2010 NFL Draft: Pre-Combine 7 Round Mock Draft
The staff of nfldraft101.com met after the Senior Bowl to conduct our first, seven round mock draft of the year (talk about an educational experience).
Please note that we have also included supplemental picks based on research conducted by adamjt13.blogspot.com to provide the most realistic mock draft possible. These picks are estimates and subject to change.
Round 1:
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1. St. Louis Rams , DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
The St. Louis Rams have a combined six wins over the last three seasons. From a talent standpoint, this team is arguably worse than the 0-16, 2008 Detroit Lions. Ndamukong Suh is the most talented defensive tackle to enter the draft in the last 10 years. A defensive line anchored by Suh and Chris Long could finally jump-start the Rams' rebuilding efforts, as well as Spagnuolo's pressure schemes. However, if the Rams were to pass on Suh and draft Notre Dame QB, Jimmy Clausen, I would not be critical of that selection. Keep in mind the Rams are a dome team and that very few have had success building a "smash-mouth" football team. With the selection of offensive tackle Jason Smith in 2009, the Rams are in position to draft a quarterback. Just some food for thought.
2. Detroit Lions, DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
The Lions struggled mightily up front on both sides of the ball in 2009. All signs point to them fixing the defense and taking tackle, Gerald McCoy with this pick. McCoy should help the Lions' anemic pass rushing and run defense. There are two major risks if the Lions do end up taking McCoy instead of offensive tackle, Russell Okung: First, defensive tackles have a high bust rate, and second, they don't want to see quarterback Matthew Stafford hit as many times as he was 2009. If you look at the recent successes of Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez as rookies, they can both attribute part of it to the quality of their respective offensive lines. Passing on the chance to upgrade at left tackle could hinder the development of QB Matthew Stafford, and the drop-off in quality at the position is expected to be severe by the second round—especially if Charles Brown is off the board as indicated by our mock draft.
If McCoy falls past Detroit, he will likely end up a Buccaneer. If not, Tampa can go in a number of directions with choices like Russell Okung, Eric Berry, and Dez Bryant still on the draft board. With Tampa Bay finishing 27th in overall defense this past season, I expect them to take the best defensive player on the board. With scouts comparing his skill set to that of Baltimore's Ed Reed, Eric Berry seems to be a safe pick at this position.
The Redskins need a quarterback, but are in no position to do so given the current state of their offensive line. That being said, Russell Okung is by far the best offensive tackle in this draft. If Okung is off the board at this point, I expect the Redskins gamble on a quarterback, or trade down in an attempt to select the next best tackle available.
This is a key draft for the Chiefs' GM, Scott Pioli. In addition to attempts to improve their offensive line and front seven on defense, the Chiefs are searching for more offensive weapons to help quarterback Matt Cassel. Once again, assuming Russell Okung is off the board at this point, I expect Kansas City to go with wide receiver, Dez Bryant. Bryant, the best prospect in this class at the position, would be an excellent fit for Todd Haley and Charlie Weis' preferred, pass-happy offense.
For the Seahawks to contend in the NFC West, it's clear they must find a replacement for recently retired offensive tackle, Walter Jones. With two, first round picks in the top 14, they have a lot of flexibility with regard to how they choose to do so. If only Okung is off the board at tackle, the Seahawks may take their future franchise quarterback at six and use their pick at 14 to protect his blindside. Jimmy Clausen has a slight edge over Sam Bradford based on his previous experience running a pro style offense, not to mention having the healthier shoulder.
The entire Cleveland Browns organization has lacked good leadership since its return to the NFL in 1999. The Browns have missed on countless draft picks over the years. New team President, Mike Holmgren, is an offensive guy, but this draft is clearly loaded on the defensive side. Rolando McClain is the smartest defensive football player on the board, and provides a big body that can bring pressure up the middle. Florida CB, Joe Haden, is tough to pass on, but their priorities lie on improving the front seven and adding a leader to the defense.
Common sense would deduce the Raiders taking advantage of this draft class' depth at offensive line class to address their biggest need. However, you also have to keep in mind that Al Davis runs the show in Oakland, and that he's been searching for a dominant pass rusher for several years now. Carlos Dunlap is the most athletically gifted defensive lineman in this year's class. His work ethic and off-the-field issues should not phase Davis.
Like the Washington Redskins, Buffalo's offensive line would be unable to keep a rookie quarterback off the disabled list without a major upgrade at tackle. The Bills addressed their interior offensive line last year with picks Eric Wood and Andy Levitre. Davis provides an upgrade on the outside, possessing the size and strength to start at either tackle position.
In 2008, Jacksonville traded several draft picks to select Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves in an attempt to address their pass rushing problems. So far, the experiment has not panned out and they find themselves looking for another defensive end. Morgan not only improves their pass rush, but can also stop the run. Their pass defense needs help, but the best ones typically benefit from a solid pass rush as well.
So far the Jay Cutler trade hasn't helped either team. Kyle Orton was barely serviceable and clearly not a franchise quarterback. If Dez Bryant is off the board, Denver would have to give strong consideration to Sam Bradford. He fits a Denver offense that features elements of the spread with an offensive line capable of protecting a rookie quarterback coming off shoulder surgery. The Broncos taking a QB would not be as big a surprise as it appears to be on the surface.
In Bill Parcells' two years as Executive VP of Football Operations, the Dolphins have used draft picks to adequately fix their offensive and defensive line, as well as their secondary. This year, look for Miami to add youth to the running back and linebacker positions. With the depth available at 3-4 OLB in this draft, expect the Dolphins to use this earlier selection on running back, CJ Spiller. Spiller is arguably the best offensive playmaker in the draft, and is an ideal fit for a creative offense like theirs.
In every draft, a top 10 player drops farther than expected, but we were as stunned as anyone to find Haden could be this year's guy, given that he's been mentioned with nearly every selection from Cleveland down. If he does fall in the draft, chances are another team will trade up to select him in the top 10 to get Haden, including the 49ers. If he reaches San Francisco at pick 13, saying Mike Singletary would be happy is an understatement. Haden would be just what the doctor ordered for a defense in need of a major upgrade in the secondary.
14. Seattle Seahawks, OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Having one of the top four left tackles still on the board at 14 makes the earlier decision to select a QB look much better. Bulaga had his share of health issues in 2009, but the talent is clearly there. His tremendous upside and football IQ would make him a starter on any team next season.
In year one of the post-Steve Spagnuolo era, the Giants fell to 30th overall in total defense. A dominant front four over the past few years helped overshadow weaknesses in the secondary. With or without Kenny Phillips in 2010, the Giants could use an upgrade at the safety position. Thomas is the best coverage safety in the draft.
The 2009 Titans greatly felt the loss of Albert Haynesworth, losing his ability to collapse the pocket up the middle and force hurried throws. Brian Price is a different type of defensive tackle, but can still penetrate and wreck havoc in opposing backfields. The lack of an interior pass rush played a big role in the decline of their pass defense which finished 31st in 2009. Linebackers Navarro Bowman and Brandon Spikes also received consideration.
17. San Francisco 49ers, OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland
Right tackle has been an ongoing problem for the Niners during the last five years. LT Joe Staley is merely an average left tackle who would fit better on the right side. Bruce Campbell is a raw, yet talented left tackle prospect with a high ceiling.
The once vaunted Steeler offensive line has fallen on hard times the past few seasons as made evident by losses in 2009 to Cleveland and Kansas City where they gave up a combined 13 sacks. These games they were expected to win ultimately ended costing them a shot at the postseason. Finding an athletic left tackle to keep Ben Roethlisberger upright has to be a top priority. Charles Brown is not the Steelers' traditional mauler, but the converted tight end has excellent tools, and may fly up draft boards with an impressive combine workout.
The Falcons need to add impact players on each level of the defense. Based on the current players available, Navarro Bowman is the best player at a position of need. His speed and athletic ability are a perfect fit to play outside linebacker for a dome team.
20. Houston Texas, DT Jared Odrick, Penn State
The Texans have made strides to fix their front seven over the last four years, but are still missing a tackle that brings pressure up the middle. Amobi Okoye has not lived up to expectations, but hasn't had much help either. Jared Odrick is a high effort guy that can get up the field while also remaining stout against the run.
Most mock drafts have the Bengals selecting a wide receiver or tight end in round one, so the selection of a guard may come as a bit of a surprise. However, a closer look shows the offensive line (particularly, at guard) as a weak link that spurned the team's clock-eating, run-dominated offense in 2009. By upgrading at guard with a player like Iupati, they improve their ground attack, and allow Carson Palmer the patience to look downfield again.
The Patriots offense will always be a pass first attack as long as Tom Brady is the quarterback, but 2009 revealed their need to bring back a semblance of balance to the attack. Ryan Mathews is the all-around back they were hoping to get when they drafted the oft injured, Lawrence Maroney in 2006. Bill Belichick also has a history of drafting Fresno State players. Don't be surprised if their aging offense gets more attention than expected in this year's draft.
The Packer offensive line improved in the second half of the season, but the tackle position remains to be a major issue. We are not as high on Trent Williams as other publications but considering the drop-off at the position after Williams, they make the pick knowing they may have improved their right tackle situation, instead of their left. In their best case scenario, one of the true left tackles either falls to them, or they consider trading up to get him.
When Stewart Bradley went down in training camp, the Eagles' core of linebackers was not the same. Chris Gocong is clearly not a good fit for a 4-3 scheme. Sean Weatherspoon is strong side linebacker and an effective blitzer, which is a perfect fit for Sean McDermott's defense. His ability to play all three linebacker spots is an added plus.
25. Baltimore Ravens, WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame
The Ravens must upgrade at the wide receiver position if they expect to take their team to the next level. Golden Tate is a big play receiver who can make catches underneath, and stretch them into big plays. Don't be surprised if the Ravens get involved talks to acquire Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall this offseason, but until anything happens, drafting a wide receiver is a near certainty early in the draft.
Even with the retirement of Kurt Warner, the Cardinals are not going to reach on a quarterback in round one. To make their 3-4 defense work, they need to add an outside pass rusher. Kindle's experience at defensive end and linebacker allow them to continue running hybrid schemes.
With all of the first round tackles off the board, Dallas will go for best player available. Aging veterans Zach Thomas and Keith Brooking have started at inside linebacker for them in 2008 and 2009, respectively, making this selection a logical one. Brandon Spikes possesses the ideal size and football instincts necessary to start immediately in Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme.
In addition to Nate Kaeding, the reason San Diego lost to the Jets in the playoffs was the play upfront on both sides of the ball. This team lacks depth on both the offensive and defensive lines. 2009 draftee Vaughn Martin has upside, but making the transition from Canadian college football to the NFL will take time. Terrence Cody has two years of experience starting in a 3-4 scheme, and despite weight and conditioning concerns, he has the prototypical traits of a run-stuffing nose tackle.
29. New York Jets, DT Dan Williams, Tennessee
The Jets defense had a great year in 2009. The two main areas of concern are at nose tackle and 3-4 outside linebacker. At this point in the mock draft, the drop off in talent at 3-4 NT is greater than 3-4 OLB. Dan Williams has the skill set of a nose and improved dramatically under Monte Kiffin in 2009. Williams could also play a litte 3-4 DE in Rex Ryan's diverse scheme.
The Vikings are tempted to draft a quarterback here, but are going to gamble that Brett Favre will return in 2010. With Antoine Winfield headed to free agency, the Vikings address their cornerback situation with Kyle Wilson. Wilson is tad undersized, but has the best football instincts of any corner left on the board.
The Colts are in a position to take best player on the board. Brandon Graham has a similar body type and skill set to that of Dwight Freeney. With Freeney turning 30 this year and Mathis closing in on it, the time to groom a replacement and add depth is now. Graham would also improve the run defense.
Will Smith, the heart soul of the Saints defensive line, needs help. Jason Pierre-Paul rose from the JUCO ranks in 2008, to a top NFL Draft Prospect on a talented South Florida defense. Pierre-Paul is raw, but would immediately contribute as a third-down pass rushing specialist in Gregg Williams' aggressive scheme.
Chris Maier is a senior editor for nfldraft101.com. Please feel free to post comments. We welcome your feedback.
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