21. Philadelphia Eagles: RB Knowshon Moreno
The Eagles already addressed their line with the acquisition of LT Jason Peters, now they look to fortify their backfield. And they’re extremely happy to find Moreno on the board here.
Westbrook is still one of the NFL‘s top game breakers, but he’s aging, and he was banged up pretty good last year. So Moreno will give them some fresh legs and should make the Eagles even more dangerous out of the backfield.
22. Minnesota Vikings: WR Darrius Heyward Bey
The Vikings could look to beef up their offensive line with this pick, but none of the lineman still on the board seem worthy here. So look for them to address their receiver position by selecting the draft board climbing speedster Bey at No. 22. Many thought this might be the spot where Percy Harvin came off the board, but after a positive drug test, his stock is dropping like AIG’s in 2008.
23. New England Patriots: LB Clay Mathews
It appears that Belichick has been targeting Mathews for a while now as he looks to re-stock the line backing position, and Clay is a good one. The son of former Titans great, Bruce Mathews, Clay has a non-stop motor and knack for making the big play. He, along with last year’s 1st round pick, Jerod Mayo, should form a formidable tandem at the LB position for years to come.
24. Atlanta Falcons: TE Brandon Pettigrew
The Falcons will waste no time snatching up this talented TE out of Oklahoma State. As they look to add more toys for QB Matt Ryan to play with, look for Pettigrew to become a integral part of this offense and add another dimension to an offense which already features WR Roddy White and RB Michael Turner.
25. Miami Dolphins: WR Kenny Britt
The Dolphins turnaround last year was due mostly to impressive coaching, an opportunistic defense, and a short, safe passing game. Now they need to address the receiver position.
Britt’s how they will do it. The talented pass catcher will give the Fins another young receiver to play alongside WR Tedd Ginn Jr.
26. Baltimore Ravens: CB Vontae Davis
The Ravens threw a lot of money at CB Domonique Foxworth in free agency, but he’s not the long term solution. And after losing longtime standout CB Chris McAlister, look for the Ravens to snatch up Davis at this pick. Even with the defection of LB Bart Scott in free agency, this defense is still formidable; and revamping its secondary will keep it that way.
27. Indianapolis Colts: DT Evander Hood
The Colts have a few areas of need, but none more pressing then that of the interior of the defense. Running the football on Indianapolis was a relatively easy thing to do in 2008, and GM Polian will call Hood’s name here to anchor the middle of that defense.
28. Buffalo Bills: OT Eben Britton
With the loss of OT Jason Peters last week to the Eagles, the Bills will snatch Britton at pick No. 28 as they retool their offensive line. The Bills employ a power running game and you need a stout offensive line in order to play this style of football; Britton’s another big body that will enable them to do this.
He might develop into a mainstay along the line for years to come. Or until he gets good enough where owner Ralph Wilson will choose to deal him rather than pay him.
29. New York Giatns: LB James Laurinaitis
After dumping the malcontent known as Plaxico Burress earlier this month, many expect the Giants to go receiver with this pick. But the Giants never panic come draft time and have a few other areas they’re looking to strengthen.
Linebacker being one of them. Laurinaitis brings the type of intensity and work ethic Tom Coughlin loves to the table and will compete for a starting position in 2009.
30. Tennessee Titans: WR Brian Robiskie
While the Titans have never placed much emphasis on the receiver position come draft time, it’s quite apparent that they’re lacking an outside threat to complement their strong running game. Robiskie is a player who has seen his stock on the rise as we close in on draft day and would be a wise choice for last year’s No. 1 seed in the AFC.
31. Arizona Cardinals: RB Chris “Beanie” Wells
The Cardinals have a huge hole in their backfield and had all but abandoned the running game towards the end of last season before they decided to get Edge back involved. Wells provides a big body with speed who will fit in nicely in Arizona.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT William Beatty
The Steelers have always made its offensive line a top priority and built it though the draft. Early in 2008, the line was a mess, and Roethlisberger was constantly on his back.
After the midpoint in the season, it began to gel, and the Steelers rode its play all the way to a Super Bowl Championship. The top priority in Pittsburgh is keeping Big Ben in one piece and by selecting Beatty, they will have taken one step closer to doing so.
