2010 NFL Mock Draft

By (Analyst) on May 8, 2009

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NEW YORK - APRIL 25:  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell introduces Detroit Lions #1 draft pick Matthew Stafford at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

With the 2009 NFL draft just barely over the only natural reaction is to look forward to next seasons draft. The 2010 draft could potentially be the best in years.

The defensive tackle and safety positions are especially deep, although there is also a ton of talent at linebacker, offensive tackle, and even QB.

Not only are there plenty of top end talents, this draft is amazingly deep.

So take a look at my projected first round of next years draft.

1. St. Louis Rams - Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss

DALLAS - JANUARY 02:  Quarterback Jevan Snead #4 of the Mississippi Rebels drops back to pass against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the AT&T Cotton Bowl on January 2, 2009 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Rams thought about taking Mark Sanchez last season, but passed on him due to Mark Bulger's big contract.

Picking top two for the third consecutive season would probably change that.

Snead is the top QB in this class, with all the physical tools and intangibles to go No. 1 overall.

2. Cleveland Browns - Taylor Mays, S, USC

STANFORD - NOVEMBER 15:  Taylor Mays #2 of USC Trojans tackles Delano Howell #26 of the Stanford Cardinals at Stanford Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Stanford, California. (Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Browns have a QB of the future in Brady Quinn, so Sam Bradford is probably out of the question, although Mangini might want to bring in "his own guy".

A linebacker could be possible, but free safety is a bigger hole, and Mays is the best free safety in the draft, probably the best free safety in years. He has great size, over 230 pounds of bulk, and can run in the 4.4 range.

3. Detroit Lions - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 15:  Offensive lineman Jarriel King #76 the South Carolina Gamecocks tries to protect his quarterback Stephen Garcia #5 from defensive end Carlos Dunlap #8 of the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 15, 2008 i

Dunlap is arguably the best prospect in this draft. He has Mario Williams type talent, and with a good season is almost a lock to declare and go top five overall.

The Lions need to protect Matthew Stafford, but unless their offensive line completely collapses this season they have to go with Dunlap here.

4. Oakland Raiders - Russell Okung, RT, Oklahoma State

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 08:  Quarterback Zac Robinson #11 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Lubbock, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Raiders need help on the right side of their offensive line making Okung a great pick. Eric Berry and his sub-4.4 speed could be in play here, but they took a safety in round two last year and failed to address the hole at right tackle so as of now, Okung is the best pick.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

MIAMI - JANUARY 08:  Brandon Spikes #51 of the Florida Gators celebrate with the trophy after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners in the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The Gators won the game by a

The past two years they have built their defensive line, and they will now be looking to improve their linebacker group as well. Spikes would have been a first round pick in last years draft, but coming back to school should elevate his prospect status.

He's the top ILB in next years class as of now.

If Matt Cassel struggles, or the Chiefs fail to sign him to an extension, Sam Bradford could be the pick here as well.

6. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

MIAMI - JANUARY 08:  Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners gets pressured by Carlos Dunlap #8 of the Florida Gators as he throws during the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Donald

The Seahawks need to find the future at this position, and Bradford is a good value at the No. 6 pick. He doesn't have a rocket arm, but it's not bad either and that's pretty much his only "weakness."

Eric Berry is tough to pass up though as he is possibly the best player in this draft, and would fill a big need in Seattle. But the overall safety depth in this draft makes the Bradford pick a good one.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

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The Jaguars need to get younger on the defensive line and Suh is a perfect fit for their defense. A top-10 prospect with the best all around skill set of any DT in this draft, and the college production to back it up.

Cornerback is another area the Jags might target here.

8. San Francisco 49ers - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 22:  Eric Berry #14 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the game at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/

This teams biggest need is at the safety position, and they get the best prospect in the draft at No. 8. If Snead or Bradford dropped, they might think about it, but in the end the best player on the board is too good to pass up at eight.

9. Green Bay Packers - Joe Haden, CB, Florida

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 06:  Nick Walker #88 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Joe Haden #5 of the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship on December 6, 2008 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

In one of the deepest defensive drafts in recent memory, the CB position isn't all that strong.

However, Green Bay needs help at this position, and Haden is a top 10 talent. Maybe not the best player available, but well worth the pick.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Tim Hiller, QB, Western Michigan

MUNCIE, IN - NOVEMBER 25:  Quarterback Tim Hiller #3 of the Western Michigan Broncos drops back to pass the ball during the MAC game against the Ball State Cardinals at Scheumann Stadium on November 25, 2008 in Muncie, Indiana.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

The 49ers got the best player on the board at No. 8, then grab their franchise QB in Tim Hiller.

He doesn't get all the hype yet, but Hiller has great size, a rocket arm, he's accurate, smart, and the next great QB coming from the MAC Conference.

11. Washington Redskins - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

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The Redskins passed on Michael Oher in the 2009 draft, and they will be targeting offensive tackle help next season. Bulaga is a big, athletic, and versatile tackle that could succeed on either side of the offensive line.

I like him more than Okung due to his ability to play on the left side, something I doubt Okung can do.

12. Tampa Bay Bucs - Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 03:  Arrelious Benn #9 of the Illinois Fighting Illini advances the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 3, 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Illinois defeated Minnesota 44-17.

Tampa Bay address it's two big needs last season at QB and DT, so this is more of a best player available pick.

Benn is easily the best player available with his good size, speed, very physical and strong, good hands. He is the total package at WR. Plus he has great worth ethic.

13. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) - Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 06:  Terrence Cody #62 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jeffery Demps #2 of the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship on December 6, 2008 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Broncos didn't end up with BJ Raji last year, but Terrance Cody might be even better. Mt. Cody is over 350 pounds, which is a monstrous anchor for the Broncos 3-4 deffense.

14. Buffalo Bills - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29:  Devin Head #93 of the Colorado Buffaloes block Gerald McCoy #93 of the Oklahoma Sooners at Folsom Field on September 29, 2007 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Oklahoma 27-24.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Bills need to get younger inside their defensive line, and McCoy is a massive steal at 14. Some have him in their top-five prospects, and as far as 4-3 DTs go, McCoy is right up there with Suh of Nebraska.

15. Cincinnati Bengals - Jonathon Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 08:  Jonathan Dwyer #21 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets carries the ball during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty

Dwyer is a top-10 talent, so getting him here is a best player available move. After a great draft last year, they can afford to make such a luxury pick.

16. Miami Dolphins - Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 21: Sergio Kindle #2 of the Texas Longhorns moves on the field during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on October 21, 2006 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Longhorns defeated the Cornhuskers 22-20. (Photo by B

Kindle is just too good to pass up here. A top 10 prospect. If he drops this far, the Dolphins just can't pass him up. It's not like the Dolphins have all that many gaping holes anyway. Kindle is a very athletic 3-4 OLB.

17. Tennessee Titans - George Selvie, DE, USF

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Defensive end George Selvie #95 of the University of South Florida Bulls watches play against the Kansas University Jayhawks at Raymond James Stadium on September 12, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Imag

Selvie is a steal here as well. He's a top five talent, and who could fall out of the top 15. The Titans two starting defensive ends are free agents at the end of the season, so Selvie being a defensive end and the best player available is a perfect pick here for the Titans.

18. Seattle Seahawks - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 06:  Quarterback Sam Bradford #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners is hit after releasing the ball during the first half of the game against the Missouri Tigers on December 6, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo b

Walter Jones is getting up there in age, and Williams can be groomed as his replacement. Williams is a massive offensive tackle, and can probably play on the left side despite his weight. The Seahawks might also might consider a safety here.

19. Houston Texans - Major Wright, S, Florida

MIAMI - JANUARY 08:  Manuel Johnson #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners can't make a catch along the sideline as he is hit by Major Wright #21 of the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Flo

The Texans were looking for a safety last year, but there wasn't one worth their pick.

Major Wright, however, IS worth this pick. He is a hard hitting safety who fits perfectly in the Texans defensive backfield.

20. New Orleans Saints - Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missiouri

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 6:  Maurice Purify #16 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is upended by Sean Weatherspoon #12 and Justin Garrett #8 of the Missouri Tigers during 2nd-half action on October 6, 2007 at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri.  Missouri won 41-6.

Another example of just how deep this draft is.

Weatherspoon could be a top 10 pick in most drafts, but slips to the Saints at No. 20. And they are sure glad he did. Weatherspoon fills a position of need, and might just be the best available player.

21. New York Jets - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 30:   Wide Receiver Dez Bryant  #1 of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys jumps up to catch the ball as Free Safety T.J. Ward #2 of the University of Oregon Ducks breaks up the pass during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualco

This draft is so good that Dez Bryant—who is often compared to Lary Fitzgerald—could go this late. The Jets would certainly love him to fall into their lap. Mark Sanchez might want his guy Damien Williams from USC though. Either way they are getting a No. 1 receiver.

22. Baltimore Ravens - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

MIAMI - JANUARY 08:  Jermaine Gresham #18 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs with the ball for a touch down against the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Donald Mir

Gresham is a top 10 talent, and a huge steal here. A QB three best friends are a defense, a running game, and a tight end.

With this pick, Joe Flacco will have all three for a very long time.

23. Dallas Cowboys - Damian Williams, WR, USC

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01:  Wide receiver Damian Williams #18 of the USC Trojans runs with the ball after a reception during the 95th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Pasadena, Ca

The Cowboys desperately need depth at this position.

Damien Williams is a complete receiver with no holes in his game. He doesn't have the size of Bryant or Benn, and isn't a track star, but he has both adequate size and speed, with good hands, route running skills, and focus.

24. New York Giants - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

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Antonio Pierce is getting old, and the Giants need his replacement. McClain is a top 10 talent, who some like more than Spikes, which means he is a a steal at 24. Broken record but... what a deep draft!

25. Minnesota Vikings - Jake Locker, QB, Washington

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 13:  Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies tosses the ball during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners on September 13, 2008 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Sooners defeated the Huskies 55-14.(Photo by Ott

Physically Locker is a great prospect. But he needs to work on his accuracy and decision making, which is why he will drop to the mid first.

The Vikings need a franchise QB, and although Locker is a project, he has tons of talent and good intangibles.

26. Indianapolis Colts - Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 24: Arian Foster #27 of the Tennessee Volunteers carries the ball against Trevard Lindley #32 of the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium November 24, 2007 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Some would argue he's a better prospect than Joe Haden. He is a good value here, and fills a position of need. If one of the top receivers drops, they could be the pick as well.

27. Airzona Cardinals - Ciron Black, OT, LSU

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 07:  Quarterback Matt Flynn #15 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates his 13-yard touchdown pass with Ciron Black #70 against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the AllState BCS National Championship on January 7, 2008 at t

The Cards need depth on the offensive line, and they wont get it latter in the draft. Black is a decent value here and fills a need. He could have been a first rounder last year, but with another good year he should cement his first round status.

28. San Diego Chargers - LaGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon

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I'm not convinced he's done yet, but LT is on the wrong side of 30 and the Chargers need to find a power back to complement Darren Sproles within the next year or two. Blount, at over 240 pounds, is a perfect fit.

29. Atlanta Falcons - Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 13:  Travis Lewis #28 of the Oklahoma Sooners defends the pass play during the game against the Washington Huskies on September 13, 2008 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Sooners defeated the Huskies 55-14.(Photo by Otto Gre

An absolute steal here, and he fills one of the few holes on this team. Total package at OLB, and dominated the Big 12 as a redshirt freshman. Could go a lot earlier in any other draft.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kris O'Dowd, C, USC

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The Steelers drafted a center late in last years draft, but if that doesn't work out O'Dowd is the top center prospect this year, and right up there with the best this decade.

31. Philadelphia Eagles - Navarro Bowman, OLB, Penn State

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Offers good value here and fills a position of need for the 2010 Super Bowl losers. Will need a good season this year though, as his measurables aren't yet elite.

32. New England Patriots - Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 29:  Mark Herzlich #94 of the Boston College Eagles tries to get the crowd going in the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins on November 29, 2008 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Boston College defeat

The Patriots youth movement on defense continues with this pick. Herzlich, like everyone else picked below No. 10, is a big steal here. He is only able to drop this far due to the exceptional depth of this class.

If Laurence Maroney struggles, the Patriots could select a running back here as well.

Notable players not in my first round:

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 05:  Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Game on January 5, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.   The Longhorns defe

Colt McCoy - I don't believe McCoy is a first round prospect. He is smart, accurate, and athletic, but his size and arm strength severely limit his NFL potential.

Tim Tebow - Has the physical talent to succeed at the NFL level, however his slow release and poor deep ball accuracy make him a big project.

CJ Spiller/Jahvid Best - I like both of them as solid Chris Johnson like prospects, and if they run great 40s they might make it into the late first, but neither of them are elite NFL prospects.

Marvin Austin/Everson Griffin - Physical specimens and great pass rushers that need to show more production this year to move into the first round.

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