NFL Mock Draft King

1. NDAMUKONG SUH 6′4″ 300 DT NEBRASKA

Reports out of St. Louis are that they may look to trade for Vick to fill the QB vacancy. With that being said, this pick becomes a no brainer, and Spagnuolo goes with Suh. Suh is a rare blend of size, speed and strength, and will wreak havoc in the oppositions backfield for years to come, and be the core of what the Rams hope is an up and coming defense.

2. GERALD McCOY 6′4″ 297 DT OKLAHOMA 

 Word out of Detroit is that Jim Schwartz wants a dynamic player in the interior of the defensive side of the ball. I suppose you could argue that Detroit is so far away, the best player available plan certainly applies here, but unless the tackle need is addressed via free agency, I feel they would be making a big mistake not taking Okung. Okung is a big time player and polished enough to where he could be a started immediately. Evidentally, the Lions feel Jeff Backus and the rest of the Detroit O-Line is sufficient as is, that same O-Line that had Stafford walking around bandaged up like a mummy. With that being said, there is no doubting McCoy and his abilities. He is stout in all facets. Some have him rated higher than Suh. Whichever way Detroit goes they will no doubt get a quality player, I just hope for Stafford’s sake they address the O-line at some point in the draft.

3. ERIC BERRY 5′11″ 203 S  TENNESSEE

The Bucs have a tremendous set of needs heading into the 2010 season. This pick will be on the defensive side of the ball in an attempt to bring back some swagger into Tampa. Berry draws comparisons to future hall of famer Ed Reed. With 4.4 speed, a nose for the ball, and the ability to lay the wood on opposing receivers who travel over the middle, Berry will bring leadership to a secondary that has been lacking it since they had John Lynch. I completely understand that the Top 3 isn’t one that frequents the Safety position, but the position, and importance of that position has changed, thus warranting such a high pick on a talent like Berry.

4. JIMMY CLAUSEN 6′3″ 223 QB NOTRE DAME

With the hire of Mike Shannahan there isn’t a doubt in my mind he selects a QB with this selection. In my opinion Campbell never had a chance to truly prove himself with the continuous carousel of coordinators and a lack of the depth at the reciever position, Shannahan is starting over, and that new beginning starts under center. Claussen has been a highly touted prospect since the day he showed up in South Bend, so the transition from the college ranks to the pro ranks should be somewhat seamless, minus the basic growing pains of a rookie QB. Claussen has good size and can make all of the throws, and has excellent feet which often goes unnoticed. Many mocks have Bradford going here, but I just don’t see it. Bradford didn’t have the arm Claussen had before the surgery, and he definitely doesn’t have it now. Shannahan likes strong armed quarterback’s, and Claussen is that. He will be the pick.

 

5. RUSSELL OKUNG  6′5″ 300  OT OKLAHOMA STATE   

Matt Cassel could certainly use some help as far as protection is concerned, and with Okung having the ability to be selected in the Top 3, he’s a no brainer at 5. In Okung they get a player with good size, long arms, and above average strength to go along with his excellent feet and athleticism.  

6. SAM BRADFORD 6′4″ 223 QB OKLAHOMA

New coaches mean new Quarterbacks. With Matt Hasselbeck well past his prime it is time for Seattle to bring in the ‘08 Heisman Winner and groom his as Hasselbeck’s successor. Bradford may have gone #1 overall last season however he opted to return to his senior season, one that was maligned with injury. Some question his post op arm strength, his durability, and his transition to the pro style offense. Bradford will have the opportunity to prove the nay sayers wrong come the combine, or his pro day, which will convice Pete Carroll he is the guy.

7. JOE HADEN 5′11″ 190 CB FLORIDA

Eric Mangini has many needs to address in this years draft, and he has 11 picks in this years draft to fix them. He could go tackle here but there is tremendous depth at that position this year, and a 1st round talent is sure to slip as the draft unfolds. It would be unlike Mangini to go with Dez Bryant here, so they’ll try to shore up that secondary with the top cover corner in the draft. Haden played from day one at UF, and he will do the same for the Browns.  

8. BRUCE CAMPBELL 6′7″ 310 OT MARYLAND

For the life of me, I just can’t figure out what Al Davis will do here. We all know he loves workout warriors and measurables, so it is possible he can look past Dunlap’s off field problems, and Taylor Mays is still a possibility here, but I’ll give old Al some credit, and assuming Cable, a former O-Line guy is still the HC, they’ll address their line problems here. Campbell has been dominant in his career at Maryland, and many feel Campbell could go sub 5.0 at the combine, which will help his cause to stay in the Top-10.   

 

9. ANTHONY DAVIS 6′6″ 330 OT RUTGERS  

There may have been some debate as to who the Bills would select here, but the recent retirement of Brad Butler they will undoubtedly go to Tackle, it’s just a matter of who. Even with Butler, the Bills allowed 46 sacks this past season, good for 4th worst in the league, and with Davis, they upgrade immediately. Davis is a big time athlete, and can be left out on an island at left tackle, and is absolutely dominant in run blocking, and will allow whoever is behind center to grow into the position, and move the offense down the field.

10. CARLOS DUNLAP 6′6″ 290 DE FLORIDA  

Tim Tebow had an absolute horrific Senior Bowl week which was a huge favor for the Jags. Tebow was so awful, some scouts were actually saying  he would have gone undrafted. Tebow will no doubt find a home in the NFL, and it is imperitive that Jacksonville comes away with him. He will be available in a later round for them to snatch him up. I have harped on the fact that Jacksonville is a franchise in trouble, and the Tebow selection would have been made more for money than anything else so they go for the best of both worlds with this selection, and grab Dunlap. With Dunlap they get a guy with Top-5 talent who has extreme question marks surrounding his character. With Dunlap, the Jags can bring some buzz back to the area by having a Gator in their uniform. If they can grab Tebow in a later round, and keep Dunlap on the field, this has the potential to be one of the best drafts in Jag history.

11. DEZ BRYANT 6′2″ 210 WR OKLAHOMA STATE

It is quite obvious that Josh McDaniels and Brandon Marshall can no longer co-exist in the same locker room. With Marshall moving on in the offseason, Bryant will be the pick here, and eventually evolve into the #1 receiver that Brandon Marshall was. Look for Bryant to have scouts in awe at the combine due to the fact he has the size, speed and athleticism to wreak havoc on the oppositions secondary.

12. JASON PIERRE-PAUL 6′6″ 260 DE/OLB SOUTH FLORIDA  

With Miami parting ways with Joey Porter, and the fact Jason Taylor is no longer effective  you get a big time need for an edge rusher. Look for Parcells to go with JPP here. He is almost an exact clone of  DeMarcus Ware, the same player Parcells drafted 11th in the ‘05 draft. JPP is somewhat wet behind the ears, as this has been his 1st season against 1-A competition, however hes skill set is off the charts, and that 4.6 forty won’t hurt his case either.

13. BRYAN BULAGA 6′6″ 312 OT IOWA

San Fran goes the way of the O-Line here with their first of two picks in the first round. Staley has been good, but not great, and Bulaga is pro ready, and would allow Staley to move to the right side, and upgrade their pass protection. Bulaga comes from a great tradition of offensive lineman at Iowa, and both Alex Smith and Frank Gore will benefit from this pick.

14. DERRICK MORGAN 6′4″ 220 DE GEORGIA TECH

Morgan is a steal at this point in the draft for Seattle. Seattle desperately needs to upgrade their pass rush ranking 26th in the league last year with 28. Pete Carroll is a defensive guy, and with the future of the QB position locked up he gets a guy with a wide array of pass rush moves who plays with an endless motor that any team would love to have coming off the edge. There is the possibility Carroll could go USC here, and grab Mays, I just think Morgan at 14 is just too good to pass up, and Mays could be around for Carroll in the 2nd.

15. ROLANDO McCLAIN 6′4″ 256 ILB ALABAMA

There is little question where the G-Men need to make improvements this offseason and it begins in the middle with the selection of Rolando McClain. With Antonio Pierce coming off of a neck injury, and slowed by a combination of age and injury, middle linebacker is a need that must be addressed. At 6?4? and 256lbs. is a monster and boasts 4.6 speed who is stout against the run and exceptional is pass coverage for a player his size, which will be vital in new DC Perry Fewell’s Tampa 2 Style D. McClain has made plays since the day he stepped on campus at Alabama, and look for him to be New York’s team leader for years to come.

16. BRIAN PRICE 6′2″ 300 DT UCLA

The Titans have needs in the defensive backfield, as well as the need for a speed rusher, but they go with Price here to shore up the inside in an attempt to fill the void Haynesworth has left. The Titans ranked 31st in the league against the pass last season giving up an unreal 258 yards a game through the air, so they could reach a bit for a corner, but at this point in the draft, most teams look for more of a sure thing, and Price is that.

17. C.J. SPILLER 5′11″ 195 RB CLEMSON

Many mocks have Spiller going to the 49ers. I was in disagreement with this for quite a while, but I have drank the kool-aid, and I now agree. Frank Gore is still young no doubt, but he takes alot of punishment as he has logged a ton of carries, and has been a focal point in San Fran’s catching game for years. Spiller will help take some of the pressure off of Gore, will allow him to stay fresh, and keep some miles off of Gores legs. Spiller is a dynamic threat in all phases of the game, and look for him to upgrade their special teams immediately as well.

18. EARL THOMAS 5′10″ 195 S TEXAS

The Troy Polamolu loss crushed the defending Super Bowl champs any chance of a repeat. The Steelers gave up a league most 5 leads in the 4th quarter this past season which was the main reason they were on the outside looking in on the post season tournament. With the possibility of Ryan Clark leaving via free agency, look for Pitt to select this ballhawk out of Texas who has the ability to stop the run, with the ability to capitalize on the oppositions mistakes through the air with the ability to take it back to the house. The Steelers could also go with C.J. Spiller here to work with Mendenhall if he slides, or possibly a Receiver as Hines Ward is on his last legs.

19. SEAN WEATHERSPOON 6′1″ 245 OLB MISSOURI

Weatherspoon did wonders for his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. Going in he was a fringe 1st round pick, and assuming he is as impressive at the Combine, he will solidify his spot. This guy is a born leader, and an absolute player. Atlanta’s secondary was horrific last season, but with no outstanding cb’s on the board to this point, they will go with Weatherspoon. Donovan Warren, Patrick Robinson, and Kyle Wilson could be available in the 2nd round.

20. DAN WILLIAMS 6′2″ 329 DT Tennessee

With Earl Thomas gone, and with Taylor Mays faults in pass coverage, Kubiak addresses the D-Tackle spot with big Dan Williams. Williams is a monster in the middle, and has the ability to take on the double at the point of attack, as well as collapse the pocket vs. the pass. Taylor Mays could be a possibility here, I just find it hard to believe the Texan front office wants to live through Mays’ growing pains with Peyton in the division.

21. GOLDEN TATE 5′11″ 195 WR NOTRE DAME

Cincy MUST get a receiver this off-season. I can definitely see T.O. going over there and making a difference, which will change the direction in which Lewis uses this pick, but for now, we’ll assume otherwise. Cincinatti has become a run first pass later team. Cedric Benson has rejuvinated his career, running for over 1,200 yards this past season. Teams are able to crowd the box making it harder on Benson due to the fact they only have one wideout that poses any threat, in Ochocinco. The pick here is Tate. Tate will help open up some running lanes for Benson, while giving Carson Palmer another option. At times this past season it seemed as if the only number Palmer saw was 85. This will help with his progressions, and make him the prime passer he truly is. In addition Tate can help in special teams, which is always a plus, especially when it comes to rookies. Benn or Williams could be the pick here as well, but with a stout D, and a big time runner, there is little doubt, Marvin Lewis needs to help his passing game.

22. JERRY HUGHES 6′2″ 255 DE/OLB TCU   

 Initially, I had the Pats going with a running back or even a tight end here, but after the beating the Ravens put on them at home, I feel they need a complete overhaul on D. With Richard Seymour and Mike Vrabel both traded, the Pats were left with few playmakers and even less experience this season. Hughes will be able to step in immediately and help that putrid defense that left the Patriot faithful booing their home team for the first time in years. Hughes is the speed rusher off the edge the Pats need to disrupt the oppositions backfield, and with Belicheck running the D, look for Hughes to take his athleticism and speed, and bring back the intimidation the Pats D has lost over the years.

23. TRENT WILLIAMS 6′5″ 318 OT OKLAHOMA

The Packers allowed a league worst 51 sacks this season. If it wasn’t for Aaron Rodgers mobility god only knows how many times their QB would have hit the floor. Williams’ stock has falled a bit this year but the fact that he has great feet, and is very athletic on the edge should be enough to make him the pick here. Even after having 45 put on their Defense in the Wild Card round, the O-Line is what needs to be addressed to protect their franchise QB, and any hopes they have of returning to the playoffs.

24. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES TAYLOR MAYS 6′4″ 225 S SOUTHERN CAL  

At 6′4″, 225 Mays is that rare player in the secondary that hits like a linebacker and runs like a corner. Although mays boasts 4.4 speed there are questions surrounding his ability in coverage. With that being said there is little doubt about his ability to stop the run and lay the wood against receivers who dare to come over the middle. Philly could go a few ways here but Reid goes with the talent and takes Mays to try and fill the shoes of Philly favorite Brian Dawkins, and solidify that secondary.

25. ARRELIOUS BENN 6′2″ 220 WR ILLINOIS

Even with the recent addition of Donte Stallworth, Baltimore needs some more playmakers out of the wide receiver position. This pick will be the best receiver available at this point in the draft out of Damian Williams, Arrelious Benn, and Brandon Lafell. At this point I’m sticking with Benn. Benn is a big, physical receiver, however he had an absolutely horrific season at Illinois totaling 38 grabs for 490 and 2 TD’s. Benn has taken a few hits for his lack of effort and the amount of drops this past season, but I feel need, and potential win out here and the pick is Benn. With a good quarterback getting him the Ball, and some coaching to go with it, Benn will develop into the #1 receiver Baltimore has been lacking since their inception.

26. JERMAINE GRESHAM 6′6″ 258 TE OKLAHOMA 

With Kurt Warner retiring and Matt Leinert at the helm, the offense will be run much differently this season. Leinert is in essence a rookie, and the one thing a rookie QB needs is a safety valve. None of the tight ends on the Cards are much of a receiving threat, and they add Gresham here to change that. Gresham has dealt with injury throughout his career, but his potenital and ability make him a steal at 26.

27. JARED ODRICK 6′5″ 308 DE PENN STATE

Odrick was another player who saw his stock rise as a result of the Senior Bowl. He can more than likely play on the inside or outside in a 3-4, but I think he would flourish as an end in the 3-4. Dallas lacks the youth at those positions with Olshansky and Spears, and he would add to the already dynamic defense they boast down in the lone star state.

28. JONATHAN DWYER 6′0″ 235 RB GEORGIA TECH 

Many have Ryan Mathews as the 2nd best back in this draft and I’m not buying it. I love Dwyer’s ability to carry the ball on the inside and he has enough speed to stretch the field and bust one. The one thing in doubt is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which is very important in this offense. If he can prove that he has good enough hands, and assuming they come to an agreement with Sproles, you are looking at a great 1-2 punch for the Super Chargers.

29. BRANDON GRAHAM 6′1″ 263 OLB MICHIGAN

Brandon Graham put on an absolute show at the Senior Bowl taking home MVP honors. While the Jets are ranked #1 in total D, those numbers are skewed do to the amount of time they possess the ball, running the ball a league high 60%, thus limiting the oppositions opportunities. The Jets rank 18th in sacks with 32 to their credit, and adding Graham here will help Tannenbaum forget about that 2008 draft when he wasted the #6 pick on Vernon Ghoulston.

30. KYLE WILSON 5′10″ 190 CB BOISE STATE

Kyle Wilson’s performance at the Senior Bowl just might have put him in the first round. With the recent injury to Cedric Griffin, it all but solidifies the need at CB. This pick will come down to Warren or Wilson. I’ll go with Wilson because he seems to be the hot name, and because he has added value in special teams. Wilson has a very good skill set to begin with, but once he gets some better coaching, and is around better players, he could become the steal of the draft.

31. MIKE IUPATI 6′5″ 330 OG IDAHO

The Colts allowed a league low amount of sacks this season with 13, but in my opinion that has more to do with Peyton’s quick release and blitz recognition, than it does line performance. With Iupati the Colts get the top ranked OG in the draft. Iupati may not be able to step in Week 1 and start, but after some time with the Indy coaching staff, he will no doubt be ready by mid-season 2010, and a full time starter in 2011. The Colts could look to address an injury prone secondary as well.

32. DONOVAN WARREN 6′1″ 182 CB MICHIGAN

The Saints are in a great spot. There are not many significant needs they have here so they go with the best player available and grab Warren. Warren is a big corner at 6′1″ and can run with anyone. He has a very good skill set, and if Darren Sharper isn’t resigned could even have the ability to fill in the hole at safety. It’s a win-win pick for the defending Super Bowl Champs.