SteveDeace
Well-Known Member
Deace's Pieces: Final 2010 NFL Mock Draft
2010 NFL DRAFT v/5.0 – ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams
Whenever you have the #1 pick in the draft and you don’t have a franchise quarterback you have to draft one, which is why Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is about to break the bank.
2. Detroit Lions
The Redskins-Eagles trade probably ends whatever hopes the Lions had of trading down from this spot. That means Detroit will go ahead and select the building block of its defense for the next decade in Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
From the very beginning this franchise has targeted Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy as the top player on their board because he’s a player at a position of need that best fits their system.
4. Washington Redskins
The market to trade up for Jimmy Clausen has dried up after his so-so workout last week. That means the Redskins settle for quite a consolation prize in Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Scott Pioli knows that you build championship teams in the NFL from the inside-out, and he also knows Kirk Ferentz very well, too—which is why he took Tyson Jackson for the defensive line in the first round last season and why he will take Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga with this pick.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle needs a left tackle, but there’s still plenty left over for later in round one when they pick again, and I’m not sure the best still on the board fits the zone-blocking scheme the Seahawks are going to. That’s why Pete Carroll will instead select Tennessee safety Eric Berry as the player he’ll build his defense around in the future.
7. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have perhaps as many needs as any team in this draft, so why not take Clemson running back C.J. Spiller who can play running back, slot receiver on passing downs, and is also a weapon on special teams?
8. Oakland Raiders
Al Davis doesn’t draft players, he collects specimens. The difference between the two is players make plays, specimens excel in drills. There are really two players that fit that specimen mold, but Maryland offensive tackle Bruce Campbell is the one that fills a position of need.
9. Buffalo Bills
It just doesn’t seem as if the Bills are all that enamored with the quarterback out of Notre Dame. So if they pass on him they’d probably take Oklahoma offensive tackle Trent Williams here since he fills their second biggest need.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
When you play in the AFC South, you need all the defensive backs you can get, especially those that can tackle in the open field. That’s a specialty of Florida cornerback Joe Haden.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears)
With some extra draft picks the Broncos now have the luxury of taking the best player available here. Alabama inside linebacker Rolando McClain has expressed a preference for playing in a 3-4, so he gets his wish.
12. Miami Dolphins
The signing of Karlos Dansby means that Bill Parcells will turn his attention to Miami ’s next big need: finding a pass rusher. Despite playing on a terrible defense, Michigan defensive end/outside linebacker Brandon Graham was a constant in the opponent’s backfield, and Parcells has been traditionally fond of drafting Wolverines.
13. San Francisco 49ers
Knowing that Seattle is waiting on an offensive lineman with the next pick, the 49ers beat their division rival to the punch and select Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)
Here is where the Seahawks decide to fill their void on the offensive line and they do so with a player that Carroll is certainly familiar with—USC offensive tackle Charles Brown.
15. New York Giants
Defense, defense, and more defense for a franchise whose defense was a mess last season. Shocked that Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan is still on the board at this point, the Giants jump all over him.
16. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are a franchise that puts a premium on speed. But they’ve lost both Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch in recent years and haven’t really replaced their pass rushing ability on the outside. They hope they’ve found the next “freak†in South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina Panthers)
This is a franchise that likes to draft the best player available whenever possible, and it’s also a team that has lacked a franchise quarterback since Steve Young retired. The best player on the board right now is unquestionably Notre Dame Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, especially since Alex Smith never developed into a quarterback once drafted #1 overall.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers need help on their offensive line, secondary, and wide receiver. The best player available that fits the character mold the franchise is looking for is Texas defensive back Earl Thomas.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Now that the need for a cover cornerback has been filled with the acquisition of Dunta Robinson, a defense that had just 28 sacks in 2009 needs a pass-rusher. The best pure pass rusher left is Texas linebacker/defensive end Sergio Kindle.
20. Houston Texans
The Texans posted their first winning record last season, but their terrible record within the division (especially against the Colts) kept them out of the playoffs. Losing their top corner to free agency won’t help them get over the hump, which is why Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson becomes the need pick here.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
I’ve been projecting Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham here all along and I’m not changing my mind now. He provides a weapon down the middle and a third down outlet that Carson Palmer doesn’t have right now.
22. New England Patriots
Suddenly this once dominant franchise has some holes on the roster. The trade of Richard Seymour last year leaves a void up front that can be filled by Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick.
23. Green Bay Packers
Ted Thompson likes to select the best player on the board, regardless of need. It’s worked out so far, which is how he got Aaron Rodgers despite the fact he still had Brett Favre playing at a high level. The best player on the board at this point is clearly Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant, who could eventually replace the aging Donald Driver after he matures.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
With 11 picks in a very, very deep draft the Eagles can afford to take the best player available every time they’re on the clock. Florida offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey is a versatile and skilled blocker who is one of fastest late risers up draft boards.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Will All-Pro Ed Reed ever play football again? If not, that leaves a glaring void at safety that could be met by selecting USC safety Taylor Mays.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Hard to believe the Cardinals didn’t make a play for Donovan McNabb. Given the talent they have on offense, I might’ve even given this pick to Philadelphia for him because right now they don’t have a franchise quarterback on the roster, and that’s the difference between a third straight NFC West title and returning to obscurity. In the meantime, they try to replace the departed Karlos Dansby with Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.
27. Dallas Cowboys
I can promise you this pick won’t be an offensive lineman, since Jerry Jones has never drafted an offensive lineman in the first round. Safety is a need made even bigger by the release of Ken Hamlin. That could make South Florida safety Nate Allen a good fit here.
28, San Diego Chargers
Suddenly what was perhaps the most talented roster in the NFL the past several years has several holes to fill. Darren Sproles is not an every down back, but Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews is.
29. New York Jets
Even though the Jets led the NFL in total defense last season, they didn’t make as many plays behind the line of scrimmage as you might think. That’s what they hope TCU outside linebacker Jerry Hughes, a two-time consensus All-American, can provide.
30. Minnesota Vikings
If Brett Favre returns, which I think he will, this might be the team with the fewest weaknesses heading into the season, so they can afford to go best player available. The best player available is UCLA defensive tackle Brian Price, and that also provides insurance for the aging Pat Williams.
31. Indianapolis Colts
The offensive line is in transition, and you can’t put Peyton Manning behind an offensive line in transition. Indiana offensive tackle Rodger Saffold is one of the fastest late-risers in this year’s draft.
32. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have no holes on offense, but defensively they need to be able to get pressure on the quarterback without blitzing so much. Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap has all the elite measurables you’re looking for, but he drops this far because the production wasn’t there.
2010 NFL MOCK DRAFT – ROUND TWO
33. Rams—Everson Griffen (DE-USC)
34. Lions—Devin McCourty (CB-Rutgers)
35. Buccaneers—Kareem Jackson (CB-Alabama)
36. Chiefs—Golden Tate (WR-Notre Dame)
37. Eagles (from Redskins)—Patrick Robinson ( CB-Florida State )
38. Browns—Colt McCoy (QB-Texas)
39. Raiders—Corey Wootton (DE-Northwestern)
40. Chargers—Terrence Cody (NT-Alabama)
41. Redskins (from Bills)—Damian Williams (WR-USC)
42. Buccaneers (from Bears)—Demaryius Thomas (WR-Georgia Tech)
43. Broncos (from Dolphins)—Arrelious Benn (WR-Illinois)
44. Patriots (from Jaguars)—Rob Gronkowski (TE-Arizona)
45. Broncos—Mike Iupati (OL-Idaho)
46. Giants—Daryl Washington (LB-TCU)
47. Patriots (from Titans)—Jason Worilds (OLB-Virginia Tech)
48. Panthers—Alex Carrington ( DE-Arkansas State )
49. 49ers—Brandon Ghee ( CB-Wake Forest )
50. Chiefs (from Falcons)—Aaron Hernandez (TE-Florida)
51. Texans—Toby Gerhart (RB-Stanford)
52. Steelers—Mardy Gilyard (WR-Cincinnati)
53. Patriots—Tim Tebow (QB-Florida)
54. Bengals—Tyson Alualu (DT-California)
55. Eagles—Jahvid Best (RB-California)
56. Packers—Ricky Sapp (OLB-Clemson)
57. Ravens—Jimmy Graham (TE-Miami , Fla. )
58. Cardinals—Dominique Franks (CB-Oklahoma)
59. Cowboys—Jon Asamoah (OL-Illinois)
60. Seahawks (from Cowboys)—Dexter McCluster (RB/WR-Mississippi)
61. Jets—Dan Williams (NT-Tennessee)
62. Vikings—Jonathan Dwyer (RB-Georgia Tech)
63. Colts—Greg Hardy (DE-Mississippi)
64. Saints— Chad Jones (S-LSU)
TOP 10 PLAYERS STILL ON THE BOARD
1. Cam Thomas (NT-North Carolina )
2, Sean Lee ( MLB-Penn State )
3. Brandon Spikes (MLB-Florida)
4. Navarro Bowman ( OLB-Penn State )
5. Morgan Burnett (S-Georgia Tech)
6. Chris Cook (CB-Virginia)
7. Brandon LaFell (WR-LSU)
8. Geno Atkins (DT-Georgia)
9. Linval Joseph (DT-East Carolina )
10. Jared Veldheer (OT-Hillsdale)
2010 NFL DRAFT v/5.0 – ROUND ONE
1. St. Louis Rams
Whenever you have the #1 pick in the draft and you don’t have a franchise quarterback you have to draft one, which is why Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is about to break the bank.
2. Detroit Lions
The Redskins-Eagles trade probably ends whatever hopes the Lions had of trading down from this spot. That means Detroit will go ahead and select the building block of its defense for the next decade in Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
From the very beginning this franchise has targeted Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy as the top player on their board because he’s a player at a position of need that best fits their system.
4. Washington Redskins
The market to trade up for Jimmy Clausen has dried up after his so-so workout last week. That means the Redskins settle for quite a consolation prize in Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Scott Pioli knows that you build championship teams in the NFL from the inside-out, and he also knows Kirk Ferentz very well, too—which is why he took Tyson Jackson for the defensive line in the first round last season and why he will take Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga with this pick.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle needs a left tackle, but there’s still plenty left over for later in round one when they pick again, and I’m not sure the best still on the board fits the zone-blocking scheme the Seahawks are going to. That’s why Pete Carroll will instead select Tennessee safety Eric Berry as the player he’ll build his defense around in the future.
7. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have perhaps as many needs as any team in this draft, so why not take Clemson running back C.J. Spiller who can play running back, slot receiver on passing downs, and is also a weapon on special teams?
8. Oakland Raiders
Al Davis doesn’t draft players, he collects specimens. The difference between the two is players make plays, specimens excel in drills. There are really two players that fit that specimen mold, but Maryland offensive tackle Bruce Campbell is the one that fills a position of need.
9. Buffalo Bills
It just doesn’t seem as if the Bills are all that enamored with the quarterback out of Notre Dame. So if they pass on him they’d probably take Oklahoma offensive tackle Trent Williams here since he fills their second biggest need.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
When you play in the AFC South, you need all the defensive backs you can get, especially those that can tackle in the open field. That’s a specialty of Florida cornerback Joe Haden.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears)
With some extra draft picks the Broncos now have the luxury of taking the best player available here. Alabama inside linebacker Rolando McClain has expressed a preference for playing in a 3-4, so he gets his wish.
12. Miami Dolphins
The signing of Karlos Dansby means that Bill Parcells will turn his attention to Miami ’s next big need: finding a pass rusher. Despite playing on a terrible defense, Michigan defensive end/outside linebacker Brandon Graham was a constant in the opponent’s backfield, and Parcells has been traditionally fond of drafting Wolverines.
13. San Francisco 49ers
Knowing that Seattle is waiting on an offensive lineman with the next pick, the 49ers beat their division rival to the punch and select Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)
Here is where the Seahawks decide to fill their void on the offensive line and they do so with a player that Carroll is certainly familiar with—USC offensive tackle Charles Brown.
15. New York Giants
Defense, defense, and more defense for a franchise whose defense was a mess last season. Shocked that Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan is still on the board at this point, the Giants jump all over him.
16. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are a franchise that puts a premium on speed. But they’ve lost both Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch in recent years and haven’t really replaced their pass rushing ability on the outside. They hope they’ve found the next “freak†in South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina Panthers)
This is a franchise that likes to draft the best player available whenever possible, and it’s also a team that has lacked a franchise quarterback since Steve Young retired. The best player on the board right now is unquestionably Notre Dame Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, especially since Alex Smith never developed into a quarterback once drafted #1 overall.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers need help on their offensive line, secondary, and wide receiver. The best player available that fits the character mold the franchise is looking for is Texas defensive back Earl Thomas.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Now that the need for a cover cornerback has been filled with the acquisition of Dunta Robinson, a defense that had just 28 sacks in 2009 needs a pass-rusher. The best pure pass rusher left is Texas linebacker/defensive end Sergio Kindle.
20. Houston Texans
The Texans posted their first winning record last season, but their terrible record within the division (especially against the Colts) kept them out of the playoffs. Losing their top corner to free agency won’t help them get over the hump, which is why Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson becomes the need pick here.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
I’ve been projecting Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham here all along and I’m not changing my mind now. He provides a weapon down the middle and a third down outlet that Carson Palmer doesn’t have right now.
22. New England Patriots
Suddenly this once dominant franchise has some holes on the roster. The trade of Richard Seymour last year leaves a void up front that can be filled by Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick.
23. Green Bay Packers
Ted Thompson likes to select the best player on the board, regardless of need. It’s worked out so far, which is how he got Aaron Rodgers despite the fact he still had Brett Favre playing at a high level. The best player on the board at this point is clearly Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant, who could eventually replace the aging Donald Driver after he matures.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
With 11 picks in a very, very deep draft the Eagles can afford to take the best player available every time they’re on the clock. Florida offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey is a versatile and skilled blocker who is one of fastest late risers up draft boards.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Will All-Pro Ed Reed ever play football again? If not, that leaves a glaring void at safety that could be met by selecting USC safety Taylor Mays.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Hard to believe the Cardinals didn’t make a play for Donovan McNabb. Given the talent they have on offense, I might’ve even given this pick to Philadelphia for him because right now they don’t have a franchise quarterback on the roster, and that’s the difference between a third straight NFC West title and returning to obscurity. In the meantime, they try to replace the departed Karlos Dansby with Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.
27. Dallas Cowboys
I can promise you this pick won’t be an offensive lineman, since Jerry Jones has never drafted an offensive lineman in the first round. Safety is a need made even bigger by the release of Ken Hamlin. That could make South Florida safety Nate Allen a good fit here.
28, San Diego Chargers
Suddenly what was perhaps the most talented roster in the NFL the past several years has several holes to fill. Darren Sproles is not an every down back, but Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews is.
29. New York Jets
Even though the Jets led the NFL in total defense last season, they didn’t make as many plays behind the line of scrimmage as you might think. That’s what they hope TCU outside linebacker Jerry Hughes, a two-time consensus All-American, can provide.
30. Minnesota Vikings
If Brett Favre returns, which I think he will, this might be the team with the fewest weaknesses heading into the season, so they can afford to go best player available. The best player available is UCLA defensive tackle Brian Price, and that also provides insurance for the aging Pat Williams.
31. Indianapolis Colts
The offensive line is in transition, and you can’t put Peyton Manning behind an offensive line in transition. Indiana offensive tackle Rodger Saffold is one of the fastest late-risers in this year’s draft.
32. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have no holes on offense, but defensively they need to be able to get pressure on the quarterback without blitzing so much. Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap has all the elite measurables you’re looking for, but he drops this far because the production wasn’t there.
2010 NFL MOCK DRAFT – ROUND TWO
33. Rams—Everson Griffen (DE-USC)
34. Lions—Devin McCourty (CB-Rutgers)
35. Buccaneers—Kareem Jackson (CB-Alabama)
36. Chiefs—Golden Tate (WR-Notre Dame)
37. Eagles (from Redskins)—Patrick Robinson ( CB-Florida State )
38. Browns—Colt McCoy (QB-Texas)
39. Raiders—Corey Wootton (DE-Northwestern)
40. Chargers—Terrence Cody (NT-Alabama)
41. Redskins (from Bills)—Damian Williams (WR-USC)
42. Buccaneers (from Bears)—Demaryius Thomas (WR-Georgia Tech)
43. Broncos (from Dolphins)—Arrelious Benn (WR-Illinois)
44. Patriots (from Jaguars)—Rob Gronkowski (TE-Arizona)
45. Broncos—Mike Iupati (OL-Idaho)
46. Giants—Daryl Washington (LB-TCU)
47. Patriots (from Titans)—Jason Worilds (OLB-Virginia Tech)
48. Panthers—Alex Carrington ( DE-Arkansas State )
49. 49ers—Brandon Ghee ( CB-Wake Forest )
50. Chiefs (from Falcons)—Aaron Hernandez (TE-Florida)
51. Texans—Toby Gerhart (RB-Stanford)
52. Steelers—Mardy Gilyard (WR-Cincinnati)
53. Patriots—Tim Tebow (QB-Florida)
54. Bengals—Tyson Alualu (DT-California)
55. Eagles—Jahvid Best (RB-California)
56. Packers—Ricky Sapp (OLB-Clemson)
57. Ravens—Jimmy Graham (TE-Miami , Fla. )
58. Cardinals—Dominique Franks (CB-Oklahoma)
59. Cowboys—Jon Asamoah (OL-Illinois)
60. Seahawks (from Cowboys)—Dexter McCluster (RB/WR-Mississippi)
61. Jets—Dan Williams (NT-Tennessee)
62. Vikings—Jonathan Dwyer (RB-Georgia Tech)
63. Colts—Greg Hardy (DE-Mississippi)
64. Saints— Chad Jones (S-LSU)
TOP 10 PLAYERS STILL ON THE BOARD
1. Cam Thomas (NT-North Carolina )
2, Sean Lee ( MLB-Penn State )
3. Brandon Spikes (MLB-Florida)
4. Navarro Bowman ( OLB-Penn State )
5. Morgan Burnett (S-Georgia Tech)
6. Chris Cook (CB-Virginia)
7. Brandon LaFell (WR-LSU)
8. Geno Atkins (DT-Georgia)
9. Linval Joseph (DT-East Carolina )
10. Jared Veldheer (OT-Hillsdale)
