2010 NFL Dream Draft

Immediately following the NFL Draft all of the pundits race to criticize the teams that they think dropped the ball. This year was no different as the pundits ripped the Jaguars for taking Tyson Alualu at #10 and the Broncos for taking Tim Tebow in the first round.

Instead of bashing teams for the picks they made right after the NFL Draft, I’m going to let it all play out for at least three years before making conclusions. Instead, I’m putting my football expertise against the General Managers as I craft my own NFL Draft for my hypothetical team.

Here are the rules:

• I can’t select a player taken in the first ten picks of any round
• I have to select a player that actually went in that round
• I can only select one player per position
• I’m not drafting for any offensive or defensive scheme
• I also get to select and undrafted player

Round 1: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

The Cowboys got an absolute steal at 24 with Bryant. On pure talent, he would have been taken in the top ten, perhaps top five, but dropped because of character concerns, which were way overblown.  Jerry Jones passed on Randy Moss back in the day because of character concerns, but made not sure not to make the same mistake with Bryant. This guy has all the tools to become an elite wide receiver at the next level.

Round 2: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

Many people were shocked to see Kindle slide into the second round. There were reports that he may need micro-fracture surgery on his knee, but as of now it appears to be just a rumor. Regardless, Kindle projects as an outstanding pass rusher. He has been compared to former teammate, Brian Orakpo, who notched 11 sacks in his rookie season.

Round 3: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

The winningest quarterback in college football history slipped to the end of the third round. He is more pro ready than Tim Tebow, has great intangibles, and went two rounds later. He has pin point accuracy and has a great football IQ. He will take time to develop, but has the potential to be a starter in this league for a long time.

Round 4: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern

Wooton didn’t have a great senior season after recovering from ACL surgery and admittedly wasn’t playing at 100%. Before the injury he was considered a first round possibility and if he can revert to his pre-injury form he will prove to be a steal in the fourth round. He is an all around end that can hold his own against the run and also rush the passer.  He also has the versatility to play either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

Round 5: Cam Thomas: DT, North Carolina

Thomas has all the tools to be an elite defensive tackle, he just has to put it all together. He played like one at times at North Carolina, and then disappeared at times. He has a big frame and can be a run stuffer in the middle of any defense.

Round 6: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

After entering the draft as a junior, Dwyer was hoping to go a lot higher than the sixth round.  Reports say that he fell due to “medical reasons,” but regardless he was a steal at the end of the sixth round. While he will have to adjust to taking carries from the I-formation after playing in a triple-option offense in college, it shouldn’t take long for him to transition. He was extremely productive in college and is a true bruiser running the football.

Round 7: Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh

Dickerson is not in the mold of a traditional tight end.  His skill set is more aligned with a “move tight end.” Think of how the Jets utilize Dustin Keller.  He is essentially a wide receiver in a tight ends body.  He is mismatch waiting to happen for opposing defenses.

Undrafted: Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan

Warren came out of school early after the NFL Draft Advisory Board told him he would be taken in the first three rounds. Then, Warren ran a disappointing forty time (4.6) and he plummeted down draft boards and eventually, out of the draft entirely. However, he plays faster on film. His skill set may be better suited to play safety at the next level and that is where the Jets, who signed him, are playing him as of now.