2011 NFL Mock Draft

In a few days, the most highly anticipated day in the Leonardis house will finally be upon us. The NFL Draft will be taking place in primetime Thursday night with a load of uncertainty and not much star power. With every draft comes the best attempts of people like myself at forecasting how the opening round will go.

Obviously, with the usual smattering of trade ups and trade downs, it's impossible to execute perfection here and, quite frankly, I'd be happy with getting at least 10 of the 32 first round picks correct. This year, however, is especially difficult. Combined with the aforementioned lack of big names, the current mess with the NFL lockout has eliminated free agency and other player movement which has led to teams entering Thursday night with more holes than normal. That means the Draft can go in a number of directions and the mock that you are about to read could become moot by the end of the first hour. Even with that in mind, here's my best attempt at predicting Thursday's events.

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

I think the Panthers are making a mistake giving up on Jimmy Clausen after just 11 games. If this were me, the pick would be Georgia wideout A.J. Green, who would give Clausen another weapon and round out the whole offense. Still, the thought process from a majority of people in the know is that Carolina's going quarterback. In that case, Newton, the reigning Heisman trophy winner who put up Madden numbers at Auburn last season, is the choice here over rising star Blaine Gabbert from Missouri. Newton has the size, athleticism and personality to be the face of the Panthers franchise as well as someone who can put butts in seats. He's a big, mobile QB with a strong arm and adequate accuracy. The question becomes "Will Carolina be willing to wait to pop the cork on their new poster boy or will they throw Newton out to the wolves before he's ready?"

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

This is pretty much a toss-up between Dareus and Texas A&M pass-rushing dynamo Von Miller, with LSU corner Patrick Peterson having an outside shot. Dareus used a strong Combine to strong-arm Auburn's Nick Fairley off the top of this year's rookie DT rankings. Dareus won defensive MVP honors in the Tide's 2009 National Championship win over Texas, knocking out Longhorn legend Colt McCoy. Dareus provides an interior presence and provides a pass-rush for Denver that was sorely lacking with the absence of Elvis Dumervil. With Dumervil coming back, Dareus gets the nod over Miller, who can get to the QB as a linebacker or end.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Here's where things get interesting. The Bills need a QB and Blaine Gabbert of Missouri, considered by some to be the best QB in the draft, is on the board. However, the Bills proved last year that they like to throw a curveball come Draft time. Needing offensive line help, the Bills passed on OTs like Bryan Bulaga to take Clemson RB C.J. Spiller in the first round last year despite already having RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson on the roster. The same could hold true here. While Gabbert makes a ton of sense, Miller's potential may be too hard to pass up. Miller's drawn comparisons to former Chiefs great Derrick Thomas and the Bills can certianly use someone with that kind of high praise after getting nothing from former high pick Aaron Maybin.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Gabbert's in play here, too, with the threats of retirement from current Bengals QB Carson Palmer. The Bengals can hope taking a guy like Green, whom I think is the best player in this draft, can change Palmer's mind and motivate him to give playing in Cincy another shot. The Bengals can also try to get a QB in Round 2 and avoid irritating Palmer by using a high pick on his replacement. Green has been considered the best WR prospect to come out since Calvin Johnson in '07, and he can start out learning from current Bengals Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ochocinco before he eventually replaces him. An offense of Ochocinco, Green, last year's first round TE Jermaine Gresham and Cedric Benson can do damage in the AFC North if they can convince Palmer to stay.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

My theory behind having Arizona taking Peterson here is two-fold: One, there has been talk of this pick going to Philly in exchange for QB Kevin Kolb, but with labor talks hitting a snag, that trade won't be possible when the Cards go on the clock. If the Eagles were able to go on the clock, however, it is believed they covet Peterson, a shut down corner with extraordinary ball skills as well as someone who can help out the return game. The Cardinals could ship Peterson's rights to Philadelphia for Kolb(who fills Arizona's biggest hole) after the Draft or keep Peterson to help a pass defense that was getting burnt routinely after letting guys like Antrel Rolle and Bryant McFadden walk. Robert Quinn, a DE/LB from UNC who missed all of last season on suspension, could also be on Arizona's radar.

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Five of the first six players selected could come from the SEC, a testament to the conference's dominance as well as a feather in the cap of Cam Newton for managing to put up big numbers with all this talent opposing him. The Browns got lucky last year stumbling on Colt McCoy in the third round. Now, they need to find him a weapon. That man should be Julio Jones, who outworked A.J. Green at the Combine despite a foot injury. Jones is a physical receiver with speed who also possesses Hines Ward-like blocking ability in the run game. He would give Cleveland a true #1 receiver after spending last year masquerading their passing game with guys like return man Josh Cribbs and youngster Mohammad Massaquoi.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Outside of maybe Minnesota, no team's QB situation is in more of a dire need of an upgrade than San Francisco's. Last year, the Niners tried to build on a promising '09 campaign by hoping former #1 overall pick Alex Smith could finally put things together and become a legit quarterback. He didn't. Now, there's some uncertainty surrounding Gabbert because he played in a spread offense at Mizzou and didn't throw too many deep balls. Still, scouts have been impressed with what they've seen in Gabbert's workouts and, while San Fran would probably rather trade down or have a guy like Patrick Peterson fall to them, Gabbert presents good value here at #7 and gives the Niners some new blood to reinvigorate the passing game.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

At one point, Nick Fairley seemed to be the leader for the #1 overall pick, but the stigma of being a one-year wonder and the impressive workouts of guys like Marcell Dareus and teammate Cam Newton have pushed him down a little. Fairley put on an impressive junior season for the Tigers and punctuated his '10 campaign by taking defensive MVP honors in the BCS championship against Oregon. Fairley gives the Titans an interior presence that they haven't had since Albert Haynesworth left in free agency a couple years ago and, with guys like Jason Babin expected to hit free agency, Tennessee will need a guy like Fairley to get to the QB. Speaking of QBs, Vince Young upcoming departure puts the Titans in the market for a new signal caller. Gabbert's in play if he falls but don't be shocked if Tennessee tries to trade back for a guy like Andy Dalton out of TCU or Florida State's Christian Ponder

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Cowboys have a huge need at corner, so Nebraska's Prince Amukamara makes a ton of sense here in a draft not very deep at cornerback. All signs, however, point to Dallas finally improving their offensive line. After watching Tony Romo sit the second half of the season out with a broken collarbone, Jerry Jones knows his team needs to improve their pass protection. There's a lot of debate over who the best offensive tackle in this draft is but it seems Smith has taken the lead. Smith played mostly right tackle at SC but he has the quick feet to play the left side and, even if he can't, the Cowboys are desperate enough to take whatever help it can get.

10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE/LB, North Carolina

Quinn is the draft's biggest enigma. He has a ton of potential and great size(6'4, 265lbs) and athleticism, but he hasn't played a game since the end of the 2009 season, thanks to the NCAA suspending him last year. The Redskins need a pass-rusher beyond Brian Orakpo though and Quinn, while rusty, is the best available pass rusher with Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers on the mend from knee surgery. The Redskins need a QB as well, with Donovan McNabb on his way out and nothing but former Bear Rex Grossman behind him, so a reach for a guy like Jake Locker isn't out of the question given Mike Shanahan's unpredictability on Draft day.

11. Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

There's a lot of talk of Houston wanting to move up for a crack at LSU's Patrick Peterson if manages to fall out of the top 5. Even with Houston taking Kareem Jackson last year to help make up for the loss of CB Dunta Robinson, the Texans still need help in the secondary. If they can't go all in for Peterson, Amukamara would be a nice consolation prize. He's a sure tackler(58 tackles last season) with great speed( 4.3 40) and a nose for the ball. With the Texans moving to the 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, they team could also use another OLB. Robert Quinn is an option, if he falls, as is Missouri's Aldon Smith. For now, Amukamara seems to be the best move here unless they can move up for Peterson.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Brett Favre is finally calling it a career(we hope) and Tarvaris Jackson is a free agent. That leaves "Mighty" Joe Webb as the incumbent for Minnesota's QB job. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations a year ago, that won't cut it. Locker was considered the top pick at the start of the college football season, when he opted to return for his senior season. Instead of build on an impressive resume, Locker regressed and his stock has plummeted to the point that even going to the Vikings at 12 might seem like a stretch. The Vikings can't afford to haggle with finding the right spot to take a QB. They have talent up and down the roster and they need an upgrade behind center. There's talk about getting Donovan McNabb from the Redskins but that will only delay the inevitable. The Vikes need a young QB to groom and, if Locker lives up to his preseason billing, Minnesota would have gotten a steal taking him at 12.

13. Detroit Lions: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Another guy once in the running for the first overall pick is Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers. Once considered the next Julius Peppers, Bowers has slid after postseason knee surgery slowed him down during workouts. With both top corners off the board, the Lions could roll the dice that Bowers' troublesome knee holds up and that the combination of he and last year's DROTY Ndomukong Suh makes up for the lack of talent in the defensive backfield. The Lions could also use this pick on an offensive tackle and protect franchise QB Matt Stafford, who has shined at times but has seen his progress stalled by injuries. Anthony Costanzo of Boston College or Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin could get the nod in that regard.

14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

The Rams got breakout seasons from ends Chris Long and James Hall but Hall's getting long in the tooth and the Rams could use a big body inside to help against the run and take pressure off of Long. Enter Liuget, who is coming off a solid season with the Illini(63 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, three passes broken up). While Liuget fills a need, what the Rams really need is a true #1 wideout for QB Sam Bradford. Chances are slim on Julio Jones or A.J. Green falling here, but if they drop low enough, the Rams would be smart to go up and grab them. The Rams could also use a corner if Amukamara drops here.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida

Early on, many had this as the perfect landing spot for Alabama RB and former Heisman winner Mark Ingram. With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both free agents, the Dolphins will need a new rusher if both flee. However, Ingram has been slowed by the knee injury that plagued him last season and his workouts have been less than impressive. Meanwhile, Miami has needed help on the interior offensive line. The Steelers benefited last year from snagging Mike Pouncey's twin brother, Maurkice last year and, while Mike isn't quite as good as his bro, his presence will help Miami's running game just as much(if not more) than adding another back.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Around this part of the draft, there's a lot of teams with similar needs and a lot of depth at several positions. One of the positions of depth is defensive end, so you can pretty much play mix and match with any of the number of edge rushers on the board. The best available at this point would be Cal's Cameron Jordan, but he may be better suited for a 3-4 scheme. The Jags, who swung and missed in years past on DEs like Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey, are once again in need of a pass rusher off the edge with free agent acquisition Aaron Kampman tearing his ACL for the second time in as many years. That means Jacksonville could call upon a guy like Kerrigan.....or Wisconsin's J.J. Watt....or Iowa's Adrian Clayborn....or even Cam Jordan. One way or the other, smart money would be on the Jags going defensive end.

17. New England Patriots(from Oakland): Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Quick rant here: There's a lot of talk about New England being enamored with Mark Ingram, which makes no sense to me. For one, the Patriots have passed on top-notch RBs like Steven Jackson and Rashard Mendenhall. They also are a team that's won with guys like Antwoin Smith and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. They also got burned the last time they went RB in Round 1(Laurence Maroney). Now, I'm supposed to believe that the Pats are going to finally take a RB and that it will be an undersized power back coming off knee surgery in Mark Ingram? I don't think so. I think Ingram will be a solid back in the NFL, but I find New England's interest to be way too public to be legit.

On to who I think they'll actually take, the Patriots made a savvy move in trading Richard Seymour to Oakland for this pick right here but, since then, they have found out the hard way just how much they miss Seymour on the inside of that defensive line. Lucky for New England, this draft is filled with good defensive lineman and the guy making a lot of noise is Cal's Cam Jordan. Jordan's a big end at 6'3, 287 pounds, and he's drawn comparisons to another former Patriots defensive end: Willie McGinest. Jordan can play end or tackle when the Pats go with four lineman and he has the strength and quickness to penetrate and be disruptive against the pass......much like the man who this pick was dealt for.

18. San Diego Chargers: Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri

The Chargers' pass rush has been lacking in recent years thanks to the lack of production from former first round pick Larry English and the injury woes of now former linebacker Shawne Merriman. That's why San Diego finds itself dipping into the DE/LB hybrid pool once again with a guy like Aldon Smith. Smith was hampered by a leg injury last year, but managed to still rack up 5.5 sacks and 48 tackles and had a key INT in Missouri's upset of Oklahoma. In 2009, when he was healthy, Smith had a school record 11.5 sacks, 64 tackles(19 for loss). Smith has been seen going as high as Houston at 11 so this could be a steal if he's still on the board. If not, the Chargers could go offensive tackle. San Diego struggled at times in protecting statuesque QB Phillip Rivers and could really use a right tackle to pair with Pro Bowl LT Marcus McNeil. Gabe Carimi, Colorado's Nate Solder and BC's Anthony Castonzo are all options if San Diego goes that route.

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Like San Diego, the Giants struggled protecting their franchise QB as injuries depleted the offensive line. Big Blue thought it had their future left tackle in William Beatty but that hasn't been the case thus far. In Anthony Castonzo, the Giants would be getting a huge offensive tackle(6'7, 311) who some consider the best at his position in this draft. Castonzo could go as high as Dallas at 9, Detroit at 13 or even San Diego at 18. Castanzo was a three-year starter at BC and the Giants have a proven track record with BC linemen after the success they've had with guard Chris Snee. The Giants could also use a defensive tackle like Oregon State's Stephen Paea or Baylor's Phil Taylor and, if they feel like RB Ahmad Bradshaw will leave as a free agent, could make a move for Mark Ingram or Illinois' Mikel LeShoure.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

With the release of once-promising CB Aqib Talib, the Bucs suddenly have a need at corner. However, the next best corner is Colorado's Jimmy Smith, a young man with enough baggage to make Talib seem like a choir boy. Tampa Bay hit big on the Draft last year, finding a couple blue chip wideouts in Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams, and solidifying the interior defensive line with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. This time around, they need an end to make life easier for their young bookend tackles. My friend Carlos has put his stamp on Adrian Clayborn since mid-October, pretty much guaranteeing he'll be a hit no matter where he goes. Clayborn didn't have the senior year many expected, but still was named a consensus All-American. As a junior, he tallied 70 tackles(20 for loss) and 11.5 sacks. That kind of production in the Big Ten is astounding and, given the Bucs' need for a rush off the edge, Clayborn would be a good fit for that young defense.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

After a breakout year(predicted by this guy), the Chiefs find themselves finally out of the Top 10 but still needing to fill a few holes. Arguably, the biggest of those holes is on the offensive line. In their Wild Card matchup against Baltimore, Kansas City's offensive line got dominated by Baltimore's menacing front seven and that led to QB Matt Cassel taking the beating of his life. The reviews on Solder are a bit mixed, but you can't teach his size at 6'8, 319 pounds. The other OT that could go in this spot is Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi. If KC chooses to once again ignore the offensive line, it could make a move for massive Baylor DT Phil Taylor, who is the best pure nose tackle in the draft. They could opt for Mike Vrabel's replacement by finding a good pass rushing LB like Aldon Smith(if available) or UCLA's Akeem Ayers. They could also reach for one of the many second-tier wideouts like Kentucky's Randall Cobb, Miami's Lance Hankerson, Boise State's Titus Young or Maryland's Torrey Smith.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Again, you could flip-flop Carimi and Solder, depending on how you feel about either tackle, but there's no denying Indy's need to get Peyton Manning some protection. The team cut Tony Ugoh early in the season and could lose Charlie Johnson to free agency. Peyton's not the fleetest of foot, and with Manning getting up in years, the need to keep him upright takes extra special priority. With Manning's age in mind, however, the Colts could use this pick to find Peyton's successor. Christian Ponder of Florida State is considered the most cerebral QB in the draft and his stock has been on the rise as of late. TCU's Andy Dalton also has been on the rise and has been mocked by SI's Peter King as high as Miami at 15. With nothing behind Manning and so many good young QBs at the top of the board, the Colts could move down or tab their heir apparent. Another need is at wideout, where Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez have been sidelined with injuries and Reggie Wayne is in the last year of his contract.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Jimmy Smith's stock has risen over the last few weeks but it has done so at teams' own caution. While Smith possesses great size and speed at 6'2 211 with 4.34 speed, he comes with quite a bit of baggage including rumors of drug abuse(Smith failed four drug tests at CU). Smith is a bit of a headcase but, given Philly's need for a corner and their track record in turning around bad eggs like 2010's feel-good story Mike Vick, they might take a chance on a guy with the potential to be even better than the draft's top corner, Patrick Peterson. The Eagles are reportedly enamored with Peterson but with the team unable to unload its biggest trade chip, Kevin Kolb, because of labor strife, the team may have to look elsewhere for a corner unless a deal can be struck after the Draft. Outside of corner, the team could use some help on the offensive line and might be in line for any of the tackles that fall to 23 or even a guard like Baylor's Danny Watkins. Another possibility, like with Indy, could be quarterback. Mike Vick will be 31 and a free agent at season's end and, with Kolb on the move, the Eagles could use a young QB to groom and replace Vick. Andy Dalton, Ryan Mallett and Christian Ponder could all be there when Philly goes on the clock. Might we see another shocking QB pick from the Eagles like in '07 with Kolb? Who knows?

24. New Orleans Saints: Mark Ingram, HB, Alabama

New Orleans has needs elsewhere, especially on defense, but you know head coach Sean Payton salivates at the idea of pairing bruising former Heisman winner Mark Ingram with speedy former Heisman winner Reggie Bush in the backfield. The Saints have guys like Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory who can tote the rock but neither possess the ability that Ingram does. Ingram lacks explosiveness and isn't the fastest of backs but he's tough to bring down when he gets a full head of steam and would significantly upgrade the Saints' running game when paired with another playmaker like Bush. Beyond RB, the team could use a defensive end like Ohio State's Cameron Heyward or Wisconsin's J.J. Watt or even a LB like Georgia's Justin Houston

25. Seattle Seahawks: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

Much to the surprise of no one except Pete Carroll and Seattle's front office, the Charlie Whitehurst experiment failed miserably. That means the Seahawks are back on the market for a young QB to learn from aging Matt Hasselbeck. Lucky for Seattle, second-tier signal callers like Andy Dalton could be available late in the first round. Dalton's a bit small at 6'2, 215, but he's a smart QB who knows how to lead and can pick defenses apart with precision passing. He seems to be a perfect fit in this Seattle offense where big arms aren't really a necessitation. The Seahawks could also go corner, with a guy like Miami's Brandon Harris, or defensive end with J.J. Watt or even defensive tackle with Stephen Paea or Phil Taylor. Inevitably, the Seahawks will need a new QB though, and now would be the best time to strike with a guy like Dalton ripe for the picking.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami(Fla.)

The biggest weakness in the stout Ravens defense was their inability to stop the pass. Some can attribute that to their lack of a pass rush beyond OLB Terrell Suggs. I point the finger at Baltimore's lack of elite corners. Baltimore's secondary got a boost when All-Pro safety Ed Reed(who led the league in INTs, despite missing 8 games) came back from a hip injury but Reed can't do this forever. The Ravens would love a physical corner like Jimmy Smith, who could get straightened out by a strong leader like Ray Lewis, but Smith might not be there when Baltimore goes on the clock. Given their success with guys from "The U"(Reed, Lewis, to name a couple), Baltimore could benefit from dipping into the Miami brood once again with a guy like Brandon Harris. Harris is a little small(5'10, 191) but he's fast(4.4 40) and he'd be an improvement to Baltimore's secondary almost by default. The Ravens could also DE to help the pass rush as well or take a OT to replace Jared Gaither, whom Baltimore is expected to dump.

27. Atlanta Falcons: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Atlanta bursted onto the scene last year with an explosive offensive led by the tandem of QB Matt Ryan and WR Roddy White and the running of Michael Turner. However, their lack of a pass rush was exposed in the playoffs, as they were picked apart by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The problem is the Falcons have nobody beyond oft-injured John Abraham to get after the QB. Lucky for them(and I know you're sensing a theme here), there are plenty of quality ends to bolster the pass rush. Watt's a big end at 6'6 290 and he may be better suited for a 3-4 scheme but he has a relentless motor and could benefit from the attention paid to Abraham on the opposite side. The Falcons could also try to find White a new partner with a wideout like Torrey Smith or Titus Young if they aren't enamored with any of the other ends.

28. New England Patriots: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor

In years past, the trick to beating New England has been rushing up the middle, exposing the interior of the offensive line, and smacking Tom Brady in the mouth. The Giants did it in the Super Bowl. The Ravens did it in the playoffs a couple years after that. The Jets did it last year. The problem is New England's offensive line is aging and, with so many high picks at their disposal, the Patriots could tab a guy like Danny Watkins to fix that problem. Stephen Neal is expected to retire and Logan Mankins' contract status is uncertain so Watkins would be a savvy pick this late in the draft. If the Pats are truly interested in getting a RB, Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech or Illiniois' Mikel LeShoure are out there but, as I mentioned before, I don't think that's where they are headed.

29. Chicago Bears: Derrek Bushrod, OT, Mississippi State

It was evident from Week 1 that Chicago needed help on the offensive line and it was crystal clear on a Sunday night in October against the Giants when Big Blue lit Jay Cutler up on national television. Offensive tackle is the Bears' biggest need and if a guy likie Derrek Bushrod can slip to them, they should consider it the best gift they've ever gotten. If somehow all the first round caliber tackles are gone, the Bears could go defensive tackle with Phil Taylor or Stephen Paea to replace Tommie Harris or take a wideout like Torrey Smith or Titus Young.

30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

The Jets are in need of pass rushers, so a guy like UCLA's Akeem Ayers or Arizona's Brooks Reed could get the nod, but, with Kris Jenkins gone, the Jets need a nose tackle to stuff the middle and stop the run. Taylor's stock has dropped because of a foot condition that has scared teams away but, at 6'5 355lbs, he is a perfect fit as nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Taylor could open things up for Shaun Ellis on the defensive line or make things easier for inside 'backers Bart Scott and David Harris by taking up multiple blockers. The Jets could also use some help on the offensive line, particularly on the right side.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

It has been proven over the last couple of years that, while his presence is valuable to the team, DE Aaron Smith can't be relied upon to stay healthy and fortify the defensive line. The Steelers drafted Ziggy Hood a couple years ago but they need more able bodies. At 6'5, 285, Heyward(son of late former Falcons RB Craig "Ironhead" Heyward) fits in well as a 3-4 end and could be groomed as Smith's successor. The Steelers could also use some help in the secondary. Traditionally, Dick LeBeau has managed to sail along with adequate cornerback play but teams have been able to beat Pittsburgh by spreading out and exposing the team's lack of depth at corner. Texas' Aaron Williams would be a nice pick here, as would Brandon Harris if he falls. The Steelers could always use help on the offensive line as well.

32. Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

Great drafting over the years has given the Packers the luxury of having extraordinary depth up and down the roster(a point driven home the Packers winning the Super Bowl with so many key players on the IR). That doesn't mean the defending champs are without holes. With DE Cullen Jenkins a free agent, the Packers could opt for a DE here to replace him like Muhammed Wilkerson of Temple. The Packers could also use a wide receiver with Donald Driver on his way out and guys like James Jones and Jordy Nelson nearing free agency. Green Bay could also use help on the offensive line, given its infatuation with the pass and keeping Aaron Rodgers upright. I went with Ayers here because he may be the best available and he fills the Packers' need to get another pass rusher opposite Clay Matthews. Guys like Erik Walden and Brad Jones are nice fill-ins but they aren't anyone opposing offenses worry about. The 6'3, 254-pound Ayers had 68 tackles, four sacks, two INTs, and two forced fumbles last season for the Bruins and he could feast on the attention paid to the man who SHOULD have won Defensive Player of the Year last year.