NFL Draft Live Blog

Upated 5:15 p.m.

Eben Britton's wait is over.

Many had the Arizona tackle as a possible first-rounder. But he kept sliding until Jacksonville stepped in and selected him with the seventh pick in the second round (39th overall).

Britton will team up with Eugene Monroe (Jax's first-round selection) to help shore up a woeful offensive line. Britton will likely step in at right tackle for the Jags, with Monroe anchoring the left side. Excellent value pick for the Jags and a terrific opportunity to step in right away for Britton.

My beloved Broncos surprised many, trading up to take Cincinnati's second-round pick to take Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith. He's a terrific playmaker with outstanding ball skills, but he's only 5-foot-9. Even worse, Rey Maualuga was still on the board! We desperately needed Maualuga to step in and be our starting middle backer for the next 12 years. Instead, we have an undersized corner who may or may not make a difference. Oh, well.

Josh McDaniels, you need to step up your game.

Updated 4:35 p.m. -- And the final pick of the first round is Evander Hood, defensive tackle, Missouri.

He's a big boy who produced at a very high level for the Tigers in the last two years. Pittsburgh drafts as well as any franchise, which is why they're picking 32nd.

There are some outstanding players available for teams picking near the top of round two. Rey Maualuga, Everette Brown, James Laurinaitis, LeSean McCoy, and our very own Eben Britton are still available.

I'll have a few more updates throughout the day. I'm hoping to see Britton find himself in a good situation and I'm hoping to see either Maualuga or Laurinaitis to fall to Denver at pick No. 48.

Updated 4:30 p.m. -- The defending NFC Champs catch a major break.

The Arizona Cardinals have Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells fall into their laps at pick No. 30. Health permitting, Wells will provide a major jolt to a rushing offense that ranked dead last in the NFL last season.

This means Edgerrin James' Arizona tenure is over. No hearts broken on either side.

But Wells would've been a top-10 pick had his health cooperated. But if Wells is able to stay on the field, he has the potential to be a tremendous player for them. He fills a major need for Arizona.

In addition, the ESPN guys seem to think the Cardinals are going to hang onto Anquan Boldin. This is going to be a fantastic offense next season if everyone can stay on the field. Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin, Wells -- are you kidding?

The Super Bowl champs from Pittsburgh are up next. Will Arizona's Eben Britton slip to the second round?

Updated 4:20 p.m. -- Now it's the Giants fans' turn to display their enthusiasm.

North Carolina wideout Hakeem Nicks will be asked to help step into Plaxico Burress' shoes, now that he's been kicked to the curb. Todd McShay says Nicks is "NFL ready," but isn't the physical freak that someone like Burress is. But he has outstanding hands with NFL-level strength.

The Bills snagged smart center Eric Woods with their 28th pick. He'll start on day one along with Aaron Maybin. I love what the Bills are doing right now.

Indianapolis raised some eyebrows with their selection of Donald Brown out of UConn. Despite already having Joseph Addai on the roster, the Colts couldn't turn down Brown. He gained more than 2,000 yards on the ground last season, and he'll give Peyton Manning even more options -- as if that guy needs more toys to play with. In today's NFL, it doesn't hurt to have multiple playmakers in the backfield.

Tennessee was rumored to be one of the teams interested in trading for Arizona's Anquan Boldin, but it looks like those talks broke down, as the Titans used their 30th pick on Rutgers wideout Kenny Britt. This guy is an outstanding route runner with terrific size, but he's not the world's fastest guy. But he should contribute immediately for what has been a subpar wideout group for Tennessee.

The Cards are up next.

Updated 3:55 p.m. -- Percy Harvin, Michael Oher, Peria Jerry, Vontae Davis -- the last four picks.

Harvin went 22nd to Minnesota. Both sides have had their fair share of character issues, but Harvin has the big-play ability that the Vikes crave. If only he played quarterback.

Oher has the most remarkable story of any draft prospect. We don't have room to go into it here, but I'll just mention that they're making a movie based on Michael Lewis' book "The Blind Side," which covered Oher's journey from a young homeless kid in Memphis to first-round offensive tackle. Everyone is rooting for Oher.

Jerry is a devastating defensive tackle, who should make an immediate impact in Atlanta. He would've gone much higher if it weren't for injury concerns.

Davis is an athletic cover corner with great speed and athleticism. Look for Miami to work him into nickel coverage packages this season, while easing him into the starting cornerback role.

The Patriots just traded down, once again. The Green Bay Packers moved into the 26th slot to select outstanding USC linebacker Clay Matthews. I would've been fine if one team found a way to take all three USC linebackers -- Cushing, Matthews and Rey Maualuga.

Updated 3:25 p.m. -- Cleveland is in stockpile mode.

From five to 17 to 19 to 21, the Browns haven't seemed too interested in making a pick. The Browns are up to 10 total picks for this draft after starting with five. But now they're actually going to make a pick -- center Alex Mack out of Cal. Nice pick. He's a quality interior offensive lineman.

Detroit snagged big Brandon Pettigrew with the Roy Williams pick from Dallas at 20. Pettigrew will make an outstanding target over the middle for him. He's also a fantastic blocker. Pettigrew is a special talent.

Philly traded into the 19th pick to snag Jeremy Maclin to go alongside DeSean Jackson for one of the speediest WR tandems in the league. Maclin is better than Heyward-Bey, too.

Now that the Knowshown Moreno pick has sunk in a little, I'm starting to talk myself into him. He truly is an outstanding back with a great deal of talent. If he stays healthy, he could be a devastating offensive weapon. I would still rather have seen the Broncos take two defensive players in the first round, simply because the defense was so unspeakably bad last season. But Moreno could make a great deal of difference for them. By the end of the day, I'm sure I will have completely talked myself into Moreno and I'll start calling him the next Adrian Peterson.

Updated 3:10 p.m. -- OK, I've calmed down a little.

Knowshon Moreno might be a heck of a player for Denver. I love his versatility, and I really love that first name of his. I still think the Broncos could've grabbed a runner later in the draft, but whatever. What do I know?

Robert Ayers went in the Jay Cutler pick at 18. The Tennessee defensive lineman is a top-notch pass rusher, and many believe he can play at any spot on the defensive line. I really like this pick.

Brian Orakpo is going to be a heck of a player for Washington. I still wish Denver would've taken him. Oh, well.

New Orleans snagged Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins at 14, which is about right. The Saints have struggled mightily on defense, and Jenkins should step in as a nickel back for them immediately.

Houston took USC's Brian Cushing at 15, where he'll rack up triple digits in tackles and start for them for the next 10 years. There's another guy I wish Denver would've taken.

San Diego reached slightly for Larry English at 16, but he should improve their dreadful pass rush. English excelled at a small school in Northern Illinois, so it'll be interesting to see if he can retain that level in the NFL.

Tampa Bay traded up two spots to get Josh Freeman out of Kansas State, apparently worried that the Broncos were going to snag the strong-armed QB. Freeman is a boom-or-bust pick. He has the physical tools to match any other NFL QB, but he didn't display the best decision-making skills and he always struggled against K-State's best opponents.

Updated 2:35 p.m. -- Noooooo!!!

No! No! NO!

Didn't we just sign like 15 running backs this offseason? So now we're using our No. 12 pick to take Knowshon Moreno out of Georgia?

Yeah, he's a fine football player. I guess. But Denver NEEDED a defensive player. Desperately.

Yeah, he'll add some stability for the Broncos in the backfield. Denver had an impossible time keeping tailbacks healthy. But this guy isn't an every-down back. We needed defense there. Brian Orakpo would've been perfect. Instead, the Washington Redskins snagged him at 13. This makes me mad.

Ugh.

Now that the Broncos have picked, let's discuss Jay Cutler for a minute.

There's no denying that Cutler is a very talented quarterback. Few players possess his athleticism and arm strength. He did an outstanding job posting some impressive stats without the help of a consistent running game or a passable defense. You can't overemphasize how those constant tailback injuries or those dreadful defensive performances hurt the Broncos last year.

But people need to cool it on Cutler. He made the Pro Bowl simply because they announce the teams way too early. Had the voters looked at the entire regular season, Philip Rivers makes it in ahead of Cutler.

Also, he posted many of his best statistical games in blowouts. When Denver needed him to step up in a must-win game, he blew it. Denver finished the season 0-4 and got blown out by San Diego with a playoff berth on the line.

Now, Cutler is supposed to turn around Chicago's offense, despite having very few weapons and a much weaker offensive line around him? I'm skeptical, especially since this entire saga has exposed Cutler's horrifying immaturity.

But honestly, I would've preferred to see Josh McDaniels get along with Cutler. I really don't like anything about McDaniels' approach here. This is the rare situation where both sides look bad.

Ugh. I need to go for a walk. I'll be back soon.

Updated 2:30 p.m. -- The Buffalo Bills have a crucial pick in front of them.

They've sold their souls with the Terrell Owens signing. In order to keep that guy's head screwed on straight (well, relatively speaking), the Bills need to make a lights-out pick here.

Penn State pass rusher Aaron Maybin is a distinct possibility here. The AFC East is loaded with quality QBs, so they need a difference-maker on the defensive line. Maybin is exactly the type of guy who can step in on day one and pressure the passer.

And it's official. Maybin is heading to Buffalo.

He looks impressive in his highlight reel, but then again, so does everybody.

OK, Denver is on the clock. Let's go Broncos! Don't let me down.

Updated 2:25 p.m. -- With the Niners on the clock, Steve Young discusses how their legacy is no longer intact. I haven't liked much of anything he's said today, but he's totally right. And he's the right guy to make that assessment. Nice work, Stevie.

Everyone believes Crabtree is the pick. He might not fill Jerry Rice's shoes, but then again, who could?

His foot injury really screwed up his pre-draft routine, given that he couldn't run the 40. But what does that matter? He's a phenomenal wide receiver. Some might argue that his stats are inflated by the Texas Tech system, and there might be some validity to that. But there's no question that Crabtree has No. 1 wideout potential.

My friend Aran is a huge 49ers fan, and he just instant-messaged me this: "YEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

He's excited.

Crabtree can do anything. He's big, fast, strong with great hands. I guarantee he'll be better than Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Outstanding pick for San Fran. He's exactly what they needed, and they got him at No. 10. Wow.

Two more picks until my beloved Broncos are on the clock. I'm awfully nervous.

Updated 2:13 p.m. -- Green Bay could've been devastating with a WR tandem of Greg Jennings and Michael Crabtree, but they really need a defensive tackle.

With new defensive coordinator Dom Capers taking over and turning the Packers' D into a 3-4 scheme, Boston College's B.J. Raji hears his name called.

Raji is a stud tackle who'll start immediately for them. He could be a Pro-Bowl level nose tackle and create multiple opportunities for linebackers like A.J. Hawk to make plays.

He's what scouts call a "high motor" player. He is a phenomenal athlete with otherworldly strength. He never lets up and he offers a lot of versatility. Raji is an outstanding pick for them.

Crabtree's wait shouldn't be much longer. The San Francisco 49ers will almost definitely pull the trigger on the star wideout.

Updated 2:10 p.m. -- Michael Crabtree is still on the board. Still!

The Jacksonville Jaguars take Eugene Monroe to help solidify the offensive line. They could've used Crabtree, given that they have always needed help at that spot, but Monroe is a very solid pick. The Jags went through last season with a ravaged offensive line, which kept their offense from doing anything productive. Monroe should be a terrific starter for them.

I'm still shocked from that Heyward-Bey pick. That was 10 steps beyond crazy.

The Packers are on the clock.

Updated 2 p.m. -- Oh my. Oh man. Holy jeez. Wow. I mean...

What???

Really???

You have to love the Oakland Raiders. Darrius Heyward-Bey was a pretty decent wideout for Maryland, but that 4.3 40-yard time of his suddenly makes him a better wide receiver than Michael Crabtree in Oakland's eyes.

Just stunning.

What? Huh?

This is just a dreadful pick. Kiper gives it an F. If there was a grade lower than F, the Raiders would've gotten it. This is a mind-boggling pick. Just shocking.

Oakland could've traded down to the 20s and still snagged Heyward-Bey. Crabtree is most definitely going to be a No. 1 wide reciever. Heyward-Bey might have bust written all over him. He had a couple of games at Maryland where he was held without a reception!

The Raiders won't be a legitimate NFL franchise until Al Davis lets go of the reins.

Todd McShay had him rated as the No. 25 player and the No. 4 wideout. "He doesn't catch the ball consistently," says McShay. Seems like a problem when you're a wideout.

Darrius Heyward-Bey. No. 7. That really happened.

Updated 1:55 p.m. -- The Cincinnati Bungles are now on the clock, desperately looking for the most talented prospect with a history of run-ins with the law so he'll fit into that clubhouse.

You have to feel bad for anyone taken here. The Bengals don't seem to have any sort of clue whatsoever. Nobody deserves to be banished to that disorganized team.

And of course, the pick is Andre Smith.

He was listed as the No. 1 overall pick before he was suspended for improper dealings with an agent prior to Alabama's bowl game against Utah. Then, he showed up to his pro day woefully out of shape and completely disinterested.

It's almost as if the Bungles seek out the players with attitude issues and throw huge contracts at them. Sure, he's a talented tackle prospect, but how will a huge rookie contract motivate him now?

Now the Bengals are counting on him to protect the oft-injured Carson Palmer. Yeah, that'll work out well.

The draft can be so predictable sometimes.

Updated 1:45 p.m. -- Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Browns' No. 5 pick is "the trade spot." Right as we come back from commercial, the New York Jets have traded into the No. 5 spot. The New York crowd is beside itself with excitement. Sanchez's wait is over.

His sports coat is back on, his cell phone is attached to his head, and he's smiling that movie-star smile of his. Mark Sanchez, the Big Apple loves you -- for now.

This pick makes total sense. Sanchez is fully capable of playing in a huge market, having led USC to some big wins. The Jets have plenty of talent to compete right away, and Sanchez has a definite chance to pull a Joe Flacco or a Ben Roethlisberger. I like this pick a lot.

It's too bad. Part of the comedy in every NFL draft is watching the crazy Jets fans lose their minds over the team's No. 1 pick. There is a video clip on Youtube that compiles every reaction throughout the years. Most of the picks elicit anger and horror. This year is much different. They're still buzzing.

The particulars: Cleveland receives the Jets No. 1 (No. 17 overall), the Jets' second-round pick, DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff, DB Abram Elam. Wow, quite a haul for Cleveland!

Updated 1:35 p.m. -- Steve Young must have some money riding on Mark Sanchez getting drafted in the top five.

Even though the Seattle Seahawks make the smartest pick of the draft, taking all-around superstud Aaron Curry at No. 4, Young won't shut up about Sanchez and how he's a "15-year NFL player."

Curry is relentless. He is a fundamentally sound tackler and he can do anything on a football field. Of course you take Curry. I was secretly hoping he'd tumble down the draft board to No. 12 at Denver.

Curry is openly emotional, crying and cheering and everything. Heart on his sleeve. Now, he's talking to Erin Andrews, which is a great added bonus to getting drafted. Deadspin.com refers to Andrews as "America's sideline princess," for obvious reasons.

Updated 1:30 p.m. -- I love the NFL draft for moments like this.

ESPN has brought on former Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards to break down what that team should do in the draft. Heck, if he had a worthwhile opinion on this matter, the Chiefs wouldn't have fired him after watching that team dreadfully underachieve under his direction.

The Chiefs should pick Aaron Curry here. This linebacker is a lock to make multiple Pro Bowls. But of course, they reach for Tyson Jackson, the defensive end out of LSU. Call me crazy, but it doesn't make much sense to take an defensive lineman out of LSU the year after you take the EXACT SAME GUY the year before in Glen Dorsey. Kiper had him listed as the No. 16 player available. Naturally, the Chiefs take him at three. Kiper's grade: C+. Jackson won't be a bust for them, but Curry would've been phenomenal.

Tangent: Steve Young is driving everybody nuts. His "you have to find guys who LOVE TO PLAY FOOTBALL" speech, where a few drops of spittle probably hit the cameraman, alienated the entire broadcasting crew. Ugh.

Updated: 1:20 p.m. -- Jason Smith is a big, strong man.

The St. Louis Rams get themselves an enormous left tackle in Smith, and Marc Bulger celebrates.

The Rams haven't been able to protect Bulger at all the last couple of seasons. Smith should be able to step in from day one and help keep Bulger upright. Plus, Smith should help open some running lanes for Steven Jackson, who has quietly been seething behind the scenes, given that he typically gets hit three times before reaching the line of scrimmage.

Kiper and Young both believe that the Rams should've snagged USC signal-caller Mark Sanchez with this pick, which would've been awfully stupid. The Rams have a huge chunk of their salary cap invested in Bulger, and it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense to reach for a quarterback right now. There are plenty of good QBs available next year, so they don't need to burn the No. 2 overall pick on Sanchez, who isn't a no-doubt-about-it type of prospect.

Smith is an o-line cornerstone and should do a terrific job taking over for Orlando Pace, who left the Rams for Chicago.

Updated 1:05 p.m. -- Good luck, Matt Stafford.

After an unprecedented 0-16 campaign, the Detroit Lions will look to the erratic, yet cannon-armed quarterback from Georgia will be the young man to lead this franchise out of the Matt Millen-led dark ages.

Stafford will receive a 6-year deal worth roughly $78 million, with $41.7 million guaranteed. The NFL needs to do something about these rookie contracts. It's absolutely insane that Stafford -- a kid who has never taken an NFL snap -- immediately receives a contract richer than 98 percent of those in the league.

I'm not the world's biggest Stafford fan. Granted, he has one of the strongest arms of any quarterback in this or any era, but that's not all that goes into being a top-level QB. His decision-making skills were always suspect at Georgia. He throws a ton of interceptions and near-interceptions, because he believes he can throw the ball into any space. Those spaces close in a hurry on the professional level. If Stafford steps in as Detroit's starter this season, it's quite possible that he sets the NFL record for INTs.

As I was typing, Chris Berman just screamed "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME NFL DRAFT?!" That was terrifying. Someone get that man some decaf!

Berman is surrounded by annoying analysts like Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young, ensuring that this telecast will be driving me nuts by about 3:30 p.m. I might need to go to the NFL Network feed for a break from these guys.

Plus, we'll have the passive-aggressive Mel Kiper versus Todd McShay battle looming throughout the day. I don't know why ESPN felt the need to bring in another draft expert. Kiper lives, sleeps and breathes the NFL draft. Plus, he has that disorienting hairdo. I get the distinct feeling that Kiper and McShay aren't quite on the same wavelength.

Poor Kiper just wants to break down the draft. He's not always right, but he's consistently passionate. But ESPN has him do those silly ads where he looks like Tom Cruise in "Minority Report" while interacting with Keyshawn and Steve Young.

Now it's official. Roger Goodell: "With the first pick in the NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Matthew Stafford, quarterback, Georgia."

Where will Arizona's Eben Britton end up? Who will the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals (that just doesn't look right, does it?) select?

Keep checking in throughout the day, where I'll be updating this blog with all the picks, trades and intrigue.