2010 NFL Mock Draft: Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Edition

Eight weeks ago, the entire team of NFL Featured Columnists began a project of enormous undertaking: Play armchair General Manager and complete a full mock draft as a unit.

Picks were, of course, easier for some than others—whether because only one FC participated, or because the choice was that obvious. But as we look back anywhere between 56 hours and 56 days after each pick, things don’t look the same.

For one, free agency and trades have changed a lot of teams’ needs; Philly, for one, might have a different selection due to what they’ve done.

On top of that, players have moved up and down draft boards thanks to the Combine, Pro Days, and outside factors.

For instance, Sam Bradford has drawn a lot of interest in recent weeks as the potential No. 1 overall pick. But that wasn’t the case on Feb. 7 when Rams FC Ron Clement made his selection, and when you see where Bradford actually does go, you may be shocked.

So when you read this mock, remember that it’s been in progress for nearly two full months. Also, remember that my “analysis” was written at the time the selection was made—but we waited to post them, simply because it would a lot more interesting after the fact.

And when you watch the actual NFL Draft on April 22, you can look at this and laugh…and hopefully praise us if we actually did nail one.

We hope you enjoy the fruit of our labors. It took 30-plus writers, many more contributors, 56 days, and a whole lot of fun to put together one round of drafting…and now, on with the show.

No. 1: St. Louis Rams select NDAMUKONG SUH (DT, Nebraska)

Rams FC Ronald Clement says:
The Rams cannot afford to gamble with the top pick. That is why a sure-thing like Ndamukong Suh is the most logical choice.

The 6'4", 300-pound Nebraska defensive tackle is a senior and led his team in tackles for two straight years. If that last part isn't impressive enough, how about a defensive tackle with two blocked kicks, an interception, 22.5 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks?

Those would be incredible numbers for a defensive end, but from a defensive tackle, they're astounding.

Suh is considered to be the best defensive tackle prospect in a decade. He's one of those rare can't-miss players that no general manager can afford to pass on.

And he would help every aspect of the Rams' horrid defense that ranked 29th in the NFL. When you’re trying to build from the ground up, like the Rams are, you need to take the best players available, and there are none rated higher than Suh.

Read Ron's full article here.

Lou's analysis:
No one’s going to argue with that pick. The Rams need pretty much everything but a punter, and Suh has been rumored as No. 1 overall since somewhere around October.

Suh would join a line with 2008’s No. 2 overall pick in DE Chris Long and 2007’s No. 14 overall in DT Adam Carriker. If Leonard Little doesn’t retire, he would be the veteran anchor on a line featuring three consecutive Top 15 picks. That’s impressive.

Ron pretty much already threw his stats out there, but it would be remiss if neither of us mentioned that Suh won the Nagurski, Outland, Bednarik and Lombardi Trophies, was a consensus All-American, and beat out Colt McCoy and several other quality players to be named Big 12 Player of the Year.

On the skill-set side, he’s obviously great as a pass rusher (some feel he can even thrive as a 3-4 end) but he also excels in run coverage because he’s quick enough to get down the line on stretch plays but a bear to move in the trenches. That’s a winning combo.

NFLDraftScout.com has his NFL comparison as Raiders DE Richard Seymour. Not bad at all.

No. 2: Detroit Lions select GERALD MCCOY (DT, Oklahoma)

Lions FC Michael Schottey says:
Even the Detroit Lions can't screw this up. Can they?

The Rams can take a top QB, Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford, or the top player available, Ndamukong Suh, at No. 1. In our B/R Mock, Rams FC Ron Clements went with the latter.

So after talking it over with fellow Lions guy Dean Holden, the decision was made to take Gerald McCoy with the second overall pick.

Gerald McCoy is a top draft prospect. Some even rank him higher than Suh, most rank him a very close second. Any player can improve the Lions, but Gerald McCoy could redefine them.

As a pass rusher, he is excellent. Coach Jim Schwartz has made it clear that he wants a pass rusher from the defensive tackle position for his entire career.

As a run stopper, he is elite—something the Lions sorely lack.

As a leader, in terms of intangibles, he is second only to a certain Floridian quarterback. Actually, it was McCoy, not Tebow, that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes named their president.

McCoy will impress everyone when sat down one-on-one. He is a stand-up guy, to say the least.

Read the whole article here.

Lou’s analysis:
Well, I think Michael is right about one thing—even the Lions can’t screw this one up.

Their offense is decent. Stafford, Pettigrew, and Calvin Johnson are a fine trio of weapons to grow into.

But Jim Schwartz is a defensive coach, and he needs some serious talent on that side of the ball. The Lions were last in total defense (392.1 yards per game) and pass defense (265.6) and No. 29 in sacks (26, beating out only the Rams, Jags, and Chiefs).

McCoy is the best defensive guy in the draft not named Suh. The only other argument you can make is for Tennessee safety Eric Berry, but the Lions just drafted Louis Delmas last year, so taking a safety No. 2 overall might be a bit of a stretch.

Hey, at least it isn’t a wide receiver again.

No. 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers select ERIC BERRY (S, Tennessee)

B/R Contributor and acting Bucs rep Sydney Hunte says:
He's being compared to Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu in some circles.

In his Jim Thorpe Award-winning junior year at Tennessee, he had 83 tackles. In 2008, as a sophomore, he had seven interceptions returned for 265 yards and two touchdowns.

Tennessee strong safety Eric Berry has put up big-time numbers in college. There's no reason not to think that he won't do the same in the NFL.

First a disclaimer: defensive backs, let alone safeties, are rarely picked in the top three. But Berry adds another dimension to a Tampa Bay backfield that needs a boost—19 interceptions for just 275 yards.

He has also developed an ability to get to the quarterback, with three QB hits in his junior season.

For a team that allowed 400 points total and over 365 yards per game this past season, Berry can certainly use his abilities to control the opponents' passing attack and help a Bucs squad that is hoping to take a step forward after a disastrous 2009.

In a perfect world, the Buccaneers would like to take someone like Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy to beef up their defensive line. But with the Rams and Lions FCs taking Suh and McCoy off the board at Nos. 1 and 2, look for Tampa Bay to go with the next best thing—Eric Berry.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Well, Sydney is right—defensive backs rarely go in the top three. So rarely, in fact, that the last one was Eric Turner, who the Browns took No. 2 overall in 1991. Since then, Sean Taylor (No. 5 in 2004) is the only one even in the Top 5.

But what choice do they have?

Defensive tackle is their biggest needs, but beyond Suh and McCoy, the next trio of guys—Tennessee’s Dan Williams, Penn State’s Jared Odrick and UCLA’s Brian Price—are projected by NFLDraftScout to be in the late first/early second area, so one of them should be there at No. 35.

They could use a playmaker for Josh Freeman, but the best receiver available is Dez Bryant, who hasn’t even played organized football for over a year. Sure, he may be great, but how did that work out for Mike Williams?

Even defensive end, which is loaded in this draft, is a tough pickings at No. 3. Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan and Florida’s Carlos Dunlap are NFLDS’ top two, but either at No. 3 is a tough reach unless a team is REALLY in love with them.

Beyond Suh and McCoy, Berry is simply the best player on the board. He was a three-year starter and Jim Thorpe award winner at Tennessee, has a combination of compact size and extreme physicality that will remind Bucs fans of John Lynch and is a huge upgrade over Sabby Piscitelli or Tanard Jackson.

Unless they can sign a huge free agent safety (and I’m not convinced there is one available who is a better option) and can go after a DE or offensive tackle, Berry’s the guy.

No. 4: Washington Redskins select RUSSELL OKUNG (OT, Oklahoma State)

Redskins FC Jack Anderson says:

“With the "Shanaclan" coming to town, Washingtonians are expecting big things for their Redskins. After a number of years where the ‘Skins front office paid no attention to the protection up front, Bruce Allen, Mike Shanahan, and Co. would be wise to address the inefficiencies along the offensive line.

The Redskins must address a gaping hole at left tackle with the imminent retirement of six-time Pro Bowler Chris Samuels. They need look no farther than Russell Okung from Oklahoma State.

Okung is the total package. He’s a potential franchise left tackle who is already elite in pass protection and has shown the ability to be a dominant run blocker.

In pass protection, he’s able to kick out and use his agility and quickness to combat any speed rusher. The defenses in the NFC East have so much speed coming off the edge that the Redskins need a left tackle like that.

He’s also athletic enough to fit in perfectly with Shanahan’s famous zone-blocking schemes, which relies on smaller, quicker linemen who can block in space and move downfield.

He’s also consistent, having started 34 straight games at left tackle for Oklahoma State. So it makes sense to solidify the left side and take Okung, who should start right away and be a reliable presence against the fearsome NFC East pass rush for years to come.

Read Anderson’s entire article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Jack said everything I needed to, and the Redskins’ trio made the right choice.
A lot of mocks seems to think that Shanahan will draft a quarterback—either Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford—with the No. 4 pick.

If he does, he’ll be making a mistake, because Okung is exactly what the ‘Skins need.

Jason Campbell isn’t bad. His numbers were better last year than ever, and he deserves a chance to shine under a competent head coach/coordinator combo.

After all, if he can’t stay upright—and he didn’t last year, as that sack totals averages out to three a game—he can’t be effective.

The first step toward remedying that is to solidify the line. Okung is the best lineman available and fits into his new coach’s offensive schemes.

Sounds like a match to me.

No. 5: Kansas City Chiefs select ROLANDO MCCLAIN (LB, Alabama)

Chiefs FC Derek Estes wrote:

Last year, the Chiefs had to reach for DE Tyson Jackson at No. 3, and so it goes again in 2010.

With the top three defensive talents and OT Russell Okung off the board, the Chiefs are dressed to the nines with the fifth overall pick while their potential dance partners are wearing business casual.

This is the state of affairs, with solid talents still available but a number of question marks for each.

They could go with a tackle, and Anthony Davis from Rutgers would be the next option—but the arguments against drafting Davis are the same issues Okung has, only more so.

Another option would be cornerback Joe Haden from Florida. The undisputed top corner in this year’s draft, Haden has all the tools to shine in the NFL. However, Kansas City’s current pairing of Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr is not without its own merit.

That brings us to inside linebacker Rolando McClain. McClain is a solid prospect with proven leadership skills, anchoring the championship Crimson Tide defensive squad.

When all is said and done, Kansas City may not get exactly what they want, which would probably be to trade further down in the top 10. That doesn’t mean they won’t get someone they need, however, and the Chiefs find that in McClain.

With the Chiefs having been without a true leader at the middle linebacker position since Mike Maslowski, McClain brings a strong, commanding presence to a young defense.

And with his solid ability in run support and ball-hawking skills in space, McClain will be a three-down performer to improve the league’s 30th-ranked defense.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Ultimately, this is a tough position for Derek (and the Chiefs). Trades aren’t allowed in our FC mock, and because they’re in the same situation they were last year, the best thing for Kansas City to do would be to trade down.

There’s bound to be somebody at No. 8 or No. 9 who covets Haden, one of the quarterbacks, or even Dez Bryant, and if they can steal a second or a third to move down and still get a decent player, they should.

Here, though, at No. 5, McClain is pretty much the best choice they have, based on best players available. They don’t need a QB or DE period, and with Jamaal Charles’ explosion late last year, they really don’t “need” C.J. Spiller.

Ditto that for Dez Bryant or Golden Tate, as WR isn’t their top need with Dwayne Bowe, Bobby Wade, and Chris Chambers.

That leaves it down to McClain, USC safety Taylor Mays and Idaho guard Mike Iupati as the only players in NFLDraftScout.com’s Top 15 they even need to look at.

McClain is the best player, the best leader and the right choice. Luckily for them, he’ll probably be there at No. 10, so they can realistically trade down if they want to on draft day.

No. 6: Seattle Seahawks select DERRICK MORGAN (DE, Georgia Tech)

Seahawks FC Matt Rybaltowski wrote:

It’s a need draft for the Seahawks coming off a 5-11 season, and Seattle likely needs to upgrade its talent at several positions—with quarterback, left tackle, and defensive end paramount among them.

Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung, selected with the fourth pick in our FC Mock, would have been a perfect fit but is already off the board.

At quarterback, Sam Bradford is still available, though the team could make a fortune on Jake Locker jerseys if they draft him next year.

So given the circumstances, in my opinion, the Seahawks will select Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan with the sixth pick.

At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, Morgan possesses a decent combination of size and strength, but could add a little weight. He has a full array of moves, though some scouts say he depends on his spin move too much.

If you watch film on Morgan, however, you might wonder why he doesn’t use it more. Against Clemson last season, Morgan easily shredded a double team by spinning right to left and using his brute force to split it down the middle. It was one of 12 sacks he had on the season.

Carroll wants ends who aggressively attack the quarterback and shorten the signal caller’s release time in his 4-3 under front.

Last year’s starting left defensive end Patrick Kerney is unlikely to return and backup Darryl Tapp is a restricted free agent.

In a scenario similar to last year’s opening round selection of LB Aaron Curry, Morgan could be penciled in right away as the opening day starter.

With the No. 14 pick also at their disposal, the Seahawks can go defense first and address another need via draft or trade just a few spots later.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
This is an interesting choice that I think will be made based on what the Seahawks can do in the trade market.

With both No. 6 and No. 14, they can get a great player and (as Matt’s article notes) still dangle a pick for an offensive weapon like Brandon Marshall or Jonathan Stewart.

If not, well, it’s all on feel.

If they want to go tackle/end, they can take the end (Morgan, or maybe Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida) and gamble that Anthony Davis or Oklahoma’s Trent Williams is there at No. 14.

If they want a QB, Bradford or Clausen will be there and they can get a Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffen or Pierre-Paul (or maybe even Morgan) at No. 14.

They could also look to Clemson’s all-purpose threat, CJ Spiller, and take whoever’s left on their board eight picks later.

I think in reality, familiarity with potential later picks wins out and the choice here should be Spiller.

He gives Hasselbeck a huge weapon that can only help take pressure off TJ Houshmandzadeh and emerging TE John Carlson, and also can help out the special teams game.

The “familiarity” angle comes into play with USC products Griffen and left tackle Charles Brown.

Carroll can justifiably “reach” for Griffen (the third highest-rated DE in the draft) at No. 14, and Brown should be available at No. 40.

They both know and fit in his system, and can allow Carroll to take the impact player he needs at No. 6.

No. 7: Cleveland Browns select JOE HADEN (CB, Florida)

Browns FCs Brian DiTullio and Daniel Wolf said:

The Cleveland Browns have 11 picks going into the 2010 NFL Draft, but the first one is critical to the success of the organization—namely because the team has had so many first-round busts since it returned to the league in 1999.

Last year, Head Coach Eric Mangini traded down from the fifth pick after the Seattle Seahawks took Aaron Curry at No. 4.

While not a bad decision, since there really were no other players the Browns would want at that price point, Mangini didn’t stop trading down and center Alex Mack was the team’s first pick.

This year, it will be defense, as the Browns’ unit ranked 31st overall in 2009. The secondary in particular was a mess, and the front office has said that they are only comfortable with starting cornerback Eric Wright, starting safety Abram Elam and backup defensive back Mike Adams.

So, with Eric Berry off the board in the B/R FC Mock, the best choice for the Browns at this point is to take cornerback Joe Haden out of Florida.

Haden has the makings of being a solid cornerback at the NFL level, and once paired with starter Wright on the opposite side, the Browns will have a duo that could challenge the accomplishments of the Frank Minnifield and Hanford Dixon era in the 1980s.

He comes from a pro-style defense, and when added to defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s unique defensive schemes, Haden should help the Browns move up the defensive league rankings.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
Great choice.

The No. 1 corner and No. 5 overall prospect according to NFLDraftScout.com, Haden has the leaping ability and the speed to keep up with guys he will face a lot (Chad Ochocinco, Santonio Holmes, etc.) and the experience (three-year starter) at Florida to step in and play at a high level right away.

The only other possible choice that makes sense here is Dez Bryant, as the Browns lack any real weapons at all at wide receiver and the Oklahoma State product is the top WR in the draft.

Haden, however, is the safer choice, and with a muddled QB situation, the Browns are better off addressing their poor defense and looking for a playmaker later in the draft.

No. 8: Oakland Raiders select ANTHONY DAVIS (OT, Rutgers)

Contributing on behalf of the Raiders, Bears FC Bob Warja says:

After spending the last few drafts on skilled position players, it’s time for the Oakland Raiders to fortify the offensive line. So, with the eighth selection in the 2010 B/R FC Mock NFL Draft, the Raiders will take Anthony Davis from Rutgers.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper says that Davis is the “most naturally gifted” of the offensive linemen in the draft. Davis is projected to be better in pass protection than Bryan Bulaga, for example, and we all know how much Al Davis loves his QB.

I know many fans would rather select Sam Bradford with this pick, assuming he is available. But if the Raiders are going to give new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson a year to work with Russell, they might as well help protect him.

And that’s where Davis comes in. Trying to fix an offense that scored just 17 offensive touchdowns in 16 games won’t be easy, but it starts with the line play. Davis, who is listed at 6’6”, 325, is the most physically gifted of the OTs.

Davis has some red flags, like multiple benchings for rules violations at Rutgers, past weight issues, and bouts of inconsistency. But he’s physical, dominates speed rushers using his long arms and excellent lateral movement, and is very quick to engage second-level blocks.

The Raiders’ current starting tackles, Mario Henderson (who was bad down the stretch) and Cornell Green (prone to mental errors), aren’t saints either, so Davis should be able to step right in and contribute immediately.

It is tempting to consider Mike Iupati of Idaho here, as he has been rapidly climbing up the draft board. He’s strong and nasty, which fits the Raiders mold well, but he’s really a guard…so Davis it is.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Davis is a good player, don’t get me wrong. But if both Bradford and Jimmy Clausen are available and the Raiders take an offensive tackle, someone might actually kill Al Davis.

It doesn’t matter who coaches JaMarcus Russell—he’s terrible, and that fact is underlined just by watching a guy like Bruce Gradkowski (who was deemed unfit to be an NFL QB by the Bucs of all teams) lead the Raiders on the best run they’ve had in years.

Even Charlie Frye, who couldn’t hack it in Cleveland, fared better.

Hue Jackson has worked with Jason Campbell, Joey Harrington, and Joe Flacco in his NFL career. None of them are overachievers, and half of Flacco’s success is based on the Ravens having had the McGahee/Rice/McClain trio in the backfield.

Russell sucks, and unless the Raiders are convinced they can win with Gradkowski or anyone else—or plan to suck worse than usual and grab the No. 1 or No. 2 pick overall next year so they can get Jake Locker—they need a QB.

So yeah, this is a perfect pick for Al Davis.

No. 9: Buffalo Bills select BRYAN BULAGA (OT, Iowa)

Bills FCs Chris Trapasso and Dan Van Wie say:

After much deliberation, we have decided to select Bryan Bulaga, offensive tackle from the University of Iowa, with the ninth overall pick.

Bulaga, to many expert scouts, is the most NFL-ready tackle in the draft. At 6'6'' and 312 pounds, he's got the ideal franchise left tackle build that can anchor a line for years to come, though he'll undoubtedly bulk up when he signs with an NFL team.

During his time in Iowa City, Bulaga demonstrated elite skills in pass protection and, during his junior season as a Hawkeye, improved vastly in run blocking.

He's nimble enough to continue his advancement in the run game, and his long reach can stymie the aggressive and speedy edge rushers—just ask Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan, the No. 6 pick earlier in our FC Mock Draft, who was overmatched in all of his showdowns against Bulaga in Iowa's victory over Tech in the Orange Bowl this year.

Coming from the Big Ten, he'll accentuate the blue-collar demeanor on the offensive line that was formulated when Eric Wood and Andy Levitre were drafted last year. The youthful line could finally put an end to the trench trouble that's plagued the Bills for some time.

We also carefully considered the top-ranked quarterbacks, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma and Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame, as you can probably imagine.

Our rationale in selecting Bulaga over these two signal callers stemmed from the belief that solidifying an offensive line holds higher priority over nabbing a quarterback who won't be protected.

Clausen and Bradford are still recovering from injuries, and the acknowledgment that they won't throw at the combine kept us away.

When selecting ninth, a pick who will receive a fat paycheck, you want a sure thing. At this point, Bulaga seemed to have the smallest risk with the biggest upside.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
Unlike with the Raiders the pick before, I can at least understand the Bills passing on Bradford or Clausen.

After all, Trent Edwards isn’t terrible (he’s not great either, but still, it’s viable), and their line hasn’t been good for a few years now.

Trading Jason Peters last season was more necessity than want, although the latter did factor in heavily. So the Bills do need a franchise tackle, and given what’s left, Bulaga is the best one there.

But with Terrell Owens set to be an unrestricted free agent and not much else behind Lee Evans, it won’t matter who the QB is or whether or not he’s protected if he has no one to throw to.

Barring Bulaga, my other option would be Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State, as he’s the best receiver in the draft and the Bills need something (anything) to help Evans.

Tough spot to be in, and I can see the Bills trading down in the real draft (which the FCs here do mention in their full article). They can’t here though, so they’ll have to do something—and Bulaga is a decent something.

No. 10: Jacksonville Jaguars select JIMMY CLAUSEN (QB, Notre Dame)

Jaguars FC Jack Harver says:

Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen is all an NFL scout could ask for from a quarterback.

Production, both in yards and points, even with a subpar supporting cast, dead-eye accuracy in a fast-paced passing attack (significantly, a pro-style passing attack), and thorough command of his offense both intellectually and as a leader who has played through pain.

And now, more than ever in the NFL's history, quarterbacks win games. A great quarterback—cerebral, poised, and talented—can make up for gaps in his supporting cast and even a league-average (or worse) defense.

As proof, nine of the top 12 passing offenses in 2009 belonged to playoff teams, and all of them belonged to teams with winning records.

The Jaguars would be shocked if Clausen fell to them in the first round, even should they win their coin-flip contest with Denver for the 10th spot, but would happily select him.

Gene Smith, Jacksonville's second-year general manager, is a staunch advocate of drafting the best player available, regardless of position.

In picking tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in the first two rounds of last year's draft, Smith showed a willingness to draft for talent and let the roster sort itself out.

The Jaguars, of course, are financially committed to veteran quarterback David Garrard, who signed a six-year, $60 million contract extension before the 2008 season…but that wouldn't stop "GM Gene," and it's not going to stop this writer from getting the most value out of the Jaguars' first round pick.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
David Garrard is expensive, sure. Then again, it’s an uncapped year, so the hit won’t kill them.

Still, I don’t agree with this pick. All signs point to Jacksonville snagging Tim Tebow to sell tickets…so if they have Garrard AND Clausen, there’s NO chance he plays quarterback. That’s bad.

The Jags need an offensive weapon and help on defense. Even if Clausen is the best player available, there are still better fits for them out there in this draft—namely Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant, Texas OLB Sergio Kindle, or even a guy like Florida DE Carlos Dunlap.

Anything else might be a reach, unless they want to take CJ Spiller as the heir apparent to Maurice Jones-Drew.

In the real draft, if they can’t get one of a couple guys they need (Rolando McClain or, barring some bizarre stock drop, Eric Berry), they might trade down.

In our FC Mock, they really should look elsewhere.

No. 11: Denver Broncos select DEZ BRYANT (WR, Oklahoma State)

Contributing on behalf of the Broncos, Eagles FC Lou DiPietro says:

Stepping in to make this pick isn’t easy for an NFC guy, but there’s one elite player on the board who fills a need now and in the future…and that’s why I’m tabbing Denver to take Dez Bryant.

On defense, their only “need” seems to be linebacker. But with ILB Rolando McClain off the board, they can get a quality outside backer (like Penn State’s Navorro Bowman or maybe even Clemson’s Ricky Sapp) when they pick again at No. 45 overall.

So offense it is, and there, many will cry for a new quarterback. To them I say this: Kyle Orton set career highs in completions, attempts, rating, yardage, touchdowns, completion percentage AND rushing yards, so he’s not the problem.

But at receiver, they had Brandon Marshall getting more coverage than the Olympics, Eddie Royal missing half the year with head issues and scrap-heapers like Brandon Stokley, Brandon Lloyd, and Jabar Gaffney actually having to see significant snaps.

Take away Marshall from that equation—as either a trade this season or free agency in 2011 is sure to—and the Broncos are, in a word, screwed.

Bryant missed most of last season due to eligibility issues, but he has good size (6’2”, 220 lbs.), great hands, above-average strength and a touch of elusiveness—showing the ability to make moves rather than use straight speed.

His 1,480-yard, 19-touchdown sophomore season wasn’t an accident.

Bryant is also a great punt returner, and the Broncos weren’t very good in that department once Royal went haywire in the middle of the season.

Bryant fills a need both now and in the future, and with no blow-away defensive player left on the board, he’s the best choice for the Broncos at No. 11.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Yeah, I’d be talking to myself in the third person here if I commented. I made the pick, after all!

No. 12: Miami Dolphins select JASON PIERRE-PAUL (DE, South Florida)

Dolphins FC Chris J. Nelson says:

Admittedly, this isn't an ideal situation for the Dolphins. The player the Dolphins and myself would probably love to land the most—Alabama inside linebacker Rolando McClain—has long been off the board in this featured columnist mock draft (going to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 5), and their hopes of landing a big wide receiver were dashed when Denver took Dez Bryant at No. 11.

So with the No. 12 pick, the Dolphins select South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul.

Due to some potentially significant changeover at the outside linebacker this offseason, the Dolphins need quite a bit of help in the pass-rushing department, despite ranking tied for third in sacks this past season.

Their 2009 sack leader, Joey Porter, will be cut soon after the new league year begins on March 5, while veteran Jason Taylor was productive but is heading for the free agent market.

Considering all that will be left under contract at outside linebacker are long-term projects (Cameron Wake), situational pass rushers (Charlie Anderson), and just plain camp bodies (everyone else), the Dolphins are clearly in need of a long-term starter at the position.

A risky pick he might be, but JPP could develop into the elite 3-4 pass rusher the Dolphins crave.

Although he played only one season with the Bulls after two years in junior college (where he racked up 24.5 sacks), Pierre-Paul made his mark immediately with 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2009.

A college defensive end, Pierre-Paul measures in at 6'6" and 260 pounds—ideal size for the 3-4 outside linebacker.

He also possesses rare strength and athleticism for his size, featuring a chiseled physique (if you're into that sort of thing), and potentially sub-4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash.

Jason Pierre-Paul has all the tools to be the elite pass rusher the Dolphins need so badly, and based on who is available at No. 12 in this mock, is well worth the pick.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
A great choice for the Dolphins.

Pierre-Paul has a high motor (something that Bill Parcells and his disciples love) and has immediately overachieved at every level.

Given extra time to rush the passer out of the 3-4, he could become an Elvis Dumervil-type within a year or two—something the Dolphins would be overjoyed with.

With their biggest needs gone, Pierre-Paul is still a high value pick at No. 12.

No. 13: San Francisco 49ers select CJ SPILLER (RB, Clemson)

49ers FC Andrew Garda says:

Right offensive tackle is a need, and with two—Trent Williams and Bruce Campbell—who might both shift to that side still on the board, that would seem to be the choice.

However, it’s unlikely that that two of the next three teams—Seattle, the Giants, and Tennessee—will take offensive tackles and even more unlikely that all three will go offensive line.

So, seeing as how they also have pick No. 17, the 49ers would have a bunch of latitude to nab a tackle there and fill a bigger need at No. 13—like selecting Clemson running back CJ Spiller.

Spiller is a unique talent that is a triple threat in every sense of the word. Not only would he complement (rather than duplicate) Frank Gore's skill set, but he would also fill a huge need at kick/punt returner.

The 49ers were terrible returning kicks last season, and the poor field position hurt the offense.

Spiller is a speed demon, and his quickness makes him a risk to break a big run at any time. He shows great patience and vision when looking for gaps in the run defense (and exploits them easily when he spots them) and can catch the ball well.

Yes, he has some question marks: size, physicality, blocking ability and durability, to name just a few.

But the 49ers wouldn't be asking him to carry the load, most rookies have to get better in their blocking anyway and his minuses are more than balanced out by his play-making ability and upsides.

We know Singletary and Co. will pick the best available player (like Michael Crabtree last year), and Spiller is that guy here.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
A steal of a pick for the 49ers, who are position to pick up another huge weapon for Alex Smith while still getting the tackle they need—and possibly even the actual guy they’d want in that case—a few picks later.

Frank Gore is a great back, but the NFL is rapidly becoming a multi-back league. And for those concerned with Spiller’s minuses as listed above, I have two words—Reggie Bush.

Line up Gore, Spiller, Crabtree, Vernon Davis and any second receiver on the field at one time, and you’ve got a juggernaut.

Besides tackle, the only other option that makes sense is a cornerback—especially if they lose both Dre Bly and Walt Harris to free agency.

But seeing as how they can get one of the top five corners in the draft (likely Florida State’s Patrick Robinson or Oklahoma’s Dominique Franks) at pick No. 49 (irony?), it makes sense to grab a special player and a tackle in round one.

No. 14: Seattle Seahawks select JONATHAN DWYER (RB, Georgia Tech)

Seahawks FC Matt Rybaltowski says:

As the Seahawks struggled with their zone-running offense during the 2009 season, fans searched feverishly for a solution in the upcoming draft.

Clemson’s C.J. Spiller became a popular fans choice, but the 49ers selected him with the No. 13 pick in our FC Mock.

In the long run, though, the Seahawks may wind up with a better fit by drafting fellow ACC back Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech. At 6'1", 235 pounds., Dwyer has two inches and 40 pounds on Spiller.

While Spiller has better speed and can be a game changer on special teams, Seattle already has a lightning-quick back who lacks size in Justin Forsett.

Plus, despite the acclaim for Spiller, Dwyer’s numbers last year are slightly better. The Yellow Jackets’ junior had more rushing yards (1,395 to 1,212), more yards per carry (5.9 to 5.6), and more rushing touchdowns (14 to 12). Dwyer also had to share carries with two other backs in Georgia Tech’s spread offense.

A number of scouts have compared Dwyer favorably to Panthers’ running back Jonathan Stewart. The former Oregon back is also listed at 235 pounds and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last year despite splitting carries with DeAngelo Williams.

In college, Stewart also ran in a zone-blocking scheme similar to the one new Seahawks offensive line coach Alex Gibbs will install in 2010.

There are a number of options for the Seahawks with this pick. New general manager John Schneider may target a left tackle with the likely retirement of Walter Jones, although Pete Carroll may opt to hope for former USC tackle Charles Brown in a later round.

They may also consider Trojan safety Taylor Mays, or try to use the pick to make a trade for Broncos WR Brandon Marshall. But in our draft, Jonathan Dwyer is the guy.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
I maintained that CJ Spiller should’ve been the Seahawks choice in my analysis for No. 6.

Now, I don’t know what to think.

On a team with a 35-year-old beaten-up quarterback in the final year of his
contract, one true offensive weapon, and a line that direly needs an upgrade…they go for a defensive end and then Dwyer?

After going Morgan at No. 6, drafting Dwyer would be a mistake. Why? Well, for starters, there’s still a potential franchise QB available in Sam Bradford.

Secondly, they really REALLY need a “franchise” tackle, and Trent Williams, Bruce Campbell and even Charles Brown are still on this board.

While Brown may be there at No, 40, the dropoff in talent at that spot is much bigger than that at running back—especially based on the criteria (solely size, speed and college numbers) that Matt used.

Toby Gerhart, for instance, is the same size as Dwyer (and two inches taller), ran a very similar 40-yard dash (Dwyer was less than .1 seconds faster) and put up bigger and better numbers as the sole back in an offense that wasn’t based around the option (and thus less run-centric).

Given all their needs, their previous pick and the talent pool at running back in this draft, I feel that either Bradford or one of the tackles would have been a better choice.

No. 15: New York Giants select EARL THOMAS (S, Texas)

Giants FC Richard Resch says:

Giants GM Jerry Reese is a guy who drafts for need over “available talent.”
From Aaron Ross to Kenny Phillips to Hakeem Nicks, the last few first-round picks have been the best player available at the biggest need—within reason.

Safety and middle linebacker are tops on the docket this year, and with Rolando McClain already off the board, I have chosen to select Texas DB Earl Thomas with New York’s No. 15 pick.

While he was a corner in college, Thomas should easily make the transition to safety at the next level.

He is a ballhawk and a playmaker who has great range (eight interceptions and 24 passes defensed in 2009) and good speed (he unofficially ran the 40 in 4.43 seconds at the combine).

He’s also better in coverage than USC product Taylor Mays, considered the second best overall safety in the draft. In fact, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock referred to Thomas as the most instinctive safety to come into the league in 10 years.

The biggest knock against Thomas is his size, but at 5’10 1/2”, 208 pounds, he’s almost exactly the same size equal to Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.

He’s also not the best tackler, but again, at safety his overall coverage ability is more important most of the time.

So, with no great linebackers available and Mays drawing comparisons to former Cowboy safety Roy Williams (and not good ones, either), the right fit for New York at No. 15 is Earl Thomas.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
Well, Richard is right. Linebacker is truly the Giants’ biggest need, but in this draft, the second highest rated true middle linebacker (Brandon Spikes) is a huge reach anywhere in the first round and all of the top remaining outside guys are better suited as 3-4 rush backers.

Not having Kenny Phillips killed the Giants last year, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be the same after his injury—so getting a free safety to put next to the rangy former Hurricane at strong safety would ease a lot of worry.

So safety it is, but outside of Mays, there aren’t any worth a first-rounder (or maybe even a second-rounder where New York lies) that fit the bill…and as Richard said, Mays has a few character issues that might make him a time bomb in the Big Apple.

So it’s a good thing that Thomas’ skill set projects him out to be great at free safety, right?

I can only echo all of Richard’s points, and add that while some may find it foolish to draft a guy at No. 15 and shove him into a brand new role, this isn’t a reckless moved based off a hunch. He has the ability, and the best place to make that transition is at the ground level.

A good value pick here for the Giants, one Jerry Reese would certainly be proud of.

No. 16: Tennessee Titans select BRANDON GRAHAM (DE, Michigan)

Contributing on behalf of the Titans, Bears FC Scott Ottersen says:

This would be a no-brainer if this mock draft were real life and Sam Bradford were actually still available at No. 16 for the Titans.

But it's not, and I have to be fair and stick with someone who just might be available to the Titans at 16…and Brandon Graham is the type of player the Titans have a need, and desire, for.

With Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse most likely taking a walk, the Titans will be in extreme need at the defensive end position.

They need someone who can rush the quarterback and actually get to the quarterback, as they had one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL last season.

Brandon Graham is a very physical, very strong defensive end, with a slew of moves he can use to get around the lineman attempting to block him.

He has the ability to get around his man, work him to the inside, or run right through him with a bull rush. His style of attack is extremely versatile, which is something all great pass rushers need in the NFL.

I think the most important part of his game are his instincts and his quick jump out of his stance.

If you watch him on film, he almost always beats the offensive lineman up into position, which in terms of fighting in the trenches, getting position on your opposing lineman is the clincher to winning the battle.

Plus, outside of his pass rushing prowess, Graham’s ability to diagnose plays is uncanny, which makes him a threat as a run stopper.

The main knock on him is his size. Brandon Graham is 6'1" and 263 pounds. According to NFL scouts, the 263 is a good number, but they'd like it better if he were an inch or two taller, as if being that inch or two taller is going to help him get around 350-pound offensive linemen.

Come to think of it, that never stopped 6’1” Dwight Freeney.

And it shouldn’t stop Tennessee from taking Graham at No. 16.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
I know Scott is a Bears FC, so he knows a thing or two about underachieving quarterbacks…but I wonder why even he would think the Titans would remotely think about selecting a quarterback at No. 16.

Sure, Vince Young isn’t great (or accurate), but he’s improved greatly and was a huge spark for the Titans offense last season.

I also have to wonder why he would choose Graham over, say, Carlos Dunlap or Everson Griffin, both of whom are still available at this point in the FC Mock.

Don’t get me wrong, Graham is a great player as I posited in my pre-combine profile of him. He led the nation in tackles for loss in 2009 and averaged 10 sacks per year over his last three.

But with his size and skill-set, he’s best suited to pull an Elvis Dumervil or LaMarr Woodley and shift to 3-4 outside backer at the next level.

That would be fine, except the Titans run a 4-3 and don’t even have the proper personnel to try to change that this year.

If Tennessee really, truly needs a DE, they might be better served looking at Dunlap (as Griffin also might be a future 3-4 guy) or looking at another need (maybe Texas’ Sergio Kindle at OLB?) and wait for a guy like George Selvie or Corey Wootton in the second round.

No. 17: San Francisco 49ers select TRENT WILLIAMS (OT, Oklahoma)

Niners FC Andrew Garda says:

Things couldn't have worked out better in this Mock, in so far as the 49ers would be concerned.

After taking CJ Spiller with their first pick at No. 13, the team finds that a guy who some experts have ranked as the second-best offensive tackle in the NFL Draft has fallen to them at No. 17—Oklahoma’s Trent Williams.

Williams is a big guy but despite his size, he moves incredibly well and shows a good initial quickness—especially on run plays.

He is very effective in run blocking, as he can get into the second level and seal off linebackers—a skill that would give Frank Gore, Glen Coffee, and CJ Spiller room to get clear and maybe break off a big run.

In pass blocking, Williams can redirect an incoming pass rusher and has the strength to counter a bull rusher, though he is more effective at it when he utilizing a hand punch.

Williams could either come in as a left tackle or shift to the right tackle if need be. As the 49ers are in desperate need of a second tackle, he would be a great addition to the line.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Can’t fault Andrew here.

The Niners do need a tackle opposite Joe Staley now that Tony Pashos is a Brown, and Williams isn’t just the “best available”—he’s a steal.

NFLDraftScout.com has Williams ranked as the third-best tackle and 10th best prospect overall, so to be able to get him at No. 17 is very fortuitous.

Williams is a beast who can play either tackle spot. He played RT for three years at Oklahoma before moving to LT to replace Phil Loadholt, who had a great rookie season in Minnesota.

He’s also smart, unselfish and a good character guy who could’ve been a second-round pick last year but came back to school to get his degree and try to win a BCS National Championship.

Oh, and his NFL comparison is New Orleans’ Jammal Brown—a 2008 Pro Bowler who only allowed three sacks on Drew Brees last season.

Again, corner could be a need here if both Dre Bly and Walt Harris leave, but they can get a decent player in the second round. Taking Williams here is the right move.

No. 18: Pittsburgh Steelers select MIKE IUPATI (OG, Idaho)

Steelers FC Jonathan Cyprowski says:

The Steelers have been making some noise in recent days in terms of player signings. They’ve shored up their team by re-signing DT Casey Hampton and S Ryan Clark, then went out and got S Will Allen, OT Jonathan Scott and former Steeler WR Antwaan Randle El.

That leaves cornerback and the interior line as the Steelers’ biggest needs. But with no “elite” corners left in this mock, Pittsburgh would jump on Idaho guard Mike Iupati.

Iupati is one of the few interior linemen in this draft who are slated to be first-round material. At 6’5", 325, he is a large, physical presence who plays with a nasty nature and has shown outstanding power in both run and pass
blocking.

With above average balance and body control for a man his size, Iupati is known to be a “heavy-handed blocker,” meaning that once he gets his hands on a defender it is very difficult for them to shed him.

If he has any weakness, some scouts say it’s his speed. Athletically Iupati is very gifted, and scouts have even tried him out as an offensive tackle as we all saw at the Senior Bowl.

However, his lack of natural speed has made that transition difficult and unlikely.

Because of the Steelers woes in the running game and pass protection up the middle, Iupati will fit nicely and be an instant upgrade over what the team has there now.

With the cluster of corners available in the second round and the possibility of Terrence Cody and a few other players hanging around, the Steelers will most likely go offensive line in round one.

If he turns out to be what a lot of scouts are saying, he has the potential to be a “Steel” and possibly the best offensive lineman they have drafted since Alan Faneca.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Once again, a pick that’s hard to disagree with.

The Steelers made huge moves in the first week of free agency, signing two safeties, two receivers and a lineman on each side of the ball—so their focus should be on continuing to improve the line.

Iupati, rated as the No. 1 guard and No. 17 overall prospect by NFL Draft Scout, is indeed a hell of a blocker, both on the line and downfield—which is important given the Steelers’ run tendencies and the fact that Ben Roethlisberger is, on the whole, slightly more mobile than a glacier.

He also has excellent football instincts and re-adjusts to changes quickly, which is amazing when you consider he’s only been playing organized football for less than a decade.

As Jonathan notes in his full article, Pittsburgh may try to trade down and target Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey, who is the top center and No. 32 overall prospect in the draft.

But choosing at No. 18 with the talent available, Iupati would be a great fit and the right choice.

No. 19: Atlanta Falcons select SEAN WEATHERSPOON (LB, Missouri)

Falcons FC John McCurdy says:

This is a tough choice, as Atlanta’s biggest needs are defense, defense, defense.

Cornerback was the primary one, but that was taken care of with the re-signing of Brian Williams and the addition of Dunta Robinson.

They could also use a defensive lineman, but already in this mock draft we’ve seen Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul and Brandon Graham go in the Top 20.

So I went back to the drawing board—aka the trusty Falcoholic and CBSSports.com RapidReporter Jason Butt—and I was encouraged to look for a versatile linebacker.

That man? Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon.

He has the numbers: Over 100 tackles for three consecutive years (155 in 2008!), a career total of 43.5 tackles-for-loss, and nominal loggings in the sack and interception columns.

He also got serious playing time in all of his years in college, not to mention finishing up his degree.

But more than that, he's got the attitude to fit right in with the new culture in Atlanta.

Tales from early-spring workouts include a little serenade of Brad Childress and the Minnesota staff (read: he doesn't take himself too seriously), a strong turnout from the Weatherspoon clan at the Combine (read: he stays grounded), and a serious, game-day demeanor at Mizzou Pro Day despite already having proven himself in Indy (read: he wants his best for himself, no one else).

Boise State CB Kyle Wilson and Texas DE Sergio Kindle could get a look, but the best value at this position for the Falcons is Weatherspoon.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
This truly is a tough choice, as players at positions they need are either a reach or alone. Weatherspoon is a true outside backer who fits in the 4-3 scheme—something that’s not prevalent in this draft—but not all scouts are sold on his skills.

One of his biggest knocks is over-commitment to the run—not exactly the best trait to highlight on a team who ranked near the bottom in pass coverage last year. He bites on a fake, corner’s on an island…yeah, not a good combo, even with Dunta Robinson aboard.

He’ll also struggle with bigger or quicker tight ends, and that’s also a bad thing in a division with Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey (and a conference with Vernon Davis, Brent Celek, Jason Witten and John Carlson).

They still need help along the line, so it might be wiser to look at Florida DE Carlos Dunlap (character issues and all) or Tennessee DT Brian Williams here…but then again, this year’s crop of OLB is full of guys who are best projected as 3-4 rush backers, so it’s almost a toss-up.

Personally, my choice would be Dunlap, who could play opposite John Abraham now and be his heir apparent later…but Weatherspoon could develop into a solid player.

No. 20: Houston Texans select KYLE WILSON (CB, Boise State)

Texans FC Vik Vij says:

It seems that every road I might have taken with this pick has been closed off, leading me to the Texans’ one biggest need…and that’s why I’m selecting Boise State CB Kyle Wilson.

Someone to shore up the interior line and running game would’ve been perfect, but massive Mauler Mike Iupati from Idaho was taken by the Steelers at No. 18 and I don’t really think there is another interior lineman worth taking at pick No. 20.

The Texans could use a talent infusion in the backfield—specifically a bigger back to split carries with Steve Slaton—but again, all the big names are off the board and there’s no one worth reaching for.

That brings us to the defensive backfield. Top-notch safety prospects like Earl Thomas and Eric Berry are long gone, and I don't see Taylor Mays as a star in the NFL. Sure, he can run and hit, but he can't play centerfield or cover well in the passing game.

That leaves corner, and there’s a huge void with the defection of Dunta Robinson to the Falcons…so Wilson could slide right in.

Sure, he’s not the biggest player in the draft, but at 5'10" and 190 pounds, he's still a good-sized prospect. Plus, Wilson is fast, quick, and can flat-out cover. He has high awareness and intelligence and should be rising up draft boards quickly.

Adding a corner back with Wilson's skill would help the Texans in a division that plays home to Peyton Manning and the pass happy Colts.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
Many will see Wilson as a reach at No. 20, but I think it’s a good selection of need over proposed value.

Wilson is the third-best corner and No. 26 overall prospect according to NFL Draft Scout, and his stock is rising fast.

While he’s not overly physical, Wilson has good read and react skills, is an excellent ballhawk and has great closing speed.

In other words, he’s a top-notch cover corner, which also means he’s not very good (or willing) in run support—but on a team with a pair of dominant players in the front seven in DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams, that shouldn’t be terrible.

He fills the Texans’ most pressing need, and does it well at that. All in all, a good value pick at No. 20 that isn’t as much of a reach as it would’ve been even a couple months ago.

No. 21: Cincinnati Bengals select JERMAINE GRESHAM (TE, Oklahoma)

Bengals FC Dan Parzych says:

The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2010 offseason knowing the top priority was to figure out a way to improve last season's 26th-ranked passing game.

While the recent signing of free agent wide receiver Antonio Bryant give Cincinnati a deep threat in the passing game, Carson Palmer could still use another effective weapon to throw to.

So, with the 21st pick in the 2010 B/R FC Mock NFL Draft, I select Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jermaine Gresham.

Gresham is arguably the top player at his position in this year's draft, and tight end is an area the Bengals have struggled to stay consistent in over the last couple of seasons.

2009 was particularly bad, as Reggie Kelly missed the entire season and rookie Chase Coffman struggled to adjust so badly that he spent most of year on the bench.

Most teams seemed hesitant towards Gresham considering he missed all of 2009 after right knee surgery, and many wondered if his draft stock would slide if the knee injury was still having an effect on his performance come the spring.

Instead, Gresham has been nothing short of impressive while working out for interested teams. Not only did he amaze scouts at Oklahoma's Pro Day earlier this week, but Gresham performed well at the NFL Combine as well on his way to a 4.73 40-yard dash time.

Don’t forget that in the two seasons prior to his knee injury, Gresham finished with 156 catches for 1,664 yards and 20 touchdowns and actually led the team in receiving in 2008.

The Bengals are an effective passing game away from being considered one of the top teams in the NFL.

With Bryant and then arguably the best pass-catching tight end in Gresham, the Bengals are right where they need to be to improve the passing game for the 2010 season.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
This is another case in which the team is selecting the best player available at their biggest area of need…but even as talented as Gresham is/was, what does it say about this year’s crop of tight ends that he’s the best available despite missing the whole season?

Wide receiver, tight end, and safety are the top three needs for the Bengals. Unfortunately, at this point in our mock, there’s nothing much worth a No. 20 pick at any of those categories.

If the Bengals aren’t sold on Taylor Mays—and it seems no one really is, apparently—then Gresham makes the most “sense.”

But when you can get a guy like Aaron Hernandez—who led the nation in catches and yards by a tight end last year—or take a flier on BYU’s Dennis Pitta (who has blocking issues but is an excellent receiver) in the second or third round and not lose too much, you have to wonder if that’s worth it.

They also need some help on the defensive line, and with guys like Carlos Dunlap or Brian Williams still available, that might be a better choice.

This is a tricky spot, and unless one of the top 4-3 caliber defensive ends drops to No. 21, I can see them trading out.

No. 22: New England Patriots select JARED ODRICK (DL, Penn State)

Patriots FC T.J. Donegan says:

At No. 22, the New England Patriots are stuck in that awful "orange" zone of picks. Most of the elite, proven athletes are off the board, as are the workout warriors who blew everyone away in private session and at the NFL Combine.

In their stead are a ton of guys with top-tier upside but a question mark—bad combine, underachieving final year, injury history, position change, etc.

The Patriots traded out of the No. 23 pick last year, and I think the Patriots will trade out of this spot—even if it’s ultimately only down to 26 or 27, where they can still land a good player and pick up a second-day pick to solidify their roster a bit.

But I can’t do that here, so I have selected Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick.

Odrick is a do-it-all defensive lineman. He's a smart kid who has experience playing everywhere along the defensive line, as well as working with both the 3-4 and 4-3—rare for a college player.

His workout numbers don't leap off the page, but he's a smart bet in a draft loaded with defensive talent.

He's obviously got way more experience in the 4-3 (as does just about everyone in college) but as a three-technique defensive tackle or even wider as a 3-4 defensive end, he could give the Patriots a great deal of flexibility along the defensive line.

That's especially going to be important because the Patriots' previous jack-of-all-trades, Jarvis Green, is now going to be his old versatile self in Denver.

Though the Patriots solidified the centerpiece of their front seven by re-signing Vince Wilfork, they'll need a great deal of flexibility up front with Richard Seymour and Green now both playing for other teams.

The Patriots don't need a slam dunk here, they just need a good solid athlete who can contribute at a variety of positions right away.

A lot of drafts have them going after a "tweener" who can make the switch from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside rush linebacker, but while those guys can be extraordinarily valuable, they're incredibly difficult to project…so I’m going with the sure thing in Odrick.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
I can see why many mocks have the Pats taking a rush linebacker—they have 100 or so, but they all either underachieved (Adalius Thomas and Derrick Burgess), overachieved (Tully Banta-Cain) or were Pierre Woods.

Still, any of them is better than…uh, no one, which is what the Pats have behind Ty Warren and Myron Pryor.

With everyone left at defensive end either better suited to be a 3-4 rush backer or nowhere close to worth the No. 22 pick, it’s really Odrick—who himself is only rated in the mid-30s overall by NFLDraftScout.com—or nothing.

He can easily make the switch to a 3-4 end, as he has the skills (strength, explosion, instincts, etc.) to play the five-technique. Of course, he could play inside, but with Vince Wilfork and 2009 No. 40 choice Ron Brace both on the roster, he won’t need to.

I too expect the Pats to trade out unless someone they really cover is there, but since we have to make picks here, this is a good one for New England.

No. 23: Green Bay Packers select SERGIO KINDLE (DE/LB, Texas)

Packers FC Jersey Al Bracco says:

There are quite a few options for the real Packers—including trading down if Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford really is available at No. 23—but the top priorities in the off-season were cornerback, offensive tackle, and outside linebacker.

There really aren’t any top corners left that the Pack couldn’t get in Round 2 so that’s out, and while two top tackles (USC’s Charles Brown and Maryland’s Bruce Campbell) are both still on the board, the Pack just re-signed both Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton so that can wait too.

Defensive end could get a look here, especially with Carolos Dunlap—who has the size and athletic ability to be a prototype 3-4 left end—still on the board.

But in the final analysis, the best way for the Packers to create the fierce pass rush Dom Capers covets would be to find a bookend OLB for Clay Matthews on the left side.

So with that all said, I have decided to select Texas OLB Sergio Kindle.
Kindle, who played the hybrid DE/LB elephant position at Texas, has great lateral movement and fluid change of direction skills.

A star running back as well as linebacker in high school, Kindle possesses elite athleticism, maybe even more so than his 2008 Texas teammate and reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Orakpo.

To these eyes, Sergio Kindle looks like another Clay Matthews, which makes him the perfect bookend and the choice for the Packers at No. 23.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
I would agree with all of Jerry’s points, and think Kindle would thrive in a Dom Capers system.

As a pass rusher he’s quick off the snap in both the two- and three-point stances and has a decent bull rush, and in pass defense, he’s big enough to hang with tight ends, quick enough to cut off backs on screen, and long enough to be a force in knocking balls down.

Kindle is also a good run defender, as he has excellent closing speed, the athletic skills to hold the corner, and the agility to maintain pursuit on cuts.

He has some knocks—most notably his inability to handle straight-up blocks and some off-field concerns—but in a system like the one Capers is notorious for, he won’t have to be the star and will be able to overcome his weaknesses over time.

This is a great value pick here for the Packers. TCU’s Jerry Hughes could also work here (as Al notes in his full article), but Kindle is more experienced as a hybrid and would be a better immediate fit.

No. 24: Philadelphia Eagles select CARLOS DUNLAP (DE, Florida)

Eagles FC Lou DiPietro says:

The Eagles’ biggest needs are on defense. They want a complement for sack machine Trent Cole on the other side of the defensive line, need a true SAM linebacker, and, even with Marlin Jackson aboard, could use another safety.

After discussing several options with fellow Eagles FCs Will Holt and Gary Suess—including a few on offense, like Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews and even Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford—we’ve decided that the best choice for the Birds at No. 24 is Florida DE Carlos Dunlap.

Dunlap has a rare combo of size, speed and strength that has drawn comparisons to former No. 1 overall picks Mario Williams and Julius Peppers.

And while his hard numbers (19.5 sacks, 26 TFL) don’t jump out at you, when you realize that he’s an early-entry junior who only started 15 games, that’s still an impressive haul.

In addition, Gator No. 8 has great awareness in the passing game at large, which could be huge for the Eagles if they’re forced to suffer through 2010 with Chris Gocong, Moise Fokou, or some other stiff at the SAM spot.

He’s also good on special teams and can come up big in the clutch, a pair of traits exemplified by his performance in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game (where he earned Defensive MVP honors).

Yes, he has knocks. He has “character issues” because of a poorly-timed DUI, and and scouts feel that his lack of improvement (his sack and TFL totals were basically static despite an “increased” role as a starter in 2009) signifies that he’s a comfort guy who won’t try to live up to his full potential if he’s performing well enough.

But his collegiate per-game sack totals from the last two seasons would roughly average out to 13 or so a year in the NFL, and in Andy Reid’s system, slacking off won’t be tolerated.

That makes Dunlap, who could be a monster opposite sack machine Trent Cole, the right choice for the Birds at No. 24.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
I agree 100 percent and think that Lou DiPietro, Will Holt, and Gary Suess are phenomenal human beings.

So much for that whole that whole not referring to myself in the third person thing I talked about 13 picks ago.

No. 25: Baltimore Ravens select TAYLOR MAYS (S, USC)

On behalf of the Ravens, B/R NFL FC Coordinator Dylan McNamara says:
Baltimore has very few weaknesses, but the lack of depth at receiver and the age of the defense were huge concerns heading into the offseason.

With the blockbuster acquisition of former Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin, coupled with the arrival of oft-maligned Donte Stallworth, the inconsistent Ravens passing game should find itself in much better shape in 2010.

So with pick No. 25 in the 2010 FC Mock Draft, I have the Ravens selecting USC safety Taylor Mays.

As hard as it to accept for Ravens fans, it may be time to overhaul the Ravens defense.

With a defensive line anchored by Haloti Ngata, who is just entering his prime, it would seem that linebacking corps and secondary are the two biggest areas of need heading into the draft.

Future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed has been contemplating retirement all offseason.

Meanwhile, the face of the organization, Ray Lewis, is entering his 15th season—and while he's been able stave off the dreaded mid-30's decline so far, the end draws closer with each passing game.

However, with Rolando McClain off the board at No. 5, there really aren’t any first-rounders available at ILB…and while Mays’ stock is dropping and many don’t find him worth that honor either, he is a very solid player.

Mays ’ freakish size/speed combination gives him one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft. With a year or two of guidance from two of the game's most well-respected men (Reed and Lewis), Mays could harness his immense talent and become an uber-productive NFL player that will carry on the lineage of dominant Baltimore Ravens defenders.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
The Ravens do need playmakers on defense, and Mays would be ideal as an heir apparent to Reed.

The problem, however, is that he’s very poor in coverage and misses a lot of tackles—which is far from ideal given Baltimore’s iffy situation at corner.

He’s good in run defense and good in zone coverage, but isn’t as good of a true “centerfielder” as Reed and won’t make big plays like No. 20.

Still, he has good pedigree (both from USC and his father, former NFL lineman Stafford Mays) and is a physically imposing specimen.

And for as much flak as he gets and as much as his draft stock seems to be dropping, he is still rated as the second-best free safety and No. 13 overall prospect by NFL Draft Scout with less than five weeks remaining until draft weekend.

The Ravens can’t trade out in our FC Mock, and they can get pretty much any linebacker left in the second round. So unless they want to reach for a corner like Devin McCourty of Rutgers or Alabama’s Kareem Jackson, this is the best choice they have here.

No. 26: Arizona Cardinals select DAN WILLIAMS (DT, Tennessee)

On behalf of the Cardinals, B/R NFL Correspondent Chris Farmer says:

Most observers agreed that the Arizona Cardinals' most pressing need going into the offseason would be defense, and specifically linebacker.

Only Clark Haggans returns from the 2009 starting four, but with Joey Porter just signed to a three-year, $17m contract and Paris Lenon and CFL refugee Stevie Baggs signed for depth, the Cardinals gave themselves some draft flexibility to turn their attention to other areas of pressing need.

And that’s why I have chosen Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams at pick No. 26 in the FC Mock Draft.

Nose tackle is the next biggest area of pressing need, and often you'll hear that a 3-4 defense cannot excel without a dominant NT. Enter Williams, a Top-15 talent that has dropped to No. 26 in this mock.

Williams, who had an impressive combine, is ranked by most as the third-best DT in this year's class behind Top 5 picks Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.

He is a space-eater, a run stuffer who regularly handles double teams, and a well-rounded, versatile player who offers coveted speed and strength for an interior lineman.

The Cardinals need a large athlete to anchor the defensive line and slot in between talented rushers Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell, and Dan is “the man” to be that guy in Arizona.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
Dan Williams is the No. 16 overall talent in the draft according to NFLDraftScout.com—so for the Cards to get him at No. 26 is a huge steal.

Williams is a bull, plain and simple. He’s strong, hard to move off the ball, and can even rush the quarterback when necessary. Add in a high motor and football IQ—not surprising from someone who majored in legal studies—and he’s got the skills to be dominant in the NFL.

The only knock is that some may say his huge senior year was a fluke—but it did come under the tutelage of an NFL defensive genius in Monte Kiffin.

Williams moved to the nose in 2009 and responded with a career season—leading the team in QB hurries and tackles for loss—and there’s no reason on the surface not to believe that he can be the prototypical 3-4 nose tackle that will dominate at the next level.

No. 27: Dallas Cowboys select MAURKICE POUNCEY (C, Florida)

Cowboys FC Kevin Hatfield says:

This would be an easy selection for the Dallas Cowboys if Maurkice Pouncey falls to No. 27.

The Cowboys haven’t had the best luck with drafting offensive linemen in the last two decades—only two of the 11 they’ve taken, Larry Allen and Andre Gurode, have started for them.

But Pouncey would be able to step in instantly as a multi-purpose backup at guard and center, and he may even compete at left guard against Kyle Kosier.

At 6'5" and 304 pounds, Pouncey has excellent size for the NFL. He also has the ability to put on more weight because of his tremendous length.

Though he played in a non-traditional system at Florida, scouts believe Pouncey will be able to transition easily to a pro-style offense.

He is a very smart player and was a big recruit coming out of high school, and those traits usually translate into very adjustable NFL players.

Pouncey also prides himself on being the toughest player on the field, one who finishes blocks with pancakes and gives 100 percent every play.

Heck, during the 2010 Sugar Bowl, Pouncey elected to play despite receiving four bags of IV fluid just hours before because of kidney stones.

He also backs up his toughness with solid play. Scouts love his ability to get off the ball quicker than most defensive tackles he goes up against, and they love how he keeps his hips low and drives the defenders back with perfect form.

Overall, drafting Pouncey would provide the Cowboys with some very needed depth and versatility. If he falls to the Cowboys, look for the No. 1-rated center to be taken faster than Jerry Jones can call out Wade Phillips.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
Cowboys history be damned, because they would be getting a great player in Pouncey at No. 27.

Pouncey is large, athletic, intelligent, and a great blocker in both passing and running schemes. He’s the No. 1-rated center in the draft, and his stock is rising rapidly.

I can’t say much more than Kevin did, and as he noted, Pouncey’s versatility would be a big help to the ‘Boys.

Pouncey was a guard in high school that started 11 of 13 games at RG his freshman year at Florida, so he is capable there and could definitely give Kyle Kosier a run for his money.

Pouncey would have to work on his pulling a bit to do that, but if minor room for improvement is his biggest downside, he would be a steal at No. 27—even as a backup for now.

No. 28: San Diego Chargers select TERRENCE CODY (DT, Alabama)

Chargers FC Bowe Fertig says:

With the release of three-time Pro Bowl player Jamal Williams, the San Diego Chargers will look to fill the most valuable spot in their 3-4 defensive scheme.

So with the No. 28 pick in the B/R FC Mock Draft, I have the Chargers selecting Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody.

The run-stopping Williams will be tough to replace, as he was one of the Chargers’ most valuable players on defense for the past few years.

But Cody—whom many know as “Mount Cody” because of his large 350-pound frame—is still considered one of the top five DTs in the draft.

Cody possesses identical qualities as Williams, namely his ability to stuff the run and take on multiple blockers. And while his range and pass rushing abilities are limited, Cody’s effectiveness will be measured solely in his ability to stop the run.

Besides, Williams was the AFC’s starting DT in the 2007 Pro Bowl – and he had zero sacks that year.

Cody’s other big knock is that he has displayed major conditioning and stamina issues, not surprising for a guy who has hovered around 400 pounds at times.

But the great thing about defensive tackles is that they don’t need to play every play; they only need to play in running situations and not on third-and-long (aka pass rushing downs).

After watching the Chargers get pounded on the ground against the Jets and in the playoffs, they are in definite need of a run-stopper who can take the pressure off our middle linebackers.

For that role, the right choice is “Mount Cody.”

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:
Yikes.

Yes, Cody is a top-notch run stuffer, and he’s drawn comparisons to Ted Washington—considered one of the elite nose guards of this generation—from the folks at NFLDraftScout.com.

And that’s about all I can say positively about this pick.

For one, the timing is off. Cody is falling down draft boards because he’s going to be basically a rotational player and teams are concerned about his ability to stay fresh through a 16-game season.

Plus, thanks to the Charlie Whitehurst trade, San Diego’s second-rounder is now No. 40 overall. Cody, or a “comparable” player like UNC’s Cam Thomas, will likely be there.

So here, it might be wiser to focus on other possibilities. With both Antonio Cromartie and LaDainian Tomlinson now in New York, there are pressing needs at running back and cornerback.

Fresno State’s Ryan Matthews, a punishing inside running with a Golden State pedigree, is still on the board in this mock, as are two corners whose stock is rapidly rising—Devin McCourty of Rutgers and Alabama’s Kareem Jackson.

One might be available, but all three are likely to be gone by No. 40. Meanwhile, Cody is currently projected as a mid-second round talent at this point…so even with that big need at DT, I feel that given the talent available elsewhere, it’s too much of a reach for San Diego at this point.

No. 29: New York Jets select JERRY HUGHES (DE/LB, TCU)

Jets FC Zach Gerber says:

There are a lot of places the Jets could go here. But with the talent pool at safety and defensive tackle wearing thin, outside pass rusher or wide receiver seem to be the biggest needs they can fill effectively…so with the No. 29 pick in this FC Mock Draft, I’ve gone for the former by selecting TCU’s Jerry Hughes.

Some of you may be wondering why you haven't heard of Jerry Hughes. And unless you watch TCU football often, you probably wouldn't have heard of him. But for the last two years, he’s been a monster on the Horned Frogs’ defense.

As a junior in 2008, Hughes recorded an impressive 15 sacks, recorded 18.5 tackles for loss, forced six fumbles and, picked off two balls—returning one to the house.

While he dropped off a bit in 2009, he still notched a very respectable 11.5 sacks in 2009, good for the seventh most in the nation.

Hughes can be for the Jets everything that Vernon Gholston failed to become.

Gholston looked about as good as Hughes in college (and probably better), but the difference is that Gholston is a workout warrior who used pure strength and speed to make it to the backfield.

Unfortunately for Gholston, that doesn't exactly work in the NFL. You need one more muscle in order to succeed as a pass rusher in the pros: your brain. This is indeed something Jerry Hughes (along with every very successful defensive end) possesses.

Hughes can see offensive schemes, feel out your offensive line, and plan his route straight at your quarterback. In short, he has a great combination of brain and brawn that leads me to believe he'll be successful in the NFL.

That’s one toy that Rex Ryan would love to add to Gang Green, and that’s why he’s my selection at No. 29.

Read the full article here.

Lou's Analysis:

Well, Zach has one thing right: Vernon Gholston can truly be classified as a bust. By adding Hughes, they’d be ostensibly replacing Gholston with a versatile player who actually technically played inside linebacker in TCU’s base nickel defense.

On the plus side, Hughes has a great motor, knows how to get the quarterback, and displays a fiery personality that would be a perfect fit on Rex Ryan’s squad.

And on the other plus side, the Jets would have him in a spot where he can basically hide most of his weaknesses while he works on them.

Hughes isn’t a great run defender (not shocking giving his rush prowess), but at weak-side OLB he’d be playing next to a top notch pair of inside backers in David Harris and Bart Scott.

He’s also a little lacking in coverage ability, but he can handle himself well enough knowing that Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie are back there to blanket the wide receivers.

All in all, Hughes could step in right away and contribute while truly learning how to play the outside linebacker position in the NFL.

But even if he’s only a situational rusher to start, he’s still the best pick the Jets have available to fill one of their bigger needs.

No. 30: Minnesota Vikings select SAM BRADFORD (QB, Oklahoma)

Vikings FC JP Frederick says:

Really? Sam Bradford is still here?

Well.....then this is pretty easy, isn't it?

Draft the young kid, the heir apparent. Minnesota can't pass up the chance to get a potential franchise quarterback this late in the draft. Let him learn from ol' Brett Favre and then Bradford can take over in a year or two.

Under normal circumstances, the Vikings would go into this first pick thinking "Best player available—among offensive linemen, defensive backs, and linebackers."

The secondary could use a safety since Madieu Williams is a sieve, and a corner since Cedric Griffin will be out most of the season with an ACL tear.

Minnesota could use a guard since Anthony Herrera's time has come and gone. They could use a linebacker since Ben Leber is getting older and EJ Henderson's leg is still in Arizona.

The Vikings are going to draft a quarterback at some point in this draft since they are in need of a "QB for the future.” Favre could retire tomorrow or in 2014, but most likely, they’d be able to wait and draft a project quarterback in the mid-to-late rounds, such as Tony Pike or Jevan Snead.

But if Bradford actually did fall to 30 though, he would be the best player available and supersede the team's other needs. You can't pass up a chance at a franchise QB, especially since your franchise QB might not have much left.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:

This obviously won’t happen in the real NFL Draft…but here, it’s a hugely fortuitous opportunity for the Vikings. What more can I really say about them getting a guy at No. 30 who, just three weeks before the draft, is being discussed as the potential No. 1 overall pick?

As past drafts (and guys like Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn) have proven, QB is the one position where there is no such thing as a “kind of” need.

Teams either need a new signal caller or they don’t; and if there’s more supply than demand, even the No. 2 guy in the draft can slip way down the board.

That happened in our mock, as the Rams and Redskins both looked elsewhere and only a surprise choice by the Jags kept Jimmy Clausen from plummeting just as far (if not farther).

In reality, the Vikings are likely to draft a corner here. But given the chance to get the heir apparent to Brett Favre (who, even in his constant state of limbo, is still over 40) and end the Tarvaris Jackson experiment once and for all, they absolutely should jump on it.

Best case, Favre calls it a career and Bradford either gets thrown in the fire right away or gets up to a year to learn with Sage Rosenfels (or, God forbid, Tarvaris Jackson).

Worst case, he sits for a year or two and learns from a first ballot Hall of Famer (assuming he’s beyond the Aaron Rodgers syndrome).

Even the worst case isn’t bad.

No. 31: Indianapolis Colts select BRANDON SPIKES (LB, Florida)

Colts FC Nick South says:

At No. 31, the Colts could go in one of three directions: they could try to improve the run game by drafting an offensive lineman, bolster the middle of the defensive front by drafting a tackle, or simply look at the best player available.

In our FC mock draft, the first-round quality trench players are gone. That leaves Florida’s Brandon Spikes as a consolation prize.

And if that's the case, Spikes is one hell of a parting gift.

Considering GM Bill Polian's draft history, this would be a very viable pick should the first 30 picks work out as projected. Polian and the Colts value production; what a player did in an actual game means so much more than what a player does against a stop watch.

Spikes was an immensely productive player at Florida. He's made All-SEC team lists since his sophomore season, was the only player in the nation to return four interceptions for touchdowns over the last two years, and, even during a “disappointing” injury-plagued senior year, was still a finalist for the Bednarik and Butkus Awards.

Along with his output, Spikes would bring versatility to the Colts' defense. He is capable of playing inside or out, and may even be able to play as an outside rusher to spell Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis in certain situations.

And for anyone worried about that eye-gouging incident that got him suspended last year…that was just a blip on the radar. Besides, every NFL team has a player that has made some questionable decisions.

Spikes owned up to his mistakes, and is more than capable of being a player the Colts could be proud to have on the roster.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:
Well, this is interesting.

Spikes is a good player, but his stock is dropping rapidly—with less than three weeks before the draft, NFLDraftScout.com has him rated as the No. 100 overall prospect with a late-third/early-fourth grade.

Why? Well, Spikes doesn’t run well “against the stopwatch,” recording a 5.0 flat 40-yard dash on his Pro Day. But beyond that, even with injuries factored in, his production went down each year over the last three.

He was phenomenal as a sophomore, great as a junior and then pretty good as a senior. All well and fine, but if you don’t have the “book” numbers to at least boost your stock, that’s an alarming decline.

He has a lot of great qualities—size, explosiveness, tackling ability, etc.—but that speed issue is really dragging him down.

The big problem is that not much else is left.

If the Colts wanted to go tackle, the best one left in this mock is UCLA’s Brian Price…but some scouts question whether his lack of size will allow him to be effective against the run, something the Colts would need with Freeney and Mathis outside. Beyond him, the best guys available are graded out as mid-second rounders or worse.

Linebacker is worse. Daryl Washington is probably the best OLB available, but he’s more of a strong-side project with a mid-second grade.

Inside, there’s really no one that isn’t a reach; as good as Spikes was in college and as fast as Washington’s Donald Butler is rising up draft boards, they’re still both considered late-second/early-third round guys by the “experts.”

And if they went best player available…well, they’d be looking at a handful of guys they don’t really need and USC OT Charles Brown, who is a bit of a project.

So if they like Spikes, it’s the right choice, because he’s at least a need.

No. 32: New Orleans Saints select DARYL WASHINGTON (LB, TCU)

Saints FC Paul Augustin, Jr. says:

Today's NFL is primarily based on passing the ball and stopping the pass. New Orleans does the former extremely well, but badly struggles with the latter.

Enter TCU linebacker Daryl Washington.

Washington is the kind of athlete that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams can get the most out of. His strengths as a player lie in his speed, quickness, and football intelligence.

Washington ran well at the combine and reportedly improved his 40 time at his pro day by more than one-tenth of a second to get in the low 4.5 range. He plays the run very well sideline to sideline and displays an excellent ability to cover a running back or a tight end.

Other than Jonathan Vilma, Saints' linebackers have struggled to consistently make plays in pass coverage.

Also, Washington's athleticism will add a new dimension to the Saints' defense and Williams will often utilize his speed and quickness to blitz the quarterback.

Starting outside linebackers Fujita and Scott Shanle combined for the just three sacks over the past two seasons, mostly because they lack the speed necessary to get to the quarterback.

I also considered taking USC defensive end Everson Griffen at No. 32 because of the importance of rushing the quarterback and the Saints' meager depth at the position.

However, after corresponding with fellow Saints featured columnist Will Osgood and some pondering of my own, I decided against it.

Griffen's talent and athleticism screams first round but there are too many questions about his motor and competitiveness to warrant a first-round selection.

The Saints’ brass just got rid of one underachieving defensive end and don't want to waste a pick on another.

New Orleans must select the best available defensive front seven player, and in this mock draft, Daryl Washington fits the bill for them.

Read the full article here.

Lou’s Analysis:

If the goal is indeed to get the best front seven player available, the Saints would have done that in this mock…sort of.

USC DE Everson Griffen is considered to be one of the top 25 players in the draft and is still on the board here, but Washington is at least the best OLB available.

He’s also the right pick for the Saints at No. 32.

They need both a DE and an OLB in the worst way, as 2009 starters Charles Grant (released) and Scott Fujita (signed with Cleveland) are both gone and the “strong side” of their defense is a little weaker.

But Bobby McCray and Paul Spicer are at least capable of filling that DE role, and with only journeyman Troy Evans and untested Antonio Waters as their depth at OLB, the Saints should focus on the second level of defense.

Washington was more of a hybrid linebacker by trade in TCU’s unique defense, but he’s athletic and proficient enough in coverage to easily shift to the strong-side in a 4-3.

He’s not the most instinctive player on the field, but he has good range, great speed, and enough of a pass rush ability to be effective in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ unique blitzing schemes.

Plus, the fact the he recorded 119 tackles, 11 TFL, two sacks and three picks in his first full season as a starter—in a nickel-based defense with another first-round pick (DE Jerry Hughes) in front of him, no less—speaks worlds of his patience and potential.

All in all, Washington is definitely the right pick, and a very good one to close out the 2010 B/R FC Mock Draft.

Coda

And so, that wraps up a two-month experiment.

Still some good players on the board, like Rutgers CB Devin McCourty, Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews, and, of course, Notre Dame WR Golden Tate.

Too bad, because the 2010 B/R FC Mock Draft is now over.

First, I’d like to thank all of the men who contributed to this project.

Approximately 50 Featured Columnists and contributors had input into the selections and the article-writing process, and while it would be entirely too long to thank them all individually, they know who they are.

We’d all also like to thank you, the readers. Over the last two months, the 32 individual articles have generated more than 50,000 reads (and counting, if you hadn’t already read them and clicked on the links in this article).

And finally, I personally would like to thank B/R’s NFL Community Team Leader, Dylan MacNamara—not only for getting this crazy idea of mine approved by the B/R brass, but also for being the “good cop” who kept things moving even as I got antsy about selections taking too long. Thanks, D-Mac!

In conclusion, the entire FC community hopes you enjoyed the 2010 NFL Featured Columnist Mock Draft…and we hope to see you again in 2011!