Sorry if the format is a little off this week. I have tried it hundreds of different ways and I just can’t get it to be numbered and the way I want it. I just had to go through each pick and number it. Too much work for this.
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1. St. Louis Rams Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
I think that Jimmy Clausen will be the better pro, but 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. The Rams should realize that this is a very deep defensive line class, so they can wait to get another defensive tackle, even if Suh is the best prospect.
2. Detroit Lions Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
The Lions traded for DT Corey Williams from Cleveland, but that still won’t change the fact that Suh will be taken by the Lions if the Rams don’t take Suh number one overall. Williams and a 7th rounder was only traded for the Lions’ 5th rounder. Coming back to a 4-3 will help Williams get back to his old level of play. Okung could go here if it’s not Suh. I see the Lions taking Suh even if they desperately need an offensive tackle. Last year with their second first round pick, they went best available player Brandon Pettigrew instead of o-tackle.
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. Some have McCoy rated higher than Suh, but they’re just trying to stir things up.
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. However, Shanahan could still go with an offensive tackle here if he doesn’t rate Clausen highly. This draft is very thin at quarterback, so I think he’ll take Clausen.
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. Deon Grant got cut and Seattle seems to be trying to start over back there in the secondary.
7. Cleveland Browns Joe Haden CB, Florida
Joe Haden’s 40 time at his pro day made up for the poor number from the combine, so he’s back here at Cleveland, where most of the other mock drafts have him at. There was never a doubt about this guy’s skill though, he was going to be a top 10-15 pick anyways.
8. Oakland Raiders Jason Pierre-Paul DE, USF
JPP is athletic and he is making Al Davis drool. Unlike Bruce Campbell, JPP actually makes sense here. Greg Ellis was let go by the Raiders, so you know Al has to be looking for another DE to fill the void. Trent Williams, offensive tackle from Oklahoma ran a fast 40 time for a lineman at 4.88, so he’s a possibility here as well.
9. Buffalo Bills 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. Before all is said and done, he could be pushing ahead of Okung for the best offensive tackle prospect this year.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
I like Derrick Morgan a lot more than JPP, but Al Davis will reach again for the guy who’s more athletic than a better player. Morgan is steady and consistent and will put up solid numbers, I think starting his rookie season. Jacksonville needs a pas rush and with the signing of Aaron Kampman (he’s coming off ACL injury), they will have an insurance policy in Morgan.
11. Denver Broncos (from Bears) Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State
The Broncos will need a better receiving corps whether Brandon Marshall is shipped out or not. Brady Quinn or Kyle Orton will need help either way. Denver could also stand to upgrade their defensive line as well, and Dan Williams is available here.
12. Miami Dolphins Dan Williams DT, Tennessee
Dan Williams’ stock has been hot ever since the beginning of 2010. 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 likeable here. They can wait to draft a tackle here, but will be unable to wait for Spiller.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos) 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, but won’t matter if he’ll be drafted by the Niners because they already have Joe Staley on the left side, so Williams would be right tackle.
15. New York Giants Earl Thomas S, Texas
Earl Thomas can play either safety or corner. He isn’t afraid to come up and help with the run and has great coverage skills. I’ve had Rolando McClain here for a while now, but he was in a 3-4 at Alabama and that’s where he’s at his best. Plus his 40 time is a little slow for a MLB in a 4-3 where you have to have good sideline to sideline speed.
16. Tennessee Titans Everson Griffen DE, USC
Tennessee has lost Kyle Vanden Bosch and the need to replace and get younger on their defensive line. Griffen is a little raw, but offers good upside for head coach Jeff Fisher. Griffen could be drafted to a 4-3 defensive team or one with a 3-4, because he has experience at both positions.
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Panthers) Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers
The Niners get the help that they need for the right side of their offensive line. Davis’ stock has been slipping and I used to have him at the number 2 offensive tackle. Then Bulaga passed him up, then Williams. He’s still a top 20 pick in my opinion though. He has the size and skill to become a good offensive tackle in the NFL.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers 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 Steelers would love to get Graham here. He improved his stock greatly after the combine and the senior bowl, he’s one of the hottest prospects right now.
19. Atlanta Falcons Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State
The Falcons need help in their secondary. They added Dunta Robinson this offseason, but there’s not really anybody across from him. Plus Robinson didn’t have any picks last season in 16 games. Plus, the Falcons ranked 28th against the pass in 2009.
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. Even with Antonio Bryant’s signing, I think the Bengals should go WR here.
22. New England Patriots Rolando McClain MLB, Alabama
McClain fits the bill here being the top middle linebacker in this draft. As Walterfootball.com has stated many times this offseason, in recent drafts, the top middle linebackers have been slipping. I agree. Look at Laurinitis and Maualuga last year. The Patriots once again find a way to get the most value out of their picks, although their last good draft was probably more than 4 years ago. Luckily for them, they have many, many picks to use this year.
23. Green Bay Packers Jared Odrick DT, Penn State
I had this as a best available pick from Ted Thompson and now that Aaron Kampman signed with the Jaguars, this actually makes more sense. Odrick just moved into the top 5 of NFL Network’s Mike Mayock’s best defensive ends list. He played DT at Penn State, but will be able to play end in Green Bay’s 3-4 defense.
24. Philadelphia Eagles 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.
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 Jahvid Best RB, California
If Best can prove he’s healthy, AJ Smith could take him here. Best doesn’t appear to be a first rounder with his injury concerns, but as Adrian Peterson proved, sometimes injuries cause a really good player to drop. I’m not saying Best is as good as AP, but Best will drop because of his concussion injury.
29. New York Jets Jerry Hughes OLB, TCU
The Jets got their second corner by trading for Antonio Cromartie and released Lito Sheppard. So now they can focus on a rush linebacker that they desperately need since Vernon Gholston has crapped out. Jerry Hughes is a pass rush specialist. He has great instincts and is willing to work hard.
30. Minnesota Vikings Devin McCourty CB, Rutgers
The Vikings are in need of a good corner. Cedric Griffin will be coming back from injury and Antoine Winfield played horribly after coming back from his injury late last season. McCourty will help the Vikes improve on their 19th ranked pass defense. McCoutry is one of many great prospects coming out of the Big East this year.
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 his old age. They should just clean house and start all over. That’s the only way Peyton Manning can win a Super Bowl. Darn those offensive linemen, can’t do their job when it really counts…oh wait…
32. New Orleans Saints Brian Price DT, UCLA
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. Nevermind protecting your QB of the future…
34. Lions Maurkice Pouncey OL, Florida
Could be a first rounder. Detroit needs offensive help. Protecting Matt Stafford could do wonders.
35. Buccaneers Damian Williams WR, USC
The Bucs better provide Josh Freeman with some options, especially since Antonio Bryant is expected to be let go. I really like Williams. As a prospect, not for mating purposes.
36. Chiefs Sergio Kindle OLB, Texas
The Chiefs could use another linebacker and Kindle is a solid linebacker, who has trouble getting off blocks, but overall is a great prospect. 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 Kareem Jackson CB, Alabama
Browns are in need of another corner opposite of Eric Wright. Browns have shown interest in Jackson.
39. Raiders Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland
Bruce Campbell most likely will end up a Raider if he falls here. He’s injury prone, so it’s possible he could fall this far.
40. Seahawks 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.
41. Bills Colt McCoy QB, Texas
The Bills have a new general manager this season, plus they’re in big time need of a QB. McCoy is a bit small, but he is super accurate.
42. Buccaneers (from Bears) Corey Wooton DE, Northwestern
Bucs can now focus on rebuilding their formerly feared defensive front 7. McCoy and Wooton teamed up.
43. Dolphins Koa Misi OLB, Utah
A relative unknown before the Senior Bowl, Misi really improved his stock there.
44. Patriots (from Jaguars) Rob Gronkowski TE, Arizona
Gronkowski had a back injury, but if he checks out ok, he’ll be drafted high in the 2nd.
45. Broncos Terrence Cody DT, Alabama
Mount Cody falls a bit here, but I think he could be traded in possibly the late first round with a trade perhaps happening.
46. Giants Nate Allen S, USF
The Giants need to draft a safety since the health of Kenny Phillips is in question.
47. Panthers Demariyous Thomas WR, Georgia Tech
Thomas falls to the Panthers who could use an upgrade across from Steve Smith, plus Matt Moore is going to need help.
48. Patriots (from Titans) Dexter McCluster RB, Mississippi
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 Tyson Alualu DL, California
They need offensive linemen, I know, but there aren’t any players whose value matches where they are here. They would try to trade up or down to get the best value.
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 Navarro Bowman LB, Penn State
Eagles need better linebackers.
56. Packers Jared Veldheer OT, Hillsdale
Need to protect Rodgers. Has short arms for a player his height.
57. Ravens Eric Norwood OLB, South Carolina
Ravens always find a way to find a steal.
58. Cardinals Tim Tebow QB, Florida
It’s really anybody’s guess as to where Tebow will wind up.
59. Cowboys Chris Cook CB, Auburn
Jerry Jones will be intrigues by this athlete. They needed help in the secondary anyway.
60. Chargers Ricky Sapp OLB, Clemson
Chargers need help at linebacker, their defense took a step back last season.
61. Jets Brandon LaFell WR, LSU
The Jets could stand to get better at wide receiver.
62. Vikings Chad Jones S, LSU
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. Saints Sean Lee LB, Penn State
The Saints could use an upgrade at a few spots along their front 7.
