#draft analysis

NFC North: Draft Grade and Analysis

The NFL Draft is concluded and within the next couple days I will be recapping the draft in each divisions while both analyzing and grading each pick. Let me know what you guys think down below in the comments!

Green Bay Packers

1. Jaire Alexander, Cornerback, Louisville with the 18th pick 2. Josh Jackson, Cornerback, Iowa with the 45th pick 3. Oren Burks, Linebacker, Vanderbilt with the 88th pick

HOUSTON TEXANS: Jadeveon Clowney - DE, South Carolina

ST. LOUIS RAMS: Greg Robinson - OT, Auburn

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Johnny Manziel - QB, Texas A&M

CLEVELAND BROWNS: Sammy Watkins - WR, Clemson

OAKLAND RAIDERS: Khalil Mack - OLB, Buffalo

ATLANTA FALCONS: Taylor Lewan - OT, Michigan

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Mike Evans - WR, Texas A&M

MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Blake Bortles - QB, Central Florida

BUFFALO BILLS: Eric Ebron - TE, North Carolina

DETROIT LIONS: Darqueze Dennard - CB, Michigan State

TENNESSEE TITANS: Justin Gilbert - CB, Oklahoma State

NEW YORK GIANTS: C.J. Mosely - ILB, Alabama

ST. LOUIS RAMS: Calvin Pryor - S, Louisville

CHICAGO BEARS: Aaron Donald - DT, Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Jake Matthews - OT, Texas A&M

DALLAS COWBOYS: Dee Ford - DE, Auburn

BALTIMORE RAVENS: Zack Martin - OT, Notre Dame

NEW YORK JETS: Odell Beckham Jr. - WR, LSU

MIAMI DOLPHINS: Cyrus Kouandijio - OT, Alabama

ARIZONA CARDINALS: Anthony Barr - OLB, UCLA

GREEN BAY PACKERS: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - S, Alabama

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Kyle Fuller - CB, Virginia Tech

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Marquise Lee - WR, USC

CINCINNATI BENGALS: Ryan Shazier - OLB, Ohio State

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Bradley Roby - CB, Ohio State

CLEVELAND BROWNS: Teddy Bridgewater - QB, Louisville

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Louis Nix III - DT, Notre Dame

CAROLINA PANTHERS: Brandin Cooks - WR, Oregon State

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Kony Ealy - DE, Missouri

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Ra'Shede Hageman - DT, Minnesota

DENVER BRONCOS: Xavier Su'A-Filo - OL, UCLA

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Jason Verrett - CB, TCU

(All draft prospect information courtesy of nfl.com)

Following the 2011 season the Rams once again hit the reset button after going 2-14. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Deveaney were fired and were replaced by Jeff Fisher and Les Snead. The 2012 draft featured two of the best quarterback prospects the draft had seen in a long time, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Fisher and Snead were tasked with deciding whether they were comfortable moving forward with Sam Bradford, who was selected with the first overall pick in 2010, or if they wanted to choose Griffin who was certain to be available at number two. Ultimately the decided that the best course of action was to trade down and move forward with Bradford as the team's quarterback. St. Louis would end up trading the second overall pick in exchange for Washington's first round pick in 2012, 2013, and 2014 and a second round pick in 2012. In 2012 St. Louis traded the first round pick they got from Washington to Dallas in exchange for Dallas' first round pick and their second round pick. The Rams still weren't done dealing though, they traded the second round pick they received from Dallas in exchange for Chicago's second round pick and their fifth round pick.

by Big Al Wheat

Aight, so we haven't been posting tons of original content lately, but so is life. We still plan on continuing to do our draft profiles to get you acquainted with the guys likely to go high in the draft as well as some potential sleepers. But I'm going to take this time to do my first Mock Draft of the season and I'm going to do it right here. I haven't done my usual amount of research yet, which is rare for me, but I think I know enough to give you a good, well balanced Mock. So let's take a look at it.

Side note: I'm going to thank CBS Sportsline's Draft Team Needs and their Draft Prospect Rankings for helping me put this mock draft together.

1. Carolina Panthers - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

This just makes sense for the Panthers. Defense got them to their first (and only) Super Bowl and, with the increased importance of the passing game, this is the logical and sound choice. Some would argue they could use a REAL QB, but I think they are going to give it a go with their rookies from last year for another year or two before they give up on them. Not to mention, I don't think any of this year's QBs deserve first overall consideration. This will mark the first time in NFL history that a true cornerback will be taken first overall if it occurs.

2. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Dareus or Fairley could either one go here, but I think Dareus will be the guy. It was a hard choice for me to make, but I think Dareus fits better because of his ability against the run being better than Fairley's. The Broncos need some bulk on the line to help create some room for Dumervil to get his pass rush on and Dareus provides that as well as giving some pass rush as well. Don't be surprised if Fairley goes here, as well as a cornerback.

3. Buffalo Bills - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Gabbert is almost a consensus to be the first QB taken from what I've seen and there is no team that could use him more. He is definitely a half step (at least) above the other quarterbacks available and his effectiveness in the short passing game gives him an edge with head coach Chan Gailey. Other possibilities are an offesnive tackle like Gabe Camiri and a cornerback which, at this point, would have to be Prince Amukamara because Peterson would almost definitely be gone.

4. Cincinnati Bengals - Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

I'm going to predict that, for once, the Bengals are going to go with the safer pick and take Bowers. He has some ethic issues from time to time, but I believe he is still the safer pick over Robert Quinn, although I think Quinn is still a great pick and wouldn't be a bad option either. Another big detraction for Quinn is he has been a whole year without playing football due to his 2010 suspension. Regardless, Cincy needs a pass rush and Da'Quan Bowers will give them that.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I called out Brian Baldinger earlier for making this same pick. After doing some research, apparently Newton and Gabbert are the only 1st round QBs as of right now, with a slight chance that Christian Ponder could go in the late first, as well as Ryan Mallett after a great Pro Day. But, the only two high picks are Cam and Gabbert, and since Gabbert is gone, 'Zona gets him. His Pro Day has really saved Newton, as he underwhelmed at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Cardinals get a guy who has a ton of upside and talent, but needs some refining. I don't like that they will probably throw him in from day one (by necessity), but he has weapons around him to succeed.

6. Cleveland Browns - AJ Green, WR, Georgia

I was literally typing up my reasons Cleveland taking Julio Jones when I changed my mind and I'll tell you why: Colt McCoy. Colt is not a big armed quarterback, and I think that bodes better for AJ than it does Julio. AJ Green is a bigger, faster Marvin Harrison. I think he can excel in any system, but I think he will be better suited for a short passing game like Colt will undoubtedly be helming than Julio will be. Julio still wouldn't be a bad choice; his size and strength would give him some great ability to seperate in the first five yards and to continue breaking tackles. But AJ, with his intangibles, better passing experience (Julio was in a heavy run-based offense in college), and leadership abilities is the better fit for Cleveland.

7. San Francisco 49ers - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

I was trying to fit a DT here, but if the 49ers stay with a 3-4, there isn't a true lineman that fits at this high of a spot. They would love for Marcell Dareus to fall this far, but I don't see it happening although it isn't impossible. With Manny Lawson not living up to his potential as a 3-4 pass rusher, the 49ers will gladly take what could be their version of Brian Orakpo. This could also give the 49ers another year to shoot for a true top flight CB because the increased pass rush will aid the 49ers struggling secondary.

8. Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

I was going to go defensive end here with Robert Quinn, but I think if Fairley falls this far, the Titans will jump on him. They have Derrick Morgan at defensive end who could continue to develop and could keep one of the other possible DE free agents and get Fairley, who will help improve the inside pass rush almost immediately, something the Titans haven't truly had since Fat Albert left. He brings the same attitude issues at times, too! And he's a dirty player! He's like a mini-Fat Albert!

9. Dallas Cowboys - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

This is the one huge, epic glaring need for the Dallas Cowboys, although many (myself included) think they could use a QB. They could also use a defensive end, but I think OT is the larger need here. Carimi is, in my opinion, the best OT in the draft. I'll most always take a Wisconsin OT over most others; that place is just an offensive lineman factory. Maybe with the increased protection, the Cowboys can protect Tony Ho...I mean, Romo.

10. Washington Redskins - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

There are a few places the Redskins could go, including, but not limited to: QB, RB, OT, OG, and CB. But, really, I think the Snyder pushes for Julio. I really think the Redskins would love to land Cam Newton, but I don't think they will go Locker. No real reasoning, just a hunch. Julio will be the best player to bring in some attention and after his Combine performance, I can't argue with the pick. There is a chance that a QB could be gotten in the later rounds that could be a safe pick that could, in the right system, work for the Redskins. I think Mark Ingram is a strong possibility here with the recent releasing of Clinton Portis.

11. Houston Texans - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The only other way I could see the Texans going is if they were to take a TE, but I'm not sure there is one that comes close to garnering this high of a draft pick. I like Prince a lot and personally like him a tad more than Peterson (but it's probably just my anti-LSU bias). I think he is a great pick up for the Texans and will be better than the corner they drafted last year. They might could also use any safety position and possibly a DT, but I don't think there is a DT worth going here.

12. Minnesota Vikings - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

This is a bit further than I expected Quinn to fall, but I really believe it's the best fit for him after Cincy. Jared Allen was supremely ineffective last year and no other end really stepped up, so this could be Robert Quinn's chance to shine. With two great DTs already there and a chance that Allen could rebound, it could be an ideal situation for Quinn to step into. I like this fit the more and more I think about it.

13. Detroit Lions - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

I really think a DE could go here as well, but corner is one of the Lions biggest needs. They would love to see Prince Amukamara fall here, but I don't see it happening, so Jimmy Smith is. Smith is a bit of a reach here, but when it's that strong of a need, you gotta do what you gotta do. Smith has great size and physicality and is great in a man coverage system. With pass rush coming from Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamakuong Suh, it should help Smith with his learning curve.

14. St. Louis Rams - Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

I think the Rams could really, really use a WR here, but I'm not sure Torrey Smith is safe to take here, I think it's too early. The Rams also really need a pass rushing presence, since Chris Long has been somewhat of a flop and Aldon Smith is the best pass rush option available. Cameron Jordan and J.J. Watt are probably better overall ends, but not as good at rushing the pass as Smith, and that is what the Rams truly need. But Torrey Smith could still easily go here.

15. Miami Dolphins - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

I was wondering when Mark was going to go off the board. This is without a doubt the Dolphins' biggest need. Ingram could go higher, but the Dolphins will still have some nice running backs to take from if that is the case. Ingram is a work horse back who is not injury prone (a la Ronnie Brown) and also is dedicated to football/not a slacker/headcase (a la Ricky Williams), so I think it is by far the smartest decision for the Miami Dolphins at this point in time.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars - Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Drafted Tyson Alualu last year and it worked, so why not try to strike gold again with another Cal player? Jordan isn't great at the pass rush, but has enough speed to get to the quarterback and also plays with good enough strength to help stop the rush as well. The Jags need some help on the D-line and Jordan is their best chance to get that going since Kampman is out.

17. New England Patriots - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Castonzo has probably fallen farther than many expected in my mock, but I simply like Carimi more and think Dallas will take the flashier player. Castonzo is a book end guy who may need to start at right end before a potential transfer over to the left side. He has a great skill set, a great body of work, and has great size. All of these translate into *sigh* yet another great pick by the Patriots.

18. San Diego Chargers - Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

I really think this is a bit of a reach, but as Bradley Warshauer pointed out, the Chargers are one to reach (see: Ryan Matthews) and there isn't really a viable NT candidate past the first round, while some 3-4 DEs could be found in the second or third rounds, so I really think Phil Taylor is the guy. He has had some effort issues, but he had a great senior season and may be the Chargers' best bet.

19. New York Giants - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

It could easily be Tyron Smith from USC as well, but I think Solder goes here. The Giants are likely to move David Diehl inside, so the need will be there for some tackle help. The Giants could go with several different tackles here, but I have a gut feeling about Solder. Don't be surprised if the Giants go with an OLB either.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Although they don't play a 3-4, the Bucs need help against the run and I think Ayers can help provide that. He doesn't have the best read and react ability...yet...but he does have the size and strength to play against the run. He isn't overtly fast, but quick enough for a bigger linebacker. Don't let his un-impressive Combine numbers fool you, the tape on Ayers says the guy can play.

21. Kansas City Chiefs - Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

I think Mike will slide to the center spot for the Chiefs and be a standout center for the next decade or so. Pouncey is a great player, although not quite as good as brother Maurkice who came out last year. The Chiefs could go with any of the linebacker positions here, as well as defensive tackle, but I think they stay safe and go center.

22. Indianapolis Colts - Tyron Smith, OT, USC

I was thisclose to giving them a DT here...until I realized that they will always go offensive line first to keep Peyton Manning protected and healthy. While they still could go DT here, easily, with Tyron Smith falling this far, the Colts would be hard pressed to pass up on him to go with a DT when they could still get a good one in the 2nd round or later.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois

I think the Eagles are going to start Wilson on the outside and potentially move him inside. He has true MLB size, but has the speed and ability to play outside. The Eagles may decide to leave him at MLB and move some other folks around, but with his ability to run with faster players, I think using him at OLB for the time being would suit the Eagles well.

24. New Orleans Saints -JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

I would love to see the Saints pick up a true pass rushing DE, but I think THEY think Will Smith can still be that guy, so I think they go with a strong side end to play on the other side. I would have went DT here, but the pick up of Shaun Rogers buys them time at that position. Watt can provide some pass rush, has a strong motor, and could also easily play at DT if need be. I think Greg Williams will relish in Watt's versatility here.

25. Seattle Seahawks - Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

I think the Seahawks could and would like to take a QB here, but with Locker falling and Ponder rising, but not quite high enough, I'm unconvinced that either should go here. Mallett, with a strong Pro Day, may have worked his way back into play here as well. Sherrod is a high character, intelligent player with great upside and ability. Has fallen a little, but still is a quality lineman and will be a good pick up for Carroll and the Seahawks.

26. Baltimore Ravens -Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

The Ravens would love for Martez Wilson to fall this far as an heir apparent to Ray Lewis, which is quite possible to happen. But, since he isn't here, the secondary needs some help. It is quite possible that the Ravens could go with Brandon Harris from Miami, who is probably the better lock down corner but Williams is the more aggressive, tougher corner, which I think suits the Ravens defense more.

27. Atlanta Falcons - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Kerrigan is rising on draft boards and the Falcons need someone to play across from Abraham and to potentially replace him. I think Kerrigan is the guy to fill this role. CBS's profile compared him to former Purdue lineman Aaron Kampman...could you ask for a better resume booster?

28. New England Patriots - Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois

The Patriots have yet another great pick fall in their laps. LeShoure has good size, good strength, and pretty good speed for his size. He has reliable hands and can pick up blocks, which is very beneficial for the Patriots and something they will love. He's a power runner who has some of the elusiveness of a smaller back, so I think the Patriots land a  solid player here.

29. Chicago Bears - Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Torrey finally goes off of the board and Jay Cutler is salivating at this opportunity. Smith has average size, good speed, a great vertical, and a decent body of work. He's a bit raw, but is probably still more talented than many Chicago WRs. They may try to go OLB here and take a WR in the second round, but with Torrey Smith available, why take that risk.

30. New York Jets - Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami

I think the Jets may HOPE Torrey Smith falls here, but I think they should be glad he didn't. I believe Hankerson is a better WR and will end up a lot better in the long run. He has good size, good speed, and, unlike Smith, is a good route runner. He's not AJ Green, but this late in the first, he's a great value pick that I think Rex will pounce on.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU

The Steelers could go Brandon Harris here, but they need some help (or at least bolstering) at both OT and OG, which Cannon can do both, so he seems like a good fit. He's more athletic than his massive size alludes to, but he's still a good mauling lineman that just fits the Steelers mold.

32. Green Bay Packers - Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech