Finally, the countdown clock until Commissioner Roger Goodell gavels the 75th NFL Draft to order is in its final stages!
The players and power brokers are all getting into position for the fireworks that begin Thursday night, and it's fitting for us at NFL Network that for the first primetime draft, we have the original "Prime Time," Deion Sanders on our team!
1. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Why should this be any different? A new "Spirit of St. Louis" begins with the super accurate thrower from the Sooner State. (Previous pick: Bradford)
2. Detroit Lions
Namukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
This one has kept me up recently. Offensive tackle? Defensive tackle? Protect Stafford? Pick a potential superstar? Jim Schwartz's defense gets the nod, and Suh fits the bill of what the coach has consistently described as the type of player he wants up front. (Previous pick: Okung)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
If the Bucs had to choose between Suh and McCoy ... but, they don't, and they are very happy to have their "under tackle" for what they hope is the next 10 years. (Previous pick: McCoy)
4. Washington Redskins
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Despite Donovan McNabb's presence, there will be discussion about QB Jimmy Clausen here. The bigger discussion should be between Okung and Oklahoma's Trent Williams, my choice for the best offensive tackle in the draft. (Previous pick: Suh)
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams would help solve a number of offensive line issues for the Chiefs, but Berry's skills are hard to overlook. Scott Pioli has never been shy about grabbing the best player, regardless of need. (Previous pick:Bryan Bulaga)
6. Seattle Seahawks
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Seattle has two first round picks. Williams solves a serious need at left tackle with the first one. (Previous pick: Williams)
7. Cleveland Browns
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Mike Holmgren says no QB. They could use an edge rusher, too, but will go with the TD maker here to give Josh Cribbs some help in generating offense and scores. (Previous pick: Berry)
8. Oakland Raiders
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Workout Warrior with much to prove gets his chance in Oakland. (Previous pick: Berry)
9. Buffalo Bills
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The Bills offensive line is a major concern, but the Golden Domer's stock continues to rise. (Previous pick: Spiller)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Concerns have been expressed about his perceived lack of flash, but a high motor and terrific production last season make him a safe pick for a team that needs to increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks. (Previous pick: Morgan)
11. Denver Broncos
Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
The Broncos' needs on defense continue to be met. He could be an edge rusher to help Elvis Dumervil. A wild card is Maurkice Pouncey, the center from Florida. (Previous pick: Sergio Kindle)
12. Miami Dolphins
Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
A big guy inside would be a good addition, but pass rushers who can disrupt things in the pocket really help a defense. (Previous pick: Dan Williams)
13. San Francisco 49ers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida
The discussion about his speed appears to be laid to rest. He helps the Niners continue their efforts to match up with the Cardinals' aerial attack in their division. (Previous pick: Haden)
14. Seattle Seahawks
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
The defensive line really needs help, and the upside of this inexperienced pass rusher may be hard to turn down. New coach Pete Carroll could be just the guy to bring him along. (Previous pick: Clausen)
15. New York Giants
Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
A fast riser in the last two months, he really put it all together as a senior at Tennessee. The Giants are injury-riddled at defensive line. (Previous pick: McClain)
16. Tennessee Titans
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
A pass rusher would probably be preferred, but this rapidly developing corner could plug in opposite Cortland Finnegan. He also has impressive return skills. (Previous pick: Pierre-Paul)
17. San Francisco 49ers
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Hard to believe such a talent could slip this far, but the Niners would run to the podium with the card that has his name on it. (Previous pick:Mike Iupati)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
The offensive line is still an area that could use some help, but the defense will get some attention first. (Previous pick: Wilson)
19. Atlanta Falcons
Brandon Graham, DE/LB, Michigan
There will be concerns that he fits better with a 3-4 team, but his non-stop motor and ability to get to the quarterback are exactly what the Falcons are seeking. (Previous pick: Graham)
20. Houston Texans
Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
Another runner on a roster filled with them? This guy could solve their need for a lead runner. Cornerback is a concern with Dunta Robinson no longer in Houston. (Previous pick: Robinson)
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
22. New England Patriots
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
You must be versatile to play for the Pats. This young man is definitely that, and more. (Previous pick: Odrick)
23. Green Bay Packers
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
Can he bookend rookie Pro Bowler Clay Mathews? He showed he was capable Senior Bowl week. (Previous pick: Weatherspoon)
24. Philadelphia Eagles
Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Trying to replace Brian Dawkins is not easy. This Longhorn is a terrific attempt, provided he lasts this long. (Previous pick: Dunlap)
25. Baltimore Ravens
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
A bit of a leap of faith as he's been hurt throughout the draft process. Recent reports, however, have him running and moving well. His physical gifts will put the final cap on shoring up an area of moderate concern for the Ravens. A corner will be in consideration here, too. (Previous pick:Earl Thomas)
26. Arizona Cardinals
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
He is a top-five talent, and becomes an absolute steal for a Cardinals offense that will continue to fly high. Have fun, Mr. Leinart! (Previous pick: Bryant)
27. Dallas Cowboys
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
The loss of Flozell Adams precipitates the need for another big body to help the potent Dallas offense. This is a top-15 talent that falls, but fits well in Big D. (Previous pick: Davis)
28. San Diego Chargers
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
I keep wanting to give the Chargers another runner (Jahvid Best, anyone?), but they have to shore up the inside rotation at nose tackle. Mount Cody can be that guy. (Previous pick: Cody)
29. New York Jets
Everson Griffen, DE, Southern California
The trade for Santonio Holmes lessens the need for a wide receiver, so coach Rex Ryan gets another aggressive defender to coach up. (Previous pick:Demaryius Thomas)
30. Minnesota Vikings
Taylor Mays, S, USC
The Vikings play a lot of Cover 2, and that will allow this big hitter plenty of opportunities to help shore up the back end of the Vikes D. (Previous pick: Mays)
31. Indianapolis Colts
Mike Iupati, G/OT, Florida
32. New Orleans Saints
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
You didn't think I would do it again, did you? I predicted that the most talked about player in the draft would be picked in the first round. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will want a defender, and rightly so. But, coach Sean Payton is the perfect guy to get the best out of the young Gator. (Previous pick: Tebow)
