2010 NFL Mock Draft
Updated: January 12, 2010; Minor changes made later in the day on 1/12/10 as listed (see ATL, GB, and NOLA picks).
* Denotes Underclassman
FIRST ROUND
1. St. Louis Rams:
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma*
Sorry to all the Rams fans who just had flashbacks of the Greatest Show on Turf after looking at the above picture. Reminder: the Rams started Keith Null in final four games of the 2009 season, not to be confused with Kurt Warner in his prime. Marc Bulger might have played his last game in a St. Louis Rams uniform. Furthermore, with needs across the board, the Rams will look to solidify the quarterback position for the future by taking Bradford over Ndamukong Suh. 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:
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee*
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 Eric Berry (re-signing Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Mike Alstott wouldn’t hurt either).
4. Washington Redskins:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame*
How does Daniel Snyder not take the big name quarterback out of Notre Dame? Seriously though, this is the dream scenario for the Redskins owner who always is looking to throw money at big name players. Jason Campbell has tried to be forced out of Washington more times than most political officials, so the acquisition of a quarterback isn’t exactly a surprise.
5. Kansas City Chiefs:
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.
Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson enjoyed success in the two-thousands due to one of the best offensive line units in football. Russell Okung is the best offensive tackle in the draft and will help the Chiefs return to the era of offensive line greatness. Imagine how good Jamaal Charles could be with the caliber of offensive line that Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson played behind.
6. Seattle Seahawks:
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers*
Looking at the Seahawks roster, they have talent at all positions so it’s not wonder Jim Mora got fired. New coach Pete Carroll will look avoid the same fate that brought Mora to the end of his tenure as head coach of the Seahawks. Anthony Davis is a big tackle who left a year early after a successful career at Rutgers. Expect him to come off the draft board early.
7. Cleveland Browns:
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama*
Offense is probably a higher priority for the Browns, but adding a weapon with less than adequate quarterback play would prove to be pointless. As a result, the Browns could win now by relying on superb defensive play paired with a dangerous rushing attack. The team will hope the addition of McClain will propel the defense to new heights and give the team a chance to win now.
8. Oakland Raiders:
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma*
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. Regardless of how dysfunctional the franchise operates, predicting a player has become relatively easy since the organization only looks at forty-times. However, it’s hard to evaluate who the Raiders will pick before the combine, so slotting best available player Gerald McCoy made sense (to us, not necessarily to the Raiders).
9. Buffalo Bills:
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa*
Finding a replacement for Jason Peters has not been easy for the Bills, but this pick gives them the opportunity to finally fill the void. Bulaga left Iowa early and will be a highly touted prospect in the draft. Aside from Marshawn Lynch occasionally keeping fans entertained with thefts of $20, there’s not a lot of promise for the Bills.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Tim Tebow does not warrant top ten selection. However, the Jaguars are having difficulty trying to warrant having a team in Jacksonville. Tebow will be drafted to fill seats in Jacksonville. Simple as that. Many will argue if he has any place being selected in the first round, and he doesn’t, but the Jaguars are more concerned about selling tickets and avoiding local blackouts.
11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI):
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St.*
Josh McDaniels has successfully turned football’s most explosive passing attack into something that includes Kyle Orton. There’s only a matter of time until Brandon Marshall is exported out of Denver, which means a wide receiver is in order. Dez Bryant is definitely being overlooked early in the draft process. He has the talent and skill set of a top fifteen selection, and I’d even go further and call it the talent of a top ten selection. However, many discount his presence in the draft after NCAA loopholes prevented him playing playing in 2009.
12. Miami Dolphins:
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois*
If the Dolphins want Chad Henne to enjoy sustained success, they need to surround him with quality talent at the wide receiver position. Arrelious Benn marks the second wide receiver off the board in this mock draft, but at first glance doesn’t have the numbers to justify a top fifteen selection. However, one needs to take into consideration the quarterback play during his last year. Juice Williams disappointed me, among others, with his lack of growth as a player throughout the years.
13. San Francisco 49ers:
Joe Haden, CB, Florida*
Joe Haden falling to the 49ers here should be considered a gift. Mike Singletary has long preached that he wants winners playing for his team, and Haden has certainly done plenty of winning at Florida. Should Haden fall to San Francisco, it would be the second straight year that the 49ers get a highly rated prospect several spots after he is projected to be picked (Michael Crabtree in 2009). Which is usually a formula for a successful draft.
14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN):
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 C.J. Spiller. Don’t be surprised if Carroll looks to add a couple of his former USC Trojans to the Seahawks roster. Should the Seahawks happen to pass on Spiller here, Carroll might grab former USC running back Joe McKnight in the second round.
15. New York Giants:
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia 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. San Francisco 49ers (f/CAR):
Taylor Mays, S, USC
At 6-foot-4, Taylor Mays stands taller than most safeties in professional football. His presence on the football field is unmatched and should immediately help the 49ers defense particularly paired with the selection of Joe Haden. Mays would have been a top prospect in the 2009 draft, but his stock did not really take much of a hit by waiting a year.
17. Tennessee Titans:
Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss*
Kyle Vanden Bosch is a free agent this offseason, and defensive end would remain 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.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland*
The Pittsburgh Steelers have needed offensive line help for as long as I could remember. Bruce Campbell is a mammoth of an offensive tackle that should transition flawlessly into the Steelers system. 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:
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida St.
Atlanta seems to have its offensive cast for the future built around Matt Ryan. This selection will be aimed at improving the defense, primary adding another cover guy. The selection here comes down to either Patrick Robinson, Donovan Warren, or Javier Arenas, and you can never go wrong with someone with dreads. In all seriousness, Warren could have benefited from another year in school and Arenas may be too small to garner first round attention.
Previous Mock Draft Projection: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
20. Houston Texans:
Earl Thomas, S, Texas*
The Texans have the offensive aspect of football figured out, led by Matt Schaub’s passing attack. Defense, on the other hand, the team needs to do some work. Earl Thomas is the right man for the Texans here at this spot, especially with a void in the secondary considering Dunta Robinson is hitting free agency. Perhaps running back is an option here to solidify the position, but the team should be fine at that position once Steve Slaton figures out his fumbling woos.
21. Cincinnati Bengals:
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Chad Ochocinco may be creative, but lets see him come up with a way to create as good as a pass catching tight end as Jermaine Gresham. The Bengals philosophy largely changed this past season, but the need for another option in the passing game could not be higher following the tragic death of Chris Henry. Gresham got hurt this past season, but his draft stock remains high.
22. New England Patriots:
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Apparently Wes Welker means so much to the Patriots that he actually impacts how they play defense. At any rate, the defensive play by the Patriots against the Ravens was poor to be polite. Vast improvements are needed to the defensive unit if they hope to be competitive in the future. Particularly, the Patriots need to inject youth into the defense. Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo could solidify to two inside linebacker positions for years to come.
23. Green Bay Packers:
Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan*
After letting up 51 points to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs, the Packers almost have to go defense with this selection. We’ve been talking about finding successors to Charles Woodson and Al Harris since we started the website five years ago. It’s about time the Packers turn our suggestion into reality.
Previous Mock Draft Projection: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
24. Philadelphia Eagles:
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida*
Philadelphia’s latest two bloodbaths against the Dallas Cowboys exemplified the need for bigger and more physical line play. The team was uncharacteristically outmatched along both the offensive and defensive lines. If only Andy Reid got a Super Bowl ring for every first round pick he’s spent on a lineman. Certainly fans would be a lot happier. Dunlap enters the draft with some character question marks but not too many could question his talent.
25. Baltimore Ravens:
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame*
Is there a better Notre Dame football name than Golden Tate? The kid was born destined to play for the Irish. Not to mention his production with the Irish wasn’t too shabby either. Twenty-five touchdowns in the last two seasons is certainly attractive to any NFL team. Without a true number one target for Joe Flacco, the Ravens will likely turn to a wide receiver early in the draft and hope to strike gold (no pun intended).
26. New York Jets:
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama
Defense carried the Jets this season, but Kris Jenkins gets hurt way too much to be a dependable nose tackle. Going offense here would not be out of the question, but there are talented pieces on offense that should develop the unit in further years. In addition, a talented prospect like Cody cannot go unnoticed. Not to mention Terrence Cody gives Rex Ryan a run for being the biggest guy on the field.
27. Arizona Cardinals:
Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas
Sergio Kindle is certainly one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2010 draft and will certainly prove to be a hot commodity to teams like the Arizona Cardinals that play a 3-4 scheme. Coming out of the same system in Texas, Kindle’s stock will only be positively affected by the success of Brian Orakpo in Washington. Look for the Cardinals to go defense here, enter next season with Matt Leinart as the starting quarterback, then waste three years of the career’s of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin while the team slowly realizes Leinart’s not an elite quarterback. Commence new quarterback search three years later.
28. Dallas Cowboys:
Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
After rolling over team Philadelphia in two consecutive weeks, the Dallas Cowboys appear flawless. Hopefully the Cowboys show some signs of weakness soon for the sake of making a mock draft. Corey Wootton is a perfect fit as an end in the 3-4 defensive scheme and would provide the Cowboys with significant depth across the defensive line. Drafting for depth along the offensive line is also an option for the team that plays home to everyone’s favorite oversized scoreboard.
29. Minnesota Vikings:
Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
This pick is under the assumption that The Great Brett Favre has not taken full control of the Vikings day-to-day upper management operations by this point. After Brett Favre retires (realistically we’re talking 5 years from now) the future of the quarterback position for the Vikings is in question. Colt McCoy is a reach at this spot, even with his all his collegiate accolades. That’s just the beauty of the NFL draft.
30. San Diego Chargers:
Jahvid Best, RB, Cal*
Sadly, LaDainian Tomlinson’s days suiting up as a San Diego Charger appear to be numbered. 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. Jahvid Best could definitely step in and become a regular back.
31. 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. Maybe a bit low for Price here at the bottom of the first round, but stranger things have happened in the draft.
Previous Mock Draft Projection: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
32. Indianapolis Colts:
Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
Despite almost going undefeated in the regular season, the Colts rushing attack has been abysmal. In fact, Indianapolis was ranked 32nd in the NFL in terms of yards per game. Joseph Addai and Donald Brown are both very talented backs, so the problem is within the offensive line. Mike Iupati reigns from a small school, but nonetheless his presence is felt almost immediately in football games. Also helping protect number 18 doesn’t hurt either, as he turns 34-years old in March.
Credits: Team logos and images are property of the National Football League and Yahoo! Sports, respectively.
First Round | Second Round | Third Round
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