2-Round Mock 3.11.10

And they're off... Free Agency is underway and already some big moves have been made.  Some of these moves are effecting what some of our teams will be doing in the draft.  In addition, I provide our first look at the second round of this years draft.  And with the first pick of the 2010 NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams select....

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 – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

KC is a young team, and they still have needs on both sides of the ball.  Because of this, the team can go with the best overall player on the board, and that is clearly Eric Berry.  Berry will bring a presence to the secondary, and if his constant comparisons to future Hall-of-Famer, Ed Reed are any indication, he will be a game changer.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

New head honcho Pete Carroll knows that games are won and lost in the trenches, so he will be looking to upgrade both lines.  At this point in the draft he can take the best lineman on either side remaining, and Bulaga is the guy.  His mean streak and consistency through out this season have made him a valuable commodity, and the hawks will be happy to add him to the roster.

7. Cleveland Browns – Jason Pierre Paul, DE, South Florida

New Cleveland Czar, Mike Holmgren is already starting to reshape this roster.  To continue the transformation, he will want high upside athletes.  When you look up high upside athlete on You Tube, you get Jason Pierre Paul's handspring video.  This raw talent has one of the highest upsides in recent memory.  Knowing that all can't be fixed in one season, Holmgren will show the patients to allow JPP to develop into a star.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Each year Al Davis falls in love with a workout warrior who has the right size, speed, strength ratios, and then usually reaches in round one to draft him.  This year that combine all-star is Campbell.  Tackle is the right position to address as the Raiders need to protect some of their other recent investments (Russell & McFadden), but Campbell will be a complete reach here in round 1.

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 – Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

Only two picks after the big reach by Oakland, Jacksonville will make the same mistake.  Signing Aaron Kampman was a great move for the Jags, but I am afraid it will lead them to reaching for Kindle to fill their new biggest need at linebacker.  Although Kindle is talented, picking him a 10 is simply too high.

11. Denver Broncos via Chicago Bears – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Denver receiver Brandon Marshall is looking to get out of town, and even if the Broncos don't grant him his wish, they still need another target for Orton to throw to.  Dez Bryant is the best receiver in this class, and if he reaches his potential he can easily make this team forget all about Marshall.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

With the signing of Karlos Dansby, and the suspension of Jason Furgeson, combined with Bryant having just been selected makes this an easy choice for Miami.  Dan Williams is a legit prospect to fill the center of a defensive line, and Miami will be very happy to have this guy in the center of their defense. 

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 – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

Carroll had some of his best years at USC on the shoulders of a do-it-all running back named Reggie Bush.  The temptation of having a Bush like player on his roster again will prove to be too much to pass on for the new Seahawks boss.  Spiller can be a guy who you have to account for on each and every set as he can line up in the backfield, at receiver, and on special teams.  This type of versatility is valuable and will be why the hawks make him their second choice of the first round.

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 – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Whenever a team takes a risk, another has the potential for a reward.  This is the case for the Titans as Derrick Morgan falls to them here.  Losing Kyle Vanden Bosch could hurt this team, but nabbing Morgan to replace him could ease the pain very quickly.  This guy is the more polished of the top two DEs in this class, and should be able to step in to contribute from day one.  He can get after the QB  and is stout against the run.  Great pick for the Titans here in the middle of the first.

17. San Francisco 49ers –Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

For the Niners to be able to grab two top ten talents while picking in the teens is a certain coup for Mike Singletary.  After stealing Haden with their previous choice, the now can grab the third best tackle on the board in Williams.  Although there are sometimes lapses in his game, I think Williams can be a good pro.  Getting him here at 17 is good value too.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iuptai, G, Idaho

As I stated in my previous mock, I know the Steelers would want the best interior o-lineman in this draft, to the point that I predicted them trading up to try and grab Iuptai.  In this scenario they don't have to, and instead they can stay put and secure their replacement for Alan Faneca.  Big Mike is a rock, and he will sure look good in the black and gold.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Everson Griffen, DE, USC

The Falcons defense was certainly an area of weakness for them last season.  They have already addressed a need in their secondary with the signing of Dunta Robinson.  Now they are free to add Everson Griffen to help them get some pressure on opposing pass rushers.  Griffen showed at the combine he has the skills needed to translate if they need him to play standing up in a 3-4 as well. 

20. Houston Texans – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

The Falcons gain is the Texans loss.  Dunta Robinson was the cornerstone of that defensive secondary, but with him patrolling the ATL, Houston has a new top need.  Kyle Wilson has been steadily rising since the Senior Bowl.  He has the skills to get the job done, and Gary Kubiak will need him to do just that in a division that features Peyton Manning.

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 – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

6 weeks ago, Davis was flying up draft boards.  He flew almost effortlessly into the top 10.  Since the combine however, Davis has been free falling.  He showed up sloppy, and his attitude is turning people off.  Green Bay will take advantage of this free fall to add this guy with a great upside to their line.  He has the potential to be an excellent tackle at the next level and I think Green Bay could be getting a steal here.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Taylor Mays, S, USC

For years, the Philadelphia secondary was feared around the league.  When Brian Dawkins was allowed to head west last season, the secondary became soft.  Taylor Mays has unbelievable athleticism and if his senior year struggles are behind him, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Me, along with everyone else in the world, has been saying the Ravens have to get some targets for Joe Flaco if they want him to continue to develop.  Well consider the objective reached.  Donte Stallworth and Anquan Boldin are added and with Derrick Mason coming back, the Ravens are in good shape.  Now for the defense, their secondary is aging.  Combine this with some players bolting along with former DC Rex Ryan, and you have some holes to fill.  Earl Thomas is a talented player, who can play up at the line, or drop into coverage effectively.  Baltimore will be better with him in purple.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jerry Hughes, LB, TCU

It has been a tough off-season so far for the Cards.  Kurt Warner and Bert Berry retired.  Karlos Dansby, Antrell Rolle, and Anquan Boldin have all settled in elsewhere, and the only significant addition to date is Kerry Rhodes.  This team needs players who can make an impact, and Hughes has been moving up boards because of the impact he has been making.  This kid is simply a football player, and the Cards need some players to replace those they lost on their defense.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Price, Odrick... Odrick, Price.  Each mock I seem to switch between the Boys selecting one of these two D-tackles.  I like them both, but I am starting to think that Price will be the better fit in Big D.  This is a big dude and he can plug some serious space on the defensive front.  This should make this team better at the point of attack, and maybe help them reach the next level of the NFL post season.

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 – Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

The Jets need both a pass rusher and a wide out from this draft.  Of those still available Arellious Benn is clearly the best on the board.  This guy has great hand, quick feet, good hops, and if he had a QB who could reach him at Illinois, he could have challenged Bryant for the number one spot in this class.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

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.  Antoine Winfield is getting old, and Cedric Griffith has not yet blossomed into a stud.  McCourty is a good athlete and a better football player, and that is what Minnesota needs to take the next step.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

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.  Jared Odrick can develop into a force up front under the right tutelage.  Jim Caldwell could be the right tutor.

32. New Orleans Saints – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

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.  Weatherspoon is a playmaker , and with Scott Fujita now in Cleveland, Weathspoon will be counted on to fill the gap.



Round 2
33. St. Louis Rams - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
34. Detroit Lions - Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -  Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
36. Kansas City Cheifs - Charles Brown, OT, USC
37. Washington Redskins - Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
38. Cleveland Browns - Daryl Washington, LB, TCU
39. Oakland Raiders - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
40. Seattle Seattle - Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama
41. Buffalo Bills - Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Chicago - Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State
43. Miami Dolphins - Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
44. New England Patriots via Jacksonville - Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
45. Denver Broncos - Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson
46. New York Giants - Nate Allen, S, South Florida
47. Carolina Panthers - Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
48. New England Patriots via Tennessee - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
49. San Francisco 49ers - Thaddeus Gibson, LB, Ohio State
50. Houston Texans - Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
51. Kansas City Chiefs via Atlanta -  Damian Williams, WR, USC
52. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
53. New England Patriots - Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
54. Cincinnati Bengals -  Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State
55. Philadelphia Eagles - Patrick Angerer, LB, Iowa
56. Green Bay Packers - Chad Jones, S, LSU
57. Baltimore Ravens - Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
58. Arizona Cardinals - Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan
59. Dallas Cowboys - Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
60. San Diego Chargers - Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
61. New York Jets - Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
62. Minnesota Vikings - Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
63. Indianapolis Colts - Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
64. New Orleans Saints - Corey Wooton, DE, Northwestern