2010 NFL Draft: Mock Draft 3.0
By Editorial Staff
Below is our final Mock Draft that features a few changes. We will continue to bring you updated Mock Draft throughout the year so be sure to check us out after the draft. Don’t forget to check out the BUST-O-METER and the Sleeper/Steal Alerts. Also be sure to leave some comments we want to hear what you think!
1. St. Louis Rams– QB- Sam Bradford- Okla.
– Unless there is a major trade Bradford will be a Ram. The Rams will finally have long term direction at the quarterback position. There are some positive to this Rams offense and one is the decent offensive line. We can’t ignore Steven Jackson, who will keep defenses honest.
No Early Contract for Bradford?
2. Detroit Lions– DT- Ndamukong Suh- Neb.
– Suh is a can’t miss prospect and will add to an improving defensive line. Suh has high character and a high motor and will fit right in with Coach Schwartz’s scheme. Suh will be a force for years to come.
3. Tampa Bay Bucs– DT- Gerald McCoy- Okla.
– McCoy will be a disruptive force on a defense desperate for talent. There are a lot of people that feel McCoy is better than Suh, so in some eyes the Bucs will get the best player in the draft at pick 3. It may just be the Oklahoma ties but McCoy gives me the Tommie Harris vibe, as a player that is capable of getting in the backfield on every play.
4. Washington Redskins– T- Russell Okung- Okla. St.
– I have a feeling McNabb is texting Coach Shanahan every hour pleading with him to select Okung. The Redskins need to protect McNabb by upgrading the talent along the offensive line. Okung is the top rated tackle has the potential to be a Pro Bowler.
5. Kansas City Chiefs– S- Eric Berry- Tenn.
– The Chiefs could go with someone like Trent Williams or Bryan Bulaga but I am not sold on their potential and I am sure Scott Pioli has some questions. With Berry you have an All-World talent that will provide the Chief’s defense with a much needed playmaker. Many feel that a top 5 pick for safety is a reach but Pioli showed last season he will reach for a need or a player he likes (Tyson Jackson).
6. Seattle Seahawks– T- Trent Williams- Okla.
– Trent Williams fills a major need here for the Seahawks. The retirement of Walter Jones left a big hole at the tackle position. Williams has a lot of game experience and could play both the right and left tackle position. Some feel this could be a landing spot for Clausen but the Seahawks gave a lot to get Charlie Whitehurst.
7. Cleveland Browns– S/CB- Earl Thomas- Texas
– I have been predicting CJ Spiller in this spot for awhile now but recently changed my mind. I feel that Spiller is too much like Jerome Harrison and the Browns will look to add a later round power back (maybe LeGarrette Blount). So with this pick the Browns get a playmaking safety capable of covering receivers, backs, and tight ends 1 on 1. Thomas’ versatility is what has lead to his rise up draft boards.
8. Oakland Raiders– T- Bryan Bulaga- Iowa
– Many will predict Bruce Campbell in this position but I don’t see that happening. While Al Davis has become sort of a joke when it comes to the draft I don’t think he will pass up on the more solid Bulaga. Some history that might work against this pick would be the bust of Robert Gallery. I feel that Clausen would be the best move for the Raiders but they are not ready to admit defeat with JaMarcus Russell.
9. Buffalo Bills– OT- Anthony Davis- Rutgers
– While I feel that this is a reach for Davis, I can’t ignore the Bills need for offensive linemen. I do not think there will be a good option at the tackle position when the Bills select in the 2nd round, so its now or never. The Bills could also look to fill their open nose tackle position by selecting Dan Williams. What about Jimmy Clausen? The Bills do need a quarterback but the offensive line is a bigger need.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars– DE- Derrick Morgan- Georgia Tech
– The Jaguars are still searching for a pass rush even after signing Aaron Kampman. They just traded Quenton Groves and Derrick Harvey remains inconsistent. Morgan is strong against both the run and pass and will come in and provide the Jaguars a much needed lift.
To find out what happens with the rest of the draft just continue reading!
11. Denver Broncos (from CHI) – DT- Dan Williams- Tenn.
– Dan Williams will be another addition to the 3-4 defense puzzle for the Denver Broncos. Williams is the best nose tackle prospect in this draft and he fills a need for the Denver Broncos. The Broncos pass here on Dez Bryant because they are not going to draft another wide receiver with questionable character.
12. Miami Dolphins– RB- CJ Spiller- Clemson
– Adding Brandon Marshall fills a big void in the receiving core and gives the Dolphins flexibility with this pick. Spiller has the versatility to handle the Wildcat and the fact that Miami is shopping Ronnie Brown throws up red flags about his long term future with the team. Brown’s situation and the aging of Ricky Williams make the running back position a target area. The Dolphins could also look at Sergio Kindle in this spot.
13. San Francisco 49ers– CB- Joe Haden- Fla.
– Inconsistent 40 time has teams questioning Haden’s top end speed and unfortunately for Joe this is an important piece to the draft puzzle. The 49ers get good value at a position of need and will benefit from Haden’s misery.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN) – WR- Dez Bryant- Okla. St.
– Pete Carroll is not afraid to take a chance on a playmaker with questionable character. Bryant will bring an instant spark to an offense that is lacking speed. Based on need the Seahawks would have to consider Jason Pierre- Paul in this position.
15. New York Giants– LB- Rolando McClain- Alabama
– This is a dream come true for both Giant fans and management. McClain is the best player available and at a position of need. McClain will be in the middle of the Giants defense for years to come.
16. Tennessee Titans– DE- Jason Pierre-Paul- USF
– The Titans need pass rushing help and Pierre Paul is a fast rising prospect that has good pass rushing skills. The loss of Vanden Bosch has made this position a priority.
BUST-O-METER: Jason Pierre-Paul
17. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) – QB- Jimmy Clausen- Notre Dame
– I make this pick with a few notes. First off I really don’t think that the 49ers will select Clausen because I think they are committed to giving to giving Alex Smith a shot. I make this pick here because it’s a great trade spot. Many NFL teams don’t want to pay the price of two first round picks so the 49ers will be happy to unload this pick for extra picks. Also the 49ers need help at the tackle position and at this point nobody is worthy of the #17 pick. Now, who is trading into this spot? That’s the question.
18. Pittsburg Steelers– G/T- Mike Iupati- Idaho
– The Steelers need help along the offensive line and Iupati’s run blocking ability is right up the Steelers alley.
19. Atlanta Falcons– LB- Sergio Kindle- Texas
– The Falcons need an upgrade in talent at the linebacker position and Kindle is one of the top prospects at the position. Kindle is strong against the run and good in pass coverage. He also has the ability to wreak havoc in the opponent’s backfield. This pick improves the Falcon’s defense immediately.
20. Houston Texans– CB- Devin McCourty- Rutgers
– After losing Dunta Robinson the Texan’s need help in the secondary. McCourty is a good cover corner and has high character. He will also provide help in the kick return game. Robinson was a bit overrated and by drafting McCourty the Texans replace his production.
21. Cincinnati Bengals– TE- Jermaine Gresham- Okla.
– The tight end position has been a black hole for the Bengals. Adding Gresham will give Carson Palmer a reliable target. The Bengals could look at Taylor Mays but he compares Roy Williams who is currently on the Bengals roster.
22. New England Patriots– LB- Brandon Graham- Mich.
– The Patriots need a pass rushing outside linebacker and Graham fits that mold perfectly. He has a great Senior Bowl where he lived in the offensive backfield.
23. Green Bay Packers– T- Rodger Saffold- Indiana
– The biggest need for the Packers is upgrading the offensive line. Saffold is a battle tested tackle that will be a steady part of the Packer offensive line. Protecting Aaron Rodgers has to be the Packers main focus.
Sleeper/Steal Alert: Rodger Saffold
24. Philadelphia Eagles– G/C- Maurkice Pouncey- Florida
– There is a growing concern that Jamal Jackson will not be able to come back from his injury last season. The concern with Jackson and the recent release of Shawn Andrews means that the Eagles will look to retool the offensive line. Pouncey is a smart and tough lineman and will make an immediate impact.
25. Baltimore Ravens– CB- Kareem Jackson- Alabama
– The Ravens addressed their receiver need during free agency and now need to add depth to the defensive secondary.
26. Arizona Cardinals– LB- Sean Weatherspoon- Missouri
– He Cardinal’s defense was hit hard during the free agency period. They need to find some talent to upgrade their linebacking core. Weatherspoon has used the draft process to show teams he has the ability to step in and contribute.
27. Dallas Cowboys– T- Charles Brown- USC
– The Cowboys need to find youth, talent, and depth along their offensive line. While Doug Free played well last season I am not sold on his long term prospects. Brown has a ton of upside and could take over if Free fails.
28. San Diego Chargers– RB- Ryan Matthews- Fresno State
– Tomlinson is gone and the Chargers need to fill that void. Ryan Matthews can carry the load and provide an immediate impact. He would be a great compliment to Darren Sproles.
29. New York Jets– S- Taylor Mays- USC
– The Jets upgraded the wide out position with the trade for Santonio Holmes and now they need to upgrade the safety position. Who better than Rex Ryan to get the most out of the talented Taylor Mays? Ryan will find ways to utilize Mays and give offenses nightmares.
30. Minnesota Vikings– CB- Kyle Wilson- Boise State
– The Vikings have some question marks at the cornerback position due to injuries and ineffectiveness. Wilson is a solid performer and is capable to stepping right in and making a difference. He would also be valuable in nickel situations once the Vikings are back at full strength.
31. Indianapolis Colts– DT- Jared Odrick- PSU
– The Colts would love to add an offensive tackle here but there isn’t anyone worthy of this spot. Jared Odrick is a high character high motor defensive tackle. He plays both the run and pass well and will add another player to the defensive line rotation.
32. New Orleans Saints– OLB- Jerry Hughes- TCU
– With this pick the Saints get a highly rated player at a position of need. Hughes will fit in nicely with Greg Williams attacking style defense. Hughes could very well lead all rookies in sacks this upcoming season.