NFL Mock Draft King

     

1. SAM BRADFORD 6′4″ 223 QB OKLAHOMA

 Bradford has now become the front runner to be the top pick in the 2010 Draft. I agree that any rebuilding team in the NFL needs a franchise QB to build around, but St. Louis is taking the wrong one. In my opinion, Jimmy Clausen is the best quarterback in this draft class and if the Rams were going to address the position he should be the guy. Bradford is coming off of a series of injuries to his right shoulder, missing most of his season, adding questions about his durability. I do believe that Bradford will have a good professional career, I just strongly feel they are missing the boat by allowing Claussen to slip past them.

 Previous Pick: Suh, Nebraska  

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

In the strong majority of my previous mock’s I had Detroit taking Okung. I had finally bought into the fact that Jim Schwartz was sold on Jeff Backus on the edge and that he wanted a playmaker on the interior of the D-Line, and he goes out and signs Corey Williams to a big deal, and moves Backus to guard. Suh may be too good to pass on, but I doubt the front office will want that much money locked up on the defensive tackle position. It’s almost seems like Detroit has opened up the left tackle position for Okung, and they are making a good decision in doing it. As I previously mentioned, Stafford had a hard time staying upright this past season, and it’s  one thing to get your franchise quarterback, but it’s another thing to keep him alive. Okung had a very good combine, and barring injury, he will be the cornerstone of that offensive line for years to come.

Previous Pick: McCoy, Oklahoma  

3. NDAMUKONG SUH 6′4″ 300 DT NEBRASKA

Raheem Morris and the Bucs will feel like they won the lottery if the draft plays out this way on April 22nd. There had been doubt there would have been either of the tandem of McCoy and Suh available here at 3, and now they have their pick.  Suh has to be the pick here. Suh is an absolute monster in the interior, and would give a much needed interior presence in Tampa they have been lacking since Warren Sapp. Suh will immediately upgrade the Tampa D, and bring some swagger back to the Tampa area.

Previous Pick: Berry, Tennessee  

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, and he should thank the Rams for leaving the top QB on the board. 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, but 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.

Previous Pick: Clausen

 

5. ERIC BERRY  5′11″  203  S  TENNESSEE  

 While I completely understand Pioli’s draft tactics and approach, I can’t imagine him letting a player of Eric Berry’s caliber to slip past him. Pioli would love it if Okung slid down here to 5, but with him off the board at 2, that should make Berry the pick. I don’t disagree with the thought that you should address the trenches before anything else, but the Safety position has changed over the past few seasons, and is now a spot in which you need a dynamic playmaker to lead the defense, and Berry certainly is that. I am so sure of Berry’s abilities and potential, I could easily see him landing in the top-3, so at this point it’s a steal. I hope Pioli feels the same.

Previous Pick: Okung, Oklahoma State  

6. GERALD McCOY 6′4″ 297 DT OKLAHOMA

 Pete Carroll would love if one of Bradford or Clausen fell to him here at 6, but with that no longer an option, and Seattle’s problems on the defensive side of the ball, drafting McCoy is an absolute ground ball. It’s an absolute no brainer at this point. McCoy is considered widely as the #1 prospect in the draft to many prognosticators, and will not disappoint as he will help resurrect an awful defense in Seattle.

Previous Pick: Bradford, Oklahoma  

7. C.J. SPILLER  5′11″  195  RB CLEMSON

It’s going to be another long year for Cleveland fans in 2010. They have holes all over the field, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Joe Haden would have been a near lock if it wasn’t for that horrific forty time, and that  is enough to scare of Mangini and Co. Offensively, they are almost as bad. Receiver is a huge need, but I can’t imagine Mangini taking on the diva like Dez Bryant, so they go to possibly the most electrifying player in the draft class with Spiller. Between Chris Jennings and Jerome Harrison, there isn’t much to write home about, but a pairing of Harrison and Spiller may be something to build on, and with Delhomme behind center, it should be expected they will be handing the ball off quite a bit. Spiller is the home run hitter every team wants, and can help in the return game as well.

Previous Pick: Haden, Florida

8. BRUCE CAMPBELL 6′7″ 310 OT MARYLAND

With the performance Campbell had at the combine he solidified himself a spot in the top- 20, and surely opened up the eyes of Al Davis, if in fact he was aware of what was going on in Indianapolis. This pick will come down to two people. Campbell or Taylor Mays. Campbell should win out. He fits a big need they have on the edge, and is the athletic freak Al Davis loves.

Previous Pick: Campbell

    
9. BRYAN BULAGA  6′6″ 312 OT IOWA

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 Bulaga, they upgrade immediately. Bulaga could be off the board at 5 to the Chiefs, but with Pioli recently adding Ryan Lilja to solidify their offensive line, that should enable them to take Eric Berry, and Bulaga will be available for Buffalo and new head coach Chan Gailey.

Previous Pick: Davis, Rutgers

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

The closer we get to draft day the more and more I think the Jags will trade down and get some more picks because they have quite a few needs. The Giants may be a match if they feel like Denver or Miami are a threat to take Rolando McClain. Aaron Kampman’s signing won’t sway them from pulling the trigger for Morgan, a top- 5 talent guy, and a value pick at 10.

Previous Pick: Dunlap, Florida

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

Brandon Marshall is all but gone in Denver. The only question remains if Josh McDaniels wants to deal with another receiver who is considered to be somewhat of a diva. Need will win out with this pick. Denver can’t win with Eddie Royal as their #1, so Bryant is the pick. Bryant will no doubt be a superstar in this league, and assuming he is in camp on time, he will be a force to be reckoned with by week 4.

 Previous Pick: Bryant

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.

Previous Pick: Pierre-Paul

13. JOE HADEN 5′11″ 190  CB FLORIDA

Haden took care of business on his pro day, and erased questions about his speed with an impressive time. I still have Haden falling to 13 here, because of the needs, and the players available ahead of San Fran. Ultimately, I feel it comes down to Cleveland. If Cleveland takes a playmaker on offense, i.e. Spiller, Haden slides here to the niners, if Holmgren  passes on Spiller Haden will go at 7 to the Browns.  

Previous Pick: Bulaga, Iowa

14. TRENT WILLIAMS  6′5″  318  OT  OKLAHOMA

Pete Caroll takes care of a big need on the offensive line with rising prospect Trent Williams. Williams had a so-so senior season in which he actually found himself moved inside to Center due to his performance. Williams had a nice combine, and his skill set will keep him in the top half of the first round, landing with the Seahawks.

Previous Pick: Morgan, Georgia Tech

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.At 6′4″ and 256lbs. is a monster 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.

Previous Pick: McClain

16. CARLOS DUNLAP  6′6″ 290 DE FLORIDA

The Titans ranked 31st in the league against the pass last season giving up an unreal 258 yards a game through the air. Detroit was the only team to line up on Sundays and do worse. Haden is long gone by now, so the Titans go with the one thing that can make average DB’s look good, a pass rusher. Dunlap’s off-field problems have been well documented, and laziness has been an issue as well. Jeff Fisher is one of the best in the league at dealing with personalities, so these issues won’t scare him off, and selects this top-5 talent at 16.

Previous Pick: Price, UCLA

 17. BRANDON GRAHAM 6′1″ 263  OLB/DE  MICHIGAN

Graham’s star began to rise during Senior Bowl week, and has taken off ever since. Graham would be a value pick here for Mike Singletary at 17, and he would be able to have an immediate impact opposite Manny Lawson. Ahmad Brooks undoubtedly showed flashes at times last year, but a talent like this would be hard to pass up.

Previous Pick: Spiller, Clemson

18. MIKE IUPATI 6′5″ 330  OG  IDAHO

This pick comes down to Iupati and possibly Kyle Wilson. Iupati wins out because there is nothing more important than protecting your franchise quarterback. There were times last season where Ben took a beating, and although he is mobile in the pocket, it almost appeared he was running for his life. Pittsburgh will shore up the offensive line to help both the run and the pass, and then turn it’s attention to Big Ben’s new legal troubles.

Previous Pick: Thomas, Texas

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 the addition of Dunta’ Robinson, they will go with Weatherspoon. Donovan Warren, Patrick Robinson could be available in the 2nd round to fortify the secondary.

Previous Pick: Weatherspoon

 20. EARL THOMAS 5′10″  195  S  TEXAS

Houston’s primary goal is and always will be, to beat the colts. Secondary issues have held them back, and they stay inside Texas to address that need. Earl Thomas is a ballhawk, equally good against the run and the pass, and will easily step in for the aging Eugene Wilson. Dan Williams could be a possibility here as well to bolster the trenches, but it will be hard to look past Thomas.

Previous Pick: Williams, Tennessee

21. TAYLOR MAYS 6′4″ 225   S  SOUTHERN CAL

With the addition of  Antonio Bryant Cincy will focus their attention elsewhere and address the secondary. The resigning of Roy Williams is just a band-aid on their safety situation. He is done. Marvin Lewis loves USC guys, and he will no doubt add Mays who is an absolute physical freak, and hope that some better coaching will help him progress in his pass coverage.

Previous Pick: Tate, Notre Dame

22. JERMAINE GRESHAM 6′6″ 258  TE OKLAHOMA

It doesn’t take a genius to make this pick. The Pats don’t have a viable starter on the roster. Even with all of their spread sets, Belicheck does utilize the tight end. As long as Cincy sticks with Mays as I presume they will, Gresham is the lock pick, and the opening day starter.

Previous Pick: Hughes, TCU

23. ANTHONY DAVIS 6′6″  330 OT RUTGERS

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. Davis’ stock has faltered a bit because of laziness concerns, but he is a great talent, which will be enough to keep him in the 1st. 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.

Previous Pick: Williams, Oklahoma

24. MAURKICE POUNCEY  6′5″ 304  C/OG FLORIDA

I doubt the front office feels Darryl Tapp is the answer opposite Trent cole, but with the release of Shawn Andrews, and the injury to Jamaal Jackson, Pouncey would be the perfect fit. He will be able to step in at center if Jackson is unable to make a full recovery, and guard if Philly can’t find a viable replacement. This pick almost makes too much sense.

Previous Pick: Mays, USC

25. 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. Baltimore recently saw Justin Bannan jet for Denver and now stand a bit thin across the defensive line. Odrick is and his non-stop motor are the perfect fit for the Baltimore D.

Previous Pick: Benn, Illinois

26. CHARLES BROWN 6′5″  296 OT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Regardless of how long Matt Leinert held a clipboard, he should be considered a rookie until he proves otherwise. 2 things a rookie QB needs is a dependable tight end, and solid pass protection. With Gresham off the board, Arizona will address the other need, and take Charles Brown. Brown has all the tools to be a top flight player, and with a bit of time and quality coaching he will develop into just that.

Previous Pick: Gresham, Oklahoma

27. TERRANCE CODY 6′5″ 365 DT ALABAMA

With Odrick gone, and no offensive tackle worthy of a first round grade available, they’ll take Mount Cody out of Alabama. This pick would allow Jay Ratliff to move to the D-End spot, and make their front 7 much more dynamic. While Cody may only be a 2 down player he is stout against the run, and can collapse the pocket against the pass. Cody also excels on special teams, as he has blocked more than a few FG attempts in his day, none more notable than his blocked FGA in the closing seconds vs. U of Tenn., to keep the perfect season in tact which allowed the Tide to roll on to the national championship.

Previous Pick: Odrick, Penn State

28. RYAN MATHEWS 6′0″ 218  RB  FRESNO STATE

This pick comes down to need. The Chargers let LT bolt for the Jets, and have a glaring need at the running back position. Mathews turned in a good performance at the Senior Bowl, and showed his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Couple that with his ability as a ball carrier, and Mathews is the perfect fit to take over as the feature back in San Diego.

Previous Pick: Dwyer, Georgia Tech

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

Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery don’t scare too many teams when they line up on Sunday’s. Tate would be the perfect complement to a receiving corps whose best days are behind them. Tate has the ability to line up in the slot and could do some serious damage in the middle of the field with his catch and run ability, and his breakaway speed. Tate would also help in the return game, as Jim Leonhard leaves much to be desired in the punt game, and with Leon Washington coming off a broken leg, he can help in the kickoff department as well.

Previous Pick: Graham, Michigan

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.

Previous Pick: Wilson

31. DEVIN McCOURTY 5′11″ 193 CB  RUTGERS

Indy had injuries all over their secondary last season. That and the fact Marlin Jackson left equals a need for Bill Polian. The Colts fill that need with McCourty. McCourty has seen his stock consistently rise over the past few weeks, and will join an already young secondary, as they attempt to shore up that defensive side of the ball, and began their next run to a Super Bowl appearance.

Previous Pick: Iupati, Idaho

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.

Previous Pick: Warren