Can Sam Save The Skins? Mock Draft V3.0

Draft Calendar:

January 9^th Army All American Bowl

January 15^th is the deadline for underclassmen to declare,

January 23^rd East-West Shrine Bowl

January 30^th Senior Bowl

Feb 24^th to March 2^nd NFL Combine

Thursday April 22^nd Round 1

Friday April 23^rd Round 2-3

Saturday April 24^th Round 5-7

The Stage is now set and Commissioner Roger Goodell can start practicing “With the No. 1 pick in 2010 NFL draft the St Louis Rams Select…….” 

Tim Tebow was brilliant in the Gators bowl game, so much so I can not see him out side of the top 40 selections. He capped a remarkable run becoming one of the top College QB’s of all time.

He must fix his delivery and if it brings better accuracy he could be solid at the next level but as positive as his leadership and rah rah attitude were in college it will be a hard sell out of the gate in the NF,L likely with a team much less skilled then he is used to.

#1. St Louis 1-15 - Ndamukong Suh DT NEB 6’3 295

You could easily make a case for 3-4 different players with as many holes as the Rams have. Eric Berry or even Sam Bradford would fill a need but Suh is the most dominate DT in recent memory. He’s far more athletic then Glenn Dorsey, the last highly regarded DT, brings a worth ethic and positive attitude unmatched by most college players.

Suh is the guy right now, St Louis has a history with Nebraska players over the last ten years and it makes sense to take the best player in the country. I wouldn’t rule out a trade, maybe to Cleveland for Brady Quinn and their pick.

#2. Detroit 2-14 – Russell Okung OT OKST 6’8 299

This pick could be up for grabs with the Lions already paying Matt Stafford a boat load of cash. They could easily swap down 3-4 spots; get a guy to fill a need and pay millions less. Teams that are high on Eric Berry will be calling.

If they stay put someone to protect their franchise QB will be tempting and Okung is a beast. Gerald McCoy will also be an option but I stand firm in my belief Shaun Rogers is on his way back to town.

#3. Tampa Bay 3-13 – Eric Berry S TEN 5’11 203

There is something to sort out in Tampa, will Raheem be back or will they opt for Bill Cowher? As I write this it looks more like Cowher won’t sign unless the job is open and Tampa won’t let Raheem go unless Cowher signs. That my friends is an impasse, look for Cowher to wait out John Fox in Carolina.

I like Berry here as the best player on the board and to a few teams the best player in the draft. With Ronde Barber as a mentor the sky is the limit. The Rod Woodson comparisons are not way off with this kid. If Berry is off the board, Derrick Morgan or Gerald McCoy will fit needs.

 #4 Washington 4-12 – Sam Bradford QB OKA 6’4 218

They have options and Bruce Allen will talk shop with anyone interested in this pick. Mike Shanahan is now the man, he’s got to upgrade that offense first in my mind.  I like Bradford just because they are going to make a splash, although they could be stuck with Jason Campbell if they can’t find a taker as he’d be a restricted free agent in an uncapped year. Other options could include C.J. Spiller or Anthony Davis.

#5 Kansas City 4-12 – Derrick Morgan DE GT 6’4 270

Morgan is oozing skills; guys that attack the QB like he can don’t come along every year. While I think Eric Berry might be a better fight or Golden Tate might be a huge weapon. I don’t think they should pass up making their line almost unstoppable by drafting Morgan.

#6 Seattle – Anthony Davis OT Rutgers 6’6 325

Seattle is hurt the most by Jake locker staying in school as they are likely to go with Matt Hasselbeck again next year. Matt has to stay healthy and needs some protection to do it. Davis is a rung below Okung, but is still a heck of a prospect at 6’6 325 and can help a team that has had a few injury issues up front since their Superbowl run.

#7 Cleveland 5-11 – Gerald Mc Coy DT OKA 6’4 295

They have a ton of needs but keeping this defense steady with the possible loss of Shaun Rodgers is a must and McCoy fits that bill. Holmgren will turn one of those QB’s into a decent option and they have weapons with Cribbs, Massaquoi, and Harrison. If Mangini stays and has a say don’t count him out of talking Mike into trading down but this is becoming a huge IF. This team is on the rise either way even with the turmoil to start last year; they have enough draft picks to restock quickly.

#8 Oakland – Joe Haden CB FLA 5’11 190

The Raiders win totals since 2004- 5,4,2,4,5, and 5.

I think Al Davis falls in love with his speed flat out. Tim Tebow is an option and no one would put it past the Raiders to make a reach pick, selecting someone who can ball hawk across from Nnamdi Asomugha is a must at this pick.

#9 Buffalo - Jimmy Clausen QB ND 6’2 217

I’m convinced this team is becoming Oakland East. On the verge of hiring Brian Billick over Charlie Weis and then letting T.O. walk is just unacceptable in my opinion. Billick couldn’t get an offense going in Baltimore and the cupboard is even more bare in Buffalo. Regardless of the coach they can not move forward with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Unless Sam Bradford falls, Jimmy is the pick.

#10 Denver (from Chicago) – Rolando McClain LB ALA 6’3 245

Denver could go a few ways here, their secondary is old but LB outside of D.J. Williams is a bigger question mark for me. McClain provides a non-stop motor, not overly flashy but well rounded. Joe Haden and Taylor Mays would also be fantastic selections. If Brandon Marshall is moved, Golden Tate would also be tempting.

#11 Jacksonville – Carlos Dunlap DE FLA 6’5 293

We know they like Tim Tebow, but I get the sense everyone believes he will slip into round two. Having seen Dunlap up close they know what their getting here, a QB heat seeking missile that they lack.

#12 Miami – Golden Tate WR ND 5’11 194

Chad Henne is now the man is south beach but he needs help, we all hear Bill Parcells hates first round WR’s and after Teddy Ginn who could blame him? Golden Tate is a Percy Harvin clone as far as what he can do on the football field. Add him to a potent wild cat spread and give Henne a deep threat and that offense becomes a force.

#13 San Francisco (from Carolina) – Taylor Mays S USC 6’3 236

San Fran’s Offense is on the up swing. Its Defense is on the verge of being very very good. Taylor Mays maybe is the guy to push them over the top, along with Dashon Goldson their stud rookie and an improving pass rush. I think next year is the year they catch Arizona. Mays is someone who can spy Kurt Warner and make big plays against the likes of Boldin and Fitzgerald.

#14 Seattle (from Denver) – Trent Williams OT OKA 6’5 306

Seattle could go a few ways here. Protecting Matt Hasselbeck and getting the running game some consistency is the way I believe they go. Colt McCoy, Jahvid Best, C.J. Spiller are also attractive options.

#15 NY Giants – Earl Thomas S TEX 5’11 198

The G-Men have to address their secondary and Thomas is the best value at this pick. This defense has to get back on track next season if the Giant hope to return to the playoffs, Dallas and Philly are to dangerous to have a questionable secondary.

#16 San Francisco – Cameron Hayward DL OSU

Mike Singletary will upgrade a formidable defense by selecting Hayward and Mays, addressing weaknesses at times on the line with the pass rush and giving up some big plays down the field.

#17 Tennessee – Terrence Cody DT ALA 6’5 365

With the top safeties off the board, Tennessee should find Cody an excellent replacement for Albert Haynesworth. Their defense had an off year mostly due to injuries and they could lose Keith Bullock to free agency. I wouldn’t be surprised by Patrick Robinson or Navarro Bowman.

#18 Pittsburgh – Patrick Robinson CB FSU 5’11 194

This team is defined by its defense more then any other franchise in football, a defense that often failed them. The secondary was exploited repeatedly and Robinson is the last of the first round talent on my board. I also like Cody if he’s available.

#19 Atlanta – Dez Bryant WR OKST 6’2 215

Matty Ice had issues this year when teams double covered Roddy White; Michael Jenkins just isn’t the answer. Bryant is a huge talent and getting him at this value shouldn’t be passed up. They do have needs on defense so don’t rule out a Brandon Spikes/Sergio Kindle either.

#20 Houston – C.J. Spiller RB Clemson 5’11 195

I have every faith Steve Slaton will be back to normal next year, but Gary Kubiak can’t run that risk with the lack of depth they showed late in the season. Spiller is a do everything type and the one two punch will only open things up further for Andre Johnson.

#21 NY Jets – Brandon Spikes LB FLA 6’3 260

They couldn’t turn Vernon Golston around so an athletic tackling machine should be a perfect replacement. If Braylon Edwards bolts, a WR is an option, Thomas Jones isn’t getting any younger and Leon Washington missed most of last year. Jahvid Best would make a great compliment to Shonn Greene.

#22 Baltimore – Bruce Carter LB UNC 6’3 225

Sometimes the right player lands with the right team and it’s a no brainer, Carter is a guy Ray Lewis can finally pass the torch to. A beast that came out during UNC’s bowl game, his stock is soaring. Carter may decided to stay in school but passing but this years draft is the last chance to really cash in. If he stays, Brandon LaFell is the pick.

#23 Arizona – Aaron Hernandez TE FLA 6’2 250

The one offensive weapon this team doesn’t have is a dominate TE, Hernandez showed that he could become a game breaker for Tim Tebow this year. Coach Urban Meyer even used him like Percy Harvin at points which shows how athletically gifted he is. 

#24 Cincinnati – Jason Pierre-Paul DC SFLA 6’5 263

Cincy lost some luster when Antwan Odom went down mid season. Finding a legit pass rusher is a priority. Brandon LeFell or Marty Gilyard could also be appealing but I doubt you replace Chris Henry with a first rounder and put that kind of pressure on a kid.

#25 New England – Ricky Sapp DE Clemson 6’4 240

Their line struggled without Richard Seymour, with all the picks Bill Belichick has horded this upcoming draft they can retool an aging dynasty. As always the Mad Genius will be moving up and down throughout the rounds.

#26 Green Bay – Mike Iupati OL Idaho 6’6 330

This would be a great addition for the Packers attempt to get Aaron Rodgers upright, his experience in cold weather at Idaho and his positive attitude will make him an instant fan favorite in the trenches for Green Bay.

#27 Philadelphia – Navorro Bowman LB PNST 6’1 230

Nothing flashy this year after McCoy and J Mac last year, look for an emphasis of the D side as their offense is clicking. Bowman would be a fantastic leader and playmaker able to blitz and chase with that scary secondary behind him.

#28 Dallas – Sergio Kindle LB TEX 6’4 235

Jerry Jones has seen this beast grow up in his back yard and addressing an aging LB core led by Keith Brooking is a necessity this offseason.

#29 Minnesota – Arthur Jones DT SYR 6’3 300

Getting Younger on the defensive line is a must for the Vikings. Jones is right in line with Cody in the second tier of DT prospects. Someone to replace E.J. Henderson at LB could also be a possibility as no one is sure his knee will be the same.

#30 New Orleans – Jahvid Best RB CAL 5-10 195

Reggie Bush may cost them too much to keep around next year, so Best can give the offense a playmaker in Reggie’s mold. Concerns over his concussions will have to be resolved before he moves up on draft boards.

#31 San Diego – Ryan Mathews RB FRST 5’11 215

Darren Sproles made everyone nervous this year with his regression while LT has nursing injuries. This may be a reach as Mathews could go in the middle to late 2^nd round but they have to address one of the leagues weakest rushing attacks this season.

#32 Indianapolis - Dan Williams DT TEN 6’3 325

The Colts close out round one with help on the D-line that has battled injuries closing out the last few years. I'd like to see them draft Tim Tebow and turn him into a TE that runs the Wild Cat, what do you think?