With the draft less than three days away, many questions still linger around the draft. Will Buffalo take Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen? Who exactly are the Miami Dolphins targeting? A nose tackle, rush linebacker, or a safety? How far will Oklahoma St. wide receiver Dez Bryant fall? Many of these questions can not be answered, but it is always fun to predict them. Here is my final 2010 NFL Mock Draft.
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Well, this has been obvious for about a month now. The Rams need to come out of this draft with a franchise QB. With the release of Marc Bulger (who wasn't great anyway), The QB spot is in the air. I don't see how you can go into next season without a franchise QB on the roster. Sure Ndamukong Suh is an elite talent, but Bradford has a ton of upside as well. Last off-season, the Rams selected Jason Smith, the left tackle from Baylor to secure the future of there O-Line, as well as picked up Jason Brown, an elite center in the NFL. With those cornerstones set on the O-Line, the only thing left is to grab a QB for them to protect.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame or a trade down.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
While they still need a lot of work on the offensive side of the ball, the defense is clearly the main issue in Detroit. For two straight years they have ranked they have ranked near the bottom in both run and pass defense. With a the aquisition of Rob Sims (OG), they will most likely overlook the OT position since they still have faith in Buckus. With that said, they have made a a key on defense too, with Kyle Vanden Bosch, who was a Pro-Bowler at one time. Adding Suh gives them that intensity and burst they need to attack the QB, which in there division is a huge thing (Farve, Rodgers, Cutler). They have done a good job of giving Matthew Stafford Weapons to work with, now they need a guy to anchor there defense.
Other Possibilities: Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma, or Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
This pick has been a few years in the making. McCoy fits the Tampa 2 perfectly and will thrive in this defense. They have not had an elite DT since Warren Sapp, and McCoy could be his clone. Much like the Lions above, there defense has been horrendous, and they could use a few other pieces on this defense, but the pick up of McCoy is a great start.
Other Possibilities: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska, or Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
While he is not the best OT on the board, he fits the zone blocking scheme perfectly. This pick should no doubtingly be Okung, who is a more polished guy then Williams, but Dan Snyder loves big names, and Williams was the biggest name on this All-Big XII O-Line. Either way, with McNabb under center, there is no way they leave this 4 position without a OT.
Other Possibilities: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State, or Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
This is a great pick, as they have been needing to move Brendan Albert back to the guard spot. I wouldn't say Okung is raw, but his technique isn't flawless. Regardless he is the best OT in this class and will help KC immediatly. Last season, Jamal Charles had a break out year, and with the signing of Matt Cassell, they need to protect their investment in him. The biggest decider in this though is GM Scott Pioli, who looks highly at positional value (Seen last year in Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU). Eric Berry may be the better player, but the value of a safety in the top 5 is terrible.
Other Possibilities: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee, or Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
6. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
They made a move to grab there potential franchise QB in Charlie Whitehurst, now they need to protect him. Seattle has a ton of needs; DE, RB, DB, WR, DT, just to name a few. The problem is these are all key positions and they should not have to reach for those positions. As high as C.J Spiller is on some boards, I don't see him as a legit every down guy in this league. Derrick Morgan would make a ton of sense here, but the fact the the O-Line has been injured for a few years and with Watler Jones hinting retirement, the need to secure this spot for the future. Bulaga is a great technique guy with one of the best O-Line coaches in college football.
Other Possibilities: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee, or C. J Spiller, RB, Clemson
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
The Browns biggest need is in the secondary, so clearly this is a no-brainer pick. Berry is possible the best safety to come out of college since Sean Taylor (RIP). Berry has amazing instincts against the pass and run. If you notice, most of these great 3-4 teams (Steelers, Ravens, Cardinals), all have playmaking safeties, whether they are sure tacklers, or amazing ballhawks. Berry could indeed be that guy that can make plays late down the stretch in games.
Other Possibilities: Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State, or Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Al Davis loves 40 times, I mean, he loves the damn things. Bruce Campbell combine was quite impressive, impressive enough for Al Davis to make a second round prospect into a top 10 pick. Campbell ceiling is pretty high, but he is very raw, doesn't have a ton of experience, and has a history of injuries. With that said, it is a step in the right direction as they need help on there O-Line.
Other Possibilities: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma (If he falls)
9. Buffalo Bills: Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee
I know, Jimmy Clausen is on the board, but they really covet Tim Tebow, and said they may be willing to trade up into the late first to snag him. Dan Williams on the other hand is a very underrated prospect. Easily the best nose tackle in this class and considering the bills switch to a 3-4, they need a NT to anchor the core of that D-Line. With the top OT prospects all off the board, I don't see them reaching on a guy like Anthony Davis from Rutgers or Charles Brown from USC.
Other Possibilities: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame, or Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
With Buffalo passing on Jimmy Clausen and Jacksonville stating they want to trade out of this pick, the pick here will be Jimmy Clausen, not to Jacksonville, but a team willing to trade up. Potential suitors are the Raiders (Yes, the Raiders), San Fransisco, or the Vikings. If Clausen isn't the pick here, and they decide to keep the pick and make David Gerard there QB next season. The pick comes down to Derrick Morgan, Joe Haden, or Rolando McClain.
Other Possibilities: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech, or Joe Haden, CB, Florida
11. Denver Broncos: Maurkice Pouncey, OG/C, Florida
Since they signed Jamal Williams to play nose tackle for them, the only needs here are WR and C. Dez Bryant is a possibility, but why take a diva receiver when you just got rid of one? Dez Bryant does fit McDaniels scheme very well though, but all in all, I believe Pouncey is the pick. They have no center on the roster, and he is the clear cut best center prospect on the board. Very few flaws to his game.
Other Possibilities: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State, or Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
12. Miami Dolphins: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, Texas Christian
With The #1 nose tackle off the board, I doubt they reach for one. There are so many possibilities with this selection. They could go pass rusher, free safety, or running back with this pick. Spiller is probably a pick a lot of people are not looking at, but it is a huge possibility. But, because the patriots and Jets have great offenses, they need to get a defensive playmaker. Many people would think Hughes is a reach at 12, but he isn't, Hughes is the best pass rusher in this draft, and transitions very well to rush linebacker, better than other prospects like Jason Pierre-Paul and Derrick Morgan. Hughes is productive as well.
Other Possibilities: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech, or Earl Thomas, FS, Texas
13. San Fransisco 49ers: C.J Spiller, RB, Clemson
Sure they have Gore, but Gore is a power runner, they need a speed back like Spiller who can be a multiple threat guy. Spiller is amazing quick and made huge plays for Clemson. I think he is just to good of a talent to pass up.
Other Possibilities: Mike Iupati, OG/OT, Idaho, Earl Thomas, FS, Texas
14. Seattle Seahawks: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
With so many key positions of need, they get the best DE in the draft at 14. Any other year, Morgan would have been a top 8 pick, but because so many teams are switching to a 3-4, Morgan stock drops a bit because he is a 4-3 DE. Morgan is a workhorse, and a great value here at 14 for Seattle.
Other Possibilities: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State, or Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
While McClain is projected as a 3-4 ILB, but at the combine he showed he has the speed to play in a 4-3 defense as well. McClain is very insitinctive, especially against the run. They could also look at another linebacker in Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri, but they are rumors to love McClain.
Other Possibilities: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri, or Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
16. Tennessee Titans: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
The Titans love drafting corners and defensive backs. Haden happens to be the best corner in the draft and a position of need. They really need a pass rusher, but with the draft history of the team in perspective, the pick is more than likely Joe Haden.
Other Possibilities: Everson Griffen, DE, USC, or trade up to lock up Haden.
17. San Fransisco 49ers. Mike Iupati, OG/OT, Idaho
Really has risen up boards because of the possibility that he could play some OT as well. He is a big mauling guard who can pass protect and push the line in the run game. Clearly the best guard prospect in the draft. If he can play right tackle in the NFL, he will easily be the pick here.
Other Possibilities: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers, or Earl Thomas, FS, Texas
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Wilson rose up draft boards after an amazing senior bowl week. He is a hard worker, great man to man cover guy. Since this a 3-4 though, you would think they would like a zone cover CB, but the Steelers tend to play a lot of man to man in there 3-4, so this pick works well.
Other Possibilities: Mike Iupati, OG/OT, Idaho (If he falls), or trade up to secure Pouncey or Iupati.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham, DE, Michagan
Very underrated. Had an excellent senior bowl and can possibly play a little linebacker because of his versatility. Atlanta signed Dunta Robinson, which eliminates a first round pick being a CB. If they love Everson Griffen, that may be the selection.
Other Possibilities: Everson Griffen, DE, USC, or a trade down.
20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, FS, Texas
Houston DB's blew a ton of coverage last season. While a running back is also a need, a prospect like Thomas falling is something they can't pass up. While the Eagles will probably trade with the Falcons to secure Thomas, if they don't, the Texans will take him in a heart beat.
Other Possibilities: Ryan Mathews, RB, Frenso State, or Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Mays, S, USC
That have a huge need at safety, and Mays is a safety that is physical who can help in the run game. Really got exposed this year in coverage though, but if he can be coached on that, he could be an amazing player. There is no doubt Mays is a workout warrior, he ran a 4.24 unofficial 40 time at the combine, while some speculate, he easily ran a 4.28-4.34, and at 6'3" 230, that is special.
Other possibilities: Brian Price, DT, UCLA, or trade down.
22. Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State
Rumor has it they love him, but so do many teams, so a team like the Ravens could potentially trade up to snag him. Odrick is a quick guy for his size, his burst is very overlooked, and a has a knack for pressuring the QB, perfect for a 3-4 DE.
Other Possibilities: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma, or Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
23. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC
Browns main concern was his weight, he was listed under 300 and many scouts thought he could be pushed around, but he brought that weight up and seems to have solidified himself as a 1st rounder. Brown is an excellent pass protector, something Aaron Rodgers hasn't had on his line yet.
Other Possibilities: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers, or Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Expect the Eagles to trade up for Earl Thomas or Eric Berry, but since I'm not doing trades, McCourty will be the pick. Aquiring Ernie Sims was huge, and eliminates them having to draft a linebacker here. They can now focus on a corner, McCourty being the best available.
Other Possibilities: Trade up, or Everson Griffen, DE, USC
25. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
While they would love to get Odrick, if he isn't available they will look to surround Flacco with more weapons. Todd Heap is only a shadow of his former self due to injuries. Gresham is a very talented receiving tight end who will be a favorite target for Flacco.
Other Possibilities: Trade Up, or Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers (If he falls)
26. Arizona Cardinals: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
When Karlos Dansby left for Miami, this created a huge hole in this defense. Dansby made so many plays for the Cardinals. Weatherspoon is the same kind of impact player though. He has a lot of heart and intensity and will sure to be a crowd favorite. Very productive player as well.
Other Possibilities: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida, or Trade up.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
With the release of Flozel Adams, they need to draft a tackle. Davis has character issues, but is undoubtedly talented. He is a great run blocker, who has potential in pass protection. He also fits the bill for Cowboys lineman, big, very big.
Other Possibilities: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State, or Nate Allen, S, South Florida
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
While they would love to have Mathews, he might be gone by this selection unless they trade up. Mathews is a power runner with a second gear. He sheads tackles and has amazing balance, but people question his overall ability and wonder if he is truly a first round talent. With Ladainian Tomlinson gone, it is time to look forward, since Sproles isn't an every down back.
Other Possibilities: Jahvid Best, RB, California, or Linval Joseph, NT/DE, East Carolina
29. New York Jets: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida
One of the major needs is a pass rushering line backer. Vernon Gholston is a bust, so they have to prepare for the long run without him. Jason Pierre-Paul could be in the same boat though, both are great athletes, but Pierre-Paul is just a numbers guy with a lot of potential, but didn't have great productivity at South Florida. But based on potential here at pick 29, it is well worth it, Rex Ryan is the perfect coach to make this kid an elite pass rusher in the NFL.
Other Possibilities: Linval Joseph, NT/DE, East Carolina, or Trade up or down.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Nate Allen, S, South Florida
I really doubt they trade up for Clausen, as they don't have much depth at a lot of positions and really need there picks. Since they three top CB's are gone, they go with safety Nate Allen, who is very underrated. His production was amazing at USF, and he shows a lot of good ball instincts. One thing is he isn't an aggressive tackler, but he can wrap up the ball carrier.
Other Possibilities: Trade Up, or Brian Price, DT, UCLA
31. Indianaopolis Colts: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
With all the big name tackles off the board, the only pick that really isn't a reach is this one. Brian Price is a guy who can come in a help against the run, he is rumored to be lazy, but the Colts personnel will motivate him. He has a great feel for getting to the football, and since they have no DT's worth speaking off, this is a excellent pick.
Other Possibilities: Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana, or Everson Griffen, DE, USC
32. New Orleans Saints: Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU
Linebacker is really the only need on this team, but it is a major one. I think a first round pick for Washington is a bit of a reach, but they have to address the need now. With the aquisition of Alex Brown, DE is no long an immediate need. Washington is a good OLB though, very good production in college and fit the Saints defensive scheme well.
Other Possibilities: Everson Griffen, DE, USC, or Linval Joseph, NT, East Carolina
That concludes the first round of the draft. I'm sure we are all interested to see what happens on draft day. There are a lot of potential trades that could influence how the draft plays out. Should be interesting.
While many of you have not heard of Toledo wide-out Stephen Williams, there is no doubt the 6'5" 210 pound receiver has the size and talent to be a draft day sleeper. Williams was a unranked prospect coming out of high school, perfect for a little school like Toledo to pick him up. 