2010 NFL Mock Draft: How the Ben Roethlisberger Talk Changes the Draft

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I’ve kept quiet for so long that many of my buddies and co-workers have asked me if I am actually going to do a mock draft this year.

Does this mean that people actually want to hear what I have to say?

(Laughs ridiculously)

Hardly.

But, due to the recent issues regarding Ben Roethlisberger which spreads far beyond any sort of football related activities and brings into question morality and character, I felt that I needed to voice my own opinion, and what way is best to do that other than a mock draft a mere five days before Draft Day.

As we all know, and as Mel Kiper says: “It's not a rigorous science to poke holes in a mock draft. A single trade can throw the whole thing off, and there are teams for which a trade down or up in the proceedings might be the best course of action from the outset.”

The NFL Draft has changed significantly thanks to the recent dealings of Brandon Marshall and Santonio Holmes. However, that is, in effect what the Roethlisberger situation does to the draft as well.

One of my buddies recently wrote this on Roethlisberger: “I know, he hasn’t been criminally charged with anything, but he’s constantly in trouble. Roethlisberger may have never done anything wrong, but there’s something to be said for not even putting yourself in these precarious positions. At the very least, he’s shown terrible decision-making skills; from riding his motorcycle without a helmet and crashing, to partying in bars with college kids where people know who he is, making him a target. He may not deserve criminal prosecution, but he certainly needs a babysitter.”

The Rooney’s and the Pittsburgh Steelers do not want a quarterback, regardless of how many championships he has won, to be a cause of question and ridicule to their franchise.

How can they return to their style of football with this issue hanging in limbo?

It’s been said that the decision of how to punish Roethlisberger will happen after the draft.

Therefore, plenty of people say he will be traded, some of my buddies, most of whom are very realistic and knowledgeable when it comes to the ins-and-outs of the NFL, say he won’t be traded. Not yet at least.

What do I think?

I think that’s beside the point

I am simply going to mock the entire first round of Draft Day, but will be specifically catering to the teams who will be impacted the most because of the Roethlisberger situation.

Warning: this mock doesn’t hold back, it’s not designed to.

Let’s begin.

Sources are stated when used. They include, ESPN.com, Yahoo.com, CBSsports.com, NFL.com

No. 1: Cleveland Browns take Sam Bradford. St. Louis Trades to No. 7

QB, Oklahoma

It’s not as ridiculous as you might think.

From Kevin Weidl, Scouts Inc (ESPN.com). (Hey, I’m not claiming to write what I don’t write)

‘It has been reported that the Cleveland Browns are interested in trading with the St. Louis Rams to obtain the No. 1 overall pick. Should that trade go down, it would likely cost the Browns the No. 7 pick this year and their first-round selection in 2011.

Cleveland obviously needs franchise quarterback and would target Oklahoma's Sam Bradford. Team president Mike Holmgren has said publicly that he is not in love with Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen—which all but rules Clausen out as a possibility for the Browns at No. 7—and while the price for Bradford would be steep; he would fill a very big need.

As for the Rams, the move would make sense for them if they still have reservations about Bradford's surgically repaired throwing shoulder and how his experience in Oklahoma's spread system would translate to the NFL. It could also make financial sense because St. Louis would not be locked into paying Bradford something north of $40 million in guaranteed money.

The Rams could then select Clausen at No. 7, mitigating concerns about his arm strength and how he handles bad weather by giving him eight home games per year in a dome and another guaranteed game in Arizona. He would perhaps be the biggest winner of all, given the playing situation and money involved.’

If that trade doesn’t materialize? Well, we’re not here to talk about that. This is the kind of thing the Roethlisberger situation does; it creates a ripple effect. Mike Holmgren wants his quarterback even though he says he doesn’t, St. Louis doesn’t want the pressure of Bradford and signing him. The Pittsburgh situation, where they are not afraid of making big moves, entices these two teams to make this happen.

No. 2 Detroit Lions take Ndamukong Suh

DT, Nebraska

OT Russell Okung is also a possibility because QB Matthew Stafford's long-term protection is important, but defensive tackle is also a need for the Lions and they're staring at the top two prospects in the 2010 class at this point. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy is a slightly higher grade because of his pass-rushing skills but Suh is a better fit for a Lions defense that needs a dominant physical presence up front. Plus, Suh makes them better immediately.

No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers take Gerald McCoy

DT, Oklahoma

McCoy is a guy whom many consider the best overall player in the draft at No. 3. McCoy isn't just effective against the run, he uses his quickness and strength to blow by interior linemen and disrupt the QB. He is perhaps the most complete talent in the draft, and that includes Suh.

No. 4 Washington Redskins take Russell Okung

OT, Oklahoma State

Now that Mike Shanahan has addressed his immediate quarterback situation they have the perfect opportunity to protect his blind side. Not to mention help one of the trio in the backfield that Donovan McNabb will be handing off too.

No. 5 Kansas City Chiefs take Brian Bulaga

OT, Iowa

While Eric Berry may be the best player remaining here, spending top-five money on a safety doesn't make fiscal sense. Oklahoma's Trent Williams is a superior talent to Bulaga but we don't expect Scott Pioli & Co. to take a risk on a player whose commitment to the game is in question. Bulaga may top out as a very good starting right tackle but that's just fine opposite current LT Branden Albert. They will gladly take Bulaga here.

No. 6: Seattle Seahawks take Trent Williams

OT, Oklahoma

Eric Berry is still on the board? Yes and again because of money issues, but also because Seattle desperately needs an OT now. Throw in the fact that Williams is the most versatile player in the draft (a rare feat for an offensive lineman, thanks Kiper) and you’ve got yourself a winner.

No. 7: St. Louis Rams take Jimmy Clausen (from Cleveland)

QB, Notre Dame

The Rams don’t need to take Clausen at one; he will easily fall to seven, where they won’t have to worry about signing a monster contract.

The Rams are concerned with Bradford’s arm and while it would seem to make sense for St. Louis to begin negotiating with Bradford in the absence of a trade, ESPN's Adam Schefter and others are reporting that neither side wants to enter into negotiations ahead of draft day.

That opens up the possibility that the Rams would trade picks a different way.

They could select Bradford and put him on the market immediately, much like what the San Diego Chargers did with Eli Manning in 2004, and swap him to Cleveland for Jimmy Clausen.

No. 8 Oakland Raiders take C.J Spiller

RB, Clemson

I had to do it.

I had to put in one ridiculous pick, but with Al Davis at the helm, how ridiculous can this be?

Kiper has them taking Clausen (I say he already gone), McShay has them taking Trent Williams (also gone). Others have him taking Bruce Campbell.

I think it’s ridiculous, so rather than conform to that crazy choice, I’ll through in my own; C.J. Spiller. Besides, they need a decent running back. Why not?

No. 9 Buffalo Bills take Anthony Davis

OT, Rutgers

The Bills need an OT. They can worry about Tim Tebow next round and they need someone to protect him or whatever quarterback they decide to take and most likely ruin on their way to Canada. As for Davis? He needs to be motivated and his weight must be monitored, but it is fairly argued that he's the best pure pass-blocker in the 2010 crop.

No. 10 Jacksonville Jaguars take Eric Berry

S, Tennessee

See, he didn’t drop too far (Kiper has him going 5; McShay has him gone at 6).

I think the Jaguars get a real treat here. Berry is the fourth best player in the draft and is clearly the top defensive back in the 2010 class and he will fill that glaring hole in the middle of the Jaguars’ defense and mentally and is physically prepared to make an immediate impact as a versatile ball hawk in their secondary.

No. 11 Denver Broncos take Earl Thomas

S, Texas

The sexy pick right now is Dez Bryant, but with the character concerns that just shipped Brandon Marshall out, does anyone really think that Josh McDaniels will take another troubled wide out?

I think not.

There are scouts who will tell you Thomas is the best pure, instinctive football player in the whole draft. He has big-time aptitude. All that aside, he also fills a developing need for Denver, because Brian Dawkins isn't getting any younger.

No. 12 Miami Dolphins take Derrick Morgan

DE, Georgia Tech

Now that their wide receiver need is filled, Morgan will be taken here simply because he provides the pass-rush ability and toughness against the run a depleted Miami front seven desperately needs.

No. 13 Pittsburgh Steelers take Dez Bryant (from San Francisco)

WR, Oklahoma State

This is where it gets interesting.

The San Francisco 49ers are going to ignore the money they’ve invested in Alex Smith and David Carr and trade the 13th overall pick this year (and their first round pick in 2011) for Ben Roethlisberger.

They are the lone team (other than Seattle) who has the resources to make this deal happen. They still have the 17th overall pick this year and with Roethlisberger under helm, their receiving core suddenly looks a whole lot more talented than with questionable quarterbacks, Smith and Carr, throwing spirals.

Besides, how else do you think the Steelers are going to answer the Santonio Holmes debacle? If Bryant even thinks about trying to screw around, he will remember that he got picked because the guy’s who did screw around ended up getting booting unceremoniously off the team.

This is the tiny difference that Bryant needs to realize that he’d better toe the line carefully. While Denver did ship their receiver out, Pittsburgh was a much bigger situation. He should behave himself here.

As for Quarterback concerns?

Dennis Dixon provides a nice blanket for the year (or even stopgap athletes such as Byron Leftwich or Marc Bulger if they feel the need). If Dixon succeeds, that’s great. If he doesn’t, the Steelers have two first round picks next year and three outstanding quarterbacks in Jake Locker (Washington), Andrew Luck (Stanford), or Ryan Mallett (Arkansas) waiting to be taken.

Again, and finally, Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc says this:

‘There are certainly no guarantees when it comes to quarterback prospects, but all three players listed above will enter the NFL ahead of the game compared to most other college quarterbacks. Locker and Luck play in pro-style systems for coaches (Steve Sarkisian and Jim Harbaugh, respectively) who know how to develop quarterbacks and Mallett has the kind of size and rifle arm NFL teams covet.’

Makes sense.

No. 14 Seattle Seahawks take Jason Pierre-Paul

DE, South Florida

Even as a raw talent, Pierre-Paul can be productive based on a set of physical skills that remind scouts of Mario Williams or Jevon Kearse. He is undoubtedly a potential future sack machine.

While Pierre-Paul has a chance to do that he is also a big-time risk. On one hand he is arguably the most naturally gifted defender on the board, but on the other hand there are concerns about his mental capacity and inexperience. But the Seahawks need a defensive end, and he’s the best here.

No. 15 New York Giants take Rolando McClain

ILB, Alabama

Given the departure of Antonio Pierce, the need an imposing figure at inside linebacker, and McClain is the top inside linebacker in the draft. The Giants should be happy to grab him at No. 15. A fiery leader, instinctive and a great tackler, McClain's diagnostic skills point to great coaching.

No. 16 Tennessee Titans take Joe Haden

CB, Florida

Thanks to Miami and Seattle, the Titans can’t get the guy they really want at No. 16; a defensive end. They could reach for Everson Griffen from USC, but that would fringe on ridiculousness since Joe Haden is still on the board. Even though Haden has dropped a bit because of a lack of overall polish, he is the kind of natural athlete who can step in and make the big plays the Tennessee defense has lacked.

No. 17 San Francisco 49ers take Dan Williams

DT, Tennessee

The bigger need is at offensive tackle, but since Williams is still on here and has been projected as high as seven, the 49ers would be fools to ignore him. Besides, the next offensive tackle is Charles Brown of USC or Rodger Saffold of Indiana. I can’t see them going this high.

No. 18 Pittsburgh Steelers take Maurkice Pouncey

C/G, Florida

Man, they get rid of Roethlisberger, get a wide receiver, and still manage to take Pouncey, which incidentally is a marriage made in Pittsburgh heaven. The Steelers want to get back to a physical, run-oriented approach and Pouncey has the versatility to play center or guard and work into the lineup sooner rather than later.

No. 19 Atlanta Falcons take Brandon Graham

DE, Michigan

At 270 pounds, Graham has the size to be an every-down defensive end in this league. He's not just an OLB prospect. He uses great leverage to hold up against the run, and as the NCAA leader in TFL, he's a terror for opposing QBs.

The Falcons have been searching for a pass-rusher for the past couple of years and Graham can play either the right or left side in a rotation with John Abraham, who is Atlanta's only legitimate pass-rusher at this point.

No. 20 Houston Texans take Kyle Wilson

CB, Boise State

While Kareem Jackson is ranked higher, Wilson has a refined game that Jackson lacks. Wilson is also very strong for the cornerback position and is the answer for Dunta Robinson. He can be a value in the return game, if needed.

No. 21 Cincinnati Bengals take Demaryius Thomas

WR Georgia Tech

Some think that a TE would fit here; others have Dez Bryant falling to Cincinnati. Well, since Bryant went to the Steelers the Bengals are going to want to answer, as well as get some insurance for Ochocinco. They’ll take Thomas here and be happy for it.

No.22 New England Patriots take Sergio Kindle

DE/OLB, Texas

I originally (in my undisclosed mock) had Brandon Graham going here, but I really think Atlanta will take him at 19, so Bill Belichick will settle for Kindle.

Well, actually, Kindle has better versatility than some realize. Any Patriots fan knows that Bill Belichick doesn't just want a player for one specific role. Versatility and ranginess are important, and Kindle is more than what Belichick wants.

No. 23 Green Bay Packers take Mike Iupati

G, Idaho

Iupati is an absolute force at the guard position. He should improve the run game immediately and has the physical skills and footwork to develop as a pass-protector. There's reason to think he could become a tackle, but he's an upgrade at guard from day one.

No. 24 Philadelphia Eagles take Sean Weatherspoon

OLB, Missouri

The Eagles could take Taylor Mays here, but I think that Weatherspoon is just too good for them to pass up. He is a tackling machine and will help solidify the defense that started to age at the end of last year.

No. 25 Baltimore Ravens take Jermaine Gresham

TE, Oklahoma

General Manager Ozzie Newsome is apparently on a rampage to get quarterback Joe Flacco as many offensive weapons as he can, and it will continue with Gresham, since tight end Todd Heap cannot stay healthy for a full season.

No. 26 Arizona Cardinals take Jerry Hughes

DE/OLB, TCU

Hughes doesn't have great size, but he has the skills to be either a 3-4 OLB or he could be a fantastic pass-rusher in the mold of a Dwight Freeney. This is a guy that flat out knew how to get to QBs at the college level, regardless of what was in his path.

No. 27 Dallas Cowboys take Charles Brown

OT, USC

This is like butter on bread. Only, lets hope the Cowboys aren't Lucy to Charlie Brown. It doesn't seem like anyone needs to worry; Brown is exactly the player that Dallas needs, in fact they’ve announced that they plan to address the left tackle position and he is as natural fit as any. This isn’t an exciting pick but it’s definitely a smart one. Sorry, Dallas haters.

No. 28 San Diego Chargers take Ryan Matthews

RB, Fresno State

This from Kiper: Mathews would just be the prototype big, physical, between-the-tackles back to complement Darren Sproles, but he's more than that. Mathews has shown he's capable of consistent sub-4.5 40 times and is thus a physical kind of home run threat. He didn't display great hands in Fresno, but that area of his game should improve with reps. A good back at a need position.

No. 29 New York Jets take Jared Odrick

DE, Penn State

This is a Rex Ryan player if I ever saw one. The Jets are beginning to age along the defensive front and Odrick would be like that puzzle piece you find when you bend under the table to look for that last piece which is missing. He could work in a rotation early in his career before eventually taking over as a full-time starter.

No. 30 Minnesota Vikings take Kareem Jackson

CB, Alabama

This from McShay: Jackson is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft. Minnesota does a great job taking advantage of players who slide down the board, and while cornerback is a secondary need Jackson could contribute as a sub-package corner while developing into an eventual replacement for the aging Antoine Winfield.

No. 31 Indianapolis Colts take Everson Griffen

DE, USC

Griffen is a sack machine who was playing with a hand on the ground in college. He still has the athleticism to perform the way the Colts defense is structured and is a serious steal this late in the draft. (Another component of the Roethlisberger ripple effect)

No .32 New Orleans Saints take Daryl Washington

OLB, TCU

The Saints could possibly take Taylor Mays here, but the Saints need an outside linebacker thanks to Scott Fujita’s departure and Washington fits the bill.