2010 NFL Mock Draft: Two-Round November Edition

In January, the redshirt sophomores and juniors of the college football world have big decisions to make. The 2010 NFL Draft could be the last year in which players and agents have leeway to negotiate rookie contracts freely.

It is widely expected that a rookie salary scale will be in place by the 2011 NFL Draft. Roger Goodell has called the current rookie pay system, "ridiculous." Furthermore, the NFL salary cap might not be long for this world—creating a salary structure similar to (hopefully less insane than) major league baseball.

If a rookie comes out next April, he will experience the best of both worlds—a huge rookie contract and a shot at true riches if the league stays uncapped.

In 2011, that same rookie could end up suffering through relative poverty for a season or two before having a shot at a lucrative second contract. The Vernon Gholstons and Matt Leinarts of the world could, theoretically, be out millions and millions of dollars. 

College underclassmen aren't taking that risk.

Sam Bradford, Mike Williams, Dez Bryant and others have already confirmed that they will be entering the NFL Draft. Joe Haden, Navorro Bowman, Earl Thomas and others are expected to take the leap.

In fact, this year, most talent evaluators are predicting that first or second round grades will have very little to do with an underclassman declaring. If a player thinks he might be drafted, he will probably be playing on Sundays instead of Saturdays in 2010.

With that in mind, 2010 NFL Mock Drafts will continue to add more and more juniors as hints are dropped between now and January. Also, simply because a player is declaring early this year, do not assume that he will be gone before the third round starts.

This mock is based off of a draft order accessed on November 25th from WalterFootball.com . This mock draft, as with all of the mock drafts produced by this writer are produced in conjunction with the assistance of DraftTek.com , the internet's premier NFL Mock Draft simulation website.

2010 NFL Mock Draft : Two-Round November Edition

1) Cleveland Browns —Ndamukong Suh (DT/DE Nebraska)

Suh is the undisputed number one pick in this draft. Some would rate Eric Berry higher, but no safety changes the game like a dominant defensive tackle. Put Suh next to Shaun Rogers and that 3-4 defense starts to look formidable.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers —Russell Okung (OT Oklahoma State)

Donald Penn is a fine starter, but not one to build a team around—especially when a raw, second-year QB is the centerpiece. Russell Okung is a physical specimen who scouts question in terms of current ability, but never in upside.

3) St. Louis Rams —Jake Locker (QB Washington)

Young, talented, tutored by a proven quarterback coach—Jake Locker has all of the tools. The Rams don't have a starting quarterback. Unless Kyle Boller lights up the league for the rest of the year, St. Louis will take the QB of their choosing.

4) Detroit Lions —Gerald McCoy (DT Oklahoma)

The people who make the decisions for Detroit are on record saying that big defensive tackles are a major need. With Suh gone, McCoy is an obvious choice. The big Sooner is athletic and has a frame which is still growing.

5) Washington Redskins —Jimmy Clausen (QB Notre Dame)

A likely new coach often means a likely new quarterback. Jimmy Clausen has the thing that owner, Daniel Snyder, wants most—a name. Clausen is a similar prospect to Matthew Stafford who likewise had all the tools without the college success.

6) Buffalo Bills —Eric Berry (S Tennessee)

Take your pick, talented rookie Jairus Byrd moves to CB or Eric Berry does. Either way, the two would be a great duo. If the Bills have a shot at arguably the top rated player in the draft, it would be crazy to pass him up.

7) Kansas City Chiefs —CJ Spiller (RB Clemson)

The NFL world will get to see if Scott Pioli wants to draft a horse RB like his father-in-law does or if he treats the position like his mentor, Bill Belichick often does. Spiller is a great talent who has breakaway speed and ability to run between the tackles.

8) Seattle Seahawks —Sam Bradford (QB Oklahoma)

This is a little high for Bradford, who could change that with great workouts. Seattle is a great landing place as Matt Hasselbeck may have a few years left. Still, the Seahawks have a lot of needs and could go any which way but loose.

9) Oakland Raiders —Taylor Mays (S Southern California)

If Mays is available, Mays will be an Oakland Raider. The size, speed, and star power are undeniable. Talent? Meh...scouts wonder. Still, Al Davis is making this pick so the former is more important than the latter.

10) Denver Broncos (from Chi) —Terrence Cody (NT Alabama)

"Mount" Cody is somewhere between 350 and 500 lbs. No one really knows, but let's just say the McDonald's in Tuscaloosa wishes he had more eligibility. Athletic? You bet and as a nose tackle he is a three-down player, something no 4-3 defense would gamble on.

11) San Francisco 49ers (from Car) —Brandon Spikes (LB Florida)

Brandon Spikes wants to play in San Francisco. San Francisco needs another inside linebacker because Brandon's cousin (and recently found mentor), Takeo Spikes, is 32. If Spikes is available, the card should be to the commissioner quickly.

12) San Francisco 49ers —Mike Iupati (OG Idaho)

The 49ers offensive line is a mess. Getting Joe Staley back is a great first step. Adding Mike Iupati is a fine second. Iupati is a mammoth man at 6'5", 330lbs, and would soon become Frank Gore's best friend.

13) New York Jets —Joe Haden (CB Florida)

Darrelle Revis is one of the top corners in the NFL. Across from him? Just a lot of completed passes and age. Joe Haden is the top rated corner in the draft. If Haden is gone, the Jets might reach for the next corner on their list.

14) Tennessee Titans —Brandon Graham (DE Michigan)

Titans fans are great. Tennessee has one of the deepest defensive lines in the entire league, but the fans understand that the talent at the top of that group is lacking. With Kyle Vandenbosch, 31, slowing down, Brandon Graham will be free to apply pressure to AFC South QBs.

15) Houston Texans —Dez Bryant (WR Oklahoma State)

Houston, do we have a problem? Is receiver a huge need for the Texans? No. Not a bit. Is Dez Bryant the best player available? In this mock, yes. If a DT or Joe Haden falls, that would be the pick. In this scenario, Bryant frees up a lot of coverage for Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.

16) Miami Dolphins —Rolando McClain (ILB Alabama)

There is no question the Dolphins need to update their linebacker corps. McClain has the tackling ability, pass rushing skills, and coverage talent to play any of the linebacking positions.

17) Atlanta Falcons —Derrick Morgan (DE Georgia Tech)

Across from an aging John Abraham, the Jamaal Anderson experiment is coming to a close. The Atlanta front office would be ecstatic if Morgan is available and would help him move the eight minutes between Georgia Tech and the Georgia Dome.

18) Baltimore Ravens —Damian Williams (WR Southern California)

Depending on which scout you talk to, this is either a huge value or a huge reach. In any case, the Ravens can afford to be choosy. Derrick Mason has already retired once and no other WR is doing squat for the Ravens. Williams is the most polished and NFL ready receiver in the draft.

19) Green Bay Packers —Bruce Campbell (OT Maryland)

Campbell or USC stud Charles Brown is a near lock here. If not, Aaron Rodgers will be knocking on Ted Thompson's door with a severe chip on his shoulder. Campbell has a long injury history but unquestionable talent.

20) Jacksonville Jaguars —Tim Tebow (QB Florida)

Tim Tebow will play, and probably be successful in the NFL. That said, he's a long way away from contributing and isn't a first round pick. That aside, Jacksonville needs to sell seats and Tebow is a hometown hero.

21) Pittsburgh Steelers —Earl Thomas (S Texas)

Thomas, a redshirt sophomore, is expected to come out and expected to get a mid-first round grade. The Longhorn is a Thorpe finalist and can easily play any defensive backfield position—versatility that Pittsburgh will love.

22) Philadelphia Eagles —Carlos Dunlap (DE Florida)

One word best describes Carlos Dunlap, underachiever. Dunlap could easily be the best defensive player in the nation and get to the QB almost every play. His lack of consistent motor could drop him to the second, but Philly needs a pass rusher and has the ability to gamble.

23) Seattle Seahawks (from Den) —Bryan Bulaga (OT Iowa)

If Seattle has a need bigger than future QB, it is to fix the offensive line. Some consider the junior tackle a top-of-the-first prospect and love his upside. Seattle won't have Walter Jones for long but could easily grab three or four linemen without upsetting their fans.

24) New York Giants —Ras-I Dowling (S/CB Virginia)

Two months ago, the thought that the Giants needed a defensive back was preposterous. Now, it is almost lock solid. The New York Giants could use starters at either safety position and high level backups at both cornerback spot. Dowling fits both.

25) Dallas Cowboys —Trent Williams (OT Oklahoma)

Flozell Adams is talented, but is 34 and a walking false start. It is about time the next Flozell Adams is groomed. Trent Williams has good skills and great size. In a worst case scenario, he could be a top flight guard for years to come.

26) Cincinnati Bengals —Jermaine Gresham (TE Oklahoma)

Back to back Sooners because the Bengals haven't had a good tight end in a very long time. Rookie Chase Coffman is a project but Jermaine Gresham has top ten talent minus a season ending injury.

27) New England Patriots —Arthur Jones (DE/DT Syracuse)

The Patriots have a lot of work to do on an aging defense and have enough picks in the next two drafts to more than help. Arthur Jones is a good start who can begin to make up for the loss of Richard Seymour.

28) Arizona Cardinals —Jerry Hughes (OLB/DE Texas Christian)

Chike Okefor and Clark Hagans have both been solid pros but both will be 33 before next season. Jerry Hughes is too small to play every-down DE in the pros but will be a excellent pass rush specialist.

29) San Diego Chargers —Brandon LaFell (WR Louisana State)

LaFell has all of the talent, polish, and drive that make a great pro. With almost the entire receiver corps on the free agent block, Rivers needs weapons. Expect another WR drafted in the later rounds as well.

30) Minnesota Vikings —Greg Hardy (DE Mississippi)

A healthy Greg Hardy would (and could) shoot up this list. The Vikings would be incredibly happy if Hardy (or any top pass rusher) drops to play opposite Jared Allen.

31) New Orleans Saints —Sean Weatherspoon (OLB Missouri)

Give credit where credit is due. The New Orleans Saints are undefeated and their OLBs are part of that. However, Sean Weatherspoon would be a clear long-term upgrade to Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle.

32) Indianapolis Colts —Nate Allen (S South Florida)

"The Golden Child" isn't immediately better than Antoine Bethea or Bob Sanders...but he isn't as injury prone either. As a third safety, both as insurance and in subpackages, Allen would have a big impact as the Colts continue to build a dynasty.

Round Two

33) Tampa Bay Buccaneers —Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB Clemson)

To compete in the NFC South, protect the QB and attack the QB. The Bucs went with the left tackle in the first, now they need a pass rusher. Sapp is a little small for a DE but works in Tampa Bay's system.

34) St. Louis Rams —Golden Tate (WR Notre Dame)

Jake Locker will need someone to throw to and Golden Tate has the makings of a true number one receiver.

35) Cleveland Browns —Jahvid Best (RB California)

Joshua Cribbs can't be the only playmaker if Cleveland wants to succeed. Best is a game changer who can still rush the ball 15-20 times a game.

36) Detroit Lions —Everson Griffen (DE Southern California)

Griffen is bigger than other defensive ends coming out of college and some teams even look at him as a future tackle. Detroit is looking for both size and pass rush.

37) Buffalo Bills —Charles Brown (OT Southern California)

The offensive tackles in this draft are close in talent and Brown could go top half of the first. In this scenario, he becomes piece of a Buffalo rebuild.

38) Kansas City Chiefs —Arrelious Benn (WR Illinois)

Benn is another kid with first round talent but is very very very unpolished. Adding Spiller in the first and now Benn gives K.C. some of the best young offensive talent in the league.

39) Seattle Seahawks —Brandon Ghee (CB Wake Forest)

Ghee is one of the more talented cover men in the draft and can match up with any college receiver. He has the size and leaping Josh Wilson lacks.

40) Oakland Raiders —Jason Fox (OT Miami)

The Raiders don't have a QB but are paying JaMarcus Russell too much to pick another so soon. Jason Fox is a left tackle through and through and would move Mario Henderson to the right.

41) Washington Redskins —Corey Wootton (DE Northwestern)

The Redskins are still searching for a pass rusher after picking up Jeremy Jarmon in the Supplemental Draft. Wootton has knee problems but a healthy physical could vault him into the first. 

42) Carolina Panthers —Ryan Mallett (QB Arkansas)

No real penalty for the Panthers in this mock for trading away their first rounder last year. Mallett would be the best QB available with either pick. He's raw so fans should suffer Delhomme one more year.

43) San Francisco 49ers —Sergio Kindle (OLB Texas)

The 49ers improved their run defense and their running game in the first round and upgrade the pass rush in the second. Kindle just gets to the QB. Similar grade to Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech) last year. 

44) New York Jets —Jared Odrick (DE/DT Penn State)

Odrick is a lock for the next pick if the Jets don't scoop him up ahead of their division rivals. Both the Jets and the Patriots could use a young talented, pass rushing 3-4 defensive end.

45) New England Patriots (From Ten) —Von Miller (OLB/DE Texas A&M)

At 214lbs, Miller won't be playing defensive end in the NFL. The Patriots would be wise to take a long-term look at the nation's sack leader.

46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Chi) —Jason Pierre-Paul (DE South Florida)

The Buccaneers gave up a failed first rounder to get this pick but grabbed another pass rusher at the top of the second. Consider Pierre-Paul to be the bigger and more polished prospect.

47) Miami Dolphins —Anthony Davis (OG/OT Rutgers)

The Dolphins have a fine left tackle in Jake Long but many scouts don't expect Davis to play there. Davis would slide in at RG or perhaps even slide Justin Smiley over.

48) Kansas City Chiefs (From Atl) —Dan Williams (NT/DT Tennessee)

One of the reasons the Chiefs could address the offense with their first two picks is because they obtained this pick from Atlanta in the Tony Gonzalez trade. Dan Williams would slide right into KC's nose tackle position between Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey.

49) Baltimore Ravens —Trevard Lindley (CB Kentucky)

For most teams, Lindley doesn't have NFL size. Baltimore has no problem with that—often grabbing smaller defensive backs other teams don't want. The Ravens are desperate for cornerback help and will love his ability in coverage.

50) Houston Texans —Brian Price (DT UCLA)

At 300lbs, the talented Bruin tackle will free up a lot of space for Okoye and Mario Williams. The Texans have craved a young talented 4-3 nose tackle for a while and this is the year to grab one.

51) New England Patriots (From Jax) —Sean Lee (ILB Penn State)

In a perfect world, the discussion of the NFL Draft could be Sean Lee or Brandon Spikes as the top inside linebacker and both would go in the top half of the first. The Patriots would love a shot at putting a first round athlete next to Jerod Mayo.

52) Green Bay Packers —Jonathan Dwyer (RB Georgia Tech)

Option running backs are treated like spread quarterbacks in NFL circles. Is Dwyer a great athlete? Yes. Will teams drop him because of the offensive system? Yes. The Packers need another runner in the stable and Dwyer could be special.

53) Philadelphia Eagles —John Jerry (OG Mississippi)

Jerry is a giant at 6'5", 350lbs and is a lot more than just bulk. Jerry moves well and blocks with the best of them. The Rebel would push both starting Eagles guards and could see work at right tackle as well.

54) Denver Broncos —Colt McCoy (QB Texas)

Cold winter-beard aside, Orton isn't old—especially for quarterbacks. But it was made clear that Coach McDaniels wants his type of quarterback. Accurate, heady, fiery, athletic, Colt McCoy fits the mold and fits perfectly in Denver—and not as much anywhere else. 

55) New York Giants —Kristopher O'Dowd (C/OG Southern California)

The talented Trojans lineman had a dislocated knee cap this season which has kept him from 100 percent. If he is healthy by workouts, he could have an Alex Mack-like rise.

56) Pittsburgh Steelers —Vince Oghobaase (NT/DT Duke)

The Steelers grabbed their only urgent need in round one so in round two they can continue to restock the aging defensive line with another great prospect.

57) Cincinnati Bengals —Jon Asamoah (OG Illinois)

It's all about the running game for the Bengals and Asamoah is a A+ run blocker—able to man up against even the stoutest nose tackle.

58) New England Patriots —Marvin Austin (DE/DT North Carolina)

The Patriots could go offense here (especially after grabbing Jones in the first). Austin is the best player available and have a few young linemen will help contract leverage against Vince Wilfork.

59) Arizona Cardinals —Roddrick Muckelroy (OLB Texas)

Arizona went with a hand-down pass rusher in the first. With this pick, the Cardinals pick up a linebacker who has lots of experience rushing from an up position.

60) Dallas Cowboys —Patrick Robinson (CB Florida State)

Mike Jenkins needs a battery mate under 30 and Patrick Robinson has all the tools but lacks overall polish. He'll find value as a situational defensive back for now.

61) San Diego Chargers —Myron Rolle (S Florida State)

Myron Rolle was a borderline first rounder last April and some good workouts could vault him back into the picture.

62) Minnesota Vikings —Syd'Quan Thompson (CB California)

Thompson fits best into a role like Antoine Winfield. Depending on their grade, the Vikings may even consider him in the first.

63) New Orleans Saints —Tyson Alualu (DT/DE California)

The Saints would love a big sturdy under tackle to pair with Sedrick Ellis. If Alualu drops, he would be a steal for the Saints.

64) Indianapolis Colts —Selvish Capers (OT West Virginia)

Peyton Manning has done miracles with a revolving door at left tackle, Capers is a former tight end with immense athleticism.

For A Three Round NFL Mock Draft—DraftTek.com

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him on Twitter.