2010 Draft Review

So the 2010 draft is now in the books. As it is often said, it takes at least three years to truly evaluate a draft class, but that does not stop us here at Football Futures from taking a stab at it only a few days after.
What I will do with today's article is to give each team a grade for their draft weekend efforts. To do this I have compiled a "Team GPA" for each NFL squad. I will take just a minute to explain to you how I have come up with this GPA. Throughout the seven round draft, each team made multiple draft selections. I evaluated each selection, then awarded it a grade based on value, team fit, and skill of the player. The grades were as follows:

A = Excellent Pick
B = Good Pick
C = Adequate Pick
D = Not a Good Pick
F = Bad Pick

Once each of the individual selection grades were assigned, these grades were converted to numbers. Just like in college, the numbers were averaged to create a GPA for each team. A GPA of 4.0 would indicate all "A" picks. A GPA of 0.0 would mean only "F" picks.
After the individual scores were added together, but before they were averaged, I also went through each team and made some additional evaluations, which could result in bonus points. For example, if a team failed to address their needs through the draft weekend, they could get a bonus of -1, added to their score. Conversely, teams who moved around the board effectively, creating value through trade, or signed some highly skilled, undrafted free agents, the team could earn a bonus of +1 to be added to their score. Then these adjusted totals would be divided by the number of selections made by the team to create a "weighted GPA" for each team. So without any further discussion, let's review each teams draft weekend performance.

 

1. San Francisco 49ers – 3.25
   During my mock drafts, I said that San Fran had the opportunity to really make a big impact with this draft and move to a power position in the NFC West. Well, they must have heard me, because they really took advantage of their positioning in this draft, and walked away from the weekend with the best results. I love that this team avoided flash early, and instead acquired two real good linemen to solidify themselves up front. This will give Alex Smith the best chance to succeed. I absolutely love the addition of Taylor Mays in the second round. Under Singletary's tutelage he can become a superstar in their secondary. I also love the pickup of Navarro Bowman in the third. They needed a linebacker and got exceptional value with this pick. The bottom line with the Niners is that they used their draft position well and moved around at the appropriate times, filling all of their major needs with value picks.
   
   
   
2. Arizona Cardinals – 3.14
   As the experts review the draft, they talk a lot about how well San Fran, Seattle and Detroit did over the weekend. Not a lot of chatter surrounding the moves made by the Cardinals, but I loved their draft. They started off on the right foot, showing patients, and grabbing DT Dan Williams in the first round. Then in the second they were able to grab a borderline first round talent in Daryl Washington to replace Karlos Dansby in their linebacking corp. With the 88^th pick, they grabbed Andre Roberts who has as much potential and upside as anyone in this draft. Then with their 4^th round pick the pounced on O'Brien Schofield, who had a borderline round 1 grade until he got hurt during the Senior Bowl. Absolute fantastic additions for the Arizona team who all of a sudden found themselves with some significant holes to fill.
   
   
   
3. Seattle Seahawks – 3.11Pete Carroll's first draft as the head coach of the Hawks was one to remember. His moves to stay put in the first round were stellar. By showing patients and staying at 6, he was able to have the best o-lineman in the draft fall to him courtesy of the Redskins. Then he stayed put at 14, and had one of the top overall players in the draft land in his lap courtesy of the Eagles. After Okung and Thomas they did well to find Golden Tate in round 2, Kam Chancellor in round 5, Anthony McCoy in round 6, and Dexter Davis in round 7. Very excellent work for the Hawks.
   
   
   
4. Tennessee Titans – 2.89
   Tennessee nabbed themselves a catch in the middle of round one. Derrick Morgan is NFL ready and quite polished for a rook. He will provide an immediate replacement to a defense that recently lost Kyle Vanden Bosch this offseason. Damien Williams has great potential to become an awesome weapon for Young and he was a great grab in round 2. Alterraun Verner and Robert Johnson were good pick-ups in the middle rounds. I also think that Myron Rolle was a steal for this team late on Saturday afternoon. Then the team added Stefon Johnson and LaGarrett Blount as undrafted FAs. Both of those guys have a chance to make the team in August. Good work by Tennessee.
   
   
   
5. Cincinnati Bengals – 2.78For the second straight season, Cincinnati has netted one of the best drafts in the league. Each of this team's first 5 picks were all good picks. Gresham, Dunlap, Shipley, Ghee, and Atkins all will make this team and help them improve. Of the remaining picks, I really fell they grabbed an excellent player late Saturday in Dezmon Briscoe from Kansas. He can develop into yet another weapon for Carson Palmer.
   
   
   
6. Oakland Raiders – 2.78
   So how about this turnaround for Al Davis' Raiders. Last year they had the worst draft by quite a wide margin. This year, a top ten performance. Things started off on the right foot with the Rolando McClain selection. Granted, on draft night, I was a little surprised by the pick, but the more I thought about it, the more I like it. Then they kept it going with Houston, Veldheer, Campbell and Ford. To top it off, the team grabbed bonus points for trading for QB Jason Campbell. They gave up a 4^th round pick, but there would have been no QB of equal quality available to them at that pick. Then they added Trent Guy as an undrafted FA. Good work for Oakland.
   
   
   
7. Kansas City Chiefs - 2.71By most accounts I really like what the Chiefs did with their draft. Eric Berry has the potential to be the single best player taken from this class. I also think they made an excellent move to position themselves to acquire John Asamoah early in round 3. In fact, most of their picks were real solid, except for Dexter McCluster. I have felt the Mississippi running back has been overrated from the start, but adding him to a team that plans to feature Jammal Charles, and who acquired Thomas Jones to spell him makes no sense to me at all. Otherwise, quite a nice weekend for KC.
   
   
   
8. Baltimore Ravens – 2.71
   One of the things you can almost guarantee is that on draft weekend, Ozzie Newsome and the Baltimore Ravens will put together one of the league's best drafts. They did it again this year. They were smart and added assets by trading out of the first round, and then grabbed value in Sergio Kindle in the second round. I also liked the Terrance Cody pick as he makes this team much more difficult to run on. I didn't really like the Ed Dickson pick in the third round, as I think McCoy and Hernandez would have been better choices, but the Arthur Jones pick could wind up as one of the steals in the draft. When he is focused, he is almost unblockable.
   
   
   
9. Cleveland Browns – 2.63Cleveland came into this draft with a lot of needs, but also with good draft position to address some of those needs. In the first the team grabbed Joe Haden. The truth about Haden is he plays better than he measures, and on Sundays the Browns play football, not run track. He will be an immediate asset to this secondary. In the second round the team selected safety TJ Ward. Now Ward is quite injury prone, and with guys like Mays, Burnett, and Wright still on the board, I did not like that selection. The next two picks however were stellar. Montario Hardesty and Colt McCoy are both pieces that the Browns can build around in the future, and I really liked both of those picks. Overall Cleveland did a nice job over the weekend.
   
   
   
10. Miami Dolphins – 2.63
    Rounding out the top ten was the Miami Dolphins. The Phins first move of the weekend, trading down from number 12, really set this team up for a successful draft, essentially replacing their loss from the Brandon Marshall trade earlier this month. Then they used their new found position to acquire Jared Odrick, Koa Misi, and John Jerry with their first three selections. I like all three additions for Miami, as I expect all to contribute during their rookie year. The Rashad Jones selection in the 5^th, and Austin Spitler in the 7^th were two more choices I really liked as well. Overall the Dolphins did a solid job with their opportunities during the draft.
    
    
    
11. Pittsburgh Steelers – 2.60For the first time in a very long time, there was the image of instability and uncertainty surrounding the Steelers as they entered the draft. With all of the drama associated with QB, Ben Rothlisberger, there were questions as to what the Steelers would do during the draft. They answered those questions by making some solid picks, starting in the first round with Maurkice Pouncey to hopefully become the next in a line of hall of fame quality centers for Pittsburgh. Jason Worilds, Manny Sanders, and Thaddeus Gibson made for strong choices after Pouncey. I also like the late round addition of Jonathan Dwyer. He may have had some post-season struggles, but I think they got value with that selection late. Then, the team went and added Daryl Clark, and Andre Dixon as undrafted FAs. Again, nice moves. The Big Ben drama may not be over, but the team is no doubt better as a result of a nice draft.
    
    
    
12. New England Patriots – 2.58When it come to using picks as assets, and using assets to create opportunities, no one in the league does it better than the Patriots. The Pats amassed 12 picks over the weekend, and at the same time left themselves in the power seat for next year's draft too. In terms of the players they picked, I really liked some of their moves. The McCourty selection in round one is a nice fit for their system, as he will come in a play both corner and return man roles. If Gronkowski satys healthy, he could be an awesome TE for them, and if he can't mid round selection Aaron Hernandez will be an excellent fit for their system. Brandon Spikes should fit the mold of a New England ILB very well, and should excel as a Patriot. I also like the Zac Robinson selection, as a developmental project, to close out their weekend. Again, the Pats were masterful in their movement and solid in their selections, which should keep them competitive in a much tougher AFC East.
    
    
    
13. Detroit Lions – 2.57
    Many of the experts I have read are really impressed with what the Detroit Lions did on draft weekend. I like their moves, but I don't love them. I think getting Suh second overall was an awesome addition to this unit, as he has hall-of-fame talent written all over him. I also like the additions of Javhid Best and Amari Spievey with their next two selections, but I have some questions about their thought process. Looking at the board, I am not really sure why Detroit gave up assets to move back into round one to grab Best. I really think he would have been there when they picked three picks later at the top of the second.
    
    
    
14. Philadelphia Eagles – 2.54After finishing last year's draft as the top team in my ratings, this year the Eagles drop to the middle of the pack. This is not because of any bad picks. In fact, the lowest grade I gave any of their selections is a "C". But they did make 13 total selections, so the law of averages start to kick in and each "A" and "B" are worth a little less in the average. The Eagles made a nice move in the first round to go up and grab Brandon Graham. He has immense talent and should develop into a great pass rushing end. Nate Allen in round 2 was a dynamite pick. I also like the Kafka, Harbor, and Cooper picks in the middle round. The one pick I really like is Ricky Sapp. He has the potential to be a big time playmaker at the next level, and with Graham and Allen in the mix, this could make for a good, young defense.
    
    
    
15. Carolina Panthers – 2.50
    The Panthers are another team who had a nice quantity of picks for the weekend. Only, they did not have a pick in the first round. This did not stop them from grabbing a few potential signal callers to compete for their starting spot this year. They got Jimmy Clausen in the second round and then Tony Pike in the sixth. They also added Armanti Edwards who was a QB in college but likely won't be in the pros. I really like the Eric Norwood addition on Saturday too. I do think the Brandon LaFell pick has some real risk attached to it though.
    
    
    
16. Dallas Cowboys – 2.50The Cowboys made a big splash on Thursday trading up in round one to grab the top receiver in this class in Dez Bryant. Then then they made a nice pick in round two, grabbing Penn Stater Sean Lee. Overall, the Cowboys made some nice moves over the weekend, and should be a better team in 2010.
    
    
    
17. New Orleans Saints – 2.50The defending Super Bowl Champs landed in the middle of the pack in their first draft as the best. The best choice was in Round 2 when they grabbed Charles Brown to solidify their o-line. Their initial selection was somewhat curious. I like Patrick Robinson as a corner, but I am not sold on the pick filling a need for the Saints. Yes it is a passing league, so a good secondary is a necessity, but Daryl Washington was still on the board, and this team needs to replace Fujita in their linebacking corp.
    
    
    
18. Washington Redskins – 2.50The Skins are not a typically an active team during the draft. This is because they usually trade away their picks. Under Mike Shannahan I expect this to be different. In round one the team surprised me a little by picking Trent Williams instead of Okung, but Mike is obviously banking on his upside. They made some other nice picks over the weekend, but none better than Selvish Capers in the 7^th round. This guy had a second round grade, so grabbing him real late was a steal.
    
    
    
19. Indianapolis Colts – 2.50
    The Colts started out the draft with one of the best first round selections, getting Jerry Hughes, who is the perfect fit for their defense. Things cooled off a bit afterwards though, as the team made only adequate choices after. I like Pat Angerer, although I think they took him too high. Kevin Thomas was a pretty good pick too, although, again I think a little too high.
    
    
    
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2.44
    Tampa made a nice grab in round one with McCoy. He will be the anchor this team needs to build around. In round two the Bucs took Brian Price, who has a first round grade, although I do think the team had bigger areas to address. Two of my favorite picks were Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. This team needed receivers, and now they have some. Overall this draft was fairly good for the Bucs.
    
    
    
21. Chicago Bears – 2.40So the biggest impact to the Bears 2010 draft was the high price paid to acquire Jay Cutler last offseason. As a result, Chicago had no first round pick. Then they inexplicably paid the Bucs a second round pick for Gaines Adams. Although the Adams death was a tragedy, giving up a second for the guy was silly. Despite these missteps, Chicago still managed to turn in a respectable performance, grabbing Major Wright and Corey Wooten with their top two picks. Both of those guys should be good, and the Chicago defense is not what it used to be. Now if only they could get Cutler to play like the first rounder they paid for him.
    
    
    
22. St Louis Rams – 2.36
    The Rams really had a pretty good draft overall, but one pick really hurt their overall grade. Getting Bradford first overall was a nice pick for the team, as they now have their future leader. Saffold and Gilyard were also good picks for the club. I also love the pick of George Selvie in the seventh round. Unfortunately, with their top pick in round three, I think they completely busted on Jerome Murphy. Not only was it about a round to early, but he will be a bust in the NFL. This was a real bad pick. Worse considering that Spievey, Brandon Ghee, Dominique Franks, and Perrish Cox were all still available.
    
    
    
23. Houston Texans – 2.33The Texans weekend started off quite curiously. They came on the clock with the top cover corner in the class still available, and they were in need of a cover corner. Instead of taking Wilson though, they chose Kareem Jackson. Jackson is a nice fit for their system, but they do get knocked for passing on Wilson. The remainder of their picks were adequate. Daryl Sharpton has some nice potential though, and they did add the underrated Adam Ulatoski as an undrafted FA.
    
    
    
24. Atlanta Falcons – 2.29
    The Falcons had an adequate draft overall. I was not really in love with any of their picks. Although I like Sean Weatherspoon , I think Jerry Hughes and Sergio Kindle would have been better first round options for the Falcons. The rest of their picks were also adequate in my book. The lone exception to this was their early fifth round selection of Dominique Franks. This was a nice pickup.
    
    
    
25. Green Bay Packers – 2.29The Pack started off real strong. They were patient and they scored a top ten talent in Bryan Bulaga all the way at 23. The Neal and Burnett picks were also pretty good choices two. Unfortunately, they made a real poor choice in round 5 in Andrew Quarless. Although this is only a 5^th round choice, Quarless has shown he is incapable of acting like a mature adult, and this should prevent him from ever making an impact in the NFL. Considering talents like Holmes and Groves were just had for 5^th round picks, I think they still got robbed.
    
    
    
26. New York Jets – 2.25
    So here is the thing with the Jets. I think three of their four selections are talented football players, with the lone average player being McKnight. Unfortunately, they only made four picks, and curious picks at that. Having Wilson available to them in the first was nice, except for the fact that they already have two very talented corners on the roster. The other big knock on the Jets is that they needed to come away from this draft with a pass rusher and a safety, and they came away with neither. Don't misunderstand me, the jets will still be good, but I am not loving their draft.
    
    
    
27. Minnesota Vikings – 2.25The bottom line about Minnesota's draft is that it was largely unexciting. I liked them grabbing Everson Griffen in the fourth round, especially considering he had a first round grade by me and most experts. My biggest criticism is in their second round pick of Toby Gerhart. I like him as a running back, but I am still not sure why you would trade up in the second round to grab a player who is no doubt a backup on the team. I know with Chester Taylor gone, they Vikes needed a second carrier to All Day AP, but did they really need to trade up to get him? Just seems like some itchy nerves to me.
    
    
    
28. San Diego Chargers – 2.17I read a review praising the Chargers for their brazen behavior in going after they guy they wanted. I think there is a thin line between brazen and risky, and it is my felling the Chargers were on the wrong side of the line. Please do not misunderstand. I like Ryan Matthews. I think he can become a pretty good NFL back. I just don't feel they got value taking him at 12, and worse, they gave up a lot for the privilege of reaching. Can Mathews be a good back? Yes. Will he be the next LT in SD? I just don't see it. The Cam Thomas and Darrell Stuckey picks were nice little additions in the mid rounds though, and I do like the team grabbing Brandon Lang as an undrafted FA.
    
    
    
29. New York Giants – 2.14
    So the night got off to a rough start for the G-Men. Everyone and their brother knew the team was hoping to make something happen to ensure their landing of Rolando McClain, but Oakland was not about to let that happen. Instead the team grabbed Jason Pierre Paul. He has mega potential, but he is raw. Since Osi is already occupying what should be his spot, he will have some time to learn and develop, which is a plus, but do you really pick a developmental project at 15 overall? Not when you have some other pressing needs. I like Linval Joseph as a player, but I think he was overhyped a bit, and as a result, it left the Giants reaching for him in the second round. The Chad Jones pick in round three was nice. Then in round seven, the Giants took a punter. I know it is their seventh round pick, but I am rarely in favor of ever drafting punters, as team's can almost always find a good punter in free agency.
    
    
    
30. Buffalo Bills – 2.11So, did the Bills grab some talent in this draft? Yes. I like the Alex Carrington pick, and I think Arthur Moats and Marcus Easley could make contributions to this club. Each of those picks earned "B" grades on my score sheet. As for their first round pick, CJ Spiller, I think he is an awesome talent. He has the potential to be a game changer, and having this type of talent is valuable. Unfortunately for the Bills, if there was one position they came into the draft covered at it was at running back. I know they have been trying to unload Marshawn Lynch, but right now they still have him, and Fred Jackson too. This just makes an even bigger crowd. With huge needs on the o-line (not addressed until round 5) and at QB, not addressed at all, I expect this team to find themselves picking first overall next April.
    
    
    
31. Denver Broncos – 2.00Will someone please explain to the Broncos that although imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, it is not an effective draft day strategy. Like his former boss, Josh McDaniels tried to show his wisdom by moving all over the board on draft day. Unlike his former employer he made some bad picks when they chose to not move. I know the team had Demaryius Thomas rated higher than Dez Bryant. Although I disagree with the assessment, that could have worked for them, if they had traded down again. Instead, they sat tight, and reached. Then they traded back up to grab a really great guy in Tim Tebow. Unfortunately, they grabbed a guy who may be an awesome human, but won't be an awesome NFL QB. I think this is a simple case of falling in love with a player, and the Broncos made a good media decision, but a bad football one. Then they went and reached again with their third pick, Zane Beadles. He could develop into an adequate guard in the NFL, but with Asamoah and Jerry still available, again they reached. But as much as I disliked the Broncos draft, they made nice picks in the mid rounds with Eric Decker and Perrish Cox, and this saved them from being the worst performing team on draft weekend. That distinction is thus saved for…
    
    
    
32. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1.83Again, I will start with the positives. Tyson Alualu could become a good DT in the NFL. Seriously though, tenth overall? Ok, I get it, you had him rated really high, but why not trade down. They could have dropped back 15-20 spots, amassed some nice assets, and still grabbed Alualu slightly too high. After Suh and McCoy, Williams was clearly the next best tackle, and he didn't go until the late 20's. Talk about reaching. Then they really failed to make a stong impact with any one of their remaining picks. Of the bunch, the only grade higher than "C" goes to Austen Lane. Just not a good weekend for Jacksonville, and although I hate to say it because I really like him, Jack Del Rio could be in trouble.
    

Pick 32 - New Orleans Saints

And to close the first round and this live blogging session, the Super Bowl Champion Saints are on the clock.  To remain at the top of the league the team needs to add some defensive talent in the front seven.  So who do they add, Patrick Robinson.  Like the Jets, this team chose instead to add to an area of strength, and add a CB for the second straight year.  Not really sure that I like this pick.  I think the Saints could have gone in some other directions and done better for themselves.  Kindle and Griffen are still available, so I think this was an error.

Grade: C

Pick 31 - Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were in the Super Bowl because they are a very good team.  Now at the end of the first, they have the chance to get better.  They add Jerry Hughes with this pick.  I love this guy, and I love this pick.  He can play end or linebacker, and the Colts need to replace Raheem Brock.  I think him learning from Freeney will be scary.

Grade: A

Pick 30 - Detroit Lions via Minnesota

The Vikes were a very good team last year, and now they will get to add to their team.  Favre will obviously not be the long term answer at QB, and with Clausen and McCoy still available, this has to be tempting.  They also have some needs in their secondary though.  Where did they go?  They traded the pick to Detroit. The Lions already added Suh, and now they get some help at RB in Javhid Best.  I like there current RB in Kevin Smith, but he has been to injury prone, so they need another option.  Another option who has suffered from concussions?

Grade: B

Pick 29 - New York Jets

The Jets have been the most active team for the second straight offseason.  They have made a lot of high profile moves so far.  With their first round selection, they continue to improve in the secondary and add a super talent Kyle Wilson.  They already have Revis, and they added Cromartie.  Wilson is going to be good, but another corner when you have real needs at DE and S, I am not sure this is their best possible choice.

Grade: B

Pick 28 - Miami Dolphins

The Phins wanted to trade down from 12 today, and they got their wish thanks to SD.  Now with added firepower, the Phins select Jared Odrick.  Odrick is a guy can play either DT or DE.  In a 3-4 he is a good end.  The pick is not too early, and fills an area of need for Miami.

Grade: B

Pick 27 - New England

So far so good for the Pats.  They have traded down twice her in round one, and still are in position to grab one of the defenders that was available for them when they came on the clock the first time. Pats need help at linebacker and Sergio Kindle is available.  They need another corner, and Kyle Wilson is available.  They could use a replacement for Richard Seymore, and Everson Griffin is available.  Who do they pick... Devin McCourty.  Devin was the number 3 corner on my board.  I think this is a mistake.  They had a chance to make a big impact.  I like Devin and his special teams play probably made the difference for him here.

Grade: C

Pick 26 - Arizona Cardinals

Zona has had one of the toughest offseasons thus far, losing Boldin, Warner, Berry, Dansby, and Rolle.  This will be a very different team next year.  Here at 26 they added a talent in Dan Williams.  He is a top ten talent, and he will be the NT they team really needs.  The Cards are left with a few needs, but this is a really good pick for Zona.

Grade: A

Pick 25 - Denver Broncos via Baltimore

The experts were calling for Bryant to Baltimore.  I have said since adding Q Boldin, this team needs to look at corners with this pick.  Kyle Wilson has fallen to them.  But then again, so has the only true NT in this group and Williams is a top ten talent.  Which direction did they go? They traded down and allowed Denver to step in.  They grab Tim Tebow.  What a mistake.  He is a great person, but not a great NFL QB.  The Broncos also added Brady Quinn this offseason.  This is a bad choice for Denver.  This is their second mistake tonight.  Oh, yeah, and they gave up a 2, 3 and 4 to get him. Just awful.

Grade: F

Pick 24 - Dallas Cowboys via New England

Jerry Jones gets his man.  They trade up with the Pats, and get a superstar to pair with Austin in Big D.  I really like this move for Dallas.  I think their offense get much better quickly.  He also steps in a helps in their return game.  Heck I just heard Gruden call him a "Michael Irvin type."

Grade: A

Pick 23 - Green Bay Packers

Green Bay was one of the team's who were talked about as looking to move up. Instead they sit tight at 23, and now have the chance to grab a top ten talent in Bulaga.  The Pack need to improve up front and I think Bulaga is going to be Jake Long all over again.

Grade: A

Pick 22 - Denver Broncos via New England

So after trading down twice, Josh McDaniels and company tap into their former boss in New England, and they deal up this time.  For who you ask?  Could this wide receiver needy team fill the need?  Yes.  But not as expected.  Instead of getting future super stud Dez Bryant, the traded up to get Demaryius Thomas.  I like the Ga Tech product, but I love Bryant, and therefore, I consider this to be a miss.  Especially since they traded up to get him.

Grade: D

Pick 21 - Cincinnati Bengals

I have been calling for the Bengals to grab Jermaine Gresham all post-season, and with pick 21 they do just that.  Palmer needs more weapons, and Gresham is real good.  He would have been the top TE off the board last year, and despite the injury he suffered, he is still the best TE on the board.

Grade: B

Pick 20 - Houston Texans

The Texans will look to get both a corner and a running back in this draft.  At number 20 in the first round, the choose to address their need at corner.  Only they did not choose Kyle Wilson as I expected.  Instead they went with Kareem Jackson.  I like Jackson, but not as much a Wilson, and that impacts the draft grade here.  They did need a replacement for Robinson though, and Jackson could be just that.

Grade: C

Pick 19 - Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons had a weak defense last year.  They already made a move to improve by adding former Texan Dunta Robinson.  Now in the draft they go with Sean Weatherspoon.  He is an active linebacker, and they really need talent in their linebacking corp.  I like the pick.

Pick 18 - Pittsburgh Steelers

All of the drama in Pittsburgh this offseason, and still I expect this to be a good team next year.  With their first selection in the 2010 draft they grab their center of the future in Maurkice Pouncey.  he is a good talent and that is why I predicted this choice.

Grade: B

Pick 17 - San Francisco 49ers

The 9ers come to the clock already having added Davis to build their o-line.  With their second pick in the first round they choose Mike Iuptai.  The guard from Idaho is excellent, and this team has drastically improved their o-line in an hour.  I like the pick.  I don't love the pick.

Grade: C

Pick 16 - Tennessee Titans

The Titans arrived on the clock with some defensive needs, especially considering the departure of Kyle Vanden Bosch.  So with their first pick in the center of the first round, the Titans grab Derrick Morgan.  he is a top ten talent, and he is NFL ready.  Both of these make this a real good pick for the Titans at 16.

Grade: B

Pick 15 - New York Giants

Although McClain is gone, the Giants arrive at the podium with a lot of talent still on the board.  With needs on the o-line they could grab Bryan Bulaga or Mike Iuptai.  Dan Williams is an outstanding DT and he is still on the board too.  So who did the G-Men pick?  Jason Pierre Paul.  The Giants have to improve their defense, and JPP is an athletic freak.  Huge upside.  Could be a dominating pass rusher in the near future.

Grade: B

Pick 14 - Seattle Seahawks

And the Hawks are back on the clock.  In my mock I had them taking Spiller here, but he is gone to Buffalo, so instead the team grabs Earl Thomas.  Thomas is a real good safety, and this is a fair position to take him.  Adding Okung and Thomas has to make the Hawks very happy. 

Grade: B

Pick 13 - Philadelphia Eagles via Denver

And Denver is back on the clock, and they move back again by trading with Philly.  The cost is high here, two thirds, and the Eagles pay it to grab Brandon Graham.  Graham's  stock has been rising, and the Eagles don't want to risk losing him.  I am not sure this is a good move for the Eagles.

Grade:C

Pick 12 - San Diego via Miami

The Dolphins hit the board with a lot of talent remaining.  They use the pick and grab extra picks by trading down with the Chargers.  In the 13th spot the Chargers have the option of top ten talents like Bulaga, Morgan, Pierre Paul, and Williams.  And they use the pick to get Ryan Matthews.  I know they wanted to get a back to replace LT, but again, this feels like a reach to me.  I think he can be a good back, but I think he could have been there for them a bit later.

Grade: C

Pick 11 - San Francisco via Denver

Denver's first pick is traded to the Niners for their first and a 4th.  Not too high a price for San Fran, and a good get for Denver.  With the pick, the Niners selected Anthony Davis.  Davis is a tackle I had slated to them, only at their later pick.  I like Davis' upside, and this could be a good choice.  There is some risk here, but I like the move.

Grade: B

Pick 10 - Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are another team that could have gone in any direction, and they chose to go with Tyson Alualu !!! Again, a reach.  I had Alualu going early in the second round.  This is almost a round too early!!!  Oh my.  Alualu is a good player, but A WHOLE ROUND too early.

Grade: D

Pick 9 - Buffalo Bills

Buffalo did not take a lot of time to send up the card and they surprise me too and grab CJ Spiller.  The Bills wanted some excitement in Buffalo, and now they got it.  Again, I don't know how he fits with this team, but he sure is dynamic.  Back to back strange picks as far as I am concerned.

Grade: C

Pick 8 - Oakland Raiders

And the pick for the always unpredictable Oakland Raiders is Rolando McClain.  My readers know that I like McClain, but this is not a good pick for the Raiders.  They have too many needs to make this pick.  They should have looked at OL or DL.  Again, I like Mcclain, just not here.

Grade: C

Pick 7 - Cleveland Browns

With the drafts first "could go in any direction" pick, the Browns are ready to kick off the Holmgren era.  and with their first pick the Browns address a hole in their secondary and choose Joe Haden.  Haden is the top corner on my board, and the Browns are filling a definitive need here.  I would have picked Derrick Morgan, but Haden is not a bad choice.

Grade: B

Pick 6 - Seattle Seahawks

I think the Hawks are a happy, happy team.  I didn't expect them to have a chance at Okung, but now they do and they have to be thrilled.  Okung will be the cornerstone to that line in the future, and new head honcho, Pete Carroll, has to be smiling.  The fans should be too.

Grade: A

Pick 5 - Kansas City

And with the 5th pick the Chiefs pick  Safety, Eric Berry.  I love this pick.  He was my number one player on the board... period.  I think this guy has the talent to be a star for a long time in the league.  When you can get this type of talent at 5, you have to jump.  Again, great pick.

Grade: A

Pick 4 - Washington Redskins

And so the Skins end my run at 3.  With the fourth pick the Skins grab Trent Williams.  High upside means this could become a great selection.  The steadiness of Okung would have been my choice though.  If Williams becomes they guy Shannahan obviously thinks he can become, this will look very smart.

Grade: B

Pick 3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

And the Bucs pick makes me 3 for 3.  Gerald McCoy is a speedy DT who will be a presence in the middle of the Bucs defense.  Call him the next Bryant Young, or the next Warren Sapp, but either way, in Tampa they will be calling him their future.

Grade: A

Pick 2 - Detroit Lions

So with the second pick, the Lions choose Ndamukong Suh.  Again, this went as I predicted.  Suh has all the potential to be a dominating player in this league.  I think the Lions made an excellent choice here.  With Stafford from last year, and Suh now, the Lions future is starting to look up.

Grade: A

Pick 1 - St. Louis Rams

And as expected, with the first pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the St Louis Rams have selected Sam Bradford.  The team needed a QB to build around, and now they have one.  I like the pick.  Bradford was my top rated QB, and the Rams will need all of this kid's skills if they are to improve.

Grade: A

Live Blog

So tonight I will blog the first round of the NFL draft.  I will write a quick review of each pick, and assign a grade to the team drafting the player.  I will consider a few things when I deliver these grade.  First, I will look at the value the team got with the player.  If they reached, this will impact the grade. Another thing I will look at is how well the player fits the team that drafted him.  If the team ignores their needs, and only draft based on the skill of the player, that will effect their grade too.

If I give the team an "A", that means I feel the pick is excellent.  Likely the team got good value with their selection, and they likely filed a position of need too. 

Grades of "B" are given to teams who did well with their pick.  It may not be stellar, but solid, and the team and their fans should be happy.

A "C" grade indicates the team only did OK.  This could indicate a reach, or a best player that doesn't fit a need type scenario.

"D" grades mean the team missed.  There were likely multiple better options to go with. 

Finally, if I give the team an "F", they completely bombed the pick in my opinion. 

This will be a very exciting night, so stick with us all the way through the first round.

Final 2010 Mock Draft

Tomorrow is the draft, and in less than 24 hours all this conjecture will come to a head.  This leaves us with only one more chance to take our chance at prognostication.  This time I will take you three rounds deep.  Also, as there is a lot of noise flying around but I have made some significant changes to this mock, including some movement in the top 10.  So for the last time for the class of 2010, the St Louis Rams select...

1. St Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Almost every mock draft I have done this season has had the Rams selecting a QB with this pick.  Bradford is my clear number one at the position.  I think Bradford will be a real good pro QB, and the Rams need to start building around their future signal caller.  There is still a little buzz about the Browns trying to trade up into this spot, but I think that is a long shot at this point.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Some have been pushing the idea that the Lions should choose an o-tackle with this pick.  Whereas I agree protecting Stafford is important, the Lions would be fools to pass on Suh.  The only way this changes is if Detroit pulls off the deal and trade for Albert Haynesworth.  Suh has the potential to be both a defensive cornerstone, and team leader.  You can't pass on guys like this.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Even if Detroit gets Haynesworth, and drafts a o-tackle with the second pick, I still think the Bucs will choose McCoy at three.  This guy reminds me of former Buc Warren Sapp.  He can penetrate and create havoc in the opposing backfield.  Tampa is a team with a lot of needs.  If they really believe that Josh Freeman is their future under center, then this pick makes even more sense, as they now need someone who they can build around on defense.

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

The Redskins seem like a team who is learning.  They have learned that you need a great leader, and they went and added Mike Shannahan.  They have learned that you cannot win by grabbing all the biggest money players in free agency, and they have kept away from the big signings this offseason.  They have learned you need a QB to be successful, and they acquired Donovan McNabb.  Now they seem to have figured out for McNabb to be successful, he needs to be kept upright, and this is where Okung should come in.  He may not have the biggest upside amongst this class, but he is the most consistent, and maybe the Skins have learned that slow and steady wins the race.

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 – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

For a very long time, I have had the Seahawks choosing former Iowa OT, Bryan Bulaga with this pick.  I still feel tackle is the right direction for this team, but I am now predicting the team will choose the former Sooner instead.  I love Bulaga, and I think he will be great, but Williams has an upside that is impossible to ignore.  He could be the right guy to replace Walter Jones in the great Northwest, and the hawks have to take this chance.

7. Cleveland Browns – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Cleveland could go in many different directions with this pick, and what they do will likely be a driver for the rest of the first round.  Names like Bryant, Pierre-Paul, Morgan, Clausen and Spiller have all been connected to the Browns with this pick.  I agree with the experts that if Eric Berry were to fall to Cleveland, they would snap him up, however, since I already have him off the board, they are left to the other possibilities.  With their need on defense, and the polish shown by Morgan I think he will be the selection.  His game is more pro-ready right now than counterpart Jason Pierre Paul, and considering the maturity questions surrounding JPP, I expect Holmgren to choose the Georgia Tech product instead.

8. Oakland Raiders – Mike Iuptai, G, Idaho

The Raiders are always a team who could do just about anything on draft day.  This pick will be a surprise, but almost in a good way.  There is a lot of buzz surrounding this pick recently, and I think it could happen.  Iuptai is not a workout warrior, and he doesn't have the name recognition of some of the other guys in this group.  Despite this, Iuptai is one of the guys who I think will be stellar from this class.  Eight may be a tad high for the former Vandal, but Al Davis is known for ignoring convention.  

9. Buffalo Bills – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

I think the Bills are looking at drafting a tackle with this pick.  Their line last year was awful without Jason Peters, and regardless who is behind center, this does not bode well for this team.  Getting to pick behind Oakland can be a blessing sometimes, and this year it will be the case.  Because the Raiders choose Iuptai, it allows for Bulaga to fall to Bufffalo, and they will be ecstatic.  Bulaga is a road grader, and this type of attitude can turn both a line and a franchise around.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jason Pierre Paul, DE, South Florida

Until mid afternoon today I was left debating if the Jags would choose JPP or Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain.  After they dealt Groves to Oakland today, I made up my mind.  Pierre Paul is a supreme athlete, and if the Jags show some patients with him, he could become one of the games premiere pass rushers, and therefore he is worth the pick here, closing out the top ten.

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

Denver was able to pull off the deal they wanted in moving Brandon Marshall.  But now they have a gaping hole in their receiving corp.  People have been knocking Bryant, but much of their criticism is really a lot about nothing.  This guy is a flat out player, and the right coaching staff can help him stay straight and become a real impact at the net level.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

With the signing of Karlos Dansby, and the suspension of Jason Furgeson, combined with having just adding Brandon Marshall makes this an easy choice for Miami.  Dan Williams is a legit NT 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

The Giants are going into this draft looking for Bama backer Rolando McClain to fall to them at 15.  If it looks like he wont fall, I expect for the G-Men to try and orchestrate a deal to trade up and grab him.  In this scenario, however, patients is their best strategy.  The Giants need to rebuild their linebacking corp, and with Antonio Pierce out of town, the middle is the right place to start.  McClain could develop into a game changer.  The fans in New York are impatient though, so he will be given very little latitude to develop.  Still, I think he is up to the task.

16. Tennessee Titans – Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

Losing Kyle Vanden Bosch leaves Tennessee with a glaring need for a pass rusher off the edge. Brandon Graham has had an excellent post-season and pushed his stock up to a new high.  Graham has a lot of talent, and his size/speed ratio make him very versatile.  I think Graham will be a good fit with the Titans. 

17. San Francisco 49ers – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

After picking up Haden with their last pick, the Niners will look carefully at the tackles and linebackers still available.  With Davis still available though, the Niners will spring.  Davis has an upside comparable to Trent Williams.  He could be the most talented guy of all the tackles in this class.  Having said that, he comes with some risk.  His attitude has turned some teams off, but after the in-person interview he had with San Fran, I expect those concern to have been put to rest.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Maurkice Pouncy, C, Florida

Despite being only a season removed from a Superbowl Title, the Steelers are a team with some needs.  One of the most pressing needs this team has is in the interior of their o-line.  Pouncey is the type of center who can be a 12 year rock in the middle of this offense, and should he reach his potential, he will be the cornerstone for this offensive front for the next decade.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

The Falcons are a team who really needs playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.  Kindle has speed, and a nose for the ball.  He can be a little sloppy at times, but I think that is teachable.  He will use his speed well, and fly around the field.  Atlanta needs a guy like this on their team.  Their offense is young and emerging.  Now the Falcons need to focus on their defense.
 

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

With Dunta Robinson now in Atlanta, the Texans have to replace him.  In my opinion, Joe Haden is the claer #1 amongst corners in this class.  After Haden, Kyle Wilson, has emerged as the next best of the bunch.  Playing in the AFC South means you have to face Peyton Manning twice each year, and this means you have be stout at the corner position.  Wilson will come in and immediately be asked to contribute.  Although it will be a trial by fire, I think he may just come through.

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 – Everson Griffen, DE, USC

Everson Griffen is another guy who has shown during this offseason why he is deserving of a first round grade.  He is quick off the snap, and plenty strong at the point of attack.  He has a nice array of pass rush moves, and is remarkably agile against the run.  For a Patriots team who dealt Richard Seymore before last season, Griffen would be a welcome addition.

23. Green Bay Packers – Earl Thomas, S, Texas

Thomas is a kid with a lot of upside.  He has excellent ball skills, and can come up an play support against the run.  In fact, Thomas has enough talent to be a player chosen in the early teens in this draft.  Unfortunately for him, he is a safety, and despite the success of guys like Ed Reed, Troy Polomalu, and Bob Sanders, safeties are still under valued.  This is great news for the Packers, who can add a talent like Thomas to reduce the average age of a quickly aging secondary.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

Phily will be a very different team than we have come to know them.  Mainstays like McNabb and Westbrook will no longer be in the city of brotherly love.  Despite this, I still think they will be a competitive ball club next season.  For the Eagles to keep improving they need to get better against the pass.  With Sheldon Brown now gone, the versatile Devin McCourty will be the pick.  McCourty can also contribute on special teams, and this will give the Eagles a capable backup to DeSean Jackson.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

Baltimore has done a great job this offseason of finding weapons for young Joe Flaco.  The addition of Q Boldin to the receiving corps I think will pay huge dividends.  Now they have the opportunity to add a corner to step in to provide some youth to this aging unit.  Kareem Jackson has been one of the fast movers this offseason, and he now lands himself a spot in the first round.  He can be the new guy to replace a once productive Samari Rolle.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Sean Witherspoon, LB, Missouri

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 Witherspoon is a guy who can make plays.  He will not be the single answer to keep this team in the playoffs, but he will be a good piece of the puzzle.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Charles Brown, OT, USC

For those of you who read my last article, you knew that this Cowboys pick would be something new after being a DT for so long.  The release of Flozell Adams ensured that.  Charles Brown is a borderline first round talent and is not a reach for the Boys here, especially considering the team's need.  Romo needs better protection for this team to go deeper into the NFC playoffs, and Dallas will count on the USC product to provide it.

28. San Diego Chargers – Brian Price, DT, UCLA

For months I have had the Bolts looking at selecting a running back with this pick.  After stealing draft picks for Charlie Whitehurst however, and watching the draft stock of some of the running backs slip a bit, I expect to see the Bolts address their need in the middle of their defensive front first. With long time NT Jamal Williams sent packing, the Chargers need a guy like Price who can come in and bring the size, strength, and presence needed for a true NT in the league.

29. New York Jets – Taylor Mays, S, USC

Clearly the Jets are making a move to shift the balance of power in the league.  They have been making big move after big move, and have to be considered a favorite for the conference title.  About the only thing the Jets have not done thus far is to replace Kerry Rhodes at safety.  Mays, although recently much maligned, is still a stud in my book.  As I go through the type of coach that Mays would be a fit under, I think of names like Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, and Rex Ryan.  I expect to see Mays become a pro bowler, and Rex Ryan is just the guy to guide him there.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

By going after Brett Favre last year, Brad Childress gave his team the best chance to win now.  On the other side of the coin, he also eliminated any real possibility of either Jackson or Rosenfels being able to lead this team.  Jimmy Clausen is a talented kid but I am anticipating a slide similar to Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn.  Minnesota needs to think about life after Favre, whenever that may begin, and Clausen should be their pick here.

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

The Colts are a very good football team.  Jim Caldwell has done a great job picking up where Tony Dungy left off.  If the Colts are going to stay competitive the need to improve at the defensive point of attack.  Odrick is the right type of d-tackle to fill the front in a Tampa-2 style defense.  He is quick, and had good feet for a big guy.  He will penetrate into the backfield, causing general disruption and this will work out well for Indy.

32. New Orleans Saints – Jerry Hughes, LB, TCU

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 game's most under rated (just ask Peyton Manning).  Despite this achievement, the defense could still use the addition of some talent in their linebacking corps.  Jerry Hughes has been rising up draft boards because he is a linebacker's linebacker.  He can run, hit, and shows great instincts.  I think he will help the Saints on their road towards a repeat.


Round 2
33. St. Louis Rams - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
34. Detroit Lions - Jahvid Best, RB, California
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -  Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
36. Kansas City Chiefs - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
37. Philadelphia Eagles via Washington - Nate Allen, S, South Florida
38. Cleveland Browns - Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
39. Oakland Raiders - Tyson Alualu, DT, California
40. San Diego via Seattle - Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno St
41. Buffalo Bills - Daryl Washington, LB, TCU
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Chicago - Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State 
43. Denver Broncos via Miami - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
44. New England Patriots via Jacksonville - Dexter McCluster, RB, Mississippi
45. Denver Broncos - Vladimir Ducasse, G, Massachusetts
46. New York Giants - Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana
47. Carolina Panthers - Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
48. New England Patriots via Tennessee - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
49. San Francisco 49ers - Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson
50. Houston Texans - Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
51. Kansas City Chiefs via Atlanta -  Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
52. Pittsburgh Steelers - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
53. New England Patriots - Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida
54. Cincinnati Bengals -  Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State
55. Philadelphia Eagles - John Asamoah, G, Illinois
56. Green Bay Packers - Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
57. Baltimore Ravens - Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama
58. Arizona Cardinals - Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
59. Dallas Cowboys - Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
60. San Diego Chargers - Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
61. New York Jets - Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern
62. Minnesota Vikings - Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
63. Indianapolis Colts - Koa Misi, LB, Utah
64. New Orleans Saints - Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse


 Round 3
65. St. Louis Rams - Amari Spivey, CB, Iowa
66. Detroit Lions - Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina
68. Kansas City Chiefs - Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
69. Oakland Raiders - Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
70. Philadelphia Eagles via Seattle - Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
71. Cleveland Browns - Damian Williams, WR, USC
72. Buffalo Bills - Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
73. Miami Dolphins - Major Wright, S, Florida
74. Jacksonville Jaguars - Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
75. Chicago Bears - Syd'Quan Thompson, CB, California
76. New York Giants - Cam Thomas, DT, North Carolina
77. Tennessee Titans - Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
78. Carolina Panthers - Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
79. San Francisco 49ers - Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
80. Denver Broncos - Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
81. Houston Texans - John Jerry, G, Mississippi
82. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida
83. Atlanta Falcons - Chad Jones, S, LSU
84. Cincinnati Bengals - Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
85. Cleveland Browns via New England from Oakland - Thaddeus Gibson, LB, Ohio State
86. Green Bay Packers - Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati
87. Philadelphia Eagles - Michael Neal, DT, Purdue
88. Arizona Cardinals via Baltimore - Edwin Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
89. Arizona Cardinals - Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
90. Dallas Cowboys - Taylor Price, WR, Ohio
91. San Diego Chargers - Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
92. Cleveland Browns via Jets - TJ Ward, S, Oregon
93. Minnesota Vikings - Rashad Jones, S, Georgia
94. Indianapolis Colts - Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
95. New Orleans Saints - Adam Ulatoski, OT, Texas
96. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp) - Jason Worlids, LB, Virginia Tech
97. Tennessee Titans (Comp) - Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
98. Atlanta Falcons (Comp) - Zane Beadles, G, Utah

Party Crashers and Free Fallers

Well here we are, a mere 48 hours before another NFL draft.  All of the work these players have put in, some for 4+ years at the collegiate level, all culminates with this NFL extravaganza.  For draftniks like myself this is a very exciting time of year. 

Now before the investments begin, I want to take a look at some players who through some great off-season choices have found themselves in the position of having their stock peaking at just the right time.

1. Kyle Wilson, CB, Bosie St
     Since his breakout performance at the Senior Bowl, Wilson has been projected by many as a first round pick.  However, recently there has been a lot of buzz surrounding this kid.  Many of the draft experts have been reporting that some NFL teams now have Wilson rated as their number 1 corner on their board, eclipsing former Florida Corner, Joe Haden.   I like Wilson, but on my board, I still project Haden as the top corner.  How high will Wilson go on draft day?  Well that is anyone's guess, but I am almost certain that he will be off the board before Thursday is over.

2. Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
     A few weeks ago, Daniel Jeremiah of MovetheSticks.com was asked which rising player was staying under the radar the best.  His answer... Kareem Jackson.  Why?  Well his off-season has been like his personality... efficient and quiet.  When the season ended, I projected Jackson as a mid to late second rounder.  As I have watched more tape on this kid, and looked at his post-season performances, I have changed my mind.  This guy is a definate first round talent.  He has quickly closed the gap on Devin McCourty (who has also seen his stock rise), and now it is almost a toss up between these two for the number 3 corner spot.  Where Jackson is drafted will depend a lot on how the board falls.  If corners start to move early (and they typically do), Jackson should find himself with a team before he goes to sleep on Thursday.  If for some reason the corners are slower coming off the board, Jackson will hear his name called very early Friday evening.

3. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
     This year's draft class is chock full o'wideouts. Now I am not just talking about a lot of wide receivers, but this is a real deep class of receivers.  As a result, there is a lot of argument about who falls where when ranking this bunch. Since the start of the season, I have been a big fan of Dez Bryant. Despite the troubles he has had, which I believe William Shakespeare would have called "Much Ado About Nothing", he has held on to my number one ranking.  The rest of the class has changed positions quite a bit.  Thomas has come on strong recently, and now has taken over the number two ranking from Arrelious Benn of Illinois.  If you read a lot of mock drafts, you already know there is a lot of variability when it comes to predicting where the wideouts will fall.  If there is an early run, it is feasible for Thomas to find himself as a first round pick.  If the receivers are slower to come off the board, I'd expect to see him as one of the first names called on Friday.

4. Tyson Alualu, DT, California & Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
     When you look at the top of the class, it is easy to get enamored with the defensive tackles in this group.  After all, it is not very often that you have two once-in-a-lifetime type talents at DT to choose from.  But for those who think this group of D-Tackles are all about the top two, you are really missing out.  After Suh and McCoy, you have to talk about Dan Williams.  And after Williams, you must think about Jared Odrick and Brian Price.  But some of the real gems are guys who will get consideration in the second and third rounds.   There is a lot to like about Alualu and Joseph.  Both of these guys are technically sound players with good motors and great instincts.  I think if they played at bigger, more successful programs, both would have higher grades.  Alualu carries a solid second round grade with him, and if he lasts beyond the 15th pick in the second round, someone will be getting value.  Joseph is a real sleeper, but I have heard that a lot of teams are quite high on him.  In my book he carries a low second / high third round grade.  Just like Alualu, I think he will hear his named called sometime on Friday.

5. Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
    If not for a serious injury in college, Sean Lee would be pushing Rolando McClain for the top ILB spot in this draft.  The truth of the matter is this kid was born to play linebacker.  He has an excellent nose for the football and is a sure tackler, both of which you need in a ILB in the NFL.  Unfortunately for him, a serious injury derailed a very promising collegiate career, and has pushed his stock into the second round.  As the post-season has progressed, Lee has impressed almost everyone who he has come into contact with, and as a result his stock has been on the rise.  I now have him as my clear number 2 ILB on the board, and I believe ultimately, Lee will have a better career than either of his Linebacker U teammates (Odrick and Bowman) who will likely be chosen ahead of him.

6. Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
    As I mentioned earlier, this is a deep class at wide receiver.  Andre Roberts is raw, and he did not play against top collegiate competition, but this kid has some real upside.  As Bill Parcels is fond of saying, "You can't teach fast", and Andre Roberts is fast.  But he is more than that.  He also has good size, uses his hands well off the line, and he can catch the ball too.  His route running needs some work, and it will be interesting to see how he deals with some more advanced defensive schemes, but I think Roberts could be a pro-bowler if he lands in the right system with the right coaches.  I have seen his name fall anywhere from the 3rd to the 5th round in recent mock drafts.  I have him as a solid 3rd round choice, and I will be a bit surprised if his name is not called before end of business on Friday.

There are some other players who I like, that I feel deserve an honorable mention.  All of these guys I think could grow into difference makers at the next level, and I will anxiously look to see where they wind up being drafted.  After their names I have listed my grade for them in parentheses: Koa Misi, LB, Utah (2nd); Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern (2nd); Brandon Lang, DE, Troy (Late 2nd); Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse (Late 2nd); Mardy Gillyard, WR, Cincinnati (Early 3rd); Amari Spivey, CB, Iowa (Early 3rd); Myron Rolle, S, Florida State (4th).

As the draft goes (like with investing), where there are possibilities, there are risks.  Each year there are players whose risk/reward ratios make teams nervous.  Now please understand, not all of the players I am about to mention are bad choices.  Some of them I really like, but they bring with them the possibility of being a big bust in the NFL.

1. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
   Yes it is true, at one point I had projected the Irish signal caller as the top overall pick in the draft.  Understand however, it is not because I think he will be a stud.  In fact, Clausen is one of the guys I would avoid if I were running a team.  I see Clausen as a high risk type player, with a real bust possibility.  His throwing motion makes me uncomfortable, and I would not risk anything higher than a late first round pick on him.  When it is all said and done, I think both Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy will be better pro QBs than Clausen.  He is a QB though, and in the NFL, that means someone very well could risk a lot and pick him too early.

2. Taylor Mays, S, USC
    The story of Mays' plummet down draft boards has been well chronicled at this point.  This is a guy who at the onset of the season was in most circles rated higher than Tennessee Safety, Eric Berry, who is now projected as a top 5 pick.  Poor play throughout the season has scared a lot of teams off the Trojan defender.  Having said this, I am still a Taylor Mays fan.  I think this guy will put it together at the next level and be a very good, if not elite defender.  Recently I have seen a lot of Mocks predicting Mays falling into the second round. I still have him with a 1st round grade on my board, and although I do envision a draft day fall for Mays, I can't seem him making past Oakland's pick in the second round at worst.

3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
    Being from the state of Florida, I know that making anti-Tebow comments is punnishable by lethal injection, but I have some real concerns about the viability of Tim Tebow at the next level.  My concern is not based on his throwing motion however.  It is based more on his pedigree and his Senior Bowl performance.  I know Tebow measures well, and I know his interview was out-of-this-world.  Unfortunately it takes more than that to be a successful NFL QB.  Yes he will be remembered as one of the best college football players, maybe ever, but that does not mean he will be a good pro.  It means he played in the right college system. Let me ask you this, name a recent (last 15 years) UF QB who has gone one to be a success as a pro QB.  Better yet, tell me which Urban Meyer QB has become a legit NFL starting QB.  I see Tim Tebow as a great person, and an awesome college football player.  I also see him as a player without a position in the NFL, and this makes me nervous.  I think come the draft, some team will invest in Tim Tebow because of who he is, and not what he will do for their franchise.

4. Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida
    Every time I hear someone talk about Jerome Murphy sneaking into the second round of this year's draft I cringe.  After watching Murphy up close in Tampa for the last few years, all I can recall is unfulfilled promise, and mistakes galore.  As a Bull, Murphy made more game changing negative plays than he did positive ones, yet good measurements and "high upside" have teams looking at him in the top half of this draft.  The kind of mistakes that Murphy makes (penalties and getting beat one-on-one) are momentum changers in a game, and not in a good way for his team.  I hope I am wrong about him, but I don't think I am.

Just like with the sleepers I mentioned earlier, these next players all come with a "caveat emptor" tag.  Remember, I do like some of these guys, but even those guys come with some real risk.  After each player, I have indicated if they are in the high risk category (I still like these guys) or in the potential bust group (I would not select them): Anthony Davis, T, Rutgers (High Risk - Attitude); Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (High Risk - Dedication); Dexter McCluster, RB, Mississippi (Potential Bust); Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame (Potential Bust); Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama (Potential Bust); Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU (Potential Bust); Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech (Potential Bust).

Don't forget to check back in tomorrow, where you can check out the final Football Futures Mock Draft before the real thing.  For this final mock, I will take you three rounds deep!!!

Also, on Thursday night, during the first round of the draft, I will be blogging along with each pick, providing you with instant feedback about each selection, and trade, as it happens.  So, don't forget to check back in as the future of football becomes the now.