Hines Ward - Forever a Steeler

Today is March, 20 2012. Today is also the day that Hines Ward called it a career. 

“Today I came back to Pittsburgh to grant Steelers Nation its one last request. Today, I am officially retiring as a Pittsburgh Steeler.” - Hines Ward

Just a few short weeks ago, Hines Ward was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He said that he got some interest from other teams, but never seriously spoke with any because it just would not be the same as playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And I agree, it wouldn't be the same to see him wearing #86 in different colors that the Steelers' Black & Gold.

In the back of the room were former teammates James Harrison, Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, and Jerome Bettis. In 2005, after the Steelers lost the AFC Championship Game, a teary eyed Ward spoke to the media expressing his hopes that Jerome Bettis would not retire but come back for one final go-around for a chance to win that elusive Super Bowl ring. Bettis indeed came back, and the Steelers won Super Bowl XL. Hines Ward won Super Bowl MVP.

Hines Ward was the 14th wide receiver taken in the 1998 NFL Rookie Draft. The Steelers chose Georgia's jack-of-all-trades wide receiver in the third round, the 98th overall pick. He ended his career as the Steelers leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083), and receiving touchdowns (85). Not bad for a third round pick that played quarterback, running back, and wide receiver in college.

He was also a vicious blocker he laid out other team's players if given the chance. The NFL instituted a rule on blindside blocks that was nicknamed the "Hines Ward Rule" because of a blindside block he laid on Bengal's linebacker Keith Rivers that left him with a broken jaw. In a 2008 game against the Ravens, there was supposedly a bounty on his head by Baltimore players to take him out of the game. This was due to the blocks Ward had laid on their players in the past. It's safe to say that if you're head wasn't on a swivel, Ward would make sure to try to knock your head off.

He also wasn't what has become your typical diva wide receiver. He came to work every day to play hard and tough. He played with the mentality of a linebacker. I don't ever remember him complaining about not getting enough touches like some other receivers. Ward also played most of his career in a run-oriented offense.

In the end, Hines Ward was the epitome of what it meant to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. And now, he can say he will always be remembered as one. It can be said that he played for just one team his entire career, and that's something that is rarely said about players these days. Steelers Nation loves Hines Ward, and he loves us back. It's a unique bond that Steelers players have with the fans. And now we can say that the relationship was never broken.

I can't wait to be sitting on the field in Canton, OH in a few years as Hines Ward is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, wearing my black #86 jersey and waving my yellow Terrible Towel.

Hines Ward, forever a Steeler.

With the receiver signings in FA, what about Mike Wallace?

There has been a lot of movement with contracts for wide receivers the past couple of days since the league year opened.

• Desean Jackson, Eagles: 5-years, $48.5M
• Pierre Garcon, Redskins: 5 years, $42.5M
• Josh Morgan, Redskins: 2-years, $12M approx.
• Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers: 5-years, $56M ($26M guaranteed)
• Calvin Johnson, Lions: 8-years, $130.5M ($53M guaranteed)

That is a lot of money for players that don't touch the football every single play. Calvin Johnson received franchise quarterback money, but in my opinion, he has earned it with his play and professionalism.

So this is going to set the market for biggest Steelers' Restricted Free Agent, Mike Wallace.

Wallace is better than Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Josh Morgan. He's not quite at Vincent Jackson's level and the only other receiver in the league near Calvin Johnson's level would be Larry Fitzgerald. He is much better than Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Josh Morgan.

So I would say that he's going to want more money than what Desean Jackson received, but he's going to get less than Vincent Jackson. I would say he's looking for a contract in the range of 5-years and $52-54M.

Right now, the only offer Mike Wallace has received is the Steelers' first round tender. Any team can offer him a contract tender, and the Steelers would have five days to match it. If they do, he stays a Steeler. If the Steelers choose to not match the offer, they would receive the first round pick of the team that signs him as compensation because they gave him the highest tender possible. Also, he is only on the market for two weeks and if nobody offers him a tender in those two weeks he goes back to the Steelers on the one-year tender he received from them.

For another team's tender to mean anything, Wallace must sign it. If he doesn't, the Steelers don't have to match it. He could take the numbers to the Steelers and they could use those numbers to work out a long-term deal with Wallace. This is one thing I feel the Steelers have asked him to do before signing any tender from another team, this way they can load the money in a way that cap friendly to them instead of possibly letting him walk on a front-loaded deal that they can't match due to the salary cap.

At the moment, no news is good news on the Wallace front. With all this action, the price might be too high for other team's to give up. A big money contract and giving up their first round draft pick? That's a lot to give up for one player, especially a guy that was a third round draft pick a few years ago. Why give up the boatload of cash and first rounder when we can find our own Mike Wallace in the draft? Or possibly even better, our own Antonio Brown even later?

The longer teams wait to give him a tendered offer, the longer the Steelers can negotiate with him and sign him long-term without another team being in the mix. But the second another team does offer him something, if anyone does, all bets are off.

Either way, the Steelers are in a win-win situation. They either keep Mike Wallace for at least one more season with exclusive negotiation rights to keep him long-term....or they lose Wallace and get a first round pick in this year's draft to use for any player they want, upgrade anywhere that they want.

Here we go Steelers, here we go!

New Mock Draft- Trade Up Edition

The Washington Redskins gave up a king's ransom to trade up to the #2 overall pick to select whichever quarterback the Indianapolis Colts do not take. So with this move, it shakes up the draft a whole lot. Not to mention teams have been making cuts to get under the salary cap and player rankings have changed since the combine. So here is my latest prediction on the 2012 NFL Rookie Draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford - With all that's been talked about Robert Griffin III, some people have forgotten about the Stanford quarterback. I still think the Colts are going to go with Luck because most thing he is the most impressive quarterback prospect since another Stanford signal caller, John Elway. The Colts just let go of future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, I think they are going to take Luck who's game is a lot like Manning's. He's the traditional pocket quarterback, but he can move around too and pick up a first down with his feet if he needs to. 
2. Washington Redskins (from Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor - The Redskins gave up their 2012 first and second round picks, 2013 first round pick, and 2014 first round pick to the Rams to obtain the second overall pick in this draft. You don't give up a haul like that to select a running back or wide receiver. With Luck off the board, the only option here for the Redskins is RGIII. He can run, he's very accurate (in the pocket and on the run), and he has a rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder instead of an arm. He is the player Mike Shannahan needs the most to turn the Redskins around from NFC East cellar dweller into a playoff and hopefully Super Bowl team.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT Southern California - The Vikings took Christian Ponder in the first round last year. He needs to be protected, and the only smart pick for them to make is the offensive tackle out of Southern Cal. He will not only protect Ponder's blind side, he will be a good run blocker for Adrian Peterson (when he returns from his knee injury) and Toby Gerhart.
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU - Yes, I had the Browns taking Trent Richardson in my last mock draft, but I have since changed my mind on that. The Browns defense is further along than their offense, but it seems that the Pat Shurmer version of the West Coast Offense isn't big on running the football more than 14 times a game very often, so taking a RB here doesn't fit. Yes they could take Justin Blackmon, but I don't think he fits the version of wideout that they want. Claiborne is the best pick here, giving the Browns potentially two shut down cornerbacks if Claiborne works out. With the NFL becoming more and more of a passing league, the need for top defensive backs is going to be high. 
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama - I had the Redskins taking Morris Claiborne with this pick in my first mock draft, but in this version he's gone to the Browns. If the Browns end up not taking him, then I still have the Pewter Pirates taking him. However, for this mock draft I have them taking Richardson. Yes, LeGarrete Blount is a very powerful runner...but he doesn't understand blocking schemes and he has a high fumble rate. Richardson is a weapon that can be used in run and pass situations because he understands blocking schemes and can catch the ball out of the backfield. While running back isn't their biggest need, there really isn't a player here that fits at this pick for the Buccaneers.
6. St. Louis Rams (from the Redskins): Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State - The Rams got a ton from the Redskins to move back and likely still get the player that they covet the most. Blackmon is by far the best receiving prospect in the draft, but wasn't worthy of the #2 overall pick and the Rams didn't need a quarterback. Now their big money franchise quarterback finally has a real weapon at wide receiver. A guy that can go up and fight for the football, a guy who can get open underneath and then take the ball to the house. Sam Bradford to Justin Blackmon is going to be just about as exciting for Rams fans as Kurt Warner to Torry Holt was. Plus all the extra picks from the Redskins...as long as they draft right the Rams should be a playoff team in a season or two.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa - Last year the Jaguars took Blaine Gabbert in the first round, but very little protection in front of him. Right tackle Guy Whimper (horrible name for a football player, perfect for a male synchronized swimmer) played much like his namesake....he just wasn't good. He is a free agent and his current immediate backup is a guy who was an undrafted free agent last year, Cameron Bradfield. If they want Gabbert to be a success, they need to protect him. Reiff should be the only option as long as he is still on the board. 
8. Miami Dolphins: Michael Brockers, DT LSU - I still have the Dolphins taking Brockers. Their new head coach wants to take the Dolphins to a 4-3 defense and he needs more bodies along the defensive line. Him and Paul Soliai should be a formidable DT tandem to help stuff the run. If they don't take Brockers, they may opt for Stanford's Jonathon Martin to bookend the line at RT and protect whoever ends up being the Miami quarterback. A lot of people are mocking Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill here in case the 'Phins don't get Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn. Even if they don't get either of those quarterbacks, I don't think they take Tannehill out of desperation/
9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT Memphis - I have him as the second best defensive tackle in the draft, and the Panthers need a defensive tackle. They took two in the third round last year, Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. Fua played well for a rookie, but McClain was horrible against the run. With Poe dominating his blocker, you can rotate the two players they took in the third round beside him depending on the situation. Another choice here could be the player I put here in my first mock draft, Penn State DT Devon Still if they feel he is a better fit for what they want to do on defense. They do need a CB, but I don't think they take Janoris Jenkins this high, but could trade back and target him if they get a good offer.
10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina - Some sites have him pegged as an outside linebacker, but I think he can play defensive end in a 4-3 defense. The Bills have telegraphed their picks in the past with this current staff, and they have been complaining about the lack of a pass rush. They play in a division with former NFL MVP Tom Brady of the Patriots, former first round pick Mark Sanchez of the Jets, and they might possibly be getting Peyton Manning in the division if the Dolphins can convince him to bring his talents to South Beach. They need to get to the quarterback. If they don't take Ingram or another DE prospect with this pick, I think they go with a wide receiver to help out Ryan Fitzpatrick who they gave a big contract to last season.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathon Martin, OT Stanford - Todd Hailey waived Jared Gaither last season and now the Chiefs don't have a right tackle. They also need protection in case they are unable to resign LT Brandon Albert. If the Chiefs are going to come anywhere close to winning the AFC West in 2012, they need to protect Matt Cassel and open holes for Jamaal Charles. I really don't see another option for the Chiefs if Martin falls to them. If he is not there, then I see them taking his college teammate David DeCastro to play guard. 
12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Couples, DE North Carolina - Another team that had a very weak pass rush last season, the Seahawks need to get to the quarterback. They play two first overall picks in Sam Bradford (Rams) and Alex Smith (49ers) twice a season each, and then could meet them again in the playoffs if the 'Hawks get there. This is the best available option for the Seahawks if they are looking for a pass rush defensive end. Another option would be Boston College middle linebacker Luke Keuechly because their middle linebacker is a free agent who was nothing special and Keuechly would be a run stopper at MLB, and the defending NFC West Champions San Francisco 49ers like to run the ball with Frank Gore.
13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG Stanford - The Cardinals are in the running for Peyton Manning, and even if they don't get him they still need to upgrade their offensive line. They have a good run game with Beanie Wells pounding the rock, and DeCastro would help him out along with protecting either Manning or Kevin Kolb. If he's on the board, there is no question in my mind that DeCastro is their pick.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama- Jenkins has seemed to clean up his act, but he was still kicked out of school by Florida. Jerry Jones doesn't care about character concerns and if it wasn't for the character concerns involved with Jenkins, he would likely be a top ten pick. The Cowboys have a bad defensive secondary and Jenkins would help sure that up some. Another option is Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Keuechly, MLB Boston College - One big problem the Eagles defense had last season was at linebacker, specifically middle linebacker. Teams ran at will on them. I know that Andy Reid doesn't like drafting linebackers high, but after last season he doesn't have much choice but to do so. If the Eagles want to become a playoff team again, they need to fix the middle of their defense.
16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB Alabama - The Jets have to blitz if they want to get a pass rush, and that leaves them vulnerable. Upshaw can help the situation by being for the Jets what James Harrison is to the Steelers. Also, Upshaw is also strong against the run so he can play all downs, he won't just be a pass rush specialist. I think he will be their pick since Rex Ryan is a defensive coach and will urge the Jets to make him their selection. Other options are Like Keuechly if he's there since they will likely be without Bart Scott next season if they can unload him in a trade (and if they can't trade him, they'll likely just cut him). They could also take a wide receiver here since they Plaxico Burress is going to be playing elsewhere and they don't have anyone across from Santonio Holmes. Also they can go with Alabama's SS Mark Barron with Jim Leonhard a free agent and coming off of a season ending injury.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Raiders) - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama - The Bengals do not care very much about character concerns, if at all. Kirkpatrick's marijuana possession charges have been dropped and if anything that would be what scares off the Bengals. Nate Clements is 32 years old and while he played okay last season, is in decline. The Bengals know they made a mistake when they let Johnathon Joseph walk away last offseason to the Texans. Top corner Leon Hall is coming off of an Achillies tendon injury and may not be ready to start the season on time. They need a corner if they want to stay a playoff contender, especially in the rough and tumble AFC North.
18. San Diego Chargers - Mark Barron, SS Alabama - The Chargers have a few needs including the offensive line. However they need a safety too. They signed Bob Sanders last offseason and to nobody's surprise he ended up on injured reserve and is now a free agent. I think they go defense, but it also wouldn't shock me if they took Georgia's guard/tackle Cordy Glenn to help the line.
19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame - The Bears have been trying to find a legitimate wide receiver for Jay Cutler. They have yet to find him, with last year's attempt being Roy Williams. Floyd is a big body much like Brandon Marshall was for Cutler in Denver. Getting Cutler a true #1 receiver would open up their offense a lot, which is needed if the Bears want to compete with the Packers and Lions for the NFC North. 
20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE Illinois - The Titans need to upgrade their pass rush. Derrick Morgan tore his ACL ending his rookie season in early October 2010 and then just looked bad last season. Their division is going to have Andrew Luck on the Colts, Matt Schaub on the Texans, and first round pick last year Blaine Gabbert at quarterback in the division, getting to the quarterback is important to win games. 
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT Georgia - I hate making this pick for the Bengals because I want him to fall to the Steelers. However, I think the Bengals snatch him up at this pick to help fortify the inside of their offensive line as they let their current LG, Nate Livings, walk away in free agency. Not only do they get younger on the line with Glenn, they also upgrade the talent at that position. Another option here for the Bengals would be Miami RB Lamar Miller, who I have them taking in my first mock draft. 
22. Cleveland Browns (from Falcons): Kendall Wright, WR Baylor - They didn't get the quarterback they wanted to possibly pair with his college teammate if they could have kept this pick in a trade with the Rams....but they still fix this huge hole on the offense. Now Colt McCoy (or Matt Flynn if they sign him, or Kevin Kolb if they make a trade for him) will have a true #1 receiver to throw to. Getting him would help with making the Browns receivers better as a whole with Greg Little having a legit guy across from him so he can be a #2 receiver and then Josh Cribbs in the slot.
23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina - Offense is not the problem for the Lions, they have an explosive offense. If they needed anything on offense, it's possibly a running back due to the fact that Jahvid Best is very injury prone, specifically with concussions. But they need help on defense, the side of the ball head coach Jim Schwartz coordinated in Tennessee with the Titans. Gilmore plays with very good awareness which make him dangerous to challenge. The offensive line is built to get after the quarterback in a division with Aaron Rogers and Jay Cutler...now they need defensive backs that can cover the wide receivers and take advantage of balls thrown under distress.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama - With the Steelers cutting James Farrior, they have a big hole next to Lawrence Timmons and Hightower looks like a guy who's destiny is to be a Pittsburgh Steelers. Hightower would likely start as a rookie in Pittsburgh's complex 3-4 defense, and he would likely excel. He played the same position in Alabama's 3-4 defense which finished as the top defense in every category last season. He would be another in  along lineage of linebackers, a strong Pittsburgh tradition.
25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT Mississippi State - Brodrick Bunkley was good as a run stuffer last season, but he is a free agent. Even if the Broncos resign him, they need another tackle alongside him. Cox would be that guy, giving the Broncos a side interior defensive line to help stop the run in a division with Jamaal Charles (Chiefs), Darren McFadden (Raiders), and Ryan Matthews (Chargers). 
26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech - The Texans might resign linebacker Mario Williams since they have signed RB Arian Foster to a long term deal. If they do this, then I think they'll want to get a receiver to team with Andre Johnson. When Johnson got hurt, they were left with Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter as their two starting wide receivers. Drafting Hill brings some insurance if Andre Johnson goes down with another injury, and brings a second big receiver to the starting offense for Schaub to target in the passing game.
27. New England Patriots (from Saints): Devon Still, DT Penn State - The New England Patriots offense isn't the problem, it's the defense that was the worst ranked in the AFC last season. The Patriots transitioned to a 4-3 base defense last season and had lined Albert Haynesworth up next to Vince Wilfork. Haynesworth was released by New England in November and claimed off of waivers by the Buccaneers who then released him after the season, he is currently a free agent. If the Patriots draft Still, they get another piece to fixing their defense and he can also move to DE when the Patriots use 3-4 fronts as the sometimes do.
28. Green Bay Packers: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin - The Packers starting center, Scott Wells, is a free agent and in his early thirties and is also a free agent. They may want to draft Konz and just let Wells walk in free agency, replacing him with a player that's going to be there for another decade plus, instead of having to worry about when  age catches up to Wells and having to find a replacement for him then. Even if they resign Wells, Konz can play guard and then take over at center when the times comes later on. 
29. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Adams, OT Ohio State - The Ravens signed Bryant McKinnie last offseason after he was cut by the Vikings. While McKinnie played very well for Baltimore, he's on the wrong side of thirty and has had problems maintaining his weight. Drafting Adams gives the Ravens insurance if McKinnie gets hurt or comes into camp out of shape, or if his play just falls off due to age. Adams would also be able to learn behind one of the best tackles of the past decade.
30. San Francisco 49ers- Rueben Randle, WR LSU - The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game based a lot on their defense and running game. However, the divisional round game against the Saints ended up being his coming out party. Many people think he needs one more target in the passing game, and then the 49ers will be ready for a Super Bowl, seeing how they lost the NFC Championship Game by a field goal. Randle is a big body who had an eye popping average of 18.1 yards per reception last season. This would put him opposite of former first round pick Michael Crabtree, who has been rather disappointing after being the tenth overall pick of the 2009 draft.
31. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE Southern California - The Patriots, as mentioned before, was one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. Perry would improve their pass rush, which will be needed if Peyton Manning ends up playing in Miami. Not only can he rush with his hand in the dirt at defensive end, he could also play some outside linebacker when they Patriots transition into a 3-4 look at times during games. 
32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE Clemson - He is likely the best player available, which fits the Giants drafting philosophy. Jake Ballard tore his ACL in the Super Bowl and nobody knows when he will be available to play this year. Allen is an upgrade over Ballard who is a fine second tight end and a serviceable starter. Allen is also a good blocker. The Giants are likely to lose Mario Manningham in free agenct and Dwayne Allen would bring a dimension to the offense that they haven't had since Jeremy Shockey was lining up at the position. Allen can also move out to the slot if needed. 

Bounty Hunters

First, let me say that I do not agree with any bounty program on any team in the National Football League. I feel that they encourage the intent to injure a player instead of simply putting the hurt on a player. And let me explain what I mean.

"I don't want to injure anybody, but I am not opposed to hurting someone." - James Harrison

Hurting someone it hitting them hard enough to cause them physical pain. Make them sore. Make a running back think twice about hitting that hole hard, a wide receiver think twice about going across the middle, or a quarterback holding onto the ball a bit longer than he would want to. I do not mean breaking a guy's leg, giving a guy a concussion, tearing up someone's knee, or intentionally causing injury worse than bruises and bumps that come naturally with playing the sport of tackle football.

Being a Steelers fan, I am a big fan of the defensive side of the ball. I personally prefer a game that ends 17-14 than a game that ends 52-47. I like defense, I like seeing big hits. I love seeing a goal line stand. To me, that's football. And I feel that most real fans feel the same way.

Now, playing such a violent sport, there are going to be serious injuries. Just last season, the Steelers had two players tear their ACL (NT Casey Hampton & RB Rashard Mendenhall). Ben Roethlisberger played on a badly sprained ankle (and has played with a broken thumb and separated shoulder in the past). Does it suck when star players get hurt? Yes, especially when they play for your team. But they happen, and there's no way to stop it.

The problem is when these types of injuries happen because there was a bounty out to do so. And it has come out that the New Orleans Saints had a bounty program that was basically instituted and ran by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams; and that he had similar programs in place while coaching the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. Specifically $1500 for a player being knocked out of a game and $1000 if the player was carted off of the football field.

It is believed that there was a bounty on Brett Favre's head in the 2009 NFC Championship Game with the way he was just bludgeoned in that game. It is also believed that there was a bounty on Kurt Warner in their 2010 playoff game against the Cardinals due to the hit that he received when trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception.

One argument that is being made is that there are bounty programs all around the league. However, I believe most of those aren't instituted by coaches but instead players getting together and pooling money together in private for big hits, interceptions, sacks, and defensive touchdowns. This could be entire defenses or just linebackers, or linemen, or defensive backs...and are likely done without the knowledge of coaching staffs or front offices.

There are going to be big penalties for the Saints and the front office personnel, coaches, and players involved in this bounty program. The forfeiture of draft picks & large fines. And suspensions of GM Mickey Loomis, Head Coach Sean Payton, former Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams, and players implicated in the program...and the suspensions will be for half a season if not more. Players that are not even on the team anymore will be affected by this, meaning that this is going to affect other teams in the NFL.

The NFL did an investigation of the Saints for this same thing in 2009 after the playoffs and found no evidence, and told GM Mickey Loomis to stop whatever bounty program there may be in New Orleans. It obviously didn't stop and continued business as usual through last season. For that, I believe that anyone who knew this was still going on should be severely punished for this. Not for the bounties themselves, but for going on with the program after being told to stop it after what was simply a verbal warning.

Also, this is going to affect more than just the Saints. It is going to affect other teams that have coaches or players from these Saints teams if it's proven that the players participated in the program. The St. Louis Rams are going to be without Gregg Williams as their defensive coordinator, and I feel they will likely fire him after learning the length of his suspension, if he isn't banned from the NFL outright by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

And now, people are looking at other teams that play defense proudly like the Pittsburgh Steelers and saying that maybe these teams put bounties out on players and that's why they play defense so well. I don't believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers put bounties out on anyone. I don't believe that the coaching staff tells any player that they will be paid x-amount of money to put a player out of the game.

I believe the defense is coached to play hard, to play tough, and to play violent. I believe that this has been the case since back when Chuck Noll came into coach the Steelers in 1969.

"I am very aggressive and very physical. On the field I guess I am just plain mean." - Jack Lambert.

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert.

"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." - Levon Kirkland

 These quotes I feel say all that needs to be said about playing defense. You play it for your own personal pride and team pride. You shouldn't need the possibility of a bounty payment to go out there and play a tough and physical style of defense. I believe that the Steelers play defense the way they do because it's a pride thing. The Steelers history is built very much on defense, and they won't stop playing physical and violent defense because that is Steelers defense.

"...the most violent team is going to win." - Mike Tomlin

The Steelers defense is simply trying to play to the standard that was set by all the great Steelers defenses that played before them. Defenses from the 1970's Steel Curtain, to the Blitzburgh defenses of the 1990's, to the 2008 defense that was one of the greatest single season defenses of all time.

"The standard is the standard." - Mike Tomlin 

These days, I believe that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to do away with as much defense as possible to appease the casual fan that might not want to see hits like these. And this bounty program that was run by the Saints will allow him to handcuff defenses even more than he already has.

The Steelers have become the poster team for "illegal" defense in the National Football League. From hits made by James Harrison, the Steelers rough & tumble outside linebacker who is the poster boy for Goodell's anti-defense stance. I live in Cleveland, OH and I have heard many Browns fans say that they know "for a fact" that the Steelers pay out bounties for big hits. Now of course they don't have any facts, but there is now the perception that the Steelers and any other team that plays tough and violent defense do this too.

This is a black eye to the National Football League. It's being compared to Spygate, and I feel Spygate was a worse black eye because it was blatant cheating that did nothing but attempt to give the New England Patriots an unfair advantage over the team they were playing that week. It was also a worse black eye because of the way it was handled by Roger Goodell who really swept it under the rug. The Patriots were warned against the practice of videotaping another team's offensive and/or defensive signals in a league wide memo and then continued to do so. They also used injured reserve players in practice so their starters could have more time to rest during the week. There was a fine for the team, a fine of Head Coach Bill Bellichick, and the forfeiture of the first round draft pick (31st overall) but were allowed to keep the better pick (#10 overall) where they selected one of their best defensive players, Jerod Mayo. They practiced the cheating through the time that they won three Super Bowls in four seasons. No coaches or front office personnel were suspended over this, even though they were told to stop the practice.

This is going to be a very large black eye, and Roger Goodell is going to do what he feels that he must do to "protect the shield."

NFL Combine: Looking at Steelers draft prospects

The NFL Combine is taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana and most of the talk has been about Robert Griffin III and his 40-yard dash time. But here I am not focusing on a player that the Steelers aren't targeting at all, I am going to be looking at the players that I feel the Steelers have on their radar for the 24th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Dontari Poe, DT Memphis


If the Steelers were to draft Poe, he would be playing the nose tackle position on the Steelers three-man defensive line. In the past few years, the Steelers have spent two first round picks on defensive ends (Ziggy Hood in 2009 and Cameron Heyward in 2011). Casey Hampton tore his ACL in the playoff loss to Denver, so it's very unlikely he will be on the active roster before week seven, the first game he would be eligible to play in if he starts the season on the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) List.

The Steelers have been working on getting younger in the trenches in the past few years, and the last piece they would need on the defensive line is a nose tackle to anchor the defensive line. Poe is the best available nose tackle in the draft and would complete the overhaul on the defensive line. If the Steelers made him their selection, I would be very happy with the pick.

Poe's measurements at the Combine:

• 6'4"
• 346 lbs.
• 32" arm length
• 9 5/8" hand size

Poe's workout results at the Combine:

• 40 Yard Dash - 4.98 seconds
• Bench Press 225 Lbs. - 44 reps (best at the Combine)
• Vertical Jump - 29.5"
• Broad Jump - 105"
• 3 Cone Drill - 7.90 seconds
• 20 yard shuttle - 4.56 seconds

Cordy Glenn, OT/OG Georgia

The Steelers offensive line hasn't been all that good in years. They've been good enough due to the fact that Ben Roethlisberger is a Houdini on the football field, escaping pass rushers and running around like a chicken with it's head cutoff and then making a throw down the field for a big play. But Ben has also taken a lot of sacks over that amount of time, due to a combination of poor offensive line play and Ben's holding onto the ball too long because he doesn't want to give up on the play.

Like I said above, the Steelers have spent two first round draft picks in the past few years on the defensive line. The one time they didn't make a pick that was defensive line they took Maurkice Pouncey, the center on the offensive line and the anchor of the offensive line. Also, last year they took Marcus Gilbert in the second round and he spent most of last season at right tackle, and he is expected to move to left tackle this season. 

One thing that I like about Glenn is that he played both guard and tackle at Georgia and he played both well. He could play either in the NFL, but with the Steelers I see him at guard with Gilbert at left tackle and Willie Colon at right tackle. The offensive line would likely go Gilbert-Glenn-Pouncey-Foster/Legursky-Colon and then if there were injuries to either tackle, Glenn would slide over to that spot which would also save a roster spot for someone else.

This is the player that I hope the Steelers take with the pick. Steve McLendon can fill in at NT until Hampton gets back, so NT isn't as much of a need pick as the offensive line is. 

Glenn's measurements at the Combine:

• 6'5"
• 345 lbs.
• 35 3/4" arm length
• 10 1/8" hand size

Glenn's workout results at the Combine:

• 40 Yard Dash - 4.15 secons
• Bench Press 225 lbs. - 31 reps
• Vertical Jump - 23.5"
• Broad Jump - 93"
• 3 Cone Drill - 8.13 seconds
• 20 Yard Shuttle - 5 seconds

Dont'a Hightower, ILB Alabama

Inside linebacker is not the biggest need for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Steelers are a team that doesn't reach for a player at a need position if they feel there isn't one available that is worth the pick. If the Steelers are sitting at #24 and both Poe and Glenn are gone, it would not surprise me if the Steelers took the MVP of the BCS National Championship Game.

Last season the two starting inside linebackers for the Steelers were Lawrence Timmons and James Farrior, and when Farrior missed time with injury Larry Foote stepped in. Age has finally caught up with Farrior, he has lost a step or two and looked out of place many times last season. Foote is a free agent and while he is good against the run, he has never been very good against the pass. Also, Timmons might possibly be moved to outside linebacker when James Harrison retires. Timmons was originally drafted to plat Harrison's OLB position, but Harrison turned out to be better than anyone could have imagined so Timmons was moved to ILB to take over for Larry Foote. So if that were to happen, then we'd have a really big hole at the inside linebacker position.

Taking Hightower would bolster the middle of the defense a lot. He isn't a candidate to move to the outside so he would be a stalwart at ILB for the Steelers for at least ten years. He is excellent against the run, can blitz from the ILB position, and is a good pass defender in zone and that's exactly what the Steelers would be asking him to do in passing situations. 

If the Steelers do not take him, then it's almost a guarantee that the Baltimore Ravens would take him a few picks later.

Hightower's measurements at the Combine:

•  6'2"
• 265 lbs.
• 32 5/8" arm length
• 9 3/4" hand size

Hightower's workout results at the Combine:

• 40 Yard Dash - 4.68 seconds
• Vertical Jump - 32"

David DeCastro, OG Stanford

This is a long shot, the Steelers would have to trade up into the teens to have a shot at drafting DeCastro. But if the Steelers were to do this, they'd be getting the most pro-ready guard in the draft, probably in the last few years.

DeCastro is strictly a guard prospect, but he's the best interior lineman in the draft. He is explosive off of the snap and gets to his man quickly. He is a good run and pass blocker...but he is inconsistent when finishing his run blocks down field, but it's not a an effort issue and it can be rectified with coaching. 

Like I said, it's a long shot. The Steelers don't often trade up in the draft. They last two times they have done it was in 2003 going from the 27th overall to the 16th overall pick to select safety Troy Polamalu, and in 2006 when they went from #32 overall to the 25th overall selection to take wide receiver Santonio Holmes. So it's not likely that the Steelers will do this, they'd have to find someone that wants to trade back to the 24th overall pick in the first place.

DeCastro's measurements at the Combine:

• 6'5"
• 316 lbs.
• 32 3/8" arm length
• 10" hands

DeCastro's workout results at the Combine:

• 40 Yard Dash - 5.43 seconds
• Ben Press 225 lbs - 34 reps
• Vertical Jump - 29.5"
• Broad Jump - 98"
• 3 Cone Drill - 7.30 seconds (best among offensive linemen)
• 20 Yard Shuttle - 4.56 seconds (best among offensive linemen)

Mike Adams, OT Ohio State

Like I said before, the Steelers are looking first and foremost to upgrade in the trenches on either side of the ball. Mike Adams is coming out of Ohio State and when he was on the field he was very good, allowing few sacks. However, injuries and a suspension due to being part of the Tat5 scandal kept him off of the field more than he would have liked. 

Coming into the Combine, Adams was looked at as a late first round to early second round draft pick at tackle. However, he had a disappointing performance in the bench press and he isn't considered that good of a run blocker. His pass blocking skills are also in question, it's felt that his footwork and technique was just good enough for him to be good in college but needs a lot of work for him to play left tackle in the NFL so he might be relegated to right tackle. He however does have the size and arm length that teams look for in the League.

I think he's falling out of the first round, but that can change between now and the draft. But in the end, I think he is going to go in the middle of the second round of the draft where he likely won't be relied upon by the team that drafts him for more than depth his rookie season.  If the Steelers go offensive line in the first round, I am not expected them to go offensive line in the second and instead focus on the defense. However if they take a defensive player in the first round, they might try to get Adams in the second.

Adams measurements at the Combine:

• 6'7"
• 323 lbs.
• 34" arm length
• 10 7/8" hand size

Adams workout results at the Combine:

• 40 Yard Dash - 5.40 seconds
• Bench Pres 225 lbs - 19 reps
• Vertical Jump - 28.6"
• Broad Jump - 100"
• 3 Cone Drill - 7.94 seconds
• 20 Yard Shuttle - 4.95 seconds

These are the players that I feel the Steelers are looking at the hardest with the 24th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Comments? Questions? Hit up the comment section! Follow me on Twitter @bignastydefense

Who's going to trade up for Griffin III?

Yes, once again, I know this is a Pittsburgh Steelers blog. I know the Steelers are not going to trade up for Robert Griffin III, they don't need a quarterback. However, one trade like the one that's going to happen when the Rams trade the second overall pick can affect the entire draft...and the Browns are a team that could potentially trade up the the #2 overall pick and take him. That has a direct effect on the Steelers, because the Browns are a division rival.

The Rams have former first overall draft pick Sam Bradford as their quarterback and they have reportedly chosen to stick with him and are willing to trade out of the second overall pick. The Rams are likely to be eyeing Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, but they cannot justify taking him with the second overall pick. So they want to trade back, but not so far that Blackmon is out of reach.

So the teams that have the best chance of moving into that second overall spot are the Cleveland Browns (#4 overall pick), Washington Redskins (#6 overall), and Miami Dolphins (#8 overall). So here I am going to take a look at each team.

Cleveland Browns


At the quarterback position the Browns currently have Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace as their top two quarterbacks. Neither would start on most other NFL rosters. Also, the Browns plays more games in a half empty stadium than I can remember them doing so in a very long time (living in the Cleveland area, I get to see every single one of their games). They didn't have any blackouts, so you know it's bad when the tickets were bought and nobody showed up.

The Browns need to do something to bring some excitement to the team, to create a fan buzz and get them excited about the team again. Fans are losing faith in team President Mike Holmgren, who was released from his General Manager duties with the Seattle Seahawks and told to stick to coaching. Many feel that he's there just relaxing and getting a paycheck, and not earning it.

The Browns could trade the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft and move up to number two and take Griffin III, which would make the fans very excited. Also, with the 22nd overall pick, they could take Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright, who was Griffin's go-to receiver last season. He's someone that RG3 already has a feel for and would immediately upgrade the Browns' weak receiving corps.

The Browns I think have the best chance to trade up if they want to. The Rams moving into the four spot basically still guarantees them Blackmon, because the team between the Rams and Browns is the Minnesota Vikings, and they will likely be taking one of the top two offensive tackles and aren't likely to trade out of that spot. Trading up the the second overall pick is likely going to cost two first round picks, and the Browns can always use their second first rounder in this draft to move up, leaving them with a first rounder next season. That's something that the other teams in the mix to trade up don't have.

The Browns are a team that I expect to look at Green Bay's free agent quarterback Matt Flynn...even if the Packers choose to hit Flynn with the franchise tag they will then trade him. If that happens, the Browns will be in that mix. If Flynn becomes a free agent, they will make an attempt to sign him since he already has experience in the West Coast Offense and has NFL experience. If the Browns do sign Flynn, they will be out of the Griffin sweepstakes and will pose a threat the the Rams' desire to move out of the second pick, because the Browns would then be looking at Blackmon if they still have the fourth overall pick.

Washington Redskins


The Redskins are another team in need of a top-tier quarterback. Rex Grossman and John Beck both started at times this past season...and to be honest, neither are really viable options for a second string quarterback much less a starter.

The Redskins sit at the sixth overall pick and they know that if they stay there, they have no chance of getting RG3. The problem is, especially if the Browns get Matt Flynn before the draft, then they become a player for Justin Blackmon and the Rams might not trade at all if they have their sights on Blackmon and desire him over anyone else. Also, if the Browns don't trade up and don't get a Flynn and RG3 isn't there...they would still be a player for Blackmon.

Dan Snyder loves making bold moves, and even though he's backed off  allowing General Manager Bruce Allen and Head Coach Mike Shannahan to make the personnel decisions, I don't think Snyder would be able to hold off on making a deal to get Griffin. And this is one case where Allen and Shannahan wouldn't mind Snyder doing so....as long as he doesn't trade the entire draft like the Saints did to draft Ricky Williams.

If the Browns don't trade up, I think the Redskins have the best chance to do it then because Snyder is unpredictable and might just make an offer that blows the Rams away...even if they get a good offer from Cleveland.

The Redskins I think will also be in the Matt Flynn sweepstakes, but I think Snyder (and probably Shannahan) would rather have RG3, even if it's just for the name recognition.

Miami Dolphins


At quarterback the Dolphins have Matt Moore and Pay Devlin (who?) at quarterback. They are not expected to bring back former University of Michigan star Chad Henne. Chad Henne had an up-and-down four year career with the Dolphins, never throwing more touchdowns than interceptions and went down with a separated shoulder and was placed on injured reserve, ending not only his season but his time as Miami Dolphins quarterback.

The Dolphins have been looking for a starting quarterback since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season. They haven't had much luck, the best quarterback they have probably had since then was Chad Pennington who played just one full season in his three seasons with the team due to injury...but in that one full season (2008) he broke Dan Marino's single season record for completion percentage and lead them to the AFC East title (their first division title since 2000 and their first playoff appearance since the 2001 season).

Stephen Ross is the majority owner of the Dolphins (approximately 95%) while Wayne Huizenga owns about 5% of the team....and then there is an unknown percentage of ownership between eight celebrities. Ross is a guy who wants to make the Dolphins the most popular team in town, and he wants flash. Well, Robert Griffin III would be a guy that would fill the stadium and bring the flash factor.

If the Rams cannot get a good enough deal out of Cleveland or Washington to trade back with them, and if they feel comfortable trading that far back where Blackmon might not be available, then the Dolphins will be taking Griffin.

The Dolphins will also be in the Flynn sweepstakes, but I think along with Washington they'd much rather have RG3 instead of Flynn.

Other Teams Interested


Of course, there are other teams that would like to get that pick and take Robert Griffin III. The teams I think that would love to have that pick but don't have much of a shot at it because the Rams would have to trade back too far are: Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, and the Philadelphia Eagles.

If the Rams don't get a trade offer to their liking, I think they just stay at #2 and take Blackmon there if that's the player that they really want. This way they are guaranteed the player that they want without the risk of trading back and that player being gone when their pick comes around....or trading back to have to trade back up to get Blackmon.

One Other Note


One thing that I heard today was that after the Indianapolis Colts interviewed both Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III while at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. They came out of the interviews more impressed with Griffin and have him ranked at the top of their big board.

If this is true and they make RG3 the first overall pick, will the Rams instead select Andrew Luck who is said to be the best quarterback prospect in the draft since Hall of Famer John Elway was drafted back in 1983 (and ironically was drafted first overall by the Colts, but was then traded to the Broncos when Elway threatened to go play baseball for the New York Yankees where he had played two seasons if minor league baseball instead of play for the Colts who were then based in Baltimore....and Elway also played his college football at Stanford)? Right now, they say they are happy with Sam Bradford and will stick with him....but if Luck were to fall to them, they might have to think twice about that stance.

Also, if Luck falls to the Rams...then any team that is in need of a quarterback is going to be sending the Rams trade requests and they could then possibly get one of the best draft day hauls in the history of the NFL Draft.

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.