Second Draft of My Mock Draft

1.St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford
Previous Pick: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska

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: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State
Previous Pick: Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma

Suh would make a great deal of sense and would fit in with Detroit’s defense. However, Matt Stafford got knocked around like a piñata in his rookie season. Detroit needs to keep Stafford standing up if they are hoping to make use of their huge investment. Granted a LT is only one of many needs, but if Stafford gets knocked around and continually hurt, Detroit’s hopes to win are lost. It was on Stafford’s arm that Detroit beat Cleveland, but Stafford cannot play with an injured shoulder for his entire career. Drafting Okung would protect Stafford’s blindside and move Backus to guard. Thus Detroit would have a line somewhat worthy of its franchise QB.

3.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
Previous Pick: Eric Berry S Tennessee
This is a tough one. Suh is the better player/prospect, but 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 State
Previous Pick: Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma

The Skins now have Donovan Mcnabb and look a lot better on paper than they did just a few hours ago. That being said a Shanahan offense depends on a good offensive line. Williams, who some believe to be the best tackle in this draft, will go a long way towards protecting the new cannon in Shanahan's arsenal. Beefing up the oline will also help Portis/Johnson/Parker establish the Shanahan running back factory.

5.Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Bulaga OT Iowa
Previous Pick: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State

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: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
Previous Pick: Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame

Even if Clausen is available here, I don’t see the Seahawks drafting 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. However, talent the likes of Suh’s at 6th overall is too tempting to pass up. Suh will help Laurence Jackson and Patrick Kerney generate some pass rush and beef up the entire defense. In a division that will be starting Leinart/Anderson, Smith/Carr, and ???/???? , a solid pass rush could give Seattle a nice ticket to the playoffs.

7.Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry S Tennessee
Previous Pick: Joe Haden CB Florida

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: Bruce Campbell OT Maryland
Previous Pick: Anthony Davis OT Rutgers

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. That being said, Davis will draft the best athlete and that is Campbell…he is not the best tackle available by a long shot, but he is the best athlete.

9.Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame
Previous Pick: Brian Bulaga OT Iowa

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: Joe Haden CB Florida
Previous Pick: Derrick Morgan DE Georiga Tech

Drafting a DE would still be a smart move even though the Jags have Aaron Kampman, Derrick Harvey, and Quentin Groves. 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 need to draft Haden. The offense made great strides last season, but the defense suffered the wrath of Peyton Manning and Matt Schuab. Drafting Haden 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: Rolando McClain ILB Alabama
Previous Pick: Dan Williams NT Tennessee

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. Even still the broncos would get better value from their pick drafting McClain. McClain could come in and start right away. He would make an immediate impact and help free Dumervil up to pass rush instead of constantly anticipating the running game. The move would be a great upgrade to Denver’s linebacking corp. It would also mean that Denver has a penchant for SEC players considering Moreno and Ayers last year…just a note I am making for future mock drafts.

12.Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams DT Tennessee
Previous Pick: Jason Pierre Paul DE South Florida

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: Anthony Davis OT Rutgers
Previous Pick: Trent Williams OT Oklahoma State

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.

14.Seattle Seahawks: CJ Spiller RB Clemson
Previous Pick: Taylor Mays S USC

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: Jason Pierre Paul DE South Florida
Previous Pick: Rolando McClain ILB Alabama

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. In the meantime, they draft Pierre Paul, who is a top ten talent and could probably be coached into a LB/rotational DE. Drafting Paul would solidify the Giants pass rush, give them an option at linebacker if needed, and help give them leverage/an excuse to trade away the unhappy Osi Umenorya

16.Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech
Previous Pick: Carlos Dunlap DE Florida

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: Earl Thomas FS Texas

The 49ers need a boost in their secondary. Although Singeltary may like Mays more, I feel the 49ers draft Thomas in hopes that he is truly the better player. Thomas should go a long ways towards shoring up a secondary in desperate need of a game changing safety.

18.Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey C Florida
Previous Pick: Mike Iupati G Idaho

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: Brandon Graham DE Michigan
Previous Pick: Sergio Kindle OLB Texas

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, Graham, who had a phenomenal Senior Bowl, would be the high value pick. He would provide depth at DE and push active started Anderson and Abraham for snaps.

20.Houston Texans: Kyle Wilson CB Boise State
Previous Pick: CJ Spiller RB Clemson

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
Previous Pick: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State

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
Previous Pick: Brandon Spikes ILB Florida
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: Mike Iupati G Idaho
Previous Pick: Bruce Campbell OT Maryland

Do you sit a first round pick behind 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. Considering these two are over 30, picking Iupati would give them tremendous upside at tackle and quite frankly would be a steal at 23rd overall. Also, the Packers seem to be displeased with College, so Iupati could push to start at guard for the Pack anyway. Iupati provides insurance, a future, and tremendous value…what more could you ask for?

24.Philadelphia Eagles: 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. Witherspoon is a dominant tackler and a leader on the field that the Eagles could definitely use. However, depending on what trades the Eagles make before/on Draft Day, their needs could change drastically.

25.Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
Previous Pick: Kyle Wilson CB Boise State

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: Sergio Kindle OLB Texas
Previous Pick: Brandon Graham DE/OLB Michigan

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 Kindle or some linebacker/pass rusher to help fill the void in the linebacker corps.

27.Dallas Cowboys: 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 ar along the defensive line and now at left tackle since Flozell Adams was cut. Mount Cody would make sense as would
the falling Dez Bryant, but for the moment I have them drafting Brown.

28.San Diego Chargers: Terrence Cody DT Alabama

Although a running back would be nice, I think the Chargers have to recognize a gaping hole at NT. I watched a lot of Terrence Cody tape, and although his weight and ethic are a concern, Mount Cody eats offensive lines. If San Diego wants to shore up their defense, Cody is their man.

29.New York Jets: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
Previous Pick: Jared Odrick DE/DT Penn State

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Even though the Jets refute any need they have for a WR, I would find it hard to believe that they would pass on talent like Bryant. I do not think anyone has Bryant falling this far, but character guys and wide receivers always fall on draft day. As Bryant is both of those and had a bad pro day, I have no problem watching him fall neatly into the Jets lap.

30.Minnesota Vikings: Devin McCourty CB Rutgers
Previous Pick: Brian Price DT UCLA

With Winfield battling an injury bug and Griffin out for much of the next season, the need at corner is glaring for Minnesota. Although a DT of the future would be nice, the Vikes should give a serious look to Devin McCourty, who is widely regarded as the third best corner in the draft.

31.Indianapolis Colts: Brian Price DT UCLA
Previous Pick: Navarro Bowman OLB Penn State

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: Everson Griffen DE USC

Linebacker is by far the greatest need on this football team. However, there is not a linebacker with solid value available at this spot. The Saints can bide their time and probably draft Sean Lee/Bowman at the end of the 2nd or even 3rd round. Griffen has great value at this pick, especially with Charles Grant’s approaching march out of New Orleans.