Defensive Tackles: These are primary 4-3 Defensive tackles or 3-4 nose tackles:

1. Ndamukong Suh- Suh is the best defensive tackle in this draft class and rivals Eric Berry as being the best overall player. Suh is equally capable of disrupting both the passing and running game. His strength is stopping the run, but he can get after after the passer as well. Suh should consistently be double teamed and is the type of defensive tackle that needs to be schemed around. A lot of draft pundits believe McCoy is the top tackle in this draft because his strength is rushing the passer. While I agree McCoy is better at getting after the QB, Suh isn’t far behind and he is superior against the run. For me it is enough of a difference to put him above McCoy.

2. Gerald McCoy-Suh-McCoy, McCoy-Suh, it really could go either way, and in all honesty should be based on what your bigger need is. If you already have good pass rushers then Suh will be the best fit, if you need a bigger jolt to getting after the quarterback then McCoy is your man. Really you can’t go wrong with either player, and that is why I believe that neither player lasts past the 3rd pick in the draft.

3. Dan Williams- Williams has been moving up draft boards, because of his versatility and upside. He didn’t ‘wow’ you in college the way McCoy or Suh did, but he offers the unique ability of being a nose tackle, as well as a 4-3 tackle. That versatility allows him to fit into any system and makes him a prized commodity among 3-4 teams. While I like Williams, I think he is a bit a product of hype and will probably be drafted 5-10 picks higher than he should (late teen’s/early 20′s). Maybe in any other year he would have been worth a top 10 or 15 pick, but I feel the depth of this draft places him a bit further down. Overall Williams does fit in well as a nose tackle and should be a solid addition, I just don’t think he will be the next Wilfork/Rogers/Hampton.

4. Jared Odrick- Odrick is moving up draft boards almost as fast as Williams. He too possesses excellent versatility, while he can’t handle the NT role he can play anywhere else on a defensive line. He isn’t excellent in any one area, but he works hard and never gives up on plays. He should find success at the next level fairly quickly, and should develop into a good starter.

5. Brian Price- Price I feel gets overlooked some, but he is a very good first round quality tackle (he could probably kick outside in a 3-4). Price is a high motor guy, who works best when he is allowed to attack the ball. His strength is as a pass rusher and he is more than capable of starting from day one for whomever drafts him.

6. Lamar Houston- Houston is a player I really like, he is smart and plays with a good motor. He will fit well in read and react systems or even as a 3-4 end. He lacks an explosive burst, but he makes the most out of his talent.

7. Tyson Alualu- Alualu I feel hasn’t fully scratched his potential yet. I think he will make a very good starting defensive tackle at the next level, though could get snapped up by a 3-4 team early in round 2. Alualu is strong at the point of the attack and is a tough run defender. His pass rush skills need work, but if he can work one-on-one he can beat his man.

8. Terrence Cody- ‘Mount’ Cody has been a bit over-hyped given his stellar career at Alabama. He lacks quickness and an ability to play within control, and really ends up being a space eater. Cody will get drafted early in the 2nd round since he does project as a good nose tackle, but right now he is far from the dominate one people believe he is. I will give credit for Cody in working hard this offseason to get in shape and be a better prospect, but he still hasn’t gotten there yet.

9. D’Anthony Smith- Smith could be a bit of a project and it is tough to know exactly where to peg him in this draft, but I really believe in him. He has such tremendous quickness for a defensive tackle that I think he will become a full-time starter by year 2. The most impressive thing is Smith isn’t even in great shape, he’s not exceptionally strong, and could even add some a little speed if he works at it. While a project, Smith already has the basic tools to succeed in the NFL.

10. Linval Joseph- Joseph is an intriguing nose tackle prospect, who could find his way into the 3rd round range given his positional value. He is a little raw, and wasn’t challenged much at East Carolina. But he gets good leverage and has shown the ability to handle double teams.

11. Arthur Jones- Jones has fallen a bit, since at one point he was considered a 1st-2nd round prospect. While he has fallen to the 3rd-4th round range Jones still has the ability to be a starting tackle, and should immediately help against the ground game.

12. Geno Atkins- Atkins isn’t the biggest tackle in the draft, but he has a high motor and is impressively strong. Atkins will be limited as a 4-3 tackle, but has plenty of upside for 4-3 teams, he offers a quick first step and gets good leverage under blockers.

13. Cam Thomas- Thomas is another promising nose tackle prospect, who can devastate the run game. Unlike some of the other nose tackle prospects Thomas probably isn’t an every down player. He does offer some upside and could develop into an every down starter, but right now he should be used in a rotation.

14. Torrell Troup- Troup is another primary nose tackle prospect who is moving up draft boards into the mid-rounds. He offers good size and strength and is a strong bull rusher. He is consistently a great run stuffer and occupies blockers with the best of them. Troup isn’t much of a pass rushing threat and has had issues with conditioning so I don’t see him going off the board until the 4th round.

15. Al Woods- Woods can play either nose tackle or DT in a 4-3 alignment. He never showed consistently that he was a top prospect, but has always had the potential. He has had a strong off-season, including a very good combine, which should move him up into the mid-rounds.

Defensive Ends:  Note these are linemen who will primarily play Defensive end in a 4-3 or 3-4. Some might end up being moved to rush linebacker or even defensive tackle, but end is their primary position. Other guys who are rush linebackers or DT’s primarily weren’t included in these rankings.

1. Derrick Morgan- Morgan is a prototypical 4-3 defensive right end. A pure pass rusher who can penetrate the backfield and disrupt the play. He is also being looked at as a rush linebacker, given his immense talent and pass rush ability. I think he will struggle some if he needs to stand up, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go to the Browns or Dolphins.

2. Brandon Graham- Graham may be targeted as a rush linebacker, but he deserves a mention here. He is considered too short to play defensive end, but once the game clock starts going no size limitation is going to stop Graham. He has one of the best motors in this draft, and constantly disrupts plays in the backfield. Whether he is used as a end or linebacker, Graham will make an impact in the NFL. I think his size concerns will make him fall into the 19-25 range, but he is a vastly better player then that.

3. Jason Pierre-Paul- Pierre-Paul is possibly the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in this draft. He had a fantastic year last season at South Florida, but really hadn’t done much before then. I think he may be better suited as a 3-4 OLB, since he will have more freedom in rushing the passer and won’t get as much attention against opposing tackles. Overall whoever drafts him, should use him as a situational pass rusher in year one, but he does have the potential to be an elite end/rush linebacker.

4. Everson Griffin- Griffin is the perfect size and speed combo teams are looking for in a 4-3 DE. Physically and in workouts, Griffin looks like a top 15 prospect, but he didn’t always translate that ability to the game. I think his inconsistent play will hold him back in the draft some. He could get picked by either Seattle or Tennessee in the mid-part of round 1, but if he makes it past them he could slide to the end of the round or top of round two.

5. Carlos Dunlap- Dunlap and Griffin in many ways are the exact same player. Dunlap is best in the workout room and in drills, but on the game film he looks more average and doesn’t pursue every play. Dunlap also has some off the field issues which put him below Griffin. If Dunlap ever realizes his natural talents he could become the best DE in this draft and potentially even the best all-around player. While his upside is that high, the question of him reaching it is pretty large as well. I think he will slide into the 2nd round, possibly even to the middle of the round.

6. Corey Wootton- Wootton is another 4-3 DE with good size. He doesn’t have the incredible athleticism of some of the other DE’s, but he has a strong work ethic and never gives up on a play. He also plays smart, and always seems to exploit the weaknesses of his opponents. Wootton is probably a late 2nd round prospect, who could even fall to round 3, since he doesn’t have the versatility to play the 3-4.

7. Alex Carrington- Carrington is a small school prospect, who has been moving up draft boards this off-season. He is an interesting prospect because of his size. Carrington has the bulk to play either left defensive end in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4. He is still pretty raw, and was a man amongst boys at Arkansas State, so it is hard to fully judge him, but the potential is there. He will never be an elite pass rusher, but if he can work on his technique some, he could become solid. Carrington won’t likely hear his name drafted until the 3rd round, but the upside is there.

8. Ricky Sapp- Will probably end up being a rush linebacker and would rank higher there. Though he might not play with his hand down, Sapp could be a good right defensive end particularly if he plays next to a top tackle. Sapp has had some injury concerns so that could knock him down some, but the talent is there.

9. Greg Hardy- Hardy at one point would have been 1st or 2nd on this list, but major injuries have hampered his career. Hardy was once one of the best pass rushers in the nation, but still hasn’t recovered fully from a bad car accident and has lost some of his speed. At one time was considered a rush linebacker/defensive end, but should considered more of an every down left end/ 3-4 end now. Unfortunately Hardy hasn’t seemed to adjust well to not having his elite pass rushing speed, making him a work in progress. If he is developed right, Hardy could be a steal since that natural talent is there, and some of the speed could come back. If he doesn’t change his game, Hardy could end up being a major bust.

10. Clifton Geathers- While most might consider Geathers more of a late round project, I think he has solid 4th-5th round talent. He can play anywhere on the line in a 4-3 and should make a strong 3-4 defensive end. He is great at the point of attack, and really seemed to be a key part of the South Carolina defense. While not an elite or even great pass rusher, Geathers gets into the backfield and forces throws. I really think his future is in the 3-4 and he could end up being a pretty good starter in a couple of years.

1. Ryan Mathews- C.J. Spiller could make the argument for being a better all-around prospect, but when it comes to who you want to hand the ball to 250-300 times, Mathews has to be the top choice. He is the complete package when it comes to ball carriers. Spiller may be taken ahead of him, but I believe Mathews will end up being the best back in this class.

2. C.J. Spiller- Spiller can do it all, and will definitively be a major weapon at the next level. Spiller has world class speed, and can take the ball to the house any time he sees a little daylight. While he isn’t incapable of running inside, I still question whether he can be an every down back. For me that knocks him out of top 10-15 consideration.

3. Toby Gerhart- I know this is a surprise player for number 3 on this list, but I’m a huge believer in Gerhart. He ran all over some of the best rush defenses in the nation this past season. Many of whom will send players the the NFL over the next few years. While I don’t think he will run for 1,800 yards in the NFL, I think he can be  a featured back at the next level. I know power backs seem to be on the way out, but Gerhart could make them fashionable again. Also, another thing that benefits Gerhart is the need that every team has for short yardage work. While the 60-80 touchdown run might be more exciting to fans and show up more on Sportscenter, the 3rd and 2, 4th and 1, or to goal to go situations are more important and the ones that win football games.

4. Dexter McCluster- Don’t let McCluster’s size fool you, he is a fantastic football player. He has the same home run ability of Spiller, and though his size may preclude him from doing much inside, he will help the running game tremendously. He played part of his career at Ole Miss at wide receiver, so splitting him out wide or running routes will be more natural to him.

5. Jahvid Best- Overall I’m a little down on Best, I don’t think he has the skills of Spiller or the upside of McCluster. I think he will get over drafted based on his speed potential, but I don’t really see him being much more than a specialty back. And unlike a Leon Washington or Darren Sproles I don’t think he can be a specialty back that makes a huge impact. I see him more of a return first guy, who could develop into a solid runner, and weapon out of the backfield.

6. Jonathan Dwyer- Dwyer’s stock has taken a serious dip since the season ended, and I really don’t think it is warranted. He is a power back, so speed isn’t his forte, yet everyone seems to knock him for his lack of it. I think he has probably slid into the 4th-5th round range, but will be a steal for some team.

7. Montario Hardesty- Next to Mathews, Hardesty is the most complete back in this draft. He could be a steal as a mid-round pick and develop into a good every down runner. He is a very smart runner and always seems to get an extra yard or two in traffic. He isn’t great in the passing game, but given his work ethic and football intelligence I think he could develop into a solid option out of the backfield.

8. Anthony Dixon- Dixon is another power back and should have a solid career. He is a bit too one dimensional for me. Unlike Gerhart or Dwyer, he doesn’t even try to make people miss running straight ahead towards contact. I don’t know if that will work as well in the NFL, and I see him more as a back-up short yardage guy.

9. Joe McKnight- Joe McKnight is loved by most draft pundits, but for me I really don’t see it. Here is a guy who was hyped as the next Reggie Bush, but at no point of his time at USC or during his workouts has he shown that he is anywhere near Bush in terms of production or skill set. And really is a comparison to Bush a compliment right now in the NFL? He’s a solid player, but he wasn’t worth the draft pick or money invested in him. Now I don’t think McKnight will be a bust and he could have a solid future in the NFL, but for me he is no better than a late 3rd round pick, and more worthy of a 4th or 5th rounder. Overall I think he is very raw, it worries me he was not more productive in college given the immense talent surrounding him. Early on I think he is a return man/ 3rd running back. Since he is athletic he can contribute some on offense, but he’s not nearly as dynamic as some of the other backs in this class.

10. Ben Tate- Tate I think is a boom or bust prospect. I think he will either end up a good starter or a complete waste of a pick. He isn’t really as speed or power guy so he will need to show some starting ability to stick. For me he grades out average across the board, but he does possess excellent work ethic and dedication, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see him make it.

By Fanspeak Contributing Writer Geoff Nelowet

Rookie of the year: 1. Tyreke Evans 2. Steph Curry 3. Brandon Jennings

Tyreke Evans is the clear favorite for this award. Many are lobbying for Steph Curry, but people forget that the ROY is an award for one isolated season. Curry may end up being the better player, but Evans has been consistent, and let’s not forget that he’s had one of the best rookie seasons in NBA history. His 20 points, 5 assists and 5 boards puts him with the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Oscar Robertson as the people to accomplish that in their rookie seasons. Curry may have actually had a better second half of the season – and maybe one of the best second halves for a rookie ever – but, again, this award is for one entire season of play.

Coach of the year: 1. Scott Skiles 3. Alvin Gentry 2. Scott Brooks

Scott Skiles deserves this award because his team plays in Milwaukee. Small market teams face an uphill battle, and the Bucks have been a pleasant surprise this season. Nobody expected them to be any good at all this season – in fact, many had the Bucks pegged as one of the worst in the NBA. Here they are, the five seed in the playoffs.

I also think Alvin Gentry deserves some votes simply because he took nearly the same roster that Terry Porter had the year before, and he turned them into a much better team. The Suns of 08-09 had Shaq, which caused some serious chemistry problems, but I don’t think anyone expected the Suns to resurge like this.

Defensive player of the year: 1. Dwight Howard 2. Gerald Wallace 3. Josh Smith

Dwight Howard is second only to LeBron James as a player that instantly makes his team a playoff contender, and for Howard this is because of his defensive presence. Teams simply cannot score a lot of points on Howard and the Magic.

Sixth man of the year: 1. Jamal Crawford 2. Jason Terry 3. Manu Ginobili

This award really is not close. Jamal Crawford has been the clear favorite from the beginning, and I don’t see any other players receiving that many votes. Terry and Ginobili could easily be starting, and they are the second or third option on their teams. Crawford is more of a legitimate sixth man because he is behind Joe Johnson and a very solid Atlanta team that relies on a multitude of scoring options.

Most improved player: 1. Aaron Brooks 2. Andray Blatche 3. George Hill

I think Andray Blatche has shown the biggest turnaround of any player, but he really has not put in a full season of work, as he was behind Antawn Jamison for the majority of the time. Aaron Brooks, on the other hand, has blossomed into one of the better combo guards in the NBA. Brooks is averaging 19 points and 5 assists this season in only his second year in the pros. The Houston Rockets are getting excellent value out of the 26^th pick in the 2007 draft.

Most valuable player: 1. LeBron James 2. Kevin Durant 3. Steve Nash

LeBron James will run away with the MVP award, and I don’t see how anyone else will win it in the near future. It seems like it’s his award to lose from here on out. No one in the NBA has anywhere near the effect he does on his team. You can put James on any team in the NBA and he will make them a contender. He’s the most impacting player since Jordan.

Durant will probably get a vote or two because he has had an amazing year, as he took down the scoring title. He simply does not carry his team the way LeBron does, though. He also has a deceptive amount of talent around him, as Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green are turning into very reliable players.

I think Steve Nash is fairly overlooked this season mainly because he is old news at this point. He led his team to 14 wins in their last 16 games, and they have had the second best overall record since the all-star break. Again, I think he is very overlooked, and let’s not forget that he led the league in assists per game at 11, which he typically does. Also, he does this in fewer minutes and he blows the league away at 16.1 assists per 48 minutes. No one is close to him in that statistic. I think it is fair to say that the Phoenix Suns would not be a very good team without him.

When it comes to the NFL draft, there are basically two schools of thought on how a team should conduct a draft. One is drafting based on need or the other is drafting the best player available (BPA). The fact of the matter is, neither strategy is perfect or even the right way to conduct a draft, and should be replaced by a hybrid version of letting the draft come to you.

Why drafting on need doesn’t work:

When teams draft need-based first, two major issues come into play. One, teams assign a hierarchy of their needs but don’t always evaluate positions properly. Either in terms of their need, or their ability to fill it at a certain draft position. The second problem with drafting based on need is that you could force yourself into drafting a particular player even though his value might not be for another 5, 10 or even 15 selections. Over drafting players is one of the surest ways to have a bust of a draft, yet teams do it every year. One example of a team failing in both areas last season was the Kansas City Chiefs, when they selected Tyson Jackson with the 3rd overall pick. Jackson was a first round prospect no doubt, but much more deserving in the 10-15 range. He has a lot of potential as a hybrid end/tackle in the 4-3 or as a 3-4 end that can get up the field. Kansas City decided that, their need for a 3-4 end was great enough to grab Jackson. First off the Chiefs valued a 3-4 end over a rush linebacker. Now I do think quality ends are key to elite 3-4 teams, but Kansas City would have been much better served by grabbing the an OLB to get pressure on the quarterback. Had they drafted Brian Orakpo, Brian Cushing or even Aaron Maybin they would have been in a much better position. There are also other directions they could have gone in, but they overlooked better players and more important needs.

Why BPA doesn’t work:

Like drafting for need, there are two fatal flaws with best player available strategy. The first of which is the fact that you are forsaking your needs to grab a player who might not see the field in year one. Unlike baseball and hockey, NFL drafts should produce immediate results, especially the 1st-3rd round picks. If teams aren’t getting significant contributions from those players collectively, then it is hard for them to be successful on the field. Now I say collectively, because it is okay to draft a young player with potential if depth is an issue at a crucial position, particularly if you’ve drafted significant contributors with your other picks. The second main issue with drafting based on a BPA strategy is you really have to hope your board is accurate. Now I’m not saying teams should ignore your draft board completely, but come on how often would we see a draft play out like it did just 6 months later? Draft boards can be wrong, especially when players will get placed on there based on workout numbers or one great season. By drafting solely on their board they can oversaturate a position and ignore others completely. Also whether it is admitted or not the board is usually biased towards team needs.

The perfect example of this backfiring and a team having a bias and oversaturating a position, is the Washington Redskins 2008 draft. The Skins desperately needed receivers and were in the market for big pass catchers since their top targets were Santana Moss, Antwan Randel El, and the undersized tight end Chris Cooley. Washington decided to trade back and with three 2nd round picks drafted two 6’2″ or taller receivers and a big tight end. While they had a need at receiver, that is way too many premium picks on a position that is still in shambles. Also by targeting solely big receivers, the Redskins ignored DeSean Jackson with their first two picks in the 2nd round. Of course they justified this by saying they followed their board and all three players they took had 1st round grades. If that is true its obvious that tall pass-catchers were graded on a curve that year, and instead the Redskins ignored multiple additional needs that still remain.

In Part II we will look at an alternative way to draft, and how the picks should be valued.

Dez Bryant has had a turbulent year. Getting suspended by the NCAA not for receiving money, but having a friendship with a professional (still one of the worse reasons I’ve ever heard), then having his draft stock rise and fall like a yo-yo, and now he is at the point where he could very well be off the draft board for a number of teams. Bryant is still the consensus number 1 wide receiver among draft analysts (I would say it should be Demaryius Thomas), but has seen his stock take a hit.

First let me say, I believe there is a difference between character concerns and off the field concerns. When I hear off the field concerns I think getting in trouble with the law, that is not the path I see Dez Bryant going down, he will not be the Pacman Jones by any means. What I do see as a problem are serious character concerns. It is a worry when Bryant forgets his cleats for his Pro Day, even more so considering teams hadn’t seen him much this season. It is also a concern that while he put up some impressive numbers in some drills, he just quit on other ones. While Bryant ran an okay 4.54 time in the 40, considering he didn’t have cleats, that isn’t a time that really separates him from the pack.  What was really troubling for me is not so much that he forgot the cleats, but rather that he didn’t hold himself responsible. And made it seem like it wasn’t a big deal. This screams to me that Bryant has a serious entitlement issue and thinks he will enter the NFL and dominate from day one. That isn’t going to happen. Few rookie receivers over the years have had 1,000 first year campaigns. Most of those that do produce in year one, do so because they fell in the draft to better quality teams. I think Bryant is in for a rude awaking in the NFL, because he won’t have the Baylor’s and Rice’s on his schedule to beat up on.

Bryant has impressive collegiate stats for the games he played, but he never seemed to dominate against front line competition. While I wouldn’t go so far to say he was ineffective against the other top teams in the Big 12 (or that he faced out of conference). The only time he really dominated a top team was his freshmen year against Kansas, when he had 8 catches for 155 yards. But it should be noted that Kansas’s top corner Aqib Talib shadowed the Cowboys top receiver Adarius Bowman, allowing Bryant plenty of freedom. Bryant had solid numbers as a freshmen, but they weren’t what you would call elite. His sophomore year he put up big numbers, but that is my central problem, you are basing his ‘game play’ or ‘film’ on basically one season. And in that season he didn’t exactly dominate the top teams he faced. I really have trouble believing that Bryant is supposed to come in and succeed against the best defensive backs, when he wasn’t able to truly dominate college.

I like Bryant as a receiver, but thinks that he needs to mature as a player to be successful in the NFL. His game actually reminds me of two players who both ended up being 2nd round picks, Antonio Bryant and Devin Thomas. Antonio Bryant actually has a very similar skill set to Dez, as their speed is extremely deceptive. Devin Thomas reminds me of him, because of the size comparison. Both A. Bryant and Thomas fell to the 2nd round due in part to character concerns (which have both come to fruition somewhat). While Thomas seems to be finally learning that he isn’t just naturally better then the defensive backs in the NFL, he still has yet to prove his worth as a 2nd round pick. A. Bryant has had a very up and down career and even had to sit out a season, because no one wanted him. Since returning to the NFL it looks as though he is moving in the right direction and has become a very good number 2 receiver.

To me, this is what we will see out of Dez Bryant (and it is up to him as to how long it takes him to reach that level). I think he can be an excellent number 2 receiver in this league, a guy who can routinely go for 70 catches and 1,200 yards a season. He will need to work opposite another quality wideout, but can be a very good pass catcher in the NFL. It’s my belief that since his ceiling isn’t as a top 10 or even 15 receiver, he shouldn’t be drafted in the top 10 or 15 picks (even top 20 is a stretch for me). And since I do wonder how long, if ever he will reach that ceiling I do knock him down my draft board considerably. I’m fairly confident he doesn’t get past Denver at the 11th pick, but I don’t think they will see the return on investment they are expecting.

Much of the debate this off season leading up to the draft has involved where the top two quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen should fall, and whether it is worth drafting them ahead of other more talented players. The answer to the second question is dependent on each team, for a team like the Redskins who have one of the leagues worst offensive lines and skill player sets, it doesn’t make sense to add a quarterback to a team that can’t support one. For a team like the Rams who at least has a solid-good offensive line and a top notch running back, it makes a bit more sense to add a young quarterback. Now as to the answer to the first question as to where these quarterbacks should fall, I think it will take a bit more insight.

The hardest thing about slotting quarterbacks is figuring out who really needs a young signal caller. Going back to our earlier example of the Rams and the Redskins, the Rams are a no brainer, considering Keith Null started the last 4 games of the season for them last year. The Redskins on the other hand didn’t make nearly as much sense (though plenty of people in Washington thought so). Sure the Redskins would love to draft the next Manning or Rivers, but there is absolutely no guarantee that either Bradford or Clausen will become that. What there is a guarantee of is that neither quarterback would perform better than Jason Campbell, who put up good numbers last year in a bad offense. Maybe three years down the line they could be better quarterbacks, but for the hear and now they didn’t represent an upgrade and the Redskins had bigger needs along the offensive line to fill. Which is exactly why they traded for Donovan McNabb instead of drafting an unproven rookie.

So in looking at need you can cross the Lions and Buccaneers off the list, because they spent first round picks last season on quarterbacks. And you can probably cross the Chiefs and Seahawks off the list because they have ‘filled’ their need as well (I think it is pretty debatable that their quarterback positions are set, but given the value they traded away I don’t see either team using a first round pick on a QB). So that leaves the Browns, Raiders, Bills and Jaguars as top 10 teams that could have a need at quarterback. The Jags are on the fringe because Pro Bowler (how he ended up in the Pro Bowl is beyond me) David Garrard is there and is an average quarterback. Jacksonville could use a dynamic signal caller, but will probably look to the defensive side of the ball in the 1st round. The Browns went out and acquired two placeholders at quarterback, and while they need a long term answer my guess is they will target Colt McCoy in Round 2. The Raiders are a possibility, but it is almost impossible to predict what they will do. Bills seem like the most likely target for a quarterback. They do have serious offensive line issues, so they aren’t the best fit for a young guy. At the same time though, fortunes have been so bad in Buffalo and the offense so anemic, that a lack of a quarterback has been what is holding them back.

While at this point it is a foregone conclusion that Sam Bradford will be drafted first by the Rams, leaving Jimmy Clausen as the quarterback wondering where his next home will be, I think the Rams were a bit too hasty in their decision. For me, I think Clausen is the better option than Bradford. To be honest I love and hate both quarterback prospects. I love them because I see their skills and potential, but I hate them as early first round picks because I think there are too many questions about them still unanswered. Again, I get why the Rams are drafting a quarterback number 1, but I don’t understand the who and I have doubts that they will find that next great signal caller.

Bradford and Clausen might be major upgrades over the Keith Null’s and Kyle Boller’s of the league, but neither one strikes me as a top-notch quarterback. Particularly if they are going to start from day one, which more often then not stunts a quarterbacks growth. For me, I have more faith in Clausen because he came out of a pro style system, and has much better experience dropping back and reading defenses from behind center. I also saw a lot of development in him over the years, and he no longer seems like the entitled 18 year-old freshmen he was when he started with the Irish. His arm strength isn’t fantastic, but I do believe it’s good enough almost nearly equal to Bradford’s.

As for Bradford, while he looked healthy in his Pro Day, and I’m sure his individual workouts, you have no true litmus test to see if his arm is truly 100%. You don’t know how it feels the next day after throwing, you don’t have a baseline to compare the week-in-week-out. And you have no idea how his arm will hold up after it gets hit a few times. On top of all of that concern about his health, I think not seeing him this past year behind a weaker Sooner team should have some cause for concern. I was very interested to see if he could rise to the challenge with so many new offensive starters. Remember Jevan Snead gets blasted for putting up worse numbers despite losing key offensive linemen and weapons. It is quite possible that Bradford might not have handled the change well either. I’m not saying it should be a knock on Bradford, just that I believe there were legitimate questions going into last season, that one year later remain unanswered. For me, all those old questions are there, about the system, adjusting to lower quality personnel, and new ones have risen about his health. I can’t put Bradford ahead of Clausen. The Rams will go in a different direction, but I would be a little worried if I were a Rams fan if it’s the right direction.

In a bit of a surprising move the Miami Dolphins won the Brandon Marshall sweepstakes, by trading two 2nd round picks for they young and talented (troubled) receiver. There is little doubt that this trade makes the Dolphins better and is a direct answer to the Jets trade for Santonio Holmes earlier this week. What is surprising is the price the Dolphins paid, and the fact that they were even in on this deal from the get go.

Miami under Bill Parcells has been much shrewder with their draft picks and assets then they have in the past. So it is a bit surprising that they were willing to move two premium picks for Brandon Marshall. They paid a much higher price then the Baltimore Ravens paid for Anquan Boldin or the Jets paid for Braylon Edwards (last year) or Santonio Holmes. Now Marshall could very well be the best receiver of that bunch (but don’t count out Holmes) but it was still a steep price to pay considering the Ravens and Jets were no longer vying for Marshall’s services. It looked as though Miami’s chief competition for Marshall’s services was the Seattle Seahawks, and their 2nd round pick wasn’t until pick number 60. Meaning they would have had to add plenty to match the Dolphins 2nd rounder this year (pick 43). So it does seem like the Dolphins overpaid for Marshall.

Marshall does give Miami the number one receiver that they have been searching for and plenty of size for the red zone. Quarterback Chad Henne has to be the happiest man in south Florida right now, since he has someone reliable to throw the ball to. By adding a top flight wide receiver the Dolphins will know for sure whether Henne is their quarterback of the future. Marshall should also make the Dolphins other receivers better since he will draw more double coverages and team’s best corner backs. While their previous receiving corps was always much maligned in the press, I believe that there was some solid talent there already. Now guys like Hartline and Bess should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. But make no mistake the Dolphins passing attack will start with Marshall and his presence should boost that entire offense. The Dolphins are no longer solely a running team as opposing defenses will now need to respect their passing attack as well.

Denver did a great job forcing the Dolphins to raise the stakes for Marshall a player they didn’t want, and one that didn’t want to be there. Getting two 2nd round picks for him in these two drafts is a steal. This year’s draft is incredibly deep and having the 43rd pick is basically like having a late first rounder in most drafts. And right now next year’s draft looks just as deep if not deeper, which should give the Broncos the chance to grab another top prospect. The important thing for the Broncos is to make sure they draft smart and don’t make a rash decision like, drafting Dez Bryant with the 11th overall pick. I know people will say that Bryant fills their ‘need’, but I think that is grossly overvaluing him. What makes it even more problematic is that 2011 is shaping up to be for receivers what 1983 or 2004 drafts were for quarterbacks. It doesn’t make much sense to grab a lesser receiver now, when you can wait a year and take an elite front line wideout. Denver got into trouble last year by pigeonholing positions of need to particular draft spots and ended up with one of the worst drafts last season, despite having two first round picks and three second round picks. They can’t allow themselves to make the same mistakes again, and need to add quality players if they hope to compete for the AFC West.

This is not an order of how the draft should shape up, but rather a ranking of all players regardless of team needs or draft strategy. While position is factored in, and weighed appropriately, players won’t be ‘over drafted’ here.

1. Eric Berry S

2. Ndamukong Suh DT

3. Gerald McCoy DT

4. Russell Okung OT

5. Derrick Morgan DE

6. Bryan Bulaga OT

7. Joe Haden CB

8. Earl Thomas S

9. Trent Williams OT

10. Jimmy Clausen QB

I know it’s a shock to see just one quarterback in the top 10, but this list is based on talent and not some dream of being a ‘franchise’ quarterback. QB’s don’t usually offer much value in years 1-3, and I don’t see either of these guys proving me wrong. I think there are serious issues about both as to whether or not they will elite quarterbacks. While I understand the why they are projected being top 10 picks, I think you are basing your entire draft on a prayer. I think there is a lot of elite talent in this class and guys like Berry, Suh etc. will be Pro Bowl caliber players by year two at the latest.

11. Rolando McClain ILB

12. Mike Iupati OG/RT

13. Sam Bradford QB

14. Brandon Graham OLB/DE

15. Kyle Wilson CB

16. Demaryius Thomas WR

17. C.J. Spiller RB

18. Ryan Mathews RB

19. Dan Williams DT

20. Jason Pierre-Paul DE

The reason Bradford is so low for me is I really worry about both that shoulder and him coming out of that spread system. I think he will need years (maybe as many as 3) to really be an effective starter. And while we’ve seen the shoulder healthy enough to make all the throws, we don’t know how it will react first time he gets hit or driven to the ground. I think Iupati is a fantastic player and someone who will be representing them in the Pro Bowl every year. I like him better on the inside and think that is where he should stay. I’m not as high on Spiller, because he’s not an every down runner. He’s electric in the open field and he will likely be over drafted because of the success of Chris Johnson. I  think Mathews will end up being the steal of this class, and a better fit for most teams. I also think Thomas (hurt foot, bad route running, and all) is a better pick then Dez Bryant. Bryant could be a good talent, but he disappears too much for my liking. Thomas was literally Tech’s only receiver and when it was a pass you knew it was going his way, yet teams still could not cover him. Pierre-Paul is high risk-high reward. For me he is too raw to be in the top 10-15, but will probably be drafted there on need.

21. Jermaine Gresham TE

22. Anthony Davis OT

23. Dez Bryant WR

24. Jared Odrick DT/DE

25. Kareem Jackson CB

26. Devin McCourty CB

27. Sergio Kindle OLB/DE

28. Sean Weatherspoon OLB/ILB

29. Maurkice Pouncey C/G

30. Taylor Mays S

Gresham’s injury worries me some, but I kept him pretty high given his potential. So far their doesn’t seem to be any lingering effects. Also, the importance of pass catching TE’s grows each year. Davis hasn’t had a great off season, and has seen his stock slip, but he has fantastic potential. Bryant is another boom or bust pick for me, I’m not sure if he will ever be worthy of a first round pick. Weatherspoon is one of my favorite players in this draft, he isn’t a flashy linebacker and probably won’t rack up the sacks, but he will consistently get the job done. Jackson and McCourty are both great corners who can probably start from day 1. Pouncey is a great prospect, while I think he can be a good guard, I would keep him at center where he should be excellent. Mays has the athletic ability to go top 10, but lacks the coverage skills. I still think he might fit best as a hybrid OLB/S giving him more opportunities to blitz and attack the ball carrier.

31. Brian Price DT

32. Bruce Campbell OT

33. Golden Tate WR

34. Patrick Robinson

35. Everson Griffin

36. Carlos Dunlap

37. Jerry Hughes OLB

38. Dexter McCluster RB

39. Charles Brown OT

40. Javid Best RB

Bruce Campbell could be drafted by the Raiders in the first round given his athleticism and potential, but he’s more of a late first rounder/early 2nd rounder. The potential is there, but he needs some time to develop. I’m a big believer in Golden Tate, I think he will be one heck of a find for whoever drafts him. He might not be the biggest player, but he will get the job done. Speaking of little guys, I love McCluster. He is so dangerous with the ball in his hands, and unlike Darren Sproles or Leon Washington, he’s actually been trained as a receiver as well. Whoever gets him will be getting a play maker, as well as a fantastic person. I also like him over Best and am not concerned with the even smaller stature. Everson Griffin and Carlos Dunlap should be top 15 picks, if they were drafted solely on workouts and body type. I think Griffin will maintain a first round status, but am not shocked to see Dunlap fall into more of a 2nd round grade. They both have fantastic potential, but don’t show it enough on game day to take that high. Jerry Hughes is an interesting player, I worry some if he will be able to hold up against the bigger and quicker LT’s in the NFL, but he should be a great pass rusher at the next level.

41. Damian Williams WR

42. Navarro Bowman OLB

43. Daryl Washington OLB

44. Terrence Cody DT

45. Sean Lee ILB

46. Tyson Alualu DT/DE

47. Rodger Saffold OT

48. Nate Allen S

49. Vladimir Ducasse G/RT

50. Perrish Cox CB

Not many people would put Damien Williams here, but he has impressed me. Sure I’d like to see him a little taller/faster, but he makes plays. I think he was a huge part of Mark Sanchez’s overdraft development and really looked good last year with a true freshmen at quarterback. I think he is a play maker and a very reliable target. Bowman and Washington are both pretty good linebackers who should be starting from day one. Cody isn’t always taken seriously, but he is a run clogger and a great 3-4 nose tackle. Saffold and Ducasse will likely both be drafted higher than this given the for linemen, but are both incomplete players. Ducasse should stay on the interior and Saffold is probably only suited at RT (at least in year one). Guys like Lee, Allen, Alualu and Cox show just how deep of a defensive draft this is. All-in-all I think everyone above is a first round talent. Sure some years they might not make the cut, but on average these are all first round caliber players. Showing just how strong and deep this draft is. With the exception of the quarterbacks, everyone of these players should start from day one. Now some of the corners and receivers might have to settle for being the third option, but they should still make a significant impact. The same holds true for the running backs, as Spiller, McCluster and Best probably won’t lead their teams in carries, but will make their presence known in the passing and return game as well.

Santonio Holmes has been a 1st round pick, a 1,000 yard receiver and a Super Bowl MVP for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but because of his exploits off the field he will now be playing for the New York Jets. The Steelers shipped him off for a measly 5th round pick in the upcoming draft. Now I realize he’s been a head case off the field, and the rumor is Holmes could be suspended for the first 4 games next season, but the Jets got an absolute steal in Holmes. The Jets receivers were their biggest question mark coming into this off season, and were almost assuredly going to use either their first or second round pick on a receiver to fill that need. Now in one major move the Jets filled their biggest need, and the Steelers created a whole new one.

When this off season began, a starting caliber wide receiver wasn’t even a thought. They had Holmes and Hines Ward, with impressive rookie Mike Wallace waiting in the wings, giving them one of the best top three receiver groups in the league. The Steelers did need depth, since former second round pick Limas Sweed has yet to show he could be a quality receiver, so they went out an signed Antwaan Randle El and Arnaz Battle. Now the need for a receiver has come back in a big way and is near the top of the charts for the Steelers. Randle El and Battle could have covered for Holmes if he was going to be suspended, but you can’t rely on them for a full 16 games. The Steelers will need to find another quality receiver in the draft, meaning they will likely have to spend one of their top 3 picks on the position. Considering the needs the Steelers have along the offensive line and at corner back, not to mention the serious depth issues at safety and outside linebacker, Pittsburgh will have to ignore one of their primary concerns to add another receiver.

Now I realize that Holmes has had his fair share of issues these past few years, but we aren’t talking about Michael Vick issues here. I am a little dumbfounded that all the Steelers got in return was a 5th round draft pick. Holmes is a top 15 receiver in the league, and while he is entering the last year of his contract, he would be worth a first round pick on merit alone. Given some of his off the field issues and probable suspension that might move down to a third round pick, but a fifth round pick is a drastic drop off. It’s even more of a head scratcher considering the number of teams in need of a wide receiver and the complete lack of first round quality receivers.

Also it’s not like the other receivers available in free agency or trade are choir boys. Terrell Owens and Brandon Marshall have had just as bad if not worse issues during their career. While usually I trust the Steelers decision making, especially when it comes to the draft, I am really left questioning this deal. It’s doubtful they could find any receiver that can match Holmes’ production next season, when the Steelers should be a Super Bowl contender. And if they try to add a receiver to just pick up part of the slack, they will have to spend a higher draft pick then they should, creating a weakness on another area of the team.

The Jets on the other hand are going all in in 2010. Both of their starting receivers will be free agents following this season, but they are both very good players and now headline a pretty good receiving corps. Now New York can use their top draft picks to make the league’s best defense even more dominate. This move may definitively move the Jets to the top of the AFC, depending on how the draft plays out for them. Holmes gives them a great play maker, who is a perfect compliment to the taller Braylon Edwards. The two of which should cause significant match up issues for opposing defenses. Holmes also is a great safety net for rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. Holmes was fantastic in Pittsburgh in coming back to the ball when the play broke down and Roethlisberger was on the run. He should quickly become the go-to-guy in New York (well after the suspension is up) and a favorite of Mark Sanchez.

I credit the Jets in putting Mark Sanchez in the best possible position to succeed (except of course for throwing him into the deep end last season, by starting him from day one). Now though with the additions of Edwards and Holmes, to go along with Cotchery and Keller and the leagues best running game and offensive line, Sanchez has all the tools to take the Jets to the Super Bowl. At this point though there are no more excuses for Mark Sanchez to be anything but a top notch quarterback. The Holmes move (as well as freeing up their draft picks) is the final move on paper to take the Jets to the next level. Even if they don’t end up winning the Super Bowl, this was a fantastic bold move for New York, and one that shows their dedication to winning.