Cordarrelle Patterson Scouting Report

University of Tennessee #84

Position: Wide Receiver

Height/Weight: 6'2/216 lbs.

Age: 22

Drafted By: Minnesota Vikings

Background:

        Cordarrelle Patterson is a highly coveted wide receiver out of the University of Tennessee entering this year's NFL early and foregoing his senior year of college.  His long, hard to say just by reading is pronounced CORE-dare-uhl.  This name makes him especially noticeable to coaches and scouts everywhere.  Patterson was born on March 17th, 1991 in Rock Hill, South Carolina and attended Northwestern High School.  From there, he spent two years at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas and played receiver as well as a running back and kick returner.  Patterson broke a dozen school records including career receiving yards and touchdowns.  He was also rated a 5-star prospect and the number 1 wide receiver prospect in JUCO, or the community college football division.  After catching the eyes of scouts and recruiters, he committed to attend the University of Tennessee for his junior year.  He started 12 out of 12 games on offense for the Volunteers and proved he could more than compete at the Division I level.  Here Patterson continued to show his athletic and playmaking ability.  Instead of staying his junior year at UT, he decided to enter the NFL Draft and for good reason.

Strengths:

        Standing at 6'2 and running a speedy 4.42 40-yard dash, Patterson is definitely a glamorous prospect that NFL teams can't wait to get their hands on.  His height makes for a perfect target in the red zone (20 yards away from the end zone) where he can rise above small defenders and his long speed shows he can stretch the field for those big plays.  Patterson's first strength is obviously his freakish athleticism.  During his college career, Patterson was able to use his blazing speed to separate from defensive backs and free run in the open field for the deep pass.  Every team wants to draft a playmaker who can be counted on to score touchdowns for them, and Patterson is one of those few players.  His second strength is his versatility.  Within only his first year at Tennessee, Patterson played wide receiver, running back, punt returner, and kick returner.  Not to mention he was equally dangerous at every position.  To prove his versatility, Patterson set a school record for all-purpose yards, and is the first NCAA players in four years to score at least one touchdown in four different positions.  NFL offensive coordinators love versatile players like him because he keeps opponent defenses on their toes.   He can make plays wherever teams place him and his athletic ability forces defenses to focus their play calling to stop him.

Weaknesses:

        Cordarrelle Patterson catches the ball with his body instead of using his hands way too often.  Sometimes this is a good tactic in order to protect the ball from defenders, but he does it even when unnecessary.  This could reveal that his hands aren't very good, meaning he might drop many passes in the future.  This worries scouts and coaches because no matter how fast, quick, and athletic he is, he will not be able to make plays without the ball in his hands.  Luckily for him, coaches can work with him on using his hands more often to improve his catching.  Something else questionable about him is his intelligence.  The Wonderlic is a 50-question 12-minute test on common knowledge taken during the NFL Combine.  On this test, Patterson scored an 11.  Now, football players aren't particularly known for their intelligence, but that doesn't change the fact that an 11 is a terrible score.  A lack of intelligence could result in teams having to use simpler plays to run for Patterson.  Many football players have succeeded without being a genius, but breaking down an offense so that a player can memorize and remember all these plays is not good for offenses and teams as a whole.

Overview:

        In all, Cordarrelle Patterson is a great prospect that has all the physical skills to succeed in the NFL.  His speed, height, and overall athletic stature can carry him into a successful career that will both excite and worry NFL coaches.  What is even scarier about his is that he hasn't reached his full potential while playing at a high level of football.  Even in his first year of Division I football, he was able to line up in any position and still make plays.  Even with his lack of experience, Patterson will be a player that makes an immediate impact on the offense.

http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cordarrelle_patterson_809008.html

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/cordarrelle-patterson?id=2540145

Games Viewed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QypUGJch5yk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGZVE1p6Q40

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOXSDNMCp-8

DJ Hayden Scouting Report

University of Houston #2

Position: Cornerback

Height/Weight: 5'11/191 lbs.

Age: 22

Drafted By: Oakland Raiders

Background:

        DJ Hayden, a senior prospect out of the University of Houston, is perhaps the most liked and respected player in this draft class.  After suffering a tear in a major artery due to a freak collision during practice, Hayden's senior season was cut short.  But, the fact that his season was cut short was small news compared to the magnitude of his injury.  He is lucky to even be alive to tell the tale after heart surgery, even luckier to be able to continue playing football, and still even luckier that he was a first round draft choice to the Oakland Raiders.  Hayden was born on June 27th, 1990 in Houston Texas and attended Ft. Bend Elkins High School.  From there, he went to Navarro Junior College in Texas and continued his football career.  He helped Navarro to win the NJCAA National Championship in 2010 during his sophomore season.  He was then recruited to major Division I colleges such as Texas A&M, TCU, and Oklahoma State, but decided to stay in Houston.  As junior he started most games and developed into the shutdown corner he was his senior year. Unfortunately, his freak injury resulted in a 9 game season in which he recorded 4 interceptions and 8 pass break ups.  Despite the injury, he was still named into the 2012 First Team All Conference USA.

Strengths:

        DJ Hayden is an aggressive cornerback who has great instinct.  He is able to read the quarterback's eyes and sense where he is going to throw.  There were multiple examples of when he jumped the throw and almost came away with the interception if he hadn't dropped the ball.  The best example of this was against Penn State when the wide receiver cut outwards toward the sideline, he read it perfectly and undercut the receiver's route to go for the interception.  If he had caught the ball, he would have taken it for a touchdown.  Hayden also sniffs out screens just as the ball is snapped and blows up the play behind the line of scrimmage or with limited yards gained.  Another aspect of Hayden's game is his footwork.  He is able to cut and change directions on a dime.  This is also part of the reason why he is able to jump receiver routes so well and deflect the ball.  Footwork like Hayden's helps defend passes when receivers make short cuts.

Weaknesses:

        While Hayden has been able to make splash plays against the run and stop the runningback before they gets past the line of scrimmage, he can be over enthusiastic when defending the run game.  On multiple occasions, the offense would run a play action pass and Hayden would break forward expecting to lay a hard hit on the back.  Meanwhile, the wide receiver blew right past him and was left wide open.  By the time he realizes that this was a play action pass, the wide receiver is way ahead of him and open for the long pass.  This is worrisome because no defensive coordinator likes to give up those huge bombs for touchdowns against opponent offenses.  Fortunately, reading and reacting to plays like this come with experience, which he will gain over the years of play and practice in the NFL.  Another weakness of his is fighting off blocks.  When receivers come up to block Hayden, he gets stuck and can't get past the receiver.  Many times, the receivers would push him backwards and completely take him out of the play.  This was at the college level.  In professional ball, receivers are even bigger, faster, and better at blocking.  This is a matter of strength and being able to push back against the receivers.  With some weight lifting and conditioning, Hayden can gain some mass and fight back.

Overview:

        Overall, Hayden's story is among the best comeback and success stories in this NFL Draft.  His ability to come so close to death and to overcome such a tragedy shows a lot about his work ethic and character.  On top of this, he is completely able to be an NFL cornerback.  He has all the athletic ability and footwork skills to succeed against the best receivers.  With a little bit of hard work in these next few months preceding the season, Hayden should develop into a fine man and player.

http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hayden_dj00.html

Games Viewed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DULLKzandYI

2013 Draft Picks: The Good and the Bad

Boom (Good) Picks:

-Jarvis Jones

In college, Jarvis Jones was phenomenal.  He produced 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss, which was the best in the entire nation and broke school records.  Not to mention he did it against the most competitive SEC conference.  These are the stats that got him the SEC defensive player of the year award. He was also a finalist for the butkus award and even considered for the Heisman.  These are the stats of a top ten, or even top five, pick. So, why did he fall so far in the draft? Because of a misdiagnosed spinal stenosis and a slow 4.92 40-yard dash.  These two things don’t change what happened on the field though.  He more than proved he is NFL ready and can play against top competition.  Those stats do not lie and Jones should be a player in years to come.

-DeAndre Hopkins

Life has toughened DeAndre Hopkins like no other.  With so many losses, including his father, uncle, cousin, almost his other cousin and mother, it’s unbelievable that he still finds the motivation to work hard for football and be the best player that he can be.  All this adversity he has faced has prepared him for anything and everything his future may provide.  Now, Hopkins may not be the fastest or biggest, but he plays with the heart of a lion and is one of the toughest in this draft.  His route running abilities were what made him a first round pick and a perfect fit for the Texans.  He should be a great receiver as Andre Johnson and him share the attention of the defense.  This way, opponents can only shut down one receiver and not both.  Hopkins has a lot to prove, but with his work ethic and thick skin, he should be able to adapt to anything thrown at him and find success.  

-Tavon Austin

Tavon Austin was the most electrifying player in college last season.  At only 5’8 he was the number one receiver at WVU and made up for size by being extremely fast. To prove it, he ran a blazing 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.  Also, he produced amazing numbers in college with 114 receptions, 1289 yards, and 12 touchdowns.  Whether he needed to blow past, juke out and avoid defenders, he always found a way to get the ball.  Now, Austin is going to the Rams, where there is a lack of a great receiver and he should be able to prove himself worthy of all the hype.  He is going to be a great receiver with his speed, quickness, and elusiveness.

Bust (Bad) Picks:

-Barkevious Mingo

Despite having a cool name, Barkevious Mingo was overhyped.  He is a tall, lean, and quick defensive end who is the kind of athletic freak coaches gush over.  He is 6’4 and ran a speedy 4.58 40-yard dash. He shows obvious talent using his speed to beat the tackle, but that was about it.  If he doesn’t beat the offensive tackle using his initial step and quickness, then he is not getting the sack.  In the NFL, tackles are quicker and Mingo is going to have to learn another trick if he wants to be successful.  Another reason I believe he is overhyped is because of his production.  Even though he was playing with one of the best defenses in the nation and having another great defensive end on the other side of him, he only managed to rack up 4.5 sacks.  This is hardly impressive and his skill set was highly overlooked because of his athleticism.  But, that won’t be able to carry him through his career.  Mingo was not a great pick for the already struggling browns.  

-Alec Ogletree

Alec Ogletree was an amazing athlete in college.  It was obvious he was a mixture between a linebacker and a safety by looking at his speed and the way he flew to the ball.  In other words, he provided the speed of a safety and the pop of a linebacker.  Where ever the ball went, he was there.  Unfortunately, Ogletree has some character issues that are worth worrying about.  In his freshman year, he was suspended a game after being arrested for a misdemeanor theft.  Then, this season he failed a drug test and was suspended again.  Finally, this february, he was charged with a DUI and couldn’t participate in the NFL Combine.  If he just had one suspension, his character wouldn’t be questioned so much.  But, the fact that he chose to drink and drive right before the arguably most important test (Combine) of his career shows how he prioritizes football.  Off field issues have always been problematic for the NFL and its managers.  A recent example was LB Rolando McClain who got arrested and then decided to retire at the age of 23.  Ogletree’s character will unfortunately overshadow his skills.   

-Travis Frederick

This pick was not a good one for the Cowboys.  Travis Frederick is a Center, which is already a position not highly regarded in the first round.  Also, many did not see him as a first round talent.  The cowboys had a strong need at the safety position, which they could have addressed in the first round instead of picking Frederick.  In fact, the next center to be pick was pick all the way in the fourth round.  That means the Cowboys could have waited a round or two until pulling the trigger.  This was not a smart pick and had terrible value.  Travis Frederick could be a great player for them, but imagine if they picked him as well as another player with first round value.  This draft could have gone much better for the Cowboys.

NFL Draft

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan

Eric Fisher

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Joeckel OT, Texas A&M

3. Miami Dolphins (from Oakland): Dion Jordan OLB, Oregon

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Lane Johnson OT, Oklahoma

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah DE, BYU

6. Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo DE, LSU

Barkevious Mingo

7. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Cooper OG, North Carolina

8. St. Louis Rams (from Buffalo): Tavon Austin WR, WVU

9. New York Jets: Dee Milliner CB, Alabama

10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack OG, Alabama

11. San Diego Chargers: DJ Fluker OT, Alabama

12. Oakland Raiders (from Miami): DJ Hayden CB, Houston

13. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay): Sheldon Richardson DT, Missouri

14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei DT, Utah

Star Lotulelei

15. New Orleans Saints: Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas

16. Buffalo Bills (from St. Louis): EJ Manuel QB, FSU

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Jones OLB, Georgia

18. San Francisco 49ers (from Dallas): Eric Reid S, LSU

19. New York Giants: Justin Pugh OT, Syracuse

20. Chicago Bears: Kyle Long OG, Oregon

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Eifert TE, Notre Dame

Tyler Eifert

22. Atlanta Falcons (from St. Louis): Desmond Trufant

23. Minnesota Vikings: Sharrif Floyd DT, Florida

24. Indianapolis Colts: Bjoern Werner DE, FSU

25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle): Xavier Rhodes CB, FSU

26. Green Bay Packers: Datone Jones DE, UCLA

Datone Jones

27. Houston Texans: DeAndre Hopkins WR, Clemson

28. Denver Broncos: Sylvester Williams DT, North Carolina

29. Minnesota Vikings (from New England): Cordarrelle Patterson WR, Tennessee

30. St. Louis Rams (from Atlanta): Alec Ogletree ILB, Georgia

31. Dallas Cowboys (from San Francisco): Travis Frederick C, Wisconsin

32. Baltimore Ravens: Matt Elam S, Florida

Matt Elam

2013 Mock Draft

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel Left Tackle, Texas A&M

       With all the talk of the Chiefs possibly trading away their current left tackle, Brandon Albert, they're going to need a replacement.  So, why not pick up Luke Joeckel, arguably the best left tackle in this years draft first overall?  Even if they don't trade him away, building the offensive line is a great idea and could pave the way to success with awesome running back Jamaal Charles and their new quarterback Alex Smith.  This pick makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs to create their newborn hope of being successful next season.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan Offensive Tackle, Oregon

       The Jacksonville Jaguars could go many ways with this pick, but they desperately need some new, young talent to fill their roster this draft.  The Jags are a team that doesn't have many explosive playmakers and Dion Jordan is someone who can fix that.  Especially since their defense was terrible last year, the speedster in Jordan would definitely help the pass rush and ultimately help the secondary by forcing the quarterback to make quicker decisions.  The Jags could use a talent like Jordan after a season like last year.

3. Oakland Raiders: Sharif Floyd Defensive Tackle, Florida

       Currently, the whole Raiders franchise is in disarray and they desperately need to find some sure talent this draft.  In order to help their defensive line immensely, they decide to grab Sharrif Floyd.  Floyd is a player that can definitely make an immediate difference against opponents' interior offensive line. Also, Floyd is only 20, meaning he can give two extra years over other draft prospects to be a long lasting impact on Oakland's defense.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Fisher Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan

       The Philadelphia Eagles have many needs coming into this year's draft, but the biggest one was the offensive line.  Their two quarterbacks, Michael Vick and Nick Foles, were sacked 48 times, making the Eagles the 5th most sacked team last year.  That obviously shows a big hole in the offensive line last year.  So to improve their outside blocking tremendously, they pick Eric Fisher, who is also being argued to be just as good as Luke Joeckel.  This pick would help Philadelphia reduce their sacks allowed number and ultimately contribute to the offense as a whole.

5. Detroit Lions: Lane Johnson Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

       The Lions have a franchise quarterback in Matt Stafford, a new explosive running back in Reggie Bush, and the amazing wide receiver Calvin Johnson.  All they need to make the offense firing on all cylinders next year is the offensive line to protect Stafford and pave the lane for Bush to run.  They would love for the top tackles Joeckel or Fisher to fall into their laps but unfortunately, it doesn't pan out.  Luckily, they get the next best thing in Lane Johnson who will improve the offensive line on the other side of tackle Riley Reiff.

6. Cleveland Browns: Ezekiel Ansah   Defensive End, BYU

       The extremely athletic yet raw in skill Ezekiel Ansah would make a great fit for the Cleveland Browns.  They do also need a defensive back to play opposite of Joe Haden, but that can be found easily in the second round.  Ansah, who is quick, fast, and has a gold mine of potential just waiting to be dug into by the new Cleveland coaching staff and be a tremendous player in the NFL.  His block shedding abilities would help the defense as a whole, which is something the browns definitely need in a brutal division against top-tier quarterbacks in Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger.

7.  Arizona Cardinals: Chance Warmack    Offensive Guard, Alabama

       Arizona is the team that finished first in total sacks allowed with 58 and managed to have the third-string quarterback start while the other quarterbacks sit injured on the sideline.  Obviously, offensive line should be the biggest need for the Cardinals in this draft.  Chance Warmack was great against the top college competition South Eastern Conference (SEC) and would provide great value as he fills a huge whole.

8. Buffalo Bills:  Geno Smith        Quarterback, West Virginia

       The Bills just recently gave up their below average quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, which means they need to find a starting caliber and franchise quarterback to last them the next ten years.  Geno Smith is rated as this draft's best quarterback so they grab him off the board before they have to suffer another season and spend another draft searching for their quarterback.

9. New York Jets: Dee Milliner    Cornerback, Alabama

       The New York Jets jump for joy as the top rated cornerback of this draft falls to them.  Previously ranked within the top-five, the Jets are extremely lucky to find a great cornerback like Dee Milliner. Especially since they lost their amazing corner, Darrelle Revis, they need to find a replacement.  Milliner is that answer as he shut down great wide receivers in the SEC.

10. Tennessee Titans:  Star Lotuleilei          Defensive Tackle, Utah

       The Titans need to find a player who can disrupt the interior blocking on defense and Lotuleilei, who was previously ranked the top defensive tackle before it was revealed that he had a serious heart condition, will be a steal for them.  Fills a great need and is great value at the tenth pick overall.

11. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Cooper    Offensive Guard, North Carolina

       The Chargers have a terrible offensive line that allowed 49 sacks, the 4th most in the league.  This shows just how bad their line was last year.  Jonathon Cooper can really contribute to the interior blocking of the offensive line as he is rated as one of the best guards this year.  There is no way they pass on him if he is available at the 11th pick.

12. Miami Dolphins:  DJ Hayden        Cornerback, Houston

       DJ Hayden is one of the most interesting prospects this year because of his back-story.  During practice, Hayden suffered from a torn artery that has a 95% death percentage.  He is thankfully alive today and continuing football.  The Dolphins have made many moves in free agency to improve their team, but they still need to address their secondary, or pass defense.  Hayden is a well-liked player and shuts down receivers.

13. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo       Outside Linebacker, LSU

       Mingo is another prototype-like player because he stands at 6'4 and ran a fast 4.58 40-yard dash.  That is fast for a man at his height and would upgrade the Jets' average pass rush.  The Jets draft defense in the first round and if they got two great defenders in Mingo and Milliner, their defense could see a major improvement next year.

14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson       Defensive Tackle, Missouri

       Carolina fills a big hole of need at this pick.  Richardson is one of the most athletic DT's in this draft because of how he moves while weighing 310 lbs.  At Missouri, the coaches even let him play linebacker, a position that usually weighs 50 lbs. less that him.   The Panthers find great value with this pick and upgrade their defensive line.

15. New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Jones       Outside Linebacker, Georgia

       The Saint's defense was one of the worst last year and it was evident as they ranked last in rush defense and second-to-last in pass defense.  Jarvis Jones is a top ten prospect whose draft value fell because of Spinal Stenosis and a slow 4.92 40-yard dash.  But, Jones is a great football player on tape who plays much faster than his 40 time indicates and it showed through his astounding 13.5 sacks throughout last season alone.  The saints get a real steal here and make other teams regret not taking Jones.

16. St. Louis Rams: Kenny Vaccaro       Safety, Texas

       St. Louis is team who has a lot of young potential just waiting to burst out onto the scene.  They also have a good cornerback in Cortland Finnegan but need some help above in the safety position.  Kenny Vaccaro has been coveted as the top safety prospect this year and matches up perfectly with the Rams.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Eifert       Tight End, Notre Dame

       With their current tight end, Heath Miller, on the injury reserve until next mid-season and aging quickly, the Steelers need to draft a replacement to mentor under Miller until he retires.  Tyler Eifert is an amazing prospect at tight end who is a major threat for opposing defenses.  With him, the Steelers will be set at tight end for years.

18. Dallas Cowboys: DJ Fluker       Offensive Tackle, Alabama

       DJ Fluker was a part of the astounding Alabama offensive line this past season.  The Cowboys have a good defense and would have loved to get Kenny Vaccaro to improve the secondary even more, but that didn't happen.  So, they fill the biggest need which is offensive line.  The Cowboys have a great running back, two wide receivers, and their franchise quarterback.  They only need to improve the offensive line to become a competitive team.

19. New York Giants: Arthur Brown       Inside Linebacker, Kansas State

       The New York Giants have a huge need to fill at middle linebacker this draft and Arthur Brown is probably the safest of all the inside linebackers this year.  Manti Te'o with his girlfriend hoax, Alec Ogletree with his DUI, and Kevin Minter with a slow forty time.  Brown is a great prospect who doesn't have huge upside but doesn't have a low floor as well.  So, this pick will set the Giants up with a leader and linebacker they don't ever have to sweat about.

20. Chicago Bears: Alec Ogletree       Inside Linebacker, Georgia

       Last season, the Bears lost their biggest leader and legend Brian Urlacher, so they need to find their replacement.  Alec Ogletree is an awesome athlete who played against top college competition in the SEC last year.  With some good coaching, Ogletree has a huge upside because of his freakish athleticism, but he also has bust potential with his DUI problems and questionable character.  However well he does in the NFL, Ogletree still has some big shoes to fill.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathan Cyprien        Safety, Florida International

       Cincinnati has an aging secondary that needs to be addressed.  They are a playoff worthy team that just needs a few more components to make them real competitors in the off-season.  Jonathan Cyprien is a safety that could be considered elite in the next few years.  Coming out of small college Florida International, he didn't catch much attention his first few years.  Finally, this year he blew up on people's boards and is now actually rated higher than Kenny Vaccaro on NFL.com.  The Bengals continue to improve and get younger with this pick.

22. St. Louis Rams: Tavon Austin       Wide Receiver, West Virginia

       Tavon Austin was one of the most electrifying receivers in college football last year.  The only reason people doubt his is because of his 5'8 height, which is tiny for an NFL player.  But, there is no denying how lightning quick and fast Austin plays.  The Rams desperately need at number 1 wide receiver because they just lost theirs due to free agency.  They would love Austin falling into their laps here and find their best target for quarterback Sam Bradford.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Cordarrelle Patterson        Wide Receiver, Tennessee

       With their wide receiver, Percy Harvin, recently traded away, the Vikings have to find a replacement that can make as big an impact as Harvin did.  Cordarrelle Patterson is rated one of the top receivers this draft and definitely an athlete.  Standing at 6'2, he can make plays for the Vikings in the endzone and stretch the field.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Bjoern Werner       Defensive End, Florida State

       Bjoern Werner has been falling down draft boards lately because of bad combine results and lack of explosion in games.  Months ago, he was rated as the top defensive end this draft.  So, the Colts fill a space of need and get a great player to fill it.  The Colts defense needs work and Werner can bring a new element to their developing team.

25. Minnesota Vikings: Manti Te'o       Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame

       There has been a lot of speculation that the Vikings have been interviewing, working out, and testing Manti Te'o.  This obviously shows a lot of interest in this falling prospect.  Te'o was ranked as the top linebacker this college season but fell rapidly because of the whole girlfriend hoax and slow 40-yard dash.  The Vikings linebacker core was weak last year and Te'o is an upgrade.  So, they will look past his flaws and hope to get the linebacker he was projected to be months ago.

26. Green Bay Packers: Eric Reid        Safety, LSU

       The Green Bay Packers have a great offense behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but the defense is an area of improvement, especially the secondary.  They recently lost defensive back Charles Woodson to free agency meaning they need to find a replacement and improve their defense.  Eric Reid is one of this draft's top safety and will make an impact on the Packers.

27. Houston Texans: DeAndre Hopkins       Wide Receiver, Clemson

       Wide Receiver Andre Johnson is aging quickly and finding someone to be as good as him, if not better, is what the Texans hope to find this draft.  Having two elite wide receivers running routes for Houston would make them a fantastic team next year.  DeAndre Hopkins is a player who overwhelmed most of the defensive backs he faced during his college career and is very likely an immediate starter for the Texans.  Hopefully, the Texans draft this new talent and take their team farther than where they have in recent years.

28. Denver Broncos: Cornellius Carradine       Defensive End, Florida State

       Cornellius "Tank" Carradine would be rated much higher in the draft if it weren't for his ACL injury this past season.  But, that being said, doctors are able to heal injuries such as this one much faster with new technology and methods.  So, it is very likely that Carradine can come back just as good as he was before the injury.  This pick makes sense for the Broncos because they just lost their Outside Linebacker/Defensive End Elvis Dumervil.  Tank is a force in the pass rush and could contribute to Denver's aging defense right now.

29. New England Patriots: Xavier Rhodes       Cornerback, Florida State

       The New England Patriots have a tremendous offense that pummels other teams, but a below average secondary.  These result in many high scoring shoot out games that forces the offense to win games.  Xavier Rhodes is a tall cornerback that is great in man coverage.   The Patriots strengthen their secondary a whole lot by putting someone across from cornerback Devin McCourty and improve their team as a whole.

30. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Trufant       Cornerback, Washington

       The Atlanta Falcons had one of the best secondaries in the league last season, but that could change because cornerback Asante Samuel is losing a step due to age.  He just turned 32 in January so finding a worthy replacement is a necessity this draft.  Fortunately, this draft has plenty of good cornerbacks to go around and Desmond Trufant is one of them.  Trufant is a big physical corner that can push receivers around and make big plays while doing it.  He was a big part of Washington's defense last season and looks to become an impact player for the Falcons.

31. San Francisco Forty-Niners: Matt Elam       Safety, Florida

       The Forty-Niners defense was already hard-hitting enough.  But, with the release of safety. Dashon Goldson, they need to find someone who played the safety position as well as him and just hit as hard.  Matt Elam is the answer.  At Florida, Elam was bloodthirsty, always looking for the biggest hits and splash plays.  This is someone the Forty-Niners would love because of his passion for the game and constant hunger.

32. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Minter       Inside Linebacker, LSU

       Legend and team leader Ray Lewis retired this past season, leaving a gaping hole for someone to fill.  Although it is almost impossible to find a talent as special as Lewis, the Ravens can find many leaders in this draft.  To replace Lewis, Baltimore should draft Kevin Minter out of LSU because he was able to compete against SEC competition.  Minter even held his own, becoming an All-SEC selection.  With this pick, the Ravens find their replacement and continue to have a standard of great linebackers for years to come.