And so the team who were the second-worst overall in 2008 are officially the worst in 2009 and that means they have the #1 pick in the 2010 draft. Rams fans are already clamouring for Ndamukong Suh but after drafting 2 defensive linemen in the last 3 years and with a Head Coach who believes in his ability to coach a defense, the Rams will look to address their biggest issue - the quarterback position. Last time out I had Jimmy Clausen here but I now believe that Sam Bradford will be the guy the Rams target with this pick.
After signing Kyle Van den Bosch as a free agent and trading for Corey Williams, the Lions defensive front suddenly looks less in need of help than it did. With that in mind, they could well look for some protection for Matthew Stafford at this point and draft the talented Russell Okung - a man who looks like a sure-fire left tackle.
This is the perfect storm for the Buccaneers as their favorite player falls right to them at #3. Ndamukong Suh has been a dominant defensive tackle in college and he showed his talent well at the Combine. The Bucs have a major need at DT, so there'll be smiles all round!
With Mike Shanahan now on board in Washington, things are going to have to change. Jason Campbell received a relatively low tender as an RFA, suggesting the Redskins aren't too worried about letting him go. That's because they know their next franchise QB will have to be found in this draft, and here I believe it'll be Jimmy Clausen. Clausen has experience of playing in a pro-style system and you know Shanahan would love to work with this kid.
In an aggressive 3-4 defense like the Chiefs run, an attacking, ballhawking safety is a must-have. Eric Berry brings both those characteristics and so many more to the Chiefs secondary as they pick my favorite player in this year's draft!
One of the Seahawks biggest problems in 2009 on offense is that they've been too one-dimensional. Neither Julius Jones nor Justin Forsett has proven to be a feature back so drafting C.J. Spiller, the consensus best player at his position, would be a major boost to Seattle and give them a major home run threat.
In case you hadn't noticed - the Browns need a cornerback. Need, as in "will get torched again next season if they don't ind one". Despite the slow 40 time at the Combine, Joe Haden's game tape tells you he's a good quality corner with the ability to shut down his receiver. If I'm the Browns, I can't pass on that level of ability.
How Gerald McCoy falls this far nobody knows. What I do know is that this would be an excellent pick for a franchise which has a habit of messing them up. McCoy really isn't far behind Suh in terms of ability and what he can do and would be a welcome addition to any defensive line.
After trading Jason Peters to the Eagles last offseason, the Bills failed to address their left tackle position. Chan Gailey has inherited that mistake and now will need to use his first draft pick to correct it. Anthony Davis is one of many tackles who could go here, but I like him most and I get the feeling that the Bills may well do too.
This pick comes to the Broncos from Chicago as part of the Jay Cutler trade. As they continue their overhaul and switch to a 3-4 defense the Broncos need to find more players on that side of the ball. Here they go for Rolando McClain who has led the Alabama defense all the way to the National Title game and is a future leader of an NFL defense.
The Miami Dolphins were another team who remained in contention until their loss to the Steelers in week 17. Their starting outside linebackers Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are both past their prime or have been released (or both). Derrick Morgan will go a long way to replenishing the edge rushing threat.
The first of San Francisco's two 1st round picks should be used to sure up their secondary. Earl Thomas has been rising lately and the Texas safety will undoubtedly be an upgrade.
Point 1: the Seahawks need an upgrade at safety. Point 2: Pete Carroll coached this kid and knows his strengths and his talent. Combine those two areas and Taylor Mays is the perfect fit for Seattle at this point.
One thing that was highly noticeable whenever you watched the Giants this year was their lack of a pass rush. This is despite that being the cause of their SuperBowl win just 2 years ago. Now some of the players aren't happy, but adding Carlos Dunlap would give them a talented rusher who would find himself kept in line by Tom Coughlin's strict regime.
After being possibly the best 0-6 team in history the Titans at least made it back to sort of level of respectability. This offseason they need to look at the outside linebacker position and drafting Sergio Kindle at this point would make a lot of sense. Kindle also has the potential to play with his hand in the ground as a pass rush specialist and would the Titans an exciting defensive weapon.
Another area of need for the 49ers can be addressed here with their second 1st round pick. Some have said that Trent Williams might only be a RT candidate, but that would be fine for San Francisco who's biggest need on the offensive line is at that very position.
Time and again I project offensive linemen to the Steelers and time and again I'm wrong. However, take a look at Mike Iupati and tell me he's not a prototypical Steeler. See, you can't! This just makes sense.
With the addition of Dunta Robinson at cornerback, the Falcons will feel that their biggest needs lie outside the secondary. Bolstering the linebacker corps with the addition of Sean Weatherspoon would be a great move at this point for Atlanta.
Apologies for talking about Dunta Robinson in consecutive entries, but his departure leaves a major hole in the Texans secondary. The Texans have shown their not averse to reaching for the guy they like and Donovan Warren would be a solid replacement for them.
The Bengals like what they have in Cedric Benson but there's not an awful lot else in their running back group to write home about. In a league where 2 backs is becoming the norm, Jahvid Best would provide them with youth and an excellent combo of runners.
The Michigan standout Brandon Graham looked hot at the Senior Bowl and certainly showcased his talent on that stage. He's also a good size for a 3-4 edge rusher and knows how to get to the QB. He'd be a very nice fit for the Patriots at this point.
After their switch to a 3-4 defense last offseason the Packers got by with the parts they had for the most part. However, adding a rush linebacker will be near the top of their priority list in the draft and Jason Pierre-Paul is one of those guys who just wow's you with his natural athleticism.
Rule #1 - Andy Reid always drafts a lineman. While defensive end may be their biggest need at this point, drafting any of the remaining ones would be a bit of a reach. Reid therefore opts for Bryan Bulaga who could be at home at either tackle spot.
After trading for Anquan Boldin the Ravens have dealt with their biggest area of need on offense. Here they can almost afford to go BPA, which in my book would be Brandon Spikes. Spikes could be the heir to Ray Lewis as the leader of the Baltimore defense.
Bruce Campbell is a bit of a boom or bust type but that's never put the Cardinals off before. Their starting left tackle is old and uninspiring and Levi Brown has never quite looked like making the switch from the right side so Campbell makes a lot of sense for a team starting out with a new QB.
In a similar sort of move to the one the Patriots made last year, the Cowboys draft themselves an insurance policy at nose tackle. Terrence Cody has been hampered by weight issues but he's a dominant 2 down player who makes life difficult on opposing running backs.
The Chargers need to get their ground game going again after releasing LT. Darren Sproles is a nippy runner but not the workhorse back you'd like. Ryan Mathews impressed at the Combine and would be an excellent weapon on the San Diego offense.
Even though they added Braylon Edwards during the season the Jets could still use an addition at wide receiver. Golden Tate has solidified his position as the #2 pass catcher in the draft and would a good pick up here.
After being so close to the SuperBowl the Vikings will be wanting to take that final step in 2010. They could really do with adding a corner across from Antoine Winfield and Kyle Wilson is the best remaining player at the position.
Aside from Reggie Wayne the Colts wide receivers really let them down during the SuperBowl with key drops at bads moments. Brandon LaFell is as sure-handed as they come and will re-up the level of weaponry available to Peyton Manning.
The Saints have been riding the crest of a wave since winning the big one. Their offensive line was one of the league's best but they could upgrade on Jonathan Goodwin at center. Maurkice Pouncey has been an excellent memeber of Florida's offensive line and would be a welcome part of the Saints team.