And so the combine has been written. As usual there were winners and losers, and as a result some of our teams are making different decision than projected last month. In fact the changes start right at the top....
1. St Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Most of the season I have argued that the Rams will need to choose a QB in April's draft for a multitude of reasons, including the economics involved. A few weeks ago, I restated this justification in
another post on this site. With the news out of Indy indicating that Bradford should be fully recovered prior to camp, I think the Rams will pull the trigger and select their future signal caller first overall.
2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Suh had an excellent combine, and solidified himself as a top prospect in the 2010 class. He is the type of DT that makes it impossible for opponents to run, and Detroit sure could use a guy to plug up the middle of the defense. He is a rare talent and I think he could be the defensive cornerstone for this team to build around.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Tampa is a team with some needs, and Gerald McCoy will fill one of the immediately. This Sooner DT is excellent at penetrating the middle of the line, causing havoc for opposing QBs. The fact that his play reminds me a lot of Warren Sapp will not be lost on the Tampa Bay faithful either. If the Bucs can get from McCoy what they got from Sapp, they will be very happy pirates indeed.
4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Shannahan
and the Skins still have a need at QB and Jimmy Clausen
will get serious discussion. In the end however, logic will rule, and Washington
will make the correct choice and address their highly depleted
offensive line. Okung is still holding onto the top grade amongst the
o-linemen, although barely, and with Chris Samuels officially retired now, he can fill an immediate need at tackle
for Washington.
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Bryan Bulaga, DT, Iowa
Thanks to his meeting expectation in Indy, and posting a strong performance, along with Anthony Davis' struggles, Bulaga moves into the number two spot amongst OTs on my board. Kansas City is a young team, and they struggled last year in quite a few phases in the game. The new brass is looking to move Braden Albert to the right side of the line, but to do that they need a force on the left. Bulaga has just the right amount of talent mixed with attitude to fill that position in Kansas City for years to come.
6. Seattle Seahawks – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
With his first selection as head honcho of the Hawks, I expect Pete Carroll to make Trent Williams the third Sooner off the board. The competition at OT in this class is fierce, and I think the Hawks will serve themselves well choosing a more polished product like Williams over the potential scouts see in Anthony Davis. The Hawks have to re-tool both lines this offseason, and they need to be safe about their choices early on.
7. Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
In this scenario, Eric berry is the player most negatively impacted by the Rams choosing a QB first overall instead of a DT. Berry met expectations at the combine and it continues to look like he can be an Ed Reed type safety in the pros. New Brown's czar Mike Holmgren will be so excited about the chance to add a talent like Berry to his defense, he may just run the card up himself.
8. Oakland Raiders – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
I know it is the Raiders, but I still have hope that Al Davis will overshoot his alarm on draft day, allowing the team to uncharacteristically utilize logic and draft the right players for this franchise to begin to rebound. In this case, it would allow them to choose Anthony Davis with this pick. Over the last few seasons, Oakland has used top ten picks to address their skill positions. Now they need to find someone to keep these expensive, yet spectacularly unproductive assets upright. Davis could be the guy this team needs. Of course with so many other holes, the Raiders could get this right, and still be looking at another top ten selection next season.
9. Buffalo Bills – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The
Bills have needs on their offensive front, but with all of the top prospects off the board, and the though of entering another season with Trent Edwards under center facing new coach Chan Gailey, the Bills will pull the trigger and reach for Jimmy Clausen here. Despite his upside, I still have some real apprehension about Clausen blossoming into a great pro QB. I do however think he will be better than anyone currently on the Buffalo roster, so I don't think this is a bad selection either.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Jacksonville
The
Jags have to get more out of their defense if Jack Del Rio plans on being in Jacksonville beyond this season. This means they need an NFL ready player who makes this team better now. Derrick Morgan used the combine to establish himself as the more polished of the DE options available. He is well rounded and can start to contribute to his team today, and this will be the factor that leads the team to Morgan over South Florida's Jason Pierre Paul.
11. Denver Broncos via Chicago Bears – Jason Pierre Paul, DE, South Florida
Thanks
to dealing Cutler, the Broncos are in a great position in this draft.
Last season the team struggled off the edge with McBean and Peterson as
their starters. Pierre Paul is raw, but has huge upside. It could take this kid a few seasons to really mature, but when he does he can become the best pass rushing end in the game. This is a gamble worth taking, and the Broncos will be happy to be the ones rolling the dice.
12. Miami Dolphins – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
If this scenario does in fact take shape, Bill Parcels and company will have a very difficult decision to make. They have holes at LB and WR, so both Dez Bryant and Roloando McClain will be discussed. The reason I still expect the Phins to choose Bryant here is because his presence will allow new QB Chad Henne to really develop, and the Tuna knows that for Miami to re-claim the division, they need to be able to rely on their youngster. Bryant's ability to help in the return game will be valued too.
13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden, CB, Florida
The
Niners
are developing into a good football team. With two choices in the first round they really have the chance to take a leap forward, and selecting Haden here will help them do just that. Haden is the top CB available in the 2010 class, but he is still on the board here because of a rough performance in Indy. Despite this however, Haden knows how to play football as evidenced by his outstanding play at Florida against the awesome competion that comes with playing in the SEC. Bottom line is Haden makes this defense better, and better defense make the Niners favorites to take over the NFC West.
14. Seattle Seahawks via Denver – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
After addressing the o-line with their first selection, the Hawks will use this pick to help with the other side of the trench. Williams has solidified himself as the best DT in the class not named Suh or McCoy. He is a legitimate first round talent and will fill an immediate need for Seattle on their defensive front. He is strong at the point of attack, and will help the defense plug holes. He can also help keep opposing linemen off last years top selection Aaron Curry, allowing him to roam and make plays.
15. New York Giants –Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Oh how they'd be licking their lips in New York. The most pressing need for the Giants is to get younger on defense, and they have a major hole in the middle of the defense, especially considering that Antoino Pierce is done in Big Blue. The only reason that McClain is still available here is because he turned off some teams at the combine by failing to work out. Anyone who saw this kid play at Bama knows what he is capable of, and boy do the Giants needs a player like him.
16. Tennessee Titans – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
There
is little question about the talent that Carlos Dunlap is. He has all
of the technical tools you want in a DE, and he has so much athleticism
it is scary. Unfortunately, there are character questions surrounding
this guy. At the end of the day however, the Titans will make this
selection because they need a presence like Dunlap in their front
seven.
17. San Francisco 49ers –Mike Iuptai, G, Idaho
After adding Joe Haden with their previous pick, the Niners will now have they opportunity to add a stud to the interior of their o-line. Mike Iuptai has the skills needed to play all three interior line positions, and this flexibility gives San Fran options. This guy has the potential to impact a game in a similar way to an Alan Faneca or Larry Allen, and Mike Singletary will not pass on an opportunity like that.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
I am expecting the Steelers to try and trade up from this pick to secure Iuptai. Since the mocks don't project trades, and Iuptai, is off the board, this leaves the Steelers to choose Campbell who despite a tremendous combine, still may be a reach this early. Campbell has all of the physical tools in the world, and the right coaching could make the difference and turn him into a stud.
19. Atlanta Falcons – Taylor Mays, S, USC
Had he come out last year, Taylor Mays would have been a top 5 selection. Had you told Atlanta that they would be in position to nab him this year at 19 overall, they'd have never believed you. Mays confirmed at the combine what I have been saying all year, this kid is a freakish athlete. Atlanta needs secondary help in the worst way. Considering the defending Super Bowl champs play in this division, Mays will be a very attractive option for Atlanta.
20. Houston Texans – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
The
Texans played musical running backs all season long, and it hurt this
team badly. Slaton has talent, but he needs to spend some time with
Tiki Barber learning to hold on to the football. Moats and the rest of
the platoon are not starting RB material long term. Spiller on the
other hand can be a superstar. He is big enough to hold up in the
pros, and he is fast enough to fit the teams offense. He will be the
kind of back this team needs, and could push the Texans to the next
level.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Another
pick, another Sooner. Gresham is such a mega talent, I had him graded
out as the top TE last year if he had come out. This year is no
different. He can do everything you want a tight end to do, and
Cincinnati needs another difference maker to help Carson Palmer out.
The Bengals made great strides this season, despite have an emotionally
difficult season. Imagine the strides next season with Gresham on
board.
22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham, DE/LB, Michigan
Graham is another guy who continues to see his stock rise this offseason. After his performance at the combine, he is garnering comparisons to former Patriot standout Willie McGinnest, and this will make him very appealing to a Patriots team who lost Richard Seymore this past season.
23. Green Bay Packers – Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Thomas was one of the guys who did not meet the lofty expectations set for them in Indy last month. As a result the Packers are in a great position to choose a guy who really could have gone much higher. With their secondary aging, the Packers know they need some fresh talent back there, and Thomas will have a tremendous mentor with Charles Woodson still running around. Thomas flashes the potential to be used in various packages at the next level and he could be utilized as a safety or even a corner should the need arise.
24. Philadelphia Eagles – Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
Every
year, some players slip on draft day more as a result of other players
rise then anything they have done. Sergio Kindle is one of those guys
in this mock. He showed in the National Title game how impactful he
can be, both with his hand in the dirt, and from a stand position. He
is a high energy player with great speed, and acceleration. A team
like the Eagles could use this type of playmaker in their defense
again, and therefore I see this as their selection.
25. Baltimore Ravens – Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
There
is
little doubt in anyone’s mind that Baltimore needs a primary target
to throw to. The signing of Donte Stallworth was nice, but he is not a
number one type guy. Arrelious Benn has that kind of potential. I
think if he had a QB who could get him the ball at Illinois, he could
have pushed Bryant for the top WR in this class. Bottom line, Benn
will quickly become Flaco's favorite target, and this tandem could push
Baltimore back into the AFC elite.
26. Arizona Cardinals – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
Despite
the retirement of Kurt Warner, the Cards primary need will be on the
defensive side of the ball. Bert Berry has also called it a career,
and Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle look poised to take their games elsewhere next season. Weatherspoon has been tremendous for the Tigers during his time there, and he showed at the combine he has the skills necessary for his game to translate to the next level. He is a fantastic tackler, and this defense will need his help.
27. Dallas Cowboys – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
Jared Odrick was one of the guys whose performance since the season has ended has continued to help his cause. Jerry Jones knows that the Cowboys have too much talent to continue to struggle in the post season. Part of the reason is because his defense is getting tired as the season progresses. Odrick can be the kind of guy who keeps linemen off linebackers, keeping them fresher longer, and possibly translating into some playoff success.
28. San Diego Chargers – Jahvid Best, RB, California
Darren Sproles and LT are both free agents this off season, and this leaves the cupboard bare when it comes to RBs. Baring an Antonio Cromartie for Marshawn Lynch trade with the Bills, the Chargers will look to the draft to address their need, and it is here they will find Best. He may not be the next LT, but if he stays healthy he can definitely be a solid starting back in the NFL. He shows good hand, excellent speed, and can stop and change direction on a dime.
29. New York Jets – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Every year some guys make a lot of money by performing well at the combine, and this year's big winner is Golden Tate. Although Tate has a high second round grade in my book, I think the Jets will reach for him here based primarily on his outstanding outing in Indy during February. Tate showed he has the top end speed a team like the Jets values, and with their desire to get Mark Sanchez some targets to throw to, the Jets will reach and choose Tate late in round one.
30. Minnesota Vikings – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Near the end of last season the Vikes went on a losing streak, and it appeared to me that their Achilles Heel was their secondary. Because of his performance during the Senior Bowl, Kyle Wilson emerged as the number two corner in this class, and this will be too attractive for Minnesota to pass on here. Wilson can come in and learn, eventually replacing Antoine Winfield in the starting lineup, and also help in the return game should the team decide to give last year's top selection Percy Harvin some help.
31. Indianapolis Colts – Brian Price, DT, UCLA
As
long as Peyton Manning lines up under center in Indy, this offense will
continue to find ways to score. The defense is under rated, but still
lacks presence in the middle of the line. Brian Price is a big body and I believe that he could really help Indy return to the Super Bowl next season. Price will occupy space, and offensive linemen on the opposing unit. This should allow Freeny and Mathis to do what they do best, and when they are free to get after it, the defense is down right scary.
32. New Orleans Saints – Everson Griffen, DE/LB, USC
To
close out round one, we have the Super Bowl champion, New Orleans
Saints. Gosh, that still feel strange to type. Greg Williams has
solidified himself in my mind as the pre-eminent defensive football
mind currently in the NFL. He turned this defense into the games most
under rated (just ask Peyton Manning). Despite this achievement, the
defense could still use the addition of some talent in their
linebacking corps. Everson Griffen worked his way back into the first round at the combine by easing concerns about his ability to transition to a LB in the pros. He showed great strength and excellent speed, leading me to believe that he has the necessary skills to hold up in space. Williams will love what this kid brings to the table.
EZ...
