Updated NFL Mock Draft: 1/07/10
By Editorial Staff
26. New Orleans Saints– Allen Bailey- DE- Miami
– Bailey is an intriguing prospect that has a ton of physical skills but not the production to match. However, after what should be a very good workout season Bailey will get back into the first round discussion. His athletic ability will be what teams fall in love with and you could always use a good defensive lineman.
27. Chicago Bears– Drake Nevis- DT- LSU
– Everybody knows the woes of the Bears offensive line but I don’t feel like any of the remaining tackles are 1st round worthy. The Bears defense has been successful this season as a result of the defensive line play. Nevis would be a perfect fit for the 3 technique position and fill in the void left by Tommie Harris and his ailing knees.
28. New York Jets– Cameron Heyward- DE- OSU
– New York has struggled to get a good pass rush with their defensive line. If you watch any of the Sugar Bowl you saw the potential of Cameron Heyward. He would be a good fit as a 5 technique in Rex Ryan’s scheme and give him the pass rush the defense sorely needs.
29. Baltimore Ravens– Aaron Williams- CB- Texas
– The Ravens secondary has been a problem all season so bringing in Williams would seem like the logical decision.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers– DeMarcus Love- OL- Arkansas
– Pittsburgh would like to get back to running the football more effectively and that starts with the offensive line. Love can play either tackle position and likely guard which will help him get on the field early.
31. Atlanta Falcons– Corey Liuget- DT- Illinois
– Liuget is one of the fastest rising prospects which could land him in the first round. He is a penetrating tackle that wreaks havoc in the offensive backfield. As we saw the Falcons defense was effective in slowing down Drew Brees when he faced pressure.
32. New England Patriots– JJ Watt- DE- Wisconsin
– New England has done a great job stock piling draft picks and rebuilding the defensive side of the football. Watt’s size and ability to stop the run make him an ideal candidate to fill the 5 technique position.