First Round Analysis, pt. 1

We all knew that Andrew Luck and RG3 would be the first two picks in this year's NFL draft, and we all know how they will fit in to their respective teams' offenses. What about the rest of the league?

Cleveland - Trent Richardson (RB) and Brandon Weeden (QB)
Trent Richardson will give Cleveland a power back with a second gear that Peyton Hillis lacked. He'll be a great running back lining up behind Colt McCoy...or Brandon Weeden. The 28-year-old from OSU looks to be Cleveland's QB of the future, but that future needs to come quick if they expect this pick to pan out. If he starts early, he could be a solid QB for 7-10 years.

Minnesota - Matt Kalil (OT)
Matt Kalil is an excellent prospect who displays good technique. USC's almost exclusively zone blocking scheme and his lack of lower body strength are concerns, but there is one thing this guy is able to do well: pass block. And with young Christian Ponder at the helm, the Vikes needed a man who could keep Ponder's blindside protected.


Jacksonville - Justin Blackmon (WR)
Jacksonville traded up to get this pick and steal Blackmon away from my Rams. But, this is an excellent pick. The Jags needed a big play type of receiver, and that's what they got.With Blackmon, Laurent Robinson (FA from Dallas) and Mike Thomas, Jacksonville has a solid receiving corps for second year QB Blaine Gabbert to throw to, and some guys to take the pressure off of RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

Dallas - Morris Claiborne (CB)
Dallas traded away the 14th pick and their second round pick to my Rams to get the 6th pick and pick Morris Claiborne, the dynamic corner from LSU. Claiborne is an excellent cover corner, very Darrelle Revis like in terms of ability to cover the deep ball. He is a bit of a lazy tackler, but he will improve. This was a position of concern for Dallas, and they definitely bolstered it.

Tampa Bay - Michael Barron (S) and Doug Martin (RB)

As Mel Kiper, Jr. said last night, Barron is a classic Steve Atwater type of do it all safety. He is a ballhawk with excellent range and physicality who will look to be an anchor for the Bucs' defense. On the other side of the ball, Doug Martin from Boise State brings an every down back that they lacked. Yes, LeGarrette Blount is a powerful back, but he lacks the receiving capabilities that Martin possesses. Whoever they start, they will have an excellent tandem with Blount and Martin.

Miami - Ryan Tannehill (QB)
This pick is a bit of a reach, but when your offensive coordinator is the kid's former college coach, you gotta take him. He is a converted wide receiver, a very mobile quarterback. His decision making abilities and his ability to win the game late are lacking, but he will have time to develop behind Matt Moore. Look for Tannehill to make a splash within the next three seasons.

Carolina - Luke Kuechly (ILB)

Kuechly is one of the most complete prospects in this draft, and Carolina needed a linebacker. With Jon Beason and Thomas Davis both coming off significant injuries, the Panthers will look to Kuechly to be an anchor. And if all three of these guys stay healthy, look for this unit to be one of the most feared linebacker corps in the league.

Buffalo - Stephon Gilmore (CB)
The Bills' secondary was an area of concern last season, and they addressed that with South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore brings a good combination of size and speed that will allow him to match up with any receiver. He is a willing tackler, though that is something he needs to improve. This was a great pick for Buffalo.

Kansas City - Dontari Poe (NT)
Kansas City has made a habit of drafting defensive tackles that don't quite pan out in the first  round, and Dontari Poe could easily be one of those guys. However, he could also be spectacular. The biggest concern surrounding Poe is his inability to dominate marginal competition (he played in C-USA. Yeah, a high first rounder from C-USA who can't dominate). But his biggest upside is his physical ability. He weighs in at 345 pounds, and displays excellent speed for a man that size, and his strength is amazing, putting up 44 bench reps at the combine. Only time will tell if KC picked a Haloti Ngata or a Dewayne Robertson.

Philadelphia - Fletcher Cox (DT)

Philly picked the Bama product to strengthen their defensive line, clearly. This wasn't an area of concern for the Eagles, but they do love to rotate their linemen.Cox is a versatile tackle who displays good run stopping ability and he can rush the QB. Again, not a necessity, but an excellent pick on Andy Reid's part.

Arizona - Michael Floyd (WR)
Larry Fitzgerald finally has a playmate! Don't get me wrong; Early Doucet and Steve Breaston were good receivers, but they weren't legitimate number two guys. With Floyd, Arizona gets a receiver who is bigger and faster than Justin Blackmon, and someone who could be a number one receiver in some offenses.

St. Louis - Michael Brockers (DT)
As Robby said last night, "ALL THE FAT LAZY OVERRATED D-TACKLES IN MISSOURI." Brockers is a big guy who can stop the run, but he lacks the experience, being a third-year sophomore.However, he is a monster run stopper with range, and that's what St. Louis needed - a run stopper. Having picked up Kendall Langford, the Rams are addressing their interior defense's lack of run stopping ability and looking to take the pressure off of Chris Long (and Robert Gaines, if he develops).