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From an offensive perspective, the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft got off to a fast start. By the end of the round 12 more offensive skill position players find themselves on NFL rosters:


Pick #3 (#35) - Bengals - QB Andy Dalton
The Bengals could not have hoped for a better start to round 2. Dalton was projected by many to be a first round pick. It comes as no surprise that he didn't last long on Friday. The Bengals needed a QB to develop under Carson Palmer or perhaps to take over for him if he still wants to leave town. This will be an interesting storyline to follow.


Pick #4 (#36) - 49ers - QB Colin Kaepernick
The 49ers jumped into this pick because of all the question marks surrounding current starter Alex Smith. They're hoping Kaepernick will be a good security blanket and he definitely has the potential to develop into a starter. He is an athletic QB, capable of making plays and escaping trouble and he has a strong arm. File this away as another development project to keep an eye on.


Pick #6 (#38) - Cardinals - RB Ryan Williams
With Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower already on the roster, Williams is an interesting fantasy prospect. Neither current Cardinal Running Back was impressive last year and the team is more inclined to pass. Williams is known for his tough play and hard running, but he has some issues. Most notably, he needs to focus on ball security and avoid fumbles. You know, the typical mantra for all Cardinals backs.


Pick #11 (#43) - Vikings - TE Kyle Rudolph
Rudolph projected as the #1 TE in this draft and that's exactly how he came off the board. There were a number of teams in need of a TE that passed on this kid, so the Vikings are happy to have him. At 6' 5'' and 250+ pounds he's one big dude. With his size and ability and Visanthe Shiancoe close by, the Vikings are set at TE.


Pick #12 (#44) - Lions - WR Titus Young
Calvin Johnson already made the Lions an aerial threat, but he may have just gotten even more potent and the Lions may have their own version of double trouble. Young is a speedster and a legitimate deep threat. He will draw attention from opponents. This pick makes Matthew Stafford even more valuable (if he stays healthy).


Pick #15 (#47) - Rams - TE Lance Kendricks
Kendricks isn't as big as Rudolph, but he does come highly recommended. He has shown good blocking ability in college and can definitely do the job as a pass catcher, racking up the third highest yardage total amongst TE in 2010.


Pick #24 (#56) - Patriots - RB Shane Vereen
Curious pick here as New England goes with a RB that most projected to go in the third round or later. Particularly with Mikel LeShoure still available. The Pats obviously saw something that they liked in Vereen and it's hard to question the reasoning of a team that contends for the championship every year. We'll have to wait and see how this pick plays out.


Pick #25 (#57) - Lions - RB Mikel LeShoure
Look what fell into the Lions lap. LeShoure projected as the #2 RB in this draft and they may be able to look back on this day and smile every time, knowing that New England passed on him. Only time will tell, but this pair of RB picks are going to be fun to follow. The Lions offense is suddenly looking very impressive. They increased their depth at WR earlier, have a potential star at QB, and now their RB core is top notch with LeShoure and 2010 rookie Jahvid Best.


Pick #26 (#58) - Ravens - WR Torrey Smith
The run on offense continues as these picks all fall into place. We really like this pick for Baltimore. The Ravens receiving corps is getting up there in years. We're not saying that Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin are finished, but the offense can use a little youth and Smith fits the bill.


Pick #27 (#59) - Browns - WR Greg Little
Clearly, the Browns needed help for their passing game. The lack of an air attack is one of the big reasons why Peyton Hillis was shut down towards the end of the season. Teams finally realized they could put more focus on stopping the ground game. Little doesn't appear to be the #1 wideout the team needs, but has #2 potential if he shows maturity and puts enough effort into his development.


Pick #30 (#62) - Dolphins - RB Daniel Thomas
Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown have had their issues the last couple of years. The Dolphins are in need of a fresh pair of legs. This Kansas State RB led the Big 12 in rushing each of the last 2 seasons and hopes to step into the Miami backfield and make a difference. He is a durable back, but has to watch the ball security and doesn't exactly have breakaway speed. Regardless, he should fit nicely into the mix.


Pick #32 (#64) - Packers - WR Randall Cobb
One more weapon for Aaron Rodgers. The Packers passing attack was healthy last season, but Donald Driver is showing his age and James Jones dropped some pretty important passes hurting his job security. Cobb has a legitimate chance to compete for playing time right out of the gate.