5. Devon Still: 6-5/310 lbs. DT Penn St.

The Bengals already had the number four all around defense last year, and picking up Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round, and Devon Still in the second only adds more flare to this solid defensive unit. Devon Still was a late first rounder in my opinion, he plays well to the sidelines on passes to the flats and he is hard off the snap as a pass rusher. Devon will need to learn to shed blockers with his hands better in order to excel at the next level, but all in all the Bengals scored a solid defensive tackle a round later then I thought, look out for that Bengals defensive unit for the second year straight.

4. Ryan Broyles: 5-10/192 lbs. WR Oklahoma

I know I know, I questioned this pick just as much as the next guy does. As a Lions fan, I was worried that someone let Matt Millen back in the office. I really like Dwight Bentley’s potential as a cornerback, but I thought maybe they would address the cornerback position earlier, like with the second round pick that they spent on wide receiver Ryan Broyles. But with a deeper look into this selection, I really began to agree with it. After Calvin Johnson the receiving talent starts to dip quite drastically. The Lions next top target is big bodied TE Brandon Pettigrew and then Nate Burleson. I think Titus Young will continue to improve, but Broyles will be yet another reliable option at wide receiver and will be great for underneath routes with Calvin Johnson looking up top for the deep ball. Broyles has questionable size and yes there is still question around how healthy he will remain after having season ending surgery in November due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. I think the only thing that will never be in question is Broyles hands, as he is the NCAA’s career leader in receptions. Broyles has that big play kind of vibe and is exactly why he will be a key addition to a Lions receiving unit that after Megatron, could use some more weapons.

3. LaMichael James: 5-8/195 lbs. RB Oregon

James rushed for over 5,000 yards and added an outstanding 53 touchdowns at his career in Oregon. James is relatively undersized for an every down back, but what James does is adds that homerun factor every time he will touch the ball. I would compare James addition at the pro level comparable to a Darren Sproles, and with the 49ers already having a deep crop of runners James will really work into the rotation well and make the 49ers even that much more dangerous. Drafting an athlete like LaMichael James also takes even more pressure off of quarterback Alex Smith whom I still strongly question as a legitimate quarterback. San Francisco is a hard working fundamental team and if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it; San Fran received a big bang for their buck waiting in the second round.

2. Courtney Upshaw: 6-2/265 lbs. LB Alabama

Was anybody as shocked as I was when Courtney Upshaw fell to the second round? My mind was blown, and I think Courtney’s was as well, which is scary, can you imagine this guy playing with a chip on his shoulder? Man oh Man. Upshaw has good quick draw quickness of the snap, he reads the quarterback’s motions very well and is pretty fast for his size making plays side to side. At the pro level Upshaw’s position may be up for debate as to where Baltimore will use him, but the fact that Baltimore nabbed him at all is amazing to me. Their could not be a better fit for a young talent like Upshaw, with teachers like Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis, as well as defensive minded leaders in Ed Reed. Courtney Upshaw will feel right at home surrounded by talent in Baltimore and will be causing quarterbacks headaches by week three.

1. Coby Fleener: 6-6/235 lbs. TE Stanford 

I was thoroughly impressed with the Colts draft class solely for the reason of picking up tight end Coby Fleener. What a better way to not only land the top two tight end prospects in the draft in back to back picks (Dwayne Allen, Clemson) but snatching Andrew Luck’s number one target at Stanford? Priceless. Fleener really broke out in his senior season with 32 receptions, 648 yards, and count them, 10 touchdowns; all career highs for the Stanford standout. Who threw Fleener all of those receptions and touchdowns? Mr. Luck himself. Fleener has reliable hands, makes for a big target, and blocks exceptionally well especially down field. Although  Fleener is not the most overwhelming athlete, he is intelligent and strong enough to know how to use his tangibles to his advantage every down. One scout was quoted saying “He (Fleener) will likely have to adjust without quarterback Andrew Luck.” Wrong sir. That is why the Colts were genius, giving their number one draft pick a very familiar target. The Colts look to be building some sort of New England Patriots type scheme with two versatile tight ends and a pound for pound pocket passer. Also, for all of us fantasy gurus, I think Coby Fleener has some of the highest fantasy value come this season.

That’s an Automatic First Down.

Ty

Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines

5. Shea McClelln: 6-3/255 lbs. DE/OLB Boise St.

photo credited to chicagonow.com

I loved this pick to the Bears at 19 in the 1rst round. The only reason I can think of that I wouldn’t like it is for the fact I am a Lions fan. But let’s face it, the Bears made it to Super Bowl 44 with a bold and aggressive defense. Last season Chicago’s defense allowed 350.4 yards per game that was good enough for 17th in the league. Teams like Jacksonville, Miami, and Cleveland were all ranked much higher to put that into perspective. Let’s face it, Brian Urlacher is not getting any younger, that’s why it was best for the Bears to address this position. Shea McClellin was relatively underrated or under hyped in my opinion. The kid has good size, versatile enough to play both outside linebacker and defensive end. He also has an incredible motor; I cannot stress that enough, very competitive and hard working, will fit perfectly in the NFC North. Some had Shea projected 2nd or 3rd round, that’s why I feel the Bears landed a gem late in the first.

 4. Justin Blackmon: 6-1/207 lbs. WR Oklahoma St.

photo credited to

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-20120310_is_oklahoma_state_wr_justin_blackmon_now_a_top_5_pick

 Blaine Gabbert’s top two targets last season were Laurent Robinson with 54 receptions, and Mike Thomas with 44. Aside from that, Gabbert spent most of his time scrambling or ending up on his backside as he was sacked forty times. The Jags finished 5-11 and need a lot of help, but they did finish 12th in rushing. Maurice Jones-Drew is the exact reason why I really liked seeing the Jags jump two spots to go and get the number one wide out in the draft. Mojo is still a top five rusher and a team needs that to set up the play action which is exactly what the Jags will do. Justin Blackmon will play instantly in Jacksonville. Taking a receiver this early in the draft, you are really going to use him, early and often. Blackmon does not have elite speed but is still a lot faster than given credit for; watching film of the OSU stand out you will never see him caught from behind. A big bodied, strong receiver with very reliable hands, Blackmon sees the ball well and will go get it in tight situations. Justin Blackmon is on my radar for one of this year’s rookies to have the most instant of impacts, Gabbert’s new number one target.

3. Nick Perry: 6-3/250 lbs. DE/OLB USC 

Photo credited to http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/008/461/133864488_display_image.jpg?1331267913

 This pick shocked me. I could not help but shake my head and smile when the Packers called Nick Perry’s name at the 28th pick. Someone really should have paid attention; the already powerful Packers used this draft to possibly push them to new heights. I think most of my shock came from the fact that Packers GM Ted Thompson was very aggressive in this draft defensively, in an attempt to get back to that Super Bowl caliber team from two seasons ago. The Packers were carried through the season by that Aaron Rodgers led high power offense, but the defense was ranked dead last in yards allowed with 411.6 per game. Adding Nick Perry was genius. Perry has good quickness and is a strong pass rusher, can also change direction on a dime. For Perry’s lack of size, Dom Capers might move him to line backer opposite Clay Matthews where he would start instantly.

2. Brandon Weeden: 6-4/220 lbs. QB Oklahoma St.

Photo credited to http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/641/149/137238391_crop_650x440.jpg?1333506544

Move over Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis. Many people may disagree with how highly I have this pick ranked, but it’s hard not to get excited about what Cleveland has brewing in their cauldron. Colt McCoy threw for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns last season leading Cleveland to believe maybe McCoy was not their guy.  In Weeden’s last two seasons at OSU he eclipsed the 4,000 yard mark in both years and added touchdown totals of 34 and 37 respectively. Weeden is a big strong built quarterback, sort of reminds me of Ben Roethlisberger only less mobile. Many scouts complained about Weeden’s age and I will admit I did as well, but the guy is only 28, turns 29 in October, it’s not like he’s 40. Also in question are Weeden’s footwork, and his ability to throw on the run or off balance. My rebuttal for lack of mobility would be comparisons to elite passers like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, if you have the soft touch on red zone fades and can hit any receiver across the middle you don’t have to be fast. Not to mention the fact that Cleveland did what so many teams missed out on by scooping up the best running back prospect of the past decade in Trent Richardson. If anybody questions Brandon Weeden’s passing ability, why don’t you just ask Justin Blackmon what he thinks? Bold prediction, Brandon Weeden will finish closely for offensive rookie of the year. Yes I said it, let the hate comments begin.

1. Luke Kuechly: 6-3/235 lbs. LB Boston College 

Photo credited to

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/309/255/luke-kuechly-full_original.jpg?1327036752

 Finally, my favorite pick in round one of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers at the nine spot taking linebacker Luke Kuechly. I think the Panthers might have landed the most football bred player in the whole draft. Kuechly has priceless instincts and anticipation as well as good speed and hands. I don’t think one will find a defensive player in the draft that locates the ball in traffic better either. Kuechly reminds me of a Brian Cushing type, only he head butts people less and is not quite as athletic. I think too many scouts get caught up on God given athletic ability and pay less attention to hard work, and that’s exactly what Luke Kuechly is, a hard working football player. The Panthers are trying to revamp a defensive unit in shambles that was once considered one of the best, adding this tackling machine from Boston College is their best bet at doing so. Luke Kuechly will be your stat stuffing defensive rookie of the year.

If you can’t wait for the NFL season than that’s an Automatic First Down.

Ty 

 Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines

21. New England Patriots - Chandler Jones
The Patriots move up and land the defensive end they wanted, in Chandler Jones. Big bodied end with great snap timing, good vision, and stellar upper body strength. The Patriots will quickly make Jones a force to be reckoned with. Scary team.

22. Cleveland Browns - Brandon Weeden
Look at the Cleveland Browns making serious splashes in this year’s NFL Draft. I was ecstatic with Cleveland’s pick for Weeden. The only weakness here is that Weeden will be 29 in September, which is fairly old for an NFL rookie. Other than that, Weeden has all the upside in the world, he will make a push for rookie of the year, call me crazy, but watch for it. Weeden will surprise a lot of people, who do you think helped make Justin Blackmon look so outstanding? Big bodied Qb.

23. Detroit Lions - Riley Reiff
The Lions use their first round pick to invest in some protection for Stafford who proved he can lead the Lions to new heights when healthy. As a Lions fan I would have rather seen them try to land a solid cornerback, maybe Janoris Jenkins whom I am shocked is still on the board. But when Matthew Stafford is the future of the franchise, I like this pick to protect the Lions future.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - David DeCastro
Similar to the Lions situation the Steelers needed a guy to help keep time on Big Ben’s clock, ultimately the reason the Steelers were ousted from the playoffs by the Broncos. Great motor, doesn’t let up, phenomenal run blocker, protected number one draft pick Andrew Luck throughout his career.

25. New England Patriots - Dont’a Hightower
Who is going to stop New England? After moving up to grab Chandler Jones the Pats turn around two picks later to pick up a very instinctive linebacker in Hightower. Great run stopper, strong pass defender and fundamental tackler, wraps up ball carriers at legs with ease. New England scores big at 25, figured Hightower would be gone earlier then this.

Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines

26. Houston Texans - Whitney Mercilus
The Texans land the number two defensive end late in the first round. The Texans could not have been smarter drafting a defensive end with the departure of pro bowler Mario Williams to Buffalo. Mercilus has a very explosive first step, quick to read the snap, tough to block. His last name says it all pretty much, Mercy less. Mercilus and J.J Watt on the same line, man oh man are the Texans going to be fun to watch again. I really like the Texans pick here, very smart.

27. Cincinnati Bengals - Kevin Zeitler
Zeitler has pretty respectable speed off the ball for his size, although he could afford to lose some weight. Poor leverage but plays tell the whistle blows and is constantly looking for targets down field. A solid addition to protect last year’s monster pick, Andy Dalton.

28. Green Bay Packers - Nick Perry
I am absolutely shocked, almost more shocked then Seattle’s Bruce Irvin pick. The Packers could not have been brighter and more fortunate for Nick Perry to fall all the way to them at 28. Perry is a very good pass rusher with great first-step quickness. Solid athlete, as it shows in his footwork. Could possibly be a linebacker if the Packers find him to be to small for the line, but either way, the Packers scored greatly with the Nick Perry pick.

29. Minnesota Vikings - Harrison Smith
I like that the Vikings took Harrison Smith late in the first round. After Mark Barron Smith is really the only other Safety worth looking at. Punishing tackler, plays tight and fast. Some pro scouts say Smith needs to drastically cut down on his face mask penalties.

30. San Francisco 49ers - A.J Jenkins
I was really rather disappointed with the Niner’s selection here, mainly for the fact that if they truly wanted a wide receiver, the talent drops pretty quickly after Blackmon, Floyd, and even Kendall Wright. Jenkins does have very good hands and is smart when it comes to finding soft spots in zone coverage, but was ultimately buried in many scout’s wide receiver boards.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Doug Martin
I had a feeling that the Packers would possibly address the position and shoot for Martin, but instead the Buccs passed on Trent Richardson and picked up a very elusive back at the end of the draft. Martin needs to be elusive for lack of elite speed. Not a very good blocker, but has good hands in short yardage situations.

32. New York Giants - David Wilson
Elusive and strong, a very well rounded back. Wilson is a stronger runner on the inside, but still has notable speed when he breaks away. Not a bad pick to close out a fast but crazy first round with the defending Super Bowl Champions.

16. New York Jets - Quinton Coples
Lets get back too football. What a better way then landing the guy that every scout had on top of their defensive end boards. Did not think that Coples would fall this far, from the look on his face I think Coples was relieved. Talent wise? Coples tops all. But in all out will or drive, Coples is a question mark as of right now. Jets score big though with this selection.

17. Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirpatrick
Many pro scouts had Kirpatrick second for cornerbacks behind Claiborne, I had him third behind Stephan Gilmore. The main reason being his speed. Kirkpatrick has a very active back pedal but I question his ability to recover against the elite receivers in the NFL.

18. San Diego Chargers - Melvin Ingram
I had Ingram behind Luke Kuechly on my board but pro scouts usually scored Ingram as the number linebacker in the draft. Low center of gravity, great hand work to get by tackles. Lacks elite speed. Will still have solid impact. Chargers need a quality defender.

19. Chicago Bears - Shea McClellin
I really like that some one took a shot on McClellin this early. Bears land a great great pick in a division that needs solid pass rushing and defenders. McClellin may possibly have the best work ethic of the defenders taken. Loves contact, very very determined. Outrageous instincts. Bears fans should be incredibly excited with this selection.

20. Tennessee Titans - Kendall Wright
Kendall Wright is a very underrated receiver as well. Does not get the credit he deserves for Baylor’s great season and RGIII’s gaudy numbers. Well Luck had very very limited receiving, Griffin had speedy top 3 receiver in Wright. Titans score big with Kendall Wright.

Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines

6. Dallas Cowboys - Morris Claiborne
Clearly the number one overall CB. Great hands and speed. Basically a wide receiver with shutdown skills, even been compared to Darelle Revis. Huge asset to a team that needed defensive weapons. First defensive player off the board in a very deep deep defensive talented pool. Surprised Dallas landed Claiborne. Very good pick.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mark Barron
Mark Barron great leadership. Fast, hits like Bob Sanders, fundamental tackler. Barron is a hybrid type of defender that can play anywhere. Great size. The first to go off of a very talented Alabama defense. Tampa Bay threw me for a loop. Very suprised that Barron went this early. I really like this pick.

8. Miami Dolphins - Ryan Tannehill
The Dolphins had nothing to lose with this pick and with Mike Sherman they made it very public that Tannehill was their guy. Still think that Tannehill is highly overrated. Not in talent, just in the category of the uncertainty that we have. A wide receiver turned quarterback with little to no experience in my opinion. Tremendous athlete? Yes, but took way to big of a leap on everyone’s boards. Check Tannehill’s numbers, not nearly as impressive as Luck or Griffin, yet still put in their class off of pure athleticism. Dolphins desperately needed a quarterback though, hopefully they have found their guy.

9. Carolina Panthers - Luke Kuechly
I love seeing the Panthers grab Kuechly. Panthers trying to rebuild a defensive unit that was once one of the best. Kuechly is a football player from head to toe. Could not have picked a better first round pick. A tackling machine with high motor and determination, really no questions or down side surrounding Kuechly. I think I like this pick the most so far in the 2012 NFL Draft.

10. Buffalo Bills - Stephan Gilmore
As a Lions fan I am disappointed, really wanted to see them reach for Gilmore. Great NFL combine. Gilmore has great speed and blitzes well from the edge, also an awesome tackler. Buffalo starting to really formulate some sort of defense worth watching out for. The Bills really score at the tenth pick with Stephan Gilmore.

Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines