2010 NFL Mock Draft One

First mock draft of the season and I find it extremely necessary to deliver a preliminary look before the Senior Bowl hits stride. Descriptions and analysis this time around will be somewhat brief, but I promise to go more in depth in the following mocks. Here is an early look.

1.  St. Louis Rams–Jimmy Clausen–QB–Notre Dame

Don't get me wrong, Ndamukong Suh is by far the best player in this draft and could very well be the pick. In fact, as of now, I would say he is the right player to pick. It would be too conservative for me to place him here though.

I am a firm believer in the philosophy that if you do not have a franchise QB, you do NOT pass on one. As the draft process continues, Clausen will rise. He will easily be one of the most scrutinized picks of this upcoming draft, but there is no denying his experience in a pro system and the fact that he simply got better every time he stepped on the field for the Irish. He is not the likely first choice as of now, and the Rams are the center of a lot of free agent chatter, but if there is a QB to take, it is Clausen.

2.  Detroit Lions–Ndamukong Suh– DT–Nebraska

I expect the Lions to take a DT whether Suh is available or not. Luckily for them, in this scenario they get the best player in the draft. Few players have been as dominant in a season as Suh was during his senior campaign that ended as a Heisman finalist with every defensive award imaginable. He will be an immediate impact no matter where he ends up. 

If Suh is gone, I would expect to see the Lions take DT Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma, the lone Sooner that maintained his lofty draft stock after opting to go back to school last year.

3.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers–Eric Berry–SS–Tennessee

Consistently compared to Ravens’ safety Ed Reed, Berry will be entering the league with lofty expectations. His natural ability to find the football and make plays have made him an almost sure fire top-five pick.

The Bucs can use a lot of help, and I would hardly be surprised to see them look at DT McCoy, DEs Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap and Everson Griffen, or even offensive tackles Russell Okung or Anthony Davis. Some of those prospects are a bit of a reach, and the Bucs would know what they are getting with Berry from the start. He will be hard to pass up.

4.  Washington Redskins–Sam Bradford–QB–Oklahoma

Two QBs in the top five would be a wild idea. Although I am not nearly as high on Bradford as others are, I would be surprised to see head coach and GM Mike Shanahan not walk away with the QB he wants. I think the battle between Bradford and Clausen will be intriguing, but evidenced by the first pick, I believe in Clausen.

Bradford is a former Heisman winner with pinpoint accuracy, underrated athletic ability and unfortunately, a questionable arm. He has little to no experience in a pro system and that will be an issue transferring to the NFL. I do not doubt his work ethic, though, and the winds of change have to blow Jason Campbell out of Washington. If not a QB, I would expect to see an offensive tackle as the selection here.

5.  Kansas City Chiefs–Russell Okung–OT–Oklahoma State

The Chiefs, like the Bucs, could use a ton of help. Both teams played with some fight this past season, and a lot of young players got some much needed experience. Kansas City may have found their RB of the future in Jamaal Charles. Opening up more lanes and keeping Matt Cassell standing has got to be a priority. The Chiefs instantly become the New England Patriots 2.0 minus the true genius at head coach. Scott Pioli, Charlie Weis, and Romeo Crennel, all former Patriots from the championship days now surround coach Todd Haley.

Okung can step in right away, and former first round pick Branden Albert can be moved around to strengthen this line. I also like the idea of WR Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State here or possibly CB Joe Haden of Florida or a puss rusher. Both new coordinators are proven in the NFL and should find ways to make this team better, starting here.

6.  Seattle Seahawks – Anthony Davis – OT - Rutgers

The Seahawks may have some QB issues as well, but in this scenario, that would not even matter. New head coach Pete Carroll has his work cut out for him, and with two first-round picks, he can grab some young talent.

Davis is a very gifted athlete with the potential to be the best offensive tackle to come out of this class. I think this is a bit high for him, but I also like the value of a tackle here for Seahawks, especially with another pick midway through this round.

Another possibility will be to wait on a tackle and grab a defensive end. The Seahawks were only 26th in the league in sacks this season. Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap and Everson Griffen would all be a help there.

7.  Cleveland Browns – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma

It would be hard for me to believe that McCoy will still be available this late. For the Browns and the jackass they have at head coach, this value will be too great to pass up. McCoy would be a disruptive 3-4 DE for the Browns. He excels at wreaking havoc in the backfield and disrupting plays.

If McCoy is gone, I think drafting Florida CB Joe Haden would be a no-brainer for a team that could definitely use the talents of a pure shutdown corner. I don’t expect McCoy to be here, but in this scenario the value is incredible.

8.  Oakland Raiders – Joe Haden – CB – Florida

I won’t even pretend to figure out the Oakland Raiders and their drafting “woes.” It would be a waste of my time and yours to write more than four or five sentences here. Al Davis once was a genius; he is now off his rocker. The best available athlete is easily Joe Haden of Florida. He would be a nice tandem with Nnamdi Asomugha at CB.

Other “athletes” the Raiders may target include DEs Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul, FS Taylor Mays of USC, or maybe ILB Rolando McClain of Alabama. McClain will be a force. Whether or not Kirk Morrison returns could make McClain much more attractive to Oakland.

9.  Buffalo Bills – Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa

This pick is a ton more difficult without a QB on the board. The Bills had a coaching vacancy that it seemed nobody wanted, and now, they have to figure out what to do about a QB since they have two question marks. Two question marks at QB means no QB at all in my mind. The best available is Colt McCoy of Texas, and this is way too high in my opinion.

I really like McCoy, probably more than many, but not at ninth overall. The Bills were middle of the road in sacks last season. Their first round pick of a season ago, Aaron Maybin, had none. I thought long and hard about going with Derrick Morgan here, but history has shown than OT is the place to start if you have QB issues. Bulaga is moving up boards, higher than I thought, and could very well end up in the top 10 here.

10.  Denver Broncos (from Chicago)* – Rolando McClain – ILB – Alabama

The Broncos could easily see their two best players depart this offseason. The ongoing Brandon Marshall saga, to be honest, is ridiculous. I have little sympathy for coach Josh McDaniels. Elvis Dumervil is also a restricted free-agent, and I would expect to see a good amount of money thrown his way.

Either of those situations would mean DEs Derrick Morgan and Carlos Dunlap are a lot more attractive or WR Dez Bryant could be the immediate replacement if Marshall is jettisoned elsewhere. McClain, who is the fifth-rated player on my board, is an animal. He diagnoses plays incredibly fast, attacks ball carriers and plays with a ton of passion. In my opinion, guy could be the next Ray Lewis.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars* – Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech

The Jaguars sacked the quarterback 14 times this season. Need I say more? Well, there is TEBOW. I think it is just too far-fetched though. I really like Tebow. The kid flat out plays football, but I don’t think he’s an every down quarterback in the NFL…yet. Down the line maybe, but this team needs its help elsewhere right now.

Derrick Morgan is the top pass rusher on the board; this should really be a no-brainer. Other DEs to keep an eye on are Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffen and local boy Jason Pierre-Paul could definitely be in this slot as well.

12.  Miami Dolphins – Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma State

Lucky for a team starving for a true No. 1 receiver to have, the best wide out still on the board. Dez Bryant could provide the true threat the Dolphins lack and let Ted Ginn Jr. move over to a No. 2 where he really belongs. The Dolphins are also getting up there in age at the rush OLB position. Sergio Kindle of Texas, Jason Pierre-Paul and Navarro Bowman of Penn State would all fit that bill.

13.  San Francisco 49ers – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma

The Niners have two big needs in my opinion, tackle and safety. I really, really like Earl Thomas of Texas and think he would be a better fit here than Taylor Mays of USC. With only two or three picks separating their next selection, nabbing the tackle now holds more value.

If for some reason Thomas goes, they could fall back on Mays. With Williams, the same can not be said, as the next best prospect is Bruce Campbell who I view as a reach here. Williams is a good physical run blocker who can set up on the right side opposite Joe Staley for years to come.

14.  Seattle Seahawks – C.J. Spiller – RB – Clemson

After taking a stab at tackle with the sixth overall pick, I like the Seahawks bringing in a young versatile weapon at running back. Julius Jones is a constant question mark. Justin Forsett flashed a bit, but Spiller provides a home run threat every time he touches the ball and can immediately contribute in the return game.

I cannot rule out a USC move by Carroll nabbing FS Taylor Mays here either. Carroll will know the best way to make the most of Mays' freakish athletic ability.

15.  New York Giants – Navorro Bowman – OLB – Penn State

The G-Men usually take the best available value when they draft with little need. Inside linebacker is definitely the biggest need, and Rolando McClain would have been the perfect fit. Unfortunately, he’s gone in this scenario. Free safety could also be a spot to look at. Taylor Mays is a freak athlete, but I do not think he fits completely for them. Earl Thomas could be the pick here and could move over with Kenny Phillips coming back off injury.

Even taking the best available defensive end—ideally a Carlos Dunlap or Everson Griffin would fit as well—but I think an athletic linebacker, whether inside or outside, should be the pick. Sergio Kindle of Texas, Navorro Bowman of Penn State and inside backer Brandon Spikes of Florida all fit that bill. Spikes’ speed is a bit of a question. While Kindle can get after the QB, he fits more as a 3-4 OLB in my opinion. Bowman is undersized but nasty, can get to the QB and could continue the “Linebacker U” tradition. Definitely not a finalized pick for the G-Men, but I like Bowman in blue.

16.  San Francisco 49ers* – Earl Thomas –SS – Texas

After snagging the best available tackle a few picks earlier, the Niners get a shot at the safety they need. Thomas was only a redshirt sophomore, but he made his presence felt for the Longhorns. Thomas covers a ton of ground and can tackle the ball carrier. He may seem a bit undersized to some, and looks even smaller next to the other available safety Taylor Mays. However, I feel Thomas’ natural playmaking ability and speed will be too much to pass up here. The Niners could look at CB here as well, but it is too high for Patrick Robinson of Florida State in my opinion.

17.  Tennessee Titans* - Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – South Florida

I’m not as high on this guy as many people have become, but he could ride the momentum he has all the way in to the top 10. He has only one year of D1 experience, but it’s his physical tools and potential that really stand out to the scouts. His performance in workouts could make him a similar player to former Titans standout end, Jevon Kearse.

If he is available here, I don’t think the Titans would hesitate. If not Pierre-Paul, another DE or possibly a CB would fit here as well, but no CB grades out at this level if Haden is gone.

18.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Taylor Mays – FS – USC

The Steelers could definitely use some help up front, but in this scenario, OT Bruce Campbell of Maryland and OG Mike Iupati of Idaho are the best available. I think it is a bit of a reach for both of them at 18. Taylor Mays is not an immediate need here, but the Steelers had issues without Troy Polamula around this season.

I think Mays is has too much potential physically to pass up at this point. If he tests out as well as he is supposed to, it may scare some people (in a good way), and a structured, well-coached organization like the Steelers may be perfect for him. This is an organization that does not mind doing what they want.

19.  Atlanta Falcons* - Sergio Kindle – OLB – Texas

Atlanta needs some defensive help at each level. They could add a pass rusher, would love a shut down corner and desperately need some athletic youth at OLB. Carlos Dunlap would be a nice value here, but so is Kindle, and I think he is better fit. He’s strong, physical, athletic and is finally playing the type of football that has been expected of him. Can’t ask for a better time to start playing your best ball as you enter the NFL.

20.  Houston Texans* - Brian Price – DT – UCLA

I really wanted to add RB Jonathon Dwyer of Georgia Tech here because the Texans could really use some “umph” in that running game. But Price is too perfect of a fit for this defense. They need serious help in the secondary as well, but with the immediate production from tackling machine Brian Cushing, keeping him running free has to be a priority. Amobi Okoye has not developed the way they hoped, and Price may be able to help. He is very disruptive and had a lot of production in Westwood. I really like what he can bring to the table.

21.  Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma

The most complete tight end in the draft, Gresham had his senior season marred by injury and probably would have been selected higher last season had he come out. Fortunately for the Bengals—who need more weapons for Carson Palmer—they get a guy who has wide receiver skills in a tight end body, and can block.

Personally, I like a few of the Bengals safeties, but all of them could probably be upgraded. Unfortunately, the best available safeties are Chad Jones of LSU and Nate Allen of South Florida, neither of who are first round picks right now.

22.  New England Patriots – Carlos Dunlap – DE - Florida

The Pats need to get after the QB and get younger on defense. Ricky Sapp of Clemson, Brandon Graham of Michigan and Jerry Hughes of TCU all would fit as the pass rushing OLB for the Pats. But I feel Dunlap has too much value to pass up here.

I would surprised to truly see him last this long. His physical tools could easily put him in the top 10, but it is his inconsistency and maturity that teams will question. That said, I am sure Belichick can find a use for this guy.

23.  Green Bay Packers – Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland

The Pack and their revamped defense found a way to get it done for most of the year.  Unfortunately, they ran out of magic and allowed the Cardinals to put up 51 on them in the playoffs. They could use some young depth at the CB position despite the impressive play of Charles Woodson and Al Harris; they are hardly on the young side of their careers. 

Aaron Kampman may take off in free agency, which means they could use another 3-4 edge rusher opposite Clay Matthews. As with the Patriots, Ricky Sapp, Brandon Graham and Jerry Hughes all fit the description pretty well. At this pick though, they can solve the answer of who will take over for Chad Clifton when he hangs ‘em up. Campbell still has some things to learn, but has a ton of upside.

24.  Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Spikes – ILB – Florida

The Eagles had to bring back Jeremiah Trotter to take over in the middle; Brandon Spikes could be the perfect heir to take over for him. Spikes was extremely productive in college, and despite the questions about his speed, could be gone by this pick. If that is the case, I would still expect to see the Eagles look at a linebacker. Cornerback and safety would be other positions of consideration.

25.  Baltimore Ravens – Brandon LaFell – WR – LSU

The Ravens need a receiver. They may get into the trading market for Brandon Marshall or Anquan Boldin, and then this pick would obviously change shape.The Ravens are historically one of the best drafting teams in the league. With Dez Bryant off the board the receiver rankings are a matter of opinion.

Golden Tate of Notre Dame, Arrelious Benn of Illinois, Damian Williams of USC and Brandon LaFell of LSU could really vary on where they sit. I view them all pretty differently in terms of abilities, but I think LaFell is the safest of the receivers to choose from. He has good size at about 6’3". While his name is not synonymous with insane numbers, he has been a solid target down on the bayou.

26.  Arizona Cardinals – Brandon Graham – DE/OLB – Michigan

The Cardinals could use another CB, but it’s still a bit too high for Patrick Robinson in my opinion. Bertrand Berry hung it up after the season ended, and the rest of their LB corps—aside from Karlos Dansby, who may or may not be back—could stand to add some talent.

Graham was a lone shining star up in Ann Arbor this past season. Although a bit undersized, he makes plays. Ricky Sapp and Jerry Hughes are other players in the same mold.

27.  Dallas Cowboys – Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho

The Cowboys could have used a tackle here, but there is no more value here as the best available is Charles Brown of USC. Iupati and Vladimir Ducasse of UMass are the lone guards worth taking a look at. The Cowboys issues up front are easily visible almost every game, not to mention Flozell Adams’ age. Iupati is a tank in the run game and has fantastic size.

Gerald Sensabaugh is not a starting safety in my eyes, and I have issues with Hamlin as well, but I would replace Sensabaugh first. The only safeties worth looking at are Chad Jones, Nate Allen and Morgan Burnett of Georgia Tech, all of whom play the same position as Hamlin. Reshad Jones of Georgia is the next strong safety on my board, but he is not a first round pick.

28.  San Diego Chargers – Jonathan Dwyer – RB – Georgia Tech

Whether or not LaDainian Tomlinson is done in San Diego (I think he is done), they could still use the guy in between the tackles. Dwyer played in a run-dominated offense in college and has experience carrying the ball a lot. They already have the slash-and-dash guy in Sproles, but he may hit the market soon, too. Dwyer would make it a great 1-2 punch though.

They could also add another lineman, but I don’t expect that here because of value and maybe some defensive line help. I think RB has to be the top priority.

29.  New York Jets – Arrelious Benn – WR – Illinois

Even if Braylon Edwards comes back, I think adding another WR could definitely be useful. Benn, Golden Tate and Damian Williams make this a very tough decision. Tate has big-play ability, a determination to fight and a desire to go get every ball near him. Damian Williams is more finesse, with great routes and extremely consistent hands. Benn, though, is built like Terrell Owens at 6’2", 220 lbs. and extremely tough to bring down. His name is not well known thanks to inconsistent quarterback play. He makes plays and could be a nice target for Mark Sanchez.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Patrick Robinson – CB – Florida State

The Vikings are not brilliant in pass coverage, and Robinson has fantastic talent with a good size. He is not perfect, but he could definitely develop into a good cover man in the NFL. The Vikes could also look at the offensive and defensive lines, and maybe Colt McCoy if Favre is done?

31. New Orleans Saints – Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee

The Saints have a disruptive DT already in Sedrick Ellis. Add Dan Williams to shutdown the run and take up some attention, and Ellis could end up in the backfield every play with Will Smith and Bobby McCray. Williams had a great season and is a huge man with a lot of upside. The Saints could also look to add a CB here, not great value with Robinson gone though.

32.  Indianapolis Colts – Jared Odrick – DT – Penn State

Odrick did a fantastic job of allowing the tackling machines behind him in Happy Valley to run free and make plays. The Colts seem to continually need defensive tackle help and get great value and talent here from Odrick. They could also look the defensive end position.

(*) = Coin flip determines picks