2010 NFL Mock Draft: A Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay Analysis

ESPN Draft Analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have updated their mock draft two weeks before D-Day in New York City.

The last couple of updates have combined both of their mocks into one article and they sit side-by-side, which makes for an easy read.

This article is for all of those who do not pay for ESPN Insider and cannot see their mocks, plus it represents an analysis of both Kiper and McShay picks as far as who may be right and wrong in my opinion.

Granted you may or may not like what I have to say regarding each pick, but remember this is a mock draft and it's all fun and speculation anyway.

No. 1 - St. Louis Rams

Kiper - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

McShay - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Analysis: It is hard to disagree that the Rams need a new franchise quarterback especially with former starter Marc Bulger getting cut, but unless they really fall in love with one of the two top defensive lineman, then this is an easy and much needed pick.

On another note, I have stated in a previous article that the Rams really should consider trading for Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell. His skills would translate well on the fast turf in St. Louis and he is still young (28) and has starter experience.

Then the Rams could pick a defensive lineman since they would already have their starter with Campbell.

(I hope you really consider this, Rams' brass, because it's a very smart choice.)

No. 2 - Detroit Lions

Kiper - Ndamukong Suh, DL, Nebraska

McShay - Ndamukong Suh, DL, Nebraska

Analysis: Even though Suh may be one of, if not the top-ranked player in this entire draft class, the additions that the Lions have made to their defensive line already tell me that they want to pick a lineman...but on the other side of the ball.

With their franchise quarterback in place with Matthew Stafford, I see an offensive lineman as a better choice.

No. 3 - Tampa Bay Buccanneers

Kiper - Gerald McCoy, DL, Oklahoma

McShay - Gerald McCoy, DL, Oklahoma

Analysis: I have no issues with this at all and the Bucs have so many holes on their roster that they can really go in a number of different directions with the No. 3 overall pick.

McCoy fills a huge hole in the middle of their defensive line that has been missing since the days of Warren Sapp.

A solid pick by both men and for a rebuilding team as well.

No. 4 - Washington Redskins

Kiper - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

McShay - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Analysis: I do not see Okung being available at No. 4 and I think if the Lions even think about passing on him, then the Redskins should consider themselves very lucky.

Even though they do need an offensive tackle, I do not see it happening because this pick is not "sexy" enough for Daniel Snyder, who loves his playmakers and big name athletes.

Some say Snyder will not intervene in the draft this year with new coach Mike Shanahan running the show, but this is still Snyder's team and he cannot just sit back and let others play in the pool.

No. 5 - Kansas City Chiefs

Kiper - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

McShay - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Analysis: I can see either pick working out for the Chiefs. They too are a rebuilding team and can fill a number of roster holes this high in the draft.

Berry brings a playmaker to Romeo Crennel's defensive backfield, and Bulaga will help protect quarterback Matt Cassell's blindside for many years.

No. 6 - Seattle Seahawks

Kiper - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

McShay - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Analysis: If Berry can fall this far then the Seahawks will be more than happy to take him, but with the retirement of Walter Jones at left tackle, that may be a greater need in the top ten since offensive tackles may fly off the shelves quickly.

Both picks are good, but it all depends on what the five teams above the Seahawks do first.

No. 7 - Cleveland Browns

Kiper - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

McShay - Dan Williams, DL, Tennessee

Analysis: Since I've been a Browns fan my entire life, this was a shocker to me and all bias aside, I have to disagree with both.

The Browns do not have a starting free safety in their secondary and they can easily pick one here without it being a reach.

But Bryant? Are you sure, Kiper?

The Browns just got rid of Braylon Edwards and I see Bryant as a carbon copy of Edwards on the field. Mostly, focusing issues.

Williams is a bit better, since the Bronws may need to get another big body on the defensive line with Shaun Rogers recent legal troubles, but all the same, Williams seems to be a big reach at No. 7.

No. 8 - Oakland Raiders

Kiper - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

McShay - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Analysis: Wow...did I get caught off guard by Kiper's choice of Clausen, but it kind of makes sense a bit when you think about it.

Owner Al Davis does make some off the wall decisions and grabbing Clausen would fit perfectly in the randomness factor.

Williams also makes sense, and even though every other mock draft (including my own) on the Internet have the Radiers taking Bruce Campbell.

Do you really think that Davis is not going to intervene and go with a sexier pick then an offensive lineman?

I think he may surprise us all on April 22.

No. 9 - Buffalo Bills

Kiper - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

McShay - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Analysis: Unless they fall in love with Clausen as their new quarterback, I see the Bills going with a lineman here, but I do not see Davis this high.

Originally slated as a top ten pick, Davis' stock has took a hit due to bad interviews and some character concerns as well.

No. 10 - Jacksonville Jaguars

Kiper - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

McShay - Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Analysis: The Jags have issues and needs on the defensive side of the ball so Kiper saying Spiller is another shocker in his mock draft.

Thomas would fill a need in their secondary, and I personally see the Jags going defense heavy in this year's draft since there a spot to fill on every level of the defense.

No. 11 - Denver Broncos

Kiper - Earl Thomas, S, Texas

McShay - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

Analysis: Both picks make sense, but with the loss of inside linebacker Andra Davis, McClain seems like a lock to get picked.

McClain will be able to step into the middle of that defense and assume a leadership role that he will have to many years down the road.

No. 12 - Miami Dolphins

Kiper - Dan Williams, DL, Tennessee

McShay - Derrick Morgan, DE/LB, Georgia Tech

Analysis: With the Dolphins in need of a pass rusher more than anything else, Morgan is a sensible pick, but they also need to add some beef in the middle of their defensive line to fill up gaps and let others get free to sack opposing quarterbacks.

No. 13 - San Francisco 49ers

Kiper - Joe Haden, CB, Florida

McShay - Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas

Analysis: I've seen Kindle mock taken in the top half of the second round, so unless McShay knows something the rest of us don't, then this would be a terrible reach for the 49ers.

Haden on the other hand makes sense because the 49ers are looking to improve their secondary in this year's draft.

No. 14 - Seattle Seahawks

Kiper - Derrick Morgan, DE/LB, Georgia Tech

McShay - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Analysis: I along with many others, including Seattle fans, know that they need an offensive weapon, and coach Pete Carroll always had weapons on offense while he coached at USC.

Spiller is a logical choice at this spot, and he will be like what Reggie Bush was for Carroll at USC, but in Seattle.

No. 15 - New York Giants

Kiper - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

McShay - Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

Analysis: I never really thought about the fact that Iupati could easily jump higher in the first round if teams in the top ten take offensive lineman like they're a dying breed, but it makes sense that Iupati may jump to No. 15. He could jump even higher.

I do not think that the Giants will be looking at their offensive line in the first round though, which makes the McClain pick a better one if he's still on the board.

The loss of linebacker Antonio Pierce means that linebacker is a priority and needs to be addressed early in the draft, too.

No. 16 - Tennessee Titans

Kiper - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB, South Florida

McShay - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/LB, South Florida

Analysis: I must be one of the few who are not drinking the J.P.P. Kool-Aid, but I cannot say that the Titans do not need a new defensive end, because they do.

In this scenario, if the Titans really wanted J.P.P. and he's available, then, more power to you.

No. 17 - San Francisco 49ers

Kiper - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

McShay - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Analysis: Before I lay into McShay, let me say that No. 17 is still too high for Davis to get picked in my opinion and I see him dropping into the mid-to-late twenties.

Clausen? Seriously?!

I do not know what McShay is thinking here because the 49ers invested in David Carr as their backup to Alex Smith, who had a wonderful turnaround of his career in 2009.

Why, McShay?

If you read this, send me a private message through b/r with your phone number so we can discuss this further. I want to know what you angle and thought process is in the matter.

No. 18 - Pittsburgh Steelers

Kiper - Maurkice Pouncey, OG/C, Florida

McShay - Maurkice Pouncey, OG/C, Florida

Analysis: Yes the Steelers need an offensive lineman, but they have needed to pick one in the first round for several years now.

I'm all for the Steelers adding to the line, but I'll believe it when I hear it called out by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

No. 19 - Atlanta Falcons

Kiper - Brandon Graham, DE/LB, Michigan

McShay - Brandon Graham, DE/LB, Michigan

Analysis: The Falcons need to add to there pass rush and Graham is a good fit, but I do not know if he would fit as a defensive end or linebacker in their 4-3 scheme.

No. 20 - Houston Texans

Kiper - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

McShay - Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Analysis: With the loss of cornerback Dunta Robinson, if the Texans do not pick a replacement for him in the first round, I along with many, will be very surprised.

There is a good amount of depth at cornerback in this draft class though and should be considered in case the Texans want a running back instead.

No. 21 - Cincinnati Bengals

Kiper - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

McShay - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Analysis: Despite what is being said about Bryant's character, I agree with McShay that his stock had dropped, but I do not think the Bengals would have any interest in picking him and in this case I could see them passing over Bryant for the speedier Golden Tate.

Gresham is intriguing since the Bengals need to find stability at the tight end position, which was ravaged by injuries in 2009.

No. 22 - New England Patriots

Kiper - Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas

McShay - Everson Griffen, DE/LB, USC

Analysis: I completely agree that the Pats will look to bolster their pass rush in the first round, but I still see Kindle as a reach and if the Pats really want him, then they should make a move to trade up in the second round since they have many picks to play with.

No. 23 - Green Bay Packers

Kiper - Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

McShay - Charles Brown, OT, USC

Analysis: With an offensive line that struggled early in 2009 and fought through injuries too, adding another lineman is never a bad thing especially when you have a gunner like Aaron Rodgers under center.

No. 24 - Philadelphia Eagles

Kiper - Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

McShay - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

Analysis: With the trade of Shledon Brown to the Browns, the Eagles may look to fill in the void created by Brown's departure. I have no argument with either pick, but I also think they may be in the perfect position to pick a very big and fast safety at this spot too.

Also, with the additional second round pick they received in the Donovan McNabb trade, I see the Eagles making a move up in the first to go after a player they really covet.

No. 25 - Baltimore Ravens

Kiper - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

McShay - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Analysis: Another receiver to the Ravens? They already traded for Anquan Boldin and signed Donte Stallworth, but another one too?

Both these guy must know something we don't about the Ravens' front office, but I can see a tight end pick here instead since Todd Heap cannot stay healthy.

Either way, General Manager Ozzie Newsome is on a mission to give quarterback Joe Flacco a ton of weapons this offseason.

No 26 - Arizona Cardinals

Kiper - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

McShay - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Analysis: Do the Cardinals even have a tight end? Well, I checked and yes they do, but an upgrade may be a nice addition especially in the development as Matt Leinart as the starting quarterback.

With the loss of linebacker Karlos Dansby via free agency and with their new addition, Joey Porter, still getting into trouble, another linebacker should coming in the draft.

No. 27 - Dallas Cowboys

Kiper - Charles Brown, OT, USC

McShay - Taylor Mays, S, USC

Analysis: Protecting quarterback Tony Romo is a good pick in the first round, but with the release of Ken Hamlin at safety means that owner Jerry Jones may have eyes for Mays too.

No. 28 - San Diego Chargers

Kiper - Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

McShay - Terrence Cody, DL, Alabama

Analysis: I completely agree with Kiper on this one because the Chargers do not have a good compliment to running back Darren Sproles after releasing LaDainian Tomlinson.

Cody may be in the mix, but his weight issues may keep him out of the first round too.

No. 29 - New York Jets

Kiper - Everson Griffen, DE/LB, USC

McShay - Jared Odrick, DL, Penn State

Analysis: Coach Rex Ryan is a defensive-minded coach and his defense needs a boost on the line so Odrick could be a safe pick, but the offense needs some extra power and grabbing a speedster gamebreaker may be the way to go too.

No. 30 - Minnesota Vikings

Kiper - Taylor Mays, S, USC

McShay - Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

Analysis: I'm with McShay on this one, because the Vikings really need a good cornerback who fits their Tampa-2 style of defense.

No. 31 - Indianapolis Colts

Kiper - Jared Odrick, DL, Penn State

McShay - Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU

Analysis: I completely disagree because I see the Colts focusing on rebuilding Peyton Manning's offensive line because he's not getting any younger and the hits have to be getting harder, too.

No. 32 New Orleans Saints

Kiper - Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU

McShay - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

Analysis: I agree that the Saints will add another linebacker since they just lost Scott Fujita in free agency.

Adding some youth to their already dominating defense is a very scary thought for this defense that was outscoring the Cleveland Browns' offense in the first half of the 2009 season.