25. Miami Dolphins Take a Chance on an Unusual Talent
Why it’ll be Michael Johnson, OLB-DE, Georgia Tech: Likely to be the most controversial choice of the draft, if they make it. Do you believe he was all he can be at Georgia Tech, occasionally taking plays off? Or do you think you can coach him to be more than that if turned loose mainly in pass-rush situations? Based on athletic ability, speed and size alone (6 feet 7, 260 pounds), he’s a top-15 choice. For a team needing pass rush now and into the future, he should be the answer. Best answer: Dolphins trade down and still take him in later in the first or early in the second before but New England can steal him at the 34th overall pick.
26. Baltimore Ravens Gain a Running Mate for Ray Lewis
Why it’ll be James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State: A replacement at inside linebacker next to Ray Lewis is imperative since Bart Scott left in free agency for the New York Jets. He falls this far because of what’s happened after his senior season (skipping Senior Bowl, unimpressive work at NFL Combine), but his play on the field probably will make this turn out to be a terrific choice for John Harbaugh.
27. Indianapolis Colts Dial Up Help for Defensive Line
Why it’ll be Evander Hood, DT, Missouri: Help at wide receiver and linebacker can be met in later rounds, but the need for defensive line help must be addressed here.
28. Buffalo Bills Add Another Passing Weapon at Tight End
Why it’ll be Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina: An athletic freak, he’ll be a great option to split defenses trying to roll to either Lee Evans or Terrell Owens.
29. New York Giants Take a Surprise Running Back
Why it’ll be Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut: If they pull the trigger on the trade for Cleveland’s Braylon Edwards it will solve their wide receiver need after sending Plaxico Burress on his way, so they can turn their attention to help at running back. Their biggest defensive needs were addressed in free agency.
30. Tennessee Titans Pull the Trigger for a Deep Threat
Why it’ll be Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: A deep threat is needed and there’s no faster receiver in this draft.
31. Arizona Cardinals Look for Future at Running Back
Why it’ll be Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: Edgerrin James is at the end of his career and Tim Hightower is an up-and-coming star back, but clearly with the need for two running backs in virtually any offense now, Wells would be the right call. A trade of Anquan Boldin would change this.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers Strengthen Line with Center
Why it’ll be Alex Mack, C, Cal: Some experts rate Oregon’s Max Unger and Louisville’s Eric Wood higher, but his strength sets him apart and he’ll fit right in with this team’s offensive line, lunch-pail attitude.
Picks 9-16.
Picks 17-24.
