2010 NFL Mock Draft: Fourth Edition

In my third installment of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft most people were content with the selections for their teams, but now that the free agency is behind us and the NFL’s attention is strictly on the NFL Draft it will change the dynamic a bit of who goes where.

The Chicago Bears already had their 2010 draft come and go via free agency due to Jay Cutler and Gaines Adams' trades. The Bears don’t have a first-round or second-round selection in the draft so general manager Jerry Angelo and company can sit back for the first two days.

Mike Holmgren and the Cleveland Browns have been the most active team since the first wave of free agency passed by acquiring former Seahawks backup quarterback Seneca Wallace for a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft.

Holmgren also signed free agent quarterback Jake Delhomme to a two-year contract and traded former first-round pick Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos in exchange for fullback Peyton Hillis and two conditional late round picks in 2010 and 2011. Holmgren also cut quarterback Derek Anderson who has since signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

It has been well documented that Holmgren would prefer to add one of the two top quarterbacks in the 2010 draft, Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford, to groom behind Delhomme for a season.

Other teams that have made some sizable moves since my third edition are the Seattle Seahawks who shocked the NFL community by trading for unproven four-year quarterback Charlie Whitehurst and also agreeing to terms on a two-year, $10 million dollar contract with eight million of that guaranteed.

With that being said it’s time for the unveiling of my fourth edition 2010 mock draft (first round only).

1) St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, Quarterback Oklahoma

Examination: In my first three mock drafts Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was the unquestioned, unanimous selection for the St Louis Rams.

However over the last two months the news and rumors of the Rams looking more and more closely at both Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford with the first overall pick it has become clear that the Rams will make the wise choice of selecting a quarterback first overall.

That quarterback will be Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford.

Bradford has not thrown a pass since Sept. 5 when he injured his shoulder in the second quarter against BYU and afterward announced that he would have shoulder surgery and then enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

Scouts don’t know how Bradford’s arm will look or if it will hold up after the surgery. This is keeping most scouts and teams on the fence about possibly selecting Bradford.

If his arm checks out and the rest of his medical problems are behind him, then Sam Bradford is automatically the number one overall pick to the St. Louis Rams, an organization in dire need for a franchise quarterback.

Previous pick: Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska

2) Detroit Lions: Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle Oklahoma State

Examination: This will be the first true test for the Lions front office because of the decision that has to be agreed upon. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is a defensive minded coach who would love to have either of the two defensive tackles in this years class, Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.

However general manager Martin Mayhew has vowed to move Jeff Backus, the current left tackle over to left guard should the Lions decided to make the Oklahoma State product the second-overall pick.

The Lions have a tough decision to make in the war room come April 22, because it comes down to the biggest need verses the best overall player in the draft in Suh/McCoy.

In the end the Lions will do the smart thing and go with the biggest need, offensive tackle and that will come in the form of Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung.

Also the financial value of spending the guaranteed $12 million per season on a franchise left tackle makes more sense over $12 million on a defensive tackle.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle Nebraska

Examination: If the scenario plays out the way it has so far the Bucs will have automatically won the lotto no matter who they pick. Tampa is desperate for a spark on the defensive line and either of the top two defensive tackles can provide that spark.

However Ndamukong Suh is the perfect fit for Tampa and is reminiscent of former Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp.

The Bucs will have to decide between Suh and McCoy and in the end they will go with the fourth place runner-up in the Heisman voting, Ndamukong Suh.

Previous pick: Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma

4) Washington Redskins: Bryan Bulaga, Offensive Tackle Iowa

Examination: Bryan Bulaga isn’t a big name star like Dan Snyder is drawn to, nor is Iowa a top-ten football powerhouse. Regardless, he’s the best offensive tackle on the board and could become the No. 1 offensive tackle come April 22, but no matter if he is one or two he’s still the right pick for the Redskins at fourth overall.

Long time anchor on the Redskins offensive line Chris Samuels retired this off-season due to a neck injury so the biggest need becomes left tackle under new head coach Mike Shanahan.

The Skins’ tendered a contract to starting quarterback Jason Campbell at the first round level and haven’t been linked to the big-name quarterback this off-season like they have been in previous off-season’s with Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez.

Shanahan could also be waiting for a better quarterback class to select his franchise quarterback and the 2011 class is looking a lot better than this year’s class.

So that leaves left tackle as the next highest need for the Redskins and Bryan Bulaga is the best offensive tackle still on the board.

Previous pick: Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle Oklahoma

Examination: Some people will consider this pick a huge reach with Williams going fifth overall to the Chiefs but it’s too high to select an inside linebacker (Rolando McClain) or a safety like Eric Berry from Tennessee. What Kansas City would prefer would be to trade down maybe to Buffalo at No. 9 or Cleveland at No. 7.

However because I have my own rules for mock drafts’ I don’t create trade scenarios in my mock drafts (predicting trades and altering the true draft order).

With that being said this year’s draft class is stocked with top tier offensive tackles and no one is rising faster than Oklahoma’s Trent Williams.

Williams wowed scouts at the NFL combine posting a 4.88 40-yard dash time, second best for the offensive tackles as well as posting a 34.5 vertical jump which was the highest from the offensive line group.

Trent Williams is the most athletic offensive tackle in this year’s class and has been tearing up all of his individual workouts and would be a great addition for the Chiefs offensive line.

Brandon Albert can slide over to left guard and Trent Williams would then become the franchise left tackle.

Previous pick: Eric Berry, S Tennessee

6) Seattle Seahawks: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle Oklahoma

Examination: The Seahawks put an end to the speculation that the team would be selecting a top quarterback in this years draft by acquiring Charlie Whitehurst from the San Diego Chargers.

So that means no Jimmy Clausen with this pick. With offensive tackles Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga, and Trent Williams already off the board, the Seahawks can’t afford to reach for an unproven offensive tackle like Bruce Campbell with this pick.

That leaves safety, defensive tackle, wide receiver, and running back as the only remaining needs that Seattle can fill with the sixth overall pick.

Eric Berry is a possibility but with Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy still available the Seahawks and Pete Carroll cannot afford to pass up this opportunity to select the best pass-rusher in the draft, as well as the best overall player in the draft.

The Seahawks will still operate under a 4-3 defensive scheme under Pete Carroll, however the team still is lacking a pass rusher on the defensive line.

McCoy is and can be that pass rusher for the Seahawks at defensive tackle alongside Brandon Mebane. The Seahawks aren’t sure of defensive end Patrick Kerney’s future or what he still has left remaining in his career, so the Seahawks can’t afford to pass up the best pass rusher in the draft in Gerald McCoy.

Previous pick: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

7) Cleveland Browns: Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback Notre Dame

Examination: Browns' President Mike Holmgren will have to be holding a rosary on draft day praying that he won’t have to trade up to get the player he wants, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

Holmgren has been constructing a face-lift on the Browns' franchise over the past few weeks and especially at the quarterback position.

Out is Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, in is Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme (so far). But Holmgren has been actively looking for a long-term answer at the quarterback position, mainly in the draft with Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen.

Eagles’ quarterback Kevin Kolb is also a possibility but with the reports out that the Eagles want two first-round picks for Kolb it might just be enough to keep Holmgren away.

Mike Holmgren is known around the league for his unprecedented success at grooming young quarterbacks into pro-bowlers i.e., Matt Hasselbeck (practice squad to Seattle to three-time Pro Bowl quarterback), Brett Favre (second-round pick to backup to Hall of Fame quarterback) as well as a few others.

Jimmy Clausen could very well be Holmgren’s next success story in the NFL. So with the seventh pick overall Jimmy Clausen will become Mike Holmgren’s first draft pick as president of the Cleveland Browns.

Previous pick: Joe Haden, CB Florida

8) Oakland Raiders: Eric Berry, Safety Tennessee

Examination: It’s been well documented that Raiders owner Al Davis for one never cares what anyone else ever thinks of his draft selections and two that he loves speedy play-making players on both sides of the ball.

So that brings the possibilities down to three players. Eric Berry, Bruce Campbell, and Carlos Dunlap.

In the end it will be the play-making safety from Tennessee Eric Berry.

Berry posted a 4.47 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine and really showed his electrifying skills in the ball drills and covered a lot of ground, something that will make his stock rise even higher than his film tape.

Previous pick: Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida

9) Buffalo Bills: Anthony Davis, Offensive Tackle Rutgers

Examination: The Bills are desperate for two things, a quarterback and any offensive line help. The Bills are out of luck with a quarterback with Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford already off the board. So that leaves offensive tackle, by far the deepest position in the draft in terms of the volume of talented players at the position.

It will come down to the Anthony Davis versus the unproven Bruce Campbell, who only started thirteen games at Rutgers.

In the end it will be Anthony Davis from Rutgers.

Davis has huge upside on the field and has everything a coach would want in a franchise left tackle.

Anthony Davis has solid intangibles, good mobility and dominant in pass-protection. Run blocking is a solid second but Davis is a much better pass blocker than run blocker.

Previous pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame

10) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End South Florida

Examination: The Jags have had hit-and-miss success when drafting players from Florida (not FSU or USF) but from Urban Meyer’s Florida program.

They missed on defensive end Derrick Harvey (who they traded up 20 slots to get) but hit on safety Reggie Nelson so with Florida’s top defensive end Carlos Dunlap not being the best defensive end in the draft it’s not worth taking the risk.

Jason Pierre-Paul, a freak-of-nature from South Florida is a perfect fit for Jacksonville and Jack Del Rio. Pierre-Paul has been flying up draft boards since the end of the season and rightfully so.

Pierre-Paul has top-end speed as well as great athleticism and can fit in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense well in the NFL. He recorded 4.5 sacks, 33 tackles, 12.5 TFL (tackles for loss), 1 INT and 1 FF in his only season at South Florida under Jim Levitt.

The Jaguars are desperate for a talented defensive end and Pierre-Paul is the best defensive end in the draft, even though the home-state kid Dunlap is still on the board Pierre-Paul is still the right pick for Jacksonville at tenth overall.

11) Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, Inside Linebacker Alabama

Examination: Brandon Marshall’s situation will determine who the Broncos select with the eleventh overall pick in the draft.

If Marshall says the team doesn’t need a wide receiver and can turn its attention to their need at inside linebacker. If Marshall is traded then the top need becomes wide receiver and the pick then becomes Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State.

Sticking with the facts, Marshall is still property of the Denver Broncos’ and so far only the Seattle Seahawks have been the only team to bring him in for an official visit. So that makes Rolando McClain the pick at eleven for the Broncos.

McClain, while being a great talent, is still a reach this high in the draft. However the Broncos’ can’t go wrong with drafting McClain because he still has great talent and brings back memories of Patrick Willis who went 11th overall to the 49ers three years ago.

12) Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, Nose Tackle Tennessee

Examination: Much like Mike Holmgren in Cleveland, Bill Parcells is large and in-charge in Miami and has done a solid job of turning around this Miami Dolphins franchise. However, he’s still got some holes to fill.

Wide receiver is a need for the Dolphins, however the last time Bill Parcells selected a wide receiver in the first round was in 1999 and that was Terry Glenn. However that pick did not come from Parcells, it came from Patriots owner Bob Kraft.

That knocks out Dez Bryant.

So that brings nose tackle to the top of the list for needs on the Dolphins roster and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is a genius when calling the 3-4 defense and Miami doesn’t have an elite nose tackle.

Dan Williams out of Tennessee is the best nose tackle in the draft and would be a welcome addition to the Dolphins defense long-term.

Jason Ferguson, 35, is still a free-agent and Parcells would prefer to go younger and bring in a more talented nose tackle that can be a fixture in Nolan’s 3-4 defense for a long time.

Williams is a 6-2, 327 lbs. beast at nose tackle and is one of those players who is a high commodity for a defense running a 3-4 scheme like the Dolphins do.

This off-season has shown just how important a talented nose tackle is in the league with the Pats’ Vince Wilfork, Packers' Ryan Pickett, Steelers' Casey Hampton as well as many other nose tackles receiving big time contracts this off-season.

So with the twelfth pick in the 2010 draft the Miami Dolphins will go with Tennessee nose tackle Dan Williams.

Previous pick: Earl Thomas, S Texas

13) San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden, Cornerback Florida

Examination: The 49ers have two needs remaining this off-season and both can be filled through the draft with their first two picks in the draft (No. 13 and No. 17). The Niners need a right tackle as well as a cornerback opposite of Nate Clements.

They can knock off one of those needs right now by selecting Florida’s Joe Haden who has taken a bit of a hit with his poor 40-yard dash times at the combine. He did recover at his pro day by running in the 4.4’s in the 40-yard dash, an improvement from the 4.5 time he ran at the combine.

Haden is the best cover corner in the draft and brings a lot of intangibles that Jets Darrell Revis has, however Haden still has a ways to go before he gets to Revis island.

Previous pick: Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma

14) Seattle Seahawks: Mike Iupati, Guard Idaho

Examination: This could not be a better draft for the Seahawks should the draft play out as it has right here. The Seahawks already picked up the best overall player in the draft to help them on the defensive line in Gerald McCoy and now they get to add immediate help on the offensive line with Mike Iupati.

The Seahawks have been horrendous on the offensive line over the past two seasons, allowing more than 50 sacks the past two years and with Walter Jones (LT) heading towards retirement and Rob Sims (LG) possibly heading out of town via trade. The Seahawks left side is in serious jeopardy.

Iupati can be that answer at left guard, giving the Seahawks their long awaited replacement for Steve Hutchinson and a great long-term solution at left guard as the Seahawks continue to rebuild the offensive line.

Iupati’s stock has been on the rise since his outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl in Alabama a few months back. He’s got great size at 6-5 331 lbs and even though he’s not very mobile he makes up for it in toughness and overall talent.

Look for the Seahawks to completely rebuild the offensive line and it begins with left guard Mike Iupati with the fourteenth overall pick.

Previous pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE South Florida

15) New York Giants: Brian Price, Defensive Tackle UCLA

Examination: Giants general manager already took care of the safety need in free agency by signing former Arizona Cardinal Antrel Rolle to a five-year $37 million contract. Now Reese can turn his attention to the defensive line and mainly at defensive tackle.

There isn’t a decent middle linebacker available in the draft to fill the void left by Antonio Pierce so the Giants will have to choose between defensive end (Derrick Morgan) and defensive tackle (Brian Price) and I believe it will be Price.

Brian Price was a standout defensive tackle at UCLA and decided to come out a year early and with his draft stock on the rise that decision is looking more and more wise as the draft draws closer.

Fred Robbins left the Giants this off-season for the St. Louis Rams so they will be looking to add a run-stuffing defensive tackle in the draft. Not just because Robbins is no longer with the Giants but because of the lack-luster performance in the run defense this past season.

The Giants need as much help as they can get on the defensive line and the defense in general and by selecting Brian Price they will take a huge step in completing that goal.

Previous pick: Dan Williams, NT Tennessee

16) Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan, Defensive End Georgia Tech

Examination: This couldn’t workout better for the Tennessee Titans with Derrick Morgan falling to them at 16 overall.

They have lost Kyle Vanden Bosch to the Detroit Lions and “the freak” Jevan Kearse is a free agent at 33 years old, so the Titans will need to look for a young replacement in the draft.

Derrick Morgan is the perfect fit and is the best available defensive end still on the board. Morgan was dominant in his junior year at Georgia Tech recording 55 tackles, 18.5 TFL (tackles for loss), 12.5 sacks and 2 FF in fourteen games.

Morgan has great intangibles both on and off the field and durability is never an issue having only missed one game in his three years at GT.

So Tennessee gets the luck of the draw and lands defensive end Derrick Morgan with the sixteenth overall pick in the 2010 draft.

Previous pick: Brian Price, DT UCLA

17) San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, Running Back Clemson

Examination: Tough decision for the Niners will come down to need versus best player available with the most upside. The need being offensive tackle and Bruce Campbell or the best player available with the most upside being running back C.J. Spiller.

It’s too much of a reach for Campbell here just because he’s very unproven and only a Maryland workout product, I’m not sold just based on workouts. So that leaves electrifying C.J. Spiller as the player heading to the Bay Area.

The Niners already running back Frank Gore but Spiller brings the complete package and kick-returning ability that Gore doesn’t possess.

Safety Earl Thomas is also a possibility but I think Mike Singletary will be too amazed by Spiller that he won’t let him by.

Previous pick: Donovan Warren, CB Michigan

18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Wilson, Cornerback Boise State

Examination: This is most likely the third most favorable choice for the Steelers in terms of who they would like to pick. With inside linebacker Rolando McClain and guard Mike Iupati both off the board, they have to still fill a void at corner back.

Kyle Wilson is an up-and-coming player in the draft even though he has been playing like a top 15 pick the entire 2009 season. Wilson could be the best overall corner in the draft depending on which scouts you talk to.

Wilson posses great ball skills and makes a great transition from back-peddling to covering deep. Durability is never an issue with Wilson having never missed a game in his four years at Boise State.

The only hit on Wilson is his size at 5-10 but he makes up for it with great cover skills and ball control. He still needs to work on run defense but with time and effort that will come.

Previous pick: Mike Iupati, G Idaho

19) Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham, Defensive End Michigan

Examination: Author Blank took care of the Falcons biggest need of the off-season by signing free agent corner back Dunta Robinson to a six-year  $57 million contract. Now he has to take on the task of improving the Falcons dismal pass-rush and mainly at defense end.

Former first-round pick Jamaal Anderson has been a complete bust since being selected eighth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Falcons will have to try again in the draft to find a premier pass rushing defensive end and Michigan product Brandon Graham is that guy.

Graham was the lone bright spot on a dead Michigan defense this season racking up 46 tackles, 20 TFL, 10 sacks and 2 FF while also being named to second-team All Big Ten.

Graham can play both defense end and outside linebacker so it will be up to Mike Smith where he plays in the NFL but no matter where he plays Graham will always be active no matter what.

Previous pick: Everson Griffen, DE USC

20) Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, Safety Texas

Examination: With the loss of corner back Dunta Robinson t0 the Atlanta Falcons the Texans secondary now becomes the top priority in the draft. With both Joe Haden and Kyle Wilson being off the board they still have a top-tier safety still on the board in Earl Thomas.

Thomas will push Tennessee safety Eric Berry for the title of No. 1 safety in this years draft class but for now he remains a close second.

Earl Thomas doesn’t have the best size for a safety at 5-10 but he make up for in with outstanding cover skills. Need’s to bulk up more at the NFL level but that will come soon enough.

Eugene Wilson has missed almost 30 games over the past four years, raising a red flag in the Texans defensive backfield, however Earl Thomas can come in and start this season and be a great long term answer at safety.

Previous pick: Taylor Mays, S USC

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Mays, Safety USC

Examination:  Cincinnati already took care of their biggest need of the off-season by signing wide receiver Antonio Bryant to a four-year $28 million contract bringing an end to their receiving need.

Now they can turn to the defensive backfield and mainly safety. They re-signed safety Roy Williams but they still need help in the defensive backs and Taylor Mays, while losing about $10-15 million in guaranteed money by going back to school last year can still bring that presents.

Don’t forget that Marvin Lewis seems to be fond of USC playings considering the amount  he’s drafted since 2003.

Previous pick: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

22) New England Patriots: Jermaine Gresham, Tight End Oklahoma

Examination: Rush linebackers have a terrible success to fail ratio and knowing how Bill Belichick doesn’t spend first-round selections on rush linebackers there is no reason why that will change this year.

So that brings tight end into the picture and with both Chris Baker and Ben Watson signing with Seattle and Cleveland respectively, the team is now without a No. 1 tight end.

There have been rumors about free agent Alge Crumpler being a possible fit. I doubt that Belichick would take an aging Crumpler over a talented young Jermaine Gresham.

The Patriots aren’t sure when Wes Welker will be back or what the status of Randy Moss is, but I don’t see Bill taking a chance on Dez Bryant over Gresham.

So in the end I think Belichick will go with the Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham with the 22nd overall pick.

Previous pick: C.J Spiller, RB Clemson

23) Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell, Offensive Tackle Maryland

Examination: This is the perfect fit for Campbell to go to in Green Bay. The Packers, while signing Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, still don’t have a young talented option at left tackle moving forward and Tauscher has a history of injury problems so he’s not a lock to start in 2010.

The most important thing for the Packers organization and coaching staff is to protect their franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

24) Philadelphia Eagles: Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End Florida

Examination: It’s amazing how far Dunlap has fallen but he still can rebound and raise his stock slightly but not by much. Overall talented is not what hurts his stock, it’s the off-field and lazy attitude that has been reported that teams are weary about.

However the reason Dunlap is a great fit in Philadelphia is because not only does he fill the remaining defensive end need along with Darryl Tapp, but because Andy Reid has had success with slackers and underachievers before (Jason Peters as well as many others, except T.O.).

Carlos Dunlap is a great fit with the Eagles at 24th overall.

Previous pick: Brandon Graham, DE Michigan

25) Baltimore Ravens: Everson Griffen, Defensive End USC

Examination: It’s fair to say that the Ravens have solidified their receiving corps with the additions of Donte’ Stallworth, Anquan Boldin as well as re-signing Derrick Mason. Now they can shore up their defensive line with the addition of Everson Griffen with the 25th pick in the draft.

The Ravens have lost both Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan to free agency and now don’t have as well of a solidified defensive line as they had thought.

So the Ravens can fill the hole at defensive end with USC product Everson Griffen.

Previous pick: Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma

26) Arizona Cardinals: Sergio Kindle, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End Texas

Examination: The Cardinals have taken a substantial blow this off-season with the loss of Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle, Anquan Boldin and Kurt Warner. The Cardinals can’t afford to take anymore hits this off-season and they need to start revising their roster.

With the loss of Dansby the Cardinals don’t have a pass-rushing linebacker, and Chike Okeafor is a free agent that might not be back. The Cardinals are desperate for a rush linebacker.

So they can take care of that need by selecting Sergio Kindle from Texas with the 26th overall pick.

Previous pick: Charles Brown, OT USC

27) Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver Oklahoma State

Examination: It’s astounding how far Bryant has fallen in this scenario and it’s not because of any reason other than no teams ahead of the Cowboys need a wide receiver at this point in time. As stated with the Broncos, it depends on Brandon Marshall.

Jerry Jones has gone on record saying he would love to have Dez Bryant lighting it up in the Jones-Mahal for years to come. With the luck of the draw Jerry Jones doesn’t have to trade up to get Bryant because he’s fallen right into his lap at twenty-seven overall.

Previous pick: Maurkice Pouncey, G Florida

28) San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, Running Back Fresno State

Examination: When the song “Backfield in Motion” came out a long time ago no one invisioned that would carry on into the off-season, but that’s exactly what’s been the case in San Diego this off-season.

The Chargers released LaDainian Tomlinson and originally non-tendered restricted free agent Darren Sproles, but at the last minute changed their mind, tendering Sproles at the highest amount, requiring a first-round and third-round pick to any team who would want to sign him.

Now with Sproles still in San Diego the team still needs a bruising, every-down back and Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews fits the bill perfectly. At 6-0, 218 lbs while running a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine, he's the man for the job. 

Previous pick: Jared Odrick, DE Penn State

29) New York Jets: Demaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver Georgia Tech

Examination: Without a doubt the fastest rising player on draft boards and big boards across the NFL is Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

Thomas has great size at 6-3, 224 with great vertical speed, amazing ball skills and great durability over his time at GT. He brings a lot of memories back about former Tech standout wide receiver Calvin Johnson who went No. 2 overall to the Detroit Lions two years ago.

Thomas can bring that explosive play-making presence to the Jets offense that they did not have last year. Braylon Edwards was tendered at the first and third-round level so he’ll be back in 2010 but the Jets have been searching for a great No. 2 opposite of Edwards.

Demaryius Thomas can be that player opposite of Edwards.

Previous pick: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

30) Minnesota Vikings: Devin McCourty, Cornerback Rutgers

Examination: Vikings corner back Cedric Griffin will be out eight to 10 months after recovering from his torn ACL suffered during the NFC championship game. The Vikings will be looking for a replacement in the draft.

Devin McCourty is a perfect fit to replace Griffin until he comes back, and even after that. He possesses above-average ball skills and is great in both pass and run defense.

He doesn’t have any durability issues and is a great overall athlete.

Previous pick: Kyle Wilson, CB Boise State

31) Indianapolis Colts: Charles Brown, Offensive Tackle USC

Examination: The Colts need to upgrade left tackle, right guard and right tackle via the draft and they can start off with Charles Brown who can play both left and right tackle with the 30th overall pick.

It’s almost a gift for throwing away the Super Bowl with Brown falling this far.

Previous pick: Maurkice Pouncey, G Florida

32) New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, Outside Linebacker Missouri

Examination: This couldn’t workout better for the Super Bowl champs with Sean Weatherspoon falling to them at the end of the first round.

The Saints lost Scott Fujita to the Cleveland Browns in free agency so linebacker is even more of an important need than before.

Weatherspoon can start immediately in Greg Williams defense in 2010.

Notables Missing the First-Round Cut

-Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State

-Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

-Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU

Overall for my 2010 Mock Draft (fourth edition) there have been some notable changes since my third edition .

Sam Bradford jumping from six to first overall. Jimmy Clausen jumping from ninth to seventh overall. Gerald McCoy falling to Seattle at sixth overall. Dez Bryant falling to the Cowboys twenty-seventh overall as well as many more leaps and falls.