SIAP: Kiper Mock 1.0: Minter to Ravens at No. 29

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29. Kevin Minter *Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Analysis: LSU saw a flood of defenders enter the draft, but Minter is the one who should be taken first. With Ray Lewis on his way to the broadcast booth when the season ends, the Ravens need a strong presence in the middle of that linebacking corps. He's not Lewis, but Minter similarly does a great job of anticipating where the play is going and making offensive linemen whiff as he beats them to the ball. A natural fit in the Baltimore scheme, he's a player ready to start.

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Analysis: Skill position questions are significant for the Jets, who need help at wide receiver, tight end and probably at running back. But the value might not be there at this spot, and for several years the Jets also have lacked a pass-rusher who scares opposing offenses. Mingo could be that player on the edge in Rex Ryan's scheme, strengthening a defensive line that is going to be very good on the interior as Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples develop into a couple of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league. Mingo must add polish and play with better leverage, but his ceiling is extremely high and Ryan could do a lot with him.

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Analysis: It was just a year ago at this time when we considered the pass rush a major strength of the Giants, with an emerging Pierre-Paul and veterans Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. But while JPP is now among the best 4-3 defensive ends in the league, the latter two will both be north of 30 by the time the draft arrives -- Umenyiora may not be around next season, and it could be the final year for Tuck in New York. If the Giants want to keep the defensive line a strength, a proven, high-motor defender with pass-rushing skills such as Montgomery would make a lot of sense.

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