17. New York Jets: Matthew Stafford, quarterback, Georgia.
The Jets likely would commence efforts to trade up once Stafford falls past No. 10; with few options in free agency, this might be the only way to address one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster.
18. Chicago Bears: Darrius Heyward-Bey, receiver, Maryland.
We don’t rule out an attempt to trade up in front of the Jets for Stafford. Absent such a move, Heyward-Bey makes the most sense. Which of course means that the Bears probably won’t take him.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vontae Davis, cornerback, Illinois.
The Bucs bring aboard the eventual replacement for Ronde Barber.
20. Detroit Lions: Peria Jerry, defensive tackle, Mississippi.
With Corey Redding gone, the Lions need to beef up the interior defensive line. If any of the three top quarterbacks are still on the board, one of them might make sense.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, tight end, Oklahoma State.
The Eagles get a new weapon for Donovan McNabb. They’ll get a running back later in the draft — and maybe later in the round.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Hakeem Nicks, receiver, North Carolina.
With Bernard Berrian providing a deep threat, Nicks gives them the kind of big, strong, sure-handed wideout they haven’t had since Cris Carter left.
23. New England Patriots: Rey Maualuga, linebacker, USC.
Maualuga gets to spend a year or so learning the ropes from Tedy Bruschi before taking over for him.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Evander Hood, defensive tackle, Missouri.
With one of the better offenses in the conference, the Falcons begin to bolster an underachieving defense by adding a defensive tackle for their 4-3 front.
25. Miami Dolphins: Clay Matthews, linebacker, USC.
Bill Parcells loves guys with football in the family, and Matthews could become the heir to Joey Porter.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, receiver, Florida.
With a solid quarterback finally on the roster, the Ravens finally get a high-end receiver. Finally.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Eben Britton, tackle, Arizona.
Despite all other needs, taking care of Peyton Manning is the top priority.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Donald Brown, running back, Connecticut.
Brian Westbrook is about to fall apart; it’s time to get his replacement.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, receiver, Rutgers.
They need another Plaxico Burress. Badly. They’ll settle for the best guy left on the board. We don’t rule out a trade up. To pick off Nicks or Harvin.
30. Tennessee Titans: Alex Mack, center, California.
The Titans pick up the successor to Kevin Mawae, and hope that they can patch something together to replace Albert Haynesworth.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Wells, running back, Ohio State.
The Cardinals address one of their biggest needs, and bid farewell to Edgerrin James in the process.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyson Jackson, defensive end, LSU.
With their starting defensive ends on the wrong side of 30, the Steelers get a 3-4 defensive end to succeed Aaron Smith or Brett Keisel.