With 4 of the first 64 picks (possibly 3 in the top 40) they have a chance to seriously upgrade the talent and depth on their roster. An upgrade to their pass rush as well as depth and youth at OLB, RB, WR and TE are all needed. Ideally I’d love for them to trade up (I’m assuming they’ll be picking in the bottom quarter of Rd 1) and get Rolando McClain (6-4 250, LB, Alabama) if he drops down around 15 or so. My opinion of him has been well documented.
With that being said, here is what I think might happen if they keep their current draft positions, that's a big IF.
Rd 1 (assigned) - Everson Griffen - 6-3 265 DE/OLB, USC- He’s a big, quick, athletic and explosive player who can bring pressure off the edge. He has 7 sacks and 8.5 TFL through 8 games this season so he can get after the QB and make plays behind the line of scrimmage (16 career sacks to this point), he's also able to set the edge vs. the run. Due to his athleticism, he presents some scheme versatility with the potential as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 OLB, BB loves versatility.
Rd 2 (from Titans) - Eric Norwood - 6-1 252 OLB, S. Carolina- He doesn't possess the ideal height that BB prefers in his 3-4 OLB's, but the guy can flat out play (on track for 30+ sacks and 50+ tackles for loss in his career). He's been dominant in the SEC and makes a living behind the line of scrimmage. Another undersized player (relative to BB's preferences) is Brandon Graham. He too has shown the ability to get to the QB and make plays behind the line of scrimmage (24 career sacks and 40+ tackles for loss to this point). Florida's Jermaine Cunningham (6-3 252, DE/OLB) is another option to consider.
Rd 2 (from Jax) - Ryan Matthews - 5-11 220 RB, Fresno State - Good size and speed, he can hammer the ball between the tackles or take it the distance. He's currently the leading rusher in the nation and there is the Pat Hill connection to consider. If Jonathan Dwyer slips to the bottom of the 1st or top of the second, he could be an option. Charles Scott is another player to keep an eye on in the late second or if they trade back to the 3rd round.
Rd 2 (assigned) - Golden Tate - 5-11 195 WR, Notre Dame - He’s a tough, athletic, productive, big play receiver whose gets a lot of YAC and has a ton of versatility. He can also be utilized on running plays (came to ND as a RB) and has experience running the wild cat. He plays in a Charlie Weis offense, so the ramp up time should be accelerated. The development of Brandon Tate may negate this need, but as of now, I think he's a possibility, though talent and depth will be needed if they decide to let Randy Moss walk following the 2011 season. Eric Decker (WR, Minnesota) is another option that I'm high on.
Rd 4 (assigned) - Tony Moeaki- 6-3 250 TE, Iowa - Athletic TE who can stretch the seam and create mismatches in the slot. The BB/Ferentz connection may come into play. Another possibility is Aaron Hernandez (TE/FB, FLA) who could serve as a jack of all trades utility type player, he's been versatile and used all over the field in different formations for the Gators. There's also the Urban/Belichick connection and while it has no influence, he's also from CT originally.