We went defense in the first round and it is only one piece in the puzzle by picking Kerrigan to go opposite Rak. The other major piece of rebuilding the defense is still out there and can likely be had at #41. Granted we have more needs, like CB and ILB on D and RT and RG on the O-line, but there are 2 potential NT's out there, Marvin Austin from NC and Stephen Paea from Oregon State. Remember, the key to the 3-4 is the anchor, the NT.
I read up on Austin last night, he was part of the issue that NC had last year when they suspended a bunch of players. He sat out the 2010 season. If Kerrigan and his character are a message as has been suggested, this would not be a wise pick. Paea, on the other hand, is a character guy. Neither guy will make it much further down the board than the #41 pick, so I don't think either is an option at #49. There is one concern with both of these young men besides good or bad character, neither of them breaks the 310 mark. Not exactly the size you want from your NT. Paea has his strength to compensate, and Austin is apparently one heck of an athlete.
Either way, I had been a strong proponent of O-line with both 1st and 2nd round picks. As we approached the draft, I resigned myself to the idea that defense is more of a priority, I mean we were 31st in the league. Paea and Kerrigan alone could make us a better D. I was hoping for Watts in the 1st round, but accept Kerrigan.
I like Andy Dalton! I think he would look good in B&G. However, I think he is 60/40 to be a successful QB in the NFL. Too much risk when we have so many other needs. McElroy can be there in the 5th round. I would rather take that risk so our defense can get the immediate impact of young play makers.
#49? Wisniewski or Hudson. Both are versatile players who can play C or G.