Draft Analysis - Picks 26-31

Trades aplenty so far. An indicator of the differing views. For the second straight year, the Eagles have traded out of the first round, although they collected a first for 2009. With 10 trades already, the mock drafts fall apart. I have been comfy with some predictions as we go, but like most, have battled with all the movement.

26) Houston selects Duane Brown
Well here is a pick from left field. Brown was a late second round prospect who benefited from the run on OL players. The Texans needed help, but with ALL WR still on the board, surely a wideout would have been better value.

27) San Diego takes Antoine Cason
Antoine Cason fills the 3rd CB role left by Drayton Florence and is a solid pick for a team in good shape. I would have thought that an OL would have been their first priority, but with no value, they play safe. Still, I thought Kenny Phillips would have been better value.

28) Seattle selects Lawrence Jackson
USC get 4 first round selections with the DE making a climb into the first round. The Seahawks needed DL help, and get some DE youth in an every downs form with Jackson. The Seahawks had 3 solid players to choose from on DL with Kentwan Balmer and Phillip Merling, who has dropped more than was predicted, so perhaps his workout wasn't tops.

29) San Francisco selects Kentwan Balmer
The Niners play the 3-4, so do they believe Balmer can be a 3-4 end? He probably isn;t a nose tackle. With any of the WR still on the board, it is surprising they didn't pull the trigger. Balmer represents very good value at this pick.

* I wouldn't be surprised to see a team move up to take a QB here.

30) New York Jets select Dustin Keller
They moved up to get their guy and it is an interesting move for the Jets. I was sure they were moving up to get a QB or at worst the top WR. Well, Keller is an athlete and a productive guy, but I have to think he would have been there at their second round spot. New York Giants will surely be receiving some calls now for the next best QB.

31) New York Giants take Kenny Phillips
He is the top safety and the Giants have a need, so make the pick quite easily. The final pick in the first round should start early to take over for Gibril Wilson. Phillips offers some range and athleticism, although there is some concern over his senior season.