Steelers Offseason Outlook

I have had a few weeks to think back on the Steelers season, and now it's time to look at what the offseason shall bring.

Here is a list of the 21 Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) that the Steelers have this year:

Wide Receiver (3): Plaxico Burress, Jerricho Cotchery, Emmanuel Sanders

Running Backs (3): Jonathon Dwyer, Felix Jones, LaRod Stephens-Howling

Tight Ends (2): David Johnson, Michael Palmer

Offensive Linemen (3): Fernando Velasco, Cody Wallace, Guy Whimper

Defensive Linemen (3): Ziggy Hood, Brett Keisel, Al Woods

Linebackers (3): Stevenson Sylvester, Jamaal Westerman, Jason Worilds

Defensive Backs (2): Will Allen, Ryan Clark

Specialists (2): Matt McBriar, Greg Warren

The Steelers also have one Exclusive Rights Free Agent in offensive lineman Eric Olsen.

I would say their number one priority in free agency is resigning Jason Worilds who led the team in sacks last season with 8 sacks. The Steelers also spent a first round pick on Jarvis Jones, and I don't think they want him to sit on the sidelines for much longer. However, this leaves the Steelers in a pickle with another outside linebacker on the roster, LaMarr Woodley. They gave him a big contract a couple years ago, so I think it's a bit of a cap hit to cut him. But he's been hurt the last few years and hasn't had double digit sacks since 2010. So if the Steelers resign Worilds, they may be cutting bait with Woodley.

Other free agents I would like to see them keep:

Jerricho Cotchery, WR - He's Hines Ward Lite...he makes a lot of catches, including the tough ones. If you hit him, he gets back up and makes a big catch. He's great out of the slot. He may not be fast, but he runs precise routes and catches the ball when it's thrown his way. He's reliable, and that's what you need in a receiver more than anything.

Jonathon Dwyer, RB - He's not going to start unless Le'Veon Bell is hurt. However he'll get you some tough yards and is a great change-of-pace backup for Bell. The Steelers cut him in training camp last year and then resigned him when they couldn't muster a running game while Bell was hurt to start the season. I think the Steelers would like to bring him back in the role he played behind Bell this year.

Fernando Velasco, OL - He played very well at center with Maurkice Pouncey getting put on IR in the first game of the year. He's be a great backup to the oft-injured Pouncey and could probably start at guard over Foster. He also played under our new offensive line coach Mike Munchack, so he would help the offensive line adjust to what Munchack wants them to do.

Guy Whimper, OL - The guy isn't the best tackle in the NFL, but he played pretty damn well last season when called upon. Even if he's just there for depth, I like him and would like to see the Steelers bring him back.

Brett Keisel, DL - I would love for them to bring The Beard back for at least one more year. He's like a coach on the field, and even if he's not a starter anymore he's still a damn good player who can help keep legs fresh in the trenches. He should never wear another uniform.

I think those are the guys the Steelers need to bring back most of all.

Now you may be wondering about first round pick Ziggy Hood. He hasn't been all that impressive. With the Steelers always being up against the cap, and Hood losing his starting job to Heyward who is a stud at DE for us, I think the Steelers let Hood test free agency. They want to see what he's offered before making an offer. I think they have a number in mind that they're willing to pay him, but they want to see if they could either get him for less...or if a team wants to overpay for him, and then get the comp pick for him instead.

The Steelers don't make splash signings in free agency. However, they need to fill some holes on defense. They haven't had a pocket collapsing, run stopping NT since Casey Hampton wasn't resigned. The NT is the lynchpin of the Steeler's 3-4 defense. We need a guy who other teams have to often double team. This way the offensive line is dealing with our three defensive linemen allowing our linebackers to make the "splash plays."

I think the Steelers might look at B.J. Raji of the Packers, Paul Soliai of the Dolphins, and maybe another guy or two. Soliai probably will be too expensive, and might end up back with the 'Phins. I think the Packers are going to let Raji test free agency. If he isn't signed in that first wave, or if he's not getting super big offers (which I don't think he will), the Steelers may kick the tires on him. He's shown that he could be that kind of NT, and maybe he just needs that change of scenery. But the Steelers aren't going to overpay for the guy.

If they don't get a NT who can start in free agenct, and they likely won't, look at the draft.

I have seen mock drafts where they take a nose tackle, wide receiver, corner, and safety at this pick.

Ike Taylor is getting old and didn't play so great last season, if he doesn't take a pay cut this year he may find himself cut. Even if they keep him, they need a corner for the future. The Steelers let Keenan Lewis walk and become a Saint, which might have happened no matter what because that's his hometown team.

It's likely the Steelers will go into the season with Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen as the starting corners. William Gay is a fourth corner at best, in my opinion. I don't think they have a future starter on the roster after Cortez, so the Steelers will be looking to upgrade this position. The Steelers have had luck developing later round corners into starters such as Taylor, Lewis, and Allen. So there's no guarantee the Steelers go this rout in the first two rounds.

I have also seen the Steelers tied to a wide receiver in some mock drafts. GM Kevin Colbert said that the Steelers need to build around Ben Roethlisberger...and it's about time they see that! Ben has wanted a tall receiver since Plaxico Burress left after his rookie season. Plax did return, but didn't play much and then got hurt. He won't be back this season.

I've seen the Steelers linked to players such as the former USC playmaker Marqise Lee, and Florida State National Championship game hero Kelvin Benjamin. Either player I think would be welcomed by Roethlisberger as a play maker in the passing game. If they don't go WR in the first round, they'll likely go there in the second.

Safety is another need. Troy Polamalu plans to play out his contract and then retire, which means he wants to play this year. He played well last season for the first time in a while because of injuries. But even if he plays and plays well all season, who's playing across from him? I don't think the Steelers want to bring back Ryan Clark who played poorly last season. I don't think they want to start Shamarko Thomas across from Polamalu because he was drafted to be the eventual replacement. They've been linked to a few safeties with some ball skills. Calvin Pryor of Louisville is one of those safeties, and not only can he hold his own in coverage the guy hits like a sledgehammer, something the Steelers covet in their defensive backfield. Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is another guy who the Steelers would love if he's there.

And like I said before, the Steelers could go and get that lynchpin of the defense in nose tackle. I have seen them linked to Louis Nix of Notre Dame if he's there.

What will be the hardest thing for me to do in the coming days is work on my next blog, a full first round mock draft. I like all these players for the Steelers, and more than one should be available at 15th overall.

Well that's my offseason outlook for the Steelers! Keep an eye out for my first full first round mock draft!

Steelers Draft Review

Yesterday evening wrapped up the 2013 NFL Draft, and the Steelers did a pretty damn good job, in my opinion. I would give them an A because they got some good players that can contribute right away, even if just on special teams, and guys that can start down the road.

First Round, 17th Overall
Jarvis Jones - OLB/Georgia

Jarvis Jones was drafted as the replacement for the released (and recently signed by the Cincinnati Bengals) James Harrison. Jones should compete immediately with Jason Worilds to start at the right outside linebacker spot for the Steelers aggressive 3-4 defense.

Now following the pick, there was a lot of negative reaction on Twitter about the pick. People are saying that by taking Jones here, it wastes the second rounder that was used a few years ago on Worilds. That he never got a fair shake and now Jones is going to be pushed into the spot sooner rather than later to justify the first round pick.

Here's the thing: Worilds has not impressed the Steelers coaching staff or front office with his play since being drafted. In three years he has a total of 42 games played, 81 tackles, and 10 sacks. Yes he had 5 sacks last year, but they were against the following teams: Denver (1), Philadelphia (1), Tennessee (1), Cleveland (2). Four of the five were against teams that didn't make the playoffs, and those three teams all picked in the top 10 in the draft. And a sack against Peyton Manning doesn't mean much these days because he normally folds like a piece of paper to avoid a big hit. They've seen him in practice, in games, and watched all the video from both. They know what they have in Jason Worilds.

Worilds will get the chance to compete for a starting job in training camp. We had a bit of the same situation in 2007 when the Steelers drafted Lawrence Timmons. People didn't like the pick and felt that James Harrison wouldn't get a fair shot to win the OLB job. Harrison went on to become one of the best linebackers the Steelers have had, and Timmons moved to the inside where he has excelled. If Worilds looks like the better player in minicamps, OTA's, and training camp...then he will win the job. Rookies don't often start for the Steelers, they have to be special players to do so.

But if Jones shows to be the better option at OLB, he will start. If Worilds wins the job in training camp but isn't getting the job done in regular season games, Jones will get playing time. This team went 8-8 last year when the team expected to be in the playoffs. They will play the best players at their positions, regardless of draft status or time in the league.

This also serves as a heads up to LaMarr Woodley who had a down year last year. If Worilds proves he can play well, Woodley could become a cap casualty in a season or two if he doesn't regain his form. Some believe that part of the reason he was so good is because so much attention was paid to Harrison over the years, and once his play declined teams focused on Woodley. I think that's true, but only a little bit. I think injuries had more to do with Woodley's decline in play than anything. However, if we get a stud pass rusher across from him again, that should be a big help.

Second Round, 48th Overall
Le'Veon Bell, RB/Michigan State

Last season, the Steelers didn't have a feature back. They had a stable of backs who all had good qualities, but none had the complete package looked for in a feature back. Bell however, can step in from day one and be the feature back. Last season he ran 382 times for 1,793 yards averaging 4.7 YPC, and 12 touchdowns. In his Spartans career he totaled 671 yards for 3,308 yards averaging 5.1 YPC, and 33 touchdowns. He also caught 78 passes 542 yards and 1 TD in his college career.

Bell is 6'2" and 244 Lbs., so he has the size to take the beating that NFL defenses hand out. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and he's athletic. I don't expect him to go down easily and he's going to hit the holes hard, unlike a former Steelers first round pick at the same position.

Third Round, 79th Overall
Markus Wheaton, WR/Oregon State

Wheaton is a smallish receiver with some good speed delivering a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Combine. The Steelers lost speedster Mike Wallace in free agency, and they drafted Wheaton to help blow the top off of defenses. The Oregon State product was used on sweeps quite a few times in his college career. His production only went up every year, peaking last season with 91 receptions, 1,244 yards, and 11 touchdowns.

He won't win a starting job in his rookie season, but he's an insurance policy if Emmanuel Sanders leaves in free agency. Look for him to be the third or fourth receiver on this team, taking advantage of his speed in the slot.

Fourth Round, 111th Overall
Shamarko Thomas, S/Syracuse

Thomas is a heavy hitting safety who will probably play special teams mostly as a rookie, but could start if there's an injury to either Troy Polamalu or Ryan Clark, but he will probably be listed as the main backup the Polamalu on the depth chart. He may be a starter as soon as next year if Ryan Clark is not re-signed with his contract expires. Sitting behind two Pro Bowl safeties, one a future Hall of Famer, should do nothing but help him get better as he prepares for what should be mostly a career as a starter in the NFL.

Fourth Round, 115th Overall
Landry Jones, QB/Oklahoma

Landry Jones took over for first overall pick Sam Bradford in 2008 when he got injured, and had a good career for the Sooners throwing 30+ touchdowns twice. This is a pick for the future, as the Steelers need to get younger at quarterback and find a player they can groom as a solid #2 quarterback at worst, and at best the eventual successor to Ben Roethlisberger. Jones can be groomed to be that successor, but I will be happy with a solid immediate backup out of a fourth round pick.

Fifth Round, 150th Overall
Terry Hawthorne, CB/Illinois

Terry Hawthorne is a physical corner who can support the run, and has the speed to match up with the other team's top receiver. However, the injury bug got him a few times in college, so his durability is in question.

Maybe the heir to Ike Taylor? He reminds me of Ike Taylor somewhat, and being a fifth round pick he should play a lot on special teams. He'll be behind a few guys on the depth chart, but could become a very solid starter down the like like Ike Taylor himself was.

Sixth Round, 186th Overall
Justin Brown, WR/Oklahoma

I can't find much info on Brown, to be honest. I don't know much about him. However, at 6'3" and 213 Lbs. he's a bigger receiver who could become an asset in the redzone with his size. Look for the Steelers to develop him, as he could eventually become a third receiver.

Sixth Round, 206th Overall
Vince Williams, LB/Florida State

Williams looks to be an inside linebacker prospect for the Steelers, who have some need there with Sean Spence recovering from a bad knee injury in last year's preseason. Williams will add depth to the inside linebacker corps where there isn't a lot of experience behind Foote and fellow Florida State prospect Timmons. If Williams makes the team, I expect him to be almost strictly a special teams player.

Seventh Round, 223rd Overall
Nicholas Williams, DT/Samford

Williams is coming out of small Samford, where at his size I expect him to be a backup NT in the Steelers 3-4 defense. There isn't much behind Steve McLendon and nobody knows if Casey Hampton will eventually be resigned, especially after the contract just given to McLendon.

Steelers 7 Round Mock Draft

Thursday night is the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, one of the most exciting times in the offseason for the National Football League.

The Steelers biggest needs in this draft are: outside linebacker, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and quarterback.

SteelerS GM Kevin Colbert says that the Steelers are looking at this draft like they do any other draft. They don't expect any rookies to come in and make a huge impact right away. That doesn't mean it can't or won't happen, just that it isn't expected. And don't expect a trade up, Colbert isn't looking to do it.

So here it is, my seven-round Steelers mock draft!

1st round, 17th overall
Bjoern Werner, DE-OLB/Florida State - The Steelers cut former Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison this offseason after he refused to take a pay cut. I don't think that they are comfortable going into the season with Jason Worilds as their main option at rush outside linebacker. Werner is a player who can possibly start right away of Worilds is his main competition for the position. The only way Worilds can keep the starting job is to show what he has yet to show, an uncanny ability to get to the quarterback. If he's not getting it done, Werner will get a chance to play, much like LaMarr Woodley in his rookie season.

2nd Round, 16th pick, 48th overall
Justin Hunter, WR/Tennessee - The Steelers lost wide receiver Mike Wallace in free agency, and honestly I don't think they wanted him back. The Steelers have had luck with receivers outside of the first round in recent years with Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders. Hunter has blazing speed, running a 4.44 second 40-yard dash while considered still not 100% from a knee injury. If he's still available when the Steelers pick in the second round, expect them to take Hunter to bring even more speed to the offense.

3rd Round, 17th pick, 79th overall
Phillip Thomas, S/Fresno State - Troy Polamalu can't keep healthy for a full season and Ryan Clark is in his 30's and entering the final year of his contract. The Steelers need to get younger at the safety position and giving Thomas a year to sit behind and learn from two of the best in the league is a very good idea for the Steelers.

4th Round, 18th pick, 115h overall
A.J. Klein, ILB/Iowa State - The Steelers are in need for help and depth at inside linebacker. They resigned Larry Foote to a deal that is very cap friendly, but he's aging and many believe he's a borderline starter. Sean Spence suffered a horrible knee injury and may never be the same again, some believe he may never play again. Stevenson Sylvester has never really been given the chance to start, but if the Steelers felt he was the future at ILB next to Lawrence Timmons, they likely wouldn't have resigned Foote. Klein had a very productive career at Iowa State and would be an excellent pick here for the Steelers if available/

5th round, 17th pick, 150th overall
Zac Dysert, QB/Miami (OH) - In 2004, the Steelers selected a quarterback out of small MAC school Miami of Ohio, Ben Roethlisberger. He's won two Super Bowls and is considered by many to be a future Hall of Fame quarterback. Can lightning strike twice? The Steelers have the often injured Roethlisberger as the starter, as it should be. The Steelers don't have much behind him, so taking the accurate Dysert would make sense here to groom as the immediate backup and possibly the eventual replacement when Roethlisberger eventually retires.

6th Round, 18th pick, 186th overall
Johnny Adams, CB/Michigan State - The Steelers lost Keenan Lewis to the Saints in free agency. They could very well take Adams who is fast but needs to develop and see what they can get out of him. At worst, they have a guy who can play special teams

6th Round, 38th pick, 206th overall
Brandon Moore, DT/Texas - The Steelers need more depth on the defensive line. He could play nose tackle and backup Steve McLendon. The Steelers cut Ta'amu and it looks like they won't be resigning Casey Hampton. There's very little depth at this position and this will be McLendon's first chance to get significant playing time. Moore could also double as depth to the defensive end position.

7th round, 17th pick, 223rd overall
Onterio McCalebb, RB/Auburn - The Steelers still aren't quite sure what they have at running back. Dwyer, Redman, and Batch all have their qualities...and they all put the ball on the ground in a game against the Browns last season. Pittsburgh let former first round pick Rashard Mendenhall walk as a free agent and cut Chris Rainey after a domestic violence incident. McCalebb is a very fast but undersized back, much like Rainey. At worst, he brings depth to the kick and punt return units.

My first 2012 Mock Draft

The Super Bowl is over, congrats to the New York Giants. I surely hope Eli Manning tying Big Ben with two Super Bowl rings will light a fire under his ass to get him not just back to the big game, but up on the podium afterwards raising the Lombardi Trophy for the third time in his career.

Now that the season is over, it's time to focus on free agency and the draft. The Steelers almost never make a big splash in free agency other than to sign their own free agents, so I am going to focus more on the draft. So here I am giving you my first round mock for the 2012 NFL Draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford - Colt's Owner Jim Isray fired the Polians and the entire coaching staff after the Colts won just two games the entire season. They are going to rebuild, and they are going to take the quarterback that many say is the best QB prospect since John Elway. The NFL is a quarterback driven league now, and the Colts are going to get who they think is the next great NFL quarterback to replace Peyton Manning who I expect them to trade or release in the very near future.
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State - Now this is a pick that I think will be traded. It's almost a certainty that the Luck will be gone to the Colts. The next best quarterback prospect in this draft is Baylor's Robert Griffin III. Now I don't predict the trades in my mock drafts because anything can keep them from happening, but if one high pick is going to be traded, it would be this one. The Rams have former first overall pick Sam Bradford at quarterback, but he has little to work with in offensive weapons. Blackmon is the best available receiver and while he may not be worth the #2 overall selection, I have him as the Rams pick. They can trade down a few spots and still get him, so that's why I feel this pick will likely be traded for Griffin III if they can find a suitable trade offer.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT USC - The Vikings need to stabilize their offensive line if they want last year's first round draft pick Christian Ponder, to succeed. His blind side needs protection, and Kalil is the best available tackle not only in the draft, but is likely better than any free agent at the position that is going to hit the market.
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama - Most people have the Browns trading up to take Robert Griffin III, or if they stand pat and stay at #4 that they would take him there if another team doesn't trade in front of them to take him. I think any interest they might have in Griffin III is a smokescreen. The Browns haven't had any luck taking a quarterback in the first round since they came back, Brady Quinn was a bust and Tim Couch couldn't stay healthy. The other issue with Griffin III is that he didn't take snaps under center and if the Browns are going to take a quarterback in the first round, they can't take a guy who needs to learn how to take snaps under center. Also, the quarterback doesn't have any weapons around him, and Griffin III isn't going to be able to make the Browns current receiving options look any better. Richardson isn't a receiver, but he is very good at catching balls out of the backfield, can motion out in a more spread formation as a receiver on short to intermediate routes, and is one hell of a runner. He would be a weapon for whoever the Browns have as a quarterback next season, and I think they try to sign Matt Flynn in free agency to fill the quarterback dilemma.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU - Aquib Talib might be going to jail. Even if he avoids jail time, he might get hit with a significant suspension for even being a suspect in a felony assault with a deadly weapon case. Their other starting cornerback, Ronde Barber, might be retiring this offseason. Even if Barber doesn't retire, he's lost a step or two and the Buccaneers could upgrade the position anyhow. 
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor - The Redskins are a candidate to trade up and take RGIII if they are afraid that Cleveland is going to take him by trading up or sitting pat and taking him at #4. But I think they can still get him by sticking at the #6 overall pick. Rex Grossman and John Beck are the two quarterbacks on the roster with any starting or NFL experience at all. If the Shannahan era is going to be a success, the Redskins need to find a quarterback that can take the team to the playoffs on a consistent basis.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa - Last year the Jaguars took Blaine Gabbert as their first round pick. He isn't surrounded by weapons, but the offensive line also lacks protection. It doesn't matter if you have Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens in their primes if the quarterback doesn't have time to make his reads and throw the ball. Last season the Jaguars had Guy Whimper at right tackle, and he was a sieve. His backup was an undrafted rookie, Cameron Bradfield. They could draft Reiff and put him at right tackle, or make him the left tackle and put Eugene Monroe, a former first round pick, at right tackle. Either way, Gabbert has better protection.
8. Miami Dolphins: Michael Brockers, DT LSU - The Dolphins are not an easy team to mock draft for. They need a quarterback so they might be in the running to move up and take Robert Griffin III, or trade back and try to snag Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M. I don't see them taking Tannehill at the #8 pick though, but you never know with owner Stephen Ross. Their new head coach, Joe Philbin, wants to switch Miami's defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3. They need more bodies along the defensive line to do so, therefore Brockers fits here.
9. Carolina Panthers: Devon Still, DT Penn State - The Panthers have two big needs on defense, defensive tackle and cornerback. I would say their bigger need is corner, but the next best CB is Janoris Jenkins, and his character concerns I feel will keep him out of the top ten, possibly the top fifteen. So the next best pick for the Panthers if they go defense is Devon Still, who fills their other biggest defensive need. Jenkins is still a possibility, and if they can trade back into the mid-to-late teens they might do so and take Jenkins there.
10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina - The current Bills front office is good a telegraphing their draft picks, they talked about taking a running back in 2010 and then took C.J. Spiller. This year, Head Coach Chan Gailey has complained about not being able to get a pass rush. They didn't have a player finish the 2011 season with more than 5.5 sacks this season. Ingram isn't the prototypical defensive end with his height and arm length, but he has tremendous explosion off the line of scrimmage and has a great motor. The Bills and wide receiver Stevie Johnson are reportedly "far apart" in contract negotiations, so wide receiver Michael Floyd of Notre Dame is also a possibility here.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford - The Chiefs current right tackle is Barry Richardson, and he isn't very good in pass protection. The Chiefs will likely be starting  Matt Cassel at quarterback, though they can resign Kyle Orton and let them battle for the starting job in training camp.  No matter what the do at the quarterback position, the guy is going to need protection, so I think they go with Martin. Another possible pick on the offensive line would be Stanford's David DeCastro, a guard. One of their unrestricted free agents is wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, so Michael Floyd or Baylor's Kendall Wright could be an option here also.
12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Couples, DE North Carolina: The Seahawks pass rush was weak last season, finishing in the bottom ten in sacks. They play in a division with two number one overall picks (San Francisco's Alex Smith and St. Louis' Sam Bradford). If they want to be in the mix for the division crown or a wild card spot in the near future, they need to get to the quarterback. Couples, while he lacked effort at times last season, has all the talent to be a premier rush end in the NFL. Pete Carroll believes that he can coach anyone up and that his rah-rah style will get anyone to play hard. 
13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, G Stanford - The Cardinals need to upgrade their offensive front. They are going to be paying big money to a quarterback (either Peyton Manning or Kevin Kolb) and he needs protected. They are also going to be a team that runs the ball a decent amount of the time with Beanie Wells, who is an inside runner so DeCastro helps in that regard also. This is rather high for a guard, but DeCastro is going to be a damn good interior offensive lineman that can pass protect and run block.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama: He has multiple arrests on his record, but since being kicked out of school at Florida he has seemed to clean up his act. Jerry Jones is willing to look past off the field discrepancies if you've got a lot of talent, and Jenkins has talent. The defensive backfield in Dallas is a complete mess and needs multiple upgrades. Mike Jenkins was awful last season and Terrance Newman isn't the player he once was. While Mike Jenkins might get a mulligan seeing how he's a recent first round pick, Newman might be gone this offseason.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, MLB Boston College: Last year, the "Dream Team" was more of a nightmare. A big part of their defensive problem was that their linebackers couldn't stop a nosebleed most of the season. Kuechly would fix part of that problem at the middle linebacker position. If the Eagles sign Stephen Tulloch in free agency, I see them taking Kendall Wright or Michael Floyd here to replace DeSean Jackson who they will either let walk in free agency or franchise tag and then trade, either way I don't see Jacskon on the Eagles next season.
16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB Alabama - The Jets need to upgrade their pass rush, and the MVP of the BCS National Championship Game already knows the 3-4 defense since that's what Alabama runs. Bringing him in doesn't only bring a very good pass rusher to the Jets so they don't have to constantly blitz to get pressure, he's also strong against the run. 
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama - The second straight Alabama player taken, he fills a need for the Bengals. Nate Clements was inconsistent and is a free agent after the 2012 season anyhow. Leon Hall tore his Achilles and isn't going to be ready to start the 2012 season, and it's not clear when he might finally be able to take the field and how effective he will be this season. Kirkpatrick's marijuana possession charges have been dropped, but the Bengals wouldn't worry about that anyhow, character concerns aren't a big deal in Cincinnati.
18. San Diego Chargers: Mark Barron, SS Alabama - Yes, another member of the Crimson Tide to make it three straight. Barron fills a need for a secondary that needs some help. They rolled the dice on Bob Sanders last season, and as sure as the sun rises in the east, Sanders ended up on injured reserve. He is also an unrestricted free agent and likely won't be resigned. Barron is the best safety in the draft and should be the pick here for the Chargers.
19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame - The Bears don't really have that go-to guy at wide receiver. They tried Roy Williams last season and he didn't really work out all that great. He's a free agent and probably won't be coming back to da Bears. Jay Cutler was at his best when he had Brandon Marshall to throw to in Denver. The Bears will likely be franchising running back Matt Forte, and if they don't he might sign elsewhere, forcing them to become even more of a passing offense. To do that, Cutler needs that go-to receiver and Floyd can definitely be that.
20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE Illinois - The Titans play in a division with Peyton Manning (who is likely going to be traded or released and replaced with first overall pick Andrew Luck), Matt Schaub, and first round draft pick Blaine Gabbert. They need to bolster their pass rush and Mercilus fits the type of defensive end the Titans like. He's a very good pass rusher and should lead the team in sacks on an annual basis. Derrick Morgan looked bad last season and even if he turns out to be a good player, there still isn't anyone that good across from him. 
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB Miami - The Bengals are a team that likes to target specific positions per round, and running back is also a need. They took a corner with the pick they got from the Bengals, with their second pick I think they go offense. Cedric Benson is their current running back, but he's not the back he was in 2009, he has had fewer and fewer rushing yards from 2009 to 2011. He's about to hit the age of 30, and that's where running backs really seem to hit a wall. He's also never scored more than seven touchdowns in a season and doesn't seem to be able to break the long runs anymore. The past two seasons, he hasn't averaged 4.0 yards a carry. Miller would bring not only youth to the position, he is a threat to score every single time he touches the ball. Last season with Miami he had seven 100+ yard games and nine touchdowns. 
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Kendall Wright, WR Baylor - The Browns don't have any offensive weapons. Even if they take RGIII in the top four, he still doesn't have anyone to throw to. And if they don't take RGIII, then whoever ends up being their quarterback doesn't have anyone to throw to. SO Wright makes sense here no matter what they do with their first pick. If they don't take Wright, Mike Adams of Ohio State would be an option, they need a right tackle to help protect whoever their QB is.
23. Detroit Lions: Nick Perry, DE USC - Yes, the Lions for the third straight season take a defensive lineman in the first round. Their biggest need on offense is running back, and there isn't anyone worth taking at this juncture. They also play in a division with league MVP Aaron Rogers, Jay Cutler, and first round pick Christian Ponder in the division. Head Coach Jim Schwartz is a defensive minded head coach, and his defensive line loves to get to the quarterback and just wreak havoc. Cliff Avril doesn't want the franchise tag, and if they give it to him but still can't reach a long-term deal, they will be looking for his replacement next spring anyhow. Kyle Vanden Bosch is on the wrong side of 30 years old, and nobody knows how much longer he's going to play at a good level. 
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, G Georgia - The Steelers will likely be releasing Chris Kemoeatu this offseason for various reasons. The Steelers need to get under the salary cap and releasing Kemo would save them around $3.5M...not to mention he was benched twice last season and is a complete bonehead. He's good for at least three stupid penalties a game, either holding when there was no reason to, a false start at the worst possible time, or an unnecessary roughness penalty. The Steelers need to protect Ben Roethlisberger, and Glenn can also blow open holes in the run game for Isaac "Redzone" Redman who will be the starting running back with Rashard Mendenhall tearing his ACL in the season finale against the Cleveland Browns. It's unknown when Mendenhall would be able to play next season nor how effective he would be when he comes back. Another route the Steelers could go, especially if Glenn isn't there for some reason is Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who played in the 3-4 in college and fills a need with James Farrior losing probably two steps at 37 years old.
25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State - Brodrick Bunkley had a very good year as a run stuffer, but the second defensive tackle position left a lot to be desired. Worthy would be able to come in and be a big help on the defensive line. He didn't have great sack numbers in his career at Michigan State, but he was disruptive and got a lot of QB pressures, forcing the quarterback to pass before he wanted to. He also has a mean streak that could bring a violent mentality to the Denver defense. He's got the potential to be a very, very good defensive tackle with his athletic ability.
26. Houston Texans: Mohamed Sanu, WR Rutgers - The Texans are likely to resign running back Arian Foster, and allow outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams walk in free agency. Last season, Andre Johnson missed a good chunk of time with a hamstring injury and they don't have much across from him anyhow. I think the Texans take Sanu, who could come in and take the #2 receiver spot in training camp, and gives their offense an even better passing game...and opens things up even more for Arian Foster and the running game. 
27. New England (from New Orleans): Fletcher Cox, DT Mississippi State - The Patriots had the worst defense in the league last season. The Albert Haynesworth experiment was a waste of time, but it seems that the Patriots are sticking with the 4-3 as their base defense. Even if they switch back to the 3-4, Cox can play defensive end in that system. Put him next to Vince Wilfork and the Patriots will have a strong interior defensive line that can stuff the run and cause some havoc for the quarterback.
28. Green Bay Packers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB Nebraska - The Packers defense didn't have nearly as good of a year this season as they did in their 2010 Super Bowl Championship season. They weren't awful, but the offense really carried the team during the regular season.Their best corner is Charles Woodson who is just an absolute beast, however he is 35 years old and nobody knows how long he can play at this high level. Tramon Williams plays across from him and is a good corner, but behind him would be Sam Shields who might not be starter quality. Drafting Dennard would give the Packers insurance if they lose either Woodson or Williams to injury, and he would become a starter when Woodson's play falls off. 
29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama - I hate this pick for the Ravens, not because Hightower isn't a very good player, but because he'd be going to the Baltumore Ravens. Ray Lewis is still playing at a high level, but nobody knows when his career is going to drop off, he's going to be 37 when the season starts and the drop off could be sudden. Even if Lewis plays very well for another couple of seasons, Hightower can step in immediately at the other ILB spot and be a force while also being tutored by Lewis who is a future Hall of Famer. 
30. San Francisco 49ers: Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina - The 49ers narrowly missed the Super Bowl this season. Alex Smith should get a long-term contract to play quarterback for the 49ers this offseason. If he doesn't, then the 49ers would likely hand the reigns over to Colin Kaepernick. No matter who is playing quarterback for the 2012 49ers, they need more weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Michael Crabtree hasn't been all that impressive, their most consistent receiver has been their right end Vernon Davis. They released Braylon Edwards during the season after he spent most of his time on the team with a knee injury. Ted Ginn, Jr. isn't even a #2 receiver, and is a free agent that might not be retained. The other options for the #2 receiver role aren't all that impressive either. Jeffery could step in and start this season, he's a big body for the QB to target and would give another dimension to their passing offense. Rumor however, has it that he's ballooned up and is running a 40-yard dash time of around 4.8 seconds...so if that's true he won't be picked until sometime in the second round by someone. But until I see his numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine, I will keep him here at the end of the first round.
31. New England Patriots: Vinny Curry, DE/OLB Marshall - New England is still going to be focusing on defense with this pick, and they need someone who can rush the passer. Curry cannot only play a rush DE in the 4-3, but he can also play rush OLB in the 3-4 and the Patriots still run a hybrid defense though the 4-3 has become their base defense. Curry fits the need at both positions though, so he saves them a roster spot. Bellichick could also trade this pick to move back a few spots into the second round and still take Curry there.
32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE Clemson - Jerry Reese's philosophy has normally been to take the best player available, and Allen would fit that description and also is a need. Jake Ballard played well last season, but he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl and nobody knows when he will play in 2012, if at all. Allen would fit well with the Giants offense and Ballard could have been upgraded anyhow and would still be a good option in two tight end sets.

Comments? Agree? Disagree? Feel free to post in the comment section and let me know what you think.