Can you feel it? We're getting close to the draft, and there is excitment in the air. People around the country are salavating, wait for the names to be called that might define the next 10 years of their favorite franchise's life.

Over the past few weeks I have posted a series of mock drafts with my thoughts as to which way the draft might go. Always with the same set of rules... that any continued off-season movement could change my opinion, and that I wasn't going to take draft day trades into consideration.

My last blog, I took a leap and guessed at some of the madness I'd been hearing concerning draft day trades, and it was fun... not a mock draft I agree with exactly, but fun.

Now with the trade of Jason Peters to the Eagles, the draft board has shook again, and it brings one to wonder how much more could happen.

Below you will find the newest version of my draft, with a new addition to the mix. I'm going to also include my ponderings on the pick itself... if I think it could be traded, if there's something that sticks out strangely to me, or if there is a rumor that I just have to disagree with. I hope you all enjoy, and as always, I'd love to know what you think!!

Pick 1 - Detroit Lions
Matt Stafford - QB, Georgia
Talk is that the Lions might not want this pick, but it seems they're going to have to make a choice. The talk has also all but centered on Matt Stafford, though Sanchez has also been floated as a possibility. I'm thinking the Sanchez talk is more smokescreen to try to trade the pick, but I expect the Lions to set up a contract with Stafford sometime before next Saturday.

Pondering - There have been suggestions that the Lions might let this pick slide a bit just to decrease Stafford's contract number. As cheap as some believe the organization to be, I don't see this happening. If he is the future face of this football team, you don't want the relationship to start out like that. As I said, I expect this contract to be settled as soon as the Lions are sure no one will trade up. And no one will.

Pick 2 - St. Louis Rams
Jason Smith - OT, Baylor
Despite my protests that Crabtree would be a much sexier pick, the Rams will actually give their offense a true boost by protecting their QB and giving Jackson an edge to run to. Smith can block well for both, and the Rams should make the right call.

Pondering - a wide receiver is still needed, and I believe that while the class is deep at the position, if there is a heavy run on them in the first round, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams move back up into the first and get one.

Pick 3 - Kansas City Chiefs
Eugene Monroe - OT, Virginia
Many people have Curry going here due to the defensive switchover to occur in KC, but with the signing of Zach Tomas and Pioli's obvious preference to build a line first, Monroe should be the pick. He'll take over LT from last year's first round pick Branden Albert, who will likely protect the Cassel on the right side.

Pondering - there is also rumor that KC wants to trade out of this pick, but count on Pioli to be savvy enough to make sure it's the right value... and that's just not likely to come. Some would say the Broncos might bite (which I don't think they would), but helping out a division rival is never a smart move.

Pick 4 - Seattle Seahawks
Arron Curry - LB, Wake Forest
Curry is the most complete player on the defensive side of the ball, and after trading away Peterson, Seattle could use a man like that.

Pondering - There is talk Seattle is in love with Sanchez, but I think that the only way he goes at 4 is if someone else slides into the spot. Seattle has bigger fish to fry than choosing their future QB in the first round.

Pick 5 - Cleveland Browns
Michael Crabtree - WR, Texas Tech
The obvious thought here is that this will be because of the want to trade away Braylon Edwards. That may or may not be true. The fact is, even if the Browns decide to keep Braylon, they lost their number two when Stallworth made a poor choice to drive.

Pondering - I also think Braylon will be traded. With the Cardinals setting the price for Anquan Boldin at a first and a third, count on Braylon going for a bit less, probably a first and a fourth or fifth in this year's draft, maybe even a conditional pick next year. Let's face it, even if they are equal receivers, one played in the Super Bowl last year and showed toughness after having his jaw smashed to peices. The other seemed to frequently forget where his hands were.

Pick 6 - Cincinnati Bengals
Michael Oher - OT, Mississippi
Making the largest leap in my draft this week, Michael Oher moves into the sixth spot for the Bengals. Coach Lewis' declaration that Cinncy will become a run-heavy, smash-mouth team makes Oher a perfect selection.

Pondering - Of all the WR I think will be traded, one is not Chad Ochocinco. I think the silence from both sides is pointing to a better resolution than that, and with Carson Palmer back, I think the team is ready to see some of his show again.

Pick 7 - Oakland Raiders
Jeremy Maclin - WR, Missouri
With Crabtree gone, Maclin is the likely pick for the Raiders. Not really a surprise, either.

Ponderings - I thought it was really weird to hear Coach Cable talking about the 4 "really good tackles" in this draft. Good idea, but come on... Al wouldn't let that happen.

Pick 8 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Andre Smith - OT, Alabama
With a 3 player run at tackles and Jacksonville in need, I believe they will grab up Andre Smith at eight. WR will just have to wait.

Pondering - I think this is the first position where we might actually see teams willing to trade up, and since the Jags seem to want out of it, it'll be a happy marriage. But I'm not counting on it being for Matt Sanchez specifically. Teams also might be interested to move into the spot for Andre Smith, B.J. Raji, or Brian Orakpo should they hit this spot.

Pick 9 - Green Bay Packers
Brian Orakpo - DE/LB, Texas
Should both Orakpo and Raji fall to 9, I think the Packers will have a tough choice on their hands, since both would be extremely helpful in their switch to the 3-4. But while some of their DTs may prove servicable, an elite edge rusher like Orakpo will just be too much to turn away.

Pondering - Since it seemingly takes Packers QBs 5 or so years to mature into starters, I can't help but wonder how long it will be before they look for the guy to take over for Rodgers. (I'm kidding, of course).

Pick 10 - San Francisco 49ers
Mark Sanchez - QB, USC
The 49ers were once making very public declaration that QB wasn't their top area of interest in this draft, and I thought I smelled a rat. As draft day moves closer, it seems more and more rumors are beginning to swirl that a QB will be taken, and Sanchez's work out, added to Stafford's second visit makes it all to clear that inspite of not looking very hard for a QB, their taking a lot of time to do it. I stand by my previous statement that if the 49ers had the first pick in the draft this year, Sanchez would be signed now.

Pondering - If Sanchez and the top tackles are gone at this point, I'd expect San Fran to take the best available offer to move down.

Pick 11 - Buffalo Bills
Everette Brown - DE/LB
Brown is going to offer the Bills the best man they could have hoped for at 11 to place across from Schobel.

Pondering - I think that secretly though, they'll be sad to see the early run on tackles, and set their sites on scoring one with the 28th pick.

Pick 12 - Denver Broncos
B.J. Raji - DT, Boston College
The big DT will help Denver make the transition to the 3-4, while still having the ability to play in the hybrid 4-3

Ponderings - I really believe that Sanchez is not the only player Denver might move up to draft. If there seems a large possibility that Green Bay will take Raji, don't be surprised to see Denver leapfrog to 8.

Pick 13 - Washington Redskins
Robert Ayers - DE, Tennessee
With a large hole at defensive end, the Skins can pick one of the fast risers on draft boards. Originally pretty underrated, Ayers has caught the eyes of many teams in off-season workouts, and would thrive playing down with Haynesworth and the rest of the d-line.

Pondering - After signing the 100 mil dollar man in the off-season, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Redskins continuing to focus on the D-line with their next pick. The possibility of a Haynesworth suspension cannot stand in the way of this heavily armed defense.

Pick 14 - New Orleans Saints
Malcolm Jenkins - CB/S, Ohio State
Thank goodness for some consistency. Jenkins to the Saints still makes far too much sense, so I'm sticking with it.

Pondering - Many people have questioned why I let RBs fall so far in my mocks and I do believe that many will express a distaste of Chris "Beanie" Wells not being drafted here. But I also think the Saints believe there are at least 4 running backs in the draft that can help them, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the RBs continue to slide.

Pick 15 - Houston Texans
Clay Matthews - LB, USC
In my last draft, I admitted that I was convinced by another blogger that the Texans were locked into taking an OLB. But since then, I've become further convinced that Matthews is their guy, especially after I learned that former NFLer and current Texan employee Bruce Matthews is Clay's uncle.

Pondering - Between you and me, 3 weeks ago I never thought Clay would be the first of the 3 LBs from USC to be taken... but hey, it happens.

Pick 16 - San Diego Chargers
Rey Maualuga - LB, USC
Already being hailed as the second coming of Seau, Maualuga seems to be the guy on the Chargers "must have" list.

Pondering - As a Broncos fan, I hate this pick, and would be perfectly happy if they chose someone else.

Pick 17 - New York Jets
Josh Freeman - QB, Kansas State
I still say the Jets want a QB, and I still say Freeman is it. The guy will need some work, but with his arm, he could be their starter in no time flat and for years to come.

Pondering - I do wonder, however, if someone might try to move ahead of the Jets to get him. In my strange trade ponderings last week, I had Tampa moving up to Houston's spot to get him. Wouldn't be surprised if something like that happened.

Pick 18 - Denver Broncos
Tyson Jackson - DE, LSU
I'll admit it. Getting both Raji and Jackson would be a dream come true for me as a Broncos fan. I also think it's possible that it happens.

Pondering - Part of me can't help but wonder though if the Browns might not trade Brady Quinn, and if Denver would be interested... we'll see. I'd rather take my chances with QB this year and get better at the D.

Pick 19 - Tampa Bay Bucs
Peria Jerry - DT, Mississippi
The Bucs are short on DTs, the draft is short on DTs of quality, and the Bucs play 2 teams that can run twice a year. Jerry is a steal for them here.

Pondering - That being said, I'm still not convinced they won't be tempted to sign a WR or QB, but with first round QBs being gone and WRs likely being available later, DT is the better pick.

Pick 20 - Detroit Lions
James Laurinaitis - LB, Ohio State, Illinois
If a quality OT falls here, I wouldn't be surprised to see Detroit take one, but with so many holes, you take the best guy in a position of need. Laurinatis is it.

Pondering - I think it will be really weird to have conversations about the Lions having one of the best LB crews in the NFL, but with Sims, Lauinatis, and Peterson, it'll be hard to argue against.

Pick 21 - Philidelphia Eagles
Knowshon Moreno - RB, Georgia
With their only pick in the first round, I still have the Eagles selecting Moreno. With better hands and a powerful running style, he'll be the best guy to eventually take the place of Westbrook.

Pondering - I got nothing. Look out for the Eagles, man.

Pick 22 - Minnesota Vikings
Eben Britton - OT, Arizona
Like the Rams, I think tackle and WR are their two highest areas of need. But being that the wide receivers have dropped off, so does the Vike's interest. Instead, the pull in Britton, who can fill in at RT for them.

Pondering - Its so nice to not have to rewrite my reasoning for some teams taking guys in the draft.

Pick 23 - New England Patriots
Vontae Davis - CB
There have been character concerns raised about Vontae Davis, but the Pats seem to have the ability to get talented guys over that. They can boost their secondary with probably the best corner in the draft.

Pondering - If the Pats don't make this pick, don't be surprised if the Panthers do. Of course, Davis might not be their guy, but rumors continue to swell that the Patriots have their sights set on Julius Peppers. The Panthers are saying they won't trade him, but I recall the Raiders saying similar things about Moss a few years ago and the Pats got their way then, too.

Pick 24 - Atlanta Falcons
Brian Cushing - LB, USC
Cushing took a bit of a freefall in this draft, but the Falcons won't let him slide any further. He fills the hole of two lost LBs, and is a steal at 24.

Pondering - Why is Keith Brooking still a FA?

Pick 25 - Miami Dolphins
Darius Butler - CB, Connecticut
Losing DBs in the off-season, the Dolphins seem to really enjoy Butler's ability and lack of character concerns.

Pondering - I wouldn't be surprised to see Miami try to move up in the next round for a better WR. There are a lot of them, but if there is a good run at the position, they won't last long.

Pick 26 - Baltimore Ravens
Darius Heyward-Bey - WR, Maryland
Let's face it. Derrick Mason played injured last year and he's 83 years old. He needs help, and Heyward-Bey let's Flacco stretch the field.

Pondering - Apparently, the Ravens might be in the running to secure Anquan Boldin's services. Since its pretty clear Edwards won't go to a division rival, the Cards could end up with the back 1/4 of this draft, and boy would that screw my draft board up.

Pick 27 - Indianapolis Colts
Evander "Ziggy" Hood - DT, Missouri
The Colts want bigger, better DTs, and with so few in the draft, they pull the trigger on Hood now.

Pondering - Again, I've got nothing.

Pick 28 - Buffalo Bills
William Beatty - OT, Connecticut
The team who owns the pick may have changed, but the pick didn't. After trading away Jason Peters, Beatty is a tackle that can maintain some stability and safety on the o-line.

Pondering - I think this was a fantastic move on the Eagle's part. Really. Not so sure about the Bills.

Pick 29 - New York Giants
Percy Harvin - WR, Florida
Harvin's stock continues to freefall after rumors of drug use, character issues, and a low wonderlic score, but if the Giants make this pick, Harvin has the talent to overshadow that. And let's face it, he's being drafted to replace a guy who shot himself in the leg. In comparison, Harvin is a genius and an angel.

Pondering - I honestly think the Browns will be making this selection though, and probably opting for a rusher on defense, like Maybin.

Pick 30 - Tennessee Titans
Ron Brace - DT, Boston College
With a lack of depth at DT, Brace fills a major hole for the Titans (pun intended). As Raji's less hyped counterpart at BC, Brace is the other DT projected to play a 3-4 well, or... you know, become a major space eater for a 4-3 like the Titans.

Pondering - I still think it's silly that the Titans won't look at a WR, but if Adammwilson is right and the Titans hold true to form, it probably won't happen.

Pick 31 - Arizona Cardinals
Chris Wells - RB, Ohio State
I know. I know. You don't think Wells will fall this far. I do. I think that the Cards are one of the first teams with both the want and ability to take a running back in the first round. And hey, good for the Cards, right?

Pondering - After getting bumped from Indy and now likely getting bumped from Arizona, I can't help but want to feel for Edge, but... then again, he usually comes off like a jerk in interviews, so I'll get over it.

Pick 32 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Max Unger - OL, Oregon
Let's be honest. It could be Unger, it could be Wood. I don't know who the Steelers really prefer, but taking a offensive lineman with the ability to play multiple positions would be huge for them. I also like Unger better since I lived in Eugene, Oregon (home to the U of O Ducks) for about a year.

Pondering - I really miss Oregon.

 

So let me know your thoughts... and trust me, there will probably be at least one more before draft day...

and no matter what, I pretty much know I'll be dead wrong. It's just fun to postulate.