2010 NFL Mock Draft, Rounds 1 and 2
Only four-and-a-half months until the highly anticipated 2010 NFL draft.
Can you feel the excitement in the air, or are you too busy feeling the holiday vibe?
As per usual, I will update my mock draft every single week.
Without further ado, let’s get to it!
1. Cleveland Browns—Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Alright, let’s get over the fact that both Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen went to Notre Dame. It does not mean that they are virtually the same exact quarterback.
The perception that Clausen is a Quinn 2.0 just isn’t fair and just shows foolish judgment.
Jimmy Clausen is a slightly better quarterback than Jake Locker is. Clausen has had to go up against some of the better colleges in all of college football.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska
I’ve received some criticism for this pick because people think that Tampa Bay taking Suh is just getting plain old.
So what?
If you want the best player available, you take Suh. He will make a perfect fit for their scheme, and will go great with Roy Miller on the defensive line.
I can’t see Tampa Bay going any other way, but with the Nebraskan phenom.
3. St. Louis Rams—Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
Kyle Boller is great! Did you see the game he had on Sunday? Only kidding, he still is terrible.
If St. Louis doesn’t draft a quarterback in the first round, I will drive to Missouri to personally set fire to the houses of the people that made the decision.
Jake Locker has a great arm, size, and all the tools that are needed to be a great NFL quarterback.
Now only if he had weapons to throw to… Well, there are rounds 2-7, I guess.
4. Detroit Lions—Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma
Normally I would have Russell Okung going here, but for some reason the Lions’ offensive line coach, George Yarno, said he liked the way Jeff Backus has been playing as of late.
I guess giving up 7.5 sacks through 11 games is acceptable. But then again, Detroit has won a mere two games in the last two seasons!
Gerald McCoy is a stud, no doubt. Detroit will love to have this guy to dominate on their defensive line. Don’t be surprised if he winds up being the defensive rookie of the year next season.
5. Kansas City Chiefs—Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State
Kansas City will not have any success throwing the ball if they can’t keep Matt Cassel on his feet.
In nine games played, Branden Albert has already surrendered nine sacks. What has happened to this guy!?
Russell Okung is a must-pick selection. He’s easily the best offensive tackle in the nation. Kansas City would be imbeciles if they didn’t make this pick.
6. Washington Redskins—Sam Bradford, Quarterback, Oklahoma
Daniel Snyder loves going after big-name players. Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Clinton Portis, and Brian Orakpo for example?
Jason Campbell may never succeed in the NFL, especially not with the Washington Redskins.
He is done.
Sam Bradford’s arm will be fine by the time the combine rolls around. He will impress scouts, propelling him into the top-10.
7. Buffalo Bills—Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
The likes of Rolando McClain, Dan Williams, and Eric Berry sound intriguing, but the fact of the matter is that the Bills have two terrible quarterbacks on their roster in Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards.
Seriously, does this team expect to win more than five games next year with either one of these two at the helm? I hope not.
Ryan Mallett has had a great season with Arkansas. Is he a reach at No. 7? Possibly. But Buffalo needs a QB and Ryan Mallett needs Buffalo.
8. Oakland Raiders—Rolando McClain, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
Perhaps not the biggest need, but when you think about it, Kirk Morrison is set to be a free-agent when this season comes to an end.
Rolando McClain had a monster game in the SEC championship against the Florida Gators, only cementing his status as a top-10 pick.
Al Davis, if your brain hasn’t turned into dust already, draft McClain. You won’t regret it.
9. Denver Broncos—Dan Williams, Nose Tackle, Tennessee
Dan Williams is quickly rising up the draft boards in the last few weeks. He had a tremendous season with the Volunteers this year.
Denver lacks a great nose tackle. Ronald Fields? Not going to cut it. A player like Williams will.
10. San Francisco 49ers from Carolina—Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee
It’ll come down to either Eric Berry or Joe Haden with this pick. I will give the 49ers Berry, though.
Berry is considered to be the best overall athlete in the entire draft? Why not? This guy is the best safety to come out in a long time.
11. Seattle Seahawks—Bruce Campbell, Offensive Tackle, Maryland
The Seahawks offensive line has many holes that need to be filled by new talent. Max Unger was a good pick in the 2009 draft.
Walter Jones has missed the entire season. Despite his intent to play in 2010, Jones is not starting material any longer.
Bruce Campbell is what the Seahawks need. They won’t regret this choice.
12. San Francisco 49ers—Joe Haden, Cornerback, Florida
I know, it seems crazy. Joe Haden and Eric Berry with the first two picks? Let me explain why.
San Francisco has one of the worst secondaries in the league, for starters. With Eric Berry and Joe Haden in, the 49ers will automatically have one of the best secondaries in the league.
They could trade one of these two picks for a first in 2011, or trade Nate Clements for a second- or third-round choice.
13. Houston Texans—Taylor Mays, Safety, USC
Taylor Mays falling this far would be terrific for the Texans. They need help in the secondary.
Eugene Wilson is not going to do the job for Houston’s secondary. Mays can step in right away and dominate.
Mays and Bernard Pollard would make a great duo at safety.
14. Tennessee Titans—Donovan Warren, Cornerback, Michigan
Nick Harper is far past his prime. The reason for the Titans terrible secondary is because he can’t cover for crap.
His contract expires at the end of the season. Unless the Titans are stupid, they will let him walk.
Donovan Warren will be a day-one starter if they draft him.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers—Earl Thomas, Safety, Texans
Troy Polamalu is injured often. When he is out, the Steelers are terrible. This shows how important one guy can be.
With that said, Polamalu needs a partner along side him in the secondary.
Ryan Clark and Tyrone Carter are both free-agents when this season is over. Earl Thomas can replace both of these guys.
16. New York Jets—Damian Williams, Wide Receiver, USC
Damian Williams didn’t have the greatest game vs. Arizona last weekend, but nobody from USC really did.
Braylon Edwards has dropped several key passes this year, once again. New York can let him go after this year.
In conclusion, Mark Sanchez will want a new target. His former teammate sounds perfect.
17. Atlanta Falcons—Brandon Graham, Defensive End, Michigan
Atlanta is one of the worst teams in the league at getting pressure on the quarterback.
Atlanta lacks a strong defensive end on the opposite side of the aging Jonathan Abraham.
Jamaal Anderson has been a bust thus far. Brandon Graham will step in to take his place.
18. Miami Dolphins—Terrence Cody, Nose Tackle, Alabama
Terrence Cody has slipped as of late because of the fact that Dan Williams has surpassed him for the No. 1 nose tackle spot.
Jason Ferguson turns 34 soon, and his contract expires in March. Miami will need a replacement.
19. Baltimore Ravens—Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
The Ravens have very few targets on offense. Derrick Mason will likely hang it up after this season is over. Keep in mind, he already retired once.
Dez Bryant, despite missing almost all season for the Cowboys, will be a top-20 pick with a strong combine.
Joe Flacco needs weapons. He will get a great one in Bryant.
20. New York Giants—Brandon Spikes, Middle Linebacker, Florida
Antonio Pierce is out for the season. Not to mention, he is near the end of his illustrious career with the Giants.
New York has a few needs on defense that they need to fix. Middle linebacker is the main one.
Brandon Spikes was dominant with the Gators in college. He will be dominant with the Giants in the NFL.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars—Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida
It seems that the Jaguars drafting Tim Tebow is pretty much inevitable at this point. When the governor starts talking about him, it’ll likely happen.
Tebow has stated that he will play any position that a team in the NFL sees fit. Will it be at quarterback? Doubtful. But he will be absolutely stellar in the wildcat formation.
22. New England Patriots—C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson
How can having Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and C.J. Spiller on one team be fair? It shouldn’t.
Laurence Maroney is the definition of inconsistent. Fred Taylor will never start again. Sammy Morris is a decent third-string running back.
Spiller is a dynamic playmaker who is tough to stop.
23. Green Bay Packers—Charles Brown, Offensive Tackle, USC
Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers gets hit on almost every dropback the guy takes. That is preposterous!
They need serious help if they expect Rodgers to continue to be injury-free for a long time.
Charles Brown is the perfect fit for the Packers offensive line scheme.
24. Dallas Cowboys—Anthony Davis, Offensive Tackle, Rutgers
Flozell Adams is likely to retire soon. He’s near the end of his career, and obviously wearing down physically.
Jerry Jones usually goes after big names, but Anthony Davis, despite not being a big name, is the right pick for the Cowboys.
25. Philadelphia Eagles—Mike Iupati, Offensive Guard, Idaho
Andy Reid loves big offensive lineman. Reid actually drafted a guard in the middle of the first round 6 years ago. That guard was Shawn Andrews.
Thus far, Andrews has been a bust. Just chalk it up to a great idea that didn’t pan out.
Mike Iupati is a great pick for the Eagles here.
26. Seattle Seahawks from Denver—Jahvid Best, Running Back, California
Jahvid Best will still be available when this pick rolls around, that is unless he has a great combine.
Justin Forsett has shown signs of stardom this year, but even with him playing extremely well, Jim Mora Jr. said Julius Jones would start over him upon his return from injury.
27. Arizona Cardinals—Jermaine Gresham, Tight End, Oklahoma
Can you name the Arizona Cardinals starting tight end right now? I strongly doubt it. Anthony Becht and Ben Patrick have split time this year.
Jermaine Gresham is miles better than both of these. His stock has obviously dropped because he missed his entire senior season.
With that said, Grehsam will be another weapon for Kurt Warner to throw to, unless Warner retires.
28. Cincinnati Bengals—Ras-I Dowling, FS/CB, Virginia
Cincinnati doesn’t have many needs, thus they will look for depth in one area that they could use it in.
Morgan Trent as the nickel corner isn’t working out. In his rookie season, Ras-I Dowling will be able to play a lot of minutes in the nickel.
29. San Diego Chargers—Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford
I will likely get ripped from limb by limb for having Toby Gerhart going in the first round of the draft.
The main reason that he’s not a projected first-round pick is because he’s a white running back. It’s like seeing the New Jersey Nets win a basketball game: it rarely happens.
Toby Gerhart is a tough, physical, and smart runner. I see no reason why San Diego shouldn’t draft him.
30. Minnesota Vikings—Travis Lewis, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma
Haven’t changed my mind in the slightest. If Travis Lewis is there, the Vikings can and will select him.
With E.J. Henderson out for the year, Minnesota’s linebackers will have to step it up more than ever. If they had Lewis, they worries would be non-existent.
He’s not a middle linebacker, but Ben Leber can be if Henderson ever got hurt again.
31. Indianapolis Colts—Joseph Barksdale, Offensive Tackle, LSU
Charlie Johnson will become a free-agent when this season comes to an end. Indy will need a replacement for him.
The Colts will actually have a few needs when this season is over, despite the fact they are perfect right now.
Joseph Barksdale isn’t a household name, but you will hear about him more and more as the next few months come along.
32. New Orleans Saints—Sean Weatherspoon, Outside linebacker, Missouri
New Orleans has a few needs on defense, especially in the linebacking group.
Sean Weatherspoon is of good value with the last pick in the first round. New Orleans would be foolish to pass on this guy.
Round 2:
33. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Greg Hardy, Defensive End, Ole Miss
34. St. Louis Rams- Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End, Florida
35. Cleveland Browns- Jonathan Dwyer, Running Back, Georgia Tech
36. Detroit Lions- Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
37. Kansas City Chiefs- Allen Bailey, Defensive Lineman, Miami
38. Washington Redskins- Jason Fox, Offensive Tackle, Miami
39. Oakland Raiders- Everson Griffen, Defensive End, USC
40. Buffalo Bills- Vince Oghobaase, Defensive Tackle, Duke
41. Carolina Panthers- Tony Pike, Quarterback, Cincinnati
42. Seattle Seahawks- Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas
43. San Francisco 49ers- Jerry Hughes, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, TCU
44. Houston Texans- Arthur Jones, Defensive Lineman, Syracuse
45. New England Patriots from Tennessee- Brandon Tate, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Chicago- Arrelious Benn, Wide Reciever, Illinois
47. New York Jets- Jared Odrick, Defensive lineman, Penn State
48. Kansas City Chiefs from Atlanta- Von Miller, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
49. Miami Dolphins- Nate Allen, Safety, South Florida
50. Baltimore Ravens- Kareem Jackson, Cornerback, Alabama
51. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mitch Petrus, Guard, Arkansas
52. New York Giants- Brandon Ghee, Defensive Back, Wake Forest
53. New England Patriots- Mike Neal, Defensive Lineman, Purue
54. New England Patriots from Jacksonville- Patrick Robinson, Cornerback, Florida State
55. Dallas Cowboys- Morgan Burnett, Safety, Georgia Tech
56. Green Bay Packers- Sergio Kindle, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Texas
57. Denver Broncos- Javier Arenas, Cornerback/Kick Returner, Alabama
58. Arizona Cardinals- Ricky Sapp, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Clemson
59. Philadelphia Eagles- Jeremy Beal, Defensive End, Oklahoma
60. Cincinnati Bengals- Marshawn Gilyard, Wide Reciever/Kick Returner, Cincinnati
61. San Diego Chargers- Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina
62. Minnesota Vikings- Jevan Snead, Quarterback, Ole Miss
63. Indianapolis Colts- Daryl Washington, Inside Linebacker, TCU
64. New Orleans Saints- Brian Price, Defensive Tackle, UCLA
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