Sports

JOHN ERZAR’S FIRST-ROUND PICKS

Daunte Culpepper is the best QB on the Lions roster. Enough said.

2. ST. LOUIS Jason Smith, T, Baylor

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Replaces Orlando Pace and becomes second newcomer to the O-line.

3. KANSAS CITY Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

The draft’s best player will help a defense that allowed 5 yards per carry.

4. SEATTLE Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Finding a future replacement for Matt Hasselbeck takes precedence over a tackle or receiver.

5. CLEVELAND B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Ability to play anywhere on a 3-4 line gives the Browns flexibility.

6. CINCINNATI Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia

Last season proved protecting QB Carson Palmer must be the top priority.

7. OAKLAND Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Al Davis loves speed and Maclin has it plus fills a huge need on offense.

8. JACKSONVILLE Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Steady performer who can play inside next to John Henderson or on the edge.

9. GREEN BAY Andre Smith, T, Alabama

If Raji and Jackson are gone, the Packers turn their attention to the offensive line.

10. SAN FRANCISCO Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Attitude and foot injury make Crabtree fall in the hands of the Niners.

11. BUFFALO Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

Pass rusher for a defense that managed just 24 sacks all of last season.

12. DENVER Robert Ayers, DE/OLB, Tennessee

Signed over a dozen free agents, but still need more help for the defense.

13. WASHINGTON Michael Oher, T, Mississippi

Three O-line starters, including both tackles, have been in the league 10 or more years.

14. NEW ORLEANS Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Saints need a workhorse back to complement Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas.

15. HOUSTON Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Need more playmakers after surrendering 30 or more points in six losses last season.

16. SAN DIEGO Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Signed free agent Kevin Burnett to play inside, but Maualuga is too good to pass up.

17. NEW YORK JETS Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

New coach Rex Ryan needs more linemen to fit his 3-4 scheme.

18. DENVER (from Chicago) Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Revamping the secondary with veterans is only a short-term solution.

19. TAMPA BAY Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

Bucs gamble the draft’s most overrated defensive player finds a home in the front seven.

20. DETROIT (from Dallas) Eben Britton, T, Arizona

Lions take the last first-round talent at tackle and then will turn attention to defense.

21. PHILADELPHIA Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

There is little depth to help out Brian Westbrook, but Wells comes with some questions.

22. MINNESOTA Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

After missing with 1st-rounder Troy Williamson in ’05, Vikings try again with a speedster.

23. NEW ENGLAND Clay Matthews, OLB/DE, USC

Pats add a linebacker whose dad Bill Belichick coached while with the Browns.

24. ATLANTA Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

Falcons address the D-line unless one of the top outside linebackers falls to this spot.

25. MIAMI Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Miami needs someone to pair with speedy Ted Ginn Jr., but a pass rusher is also possible.

26. BALTIMORE Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Todd Heap can’t stay healthy and L.J. Smith is a one-year insurance policy.

27. INDIANAPOLIS Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Joseph Addai’s health and Dominic Rhodes’ departure leave the position very thin.

28. BUFFALO (from Carolina through Philadelphia) William Beatty, T, Connecticut

Beatty is a bit of a reach, but the Bills need a replacement for Jason Peters.

29. New York Giants Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

Not a good spot to find Plaxico Burress’ replacement, so they take best player available.

30. TENNESSEE James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

Not a pressing need, but Laurinaitis is too good a player to drop any further.

31. ARIZONA Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State

With the running backs gone, the Cardinals concentrate on shoring up the front seven.

32. PITTSBURGH Eric Wood, C/G, Louisville

With the pick of the litter at the center position, Steelers take the player who fits their style.

FIRST-ROUND TRADE NOTES

18. Denver received the pick as part of the compensation for QB Jay Cutler.

20. Detroit received the pick as part of the compensation for WR Roy Williams.

28. Buffalo received Carolina’s pick from Philadelphia as part of the compensation for T Jason Peters. Philadelphia acquired Carolina’s pick during a draft-day trade in 2007.