2010 NFL Draft: First Round Pick Predictions

Well, it's almost that time of the year again.

You know, when all writers out there come up with NFL Mock Drafts, despite the fact that they have never SEEN most of these players ever actually play.

Yes, that time.

By now we all know Mocks are BS. Do we really believe that we "couch potato" fans know more about these guys then professional scouts?

If we fans had all the answers clubs wouldn't need scouts at all. They would be calling us.

Well enough with "mocking" Mocks. The following is how I see this draft. Of course it is all speculative but that's what makes it so much fun.

1. St Louis: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska 6'4, 302

There are those scouts that think Suh is #2 in this draft despite being the best DT to come out of College in years.

Suh can do everything, more than any DT I've seen. Here is a guy that not only had double digits in QB sacks and TFL (tackles for loss) but even defended and broke up 10 passes last year, a number you would expect to be associated with a Defensive Back.

In fact,his pass breakups were close to Joe Haden, the top Corner in this years draft. Although St Louis may feel McCoy is better for their scheme, I can't see them passing on this guy.

2. Detroit: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma 6'4 300

Hardly a consultation prize, McCoy may be even better than Suh. Where Suh relies on strength, McCoy is quick off the snap and can shoot gaps and rush the passer. And because of his size and long arms he can also play End in a 3-4 defense. He is more explosive than Suh, and is the enforcer the Lions D-Line needs.

3.Tampa Bay: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State 6'2, 220

This guy is simply too good to pass up.

Blessed with size and speed he is a big play ready to happen. Suspended last year for something trivial, scouts haven't soured on him. TB loves wide receivers and has a need since Antonio Bryant may be headed for free agency and they have few other options.

4. Washington: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma  6'5, 318

Many feel the Redskins may force a QB into this spot, but shouldn't.

Campbell may not be perfect for Shanahan, but for at least a year give Campbell the benefit of the doubt. This is not a stellar year for QB. The Redskins needed pass protectors.

He was dominant at right tackle, and would have been a top 5 pick last year. Oklahoma forced him to play on the left side last year where he started out slow, and then came around, despite being on an OL with inexperienced players he had to cover for. He is my first tackle hands down.

5. Kansas City: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama 6'4, 256

Everyone new KC needed to rebuild their offensive line and come up with another pass rusher last year but now they have even a bigger need- stopping the run.

Jerome Harrison of Cleveland with just under 300 yards rushing against this team. Ouch!!!

Believe me their Linebackers are the worst in the game. McClain is the kind of explosive Inside Linebacker that can take over a game and if I were Kansas City, I wouldn't even have to think about this pick.

6. Seattle: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa 6'6 312

You have to love this kid.

Super intense and tough, he may not look athletic but one way or another he's going to get to you. His feet are good enough to play the Left side. Seattle needs 2 OT or it won't matter who their QB is.

Forget a rookie. If they need a QB make a move in free agency.

7. Cleveland: Eric Berry, WS, Tennessee 5'11, 203

Pittsburgh has Polamalu, Baltimore has Reed, and the Browns have their big play maker. There are many who feel he will go higher but don't get carried away. Safeties rarely do. If he can play corner thats a different story

Neither Polamalu nor Reed were top 15 picks after coming out of two high profile schools. Berry will take Elam's spot and be a fixture for years. One problem with Berry is that he already has had shoulder surgery and the way he plays, it may be chronic.

8. Oakland: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma 6'5, 210

Al Davis will never make this pick, which is why he should. Russell is a bust, and if Gradkowski is #1, they need him. Bradford is coming off an injury and isn't supposed to even pick up a football until March, but this might be a risky pick that will pay off big time in the near future.

9. Buffalo: Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State 6'5, 302

Buffalo is in dire need of OT as well as Seattle. Okung is a little overrated. He is built like a basketball player with a thin build and his feet aren't as great as you think. He'll end up on the Right Side in the Pros.

Good, not great potential. Great character too.

10. Denver: Joe Haden, CB Florida 5'11, 190

OK, Denver is deep in their secondary.

They also have the oldest secondary in football. Haden is overated but fits their secondary perfectly and can be used in their return game if needed. He got burned in college by some average WR but he is an amazing athlete. Denver always has the option to trade down for more picks.

11.Jacksonville: Jason Piere Paul, DE, South Florida 6'6, 265

Still learning the game but is pretty good already. Jaguars have reached for pass rushers like Harvey and Groves in recent years but they still can't sack a QB. There may be an End they like better, but this former Juco star is too tempting to pass on

12.Miami: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas 6'4 255

At this point, he is the steal of the draft. There is no way this kid is not a top 10 pick. Outstanding speed rusher with great size who has the potential to be what other Longhorn (Derrick Johnson) has failed to be.

 A big time playmaker.

Joey Porter wants out and Jason Taylor has little left. Kindle may end up with more sacks than any other rookie. He is often compared to the player he may replace; Joey Porter

13. San Francisco: CJ Spillner, RB, Clemson 5'11, 195

Why not?

He'll already be the second fastest players in the NFL, can catch, run in space, and return kicks. Nice secondary option to Gore. His health is the only concern but he's too tempting to pass on. He has game changing ability and a creative offensive coordinator will find ways to maximize his talent.

14. Seattle: Jonathan Dwyer:RB, Georgia Tech 5'11, 235

Some don't like him, but I do.

Seattle needs a lot more than a scatback.

They need a three down runner and Dwyer is the kind of back that will wear a defense down and that will take a lot of pressure off the QB. Similar to Beanie Wells.

15. Giants: Mike Iupati: OG, Idaho 6'5 325

He has big, strong, long arms. He can project at guard or right tackle and I feel he could switch sides and be a Defensive Tackle.

He does need help with his footwork but the Giants have gotten by on some overachieving average inside OL for too long now and Iupati will help. He also can play right tackle.

Typical smash mouth player Giants love. One problem though—he can't speak English

16. San Francisco: Anthony Davis: OT, Rutgers 6'6 325

The 49er Offense allows its OL to set for short drops which takes the pressure off their Lineman in pass protection. They still need help though. Davis is an amazing OT, huge with great feet to play the left side, a little like Willie Roaf. There is only one problem: Most teams are taking him off their draft boards because of legal and character issue. Ouch. You don't want to hear the details

17. Tennessee: Derrick Morgan: DE, Georgia Tech 6'4 275

Tennessee has never gotten over losing Haynesworth and their ends were terrible last year.

Morgan is not a great athlete.

He's not fast and probably will play the left side but his stats were quite impressive and he is a gamer who goes 100%. He'll make his share of plays and stuff the run on that corner. Another sleeper here is Jared Odrick, but he is a better fit as an end in a 3/4.

18, Pittsburgh: Terrence Cody: NT, Alabama 6'4, 365

This is a big risk here.

He could be the next Ted Washington or a fat bust. Some scouts say he can play only two downs or less because he's too fat. A big contract makes him even more of a risk.

However, he could be an impact player in the NFL. Pittsburgh will lose Casey Hampton and Tomlin takes more chances than Noll or Cowher ever have. Dan Williams of Tennessee may also go here but his short arms may hurt him.

19. Atlanta: Earl Thomas:WS/CB, Texas

Atlanta needs a Corner bad, except there aren't any. Most scouts feel that Thomas can play there and so do I. Even if he can't, he can patrol Centerfield, but he is bad against the run and can be easily blocked by one man.

20. Houston: Taylor Mays: S/LB, USC

Big hitter and athlete but his limitation shows. He is a bad tackler who doesn't wrap up and despite having the speed to cover the deep half he really needs to be in the box because he can't cover. Many feel he'll be a Nickle Linebacker.

21. Cincinnati: Jermaine Gresham:TE, Oklahoma

The Bengals need a Receiver, but think of Gresham as a very big one. Chase Coffman couldn't stay healthy and they need a bigger target to work the middle of the field. Gresham is a great athlete but injuries and bad hands have hurt him. The Bengals will take a chance here or go WR. The Jets shut down the Bengals passing game too easily.

22. New England: Brandon Graham: OLB Michigan

Tremendous production this year 12 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and Senior Bowl MVP.

 Many scouts don't see a position for him. He's too small for end and can he really play linebacker?

The Patriots find ways to get these type of guys into their schemes. He is not a Lamar Woodley, nowhere near the athlete Woodley is, but that motor and intensity is off the charts and his production certainly matched. Not for everyone

23. Green Bay: Jahvid Best: RB: California 5'10, 195

Nice speed back to complement Ryan Grant next year. Best led the nation in rushing in 2008 before suffering an injury that caused him to miss last season. Similar to Spillner but not quite as fast or developed, he is just as explosive and much more elusive. He does a nice job on screens which Green Bay is using more of. He also had been clocked running a 4.22/ 40

24 Philadelphia: Carlos Dunlap: DE Florida 6'6 290

Dunlap looks like a young Julius Peppers but rarely plays to that level. He is everything the Eagles could want but they will have to light a fire under him if he is to provide the pass rushing needed. Boom or Bust. Worth the risk this low but must improve his work ethic.

25-Baltimore: Golden Tate: WR Notre Dame 5'11, 195

Finally Newsome awakes from his slumber which might have cost this team two Super Bowls. The question here is Tate a guy they can split out or is he a slot. They need a WR to stretch the field but they also need size at that position, especially in the Red Zone.

There are a few other possibilities but Tate is truly a deep threat. Flacco has a big arm.

26 Arizona: Jimmy Claussen: QB, Notre Dame 6'3 220

This is a need pick. Kurt Warner has retired. Matt Leinhart will get a year to prove himself. If not, then next year its Claussen's turn.

27 Dallas: Vladimir Ducasse: OT, UMass 6'5, 330

Dallas loves to take chances on small school players and players with great upside. With Flozell Adams and Mark Coulmbo ready to retire, this becomes a need area.

Don't worry about his struggles at the Senior Bowl. He needs coaching, the same kind of coaching Willie Colon got from the Steelers when he came out of Hofstra. Colon never run blocked or even played in a three point stance before. Scouts said he could only play guard.

He's started at RT for years now and has a Super Bowl ring. Someday, this kid may do the same.

28. San Diego: Ryan Matthews: RB, Fresno State 5'11, 225

He was a leading rusher in college football with size and great moves at 225 lbs. The only question is his speed. Tomlinson will call it quits and Matthews is a good 1-2 punch with Sprowles.

29 New York Jets: Arrelious Benn: WR 6'2 220

He is the most explosive WR in this draft. Why did he play poorly last year? Illinois rotated three different QB's and sometimes college receivers are only as good as their quarterbacks. On top of that he played hurt. One problem though, only 5 TD's in two years.

30 Minnesota: Sean Weatherspoon: LB, Missouri 6'2 230

This guy is a great open field tackler. When looking at a players tackles don't look at "total tackles". Look at "Solo" tackles. Very active and a steal for the Vikings here but scouts still question Weatherspon's athletic ability. For those looking for leadership ability he, like McClain, can be a motivator and set the tone by example.