Previous Pick: Kansas City Chiefs

4. Seattle Seahawks

- Michael Crabtree (WR/Texas Tech)

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The Seahawks suffered last year for many reasons. Most noticeably because they couldn’t get the offense going. Matt Hasselbeck was injured for the bulk of the season, and the receiving corps suffered the same fate. Deon Branch is a capable receiver when he is healthy, but Bobby Engram (36 years old) has seen his best days fade into the distance. If new coach Mora decides to go with offense first, I think Michael Crabtree is their man.

Crabtree is a big target who plays even bigger. There are faster players on the field, but few defenders quick enough to cover him can match his power and aggression.  Even though he failed to work out at the combine, his film speaks for itself. The Red Raider receiver racked up 40 touchdowns and 3,000 yards receiving over his two years of playing!

The Seahawks would be glad to have “Crab” since he is one of the very best players in the draft.

-Eugene Monroe (LT/Virginia)

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If Crabtree isn’t their man, then Seattle could go one of two ways: left tackle or defensive tackle. The o-line allowed an average number of sacks (36). But the anchor for the past decade, Walter Jones, is 35 years old.

Eugene Monroe could step in and play any position on the line reasonably well, where he could wait in the wings for Jones to retire.  Monroe is very athletically gifted, and is a student of the game.

If Jason Smith hasn’t been chosen by now, he could easily be considered right here. They might even wait until round 2 to select a talented tackle.

-B.J. Raji (DT/Boston College)

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In an attempt to get bigger on the defensive front, Seattle could look at B.J. Raji from Boston College. I’ve heard how the Seahawks want to hold up better against really physical teams like the Vikings. Selecting a big tackle would help that endeavor. However, the 4-3 defensive scheme that the Seahawks run doesn’t place as high a value on tackles as does the 3-4 defense. In that case, Seattle may look to grab a quality tackle in round 2.

Next on the clock: Cleveland Browns

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Previous Pick: St. Louis Rams

3. Kansas City Chiefs

-Aaron Curry (OLB/Wake Forest)

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If Scott Pioli takes a trick from Belichik’s hat, he may not choose a young linebacker so early. But the situation certainly seems ripe for a pick at linebacker if one is available.  Derrick Johnson has been inconsistent, and fellow linebacker Donnie Edwards was recently released. If you include the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme, it seems likely that Kansas City will grab a rush linebacker to help with their abysmal pass rush.

If Aaron Curry is still here at this pick, then the Chiefs should take him. Simply put, Curry can do everything a linebacker should do: rush the passer, stop the run, cover receivers, and provide leadership qualities.

-Brian Orakpo (DE/Texas)

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In the event that Curry is taken, the Chiefs might take a look at another intriguing player with great upside.  Nagurski award winner Brian Orakpo is as physically built as any player in the league.  At 6’3 and 263 lbs. Orakpo has the size and speed (4.70 sec) to put his hand down and rush the quarterback. Had it not been for injuries, he would have probably registered more than his 10.5 sacks for the season.

Therein lies Orakpo’s major issue: injuries.  Somehow the Texas defensive end can’t stay healthy for any long duration. During his junior year, he missed 4 games due to knee problems. This year, he suffered a knee injury against Texas Tech, having to sit out 1.5 games. And he even pulled a hamstring during the combine.

-B.J. Raji (DT/Boston College)

NFL.com

Besides outside linebacker, the nose tackle can make or break a 3-4 defense. A big, strong space eater who can draw double and triple teams is the ideal player at this spot. Depending on whether the Chiefs think Glen Dorsey can hold the middle, they could go for a true nose tackle prospect.

In this draft, B.J. Raji is the most capable man for the job. Able to rush the passer and anchor in the run, he definitely cannot be single blocked, as was witnessed at the Senior Bowl.

Some teams may question him because of some behavior issues. But other than that, I like him very much.

Next on the clock: Seattle Seahawks

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