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| Final Mock Draft |
Last Updated: April 22, 2010
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| 1. |
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Sam Bradford
QB, Oklahoma
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The Rams have passed on quarterbacks each of the last two years. They selected Chris Long instead of Matt Ryan two years ago and opted to go with Jason Smith over Mark Sanchez last year. Ryan has shown he is a pro-caliber quarterback, and although Sanchez has a lot of work to do, he too would have been a good choice for the Rams. This year, it will be nearly impossible for St. Louis to pass on a franchise quarterback. Bradford could prove to be that quarterback for the Rams. St. Louis has shown preference to Bradford over Clausen thus far, and he solidified his stock as the top pick at his pro day.
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| 2. |
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Ndamukong Suh
DT, Nebraska
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The Lions have been rebuilding up front through free agency and trades, but Detroit's front office has made it clear that those moves will not affect its draft strategy. Suh is too good to pass up. The Lions need to focus on stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks, and Suh fits the bill and then some. Gerald McCoy might be a better pass rusher, but Suh has proven to be an all-around dominant force in the middle. He is the perfect fit in the Lions' 4-3 scheme and has the versatility to line up at LDE on running downs and LDT on passing downs. A 29-year-old Corey Williams and 31-year-old Kyle Vanden Bosch should not change their draft plans. If the Lions want to turn things around, they need to start in the trenches and Suh has the potential to be elite.
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| 3. |
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Gerald McCoy
DT, Oklahoma
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The Bucs need a lot of help all along the defensive line. The Rams taking Bradford is the best scenario for Tampa Bay as they are left with an easy decision. Gerald McCoy is one of the most talented players in the draft, and although Tampa could easily select Eric Berry to bolster their struggling pass defense, McCoy is right on Suh's tail as the best defensive line prospect this year. McCoy's pass-rushing abilities will give the Tampa Bay secondary some major help and strengthen a poor interior rush defense. The first step to Tampa's resurgence will be to get younger up front on defense, and McCoy is a step in the right direction.
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| 4. |
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Russell Okung
OT, Oklahoma St.
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The Redskins have a vacant spot at left tackle following the retirement of Chris Samuels. Okung has established himself as the number one offensive tackle in this year's class and can fill that void for Washington. Okung has all the tools to be an elite left tackle in the NFL and will do a fine job protecting Donovan McNabb's blindside in Washington. The Redskins have a lot of holes to fill, and taking care of the left tackle situation is usually a good start. The Redskins are well on their way to establishing a solid offense following the trade for McNabb and selection of Okung.
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| 5. |
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Eric Berry
S, Tennessee
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Berry is a sure-fire top-five talent. The question is, will the Chiefs take advantage of their position and take him? We think they will. KC needs a playmaker in its secondary, and Berry might be the best in this draft class. He can make an immediate impact on a shaky secondary and provide a young group of corners some help over top. After drafting Branden Albert two years ago and Tyson Jackson last year, the Chiefs may shy away from more trench-building and look to stabilize a shaky secondary.
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| 6. |
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Trent Williams
OT, Oklahoma
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Seattle just invested in Charlie Whitehurst and will need a solid left tackle to protect him. Walter Jones retired and Williams fits the description. He's athletic and physical, and all signs point to the Seahawks at number six. With another pick at 14, Seattle can afford to take a tackle with a ton of potential here. They have quite a few holes to fill, and Dez Bryant could be another option with this pick. Seattle needs to build in the trenches, though, so Williams is a home run pick.
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| 7. |
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Jared Odrick
DE, Penn St.
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We don't believe the Browns will take Odrick in this spot, but we do believe he is the player they'll end up with. Remember, the Browns traded down multiple times last year before drafting Alex Mack with their highest selection. Dez Bryant would be an option, but the Browns passed on Michael Crabtree last year and might not want a similar player in Bryant. They could consider Joe Haden, but following the trade for Sheldon Brown, CB isn't a high-priority need. Earl Thomas is a viable option if the Browns stay at #7, but Odrick is a good fit. Robaire Smith and Kenyon Coleman are 33 and 31, respectively, and his size, motor and attitude should be attractive to Cleveland.
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| 8. |
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Mike Iupati
OG, Idaho
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(Projected Trade: Oakland trades CB Nnamdi Asomugha and #8 to Pittsburgh for QB Ben Roethlisberger and #18) After landing their star quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, the Raiders focus their attention to the offensive line. Michael A. Smith reported yesterday that the Raiders' are enamored with Mike Iupati and believe that he can make the transition to Offensive Tackle. He has a mammoth at over 330 pounds with light feet that should make the transition relatively easy. Taking Iupati at #8 would have been quite the reach, by moving down to #18, the Raiders are able to grab the man they covet at a considerably lower price.
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| 9. |
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Anthony Davis
OT, Rutgers
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Following the trade that sees Pittsburgh take Clausen at #8, Buffalo looks to their other needs. Nose Tackle and Outside Linebacker are both positions to consider, but the Bill's pass protection was atrocious last year so they decide to upgrade the Left Tackle position. Many experts have Bryan Bulaga ahead of Anthony Davis, but Buffalo has indicated that they like Davis more. Davis is extremely gifted physically and might have the best upside of any tackle in this class. He can start immediately and upgrades a unit that has struggled since the departure of Jason Peters.
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| 10. |
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Derrick Morgan
DE, Georgia Tech
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The Jaguars addressed defensive end with the signing of Aaron Kampman, but their pass rush only recorded 14 sacks total in 2009 and Morgan is a complete player with an excellent combination of size, strength, speed and athleticism. The disappointing 2008 1st rounder Derrick Harvey hasn't had his breakout yet and fellow 2008 draftee Quentin Groves is a bust, so Jacksonville will be looking for a sure thing in this draft. 2007 first rounder Reggie Nelson is also looking like a bust so Earl Thomas will be tempting, as will cornerback Joe Haden. Starter Rashean Mathis is inconsistent and oft-injured and overall the group of corners is an uninspiring group, but Morgan will be too tempting to pass on.
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| 11. |
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Maurkice Pouncey
C/OG, Florida
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(Projected Trade: Denver/Philadelphia) The Broncos find a trade partner in Philadelphia, move back in the first round and still fill one of their biggest needs. Pouncey will start right away and is big and strong enough to play in the power blocking scheme for the Broncos. Denver adds another piece to what could be a dominant offensive line. Pouncey is a value at #24 and his attitude and work ethic will certainly intrigue plenty of teams. Casey Wiegmann was released and Pouncey is a perfect fit.
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| 12. |
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Dan Williams
DT, Tennessee
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Jason Ferguson is a tad small and is suspended for the first eight games of 2010 and has backup Paul Soliai has been a disappointment so far. It was a surprise when the Dolphins didn't select a 3-4 nose tackle in 2009. Dan Williams is a space-eater against the run and an ideal fit in the scheme, and Bill Parcells likes to draft defense early and prefers experienced starters from big programs and Williams is battle-tested playing in the SEC. The defensive overhaul continues in Miami and few players have helped their stock as much as Williams this offseason.
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| 13. |
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Joe Haden
CB, Florida
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San Francisco gets great value with Joe Haden here. Starter Shawntae Spencer is solid and Tarell Brown is coming along well, but Dre Bly is old and might not be re-signed, Nate Clements isn't worth his $6 million pay check and should either take a pay cut or leave. Haden's slow 40-time at the combine may hurt him, but he solidified his status as the top corner in this draft with a 4.39-40 at Florida's pro day. His coverage skills are very solid and he's very tough and physical, and plays the run well. Haden will ultimately get the nod here and the 49ers will keep their fingers crossed that they can grab an OT with their next selection.
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| 14. |
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Dez Bryant
WR, Oklahoma St.
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The Seahawks already selected a tackle to protect Charlie Whitehurst. Now they select a weapon for him. Bryant has had a lot of swirling question marks surrounding him, but his talent is undeniable. Seattle should consider themselves lucky if he falls to them at number 14 based on previous years. Bryant is a legitimate #1 receiver who has been likened to Andre Johnson. He has a lot of potential, and the Seahawks need a new core of young talent.
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| 15. |
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Rolando McClain
LB, Alabama
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McClain is far and away the best linebacker prospect in the draft. His size and tenacity make him a perfect fit for the New York 4-3 desperately needing to get more physical in the box. McClain is great at stuffing the run and is shifty enough to drop into pass coverage on passing downs. The Giants will be thrilled if McClain gets past Denver and falls into their laps. They could also consider a defensive tackle here, but McClain is just too good to pass up.
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| 16. |
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Jason Pierre-Paul
DE, USF
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The Titans are still looking to rebuild up front after losing major pieces this year and last. JPP is a physical freak and can help the Titans get back to elite status defensively. Pierre-Paul can do it all, and will provide the Titans with pass-rushing options as well as support in rush defense. Tennessee's identity has been tied to stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback in recent years, and Pierre-Paul can do both. The Titans' secondary is not as bad as it looked last year, but an ineffective front seven can make any secondary look atrocious. With the addition of JPP in the draft, look for the Titans to be much more stout in the box in 2010.
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| 17. |
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Bryan Bulaga
OT, Iowa
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Offensive tackle rankings have shifted around more than the clearance items at the local Wal-Mart this offseason, but Bulaga's stock hasn't necessarily fallen. He is an experienced blocker in the zone blocking system, which suits some teams better than others. Bulaga has a mean streak and a good work ethic-- two things Mike Singletary loves in his players. After selecting Haden with their first pick in this round, the Niners look to improve their offensive line and give Frank Gore some help in the running game they so desperately need to explode this year.
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| 18. |
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Jimmy Clausen
QB, Notre Dame
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(Projected Trade: Oakland trades CB Nnamdi Asomugha and #8 to Pittsburgh for QB Ben Roethlisberger and #18) Pittsburgh is now left with Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon as their options at starting quarterback. Having sent their franchise quarterback to Oakland, they need to find a replacement. Clausen is the most pro-ready signal caller in this draft and gives Steelers' fans hope for the future. It seems that Pittsburgh is content with trading their franchise QB after trying to find a suitor all day yesterday. Oakland is the most likely trade partner and the only way that this trade makes sense is if Pittsburgh lands Jimmy Clausen here.
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| 19. |
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Sean Weatherspoon
LB, Missouri
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The ideal scenario for Atlanta would be for Derrick Morgan or Jason Pierre-Paul to fall into their lap, but with both off the board, the Falcons look at bolstering their linebackers. Stephen Nicolas played adequately last season but the position could use and upgrade and Sean Weatherspoon is a perfect fit in their 4-3 scheme. He is a high character player who brings a level of intensity to the defense and should be a cornerstone of that defense for years to come. His vocal leadership and good attitude will leave a great impression on the Atlanta front office which has focused on bringing in more good character players in recent years.
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| 20. |
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Ryan Mathews
RB, Fresno St.
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Although the Texans could use a corner here, all signs point to Mathews with this pick. He has quietly crept up into the middle of the first round, and for good reason. He has the potential to go yard every time he touches the ball-- something the Texans haven't gotten from Steve Slaton. Matt Schaub hasn't been able to stay healthy in his short career, but part of that has to do with the lack of a running game. Nothing improves a good passing attack like a solid running game, and the Texans front office knows that. Look for Mathews to make a huge immediate impact with Houston.
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| 21. |
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Taylor Mays
S, USC
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Mays is a polarizing prospect with a lot of upside. He also has a lot of polishing up to do. His technique is lacking, but Cincinnati can afford to let him develop in a young but talented secondary. He can provide a little attitude and a dangerous, looking presence over the middle. Although he isn't an NFL center field-type safety at this point, his athleticism and size will make him a must-have prospect early in the draft for a team in need of some physicality from the safety position. The Bengals do, and they take Mays as Al Davis turns green with envy... or indigestion.
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| 22. |
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C.J. Spiller
RB, Clemson
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New England is a revolving door for runningbacks, and they've been searching for an explosive back for a long time. Although he'll never shoulder 20 carries a game, Spiller provides a big-play threat, and in the Patriots' pass-happy offense, also gives Brady a checkdown option. The Pats could also use another special teamer with return skills, and Spiller may be the best returner in the draft. New England could go with a pass rusher here, but Spiller is just too much value to pass on at 22.
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| 23. |
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Kyle Wilson
CB, Boise St.
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The Green Bay secondary was shredded last season, ending with the worst performance of the season in the playoffs against the Cardinals. Ted Thompson will make sure that doesn't happen again. Kyle Wilson falls to the Packers and they couldn't be happier that he did. He's got great technique for a corner and has been pushing Joe Haden in recent weeks for the top spot amongst corners. He would start the year as the nickel-corner for GB and significantly upgrade their secondary that continues to get older.
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| 24. |
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Earl Thomas
S, Texas
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(Projected Trade: Denver/Philadelphia) With Philadelphia trading with Denver, Thomas is going #11 to the Eagles, and they could really use him. The secondary is getting old, and Thomas provides both youthful athleticism and versatility. After dealing Sheldon Brown, the Eagles could decide to work Thomas in at corner, or keep him at his natural safety position and allow him to make plays. Thomas makes a lot of plays, and with the franchise revamping in all facets, Thomas is a great keystone to move up for.
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| 25. |
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Jerry Hughes
LB, TCU
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The Ravens have been in need of a pass rusher opposite Terrell Suggs and get a worthy counterpart in Hughes. After playing defensive end in college, Hughes is a great fit as a 3-4 pass rusher in the NFL. He has the innate ability to get in the backfield and disrupt plays, and will add some youth to an aging linebacker corps. With the Ravens seemingly set on exclusive 3-4 play, they will need to address the OLB position. Hughes' stock has been on the rise, and the Ravens get somewhat lucky with his passing the 3-4 teams in need of a pass rusher in the middle of the first. Expect Baltimore to rack up a lot of sacks this coming season.
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| 26. |
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Charles Brown
OT, USC
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Arizona is in an interesting position with its quarterbacks. Leinart is a lefty and Anderson throws with his right, so until they decide on a starter, expect the team to move its tackles around. Brown has enough versatility to line up at either end of the line and can help to protect the pair of unproven quarterbacks. The Cardinals aren't too many players away from another playoff run (save the aforementioned signal callers), so addressing the offensive line is a safe choice. They could also look at taking a tight end or linebacker with this pick, but none are available worthy of the 26th pick.
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| 27. |
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Demaryius Thomas
WR, Georgia Tech
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The Cowboys may not have gotten what they expected in Roy Williams, and although Miles Austin is still young, the Cowboys could always use another target for Tony Romo. They need to look at strengthening the offensive line after the release of Flozell Adams, but there are no tackles of value at this point. Dallas' defense is still in decent shape, and frankly, who knows what Jerry Jones plans to do at this point? He has a penchant for deep-threat receivers and might just look to find that player to take the offense over the top in the coming season.
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| 28. |
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Terrence Cody
DT, Alabama
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The aging Jamal Williams was let go and no one stepped up last year when he was injured. Enter Terrence Cody, who would be the perfect replacement for San Diego at nose tackle. He's shown he can keep his weight in check after losing 20 pounds between the Senior Bowl and the Combine which brings him back into the first round discussion. San Diego could also look at running back here, but there will be value later whereas finding a true nose tackle is a difficult task.
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| 29. |
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Sergio Kindle
LB, Texas
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The Jets were like a bunch of really mean kids in a really empty candy shop this offseason and stole away a lot of big talent. They don't need a lot of help in any particular area, but every team needs another pass rusher. Kindle is relentless off the edge and gives the Jets another way to get to the quarterback. He fits well in the system and will hopefully provide what first-round pick Vernon Gholston has not. They could also look at a 3-4 defensive end with this pick, but Kindle's tenacity and attitude takes precedent at the end of the first.
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| 30. |
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Kareem Jackson
CB, Alabama
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The Vikings' secondary is getting old and have a lot of injury-prone pieces. Jackson seems to be the kind of corner Minnesota loves-- tough, physical and aggressive. Jackson is a versatile talent whose stock has been on the rise this offseason. Although we feel Devin McCourty would be another good choice here, Jackson gets the nod at #30. The top defensive tackle prospects are off the board and it looks like Minnesota can wait another year to start grooming heirs to the twin towers throne.
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| 31. |
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Rodger Saffold
OT, Indiana
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The Colts seem to like Charlie Johnson, but Tony Ugoh has been a bust and the Colts' running game has not been up to par. Saffold has the ability to play either guard or tackle spots and can help strengthen Indy's rushing attack. Manning can't keep shouldering the offensive load on his own (well, maybe he can), but a solid running game never hurt anything. Indianapolis needs to address holes on both the offensive and defensive lines, and Saffold is versatile enough to fill one of those holes on offense.
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| 32. |
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Brandon Graham
DE, Michigan
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Every draft has players that just seem to fall for no reason. Graham is one of them this year. He has all the talent to go earlier in this round, but the pieces just don't fall into place for Graham until the end of the first. The Saints have addressed the defensive line this offseason, but still need more youth and athleticism up front. The Saints show both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts at different times, and Graham can play in both systems as a dominant edge rusher. The Saints were good enough to win a championship last year and are lucky enough to have Graham fall into their laps at the end of the first as well.
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(December 23, GBNReport.com) --
Miami junior CB Brandon Harris, who is considered to be a late first or early second round prospect, is being quoted by the Miami Herald as
saying that he is '85 percent' certain of skipping the upcoming draft and returning to school next fall.
Harris has petitioned the special NFL draft advisory committee for a report on his status, but says that "even if I do get the first round I'm
not saying I would completely jump ship, it would be the only reason to really make me consider it."
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