With defenses focusing on slowing down Peyton Manning, the NCAA's career leader in rushing touchdowns, Montee Ball, looks like a big hit in Denver. ...more

Half of the defensive line which helped Tampa Bay lead the NFL in run defense a year ago is now playing elsewhere. Rather than panic, general manager Mark Dominic and head coach Greg Schiano found similarly gifted (but younger and cheaper) players in the draft as replacements, including potential starting nose guard Akeem Spence. ...more

The Saints finished dead last in 2012 against the run. Big John Jenkins -- all 6-foot-4, 346 pounds of him -- could be the run-stuffing presence New Orleans needs to return to the top of the NFC South. ...more

The Panthers may have struck gold with defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short with their first two picks of the 2013 draft but linebacker A.J. Klein could prove a surprising 'diamond in the rough,' himself. ...more

No rookie is going to supplant Tony Gonzalez as Atlanta's starting tight end but the massive fourth-round pick could be the run-blocking specialist to help the Falcons run the ball with Steven Jackson as well as they throw it. ...more

The additions of free agent Andy Levitre and former Alabama star Chance Warmack were the splashier moves but fourth-round pick Brian Schwenke could emerge as the glue behind a revamped and suddenly powerful offensive line for the Titans. ...more

Rather than continue to spend high picks on pass rushers (with less than impressive results), the new regime in Jacksonville is hoping a young secondary can duplicate Gus Bradley's success in Seattle. ...more

Had John Boyett not missed virtually all of his senior season due to knee injuries, he might have earned a top-100 selection. The physical and productive two-time All-American is one of three defenders drafted by Indianapolis who could help give the Colts an identity on this side of the ball. ...more

The Minnesota Vikings once prided themselves on a ferocious defensive line affectionately known as the Purple People Eaters. With defenses focusing on Adrian Peterson, rookie receiver Cordarrelle Patterson could explode into the NFL with the same aplomb he did the SEC -- as a highlight reel regular. ...more

Durability concerns might have pushed Eddie Lacy to the second round, but his physical running and ability as a receiver and blocker on third down could have the Packers laughing last. ...more