ACC Predictions

Atlantic

1. Florida State Seminoles, 10-2 (7-1)

Armed with a bunch of young talent and an favorable schedule the Seminoles have a great chance to make it back to a BCS Bowl for the first time since 2005. Athletic QB EJ Manuel takes over at quarterback. Manuel played well in relief of 1st round pick Christian Ponder when he was missed games last year. On defense Brandon Jenkins is a very dynamic pass rusher who will contend for defensive player of the year honors.

2. Clemson Tigers, 7-5 (5-3)

Clemson is one of those teams that is always a constant underachiever. Despite having a talented roster they are always coming up short. This year shouldn't be too different as they have to replace both Jarvis Jenkins and DaQuan Bowers. However on offense the Tigers have to replace veteran starter Kyle Parker (who left to play baseball for the Rockies) with sophomore Tajh Boyd. Boyd is very talented, but also very raw. He has some talent around him, but if he struggles to take control the offense could be in for a long season.

3. Maryland Terrapins, 7-5 (5-3)

A lot of people where thinking Mike Leach might end up in College Park as the replacement from Ralph Friedgen, but instead they got Randy Edsall from UConn which ended up being a very good choice too. Edsall turned UConn into a Big East Champion which is a very hard job to do. Edsall is a very good coach who is good at finding diamonds in the rough and developing them. If he can keep the talent from the Washington DC area he could very good things at Maryland. As for this year he'll be aided by talented QB Danny O'Brien who is one of the top QBs in the conference and safety turned linebacker Kenny Tate.

4. Boston College Eagles, 6-6 (4-4)

This is not a bad Boston College team, but their schedule is brutal. They got the short end of the stick and have both VaTech and Miami on the road. However BC does have one of the best defenses in the ACC which will give them a shot in every game. Montrell Harris is a top flight running back, but uncertainty at QB will be their downfall.

5. North Carolina State Wolfpack, 6-6 (4-4)

NC State enjoyed 9-4 season last year and were poised to improve on it with returning QB Russell Sheppard coming back for his senior season. However HC Tom O'Brien decided he was finally done with Sheppard going back and forth between baseball and the football team. O'Brien basically kicked Sheppard off the team in favor of Mike Glennon who he has compared to Matt Ryan. O'Brien better be right, because if Glennon stinks up the joint and Sheppard leads Wisconsin to the Big 10 title. There are going to be some unhappy people in Raleigh.

6. Wake Forrest Demon Deacons, 3-9 (1-7)

In 2006 Wake Forrest shocked many by winning the ACC Title and playing in a BCS Bowl game but ever since that game their have slowly been going down hill. It looked like Wake was going to be a yearly player in the ACC, but as the years pass its more like those years were just a flash in the pan. This year shouldn't be too different. They do return 17 starters, but they got a tough ACC schedule which won't help out.

Coastal
1. Virginia Tech Hokies, 10-2 (6-2)
Under Frank Beamer the Hokies have been a mainstay a top the ACC. This year should be no different. Logan Thomas and David Wilson will be the leaders of the offense and help replace the production of Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams. But we all know that the Hokies are lead by their defense and special teams. Bud Foster has another solid defense that should allow Virginia Tech to take home another Coastal Division Title.

2. Miami Hurricanes, 9-3 (5-3)

With the recent news that Hurricane players accepted illegal gifts and services that could affect some players eligibility. But its too early to speculate on who if anybody would have to sit out games, so this projection is assuming nobody will be suspended. New HC Al Golden was very successful turning Temple from a laughing stock into a consistent bowl team. The Canes are not the team that they use to be in the 80's, 90's, and early 2000's but the talent level is better than previous years. The QB spot is up for grabs. Jacory Harris was once a Heisman candidate, so if he can regain his old form they could challenge Virginia Tech for the division title. But that may be easier said than done. Look for the Canes to be a better team, but they are still a couple of years away from making an impact.

3. North Carolina Tar heels, 8-4 (5-3)

The amount of talent that has come out of this Tar Heel program has been amazing. But its more amazing is the general lack of success in terms of wins and losses. Sure they've made it to bowl games but they haven't made it to a single ACC Championship Game. This year should be very interesting. The Tar Heels have to replace a lot of talent that went to the NFL and have to deal without having Butch Davis who was fired right before fall camp. However they still have a ton of talent on defense and are lead by DEs Quinton Coples and Donte Paige-Moss. If they can get some production out of QB Bryn Renner they could end up having a good season, otherwise it could be a long season in Chapel Hill.

4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 6-6 (4-4)

After winning the ACC in 2009 they fell off and finished last year under .500, including a very bad loss to Kansas. Don't look for a big improvement this year. GT has to replace three year starter at QB in Josh Nesbitt and RB Anthony Allen. However another year under Paul Johnson's triple option could soften the losses.

5. Virginia Cavaliers, 6-6 (2-6)

Virginia is one of those schools that always seems to produce a 1st round pick every year, but never seems to put it all together. But 3rd year HC Mike London has the Cavaliers on the upswing. They return 18 starters from last years team and had a very good recruiting class coming in. Look for Virginia to make a run at being bowl eligible for the first time in a couple of years.

6. Duke Blue Devils, 3-9 (0-8)

David Cutcliff is a very talented coach, but Duke is just such a hard place to win at. He has improved the roster, but it is still going to be a rough season in Durham. Sean Renfree is a very talented QB, but a lack of talent around him will really show. At best they might win a game or two in the conference, but don't count on it.

Offensive Player of the Year: EJ Manuel QB Florida State
Defensive Player of the Year: Quinton Coples DE North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: Mike Bellamy RB Clemson
Coach of the Year: Jimbo Fisher, Florida State

All ACC Team
QB: EJ Manuel, Florida State
RB: Montrel Harris, Boston College
RB: David Wilson, Virginia Tech
WR: Dwight Jones, North Carolina
WR: Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech
TE: Dwayne Allen, Clemson
T: Andrew Datko, Florida State
G: Brandon Washington, Miami
C: Dalton Freeman, Clemson
G: Joe Looney, Wake Forrest
T: Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech

DE: Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
DT: Marcus Forston, Miami
DT: Brandon Thompson, Clemson
DE: Quinton Coples, North Carolina
LB: Zach Brown, North Carolina
LB: Luke Keachly, Boston College
LB: Kenny Tate, Maryland
CB: Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
S: Ray Ray Armstrong, Miami
S: Rashard Hall, Clemson
CB: Chase Minnifield, Virginia

K: Dustin Hopkins, Florida State
P: Ryan Quigley, Boston College
KR/PR: Tony Logan, Maryland

Player Rankings: Top 5s (Defense)

Defensive End
1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina
2. Devin Taylor, South Carolina
3. Andre Branch, Clemson
4. Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh
5. Vince Brown, Northwestern

Sleeper: Cam Johnson, Virginia

Comments: Defensive end has become one of the most important positions on defense. But don't look for this class to break any records for players taken. Coples should be a top 5 pick but Taylor and Branch might not go till the late 1st round.


Defensive Tackle
1. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
2. Marcus Forston, Miami
3. Tydreke Powell, North Carolina
4. Brandon Thompson, Clemson
5. Kawann Short, Purdue

Sleeper: Mike Martin, Michigan

Comments: The past two years have seen a large number of tackles go early, but this year won't be the same. Worthy and Forston are the top two players at the position but neither of them will be confused for Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Nick Fairley, or Marcel Dareus. Mike Martin is a sleeper to watch. He is a smaller compact player that might be the strongest player at the positon.


3-4 Defensive End
1. Jared Crick, Nebraska
2. Kheston Randall, Texas
3. Billy Winn, Boise State
4. Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska
5. Kendall Reyes, UConn

Sleeper: Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati

Comments: With so few teams running the 3-4 in college this is the hardest position to project from college to the NFL. Trying to decided if that defensive tackle can move out or that bigger defensive end can slide inside can be a crap shoot. Here Jared Crick is clearly the top player. He plays tackle at Nebraska and is very quick, but he has expereince playing a two gap sytem and taking on blocks so that makes him an ideal fit.


Nose Tackle
1. Alameda Ta'amu, Washington
2. Josh Chapman, Alabama
3. Kerry Murphy, Alabama

Sleeper: DeAngleo McCray, Memphis

Comments: This year doesn't have a large (pun intended) amount of players that profile to be the big 3-4 space eater that we have had in previous years. Ta'amu and Chapman are clearly the only elite players. Ta'amu could become a late 1st rounder, but previous history suggests that he'll probably be a early 2nd rounder.


Rush Linebacker
1. Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
2. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
3. Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina
4. Vinny Curry, Marshall
5. Shayne Skov, Stanford

Sleeper: Nick Perry, USC

Comments: Jenkins, Upshaw, and Paige-Moss are all top notch rush linebackers who will be coveted for their passing rushing abilities. But watch out ofr Vinny Curry and Shayne Skov who are very talented also but not as well know yet. If Nick Perry can stay healthy he could find himself shooting up draft boards.


Outside Linebacker
1. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
2. Zach Brown, North Carolina
3. Lavonte David, Nebraska
4. Nico Johnson, Alabama
5. Ronnell Johnson, Oklahoma

Sleeper: Demario Davis, Arkansas State

Comments: With the emergence of the 3-4 defense players who once were 1st or 2nd rounders are finding themselves drop because don't only fit with half of the defenses. But those teams should be happy becuase there are four elite outside linebackers. Travis Lewis is a playmaker thats is always around the ball. Zach Brown is much like Bruce Carter in that he is a great athlete, and Lavonte David is a tackling machine with great instincts.


Inside Linebacker
1. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
2. Manti Te'o, North Carolina
3. Luke Keachly, Boston College
4. Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
5. Chris Marve, Vanderbilt

Sleeper: Chris Galippo, USC

Comments: Middle linebackers like Vontaze Burfict don't come around too often. Manti Te'o has can play any linebacker spot in any scheme so that will make him attractive. Keachly is a tackling machine, and Hightower should be a great fit in a 3-4 defense. Galippo is my sleeper because he has a ton of talent, but also comes in with a ton of experience playing in the Tampa 2 under one of the best defensive minds in Monte Kiffen.


Cornerback
1. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
2. Alphonzo Dennard, Nebraska
3. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
4. Jayron Hosey, Virginia Tech
5. Chase Minnifeild, Virginia

Sleeper: Shaun Prater, Iowa

Comments: The cornerback position is clearly the deepest position of any of the other defensive spots. All five of these players should go in the first round and we could see a couple more too. The NFL is a passing league and lock down corners are in demand. Kirkpatrick is the cream of the crop with size, speed, and the ability to change directions. Dennard out peformed teammate Prince Amukamara last year at times, but his lack of size hurts his chances of being a top 10 pick. I'm a little higher on Janoris Jenkins that most, but he would have been the 2nd or 3rd corner last year if he came out. He does have some baggage but some team will take a chance on him.


Safety
1. Robert Lester, Alabama
2. Kenny Tate, Maryland
3. Mark Barron, Alabama
4. Ray Ray Armstrong, Miami
5. TJ McDonald, USC

Sleeper: Blake Gideon, Texas

Comments: A quality group of safeties in this draft class where all five have shots to be taken in the first round. Lester is the only true free safety in the group while Tate, Barron, Armstrong, and McDonald are all in the box type of safeties. Kenny Tate is getting a lot of hype but he has been moved to weakside linebacker at Maryland and he might be a better fit there for a Cover 2 team. My sleeper is Blake Gideon from Texas. He isn't a flashy player, but he always seems to be around the ball. He could play both safety spots and maybe some nickle corner. Add in special teams play and he could be a steal in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

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.