Post Combine Mock Draft 1st Round

PICK #1: DETROIT LIONS
Before: Andre Smith

What's Changed?: Andre Smith screwed up the chance to be the #1 pick in the draft. What hasn't changed? The Lions ended last season with a lot of holes, and they have made a handful of nice changes to fill some of them. They are greatly improved on the back half of their defense, having added 3 young, beteran cornerbacks who can step in and play right away. Maurice Morris, Bryant Johnson, and Grady Jackson will help at their respective positions, let alone the linebacking corp that they have now with Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims working at the outside linebacker positions. However, that still leave holes. The glaring holes, in my opinion,well the most glaring holes anyway, are at DE, S, OL, and TE. A lot of the experts say that the lions should take a QB, but them having kept Daunte Culpepper on the team tells me that they have him in mind to start at least this year. They should draft an Offensive Tackle to pair with Backus or Cherilus to strenghten their frontline. Jason Smith can step right in at Left Tackle allowing Cherilus to play at RT where his strengths will fit best.

Now: Jason Smith





PICK #2: ST. LOUIS RAMS

Before: Michael Oher

What Changed?: The Rams needed to bring in a replacement for Orlando Pace because he was nearing retirement. Now they need a replacement foor Orlando Pace because they cut him. Alex Barron is a serviceable Right Tackle, but they need a stud at left tackle for their talented young Running Backs to run behind. The only thing that has changed is an upgrade in Monroe's ranking.

Now: Eugene Monroe





PICK #3 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Before: Eugene Monroe

What's Changed?: Well, they went out and brought in a second talented young Quarterback and a quality veteran Linebacker to lead their young defense. They still have concerns on their Offensive Line, need a pass rusher, and are unproven at Wide Receiver. They have the potential for a strong offensive line going forward, and Eugene Monroe just came off the board. That takes a the 2 premier left tackles of this draft off the board. That means they will likely look to upgrade their offensive line at another position if they draft for position, and that depth should be available in later rounds. Their next glaring need after their pickup of Vrabel at OLB is at DE. Brian Orakpo is a beast and will be a hit with the fans in Kansas City with him coming out of the Big 12.

Now: Brian Orakpo



PICK #4: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Before: Michael Crabtree

What's changed?: Seattle has made a couple of moves which have totally changed their primary needs. First, they signed T.J. Housmanzadeh to give them another quality starting WR to pair with Deion Branch. Second, this week they traded Julian Peterson for Cory Redding to give them a quality young defensive tackle which should improve their defense overall. Those were their glaring needs entering the offseason, so I look for them to take the bes available on the board. Aaron Curry will be able to step into Peterson's position, setting Seattle's dfense up to be a strength for this team going forward. Look for Seattle to spend at least 2 picks on their offensive line later in this draft, but with Walter Jones still on the team and projected to be ready to go for the season, it is not a glaring need this year and there is good enough depth that they will be able to get a high quality offensive lineman in later rounds.

Now?: Aaron Curry



PICK #5: CLEVELAND BROWNS

Before: Aaron Curry

What's Changed?: The Browns' defense has gotten raided. With them running the 3-4, they need linebackers. Problem, the seahawks just yanked him off the board. Look for the browns to focus on their defensive front 7 in this draft. I am sure they will give B.J. Raji a lot of considerration with the way he is projecting for the 3-4 nosetackle position. The premium position in the 3-4 is always the linebacker position however, and they need someone to pair with Kamerion Wimbley. Look for them to take another Seminole defensive end in Everette Brown. he is the top DE on a lot of draft boards and has good enough size and speed to put his hand down or play at OLB in the 3-4.

Now: Everette Brown



PICK #6: CINCINNATI BENGALS


Before: B. J. Raji


What's Changed?: Well, the Bengals have picked up a couple of players to step in for departed free agents, but they have not addressed their defensive needs as of yet. They have a very real need at Defensive Tackle and will take the best one on the board.


Now: B. J. Raji


PICK #7: OAKLAND RAIDERS


Before: Jeremy Maclin

What's Changed?: The Raiders have not been active as of yet, other than a little housecleaning. They drafted what they hope is a franchise quarterback last year and need to give him some hel. The Robert Gallery experiment at Tackle ended last year with him showing that he is a quality NFL Guard. They also need a wide receiver, but if Jamarcus is on his back, a wide receiver won't dot him any good. Offensive Tackles are expected to go off the board early this year, and Andre Smith's nasty streak will fit right in with the Silver and Black.

Now: Andre Smith



PICK #8: Jacksonville Jaguars

Before: Percy Harvin

What's Changed?: The Jags picked up an All-Pro Offensive Tackle and some solid Safety depth by raiding the eagles for Tra Thomas and Sean Considine. They still need a playmaker on the outside, and possibly by a platoon-mate for Jones-Drew. There are some nice backs that will be available later in the draft, so they should look to the outside. Percy Harvin will give them a receiver who can play in the middle of the field and add a very dynamic effect to their team overall with his varied skills, including taking over or sharing return duties with Jones-Drew.

Now: Percy Harvin



PICK #9: Green Bay Packers

Before: Malcolm Jenkins

What's Changed?: No changes to speak of have been made to Green Bay's roster. There have been rumbles that they want to switch to a 3-4 and would love to get B.J. Raji, but he won't be here for them to pick so they will have to look elsewhere. There's not a true 3-4 DT other than Raji rated for the first round, so I look for them to draft for value. Jenkins is a great fit.

Now?: Malcolm Jenkins


PICK #10: San Francisco 49ers

Before: Mark Sanchez

What's Changed?: The 49ers need someone to catch the ball, someone to back the defense off so Al Gore can do what he does. Michael Crabtree is as polished a receiver as the College Game has produced in recent years and should be ready to step into the starting lineup immediately and combine with Brandon Jones to give the boys by the bay a much improved receiving corp.

Now: Michael Crabtree



PICK #11: BUFFALO BILLS

Before: Everette Brown

What's Changed?: T.O. Oh, and they brought in depth at Quarterback adn Cornerback. They did lose a starter in the interior line and still need another pass rusher. However, those are not glaring needs. Buffalo is good enough that they can afford to draft for value, and with the weather in Buffalo, the running game will always be key. Michael Oher is a top-flight talent on the line, adn will give great value at #11.

Now: Michael Oher



PICK #12: DENVER BRONCOS

Before: Ray Maualaga

What's Changed?: The Broncos have been one of the most active teams of the offseason. They have made so many changes that I had to step back and totally re-evaluate their needs. They brought in great players at Running Back, Safety, and Linebacker, as well as adding depth at a handful of other positions. The problem is, the donkeys still need a defense. They are looking at implementing the 3-4, and much like Green Bay, they would love to have a true NT. However, they will have to look for the best player for their front 7 available as Raji is the only premier NT available in this draft. With that in mind, the pick will remain in the middle of the USC defense.

Now: Ray Maualaga




PICK #13: WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Before: Jason Smith

What's Changed?: Well, there is no way Jason Smith is still available for the Redskins at #13. The Skins will need to address depth at Offensive Tackle in this draft, but they Defensive End is a more dire need at this poitn with the release of Jason Taylor. They need overall depth along the defensive line as well,a nd Tyson Jackson is a DE with the size to move over to DT at just shy of 300 lbs. Either way, he is good against the pass and great against the run and with the running backs that the skins will see in the NFC east, that makes a lot of sense.

Now: Tyson Jackson




PICK #14: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Before: Vontae Davis

What's Changed?: The Saints have made a few moves, including signing potential starters at both cornerback and safety. That said, their Defensive Secondary is still a glaring weakness and has been for some time. They should be the second team to take a cornerback off the board. Vontae Davis should fit their scheme perfectly.

Now: Vontae Davis





PICK #15: HOUSTON TEXANS

Before: Brian Orakpo


What's Changed?: Orapo is off the board, as are most of the other premier DE prospects. In the meantime, the Texans are an up and coming team, and with their current collection of players they can largely take the best player on the board. That, combined with the sack and injury history for Houston's Quarterbacks, the offensive line may seem like a wise option. However, the way the draft is falling, they should be able to get a quality lineman in later rounds. In the meantime, they need a big back to pair with Stever Slaton, and Chris Wells is a perfect candidate for a platoon situation like that.

Now: Chris "Beanie" Wells



PICK #16: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Before: Knowshon Moreno

What's Changed?: The Chargers sorted out their Running Back issues by restructuring L.T.'s contract. The Chargers are a loaded team, but they did have one significant Free Agent loss with Igor Olshansky leaving. The Chargers like to draft electic Defensive Tackles to play End in their 3-4. Peria Jerry will be a perfect fit for their scheme. He can do more than keep the Offensive Linemen off of the linebackers, he cna be a real disruptive force.

Now: Peria Jerry





PICK #17: NEW YORK JETS

Before: Matt Stafford

What's Changed?: The Jefts have made some nice moves this year to shore up their defense. They still have a serious question mark at Quarterback. Look for them to take a big armed Quarterback to electrify that New York crowd. Stafford has the arm to play in the swirling winds of New York winters.

Now: Matt Stafford



PICK #18: CHICAGO BEARS

Before: Hakeem Nicks

What's Changed?: John Tait retired. This leaves the Bears with ZERO returning starting tackles, but 2 glaring needs. First, as has been true for the last several years, the Bears need a Wide Receiver. Second, as noted above, they need an OT to pair with Chris Williams. The top tackles are gone already, and there should be a decent RT prospect available in the second round. This brings us back to Receiver, and with Maclin on the board, he will be paying in the Windy City next year.

Now: Jeremy Maclin



PICK #19: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Before: Peria Jerry

What's Changed?: The Bucs are cleaning house and going for a wholesale youth movement led by some dynamic skill position players. That said, they are going to need a Quarterback to grow with and distribute to those players. Sanchez should be a perfect fit.

Now: Mark Sanchez




PICK #20: DETROIT LIONS


Before: James Laurinitis

What's Changed?: The Lions traded for Julian Peterson, giving them a premier, pass rushing Outside Linebacker to pair with Ernie Sims. There is no way they are making another big financial commitment at linebacker. That said, it is possible for them to make this pick at any number of positions. Regardless of the position, they need to find a difference maker. Aaron Maybin is one of the most disruptive talents in this draft. He is raw, but will be an immediate improvement in the pass rush department in the Motor City


Now: Aaron Maybin



PICK #21: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES


Before: LeSean McCoy


What's Changed?: The signing of Stacy Andrews gives the eagles the Left Tackles that they need after losing Tra Thomas. They are likely to pick up an offensive lineman or two later in teh draft, but they won't need to do so at this pick. That moves them to look at either Running Back or Wide Receiver. The top running back on most boards is still out there, and Knowshon's varied talents will be a perfect fit in the Eagles' offense.


Now: Knowshon Moreno




PICK #22: MINNESOTA VIKINGS


Before: Chase Coffman


What's Changed?: The Vikings are a great running team with a new starting Quarterback who just lost their star center. It is a little earlier than expected, but the best pick they can make here is to take the top center in the draft.


Now: Alex Mack




PICK #23: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Before: Alphonso Smith

What's Changed?: The Patriots have made some nice moves to shore up depth at running back and cornerback. They do need depth in the front seven of their 3-4, especially with the trade of Vrabel to Kansas City. James Laurinitis is the best linebacker on the board and has the athletic ability to play outside and the brain to play the middle. At worst, he will give great depth by entering the rotation immediately.

Now: James Laurinitis




PICK #24: ATLANTA FALCONS

Before: D.J.. Moore

What's Changed?: The Falcons took some serious hits in free agency losing a couple of linebackers and a starting Defensive Tackle. The top tackles are gone, but they have their choice at Outside Linebacker which is where their biggest need is after losing both of their starters. I look for them to take their pick of the USC backers.

Now: Brian Cushing




PICK #25: MIAMI DOLPHINS

Before: Tyson Jackson

What's Changed?: Miami's secondary was not a strength and got raided a bit in the off-season. Look for them to take the best DB on the board to shore up the back end of their defense.

Now: D.J. Moore




PICK #26: BALTIMORE RAVENS

Before: Darius Heyward-Bay

What's Changed?: The Ravens have solidified their lineup a little bit having re-signed Ray Ray after losing a couple of players. They still need a vertical threat to make their offense more dynamic. Hakeem Nicks is rated higher, but there aren't very many Receivers with the speed of Darius Heyward-Bay. He has the ball skills to be a dynamic weapon in the NFL as well as legitimate red-zone threat. If he had played with a better quarterback in college, he likely would have gotten a lot more publicity.

Now: Darius Heyward-Bay




PICK #27: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Before: William Moore

What's Changed?: Not much at all. Indianapolis is a skilled, balanced team with a few thin areas in their depth chart. The Colts most glaring needs are for depth at wide receiver and defensive tackle. They could also use a backup running back who can catch the ball. A lot of people have compared Hakeem Nicks to Reggie Wayne, and he is a great value pick at this stage. Besides, how could you not want to 2 have Reggie Wayne's?

Now: Hakeem Nicks




PICK #28: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Before: Phil Loadholt

What's Changed?: The Eagles signing of Stacy Andrews alleviated their need for a left tackle in the first round, so this can be a value pick for them. The Eagles' defense requires strong cornerbacks. Sean Smith is an intriguing athlete at corner, with the size that he may be ablet o fill in at safety as well, making him a great fit for nickel and dime situations immediately.

Now: Sean Smith





PICK #29: NEW YORK GIANTS

Before: Aaron Maybin

What's Changed?: The Giants made moves to increase their depth at Defensive End and Outside Linebacker which answers their 2 biggest needs. Some would call for them to pick a Wide Receiver, but at this point the top rated players at that position have been snatched off the board. Look for the Giants to make a value pick here. They need a second TE who can block and get out in a pass pattern. The top-rated TE is still on the board, look for the Giants to make his day . Oh, and Maybin is off the board

Now: Brandon Pettigrew





PICK #30: HOUSTON TEXANS

Before: Beanie Wells

What Changed?: The Texans still need to upgrade their Offensive line and William Beatty out of UCONN has the potential to do just that. He has a lot of starts under his belt and had the nations leading rusher running behind him. He is a good athlete at tackle and should be the pick here.

Now: Beanie Wells




PICK #31: ARIZONA CARDINALS

Before: Brian Cushing

What's Changed?: The Cardinals managed to keep most of the lineup intact and can focus on improving. One of their ussies last year was depth at the Running Back position. LeSean McCoy is an all around back with the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. He will fit their offense perfectly.

Now: LeSean McCoy




PICK #31: PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Before: Duke Robinson

What's Changed?: Well, when you are the Super Bowl Champs, you can make a value pick. Don't expect the Steelers to go anywhere near Outside Linebacker with his pick. They are loaded on the edge. They did have some issues protecting Big Ben, and the best pick to improve their overall OL depth is Max Unger. He is a center by trade, but should be able to play at at least 3 of the OL positions.

Now: Max Unger.