Updated: April 21, 2010, 9:16 pm EST; FINAL UPDATE

FIRST ROUND

1. St. Louis Rams:
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

The Rams need to strive to get back to the days of the Greatest Show on Turf. Reminder: the Rams started Keith Null in final four games of the 2009 season, not to be confused with Kurt Warner in his prime. Furthermore, with needs across the board, the Rams will look to solidify the quarterback position for the future by taking Bradford over Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy. Pretty much every team that has to build from the ground up does it by selecting a franchise quarterback at the top of the draft.

2. Detroit Lions:
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

After the Rams passed on Suh, the Lions waste no time in selecting an anchor for their defense. As the best player in the draft, Suh will improve a defense that closely resembles Gilbert Arenas’ bullet-ridden locker (and swiss cheese for that matter). Suh will be the dominate force that the Lions have lacked since trading Shaun Rogers.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Given time, the Buccanneers offense will improve under young quarterback Josh Freeman. There once was a time when the Bucs could rely on their defense to win games, despite a lackluster offensive unit. That time is all but gone, and the Bucs look to return to the good ole’ days by drafting Gerald McCoy (re-signing Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Mike Alstott in their prime’s wouldn’t hurt either).

4. Washington Redskins:
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.

This is the most obvious pick in the draft, and the last of what appears to be the easier selections to project. Washington is in desperate need of an offensive tackle to keep newly acquired (and injury-prone) quarterback Donovan McNabb standing. Not drafting an offensive tackle here would be considered a big draft blunder.

5. Kansas City Chiefs:
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

The Chiefs are in need of some playmakers on both sides of the ball and Berry fits that description. After recently using a high first round pick on Branden Albert it is unlikely that they will select another first round tackle this year. Even though GM’s usually shy away from drafting safeties early, Berry has drawn comparisons to Ed Reed in terms of playmaking ability and is the type of safety prospect that warrants a top 5 selection. We had Rolando McClain here in the last mock, and he’s still a possibility, but we look at Berry as an elite talent that the Chiefs cannot pass.

6. Seattle Seahawks:
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Pete Carroll failed to recruit C.J. Spiller to play at USC back in 2006. Or the school failed to throw enough SUV’s or money in Spiller’s direction. Either way, Carroll gets a second opportunity to get the electrifying back. Spiller’s stock has been on the rise recently and the Seahawks have to reach to get the player they most covet. The need for an offensive tackle is pressing, and it would be nice to get a tackle here and spiller at 14, but that might be out of the question with the way Spiller’s stock is rising.

7. Cleveland Browns:
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St.

Surprise pick here in the top ten. With Eric Berry and C.J. Spiller off the board, Cleveland does not have a lot of options with this pick. They could go with Earl Thomas, but take a look at Cleveland’s offense for a second. Specifically, take a look at the wide receivers. Even future Hall of Famer Jake Delhomme wouldn’t be able to have success with those receivers. Character issues aside, Bryant is a top ten talent and goes here. Look for the Browns to add quarterback Colt McCoy in the second round.

8. Oakland Raiders:
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

JaMarcus Russell. Tom Cable. Al Davis. Hard to imagine why the team can’t win despite the trifecta. A franchise really runs on a quarterback, head coach, and owner. The Raiders could very well have the worst at all three positions. Anthony Davis seems like the type of player the Raiders would like. Davis brings character issues to the table, but that’s never stopped the Raiders before. Bruce Campbell is a possibility here, but Anthony Davis clearly is more talented, more versatile, and has more upside.

9. Buffalo Bills:
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Bills need to replace Jason Peters here. There’s no point in drafting Clausen if they’re going to stick him behind an offensive line that will get him killed. Trent Williams will lock down the LT spot and give Trent Edwards a chance to succeed this year.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Joe Haden, CB, Florida

At this spot, I don’t think the Jaguars will go defensive end. They have simply invested so much in the position that adding another defensive end bust on a top ten salary would devastate the team (not saying that JPP or Derrick Morgan are going to be busts, just hypothetical). Instead, I really think Jacksonville is going to strongly look to trade down from this spot, and a team like Philadelphia would certainly love to trade up for Earl Thomas. But we don’t predict trades. Cornerback is also a need, so if the Jaguars stay here pencil them in for Joe Haden to line up opposite Rashean Mathis. Rolando McClain is also a possibility, but I think Haden is simply the more talented prospect.

11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI):
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

I actually have not a clue what Josh McDaniels is doing in Denver. Remember, this is the same guy that successfully turned football’s most explosive passing attack into something that includes Kyle Orton AND Brady Quinn. Anything is possible here. However, surprisingly McClain would make a bit of sense. Josh McDaniels should go with the smart, instinctive linebacker to anchor the defense for years to come. However, it should be noted, Dez Bryant is the pick here if available.

12. Miami Dolphins:
Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

Miami will look for the successor to Jason Ferguson by selecting Dan Williams. Don’t count out Derrick Morgan, but Dan Williams will be a hotter commodity on Thursday than most people think.

13. San Francisco 49ers:
Earl Thomas, DB, Texas

The 49ers could look to bring in Clausen to compete with Alex Smith, but Smith may have played just well enough last year to save his job and allow Mike Singletary to bring in a defensive force like Thomas. Singletary went offense in his first draft with the 49ers, so expect him to go defense with one of his first round selections this year.

14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN):
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Seattle’s need for an offensive lineman is one that cannot be overlooked. Bulaga, though a bit overrated, is still one of the best tackle prospects in the draft, and will surely be someone the Seahawks will consider picking at six. For that reason, he is a good pick at 14.

15. New York Giants:
Derrick Morgan, DE, Ga. Tech

Time for a quick story. In the championship week for my fantasy football team, the decision to start the Giants defense was made and it almost cost me a fantasy football championship. I squeaked out the win by a mere 3 points, despite the Giants defense providing me with -5 points and causing me to age several years in the process. What does this have to do with the Giants picking Derrick Morgan? Probably next to nothing, but let me say it would take a lot for me not to slot a defensive player to the Giants in the first round. And second. And probably third. Morgan has the talent of a top ten pick, and the Giants pick the best available defensive guy even with two solid ends.

16. Tennessee Titans:
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF

Kyle Vanden Bosch is no longer on the team, and defensive end was a priority for the Titans regardless. Dominate defensive line play is the primary catalyst that separates the 2008 Titans from the 2009 Titans. With the improving play of Vince Young, an emerging wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and a rushing attack led by Chris Johnson, the Titans have an offense set for the future. Jason Pierre-Paul has arguably the most upside of any prospect in the draft.

17. San Francisco 49ers (f/CAR):
Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

Joe Staley is performing up to expectations in San Francisco but the Niners are receiving little from the other tackle spot. Drafting Mike Iupati would allow the Niners to either play him at guard or at right tackle to solidify the offensive line. Iupati is one of the most underrated players in the draft class and has Mike Singletary written all over him.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida

The Pittsburgh Steelers have needed offensive line help for as long as I could remember. The way Maurkice Pouncey plays just screams Pittsburgh Steelers and picking him here makes all too much sense. Ben Roethlisberger is as tough as nails, but he needs the offensive line help to sustain a long career in the NFL.

19. Atlanta Falcons:
Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

Jamaal Anderson is a bust, registering only less than 5 sacks in the past 3 season combined. John Abraham is still producing but getting old and the Falcons need pass rushing help even with him. Graham can get to the quarterback and will take over for Anderson.

20. Houston Texans:
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St.

Even with Dunta Robinson on the roster last season, Houston had a need at cornerback. Kyle Wilson is an impressive cornerback who Houston would be thrilled to draft. Other options at this spot include safety Earl Thomas if he is available. Definitely anticipate the Texans to look in the direction of improving their secondary.

21. Cincinnati Bengals:
Taylor Mays, S, USC

The Bengals made huge strides last season winning the AFC North and sweeping the Steelers. A big part of that was their cornerback duo stepping up finally and shutting down wide receivers. However they can still improve the pass defense and the Bengals have developed a trend of drafting physically gifted USC prospects (Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga).

22. New England Patriots:
Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas

Everyone knows how important the pass rusher is in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Sergio Kindle has a tremendous amount of potential and that will ultimately lead the Patriots to take him over Jermaine Gresham.

23. Green Bay Packers:
Charles Brown, OT, USC

Aaron Rodgers proved that he will be the quarterback for years to come in Lambeau. Now the Pack’ need to protect him. Charles Brown is an offensive tackle whose draft stock has been steadily rising and will get the job done.

24. Philadelphia Eagles:
Everson Griffen, DE, USC

Andy Reid loves taking those linemen. Trent Cole is one of the best defensive ends in football, but the Eagles have received little production from the other end spot. Philadelphia will definitely look to improve its secondary in the draft, but lets remember they have two second round picks. Griffen would be an excellent selection provided the Eagles address concerns in the secondary in the second round.

25. Baltimore Ravens:
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida St.

Anquan Boldin fills the Raven’s biggest offseason priority of bringing in a top wide out. Now they are free to draft a speedy cornerback in Pat Robinson that will help return Baltimore D to its past dominance.

26. Arizona Cardinals:
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

The Cardinals should be thrilled that Gresham falls to them. Despite missing nearly all of last season with a knee injury, Gresham would be a great target for Matt Leinart as he tries to make it in the league. Jimmy Clausen is also a distant option here, but the Cardinals will give Leinart every opportunity to succeed.

27. Dallas Cowboys:
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

The Cowboys have to find another offensive tackle this offseason. Flozell Adams was cut and the Cowboys do not yet have a suitable replacement. In all likelihood they will trade for an offensive tackle with a team like the Ravens. If they choose to draft one though, they will go with the physical specimen in Campbell.

28. San Diego Chargers:
Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St.

Sadly, LaDainian Tomlinson’s days suiting up as a San Diego Charger are over. LDT was arguably the most exciting player of the past decade and consistently put up double-digit touchdown seasons even in his later years. Darren Sproles doesn’t have the type of size required to be an every down back, and becoming an every down back would actually take away his biggest attribute of being a change of pace back. Ryan Matthews could definitely step in and become a regular back.

29. New York Jets:
Jared Odrick, DE, Penn St.

Mike Tannenbaum has made plenty of noise this offseason. Regardless of whether the moves work out or implode on him, it is clear the Jets are in win now mode. One of the few remaining needs for the Jets is to generate more sacks. Odrick can take over the defensive end spot from Marques Douglass and improve the league’s number one defense. Sidenote: the Jets are s2s’s early pick to win the super bowl next season.

30. Minnesota Vikings:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Jimmy Clausen free falls in our mock draft, due to the fact that no team after the 49ers really remotely need a quarterback. On Thursday a team will probably trade up back into the first round to land Clausen. However, since we don’t predict trades, Clausen goes off the board at 30. Regardless of what Brett Favre decides, Jimmy Clausen will be brought in as the face of the future for the Minnesota Vikings.

31. Indianapolis Colts:
Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

For too long the Colts offense has been lightyears ahead of its defense. While Sean Weatherspoon alone won’t be able to cure this disparity, drafting him would be a step in the right direction.

32. New Orleans Saints:
Brian Price, DT, UCLA

The biggest shortcoming for the New Orleans Saints is their ability to stop the run. While Sedrick Ellis is a promising player, he alone cannot determine the fate of the Saints run defense. Adding a tackle like Brian Price here makes too much sense.