It wouldn’t be a first-round of the NFL Draft without some teams reaching for players. To be fair, every pick is a gamble, but some are bigger risks than others. Here are seven guys who went a little bit sooner than they should have.

#5 S Eric Berry, Chiefs – Let me preface this by saying that Berry is an absolute stud who should be a great player for years to come. That being said, the Chiefs went against the grain to take a safety this high. He better be the next Sean Taylor, or this will go down as a mistake.

#8 LB Rolando McClain, Raiders – Leave it to Al Davis to throw the first major curveball. I like McClain as a prospect, but not this high. He was projected in the mid to late teens, so the Raiders jumped the gun. Anthony Davis or Bryan Bulaga would have been safer picks. Then again, Al Davis doesn’t believe in playing it safe.

#10 DT Tyson Alualu, Jaguars – The Jags reached big time for Alualu, who was graded as a second-round talent. He brings a strong work ethic and versatility to the table, but he could have been had much, much later. At least they got a good player with upside.

#12 RB Ryan Matthews, Chargers – San Diego jumped 16 spots to land Ladainian Tomlinson’s replacement. Matthews had a stellar senior season at Fresno State, but was graded as a late first-rounder. The Chargers panicked to go up and get him. The Texans at 20 might have been interested, but cornerback was a bigger need for them.

#13 DE Brandon Graham, Eagles – The Birds leapfrogged from 24 to 13 to take who they believe is the draft’s best pure pass-rusher. Actually, I think Graham fits the Eagles aggressive, blitzing defense, but he is a tweener who could struggle against pro right tackles. It also cost Philly both their third-round picks to get him.

#22 WR Demaryius Thomas, Broncos – Thomas has great size and speed, and possesses playmaking skills. However, he’s not the player that Dez Bryant is, and Bryant was still on the board. Obviously the difficulties with Brandon Marshall scared Josh McDaniels away from Bryant. Ironically, Thomas represents just as big a risk.

#25 QB Tim Tebow, Broncos – Denver part deux. The ultimate boom or bust pick. Tebow could be the next John Elway, or he could be the next Brian Griese. McDaniels continues to search for a competent replacement for Jay Cutler. One thing is certain: Tebow will sell a bunch of jerseys.