January 30, 2010

Senior Bowl: Final Thoughts

Can we please get Brandon Graham? As a Michigan fan, Eric was pimping this guy to me all last season. I finally got a chance to see him play watching the Ohio State-Michigan game this past November and he immediately jumps out at you. His motor never stops. He draws a lot of comparisons to Lamaar Woodley because they both played DE at Michigan, but he reminds me a lot of Dwight Freeney in terms of his motor. He is non-stop. Not only can he rush the QB, but he is very strong and is sound against the run too.

BG continued to toss the South tackles around like rag dolls in the second half, picking up another sack a forced fumble and game MVP honors. I doubt we would take him as high as 7 but perhaps if we are able to trade down in the first or trade back into the first, he will be a solid OLB in the NFL. Lets just pray Pittsburgh or Baltimore don't take him. He's a BEAST.

Tebow's performance in this game was lackluster. Facing the toughest competition of his career, Tebow looked lost at times. When plays broke down he lacked the speed to outrun defenders and looked very ordinary. Granted its hard to get into an offensive rhythm when you are constantly switching QBs (where have a heard THAT song before?), Tebow struggled and he will be a project on the next level.

As far as quarterbacks go, Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan and Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State stood out the most. They showed good ability to move in the pocket, keep plays alive when the pocket broke down and moved the ball fairly well on offense. LeFevour, which is French for "The Fevour" is intriguing as he was extremely productive over his career. Let's keep an eye on him.

Marty Gilyard - WR (Cincinnati) showed some ability (sorry for the Crennelism there). While he might not have top end speed he's very shifty and quick in and out of his breaks and is very adept at creating separation. His Senior Bowl performance likely elevated his draft status to the 2nd round.

The North defense beat up the South offense throughout the game. We'll continue breaking down the Senior Bowl and the prospects as we head towards the Scouting Combine which is less than a month away!

Senior Bowl: Impressions at Halftime

Tim Tebow - QB (Florida)
Tebow ran a little no huddle on the opening drive to try to catch the North defense off guard. Tebow was quick to check down to his tight ends and backs (where have I seen this before?), and missed on a skinny post, underthrowing his receiver. On his second drive, Tebow did a good job moving the offense and got the South on the board to knot the game at 3-3. Tebow was not impressive in limited work, but watching a Florida game or two, Tebow seems to improve as the games wear on.

Offense
Nobody has done anything to really stand out head and shoulders above everybody else. However, I want to see what LeGarrett Blount - RB (Oregon) does at the combine in terms of 40-time, short shuttle and position drills, especially catching the ball. He is a solid 6'1" 245 and could be a nice complement to Mr. Jerome Harrison. Eric and I have been proponents of adding more physicality to the Browns. Who better than Blount? Blount scored the North's first TD rushing off LT and leaping into the end zone from about the 5 yard line. It will be interesting to see whether his incident at Boise State will affect his draft stock.

Speed is crucial at the next level. Dexter McCluster - WR/RB/PR/KR/MD/JD/LLM/ESQ/CPA (Ole Miss) and Jacoby Ford - WR (Clemson) absolutely have it. Ford burned most of the North defenders on a reverse in the first quarter and the Dolphins coaching staff on the South have had McCluster do a little bit of everythign in this game.

Mike Mayock has repeatedly pointed out how heralded guard/tackle prospect Mike Iupati out of Idaho has good footwork but lacks a strong punch and has a propensity to hold. This concerns me as a team possibly in the market for his services. He comes from a small school and may have gotten away with it there but it will not work in the NFL.

Defense
Dan Williams - DT (Tennessee) was dominant in the interior of the defensive line for the South team, consistently commanding double teams and was able to collapse the pocket, pressure the QB and knock down a pass or two at the line of scrimmage.

Brandon Graham's - DE/OLB (Michigan) opened eyes this week and his dominance in practice has carried over to the game as he has beaten just about every tackle hes faced. He's been living in the backfield creating pressures and even registering a sack, an impressive feat considering the Senior Bowl rules prohibit blitzing (only 4 man rushes are allowed). We need someone like this at OLB.

Sean Weatherspoon - LB (Mizzou) looks like he is a real playmaker. He was all over the field and even covered the quick McCluster one on one on a swing route out of the backfield.

Taylor Mays - FS, has drawn a lot of criticism for not making enough plays this year at USC. He has all the physical tools and his problem in my opinion is that hes always trying to go for the home run. On the first or second play of the game he went for a knock out punch going full speed at a RB and missed allowing the North to pick up extra yards. Mays made up for this by picking off a pass in the end zone, keeping points off the board.

Looking forward to seeing more plays made in the second half!

Senior Bowl Full of Top Prospects

The Senior Bowl kicks off from Mobile, Alabama in a little less than 30 minutes (broadcast live on NFL Network). This is the premier game for scouting senior prospects and has important ramifications on the upcoming NFL draft. Last year, a little more than one-third of the picks in the first round played in the Senior Bowl.

I am looking forward to seeing how Tim Tebow does against the toughest competition he has ever faced. Tebow will be the most scrutinized player to enter the NFL this year and perhaps of all time. Like him or not, Tebow is a consummate competitor and leader. He exudes confidence and strength and makes the players around him better. Others will argue the players around him and Urban Meyer's system at Florida made him better. Either way, I like his intangibles and his base skill set. I think if he gets in the right system and works on his mechanics, he can be a successful NFL QB.

I will also be paying close attention to anyone and everyone on defense, especially pass rushers and defensive backs.

Refresh periodically for updates and thoughts on players that stand out to me.

January 29, 2010

Shaun Rogers Trade?

There has been much speculation among Browns fans and media that Shaun Rogers could/should be traded. We here at Super Bowl Someday suggest the following as it pertains to the mammoth nose tackle.

First, unless you’re talking a 1st or 2nd round draft pick in compensation for Mr. Rogers, don’t look at me. If you are talking about a 1st or 2nd rounder, you likely are not and will never be in a position to authorize such a trade. For those of us who could be running NFL franchises, it is clear to us that its unlikely that the Browns would acquire a pick in the top 50 for a 31 year old defensive tackle.

Rather than trade this huge (literally) talent for pennies on the dollar, allow us to slide him over to defensive end. Rogers is a good nose tackle. However his preference is to not be in the middle taking on double teams. But what about the run defense playing better after Rogers was injured? And what about Rubin playing so well in his stead? I’m glad you asked. Rubin showed he has what it takes to be a NT in a 3-4 defense. Rogers can play the nose, but we believe (and we are the ones writing this) that Rogers would be more disruptive at DE. I get pretty excited thinking about what happens if he commands a double team on the outside with a OLB bringing a blitz on the same side. If Rubin continues to collapse the pocket a little, we’re talking about big time pressure on the QB. Mary, the man’s a playmaker! With his penetrating, he could effectively seal the edge and could potentially shut down running to the outside on his side of the field.

It is clear that Rubin is ready to play more. It is also clear that Rogers possesses a rare combination of size and speed. It is obvious to me that we should not trade Rogers for anything outside the top 50 picks. I would suggest to you, ladies and gentlemen that this includes, Mr. Rogers should be our starting defensive end, as no one else on the squad is even in his neighborhood.

SUPERBOWL!!!!

January 28, 2010

2010 State of the Browns' Union Address

Mike Holmgren delivered the address before members of the Browns' organization at 100 Alfred Lerner Way in Cleveland, Ohio:

"Madame Aponte, Vice President Wiedmeier, members of the front office, coaching staff, distinguished tailgaters, and fellow Browns fans:

Mr. Lerner declares that from time to time, the President shall give to the owner information about the state of our union. For fifty-four years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They have done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they have done so in the midst of games and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle.

It’s tempting to look back on these moments and assume that our progress was inevitable – that the Browns were always destined to succeed. But when Earnest Byner fumbled and John Elway first drove 98 yards, victory was very much in doubt. When Modell moved the team, the future was anything but certain. These were times that tested the courage of our convictions, and the strength of our fan base. And despite all our divisions and disagreements; our hesitations and our fears; Cleveland prevailed because we chose to move forward with our history, our tradition and our team colors as one team, and one Dawg Pound.

Again, we are tested. And again, we must answer history's call.

One month ago, I took office amid another losing season, a roster rocked by severe recession, a salary cap system on the verge of collapse, and Mr. Lerner deeply in debt on old contracts. Experts from across the NFL spectrum warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression. So we acted – immediately and aggressively. And one month later, the worst of the storm has passed.

But the devastation remains. One in ten Browns players still cannot find the endzone. Many sponsors have shuttered. PSL values have declined. Season ticket holders have been hit especially hard. For those who have to sit in the Family Zone, life has become that much harder.

This recession has also compounded the burdens that Browns fans have been dealing with for decades – the burden of cheering harder and longer for less; of being unable to tailgate long enough to tolerate the cold or the miserable display on the field.

So I know the anxieties that are out there right now. They're not new. These struggles are the reason I became President. These struggles are what I've witnessed for years in places like Buffalo, Detroit and Oakland. I hear about them in the letters that I read each night. The toughest to read are those written by children – asking why they have to watch this crap, or when their mom or dad will be able to talk to them again on Sundays.

For these fans and so many others, change has not come fast enough. Some are frustrated; some are angry. They don't understand why it seems like bad play on the Steelers is rewarded but hard work in Berea isn't; or why Mr. Lerner has been unable or unwilling to solve any of our problems. They are tired of the barking and the shouting and the pettiness. They know we can't afford it. Not now.

So we face big and difficult challenges. And what the Browns fans hope – what they deserve – is for all of us to work through our differences; to overcome the numbing weight of our beer guts. For while the players who we drafted or signed with us here have different backgrounds, different stories and different beliefs, the anxieties they face are the same. The aspirations they hold are shared. A job that “pays the man”. A chance to get ahead. Most of all, the ability to give the team a better record.

You know what else they share? They share a stubborn resilience in the face of adversity. After one of the most difficult seasons in our history, they remain busy building muscle and learning plays; starting mini camps and going back to OTAs. They're coaching each other and helping their neighbors. As one woman wrote me, "We are strained but hopeful, struggling but encouraged."

It is because of this spirit – this great decency and great strength – that I have never been more hopeful about the Brown’s future than I am tonight. Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it's time the Browns get a front office that matches their decency; a team that embodies their strength.

And tonight, I'd like to talk about how together, we can deliver on that promise.

It begins with our roster.

Our most urgent task upon taking office was to shore up the defense that helped cause this crisis. It was not easy to do. And if there's one thing that has unified Eric Mangini and Tom Heckert, it's that we all hated the Hank Poteat bailout. I hated it. You hated it. It was about as popular as a root canal.

But when became President, I promised I wouldn't just do what was popular – I would do what was necessary. And if we had allowed the meltdown of the salary cap system, roster cuts might be double what they are today. More season ticket holders would certainly not renew. More PSLs would have surely been lost.

So I supported the last administration's efforts to create more cap space. And when we took the program over, we made it more transparent and accountable. As a result, the scouting department is now stabilized, and we have recovered most of the money we gave to Phil Savage.

To recover the rest, I have proposed a fee on the biggest coach. I know Scott Pioli isn't keen on this idea, but if the Chiefs can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the fans who stayed with Romero is his time of need.

As we stabilized the scouting department, we also took steps to get our front office growing again, creating as many jobs as possible, and helped Kokinis who had become unemployed.

But I realize that for every success story, there are other stories, of backups and practice squad players who wake up with the anguish of not knowing where their next paycheck will come from. That is why depth must be our number one focus in 2010, and that is why I am calling for draft scouting tonight.

Now, the true engine of scouting for the NFL will always be Mel Kiper’s business. But Todd McShay can stir the pot to make for hilarious TV segments on Sports Center.

We should start where most new draftees do – on special teams. Special Teams is the one area where we have been successful.

Through sheer grit and determination, some players have developed in the recession and are ready to start. But when you talk to season ticket holders in places like Allentown, Pennsylvania or Elyria, Ohio, you find out that even though Brady Quinn was starting again, he was mostly throwing to less talented receivers. But quarterback play remains difficult for small market teams across the country.

So tonight, I'm proposing that we take $30 million of the cap space Mangini created and use some of it to sign Chad Pennington or some other veteran quarterback and give the quarterbacks on this team the mentoring they need to stay afloat. I am also proposing a new contract for Josh Cribbs – one that will go to over two million dollars per season if he continues to play at such a high level. While we're at it, let's also eliminate all players who would not make any other team in this league (looks at Hank Poteat); and provide playing incentives for all players, offense and defense.

Next, we can put Tom Heckert to work today building the defensive of tomorrow. From the Hanford Dixons to the Eric Wrights, our corners have always been built to compete. There's no reason the Steelers or Ravens should have the fastest linebackers, or the Bengals who manufactured more turnovers than we did.

Tomorrow, I'll visit Mobile, Alabama, where college players will soon break the huddle at the Senior Bowl. There are all-star games and combines like that all across this country that will showcase rookies who can improve our roster. We should draft best player available and not based on potential. It's time to finally build a team we can be proud of; that compete for 60 minutes every Sunday, or Monday night, or Thursday Night, and the occasional Saturday. My fellow Browns fans, the state of the union is strong!"

January 27, 2010

Mike Holmgren Interview on Sirius NFL Radio

Mike Holmgren was on Sirius today with Tim and Pat. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On Retaining Eric Mangini

He had no preconceived notions regarding Mangini. He came in intent on giving Mangini a fair chance. The more he met with him, the more he was impressed by Mangini's work ethic, smarts and willigness to be a part of the Team (meaning Heckert and Holmgren). Mangini reminds Holmgren alot of himself when he first started. He said in his meetings with Mangini he tried to get Eric to smile more because "you gotta have fun" sometimes. In evaluating Mangini, he did not look at the first part of the season or the last part of the season as individual factors. Finally, Holmgren said Mangini is getting better every day and Holmgren state that hes confident that his first big decision was a good one.

Talking to Tuna?

When asked who he talked to before taking the job Holmgren said he talked to 3 people in evaluating the Cleveland job. He talked to Bill Parcells (including about Eric Mangini), Bill Polian and John Madden.

Evaluating the Roster

Holmgren has not ready to discuss the roster because he's been spending most of his time getting the front office set up. However, at 5-11 he said the team has obvious needs and some needs that are not as obvious.

On Tom Heckert

Knew Heckert a little through Andy Reid. Once he got Andy's blessings, he could close the deal. Andy Reid loves Heckert but timing was right for him to move up. Heckert had A LOT of responsibilities in Philly despite reports that Andy Reid did all of the work.

On Cleveland

Holmgren really likes Cleveland so far. He had the itch to get back into football. His wife (a social worker) was very supportive and she is getting involved in the community. He said his daughters no longer live in Chicago (god damnit). He has sent everyone in his family Browns gear and everyone is fired up and ready to go!

What he didn't say because he didn't have to and also because he knew I would say it...

SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!!!!

Team Needs

As the draft talk gears up, it is critical that teams review their roster and identify positions of weakness. In the perfect world, teams can simply draft the best player available to keep a team on top. However for the Browns, drafting solely on best player availble without looking at team needs is asking for trouble. Here at Super Bowl Someday, we take a look at a couple positions of needs.

The Browns need major upgrades at the following positons:

Safety
If Brodney Pool can return and stay healthy, he is a quality starter at Free Safety. An impact player at Strong Safety is needed. A stong safety is expected to provide run support while also being able to maintain coverage responsibilities. A stong safety must be big enough to play the run and cover tight ends, but must have the speed to cover deep routes as well. Players availabe in the draft are Taylor Mays (USC) and Nate Allen (S. Florida). Allen might fall to the Browns in the 2nd round, where he would be a great value pick. Do not expect the Browns to draft a safety at 7 unless Eric Berry falls.

Corner Back
We have examined the CB position and have determined that outside of Eric Wright, we do not have a starting quality corner on this team. Looking at the impact players like Revis and Charles Woodson made for their teams this year, and the pass happy Super Bowl teams, Corners are at an all time premium. With the 7th pick the Browns could immediately upgrade the position by drafing Joe Haden if he is available. Haden has good size and speed for a CB, he plays aggressive and is physical enough to match up with the big WRs in the NFL. A CB who will be available later in the draft is Chirs Cook (Virginia) who has looked good during Senior Bowl practices and at 6-2 has great size. Kyle Wilson (Boise State) has also been impressing scouts in Mobile this week.

Right Tackle
As noted in our breakdown, RT has been a position of weakness for the Browns in 2009. After basically swapping Kevin Shaffer for John St. Clair, the Browns will need to address this position soon. The Browns will likely not spend the 7th pick on a RT, so look for some of these names later in the draft. Charles Brown (USC), Bruce Campbell (Maryland), and Kyle Calloway (Iowa) for the 2nd and 3rd round picks.

Outside Linebacker
The Browns must get a passrush opposite Wimbley. By now you are sick of hearing about my man crush on Brandon Graham. But remember that my last "we need to draft this player" guys have been great picks in the NFL. See Adrian Peterson, Brian Orakpo, Rey Mauluga, Lamarr Woodley. However, if we do not draft Graham, because he goes too soon, there are other talented players in this years draft. Sergio Kindle (Texas) is a big name. Sean Weatherspoon has been having a great Senior Bowl week. Look for his stock to rise. Also, TCU's Jerry Hughes will be looked at by the Team and we may also look at Eric Norwood from South Carolina. AJ Edds from Iowa has looked good in front of scouts this week as well.

Right Guard
While the RT play certainly did not help, the Browns could use an upgrade at RG as well. Despite a solid performance down the stretch, I could see the Browns addressing RG in the draft as well, likely in the 3rd round or later. Teams have had great success finding players later in the draft at RG. If Iupati (Idaho) is there in round 2, I'd consider him, but I expect with the amount of talent on the defensive side of the ball we will stay there for the first two picks. It would be interesting to get Joe Thomas, a Guard from Pitt on this team. Haven't we always said we wish we had more of Joe Thomas?

Quarterback
Much will be made of the QB situation in Cleveland, but we can assume Brady Quinn will remain on the team and DA will be cut prior to receiving a 9 million dollar roster bonus on March 5th. Expect the team to draft a QB at some point but not high. Holmgren has made a name for himself by finding QB's not touted as first round picks, like Bret Farve... I wonder if he'll retire? And Matt Hasselbeck. Tony Pike could get a look, although he has not had a great Senior Bowl. He continues to be innacurate and is not throwing tight spirals. Im looking forward to watching him Saturday to see how he plays. McCoy would be an interesting prospect in the 3rd round. He is accurate and could play in a West Coast Offense, but he needs to show he can play under center. Tim Tebow has had an up and down week so far at the Senior Bowl. He plays with a ton of heart and is a great leader and competitor. If Holmgren thinks hes worth it round 3 or later I would not be upset. I expect someone will take a chance on him sooner than that though, maybe Jacksonville in the 2nd round.

Tight End
While Evan Moore played well to close out the season, it is unknown whether he is the answer moving forward. I'd like to see a more complete TE on this team like a Jason Witten. While I love Aaron Hernandez (Florida) I'm not sure I'd spend the pick to get him too early. There is some talent available later in the draft in players like Anthony McCoy (USC), Garret Graham (Wisconsin) and Nate Byham (Pitt) have all shown some ability in Mobile this week.

The Browns could of course upgrade at other positions as well. No one could argue with taking a great running back or wide receiver, but if the above positions can be addressed or even half of them, we will be a much more competitive team next year.

SUPERBOWL!!!!

January 26, 2010

Mock Draft Feedback

Let us know how we did.
Who would you have picked?
Which teams had good drafts?
Which teams made bad picks? (I'll help, just look for any team that Eric drafted for)
Who did we leave out of the 1st Round that should be there?
Who is in Round 1 that won't be come April 22nd?
Who are the sleeper's in this years draft?
We're looking to generate some meaningful discussion and debate. Please share your thoughts!

Quick Hits from the Senior Bowl

Senior Bowl practices are going on this week in Mobile Alabama. This week is the first chance NFL teams get to really see the top senior prospects. Here are a couple quick hits about some prospects working down there.

Brandon Graham - DE/OLB Michigan
Was on Sirius NFL Radio with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwin and seems like a great kid. The guys on Movin' the Chains love workout numbers and asked Graham about his 225 bench press. Graham insisted he would not tell, so they started the lower or higher game. 30? "Higher," said Graham. 35? "Higher." 40? If you can do 40 I'll come shake your hand. Graham replies, "Well, come down and shake my hand." Great stuff. From all reports, Graham is a force rushing the passer and has good speed on the outside. He's not big but at 6'1 265, he has great explosion. Look for him to be off the board well before the Browns pick in round 2.

Tony Pike - QB Cincinnati
Pike has not looked very good so far in practice. While his measurables are ideal, he is not spinning the ball well, resulting in wobbling passes that don't always get to their target.

Mike Iupati - G Idaho
This young man is playing really well and has the largest reach of any lineman in Mobile.  (Same) He is looking like a first round prospect as well, and could raise his stock if he is seen as a LT.

Sean Weatherspoon - LB Mizzou
Has been the vocal leader of the North Squad's defense. Apparently he is all over the field and making plays.

Taylor Mays - S USC
Mays has all the measurables to be an impact player in the NFL. In DB drills he has looked really good. He displays good range and is physically overmatching these receivers.

More to come later...

SUPERBOWL!!!!

Update on YOUR CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Occasionally, we here at SBS will venture outside the wide world of football and hear from our valued experts on other topics.  Today we welcome Jeff Jerome to SBS to share his thoughts on the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Jeff Jerome is a longtime Cavs fan and NBA enthusiast.  Check back from time to time to get his no nonsense look at our favorite basketball team.

We hope you enjoy Jeff's contribution.

Last night, the cavaliers survived a close one in South Beach. Undoubtedly, beating the Heat means more than adding one to the ‘W’ column.


Cavs-Heat impressions:
First, the Heat currently hold the fifth playoff position in the East behind the Big Four. This shows the ridiculous amount of disparity in our conference. This is nothing new, but consider this. The Cavs went into South Beach without Mo Williams, the leader of our offense that sets the pace for our entire team. Delonte West, the player typically called upon to cover Dwyane Wade, missed the game with a fractured finger. The Cavs held D-Wade to 2 points in the second half without forcing LeBron to cover D-Wade until the end of the game. Miami had a full and healthy squad last night. The Cavs were a shadow of themselves last night (health-wise) and still ended up winning.

All-in-all, this reaffirms our initial belief that aside from Boston, Orlando, and Atlanta, there are no threats in the Eastern Conference this season. And I mean NO threats. If Miami represents the rest of the field, it is pretty embarrassing for the Eastern Conference.

Of second note, can we please put the LeBron-to-Miami rumors to rest? Look when you’re given that much talent, you grow up with every coach having you control the ball the majority of the time. I’d wager the same applies to D-Wade and every other great scorer in the league who needs the ball in their hands. And we think two players like this are going to co-exist on one team? I’m not buying it.

Last night showed us exactly that. Mike Brown drew up a defensive set for the final play that had D-Wade doubled (no kidding Mike) and LeBron called it off saying that he would cover him one-on-one. LeBron wants the spotlight even on the closing defensive sets. Look, we should all be grateful that LeBron thinks the way he does, but I can’t see him coexisting on the same team as a player who acts, plays, and thinks the same way. What were the odds last night D-Wade wasn’t taking the final shot? 2%? Maybe. Now who gets that shot if LeBron and D-Wade are playing on the same team?

What seems to be skewing the view of so many in the situation is the friendship that exists between LeBron and D-Wade. This as a league-wide trend as opposed to an isolated issue with LeBron. In the 80’s and early 90’s it was clear that players of certain teams were not fond of players on the opposition. (The Bad Boy Pistons, Jordan’s Bulls, etc.) The league isn’t like that anymore. Players will be competitive on the floor, and close friends immediately thereafter. LeBron is friends with a lot of the top players in the league. Will they play hard against each other? Of course. But will they eat dinner with each other’s families that night? Not a doubt in my mind. This is a business. Who else can a twenty-four year old making nine-figures really relate to, much less become friends with?

- Jeffrey Jerome

January 25, 2010

2010 NFL Mock Draft: Version 1 (Round 1)

Drafter

Pick

Team

Selection

Eric

1

Rams

Ndamukong Suh - DT (Nebraska)

Comments:

Eric: Rams take the best player on the board. They need a QB but no Mannings in this draft.

Charlie: No brainer taking Suh(per Bowl Someday) The Rams should also consider QB or LT.

Charlie

2

Lions

Gerald McCoy - DT (Oklahoma)

Comments:

Eric: Lions need serious help on the defense. They will think about Eric Berry, but ultimately need help stopping the run.

Charlie: Solid pick. Gerald McCoy is rated as high as Suh on many boards.

Eric

3

Buccaneers

Russel Okung - OT (Oklahoma State)

Comments:

Eric: With both top DTs off the board, Bucs address the other side of the line.

Charlie: Bucs nab Okung to protect Freeman's backside for the next decade.

Charlie

4

Redskins

Sam Bradford - QB (Oklahoma)

Comments:

Eric: Shanahan starts his tenure in Washington with a franchise QB.

Charlie: Mike Shannahan gets his QB of the future.

Eric

5

Chiefs

Eric Berry - DB (Tennessee)

Comments:

Eric: With a huge need on defense, Chiefs take the best player on the board.

Charlie: Chiefs get a playmaker for their secondary in the mold of Ed Reed.

Charlie

6

Seahawks

Joe Haden - CB (Florida)

Comments:

Eric: Also looked at Clausen, but chose to solidify the CB position.

Charlie: Witness the Revis effect. A #1 corner more valuable than ever.

Eric

7

Browns

Rolando McClain - LB (Alabama)

Comments:

Eric: With Suh, Berry and Haden gone this is a no brainer.

Charlie: Great pick for the Browns. He will lead Rob Ryan's defense for years to come.

Charlie

8

Raiders

Taylor Mays - S (USC)

Comments:

Eric: Al Davis loves speed and size, Mays has both.

Charlie: Athletically, Mays is freakish and a thumper, but he's questionable in coverage.

Eric

9

Bills

Anthony Davis - OT (Rutgers)

Comments:

Eric: Bills need to address the LT position after losing Jason Peters.

Charlie: Bills need an OT but I question taking Davis with Williams and Baluga available.

Charlie

10

Jaguars

Dez Bryant - WR (Oklahoma State)

Comments:

Eric: Jags need more help at WR, Dez Bryant has the skills.

Charlie: Jags consider Tebow to sell tickets, but instead give Garrard another weapon on the outside.

Eric

11

Broncos

Derrick Morgan - DE (Georgia Tech)

Comments:

Eric: Broncos will put Derrick Morgan opposite Dumerville to create a great pass rushing tandum.

Charlie: Josh McDaniels invests in his 3-4 defense after neglecting it in last year's draft.

Charlie

12

Dolphins

CJ Spiller - RB (Clemson)

Comments:

Eric: Going 3-headed monster at RB, apparently...

Charlie: Brown is coming off injury, Ricky Williams can't play forever. Dolphins take the most dynamic player in the draft.

Eric

13

49ers

Trent Williams - OT (Oklahoma)

Comments:

Eric: 49er's are thrilled to get an upgrade at Tackle.

49ers blow their first pickhere and take a tackle when they need a QB.

Charlie

14

Seahawks

Jimmy Clausen - QB (Notre Dame)

Comments:

Eric: Heir apparent to Hasselbeck. Glad to get him at 15.

Charlie: Thanks to the 49ers, Seahawks get a steal in Clausen who slipped to them in the middle of the 1st Round.

Eric

15

Giants

Carlos Dunlap - DE (Florida)

Comments:

Eric: Giants Defense looked pathetic at times. A 4-3 DE is in need.

Charlie: Giants try to improve their pass rush, ignoring the glaring hole in their secondary.

Charlie

16

Titans

Dan Williams - DT (Tennessee)

Comments:

Eric: Titans need run stuffing in the middle. Wheres the beef?

Charlie: Jeff Fisher missed having Haynesworth in the middle of his defensive line last year.

Eric

17

49ers

Earl Thomas - S (Texas)

Comments:

Eric: 49ers look defense and take the best safety available.

Charlie: 49ers blow pick 2/2 in Round 1, taking a FS with a couple of top corners available.

Charlie

18

Steelers

Bryan Baluga - OT/OG (Iowa)

Comments:

Eric: Steelers look to keep Big Ben upright. Baluga will give Ben even more time to not make a throw before taking a hit.

Charlie: Steelers take the versatile offensive lineman they need. Hopefully, he'll turn out to be a bust.

Eric

19

Falcons

Brandon Spikes - LB (Florida)

Comments:

Eric: Falcons add an force to their interior defense.

Charlie: Again with premier corners on the board, Falcons reach with this pick.

Charlie

20

Texans

Patrick Robinson - CB

Comments:

Eric: Houston hopes to have secured a shut down CB in Robinson.

Charlie: Houston adds a corner to help stop in division nemesis Peyton Manning next year.

Eric

21

Bengals

Golden Tate - WR (Notre Dame)

Comments:

Eric: Bengals need to upgrade at WR. Bengals missed TJ and need to make up for losing Chris Henry. Also looked at TE here.

Charlie: Bengals go for a WR when I'd argue they're in desperate need of a TE.

Charlie

22

Patriots

Jason Pierre-Paul - DE/LB (South Florida)

Comments:

Eric: Patriots go back to their roots and take a college DE as an OLB.

Charlie: Bill Belichick finds the next McGinest in JPP who is qucikly rising up draft boards.

Eric

23

Packers

Charles Brown - OT (USC)

Comments:

Eric: While the line played well down the stretch, the Packers need to upgrade the line.

Charlie: After the early run on tackles, the Packers, deperate, take the best OT available.

Charlie

24

Eagles

Everson Griffen - DE (USC)

Comments:

Eric: Eagles improve their passrush in a great value pick.

Charlie: Eagles beef up their pass rush after being shellacked by Dallas two weeks straight.

Eric

25

Ravens

Brandon LaFell - WR (LSU)

Comments:

Eric: Ravens look to upgrade an average WR corps and give Flacco a nice new target.

Charlie: Ravens finally look to replace Derrick Mason. Hopefully LaFell is terrible.

Charlie

26

Cardinals

Corey Wootton - DE (Northwestern)

Comments:

Eric: Cardinals continue to build along the D-line.

Charlie: Cards add youth to their defensive line with the retirement of Bertrand Berry.

Eric

27

Cowboys

Brian Price - DE (UCLA)

Comments:

Eric: Boys bulk up along the D-line.

Charlie: ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Charlie

28

Chargers

Terrence Cody - NT (Alabama)

Comments:

Eric: Also looked at Dwyer from Georgia Tech, but chose to go D.

Charlie: Chargers lost NT Jamal Williams last year and their defense suffered.

Eric

29

Jets

Syd'Quan Thompson - CB (Cal)

Comments:

Eric: Perfect complement to Revis.

Charlie: After Peyton Manning picked on every DB not named Revis, this is Rex Ryan's pick.

Charlie

30

Vikings

Nate Allen - S (South Florida)

Comments:

Eric: Vikes got torched by Brees in the NFC championship game. Great team but could use an upgraded secondary.

Charlie: The Vikings go safety with this pick. Must be rough having such a talented roster.

Eric

31

Saints

Navorro Bowman - LB (Penn State)

Comments:

Eric: Saints go defense and take the LB from Penn State.

Charlie: Saints go OLB here. One of the few picks Eric made that I didn't completely disagree with.

Charlie

32

Colts

Brandon Graham - DE (Michigan)

Comments:

Eric: Colts grab an undersized DE to play with Mathis and Freeney.

Charlie: Colts keep reloading and infuse some youth into their already dominant pass rush.