1. Saint Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The Rams will take a long hard look at the quarterback position, though none of the QB options in this draft class really scream out as can't-miss prospects. Drafting Suh is the intelligent move. He helps continue to build a Rams defense that could be special.
Suh would line up next to former first round draft picks Adam Carriker and Chris Long, helping middle linebacker James Laurinaitis continue excelling as they keeping more blockers off of him.
Not only is he considered the best player in the draft, but some pundits have mentioned Suh in the same breath as legendary Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page.
2. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Detroit will win with this pick, no matter what. If Suh is somehow there, it will take them mere seconds to pull the trigger. The same thing applies to McCoy, who is just a few notches below Suh.
Detroit needs help virtually everywhere, but they have no depth and little talent at defensive tackle. Getting this run stuffer is the right move.
There is a chance the Lions trade down to get more selections, since they need help all over the field.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Tampa Bay would rather get their hands on either of the stud defensive tackles, but it seems unlikely they will trade up. Assuming both are gone by the time they make their pick, the Bucs should focus on a secondary in desperate need of help.
Other than Tanard Jackson, Tampa Bay has no safeties they can rely on.
Berry is a bit stiff in the hips, but is technically sound and smart. He rarely makes mistakes and does a good job supporting the run. Many feel he is the best safety prospect since the late Sean Taylor, and that he is a future Pro Bowler.
One person to watch is corner back Joe Haden from Florida. Ronde Barber will be 36-years-old by the time next season kicks off, and Haden could bookend Aqib Talib to give the team an exciting tandem. Considering the weak CB class in this years draft, they may grab him here instead of reaching on other picks later.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
In the 16 years that Mike Shanahan has been a head coach in the NFL, he has used a first round draft pick on a quarterback (Jay Cutler) just once.
Though there is a very good chance the Redskins select Jimmy Clausen, mainly because owner Dan Snyder attended a private workout with him a month ago, the problems on the offensive line are too big to neglect with the few draft picks they will have.
With Chris Samuels' career apparently over, the team needs a left tackle to protect whoever the next quarterback may be. Okung is far and away the best tackle prospect in the draft.
If Shanahan goes this direction, they can re-sign incumbent quarterback Jason Campbell. Campbell had a good 2009 season, even though he was seen running for his life almost every time he dropped back to pass.
Clausen might be the sexy pick here; however the Redskins have way too many holes in their roster to afford to be sexy.
They need to get more blockers, outside linebackers, and running backs. Expect them to look hard at undrafted rookies and free agents to attempt to fill slots in a rebuilding process that will take time.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
The Chiefs need help on the offensive line, so they will grab Okung if he is there. If Berry is somehow here, they would grab him, because they need help at safety too. Since both are gone on this board, they will look at Bryant and middle linebacker Rolando McClain.
Kansas City got a disappointing 2009 season from Dwayne Bowe, who showed up to camp out of shape and was later suspended four games for a drug violation. They pulled veteran Chris Chambers from the waiver wire and got decent production from him, but the team still showed little depth at the position.
Bryant is not a speed demon, but he is a big play receiver with terrific leaping skills and excellent hands. If Bowe returns to the Chiefs and plays as well as they think he can, the combination of he and Bryant will open things up in their passing game.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
New Head Coach Pete Carroll is familiar with Clausen from their collegiate battles, and will grab him to mold as the future signal caller. With veteran Matt Hasselbeck's persistent back issues, it is conceivable Clausen will see playing time as a rookie as well.
Seattle could look at Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis. He would be mentored by future Hall Of Famer Walter Jones, who says he intends to return.
Running back C.J. Spiller will also get a look to help Seattle's mediocre ground attack. If Berry is here, he could be chosen.
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Some Browns fans might prefer quarterback Sam Bradford or running back C.J. Spiller. Others will hope Bryant drops to them. Middle linebacker McClain will also get a hard look from Cleveland.
Getting Haden would provide a bookend for Eric Wright and give the Browns a CB tandem that would rival the Bengals in the AFC. It also gives the Browns a young and deep secondary.
With Mike Holmgren now calling the shots, there is an air of unpredictability with this pick. Cleveland needs major help on offense, an area of expertise for Holmgren. He could trade this pick down to gather up more players.
8. Oakland Raiders: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Trying to predict what Hall of Famer Al Davis will do is impossible. He loves great athletes, so offensive tackle Anthony Davis or linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul will get long looks.
One of the things that killed Oakland's dreams in 2009 was their inability to stop the run. Teams averaged over 155 yards per game against them, making them 29th in the league. Getting help for veterans Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly along the defensive front is a must.
Price grew up in California and is a quick, strong player who gives the Raiders an inside force. McClain is a possibility, but Kurt Morrison racked up over 100 tackles last year and is just 28-years-old.
9. Buffalo Bills: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The Bills need a quarterback who can get the ball to their receivers, and they will hope Bradford is that guy. Though the team could look at an offensive tackle at this spot, they cannot be comfortable with the current quarterbacks on their roster.
There is a very good chance the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner will start right away for new Head Coach Chan Gailey, whose area of expertise is offense.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
One thing Head Coach Jack Del Rio knows is the value of having a good middle linebacker, something the team hasn't had the past few years. The Jaguars have been playing undersized linebackers there, and McClain can solidify the position.
Tall, rangy, and fast, he is a tackling machine who has the ability to be solid for a long time. He has the versatility to play strong side and has good coverage skills.
Though Jacksonville could look for a speed rusher off the edge, passing up a player as solid as McClain could be a mistake.
11. Denver Broncos: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Denver would love to have McClain, but they will have to go in another direction on this draft board. There is a chance they trade up, considering how aggressive Head Coach Josh McDaniels was in last year's draft.
They would love to get their hands on Bryant, especially with star receiver Brandon Marshall showing an obvious displeasure with McDaniels. Seeing Marshall packaged in a trade to move up several slots is a very possible scenario.
Morgan is a solid player who represents an immediate upgrade over the current starters, Kenny Peterson and Ryan McBean. He is equally adept at stopping the run and creating a pass rush.
12. Miami Dolphins: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/ LB, South Florida
This pick will most likele be a pass rushing linebacker, with the decision coming down to Pierre-Paul or Sergio Kindle. Kindle is more polished, but the upside on the raw Pierre-Paul is enormous. It helps that he is a local product with family from Haiti; The Miami area has a large Haitian community.
Though the Dolphins will look for a nose tackle and more wide receivers, they may also pull the trigger on the versatile C.J. Spiller, since Ricky Williams has already announced next season will be his last.
13. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Though Frank Gore was excellent last year, he is defying odds with his surgically repaired knees. He is also nearing an age, with all the carries he has had over four years, where he could use some help.
Spiller is the dynamic big play back the 49ers have not had since the days of the Million Dollar Backfield in the 1950s.
He is not an every-down type of back, but he is an excellent receiver who is elusive in the open field. He can also return kickoffs if needed. Adding an explosive dimension to an offense that has questions at quarterback would help.
San Francisco also could look to fortify the trenches. Offensive tackles Anthony Davis and Bryan Bulaga will get a long look, as will defensive tackle Dan Williams. The Niners have two first round draft picks this year, so it is conceivable they package both picks to trade up.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Now that Seattle has drafted their quarterback of the future in Jimmy Clausen, they need to get him protection. Bulaga could very well go here, because he is more polished. Davis, however, is the better athlete with a larger upside.
Whomever Seattle selects, the player will get to be under the wing of future Hall of Famer Walter Jones. There is a chance the team could look at safety Taylor Mays, who is known well by Carroll.
Mays is a big hitter, something Seattle needs from their secondary. If Spiller drops this far, they can grab him to help their anemic offensive attack as well.
15. New York Giants : Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
New York needs help on the defensive line, but may be unwilling to reach on defensive tackle Dan Williams this high. With current defensive end Osi Umenyiora unhappy, as well as mostly unproductive versus the run last season, and Mathias Kiwanuka's contract nearing its end, New York may want to look ahead to the future here.
Dunlap is coming off a sub par year that also saw him get a DUI arrest, but his talent is unquestionable. At 6'6", 290 pounds, he runs a 4.6 40-yard dash. His huge upside might be too tempting to pass up.
If McClain is here, they should grab him. Last year I had them drafting Laurinaitis, but they chose Hakeem Nicks at wide receiver. Though Nicks had a nice rookie year, Laurinaitis had a year that easily showed he would have been the perfect replacement for the aging Antonio Pierce. Another possibility is tight end Jermaine Gresham.
16. Tennessee Titans : Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Tennessee needs a pass rushing defensive end, but none of the men that remain are worthy of this selection. Robinson is the last of a long line of top flight corner backs that Bobby Bowden taught. The Titans need him to start opposite veteran Cortland Finnegan, thus allowing veteran Nick Harper to move to nickel back. He has all the tools to be great, but lacks experience.
Tennessee also could look at outside linebacker, considering only veteran Keith Bullock gave them decent production from the position. Kindle, Sean Weatherspoon, Brandon Graham, Jerry Hughes, and Ricky Sapp will get a look from Head Coach Jeff Fischer.
17. San Francisco 49ers : Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Assuming the Niners have not traded up, and drafted Spiller with their first pick, they can now concentrate on upgrading the offensive line. Bulaga is ranked the second best offensive lineman prospect in the draft by many. He is still growing into his body and could use more work in the weight room, but the upside is there.
There is a chance the 49ers look at safeties Mays or Earl Thomas. Nose tackles Dan Williams and Terrance Cody could also be considered.
However, the 49ers win their games with good defense and a solid ground game, and Bulaga would be a good fit.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers : Taylor Mays, S, USC
The one thing that will keep the Steelers winning is keeping Coach Dad happy.
Dick LeBeau, who hopefully will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame this year, is the defensive coordinator of a team that has seemingly relied on defense to win games since 1970. Mays fits a big need for the Steeler's squad.
He is a big safety who hits very hard and excels at stopping the run. He has good speed, but needs work on pass coverage. While some critics worry about his play making skills in the secondary, Troy Polamalu will provide tremendous help as his teammate.
Pittsburgh is also eying nose tackle Terrence Cody with this selection, and even possibly offensive tackles Bruce Campbell and Trent Williams.
19. Atlanta Falcons : Sergio Kindle, DE/ LB, Texas
Atlanta needs help with the pass rush and outside linebacker depth. Strong side linebacker Mike Peterson is entering his 12th season, and his forte is stopping the run. Atlanta needs another rusher off the edge, and Kindle fills that need.
The Falcons also need more depth at corner back and defensive end, and they could look at Sean Weatherspoon because he has more linebacker experience. Ricky Sapp may also be considered.
20. Houston Texans : Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Houston needs a major upgrade over free safety John Busing, and Thomas represents that. A ball hawk with a knack for being in on big plays, he is very raw, entering the draft after only his sophomore season.
The Texans may also look at defensive tackle Dan Williams, mainly because they get little from that position currently. Running back Jahvid Best may get the nod as well, to help their nearly non-existent ground game.
21. Cincinnati Bengals : Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Gresham is the top rated tight end in the draft, and has excellent size, hands, and athleticism.
Cincinnati has not had great play from this position since the days of Dan Ross in the 1980's. They drafted Chase Coffman last year, but he did not even get on the field despite multiple injuries to other tight ends. Even if Coffman develops, he is a weak blocker who only has enough receiving skills to be a second tight end.
The Bengals need more big play threats, so they could look at receivers Golden Tate and Arrelious Benn. They also could continue to try and get stronger at the offensive line with guard Mike Iupati, tackle Bruce Campbell, or tackle Trent Williams.
22. New England Patriots : Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
No one knows what Bill Belichick will do on draft day, so this is a total guess. Belichick is known as one of the most active participants in the draft, and it would be a surprise if he isn't wheeling-and-dealing again this year.
New England is long in the tooth at linebacker, and Weatherspoon is a big-play guy who is always around the ball. He is well-rounded, and had over 100 tackles last year.
However, no one really knows what the Patriots will do except them.
23. Green Bay Packers : Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Veteran Chad Clifton enters his 10th season, and has been battling injuries the past few years. Campbell is very raw, but is an amazing athlete and has good size. He will be allowed time to develop as the heir-apparent at left tackle.
The Packers could also choose Jahvid Best to add depth at running back, or look at defense. Secondary depth could be added, but no possible choices are worth this selection. Outside linebacker is another spot in need, since Aaron Kampman appears to be on his way out. Sapp, Hughes, and Graham will get looked at.
24. Philadelphia Eagles : Everson Griffen, DE, USC
Philadelphia could use help at linebacker, but none left are worthy of being drafted this high. They also could use help in the secondary, but drafting corner back Syd'Quan Thompson or safety Chad Jones might be considered a reach at this spot. It is evident LeSean McCoy is not an every down back, so Jahvid Best will get a very long look here.
Griffen represents an upgrade over Juqua Thomas, who is an undersized pass rusher. Griffen also has the ability to play all over the line. He has good size, strength, and arm length. He will help an Eagles team that had difficulty stopping the run much of last year.
25. Baltimore Ravens : Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Derrick Mason may retire like he temporarily did last year, but the Ravens could use more receivers even if he stays. Benn runs clean, crisp routes, and he is a prototypical possession receiver. Some critics lament his lack of touchdowns in college, as well as his lack of breakaway speed, so they could look at Jordan Shipley too.
Baltimore could use help at corner back, so players like Thompson and Devin McCourtey will get a look. Brandon Graham, Jerry Hughes, and Rickey Sapp are pass rushing linebackers who will also get considered, as will nose tackles Dan Williams and Terrance Cody.
26. Arizona Cardinals : Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson
Sapp was used as a defensive end in college, but most scouts think he will be an excellent pass rushing linebacker in the pros. He is an excellent athlete who has long and rangy size. Considering Karlos Dansby is unsigned and Bertrand Berry is retiring, the position could use a significant youth movement.
The Cardinals also could concentrate on offensive line here. Guard Mike Iupati and tackle Trent Williams will get strong consideration. If Arizona trades Anquan Boldin, there is a chance Golden Tate is taken.
27. Dallas Cowboys : Mike Iupati, Guard, Idaho
Dallas still is not happy with their strong safety position, so the very raw and talented Chad Jones will be considered. Wide receiver also might get a look, which will allow Shipley and Tate to enter the discussion. Dallas also could look at defensive ends Greg Hardy and Corey Wooten because Marcus Spears may be set to play his last year with the team in 2010.
What fans last remember about the Cowboys 2009 season is the Vikings getting six sacks in a blow out victory. Veteran Flozell Adams has lost a step, and Marc Columbo missed almost two months last year because of a broken leg.
Iupati can play either guard or tackle, is huge, and has a non-stop motor. He is similar to starting right guard Kyle Kosier in his versatility, and should find himself starting somewhere one day.
28. San Diego Chargers : Jahvid Best, RB, California
The Chargers could look at pass rushers like Brandon Graham and Jerry Hughes, or nose tackles Terrance Cody and Dan Williams. Offensive tackle Trent Williams might also draw interest, but they must get a ball carrier now.
LaDainian Tomlinson appears done as both a Charger and effective runner. Darren Sproles is a free agent and may not return. Best has electric abilities when he touches the ball, though he is not considered a big back. He even has kickoff return abilities, which would allow the Chargers to shed themselves of Sproles and Tomlinson's salaries with this one pick.
29. New York Jets : Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Rex Ryan's first year at head coach showed his aggressive nature on the field and in the draft room. Though they may not trade up again this year, no one can really be certain what the Jets will do.
The Jets could look at nose tackle, considering Kris Jenkins has been injury prone throughout his career. Defensive end and corner back will also get considered. Many expect the strong safety spot to be upgraded, but it is unknown if Ryan is willing to gamble on Chad Jones at this spot.
Tate adds another needed receiver to the Jets arsenal. Though Braylon Edwards played better for them than he did for Cleveland this year, he still has questionable hands. Jerricho Cotchery is a possession type of receiver, so having Tate to stretch the field could open things up more underneath.
While Tate is not a tall receiver, he has good hands and is dangerous in open spaces. He will add an elusive element that all other Jets offensive players are lacking, thus creating a much needed wrinkle in the aerial attack.
30. Minnesota Vikings : Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Veteran mainstay Pat Williams recently said he is 50/50 between playing and retiring. That type of talk usually means a player is about done. His backup, Jimmy Kennedy, is a former first round draft pick turned journeyman.
The Vikings could use a corner back, but it remains to be seen how hard they will look at Syd'Quan Thompson, Devin McCourtey, Jerome Murphy, or Dominique Franks. Any of these guys could add the depth Minnesota needs here.
Minnesota will also consider Jared Odrick, but they need to keep the inside of their defense stout against the run. Dan Williams has the ability to line up at nose tackle like Pat Williams does, which opens things up for Pro Bowler Kevin Williams. He also has great character and a non-stop motor.
Perhaps the Vikings will keep the Williams legacy alive this draft?
31. New Orleans Saints : Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
The Saints could use better pass rush ability from the outside linebacker position, as well as defensive end depth. Graham provides both. He has excellent intelligence, strength, quickness, and technique. What he lacks is the height to be an every down defensive end or the experience to play all downs at linebacker. Many scouts think he will be drafted much earlier, though.
The Saints also could look to draft a corner back. Malcolm Jenkins is probably the heir-apparent to Darren Sharper at free safety, and Tracy Porter has had issues staying healthy. They also will consider Maurkice Pouncey, the top rated center in the draft.
32. Indianapolis Colts : Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
The Colts could use some guards. One of their starters and their two main back-ups are converted centers. Though the Colts do well pass blocking, they are not very good in run blocking. Offensive tackle Trent Williams will get considered so current starting left tackle Charlie Johnson can move back to guard.
The secondary also could use reinforcements, and Chad Jones could fit well in their scheme. Many scouts rank him as the top strong safety in the draft. Corner back Marlin Jackson is a free agent who was injured most of 2009, so the Colts might take a look at what corner backs they could draft.
However, Indianapolis has won the last few years with a revolving door at the defensive tackle position. Though the team has recently looked good versus the run in the playoffs, they were porous all season.
Odrick is an excellent athlete with quickness off the snap and the ability to rush the passer. He had an excellent senior season, and has found himself moving up a lot of draft boards recently.
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