Making predictions of an upcoming NFL season is basically akin to swinging a stick at a pinata blindfolded, yet without knowing if such a target truly exists. The reason of an educated guess can be leaned upon, yet there is no real science because too many unknown factors lurk in shadows set aside annually by the enemies of success.

Even with a 2011 season hurriedly smashed together after a players strike that killed much of the preseason, the league has gone on collecting the offerings of fans as this circus barks town to town. The actual play on the field may have degenerated some, but much of this stems from rules that were set out without much clear thought instilled.

As the NFL hits the midpoint of the 2011 season, there are already reasons to rejoice about the game. Some surprises have been peppered in with the unexpected and relied upon. As the pretend awards are passed out, on their way to the real ones in a few months, we look back at preseason predictions and compare them with the reality of here and now.



MVP : Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers


I picked Rodgers to win this award a few months ago, and he has played as expected. His team, which relies on him heavily, is undefeated and showing they could be better than the Packers squad that won it all last year. I still think he walks away with the NFL MVP Award when he season ends, and Rodgers has done nothing to show why he won't yet.

Matt Forte, Frank Gore, Drew Brees, and Eli Manning are worth noting for their efforts so far.






Offensive Player of the Year : Fred Jackson, Halfback, Buffalo Bills


My preseason selection, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, has done nothing but show why I selected him. Yet Jackson is the biggest reason the Bills are in first place in the AFC East. He leads the NFL in rushing yards and is just 47 yards away from leading the league in total yards from scrimmage.

Jackson already had the respect of the league for his versatility, and it appears he is headed to his first Pro Bowl season. If he holds up this year, since the Bills rely on him so heavily, Buffalo could make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Rice, Forte, LeSean McCoy, Wes Welker, Calvin Johnson, and Steve Smith are all certainly capable of winning this award when the season ends.










Defensive Player of the Year : Jared Allen, Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings


The player I picked to win this award, Ndamukong Suh, has been average for most of this season. Allen has been awesome all season. He is tied with the most fumbles forced, fumbles recovered, and passes defended amongst all defensive linemen.

He leads everyone with 12.5 sacks and is fourth in tackles amongst defensive linemen. Allen has also found time to intercept a pass. While the Vikings have struggled this season, it could be a lot worse if Allen wasn't having the season he currently is. Minnesota has been mostly competitive because he keeps caving in offensive lines off the edge.

Nick Barnett, Kameron Chancellor, Darrelle Revis, Charles Woodson, and Jason Pierre-Paul are just a few players who could be considered for this award.







Offensive Rookie of the Year : Cameron Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers


My selection, Daniel Thomas, has struggled with his health all year and is fourth amongst all rookies in rushing yards. Newton is third so far.

But it isn't just his legs that makes him special. Despite being the first draft selection of 2011, pundits expected him to struggle from the spread offense, that he played in college, to the pro style offense. Newton has had a few rookie struggles, but he has mostly stood out for his struggling Panthers.

He has performed so well that Carolina hardly runs the football this year despite giving halfback DeAngelo Williams just 75 carries so far after making him one of the highest paid halfbacks in the game before the season started.

Newton has already set team records, by throwing for 432 yards in one game and 854 yards in two consecutive games. His 422 yards passing in his debut is the most in NFL history, and the 854 yards thrown in his first two games is also a NFL record.

Not only is Newton the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first career start, as well as the first rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first two career starts, he is just the sixth quarterback ever to throw for over 400 yards in consecutive games.

He is the only player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in his first five games, and he is one rushing touchdown away from having for most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback.

Andy Dalton, who is having an excellent season so far as the starting quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, is the only rookie in the discussion with Newton. Dalton has done well, but the surprising Bengals sit on top of the AFC North right now because of their defense.

Newton's team is not winning much yet, but the future appears bright for this 6'5" 248 lbs monster who already has the respect of opponents. He has a better quarterback rating than Dalton, as well as over 900 more passing yards. He is already the leader of a rebuilding Panthers franchise, and one day could be the best quarterback in the league.







Defensive Rookie of the Year : Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals


My pick, J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, is playing very well and is certainly in the running. So are players like Mason Foster, Ryan Kerrigan, Von Miller, Akeem Ayers, Marcell Dareus, Phil Taylor, and Brooks Reed.

Peterson leads all NFL rookies in solo tackles, interceptions, passes defended, and is third in total tackles. But what separates him is the work he does on special teams. He is already the best punt returner in the league.

He leads in the NFL with three touchdowns off of punt returns, punt return yards, and a whopping 21.8 average off of 19 returns. Peterson is already within reach of several NFL records.

His three touchdowns is tied with Devin Hester as the second most by a rookie in NFL history and one away from the record Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen set in 1951. He is just 242 yards away from the record Louis Lipps set in 1984 for the most punt return yards ever by a rookie. He is also within reach of the 23 yards per return average Herb Rich set on 12 returns in 1950.

His 99-yard punt return is the second longest ever in NFL history. It happened in overtime against the Saint Louis Rams, and was the first overtime by a rookie off a punt return since Tamarick Vanover did it in 1995.

If Peterson keeps up even half of this pace, as many suspect he will, there should be an easy task for the voters on who is the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year.








Comeback Player of the Year : Ben Tate, Houston Texans


I picked Tate and he is already fulfilling expectations. He already has 623 rushing yards despite being basically a reserve with limited touches. He is averaging a very impressive 5.7 yards per carry as well.

This award generally goes to players who, like Tate, are coming back from a previous year ruined by injuries. It also can go to an improved player who had previously struggled. Men like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Alex Green are in the running based on those facts.

Arian Foster is the star of the Texans. Not only is he the 2010 rushing yards leader, he leads the team in rushing yards , attempts, and touchdowns this season. Yet he has a lead of just 33 yards over Tate despite 45 more attempts and having started every game but two for Houston in 2011.

It will be curious to see how much longer the Texans keep this duo in tact beyond 2011. Tate has just one start this year, a number he undoubtedly would like to change down the road. Houston has the most rushing attempts and second most running yards by a team so far this year, which is a big reason the Texans sit on top of the AFC South right now.

Tate seems a cinch to join Foster as a pair off 1,000-yard rushers for the Texans this year. He has shown no residual effects from the broken leg he suffered during a 2010 exhibition game either. He has given no reason why he shouldn't win the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year Award.






Coach of the Year : Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers


There really is no doubt who is leading here. Harbaugh is leading one if the NFC's better teams with a good defense and rushing attack. Yet Harbaugh also has had a tremendous positive influence on quarterback Alex Smith, who has performed well despite having his top two wide receivers struggling to stay healthy this year.

My selection, Steve Spagnuolo, has seen his team play poorly. The Niners are already running away with the NFC West title, and their rookie head coach is a huge reason why. If Harbaugh keeps it going, he may pass his younger brother John in accolades. He and John Harbaugh, a successful head coach with the Baltimore Ravens, are the first pair of brothers to be NFL head coaches.







Yoooooooooo! Dis iz 7thStoneFromTheSun, 3rd's cuzin, once again! Yo? I did crappy las weak, going 8-6. I iz now 80-50 overall, so lets get dis partee started. Capeesh?



New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Game of the Week

Da winner gets two sit alone on top of da NFC South, even if Atlanta has played one less game so far. Both teems have average defenses, but da explosive Saints offense has looked better than the more balanced Falsons offense so far.

Matt Ryan has been inconsistent with Atlanta all yeer, but da defense has looked better in each of da las three weaks. Drew Brees has been mostly awesone for New Orleans all seasun, but da inconsistent Saints defense can get exposed by a good running teem.

If Michael "Burner" Turner gets off, Atlanta wins. If not, look for Brees to make da difference.

Atlanta 30 Saints 28










Tennessee Titans @ Carolina Panthers

I really iz flippin a coin on hear. Cam Newton mite prove me wrong.

Titans 27 Panthers 24










Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

OK, da Bungles have had a nice ride against da lesser teems. Now reality sets on.

Steelers 24 Bengals 20










Saint Louis Rams @ Cleveland Browns

YO! I rather have a labotomy den watch dis crap.

Rams 28 Browns 20










Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys

I tink da Bills fun ride is over. I don't tink much of da Cowboys, but I can sea dem winning hear.

Cowboys 27 Bills 24










Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

How many times in da Jags history have dey gone into Indianapolis expecting two win?

Jaguars 23 Colts 21











Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

Tim Teblow ran a win las weak, but da Chiefs will not allow dis.

Chiefs 31 Broncos 16









Washington Redskins @ Miami Dolphins

If da Skins lose hear, pack it up until 2012. John Beck gets his first win ever, at the expense of his former team.

Redskins 20 Dolphins 17










Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Kolb prolly won't play hear two get back at da Eagles for trading him. But Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will.

Eagles 31 Cardinals 20











Houston Texans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Houston kneads dis, and da Bucs are wildly inconsistent. Dat Houston runbning game pulls it out.

Texans 28 Buccaneers 17











Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks

Da Ravens tend two play down too competition and dey are goin to have a let down after a big win las weak. I tink it will be a close one hear.

Ravens 27 Seahawks 24












Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

Da Bears are cummin off a big win las Monday, but da Lions know how two play dere division rivals.Det beet Chicago by 11 just over a month ago and sweep dis series to try to stay within reach of da Packers.

Lions 26 Bears 24









New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

I see a old school battle hear, where defense rules most of da game. I like da Niners defense much more den da Jints, but I tink Eli Manning is just a bit better den Alex Smith.

Giants 17 49ers 16








New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Dese are too flaewed teems dat we all expected more from. Flip a coin hear, da winner gets to sit on top of da AFC East. I'm going with the better defense.

Jets 23 Patriots 21









Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Da Pack just has two loose once. Right? Dis iz a game they very well could, but I tink dey isn't reddy yet.

Packers 34 Vikings 23






Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Detroit Lions
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New York Giants
7. Houston Texans
8. New York Jets
9. New Orleans Saints
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Chicago Bears
12. Cinncinatti Bengals
13. New England Patriots
14. Buffalo Bills
15. Philadephia Eagles
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Tennessee Titans
18. Kansas City Chiefs
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20. San Diego Chargers
21. Seattle Seahawks
22. Oakland Raiders
23. Carolina Panthers
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. Minnesota Vikings
26. Washington Redskins
27. Arizona Cardinals
28. Saint Louis Rams
29. Denver Broncos
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Miami Dolphins
32. Indianapolis Colts


OK, dat iz dat. Now iz da time two go find a few honeys too hang out with, because yous knows dat I iz all about da honey. As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.







 

yoooooooooo! 7thStoneFromTheSun iz back!

3rd sez I kan put my pix on Sunday's wif him frum now on, kapeesh?

You's see my Packers pick? Yooo! That wuz tite. I went 41-31 and it was 42-34 da Pack.

So wif day skorchang start, time to finush weak one strong!

Game of the Week

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Deez too teems hate eachudder. I knows da Steelers are 18-12 in dis series, and five of da last six were decided by three points or less.

I like da Ravens, but I tink it will take a few more weaks til dey get real good. Da Steelers know eachudder right now, so familiarity will win.

Steelers 19   Ravens 17

Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears

Yo! Chicago has good D baby! But da Dirty Birds got better balance.

Falcons 20   Bears 14

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

Get out da No Doz, or go paint yer house four bettir excitement.

Browns 31   Bengals 17

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

No Peyton means no good team. This iz Houston's time.

Texans 28   Colts 10

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Titans new QB iz better den da Jags new QB, but MJD is in better football shape den CJ. Dese too teems mirror eachudder, but I like da Jags defense to be better.

Jaguars 24     Titans 17

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs

Da only way da Bills win is by defense and Fred Jackson running wild. Buffalo has an improved defense, but da Chiefs running attack will make da difference.

Chiefs 17     Bills 13

Philadelphia Eagles @ Saint Louis Rams

Philly needs the fast start more den da Rams cuz da NFC East is bettir den da NFC East. Ples da Igglez need two show why owner Jeff Lurie spent $200 milliun on dem.

Eagles 31     Rams 20

Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Just sit back and watch too yung defensive lines go two werk. It will be a ting of beauty, kapeesh?

Dis will cum down two wich quarterback plays best, cuz yous know da run games are kaput.

Two young up and cummin teems, I gotta flip a coin hear.

Buccaneers 23     Lions 21

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

Too teems wif new QB's, but I tink Kevin Kolb will LOVE throwing two Larry Fitzgerald and Todd Heap.

Cardinals 34      Panthers 20

Minnesota Vikings @ San Diego Chargers

Da Vikes got a new coach, and da Bolts should two. Minnesota needs to run two win so da Chargers great offense stays off da field.

Chargers 27    Vikings 24

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

An important division game, da Niners need dere lousy QB too act like he's in da NFL dis yeer. Seattle's QB ain't much better. Dis cums down two da run game.

49ers 20    Seahawks 16

New York Giants @ Washington Redskins

It is fitting that New York is represented in our Nations capitol on this day to remember fallen heroes.

Washington needs to eat up the clock and keep the Giants offense off the field. Easier said than done with a bum like Rex Grossman at the helm.

Giants 27    Redskins 24

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets

Yooo! Dis mite get ugly fast. Dallas will try to trow a milliun times against the grate Jets defense. Good luck.

Jets 31   Cowboys 17

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

Miami has gotten better, but da run game is a kwestiun right now. New England's only kwestion iz how many games will dey win dis yeer.

Patriots 20     Dolphins 14

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos

Yo Teblow Buddies? He is garbage, kapeesh? Expekt da Raiders two run it down da Broncos troats.

Raiders 17   Broncos 14

ok, I iz tired. Dis shit ain't ez, kapeesh? Tink I will go two da bar an skope out sum hunnys. Cuz yous know 7thStone iz all bout da hunnys.

Like dey say in Ole Messico : A.M.F.

As the 2011 NFL Draft approaches the end, teams are beginning to scramble to find serviceable players in what is best described as a wacky draft thus far..

Yet fans should not give up hope on their teams getting a gem, because all teams have found such a player at least once. Players who helped their teams achieve glory by excelling beyond expectations.

The only question left, after the dust of the 2011 draft settles, is if there will be a player one day good enough to supplant anyone on this list.


Arizona Cardinals : Larry Stallings


Drafted in the 18th round of the 1963 NFL Draft, Stallings was the 241st player selected and just 39 players were drafted behind him.

Stallings earned a starting job as a rookie and held onto it the next 14 years before retiring at the conclusion if the 1976 season.

He went to the Pro Bowl once and scored three times.



Atlanta Falcons : Jamal Anderson


Ever since the NFL shortened the draft to seven rounds in 1994, it really is hard to be called a find or bargain. Yet the Falcons are a pretty young team, so the 1994 draft might have given them their best late pick.

Anderson was drafted in a seventh round where just six men did not play in the NFL. He was the 201st player chosen overall.

After barely playing his first two seasons, Anderson became the Falcons workhorse in 1996. He ran off three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

After being lost for the year early in 1999, he ran for 1,024 in 2000. He got hurt early in 2001, he retired.

Yet that three year run was special, especially 1998. It was his only Pro Bowl year, where he churned out 1,846 yards and 14 scores on an NFL-leading 410 carries. He also caught 27 balls for a pair of touchdowns.

His 410 carries was a record until 2006. Anderson would do the "Dirty Bird" dance when he scored. It excited fans and got his teammates going. Anderson put the Falcons on his back and led them to Super Bowl XXXIII, the only championship game in the franchises history.

Though Atlanta lost the game, Anderson ran for 96 yards on just 18 carries. His 5,336 career yards are the fourth most in Falcons history. The 1,846 yards he ran for in 1998 is still a single season team record.




Baltimore Ravens : Chester Taylor


They have been drafting since 1996, so we'll go with Taylor. He was the 207th overall selection on the 2002 draft.

He was rarely used in his first two seasons because Pro Bowler Jamal Lewis got most of the work. He got more work in 2004 and began to show the NFL how versatile he was.

When his contract expired after the 2005 season, the Minnesota Vikings signed him and got 1,216 yards rushing from him in 1996. He scored one of his six touchdowns off a 95-yard run, which is a Vikings record.

Taylor left Minnesota for the Chicago Bears in 2010, where he currently plays.

He has been one of the top reserve running backs throughout most of his career.





Buffalo Bills : Charles Romes


Romes was drafted in the 12th round of the 1977 draft, where he was the 309th player chosen overall. Just eight of the 26 players chosen behind him played in the NFL.

After spending his rookie year as a reserve, Romes earned a starting job in 1978 and held it until 1986. He was an important part of a defense that, in 1980, helped the Bills win the AFC East for the first time in franchise history.

Romes never missed a game, starting every one over the next nine years. He had 28 interceptions over that time, which is the fourth most in Bills history.

Buffalo has hit on several excellent picks late in their draft history, but Charles Romes is their best find.





Carolina Panthers : Kris Mangum


Since the team was created in 1996, Mangum might be their best late round pick. He was selected in the seventh round of the 1997 and was the 228th player chosen overall. Just 12 players were selected behind him.

After playing mostly special teams in his first two seasons, Mangum started to get used more on offense mostly as a reserve tight end.

He stayed with the Panthers until 2006, catching 151 balls. It is the eight most receptions in Carolina history.





Chicago Bears : Danny Fortmann


To find the greatest late round draft pick of one of the NFL's original teams, you only need to look at far as their first draft. Though the great Roland Harper, the 420th player selected in 1977, must be mentioned.

Fortmann was drafted in the ninth round of the 1936 draft, and he was the fourth from last player selected.

The story goes that Bears owner George Halas drafted Fortmann because he liked the sound of his name. Playing offensive guard, defensive tackle, and linebacker,

Fortmann was soon starting as a rookie and excelling. From 1938 until his final year in 1943, he was named First Team All-Pro and was named to three Pro Bowls.

He was also selected on the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team. The Bears won three championships over this time.

Fortmann, who was just 20-years old when drafted, had been going to medical school while playing as a key member of the "Monsters of the Midway." He was the youngest starter in the league at that time, but he called the signals for the lineman on offense.

Chicago has had a league-leading six players go on to be doctors. Three were on the 1943 squad.

After Fortmann retired, he became the team doctor of the Los Angeles Rams was 17 years and was a famous surgeon.

Not only is he a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Fortmann is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. This easily makes him the Bears best late round pick.





Cincinnati Bengals : Bob Trumpy


Trumpy was drafted in the 12th round of the 1968 draft, the 301st player overall, by the expansion Bengals. Cincinnati was a new member of the American Football League at the time, and the AFL would fully merge with the NFL in two seasons.

He impressed his Hall of Fame head coach Paul Brown with his work ethic, so Brown named him the starter as a rookie.

Cincinnati was rewarded with 37 receptions at a 17.3 yards per catch clip, which got him named to the Pro Bowl. Trumpy returned the next year by setting a still standing team record of a whopping 22.6 yards per catch average off another 37 receptions.

He also scored a career high nine times and was named First Team All-Pro for his efforts.

In his first year in the post-merger NFL in 1970, Trumpy went back to the Pro Bowl. He went back for the final time in 1973 before seeing a decline in receiving opportunities.

Though he caught seven touchdowns off of 21 catches in 1976, he retired at the end of the 1977 season. At the time of his retirement, almost ever Bengals receiving record was owned by him.

His last touchdown came off a rare reverse flea flicker, where three other Bengals touched the ball before it reached him.

What makes Bob Trumpy's career special is not just the fact he helped an expansion team grow up fast with his help, as they had only three losing seasons in his ten years, but how he accumulated his excellent statistics. Cincinnati has eight different quarterbacks throwing him the ball during his career, yet he remained a viable threat regardless.

Besides still owning the team record for yards per catch in a season, the 35 touchdowns Trumpy scored are the most ever by any Bengal tight end in team history. He still ranks tenth is total receptions for a career, and his career average of 15.4 yards per catch shows how good he was with the ball after getting it.

Not only is he the first Pro Bowl player in Bengals history, an honor he shares with halfback Paul Robinson and center Bob Johnson, he is the second Bengal ever to be named First Team All-Pro.

He is also the only Bengals tight end to be named First Team All-Pro. Bob Trumpy is the greatest tight end the team has ever had.

Trumpy was drafted in the 12th round of the 1968 draft, the 301st player overall, by the expansion Bengals. Cincinnati was a new member of the American Football League at the time, and the AFL would fully merge with the NFL in two seasons.

He impressed his Hall of Fame head coach Paul Brown with his work ethic, so Brown named him the starter as a rookie.

Cincinnati was rewarded with 37 receptions at a 17.3 yards per catch clip, which got him named to the Pro Bowl. Trumpy returned the next year by setting a still standing team record of a whopping 22.6 yards per catch average off another 37 receptions.

He also scored a career high nine times and was named First Team All-Pro for his efforts.

In his first year in the post-merger NFL in 1970, Trumpy went back to the Pro Bowl. He went back for the final time in 1973 before seeing a decline in receiving opportunities.

Though he caught seven touchdowns off of 21 catches in 1976, he retired at the end of the 1977 season. At the time of his retirement, almost ever Bengals receiving record was owned by him.

His last touchdown came off a rare reverse flea flicker, where three other Bengals touched the ball before it reached him.

What makes Bob Trumpy's career special is not just the fact he helped an expansion team grow up fast with his help, as they had only three losing seasons in his ten years, but how he accumulated his excellent statistics. Cincinnati has eight different quarterbacks throwing him the ball during his career, yet he remained a viable threat regardless.

Besides still owning the team record for yards per catch in a season, the 35 touchdowns Trumpy scored are the most ever by any Bengal tight end in team history. He still ranks tenth is total receptions for a career, and his career average of 15.4 yards per catch shows how good he was with the ball after getting it.

Not only is he the first Pro Bowl player in Bengals history, an honor he shares with halfback Paul Robinson and center Bob Johnson, he is the second Bengal ever to be named First Team All-Pro.

He is also the only Bengals tight end to be named First Team All-Pro. Bob Trumpy is the greatest tight end the team has ever had.





Cleveland Browns : Ben Davis


Davis was drafted in the 17th round of the 1967 draft, the 439th player chosen overall. Just six players were picked after he was.

Used as a return specialist as a rookie, Davis led the NFL with a 12.7 return average off 18 attempts. He also scored once off a 52-yard return. Cleveland also had him return 27 kickoffs at a 26.2 average.

He would return just nine punts and eight kickoffs the next season, then never be asked to again.

The reason was because he earned a starting job at cornerback in his second year. Davis picked off a career best eight balls, returning them for an NFL-leading 162 yards.

He picked off a pass in seven straight games that season, a Browns record. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1972 after swiping three passes.

Cleveland traded him to the Detroit Lions in 1974, where he lasted three years before retiring. Davis intercepted two ball and returned one for a score over that time.

His 17 interceptions with Cleveland still ranks as the 19th most in team history.

Ben Davis is also known as the brother of famous political activist Angela Davis.






Dallas Cowboys : Larry Cole


Few teams have drafted as well late in the draft, especially during the Tex Schramm and Tom Landry Era.

It was kind of a nice surprise Cole was drafted anyways because he attended three colleges in four years.

Dallas selected him in the 16th round of the 1968 NFL Draft, where he was the 428th player selected. Jimmy Raye, a famous coach, was picked 3 slots behind him.

Cole quickly earned a starting job at defensive end as a rookie. He picked off a pass and returned it for a touchdown, while also returning a fumble for another score. He intercepted another ball the next year, returning it for a score.

He became an important member of the famous "Doomsday Defense."

When Harvey Martin and Ed "Too Tall" Jones joined Dallas, Cole slid in at defensive tackle. When Randy "Manster" White began his Hall of Fame career, Cole became a key reserve. After longtime starter Jethro Pugh retired, Cole took over in his slot.

He played until 1980, a year he took an interception 43 yards for a touchdown. He had four career interceptions, scoring three times.

Cole is just one of eight players to appear in five Super Bowls.

He also was on two winners. Known as a run stuffer, Cole was also credited with 60 sacks in his career. The very versatile Cole did whatever it took to win.

He started at every position on the defensive line in his career, but sought no accolades. He and a few Cowboys started the "Zero Club", where the first rule was not to seek publicity.

He and linebacker D.D. Lewis were the first Cowboys to play in three different decades for the team.

Cole had quite a career as a Cowboy defender, made more remarkable due to the fact he was drafted as an offensive tackle before being switched to defense in training camp.




Denver Broncos : Karl Mecklenburg


Mecklenburg was drafted in the 12th round of the 1983 draft by the Denver Broncos, the 310th player chosen overall. He made the team as a rookie, but started out playing defensive end.

He was able to work his way on the field by impressing the coaches with his determination. After getting a pair of sacks as a rookie, he was used as a pass rush specialist the next year and got seven more.

He also picked off two passes and returned them for 105 yards.

Denver knew they had to find a way to get Mecklenburg on the field, and they also wanted to upgrade their linebacking unit. Joe Collier, the Broncos legendary defensive coordinator, decided to try him at inside linebacker.

Though he split time with incumbent starter Rick Dennison, Mecklenburg was still able to rack up a career high 13 sacks. He was named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl despite starting just nine games.

He took over as a full-time starter in 1986 and was named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl again after getting 9.5 sacks. Denver would reach the Super Bowl, but lost.

The Broncos would go back to the Super Bowl in 1987 and 1989, but lost each time. Mecklenburg was a big reason for their success. In 1987, he went to the Pro Bowl after getting the last three interceptions of his career.

He was named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in 1989 after scoring the first touchdown of his career, which came off of a fumble recovery. He scored off another fumble the next year, as well as recording a safety.

From 1986 to 1997, Mecklenburg was one of the best linebackers in all of football. He wasn't just a pass rusher, though he did pile up 55.5 sacks over that time, but he was also a tackling machine.

Starting in 1986, Mecklenburg had at least 100 tackles every year until 1986 except for the 97 he had in the strike shortened 1987 season. He had 99 tackles in 1997. After getting 68 in 1998, his lowest total as a full-time starter, he retired.

Nicknamed the "Albino Rhino" by teammates, he has the second most tackles and sacks in Broncos history. His 180 games played are the third most ever as well.

No other Broncos linebacker has been to the Pro Bowl six times, and his three First Team All-Pro nods are tied as the second most in franchise history. He is a member of the Broncos Ring of Honor.

Mecklenburg was a winner, as shown by his helping Denver reach the Super Bowl three times. His was career not expected, so the term "self-made man" certainly applies in his care.

Besides missing seven games in 1988, and one the next year, he took the field every time his team did.





Detroit Lions : Jim David


It is amazing that so few late picks by the Lions have contributed much to the NFL. Two of the very few that have, Mac Speedie and Pete Retzlaff, starred for other teams.

David was selected in the 22nd round of the 1951 draft, where he was the 261st player chosen overall.

He earned a starting job at cornerback as a rookie, bookending Hall of Famer Yale Lary. Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen and Pro Bowler Dan Doll were the safeties.

Teams tried to avoid the three greats by picking on the rookie. That strategy backfired because David picked off seven balls on the top-ranked defense that year.

Detroit went on to win the championship, where he had a critical interception in the Lions 17-7 win over Cleveland.

Nicknamed "The Hatchett", David was a huge hitter who once knocked Hall of Famers Y.A. Tittle and Tom Fears out of consecutive games in 1953.

He had four swipes that year as Detroit won a second consecutive title. David intercepted a ball and returned it 36 yards to set up a crucial score in Detroit's 17-16 win over the Browns.

The stellar secondary was called the "Chris Crew." He made the first of his six consecutive Pro Bowls in 1954 by matching his career best total of seven interceptions. He would match that total again in 1956.

Detroit won the championship in 1957, the last title in franchise history so far. Again, David intercepted a pass in his third consecutive championship game.

When the game was at it's biggest, David always came up larger than the rest in helping his team win. He retired after his final Pro Bowl season in 1959.

Hi 36 career swipes rank fifth in team history. The four men above him, Dick LeBeau, Lem Barney, Lary, and Christiansen, are all inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. David played with all except Barney.

But he got into coaching after retiring and coached Barney. He was the one who presented Barney at his induction into Canton in 1992.





Green Bay Packers : Phil Epps


The Pack have had a few late picks become Pro Bowlers in Timmy Brown and Bill Curry. Unfortunately, it was with other teams that they excelled on.

Epps was drafted in the 12th round of the 1982 draft. The 321st player chosen overall, just six players drafted behind him played in the NFL.

While showing some promise as a receiver the few times he was used in his first two years, Epps made his bones as a punt returner.

He returned a career best 36 punts in 1983, while taking one 90-yards for a score. He returned punts for just two more years because Green Bay began using him as a starter on offense in 1985.

That season saw him grab 44 balls for three scores and run the ball fives times for one touchdown. Despite missing four games the next year, Epps snagged a career best 49 passes.

After catching 34 in the strike shortened 1987 season, he got hurt the next year and played just six games.

His absence allowed a rookie by the name of Sterling Sharpe and begin a career that saw him make the Pro Bowl fives times in his seven seasons.

Epps joined the New York Jets in 1989, where he was rarely used. He then retired.

He is still fifth in Packers history in punt return yards and third in returns. He has the 21st most receptions in team history and the 14th most receiving yards.

Most Packers fans remember the ultra-quick Epps, a player who beat the odds and helped his team win quite a few games




Houston Texans : David Anderson


They have been in the NFL since 2002, but Anderson is their best late pick so far. The 251st pick in 2006, just four players were drafted behind him.

After not playing a lot in his first three years, mostly being used on special teams, Anderson started eight games in 2009 and caught a career best 38 balls. Despite being 5'10" 195, he even saw some time at tight end.

His 2010 season was cut short by injury, he hopes to help them again in 2011.

A resilient player, Houston cut him for four weeks in 2007 before bringing him back.




Indianapolis Colts : Stan White


With a nod to Alvin Haymond, one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history, White wins the spot.

He was drafted in the 17th round of the 1972 draft, when the team was in Baltimore, and was the 438th player chosen overall. Just four men were drafted behind White.

After spending his rookie season as a reserve, White was named a starter in 1973 after veteran Ray May, the 1972 Byron "Whizzer" White Man of the Year Award winner, was traded.

Teaming with Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks and 1970 Defensive Player of the Year Mike Curtis, the trio formed one of the better linebacker units in the NFL.

Over the next few years, as Hendricks and Curtis moved on to other teams, White stayed a consistent force. While he was very good at stopping the run, White might have been the one of best linebackers of his era defending the pass.

He played with the Colts until 1979 and intercepted an impressive total of 25 passes, taking two for touchdowns. He also had a knack for getting fumbles, recovering 12 for the Colts.

He joined the Detroit Lions and played three years there, picking off nine balls.

The United States Football League began play in 1983, so White joined the Chicago Blitz. The 1984 season was his last with the USFL and as a player, when he suited up for the Arizona Wranglers.

Don Shinnick, who played on two Colts championship teams, is the only linebacker in team history with more interceptions. White ranks ninth in franchise history in interceptions and only 11 Colt defenders have recovered more fumbles.

Not only is he one of the finest linebackers in team history, he is a fixture in Baltimore as a Ravens broadcaster. Not bad for a guy who was one of the last players drafted in 1972




Jacksonville Jaguars : Rob Meier


The Jags had four picks in the seventh round of the 2000 draft. Three made the team, but Meier was the best of the group.

Drafted 241st overall, just 13 players were selected behind him.

At 6'5" 293, Jacksonville used him as both a defensive tackle and end. While stopping the run was his specialty, Meier did sack the quarterback 21.5 times in his career.

Though he never started more than nine games until 2008, where he started 15, Meier was a very important member of the rotation and his versatility made him more valuable.

He recorded a safety and recovered three fumbles as well.

After getting hurt and missing the entire 2009 season, Jacksonville released him. Still, he gave the team nine quality seasons.





Kansas City Chiefs : Mike Garrett


After Garrett was drafted in the second round of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, the American Football League and Chiefs probably thought they had little shot at signing the USC legend and 1965 Heisman Trophy winner.

They selected him in the final round of the AFL Draft, where he was the 178th selection. Just four players were drafted behind him.

Garrett shocked everyone by signing with the Chiefs, despite having been born and raised in Los Angeles.

Kansas City put him to work immediately as both a halfback and return specialist, which earned him a Pro Bowl nod and helped the Chiefs win the AFL title.

While returning the only 14 kickoffs of his career at an impressive 23.1 average, Garrett also returned a career high 17 punts and took one 79 yards for a score. He would return just 22 punts in his career, scattered throughout eight seasons.

Running the ball on offense is where the Chiefs needed him most. He led the AFL with a 5.4 yards per carry average as a rookie, as well as scoring on a 77-yard run that was the longest in the AFL that year.

The 1967 was his best with the Chiefs. He was named First Team All-Pro and named to the Pro Bowl after gaining a career best 1,087 yards on the ground. He also caught a career best 49 balls, while scoring a career high 10 times.

Garrett continued to be the Chiefs main running back, though Robert Holmes and Warren McVea also helped him carry the load.

He led the team with 43 receptions in 1969 as Kansas City reached Super Bowl IV. His 5-yard run helped the Chiefs extend their lead to 16-0 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Kansas City ended up winning 23-7, becoming just the second AFL team to beat an NFL team in a Super Bowl. It was also the last Super Bowl where the two leagues met, because they merged after the game.

Three games in 1970, Garrett was traded to the San Diego Chargers. He stayed with the team until 1973 before retiring, but he did gain 1,031 yards in the 1972 season for them.

Garrett still ranks seventh in Chiefs history in rushing yards and touchdowns. Just eight Kansas City running backs have more career receptions than him.

It certainly was lucky that Hank Stram decided to use his final draft choice in 1966 on Garrett.





Miami Dolphins : Lloyd Mumphord


With a nod to J.B. Brown and Anthony Carter, who became a star with the Vikings, Miami's best late pick was Mumphord.

Drafted in the 16th round of the 1969 NFL/AFL Draft, the 401st player selected, just six men drafted behind him saw time in the NFL.

Mumphord impressed Miami enough to start in seven of the 11 games he played as a rookie. He picked off a career best five balls. He started every game the next year, swiping five more passes and returning one for a touchdown.

He lost his starting job in 1971, but still was valuable as an extra defensive back.

On the 1972 Super Bowl champion Dolphins, the only perfect team in modern NFL history, he was second on the team with four interceptions and returned one for a score.

He continued his role in 1973 to help the Dolphins win Super Bowl VIII, their second straight title.

He was traded to the Baltimore Colts before the 1975 season, where he stayed for four years and picked off seven balls before retiring.

Mumphord had a fine career, winning two Super Bowl ring in three tries.





Minnesota Vikings : Milt Sunde


Sunde was a hometown product drafted in the 20th round of the 1964 draft. He was the 241st player selected overall and just two men drafted after him played in the league.

After a rookie year of being a reserve, he earned a starting job at left guard in 1965. Sunde then earned his only Pro Bowl nod the next season, joined by left tackle Grady Alderman and center Mick Tingelhoff.

He got hurt the next year, appearing in 10 games. The Vikings moved him to right guard in 1968, where he split starts with Larry Bowie. He took over the starting job the next year as the Vikings became the last NFL champions before they merged with the American Football League.

He held the starting job until 1974 when new acquired Andy Maurer took over. The Vikings went to the Super Bowl in 1973 and 1974, but lost both times. Sunde retired at the end of the 1974 season.

Minnesota has had several great guards in the franchises history, but Milt Sunde was the first to ever go to the Pro Bowl. A perfect scenario for the local kid who made good against all odds. He is a member of the Vikings 25th Anniversary Team.






New England Patriots : Jim Nance


The Patriots have had some last round picks help them, like Marty Moore, Patrick Pass, and David Givens.

Nance was a ninteenth-round pick of the Patriots in 1965. Just two players drafted after him played. He spent his rookie year mostly blocking, carrying the ball 111 times and scoring five times.

He broke loose the next year, leading the AFL with 299 carries for 1,458 yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 1,561 total yards, and an average of 104.1 yards rushing per game.

All were career highs, as was his 4.9 yards per carry average and his 65-yard run that season.

He was named the AFL Most Valuable Player, and went to the Pro Bowl.

Nance led the AFL again the following year with 269 carries for 1,216 yards. His 86.7 yards rushing per game also led the league, and he scored eight touchdowns. One came off a reception, the only time he ever scored via the air. He was named to his final Pro Bowl that year.

Nance is the only AFL player to have run for over 1,400 yards, and to have consecutive seasons of rushing for over a thousand yards.

Nance led the AFL with 193 carries the next season, and scored six times. He was named the AFL Comeback Player Of The Year that season.

He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after that year, but opted to retire instead. Nance came back to the NFL in 1973, joining the New York Jets. He carried the ball 18 times for 78 yards over a span on seven games.

In 1974, the World Football League was starting up. Nance decided to join the Houston Texans. The Texans would later become the Shreveport Steamers towards the end of their first season.

Nance ran for 1,240 yards that year in 20 games, then ran for 767 yards the following season in 12 games. The WFL folded before the season could be completed.

His 2,007 yards on 490 carries is the most in WFL history.

His 45 touchdowns with the Patriots is still the most in franchise history.

He is a member of the Patriots Hall Of Fame, the Patriots 35th Anniversary Team, and the Patriots All-Time 1960's Team.

Jim Nance is considered by many to be the best running back in Patriots history







New Orleans Saints : Danny Abramowicz


The Saints have done very well late in the draft over the years. Jim Wilks and Marques Colston head a pretty decent list.

Abramowicz was the first of three 17th-round picks in their very first draft of 1967. Only two players drafted after him played in the league.

He became an instant star in the NFL despite the fact New Orleans struggled as a team. After 104 receptions and 13 scores in his first two years, Abramowicz had his best season in 1969.

Leading the NFL with a career high 73 receptions, he also gained a career high 1,015 yards.

Abramowicz was named First Team All-Pro, the first Saint to ever achieve that honor. After 55 catches in 1970, his production started to go down.

He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers two games into the 1973 season. He retired after the 1974 season.

He left the game with several Saints records and an NFL record of catching at least one pass in 105 consecutive games.

Though most of his records are broken, he still ranks fourth in Saints history in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns caught.

There are few late picks in NFL history better than Danny Abramowicz.







New York Jets : Dave Herman


Herman was the Jets 27th-round pick in the 1963 AFL Draft. He was the 211th player chosen overall and just four men drafted after him played pro football.

After appearing in just five games as a rookie, Herman was named the starting right guard. He held that duty for the rest of his career.

Herman made his first Pro Bowl in 1968 on an excellent offensive line that had Winston Hill and Bob Talamini. The Jets reached Super Bowl III, where they shocked the world of professional football by defeating the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.

He made his final Pro Bowl in 1969, but continued to be an important member of the team until he retired after the 1973 season. He missed just three games his entire career after his rookie year.

Dave Herman is one of just three Jets guards to have even been named to the Pro Bowl, but he is probably their best late round draft pick ever.






New York Giants : Homer Jones


Jones was drafted in the 20th round of the 1963 draft by the New York Giants. The 378th player chosen, he was the third from last pick in the entire draft.

He was also a fifth round draft choice of the Houston Oilers of the American Football League, the 33rd player picked in the draft. Jones decided to join the Oilers, which featured Hall of Fame quarterbacks George Blanda, and head coach "Slinging" Sammy Baugh.

Also joining the Oilers in camp was undrafted rookie Willie Brown, a Hall of Fame cornerback.

Jones hurt his knee in training camp then failed his physical and was cut, along with Brown. He was then intent on proving to the Oilers they had made the wrong decision.

The Giants quickly called and gave him a plane ticket to New York City. Upon his arrival, the Giants had Jones undergo surgery on his knee. He was given the jersey No. 45, which was previously worn by Hall of Fame safety Emlen Tunnell, upon Tunnell's request.

He nicknamed Homer "Seabiscuit", after the famous racehorse, because Jones was so fast. Tunnell, now a defensive backs coach for the Giants, took the young receiver under his wing to teach him the tricks of the trade.

He spent most of his rookie year recuperating while learning the game, but did get on the field for three games that year. It was also the last year that Hall of Fame Giants like Y.A. Tittle, Andy Robustelli, and Frank Gifford would play in the NFL.

He also spent time watching players like Gifford throwing the ball up into the stands to fans after scoring a touchdown, and wanted to do the same thing when he reached the end zone.

After the season, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle put in a rule that players would be fined $500 for doing so. Jones was making $10,000 a year then, so he knew that throwing the ball into the crowd was no longer an option.

He then thought of an alternative that would change the course of football history.

During the 1965 season, Jones was told ten minutes before a game that he would be starting. He responded by setting a Giants record, when he took a pass 89-yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game. It was the longest scoring play in the NFL that year.

Upon arriving in the end zone, he spiked the ball into the ground. It was the first time in NFL history this would happen, and there has been thousands of players to pull off the same feat since.

Though he feels celebrations have been taken way too far these days, Jones pioneered a part of the game many enjoy today.

Homer became a bigger part of the offense in his second year, catching 26 passes for 709 yards and 6 scores. He averaged a whopping 27.3 yards per catch, his career best.

In the 1966 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones had already scored on a 75 yard touchdown pass when he came up against Brady Keys of the Steelers.

The Giants had the ball on their own two-yard line, and Keys told Jones "What am I doing here covering you? I could be home eating chicken for dinner with my family."

Giants quarterback Earl Morrall what Homer thought. Jones said, "He's talking, so he's ready."

Morrall took the snap, reared back, and heaved the ball about 60 yards in the air. Jones snagged it and took it in for a 98-yard score. It is the longest play in the history in the franchise history of the Giants.

Homer then turned and told Keys, who was about fifteen yards behind him, "If you keep playing like that, you'll soon be eating chicken with your family every Sunday."

Jones finished the season with 48 receptions for 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns. He was a bona-fide star in New York, and was often swarmed by fans when out and about in public.

It was hard for Homer and his wife to eat dinner or watch a movie without him being bombarded with autograph requests.

The 1967 season saw him make his first Pro Bowl. He grabbed a career best 49 balls for 1,209 yards, an incredible average of 24.7 yards per catch. Jones also ran a ball 46 yards for a score. He led the NFL with 13 pass receiving touchdowns and 14 total touchdowns.

A local radio station polled fans on who the Giants MVP was, and Jones won. The station gave him a brand new convertible Cadillac for his achievement.

The Giants traded him to the Cleveland Browns for two players in 1970, including future Pro Bowl running back Ron Johnson. He had no intention of playing ever again, but was coaxed into joining the Browns by his father.

Homer had an aunt who lived in Cleveland and his father wanted him to take care of her, along with his cousin Joe "Turkey" Jones.

Upon joining the Browns, he was told that he would be the teams third receiver and return kickoffs. In the season opener, Cleveland played in the first Monday Night Football telecast on ABC. Jones led the Browns to a win by returning a kickoff 94 yards for a score, the first of its kind on MNF.

He spent the rest of the year returning 29 kicks for 739 yards, a 25.5 yards per return average. He didn't get much time on the field, but he did take one of his ten receptions 43 yards for the last touchdown of his career. He then retired after that year.

He holds the NFL record of averaging 22.3 yards per reception throughout his career. This is based on having a minimum of 200 receptions. Jones also holds the Giants franchise record for having 66.4 receiving yards per game over a career.

His 4,845 receiving yards are the fifth most, and his 35 receiving touchdowns is still tied for the fifth most in Giants history. The 218 receptions he had still ranks 18th best in team history as well.




Oakland Raiders : Rod Martin


Martin was drafted in the 12th round of the 1977 draft by Oakland, the 317th overall selection. Just five men drafted behind him played in the NFL.

One was kicker Rolf Benirschke, the second to last player picked that year. Oakland drafted him then traded him to the San Diego Chargers, where he excelled.

Martin played just one game as a rookie, but started to earn a lot of playing time in his second year by starting half of the season. Oakland was impressed with his intelligence and solid all-around play.

After starting all of 1979, he did not start in six games in 1980. This inspired him to get better just as the Raiders reached the playoffs as a WildCard team.

Bookending Hall of Fame linebacker Ted Hendricks, the duo helped the team reach Super Bowl XV. Facing the Philadelphia Eagles, Martin became a nightmare foe Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski.

He made three key interceptions to help lead Oakland to a 27-10 win. No other player in Super Bowl history has had three picks in a Super Bowl, and his three career swipes is tied with two others as the most in Super Bowl history.

He was somehow not named MVP of the game, despite such excellence.

The 1983 season was one of the best in his career. He led the NFL with two touchdowns off of interceptions, had a career high four picks, and chipped in six sacks.

He was named to his first Pro Bowl. Oakland reached the playoffs, where Martin had a sack in their AFC Championship win. In Super Bowl XVIII, he came up big again for his team.

Besides recording another sack, he recovered a fumble and made several key tackles. One came on a fourth-down play, where he stopped Hall of Fame running back John Riggins short of a conversion in the Raiders victory.

He was honored as First Team All-Pro in 1984, as well as being named to his last Pro Bowl. Martin had a career high 11 sacks, recorded a safety, and scored off a 77-yard fumble recovery.

Martin stayed in the starting lineup until after the 1988 season, where he decided to retire. He was credited with 33.5 sacks, but this stat was not recorded until 1982.

Despite being basically robbed of four years of sacks, he still ranks seventh in Raiders history and it is the most ever by an Oakland linebacker. His 14 interceptions is the second most ever by a Raiders linebacker.

One of Rod Martin's special abilities was reaching the end zone once he got his hands on the ball, which he did six times. Only Terry McDaniel's seven exceeds his total for a team record.

While the Raiders have had a few late round picks help them, none have been better than Martin.




Philadelphia Eagles : Tom Sullivan


The Eagles have had little luck finding players late in the draft until the last decade. Of the few they did hit on, Hall of Famer Lou Creekmur and Otis Taylor, they cut and watched those players become stars elsewhere.

Drafted in the 15th round of the 1972 draft, Sullivan was the 378th player selected overall. He didn't play a lot as a rookie and mostly blocked when he did.

The Eagles promoted him to the starting lineup in his sophomore year, so Sullivan responded by churning out a career best 968 yards, at a 4.5 yards per carry average, and a career best 50 receptions.

He followed that up in 1974 by leading the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns. He began to share carries with fullback Art Malone and backup James McAlister in 1974, but still led the team with 632 yards on the ground.

Mike Hogan was the primary ball carrier the next year, as Sullivan received less touches. The Eagles hit pay dirt in the 1977 draft by selecting Wilbert Montgomery in the sixth round.

Though Sullivan was second on the team in rushing yards, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns at the end of the year. He suited up for four games and touched the ball six times for Cleveland in 1978, so he decided to retire.

Though he never made the Pro Bowl, he retired the third leading rusher in Eagles history. He still ranks tenth in that category, as well as 14th in rushing touchdowns.

While he played on some struggling squads, Tom Sullivan had a few excellent seasons.




Pittsburgh Steelers : Rocky Bleier


With a nod to Joe Kuharich, who became a Pro Bowl player and head coach, Carlton Haselrig, and Warren Lahr, who became a star with the Browns.

Bleier was drafted in the 16th round of the 1968 draft, where he was the 417th player chosen overall. He touched the ball nine times on offense as a rookie, but he contributed well on special teams.

The Vietnam War was going on, so Bleier decided to serve his country. He was shot in the left leg, then nearly lost his right foot to an exploding grenade.

The thought was his football career was over. Then Steelers Hall of Fame owner Art Rooney sent him a postcard telling him the Steelers needed him.

This inspired Bleier to rehab hard and he returned to the gridiron one year after his injuries. Though he rejoined Pittsburgh in 1971, he rarely played on offense over the next three years.

He had pain when walking and was under his playing weight. Pittsburgh waived him twice, but Bleier kept working hard. He increased his weight and found it less painful to run.

Earning a starting job at halfback in 1974, his primary duty was to block for Hall of Fame fullback Franco Harris. But he also found himself handling the ball more each season.

His finest season came in 1976. He had career high totals of 220 carries for 1,036 and five scores. With the 1,128 yards Harris gained, it was the first and only time in Steelers history two running backs ran for at least 1,000-yards in one season.

Bleier's touches started to decrease after that, but he was still a very important member on both the field and locker room. Pittsburgh dominated much of the 1970's, winning four Super Bowls.

One of his biggest moments came in Super Bowl XIII when Bleier caught a seven-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter, giving Pittsburgh a 21-14 lead over the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers never relinquished the lead, winning 35-31.

In the 1974 AFC Championship win against the Oakland Raiders, most fans recall Harris gaining 111 yards on 28 carries while scoring twice. Yet Bleier was the quiet hero of the game by pounding out 98 rushing yards, leading the team with 123 all-purpose yards, and recovering a key fumble.

He retired after the 1980 season and still ranks eighth in team history with 3,865 rushing yards and ninth with 23 touchdowns on the ground.

Not only was he a steal for Pittsburgh in the draft, but his inspirational story is an example as to why football is a great sport.






San Diego Chargers : Chuck Allen


Allen was drafted in the 28th round of the 1961 AFL Draft by the Chargers. The Los Angeles Rams tabbed him in the 17th round of the NFL Draft, but he wisely chose San Diego because the Rams had Hall of Famer Les Richter at middle linebacker.

San Diego tried to bring the rookie along slowly, but Allen won the starting job for the final nine games in what was one of his best seasons. He had career best marks of five interceptions and 111 return yards. One pick was taken 59 yards for a touchdown.

He made his first Pro Bowl in the Chargers 1963 title year. Allen picked off five balls and returned a fumble 42 yards for the last touchdown of his career. He was moved to outside linebacker the next year, but was still named a Pro Bowler.

The Chargers moved Allen back to middle linebacker in 1965, where he would stay the rest of his career. While he was tough against the run, the cerebral Allen was also solid against the pass.

He missed 13 games over his last four seasons in San Diego, because of injury, after not missing a game the previous four years. San Diego traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 1970 season,

After two solid seasons in Pittsburgh, where he snagged seven interceptions, Allen joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1972. Though he started eight games, he spent most of his time mentoring young linebackers like Steve Zabel and John Bunting.

Allen retired after the 1972 season and later became the Vice President of Football Operations for the Seattle Seahawks. His 20 interceptions are the most ever by a Chargers middle linebacker. Allen is one of the 50 Greatest Chargers and a member of the Chargers Hall of Fame.

The two Pro Bowls he went to is the most ever by a Chargers middle linebacker and he might be the best to have ever played the position for the team.





San Francisco 49ers : Jesse Sapolu


Sapolu was drafted in the 11th round of the 1983 draft, where he was the 289th player chosen overall.

After spending his rookie year as a reserve, he was hurt in the first game of the 1984 season and lost for the year.

He earned his way into the starting lineup at left guard in 1985, becoming one of the Niners best run blockers. They moved him to center in 1989, where he stayed the next five years.

After making his first Pro Bowl in 1993, San Francisco moved him back to left guard in 1994. Not missing a beat, he made the Pro Bowl yet again.

He was moved back to center in 1996, where he stayed until he retired after the 1997 season.

Sapolu was a very important member of four 49er teams to win Super Bowls. Excluding his second season, Sapolu missed just 10 games in his career.

A fan favorite, he is surely one of the best late round picks in franchise history.





Seattle Seahawks : Dwayne Harper


Seattle has hit on a few guys late in the draft, but most went on to help other teams.

Harper was drafted in the 11th round of the 1988 draft. He was the 299th player chosen and just nine guys drafted behind him played in the NFL.

After a rookie year of being a reserve, where he recorded the only sack of his career, Harper became a starter in his second season. He became a solid player equally tough against the run or pass.

Though the four interceptions he had in 1991 was a career high, he also forced an excellent 10 fumbles in the 1993 season. He then signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent in 1994.

He stayed with the Chargers for five seasons, though two were cut short by injuries. Harper started for them when San Diego reached Super Bowl XXIX, the only Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

After playing just one game in 1998, because of injury, He signed with the Detroit Lions in 1999. He suited up for three games, then got hurt. He then retired.

Of his 24 career interceptions, 13 came with Seattle. That is good for the 13th most in team history and makes Dwayne Harper the Seahawks best late round pick.





Saint Louis Rams : Dante Magnani


The Rams have done well late in drafts. They got Hall of Fame defensive ends Deacon Jones and Andy Robustelli well into their draft classes, whole snagging guys like Fred Stokes and Drew Hill near the end.

Magnani was drafted in the 19th round of the 1940 draft by the Cleveland Rams, the 175th player chosen overall. Just five players drafted after him played in the NFL.

He wasn't used much as a rookie, but he did return a kickoff 93-yards for a score.

His 1942 season was his lone Pro Bowl year, where he led the team in rushing and receiving.

The Chicago Bears traded for him in 1943. He was second on the team in rushing, but he did lead the NFL with a 79-yard run for a score and a 96-yard kickoff return for a score.

The Bears won the NFL Championship that year, helped by Magnani's four receptions for 122 yards and two scores.

World War II was going on during this time, so Magnani enlisted to serve his country.

He returned to the NFL in 1946 to be third in rushing and receiving for the Bears. They reached the title game again. Magnani intercepted a pass in the first quarter and returned it 19-yards for a touchdown.

It put the Bears up 14-7, as they went on to defeat the New York Giants 24-14. He left Chicago to rejoin the Rams, now in Los Angeles, in 1947.

He played there two seasons before rejoining the Bears in 1949. After playing in the 1950 season for the Detroit Lions, he retired.

Not many late round picks have helped the Rams. Stokes and Hill mostly excelled elsewhere, but did contribute to the Rams.

No player drafted late has given the Rams more than Dante Magnani. Especially for young organization that had just started three years earlier and he was amongst the first handful to go to the Pro Bowl.





Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Dave Logan


The Bucs have always done well late in the draft. In their initial draft of 1975, they picked Carl Roaches near the end. Though he never played for them, he became a Pro Bowler for the Houston Oilers.

Logan was drafted in the 12th round by Tampa Bay in 1979, the 307th player selected, and played in five games as a reserve.

He earned the starting job in the third game of the next year, and would hold onto it the rest of his Buccaneers career.

He also scored a touchdown on a career long 60-yard fumble recovery in 1980, and scored again off of a 21-yard return the following season.

In the strike-shortened season of 1982, the NFL began recording sacks as an official statistic, and he was credited with 4.8 sacks in the nine games he played.

His best year may have been in 1983, where he had 9.5 sacks and scored off of a 54-yard fumble recovery. He was named First Team All-Conference by Pro Football Weekly, and would attain that honor again the next year after getting 5.5 sacks and scoring the last touchdown of his career off of a 27-yard interception.

Though he was not named to the Pro Bowl, he was named First Team All-NFL by the Sporting News that year.

After two more years, he left the team and joined the Green Bay Packers in 1987. He played in just two games, got hurt, then retired.

Dave Logan was an incredible physical specimen who relied on intelligence and technique to excel. He weighed just 250 lbs. while playing the most demanding position in football.

He played, and started in, every game in the last six of his eight years with the team. Besides his rookie year, he never missed a game with the Bucs.

He had 39 sacks in his career, which would be the fourth most in franchise history, but the NFL only has him officially with 28.3. That ranks as fifth best, yet it needs to be noted the NFL only recognizes 23 of the 78.5 career sacks Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon had with the team.

Logan also had 624 tackles in his career, showing he was more than a pass rusher.

His three fumble recovery touchdowns are the most ever by a Buc defensive lineman, and second in team history to the four defensive back Ronde Barber has. He is tied with 30 other players as the fourth most in NFL history in that category.

He is easily the greatest nose tackle in Buccaneers history.






Tennessee Titans : Billy "White Shoes" Johnson


This organization has had quite a few great late round picks. Grabbing Hall of Famer Ken Houston, considered the greatest strong safety in NFL history, in the ninth round of the 1967 draft was a steal in itself.

Johnson was a 15th round draft pick by the Houston Oilers in 1974. He was the 365th player picked overall despite the initial objections of GM/Head Coach Sid Gillman who didn't want a "midget" on his team.

He made the team as a return man and stood out immediately. He was given the moniker "White Shoes" in high school when he wore the white cleats, as opposed to most wearing black cleats.

In his first four seasons, he returned five punts for touchdowns, as well as two kickoffs for scores. In 1975 he tied an NFL record with four kick returns for touchdowns in a season.

He would celebrate his touchdowns with the "Funky Chicken" dance. This dance, coupled by his shoes, made him a fan favorite across the league. He was used as a third-down slot receiver in multiple receiver sets mostly.

He caught 116 balls with seven touchdowns his first three years. He was mostly used as a possession type due to the teams offensive scheme, but he also ran the ball for a touchdown.

Johnson caught 20 balls his fourth year for three touchdowns at a 20-yards per catch average. He also took a reverse 61 yards for a touchdown, the last rushing touchdown of his career.

In 1978, he blew out his knee during the fifth game. He only managed two games the following season due to its lingering effects. In 1980, he returned to be used only as a third wide receiver. He caught 31 balls for two touchdowns.

Disenchanted with his role, "White Shoes" bolted for the Canadian Football League to play for the Montreal Allouetttes. That year in Montreal, Billy caught 65 passes for 1,060 yards and five touchdowns.

Johnson returned to the NFL in 1982 by signing with the Atlanta Falcons. He played nine games that year and only caught two passes. He was able to return 24 punts at an impressive clip of 11.4 yards per return.

"White Shoes" was used as the Falcons full time punt returner in 1983. He also started at wide receiver. He caught a team and career high 64 passes while scoring five touchdowns total. One touchdown was via a punt return.

He won the Pro Bowl MVP that year when he took a punt 90-yards for a touchdown, as well as accumulating 159 total return yards. Both are still Pro Bowl records.

Johnson left the Falcons, but tried to play for the Washington Redskins in 1988. He played only one game and fielded four punts, returning three of them for 26 yards. He then retired.

Billy "White Shoes" Johnson was named to both the NFL's 1980's All-Decade Team, and to the 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.

He set seven team records in Houston and four in Atlanta and held the NFL record for punt return yardage when he retired. He is still ranked third all-time in NFL history for punt return yardage and still holds the Oilers / Titans franchise record for punt return yardage.

Johnson may be known to many fans as an innovators of the touchdown dance. He is credited as being one of the first, but certainly his can stake claim to having been the best ever.

Celebrations with more choreography may have been employed since then, but it is much like the students trying to emulate the master. He was not just a crowd pleaser with his dance.

He was a premier return specialist who took eight kicks to the end zone in his career. He also worked hard to become a threat at wide receiver and he is on the All-Time NFL Team as the only return specialist.




Washington Redskins : Chris Hanburger


The Redskins have a good history on late round picks. Hall of Famer Wayne Milner was part of the Redskins first draft class and just four men selected after him played in the NFL.

Clint Didier, Jimmie Johnson, and others also helped the team. Yet there is no greater Redskins late round pick than "The Hangman."

Hanburger was an 18th-round draft choice of the Redskins in 1965. He was the 245th player chosen that year. He was a 25-year old rookie, due to his service in the Army before going to the University of North Carolina.

Hanburger played right away and was in the Pro Bowl by his second year in the league. He would then begin a string of Pro Bowl appearances until 1969. He then resumed that string in 1972 until 1976.

Sacks and tackles were not recorded in those days, but Hanburger was a play maker. He is considered one of the best of his era.

He was known for his blitzing ability and pass coverage. Ever the complete player, he returned three fumbles for touchdowns in his career to go with two on interceptions.

In 1972, Hanburger captained the "Over The Hill Gang's" defense to a Super Bowl appearance and was named NFC Defensive Player Of The Year. Hanburger was known not only for good speed, but his exceptional quickness.

He had the innate ability to diagnose a play before the ball was hiked. He often would cover the other teams tight end and peel off to knock passes down meant for wide receivers.

Hanburger's nine Pro Bowl appearances are still the most by any player in the entire history of the Washington Redskins. Hanburger was inducted in to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Unlike the past few years, I will be unable to do a full mock due to other obligations. I did quite well in those, so I suspect I will do horribly in this abbreviated mock.

We all know trades are part of drafts, but I will not theorize there and pretend the teams will draft in order.

So let's get to it and start ripping apart my decisions.




1. Carolina Panthers : Cameron Newton, Quarterback


A gamble, but it could pan out with Newton putting the franchise on his back for the next decade.







2. Denver Broncos : Marcel Dareus, Defensive Tackle


It seems it has been forever since the Broncos were stout in the middle of their defense. Dareus changes that here.





3. Buffalo Bills : Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle


He should fill the void the recently departed Marcus Stroud left.




4. Cincinnati Bengals : Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback


Carson Palmer might get dealt this draft, but the Bengals cannot allow themselves to be held hostage by the malcontent. Even if he stays, his weak arm could find itself benched by 2012.




5. Arizona Cardinals : Von Miller, Linebacker



The Big Red gets their speed rusher off the edge.




6. Cleveland Brown : A.J. Green, Wide Receiver


Cleveland gets both a big and a big play receiver with one pick.





7. San Francisco 49ers : Patrick Peterson, Cornerback


Nate Clements gets to mentor this kid while forming a very nice CB tandem in 2011.





8. Tennessee Titans : Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End


He drops because of knee concerns, but this kid could be a Pro Bowler for many years if he stays healthy.





9. Dallas Cowboys : Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle


Tony Romo gets his left tackle to protect the blindside.





10. Washington Redskins : Robert Quinn, Linebacker


Washington needs bodies on defense. Quinn can bookend Brian Orakpo as a demonic pass rushing force off the edge for years.




11. Houston Texans : Prince Amukamara,Cornerback


Houston needs defensive backs like a fish needs water. Amukamara starts right away.




12. Minnesota Vikings : J.J. Watt, Defensive End



The huge Watt makes the loss of Ray Edwards OK. He also keeps Minnesota's fine run defense stout.





13. Detroit Lions : Aldon Smith, Defensive End


He has good speed and is a force against the pass. Line him next to 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh and enjoy.




14. Saint Louis Rams : Julio Jones, Wide Receiver


Jones has a ton of ability if he can stay healthy. Getting Sam Bradford more guys to play catch with is a big need.





15. Miami Dolphins : Mark Ingram, Running Back


It is very possible the Fins grab guard Pouncey here. With their running back situation a mess right now, Ingram has a chance to be the guy.





17. Jacksonville Jaguars : Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End


Kerrigan is good to have in the locker room. An overachiever, much like their head coach was when he played.





17. New England Patriots : Cameron Jordan, Defensive End


Jordan has the skill set you want from a DE in the 3-4. An immediate upgrade over everyone on that roster at this position, with the possible exception of Ty Warren, and should start pretty quickly.





18. San Diego Chargers : Justin Houston, Linebacker


General manager A.J. Smith likes linebackers who can get to the quarterback, something they haven't had in a few years. Larry English has been a disappointment, so now Houston gets a shot to fill the void.




19. New York Giants : Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle



The Giants offensive line needs bodies right now. Castonzo is ready to play right away, and do not be shocked if he beats out one of the veterans in camp.




20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Jimmy Smith, Cornerback


Ronde Barber has a year or two left in him. Until then, he can mentor a guy who often gets compared to Nnamdi Asomugha. Smith has that ability to lock down any receiver, and he has excellent size to be physical.





21. Kansas City Chiefs : Corey Liuget, Defensive Tackle



The Chiefs get their nose tackle so the defense can keep moving forward.





22. Indianapolis Colts : Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle


Carimi is experienced and ready to go. Something the Colts need for their aging quarterback who is getting set to get an enormous contract.






23. Philadelphia Eagles : Mike Pouncey, Guard


The Eagles need blockers and Pouncey could man a guard spot for the next decade for them






24. New Orleans Saints : Akeem Ayers, Linebackers



Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Defensive coordinator Greg Williams loves pressure off the edge, something the current Saints OLB's don't give much of. Ayers fills that need and probably will start immediately.





25. Seattle Seahawks : Ryan Mallett, Quarterback


Pete Carroll gets a huge QB with a rocket arm. He might have Matt Hasselbeck back for one year as the kid learns, but Mallett has the ability to be a franchise player.





26. Baltimore Ravens : Brandon Harris, Cornerback



He is from the U, like Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are. Harris has the ability to start right away, which the Ravens depleted secondary needs.





27. Atlanta Falcons : Kyle Rudolph, Tight End


Gonzo is as good as gonezo. This is his last year, as it was apparent the 2010 the Hall of Famer has little left. Rudolph is excellent in the passing attack and with get to learn under an all-time great for a season.





28. Patriots : Danny Watkins : Guard


With Logan Mankins as good as gone, replacements are needed. Don't be shocked if Pouncey is snagged with their first pick, because Bill Belichick is a fan of Florida University players.





29. Chicago Bears : Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle


He fills a big hole in the middle of the Bears defense, made a little bigger by the recent departure of Tommy Harris. Lovie Smith will enjoy coaching this hard-working gym rat up.





30. New York Jets : Orlando Franklin, Offensive Tackle



The Jets will not pick again for a long time, so getting their right tackle needs to be done now. Franklin has every tool needed to excel and he plays with a real mean streak. Rex Ryan will love this guy.






31. Pittsburgh Steelers : Phil Taylor, Nose Tackle


Casey Hampton is in his twilight years, so an infusion of youth is needed.






32. Green Bay Packers : Aaron Williams, Cornerback


He gets to learn from Charles Woodson this season, but Woodson is 34-years-old and nearing his end.





33. Patriots : Ryan Williams, Running Back


New England could use another back and this kid is a hard worker who would be perfect in their rotation.





33. Bills : Jake Locker



Chan Gailey gets his quarterback to develop, but Locker might need to sit and learn a season or two.





34. Bengals : Rahim Moore, Safety


Best safety in the draft and fills a big Bengals need.





36. Broncos : Muhammed Wilkerson, Defensive Tackle


They got Dareus, now they can put the athletic Wilkerson next to him and have a pair of DT's who could play the next decade together. Wilkerson can also play defensive end if needed.




37. Browns : Cam Heyward, Defensive End


Now that Shaun Rogers is gone, Heyward can step in and start the next decade. A strong kid who most know is Ironhead Heyward's son.





38. Cardinals : Christian Ponder


Arizona needs a quarterback, so they will hope Ponder is ready to push for a starting job right away.




39. Titans : Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle



Solder needs some work, but his athleticism had some think of him as first-round talent. He fills a need here.




40. Cowboys : Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End



An All-American who drops over a mediocre senior season statistically. His fills a huge need for Dallas, whose current defensive ends besides Olshansky, are questionable NFL talents.




41. Redskins : Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver


With Santana Moss possibly on his way out, Smith add much needed depth to a wide receiver corp looking for players. Even if Moss returns, he fills a big need and offers a huge upgrade as a third receiver.





42. Texans : Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle


All Houston should do this year is draft defenders. Austin is another big body for their trenches, though some feel he could be special down the road.



43. Vikings : Derrek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle



His questionable work ethic drops him, but many think he has first-round talent. Minnesota needs blockers, so he fills a need.





44. Lions : Mikel Leshoure, Running Back


As good as Jahvid Best was last year, it is apparent he needs help. Leshoure will be the Mr. Inside to his Mr. Outside.





45. 49ers : Jurrell Casey, Defensive Tackle


With free agency, the Niners are very thin on the defensive line. Casey is a hard-worker who should help right away.





46. Broncos : Daniel Thomas, Running Back


Thomas is a brute between the tackles and is excellent in pass protection. He has quick feet and bursts off the snap hard. While not a home run hitter, he has very good speed for his size and has the ability to be a bell cow for the franchise that selects him.




47. Rams : Allen Bailey, Defensive Lineman


He can play all over the defensive line, and the Rams need bodies in the trenches.




48. Oakland Raiders : Ben Ijalana. Offensive Lineman


With Robert Gallery apparently gone, getting a guard is needed. This kid has some right tackle ability, but most feel he will be an excellent guard at the next level.

Attended the same college as Raiders Hall of Famer Howie Long.





49. Jaguars : Robert Sands, Free Safety


It seems the Jags have forever beem looking for a free safety. Sands has great size and speed. While not great in man-to-man, he plays a good centerfield and os physical.

With so few NFL-ready safeties, the Jags need to grab Sands now before he's gone.


50. Chargers : Titus Young, Wide Receiver


With their best three wide receivers free agents, the Chargers tab the versatile Young and give quarterback Philip Rivers another weapon to play with.





51. Buccaneers : Bruce Carter, Linebacker


A solid linebacker who will add depth at the least, but could find himself starting right away.





52. Giants : Martez Wilson, Linebacker


Some think he will be a very good SLB, while others think he has potential to be excellent in the middle. The G-Men need a MLB, so Wilson could fill a very big need.




53. Terrell McClain, Defensive Tackle



He is stout against the run, a type of player the Colts do not have too many of right now.







54. Eagles : Ras-I Dowling, Cornerback


Seemed destined for the first round until he got injured during his senior year. He makes all the plays and could start sooner than expected.





55. Chiefs : Brooks Reed, Linebacker



Reed is a pass-rushing type who the Chiefs hope will replace Mike Vrabel one day.





56. Saints : Christian Ballard, Defensive End


Ballard is a solid player with some versatility. Depth at defensive end is a need that he can fill.





57. Seahawks : Marcus Cannon, Offensive Tackle


Seattle hopes the mammoth Cannon will be able to man right tackle and bookend Russell Okung for many seasons ahead.




58. Ravens : Tanden Doss, Wide Receiver


With receivers like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte` Stallworth being free agents, Doss has the ability to press veteran Derrick Mason for a starting job. At the very least, he adds quality depth.



58. Falcons : Quan Sturdivant, Linebacker



Atlanta desperately needs a SLB and Studivant can play it.



60. Patriots : Jonathan Baldwin, Wide Receiver


His knock is he needs work on route running.

How long do you think that will be a problem with Tom Brady?

The guy has freakish talents and could end up replacing the long-departed Randy Moss as the red zone threat. A real sleeper.





61. Chargers : Jarvis Jenkins, Defensive Lineman


San Diego needs depth on the defensive trenches. Jenkins is a run stuffer who can be rotated in to give guys like Luis Castillo a rest.





62. Bears : Brandon Burton, Cornerback


Getting more corners is needed. He might earn a starting job as a rookie.





63. Steelers : Marcus Gilbert, Offensive Tackle


Gilbert has the makings of being a solid right tackle. A big need for Pittsburgh.






64. Packers : Leonard Hankerson, Wide Receiver



Not only is James Jones a free agent, but Donald Driver is nearing retirement. Hankerson will be another big target for Aaron Rogers to have fun with.

1. Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley, Auburn

The Panthers need a lot of help on both sides of the ball. There are concerns at quarterback, with an unimpressive Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore. Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton are possibilities here. Wide receiver is a concern with an aging Steve Smith and young, unproven receivers, so don't count out A.J. Green here. But perhaps the biggest need is on the D-Line. Nick Fairley would is a great interior defensive lineman who would upgrade this unit greatly and give the Panthers a much needed force on the defensive line.

2. Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson

What to say about the Broncos defense? How about nonexistent. They ranked dead last in the league in total defense and thirty-first in run defense. That being said they must upgrade the abysmal defensive line with an all-around good player that can stop the run and put pressure on the passer. Da'Quan Bowers is ready to start right away and would be a much needed boost to a horrific defense.

3. Buffalo Bills- DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama

The Bills might be satisfied with the play of the "Harvard Man" Ryan Fitzpatrick to keep him around for another season. If they decide to do that, they will look to the defensive side of the ball. The Bills need a pass rushing 3-4 end or linebacker so it will come down to whether they like Marcell Dareus or Von Miller more. I really like Von Miller, but after Dareus' combine, there is no way the Bills should pass on him, but don't be surprised if they go with Miller.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

If the Bengals don't know by now CARSON PALMER WANTS OUT! As long as he doesn't pull a Lance Briggs it looks like he's gone. As much as the Bengals would love a young, fast, playmaking wide receiver here, they must get someone to throw the ball first and Blaine Gabbert is farther along on his footwork and fundamentals than the other quarterbacks are in this draft.

5. Arizona Cardinals- OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M

The Cardinals number one need is quarterback, but with Gabbert possibly going to Cincinnati, and Ken Whisenhutt's job probably on the hot seat, I just can't see him risking his job to start a new regime. They need to add some youth at linebacker and Von Miller impressed at the Combine has a low bust potential. They can't go wrong picking him.

6. Cleveland Browns- WR A.J. Green, Georgia

This is the Browns dream scenario besides getting Nick Fairley. Green offers the vertical threat the Browns lack and have lacked for the last couple of years. They could also go with a defensive lineman here like J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan, or go with cornerback Patrick Peterso, but if Green makes it passed Cincy, I can't see how the Browns could pass on him.

7. San Francisco 49ers- CB Patrick Peterson, LSU

The 49ers would be ecstatic if Peterson fell to seventh. He is a ball-hawking corner who would greatly upgrade the San Francisco secondary. They also could use a quarterback, but with Gabbert likely off the board by now, head coach Jon Harbaugh won't take a risk on a scrambler like Cam Newton or Jake Locker.

8. Tennessee Titans- CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

The Titans were twenty-ninth in the league last year in pass defense which means they need either a pass-rushing defensive lineman or a shut-down corner. I think with Dareus gone, who would be the ideal interior defensive lineman for the Titans, they'll go with Nebraska's Prince Amukamara who is the prototypical shut-down corner that teams look for. He will be a great player in this league for many years.

9. Dallas Cowboys- DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

J.J. Watt was an absolute beast last season for the Badgers. He can play as a 4-3 end or tackle or a 3-4 end, and can rush the passer as well as stop the run. His versatility and talent will make him a great fit in the Cowboys defense.

10. Washington Redskins- QB Cam Newton, Auburn

With the Donovan McNabb experience not working out and Rex Grossman struggling at the end of the year, the Redskins have to take a quarterback here. I think Dan Snyder and the Redskins organization will be impressed with the raw talent in Cam Newton. But there is a good chance that his lack of accuracy and footwork could make him struggle and end up as a bust, and leave us having this same conversation next year.

11. Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado

Houston's secondary was a joke last year giving up 267 yards a game. They desperately need help and Jimmy Smith could give them that help. He has been rising on a lot of people's boards, and although he isn't as far along as the other two top corners in this draft are, he can be groomed into a starting role.

12. Minnesota Vikings- OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

Bryant McKinnie was terrible protecting Favre's blind side last season and Castonzo is a guy who impressed people at the Combine and probably fits best as a right tackle in the NFL. But the Vikings don't really have much of a choice unless they pick someone up in free agency because there is no way that they will let McKinney stay at left tackle.

13. Detroit Lions- OT Tyron Smith, USC

Matt Stafford is injury prone and they can't afford to let him get hurt again so I'll be surprised if they don't go with an offensive lineman here. They do have holes on defense, but protecting their $72 million investment has to be their top priority.

14. St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones, Alabama

Sam Bradford took the Rams to a 7-9 season with virtually no weapons at all. Julio Jones ran a 4.39 at the combine on an injured foot. His speed coupled with his pass catching ability would make him a great fit in St. Louis and a good young target for second-year quarterback Sam Bradford.

15. Miami Dolphins- RB Mark Ingram, Alabama

The Dolphins have basically no offensive threat whatsoever. They have two subpar running backs and don't even have a starting quarterback. They have to address one of those needs here and who better than a former Heisman Trophy winner who draws comparisons to Emmit Smith.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE Aldon Smith, Missouri

Aldon Smith possesses the pass-rushing ability that Jacksonville needs. They improved their defensive line when they drafted Tyson Alualu, but they still lack a speed rusher on the outside.

17. New England Patriots- DT Corey Liuget, Illinois

At 6'3" and 300 lbs., Liuget fits well into the Patriots defensive scheme. He would add some much-needed youth to a less than stellar defensive line.

18. San Diego Chargers- DT Cameron Jordan, California

If Cameron Jordan fell all the way to eighteen there is no doubt that the Chargers would take him. He's another one of the good 3-4 end/4-3 tackles and would be a good upgrade for the Chargers. They could also look to take a linebacker here- maybe Akeem Ayers, but if they can get a top ten talent like Jordan, they will have to take him.

19. New York Giants- OLB Robert Quinn, North Carolina

It seems as if the Giants are always mocked to take a linebacker or defensive lineman. Michael Boley and Clint Sintim aren't going to cut it, so the Giants need to look for a good outside linebacker. Robert Quinn would be a bit of a risk because he hasn't played for a year, but the Giants are used to taking risks. Just last year they took a huge risk on a raw Jason Pierre-Paul.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

The Buccaneers need help at defensive line and with Iowa's Adrian Clayborn, they get a big, run-stopping defensive end. They ranked twenty-eighth in the league last season in stopping the run so Clayborn would be a huge upgrade.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- OG Mike Pouncey, Florida

After a season in which we saw the Chiefs winning the division for the first time in a while, they will surely be tough to beat next season. However, the one aspect of the game that they must improve on is protecting quarterback Matt Cassel. Mike Pouncey, the brother of Steelers Pro Bowl Center Maurkice Pouncey, would be a great pickup for the Chiefs. Branden Albert is a decent left tackle and with Pouncey at left guard, it would greatly help out the whole unit.

22. Indianapolis- OT Nate Solder, Colorado

Nate Solder was projected to go in the first half of the first round, but after struggling on the bench press at the Combine, his strength may be in question. If he did happen to fall to twenty second then the Colts would have to take him. Solder would be a solid starter at right tackle for the Colts after a year that we saw Peyton Manning getting hit more than we're used to seeing and a nonexistent run game.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

We all know that Andy Reid loves big offensive tackles (maybe to make him feel better about himself), but all joking aside, Gabe Carimi was a solid player at Wisconsin for four years and has proven that he can handle the Big Ten's best defensive ends. He is a massive 6'7" 315 lbs. tackle who can play right or left tackle for the Eagles.

24. New Orleans Saints- DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State

After Stephen Paea's mind blowing 49 reps of 225 lbs. on the bench press, he should have some teams talking. Paea would be a great fit as a 4-3 interior defensive tackle for a scheme like the Saints run.

25. Seattle Seahawks- QB Jake Locker, Washington

Seattle might have some other needs, but they need a quarterback of the future before anything. Matt Hasselbeck isn't getting any younger. Jake Locker isn't an NFL ready quarterback just yet, but after a year sitting behind a veteran and polishing up on his skills, he could be the Seahawks' quarterback for many years.

26. Baltimore- WR Torrey Smith, Maryland

Joe Flacco's weapons right now are aging veteran Derrick Mason and former Cardinal Anquan Boldin. They need youth at the position and someone with the straight-line speed to stretch the field. Torrey Smtih might be a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with his blazing fast speed and can also be a decent return man.

27. Atlanta Falcons- DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

Kerrigan fits well as a 4-3 end and would be a huge steal for the Falcons to get him this late in the first round. Kerrigan is a decent pass-rusher and would help out a team that only had thirty one sacks last season.

28. New England Patriots- WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh

The Patriots need some size at wide receiver and at nearly 6'5", and excellent speed for his size, he would be a great weapon to complement Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

29. Chicago Bears- OG Ben Ijalana, Villanova

The Bears have a lot of pieces to work with on the offensive line. Omiyale played well and Chris Williams is an average guard, but they could use some depth at the position and a guy to compete for a starting job to give Cutler more protection.

30. New York Jets- OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA

Ayers has been projected as high as the mid first round to as low as the end of the second. He has great speed and agility and can rush off the edge well. He would be a good fit for the Jets.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- NT Phil Taylor, Baylor

Casey Hampton is getting older and its about time to look for a replacement. Taylor is a massive nose tackle who can plug up the holes and is very similar to Hampton. They also could use a big wide receiver, a defensive end, an offensive tackle, and a cornerback like Miami's Brandon Harris especially with Ike Taylor becoming a free agent and William Gay playing terribly. Harris is a big possibility as well as Texas Cornerback Aaron Williams.

32. Green Bay Packers- DT Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple

The Packers need to add some youth on the defensive line to go along with B.J. Raji. Wilkerson can play as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 tackle as he is plenty big enough at 6'4" 305.

My next mock should be up in April. Please leave your comments.