17. Baltimore Ravens – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
Last year the Ravens scooped up Matt Elam but they still have a gaping hole opposite Elam. Pairing Dix and Elam could give the Ravens a formidable and intimidating backend.
18. New York Jets – Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Brandin Cooks would give them some speed on the outside but it would be tough to pass on Ebron at this point in the draft. He’s a spectacular athlete that can stretch the middle of the field and should free things up for the newly acquired Eric Decker on the outside.
19. Miami Dolphins – Zack Martin, OG, Notre Dame
The Dolphins rebuild of the post-Martin/Incognito OL is underway. Adding a versatile piece like Martin should about complete the rebuild. Martin can play tackle but I think he’s a Pro Bowl guard for a long time. He would be a great addition to this OL and locker room.
20. Arizona Cardinals – Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
The Cards may have struck gold with Tyrann Mathieu last year and should be looking for a partner in crime (Freudian slip) with him early in the draft. Pryor is a guy that many love but I’m not so in love with him. I won’t let my personal feelings get in the way on this one. He makes a ton of sense at this point.
21. Green Bay Packers – Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
The Packers have nothing in the backend. Barring, and probably even with, a signing coming they need to look at a safety early. Ward is my top ranked safety and I’ll stand firm this is not too early for him to come off the board.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
I’m not buying the Jackson staying in Philly banter. He’s as good as gone and both parties know it. That leaves the Eagles with Jeremy Maclin (returning from injury) and Riley Cooper. That’s not going to cut it for Nick Foles and the Eagles offense. Cooks could be Desean Jackson without all the baggage and Chip would welcome that with open arms.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA
Kansas City lost two guards in free agency and they could stand to add some depth along the OL. FS is a major need but with HCD, Pryor, and Ward off the board, this pick should be a fairly easy one. Su’a-Filo is a guy that I think has Pro Bowl potential on the inside and could kick outside to tackle in a pinch.
24. Cincinnati Bengals – Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
The Bengals would have to be feeling pretty good if Dennard slid down to 24 for the taking. CB is one of their biggest needs but it will be interesting to see if a tackle or a slider like C.J. Mosley will tempt them. In this case, Dennard is a great value – too good to pass on.
25. San Diego Chargers – Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
The Chargers could take a shot on Louis Nix at this point but Verrett should get the call. If Verrett were a couple of inches taller, the Chargers wouldn’t touch him so they find a great value with the 25th pick.
26. Cleveland Browns – Kyle Fuller
I had the Browns going QB here last week but something tells me they gamble and fill a need at CB. Joe Haden needs a partner and Buster Skrine (who played admirably last season) is best suited to slide inside at the nickel spot.
27. New Orleans Saints – Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Imagine trying to match up with Benjamin, Marcus Colston, and Jimmy Graham. That’s a nightmare for DC’s. Kenny Stills was solid in year one but it will be tough to pass on a talent like Benjamin this late in round one.
28. Carolina Panthers – Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Wow is all I can say. The Panthers are struggling. They’ve lost all their adequate receivers, their OL is in shambles, and the defensive backfield isn’t much better. They could go in a bunch of directions but they need to find a protector for Cam Newton early. Moses should be able to plug in immediately (he’ll have to).
29. New England Patriots – Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame
Nix is officially off the board. The Patriots will be looking for a replacement for Vince Wilfork, who makes a ton of money and spent much of 2013 out due to injuries. Even with Wilfork they need to add talent along the defensive line.
30. San Francisco 49ers – Brad Roby, CB, Ohio State
The 49ers CB’s leave a bit to be desired. Brad Roby had a miserable year in 2013 but was spectacular in 2011 and 2012. His combination of speed, physicality, and man coverage skills should make an immediate contributor for the Niners.
31. Denver Broncos – C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
I’m not blown away by the trio of backers for the Broncos. C.J. Mosley falling this far down the draft is a godsend for John Elway as he continues to add talent to this already talented roster. Mosley could play any one of the three LB spots with his combination of size, athleticism, and coverage ability.
32. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Thomas, OG, Clemson
The Seahawks lost quite a bit in free agency – luckily they were stacked beforehand. Thomas gives the Seahawks a versatile lineman that could play guard or tackle from day one. I just can’t see the Seahawks going into next season with the line as it currently sits – although it wasn’t much better this year and they won the Super Bowl.
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