Scott's mock draft -- Picks 11-21

Here's my second installment of my mock first round for Saturday's NFL draft:

11) Buffalo Bills -- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
With Aaron Schobel missing most of last season with a foot injury, the Bills had no one who could consistently pressure the quarterback in 2008. Brown might be the best pure pass rusher in this year's class and has garnered some comparisons to Indianapolis All-Pro Dwight Freeney for his explosive first step and array of moves. Some teams view the 6-2, 255-pounder too small to hold up as an every-down end, but he fits well in Buffalo's undersized, speed-based defense.

12) Denver Broncos -- Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
The Broncos could look to trade up and grab either B.J. Raji or Tyson Jackson for their revamped 3-4 defense, but staying put and selecting the draft's top defensive back in Jenkins makes some sense as well. The Thorpe Award winner could step in and contribute immediately as a nickel back and down the road as free safety Brian Dawkins' heir apparent.

13) Kansas City Chiefs -- Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas (projected trade)
Not too sure if Orakpo will still be around at this point, especially if the recent whispers that the Browns have soured on Michael Crabtree and are seeking defensive help with the #5 pick turn out to be valid. If he is on the board, the Chiefs probably won't hesitate to take a player who can instantly upgrade a defense that produced an NFL-low 10 sacks last year.

14) Philadelphia Eagles -- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia (projected trade)
There's a lot of talk that the Eagles have Moreno as their top target, and considering Brian Westbrook's age (will be 30 in September) and the way he broke down physically last year, there's definitely a need for a backfield complement. The Birds may have to trade up to obtain the former Georgia star, with San Diego (#16) and Denver (#18) other possible landing spots, but have the ammo to do so. The Saints, who presently own this pick, are without both second and third-round choices and would seem to be willing partners.

15) Houston Texans -- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
For a team that's never had a winning season in its seven years of existence, the Texans really don't have a whole lot of pressing needs and can afford to wait for a player who can bolster a defense that ranked 22nd overall in yards allowed last season to fall to them. Cushing is considered the most complete of the Trojans' awesome stable of linebackers and should help out an area where both projected starters on the outside, Zach Diles and Xavier Adibi, are still rather unproven.

16) San Diego Chargers -- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith's memorable meltdown at the Scouting Combine and obvious maturity issues could cause the wonderfully-gifted lineman to slide out of the top 10, but the Chargers would likely have an interest if he fell this far. The team feels incumbent right tackle Jeromey Clary may be best suited to play inside and may be willing to overlook Smith's red flags and take a risk on a player with definite All-Pro potential.

17) New York Jets -- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Jets would be elated if the game-breaking Maclin slipped into this slot, and a deep crop of receivers plus the Missouri speedster's slender build and durabililty issues could make it a possibility. A popular train of thought has the Jets taking Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman if he's available here, but if the Redskins can nab Mark Sanchez, Gang Green may be willing to make a play for Jason Campbell and add an experienced signal-caller to its roster.

18) Denver Broncos (from Chicago) -- Evander Hood, DL, Missouri
The Broncos' primary focus will be to add pieces to the front seven of its new-look defense, particulary across the front line. Hood's stock is on the rise due to a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and the 300-pounder's versatility, and Denver will take a long look at the hard-working ex-Tiger as a end for its 3-4 scheme.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
There are few players in this year's crop who generate as many polarizing opinions as Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 265-pound end who ran a blistering 4.61 second 40-yard dash at his pro day last month. Johnson's on-field achievements haven't always matched his elite physical gifts, however, and some teams view him as a second or third-rounder due to a questionable motor. The Bucs are reportedly one of those clubs that are sky-high on Johnson, and he could be the pick here if Tampa can't trade down and stockpile an additional choice or two.

20) Detroit Lions (from Dallas) -- Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
The Lions haven't had a difference-making middle linebacker since Stephen Boyd suffered a career-ending injury in 2001, but that could change if the team brings the ultra-physical Maualuga into the fold. There's some concern on how the All-American will fare in third-down passing situations, but his perceived coverage limitations aren't as much of an issue in Detroit, which has two good every-down outside 'backers in Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims.

21) New Orleans Saints -- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State (projected trade)
The Saints are said to really like Malcolm Jenkins, but with the Ohio State defensive back off the board in this scenario, they'd be happy to trade down if they can snare another Buckeye in Wells at this spot. The 235-pound tailback would give New Orleans a physical presence in the running game the team has lacked since Deuce McAllister tore up his knee two years ago. Wells' toughness has come into question due to a host of nagging injuries as a collegian, but the Saints have enough backfield depth where he wouldn't have to carry the load alone.

Tomorrow: Picks 22-32