Tchok13
Well-known member
Trade makes sense to me, allows us to get quality LB at a slightly lower cost.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/don_banks/04/25/mock.draft7.page1/index.html?eref=T1
At long last, let the picking begin. (Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.)
1 OT Jake Long Michigan Sr. 6-7 309
In a draft that may well be remembered for its lack of clarity at the top, the Dolphins get their franchise left tackle, making former offensive line coach Tony Sparano very happy. Turns out Bill Parcells didn't look at Vernon Gholston and see the next DeMarcus Ware as much as he looked at Jake Long and saw the next Jumbo Elliott.
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2 DE Chris Long Virginia Sr. 6-3 266
The deciding factor in favor of Long is that the Rams believe their pass rush will be better with Long outside and Adam Carriker inside at tackle, rather than Glenn Dorsey inside and Carriker outside. While the Rams may listen to trade offers from the Saints and others, no one's going to be willing to pay their price.
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3 DT Glenn Dorsey LSU Sr. 6-1 310
Who knows, maybe the Falcons will settle their inter-organizational Dorsey vs. Matt Ryan debate with a last-minute quarter flip. That's how Atlanta earned the No. 3 slot anyway, beating out the Raiders by the toss of a coin at the scouting combine. In the end, taking Dorsey and trading back into the bottom of the first round for a quarterback like Brian Brohm or Chad Henne is the route they'll take.
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4 RB Darren McFadden Arkansas Jr. 6-2 212
Al Davis has always had a weakness for home-run threats, and that's the title McFadden carries. Even though their running back depth chart goes four deep, the Raiders can't resist. The thinking in Oakland is apparently to get first-time starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell someone to help carry the offensive burden.
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5 DE/LB Vernon Gholston Ohio State Jr. 6-4 255
It wouldn't shock me if the Chiefs went for Ryan. But Herm Edwards is enamored with Gholston's impact potential and now that Jared Allen has been traded to the Vikings, Kansas City will take the pass-rusher and wait to select an offensive tackle with its No. 17 pick.
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6 QB Matt Ryan Boston College Sr. 6-5 221
With Chris Long, McFadden and Gholston all gone, who else could the Jets pick? Plus, they get the added bonus of ensuring that the No. 7 Patriots can't realize a bonanza by putting Ryan's slot up for auction. The Jets might try and get the No. 8 Ravens interested in trading up for Ryan, but our sense is Baltimore won't bite.
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7 * DE Sedrick Ellis USC Sr. 6-0 308
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH THE PATRIOTS* As we've said before, both the Bengals and Saints covet Ellis and the Patriots are more than willing to vacate this slot. New Orleans will offer New England more than Cincinnati does, and thereby land the draft's second-best defensive tackle. If the Saints wind up staying at No. 10, with Ellis going to No. 9 Cincinnati, they like South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins.
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8 CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Tennessee State Sr. 6-2 181
The Ravens would have been thrilled with either McFadden or Ryan falling to them, but it's not Ozzie Newsome's MO to take a gamble on trading up with the No. 6 Jets to get the Boston College quarterback. The Ravens believe Cromartie could be special, and will even turn into a hitter once he's in the huddle with Ray Lewis. The Ravens will try and maneuver to get their quarterback (Chad Henne?) later in the first round.
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9 RB Jonathan Stewart Oregon Jr. 5-10 235
The Bengals losing out on Ellis hurts them from a need standpoint, but we're predicting they'll react by taking the fast-rising Stewart in a top 10 surprise. Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey is a name to watch for in this spot, too, but we're giving the nod to Stewart, whose stock has fully recovered after it dropped in the wake of post-combine toe surgery.
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10 * LB Jerod Mayo Tennessee Jr. 6-2 230
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH THE SAINTS*While USC's Keith Rivers has been a popular match for the Patriots' first-round pick, we believe they're higher on Mayo. He has much more experience playing inside linebacker than Rivers, and he'd allow New England to shift Adalius Thomas back outside, where his playmaking impact has been greatest.
11 WR Devin Thomas Michigan State Jr. 6-2 217
With Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin still available, the Bills might be tempted to fill their need in the secondary, given that his draft value lines up better with the No. 11 slot. But we're sticking with Thomas based on Buffalo's lack of a big receiving option opposite Lee Evans.
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12 OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt Sr. 6-5 318
The Broncos offensive line needs help, nowhere more than at the left tackle position vacated by the retired Matt Lepsis. Denver reportedly has Williams -- Jay Cutler's former college teammate -- rated ahead of both Boise State tackle Ryan Clady and Virginia guard/tackle Branden Albert. Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall is the skill-prospect who could tempt Mike Shanahan.
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13 DE Derrick Harvey Florida Jr. 6-4 250
The Panthers love Clady and could use an offensive tackle in anticipation of losing the franchised Jordan Gross next year. And if Jonathan Stewart is still there at No. 13, Carolina would have a hard time passing on him. But Harvey still makes the most sense because of the dreadful condition of the Panthers' D-line. Mike Rucker's retirement this week only underlined how dire the need is.
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14 OT Ryan Clady Boise State Jr. 6-6 317
Bears fans are going to hate to see their team pass on home-state running back Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois. But Chicago is desperate for help at offensive tackle. It's lucky in that it's got three good ones to choose from: Clady, Pitt's Jeff Otah and Virginia's Branden Albert.
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15 LB Keith Rivers USC Sr. 6-3 236
I've had the Lions zeroed in on running back Rashard Mendenhall for quite some time, but the Lions didn't expect Rivers to reach them. Coach Rod Marinelli wanted to add an impact linebacker to go along with weakside starter Ernie Sims, and he won't pass on Rivers, who many have graded as a top 10 talent.
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16 RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois Jr. 5-11 225
The Cardinals could use help at cornerback and Leodis McKelvin of Troy is still on the board. But they'll pounce on Mendenhall if he slips past both Chicago and Detroit. The ex-Illini star will share the backfield with Edgerrin James this season and take over as the Cardinals' primary rusher in 2009.
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17 OT Branden Albert Virginia Jr. 6-7 317
With the pick they just obtained from the Vikings in the Jared Allen trade, the Chiefs are in great position to address their glaring need for an offensive tackle. Albert, who projects to tackle in the NFL after playing guard in college, represents great value at mid-round, and he gets the call over Pitt's Jeff Otah.
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18 CB Leodis McKelvin Troy State Sr. 5-11 186
The Texans lock up one of the draft's top two cornerbacks, depending on whose ratings you trust. McKelvin has great speed and his cover skills are considered top-notch. He also can contribute to the return game.
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19 OT/LB Jeff Otah Pittsburgh Sr. 6-6 339
The Eagles could use a cornerback as a replacement for the soon-to-be-leaving Lito Sheppard, and Jenkins is a possibility there. But Andy Reid seldom misses an opportunity to bolster his line, and Otah gives Philly an eventual replacement for veteran tackle Jon Runyan.
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20 WR DeSean Jackson California Jr. 6-0 169
Jackson and Indiana's James Hardy are receivers on the Bucs' radar screen, but head coach Jon Gruden seems especially taken with Jackson, the speedster who could also contribute to Tampa Bay's return game. If the Bucs go cornerback in an effort to replace Brian Kelly, Jenkins is the likely target.
21 DE Phillip Merling Clemson Jr. 6-4 275
The Redskins' bid to trade for Chad Johnson indicates they could talk themselves into taking a big receiver like Hardy or Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly. But Merling is probably the best value. The Redskins are in dire need of a disruptive defensive end who can turn the corner in the pass rush.
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22 RB Felix Jones Arkansas Jr. 6-0 200
We're not budging off of Arkansas' Felix Jones, who almost everybody has as the Cowboys' first choice to replace Julius Jones in their Marion Barber-led backfield tandem. Even with Pacman Jones' acquisition, Dallas will likely be looking cornerback with their second first-round choice, at No. 28.
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23 OT Gosder Cherilus Boston College Sr. 6-6 315
The Steelers offensive line requires attention, and Cherilus is the only consensus first-round lineman remaining. The Steelers would love to have Virginia's Albert drop to them, but that's wishful thinking.
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24 WR Limas Sweed Texas Sr. 6-4 215
There are rumblings that the Titans could go running back with this pick if Felix Jones or Jonathan Stewart falls to them, but there aren't any first-round runners left on our board. So Sweed, who would be the third consecutive ex-Longhorn taken in the first round by the Titans (Vince Young, Michael Griffin), makes the most sense to us.
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25 DT Kentwan Balmer North Carolina Sr. 6-4 308
This seems to be around the slot Balmer is expected to go, and with the Seahawks having lost veteran tackles Chuck Darby and Ellis Wyms this offseason, Seattle has an obvious need. Balmer had an inconsistent collegiate career, but he's the consensus third-ranked DT behind Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis. Purdue tight end Dustin Keller is another strong first-round option for Seattle.
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26 DE Lawrence Jackson USC Sr. 6-4 261
Some have the Jaguars rolling the dice on Miami junior Calais Campbell, who wasn't all that impressive for the Hurricanes in 2007. But Jackson was a proven pass-rusher for the Trojans and while his upside may not be as high as Campbell's, his downside isn't as steep either.
Video Highlights
27 CB Brandon Flowers Virginia Tech Sr. 5-11 192
The Chargers are fortunate in that three potential first-round cornerbacks are still available: Flowers, Jenkins and Talib. Though Flowers isn't the fastest corner, his coverage skills are strong and he plays a physical-style. San Diego likes that he's a high-character guy as well.
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28 CB Mike Jenkins South Florida Sr. 6-0 200
The Cowboys had targeted Flowers for this pick, but the Chargers just ruined that plan. Despite trading for Pacman Jones, Dallas can use another cornerback and Jenkens' kickoff return skills are an added bonus. The Cowboys will shop for a receiver in later rounds.
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29 LB Dan Connor Penn State Jr. 6-2 233
The 49ers will look at receiving options with this pick, but they're not likely to have anyone rated higher overall than Connor, who could play at inside linebacker in their 3-4, right next to 2007 defensive rookie of the year Patrick Willis. James Hardy and Malcolm Kelly are the best available receivers.
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30 CB Aqib Talib Kansas Jr. 6-2 193
This is a lot later than I've had Talib going for most of the predraft season, but he ends the first round's five-cornerback run. Talib gives Green Bay a youthful option at a position where veterans Al Harris and Charles Woodson are starting to age. The Packers could go for an offensive tackle, with USC's Sam Baker making them younger at another position where they're starting to get old.
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31 Pick forfeited -- -- -- -- --
The Patriots lost this pick as their penalty for the Week 1 Spygate episode
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32 S Tyrell Johnson Arkansas State Sr. 6-0 207
With Mayo and Connor gone, the Giants can shift their focus to safety, where finding options to replace the departed Gibril Wilson is a Day One draft priority. Johnson has been making a late bid to crack the first round, and seemingly has vaulted over University of Miami's Kenny Phillips as the draft's top-rated safety.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/don_banks/04/25/mock.draft7.page1/index.html?eref=T1
At long last, let the picking begin. (Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.)
1 OT Jake Long Michigan Sr. 6-7 309
In a draft that may well be remembered for its lack of clarity at the top, the Dolphins get their franchise left tackle, making former offensive line coach Tony Sparano very happy. Turns out Bill Parcells didn't look at Vernon Gholston and see the next DeMarcus Ware as much as he looked at Jake Long and saw the next Jumbo Elliott.
Video Highlights
2 DE Chris Long Virginia Sr. 6-3 266
The deciding factor in favor of Long is that the Rams believe their pass rush will be better with Long outside and Adam Carriker inside at tackle, rather than Glenn Dorsey inside and Carriker outside. While the Rams may listen to trade offers from the Saints and others, no one's going to be willing to pay their price.
Video Highlights
3 DT Glenn Dorsey LSU Sr. 6-1 310
Who knows, maybe the Falcons will settle their inter-organizational Dorsey vs. Matt Ryan debate with a last-minute quarter flip. That's how Atlanta earned the No. 3 slot anyway, beating out the Raiders by the toss of a coin at the scouting combine. In the end, taking Dorsey and trading back into the bottom of the first round for a quarterback like Brian Brohm or Chad Henne is the route they'll take.
Video Highlights
4 RB Darren McFadden Arkansas Jr. 6-2 212
Al Davis has always had a weakness for home-run threats, and that's the title McFadden carries. Even though their running back depth chart goes four deep, the Raiders can't resist. The thinking in Oakland is apparently to get first-time starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell someone to help carry the offensive burden.
Video Highlights
5 DE/LB Vernon Gholston Ohio State Jr. 6-4 255
It wouldn't shock me if the Chiefs went for Ryan. But Herm Edwards is enamored with Gholston's impact potential and now that Jared Allen has been traded to the Vikings, Kansas City will take the pass-rusher and wait to select an offensive tackle with its No. 17 pick.
Video Highlights
6 QB Matt Ryan Boston College Sr. 6-5 221
With Chris Long, McFadden and Gholston all gone, who else could the Jets pick? Plus, they get the added bonus of ensuring that the No. 7 Patriots can't realize a bonanza by putting Ryan's slot up for auction. The Jets might try and get the No. 8 Ravens interested in trading up for Ryan, but our sense is Baltimore won't bite.
Video Highlights
7 * DE Sedrick Ellis USC Sr. 6-0 308
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH THE PATRIOTS* As we've said before, both the Bengals and Saints covet Ellis and the Patriots are more than willing to vacate this slot. New Orleans will offer New England more than Cincinnati does, and thereby land the draft's second-best defensive tackle. If the Saints wind up staying at No. 10, with Ellis going to No. 9 Cincinnati, they like South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins.
Video Highlights
8 CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Tennessee State Sr. 6-2 181
The Ravens would have been thrilled with either McFadden or Ryan falling to them, but it's not Ozzie Newsome's MO to take a gamble on trading up with the No. 6 Jets to get the Boston College quarterback. The Ravens believe Cromartie could be special, and will even turn into a hitter once he's in the huddle with Ray Lewis. The Ravens will try and maneuver to get their quarterback (Chad Henne?) later in the first round.
Video Highlights
9 RB Jonathan Stewart Oregon Jr. 5-10 235
The Bengals losing out on Ellis hurts them from a need standpoint, but we're predicting they'll react by taking the fast-rising Stewart in a top 10 surprise. Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey is a name to watch for in this spot, too, but we're giving the nod to Stewart, whose stock has fully recovered after it dropped in the wake of post-combine toe surgery.
Video Highlights
10 * LB Jerod Mayo Tennessee Jr. 6-2 230
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH THE SAINTS*While USC's Keith Rivers has been a popular match for the Patriots' first-round pick, we believe they're higher on Mayo. He has much more experience playing inside linebacker than Rivers, and he'd allow New England to shift Adalius Thomas back outside, where his playmaking impact has been greatest.
11 WR Devin Thomas Michigan State Jr. 6-2 217
With Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin still available, the Bills might be tempted to fill their need in the secondary, given that his draft value lines up better with the No. 11 slot. But we're sticking with Thomas based on Buffalo's lack of a big receiving option opposite Lee Evans.
Video Highlights
12 OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt Sr. 6-5 318
The Broncos offensive line needs help, nowhere more than at the left tackle position vacated by the retired Matt Lepsis. Denver reportedly has Williams -- Jay Cutler's former college teammate -- rated ahead of both Boise State tackle Ryan Clady and Virginia guard/tackle Branden Albert. Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall is the skill-prospect who could tempt Mike Shanahan.
Video Highlights
13 DE Derrick Harvey Florida Jr. 6-4 250
The Panthers love Clady and could use an offensive tackle in anticipation of losing the franchised Jordan Gross next year. And if Jonathan Stewart is still there at No. 13, Carolina would have a hard time passing on him. But Harvey still makes the most sense because of the dreadful condition of the Panthers' D-line. Mike Rucker's retirement this week only underlined how dire the need is.
Video Highlights
14 OT Ryan Clady Boise State Jr. 6-6 317
Bears fans are going to hate to see their team pass on home-state running back Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois. But Chicago is desperate for help at offensive tackle. It's lucky in that it's got three good ones to choose from: Clady, Pitt's Jeff Otah and Virginia's Branden Albert.
Video Highlights
15 LB Keith Rivers USC Sr. 6-3 236
I've had the Lions zeroed in on running back Rashard Mendenhall for quite some time, but the Lions didn't expect Rivers to reach them. Coach Rod Marinelli wanted to add an impact linebacker to go along with weakside starter Ernie Sims, and he won't pass on Rivers, who many have graded as a top 10 talent.
Video Highlights
16 RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois Jr. 5-11 225
The Cardinals could use help at cornerback and Leodis McKelvin of Troy is still on the board. But they'll pounce on Mendenhall if he slips past both Chicago and Detroit. The ex-Illini star will share the backfield with Edgerrin James this season and take over as the Cardinals' primary rusher in 2009.
Video Highlights
17 OT Branden Albert Virginia Jr. 6-7 317
With the pick they just obtained from the Vikings in the Jared Allen trade, the Chiefs are in great position to address their glaring need for an offensive tackle. Albert, who projects to tackle in the NFL after playing guard in college, represents great value at mid-round, and he gets the call over Pitt's Jeff Otah.
Video Highlights
18 CB Leodis McKelvin Troy State Sr. 5-11 186
The Texans lock up one of the draft's top two cornerbacks, depending on whose ratings you trust. McKelvin has great speed and his cover skills are considered top-notch. He also can contribute to the return game.
Video Highlights
19 OT/LB Jeff Otah Pittsburgh Sr. 6-6 339
The Eagles could use a cornerback as a replacement for the soon-to-be-leaving Lito Sheppard, and Jenkins is a possibility there. But Andy Reid seldom misses an opportunity to bolster his line, and Otah gives Philly an eventual replacement for veteran tackle Jon Runyan.
Video Highlights
20 WR DeSean Jackson California Jr. 6-0 169
Jackson and Indiana's James Hardy are receivers on the Bucs' radar screen, but head coach Jon Gruden seems especially taken with Jackson, the speedster who could also contribute to Tampa Bay's return game. If the Bucs go cornerback in an effort to replace Brian Kelly, Jenkins is the likely target.
21 DE Phillip Merling Clemson Jr. 6-4 275
The Redskins' bid to trade for Chad Johnson indicates they could talk themselves into taking a big receiver like Hardy or Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly. But Merling is probably the best value. The Redskins are in dire need of a disruptive defensive end who can turn the corner in the pass rush.
Video Highlights
22 RB Felix Jones Arkansas Jr. 6-0 200
We're not budging off of Arkansas' Felix Jones, who almost everybody has as the Cowboys' first choice to replace Julius Jones in their Marion Barber-led backfield tandem. Even with Pacman Jones' acquisition, Dallas will likely be looking cornerback with their second first-round choice, at No. 28.
Video Highlights
23 OT Gosder Cherilus Boston College Sr. 6-6 315
The Steelers offensive line requires attention, and Cherilus is the only consensus first-round lineman remaining. The Steelers would love to have Virginia's Albert drop to them, but that's wishful thinking.
Video Highlights
24 WR Limas Sweed Texas Sr. 6-4 215
There are rumblings that the Titans could go running back with this pick if Felix Jones or Jonathan Stewart falls to them, but there aren't any first-round runners left on our board. So Sweed, who would be the third consecutive ex-Longhorn taken in the first round by the Titans (Vince Young, Michael Griffin), makes the most sense to us.
Video Highlights
25 DT Kentwan Balmer North Carolina Sr. 6-4 308
This seems to be around the slot Balmer is expected to go, and with the Seahawks having lost veteran tackles Chuck Darby and Ellis Wyms this offseason, Seattle has an obvious need. Balmer had an inconsistent collegiate career, but he's the consensus third-ranked DT behind Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis. Purdue tight end Dustin Keller is another strong first-round option for Seattle.
Video Highlights
26 DE Lawrence Jackson USC Sr. 6-4 261
Some have the Jaguars rolling the dice on Miami junior Calais Campbell, who wasn't all that impressive for the Hurricanes in 2007. But Jackson was a proven pass-rusher for the Trojans and while his upside may not be as high as Campbell's, his downside isn't as steep either.
Video Highlights
27 CB Brandon Flowers Virginia Tech Sr. 5-11 192
The Chargers are fortunate in that three potential first-round cornerbacks are still available: Flowers, Jenkins and Talib. Though Flowers isn't the fastest corner, his coverage skills are strong and he plays a physical-style. San Diego likes that he's a high-character guy as well.
Video Highlights
28 CB Mike Jenkins South Florida Sr. 6-0 200
The Cowboys had targeted Flowers for this pick, but the Chargers just ruined that plan. Despite trading for Pacman Jones, Dallas can use another cornerback and Jenkens' kickoff return skills are an added bonus. The Cowboys will shop for a receiver in later rounds.
Video Highlights
29 LB Dan Connor Penn State Jr. 6-2 233
The 49ers will look at receiving options with this pick, but they're not likely to have anyone rated higher overall than Connor, who could play at inside linebacker in their 3-4, right next to 2007 defensive rookie of the year Patrick Willis. James Hardy and Malcolm Kelly are the best available receivers.
Video Highlights
30 CB Aqib Talib Kansas Jr. 6-2 193
This is a lot later than I've had Talib going for most of the predraft season, but he ends the first round's five-cornerback run. Talib gives Green Bay a youthful option at a position where veterans Al Harris and Charles Woodson are starting to age. The Packers could go for an offensive tackle, with USC's Sam Baker making them younger at another position where they're starting to get old.
Video Highlights
31 Pick forfeited -- -- -- -- --
The Patriots lost this pick as their penalty for the Week 1 Spygate episode
Video Highlights
32 S Tyrell Johnson Arkansas State Sr. 6-0 207
With Mayo and Connor gone, the Giants can shift their focus to safety, where finding options to replace the departed Gibril Wilson is a Day One draft priority. Johnson has been making a late bid to crack the first round, and seemingly has vaulted over University of Miami's Kenny Phillips as the draft's top-rated safety.