Dan Wernery Plays GM for 32 teams: Where do I draft a DE or 3-4 OLB?
It has always been a
dream of mine to be an NFL General Manager. During this series of
articles, I will act as the General Manager for all 32 teams and place
each team into three categories based on position need: High Priority,
Moderate Priority and Depth Purposes only.
High Priority (Round 1 or 2)
Kansas City: The Chiefs are likely switching to a 3-4 defense and with the addition of Mike Vrabel, they have a short term solution at 3-4 OLB. The question mark is whether or not Tamba Hali can make the switch. This is a need position but the Chiefs would be insane to pass on BJ Raji or Aaron Curry for Brian Orakpo.
Cleveland: The Browns will likely have a choice between Brian Orakpo to fill a need at 3-4 OLB or getting a safer pick in Eugene Monroe or BJ Raji. The Brown realize there is a scarcity at left tackle and defensive tackle and should attempt to trade down. If the Browns are unable to trade down I would not pass on Monroe or Raji if I were Cleveland. Eugene Monroe would give Cleveland a second bookend tackle along with Joe Thomas for the next 10 years. Even with Shaun Rogers already at NT, the Browns could move Rogers out to DE because of his height and quickness. After the Vernon Gholston experiment didn't have immediate dividends last year, Eric Mangini might be hesistant to go down the same path with Orakpo.
Cincinnati: The Bengals should only take Brian Orakpo if BJ Raji and Eugene Monroe are off the board. The Bengals defense improved, but the lack of a consistent pass rush will not allow this young group to take the next step.
Oakland: If Brian Orakpo is on the board it is likely that Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin is off the board. The Raiders have zero weapons at wide receiver and could still get a decent defensive end in round 2 if their patient. Go for Maclin or Crabtree.
Green Bay: The Packers are switching to a 3-4 without the defensive line or pass rushers to pull it off. Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo make sense for Green Bay with this pick. A lot of people have Aaron Maybin go here, but consider this Maybin had only one of stardom at Penn State and looked awkward in the linebacker drills at the combine.
San Francisco: The Niners have a need for a pass rusher but the bigger needs are at quarterback and right tackle. If Marc Sanchez is off the board the Niners will likely go for Andre Smith or Michael Oher to play right tackle.
Buffalo: This is another team that has equal needs at right tackle and defensive end. Andre Smith and Michael Oher are questionable left tackle prospects, but slam dunk right tackle prospects. Right tackles drafted this high are much safer than defensive ends.
Denver: The Broncos are considering a switch to a 3-4 with the arrival of Josh McDaniels from New England. The Broncos should consider Tyson Jackson since they lack a 3-4 DE. Linebacker and corner should also receive consideration.
Washington: See Buffalo above. Go for Smith or Oher before getting a defensive end. Linebacker is also an area of need for Washington
Detroit: While a pass rusher is a big need, don't stray from your board to get one. This teams has so many holes, they can't afford to reach on any single position of need
Atlanta: If your tempted to draft Robert Ayers remember this, Lawrence Sidbury will be there two rounds later and the difference in talent is little to none.
Arizona: If your serious about a 3-4 defense draft either Connor Barwin or Larry English. If not get a center or guard.
Moderate Priority ( Round 3 or 4)
St Louis,New Orleans, Houston, Carolina and Tampa Bay: Remember these names: David Veikune and Phillip Hunt. Two of the most talented pass rushers on the board who may need work on stopping the run but should contribute right away on third down.
NY Jets, New England, and Miami: Clint Sintim has played in a 3-4 his entire college career. The learning curve will be far less than an Aaron Maybin or Everette Brown.
Depth Purposes Only (Round 5 or lower)
Jacksonville, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Indianapolis, NY Giants, Tennessee and Pittsburgh
Dan Wernery is Chief Scout for NFLDraft101.com and can be reached dwernery@nfldraft101.com
High Priority (Round 1 or 2)
Kansas City: The Chiefs are likely switching to a 3-4 defense and with the addition of Mike Vrabel, they have a short term solution at 3-4 OLB. The question mark is whether or not Tamba Hali can make the switch. This is a need position but the Chiefs would be insane to pass on BJ Raji or Aaron Curry for Brian Orakpo.
Cleveland: The Browns will likely have a choice between Brian Orakpo to fill a need at 3-4 OLB or getting a safer pick in Eugene Monroe or BJ Raji. The Brown realize there is a scarcity at left tackle and defensive tackle and should attempt to trade down. If the Browns are unable to trade down I would not pass on Monroe or Raji if I were Cleveland. Eugene Monroe would give Cleveland a second bookend tackle along with Joe Thomas for the next 10 years. Even with Shaun Rogers already at NT, the Browns could move Rogers out to DE because of his height and quickness. After the Vernon Gholston experiment didn't have immediate dividends last year, Eric Mangini might be hesistant to go down the same path with Orakpo.
Cincinnati: The Bengals should only take Brian Orakpo if BJ Raji and Eugene Monroe are off the board. The Bengals defense improved, but the lack of a consistent pass rush will not allow this young group to take the next step.
Oakland: If Brian Orakpo is on the board it is likely that Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin is off the board. The Raiders have zero weapons at wide receiver and could still get a decent defensive end in round 2 if their patient. Go for Maclin or Crabtree.
Green Bay: The Packers are switching to a 3-4 without the defensive line or pass rushers to pull it off. Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo make sense for Green Bay with this pick. A lot of people have Aaron Maybin go here, but consider this Maybin had only one of stardom at Penn State and looked awkward in the linebacker drills at the combine.
San Francisco: The Niners have a need for a pass rusher but the bigger needs are at quarterback and right tackle. If Marc Sanchez is off the board the Niners will likely go for Andre Smith or Michael Oher to play right tackle.
Buffalo: This is another team that has equal needs at right tackle and defensive end. Andre Smith and Michael Oher are questionable left tackle prospects, but slam dunk right tackle prospects. Right tackles drafted this high are much safer than defensive ends.
Denver: The Broncos are considering a switch to a 3-4 with the arrival of Josh McDaniels from New England. The Broncos should consider Tyson Jackson since they lack a 3-4 DE. Linebacker and corner should also receive consideration.
Washington: See Buffalo above. Go for Smith or Oher before getting a defensive end. Linebacker is also an area of need for Washington
Detroit: While a pass rusher is a big need, don't stray from your board to get one. This teams has so many holes, they can't afford to reach on any single position of need
Atlanta: If your tempted to draft Robert Ayers remember this, Lawrence Sidbury will be there two rounds later and the difference in talent is little to none.
Arizona: If your serious about a 3-4 defense draft either Connor Barwin or Larry English. If not get a center or guard.
Moderate Priority ( Round 3 or 4)
St Louis,New Orleans, Houston, Carolina and Tampa Bay: Remember these names: David Veikune and Phillip Hunt. Two of the most talented pass rushers on the board who may need work on stopping the run but should contribute right away on third down.
NY Jets, New England, and Miami: Clint Sintim has played in a 3-4 his entire college career. The learning curve will be far less than an Aaron Maybin or Everette Brown.
Depth Purposes Only (Round 5 or lower)
Jacksonville, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Indianapolis, NY Giants, Tennessee and Pittsburgh
Dan Wernery is Chief Scout for NFLDraft101.com and can be reached dwernery@nfldraft101.com