Previous Pick: San Francisco 49ers

11. Buffalo Bills

-Everette Brown (DE/Florida St)

NFL.com

Buffalo really needs help getting pressure especially after Aaron Schobel went down with an injury. The secondary is quality- if only the linemen could get some pressure on the passer (produced only 24 sacks). Marcus Stroud had an outstanding season, but he needs aid from his fellow linemen. Drafting a high quality defensive end to replace Chris Kelsay (2 sacks) is a high priority for the Bills.

Despite my belief that Everette should be a rush linebacker, some teams may disagree with that assessment. To the Bills, Everette Brown could be a poor man’s version of Dwight Freeney. Buffalo might want Brown to be a pure pass rusher like Freeney. And they could be looking to shift Schobel to the left or to replace him altogether. But I seriously don’t think the Bills need another undersized defensive end on their line. Schobel is 240 lbs. and Kelsay weighs 260 lbs. Everette Brown is lighter than both (252 lbs). But hey, maybe the Bills fancy speed rushers on the end and massive tackles to occupy the other blockers.

Brown is a fun player to watch. He is like an animal hunting its prey. He explodes from a crouch, ducks and weaves, spins, and rips through obstacles to pounce on his prey (the ball carrier).

If Cleveland decides to pass on Everette Brown, then Buffalo would be the next probable candidate to draft him. But once again, can he play defensive end in the NFL?

-Brian Cushing (OLB/USC)

NFL.com

The Bills have been trying to restock the linebackers ever since they lost their star duo of Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher. The team found two promising player in Kawika Mitchell and Paul Posluszny. But Keith Ellison is only an adequate starter. Assuming all the top defensive ends are off the board, Buffalo might have to draft a quality linebacker and address the pass rush in round 2 or beyond.

-Brandon Pettigrew (TE/Oklahoma St)

Tight end is also a strong area of need. The career-ending injury involving Kevin Everett about two years ago ended a hopeful future at tight end. Robert Royal was serviceable as the replacement. But I definitely think Trent Edwards would love an athletic pass catcher to throw to in the red zone.

Brandon Pettigrew is molded like Jason Witten: doesn’t possess blazing speed, but has the knack for finding soft spots in coverage, and is a terrific blocker.  His 40 time at the combine wasn’t stellar (4.85 sec), but he is very strong (bench pressed 22 reps) and basically is another offensive tackle in the running game. If Bufffalo picks a tight end in round 1, expect to see Pettigrew called upon.

NFL.com

If Buffalo wants a player with more receiving ability, they might pass on Pettigrew in favor of the freakishly athletic Jared Cook in round 2.

Next team on the clock: Denver Broncos

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Previous Pick: Seattle Seahawks

5. Cleveland Browns

-Brian Orakpo (DE/Texas)

NFL.com

One of my relatives who has season tickets to the Browns told me how fans were laughing at the pitiful pass rush displayed by Cleveland this season. Basically, the team was averaging 1 sorry sack a game (16 for the season).  Kamerion Wimbley, the team’s primary pass rusher had 4 sacks, and Willie McGinest, age 37 (God bless him), had only 1.

Brian Orakpo offers a glimpse of hope to the Browns’ defense. He could push McGinest for some playing time, while learning under the tutelage of one of the game’s all-time pass rushing linebackers. This pick may be a little difficult to see to Cleveland fans because rush linebackers who convert from the defensive end spot take a year at least to learn the position.

Since Eric Mangini had bad luck with Vernon Gholston, who happens to be very similar to Orakpo, he may veto this choice.

-Everette Brown (DE/Florida St)

NFL.com

Everette Brown could be chosen for the same reason as picking Orakpo: improving the pass rush. I think grabbing Brown at this spot is overvaluing him a bit. But necessity may force Cleveland’s hand. Everette Brown was a pass rush extraordinaire at FSU. He had a handful of multiple sack games, helping him get to the quarterback 13.5 times last season.

In all honesty, taking a defensive end to convert into a linebacker is risky and time-consuming. For that reason, I can’t be sure the Browns will go after one of these guys quite so early. Usually these rush linebackers go somewhere after pick #10 unless they are graded through the roof.

-Trade down*

A cornerback or offensive linemen could be other possibilities but maybe not at the #5 spot. Malcolm Jenkins suffered a big hit at the combine with his average numbers. And Andre Smith, a probable right tackle saw his own stock fall off the map after showing up to the combine out of shape. If the Browns could swing a trade to get out of the top 10, then I could see either of these spots being addressed.

Next on the clock: Cincinnati Bengals

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(part 1)

Defensive Ends

No player in this year’s draft has solidified himself as the clear-cut number 1 pick thus far. And frankly, I am not sure anyone WILL run away from the competition like you so often see elite players do this time of year. I can’t say there are any of Mario Williams or Peyton Manning’s caliber who are franchise players. Nevertheless, don’t judge this year’s class on just its top 5 or 10 players, but more so by its depth from pick 1 down to pick 200.

With that said, let me start by discussing the defensive ends.

Like I said before, there may be no Mario Williams types, but a handful of ends will be chosen in the first round alone. This class of ends is mainly suited for defensive schemes where speed and athleticism are emphasized, namely the 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker spots. Brian Orakpo (Texas), Everette Brown (Florida State), Larry English (Northern Illinois), Tyson Jackson (LSU), and Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech) could all go in the first or second round. In fact, depending on who drafts them, English, Orakpo, and Brown are all possibilities to bounce to outside linebacker in the 3-4 schemes.

My favorite player in this group is Brian Orakpo. If it weren’t for frequent injury concerns and some inconsistent technique, I would seriously consider him to be a top 5 pick. Keep an eye on him during the combine (benches 515 lbs. and runs the 40 yard dash in 4.6 seconds). I had a class with “Rack daddy,” and he is a monster in person!  To give you a comparison from last year, think Vernon Gholston type of build. Orakpo will probably do as well at the combine or even better!

Unfortunately, Michael Johnson will also shine at the combine, which may coax teams to grade him higher than he should be. In my opinion, he just disappears on film at times, and seems to be a major underperformer. He is a serious boom or bust type of player who I wouldn’t use a first round pick on.

Next installation will be looking at the linebackers. So check back soon!