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quo;s Cheap Adrian Clayborn Jersey , pass rushers are more important. The only way you can play zone in the NFL is by forcing the quarterback to release the ball sooner than he wants. Barnett was a prolific sacker in college and will operate across from Brandon Graham, one of the league’s most underrated edge-attackers. And as a bonus, the rookie’s workload can be managed this season, since ex-Ram/Patriot Chris Long, a solid first- and second-down player, was signed in free agency.
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15. Indianapolis Colts: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

Just about any position on defense could have been upgraded here. The Colts chose the furthest position back, selecting this draft’s purest free safety. Hooker’s presence clarifies roles for two other defensive backs: T.J. Green, last year’s second-rounder, who will be a pure strong safety, and Darius Butler, the veteran slot corner who will remain in that position rather than sliding to centerfield. Indy’s secondary has struggled to generate turnovers. The rangy Hooker had seven interceptions last year at Ohio State.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Marlon Humphrey Cheap Vincent Valentine Jersey , CB, Alabama

Ravens fans might wonder how this could be the Alabama defender GM Ozzie Newsome took given that defensive end Jonathan Allen and linebacker Reuben Foster were still on the board. Humphrey comes with fewer questions than those guys. Most first-round corners are touted for their man coverage skills, which makes sense: man-to-man requires more athleticism than any chore in football, and great athletes are the ones who go in the first round. But with Humphrey, scouts are high on his ability in zone coverage. Fluid hips give him the transitional movement skills to squat and break on balls. The Ravens play a lot of zone. Humphrey could have time to learn, too. With Cowboys free agent Brandon Carr aboard, and last year’s fourth-rounder Tavon Young coming off a nice rookie season, there is outstanding depth at corner.

17. Washington: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama

Washington filled an area of need with a three-down player whom many projected to go top 10. With a strong presence now accompanying Ryan Kerrigan, new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky on third downs can emphasize fundamentally sound coverage rather than blitzing. That seems to be how head coach Jay Gruden prefers to play.

18. Tennessee Titans: Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC

Most fans and media didn’t notice Cheap Trey Flowers Jersey , but last season Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, regarded as a founding father of the zone blitz, played mostly man-to-man in November and December. LeBeau believed that man coverage better accommodated his disguised pressure tactics. Even before the April 13 release of Jason McCourty, the Titans had a dire need at corner. Don’t be surprised if Jackson starts opposite newly acquired Patriots free agent Logan Ryan in Week 1.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

Look out: not only have the Bucs added maybe the NFL’s fastest wide receiver in DeSean Jackson, they’ve also brought in the best rookie tight end prospect. And last year’s starting tight end, Cameron Brate, was the most improved player in the league at his position. Long and flexible, Brate can line up anywhere and produce. With Brate and Howard on the field together, and the Bucs still being a classic run-oriented offense, Jameis Winston is going to be working against more base defenses. In a base defense, the pass defenders are slower and the coverage looks are simpler.

20. Denver Broncos: Garett Bolles Cheap Tom Brady Jersey , OT, Utah

This wasn’t a hard one to see coming. The Broncos had gigantic question marks at their starting tackle spots—Donald Stephenson and Menelik Watson, plus the long-struggling Ty Sambrailo—and their pick of all the linemen in this draft. Scouts like Bolles’s athleticism, which will serve him well in zone-blocking and pass protection.

21. Detroit Lions: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

With the unfortunate derailing of DeAndre Levy’s career (knee problems), the Lions needed a stack ‘backer. Tahir Whitehead is an active, dynamic player, but not always the most trustworthy. A stabilizing force could work wonders. More importantly, though, Davis is believed to be a quality contributor in pass defense. Some have even compared him to Panthers uber-athletic linebacker Shaq Thompson. In today’s NFL, coverage ability at linebacker is critical.

22. Miami Dolphins: Charles Harris, DE Cheap Tedy Bruschi Jersey , Missouri

Cross-apply the earlier analysis of the Eagles here. First-time defensive coordinator Matt Burke hails from the Jim Schwartz school. He believes in straightforward zone coverage. Which means it’s impossible for the Dolphins to have too many pass rushers. (Zone coverage can’t work without a quality four-man rush.) Harris will learn behind Cameron Wake, who at 35 might need to assume an even more reduced role but can still bend around a corner. With Andre Branch re-signed and ex-Ram William Hayes now aboard, Harris doesn’t have to contribute heavily right away.

23. New York Giants: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss

It had become painful watching Giants tight ends Will Tye and Larry Donnell play. Neither could run-block well and, worse, both were reliable when it came to failed catches. (Tye due to limited athletic flexibility, Donnell to shaky hands.) At worst, Engram can rectify the catching problem. At best, he can revolutionize an already scary passing game. For all the Giants’ talent at wide receiver, the lack of threat over the middle of the field made their simplistic, execution-based passing game too easy to defend tactically.