2010 NFL Mock Draft: Red Hot C.J. Spiller Soaring

The NFL Draft is just over 24 hours away and the anticipation around the nation is brimming as we wonder who our favorite teams will select.

In the last few weeks several players have seen their stocks rise and fall as Combine results, pro days, trades, and rumors have constantly altered the landscape of projections for round one.

One player in particular has been on the tip of everyone's tongue: C.J. Spiller.

The star running back from Clemson has gone from a late-first round pick to a potential selection for every team from No. 5 to No. 15. With so many franchises in pursuit of Spiller, there's really no way he falls beyond that.

There have been rumors of teams trading up to select him and of teams bypassing greater needs for him. Of all the prospects of round one, he might have the most suitors.

Where he lands will be one of the hot stories of tomorrow night.

WIth that said, here is the final edition of the 2010 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Saint Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

The Rams have passed on a quarterback the past two seasons.

They took Chris Long at No. 2 in 2008 and let Matt Ryan slip to the Falcons, then in 2009 selected Jason Smith over Mark Sanchez.

Neither pick has really worked out for them, while Ryan and Sanchez are blossoming into potential studs.

St. Louis has holes all over its roster, but they've been desperate for a quarterback for a while now and won't keep making the same mistake.

Sam Bradford has all the intangibles to be an elite quarterback and he's passed all exams on his surgically-repaired throwing shoulder with flying colors.

He's the Rams' guy.

2. Detroit Lions: DT Ndamakong Suh, Nebraska

Russell Okung is a serious possibility here, but it seems more likely the Lions would trade down if they were indeed going the route of offensive tackle.

That may end up being exactly what happens, but if they stay at No. 2 then Ndamakong Suh is too good to pass up.

Detroit has done some work along their defensive line this summer by trading for Corey Williams, but that shouldn't discount them from taking the highest-rated prospect in the draft.

Suh has the makings of an All-Pro three-technique defensive lineman with through the roof potential.

He'll make an immediate impact on a defense that was horrendous in 2009.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma

The Buccaneers will jump at the chance to sign either of the draft’s top defensive tackles, so regardless of what the Lions do they’ll get what they want.

There are rumors they would take McCoy over Suh anyway, but with Suh off the board that becomes a moot point.

McCoy is the more polished of the two stellar defensive tackles. He excels against the run and pass and has an engine that just doesn't quit.

Tampa Bay needs some serious help along their defensive line and McCoy will not only solve that need, he'll be the next Warren Sapp.

4. Washington Redskins: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State

Now that the Redskins will have Donovan McNabb under center, they’ll chose to address the glaring need along their offensive line rather than go after QB Jimmy Clausen.

Washington needs to find replacements for Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas, and selecting Okung is a perfect place to start. He's the top-rated left tackle in the draft and has the talent to become a staple of their offensive line.

Eric Berry is another possibility, but if Okung is on the board the Skins won't be able to pass on him.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: S Eric Berry, Tennessee

Eric Berry is the best player left on the board, period. Scott Pioli may not want to invest so much money in a safety, but the Chiefs' general manager is too intelligent not to make this pick.

They need offensive line help as well, but if they're going to go that route it will be via trading down.

Too many teams are after Berry for them not to be able to find a trading partner and sliding down a few spots to target the tackle they like.

If a trade doesn't happen, Berry has to be the pick here. Not only is he the best player available, he fits a major need as well.

6. Seattle Seahawks: RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson

C.J. Spiller is one of the hottest commodities in the draft, and a name that has been soaring up draft boards for weeks.

No. 6 might seem like a reach for the Clemson product, but he'll be off the board by the time the Seahawks are back on the clock with the 14th pick.

Spiller is the best running back in the draft with nearly unmatched play-making ability.

Justin Forsett showed a lot of promise as the primary rusher last season, but he is even more undersized than Spiller with only a fraction of the potential.

The Seahawks need playmakers and they won't find anyone more capable than Spiller. New head coach Pete Carroll would know exactly how to use him.

7. Cleveland Browns: DE/OLB Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Cleveland would love to get their hands on Eric Berry and have been rumored to be seriously interested in C.J. Spiller as well, but both are off the board and the Browns will have to look elsewhere.

They need help at safety badly, but Earl Thomas is too much of a reach here.

Derrick Morgan is another player who's seen his stock rise recently and is viewed by many as the best pass-rusher in the draft. He has the versatility to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3, so the fit isn't an issue.

Jason Pierre-Paul is another possibility, as is trading down in hopes of landing Thomas later in round one.

8. Oakland Raiders: OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma

Oakland is impossible to predict and many have pinned fringe first-round talent Bruce Campbell as their selection here.

But even Al Davis isn't crazy enough to pass on Trent Williams. He and Bryan Bulaga are the top offensive tackles left on the board, but while Bulaga is more polished Williams is more athletic.

The Raiders love athletes, so they'll go that route.

9. Buffalo Bills: QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

The Bills' passing game was terrible a year ago and none of the quarterbacks on the roster have instilled any confidence in their coaches.

They need new blood under center and will jump at the chance to sign Jimmy Clausen. He's a very talented quarterback who might turn out to be the best passer in the draft.

He has the potential to turn things around in Buffalo and when it's all said and done could be one of the steals in the draft at No. 9.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida

Pierre-Paul was pinned as one of the top prospects in the draft a few weeks ago, but has lost steam to Derrick Morgan as of late.

Still, he's a very talented player that would fit a serious need of the Jags at No. 10.

Joe Haden and Earl Thomas are also possibilities, but Pierre-Paul is the highest-rated prospect of the three.

Jacksonville may have Aaron Kampman on board for 2010, but he was only good for 3.5 sacks last season and at 30 years old, doesn't have nearly the potential that Pierre-Paul has.

11. Denver Broncos: WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma City

With the Brandon Marshall trade, the Broncos are in serious need of a receiver.

Many feel that Marshall's departure means the Broncos wouldn't be interested in another "diva" receiver, but the character concerns and off-the-field issues surrounding Bryant have been blown out of proportion.

He would have been a clear-cut top five pick if not for his season-long suspension in 2009 for violating NCAA rules.

Bryant is an exceptional talent who’s drawn comparisons to Andre Johnson. He’s not at Johnson’s level right now, but down the line he may be.

There might not be an offensive player capable of making a greater impact in his rookie year than Bryant. He’ll do well to fill the void Marshall’s departure creates.

12. Miami Dolphins: DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

With Brandon Marshall now on board, the Dolphins are free to pursue other needs.

With Jason Ferguson suspended for half of next season, though, Miami will have to find an answer in the middle of their defensive line sooner rather than later.

They really liked him from what they saw at the Senior Bowl.

Williams is ideally-sized to play the nose and has all the intangibles you look for at the position. He has excellent lower body strength, and gets a great push at the point of attack.

It will probably come down to Williams and Earl Thomas, with Big Dan taking the edge.

13. San Francisco 49ers: OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa

San Francisco is one of the teams believed to have the most interest in C.J. Spiller, but he'll be long gone by the time they're on the clock.

Even if the Seahawks pass on him at No. 6, the Browns, Raiders, Jaguars, and Dolphins are all possibilities after them; one of those teams will snag Spiller before the 13th pick.

The 49ers need serious help along their offensive line as well and they get a steal in Bulaga. He's arguably the second-best tackle in the draft and worthy of a top 10 selection.

A polished talent with great upside, Bulaga would thrive in San Francisco.

14. Seattle Seahawks: S Earl Thomas, Texas

Seattle might go offensive tackle, but all the prospects available are a bit of a reach at this point.

Earl Thomas has seen his stock rise and fall for weeks, but has consistently been regarded as the second-rated safety in the draft. He also fits a big-time need for the Seahawks.

If Eric Berry is available at No. 6, they'll pick him up instead, and use this pick on a pass-rusher or possibly reach for a tackle like Anthony Davis.

15. New York Giants: ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama

New York gets one of the steals of the draft when they get on the clock with the 15th pick and see Rolando McClain available at the top of their draft board.

Arguably a top-tier talent and by far the best inside linebacker in the draft, McClain will be a front runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The Giants could really use the help at linebacker and while McClain is probably better suited for the 3-4, as he’s made public in recent comments, he's versatile enough to make the transition.

The only knock on the 'Bama linebacker is his speed, but game film tells a different story. He makes great pursuit angles and has great closing speed. He could be the next Patrick Willis.

16. Tennessee Titans: CB Joe Haden, Florida

The Titans could really use pass rushers which makes Sergio Kindle or Brandon Graham a real possibility here, but they need to fill the holes in their secondary more.

Joe Haden is an excellent value at this point in round one and he's the highest-rated player available. He also meets one of the team's biggest needs.

It's a perfect fit.

Haden would slide into the starting lineup immediately and help turn around one of the league's worst pass defenses from a year ago.

17. San Francisco 49ers: OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

The 49ers will be targeting outside linebackers in round one, which means they may try to address this need earlier if Derrick Morgan or Jason Pierre Paul are available, but if that doesn't happen then they'll address the need here.

Kindle is a very versatile player with great pass-rushing instinct.

He's been projected all over round one, but he won't fall past the 49ers here in the chips fall right.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: G Mike Iupati, Idaho

The Steelers run game was stagnant at times last year, and the smash-mouth style that characterized them so well in the past just wasn't there.

A big reason for that was a poor push up front, especially along the interior of the line.

Iupati is listed as an OT/G, but he's undersized for a tackle. As a guard, however, he's drawn comparisons to All-Pro left guard Steve Hutchinson.

Guards aren't usually selected this high, but Iupati is a superb talent capable of playing at a high level from day one. He'll do the dirty work in the trenches and help get Pittsburgh’s run game back on track.

19. Atlanta Falcons: DE/OLB Everson Griffen, USC

The Falcons may go cornerback here, but pass rushers are always a hot commodity in round one and the need is definitely there. Atlanta was 26th in the league in sacks a year ago and could really use help up front.

They weren’t able to get a consistent pass rush all year, and as a result, the defense crumbled down the stretch.

Griffen is extremely athletic for his size with a nice array of speed moves. He’s strong enough to bull-rush with power moves and has the potential to get even better if he continued to bulk up.

Don’t be surprised if Brandon Graham is the pick instead, since he’d be able to pick up an NFL system faster. But Griffen’s stock continues to rise and there is a ton of potential there.

20. Houston Texans: CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State

With Dunta Robinson lost in free agency, the Texans will need to find a replacement at cornerback. Wilson is a great talent with all the intangibles to succeed in the NFL.

He’ll make an impact right away as a play-maker; something Houston desperately needs. Even with Robinson, they were ranked 18th against the pass in 2009. That cost them several games.

Wilson is the real deal; he’ll help turn the secondary around.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma

The Bengals may go receiver here but there are a lot of talented players that will be available in the later rounds.

Gresham on the other hand is the only first-round rated tight end in the draft. He offers the complete package as a blocker, route-runner and pass-catcher, and would instantly upgrade Cincinnati's offense in a major way.

There are a few defensive prospects they have their eye on ahead of him, but they'll all be off the board by this point in in the round.

22. New England Patriots: DE/OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan

Brandon Graham is the best pure outside linebacker in the draft and unlike other prospects that will need to make the transition to the 3-4, he’s ready to step onto the field right away.

Adalious Thomas has seen a sharp drop off in his production the last two seasons, and besides Tully Banta-Cain, the pass rush has been pretty weak in New England.

The value and need meet perfectly for Graham at this point in round one.

23. Green Bay Packers: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

Davis was expected to be one of the top tackles in the draft earlier in the year, but he’s shown off-field issues that are troubling.

He’s gone through a couple suspensions, missed practices, shown up to camp overweight, and raises concerns over whether he’s capable of handling the pressures of NFL life.

But his talent can’t be denied; Davis is a powerful blocker with good instincts. The Packers need help at tackle, and while there might be safer picks here, none provide the same level of talent.

It’s late enough in the round where the Packers won’t have to invest too much money; that makes the risk worthwhile.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida

Pouncey can play left guard, right guard, and center. He’s not the most powerful blocker, which means he might struggle against the league’s big nose tackles, but he’s smart and is great at directing the offensive line.

The Eagles offensive line needs a lot of help and Pouncey fills a great need at a nice value. The pick makes a lot of sense anyway you look at it.

They may go offensive tackle instead so if Anthony Davis is available he may be the pick here, but of the other tackles expected to be available at this point they'd all be a bit of a reach.

25. Baltimore Ravens: WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech

The Ravens don't need a receiver with Anquan Boldin on board and will likely be targeting Jermaine Gresham, but he's not available after the Bengals scoop him up a few spots earlier.

Baltimore has a history of selecting talent over need though, and Thomas is arguably the best talent left on the board.

He has a massive frame and a knack for acrobatic catches. There are issues with concentration and route-running, but with time Thomas may end up being the best receiver of this draft class.

He and Boldin would make for a scary duo on the outside.

26. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Kerry Rhodes was brought on board in a trade with the New York Jets, but it still wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cardinals go the route of Taylor Mays in an attempt to shore up the secondary. Rhodes is a Band-Aid, not the long-term answer.

They need pass-rushers, and with the loss of Karlos Dansby the line backing core needs fresh legs.

Weatherspoon is very athletic and ran well at the combine. He’s a natural pass-rusher who would pick up the Jets defense in a hurry. He’s also a solid tackler that could play on the strong-side defending the run.

It might be a bit of a reach to select him this high, but Weatherspoon is an underrated talent that will go off the board quickly if they pass on him here.

27. Dallas Cowboys: OT Charles Brown, USC

Now that Flozell Adams is out of the picture, Dallas needs an offensive tackle more than anything.

Brown is the last first-round talent available and though he might be a bit of a reach here, it isn't substantial and the need justifies the selection.

Another possibility here is Taylor Mays, with the Cowboys in need of a safety as well.

But that just doesn't seem as likely. Brown has the potential to be a solid tackle with a bit of work, and he's a player that's seen his stock rise recently as well.

28. San Diego Chargers: RB Ryan Mathews, Fresno State

The Chargers might have a bigger need at running back than any team in the league. They cut L.T. loose and everyone knows Darren Sproles isn’t big enough to be an every-down back.

Someone needs to take the bulk of the carries and right now that person isn’t on San Diego’s roster.

Ryan Mathews is a big, powerful bruiser who likes to punish defenders. He can carry the ball 20-25 times a game and provide an excellent yin to Sproles' yang. The fit is perfect.

There's an outside chance that they go with mammoth nose tackle Terrance Cody, but issues with his weight and conditioning have slide him right out of round one.

29. New York Jets: DT/DE Jared Odrick, Penn State

Taylor Mays is a strong possibility, but the Jets seem enamored with Odrick. He's the ideal size for a 3-4 defensive end and should transition to the position quickly.

He's a big and powerful player with great leverage and a nice all-around game with a lot of room to grow.

The Jets defensive line is crying for help and there aren't any linemen available that fit this need better.

Don't be surprised if Mays ends up being the selection instead, but word out of New York points towards Odrick.

30. Minnesota Vikings: S Taylor Mays, USC

The Vikings need to find a replacement for Pat Williams before it's too late, but if Taylor Mays slips to this point he may end up being the pick here.

Cornerback is the bigger need, but Minnesota needs safety help as well. Mays is higher-rated than any corners available at this point and presents an intriguing combination of size, speed and strength. He's also a good character guy with the leadership skills every quality safety needs.

If Kyle Wilson slips to this point, he'd likely get the nod over Mays, but there are several teams that will be targeting the Boise State standout before the 30th pick.

Another possibility is Brian Price, but he doesn't present as strong a value.

31. Indianapolis Colts: DT Brian Price, UCLA

Defensive tackle is the biggest need on this Colts team and with Minnesota seeking the same thing a pick before them, don’t be surprised to see Indy trade up to make sure they get their man.

Price has been linked to both teams and although he's seen his stock fall recently, it would be surprising for him to get past Indy here.

Another possibility is Tyson Alualu, but Price is the more polished defensive tackle and would make a quicker impact.

The Colts are believed to really like Sergio Kindle and Brandon Graham, so if either are available this late they'll go that route instead. But it seems highly unlikely they'll slip this far.

32. New Orleans Saints: CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama

The Saints' secondary ranked 26th last season, and that was with All-Pro Safety Darren Sharper cleaning up a lot of the mess in center field. Sharper may not return, though, which would put a lot more pressure on New Orleans’ cornerbacks to start producing.

It's been a see-saw battle between Kareem Jackson and Devin McCourty for position on draft boards, but at the moment Jackson appears to have the edge.

It could go either way though. Unless the Saints decided to reach on a pass-rusher like Jerry Hughes, which is a serious possibility.

The need at corner is greater though and there are a ton more pass-rushers than quality corners in this draft so it would be surprising to see them bypass the opportunity to get one here.