Final Draft of My Mock Draft

1.St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford
Respect to Waltersfootball for saying from the start that the Rams should take a QB with the first overall. ST. Louis has Adam Carriker and Chris Long, although Suh looks legendary, why draft another dlineman and crowd one position area? The main reason I think the Rams should pick Bradford 1st overall relates to money. Who wants to dish out at least $40 million guaranteed on a DT? Barring a trade with the Redskins, the Rams are going to be forced to be big spenders and it seems only proper that you spend that much cash on a QB. The Rams have a decent line and a beast of a running back, but no receivers or tight ends. Look for the Rams to add some tight end or receiver in free agency/draft and, by drafting Bradford, repair an offense that was once “The Greatest Show on Turf!”

2.Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
Previous Pick: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State
I still think the Lions would be best served by drafting Okung, but all in all drafting Suh is not a mistake. He is a force to be reckoned with and probably should have won the Hiesman. Suh will instantly improve the Detroit defense and add a playmaker on a defense that lacks one. Suh is a solid pick for Detroit.

3.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
Thank you Lions for making this pick easier. McCoy is a much better fit in the Tampa Two defense that Morris runs. I go with McCoy here and Tampa Bay hopes they can bolster a defense that will need to win games this season.

4.Washington Redskins: Trent Williams OT Oklahoma
Arguments will be made that Clausen is a perfect fit for Shanahan’s offense. They are probably right, but that doesn’t mean anything when the Skins have no left tackle! Any QB will get destroyed behind a line with no LT. The Skins and a Shanahan offense depend on a good offensive line. Williams who is the best tackle in this draft, will go a long way towards helping the next Redskins QB come into a safe situation. Beefing up the oline will also help Portis/Johnson/Parker establish the Shanahan running back factory.

5.Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Bulaga OT Iowa
In drafting Tyson Jackson last year, Chiefs GM Scott Pioli proved that he will draft for position over value. Thus, I have no problem having Bulaga go to the Chiefs. Eric Berry would be the best pick for them, but Williams will fill the need for a left tackle and put Branden Albert back in his natural left guard spot.

6.Seattle Seahawks: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State
Previous Pick: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
Even if Clausen is available here, I don’t know that the Seahawks draft him. The odd trade and large contract Charlie Whitehurst received seems to say that he is the QB of the future. Now, the Seahawks have a decision: do they draft Suh or Berry. Berry fills a major need in the Seahawks secondary, but a need that could be filled later in the draft. The biggest concern for Seattle should be protecting whatever QB starts. Okung could start day one at any position of the oline and immediately bolster whatever offense that Pete Carroll has in mind.

7.Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry S Tennessee
I know that safeties drafted this high generally have a bad track record, but I do not think that will happen to Eric Berry. Berry was an accomplished safety with 168 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 touchdowns two forced fumbles, 12 interceptions, 10 deflected passes, and was only 15 yards from breaking the NCAA interception yardage record BEFORE he entered a pro style Monte Kiffin offense. Berry flourished on the UT defense and in my opinion is the best player in this draft. If he has the guts to go up against Tim Tebow, he’ll have the guts to go up against an actual quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger. In a division with a pass-happy Steelers and newcomers Anquan Boldin and Antonio Bryant, the Browns need to seriously bolster their secondary. Berry is a playmaker, runstopper, and should be a no-brainer for Cleveland…they’ll probably trade down.

8.Oakland Raiders: Mike Iupati G Idaho
Previous Pick: Bruce Campbell OT Maryland
Many would say OT is a pressing need for Oakland, and they would be right. Oakland has drafted three offensive players in the first round in as many years. They need to bolster the offensive line in order to do get the most out of these picks. The rumor mill has been going full force that the Raiders will draft Iupati. He is a mauler, which if you review Al Davis’ draft history, is the exact type of lineman Davis likes to draft. Iupati could even make the transition to guard if necessary, but we will see, Davis might draft a kicker who knows!

9.Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame
This works out great for Buffalo. I am recently very impressed with Jimmy Clausen as an NFL QB. I watched a bunch of game play from this past year and Clausen had gotten rid of the bad decision making that plagued his first two years. Clausen is quick and plays very well in play action. He also is insanely accurate. As far as arm strength. I watched a highlight reel and Clausen threw from the 4 yard line to the 50 yard line. He also threw from ND’s own 44 to about three deep in the endzone. That is a 46 yard pass and a 59 yard pass, both of which were caught. Clausen has the mobility, arm strength, and meticulous accuracy. Clausen could be the long awaited answer to Buffalo’s offensive woes.

10.Jacksonville Jaguars: Earl Thomas S Texas
Previous Pick: Joe Haden CB Florida
Drafting a DE would still be a smart move even though the Jags have Aaron Kampman and Derrick Harvey. However, a relief pass rusher could easily be found in round three. The Jags would be best served letting a team trade up to grab Haden/Spiller/McClain (cough…Pittsburgh get Haden…cough). However, if they are stuck with this pick, the Jags should probably draft Thomas (even though he may be available at a lower pick). The offense made great strides last season, but the defense suffered the wrath of Peyton Manning and Matt Schuab. Drafting Thomas would not only help against these stacked division foes, but his fearless determination to stop the running game will help against Chris Johnson, giving the Jacksonville defense a much needed upgrade.

11.Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
Previous Pick: Rolando McClain ILB Alabama
The signing of Jamal Williams negates the need for a NT, but it is important to remember that Jamal got hurt week one and was lost for the year. Trading Brandon Marshall immediately leaves a void of 100 plus catches. Kyle Orton also became dependent on Marshall. The Broncos need to draft a number one receiver and that guy is Dex Bryant, regardless of “questionable” behavior.

12.Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams DT Tennessee
The Signing of Dansby negates the need for an ILB, but the Dolphins still have needs along the front seven. They have a tough choice, convert Jason Pierre Paul to OLB and upgrade their pass rush or draft Dan Williams and solidify their entire defensive front. The NT is desperately important to the 3-4 and as such I think the Dolphins nab Williams and count on a pass rusher in the second round.

13.San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden CB Florida
Previous Pick: Anthony Davis OT Rutgers
Joe Haden’s fall has given the 49ers a gift. They desperately need corner depth for the present and future. This pick solidifies the 49ers secondary and gives them a phenomenal playmaker.

14.Seattle Seahawks: CJ Spiller RB Clemson
Even though the Seahawks have obvious needs at tackle and in their secondary, I think they go with Spiller here. The Seattle offense has no homerun hitter on roster and this would definitely give them the boost that they need to become a dynamic offense. Thomas/Mays is a possibility, but with their stock falling I think Seattle goes for broke. It could be possible Spiller gets grabbed by someone trading up ahead of Seattle, but for now I have Spiller falling here.

15.New York Giants: Rolando McClain ILB Alabama
Previous Pick: Jason Pierre Paul DE South Florida
The Giants are a team that does not need much. Hence I could easily see them trading up to get a player they really want like Spiller or McClain earlier. Thankfully for the Giants need met talent and they get a steal for a dominant middle linebacker.

16.Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech
Tennessee’s most obvious need entering the 2010 draft is a defensive end. If the Titans defense is going to have any hope of generating a pass rush, they had best draft the best DE available. That being said, Morgan is arguably the best DE in this draft and so need meets top of the line value.

17.San Francisco 49ers: Anthony Davis OT Rutgers
Previous Pick: Earl Thomas FS Texas
Anthony Davis has fallen in value this off season, but I do not se him falling past the 49ers here. San Fran has a void at right tackle that desperately needs to be filled. Drafting Davis would not only shore up the offensive line, but it would protect Alex Smith long enough for him to get Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree in the game. The 49ers playoff hopes, like it or not, reside on Alex Smith’s arm and as such the 49ers need to keep him standing.

18.Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey C Florida
Many say that Pouncey is a better center prospect than Alex Mack and Nick Mangold. Tomlin and Head of Operations Colbert were down at Florida’s Pro Day and were reportedly impressed with Pouncey. With Hartiwg only having one year left on his contract, a gaping hole at RG, and a Franchise QB who has gotten sacked at least 40 times a year since Hartings retired, the need for interior lineman/center of the future is apparent. Pouncey spent three years protecting Tim Tebow and establishing the Florida run game. He is used to snapping the shotgun. Taking on nosetackles, and working against complicated defenses. He also is extensively familiar with the concept and implementation of the moving pocket, something every lineman Pittsburgh has should be familiar with given Roethlisberger’s penchant for extending the play. Although corner is also a major need, unless Haden falls and we trade up, I have to believe we make this pick. Kyle Wilson would be nice, but his skills are not that much ahead of some of the second round prospects. Also, we draft a third round and fifth round corner last year. Finally, I still have faith in William Gay. If Polamalu returns and is healthy, we will see the William Gay that helped establish Pittsburgh’s #1 defense. The drop off between Pouncey and the other centers in this draft is considerable. Thus, we add Pouncey, hopefully securing the interior of the line, and thus we add another center in the proud tradition of Steeler centers.

19.Atlanta Falcons: Jason Pierre Paul DE South Florida
Previous Pick: Brandon Graham DE Michigan
It is no secret that the Falcons need a linebacker and an upgrade in their pass rush. Witherspoon would meet the first need, but so would Navarro Bowman, Sean Lee, and countless other linebackers that could be gained later in the draft. However, Paul’s slide can provide great value for the Falcons. Paul could probably also play like Orakpo and occasionally take some downs as a linebacker. His versatility is what will lead the Falcons to draft him.

20.Houston Texans: Kyle Wilson CB Boise State
Spiller would have been nice, but now the Texans must be realistic. They are in a division that had Peyton Manning, David Garrard, and Vince Young…although not all are menacing, all did get voted to the Pro Bowl. Dunta Robinson finally left the Texans and he left them with a gaping hole in their secondary. They need to draft Wilson to try and stem Peyton Manning and maybe gain a playoff berth.

21.Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Mays S USC
It is no secret that Marvin Lewis loves USC players. With the Ben Roethlisberger hoping to get some protection, Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth coming to town, and the Browns having a trick up their sleeve on draft day, the Bengals need to upgrade their pass coverage. If they add the freakish athlete Taylor Mays, they will almost have a complete USC playset, but more importantly, they will have a major upgrade in an already dominating secondary.

22.New England Patriots: DT/DE Jared Odrick Penn State
While tight end is a considerable need considering Ben Watson’s departure and Wes Welker’s injury, the hole at DE on their defense is greater. The loss of Seymour and Jarvis Green leaves the Patriots depth somewhat circumspect. Crumpler is a suitable stopgap at TE, thus I have the Pats drafting Odrick and helping shore up their front seven. Kindle is a possibility along with the ever sliding Dez Bryant.

23.Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown OT USC
Previous Pick: Mike Iupati G Idaho
Do you sit a first round pick behind him beside one of the leagues (formerly) best tackle duos, Chad Clifton and Mark Taucher. These two, although resigned, carry huge injury histories and should not be counted on for every game. Thus the need for a tackle is still ever present and is amplified by Detorit drafting Suh and Julius Peppers going to the Bears. Considering these two are over 30, picking Brown would give them tremendous upside at tackle and quite frankly would be a steal at 23rd overall. Brown provides insurance, a future, and tremendous value…what more could you ask for?

24.Philadelphia Eagles: Everson Griffen DE USC
Previous Pick: Sean Witherspoon OLB Missouri
In the wake of the Jamal Jackson injury and the departure of Shawn Andrews, if Iupati or Pouncey were to fall, I could easily see Reid pulling the trigger on them. However, as they are both gone, the Eagles must turn to their next need which is at linebacker. However, is this good value. Witherspoon is a good player, but I do not have him marked this high given the talent that can be found later in the draft. So Griffen is the pick. Griffen can step in and upgrade a previously fierce pass rush and help Philly immensely against Manning, Romo, and now Mcnabb.

25.Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
I think Baltimore is in a transition. We are about to witness the Ravens become an offensive team. The additions of Rice, Flacco, Grubbs, Oher, Boldin, and Stallworth over the years have made this inevitable. Although Todd Heap is a good TE, he is not getting younger. Thus the Ravens add another young offensive player and complete the transition to a fierce offense.

26.Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Graham DE/OLB Michigan
Previous Pick: Sergio Kindle DE/OLB Texas
The Cardinals have lots of holes to fill. This will probably be a rebuilding year for a team just two years removed from a Super Bowl run. The sad truth is though lots of those Super Bowl players are now gone. Boldin, Warner, Dansby, Rolle, Berry, and Okeafor, just to name a few, are gone. Even though the Cardinals signed Joey Porter, he is merely a stop gap, they should still consider drafting Graham or some linebacker/pass rusher to help fill the void in the linebacker corps. If Graham is a clone of Woodley, Pittsburgh West will be extremely happy with their pick.

27.Dallas Cowboys: Roger Saffold OT Indiana
Previous Pick: Charles Brown OT USC
Dallas appears to be a well rounded team. With that being the case the Cowboys can draft for luxury and depth. Their few areas of need are along the defensive line and now at left tackle since Flozell Adams was cut. Saffold is a major reach, but then again, I do not see the Cowboys staying at this pick. For the moment I have them drafting Saffold, but more than likely thaty will not happen.

28.San Diego Chargers: Ryan Matthews RB Fresno State
Previous Pick: Terrence Cody DT Alabama
With Sproiles, the Chargers need a compliment back. I was sure they would get one in free agency, but alas they did not. So, I have them drafting the Fresno State alum and bolstering an already stacked offense.

29.New York Jets: Sergio Kindle DE/OLB Texas
Previous Pick: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
Now that the Jets have Santonio Holmes (tear), their need at wide receiver is extinct. That being said, they Jets will upgrade their front seven. Kindle has the best value here. Even though he would be competing with Jason Taylor, Vernon Gholston, and Thomas, Kindle offers phenomenal upside and will bolster an already fearsome defense

30.Minnesota Vikings: Terrence Cody DT Alabama
Previous Pick: Devin McCourty CB Rutgers
The signing of Lito Sheppard frees the Vikes to draft whatever they might want. With Pat Williams near retirement, I think the Vikes should invest in the line eater that is Mount Cody. If, as some say Clausen falls here, I cannot see the Vikes passing on him.

31.Indianapolis Colts: Brian Price DT UCLA
An offensive lineman would be nice, but I do not think one has great value at this pick. Hence, I have the Colts grabbing Price. He will help stop the run and free up Freeney/Mathis to assault the QB. The pass rush is the strength of the Colts defense and as such any pick that bolsters it, will improve the entire defense.

32.New Orleans Saints: Sean Witherspoon OLB Missouri
Previous Pick: Everson Griffen DE USC
Linebacker is by far the greatest need on this football team. Witherspoon is widely hailed as the best 4-3 OLB in this draft. Thus, the Super Bowl champs get their missing link with great value.