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| 2010 NFL Mock Draft |
| January 16, 2010 |
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Paul Baitinger
Senior Editor
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The Rams are on the clock after a 1-15 season as they and the Lions have flip-flopped draft positions from last year to this year. The good news for these teams is that this year's draft class looks to be pretty deep. Read on to find out which players I project both teams to draft...
If
you're interested to know what your teams needs are and who they
may draft, check out my 2010 NFL Mock Draft below. Be sure to come back and check out our 7 round Computer
Generated Mock Draft and my blog as well.
Round
One |
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| 1 | Rams (1-15), Player: DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) | Team Needs: QB, WR, CB, OL, LB
The Rams have invested a lot of 1st round picks in recent years in their defensive line (Chris Long and Adam Carriker). With Ndamukong Suh being everyone's top draft prospect because of his ability to dominate the line, the Rams would be well positioned to address their defensive line again in hopes of improving upon their ranking of 31st in yards per game. |
| | | | 2 | Lions (2-14), Player: DT Gerald McCoy* (Oklahoma) | Team Needs: DL, OL, CB, WR, RB
The Lions desperately need help along their OL and could use to protect Stafford, their 1st pick of the draft last year, but they were absolutely horrible on defense. As such, a defensive tackle might help this team at least slow down their opponents as Detroit ranked 32nd in points per game allowed (over 30 ppg) and 32nd in yards allowed (over 392 ypg). |
| | | | 3 | Buccaneers (3-13), Player: S Eric Berry* (Tennessee) | Team Needs: CB, WR, DL, LB, S
While Safety is not a major need for the Bucs, Eric Berry is a big time player. Many folks compare Berry favorably to Ed Reed. What the Bucs need are difference makers and with the Saints offering one of the top passing offenses, with the Falcons boasting Gonzo and White and with the Panthers offering Steve Smith, Berry's skills should help this team immediately. |
| | | | 4 | Redskins (4-12), Player: OT Russell Okung (Oklahoma State) | Team Needs: OT, OG, QB, RB, S
Assuming the Lions decide to pass on an Offensive Tackle with the 2nd pick, the Redskins would do well to draft some help for the trenches. The Redskins biggest weakness in 2009 was their offensive line. Getting help there should help the Redskins offense improve upon their 16 points per game average this year. |
| | | | 5 | Chiefs (4-12), Player: DE Derrick Morgan* (Georgia Tech) | Team Needs: DL, OL, LB, DB, WR
The Chiefs were torched on the ground this year so adding help to their front seven is not a bad idea. Furthermore, putting pressure on opposing QBs might help KC force some turnovers. Being that Morgan is such a force at DE, he may be exactly what the doctor ordered for the KC defense. |
| | | | 6 | Seahawks (5-11), Player: QB Jimmy Clausen* (Notre Dame) | Team Needs: QB, OL, RB, DB, DL
The Seahawks suddenly need a lot of help at a lot of positions. Pete Carroll is getting himself into a rebuilding situation. The Seahawks could certainly use help at a few positions that should be available at the top of the draft, namely along each line and at some positions of skill. I could see them shying away from Clausen because of Rick Mirer's failure in Seattle, but the Seahawks do desperately need a QB. |
| | | | 7 | Browns (5-11), Player: RB C.J. Spiller* (Clemson) | Team Needs: WR, RB, TE, DL, DB
The Browns strung together a surprising winning streak at the end of the season as their defense came around under Rob Ryan and Mangini's direction. With their defense playing better, they need to fix their problems on offense. Spiller would be an interesting pick for them, but the way Harrison played the last two games this pick isn't necessarily the need pick it looked like it was going to be entering December. Still, Spiller should provide the Browns with a great 1-2 punch at RB. |
| | | | 8 | Raiders (5-11), Player: OT Trent Williams (Oklahoma) | Team Needs: QB, WR, DL, OL, LB
The Raiders probably won't invest in another first round draft pick in a QB after watching Russell flop so miserably, so I'm ruling QB out for their 1st pick. They should really get some help for their offensive line so they stand a chance to protect whomever is playing QB and open some holes for their three-headed RB monster. |
| | | | 9 | Bills (6-10), Player: QB Sam Bradford* (Oklahoma) | Team Needs: OT, QB, OC, DT, WR
It's tough to get a read on which way the Bills may be leaning as they're still searching for their coach. We can't see T.O. returning to the Bills for 2010, therefore, Buffalo could be looking for a WR. However, they have a bigger need at QB. As long as they're not too worried about his shoulder, they may take a shot at Bradford with the thought that he may be an upgrade from what they currently have. Alternatively, there are a few OTs that they may have their eyes on, so watch that position as well. |
| | | | 10 | Broncos (8-8), Player: WR Dez Bryant* (Oklahoma State) | From CHI - Team Needs: WR, LB, S, DL, OL
Despite his 20 catch game in 2009 Brandon Marshall finished the season right where he started it... in the dog house. I just don't see him returning to Denver for 2010. As a result, I expect that the Broncos will have their eye on a big receiving threat to replace him with. While Bryant also comes with some baggage, he offers good size and skill. |
| | | | 11 | Jaguars (7-9), Player: CB Joe Haden* (Florida) | Team Needs: WR, DE, DB, LB, DT
While the Jags aren't in desperate need of a corner they may be wise to select the best player available. Haden appears to be the top corner in this year's draft class, so he should hear his name called in the top 12 picks. |
| | | | 12 | Dolphins (7-9), Player: LB Rolando McClain* (Alabama) | Team Needs: DL, LB, RB, OL, DB
I expect Sergio Kindle to draw a look here as Parcells and company may be wise to draft a younger OLB to groom behind Porter and Taylor. The Dolphins could also be quite interested in Joe Haden if he falls this far. Even though McClain plays inside, he offers too good of value to pass up here. His presence should allow the Dolphins to continue to do a good job in stopping the run for many years. |
| | | | 13 | 49ers (8-8), Player: OT Anthony Davis (Rutgers) | Team Needs: OT, DL, WR, LB, DB
The 49ers desperately need help at OT as they struggled to protect their QBs all year. Davis should help address the problem and keep their QBs upright, while helping to open holes for the 49ers talented RBs. |
| | | | 14 | Seahawks (5-11), Player: OT Bruce Campbell (Maryland) | From DEN - Team Needs: QB, OL, RB, DB, DL
AIf the Seahawks draft their QB early in the first round, then they will certainly try to find some help at OT to protect their new investment. Bruce Campbell offers tremendous athleticism for a OT, so the Seahawks might be inclined to call his name to protect their QBs. |
| | | | 15 | Giants (8-8), Player: S Earl Thomas* (Texas) | Team Needs: S, CB, DL, LB, OL
The Giants suffered some setbacks in their secondary due to injury. Meanwhile, their defensive line couldn't pressure the QB like they did in years past. This really exposed their pass defense. As a result, the Giants would do well to draft a safety like Earl Thomas who possesses excellent range. |
| | | | 16 | Titans (8-8), Player: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (South Florida) | Team Needs: DE, DT, DB, WR, OL
The Titans would do well to find someone, anyone to help pressure opposing QBs. Playing Schaub and Manning 4 times a year spells disaster if you can't make them get rid of the football before they're ready. Enter a pass rushing threat like Jason Pierre-Paul. |
| | | | 17 | 49ers (8-8), Player: DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida) | From CAR - Team Needs: OT, DL, WR, LB, DB
The 49ers have one of the best LBs in the game in Patrick Willis, however, he could use some help in the LB corps, so Bruce Carter could enter into consideration here. However, Dunlap looks like a great fit for an end in a 3-4 scheme due to his size, ability to anchor against the run, and ability to rush the passer. His off-field concerns may cause teams to shy away from him, but on field, he's a mid-first round talent. |
| | | | 18 | Steelers (9-7), Player: CB Patrick Robinson (Florida State) | Team Needs: CB, S, OL, WR, DL
The Steelers defnitely need help in their secondary. Patrick Robinson should be able to provide them help at a position that the Steelers are weak in since watching Bryant McFadden leave. |
| | | | 19 | Falcons (9-7), Player: LB Bruce Carter* (North Carolina) | Team Needs: LB, CB, S, DL, OL
The Falcons will likely focus on finding help for defense in the early rounds of this years draft. Either Navorro Bowman from LB U or Bruce Carter from UNC would be a nice add to their front seven. |
| | | | 20 | Texans (9-7), Player: S Taylor Mays (USC) | Team Needs: S, CB, RB, OL, DL
Mays might be more like a LB than a safety due to his size. The Texans surely could use some help in the deep secondary and might do well to tap into the USC talent pool again after striking gold with Cushing in last year's draft class. |
| | | | 21 | Jets (9-7), Player: DT Terrence Cody (Alabama) | Team Needs: DT, DE, LB, WR, DB
The Jets are a team with a pretty well stocked pantry with very few positions that are outright lacking. While Cody is projected in the second round in many mocks, I still feel that some team will snag him in the first round to sure up the run. Perhaps a run-stuffing DT like Terrence Cody is a luxury, but hey, a big DT should help them shut the door on their opponents running game. |
| | | | 22 | Ravens (9-7), Player: WR Arrelious Benn* (Illinois) | Team Needs: WR, CB, OG, DE, LB
The Ravens top need is clear, with Derrick Mason getting older, they need help at WR. Mark Clayton has failed to emerge as a solid #2 WR and can't be expected to step into the #1 role with Mason heading toward the sunset. Therefore, a WR with the silky smoothness of Benn would be a nice addition and could grow into the #1 job when Mason hangs up his cleats. |
| | | | 23 | Cardinals (10-6), Player: OT Bryan Bulaga (Iowa) | Team Needs: OT, TE, DE, CB, S
The Cards need some help along the OL as you can tell by the way Warner got banged around toward the end of the season. Bryan Bulaga offers good protection skills that should be able to keep the Cards QBs upright. |
| | | | 24 | Bengals (10-6), Player: WR Damian Williams (USC) | Team Needs: DT, WR, DE, OL, TE
The Bengals need a weapon opposite Ochocinco, so drafting a WR like Damian Williams would be a nice move. However, they could also be tempted by a big DT or a DE to get after the passer. Williams has excellent route running skills and would be a nice complement to Ochocinco. |
| | | | 25 | Patriots (10-6), Player: LB Sergio Kindle (Texas) | Team Needs: CB, S, LB, DE, DT
The Pats are likely done with Adalius Thomas and may set their eyes on Sergio Kindle to replace him. Kindle's pass rushing and ability to cover the field might elevate his draft status to the middle of the first round rather than the late part of the 1st. |
| | | | 26 | Packers (11-5), Player: OT Charles Brown (USC) | Team Needs: OT, OG, CB, S, LB, WR
The Packers would probably love to draft defense, but they need to find someone, anyone who can protect Rodgers. Their offensive line looked like a revolving door. Therefore, they should be on the lookout for talented OTs that can protect their QBs. |
| | | | 27 | Eagles (11-5), Player: LB Brandon Spikes (Florida) | Team Needs: LB, DE, OL, DB, RB
The Eagles could use a pass rushing threat opposite Trent Cole, but they were seriously set back by injuries at LB. Spikes should be able to fill the void at MLB for the Eagles. |
| | | | 28 | Cowboys (11-5), Player: LB Navorro Bowman* (Penn State) | Team Needs: OL, DE, DB, LB, DT
The Cowboys could be interested in Carlos Dunlap to help at DE or possibly Jerry Hughes to lineup opposite DeMarcus Ware. However, Keith Brooking is getting up there in age. Even though he looked good this year, he'll eventually need replaced. Navorro Bowman from LB U might be a good candidate to groom behind Brooking for a year. |
| | | | 29 | Vikings (12-4), Player: LB Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri) | Team Needs: S, LB, CB, OG, DL
The Vikings have very few glaring weaknesses of which Safety and depth at LB are the biggest. Sean Weatherspoon was quite a productive player for Missouri, but is normally regarded as a 2nd rounder in most mocks. I feel that his draft stock will start to climb as people take notice of his productivity. He should be a good fit for this defense because of his versatility at OLB or MLB. |
| | | | 30 | Chargers (13-3), Player: RB Jahvid Best* (California) | Team Needs: WR, LB, OL, DL, DB
Best is a talented RB coming off a serious concussion in 2009. If it weren't for that serious head injury, then there might be a few other teams eyeing drafting him more towards the middle of the round. Anyway, with LT's era likely coming to an end, Best seems like a good fit, perhaps the 'best' fit for the Chargers 1st round pick. |
| | | | 31 | Saints (13-3), Player: DT Dan Williams (Texas) | Team Needs: CB, LB, DL, OL, S
The Saints will most likely be looking for help on defense and will likely target the best available defender. Dan Williams should be able to help team with Sedrick Ellis to stop the run and get the Saints off the field on third down and short. |
| | | | 32 | Colts (14-2), Player: DT Brian Price* (UCLA) | Team Needs: OL, CB, S, LB, DE
The Colts were ranked 31st in the regular season in 3rd down defense. That means they need help getting off the field. A DT with some run stopping and pass rushing skills like Brian Price would come in handy to get the Colts defense off the field on third down and get Manning back on the field. |
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* Denotes Underclassmen
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