NFL Nation: Courtney Upshaw
Here's the buzz surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens as they hold rookie minicamps this weekend:
BENGALS: First-round cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick had an uneven start in his first minicamp. "[He] got challenged often as he was matched up against Vidal Hazelton and [Armon] Binns," the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy wrote. "Some times he did well and other times he struggled as the receivers got a step or two in coverage." Undrafted linebacker Vontaze Burfict had an uneventful first day, meanwhile. He told reporters that he is motivated to prove people wrong. "Not being picked, going undrafted, I have a big chip on my shoulder," Burfict said. "I’m ready to hit somebody.”
BROWNS: Much of the focus was on first-round quarterback Brandon Weeden. "He displayed an arm strength not seen around these parts since Derek Anderson, but the smooth touch on short passes that Anderson didn't possess," the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot wrote. The third overall pick, running back Trent Richardson also made an impression. He stiff-armed a defender and knocked him to the ground even though it was a non-contract practice.
RAVENS: Baltimore's rookie minicamp was closed to reporters. According to the team's website, which had access to practice, second-round linebacker Courtney Upshaw moved around at different positions and looked solid in pass coverage. The website reported: "He recognized a swing pass on one play, and would have had a tackle for loss, drawing praise from linebackers coach Ted Monachino. He also had a tipped pass that was picked off."
BENGALS: First-round cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick had an uneven start in his first minicamp. "[He] got challenged often as he was matched up against Vidal Hazelton and [Armon] Binns," the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy wrote. "Some times he did well and other times he struggled as the receivers got a step or two in coverage." Undrafted linebacker Vontaze Burfict had an uneventful first day, meanwhile. He told reporters that he is motivated to prove people wrong. "Not being picked, going undrafted, I have a big chip on my shoulder," Burfict said. "I’m ready to hit somebody.”
BROWNS: Much of the focus was on first-round quarterback Brandon Weeden. "He displayed an arm strength not seen around these parts since Derek Anderson, but the smooth touch on short passes that Anderson didn't possess," the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot wrote. The third overall pick, running back Trent Richardson also made an impression. He stiff-armed a defender and knocked him to the ground even though it was a non-contract practice.
RAVENS: Baltimore's rookie minicamp was closed to reporters. According to the team's website, which had access to practice, second-round linebacker Courtney Upshaw moved around at different positions and looked solid in pass coverage. The website reported: "He recognized a swing pass on one play, and would have had a tackle for loss, drawing praise from linebackers coach Ted Monachino. He also had a tipped pass that was picked off."
Ravens are first to sign entire draft class
May, 10, 2012
May 10
7:30
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
In a race that doesn't earn you anything except a blog post like this, the Baltimore Ravens became the first team in the NFL to sign their entire 2012 draft class.
This shouldn't come as a surprise because the Ravens were one of five teams not to have a first-round pick. Baltimore wrapped up its signings Thursday afternoon by agreeing to terms with second-round pick Courtney Upshaw and sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter.
The new collective bargaining agreement has sped up the signings. In previous seasons, teams wouldn't begin striking deals until after the July 4th holiday. Now, NFL teams are signing picks at a record pace.
As far as the rest of the AFC North, the Steelers have two more picks left to sign while the Browns have five remaining, including both first-round picks (running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden). The Bengals have signed two of their 10 draft picks.
This shouldn't come as a surprise because the Ravens were one of five teams not to have a first-round pick. Baltimore wrapped up its signings Thursday afternoon by agreeing to terms with second-round pick Courtney Upshaw and sixth-round pick Tommy Streeter.
The new collective bargaining agreement has sped up the signings. In previous seasons, teams wouldn't begin striking deals until after the July 4th holiday. Now, NFL teams are signing picks at a record pace.
As far as the rest of the AFC North, the Steelers have two more picks left to sign while the Browns have five remaining, including both first-round picks (running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden). The Bengals have signed two of their 10 draft picks.
» NFC draft analysis: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
The AFC North continued its momentum from last season, when it was the only division to send three teams to the playoffs. Each team made significant upgrades by sticking to a plan. Of course, some executed better than others.
The Cleveland Browns used their first three picks on an offense that ranked 30th in scoring last season. The Cincinnati Bengals took three defensive players in the first three rounds. The Baltimore Ravens addressed their two biggest needs by using three of their first four picks on outside linebacker and offensive line. And the Steelers grabbed two starters on the offensive line with their first two picks.
Let's break down the draft decisions made within the division over the past three days:
BEST MOVE
Few teams manipulate the draft like the Baltimore Ravens. You have to applaud how the Ravens got a first-round talent in Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw when they were the only team in division not to draft in the first round. It wasn't just the best move in the AFC North. It was among the biggest steals of the draft.
Baltimore traded the 29th overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings for an additional pick in the fourth round (which was used on Delaware's Gino Gradkowski, their center of the future) and still got its targeted player -- Upshaw -- despite dropping back six spots.
Upshaw was once considered a top-10 pick, but he slid down draft boards after struggling at the Senior Bowl and sitting out NFL combine drills because of tendinitis in his knee. His high motor and bulldog mentality make him a perfect fit in Baltimore's traditionally tough defense.
"When you talk about Courtney, there still is a game we call football and Courtney is a football player," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "I'm sure if you would have asked us back in October, November if Courtney would make it to the third pick in the second round, everybody would have said, 'Probably not.' "
Upshaw's impact will be felt in two areas. He should take over the thankless job of setting the edge against the run that has long been handled by Jarret Johnson, who signed with San Diego in free agency. In passing situations, Upshaw will team with Terrell Suggs to give the Ravens their best edge rushers since they had Suggs and Peter Boulware.
RISKIEST MOVE
The Browns removed all the risk early in the first round, when they traded three picks to guarantee they would get running back Trent Richardson. Then, Cleveland turned around and took a major gamble later in the first round, selecting Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden with the 22nd overall pick.
This isn't the riskiest move that the Browns could have made at quarterback in this draft. Cleveland did pass on Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill in the top five. But taking a 28-year-old rookie quarterback ignited a lot of second-guessing. Cleveland had the chance to take Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff or Stanford guard David DeCastro at No. 22, or could have traded back into the second round to get Weeden. He has the physical tools and maturity to become a starter in the NFL. But taking him that high in the draft was a reach.
The one certainty is that Weeden upgrades the Browns' quarterback position. He has a much stronger arm than Colt McCoy and is far more accurate. But there's more pressure when you take a quarterback in the first round, and the clock is already ticking considering Weeden would already be the second-oldest starter in the division.
Cleveland played it safe for the rest of the draft, taking three players who were four-year starters (offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, linebacker James-Michael Johnson and guard Ryan Miller).
MOST SURPRISING MOVE
It was no surprise that the Steelers had the best draft in the AFC North. There was one move, however, that inspired a double take -- drafting Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams in the second round.
The Steelers don't usually take players with character issues and have little patience with behavioral problems on the team (see: Santonio Holmes). General manager Kevin Colbert acknowledged that Adams was off Pittsburgh's board after he failed a drug test at the NFL combine and the reportedly lied to the team. The Steelers only considered him again after Adams met some stipulations, which included counseling.
Although Adams has the look of a prototypical left tackle, his issues caused him to slip to the 56th overall pick. He is the biggest question mark in a strong draft for the Steelers. Pittsburgh landed the best guard in the draft (David DeCastro), a future starting nose tackle (Alameda Ta'Amu) and an electric playmaking running back (Chris Rainey). Perhaps that's the reason why the Steelers thought they could take such a chance on Adams.
FILE IT AWAY
The only position of need the Cincinnati Bengals ignored in free agency was wide receiver. And the Bengals passed on taking a wide receiver early despite three picks in the first two rounds.
Cincinnati let two of its top three receivers leave in free agency (Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell). Now that the draft is over, it still has not answered the question of who will be its No. 2 wide receiver. It's uncertain whether the two wide receivers drafted by the Bengals -- Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu in the third round and California's Marvin Jones in the fifth round -- will contribute immediately. Sanu is more known for being the player that got a prank call about getting picked by the Bengals in the first round before getting drafted by Cincinnati a day later.
The Bengals had been linked to Baylor's Kendall Wright and Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill, but they chose cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and guard Kevin Zeitler in the first round instead. Cincinnati has one of the best young wide receivers in the NFL in A.J. Green and a productive tight end in Jermaine Gresham. At this point, even Andy Dalton has to wonder who the third option in the passing game will be.
The AFC North continued its momentum from last season, when it was the only division to send three teams to the playoffs. Each team made significant upgrades by sticking to a plan. Of course, some executed better than others.
The Cleveland Browns used their first three picks on an offense that ranked 30th in scoring last season. The Cincinnati Bengals took three defensive players in the first three rounds. The Baltimore Ravens addressed their two biggest needs by using three of their first four picks on outside linebacker and offensive line. And the Steelers grabbed two starters on the offensive line with their first two picks.
Let's break down the draft decisions made within the division over the past three days:
BEST MOVE
Few teams manipulate the draft like the Baltimore Ravens. You have to applaud how the Ravens got a first-round talent in Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw when they were the only team in division not to draft in the first round. It wasn't just the best move in the AFC North. It was among the biggest steals of the draft.
Baltimore traded the 29th overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings for an additional pick in the fourth round (which was used on Delaware's Gino Gradkowski, their center of the future) and still got its targeted player -- Upshaw -- despite dropping back six spots.
Upshaw was once considered a top-10 pick, but he slid down draft boards after struggling at the Senior Bowl and sitting out NFL combine drills because of tendinitis in his knee. His high motor and bulldog mentality make him a perfect fit in Baltimore's traditionally tough defense.
"When you talk about Courtney, there still is a game we call football and Courtney is a football player," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "I'm sure if you would have asked us back in October, November if Courtney would make it to the third pick in the second round, everybody would have said, 'Probably not.' "
Upshaw's impact will be felt in two areas. He should take over the thankless job of setting the edge against the run that has long been handled by Jarret Johnson, who signed with San Diego in free agency. In passing situations, Upshaw will team with Terrell Suggs to give the Ravens their best edge rushers since they had Suggs and Peter Boulware.
RISKIEST MOVE
The Browns removed all the risk early in the first round, when they traded three picks to guarantee they would get running back Trent Richardson. Then, Cleveland turned around and took a major gamble later in the first round, selecting Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden with the 22nd overall pick.
This isn't the riskiest move that the Browns could have made at quarterback in this draft. Cleveland did pass on Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill in the top five. But taking a 28-year-old rookie quarterback ignited a lot of second-guessing. Cleveland had the chance to take Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff or Stanford guard David DeCastro at No. 22, or could have traded back into the second round to get Weeden. He has the physical tools and maturity to become a starter in the NFL. But taking him that high in the draft was a reach.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Sue OgrockiBrandon Weeden would already be the second-oldest starter in the AFC North.
AP Photo/Sue OgrockiBrandon Weeden would already be the second-oldest starter in the AFC North.Cleveland played it safe for the rest of the draft, taking three players who were four-year starters (offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, linebacker James-Michael Johnson and guard Ryan Miller).
MOST SURPRISING MOVE
It was no surprise that the Steelers had the best draft in the AFC North. There was one move, however, that inspired a double take -- drafting Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams in the second round.
The Steelers don't usually take players with character issues and have little patience with behavioral problems on the team (see: Santonio Holmes). General manager Kevin Colbert acknowledged that Adams was off Pittsburgh's board after he failed a drug test at the NFL combine and the reportedly lied to the team. The Steelers only considered him again after Adams met some stipulations, which included counseling.
Although Adams has the look of a prototypical left tackle, his issues caused him to slip to the 56th overall pick. He is the biggest question mark in a strong draft for the Steelers. Pittsburgh landed the best guard in the draft (David DeCastro), a future starting nose tackle (Alameda Ta'Amu) and an electric playmaking running back (Chris Rainey). Perhaps that's the reason why the Steelers thought they could take such a chance on Adams.
FILE IT AWAY
The only position of need the Cincinnati Bengals ignored in free agency was wide receiver. And the Bengals passed on taking a wide receiver early despite three picks in the first two rounds.
Cincinnati let two of its top three receivers leave in free agency (Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell). Now that the draft is over, it still has not answered the question of who will be its No. 2 wide receiver. It's uncertain whether the two wide receivers drafted by the Bengals -- Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu in the third round and California's Marvin Jones in the fifth round -- will contribute immediately. Sanu is more known for being the player that got a prank call about getting picked by the Bengals in the first round before getting drafted by Cincinnati a day later.
The Bengals had been linked to Baylor's Kendall Wright and Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill, but they chose cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and guard Kevin Zeitler in the first round instead. Cincinnati has one of the best young wide receivers in the NFL in A.J. Green and a productive tight end in Jermaine Gresham. At this point, even Andy Dalton has to wonder who the third option in the passing game will be.
The best way to follow the draft is ESPN's DraftTracker. Here's a sampling of that in an AFC North roundup of the second and third rounds:
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Second round: 53. DT Devon Still, Penn State. DraftTracker: The Bengals like to use a deep DL rotation and they prefer to attack the QB without a lot of blitzes, although they will as necessary. The thing that makes Still unique is the fact that he has some good inside penetrating skills that can disrupt a quarterback.
Third round: 83. WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers. DraftTracker: Their need is for a No. 2 guy outside. They have some decent slot candidates for their No. 3 receiver, but that's where Sanu may actually fit. He can also help them on third down and in the red zone.
Third round: 93. DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson. DraftTracker: The Bengals continue to build the inside of this defense with two defensive tackles and they already have decent starters. They now have the luxury of having an excellent inside rotation with Thompson as a strong inside penetrator.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Second round: 37. OT Mitchell Schwartz, California. DraftTracker: Schwartz is a big, physical guy who will likely step in immediately as a starter at right tackle to pair with Joe Thomas. He will be a better run blocker than pass protector.
Third round: 87. DT John Hughes, Cincinnati. DraftTracker: This was a bad run defense a year ago and they were not physical enough inside in their 4-3 scheme. Hughes is a power-type guy who should be able to clog the middle and give them a little better inside rotation than most people realize.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Second round: 35. OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama. DraftTracker: He is the perfect fit for Baltimore's aggressive 3-4 aggressive defense. He should be excellent off the edge as a pass-rusher and run defender.
Second round: 60. OT Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State. DraftTracker: This offensive line is in a little bit of a transition phase at LOG, where the Ravens lost a good player in Ben Grubbs in free agency. They thought about moving one of their OTs inside to fill the hole, but Osemele takes away that need. He will be expected to step right in at LOG and become an immediate starter.
Third round: 84. RB Bernard Pierce, Temple. DraftTracker: His main role appears to be to give Ray Rice some carries off and not make Rice carry the entire load. Pierce has good size and should be a nice complementary two-down back but don't expect much out of him in the passing game.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Second round: 56. OT Mike Adams, Ohio State. DraftTracker: He is a big, gifted athlete. You would think they could move Gilbert back to ROT and insert Adams at LOT.
Third round: 86. OLB Sean Spence, Miami. DraftTracker: With James Farrior gone, they really need to develop the depth inside. Their young guys right now are mostly on special teams. With Lawrence Timmons able to play inside or outside, Spence is an inside guy that might be able to play all three downs and contribute in pass situations.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Second round: 53. DT Devon Still, Penn State. DraftTracker: The Bengals like to use a deep DL rotation and they prefer to attack the QB without a lot of blitzes, although they will as necessary. The thing that makes Still unique is the fact that he has some good inside penetrating skills that can disrupt a quarterback.
Third round: 83. WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers. DraftTracker: Their need is for a No. 2 guy outside. They have some decent slot candidates for their No. 3 receiver, but that's where Sanu may actually fit. He can also help them on third down and in the red zone.
Third round: 93. DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson. DraftTracker: The Bengals continue to build the inside of this defense with two defensive tackles and they already have decent starters. They now have the luxury of having an excellent inside rotation with Thompson as a strong inside penetrator.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Second round: 37. OT Mitchell Schwartz, California. DraftTracker: Schwartz is a big, physical guy who will likely step in immediately as a starter at right tackle to pair with Joe Thomas. He will be a better run blocker than pass protector.
Third round: 87. DT John Hughes, Cincinnati. DraftTracker: This was a bad run defense a year ago and they were not physical enough inside in their 4-3 scheme. Hughes is a power-type guy who should be able to clog the middle and give them a little better inside rotation than most people realize.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Second round: 35. OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama. DraftTracker: He is the perfect fit for Baltimore's aggressive 3-4 aggressive defense. He should be excellent off the edge as a pass-rusher and run defender.
Second round: 60. OT Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State. DraftTracker: This offensive line is in a little bit of a transition phase at LOG, where the Ravens lost a good player in Ben Grubbs in free agency. They thought about moving one of their OTs inside to fill the hole, but Osemele takes away that need. He will be expected to step right in at LOG and become an immediate starter.
Third round: 84. RB Bernard Pierce, Temple. DraftTracker: His main role appears to be to give Ray Rice some carries off and not make Rice carry the entire load. Pierce has good size and should be a nice complementary two-down back but don't expect much out of him in the passing game.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Second round: 56. OT Mike Adams, Ohio State. DraftTracker: He is a big, gifted athlete. You would think they could move Gilbert back to ROT and insert Adams at LOT.
Third round: 86. OLB Sean Spence, Miami. DraftTracker: With James Farrior gone, they really need to develop the depth inside. Their young guys right now are mostly on special teams. With Lawrence Timmons able to play inside or outside, Spence is an inside guy that might be able to play all three downs and contribute in pass situations.
Eager to hear Titans explain Brown choice
April, 27, 2012
Apr 27
8:55
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
I’m eager to hear the Titans talk about North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown, whom they just picked at No. 52.
Brown The outside reviews are not very good. Over in our chat, Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said Brown is a track star with no football acumen.
The Titans have emphasized getting bigger and are trying to improve their pass rush. It would appear Brown does neither, as he’s just over 6-foot-1 and around 244 pounds and his speed seems to lend itself more to coverage work than pass rushing.
Even if the Titans envision him in that role going forward, they’ve long been a team that likes to talk about rushing linebackers but rarely follows through. Is he going to knock veteran Will Witherspoon from the weakside spot? Or succeed him next year?
Draft analyst Mike Detillier likes Brown -- rating him second at outside linebacker behind only Courtney Upshaw and putting him as a late first- or early second-round guy. Pro Football Weekly put Brown in the top 50. Mel Kiper said he was a second- or third-round player who would create split opinions and cited instinct concerns.
Detillier wrote that Brown's acceleration upfield is "unmatched my any other linebacker," that he has "rare closing speed to the ballcarrier" and that he has "first-rate flow skills laterally and eats up a lot of ground."
While Brown could be a tease, Detillier also said that with hard work, Brown can show he "has the skills to be a special player."
Still, like a lot of people, I'm thinking Tennessee could have done better in the spot.
The Titans have emphasized getting bigger and are trying to improve their pass rush. It would appear Brown does neither, as he’s just over 6-foot-1 and around 244 pounds and his speed seems to lend itself more to coverage work than pass rushing.
Even if the Titans envision him in that role going forward, they’ve long been a team that likes to talk about rushing linebackers but rarely follows through. Is he going to knock veteran Will Witherspoon from the weakside spot? Or succeed him next year?
Draft analyst Mike Detillier likes Brown -- rating him second at outside linebacker behind only Courtney Upshaw and putting him as a late first- or early second-round guy. Pro Football Weekly put Brown in the top 50. Mel Kiper said he was a second- or third-round player who would create split opinions and cited instinct concerns.
Detillier wrote that Brown's acceleration upfield is "unmatched my any other linebacker," that he has "rare closing speed to the ballcarrier" and that he has "first-rate flow skills laterally and eats up a lot of ground."
While Brown could be a tease, Detillier also said that with hard work, Brown can show he "has the skills to be a special player."
Still, like a lot of people, I'm thinking Tennessee could have done better in the spot.
Ravens get Courtney Upshaw in second
April, 27, 2012
Apr 27
7:33
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
The Baltimore Ravens moved out of the first round and still got their targeted outside linebacker in Alabama's Courtney Upshaw with the 35th overall pick.
Upshaw Upshaw will compete with Paul Kruger for the starting job. But Upshaw, who has a high motor and is considered a tone setter, is the favorite to take over for Jarret Johnson, who signed with the Chargers in free agency. Upshaw, who had 15.5 sacks the past two seasons at Alabama, will pair with Suggs for a formidable pass-rush tandem.
The Ravens wouldn't have had to get a linebacker this year if Sergio Kindle had panned out. Like this year, Baltimore dropped back in the second round in 2010 when it selected Kindle, who has yet to live up to expectations after fracturing his skull in an off-the-field accident.
Here's a quick scouting report from Scouts Inc.:
The Ravens wouldn't have had to get a linebacker this year if Sergio Kindle had panned out. Like this year, Baltimore dropped back in the second round in 2010 when it selected Kindle, who has yet to live up to expectations after fracturing his skull in an off-the-field accident.
Here's a quick scouting report from Scouts Inc.:
Pros: Is disciplined and almost always keeps outside contain. Also does a nice job of utilizing proper shoulder to take on blocks. Has quick, powerful hands to disengage in a hurry. At his best when turned loose up the field (38-percent of his tackles were behind the line of scrimmage). Physical, emotional player. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and can be downright nasty at times. Has a good overall motor. Loves to compete.
Cons: Is short (6-1 5/8) and occasionally gets engulfed by bigger blockers if reached. Will leave feet and fall off some ball carries. Shows tightness in his hips and will be limited in coverage. Has some experience in short-area zone coverage but lacks good instincts.
Grading AFC North's first-round picks
April, 27, 2012
Apr 27
9:20
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
All the AFC North teams got better in the first round Thursday night. That's saying a lot, because this division only had one pick in the top half of the first round.
The Browns got the draft's best running back (Trent Richardson). The Steelers got the best guard (David DeCastro). The Bengals addressed needs at cornerback and guard, and gained a third-round pick (93rd overall) from the Patriots. And the Ravens gained a fourth-round pick (98th overall) from the Vikings for sliding from No. 29 to No. 35.
Here's how I graded the newest additions to the division:
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Grade: B.
Hensley's comment: This would have been an 'A' first round for the Bengals if they stayed at No. 21 and drafted DeCastro. The Bengals recovered well with Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler, but an extra third isn't worth losing out on the best guard in the draft since Steve Hutchinson. Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is a solid, but not spectacular pick.
What the Bengals are saying ... Head coach Marvin Lewis: "I think in both players they have opportunities to start, and work their way into the lineup. We drafted both of them to play. We came in here hoping to cover a couple of needs for the future in the first round. I think we’ve been able to do that in picking the cornerback and the interior offensive lineman."
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Grade: B.
Hensley's comment: The Browns made a great move by trading up to get Richardson, but followed it up with a questionable one by taking quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round. Cleveland should've taken Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff or Stanford guard David DeCastro at No. 22, or traded back to get Weeden. Taking him that high in the draft is a reach.
What the Browns are saying ... Head coach Pat Shurmur: "When we don't hand it to Trent, we'll have Brandon throw it in there. He's displayed the ability to get his team in the end zone and win games. We all know the importance of the quarterback position, and we're addressing it to the point that we have a guy that we think is our guy as we move forward."
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Grade: Incomplete.
Hensley's comment: You can't give a grade until you see who the Ravens take at No. 35. Baltimore gained a fourth-round pick for falling back six spots. This will be a strong grade if the Ravens can get Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw in the second round.
What the Ravens are saying ... General manager Ozzie Newsome: "You can’t control what’s going to happen. When you watch the board come off like it did today, to have the ability to go back and acquire another player and still get a player that you probably would have picked at your pick is good business for us.”
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Grade: A-plus.
Hensley's comment: The Steelers are among the NFL's best drafting teams. The rest of the NFL made it easier for Pittsburgh on Thursday night. The Steelers, who need to upgrade at guard, had their choice of three top prospects -- DeCastro, Zeitler and Georgia's Cordy Glenn -- at No. 24. That just doesn't seem fair. DeCastro exclusively played right guard at Stanford, but the Steelers haven't ruled out moving him to the left side.
What the Steelers are saying ... General manager Kevin Colbert: "Really, we didn't think David would be there at 24 quite honestly. We valued him that high. We identified several players we would trade up to get, and he was one of them. With every pick, the odds increased. Where we picked, it was a nice group; we would have been happy with three or four players where we picked."
The Browns got the draft's best running back (Trent Richardson). The Steelers got the best guard (David DeCastro). The Bengals addressed needs at cornerback and guard, and gained a third-round pick (93rd overall) from the Patriots. And the Ravens gained a fourth-round pick (98th overall) from the Vikings for sliding from No. 29 to No. 35.
Here's how I graded the newest additions to the division:
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Grade: B.
Hensley's comment: This would have been an 'A' first round for the Bengals if they stayed at No. 21 and drafted DeCastro. The Bengals recovered well with Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler, but an extra third isn't worth losing out on the best guard in the draft since Steve Hutchinson. Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is a solid, but not spectacular pick.
What the Bengals are saying ... Head coach Marvin Lewis: "I think in both players they have opportunities to start, and work their way into the lineup. We drafted both of them to play. We came in here hoping to cover a couple of needs for the future in the first round. I think we’ve been able to do that in picking the cornerback and the interior offensive lineman."
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Grade: B.
Hensley's comment: The Browns made a great move by trading up to get Richardson, but followed it up with a questionable one by taking quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round. Cleveland should've taken Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff or Stanford guard David DeCastro at No. 22, or traded back to get Weeden. Taking him that high in the draft is a reach.
What the Browns are saying ... Head coach Pat Shurmur: "When we don't hand it to Trent, we'll have Brandon throw it in there. He's displayed the ability to get his team in the end zone and win games. We all know the importance of the quarterback position, and we're addressing it to the point that we have a guy that we think is our guy as we move forward."
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Grade: Incomplete.
Hensley's comment: You can't give a grade until you see who the Ravens take at No. 35. Baltimore gained a fourth-round pick for falling back six spots. This will be a strong grade if the Ravens can get Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw in the second round.
What the Ravens are saying ... General manager Ozzie Newsome: "You can’t control what’s going to happen. When you watch the board come off like it did today, to have the ability to go back and acquire another player and still get a player that you probably would have picked at your pick is good business for us.”
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Grade: A-plus.
Hensley's comment: The Steelers are among the NFL's best drafting teams. The rest of the NFL made it easier for Pittsburgh on Thursday night. The Steelers, who need to upgrade at guard, had their choice of three top prospects -- DeCastro, Zeitler and Georgia's Cordy Glenn -- at No. 24. That just doesn't seem fair. DeCastro exclusively played right guard at Stanford, but the Steelers haven't ruled out moving him to the left side.
What the Steelers are saying ... General manager Kevin Colbert: "Really, we didn't think David would be there at 24 quite honestly. We valued him that high. We identified several players we would trade up to get, and he was one of them. With every pick, the odds increased. Where we picked, it was a nice group; we would have been happy with three or four players where we picked."
Giants find Brandon Jacobs' replacement
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
11:32
PM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
NEW YORK -- Man, did the New York Giants have some options with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night. Wide receivers, offensive linemen and pass rushers still abound. They very well could have traded back into the early part of the second round, picked up an extra pick and still taken someone very useful, such as wide receiver Stephen Hill or tackle Cordy Glenn or even a pass rusher like Courtney Upshaw.
The Giants selected Virginia Tech's David Wilson to be Jacobs' replacement, but don't expect a running back like Jacobs. Wilson is a little guy -- about 5-foot-9, 206 pounds -- whose scouting report says he has outstanding top-end speed but still needs to work on his inside running and his initial burst. He's every-down capable, having racked up 334 touches last year with the Hokies, and that matters, since Ahmad Bradshaw always seems to be battling those foot injuries. And he's an outstanding athlete who qualified for the NCAA championships in the triple jump in 2010.
My guess is that the Giants were looking at Boise State running back Doug Martin, and the Buccaneers traded up into the back end of the first round and took Martin one pick before the Giants' turn. But it's entirely possible, knowing the Giants, that Wilson was the guy on whom they had their eye all along. The Giants like to bring guys into their system and develop them under their coaching staff and among their veteran players. So if Martin isn't an impact guy right away in 2012 -- if he's merely in the mix of Bradshaw backups with guys like Da'Rel Scott and D.J. Ware -- that doesn't mean he doesn't have big-time potential down the road.
Ultimately, this is more of a "need" pick than the Giants tend to make in the draft, but if they thought someone like Hill or Glenn or Upshaw or Stanford tight end Coby Fleener was well ahead of Wilson in terms of value, I'm sure they would have taken him. The Giants clearly think highly of Wilson.
Like they did in 2010, the Baltimore Ravens traded out of the first round. Giving up the No. 29 pick to the Minnesota Vikings, the Ravens received the Vikings' picks in the second (35th) and fourth rounds (98th).
If the Ravens stayed in the first round, they could have had their choice of Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw or Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill. Now, with the third pick of the second round on Friday, the Ravens could still get one of those players while picking up an additional fourth-rounder.
If the Ravens stayed in the first round, they could have had their choice of Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw or Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill. Now, with the third pick of the second round on Friday, the Ravens could still get one of those players while picking up an additional fourth-rounder.
Are Ravens targeting WR Stephen Hill?
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
10:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
There's been a strong buzz recently that the Baltimore Ravens are considering Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill with the 29th overall pick.
HillThis is a little surprising because Hill is a unpolished prospect who needs time to develop as a route runner. But the Ravens appear intrigued by his downfield playmaking ability. And, as you saw last season with Torrey Smith, quarterback Joe Flacco can get the ball downfield when receivers can outrun or outleap defenders.
As I've mentioned before, the Ravens could be thinking ahead at wide receiver. This could be Anquan Boldin's final season with the Ravens. If that's the case, Baltimore could groom Hill for a season before asking him to become a starter.
I believe the Ravens are interested in Hill, but I think Alabama linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are rated higher on Baltimore' board. Hightower would be the eventual replacement for Ray Lewis, and Upshaw would fill the void left by Jarret Johnson.
Of course, the Ravens' interest in Hill could be a moot point. Unless the Ravens trade up to the No. 20 spot (held by the Titans), they have to hope Hill makes it past two division rivals -- the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 21 and the Cleveland Browns at No. 22.
As I've mentioned before, the Ravens could be thinking ahead at wide receiver. This could be Anquan Boldin's final season with the Ravens. If that's the case, Baltimore could groom Hill for a season before asking him to become a starter.
I believe the Ravens are interested in Hill, but I think Alabama linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are rated higher on Baltimore' board. Hightower would be the eventual replacement for Ray Lewis, and Upshaw would fill the void left by Jarret Johnson.
Of course, the Ravens' interest in Hill could be a moot point. Unless the Ravens trade up to the No. 20 spot (held by the Titans), they have to hope Hill makes it past two division rivals -- the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 21 and the Cleveland Browns at No. 22.
Julio Jones better than this year's options
April, 24, 2012
Apr 24
12:47
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
The NFL draft is two days way. In Atlanta, that means people are talking about last year’s draft.
That’s mostly because the Falcons are without a first-round pick after using it as part of a package to move up 21 spots to get receiver Julio Jones in last year’s draft. Atlanta doesn’t pick until the second round (No. 55 overall).
Lots of folks are moaning about the Jones trade now and talking about how it left the Falcons without a chance to get a player who can make an instant impact at left tackle or defensive end. I get those points.
I’d like to see the Falcons upgrade on Sam Baker at left tackle and I’d like to see them get a pass-rusher to go with John Abraham in this draft. None of that’s going to come in the first round and, even if the Falcons get a left tackle and a defensive end later in the draft, they won’t make an instant impact. But I’m not looking back regretfully at last year’s trade to get Jones.
If the Falcons hadn’t made the trade, they’d be picking No. 22 in this year’s draft.
Take a look at this mock draft done by the ESPN.com Blog Network on Monday and see if there is anybody who really excites you available at No. 22. I just did and I’m not seeing much. Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn went at No. 21 and some are projecting him as a guard. I’m a strong believer that you don’t take a guard in the first round and I’m not seeing any tackle I’d take in this scenario. I’d stick with Baker and add a guy who might be able to compete with him later in the draft or in free agency.
It’s kind of the same story at defensive end. Chandler Jones and Courtney Upshaw were taken after No. 22 and neither of those are guys who likely will make a huge instant impact. You can find a defensive end with as much potential in the second round.
The Falcons already got their impact player in this draft. It was Jones. Yeah, his rookie numbers weren’t off the charts, but they were very solid. Jones came up just a bit short of 1,000 receiving yards even though he missed three games with injuries. There were moments last season when Jones looked spectacular at a position where many rookies take several years to make a true impact.
I think Jones will only get better this year and new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s scheme will find more ways to get him the ball. Jones and Roddy White are close to being on even ground right now. As White ages, it’s only a matter of time before Jones becomes the true No. 1 receiver.
The Falcons got their impact player from this draft in last year’s draft. I gladly will take Jones over anything they could get at No. 22 in this year’s draft.
That’s mostly because the Falcons are without a first-round pick after using it as part of a package to move up 21 spots to get receiver Julio Jones in last year’s draft. Atlanta doesn’t pick until the second round (No. 55 overall).
2012 NFL Draft
Rd. 1: April 26, 8 p.m. ET
Rd. 2-3: April 27, 7 p.m. ET
Rd. 4-7: April 28, Noon ET
Radio City Music Hall
New York City
Draft order | Draft home
• Mel Kiper's latest mock 
• Todd McShay's latest mock
• Mel Kiper's Big Board
• Todd McShay's Top 32
• Blog Network mock draft 2.0
• Draft Machine
I’d like to see the Falcons upgrade on Sam Baker at left tackle and I’d like to see them get a pass-rusher to go with John Abraham in this draft. None of that’s going to come in the first round and, even if the Falcons get a left tackle and a defensive end later in the draft, they won’t make an instant impact. But I’m not looking back regretfully at last year’s trade to get Jones.
If the Falcons hadn’t made the trade, they’d be picking No. 22 in this year’s draft.
Take a look at this mock draft done by the ESPN.com Blog Network on Monday and see if there is anybody who really excites you available at No. 22. I just did and I’m not seeing much. Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn went at No. 21 and some are projecting him as a guard. I’m a strong believer that you don’t take a guard in the first round and I’m not seeing any tackle I’d take in this scenario. I’d stick with Baker and add a guy who might be able to compete with him later in the draft or in free agency.
It’s kind of the same story at defensive end. Chandler Jones and Courtney Upshaw were taken after No. 22 and neither of those are guys who likely will make a huge instant impact. You can find a defensive end with as much potential in the second round.
The Falcons already got their impact player in this draft. It was Jones. Yeah, his rookie numbers weren’t off the charts, but they were very solid. Jones came up just a bit short of 1,000 receiving yards even though he missed three games with injuries. There were moments last season when Jones looked spectacular at a position where many rookies take several years to make a true impact.
I think Jones will only get better this year and new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s scheme will find more ways to get him the ball. Jones and Roddy White are close to being on even ground right now. As White ages, it’s only a matter of time before Jones becomes the true No. 1 receiver.
The Falcons got their impact player from this draft in last year’s draft. I gladly will take Jones over anything they could get at No. 22 in this year’s draft.
More on the Upshaw-McClellin decision
April, 24, 2012
Apr 24
11:30
AM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
As our ESPN.com blogger mock draft 2.0 reached the bottom of the first round, I had an unexpected decision to make. I wanted to get the Green Bay Packers an outside linebacker who could enhance their pass rush, and when the No. 28 pick arrived, I had a choice between Alabama's Courtney Upshaw and Boise State's Shea McClellin.
I had targeted McClellin before the draft as among a handful of players I figured to be choosing from at No. 28. Upshaw wasn't on that list, mostly because I thought he would be drafted by that point. After a few minutes of toggling back and forth, I stuck with my original intent and drafted McClellin.
AFC North colleague Jamison Hensley then gleefully grabbed Upshaw for the Baltimore Ravens at No. 29. So did I make a classic draft mistake by not adjusting after an unexpected turn of events? Can you make a football argument for McClellin over one of the best players on Alabama's championship defense? Or is it a moot point, considering the slim likelihood that both players will be on the real draft board when the real Packers make the real selection at No. 28 in the real draft on Thursday?
I reached out to Steve Muench, who spends the year evaluating college talent for Scouts Inc. Steve said he would also have taken McClellin for the Packers and offered this reasoning:
Upshaw is tough and he sets the edge well. He's also a relentless pass rusher from a big-time program. He is going to be a good player but the Packers need pass rush help and McClellin projects as the better pass-rusher. He's more explosive, he bends better and he closes better. That's why he makes more sense if both are available.
Your reactions were mixed via Twitter.
@PackerRanter thought "most would be happy with either."
@MJEversoll was "surprised both were available, but I agree [Ted Thompson] would take McClellin over Upshaw. Right choice."
@Z_Kool thought McClellin "seems like a GB kid, like the pick."
@bradygoble, on the other hand, thought "Upshaw is the better choice. Harder hitter and can get to the QB faster."
At some level, we're probably all guilty of some stereotyping here. If you read what Muench said, and watch the Todd McShay's draft minute on Upshaw, it's probably unfair to assume that the big-school Upshaw is the better athlete and that McClellin, from a smaller school, is the better technician. The media analysts who know more about this than we do suggest McClellin has better athletic traits as a pass-rusher, which is the primary place the Packers would use a first-round linebacker.
I'm of course open to further opinions from you, but I actually feel better about my choice today than yesterday. Carry on.
Ravens, Steelers may take rivalry to draft
April, 24, 2012
Apr 24
9:57
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers engage in the NFL's best grudge matches every year. This week, that rivalry could cross over into the NFL draft.
The Ravens and the Steelers have similar needs and could be targeting some of the same players. The Steelers will have the first shot at a player with the 24th overall pick, but the Ravens could decide to trade up in front of Pittsburgh from the No. 29 spot.
Both teams are looking at guards like Georgia’s Cordy Glenn and Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler. The Steelers should upgrade at left guard from Doug Legursky, and the Ravens still have to replace Ben Grubbs at that same spot.
Both teams could use an inside linebacker like Alabama’s Dont'a Hightower. Pittsburgh has a leadership void there since cutting James Farrior, and Baltimore has to start thinking of an heir apparent to Ray Lewis.
Both teams could also consider an outside linebacker like Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw. The Steelers might look ahead with James Harrison turning 34 next month, and the Ravens could use an Alabama player to replace a departed one in Jarret Johnson.
Theses scenarios should bring AFC North drama to the bottom half of the first round. The Steelers could take a coveted Ravens prospect at No. 24, or Baltimore could jump ahead of Pittsburgh to do the same.
According to the trade chart, the Ravens would give up a third-round pick to move up to the Detroit Lions' No. 23 spot.
The Ravens and the Steelers have similar needs and could be targeting some of the same players. The Steelers will have the first shot at a player with the 24th overall pick, but the Ravens could decide to trade up in front of Pittsburgh from the No. 29 spot.
2012 NFL Draft
Rd. 1: April 26, 8 p.m. ET
Rd. 2-3: April 27, 7 p.m. ET
Rd. 4-7: April 28, Noon ET
Radio City Music Hall
New York City
Draft order | Draft home
• Mel Kiper's latest mock
• Todd McShay's latest mock
• Mel Kiper's Big Board
• Todd McShay's Top 32
• Blog Network mock draft 2.0
• Draft Machine
Both teams could use an inside linebacker like Alabama’s Dont'a Hightower. Pittsburgh has a leadership void there since cutting James Farrior, and Baltimore has to start thinking of an heir apparent to Ray Lewis.
Both teams could also consider an outside linebacker like Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw. The Steelers might look ahead with James Harrison turning 34 next month, and the Ravens could use an Alabama player to replace a departed one in Jarret Johnson.
Theses scenarios should bring AFC North drama to the bottom half of the first round. The Steelers could take a coveted Ravens prospect at No. 24, or Baltimore could jump ahead of Pittsburgh to do the same.
According to the trade chart, the Ravens would give up a third-round pick to move up to the Detroit Lions' No. 23 spot.
The live ESPN Blogger Mock Draft just wrapped up, and I'll give you my picks and my thoughts behind them:
4. Browns: RB Trent Richardson, Alabama. Not buying into the Browns' interest in wide receiver Justin Blackmon or quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Richardson is clearly the best offensive player in the draft outside of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. The Browns' struggling offense needs an identity, and Richardson can instantly give it a tough one.
17. Bengals: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina. Things didn't go as planned in the first half of the draft for the Bengals, who watched guard David DeCastro, safety Mark Barron and cornerback Stephon Gilmore all get taken in the top 15. Defensive end is a major need for the Bengals, but it would be hard to resist taking a talent like Coples. Even though Coples has boom-or-bust potential, this is a pick based on best player available.
21. Bengals: G-T Cordy Glenn, Georgia. The decision here came down to Glenn, wide receiver Kendall Wright or cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. You could argue wide receiver is the bigger need, but Glenn is the better prospect. After failing to get DeCastro at No. 17, the Bengals turn to Glenn to make an immediate impact at right or left guard.
22. Browns: OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford. This was a tough call because the Browns need speed at wide receiver, and Wright and Stephen Hill are sitting there. But that's the reason the pick is Martin. There are so many more wide receiver prospects available than offensive tackles, so the Browns have a better chance of a wide receiver falling to them early in the second round (perhaps South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery).
24. Steelers: NT Dontari Poe, Memphis. Could the Steelers have envisioned a better draft unfolding than this? Pittsburgh would've been happy with Dont'a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw or even Amini Silatolu. Instead, Poe falls into their laps. He becomes the heir apparent to Casey Hampton.
29. Ravens: OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama. The Ravens are always looking for pass rushers, and Upshaw gives them another tone-setter on defense. He replaces Jarret Johnson in Baltimore's base defense and plays opposite Terrell Suggs as an edge rusher in passing situations. Upshaw has drawn comparisons to LaMarr Woodley, so you know he's an AFC North-type of player.
4. Browns: RB Trent Richardson, Alabama. Not buying into the Browns' interest in wide receiver Justin Blackmon or quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Richardson is clearly the best offensive player in the draft outside of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. The Browns' struggling offense needs an identity, and Richardson can instantly give it a tough one.
17. Bengals: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina. Things didn't go as planned in the first half of the draft for the Bengals, who watched guard David DeCastro, safety Mark Barron and cornerback Stephon Gilmore all get taken in the top 15. Defensive end is a major need for the Bengals, but it would be hard to resist taking a talent like Coples. Even though Coples has boom-or-bust potential, this is a pick based on best player available.
21. Bengals: G-T Cordy Glenn, Georgia. The decision here came down to Glenn, wide receiver Kendall Wright or cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. You could argue wide receiver is the bigger need, but Glenn is the better prospect. After failing to get DeCastro at No. 17, the Bengals turn to Glenn to make an immediate impact at right or left guard.
22. Browns: OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford. This was a tough call because the Browns need speed at wide receiver, and Wright and Stephen Hill are sitting there. But that's the reason the pick is Martin. There are so many more wide receiver prospects available than offensive tackles, so the Browns have a better chance of a wide receiver falling to them early in the second round (perhaps South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery).
24. Steelers: NT Dontari Poe, Memphis. Could the Steelers have envisioned a better draft unfolding than this? Pittsburgh would've been happy with Dont'a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw or even Amini Silatolu. Instead, Poe falls into their laps. He becomes the heir apparent to Casey Hampton.
29. Ravens: OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama. The Ravens are always looking for pass rushers, and Upshaw gives them another tone-setter on defense. He replaces Jarret Johnson in Baltimore's base defense and plays opposite Terrell Suggs as an edge rusher in passing situations. Upshaw has drawn comparisons to LaMarr Woodley, so you know he's an AFC North-type of player.
The 2012 ESPN.com blog network mock draft is in the books. It was actually a lot of fun, and I hope you got a chance to jump into the fray for at least a few moments. If not, here is the chat transcript.
I learned a few things. First, I'm much more conservative than I thought I was. I tried to drum up trade interest in the Minnesota Vikings' No. 3 overall pick, but for the most part I was content to let everyone else wheel and deal and then sit tight for targeted players to drop in a way that I thought would only happen in my dreams.
Second, every draft has some unexpected trades and some unconventional picks. Having eight people participate helped lend a sense of that dynamic, even if the trades we made and the picks that resulted don't happen this week. You got a more realistic sense of how it could go, I think, than in a conventional mock draft.
We faced decisions at each stop, which I'll detail below for those interested:
3. Minnesota Vikings
My pick: USC left tackle Matt Kalil
Final decision: Kalil or LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne
Process and reasoning: I felt obligated to solicit trade offers for anyone who might be interested in Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. I pressured AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley, who is convinced the Cleveland Browns do not want to trade up from No. 4. I leaned on AFC West blogger Bill Williamson, suggesting Tannehill would be a nice target for the Kansas City Chiefs. "I'm good," Williamson said. And I tried to entice AFC East blogger James Walker, letting him and the Miami Dolphins know I was talking to the Hensley/Browns and Williamson/Chiefs.
Walker sat tight. With my time (almost up), I was left to the decision we've been discussing in recent days. I can't see the Vikings taking Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, so it was down to Kalil or Claiborne.
In the end, I took Kalil because my top goal in this exercise was to avoid overthinking. Left tackle is one of the most difficult jobs to fill in the NFL. The Vikings don't have a left tackle, not since they released Bryant McKinnie last summer, and their quarterbacks were pummeled in 2011. Kalil is one of the draft's best prospects and certainly the top left tackle available.
It's true that the Vikings are short on cornerbacks as well, but I would feel more comfortable finding a cornerback at the top of the second or third round than a left tackle. Claiborne and Kalil are both excellent prospects. So Kalil it was. We'll soon see if the Vikings agree.
19. Chicago Bears
My pick: Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus
Final decision: Mercilus or Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones
Process and reasoning: If the real thing goes anything like our mock draft, it appears the Bears will have their pick of defensive ends to fill an important but untouched roster hole. I was holding out hope for North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples, who slipped as far as No. 17 before Hensley grabbed him for the Cincinnati Bengals. But ultimately I was left to choose between Mercilus, Jones, USC's Nick Perry and Alabama's Courtney Upshaw.
Why Mercilus? The Bears have spent a good bit of time visiting and researching Mercilus during the past few months, and while there are questions about the best positions for some of the other defensive end prospects, Mercilus is a clear and obvious 4-3 defensive end. I liked him more than any of the receivers on the board at the time, and I didn't think the Bears would chose an offensive tackle -- even Stanford's Jonathan Martin -- in this spot.
Ultimately, Martin went at No. 22 to the Browns, where he will presumably play right tackle.
23. Detroit Lions
My pick: Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick
Final decision: Kirkpatrick or trade down
Process and reasoning: Frankly, I was surprised that Kirkpatrick fell that far. I can see a team jumping first for South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore, as Paul Kuharsky did for the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 15. But having Kirkpatrick available at No. 23 for a team whose secondary collapsed in 2011 was a pretty good situation.
I had previously discussed a trade with Hensley and the Baltimore Ravens at No. 29, something that could arise Thursday night. But I was more than happy to sit with Kirkpatrick at that point.
Why Kirkpatrick over North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins? Frankly, for the obvious and previously-stated conservative reasons. The Lions had three members of their 2011 draft class run into marijuana-related issues. Jenkins has a long history dating back to his removal from the University of Florida team two years ago.
I realize Kirkpatrick was cited in January for marijuana possession, but ultimately he was not prosecuted.
28. Green Bay Packers
My pick: Boise state outside linebacker Shea McClellin
Final decision: McClellin or Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Process and reasoning: I had targeted McClellin as someone I would hope to draft for the Packers and was caught off guard when Upshaw was still available. I got some tweets and live suggestions for both players, but chose McClellin because I think he's a better fit for the Packers' 3-4 and that he'll be ready to start in Week 1 for a team that is a Super Bowl contender in 2012.
There is enough concern about Upshaw's fit as a 3-4 linebacker, as opposed to a 4-3 defensive end, that I felt more comfortable with McClellin here.
I would be willing to discuss this further in the blog, probably Tuesday. Your thoughts, as always, are welcome.
I learned a few things. First, I'm much more conservative than I thought I was. I tried to drum up trade interest in the Minnesota Vikings' No. 3 overall pick, but for the most part I was content to let everyone else wheel and deal and then sit tight for targeted players to drop in a way that I thought would only happen in my dreams.
Second, every draft has some unexpected trades and some unconventional picks. Having eight people participate helped lend a sense of that dynamic, even if the trades we made and the picks that resulted don't happen this week. You got a more realistic sense of how it could go, I think, than in a conventional mock draft.
We faced decisions at each stop, which I'll detail below for those interested:
3. Minnesota Vikings
My pick: USC left tackle Matt Kalil
Final decision: Kalil or LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne
Process and reasoning: I felt obligated to solicit trade offers for anyone who might be interested in Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. I pressured AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley, who is convinced the Cleveland Browns do not want to trade up from No. 4. I leaned on AFC West blogger Bill Williamson, suggesting Tannehill would be a nice target for the Kansas City Chiefs. "I'm good," Williamson said. And I tried to entice AFC East blogger James Walker, letting him and the Miami Dolphins know I was talking to the Hensley/Browns and Williamson/Chiefs.
Walker sat tight. With my time (almost up), I was left to the decision we've been discussing in recent days. I can't see the Vikings taking Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, so it was down to Kalil or Claiborne.
In the end, I took Kalil because my top goal in this exercise was to avoid overthinking. Left tackle is one of the most difficult jobs to fill in the NFL. The Vikings don't have a left tackle, not since they released Bryant McKinnie last summer, and their quarterbacks were pummeled in 2011. Kalil is one of the draft's best prospects and certainly the top left tackle available.
It's true that the Vikings are short on cornerbacks as well, but I would feel more comfortable finding a cornerback at the top of the second or third round than a left tackle. Claiborne and Kalil are both excellent prospects. So Kalil it was. We'll soon see if the Vikings agree.
19. Chicago Bears
My pick: Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus
Final decision: Mercilus or Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones
Process and reasoning: If the real thing goes anything like our mock draft, it appears the Bears will have their pick of defensive ends to fill an important but untouched roster hole. I was holding out hope for North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples, who slipped as far as No. 17 before Hensley grabbed him for the Cincinnati Bengals. But ultimately I was left to choose between Mercilus, Jones, USC's Nick Perry and Alabama's Courtney Upshaw.
Why Mercilus? The Bears have spent a good bit of time visiting and researching Mercilus during the past few months, and while there are questions about the best positions for some of the other defensive end prospects, Mercilus is a clear and obvious 4-3 defensive end. I liked him more than any of the receivers on the board at the time, and I didn't think the Bears would chose an offensive tackle -- even Stanford's Jonathan Martin -- in this spot.
Ultimately, Martin went at No. 22 to the Browns, where he will presumably play right tackle.
23. Detroit Lions
My pick: Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick
Final decision: Kirkpatrick or trade down
Process and reasoning: Frankly, I was surprised that Kirkpatrick fell that far. I can see a team jumping first for South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore, as Paul Kuharsky did for the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 15. But having Kirkpatrick available at No. 23 for a team whose secondary collapsed in 2011 was a pretty good situation.
I had previously discussed a trade with Hensley and the Baltimore Ravens at No. 29, something that could arise Thursday night. But I was more than happy to sit with Kirkpatrick at that point.
Why Kirkpatrick over North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins? Frankly, for the obvious and previously-stated conservative reasons. The Lions had three members of their 2011 draft class run into marijuana-related issues. Jenkins has a long history dating back to his removal from the University of Florida team two years ago.
I realize Kirkpatrick was cited in January for marijuana possession, but ultimately he was not prosecuted.
28. Green Bay Packers
My pick: Boise state outside linebacker Shea McClellin
Final decision: McClellin or Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Process and reasoning: I had targeted McClellin as someone I would hope to draft for the Packers and was caught off guard when Upshaw was still available. I got some tweets and live suggestions for both players, but chose McClellin because I think he's a better fit for the Packers' 3-4 and that he'll be ready to start in Week 1 for a team that is a Super Bowl contender in 2012.
There is enough concern about Upshaw's fit as a 3-4 linebacker, as opposed to a 4-3 defensive end, that I felt more comfortable with McClellin here.
I would be willing to discuss this further in the blog, probably Tuesday. Your thoughts, as always, are welcome.
