1. St. Louis Rams Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
I think that Jimmy Clausen will be the better pro, but I’ve read rumors that Bradford is the Rams’ guy right now. They’ve passed on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez. They can’t afford to pass again. Suh and McCoy are the better prospects, but the Rams are desperate for a quarterback. Bradford gained muscle, so it’s apparent that he’ll be able to better handle the hits of the NFL.
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
There are some draft experts that have McCoy in front of Suh, but in my opinion, Suh is number one. His domination was unparalleled his senior season. He had the highest vertical of any DT since 2000, too. He will be the big man in the middle of the Lions defense for years.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
The Bucs are lucky that they are ending up with McCoy since they decided to start winning late last season. McCoy is the real deal, much like Suh. I think both of these DTs will be stars in the league for years.
4. Washington Redskins Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame
One of the basic rules of the draft is that new general managers usually means that they’ll draft a new quarterback. It happens very often and I think the Redskins will be no different. Jason Campbell could still be on the roster, but I think that the Redskins will draft one of the top two quarterback left, if either is available. Who knows? Someone could trade up.
5. Kansas City Chiefs Russell Okung OT, Oklahoma State
In last year’s draft, Scott Pioli showed that he would draft players at premium positions rather than take the best available. Tyson Jackson instead of Aaron Curry, since DEs are at a higher premium than LBs. I think this year the same will happen. Eric Berry will be available, but Pioli will go with Okung. Brandon Albert, as pointed out by many mock drafters and commentators, will be moved inside to guard.
6. Seattle Seahawks Eric Berry S, Tennessee
Looks like the Seahawks will pick up the “trash” left by Kansas City again this year. Aaron Curry dropped to them last year, so will Eric Berry this year. Seattle needs help just about every where, so they should only take the best available players no matter what.
7. Cleveland Browns Jason Pierre-Paul DE, USF
Joe Haden’s 40 time may drop him out of this pick (I’ve had him going to the Browns for a few weeks). But now I think that JPP, who has one of the highest upsides of anybody is this draft, will be taken here by Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert. Heckert comes from Philly, where he and Andy Reid for the most part, drafted defensive linemen in the first round.
8. Oakland Raiders Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland
Since Bruce Campbell ran the fastest 40 out of all the offensive linemen, he goes here to Oakland. It’s so silly…
9. Buffalo Bills Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers
Buffalo takes a very good offensive linemen here in Davis. There are some questions about his work ethic, but they are desperate for offensive linemen. Like Seattle, Buffalo has needs all over the place. Davis can be the foundation to starting a solid offense.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars Joe Haden CB, Florida
Joe Haden’s 40 time at the Combine disappointed, so he’ll have to improve it at his pro day and private workouts. For now, he falls into the Jaguars’ lap at 10. The Jaguars are desperate for defense. They finished dead last in sacks last year with 14 and their secondary felt the pain.
11. Denver Broncos (from Bears) Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State
If Brandon Marshall doesn’t get re-signed, the Broncos need to go Bryant here. There are rumors swirling that he, like Marshall, has personality issues and it most likely will hurt his stock. Other than his character, he’s a great receiver; have even heard that he’s better than Crabtree.
12. Miami Dolphins Dan Williams DT, Tennessee
Dan Williams’ stock is hot right now. In January he was about even with Brian Price of UCLA, but not now. A strong Senior Bowl shot him up draft boards further and now he’s in the top 15, Denver and a few others before the Dolphins could be looking at him as well.
13. San Francisco 49ers CJ Spiller RB, Clemson
San Fran is looking for a complementary back to Frank Gore. They drafted Glen Coffee last year, but they’re looking for somebody now who is a different style than those two. Spiller fits the bill exactly. His return game is an extra that makes him even more likable here.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos) Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa
Bulaga had a thyroid problem in the past, but apparently it checked out ok at the Combine. Bulaga is definitely a top half of the first round pick. He kept Derrick Morgan away from the QB in their bowl game, so you know he’s very good.
15. New York Giants Rolando McClain MLB, Alabama
McClain falls a little bit here, but I have trouble seeing it actually happening on draft day. However, this could be how things fall. He’s a great leader for a defense and it just so happens that the Giants released Antonio Pierce a while ago.
16. Tennessee Titans Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
Morgan is a steady defensive end, but nothing too spectacular that makes you say he’ll be a top 10 pick. With JPP, he has the upside, but Morgan was more steady in college, which in my eyes, makes him the better, safer pick. Tennessee has an aging defensive line that needs to get better and younger.
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Panthers) Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
The Niners use this pick for their offensive line, which was pretty bad last year. The question with Williams is if he’ll be able to be a left tackle. He had a good 40 time and other numbers that would indicate that he can be at left tackle in the NFL, but some scouts say that he won’t be able to.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State
The Steelers need a young defensive lineman and a better offensive line, but Kyle Wilson is the best available player here. The Steelers could use some secondary help, evidenced by last season’s decline due to the injury to Troy Polamalu.
19. Atlanta Falcons Everson Griffen DE, USC
Jamaal Anderson has not produced one bit in his time in Atlanta. He has 2.5 career sacks, .5 sacks last year in 13 starts. Not going to get it done. The third year is usually when defensive linemen show if they’re going to finally get it, or if they’re going to bust out and it appears Anderson is a bust. Atlanta also needs help at each other position on their defense.
20. Houston Texans Ryan Mathews RB, Fresno State
Luckily for the Texans, there is another running back that deserves a first round selection other than CJ Spiller, because Spiller will be long gone before they pick. Mathews was the leading rusher in the NCAA last year, so he’ll look to continue his success in the NFL. Houston could also look at safety Earl Thomas here.
21. Cincinnati Bengals Golden Tate WR, Notre Dame
Tate’s stock has improved progressively more and more since 2010 began and after the Combine, he’s rising even higher. Some question his route running ability, but he has the size, speed, and athleticism in order to overcome any doubts about his abilities. No question, he will be a first rounder.
22. New England Patriots Brandon Graham DE/LB, Michigan
Another fast riser after the calendar changed to 2010 is Graham. He’s drawing comparisons to LaMarr Woodley, also from Michigan. Graham is most likely going to fit best into a 3-4, and the Pats would love to get Graham here. He improved his stock greatly after the combine and the senior bowl.
23. Green Bay Packers Earl Thomas S, Texas
The Packers desperately need to protect Aaron Rodgers, but Ted Thompson always goes with the best available player, which is in my opinion the best way to draft. There are some aging players in the Pack’s secondary, so getting Thomas will be a welcome sight. Some say that Thomas is capable of playing safety or corner.
24. Philadelphia Eagles Carlos Dunlap DE, Florida
Andy Reid always likes to draft defensive linemen in the first round. Dunlap is a great talent, no doubt about it, but his work ethic and character have come into question. He had a DUI last season and missed the SEC Championship game.
25. Baltimore Ravens Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
In recent years, Todd Heap hasn’t been what he used to be. He came back a little bit last year, but he’s getting older. Joe Flacco needs a reliable target because he does not have any wide receivers to help him out. If Baltimore can get a passing game, they’d be able to be a favorite for winning the AFC. Gresham has injury concerns, but I still think he’ll be taken in the first round.
26. Arizona Cardinals Sean Weatherspoon OLB, Missouri
Weatherspoon brought his teammates together at the Senior Bowl and showed that players naturally gravitate towards him. This is a good trait for a potential defensive leader. Weatherspoon is consistent and dependable and will be a solid player for years to come. The Cardinals lost Bert Berry to retirement, so Spoon will be a good replacement.
27. Dallas Cowboys Mike Iupati OG, Idaho
Iupati had a decent week at Senior Bowl practices, but held too much during the game, that’s one of the very few problems there are with him. He’s still the top interior lineman coming out this year and he could be a first rounder.
28. San Diego Chargers Taylor Mays S, USC
If only Taylor Mays was good in coverage, he would be right up there with Eric Berry. Mays’ senior season put many doubts into the minds of scouts and their NFL teams as to whether he can be a reliable safety or not in the NFL. He’s a physical freak, but his football skills leave something to be desired.
29. New York Jets Devin McCourty CB, Rutgers
The Jets have hit on some good high picks (Revis, Ferguson, Mangold, Sanchez), but missed on others (Gholston, Nugent). The majority though, have been good drafts in the past 3 or 4 years, and that is why they were in the AFC title game in January. If they have another good draft, there’s no doubt that they’ll be able to compete with the Colts and others again for the elite in the AFC.
30. Minnesota Vikings Brian Price DT, UCLA
The Vikings have an aging Pat Williams who is 37. Even though he’ll be playing again in 2010, the Vikings need to prepare for when he’s gone. Quarterback and defensive back are also also needs here, but there aren’t any good enough players at those positions to warrant this draft slot.
31. Indianapolis Colts Charles Brown OT, USC
Apparently Peyton Manning didn’t get enough time to throw in the Super Bowl. This is news to the millions of people who watched the Super Bowl, except Bill Polian, who is losing his sight in old age. They should just clean house on the offensive line and start all over. That’s the only way Peyton Manning can win a Super Bowl.
32. New Orleans Saints Jared Odrick DT, Penn State
The Saints defensive line “dominated” the Colts offensive line in the Super Bowl, but I think they could still upgrade it. They could also go safety since they decided to let Darren Sharper go, but Malcolm Jenkins could step in, depending on where they want to put him in the secondary.
ROUND 2
33. Rams Arrelious Benn WR, Illinois
The Rams need an offensive threat other than Steven Jackson.
34. Lions Jahvid Best RB, California
If Best can prove he’s healthy, I see the Lions taking him here.
35. Buccaneers Brandon LaFell WR, LSU
The Bucs better provide Josh Freeman with some options, especially since Antonio Bryant is expected to be let go.
36. Chiefs Jerry Hughes OLB, TCU
Chiefs need an upgrade over the now 67 year old Mike Vrabel.
37. Redskins Rodger Saffold OT, Indiana
Chris Samuels is retiring, so the Redskins will be in dire need of a new franchise left tackle to block for their new franchise quarterback.
38. Browns Sergio Kindle OLB, Texas
The Browns could use another linebacker and Kindle is a solid linebacker, who has trouble getting off blocks, but overall is a great prospect.
39. Raiders Jacoby Ford WR, Clemson
Top 40 time at the Combine: 4.28
40. Seahawks Maurkice Pouncey OL, Florida
Could be a first rounder. Seattle needs offensive help. Improving their line will do wonders.
41. Bills Rob Gronkowski TE, Arizona
Gronkowski had a back injury, but if he checks out ok, he’ll be drafted high in the 2nd. Buffalo could use a TE to help out whoever their QB will be.
42. Buccaneers (from Bears) Kareem Jackson CB, Alabama
Across from Aqib Talib, Rhonde Barber is growing an old man beard. They need a young corner to match up with Talib.
43. Dolphins Terrence Cody DT, Alabama
Mount Cody dropped 16 pounds before the combine, which shows he is dedicated enough to stay in shape. He’s still only a 2 down player. Miami needs a young nose tackle.
44. Patriots (from Jaguars) Eric Norwood OLB, South Carolina
Junior Seau is still on the depth chart for New England linebackers. ‘Nuff said.
45. Broncos Koa Misi OLB, Utah
A relative unknown before the Senior Bowl, Misi really improved his stock there.
46. Giants Chad Jones S, LSU
The Giants need to draft a safety since the health of Kenny Phillips is in question.
47. Panthers Mardy Gilyard WR, Cincinnati
Gilyard got shut down against Haden in their bowl game against each other, but he remains a round two talent.
48. Patriots (from Titans) Jonathan Dwyer RB, Georgia Tech
The Patriots were dominating and about to score against the Jaguars when Maroney fumbled the ball near the end zone. He was benched the rest of the game. They need a running back.
49. 49ers Dominique Franks CB, Oklahoma
The Niners need help in their secondary after ranking 21st against he pass in 2009.
50. Texans Vladimir Ducasse OL, Massachusetts
A big man to help them with their run game.
51. Chiefs (from Falcons) Aaron Hernandez TE, Florida
He’s not a good blocking TE, but he’ll definitely be a part of Kansas City’s passing attack.
52. Steelers Patrick Robinson CB, Florida State
Steelers uncharacteristically could take two defensive backs with their first two picks. It was exposed when Polamalu went down. Offensive line needs to be addressed too.
53. Patriots Cam Thomas DT, North Carolina
Another fast riser after the football season ended. Projects as a nose tackle.
54. Bengals Dorin Dickerson TE, Pittsburgh
Performed amazingly at the Combine: had the top 40 time out of all the tight ends.
55. Eagles Brandon Spikes LB, Florida
Bad boy attitude for the Eagles defense with Dunlap and now Spikes.
56. Packers Jared Veldheer OT, Hillsdale
Need to protect Rodgers. Has short arms for a player his height.
57. Ravens Ricky Sapp OLB, Clemson
Ravens always find a way to find a steal.
58. Cardinals Donovan Warren CB, Michigan
Cardinals ranked 23rd in pass defense. Plus had trouble stopping passing games in the playoffs.
59. Cowboys Chris Cook CB, Auburn
Jerry Jones will be intrigues by this athlete. They needed help in the secondary anyway.
60. Chargers Brandon Ghee CB, Wake Forest
Rodgers-Cromartie could be headed out of town, so they’ll need a replacement.
61. Jets Jeremy Williams WR, Tulane
Injuries have held back Williams during his career.
62. Vikings Nate Allen S, USF
Defensive backfield was problem for Vikes last year.
63. Colts Daryl Washington LB, TCU
Minus Gary Brackett would mean a hole that needs to be filled in the Colts’ defense.
64. New Orleans Saints Perish Cox CB, Oklahoma State
Darren Sharper will be gone, so the Saints could use a young DB replacement.
