| DSRank |
Name |
College |
Proj |
Hgt |
Wgt |
40 |
20 |
10 |
Bench |
Vert Jump |
Broad Jump |
Shuttle |
3Cone |
1 |
Luck, *Andrew  |
QB, Stanford |
1 |
6-4 |
234 |
4.59 |
2.63 |
1.62 |
|
36 |
10'04" |
4.28 |
6.80 |
 *Andrew Luck heading into rJr season: The 2012 NFL draft was the first supervised by general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano in their current positions with the team. They both came away pleased with the results. "I feel great about our picks. I feel like we were disciplined. That was the plan, stay disciplined to our (draft) board. Take the best football players we could and build this thing the right way," Grigson said afterward. The Colts' 2012 draft was heavily favored in the direction of the offense, with eight players selected. There were two defensive players picked. Indianapolis wanted to add a cornerback, but missed out on the opportunity. "It was there and we had a guy we coveted that we felt really, really good about. And he fell off the board right before we got into position to grab the guy," Pagano said. "But that's how the draft is." BEST PICK: Quarterback Andrew Luck: Smart, heady, best quarterback and best player available in the 2012 draft. He is expected to do well as the heir to Peyton Manning's legacy in Indianapolis. - The Sports Xchange
|
2 |
Griffin, *Robert |
QB, Baylor |
1 |
6-2 |
223 |
4.33 |
2.55 |
1.50 |
|
39 |
10'00" |
|
|
 *Robert Griffin heading into rJr season: Given that the Redskins seemed to have chosen SMU guard Josh LeRibeus way too early in the third round and their other picks were all fourth-rounders on down, their draft was all about quarterbacks. They traded their first-rounders this year, next year and 2014 and their second-rounder this year to St. Louis to move up four spots to select Baylor's Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III second overall. And then they used their third pick, the seventh selection in the fourth round, on Michigan State's three-year starter, Kirk Cousins. The move hearkens back to 1994, the last draft in which the Redskins chose a quarterback in the top 10 when they picked Heath Shuler third overall. He was eventually beaten out by Gus Frerotte, a seventh-rounder in the same draft. BEST PICK: Quarterback Robert Griffin III: The strong-armed, swift Griffin is the perfect new leader for a team that has started 21 quarterbacks over the last 19 seasons and has lacked a face of the franchise for nearly as long. Griffin is expected to be the opening day starter replacing holdover Rex Grossman. - The Sports Xchange
|
3 |
Kalil, *Matt |
OT, Southern Cal |
1 |
6-7 |
306 |
4.96 |
2.87 |
1.70 |
30 |
27 |
|
4.65 |
7.33 |
 *Matt Kalil heading into rJr season: Basically, Rick Spielman couldn't have had a better start to his first draft as Vikings general manager. Moments before the draft, he got three picks for nothing when he moved down one spot, allowing the Browns to take running back Trent Richardson, a player the Vikings didn't want or need. Spielman then selected Southern California left tackle Matt Kalil, the player he coveted all along at a position of gigantic need. Then, with a league-high 13 picks, Spielman turned around and upgraded another massive need by trading back into the first round to take the second-best safety, Notre Dame's Harrison Smith, with the 29th overall pick. Within a span of 25 picks, the Vikings had significantly strengthened their two weakest areas - offensive line and secondary - with two first-round picks. In the third round, the Vikings then grabbed some quality cornerback depth and the heir apparent to Antoine Winfield when they selected Central Florida's Josh Robinson, who ran a Combine-best 4.29 40-yard dash. They addressed their need at receiver by taking Arkansas teammates Jarius Wright and Greg Childs in the fourth round. More secondary help came in the fifth round when Spielman took Notre Dame's 6-1, 208-pound hybrid corner/safety. A somewhat puzzling pick came in the sixth round when Spielman took Georgia kicker Blair Walsh. There was no indication that veteran Ryan Longwell was in trouble, but he does turn 38 soon and is coming off a season in which he missed six field-goal attempts (22 of 28). BEST PICK: Left tackle Matt Kalil: He was the best and safest pick at a position of great need and importance to second-year quarterback Christian Ponder's development. Nothing else the team does matters if Ponder isn't well protected. - The Sports Xchange
|
4 |
Richardson, *Trent |
RB, Alabama |
1 |
5-09 |
228 |
4.49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 *Trent Richardson heading into Jr season: The Browns went into the draft with the mission of reshaping their offense and that is exactly what they did by taking running back Trent Richardson third, quarterback Brandon Weeden 22nd, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz 37th and wide receiver Travis Benjamin 100th overall with their fifth pick of the draft. Coach Pat Shurmur will be disappointed if the first three picks don't start. The Browns needed a cornerback but didn't get one until the 245th pick. Instead they drafted two linebackers plus two more defensive linemen after signing two linemen in free agency. BEST PICK: Running back Trent Richardson: When Mike Holmgren took the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in the 2005 season, Shaun Alexander rushed for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns. Richardson could be that guy for the Browns. He knocks would-be tacklers over and can catch out of the backfield. He is an excellent pass blocker. - The Sports Xchange
|
5 |
Claiborne, *Morris |
CB, LSU |
1 |
5-11 |
188 |
4.50 |
2.56 |
1.57 |
|
34 1/2 |
09'10" |
4.12 |
7.01 |
 *Morris Claiborne heading into Jr season: If getting what you want, sticking to your board while filling needs and taking your kind of guys constitute a good draft, then that's exactly what the Cowboys accomplished with their seven picks in the 2012 NFL Draft. They hit a home run on opening day with the trade up for LSU shutdown cornerback Morris Claiborne. They then continued the momentum by taking four straight defenders and five overall in an attempt to upgrade a unit that contributed to five blown fourth-quarter leads last season, including an NFL record three of 12 points or more. BEST PICK: Cornerback Morris Claiborne: The Cowboys wanted cornerback Mo Claiborne so bad that they gave up a second-round pick to move from 14th to sixth in the first round. Claiborne was the highest ranked defensive player on their draft board and the second highest rated player. According to owner Jerry Jones he graded out as the highest cornerback prospect since Deion Sanders. That's important because the Cowboys were not just looking for a cover guy they wanted a playmaker to help improve a secondary that gave up more passing yards than any other time in team history. - The Sports Xchange
|
6 |
Blackmon, *Justin |
WR, Oklahoma State |
1 |
6-1 |
207 |
4.48 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
 *Justin Blackmon heading into rJr season: The Jaguars started out blazing, hitting their two biggest needs with two quality players in Justin Blackmon and Andre Branch. Blackmon provides the downfield threat that the team has lacked for several years now. Branch fills an equally big void as a pass-rushing defensive end. The selection of Bryan Anger in the third round was a major surprise, considering the team had so many other holes that needed to be addressed. The final three picks will provide help, but not likely as a starter. Based on the solid choices in the first two picks, this has to be considered a solid draft for the Jaguars. Had the third pick been as essential, this could have been a great draft for Jacksonville. BEST PICK: Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon: He should be the answer to the team's biggest need, that of having a quality wide receiver in the lineup. The Jaguars coveted Blackmon but were afraid he would be gone by the time of their pick. He brings a dimension to the passing game that the team sorely needed. - The Sports Xchange
|
7 |
Cox, *Fletcher |
DT, Mississippi State |
1 |
6-4 |
298 |
4.77 |
2.65 |
1.65 |
30 |
26 |
08'07" |
4.53 |
7.07 |
 *Fletcher Cox heading into Jr season: The Eagles continued their offseason focus on defense in the draft, using their first three picks and four of their first five on defensive players. Their first-round pick, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, and their second-round pick, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, both are expected to be Day 1 contributors. Cox is a freakishly athletic 294-pounder with 4.7 speed who can play inside and outside. He should flourish as a pass-rusher in defensive line coach Jim Washburn's wide-9. Kendricks, who ran a 4.47 forty at the combine, likely will be the team's season-opening SAM linebacker. The Eagles are bullish on his ability to cover tight ends. BEST PICK: Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox: The Eagles led the league in sacks last season with 50. They figure to be an even bigger pass-rushing force this season with a difference-maker like Cox inside. - The Sports Xchange
|
8 |
Tannehill, Ryan |
QB, Texas A&M |
1 |
6-4 |
221 |
4.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Ryan Tannehill heading into rSr season: A closer look at the Dolphins' picks: Round 1/8 - Ryan Tannehill, QB, 6-4, 221, Texas A&M...The Dolphins felt his athleticism, footwork and accuracy made him the ideal fit for the west coast offense. BEST PICK: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill: According to coach Joe Philbin it only took the team's first-round pick three hours to grasp the Dolphins playbook. There's a good reason for that considering Tannehill used it the past two seasons playing for Mike Sherman as the Aggies starting quarterback. Sherman is now the Dolphins offensive coordinator. - The Sports Xchange
|
9 |
Kuechly, *Luke |
ILB, Boston College |
1 |
6-3 |
242 |
4.58 |
2.59 |
1.56 |
27 |
38 |
10'03" |
4.12 |
6.92 |
 *Luke Kuechly heading into Jr season: After sticking to a best-player-available model early, the Panthers filled some needs on the third day of the draft with players best described as solid. Adding linebacker Luke Kuechly lends an immediate stability to a side of the ball that was a mess last year. He's a mature tackler and cover man, who will help mask some deficiencies up front. If he's a high-floor player, guard Amini Silatolu is high-ceiling. He's on the raw side coming from Division II Midwestern State, but his explosiveness caught their eye on tape. Beyond those two, the Panthers checked off a number of boxes, adding competition to spots that sorely needed it. They've done a solid job drafting in recent years by not getting married to need, and picks such as Kuechly are reminiscent of earlier best player available choices such as center Ryan Kalil. Being willing to go that route has provided them value in the past. BEST PICK: Linebacker Luke Kuechly: Impressed coaches with his movement and intelligence, and looks like the kind of player you can build a defense around. One of the NCAA's most productive players on a bad college defense, he has a gravity the Panthers need. Along with Jon Beason, gives them a potentially dominant pair of linebackers. - The Sports Xchange
|
10 |
DeCastro, *David |
OG, Stanford |
1 |
6-5 |
316 |
5.32 |
3.03 |
1.79 |
34 |
29 1/2 |
08'02" |
4.56 |
7.30 |
 *David DeCastro heading into rJr season: For a general manager who claims he picks players not for needs but for wants, Kevin Colbert certainly filled plenty of needs in this draft. The Steelers' two biggest needs were offensive guards and tackles and, voila, that's what they took in the first two rounds. Their next biggest needs were inside linebacker and nose tackle and that's what they drafted in the third and fourth rounds. Rashard Mendenhall's laid up by ACL surgery, so a running back came in the fifth round. Overall, it appears the Steelers not only filled needs but did so with quality picks. They got the best guard in the draft in David DeCastro, and a tackle in the second round whom they gave a first-round grade, Mike Adams. Colbert made a nifty move by trading Pittsburgh's sixth-rounder to move 10 spots up in the fourth round and take Alameda Ta'Amu, the purest 3-4 nose tackle available. BEST PICK: Guard David DeCastro: The Steelers may have gotten a Maurkice Pouncey-like value pick, getting the best guard in the draft at No. 24. It just so happens to fill their biggest need and with DeCastro's experience and talent, he should start quickly. - The Sports Xchange
|
11 |
Coples, Quinton  |
DE, North Carolina |
1 |
6-6 |
284 |
4.69 |
2.69 |
1.63 |
25 |
31 1/2 |
09'01" |
4.78 |
7.57 |
 Quinton Coples heading into Sr season: While locker room dissension was the popular explanation as to why the Jets cratered last season, the continued aging of a once-potent defense was at least partially to blame for the fall to .500. The Jets made some immediate upgrades in head coach Rex Ryan's area of expertise by spending three of their first four picks on defensive players in the draft. The Jets, who recorded just 35 sacks last year while allowing 363 points, addressed their pass rush by selecting defensive end Quinton Coples in the first round (16th overall) and outside linebacker Demario Davis in the third round. The Jets also added valuable depth to a thin and injury-prone secondary by picking safety Josh Bush in the sixth round. BEST PICK: Defensive end Quinton Coples: Comes with his share of detractors after a relatively quiet senior season, but the instant connection between Rex Ryan and Coples at the latter's Pro Day bodes well for Ryan's ability to get the most out of Coples, who had 17.5 sacks in his last two years at North Carolina. The Jets badly need a legitimate pass rusher and Coples could become the first Jets player to record double-digit sacks since John Abraham since 2005. - The Sports Xchange
|
12 |
Floyd, Michael |
WR, Notre Dame |
1 |
6-3 |
220 |
4.40 |
2.59 |
1.56 |
16 |
36 1/2 |
10'02" |
|
|
 Michael Floyd heading into Sr season: A closer look at the Cardinals' picks: Round 1/13 - Michael Floyd, WR, 6-2, 220, Notre Dame...The Cardinals think Floyd is a lot like No. 1 wideout Larry Fitzgerald: big, physical and can make the tough catches. Receiver wasn't the club's greatest need but if Floyd listens to Fitzgerald and learns, they could be a dynamic combination. - The Sports Xchange
|
13 |
Ingram, Melvin |
OLB, South Carolina |
1 |
6-2 |
264 |
4.69 |
2.63 |
1.62 |
28 |
34 1/2 |
09'01" |
4.18 |
6.83 |
 Melvin Ingram heading into rSr season: April is often called the liars month in the NFL, as so much disinformation is dispersed that it can make one head's swim. But Chargers general manager A. J. Smith, facing a sink-or-swim season in regard to his job security, was true to his word. After being active in free agency to shore up holes on offense, the Chargers turned to defense during the draft. Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram was the biggest catch, a pass-rusher from South Carolina who'll give the team's coaches a versatile player to tinker with. But on the heels of Ingram came defensive tackle Kendall Reyes from Connecticut and strong safety Brandon Taylor by way of LSU. Reyes will likely be slid outside in the Chargers' 3-4 setup, and Taylor could battle newcomer Atari Bigby for a starting job. The team's final four picks were offensive players -- two linemen - as it was clear the Chargers were using this draft to get better on defense. BEST PICK: Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram: With the NFL's worst third-down defense last season, it was imperative the team improve on passing downs. With Ingram, they got their man and just maybe he supplies a jolt to the Bolts' pass rush. With 21.5 sacks in his last two seasons at South Carolina, Ingram could help resurrect the team's ability to get after quarterbacks. - The Sports Xchange
|
14 |
Barron, Mark |
SS, Alabama |
1 |
6-1 |
213 |
4.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Mark Barron heading into Sr season: The last time Greg Schiano was in the NFL as a defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears in 1998, he wasn't allowed entry into the war room. That obviously wasn't the case as the first-year head coach of the Buccaneers and his handprint were all over the players the team selected in the NFL draft. Schiano obviously looked for common traits: tough-minded team captains, highly productive players from mostly winning programs and guys who love football so much, you have to kick them out of the facility. The Bucs went into the draft with many needs, especially on a defense that allowed a franchise-record 494 points last season, ranked last against the run and allowed 30 touchdown passes. It was no surprise four of the Bucs' first five picks were defensive players, starting with Alabama safety Mark Barron. The Bucs moved down two spots with the Jaguars to take Barron at No. 7 overall, picking up a fourth-round choice in the process. That extra pick became the currency that the Bucs used to trade back up into the first round to take Boise St. running back Doug Martin 31st overall. BEST PICK: Safety Mark Barron: May be one of the most solid players in the NFL draft. He's a two-time captain of the two-time national champion Crimson Tide. He is a physical, no-nonsense film junkie who will provide toughness to a defense that was 32nd against the run and allowed 30 touchdown passes. - The Sports Xchange
|
15 |
Gilmore, *Stephon |
CB, South Carolina |
1 |
6-1 |
190 |
4.38 |
2.40 |
1.47 |
15 |
36 |
10'03" |
3.94 |
6.61 |
 *Stephon Gilmore heading into Jr season: A closer look at the Bills' picks: Round 1/10 - Stephon Gilmore, CB, 6-0, 193, South Carolina...With veteran corners Drayton Florence and Terrence McGee at that uncertain age, the Bills found a player who could step into their starting lineup at some point as a rookie. Gilmore has the speed (4.38) to cover deep and the aggressiveness to come up and help against the run, a complete player with few flaws. - The Sports Xchange
|
16 |
Reiff, *Riley |
OT, Iowa |
1 |
6-6 |
313 |
5.16 |
2.97 |
1.75 |
23 |
26 1/2 |
08'02" |
4.75 |
7.87 |
 *Riley Reiff heading into rJr season: Say this for general manager Martin Mayhew, he's unconventional. Riley Reiff, considered by most the second best offensive line prospect in the draft, fell into his lap at 23. But that was the last pick that didn't cause some head-scratching. In Round Two, he bypassed a much-needed cornerback to take a receiver - Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles, who had ACL surgery on Nov. 21 and may not be ready for training camp. He finally took a corner in the third round - Louisiana-Lafayette's Dwight Bentley - and wound up with three in all. He took Chris Greenwood from Division III Albion (Mich.) in the fifth round and Jonte Green from New Mexico State in the sixth. Picks four through six were spent essentially on restocking the special teams. They took tweener defensive end Ronnell Lewis from Oklahoma in the fourth round, outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead from Temple in the fifth and Greenwood, who they termed a developmental cornerback, also in the fifth. The last two picks were on Green and Oklahoma linebacker Travis Lewis, whose production (leading tackler for four seasons) was diminished by a poor showing at the combine, where his stock plummeted after he ran a 4.88. "We stuck to our plan and we got some good players," coach Jim Schwartz said. BEST PICK: Tackle Riley Reiff: Reiff is as close to a sure thing as this draft class offers. It may take a year, but once he settles in, he will start for 10 years. - The Sports Xchange
|
17 |
Brockers, *Michael |
DT, LSU |
1 |
6-5 |
322 |
5.31 |
3.03 |
1.78 |
|
26 1/2 |
08'09" |
4.81 |
7.46 |
 *Michael Brockers heading into rSo season: A closer look at the Rams' picks: Round 1/14 - Michael Brockers, DT, 6-5, 322, Louisiana State...A quality run-stuffer in college, the Rams expect defensive line coach Mike Waufle to also help him develop as a pass rusher. But stopping the run will be important on a defense that has struggled mightily in that department. - The Sports Xchange
|
18 |
Upshaw, Courtney |
DE, Alabama |
1 |
6-2 |
272 |
4.76 |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
 Courtney Upshaw heading into Sr season: The Baltimore Ravens obtained some reinforcements for their roster, executing a solid meat and potatoes draft. Despite trading out of the first round, they landed All-American pass rusher Courtney Upshaw in the second round. Upshaw will compete with Paul Kruger for a starting outside linebacker job. The Ravens obtained 6-5, 333-pound Iowa State offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele with their next second-round pick. He'll compete with Jah Reid for the starting left guard job. The Ravens traded up in the third round to get a backup to Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice: ultra-productive, rugged Temple running back Bernard Pierce. In the fourth round, the Ravens hope they found their eventual replacement for center Matt Birk by drafting Delaware All-American Gino Gradkowski. Later in the fourth round, Baltimore got speedy South Carolina State free safety Christian Thompson. Thompson has been mentored by Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed throughout the draft process. BEST PICK: Linebacker Courtney Upshaw: He fell in the draft because of his sluggish workouts, but he's much different when it's actual football. He relentlessly chases down quarterbacks and stuffs the run with sound leverage. - The Sports Xchange
|
19 |
Poe, *Dontari |
DT, Memphis |
1 |
6-4 |
346 |
4.89 |
2.83 |
1.67 |
44 |
29 1/2 |
08'09" |
4.56 |
7.90 |
 *Dontari Poe heading into rJr season: A closer look at the Chiefs picks: Round 1/11 - Dontari Poe, NT, 6-3, 346, Memphis...A developmental pick, Poe has the attributes that head coach/defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel seeks for a nose tackle. But Poe has very limited experience playing the position. - The Sports Xchange
|
20 |
Kirkpatrick, *Dre |
CB, Alabama |
1 |
6-2 |
186 |
4.50 |
2.57 |
1.53 |
|
35 |
10'00" |
|
|
 *Dre Kirkpatrick heading into Jr season: A closer look at the Bengals picks: Round 1/17 - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, 6-2, 186, Alabama...The Bengals needed to grab a young, shutdown corner in the first round and they ended up getting the last one on the board. - The Sports Xchange
|
21 |
Glenn, Cordy |
OT, Georgia |
1 |
6-6 |
345 |
5.08 |
2.95 |
1.76 |
31 |
23 1/2 |
07'09" |
5.00 |
8.13 |
 Cordy Glenn heading into Sr season: The Bills needed help at cornerback, left offensive tackle and wide receiver. Their first three picks? A cornerback, a tackle, a wide receiver and all have the potential to make an impact as rookies. The Bills, coming off a 6-10 season and entering their third year of rebuilding under the eyes of general manager Buddy Nix and coach Chan Gailey, are still a land of opportunity for draft picks. First-rounder Stephon Gilmore, labeled the most complete cornerback in the draft, could grab a starting spot from Drayton Florence or Terrence McGee and the door is wide open at left tackle for second-rounder Cordy Glenn. Wide receiver T.J. Graham fills a need for deep speed in the mix of prospects opposite Stevie Johnson, but will need time. BEST PICK: Offensive tackle Cordy Glenn: With the loss of Demetress Bell to the Eagles and with only second-year pro Chris Hairston on board, the large, nimble Glenn should start as a rookie. With any luck, he'll anchor the critical left side job for a decade. - The Sports Xchange
|
22 |
Mercilus, *Whitney |
DE, Illinois |
1 |
6-4 |
261 |
4.68 |
2.63 |
1.53 |
27 |
32 |
09'10" |
4.53 |
7.17 |
 *Whitney Mercilus heading into rJr season: As expected, general manager Rick Smith was able to bolster depth at receiver and in the offensive line, the two most desperate areas on the team. He drafted two receivers and three linemen, and he didn't start to fill those needs until the third round. Smith also drafted a kicker for the first time in franchise history. BEST PICK: Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus: Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips envisions Mercilus coming off the bench in passing situations. He would be paired with starting outside linebackers Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed, defensive tackles J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith and inside linebacker Brian Cushing. Mercilus probably will play weak-side end in the nickel so they can take advantage of his speed coming off the edge. - The Sports Xchange
|
23 |
McClellin, Shea  |
OLB, Boise State |
1 |
6-3 |
260 |
4.62 |
2.65 |
1.56 |
19 |
31 1/2 |
09'10" |
4.33 |
7.07 |
 Shea McClellin heading into rSr season: A closer look at the Bears' picks: Round 1/19 - Shea McClellin, DE, 6-3, 260, Boise State...Bears believe he provides the best chance to immediately upgrade a pass rush that was 29th last season. Played defensive end and linebacker past two seasons, when he had 16.5 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. Ran a 4.63 40, second fastest among defensive ends at the Combine. Hard-working, football smart, technically sound, quickly finds the football. - The Sports Xchange
|
24 |
Wright, Kendall |
WR, Baylor |
1 |
5-10 |
196 |
4.49 |
2.64 |
1.60 |
|
38 1/2 |
10'01" |
4.18 |
6.93 |
 Kendall Wright heading into Sr season: A closer look at the Titans' picks: Round 1/20 - Kendall Wright, WR, 5-10, 196, Baylor...Wright gives the Titans another weapon at receiver and something they don't have, even if Kenny Britt comes back healthy. He can take the top off the defense from the slot position and is a threat when it comes to YAC as well. - The Sports Xchange
|
25 |
Hightower, *Dont'a |
ILB, Alabama |
1-2 |
6-2 |
265 |
4.62 |
2.61 |
1.58 |
|
32 |
|
|
|
 *Dont'a Hightower heading into rJr season: Their last few drafts have been failures littered with too many mediocre third- and fourth-round selections. Only time will tell whether or not they made the right selections. The only curious move was trading their 62nd pick for a third- and fifth-rounder. They say less is more, and while this year's draft might be lighter in quantity, the Patriots might leave this weekend with more quality than they've had in recent years. BEST PICK: Inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower -- Chandler Jones is the more celebrated of the Patriots' two first-round picks, but Hightower is arguably more versatile based on his ability to stop the run and rush the passer. These are the kind of players that seem to fit the mold best in New England, and Hightower could build a solid career as a hybrid linebacker/defensive end. - The Sports Xchange
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