Mock Draft V 1.0
Posted on Tuesday March 16, 2010 - 06:47 PM
by Mike Roach

1.      St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma
The Rams can say what they want and do all the posturing in the world, but they know as well as I do, you don’t pass on a franchise Quarterback if you don’t have one.  As much as they would like to make everyone believe they are taking a DT, they just aren’t. Bradford would be a good QB to take this team back to the “Greatest Show on Turf” offense they once featured. Bradford has some injury concern, but is the top QB in the draft with a great arm, decision making, and intangibles.
 
2.      Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma
As much as I hate to see it, the hated Sooners could very well have the two top picks in this year’s draft. McCoy may be the very best player in the draft and people have known this about him since he came out of high school. At 6’4 295 lbs., McCoy is the better DT in this draft in my opinion. He’s incredibly athletic, and a destructive force on the front line. The Lions got their quarterback last year, and have a playmaker at Wide Receiver in Calvin Johnson. With no headline runners in this group, they are poised to take the top defensive player in the draft.
 
3.      Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska
I know it flies in the face to take McCoy as my top DT, and trust me, I saw enough of “The boy named Suh” at the Big XII Championship Game at Cowboys stadium. Suh is a physical specimen just like McCoy, but the knock on him is he doesn’t always play as hard as he can. Suh gained popularity because of the national tv broadcast at the conference championship game. McCoy and Suh might be the two best players in this draft, and one thing I know is these two will go at these picks. The order is yet to be determined, but they will both go.
 
4.      Washington Redskins – Jimmy Clausen – Quarterback – Notre Dame
Mike Shanahan is now in Washington and the offensive minded coach will want a Quarterback to replace Jason Campbell. Jimmy Clausen looks like a prototype NFL Quarterback. He’s got good size, a great arm, and was productive in his final year at a high profile program like Notre Dame. The Skins could choose to go with an offensive tackle, but if they feel like Campbell can’t get the job done, then Clausen would be the way to go.
 
5.      Kansas City Chiefs – Russell Okung – Offensive Tackle – Oklahoma State
The Chiefs were one of the worst teams in the league when it came to sacks allowed, and they have a ton of money invested in QB Matt Cassell. Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe could make this a better offense, and Thomas Jones brings a veteran runner to the crew. The concern here is getting better along the line. Brendan Albert was taken a few years ago, but with the Chiefs still ailing Russell Okung would be the guy to go with here. There’s some thought it could be Bryan Bulaga who’s head coach Kirk Ferentz has a relationship with Chiefs GM Scott Pioli. Both guys are very good players, but Okung is the higher rated guy.
 
6.      Seattle Seahawks – Trent Williams – Offensive Tackles – Oklahoma
I’ve got Williams a lot higher on my board than a lot of people. Being here in Big XII country I’ve seen a lot of his games and he’s been a very solid tackle. He also tested very well at the combine. The Seahawks have had the gold standard of Offensive Tackle in Walter Jones for years, but need to start re-building their offense and I think it starts with a left Tackle. Quarterback and Wide Receiver are also a concern, but they have a chance to address those with a few picks in the first two rounds.
 
7.      Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry – Safety – Tennessee
If the best defensive player in the draft isn’t one of the DT’s mentioned earlier, it may be The Vols’ Eric Berry. Berry has been a standout defensive playmaker since he arrived on the scene at Tennessee. The Browns have a lot of needs, but would have to reach to fill those needs at this point in the draft. One thing that needs an upgrade is the secondary and they have the chance to do that with a guy who could step into the secondary right away. Berry may be the safest pick in this year’s draft.
 
 
8.      Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell – Offensive Tackle – Maryland
Oh those Oakland Raiders. You never quite know what they are going to do, but one thing is for sure. They love the workout warrior. Offensive Tackle is a need for them to address and Bruce Campbell was the best Offensive Tackle at the combine when it comes to testing. Campbell showed up and looked more like a Greek God than the oversized offensive Tackles we’ve been used to seeing. He ran a low 4.8 40 and did every drill to perfection. There are concerns about him when you actually put the game film on, but I wouldn’t put it past Al Davis to take Campbell here.
 
9.      Buffalo Bills – Bryan Bulaga – Offensive Tackle – Iowa
I predict quite the run on offensive Tackles here as you can see. The Bills are enduring another coaching change and another attempt to rebuild the offense. The Bills offense actually does have some playmakers and they spent some picks building the interior line last year. The big need after getting rid of Pro Bowl Tackle Jason Peters is the blindside. Bills fans nation wide will tell you they need a Quarterback, but I’ll tell you it doesn’t matter if they have Peyton Manning, if they can’t block they can’t succeed. Bulaga is a very technical player coached by offensive line guru Kirk Ferentz. He’s a mauler with great feet and punch. He’s rising fast up boards right now and he’s only 21 years old.
 
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Earl Thomas – Safety – Texas
I’ve raved about Thomas all year, and I think any hopes he would slide to Dallas are far fetched. Thomas was dominant at the combine and some scouts have him ranked over Eric Berry. Thomas presents the ability to play either corner or safety for The Jag’s defense, and will contribute right away on special teams. Say all you want about the Longhorns draft failures in Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and to some extent Vince Young (or so people think), but you can safely take a defensive back from The Horns and he will succeed. Just ask Aaron Ross, Quentin Jammer, Cedric Griffin, and Michael Griffin.
 
11. Denver Broncos (F/Chi) – Rolando McClain – Linebacker – Alabama
The Broncos could actually go in a number of directions this year. McClain was arguably the best player on one of the top defenses in the nation this year. He’s an intense leader who specializes in violence. McClain can play inside in the 3-4 and is the type of guy who could put up ridiculous numbers from day one. 
 
12. Miami Dolphins – Jason Pierre-Paul – Defensive End/Linebacker – South Florida
Bill Parcells as you know from his time here will want to stock his team with personnel for his 3-4 defense. There is an actual need there with the loss of Joey Porter this offseason. The question here is whether the Dolphins like Pierre-Paul or Sergio Kindle better. Pierre-Paul has been a highly rated player for a few years and is a freak of nature that has some people comparing him to DeMarcus Ware. This could very well be a case of where Parcells was in Dallas deciding between Ware and Shawne Merriman. I think all things being pretty equal, they go with the hometown kid.
 
13. San Francisco 49ers – Sergio Kindle – Defensive End/Linebacker – Texas
Last year the 49ers addressed their Wide Receiver position with the polarizing Michael Crabtree. There’s a need at Quarterback I think, but the Niners are willing to go with Alex Smith one more time and there are no Quarterbacks of value here. Mike Singletary made great strides with this team and will probably want someone for his defense. Sergio Kindle who was a blue chip recruitment out of Woodrow Wilson in Dallas, Texas would be the guy here. Kindle who played linebacker at the beginning of his career in college and then switched to Defensive end last year presents the ability to play End in a 4-3 and the rush linebacker in a 3-4. Kindle is an amazing athlete coached by Will Muschamp his last two years and drew rave reviews for his work ethic and leadership. Kindle would be an upgrade over Manny Lawson who the Niners took a few years ago.
 
14. Seattle Seahawks – Dez Bryant – Wide Receiver – Oklahoma State
Sorry Cowboys fans, I know you were hoping Dez might be there at 27, but I just think someone will grab him before then and the Seahawks, rebuilding on offense would be smart to do so. Last year the Seahawks grabbed TJ Houshmandzaddeh who didn’t do much, but could if he had a bona fide guy on the other side. Bryant lost half of his year to the NCAA after lying about his relationship with Deion Sanders. That said, I don’t think Bryant is a bad kid or character risk. He’s a big physical deep threat, with great hands, and the ability to help you out in the return game. Picking up a Left Tackle and a star wideout with the first two picks is a great way to get this offense back on its feet.
 
15. New York Giants – Brandon Spikes – Inside Linebacker – Florida
This is another guy who I have rated higher than a lot of people, but Spikes was a fantastic player at Florida and probably the best true 4-3 Mike. Antonio Pierce has been a mainstay on that defense but is getting older and oft injured. Spikes could be a guy who could make big plays behind the defensive line the Giants have assembled. If you’re a Cowboys fan you hate to see this thing happen, because I think this guy could be a pain in the Cowboys ass for a long time.
 
16. Tennessee Titans – Derek Morgan – Defensive End – Georgia Tech
Here’s another guy that’s hard to get a read on. When you read stuff he’s got anywhere from a top 15, to a second round grade. The Titans have a need on their Defensive line and probably at Wide receiver. Morgan is a true 4-3 end who’s been a very good pass rusher in college. He’s been productive but a bit inconsistent at times. Once you get past the 3-4 tweener guys and get on to the true ends it’s kind of a who do you like thing. There’s probably not that much separating Morgan from the others, but for me I like Morgan just a little bit more. 
 
17. San Francisco 49ers (F/Car) – CJ Spiller – Running back – Clemson
The Niners really got a great deal when they allowed Carolina to trade up for Everette Brown last year. They got a good 1^st round pick and Brown amounted to next to nothing last year. After going defense in their first pick San Fran could stand to go with an offensive playmaker to help. Frank Gore is a pretty good runner but is often banged up and in this day of the 2 back offense he needs a change of pace guy. Enter CJ Spiller. Spiller was spectacular at Clemson and a true game breaker. He has the ability to help out on returns and is a lot like Chris Johnson. Obviously he’s not as fast but who is? Spiller is probably also one of the most complete backs in this draft.
 
18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati – Offensive Guard – Idaho
The Steelers had some real issues last year and most of that had to do with the offensive line. Losing Alan Faneca hurt more than anyone thought in the run and pass game. Here’s a chance to plug that hole and take probably the best player available with the mountain mauler Mike Iupati. As I said in my preview, Iupati is a guy who is in trouble at Tackle but is a fantastic Guard. He’s a guy who when he locks on he moves you a long way and you usually end up on your back. After taking Reshard Mendenhall a couple of years ago, the Steelers need to take a guy who can open some holes for him and stop interior rushers from putting Roethlisberger on his back.
 
19. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Wilson – Cornerback – Boise State
Here’s a kid I really, really like. He’s got under the radar written all over him. Wilson played for the little guys at Boise State and if you watched any of their games, it was hard not to notice him on the field. He’s an incredibly speedy, strong, and tough defender who can play corner and safety. The Falcons looking to upgrade their secondary could go with Wilson here.
 

20. Houston Texans – Taylor Mays – Safety – USC
The Texans could also look at a runner here, but have a pressing need at safety. Taylor Mays is probably the most interesting player in the draft. On one hand you have a guy who runs in the low 4.4’s, has an outstanding vertical and broad jump, and bench presses very well. He’s a physical freak at a 6’3 235 lbs. frame and has some real highlight reel hits in his career. On the other hand for a guy with those measurable he didn’t make many plays at USC. He’s got some stiff hips and really struggles with some instinctual things. It will be interesting to see where people take him, but I think the Texans might take a chance on him. His workout numbers say Ronnie Lott and his film says Roy Williams. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham – Tight End – Oklahoma
Last year the Bengals made a play to get Martellus Bennett from the Cowboys. With Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson on offense, and Cedric Benson running the ball the Bengals have some good tools on offense. An offense’s best friend can be a reliable Tight End option. Gresham missed this season due to a terrible knee injury, and that probably cost him a top 15 pick. Gresham has great size, speed, and hands. He’s a physical blocker in the run game and the kind of guy who can get deep down the seam and really stretch the middle of defenses. 

22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham – Defensive End – Michigan
Brandon Graham is an incredibly underrated player. He’s one of those guys you forget about until The Patriots select him and then he wrecks the league. Graham single handedly destroyed the competition at the Senior bowl from a pass rushing perspective and has some great bulk. The Patriots have let some people slip away from them and need to re-stock. Graham would be the best way to go to do this.
 
23. Green Bay Packers – Jhavid Best – Running Back – California
The Packers really need some help on their offensive line, and could take a guy like Anthony Davis of Rutgers. Jhavid Best however was a guy being touted for the Heisman early on before suffering an injury. Best is an exciting, speed burner back who adds another dimension to the Packers offense. Ryan Grant has the starting job there and there are some other guys who figure in, but Best gives Grant a good change of pace back who can hit a home run every time he touches it.
 
24. Philadelphia Eagles – Carlos Dunlap – Defensive End – Florida
After taking two burner wideouts in Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, the Eagles will go back and fix some issues along their D-line. Their inability to generate pressure late in the year hurt them twice against The Cowboys. Dunlap was a big time player on a stout Florida defense last year. He’s a big guy with good speed off the edge, and a nose that gets to the Quarterback. The Eagles could also choose to address the offensive line, but Dunlap is probably the right choice here.
 
25. Baltimore Ravens – Joe Haden – Cornerback – Florida
I’m forecasting a fall for Joe Haden after his combine workout. Once thought to be the top corner in the draft and a sure-fire top 10 guy, Haden had a terrible 40 and struggled in drills at the combine. His hips looked stiff and his footwork was off. Haden was an incredibly good corner at Florida. He’s a guy that locked down one side of the field and the Ravens could stand to address the issues in their secondary.
 
26. Arizona Cardinals – Anthony Davis – Offensive Tackle – Rutgers
The Kurt Warner era is over and Anquan Boldin has shipped out. The Cards still have Early Doucet and Steve Breaston, so receiver isn’t a pressing issue at this time. New Quarterback Matt Leinart will take the reins again, and with a young runner in Beanie Wells, the Cardinals have a chance to fortify the line after taking Levi Brown a few years ago. Davis is a bit underrated as a Tackle and I actually like him more than a few guys. He didn’t test terribly well at the combine but he’s had a great career at Rutgers and could be a real steal here.
 
27. Dallas Cowboys – Maurkice Pouncey – Guard/Center – Florida
The Cowboys have a chance here to take one of the best players available while still addressing a need. Pouncey doesn’t play tackle, but he can play center and either of the guard spots. Pouncey was a stalwart of the Gator offensive line and has drawn rave reviews from scouts, coaches, and players. He’s a guy who could take over for Kosier or Gurode in the next few years and adds some wonderful depth to an offensive line that needs it. He wont go higher because interior players aren’t valued as high as Tackles, but Pouncey is one of the best offensive linemen in the draft.
 
28. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Matthews – Running Back – Fresno State
After shipping out LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers absolutely have a huge need at running back. Darren Sproles presents the speed back for the Bolts, but Ryan Matthews could be a great all around back. After having a productive career at Fresno State, Matthews raised eyebrows at the Senior Bowl and Combine. He presents a good mix of power and speed, and is an every down back. 
 
29. New York Jets – Golden Tate – Wide Receiver – Notre Dame
The Jets have already put together an amazing defense, and have addressed running game with Shonn Greene and LT. They went and got Braylon Edwards last year but could use some more help at Wide Receiver. Golden Tate won the Biletnikoff at Notre Dame and the converted running back is probably the best run after the catch guy out there. Tate was incredibly productive at Notre Dame, and showed good hands, speed, and agility at the combine. Right now it’s semantics between Dez Bryant and the next few guys at this position and I think Tate would fit in well with Mark Sanchez in New York.
 
30. Minnesota Vikings – Dan Williams – Defensive Tackle – Tennessee
Let me say first, don’t be surprised if the Vikings take a guy like Colt McCoy here. With Brett Favre, you never know, and they haven’t shown too much faith in Tavaris Jackson. I think they can wait unless they really like McCoy, and with that in mind I think Dan Williams would be a fantastic value. Williams really turned heads at the Senior Bowl an could be a guy that goes in the top 12 or so. Pat Williams is getting down the road in years and why not add another Williams for “The Williams Wall.”
 
31. Indianapolis Colts – Charles Brown – Offensive Tackle – USC
It’s really hard to figure what the Colts are going to do in any given year because they are so abstract in the way they draft. Charles Brown is really under the radar which seems weird coming from a program like USC. The colts could upgrade their right tackle situation and Brown could play either side. He’s not a spectacular must-have guy but he’s very solid.
 
32. New Orleans Saints – Sean Weatherspoon – Outside Linebacker – Missouri
I went back and forth over this pick, but after losing former Cowboy Scott Fujita, Weatherspoon would be an upgrade at that position. Weatherspoon was a guy who leapt off the screen at you at Missouri. He’s got a non-stop motor, good speed, and is violent when he gets to the ball carrier. With more teams going to 3-4 the true 4-3 outside linebacker is undervalued. Weatherspoon would probably be the best of a true Will linebacker in the draft.