By Paul M. Banks
A rather thin group, I included the TEs here and forecasted where they might go.
25. Baltimore Ravens Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
Baltimore’s group of wide receivers make big plays about as often as someone watching a rerun of the HBO’s “The Wire” says to his or herself, “hey, I really want to go visit Baltimore.” Bryant’s off-the-field issue doesn’t seem to have affected his draft stock. And that stock will certainly rise when the combine hits and scouts see his measurables manifest; which will no doubt complement and verify his impressive physical attributes.
29. New York Jets Arrelious Benn WR Illinois
All season long, people (in my opinion rightfully) believed the Jets won consistently in spite of Mark Sanchez, not because of him. Maybe more weapons is all he needs to prove naysayers like me wrong. Arrelious, or “Rejus” as he’s sometimes called, will probably run a 4.4-4.5 at the combine. Pair that with his linebacker size and physique and you have a weapon potentially equal to the next Anquan Boldin. He’s also a big time contributor on special teams. You think Mark Sanchez would salivate a little over the idea of this pick?
For a more in-depth interview/detailed profile of Benn click here
44. New England (from Jacksonville) Golden Tate WR Notre Dame
After Moss, Welker, and Edelman, the Pats have NADA at WR, so they’ll grab this reliable, but undersized burner. By the way, Moss officially declared that this will be his last year as a Patriot- so there’s that reality to think about too. There’s a drop-off from Bryant to Tate, when it comes to WR prospects, because there are many more questions about Golden than there are about Dez. Some wonder if Tate is too small.
45. Denver Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
Sure Denver has other needs, but the tough, tenacious Gresham is just one of those players who slips the through cracks on draft day (it happens every year) and ends up a tremendous value to whoever he lands with. Gresham would be another good piece to fit into the Denver puzzle.
47. New England (from Tennessee) Aaron Hernandez TE Florida
Rumors are abound that the Patriots may let Ben Watson go, instead of over-paying for him. Hernandez would make a great replacement!
52. Pittsburgh Damian Williams WR USC
Wideouts aren’t number one, or even number two on Pitt’s wish list. But you can’t pass up a value like this in Williams. In a weaker receiver class, Williams is making himself known!
59. Dallas Brandon LaFell WR LSU
And LaFell has not only speed and an uncanny ability to find separation, he also possesses an amazing ability to stretch out for less-than-perfectly-thrown balls that will add another dimension to the Dallas offense.