Version 2.0 of my mock draft.
You can find version 1.0 over here. 1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/29.gif[/img_r]
Apparently, the Rams are in love with Sam Bradford. Even though he has some durability issues, he is the more fnished product right now. Let's just hope that he won't get killed in St. Louis behind that average O-line and with those mediocre receivers.
2. Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/11.gif[/img_r]
I still think that this pick will be Suh. The Lions are still confident in Backus' skills. They can draft an OG later on, instead of kicking Backus inside. Okung is a very realistic option, but Suh is the better player. I don't see why money should be that big a problem, either. Just look at the Vikings. Allen - Williams - Williams is an expensive trio. The Lions should be able to afford Vanden Bosch - Williams - Suh easily. Sammie Lee Hill won't be lost, either. They released Grady Jackson which means that Hill can come in as a rotational player, at worst.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/30.gif[/img_r]
The Buccaneers will be happy to see one of the top 2 DTs/players in this draft there when they're picking. McCoy should be able to slide in and start Immediately on a defensive line that needs help everywhere.
4. Washington Redskins - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/32.gif[/img_r]
New regimes usually mean new QBs. In this case, though, that new QB would get killed if the Redskins don't find a good OT first. With Samuels retiring and no good tackles on the roster, they'll need to find a replacement. Asap. I think that Shanahan, being the QB guru that he is, might take a shot at developing Colt Brennan first. Maybe even work with Jason Campbell a little, if he can get him to fit his system.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/16.gif[/img_r]
Even though releasing Pollard has left a huge gap at S, the Chiefs will go OT here. I mocked Eugene Monroe to the Chiefs last year, knowing that Cassel would need one hell of an O-line to function properly. I asume that Pioli figured that one out now, as well.
6. Seattle Seahawks - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/27.gif[/img_r]
The Seahawks have one of the best junior QB prospects ever fall right into their lap. He has experience in a WCO and looks very good throwing the ball. Being able to learn a little from Hasselbeck won't hurt, either.
7. Cleveland Browns - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/8.gif[/img_r]
The Browns pick the BPA available at this point. They have nothing at safety right now. If Cleveland can create some pressure on the QB, Berry will come up with some big plays.
8. Oakland Raiders - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/23.gif[/img_r]
Old Al would love to draft Bruce Campbell here, but in this mock draft, he's already gone. Trent Williams ran a 4.88, though, at 6'5/310, so he's no slouch in that department, either. Williams could slide in at RT immediately.
9. Buffalo Bills - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/4.gif[/img_r]
The Bills select Bryan Bulaga. It's a bit of a reach, but the Bills have no choice at this point. They have absolutely the worst OT situation in the entire league. Bulaga could start right away at both LT or RT for this team.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/15.gif[/img_r]
This pick has to be a WR. In hindsight, passing on Crabtree was a pretty good move. It still leaves them without a true nr. 1, though. Or anything coming close to a nr. 2 if you don't count Sims-Walker.
11. Denver Broncos - Joe Haden, CB, Florida [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/10.gif[/img_r]
Champ Bailey isn't getting any younger. Same goes for Andre Goodman, who's pretty average, anyway. The depth at CB is pretty horrible with Ty Law and Alphonso Smith being the other two corners on the roster. Haden would be a steal here, despite his 40 time.
12. Miami Dolphins - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, USF [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/17.gif[/img_r]
The Dolphins need an OLB. Maybe even two. With Derrick Morgan not looking like he'd be a good fit in a 3-4 defense, you have to look at the next option. If you look at potential and a high ceiling, you'll get Pierre-Paul.
13. San Fransisco 49ers - Taylor Mays, S, USC [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/28.gif[/img_r]
Singletary was pretty much in love with Mays' play in college. His impressive showing at the combine can only have added to that. The 49ers finally get a playmaker in their secondary. Or a run stopper, at worst.
14. Seattle Seahawks - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/27.gif[/img_r]
Davis didn't help himself at the Combine and in interviews, but he's still one of the top tackle prospects. The Seahawks couple their new franchise QB with a new franchise LT.
15. New York Giants - Brian Price, DT, UCLA [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/21.gif[/img_r]
The Giants go DT and add an elite talent to the load of potential nr. 2 DTs on their roster. This move will propel them up to a dominant defense again.
16. Tennessee Titans - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/31.gif[/img_r]
Derrick Morgan falls pretty far in this scenario. The Titans need some help at DE and DT. There's a pretty good chance that Morgan can step in and start at one of the DE spots right away.
17. San Fransisco 49ers - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/28.gif[/img_r]
The 49ers will add Spiller to their RB mix. He's an explosive weapon who would be the perfect complementary back to Gore. He's also able to take over the load when Gore gets injured again.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/25.gif[/img_r]
The Steelers can't pass up on McClain if he falls this far. Timmons is a good ILB, but the Steelers have no one to go with him when Farrior calls it quits. McClain could even slide in and play next to Farrior for the 2010 season.
19. Atlanta Falcons - Earl Thomas, S, Texas [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/2.gif[/img_r]
The Falcons upgraded their secondary immensely when they signed Dunta Robinson, but that doesn't mean that they can't use some more help. Next to their play at CB, they've had some problems at S, as well. Thomas and Robinson should improve this defense by a huge amount.
20. Houston Texans - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/13.gif[/img_r]
If there's one prospect who has been shooting up the boards it's Kyle Wilson. He's had a very impressive Senior Bowl. The Texans would love to take Dan Williams with this pick, but they have absolutely nothing at the CB position with the departure of Robinson.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/7.gif[/img_r]
At this point, it looks like the Bengals are going with another stop-gap solution at WR with Terrell Owens. If they do, this pick won't be a WR, but a TE. The Bengals haven't had a dangerous weapon at TE for ages. This would give Palmer a great option in the passing game.
22. New England Patriots - Everson Griffen, DE/OLB, USC [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/19.gif[/img_r]
The Patriots couldn't get to the passer at all last season. Griffen should fix that. He could start opposite off Thomas right away, or eventually replace him.
23. Green Bay Packers - Charles Brown, OT, USC [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/12.gif[/img_r]
The Packers are lucky enough to see that no one reached on Brown after Davis went off the board at 14. Thompson drafts on BPA. Brown is just that at 23. And he fills a huge need. Also fits the scheme very well.
24. Philadelphia Eagles - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/24.gif[/img_r]
The Eagles still need a good DE opposite off Trent Cole. Dunlap is a risky pick. A pick which could turn out to be a stroke of genius. Or a huge bust. Dunlap has the talent, the question is whether he'll keep his head in the game.
25. Baltimore Ravens - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/3.gif[/img_r]
The Ravens have added Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth, but neither is very young, Boldin tends to get injured and Stallworth has brick hands. They add Tate to the mix and get a very good WR core together.
26. Arizona Cardinals - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/1.gif[/img_r]
The Cardinals' LB group is in shambles, but they don't have a NT on the roster, either. Darnell Dockett is an amazing DE/DT. If Williams falls this far, the Cardinals have to pick him, making the Arizona D-line one of the best in the league.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Mike Iutapi, OG, Idaho [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/9.gif[/img_r]
Both starting guards for the Cowboys are in their 30s. Next to that, Kosier's pretty average, anyway. They have no one to replace them. Iupati makes a lot of sense. He'd fit in great with the rest of their O-line.
28. San Diego Chargers - Jahvid Best, RB, Cal [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/26.gif[/img_r]
With both LDT and Sproles gone, the Chargers need to find a RB. Maybe Best isn't as all-around a guy as San Diego would like, but he's the best back available here and also adds something to an already vaunted pasing attack.
29. New York Jets - Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/22.gif[/img_r]
Rex Ryan loves to put pressure on opposing QBs. Having a premier DE/OLB like Brandom Graham will make things a lot easier for the Jets. Gholston is a bust, Thomas is old and average, they need someone opposite of Pace.
30. Minnesota Vikings - Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/18.gif[/img_r]
DB and DT are bigger positions of need for the Vikings (Maybe even ILB, but they seem to be happy with Brinkley and a recovering EJ Henderson), but Weatherspoon is too good to pass up on at 30. Leber isn't getting any younger and isn't too great an OLB, anyway. Weatherspoon could start right away.
31. Indianapolis Colts - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/14.gif[/img_r]
The Colts get some more talent at DT. Odrick isn't a run stopper, but would fit in their defense perfectly. Freeney, Mathis and Odrick could bring some real pressure to the opposing QB.
32. New Orleans Saints - Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas [img_r]http://packershome.com/images/avatars/NFL/20.gif[/img_r]
Greg Williams loves to bring pressure. Replacing Fujita with Kindle at OLB will allow him to do just that. Kindle can rotate between DE and OLB like Orakpo does for the Redskins.