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About the Author: Trevor Sikkema

Avatar Of Trevor Sikkema
Trevor Sikkema is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat reporter and NFL Draft analyst for PewterReport.com. Sikkema, an alumnus of the University of Florida, has covered both college and professional football for much of his career. As a native of the Sunshine State, when he's not buried in social media, Sikkema can be found out and active, attempting to be the best athlete he never was. Sikkema can be reached at: [email protected]

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22. Miami Dolphins

FLORIDA CB QUINCY WILSON

As far as total yards given up, Miami’s defense was the worst in franchise history; this year’s Dolphins gave up more yards than the 2007 1-15 Dolphins.

Giving up that many yards means there are holes in a few places, but none are bigger than the lack of production from their corners. This pick depends on what the team does with Byron Maxwell’s big contract. But if they get rid of him, Wilson can come in and start right away. Wilson is a physical, man-to-man lock down corner who has the body type to match up against almost any wide receiver.

23. New York Giants

MIAMI TE DAVID NJOKU

The Giants have their weapons on the outside with Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard, but it’s time for them to get some consistency in the middle of the field.

I’ve read that some people prefer Njoku’s athleticism over Howard’s. I’m not in that camp, but I’m sure NFL teams will love Njoku’s Combine numbers. 

24. Oakland Raiders

WASHINGTON S BUDDA BAKER

Imagine a safety backfield with Baker and Karl Joseph in it. Scary, huh?

Baker’s size is his biggest knock, but when you watch his game tape, and what he can do in space, he quickly takes away or at least lessens those concerns. I think a team is going to fall in love with him and take him in the first round. The Raiders have plenty of offense when Carr is healthy and a running back can be picked up in the later rounds.

Reggie Nelson is 33 years old, and while splitting time with him, Baker could also play the slot. 

25. Houston Texans

ALABAMA OT CAM ROBINSON

If the quarterback run happens like it does above, there aren’t going to be many option for the Texans to try to replace Brock Osweiler with at No. 25. 

So, in order to make the best out of the situation, they can try to make his offensive line as good as they can. At worst case scenario, at least they’ll have a good tackle in place whenever they do get that quarterback replacement. 

26. Seattle Seahawks

WESTERN MICHIGAN OT TAYLOR MOTON

Over the entire course of Senior Bowl week, Moton was the best offensive lineman, all things considered.

Offensive line is the only need for the Seahawks in the first round. They just have to hope they get one of the top guys because the talent pool will drop off quick in this class.

27. Kansas City Chiefs

TEMPLE LB HAASAN REDDICK

Ok, I lied. Earlier I said Adams falling to No. 18 would be the steal of the draft, but Reddick at 27 would give that a run for its money. 

Reddick played all over during his college career. He played as a pass rushing edge, a stand-up outside linebacker and an off-ball linebacker. Asking a player to do that is one thing, but no just playing but thriving at all three is what makes Reddick on heck of a football player. He can play inside to replace the aging Derrick Johnson or even on the edge for Tamba Hali.

28. Dallas Cowboys

AUBURN DE CARL LAWSON

Dallas’ top need has to be pass rushing. They struggled to cover in the secondary, yes, but a good portion of that blame has to come from allowing quarterbacks to be so comfortable in the pocket.

Lawson played as a stand-up linebacker for the Tigers, but he has shown he can put his hand in the ground from a 3-point stance and rush the passer in a 4-3 front, too. I liked the addition of Maliek Collins last year for the Cowboys interior line. Now it’s time for them to get that edge disruption.

29. Green Bay Packers

FLORIDA CB TEEZ TABOR

The Packers’ deep playoff run this year was nothing short of a miracle, and part of the reason quarterback Aaron Rodgers was put in position to do perform those jaw-dropping plays was because the Packers’ secondary was, well, bad.

Green Bay’s defensive line not only needs help, but just general depth as well. However, Ladrius Gunter and Quinten Rollins can’t cut it when the Packers get into these shootouts. Tabor is a true lockdown corner who allows the Packers to play a Cover 3 scheme with safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as the single high (which is idea for them). They just need to acquire the corners to do it. 

30. Pittsburgh Steelers

YOUNGSTOWN STATE OLB DEREK RIVERS

The Steelers need linebacker help, but mostly from the edge rushing positions. James Harrison, though highly impressive how he’s played this season, will eventually retire (we think); he’s 39. Jarvis Jones is a free agent, so may not return, either.

Rivers is a bit of a sleeper in this draft due to where he played, but after watching him at the Senior Bowl, he was consistently one of the more disruptive pass rushers of the group. Since the Steelers’ scheme calls for more of a stand-up linebacker than a 4-3 defensive end, Rivers is the best choice. 

Barnett

Tennessee DE Derek Barnett – Photo by: Getty Images

31. Atlanta Falcons

TENNESSEE DE DEREK BARNETT

Dwight Freeney played like a mad man in that Super Bowl loss. He was abusing the Patriots left tackle, Nate Solder, and honestly had one of the better performances on the night.

But, the fact is he’s 36 years old, and his youthful performance can’t be counted on for long. Without him, Tom Brady would have looked even better than he did, and that Patriots win might not have been so dramatic since they may have taken the lead sooner.

Barnett would bring a strong, consistent pass rushing opposite Vic Beasley. The Falcons cannot afford to let their pass rush drop as they attempt to re-load and make another run.

32. New England Patriots

CONNETICUT S OBI MELIFONWU

For starters, congrats to the New England Patriots for once again being crowned NFL champions. I never thought a team that traded away its top two pass rushers, lose its best offensive weapon and had its Hall of Fame quarterback suspended for four games could have made it this far – let alone win the Lombardi trophy, but here we are.

After typing all of that out above, it’s hard to even think the Patriots have needs; this pick is truly a luxury. With it, I see them taking the chance on a player who could be a great safety in Melifonwu.

Melifonwu’s measured in at the Senior Bowl at 6-foot-4, 219 ponds. As if his body frame wasn’t alluring enough, his tape shows good use of that size paired with good athleticism and range. Watch this kid blow up at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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