13. St. Louis Rams: Alan Branch DT Michigan: The Rams will more than likely be looking for a defensive player in this slot, and it will come down to Branch and Adam Carriker. Branch was at one time considered a top-5 pick, but his questionable work ethic has caused him to drop out of the top-10. Branch is a space-eater, but he also has agility that is rarely seen in interior defensive lineman. If the Rams can get him to go 100% all the time they will have a great defensive tackle for years to come.
14. Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen TE Miami: Last season showed that the Panthers' offense is not as explosive as some people might think. Yes, Steve Smith is a playmaker, but Carolina lacked a guy to make plays in the intermediate passing game. Olsen would provide them with instant offense at the tight end position, and would give Carolina their best TE since the days of the late, great, Wesley Walls. Other pssibilities could be Reggie Nelson or Brandon Meriweather, bith safeties, since there is speculation that Mike Minter will retire at the end of this season.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida State: The Steelers released Joey Porter in the offseason, and look for new head coach Mike Tomlin to replace him in the first round with the versatile, athletic Timmons. Timmons has good speed, and he could succeed as an outside linebacker in Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense. That is, as long as Tomlin does not change it to the traditional 4-3 that he ran in Minnesota. Other potential candidates for this spot include Paul Posluszny and Reggie Nelson.
16. Green Bay Packers: Marshawn Lynch RB California: This is another pick that most of the analysts have the same. With Ahman Green gone, Green Bay is in desperate need at running back, and Lynch is a dynamic back who can be used in the running and passing game. Lynch was great in his days at Cal, and he is the clear #2 RB in this year's draft behind Adrian Peterson. There are some injury and character concerns surrounding Lynch, but none of these claims seem to have much basis to them.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Reggie Nelson S Florida: Every year my dreams are shattered during the draft, and this yearJacksonville will be the culprit when they select Nelson one spot ahead of the Bengals. Nelson is an all-around safety who runs a 4.35 40 and is a big time hitter. He is a playmaker with a nose for the football, and he was a fixture on Florida's National Championship team. Ted Ginn would be another possibility in this spot, but with Deon Grant gone, look for Jack Del Rio to upgrade at the position with the selection of Nelson.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburgh: The Bengals have to go with defense with this selection, and with Nelson off the board, Revis is probably the best defensive player out there. Cincinnati hit it big with their selection of CB Jonathon Joseph last year, and with the departure of Tory James, Revis would be able to step in and play some snaps right away. Revis is also a talented return-man which is another area the Bengals need to improve in. Since the Bengals have so many positions to fill on defense, other possibilities include Michael Griffin, Aaron Ross, Adam Carriker, Jon Beason, Paul Posluszny, and Brandon Meriweather.
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