This will be the first of many mock drafts for years to come. I have been doing much research and have compiled a list of what I think will be the first round of selections in the 2010 NFL draft.

 

1. St. Louis Rams - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

This is a no-brainer for the first pick of the draft. The reason I would not take Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford is not because they aren't in need of a quarterback, it is because Suh is just that much better of a player. If you look over the past ten drafts and look at the quarterbacks taken first overall, you find names like David Carr, Michael Vick, Jamarcus Russell, and Alex Smith.

The Rams need a big time quarterback to run this offense but with a standout DT like Suh, it would be too tough to pass on a sure thing. After recently signing A.J. Feeley, they fill a minor need for one more year before they will be able to draft Andrew Luck from Stanford or Jake Locker from Washington in 2011.

 

2. Detroit Lions - Russell Okung, LT, Oklahoma State

After the trade for Corey Williams, the Lions do not need as much help on the D-line as before, thus pushing Gerald McCoy out of this spot.

They drafted their franchise quarterback last season but have not done anything to help protect Matthew Stafford's blindside and Okung will be a perfect fit for the Lions offense, which has the potential to have a breakout season.

The only chance of Detroit not taking Okung would be if the Rams take a quarterback and Suh becomes available to them.


3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Ryan Sims is in the DT spot but must be removed quickly. He has done nothing since the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him sixth overall in 2002 and then was traded to the Bucs in 2007.

This spot in the draft could also be used for Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State because the Bucs could definitely use a No. 1 wideout for Josh Freeman to toss to; however, Bryant's issues with the NCAA dropped his stock dramatically.

The safe play here would be to take Gerald McCoy and toughen up a weak front line that has to play the Saints, Falcons, and Panthers twice every year.

 

4. Washington Redskins - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

With the addition of Mike Shanahan, the Redskins finally have a head coach worthy of making them contenders in one season.

Jason Campbell's time is up. He has had four seasons to improve his decision making but it has not come. He might be in need of some coaching but some other team can handle that.

As for the Skins, the time is now and with Sam Bradford still on the board at this pick, it would be hard to pass on him. Mike Shanahan's run-heavy offensive style could be the reason they take a rookie quarterback in this slot because the pressure will be off him and he can learn the game and produce at a slower rate.

This could be the best pick in the draft!


5. Kansas City Chiefs - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

The real need should be at quarterback but they spent a lot of money to get Matt Cassel and now have to manage to construct a winning team out of used car parts. He is not a terrible quarterback, but he is the third highest paid quarterback in the NFL ahead of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Ben Roethlisberger, and those guys have won a few Super Bowls I think.

But this is about the draft and taking the best available; the Cheifs have to take someone to protect their franchise quarterback, so the pick here would be to take Bulaga and move Branden Albert over to guard and boast the left side of the line.

 

6. Seattle Seahawks - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

This is one of those picks that is too good to pass up. If the Seahawks are fortunate to have Jimmy Clausen fall into their laps then they should take him and prepare for the second round.

Pete Carroll is going to be looking for a quarterback to mold into a NFL stud and what better player than Clausen. Clausen is a smart guy but his best quality is how to win with nothing around him. He makes good decisions and gets rid of the ball quickly. He has drawn comparisons to Kurt Warner.

 

7. Cleveland Browns - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Unless the Seahawks pass on Jimmy Clausen, this is the best pick for Cleveland. They should not have traded away the chance at Mark Sanchez but they did and now have to live with it and move on.

After cutting Jamal Lewis, Donte Stallworth, and trading away Corey Williams, the Browns are showing us that they are doing something productive for next season. Eric Berry has the biggest upside of any player in this great draft class. He is an Ed Reed clone and has the ability to make big plays on every play.

He will be a Pro Bowler after one season and the Browns can not pass on that chance.

 

8. Oakland Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Unless Al Davis hires a general manager to take over the personnel decisions, this is the pick they make.

Bruce Gradkowski will be the starter for next season and needs some help on the left side of the line. Success in the NFL is connected to protecting your quarterback; Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Ben Roethlisberger are examples of this idea.

Campbell is a 6'6" freak of an offensive tackle that can run the 40 yard dash in under 4.8 seconds. He is a quick and athletic guy and should be a great player for years to come as long as the Raiders do not give him a $200 million contract before he takes a snap (Darrius Heyward-Bay).

 

9. Buffalo Bills - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

Their biggest need is at quarterback but they would have to get in line to sign a top prospect at that position. They would have to make a serious trade offer to Washington or Seattle to jump up and get that pick and that is not going to happen.

So in the meantime, they will be have to settle on Dan Williams, which would be ranked higher if Suh and McCoy weren't in the mix. He has size and will fit into the new 3-4 scheme the Bills will be switching to next season.

 

10. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

I hate putting Tim Tebow this high on the draft board but the Jags are worried about selling tickets and the only way to do that is draft a hometown favorite that the entire state of Florida loves and will pay to see.

He is not a terrible quarterback but he is not a good one either.

He might not fail but he will not be successful.

In other words, he is not worth this pick and Jacksonville will be the laughing stock of the NFL if they go through with it. He does not have the decision making skills nor the footwork to be good in this offense. With the addition of Aaron Kampman, this decision just got clearer.

 

11. Denver Broncos - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

This is the pick for the Broncos. If they lose Brandon Marshall, they will need someone to fill in his shoes immediately and why not Bryant?

He got into trouble with the NCAA but that shouldn't affect his play-making abilities. He is an outstanding wideout and was a preseason Heisman candidate.

He compares to Chad Ochocinco in size and speed. He will not be the fastest at the next level but he can make plays and will draw attention from the opposition.

With Jabar Gaffney coming on strong to end the season, Denver might be able to nab Bryant and find a good way to utilize Eddie Royal finally.


12. Miami Dolphins - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, South Florida

The Dolphins will be better next season without a doubt. 2009 was a fluke due to the injury of Chad Pennington.

Making an effort to contend for a championship next season, they cut Joey Porter, signed Karlos Dansby, and should have a couple more seasons from Jason Taylor. Bill Parcells is in a great spot in the draft, he would love to move up but they should be fine with picking Pierre-Paul.

J.P.P. is an athlete, plain and simple. If you don't believe me, check out his video on Youtube where he does about 40 back flips in a row. He played one season in NCAA D-1 and became a top prospect immediately.

He will be a perfect fit in the Dolphins defense.


13. San Fransisco 49ers - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

They could take Taylor Mays with this pick because he is still on the board, but they need to protect their quarterback first before drafting a safety. The right tackle position needs to be upgraded now before they do anything else and Williams is a great fit at this pick. He is a good pass protector and an excellent run blocker.

If the 49ers do not trade up, this will be the best pick.

 

14. Seattle Seahawks - Taylor Mays, S, USC

Two words...Pete Carroll.

 

15. New York Giants - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

The Giants need several players to fill holes on both sides of the ball but the best bet is to draft the guy that has the most talent. They need a DT and an ILB but the best player available for them is Davis.

He has had issues with work ethic and that is the only reason he is not the top pick in the draft. He could be the best LT in the league but it is all up to him. He has the size and strength to produce but we will have to wait and see.

In the meantime, the Giants can gamble on him and hope it works out.

 

16. Tennessee Titans - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Who would you rather take: A guy that could be good (Everson Griffin) or a guy that you know will be good but is not a powerhouse (Morgan)?

I take Morgan if I am Tennessee. They need a DE and Morgan is a all-around DE with many skills at that position. He has trouble dropping into zone coverage but he will have a great season with Tennessee.

 

17. San Fransisco 49ers - Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

After selecting an OT in Trent Williams, the 49ers other big decision is whether to protect Alex Smith better or go a whole different direction. I think they will stick with Alex Smith and try to build around him by drafting another offensive lineman.

Iupati is a talented guard but needs polishing. A lot of the problems he has is fixable and can be improved upon. A lot of teams might want to move him to tackle because guard is not a big need in the top of the draft but if the 49ers deal with him correctly, he could be a Pro Bowl guard.


18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

This is another easy decision. The Steelers 3-4 defense is a perfect place for McClain because he has already played the position and knows it well.

The transition into the NFL would be easier for him and the Steelers can spend more time teaching him other aspects of the NFL game instead of having to teach him how to play in the 3-4.


19. Atlanta Falcons - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

This pick would be a gift for the Falcons. They need a DE more than any other position and Dunlap is a great player.

He is not rated high because of his work ethic but in the NFL, who knows. If you look at his size, he his big and bulky. The downfalls to his position is his ability to make a great play and then fall out for a series.

He can be a sleeper at this position if the Falcons decide to take another DE in the first round.


20. Houston Texans - Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Dunta Robinson is gone and they need a CB fast.

Why not take one of the best players available in the draft?

Joe Haden is the best CB in the draft and nobody else needs one more than the Texans, so they luck out and get him with this pick. Haden's 40 yard dash time was terrible, especially for a player that is supposed to be fast, but that time will improve with coaching.

He is very talented and we will see lots of him this season.

 

21. Cinncinati Bengals - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

Many people will question this decision after the Bengals recently picked up Matt Jones but let's face it, Jones is a decent receiver but is not a true No. 2 beside Chad Ochocinco.

Imagine this scenario: Carson Palmer at quarterback, Chad Ochocinco and Golden Tate at wideout and Cedric Benson in the backfield.

Tate is not the biggest or toughest of the available wideouts but he has glue in his hands similar to Larry Fitzgerald. He has nothing but potential and upside and will be one of my sleeper picks in this year's draft.

 

22. New England Patriots - Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas

Bill Belichick likes players that can play more than one position on defense. He is allowed to do more defensively when he has an multi-use linebacker, lineman, or defensive back to shift around and Kindle is just what he could use.

Kindle can help a weak pass rushing defense. He has the ability to play the OLB position and DE. He can move back and forth and maintain his speed, which at his size is fast.

The downsize for Kindle is his lack of physical play, but he can be guided by the Patriots staff to become another Adalius Thomas.

 

23. Green Bay Packers - Charles Brown, OT, USC

This pick could change on draft day but for now this is the best bet. The Packers have to support Aaron Rodgers more and this is a start.

Chad Clifton was re-signed but is injury prone and getting old. Brown brings a skill set that could have him play on any position on the offensive line. He is big and heavy and very hard to get around.

This pick is a gift to the Packers because I have Charles Brown rated higher on my draft board but due to other teams filling out needs, he slips to this spot. If he does get taken earlier than predicted, then expect the Packers to go after Earl Thomas or Kyle Wilson.

 

24. Philadelphia Eagles - Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

The soap opera starring Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid, and the Philadelphia Eagles should come to a close this year, especially after cutting Brian Westbrook. McNabb should get traded to a team that he can be a part of rather than be THE TEAM.

With that being said, Graham is a beast. He is similar to Dwight Freeney in skill set and can play linebacker if needed. The Eagles have to fill a hole on the opposite side of the line from Trent Cole and Graham is a phenomenal choice. He gives them another player to double team, thus relieving pressure on Cole's side.

After his incredible performance in the Senior Bowl, this could be a no-brainer for the Eagles.

 

25. Baltimore Ravens - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Now that the Ravens have a serious No. 1 WR, they can spend this pick on the player they really want in Jermaine Gresham.

The only reason he was not looked at more closely by other teams is because of his season ending injury last season. He is going to be a great tight end and playing for a quarterback like Joe Flacco couldn't hurt.

 

26. Arizona Cardinals - Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU

Another team that will not benefit from drafting one player. This pick will not be the messiah or the leader of the new age Cardinals; this has to be a player that can fill a hole and add to a weak defense.

Jerry Hughes has talent but needs coaching to mold him into an elite player. He will only benefit from playing a lot in his rookie year regardless of how bad his stats are. He should be a starter on this team by Week Two.


27. Dallas Cowboys - Brian Price, NT, UCLA

The Cowboys are going to need a lot of things to go right this offseason, starting with the head coach position. It is time for a change and if Jerry Jones wants to win another Super Bowl, Wade Phillips is not your guy. He is a joke of a head coach and needs to be fired.

In the meantime, they need help at OG but their choice, Mike Iupati, is gone, so they need to fill other needs and nose tackle is the next one to fill. Brian Price is a strong, smart defensive tackle that lacks great speed but he will be a key player in the Cowboys defense next season.

 

28. San Diego Chargers - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

The Chargers are looking to fill a big void now that LT is gone and Darren Sproles is just behind him.

Now they have to start with someone new and what better way to do this than with the best available RB in the draft. Spiller has the athleticism to be the next LT but could also wind up another Reggie Bush. Not that Reggie Bush is bad—he is not living up to expectations and is not an every down back.

Spiller is fast and can beat defenders in the open field but has trouble being powerful and running in the inside. If he is available at this pick it would be hard to pass him up.


29. New York Jets - Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida

The Jets have been busy upgrading their defense this offseason starting with the trade for Antonio Cromartie from San Diego.

The one position they need to improve on is at LB. They need to disguise a weaker secondary by getting a consistent rush defense to apply the pressure on quarterbacks like Peyton Manning.

Spikes would be a gamble at No. 29 with the chance to be a great pick up. He was a preseason All-American and had a chance to jump into the top 10 but is a bit out of place on plays. He could use a great rookie season under the wings of Rex Ryan and the NFL's No. 1 defense from last season.

30. Minnesota Vikings - Jevean Snead, QB, Ole Miss

Without knowing the status of Brett Favre, the Vikings will have to act as if he is done and begin to move on. Snead is a wild card at this spot but a much better one than Tim Tebow. He was a big choice to be one of the top chosen prior to a sub par season and he has the tools to win in the NFL but has to make better decisions.

31. Indianapolis Colts - Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida

With Charles Brown no longer available at this spot, the Colts will find themselves taking a player that many believe can play any position on the offensive line. He is versatile and will fit in nicely under the wings of a Peyton Manning offense.

 

32. New Orleans Saints - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

The honeymoon is over! The Saints have brought home the most coveted trophy in all sports and now it is time to face the reality that repeating is even harder than winning the first one.

In the meantime, the biggest need for the Saints is at defensive end since cutting Charles Grant but without a valuable DE in this spot, they will need to go for a DT.

Odrick has the ability to improve. His weakness is that he is weak and needs to bulk up, but he is teachable. The Saints do not need a starter; they just need another DT they can turn to in times of need.

This Greg Williams defense is better when he can sub players in and out and move people around. This would be an excellent choice at the final pick in the first round.