Draft Picks 2010: Grading the First Round, Picks 1-16

A look back at the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Grade: A

The Rams couldn’t pass up their franchise QB.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Grade: A

While protecting Stafford should have been a priority, talents like Suh don’t come along very often. This is a deep class for offensive lineman so Stafford will get his protection later.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Grade: A

McCoy could be the defensive rookie of the year. Great fit for their defense.

4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, T, Oklahoma

Grade: A

Whether it was Okung or Williams, the Skins did the right thing by adding in the trenches. Williams is a better athlete than Okung and fits Washington’s system better.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, FS, Tennessee

Grade: A

Berry also could be the defensive rookie of the year. He’s a special talent at safety, which has become one of the most important positions on defense in recent years.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Okung, T, Oklahoma State

Grade: A

Out with Walter Jones. In with Okung. I love this pick.

7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Grade: A-

The Browns needed to improve their secondary and Haden is a great choice. There was a clear drop-off after the sixth pick.

8. Oakland Raiders: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

Grade: B+

Should they have gone with an offensive lineman? Perhaps. Inside LBs don’t typically go this high. That said, McClain has the goods. He too could challenge for the defensive rookie of the year. Cut Al some slack after this pick.

9. Buffalo Bills: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Grade: B-

Sure, he’s an amazing talent and the anti-Marshawn Lynch, but weren’t there other holes to fill? Fred Jackson was adequate and RBs have short shelf lives.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyson Alualu, DL, California

Grade: D

With the 10th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, Al Davis on behalf of the Jaguars selects Tyson Alualu.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Anthony Davis, T, Rutgers

Grade: B

I love the pick, but I’m not sure they needed to trade up to get him.

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

Grade: A-

I love the pick, but did they really have to jump up 16 spots? Maybe in order to keep him out of the Texans’ hands. The Chargers got the best every-down RB in the draft.

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

Grade: D

I don’t have a problem with the pick, but they gave up a king’s ransom to get him. If they had grabbed Earl Thomas I would have been more understanding.

14. Seattle Seahawks: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Grade: A

I love what the Seahawks did in the first round. They already got their LT and they added a ball-hawking safety a few spots later.

15. New York Giants: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Grade: C

I guess the G-Men didn’t pay attention to the Vernon Gholston fiasco. Just because you’re a gifted athlete doesn’t mean you can play at this level.

16. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Grade: A

The Titans hit a HR with Morgan. They needed to bolster their pass rush and got one of the better talents without having to move up.

Click here for the rest of my 2010 NFL First Round grades.