By the time you read this, the NFL draft will about 10 days away. That means anything said, written, tweeted or mentioned will hold no water. It’s all posturing. With that said, here is a mock draft that takes free-agent moves into account.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Added: QB Alex Smith, QB Chase Daniel, CB Dunta Robinson
Subtracted: OT Eric Winston
Team Needs Before FA: QB, DT, WR, CB
Team Needs After FA: OT, DT, WR
Pick: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
With Eric Winston cut and Brandon Albert disgruntled, Kansas City must take the best offensive tackle in this year’s draft. Joeckel is a left tackle and should be able to protect the blind side of the Chiefs’ quarterbacks for the next 10 years.
Other Possibilities
Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Added: DT Roy Miller, LB Geno Hayes, S Alan Ball
Subtracted: Their entire secondary
Team Needs Before FA: QB, LB, OG, DT, DB
Team Needs After FA: QB, LB, OG, DE, DB
Pick: Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
This will be the start of the Geno Smith-goes-here talk. It’s a down year for quarterbacks, and Smith would have been a second- or third-rounder last year. So it comes down to what you know versus what you don’t know. Smith is far from a sure-fire franchise quarterback, and Jordan would bring the team speed off the edge, which they have been searching and reaching for during drafts past.
Other Possibilities
Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
3. Oakland Raiders
Added: QB Matt Flynn, DL Jason Hunter, DT Pat Sims, LB Kevin Burnett, LB Kaluka Maiava, LB Nick Roach
Subtracted: TE Brandon Myers, DL Desmond Bryant, DE Matt Shaughnessy, S Michael Huff, QB Carson Palmer
Team Needs Before FA: QB, LB, OG, DT, DB
Team Needs After FA: QB, OG, DT, DB
Pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
This is the second stop on the Geno Smith-goes-here tour. Oakland traded away quarterback Carson Palmer and brought in Matt Flynn, who never got a chance in Seattle. Are the Raiders hedging their bets or preparing to upgrade somewhere other than quarterback? I say the latter. Oakland can take anyone here to upgrade any position and it’s a solid move, but you win and lose in the trenches, and, for me, Floyd is slightly ahead of Utah’s Star Lotulelei.
Other Possibilities
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Added: FB James Casey, WR Arrelious Benn, G Allen Barbre, NG Isaac Sopoaga, LB Connor Barwin, CB Bradley Fletcher, CB Cary Williams, S Patrick Chung, S Kenny Phillips
Subtracted: QB Mike Kafka, P Chas Henry, T Demetress Bell, T King Dunlap, DT Mike Patterson, DT Cullen Jenkins, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, S Jaiquawn Jarrett
Team Needs Before FA: OT, CB, S, QB
Team Needs After FA: OT, QB, DT
Pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
King Dunlap is gone and Jason Peters is coming off an injury. Philadelphia did a great job during free agency addressing its secondary and linebacker needs. Fisher is an easy pick if he is available. Geno Smith is again a possibility if they rate him this high, but Fisher makes the team better now.
Other Possibilities
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
5. Detroit Lions
Added: RB Reggie Bush, DL Jason Jones, S Glover Quin
Subtracted: WR Titus Young, T Gosder Cherilus, DT Sammie Hill, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, T Jeff Backus, DE Cliff Avril
Team Needs Before FA: CB, DE, LB
Team Needs After FA: CB, DE, LB, OT
Pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
If offensive tackle Eric Fisher is still on the board here, the pick gets more confusing, but with Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril gone, the pass rush is a major concern. Ansah was great at the Senior Bowl and the Combine and is a great fit for the Lions.
Other Possibilities
Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
6. Cleveland Browns
Added: LB Paul Kruger, LB Quentin Groves, DL Desmond Bryant
Subtracted: DE Frostee Rucke, LB Kaluka Maiava
Team Needs Before FA: OLB, CB, QB?
Team Needs After FA: CB, QB?
Pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
What a combo Milliner and Joe Haden could make in the Browns’ secondary. With the addition of Paul Kruger, an outside linebacker or defensive end is a less likely pick here.
Other Possibilities
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
Tavon Austin, WR, WVU
7. Arizona Cardinals
Added: QB Carson Palmer, QB Drew Stanton, RB Rashard Mendenhall, DE Matt Shaughnessy, LB Lorenzo Alexander, LB Jasper Brinkley, CB Antoine Cason, CB Jerraud Powers, S Yeremiah Bell
Subtracted: S Adrian Wilson, QB Kevin Kolb, RB Beanie Wells, CB William Gay, SS Adrian Wilson, FS Kerry Rhodes, LB Stewart Bradley, LB Quentin Groves, CB Greg Toler
Team Needs Before FA: QB, OLB, OL
Team Needs After FA: OL, OLB
Pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
This is 100 percent a need pick. The offensive line for Arizona is horrible, and now sitting duck Carson Palmer is the new quarterback. This pick has to be an offensive lineman. Johnson is the third-best offensive tackle in the draft, but guards Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper may be rated higher. Guards usually don’t go in the top 10, so Johnson gets the nod.
Other Possibilities
Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Jonathan Cooper, G, UNC
8. Buffalo Bills
Added: LB Manny Lawson, DT Alan Branch, QB Kevin Kolb
Subtracted: G Andy Levitre, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, S George Wilson, OLB/DE Shawne Merriman, DE Chris Kelsay, WR Donald Jones, G Chad Rinehart
Team Needs Before FA: QB, LB, WR
Team Needs After FA: QB, WR, OL
Pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Smith’s tour comes to Buffalo. The Bills signed Kevin Kolb, who hasn’t been given the keys to the castle after getting hurt in Arizona. The Bills need a wide receiver upgrade and someone to play opposite receiver Stevie Johnson. Losing Andy Levitre and Chad Rinehart means Buffalo may pick a guard here. But given that the Bills cut Ryan Fitzpatrick and then added Kolb for backup money, the tea leaves seem to have Smith landing here.
Other Possibilities
Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Jonathan Cooper, G, UNC
Tavon Austin, WR, WVU
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
9. New York Jets
Added: RB Mike Goodson, QB David Garrard, G Willie Colon, DT Antonio Garay, S Jaiquawn Jarrett
Subtracted: RB Shonn Greene, TE Dustin Keller, TE Josh Baker, T Jason Smith, DL Marcus Dixon, DL Sione Pouha, DL Mike DeVito, LB Calvin Pace, LB Bart Scott, S Yeremiah Bell, S LaRon Landry
Team Needs Before FA: QB, RB, OLB, TE, OG, RT
Team Needs After FA: QB, RB, OLB, TE, OG, DT
Pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Before having heart issues, Lotulelei was thought to be a sure-fire top three pick. Now that he has a clean bill of health, Lotulelei should still be a first-round pick. The Jets need a safe pick, and guys such as Jarvis Jones and Barkevious Mingo may be tempting here, but, ultimately, Lotulelei should get the nod.
Other Possibilities
Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Barkevious Mingo, OLB/DE, LSU
Jonathan Cooper, G, UNC
10. Tennessee Titans
Added: RB Shonn Greene, TE Delanie Walker, G Andy Levitre, DT Sammie Hill,
S George Wilson, SS Bernard Pollard
Subtracted: TE Jared Cook, G Steve Hutchinson
Team Needs Before FA: SS, OG, C, DE, ILB, DB
Team Needs After FA: OG, C, DE, ILB, DB
Pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Even before losing Steve Hutchinson to retirement, the Titans needed another guard. The signing of Levitre was a first good step. Warmack would make the overhaul of the interior offensive line complete. Jonathan Cooper could be the pick here, but I like Warmack better.
Other Possibilities
Jonathan Cooper, G, UNC
Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
11. San Diego Chargers
Added: RB Danny Woodhead, TE John Phillips, T King Dunlap, G Chad Rinehart, CB Derek Cox, CB Johnny Patrick
Subtracted: TE Randy McMichael, G Louis Vasquez, DT Antonio Garay, LB Takeo Spikes, S Atari Bigby, CB Antoine Cason
Team Needs Before FA: OT, CB, QB
Team Needs After FA: OT, OG, QB, DT
Pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, UNC
Lane Johnson would be a great pick here, but he is gone. San Diego could move up to No. 6 to grab him, but as this draft goes, Cooper makes the most sense to improve the offensive line. Menelik Watson is gaining speed up draft boards, but this may be too high. Offensive tackle is a true need for the Chargers, but if quarterback Geno Smith tumbles down the first round, this could be a stopping point.
Other Possibilities
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Menelik Watson, OT, FSU
12. Miami Dolphins
Added: WR Mike Wallace, WR Brandon Gibson, TE Dustin Keller, LB Dannell Ellerbe, LB Phillip Wheeler, CB Brent Grimes
Subtracted: RB Reggie Bush, TE Anthony Fasano, LT Jake Long, LB Kevin Burnett, LB Karlos Dansby, CB Sean Smith
Team Needs Before FA: WR, OT, CB, DL
Team Needs After FA: OT, CB, DL
Pick: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
The addition of Brent Grimes makes it easier to pass on a cornerback here. Offensive tackle is the most obvious need still, but with the top four offensive tackles already taken, you can’t reach for another one here. Trading up or down could work here as well. Cleveland at No. 6 seems like the best partner for teams looking to move up. Grimes is coming off an injury, so Miami still needs a cornerback. Xavier Rhodes or Trufant is what it comes down to. Rhodes is the better player, but Trufant is the better fit.
Other Possibilities
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Menelik Watson, OT, FSU
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Added: WR Kevin Ogletree, S Dashon Goldson, TE Tom Crabtree, P Chas Henry, LB Jon Casillas
Subtracted: WR Arrelious Benn, T Jeremy Trueblood, DT Roy Miller, DE Michael Bennett, LB Quincy Black
Team Needs Before FA: CB, DE, RB 2
Team Needs After FA: CB, DE, RB 2, DT
Pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
As of press time, Darrelle Revis is still a Jet. Cornerback is the obvious pick here. With Desmond Trufant going the pick before, Rhodes fits like a glove here.
Other Possibilities
Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Barkevious Mingo, OLB/DE, LSU
14. Carolina Panthers
Added: CB Drayton Florence, DL Colin Cole
Subtracted: WR Louis Murphy, CB Chris Gamble, LB James Anderson, DT Ron Edwards, TE Gary Barnidge
Team Needs Before FA: DT, OL, WR
Team Needs After FA: DT, OL, WR
Pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
The defense is the problem for Carolina. Yes, the Panthers need a wide receiver upgrade as well, but stopping the run has to be goal No. 1. Richardson should be the right step toward that goal.
Other Possibilities
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Jonathan Cooper, OG, UNC
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
15. New Orleans Saints
Added: CB Keenan Lewis, OLB Victor Butler
Subtracted: QB Chase Daniel, TE David Thomas, T Jermon Bushrod, LB Jon Casillas, CB Johnny Patrick
Team Needs Before FA: DE, OLB, DB, DT
Team Needs After FA: DE, OLB, SS, DT
Pick: Barkevious Mingo, OLB/DE, LSU
Signing Victor Butler was a nice start, but this team is switching to a 3-4 defense and must get a more consistent pass rush. Mingo has his detractors, but is the type of 3-4 offensive linebacker/defensive end the Saints need.
Other Possibilities
Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, FSU
16. St. Louis Rams
Added: TE Jared Cook, T Jake Long
Subtracted: RB Steven Jackson, WR Danny Amendola, WR Brandon Gibson, T Wayne Hunter, CB Bradley Fletcher, S Craig Dahl, S Quintin Mikell
Team Needs Before FA: WR, S, OT
Team Needs After FA: WR, S
Pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
The Jake Long signing took care of the Rams’ offensive tackle need, but wide receiver is a huge issue, with Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson gone. With the first of their two first-round picks, St. Louis should go with the top playmaker in the class.
Other Possibilities
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Added: QB Bruce Gradkowski, TE Matt Spaeth, CB William Gay, RB Chris Wells
Subtracted: RB Chris Rainey, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Mike Wallace, G Willie Colon, LB James Harrison, CB Keenan Lewis, S Ryan Mundy
Team Needs Before FA: WR, CB, DT, TE, ILB, RB
Team Needs After FA: WR, CB, DT, TE, ILB, RB
Pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jones is a top 10 talent and will slide on draft day because of off-field concerns. Pittsburgh is known for taking the best player available, and that’s exactly what it would do with this pick. Wide receivers and tight ends may get some thought here as well.
Other Possibilities
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
18. Dallas Cowboys
Added: Nothing to write about
Subtracted: DE Marcus Spears, WR Kevin Ogletree, TE John Phillips, LB Dan Connor
Team Needs Before FA: S, DE, OLB, OL
Team Needs After FA: S, DE, OLB, OL
Pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Vaccaro is the best safety in the draft. The Dallas secondary needs a huge upgrade at safety and Vaccaro could come in and start immediately.
Other Possibilities
Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, FSU
D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
19. New York Giants
Added: DT Cullen Jenkins, LB Dan Connor, CB Aaron Ross, S Ryan Mundy, WR Louis Murphy, K Josh Brown, TE Brandon Myers
Subtracted: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, TE Martellus Bennett, DL Chris Canty, LB Michael Boley, S Kenny Phillips, DE Osi Umenyiora
Team Needs Before FA: CB, LB, DE
Team Needs After FA: CB, LB, DE
Pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
With Osi Umenyiora leaving and Justin Tuck seemingly losing a step or two, the Giants must upgrade their pass rush. Werner could slip a tad on draft day, but on film is a productive and disruptive rusher.
Other Possibilities
Arthur Brown, OLB, KSU
Manti T’eo, LB, Notre Dame
20. Chicago Bears
Added: TE Martellus Bennett, T Jermon Bushrod
Subtracted: TE Matt Spaeth, TE Kellen Davis, LB Nick Roach, LB Geno Hayes, LB Brian Urlacher
Team Needs Before FA: OL, LB, TE
Team Needs After FA: LB
Pick: Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia
The Bears need linebackers, and a bunch of them. Jermon Bushrod took care of the offensive tackle need, and Martellus Bennett should upgrade the tight end position. The Bears will have many choices here at linebacker, and whether they choose to go inside or outside will make the choice for them.
Other Possibilities
Arthur Brown, OLB, KSU
Manti Te’o, LB, Norte Dame
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Added: Nothing
Subtracted: QB Bruce Gradkowski, DT Pat Sims, LB Manny Lawson
Team Needs Before FA: LB, S, RB
Team Needs After FA: LB, S, RB, OT
Pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
The longer Andre Smith remains unsigned, the more likely it becomes that Cincinnati selects an offensive tackle here. Linebacker and safety are huge needs as well, but you have to protect the quarterback. Fluker projects as a starting right tackle, and could fit the need.
Other Possibilities
Arthur Brown, OLB, KSU
Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia
22. St. Louis Rams
Added: TE Jared Cook, T Jake Long
Subtracted: RB Steven Jackson, WR Danny Amendola, WR Brandon Gibson, T Wayne Hunter, CB Bradley Fletcher, S Craig Dahl, S Quintin Mikell
Team Needs Before FA: WR, S, OT
Team Needs After FA: WR, S, RB
Pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, FIU
West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin was the Rams’ first pick of this mock draft, but they could double up on wide receivers or address other needs. The Jake Long signing took care of the offensive tackle need, but wide receiver is a huge issue, with Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson gone. Brian Quick is developing, and if St. Louis gets Austin, safety becomes the priority. Running back could be a thought here as well. If John Cyprien had gone to FSU instead of FIU, I think he’d be a top 15 pick. He has that much talent.
Other Possibilities
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
23. Minnesota Vikings
Added: WR Greg Jennings, QB Matt Cassel
Subtracted: OL Geoff Schwartz, WR Michael Jenkins, WR Percy Harvin, LB Jasper Brinkley, CB Antoine Winfield
Team Needs Before FA: WR, LB, DT
Team Needs After FA: WR, LB, DT, CB
Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
The addition of Greg Jennings made the subtraction of Percy Harvin a little easier to swallow, but the Vikings have more work to do to upgrade the wide receiver position. The loss of Antoine Winfield opens a need at cornerback as well. Right now, former seventh-rounder Audie Cole is the starter at middle linebacker, so they may need a linebacker as well. Patterson is just too good to pass up here. The combo of his size and speed will translate well to the NFL.
Other Possibilities
Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
24. Indianapolis Colts
Added: T Gosder Cherilus, G Donald Thomas, DE Ricky Jean Francois, DL/OLB Lawrence Sidbury, LB Erik Walden, CB Greg Toler, S LaRon Landry, QB Matt Hasselbeck
Subtracted: QB Drew Stanton, WR Donnie Avery, WR Austin Collie, CB Jerraud Powers, S Tom Zbikowski, DE/LB Dwight Freeney
Team Needs Before FA: OLB, OG, DE, CB
Team Needs After FA: OLB, DE, CB, WR
Pick: Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, FSU
The Colts did a great job in free agency addressing their needs and could go anywhere outside of quarterback with this pick. The best player available is in play here. With that said, it comes down to a wide receiver or a defensive end/outside linebacker as the best players on the board. Following the release of defensive end/linebacker Dwight Freeney, the Colts should address the defensive side of the ball. Carradine would improve the pass rush and be a steal this late.
Other Possibilities
Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
25. Minnesota Vikings
Added: WR Greg Jennings, QB Matt Cassel
Subtracted: OL Geoff Schwartz, WR Michael Jenkins, WR Percy Harvin, LB Jasper Brinkley, CB Antoine Winfield
Team Needs Before FA: WR, LB, DT
Team Needs After FA: WR, LB, DT, CB
Pick: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was the 23rd pick of this mock draft, addressing the wide receiver need. The loss of Antoine Winfield opens a need at cornerback as well. Right now, former seventh-rounder Audie Cole is the starter at middle linebacker, so Minnesota may need a linebacker, and could also use a defensive tackle. Geno Smith could be an option should he fall and the Vikings decide to move up. Kevin Williams will be 33 this year, and the Vikings need to address the defensive line.
Other Possibilities
Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC
Alec Ogletree, OLB, Georgia
26. Green Bay Packers
Added: LB Brad Jones, LB Rob Francois, CB Loyce Means
Subtracted: WR Greg Jennings, TE Tom Crabtree, LB Erik Walden, C Jeff Saturday, S Charles Woodson
Team Needs Before FA: OL, DL, LB, RB
Team Needs After FA: OL, DL, RB, S
Pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida
Elam could fill the shoes of Charles Woodson and start from day one. He likes to hit and is able to cover in space. The Packers need a safety, and Elam is one of the top safeties in the draft.
Other Possibilities
Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
27. Houston Texans
Added: FS Ed Reed
Subtracted: RB Justin Forsett, FB James Casey, WR Kevin Walter, LB Connor Barwin, S Glover Quin, S Alan Ball
Team Needs Before FA: RT, WR, OLB, ILB
Team Needs After FA: RT, WR, OLB, ILB
Pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
I do not see a way the Texans do not take a wide receiver during the first round. They could have their pick of the litter, with many wide receivers left on the board. Houston could look at another outside linebacker to replace Connor Barwin, but will probably expect Brooks Reed to step up. Many compare Hopkins’ game with Roddy White’s. Hopkins would be a great complement to Andre Johnson.
Other Possibilities
Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
28. Denver Broncos
Added: WR Wes Welker, G Louis Vasquez, DT Terrance Knighton, LB Stewart Bradley, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Subtracted: DE Elvis Dumervil, DE Jason Hunter, LB D.J. Williams
Team Needs Before FA: CB, DE
Team Needs After FA: DE, OLB
Pick: Margus Hunt, DE/OLB, SMU
The loss of Elvis Dumervil put the Broncos in search for a defensive end/outside linebacker and fast. Hunt is a fast riser and the most athletic defensive end/outside linebacker in the draft. He and Von Miller could form a dynamic pass-rush duo.
Other Possibilities
Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, FSU
Arthur Brown, OLB, KSU
29. New England Patriots
Added: RB Leon Washington, WR Donald Jones, WR Danny Amendola, T Will Svitek, S Adrian Wilson
Subtracted: RB Danny Woodhead, WR Brandon Lloyd, WR Wes Welker, G Donald Thomas, S Patrick Chung
Team Needs Before FA: SS, CB, RT, WR
Team Needs After FA: S, CB, WR
Pick: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
There’s a high possibility New England trades out of this pick. If not, Justin Hunter makes some sense here, because the Patriots need a big wide receiver on the outside, and, at 6-foot-4, Hunter fits the bill. The best player available could come into play here as well. Allen may be the best receiver in this class, but injuries have limited his offseason workouts.
Other Possibilities
Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
30. Atlanta Falcons
Added: RB Steven Jackson
Subtracted: RB Michael Turner, DE John Abraham, T Will Svitek, DE Lawrence Sidbury, C Todd McClure, CB Dunta Robinson, CB Brent Grimes, RT Tyson Clabo
Team Needs Before FA: DE, TE, LB, DB
Team Needs After FA: DE, TE, LB, CB
Pick: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Cornerback is the biggest need, but with the top three cornerbacks off the board, it could be a reach here unless you think Jamar Taylor of Boise State or Jonathan Banks from Mississippi State have first-round talent. Tight end is still a need, because Tony Gonzalez is done after this season. Ultimately, the Falcons should go with the best player available here, and that is Eifert.
Other Possibilities
Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
31. San Francisco 49ers
Added: WR Anquan Boldin, DL Glenn Dorsey, S Craig Dahl, CB Nnamdi Asomugha
Subtracted: QB Alex Smith, TE Delanie Walker, K David Akers, DE Ricky Jean Francois, NT Isaac Sopoaga, S Dashon Goldson
Team Needs Before FA: WR, S, NT
Team Needs After FA: NT, TE, S
Pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
With 14 draft picks this year, the 49ers will be able to manipulate the draft up and down should they choose. The largest hole is at nose tackle, after Isaac Sopoaga’s departure. Defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Other Possibilities
Matt Elam, S, Florida
Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC
32. Baltimore Ravens
Added: DE Chris Canty, DE Marcus Spears, DE/OLB Elvis Dumervil, S Michael Huff
Subtracted: S Ed Reed, WR Anquan Boldin, LB Dannell Ellerbe, C Matt Birk, LB Paul Kruger, LB Ray Lewis, CB Cary Williams, SS Bernard Pollard
Team Needs Before FA: ILB, FS, LT, NT, WR
Team Needs After FA: ILB, FS, LT, WR
Pick: Arthur Brown, OLB, KSU
The Ravens should do what they do best — allow the draft to come to them. There will be plenty of talent left at pick No. 32, enough to make trading out of the first round a possibility. In this scenario, the best linebacker in the draft, in my opinion, makes it to Baltimore. Safeties such as Matt Elam and Jonathan Cyprien are also on the radar, as well as some of the top wide receivers, such as Justin Hunter and Keenan Allen. But Brown is too good to pass up, and will remind some of a young Ray Lewis.
Other Possibilities
Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU
