Rams: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead were determined to make the roster younger, and Brockers is as young as it gets for an NFL player. He didn’t turn 21 until December, and was in college only three seasons. The team’s two starters a year ago at defensive tackle, Fred Robbins and Justin Bannan, were both in their 30s and both were cut early in the offseason.
Even though he was a starter for only one season in college, Fisher insisted Brockers was NFL-ready right away. However, some scouts believe he is raw and needs more strength for his size.
Brockers will be a starter from Day 1, moving into a revamped and much younger defensive line. He and free-agent pickup Kendall Langford are the starting defensive tackles. Brockers has very good size at 6-5, 322 pounds and initially will be more of a run-down player than a pass-rusher. Although he had good quickness for his size, he had only two sacks during his college career and is much bigger now than he was when he arrived in Baton Rouge.
ROUND 2: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
The Rams desperately needed help at wide receiver, especially after missing out on Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and A.J. Jenkins in the first round Thursday. Quick has very good size at 6-3, 220 and runs well enough at that size with 4.55 speed. Quick gets on defenders quickly, which could make him a deceptive deep threat.
Quick has an excellent chance to earn a starting position on what is one of the weakest wide receiver units in the league. The only sure regular among the returning pass catchers is Danny Amendola in the slot. The key for Quick, coming from a smaller school, is how quickly he can adapt to the NFL level of play and how quickly he can absorb the playbook.
ROUND 2: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
In terms of talent, Jenkins has the skill and technique to adapt quickly to the NFL. He has just average size at 5-10, 193 pounds, but has toughness, very good cover skills and the speed to stay with pro receivers.
If he can avoid the off-field issues that led to his dismissal from the University of Florida, he could have Pro Bowl potential. If he doesn’t, he could be a headache.
Jenkins has a chance to start right away, depending in part on how quickly Bradley Fletcher returns from knee surgery. There could be good competition for the starting spot opposite free-agent pickup Cortland Finnegan, because Jerome Murphy is back from ankle surgery that sidelined him for all of 2012. But covering the likes of A.J. Green and Julio Jones won’t be daunting to Jenkins, who played against them in the SEC.
ROUND 2: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Pead has the makings of a very good complement to Steven Jackson in the backfield. More of a scatback at 5-10, 197, Pead gives the Rams their first real change-of-pace back behind Jackson. In college, he showed he can turn the corner and is capable of big plays. He was more productive as a receiver in each of his college seasons.
Other than Jackson, the Rams have only Quinn Porter and Chase Reynolds on the roster at running back. Reynolds was a practice squad player, and Porter was mainly a special teamer who didn’t have a catch or a carry last season for St. Louis. So Pead should step in immediately as a third-down back and someone who can spell Jackson. He also has return ability.
ROUND 3: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
Not unlike Janoris Jenkins, Johnson fits the mold of a Jeff Fisher corner: long arms, physical style, good cover skills and a sound tackler. Johnson also has very good size for the position at 6-1, 204. The Rams had special insight into Johnson because Fisher’s son, Brandon—who is an assistant secondary coach in St. Louis—was a college teammate of Johnson’s for two season.
With the additions of Jenkins and Johnson, the Rams have the makings of excellent competition in the secondary, particularly at cornerback. Jenkins and Johnson will both compete for a starting job along with Bradley Fletcher and Jerome Murphy. Jenkins enters with the edge, considering he played better competition for most of his college career.
ROUND 4: CHRIS GIVENS, WR, Wake Forest
With sub 4.4 speed in the 40, Givens gives the Rams something they don’t currently have in their wideout unit— someone who can stretch the defense. With that kind of deep speed, he could be a nice complement to second-round pick Brian Quick. Givens (5-11, 198) is also known as a good route runner, particularly for a college player. He’s probably a little hesitant going over the middle, but the Rams won’t send him over the middle much. They’ve got about a half-dozen guys in their receiver corps who can run short and intermediate routes.
ROUND 5: ROKEVIOUS WATKINS, G, South Carolina
Nicknamed “Rock” by Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier, Watkins started at every line position but center in college. At 6-4, 338, he’s a wide body who projects as a guard in the NFL. His forte is run blocking, and he admits he needs work as a pass blocker. The Rams need a starter at left guard, but it’s debatable whether Watkins will be ready for that as a rookie. A junior college transfer, he played only three years of Division I football, and was redshirted in one of those years.
ROUND 6: GREG ZUERLEIN, K, Missouri Western
Zuerlein transferred to the Division II school north of Kansas City after Nebraska-Omaha canceled its football program. He made 21 field-goal attempts in a row last season. Included in that streak were nine field goals of 50 yards or more. The Rams had two private workouts for Zuerlein before the draft. At the very least, Rams’ incumbent Josh Brown could face competition in training camp. Zuerlein also had 30 touchbacks last season, kicking off from the 30.
ROUND 7: AARON BROWN, LB, Hawaii
In terms of opportunity, Brown couldn’t have landed in a better spot. Even with his selection, the Rams have only five linebackers on the roster and are looking for a starter on the weak side. That’s what Brown played at Hawaii during a productive career. He has some blitzing skill, with 9 1/2 sacks over his last two college seasons. Undersized at 6-1, 225, he has beefed up to 234 pounds during predraft training. He’ll have to be solid on special teams to make the squad.
ROUND 7: DARYL RICHARDSON, RB, Abilene Christian
Richardson (6-0, 200) has a chance to earn the No. 3 running back spot behind three-time Pro Bowler Steven Jackson and second-round pick Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati. Richardson rushed for 867 yards and caught 40 balls for 371 yards last season. Richardson has 4.46 speed and will have to be a special teams contributor to make the roster.
49ers: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
Round 1: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois
The 49ers have been without a consistent deep threat since Terrell Owens left town in 2004. The team clocked Jenkins at 4.31 seconds at the Scouting Combine, and they said he was one of the smoothest route runners in the draft. That gives them a versatile and multidimensional receiver who also can take the lid off of defenses, something the team lacked last season.
Jenkins’ needs to really work on his strength. He was unable to hit the weight room because of injuries at Illinois and must add weight and muscle.
That will have a lot to do with the other receivers on the team, especially free-agent pickup Randy Moss. The 49ers are hoping that Moss will put a stamp on his hall-of-fame career, which would put Moss and either Michael Crabtree or Mario Manningham in a starting role. That wouldn’t necessarily be a bad spot for Jenkins, who can spend his rookie season getting stronger and learning from a veteran like Moss.
One note from 2011: Each of the 49ers’ five wide receivers missed at least one game with an injury. Even if Jenkins isn’t starting at the beginning of the season, he could be by the end.
Round 2: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
James joins a running back group that includes Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, Anthony Dixon and perhaps most prominent, Kendall Hunter, another 5-8 runner whom the 49ers selected in the fourth round last year. James is similar to Hunter but slightly smaller and quicker. The 49ers won’t acknowledged this, but James’ selection signals that Hunter could take over the lead-back role at some point, with James filling in as a change-of-pace runner.
James certainly played in plenty of big games while at Oregon. He is a smart and willing pass protector, but at only 5-8, 190 pounds it remains to be seen whether he can be effective against NFL linebackers and defensive ends. James also can return punts. He did that 15 times last season and returned one for a touchdown. The 49ers’ primary return man, Ted Ginn, is signed for one year.
ROUND 4: JOE LOONEY, G, Wake Forest
Looney (6-3, 309) is a big-bodied, strong-handed guard who will step into the competition at right guard. Looney had a Lisfranc (foot) fracture at the Senior Bowl, but he said he’s been cleared to run and jump for two weeks now. He also has some experience at center having played there at the Senior Bowl. The 49ers don’t have a backup to starting center Jonathan Goodwin.
ROUND 5: DARIUS FLEMING, OLB, Notre Dame
The 49ers had only three outside linebackers—Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson and Aldon Smith—on the 53-man roster last year and Fleming (6-2, 245) rounds out the position. His immediate role may be on special teams. But he has the pin-back-the-ears pass-rush ability to be a specialist on third down.
ROUND 6: TRENTON ROBINSON, S, Michigan State
When Robinson (5-10, 195) arrived at Michigan State, he thought he’d be a cornerback. Coaches switched him to safety as a freshman, and his coverage ability separated him from other free safeties in the conference. Robinson had four interceptions in each of the past two seasons, and the 49ers envision him as a possible heir to Dashon Goldson—a likely free agent next year—at free safety.
ROUND 6: JASON SLOWEY, C, Western Oregon
Slowey (6-3, 303) dominated the competition at Division II Western Oregon, where he played left tackle. He’ll slide inside, likely to center, with the 49ers. Slowey is a weight-room phenomenon—he once bench-pressed 225 pounds 45 times—who has excelled in the shot put and discus. He’s raw, but over time could be molded into a starter.
ROUND 7: CAM JOHNSON, OLB, Virginia
Johnson (6-4, 268) played right end the last two seasons. But he also has experience as a stand-up linebacker in a 3-4 defense—his future role with the 49ers—after playing for former Virginia coach Al Groh in 2008 and 2009. Johnson has nice size and has shown excellent quickness in spurts for the Cavaliers. The 49ers will look for better consistency from him as a rookie.
Patriots: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Jones is exactly what Patriots fans have been asking for over the past three years: a pass rusher. Thanks to mixed-martial arts training with his brother Jon, a UFC champion, Jones’ hands are fast and he plays physical. New England has had its share of troubles getting to quarterbacks, which makes an average secondary look worse because it is asked to cover for so long. If Jones can come in quickly, he can help remedy those problems.
If he can pick up the defense, Jones will play right away, at least in certain situations. He could fill the “elephant” role, an end/linebacker hybrid spot the Patriots once used Willie McGinest in and Andre Carter was used in at times last season on passing downs. Jones could stand to gain a couple of pounds in the weight room, but Bill Belichick said even now Jones is solidly built at 6-5, 266 pounds.
Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
The question for Hightower might be how won’t he fit? He played middle and outside linebacker and some defensive end in sub packages for ‘Bama, and was the signal-caller for arguably the best defense in college football last fall. New England has locked Jerod Mayo up for the future and Brandon Spikes is strong against the run, but there are question marks at the position otherwise. Belichick has used a variety of personnel groupings in recent years, and Hightower could play a role in nearly all of them.
Hightower will likely have a lot thrown at him early on, but he played for Belichick buddy Nick Saban, so many of the concepts he’ll see with the Pats may look familiar, easing his transition. He could challenge veteran Rob Ninkovich for playing time early, or he could free up Mayo to be used in different ways. If he is as versatile in the NFL as he was in college, he could play early and see his role expand quickly.
ROUND 2: Tavon Wilson, S, Ilinois
How he fits: Wilson has one thing the Patriots covet—versatility. With the Illini, he played cornerback and safety, moving between the two positions due to injuries to teammates and team needs. It is believed that New England will make Devin McCourty’s move from corner to safety more permanent, but even if that doesn’t happen, the Pats need depth in the secondary, which Wilson can offer.
When he’ll play: At this point, it’s tough to tell. His selection was met with a number of “who?” responses, and there isn’t much known about him. Several scouts around the league, when asked, had little to no information on him. But if he shows early that he can be effective, New England will use him — it plays a lot of sub and nickel packages and injuries down the stretch last season left them with precious little talent.
Round 3: Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
Bequette, a productive player for Arkansas (23.5 sacks, 32.5 TFL in 48 games), will join the competition for time. He’s also shown a nose for the ball, with five forced fumbles in his senior year. A third-generation Razorback, Bequette’s 3-cone time of 6.9 seconds, third best among D-ends at the Combine, is one reason he appealed to the Pats — they often go for players who excel at that agility drill.
After a few years of trying — largely unsuccessfully — to manufacture pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Bill Belichick went all-in this year, drafting three players who can get to the quarterback, and also signing a couple more in free agency. New England switched its defensive personnel often last year, and played a high percentage of nickel. So many players coming in and out naturally creates opportunities for Bequette and the other Pats who can rush the passer.
ROUND 6: NATE EBNER, DB, Ohio State
Ebner’s story makes him perfect for New England — he didn’t play a down of high school football and walked on at Ohio State after years as a standout rugby player. He will be mostly a special-teams player; as a senior, he played a very limited role in the Buckeyes’ secondary. But Ebner is another high-motor, high-character (his father was killed in a robbery attempt in 2008) guy to add to the roster.
ROUND 7: ALFONZO DENNARD, CB, Nebraska
Dennard could be one of the more talented seventh-round picks in recent years — and he has only himself to blame for being taken so late. Regarded as a third- to fourth-round pick at worst, the 2011 Big Ten defensive back of the year is an experienced, physical corner. But he was arrested for punching a police officer outside a Lincoln, Neb. bar just days before the draft, which led to him plummeting. Assuming he can corral his aggression (he was also booted from the Capital One Bowl for punching Alshon Jeffery), he can help the Pats.
ROUND 7: JEREMY EBERT, WR, Northwestern
By drafting Ebert, the Patriots now have four players who can play slot receiver. The 6-footer will join Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and newly-signed Anthony Gonzalez at the position. A high school quarterback, Ebert was productive at Northwestern, with 75 catches for 1,060 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior. His job now will be to work to click with Tom Brady, something almost every receiver the Pats have drafted in recent years has failed to do.
Dolphins: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins hadn’t drafted a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino in 1983 and hadn’t found a consistent signal-caller since Marino retired in 2000, but Tannehill ideally changes all of that. He reunites with college coach Mike Sherman, now the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, and will eventually take over as the team’s starter.
However, Tannehill is a raw prospect, with just 19 career starts at quarterback. In contrast, he had 30 at wide receiver, where he played his first two years at Texas A&M. He needs a lot of work on decision-making and reading defenses.
His role for 2012 probably involves a clipboard and a headset. Tannehill is the Dolphins’ quarterback of the future, but he is not ready to step into a starting job, having played QB for just a season and a half in college.
The Dolphins have two veterans under contract in Matt Moore and David Garrard, so they don’t have any pressure to play Tannehill this season. Both veterans will be free agents after the 2013 season, clearing the way for Tannehill.
ROUND 2: Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford
Martin started 37 games at left tackle at Stanford, but will be switched to right tackle in Miami, which already has Jake Long. He’s got long, 34-inch arms, but at only 305 pounds, represents a shift to a lighter, more athletic offensive line that will utilize a zone blocking scheme in Joe Philbin’s new offense.
The Dolphins didn’t draft Martin to sit him on the bench. Right tackle was one of the biggest holes last year, with now-retired Marc Colombo allowing his fair share of the Dolphins’ 52 sacks last year, third-most in the NFL. Expect Martin to beat out Lydon Murtha and Artis Hicks and start at right tackle from Day 1.
Round 3: Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami (Fla.)
The Dolphins need a pass rusher, and go with the local kid who possesses a ton of talent but didn’t show it on the field in college. Vernon, who is 6-2 and 261 pounds, will help replace Jason Taylor in the lineup and ideally take pressure off Cameron Wake. But he had just 1.5 sacks in 2011 after sitting out six games due to suspension in relation to the Nevin Shapiro scandal.
The Dolphins need Vernon to make an instant impact, though he may not be a starter right away. The Dolphins also have Jared Odrick, Jamaal Westerman and Jason Trusnik to help rush the passer, but Westerman and Trusnik are more backup types, and Odrick is better used as an interior pass rusher.
Round 3: Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
Patriots coach Bill Belichick has made tight end the trendy new position on offense, and the Dolphins picked up a dynamic one in Egnew, who caught 140 passes for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns over his past two seasons. Joe Philbin often ran three- and even four-tight end sets when he was in Green Bay, and the Dolphins now have three dynamic ones in Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay and Egnew.
Tight end is a position that can generally have an instant impact, and Egnew, who is 6-5 and 252 pounds, should be an instant red zone target for Matt Moore or whoever plays quarterback. In fact, Egnew might even replace Fasano, who is entering the final year of his contract and has a cap number of $4.375 million.
ROUND 4: LAMAR MILLER, RB, Miami (Fla.)
The shifty 212-pound tailback makes the Dolphins’ backfield a bit crowded with Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas and Steve Slaton also in the mix. But Miller, who rushed for 1,272 yards on 5.6 yards per carry, should split carries in the backfield this year and help out on kick returns, as well.
ROUND 5: JOSH KADDU, OLB, Oregon
The Dolphins have been looking for weakside linebackers all spring, and added another one to the mix in Kaddu, a two-year starter for the Ducks. Kaddu needs to add a little weight to his 235-pound frame, but will likely compete with free agent Gary Guyton and three-year veteran Koa Misi for the third starting spot next to Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett. Kaddu will also help out on special teams.
ROUND 6: B.J. CUNNINGHAM, WR, Michigan State
The Dolphins traded away former No. 1 receiver Brandon Marshall, but didn’t pursue any receivers in free agency and waited until the sixth round in the draft to take Cunningham, the Spartans’ all-time leading receiver (218 catches and 3,086 yards). He will join Roberto Wallace, Marlon Moore, Legedu Naanee, Clyde Gates and Julius Pruitt in the battle for the final three receiver spots behind Davone Bess and Brian Hartline.
ROUND 7: KHEESTON RANDALL, DT, Texas
The Dolphins are pretty well stacked at defensive tackle in their new 4-3 defense, with Randy Starks, Paul Soliai, Jared Odrick, Tony McDaniel and Ryan Baker already in tow. Randall is likely a candidate for the practice squad, but could crack the final 53 if the Dolphins cut McDaniel to shave some salary.
ROUND 7: RISHARD MATTHEWS, WR, Nevada
Matthews, who had 140 catches for Nevada in two seasons after transferring from junior college, will compete with a glut of receivers for one of the final receiver spots. Most likely, he’s a candidate for the practice squad.
Steelers: Meet The 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
DeCastro is ideal for an offensive line that has problems protecting QB Ben Roethlisberger. He will play at right guard next to All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey, giving the Steelers a pair of athletic and tenacious blockers on the inside. What’s more, the Steelers liked the way he was typically the lead blocker in Stanford’s run game.
The Steelers have juggled a lot of different players at both guard positions and DeCastro is an immediate upgrade as a Pouncey-like player — tough, smart, dedicated and athletic.
DeCastro has a chance to start right away because the incumbent starters at guard are Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster, players who were undrafted free agents several years ago and have never gone to training camp as a starter. DeCastro played in a pro-style offense at Stanford, which will make the transition easier.
More important, he might be a better pass protector than run blocker, something the Steelers were seeking to help lessen some of the hits on Roethlisberger, who has averaged 43 sacks a season since 2007. Pouncey started as a rookie in 2010 and DeCastro will probably do the same thing.
ROUND 2: Mike Adams, T, Ohio State
The team has made a strong commitment to upgrading its offensive line by taking guard David DeCastro and Adams with its first two picks. In the past three years, the Steelers have used two No. 1 picks and two No. 2 picks on offensive linemen. Adams has long arms and good length—which helps him in pass protection.
Adams gives the team a young talent to use at right tackle if Willie Colon has problems coming back from another season-ending injury. Otherwise, Adams will back up on both sides until the team determines where he fits best. Adams, though, has a chance to become a starter by 2013.
Round 3: Sean Spence, OLB, Miami (Fla.)
How he fits: Spence played outside in a 4-3 front in college, but he will play inside linebacker in the Steelers’ 3-4 front. Spence is not very big, but the Steelers like to keep blockers off their inside ‘backers to let them run to the ball. Spence is very instinctive, quick and smart and is able to run with tight ends and H-backs.
Spence will not be a starter and will back up Lawrence Timmons at the Mack LB spot and play mainly on special teams. Veteran Larry Foote will step in and replace departed James Farrior, but that probably won’t be for more than one year. Still, Spence provides depth on the inside and gives the team an extra body to replace Farrior on the roster.
ROUND 4: ALAMEDA TA’AMU, NT, Washington
Ta’Amu is exactly what the Steelers need at nose tackle—a massive, powerful player who is hard to move and often forces double teams to create space for the linebackers to make tackles. Five-time Pro Bowl NT Casey Hampton will come back for one more season, but he is coming off ACL surgery. Ta’Amu is the long-term replacement who has a chance to move into that role earlier than anticipated.
ROUND 5: CHRIS RAINEY, RB, Florida
Rainey gives the team the type of running back they don’t have—a breakaway threat who is tough to tackle in space. He ran a 4.37 at the combine and will be used mainly on special teams as a return specialist. But new offensive coordinator Todd Haley can also use him as a situational, change-of-pace third-down player who can run and catch.
ROUND 7: TONEY CLEMONS, WR, Colorado
The Steelers were interested in adding a bigger receiver on their roster, but they also got a player who ran an unofficial 4.36 at his pro day. Clemons walks into a good situation because with the retirement of veteran Hines Ward, he has a chance to win a roster spot as the fifth receiver.
ROUND 7: DAVID PAULSON, TE, Oregon
He has a chance to be the third tight end because Weslye Saunders, who has to serve a four-game suspension to start the season, may not be back. Paulson is also the type of tight end the Steelers don’t have—a player who can flex, play H-back or do in-line blocking.
ROUND 7: TERRENCE FREDERICK, CB, Texas A&M
The loss of nickel back William Gay could create a roster spot in the slot for Frederick, who does not have the size and speed to play on the outside. Frederick will be limited to zone coverage, though, because he is not very good in man coverage.
ROUND 7: KELVIN BEACHUM, OT, SMU
Played left tackle in college but will be used at guard with the Steelers. Has the position flexibility the team desires. Either way, he is probably slotted for the practice squad because he needs to develop more size and strength. But he is athletic, smart, has good feet and could develop into a nice backup in a couple years.
Broncos: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 2: Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
Wolfe will provide an immediate upgrade to the Broncos’ interior pass rush as a 3 technique tackle. Their two starting tackles last year, Marcus Thomas and Brodrick Bunkley, combined for no sacks. Wolfe had 9.5 sacks and 15 pressure last year for the Bearcats and 19.5 and 32, respectively, for his career.
John Elway stated before the draft that he expects to find at least three players who will immediately be substantial contributors—if not starters. Wolfe will push to be an every-down tackle right away and will likely play in nickel and dime packages from Day 1.
Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
Executive vice president John Elway said last March that there “was no Plan B” behind Peyton Manning, but now there is. The 6-7 Osweiler is raw and could have used another year of seasoning at Arizona State, where he started only one full season, but had arguably the strongest arm in this draft class. Osweiler is the Broncos’ QB of the future; the only question is when that future arrives.
If Manning’s surgically repaired neck holds up, Osweiler could be set for a three-to-four-year hitch as the understudy. If it falters, Osweiler might be in the lineup as soon as this season. In that case, Osweiler insists that despite his lack of experience, “I’d be ready to roll.”
Round 3: Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
The Broncos wanted a change-of-pace back who could ease the burden on 30-year-old starter Willis McGahee, and the 5-9, 200-pound Hillman should fill that role. With 4.45 speed, a decent array of moves in space and pass-catching ability, Hillman should be an outside, third-down complement who can occasionally run inside and keep McGahee from wearing down as he did late in 2011.
He’ll play right away if he can beat out Knowshon Moreno. Moreno struggled in his only start of 2011 before giving way to McGahee and tore his ACL just moments after relieving an injured McGahee in Week 9 at Kansas City. Moreno’s and Hillman’s skill sets are similar; the pick would appear to indicate that Moreno, the No. 12 overall pick in 2009, might not be in Denver’s long-term plans.
ROUND 4: OMAR BOLDEN, CB/KR, Arizona State
Bolden (5-10, 202) is likely the third quick-impact player in the Broncos’ draft class. He should be a dime back right away and will push nickel back Chris Harris for playing time. Bolden also returned kickoffs at Arizona State and will compete for that role after Eddie Royal’s departure for San Diego. Bolden fell to the fourth round because of concerns about his left knee. He had a sprained MCL in 2009 and a torn ACL last season. But he appeared to recover most of his speed by his pro day, posting a 4.45 time in the 40.
ROUND 4: PHILIP BLAKE, C/G, Baylor
Blake (6-3, 311) replaced current Broncos starting center J.D. Walton in 2010 after starting the entire 2009 season at right tackle. He will likely move to guard in Denver after working at left and right guard during Senior Bowl week. At 26, Blake is older than all but one of the Broncos’ first-team offensive linemen; the Toronto native spent three years in a Quebec college before transferring to Tyler (Texas) Junior College in 2008 and Baylor in 2009. He should begin his career as the Broncos’ primary backup at the three interior line slots.
ROUND 5: MALIK JACKSON, DE, Tennessee
Jackson (6-5, 284) played defensive tackle the last two seasons but is projected to move to end, which he last played at Southern Cal before transferring in 2010 after the Trojans were hit with NCAA sanctions. In some ways, his skill set is the opposite of second-rounder Derek Wolfe; he’s better against the run than in the pass rush and is an end who can occasionally move inside. Wolfe is a prolific pass-rushing tackle who has the flexibility to swing outside.
ROUND 6: DANNY TREVATHAN, LB, Kentucky
Trevathan’s scouting report sounds similar to that of Wesley Woodyard when he came out of Kentucky in 2008: undersized tackling machine who can sometimes get overrun by offensive linemen. Woodyard overcame the criticism to become Denver’s special-teams captain three years running and one of the linebackers in their nickel package. The Broncos hope Trevathan (6-0, 237) takes a similar trajectory; he’ll get a long look on kick and punt teams this summer, and his work there will likely determine whether he sticks on the roster.
Chargers: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South CarolinaIngram will be pointed at the quarterback and turned loose, as the Chargers need help with the pass rush. Ingram can line up in a lot of places, though he primarily will come off the edge. He didn’t start much until his senior year and will have to learn a new position after playing 4-3 end in college. But he has great athleticism for a man his size, which will help him in his transition to 3-4 outside linebacker.
The Chargers will likely use Ingram in much the same way they did Shawne Merriman his rookie year. They limited Merriman’s snaps, but he lined up everywhere and his primary purpose his first season was to go after the quarterback. That’s what Ingram is here for in 2012, as he learns how to play outside linebacker.
ROUND 2: KENDALL REYES, DE, Memphis
The 6-4, 299-pound Reyes will be a backup on the outside and also move inside to help with pass rush in the nickel defense. The Chargers like his effort, attention to technique and lower-body strength. Reyes could also develop into a starter, something the Chargers are obviously thinking about as Vaughn Martin will be an unrestricted free agent in 2013.
Reyes will move into the rotation and could even displace Luis Castillo or Jacques Cesaire, depending on the final roster breakdown. Reyes should initially get most of his playing time working inside on passing downs.
Round 3: Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
The Chargers needed Taylor badly enough that they traded up five spots to make sure they got the third safety off the board. Taylor will compete with veteran Atari Bigby for the starting job at strong safety vacated by Stephen Gregory. Taylor brings size, strength and a nose for the ball that the Chargers have lacked at the position for some time.
Whether he wins the starting job or not, Taylor will see plenty of action on defense immediately and is expected to earn the starting job sooner rather than later. He and/or Bigby will also have a key role on special teams.
ROUND 4: LADARIUS GREEN, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
The Chargers needed a pass-catching tight end to groom as Antonio Gates’ eventual replacement, but more immediately to complement the future Hall of Famer. Green (6-6, 239) needs to add some weight to his frame, but he is fast and tall and can catch. He has much to learn about Norv Turner’s offense, but he will see time immediately. His presence could push newly signed free agent Dante Rosario off the roster in camp.
ROUND 5: JOHNNIE TROUTMAN, G, Penn State
This is a depth selection, though Troutman (6-4, 325) will presumably get a chance to push Tyronne Green at the left guard spot and to show he can be an option in the future. Troutman is strong and the Chargers like his aggressiveness, but he will have to overcome being extremely slow.
ROUND 7: DAVID MOLK, C, Michigan
This four-year starter won the 2011 Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center. However, a foot injury he suffered warming up for the Sugar Bowl was his fourth right leg injury at Michigan. The Chargers felt it was worth a draft pick to see if he can get past his injury issues. If he can, he could grow into Nick Hardwick’s successor.
ROUND 7: EDWIN BAKER, RB, Michigan State
The smallish Baker (5-8, 204 pounds) is a flyer for a team that could use depth at running back. Baker did not start his junior season and left school early. He could stick if he shows a propensity for special teams.
Falcons: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 2: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsion
Center Todd McClure was re-signed during free agency. Also, Joe Hawley started three games at center last season. The right guard position was problematic as Garrett Reynolds opened the season as the starter after beating out Mike Johnson. When Reynolds struggled, Hawley took over at right guard.
He will have a chance to win the right guard spot and serve an apprenticeship under McClure before sliding over to center. Konz is considered quick and agile for his size. He could pull on sweeps and hit moving targets, which was considered a weakness of the line by former offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. The line’s lack of mobility was cited when Mularkey was pressed about why he didn’t call more screen passes last season.
Round 3: Lamar Holmes, T, Southern Miss
The Falcons hope that the bulky Holmes will help them improve their run game. He will get a shot at both left and right tackle. He played right and left tackle in junior college before playing exclusively left tackle at Southern Miss. He’s mean and athletic.
Coach Mike Smith said he plans to have an open competition all along the offensive line. Holmes will get a shot to play left tackle and beat out Sam Baker and Will Svitek. He wouldn’t rule out moving Tyson Clabo over to the left side in order to help stabilize the unit.
ROUND 5: BRADIE EWING, FB, Wisconsin
The Falcons, who struggled in short-yardage situations last season, brought in some competition for Pro Bowl fullback Ovie Mughelli, who is trying to bounce back from knee surgery. Ewing started his career as a walk-on for the Badgers. After his second year at the Big Ten school, he was awarded a scholarship. He is noted for his blocking. He registered 30 touchdown-resulting blocks.
ROUND 5: JONATHAN MASSAQUOI, DE, Troy
Massaquoi moved to the United States from Liberia when he was six months old. He committed to Troy coming out of high school, but started his career at Butler Community College in Kansas. He played there for a year before honoring his commitment to Troy. Massaquoi ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds at the Scouting Combine, had a 33 1/2-inch vertical jump and lifted 225 pounds 20 times.
ROUND 6: CHARLES MITCHELL, SS, Mississippi State
He will provide depth behind William Moore and Thomas Decoud in the secondary. He played in 37 games for the Bulldogs over his career. He was a hard-hitter with 188 tackles and four career interceptions. He played as a true freshman after being named the state’s Gatorade player of the year. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds at Mississippi State’s Pro Day. He lifted 225 pounds 19 times and had a 37-inch vertical at the Scouting Combine. He was a team captain.
ROUND 7: TRAVIAN ROBERTSON, DT, South Carolina
The Falcons expect Robertson to add some girth to the middle of their defense as a run-stuffing tackle. He is strong at the point of the attack and has some range to track down ball carriers. He was considered a key player in the interior of the Gamecocks’ defense.
Saints: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
Round 3: Akiem Hicks, DT, University of Regina
Hicks is a “raw” prospect whom the Saints admit will face a learning curve as he transitions from Canada to the NFL. But he’s an exciting prospect with a high ceiling. And he fills one of the team¹s biggest long-term and short-term needs. The Saints need more young, dynamic athletes to become more disruptive up front.
Hicks is an athletic tackle who could be used as a pass rusher in situations. He was a highly-touted prospect who was recruited by LSU out of junior college but was ruled ineligible because of recruiting violations. The Saints said there are no character concerns, though, and they actually admire how hard he worked to get his career back on track.
It’s hard to expect too much from Hicks right away. The Saints are set with veteran starters Sedrick Ellis and Brodrick Bunkley, and they also have an experienced backup in Tom Johnson. But they’ll do a lot of rotating, so Hicks could work himself into the mix, just like former Canadian-football transplant Johnson did last year, if he shows early promise. Hicks projects to be a third-down, pass-rusher type at first, with the potential to develop into an every-down player.
ROUND 4: NICK TOON, WR, Wisconsin
The Saints are deep at wide receiver, even after losing Robert Meachem in free agency. But Toon gives them a young player who can compete with Adrian Arrington for the fourth receiver spot and possibly develop into a bigger role down the road. Toon is a bigger receiver (6-2, 215) with good hands. Saints coach Joe Vitt compared him physically to Marques Colston. Another favorable comparison for Toon? His father, Al Toon, a standout receiver for the Jets in the 1980s and ’90s.
ROUND 5: COREY WHITE, CB, Samford
Although many projected White as a safety, the Saints view him as a big corner (5-11, 206) who could compete for a job in nickel or dime packages. New Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he likes corners with length and press ability. White definitely has an opportunity in New Orleans, where the Saints are thin at corner after letting veterans Tracy Porter and Leigh Torrence get away in free agency.
ROUND 6: ANDREW TILLER, G, Syracuse
The Saints added some beef to the offensive line late in the draft, starting with this 6-4, 324-pounder. The Saints had a trusted scouting report on him, since their former offensive coordinator/line coach Doug Marrone is now the head coach at Syracuse. The only experienced backup guard on the Saints’ roster is Matt Tennant, who plays guard and center. So there’s room for a developmental project.
ROUND 7: MARCEL JONES, OT, Nebraska
Yet another big body for the Saints, Jones is listed at 6-6, 320. He definitely has the physical tools to be an NFL talent, and he had a solid senior season after battling a back injury as a junior. The Saints have a good recent track record of developing late-round offensive tackles (Jermon Bushrod, fourth round, and Zach Strief, seventh).
Lions: Meet the 2012 Draft Class
ROUND 1: Riley Reiff, T, Iowa
Reiff was widely considered the second-best offensive tackle in the draft and could compete for immediate playing time with the Lions even though they return their entire starting line from a season ago. He can play either guard or tackle position and might be a long-term replacement for Jeff Backus at left tackle. Backus had two major injuries last year, but has never missed a game in his 11 seasons.
The knock on Reiff is he has short arms, but he’s a smart player who understands leverage and has been well coached.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz said it’s too early to tell what position Reiff will play as a rookie. It’s unlikely he’ll unseat Backus immediately—the Lions re-signed Backus to a two-year deal this offseason.
But Reiff could push for playing time on the right side of the line. Tackle Gosder Cherilus is entering the final season of his contract and guard Stephen Peterman struggled at times in recent seasons, though his play and health improved last season. If Reiff doesn’t crack the lineup immediately, he’ll be good depth as a rookie and surely take over as a starter in 2013.
ROUND 2: Ryan Broyles, WR, Arkansas
The Lions had one of the most explosive passing games in the NFL last year, and adding Broyles to the mix makes it that much more so. Broyles projects as the Lions’ No. 4 receiver this year, behind Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Titus Young, and should make his biggest contributions out of the slot. He also can handle punt- and kick-return duties.
One of the most productive receivers in Oklahoma history, Broyles tore his left ACL in November and is in the middle of his rehab process. He’s a candidate to start the fall on the physically unable to perform list, but he should be in the mix this year. Assuming he stays healthy, there’s no reason Broyles can’t climb the depth chart in 2013.
Round 3: Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette
It took three rounds, but the Lions finally addressed their glaring need at cornerback by adding Bentley, a competitive but undersized cornerback who had seven career interceptions. Bentley is tougher than his 5-10, 182-pound frame would indicate, and while he can play in the slot, the Lions will be more apt to play him outside early in his career.
The Lions lost Eric Wright in free agency and signed Jacob Lacey to compete with Aaron Berry for the starting job opposite Chris Houston, but Bentley will be in the rotation immediately. He played against lower-level competition at Louisiana-Lafayette, but held his own at the Senior Bowl and in a matchup with Justin Blackmon and has good ball skills.
ROUND 4: RONNELL LEWIS, DE, Oklahoma
Lewis played a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position at Oklahoma but he projects to play with his hand down in Detroit. Nicknamed “The Hammer,” Lions coach Jim Schwartz said “there’s a reason for his nickname.” The Lions are deep at end, so Lewis’ biggest contributions this year likely will come on special teams, where he projects to play on both return and coverage teams.
ROUND 5: TAHIR WHITEHEAD, LB, Temple
Whitehead will play an off-the-ball linebacker role for the Lions, likely on the outside behind either Justin Durant or DeAndre Levy. He runs a sub-4.7-second 40-yard dash and like Lewis will make his most significant impact on special teams as a rookie. The Lions traded up to get him, so they like his developmental prospects.
ROUND 5: CHRIS GREENWOOD, CB, Albion
Another player the Lions traded up to get, Greenwood has good size (6-1) and tested off the charts at Michigan’s pro day with a vertical jump of 43 inches and running a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. He’s raw after transferring from Eastern Michigan to Albion, a Division III school, but Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham compared him to a small-school prospect he played a big role in drafting in Kansas City, Brandon Carr. Greenwood should find a role as a backup this season, but he’ll need developmental time before seeing the field.
ROUND 6: JONTE GREEN, CB, New Mexico State
Green will have to battle for a roster spot as the third cornerback the Lions drafted, but he has the size they like at 6-foot. A three-year starter, he played mostly man-to-man coverage in college and is admittedly raw in his zone and off-man techniques. His best shot of seeing the field is on special teams.
ROUND 7: TRAVIS LEWIS, LB, Oklahoma
Lewis was a tackling machine at Oklahoma, leading the team all four seasons he played. He missed time as a senior with knee injury and played through a broken toe, but has a shot to make the team as a backup. Lewis projects as a core special teamer and could fight for a spot in the rotation next year.
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