SEC Predictions

Every year the SEC has a representative in the National Title game. This year shouldn't be any different. The SEC is the premier conference in college football and will have several teams ranked in the top 25 all year long.

Here is how I believe the SEC will play out this upcoming college football season.

East

1. South Carolina Gamecocks, 10-2 (7-1)

After some years of struggling, Steve Spurrier finally has the Gamecocks a yearly contender for the SEC East Championship and for the SEC Title. This year should be no different. QB Stephen Garcia is back and so is ultra talented RB Marcus Lattimore. If Garcia can stay out of trouble and limit turnovers the Gamecocks will find their way back into the SEC Title Game, and maybe have a chance to win it.

2. Florida Gators, 7-5 (4-4)

Florida struggled in their first year in the post Tebow era, but that was understandable since they had pro style QB John Brantley trying to run a spread running attack. Now that Charlie Weis is now the OC the offense will be built around the stengths of Brantley. On defense HC Will Muschamp will bring some attitude back to a team that seemed to loose that the past couple of years. I'd watch out for Ronald Powell who Muschamp could use much like he did with Brian Orakpo and Sergio Kindle.

3. Georgia Bulldogs, 7-5 (4-4)

A lot of people are higher on Georgia than I am, but I'm just not seeing it. They'll really miss what AJ Green did for their offense and with Caleb King being ineligible will put a lot of pressure on true freshman Isaiah Crowell. However their defense will be strong and Aaron Murray is a very good quarterback. They could surprise me, but I think a 7 or 8 wins is all they will get.

4. Tennessee Volunteers, 6-6 (2-6)

There were a lot of qustion marks about Tennessee last year leading up to the season and after starting the season at 2-6 it was looking like a lost season. However QB Tyler Bray emerged and the Vounteers rallied to win their final four games against the SEC celler dwellers. I have a feeling this year might be very similar. They'll struggle against the top level teams and have a chance against the Vanderbilt'\s and the Mississippi's. However if Tyler Bray can elevate his game they could surprise a few teams and finish with better than two or three wins.

5. Kentucky Wildcats, 6-6 (2-6)

Kentucky finished last season with two wins in the confernece and I don't see them winning more than that this year. Last year they were blessed with two talented offensive weapons in Derek Locke and Randall Cobb. Both are gone and that leaves them without many other options. I would not be surprised if they went winless in confernce play either.

6. Vanderbilt Commodores, 5-7 (2-6)

After going hard after Gus Malzahn to be their head coach they ended up getting James Franklin who was the OC at Maryland. Now Vanderbilt is not a destination job by any means, but the Franklin hired is a dud in my opinion. He was the OC but Maryland's offenses where not anything to brag about. And he'll be coaching in the toughest conference in the NCAA and against some of the best defenses in all of college football. Its an uphill battle and they have a long way to go.

West

1. Alabama Crimson Tide, 12-0 (8-0)

Its crzay how talented the SEC is when Alabama last year had a veteran QB and three first round picks and all the rest of that talent and lost three conference games. This year should be different. The Crimson Tide are loaded on defense and are going to make it very difficult for teams to score on them. The real question mark will be at quarterback. They have Phillip Sims and AJ McCarron battling out at quarterback, but look for the Tide to rely on Trent Richardson to carry the early load till whoever wins the QB race gets more comfortable. But none the less the Tide will be the team to beat and have a great shot to make it back to the National Title game for the second time in three years.

2. LSU Tigers, 10-2 (7-1)

The Bayou Bangles might be one of the most talented teams in all of college football but their success will all be dependent on how well Jordan Jefferson plays at quarterback. Jefferson is very talented, but often makes bone headed decisions that really costs the team. If he can improve his decision making the Tigers will be a National Title contender. But if he doesn't, all will be for not and they'll find themselves back in the Cotton Bowl. No pressure huh?

3. Arkansas Razorbacks, 9-3 (6-3)

Its too bad that the Razorbacks aren't in the SEC East where they would be the favorite to win the division. However they are in the West where 4 out of the 6 teams have a legit shot to win the division (instead of one in the East). Arkansas took a big jump last year finishing with a 10-3 record and a birth in their first BCS Bowl. The good thing is that they return all their skill position players but they have to replace some key starters along the offensive line. They also lost QB Ryan Mallett, but replace him with Taylor Wilson who might not have the physical talents of Mallett, but is a much better decision maker which better suits the offense. The key will be the defense. Bobby Petrino is known for his offenses, but not for his defenses. If they can stop the likes of Alabama and LSU they'll have a shot to win the divison, but that might be too hard of an accomplishment.

4. Mississippi State Bulldogs, 8-4 (4-4)

Mississippi State hit a home run hire when they got Dan Mullen from Florida. Mullen has turned the Bulldogs from SEC West bottom dweller to a 9 win team last year. They are lead by QB Chris Relf who has done a good job running Mullen's spread offense. They have to replace some key linebackers, but the Bulldogs should find themselves in that 8 to 9 win category. But just like Arkansas its too bad they play in the West and not the East where they would contend for a division title rather than having to challenge Alabama and LSU for the West Title.

5. Auburn Tigers, 6-6 (3-5)

You don't see teams win the National Title and they go .500 or wose the next year, but that could very well happen this year. Last year Auburn had the best offensive player in the country in Cam Newton and the most dominant defensive player in Nick Fairley. Those two players elevated a medicore team into a National Title. Both are gone and the Tigers are going to feel it. But Gene Chizik and company are hoping the experience they got last year and the young talent they brought in will allow them to make it to a bowl game. But It will be a long season in Tiger country.

6. Mississippi Rebels, 3-9 (0-8)

I bet Ole Miss fans were wishing that the University didn't fire David Cuttcliff who had the Rebels as a constant 9 win team and yearly bowl appearances. However after they have fired him they had to endure the Ed Orgeron era and now Houston Nutt. Nutt has had one good year (with Orgeron's players) but has struggled since. This year shouldn't be any different. The Rebels don't have the talent and its going to show. They'll be lucky to win a game in conference and Nutt will probably be goon in two or three years.

Offensive Player of the Year: Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Defensive Player of the Year: Devin Taylor DE South Carolina

Freshman of the Year: Isaiah Crowell RB Georgia

Coach of the Year: Steve Spurrier, South Carolina

All SEC Team

QB: Taylor Wilson, Arkansas

RB: Trent Richardson, Alabama

RB: Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

WR: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

WR: Greg Childs, Arkansas

TE: Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn

T: Cordy Glenn, Georgia

G: Larry Warford, Kentucky

C: William Vlachos, Alabama

G: Josh Dworaczyk, LSU

T: DJ Fulker, Alabama

DE: Devin Taylor, South Carolina

DT: Jaye Howard, Florida

DT: Josh Chapman, Alabama

DE: Ronald Powell, Florida

LB: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

LB: Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

LB: Chris Marve, Vanderbilt

CB: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

S: Robert Lester, Alabama

S: Mark Barron, Alabama

CB: Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

K: Blair Walsh, Georgia

P: Drew Butler, Georgia

KR/PR: Joe Adams, Arkansas

Rankings: Top 5s (Offense)

Quarterback
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Matt Barkley, USC
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
4. Nick Foles, Arizona
5. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State

Sleeper: John Brantley, Florida

Comments: Last year saw four quarterbacks go in the first round, but only Blaine Gabbert would break into this top 5. Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, and Landry Jones all project to be franchise quarterbacks and it wouldn't be a shock if all three went in the top 10. Nick Foles and Ryan Lindley are both bigger quarterbacks with strong arms. Foles has to show people that he isn't a system quarterback while Lindley comes from a West Coast Offense. A guy to watch out for is John Brantley from Florida. A highly touted throwing quarterback was not a great fit for Urban Meyer's spread offense. Now that Charlie Weis is in Gainsville Brantley will have an opprotunity to show what he can do in an NFL offense.


Running Back
1. Trent Richardson, Alabama
2. LeMichael James, Oregon
3. Chris Polk, Washington
4. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
5. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

Sleeper: Jeff Demps, Florida

Comments: Five years ago Trent Richardson would be a lock to be a top 5 pick, but with the running back position becoming devalued he probably won't go till the mid to late 1st. The 2nd round seems to be the place that most top running backs come off the board. After James its a crap shoot. James is your speedy game breaker while Polk, Gray, and Baker are more traditional between the tackle runners. A guy to keep an eye on is Jeff Demps. Demps is a speedster that should wow everybody at the combine. He is short, but is stocky. He make a team as a return man but could find himself in a Darren Sproles type of role.



Wide Receiver
1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
3. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
4. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
5. Greg Childs, Arkansas

Sleeper: Jermaine Kearse, Washington

Comments: Everybody seems to be anoiting Jeffery the top receiver, but I like Justin Blackmon a lot better. I look at Blackmon and see Terrel Owens but better hands. He can take it to the house at any point and has the big body to sheild of defenders. Jeffery is good, but he could have trouble seperating from cornerbacks. Ryan Broyles is another receiver that I really like. He is a very similar player to Santonio Holmes in that he is a good route runner and has the speed and quickness to get open. Jermaine Kearse is my sleeper to watch. When I saw Washington play this past season he really impressed me. He runs good routes and has good hands. He reminds me of a faster Vincent Brown that came out of San Diego State last year.


Tight End/Fullback
1. Michael Egnew TE, Missouri
2. Dwayne Allen TE, Clemson
3. Joe Halahuni TE/FB, Oregon State
4. David Paulson TE, Oregon
5. Cody Johnson FB, Texas

Sleeper: Coby Fleener TE, Stanford

Comments: Fullbacks are starting to become an endangered species. With offenses becoming pass oriented the fullback and tight end positions are starting to merge. Last year Kyle Rudolph was the top rated tight end and didn't go till the the middle of the second round. This year we have Michael Egnew and Dwayne Allen as the top two tight ends but I would highly doubt either of them come close to the first round. Joe Halahuni and Cody Johnson are the top two fullbacks by many people but both don't play the position in college.



Tackle
1. Matt Kalil, USC
2. Jonathan Martin, Stanford
3. Reilly Reiff, Iowa
4. Nate Potter, Boise State
5. DJ Fulker, Alabama

Sleeper: David Pickard, Southern Illinois

Comments: Tyron Smith was the first tackle taken in the 2010 NFL Draft, but he didn't even play left tackle in college. Thats because Matt Kalil was manning the position. Kalil and Jonathan Martin are two top flight tackles that should go in the top 10 and Kalil has the opprotunity to go top 3. Reilly Rieff carries on the tradition of good Iowa offensive lineman. Nate Potter is a guy to watch out for. He isn't going to be confused for a road grader, but he is very athletic, has good technic, and good length. He'd be a great fit in a zone blocking scheme and could protect a quarterback's blind side for many years.


Guard
1. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
2. David DeCastro, Stanford
3. Cordy Glenn, Georgia
4. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin
5. Ryan Miller, Colorado

Sleeper: Mike Remmers, Oregon State

Comments: With the importance of protecting the quarterback at an all time high your starting to see more and more teams looking at guards at the end of the first round. This year has a strong group of gaurds that might be the best in a couple years. Osemele plays left tackle at Iowa State but profiles to be a mauling guard. David DeCastro has be a constant at Stanford and open hole for Toby Gerhart and protected Andrew Luck. Ryan Miller is a huge guard standing at 6'8 but he is a very good athlete and could play guard or right tackle.

Center
1. Mike Brewster, Ohio State
2. William Vlachos, Alabama
3. Ben Jones, Georgia
4. David Molk, Michigan
5. Moe Petrus, UConn

Sleeper: Kai Maiava, UCLA

Comments: The 2010 center class was probably one of the weekest position groups I've seen in a while. Mike Pouncey, Stefen Wisneiwski, and Brandon Fusco where the all centers taken. This year is a little better but not by much. Brewster is a stud and will carry on the tradition of 1st round centers. Vlachos has been a consistent starter but will probably be a 2nd rounder at best.

2012 Mock Draft (1st Edition)

1. Washington Redskins: Andrew Luck QB Stanford

This is a slam dunk pick. The Redskins had a poor draft and with John Beck as their quarterback going into next year they should be a lockfor contending for the 1st overall pick. Andrew Luck is arguably the highest rated quarterback prospect to come into the draft since Peyton Manning. He would have been the #1 pick in the 2011 draft if he would have came out.

2. Carolina Panthers: Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina

Carolina just invested the #1 pick in the 2011 draft in Cam Newton and now they have to do everything to allow him to be successful. Right now the Panthers have some solid receivers, but they don't have that guy that a QB can just throw the ball to and trust that he'll go up and get it. Alshon Jeffery is that guy. In the mold of an AJ Green or Julio Jones, Jeffery isn't going to blow you away with his speed, but he is going to give the quarterback that security blanket that he needs.

3. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy DT Michigan State

Worthy has been a big part of Michigan State's rise to success the past couple of years. He is a disruptive force in the middle that often saw double teams on every play. Denver went into the 2011 NFL draft needing to find two new starters at the position, but instead ignored it completely. Look for their run defense to struggle again, leading to them taking Worthy.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil OT USC

It did not surprise me at all that the Cardinals did not draft a quarterback in the 2011 NFL Draft. The organization is very high on John Skelton and want to develop him into the starting quarterback. Look for them to sign a veteran once the lockout ends. The 2012 season will be where Skelton makes his move. Arizona is going to do everything they can to make Skelton successful and a great start would be to draft a bookend left tackle. Matt Kalil is a very athletic tackle who has the quick feet and strong base you need out of a left tackle. Kalil (brother of Carolina starter center Matt Kalil) was so talented, that USC had 2011 #9 pick Tyron Smith play right tackle.

5. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

The Minnesota Vikings are probably the team that will be hurt the worst by the lockout. They have a new coaching staff and a rookie quarterback. Even if they bring in a veteran quarterback they won't have long to mesh with the rest of the team. Factor in some other big holes and you have a team that will be picking in the top 5. One of the biggest needs the Vikings ignored could be the one that really affects their offense. A once strong offensive line has really gotten old in a hurry. Bryant McKinnie was a good left tackle, but has lost his quickness and would be better off at right tackle. That would allow them to move Phil Loadholt into guard where he might be better off too. Jonathan Martin has done an excellent job of protecting Andrew Luck the past three years. Martin has the best technique in the draft and if he continues to improve on his footwork the sky is the limit.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Coples DE North Carolina

There was talk that the Bengals could go after defensive ends DaQuan Bowers or Robert Quinn. However with AJ Green available and Bowers knee injury they went for the offensive playmaker. The Bengals have some young talent at the position in Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson, but only Dunlap looks to be a full time starter. Quinton Coples is an explosive defensive end who has great athletic ability and strength. He is defenitley the type of player the Bengals love to draft.

7. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

Kirkpatrick is going to be one of many Alabama players that will have the chance to go in the first round. Kirkpatrick burst onto the scene last year making Crimson Tide fans forget all about Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson. Kirkpatrick has a great blend of size, speed, and body control. He is clearly the top cornerback in the draft and has a shot of going very high with another good season. Although Tennessee has solid corners in Verner and Finnegan it would be too hard to pass up on Kirkpatrick here.

8. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley QB USC

Everybody and their dog thought that the Seahawks would go after a quarterback of the future. Well they passed on Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, and Ryan Mallett. Heck they didn't even take a QB at all. This means that they are either ready to hand over the reigns to Charlie Whithurst or they didn't really like any of the quarterbacks at that position in the draft. I'm leaning towards the second. They did give up a lot to get Whithust, but he isn't anything more than a bridge to the next franchise quarterback. Look for Seattle to take a step back from last year and that will put them in a position to get Pete Carroll's former quarterback Matt Barkley. Barkely has started since his freshman year and has done a great job progressing. He has everything you would want in a quarterback.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Donte Page-Moss DE North Carolina

With a ton of holes along their defense the Jaguars waited till the 5th round to draft a safety. The Jaguars have been lacking a pass rushing presence for a couple of years. They signed Aaron Kampman, but a knee injury makes him questionable for next year. Donte Page-Moss is the type of athletic smaller defensive end that the Jags like. On a side not, do you ever wonder why North Carolina has been pumping out talent lately, but have failed to win their conference? Just saying.

10. Dallas Cowboys: Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina

Yeah end and year out the Cowboys are projected to be a Super Bowl contender. Personally I don't see it. I see some talent on the team, but other than DeMarcus Ware there really isn't an elite player on their roster. Add in some big holes and poor draft after poor draft has me believing they'll be in the same range as they were last year. At least last year they took a lineman in the first round for the first time in like 20 years. However they refused to invest a high round pick on a cornerback or safety which is their biggest need. After another year of getting burned Jerry Jones might realize (like he did with OT last year) and draft a cornerback in the first round.

11. Buffalo Bills: Nate Potter OT Boise State

Its pretty clear the the Bills feel very comfortable with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their quarterback. Now if they are in the position to draft Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, or Landry Jones they could go that route, but until I'm proven otherwise I think they address another position. One of the biggest weaknesses the offense has had is protecting the quarterback. Demetrius Bell was their starting left tackle last year and he was alright, but he was a right tackle playing the left side. They did draft Chris Hairston in the later rounds, but he'll be a right tackle too. If one of the top left tackles are available in this draft they'll go after one of them. Nate Potter is one of the top left tackle prospects that is draft eligible. Potter has great size and length to go along with good athletic ability. He's a true left tackle and would give Ryan Fitzpatrick the time he needs to throw.

12. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

If Justin Blackmon would have declared for the 2011 draft he probably would have been the #14 selection to the Rams. Well in this scenario the Rams lucked out and are able to get him after all. Blackmon is an explosive receiver that is basically Terrell Owens but faster. And without all the headaches. The Rams did draft two receivers last year, but both Salas and Pettis are more possession guys where Blackmon will stretch the field and give Bradford his #1 wide receiver which he is lacking.

13. Cleveland Browns: Manti Te'o LB Notre Dame

I've really liked what the Cleveland Browns have been doing since Mike Holmgren has taken over. The team continues to get better and makes a lot of smart decisions on players. As they continue to build their 4-3 defense they are looking for impact players. Mani Te'o is a highly regraded player coming into college and has lived up to the billing. He can play any position along the linebacking core and could really help out a defense that has some holes at the position.

14. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Miami is not happy with the way Chad Henne is developing and seriously considered taking a quarterback in the 2011 draft. However they did not like the value that was there at their picks and went another direction. Look for the Dolphins to bring in some competition for Henne once free agency starts. If Henne continues to fall they'll look at a quarterback again. Luckily this draft has three top level prospects at the position and they could get one of them. All Landry Jones has done at Oklahoma is pick up where Sam Bradford has left off. He is a big quarterback with a cannon for an arm. He'll be a good fit in Miami.

15. Oakland Raiders: Marcus Forston DT Miami

I am really tempted to give the Raiders Riley Reiff here, but with them taking Robert Gallary at #2 a couple of years ago (even though he has developed into a very good guard) I think Al Davis will stay away from Iowa offensive lineman. Here the Raiders get a player that they'll fall in love with. Forston is a big boy that is very athletic. Foston can be plugged into the middle next to Richard Seymour and give them a strong presence day 1.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Riley Reiff OT Iowa

Cornerback really seems to work here, and I really want to give them one. However their offensive hasn't been the greatest and if they want Josh Freeman to take the next step, they are going to have to improve the line to keep him standing upright. If there is one consistent about the University of Iowa it that they will always pump out quality offensive lineman. Riley Reiff is another in the long line. Much like Brian Bulaga and Robert Gallary, Reiff is a physical run blocker that isn't a great athlete but will be fundamentally sound.

17. Detroit Lions: Vontaze Burfict LB Arizona State

When you are drawing comparisons to Rey Lewis, that has to mean something. We haven't heard much from prospects out of Arizona State lately, but they have a pretty good one here in Vontaze Burfict. The leader of the team is a talented player who can do about anything he wants on a football Field. He can line up in the middle and stop the run, drop into coverage, and blitz. The Lions had some big holes at linebacker and cornerback and instead of addressing them in the draft they continued to take best available player. Well in this draft I look for them to continue the trend but this pick would get them best player and fill a big need.

18. Houston Texans: Kenny Tate S Maryland

The Houston Texans ended the 2010 season with the worst pass defense in the NFL. Many thought they'd make a run at one of the top cornerbacks to help improve the spot, but they choose to instead add peices to their new 3-4 defense. Word is that they'll move Glover Quinn to the free safety spot which is a better spot for his skill set. By adding Kenny Tate this would allow them to lock down the strong safety spot and give them a playmaker at the back end of the secondary. Tate is a big in the box safety that has the athletic ability to still drop into coverage.

19. New York Giants: Trent Richardson RB Alabama

The once proud running game of the New York Giants has really fallen off the past couple of years. The punishment that Brandon Jacobs body has taken has made him more of a power back and Ahmad Bradshaw has talent, but cannot hold onto the ball. New York decided to stick with Jacobs and Bradshaw but in they endure another season of struggles they will look for a fresh new race. Even after winning a Heisman Trophy, it was clear that Mark Ingram wasn't the most talented back on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Trent Richardson had it all and didn't have the durability concerns of his teammate. Richardson is also faster and a better receiver out of the backfield. He'd make a good feature back and is also use to sharing carries so he could be worked in with either Jacobs or Bradshaw if needed to.

20. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw LB Alabama

San Deigo once had one of the most dominant defenses in the league. Shawn Merriman and Shuan Phillips where often too much for opposing offensive lines to deal with. However once Merriman got off the roids he was never the same player. The Chargers drafted Larry English to provide depth and a relief, but he has been a major disappointment. Look for the Chargers to try and fix the the problem and find some young playmakers coming off the edge. Courtney Upshaw has been a big part of the success of the Alabama defense. He is a versatile linebacker that terrorizes opposing quarterbacks. Adding him to the guys they already have could really help the defense out.

21. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Crick DT Nebraska

Kentwan Balmer was drafted out of North Carolina to be a space eater at defensive end for their 3-4 defense. However he has never lived up to expectations and then last year during training camp he just refused to come to camp and was traded to Seattle. Even though he didn't really produce for the 49ers they could really use somebody to help fill the void. Jared Crick has had a couple of monster seasons at Nebraska and if he continues he could fly up the draft boards. Crick can play in multiple defensive schemes, but he'll be at his best in the 3-4 because he plays with good leverage and knows how to make plays in a two gap system. Crick's intelligence and non stop motor will be very appealing to Jim Harbaugh.

22. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Keachly LB Boston College

Under General Manager Scott Pioli he has tried to make Kansas City into the New England Patriots. He wants to build through the draft and get smart football players to have the speed to make plays. In New England he had Teddi Bruschi manning the middle of the 3-4 defense so if he has a chance to get another player like Bruchi he'll go after him. Luke Keachly might never be Teddi Bruschi but he is a very intelligent linebacker who always knows where to be. He is a good leader and a tough hard nosed inside linebacker. He'll fit in very will in Romeo Crennel's defense and provide them with another coach on the field.

23. Chicago Bears: Alphonso Dennard CB Nebraska

In the early to mid 2000's the Tampa 2 was all the rave. With the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccanners, and Indianpolis Colts having success running the defense other teams were looking to jump aboard. But over time more teams went away from the Tampa 2 and towards either the 3-4 or other variations of the 4-3. Chicago is now one of only a few teams that run the defense, but even they are not playing it as much as they use to. This past season the Bears run a lot more single high safety and had their corners match up man to man. The problem was that their cornerbacks were a weakness. Charles Tillman was solid, but isn't a true man to man corner. Opposite of him Zach Bowman was in the doghouse and Tim Jennings was often over powered by physical receivers. The Bears understand that they need help and could go after Alphonso Dennard to provide help. Dennard might be the biggest cornerback, but he is very strong and very physcial. He loves to play bump and run and would be a great fit in the Bears hybrid Tampa 2 defense.

24. New York Jets: Brandon Jenkins DE Florida State

For as good as the Jets defense has been, they haven't really had any production out of their rush linebackers. Vernon Gholston was drafted with the thought that he'd be the next DeMarcus Ware but he'll be in a new uniform next year. Jason Taylor was signed but his production wasn't anything spectacular and he'll also be retired or elsewhere next year. Look for the to look into adding somebody and this draft could be the route they go. Brandon Jenkins is a defensive end at Florida State but he is a good athlete that should transition well to the stand up position in the 3-4.

25. Cleveland Browns (From Atlanta): Ray Ray Armstrong S Miami

In Atlanta's move up in the 2011 draft to get Julio Jones, they had to give up their 2012 first round pick amongst other picks. Cleveland who is the middle of rebuilding will be able to use these picks to getplayers to fit their new schemes. In the 2010 draft the Browns shocked everybody by taking TJ Ward early in the 2nd round much sooner than everybody thought he'd go. And not only has Ward played well, he looks to be a future All Pro. But next to Ward they have some issues. Ray Ray Armstrong is a dynamic athlete that has the range and speed to cover the deep zones and allow Ward to make more plays in the middle and in the run game.

26. Indianapolis Colts: Mark Barron S Alabama

For the longest time the Colts have struggled to stop the run and that has always doomed their defense. However when Bob Sanders was healthy the defense was much different and their running woes where no longer there. The problem was that Sanders is chronically hurt and now is a member of the San Diego Chargers. They've used some no name rookies and journymen tofill in for Sanders, but they haven't had the same impact. Mark Barron might never be as good as a healthy Bob Sanders, but he is no slouch. One of the leaders of the Alabama Crimson tide defense is an intricatel part of their championship level defense. He'd give them that in the box safety that can also drop into coverage and make plays too.

27. New England Patriots (From New Orleans): Cliff Harris CB Oregon

New England is always up to the same tricks. Every draft you can assume that they'll be moving up and down to get players that they really want. In the 2011 draft they traded away one of their two first round picks to the Saints so that New Orleans could get Mark Ingram. So when this pick comes up will they be the team that is making the pick or will it be somebody else? I guess we'll have to wait and see. But if New England stays put they will have a hard time passing on a cornerback like Cliff Harris. Build in the same mold as Asante Samuel, Harris is a very quick corner who loves to take chances in coverage and would thrive in their defense which has their corners making plays going forward. Harris is also a dynamic punt returner and could help the Patriots in that capacity also.

28. Baltimore Ravens: Andre Branch DE Clemson

Last year the thought was that if Jimmy Smith wasn't available in the first round that they could go after a Cam Heyward to provide help along the defensive line. Ngata and Gregg are very solid starters with Terrence Cody providing depth at the nose tackle. However at the other end is where they are thin. Corey Redding has been solid, but he is an aging veteran and is nearing the end of his career. Andre Branch is one of the many Clemson Tiger defensive lineman that are first round talents. Branch does a great job taking on blockers and playing two gaps. His skills would allow Rey Lewis, Terrell Suggs and the rest of the linebackers to roam free and make plays.

29. Philadelphia Eagles: Travis Lewis LB Oklahoma

There are a few constants in the NFL. The Patriots will always be able to swindle first round picks out of teams, Oakland will always take speed in the draft, and the Eagles will have injuries to their linebacking core. Every year its the same thing. Stewart Bradley looked to become one of the top linebackers in the NFL but two knee surgeries later he isn't the same person. After another year of injuries the Eagles might find it necessary to invest a first round pick in a linebacker that can help make an impact. Travis Lewis has always been a high thought of linebacker. After his redshirt sophomore year he could have been a first round pick if he would havecame out. Last year he had a disappointing season, but he has the raw talent to be a very good linebacker in the NFL. He has good speed, is a good tackler, and can play in coverage. He'd be a good fit in the Eagles system because they like athletic linebackers that can do a lot of different things.

30. New England Patriots: Michael Brewster C Oho State

With their second pick of the first round the Patriots could look to get younger along the offensive line. In the 2011 draft they took Nate Solder to be their future left tackle and Marcus Cannon to be a future right guard. Here New England can get their future center in Brewster who has been a rock for the Ohio State offense. Brewster is a nasty center that will remind a lot of people of another former Buckeye named Nick Mangold.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelechi Osemele G Iowa State

It continues to amaze me how the the Steelers can be so successful with such a bad offensive line. They struck gold last year with drafting Maurkice Pouncey who has turned out to be an All Pro center. However they are still weak at tackle and at guard. There were reports that they were looking to move up get Maurkice's twin brother Mike but either didn't want to give up the pick necessary to move into the top 15 or thought that the value wasn't there. Whichever one was the reason it won't matter much because the Steelers need to improve and build around Pouncey. A great place to start is with Osemele from Iowa State. You don't hear much from Iowa State when it comes to draft prospects, but Osemele is the real deal. He plays left tackle for the Cyclones but should translate well inside at the guard spot. Osemele is a big physical runner blocker who will fit well into the Steelers run first scheme.

32. Green Bay Packers: Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama

Green Bay has had a lot of success in their transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 system and they often like to play with only two down lineman and have more linebackers on the field to confuse offenses. So the Packers love to have versatile linebackers who can rush the passer and still play in coverage. Dont'a Hightower would be a perfect fit for them. At Alabama Hightower often lines up as an inside linebacker on early downs and then slides over to a rush linebacker on passing downs. Pairing him up with AJ Hawk, Nick Barnett, and Clay Matthews would give the Packers another young impact player.