1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Can you name a team that needs a QB more than St. Louis? I cant. Until the Rams find one, this pick is not as set in stone as a lot of people think. If the Rams feel there is a franchise caliber QB in this draft, then theyll go in that direction. Bradford has the accuracy and athletic ability teams look for when evaluating quarterbacks, but his football intelligence is what will wow teams. Its also worth noting he probably wouldve been the No. 1 overall pick over Matthew Stafford a year ago. If hes healthy, and the Rams fail to find a QB through any other means this offseason, hes the pick.
2. Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Nearly the consensus best player in the draft, Suh is arguably the most disruptive interior defensive lineman to ever make the transition from college football to the NFL. Opponents will have to gameplan for him due to his presence in stopping the run and rushing the passer. His presence will also make the players around him better. Hes considered by many to be the safest pick in this draft. Detroit actually made real progress last year. They finally have enough quality young players to form a foundation, but most importantly, they think they have a young quarterback that can lead them in this decade. However, they dont have a defensive presence yet, but that is sure to change after they use this selection.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Selecting a quarterback in last years first round will allow Tampa Bay to take the best player available, when they pick here. In this scenario, that player is McCoy. Like Suh, McCoy is a disruptive presence who can collapse the quarterbacks pocket on a consistent basis. Actually, if it wasnt for Suh, its McCoy who would likely be getting all the attention as the best overall player in this draft. If both Suh and McCoy are gone when the Buccaneers pick, expect them to turn their attention to either Joe Haden or Eric Berry. However, dont expect them to pass on a chance to finally replace Warren Sapp if the opportunity presents itself.
4. Washington Redskins - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Perhaps no team has made their search for a long-term quarterback known more publicly than Washington. Last year, the Redskins made a push to trade for Jay Cutler and draft Mark Sanchez. They failed on both accounts, but dont expect history to repeat itself this time. Clausen, while inconsistent, is incredibly talented. In fact, he could draw comparisons to Jay Cutler as draft day approaches and we all know Mike Shanahan feels very highly of his former quarterback. If he feels that comparison is legit, then Clausen will be a Redskin. If not, Washington likely looks at a left tackle unless Sam Bradford is available.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Last year, Kansas City made a huge reach when they selected LSU defensive lineman Tyson Jackso, with the No. 3 overall pick. Dont count on that type of reach again this time. The Chiefs were in a bad spot last year because of limited options. There wasnt a player worth the No. 3 overall pick that fit their system. They couldnt make a deal, so instead they took a player who was an ideal fit. Thats not the case this year. This is a deep draft and there are plenty of options available for Scott Pioli to look at. Okung is one of them. Hes a prototype left tackle that would come in and bump former first-round pick Branden Albert to guard. In theory, selecting Okung would upgrade two positions for the Chiefs. Still, dont rule out linebacker or defensive back with this selection because, as stated before, there are plenty of options.
6. Seattle Seahawks - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Pete Carroll is a defensive-minded coach and he very well could look to add a franchise defensive player before a franchise offensive player despite the needs at tackle and quarterback. The Seahawks need help all over, especially in their secondary, which has been dismal for the better part of two years. Berry would help change that. A playmaker with a tremendous amount of range, Berry has drawn legit comparisons to Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens. His expectations might be a little high concerning that comparison and the national hype hes received, but hes capable of delivering from day one.
7. Cleveland Browns - Joe Haden, CB, Florida
With the success of Darrelle Revis and Charles Woodson, cornerbacks are now more coveted than ever before, due to the NFLs nature of being a copycat league. That bodes well for Haden, who is arguably the best cornerback prospect to come out since Woodson himself. A tremendous athlete with excellent cover skills, Haden is an ideal candidate to be a defenses biggest playmaker for along time. Cleveland has a ton of needs, which is why I expect them to take the best overall player with this selection, unless one of the top two quarterbacks fall to them. In that case, all bets are off.
8. Oakland Raiders - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
It doesnt matter what I think or what you think. All that matters here is what Al Davis thinks. Oakland is always a wild card when it comes to the draft. Look no further than their decision to select Darrius Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree a year ago. That scenario could present itself again this year with linemen. Pierre-Paul is not the consensus best pass rusher in this draft. Not by any stretch, but hes a workout warrior, who could draw comparisons to Mario Williams and Julius Peppers. We all know that Mr. Davis wont back away from selecting someone with that label, regardless of the position, even if a more complete player is on the board.
9. Buffalo Bills - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
The Bills have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and because of that, they could go in a number of directions with this pick. In this mock scenario, Davis, Dez Bryant and Derrick Morgan are all on the board. Buffalo could use both Morgan and Bryant, as they need players who could make an impact like those two. However, they really need a left tackle. Davis certainly looks the part and while I dont think hes going to be an all-pro, he has a chance to be very solid. I wouldnt necessary agree with this decision, but its the decision I think Buffalo would make if the situation presents itself.
10. Denver Broncos - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
The end to Denvers season may have been disappointing, but they did win eight games, which is a lot more than most people thought. Going into this pick, the Broncos would like to find a quarterback, but thats not happening unless Clausen or Bradford are available.They may, however, decide to address receiver in this slot if they cant lockup Brandon Marshall long term. Bryant, in my view, compares very well to Michael Crabtree. If you thought highly of Crabtree a year ago, then Bryant is probably high on your list as well. With his combination of size, route running and hands, Bryant has all the tools to be a No. 1 receiver in the pros.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
In 2008, Jacksonville moved up in the draft and selected Derrick Harvey with their first-round pick. In two years, Harvey has 5.5 sacks. Obviously, pass rush remains a huge concern for the Jaguars, and if Morgan fell to them with this selection, they would be delighted. Morgan is the most complete defensive end in this draft. His pass rushing is well established, but hes also stout against the run. There is a lot of talk that Jacksonville will use a first-round pick on Tim Tebow, but I dont see it happening this high. Tebow will be around for awhile on draft day and the Jaguars could always trade back into the first round and select him if they want him bad enough.
12. Miami Dolphins - Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
If there is one position Bill Parcells may favor the most its linebacker. He always manages to stockpile quality linebackers, but hasnt done so in Miami. However, Id argue he never had a chance considering what was available when his team was on the clock. That will change this year. McClain is a powerful run stopper that would be an ideal fit in Miami's 3-4 defense and if hes on the board when the Dolphins pick, I think itd be a huge upset if his name wasn't on their card. If I had to choose right now who I think would be the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2010, McClain would be my choice. If the Dolphins think of him that highly, then pencil this one in.
13. San Francisco 49ers - Brandon Graham, LB, Michigan
The best player at the Senior Bowl this year was Graham. He helped his stock more than any other player by going from a potential first-round pick to a top 20 lock. Some may even mention him as a top 10 pick. Graham, has an explosive first step, but its his high motor that will have Mike Singletary interested in drafting him. He never gives up on a play and has a relentless attitude, which shows in his game. That would mesh well with Singletarys coaching style. Every year, give or take, half of the playoff spots go to teams that werent in the playoffs the year prior. San Francisco is a good candidate to be that type of team in 2010, if they can land an impact player(s) in this draft. Graham is that type of player.
14. Seattle Seahawks - Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho
Its hard to find versatile offensive lineman, especially ones capable of playing all five positions. Thats exactly what Iupati is. He has the size and power to be one of the best guards in football. There are legit comparisons between him and Steve Hutchinson, whom Seattle is still struggling to replace. However, Iupati also could probably move to either tackle position. Hes more of a project at tackle, but his long arms and his ability to extend them will make whatever team drafts him at least intrigued by that idea. With that said, I still think guard is his best position. Dont rule out C.J. Spiller with this pick either, but Spiller isnt a rare prospect even if hes an all-purpose player. Guards like Iupati dont come around too often.
15. New York Giants - Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
While one New York team took a step forward in 2009, the other took a step backward. This occurred despite of Eli Manning having his best statistical season of his career. The blame in New York seems to be pointed mostly at the pass rush and specifically at outside linebacker. Kindle is a rushing linebacker that compares very well to his former teammate and 2009 first-round pick Brian Orakpo. If you like Orakpo, then youre probably high on Kindle, even if he isnt quite as built. The Giants could look at safety as well, but their philosophy has been about building a strong front seven rather than a talented secondary. If they stick with what theyve been doing, then Kindle would get the nod over a safety like Earl Thomas.
16. San Francisco 49ers - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
San Francisco needs help along the offensive line and they could get it by drafting one of the most underrated players in this draft. Bulaga might not have the ideal size and long arms that scouts like, but when he plays, hes as good as any tackle in this draft. In the end, thats what matters and not whether or not a player is a workout warrior or has size. Grabbing both Bulaga and Graham in the same draft would be a very impressive feat for the 49ers. I think itd put them over the top for next season.
17. Tennessee Titans - Everson Griffen, DE, Southern California
Tennessee relies on its front four to get after the quarterback, but that rush wasnt there as consistently last year as it was in 2008. Going into the year, some felt Griffen couldve dropped out of the first round due to, ironically, consistency. However, he had a very good 2009 season and solidified his status as a first-round pick. At this point in the draft, there really isnt a defensive lineman that can matchup talent-wise with Griffen. He will benefit from that as well as a potential strong combine. Dont be shocked if the Titans go after a defensive tackle if they think he has the ability to replace the presence of Albert Haynesworth. Theyre also in the market for a corner.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Most people suspect Pittsburgh will go after an offensive lineman with this pick, but this is a team that has thought outside the box for awhile now and it very well could do so again. Casey Hampton is getting up there in age and the long-term future at nose guard is questionable. Williams would solve that. Hes the best pure nose tackle in this draft. Not only is he stout against the run, but he also has the ability to provide a little extra pass rush which is a bonus for a nose tackle. If, however, a tackle like Bulaga or Iupati were to be on the board when this pick comes around, Pittsburgh would have trouble passing one up even if they can land Williams.
19. Atlanta Falcons - Earl Thomas, S, Texas
A team that could be ready to take the next step and become a serious contender is the Falcons. They have a lot of quality young talent up and down their roster, but they also have the veterans to provide experience where necessary. Theyre missing a playmaker in their secondary, though, and thats exactly what they would get with Thomas. A ball-hawking safety with good range, Thomas is a prospect with a ton of upside. The Falcons may opt to draft a corner or pass rusher with this pick, but an impact safety can really put this defense over the top.
20. Houston Texans - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
The uncapped season has caused a ton of unrestricted free agents to become restricted, but thats not the case with Houstons cornerback, Dunta Robinson. Hell test the market and may end up leaving the Texans. Even if he stays, corner is still a huge concern and one they should address this off-season, especially since they play in the same division as Peyton Manning. Wilson has emerged as the second best corner in this draft, due to his cover skills and the fact that hes very physical despite his size. I think he compares to Antoine Winfield of the Vikings and thats exactly the type of corner the Texans need if theyre going to combat Indianapolis receivers.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Its pretty clear Cincinnatis No. 1 concern this offseason is receiver. In fact, they think its such a big need, theyre reportedly toying with the idea of adding Terrell Owens to their roster. If they do, then theyll look elsewhere with this pick, but if they dont, Benn would be a great fit. I refer to Benn as the forgotten prospect of this draft. Entering the year, some had him pegged as a top ten pick, but his production was poor. That has been an alarming issue when analyzing him. I attribute it more to Illinois system than Benn himself. Hes as talented as any receiver in this draft and if used right, he could be a No. 1 receiver at the pro level.
22. New England Patriots - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
The Patriots stockpile veteran running backs more than any team in the league, but even they have to admit that the lack of a playmaker in the backfield has been the one missing component from the organization. Spiller is one of the most exciting prospects in this draft. He is the definition of an all-purpose back as hell run the ball, catch passes and return kicks. The Patriots like versatile players and Spiller certainly doesnt lack the versatility. Despite Spiller being on the board in this scenario, New England really needs a pass rush. Dont be shocked if they trade down or even reach for one. Jerry Hughes comes to mind as a potential fit.
23. Green Bay Packers - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Green Bay has assembled a young roster that once again has Packer fans excited about their future. However, the one thing theyre lacking is a young tackle and thats what theyre expected to address with this pick. The Packers may have a potential right tackle in T.J. Lang, but they have pretty much nobody that I would feel comfortable with as a long-term solution at left tackle. While still very much a work in progress, Campbell is one of the most gifted tackles to come out in a long time. I have my concerns that his combine workouts will be better than whats on film, but if brought along right, he could be a solid player. Another option is Trent Williams, but there are questions as to whether or not he can play left tackle. Even with all this talk about the offensive line, I wouldnt rule out a pass rusher either.
24. Philadelphia Eagles - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
Before the 2009 season, Philadelphia loss Stewart Bradley for the season. Hell return in 2010 to help the linebacker core out, but they still need an aggressive presence on the outside. Theyll get that with Weatherspoon. At times, he can be too aggressive, but hes good at blitzing and is excellent in pursuit. He would be an upgrade for what the Eagles currently have at outside linebacker. They certainly wouldnt have to make anymore midseason trades. Young talent isnt a problem for the Eagles. Theyve done a nice job of enriching their roster with a core of young players that will lead them into the next decade. If theres a weakness, its at linebacker, which is why they need to address it this offseason.
25. Baltimore Ravens - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Baltimore has done a nice job in the last two drafts of assembling offensive talent, but they still lack a truly great pass catcher for Joe Flacco. Its well established that Gresham is a great receiving threat. Anytime a tight end can lineup as receiver, it can create a problem for opposing defenses. The only concern I have is his durability. He missed all of the 2009 season, but he appears to be well on his way to recovery. When you actually think about it, his injury could be a blessing in disguise for a team like Baltimore. If hes healthy, with a full season of production behind him, hes a lock for the top 20. Not only is this a need pick, but its also a great value pick when you put everything into perspective.
26. Arizona Cardinals - Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
Going into the year, Spikes was right on par with fellow SEC linebacker, Rolando McClain, but its become more clear that McClain is the best of the duo and Spikes will have to settle for being a late first-round pick. Talk about motivation coming into the NFL. If Arizona loses Karlos Dansby, theyll need to find a replacement and Spikes is an ideal fit as an inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Dont be surprised if Arizona looks at left tackle. The Cardinals want to make sure Matt Leinart is well protected as he takes over at quarterback, but when push comes to shove, Ken Whisenhunt wants to get physical on both sides of the ball. Spikes can do that and Im not sure there is a left tackle worth selecting in this spot that can do it for the offensive line.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
When looking up and down the Dallas roster, its hard to find a need. Not impossible, but hard. They could look at a safety like Taylor Mays, but Jerry Jones likes playmakers and Mays just doesnt have that reputation despite his freakish ability. The other potential need is along the offensive line. The Cowboys lined Doug Free up at tackle last year and while he held up, they can do better. Williams converted to left tackle for the 2009 season and had his ups and downs, but in 2008, he was one of the best right tackles in college football. A team looking to solidify the right side of their line or looking for a versatile backup off the bench would do itself well by drafting Williams. Hed represent great value for Dallas this late in the first round.
28. San Diego Chargers - Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
With the recent release of LaDainian Tomlinson, running back becomes an even more glaring need for San Diego. While some, like myself, may prefer the hard running Jonathan Dwyer, most believe that Matthews is the second best overall back in this draft. A compact runner, Matthews is the type of player that can carry the ball 20-plus times a game. With the Chargers, hed benefit from not having to face a stacked line of scrimmage most of the time. If San Diego can resign Darren Sproles, the two would compliment one another very well. Right tackle is also a lingering concern for the Chargers and Trent Williams would be a great pick if he falls to them, but San Diego must address their running back woes in some sort of fashion this offseason. Whether thats via the draft or going the free agent route.
29. New York Jets - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Rex Ryans defensive philosophy is so simple that youve got to love it. Hed prefer to have two great cover corners and use the rest of his resources to get after the quarterback. Right now, he has the best cover corner in the game in Darrelle Revis, but New York doesnt have anything that great opposite of him. Robinson would at least give the Jets a developmental option. A great athlete, Robinson has a future in the NFL, especially as a man-to-man corner. Some may label him as an underachiever, but he was one of the best defensive players Florida State has had the last several seasons. Plus, Rex Ryan, of all people, has no problem getting the absolute best out of his players.
30. Minnesota Vikings - Maurkice Pouncey, OL, Florida
Last year, it became evident something wasnt right with the Minnesota running game. While some are fast to point at Adrian Peterson, the offensive line in Minnesota wasnt the same dominating force it was once touted to be. They need help and Pouncey can provide it. His versatility makes him an option at two positions for the Vikings. He could play center if John Sullivan cant get the job done or move over to right guard and probably be an upgrade over current starter Anthony Herrera.The Vikings are built to win now and theyd like to utilize this pick the best they can to find a player that can make an impact immediately. Pouncey can do that for them and at a position(s) where they need it.
31. Indianapolis Colts - Brian Price, DT, UCLA
One of the differences between Jim Caldwell and Tony Dungy is that Caldwell wants a little bit more size in the middle of his defense. Whereas, Dungy relied on Indianapolis speed. A combination of both would make an already underrated defense into possibly one of the better units in football. The speed is already there and now its time to focus on getting bigger. Price would be another big body for the Colts to use along with Danile Muir and Antonio Johnson. That duo played well last year, but you can never have too much help when you face the likes of Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew a total of four times in a season.
32. New Orleans Saints - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
There isnt a harder prospect in this draft to get a reading on than Dunlap. His talent is undeniable, but hes an underachiever with some baggage. Still, to get this type of talent on New Orleans front line would make defensive coordinator Gregg Williams a happy man. The fact is New Orleans offense is fine. Theyre good to go, but the defense wasnt as good as they were built up to be in the playoffs. They got hot at the right time, which is important, but theyll need more talent if theyre able to sustain what they were able to accomplish. Dunlap is risky, but hes the type of talent that doesnt come around that often. Sean Payton took a risk on Drew Brees shoulder and it paid off. Perhaps hes willing to do so again, except with Dunlap this time.