Paranoidmoonduck
01-14-2010, 06:59 PM
Now that the deadline for underclassmen to declare is almost upon us, I bring you the first mock I've gotten around to doing all year. You know the drill, all comments are welcome (although I ask that you go easy on any gramatical errors, I wrote this out in one go without revision)...
1. St. Louis Rams : Ndamukong Suh : Defensive Tackle : Nebraska
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1408/ndamukongsuh.png
This looked to be a pretty great draft to have the #1 pick in until the quarterback class lost two potential top 10 worthy picks in Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett. Now the Rams are faced with the somewhat ugly scenario of having to reach for a quarterback and pass up one of the most impressive defensive tackle prospects we've seen in the past decade. It is entirely possible that the team will wind up falling for either Clausen or Bradford; both are totally capable and have pretty high ceilings in the NFL. But ultimately, with a defensively-minded head coach and the outcry of the fans, I think Suh winds up being the pick.
2. Detroit Lions : Gerald McCoy : Defensive Tackle : Oklahoma
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6059/geraldmccoy.png
You have to imagine that Detroit really hopes that the Rams do wind up taking a quarterback, leaving them to pick up the unanimous choice for top player in the draft (it would be the 2007 draft all over again). In this scenario, they still wind up looking pretty good. If not for Suh, McCoy would be my #1 rated player. While considerably more raw than Suh, McCoy's burst off the line and ability to use his hands to great effect have the potential to make him a terror as a pass rushing inside lineman.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Eric Berry : Safety : Tennessee
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7807/ericberry.png
Tampa Bay winds up missing out on a badly needed defensive tackle, but Berry isn't that bad of a consolation prize. Although he has been a bit overvalued by some college football fans, Berry is still one of the best safety prospects in recent memory, one that could thrive in that Tampa defense.
4. Washington Redskins : Jimmy Clausen : Quarterback : Notre Dame
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5279/jimmyclausen.png
Although I think the team would be better in 2010 if they kept Jason Campbell here and instead drafted an offensive tackle here like Russell Okung, the new administration is probably going to opt to let Campbell walk and it would be hard to pass on Clausen here. How much scrutiny Clausen will receiver and how that reflects on him remains to be seen, but with the quarterback corps as it is, he's the clear choice to be the first off the board.
5. Kansas City Chiefs : Derrick Morgan : Edge Rusher : Georgia Tech
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3488/derrickmorgan.png
I know that most Chiefs fans feel that once Berry is off the board, inside linebacker Rolando McClain is the way to go. Personally, I don't buy it. Newly hired defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has put together 34 defenses without needing superfluous talent at middle linebacker and the Chiefs pass rush was absolutely pathetic in 2009. Morgan is in the upper range in terms of weight for an edge rushing outside linebacker, but I think it suits his game a little better than asking him to be an every down defensive end.
6. Seattle Seahawks : Russell Okung : Offensive Tackle : Oklahoma State
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/239/russellokung.png
Seattle has some pretty broad needs. I could see them going a multiplicity of directions with this pick, especially with the freedom that second pick at 14 gives them. One could argue that they would target a position other than tackle here because of the depth in the first round, and it isn't out of the realm of possibility that we see them take a quarterback or safety or even a runner here, but there's little doubt the team needs an offensive tackle and Okung is generally regarded as being the best in the draft.
7. Cleveland Browns : Joe Haden : Cornerback : Florida
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8481/joehaden.png
It's likely that we'll see quite a dramatic shift in terms of how that organization is structured between right now and the draft, but it's clear the team needs a corner to play opposite Eric Wright. Assuming none of the major corners who finished out their contract in 2009 are allowed to hit the market, Haden would be a truly worthwhile investment. While I'm not as high on him as some recent corner prospects, there's plenty of talent and cover ability to make this pick a good one.
8. Oakland Raiders : Taylor Mays : Safety : Southern California
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3232/taylormays.png
I know I'm going to catch some flack from my fellow Raider fans for this one. About two-thirds of the way through the season, with Branch playing quite well and Huff having unseated Hiram Eugene as a starter, there didn't seem to be a great need for a safety. Down the stretch, however, Huff fell flat once again and Eugene did nothing to distinguish himself when he was given a chance again. It's hard to tell what line the Raiders are taking with Michael Mitchell, but they don't seem to regard him as the future at FS, which likely means he'll be given the chance to beat out Branch on the strong side moving forward. That leaves two underachievers at FS and a shot at a prospect who matches the Raiders recent moves pretty well. Oakland could just as well make a move for a defensive lineman here or target an offensive tackle to try and shore up that offense.
9. Buffalo Bills : Anthony Davis : Offensive Tackle : Rutgers
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/71/anthonydavis.png
Were I the Bills, I would be quite happy with this pick. Although a little raw, Davis could well be the most talented offensive lineman in the draft, someone who, even if he doesn't excel at left tackle would most likely be excellent on the other side or even inside. I looked hard at quarterback here, but I don't see a fit with Sam Bradford and he's the only logical place to look.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars : Rolando McClain : Inside Linebacker : Alabama
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2663/rolandomcclain.png
With Clint Ingram due to be a RFA this offseason and Justin Durant miscast as a middle linebacker, I'd be shocked if the Jags passed on a chance at McClain. McClain isn't quite Patrick Willis as a prospect, but he's smart and provides excellent leadership. He would be a major building block for that defense.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) : Sam Bradford : Quarterback : Oklahoma
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4020/sambradford.png
I tossed back and forth between a quarterback or a wide receiver here, but Bradford won out. The team can afford to take it somewhat slow with him since Orton is, for the time being, a decent option and while the potential loss of Brandon Marshall would certainly hurt the team, Bradford would potentially be the bigger addition when compared to, say, Dez Bryant.
12. Miami Dolphins : Dez Bryant : Wide Receiver : Oklahoma State
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8071/dezbryant.png
I toyed with the idea of an edge rusher here for a bit, but I wouldn't be surprised if the team is comfortable giving Cameron Wake an expanded role in 2010 and they badly need a wideout of Dez's caliber. Certainly, there are a few things to watch out for with Bryant. The behavior that drew the attention of the NCAA doesn't bug me all that much, but Dez lying about it to the committee was monumentally stupid. Either way, Parcells isn't one to harp on past mistakes or to hold them against players this talented.
13. San Francisco 49ers : Jason Pierre-Paul : Edge Rusher : South Florida
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6557/jasonpierrepaul.png
I know a lot of people look at JPP as a defensive end, but his build screams outside linebacker to me. Whether NFL teams agree with me or not will rely heavily on his workout numbers, but it doesn't seem like much of a stretch to suggest he'll do well with that part of the process. His long arms help him control lanes and a wider rushing position would allow him to use those physical attributes to greater effect.
14. Seattle (from Denver) : C.J. Spiller : Tailback : Clemson
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5158/cjspiller.png
I'll start by saying I have no idea how the Seahawks feel about Justin Forsett. The kid put up over 120 yards both of the times he was given over 15 carries in a game last year. However, Spiller potentially offers a lot more than just rushing yards and unquestionably has a generally higher ceiling than Forsett. With a tackle already in their pocket, I could see Seattle making a move for a safety like Earl Thomas here, but Spiller might prove too tempting.
15. New York Giants : Brian Price : Defensive Tackle : Los Angeles
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/4707/brianprice.png
Some people might feel this is high for Price. When all is said and done, I think this might be a conservative estimate for his stock. Lot's of people haven't been paying attention to it, but I think Price was every bit as good for the Bruins in 2009 as Sedrick Ellis was for the Trojans in 2007. Obviously, Price is going to have to be one of the most impressive players in the offseason (as far as I know, he has not been invited to the Senior Bowl) to get picked this high or higher, but I think he has the ability. The Giants could use some more inside rush, to be certain, but this pick largely hinges on which direction their defense winds up going, and that appears yet to be decided.
16. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) : Bruce Campbell : Offensive Tackle : Maryland
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2588/brucecampbell.png
Yet another potential landing spot for Texas safety Earl Thomas, but I couldn't pass on Campbell here. Assuming he makes it through interviews alright, Campbell has the talent to shoot up draft boards and it's hard to argue that San Francisco couldn't use him.
17. Tennessee Titans : Carlos Dunlap : Defensive End : Florida
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9440/carlosdunlap.png
Personally, I'm of the opinion that this is a bit too high for Dunlap, but only a bit. While I'm not a big fan of his game, I think he's better than some make out, if quite inconsistent. Either way, assuming he proves to be on the upper range of the athlete he's expected to be, there's no way he falls too far. Tennessee really could use some more talent on that defensive line, although they might opt for a run stuffer like Dan Williams instead.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers : Brian Bulaga : Offensive Tackle : Iowa
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3576/brianbulaga.png
The Steelers gave up the second most sacks in the NFL last year. No matter what other needs the team has, they desperately need to shore up their pass blocking.
19. Houston Texans : Earl Thomas : Safety : Texas
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1042/earlthomas.png
Houston finally snags themselves a safety and Thomas finally leaves the board. Honestly, with a lot of teams hurting for safety help, I'd be a bit surprised to see him slip this far, but there's little doubt in my mind that the Texans would pick him given the chance.
20. Atlanta Falcons : Dan Williams : Defensive Tackle : Tennessee
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9815/danwilliams.png
Despite taking Peria Jerry in the first round last year, it appears that Atlanta could still use help at the defensive tackle spot. Where Williams winds up going bears watching, as I think he was one of the biggest draft ranges of any player that's a threat to go in the first round. I'd say being picked high it towards the upper part of that range, but the general need for defensive tackles his size helps that.
21. Cincinnati Bengals : Jermaine Gresham : Tight End : Oklahoma
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9674/jermainegresham.png
I think I've been projecting the Bengals to pick up a tight end who's a danger in the passing game for years now and they keep passing. I think the degree to which Carson Palmer looked like he needed that safety valve this past year might finally change things in Cincy this time around. Certainly, Gresham has the potential to be an amazing weapon and could be a significant steal here.
22. New England Patriots : Sergio Kindle : Edge Rusher : Texas
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8946/sergiokindle.png
Around this range, the potential edge rushers start to get a bit bunched together, so it will all depend on preference. Any of the edge rushers I have going after this point (as well as a few that didn't make it into the first round) would be legitimate options here. I went with Kindle because he's got enough varied experience to satisfy that Patriots staff and has one of the highest ceilings among the group of remaining pass rushers.
23. Green Bay Packers : Trent Williams : Offensive Tackle : Oklahoma
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/7154/trentwilliams.png
People might disagree as to whether Williams is a legitimate left tackle prospect or whether he'd be better relegated to right tackle (he certainly looked stronger on the right side during his career at Oklahoma), but few question his quality as a tackle. It is only that lingering question about him as a blindside pass protector that has him this far down.
24. Philadelphia Eagles : Brandon Graham : Defensive End : Michigan
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5886/brandongraham.png
I don't really know how the Eagles feel about their pass rush situation. Cole and Parker combined for over 20 sacks in 2009, but they didn't get great production from elsewhere. Beyond that, I think Graham is a great fit for this defense and that Graham himself is one of the more underrated players in this draft.
25. New York Jets : Arrelious Benn : Wide Receiver : Illinois
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/4347/arreliousbenn.png
I really don't know where Arrelious Benn will go. At all. His final season for the Illini was pretty lackluster, even when you consider the quarterback troubles. But I do know that Braylon Edwards is a RFA and while I don't expect some team to match the Jets offer to him, I do think that he could well be dealt or, at best, brought back for one more one. Benn is too talented for a team to let him slip too far and is the most obvious choice to be the #2 receiver to come off the board.
26. Baltimore Ravens : Arthur Jones : Defensive Line : Syracuse
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2603/arthurjones.png
With Trevor Pryce due to be 35 by the start of the 2010 season, there's a potential hole at the 5-tech position opposite Ngata on that Baltimore defense. Whether Jones can raise his stock enough to get consideration this high is a big question mark, because he wasn't exactly explosive for the Orange in 2009. That said, the talent is easily there and he would be a great fit on that defense.
27. Minnesota Vikings : Tim Tebow : Quarterback : Florida
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5430/timtebow.png
Myself, I'm not a fan of Tebow. No matter how hard I look, I have a really hard time finding an NFL quarterback there. He's a long ways away. That said, while I don't necessarily believe the rumor that 6 NFL GM's feel Tebow is worth a 1st round pick, I do think that one or two teams will convince themselves that he is. I don't get the sense Favre is going to hang up the cleats after this year, or if he did how final that decision would be, but if the Vikings feel like they can bring Tebow along slowly, this might actually look like quite a smart pick down the road. Maybe.
28. New Orleans Saints : Sean Weatherspoon : Outside Linebacker : Missouri
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6691/seanweatherspoon.png
I think the Saints get themselves one hell of a linebacker considering where they are picking. While that defense took major strides in 2009, it can still get better, especially in the front seven.
29. Arizona Cardinals : Jerry Hughes : Edge Rusher : Texas Christian
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2535/jerryhughes.png
Depending on how he works out, Hughes might wind up going much higher than this. He's a pretty dynamic pass rusher, but what kind of athlete he is will dictate how high his ceiling is widely though to be. That said, the Cardinals would probably be thrilled to have a shot at adding someone to that defense (which I think is only really a strong pass rush away from becoming really scary).
30. San Diego Chargers : Terrence Cody : Defensive Tackle : Alabama
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5382/terrencecody.png
If Dan Williams has the highest draft range of any potential first rounder, then Cody isn't far behind. A potentially great fit for a 34 defense and potentially a guy who will never be in good enough shape to make a major contribution in the NFL, Cody probably couldn't find himself in a better situation than with the Chargers. Taking relief snaps for Jamal Williams while getting a sense of what is required of him as an NFL nose tackle would allow him a little slack to start.
31. Dallas Cowboys : Donovan Warren : Cornerback : Michigan
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/7237/donovanwarren.png
Depending on how cornerback demand works out in this draft, we could see Warren go higher than this. He's one of the most proven draftable corners in terms of man coverage, something that goes a long way with a few teams that pick before the Cowboys will. That said, Dallas would be crazy to not take Warren.
32. Indianapolis Colts : Mike Iupati : Offensive Guard : Idaho
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/1804/mikeiupati.png
I wasn't quite sure where to go with this pick. At this point though, I think Iupati is easily the best offensive lineman available and probably the best value as well. You can never put too many pieces around Peyton Manning, can you?
1. St. Louis Rams : Ndamukong Suh : Defensive Tackle : Nebraska
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1408/ndamukongsuh.png
This looked to be a pretty great draft to have the #1 pick in until the quarterback class lost two potential top 10 worthy picks in Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett. Now the Rams are faced with the somewhat ugly scenario of having to reach for a quarterback and pass up one of the most impressive defensive tackle prospects we've seen in the past decade. It is entirely possible that the team will wind up falling for either Clausen or Bradford; both are totally capable and have pretty high ceilings in the NFL. But ultimately, with a defensively-minded head coach and the outcry of the fans, I think Suh winds up being the pick.
2. Detroit Lions : Gerald McCoy : Defensive Tackle : Oklahoma
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6059/geraldmccoy.png
You have to imagine that Detroit really hopes that the Rams do wind up taking a quarterback, leaving them to pick up the unanimous choice for top player in the draft (it would be the 2007 draft all over again). In this scenario, they still wind up looking pretty good. If not for Suh, McCoy would be my #1 rated player. While considerably more raw than Suh, McCoy's burst off the line and ability to use his hands to great effect have the potential to make him a terror as a pass rushing inside lineman.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Eric Berry : Safety : Tennessee
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7807/ericberry.png
Tampa Bay winds up missing out on a badly needed defensive tackle, but Berry isn't that bad of a consolation prize. Although he has been a bit overvalued by some college football fans, Berry is still one of the best safety prospects in recent memory, one that could thrive in that Tampa defense.
4. Washington Redskins : Jimmy Clausen : Quarterback : Notre Dame
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5279/jimmyclausen.png
Although I think the team would be better in 2010 if they kept Jason Campbell here and instead drafted an offensive tackle here like Russell Okung, the new administration is probably going to opt to let Campbell walk and it would be hard to pass on Clausen here. How much scrutiny Clausen will receiver and how that reflects on him remains to be seen, but with the quarterback corps as it is, he's the clear choice to be the first off the board.
5. Kansas City Chiefs : Derrick Morgan : Edge Rusher : Georgia Tech
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3488/derrickmorgan.png
I know that most Chiefs fans feel that once Berry is off the board, inside linebacker Rolando McClain is the way to go. Personally, I don't buy it. Newly hired defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has put together 34 defenses without needing superfluous talent at middle linebacker and the Chiefs pass rush was absolutely pathetic in 2009. Morgan is in the upper range in terms of weight for an edge rushing outside linebacker, but I think it suits his game a little better than asking him to be an every down defensive end.
6. Seattle Seahawks : Russell Okung : Offensive Tackle : Oklahoma State
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/239/russellokung.png
Seattle has some pretty broad needs. I could see them going a multiplicity of directions with this pick, especially with the freedom that second pick at 14 gives them. One could argue that they would target a position other than tackle here because of the depth in the first round, and it isn't out of the realm of possibility that we see them take a quarterback or safety or even a runner here, but there's little doubt the team needs an offensive tackle and Okung is generally regarded as being the best in the draft.
7. Cleveland Browns : Joe Haden : Cornerback : Florida
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8481/joehaden.png
It's likely that we'll see quite a dramatic shift in terms of how that organization is structured between right now and the draft, but it's clear the team needs a corner to play opposite Eric Wright. Assuming none of the major corners who finished out their contract in 2009 are allowed to hit the market, Haden would be a truly worthwhile investment. While I'm not as high on him as some recent corner prospects, there's plenty of talent and cover ability to make this pick a good one.
8. Oakland Raiders : Taylor Mays : Safety : Southern California
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3232/taylormays.png
I know I'm going to catch some flack from my fellow Raider fans for this one. About two-thirds of the way through the season, with Branch playing quite well and Huff having unseated Hiram Eugene as a starter, there didn't seem to be a great need for a safety. Down the stretch, however, Huff fell flat once again and Eugene did nothing to distinguish himself when he was given a chance again. It's hard to tell what line the Raiders are taking with Michael Mitchell, but they don't seem to regard him as the future at FS, which likely means he'll be given the chance to beat out Branch on the strong side moving forward. That leaves two underachievers at FS and a shot at a prospect who matches the Raiders recent moves pretty well. Oakland could just as well make a move for a defensive lineman here or target an offensive tackle to try and shore up that offense.
9. Buffalo Bills : Anthony Davis : Offensive Tackle : Rutgers
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/71/anthonydavis.png
Were I the Bills, I would be quite happy with this pick. Although a little raw, Davis could well be the most talented offensive lineman in the draft, someone who, even if he doesn't excel at left tackle would most likely be excellent on the other side or even inside. I looked hard at quarterback here, but I don't see a fit with Sam Bradford and he's the only logical place to look.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars : Rolando McClain : Inside Linebacker : Alabama
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2663/rolandomcclain.png
With Clint Ingram due to be a RFA this offseason and Justin Durant miscast as a middle linebacker, I'd be shocked if the Jags passed on a chance at McClain. McClain isn't quite Patrick Willis as a prospect, but he's smart and provides excellent leadership. He would be a major building block for that defense.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) : Sam Bradford : Quarterback : Oklahoma
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4020/sambradford.png
I tossed back and forth between a quarterback or a wide receiver here, but Bradford won out. The team can afford to take it somewhat slow with him since Orton is, for the time being, a decent option and while the potential loss of Brandon Marshall would certainly hurt the team, Bradford would potentially be the bigger addition when compared to, say, Dez Bryant.
12. Miami Dolphins : Dez Bryant : Wide Receiver : Oklahoma State
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8071/dezbryant.png
I toyed with the idea of an edge rusher here for a bit, but I wouldn't be surprised if the team is comfortable giving Cameron Wake an expanded role in 2010 and they badly need a wideout of Dez's caliber. Certainly, there are a few things to watch out for with Bryant. The behavior that drew the attention of the NCAA doesn't bug me all that much, but Dez lying about it to the committee was monumentally stupid. Either way, Parcells isn't one to harp on past mistakes or to hold them against players this talented.
13. San Francisco 49ers : Jason Pierre-Paul : Edge Rusher : South Florida
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/6557/jasonpierrepaul.png
I know a lot of people look at JPP as a defensive end, but his build screams outside linebacker to me. Whether NFL teams agree with me or not will rely heavily on his workout numbers, but it doesn't seem like much of a stretch to suggest he'll do well with that part of the process. His long arms help him control lanes and a wider rushing position would allow him to use those physical attributes to greater effect.
14. Seattle (from Denver) : C.J. Spiller : Tailback : Clemson
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5158/cjspiller.png
I'll start by saying I have no idea how the Seahawks feel about Justin Forsett. The kid put up over 120 yards both of the times he was given over 15 carries in a game last year. However, Spiller potentially offers a lot more than just rushing yards and unquestionably has a generally higher ceiling than Forsett. With a tackle already in their pocket, I could see Seattle making a move for a safety like Earl Thomas here, but Spiller might prove too tempting.
15. New York Giants : Brian Price : Defensive Tackle : Los Angeles
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/4707/brianprice.png
Some people might feel this is high for Price. When all is said and done, I think this might be a conservative estimate for his stock. Lot's of people haven't been paying attention to it, but I think Price was every bit as good for the Bruins in 2009 as Sedrick Ellis was for the Trojans in 2007. Obviously, Price is going to have to be one of the most impressive players in the offseason (as far as I know, he has not been invited to the Senior Bowl) to get picked this high or higher, but I think he has the ability. The Giants could use some more inside rush, to be certain, but this pick largely hinges on which direction their defense winds up going, and that appears yet to be decided.
16. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) : Bruce Campbell : Offensive Tackle : Maryland
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2588/brucecampbell.png
Yet another potential landing spot for Texas safety Earl Thomas, but I couldn't pass on Campbell here. Assuming he makes it through interviews alright, Campbell has the talent to shoot up draft boards and it's hard to argue that San Francisco couldn't use him.
17. Tennessee Titans : Carlos Dunlap : Defensive End : Florida
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9440/carlosdunlap.png
Personally, I'm of the opinion that this is a bit too high for Dunlap, but only a bit. While I'm not a big fan of his game, I think he's better than some make out, if quite inconsistent. Either way, assuming he proves to be on the upper range of the athlete he's expected to be, there's no way he falls too far. Tennessee really could use some more talent on that defensive line, although they might opt for a run stuffer like Dan Williams instead.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers : Brian Bulaga : Offensive Tackle : Iowa
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3576/brianbulaga.png
The Steelers gave up the second most sacks in the NFL last year. No matter what other needs the team has, they desperately need to shore up their pass blocking.
19. Houston Texans : Earl Thomas : Safety : Texas
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1042/earlthomas.png
Houston finally snags themselves a safety and Thomas finally leaves the board. Honestly, with a lot of teams hurting for safety help, I'd be a bit surprised to see him slip this far, but there's little doubt in my mind that the Texans would pick him given the chance.
20. Atlanta Falcons : Dan Williams : Defensive Tackle : Tennessee
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9815/danwilliams.png
Despite taking Peria Jerry in the first round last year, it appears that Atlanta could still use help at the defensive tackle spot. Where Williams winds up going bears watching, as I think he was one of the biggest draft ranges of any player that's a threat to go in the first round. I'd say being picked high it towards the upper part of that range, but the general need for defensive tackles his size helps that.
21. Cincinnati Bengals : Jermaine Gresham : Tight End : Oklahoma
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9674/jermainegresham.png
I think I've been projecting the Bengals to pick up a tight end who's a danger in the passing game for years now and they keep passing. I think the degree to which Carson Palmer looked like he needed that safety valve this past year might finally change things in Cincy this time around. Certainly, Gresham has the potential to be an amazing weapon and could be a significant steal here.
22. New England Patriots : Sergio Kindle : Edge Rusher : Texas
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8946/sergiokindle.png
Around this range, the potential edge rushers start to get a bit bunched together, so it will all depend on preference. Any of the edge rushers I have going after this point (as well as a few that didn't make it into the first round) would be legitimate options here. I went with Kindle because he's got enough varied experience to satisfy that Patriots staff and has one of the highest ceilings among the group of remaining pass rushers.
23. Green Bay Packers : Trent Williams : Offensive Tackle : Oklahoma
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/7154/trentwilliams.png
People might disagree as to whether Williams is a legitimate left tackle prospect or whether he'd be better relegated to right tackle (he certainly looked stronger on the right side during his career at Oklahoma), but few question his quality as a tackle. It is only that lingering question about him as a blindside pass protector that has him this far down.
24. Philadelphia Eagles : Brandon Graham : Defensive End : Michigan
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5886/brandongraham.png
I don't really know how the Eagles feel about their pass rush situation. Cole and Parker combined for over 20 sacks in 2009, but they didn't get great production from elsewhere. Beyond that, I think Graham is a great fit for this defense and that Graham himself is one of the more underrated players in this draft.
25. New York Jets : Arrelious Benn : Wide Receiver : Illinois
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/4347/arreliousbenn.png
I really don't know where Arrelious Benn will go. At all. His final season for the Illini was pretty lackluster, even when you consider the quarterback troubles. But I do know that Braylon Edwards is a RFA and while I don't expect some team to match the Jets offer to him, I do think that he could well be dealt or, at best, brought back for one more one. Benn is too talented for a team to let him slip too far and is the most obvious choice to be the #2 receiver to come off the board.
26. Baltimore Ravens : Arthur Jones : Defensive Line : Syracuse
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2603/arthurjones.png
With Trevor Pryce due to be 35 by the start of the 2010 season, there's a potential hole at the 5-tech position opposite Ngata on that Baltimore defense. Whether Jones can raise his stock enough to get consideration this high is a big question mark, because he wasn't exactly explosive for the Orange in 2009. That said, the talent is easily there and he would be a great fit on that defense.
27. Minnesota Vikings : Tim Tebow : Quarterback : Florida
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5430/timtebow.png
Myself, I'm not a fan of Tebow. No matter how hard I look, I have a really hard time finding an NFL quarterback there. He's a long ways away. That said, while I don't necessarily believe the rumor that 6 NFL GM's feel Tebow is worth a 1st round pick, I do think that one or two teams will convince themselves that he is. I don't get the sense Favre is going to hang up the cleats after this year, or if he did how final that decision would be, but if the Vikings feel like they can bring Tebow along slowly, this might actually look like quite a smart pick down the road. Maybe.
28. New Orleans Saints : Sean Weatherspoon : Outside Linebacker : Missouri
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I think the Saints get themselves one hell of a linebacker considering where they are picking. While that defense took major strides in 2009, it can still get better, especially in the front seven.
29. Arizona Cardinals : Jerry Hughes : Edge Rusher : Texas Christian
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Depending on how he works out, Hughes might wind up going much higher than this. He's a pretty dynamic pass rusher, but what kind of athlete he is will dictate how high his ceiling is widely though to be. That said, the Cardinals would probably be thrilled to have a shot at adding someone to that defense (which I think is only really a strong pass rush away from becoming really scary).
30. San Diego Chargers : Terrence Cody : Defensive Tackle : Alabama
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If Dan Williams has the highest draft range of any potential first rounder, then Cody isn't far behind. A potentially great fit for a 34 defense and potentially a guy who will never be in good enough shape to make a major contribution in the NFL, Cody probably couldn't find himself in a better situation than with the Chargers. Taking relief snaps for Jamal Williams while getting a sense of what is required of him as an NFL nose tackle would allow him a little slack to start.
31. Dallas Cowboys : Donovan Warren : Cornerback : Michigan
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Depending on how cornerback demand works out in this draft, we could see Warren go higher than this. He's one of the most proven draftable corners in terms of man coverage, something that goes a long way with a few teams that pick before the Cowboys will. That said, Dallas would be crazy to not take Warren.
32. Indianapolis Colts : Mike Iupati : Offensive Guard : Idaho
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I wasn't quite sure where to go with this pick. At this point though, I think Iupati is easily the best offensive lineman available and probably the best value as well. You can never put too many pieces around Peyton Manning, can you?