Brian Cushing, LB USC

I gave Tyson Jackson out of LSU a real hard look here. But I am happy to go with my previous post stating that Cushing would be our guy. Without the top-tier offensive lineman still lurking out there, the Skins will turn to their other pressing needs on defense and take what should be an impact player at the LB spot. Cushing has the ability and polish to start right away on this defense and will hopefully be put into position to attack behind Haynesworth from different spots on the defensive line. The good news there is that as he is learning his job, he can be placed into positions where he does not need to think so much---just rush the passer boy!

I feel like I speak for us all when I say that getting more draft picks would be a goal with this pick, but if we burn the pick on a player, Cush is a hell of a player.

The Saints (kevine) are on the clock.

Brian Orakpo, DE Texas

via steelerstoday.com

pick by Rep56...

Not much to say here.  If Orakpo is still on the board at number 12 like he is here, this is a no brainer.

Redskins (sugar) is on the clock...

Everette Brown, DE Florida State.

via vmedia.rivals.com

pick by rep56...

Buffalo needs a great pass rushing defensive end, so with the 11th overall pick in the 2009 draft they select Everette Brown, DE, Florida State.  At 6-4, 250 Brown has great speed and is excellent at getting heat on the QB.

via www.packerchatters.com

The 49ers take Mark Sanchez here. Once again, the temptation to take Orakpo is overwhelming, until you look at the depth chart at QB. Shaun Hill and Alex Smith don't exactly scream "long-term solution". Sanchez is considered by some to be the more pro-ready signal caller of the QB crop in this draft. Singletary has dedicated his offense to the running game, which is perfect for bringing along a new QB. Relying on Frank Gore not just for handoffs but also as a receiver out of the backfield will make Sanchez look a lot better than he will be in the beginning.

Orakpo fits the bill for the tough kind of defender Singletary would seemingly love. But he has just been given the keys to the franchise--just had the interim title taken off his door. He is no fool. Coaches rise and fall on QB play. This is his chance to start fresh at the QB spot with "his" choice. I think Singletary takes the California kid and has dreams of Flacco, Ryan and Roethlisberger.

via images.chron.com

The Green Bay Packers take B.J. Raji. Tough to pass on Orakpo, but the Packers are switching to a 3-4 this year and they need an impact NT. You don't often get the chance to take the top-rated DT in the draft. Raji should be able to hold the point of attack, take up multiple blockers and get into the backfield. Aaron Kampman will be very happy.

San Francisco is on the clock at #10.

  With the 8th overall pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Percy Harvin (Florida).

via media3.washingtonpost.com

monk81 with the pick...

Jacksonville made it very clear what they were looking for when they released Matt Jones.  In doing so, they created their biggest need.  They need a big play receiver.  Harvin has the athleticism and the dynamic play-making ability that the Jaguars have been in need of for years.  While they have many needs this offseason (OL, ILB, Safety), their biggest need is to get Gerrard going this year.  He is accurate if he has somebody to throw to, and Reggie Williams can't do it alone. Heck, Reggie couldn't even do anything with Matt Jones.

Packers are on the clock (sugar)....

via hollinshead.files.wordpress.com

With the seventh overall selection, the Oakland Raiders take Jeremy Maclin, the WR out of Missouri. The Raiders have quietly put a solid defense out on the field the past few years. They need serious help on the offensive side of the ball. Maclin has the athletic ability to make an impact at both wide receiver and in the return game. They better hope that JaMarcus Russell is the real deal. McFadden, Walker, Higgins, Bush, and Russell are good ingredients...time to show some flavor.

With the 6th overall pick, the Cincinnatti Bungles Bengals select Andre Smith (Alabama).

via www.theloveofsports.com

KevinE with the pick...

This was a really tough pick. Realistically, I would have liked to trade back a few spots, but I obviously don't have that luxury. The Bengals have so many holes, it's hard to pick just one silver bullet here. They desperately need a C, OL, DT, RB and WR (to start). With Housh gone, they have Andre Caldwell and Lav Coles left to fill the holes. I am not counting Chris Henry since he'll be in jail by week 5.

A defensive tackle would be HUGE for Who-Dey; however; I don't believe Raji warrants a #6 pick. He has major stamina issues and only having a 6'1 frame for that 330 pounds, his speed off his second step is lacking. 

That brings us to the OL. The Bengals ranked 29th in rushing. Cedric Benson is a bit of question mark, but he showed some greatness in his games, and having a stud OL can only help. As for the passing game, Carson Palmer is returning from his injury. As we all recall, Ryan Fitzpatrick spent more time on his back than Paris Hilton. In fact, the Bengals were the 3rd most sacked team in the NFL. Andre Smith provides a major lift in both areas. Let's be real, what are the Bengals with Carson Palmer on the IR? Gotta protect him. Andre we all know has some personality issues, so just make sure Marvin Lewis lays the hammer and Andre's locker is on the other side of room as Chris Henry.

Raiders are on the clock (sugar)....