2010 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Senior Bowl

2010 NFL Pre-Senior Bowl Mock Draft

This is a mock draft of the first round BEFORE the Senior Bowl. I will make another first-round mock after the Senior Bowl this Saturday.

Just to make things clear, I honestly don’t believe Tebow will go 10. And I don’t know about Clausen, Suh, McCoy, or anyone at this point. This is basically just based on hoopla.

1)      STL- Jimmy Clausen QB

The Rams have many needs seeing they did awful this season. Most people think Suh is the pick right here, but I really believe it’s time for the Rams to part ways with their QB, Marc Bulger. Sure, they can up their D, but they need a QB.

So why not take the risk? Clausen did run a pro-style offense at Notre Dame. Right now, I have Clausen over Bradford, but that can change after the combine or the ND/OU/Nebraska Pro Day. Other Picks: N. Suh, S. Bradford

2)      DET- Ndamukong Suh DT

I would really like to see the Lions take Okung right here, seeing that if they still want Stafford to be their QB, he needs protection.

Suh is “still on the board” here and the Lions aren’t going in the wrong direction by upgrading their D-Line.

If Clausen goes No. 1, right now, there is no reason to let Suh slip past the Lions. Other Picks: G. McCoy, R.Okung

3)      Tampa Bay- Gerald McCoy DT

Ah, Tampa Bay. Tampa has an interesting pick here. They can go anywhere for defense. I believe they will go with Gerald McCoy right here.

Suh is going to be off the board unless he has some freak accident from now until April. Gerald, in my opinion, is much like Suh. He can change the game by causing double teams and opening blitzing lanes.

He can get to the QB and potentially force mistakes. This is a pick that would shock me if it didn’t happen. Other Picks: E. Berry, J. Haden, C. Dunlap, R. McClain

4)      WAS-  Sam Bradford QB

This is a reach right here. Sure Sam Bradford could be great, he does have great intangibles, but he didn’t prove much last season.

With a younger O-line in Oklahoma, Bradford was injured early in the season. Injury is a big red flag, but with a new Head Coach in Mike Shanahan, there is a chance that Bradford could be taken here. New coaches do like to bring in their own QB’s.

If Campbell stays, I think Okung will be taken here. If Campbell is traded, I doubt Bradford will fall past the Redskins. Other Picks: J. Clausen, R. Okung

5)      KC- Russell Okung OT

This is a no brainer. Okung is the best OT prospect in this draft.

The Chiefs did have their moments last season, and I believe with upgrades on the O-line, this could be a six-win team next season, pending on the rest of the draft and free agency. Other Picks: None

6)      SEA- Eric Berry SS

We finally arrive at Scout Inc.’s No. 1 prospect, Eric Berry. Pete Carroll is taking over an aging team that has been struggling to find ways to win.

But I think with a solid draft, the Hawks may be able to put up a few more wins. Eric Berry had a good year last season, but not better than the one before (Yet he still won the best Defensive POY).

The Seahawks are in a need for a SS, FS, and a No. 2 CB. With Eric Berry left on the board, sorry Taylor Mays, you may not be playing for your hometown team; unless Carroll for some reason wants to draft a QB. Other Picks: S. Bradford, J. Haden

7)      CLE- Joe Haden CB

If there is one thing Holmgren can do, it’s build a championship team. Cleveland is another one of those teams that need to have an upgrade at almost every position.

Joe Haden looks as though he can be a shutdown corner. Cornerback is a big need for the Browns seeing that they DID get burned by THE LIONS! He may be like what Nnamdi Asomugha is to the Raiders.

No matter where he goes, Joe Haden should have a strong career. Other Picks: R. McClain

8)      OAK- Rolando McClain ILB

I still wake up from the nightmare of last year’s draft. Darrius Heyward-Bey? Oh no! Come on!

With BOTH Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin still on the board, you pick the WR with trouble catching the ball compared to the other two above average WRs.

Yes, I am a Raiders (and 49ers!) fan. I know, I know. These past years haven’t been great. No one knows what Al Davis will do. That’s why this pick is hard to determine.

But my gut is telling me right now that Al will take Rolando McClain. He is the best LB in the draft who is NFL ready, and the Raiders could improve their LB corp.

Other Picks: C. Dunlap, D. Bryant, B. Campbell, T. Tebow (it IS Al Davis), J. Haden, T. Mays

9)      BUF-  Trent Williams OT

Unless Colt McCoy turns into the next Joe Montana, and Tim Tebow becomes Steve Young, the Bills won’t be addressing their QB need in the first round.

Any team that gives up over 40 sacks needs to improve their blocking. Bottom line: improve protection now; win in two years with a star QB. Other Picks: D. Bryant, B. Campbell

10)   JAG-  Tim Tebow QB

Only one thing to say here: Tim Tebow looked like the No. 7 QB during the Senior Bowl practices this week. The Jags are lacking a second-round pick, and with Tebow’s speed and athleticism, he should be drafted before the third round.

Not only could he be a Pat White for the Jags, he could “supposedly” bring more people to the games. If Tebow doesn’t get drafted by Jacksonville, there may be a move to the greater LA area in the future. Other Picks: D. Morgan.

11)   DEN- Dez Bryant WR

This is the easiest pick. It looks as if Marshall is out of Denver, so there will be a need for a WR who can change a game. There is nothing else to say here. Other Picks: None

12)   MIA- Carlos Dunlap DE

Carlos Dunlap is an aggressive DE, and he is a perfect fit for Miami, as they need to upgrade their pass rush. Miami is in a spot where they draft either a lineman or a safety.

I don’t see Spiller, Best, or Tate jumping up to 12. Bottom line, upgrade Defense. Other Picks: D. Morgan, B. Campbell, T. Mays, J. Pierre-Paul

13)   SF- Derrick Morgan DE

Morgan would be an interesting pick right here for the Niners. I’m not really sure if they would go for Mays here or not. But they do need to upgrade their defense, so why not start with the Defensive Line?

I would like to see Campbell go right here, but seeing how many OT’s are getting spotlight, it is better to take a talent that you can’t pass on. Other Picks: T. Mays, B. Campbell, C.J. Spiller

14)   SEA- Bruce Campbell OT

This is an easy pick. If Carroll gets a QB with the first pick, Taylor Mays would be an option here.

If they land Eric Berry, Mays is out the window and Carroll would go with an OT. Matt Hasselbeck needs some help in Seattle. With an aging O-Line, this should be the correct pick. Other Picks: T. Mays, A. Davis, C.J. Spiller

15)   NYG- Taylor Mays FS

The Giants need to up their Pass D. I didn’t watch very much film on the Giants this season, but a friend of mine always complains about the Pass D. So I’m going to slot Taylor Mays right here.

I know that so far Mays hasn’t “wowed” us with coverage, but he can change the game.

If I were playing against Mays, I would stay away, seeing that he did cause a few injuries to those he hit last season. He should make the other DB’s look better. Other Picks: J. Pierre-Paul, E. Thomas

16)   TEN- Jason Pierre-Paul DE

Tennessee, oh Tennessee… This team is an awkward team. They don’t really have a standout WR and that will be a need since teams will try to shutdown Mr. 2K, Chris Johnson.

But then you also have to look at the defense. The first six games were awful. In order to take this team back to the playoffs, draft Jason Pierre-Paul, a terrific pass rusher, and go for a WR in the later rounds. Other Picks: E. Griffin, G. Tate

17)   SF- Anthony Davis OT

This is spot that can be tempting for the Niners. Last year they landed Crabtree, so why not try for a player with similar hype? C.J. Spiller maybe? 

Whoever is the QB next season, probably Alex Smith, will need more time to find their receivers. Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and a possible go to receiver in Josh Hill?

This offense looks loaded for future seasons, so take Spiller, or go for max protection with Anthony Davis out of Rutgers. Other Picks: C.J. Spiller, E. Thomas

18)   PIT- C.J. Spiller HB

The Steelers looked a bit lackadaisical at times on offense. C.J. Spiller is lightning in a bottle and he can change a game any time he touches the pigskin. I can see Jahvid Best taken right here, but Spiller can be used more often.

If Spiller is gone, and the Steelers want a game changer, look for a possible rise in stock of Dexter McCluster (HB/WR/KR). Other Picks: J. Best, B. Bulaga

19)   ATL- Earl Thomas S

I’m not sure on this one. Earl Thomas was a redshirt sophomore. He didn’t really show much last season except for potential. 

I’d rather see another receiver for Matt Ryan, like Damien Williams, or Golden Tate, but Defense wins championships!

Take Thomas, upgrade Defense, draft WR in second round. Other Picks: G. Tate, D. Williams, B. Bulaga

20)   TEX- Jahvid Best HB

With a big question mark for the run game, Houston should take a long look at Best and see if he could improve their running game. If they want to make it to the playoffs next season, they will have to run the ball vs. passing too often.

If the Texans take a solid running back right here, I do see the Texans going from 9-7, to possibly 11-5. Look for a RB to be taken here. Other Picks: J. Dwyer, D. McCluster

21)   CIN-  Golden Tate WR

With the loss for Chris Henry, the Bengals need another WR. So why not take Golden Tate? He had a strong season last year and he looks to be a go-to threat.

The Bengals can’t win while being run first, pass later. They proved that in the playoffs.

I see Golden Tate on the other side of Chad OchoCinco next season. That would be a potential Fitzgerald-Boldin combo. Other Picks: J. Gresham, Damien Williams

22)   NE- Jermaine Gresham TE

Do you want another reason to hate Tom Brady? He is like a kid in a candy store. When he loses a weapon, there is always a new one the season after!

With a hole in the TE position after free agency, the Patriots will most likely draft the No. 1 TE to fill that spot.

The Patriots still need to up the Pass D, and try to get a stronger run game, but Tom needs a security blanket if he wants to stay on top. Other Picks: None

23)   GB- Brian Bulaga OT

I feel bad for Aaron Rodgers. He was sacked over 50 times last season. I am not surprised he talked about an upgrade in the o-line on the NFL Network.

Brian Bulaga is the best OT on my board right now. He can pass block and run block just as well. Why pass on a sure thing? Other Picks: None

24)   PHI- Everson Griffin DE

A lot of people think that the Eagles have no holes in their roster. But I believe an upgrade at DE would help them out.

Griffin played for my Trojans last season, and I was a little upset that he never really started to get in the zone.

He was injured part of the season last year, so as long as he improves at the combine and stays healthy, his stock will stay right here. I don’t think it will rise past pick 24. Other Picks: S. Kindle

25)   BAL- Damien Williams WR

The Ravens have no WR’s at all. Well, no one that can catch the ball. Damien Williams would be the No. 1 WR if Sanchez stayed for one more season at USC.

But with a true freshman QB, Damien still did exceptionally well. Flacco needs to have a playmaker he can dish the ball out to. Ray Rice shouldn’t be the leading receiver. Pick a WR! Other Picks: D. McCluster

26)   ARI- Sergio Kindle OLB

Arizona would love to have a safety or another corner here, but I don’t think Patrick Robinson will have a quicker impact than Sergio Kindle.

Kindle can pressure the QB, and he will see some extra playing time due to the switch to a 3-4 Defense. Other Picks: S. Witherspoon

27)   DAL-  Vladimir Ducasse OG

This is a reach right here, but I have Ducasse is in the first round on my board. Dallas needs to upgrade the O-Line, and they probably would rather have an OT.

But after watching the Senior Bowl practices on the NFL Network, Vladimir can play anywhere on the line, including LT. Pass on the Michael Oher of this season? I think not. Other Picks: None

28)   SD- Dexter McCluster HB/WR

L.T. not a Charger next season?! Now is the time to get lightning in a bottle. Dexter McCluster is a bit small for HB, but he is quick, fast, and he has sticky hands.

He can help Rivers in the passing game, and he can take the ball to the house on any touch. Here is the Reggie Bush of this draft. Other Picks: J. Dwyer

29)   NYJ- Arthur Jones DT

This is an easy pick seeing that WR’s will have to come in the later rounds. Arthur Jones is an unknown DT out of Syracuse, but he has a great motor that Coach Ryan can’t pass on.

Not only that, but he can penetrate very well. The Jets already have a strong defense. This pick will make it even better. I would not want to play the Jets next season. Other Picks: R. Sapp

30)   MIN- Jonathon Dwyer HB

If Chester Taylor leaves, the Vikings will need to have a player who can not only take his spot, but also have the same impact.

I can’t see the Vikings being the same team with only A.P. running the ball. Forget about the whole Favre thing, get a RB, draft a QB later (Tony Pike). Other Picks: B. Tate

31)   *NO- Patrick Robinson CB

I’m going to make this really short; the Saints’ Pass Defense, sucks, it was one of the worst. Draft a DB.

32)   *IND- Ricky Sapp DE

Indy doesn’t have many needs, so they should draft a DE. Dwight can’t rush on every down. Get a guy that can! And that guy is Ricky Sapp! Other picks: right now, none.

*= Subject to change based on Super Bowl outcome.

Now that the picks are done, here are a few players you want to keep an eye on. They all can jump to the first round.

OT- Matt Tennant, Boston College

DB/KR- Kyle Wilson, Boise State

DB- Chris Cook, Virginia

DT- Dan Williams, Tennessee

WR- Freddy Barnes, Bowling Green

HB- Ben Tate, Auburn

QB- Mike Kafka, Northwestern

QB- Max Hall, BYU

I will make notes of surprise players that can be sleepers. Everyone watch the game! NFL Network!