Addenda Provided

v3 – Now with rambling comments!

1 – CAR: Newton, Cam – QB – Auburn
Do I still believe this pick should be Gabbert? Personally, yes. But Ron Rivera is convinced that Newton is the future, so he will be the pick.

2 – DEN: Dareus, Marcell – DT – Alabama
Denver needs some DT help as they lose their three lead DT’s to the eventual free agency, and are switching back to the 4-3.

3 – BUF: Gabbert, Blaine – QB – Missouri
Chances (and rumours) are that this pick could be Von Miller. Even though the Bills seem to have an odd approach to the draft, you must have a franchise quarterback in this league to succeed and Gabbert fits nicely.

4 – CIN: Green, A.J. – WR – Georgia
With Jonathan Joseph a free agent, drafting Patrick Peterson may send him out of town. Even with that though, Cincinatti will most likely be going for a real offensive draft here, as they lose T.O, and Benson, will likely trade Ochocinco while he still has some value, and Carson Palmer has said he’s prepared to retire over coming back. Jay Gruden would love to get a QB here, but there isn’t one available, so he will go for his staple big reciever in Green.

5 – ARI: Miller, Von – OLB – Texas A&M
Most will probably going ‘WTF no peterson?!’, but even as talent goes, Von Miller is close in relative talent level, plus rush linebacker is a greater need for the Cardinals than corner.

The rest of the first round after the jump!

6 – CLE: Peterson, Patrick – CB – LSU
Could be Julio Jones, and they did just spend a #7 pick on Joe Haden, but Peterson is the best corner prospect in a long time, and it would be stupid for the Browns to pass him up. Plus good recievers can be found in the second round.

7 – SF: Quinn, Robert – DE – North Carolina
Arguments can be made for the Prince, but they really need pass rush help.

8 – TEN: Fairley, Nick – DT – Auburn
The Titans needs a big body to pair with Jason Jones. There are questions about work ethic and maturity issues, but I think they would be willing to over look that. One interesting factoid – the new DL coach for the Titans coached Fairley at Auburn

9 – DAL: Smith, Tyron – OT – USC
The Cowboys must protect Tony Romo in order to succeed. Prince Amukamara could have been my other choice, but rumour has it that Dallas isn’t that interested in him.

10 – WAS: Jones, Julio – WR – Alabama
They will be hoping for Robert Quinn, but will be more than happy with Julio Jones who fills a position of need in the wake of Santana Moss’s likely departure.

11 – HOU: Smith, Aldon – DE – Missouri
Houston will be looking for 3-4 personell for the new defence, and Aldon Smith fits the bill just fine.

12 – MIN: Amukamara, Prince – CB – Nebraska
I’ve seen a lot of mocks put Jake Locker here and to be honest, I think it’s a bad move for the Vikes if they do that – his accuracy is terrible, as is his decision making. I honestly believe that the Vikes should try and trade down with someone and obtain picks to select Christian Ponder at the bottom of the first and then a tackle in the second. However, since I’m not doing trades in this one, and the fact that he’s still available, I will instead be addressing the cornerback need.

13 – DET: Castonzo, Anthony – OT – Boston College
Detroit will be pissed on missing out on Amukamara by one pick. Jeff Backus in my opinion (regardless of what the stats or pundits say) is a terrible left tackle, and would be much better served on the right. Castonzo would help Detroit acomplish that.

14 – STL: Liuget, Corey – DT – Illinois
The rams need an upgrade next to Fred Robbins, and Corey Liuget fits the bill perfectly.

15 – MIA: Ingram, Mark – RB – Alabama
Most likely will be a trade down for Mike Pouncey (the popular pick), but assuming no trades, I have to believe Ingram will be the pick, even with concerns of an arthritic knee.

16 – JAX: Kerrigan, Ryan – DE – Purdue
Case could be made for J.J.Watt, but Kerrigan is the sort of player the Jaguars like to draft, and happens to fill a position of need.

17 – NE: Jordan, Cameron – DE – California
NE really need some pass rush, and again Watt could be the pick here, but Jordan has experience and flexibility all across the line, something that will likely appeal to Bill Belichick

18 – SD: Watt, J.J. – DE – Wisconsin
The Chargers lose Jacques Cesaire to Free Agency, but he needed to be replaced anyway. Watt is a great player and a great fit for the Chargers.

19 – NYG: Solder, Nate – OT – Colorado
Probably would prefer a rush lineback here, so could trade down for Akeem Ayers (I hear Pouncey draws interest from the Steel City), but here, the best value is at OT.

20 – TB: Clayborn, Adrian – DE – Iowa
The Bucs need defensive end help and Clayborn is probably the best player on the board.

21 – KC: Carimi, Gabe – OT – Wisconsin
In a previous draft, I called this pick a lock for NT Phil Taylor, as Pioli would be looking for his Wilfork. However, Taylor has got an inoperable condition on his foot which has only recently come to light, and will likely see him drop out the first round altogether. Chances are now that they will look to upgrade OT and finally get rid of Branden Albert.

22 – IND: Pouncey, Mike – OG – Florida
Would probably want an OT or DT, thus would possibly trade down, maybe to get value for Andy Dalton or Colin Kaepernick. Polian likes to spend first rounders on offensive players and pass rushers, and Pouncey is a great talent. Chances are the Steelers will come calling.

23 – PHI: Smith, Jimmy – CB – Colorado
They would love to trade up and get the Prince and they have the ammunition for it, but in lieu of that, Jimmy Smith is the next best thing.

24 – NO: Heyward, Cameron – DE – Ohio State
Heyward has the size that the Saints like, plus he fits a need in the end spot opposite Will Smith. Could be Da’Quan Bowers as well, but his atrotious Pro Day and health concerns will likely take him out of the first round.

25 – SEA: Wilkerson, Muhammad – DT – Temple
Can play both 4-3 DT and LE in the 3-4 in the hybrid scheme Seattle run and gives insurance in case they lose their free agents.

26 – BAL: Williams, Aaron – CB – Texas
Baltimore could lose three of it’s top corners to free agency, and will likely need to replace the ones they lose. Top player on their board would likely be Cameron Heyward though – possibly a trade up?

27 – ATL: Rudolph, Kyle – TE – Notre Dame
Biggest riser between the last draft and now. Tony Gonzales is entering the final stages of his career, possibly even retiring this season if the lockout carries on. Rudolph is likely the highest player on the board.

28 – NE: Ayers, Akeem – OLB – UCLA
NE need a new bookend for their line opposite Vollmer, but Sherrod is likely an early second rounder, and will likely be taken with pick #33 or a traded pick. Having solved their defensive end problem, they will look to solve the rush linebacker issue with Ayers.

29 – CHI: Watkins, Danny – OT – Baylor
Can play both Guard and Tackle and will help the Bears protect their glass cannon.

30 – NYJ: Houston, Justin – DE – Georgia
Would have liked Phil Taylor, but will likely be scared off by his foot condition. Aside from him, the Jets will be looking extensively at Justin Houston to beef up the pass rush against the inevitable matchups against Manning, Brady and Roethlisburger.

31 – PIT: Harris, Brandon – CB – Miami
Everyone and their grandma knows that Pittsburgh will want to trade up for Mike Pouncey. At this pick though, it’s a catch-22 as there are not many prospects that fit the system. That said, the Steelers are looking to upgrade Bryant McFadden and Harris is the best DB available.

32 – GB: Reed, Brooks – DE – Arizona
Will play rush linebacker opposite Clay Matthews, and has drawn some comparisons to him, although he is not as naturally talented.