Locker's running past a lot of people these days. But will it be enough to earn the top spot in the prestigious DraftZoo mock?
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It’s time for another mock. It’s been quite a while since my last one, but with the draft order shaping up and team needs starting to show through, there’s a lot of information flying around to help shape my new look at what each team will do in 2010.
The biggest change in this mock comes at the top where there’s a new number one. I won’t tell you who, but it’s the first name you’ll read below. See how that works?
Anyway, a couple of guys have fallen out of round one including Colt McCoy, Kam Chancellor, and Arthur Jones. And there are some new faces here as well. Hell, there’s even a new declared junior joining the ranks of the predicted first-rounders. And he’s headed to Cleveland. So take a look below, and as always feel free to disagree on the Forum or shoot me an email at DraftZoo@gmail.com. Enjoy.
1.) CLE — Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Have you seen the Browns’ offense? Seriously. If they don’t find a way to move the ball then the rumors about Eric Mangini getting canned after this season might become fact. Here’s the deal. It looks like Brady Quinn might find a home with another franchise, and Derek Anderson isn’t the answer. So with Mangini and the Browns organization having no real ties to either QB, they’ll look for their own guy here.
Locker isn’t ready for the NFL in my opinion, but he has all the tools and with a possible rookie pay scale looming for the 2011 draft he might jump ship while his stock is high. Not to mention the implications of the Sam Bradford Effect. I like Jimmy Clausen as the better option here, but I don’t see Cleveland investing in another Charlie Weis product, and Locker’s mobility and versatile skill set make him more of a fit for Mangini.
2.) TB — Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The Bucs’ defense is almost as bad as the Browns’ offense. It’s that simple. With a new head coach and the shipment of Gaines Adams it’s clear that the organization is ready to clean house on that side of the ball. Of course, there are plenty of holes. But above all else, the Bucs need playmakers.
Enter Suh. He’s the most active playmaking defensive tackle to come out in years, and he fits like a glove in Tampa’s system. The only other defensive player in the draft with this kind of instant impact potential is Eric Berry, but I don’t see a safety coming off the board second overall. Plus, the D line is in need of some help. Suh could be an anchor up front for years in Tampa. This team needs some defensive consistency and excitement.
3.) DET — Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Yeah, it would make sense to take an offensive tackle here. But it would have made sense to take one about a hundred times in last year’s draft. Didn’t happen until round seven. This is a deep draft for OTs, and my money’s on the Lions’ grabbing one in the second or third round. For now, they need to find a way to stop someone. Anyone.
Again, Eric Berry makes some sense, but this class of safeties is the deepest I’ve ever seen. Not to mention the fact that Louis Delmas was nabbed in the second round last year. McCoy is basically on the same level as Suh, and he fills a major need for a defense that is in dire need of big time play up front.
4.) KC — Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Chiefs have given up more sacks than any team in the NFL. The front office doesn’t have much invested in Branden Albert, and he might be a better fit on the right side. Considering how much stock (and money) was invested in Matt Cassell, the Chiefs need to find a way to protect him. Okung is the top LT in the draft, and his presence should keep Cassell upright for the remainder of his contract, for better or worse.
5.) STL — Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Marc Bulger is old. He’s not that great anymore, and he’s old. With both of the top DTs off the board, and no DE worth the fifth pick, even a coach with as much love for the D line as Steve Spagnuolo can’t ignore Clausen here. He’s risen to the top of the QB class in the minds of most analysts, and for good reason. He’s got a great statline, he’s got great zip on his passes, he comes from a pro system, and he’ll be leaving after this season considering how much Notre Dame loses up front. It’s time for St. Louis to find a new answer at QB.
6.) TEN — Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Tennessee is giving up more yardage through the air than any other team in the league. They’re also allowing the second highest opposing QB rating. The Titans have got to find a way to slow down the aerial attacks in their division if they ever hope to climb out of this hole. Berry is possibly the top overall prospect in the entire draft, and his ability to change the game is something Tennessee could use. With Michael Griffin manning the free safety spot, Berry could stay at strong and become part of a nasty safety duo.
7.) WAS — Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Nobody but me seems to think Tim Tebow will make it as a QB in the NFL. That’s okay. I’ll take your apologies in a few years. For now, I’m mocking him to a team that seems most likely to agree. I’m not proud that Daniel Snyder and I might share the same viewpoint on Tebow’s prospects, but at least I’ve got a better track record. Anyway, Snyder has made it apparent that he has no love left for Jason Campbell, and the Auburn product might not be around after this season. If Jon Gruden is brought in as head coach, he’ll immediately target Tebow in round one. He’s already made it quite clear that Tebow is his kind of guy.
8.) OAK — Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
Let’s see. Dunlap is huge. So there’s one requirement. He’ll run a great 40 time for his size. There’s two. And he’s probably a little lazy and an underachiever. That’s all you need to know about an Al Davis draftee. No one wanted to believe that Darrius Heyward-Bey was the pick in last year’s draft, but it happened. This pick will come down to Dunlap or Taylor Mays, but with Michael Huff’s improved play and the drafting of Michael Mitchell, safety seems like less of a need than DE. The Raiders could use a little youth up front.
9.) SEA — Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
I’m not quite as sold on Bruce Campbell as some, but I don’t get to make the decisions for the Seahawks. There’s no question that they need help up front, and Campbell might be the only LT right now that fits in the top ten outside of Okung. With no QBs really worth the pick, and certainly no RBs, this seems like the most probable landing spot for Campbell. Someone has to protect the lifeless body of Matt Hasselbeck if they want to squeeze a few more seasons out of him.
10.) BUF — Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
The Bills, however, will look to target a QB in 2010. They have to. I don’t think Captain Checkdown has the staying power as a nickname to make it through another season, and Ryan Fitzpatrick was better suited as something other than a starting QB. Bradford could end up being a steal here after entering the season as the likely top pick. He carries some injury concerns, but with a new coaching staff likely to inhabit Buffalo it’ll be time to start over at the most important position on the field.
11.) JAX — Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
Jacksonville can’t get to the quarterback. It’s sad after spending so much time on the defensive end position, but apparently true. Hardy is another player that has suffered his fair share of injuries, but his talent and measurable potential should win over the Jacksonville decision makers. If he stays healthy, he could end up reviving a long dormant pass rush. It’s a chance that the Jags almost have to take. Of course, if Tebow is available here…
12.) SF (from CAR) — Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama
Good nose tackles are hard to find. Cody is the defensive version of former teammate Andre Smith; he’s got weight and consistency issues. But his inspired play against Tennessee may have lit a fire in the 360 pound behemoth. If he can find a way to become quicker, he might go much higher (I’m thinking the Chiefs). But for now, he’s a near lock to end up in San Francisco where nose tackles have been hard to come by. Hell, it’s hard to find a nose tackle anywhere. I just don’t see the Niners letting him slip by.
13.) MIA — Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
McClain is one of the best players in the draft. I really haven’t been more impressed with a prospect all season. He’s intelligent, quick, big, athletic, and strong. He plays in Nick Saban’s scheme, and he’s been a top performer on one of the best defensive units in the country. And he fills a major need for the Dolphins. I don’t know if there’s more of a lock in the first round than this one if McClain’s available when Miami picks.
14.) SF — Joe Haden, CB, Florida
The 49ers could end up picking much lower than this, but if there’s a chance to replace the corner opposite Nate Clements with Joe Haden they won’t blink. Haden is the top corner in the draft, and the Niners have needed help here for a long time. It’s never a good sign when your team feels good about signing Dre Bly. A rush linebacker (Sergio Kindle) or a safety (Taylor Mays) are both possibilities, but Haden is a better overall prospect in my mind.
15.) NYJ — Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
Here’s the landing spot for Kindle. I haven’t seen him mocked here in many other drafts, but I think it makes a lot of sense. You know it has to kill Rex Ryan to be in the bottom ten in sacks in the NFL, and Kindle is the highest rated rush linebacker out there. With his speed and tenacity he should add another much-needed dimension to this defense. The Jets have seen there stop unit fall off in the last couple of games, but with more pressure on the QB, they could find their groove again.
16.) ARI — Jason Fox, OT, Miami
Arizona needs to protect Kurt Warner. I mean, I’m assuming they’re going to delay the Matt LEinart era as long as possible, and that starts with keeping Warner off a Rascal and on the field. That won’t happen if he has to scrape himself off the ground, or gimp for his life every play. Fox may not be the highest rated OT left on the board, but he has impressive size and athleticism. That’s a key ingredient to become a Cardinal. Jacory Harris doesn’t have the season he’s having without Fox up front.
17.) DEN (from CHI) — Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Okay, eye-gouging aside, Spikes has been a gutsy leader for the Gators’ defense. He’s a tough kid with plenty of experience. His team attitude and fierce nature seemingly make him a lock for Mike Nolan’s defense and Josh McDaniels’ squad. The Broncos had trouble slowing down the run against Baltimore, and Spikes fits great in the middle of a 3-4 due to his slight problems with the pass and great ability to punish opposing running backs. There just aren’t any 3-4 defensive linemen worth this pick.
18.) SD — Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
God only knows what the Chargers will do with their first-round pick. They always seem to find a way to throw a curve. But the need position is pretty clear here. They have to find a way to run the ball. That starts up front. Davis is the premier right tackle in the draft. He’s a massive road-grader with a nasty streak that should fit nicely on the Chargers’ O line. If nothing else, he’ll be a hell of a concealing shield for Darren Sproles, and maybe Ladainian Tomlinson if he ever comes back from the dead.
19.) BAL — Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Everyone seems to have Dez Bryant or Damian Williams pegged as the top receiver in the 2010 draft. I’m not sure Tate is as well-rounded a prospect as either of those guys, but he doesn seem to be a better fit for Baltimore. Joe Flacco is dying to find a speedster to take full advantage of his arm strength, and Tate might be the fastest receiver in the draft who carries close to a first round grade. Corner is an option here, but I think Flacco will finally get his wish after the Ravens ignored the position last year.
20.) GB — Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Bulaga did struggle with some ailments this season, but Green Bay has shown that they’ll ignore that problem if a player is a nice blend of need and value. Before missing time, Bulaga was considered a top two or three prospect at his position. There’s no question that Green Bay needs help on the O line. Aaron Rodgers has defied all odds this season by not dying a painful death at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense, but he won’t last much longer if he’s constantly running for his life. Bulaga’s athletic enough to fit in this blocking scheme, and he fills a huge need.
21.) ATL — Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
I keep hearing Atlanta fans tell me that they don’t need a corner. I don’t agree. This team is in dire need of some better pass coverage. Wilson is rising up my big board with his ability to consistently make plays despite being thrown away from on a regular basis. I think he’ll be in the first round of more mocks once he runs his 40 and scouts review more of his tape. For now, he’s a better prospect in my mind than Trevard Lindley, and it never hurts to have a rookie that can contribute in the return game.
22.) HOU — Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Earl Thomas is another DB that’s managed to catch my eye this year. He’s got great range, good vision, and a hell of a knack for picking off passes. Houston has needed a top tier safety for years, and it looks like their draft position might finally match up with a center fielder’s draft range. There’s no doubt in my mind that Thomas is a better prospect than Taylor Mays at this point, and he’ll be a welcome addition to a team that has spent some serious dough on defensive ends and still can’t slow down opposing passers.
23.) NYG — Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Maybe it doesn’t seem like a sensible pick at first, but the more I think about it, the more I see this happening. Gresham is still the top tight end in the draft despite missing the entire season. Kevin Boss isn’t bad, and Travis Beckum could end up developing, but Gresham is an upgrade over both. With the drafting of Hakeem Nicks, and the emergence of Steve Smith and Mario Manningham, receiver is no longer a smart choice. But Eli Manning still needs a big target. So why not draft a guy who plays like a wideout from the TE position and stands at around 6-06?
24.) DAL — Taylor Mays, S, USC
Dallas is the perfect fit for Mays. Sure, he plays a lot like Roy Williams, but that won’t scare off Jerry Jones. Have you seen how big this guy is? How about how fast? That’s all Jerry needs. That and the fact that the Cowboys are desperate for safety help. Mays could end up being a steal here if he ever finds his junior form, but at the very least this pick will finally address a position that has long plagued the Dallas defense.
25.) PHI — Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
It’s hard to mock the Eagles now that they finally filled their roster with playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. That and the fact that they signed Will Witherspoon at their only glaring position of need on defense. Safety is a possibility here, but I just don’t know if any remaining prospects at that spot are worth the pick. Victor Abiamiri is not above an upgrade on the left side, and Wootton seems like a smart choice. A lot of people like Wootton as a 3-4 5-tech, but I think he fits nicely on the backside of the 4-3. He’s got the size and strength to hold up against the run, and he’s proven that he can get after the quarterback.
26.) PIT — Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
The Steelers’ O line has played much better this season, but they’re still giving up too many sacks. Safety is a concern as well, but drafting one here would seem like a reach, and Pittsburgh just doesn’t seem to do that. That’s why I like Williams here. Maybe he’s strictly a right-side protector, but that works. Above all else, he’s a guy who might drop some in the draft, and the Steelers would be all too happy to take a nice value pick that fills a need they’ve had for some time.
27.) CIN — CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
The Bengals actually don’t have a lot of needs. The one thing they have to address is the lack of depth behind Cedric Benson who’s come out of nowhere to rejuvenate his career and run over opponents. Of course, if he suddenly reverts to his Chicago ways, the offense is stuck again. Spiller’s electric style of play would be a perfect complement to Benson’s punishing style, and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield might help Carson Palmer find his mojo again.
28.) NE — Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina
The Patriots need some help up front now that Richard Seymour is gone (though he might be back next season), and Vince Wilfork will command a lot of money next season. So Arthur Jones is a possibility here. But I haven’t been that impressed with Jones this season, and I’ve seen him take a play off on more than a few occasions. Eric Norwood, on the other hand, has been amazing so far. His six sacks, two picks, and one TD have been a major part of South Carolina’s ability to hover around the top 25. The Patriots have only managed to find the opposing QB 13 times thus far, and Norwood fits well as a 3-4 rush linebacker.
29.) SEA (from DEN) — Jahvid Best, RB, California
With no QBs or safeties worth this pick (I think Jevan Snead will stay in school along with Ryan Mallet and I don’t think the Seahawks will take Colt McCoy), the best option is to find a way to run the ball. Best is a scintillating back whose speed and elusiveness are traits that Seattle fans haven’t seen in a running back in a long time. With a new tackle up front, and a few receivers starting to produce, this could be the final piece in an offense that might have a little left in the tank before heading into full rebuilding mode. The ‘Hawks need defensive help, but the secondary might have to wait if Best is staring them down this late in round one.
30.) MIN — Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
How in the world did Aaron Rodgers manage to have such a great game against Minnesota with no help from his O line? Here’s the answer: the Minnesota secondary. With Antoine Winfield out, the Vikings’ DBs were at a loss covering Green Bay’s receivers. Lindley is a smart corner who should be able to step in from day one and possibly fill the final void in a potentially super defense. QB is a big need as well, but there aren’t any corners of this caliber later in the draft.
31.) NO — Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
Yeah, the Saints look invincible right now. And the play of their defense is finally a complement to their explosive offense. And a lot of people seem to think that an upgrade at linebacker is the way to go here. But looking at the season so far, the biggest chink in the Black and Gold armor is the inability to pressure the quarterback. Charles Grant and Will Smith are good players, but Sean Payton has never been afraid to stockpile talent at the same position. Graham has good size, speed, and production, and he fits the mold of New Orleans defensive ends.
32.) IND — Charles Brown, OT, USC
The Colts need to protect Peyton Manning. Seems pretty easy to figure, I know, but they haven’t done a great job of it over the last few seasons from the blindside. Brown is an underrated tackle prospect who fits the scheme and should be an immediate upgrade over the current rotation of starters. If this offense gets anymore dangerous, the Colts will continue to dominate the AFC South. I think that’s the plan. Wouldn’t totally suprise me to see a defensive end or middle linebacker here either, but Brown might be too good to pass up if he falls this far.
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