NFL Draft First Round Analysis | By Curtis Murayama, Sports Editor
• Titans' Brown gets $17 million• Bradford chosen No. 1 by St. Louis
By Curtis Murayama
Advertiser Sports Editor
Players listed with height, weight, 40-yard time, bench press/vertical jump.
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1, Rams (Needs: QB, OLB, WR, TE, DT) Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (6-4 1/4, 236, 4.79)
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I doubt Bradford was the No. 1 player on most teams’ draft boards, but the Rams need a face for their franchise after the release of QB Marc Bulger. It’s a position they needed to fill desperately after overlooking it the past two years while passing on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez.
Video: http://bit.ly/bmEJ72
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| 2, Lions
(Needs: CB, OL, RB, DE, DT)
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
(6-4, 307, 4.98, 32/35 1/2)
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| Suh is powerful, strong, dominant at the point of attack ... and scary. When he hits people, they will feel it, for weeks. He should anchor the Lions’ line and be an all-pro for many years.
Video: http://bit.ly/bAfgdJ
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| 3, Buccaneers
(Needs: DT, DE, WR, CB, OT)
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
(6-4, 298, 4.96, 23/30 1/2)
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| He’s quick and can cause disruptions in the backfield. Some have ranked him ahead of Suh.
Video: http://bit.ly/ceymQ5 |
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| 4, Redskins
(Needs: OT, OG, FS, ILB, CB)
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
(6-4, 314, 4.88, 23/34 1/2)
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| Williams has size, speed and athleticism. He fills a huge void at left tackle left by retirement of Chris Samuels. New QB Donovan McNabb should be happy.
Video: http://bit.ly/bGdzIE |
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| 5, Chiefs
(Needs: S, ILB, OL, WR, NT)
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
(6-0, 211, 4.47, 19/43)
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| Among the top two players in the entire draft, according to some teams’ draft boards. Has size, speed, athleticism, can cover, hit, tackle. He’s a Ronnie Lott-type. He can play free or strong safety.
Video: http://bit.ly/6kVBSl
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| 6, Seahawks
(Needs: LT, DE, S, WR, RB, CB)
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
(6-5, 307, 5.17, 38/32›)
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| Left tackle Walter Jones’ career is just about over in Seattle, so the LT position was a major need. Okung is one of the best. In fact, he was the best OT on many draft boards.
Video: http://bit.ly/cOayZA |
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| 7, Browns
(Needs: QB, OLB, FS, WR, RB)
Joe Haden, CB, Florida
(5-11, 193, 4.43, 18/35)
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| A questionable 40-yard dash time initially knocked him down. But he ran faster at his Pro Day. But put on the pads and he plays plenty fast and has great awareness and instincts. Can play bump and run or play off.
Video: http://bit.ly/9i93Mq |
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| 8, Raiders
(Needs: OT, DT, QB, DE, MLB)
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
(6-3, 254, 4.68, 24/35)
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| An inside backer with size, good range and good instincts. He was the only inside linebacker worth a first-round pick so the Raiders jumped and got him. It’s better than last year’s pick of Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Video: http://bit.ly/9JfpV9 |
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| 9, Bills
(Needs: OT, QB, NT, WR, RB)
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
(5-11, 196, 4.37, 18/36)
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| With Marshawn Lynch falling out of favor with the Bills, this was a great pick and not surprising. Spiller will bring instant excitement to the Bills. He can run, catch, return and is a threat to score any time he touches the ball. Most say he is better than Reggie Bush because he’s a tougher inside runner.
Video: http://bit.ly/aVT0l9 |
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| 10, Jaguars
(Needs: S, DE, WR, LB, G/C)
Tyson Alualu, DL, California
(6-2 5/8, 298, 4.87, 24/35 1/2)
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| The first surprise of the draft, Alualu soared up the charts. He has fastest initial burst (1.70 after the first 10 yards) of any elite defensive end. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock called Alualu “one of my favorite players in the draft” because of his energy, passion and skill set.
Video: http://bit.ly/cZpVX4 |
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| 11, 49ers
(Needs: OT, CB, OG, OLB, ILB)
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
(6-5, 323, 5.38, 21/33)
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| I guess that dinner with Mike Singletary went well. The 49ers traded up from No. 13 to snag this massive tackle, a position they desperately needed to fill. He’s a good all-around player who just needs to watch his weight.
Video: http://bit.ly/9CAAgv |
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| 12, Chargers
(Needs: NT, RB, RT, CB)
Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
(6-0, 218, 4.45, 19/36)
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| Why the panic? Did the Chargers really have to trade up from No. 28 to get this guy? Mathews is a solid, power running back the Chargers need to complement Darren Sproles. Mathews runs through traffic probably better than any back in the draft.
Video: http://bit.ly/9tII0U |
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| 13, Eagles
(Needs: C/G, CB, OLB, FS, DT, DE)
Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
(6-1 1/4, 268, 4.72, 32/31 1/2)
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| With the run of defensive ends about start, the Eagles jumped up from No. 24 (trade with Denver through San Francisco) for a chance to land this standout. Graham is fast and strong and makes plays, which is crucial in a division with Tony Romo, Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb.
Video: http://bit.ly/98O14V |
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| 14, Seahawks
(Needs: LT, DE, S, WR, RB, CB)
Earl Thomas, S, Texas
(5-10, 208, 4.37, 21/32)
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| The Seahawks don’t have much on their roster at safety, so this is an excellent pick. Thomas is super quick with ability to play corner or safety. Some have ranked him as the No. 1 safety over Eric Berry.
Video: http://bit.ly/bfPSvv |
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| 15, Giants
(Needs: ILB, OL, DT, RB, CB)
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
(6-5, 270, 4.64, 19/31 1/2)
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| Giants coveted ILB Rolando McClain, but Plan B isn’t bad. A team relatively deep at end, just got stronger with this self-described “God-gifted” talent. A former basketball player, Pierre-Paul looks as if he can gain 10-20 pounds easy. Then watch out.
Video: http://bit.ly/dBUVzR |
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| 16, Titans
(Needs: DE, CB, OLB, S, WR)
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
(6-3, 266, 4.72, 21/36)
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| The Titans have to be extremely pleased with this pick, whom many called the “safest” pick in the draft. Morgan will bring speed, hustle and superior attitude, just what the Titans needed from the end position.
Video: http://bit.ly/cT9i5n |
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| 17, 49ers
(Needs: OT, CB, OG, OLB, ILB)
Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
(6-5, 324, 5.26, 27/27 1/2)
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| Don’t know who’s happier, coach Mike Singletary, who dissed his offensive line last season; running back Frank Gore, who should find more running room, or quarterback Alex Smith, who endured sack after sack in his 49er career. Iupati will bring a Larry Allen-type attitude to the line, not to mention better play.
Video: http://bit.ly/aa0OL7 |
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| 18, Steelers
(Needs: CB, OL, DE, OLB, RB)
Maukrice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
(6-4 3/8, 306, 5.23, 26/27)
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| Steelers needed to shore up their interior offensive line and got a solid player in Pouncey. He could fit in at center or guard and should have a long NFL career based on his ability.
Combine video only: http://bit.ly/aEbkA3 |
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| 19, Falcons
(Needs: DE, OLB, G/C, WR, TE)
Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
(6-1, 239, 4.52, 35/40)
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| The Falcons were looking for any kind of help off the edge. With all the rush ends gone, the Falcons landed a quality outside linebacker who has speed, strength, athleticism — to go along with his ability to play in space.
Video: http://bit.ly/cKihZG |
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| 20, Texans
(Needs: CB, FS, RB, DT, OG)
Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
(5-10 1/2, 185, 4.40, 13/37 1/2)
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| The Texans were in dire need of a cornerback. While some preferred Kyle Wilson, Jackson was rated the second-best corner by some. Jackson has the skills to become a top cornerback and should make up for the loss of former first-rounder Dunta Robinson (now with the Falcons).
Video: http://bit.ly/9vQXRz |
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| 21, Bengals
(Needs: DE, S, TE, DT, OLB)
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
(6-5, 261, 4.73, 20/35)
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| Just what the Bengals needed, a tight end who can be a deep threat. Gresham has excellent hands to go with excellent athletic ability.
Video: http://bit.ly/drRLnT |
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| 22, Broncos
(Needs: G/C, ILB, WR, TE, QB)
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
(6-3 1/4, 226, na)
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| The Broncos traded down numerous times (they started at No. 11 and ended up with two first-rounders), knowing the receiver of their choice would still be around. Thomas has deep speed and a better attitude than since-traded troublemaker Brandon Marshall.
Video: http://bit.ly/cMZxdR |
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| 23, Packers
(Needs: OLB, OT, SS, OG, CB)
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
(6-5 3/8, 316, 5.26, 26/27 1/2)
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| Wow, what a score for the Packers, who were looking for an offensive tackle to protect their franchise, quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Some rated Bulaga in the top 10. He has a good skill set for the position.
Video: http://bit.ly/cEkZgJ |
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| 24, Cowboys
(Needs: OT, FS, OG, WR, PK
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
(6-2, 225, 4.52, na/38)
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| Cowboys were so enamored with this guy that they traded up. It could be worth the gamble, because many said he was a top-10 talent. With Miles Austin, this could become a lethal pair. This also could only mean that the days are numbered for $8 million receiving disappointment Roy Williams.
Video: http://bit.ly/b44XtG |
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| 25, Broncos
(Needs: G/C, ILB, WR, TE, DL, QB)
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
(6-3, 236, 4.72, 25/38 1/2)
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| The most talked about prospect became a first-round pick after all. He was ranked as the fifth best quarterback by Mel Kiper, yet he was the second one chosen. Judging him solely on his character, he deserves it. But he’ll take a year or so to develop. Not to worry, Kyle Orton is serviceable.
Video: http://bit.ly/cRZpoT |
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| 26, Cardinals
(Needs: NT, ILB, WR, CB, QB)
Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
(6-2, 327, 5.17, 27/32)
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| The Cardinals, for the second year in a row, lucked out at the end of the first round. Last year,?they landed RB Chris “Beanie” Wells. This year, the Cardinals were in need of a nose tackle and guess who was left for them — Williams, considered the best nose tackle in the draft.
Video: http://bit.ly/bAkfoq |
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| 27, Patriots
(Needs: OLB, WR, ILB, TE, RB)
Darin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
(5-11, 193, 4.48, 16/36)
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| The Patriots really needed to shore up their outside pass rush with a linebacker or defensive end. But McCourty is dependable, skilled, with speed and high character.
Video: http://bit.ly/9lD43Z |
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| 28, Dolphins
(Needs: NT, OLB, FS, G, TE)
Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State
(6-5, 303, 4.95, 27/29)
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| The Dolphins could have used a nose tackle or outside backer, but Odrick is an active natural 3-4 defensive end who is quick and disruptive.
Video: http://bit.ly/bWUT1E |
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| 29, Jets
(Needs: OLB, DE, FS, NT, WR)
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
(5-10, 194, 4.43, 25/38)
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| The other NFL teams just allowed the Jets to get better defensively, if that’s possible. Now, he joins Darrelle Reavis and Antonio Cromartie and since the Jets play a lot of nickel, Wilson should be a great fit. He’s one of the most skilled corners in the draft who should have been picked higher.
Video: http://bit.ly/9ZaBrZ |
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| 30, Lions
(Needs: CB, OL, RB, SS, DE)
Jahvid Best, RB, California
(5-10, 199, 4.35, 18/32›)
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| With the health of Kevin Smith a major concern, the Lions traded with the Vikings to land a C.J. Spiller-like player in Best. He has similar size to Spiller, but doesn’t run as strong. Still, he’s a game-breaker.
Video: http://bit.ly/bUCtbT |
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| 31, Colts
(Needs: OL, DE, CB, OLB, DT)
Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU,
(6-2, 255, 4.69, 26/34 1/2)
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| A natural pass rusher who played DE at TCU, Hughes should be able to make an impact with the Colts, either as a rush end during pass situations or at outside linebacker. He is athletic enough to play outside and he’ll bring passion to the defense, which was hurting at the end of the year with the injury to Dwight Freeney.
Video: http://bit.ly/aeFgsL |
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| 32, Saints
(Needs: OLB, DT, DE, FS, RB)
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
(5-11, 190, 4.42, 15/39)
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| He wore No. 21, but he’s no Deion. But who is Robinson has been considered the Seminoles’ best defensive player with his speed, toughness and big-play ability (team-high 11 pass breakups).
Video: http://bit.ly/afq0kq |
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| NFL Calendar
May 24-26 — NFL Spring Meeting, Dallas. Aug. 7 — Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Aug. 8 — Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Cincinnati vs. Dallas at Canton, Ohio. Aug. 12-16 — First preseason weekend. Aug. 31 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players. Sept. 4 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players. |
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