Neither the college nor NFL season has kicked off, but that doesn't mean it's too soon to take a cursory look at how the draft make shake out next April.
Obviously the order of teams is based solely on predictions, estimations, hopes and prayers, given that injuries and inconsistencies play an enormous factor in determining the outcome of an NFL season.
We know there will be teams who were in the playoffs in 2012 who won't be in 2013, just like there will be teams who struggled last year to win games, who will get it together this season.
It can be straightforward to tell a really good team from a really bad team, but just how good? How bad? And who will finished 9-7 versus who will finish 6-10 when they have just about the same talent level?
Determining needs also becomes difficult given that we don't know how players will develop from one year to another or how much rookies will contribute. Basically, what I did was took every team as they stood today and how I projected them for the season.
Inevitably, I will look stupid with a few teams, some of whom I vastly underrated and others I vastly overrate.
Perhaps more importantly though, this will give you an idea of who appears to be in the first round discussion among college players, who the elite players are and who is fighting to move into that category.
The bottom line is, it's way too early to decide any of this, but that doesn't mean it can't still be fun to think about.
1.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Matt Barkley QB USC (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 1)
Needs:QB,WR,DB,OL,RB
Barkley has projected into the top 10 since he arrived on campus at 'SC. A four-year starter, Barkley has great touch and vision down the field and has a good, though not great arm. There are concerns about his height at the next level, but given what Russell Wilson has shown so far, such concerns may begin falling by the wayside. Jacksonville, for their part, looks like one of the worst teams in the league and without Maurice Jones-Drew, I'm not sure how they score enough points to win games. Blaine Gabbert has been an unmitigated disaster to this point and unless he takes a big step forward this season, the Jags will almost certainly be in the discussion for this top pick. This selection becomes even more attractive if the Jags are considering a move to L.A. where Barkley is the ideal face of franchise.
2.) Indianapolis Colts: Barkevious Mingo DE/OLB LSU (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 3)
Needs: DL,LB,DB,OL,RB,WR
While I'm cautiously optimistic about Andrew Luck's impact on the Colts, even Cam Newton's record-setting rookie season wasn't enough to bring a really bad team that far out of the top 5 picks. The one caveat is that the AFC South is a pathetic division outside the Houston Texans, but a brutal schedule having to match-up with the NFC North should land a few of the South teams in the top 10. The offense is in place with Luck and a decent set of skill position players. That leaves Indy looking at the best defensive player in the draft in Mingo. The LSU underclassman is extremely disruptive and has the speed to play outside linebacker in the Colts' new 3-4 defense. Mingo relies on his excellent athleticism to make plays in college, but will need to refine his pass-rush technique against NFL tackles.
3.) Cleveland Browns: Keenan Allen WR California (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 5)
Needs: WR,G/C,S,OLB,CB
In an extremely difficult AFC North, the Browns are in for a long season. Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson are considerable upgrades at their positions and the Cleveland offense should be better than last year, but with the Bengals, Steelers and Ravens all ahead of them in the division, I can't see them winning more than four or five games. Allen may not quite be a top 3 level talent, but does project as a #1 receiver in the NFL with his combination of size, strength and speed. Totaling 144 catches in 20 games in the Pac-12 is a pretty impressive feat and Allen flashes a knack for making catches in traffic, particularly down the seam with bracket coverage. With a legitimate top-flight receiver, Cleveland would suddenly have the pieces to begin to challenge the big boys in their division.
4.) Miami Dolphins: Star Lotulelei DT Utah (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 4)
Needs: WR,DL,LB,S,TE
Speaking of teams who desperately need a receiver, the Dolphins would love for Keenan Allen to be on the board when they pick, which will likely be in the top 10. Thanks to offseason trades of Brandon Marshall and Vontae Davis, Miami now has four picks in the first two rounds, at least three of which will probably be in the top 40 selections. The Dolphins believe they have their quarterback of the future and the offensive line is solid. Miami has a stud pass rusher in Cameron Wake, but there isn't much around on him on that defense as far as high-impact players go. Lotulelei is being talked about as a potential top overall pick and when you watch the Utes use him to cover running backs out of the backfield on zone dogs, it's not hard to understand why. Athletically, few players at his size (6-3 318) can move the way he does. While raw, Lotulelei has the tools to become a dominant interior presence and would make it harder for teams to double Wake. A receiver like Robert Woods or a rush end like Sam Montgomery will also be on the Phins' radar depending on where they pick.
5.) Minnesota Vikings: David Amerson CB North Carolina State (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank:6)
Needs: G,WR,CB,LB,RB
With Adrian Peterson's health in question and an underwhelming group of skill position players, the Viking offense will struggle to keep up with the other teams in the NFC North. Defensively, the Vikings have a solid defensive line, but otherwise the cupboard is pretty bare. Amerson is the best back end defender in the draft right now and at 6-2, has ideal size for the position. With the kind of big, strong, receivers the Vikes see in the division - guys like Jordy Nelson, Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall - getting a corner who can match-up with them is paramount. Amerson excels in zone coverage where he can read the quarterback and play in space, utilizing his long frame and explosion to the ball. He'd be a perfect fit in Minnesota's defense where he can press receivers at the line and play zone in their cover 2 alignments.
6.) Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Wilson QB Arkansas (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 2)
Needs: QB,OL,LB,CB,TE
While it may be a tad too soon to write Kevin Kolb's obituary in Arizona, it's certainly relevant to mention that the Cardinals have a problem at quarterback, which is to say, they may not have one. This is a draft loaded with quarterback talent with as many as seven legitimate NFL starters. That's seven more than Arizona has and it ought to be their priority to get one of them. Wilson or Logan Thomas - whose stock could really take off if he leads Virginia Tech to an ACC title - would give the Cardinals an upgrade under center. Both Thomas and Wilson have the athletic ability to escape pressure, while Wilson is the better pocket passer. The Cardinals have receivers and a group of running backs which means even a mediocre offensive line should be sufficient if you have an average quarterback. The Cardinals don't and they should jump at the chance to get one.
7.) St. Louis Rams (F/ Redskins) Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 8)
Needs:OL,WR,LB,TE,DB
This pick comes to the Rams from Washington in the RG3 trade and it seems unlikely this pick will be any lower than 10. St. Louis is a hard team to figure because the Seahawks look poised to improve and the 49ers are not going to give up the division crown. On the other hand, the Cardinals are weak and the Rams significantly improved their team in the offseason through the draft and free agency. While there are more pressing needs for the Rams like offensive line and wide receiver, Jones is a unique talent in the mold of Von Miller. The Georgia senior is powerful and quick off the edge, but can play in space which means he could be outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense in the NFL. Jones played stand-up end at Georgia and probably isn't strong enough to consistently anchor the edge as a defensive end, but his explosiveness and violence coming around the corner are superlative. As a linebacker, Jones wouldn't be responsible for holding up against the run as often, but would be able to use his quickness in space to create problems for opposing tackles.
8.) St. Louis Rams: Taylor Lewan OT Michigan (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 10)
Needs:OL,WR,LB,TE,DB
With two picks in the top 10, the Rams could gamble a little with the second pick should they choose one of the safer picks like Jones with the first. A receiver like Robert Woods or a running back like Marcus Lattimore could be wild cards here, but the Ram offensive line remains a problem and Lewan is the best lineman in the draft at this point. A mauler with long arms, Lewan has paved the way for the dynamic Michigan offense under Denard Robinson. Having faced elite college rushers like Whitney Mercillus and William Gholston in the Big 10, Lewan is a known commodity with considerable upside. He has some balance issues and tends to lean a little too much, but just a junior, Lewan has enough athletic talent to be worth a top 10 pick.
9.) Tennessee Titans: Sam Montgomery DE LSU (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 7)
Needs: CB,TE,DE,OL,WR
Tennessee has been trying without much succeess to replace Kyle Vanden Bosch ever since he left. Derrick Morgan has just 2.5 sacks in two years since being drafted in the first round and Kamerion Wimbley, signed as a free agent this offseason, is an average end at best (4 of his 7 sacks last season came in one game). Montgomery does come with some risks, he's added about 30 pounds heading into this season, which could help him hold up better against the run, but it could also take away from his quickness and burst, thus hurting his pass rush abilities. He's also missed time with a major ACL injury, although he still managed to lead a historically good LSU defense in sacks last year. I'm not as high on Montgomery as some (I saw him get handled by tight ends last year...that worries me), but if his added weight means he anchors better and still has the speed, he's certainly a first round talent.
10.) Oakland Raiders: Robert Woods WR USC (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 13)
Needs: OL,WR,TE,DE,OLB,DB
Hopefully, for Oakland's sake, they're finally going to admit that they're rebuilding. If I'm new GM Reggie McKenzie, I'm thinking long and hard about getting one of these top quarterbacks, particularly Logan Thomas if he's on the board here. Carson Palmer still being an average starter mitigates some of the concerns with this team, but the reality is they're just not very good. Woods is not the best player on the board here (and McKenzie did go to the Ted Thompson school of managing), but he is the highest rated player at a need position. I'm not convinced Woods is a true #1 wide receiver, although he plays bigger than his 6-1 184 pound frame suggests. He is a willing blocker in the run game, and will put his shoulder into corners after he makes the catch. With Denarius Moore and Darius Heyward-Bey already in place, however, Woods could be an ideal compliment to their deep speed with his ability to find spots in zones.
11.) New York Jets: Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 12)
Needs: WR,OL,QB,OLB,RB,S
Much like the Cardinals, the New York Jets don't have an NFL-caliber quarterback. They just don't. I'm not sure the administration in the Big Apple have time to draft someone like Logan Thomas, particularly with Tim Tebow on the roster (There will be tremendous pressure on the Jets to start Tebow if Sanchez struggles which he will...because, well, he's not very good). Part of the problem with this offense, though, is it doesn't have very many difference-makers. Having already taken Stephen Hill this last draft, reaching for a wide receiver isn't necessary. If you're going to stick with Sanchez/Tebow, the running game has to be better. Shonn Greene has shown flashes with the Jets, but Lattimore is a the kind of horse you can hitch your wagon to and ride. He has the same kind of power Greene has, but posses better vision, is more elusive and more explosive. A corner like Xavier Rhodes could make sense as well given the struggles of nickel corner Kyle Wilson.
12.) Seattle Seahawks: Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 15)
Needs: CB,WR,G,OLB,RT
It was surprising to see Seattle fail to address the corner position in April's draft, but given the talent level of receivers in the NFC, particularly on the conference's elite teams, the Seahawks have to improve at that position at some point. It doesn't appear Pete Carroll is thinking he's rebuilding by starting Russell Wilson and Wilson has looked brilliant in the preseason. Defensively, though, is where Pete Caroll makes his money and where the Seahawks will have to be tight with a young quarterback at the helm. Rhodes is a dynamic talent who will play physically at the line of scrimmage. He doesn't have big-time production in terms of pass break-ups and interceptions, but part of that comes from teams being unwilling to challenge him. That will change in the NFL and he will have to use better technique to stay with receivers down the field, but he would be an upgrade for the Seahawks.
13.) Carolina Panthers:Johnathan Hankins DT Ohio State (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 9)
Needs: CB,WR,TE,DT,OL
This may seem too high for Carolina, but consider that an 8-8 team picked at 13 last year and the Panthers will be hard-pressed to beat that mark in the ultra-competitive NFC South. Cam Newton should progress, although he did hit the wall last year after setting the league on fire to begin the season. Had Newton's defense been a little better for him in 2011, he may have won a few more games, but the squad lacks elite talent. Luke Kuechley was a great pick and Charles Johnson is a solid defensive end, but the front seven is below average overall and adding a talent like Hankins would be a considerable boost. Hankins, despite carrying about 330 pounds on his 6-3 frame, moves extremely well and has a knack for reading and reacting with explosiveness. His quickness off the ball allows him to shoot gaps and penetrate, while his wide frame can eat up space and blockers for Kuechley and Jon Beason to make plays behind him.
14.) Buffalo Bills: Manti Te'o ILB Notre Dame (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 11)
Needs: OL,WR,LB,S,TE,CB
Buffalo is another team whose season is difficult to predict because the offense is so capable of scoring points and the defense appears to be better, but they play in a tough division and finished so poorly last year. The defensive front four is vastly improved with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, but their linebackers are undersized and a player like Manti Te'o who is physical and instinctive could really fit well behind this extremely talented defensive line group. Te'o, even at 255 pounds, is athletic and has terrific range sideline to sideline. He's exactly the kind of athlete the Bills like for this defense. He does need to get better anchoring against the run, but with guys like Marcel Dareus in front of him creating havoc for offensive lines, there should be a ton of lanes for Te'o to attack.
15.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: William Gholston DE Michigan (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 14)
Needs: LB,WR,DL,TE,G
Tampa Bay had the best offseason money can buy, but I'm still not sure they're a 10+ win team, particularly in the South division. Josh Freeman regressed last season and forced far too many throws. With a better offensive line and a legitimate top-flight receiver in Vincent Jackson, Freeman will have to prove his rookie season was not a fluke. The biggest concern about this team right now is on the defensive side of the ball. The front seven is lacking impact players and Gholston is a physically gifted player who could be an elite pass rusher if he can refine his technique and play with better discipline. In his first draft, head coach Greg Schiano took proven guys from top-level programs without much risk, but Gholston may have too much upside to ignore here, especially without an elite pass rusher on this roster.
16.) Detroit Lions: Eric Reid S LSU (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 18)
Needs: OLB,OL,WR,DL,RB
In the NFC North, the Bears are vastly improved and Green Bay comes in with a chip on its shoulder, which means Detroit will have to clean up its sloppiness from a year ago in order to remain a playoff team. For me, there are still too many questions, whether it's Matthew Stafford's health, or the ability for this team to execute under pressure, to believe both the Packers and Bears won't finish ahead of Detroit this season. That being said, it's a talented roster short just a few pieces. The defensive backfield is the biggest problem on this defense, probably this team, and Reid is the best defensive back on the board. In fact, this could actually end up being too low for the LSU prospect who is a big hitter. If anything, tries to knock people out too often and needs to be more fundamentally sound as a tackler. Otherwise, his ball skills and instincts are stellar and he compares favorably to some of the top safeties taken in recent drafts.
17.) Cincinatti Bengals: Jackson Jeffcoat DE Texas (Pos. Rank: 4, Overall Rank: 20)
Needs: RB,WR,S,OLB,TE
Cinci could be in a position here to trade down with someone wanted to snag one of the quarterbacks left. I think there will be at least three, maybe four or five quarterbacks taken in the first round and someone maybe be willing to trade this far back into the first to get one. The Bengals have one of the best front sevens in football and the defensive interior is probably the best in the NFL. On the other hand, they don't have an elite edge rusher and Jeffcoat is explosive around the corner. He'll need to get bigger to play 4-3 defense end in the NFL, but he could be used by the Bengals in much the same way the 49ers used Aldon Smith as a situational rusher. Jeffcoat does have the frame to add strength, but you also want him to remain explosive. Taking a risk and for a player like Justin Hunter to pair with A.J. Green could be worth it for a team without many glaring holes.
18.) Dallas Cowboys: Luke Joeckel OL Texas A&M (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 17)
Needs: S,G,WR,OLB,TE
Part of me wants to believe in this Cowboys team because the talent they have is so compelling. I've just seen nothing in the Tony Romo era to believe that either he or this team is capable of winning big games when they have to. Philadelphia is more talented and New York is more proven, which means Dallas can be no better than third and still has some glaring holes in the secondary and in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Luke Joeckel could slide inside to guard, or move Doug Free inside, giving the Cowboys a deep, young core on the offensive line. Joeckel is viewed as an elite prospect by some and may not fall this far, which makes Barrett Jones from Alabama, who can also play guard or tackle, a possibility here. If this season does end up with another missed postseason though, don't be surprised to see Jerry Jones find a way to take one of these stud quarterbacks.
19.) Kansas City Chiefs: Logan Thomas QB Virginia Tech (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 16)
Needs: WR,CB,TE,S,QB
For K.C. fans who might think this is crazy, remember that the Chiefs were one of the teams in on Robert Griffin III last year and are looking at Matt Cassell at quarterback who is 30, yet has never put two straight productive seasons together (not to mention has never started 16 games in a season in his career). Kansas City signed Brady Quinn this offseason, but with a young core of skill position players, it might be a better option to take a flier with someone dripping with talent like Thomas and give him a season or two to sit. If the Chiefs are serious about getting a young, dual-threat quarterback, this is the year to do it and Thomas might be a perfect fit. Unfortunately, this might also be 10 spots too late, considering Thomas accounted for 30 touchdowns last year in the ACC in just his first year as a starter. The Cam Newton comparisons have already been thrown out there and if Thomas repeats his success from a year ago, this will almost certainly be too low. If Ryan Tannehill can go in the top 15, Thomas ought to be in the top 10 or higher.
20.) Denver Broncos: Barrett Jones G/T Alabama (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 18)
Needs: WR,G,DL,DB,TE
If you're going to pay Peyton Manning a boatload of money banking on him being healthy, then you have to do everything you can to keep him healthy. Jones can play any position on the line and is a tactician as a blocker, which makes up for his lack of elite athleticism. Given the volatility of injuries in the NFL, having a player adept at playing guard or tackle is a considerable advantage, especially a player like Jones who sees NFL-caliber defensive lineman every week in the SEC. Nabbing a receiver like Justin Harper or a corner like Johnthan Banks would also be upgrades for the Broncos, but getting better along the offensive front is something that benefits both the run and passing game. Also, Harper's skills, for instance, are relatively redundant on this Broncos team with Erick Decker and Demaryius Thomas, although Harper is more talented than both.
21.) San Diego Chargers: Ricky Wagner OT Wisconsin (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 22)
Needs: OL,CB,RB,ILB,SS
Phillip Rivers played so poorly last season that many observers were left wondering if the Pro Bowl quarterback was hiding a significant injury. In reality, Rivers wasn't battling injuries, he was battling a horrible offenses line and offensive weapons limited by injury. Antonio Gates is back healthy and a host of new receivers were brought in, but the offensive line remains a problem. Neither tackle on this roster is a world-beater and Jeromey Clary, the right tackle, was worked by Packers rookie Nick Perry in the preseason opener. Wagner comes from an elite offensive line program at Wisconsin and is a former tight end with solid athletic talent. He's extremely strong in his upper body and once he latches on, it's pretty much over for the defense. He does need to improve his balance, but he has only played the position for three years and has solid upside. He's certainly up upgrade at tackle and can play either the left or right side, though he's better suited on the right side.
22.) San Francisco 49ers: Johnthan Banks CB Mississippi State (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 21)
Needs: CB,QB,OL,TE,S
San Francisco was able to get away with mediocre cornerback talent for most of the season because its front seven is so dominating and can create so much pressure. But when you face top offenses in the playoffs, teams like New Orleans, New York and Green Bay, you can't have subpar corners because the offenses are simply too good. Carlos Rogers is really the only starting caliber corner on this team and Banks could make it a pair if he falls here. Banks has been extremely productive int he SEC, although he has played more off coverage than he might be asked to play in the NFL. Banks considered coming out early last season, but decided to return to Mississippi State for his senior season. Banks has solid ball skills, but his speed and tackling are question marks. Given the kind of pressure the 49ers can create upfront, Banks would have some of his range issues mitigated by pressure. LSU tackle Chris Faulk is also in play here.
23.) New Orleans Saints: Alex Okafor DE Texas (Pos. Rank: 5, Overall Rank: 24)
Needs: OL,OLB,S,DL,CB
Questions about BountyGate will dog New Orleans all season long and how they respond to the hanging cloud of scrutiny could largely determine the outcome of their season. With Drew Brees and that stable of offensive talent, the Saints will score a ton of points like they always do, but whether or not they can stop anybody is the major question. Last we saw, this defense was being gashed by Alex (bleeping) Smith. The Saints drafted Cameron Jordan in the first round two years ago and he underwhelmed in his rookie season. Will Smith has also underperformed the last two seasons and an infusion of life into this defense with Okafor could be exactly what they need. Okafor is powerful on the edge and is strong enough to anchor as a 4-3 end. He is adept at playing both run and pass and does have pass rush skills, although he's not at explosive as his teammate Jeffcoat.
24.) Chicago Bears: Chris Faulk OT LSU (Pos. Rank: 4, Overall Rank: 27)
Needs: OL,S,TE,CB,LB
Chicago took considerable steps toward surrounding Jay Cutler with skilled talent, but failed to address the concerns upfront. Gabe Carimi played well last season after suffering a serious injury heading into his rookie campaign. Other than that, the Bears offensive line is at a loss for talent. Chris Williams has been a mega-bust and the rest of the players are just plug and play guys. Faulk is a terrific athlete for someone 6-5 323 pounds and moves well laterally to wall off defenders. As an underclassman, he's still getting better and has considerable athletic tools. He is similar in terms of his athletic gifts to the aforementioned Williams in that he is surprisingly athletic for his size, but Faulk has the demeanor and toughness Williams seems to lack. Faulk can be a legitimate left tackle in this league and would be quite the bookend to go with Carimi.
25.) New York Giants: Brandon Jenkins OLB Florida State (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 26)
Needs:TE,OT,LB,DT,DB
New York would love for one of the top tackles to be on the board when they pick in the first and they certainly could reach for someone like D.J. Fluker here. That being said, linebacker has been a rotating turnstile for the Giants over the last few seasons and it would be nice to get a top prospect in to bring some stability to the position. Jenkins is playing defensive end at Florida State, but is a tremendous athlete and could play in space as a linebacker, particularly on the strong side. If you're going to have a former defensive end playing linebacker as the Giants do with Mathias Kiwanuka, at least have it be a defensive end who isn't such a stiff athlete. Jenkins would be a nightmare for teams coming off the edge and can anchor in run support. Kawann Short at defensive tackle or Chance Warmack at guard also make some sense here if the Giants don't believe Jenkins can play linebacker.
26.) Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Hunter WR Tennessee (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 23)
Needs: OLB,G,DB,TE,OT
While I don't see the Eagles as a Super Bowl contender, I do expect a much better season this year than last. There's simply too much talent on the roster and I think they're going to be playing with a chip on their shoulder after failing so miserably last year. While there are bigger issues in terms of need at this spot, the Eagles may find it too hard to pass on a big, talented receiver to help them in the red zone where they have been so spotty the last few years. Hunter is a superlative athlete and was on pace to put up freakish numbers before tearing his ACL this pas season. If he's all the way back and lives up to this potential, there's no chance he falls this far and there is some speculation he could be a top 5 pick. As it stands now, he's a first round lock and would make a dynamic offense even better.
27.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Knile Davis RB Arkansas(Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 25)
Needs:G,RB,OT,DL,DB
Pittsburgh had one of those God giveth and God taketh away moments this offseason after somehow landing Stanford guard David DeCastro at the bottom of the first and then losing him for the season with an ACL injury. That leaves the Steelers offensive line a question, but also a question is the status of the running game. Knile Davis may be a better fit for the Pittsburgh offense which has become a more spread out attack. Davis is quick to the hole and capable of breaking off major chunks of yardage. The Razorback rusher is also capable out of the backfield and could be potent in Pittsburgh with those speedy receivers clearing space.
28.) Atlanta Falcons: Chance Warmack G Alabama (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 29)
Needs: OL,DT,TE,LB,CB
Atlanta drafted Wisconsin center Peter Konz this past April and moved him to guard, but the Falcons offensive line remains a considerable question. It's an inconsistent group lacking true standouts and when you've stocked up on skill position players, you have to give your franchise quarterback time to get them the ball. Warmack is one of the best lineman in the draft and loves to fire off and hit people for Nick Saban. His agility for his size is exceptional and if he were a little taller with longer arms could probably play tackle. As is, he's one of the top interior line prospects in the draft and would upgrade Atlanta's line right away.
29.) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Eifert TE Notre Dame (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 27)
Needs: CB,OL,RB,S,WR
By this point in the draft, teams are typically good enough to take need out of the equation and draft for value. This is a spot where the Ravens could wind up with an outstanding value, as well as an immediate starter at tight end. Baltimore has faced a slew of injuries at the position to start this season and none of the players on the current roster are outstanding talents. Eifert is a top-flight pass catcher, and although his blocking is a work in progress, his sheer power is enough to believe he could be an outstanding presence in the run game. For the Ravens, though, his top priority will be working the middle of the field and keeping safeties occupied so guys like Torrey Smith can beat teams deep. Eifert uses his body well to make catches in traffic by shielding defenders and at 6-5 250, he can be a major factor in the red zone.
30.) Houston Texas: T.J. McDonald S USC (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 32)
Needs: S,OL,ILB,WR,QB
Houston is one of the most balanced teams in the NFL, boasting an elite running game, a top 5 wide receiver, and one of the best defenses in football. One of the few glaring holes on this team is at safety, where the Texans haven't had a blue-chip player since the franchise began. McDonald has been a blue-chip player since high school and came to USC as one of the most heavily recruited players in the nation. McDonald hasn't quite lived up to that billing, but has all of the skills you look for in a free safety. Think Taylor Mays without the questionable instincts and minus some of the speed. McDonald is actually more fluid in coverage than his predecessor at USC and should really bolster and already outstanding Texans defense.
31.) New England Patriots: Kawann Short DT Purdue (Pos. Rank: 3, Overall Rank: 28)
Needs: CB,RB,OT,DE,S
I thought New England may target one of the top defensive tackles in last year's draft to go with Vince Wilfork and tackle remains a problem area for the Patriots who have trouble stopping anyone last season. Holes at safety and corner could also be addressed here, but Short is the best value of any player available. Short is, in some ways, Vince Wilfork light, as a space eater and pocket pusher. Like Wilfork, Short is also adept at getting into passing lanes and using his long arms to disrupt throws. Consistency has been an issue, but Short will not face nearly as many double teams in the NFL with opposing offenses more concerned about Wilfork. This could allow Short to play with the energy needed to fully realize his vast potential.
32.) Green Bay Packers: Kevin Reddick ILB North Carolina (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 30)
Needs: OL,S,RB,QB,LB
Green Bay's defense appears vastly improved from a year ago thanks to an influx of young talent as well as a clean bill of health for players like Tramon Williams and Clay Matthews, both of whom battled injuries all season. While it didn't benefit the Packers to cut A.J. Hawk before this season given his contract, it could save them millions next year and with Desmond Bishop out for the year, there are questions inside for the Pack. Reddick was seen by some scouts last year as a potential first round pick because of his ability to run and react. While not the athlete of his some of his peers, Reddick relies on his vision and instincts to make plays, something that will not cause Ted Thompson to shy away from the Tar Heel All-American. Reddick would certainly be in the mix to start right away given Green Bay's affinity for giving young players the chance to make an impact early on.
