ROUND 1 ROUND 2 ROUND 3 ROUND 4 ROUND 5 ROUND 6 ROUND 7
2/10/10
1.) It’s got to be Clausen for the Rams. Marc Bulger is a punching bag, and the duct tape is starting to come unpeeled. If St. Louis wants to climb out of this cellar, they’ll upgrade at the most important position on the field. They’ve already got a left tackle (maybe) of the future in Jason Smith, and with Steven Jackson in the backfield, they could have a talented young core of playmakers.
2.) I’m still not totally sold on Detroit passing on a pass protector yet again. Matt Stafford already got injured as a rookie, and I can’t believe they’d let him take another season of beatings. But the Lions proved last year that they don’t really care for offensive tackles. Except for OTs named Backus. In that case, the romance is torrid. Still, hard to see them passing on Suh here with the way they’ve gushed over the aforementioned Backus. Jim Schwartz needs to build this D line, and there haven’t been many prospects at this position with this kind of hype.
Pick Change: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
3.) Not a bad consolation prize here. There are a few guys that like McCoy more than Suh, but I’m not one of them. That’s not to say that McCoy won’t be great, and he’s a pretty sure fit in this defense, but the Bucs have to really want Suh. Still, McCoy was productive for a longer time, and his experience could pay off early. Tampa Bay is starved for defensive playmakers, and while McCoy was outshined last season by his Big 12 North counterpart, he fits the bill. Someone on this team has to command enough blockers to generate a pass rush. And McCoy’s got the quickness to do it himself if needed.
Pick Change: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
4.) Mike Shanahan is going to keep Jason Campbell around… for now. But that doesn’t mean that he won’t want a quarterback of his own to groom during his tenure in DC. Who knows, that might last long enough to see his investment through. Bradford may need some time to heal and learn the NFL ropes, but he’s a good passer with enough tools to become a successful NFL signal caller under a coach like this.
5.) Seems like a dream scenario for Scott Pioli. The best defensive player in the draft is on the board, but there’s a bigger need to be filled. Only this time, it won’t be such a reach. Okung is a great fit here. His value matches up nicely with a huge need for Kansas City. Whether you think Matt Cassel can succeed or not is a moot point if he’s injured and/or sacked like Rome every game. Branden Albert needs to be moved to the right side, and Okung is the clear cut top tackle in this class. He’s got great experience, good strength, and the footwork to thrive on the left. Maybe now beating Denver won’t be so hard to do. Oh, wait….
Pick Change: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
6.) No way the Seahawks can benefit from the Chiefs’ wild and crazy draft strategy two years in a row, right? Wrong. I think Berry falls past the first five due to KC’s need for an OT, and the Seahawks will certainly accept the gift. Berry is the best safety prospect since Ed Reed, and he’ll be an immediate upgrade for a team that has been desperate for safety help for years. A lot of people seem to think that the hiring of Pete Carroll will bring Taylor Mays through the draft, but I think Carroll probably knows better than anyone just how overrated Mays has become. The USC connection comes when they trade for Matt Leinart. Watch.
7.) It’s not the biggest need for the Browns. And it’s not a really flashy pick. But at this point in the draft, it’s the right pick. Haden is without a doubt the premier corner in this class. He projects as a shutdown guy with a Darrelle Revis-like ceiling. Would the Browns love to have a quarterback slip to this spot? Probably. But it’s not likely that Bradford or Clausen will still be around at seven. Haden fills a need on this team, and represents good value here, especially with Eric Berry off the board.
Pick Change: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
8.) Oh, who’s it going to be for Al Davis? The Roadrunner? The Flash? The guy from Tron? A real person? Probably somewhere in between. Anthony Davis isn’t exactly a freak, but he is an excellent athlete with good size at a position of great need for Oakland. If Al Davis is really this invested is Jamarcus Russell then he needs to protect him. Anthony Davis is the prettiest offensive tackle left, and that’s Raiders’ Cialis.
Pick Change: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
9.) Breath easy, Bills fans. Tim Tebow has dropped from this spot. I think the Bills will look to add a quarterback at some point, but there are a few intriguing middle round prospects that would allow them to address one of their greatest needs here. Yes, there are plenty of holes in the front seven now that the 3-4 is posh in Buffalo, but there a few pieces to work with (Marcus Stroud, Aaron Maybin, Paul Posluszny ). The need I’m talking about is at offensive tackle. I’m willing to be that there are only a handful of QBs in the entire league that could play well behind the current tackles. Campbell comes with an injury history, but he’s as physically gifted as any OT in this class, and could pan out well as a longtime LT for the Bills.
Pick Change: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
10.) I’ll preface this by saying that I do believe Jacksonville will make a play for Tebow at some point. Maybe they gamble on him falling to them in round two, or maybe they work a first round trade to get him. But I’m really doubting that they go after him at 10th overall. I still like him, but his stock is lower after a shaky Senior Bowl, and I just don’t think Jacksonville will worry about missing him if they go another way here. That way seems to be Jason Pierre-Paul. He’s an athletic freak, which is an underrated aspect of Jacksonville’s draft philosophy, he fills a position of need, he’s got unlimited potential, and his stock is on fire. Jacksonville has never shown any qualms about reaching for their guy.
Pick Change: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
11.) After all the talk about Denver possibly giving away a top five pick in exchange for a bottom five pick, the Broncos look to have come out ahead, at least draft-position-wise. I was at the Oakland and Kansas City games to end the season, and I’ve never seen a team have more trouble defending paltry rushing attacks. Something must be done to soothe an aging defense that completely wore down as the season progressed. McClain is one of the top overall prospects in the draft, but I think the low value placed on his position causes him to slide out of the top 10. One thing’s for sure, even a one-eyed cocktail waitress would do a better job stopping the run than Denver’s current inside linebackers.
12.) I keep hearing that Bill Parcell’s “just doesn’t draft WRs in the first round.” Does that still hold true if he presides over a team that has no receivers? Like, none. I guess Davone Bess did a few things last season, and some Dolphins fans seem to be high on Patrick Turner… for some reason. But this offense won’t move forward if Chad Henne isn’t given at least one legitimate NFL wideout. Dez Bryant missed most of this season after that whole Deion thing, but he’s still a big player with excellent body control and soft hands. After Michael Crabtree’s success, spread receivers with good size feel like less of a gamble. I think Bryant can be the same type of player.
13.) The 49ers need more than you’d think after a competitive season that saw them miss a few opportunities that could have landed them back in the playoffs. There’s a pass rusher, a nose tackle, a safety, a corner, a tackle, a quarterback (maybe), and another running back. But judging by Mike Singletary’s value-based selection of Mike Crabtree, I think he’ll take the top prospect at any of those spots. I’ve got to believe that’s Bryan Bulaga. There is a big need for a right tackle, and Bulaga can handle that spot at 6-06 312. He’s always been a great run-blocker, but his pass pro improved a lot this season. Should be a mainstay on their line for years.
14.) Seattle once again will look for some skill position help. I think this is too high for CJ Spiller, and there is no way a fourth QB comes off the board here (sorry Tony Pike, it’s the goatee). Offensive tackle is a big need, but the depth should be good enough to grab similar value in round two. That leaves defensive end, and while I don’t think Pete Carrol will go USC crazy, he might look to add a few familiar faces. Griffen was somewhat of a disappointment earlier in his career, but he really flashed the potential to take full advantage of his athleticism this season. He has all the tools to be a devastating sack artist for a team that could lose Patrick Kerney. People forget that Pete Carroll is a defensive guy, and with Griffen, Berry, and Aaron Curry, he’s got a great young nucleus on that side of the ball.
Pick Change: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
15.) This is pretty simple. New York’s defense was awful this season. I know, I picked them in a few fantasy leagues. Lot’s of negative numbers, sure, but the consistency is what really impressed me. Anyway, despite a lot of press about having an incredibly deep line, there is a depth problem up front. Osi Umenyiora is being talked about as a trade option, and no one else has really stepped up as a pass rusher. Dunlap isn’t a refined player, and he has carries some character concerns, but he’s great value here and could end up being a terror off the edge.
Pick Change: Earl Thomas, S, Texas
16.) Tennessee needs to rush the passer. I think there’s a chance that Dan Williams goes here as a possible replacement for Albert Haynesworth (also a former Vol), but the Titans really need someone who can actually pressure the QB. Morgan is a guy who could end up going much higher than this, and plenty of “experts” have him rated as the best DE in the class. I wasn’t all that impressed with him late in the year, but there’s no denying his talent and fit. He’s enticing enough here for a team that is desperate to have a defensive line again, or at least half a line.
Pick Change: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
17.) Second pick is up for the 49ers, and they still have plenty of options. Terrence Cody would solidify the middle two downs at a time. Not good enough. CJ Spiller is still on the board, and that’s a possible route to juicing up this offense, but it’s not the biggest need with Glen Coffee (who might be good) coming back. Still no way in hell Tony Pike goes in round one, so there goes the QB theory. That leaves the secondary, and Earl Thomas just so happens to be a perfect fit value wise, as well. He made the right call by leaving early, and he’s pretty much the unquestioned #2 safety. San Fran can’t afford to waste any more time with inadequate coverage over the top. If it weren’t for Eric Berry, Earl Thomas would be getting the Ed Reed comparisons.
Pick Change: Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
18.) I know that everyone seems to think that O line has to be the answer for Pittsburgh in round one, but I think this is too good a fit to pass up. Plus, there are no blockers worth this pick. Wilson’s stock has rocketed since the Senior Bowl practices, and despite his smaller stature, he’s proving that he is worth a first round look. He can provide an immediate and dangerous boost in the return game. He’s an intelligent player and a good locker room presence. And his ability to blanket receivers is a much-needed trait around Steel City. Some might view this as too high, but I’ve been big on Wilson for a while, and I think he’s still underrated.
Pick Change: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
19.) “But Ironhead…” Actually, I can’t use that joke anymore because I’m pretty sure most Falcons fans will agree with this pick. Of course, I’ve been wrong before. Anyway, if there is one player who out-shined Wilson at the Senior Bowl, it would have to be Graham. He was virtually unblockable, beating Mike Iupati like a drum on several occasions. Atlanta still hasn’t recovered from drafting Jamaal Anderson 2.0, and a pass rusher like Graham could be a real shot in the arm here. The Michigan senior fits well in the 4-3 and should give quarterbacks someone to worry about other than John Abraham. Plus, he gives them a good young line core along with last year’s No.1 Peria Jerry.
Pick Change: Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
20.) This seems too likely to actually happen. Like when you’re up HORS-nothing in a game of horse with that tall neighbor kid, Lamar, who just bet his Escalade and bag of diamonds on beating you. Sure, it looks like winning is a cinch, but you just can’t help but notice that Lamar is wearing a really realistic Lakers jersey and those shoes that little rapper kid wore in Be Like Mike. How do you feel now? That’s what I thought. Anyway, my point — Houston just had massive success drafting a supposedly all sizzle no steak defensive prospect from USC and they have needed a safety since the Eisenhower administration. Yeah, eat it Lamar, I’m winning that damn bag of diamonds. This is happening.
21.) The Bengals need help with their passing game. No, I’m kidding. The Bengals don’t have a passing game. You read that right. The BENGALS can’t throw the ball to save their lives. The Chris Henry tragedy coupled with the fact that not one other receiver on this team can play football outside of Chad Ochocinco should make this a pretty transparent pick. Arrelious Benn might be the most physically gifted wide receiver in this class, and he has the size to become another red zone target for Carson Palmer. Losing TJH hurt this team; Benn can fill that void. If he hadn’t been shackled with such a paltry college QB, Benn might have been a top five pick.
Previous Pick: Damian Williams, WR, USC
22.) With the Patriots currently forced to actually select a player in round one, you can bet they’ll use it to boost a pass rush that basically went into hiding this season. Jerry Hughes is a vicious tackler with good speed who seems like a natural fit to switch to 3-4 OLB from college 4-3 DE/OLB. He led the nation in sacks in 2008 and he came close in 2009. A high-motor, productive player with good measurables and upside is exactly what this defense needs. Now the LB corps, with Jerod Mayo, is starting to get younger in the right way.
23.) The Packers did an excellent job of drafting in 2009. Clay Matthews and BJ Raji were major contributors on a great unit. And while a lot of the veterans in the secondary will need replacements sooner than later, this is a team that doesn’t often reach and there are no defensive backs worth this pick. That leaves offensive tackle. Sure, this group really stepped it up over the last half of the season, but you can’t ask old dogs to learn a new way to block for Aaron Rodgers two years in a row. If the Packers want to stay in contention for the NFC North they can’t let their new quarterback get beaten into oblivion by their old QB’s team. Trent Williams looked lost at times in his first year on the left side, but he’s a great fit for this blocking scheme and has the upside to move left even if he begins his career back on the right.
24.) The Eagles don’t appear to need much other than a disguise for Donovan McNabb, a solution to what to do with Michael Vick, a way to continue convincing Kevin Kolb that he will actually get to start one day, and some defensive help. Only one of those is a draftable entity. Unless you can give Kolb back to the draft… Anyway, Sean Weatherspoon is a vocal leader and an energetic linebacker that fits well in the Eagles’ system. Chris Gocong hasn’t lived up to billing and can be upgraded, and the Eagles’ tend to have depth and injury issues at this spot. Weatherspoon should be a starter for years.
Pick Change: Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
25.) The Jets defense is pretty damn good. No doubt. Darrelle Revis was recently robbed of the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award by a guy who has been stealing awards since college (THAT WAS PEYTON’S HEISMAN), and the run defense has really stepped up with Bart Scott and David Harris after Kris Jenkins went down. So while grabbing a 3-4 DE, a second CB, a backup NT, or even a pass rusher would make sense, the offense is too close to special to ignore possibly the final piece. Williams and Sanchez had a great relationship on-the-field (maybe off, too?), and the rookie QB has proven that he can be pretty good if he’s given the weapons. The Jets need a sizeable deep threat, and maybe Williams can teach Braylon a thing or two. If Braylon’s still around.
Pick Change: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
26.) The Ravens have to be disappointed. They had a rookie QB win two playoff games last season, then start this season like a man possessed, only to watch their playoff hopes go flaccid with Flacco despite a punishing rushing attack. It’s not all Joe’s fault, however, outside of Derrick Mason, who will almost certainly retire, there are no downfield passing threats on this team. I expect Hernandez to go through a Dustin Keller-like rise after the combine. He may not be the most complete TE in the draft, but he provides what Baltimore needs — pass-catching and big play ability. With Todd Heap pushed aside, the Ravens can build some sort of passing game around Hernandez and still grab a speedy receiver for Flacco in round two.
Pick Change: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
27.) Yeah, Kurt Warner’s gone. And yeah, Matt Leinart hasn’t exactly inspired a lot of hope during his stints. But the Cards seem content to give him a chance, and there really aren’t any QBs available that Arizona will consider with the 27th pick. If you check out their history, you’ll find that they tend to favor athletic specimens at positions of need regardless of production. In Kindle, they get both. Physically, he’s close to stereotypical for a 3-4 OLB, and statistically he really came on as a junior and senior. The Cards have to find a way to generate pressure off the edge in their 3-4 sets. With last year’s pick, Cody Brown, missing an entire season, there’s no reason not to upgrade here.
Pick Change: Charles Brown, OT, USC
28.) There’s been a lot of talk over the last couple of seasons about Dallas’ need to draft a safety. But after a year in which their starters at the two safety spots played better than expected, I think they can afford to wait instead of reaching here. I know mixing logic and Jerry Jones is a dangerous concoction, but I’ll take my chances. Adrian Peterson looked reborn against the Dallas front at times, and drafting Terrence Cody would allow the Boys to move Jay Ratliff back outside to 5-tech, his more natural position. Cody is probably overrated, and he stands up a lot, but he has the most important quality a prospect can have in Jones’ eyes — a big name.
29.) Everyone wants a defensive tackle here for the Vikings. Well, I know Pat Williams is old, but Jimmy Kennedy has been coming along nicely of late, and I don’t think the Vikings can ignore other needs. One of those needs comes at cornerback. Cedric Griffin was playing alright, and Antoine Winfield is a good one, but Griffin went down late with a torn ACL and there’s no sure timetable on his return or how he’ll recover and Winfield is getting old. Warren is an underrated guy on the national scene, but he’s got good length, good ball skills, nice speed and plenty of experience. There’s a good chance he could hear his name called earlier than 29th, so getting him here is a nice value.
Pick Change: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
30.) The Chargers always seem to throw a curveball. I know that statement is pretty over-the-plate considering every mocker out there knows this rule, but it bears mentioning. Which is why I think this year’s curve is more of a changeup. Everyone knows that San Diego needs a running back, so everyone is thinking that they’ll draft something else. That’s the trick this year — drafting the obvious. It’s genius. No one will see it coming. I think CJ Spiller compares nicely to Ladainian Tomlinson, and his speed and ability to contribute in all phases of the offense and returns makes him a solid fit in San Diego.
31.) No, New Orleans didn’t get tons of pressure on Peyton Manning. But then again, they didn’t get tons of pressure on a few teams they beat, and they really sat back in coverage. There is need for depth behind the DEs, and another corner is starting to look like a necessity, but when need matches up with value like this, the Colts don’t usually pass. Brown is a natural fit for this offensive line, and protecting Peyton Manning during his last seasons as a top passer is a huge priority. If Peyton were to ever go down, Indy would be drafting in the top 10.
Pick Change: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
32.) The Saints did a nice job of stopping the run again, finally… against the Cardinals. Not exactly ‘baby rescued from burning building by non-partisan orphan dog’ kind of stuff. Teams they didn’t stop the run against include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who went off for 170+ against the Saints in a win. Dan Williams is getting a lot of billing as a 3-4 nose tackle, but I think he fits pretty well in that same role in a 4-3. He’s got great size, and pairing him next to Sedrick Ellis could be the final missing piece to running the table.
