1. Saint Louis-QB Jimmy Clausen-Notre Dame-Many scouts have compared Clausen to Aaron Rodgers and the Rams desperately need a face for the team(besides Jackson) they've been putting off drafting a QB for too long and as a result missed out on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez. I considered Suh, but they have a pretty decent D-Line at the moment, and I just think they need to make a big splash and a QB at #1 does that.
2. Detroit-DT Ndamukong Suh-Nebraska-Suh strikes me as some weird cross between Warren Sapp and John Randle. The Lions defense could take an immediate step to legitimate if Suh is all he's hyped up to be. If he falls past the Rams, there is a 0% chance he'll fall past the Lions.
3. Tampa Bay-OT Russell Okung-Oklahoma St-He's not in the class of guys like Ogden and Pace when they came out, but I think he's in the Chris Samuels, D'Brickashaw Ferguson category. Donald Penn regressed this year, and Tampa's main goal is to develop Josh Freeman. Okung would be a sizable upgrade on the O-line, and allow Freeman more time to find Winslow and co. I considered Gerald McCoy here, but I think the need for OT is equal to DT and OT's are tougher to find.
4. Washington-DT Gerald McCoy-Oklahoma-Someone on ESPN(McShay?) compared McCoy to Albert Haynesworth, wouldn't it be scary if they were on the same line? Between him, Haynesworth, Orakpo and Fletcher etc. the Redskins front seven would be as good as any in the NFL. I considered Bradford, but I think Campbell played well enough and think the problem was more play calling than anything else. I think Shanny can easily salvage him.
5. Kansas City-QB Sam Bradford-Oklahoma-The Big-12 represent. I know this is a bit out there since they just gave up a 2nd rounder and a huge contract to Cassel, but the sooner KC realizes he's not the answer the better off they'll be. Bradford would likely sit for a year behind Cassel before taking over in 2011. I considered Eric Berry, but its tough to pass on a franchise QB, especially when you don't have one.
6. Seattle-S Eric Berry-Tennessee-Many people are likening him to Ed Reed. Seattle has a ton of needs but the two bigest are at O-line and in the defensive backfield. Considering they play in a division with Fitz, Boldin, Crabtree and Vernon Davis, I think secondary help is the way to go.
7. Cleveland-DE Derrick Morgan-Georgia Tech-Whether Cleveland stays in the 3-4 or not, they need help on the front seven. I think Morgan could play OLB if need be in a 3-4. I think Holmgren will give Brady Quinn one year to impress him. If Bradford were to fall here though...
8. Oakland-OT Bruce Campbell-Maryland-I think he's a very underrated prospect. I think this is the year Al Davis decides to not go skill position guys(especially since he hasn't gotten one that's helped for a while) in round 1. I'm not sure who the coach or QB will be, for now I'll assume Cable/Gradkowski. But no matter who they are, I think a top notch OT prospect would be a big help to the Raiders offense.
9. Buffalo-DE Everson Griffen-USC-Another guy I expect to fly up draft boards. With Schobel contemplating retirement and Maybin showing nothing in year 1, I think the Bills will go to the well yet again at DE. I expect them to address QB with a veteran addition(Pennington? Vick?) or a 2nd round pick(McCoy? Tebow?)
10. Jacksonville-LB Rolando McClain-Alabama-I know people are kind of down the Jags offense, but the team's real problem is the defense. McClain seems like an excellent prospect(not Willis good, but maybe Mayo good) and the Jags need help all over on that side of the ball. I think Garrard will get another year as a starter with little competition. I considered Dez Bryant here, but between Mike Thomas and Zach Miller I think someone will step up to give them another offensive weapon besides MJD and MSW.
11. Denver-CB Joe Haden-Florida-Alphonso Smith hasn't looked like he was worth a 1st rounder and even if he does pan out, they still need to get younger in the secondary. Haden kind of has a Leon Hall look to him to me. I think with Bailey's help, he could become a premier CB in the NFL. The Broncos will need a quality pass defense if they hope to pass the Chargers anytime soon.
12. Miami-WR Dez Bryant-Oklahoma State-I know, Parcells doesn't like 1st round WR's, but this is BY FAR Miami's biggest need. Maybe Devonne Bess can be a #2, but everyone else they have look like sub package Wr's to me. Bryant strikes me as a similar prospect to Dwayne Bowe, who Miami took Ginn over 3 years ago. Now's the chance to help fix that mistake.
13. San Francisco-DT Dan Williams-Tennessee-Another guy I think is highly undervalued at the moment. I think the 49ers have decided that Alex Smith is their guy(at least for 2010) and they will continue to build the defense the Samurai Mike craves.
14. Seattle-OT Trent Williams-Oklahoma-Seattle fills their other most glaring need with Williams. He's not a top of the line OT, but he looks like a guy who will have a long and solid career maybe like a guy like Jon Jansen. Well there are rumors that Matty H may be on the outs, I think Hasselbeck will get another shot in 2010. Spiller was considered, but I think there will be more quality at RB in round 2 then at OT.
15. New York Giants-DE/LB Sergio Kindle-Texas-Wouldn't have guessed before the season, but the Giants need defensive help pretty badly. I think the front seven may need it more than the secondary, and Kindle seems like a Giants type prospect. I considered Taylor Mays, but I think the G-Men just care more about their front seven the the secondary.
16. Tennessee-S Taylor Mays-USC-The Titans have drafted athletic freaks the past few years, and I expect the same this year. I'm not entirely sure Mays is a safety and not a linebacker, but that's for Jeff Fisher to determine. I think he's got some similarities to Thomas Davis and some to Adrian Wilson, so its anyone's guess. Still, he's too talented to fall further.
17. San Francisco-DE Carlos Dunlap-Florida-Samurai Mike keeps building that defensive front. If things break right, the 49ers will have one of the most feared defense in the NFL. I gave a brief thought to Golden Tate here, but I think the 49ers are happy with Morgan as their #2 and I expect Brandon Jones to have a bigger role next season.
18. Pittsburgh-RB C.J. Spiller-Clemson-Curveball pick, the Steelers do more than anyone. I think Spiller will be a Felix Jones type player for them. Which could prove invaluable since they seem to be moving to a more uptempo offense. The Steelers really don't have many holes and can afford a bit of a luxury pick here(seems weird to say about a team who missed the playoffs) this pick would throw a huge monkey wrench into rookie drafts.
19. Atlanta-WR Golden Tate-Notre Dame-Yeah, the defense needs help almost everywhere, but the offense is probably only one player away. I think this is that player. An explosive weapon who will also open up more field for Gonzalez and the running game. I know they have Harry Douglas, but I don't think he's anywhere near the talent Tate is, and while I think the Harvin comparisons are silly, Tate is a very talented player.
20. Houston-WR Arrelious Benn-llinois-I was impressed by Foster late in the year, and Slaton will still have a pretty big role, so I don't see RB as a 1st round need. Really WR isn't either, but I think with some uncertainty about Daniels, Walter seemingly regressing and Jacoby Jones still being an enigma, I think Benn is a quality pick.
21. New York Jets-OT Charles Brown-USC-A team built on its running game is often only as good as its blockers. Damien Woody is right up against that point where he's still serviceable, but would be better suited as a utility backup. I think Brown could make an elite o-line even better, possibly the best in the NFL.
22. Baltimore-CB Ras-I Dowling-Virginia-Ravens would have loved if Tate or Ben had fallen here, but instead of a WR, they will fill their other glaring need at CB. Some question whether Dowling is a corner or a safety, but I feel he's a corner. He's actually a kinda similar prospect to Malcolm Jenkins last year. Look for Baltimore to try an acquire a WR through trade or FA.
23. Arizona-OT Bryan Bulaga- Iowa-You know your O-line is a weakness when Mike Gandy is considered a big loss. The Cards will look to continue their slow evolution to a running(or at least balanced) football team and Beanie looks like a good pick from last year, adding someone to block for him is the next logical step.
24. Cincinnati-OT Anthony Davis-Rutgers-While the Bengals have done a good job opening holes for Cedric Benson, they haven't done the best job protecting Carson Palmer. He seems rushed constantly and that is at least part of the reason why the Bengals haven't had much of a deep passing game.
25. New England-WR Damian Williams-USC-The Patriots are like the Steelers in that they have enough talent to make a bit of a luxury pick here. I think Welker getting hurt may make this pick even clearer, but I was thinking WR even when he was healthy. The Pats can't count on Edelman and Aiken, and who knows with Brandon Tate's knees. Williams I think could provide the Donte' Stallworth role that the pats had on their record setting season.
26. Green Bay- DT Terrence Cody-Alabama-The Packers seem to like Raji at DE, so DT is still a bit of a need. Cody will fill that need and then some. Between him, Raji, Jenkins, Matthews etc. the Packers could have one of the better young defensive fronts in the league. Not bad considering they completely switched defensive schemes around this time a year ago. OT is a need, but I don't see anyone worth a 1st rounder after Davis and anyway, the Packers O-line has played much better in the second half of the season than the first.
27. Philadelphia-DE Jason Pierre-Paul-USF-I think another pass rusher opposite Trent Cole is a pretty big need here. Some would say LB, but I think they'll be in pretty good shape once Stewart Bradley comes back. OL was also considered, but again, I think when they are healthy, they are in good enough shape there, besides like I said with the Packers, after Davis the OT class drops off a bit.
28. Dallas-DT Marvin Austin-UNC-He just seems like a great fit for the Cowboys. The key to their second half surge hasn't been so much Tony Romo, like many seem to think, but its been their defense. Austin would only make it better. I do wonder if Dallas may be in the hunt for a WR and possibly dump Roy, but that seems unlikely, but who knows with JJ.
29. Minnesota-LB Travis Lewis-Oklahoma-They could probably use a young QB to develop behind Favre, but I don't see McCoy or Tebow as 1st rounders, though reuniting Tebow and Harvin could be interesting. Dt is probably a need, but I think they can squeeze one more year out of Pat Williams. LB is a need right now though. E.J. Henderson has suffered major injuries 2 years in a row, and Ben Leber is a mediocre starter on a sometimes dominant defense. If Henderson can get healthy I think Lewis will make a find starter over Leber. if he can't, I think Greenway could move to the middle and Lewis could play that side.
30. San Diego-DL Corey Wootton-Northwestern-One of the more overrated players in my opinion. I've seen him in a few top-10's. I just don't see it. I think he'll be a good player, but more of a solid starter than an impact player. I considered a RB here, but I really don't like Best or Dwyer enough to go here, and I think Matthews and Gerhart are behind both of them.
31. New Orleans-LB Sean Weatherspoon-Missouri-Help for the run defense which is the Saints biggest weakness. I imagine Payton would be tempted by all these RB's falling, but I think the Saints are more than fine there, plus they have a knack for finding gems late.
32. Indianapolis-DE Jerry Hughes-TCU-Kind of a luxury pick here, I think they need another solid rusher behind Freeney and Mathis and maybe even a rotational guy. Other considerations were safety and offensive line, but I think its a little soon for Earl Thomas, and Indy has a knack for finding solid o-lineman late.
So that's my mock as of 1-6-10.
2. Detroit-DT Ndamukong Suh-Nebraska-Suh strikes me as some weird cross between Warren Sapp and John Randle. The Lions defense could take an immediate step to legitimate if Suh is all he's hyped up to be. If he falls past the Rams, there is a 0% chance he'll fall past the Lions.
3. Tampa Bay-OT Russell Okung-Oklahoma St-He's not in the class of guys like Ogden and Pace when they came out, but I think he's in the Chris Samuels, D'Brickashaw Ferguson category. Donald Penn regressed this year, and Tampa's main goal is to develop Josh Freeman. Okung would be a sizable upgrade on the O-line, and allow Freeman more time to find Winslow and co. I considered Gerald McCoy here, but I think the need for OT is equal to DT and OT's are tougher to find.
4. Washington-DT Gerald McCoy-Oklahoma-Someone on ESPN(McShay?) compared McCoy to Albert Haynesworth, wouldn't it be scary if they were on the same line? Between him, Haynesworth, Orakpo and Fletcher etc. the Redskins front seven would be as good as any in the NFL. I considered Bradford, but I think Campbell played well enough and think the problem was more play calling than anything else. I think Shanny can easily salvage him.
5. Kansas City-QB Sam Bradford-Oklahoma-The Big-12 represent. I know this is a bit out there since they just gave up a 2nd rounder and a huge contract to Cassel, but the sooner KC realizes he's not the answer the better off they'll be. Bradford would likely sit for a year behind Cassel before taking over in 2011. I considered Eric Berry, but its tough to pass on a franchise QB, especially when you don't have one.
6. Seattle-S Eric Berry-Tennessee-Many people are likening him to Ed Reed. Seattle has a ton of needs but the two bigest are at O-line and in the defensive backfield. Considering they play in a division with Fitz, Boldin, Crabtree and Vernon Davis, I think secondary help is the way to go.
7. Cleveland-DE Derrick Morgan-Georgia Tech-Whether Cleveland stays in the 3-4 or not, they need help on the front seven. I think Morgan could play OLB if need be in a 3-4. I think Holmgren will give Brady Quinn one year to impress him. If Bradford were to fall here though...
8. Oakland-OT Bruce Campbell-Maryland-I think he's a very underrated prospect. I think this is the year Al Davis decides to not go skill position guys(especially since he hasn't gotten one that's helped for a while) in round 1. I'm not sure who the coach or QB will be, for now I'll assume Cable/Gradkowski. But no matter who they are, I think a top notch OT prospect would be a big help to the Raiders offense.
9. Buffalo-DE Everson Griffen-USC-Another guy I expect to fly up draft boards. With Schobel contemplating retirement and Maybin showing nothing in year 1, I think the Bills will go to the well yet again at DE. I expect them to address QB with a veteran addition(Pennington? Vick?) or a 2nd round pick(McCoy? Tebow?)
10. Jacksonville-LB Rolando McClain-Alabama-I know people are kind of down the Jags offense, but the team's real problem is the defense. McClain seems like an excellent prospect(not Willis good, but maybe Mayo good) and the Jags need help all over on that side of the ball. I think Garrard will get another year as a starter with little competition. I considered Dez Bryant here, but between Mike Thomas and Zach Miller I think someone will step up to give them another offensive weapon besides MJD and MSW.
11. Denver-CB Joe Haden-Florida-Alphonso Smith hasn't looked like he was worth a 1st rounder and even if he does pan out, they still need to get younger in the secondary. Haden kind of has a Leon Hall look to him to me. I think with Bailey's help, he could become a premier CB in the NFL. The Broncos will need a quality pass defense if they hope to pass the Chargers anytime soon.
12. Miami-WR Dez Bryant-Oklahoma State-I know, Parcells doesn't like 1st round WR's, but this is BY FAR Miami's biggest need. Maybe Devonne Bess can be a #2, but everyone else they have look like sub package Wr's to me. Bryant strikes me as a similar prospect to Dwayne Bowe, who Miami took Ginn over 3 years ago. Now's the chance to help fix that mistake.
13. San Francisco-DT Dan Williams-Tennessee-Another guy I think is highly undervalued at the moment. I think the 49ers have decided that Alex Smith is their guy(at least for 2010) and they will continue to build the defense the Samurai Mike craves.
14. Seattle-OT Trent Williams-Oklahoma-Seattle fills their other most glaring need with Williams. He's not a top of the line OT, but he looks like a guy who will have a long and solid career maybe like a guy like Jon Jansen. Well there are rumors that Matty H may be on the outs, I think Hasselbeck will get another shot in 2010. Spiller was considered, but I think there will be more quality at RB in round 2 then at OT.
15. New York Giants-DE/LB Sergio Kindle-Texas-Wouldn't have guessed before the season, but the Giants need defensive help pretty badly. I think the front seven may need it more than the secondary, and Kindle seems like a Giants type prospect. I considered Taylor Mays, but I think the G-Men just care more about their front seven the the secondary.
16. Tennessee-S Taylor Mays-USC-The Titans have drafted athletic freaks the past few years, and I expect the same this year. I'm not entirely sure Mays is a safety and not a linebacker, but that's for Jeff Fisher to determine. I think he's got some similarities to Thomas Davis and some to Adrian Wilson, so its anyone's guess. Still, he's too talented to fall further.
17. San Francisco-DE Carlos Dunlap-Florida-Samurai Mike keeps building that defensive front. If things break right, the 49ers will have one of the most feared defense in the NFL. I gave a brief thought to Golden Tate here, but I think the 49ers are happy with Morgan as their #2 and I expect Brandon Jones to have a bigger role next season.
18. Pittsburgh-RB C.J. Spiller-Clemson-Curveball pick, the Steelers do more than anyone. I think Spiller will be a Felix Jones type player for them. Which could prove invaluable since they seem to be moving to a more uptempo offense. The Steelers really don't have many holes and can afford a bit of a luxury pick here(seems weird to say about a team who missed the playoffs) this pick would throw a huge monkey wrench into rookie drafts.
19. Atlanta-WR Golden Tate-Notre Dame-Yeah, the defense needs help almost everywhere, but the offense is probably only one player away. I think this is that player. An explosive weapon who will also open up more field for Gonzalez and the running game. I know they have Harry Douglas, but I don't think he's anywhere near the talent Tate is, and while I think the Harvin comparisons are silly, Tate is a very talented player.
20. Houston-WR Arrelious Benn-llinois-I was impressed by Foster late in the year, and Slaton will still have a pretty big role, so I don't see RB as a 1st round need. Really WR isn't either, but I think with some uncertainty about Daniels, Walter seemingly regressing and Jacoby Jones still being an enigma, I think Benn is a quality pick.
21. New York Jets-OT Charles Brown-USC-A team built on its running game is often only as good as its blockers. Damien Woody is right up against that point where he's still serviceable, but would be better suited as a utility backup. I think Brown could make an elite o-line even better, possibly the best in the NFL.
22. Baltimore-CB Ras-I Dowling-Virginia-Ravens would have loved if Tate or Ben had fallen here, but instead of a WR, they will fill their other glaring need at CB. Some question whether Dowling is a corner or a safety, but I feel he's a corner. He's actually a kinda similar prospect to Malcolm Jenkins last year. Look for Baltimore to try an acquire a WR through trade or FA.
23. Arizona-OT Bryan Bulaga- Iowa-You know your O-line is a weakness when Mike Gandy is considered a big loss. The Cards will look to continue their slow evolution to a running(or at least balanced) football team and Beanie looks like a good pick from last year, adding someone to block for him is the next logical step.
24. Cincinnati-OT Anthony Davis-Rutgers-While the Bengals have done a good job opening holes for Cedric Benson, they haven't done the best job protecting Carson Palmer. He seems rushed constantly and that is at least part of the reason why the Bengals haven't had much of a deep passing game.
25. New England-WR Damian Williams-USC-The Patriots are like the Steelers in that they have enough talent to make a bit of a luxury pick here. I think Welker getting hurt may make this pick even clearer, but I was thinking WR even when he was healthy. The Pats can't count on Edelman and Aiken, and who knows with Brandon Tate's knees. Williams I think could provide the Donte' Stallworth role that the pats had on their record setting season.
26. Green Bay- DT Terrence Cody-Alabama-The Packers seem to like Raji at DE, so DT is still a bit of a need. Cody will fill that need and then some. Between him, Raji, Jenkins, Matthews etc. the Packers could have one of the better young defensive fronts in the league. Not bad considering they completely switched defensive schemes around this time a year ago. OT is a need, but I don't see anyone worth a 1st rounder after Davis and anyway, the Packers O-line has played much better in the second half of the season than the first.
27. Philadelphia-DE Jason Pierre-Paul-USF-I think another pass rusher opposite Trent Cole is a pretty big need here. Some would say LB, but I think they'll be in pretty good shape once Stewart Bradley comes back. OL was also considered, but again, I think when they are healthy, they are in good enough shape there, besides like I said with the Packers, after Davis the OT class drops off a bit.
28. Dallas-DT Marvin Austin-UNC-He just seems like a great fit for the Cowboys. The key to their second half surge hasn't been so much Tony Romo, like many seem to think, but its been their defense. Austin would only make it better. I do wonder if Dallas may be in the hunt for a WR and possibly dump Roy, but that seems unlikely, but who knows with JJ.
29. Minnesota-LB Travis Lewis-Oklahoma-They could probably use a young QB to develop behind Favre, but I don't see McCoy or Tebow as 1st rounders, though reuniting Tebow and Harvin could be interesting. Dt is probably a need, but I think they can squeeze one more year out of Pat Williams. LB is a need right now though. E.J. Henderson has suffered major injuries 2 years in a row, and Ben Leber is a mediocre starter on a sometimes dominant defense. If Henderson can get healthy I think Lewis will make a find starter over Leber. if he can't, I think Greenway could move to the middle and Lewis could play that side.
30. San Diego-DL Corey Wootton-Northwestern-One of the more overrated players in my opinion. I've seen him in a few top-10's. I just don't see it. I think he'll be a good player, but more of a solid starter than an impact player. I considered a RB here, but I really don't like Best or Dwyer enough to go here, and I think Matthews and Gerhart are behind both of them.
31. New Orleans-LB Sean Weatherspoon-Missouri-Help for the run defense which is the Saints biggest weakness. I imagine Payton would be tempted by all these RB's falling, but I think the Saints are more than fine there, plus they have a knack for finding gems late.
32. Indianapolis-DE Jerry Hughes-TCU-Kind of a luxury pick here, I think they need another solid rusher behind Freeney and Mathis and maybe even a rotational guy. Other considerations were safety and offensive line, but I think its a little soon for Earl Thomas, and Indy has a knack for finding solid o-lineman late.
So that's my mock as of 1-6-10.
If he's as good as advertised, I could see Denver making a run at him at 10 or 11 assuming Marshall is gone.
If he's as good as advertised, I could see Denver making a run at him at 10 or 11 assuming Marshall is gone.
