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2. St. Louis Rams - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

The Rams missed out on Jake Long in 2008 and now have to hope that they are able to grab Andre Smith here. Franchise standard bearer Orlando Pace is 33 and has suffered a multitude of injuries in recent years. Selecting Smith, a dominant run blocker, would allow the Rams to either release Pace or move him to the right side to shore up the line even more. The Rams can not go through another season with their porous offensive line that allowed 45 sacks and forced Marc Bulger to the sidelines yet again. The Rams may be parting ways with Torry Holt and Leonard Little, which would make Michael Crabtree and Brian Orakpo enticing, but Smith is the obvious and correct pick here. He may need some time to develop into an elite pass blocker, but is ready to start 16 games in the NFL immediately. Eugene Monroe may be a better overall player right now, but Smith has a higher upside and fits the smash mouth approach the Rams will want. St. Louis may be tempted to grab defense here for new coach Steve Spagnuolo in which case Aaron Curry would be the pick.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

The hiring of former New England executive Scott Pioli adds a lot of intrigue to this pick. While in New England, the Patriots selected a variety of positions - but usually went for the two lines. However, the Chiefs have 2008 first rounder Branden Albert locked in at left tackle. It would certainly be easy to point out defensive end as the biggest need for a team that amassed a paltry 10 sacks in 2008, but this seems a bit high for Brian Orakpo. Many are pointing to a QB here - but Tyler Thigphen was serviceable in 2008 and Pioli knows that this is a multi year process - no sense reaching for a QB here at #3 when he can take an outstanding defensive player. Wake Forest's Aaron Curry is the best linebacking prospect the War Room Report has seen since Lavar Arrington and would team with Brandon Flowers, Derrick Johnson, and Glenn Dorsey to give the Chiefs a talented young core if used correctly.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Seattle certainly has to rate as one of the biggest disappointments in the 2008 season, where they suffered a multitude of injuries in Mike Holmgren's final season. Seattle could be poised for a rebound in a weaker division with a solid core of players. Deion Branch returned towards the end of the season to give the Seahawks some solid WR play, but the rest of the group was decidedly mediocre. Michael Crabtree has been outstanding while at Texas Tech, demonstrating the ability to separate, incredible hands, and good after the catch moves. He deserves to be a top five pick and would start immediately for the Seahawks and have a huge impact. The Seahawks could certainly look at Eugene Monroe here as a replacement for the aging Walter Jones or if they decide that Matt Hasselback is finished, could jump at the chance to draft his replacement Mark Sanchez here.

5. Cleveland Browns - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

The Browns could give the Seahawks a run as the most disappointing team in 2008, failing to improve off a solid 2007 season. New head coach Eric Mangini will attempt to revive the franchise and must first work on the defense. The Browns struggled mightily against the run particularly, as the investment in the interior line did not pay off as expected. Cleveland has gotten solid play from second year players Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright, and are excited about Alex Hall's prospects rushing the passer. However, Mangini saw the huge impact that Darrelle Revis had on the Jets and will be tempted to select in state product Malcolm Jenkins, who would team with Wright for an ultra potent CB duo and allow McDonald to become one of the top nickel backs in the league. The Browns could use an improvement at running back, but there are no tailbacks worthy of this lofty selection. Jenkins is NFL ready and possesses a great size/speed combination.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Cincinnati fans wish they could just forget about 2008, as the Bengals struggled in all aspects of the game. The team has numerous needs, including tailback, but as previously mentioned there is not a tailback in this draft that deserves to be selected in the top 10. The Bengals had the worst offense in the league in 2008 by a wide margin, much of which can be attributed to terrible QB play after Carson Palmer went down, but the team also gave up 51 sacks. Rookie Anthony Collins played well towards the end of the season, but the Bengals still could improve up front. Eugene Monroe is the top player left on the board and could immediately start for the Bengals. As we have seen in the past, adding a NFL ready OT allows a team to reshuffle their line and see huge improvement - like the Browns in 2007 and the Panthers in 2008. Monroe could provide such a lift to the Bengals.

7. Oakland Raiders - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Raiders struggled on both sides of the ball yet again in 2008. Their offense ranked in the bottom five in the league and the defense gave up more than 24 points per game. Darren McFadden was a bust in his first year and Jamarcus Russell has struggled to pick up the NFL game. The Raiders could look at virtually any position here, especially with Al Davis still calling the shots. The Raiders top receiver in 2008 was tight end Zach Miller, and their top wideout finished with just 22 catches. Jeremy Maclin's lightning speed will be of great interest to the Raiders and he could state immediately.  Many will think this is too high, but Darius Heyward Bey and Jeremy Maclin are going to be among the top risers as we head towards the draft and do not discount the speed and flash factor with the Raiders.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

Jacksonville was impressive in 2007 and awful in 2008. Playing in one of the toughest divisions in the league only complicates matters. The investment in Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves did not provide immediate dividends but bodes well with Reggie Nelson and Justin Durant for the future of the Jags defense. Maurice Jones Drew had a strong 2008 season but there are concerns about the Jags offensive line. Left tackle Khalif Barnes struggled mightily in 2008 and is unlikely to be retained. With no replacement on the roster, the Jaguars have to grab one here. Jason Smith, a former tight end at Baylor is a bit of a developmental prospect - the Jags would obviously prefer Monroe or Andre Smith here, but he has a high upside with great mobility and athleticism. As seen in the 2008 draft, elite left tackles are highly sought after and Jason Smith appears like to be a top 10-15 pick.

9. Green Bay Packers - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Packers are implementing a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Dom Capers and, outside of Aaron Kampman, do not have a reliable pass rusher. Brian Orakpo had a terrific senior season for the Longhorns, finishing with 11.5 sacks on the season. At 6-4, 260lb and possessing great athleticism, Orakpo could project well to the rush linebacker position in the 3-4 defense. The Packers may also be tempted with pass rushers Aaron Maybin or Everette Brown, but Orakpo appears to be a more well rounded prospect. Star offensive tackle Chad Clifton has regressed and the Packers have yet to find a long term replacement, so if Andre Smith, Jason Smith, or Eugene Monroe falls, they could be the selection here as well.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

This would be a dream scenario for the 49ers. While Shaun Hill was not terrible as the San Francisco starter, the chance to draft a true franchise QB at pick 10 is very enticing. There are concerns about Sanchez - he was only a one year starter, and may need some development time. But his ideal NFL size and accuracy are very intriguing. He could give the 49ers an identity to build around. Head Coach Mike Singletary may push for the 49ers to add a pass rusher - perhaps Everette Brown or Aaron Maybin here, but it is difficult to pass on Sanchez at #10 when the 49ers do not have a long term answer at QB on the roster.

11. Buffalo Bills - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

The Buffalo passing game struggled at times during 2008. Trent Edwards does not have the arm to go downfield consistently and the Bills have no real threats at receiver outside of Lee Evans. Pettigrew, , easily the top TE in the draft, is a huge target at 6'6, 260 lbs, and moves very well for a big man. While he does not have elite long speed, he is a well rounded player who can block as well as be a target down the field and in the red zone. Adding Pettigrew to the Bills offense would immediately making things much more difficult for opposing defenses. There are some character issues here, but the Bills have not been afraid to take risks in recent drafts. As the War Room Report advocated ad naseum last year, the Bills need to add a pass rusher - after Aaron Schobel went down with an injury, Buffalo really struggled to get to the QB, so Brown or Maybin could draw some interest here.

12. Denver Broncos - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

A year after giving up over 146 yards per game on the ground, the Broncos are converting to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Mike Nolan. However, the Broncos lack a true nose tackle. Dewayne Robertson has proven he is unable to play the position in the past and is likely not to return, while Marcus Thomas is better suited for a defensive end role in the 3-4. The Broncos would have to be ecstatic if Boston College DT, B.J. Raji falls here. Raji is a bit shorter than desired, but he has outstanding bulk and can really anchor versus the run. He is by far the best nose tackle prospect in this draft and could start immediately for the Broncos. Denver also could use an insider linebacker here or a pass rusher/outside linebacker, but unlike the Packers, who are also moving to a 3-4, nose tackle seems to be far and away the biggest need.

13. Washington Redskins - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

The subject of the much noted book "The Blind Side", Michael Oher is one of the most fluid players in the draft right now. He is as talented as any offensive tackle prospect, but the character and work ethic concerns are alarming. Chris Samuels has been a stalwart for the Redskins but has seen his best days. The Redskins were unable to get any consistency from either Jon Jansen or Stephen Heyer on the right side, so adding Oher here would, in effect, solve two problems. Oher has amazing upside and is the type of player that the Redskins are known to take a chance on. The Skins also need to address a weakness at the defensive end position so Everette Brown or Aaron Maybin would be enticing.

14. New Orleans Saints - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC

This pick is very contingent on what happens with free agent MLB Jonathan Vilma. In new coordinator Greg Williams scheme, the MIKE linebacker is of the utmost importance. If Vilma leaves, the Saints will have to search for his replacement in the draft. USC LB Rey Maualuga is a big hitter who plays with a great deal of passion. He has shown the ability to make plays on a consistent basis while at USC and seems to be a prototypical NFL MLB. The Saints may consider James Laurinaitis here, but the upside that Maualuga provides maybe is difficult to ignore. Despite investing a ton of picks in the position, New Orleans still needs to improve their cornerback position and could use additional depth at defensive tackle - but those needs will have to wait if Vilma does not return.

15. Houston Texans - Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

In retrospect, the Texans made the correct move in selecting Mario Williams over Reggie Bush in the 2006 NFL draft, but lack any pass rushing threats outside of Williams. Florida State DE Everette Brown is an explosive edge rusher who put up strong numbers for the Seminoles as a junior - finishing 2008 with 21.5 TFL and 13.5 sacks. He would make a nice complement to Williams and still has a ton of upside. The Texans also could consider a similar prospect in Penn State DE, but Brown seems to have less risk. The Texans also could look to upgrade in the secondary, but improving their defensive line must be priority number one.

16. San Diego Chargers - James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State

The Chargers have yet to truly replace former inside backers Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey. Stephen Cooper is a talented player, but he has off the field issues, and despite investing a number of late round draft picks, they have not found a solid player for the other ILB position. Laurinaitis bypassed the draft last year and actually saw his stock regress a bit. He has terrific intangibles and is a solid wrap up tackler. While he may not offer the upside of Rey Maualuga, he should be able to play in the middle of a 3-4 system at 240 lbs and could start for the Chargers immediately. Another player to keep an eye on here is Tyson Jackson, as the Chargers may have to replace Igor Olshansky up front, but look for Maualuga or Laurinaitis to be the pick here if available.