NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0
I know, it’s been months since I last updated this crazy thing. But there’s a lot of work that goes into putting a mock draft together, and I try to put my best thought and research into it.
PickTeamPlayer SelectedPlayer’s PositionPlayer’s SchoolAnalysis1.
Sam BradfordQuarterback
Oklahoma
Simply, the Rams need a quarterback after the release of veteran Marc Bulger.
2.
Defensive Tackle
Nebraska
While the Lions’ biggest need would be an offensive lineman, I see them going with another pressing need, DT. The DT and LT positions are the biggest needs for the Lions going into this year’s draft. With the better performance from the offense in ’09, look for the Lions to draft more for the defensive side.Now wouldn’t that be nice, Detroit?
3.
Gerald McCoy
Defensive TackleOklahomaThe Bucs struggled on the defensive front against the run in 2009. McCoy will be a sound addition to Tampa’s defensive line.4.
Russell Okung
Offensive TackleOklahoma StateThe ‘Skins’ newly acquired quarterback Donovan McNabb, assures Washington SHOULD draft at a position of need, though considering who runs the show, anything is possible.
| 5. | Eric Berry | Safety | Tennessee | Berry’s talent and skill set would give the Chiefs’ defense a big boost. | |
| 6. | C.J. Spiller | Running Back | Clemson | Ever since the Seahawks lost Shaun Alexander, their running game has been mediocre at best. Draftniks won’t agree with me, but I’m sticking with running back for the Seahawks. | |
| 7. | Derrick Morgan | Defensive End | Georgia Tech | Does anyone else think newly acquired Gocong will be the answer to the Browns’ need for help on the D-line? I didn’t think so. | |
| 8. | Trent Williams | Offensive Tackle | Oklahoma | The Raiders need all the help at offensive tackle they can get, with Jalopy Russell taking the snaps. | |
| 9. | Dez Bryant | Wide Receiver | Oklahoma State | I haven’t been happy with the quarterback position in Buffalo the last couple of years, and I’m not even a Bills fan. However, the need at receiver is greater, with the departures of Terrell Owens and Josh Reed…For what it’s worth. | |
| 10. | Rolando McClain | Linebacker | Alabama | This interior linebacker will make the Jags defense look more intense and fierce. | |
| 11. | Joe Haden | Cornerback | Florida | Denver could definitely use depth in the defensive secondary. Drafting Haden would certainly give the Broncos a boost. | |
| 12. | Earl Thomas | Free Safety | Texas | I really suspected the Dolphins to go after Dez Bryant, but if he’s gone by the time Miami gets it’s turn to select, I could see the ‘Phins drafting at free safety. That is, if Thomas is still available. | |
| 13. | Bryan Bulaga | Offensive Tackle | Iowa | Improving the offensive line will lead to better performance from the running game and more time for the quarterback. | |
| 14. | (From Denver) | Everson Griffen | Defensive End | Southern Cal | With the departure of Daryll Tapp to the Eagles, the Seahawks have a hole to fill at the defensive end position. |
| 15. | Jason Pierre-Paul | Defensive End | South Florida | While addressing an aging offensive line should be the bigger goal, the Giants will look to add depth and draft for the future at defensive end. | |
| 16. | Brandon Graham | Defensive End | Michigan | Since Kyle Vanden-Bosch left for Detroit, Graham may be the best option for a 4-3 team. | |
| 17. |
(From Carolina)Ryan Matthews Running BackFresno StateSimilar to Seattle, running back has not been a strong suit of the 49ers in recent years.18.Donovan Warren
CornerbackMichiganSafety Troy Polamalu’s injury exposed the weaker areas of the Steelers’ defense. Ike Tayor has not been playing at the level he once was, and is targeted too often. Warren is touted as the third-best defensive back in the draft.19.Carlos Dunlap
Defensive EndFloridaAtlanta’s defensive secondary was it’s weakest link in 2009. Since the Falcons were unable to sign a hot free agent (Julius Peppers), they will look to the draft and Carlos Dunlap.20.
Brian PriceDefensive TackleUCLAWhile the Texans should look for a running back to complement Steve Slaton, they will probably look to the later rounds of the draft (Slaton was selected in the third round). The Texans will add to their defensive line here.21.
Jermaine GreshamTight EndOklahomaI’m not sure Cincy has a tight end on the roster. After all the hub-bub from the Ocho Cinco show and wanting Terrell Owens (sarcastic humor).
Gresham would be a nice fit in the Bengals’ offense.22.Jerry Hughes
Outside LinebackerTCUThe Patriots struggled most on defense this year with their lack of a strong outside pass rush. Like the Falcons, the Pats were unable to sign hot free agent Julius Peppers. Look for them to take Jerry Hughes, a sack specialist.23.Devin McCourty
CornerbackRutgersGreen Bay struggled at times in the defensive secondary in 2009. McCourty will make for added depth and should contribute rather quickly.24. Mike IupatiGuardIdahoEagles added defensive end Daryll Tapp. While the defensive secondary looks anemic right now, the offensive line isn’t much better. Philly cut Shawn Andrews loose, and Stacy Andrews can’t seem to stay healthy.25.Kareem Jackson
CornerbackAlabamaThe Ravens signed wide receiver Anquan Boldin, so look for a move on the defensive side with their first pick.26.Sean Weatherspoon
LinebackerMissouriAfter losing a lot of big-name defensive players in free agency, the Cardinals need to reload, albeit with rookie talent.27.Terrence CodyNose TackleAlabamaJerry Jones likes flashy and he likes big. Terrence Cody will command two blockers and make life for Jay Ratliff a lot easier on the outside, which is where Ratliff excels. It will also free up DeMarcus Ware more; not that he needed it, but that’s even better for the Dallas D.28.Jahvid Best Running BackCaliforniaLaDainian Tomlinson is now a member of the New York Jets. The Chargers have their change-of-pace guy in Darren Sproles already. They’ll use Best to share carries with Sproles.29.Jared Odrick Defensive EndPenn StateThe Jets had to give up defensive end Kenyon Coleman to trade for Mark Sanchez. While it didn’t hurt the team a lot, they need to fill that void. Also, with the season-ending injury to Kris Jenkins, the Jets run defense was left quite vulnerable. Penn State DE/DT Jared Odrick would be a natural fit as a 3-4 defensive end.30.Jimmy Clausen
QuarterbackNotre DameBrett Favre will NOT be around forever, despite what he may believe. Behind him is Tarvaris Jackson. Not much comfort in that choice. QB should be a high priority in Minnesota.31.Taylor Mays
Free SafetySouthern CalBoth Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will be free agents after 2010. While defensive end isn’t a major need right now, the Colts shouldn’t let this opportunity pass them by.32.Dan WilliamsDefensive TackleTennesseeThe Saints acquired free agent defensive end Alex Brown, formerly of the Chicago Bears. They will now look to address the defensive front with their first selection of the draft.