Week 1, 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 2, Jacksonville Jaguars: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Round 1, 10th Overall: Gabbert was the first quarterback drafted by the Jaguars since 2003, when they chose Byron Leftwich. The Missouri product is not considered NFL ready, but many think he has the most upside among the quarterbacks in this draft.
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Week 4, Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, DB, Round 1, 27th Overall: Smith is a superb athlete, but his off-field issues kept teams away early in Round 1. He has failed several drug tests throughout his career but represents a player with tremendous upside.
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Week 5, 10 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 6, 17 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 7, San Diego Chargers: Corey Liuget, DT, Round 1, 18th Overall: The Chargers needed help on defense, and they filled that with Liuget, a player praised for his toughness. His awareness is above-average against the run and the pass.
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Week 9, 12, 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 11, Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Round 1, 2nd Overall: Miller, a dangerous pass-rusher, who will likely provide the most immediate impact out of any rookie. He’ll fit in nicely with a Broncos team that ranked 25th against the pass last season.
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Week 13, 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 14, Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Round 1, 26th Overall: Baldwin’s character is a major issue; he publicly ripped his quarterback and coaches at Pittsburgh and has multiple arrests. But the Chiefs think Baldwin has the skills necessary to succeed, and he’ll get his shot running routes as early as this season.
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Week 15, 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 16, New York Giants: Prince Amukamara, DB, Round 1, 19th Overall: The Giants ignored needs at linebacker and on their offensive line when they drafted Amukamara, who now gives them one of the more formidable pass defenses in the NFL. He could be the steal of the draft.
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