot or have him rush from the outside linebacker spot.  With him and Mario Williams on the outside, our pass rush WILL improve. Corner is a huge hole for our team but I will get plenty of value out of the 11^th pick which really doesn’t force me to trade up.

Now in the second round there is going to be value that we need to evaluate.  Stephen Paea could be there as a NT option.  Brandon Harris or Rahim Moore could be added for our defense backfield or maybe Allen Bailey who could be used as a 5 technique DE.

Minnesota is on the clock…

On the Clock: Washinton Redskins

For the next few weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 10^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select…

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (6’3” 220 LBS)



"Gladiator"



We got a bunch of issues.  No real long term QB.  No real nose tackle for our 3-4 defense and inefficient players at almost every position.  The fact that we were 6-10 is a real shock.  I was hoping to have one of the top QBs fall a little bit further but unfortunately it didn’t happen.  Now the benefit of being such a bad team is that you have the ability to take any player on the board and allow it to fill a need. That need that I will address is at WR with Julio Jones.  I know we need a QB, RB and NT BUT Julio is the type of playmaker this offense can use.  He is a huge target over the middle and will be an asset blocking downfield, something that is hard to find. 

"Gladiator", the meaning of his real name which is Quintorris, blew us away at the combine and I have no doubt that it was no fluke.  He has always had the pedigree of a top flight player and this could be a pick that allows us to build around a player for the next couple of years.  I was considering Phil Taylor at this spot to plug the middle but Julio is too good of a player to pass on. Criticism would have run rampant in D.C. if he passed on this guy.

In the second round I am not going to get antsy and draft the best available QB.  The only QB I want is Christian Ponder.  He is athletic enough for this offense to move the sticks and develop of the course of the year. I think there might be a few team interested in him so what I might want to do is offer a third rounder along with my second rounder and move up to the end of the 1^st round to get a potential building block.

Houston is on the clock…

On the Clock: Dallas Cowboys

For the next few weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 9^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…

Tyron Smith, OT, USC (6’5” 307 LBS)

"Tron"

With the top rated offensive tackle still on the board I need to jump at it.  Our offensive line is weak and made life difficult for both Tony Romo and Jon Kitna.  This pick will allow me to have at the minimum a starting right tackle for the next 10 years, and hopefully I can turn him into a blindside tackle, a huge area of need.  He can probably add another 10 lbs and still keep his athleticism on the same level.  He has had some durability issues in the past 6 months but I think it really is exaggerated.  There isn’t much question where our holes are and I doubt that this pick will surprise anyone.

"Tron" is an amazing athlete and doesn’t even look close to the 307 lbs he weighed in at with the combine.  He played right tackle in college but he could eventually move over to the other side with some changes to his technique.

With our 40^th pick I need to get a CB and might even move up to get a CB that slips.  Ras-I Dowling might fall to the beginning of the second round and word is Jimmy Smith might as well.  Brandon Harris is a guy I will consider but will not move up to get.  I’d like to get a safety later in the draft that can help in the middle of the field.  We were abused last year and will not let it happen again.

Washington is on the clock…