Saturday, April 23, 2011

Now On The Clock: Picks 17-20

17. New England Patriots: J.J. Watt. DE. Wisconsin
The Pats have a ridiculous five picks in the first three rounds, so basically they can do whatever they want with this pick and still go after other needs with their next four selections. New England obtained this pick from the Raiders through the trade that sent top notch d-end Richard Seymour to Oakland. While I'm sure the Pats were hoping for a potential top 10 pick, Da Raiders unexpected successful 2010 season leaves NE with the 17th pick. Even though this pick is a little deeper than expected by nabbing Watt here, the Patriots can finally fill the hole that was left by Seymour.


18. San Diego Chargers: Anthony Castonzo. OT. Boston College 
With these last two picks we have begun to move from the bottom barrel and up-and-coming teams of the league, to the premier teams who might just be one piece away from making a deep post season run. The Chargers are one of those teams who seem to be on the brink of a championship almost every year, and with a few off season additions they could finally be there. Tackle has been a pressing issue for years in San Diego and Castonzo seems to be one of the most sure fire picks in the draft. 


19. New York Giants: Nate Solder. OT. Colorado 
This might be a painful one for the Giants war room as they guy they've been apparently really targeting in on, Castonzo, gets snatched just one pick in front of them. But no worries, there are still a couple of top tackles who measure up right next to Castonzo. On offense NY could choose to bolster their RB corps with Mark Ingram, but tackle seems to be more of a pressing issue and Solder is a rare specimen. He is a little thin, but his length and speed is something special on the o-line and the G-Men will end up very pleased with this pick in the long run. 


20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan. DE. Purdue 
If Kerrigan falls this far, don't blink on draft day or you might miss the Bucs make this selection. There are rumors of Tampa trying to trade up in the first to get a guy like Kerrigan, Watt, or Quinn, and if Kerrigan is still available this would be an absolute no brainer. Defensive end is the biggest need for Tampa, and Kerrigan is a top 15 talent in this years class. If Kerrigan is gone at this point, which would come as a surprise to no one, I would still expect this pick to be a DE with both Justin Houston and Cameron Heyward still likely on the board.   





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