It's hard to believe, but the NFL Draft is just a month away. With Pro Days winding down, teams have already started bringing prospects in for visits to start the next stage in the evaluation process leading up to draft day. When you observe my most recent attempt to forecast the future of 64 NFL prospects, you will notice some changes from my previous version earlier this month.
In the first round, I projected 16 seniors and 16 underclassmen being selected, but in the second frame, the seniors overtake the underclassmen, 19 - 13. Just like the first round, the St. Louis Rams kick off the second round and provide their new franchise quarterback with an elusive weapon.
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Junior |
WR |
5-10 |
199 |
The Rams are starved for talent on offense and defense. After drafting Bradford in the 1st round, they could address their defense with this pick. But they continue to build on offense and give Bradford a legitimate weapon in Tate.
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 |
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Junior |
RB |
5-10 |
199 |
The Lions are like the Rams and have many holes. But the ACL injury to Kevin Smith puts the Lions in a tough situation at running back. With Best on the board, he provides the Lions with an explosive option.
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 |
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Junior |
WR |
6-1 |
219 |
The Buccaneers have to give Josh Freeman a WR to grow with, and since Antonio Bryant signed with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason, the addition of Benn is exactly what the Bucs need on offense.
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 |
|
|
Senior |
OLB |
6-2 |
255 |
The Chiefs will likely address their defensive needs with this selection and could take the best player available. Cam Thomas is possible and would provide them with a big interior force, but Hughes' ability as a pass rusher fits well in their 3-4 scheme.
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Senior |
OT |
6-5 |
316 |
The Redskins decided to pass on an OT in the 1st round in favor of Clausen and will have to address their need on the O-Line with this pick. Saffold is rising, and he could ultimately land in the 1st round, but at this time, the Redskins are fortunate he's still available.
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Senior |
OLB |
6-3 |
250 |
The Browns are another team with many holes on both sides of the ball, but it's their defense that's a major priority. Drafting Kindle, who could also end up in the 1st round, gives the Browns a solid replacement for the recently traded Kamerion Wimbley.
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Junior |
DE |
6-6 |
277 |
The Raiders are known for taking chances on players with a boom-or-bust label. Dunlap has the talent to be the best DE in this year's class, and he also lacks the motivation to never live up to his ability. But, Al Davis is a gambler, and he will take a chance on Dunlap.
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Senior |
DT |
6-4 |
330 |
The Chargers acquired this pick from the Seahawks in the Charlie Whitehurst deal and will use it to address their need at NT. After releasing Jamal Williams, the Chargers must find a young interior force. Thomas has had a strong offseason and fills a need in San Diego.
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Senior |
QB |
6-3 |
236 |
Buffalo Head Coach Chan Gailey said that the Bills quarterback situation will be a competition between Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm. So, if it's a competition, why not add another QB to the mix. Tebow won't win the job right away, but gives the Bills their QB of the future.
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Senior |
CB |
5-11 |
190 |
After taking Suh in the 1st round, the Bucs continue to upgrade their defense with the selection of Robinson, who forms an excellent CB tandem with Aqib Talib. Robinson is being undervalued at this point, but will thrive in Tampa.
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Junior |
WR |
6-3 |
224 |
The Dolphins need a playmaker at wide receiver. They could draft a smaller, more elusive player like Dexter McCluster, but they need a big playmaker down field. The Dolphins are hoping Patrick Turner develops into that guy, but Thomas is already that type of player.
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Junior |
TE |
6-3 |
245 |
The Patriots are a team that's never shy of drafting tight ends high in the draft. And despite signing veteran Alge Crumpler, they will look for a young, pass catching TE who can stretch the field. Hernandez gives Tom Brady another weapon to utilize.
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 |
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Senior |
OG |
6-5 |
332 |
The Broncos desperately need help on the interior of their O-Line. Drafting a center like J.D. Walton is possible, but the dominant nature Ducasse presents is too intriguing to pass up.
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Junior |
CB |
5-10 |
196 |
The Giants need help on the O-Line, but their defense is an issue. Adding Pierre-Paul in the 1st round, and now selecting Jackson is a huge plus. Jackson adds depth to the Giants secondary.
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 |
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Senior |
DE |
6-6 |
270 |
The Patriots have to upgrade their pass rush and find a DE who can star in their 3-4 structure. Wootton is an intriguing player, who has great size and athleticism. He has a prototypical frame and can add even more bulk. He's a Bill Belichick type of defender.
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Senior |
WR |
6-1 |
204 |
There's no question that the Panthers have to add another playmaker at wide receiver. McCluster is still available, and they will consider adding him, but the Panthers are high on Price and have had their eye on him throughout the offseason.
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Junior |
OLB |
6-1 |
254 |
The 49ers got what they needed in the secondary and on the O-Line in the 1st round, and since they run a 3-4 defense, they can never have enough rush OLBs. Worilds is generating a lot of buzz right now and lands with the Niners.
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Junior |
WR |
6-1 |
197 |
The Chiefs have to add another playmaker on offense. It could come in the form of a tight end or a wide receiver. With Dwayne Bowe in the dog house in Kansas City, the selection of Williams gives the Chiefs an alternative.
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 |
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Junior |
RB |
5-11 |
229 |
The Texans passed on Ryan Mathews in the 1st round in favor of Taylor Mays. But, they're fortunate that Dwyer is still available to them in the second frame. Dwyer lacks burst, but is the big back that they desire in the backfield.
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 |
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Senior |
OG |
6-4 |
305 |
The Steelers had their eye on Worilds with this pick, but with him off the board, they will turn their attention to the O-Line. There are some options available, but Asamoah has the athleticism to play inside or outside.
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Senior |
WR |
5-9 |
172 |
The Patriots have to be worried about the status of Wes Welker and will likely be without his services for some time. With that said, adding an elusive slot receiver is a must, and there's no one better than McCluster in this draft.
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 |
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Junior |
DT |
6-1 |
303 |
The Bengals need a penetrating DT, and surprisingly Price is still on the board. Price is undersized, but plays with a strong motor and will give the Bengals exactly what they've been lacking.
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 |
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|
Senior |
C |
6-3 |
300 |
The Eagles could very well select Maurkice Pouncey in the first round to be their center of the future. But defense is their first priority, and that's why they chose McCourty. However, with this pick, the Eagles can find their center, and Walton is as steady as they come.
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 |
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Senior |
CB |
6-2 |
212 |
The Packers usually target big CBs, and Dominique Franks and Cook fit well in their defense. Cook will be favored because of his athleticism and versatility; he gives Green Bay options in the secondary.
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 |
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Senior |
TE |
6-6 |
260 |
The Ravens have to look towards the future at TE with Todd Heap getting older and being injury prone. Graham is the type of developmental pass catching TE they can take a chance on, and, not to mention, he's from the "U".
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 |
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Junior |
CB |
5-11 |
194 |
The CB position isn't a huge need for the Cardinals, but with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie recovering from knee surgery and not likely to be ready by the start of training camp, adding depth and a potential starter is necessary. Franks' physical style will be a welcomed addition.
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 |
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Senior |
FS |
6-1 |
207 |
The Cowboys have a need for a free safety who can impact a game. Ken Hamlin is an intimidating presence in the secondary, but he rarely makes big plays. Allen is a solid all-around defender who has ballhawk ability.
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 |
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Senior |
OT |
6-8 |
312 |
The Seahawks have to draft an OT in the first two rounds, and after passing on an OT in the 1st round, they take a chance on Veldheer, who has great athleticism, size and upside.
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 |
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Junior |
S |
6-2 |
221 |
The Jets acquired Brodney Pool to make up for the loss of Kerry Rhodes, but moving forward, New York needs a young safety with playmaking ability. Jones has the size and aggressiveness that fit well with a Rex Ryan defense.
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 |
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Senior |
RB |
6-0 |
225 |
It appears that Brett Favre will return for one more year in Minnesota, but looking ahead, the Vikings have to develop a young signal caller. Colt McCoy and Dan LeFevour are options with this pick, but adding another RB to go with Adrian Peterson takes precedence with this pick. Hardesty is on the rise and gives the Vikings a tremendous one-two punch.
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 |
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Senior |
DT |
6-2 |
293 |
The Colts may look to draft an O-Lineman with this selection, but most of the 2nd round caliber linemen are off the board. So, they Colts look on the other side of the ball and focus on the defensive line. Atkins is the perfect Colts defender; an undersized, high motor guy who quickly gets up field.
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Senior |
DT |
6-3 |
305 |
After taking Daryl Washington in the 1st round, the Saints continue to bolster their defense with this pick, but focus on the D-Line. Adding depth at DT is a must, especially with the injuries they've endured over the years at that position. Houston is great value to close out the second frame
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