21 – Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Easiest pick so far – the Chiefs need to address right tackle. They should really have addressed this last year, but with a selection of good tackles available they’ll take Carimi as the best of the lot and probably with the biggest upside too.

22 – Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Solder is a former tight end, so has good atheleticism for the tackle position. A bit raw, however he has the natural skills to succeed as a left tackle in the NFL. The Colts’ current LT, Charlie Johnson, is set to be a free agent, so they need to upgrade the OT position. DT was a possibility here, but the Colts franchise revolves around Peyton Manning, so protecting him is a must.

23 – Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

The Eagles have a number of picks this year in the first 4 rounds and can address a few positions that need addressing I’d say quite comfortably. One of the main areas would be the tackle spot. I would have had them taking Carimi, Sherrod, Solder, Castonzo or Smith, but as they have all gone I think all first round tackles have now gone and they will need to look else where. He might have some character issues but I think Smith will sit nicely in the defence over at Philadelphia. He’ll have the king of controversy, Vick, to help him in his first season so although he might be a bit of a gamble he’ll be worth the risk. The Eagles defence last year was ranked near bottom on for big plays on the defence so some added skill at corner will hopefully help them improve upon that. He’s no Revis Island, but he has the potential to be a shut-down corner.

24 – New Orleans Saints: Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State

The Saints are really tempted by Corey Liuget and there’s little doubt that they’ll upgrade the defensive line. Personally though, I think they’ll be better served in the best few years by signing an End. That said, Heyward gives them real flexibility and though he’ll start at End he remains a versatile option.

25 – Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Seattle need help at a few positions such as offensive tackle and defensive end, but Matt Hasselbeck is getting alot older, and the Charlie Whitehurst experiment didn’t go as planned. Locker will not start right away, but will sit behind Hasselbeck for a season learning the game, and may get some playing time if the old man gets injured.

26 – Baltimore Ravens: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Could be the deep threat that the Ravens so desperately need to stretch the field. Smith opens up all sorts of possibilities for the offence at Baltimore. Smith is currently being compared to Reggie Wayne, which speaks volumes about his ability. Having him in the line-up not only gives the Ravens a vertical threat, but it will also give Boldin and Mason that extra bit of room to create plays.

27 – Atlanta Falcons: Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

Where do you improve a team that was a comfortable 13-3 and looked the class of the NFC for most of the season? I was tempted by Kyle Rudolph, and would have considered Torrey Smith if he was available. I also looked at the number of other quality DE/OLBs who are still available as well as the wealth of DTs still hanging about. In the end though, I like Reed to sit opposite Abraham but to also rush from further back and be good in coverage.

28 – New England Patriots: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

After having picked up a needed piece on the defensive side of the ball earlier in the draft, the Patriots turn their eyes to the offensive side of the ball. Running back is an option, as is offensive tackle, but the value isn’t there at this point. For that reason the Pats go with the best Guard available in the draft, Mike Pouncey. With questions over the future of Logan Mankins, the Patriots decide to solidify the long term future of the position by taking Pouncey. They have shown in the past that they aren’t afraid to take a Guard in the first round, like they did with Mankins, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them do it again

29 – Chicago Bears: Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU

Despite an improvement last year I feel the Bears offensive line still needs looking at. Cannon looks the part and plays the part, and the potential is definitely there. If the worst happens he’ll convert to guard, and more than likely excel there. Still, at 6-5 and 358lbs he’ll at least give Cutler a little more time to throw! They guy has been reported to have a great work ethic, and is pretty nimble for his size.

30 – New York Jets: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St.

The Jets need to get over the “bump” of successive Championship losses. Two games that have been very close. They need to address the WR position but I think they’ll look to keep some of the guys they’ve got. But what they could really do with is a stalwart tackle who’ll be there for years to come. Whilst slightly undersized as a nose-tackle, this guy is strong. He’ll pack the middle of the line and will take on two guys all day long. (That sounded less gay in my mind). This is Ryan’s type of player and look for him to be let loose.

31 – Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

I was originally going to go OL here, but after a run on tackles, and with the only first round quality Guard already off the board, i had to go in a different direction. The Steelers have generally got by without anyone particularly outstanding at the CB position, however after the gashing the Steelers secondary took in the Superbowl against the Packers, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them take a DB. Williams has the ability to also play FS, so he could easily line up alongside Troy Polamalu. I was also considering DL, but i think DB is more of a need.

32 – Green Bay Packers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

Where do you need to look when you’re Superbowl champions? It’s difficult, but obviously there are areas you need to improve. The only thing I think will happen is that the Packers will take the best player on the board with their first draft pick. Looking at picks we have made that would be Muhammad. They guy has received glowing reports leading up to the draft regarding his explosiveness, his work ethic and his general play. He would work well with the current defensive line-up at Green Bay, I’d especially love to see how Matthews and Wilkerson would play together.

That’s your lot. Hope you enjoyed reading this as much as we enjoyed going through it. There are probably a few surprises in the list itself, but then everyone’s list is different!

11 – Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Texans need secondary help, and if Prince is available come their pick I don’t doubt that they would take him. He seems to be the complete package. His size of strength, speed and size make him the perfect press-cover corner, he has a great read of the game and excellent closing speed. He would definitely help the Texans, who last year finished last in the pass defence rankings.

12 – Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

The Vikings need a QB, but with Locker being a longer term project, Newton and Gabbert gone and Dalton, Ponder and probably Mallett not a 1st round pick, I don’t see them investing. They have urgent needs on the defensive line and Kerrigan fits the bill. I think they’ll look very closely at Bowers and also DT Corey Liuget. But with the ??s over Bowers’ knee, I see him falling (despite good showings since surgery) and the Vikes need a strong End rather than Tackle at this point.

13 – Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

The Lions’ biggest need is in the secondary, but with Peterson and Amukamara off the board there is no defensive back worth selecting this high in the draft. They were also hoping that Tyron Smith would fall, however they are happy to stay where they are and take the next best OT available. Matt Stafford needs protecting, especially after the amount of time he has spent injured. The Lions have little at tackle right now, so Castonzo should come in and start immediately.

14 – St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Rams made a big step up last year, and much of that could be down to how well Sam Bradford settled into his role as starting Quarterback. Whilst I do feel that the Rams need to invest in the defensive line-man and safety positions I believe that the draft this year is filled with prospects for those positions. Jones will bring something different to the Rams WR corps and add some competition for those coming back from injury. He’s also a good down field blocker and isn’t afraid to hit.

15 – Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Despite concerns about his knee, I think the Dolphins simply must take the best running back available this year. Though admittedly it’s far from being a stellar draft for backs, Ingram could be a solid starter immediately. Pouncey is a real possibility here too, as is a trade down.

16 – Jacksonville Jaguars: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

The Jaguars didn’t have anyone with over 5 sacks last season, and apart from Aaron Kampman who signed for the Jags last offseason, can you name a decent Jaguars defensive end? I’m not talking about now, I’m talking about ever! Bowers falls due to concerns about his knee, but if he can play and avoid injury he is a top 5 talent.

17 – New England Patriots: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

New England has six picks in the first 100 selections via trades from the Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings. I would have picked Mark Ingram with this pick but Andrew already had the Dolphins taking him, and as I don’t see another RB being picked this high I’ll see them picking an outside linebacker, namely Akeem. He has shown he could have what it takes to make the step up and is extremely athletic for a big line-backer, and whilst he might lack that extra bit of pace to be an edge rusher he has superb gap discipline. He won’t be a guy who is going to run all over the field, but with some work he could prove to be a valuable ‘big-play’ line-backer.

18 – San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin

I’ve seen Watt mocked as high as 9. I think that’s a stretch for most teams, but his versatility, determination and drive will show through. He’s not the best pass rusher there, though that might come, but he’s a hard worker, can be coached and will not let anyone down. He’d be a great investment here at 18th.

19 – New York Gianst: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The value at linebacker isn’t there, what with Akeem Ayers off the board, so the Giants fill another position of need. The OL needs some help, and Eli Manning definitely needs more protection. Sherrod should be able to contribute at a tackle spot in his first year, either at left or right depending on how William Beatty pans out.

20 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

The Bucs have a young squad, and Morris seemed to get the best out of his players last year only just missing out on a play-off spot. Looking at the team they need some help on the secondary (which is becoming a somewhat standard this year for a lot of teams). The corner spot will probably be addressed in the latter rounds, so I have them taking Aldon Smith whilst he is still available. Smith has a knack of getting to the QB, and it’s something he has done all through College. Expect to see him as an explosive pass-rusher.

Next up, picks 21-32 to complete the 1st round.

1 – Carolina Panthers: Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama

While the Panthers don’t have a great QB, I just have too many questions about the top QBs in the draft for them to warrant the No.1 overall pick. Newton is the consensus choice here, but Newton isn’t like Sam Bradford or Matt Ryan, he was never as good as a passer as them in college. Dareus will be a force inside from the get go, and while he won’t be as dominant as Suh, he is a quality player.
The Panthers used to have a dominant D Line, with Kris Jenkins, Mike Rucker and of course Julius Peppers, but these have now all left or retired. The current DT depth chart is headed by Nick Hayden and Derek Landri, and I believe Landri is a free agent. DT is position of big need for the Panthers, and Dareus can be a player to build around for the future.

2 – Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

Having not had a top 10 pick since 1991 the Broncos must be rubbing their hands at the thought of having the 2nd pick. Personally I would have taken Marcel Dareus if he were still here, but as the Panthers took him with the first round of the draft the Broncos need to pick by player and not by position in my opinion. They need a DT, but with them also needing a pass rusher to compliment Elvis Dumervil I think Von Miller is too much of a good thing to pass on. Millers role at Texas was a simple one.. Go after the QB on every play, and it’s something he did exceptionally well. He is quick round the corner and seemed to mature into a leader of the team as the games went on. The guy has no off-field character issues and I think he would slot in well with the Denver team.

3 – Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

The Bills need help pretty much everywhere. And whilst I think they’ll probably get Von Miller in real life, if he’s not there (also Dareus for that matter) they can’t pass up one of the top two quarterbacks if they’re available at this position. This will start what will be a deep rebuilding process and I favour Gabbert over Newton as being more suited to a bigger project like the Bills have.

4 – Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia

Cam Newton would have seemed like the ideal choice here, but with TO and Ochocino on their way out it leaves the Bengals very thin at the WR position. AJ Green is possibly the best offensive player in the draft, so i see the Bengals snatching up Green if he is there. I think the Bengals shy away from Newton due to comparisons to Akili Smith, even if they are unfair comparisons.

5 – Arizona Cardinals: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Although I don’t see Cam falling this far in the real draft (Falling far.. it’s only the fourth pick!) I feel that Arizona just cannot pass on him. He’s touted by many to be the number 1 draft pick this year, and as Tom touched upon earlier although he isn’t a Sam Bradford or Matt Ryan, he is a talented QB and Arizona desperately need someone to fill that slot. Last year the Cardinals looked nothing like the Superbowl appearing team from the season before. With Warner gone they tried a number of stop gap Quarterbacks to fill his boots but non of them seemed to work out. Cam is someone who can come in, learn the system and hopefully work well with Larry Fitz to get him firing on all cylinders.

6 – Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

This was a really close decision between Patrick Peterson and Quinn and really, it could go either way. But at the end, the line needs more help than the secondary (just…) and as a great pass-rusher who can make a difference immediately Quinn takes some beating.

7 – San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

The Niners have holes in a few places, such as QB and pass rusher, but they also need help in the secondary where Nate Clements is nowhere near the player the Niners paid for in 2007. Although it could be seen that a team with a great pass rush makes the secondary look good, i can’t see the Niners passing on Peterson here. However, the only pass rusher worth consideration here is Da’Quan Bowers, and the knee issues means he is too big of a risk to take.

8 – Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

The Titans have a number of places they should be looking at for what is effectively a pretty average team. Do they go for some QB protection and add a new centre or guard? Do they replace Vince Young with a QB like Jake Locker? Free agency will probably fill some of these spots, but for now I think the Titans need to look at Fairley to come in and fill the DT position. He is very quick, deceptively so. This is probably his main strength. He isn’t physically the strongest but he will add an edge to the defence and add some explosiveness that they are currently lacking.

9 – Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Although they really need help at CB, with Peterson gone and them not being sold on Prince Amukamara they’ll go for the best available upgrade of the offensive line. Pouncey comes in close, but I think there’s a bigger upside on Smith not just as a player but that the Cowboys need upgrade at tackle rather than guard.

10 – Washington Redskins: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

The Redskins could go lots of different directions here. However in most areas of need for the Redskins the need doesn’t match the value, except for DE. Cameron Jordan hasn’t had a bad word said against him in this entire build up to the draft, and he is a perfect 3-4 defensive end. The Skins are still transitioning over to a 3-4 defense, and Jordan will help that transition. I was going to go pass rusher here, but with Haynesworth likely on his way out of Washington, that leaves Adam Carriker as the only serviceable D-lineman for the Skins. There could be sexier picks on offense here, but the Redskins ranked 31st in yards allowed per game on defense last year.

I’ll follow up shortly with picks 11-20.

Myron Rolle – An honorary Brit to look out for next season?

There is an Oxford student who we may well see on the field next season – Myron Rolle. The budding neurosurgeon previously played strong safety for Florida State and looks to be a great prospect for the draft.

Rolle keeps himself in shape during his time at Oxford by getting involved playing Rugby and putting himself through punishing early morning training sessions. Add to that talents for acting, music and writing and it seems there is little that this man is not capable of.

While he is not the most ‘usual’ student, he is also not the most ‘usual’ football player. His commitment to medicine and helping people makes him a likeable and interesting character to follow.

Will his high level of intellect be seen as an asset or a hindrance? Well, we will have to wait and see, but we here at Mac are hoping that he gets his chance and that we get the chance to see him bring his unique outlook and work ethic to the NFL.

His combine results as follows –

• 6’2″ 215
• 4.59 – 40
• 10″4 – broad jump
• 4. 15 – 20 yard pro shuttle
• 6.94 – 3 cone drill
• 21 – reps of 225
• 36 – vertical

For more information on Myron you can visit his website at http://myronrolle.com