AFC West: Anthony Castonzo
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Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Denver Broncos
Dream scenario: The Broncos’ dream scenario begins with the Carolina Panthers taking a quarterback with the No. 1 pick. That would mean the entire defensive draft board is available. The Broncos' primary needs are on defense. Denver would likely choose between Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. The general consensus is Denver will most likely take Dareus.
Plan B: If Carolina takes Dareus, Denver could take Miller or Peterson or trade down to the No. 5-8 range and compile other high-round picks. I could see Miller and Peterson being available at No. 5. If Denver goes down to No. 8, it could look at Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn or Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Dream scenario: The Chiefs are in a great position. They pick No. 21 and need pass-rushers and an offense tackle. Several of those prospects should be available at No. 21. But if the Chiefs had a dream, I’d think it would be to see Alabama receiver Julio Jones tumble to them. But that is a pipedream. He likely won’t fall past St. Louis at No. 14. I think the Chiefs would like to see a pass-rusher like Missouri’s Aldon Smith, Cal’s Cameron Jordan, Purdue’s’ Ryan Kerrigan or Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson available at No. 21. If not, the Chiefs could go for a pass-rusher like UCLA’s Akeem Ayers or Georgia’s Justin Houston.
Plan B: If all the pass-rushers are gone, that’d probably mean some tackles would fall. Among those players who could interest the Chiefs are Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi or Colorado’s Nate Solder. Kansas City will have options and it could prompt it to trade down a few spots to gain another quality pick and grab a player high on its list.
Oakland Raiders
Dream scenario: The Raiders are the only team currently without a first-round pick. Their first pick is at No. 48. Oakland’s dream scenario would to see a first-round talent slide to them without having to trade up. If a quarterback such as Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett or Washington’s Jake Locker is there, Oakland could easily grab them. The Raiders like veteran Jason Campbell, but getting an eventual replacement at the bargain price of No. 48 is worth it. Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith would also be a dream scenario for Oakland if he was available at No. 48. The team may lose Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. Smith is considered a top-15 talent; he may fall because of character issues. He’d be a steal at No. 48.
Plan B: If these players don’t fall, Oakland will likely look at offensive linemen (its biggest need), cornerbacks and quarterbacks in the second round. If the Raiders could get a player like Penn State guard Stefen Wisniewski and Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the second day of the draft, they would be thrilled.
San Diego Chargers
Dream scenario: The Chargers are in an even better position than the Chiefs. San Diego, which has the No. 18 pick, could use a pass-rusher or an offensive lineman. Plenty should be available when they choose. Plus, San Diego has extra picks in both the second and third rounds. The Chargers can do basically whatever they want to do. Thus, the Chargers can make up their own dream scenario. If they want to move up to No. 5 and take Miller, they probably can. If they want to move up to No. 11-12 and take Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt or Jones to help at receiver, they can.
Plan B: If they stay put, the Chargers can wait for players like Jordan, Smith or Kerrigan at No. 18. They could also move down to take a pass-rusher like Houston or Ayers or an offensive lineman in the No. 20-25 range. The Chargers are truly in charge of their own draft destiny.
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Denver Broncos
Dream scenario: The Broncos’ dream scenario begins with the Carolina Panthers taking a quarterback with the No. 1 pick. That would mean the entire defensive draft board is available. The Broncos' primary needs are on defense. Denver would likely choose between Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. The general consensus is Denver will most likely take Dareus.
Plan B: If Carolina takes Dareus, Denver could take Miller or Peterson or trade down to the No. 5-8 range and compile other high-round picks. I could see Miller and Peterson being available at No. 5. If Denver goes down to No. 8, it could look at Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn or Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Dream scenario: The Chiefs are in a great position. They pick No. 21 and need pass-rushers and an offense tackle. Several of those prospects should be available at No. 21. But if the Chiefs had a dream, I’d think it would be to see Alabama receiver Julio Jones tumble to them. But that is a pipedream. He likely won’t fall past St. Louis at No. 14. I think the Chiefs would like to see a pass-rusher like Missouri’s Aldon Smith, Cal’s Cameron Jordan, Purdue’s’ Ryan Kerrigan or Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson available at No. 21. If not, the Chiefs could go for a pass-rusher like UCLA’s Akeem Ayers or Georgia’s Justin Houston.
Plan B: If all the pass-rushers are gone, that’d probably mean some tackles would fall. Among those players who could interest the Chiefs are Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi or Colorado’s Nate Solder. Kansas City will have options and it could prompt it to trade down a few spots to gain another quality pick and grab a player high on its list.
Oakland Raiders
Dream scenario: The Raiders are the only team currently without a first-round pick. Their first pick is at No. 48. Oakland’s dream scenario would to see a first-round talent slide to them without having to trade up. If a quarterback such as Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett or Washington’s Jake Locker is there, Oakland could easily grab them. The Raiders like veteran Jason Campbell, but getting an eventual replacement at the bargain price of No. 48 is worth it. Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith would also be a dream scenario for Oakland if he was available at No. 48. The team may lose Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. Smith is considered a top-15 talent; he may fall because of character issues. He’d be a steal at No. 48.
Plan B: If these players don’t fall, Oakland will likely look at offensive linemen (its biggest need), cornerbacks and quarterbacks in the second round. If the Raiders could get a player like Penn State guard Stefen Wisniewski and Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the second day of the draft, they would be thrilled.
San Diego Chargers
Dream scenario: The Chargers are in an even better position than the Chiefs. San Diego, which has the No. 18 pick, could use a pass-rusher or an offensive lineman. Plenty should be available when they choose. Plus, San Diego has extra picks in both the second and third rounds. The Chargers can do basically whatever they want to do. Thus, the Chargers can make up their own dream scenario. If they want to move up to No. 5 and take Miller, they probably can. If they want to move up to No. 11-12 and take Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt or Jones to help at receiver, they can.
Plan B: If they stay put, the Chargers can wait for players like Jordan, Smith or Kerrigan at No. 18. They could also move down to take a pass-rusher like Houston or Ayers or an offensive lineman in the No. 20-25 range. The Chargers are truly in charge of their own draft destiny.
Weekend mail call:
Michael from Long Beach wants to know what offensive linemen San Diego could look at with the No. 18 overall pick.
Bill Williamson: I think the Chargers will look at pass-rushers first, but there could be some offensive lineman who interest the Chargers, who would grab a tackle. Among the tackles that could be available at No. 18 include Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi, Colorado’s Nate Solder and Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod. Castonzo and Carimi could be intriguing to the Chargers if they are available at No. 18.
Kolby from Kansas wants to know which of these three players -- Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor, Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey or UCLA pass-rusher Akeem Ayers -- would best fit in with the Chiefs.
BW: Well, Kolby, I think Pouncey is the best prospect and he would be the best value at No. 21, where the Chiefs pick. He wouldn’t fill an immediate hole, although he’d eventually look good in a Kansas City uniform. Ayers may be a slightly better prospect than Taylor and a better value at No. 21. I think Kansas City could trade down to the No. 25-30 range and take either Ayers or Taylor. Both players would likely be contributors right away in Kansas City.
Bryce from Fayetteville, Ark., wants to know if I think the Chargers could take Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams.
BW: San Diego could look at a young tight end to groom behind Antonio Gates. Williams has good hands and he could be a good prospect. I don’t think he’ll be a high-priority pick for the Chargers. But if they address some needs early and get a chance to take Williams in 3-5 rounds, it could be a fit.
Michael from Long Beach wants to know what offensive linemen San Diego could look at with the No. 18 overall pick.
Bill Williamson: I think the Chargers will look at pass-rushers first, but there could be some offensive lineman who interest the Chargers, who would grab a tackle. Among the tackles that could be available at No. 18 include Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi, Colorado’s Nate Solder and Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod. Castonzo and Carimi could be intriguing to the Chargers if they are available at No. 18.
Kolby from Kansas wants to know which of these three players -- Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor, Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey or UCLA pass-rusher Akeem Ayers -- would best fit in with the Chiefs.
BW: Well, Kolby, I think Pouncey is the best prospect and he would be the best value at No. 21, where the Chiefs pick. He wouldn’t fill an immediate hole, although he’d eventually look good in a Kansas City uniform. Ayers may be a slightly better prospect than Taylor and a better value at No. 21. I think Kansas City could trade down to the No. 25-30 range and take either Ayers or Taylor. Both players would likely be contributors right away in Kansas City.
Bryce from Fayetteville, Ark., wants to know if I think the Chargers could take Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams.
BW: San Diego could look at a young tight end to groom behind Antonio Gates. Williams has good hands and he could be a good prospect. I don’t think he’ll be a high-priority pick for the Chargers. But if they address some needs early and get a chance to take Williams in 3-5 rounds, it could be a fit.
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay has compiled a mock draft
with the help of two NFL scouts. Let’s take a look at what they came up with for the AFC West:
No. 2, Denver
Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle, Alabama
My take: It’s starting to look unanimous that Denver will take Dareus if he doesn’t go No. 1 to Carolina. He looks like the safest pick and he’d be an immediate contributor in Denver.
No. 18, San Diego
Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri
My take: He’s going to be in the conversation. He’s the fourth-straight pass-rusher to go off the board in this mock. I think the Chargers would be pleased to take Smith.
No. 21, Kansas City
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
My take: This may be the first mock I’ve seen that has Kansas City taking Solder. I think the Chiefs will look for pass-rushers first. Temple pass-rusher Muhammad Wilkerson is still available on this mock. I think the Chiefs would take him before Solder. Also, if the Chiefs take a tackle, they could look at Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi or Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo before Solder. This mock has Solder going before Carimi and Castonzo. I think the tackle run may begin earlier.
Oakland doesn’t have a first-round pick. It sent its 2011 first-round pick to New England in Sept. 2009 for defensive lineman Richard Seymour. The Raiders’ first pick is No. 48.
What do you think of this mock? Fill up the comment section below with your thoughts.
No. 2, Denver
Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle, Alabama
My take: It’s starting to look unanimous that Denver will take Dareus if he doesn’t go No. 1 to Carolina. He looks like the safest pick and he’d be an immediate contributor in Denver.
No. 18, San Diego
Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri
My take: He’s going to be in the conversation. He’s the fourth-straight pass-rusher to go off the board in this mock. I think the Chargers would be pleased to take Smith.
No. 21, Kansas City
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
My take: This may be the first mock I’ve seen that has Kansas City taking Solder. I think the Chiefs will look for pass-rushers first. Temple pass-rusher Muhammad Wilkerson is still available on this mock. I think the Chiefs would take him before Solder. Also, if the Chiefs take a tackle, they could look at Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi or Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo before Solder. This mock has Solder going before Carimi and Castonzo. I think the tackle run may begin earlier.
Oakland doesn’t have a first-round pick. It sent its 2011 first-round pick to New England in Sept. 2009 for defensive lineman Richard Seymour. The Raiders’ first pick is No. 48.
What do you think of this mock? Fill up the comment section below with your thoughts.
Oakland fans would pounce on Pouncey
April, 12, 2011
4/12/11
6:30
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
It looks like Mike Pouncey would be the fans’ choice for the Oakland Raiders if they had the No. 17 pick.
Monday night, we ran a SportsNation poll, asking Oakland fans to make their choice for Oakland at No. 17. Oakland's first pick of the 2011 draft will be at No. 48. They sent their first-round pick to the New England Patriots in Sept. 2009 for Richard Seymour.
The choices we gave Oakland fans were: Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey, Washington quarterback Jake Locker, Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith and Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo. Pouncey is leading the poll comfortably.
I agree. I think Pouncey would be the best fit of these four players at No. 17. He’d fill Oakland’s biggest need and along with Castonzo, he is expected to go in the first 20 picks. Locker and Smith could likely be had in the 20-30 range, if not lower.
Taking Pouncey at No. 17 would be a solid choice for Oakland if it had the pick.
Thanks to everyone who participated.
Monday night, we ran a SportsNation poll, asking Oakland fans to make their choice for Oakland at No. 17. Oakland's first pick of the 2011 draft will be at No. 48. They sent their first-round pick to the New England Patriots in Sept. 2009 for Richard Seymour.
The choices we gave Oakland fans were: Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey, Washington quarterback Jake Locker, Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith and Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo. Pouncey is leading the poll comfortably.
I agree. I think Pouncey would be the best fit of these four players at No. 17. He’d fill Oakland’s biggest need and along with Castonzo, he is expected to go in the first 20 picks. Locker and Smith could likely be had in the 20-30 range, if not lower.
Taking Pouncey at No. 17 would be a solid choice for Oakland if it had the pick.
Thanks to everyone who participated.
Poll: Who would have fit at No. 17?
April, 11, 2011
4/11/11
8:05
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Who you think the Oakland Raiders would focus on if they had the No. 17 overall pick in the upcoming draft?
Oakland is the only team without a first-round pick because it sent it to New England in September of 2009 for defensive lineman Richard Seymour. The Raiders, who don’t pick until No. 48, don’t have a ton of needs, but they’d certainly benefit from having the No. 17 pick.
We have picked four players for you to choose from for Oakland at No. 17. They are Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey, Washington quarterback Jake Locker, Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo and Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.
If you would have voted for another prospect please give your suggestions in the comment section below. Thanks for participating.
Oakland is the only team without a first-round pick because it sent it to New England in September of 2009 for defensive lineman Richard Seymour. The Raiders, who don’t pick until No. 48, don’t have a ton of needs, but they’d certainly benefit from having the No. 17 pick.
We have picked four players for you to choose from for Oakland at No. 17. They are Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey, Washington quarterback Jake Locker, Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo and Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.
If you would have voted for another prospect please give your suggestions in the comment section below. Thanks for participating.
Kiper's San Diego choice out of combine
February, 26, 2011
2/26/11
11:20
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The player Mel Kiper believes will end up being the San Diego Chargers’ first-round pick has reportedly withdrawn from the combine.
NFL.com reports that USC tackle Tyron Smith has dropped out of the combine suddenly Saturday with a lingering knee issue. He is going to save himself for his pro day workout in late March. He reportedly was injured eight weeks ago.
In Kiper’s latest mock draft, he penciled Smith in for San Diego at No. 18.
If Smith is the Chargers’ top target, this could change things some. The fact that Smith is going to work out before the draft still allows him to salvage his draft status. But this is a deep tackle group, and the Chargers could look at other tackle prospects Anthony Castonzo of Boston College, Nate Solder of Colorado and Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin.
San Diego will also look at several other positions in the first round, including linebacker, defensive end and receiver.
NFL.com reports that USC tackle Tyron Smith has dropped out of the combine suddenly Saturday with a lingering knee issue. He is going to save himself for his pro day workout in late March. He reportedly was injured eight weeks ago.
In Kiper’s latest mock draft, he penciled Smith in for San Diego at No. 18.
If Smith is the Chargers’ top target, this could change things some. The fact that Smith is going to work out before the draft still allows him to salvage his draft status. But this is a deep tackle group, and the Chargers could look at other tackle prospects Anthony Castonzo of Boston College, Nate Solder of Colorado and Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin.
San Diego will also look at several other positions in the first round, including linebacker, defensive end and receiver.
Mid-week mail call:
David from San Diego wants to know I think the Chargers should draft an offensive lineman in the first round.
Bill Williamson: I think it is a possibility. The only place where immediate competition could occur is at right tackle. Jeromey Clary is decent, but if there was a stud right tackle available, such as Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi or Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, I could see it. Other areas San Diego could look at is receiver, defensive end and linebacker.
Kevin from San Jose wants to know I think the Oakland Raiders will get a Monday Night Football game in 2011.
BW: I would think so. I know the league always likes giving Oakland the Monday night spotlight. Now that the Raiders are competitive again, I could imagine seeing them on Monday night this season -- maybe an Oakland-Kansas City. Remember, there are double headers on the first Monday night of the season. An Oakland approach for the West Coast showing has happened three times since 2006 and it could conceivably happen again.
Tyler from Hamilton, Ontario wants to know if I think Denver can trade Kyle Orton to Washington for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
BW: Very interesting Tyler. Washington may need a quarterback and Denver is likely going back to a 4-3 defense, so it would be a fit for Haynesworth, who is likely out of Washington. This might be another one of those trade proposals that makes too much sense for it to happen. But I like it. Orton would help the Redskins and Haynesworth would be great in the middle of Denver’s defensive front. There might have to be some conditions written into the deal, but it looks good to me.
David from San Diego wants to know I think the Chargers should draft an offensive lineman in the first round.
Bill Williamson: I think it is a possibility. The only place where immediate competition could occur is at right tackle. Jeromey Clary is decent, but if there was a stud right tackle available, such as Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi or Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, I could see it. Other areas San Diego could look at is receiver, defensive end and linebacker.
Kevin from San Jose wants to know I think the Oakland Raiders will get a Monday Night Football game in 2011.
BW: I would think so. I know the league always likes giving Oakland the Monday night spotlight. Now that the Raiders are competitive again, I could imagine seeing them on Monday night this season -- maybe an Oakland-Kansas City. Remember, there are double headers on the first Monday night of the season. An Oakland approach for the West Coast showing has happened three times since 2006 and it could conceivably happen again.
Tyler from Hamilton, Ontario wants to know if I think Denver can trade Kyle Orton to Washington for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
BW: Very interesting Tyler. Washington may need a quarterback and Denver is likely going back to a 4-3 defense, so it would be a fit for Haynesworth, who is likely out of Washington. This might be another one of those trade proposals that makes too much sense for it to happen. But I like it. Orton would help the Redskins and Haynesworth would be great in the middle of Denver’s defensive front. There might have to be some conditions written into the deal, but it looks good to me.
With the Senior Bowl complete, we are going to do our second mock draft of the offseason. He will periodically do mock drafts leading up to the April draft after major events such as the combine and pro day workouts:
Here goes our second take:
2. Denver, DT, Nick Fairley, Auburn: Denver will be watching Carolina closely for the next few months. The Panthers have the top pick in the draft and might take Fairley. The Broncos will also likely consider LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers. But right now, I think Fairley is the choice in Denver.
Previous pick: Fairley
18. San Diego, DE, Cameron Jordan, California: Jordan would be a terrific fit in San Diego. He’d look very good as a 3-4 defensive end. Jordan was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl week, and San Diego might have to trade up to get him. The Chargers, who moved up 16 spots to take Ryan Mathews last year, have extra picks in the second and third rounds, so they have the power to go grab Jordan.
Previous pick: WR, Julio Jones, Alabama
21. Kansas City, LB Aldon Smith, Missouri: The Chiefs could look for a nose tackle, receiver or right tackle as well. But Smith would be a terrific pair with Tamba Hali assuming Kansas City re-signs him (or uses the franchise tag on him) as a pass-rushing linebacker in the 3-4. The Chiefs might have to hope Smith doesn’t go in the top 15, though. He could be a riser prior to the draft.
Previous pick: Anthony Castonzo, RT, Boston College
48. Oakland, Stefen Wisniewski, OL, Penn State: The recent hiring of Wisniewski’s uncle -- a former star offensive lineman with the Raiders -- as assistant offensive line coach in Oakland will not do anything to make me change my pick. Wisniewski can play both center and guard, and he’d be a good fit for the Raiders, who sent the No. 17 pick to New England in the Richard Seymour trade in 2009.
Previous pick: Wisniewski
Here goes our second take:
2. Denver, DT, Nick Fairley, Auburn: Denver will be watching Carolina closely for the next few months. The Panthers have the top pick in the draft and might take Fairley. The Broncos will also likely consider LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers. But right now, I think Fairley is the choice in Denver.
Previous pick: Fairley
18. San Diego, DE, Cameron Jordan, California: Jordan would be a terrific fit in San Diego. He’d look very good as a 3-4 defensive end. Jordan was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl week, and San Diego might have to trade up to get him. The Chargers, who moved up 16 spots to take Ryan Mathews last year, have extra picks in the second and third rounds, so they have the power to go grab Jordan.
Previous pick: WR, Julio Jones, Alabama
21. Kansas City, LB Aldon Smith, Missouri: The Chiefs could look for a nose tackle, receiver or right tackle as well. But Smith would be a terrific pair with Tamba Hali assuming Kansas City re-signs him (or uses the franchise tag on him) as a pass-rushing linebacker in the 3-4. The Chiefs might have to hope Smith doesn’t go in the top 15, though. He could be a riser prior to the draft.
Previous pick: Anthony Castonzo, RT, Boston College
48. Oakland, Stefen Wisniewski, OL, Penn State: The recent hiring of Wisniewski’s uncle -- a former star offensive lineman with the Raiders -- as assistant offensive line coach in Oakland will not do anything to make me change my pick. Wisniewski can play both center and guard, and he’d be a good fit for the Raiders, who sent the No. 17 pick to New England in the Richard Seymour trade in 2009.
Previous pick: Wisniewski
The first mock drafts of ESPN draft gurus Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have been released in Insider pieces. Earlier this week, I put out my first AFC West mock draft.
Let’s review the choices:
Denver, No. 2
Kiper’s pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
My thoughts: Kiper has Carolina taking Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley with the No. 1 pick. If that is the case, the Peterson pick is fine. Even if Champ Bailey is re-signed, Denver could use Peterson. It’d have a terrific pair of cornerbacks.
McShay’s Pick: Fairley
My thoughts: I think this is Denver’s best bet. If he’s available, Denver needs to take him. He is would be the centerpiece of John Fox’s new defense.
My pick: Fairley
San Diego, No. 18
Kiper’s pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
My thoughts: He’s a playmaking 3-4 defensive end. That unit could use a spark.
McShay’s Pick: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
My thoughts: I can see this fit as well. Ayers is a 3-4 linebacker, who could step in and play right away.
My pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Kansas City, No. 21
Kiper’s pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
My thoughts: It would be the third time in four years that Kansas City goes to the defensive line with its first pick. Paea seems like a guy who will make or break his status as a first-round pick in during his workouts.
McShay’s Pick: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
My thoughts: Smith is a pass rusher who could help this unit. I can see this happening.
My pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Oakland does not have a first-round pick. It traded its pick (No. 17) to New England for defensive tackle Richard Seymour in September 2009. I had the Raiders’ taking Penn State offensive lineman Stefan Wisniewski with the No. 48 pick.
Let’s review the choices:
Denver, No. 2
Kiper’s pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
My thoughts: Kiper has Carolina taking Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley with the No. 1 pick. If that is the case, the Peterson pick is fine. Even if Champ Bailey is re-signed, Denver could use Peterson. It’d have a terrific pair of cornerbacks.
McShay’s Pick: Fairley
My thoughts: I think this is Denver’s best bet. If he’s available, Denver needs to take him. He is would be the centerpiece of John Fox’s new defense.
My pick: Fairley
San Diego, No. 18
Kiper’s pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, California
My thoughts: He’s a playmaking 3-4 defensive end. That unit could use a spark.
McShay’s Pick: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
My thoughts: I can see this fit as well. Ayers is a 3-4 linebacker, who could step in and play right away.
My pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Kansas City, No. 21
Kiper’s pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
My thoughts: It would be the third time in four years that Kansas City goes to the defensive line with its first pick. Paea seems like a guy who will make or break his status as a first-round pick in during his workouts.
McShay’s Pick: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
My thoughts: Smith is a pass rusher who could help this unit. I can see this happening.
My pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Oakland does not have a first-round pick. It traded its pick (No. 17) to New England for defensive tackle Richard Seymour in September 2009. I had the Raiders’ taking Penn State offensive lineman Stefan Wisniewski with the No. 48 pick.
This is the third in a series looking at the potential draft direction of the teams in the AFC West:
Drafting: 21
Needs: Receiver, offensive line, linebacker, defensive line.
Possible first-round picks
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: The Chiefs could really use a No. 2 receiver to complement and take pressure off of No. 1 receiver Dwayne Bowe. Blackmon has a lot of upside. The Chiefs probably would jump at Alabama receiver Julio Jones if he fell to No. 21.
Anthony Castonzo, RT, Boston College: If the Chiefs want to replace Barry Richardson, Castonzo could be a real option. He is considered to be NFL ready and he would be a nice addition to a solid, but aging offensive line.
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Watt is a versatile player who could help a young defensive front. He is a good pass-rusher, which Kansas City needs.
Wild card: The Chiefs have picked in the top five in the past three seasons, so they are not used to be picking this low. GM Scott Pioli has proved to be very patient in the draft, so I’d be surprised if he moved up into the top of the draft. But because the Chiefs are still young and have needs, Kansas City could perhaps make a modest move up the draft board if it wants to make a run at a player like Jones or Purdue pass-rusher Ryan Kerrigan.
Drafting: 21
Needs: Receiver, offensive line, linebacker, defensive line.
Possible first-round picks
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: The Chiefs could really use a No. 2 receiver to complement and take pressure off of No. 1 receiver Dwayne Bowe. Blackmon has a lot of upside. The Chiefs probably would jump at Alabama receiver Julio Jones if he fell to No. 21.
Anthony Castonzo, RT, Boston College: If the Chiefs want to replace Barry Richardson, Castonzo could be a real option. He is considered to be NFL ready and he would be a nice addition to a solid, but aging offensive line.
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Watt is a versatile player who could help a young defensive front. He is a good pass-rusher, which Kansas City needs.
Wild card: The Chiefs have picked in the top five in the past three seasons, so they are not used to be picking this low. GM Scott Pioli has proved to be very patient in the draft, so I’d be surprised if he moved up into the top of the draft. But because the Chiefs are still young and have needs, Kansas City could perhaps make a modest move up the draft board if it wants to make a run at a player like Jones or Purdue pass-rusher Ryan Kerrigan.
Todd McShay doesn’t sleep. He already has his first 2011 mock draft up.
It is sure to change a bunch in the next 51 weeks based on performance, injuries and the underclassmen decisions.
Still, it’s an interesting look. He based his draft order on early projections by Scouts Inc. That’s sure to change as well. So, folks, just look at this as a fun exercise in late April with plenty to change in the next year.
No. 3 Kansas City, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
My thoughts: I think a left tackle could be the choice. But I expect Kansas City to pick lower in the draft next year. Maybe the 9-13 range.
No. 13 Denver, Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi
My thoughts: The range and positions seems about right here.
No. 25, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
My thoughts: I expect San Diego to pick in the high 20s again. I think their targeted position will depend on how free agency plays out in 2011.
Oakland does not have a first-round pick next year because it sent it to New England for Richard Seymour. Scouts Inc. has the Raiders' pick being No.7. I think Oakland may be slotted in the 12-16 range next year.
It is sure to change a bunch in the next 51 weeks based on performance, injuries and the underclassmen decisions.
Still, it’s an interesting look. He based his draft order on early projections by Scouts Inc. That’s sure to change as well. So, folks, just look at this as a fun exercise in late April with plenty to change in the next year.
No. 3 Kansas City, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
My thoughts: I think a left tackle could be the choice. But I expect Kansas City to pick lower in the draft next year. Maybe the 9-13 range.
No. 13 Denver, Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi
My thoughts: The range and positions seems about right here.
No. 25, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
My thoughts: I expect San Diego to pick in the high 20s again. I think their targeted position will depend on how free agency plays out in 2011.
Oakland does not have a first-round pick next year because it sent it to New England for Richard Seymour. Scouts Inc. has the Raiders' pick being No.7. I think Oakland may be slotted in the 12-16 range next year.
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