21. Kansas City Chiefs 10-6
Kansas City is another team that did a lot with a little in 2010. However, with defensive line an annual problem for the Chiefs, that looks to be the choice again. Oregon State’s Stephen Paea can almost play the whole line by himself. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s no joke that Paea can plug any hole on the defensive line that you put in front of him. Bullish with an incredible motor, Paea is a truly violent player that may put seeds of intimidation in the heads of guards lined up across from him.
22. Indianapolis Colts 10-6
Almost every mock draft I’ve seen has the Colts going offensive tackle with this pick, so you know I’m not going there. It seems like everyone is ignoring the fact that Bob Sanders was always hurt and is poised to sign with San Diego. Safety is a major need here for the Colts. By all reports, UCLA safety Rahim Moore is the premier safety in the draft, and the board fits a need for Indy. A natural free safety, Moore gives the Colts some options and flexibility in the defensive backfield.
23. Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
I’d definitely have the Eagles going corner here were it not for their impending free agency pickup. The Eagles always like to go with trench picks in the first round. They’ll think long and hard about Mike Pouncey, but I think they’ll settle on Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi. Even though he’s not an outstanding athlete, the second Badger taken in four picks is more than serviceable at right tackle, protecting lefty Michael Vick’s blind side.
24. New Orleans Saints 11-5
The Saints inexplicably ran out of running backs last season just in time to get knocked out of the playoffs by the Seahawks (if you don’t remember the Marshawn Lynch “Beast Mode” run, check it out immediately). Although there are more pressing needs for Nawlins, Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure is an interesting fit. The running back-by-committee approach in New Orleans has space for a one cut, north-south runner, and the Illini toter fits the bill. While it will hurt to be paying two running backs first round-type money, that crippling Reggie Bush contract has to be almost up. Right? Right?
25. Seattle Seahawks 7-9
How unfortunate is it for the Seahawks that they had to be the unlucky winners of the NFC West? Yeah, they hosted (and won) a playoff game, but now they pick at the bottom of the draft when they have a ton of needs. I think that this means that the Seahawks need to make a true impact pick at 25. Pete Carroll has zero assurances that Matt Hasselbeck will be back in Seattle, so quarterback becomes a pressing need. I really LOVE the ‘Hawks taking Ryan Mallett here. Taking the Arkansas quarterback at 25 is pretty darn good value for the Seahawks, as many drafts have him going even higher than this, especially after his Combine performance. Mallett, while not perfect, does have quarterback of the future written all over him.
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