Possible Early Impact IDP Rounds 2-4:

Linebackers:
Dan Connor (LB, Car) – Assuming he wouldn’t end up on a completely stacked LB roster I felt he was the No. 1 IDP option entering the draft. Presto!

Curtis Lofton (LB, Atl) – Meet the Falcons new two-down MLB (allowing veteran LB Keith Brooking to finally return to the weak side where he belongs).

Jordon Dizon (LB, Det) – Stephen Boyd 2.0. Dizon in the middle and Eight-Solo Ernie Sims on the weak side is a distinct possibility this fall.

Philip Wheeler (LB, Ind) – Should be a good battle with TyJuan Hagler for the final starting spot at LB in the Colts Cover 2 scheme.

Bruce Davis (OLB, Pit) – A DE at UCLA, Davis is all football player but the Steelers appear set on the outside with 2^nd year LB LaMarr Woodley and break-out veteran James Harrison manning the OLB spots. 

Also: Xavier Adibi could find a spot in Houston if the Texans can get creative with WLB Morlon Greenwood’s role; Stanford Keglar (who can really run) has a chance to make an impact in Tennessee, a team that’s been one LB short for a few years  

Defensive Backs:
Brandon Flowers (CB, KC) – Opportunity (Hard) Knocks in KC for the physical Flowers who could receive immediate playing time. He’ll probably get torched, but it’s time for a youth movement on the corners (one 30-something CB down, one to go) in KC and Flowers will support the run as well. Chief competition comes from 2^nd year CB Dmitri Patterson and Tyron Brackenridge.

Chevis Jackson (CB, Atl) – Could be a young starting tandem this season in the ATL with 2^nd year CB Chris Houston and possibly the rookie Jackson watching guys like Steve Smith and Marques Colston celebrating in the end zone for 16 weeks.

Terrell Thomas (CB, NYG) – Another physical CB in a good situation as veteran Sam Madison (who can still play) will miss some time at some point over the 16-game season. Then again, Thomas wasn’t exactly Cal Ripken, Jr. during his college days at USC.

Quintin Demps (S, Phi) – Contingent on a (probable) injury to the aging All Pro Brian Dawkins. Eagles S Quintin Mickell is better than you think and J.R. Reed isn’t bad but the speedy Demps has a shot here.

Justin King (CB, Stl) – At least a 2nd round talent (drafted in the 4th at 101 overall). King can run and has faced top competition. CB Tye Hill and Fahkir Brown probably have the starting spots nailed down at this point but King has the talent to compete. 

Also: CB Tracy Porter will eye an opening in secondary-starved New Orleans; Patrick Lee is one mandatory AARP meeting away from subbing for Al Harris or Charles Woodson on the corner in Green Bay.

Late Round Steals on tap for tomorrow…