Tuesday, March 9, 2010

2010 NFL Mock Draft Round 1

Updated 4/21
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford (QB/Oklahoma)
Bradford
The Rams need help everywhere and Ndamukong Suh is the most regarded player in this draft. However, this franchise needs a Quarterback of the future and they have missed this opportunity repeatedly in the past. In 2005, they missed out on an opportunity to draft Aaron Rodgers, in 2006, the Rams traded away their draft pick to Denver, who eventually took Jay Cutler. The Rams used their pick on Tye Hill, who is now on the Falcons. In 2007, the Rams picked DT Adam Carricker over Brady Quinn (Ok, maybe this was a better choice.) Two years ago, the Rams missed out on Matt Ryan, and last season the Rams failed to draft Mark Sanchez. Minus Quinn, all of these players are current cornerstones for their teams (Cutler was traded last season to Chicago.)
Many draft analysts are picking Suh, but teams just simply don't pay th high price for a top draft pick on a DT, especially when they desperately need a QB. Sam Bradford also should not be the top QB. Jimmy Clausen is the most experienced QB in a pro-offense. Bradford is coming off of two shoulder injuries in the same season, doesn't possess the arm Clausen has and is inexperienced in handling pressure situations. The Sooners' shotgun offense failed to give Bradford any opportunity to be exposed to pressure and his OL was riddled with stars including two potential cornerstone OTs

2. Detroit Lions- Russell Okung (OT/Oklahoma State)
Russell Okung
I've had Detroit drafting Ndamukong Suh for as long as I can remember, however, Detroit recently traded with Cleveland for DT Corey Williams, so it is time to address Detroit's next big need, OT.
They drafted Gosder Cherilus two seasons ago, however, he is a better fit at RT, Okung will block the blind side for QB Matthew Stafford, which Detroit showed the needed last season after the beating he took, which included shoulder and knee injuries as well as a season ending on injured reserve.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ndamukong Suh (DT/Nebraska)
Ndamukong Suh
The Big XII conference comes away with the first three selections in the NFL Draft as Tampa Bay selects the most talented player on board. Suh is an absolute monsters and many Texas fans are still trying to erase the Big XII title game from their memory when Suh tore apart Texas' star OL. The Bucs have not had a star DT since Warren Sapp left the team, and Suh could become a star in a division which includes Drew Brees at QB.

4. Washington Redskins- Brian Bulaga (OT/Iowa)
Bryan Bulaga
Washington has acquired Donovan McNabb from division rivals Philadelphia, now they need to improve their horrific offensive line to protect their new franchise quarterback. Bulaga if a mauler who will be able to handle the responsibilities of a RT while blocking Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and DeMarcus Ware in a sack-happy division.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Bruce Campbell (OT/Maryland)
Bruce Campbell
Kansas City invested $63 million into QB Matt Cassel. That money will produce nothing if the team can not protect him. Campbell is just a notch below Bulaga and will immediately improve the Chiefs.

6. Seattle Seahawks- Gerald McCoy (DT/Oklahoma)
Gerald McCoy
Seattle possesses two first-round draft choices, and in a deep talent pool at tackle, they can pick elsewhere with their early pick. Many analysts, including Todd McShay, have McCoy rated as the top DT of the draft. McCoy can stop the run as well as get a sack, helping open space up for Seattle's linebacking core.

7. Cleveland Browns- Eric Berry (S/Tennessee)
Eric Berry
Personally, I don't believe a safety is worth a top-10 pick, however, he is the most talented player on the board and Cleveland has seen the impact Ed Reed, who many people compare Berry to, has had in Baltimore and could consider the Tennessee product.

8. Oakland Raiders- Trent Williams (OT/Oklahoma)
Trent Williams
Who knows who Oakland is looking at? Taylor Mays would be the most predictable, but Al Davis has a lot of talent built at DB and have other needs elsewhere including protecting their QB, whoever that may be. Trent Williams was a stud for Oklahoma as he protected Sam Bradford and Landry Jones against Sergio Kindle, Brian Orapko and several other star Defensive Ends in the Big XII.

9. Buffalo Bills-Jimmy Clausen (QB/Notre Dame)
Jimmy Clausen
If Ralph Wilson wants to see his Bills make the Super Bowl before he dies, they need to get rid of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards. Clausen is the drafts top QB and the most pro-ready after being developed by Charlie Weis.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars-Derrick Morgan (DE/Georgia Tech)
Derrick Morgan
Jacksonville has too many problems to consider Tebow with the tenth overall pick. If they want the Jacksonville native at QB, they'll need to trade away this pick and get a pick in the second round (New England has their pick) Derrick Morgan is the best DE on this board by far, despite the talent available. Jacksonville, however, can not afford top 10 player money here. Expect a trade from Denver, or even the Giants, who both have eyes on Rolando McClain

11. Denver Broncos-Dan Williams (DT/Tennessee)
Surely Devner doesn't see Jamal Williams as the long-term solution to NT as they transition to a 3-4 defense. Jamal Williams will stay for a season or two to groom the younger Dan Williams into a star

12. Miami Dolphins-Jason Pierre-Paul (DE/South Florida)
Pierre-Paul is easily the most overrated player in this draft. He has little experience, but is highly touted due to great workout warrior abilities and a large upside. I wouldn't be surprised if Oakland targeted him. Regardless, Miami just lost Jason Taylor to division rival Jets and need to upgrade quickly at DE, Pierre-Paul can do that.

13. San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Davis (OT/Rutgers)
Now that Alex Smith is named the starter, the teams goal is to make sure he doesn't take a beating of David Carr proportions. Davis will immediately fill in as San Francisco's franchise OT.

14. Seattle Seahawks-Dez Bryant (WR/Oklahoma State)

Seattle is desperate to have top top receiver. T.J. Houshmanzadeh was unable to do it on his own last year. Bryant is very similar to Houshmanzadeh's former college and pro teammate, Chad Ochocinco.

15. New York Giants-Rolando McClain (MLB/Alabama)
Giants get what they wish in McClain, who will fill the hole left by Antonio Pierce. McClain is the best linebacker on the board with a great frame and a sure-tackler.

16. Tennessee Titans- Joe Haden (CB/Florida)
Tennessee needs help at literally every defensive position except safety and defensive tackle. There are plenty of options here as they rebuild the defense, including Sergio Kindle, Sean Weatherspoon, Brandon Graham or Kyle Wilson, but Joe Haden is the best cornerback on the board and will immediately start on the Titans, who are replacing both starting cornerbacks from last season.

17. San Francisco 49ers-Sean Weatherspoon (OLB/Missouri)
Te 49ers continue to build their team by adding a stud outside linebacker. Weatherspoon is a physical linebacker with great coverage ability. If CJ Spiller is available here, don't be surprised if San Francisco takes him, but I think that the team will continue drafting for their needs.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Iupati (G/Idaho)
I had Pittsburgh drafting S Earl Thomas, but Ryan Clark has resigned, to fixing the OL is the next priority. Iupati is the top Guard in the draft, and could help bring back the smashmouth football Pittsburgh loves to play.

19. Atlanta Falcons-Brandon Graham (DE/Michigan)
Atlanta needs to get to the quarterback in order to improve their pass defense, which was downright awful last season. Graham will be an immediate contributor to Atlanta as they try to dethrone the Saints next season.

20. Houston Texans-C.J. Spiller (RB/Clemson)
Houston could have been a perennial playoff team last season if they had a running game. Slatton exhibited a sophomore slump which easily cost the team at least 3 games. Spiller is a home run hitter who can break open any game.

21. Cincinnati Bengals-Taylor Mays (S/USC)
Mays is an athletic freak, but terrible in coverage. That isn't necessarily a bad thing for the Bengals, however, who host the best CB duo in the NFL, which will allow Mays to roam free and do what he does best, hit people.

22. New England Patriots- Jared Odrick (DT/Penn State)
Now that Torry Holt has been signed, the Patriots can address needs elsewhere. Jared Odrick is a versatile defensive lineman, witht he ability to play both end and tackle, just like Richard Seymour.

23. Green Bay Packers-Charles Brown (OT/USC)
If Green Bay wants to beat Brett Favre and the Vikings, they need to protect Aaron Rodgers, who was abused last year by Jared Allen. Green Bay has already lost on OT to free agency and the team needs to upgrade on an aging OL.

24. Philadelphia Eagles- Kyle Wilson (CB/Boise State)
Philadelphia just traded away CB Sheldon Brown to Cleveland, leaving a hold across Asante Samuel. Kyle Wilson is a stud CB who can also return punts and kickoffs, easing the responsiblities of WR DeSean Jackson

25. Baltimore Ravens- Jermaine Gresham (TE/Oklahoma)
Baltimore has spent this off-season upgrading a weak receiving core for QB Joe Flacco. Gresham will revive the TE position in Baltimore, which is known for having talent at that position. Gresham is coming off knee surgery, but showed no signs of rust at the combine.

26. Arizona Cardinals- Sergio Kindle (OLB/Texas)
Arizona lost star defensive player Karlos Dansby to the Dolphins and quickly need to replace him. Kindle can play both end and linebacker and was a sack machine in Texas.
27. Dallas Cowboys-Earl Thomas (S/Texas)
Thomas slips down due to all the trading and signing of safeties in free agency. Thomas has the skills that Berry has, just not the hype.

28. San Diego Chargers-Ryan Matthews (RB/Fresno State)
San Diego ended the Tomlinson era when the released the team's all-time leading rusher in February. Darren Sproles, however, is not able to handle a one-man show. Matthews is a fast, powerful running back who can split time with Sproles.

29. New York Jets-Everson Griffen (DE/USC)
The Jets have little need son their team, especially after acquiring Santonio Holmes. Graham will improve the Jets DL and make their already feared defense even more feared.

30. Minnesota Vikings- Brian Price (DT/UCLA)
Pat Williams is 37 and uncertain as to whether or not he will return this season. No problem now for Minnesota who drafts Price and maintains their nasty run defense starting with their front four.

31. Indianapolis Colts-Maurkice Poncey (C/Florida)
With Jeff Saturday aging, Poncey will play a pivotal role in the Colts offense. Poncey is versatile enough to play both guard and center, and could immediately start at thr former until Saturday retires.

32. New Orleans Saints-Jerry Hughes (OLB/TCU)
The Saints lostt starting OLB Scott Fujita to Cleveland in free agency, and in order to be successful in the NFC, you need to rush the QB. Hughes can play DE or OLB, both are holes for New Orleans

2010 NFL Draft Round 2

Updated 4/14
33. St. Louis Rams- Golden Tate (WR/Notre Dame)
This pick would make even more sense if the Rams drafted Clausen, his college teammate. Tate's stock rose during the combine where he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash. St. Louis could benefit from a speedy receiver, and could help improve Donnie Avery.

34. Detroit Lions- Devin McCourty (CB/Rutgers)
Detroit recently released Phillip Buchanon and the team spent last season with the league's worst pass defense. McCourty will make an immediate impact for a Lions squad that faces Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, and possibly Brett Favre six times next season.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brandon LaFell (WR/LSU)
Tampa could use this pick to add a cornerback to eventually replace aging Ronde Barber, but the talent pool isn't deep and Detroit just took McCourty. LaFell could replace Antonio Bryant and provide youth to the Buccaneers receiving squad. LaFell is a tall physical receiver similar to Vinnie Jackson.

36. Kansas City Chiefs- Patrick Robinson (CB/Florida State)
Kansas City continues to re-tool it's defense and adding depth to their frail defensive backs. Robinson is a tough cornerback who has a lot of upside and first-round potential.

37. Philadelphia Eagles- Jon Asomoah (G/Illinois)
Asomoah can make an immediate impact in Philadelphia as they enter the Kevin Kolb era. Illinois only had two bright spots last season and Asomoah was one of them.

38. Cleveland Browns- Dexter McCluster (RB/Ole Miss)
McCluster is a do-it-all back who can line up as a receiver as well as return kickoffs and punt returns, all of which could take pressure away from Joshua Cribbs. Jerome Harrison stepped up at the end of last season, however, it isn't definite that he will be the feature back in Cleveland in 2010.

39. Oakland Raiders-Carlos Dunlap (DE/Florida)
Dunlap has all of the physical tools Al Davis looks for in a players. After releasing Greg Ellis, Dunlap could fall into Davis' hands and start immediately. Dunlap is physically talented but is known for taking plays off and has several off-field issues as well.

40. San Diego Chargers- Terrence Cody (DT/Alabama)
San Diego loves mammoth NT in the 3-4. Cody has weight, conditioning and discipline issues, but is a force when he does play.

41. Buffalo Bills-Cam Thomas (DT/North Carolina)
Buffalo is currently in transition to a 3-4 defense and need a nose tackle. They misse dout on Dan Williams in the first rounds, but make up for it by drafting Cam Thomas here.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kareem Jackson (CB/Alabama)
With an aging Ronde Barber, the Bucs need to improve their defensive back unit. Kareem Jackson will be grromed into the potential replacement for Barber as he plays across Aqib Talib.

43. Denver Broncos- Demaryius Thomas (WR/Georgia Tech)
Denver uses the pick they received in the Brandon Marshall trade to draft his replacement. Some analysts have him listed as the second best WR, but I see him as the 4-5th best available.

44. New England Patriots-Arrelious Benn (WR/Illinois)
Benn is still available in the second round and will be drafted to add youth to the Patriots receiving core. Welker is coming off a knee injury, Moss is in the last season of his contract and Holt is far past his prime so youth is a need here.

45. Denver Broncos- Ricky Sapp (DE/Clemson)
Sapp would be a first round pick if it wasn't for his bad knees. He will rejuvinate Denver's defensive front along with Dan Wilson and Elvis Dumervil.

46. New York Giants- John Dwyer (RB/Georgia Tech)
Brandon Jacobs lost a step last season, mainly due to the loss of Derrick Ward. Dwyer is a power back who could help keep Jacobs legs fresh.

47. New England Patriots- Navarro Bowman (OLB/Penn State)
The Patriots continue to build on their defense with Bowman. Bowman has some legal trouble but a strong franchise like New England can handle his off field issues and make a star out of him.

48. Carolina Panthers- Mardy Gilyard (WR/Cincinnati)
Steve Smith's production went down for two reasons: an inconsistency at QB and teams double-teaming him while their QB struggled. Gilyard has game-breaking speed and could distract teams from Smith.

49. San Francisco 49ers- J.D. Walton (C/Baylor)
San Francisco continues to build the team though their offensiv eline. Walton is a very good center and can start from day 1 for San Francisco.

50. Kansas City Chiefs- Chad Jones (S/LSU)
Kansas City is still regretting letting Bernard Pollard go. The Chiefs secondary is weak and Pollard is a freak who helped te Texans improve against the run and pass last season.

51. Houston Texans- Perrish Cox (CB.Oklahoma State)
Houston will be looking for somebody to replace Dunta Robinson, who bolted for Atlanta in free agency. Cox is speedy and can also contribute in the return game.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers-Jamar Chaney (MLB/Mississippi State)
James Farrior is getting old and lost a step last season. Pittsburgh is notorious for building its defense through it's linebackers. Chaney will most likely spend a season as a backup before going into action.

53. New England Patriots- Joe McKnight (RB/USC)
New England has not re-signed Kevin Faulk and Fred Taylor is far from the star he once was. The team has no faith in Laurence Maroney and could see McKnight as the future feature back of the program.

54. Cincinnati Bengals- Rob Gronkowski (TE/Arizona) The Bengals ass another offensive weapon for Carson Palmer in Gronkowski. Gronkowski can also help on run blocking as well.

55. Philadelphia Eagles-Vladimir Ducasse (OT/UMass)
The Eagles bring youth to their OL by adding Ducasse, who could become a star RT for the Eagles.

56. Green Bay Packers- Nate Allen (S/South Florida)
The Packers are looking to overtake the Vikings for the division title this season and they need to improve two areas in order to do so: their offensive line and their secondary. They were unable to protect Aaron Rodgers last season as well as stop Brett Favre.

57. Baltimore Ravens- Brand Ghee (CB/Wake Forest)
The Ravens defense is getting older, and may lose S Ed Reed to retirement. Ghee provides a great option at nickelback for Baltimore for the next few seasons.

58. Arizona Cardinals- Tim Tebow (QB/Florida)
I doubt Arizona is serious about having Derek Anderson or Matt Leinhart in their long-term plans at QB. While this is an awful fit for Tebow in terms of his much needed development, Tebow is a proven winner and had leadership qualities that Arizona will miss in the wake of Kurt Warner's retirement.

59. Dallas Cowboys- Rodger Saffold (OT/Indiana)
Dallas is aging at OL and Flozell Adams has resorted to tripping opponents in order to protect Romo, it is safe to say it is time to draft a newcomer to help take the load off the team.

60. Seattle Seahawks- Jahvid Best (RB/Cal)
Seattle can not rely on Julius Jones to be the feature back. Best was possibly the best running back in college last season until a nasty concussion sidelined him. If he slips here, this is a steal for Seattle.

New York Jets- Geno Atkins (DT/Georgia)
Kris Jenkins is returning from season ending triceps injury and will be 31 by opening day. Atkins is fast and physical DT who ran a 4.75 40 at the combine.

62. Minnesota Vikings-Toby Gerhart (RB/Stanford)
Minnesota will be missing Chester Taylor if they don't draft a running back to compliment Adrian Peterson. Gerhart is a powerful back with light feet who can take the tough yards and help Peterson stay healthy.

63. Indianapolis Colts- Darrell Stuckey (S/Kansas)
Bob Sanders is the best safety in the NFL when he plays, but that is few and far between. Sanders has missed half of his career due to injury and Indianapolis needs to leanr how to say goodbye. Stuckey can take over as a strong safety opposite of Antoine Bethea.

64. New Orleans Saints- Alex Carrington (DE/Arkansas State)
Carrington could start immediately for the Saints, who recently released Charles Grant.