Week 1, 15, Washington Redskins: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Round 1, 16th Overall: The Redskins ranked 31st in the NFL against the pass last season, and Kerrigan may offer the pass rush presence they need desperately. What he lacks in size and athleticism he makes up with superb instincts and a relentless demeanor.
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Week 2, St. Louis Rams: Robert Quinn, DE, Round 1, 14th Overall: ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. raved about Quinn’s versatility on defense and compared him to Demarcus Ware, a player once criticized for being undersized. Kiper said that Quinn has “skills potentially worthy of a No. 1 overall pick.”
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Week 3, 11, Philadelphia Eagles: Danny Watkins, OG, Round 1, 23rd Overall: The Eagles surprised a lot of people when they took a 26-year-old with their first pick. But Watkins will shore up protection for quarterback Michael Vick and add depth to the offensive line.
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Week 4, Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, DB, Round 1, 5th Overall: The Cardinals resisted drafting a quarterback when they took the LSU cornerback, and Peterson is arguably the best player in the draft. He’ll provide an immediate impact on a team that finished 23rd against the pass last season.
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Week 5, Seattle Seahawks: James Carpenter, OG, Round 1, 25th Overall: Perhaps the Seahawks drafted Carpenter too early, but he is likely a solid pick as one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. He’ll start this season at right tackle and could provide an immediate impact.
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Week 6, Buffalo Bills: Marcell Dareus, DT, Round 1, 3rd Overall: The 319-pound defensive tackle from Alabama fits in well with a Bills team that was 32nd in the NFL against the run last season. Dareus is considered to be fast for his size, and his versatility will allow him to play as an interior lineman or as a defensive end in a 3-4 system.
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Week 8, Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, C, Round 1, 15th Overall: Pouncey was the top interior offensive lineman in the draft and represents one of the safest picks in the first round. Teams love his attitude and view him as a leader. He is a player ready to go pro.
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Week 9, New England Patriots: Nate Solder, OT, Round 1, 17th Overall: The Patriots need help on their defensive front seven, but they passed on defensive linemen Cameron Jordan (24th, Saints) and Muhammad Wilkerson (30th, Jets) to take mild-mannered Solder. He’s viewed as a prototypical Patriots player and will protect quarterback Tom Brady’s blind side at left tackle.
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Week 10, San Francisco 49ers: Aldon Smith, DE, Round 1, 7th Overall: The 49ers passed on quarterback Blaine Gabbert to take Smith, who projects to be a strong pass-rusher. But there are health concerns regarding his hips.
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Week 12, New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan, DE, Round 1, 24th Overall: Jordan is not an exceptional pass-rusher, but he could be an elite defender against the run. Many mock drafts had Jordan going in the Top 10.
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Week 13, Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Round 1, 32nd Overall: Sherrod has skills and smarts, but it’s unclear where he’ll fit in on a Packers team that already has Bryan Bulaga slated to start at right tackle. Sherrod may see time at left guard.
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Week 14, 17, Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, Round 1, 9th Overall: The Cowboys surprised some when they took an offensive tackle with their first pick, but Smith was the highest rated at that position and could become a blue-chip lineman. The consensus is that Smith possesses great physical skills, but his awareness and instincts are lacking.
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Week 16, New York Jets: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Round 1, 30th Overall: Mel Kiper Jr. called Wilkerson the 10th best overall player in the draft, but there have been questions regarding his work ethic. He is an excellent pass rusher and could be a starter for the Jets this season.
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